U.S. PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
Information Products Division |
U.S. Patent Classification System - Classification Definitions
as of June 30, 2000
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Class 174
ELECTRICITY: CONDUCTORS AND INSULATORS
Class Definition:
1. This class is for inventions relating to the structure of
electrical conductors and insulators and insulators and the
apparatus specialized to mounting, supporting, encasing in
conduits, and/or housing the same.
2. Conductors may be bare or be encased in insulation, may be
single strand or plural strand, may be of single conductor
form or there may be a plurality of conductors associated
together to form a cable.
3. Since all materials that have the property of being
conductors of electricity and all devices made therefrom may
be termed electrical conductors, only those structures that
are specially designed to conduct electricity as their
proximate purpose are placed in this class.
4. Insulators are placed here when the structure thereof is
claimed, which structure is specially designed for spacing
two or more devices of different electrical potential from
each other or for spacing one or more devices from ground.
5. Since all materials which are poor conductors of
electricity and devices made therefrom may be termed
electrical insulators, only those structures whose proximate
purpose is that stated in the preceding paragraph are placed
in this class.
6. Conduits are placed in this class only when some
characteristic is claimed which limits the same to the
electrical use. For reasons above stated, the fact, claimed
or unclaimed, that the conduit is made of electrically
conductive and/or insulative material, will not cause
classification in this class. Cable systems and components
are classified elsewhere. See References to Other Classes,
below.
LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS
1. Housings (boxes, receptacles, containers, etc.) are placed
in this class only when limited to electrical use. The mere
fact, claimed or unclaimed, that the material of which the
box or housing is composed is conductive, and/or insulative,
will not cause classification in this class. See D, Housing,
Boxes Or Receptacles, below. To be classified in this class,
the claims must include some structure which limits the box
or housings to electrical use. The recitation that the box
or housings include an electrical device, recited by name
only, is sufficient to cause classification in this class
even though no other structure is recited which limits the
box or housings to electrical use. This class includes as
boxes, housings or envelopes such as are used for electric
lamps, electric space discharge devices, and similar
electrical devices which are enclosed in vitreous, ceramic,
nonmetallic plastic or metallic housings or envelopes. Where
such subject matter is otherwise properly within the scope of
this class, the mere naming of the type of lamp or discharge
device as being the device within the housing or envelope
will not exclude the patent from this class. Neither will the
recitation of an electrode broadly recited within the housing
or envelope exclude the patent from this class although if
the electrode is claimed as a filament, anode, grid or other
specific electrode, the patent will be excluded. Also, the
recitation of electrode supporting structure when broadly
recited or when recited so as to be of general utility will
not exclude the patent from this class. For example, means
for supporting an electrode assembly, or lead-in wires
supporting an electrode will not exclude the patent from
Class 174. Where the supporting structure is limited to use
with electric lamp or discharge device structure, the patent
is excluded from Class 174 and will be found elsewhere. For
such envelopes and housings in this class, where the envelope
is provided with means peculiarly adapted for use in
connection with a vacuum, gas or fluid (but not merely a
hermetically sealed envelope designed for use with a vacuum
or gas filling where no structure peculiarly adapted for use
with a vacuum or fluid except the hermetic seals is claimed)
see Subclass References to the Current Class, below. Where
the structure includes a current conductive fluid (e.g., a
liquid used as a part of the lead-in structure) or where a
vacuum is used (e.g., as a space around the lead-in designed
to be continuously evacuated to reduce leakage of air or
gas), see Subclass References to the Current Class, below.
Where the envelope or housing has combined therewith means
for feeding, circulating or distributing a fluid including
means to cool the fluid or has means to cool the box or
housing or the device therein where the cooling means
involves the use of a fluid, see Subclass References to the
Current Class, below. For miscellaneous envelopes, boxes and
housings, see Subclass References to the Current Class,
below. For miscellaneous hermetically sealed envelopes and
housing (including housings which are provided with an
evacuating stem or opening or which use a liquid to form the
hermetic seal) see Subclass References to the Current Class,
below. For structures which are bushings or other devices
for insulating a conductor or object from a wall or plate
through which the conductor or object passes, see Subclass
References to the Current Class, below. For such envelopes
and housings provided with an electric shield which wholly or
partially surrounds the envelope and for such envelopes and
housings which include means to shield the housing or a part
there of from electromagnetic or electrostatic effects, see
Subclass References to the Current Class, below. For
miscellaneous such boxes and housings, see Subclass
References to the Current Class, below. For miscellaneous
hermetically sealed envelopes and housings in this class,
including those provided with lead-in wires or other
conductive means for conducting electricity to the device
within the housing, see References to Other Classes, below.
Note that this class provides for devices (e.g., bushings)
for insulating a conductor from a wall or plate (such as a
metallic envelope wall) through which the conductor extends,
the bushing may be fluid tight and include a glass to metal
seal. See Subclass References to the Current Class, below.
2. The main use of electrical conductors is to conduct
electricity to an electric translator for using the same.
Such electric translators are frequently positioned in the
conductor conduit or housing. The mere inclusion of such
translator broadly in the claim, without setting forth the
characteristics thereof, will not exclude the same from this
class but where particular characteristics of the electric
translator are claimed, classification is in the class
appropriate to such translator.
Whereas housings for electronic devices and components are
also provided for elsewhere, Class 257 provides for housings
(1) wherein the housing is for an active solid state device,
details of which are positively recited in the claims, or (2)
wherein the recited housing is necessary to make a usable
active solid state device whether or not the active solid
state device is recited nominally or in detail.
Claims that recite housings with only nominal recitation of
active solid state devices of only one type should not be
classified as originals (ORs) in either Class 257 or Class
361, but rather in Class 174.
3. Processes other than manufacturing processes, are
classified in this class in the subclasses with the
correlative structures.
A. MISCELLANEOUS
Compounds and compositions which are dielectrics, and their
manufacture, are classified elsewhere. Ceramic compositions
useful as electrical insulators are classified elsewhere.
Compositions containing a synthetic resin having utility as a
filling or flooding composition for cables or to processes of
preparing said composition are also classified elsewhere.
(See References to Other Classes, below.) The claimed
combination of conductor, coated or covered with the
dielectric, is in this class (174) when such combination
includes some structure of the conductor other than a mere
wire, cable, etc., coated with the dielectric. Fluid
dielectrics and processes which cover merely the use of the
fluid dielectric to insulate electrically conducting elements
from each other or from ground are elsewhere. The
combination of such fluid dielectrics with particular
structure, or processes of use with particular structure or
with conducting elements bearing particular relations to each
other, are in this class (174) or in another appropriate
electrical art class.
Processes and apparatus for making wire and filaments
regardless of the material used are elsewhere. Processes for
wire or filament making combined with a coating or covering
operation for conductors which are no more than metal stock,
even though claimed as being electric conductors are
elsewhere. Process or an apparatus for making or reshaping a
wire by a mere plastic metal working operation, e.g.,
die-drawing are elsewhere. (See References to Other Classes,
below.)
For apparatus for coating conductors, see References to Other
Classes, below.
Class 57, Textiles: Spinning, Twisting, and Twining, takes
processes and/or apparatus for making conductors by
operations within the class definition and also takes patents
to conductor structure where the apparatus and/or process is
also claimed. Patents claiming only conductor structure are
in this class (174). Class 57 takes patents to strands of
twisted or twined form not limited by the claims to being
conductors. This same line exists with the other textile
classes, for which see References to Other Classes, below.
Coating Processes, per se, wherein an electrical product is
produced are classified elsewhere. (See References to Other
Classes, below.)
Methods of making indefinite length electrical conductors are
classified elsewhere. (See References to Other Classes,
below.)
A residual mast or tower with an article support structure,
having no claimed feature of electrical significance, is
classified elsewhere. (See References to Other Classes,
below.)
Metallurgical bonding, surface bonding by rod encasing, and
surface bonding with mechanical shaping are classified
elsewhere. (See References to Other Classes, below.)
B. CONDUCTORS AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
Structures specially designed for transmitting electrical
energy between relatively moving objects including the
structure of conduits and conductors with the means for
mounting or supporting the same, and electrical systems
specialized to this use are elsewhere.
As stated in the class definition, this class (174) pertains
to the structure of electric conductors. Substantially all
art structures of either electrical or nonelectrical
character are capable of having conductor structures
associated therewith. The combination of art devices
significantly claimed with conductors is with the appropriate
art.
Electrical systems are with the appropriate art. Electrical
systems for power, control, signaling or other purposes
combined with nonelectrical art devices significantly claimed
are, in general, classified with the nonelectrical art
device. Electrical conductors in combination with particular
electrical devices significantly claimed and classifiable in
other classes are with such other classes. (See References
To Other Classes, below.)
See the appropriate subclasses of this class for further
notes relative to other classes.
C. CONDUITS
Conduit structures even though claimed as electrical conduits
and/or claimed as made of electrically insulating and/or
conductive materials are classified elsewhere. In addition
to the conduit structure there must be claimed additional
characteristics such as the contained electrical conductors,
electrical apparatus, added insulators and/or other
characteristics specialized to electrical use to cause
classification in this class (174). (See References to Other
Classes, below.)
A service duct within a barrier wherein a feature limited to
electrical use is not claimed is classified elsewhere. (See
References to Other Classes, below.)
Hydraulic and Earth Engineering, for tunnels and subways not
restricted solely to electrical use is classified elsewhere.
(See References to Other Classes, below.)
Conduits combined with pavement, curb or gutter structure and
not limited solely to electrical use are classified
elsewhere. (See References to Other Classes, below.)
Railways are classified elsewhere. (See References to Other
Classes, below.)
Electricity: Transmission to Vehicles is classified
elsewhere. (See References to Other Classes, below.)
See appropriate subclasses of this class for further notes
relative to other classes.
D. HOUSING, BOXES OR RECEPTACLES
When claimed in combination with the contained equipment
significantly set forth (other than the conductors and/or
insulators), they are with the class appropriate to the
contained equipment.
For envelopes for electric lamps and electric space discharge
devices which are included in this class, see this section,
Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, above.
The mere structure of the housing, box or receptacle is in
the class appropriate thereto. Housings and envelopes for
electric lamps, electric space discharge devices and similar
devices where no electrical structure is claimed, and for
receptacles of the junction or outlet type are classified
elsewhere. (See References to Other Classes, below.)
Underground installations, wall mounted, and other boxes and
housings are located herein. (See Subclass References to the
Current Class.)
This class provides for the structure of a housing, box or
receptacle and electrical connector structure for making
electrical contact between the lead-in conductors of the
receptacle (i.e., the conductors which pass through the wall
of the housing, box or receptacle) and an external circuit
and for junction boxes, housings or receptacles with
electrical connectors where significant structure of the
housing, box or receptacle is recited in addition to the
electrical connector structure. Class 439 provides for
housing, boxes and receptacles with electrical connectors
where no more structure is recited than is necessary to mount
or support the electrical connectors. Also, Class 439
provides for electrical connectors in combination with the
housing, box or receptacle for the connector (e.g., housed
connectors) where significant connector structure is
recited.
E. INSULATORS
See A, Miscellaneous, above, and its associated search notes
in References to Other Classes, below, for dielectric
compositions and compounds.
For a references to devices for electrically insulating one
or more conductors or other articles or structures from one
another or from a supporting structure or ground, see
Subclass References to the Current Class, below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
8 where the envelope is provided with means peculiarly
adapted for use in connection with a vacuum, gas or fluid
(but not merely a hermetically sealed envelope designed for
use with a vacuum or gas filling where no structure
peculiarly adapted for use with a vacuum or fluid except the
hermetic seals is claimed.
9 where the structure includes a current conductive fluid
(e.g., a liquid used as a part of the lead-in structure) or
where a vacuum is used (e.g., as a space around the lead-in
designed to be continuously evacuated to reduce leakage of
air or gas).
15.1 where the envelope or housing has combined therewith
means for feeding, circulating or distributing a fluid
including means to cool the fluid or has means to cool the
box or housing or the device therein where the cooling means
involves the use of a fluid.
17 for the miscellaneous envelopes, boxes and housings under
subclass 8.
17.05 for the miscellaneous hermetically sealed envelopes
and housing within the definition of subclass 8 (including
housings which are provided with an evacuating stem or
opening or which use a liquid to form the hermetic seal).
31 for structures under subclass 8 which are bushings or
other devices for insulating a conductor or object from a
wall or plate through which the conductor or object passes,
35 for such envelopes and housings provided with an electric
shield which wholly or partially surrounds the envelope and
for such envelopes and housings which include means to shield
the housing or a part there of from electromagnetic or
electrostatic effects.
37 and indented subclasses for underground installations.
48 and 49 for wall mounted housings.
50 and indented subclasses for other boxes and housings, and
the notes thereunder.
50 for miscellaneous boxes and housings.
50.5 for the miscellaneous hermetically sealed envelopes and
housings in this class, including those provided with lead-in
wires or other conductive means for conducting electricity to
the device within the housing.
137 see the notes to this subclass, and the subclasses
thereunder for devices for electrically insulating one or
more conductors or other articles or structures from one
another or from a supporting structure or ground.
151 for devices (e.g., bushings) for insulating a conductor
from a wall or plate (such as a metallic envelope wall)
through which the conductor extends, the bushing may be fluid
tight and include a glass to metal seal.
REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
19, Textiles: Fiber Preparation. (See Lines With Other
Classes, "Miscellaneous," above.)
26, Textiles: Cloth Finishing. (See Lines With Other
Classes, "Miscellaneous," above.)
28, Textiles: Manufacturing. (See Lines With Other Classes,
"Miscellaneous," above.)
29, Metal Working, for processes and apparatus for making
wire and filaments regardless of the material used. Included
are processes for wire or filament making combined with a
coating or covering operation; see 400.1, especially subclass
460 where conductor parts are assembled and then coated,
subclass 461 where a stranded conductor is joined to another
member by spreading the conductor strands, and subclasses
527.1+ where a coating operation is involved. (See Lines
With Other Classes, "Miscellaneous," above.)
52, Static Structures (e.g., Buildings), subclass 40 for a
residual mast or tower with an article support structure,
having no claimed feature of electrical significance. (Lines
With Other Classes, "Miscellaneous")
52, Static Structures (e.g., Buildings), 220.1 for a service
duct within a barrier wherein a feature limited to electrical
use is not claimed. (Lines With Other Classes, "Conduits")
57, Textiles: Spinning, Twisting, and Twining, takes
processes and/or apparatus for making conductors by
operations within the class definition and also takes patents
to conductor structure where the apparatus and/or process is
also claimed. Patents claiming only conductor structure are
in this class (174), Class 57 taking in subclass 200 and
indented subclasses patents to strands of twisted or twined
form not limited by the claims to being conductors. (Lines
With Other Classes, "Miscellaneous")
66, Textiles: Knitting. (See Lines With Other Classes,
"Miscellaneous," above.)
72, Metal Deforming, takes a process or an apparatus for
making or reshaping a wire by a mere plastic metal working
operation, e.g., die-drawing. (See Lines With Other Classes,
"Miscellaneous," above.)
87, Textiles: Braiding, Netting, and Lace Making. (See
Lines With Other Classes, "Miscellaneous," above.)
104, Railways, subclass 140, and indented subclasses. (Lines
With Other Classes, "Conduits").
106, Compositions: Coating or Plastic, appropriate
subclasses for compounds and compositions which are
dielectrics, and their manufacture. (See Lines With Other
Classes, "Miscellaneous," above.)
118, Coating Apparatus, takes apparatus for coating
conductors. (Lines With Other Classes, "Miscellaneous")
136, Batteries: Thermoelectric and Photoelectric. (See Lines
With Other Classes, "Conductors and Electrical Systems")
138, Pipes and Tubular Conduits, for conduit structures even
though claimed as electrical conduits and/or claimed as made
of electrically insulating and/or conductive materials. See
Class 138 and the notes appended to the definitions. (See
Lines With Other Classes, "Conduits," above.)
139, Textiles: Weaving. (See Lines With Other Classes,
"Miscellaneous," above.)
156, Adhesive Bonding and Miscellaneous Chemical Manufacture,
47 takes methods of making indefinite length electrical
conductors not elsewhere provided for. (Lines With Other
Classes, "Miscellaneous")
178, Telegraphy, subclass 45 for wave transmission systems
having loaded cable structures. (See Lines With Other
Classes, "Conductors and Electrical Systems")
187, Elevator, Industrial Lift Truck, or Stationary Lift for
Vehicle, 277 for an electrical control system for an
elevator car drive means and subclass 413 for a specific
arrangement or connection of an electrical service line with
other elevator structure. (See Lines With Other Classes,
"Conductors and Electrical Systems")
191, Electricity: Transmission to Vehicles, subclass 23 and
indented subclasses (Lines With Other Classes, "Conduits").
191, Electricity: Transmission to Vehicles, has structures
specially designed for transmitting electrical energy between
relatively moving objects including the structure of conduits
and conductors with the means for mounting or supporting the
same, and electrical systems specialized to this use. (Lines
With Other Classes, "Conductors and Electrical Systems, "
above.)
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers. (See Lines
With Other Classes, "Conductors and Electrical Systems")
204, Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy. (See Lines With
Other Classes, "Conductors and Electrical Systems")
208, Mineral Oils: Processes and Products, appropriate
subclasses for compounds and compositions which are
dielectrics, and their manufacture. (See Lines With Other
Classes, "Miscellaneous," above.)
219, Electric Heating. (See Lines With Other Classes,
"Conductors and Electrical Systems")
220, Receptacles, subclass 2.1 for housings and envelopes
for electric lamps, electric space discharge devices and
similar devices where no electrical structure is claimed, and
subclasses 3.2+ for receptacles of the junction or outlet
type. (Lines With Other Classes, "Housing, Boxes Or
Receptacles")
228, Metal Fusion Bonding is the generic class for
metallurgical bonding and includes (see 126 ) surface bonding
by rod encasing and includes (see subclasses 141.1+) surface
bonding with mechanical shaping.
246, Railway Switches and Signals. (See Lines With Other
Classes, "Conductors and Electrical Systems, " above.)
250, Radiant Energy. (See Lines With Other Classes,
"Conductors and Electrical Systems")
252, Compositions, for fluid dielectrics and processes which
cover merely the use of the fluid dielectric to insulate
electrically conducting elements from each other or from
ground. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Miscellaneous,''
above.)
260, Chemistry of Carbon Compounds, appropriate subclasses
for compounds and compositions which are dielectrics, and
their manufacture. See 2.01. (See Lines With Other Classes,
"Miscellaneous," above.)
290, Prime-Mover Dynamo Plants. (See Lines With Other
Classes, "Conductors and Electrical Systems")
307, Electrical Transmission or Interconnection Systems,
appropriate subclasses for electrical distribution systems or
systems for interconnecting two or more sources of
electricity and/or two or more loads. (See Lines With Other
Classes, "Conductors and Electrical Systems")
313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, for supporting
structure limited to use with electric lamp or discharge
device structure. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This
Class)
315, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Systems. (See
Lines With Other Classes, "Conductors and Electrical
Systems")
318, Electricity: Motive Power Systems. (See Lines With
Other Classes, "Conductors and Electrical Systems")
320, Electricity: Battery or Capacitor Charging or
Discharging. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Conductors and
Electrical Systems")
322, Electricity: Single Generator Systems. (See Lines With
Other Classes, "Conductors and Electrical Systems")
323, Electricity: Power Supply or Regulation Systems. (See
Lines With Other Classes, "Conductors and Electrical
Systems")
324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing. (See Lines With
Other Classes, "Conductors and Electrical Systems")
333, Wave Transmission Lines and Networks. (See Lines With
Other Classes, "Conductors and Electrical Systems")
338, Electrical Resistors, especially subclass 209 for
extensible resistors, subclasses 210+ for flexible or folding
resistors, including subclass 214 for cable type resistors,
subclasses 226+ for incased, embedded or housed resistors,
subclass 321 for resistance element cores and frames which
may be of insulating material, and subclass 322 for resistors
with terminals. See Lines With Other Classes, "Conduits,
Cables, and Conductors With Resistive Material" and
"Resistance Components and Subcombinations" in the class
definition under Class 338 for certain classification lines
relating to this subject matter. (See Lines With Other
Classes, "Conductors and Electrical Systems")
340, Communications: Electrical. (See Lines With Other
Classes, "Conductors and Electrical Systems")
343, Communications: Radio Wave Antennas, 700 for antennas.
(See Lines With Other Classes, "Conductors and Electrical
Systems")
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices. (See
Lines With Other Classes, "Conductors and Electrical
Systems")
363, Electric Power Conversion Systems. (See Lines With
Other Classes, "Conductors and Electrical Systems")
373, Industrial Electric Heating Furnaces. (See Lines With
Other Classes, "Conductors and Electrical Systems")
375, Pulse or Digital Communications, subclass 36 for cable
systems and components. (See Class Definition, above.)
375, Pulse or Digital Communications, subclass 257 for cable
systems and components. (See Lines With Other Classes,
"Conductors and Electrical Systems")
379, Telephonic Communications 90.01 and indented subclasses
having composite electrical systems and subclass 415 and
indented subclasses having anti-inductive systems. (See
Lines With Other Classes, "Conductors and Electrical
Systems")
404, Road Structure, Process, or Apparatus, subclass 3, 4+,
and 17+ for conduits combined with pavement, curb or gutter
structure and not limited solely to electrical use. (Lines
With Other Classes, "Conduits")
405, Hydraulic and Earth Engineering, 132, for tunnels and
subways not restricted solely to electrical use. (Lines With
Other Classes, "Conduits")
423, Chemistry of Inorganic Compounds, appropriate subclasses
for compounds and compositions which are dielectrics, and
their manufacture. (See Lines With Other Classes,
"Miscellaneous," above.)
427, Coating Processes, 58 for coating processes, per se,
wherein an electrical product is produced.
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, appropriate
subclasses, for stock material, particularly in plural layer
form, which may be disclosed as having the property of
electrical conductivity or insulation. (Lines With Other
Classes, "Conductors and Electrical Systems")
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, 544 for
conductors which are no more than metal stock, even though
claimed as being electric conductors. (Lines With Other
Classes, "Miscellaneous")
429, Chemistry: Electrical Current Producing Apparatus,
Product and Process. (See Lines With Other Classes,
"Conductors and Electrical Systems")
439, Electrical Connectors. (See Lines With Other Classes,
"Conductors and Electrical Systems")
501, Compositions: Ceramic, appropriate subclasses for
ceramic compositions useful as electrical insulator. (Lines
With Other Classes, "Miscellaneous")
520, Synthetic Resins or Natural Rubbers, appropriate
subclasses. (Lines With Other Classes, "Miscellaneous")
523, Synthetic Resins or Natural Rubbers, subclass 173 for a
composition containing a synthetic resin having utility as a
filling or flooding composition for cables or to processes of
preparing said composition. (Lines With Other Classes,
"Miscellaneous")
585, Chemistry of Hydrocarbon Compounds, appropriate
subclasses for compounds and compositions which are
dielectrics, and their manufacture. (See Lines With Other
Classes, "Miscellaneous," above.)
SUBCLASSES
Subclass:
1
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Structures not provided for in the following subclasses.
Subclass:
2
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Structures for protecting life and/or property from
atmospheric electrical discharges, due to either a direct
stroke or due to induction from the discharge.
(1) Note. For related subject matter in this class, see
Search This Class, Subclass, below.
(2) Note. Where significant structure of the device
protected is claimed, in addition to that necessary to define
the lightning protective means, the classification is with
the device, with a cross-reference here.
(3) Note. Art structures made of conductive and/or
insulative materials are with the appropriate art, even
though claimed to be for lightning protective purposes.
(4) Note. Collection of atmospheric electricity is
elsewhere. See the Search Class notes below.
(5) Note. Protection of electrical equipment from
electrical disturbances including over-voltage is with the
appropriate art even though the disturbance is disclosed and
claimed as due to lightning. See the Search Class notes
below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
4 for air terminals.
5 for electric shock hazard protective devices not
specialized to lightning protection.
6 and 7, for Earth grounds, per se.
32 and indented subclasses for anti-inductive structures.
48 and 49 for building structures combined with conductors,
not specialized to lightning protection, subclasses.
73.1 for conduit, cable and conductor joint and end
structures with conductive stress distributing means.
102 and indented subclasses for conductors with conductive
armors or sheaths.
110 and indented subclasses for insulated conductors.
126.1 and indented subclasses for conductor structure, per
se.
140 and indented subclasses for insulators with conductive
arcing or stress distributing means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
178, Telegraphy, subclass 69 for telegraph line clearing and
circuit maintenance.
256, Fences, subclass 10, for fences constructed to be
electrically charged.
310, Electrical Generator or Motor Structure, subclass 308
for collection of atmospheric electricity.
324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing, subclass 110 for
electric meter protection.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, 1 for
miscellaneous safety systems for protecting electrical
apparatus and subclasses 61+ for lightning arresters;
subclasses 212+ for discharging of static charges.
379, Telephonic Communications, subclass 415 for
anti-inductive telephone systems;
Subclass:
3
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Structures
claiming only lightning rod conductor structure. The
complete rod includes its appurtenances, such as the air
terminal at one end, grounding means at the other end,
mounting devices, etc.
(1) Note. Systems of lightning rods and lightning rods
claimed in combination with the device protected are
elsewhere in this class.
(2) Note. Conduit, cable and conductor structure of general
application and for conductor structure, per se, including
that claimed as lightning rods, are elsewhere in this class.
(3) Note. For conductor supports, for a supporting device
having means for receiving a staff, and for pipe or cable
supports, see the search notes below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
2 for systems of lightning rods and lightning rods claimed
in combination with the device protected
68.1 for conduit, cable and conductor structure of general
application,
126.1 for conductor structure, per se, including that
claimed as lightning rods.
137 for conductor supports.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
248, Supports, particularly 511, for a supporting device
having means for receiving a staff, and subclass 49 and
indented subclasses, for pipe or cable supports.
Subclass:
4
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Structures of conductor air terminals and combinations
thereof with subject matter.
(1) Note. These are mostly disclosed with relation to
lightning protection systems in this class.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
2 3, for lightning protection systems.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
343, Communications: Radio Wave Antennas, 700, for radio
antenna construction, see Class
Subclass:
5
Miscellaneous structures for protecting persons or animals
against electrical shock. Included, for example, are (1)
covers or guards adapted to be positioned about a charged
conductor or other electrical equipment for preventing
accidental contact therewith; (2) devices for insulating the
body of a person or animal from ground; and (3) devices
forming a shunt path from a charged conductor to ground in
the event of accidental contact therewith.
(1) Note. This subclass does not take mere sheathed or
insulated wires or cables, nor conductors which are installed
in conduits, for which see this class, subclass 68.1 and
indented subclasses; but short lengths of insulation tubes or
sleeves adapted to be positioned about an exposed position of
conductor to prevent contact therewith by persons or animals
are here.
(2) Note. Protective devices of the character provided for
here, but limited by structure to use with specific electric
apparatus, are classified in the appropriate apparatus
class.
(3) Note. For art structure, in general, formed in whole or
in part of insulating material or otherwise constructed to
protect the wearer or user against electrical shock, see the
appropriate art class.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
2 3 for protection of life and/or property against
lightning.
37 50+ for mere manholes, boxes or casings for housing
electrical apparatus.
136 for conduit, cable or conductor anti-abrasion devices.
137 for insulators not limited to use as shock-hazard
protective devices, see this class, subclass
138 for electrically insulated pull chains for switches.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
2, Apparel, for art structure, in general,
81, Tools, for art structure, in general.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, 212 for
discharging static electricity.
191, Electricity: Transmission to Vehicles, subclass 30, 31
and 35, for protected third rails and guarded trolley
conductors.
294, Handling: Hand and Hoist-Line Implements, subclass 19
and indented subclasses for devices for temporarily holding
and handling conductors while insulators are being changed.
16, Miscellaneous Hardware, 431 for insulated handles.
439, Electrical Connectors, appropriate subclasses for
connector coupling devices having insulation or barrier means
to prevent contact with the "live" parts thereof,
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclass
51.09 for such devices having automatic means for
deenergizing the contacts upon separation of the coupling
parts.
Subclass:
6
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Structures having means specially designed to make intimate
contact with the earth to establish electrical connection
between a conductor and the earth.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
37 for underground installations of conductors other than
earth grounds.
51 for devices in this class involving means for
establishing electrical connection between a box or housing
and a grounded conductor.
78 for conduit, cable, and conductor structures having end
structure combined with grounding means, see this class,
subclass 78.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
52, Static Structures (e.g., Buildings), 146, 153+, 155+, and
292+ for earth anchors or shafts, e.g., poles with anchors or
bases, not limited to use as earth grounds.
204, Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy, 196.01,
especially subclasses 196.21 and 196.36 earth grounds
employed with means for applying an electrical current or
potential to prevent corrosion, scale formation or other
objectionable action upon an object which may be placed upon
or within the ground.
343, Communications: Radio Wave Antennas, 829, 845 and 846+
for antennas with a ground connection or grounding
structure.
439, Electrical Connectors, 92 for an electrical connector
with circuit conductors and safety grounding provision; and
subclasses 207+ for an electrical connector combined with a
conduit or duct therefor.
Subclass:
7
This subclass is indented under subclass 6. Structures
having a portion so formed as to permit it to be readily
driven into the earth.
Subclass:
8
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Structures in which a vacuum or fluid is employed or having
means peculiarly adapted for use in connection with a vacuum
or with material in a fluid condition.
(1) Note. In the subject matter for this class, all spaces
are subject to being filled with insulating material in a
fluid or solid condition. Thus when the claims define
structure which will provide such space, classification will
be made in subclasses 8+ only when the claims are limited to
the use of fluid or presence of a vacuum and/or are limited
to structure which will have its intended function because of
the use of materials in fluid condition or the presence of a
vacuum. This principle is further stated in particular Notes
to the indented subclasses.
(2) Note. Even though the material is disclosed as being of
a character which will subsequently harden, if the means
claimed provides for using or handling such material in a
fluid condition, it is in this subclass or the indented
subclasses. The fluid may be in any state, i.e., a liquid,
gas, or vapor.
(3) Note. Where the sole fluid is the atmosphere exterior
to the device, it is excluded, even though means to seal or
otherwise keep moisture or air out is claimed.
(3.5) Note. See Lines With Other Classes, 1., and "Housing,
Boxes or Receptacles" of the class definition for the subject
matter included in this and the indented subclasses. Note
that this and the indented subclasses include housings and
envelopes for electric lamps, electric space discharge
devices and similar devices which are within the class and
subclass definition. See especially indented subclasses 9,
15.1+, 17+ (see 17.05+ for the hermetically sealed envelopes
and housings) and subclass 31. Note that merely stating that
the housing or envelope is for a vacuum or gas filled tube
will not cause classification in this or the indented
subclass even though hermetic seals for the housing or
envelope are claimed.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
47 for fluid conveying conduits combined with conductors.
101.5 for gas filled or vacuum spaces to merely make conduit
or cable structures buoyant.
118 for the use of powdered or granular material in
insulated cables.
126.1 for bare conductors made of single or plural wires.
211 for the exterior formation of insulators to dispose of
rain or atmospheric moisture.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
137, Fluid Handling, for fluid handling devices in general,
particularly subclass 375.
218, High-Voltage Switches With Arc Preventing or
Extinguishing Devices, 1 for switches utilizing arc
extinguishing fluids.
313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, 11 provides for
electric lamps and electric space discharge devices which are
provided with means for modifying the temperature of the lamp
or discharge device (including such devices where a fluid is
used as the temperature modifying medium), subclasses 567+
provides for lamps and discharge devices which have an
envelope containing a gas or vapor, subclasses 231.01+
provides for discharge devices having means for introducing a
fluent material to the discharge space and for lamps and
discharge devices having means for directing the flow of
fluent material in the lamp or discharge device.
333, Wave Transmission Lines and Networks, 219 for
resonators (e.g., cavity type) and subclasses 236+ for long
lines (e.g., wave guide type) in which a vacuum, gas or fluid
is employed.
336, Inductor Devices, provides in 55 for transformer and
inductive reactor structure with means to modify the
temperature of the structure (including where a fluid is used
as a temperature modifier).
Subclass:
9
This subclass is indented under subclass 8. Structures in
which a fluid designed to carry an electric current is
utilized; or in which a vacuum is employed for any purpose.
(1) Note. This subclass includes devices within the class
definition having as a part thereof an electric conductor
formed by a fluid (e.g., mercury).
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclass 32,
81.6 and 152 for electric circuit makers and breakers in
which contact is made through a conducting fluid, usually
mercury.
220, Receptacles, 2.1 for envelopes and housings which are
designed to be evacuated for electric lamps, electric space
discharge devices and similar devices where no electrical
structure is claimed.
313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, appropriate
subclasses for electric space discharge devices which have an
evacuated or gas or vapor filled envelope and in which a part
of the current path is the evacuated or gas or vapor filled
space, and subclass 233 and 315+ for electric lamps which
are provided with an evacuated envelope.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, 47 for electromagnetically activated
switches in which contact is made through a conductive
fluid.
337, Electricity: Electrothermally or Thermally Actuated
Switches, subclass 21 for electrothermal or thermal switches
employing conductive fluid, subclasses 25+ for such switches
combined with electric discharge means and subclasses 28+ for
similar switches combined with space discharge devices.
Subclass:
10
This subclass is indented under subclass 8. Cables and
conduits having means associated therewith intended to be
used only prior to or during installation of the device, as
during shipment or storage.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
254, Implements or Apparatus for Applying Pushing or Pulling
Force, 134.3 for conductors not having significant
electrical features and cables in combination with
wire-placing means, see Class
Subclass:
11
This subclass is indented under subclass 8. Structures
including (1) means responsive to some condition of the fluid
(for example, temperature, pressure or flow) to operate some
device (for example, valves, switches or indicators), (2)
also all combinations with signaling or indicating means,
including liquid level gauges.
(1) Note. Fluid pressure operated valves are included.
(2) Note. This subclass does not include mere expansion and
contraction devices which compensate for changes in volume of
the fluid, unless associated with fluid controlled or
indicating means. Such expansion and contraction devices are
elsewhere in this class.
(3) Note. For signaling means and means responsive to a
condition of a fluid, and not limited to combination with
subject matter of this class (174), see the appropriate
class, the following in Search Class, below, being
particularly noted.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
73, Measuring and Testing, 40, for means for detecting leaks
in electrical apparatus utilizing fluids where the structural
characteristics of the electrical apparatus are not claimed.
116, Signals and Indicators. (See Note (3), above.)
137, Fluid Handling, particularly 455 and 551+. (See Note
(3), above.)
138, Pipes and Tubular Conduits, particularly 26. (See Note
(3), above.)
220, Receptacles, particularly 721. (See Note (3), above.)
236, Automatic Temperature and Humidity Regulation. (See
Note (3), above.)
313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, subclass 13 for
electric lamps and discharge devices with nonelectrical means
for controlling the temperature modifying medium used with
the lamp or discharge device.
315, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Systems, 112 for
electric lamps and discharge devices with electrical means
for controlling the temperature modifying medium used with
the lamp or discharge device.
340, Communications: Electrical, appropriate subclasses.
Note particularly 577, 584+, 603+, and 635+. (See Note (3),
above.)
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclass
14 for miscellaneous electrical systems having fluid
condition response means for controlling the system for
safety purposes (e.g. opening supply circuit if cooling
medium is not effective).
374, Thermal Measuring and Testing, particularly subclass
152. (See Note (3), above.)
Subclass:
12
This subclass is indented under subclass 8. Structures
including means providing for expansion and contraction of
the fluid.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
11 to complete the search.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
92, Expansible Chamber Devices, appropriate subclasses for an
expansible chamber device, and particularly 34 for a bellows
type expansible chamber device, and subclasses 89+ for a
collapsible chamber type expansible chamber device.
138, Pipes and Tubular Conduits, 26, for pressure
compensators for pipes and tubular conduits.
220, Receptacles, 720 and indented subclasses, for accessory
means providing for expansion in a receptacle not limited to
electrical apparatus.
Subclass:
13
This subclass is indented under subclass 12. Structures
embodied in or constituting part of the structure of a
conduit or cable.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
24 for fluid containing conduit and cable structures not
involving expansion and contraction means.
68.1 for conduit and cable structures not involving fluids.
Subclass:
14
This subclass is indented under subclass 8. Structures
having means for preserving or maintaining the character of
the fluid. For example, this includes means for drying
gases, dehydrating liquids, and all forms of chemical or
physical treatment of the fluid other than mere cooling,
fluid feeding, circulating or distributing which is in this
class, subclasses 15.1 and 16.
(1) Note. Electrical equipment containing fluid dielectrics
having a preservative ingredient as the sole preserving means
are not in this subclass but in subclass 8 or other
appropriate indented subclass.
(2) Note. For processes, compositions and apparatus for
purifying materials, not limited to combination with subject
matter for this class, see the appropriate class.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
95, Gas Separation: Processes, for processes, compositions
and apparatus for purifying materials, not limited to
combination with subject matter for this class (174).
96, Gas Separation: Apparatus, for processes, compositions
and apparatus for purifying materials, not limited to
combination with subject matter for this class (174).
137, Fluid Handling, 455 pipes and other fluid handling
devices combined with means responsive to a change in the
conditions in the line for maintaining or correcting the
condition.
191, Electricity: Transmission to Vehicles, subclass 27, for
heated conduits restricted to the purpose of that class.
210, Liquid Purification or Separation, especially subclass
243, for electrical insulating or electricity discharging
means which is ancillary to a separator and subclasses 167+
for separators in a closed circulating system for an art
device not provided for elsewhere; and
252, Compositions, has fluid dielectric compositions
containing preservative ingredients.
261, Gas and Liquid Contact Apparatus, for processes,
compositions and apparatus for purifying materials, not
limited to combination with subject matter for this class
(174).
313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, subclasses 545-566
for electric lamps and electronic tubes which are provided
with a getter or gas or vapor generating material to
preserve, maintain, or used to secure a desired vacuum or gas
or vapor atmosphere within the envelope of the device.
Subclass:
15.1
With cooling or fluid feeding, circulating or distributing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 8. Subject matter
combined with means for feeding, circulating or distributing
a fluid or with means for cooling either the fluid or the
apparatus.
(1) Note. See Lines With Other Classes, above, section 1.,
for the lines between this subclass, other subclasses in this
class, and elsewhere for housings and envelopes for
electrical devices.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
11 for subject matter including a fluid condition responsive
means for initiating an operation of a device.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
62, Refrigeration, appropriate subclasses for material and
space refrigerating processes and apparatus, particularly
subclass 259.2 for cooling of an electrical component.
165, Heat Exchange, appropriate subclasses for miscellaneous
heat transfer apparatus including boxes or housings in
combination with means to modify their temperature.
257, Active Solid-State Devices (e.g.,Transistors,
Solid-State Diodes), appropriate subclasses for active
solid-state semiconductor devices, per se, especially
subclass 468 for cryogenically cooled active semiconductor
devices, and subclasses 714-716 for liquid cooled active
semiconductor devices.
313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, 11 for such
devices provided with means to modify their temperature.
336, Inductor Devices, 55 for such devices provided with
means to modify their temperature.
338, Electrical Resistors, 51 and 53+ for electrical
resistors provided with cooling or heat dissipating means.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, 274.1 and
276 for electrostatic capacitors provided with cooling or
heat dissipating means, and subclasses 379 and 381+ for
cooling of electrical and electronic components.
439, Electrical Connectors, 190 for electrical connectors
provided with cooling or ventilating means.
Subclass:
15.2
By heat pipe:
This subclass is indented under subclass 15.1. Subject
matter wherein cooling is provided by means of a
heat-transfer device consisting of a sealed metal tube with
an inner lining or wicklike capillary material and a small
amount of fluid which undergoes a change of state.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
165, Heat Exchange, 104.11 for structure of heat pipes, per
se.
Subclass:
15.3
For bushing or pothead:
This subclass is indented under subclass 15.1. Subject
matter for (a) a through wall insulator (bushing) or, (b) a
form of terminal sealed to the sheath of an electrical cable
for making a moisture-proof connection with an external cable
or conductor (pothead).
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
11 12, 14, 18, 19, 20, 74+, 142+, 151+, and 167 for structure
of bushings and potheads (high potential end terminals) not
involving cooling.
Subclass:
15.4
Superconductive type:
This subclass is indented under subclass 15.1. Subject
matter including conductors which exhibit nearly no
resistance at very low temperature.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
333, Wave Transmission Lines and Networks, subclass 99 for
such devices with superconductive features.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclass 216 for such devices with
superconductive features.
336, Inductor Devices, Digest 1 for other inductors with
superconductive features.
505, Superconductor Technology: Apparatus, Material,
Process, particularly 230 for high temperature (greater than
30 K) superconducting wire, tape, cable, or fibers, and art
collection subclass 885 for superconductors operating at or
below 30 K.
Subclass:
15.5
For cable, conductor or joint:
This subclass is indented under subclass 15.4. Subject
matter wherein a cryogenic fluid is applied to a cable, a
conductor or a joint between two or more conductors.
(1) Note. This subclass provides for superconductive
cables, conductors or joints wherein a means for cooling or
some feature particularly adapting the device for use with a
cryogenic cooling fluid is included.
(2) Note. Subject matter classifiable in this subclass
should not be cross referenced in subclass 125.1 of this
class.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
84 for joints between superconductive cables or conductors
when no cooling feature is specified.
125.1 for superconductive cables or conductors which do not
include a means for cooling.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, subclass 930
for superconductive stock material.
Subclass:
15.6
For cable, conductor or joint:
This subclass is indented under subclass 15.1. Subject
matter wherein a cryogenic fluid is applied to a cable, a
conductor or a joint between two or more conductors.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
68 for such devices which do not include cooling features.
Subclass:
15.7
For welding or furnace cable:
This subclass is indented under subclass 15.1. Subject
matter where the cooling fluid is applied to a cable used in
a welding or furnace application.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
219, Electric Heating, subclass 137.9 for welding apparatus
combined with cooled current supply cables.
Subclass:
16.1
By ventilation or gas circulation:
This subclass is indented under subclass 15.1. Subject
matter in which means are provided for ventilating a chamber
or space containing gas or for circulating a gas
therethrough.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
87 for insulators having apertures connecting interior space
with the atmosphere.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
34, Drying and Gas or Vapor Contact With Solids, appropriate
subclass for apparatus for drying conductors and insulators
not built in as part of the structure thereof.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, 382 for
cooling of plural electrical components by air or other gas.
454, Ventilation, appropriate subclass for ventilation of
general application.
Subclass:
16.2
Of bus bars or bus ducts:
This subclass is indented under subclass 16.1. Subject
matter for ventilating bus bars or bus ducts or circulating
gas through or around bus bars or bus ducts.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
68.2 for patents having bus bars and bus ducts.
Subclass:
16.3
With heat sink:
This subclass is indented under subclass 16.1. Subject
matter including a conductive heat transfer device, e.g., a
"heat sink", to conduct heat from the object being cooled to
the air or other gaseous cooling medium.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
165, Heat Exchange, subclass 80.3 and 185 for the structure
of heat sinks, per se, not involving any electrical feature.
257, Active Solid-State Devices (e.g.,Transistors,
Solid-State Diodes), appropriate subclasses for active
solid-state semiconductor devices, per se, especially
subclass 468, 625, 675, 706, 707, and 712-722 for such
devices with cooling means.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, 386 for
heat sinks associated with plural electrical components.
Subclass:
17
This subclass is indented under subclass 8. Structures,
other than conduits, for housing electrical devices or
apparatus.
(1) Note. For manholes, boxes and housings not limited to
use with fluids, see this class, subclass 37 and indented
subclasses, and 50 and indented subclasses, and the notes
thereunder.
(2) Note. This subclass does not include conduit or cable
end structures or joints, for which see this class,
subclasses 19, 20, 21, and 22.
(3) Note. See section 7 of the class definition for
housings and envelopes for electric lamps and electric space
discharge devices included in this subclass.
(4) Note. Search Class 220, Receptacles subclasses 2.1+ for
envelopes and housings for electric lamps and electric space
discharge devices where no electrical structure is claimed.
Search Class 313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices,
appropriate subclasses for electric lamps and electric space
discharge devices which are provided with an envelope, jacket
or housing. See especially subclass 324 and the subclasses
specified in the Notes thereto. Also, see section 7 of the
class definition of Class 174.
Subclass:
17.05
This subclass is indented under subclass 17. Boxes, housings
and envelopes which are hermetically sealed.
(1) Note. Merely reciting that the envelope is provided
with structure (such as the hermetic seals) to provide a
hermetically sealed envelope for use with a vacuum or gas
filling will not cause classification in this or the indented
subclasses. See subclasses 50.5+ for such hermetically
sealed envelopes.
(2) Note. Many of the envelopes and housings in this and
the indented subclasses are of the type used for electric
lamps, electric space discharge devices, and similar
electrical devices. See section 7 of the class definition.
(3) Note. This and the indented subclasses provide for
envelopes and housings which have an evacuating stem or
opening.
(4) Note. Most of the boxes, housings and envelopes in this
and the indented subclasses are provided with lead-in
conductors for conducting electrical energy to the device
within the box, housing or envelope.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
9 for this subject matter where the structure includes a
current conductive fluid (e.g., a liquid used as part of the
lead-in structure) or where a vacuum is used (e.g., as a
space around the lead-in designed to be continuously
evacuated to reduce leakage of air or gas).
14 for this subject matter where the structure includes
means for preserving or maintaining the character of the
fluid used with the box or housing.
15.1 for this subject matter where the structure includes
means for circulating, feeding or distributing a fluid or is
provided with fluid type cooling means for the box or housing
or the device therein.
50.5 and the subclasses specified in the Notes thereto for
the miscellaneous hermetically sealed boxes and housings in
this class including those with lead- in conductors.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
220, Receptacles, 2.1 for envelopes and housings for
electric lamps and electric space discharge devices where no
electrical structure is claimed, see indented subclass 2.2
for such envelopes and housings as are provided with an
evacuating stem or opening.
313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, appropriate
subclasses for electric lamps and electric space discharge
devices which are provided with an envelope or a housing.
See especially 317 of Class 313 and the subclasses specified
in the Notes thereto. Also see section 7 of the class
definition of Class 174.
Subclass:
17.06
This subclass is indented under subclass 17.05. Subject
matter in which a liquid is used to seal a joint of the box,
housing or envelope.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
9 where the liquid is also used as an electric conductor
(e.g., the liquid is used as a lead-in conductor).
31.5 for bushings, terminals and lead-ins with liquid sealed
joints even though the wall or plate of the supporting box or
housing for the bushing, terminal or lead-in is claimed where
no characteristics of the box or housing are claimed.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
220, Receptacles, subclass 228 for receptacles having liquid
sealed closures and see the classes referred to in the Notes
to that subclass for other classes which provide for
structures with liquid sealed joints.
Subclass:
17.07
This subclass is indented under subclass 17.05. Subject
matter wherein the box, housing or envelope is provided with
an evacuating stem formed of conductive material which is
also used as a lead-in conductor for conducting electrical
energy to the device within the box, housing or envelope.
(1) Note. This subclass does not include boxes, housings or
envelopes where a solid lead-in conductor merely passes
through a nonconductor (e.g., glass) evacuating stem.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
9 where the lead-in conductor is a liquid which is also used
to seal a joint so as to make the joint fluid tight.
Subclass:
17.08
This subclass is indented under subclass 17.05. Subject
matter in which the box, housing or envelope has an
electrical connector combined therewith for connecting a
lead-in conductor of the box, housing or envelope to an
external conductor, or where the envelope, box or housing has
a portion thereof formed as to be at least a part of an
electrical connector.
(1) Note. This subclass includes hermetically sealed
envelopes such as used for electric lamp, electric space
discharge devices and similar devices which are provided with
a screw type or plug type base as well as boxes, housings and
envelopes where the lead-in conductors are either shaped so
as to form electrical connectors or are of sufficient
rigidity to form contacts (usually plug type contacts)
subject to the limitations of (2) Note. It also includes
devices where a portion of the enclosing wall of the envelope
is shaped so as to form an electrical connector.
(2) Note. This subclass provides for the structure of the
box, housing or envelope with connector structure where
significant structure of the housing, box or receptacle is
recited in addition to that necessary to support or mount the
electrical connector. See section 17.5 of the class
definition of this class (174). See Class 439, Electrical,
Connectors, appropriate subclasses for electrical connector
structure.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
50.52 for other hermetically sealed envelopes, boxes and
housings in this class which are provided with an electrical
connector.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, 318.01 and the
subclasses specified in the Notes thereto for electric lamps
and electric space discharge devices which have a
hermetically sealed envelope with an electrical connector
(e.g., base) thereon or formed as a part thereof.
Subclass:
18
This subclass is indented under subclass 17. Boxes and
housings having bushing or terminal means specially modified
for cooperation with the structure of the housing or with
some device or fluid contained therein.
(1) Note. Inventions under subclass 8 relating merely to
the mounting of a bushing or terminal in a wall or plate are
in this class, subclass 31, even though the wall or plate is
disclosed or claimed as a box or housing where no
characteristics thereof, such as its structure or contents,
are claimed.
(1.5) Note. Search this class, subclasses 17.05+ for
hermetically sealed envelopes and housings under subclass 8
such as are used for electric lamps and electric space
discharge devices and which are provided with lead-in
conductors for transmitting electrical energy through the
wall of the envelope or housing.
Subclass:
19
This subclass is indented under subclass 8. Structures at
the end of a conduit, cable or conductor for terminating the
same, and commonly known as potheads or terminals. These
devices have means for engagement with the sheath or conduit
at or near the end thereof and provide means either to lead
the conducting element or elements to the exterior of the
device or provide electrical connection between the interior
conductors and the exterior of the device.
(1) Note. For such structures not involving fluids, see
this class, subclasses 60, 73.1, and 74 and indented
subclasses, and the notes thereunder.
Subclass:
20
This subclass is indented under subclass 19. End structure
having means for isolating the fluid in the conduit or cable
from a fluid in the terminal housing or casing.
(1) Note. For other fluid stops and seals, see this class,
subclasses 22 and 23.
Subclass:
21
This subclass is indented under subclass 8. Structures for
joining electrically and/or mechanically two or more
conduits, cables or conductors.
(1) Note. For nonfluid cable or conduit joints see this
class, subclasses 73.1 and 84 and indented subclasses, and
the notes thereunder.
(2) Note. See Class 156, Adhesive Bonding and Miscellaneous
Chemical Manufacture, subclass 49 for methods of splicing
indefinite length electric conductors.
Subclass:
22
This subclass is indented under subclass 21. Joints having
means for preventing passage of fluid from one section to
another.
(1) Note. Compare this class, subclasses 20 and 23, for
other fluid stops and seals.
Subclass:
23
This subclass is indented under subclass 8. Structures
having means for preventing passage of fluid from one section
to another or for sealing the ends or outlets to prevent
fluid leakage.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
10 for a conduit or cable using or adapted to use a vacuum
or fluid having a temporary sealing device for use during
transportation or storage.
20 for a conduit or cable end structure using or adapted to
use a vacuum or fluid including a seal.
22 for a conduit or cable joint using or adapted to use a
vacuum or fluid including a seal.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
138, Pipes and Tubular Conduits, 89 for a plug or closure
for a pipe or tubular conduit.
156, Adhesive Bonding and Miscellaneous Chemical Manufacture,
subclass 48 for a method of making a conductor of indefinite
length including filling a void or cavity with fluent
material.
277, Seal for a Joint or Juncture, for a generic sealing
means or process, 602 for a static contact seal intended for
use on a pipe, conduit or cable.
Subclass:
24
This subclass is indented under subclass 8. Structures
pertaining to the makeup of electric cables or conductors,
insulated or uninsulated, and of the conduits therefor,
including the arrangement of the wires or cables therein.
(1) Note. Where the sole fluid is air under atmospheric
conditions, this subclass takes those patents dealing with
arrangements to provide air spaces for a particular purpose.
Plural conductors or cables spaced within a conduit or sheath
with or without means for maintaining them in spaced relation
are in this class, subclass 68.1 and indented subclasses.
(2) Note. This subclass and the indented subclasses take
such structure having means for handling or introducing fluid
materials or permitting their flow in fluid condition, and
also such structure where the material claimed is fluid under
conditions of use. All other patents on such structure which
claim a material which is solid in condition of use (even
though applied during manufacture in fluid condition) or
which claim material in broad terms not limited to being
fluid in condition of use, are in this class, subclass 68.1
and indented subclasses.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
2 3 for lightning protection means employing fluids.
6 7, for earth grounds employing fluids.
47 for conduits having both electrical conductor channels
and separate fluid channels.
101.5 for buoyant conduits, cables and conductors.
126.1 for mere bare hollow conductors.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
191, Electricity: Transmission to Vehicles, subclass 26 for
third rail or trolley wire conduits having draining means.
Subclass:
25
This subclass is indented under subclass 24. Structures of
the type in which the conductor insulating material is
impregnated with a fluid.
(1) Note. For conduit, cable or conductor structures where
an impregnant is claimed generally or is limited to the type
that solidifies under conditions of use, see this class,
subclasses 96, 98, 102, and indented subclasses, 110 and
indented subclasses, particularly subclass 121.
Subclass:
26
This subclass is indented under subclass 25. Structures
having more than one conductor.
(1) Note. See this class, subclasses 103, 104 and 113 and
indented subclasses.
Subclass:
27
This subclass is indented under subclass 24. Structures
having a plurality of conductors at least two of which are
arranged in substantially parallel or twisted relation.
(1) Note. "Parallel" is used in this definition to exclude
the concentric or coaxial type in this class, subclasses 28
and 29, but a combination of these is in this subclass (27).
(2) Note. See this class, subclass 26, and the notes
thereunder.
Subclass:
28
This subclass is indented under subclass 24. Structures
having at least one conductor surrounded by and spaced from
the inner walls of a tube or conduit which tube or conduit
may be of either conducting or nonconducting material.
(1) Note. For similar structures having plural parallel or
twisted conductors (not arranged in surrounding relation),
see this class, subclass 27.
(2) Note. For similar structures having solid insulation
filling the space, see this class, subclasses 96, 98, 102,
and indented subclasses and 111.
(3) Note. For conduits having interior conductor supporting
means, see this class, subclasses 99 and 100.
Subclass:
29
This subclass is indented under subclass 28. Cables in which
a central inner element is spaced from an outer concentric
element by spirally-applied spacing means.
(1) Note. See this class, subclass 131.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, subclass 592
for metallic stock of helical configuration or having a
helical component.
Subclass:
30
This subclass is indented under subclass 8. Structures for
electrically insulating at least two objects from each other
or an object from ground.
(1) Note. For similar devices not involving the use of
fluids, see this class, subclass 137 and indented subclasses.
Patents claiming fluid tight joints between various parts of
the insulator assembly, where the structure otherwise could
be used with solid materials only, are placed in such
subclasses.
(2) Note. See Note (8) to the definition of subclass 8 of
this class.
Subclass:
31
This subclass is indented under subclass 30. Structures (1)
having a passage arranged substantially axially thereof for
receiving a conductor or other element to be insulated,
and/or (2) for insulating a conductor or other object from a
wall or plate through which the conductor or other object
passes. Such devices are commonly known as bushings,
terminals, and lead-ins.
(1) Note. The search should be continued in this class,
subclass 18.
(2) Note. For similar devices not limited to use with
fluids, see this class, subclasses 142, 143, 151, and
indented subclasses, 154, 155, 156, 157, and 167. Merely
claiming a fluid tight structure (such as having a fluid
tight joint) will not cause classification in this subclass
(31) where there is no other structure claimed which is
especially provided for use with a fluid. A structure which
provides a chamber to contain a fluid will be classified in
this subclass (31).
(3) Note. See conduit and cable end structures, this class,
subclasses 19, 20 and 74 and indented subclasses,
particularly subclass 75, for related structures where one
end of the insulator structure engages the sheath or conduit
(conductive or insulative) surrounding the conductors at or
near the end thereof.
(4) Note. Search Class 313, Electric Lamp and Discharge
Devices, subclass 120 for spark plugs having fluid feed or
air vent means. This class (174) provides for spark plugs
with such vents when the sparking electrodes are not claimed
(i.e., when only the bushing and vent structure is claimed).
Subclass:
31.5
This subclass is indented under subclass 31. Subject matter
in which a liquid is used to seal a joint of the structure.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
17.06 for hermetically sealed envelopes, boxes, and
housings, within the definition of subclass 9 including those
with bushings, terminals and lead-ins, in which a liquid is
used to seal a joint.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
220, Receptacles, subclass 45 for receptacles having liquid
sealed closures and see the classes referred to in the Notes
to that subclass for other classes which provide for
structures with liquid sealed joints.
Subclass:
32
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Structures having means for preventing or reducing the
detrimental effects due to either self-inductance of a single
conductor or mutual inductance between plural conductors.
(1) Note. Where the only anti-inductive means is
constituted by one or more surrounding conduits or sheaths or
conduit partition walls of conductive material,
classification is in this class, subclass 68.1 and indented
subclasses, particularly subclass 102 and indented
subclasses, in which subclasses the surrounding sheath may be
a conductive coating. If shields or electrical means in
addition to the conduit or cable structure are provided, they
are in this subclass (32) or appropriate indented
subclasses.
(2) Note. Where only the physical structure of a single
bare conductor, whether of single or plural strands, is
claimed, it is in this class, subclass 126.1 and indented
subclasses, even though anti-inductive characteristics are
alleged in the claim.
(3) Note. For conductor, cable and conduit structures
having air-spaces or utilizing fluids, even though the
structure is for anti-inductive purposes, see this class,
subclass 24 and indented subclasses, especially subclasses
27, 28 and 29.
(4) Note. Search appropriate classes for particular
apparatus having anti-inductive means as a part thereof.
(5) Note. For electrical systems having anti-inductive
means, see the appropriate class, particularly Class 178,
Telegraphy, subclasses 45, 49 and 69; Class 307, Electrical
Transmission or Interconnection Systems, subclasses 89+;
Class 333, Wave Transmission Lines and Networks, particularly
subclass 12, for transmission line inductive interference
reduction systems; and Class 340, Communications: Electrical,
particularly subclasses 288+ and 310.07. Electrical
conductors combined with condensers, reactors or resistors
have been classified as electrical systems. Class 379,
Telephonic Communications, subclass 415.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, subclass 342 for
noninductive filaments for electric lamps and electric space
discharge devices.
338, Electrical Resistors, 61 for electrical resistors with
inductance reducing means.
Subclass:
33
This subclass is indented under subclass 32. Structures
claiming means by which conductors are transposed in relative
position.
(1) Note. For inductors with coils or windings having
parallel connected conductors which are transposed, see Class
336, Inductor Devices, subclass 187.
Subclass:
34
This subclass is indented under subclass 33. Structures in
which the conductors are associated together (1) in cable
form or (2) in the same single or multi-duct conduit.
(1) Note. Conduit and cable structures combined with
transposition boxes are in this class, subclass 33.
(2) Note. For multi-duct pipe or tubular conduit
structures, per se, having the passages transposed, even
though claimed as electrical conduits and even though claimed
as made of dielectric, conductive or composite materials,
search Class 138, Pipes and Tubular Conduits, subclasses
111+, and Class 285, Pipe Joints or Couplings, particularly
subclasses 120.1+, especially subclass 132 for plural passage
fittings with branches.
(3) Note. For conduit, cable, or conductor structures
having twisted conductors without reference to any
anti-inductive feature, see this class, subclass 68.1 and
indented subclasses, particularly subclasses 102 and 110 and
their indented subclasses.
Subclass:
35
This subclass is indented under subclass 32. Means in which
an electrical shield is used. Shields or screens, per se,
not classifiable in other main classes, are here.
(1) Note. Box and housing structures having added means for
insuring good electrical contact between the body and
closure, body and conduit, or cable sheath is in this and
indented subclasses.
(2) Note. See sections 1 and 7 of the Class Definition for
limits to a combination of an envelope, box or housing such
as are used for electric lamps, electric space discharge
devices, and similar devices and an electrical shield and for
such envelopes, boxes and housings which include an electric
shielding means.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
50 for a mere box or housing structure that may include
conductive material or have shielding properties.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
66, Textiles: Knitting, subclass 202 for fabrics or articles
involving selection of strands of a peculiar nature.
123, Internal-Combustion Engines, 146.5 for shielded
internal combustion engine ignition systems.
139, Textiles: Weaving, subclass 425 for metal being used
in the texture of the fabric.
245, Wire Fabrics and Structure.
277, Seal for a Joint or Juncture, for a generic sealing
means or process, subclass 919 for a seal including an
electrical feature or subclass 920 for a seal including an
electromagnetic shielding feature.
313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, subclass 313 for
an electrical shield or static charge distribution means,
especially the Search Notes thereto for electric lamps and
space discharge devices that are provided with shields or
screens for the lamp or discharge device or some part
thereof, and subclasses 326+ for the structure of shields
which are limited by claimed subject matter to use with
electric lamps or electric space discharge devices.
315, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Systems, subclass
85 for an electric current and/or voltage supply system for
an electric lamp and/or electric space discharge device of
the gas or vapor ionization type, having radiation shielding
means for the system.
330, Amplifiers, subclass 68 for a shielding means involving
structure other than that of transformers per se and subclass
170 for a shielding means for interstage transformer
coupling.
334, Tuners, subclass 85 for electrical tuners provided with
shielding means.
336, Inductor Devices, 84 for transformers and inductive
reactors in combination with an electric or magnetic
shielding means.
343, Communications: Radio Wave Antennas, 841 for antennas
with an electrical shield; subclass 851 for antennas with a
coupling network which may be shielded for radiation
suppression; and subclass 905 for antennas combined with a
transmission line which may be shielded.
439, Electrical Connectors, 607 for an electrical connector
having or providing an inductive or capacitive shield.
455, Telecommunications, 300 for shielded radio receivers.
Subclass:
36
This subclass is indented under subclass 35. Means in which
the shielding means is applied to a conductor only.
(1) Note. See Notes (1), (2) and (5) to the definition of
subclass 32 of this class.
(2) Note. See this class, subclass 102 and indented
subclasses, for conductors that are conductively armored or
sheathed.
Subclass:
37
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Structures specialized for positioning underground.
(1) Note. Manholes, i.e., underground work chambers, are in
this subclass. Single manholes with radiating conduits or
cables are in this subclass, but plural interconnected
manholes are in subclass 38, and manholes combined with road
or pavement structure are in subclass 39.
(2) Note. Such structures employing fluids or a vacuum are
in this class, subclass 8 and indented subclasses.
(3) Note. See this class, subclasses 48 and 49, for wall
mounted conduits or housings.
(4) Note. Mere box or housing structures are in this class,
subclass 50 and indented subclasses.
(5) Note. Mere conduit or cable structures are in this
class, subclass 68.1 and indented subclasses, end structure
being in subclass 74 and indented subclasses, even though
disclosed for use in manholes.
(6) The classes noted in Search Class, below, have the
structures there provided for when not restricted solely to
electrical apparatus, even though electrical apparatus may be
included as part of the combination.
(7) Note. Search Class 429, Chemistry: Electrical Current
Producing Apparatus, Product, and Process, subclass 47 for a
battery wherein a portion of the earth constitutes a part of
the battery.
(8) Note. See Class 52 subclasses 169.1+ for particular
constructions with a specified terranean relationship.
(9) Note. For underground transmission to vehicles, see
Class 104, Railways, particularly subclass 140 and indented
subclasses, and Class 191, Electricity: Transmission to
Vehicles, particularly subclass 23 and indented subclasses.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
405, Hydraulic and Earth Engineering, 132, for tunnels and
subways. (See (6) Note, above.)
137, Fluid Handling, subclass 236, for fluid handling systems
including geos:graphic feature, and subclasses 363+ for fluid
handling devices including ground supports. (See (6) Note,
above.)
138, Pipes and Tubular Conduits, subclass 105, for pipes in a
trench; subclass 108 for underground conduits for supporting
cables therein; and subclass 113 for underground conduits for
supporting pipes therein. (See (6) Note, above.)
333, Wave Transmission Lines and Networks, 236 for long
transmission lines having distributed electrical parameters,
and subclasses 1+ for plural channel systems of such lines.
343, Communications: Radio Wave Antennas, subclass 719 for
antennas buried underground or submerged under water.
404, Road Structure, Process, or Apparatus, subclass 3, 4+,
and 17+ for conduits combined with pavement, curb or gutter
structure and not limited solely to electrical use. (See (6)
Note, above.)
Subclass:
38
This subclass is indented under subclass 37. Structure
arranged to deliver energy to plural points; also combined
overhead and underground installations.
(1) Note. Single manholes with plural conduits or cables
radiating therefrom are in this class, subclass 37.
(2) Note. See this class, subclass 43, for overhead
distributing structures.
(3) Note. Where an electrical system, i.e., more than the
mere physical structure or arrangement to lead conductors to
plural points, is claimed, see the appropriate electrical
class, particularly Class 307, Electrical Transmission or
Interconnection Systems, subclasses 11+ for plural load
circuit systems, and 43+ for systems having plural supply
circuits or sources.
Subclass:
39
This subclass is indented under subclass 37. Structure
combined with the structure of a road or pavement, including
sidewalks, gutters and curbs.
(1) Note. For this combination complete the search in Class
404, Road Structure, Process, or Apparatus, subclasses 3, 4+
and 17+, for conduits combined with pavement, curb or gutter
structure and not limited solely to electrical use.
Subclass:
40
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Structures specialized for positioning overhead.
(1) Note. This subclass and indented subclasses for the
most part are for means for supporting overhead conductors,
cables and conduits.
(2) Note. Insulator structures with means for securing the
same to some support and/or to secure the conductor, etc.,
thereto are in this class, subclass 137 and indented
subclasses.
(3) Note. For overhead electrical means for transmission to
vehicles, see Class 191, Electricity: Transmission to
Vehicles.
(4) Note. For overhead supports for cables and conduits not
limited by insulation or other claimed characteristics to
electrical apparatus, see Class 248, Supports, subclass 49
and indented subclasses.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
254, Implements or Apparatus for Applying Pushing or Pulling
Force, 134.3 for process or apparatus for placing or
stringing overhead wire, strand or cable.
333, Wave Transmission Lines and Networks, 236 for long
transmission lines having distributed electrical parameters,
and subclasses 1+ for plural channel systems of such lines.
Subclass:
41
This subclass is indented under subclass 40. Structures in
which the electrical equipment is suspended from an overhead
or messenger cable.
(1) Note. Complete the search in Class 248, Supports,
subclass 61, for pipe or cable supports not restricted by
insulation or other characteristics to electrical
conductors.
(2) Note. Insulator structures having means specially
designed to engage a wire for supporting the insulator are in
this class, subclass 137 and indented subclasses; see
particularly subclass 146, for wire mid-line spacers, and
subclass 160, for other wire engaging insulator suspending
means.
(3) Note. See Class 24, Buckles, Buttons, Clasps, etc.,
subclasses 115+, for cord and rope holders, per se.
(4) Note. See Class 191, Electricity: Transmission to
Vehicles, particularly subclasses 40+.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
254, Implements or Apparatus for Applying Pushing or Pulling
Force, 388 for means supported by, and maintaining relative
spacing between, longitudinal runs or an endless, load
carrying or moving cable.
Subclass:
42
This subclass is indented under subclass 40. Structures
having means to damp out mechanical vibrations in the
supported conductor, cable or conduit.
(1) Note. Dampers, per se, not claimed in combination with
supporting structure are here.
(2) Note. Compare this class, subclasses 146 and 147, for
insulators for spacing wires between supports and having a
mechanical vibration damping function.
(3) Note. See Class 248, Supports, subclasses 63 and 560+
for resilient supports having such means and not restricted
by insulation or other characteristics to electrical
conductors, cables or conduits.
(4) Note. See Class 267, Spring Devices, subclass 178, for
a spring device of the coil spring type useful in vibration
dampening support structure for overhead conductors.
Subclass:
43
This subclass is indented under subclass 40. Structures
arranged (1) to deliver electrical energy to a plurality of
points or (2) to be supported at a plurality of spaced
points.
(1) Note. For other distributing arrangements, see this
class, subclasses 38, 49, 71, and 72.
(2) Note. See this class, subclass 41, for the messenger
cable type of plural point support.
(3) Note. See this class, subclass 148 and indented
subclasses, for plural insulator assemblies to support plural
conductors at one place or to support single conductors at
one place.
(4) Note. For electrical systems of transmission and
distribution, i.e., more than the mere physical structure to
support at, or lead conductors to, a plurality of points, see
the appropriate class, particularly Class 307, Electrical
Transmission or Interconnection Systems, subclasses 11+ for
plural load circuit systems, and subclasses 43+ for systems
having plural supply circuits or sources.
Subclass:
44
This subclass is indented under subclass 40. Structures
having (1) conductor connectors or terminal panels, or (2)
means to lead or "fan" the conductors of a plural conductor
cable to separated points on the overhead support.
(1) Note. See this class, subclasses 59, 60, 175, and 176
and indented subclasses, for cable and conduit junction boxes
and terminal structures which include means for separating
the conductors of a plural conductor cable or conduit in a
box or at the end of the cable or conduit.
Subclass:
45
This subclass is indented under subclass 40. Structures
claiming single towers, poles or posts. The combination of
tower, pole or post with its cross-arms is here.
(1) Note. See this class, subclass 43, for patents claiming
two or more towers, poles or posts in combination. A single
tower may be comprised of a plurality of poles or posts.
(2) Note. For insulators and their securing means, per se,
see this class, subclass 137 and indented subclasses.
(3) Note. See Class 52, Static Structures (e.g.,
Buildings), subclasses 40, 146+, 153+, 155+, 292+, 651.01+,
and 720.1+ for a mast, pole or post not restricted to
electrical use.
(4) Note. See Class 191, Electricity: Transmission to
Vehicles, particularly subclasses 32, and 33 and indented
subclasses, for similar structures specially designed for
transmission to moving vehicles or objects, i.e., to support
a conductor for contact by a relatively movable collector.
(5) Note. See Class 362, Illumination, subclass 431, for
lamp-post.
(6) Note. See Class 343, Communications: Radio Wave
Antennas, subclasses 874+ for mast or tower type antennas;
subclass 886 for antennas horizontally suspended between
poles or standards; and subclasses 890+ for antennas on a
post, standard or tower.
Subclass:
46
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Structures in the form of handles.
(1) Note. Complete the search in Class 200, Electricity:
Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclasses 61.85+ for switches
actuated concurrently with the use of a manipulating,
operating or carrying handle; and subclass 332.2, for handles
having mechanical switches.
(2) Note. For conductor take-up reels in handles limited to
use with electrical conductors, see Class 191, Electricity:
Transmission to Vehicles, subclass 12 and indented
subclasses.
(3) Note. See Class 242, Winding, Tensioning, or Guiding,
for combined handle and reel structures, particularly
subclass 588.2 for carriers on handles.
(4) Note. See Class 248, Supports, subclasses 51 and 52,
for tool cord supports.
(5) Note. For mere insulated handles, see Class 16,
Miscellaneous Hardware, subclasses 431+ and indented
subclasses.
(6) Note. For electric space discharge devices (e.g., spark
ignitors) which are provided with handles, see Class 313,
subclass 48, for such space discharge devices, per se, with
handles and Class 315, subclass 33 for such handles in
combination with the source of supply, the space discharge
device and the circuit elements so as to make a
portable-self-contained device.
(7) Note. For inductors with handles, see Class 336,
Inductor Devices, subclass 66.
Subclass:
47
Structures for conveying fluids and also for conducting
electrical energy.
(1) Note. See this class, subclass 8 and indented
subclasses, for structures in which fluids are employed for
or applied to the electrical apparatus.
(2) Note. See Class 405, Hydraulic and Earth Engineering,
subclasses 132+ and Class 404, Road Structure, Process, or
Apparatus, subclasses 3, 4+ and 17+, for conduits combined
with pavement, curb or gutter structure and not limited
solely to electrical use.
(3) Note. See Class 138, Pipes and Tubular Conduits,
subclasses 129+, 137+ and 140+ for composite pipes having
metal, frequently in the form of wire strands. Where the
structure incorporates the wire in insulated relation for
electrical conductive purposes, it is in this class (174).
(4) Note. See Class 340, Communications: Electrical,
subclass 320 for electric systems for signaling along a fire
hose or other fluid conduit.
(5) Note. Search Class 313, Electric Lamp and Discharge
Devices, subclasses 11+, for electric lamps and space
discharge devices which are provided with means for
conducting a temperature modifying fluid to the lamp or
discharge device, the fluid conducting means being designed
for use also as an electrical conductor, and Class 315,
Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Systems, subclass 50,
for electric lamps and discharge devices which have means for
conducting a temperature modifying medium to the lamp or
discharge device, the fluid conducting means being designed
for use as an electrical impedance.
Subclass:
48
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Conduits and/or housings mounted on, in or through the walls
of building structures.
(1) Note. For lightning protective means combined with
building structures, see this class, subclasses 2 and 3.
(2) Note. For box or housing supporting means not limited
to wall mounting, see this class, subclass 50 and indented
subclasses, particularly subclasses 58 and 63.
(3) Note. For bushing type insulators mounted in a wall or
plate, see this class, subclass 151, and indented
subclasses.
(4) Note. Conduits and conduit systems specially installed
in a wall, floor or ceiling of a building, where
characteristics not limited solely to electrical use are
claimed, such as the presence of conductors, use of
insulators in addition to the conduit structure, etc., will
be found in Class 52, Static Structures (e.g., Buildings),
subclasses 220.1+.
(5) Note. Wall mounted receptacles, including outlet and
junction box type, are in Class 220, Receptacles, subclasses
3.3 and indented subclasses and 476+.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
73, Measuring and Testing, subclass 201.
108, Horizontally Supported Planar Surfaces, 42 for
horizontally supported planar surface combined with the
structure of a building, and subclass 152 for a laterally
mounted shelf.
137, Fluid Handling, 357 for fluid handling devices
including a building or part thereof as a support.
193, Conveyors, Chutes, Skids, Guides, and Ways, subclass
33.
211, Supports: Racks, 87.01.
224, Package and Article Carriers, subclass 29.5 and 400+.
248, Supports, 27.1 and 317+.
312, Supports: Cabinet Structure, subclass 242 and 245+,
for wall mounted housings of general utility.
333, Wave Transmission Lines and Networks, 236 for long
transmission lines having distributed electrical parameters,
and subclasses 1+ for plural channel systems of such lines.
Subclass:
49
This subclass is indented under subclass 48. Structures
having two or more spaced outlets and/or having two or more
conduits.
Subclass:
50
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Boxes
and housings limited by claimed structure to electrical use,
but having no claimed characteristics limiting the same to
particular characters of electrical equipment classifiable in
other main classes.
(1) Note. The mere naming of the electrical device housed
will not exclude the same from this class, but where
characteristics of the device housed are claimed,
classification is with such device.
(1.5) Note. This and the indented subclasses include
envelopes, casings, and housings such as are used for
electric lamps, electric space discharge devices and similar
electrical devices which are enclosed in vitreous, ceramic,
nonmetallic plastic or metallic envelopes or casings. See
section 7 of the class definition. See especially indented
subclasses 50.5+ where the envelope, box or housing is
hermetically sealed. In many of these devices the casing,
housing or envelope is provided with lead-in wires or
conductors for conducting electric current through the wall
of the envelope, casing or housing.
(2) Note. See this class, subclass 8 and indented
subclasses, for boxes and housings limited to use with fluids
or vacuum, particularly subclasses 17 and 18.
(3) Note. See this class, subclass 37 and indented
subclasses, for underground housings, and subclass 40 and
indented subclasses, for overhead housings.
(4) Note. See this class, subclass 46, for housings in the
form of handles.
(5) Note. See this class, subclasses 48 and 49, for wall
mounted housings.
(6) Note. See this class, subclasses 74 and 84 and their
indented subclasses, for conduit, cable and conductor end
structures and joints.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
52, Static Structures (e.g., Buildings), 220.1 for building
constructions with service duct not limited to electrical
features.
109, Safes, Bank Protection, or a Related Device.
150, Purses, Wallets, and Protective Covers.
190, Trunks and Hand-Carried Luggage.
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclass
168.
206, Special Receptacle or Package.
215, Bottles and Jars.
217, Wooden Receptacles.
220, Receptacles, 2.1 for envelopes or housings for electric
lamps or similar devices where no electrical structure is
claimed, subclasses 3.2+ for receptacles having provision for
extending strands, rods, pipes, etc., through the receptacle
wall or for coupling them to the receptacle wall.
248, Supports, subclass 317 and 342+.
312, Supports: Cabinet Structure.
313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, appropriate
subclasses, for electric lamps and discharge devices which
are provided with an envelope, box or casing where
significant structure is claimed which limits the subject
matter to use as an electrical lamp or electric space
discharge device. See Section 7 of the class definition for
the envelopes for lamps and discharge devices included in
this class.
324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing, subclass 156 for
electric meter casings.
334, Tuners, subclass 85 for an electrical tuner provided
with housing means.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclass 278 for magnets and
electromagnets with housings.
336, Inductor Devices, 90 for transformers and inductive
reactors in combination with a casing or housing.
337, Electricity: Electrothermally or Thermally Actuated
Switches, subclass 20, 34, 112, 121, 186+, 327+, 380+, 398,
and 414+ for specific types of electrothermal and thermal
operated switches with housing.
338, Electrical Resistors, 226 for an incased, embedded, or
housed fixed electrical resistor. For the lines between
Class 174 and Class 338, see the class definition of Class
338.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, 331 for
boxes, mounting and housing means with plural diverse
electrical components. Even though a box or housing is
claimed by name only in conjunction with said plural diverse
electrical components, the patent is excluded from Class 174
and located only in Class 361.
362, Illumination, 362.
429, Chemistry: Electrical Current Producing Apparatus,
Product, and Process, subclass 158, 161, and 163 for battery
receptacles having conductor structure.
Subclass:
50.5
This subclass is indented under subclass 50. Envelopes which
are hermetically sealed.
(1) Note. The term envelope is defined to include boxes,
housings or other hermetically sealed receptacles in this and
the indented subclasses.
(2) Note. Many of the envelopes in this and the indented
subclasses are of the type used for electric lamps, electric
space discharge devices and similar electrical devices. See
Lines With Other Classes, 1.,
(3) Note. Most of the envelopes in this and the indented
subclasses are provided with lead-in conductors for
conducting electrical energy to the device within the
envelope.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
9 and 17.05+, and the subclasses specified in the Notes
thereto for this subject matter where a fluid is used or
where the structure is provided with means peculiarly adapted
for use with a fluid (e.g., an evacuating stem or opening or
a fluid seal), and see subclass 9 where the structure
includes a current conductive fluid or where a vacuum is
used.
35 for this subject matter where the structure includes an
electrostatic or electromagnetic shielding means, and for
envelopes with a shield which wholly or partially surrounds
the envelope.
65 for other boxes and housings under subclass 50 which are
provided with means to couple a cable, wire or conduit to the
box or housing.
151 for devices (e.g., bushings) for insulating a conductor
from a wall or plate through which the conductor extends (the
bushing may be fluid tight).
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, appropriate
subclasses for vacuum switches and subclass 32, 81.6 and 152
for liquid contact (mercury switches).
220, Receptacles, 2.1 for envelopes (including those which
are hermetically sealed) for electric lamps, electric space
discharge devices, and similar devices.
313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, 317 and the
subclasses specified in the Notes thereto for electric lamp
and electric space discharge devices which are provided with
a hermetically sealed envelope. See Lines With Other Classes,
1., of the class definition of this class (174) with respect
to the distinction between Classes 174 and 313.
337, Electricity: Electrothermally or Thermally Actuated
Switches, 28 for electrothermal switches with hermetically
sealed housing, casing or envelope.
373, Industrial Electric Heating Furnaces, subclass 54, 63,
110+, and 140+ for electric furnaces having a sealed gas
filled or evacuated chamber.
403, Joints and Connections subclass 179 and 265+ for
miscellaneous joints between diverse materials bonded
together.
Subclass:
50.51
This subclass is indented under subclass 50.5. Subject
matter having a casing or jacket surrounding the envelope or
a portion thereof, or having the envelope wholly or partially
covered with a coating or similar covering material.
(1) Note. This subclass includes envelopes within the
definition of subclass 50.5 which have an integral double
wall.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
35 where the casing, jacket or covering is an
electromagnetic or electrostatic shield.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
220, Receptacles, 2.1 for the structure of double walled and
coated envelopes for electric lamps and electric space
discharge devices where no electrical structure is claimed.
313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, subclass 312 and
the subclasses specified in the Notes thereto for electric
lamps and discharge devices which are provided with a
hermetically sealed envelope and a separable casing or jacket
surrounding the envelope, and subclasses 317+ and the
subclasses specified in the Notes thereto for electric lamp
and discharge devices having integral double wall
hermetically sealed envelopes or a covered or coated
hermetically sealed envelope.
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, appropriate
subclasses, for a single or plural layer stock material and
for miscellaneous articles, see especially subclass 34 for a
plurality of light transmissive sheets or webs spaced from
each other and hermetically sealed at their edges and
enclosing a gas space therebetween and subclasses 34.1+ for a
container type miscellaneous article.
Subclass:
50.52
This subclass is indented under subclass 50.5. Subject
matter in which the envelope has combined therewith an
electrical connector for connecting a lead-in conductor of
the envelope to an external conductor, or where the envelope
has a portion thereof formed so as to be at least a part of
an electrical connector.
(1) Note. This and the indented subclass includes
hermetically sealed envelopes such as are used for electric
lamps, electric space discharge devices, and similar devices
which are provided with a screw type or plug type base as
well as envelopes where the lead-in conductors are either
shaped so as to form electrical connectors or are of
sufficient rigidity to form contacts (usually plug type
contacts) subject to the limitations of (2) Note. The
indented subclass includes devices where a portion of the
enclosing wall of the envelope is shaped so as to form an
electrical connector.
(2) Note. This subclass provides for the structure of the
envelope with connector structure where significant structure
of envelope is recited in addition to that necessary to
support or mount the electrical connector. See section 17.5
of the class definition of this class (174). See Class 439,
Electrical Connectors, for electrical connector structure,
and see especially subclasses 611+ for the combination of a
vitreous envelope and an electrical connector in which no
significant structure of the envelope is recited other than
that necessary to support or mount the electrical connector.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
17.08 for this subject matter where a fluid is used or where
structure is provided peculiarly adapted for use with a fluid
(e.g., an evacuating stem or opening).
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, 318.01 and the
subclasses specified in the Notes thereto for electric lamps
and electric space discharge devices which have a
hermetically sealed envelope with an electrical connector
(e.g., a base) thereon or formed as a part thereof.
Subclass:
50.53
This subclass is indented under subclass 50.52. Subject
matter where the envelope has a portion thereof formed so as
to be at least a part of an electrical connector.
(1) Note. The portion of the envelope which forms the part
of the electrical connector may be a metallic wall portion
which is used to complete the wall portion of a glass or
ceramic envelope.
(2) Note. Devices where the lead-in wires only are formed
or are of sufficient rigidity to form contacts are in
subclass 50.52 and not in this subclass. This subclass
includes devices having a wall portion sealed with a metallic
closure which is designed for use as an electrical
connector.
(3) Note. Included in this subclass are envelopes of
metals, glass or other ceramic which have a portion formed
with screw threads so as to form a part of a screw threaded
base type connector. The threads may or may not be covered
with conductive material.
Subclass:
50.54
This subclass is indented under subclass 50.5. Subject
matter having means to mount an electrical device within the
envelope.
(1) Note. This subclass provides only for hermetically
sealed envelopes where the mounting means within the envelope
is of general utility, that is, where the mounting structure
claimed could be used for mounting any one of a number of
different devices such as electrical condensers, inductances,
resistors, switches, etc. The mere recitation of an
electrode or electrode assembly broadly recited as the thing
mounted will not exclude the device from this subclass, but
if the electrode is claimed as a filament, anode, grid,
cathode, or other specific electrode in the case of a lamp or
electric space discharge device the device will be excluded
and will be found in Class 313, Electric Lamp and Discharge
Devices, subclasses 238+.
Where the supporting structure is not of general utility, but
is of the type useful only in mounting the electrodes of a
lamp or electric space discharge device, the patent is
excluded from this class (174) and will be found in Class 313
even though the electrodes are not claimed specifically.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
52.1 for other boxes and housings under subclass 50 with
means for mounting an electrical device within the box or
housing.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, 228. See (1) Note
above with reference to Class 313.
Subclass:
50.55
This subclass is indented under subclass 50.5. Subject
matter having a hollow tubular lead-in conductor passing
through the wall of the envelope and having another lead-in
conductor arranged within the hollow lead-in conductor.
(1) Note. The lead-in conductors are ordinarily
concentrically arranged. This subclass includes therefor
envelopes with co-axial lead-ins where no electrical
characteristics of the lead-ins such as the inductance,
capacity, or resonant features are involved and also includes
envelopes where the portion of the lead-ins which passes
through the wall are stepped or displaced along the length of
each other as in some types of "light house" tubes.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
50.53 for this subject matter where the hollow tubular
lead-in is a part of the envelope wall and is designed also
for use as an electrical connector and the other lead is
arranged within the hollow lead-in (as in some types of
"light house" tubes).
151 for devices (e.g., bushings) for insulating a plurality
of concentric arranged conductors from a wall or plate
through which the conductors extend (the bushing may be fluid
tight).
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
178, Telegraphy, subclass 44, for concentrically arranged
transmission lines including those with hermetically sealed
joints between the conductors and those designed to pass
through a wall or plate where electrical characteristics of
the conductors, such as the inductance, capacity or resonant
features are involved.
315, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Systems, subclass
39 for electric lamps and electric space discharge devices
which have structurally combined therewith a wave guide or
co-axial high frequency transmission line (the wave guide or
coaxial line may extend through the walls of the envelope of
the device).
Subclass:
50.56
This subclass is indented under subclass 50.5. Subject
matter wherein the envelope has at least a portion of its
wall formed of metal or other conductive material with a
lead-in conductor which passes through the metal or
conductive wall position and is insulated therefrom.
(1) Note. This subclass includes patents where the envelope
is formed substantially entirely of metal and has lead-in
conductors passing through the wall.
(2) Note. Where only the structure of the lead-in
conductors, the wall of the envelope, and the means for
insulating it from the wall is claimed, the device is
classified in subclasses 151+ of this class as a bushing.
Such structure is classified in subclasses 151+ even if the
envelope is claimed where no characteristics of the envelope
are claimed in addition to the bushing structure. Envelopes
having a plurality of separate lead-in conductors passing
through the metal wall are classified in this subclass
(50.56).
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
50.55 where the envelope has two concentrically arranged
conductors passing through the wall of the envelope, one of
which may form a part of the envelope wall.
Subclass:
50.57
This subclass is indented under subclass 50.5. Subject
matter having one or more lead-in conductors sealed into a
disk, stem structure or other supporting structure, the disk,
stem or supporting structure forming a closure for the
envelope.
(1) Note. The structures in this and the indented subclass
are characterized primarily in that there is a joint between
the closure which supports one or more lead-in conductors and
the envelope as distinguished from the type of device which
has the envelope sealed directly about the lead-in
conductors. The disk, stem or supporting structure for the
lead-in conductor may be of the same or different material as
that of the envelope.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
50.56 where the disc or closure is formed of metal or other
conductive material.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
220, Receptacles, 24 for the structure of miscellaneous
closures for receptacles.
Subclass:
50.58
This subclass is indented under subclass 50.57. Subject
matter where the disk, stem structure or supporting structure
for the lead-in is joined to the envelope by a fused seal.
(1) Note. The seal may be a glass to glass joint, a metal
to metal joint or a glass to metal joint. Where cement is
used to join the disk or stem structure to the envelope, see
subclass 50.57.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
50.61 for bonded seals between a lead-in conductor and the
envelope wall.
Subclass:
50.59
This subclass is indented under subclass 50.5. Subject
matter provided with means for shielding the joint between
the lead-in conductor and the portion of the envelope through
which the lead-in passes, or for preventing electrical
leakage currents between the lead-in conductors along the
envelope wall.
(1) Note. The shield may be for the purpose of preventing a
deposit of sputtered or vaporized material upon or around the
lead-in and the envelope portion adjacent thereto, or to
prevent the sealing material at the joint from being attached
by deleterious substances, or for any other shielding
purpose.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
17.08 and 55.52+, where the device is provided with an
electrical connector (e.g., a base) and the electrical
connector is formed so as to constitute a shield between the
lead-in conductors or for the joint.
35 for hermetically sealed envelopes within the class
definition with electrostatic or electromagnetic shields for
the envelope or a part thereof.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, subclass 626 for
gas or vapor type electric lamps and electric space discharge
devices with shielding means for the lead-in conductors,
subclass 313 for the miscellaneous electric lamps and
discharge device with electrical shielding means for the
device or a part thereof, and subclasses 317+ for electric
lamps and discharge devices with lead-in conductors including
such devices as have shielding means for the lead-in joint or
between the lead-in conductors.
Subclass:
50.6
This subclass is indented under subclass 50.5. Subject
matter having structure especially provided for a plurality
of lead-in conductors.
(1) Note. Included in this subclass are only devices where
there is significance to the use of a plurality of lead-ins.
If the lead-ins merely duplicate each other, then no
cross-reference of the patent is placed in this subclass.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
50.52 where the envelope is provided with an electrical
connector.
50.55 where one of the lead-ins is a hollow conductor which
surrounds another lead-in (e.g., co-axial).
50.57 where a plurality of lead-in conductors pass through a
closure disk or stem structure which is sealed into an
opening in the envelope wall.
50.59 where there is shielding means to prevent leakage
currents between two lead-in conductors.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, 317 for electric
lamps and discharge devices with a plurality of lead-in
conductors.
Subclass:
50.61
This subclass is indented under subclass 50.5. Subjects
matter wherein a lead conductor which passes through the wall
of the envelope is sealed to the envelope by means of a
bonded seal.
(1) Note. A bonded joint is a joint in which the joining is
performed by casting, welding, soldering, brazing or other
method requiring the use of molten or semi-molten material,
cement, or other adhesive, or where at least one of the parts
to be joined is made of plastic and the joint is made by
pressing the parts together so that they adhere to each
other. The usual glass-to-metal seal is an example of a
bonded joint.
(2) Note. This and the indented subclasses are residual
places for patents for envelopes with bonded lead-ins which
involve more than mere joint structure such as would be
classified in one of the classes providing for joints and
which do not involve sufficient other structure to be
classified in the above subclasses of this class or in
another class.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
151 for devices (e.g., bushings for insulating a conductor
from a wall or plate through which the conductor extends).
Some of these bushings include a bonded joint between the
lead-in conductor and the insulator or between the insulator
and the wall or plate. Where only the structure of the
lead-in conductor, the wall of the envelope and the means for
insulating it from the wall is claimed, the device is
classified in subclasses 151+ as a bushing, even though the
envelope is claimed where no characteristics of the envelope
are claimed in addition to the bushing structure.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
65, Glass Manufacturing, 36 for a process of fusion bonding
glass to a preformed part by a glassworking operation.
313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, 317 for electric
lamps and electric space discharge devices having lead-in
wires passing through the envelope walls and sealed to the
wall by a bonded seal.
403, Joints and Connections, 265 for molded joints in
general.
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, subclass 630
for stock comprising plural adjacent metallic components and
an additional silica or other oxide component.
Subclass:
50.62
This subclass is indented under subclass 50.61. Subject
matter where the lead-in conductor is sealed to the envelope
by means of a plastic material or by the use of a cement.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
17.06 where the material used to form the seal is a liquid
or where the seal includes a liquid (e.g., as mercury).
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
106, Compositions: Coating or Plastic, appropriate
subclasses for the composition of cements and plastic
materials.
Subclass:
50.63
This subclass is indented under subclass 50.61. Subject
matter where the lead-in conductor is in the form of a disc
or ring, or has a flange forming a disc or ring thereon or is
a metal tube, with the envelope sealed to either the side or
edge of the disc or ring, or to the metal tube.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
50.55 where there are two lead-in conductors, one of which
is a tube surrounding the other, and the envelope is sealed
to the outer conductor and another hermetic seal is formed
between the inner conductor and the outer conductor.
50.58 where a metal disc forms the closure for a ceramic or
glass envelope and the closure and envelope are sealed
together by a fused type seal.
Subclass:
50.64
This subclass is indented under subclass 50.61. Subject
matter where the lead-in conductor is a foil or is in the
form of a flat strip.
Subclass:
51
This subclass is indented under subclass 50. Structures
provided with means to connect a ground wire to the box or
housing.
(1) Note. See this class, subclass 78.
Subclass:
52.1
With electric device or mounting means therefor:
This subclass is indented under subclass 50. Structures
having an electric device therein, or thereon, or having
means to mount such a device.
Subclass:
52.2
Potted or encapsulated:
This subclass is indented under subclass 52.1. Subject
matter wherein the space between the box or housing and the
electrical device contained therein is occupied by a solid or
semi-solid mass of insulating material; or wherein the
electrical device is directly encapsulated in a mass of
insulating material with such mass itself forming the
housing.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
29, Metal Working, subclass 841 and 855+ for conductor or
circuit manufacturing involving encapsulating or potting of
electrical components.
264, Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating:
Processes, 272.11 for processes of encapsulating electrical
components.
336, Inductor Devices, subclass 96 for potted inductor
devices wherein some significant detail of the inductor
device is claimed.
338, Electrical Resistors, subclass 269 and 275 for
resistors with molded casings or housings.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, 331 for
plural components which are potted or encapsulated.
Subclass:
52.3
Sealed:
This subclass is indented under subclass 52.1. Subject
matter wherein the box or housing is hermetically sealed.
Subclass:
52.4
Flat housing for electronic device (e.g., flat pack,
dual-in-line package):
This subclass is indented under subclass 52.3. Subject
matter wherein the box or housing has a generally flat shape
and houses or is particularly adapted to house an electronic
device, such as an integrated circuit or a transistor.
(1) Note. Included in this subclass are electronic packages
known in the trade as "Flat-Packs" and "Dual-In-Line"
packages.
(2) Note. This subclass provides for electronic packages in
combination with lead frames, but does not take lead frames,
per se. For the structure of lead frames, per se, see Class
257, subclasses 666 and 677. However, if stock material is
claimed either as an individual lead frame without being
labeled "lead frame", or if the lead frame structure is a
strip of interconnected lead frames prior to separation into
individual lead frames, see Class 428, subclasses 571-4.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
257, Active Solid-State Devices (e.g.,Transistors,
Solid-State Diodes), appropriate subclasses for active
solid-state semiconductor devices, per se, especially 678
for active solid- state device housings, in general.
Subclass:
52.5
Header, mounting stud, or can-type housing for semiconductor
or crystal:
This subclass is indented under subclass 52.3. Structures in
the form of a can (e.g., TO-5 type) or which include an
insulating support (header or mounting stud) for the leads
entering the housing.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
257, Active Solid-State Devices (e.g.,Transistors,
Solid-State Diodes), appropriate subclasses for active
solid-state semiconductor devices, per se, especially 678
for active solid-state device housings, in general, including
subclasses 731-3 for housing mounts.
Subclass:
52.6
Pellet type housing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 52.3. Subject
matter wherein the box or housing is disc-shaped with the
flat surfaces forming electrical contacts for the electrical
device therein.
Subclass:
53
This subclass is indented under subclass 52.1. Structures in
which the means are specially designed for mounting plug
receptacles or wall switches.
(1) Note. When the characteristics of the switch are
claimed, classification is in Class 200, Electricity:
Circuit Makers and Breakers.
(2) Note. Search Class 439, Electrical Connectors,
subclasses 527+ for an electrical connector combined with
supporting means therefor; especially subclass 535 for an
electrical receptacle with an "outlet box". For the line
with respect to housings, boxes or receptacles between this
class (174) and Class 439, see (15) Note and see (17) Note of
the class definition of this class.
Subclass:
54
This subclass is indented under subclass 53. Structures
having in addition means to couple or mount an electrical
fixture.
(1) Note. See this class, subclass 61 and indented
subclasses.
Subclass:
55
This subclass is indented under subclass 53. Structures in
which the mounting means is unitary with the face plate.
(1) Note. See this class, subclasses 66 and 67, and the
notes thereunder, for face plates.
Subclass:
56
This subclass is indented under subclass 55. Structures in
which the mounting means is on the portion of the face plate
on the outside of the box or housing.
Subclass:
57
This subclass is indented under subclass 53. Structures in
which two or more parts of the box, or the mounting means,
are relatively adjustable.
(1) Note. Complete the search in class 220, Receptacles,
subclass 3.7.
Subclass:
58
This subclass is indented under subclass 53. Structures
having in addition means to mount the box or housing.
(1) Note. Complete the search in this class, subclass 63,
and in class 220, Receptacles, subclasses 3.9 and 3.92, and
see the notes thereunder for box and housing mounting means.
(2) Note. Compare this class, subclass 48 and indented
subclasses.
Subclass:
59
This subclass is indented under subclass 52.1. Structures in
which the box or housing has a plurality of connectors for
fanning out a plurality of incoming and/or outgoing
conductors.
(1) Note. See Class 361, Electricity: Electrical Systems
and Devices, subclasses 335+ for arrangements of circuit
closers on a mounting or the combination with the conductors
or bus-bars, including encased switchboards.
(2) Note. Search Class 439, Electrical Connectors,
subclasses 527+ for an electrical connector combined with
supporting means therefor; especially subclass 535 for an
electrical receptacle with an "outlet box".
Subclass:
60
This subclass is indented under subclass 59. Structures
which form the terminal end of conduits or cables.
(1) Note. See this class, subclasses 73.1 and 74 and
indented subclasses, for terminals not of the box or housing
type.
Subclass:
61
This subclass is indented under subclass 52.1. Structures
having means for coupling or mounting an electrical fixture
(which is to be external of the box or housing) to the
housing.
(1) Note. Complete the search in this class, subclass 54.
(3) Note. See Class 248, Supports, subclasses 317+.
Subclass:
62
This subclass is indented under subclass 61. Structures in
which the coupling or mounting means is in the form of a stud
or nipple.
Subclass:
63
This subclass is indented under subclass 62. Structures in
which there is in addition means to mount the box or
housing.
(1) Note. Complete the search in this class, subclass 58,
and in Class 220, Receptacles, subclasses 3.9 and 3.92, and
see the notes thereunder.
(2) Note. Compare this class, subclass 48 and indented
subclasses.
Subclass:
64
This subclass is indented under subclass 62. Structures
having in addition conduit or cable coupling means.
(1) Note. See this class, subclass 65 and the notes
thereunder.
Subclass:
65
This subclass is indented under subclass 50. Structures
having means to couple a cable, wire or conduit to the box or
housing. Such means may be the conduit or cable openings in
the box, with or without a closure therefor. The
subcombination of conduit or cable with connector is here.
(1) Note. This subclass includes casings and jackets that
are of general utility and are otherwise within the subclass
definition such as may be used for electric lamps, space
discharge devices, and similar devices.
(2) Note. See Lines With Other Classes, 1., of the Class
Definition for the electrical devices that include such
envelopes and casings.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
18 for boxes and housings with a bushing, terminal, or
lead-in using a fluid or provided with structure peculiarly
adapted for use with a fluid.
50.5 for a sealed envelope and housing such as are used for
an electric lamp, electric space discharge device, and
similar device, especially subclasses specified in search
notes thereto.
64 for a combination of a conduit, cable, or conductor and
means to couple the same to a box.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, 293 for a
switch case or mounting base having specific housing or
supporting structure.
220, Receptacles, 3.2 for means having no claimed electrical
characteristics to couple a box or housing of a junction or
outlet to a pipe or rod.
277, Seal for a Joint or Juncture, for a generic sealing
means or process, subclass 606 for a static seal for a pipe,
conduit or cable, and a wall, subclass 919 for a seal
including an electrical feature.
285, Pipe Joints or Couplings, 136.1, 154.1+ and 189+ for
means having no claimed electrical characteristics coupling a
pipe to a box or plate.
313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, appropriate
subclasses for electric lamps and electric space discharge
devices provided with a casing, especially subclass 324 and
notes thereto.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, 212 for
discharge or preventing accumulation of electric charge
(e.g., static electricity, etc.).
373, Industrial Electric Heating Furnaces, appropriate
subclasses where the device is an electric furnace.
403, Joints and Connections, for joints of general
applications.
439, Electrical Connectors, 445 for an electrical connector
having a flexible or pivoted guard or support for a line cord
or conductor.
Subclass:
66
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Structures which constitute a closure for a box, housing or
wall opening and which are provided with openings for
communicating with devices concealed by the closure. Such
openings may have means for coupling a device in the
opening.
(1) Note. See this class, subclasses 55, 56 and 57.
(2) Note. Face plates having means specially designed for
guiding the prongs of electric plug elements have been placed
in this subclass or subclass 67 indented hereunder.
(3) Note. See Class 220, Receptacles, subclasses 241+ for
face plates having no added structure limiting the same to
electrical use, even though claimed as made of conductive
and/or insulating material, and see the search notes
thereunder for related art.
Subclass:
67
This subclass is indented under subclass 66. Structures
having additional closures for the face opening or openings.
(1) Note. Complete the search in Class 220, Receptacles,
subclass 242.
Subclass:
68.1
CONDUITS, CABLES OR CONDUCTORS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Structures of conduits, cables or conductors.
(1) Note. See this class, main class definitions,
especially 2, 3, 6, 8, and 9 as well as main class notes (1)
through (14) for criteria which distinguish the structures
found in this class from those of other classes.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
8 particularly subclasses 24+ for such structures utilizing
fluids.
32 for anti-inductive structures.
37 for underground installations.
40 for overhead installations.
48 and 49, for wall mounted installations.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
254, Implements or Apparatus for Applying Pushing or Pulling
Force, 134.3 for methods or apparatus used in installing
such structures.
294, Handling: Hand and Hoist-Line Implements, especially
subclass 19 for devices used in placing such structures.
333, Wave Transmission Lines and Networks, 236 for long
transmission lines having distributed electrical parameters,
and subclasses 1+ for plural channel systems of such lines.
338, Electrical Resistors, appropriate subclasses for
electrical resistors, per se. See the class definition under
Class 338 for certain classification lines relating to this
subject matter.
343, Communications: Radio Wave Antennas, subclass 700 for
antennas which may include a conduit, cable or conductor.
See also (4) Note. B, under subclass 700 and (1) Note under
subclass 900 of this class (343) for classification lines
between conduits, cables or conductors and antennas.
405, Hydraulic and Earth Engineering, 154 for methods and
apparatus for installing or laying conductors, drawing them
through conduits, or placing them on poles.
Subclass:
68.2
Bus bars or bus ducts (residual):
This subclass is indented under subclass 68.1. Subject
matter pertaining to bus bars or bus ducts.
(1) Note. This is the residual subclass for subject matter
directed to bus bars and bus ducts which is not provided for
in any of the other bus bar subclasses of this class namely,
subclasses 16.2, 70, 71, 72, 88, 99, 129, 133, and 149.
Since, with the exception of subclass 16.2, the other bus bar
subclasses in Class 174 do not have individually tailored
definitions, determination of the subject matter falling
within this subclass (68.2) can only be made after comparison
with these other bus bar subclasses.
(2) Note. Examples of the subject matter found in this
subclass are: bus bars supported on an insulator without an
enclosing bus duct, bus ducts, per se, and certain bus bar
and bus duct assemblies.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
191, Electricity: Transmission to Vehicles, appropriate
subclasses for bus bars and bus ducts adapted for sliding or
rolling current collection to supply electricity to
vehicles.
307, Electrical Transmission or Interconnection Systems,
subclass 147 for bus bar systems.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclass
341, 355, 361, and 378 for bus bars and bus ducts in
combinations with subject matter of that class.
439, Electrical Connectors, subclass 22 for bus bars and bus
ducts including detachable electrical connector structure or
including provisions for receiving a detachable electrical
connector.
Subclass:
68.3
Single duct conduits:
This subclass is indented under subclass 68.1. Structures
pertaining to conduits of the single duct type.
(1) Note. For the line between the subject matter in this
subclass and the structures in Class 138, Pipes and Tubular
Conduits, see (8) Note to the main definitions of this class
(174).
(2) Note. This subclass does not provide for single duct
conduits having a removable wall. For such subject matter
see subclass 101 of this class (174).
(3) Note. See this class, class definition (9) to (13)
Notes for a list of classes having conduits combined with the
subject matter thereof.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
24 for conduits in combination with a fluid or having means
particularly adapted for use in connection with a fluid.
47 for a combined fluid conduit and an electrical
conductor.
48 and 49, for wall mounted conduits.
95 and indented subclasses for conduits having plural
channels or ducts.
98 for embedded conduits.
Subclass:
69
This subclass is indented under subclass 68.1. Structures
constructed to be axially extensible. In some of these
devices the structure causes the device normally to assume a
coiled form.
(1) Note. For extensible or elastic woven fabrics, see
Class 139, Textiles: Weaving, subclasses 421+.
(2) Note. See Class 191, Electricity: Transmission to
Vehicles, subclasses 12+.
(3) Note. See Class 267, Spring Devices.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
343, Communications: Radio Wave Antennas, subclass 723, 823,
877, and 901+ for antennas which are adjustable in length.
Subclass:
70
This subclass is indented under subclass 68.1. Structures
combined with things other than the conductors and the means
for mounting and/or insulating the same in the conduit or
cable, except those combinations provided for above in this
class.
(1) Note. Devices having special strands incorporated in
armored or insulated cables or bare conductors for tension
purposes are in this class, subclasses 102, 110 and 126.1 and
their indented subclasses.
(2) Note. The combination of a conduit, cable or conductor
with means to couple the same to a box is in this class,
subclasses 64 and 65.
(3) Note. Compare this class, subclasses 135 and 136, for
cable, conduit, or conductor accessories.
(4) Note. Cables and conductors, having embodied in the
structure thereof, noncurrent-carrying wires or elements or
attaching means (other than mere armors or sheaths) specially
designed to provide supporting or attaching means for the
cables or conductors have been placed in this subclass.
Subclass:
71
This subclass is indented under subclass 70. Structures in
which the conduit, cable or conductor has one or more
branches or has means for connecting branches.
(1) Note. For an electrical connector comprising an
uninterrupted support rail or uninterrupted contact whereby a
plurality of mating connectors may engaging at an infinite
number of locations, Search Class 439, Electrical Connectors,
subclasses 110+. For an electrical connector with a conduit
or duct, Search Class 439, subclasses 207+. For analogous
structure to be used with vehicle structure, designed to
permit motion of an electrical connector therealong, see
Class 191, Electricity: Transmission to Vehicles, especially
subclasses 23+.
(2) Note. See Class 285, Pipe Joints or Couplings,
appropriate subclasses, for pipe couplings providing branched
pipes and conduits even though disclosed as being for
electrical conductors. See Class 254, Pushing and Pulling
Implements, subclasses 134.3+ for wire or strand placing
means comprising guide means interior of a coupling.
(3) Note. See Class 403, Joints and Connections, subclass
169 for branched connections in general.
(4) Note. Compare Class 138, Pipes and Tubular Conduits,
subclass 92.
Subclass:
72
This subclass is indented under subclass 71. Structures
having (1) more than one branch or (2) having more than one
duct.
(1) Note. See Class 138, Pipes and Tubular Conduits,
subclasses 111+ for plural duct pipe and tubular conduit
structures not limited to electrical use.
Subclass:
73.1
With joint or end structure conductive stress distributing
means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 70. Subject matter
having conductive means to modify the electrical stress
characteristics of the joint or end structure.
Subclass:
74
This subclass is indented under subclass 70. Structures
claiming structure applied to the terminal end of a
conductor, conduit or cable.
(1) Note. See this class, subclasses 19 and 20, for end
structures utilizing fluids.
(2) Note. For housing type terminals having means for
connecting the conduit or cable wires to other wires leading
into the housing, see this class, subclass 60.
(3) Note. See this class, subclasses 84+ for joints.
(4) Note. See Class 439, Electrical Connectors, appropriate
subclasses for electrical connector structure, and see
especially subclasses 730, 754+, 775+, 865+, 874+, 877+, and
883 for an electrical connector of the terminal type usually
applied to the end of a single conductor.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, subclass 583
for a metallic intermediate article which has a particular
configuration at an end.
Subclass:
75
This subclass is indented under subclass 74. Structures in
which there is a joint between the conductor within the end
structure and some conductive element extending to the
exterior of the end structure.
Subclass:
76
This subclass is indented under subclass 74. Structures
filled with plastic material.
(1) Note. See this class, subclasses 19 and 20, for end
structures utilizing fluids.
Subclass:
77
This subclass is indented under subclass 74. Structures
having means providing a tight seal between the end structure
and the conductor element passing therethrough to the
exterior thereof.
Subclass:
78
This subclass is indented under subclass 74. Structures
provided with means to connect a ground wire thereto.
(1) Note. See this class, subclass 51, for boxes or
housings with grounding means.
(2) Note. See Class 439, Electrical Connectors, subclasses
92+ for an electrical connector with circuit conductors and
safety grounding provision.
Subclass:
79
This subclass is indented under subclass 74. Structures
provided with means for attaching the same to a support.
(1) Note. See this class, subclasses 37, 40 and indented
subclasses, 48, 49, 58, and 63, for related supporting
means.
Subclass:
80
This subclass is indented under subclass 74. Structures in
which the end structure comprises one or more skirted
insulator elements.
(1) Note. For insulator structure, per se, see this class,
subclass 137 and indented subclasses.
Subclass:
81
This subclass is indented under subclass 74. Structures in
the form of an elbow, or having a hood over the conduit or
cable end to cause the issuing conductors to bend.
(1) Note. See Class 285, Pipe Joints or Couplings,
subclasses 179.1+ for an elbow fitting having access means,
and subclasses 179+ for an elbow pipe fitting.
Subclass:
82
This subclass is indented under subclass 74. Structures in
the form of an end cap.
(1) Note. Elbow form and hooded end caps are in this class,
subclass 81.
(2) Note. See Class 16, Miscellaneous Hardware, subclasses
108 and 109, for ferrules, rings and thimbles for conduits
and cables, where characteristics restricted to electrical
use are not claimed.
Subclass:
83
This subclass is indented under subclass 74. Structures of
sleeve form for insertion into the ends of conduits and
cables.
(1) Note. See this class, subclasses 142, 143, 146, 152,
153, 154, 157, and 167, for related insulator structures.
(2) Note. See Class 16, Miscellaneous Hardware, subclasses
2.1+, for bushings and lining thimbles for conduits and
cables where characteristics restricted to electrical use are
not claimed.
Subclass:
84
This subclass is indented under subclass 70. Structures
claiming the joint between the ends of conduits, cables or
conductors.
(1) Note. Compare this class, subclass 75, for cable,
conduit, or conductor end structures with joints.
(2) Note. See this class, subclasses 21 and 22, for joints
utilizing fluids.
(3) Note. See this class subclasses 71 and 72, for joints
for associating conduits, cables or conductors in branching
relation.
(4) Note. See Class 439, Electrical Connectors, for
electrical connectors, generally, and see especially Lines
With Other Classes and With This Class in that class (Class
439) definition for the line between this Class 174) and that
class with regard to electrical joints.
(5) Note. See Class 285, Pipe Joints or Couplings,
subclasses 47+ for joints or couplings heat and/or
electrically insulated, having no added features limiting the
same to electrical use.
(6) Note. See Class 403, Joints and Connections,
appropriate subclasses, for conductor joints where no
features restricting the same to the electrical arts, such as
the use of insulation to insulate the conductively coupled
wires or the structure of the conductor to improve the same
for conducting electricity, are claimed. Features which are
designed to make better metal to metal contact at the joint
and thus improve the strength of the joint and also the
electrical conductive properties have been placed Class 403.
(7) Note. See Class 156, Adhesive Bonding and Miscellaneous
Chemical Manufacture, subclass 49 for methods of splicing
indefinite length electric conductors.
Subclass:
85
This subclass is indented under subclass 84. Structures in
which the joint is covered by a sleeve made in sections
axially insulated from each other. This is usually for the
purpose of causing sheaths or conduits of conductive material
to be electrically noncontinuous at the joint.
(1) Note. See Class 285, Pipe Joints or Couplings,
subclasses 47+ for insulated pipe joints.
Subclass:
86
This subclass is indented under subclass 84. Joints made to
be capable of moving or adjusting the sections connected by
the joint to an out-of-line relation.
(1) Note. See Class 138, Pipes and Tubular Conduits,
subclass 120 for pipes having movable or adjustable
sections.
(2) Note. See Class 285, Pipe Joints or Couplings,
subclasses 121.3+ for concentric joints with relative motion,
subclasses 121.6+ for coupling for plural noncommunicating
lines with relatively motion, subclasses 144.1+ for serial
relatively movable joints, and subclasses 184+ for a coupling
providing an adjustable angle between the members.
(3) Note. See Class 403, Joints and Connections, subclasses
52+ for articulated joints in general.
Subclass:
87
This subclass is indented under subclass 84. Joints in which
the joint connects the sections in other than a straight
line.
(1) Note. Compare this class, subclass 86.
Subclass:
88
This subclass is indented under subclass 84. Structures
claiming joints between the separately insulated conductors
of a plural conductor cable or conduit.
(1) Note. Joints between single conductors of stranded form
are in this class, subclass 90.
Subclass:
89
This subclass is indented under subclass 84. Joints in which
the conduit wall or the cable sheath at the joint is radially
spread or flanged, usually for better engagement with the
joint sleeve or casing.
Subclass:
90
This subclass is indented under subclass 84. Joints having
special features because of the stranded construction of the
conductor.
Subclass:
91
This subclass is indented under subclass 84. Joints in which
the encasing sleeve for the joint is made in at least two
parts.
(1) Note. See this class, subclass 85, for axially
insulated joint sleeve sections.
(2) Note. Compare this class, subclass 93, for sleeves
provided with end caps.
Subclass:
92
This subclass is indented under subclass 91. Joints in which
the sleeve is longitudinally divided, i.e., in a plane
parallel to the axis.
(1) Note. Compare Class 285, Pipe Joints or Couplings,
subclasses 148.6+, 373 and 419, and Class 403, Joints and
Connections, subclasses 309+.
Subclass:
93
This subclass is indented under subclass 84. Joints in which
caps are provided at the ends of the sleeve to join the
sleeve to the conduit or cable.
Subclass:
94
This subclass is indented under subclass 84. Joints between
bare conductors.
(1) Note. These devices claim, in addition to the joint,
features of structure of the conductors restricting the same
to the electrical art.
(2) Note. See this class, subclass 84, (6) Note., for the
line with Class 403, Joints and Connections.
Subclass:
95
This subclass is indented under subclass 68.1. Structures
having two or more distinct ducts for receiving electrical
conductors.
(1) Note. Compare this class, subclass 104.
(2) Note. See Class 138, Pipes and Tubular Conduits,
subclasses 111+ for plural duct pipes and tubular conduits
not structurally limited to electrical use.
Subclass:
96
This subclass is indented under subclass 95. Structures in
which either the conductors in the ducts, or the ducts, are
embedded in material.
(1) Note. The material is usually granular or plastic in
form.
(2) Note. See this class, subclasses 98 and 118.
Subclass:
97
This subclass is indented under subclass 95. Structures in
which the ducts are formed by grooves or channels in plates.
(1) Note. See this class, subclass 101, for other removable
wall conduits.
(2) Note. See Class 138, Pipes and Tubular Conduits,
subclasses 111+ particularly subclasses 115-117, for plural
duct pipes and tubular conduits in which the ducts are formed
by grooves or channels in plates.
Subclass:
98
This subclass is indented under subclass 68.1. Structures in
which either the conduit or the conductor in the conduit is
embedded in material.
(1) Note. The material is usually plastic or granular.
(2) Note. See this class, subclasses 96 and 118.
Subclass:
99
This subclass is indented under subclass 68.1. Structures in
which the conduit has supports in its interior for supporting
one or more conductors.
(1) Note. Complete the search in this class, subclass 98,
and in Class 138, Pipes and Tubular Conduits, subclass 108
for conduits for supporting one or more conductors therein;
and subclass 113 for conduits for supporting one or more
pipes therein.
(2) Note. See this class, subclasses 28 and 29, for coaxial
or concentric conductor type of structure.
(3) Note. See this class, subclass 131, for plural strand
conductors with interior means to hold the conductors.
(4) Note. See this class, subclasses 146 and 147, for
mid-line spacer type of insulators.
(5) Note. For similar structures in which the supporting
means consists of relatively short insulating elements, such
as buttons, discs, plates or beads, strung along or upon the
conductors, see this class, subclass 111.
(6) Note. See Class 405, Hydraulic and Earth Engineering
subclasses 132+ for tunnels and subways with supporting
means.
(7) Note. See Class 104, Railways, subclass 140 and
indented subclasses, for railway slotted conduits, and
subclass 173 and indented subclasses, for railway cable
traction conduits.
(8) Note. See Class 191, Electricity: Transmission to
Vehicles, subclass 23 and indented subclasses, for conduit
enclosed and supported conductors specially arranged to
transmit to vehicles.
(9) Note. See Class 313, Electric Lamp and Discharge
Devices, subclasses 274+, for electric lamps which have an
envelope, generally of elongated tubular shape, and a
filament which extends the length of the envelope, the
envelope having supports in its interior for supporting the
filament.
Subclass:
100
This subclass is indented under subclass 99. Structures
specially designed to support conductors or cables in a
vertical position.
Subclass:
101
This subclass is indented under subclass 68.1. Structures
having at least one wall removable.
(1) Note. Complete the search in this class, subclass 97,
for conduits formed for grooved or channeled plates either
stacked or having a removable wall.
(2) Note. See Class 138, Pipes and Tubular Conduits,
subclasses 157+ for pipes having at least one wall
removable.
Subclass:
101.5
This subclass is indented under subclass 68.1. Structures
constructed to float on water.
(1) Note. Structures herein usually include tubes or cells
filled with a light weight fluid or a vacuum.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
8 for structures utilizing a fluid or vacuum for other
purposes.
126.1 for mere hollow conductors.
Subclass:
102
This subclass is indented under subclass 68.1. Structures in
which one or more conductors are enclosed in, but insulated
from, an electrically conductive armor or sheath.
(1) Note. An armor or sheath as used herein includes any
surrounding conduit, tube, wrapping, winding, layer, coating,
or other enclosing structure. Such structures may be
inherently conductive, as when made of metal, or may be
rendered conductive by incorporation of conductive
ingredients or particles.
(2) Note. While the conductivity of the armor or sheath is
essential to cause classification in this subclass and
indented subclasses, it is not necessary that the armor or
sheath be intended to carry an electric current. Thus, this
subclass and indented subclasses include, for example, armors
or sheaths (a) provided solely for mechanical protection when
claimed as made of conductive material, and (b) having an
electrical function such as corona prevention, grounding,
shielding, etc., or constituting the outer conductor of a
coaxial or concentric type cable.
(3) Note. For structures employing anti-inductive means in
addition to the conductor armor or sheath, see this class,
subclass 32 and indented subclasses, especially subclass 36.
(4) Note. For conductively armored or sheathed conductors
or cables employing a fluid or vacuum, see this class,
subclass 8 and indented subclasses, especially subclass 24
and indented subclasses. See particularly subclasses 28 and
29 for coaxial or concentric type cables.
(5) Note. For conductors or cables armored or sheathed
solely by insulation, see this class, subclass 110 and
indented subclasses.
(6) Note. For mere hollow conductors not forming an
enclosure for another conductor, see this class, subclass
126.1 and indented subclasses, especially subclasses 130 and
131.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
333, Wave Transmission Lines and Networks, 243 for long
transmission lines of the shielded type having distributed
electrical parameters.
338, Electrical Resistors, subclass 214 for cable type
resistors, subclasses 226+ for an incased, embedded or housed
fixed electrical resistor, especially subclasses 238+ and
243+ for electrical resistance elements in insulation with an
outer metallic sheath. See the class definition under Class
338 for certain classification lines relating to this subject
matter.
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, subclass 620
for composite metallic stock having a semiconductor
component.
Subclass:
103
This subclass is indented under subclass 102. Structures in
which two or more conductors or groups of conductors are
separately enclosed in a conductive armor or sheath.
Subclass:
104
This subclass is indented under subclass 103. Structure in
which the conductive armor or sheath comprises a body having
individual passages for the conductors or groups of
conductors. Said body may be preformed or may be molded
directly about the conductors.
(1) Note. Compare this class, subclass 95 and indented
subclasses, for conductors or cables arranged in plural-duct
conduits.
(2) Note. Compare this class, subclasses 96 and 98, for
single or plural conductors embedded in plastic or other
material.
Subclass:
105
This subclass is indented under subclass 102. Structures
having two or more substantially coaxial, conductive armors
or sheaths insulated from one another.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, subclass 624
for a metallic composite having an additional organic
component.
Subclass:
106
This subclass is indented under subclass 102. Structures
having two or more substantially coaxial, conductive armors
or sheaths in conductive contact with one another. This
includes composite armors or sheaths comprising two or more
conductive layers or coating conductively engaging one
another.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, subclass 604
for metallic stock or corrugate configuration, and subclasses
615+ for composite metallic stock defined in terms of the
composition of its components.
Subclass:
107
This subclass is indented under subclass 102. Structures in
which the conductive armor or sheath is enclosed in a
wrapping, coating, or other body of nonconductive material,
to insulate the armor or sheath or to protect it against
corrosion, deterioration, or other damage.
Subclass:
108
This subclass is indented under subclass 102. Structures in
which the armor or sheath comprises a conductive tape, strip,
wire, or other element applied spirally.
(1) Note. See Class 138, Pipes and Tubular Conduits,
subclasses 130, 133 and 134+ for flexible pipes formed of
spirally wound metallic elements; and subclasses 144, 150 and
154 for other pipes formed of spirally wound metallic
elements.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, subclass 592
for metallic stock which is helical or has a helical
component.
Subclass:
109
This subclass is indented under subclass 108. Structures in
which the successive turns of the spirally applied armor or
sheath overlap or are interlocked with one another.
Subclass:
110
This subclass is indented under subclass 68.1. Structures
pertaining to the insulation of electric conductors or
cables.
(1) Note. See Lines With Other Classes, Miscellaneous,
above.
(2) Note. For insulated conductors or cables enclosed in
conductive armors or sheaths, see this class, subclass 102
and indented subclasses.
(3) Note. For conduit, cable and conductor structures
involving fluid insulation, see this class, subclass 24 and
indented subclasses.
(4) Note. For insulator structures, see this class,
subclass 137 and indented subclasses.
(5) Note. For structures under subclass 68.1 in which the
conductors or cables are insulated by being embedded in
plastic or granular material, other than mere coating, see
this class, subclasses 96 and 98.
(6) Note. For conduits having insulating supports for
supporting the conductors or cables therein, see this class,
subclass 99.
(7) Note. For insulating structures under subclass 68.1
having two or more distinct ducts for receiving the
conductors, see this class, subclasses 95, 96 and 97.
(8) Note. For uninsulated conductors or cables, see this
class, subclass 126.1 and indented subclasses.
(9) Note. For insulating materials, per se, see the
appropriate fabric or composition classes. In addition to
those search notes associated with Lines With Other Classes,
Miscellaneous, in the class definition, the following are
particularly noted; Class 154, Laminated Fabric and Analogous
Manufactures, especially subclass 2.6, Class 156, Adhesive
bonding and Miscellaneous Chemical Manufacture, subclasses
51+ for methods of covering indefinite length electric
conductors and Class 162, Paper Making and Fiber Liberation,
especially subclass 106.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
338, Electrical Resistors, subclass 214 for cable type
resistors, subclasses 226+ for an incased embedded or housed
resistor, and especially subclasses 238+ and 243+ for
electrical resistance elements in insulation with an outer
metallic sheath. See the class definition under Class 338
for certain classification lines relating to this subject
matter.
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, subclass 624
for a metallic composite having an additional organic
component.
Subclass:
111
This subclass is indented under subclass 110. Structures in
which the insulating means includes relatively short
insulating elements in the form of buttons, plates, discs,
beads, etc., strung along or upon one or more conductors or
cables.
(1) Note. For similar structures in which the buttons,
discs, beads, etc., are specially designed or arranged to
provide spaces for a fluid, see this class, subclass 24 and
indented subclasses, especially subclass 28.
(2) Note. For bead or disc type insulators specially
designed as mid-line spacers, see this class, subclass 146.
Subclass:
112
This subclass is indented under subclass 110. Structures in
which the conductors or their insulation is provided with
distinctive markings or other means for identifying the
individual conductors.
(1) Note. Compare this class, subclass 115, for multiple
conductor structures in which one or more of the conductors
differ from the others in size, shape, insulation, for other
characteristics for some special purpose other than or
additional to mere identification.
Subclass:
113
This subclass is indented under subclass 110. Structures
embodying two or more conductors insulated from one another.
(1) Note. For multiple conductor structures in which one of
the conductors encloses or surrounds another as, for example,
in coaxial or concentric type cables, see this class,
subclasses 28, 29 and 102 and indented subclasses.
Subclass:
114
This subclass is indented under subclass 113. Structures in
which two or more mutually insulated conductors, or
conductive strands, are specially designed to function as a
single conductor carrying the same current. The insulation
between such conductors is ordinarily superficial.
Subclass:
115
This subclass is indented under subclass 113. Structures in
which one or more of the conductors differ from the other in
size, shape, insulation, or other characteristics for some
special purpose or function such as, testing, signaling,
grounding, etc.
(1) Note. Where the conductors have distinguishing
characteristics solely for identification purposes, see this
class, subclass 112.
(2) Note. Coaxial or concentric type cables are in this
class, subclasses 28, 29 and 102 and indented subclasses.
(3) Note. For multiple conductor structures in which one or
more of the conductors differ from the others for
anti-inductive purposes, see this class, subclass 32 and
indented subclasses.
Subclass:
116
This subclass is indented under subclass 113. Structures in
which the spaces or valleys between adjacent conductors,
which may be laid parallel or twisted, contain filler
insulation. Such filler insulation is usually of preformed
strips or strands, and together with the conductors forms an
assembly having a circular or other desired cross-section.
Subclass:
117
This subclass is indented under subclass 113. Structures in
which the conductors and insulation are arranged to form an
assembly of noncircular cross-section.
(1) Note. A twisted pair has been treated as of circular
section.
(2) Note. For single conductors embodying plural strands
arranged in noncircular formation, see this class, subclasses
119 and 129.
(3) Note. Noncircular assemblies employing filler
insulation are placed in this class, subclass 116 and
cross-referenced here.
Subclass:
118
This subclass is indented under subclass 110. Single
conductor structures including as a part thereof a material
in powdered or granular form. The material may be either
conductive or nonconductive.
(2) Note. For material in fluid form, see this class,
subclass 8 and indented subclasses.
(3) Note. Compare this class, subclasses 96 and 98, for the
use of powdered or granular material to embed conduits or
ducts, or to embed conductors in conduits or ducts.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
75, Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions for Use
Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures, 228 for a composition having a
continuous phase of free metal made by consolidating metal
particles.
Subclass:
119
This subclass is indented under subclass 110. Single
conductor structures in which the conductor (a) is made of
two or more materials, not mere constituents of a single
composition or alloy, or (b) is of noncircular cross-section.
The conductor may be either single or plural strand.
(1) Note. For bare composite conductors, see this class,
subclass 132.
(2) Note. For bare noncircular conductors, see this class,
subclasses 129 and 133.
(3) Note. For noncircular assemblies of two or more
conductors, see this class, subclass 117.
Subclass:
120
This subclass is indented under subclass 110. Single
conductor structures in which the insulation includes (a) two
or more layers of insulating material or (b) a single
insulating layer impregnated with a composition of matter.
(1) Note. In this subclass have been placed all structures
within the above definition in which any insulating layer is
other than fibrous, or fabric, or plastic, or coating
material. For definitions of these terms, see the notes to
subclass 121 of this class.
(2) Note. Where one of the layers comprises a material in
powdered or granular form, see this class, subclass 118.
(3) Note. See Class 428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous
Articles, subclasses 380+ for an insulated conductor which is
no more than a wire or filament with a plurality of layers of
coating materials thereon.
Subclass:
121
This subclass is indented under subclass 120. Structures in
which (a) one layer is fibrous or fabric and a contiguous
layer is plastic or coating material, or (b) a fibrous or
fabric layer is impregnated with a composition of matter.
(1) Note. Fibrous or fabric, as used herein, means any
material or textile composed of fibres and includes, for
example, preformed paper or paper pulp, asbestos, feathers,
spun glass, cotton, and wool.
(2) Note. Plastic or coating material, as used herein,
means those compositions, either natural or synthetic, in
plastic or liquid form, capable of being applied by ordinary
molding or coating processes. Such compositions may have
comminuted material of any character as a constituent
thereof. Examples of materials of this type are glass and
rubber.
(3) Note. Preformed tapes, strips, or sheets of rubber,
mica, bamboo, or synthetic materials, such as regenerated
cellulose, are not considered as fibrous, fabric, plastic or
coating material, and conductors insulated by such elements
have been placed in subclass 110 of this class, when such
material constitutes the only layer, or in subclass 120 when
there are additional layers of other material. See note (1)
to subclass 120.
(4) Note. See this class, subclass 102 and indented
subclasses, for coverings consisting of fibrous or fabric
material coated or impregnated with conductive material.
Subclass:
122
This subclass is indented under subclass 120. Structures in
which each insulating layer consists of nonimpregnated
fibrous or fabric material as defined in note (1) of subclass
121.
(1) Note. Where any one of such layers is impregnated, the
patent will be placed in this class, subclass 121.
(2) Note. For single, nonimpregnated, fibrous or fabric
layers, see this class, subclass 124.
(3) Note. All patents having claims to two or more
contiguous nonimpregnated, fibrous or fabric layers are to be
cross-referenced here.
Subclass:
124
This subclass is indented under subclass 110. Single
conductor structures having a single insulating layer, which
layer consists of a nonimpregnated fibrous or fabric material
as defined in note (1) to subclass 121.
(1) Note. Continue the search in this class, subclasses 121
and 122.
(2) Note. See note (9) to subclass 110 of this class.
Subclass:
125.1
Superconductor:
This subclass is indented under subclass 68.1. Structures
pertaining to cables or conductors formed in whole or in part
of superconductive material for use as a superconductor.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
29, Metal Working, subclass 599 for general methods of
making superconductors.
420, Alloys or Metallic Compositions, subclass 901 for
superconductive compositions.
427, Coating Processes, 62 for methods of making
superconductors which involve a coating process.
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, subclass 930
for superconductive metallic stock material.
505, Superconductor Technology: Apparatus, Material,
Process, particularly 230 for high temperature (greater than
30 K) superconducting wire, tape, cable, or fibers, and art
collection subclass 887 for superconductors operating at or
below 30 K.
Subclass:
126.1
Conductor structure:
This subclass is indented under subclass 68.1. Structures
pertaining to the form, shape or other characteristic of an
uninsulated conductor.
(1) Note. See the main class definition, References to
Other Classes, for the line between conductors of this class
and those properly placed elsewhere.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
15.5 for superconductive apparatus with provision for
cooling.
102 for hollow conductors which constitute armors or sheaths
for other conductors.
110 for insulated conductors.
125.1 for structure of superconductors.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
191, Electricity: Transmission to Vehicles, subclass 13 for
conductors in the form of sheets or plates.
343, Communications: Radio Wave Antennas, subclass 908 for
conductors which are active antenna components of any
particular shape.
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, 544 for stock
materials, e.g., of indefinite length, which are all metal or
which have adjacent metal components even though claimed as
being electrical conductors.
Subclass:
126.2
Composite:
This subclass is indented under subclass 126.1. Structures
in which the conductor is made of at least two distinct
layers of different conductive materials.
Subclass:
126.3
Corrugated or slotted:
This subclass is indented under subclass 126.1. Structures
in which the conductor has an undulating shape either on two
opposed surfaces (corrugated) or on one surface only
(slotted).
Subclass:
126.4
Metal coated on insulation:
This subclass is indented under subclass 126.1. Structures
in which the conductor is a conductive (metal) layer
(coating) on the surface of an insulative core.
Subclass:
127
This subclass is indented under subclass 126.1. Structures
specially designed to prevent formation of corona discharges,
i.e., to prevent high electro-static stress at any point.
Subclass:
128.1
Plural strand:
This subclass is indented under subclass 126.1. Structures
in which two or more strands, either simple or composite, are
assembled to form a single conductor structure.
(1) Note. See References to Other Classes to the main class
definition of this class for the line between this class and
the various textile classes.
(2) Note. Search should be completed in Class 57, Textiles:
Spinning, Twisting, and Twining, subclasses 200+.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
114 for conductor structures comprising plural strands
insulated from one another but intended to carry the same
current and to function as a single conductor.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, subclass 343 for
plural strand conductors used as filaments in electric lamps
or discharge devices.
Subclass:
128.2
Bundle conductors:
This subclass is indented under subclass 128.1. Structures
in which the strands are insulated from one another by an air
space but are intended to carry the same current and to
function as a single conductor.
Subclass:
129
This subclass is indented under subclass 128.1. Structures
in which the strands are arranged to form a conductor having
a noncircular cross-section.
(1) Note. For two or more insulated conductors assembled to
provide a structure of noncircular cross-section, see this
class, subclass 117.
(2) Note. For single, insulated conductors either single or
plural strand, of noncircular cross-section, see this class,
subclass 119.
(3) Note. For uninsulated single strand conductors of
noncircular cross-section, see this class, subclass 133.
Subclass:
130
This subclass is indented under subclass 128.1. Structures
in which the strands are arranged to form a conductor which
is annular in cross-section.
(1) Note. For similar structures constituting an armor or
sheath, see this class, subclass 102 and indented subclasses,
especially subclass 108.
Subclass:
131
This subclass is indented under subclass 130. Structures in
which the wall of the annulus is reinforced or supported by
means located within the annulus.
(1) Note. When the reinforcing means is conductive it must
be of a form to leave the annulus substantially hollow. When
nonconductive it may fill the annulus.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
101.5 for buoyant cable structures having interior wall
supports.
Subclass:
133
This subclass is indented under subclass 126.1. Single
strand structures having a cross-section other than
circular.
(1) Note. Continue the search in this class, subclass 119.
(2) Note. For plural strand assemblies of noncircular
cross-section, see this class, subclass 129.
Subclass:
135
This subclass is indented under subclass 68.1. Miscellaneous
devices, not otherwise classified, for use with conductors.
(1) Note. Compare this class, subclass 70.
(2) Note. For conductor vibration dampers, see this class,
subclass 42, and the notes thereunder.
(3) Note. For conductor take-ups in the form of reels, see
Class 191, Electricity: Transmission to Vehicles, subclass 12
and indented subclasses, and Class 242, Winding, Tensioning,
or Guiding, subclasses 370+.
(4) Note. For other take-up devices, see Class 24, Buckles,
Buttons, Clasps, etc., especially subclass 115 and indented
subclasses, for cord adjusters, and Class 267, Spring
Devices, especially subclass 69 and indented subclasses, for
spring devices.
Subclass:
136
This subclass is indented under subclass 135. Devices
generally tubular in form, adapted to be placed around one or
more conductors, and supported by the latter, to prevent an
adjacent structure, such as a tree, from injuring the
conductor or its insulation. The device is usually but not
necessarily, formed at least in part of insulating material.
(1) Note. Compare this class, subclass 147, for mid-line
spacers designed to prevent contact between two or more
conductors which cross one another.
(2) Note. For similar structures designed to be placed
about conductors for preventing accidental contact therewith
by persons or animals, see this class, subclass 5.
(3) Note. For similar structures designed to protect
flexible hose, rope, etc., from wear and abrasion, see Class
138, Pipes and Tubular Conduits, subclass 110, and Class 384,
Bearings, subclass 24.
(4) Note. For bushings or lining thimbles, ferrules and
rings having means for preventing abrasion of elements
passing thereinto or therethrough but not limited to use with
electric conduits, see Class 16, Miscellaneous Hardware,
subclasses 2.1+ 108, and 109.
Subclass:
137
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Devices for electrically insulating one or more conductors or
other articles or structures from one another or from a
supporting structure or ground.
(1) Note. An insulating device within the meaning of this
class may include in addition to the insulating body, per se,
the necessary attachments or fittings for mounting or
supporting the insulator or for securing a conductor or other
article thereto.
(2) Note. See this class, subclass 8 and indented
subclasses, particularly subclasses 30 and 31, for insulating
devices utilizing fluids; subclass 40 and indented
subclasses, for overhead installations, and subclass 68.1 and
indented subclasses, particularly subclass 110 and indented
subclasses, for insulated conductors.
(3) Note. Insulating devices limited by structure to use
with particular art devices or claimed in combination with
significant structure thereof will be found in the
appropriate art classes. See Search Class below for those
classes particularly noted.
(4) Note. For dielectric materials see Notes (1), (1.5),
(2), and (3), (3.1) and (3.5) of the class definition of this
class, and the classes listed therein, and also Class 156
Adhesive Bonding and Miscellaneous Chemical Manufacture,
appropriate subclasses for laminated insulation fabrics and
Class 162, Paper Making and Fiber Liberation, for paper.
(5) Note. For conductor or cable supports not claimed of
insulating material, or otherwise restricted by electrical
limitations, such as arcing devices, grounding means, etc.,
see Class 248, Supports, subclass 49 and indented
subclasses.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
16, Miscellaneous Hardware, 18, for insulating casters, and
subclasses 431+, for insulated handles.
52, Static Structures (e.g., Buildings), 408 for a disparate
sheet lamina between components of an in-situ construction
and having no defined electrical significance except
insulation in general.
75, Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions for Use
Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose
Metal Particulate Mixtures, 228 for a composition having a
continuous phase of free metal made by consolidating metal
particles.
105, Railway Rolling Stock, subclass 60, for electric
locomotive insulation.
238, Railways: Surface Track, subclass 107 and 108, for
railway tie insulation, and subclass 152 and indented
subclasses, for insulated rail joints.
248, Supports, subclass 345, for canopy insulators.
285, Pipe Joints or Couplings, 47 for insulated pipe joints
and couplings; and also the classes listed in note (4) of
subclass 123.14 of this class.
Subclass:
138
This subclass is indented under subclass 137. Insulating
devices for supporting and/or insulating particular articles
or structures other than conductors.
(05.) Note. This subclass includes insulated rod joints not
otherwise classified. Where the insulated rod joint is
merely two or more rod-like bodies which are insulated from
each other by means of insulating material which is joined to
the rod-like bodies by means of bonded joint, the patent is
classified in 403, Joints and Connections, appropriate
subclasses, especially subclasses 265+, for molded joints. A
bonded joint is a joint where the parts are held together by
means of solder, welding material, cement or other adhesive,
or by the materials adhering directly with each other.
(1) Note. See note (3) subclass 137 of this class.
(2) Note. Insulating elements adapted for insertion between
the links of pull chains for switches are placed in this
subclass, but where such element constitutes a handle or pull
knob for the chain, classification is in Class 16,
Miscellaneous Hardware, subclass 442.
(3) Note. For insulating devices specially designed to
prevent persons or animals from receiving electrical shocks,
see this class, subclass 5.
(4) Note. Insulating elements which are constituent parts
of electrical apparatus or devices and are specially designed
for use therein will be found in the appropriate class for
such apparatus or device, even though claimed, per se. For
example, see: Classes 191, Electricity: Transmission to
Vehicles, subclass 39, for section insulators and subclass 42
for combined ears and insulators; 200, Electricity: Circuit
Makers and Breakers, subclass 168, for switch and fuse
mountings and base; 310, Electrical Generator or Motor
Structure, subclasses 233+ for commutators having insulation
for portions thereof; 313, Electric Lamp and Discharge
Devices, subclasses 238+, for electric lamps and electric
space discharge devices which are provided with insulators
for supporting or spacing the electrodes of an electric lamp
and electric space discharge device, see subclass 340 for
indirectly heated cathodes for electric lamps and electric
space discharge devices which are provided with an insulator
for spacing the heater element from the cathode member; and
338, Electrical Resistors, for electrical resistance element
cores and frames which constitutes part of the electrical
resistor (see also (1) Note under subclass 321). Insulators,
per se, for use in the devices of Class 313 and which are of
general utility are in this subclass of Class 174. See
subclass 292 of Class 313 for miscellaneous supporting and
spacing elements for use in the devices of Class 313 and
which are not otherwise classified. See Class 439,
Electrical Connectors, appropriate subclasses for insulating
contact bases, lamp sockets or other elements of connectors
and appurtenant devices of insulating materials and not
elsewhere classifiable. See Class 336, Inductor Devices,
especially subclasses 198, 206, 209, and 219 for coil,
inductance, magnetic core and transformer insulation. See
Class 337, Electricity: Electrothermally or Thermally
Actuated Switches, appropriate subclasses for specific
switches of the electrothermal or thermal type with mountings
or bases.
(5) Note. Insulating supports for neon tubes are placed in
this subclass. For similar supports not claimed as made of
insulation, see Class 248, Supports, subclass 50.
(6) Note. Fastening devices such as bolts, rivets, etc.,
having means for insulating the same from a structure
penetrated by the fastening device, are in this subclass.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
373, Industrial Electric Heating Furnaces, 128.
Subclass:
139
This subclass is indented under subclass 137. Insulating
devices combined with things other than the insulating body,
its supporting or attaching means, terminal elements, and
conductor holding means, except those combinations provided
for above in this class. This includes, for example, guards
and other protective devices for preventing mechanical injury
to the insulating body, connectors for connecting two or more
conductors supported by the insulator, heating devices for
preventing condensation of moisture and other devices for
improving the electrical efficiency of the insulator.
(1) Note. For multi-part or composite insulators, or
insulators having coatings of other insulating material, or
having metallic or nonmetallic reinforcing elements embedded
therein, see this class, subclasses 178 and indented
subclasses, 181, 195, 209, and 210.
(2) Note. For insulators having terminal means providing
for ventilation thereof, see this class, subclass 187.
(3) Note. For trolley guards, see Class 191, Electricity:
Transmission to Vehicles, subclass 35.
Subclass:
140
This subclass is indented under subclass 139. Insulating
devices combined with conductive means to modify the
electrical characteristics of the insulator. This includes,
for example, arcing horns or electrodes, conductive coating
or elements for modifying surface resistance or preventing
concentration of stress, and conductive grading means for
controlling the voltage gradient.
(1) Note. Electric condensers or capacitors are in Class
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses
271+, but mere insulators having condenser elements for
modifying the capacity thereof, or for distributing the
stresses therein, are in this class (174).
(2) Note. Lightning arresters, arc and spark gaps, and
other overvoltage protective means are in Class 361,
Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses
212+, and in Class 313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices,
appropriate subclasses even though the structure of the
lightning arrester, arc or spark gaps includes insulating
means to separate the electrodes of the device from each
other. Insulator structures which are primarily designed for
spacing one or more conductors or other articles or
structures, other than mere arc or spark gap terminals, from
one another or from a supporting structure or ground when
designed to permit overvoltage discharges, or when combined
with arcing or sparking electrodes constituting a part of or
secured to the insulator or its terminals or fittings for the
purpose of protecting the insulator from the effects of the
overvoltage discharge, are in this class (174). Where
additional means are provided (such as fuses, resistors,
etc.) for controlling or suppressing the arc or overvoltage,
classification is in Class 361. Where the structure claimed
of is intended for use establishing an electric space
discharge between the electrodes of the arc or spark gap, and
the insulator is provided merely to insulate the electrodes
from each other, the patent is classified in Class 313.
Arcing or grading devices, per se, which are specially
designed for use with the insulators of Class 174, are in
this class (174), subclass 144. Mere arc spark or other
electric space discharge device electrodes, which are not
limited to use with the insulators of class 174, are in Class
313, subclasses 326+. See subclass 313 of Class 313 for
electric lamps and electric space discharge devices which are
provided means for preventing the accumulation of static
charges upon parts of the device or for preventing undesired
electric space discharges, such as arcs, between the parts of
the device.
(3) Note. For conduit, cable or conductor joints or end
structures combined with conductive stress distributing
means, see this class, subclass 73.1.
(4) Note. For X-ray devices having electrostatic field
stress distributing means, see Class 378, X-Ray or Gamma Ray
Systems or Devices, subclass 139.
(5) Note. For inductor devices with coil capacitance
modifying means to change the potential gradient in order to
minimize surge or transient effects, see Class 336, Inductor
Devices, subclass 70.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
343, Communications: Radio Wave Antennas, subclass 885 for
antennas with a support having stress distributing or static
discharging means in the support.
Subclass:
141
This subclass is indented under subclass 140. Structures in
which the insulator consists of two or more separate
insulating units arranged in series between the structures to
be insulated.
(1) Note. For insulator strings and stacks, per se, see
this class, subclass 150.
Subclass:
142
This subclass is indented under subclass 140. Structures in
which the insulator is of the type for insulating a conductor
from a wall or plate through which the conductor extends.
(1) Note. For bushing type insulators, per se, see this
class, subclasses 151 and indented subclasses, and 167.
Subclass:
143
This subclass is indented under subclass 142. Structures in
which alternating rings or cylinders of conductive and
insulating material are arranged between the conductor and
the wall or plate.
(1) Note. See note (1) to the definition of subclass 140 of
this class.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
216, Etching a Substrate: Processes, subclass 6 for the
formation of a capacitor using etching in the process.
Subclass:
144
Arcing or grading rings or devices, per se, specially
designed for use with insulators.
(1) Note. See note (2) to the definition of subclass 140 of
this class.
(2) Note. For arcing rings or devices, per se, see the
reference to Class 313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices,
under "SEARCH CLASS" in (2) Note to the definition of
subclass 140 of Class 174.
Subclass:
145
This subclass is indented under subclass 139. Devices
combined with means for electrically connecting two or more
conductors.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
439, Electrical Connectors, appropriate subclasses for an
electrical connector, generally, including the combination of
a conductor therewith, and see the notes set forth in
sections IV and VI in the definition of that class (Class
439) for distinctions between Class 174 and Class 439.
Subclass:
146
This subclass is indented under subclass 137. Insulating
devices for spacing or separating two or more conductors at a
point intermediate the supports for said conductors.
(1) Note. For similar devices for spacing plural conductors
in conduits, see this class, subclass 99.
(2) Note. For strand spacing devices formed of conducting
material, see this class, subclass 128.1 and indented
subclasses.
Subclass:
147
This subclass is indented under subclass 146. Devices for
spacing or separating the conductors at a point where they
cross one another.
(1) Note. For spacing devices of this character designed to
effect transposition of the conductors for anti-inductive
purposes, see this class, subclass 33.
(2) Note. For devices applied to one conductor for
preventing wear or abrasion caused by a second conductor or
other object which crosses the first, search this class,
subclass 136.
(3) Note. For similar devices specially designed for use
with trolley conductors, see Class 191, Electricity:
Transmission to Vehicles, subclass 37.
Subclass:
148
This subclass is indented under subclass 137. Combinations
of two or more insulators, each of which constitutes a
substantially complete insulating device capable of
independent use as such.
(1) Note. Mere divided, sectional, or multipart insulators
in which two or more insulating elements constitute
complementary parts of a single insulating device are not
included here and will be found in the subclasses indicated
in the following notes.
(2) Note. Divided insulators are in this class, subclasses
155, 156 and 157.
(3) Note. Sectional, multi-part, and composite insulators
are in this class, subclasses 178 and indented subclasses,
195, 209 and 210.
(4) Note. Mere supports for plural insulators, such as
plural brackets, etc., not claimed in combination with the
insulators nor otherwise restricted to use with electric
conductors have been placed in Class 248, Supports, subclass
49 and indented subclasses, particularly in subclasses 67.7
and 68.1.
(5) Note. For plural supports in general, see Class 211,
Supports: Racks.
(6) Note. For plural insulator assemblies claimed in
combination with a pole, tower, or other overhead
installation, see this class, subclass 40 and indented
subclasses.
Subclass:
149
This subclass is indented under subclass 148. Structures
designed for supporting two or more conductors or cables in
spaced relationship.
Subclass:
150
This subclass is indented under subclass 148. Structures in
which all of the insulators are arranged in a series between
the conductor and a supporting structure.
(1) Note. For strings and stacks combined with arcing or
conductive stress distributing means, see this class,
subclass 141.
(2) Note. Multiple insulator assemblies in which some of
the insulators are arranged in series, and some are not, have
been placed in this class, subclass 148 or 149, and
cross-referenced here when necessary.
Subclass:
151
This subclass is indented under subclass 137. Devices for
insulating a conductor from a wall or plate through which the
conductor extends.
(1) Note. For such devices combined with or utilizing a
fluid, see this class, subclass 31.
(1.3) Note. For hermetically sealed envelopes of the type
used for electric lamps and electric space discharge devices
which have a metallic wall portion with a lead-in conductor
which passes through and is insulated from the metal wall
portion, and where structure of the envelope in addition to
the bushing structure is recited, see subclass 50.56 of this
class.
(1.5) Note. For the miscellaneous boxes and housings with
bushings where structure in addition to the bushing structure
is involved, and for the miscellaneous boxes and housings
with means to couple a cable, wire or conduit to the box or
housing, see subclass 65 of this class.
(2) Note. For such devices combined with conductive arcing
or stress distributing means, see this class, subclasses 142
and 143.
(3) Note. For mere tubular or spool-type insulators not
limited to use with a wall or plate, or combined in
combination therewith, see this class, subclass 167 and the
notes thereto.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
343, Communications: Radio Wave Antennas, particularly 713
for antennas with a vehicle wherein the antenna or its
lead-in conductor is supported by, and may extend through and
be insulated from, the vehicle body; and subclasses 888+ for
antennas with a support for supporting the rod-like end
portion of the antenna which may extend through and be
insulated from a wall or plate.
Subclass:
152
This subclass is indented under subclass 151. Devices in
which a portion of the insulating element extends into the
opening in the wall or plate.
(1) Note. Class 174 provides for portions of a complete
electrical bushing when there is no provision for the claimed
subject matter in any other class (e.g., only electrical
bushing structure of a spark plug, a lead-in wire of an
electrical bushing as an electrode or center electrode,
etc.).
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
74 for an insulating bushing limited by structure to use
with the end structure of a conduit, cable, or conductor,
especially subclass 83 for conduit-end lining thimbles.
138 for an insulated rod joint.
154 for tubular or spool-type insulator mounted in a
supporting bracket or holder.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
16, Miscellaneous Hardware, 2 for a bushing or lining
thimble not limited to use with electric conductors.
220, Receptacles, 3.5 for wall, floor, or panel mounted
outlet or junction boxes.
248, Supports, 27.1, for an instrument mounted in a panel and
subclasses 56+ for a pipe or cable extending through a
plate.
277, Seal for a Joint or Juncture, for a generic sealing
means or process, subclass 606 for a static seal for a pipe,
conduit, or cable, and a wall, subclass 919 for a seal
including an electrical feature.
285, Pipe Joints or Couplings, 189 for a pipe and plate
joint.
313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, 118 for a spark
plug having a bushing including a ground electrode point and
an insulated electrode point.
362, Illumination, subclass 456 for plates for mounting
lenses.
403, Joints and Connections, 230 for a rod end transverse to
a side or plate.
439, Electrical Connectors, 571 for an electrical connector
mounted or attached to a wall, plate, or panel.
Subclass:
153
This subclass is indented under subclass 152. Devices in
which the bushing is secured in the wall or plate by means
located upon and engaging opposite sides of said wall or
plate.
Subclass:
154
This subclass is indented under subclass 137. Insulators
mounted in a ring, clamp, or other holder which embraces or
surrounds both the insulator, and the conductor held
thereby.
(1) Note. Compare this class, subclass 151 and indented
subclasses, for bushing type insulators mounted in walls or
plates.
(2) Note. For pipe and cable holders having rings, clamps,
etc., embracing the pipe or cable and not limited to use with
electric conductors or combined with insulators, see Class
248, Supports, subclass 49 and indented subclasses.
Subclass:
155
This subclass is indented under subclass 154. Devices in
which the insulator is formed of two or more insulating parts
assembled to provide a passage for receiving the conductor,
or for clamping the conductor therebetween.
(1) Note. For other divided insulators, see this class,
subclasses 156 and 157.
Subclass:
156
This subclass is indented under subclass 137. Insulators
formed of two or more insulating parts assembled to provide
one or more passages for receiving conductors, or for
clamping the conductors therebetween.
(1) Note. For mere multi-part or sectional insulators not
assembled as set forth in the above definition, see this
class, subclasses 209 and 210, and the notes thereto.
(2) Note. Continue the search in this class, subclass 155.
Subclass:
157
This subclass is indented under subclass 156. Divided
insulators in which the insulating parts have one or more
aligned, through apertures for receiving a nail, screw, or
like attaching element. Such devices are known as knobs or
cleats.
(1) Note. Compare this class, subclass 166, for one piece
insulators having through apertures for receiving nails,
screws, and similar elements.
(2) Note. Continue the search in class 248, Supports,
subclass 67.5.
Subclass:
158
This subclass is indented under subclass 137. Insulators
combined with means for engaging or attaching to a supporting
element or structure.
(1) Note. Mere supports for insulators such as brackets,
etc., not claimed in combination with the insulators nor
otherwise restricted to use with electric conductors, have
been placed in class 248, Supports, appropriate subclasses,
particularly in subclasses 200+ and 317+, and this is so even
though the bracket or other support is claimed as made in
whole or in part of a material having inherent insulating
properties; but where additional insulation features are
claimed, such as insulating skirts, to shed rain, etc.,
classification is here (Class 174), in this subclass or
indented subclasses.
(2) Note. For insulators claimed in combination with a
tower, pole or other overhead installation, see this class,
subclass 40 and indented subclasses.
(3) Note. For combinations of two or more insulators with
their supporting or attaching means, see this class, subclass
148 and indented subclasses.
(4) Note. For combinations of bushing type insulators with
mounting or securing means, see this class, subclass 151 and
indented subclasses.
(5) Note. For mere terminal structures as defined in
subclass 176, either per se or in combination with the
insulator, see this class, subclass 176 and indented
subclasses.
Subclass:
159
This subclass is indented under subclass 158. Devices
consisting of a nail, staple, or similar fastening element
adapted to secure one or more conductors to a wall or other
supporting surface and provided with an insulating head,
washer, strip or similar element for insulating the
conductors.
(1) Note. Compare subclasses 157 and 166 for insulators
adapted to be secured to a support by means of a nail, screw,
or similar fastening element, but in which the conductor is
secured to the insulator in substantially spaced relation to
the supporting surface.
(2) Note. For fastening devices such as bolts, rivets,
etc., having means for insulating the same from a structure
penetrated by the fastening device, see this class, subclass
138.
(3) Note. For driven, headed and screw threaded fastenings,
per se, not having electrical characteristics, see Class 411,
Expanded, Threaded, Headed, and Driven Fasteners, or Locked
or Coupled Bolts or Nuts, even though formed in whole or in
part of a material having inherent insulating properties.
Subclass:
160
This subclass is indented under subclass 158. Insulators
having means associated therewith specially designed to
engage a flexible supporting strand such as a span wire or
messenger cable.
(1) Note. Patents claiming two or more insulators combined
with a messenger cable or other overhead supporting cable
have been placed in this class, subclass 41, and
cross-referenced here when necessary.
(2) Note. For devices other than insulators for supporting
a conductor or cable from an overhead or messenger cable, see
this class, subclass 41 and the notes thereto.
Subclass:
161
This subclass is indented under subclass 158. Devices
constructed or arranged so as (a) to permit the insulator to
be adjustably positioned with respect to its supporting
structure, or (b) to permit relative motion between the
insulator and its supporting structure. This includes, for
example, suspension means, pivotally or movably mounted,
brackets having adjustable sections, etc.
(1) Note. Mere terminal devices of the link or clevis type
are in this class, subclass 176 and indented subclasses,
particularly subclasses 184 and 207.
(2) Note. Insulating devices in which adjustability or
movability is attained solely by reason of the inherent
flexibility or resiliency of the insulating material are not
here but will be found in this class, subclass 137 or the
indented subclasses appropriate to the structure claimed.
Subclass:
162
This subclass is indented under subclass 158. Devices in
which the insulator is positioned between and secured to a
pair of brackets, flanges, cross-arms, or the like.
(1) Note. Continue the search in Class 248, Supports,
subclass 67.7.
(2) Note. Plural assemblies of the type provided for here,
including those known to the trade as "Secondary racks", have
been placed in this class, subclass 149.
(3) Note. For mere terminal devices of the link or clevis
type in which the insulator is positioned between and secured
to the arms of the link or clevis, see this class, subclass
176 and indented subclasses, especially subclasses 184 and
207.
Subclass:
163
This subclass is indented under subclass 158. Devices having
means embracing or clamping the insulator, or its support, or
both. Said means may include, for example, (1) a sleeve,
ring, socket, cap, or other element which receives or
encircles the insulator, or (2) a clamp for engaging the
insulator and/or a cross-arm or other support, or (3)
insulators having flanges thereon for straddling a cross-arm
or other support.
(1) Note. For similar devices in which the insulator
embracing or clamping element also embraces the conductors,
see this class, subclasses 154 and 155.
(2) Note. Insulators having integrally projecting stems for
insertion in a cross-arm, wall, or similar support have been
placed in this class, subclass 164.
(3) Note. For the support embracing or clamping features,
continue the search in class 248, Supports, subclasses 65 and
indented subclasses and 200 and indented subclasses,
particularly subclasses 72, 214, 218.4, 220.21, 226.11, and
309.1 and indented subclasses.
Subclass:
164
This subclass is indented under subclass 158. Devices in
which the support securing or attaching means includes a
portion extending into or through the support.
(1) Note. Insulators having integral stem portions for
mounting in a cross-arm, wall, or similar support are in this
subclass.
(2) Note. Insulator supports secured to a main support
solely by nails, screws, or similar fastening elements not
forming a part of the insulator support are excluded from
this subclass and have been placed in this class, subclass
158, or other appropriate indented subclasses.
(3) Note. For the support penetrating features, continue
the search in class 248, Supports, subclasses 71 and 216 and
indented subclasses.
Subclass:
165
This subclass is indented under subclass 164. Devices of the
type having a portion in the form of a pin, rod, belt, stud,
or similar element secured within a socket formed in the
insulating body.
(1) Note. For mere pin terminals, see this class, subclass
176 and indented subclasses, especially subclasses 180, 182,
185, and 194 and indented subclasses.
Subclass:
166
This subclass is indented under subclass 164. Insulators in
which the insulating body is provided with one or more
through apertures for receiving nails, screws, or similar
elements adapted to clamp the insulating body to a supporting
surface.
(1) Note. For divided insulators having similar attaching
means, see this class, subclass 157.
Subclass:
167
This subclass is indented under subclass 137. Devices in
which the insulating body is provided with at least one
through aperture for receiving a conductor.
(1) Note. Insulating tubes, spools, and other bushing type
insulators, other than divided insulators, not claimed in
combination with a wall, plate or other holding means, or
restricted by structure to use therewith, have been placed in
this subclass.
(2) Note. For other insulators having through apertures for
receiving conductors, see this class, subclass 151 and
indented subclasses, for bushings mounted in a wall or plate
or restricted to use therewith; subclasses 154 and 155, for
insulators mounted in an embracing holder or restricted to
use therewith, and subclasses 155, 156 and 157, for divided
insulators.
(3) Note. For insulators having through apertures for
receiving supporting or terminal elements, see this class,
subclasses 157, 166, 184, 207, and 208.
(4) Note. For insulators having slots and grooves for
receiving conductors, see this class, subclasses 174 and
175.
Subclass:
168
This subclass is indented under subclass 137. Insulating
devices having means for holding or securing one or more
conductors.
(1) Note. For insulators having means specially designed
for holding structures or articles other than conductors, see
this class, subclass 138.
(2) Note. For insulators combined with conductor holding
means specially designed to electrically connect two or more
conductors, see this class, subclass 145.
(3) Note. For devices for holding conductors on insulators
not claimed in combination with the insulator nor otherwise
restricted to use with electric conductors, and for analogous
devices for holding cord and rope, see Class 24, Buckles,
Buttons, Clasps, etc., appropriate subclasses, especially
subclasses 115 and 339+ and their indented subclasses.
(4) Note. For insulators combined with means specialized
for holding either overhead or underground conductors, such
as trolley wires or third rails, so as to permit travel of a
current collector therealong, see Class 191, Electricity:
Transmission to Vehicles, subclasses 32 and 42.
(5) Note. For analogous devices for securing the wires of
wire fences to the fence posts or poles, see Class 256,
Fences, subclass 47 and indented subclasses.
Subclass:
169
This subclass is indented under subclass 168. Devices in
which the conductor is held in or on a member other than the
insulating body proper, which member is in turn secured or
adapted to be secured to the insulating body. This includes,
for example, caps, pins, and other elements having a portion
secured to the insulator and another portion provided with
conductor receiving means.
(1) Note. This subclass and indented subclasses do not
include devices designed to hold or position the conductor on
the surface of the insulator or in a groove or slot formed
therein. Such devices are in this class, subclass 168, or
other appropriate indented subclass.
(2) Note. For inventions in the manner of securing the
fitting or terminal to the insulating body, see this class,
subclass 176 and indented subclasses.
Subclass:
170
This subclass is indented under subclass 169. Devices in
which the conductor holding element is of hook form.
Subclass:
171
This subclass is indented under subclass 169. Devices in
which the conductor holding element is specially designed for
use with a conductor having a cross-section other than
circular.
(1) Note. See note (4) of subclass 168 of this class.
Subclass:
172
This subclass is indented under subclass 168. Devices in
which the conductor is held on the insulating body, usually
in a groove or slot, formed therein by retaining means having
a clamp or other portion embracing the insulator.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
192, Clutches and Power-Stop Control, 1.1, for other types of
combined electric motor and brake combinations.
Subclass:
173
This subclass is indented under subclass 172. Devices in
which the conductor retaining means consists of a flexible
strand bent, wrapped or twisted about the conductor and
insulator.
(1) Note. Similar devices having preformed eyes, hooks, or
other attaching portions, and tie wires which do not embrace
the insulator have been placed in this class, subclass 168
and other appropriate indented subclass.
(2) Note. See Class 256, Fences, subclasses 57 and 71, and
the notes thereto.
Subclass:
174
This subclass is indented under subclass 168. Devices in
which the structure of the insulating body is modified, as by
means of grooves, slots, projections, etc., to provide
conductor receiving or attaching portions.
(1) Note. Such insulators combined with devices for holding
the conductor in the slots or grooves, or about the
projections of the insulator, have been placed in this class,
subclass 168 or other appropriate subclass indented
thereunder.
(2) Note. For insulator structures in which the conductor
receiving means comprises a through perforation formed in the
insulator body, see this class, subclass 167 and the notes
thereto.
(3) Note. Compare Class 24, Buckles, Buttons, Clasps, etc.,
subclass 129 and indented subclasses, for one-piece cord and
rope holders.
Subclass:
175
This subclass is indented under subclass 174. Insulator
structures designed to hold or retain a conductor without the
employment of auxiliary fastening or retaining means. This
includes, for example, insulators having conductor-receiving
slots or passageways formed therein with tortuous or
restricted entranceways to prevent separation of the
conductor under ordinary installation conditions, and even
though the conductor is loosely positioned and free to move
longitudinally through the insulator.
(1) Note. Compare Class 256, Fences, subclass 53.
Subclass:
176
This subclass is indented under subclass 137. Insulators
combined with one or more terminal elements, as defined in
the following note:
(1) Note. A "terminal element" as used herein is that
portion of an insulator support, conductor holder, or other
insulator attachment which is secured to the insulating body.
This includes, for example, caps, pins, links, or clevises,
but when significant features of the means whereby these
elements are secured to supports, conductors, or other
devices, are claimed, the patent will be classified in the
appropriate subclass above for such features and
cross-referenced to this subclass and indented subclasses,
when necessary.
Subclass:
177
This subclass is indented under subclass 176. Insulators
having two or more terminal elements.
(1) Note. This subclass takes all insulators having more
than two terminals, and also such two-terminal insulators as
are not provided for in the indented subclasses.
Subclass:
178
This subclass is indented under subclass 177. Two-terminal
insulators comprising two or more insulating parts, sections,
or materials.
(1) Note. For multi-part insulators combined with single
pin-type terminals, see this class subclass 195.
(2) Note. For other multi-part, sectional, or composite
insulators, see this class, subclasses 209 and 210 and the
notes thereto.
Subclass:
179
This subclass is indented under subclass 178. Two-terminal
insulators comprising an elongated insulating core enclosed
in a tubular structure of other insulating material.
Subclass:
180
This subclass is indented under subclass 178. Two-terminal
insulators in which one of the terminal elements is a pin, as
defined in subclass 194, and the other is a member having a
portion embracing one end of said pin, but insulated
therefrom.
(1) Note. For similar terminal arrangements combined with
one-piece insulators, see this class, subclasses 182 and
185.
Subclass:
181
This subclass is indented under subclass 177. Two-terminal
insulators in which a metallic element, insulated from the
terminal elements, (a) reinforces the insulating body or (b)
prevents mechanical separation of the terminal elements in
the event the insulating body is broken or otherwise
destroyed.
(1) Note. For other metal reinforced insulators, see this
class, subclasses 209 and 210.
Subclass:
182
This subclass is indented under subclass 177. Two-terminal
insulators in which one of the terminals comprises a pin, as
defined in subclass 194, and the other terminal comprises a
cap, as defined in subclass 188, coaxially positioned with
respect to the pin.
(1) Note. Compare this class, subclasses 180 and 185, for
insulators having pin terminals combined with coaxially
positioned terminals other than caps.
(2) Note. For other insulators having cap-type terminals,
see this class, subclasses 186 and 188 and indented
subclasses.
(3) Note. For other insulators having pin type terminals,
see this class, subclasses 180, 185 and 194 and indented
subclasses.
Subclass:
183
This subclass is indented under subclass 177. Two-terminal
insulators, the terminals being insulated from one another
but overlapping one another in the direction of the axis of
the insulator.
(1) Note. Where the overlapping terminals comprise a cap
and pin respectively, see this class, subclass 182.
(2) Note. For similar terminal arrangements combined with
multi-part, sectional, or composite insulators, see this
class, subclass 178 and indented subclasses.
Subclass:
184
This subclass is indented under subclass 183. Two-terminal
insulators in which the terminals, usually in the form of
links, clevises, or loops, are arranged to inter-link one
another.
(1) Note. For insulators combined with a single link or
clevis type terminal, see this class, subclass 207.
(2) Note. For insulator structures, per se, specially
designed for use with link or clevis type terminals, see this
class, subclass 208.
Subclass:
185
This subclass is indented under subclass 183. Two-terminal
insulators in which one of the terminals has a pin portion,
as defined in subclass 194, and the other terminal has a
portion coaxially positioned with respect to said pin portion
but insulated therefrom.
(1) Note. Continue the search in this class, subclass 180.
Subclass:
186
This subclass is indented under subclass 177. Two-terminal
insulators in which each terminal comprises a cap portion, as
defined in subclass 188.
(1) Note. For other insulators having cap-type terminals,
see this class, subclasses 182 and 188 and indented
subclasses.
Subclass:
187
This subclass is indented under subclass 176. Insulators in
which a terminal element is constructed or arranged to permit
ventilation of a chamber or space formed in the insulating
body.
(1) Note. Compare this class, subclass 16.
Subclass:
188
This subclass is indented under subclass 176. Insulators
claimed in combination with a single terminal of the type
comprising a cup-shaped element in which at least a portion
of the insulating body is secured.
(1) Note. For other insulators having cap type terminals,
see this class, subclasses 182 and 186, and compare
subclasses 180 and 185.
(2) Note. For insulator supports having cup-shaped portions
in which the insulator is secured, see this class, subclass
163.
Subclass:
189
This subclass is indented under subclass 188. Insulators in
which the insulating body is molded within the cap terminal,
or is secured therein by means including a plastic bonding
material, such as, for example, cement or alloy.
(1) Note. For insulators having pin-type terminals secured
by plastic bonding material, see this class, subclass 196.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
403, Joints and Connections, 265 and subclasses specified in
the notes to the definition of that subclass for
miscellaneous bonded joints.
Subclass:
190
This subclass is indented under subclass 188. Insulators in
which the cap terminal is longitudinally divided to
facilitate assembly about the insulating body.
Subclass:
191
This subclass is indented under subclass 188. Insulators in
which the insulating body is secured within the cap terminal
by means including a clamp or clasp. This includes the use
of set screws or like devices projecting through the wall or
rim of the cap for clamping the insulating body.
(1) Note. Compare this class, subclass 197, for insulators
having pin-type terminal secured by clamps or clasps.
Subclass:
192
This subclass is indented under subclass 188. Insulators in
which the insulating body is secured within the cap terminal
by means including a ring, wedge, or other similar element
interposed between the cap and the insulating body.
(1) Note. Where in addition to such interposed element a
plastic bonding material is employed, the patent is placed in
this class, subclass 189 and cross-referenced here.
(2) Note. For insulators having pin-type terminals secured
by interposed rings or wedges, see this class, subclass 198.
Subclass:
193
This subclass is indented under subclass 188. Insulators in
which the insulating body is secured within the cap terminal
by means including a threaded or bayonet joint.
(1) Note. For insulators having pin-type terminals secured
by a threaded or bayonet joint, see this class, subclass
202.
Subclass:
194
This subclass is indented under subclass 176. Insulators
claimed in combination with a single terminal of the type
comprising a pin, rod, bolt, stud, or similar element secured
within a socket or hole formed in the insulating body.
(1) Note. For other insulators having pin-type terminals,
see this class, subclasses 180, 182 and 185.
(2) Note. For insulator supports having a pin portion
secured within a socket or opening in the insulating body,
see this class, subclass 158 and indented subclasses,
particularly subclass 165.
(3) Note. For the broader aspects of joints between a pin
terminal and an insulator body, or for similar joints not
limited to insulators, see Class 403, Joints and Connections,
appropriate subclasses, especially subclasses 230+, 299+ and
361+.
Subclass:
195
This subclass is indented under subclass 194. Insulators
comprising two or more insulating parts or sections.
(1) Note. For multi-part insulators combined with two or
more terminals, see this class, subclass 178 and indented
subclasses.
(2) Note. For other multi-part, sectional, or composite
insulators, see this class, subclasses 209 and 210 and the
notes thereto.
(3) Note. For insulators having sockets provided with mere
thimbles or linings for receiving the pin terminal, see this
class, subclass 200, even though the thimble or lining is of
insulating material.
Subclass:
196
This subclass is indented under subclass 194. Insulators in
which the insulating body is molded around the pin terminal,
or is secured thereto by means including a plastic bonding
material such as, for example, cement or alloy.
(1) Note. For insulators having cap-type terminals secured
by plastic bonding material, see this class, subclass 189.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
403, Joints and Connections, 265 and the classes and
subclasses specified in the notes to the definition of that
subclass for miscellaneous bonded joints.
Subclass:
197
This subclass is indented under subclass 194. Insulators in
which the pin is secured within the insulator by means
including a clamp or clasp.
(1) Note. Compare this class, subclass 191, for insulators
having cap-type terminals secured by clamps or clasps.
Subclass:
198
This subclass is indented under subclass 194. Insulators in
which the pin is secured within the insulator by means
including a ring, wedge, or other similar element interposed
between the pin and insulating body.
(1) Note. Where in addition to such interposed element a
plastic bonding material is employed, the patent is placed in
this class, subclass 196 and cross-referenced here.
(2) Note. For insulators having cap-type terminals secured
by interposed rings or wedges, see this class, subclass 192.
Subclass:
199
This subclass is indented under subclass 194. Insulators in
which the pin terminal has a portion expanded within the
insulator socket to secure it in place.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
403, Joints and Connections, 230.
411, Expanded, Threaded, Driven, Headed, Tool-Deformed, or
Locked-Threaded Fastener, 15 for expanding anchors.
Subclass:
200
This subclass is indented under subclass 194. Insulators in
which the socket in the insulator is provided with a lining
or shell commonly known as a thimble for receiving the pin.
(1) Note. Compare this class, subclasses 195 and 210, for
multi-part insulators comprising nested, cup-shaped parts,
the inner-most of which is provided with a pin receiving
socket.
(2) Note. See this class, subclass 202 and indented
subclasses, for thimbles forming a part of, or attached to,
the pin and secured in the insulator by means of a threaded
or bayonet joint.
Subclass:
201
This subclass is indented under subclass 194. Insulators
having a hole extending entirely therethrough for receiving
the pin.
(1) Note. Compare this class, subclasses 157, 162 and 166,
for insulators having through openings for receiving a
supporting element.
Subclass:
202
This subclass is indented under subclass 194. Insulators in
which the pin is secured in the insulator by means including
a threaded or bayonet joint.
(1) Note. For insulators having cap-type terminals secured
by a threaded or bayonet joint, see this class, subclass
193.
(2) Note. For joints of the screw or bayonet type, using a
thimble, see this class, subclass 200.
(3) Note. For screw-threaded fasteners generally, see Class
411, Expanded, Threaded, Driven, Headed, Tool-Deformed, or
Locked-Threaded Fastener, appropriate subclasses.
(4) Note. See Class 403, Joints and Connections, for mere
joints, particularly subclass 343 for screw type joints.
Subclass:
203
This subclass is indented under subclass 202. Insulators in
which the thread is of strand form, i.e., not formed
integrally with a base.
(1) Note. Strands of fibrous or other soft material set in
a screw groove are in this subclass. For other soft or
yielding material screw pins, see this class, subclass 205.
Subclass:
204
This subclass is indented under subclass 202. Insulators in
which the pin thread is formed in sheet material.
Subclass:
205
This subclass is indented under subclass 202. Insulators in
which the pin, or some insulator contacting part thereof, is
of soft or yielding material.
(1) Note. Wood pins when used because of their yielding
character are here.
(2) Note. These devices are for the most part to prevent
excessive mechanical stresses in the insulator due to
differential expansion between the pin and insulator.
(3) Note. For soft or yielding structures of the kind above
provided for, see the appropriate structural group of this
class, particularly subclasses 200, 203, and 204.
Subclass:
206
This subclass is indented under subclass 202. Insulator
structures claiming the socket structure, per se, for
receiving pin terminals of the screw or bayonet type.
(1) Note. For insulator structures having sockets provided
with pin receiving screw thimbles, see this class, subclass
200.
Subclass:
207
This subclass is indented under subclass 176. Insulators
having a single terminal in the form of a link, clevis, or
loop, a portion of which extends through or around the
insulator.
(1) Note. Complete the search in this class, subclass 184.
(2) Note. For insulator structures per se of the type
adapted to receive link or clevis terminal, see this class,
subclass 208.
(3) Note. For mere links or clevises of the type employed
in chain structure see Class 59, Chain, Staple, and Horseshoe
Making, subclass 78 and indented subclasses.
(4) Note. For mere joints between a link or clevis and a
fitting for the same, see Class 403, Joints and Connections,
particularly subclasses 150+.
Subclass:
208
This subclass is indented under subclass 137. Insulators of
the type providing passages such as grooves or openings for
the reception of a link, clevis, or loop.
(1) Note. For similar structures combined with terminals
see this class, subclasses 184 and 207.
(2) Note. For other insulator structures having through
apertures, see this class, subclass 167 and the notes
thereto.
Subclass:
209
This subclass is indented under subclass 137. Insulators in
which the insulating device is composed of (1) two or more
insulating parts or sections suitably assembled to provide a
unitary insulating structure, or (2) an insulating body
coated or covered with other insulating material, or (3) an
insulating body provided with mere reinforcing elements.
Such reinforcing elements may be metallic provided they have
no electrical function.
(1) Note. See this class, subclass 140 and indented
subclasses, for insulators coated with conductive material
for stress distributing purposes.
(2) Note. For similar structures combined with terminal
elements, see this class, subclasses 178 and indented
subclasses, 181 and 195.
(3) Note. For multi-part insulators of the type in which
one or more conductors are clamped or otherwise secured
between two or more insulating parts, see this class,
subclasses 155, 156 and 157.
(4) Note. For multi-part insulators of the bushing type, or
otherwise specially designed to insulate a conductor from a
wall or plate through which the conductor passes, see this
class, subclasses 151 and indented subclasses and 167.
(5) Note. Compare this class, subclass 148 and indented
subclasses, for assemblies or combinations of two or more
complete insulators.
(6) Note. For electric conductors insulated with composite
or plural-layer insulation, see this class, subclass 120 and
indented subclasses.
(7) Note. See Class 156, Adhesive Bonding and Miscellaneous
Chemical Manufacture, subclasses 47+ for methods of
laminating indefinite length electrical conductors.
Subclass:
210
This subclass is indented under subclass 209. Insulators of
the type in which a plurality of cup-shaped insulating
elements are nested one within another. One of the
cup-shaped elements usually exposes its socket to the
exterior of the structure, which socket may be used for the
reception of a terminal or supporting element.
(1) Note. For similar structures claimed in combination
with the terminal element, see this class, subclass 195.
Subclass:
211
This subclass is indented under subclass 137. Insulators
having a structure specially designed to disperse or to
facilitate shedding or disposal of rain, atmospheric moisture
or other foreign matter. The means for accomplishing this
may consist, for example, of petticoats, skirts, flanges,
ribs, etc., modified for this purpose, or drainage openings,
grooves, channels, etc.
(1) Note. For insulators having means for handling or
dealing with fluids other than rain or atmospheric moisture,
see this class, subclasses 30 and 31.
(2) Note. See this class, subclass 139 and indented
subclasses, for insulators combined with heating means to dry
or prevent moisture from condensing.
Subclass:
212
This subclass is indented under subclass 137. Insulators in
which the shape or external configuration of the insulating
body is specially designed to modify its electrical and/or
mechanical characteristics. This includes, for example,
insulators (1) having petticoats, skirts, or flanges formed
or proportioned to distribute electrical stresses or increase
the leakage path or (2) having strengthening ribs formed
thereon, or (3) shaped to afford tool engaging surfaces to
facilitate mounting the insulator, or (4) streamlined to
reduce wind resistance.
(1) Note. For insulators having a shape or surface designed
to disperse or to facilitate shedding or removal of rain,
moisture, or other foreign matter, see this class, subclass
211.
(2) Note. For insulators having a shape or surface modified
to provide conductor receiving or attaching means, see this
class, subclass 168 and indented subclasses, especially
subclasses 174 and 175.
(3) Note. For insulators having a shape or surface modified
to provide terminal receiving or attaching means, see this
class, subclass 176 and indented subclasses.
(4) Note. For insulators having interlinking passages or
grooves formed therein, see this class, subclass 208.
(5) Note. For insulators having a shape or surface modified
to provide support receiving or attaching means, see this
class, subclass 158 and indented subclasses.
Subclass:
250
Preformed panel circuit arrangement (e.g., printed circuit):
This subclass is indented under subclass 68. Subject matter
wherein a cable or conductor is formed on or attached to a
panel or sheet-like insulating body so as to form a unitary
structure.
(1) Note. The conductor or cable may be made by coating a
panel or sheet with conductive material, or by impregnating
selected layers of the surface of an insulating body with
conductive material, or by attaching preformed conductors to
the surface of an insulating-body as by adhesives, etc. Note
the reference to Class 428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous
Articles, below.
(2) Note. Included in this subclass are such "printed
circuit" assemblies as include "branched" circuits (indented
subclasses 71+), such assemblies as include joints between
the ends of the cables or conductors (subclasses 84+), as
well as other "printed circuit" structures properly
classified in subclass 68 or one of the indented subclasses.
(3) Note. This subclass and those indented thereunder
include printed circuit boards having one or more electrical
devices of the same type. Search Class 361, subclasses 397+
for printed circuit boards having plural, diverse electrical
devices.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
29, Metal Working, 829 for the miscellaneous methods of
manufacturing cable and conductor assemblies of the type
classified in this subclass of Class 174.
257, Active Solid-State Devices (e.g., Transistors,
Solid-State Diodes), for integrated circuit structure with
active solid-state devices, subclass 446 and 499+ for
integrated circuit devices with electrically isolated
components, in general, subclasses 678-733 for housings, in
general, subclasses 787-796 for encapsulated devices, in
general, and other appropriate subclasses for specific type
devices in integrated circuits, or with a housing, or with
encapsulation.
330, Amplifiers, subclass 66 for amplifier printed circuit
boards, per se.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclass 199 for electromagnetically
operated switches where at least a part of the switch contact
structure includes a printed circuit.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, 397 for
printed circuit boards having diverse electrical devices.
427, Coating Processes, 96 for chemical coating processes
which produce printed circuits and printed circuit boards.
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, appropriate
subclasses, for a single or plural layer stock material
product which involves no more structure than a base having a
conductive layer coated thereon or impregnated therein, see
especially subclass 67 for nonparticulate elements embedded
or inlaid in a substrate and visible, subclasses 411+ for a
nonstructural composite product characterized solely by the
composition of the layers, subclass 601 for metallic stock
having a discontinuous surface component, e.g., printed
circuit, and subclass 901 (a cross-reference art collection)
for a printed circuit device.
439, Electrical Connectors, 55 for "printed circuit"
assemblies which include detachable connectors.
Subclass:
251
With encapsulated wire:
This subclass is indented under subclass 250. Subject matter
wherein the unitary structure includes a wire electrical
conducting means embedded in, potted or molded over with a
material which protects the wire from the surrounding
environment.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
96 and 98, for embedded conductors, per se.
117 for insulated conductor assemblies of noncircular
section.
Subclass:
252
With cooling means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 250. Subject matter
including means to remove or prevent heat accumulation in the
structure.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclass
381 for printed circuits with cooling means, where the
printed circuits includes plural diverse electrical devices.
Subclass:
253
Micropanel:
This subclass is indented under subclass 250. Subject matter
wherein the cable or conductor is not visible to the naked
eye.
(1) Note. Usually the size of the structure is given in
terms of microns and is smaller than 20 mils.
(2) Note. The micropanels of this class should not be
confused with microstrip or microwave devices classified
principally in Class 333, Wave Transmission Lines and
Networks. (A microstrip is generally a flat conductor which
coacts with a single ground plane.)
(3) Note. Coating thickness of a conducting layer is
insufficient for classification in this subclass.
Subclass:
254
Convertible shape (e.g., flexible) or circuit (e.g.,
breadboard):
This subclass is indented under subclass 250. Subject matter
wherein the structure is either easily bent without breaking
or has means to easily change its conductor circuit
configuration.
(1) Note. Terms that are somewhat synonymous with
"breadboard" are "prototype" and "universal board".
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclass
398 for flexible printed circuits which include plural,
diverse electrical devices.
Subclass:
255
With particular substrate or support structure:
This subclass is indented under subclass 250. Subject matter
including a material means distinguished by significant
construction or configuration which provides a supporting
surface for other materials, especially materials used as
printed-circuits patterns.
Subclass:
256
With particular material:
This subclass is indented under subclass 250. Subject matter
wherein at least a part of the circuit board structure is
composed of one or more specific substances.
Subclass:
257
Conducting (e.g., ink):
This subclass is indented under subclass 256. Subject matter
including a material adapted to the transmission of
electricity.
(1) Note. The conducting material may be for example
superconducting, semiconducting or resistive.
Subclass:
258
Insulating:
This subclass is indented under subclass 256. Subject matter
including a material on or through which essentially no
electrical current will flow.
Subclass:
259
Adhesive/bonding:
This subclass is indented under subclass 256. Subject matter
including a material which causes parts of the structure to
stick, bind or fasten together.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
263 for soldered feed through connections where the
composition of the solder is nominal.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
156, Adhesive Bonding and Miscellaneous Chemical Manufacture,
appropriate subclasses for adhesive methods and materials,
per se.
Subclass:
260
With an electrical device:
This subclass is indented under subclass 250. Subject matter
wherein an electrical component other than a wire, cable or
connector is part of the panel circuit arrangement.
(1) Note. This subclass includes plural electrical devices
of the same type.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
257, Active Solid-State Devices (e.g., Transistors,
Solid-State Diodes), 40 for integrated chip devices,
subclasses 72+ for encapsulated solid- state devices and
subclasses 74+ for active solid-state devices combined with a
housing.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, 358 for
electrical service distribution boxes including panel boards
for electrical power distribution systems and devices.
Subclass:
261
With a particular conductive connection (e.g., crossover):
This subclass is indented under subclass 250. Subject matter
including details to the electrical interconnection of two or
more electrically separate parts of the panel.
Subclass:
262
Feedthrough:
This subclass is indented under subclass 261. Subject matter
including a passage used to make electrical and mechanical
connection between conductive patterns on plural planes of a
printed circuit board.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclass
410 for cross-connected patterns on printed circuit boards
which include plural diverse electrical components.
Subclass:
263
With solder:
This subclass is indented under subclass 262. Subject matter
wherein the conductive material is a readily meltable metal
or alloy that produces a bond at a junction of two metal
surfaces.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
259 for bonding with solder in printed circuits where the
solder has a significant composition.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
228, Metal Fusion Bonding, appropriate subclasses for
soldering methods and devices, per se.
Subclass:
264
Voidless (e.g., solid):
This subclass is indented under subclass 262. Subject matter
wherein the conductive material is a solid that completely
fills the feedthrough.
Subclass:
265
Preform in hole:
This subclass is indented under subclass 264. Subject matter
including a prefabricated solid conductive material insert
for the feedthrough.
Subclass:
266
Hollow (e.g., plated cylindrical hole):
This subclass is indented under subclass 262. Subject matter
wherein the feedthrough surrounds an empty space.
(1) Note. This subclass includes hollow preform inserts.
Subclass:
267
Termination post:
This subclass is indented under subclass 261. Subject matter
including an oblong piece of metal, either solid or hollow
and of two or more diameters, which can be stacked, flared,
swaged or pressed into a hole for the purpose of connecting
leads or external wires to the conductive part of the panel.
Subclass:
268
With single conductive plane (e.g., tape, cable):
This subclass is indented under subclass 250. Subject matter
including a single layer of conductive material in a circuit
arrangement supported by a layer of insulative material.
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