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 [Search a list of Patent Appplications for class 398]   CLASS 398,OPTICAL COMMUNICATIONS
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SECTION I - CLASS DEFINITION

This class provides for all types of communication systems in which optical signals are used to transmit modulated carrier wave information between points. Such communication includes transmitting an intelligence-bearing signal from one point to another in the form of variations in a characteristic of the light wave. The communication may be through free space, fibers or waveguides. These are used to transfer the information with an optical beam, and this beam can be used in various communication schemes to enable the most effective or desired method of moving the information, including optical multiplexing when plural information signals or plural transmitters and receivers are utilized.

(1) Note. "Light" includes infrared and ultraviolet radiation.
(2) Note. The characteristic which is varied may include, e.g., amplitude, frequency, phase, polarity, or color.
(3) Note. This subclass includes subject matter that communicates data or information from one location to another via some optical system.
(4) Note. Apparatus having a source of light signal containing information to be conveyed to a light source via an optical link are classified in this and indented subclasses regardless of the source being controlled by a different form of energy (e.g., electrical or electromagnetic field) or the optical output of the sensor being converted to a different form of energy.
(5) Note. Optical communication to objects only within a predetermined location (i.e., direction) from the source would be classified in this or indented subclasses since the prime objective is to communicate information and the actual location is only a factor to ensure that the message goes there. The detection of range, direction, etc., of the object, without any data communication to that object, would not be classified herein. See Search note below for such device communication..
(6) Note. Optical switching to perform a specified function would be classified with the function. Optical switching in an optical communication system, where data is moved from one location to another, is classified in this or indented subclasses. Optical switching, per se, is excluded from this class. See Search note below for such device.
(7) Note. The optical communication systems of this and indented subclasses transfer optical data from one location to another via a data link but no specific sensor is set forth in the claims. The optical telemetry includes the combination of an optical communication system, as in this class or the indents thereunder, combined with a specified claimed sensor is excluded from this class. See Search not below for such subject matter. Well bore telemetry using any type of energy (i.e., radio, acoustic, magnetic, optic, etc.) is also excluded from this class. See Search note below for such device.
(8) Note. Optical communication by turning the light on and off without any modulation of the transmitted light is not classified in this class. See Search note below for such subject matter.
(9) Note. Optical communication system in combination with electrical communication system is excluded from this class. See Search note below for such combination.

SECTION II - REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES

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116, Signals and Indicators,   appropriate subclasses, particularly subclass 20 for heliographic signaling wherein signals are given by mechanically-controlled intermittent flashes of light, usually reflected sunlight.
250, Radiant Energy,   subclasses 200 through 239for electrical circuits whose operations are controlled by means of a photocell, electrical circuits for supplying current or potential to a photocell and photocells in combination with optical means for controlling the radiant energy which illuminated the photocell; subclasses 336.1-395 for systems for detecting the presence of or measuring the quantity or quality of invisible radiant energy rays; and subclass 551 for an optical signal isolator, per se.
257, Active Solid-State Devices (e.g., Transistors, Solid-State Diodes),   subclasses 13 , 79-103 for incoherent light emitting injection luminescent devices.
315, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Systems,   appropriate subclasses for control systems for controlling the operation of end load electric lamp or discharge device.
329, Demodulators,   for demodulation of modulated electrical signals.
330, Amplifiers,   subclass 59 for amplifiers having light-controlled or activated devices, and subclass 308 for amplifiers having radiant energy impinging on a semiconductor.
331, Oscillators,   subclass 66 for electrical oscillators with a device responsive to heat or light.
332, Modulators,   for modulators of electrical signals.
333, Wave Transmission Lines and Networks,   appropriate subclasses.
340, Communications: Electrical,   subclasses 553+ for wellbore telemetry using an type of energy (1.e., radio, acoustic, magnetic, optic), particularly subclasses 853.1-856.4 for wellbore telemetry or control that could use optical energy, and subclasses 870.28-870.29 for telemetering systems employing radiant energy beam (e.g., Infrared) transmission.
342, Communications: Directive Radio Wave Systems and Devices (e.g., Radar, Radio Navigation),   appropriate subclasses for radio wave range and direction finding apparatus (Range and Direction Finding).
348, Television,   subclasses 335 through 369for optical structures in a television camera.
352, Optics: Motion Pictures,   subclasses 1 through 37for motion picture apparatus with sound accompaniment.
356, Optics: Measuring and Testing,   subclasses 3 through 22for an optical range or remote distance finding apparatus, subclasses 27-28.5 for optical velocity measuring, and subclasses 138-155 for optical angle measuring or axial alignment.
359, Optical: Systems and Elements,   appropriate subclasses.
360, Dynamic Magnetic Information Storage or Retrieval,   subclass 3 for motion picture film, subclass 114 for magneto-optic head.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices,   subclasses 173 through 177for relay or electromagnet circuits utilizing photosensitive devices.
362, Illumination,   subclasses 257 through 311for light source and modifier, and subclasses 317-361 for light modifier.
365, Static Information Storage and Retrieval,   subclass 108 for liquid crystal radiant energy type.
367, Communications, Electrical: Acoustic Wave Systems and Devices,   appropriate subclasses, subclass 131 for underwater acoustic communication system.
369, Dynamic Information Storage or Retrieval,   subclasses 100 through 125for information or sound recording or reproduction utilizing electro-optical transducers or photographic sound records.
370, Multiplex Communications,   appropriate subclasses, subclasses 310 through 350for communication over free space, subclasses 351-430 for packet switching.
372, Coherent Light Generators,   appropriate subclass for laser amplifiers and oscillators.
374, Thermal Measuring and Testing,   subclasses 121 through 133for radiation responsive thermometers.
375, Pulse or Digital Communications,   subclasses 219 through 223for transceivers operated at radio frequencies.
378, X-Ray or Gamma Ray Systems or Devices,   appropriate subclasses.
379, Telephonic Communications,   subclasses 56.1 through 56.3for a light wave link for speech or a paging signal, subclasses 74-77 for remote control over a telephone line, and subclass 379 for an optical link between the line and switching system used as a part of the line or loop condition detection.
380, Cryptography,   subclass 54 for encryption/decryption by modifying an optical image, subclasses 255-276 for communication system using cryptography, particularly subclass 256 for fiber optic network using cryptography.
385, Optical Waveguides,   subclass 15 for optical coupler, subclass 31 for input/output coupler, subclasses 311-114 for optical transmission cable, subclasses 115-121 for optical fiber bundle.
386, Television Signal Processing for Dynamic Recording/Reproducing,   appropriate subclasses for television recording in combination with optical beam control.
455, Telecommunications,   appropriate subclasses for Radio Frequency Telecommunications.
709, Electrical Computers and Digital Processing Systems; Multiple Computer or Process Coordinating,   appropriate subclasses.

SUBCLASSES

[List of Patents for class 398 subclass 1]    1FAULT RECOVERY:
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Subject matter wherein a corrective action is taken to return an inoperative or disfunctioning optical communication system or its component to a satisfactory operating condition.

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17through 24, for detection of a fault in the optical communication network or its components.
10through 15, for fault location determination.

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370, Multiplex Communications,   subclasses 216 through 228for fault recovery.
714, Error Detecting/Correction and Fault Detecting/Recovery,   subclasses 2 through 24for fault recovery in a generic digital data processing system.
  
[List of Patents for class 398 subclass 2]    2Bypass inoperative element:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 1.  Subject matter including a provision for alternate routing when the network or its component is at fault.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

340, Communications: Electrical,   subclass 825.16 for selective communication monitoring in a faulty condition.
370, Multiplex Communications,   subclasses 217 through 220for bypass an inoperative switch or inoperative element of a switching system, subclasses 221-224 for bypass an inoperative station, and subclasses 225-228, for bypass an inoperative channel.
  
[List of Patents for class 398 subclass 3]    3In a ring or loop:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 2.  Subject matter wherein the inoperative element is in a closed path transmission system.

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370, Multiplex Communications,   subclass 222 for bypass in a ring or loop network.
  
[List of Patents for class 398 subclass 4]    4Using a secondary ring or loop:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 3.  Subject matter wherein the inoperative element is bypassed by using an auxiliary closed path transmission system.

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370, Multiplex Communications,   subclasses 223 through 224for bypass in a ring or loop network using a secondary ring or loop.
  
[List of Patents for class 398 subclass 5]    5Spare channel or standby optical fiber:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 2.  Subject matter including a main and a backup or redundant equipment or line activated to route information data when the main line is at fault.

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340, Communications: Electrical,   subclass 825.01 for selective communications with a spare channel.
370, Multiplex Communications,   subclass 227 for bypass an inoperative channel in a repeater using spare channel and subclass 228 for bypass an inoperative channel using a spare channel.
714, Error Detection /Correction and Fault Detection /Recovery,   subclass 4 for masking or reconfiguration of transmission network which is not limited to optical communication.
  
[List of Patents for class 398 subclass 6]    6In a repeater system:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 1.  Subject matter wherein the fault recovery or faulty optical communication system has at least one retransmission station.

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18,for detecting of a fault in a repeater.
11,for locating a fault in a repeater.
173through 181, for an optical repeater system.

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370, Multiplex Communications,   subclass 226 for bypass an inoperative channel in a repeater.
379, Telephonic Communications,   subclass 4 for nonmultiplex telephone alternate routing around a faulty repeater.
  
[List of Patents for class 398 subclass 7]    7WDM:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 1.  Subject matter wherein the faulty optical communication system includes a wavelength division multiplexed system.

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14,for diagnostic testing of a WDM system.
34,for determination of communication parameter in a WDM system.
68,for broadcasting or distributing of wavelength division multiplexed signal.
  
[List of Patents for class 398 subclass 8]    8TDM:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 1.  Subject matter wherein the faulty optical communication system includes a time division multiplexed system.

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35,for determination of communication parameter in a TDM system.
98,for time division multiplexing system.
  
[List of Patents for class 398 subclass 9]    9DIAGNOSTIC TESTING:
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Subject matter including means for monitoring or testing for evaluating an operational condition of an optical communication system or its component.

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33,for determination of communication parameter having predetermined monitoring of a supervisor signal.
177,for specific repeater system including means for monitoring an optical regenerative repeater during operation.

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340, Communications: Electrical,   subclass 853.3 for diagnostic monitoring or detecting operation of a generic communication equipment or signal.
356, Optics: Measuring and Testing,   for optically testing of individual pieces of an optical communication system, subclass 73.1 for optical fiber or waveguide inspection.
370, Multiplex Communications,   subclasses 241 through 253for diagnostic testing other than synchronization.
375, Pulse or Digital Communications,   subclasses 224 through 228for testing of pulse or digital communication system
379, Telephonic Communications,   subclasses 1 through 33for diagnostic testing of telephone equipment.
714, Error Detection/Correction and Fault Detection/Recovery,   subclass 712 for the electrical testing of transmission facility.
  
[List of Patents for class 398 subclass 10]    10Fault location:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 9.  Subject matter including means for determining a position or site of a fault of the optical communication network or its component.

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1through 8, for fault recovery of the optical communication network or its component.
17through 24, for detection of a fault in the optical communication network or its component.

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370, Multiplex Communications,   subclasses 242 through 245for fault detection.
714, Error Detection/Correction and Fault Detection/Recovery,   subclasses 25 through 57for fault location in a generic digital data processing system.
  
[List of Patents for class 398 subclass 11]    11Repeater:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 10.  Subject matter wherein the component comprises a retransmission station.

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6,for fault recovery in a repeater system.
18,for fault detection in a repeater.
173through 181, for an optical repeater system.

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370, Multiplex Communications,   subclass 243 for fault detection of a repeater and subclass 246 for diagnostic testing of a repeater.
375, Pulse or Digital Communications,   subclass 213 for testing of a digital repeater.
379, Telephonic Communications,   subclass 4 for nonmultiplex telephone alternate routing around a faulty repeater.
714, Error Detection /Correction and Fault Detection /Recovery,   subclass 713 for generic testing of a communication channel including a repeater.
  
[List of Patents for class 398 subclass 12]    12Switch:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 10.  Subject matter wherein the component comprises an optical switch.

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19,for fault detection of a switch.

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370, Multiplex Communications,   subclass 244 for fault detection of a switching system
  
[List of Patents for class 398 subclass 13]    13Fiber or waveguide:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 10.  Subject matter wherein the component comprises a) a single or bundle of fiber used as a single transmission medium to propagate optical energy or b) a system of material designed to confine direct optical waves in a direction determined by its physical boundary.

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20,for fault detection of an optical fiber.
110,for remote control system in an industrial or hazardous environmen t through optical fiber or wave guide
113,for remote control syste m through optical fiber or wave guide.
116,for hybrid communication system including optical fiber.
134,for a photo-phone transducer including optical fiber or waveguide.
141,for transmitter and receiver system including optical waveguide, and subclass N3 for specific type of fiber.
139,for optical transceiver including optical fiber or wave guide.
178,for optical repeater including optical wave guide.
200,for tra nsmitter including optical wave guide
214,for optical waveguide in an optical receiver.

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356, Optics: Measuring or Testing,   subclass 73.1 for fibers testing.
  
[List of Patents for class 398 subclass 14]    14WDM:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 10.  Subject matter wherein the optical communication network includes a wavelength division multiplexed system in which optical signals are multiplexed in a wavelength domain.

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7,for fault recovery in a WDM system.
34,for determination of communication parameter.
68,for broadcasting or distributing of wavelength division multiplexed signal.
  
[List of Patents for class 398 subclass 15]    15Stop transmission or reduce power:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 10.  Subject matter including a safety means for cutting-off or limiting transmission power in response to a determined fault.

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38,for determination of power parameter in the optical communication network.
94,for feedback power control in a multiplexing wavelength division or frequency division.
120,for power compensation in a free space optical communication system.
197,for feed back power compensation in a transmitter.
  
[List of Patents for class 398 subclass 16]    16Test signal:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 1.  Subject matter wherein the operational condition of an optical communication network or its component is monitored for testing or evaluating using an external stimulus signal.
  
[List of Patents for class 398 subclass 17]    17Fault detection:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 1.  Subject matter including means for determining the presence of a fault of the optical communication network or its component.

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1through 8, for fault recovery of the optical communication network or its component.
10through 15, for fault location determination.
  
[List of Patents for class 398 subclass 18]    18Repeater:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 17.  Subject matter wherein the component comprises a retransmission station.

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6,for fault recovery in a repeater.
11,for fault location of a repeater
173through 181, for an optical repeater system.

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375, Pulse or Digital Communications,   subclass 213 for testing of a digital repeater.
379, Telephonic Communications,   subclass 4 for telephone alternate routing around a faulty repeater.
714, Error Detection /Correction and Fault Detection /Recovery, subclass 713 for generic testing of a communication channel including a repeater.
  
[List of Patents for class 398 subclass 19]    19Switch:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 17.  Subject matter wherein the component comprises an optical switch which opens or closes circuit, completes or breaks a path, or selects paths or circuits.

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12,for fault location of a switch.
  
[List of Patents for class 398 subclass 20]    20Optical fiber:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 17.  Subject matter wherein component comprises a single or bundle of fiber used as a single transmission medium to propagate optical energy.

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13,for fault locat ion in an optical fiber or wave gu ide.
110,for remote control system in an industrial or hazardous environmen t through optical fiber or wave guide
113,for remote control syste m through optical fiber or wave guide.
116,for hybrid communication system including optical fiber.
134,for a photo-phone transducer including optical fiber or waveguide.
141,for transmitter and receiver system including optical waveguide, and subclass N3 for specific type of fiber.
139,for optical transceiver including optical fiber or waveguide .
178,for optical repeater including optical waveguide .
200,for transmitter including optical waveguide
214,for optical waveguide in an optical receiver
13,for testing of fiber or waveguide.

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356, Optics: Measuring or Testing,   subclass 73.1 for fibers testing.
  
[List of Patents for class 398 subclass 21]    21Determined by reflection from break in fiber:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 20.  Subject matter including a reflectrometry means for determining selected parameter from a reflected optical energy on return from a transmission fiber to detect a fault (e.g. a break) in the fiber.

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370, Multiplexing Communications,   appropriate subclasses.
  
[List of Patents for class 398 subclass 22]    22Transceiver:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 17.  Subject matter wherein the component includes an optical transmitter and receiver at a common location for transmission and reception of separate signals.

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135through 139, for specific of an optical transceiver.
  
[List of Patents for class 398 subclass 23]    23Transmitter:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 17.  Subject matter wherein the component includes an optoelectric circuit having an optical modulator for converting an incoming electrical information signal into modulated light wave signal suitable for propagation through or along a transmission medium.

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182through 201, for an optical transmitter.
  
[List of Patents for class 398 subclass 24]    24Receiver:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 17.  Subject matter wherein the component includes an optoelectric circuit having at least an optical demodulator for converting a received modulated light wave signal into an electrical information signal.

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202through 214, for specific of an optical receiver.
  
[List of Patents for class 398 subclass 25]    25Determination of communication parameter:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 9.  Subject matter including means for measuring or calculating a particular communication parameter.
(1) Note. A particular communication parameter includes, for example, traffic noise ratio, freeze out ratio, etc.

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370, Multiplex Communications,   subclasses 252 through 253for determination of communication parameters.
  
[List of Patents for class 398 subclass 26]    26Signal to noise ratio:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 25.  Subject matter wherein the parameter is a ratio of a usable light signal being transmitted to the noise or undesired signal.
  
[List of Patents for class 398 subclass 27]    27Bit error rate:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 25.  Subject matter wherein the parameter is a percentage of received bits in error compared to a total number of bits received.
  
[List of Patents for class 398 subclass 28]    28Fiber characteristic:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 25.  Subject matter wherein the parameter represents an effect of a fiber on the optical communication network due to transmission property of the fiber.

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356, Optics: Measuring or Testing,   subclass 73.1 for fibers testing.
  
[List of Patents for class 398 subclass 29]    29Dispersion:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 28.  Subject matter including means for determining a) a degree of scattering taking place in a light beam as it travels along the fiber or b) a degree of overlapping of a light signal on one wavelength to different wavelengths because of reflected ray and different refractive index of fiber material.
  
[List of Patents for class 398 subclass 30]    30Using supervisory signal:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 25.  Subject matter wherein control signal information is used to determine at least one communication parameter.

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181,for supervisory signal in an optical repeater.
  
[List of Patents for class 398 subclass 31]    31Different wavelengths for diagnostic and communication:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 30.  Subject matter wherein the supervisory signal has a different wavelength than that of for message transmission.
  
[List of Patents for class 398 subclass 32]    32Pilot signal:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 30.  Subject matter wherein the supervisory signal is a different frequency control signal used as a subcarrier of a modulated transmitted optical signal.
  
[List of Patents for class 398 subclass 33]    33Monitoring:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 30.  Subject matter including means for monitoring the supervisory signal.

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177,for monitoring of an optical repeater system.
181,for an optical repeater with supervisory signal.
  
[List of Patents for class 398 subclass 34]    34WDM System:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 25.  Subject matter wherein particular communication parameter of a wavelength division multiplexed system in which optical signals are multiplexed in a wavelength domain is determined.

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7,for fault recovery in a WDM system.
14,for testing of a WDM system.
68,for broadcasting or distributing of wavelength division multiplexed signal.
  
[List of Patents for class 398 subclass 35]    35TDM system:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 25.  Subject matter wherein particular communication parameter of a time division multiplexed system in which optical signals are multiplexed in a time domain is determined.

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8,for fault recovery in a TDM system.
98,for time division multiplexing system.
  
[List of Patents for class 398 subclass 36]    36Collision detection:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 25.  Subject matter including means for determining if a condition resulted from different stations trying to use a shared optical bus simultaneously has taken place.
  
[List of Patents for class 398 subclass 37]    37Amplifier or repeater operation:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 25.  Subject matter wherein the particular communication parameter is related to a performance of an amplifier or a repeater.

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330, Amplifier,   subclass 1 for an amplifier combined with diverse type art devices.
  
[List of Patents for class 398 subclass 38]    38Power:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 25.  Subject matter wherein the particular communication parameter is a power parameter.
(1) Note. This subclass includes, for examples, determination of power loss or power supplied.

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15,for power control in response to a fault.
94,for feedback power control in a multiplexing wavelength division or frequency division.
120,for power compensation in a free space optical communication system.
197,