U.S. PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
Information Products Division |
U.S. Patent Classification System - Classification Definitions
as of June 30, 2000
Patents classified in a subclass may be accessed by either clicking on
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For classification search strategies, please refer to the
Classification Index
Explanation of Data web page.
(definitions have been obtained from the
Patents ASSIST CD-ROM which
is produced by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Electronic Products Branch)
Class 136
BATTERIES: THERMOELECTRIC AND PHOTOELECTRIC
Class Definition:
This class is the generic class for primary, secondary, and
thermal batteries. It includes the structure of the
generator or battery itself, the elements thereof, the
methods of preparation, operation, and details, and
accessories not provided for in other classes.
LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS
Pyromagnetic generators are found in Class 310, Electrical
Generator or Motor Structure, subclass 306.
The application and use of the battery in combination with
other devices should be searched for in the appropriate art
classes.
For cells specialized for carrying out electrolytic chemical
processes, see Class 204, Chemistry: Electrical and Wave
Energy, subclass 242 and indented subclasses.
LINE WITH CLASS 252, CLASS 204, AND CLASS 429
See Class 252, Compositions, subclasses 500+ for electrically
conductive compositions and electrical devices defined solely
in terms of the composition of which they are composed such
as electrodes not provided for in Class 136, Class 204, or
Class 429.
REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
29, Metal Working, subclass 2 for battery-grid making; and
subclasses 700+ for apparatus for the assembly of plural
parts.
53, Package Making, appropriate subclasses for methods of and
apparatus for encompassing or encasing goods or materials
with a separate cover or band which serves as means for
identifying, protecting or unit handling the goods or
materials.
117, Single-Crystal, Oriented-Crystal, and Epitaxy Growth
Processes; Non-Coating Apparatus Therefor, for processes and
non-coating apparatus for growing therein-defined
single-crystal of all types of materials, including the
subject matter of Class 136.
141, Fluent Material Handling, With Receiver or Receiver
Coacting Means, subclass 1.1 for mechanical process, and
subclasses 32+ for apparatus for filling battery grids and
receptacles, and pasting the same.
164, Metal Founding, appropriate subclasses for processes of
casting metal grids and subclass 109 for uniting spaced
battery plates by metal casting.
252, Compositions, 500 for electrically conductive
compositions and electrical devices defined solely in terms
of the composition of which they are composed such as
electrodes. (See Lines With Other Classes and Within This
Class, above.)
264, Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating:
Processes, appropriate subclasses for processes of molding or
shaping plastic substances within the class definition.
320, Electricity: Battery or Capacitor Charging or
Discharging, appropriate subclass for a method or apparatus
for charging or discharging a voltaic battery or cell.
323, Electricity: Power Supply or Regulation Systems,
subclasses 220-354 for systems for controlling the voltage
or current in a single circuit.
324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing, 425 for the
testing of electrolyte properties.
340, Communications: Electrical, for electrical
telemetering, signaling and alarm systems of general
application. Note especially subclass 636 for such systems
responsive to the condition of a battery.
403, Joints and Connections, appropriate subclasses for
joints in general.
423, Chemistry of Inorganic Compounds, for inorganic
compounds, per se.
427, Coating Processes, 58 for processes of coating
electrical products.
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, appropriate
subclasses for a stock material product in the form of a
single or plural layer web or sheet, especially 457 for a
nonstructural composite web or sheet including at least one
layer of metal.
429, Chemistry: Electrical Current Producing Apparatus,
Product and Process for fuel cells and electrochemical
batteries.
439, Electrical Connectors, appropriate subclasses for an
electrical connector, per se, and see 754 for a battery post
clamp type connector.
455, Telecommunications, subclass 343 for a battery or
battery saving means combined with a radio receiver.
SUBCLASSES
Subclass:
200
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Process or apparatus directed to the conversion of heat
directly to electricity.
(1) Note. A device which structure-wise could convert heat
to electricity but which is intended to operate vice-versa is
included herein (see subclasses 203+).
(2) Note. Subcombinations of thermal generators which are
specifically designed to be used therewith (e.g.,
thermo-couple housings, wells, etc.) are included herein (see
subclass 242).
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
29, Metal Working, particularly 592.1 for methods of
mechanically manufacturing electrical devices.
62, Refrigeration, 3.1 for Peltier effect refrigeration
apparatus; also, see note to Class 62 in subclass 203 below.
75, Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions for Use
Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures, and 420, Alloys or Metallic
Compositions, for thermoelectric alloys.
148, Metal Treatment, 33 for barrier layer stock material.
204, Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy, subclasses
196.01-196.38 for object protection systems utilizing a
thermoelectric battery.
250, Radiant Energy, 336.1 for invisible radiant energy
responsive electric signalling devices which detect the
presence of, or measures the quantity or quality of invisible
radiation and subclasses 200+ for visible radiation
pyrometers including circuit structure for the generated
voltage.
252, Compositions, for thermoelectric compositions
particularly subclass 62.3 for barrier layer device
compositions and subclasses 500+ for electrically conductive
and emissive compositions.
257, Active Solid-State Devices (e.g., Transistors,
Solid-State Diodes), subclasses 53-56, 108, 414, and 467-470
for such as temperature responsive devices, per se.
310, Electrical Generator or Motor Structure, subclass 306
for thermal or pyromagnetic generating devices wherein there
is additional control means for the generated power current.
Also, subclass 306 for thermionic device, per se, or in
combination with a thermoelectric device.
322, Electricity: Single Generator Systems, subclass 2 for
generating systems including thermoelectric device.
324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing, for electrical
measuring devices including a thermoelectric generator.
327, Miscellaneous Active Electrical Nonlinear Devices,
Circuits, and Systems, 512 for miscellaneous thermally
effected circuits.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, 161 for
electric circuits for relays and electromagnets which may
include a thermal battery.
373, Industrial Electric Heating Furnaces, 135 for electric
furnace with control system employing a thermoelectric
generator.
374, Thermal Measuring and Testing, for a thermal battery
combined with a measuring circuit, particularly 179 for a
thermocouple thermometer.
420, Alloys or Metallic Compositions, appropriate subclasses
for thermoelectric alloys.
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, 615 for a
metallic composite defined in terms of the composition of its
components.
431, Combustion, subclass 80 for a thermoelectric current
generator operated by a burner and having the burner
controlled by the generated current.
438, Semiconductor Device Manufacturing: Process, 54 for
processes of making a thermoelectric semiconductor device.
445, Electric Lamp or Space Discharge Component or Device
Manufacturing; 1 for a miscellaneous process of making a
space discharge device.
Subclass:
201
This subclass is indented under subclass 200. Processes.
(1) Note. All patents which claim a thermoelectric device
for the class and also claim a method of making the device
are placed in this subclass as a cross-reference.
Subclass:
202
This subclass is indented under subclass 200. Apparatus
wherein nuclear energy other than that resulting from an
induced nuclear reaction is used as a heat source for the
generator or comprising a thermoelectric device designed to
be employed as an ancillary unit in a nuclear reactor
system.
(1) Note. Nuclear energy of this subclass type may be that
which results from radioactive decay.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
250, Radiant Energy, 336.1 the detection or measurement of
nuclear radiation as opposed to using such energy for
generating an electric current.
376, Induced Nuclear Reactions: Processes, Systems, and
Elements, for nuclear energy source systems in general; and
320 for the combination of a nuclear reactor and direct
conversion means.
Subclass:
203
This subclass is indented under subclass 200. Apparatus
wherein the device is intended to have a current applied to
it to effect a temperature change.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
62, Refrigeration, 3.1 for thermoelectric cooling devices
wherein the device is more than a battery-like assemblage and
contains some structure peculiar to refrigeration by Peltier
effect, e.g., a current source is claimed.
Subclass:
204
This subclass is indented under subclass 203. Apparatus
which includes means to transfer heat from one material to
another.
Subclass:
205
This subclass is indented under subclass 200. Apparatus
wherein the generator produces electric energy to do useful
work.
(1) Note. Generally in a power generator the heat source is
constant rather than a variable source which is to be
measured.
Subclass:
206
This subclass is indented under subclass 205. Apparatus
wherein the thermogenerator is intended to be activated by
heat from the sun.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
213 for radiation pyrometers.
Subclass:
207
This subclass is indented under subclass 205. Apparatus
which includes an electrical heat source for the
thermogenerator.
Subclass:
208
This subclass is indented under subclass 205. Apparatus
which has two or more junctions of the same type (hot or
cold) positioned around or partially around a single point.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
224 for thermopiles in general.
Subclass:
209
This subclass is indented under subclass 208. Apparatus
which includes two or more liquid or gas conduits having a
common axis.
Subclass:
210
This subclass is indented under subclass 209. Apparatus
wherein at least one of the conduits is to convey a liquid
coolant.
Subclass:
211
This subclass is indented under subclass 205. Apparatus
which has two or more junctions of the same type (hot or
cold) positioned only in a single line.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
224 for thermopiles in general.
Subclass:
212
This subclass is indented under subclass 205. Apparatus
which has two or more junctions of the same type (hot or
cold) positioned so that a common plane passes through the
junctions.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
224 for thermopiles in general.
Subclass:
213
This subclass is indented under subclass 200. Apparatus
wherein the battery is to be heated substantially entirely by
radiations from a body.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
206 for solar energy type power generators.
243 for photoelectric primary batteries.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
250, Radiant Energy, 336.1 for detection of invisible
radiant energy and subclasses 200+ for light responsive
photocell circuits and apparatus.
374, Thermal Measuring and Testing, 121 for such subject
matter combined with a measuring circuit.
Subclass:
214
This subclass is indented under subclass 213. Apparatus
which includes some means to cause the rays from the source
to be focused or reflected to increase their strength per
unit area.
Subclass:
215
This subclass is indented under subclass 214. Apparatus
wherein the concentrator is a ray transmitting and bending
lens.
Subclass:
216
This subclass is indented under subclass 213. Apparatus
wherein the pyrometer contains a sealed space which is at
substantially less than atmospheric pressure.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
223 for thermoelectric generators in general containing an
evacuated space.
Subclass:
217
This subclass is indented under subclass 200. Apparatus
which includes a control burner for heating a junction.
(1) Note. The burner merely acts as a heat source for the
thermoelectric generator rather than performing general
heating.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
137, Fluid Handling, subclass 66 for a thermoelectric
current generator controlling a valve and heated by a burner
controlled by the valve.
431, Combustion, subclass 79 for a thermoelectric generator
heated by a pilot burner that has a distinct orifice heating
or igniting other structure.
Subclass:
218
This subclass is indented under subclass 217. Apparatus
which includes a forced fluid means (gas or liquid) for
removing heat from the cold junction of a couple.
Subclass:
219
This subclass is indented under subclass 217. Apparatus
wherein the thermocouples or the leads thereto are surrounded
by the carrier means for the pilot burner fuel.
Subclass:
220
This subclass is indented under subclass 217. Apparatus
which includes two or more thermocouples.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
224 for thermopiles generally.
Subclass:
221
This subclass is indented under subclass 200. Apparatus
which includes a means to resiliently press a sensor against
a body to be sensed.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
229 for a thermoelectric device which has additional contact
means for sensing solid work.
Subclass:
222
This subclass is indented under subclass 200. Apparatus
which includes a heating or cooling means for a junction of a
couple which does not sense heat quantities.
Subclass:
223
This subclass is indented under subclass 200. Apparatus
which includes a sealed space which is at substantially less
than atmospheric pressure.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
216 for evacuated radiation pyrometers.
Subclass:
224
This subclass is indented under subclass 200. Apparatus
which includes two or more couples.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
208 through 212, for plural junctions in a power generator.
220 for a pilot burner type thermopile.
Subclass:
225
This subclass is indented under subclass 224. Apparatus
wherein the thermopile is composed of plate, film or strip
type thermocouples.
Subclass:
226
This subclass is indented under subclass 224. Apparatus
wherein the thermopile is composed of a wire formed of turns
around an axis.
Subclass:
227
This subclass is indented under subclass 224. Apparatus
wherein plural couples have a composition which differs.
(1) Note. The thermopile may have one couple element common
to two different couples.
Subclass:
228
This subclass is indented under subclass 200. Apparatus
wherein one element of a couple is inside the other element
of a couple.
Subclass:
229
This subclass is indented under subclass 200. Apparatus
which includes a sensing means for transmitting or conducting
qualities of a solid member in contact therewith to a
thermoelectric junction.
Subclass:
230
This subclass is indented under subclass 200. Apparatus
having a thermoelectric device which includes a housing,
mounting or support.
Subclass:
231
This subclass is indented under subclass 230. Apparatus
which housing for the thermoelectric element contains an
entrance for a portion of the material the qualities of which
are to be determined.
Subclass:
232
This subclass is indented under subclass 230. Apparatus
wherein the junction of a thermoelectric member is surrounded
by a covering and sealed from the immediate atmosphere.
Subclass:
233
This subclass is indented under subclass 232. Apparatus in
which the covering is against the junction.
Subclass:
234
This subclass is indented under subclass 232. Apparatus
wherein the thermoelectric device is to be immersed in molten
metal.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
374, Thermal Measuring and Testing, subclass 140 for a
thermometer including a molten metal lance.
Subclass:
235
This subclass is indented under subclass 230. Apparatus
wherein the thermocouple leads have mechanically forced,
releasable, contact means for forming an electrical junction
with an external circuit.
Subclass:
236.1
Having particular thermoelectric composition:
This subclass is indented under subclass 200. Apparatus
wherein a thermoelectric composition is claimed.
(1) Note. To be placed herein rather than in a composition
class, a thermoelectric device defined by composition only
must claim at least two elements of the thermoelectric
device, e.g., two junction elements of a couple.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, 615 for
metallic composite defined in terms of the composition of its
components.
Subclass:
237
This subclass is indented under subclass 236.1. Apparatus
which includes a particular uniting composition for the
elements of a couple.
Subclass:
238
This subclass is indented under subclass 236.1. Apparatus
wherein the composition contains sulphur, oxygen, tellurium
or selenium.
Subclass:
239
This subclass is indented under subclass 236.1. Apparatus
wherein the composition contains carbon, silicon, titanium,
germanium, zirconium, tin, hafnium or lead.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, subclass 641
for a metallic composite in which a component has a silicon
or germanium base.
Subclass:
240
This subclass is indented under subclass 236.1. Apparatus
wherein the composition contains vanadium, arsenic, niobium,
antimony, tantalum, or bismuth.
Subclass:
241
This subclass is indented under subclass 236.1. Apparatus
wherein the composition contains copper, silver or gold.
Subclass:
242
This subclass is indented under subclass 200. Apparatus
directed to accessories for thermoelectric devices.
Subclass:
243
PHOTOELECTRIC:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device
which generates an electric potential upon exposure to light,
by the direct conversion of the light to electrical energy,
i.e., photovoltaic.
(1) Note. Similar structures may be disclosed as having
other functions, e.g., rectifying, photoconductive, etc., and
some of these photoelectric devices may be disclosed as
having several functions. A patent which discloses or claims
only a photovoltaic use will be placed here. A patent which
claims other uses or which is claimed generically will be
placed in another pertinent class, e.g., Class 250, Radiant
Energy, or Class 257, Active Solid-State Devices (e.g.,
Transistors, Solid-State Diodes).
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
200 for a similar device which directly converts heat to
electricity.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
250, Radiant Energy, 200 for circuits and applications which
incorporate a photoelectric cell.
257, Active Solid-State Devices (e.g., Transistors,
Solid-State Diodes), subclass 10, 11, 21, 53-56, 72, 80-85,
113-118, 184-189, 225-234, 257, 258, 290-294, 414, and
431-466 for light responsive active semiconductor devices.
430, Radiation Imagery Chemistry: Process, Composition or
Product, 57.4 for layered electrophotographic plates
containing silicon and selenium.
438, Semiconductor Device Manufacturing: Process, 57 for
processes of making a radiation responsive photovoltaic
device of the semiconductor barrier layer type.
Subclass:
244
Panel or array:
This subclass is indented under subclass 243. A
photoelectric cell combined with (a) at least one other
photoelectric cell, or (b) a different electric generating
means (e.g., galvanic), or (c) distinct perfecting means for
the photocell (e.g., cooling means).
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
200 for a thermocouple which may be combined with a
photocell.
Subclass:
245
Lightweight and collapsible or foldable:
This subclass is indented under subclass 244. Device which
includes means to associate various parts or elements in a
first compact arrangement for storage and/or transport and
also in a second operative arrangement for accepting
radiation, said device also utilizing materials and
structures designed to decrease the mass or gravitational
attraction.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
292 for a cross-reference art collection of space or
satellite applications.
Subclass:
246
With concentrator, orientator, reflector, or cooling means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 244. Device which
includes means to intensify, direct, or redirect light rays
with respect to the active elements or which includes means
to lower the temperature of the device.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
359, Optics: Systems (Including Communication) and Elements,
for optical devices of general utility.
Subclass:
247
Fluorescent concentrator:
This subclass is indented under subclass 246. Device in
which the light energy is absorbed and re-emitted at a
different wave length by the concentrator.
Subclass:
248
Hybrid conversion system:
This subclass is indented under subclass 246. Device which
includes at least one other source of electric energy (e.g.,
galvanic, etc.) or means to utilize heat energy.
(1) Note. Using the sun's rays for both heat and electric
power is a hybrid system.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
126, Stoves and Furnaces, 561, 569+ and 714, for means, per
se, designed to utilize the heat energy of the sun.
Subclass:
249
Monolithic semiconductor:
This subclass is indented under subclass 244. Device in
which the same semiconductor layer is common to two or more
individual cells.
Subclass:
250
Particulate or spherical semiconductor:
This subclass is indented under subclass 244. Device in
which the semiconductor exists is a state of fine subdivision
or is in the shape of a sphere.
Subclass:
251
Encapsulated or with housing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 244. Device in
which the photocells are embedded in one fluent, but now
solidified material or are contained within a framework.
Subclass:
252
Cell:
This subclass is indented under subclass 243. Device
directed to the details of an individual cell and/or
associated perfecting or enabling elements.
Subclass:
253
Radioactive, ionic, or thermo photo:
This subclass is indented under subclass 252. Photocell in
which the light which generates the photovoltaic effect is
produced by radio activity, ions, or heat (e.g.,
scintillation or incandescence, etc.).
Subclass:
254
Photoemissive, capacitive, magnetic, or ferroelectric:
This subclass is indented under subclass 252. Device in
which the light (a) causes emission of electrons from a
cathode, (b) alters the capacitance, (c) acts in a magnetic
field, or (d) utilizes the ferroelectric property of said
device.
Subclass:
255
Shottky, graded doping, plural junction or special junction
geometry:
This subclass is indented under subclass 252. Device which
includes a free metal semiconductor junction, more than one
junction or a junction claimed in terms or specific shape or
dimensions.
Subclass:
256
Contact, coating, or surface geometry:
This subclass is indented under subclass 252. Device in
which the claims recite the material, size or configuration
of a contact, a covering film or the surface of the
photocell.
Subclass:
257
Luminescent layer or optical filter:
This subclass is indented under subclass 256. Device in
which a coating has the property of absorbing light of
selected frequency or of re-emitting absorbed light.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
247 for a photocell with a fluorescent concentrator.
Subclass:
258
Polycrystalline or amorphous semiconductor:
This subclass is indented under subclass 252. Device in
which the semiconductor material is claimed or solely
disclosed as being polycrystalline or amorphous.
Subclass:
259
With concentrator, housing, cooling means, or encapsulated:
This subclass is indented under subclass 252. Device in
which the photocell is embedded in once fluid, but now
solidified, material or is contained within a framework or
includes means to lower the temperature of the device or
means to intensify the light.
Subclass:
260
Cadmium containing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 252. Device in
which an active layer includes a cadmium compound.
Subclass:
261
Silicon or germanium containing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 252. Device in
which an active layer includes silicon or a silicon or
germanium compound.
Subclass:
262
Gallium containing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 252. Device in
which an active layer includes a compound of gallium.
Subclass:
263
Organic active material containing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 252. Device in
which an active layer includes a carbon compound classifiable
in Class 260, Chemistry of Carbon Compounds or the Class 532
- 570 series, Organic Compounds.
Subclass:
264
Selenium or tellurium containing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 252. Device in
which an active layer contains either selenium or tellurium
as an element or an inorganic compound.
Subclass:
265
Copper, lead, or zinc containing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 252. Device in
which an active layer includes an inorganic compound of
copper, lead, or zinc.
CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS
Subclass:
290
TESTING, CALIBRATING, TREATING (E.G., AGING, ETC.):
A collection of art disclosing methods of checking,
adjusting, modifying and/or perfecting photovoltaic cells.
Subclass:
291
APPLICATIONS:
A collection of art disclosing methods of using or apparatus
incorporating photovoltaic cells.
Subclass:
292
Space-satellite:
This subclass is indented under subclass 291. A collection
of art in which the use or apparatus involves space or
satellites.
Subclass:
293
Circuits:
This subclass is indented under subclass 291. A collection
including details of electrical circuits.
Information Products Division -- Contacts
Questions regarding this report should be directed to:
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Information Products Division
PK3- Suite 441
Washington, DC 20231
tel: (703) 306-2600
FAX: (703) 306-2737
email: oeip@uspto.gov
Last Modified: 6 October 2000