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CLASS 335,	ELECTRICITY: MAGNETICALLY OPERATED SWITCHES, MAGNETS, AND ELECTROMAGNETS
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SECTION I - CLASS DEFINITION

This class is restricted to the structure of electric current switching devices or relays of general application for closing or opening electrical circuits which devices are magnetically operated or to magnet structure, per se, either electromagnets or permanent magnets, adapted for use as a source of magnetic flux for performing external work.

The devices classified in this class are for the most part of the electromagnetic type utilizing magnetic cores and armatures. However, included also are devices of the electrodynamic type wherein mutually coupled conductors are caused to move relative to each other by the interaction of the magnetic fields produced by the flow of electric currents in the conductors.

Combinations of magnetically actuated circuit makers and breakers or work magnets and electromagnets with electrical connector plugs, sockets or other special type housings or casings are in this class.

Electrical systems or circuits which include the magnetically controlled switches or relays or work magnet and electromagnet structures comprising the subject matter of this class, are excluded from this class. These systems or circuits are classified in the various electrical or art classes depending upon the type of electrical system or apparatus controlled.

This class also includes subcombinations of magnetically actuated switches and relays classified in this class and which are either claimed as used in a magnetically actuated switch or relay or which are by disclosure peculiar to such use.

SECTION II - REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

SUBCLASSES

1	COMBINED DIVERSE SWITCHES (E.G., MANUAL-ACTUATED AND ART TYPE)
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Devices including at least one contact actuating switch means of the type classifiable in this class in combination with a diverse type switching means of a type classifiable elsewhere in another art class. The two or more switching means may be physically located in the same housing or casing and may have cooperative features as long as each one is operative independently of the other. Some examples of diverse type switches are the mechanical, thermal and thermal current actuated type. (1) Note. In order to be classifiable in this subclass the claimed subject matter must include means whereby at least one set of main contacts are opened or closed entirely under the influence of magnetic means. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 141+, for single switch devices having a principal actuating means which is magnetically controlled in combination with thermal current responsive means. 159+, for patents claiming a plurality of independent switch devices under the class definition. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 200,  Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers,   subclass 5 for devices, other than magnetically actuating, comprising a plurality of switches, each being separately operated whereby a plurality of contacts are actuating to control at least two or more circuits; subclasses 175+ for nonmagnetically controlled telephone type switches, not restricted to the telephone art by claimed subject matter, wherein a plurality of contacts are automatically selected; subclass 50 for a plurality of nonmagnetically operated switches adapted to be operated in a predetermined sequence; subclass 51.04 for plural switches selectively controlling multiple circuits and combined with or actuated by connector coupling; subclass 81.4 for devices comprising a plurality of fluid pressure actuated switches. 307,  Electrical Transmission or Interconnection Systems,   particularly subclasses 29 , 38, 113+, and 326+ for switching systems which may include plural switches. 337,  Electricity: Electrothermally or Thermally Actuated Switches,   subclasses 2+ for electrothermal or thermally actuated circuit makers and breakers. 361,  Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices,   subclasses 139+ for electric circuits for relays and electromagnets which may include a plurality of switches.

2	ELECTROMAGNETICALLY ACTUATED SWITCHES
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Devices including operating or actuating means for opening or closing the switch contacts and in which at least one of such operating or actuating means is an electromagnet. For purposes of classification in this subclass an electrical circuit is considered to be the equivalent to a single continuous conductor joining a source to a load through a device capable of interrupting or completing the continuity of the conductor. (1) Note. The subject matter to be found in this and the indented subclasses includes devices known as "electromagnetic switches", "circuit breakers", "relays" and "electromagnetic interrupters". (2) Note. Devices commonly known as "relays" and which, by enclosure, contain all the essential structure to make a switch, but in which the claimed subject matter does not include actual contact structure are in this class in subclasses 209+ below. (3) Note. For electromagnetically actuated switches forming an element of an electrical control circuit for a particular art device search should be extended to the art class relating to the particular art device to be controlled. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 209+, below, for subject matter relating to electromagnet with armature and for electromagnet or magnet structure, per se. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 178,  Telegraphy,   appropriate subclasses for electromagnetically operated switching devices and keying devices or other code transmitters especially adapted for the telegraph art. 200,  Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers,   subclass 12 for pivoted contact dial type switches with electromagnetic release, subclasses 402+ for double snap switches utilizing magnetic means to improve the snap action, subclass 83 for diaphragm type, fluid pressure actuated switches with a magnet. 218,  High-Voltage Switches With Arc Preventing and Extinguishing Devices,   subclasses 22+ for electromagnetic or permanent magnetic blow out means for extinguishing an arc. 246,  Railway Switches and Signals,   appropriate subclasses, especially subclasses 218+ for electrically actuated electromagnetic switch and signal devices peculiar to the railway art. 307,  Electrical Transmission or Interconnection Systems,   subclasses 112+ for switching systems in which the individual switches may be wholly or in part electromagnetically controlled. 310,  Electrical Generator or Motor Structure,   subclasses 10+ for dynamo-electric machine structure, particularly subclasses 31+ for reciprocating devices with self-actuated interrupter, and subclasses 40+ for rotary machines, which may include switching devices in the form of commutators. 318,  Electricity: Motive Power Systems,   appropriate subclasses for motor control systems which may include electromagnetic control switch means, see especially subclasses 445+ . 324,  Electricity: Measuring and Testing,   subclasses 415+ for contact, relay and switch testing. 340,  Communications: Electrical,   appropriate subclasses for electromagnetic switches utilized in electrical signaling or communication systems in general. 361,  Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices,   subclasses 1+ for electromagnetic switches used in safety and protection systems, subclasses 139+ for control circuits for electromagnetic devices, and subclasses 247+ for igniting system using magnets or electromagnetic control means.

3	Utilizing magnetostrictive elements
	This subclass is indented under subclass 2.  Devices including at least one element of the contact actuating or control means which consists of ferromagnetic material whose physical dimensions are subject to change in the presence of a magnetic field. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 215+, for magnetostrictive device actuator structure, per se. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 310,  Electrical Generator or Motor Structure,   especially subclass 26 for the structure of magnetostrictive type, reciprocating, dynamoelectric machines. 318,  Electricity: Motive Power Systems,   especially subclass 118 for magnetostrictive motor with control system therefor. 361,  Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices,   subclasses 139+ for control circuits for electromagnetic devices.

4	Radio frequency switch (e.g., T/R switch)
	This subclass is indented under subclass 2.  Subject matter in which the device includes structure which peculiarly adapts or restricts its use to radio-frequency or microwave frequency conductive circuitry. (1) Note. The switching devices found in this and indented subclass 5 below comprise contact means whereby a continuous physical path is established in one or more conductors of the circuit to be controlled. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 333,  Wave Transmission Lines and Networks,   for high frequency wave transmission line and network switching systems, particularly subclasses 2+ for automatically controlled plural channel systems, subclasses 101+ for branched circuit switching, subclass 13 for resonator breakdown systems (e.g., TR or RT systems), subclass 15 for pilot line controlled systems; subclass 16 for pilot current controlled systems, subclasses 17.1+ for automatically controlled systems and subclasses 245+ for wave transmission components that may include switches. 343,  Communications: Radio Wave Antennas,   subclass 777 for plural wave guide antennas with lobe switching and subclasses 876 and 904 for antennas with switch. 455,  Telecommunications,   subclasses 78+ for so-called T. R. switches connecting first the transmitter and then the receiver selectively to an antenna.

5	With coaxial components
	This subclass is indented under subclass 4.  Subject matter wherein the device includes structure which peculiarly adapts it for use in the completion or disconnection of circuitry consisting of coaxial conductors. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 200,  Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers,   subclasses 1+ , for multiple circuit control devices in which a plurality of contacts; which are not electromagnetically actuated, are arranged to switch two or more circuits.

6	Automatic circuit-interrupting devices (e.g., circuit-protective devices)
	This subclass is indented under subclass 2.  Subject matter wherein the device comprises means whereby normally closed contacts are automatically interrupted upon the occurrence of an abnormal circuit condition in a circuit with which the device is designed to be used. The circuit interrupting device may be, by way of example, of any one of the types known as "air circuit breakers" or "oil circuit breakers", which circuit breakers may be of the "single-throw", "double-throw" or "multiple circuit breaker" type; provided, that at least one electromagnet is utilized as a means for operating the contacts to an open position upon the occurrence of an abnormal condition. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 218,  High-Voltage Switches With Arc Preventing and Extinguishing Devices,   subclasses 1+ and 22+, for circuit interrupting devices with nonmagnetic control means combined with magnetic blow out. 307,  Electrical Transmission or Interconnection Systems,   particularly subclasses 39 , 86, 97, 116+, and 328 for condition responsive switching systems. 320,  Electricity: Battery or Capacitor Charging or Discharging,   appropriate subclass for a circuit making or breaking device responsive to a predetermined condition in a battery charging or discharging circuit or a battery itself. 337,  Electricity: Electrothermally or Thermally Actuated Switches,   appropriate subclasses for similar devices electrothermally or thermally controlled. 361,  Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices,   subclasses 1+ for devices similar to those to be found in Class 335 utilized in circuit safety or protective systems, particularly subclasses 91.1+ and 93.1+ which includes specific circuit breaker or relay structure.

7	Responsive to plural diverse circuit conditions (e.g., voltage and current)
	This subclass is indented under subclass 6.  Subject matter wherein the automatic circuit interrupting device comprises means responsive to plural diverse abnormal circuit conditions such as overload under voltage, etc. Usually the actuating means comprises separate devices each of which responds to a given predetermined condition and is operative either independently or in cooperation with another means. Some examples; (1) plural electromagnets one of which is voltage responsive and one of which is current responsive or (2) overload and underload coils. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 35+, for significant trip structure of a combined nature such as magnetic and thermal, for instance. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 307,  Electrical Transmission or Interconnection Systems,   subclass 116 for condition responsive switching systems which may or may not be responsive to a plurality of conditions. 361,  Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices,   subclasses 1+ and appropriate subclasses, for safety and protection systems and devices which may be responsive to a plurality of conditions in the systems.

8	Multipole or polyphase
	This subclass is indented under subclass 6.  Subject matter wherein the circuit interrupting device comprises a plurality of individual conductors with contact pairs associated with each conductor a contact pair actuating means for each contact pair, each contact pair completing a circuit through one conductor of a polyphase or plural conductor transmission line. Devices which are known as bipole or double pole and which complete the circuit in each conductor of a direct current circuit will also be found here. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 102, for polyphase switches designed to be actuated by alternating or fluctuating current and having a plurality of contacts whereby one polyphase input is connected to a similar polyphase output. 106, for devices of the multiple contact type wherein a plurality of external circuits may be completed or opened either selectively or simultaneously by a magnetically actuated switch means. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 307,  Electrical Transmission or Interconnection Systems,   subclasses 13+ for polyphase systems in general which may include phase switches and subclasses 112+ for plural phase switching systems, especially subclass 127 for phase sequence responsive type. 361,  Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices,   subclasses 1+ for similar switching or circuit interrupting devices combined with safety and protective systems, particularly subclass 76 for such systems with phase sequence analyzer means.

9	With individual latch or trip means in each leg
	This subclass is indented under subclass 8.  Subject matter wherein the device comprises individual latching or tripping means associated with each separate phase or leg contact pair thereof. The individual latch or trip means may operate individually on its corresponding contact pair of the circuit, or, may upon operation, actuate a tripping bar whereby the remaining contact pairs are opened.

10	With common latch or trip means
	This subclass is indented under subclass 8.  Subject matter wherein the interrupting device comprises a single latch or trip means whereby the plurality of phase or leg contacts pairs are simultaneously maintained in a first position until released whereupon the plurality of contact pairs are allowed to open simultaneously.

11	Plural switches
	This subclass is indented under subclass 6.  Subject matter wherein the automatic circuit interrupting means consists of two or more separate and distinct devices adapted to jointly or separately interrupt the continuity of a circuit to be controlled. The devices may be connected in series, tandem or any other desired arrangement provided there is single continuous circuit from a source to a load through the switch means. For example, each switch may be in one leg of a two conductor circuit. (1) Note. The devices to found here differ from the multiple or polyphase devices in subclasses 8+ above, in that the subject matter relates to devices for interrupting a single polyphase circuit by a single switch means having at least one pair of contacts for each phase. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 8+, for multiple or polyphase switches. See (1) Note above. 88+, for plural periodic switches. 152, for plural vacuum or hermetically sealed switches. 159+, for plural electromagnetically actuated switches not specifically recited as automatic circuit interrupter devices and each being operative independently of the other. 206, for plural permanent magnet actuated switches. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 200,  Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers,   subclass 5 for multiple circuit control devices constituting a plurality of switches. 307,  Electrical Transmission or Interconnection Systems,   subclasses 113+ for switching systems comprising plural switches. 361,  Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices,   subclasses 1+ for safety and protection systems and devices which may include a plurality of interrupter devices and subclasses 139+ for electric circuits for relays and electromagnets particularly subclasses 160+ for plural relays and electromagnets.

12	With shunting contacts
	This subclass is indented under subclass 6.  Subject matter wherein the interrupting device structure includes auxiliary contacts or other significant means whereby an electrical shunt circuit is established to bypass either the main circuit contacts or the operating coil of the device, prior to the opening or closing of the main contacts, thereby preventing arcing and damage to either the main contacts or the operating coil. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 156, for electromagnetically actuated switches combined with protective means. 201, for magnetic switches with arc prevention means. 236+, for electromagnetic relays with a shunt path for the magnetic flux. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 218,  High-Voltage Switches With Arc Preventing and Extinguishing Devices,   subclasses 1+ for nonmagnetically controlled switches with arc prevention means. 307,  Electrical Transmission or Interconnection Systems,   subclasses 134+ , for switching systems with arc prevention or other switch contact operation facilitating means. 337,  Electricity: Electrothermally or Thermally Actuated Switches,   subclasses 15+ for electrothermally actuated shunt circuit completion devices. 361,  Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices,   subclasses 1+ for protective devices with arc prevention, subclasses 54+ and 58 for electromagnetic device protection circuits with shunting or impedance insertion means.

13	With auxiliary switch means (e.g., for energizing coil)
	This subclass is indented under subclass 6.  Subject matter wherein the interrupting device structure includes at least one auxiliary switch means operative independently of the main circuit contacts whereby a circuit is completed through the electromagnetic operating coil of the contact actuating means or through some other operative element of the device such as a holding or tripping coil. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 12, for similar structure wherein the auxiliary switch comprises shunting contacts. 157, for electromagnetically actuated switches with holding magnets which may be actuated by a circuit extending through holding contacts.

14	With direct connected contact separating means
	This subclass is indented under subclass 6.  Devices wherein the circuit interrupting means is directly connected to the movable contact or contacts and operable by the effect of a magnetic field through a movable armature, or other mechanical means responsive to the magnetic field of a flux source. That is the devices found in this subclass do not utilize a motion converting mechanism between the movable armature or core and the contacts. The devices classified here are, for the most part, of the class or apparatus generally shown as "cut outs". (1) Note. To complete the search the various classes listed in the search notes under Class 317, subclass 9 should be consulted. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 68+, for devices in which the contacts are motor operated. 78+, for polarity responsive devices where at least one of the contacts may be directly carried by the armature. 87+, for periodic switches where at least one movable contact is carried by a flexible armature. 147+, for electrodynamically operated switches which cause the contacts to open directly. 203, for armature structure significant to switches, in which the armature may comprise a contact bridging means. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 361,  Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices,   subclasses 1+ for safety and protection systems which may in general include cutouts.

15	With contact biasing, holding or pressure control means
	This subclass is indented under subclass 6.  Subject matter wherein the interrupting device comprises significant structure whereby the movable contact or contacts are biased either open or closed, the pressure between the contacts is controlled or regulated or by which the contacts are held in the operative condition and which structure is separate and distinct from the conventional latching devices customarily in use. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 157+, for switching devices, not restricted to the automatic circuit opening function, having significant locking or holding structure. 188, for snap action contact actuating means. 192, for contact carrying on actuating structure with biasing means. 193, for contact actuators with vibration, bounce or chatter prevention means. 194+, for contact pressure maintaining or adjustment means. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 200,  Electricity: Circuit Maker and Breakers,   appropriate subclasses for similar contact biasing or holding means for nonmagnetically actuated switches, especially subclass 170 for contact pressure adjustment switches. 307,  Electrical Transmission or Interconnection Systems,   subclass 142 for miscellaneous switches having locking, holding or breaking means for the switch. 361,  Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices,   subclasses 170+ for relay systems having relays with contact pressure increasing means, and subclass 194 for relay systems having relays with holding means such as a locking contact.

16	Magnetic or electrodynamic (e.g., blowon or blowoff)
	This subclass is indented under subclass 15.  Subject matter wherein the significant biasing, holding or pressure control means consists of either a magnet or other device which depends for its operation on the reaction between current in one part of an electric circuit and the current in another part, such as a current loop for creating electrodynamic forces tending to separate or close the relatively movable contacts.

17	With switch condition signalling, indicating or alarm means
	This subclass is indented under subclass 6.  Subject matter wherein the circuit interrupting device includes signalling, indicating or alarm structure whereby the condition of the switch, whether open or closed, physically inoperative, etc., is automatically communicated to an operator or other interested observer by visual or audible means. In order to be classifiable in this subclass the signalling or indicating means must include structure in addition to an operating lever or other operating means whose position is dependent upon whether the contacts are open or closed. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 156, for electromagnetically operated switches with significant protective means for the switch itself or its contacts. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 200,  Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers,   subclass 167 for switches in general with indicators. 337,  Electricity: Electrothermally or Thermally Actuated Switches,   appropriate subclasses for various types of electrothermal and thermally actuated switches with indicators. 340,  Communications: Electrical,   subclasses 480+ for electromagnetically operated mechanical traffic or vehicle signals, subclass 523 for signalling devices responsive to the sequence of operation of plural circuit breakers, subclass 644 for a switch or relay condition signalling device without significant switch or relay structure, and subclasses 652 and 366+ for visual signals electromagnetically actuated.

18	Responsive to predetermined or abnormal current condition (e.g., direction, phase angle or amplitude)
	This subclass is indented under subclass 6.  Subject matter wherein the structure includes means automatically responsive specifically to predetermined current values in the circuit to be controlled or to some abnormal current condition in the circuit, such as current reversal, etc. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 155, for switching devices, which are not specifically claimed as automatic circuit interrupting devices, and having operative means responsive to predetermined current or voltage value. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 307,  Electrical Transmission or Interconnection Systems,   appropriate subclasses, particularly subclasses 125+ for miscellaneous switching systems responsive to electrical conditions. 318,  Electricity: Motive Power Systems,   appropriate subclasses for motor control switches which may be responsive to predetermined condition or abnormal current or voltage value in a motor circuit. 337,  Electricity: Electrothermally or Thermally Actuated Switches,   appropriate subclasses for electrothermal and thermally actuated switches, which may be set to operate at a predetermined current value. 340,  Communications: Electrical,   subclasses 635+ for signals and alarms responsive to a predetermined condition of electrical apparatus. 361,  Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices,   subclasses 91.1+ and 93.1+ for safety and protection systems and devices responsive to predetermined condition such as voltage or reverse current.

19	Zero current
	This subclass is indented under subclass 18.  Subject matter wherein the automatically responsive means is designed to be actuated when the current in the circuit to be controlled falls to a zero value.

20	Voltage responsive (under, over or no voltage)
	This subclass is indented under subclass 6.  Subject matter wherein the structure includes means automatically responsive specifically to predetermined values, or some abnormal condition, of the voltage existing in the circuit to be controlled, such as, for example, over-voltage under-voltage or no voltage. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 155, for electromagnetic switches, not specifically claimed as automatic circuit interrupters, having means responsive to a predetermined voltage value. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 307,  Electrical Transmission or Interconnection Systems,   appropriate subclasses, particularly subclass 130 for switching systems which are voltage responsive. 361,  Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices,   subclasses 88+ for voltage responsive safety or protection systems, and subclasses 139+ for relay systems which may be responsive to predetermined voltage levels.

21

With latch or trip means

This subclass is indented under subclass 6.  Subject matter wherein the structure includes significant details of operating means whereby the contacts may be restrained in a closed condition by a latch or detent which may be tripped by the action of a magnet or other means. The contacts are usually held in circuit closing position and tripped to open position. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 167+, for significant latch devices. 172+, for tripping devices peculiarly adapted for use with electromagnetic switches but not restricted to automatic interrupters. 253+, for electromagnet and armature in general with armature latch. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 74,  Machine Element or Mechanism,   for automatically controlled mechanisms. 200,  Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers,   subclasses 12+ for dial type switches with electromagnetic release, subclasses 39+ for clock train operated switch with retarded latch trip, subclasses 411+, 415+, 470, 471, and 424 for snap switches wi