U.S. PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
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U.S. Patent Classification System - Classification Definitions
as of June 30, 2000
Patents classified in a subclass may be accessed by either clicking on
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(definitions have been obtained from the
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Electronic Products Branch)
Class 337
ELECTRICITY: ELECTROTHERMALLY OR THERMALLY ACTUATEDSWITCHES
Class Definition:
This class is restricted to the structure of electric current
switching devices of general application for closing or
opening electrical circuits which devices depend upon the
heating effect of a current or of the ambient temperature of
the surrounding medium for their operation.
This class also includes miscellaneous elements, or
subcombinations of elements, restricted for use in and with
the class type switches and which have not reached the status
of separate classification elsewhere.
This class also includes implements or handling devices
specifically adapted for use with the class type switches and
not provided for elsewhere in a separate class.
Electrical systems or circuits which include electrothermally
or thermally operated switches, comprising the subject matter
of this class, are excluded from this class. These systems
or circuits are classified in the various electrical or art
classes depending upon the type of system or apparatus
controlled.
REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
52, Static Structures (e.g., Buildings), subclass 232 for
combined building and fuse.
60, Power Plants, subclass 513, 523 and 528 for expansion and
contraction type thermoelectric motors.
62, Refrigeration, subclasses 132+ for automatic controls
utilizing thermostatic devices.
74, Machine Element or Mechanism, appropriate subclasses for
mechanical operators of general application particularly
subclasses 519+ for toggle arrangements and 527+ for
detents and related mechanism.
81, Tools, subclass 3.8 for special tools adapted as fuse
pullers.
99, Foods and Beverages: Apparatus, subclasses 324+ for
cooking apparatus with thermostatic control.
102, Ammunition and Explosives, appropriate subclasses for
detonators in general.
116, Signals and Indicators, subclasses 101+ for thermal
alarms and subclasses 216+ for thermal indicators, such as
fuses.
122, Liquid Heaters and Vaporizers, subclass 451.1 for
thermally controlled automatic feeders and subclass 504.1 for
fused safety devices for liquid heaters and vaporizers.
137, Fluid Handling, subclass 457 for valves with
thermostatic cut off.
140, Wireworking, subclass 71.5 for wireworking apparatus
for manufacturing space discharge device electrodes.
149, Explosive and Thermic Compositions or Charges,
appropriate subclasses for explosive fusible material
compositions.
165, Heat Exchange, subclasses 200+ for temperature or
pressure actuated automatic control devices for heating and
cooling.
169, Fire Extinguishers, subclass 23 for alarm or signal
devices combined with extinguishing systems and subclass 42
for fusible elements, per se, and subclass 61 for systems
having condition responsive electrical controls.
174, Electricity: Conductors and Insulators, subclass 52.1
for boxes and housings with electric device or mounting means
for housings or casings with fuse receptacles.
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclasses
81+ for fluid pressure responsive mechanical switches where
the operating means is responsive to the flow of a fluid as
distinguished from those which are responsive to the static
pressure of the fluid and those in which the pressure is
generated by expansion of the fluid by heat.
219, Electric Heating, subclasses 509+ for electric heating
devices automatically controlled by thermally responsive
switching means.
236, Automatic Temperature and Humidity Regulation,
subclasses 79-87, especially 86 and 87 for thermostatic fluid
operating motors utilizing expanding fluid and expanding
solids and subclasses 91-104 for thermostatic controls
generally.
252, Compositions, subclass 70 for thermostatic
compositions.
307, Electrical Transmission or Interconnection Systems,
subclasses 117+ for heat responsive switching systems.
313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, appropriate
subclasses, and 314, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices:
Consumable Electrodes, appropriate subclasses for electric
space discharge devices designed to pass an electric current
(e.g., spark, arc, etc.,) between two electrodes spaced apart
in a vacuum or a gas or vapor atmosphere (including in
atmospheric air). See Class 314 where the discharge device is
provided with an electrode which is consumed during the
operation and has means to feed the electrodes together to
compensate for the consumption of the electrode. Class 313
is the generic class for space discharge devices. See Class
313, subclasses 146+ for discharge devices which are
provided with a movable electrode. Some discharge devices
are closely analogous in structure to some types of circuit
makers and breakers. See section the class definition of
Class 313 for the distinction between a space discharge
device and circuit maker and breaker.
314, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Consumable
Electrodes, see the reference to Class 313, above.
315, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Systems, subclasses
56+ and the subclasses specified in the notes to the
definitions of those subclasses, for other electric space
discharge devices which have structurally combined therewith
a circuit maker and breaker. See the reference to Class 200,
Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, in the class
definition of Class 315, particularly the reference to
subclass 113.5 for the line between Class 315 and Class 337.
318, Electricity: Motive Power Systems, subclass 117 for
thermo-electric motors comprising a member which undergoes
substantial changes in shape, position and/or dimensions when
heated, and means for electrically heating the member,
subclasses 471+ for thermally controlled automatic starting
or stopping of a motor.
320, Electricity: Battery or Capacitor Charging or
Discharging, subclasses 166+ for charging or discharging a
capacitor, per se.
322, Electricity: Single Generator Systems, subclasses 33+
for thermally responsive systems for automatic control of the
generator or driving means.
324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing, subclass 106 for
testing devices (meters) having means whose temperature is
varied in accordance with the electricity being measured.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclass 1 for combined diverse switches
where the diverse switch may be of the thermal or thermal
current type, subclass 23 for automatic circuit breakers with
combined magnetic and thermally actuated latch or trip means,
subclass 31 for latching means with thermally actuated
resetting or reclosing means, subclass 39 for magnetic
tripping means with thermally actuated time delay, subclasses
43+ for thermally actuated tripping or latching means,
subclass 66 for electromagnetically controlled switches, with
electrothermal delay means and subclasses 141+ for combined
electromagnetic and electrothermal actuating means.
338, Electrical Resistors, appropriate subclasses for
electrical resistors, particularly subclasses 7+ for
resistors whose resistance value is temperature compensated
and 25+ for resistors whose resistance value is ambient
temperature responsive.
340, Communications: Electrical, subclasses 593+ for a
thermal alarm circuit having a switch-type sensor.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses
161+ for electric circuits for relays with thermal
control.
373, Industrial Electric Heating Furnaces, subclasses 102+
and 136 for electric furnaces with thermal control means.
374, Thermal Measuring and Testing, subclasses 187+ and
201+ for temperature measuring devices utilizing expanding
solid or expanding fluid elements respectively.
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, subclasses
375+ for coated electrical conductors which may include
contacts and switches, but which are recited solely as a base
with a particular coating thereon, and subclasses 616+ for
composite metallic thermostat material having
heat-deflectable characteristics.
439, Electrical Connectors, appropriate subclasses for an
electrical connector, generally; including a connector for
use with an electrothermally or thermally actuated switch. A
switch of this class (Class 337) is distinguished from a
connector of Class 439 in that, a switch is a "permanent"
assembly of component parts fixed together so that each time
a contact is brought into mating engagement with a
cooperating contact, it moves along the same predetermined
path; whereas, an electrical connector is a member that mates
with a distinct mating part from which it is physically
removed each time the connection is broken.
SUBCLASSES
Subclass:
1
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject
matter wherein an electrothermal or thermally actuated switch
is combined with another device having an added purpose or
utility independent of the switch and in which the utility of
the other art device is not destroyed by the removal of or
deactivation of the switching device and which claimed
combination does not include sufficient specific structure of
the other art device as to be classified either with the
other art device, per se, or elsewhere.
(1) Note. See the appropriate other art class in the Manual
of Classification for specific other art devices which may be
combined with switching means.
Subclass:
2
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject
matter wherein the structure includes at least two
independent separate and distinct switches, one or more of
which is of the type classifiable in this class combined with
at least one diverse art type switch classifiable in another
art class.
(1) Note. Example (1) Fuses connected or associated with
automatic circuit breakers of the mechanical type. The fused
means being adapted to open an electric circuit breaker means
opens or closes the same circuit independently of the fuses
under certain other conditions.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
1 for specific art type electrothermal device combined with
other art type.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
62, Refrigeration, subclass 4, for refrigerator devices
utilizing combined expansible fluid actuated switches with
other art types.
74, Machine Element or Mechanism, subclasses 471+ for
control lever and linkage systems controlling multiple
elements and utilizing multiple switches.
123, Internal-Combustion Engines, subclass 198 for control
devices utilizing combined electrothermal and magnetic
switches.
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclass 3
for mechanical multiple circuit control devices with thermal
current means.
219, Electric Heating, subclasses 482+ for power supply and
voltage or current regulatory systems for electric heaters
which may utilize plural diverse switches.
236, Automatic Temperature and Humidity Regulation,
appropriate subclasses particularly subclasses 2+ for
electric heaters of different art types combined with an
operative in an incubator and subclasses 91+ for various
thermostatic controls which may combine two or more types.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclass 1 for magnetically actuated
switches combined with electrothermal or thermally actuated
switch, subclasses 141+ for magnetically actuated switches
with additional electrothermal means.
Subclass:
3
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Subject matter
wherein the art type switch comprises or utilizes at least
one thermally responsive element consisting of a composite of
two dissimilar metals which expand different amounts under
the influence of heat and whereby associated circuit contacts
are opened or closed as a result of the bending of the
element.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
13 for thermally actuated switches utilizing a bimetallic
element combined with other diverse actuating means such as a
magnet.
16 for shunt circuit completion devices with bimetallic
elements.
35 for plural bimetallic actuating means in a single
switch.
36 for electrothermal switches in general using bimetallic
elements.
Subclass:
4
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Subject matter
wherein the art type switch comprises or utilizes a device
capable of melting and thereby causing the interruption of an
electric circuit when abnormally heated by the current in the
electrical circuit.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 142+ for electrothermal switches of the fusible
type.
299 for thermally actuated fuses combined with diverse
similar art type devices.
subclasses 401+ for thermal switches utilizing fuses for
the principal operating means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
218, High-Voltage Switches With Arc Preventing and
Extinguishing Devices, subclasses 22+ for mechanical
magnetic blowout switches which may employ fusible elements.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclass 142 for magnetically operated
switches with fuses.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices,
appropriate subclasses for safety and protection devices
which may utilize fuses combined with mechanical means.
Subclass:
5
This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Subject matter
including structure whereby the operative condition of the
other art switching device is directly controlled by the
condition of the fusible element.
(1) Note. Example: A spring controlled mechanical circuit
closing device the operation of which takes place upon the
rupture of a fusible device which normally completes the
circuit.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
143 for electrothermal switches having a fuse controlling
mechanical contact control means.
402 for thermally actuated fuses controlling mechanical
contact control means.
Subclass:
6
This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Subject matter
wherein the other art switching device comprises means
whereby normally closed contacts are automatically opened
upon the occurrence of an abnormal circuit condition.
(1) Note. This subclass also includes patents where the
fusible element device is claimed in detail and the other art
type switch is specifically described as a circuit breaker,
providing plural distinctive switches are in fact claimed and
the combination is not classifiable in another art.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses
103+ for automatic circuit breakers, and subclasses 161+
for thermal controls for relays.
Subclass:
7
This subclass is indented under subclass 6. Subject matter
wherein the other art switching device is further described
as comprising a plurality of individual conductors which
comprise the conductors of a polyphase or plural conductor
transmission line.
(1) Note. See the note to the definition of subclass 6
above.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 45+ for bimetallic element operated
electrothermal switches of the multipole or polyphase type
with manual control.
146 for fusible element actuated electrothermal switches of
the multipole or polyphase type.
Subclass:
8
This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Subject matter
wherein the other art switch device is recited as comprising
a manually operated circuit controller.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 143+ for electrothermally actuated fuses
combined with and controlling manual or other mechanical
contact operating means.
subclasses 402+ for thermally actuated fuses controlling
manually operated contact control means.
Subclass:
9
This subclass is indented under subclass 8. Subject matter
wherein the manually operable other art device is
specifically recited as a knife or blade switch wherein the
movable element, a hinged blade, enters or embraces the
contact clips.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclasses
554+ for mechanical knife switches which may be protected
by fuses.
Subclass:
10
This subclass is indented under subclass 8. Subject matter
wherein the manually operated other art device is
specifically recited as comprising rotary or reciprocating
mechanical contact actuating structure.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
64 for bimetallic element electrothermal switch with
reciprocating spring actuated actuating device.
111 and 149, respectively, for reciprocating or rotary
mechanical actuators for fusible element type electrothermal
switches.
subclasses 200+ and 410, respectively, for reciprocating or
rotary mechanical actuators of thermal switches of the
fusible, combustible or explosive material type.
238 for bimetallic element electrothermal switch with rotary
or oscillatory motion spring actuated operator.
subclasses 347+ and 348, respectively, for rotary or
reciprocating mechanical actuators for bimetallic element
thermally operated switches.
subclasses 398+ and 401, respectively, for reciprocating or
rotary mechanical actuators for expansible or vaporizable
fluid actuated thermal switches.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclasses
465+ for mechanical switches with rotating contact control
means which may be protected by fuses.
Subclass:
11
This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Subject matter
wherein the other art device is specifically described as a
device in which a plurality of contacts are arranged to
control two or more independent electrical circuits.
(1) Note. The subject matter in this subclass should not be
confused with the other art type devices in subclass 7 above
in which a plurality of conductors comprise a single
circuit.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 59+ for electrothermal bimetallic element switch
with multiple contacts and mechanical actuator.
145 for electrothermal fuse means controlling multiple
contact or plural circuit control means.
subclasses 337+ for thermal bimetallic element switches of
the multiple contact type and with mechanical actuator.
406 for thermally actuated fuses controlling multiple
contacts or plural circuit control means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclasses 1+
for mechanical multiple circuit control devices which may
be protected by fuses.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses
1+ and 114+ for mechanical safety and protective devices
which may control a multiplicity of circuits.
Subclass:
12
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject
matter including at least one contact actuating means of the
type classifiable in this class in combination with a diverse
type actuating means of a type classifiable elsewhere in
another art class and each one acting singly or conjointly to
control the same single set of switch contacts. The two or
more actuating means may be physically located in the same
housing or casing and may have cooperative features as long
as each one is operative independent of the other. Some
examples of diverse type switch actuating means are the
mechanical special application switches in Class 200.
(1) Note. For similar subject matter including the
combination of electromagnetic or magnetic control means
combined with thermal-current responsive means, search will
be in Class 335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches,
Magnets, and Electromagnets, subclasses 141+ and in the
classes and subclasses referred to in the search notes under
the subclass definition.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
54 and 90, for electrothermally actuated bimetallic switches
which operate with a snap action and have additional magnetic
flux sources to act as holding or biasing means.
134 for longitudinally expansible element devices with
magnetic biasing or holding means.
344 and 366, for thermally actuated bimetallic switch
devices with magnetic holding or biasing means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, appropriate
subclass for special application switches which may also
include electrothermal or thermal actuating means.
219, Electric Heating, subclass 491 for heating devices with
combined regulating or control means.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclasses 141+ for electromagnetically
actuated switches which include additional electrothermal or
thermal actuating means.
Subclass:
13
This subclass is indented under subclass 12. Subject matter
wherein one of the claimed thermally responsive elements is
specifically recited as being a bimetallic element.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
3 above for a bimetallic element actuated switch combined
with a diverse art type switch (e.g., fluid actuated).
Subclass:
14
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Devices
relating to structure operative to open or close an electric
circuit or circuits and the combination of those devices; the
operating means whereby the opening or closing function is
accomplished by a thermal device directly inserted in the
circuit and traversed by the controlling current. The
circuit generally is the circuit which is to be controlled.
(1) Note. The electrothermal actuated switches of
subclasses 14+ are distinguished from the thermally actuated
switches in subclasses 298+ in that in the latter group the
devices are principally responsive to heat from an external
source, for instance the heat in a surrounding medium.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 2+ for electrothermal switches combined with
diverse art type switches.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
99, Foods and Beverages: Apparatus, subclasses 324+ for
cooking apparatus with electrothermal control.
219, Electric Heating, subclasses 482+ for electrothermally
controlled heating devices and subclasses 507+ for heating
devices.
313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, appropriate
subclasses, especially subclasses 11+ for discharge devices
with temperature modifying means.
314, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Consumable
Electrodes, subclasses 89+ for glow discharge devices with
thermostatic operator means.
315, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Systems,
appropriate subclasses for discharge device systems with
electrothermal control means combined with a discharge device
load.
318, Electricity: Motive Power Systems, and subclasses 471+
for thermally controlled automatic starting and/or stopping
systems.
320, Electricity: Battery or Capacitor Charging or
Discharging, subclasses 166+ for charging or discharging a
capacitor, per se.
322, Electricity: Single Generator Systems, subclasses 33+
for thermally responsive automatic control means for a single
generator.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclass 23 for circuit breakers with
combined magnets and thermal latch or trip means and
subclasses 141+ for electromagnetically actuated switches
combined with electrothermal actuating means.
340, Communications: Electrical, subclasses 584+ for
alarms and signal systems which are temperature controlled.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses
161+ for thermal controls for relays, subclasses 247+ for
ignition systems with a spark gap igniter, and subclasses
627+ for distribution boards with fuse means.
388, Electricity: Motor Control Systems, art collections 934
for motor control systems responsive to a thermal condition.
Subclass:
15
This subclass is indented under subclass 14. Subject matter
including means whereby upon the failure of any selected
portion of an electrical circuit or a device within the
selected portion, an electrical conducting shunt circuit is
automatically established around the device or the selected
portion of the circuit.
(1) Note. The devices found here are especially adapted for
use in closing a shunt circuit around a translating device or
a loop circuit when such translating device becomes
inoperative or the loop circuit is broken. These devices are
generally used in series lighting circuits so that in case a
lamp breaks or burns out a shunt circuit is completed around
the lamp in order to keep the main circuit closed.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
125 for electrothermal switch with longitudinally expansible
element type with electrical shunting means.
221 for electrothermal switch of the fusible element type
with electrical shunt circuit means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, for shunt
circuit closing devices for multiple control (loop), subclass
51.5 for short circuit closing devices actuated by the
separation of coupling members and subclass 51.11 for shunt
circuit closing devices wherein the switch is in parallel
with the coupling contacts.
315, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Systems, subclasses
74+ and 119+ for electric lamp and electric space discharge
device systems, provided with automatic shunt circuit closing
means.
Subclass:
16
This subclass is indented under subclass 15. Subject matter
wherein the shunt circuit completing means comprises at least
one bimetallic device, i.e., an element consisting of at
least two solid strips or bars formed of materials having
different coefficients of expansion.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
290, Prime-Mover Dynamo Plants, subclass 38 for electrical
starting motors which may have bimetallic means shunting the
starting resistance.
315, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Systems,
appropriate subclasses, especially subclass 74 and 83 for
load devices with electrical circuits and temperature
modifying means utilizing bimetallic shunting means.
324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing, subclasses 105+
for electrical measuring devices with bimetallic shunting
means.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclass 12 for automatic circuit
interrupting devices with shunting contacts and subclasses
35+ for plural means for operating automatic trip means one
of which may be a shunt contact operated by bimetallic
means.
338, Electrical Resistors, subclass 31 for resistors with
mechanical variation means which is thermally responsive and
subclass 215 for a resistance with a switch, i.e., shunt.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses
139+ for electric circuits for relays and electromagnets,
especially subclasses 163+ for bimetallic elements shunting a
resistance.
Subclass:
17
This subclass is indented under subclass 15. Subject matter
relating to a device wherein during normal conditions of a
circuit at least two contacts or electrodes are separated by
an insulating gap which is bypassed by a fuse and upon the
occurrence of abnormal conditions in the circuit causing
failure of the fuse current is allowed to pass directly
between the contacts or electrodes. The thermo responsive
fusible means usually comprises latching or holding means
releasable, when subject to overheating, to allow the main
contacts to close.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
31 for fusible structure combined with a spark gap or
lighting arrester means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
338, Electrical Resistors, subclass 215 for fusible elements
shunting a resistance.
Subclass:
18
This subclass is indented under subclass 17. Subject matter
wherein the insulating gap is an air gap.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses
115+, especially subclasses 124+ for lightning arresters with
fusible links.
Subclass:
19
This subclass is indented under subclass 15. Subject matter
including contacts or electrodes separated from one another
by a film of dielectric material which is adapted to break
down upon the impression thereof of an abnormal voltage
thereby allowing the setting up of a conductive arc.
Subclass:
20
This subclass is indented under subclass 15. Subject matter
relating to a device under the definition of subclass 15 with
significant details of a housing or casing structure
peculiarly adapted for the claimed device.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
34 for electrothermal switches of the space discharge type
with housing or casing.
subclasses 112+ for electrothermal switches of the
bimetallic type with housing or casing.
121 for electrothermal switches of the expansible fluid
actuated type with housing or casing.
subclasses 186+ for electrothermal switches of the fusible
element actuated type with housing or casing.
subclasses 327+ for thermally actuated switches of the
expansible fluid type with housing or casing.
subclasses 380+ for thermally actuated switches of the
bimetallic type with housing or casing.
398 for thermally actuated switches of the longitudinally
expansible solid element type with housing or casing.
subclasses 414+ for thermally actuated switches of the
fusible element type with housing or casing.
Subclass:
21
This subclass is indented under subclass 14. Subject matter
wherein the continuity of an electrical circuit is normally
maintained through a conductive liquid. Upon the occurrence
of an excessive current in the circuit the liquid is
vaporized or otherwise dispersed or displaced whereupon the
circuit is interrupted. In this subclass the conductive
liquid comprises the electrothermal element which is directly
in the circuit to be controlled which circuit is completely
opened when the liquid is in its operated state.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
80 for electrothermally responsive bimetallically actuated
switches with mercury or other conductive liquid contact
means.
331 for thermally responsive expansible or vaporizable fluid
actuated switches with a conductive liquid comprising the
contact material.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, appropriate
subclasses, especially subclass 61.47, 81.6, and 182+ for
mechanical switches with mercury or other liquid contacts.
219, Electric Heating, subclasses 510+ for automatically
operated heating device current supply means with thermally
responsive means.
315, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Systems,
appropriate subclasses, especially subclass 362 for a
discharge device with a mercury switch in the circuit.
Subclass:
22
This subclass is indented under subclass 14. Subject matter
relating to structure whereby the voltage or current applied
to a fluorescent lamp device is controlled in such a manner
as to establish a discharge through the lamp device.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
315, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Systems, subclasses
94+, especially subclass 100 for discharge devices with a
thermostatic switch in the cathode heater supply circuit.
Subclass:
23
This subclass is indented under subclass 22. Subject matter
including at least one metallic resistance or other heating
means whereby a thermostatic contact actuating means is
heated by the current passing through the resistor or other
heating means.
(1) Note. For other heating means employed in the devices
of this class, see the subclasses listed under SEARCH THIS
CLASS, SUBCLASS in subclasses 103+.
Subclass:
24
This subclass is indented under subclass 23. Subject matter
including significant structure whereby an electrical shunt
circuit is established around the heating means or whereby
the heater contacts may be short circuited.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 15+ for electrothermal switches with electrical
shunt or short circuit completion devices.
125 for electrothermal switches of the longitudinally
expansible solid element type with electrical shunting
means.
221 for electrothermal switches of the fusible element type
with electrical shunting means.
Subclass:
25
This subclass is indented under subclass 22. Subject matter
including at least two switch contacts designed to contact
with each other to open and/or close an electrical circuit,
one of the switch contacts being mounted so as to be moved by
a thermostatic element, the contacts, their supports, or
lead-in means being electron emissive so that an electric
space discharge can be established between the electron
emissive substance and the cooperating contact, when the
switch contacts are in open circuit position, to heat the
thermostatic element thereby actuating the movable contact or
contacts.
(1) Note. In some of the patents in this subclass the
switch contacts are normally separated when no current is
being supplied to the circuit which includes the switch
contacts. The electric space discharge being established
when the current is supplied to the circuit, the space
discharge then heating the thermostatic element so that the
switch contacts are moved to circuit closing position to
establish a conductive path through the electrodes and
thereby short circuiting the electric space discharge. This
subclass also includes patents where the switch includes
means other than the glow discharge, such as electric heating
means, the glow discharge being used in conjunction with the
other heating means to cause the switch contacts to be moved
into open or closed circuit condition.
(2) Note. The circuit makers and breakers in this subclass
are often used with glow discharge lamps which require
preheating of the filamentary electrodes before an electric
space discharge can be established between such filamentary
electrodes.
(3) Note. The circuit makers and breakers in this subclass
are somewhat analogous in structure to electric space
discharge devices of the arc drawing type having two
electrodes, at least one of which is electron emissive, which
are normally in contact when the supply circuit is open and
which are separated by any suitable means, such as
thermostatic means, to establish the space discharge when
potential is applied to the discharge device. For such
discharge devices, Search Classes 313 and 314 in the
appropriate subclasses.
Subclass:
26
This subclass is indented under subclass 22. Subject matter
including specific details of contact arrangement, structure
or composition of material.
(1) Note. Contact structure or composition will also be
found in the following subclasses of this class.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
109 electrothermally actuated switches of the bimetallic
type.
122 electrothermal switches of the expansible fluid type.
137 electrothermally actuated switches of the longitudinally
expansible solid type.
subclasses 251+ electrothermally actuated switches of the
fusible element cartridge or tube type.
subclasses 268+ electrothermally actuated switches of the
fusible element plug type.
subclasses 273+ thermally actuated switches of the
bimetallic type.
subclasses 329+ thermally actuated switches of the
expansible fluid type.
subclasses 399+ thermally actuated switches of the
longitudinally expansible solid type.
413 thermally actuated switches of the fusible element
type.
Subclass:
27
This subclass is indented under subclass 26. Subject matter
wherein the contact structure includes at least one
bimetallic element whereby an electrical path through the
switch is controlled by the heating and/or cooling of the
bimetallic element functioning directly as one of the current
carrying contact.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 85+ for electrothermally actuated switches of
general application wherein the movable contact, or contacts,
is directly attached to the bimetallic element.
Subclass:
28
This subclass is indented under subclass 14. Subject matter
relating to the structure of an electrothermal current device
under the class definition combined with further protective
means comprising a normally open gap whereby a discharge may
take place between the line contacts when open or between one
of the line contacts and ground.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, appropriate
subclasses for electric space discharge devices in general.
315, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Systems, subclasses
56+ for discharge devices acting as a load and combined
with an impedance and subclasses 119+ for discharge devices
with a cut out.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses
117+ for lightning arresters generally.
439, Electrical Connectors, subclass 182 for a lamp or
electron tube socket including arc suppressing means, which
means may comprise a protective air gap type discharge
device; subclasses 621+ for an electrical connector combined
with a named fuse or comprising a casing, housing, or holder
for receiving and fully enclosing a fuse.
Subclass:
29
This subclass is indented under subclass 28. Subject matter
including at least two or more electrothermal switching
devices combined with at least one protective gap or at least
two or more protective gaps combined with a single art type
switching device.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 42+ for electrothermally actuated plural
switches of the bimetallic type.
subclasses 338+ for thermally actuated plural switches of
the bimetallic type.
Subclass:
30
This subclass is indented under subclass 28. Subject matter
including structure comprising an arc gap in combination with
an explosive charge whereby should the arc gap fail to
interrupt the current flow the explosive charge will be
detonated. The subject matter to be found here may include
(a) arresters with an explosive or (b) an arrester in
combination with any art type circuit interrupter such as
fuses, bimetallic means, etc., with the further addition of
an explosive charge.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
243 for electrothermally fusible link actuated switches with
chemical (e.g., explosive) indicating means.
subclasses 401+ for thermally actuated switches of the
fusible combustible or explosive material.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
315, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Systems, subclass
111.01 for discharge device load with fluent material supply
to the discharge space.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses
124+ for lightning arrester with electrothermal fusible or
explosive material.
Subclass:
31
This subclass is indented under subclass 28. Subject matter
relating to significant spark gap structure in combination
with fusible cut out means or a fusible material controlled
switch means.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 4+ for fusible element device and diverse art
type switching device.
subclasses 17+ for electrothermal switch having fusible
material combined with gap.
subclasses 142+ for electrothermal switches of the fusible
element actuated type in general.
subclasses 401+ for thermally actuated switches in general
of the fusible, combustible or explosive material type.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses
124+ for lightning arrester with fusible means.
Subclass:
32
This subclass is indented under subclass 31. Subject matter
including a plate or other grounding terminal means, whereby,
upon the occurrence of an abnormal voltage, a current
discharge takes place to ground with the gap resuming a
nonconducting condition when the voltage returns to normal
value.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
199 for electrothermal, fusible element actuated switch
having a housing, casing or support with electrical ground,
shield or barrier.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices,
appropriate subclasses, particularly subclasses 38+, 117+
124+, and 131+ for protective devices of the discharge gap
type with grounding means in addition to a fused cut out.
Subclass:
33
This subclass is indented under subclass 31. Subject matter
including structural elements forming an integral part of or
common to both the fusible element cut out means or fusible
element controlled switch and the space discharge device.
For example; the spark gap structure may provide a mounting
or support for the fuse or one fuse cap may also be an
electrode in the spark gap circuit.
Subclass:
34
This subclass is indented under subclass 28. Subject matter
including significant structural details of housing, casing,
mounting or support means peculiarly adapted for use with the
subclass 28 type switch or switches.
(1) Note. Housings, casings or supports for devices of this
class are provided for in many subclasses herein. For the
list of such subclasses, see subclass 20 under SEARCH THIS
CLASS, SUBCLASS.
Subclass:
35
This subclass is indented under subclass 14. Subject matter
including significant details of two or more thermal current
responsive devices cooperatively acting to control a single
switch whereby an electrical circuit is opened or closed as a
result of existing conditions in both or all of the thermal
current responsive devices.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 38+ for plural electrothermal bimetallic
elements combined with a single mechanical contact operating
means.
144 for plural electrothermal fuses in a single switch.
subclasses 335+ for plural thermal actuated bimetallic
devices in a single switch.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
60, Power Plants, subclasses 516+ for expansion and
contraction type power plants with plural diverse
electrothermal switches in the control circuit.
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, appropriate
subclasses, especially subclasses 81+ for fluid pressure
control switches with plural operators.
219, Electric Heating, subclasses 510+ for electrical
heating devices with plural electrothermal operated switches
in the supply circuit.
236, Automatic Temperature and Humidity Regulation,
subclasses 91+ for thermostatic control or regulating means
with plural thermally operated elements.
340, Communications: Electrical, subclasses 584+ for alarm
systems with diverse temperature sensors.
Subclass:
36
This subclass is indented under subclass 14. Subject matter
including at least one electrothermal temperature responsive
composite element consisting of two different metals, bonded
together, and having different coefficients of expansion such
that when heated by a thermal current a bending motion of the
composite element results. The resultant motion is utilized
either directly or through an intermediate mechanical means
to control the opening and/or closing of an electrical
circuit.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
3 for electrothermal responsive switching means combined
with a diverse art switching means.
13 for an electrothermal element combined with a diverse art
control means cooperatively operating the same set of
contacts.
35 for plural diverse similar art type electrothermal
operating means in a single switch.
subclasses 333+ for thermally actuated bimetallic actuated
switches.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
219, Electric Heating, subclass 494 for heaters with current
control means including bimetallic elements and subclass 510
for electric heaters with bimetallic element actuated switch
means.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclass 145 for electromagnetically
actuated switches with bimetallic elements.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses
1+, especially subclasses 23+ for electrical safety and
protective systems including bimetallic switch means, and
subclasses 161+ for electric circuits for relays and
electromagnets including bimetallic switches.
Subclass:
37
This subclass is indented under subclass 36. Subject matter
comprising manual or other mechanical means acting conjointly
or cooperatively with at least one bimetallic device, or
which acts as an intermediary between an electrothermal
responsive bimetallic element and at least one movable
contact thereby opening or closing an electrical circuit.
The manual means may be a handle or push button actuated
means, for instance, or the other mechanical means may be a
motor, for example.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 334+ for thermally responsive bimetallic
actuating means combined with manual or other contact control
means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
219, Electric Heating, subclass 491 for electric heaters
with combined bimetallic and electro-mechanical automatic
control means.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclass 23 for magnetically actuated
circuit breakers having combined bimetallic latch trip means,
and subclass 43 for bimetallic latching or tripping means
combined with mechanical contact actuating means.
Subclass:
38
This subclass is indented under subclass 37. Subject matter
including at least two or more electrothermal current
responsive bimetallic elements, combined with a further
single mechanical contact controlling means. The bimetallic
elements may operate jointly or individually to control the
movable contact or contacts through the agency of the
mechanical means.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
335 for plural thermally actuated bimetallic elements in a
single switch.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
99, Foods and Beverages: Apparatus, subclasses for cooking
apparatus of the electric heater type having electrothermal
control or switch means.
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclass 3,
for multiple circuit control devices with plural
electrothermal means, and subclasses 81+ for fluid pressure
actuated switched with plural operators of which two or more
may be temperature responsive.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses
62+, 71+, 88+, and 103+ for electrical protective devices
with plural operators which may be bimetallic.
Subclass:
39
This subclass is indented under subclass 38. Subject matter
wherein each of the electrothermal current responsive
elements is adapted to operate independently of each of the
others in a manner to cause the operation of the movable
contact or contacts.
Subclass:
40
This subclass is indented under subclass 38. Subject matter
wherein each of the electrothermal current responsive
elements is responsive to diverse environmental conditions;
such as, thermal current and atmospheric conditions, or of
diverse operating characteristics whereby the opening or
closing of an electrical circuit is a resultant of the
operative condition of all the elements.
Subclass:
41
This subclass is indented under subclass 37. Subject matter
including a plurality (three or more) of contacts associated
with a single continuous electric circuit to be controlled or
includes means whereby two or more continuous electric
circuits are controlled by the contact controlling means.
(1) Note. This subclass includes subject matter under
subclass 37 wherein the structure includes a plurality of
devices falling under the definition of subclass 37 but
forming a single assembly or single entity under the class
definition or a single device having a plurality of pairs of
contacts whereby two or more separate and distinct electrical
circuits may be completed through the device. This subclass
does not include those devices which comprise a single
movable contact which alternately contacts with each of two
fixed contacts whereby varying the direction of current in
the two conductors of a single circuit.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
11 for fusible element switching device with multiple
circuit connector and diverse art type switch.
145 for electrothermal fusible element multiple contact
switches.
subclasses 338+ for thermally actuated switches of a
similar construction.
406 for thermally actuated fusible, combustible or explosive
material switches with multiple contacts.
Subclass:
42
This subclass is indented under subclass 41. Subject matter
comprising at least two or more separate distinct and
independently operative switch devices whereby two or more
separate and distinct electrical circuits may be controlled.
(1) Note. For devices wherein one set of contacts or one
electrical circuit controls a heater means for one or more
electrothermal current responsive actuating means. See
subclasses 102+.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
29 for plural electrothermal switches with space discharge
devices.
144 for electrothermal fuses with single mechanical control
means.
338 for similar devices actuated by thermally responsive
bimetallic elements.
Subclass:
43
This subclass is indented under subclass 42. Subject matter
including means whereby the plural switching devices are
rendered interdependent, one or the other, thereby being
caused to operate alternately, successively, or selectively,
the operation of each depending upon conditions in at least
one other. For example, one device is prevented from
operation while another is in an operated position.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
339 for similar devices with thermally responsive bimetallic
means.
Subclass:
44
This subclass is indented under subclass 41. Subject matter
including significant means whereby each of a plurality of
contact pairs may be actuated selectively, alternately or
sequentially. The movable contact may be a single contact
common to each pair, i.e., may constitute the movable contact
for each pair selectively.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
340 for switches of similar type with thermally responsive
bimetallic element actuator.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
99, Foods and Beverages: Apparatus, subclasses 325+ for
cooking apparatus with automatic control utilizing
thermoelectric means controlling a plurality of circuits.
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclasses
35+ for mechanical clock train operated switches with
plural contacts and bimetallic latching or holding means.
219, Electric Heating, subclasses 510+ for electric heating
devices with thermally controlled switching means having
plural contacts.
307, Electrical Transmission or Interconnection Systems,
subclasses 112+, especially subclasses 116+, for electrical
switching systems having heat responsive means which may be
bimetallic.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclasses 106+ for magnetically
actuated switches of the plural contact type.
Subclass:
45
This subclass is indented under subclass 41. Subject matter
comprising a plurality of individual conductors with contact
pairs associated with each conductor, a contact actuating
means for each contact actuating means for each contact pair,
each contact pair completing a circuit through one branch of
a polyphase or plural conductor electrical circuit. Devices
which are known as bipole or double pole and which complete
the circuit in each conductor of a direct current circuit
will also be found here.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
7 for diverse art type switch and multipole circuit breaker
with bimetallic device.
146 for similar electrothermal multipole or polyphase
switches of the fusible element actuated type.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclass 3
for multiple circuit control devices of the mechanical type
with bimetallic elements, subclasses 411+, 415, and 424 for
snap type circuit breakers with thermally actuated latch trip
means.
307, Electrical Transmission or Interconnection Systems,
subclass 117 for switching systems with electrothermally
actuated means.
318, Electricity: Motive Power Systems, appropriate
subclasses for automatic electric motor control devices
operating from three phase sources and including
electrothermal elements.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclasses 8+ for electromagnetically
circuit breakers with thermally actuated latch or trip means
subclasses 35+ for plural latch or trip means including
thermally actuated means.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses
1+ for protective systems and devices of special types
which may be combined with the bimetallic elements.
Subclass:
46
This subclass is indented under subclass 45. Subject matter
including a single means whereby the plurality of phase or
leg contact pairs are simultaneously actuated to or from a
closed circuit condition or maintained in a first position
until released whereupon the plurality of contact pairs are
allowed to move to another condition simultaneously.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
55 for electrothermal snap action bimetallic element
switches with latch.
70 for electrothermal bimetallic element switch with latch.
subclasses 128+ for electrothermal switches of the
longitudinally expansible element type with latching or
tripping means.
subclasses 150+ for electrothermal switches of the fusible
element type with latch, trip or holding means.
subclasses 174+ for electrothermal switches of the fusible
element type with cut out or drop out having latch, trip or
holding means.
subclasses 356+ for thermally actuated bimetallic element
switches with latch.
385 for thermally actuated expansible element switches with
latch.
411 for thermally actuated fusible, combustible or explosive
material actuated switches with latch, trip or holding
means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, appropriate
subclasses, especially subclass 401, for polyphase mechanical
circuit breakers with a common operating means.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclasses 6+ for electromagnetically
actuated polyphase circuit breakers with a common control
means.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses
23+ and 103+ for circuit breakers systems in general which
may be combined with electrothermal means.
Subclass:
47
This subclass is indented under subclass 45. Subject matter
including individual latching or tripping means associated
with each separate phase or leg contact pairs thereof. Each
individual latch or trip means may operate individually on
its corresponding contact pair or may upon operation actuate
a tripping bar whereby the remaining contact pairs are
permitted to move to another position.
(1) Note. Latches, trips or holding means therefore for
devices of this class are provided for in many subclasses
herein. See SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
46 for a list of subclasses providing for latches, trips or
holding means therefor for devices of this class.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclass 9 for electromagnetically
controlled circuit breakers with individual separate latch or
trip means in each phase.
Subclass:
48
This subclass is indented under subclass 47. Subject matter
including a single bar or other device operatively connected
to each of the individual latching or tripping means whereby
upon actuation of any one of the means all of the contact
pairs are allowed to move to another position.
Subclass:
49
This subclass is indented under subclass 48. Subject matter
wherein the tripping structure comprises a bar means operable
in a slidable or reciprocal manner in a fixed path common
with the longitudinal axis of the bar.
Subclass:
50
This subclass is indented under subclass 48. Subject matter
wherein the tripping structure comprises a means whose
primary motion is a circular or rotating motion about a fixed
axis.
Subclass:
51
This subclass is indented under subclass 37. Subject matter
including significant details of means whereby a circuit is
intermittently or cyclically opened and closed at constantly
recurring intervals under the influence of a thermal current
responsive bimetallic device.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 92+ for electrothermally actuated bimetallic
elements directly actuating the movable contact of a switch
in a cyclic or periodic manner.
369 for thermally actuated bimetallic, cyclic or periodic
type switch.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclass
19.01 for periodic switches which may include electrothermal
elements.
219, Electric Heating, subclasses 490+ for heating devices
with automatic timing or cycling control means.
236, Automatic Temperature and Humidity Regulation, subclass
46 for automatic temperature control devices with timing
means and subclasses 91+ for thermostatic controls which may
be cyclic or periodically operative.
307, Electrical Transmission or Interconnection Systems,
subclass 132 for electrical switching systems with
repetitive operation and subclass 141 for switch operating
means with time delay.
315, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Systems, subclasses
209+ for systems comprising a lamp or discharge device with
a periodic switch in the supply circuit.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclasses 87+ for electromagnetically
actuated periodic switches, for instance vibrators.
340, Communications: Electrical, subclasses 914+ for time
cycling traffic systems, subclasses 81+ for flashing signal
light systems.
Subclass:
52
This subclass is indented under subclass 37. Subject matter
including spring or other potential energy storage means
whereby a major portion of the force exerted in actuating the
contacts of the switch from one condition to another is
derived.
(1) Note. The actuating force is usually transmitted to the
movable contact structure through mechanical means upon the
spring being released from its energy storage position.
Devices in which the spring means acts only as a biasing
means or a source of contact pressure will not be classified
here.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
67 for devices in which the spring means acts only as a
biasing means or a source of contact pressure.
subclasses 239+ for electrothermal fuse with spring
tensioned fuse link.
subclasses 317+ for thermal expansible fluid switch with
spring means.
subclasses 342+ for similar type switches with thermally
responsive bimetallic actuating means.
subclasses 388+ for thermal expansible element switch with
spring means.
407 for thermal fusible element switch with spring means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclasses
402+ for mechanical snap action switches with spring
means.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclasses 6+ for electromagnetically
operated automatic circuit breakers utilizing a tensioned
spring in the contact actuating means and subclass 188 for
specifically claimed snap acting contact control structure.
Subclass:
53
This subclass is indented under subclass 52. Subject matter
comprising means whereby a movable contact or contacts, may
be operated from a first position to a second position
quickly, as by a snap action, the contacts motion being
independent of the rate of movement of the operator. This is
usually accomplished by a spring connection between the
operator and the contact carrier so arranged that the initial
movement of the operator places the spring under tension
whereby upon release of a holding means the contact is
snapped from one position to another by action of the
spring.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 89+ for electrothermal bimetallic element switch
with snap action.
subclasses 131+ for electrothermal longitudinally
expansible element switch with snap action means.
147 for electrothermal fusible element switch with snap
action means.
318 for thermally actuated expansible fluid snap action
switch.
343 for similar devices with thermally responsive bimetallic
actuating means.
subclasses 365+ for thermally actuated bimetallic element
snap action switches.
subclasses 390+ for thermally actuated longitudinally
expanding element snap action switch.
Subclass:
54
This subclass is indented under subclass 53. Subject matter
including means for setting up a field of magnetic flux
whereby the actuation of the movable contact, or contacts, is
at least in part influenced by magnetic force operative
within the flux field.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
90 for electrothermal, bimetallic element snap action switch
with magnetic armature.
134 for electrothermal, longitudinally expansible element
snap action switch with magnetic biasing or holding means.
344 for similar devices with thermally actuated bimetallic
elements.
366 for thermally actuated bimetallic snap action switch
with magnetic flux source.
Subclass:
55
This subclass is indented under subclass 53. Subject matter
including means whereby at least one set of contacts may be
restrained in one of the two normal conditions (open or
closed). The latching or holding means usually consists of a
thermal current responsive bimetallic element adopted for
mechanically maintaining a snap acting contact actuating
means, such as a toggle arrangement, in a given position
independently of other control means so that once the
contacts are opened closed they will be constrained to remain
in this position until the occurrence of an abnormal
condition causes the actuating means to be released.
(1) Note. Latches or trips for devices of this class are
provided for in many subclasses herein. See under SEARCH
THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
46 for a list of subclasses providing for latches, trips or
holding means therefor for devices of this class.
subclasses 343+ for similar devices utilizing thermally
responsive bimetallic devices.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclasses 167+ for latching means for
electromagnetically operated switches.
Subclass:
56
This subclass is indented under subclass 53. Subject matter
including significant means whereby after the movable
contact, or contacts, of the device has been actuated from
one original condition to another operated condition, due to
an abnormal thermal current condition in the device, or by
manual manipulation, the contacts may be returned to the
original condition either automatically or manually, or means
whereby a latching or holding mechanism is reset to an
operative condition wherein the contact control means will be
rigidly held in the original condition until released by
operation of the thermal current responsive device.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
91 for electrothermal bimetallic element snap action switch
with reset means.
348 for similar art devices utilizing thermally responsive
bimetallic devices.
367 for thermally actuated bimetallic snap action switch
with reset means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclasses 26+ for electromagnetically
operated circuit breakers with reclosable or resetting
means.
Subclass:
57
This subclass is indented under subclass 53. Subject matter
including means whereby some operative characteristic of the
specific snap acting contact controlling structure or the
thermal current responsive element may be adjusted at will or
calibrated.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
319 for thermal, expansible fluid, snap action switch with
adjusting, calibrating or compensating means.
347 for similar devices utilizing thermally responsive
bimetallic elements.
368 for thermally actuated bimetallic element snap action
switch with adjustment or calibration means.
Subclass:
58
This subclass is indented under subclass 52. Subject matter
wherein the mechanical contact controlling means consists of
structure comprising a mechanical linkage whereby the
movement of a movable contact or contacts results from a
force applied thereto as a final result of a conversion of a
force applied in a first direction to a force applied in a
second direction; for example, a linear first motion may be
converted to a rotary motion about a fixed origin or pivot as
by a toggle linkage.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
313 for thermal expansible fluid actuated switch with
compound motion linkage.
350 for similar devices utilizing thermally responsive
bimetallic elements.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclass 191 for compound motion contact
actuating means for electromagnetic switches.
Subclass:
59
This subclass is indented under subclass 58. Subject matter
relating specifically to toggle mechanism.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
53 for snap acting switches which may employ toggle
mechanisms.
132 for longitudinally expansible element actuated snap
switches with toggle spring.
345 for thermally responsive, bimetallic element switch
actuating means operating a toggle linkage.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
74, Machine Element or Mechanism, subclasses 520+ for
mechanical movements comprising toggle structure.
Subclass:
60
This subclass is indented under subclass 58. Subject wherein
at least one structural element, comprising the mechanical
contact controlling means, consists of a lever of the first,
second or third class with no fixed pivot, that is, when
forces are applied at two points motion takes place about a
third point, the third point being movable in space, the
torque about the third point being variably related to its
position.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
74, Machine Element or Mechanism, subclasses 519+ for
mechanical movements comprising lever structure.
Subclass:
61
This subclass is indented under subclass 52. Subject matter
including means whereby contact opening or closing is
accomplished by operation of a mechanical device moving in a
rotary or oscillatory manner in a single plane; for example,
circular movement in a horizontal or vertical plane with a
reversal of direction.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
10 for electrothermal or thermal switch of this class with
diverse art type switch including rotary mechanism.
149 for electrothermal fusible element switch with rotary
actuator.
316 for thermal expansible fluid operated switch with rotary
or oscillatory device.
351 for similar devices utilizing thermally responsive
bimetallic elements.
410 for thermal switches of the fusible element type with
rotatable contact actuator.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
185, Motors: Spring, Weight, or Animal Powered, subclasses
37+ for spring motors, per se.
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclass
19.01 for periodic mechanical switches utilizing a rotary
motion and subclasses 465+ for mechanical rotary switches.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclass 76 for electromagnetically
operated switches with spring motor means.
Subclass:
62
This subclass is indented under subclass 52. Subject matter
wherein the mechanical actuating means comprises structure
whereby contact opening or closing results from a sliding or
reciprocating motion in a single plane by the contact
carrier. The contact carrier or actuating means is generally
spring biased to open position and held closed by a latch
under the influence of a bimetallic element, which upon
heating releases the latch and allows the contact control
means to move the contacts to open position under the
influence of the spring means.
(1) Note. Reciprocating or slidable motion mechanisms of
this class are provided for in many subclasses herein. See
under SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
10 for a list of such subclasses providing for reciprocating
or slidable motion mechanisms of this class.
335 below, for similar devices utilizing thermally
responsive bimetallic elements.
Subclass:
63
This subclass is indented under subclass 62. Subject matter
wherein the mechanical contact controlling structure includes
significant details of means whereby upon application of
force to a driver element a certain interval of time elapses,
or a certain amount of motion of the driver takes place,
before the driving force becomes effective to actuate the
movable contact means.
Subclass:
64
This subclass is indented under subclass 62. Subject matter
wherein the mechanical contact controlling structure includes
camming or wedging means whereby a force is transmitted from
a driver element to a driven element through the principle of
friction in such a manner that the contacts are positioned
from a first or operated condition to a second nonoperated
condition as a direct result of the frictional force
generated.
Subclass:
65
This subclass is indented under subclass 62. Subject matter
wherein the mechanical contact controlling structure includes
guiding means whereby the movable contact carrier is
restricted to a fixed reciprocatory path.
Subclass:
66
This subclass is indented under subclass 62. Subject matter
wherein the manual or other mechanical contact controlling
means is specifically recited as comprising manual push
button means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclasses
520+ for mechanical push button switches.
Subclass:
67
This subclass is indented under subclass 37. Subject matter
wherein the contact controlling structure includes
significant details of means whereby a predetermined or
constant pressure is applied to the contacts while in the
circuit closing position or whereby such contact pressure may
be adjusted at will.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
349 for similar devices utilizing thermally responsive
bimetallic devices.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclasses 194+ for contact pressure
maintaining or adjusting means for electromagnetically
operated switches.
Subclass:
68
This subclass is indented under subclass 37. Subject matter
wherein the manual or other mechanical contact controlling
means includes plunger or other means whereby the electrical
circuit is completed or interrupted by the insertion between
or withdrawal of an intermediate member directly between the
contacts.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
148 for electrothermally actuated switches with fusible
elements combined with a plunger or striker pin for
separating the contacts.
Subclass:
69
This subclass is indented under subclass 37. Subject matter
including significant structure of both bimetallic and either
manual or other contact actuating or controlling means, the
different means being operative separately and distinctly to
open and close the contacts, independently each of the
other.
(1) Note. Subclass 74 provides for mechanisms of the so
called trip free type where the mechanical means actuates the
contacts into open or closed position and the bimetallic
means controls the mechanical means via latching or tripping
means. In that type of device the actual control of the
contacts is by mechanical means the relationship being such
that the contacts cannot be independently manually reclosed
as in the device set forth in this subclass (69) while an
overload condition exists.
(2) Note. The mechanical operating means to be actuated by
the bimetallic element may comprise means released by the
bimetallic means acting as a latch whereby the contacts are
mechanically operated or closed.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
355 for similar devices with thermally responsive bimetallic
actuating means.
Subclass:
70
This subclass is indented under subclass 37. Subject matter
wherein the mechanical structure includes significant details
of operating means whereby the contacts may be retained in a
first condition by a latch or detent adapted to be released
by the operation of an electrothermal current actuated
device. The contacts are usually held latch in a circuit
closing position and tripped to open position.
(1) Note. Latches or trips for devices of this class are
provided for in many subclasses herein. See under SEARCH
THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
46 for a list of subclasses providing for latches, trips or
holding means therefor for devices of this class.
subclasses 128+ for similar devices with longitudinally
expansible electrothermal responsive actuating elements.
subclasses 356+ for similar devices with thermally
responsive bimetallic elements.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, appropriate
subclasses, especially subclass 3, 81, and 318+, for
mechanical switch operators with thermally responsive latch
trip means.
219, Electric Heating, subclasses 510+ for electrical
heaters with electrothermally actuated switches in the supply
circuit utilizing mechanical operating means with a latch.
236, Automatic Temperature and Humidity Regulation,
appropriate subclasses, especially subclasses 3+, 32, 41+,
46, and 91+, for automatic temperature control circuits
utilizing thermostatic latch or trip means.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclasses 21+, 141+, 167+, and 172+ for
electrothermally responsive bimetallic latch or trip means
for operation with electromagnetic switches.
Subclass:
71
This subclass is indented under subclass 70. Subject matter
wherein the latching or latch releasing structure includes
significant details of a bimetallic device cooperatively
combined with another art or a similar art device or wherein
the device is responsive to more than a single actuating
condition. For example; the latch means may be actuated by
or released by a thermal current responsive device assisted
by a mechanical impact member, or by a magnetic field means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, appropriate subclasses for
electromagnetically actuated latch or trip means combined
with electrothermal elements in a magnetic circuit breaker.
Subclass:
72
This subclass is indented under subclass 70. Subject matter
including significant details of means whereby the claimed
latch or latch tripping device may be returned to its normal
operative condition after having completed the transition to
an unoperative condition.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, appropriate subclasses for similar
devices combined with or adapted for use with an
electromagnetic switch.
Subclass:
73
This subclass is indented under subclass 72. Subject matter
wherein the reclosing or reset structure includes significant
details of means whereby the reclosing or resetting action
takes place automatically.
Subclass:
74
This subclass is indented under subclass 70. Subject matter
wherein the latch or latch release structure includes
significant details of means which is operative, upon the
occurrence of an abnormal condition in the controlled
circuit, to prevent the main contacts from remaining closed
or the latch from functioning regardless of the operation of
a contact closing means, or wherein the main contacts are
automatically opened upon the occurrence of an abnormal
circuit condition independently of the position of a manual
or other contact closing means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclasses 24+ for similar devices
combined with or particularly adapted for use in
electromagnetic circuit breakers.
Subclass:
75
This subclass is indented under subclass 70. Subject matter
wherein the latch structure comprises at least one bimetallic
element which directly constitutes the latching means by
which the main switch contacts are prevented from moving from
one condition to another. The actual detent means may be
rigidly attached to the bimetallic element in such a manner
as to form a continuation thereof.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
359 for similar devices utilizing thermally actuated
bimetallic elements.
Subclass:
76
This subclass is indented under subclass 70. Subject matter
wherein the bimetallic element is specifically described as
performing another function other than the primary or
latching function. For example, the element may constitute a
contact bridging means or even one of the main switch
contacts.
(1) Note. The line between the apparatus found in this
subclass and that to be found in the subclasses 85+ and 362+
is: in this subclass the latch and/or trip comprises a part
of a mechanical operating means interposed between the
bimetallic actuating means and the main contacts while in the
subclasses 85+ and 362+ the bimetallic element actuates at
least one movable contact directly without the intervention
of any mechanical means.
Subclass:
77
This subclass is indented under subclass 70. Subject matter
including auxiliary heating means whereby the bimetallic
element is heated from an external source in addition to the
current passing directly therethrough.
(1) Note. For other heating means employed in devices of
this class, see SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 102+ for bimetallic elements in general used as
actuating elements and having auxiliary heating means.
subclasses 103+ for other heating means employed in devices
of this class, see the subclasses listed under SEARCH THIS
CLASS, SUBCLASS.
Subclass:
78
This subclass is indented under subclass 70. Subject matter
wherein the latch or latch release structure includes
significant details of at least two or more bimetallic
elements acting conjointly on a single latch or trip device.
(1) Note. Subclass 101 provides for those devices where the
second bimetallic element serves only as an ambient
temperature compensating device for the first.
Subclass:
79
This subclass is indented under subclass 37. Subject matter
including significant details of audible or visual means
whereby the operative condition, i.e., opened or closed, of
the switch is readily ascertainable.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
206 for electrothermal fusible element switch with
operational condition indicator.
subclasses 241+ for electrothermal cartridge or tubular
fuses with indicating or inspecting means.
subclasses 265+ for electrothermal plug fuses with
indicator.
332 for thermal expansible fluid actuated switch with
signal, alarm, or visual indicator.
376 for thermal bimetallic element switch with signal or
indicator.
417 for indicators in general specifically adapted for use
with electrothermal and thermally actuated switches.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclasses
308+ for indicators peculiar to circuit makers and breakers
of the mechanical type.
340, Communications: Electrical, subclasses 635+ for
signals and indicators which are automatically responsive to
the condition of electrical apparatus.
Subclass:
80
This subclass is indented under subclass 37. Subject matter
wherein the mechanical contact controlling structure includes
significant details of means whereby at least one electrical
circuit is completed by means of a conductive liquid such as
mercury.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
21 for electrothermal actuated switches in in which the
electrothermal element itself comprises a conductive fluid.
331 for thermal expansible fluid actuated switch utilizing
conductive liquid (e.g. mercury) contact means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclasses
182+ for mercury switches in general.
313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, subclasses 163+
for electric discharge devices which have a liquid
electrode.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclasses 47+ for electromagnetic
switches with liquid contacts.
Subclass:
81
This subclass is indented under subclass 37. Subject matter
including significant details of means whereby the act of
opening or closing of the main switch contacts takes place at
an appreciable interval or intervals of time after an
actuating force is applied to the contact actuating means or
the operative interval is controlled by varying the
energizing current applied to the thermal current responsive
device; i.e., bimetallic element.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
88 for electrothermal bimetallic element switch with
operation retarding or delaying means.
127 for electrothermal longitudinally expansible element
switch with delayed action or timing means.
subclasses 163+ for electrothermal fusible element switch
of the delayed action type.
subclasses 301+ for thermal switches with mechanical timing
means.
341 for thermal bimetallic element switch with time delay.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclasses
33+ for retarded or delayed acting mechanical switches.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclasses 59+ for retarded or delayed
type electromagnetic switches.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclass
89, 91.3, and 94+ for safety systems and devices of the time
delay type of actuators, and subclasses 195+ for electric
circuits for relays and electromagnets with time delay
means.
Subclass:
82
This subclass is indented under subclass 37. Subject matter
including significant details of means whereby the operative
current value, or range of values, sufficient or necessary to
actuate the main contact control means and thereby produce an
opening or closing thereof action is predeterminedly fixed,
varied at will or calibrated.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
2 for thermal longitudinally expansible element switch with
operating range calibration or adjusting means.
57 for snap acting contact operating means with adjusting or
calibration means.
94 for similar devices where the contacts are directly
operated by a thermal current responsive bimetallic element.
129 for electrothermal longitudinally expansible element
switch with latch or trip calibration means.
319 for thermal expansible fluid element snap action switch
with adjusting or calibrating means.
323 for thermal expansible fluid actuated switch with
operating calibration or adjustment means.
347 for thermal bimetallic element snap action switch with
adjusting or calibration means.
subclasses 360+ for similar devices with thermally
responsive bimetallic elements.
368 for thermal bimetallic element snap switch with
adjustment or calibration means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
219, Electric Heating, subclass 515 for electric heaters
with adjustable thermally responsive operative means in the
current supply circuit.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclass 45 for electromagnetic tripping
means having regulating, adjusting or calibrating means.
Subclass:
83
This subclass is indented under subclass 82. Subject matter
wherein the calibration or adjustment means whereby an
electrical shunt circuit is established in parallel with the
current path through the bimetallic element or whereby the
electrothermal controlling means is short circuited, thereby
determining the amount of operative current necessary to
actuate the main circuit contacts.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 15+ for electrothermal switches with shunt or
short circuit completion devices.
Subclass:
84
This subclass is indented under subclass 82. Subject matter
wherein the calibration or adjustment means comprises
mechanically adjustable elements of structure adapted to be
adjusted at will.
Subclass:
85
This subclass is indented under subclass 38. Subject matter
wherein the bimetallic element operated switch consists of at
least one bimetallic element with direct connection to a
movable contact; which contact makes or breaks an electrical
circuit under the influence of, or as a result of, the
thermal current through the element. Generally, both the
bimetallic element and the fixed contact are series connected
in the controlled circuit when in a closed circuit
condition.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 362+ for similar devices with thermally actuated
bimetallic elements.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
219, Electric Heating, subclasses 510+ for electric heaters
with thermally responsive automatic switch means in the
supply circuit which may comprise a bimetallic element
directly controlling a movable contact.
307, Electrical Transmission or Interconnection Systems,
subclass 117 for heat responsive switching systems utilizing
bimetallic elements directly operating a movable contact.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses
23+, 26, 99, 103+, and 161+ for protection systems and
devices or electric circuits for relays and electromagnets
which utilize bimetallic elements directly controlling at
least one movable contact.
Subclass:
86
This subclass is indented under subclass 85. Subject matter
including significant details of at least three or more
contacts operative in such a manner that at least two or more
separate and distinct electrical circuits may be controlled
by the bimetallic contact actuating means. One of the
plurality of contacts may be common to more than a single
contact pair.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
41 for electrothermally responsive bimetallic means combined
with mechanical means for actuating a plurality of contacts
or controlling a plurality of circuits.
362 for similar devices utilizing thermally responsive
bimetallic elements.
Subclass:
87
This subclass is indented under subclass 86. Subject matter
including significant details of means whereby individual
contact pairs connected to external circuits may be actuated
in such a manner that a plurality of individually controlled
circuits are completed through the switching device
selectively, sequentially or alternately.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
44 for similar devices utilizing an electrothermally
actuated bimetallic device combined with mechanical contact
control means.
364 for similar devices utilizing thermally responsive
bimetallic actuating means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclass 3
for mechanical multiple circuit control with thermal current
actuated means and subclasses 175+ for telephone type
automatic multiple contact selection means which may include
electrothermally operated means.
315, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Systems, subclass
154 for plural load devices selectively controlled by
radiant energy (heat) responsive devices.
Subclass:
88
This subclass is indented under subclass 85. Subject matter
including means whereby the opening or closing, of the switch
contacts takes place at an appreciable interval of time after
an actuating force (overcurrent) is applied to the bimetallic
contact actuating means or the timing of the contact open or
contact closed interval is effected by varying the energizing
current applied to the devices.
(1) Note. For other retarding or delaying means employed in
devices of this class, see SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
81 for other retarding or delaying means employed in devices
of this class, see the subclasses listed under SEARCH THIS
CLASS, SUBCLASS.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
99, Foods and Beverages: Apparatus, appropriate subclasses
particularly subclass 325 for cooking apparatus with
thermally actuated automatic control means with timing or
time delay means.
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, particularly
subclasses 33+ for mechanically actuated switches with time
delay means.
219, Electric Heating, subclass 329 for electric water
heaters with bimetallic switch control means including time
delay means, subclass 334, for water heaters with automatic
power supply or current control means including timing means
and subclasses 492+ for automatic power supply or control
means for electric heaters in general with timing or cycling
means.
315, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Systems,
appropriate subclasses, especially subclass 77 for electric
discharge device systems with thermostatically operated time
delay means.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclass 66 for electromagnetically
operated switches with electrothermal time delay means.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices,
appropriate subclasses, especially subclass 89, 91.3, 94+ and
subclasses 161+ for thermally actuated control devices with
timing or delay means.
Subclass:
89
This subclass is indented under subclass 85. Subject matter
including means whereby the movable contact, or contacts, may
be operated from a first position to a second position
quickly, as by a snap action, with the contact motion being
independent of the rate of movement of the operator. This
may be accomplished by means of a spring, by a permanent
magnet or other appropriate means such as an inherent
characteristic or structure of the bimetallic element
itself.
(1) Note. See the search this class, subclass note below
for the line between this subclass and others in this class.
(2) Note. For other snap action mechanisms employed in
devices of this class, see SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 53+ the structure to be found in this subclass
(89) is distinguished from that in subclasses 53+ as follows:
In the snap actions provided for in subclasses 53+ the
contacts are operated by some manual or mechanical means in
addition to being operated by the bimetallic element, the
contacts not being directly attached to the bimetallic
elements in this and the indented subclasses, that is to say
the circuit is either open or closed depending entirely on
the operative condition of the element. For other snap action
mechanisms employed in devices of this class, see the
subclasses listed under SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS in
subclass 53.
365 for similar devices utilizing thermally responsive
bimetallic elements.
Subclass:
90
This subclass is indented under subclass 89. Subject matter
including means for establishing a field of magnetic flux
whereby the actuation of the movable contact, or contacts, is
at least in part influenced by magnetic force operative
within the flux field. The magnetic flux source is usually a
permanent magnet.
(1) Note. For other snap action mechanisms with magnetic
control or holding means employed in devices of this class,
see SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
54 for other snap action mechanisms with magnetic control or
holding means employed in devices of this class, see the
subclasses listed under SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS.
344 for similar devices utilizing thermally actuated
bimetallic elements.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclasses
402+ for mechanical snap switches with holding means.
236, Automatic Temperature and Humidity Regulation,
appropriate subclasses, especially subclass 1, 9, 46, 68, and
91+ for automatic temperature control systems employing
bimetallic actuating means with holding means.
290, Prime-Mover Dynamo Plants, subclass 38 for electric
starting motors employing snap switches with holding means.
313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, appropriate
subclasses, especially subclasses 153+ for electric
discharge devices with electrothermal snap switches in the
control circuit which employ magnetic means.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclasses 141+ for electromagnetically
operated switches having electrothermal means which may
comprise bimetallic snap switches.
Subclass:
91
This subclass is indented under subclass 89. Subject matter
wherein the claimed structure includes significant means
whereby; after the movable contact, or contacts, has been
actuated from one condition to another condition, the
contacts may be returned to the original condition either
automatically or manually.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
56 above for similar devices employing electrothermal
bimetallic actuating means combined with mechanical snap
acting means.
368 below for similar devices employing thermally actuated
bimetallic means.
Subclass:
92
This subclass is indented under subclass 85. Subject matter
including significant details, specifically recited, of means
whereby the contacts of at least one electrical circuit
control device are intermittently or cyclically (at regular
intervals) opened and closed directly under the influence of
a bimetallic actuating element.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
51 for similar devices utilizing thermally responsive
bimetallic actuating means.
116 for electrothermal expansible fluid actuated switch of
the cyclically or periodically operated type.
138 for electrothermal expansible solid element switch of
the cyclically or periodically operated type.
subclasses 302+ for thermal switch with mechanical timing
means of the periodic or cyclic type.
369 for similar devices utilizing thermally responsive
bimetallic actuating means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclass
19.01 for periodically actuated mechanical switches,
subclasses 61.27+ for turn indicator type switches with
flashing means and subclasses 402+ for cyclically operated
snap switches.
219, Electric Heating, appropriate subclasses, especially
subclasses 492+, for electric heaters with automatic
regulating or control means employing cyclically operative
switches.
307, Electrical Transmission or Interconnection Systems,
subclass 132 for repetitive make and break switches.
315, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Systems, subclass
72 for discharge device loads combined with a periodic
electric switch.
340, Communications: Electrical, subclasses 468+ for
vehicle signal light systems including those with cyclic
light flasher switches.
Subclass:
93
This subclass is indented under subclass 92. Subject matter
including significant details of means whereby the period of
the complete operational cycle of the switch device may be
predetermined or adjusted at will by an operator.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
303 for thermal switch with mechanical timing means of the
periodic or cyclic type with means for adjusting the period
or timing of the cycle of operation.
Subclass:
94
This subclass is indented under subclass 85. Subject matter
including significant details of means whereby the operative
current value, or range of values, sufficient or necessary to
operate the main contacts from a first (open) to a second
(closed) position, predetermined, varied at will or
calibrated.
(1) Note. For other calibration or range adjusting means
employed in devices of this class, see the subclasses listed
under SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS in subclass 82.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
82 for similar devices employing electrothermal responsive
bimetallic elements combined with mechanical contact
operating means. See (1) Note above.
360 for similar devices employing thermally responsive
bimetallic elements.
Subclass:
95
This subclass is indented under subclass 85. Subject matter
including significant details of at least two or more
separate and distinct bimetallic elements acting conjointly
or cooperatively to control a set of electrical contacts from
a first condition to a second condition.
(1) Note. Subclass 101 provides for plural bimetallic
element switches in which one or more bimetallic elements act
simply as a means for compensation for ambient temperature,
or for other external conditions to which the switch is
subjected.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 38+ above for plural electrothermally responsive
bimetallic elements controlling a single switch through
mechanical contact operating means.
subclasses 335+ for similar devices utilizing plural
thermally responsive bimetallic elements combined with
mechanical contact control means.
subclasses 370+ for similar devices having the contacts
directly controlled by a plurality of thermally responsive
bimetallic elements.
Subclass:
96
This subclass is indented under subclass 95. Subject matter
wherein at least two of the claimed electrothermal responsive
bimetallic elements are described as responsive to diverse
environmental conditions, such as operating temperature
(e.g., thermal circuit) and atmospheric conditions, or as
being of diverse operating characteristics whereby the
opening or closing of an electrical circuit takes place as a
result of the operating condition of all the elements, acting
as a whole.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
336 for plural bimetallic elements thermal switches wherein
the elements are individually responsive to diverse
conditions.
Subclass:
97
This subclass is indented under subclass 36. Subject matter
including significant details of means whereby the switch
device is protected from electrical or physical damage; such
as contact welding, burning or pitting, physical breakage or
damage due to jar, overheating, etc.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 222+ for electrothermal fusible element switches
with switch protective means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
307, Electrical Transmission or Interconnection Systems,
subclasses 134+ for electrical switching systems with self
protective features.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclasses 156+ for electromagnetically
operated switches with protective means for the switch or
contacts and subclass 193 for significant contact actuating
with means for preventing vibration, bounce or chatter.
Subclass:
98
This subclass is indented under subclass 36. Subject matter
including significant details of positive locking or holding
means whereby the main contacts are inhibited or restrained
from movement by external sources or influence; for instance
shock, or accidental motion. The locking devices to be found
here generally comprise either mechanical or magnetic devices
which may be either manually or automatically operated
independent of any latching means which may be present in the
device.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclasses 6+
for pivoted contact switches with holding coil means and
subclasses 43.01+ for switches with unauthorized use
prevention devices comprising locks.
307, Electrical Transmission or Interconnection Systems,
subclass 142 for switch actuating means with locking,
holding or breaking features.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclass 77 for motor actuated switches
with lock, latch or trip means, subclass 113 for multiple
contact automatic telephone switches with holding, locking or
latching means, subclasses 157+ for electromagnetic switches
with operation inhibiting means and subclasses 167+ for
latching means with unwanted contact actuation prevention
means.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclass
194 for electric circuits for relays and electromagnets and
including holding means.
379, Telephonic Communications, subclass 195 for automatic
telephone switching systems with lockout.
Subclass:
99
This subclass is indented under subclass 36. Subject matter
including significant details of means whereby any tendencies
toward variation of the operative characteristics of a switch
device; due to changes in voltage applied to or in external
condition, such as the temperature of the surrounding
atmosphere, are prevented.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
124 for electrothermal, longitudinally expansible solid
element switch with voltage or ambient temperature
compensation means.
378 for similar devices utilizing thermally responsive
bimetallic elements.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclass 44 for thermally controlled
latch or trip means with ambient temperature compensation
means.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclass
140 and 164 for electric circuits for relays and
electromagnets including means for compensating for thermal
changes.
Subclass:
100
This subclass is indented under subclass 99. Subject matter
wherein the compensating structure includes at least one
auxiliary heating means whereby the operating characteristics
of the switch are prevented from changing due to variations
in the ambient medium.
(1) Note. For other heating means employed in devices of
this class, see SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 102+ for electrothermally operated switches
employing bimetallic elements and including further external
or auxiliary heating means in addition to the thermal current
whereby the operative characteristics of the switch are
controlled. Also, for other heating means employed in devices
of this class, see the subclasses listed under SEARCH THIS
CLASS, SUBCLASS
377 for similar devices utilizing thermally responsive
bimetallic elements.
Subclass:
101
This subclass is indented under subclass 99. Subject matter
wherein the compensating structure includes at least one
bimetallic element which is wholly responsive to the ambient
surroundings.
Subclass:
102
This subclass is indented under subclass 38. Subject matter
including significant details of structure comprising heat
generating or concentrating means; such as heating coils or
high resistance elements, serving to augment the heating
effect of the thermal current traversing the switch.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 23+ for fluorescent lamp starting device with
heating means.
77 for electrothermal bimetallic switch with latch means
having an auxiliary heater.
100 for electrothermal bimetallic switch with voltage or
temperature compensation means.
120 for electrothermal expansible fluid actuated switch with
external heating means.
subclasses 182+ for electrothermal fusible element switch
with auxiliary or external heating means.
324 for thermal expansible fluid actuated switch with
auxiliary heater.
377 for similar devices utilizing thermally responsive
bimetallic elements and including electrical heating means
which augments the heat derived from the ambient space
surrounding the bimetallic element.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
60, Power Plants, subclass 529 for the combination of a
bimetallic thermostatic bar with electric heating means, per
se.
62, Refrigeration, subclass 4 for refrigerator control
systems utilizing a bimetallic thermal element with electric
heater means.
99, Foods and Beverages: Apparatus, subclasses 324+ for
cooking apparatus with automatic control systems utilizing
bimetallic elements with heaters.
123, Internal-Combustion Engines, subclass 146.5 for
bimetallic sparking devices with electric heaters.
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, appropriate
subclasses, especially subclass 3 and 52+ for mechanical
switches utilizing thermal current responsive bimetallic
elements with heater means.
219, Electric Heating, subclass 511 for automatically
operated switching devices for electric heaters, utilizing
bimetallic elements with heaters.
236, Automatic Temperature and Humidity Regulation,
appropriate subclasses, particularly subclass 1, 46, and 68
for automatic temperature control systems utilizing
bimetallic elements with external heating means.
290, Prime-Mover Dynamo Plants, subclass 38 for electric
starting motors with bimetallic switches with external
heaters.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclass 145 for electromagnetically
operated switches, with bimetallic actuating means and having
an external heater.
Subclass:
103
This subclass is indented under subclass 102. Subject matter
wherein the heating means includes significantly recited
structure whereby the operating characteristics of the heater
may be varied as by adjusting, shunting or short circuiting
means.
Subclass:
104
This subclass is indented under subclass 102. Subject matter
wherein the heating means consists of at least two or more
separate and distinct heating devices capable of acting
individually or coordinately to influence the action of at
least one bimetallic element.
Subclass:
105
This subclass is indented under subclass 102. Subject matter
wherein the heater structure includes means whereby the
current traversing the heating device is maintained at a
value between predetermined limits, is caused to flow at
predetermined intervals of time or is caused to flow or to be
cut off when certain predetermined conditions occur in the
switch device.
Subclass:
106
This subclass is indented under subclass 105. Subject matter
wherein the power supply or current control means comprises
an inductive current source. The inductive current source
may comprise inductor windings whose excitation current is
derived from the current traversing the bimetallic element.
Subclass:
107
This subclass is indented under subclass 102. Subject matter
wherein the heating structure includes significant details of
a basic heating unit adapted to form an element or a
subcombination of a more comprehensive combination and
adapted for use in a thermal current switch under the class
definition.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
29, Metal Working, subclass 610.1 for processes of
mechanical manufacture of electrical resistors, per se.
338, Electrical Resistors, appropriate subclasses for
electrical resistors, per se.
Subclass:
108
This subclass is indented under subclass 107. Subject matter
including means whereby the bimetallic element is heated by
the arc or discharge current occurring between two electrodes
separated by an open gap.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, appropriate
subclasses, especially subclasses 118+ for spark plug type
discharge devices.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses
117+ for high voltage dissipating gaps to the lightning
arrester type, and subclasses 253+ for electric spark gap
igniters.
Subclass:
109
This subclass is indented under subclass 36. Subject matter
including significant details of contact structure,
composition of material or arrangement peculiarly adapted to
be operated through the agency of at least one bimetallic
electrothermal current responsive element. The structure
usually includes adjustment screw or other means whereby the
relative position of the contacts may be varied automatically
or at the will of an operator.
(1) Note. For other contact structure or contacts of
particular composition employed in devices of this class, see
the subclasses listed under SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS in
subclass 26.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 373+ for significant contact structure
particularly adapted for use in switches utilizing thermally
responsive bimetallic devices.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
29, Metal Working, subclasses 874+ for processes of
mechanical manufacture of electrical contacts.
178, Telegraphy, subclasses 79+ for telegraph transmitters
with particular contacts and subclasses 101+ for telegraph
keys with significant contact means.
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclasses
275+ for contact structural details.
252, Compositions, subclasses 500+ for electrically
conductive compositions.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclasses 57+ for electromagnetic
switches with liquid contacts, subclass 83 for polarity
responsive switches with particular contact structure,
subclasses 97+ for periodic switches with particular contact
structure, subclasses 133+ for particular contact structure
or arrangement in multiple contact switches, subclass 154 for
vacuum switches with particular contact structure and
subclasses 196+ for significant details of the composition of
matter or mechanical structure of contact assemblies
peculiarly adapted for use in electromagnetic switches.
Subclass:
110
This subclass is indented under subclass 36. Subject matter
including significant details of means for preventing the
formation of an electric arc when a circuit is broken or
smothering such an arc once it forms.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 273+ for electrothermally responsive fusible
element actuating switches with arc suppression or
extinguishing means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
218, High-Voltage Switches With Arc Preventing and
Extinguishing Devices, subclasses 1+ for mechanical
switches with arc preventing and extinguishing means.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclass 201 for electrothermally
controlled switches with arc suppression or extinguishing
means.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses
2+ for protective devices with arc-suppression, and
subclasses 117+ for high voltage dissipator, per se.
Subclass:
111
This subclass is indented under subclass 36. Subject matter
relating specifically to the physical structure of or the
composition of matter utilized in the bimetallic element or
elements.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
379 for particular bimetallic structure or composition of
material for thermally responsive switches.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, subclasses
577+ for an intermediate metallic article or blank, and
subclasses 615+ for plural layered metallic stock defined in
terms of the composition of its layers.
Subclass:
112
This subclass is indented under subclass 36. Subject matter
including significant details of housing, casing or support
structure, peculiarly adapted for use with electrothermal
bimetallic actuated switches.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
20 for electrothermal shunt or short circuit switches with
housing or casing.
34 for electrothermal switch and space discharge device with
housing or casing.
121 for expansible or vaporizable fluid actuated switches
with significant housing, casing or support structure.
subclasses 186+ for fusible element actuated switches with
housing, casing or support means.
subclasses 327+ for thermal, expansible fluid actuated
switch with housing or casing.
subclasses 380+ for similar type switches with significant
housing, casing or support means.
398 for thermally responsive longitudinally expansible solid
actuated switches with housing, casing or support.
subclasses 414+ for thermally actuated fuses with housing,
casing or support.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
174, Electricity: Conductors and Insulators, appropriate
subclasses, especially subclass 17, 18, and 50+ for
electrical boxes and housings not limited to use with
switches.
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclasses
293+ for mechanical switches with particular casings or
bases.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclasses 151+ for vacuum or
hermetically sealed electromagnetic switches.
Subclass:
113
This subclass is indented under subclass 112. Subject matter
including significant means associated with the housing or
casing whereby an external electrical circuit; which is to be
protected, is completely through the switch via housing or
casing. As an example the housing may be similar in
construction to a fuse cartridge or plug.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 187+ for housing, casing or support means for
electrothermally actuated fusible switches with significant
external circuit connection means.
381 for thermally responsive bimetallically operated
switches with housing, casing or support with external
circuit connector means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
307, Electrical Transmission or Interconnection Systems,
subclasses 112+ for switching systems comprising a switch
with terminals.
439, Electrical Connectors, appropriate subclasses for a
detachable electrical connector.
Subclass:
114
This subclass is indented under subclass 14. Subject matter
wherein the electrothermal responsive circuit opening or
closing means consists of at least one element which utilizes
a fluid medium capable of expanding or vaporizing upon the
application of a voltage, potential or heating current
thereto, the operation of the contact controlling means being
accomplished either directly or through additional means,
thereby opening or closing a circuit to be controlled.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 306+ below for similar devices with thermally
responsive means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
60, Power Plants, subclasses 632+ for one shot explosion
actuated expansible chamber type motors.
92, Expansible Chamber Devices, appropriate subclasses for an
expansible chamber device, per se.
99, Foods and Beverages: Apparatus, subclass 325 for
cooking apparatus with automatic control actuated by an
expansible fluid.
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclasses
81+, for switches in which the operating means is responsive
to pressure of a liquid, gas or vapor, the pressure being
caused by a confined fluid or fluid flow.
219, Electric Heating, subclasses 490+ (particularly
subclass 496) for electric heating devices with current
regulation or current control means which may include
pressure responsive devices and subclass 513 for electric
heaters with automatic switching means comprising temperature
responsive expansible fluid actuated devices.
236, Automatic Temperature and Humidity Regulation,
subclasses 79+ for fluid operated motor means for automatic
regulation systems.
307, Electrical Transmission or Interconnection Systems,
subclass 118 for fluid pressure actuated switching systems
and subclass 144 for fluid pressure switch actuator, per se.
318, Electricity: Motive Power Systems, subclass 481 for
automatic motor control systems which are responsive to
pressure in a fluid.
322, Electricity: Single Generator Systems, subclass 35 for
automatic generator control devices which are responsive to a
fluid pressure.
340, Communications: Electrical, subclass 592 for automatic
alarm systems with an expanding fluid sensor.
374, Thermal Measuring and Testing, subclasses 201+ for
expanding fluid type thermometers.
Subclass:
115
This subclass is indented under subclass 114. Subject matter
including at least one electrothermally responsive device
combined with further manual or other mechanical contact
actuating means, both said device and means controlling the
same contacts. Usually the contacts are directly controlled
by the manual or mechanical means which is in turn under the
control of the electrothermally responsive device. However,
devices in which the contacts may be opened or closed by the
separate means independently are also classified here.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 37+ for electrothermal bimetallic element
switches having manual or mechanical contact controlling
means.
subclasses 126+ for electrothermal, longitudinally
expansible element switch with manual or mechanical contact
actuating means.
subclasses 143+ for electrothermal, fusible element
switches with manual or mechanical contact control means.
subclasses 312+ below for similar type devices with
thermally responsive actuating means.
subclasses 334+ for thermal, bimetallic element switches
with manual or other mechanical contact control means.
subclasses 384+ for thermal, longitudinally expansible
solid element switch with manual or other mechanical contact
control means.
subclasses 402+ for thermal, fusible, combustible or
explosive material actuated switch with manual gravity
actuated, or other mechanical contact control means.
Subclass:
116
This subclass is indented under subclass 115. Subject matter
including significant details of means whereby a circuit is
intermittently or cyclically opened and closed at constantly
recurring intervals under the influence of an
electrothermally responsive vaporizable or expansible fluid
device.
(1) Note. For other intermittently or cyclically controlled
means employed in devices of this class, see the subclasses
listed under SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS in subclass 92.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclass
19.01 for periodic mechanical switches and subclasses 81+
for fluid pressure responsive switches which may be
periodically operated.
219, Electric Heating, subclass 492 for automatic regulating
and control means for electric heaters with timing or cycling
means.
236, Automatic Temperature and Humidity Regulation,
subclasses 99+ for thermostatic controls utilizing
expanding fluid and which may be periodically operative.
307, Electrical Transmission or Interconnection Systems,
subclass 132 for repetitive make and break switches.
315, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Systems, subclass
72 for a load device with periodic electric switch.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclasses 87+ for periodically
operated electromagnetic switches.
340, Communications: Electrical, subclasses 468+ for
vehicle signal light systems including those with cyclic
light flasher switches.
Subclass:
117
This subclass is indented under subclass 115. Subject matter
including specific details of at least one expansible bellows
or diaphragm device whereby a thrust force is transmitted to
a contact control means upon a change of state or dimension
of the actuating fluid.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 320+ for similar devices utilizing thermally
actuated fluid means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
73, Measuring and Testing, subclasses 715+, especially
subclass 729, for fluid pressure gauges utilizing diaphragm
or bellows structure.
74, Machine Element or Mechanism, subclass 17.8 for devices
for the transfer of motion through a flexible seal or
diaphragm and subclasses 18+ for devices where the motion
transfer takes place through a moving rod or casing.
91, Motors: Expansible Chamber Type, appropriate subclasses
for expansible chamber motors with diaphragm or bellows.
92, Expansible Chamber Devices, appropriate subclasses,
especially subclasses 34+ for bellows structure.
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclass 83
for fluid pressure actuated switches with diaphragm.
381, Electrical Audio Signal Processing Systems and Devices,
subclasses 355+ for telephone type transmitters with
diaphragm and subclasses 176, 186, and 398+ for diaphragm
structure, per se.
Subclass:
118
This subclass is indented under subclass 115. Subject matter
including significant details of means whereby a continuous
electrical connection through the switch device may be
re-established either automatically or at the will of an
operator, after having been broken through the action of the
switch.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
56 for electrothermal, bimetallic element switch with
mechanical snap action having reclosing or reset means.
72 for electrothermal, bimetallic element switch with latch
means having reclosing or reset means.
91 for electrothermal, bimetallic element switch having snap
action with reset means.
130 for longitudinally expansible solid element switch
having latch or trip with reset means.
155 for electrothermal, fusible element switch with
mechanical reclosing or resetting means.
348 for thermal, bimetallic element switch having snap
action means with reclosing or reset means.
367 for thermal, bimetallic unitary contact type switch
having snap action means with reset means.
Subclass:
119
This subclass is indented under subclass 114. Subject matter
including significant details of a capillary tube or bore at
least partially filled by a vaporizable liquid conductor the
bore being of such caliber that the liquid is either caused
to vaporize at a predetermined current value or to shift its
position within the bore thereby disconnecting the contacts
of the device. Generally the devices act in a similar manner
to a conventional fuse, acting to open a circuit between
contacts upon the vaporization of the liquid.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
321 for similar devices utilizing thermally responsive
liquid actuating means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
219, Electric Heating, subclasses 510+, especially subclass
511, for automatic thermally responsive fluid actuated
switches for electric heaters utilizing capillary tube
means.
236, Automatic Temperature and Humidity Regulation, subclass
95 and 99+ for thermally responsive expanding fluid actuated
temperature regulating systems utilizing capillary tubes.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses
161+ for a mercury column type thermostat in an electrical
circuit for relays and electromagnets.
Subclass:
120
This subclass is indented under subclass 114. Subject matter
including heat concentrating or generating means, such as
heating coils or high resistance elements, responsive to the
current in a circuit to be controlled, and whereby the change
in condition of the contact controlling fluid is brought
about.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
324 for similar devices utilizing thermally responsive fluid
actuating means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
60, Power Plants, subclasses 516+ for expansion and
contraction power plants with expansible fluid heated by
external means.
165, Heat Exchange, subclasses 200+, especially subclasses
223+ and 257, for anticipating type thermostatic controls
with auxiliary heater.
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclasses
81+ for fluid pressure switch which may have auxiliary
heating means.
219, Electric Heating, subclass 511 for thermally responsive
expansible fluid actuated switches for electric heaters and
having auxiliary heating means.
236, Automatic Temperature and Humidity Regulation, subclass
86 for thermostatic expanding operated motor type
temperature regulators which may have auxiliary heaters.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses
161+ for thermoelectric switch in the control circuit of a
relay or electromagnet and having external heater means.
Subclass:
121
This subclass is indented under subclass 114. Subject matter
including significant structural details of housing, casing,
mounting or support means peculiarly adapted for use with the
subclass 114 type switch or switches.
(1) Note. For other housings or casings employed in devices
of this class, see the subclasses listed, under SEARCH THIS
CLASS, SUBCLASS in subclass 20.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 327+ for similar devices utilizing thermally
responsive fluid actuating means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclasses
293+ for details of casing or bases for mechanical
switches.
Subclass:
122
This subclass is indented under subclass 114. Subject matter
including significant details of the mechanical structure, or
material of construction, of the contact assembly, or its
attachment to or support on the thermally responsive switch
device.
(1) Note. For other contact structures, or contact
composition, employed in devices of this class, see
subclasses listed under SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS in
subclass 26.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
329 for similar contact structure utilized with thermal
responsive liquid actuated switches.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
29, Metal Working, subclasses 874+ for the process of
manufacturing of electrical contacts and terminals.
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclasses
238+ for details of contact construction for mechanical
switches.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclasses 133+ for contact structure
for use in multiple contact switches of the electromagnetic
type and subclasses 196+ for contact composition of structure
in general for use in electromagnetic switches.
439, Electrical Connectors, especially subclasses 884+ for
a contact of particular configuration.
Subclass:
123
This subclass is indented under subclass 14. Subject matter
wherein the electrothermally actuated switching device
comprises at least one monometallic longitudinally expansible
solid element whose coefficient of expansion along its major
axis is utilized to cause the opening or closing of an
electrical circuit as a result of the change in dimension of
the element. The element may be fixedly secured at both
ends, around its circumference or at one end, according to
the design of the switch.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 382+ below for similar devices utilizing
thermally responsive solid elements.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
60, Power Plants, subclasses 527+ for expansion and
contraction type power plants with solid elements.
219, Electric Heating, subclass 512 for automatic switching
arrangements in the circuit of an electric heater and
utilizing linearly expansible metal.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclass 141 for electromagnetically
operated switches with thermally responsive expandable
solid.
374, Thermal Measuring and Testing, subclasses 187+ for
expanding solid thermometers.
Subclass:
124
This subclass is indented under subclass 123. Subject matter
including means whereby the operational mode of the
deformable solid actuating means is controlled or modified by
the temperature of the surrounding medium (atmosphere) or the
value of the voltage drip across the terminals of the
switching device.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 99+ for electrothermal, bimetallic actuated
switch with voltage or ambient temperature compensation
means.
378 for thermal, bimetallic actuated switch with
compensation means (e.g., ambient temperature).
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses
161+ for electric circuits for relays or electromagnets
including thermally actuated longitudinally expansible solid
elements.
Subclass:
125
This subclass is indented under subclass 123. Subject matter
including a normally open electrical circuit in series across
the input and output terminals of the device and adapted when
closed to complete an electrical circuit in parallel
relationship with the thermal contact actuating means. For
instance; the shunting or short circuiting means may comprise
a switch arm operative by a relay armature operative when the
potential applied across the relay winding exceeds a
preselected value. The type of switching devices found here
are most commonly used as Flashers.
(1) Note. Where the shunting or short circuiting device is
for the purpose of voltage compensation the patent will be
placed in subclass 124 above and officially cross referenced
in this subclass.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 15+ for electrothermal actuated switches with
shunt or short circuit completion devices.
221 for electrothermal fusible element switches with
electrical shunt circuit means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
307, Electrical Transmissions or Interconnection Systems,
appropriate subclasses, especially subclass 117, 131, 132,
and 141.4 for switching systems in which the actuating means
may be shunted or short circuited.
315, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Systems, subclasses
74+ for a combined discharge device load device and an
automatic shunt circuit closing means.
Subclass:
126
This subclass is indented under subclass 123. Subject matter
including at least one electrothermally responsive device,
combined with further manual or other mechanical contact
actuating means, both said device and means cooperatively
acting to control the switch contacts. Usually the contacts
are directly controlled by the manual or mechanical means
which is in turn under the control of the temperature
responsive device. However, devices in which the contacts may
be opened or closed by the separate means independently are
also classified here.
(1) Note. For other manual or mechanical switch control
means employed in devices of this class, see SEARCH THIS
CLASS, SUBCLASS below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
115 for other manual or mechanical switch control means
employed in devices of this class, see the subclasses listed
under SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS in subclass 115.
384 for similar devices utilizing thermally responsive
elements.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclass 3
for mechanical switches with thermally responsive cut outs or
fuses.
219, Electric Heating, subclass 512 for automatic switches
for electric heaters utilizing linearly expansive metal
elements combined with mechanical means.
236, Automatic Temperature and Humidity Regulation,
subclasses 101+ for automatic temperature control apparatus
comprising an expanding solid element with mechanical contact
control means.
307, Electrical Transmission or Interconnection Systems,
subclasses 116+, especially subclasses 117 and 139+ for
switching systems in general utilizing mechanical means.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclasses 141+ for electromagnetic
switches with combined electrothermal actuating means.
340, Communications: Electrical subclasses 584+ for
temperature responsive signal systems, particularly
subclasses 593+ for a switch sensor therein.
Subclass:
127
This subclass is indented under subclass 126. Subject matter
including means whereby the opening, or the closing, of the
switch contacts takes place at an appreciable interval of
time after an actuating force is applied to the contact
actuating means or the timing of the contact open or contact
closed interval is effected by varying the energizing current
applied to the device.
(1) Note. For other delayed action or timing means employed
in devices of this class, see SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS
below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
81 for similar devices utilizing electrothermally responsive
bimetallic elements. See (1) Note above. For other delayed
action or timing means employed in devices of this class, see
the subclasses listed under SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS of
subclass 81.
subclasses 163+ for similar devices utilizing fusible
elements.
341 for similar devices utilizing thermally responsive
bimetallic elements.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
34, Drying and Gas or Vapor Contact With Solids, subclasses
562+ for drying apparatus with automatic control of the
timing cycle.
116, Signals and Indicators, subclasses 22+, 101+, and 216+
for periodic mechanical signals and indicators with thermal
control means.
165, Heat Exchange, subclass 232 ; 238+; 262; 267+ for heat
exchange systems with timing or programming means.
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclass
19.01 for nonthermal periodic switches and subclasses 33+
for nonthermal time switches and subclasses 33+ for
nonthermal time switches.
307, Electrical Transmission or Interconnection Systems,
subclasses 141+ for switch actuators in general with time
delay or retardation means.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclasses 59+ for electromagnetic
switches with time delay means.
340, Communications: Electrical, subclass 309.1 for
electric signalling systems with timer control.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses
195+ for control circuits for electromagnetic devices with
time delay means.
379, Telephonic Communications, subclasses 111+ and 190+
for telephone type switches or registers with time control.
Subclass:
128
This subclass is indented under subclass 126. Subject matter
including significant details of means whereby the switch
contacts may be restrained in an open or closed condition by
a latch or detent which may be tripped by the action of the
electrothermally responsive expansible device. The contacts
are usually held in circuit closing position and tripped to
open position when the tripping means is operated.
(1) Note. For other latch or trip means used in devices of
this class, see subclasses listed under SEARCH THIS CLASS,
SUBCLASS in subclass 46.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
385 for similar devices utilizing thermally responsive
elements.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
74, Machine Element or Mechanism, subclasses 2+ for
automatic latch or trip mechanisms and subclasses 527+ for
mechanical latching or detent devices in general.
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclasses
411+, 415, 424+, 470, and 471 for mechanical snap switches
with latch and/or trip means, subclass 83 for fluid pressure
switches of the diaphragm type with latching means.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, appropriate subclasses; particularly
subclasses 21+, 77, 113, 164, 165, 166, 167+, and 172+ for
electromagnetically operated switches with latching or
tripping means.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses
139+ for control circuits for electromagnetic devices with
latch mechanisms.
Subclass:
129
This subclass is indented under subclass 128. Subject matter
wherein the latching or trip structure includes significant
means whereby the current value necessary to cause the
operation of the actuating device, may be regulated, readily
adjusted or calibrated.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
357 for thermally responsive bimetallic actuated switches
with adjusting means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, appropriate subclasses, particularly
subclass 42, 45, and 176 for circuit control means of the
electromagnetic type adjustable latch or tripping means.
Subclass:
130
This subclass is indented under subclass 128. Subject matter
including significant details of means whereby after an
automatic or manual disconnection of the main switch contacts
the contacts are reclosed, or means whereby the latching
mechanism is reset to an operative condition in which the
contacts will be rigidly held in the normal operating
condition of the device.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 72+ for electrothermal, bimetallic element
switch having latch means with reset means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclasses
318+ for mechanical switch devices with specific latch
details.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclasses 26+ for automatic circuit
interrupting devices with resetting or reclosing means,
subclass 150 for moving coil type switch operators with reset
or restoring means and subclass 166 for latch or trip reset
means for electromagnetically actuated switches in general.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses
59+ for safety and protective devices with subsequent
automatic restoration means, and subclass 93.4 for abnormal
current condition protection including automatic circuit
reset after interruption of electric system.
Subclass:
131
This subclass is indented under subclass 126. Subject matter
including significant details of means whereby the opening or
closing contact motion is caused to take place abruptly and
is not dependent on the rate of movement of the
electrothermal actuating means. The contact movement is
usually accomplished by a spring connection between the
operator and the movable contact in such a manner that the
initial movement of the thermal element or other actuating
means places the spring under tension until released
whereupon the movable contact is snapped to open or closed
position by the energy stored in the spring.
(1) Note. For snap action means utilized in the devices of
this class, see the list of subclasses under SEARCH THIS
CLASS, SUBCLASS in subclass 53.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
390 for similar snap action devices utilizing thermally
responsive expansible elements. See (1) Note above.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
74, Machine Element or Mechanism, subclass 97.1 and 100.1
for mechanical snap actions.
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, appropriate
subclasses 402+ under "SNAP" for various mechanical
switches of the snap type.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclass 188 for snap action contact
actuating means in electromagnetic switches.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses
152+ for control circuits for electromagnetic devices which
may be of the snap type.
Subclass:
132
This subclass is indented under subclass 131. Subject matter
wherein the snap action structure comprises means comprising
a toggle point influenced by a tensioned spring whereby when
force is applied to a knee of the joint the energy of the
spring is applied to open or close an electric circuit
through a moveable contact. The spring in itself by its
connection to a rigid element may form the only toggle
joint.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
59 for electrothermally responsive bimetallic element
actuated switches with toggle.
345 for similar devices utilizing thermally responsive
bimetallic means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
74, Machine Element or Mechanism, subclasses 520+ for
toggle linkages, per se.
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclass 401
for quick make and break switches that may utilize toggles.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclass 191 for electromagnetic switch
actuating mechanism comprising toggle means.
Subclass:
133
This subclass is indented under subclass 131. Subject matter
including significant means whereby the range of movement of
the actuation means or the movable contact is restricted to
particular limits. The stop means may be permanently fixed
in position or its position adjustable.
Subclass:
134
This subclass is indented under subclass 131. Subject matter
including means whereby a field of magnetic flux is set up in
the vicinity of the main contacts. The force exerted by the
magnetic flux field is utilized either to detract from or add
to the force exerted by a mechanical actuating means
resulting in a rapid movement of the contacts upon the
magnetic force or the spring force being overcome one by the
other.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
54 and 90, for electrothermally responsive bimetallic
element actuated snap switches with magnetic means.
344 for thermal, bimetallic element snap action switch with
magnetic flux source.
366 for similar devices with thermally responsive actuation
means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclass 153 for reed type vacuum
enclosed switches with permanent magnet structure.
Subclass:
135
This subclass is indented under subclass 131. Subject matter
including significant details of a flexible vane or plate
means whereby the snapping action of the contacts is caused
to take place. The vane or plate may control the action of a
movable contact, or contacts, by its inherent tendency to
change curvature when heated or it may be under the influence
of a further temperature responsive element such as a wire or
ribbon which exerts a deforming force on the vane or plate
upon the passage of a heating current therethrough.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
391 for similar devices with thermally responsive means.
396 for diaphragm, strip or ribbon structure, per se, which
is expansible with heat.
Subclass:
136
This subclass is indented under subclass 135. Subject matter
wherein the vane or plate is specifically formed with a
predistorted portion or portions in such a manner that it is
movable with a snap action in response to thermal extension
of an actuating means. The actuating means is usually an
expansible wire or ribbon having a different coefficient of
expansion than the vane or plate.
Subclass:
137
This subclass is indented under subclass 123. Subject matter
including significant details of contact structure,
composition of material or arrangement peculiarly adapted to
be or specifically recited as, operative through the agency
of at least one longitudinally expansive electrothermal
current responsive element. The structure usually comprises
adjustment screw or other means whereby the relative position
of the contacts may be varied automatically or at the will of
an operator.
(1) Note. For contact structure or contact composition of
material used in devices of this class, see the subclasses
listed under SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS in subclass 26.
(2) Note. Consult the classes and subclasses listed under
the search notes to subclass 109, above, for a complete
listing of the classes containing similar subject matter.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
109 for particular contact structure in electrothermally
responsive bimetallic element actuated switches.
subclasses 399+ for significant contact structure for use
in similar devices utilizing thermally responsive solids.
See (1) Note above.
Subclass:
138
This subclass is indented under subclass 123. Subject matter
wherein the structure is specifically recited as consisting
of a device comprising means whereby an electrical circuit is
completed and broken intermittently or cyclically at
constantly recurring intervals under the influence of an
electrothermally responsive deformable solid element.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
51 for electrothermally responsive bimetallic element
actuated switches, cyclically operative by mechanical means.
Also consult the search notes, for a list of classes
containing similar subject matter.
subclasses 92+ for similar devices actuated by a bimetallic
element directly.
116 for similar devices actuated by expansible or
vaporizable fluid actuating means.
302 for thermally actuated switches periodically or
cyclically operative by mechanical timing means.
369 for switches significantly recited as actuated by a
thermally responsive bimetallic element directly.
Subclass:
139
This subclass is indented under subclass 123. Subject matter
relating specifically to the physical structure or the
composition of matter utilized in the longitudinally
deformable thermal responsive element or elements.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 393+ for similar subject matter in thermally
actuated switches.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
60, Power Plants, subclasses 516+ for thermal motors with
expansion and contraction devices.
310, Electrical Generator or Motor Structure, subclass 306
for nondynamo-electric thermal motors.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses
161+ for thermo-electric devices in control circuits for
electromagnets.
374, Thermal Measuring and Testing, subclasses 187+ for a
thermometer having an expanding solid sensor.
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, subclasses
616+ for composite metallic stock having heat-deflectable
characteristics.
Subclass:
140
This subclass is indented under subclass 139. Subject matter
wherein the electrothermally responsive longitudinally
deformable element is specifically recited as comprising a
wire or other stranded element.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
395 for similar subject matter in thermally actuated
switches.
Subclass:
141
This subclass is indented under subclass 123. Subject matter
including significant heat concentrating or generating means,
such as heating coils or high resistance elements, to
increase or augment the heating effect of the thermal current
primary heating source.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 102+ for similar devices utilizing
electrothermally responsive bimetallic elements.
120 for expansible or vaporizable fluid actuated switches
with heater means.
182 for fusible element actuated switches with heater
means.
324 for thermally responsive expansible or vaporizable fluid
actuated switches with heater.
377 for thermally responsive bimetallic element actuated
switches.
Subclass:
142
This subclass is indented under subclass 14. Subject matter
wherein the electrothermal current responsive element, or
elements, consists of a material (usually a wire or strip)
which melts or otherwise disintegrates under the influence of
heat due to excess current, thereby interrupting the electric
circuit carrying the current.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 4+ for fusible element switch combined with
other art device switch.
subclasses 17+ for electrothermal, fusible element and gap,
shunting or short circuit completion devices.
30 for electrothermal, space discharge, explosive or
combustible material type switches.
subclasses 31+ for electrothermal, fusible element switch
device with space discharge device means.
subclasses 401+ for similar devices utilizing thermally
responsive fuse elements (e.g. susceptible to the temperature
of the surrounding medium, such as air or liquid).
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
52, Static Structures (e.g., Buildings), subclass 232 for
static structure combined with fusible material.
73, Measuring and Testing, subclass 1.42 for instrument
calibrating means with fusible timing apparatus.
102, Ammunition and Explosives subclass 262, 416+, and 424+
for explosive material fuses.
116, Signals and Indicators, subclass 106 for fused alarms.
122, Liquid Heaters and Vaporizers, subclasses 507+ for
liquid heaters with fusible control safety devices.
126, Stoves and Furnaces, subclass 287.5 for dampers with
fusible release.
137, Fluid Handling, subclasses 67+ for fluid handling
systems with destructible or deformable element control
means.
169, Fire Extinguishers, subclass 42 for fire extinguishers
with fusible connections.
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, appropriate
subclasses, especially subclass 6, 61.08, 61.48, 81, 82, and
83 for mechanical switches with fuses.
219, Electric Heating, subclass 517 for electric heaters
with fusible link controlled switch.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclass 142 for electromagnetic
switches with fuses.
340, Communications: Electrical, subclasses 590+ for a
temperature alarm with a fusible sensor.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses
1+ for safety and protective systems and devices with
fusible elements.
493, Manufacturing Container or Tube From Paper; or Other
Manufacturing From a Sheet or Web, subclasses 269+ for
manufacture of a fuse tube.
Subclass:
143
This subclass is indented under subclass 142. Subject matter
comprising manual or other mechanical means acting conjointly
or cooperatively with, at least one fusible element, or which
acts as an intermediary between the fusible element and at
least one movable contact thereby opening or closing an
electrical circuit. The manual or mechanical means may act
independently of the fuse device as long as they are each in
the same circuit and the circuit is completed when both are
in the circuit closing position. For example the combination
may include a blade switch in series with a cartridge fuse.
(1) Note. For other manual or mechanical switch control
means used in devices of this class, see the subclasses
listed under SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS in subclass 115.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
402 for similar devices with thermally responsive fuses.
See (1) Note above.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclass 142 for electromagnetically
operative switches with fuses.
Subclass:
144
This subclass is indented under subclass 143. Subject matter
including at least two or more fusible devices combined with
a further single manual or other mechanical contact
controlling means. The fusible elements may operate jointly
or individually to control the movable contact or contacts
through the agency of the further means.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
412 for similar devices utilizing a plurality of thermally
responsive fuses.
Subclass:
145
This subclass is indented under subclass 143. Subject matter
including a plurality of (three or more) contacts associated
with a single continuous electric circuit to be controlled,
or includes means whereby at least two or more continuous
electric circuit are controlled by the contact controlling
means.
(1) Note. For a more comprehensive description of multiple
circuit control means, see the search notes below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
41 (1) Note for a more comprehensive description of multiple
circuit control means.
406 for similar devices utilizing thermally responsive
fuses.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclass 3
for mechanical multiple circuit control means with fusible
elements.
Subclass:
146
This subclass is indented under subclass 145. Subject matter
comprising a plurality of individual conductors with contact
pairs associated with each conductor, a contact actuating
means for each pair of contacts, each contact pair completing
a circuit through one branch of a polyphase or plural
conductor electrical circuit. Devices which are known as
bipole or double pole and which complete the circuit in each
conductor of a direct current circuit will also be found
here.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
7 for multiphase or polyphase automatic circuit interrupters
of the fusible element type combined with diverse art type
switches.
subclasses 45+ for electrothermal, bimetallic element
actuated multipole or polyphase type switch.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclasses 1+
for mechanical multipole or polyphase circuit control
devices.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclasses 8+ for electromagnetically
actuated multipole switches.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses
627+ and 641+ for mechanical switching systems, per se,
which may be multipole or polyphase.
Subclass:
147
This subclass is indented under subclass 143. Subject matter
wherein the mechanical contact control structure comprises
means whereby a movable contact, or contacts, may be operated
from a first position to a second position quickly by a snap
action. This is usually accomplished by a spring connection
between an operator and a contact carrier so arranged that
the initial movement of the operator places the spring under
tension whereby upon release of a holding means the movable
contact is snapped from one position to another.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
53 for other snap action means used in devices of this
class, see the subclasses listed under SEARCH THIS CLASS,
SUBCLASS in subclass 53.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclasses
402+ and below under "SNAP" for mechanical snap switches in
general for quick break mechanical switches.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclass 188 for snap action contact
control means for use with electromagnetic switch.
Subclass:
148
This subclass is indented under subclass 143. Subject matter
including mechanical means whereby the contact opening or
closing operation results from a rectilinear sliding or
reciprocating motion of the operating means. The contact
actuating means is generally spring biased to open position
and held closed by a latch means which is under the influence
of a fusible element which when heated to the melting point
allows the contact control means to move the contacts to open
position under the influence of the spring.
(1) Note. For other reciprocal or rectilinear motion
actuators used devices of this class, see SEARCH THIS CLASS,
SUBCLASS below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
10 for other reciprocal or rectilinear motion actuators used
devices of this class, see the subclasses listed under SEARCH
THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS in subclass 10.
subclasses 408+ for similar devices utilizing thermally
responsive fusible devices.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclass 16
for mechanical switches with reciprocating contacts.
Subclass:
149
This subclass is indented under subclass 143. Subject matter
including significant means whereby contact opening or
closing is accomplished by means of a mechanical device
moving in a rotary manner in a single plane, for example,
circular or oscillatory motion in a horizontal or vertical
plane. The structure usually consists of a rotary means
supported by a shaft which shaft is supported in a bearing or
bearings and prevented from moving by a thin film of fusible
material until released by heat.
(1) Note. For other rotary or reciprocatory actuators used
in devices of this class, see SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS
below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
10 for other reciprocal or rectilinear motion actuators used
devices of this class, see the subclasses listed under SEARCH
THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS in subclass 10.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclasses 6+
for mechanical switches with rotary or oscillatory contact
operation means.
Subclass:
150
This subclass is indented under subclass 143. Subject matter
wherein the mechanical structure includes significant details
of operating means whereby the contacts may be retained in a
first condition by a latch or detent capable of being tripped
by a thermal current responsive fuse element. The contacts
are generally held latched in a circuit closing position and
tripped to open position upon operation of the fuse element.
(1) Note. For other latch or trip means used in devices of
this class, see the subclasses listed under SEARCH THIS
CLASS, SUBCLASS in subclass 46.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 70+ for latch or latch release means actuated by
electrothermally responsive bimetallic elements.
128 for similar latch or latch release means actuated by
longitudinally expansible elements.
356 for similar devices with thermally responsive bimetallic
elements.
Subclass:
151
This subclass is indented under subclass 150. Subject matter
wherein the latching or holding structure comprises
significant details relating to ratcher and pawl means
whereby the contacts are released upon the release of the
ratchet wheel for rotation about its axis.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
74, Machine Element or Mechanism, subclasses 595+ for pawl
and ratchet mechanisms, per se.
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclasses
81+ for fluid operated switches with ratchet and pawl type
thermally released latching means.
Subclass:
152
This subclass is indented under subclass 150. Subject matter
wherein the holding means is specifically recited as
consisting of self-soldering or resoldering material rigidly
connecting two relatively movable members when cold.
Subclass:
153
This subclass is indented under subclass 150. Subject matter
including significant details of heating means cooperating
with but distinct from the fusible material whereby the
fusible material is additionally heated by a thermal current
traversing the heating means independently of the heat
derived from the current directly traversing the fusible
material.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
77 for electrothermal, bimetallic element latch controlled
switch with external or auxiliary heater for the latch.
Subclass:
154
This subclass is indented under subclass 150. Subject matter
relating specifically to tripping or release means operative
directly by fusible means under the influence of a thermal
heating current. The mechanical latching or holding means is
generally recited broadly with the tripping or release means
recited in specific terms.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclasses
39+ for retarded action switches with latch trip and
subclasses 411+, 470, 424+ for mechanical snap switches with
latch trip.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclasses 172+ for latch tripping
structure, per se, adapted for use in electromagnetic
switches.
Subclass:
155
This subclass is indented under subclass 143. Subject matter
including in addition to the fuse structure significant means
whereby; after the movable contact, or contacts, of the
device has been actuated from one original condition to
another operated condition as a result of an abnormal thermal
current condition (or manual manipulation) the contacts may
be returned to the original condition either automatically or
manually, or means whereby a latching or holding mechanism is
returned to an operative condition wherein the contact
control means will be rigidly held in the original condition
upon the actuation of the contacts to the original
condition.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 72+ for electrothermally actuated bimetallic
element controlled latch or trip means with reclosing or
reset means.
130 for longitudinally expansible element actuated latch or
trip means with reset.
358 below for thermally responsive bimetallic element
actuated latch or trip means with reset means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclasses 26+ for electromagnetically
operated circuit breakers with reclosing or resetting and
subclass 166 for latch or trip with reset means.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses
59+ for automatic safety devices with automatic
restoration, and subclass 93.4 for abnormal current condition
protection including automatic circuit reset after
interruption of electric system.
Subclass:
156
This subclass is indented under subclass 143. Subject matter
wherein the mechanical contact control means consists of
means independent of the fuse structure which is adapted to
be manually manipulated at will to (1) complete a shunt
circuit around the fusible element, (2) isolated the circuit
or apparatus protected by a fuse after the current has been
interrupted by the fuse or (3) cause the circuit to be opened
through the fusible device without actually blowing the
fusible element. The patents found here generally include the
open cut out or disconnect type fuse devices combined with
means whereby an operator from a distance, by means of a
switch stick, may insert a mechanical circuit completion
conductive device between the main contacts or may directly
break the circuit through the fuse.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
218, High-Voltage Switches With Arc Preventing and
Extinguishing Devices, subclasses 8+ for auxiliary type
switches and subclasses 43+ for air-current blowout type
switches.
439, Electrical Connectors, especially subclasses 507+ for
an electrical connector comprising a jumper.
Subclass:
157
This subclass is indented under subclass 156. Subject matter
including means whereby the fuse link may be physically
broken or otherwise ruptured by mechanical means entirely
independent of any melting action due to current passing
therethrough and without causing the displacement of the fuse
contacts relative to the main line contacts.
Subclass:
158
This subclass is indented under subclass 142. Subject matter
including a fusible device with the ability to limit a short
circuit current to an initial peak magnitude well below the
peak magnitude of the current which the protected circuit
would be capable of developing under like conditions if a
link of negligible resistance and sufficient capacity to
survive at least a half cycle of current without melting,
were employed in the place of the current limiting fuse
device used. The instantaneous value of the current causing
the fuse to blow is usually determined by a physical resistor
of the desired characteristic or by the use of a particular
filler material.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses
103+ for safety devices utilizing thermal (e.g., fuses)
means with granular means for the cooling of vapors resulting
from the arc of rupture.
Subclass:
159
This subclass is indented under subclass 158. Subject matter
wherein the current limiting structure is specifically
recited as consisting of a fuse link, or links, of a
particular physical structure or arrangement.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
229 for cartridge fuses with a plurality of fusible
elements.
280 for fuses with means for extinguishing an arc by
cooling, condensing or absorbing means.
290 for particular fusible element of particular
construction.
Subclass:
160
This subclass is indented under subclass 159. Subject matter
wherein the fuse link is specifically described as having at
least one point of reduced cross sectional area with a link
destroying low fusing point material deposited on the link in
the vicinity of the reduced cross sectional area or a fuse
link of a first material adapted to alloy with the first
material upon the application of excessive heat.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
295 for fusible elements of particular geometrical shape.
296 for fuse links of composite material (i.e., with
overlay).
Subclass:
161
This subclass is indented under subclass 159. Subject matter
wherein the significantly recited fuse link structure
includes at least two or more separate links, each providing
a current carrying path through the fuse device. The fuse
links are usually parallel connected, but may be series
connected with each being capable of opening the protected
circuit.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
292 for particular fuse link construction comprising a
plurality of series connected elements.
293 for a plurality of parallel connected elements.
Subclass:
162
This subclass is indented under subclass 161. Subject matter
wherein the plurality of fuse links or elements are recited
as of diverse characteristics, such as different composition
of material, melting points, physical characteristics,
dimensions or electrical resistivity.
Subclass:
163
This subclass is indented under subclass 142. Subject matter
including fuses with delayed blowing action, the blowing
taking place only if an overload current persists a
predetermined period of time, depending upon the magnitude of
the overload.
(1) Note. For other retarding or delay means used in the
devices of this class, see the subclasses listed under SEARCH
THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS in subclass 81.
Subclass:
164
This subclass is indented under subclass 163. Subject matter
including at least two or more separate fuse links or fusible
elements. Usually the device comprises a first slow acting
element; adapted to fuse or melt upon the passage of a
moderate overload current for an extended length of time, and
a fast acting element adapted to blow instantaneously upon
the passage of a fault or short circuit current.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
292 for fusible link structure including plural elements
connected in series.
293 for plural elements connected in parallel.
Subclass:
165
This subclass is indented under subclass 163. Subject matter
including significant details of metallic contact means
normally completing an electric circuit through the fusible
element device with means whereby, the metallic contacts are
physically forced to an open position upon failure of the
fusible element due to the passage of a heating current
therethrough.
Subclass:
166
This subclass is indented under subclass 163. Subject matter
including significant details of means whereby the delay
function of the device is accomplished, at least in part, by
the absorption or storage of heat generated in the fusible
element or elements.
Subclass:
167
This subclass is indented under subclass 142. Subject matter
including means whereby the mode of operation of the switch
device may be changed at will by an operator. The switch may
be changed from a fused to a nonfused device, from a fused
cut out to a disconnect device or from a drop out operating
mode to a nondrop out mode, etc.
Subclass:
168
This subclass is indented under subclass 142. Subject matter
wherein the structure relates to a device adapted to
interrupt the flow of current through any particular
apparatus or instrument, either automatically or manually,
and consisting of a fuse support and a fuse holder with a
fuse link. The fuse holder (generally a cartridge) has
conducting contacts, connected by a fusible link, adapted to
be electrically connected to the terminals of a distribution
line and to separate therefrom either mechanically or
automatically upon the rupture of the fuse link as a result
of an excessive load current.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 403+ for automatic cut out devices utilizing
thermally responsive fusible elements.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
218, High-Voltage Switches With Arc Preventing and
Extinguishing Devices, subclasses 89+ for high potential
type switches adapted for use as pole switches.
219, Electric Heating, subclass 517 for automatic switches
for electrical heating devices utilizing fusible elements.
307, Electrical Transmission or Interconnection Systems,
subclasses 125+ for switching devices responsive to
electrical conditions such as power, voltage or current.
314, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Consumable
Electrodes, subclasses 10+ for electric lamp or discharge
device with cut out.
315, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Systems, subclasses
74+ and 119+ for electric discharge device systems with cut
out.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses
1+ for safety and protection systems and devices with
cutout, especially subclasses 103+.
Subclass:
169
This subclass is indented under subclass 168. Subject matter
including specifically recited mechanism whereby the fuse
contacts are forcibly and automatically separated from at
least one line terminal upon rupture of the fuse link. The
kick out means may be operated by gas pressure, mechanical
spring means, magnetically or otherwise.
Subclass:
170
This subclass is indented under subclass 169. Subject matter
wherein the kick out structure is recited as being
operatively controlled in response to the blowing or
separating of the fusible element. For instance, the kick
out device may form an operative part of a spring biased link
extraction means which in turn is operatively responsive to
the condition of the fuse link.
Subclass:
171
This subclass is indented under subclass 168. Subject matter
including means whereby the fuse carrier (tube) structure
changes its position upon the rupture of a fuse link in such
a manner as to present an air gap between at least one fuse
contact and the corresponding line terminal. The motion of
the fuse assembly may be along its axial direction (sliding)
or in a plane about a perpendicular to the tube axis
(rotary). The drop out action is usually gravity actuated
upon the rupture of a fuse link and the resulting freeing of
some latching means.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 217+ for so-called expulsion type fuse devices
which are fuse devices wherein the remains of the fuse link,
after failure takes place, are forcibly removed from the tube
by some means such as gaseous pressure or mechanical means.
Subclass:
172
This subclass is indented under subclass 171. Subject matter
including specifically recited structure by means of which
the fuse assembly is caused to assume its final or dropped
out position as a result of a combination of mechanical
motions; for example, pivotal motion followed by longitudinal
sliding movement.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 59+ for electrothermal, bimetallic element
switch with compound motion actuating mechanism.
313 for thermal, expansible fluid actuated switch with
compound motion mechanism.
350 for thermal, bimetallic element switch with compound
motion means.
Subclass:
173
This subclass is indented under subclass 171. Subject matter
including specifically recited structure by means of which
the fuse assembly is caused to assume its final or drop out
position as a result of a single longitudinal sliding
motion.
(1) Note. For other reciprocating or sliding mechanisms
used in devices of this class, see the subclasses listed
under SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS in subclass 10.
Subclass:
174
This subclass is indented under subclass 171. Subject matter
including significant details of means whereby the fuse
contacts are operatively retained in electrical conductive
relationship with the line terminals by latch, detent or
other holding means until released as a result of excessive
electrothermal current, manually at the will of an operator,
or a combination of both. The latching or holding means is
usually maintained in an operative position by the tension of
a fuse link but may be operated by any appropriate thermal
current responsive means; for instance, a bimetallic element
or even an auxiliary fuse device.
(1) Note. For other latching or holding mechanisms used in
the devices of this class, see the subclasses listed under
SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS in subclass 46.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclasses
318+ for details of latch structure in general.
Subclass:
175
This subclass is indented under subclass 174. Subject matter
wherein the holding, latching or tripping structure includes
means whereby at least two modes of releasing operation are
accomplished or at least two or more separate means whereby
the fuse contacts are maintained in the controlled electric
circuit. For instance, the release means may be either
manually or automatically operated or the latching means may
be dually controlled by means of fuse tension and a
bimetallic element, etc.
Subclass:
176
This subclass is indented under subclass 174. Subject matter
wherein the holding, latching or tripping structure is
specifically described as comprising a means held in
operative position solely by the tension in a fuse link or
element and which is automatically released upon the rupture
of the fuse element.
Subclass:
177
This subclass is indented under subclass 176. Subject matter
wherein the holding, latch or tripping means includes
structure whereby the remaining portion of the fuse link is
physically extracted from the tube upon actuation of the
latch release means following rupture of the fusible
element.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
217 for significant fuse extraction means, not a part or
connected with latching or latch releasing means, and
applicable to fusible element actuated switches in general.
Subclass:
178
This subclass is indented under subclass 176. Subject matter
including spring biasing means whereby the operation of the
latch or the fuse link extracting device is positively
influenced toward an operated condition.
Subclass:
179
This subclass is indented under subclass 176. Subject matter
including significant means whereby the movement of the fuse
tube is delayed for a predetermined time interval after the
melting or blowing of the fuse element. The time interval is
generally designed to be sufficiently long for the expelled
gases from the tube to become adequately dispelled and/or
deionized to an extent where they are no longer conducting.
Subclass:
180
This subclass is indented under subclass 168. Subject matter
including structural details of a cut out or disconnect type
switch with significant emphasis on means comprising line
terminals or contacts which are particularly adapted to
complete the circuit through or support such a switch.
(1) Note. The terminal structure in this subclass is
confined to cut out or disconnect devices utilizing fusible
elements. In subclasses 187+ the housing or casing is not
restricted to use with a particular type fuse device, but is
adapted to support fuse devices in general and having means
whereby the protected electrical circuit is connected to the
contacts of the fuse device.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
174, Electricity: Conductors and Insulators, subclasses 59+
for boxes and housings with connectors.
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclasses
238+ for contact structures in general utilizable with
mechanical switch devices.
439, Electrical Connectors, appropriate subclasses for an
electrical connector, generally.
Subclass:
181
This subclass is indented under subclass 180. Subject matter
including terminals or contacts adapted to complete and
maintain closed an electrical circuit directly through
contact with a fusible means. The fusible means acts as a
holding means for the terminals or contacts until ruptured or
destroyed by an excess current. When the fuse is ruptured the
contacts are allowed to separate under the influence of
spring or other biasing means thereby opening the circuit.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
190 for a combination of a fuse with a housing casing or
support where the support includes fusible element tensioning
means, which means may be released when the fusible element
is ruptured.
Subclass:
182
This subclass is indented under subclass 142. Subject matter
including significant details of heat concentrating or
generating means external of and separate from the fuse
element adapted to increase or augment the electrothermal
heating effect of the current traversing the fusible
element.
(1) Note. For other external or auxiliary heating means
used in devices of this class, see the subclasses listed
under SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS in subclass 102.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
122, Liquid Heaters and Vaporizers, subclasses 504+ for
fusible controlled safety devices for liquid heating devices
which have external heating means.
219, Electric Heating, subclass 51 for thermally controlled
switching means for an electrical heater and having auxiliary
heating means and subclass 517 when the thermally controlled
device is a fusible link.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclass 142 for electromagnetically
operated switch with electrothermal fuse which may be heated
by the current in the coil winding.
Subclass:
183
This subclass is indented under subclass 182. Subject matter
wherein the heating structure comprises resistor means.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 102+ for electrothermally actuated switches
utilizing bimetallic elements with external heating means
which may be a resistor.
Subclass:
184
This subclass is indented under subclass 183. Subject matter
wherein the resistor means is recited as being directly in
series with or completing the controlled electric circuit.
Subclass:
185
This subclass is indented under subclass 182. Subject matter
wherein the heating means consists at least in part of a heat
absorbing or storage material whereby upon reaching a
predetermined temperature heat is transmitted to a fuse or
fuses thereby causing an electrical circuit to be opened or
closed.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
166 for time lag fuses having heat absorption or storage
means.
Subclass:
186
This subclass is indented under subclass 142. Subject matter
wherein the fusible electrothermally responsive circuit
opening or closing means is specifically described as
combined with significant protective housing, casing or
support means. The subject matter to be found here comprises
an entire switch assembly in combination with unique
protective or support means especially adapted for the
protection or support of fuse type switching or circuit
interrupting devices under the subclass 142 definition. The
housing, casing or support means found here form no part of
the fuse structure, per se, but are adapted to
interchangeably receive fuse devices and operatively maintain
them in position until bodily removed.
(1) Note. For other housing, casing or support means for
devices of this class, see the subclasses listed under SEARCH
THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS in subclass 20.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
191, Electricity: Transmission to Vehicles, subclass 39 for
devices wherein the support means for the fusible device
comprises an overhead trolley wire or insulator.
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclasses
293+ for casings and bases, per se, for mechanical
switches.
310, Electrical Generator or Motor Structure, subclasses 68+
for fusible switching devices incorporated in or supported
by a dynamoelectric machine.
313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, appropriate
subclasses, especially subclasses 567+ for fusible switches
combined with electric discharge devices.
315, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Systems, subclass
74 for a load device combined with fusible cut out means.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclass 202 for housing or support
structure for electromagnetic switches.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses
103+ for safety and protection systems with a fuse in
combination with the device to be protected, subclasses
275.1+ for fuses combined with capacitors, and subclasses
600+ for switchboards with fusible components.
362, Illumination, subclasses 162+ for fuses in portable
safety lanterns.
363, Electric Power Conversion Systems, subclasses 50+ for
current conversion systems with fusible protective means.
439, Electrical Connectors, subclasses 621+ for an
electrical connector combined with a named fuse or comprising
a casing, housing, or holder for receiving and fully
enclosing a fuse; subclass 698 for an electrical connector
specially adapted to receive and support an elongated
fuselike device (e.g., a cartridge type fuse) having end
contacts.
Subclass:
187
This subclass is indented under subclass 186. Subject matter
including terminal or connector means whereby a continuous
electrical circuit may be completed from an input terminal
through at least one fuse device and out to an output or load
terminal when the fusible element is intact.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
113 for electrothermally responsive bimetallic element
actuated switches with housings including external circuit
connection means.
121 for similar subject matter utilizing expansible or
vaporizable fluid.
381 for thermally responsive switches with external circuit
connector means.
Subclass:
188
This subclass is indented under subclass 187. Subject matter
including means whereby a plurality of conductors may be
connected to both the input and output terminals of the
housing or whereby a single pair of input terminals may be
connected to a plurality of output terminals through the fuse
device contained in the housing. For instance, a plurality
of single conductors comprising a two wire or three wire
electrical circuit may each pass through an individual fuse
or a single input circuit may be connected to a plurality of
individual output circuits either through a single fuse or a
plurality of fuses individual to the output circuits.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses
627+ for switchboards with switch and fuse, subclasses 823+
for switchboards with terminals, and subclasses 833+ for
switchboards with fuses.
439, Electrical Connectors, appropriate subclasses for an
electrical connector, generally.
Subclass:
189
This subclass is indented under subclass 188. Subject matter
wherein the circuit connector structure is so arranged that
the current or power input form a single source may be
distributed to a plurality of loads by means of a plurality
of output terminals. Each of the output or load circuits may
be individually fused or may be connected to the input
terminals through a single fuse device.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
307, Electrical Transmission or Interconnection Systems,
subclasses 11+ for distribution systems with plural load
circuits which may be supplied from a single source and
subclasses 43+ for systems having plural supply sources.
Subclass:
190
This subclass is indented under subclass 187. Subject matter
wherein the external circuit connector structure comprises
two or more line terminals having means specifically recited,
whereby a fuse link or element is either held in the
operative position or is maintained under tension by means of
the terminal structure. The devices found usually comprise
insulator structure combined with or forming a support for
flexible contact members conductively maintained intension by
the ends of a conductive fuse link which, upon rupture of the
fuse, is released from the flexible contacts.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
174, Electricity: Conductors and Insulators, subclass 145
for insulators combined with connector means.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses
38+ for combined transformer and fusible protective means.
Subclass:
191
This subclass is indented under subclass 187. Subject matter
wherein the connector means includes significantly recited
structure whereby the device is peculiarly adapted for
connection in a circuit consisting of bus bar or cable type
conductors.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
415 for thermally responsive fusible switches incorporated
in a flexible cable.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
174, Electricity: Conductors and Insulators, subclasses 50+
especially subclasses 59+ for boxes and housings for
electrical devices with connectors.
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclasses
293+ for casings and bases for mechanical switches with
connector means.
338, Electrical Resistors, appropriate subclasses, especially
subclass 197 for a resistor with support, subclass 199 for a
resistor with housing, subclasses 200+ for a resistor with
switch, subclass 215 for a resistor with switch having cable
connections and subclass 216 for a heater in a coaxial line
or wave guide and subclasses 226+ for a resistance which is
encased, embedded or housed.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses
627+ and 830+ for fusible switch housings adapted for
connection to cables or panel board assemblies.
439, Electrical Connectors, appropriate subclasses for an
electrical connector, per se.
Subclass:
192
This subclass is indented under subclass 191. Subject matter
wherein the connector means is specifically recited as
comprising socket or thimble means whereby circuit
connections are made to the bare ends of cable conductors.
Subclass:
193
This subclass is indented under subclass 191. Subject matter
wherein the circuit connector means comprises line tap, hook
or clamp structure whereby the device as a whole may be
suspended from a bare conductor, such as a trolley or other
overhead power line, thereby permitting current to be taken
from the line through a fusible device within the housing or
casing.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
439, Electrical Connectors, appropriate subclasses for an
electrical connector, per se; especially subclasses 477+
for a temporary connector adapted to be utilized with an
overhead line by means of a handle or other manipulating
means.
Subclass:
194
This subclass is indented under subclass 187. Subject matter
wherein the connector structure comprises relatively movable,
slidable or otherwise cooperative elements whereby an
electrical circuit may be completed from an input terminal to
an output terminal through at least one fuse device.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
439, Electrical Connectors, appropriate subclasses,
especially subclasses 775+ for an electrical connector in
general having a movable or resilient securing part.
Subclass:
195
This subclass is indented under subclass 194. Subject matter
wherein the connector structure includes spring or other
resilient biasing means whereby contact pressure is
maintained between the relatively movable elements when in
the circuit closing position. An example of the structure to
be found here includes fixed spring clips attached to input
and output circuit terminals and adapted to engage knife
blade type fuse contacts.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
439, Electrical Connectors, subclasses 621+ for an
electrical connector combined with a named fuse or comprising
a casing, housing, or holder for receiving and fully
enclosing a fuse; subclass 698 for an electrical connector
specially adapted and support an elongated fuselike device
having end contacts; and subclasses 830+ for a metallic
connector having a resilient securing part designed
specifically to receive the end contact of an elongated
fuse.
Subclass:
196
This subclass is indented under subclass 194. Subject matter
wherein the connector structure includes means whereby the
circuit open or closed condition through the fusible device
is governed by, and directly responsive to the manipulation
of a door or closure means.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
212 for a housing with door supported fuse carrier means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, appropriate
subclasses, particularly subclass 56 for mechanical switches
with means for insuring a predetermined sequence of operation
of a switch and a casing cover, and subclasses 293+ for
casings and bases generally.
Subclass:
197
This subclass is indented under subclass 187. Subject matter
wherein the connector structure includes both male and female
elements whereby external connections may be made through a
fusible device. The subject matter to be found here relates,
for the most part, to devices of the type generally known as
"utility outlets", wherein at least one fuse is housed in the
casing and having spring clip contact means, in addition to
fixed contacts, whereby the male prongs of a service cord may
be inserted.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
439, Electrical Connectors, subclasses 621+ for an
electrical connector combined with a fuse or comprising a
casing, housing, or holder for receiving and fully enclosing
a fuse.
Subclass:
198
This subclass is indented under subclass 187. Subject matter
wherein the connector structure includes a housing of the
attachment plug type having means whereby a fuse is fixedly
connected at one end to a conductor by a binding post, screw
or other means and at the other end to a prong or prongs
whereby electrical connection is made to the female elements
of a receptacle. For example, the device may consist of a
fused service cord connector.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
439, Electrical Connectors, subclasses 586+ for an
electrical coupling part including flexing insulation; and
subclasses 621+ for an electrical connector combined with a
fuse or comprising a casing, housing, or holder for receiving
and fully enclosing a fuse.
Subclass:
199
This subclass is indented under subclass 186. Subject matter
wherein the housing, casing or support structure comprises
means; (1) whereby a conductive connection is established
between the support and ground or other conducting body
serving as ground, (2) a dielectric structure whereby any
discharge between conducting surfaces within the structure is
prevented, or (3) a metallic covering or screen whereby any
electrical leakage fields outside the casing are prevented.
For example, a corona shield.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
32 for fusible element with grounding means combined with
space discharge device.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
174, Electricity: Conductors and Insulators, subclass 5 for
conductors and insulators with shock hazard protective means,
subclasses 6+ for grounding devices, subclasses 50+ for boxes
and housings hermetically sealed, or with grounding means.
218, High-Voltage Switches With Arc Preventing and
Extinguishing Devices, subclasses 1+ for arc preventing and
extinguishing devices.
338, Electrical Resistors, subclasses 64+ for resistors
with electrical shield.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses
816+, 825 and 829+ for switchboards and analogous devices
having shielding or grounding means.
439, Electrical Connectors, subclasses 92+ for an
electrical connector with safety grounding provision;
subclasses 607+ for an electrical connector having or
providing an inductive or capacitive shield.
Subclass:
200
This subclass is indented under subclass 186. Subject matter
including means whereby the housing may be attached to an
overhead structure, such as a ceiling, and whereby a
connection is provided from an enclosed fuse structure to a
drop light or other load fixture.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
439, Electrical Connectors, subclass 537 for an electrical
connector including a suspension housing for an electric
lamp.
Subclass:
201
This subclass is indented under subclass 186. Subject matter
wherein the structure is recited as comprising plural
sections which are formed in such a manner as to interfit or
interlock with each other to constitute a complete housing or
casing structure when assembled.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses
601+ for sectional housings.
Subclass:
202
This subclass is indented under subclass 186. Subject matter
wherein the structure comprises bushing or insulator means.
The bushing or insulator structure generally serves a dual
purpose such as the support for a high voltage terminal or
terminals, seal for oil switch tanks, etc.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
174, Electricity: Conductors and Insulators, subclasses 17+
for conductor housings with bushings, terminal or lead in
structure and subclasses 137+ for insulator or bushing
structure, per se.
Subclass:
203
This subclass is indented under subclass 186. Subject matter
including means whereby any gas originating within the
housing or casing as a result of the operation of the fusible
device is either slowly vented or rapidly expelled.
Subclass:
204
This subclass is indented under subclass 186. Subject matter
including housing means with a filler of oil or other
liquid.
(1) Note. The subject matter classified here is very
similar to that in subclass 277. In this subclass the oil or
other liquid is claimed in combination with housing, casing
or other support structure as a cooling or other protective
means such as insulation. In the devices to be found in
subclass 277, the liquid is specifically recited as an arc
quenching medium.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
277 for fusible element actuated switches using liquid
dielectric as an arc extinguishing medium. See (1) Note
above.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses
38+ for oil enclosed transformer having a fusible
protective means.
Subclass:
205
This subclass is indented under subclass 186. Subject matter
wherein the housing, casing or support structure includes
means whereby the housing or casing, (1) may be locked
against accidental or unauthorized opening, (2) sealed
against the entrance of air or moisture or the escape
therefrom of gases or vapors, (3) the contents of the housing
are protected from damage from the elements or (4) the device
is provided with means to prevent physical contact with live
parts by personnel.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
174, Electricity: Conductors and Insulators, subclass 5 for
electrical shock hazard preventive devices, subclasses 37+
for underground conductor housings, subclasses 50+ for
hermetically sealed boxes and housings, subclasses 66+ for
cover or face plate structure and subclasses 68.1+ for
conductors in ducts or conduits.
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclass
43.01 for unauthorized use preventive means, subclasses
50.02+ for a switch and an associated element such as a
casing cover and subclass 168 for casing or base structure,
per se.
220, Receptacles, subclass 2.1 for envelopes for electric
lamps or similar devices and subclasses 200+ for metallic
receptacle closures.
324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing, subclass 110 for
meter control or fraud preventing devices.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclass 202 for electromagnetic
switches with housing, casing or support means.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses
600+ for housings and mounting assemblies with plural
diverse electrical components and including protective or
anti-tampering means, subclass 268 for transformers with
integral switch, and subclass 269 for transformers with
locking means.
Subclass:
206
This subclass is indented under subclass 186. Subject matter
including means attached to or comprising a part of the
housing, casing or support whereby the condition of the
fusible element or elements or other electrical apparatus
within the housing may be readily determined visually or
audibly. The indicating means may be a light, a bell,
buzzer, semiphore, or any appropriate means.
(1) Note. For other signal or indicating means used in the
devices of this class, see the subclasses listed under SEARCH
THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: in subclass
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclasses
308+ for indicators in general for mechanical switches.
336, Inductor Devices, subclass 45 for position indicating
means for movable inductor elements.
340, Communications: Electrical, subclasses 635+ for
signals and alarms which are electrical apparatus condition
responsive, particularly subclasses 638+ for fuse or circuit
breaker indication.
439, Electrical Connectors, subclasses 488+ for an
electrical connector with indicating or identifying means.
Subclass:
207
This subclass is indented under subclass 186. Subject matter
wherein the housing, casing or support structure includes
significantly recited details of means whereby the housing or
casing is adapted to be attached to or supported from an
external surface or object. For example, the housing may be
attached to a cross-arm, a rail, an electrical conductor,
etc.
(1) Note. In subclasses 187+ the electrical circuit to be
protected is completed through the components within the
housing. The connector means may serve also as an attaching
means as in indented subclass 193, for example. The attaching
means in subclass 207 is merely a means of supporting the
housing and is independent of any electrical connector
structure.
Subclass:
208
This subclass is indented under subclass 186. Subject matter
wherein the housing, casing or support structure includes
means for attaching the carrier, such as a cartridge or plug,
to the support. The attaching means may or may not be
unitary with the electrical contact means; for instance,
spring contacts.
Subclass:
209
This subclass is indented under subclass 208. Subject matter
wherein the attachment structure comprises adaptor means
whereby fusible devices of different physical structure or
dimensions may be interchangeably inserted into or supported
on a common attachment device or whereby fuses of diverse
current voltage rating may be interchangeably attached to a
single support means.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
226 for fuse adaptors which provide for fuses designed for
use with a particular circuit, excluding all other fuses.
Subclass:
210
This subclass is indented under subclass 208. Subject matter
including details of means whereby, (1) upon the insertion of
a fuse carrier in any position except the correct one,
completion of the protected electric circuit is prevented, or
(2) includes elements within the housing adapted to cooperate
with elements of the fuse carrier to prevent completion of
the electrical circuit when the fuse carrier is inserted into
the housing.
Subclass:
211
This subclass is indented under subclass 208. Subject matter
including mechanical means connected to the fuse carrier, or
the housing, in such a manner as to cause the bodily removal
of the fuse carrier from the attachment means when actuated
and thereby breaking continuity of an electrical circuit
between external circuit connector means. The pull out means
usually consists of a handle or bail structure while the
ejector means may be a mechanism automatically operable upon
the opening of a door or closure for removing the fuse
contacts from the support.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
439, Electrical Connectors, subclasses 775+ for a metallic
electrical connector having a movable or resilient securing
part.
Subclass:
212
This subclass is indented under subclass 208. Subject matter
wherein the housing or casing structure includes a door or
cover having attached thereto or unitary therewith means
whereby a fuse carrier is supported by the door and movable
as a unit therewith into and out of operating position.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
196 for connector means for fusible element means placed in
an open or closed circuit condition by movement of an
associated door or closure means.
Subclass:
213
This subclass is indented under subclass 208. Subject matter
including means peculiarly adapted for the securing of a
cartridge type fuse, or fuses, to the housing, casing or
support device.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
439, Electrical Connectors, subclasses 830+ for a metallic
electrical connector for receiving and resiliently gripping
the end contact of an elongated fuselike component.
Subclass:
214
This subclass is indented under subclass 213. Subject matter
including latch or other attachment means adapted to prevent
the fuse carrier from separating from its support means until
such time as the latch, or other attachment device is either
automatically or manually released.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
439, Electrical Connectors, subclass 832 for a resilient
fuse clip with a movably attached user manipulated locking,
contact retaining, or spring spreading means.
Subclass:
215
This subclass is indented under subclass 214. Subject matter
wherein the clamping or latching means consists of a spring
clip.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
439, Electrical Connectors, subclasses 830+ for a metallic
electrical connector for receiving and resiliently gripping
the end contact of an elongated fuselike component.
Subclass:
216
This subclass is indented under subclass 208. Subject matter
comprising means specifically adapted for the attachment of a
plug type fuse carrier in the housing, casing or support.
These devices are usually referred to as fuse blocks.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
439, Electrical Connectors, subclasses 621+ for an
electrical connector combined with a named fuse or comprising
a casing, housing, or holder for receiving and fully
enclosing a fuse; subclass 698 for an electrical connector
specially adapted to receive and support an elongated
fuselike device (e.g., a cartridge type fuse) having end
contacts.
Subclass:
217
This subclass is indented under subclass 142. Subject matter
comprising means whereby the unfused portion of a fuse link
is automatically withdrawn from the fuse carrier upon the
severing of the fusible element, or the remaining ends of the
fusible element are separated upon failure or burning of the
fusible section.
(1) Note. The fuse element generally constitutes one
component of the fuse link, the fuse link embraces all the
components from a first contact to the second contact such as
contact, attaching means, conductor, fusible element,
conductor, second contact, while the fusible element is
restricted to that material which is meltable upon the
application of excess heat.
Subclass:
218
This subclass is indented under subclass 217. Subject matter
wherein the fuse link extraction means is specifically
described as cooperatively combined with or forming an
integral part of at least one contact means which acts to
complete the electrical circuit when the fuse is in the
unblown condition.
(1) Note. In the fuse tensioning means in subclass 190, the
flexible main live contact members act when engaged with the
fuse to maintain the fuse link in a state of tension, but no
means is provided for withdrawing the fuse link except the
effect of gravity. In the devices in subclass 218 a further
positive means, for physically withdrawing the fuse link, is
combined with the movable contact and performs its function
independently of the circuit opening operation.
Subclass:
219
This subclass is indented under subclass 217. Subject matter
wherein the extraction or expulsion means comprises, at least
in part, a spring biasing means whereby a force is exerted to
eject the remains of a fuse link after rupture of the fusible
portion takes place.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
275 below, for arc extinguishing means wherein rod type
contacts directly attached to the fusible elements are bodily
forced apart when the fuse is blown under the influence of a
tensioned spring means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses
1+ for safety and protection of systems and devices,
subclasses 15+, 38+, and 275.1+ for fusible elements combined
with particular devices to be protected.
Subclass:
220
This subclass is indented under subclass 217. Subject matter
including means whereby the fuse link is expelled under the
influence of gaseous pressure generated upon rupture of the
element or by explosive or expansible material heated by
current traversing the fuse.
(1) Note. For devices utilizing deionizing gas or vapor
generating material for the purpose of blowing out an arc and
in which expulsion of the fuse link occurs in the process of
or incidental to the blowing out of the arc, search
subclasses 273+ particularly indented subclass 281.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
218, High-Voltage Switches With Arc Preventing and
Extinguishing Devices, subclasses 43+ for arc extinguishing
means utilizing an air current and in which fuse extraction
may accompany the blow out function.
Subclass:
221
This subclass is indented under subclass 142. Subject matter
including significant details of means whereby a shunt
circuit is provided in parallel with the fusible element
thereby increasing the maximum fusing current of the device.
The devices to be found here are generally of the high
voltage type.
(1) Note. When the sole purpose of the shunting circuit is
to conduct current through a light or other indicating means,
classification will be in subclass 241 as an indicating
device.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 158+ for fuses claimed as "high voltage" or
"current limiting" and employing a resistance in parallel
with the fusible element or elements.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
218, High-Voltage Switches With Arc Preventing and
Extinguishing Devices, subclasses 8+ for arc prevention
means comprising an auxiliary shunt circuit combined with
fuse means.
Subclass:
222
This subclass is indented under subclass 142. Subject matter
comprising means whereby the fusible element actuated switch
as a whole, or some elements thereof, is protected from
electrical or physical damage due to either electrical or
outside conditions; for example, against shock, recoil,
excessive heat or corona effects.
(1) Note. The protective means in this subclass excludes
housing or casing structure, such as classified in subclasses
186+, comprising structure apart or separate from a mere
housing, whereby damage to the switch is prevented. Note
that even the shunt circuit means in subclass 221 may furnish
some measure of protection against overload.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
97 for electrothermal, bimetallic element switch with switch
structure protective means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclass 156 for electromagnetically
actuated switches with protective means.
439, Electrical Connectors, subclasses 190+ for an
electrical connector having a retainer or passageway for
fluent material; subclasses 382+ for an electrical connector
including vibration cushioning or absorbing means; subclasses
449+ for an electrical connector with stress relieving means;
subclasses 485+ for an electrical connector with provision to
dissipate, remove, or block the flow of heat; subclasses 519+
for an electrical connector with provision the restrict
environmental effects; and subclasses 607+ for a connector
having or providing an inductive or capacitive shield.
Subclass:
223
This subclass is indented under subclass 222. Subject matter
wherein the protective means is specifically recited as
adapted to prevent damage resulting from shock, vibration or
recoil.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclass 193 for electromagnetic
switches with contact vibration, bounce or chatter prevention
means.
439, Electrical Connectors, subclasses 382+ for an
electrical connector including vibration cushioning or
absorbing means.
Subclass:
224
This subclass is indented under subclass 222. Subject matter
comprising means whereby the fusible element actuated switch
device is protected against damage due to the ionization of
the surrounding atmosphere, caused by a voltage gradient
above a critical value. These devices, for the most part,
comprise corona shields.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
199 for fusible element switch having a housing, casing, or
support with electrical ground, shield or barrier.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
174, Electricity: Conductors and Insulators, subclass 127
for conductor structure with corona prevention.
Subclass:
225
This subclass is indented under subclass 142. Subject matter
including (1) means specifically adapted for limiting the
capacity of the fuse which can be used in the device, (2)
means for limiting a fuse carrier to use only with a
particular fuse element designed for use therewith, (3) means
to prevent the unauthorized removal or tampering with a fuse
once it has been inserted into a holder or means to prevent
the substitution of a metallic nonfusible device in a fuse
holder.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclass
43.01 for mechanical switches with means for preventing
unauthorized use.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses
627+ and 644+ for panel boards with selective means which
prevents interchangeability of circuit control devices.
Subclass:
226
This subclass is indented under subclass 225. Subject matter
including adaptor or rejector means which will, when inserted
or incorporated in a housing, casing or socket, will operate
to exclude the use of all fuses except those designed for use
in the particular electric circuit which is to be protected.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
209 for fuse adaptors designed to permit ready interchange
of diverse types of fuses.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses
627+ and 644+ for panel board structure designed to prevent
interchangeable insertion of diverse circuit breaking
devices.
439, Electrical Connectors, appropriate subclasses;
especially subclasses 133+ for an electrical connector with
unauthorized connection preventer, e.g., key or combination
lock; subclasses 304+ for means to retain a coupling part in
engagement, including a "key" or combination lock to prevent
separation from a mating part; and subclass 831 for a
resilient spring clip adapted to receive the end contact of
an elongated, fuselike component, which spring clip is
combined with a contact rejection feature or an adapter.
Subclass:
227
This subclass is indented under subclass 142. Subject matter
wherein the structure specifically relates to a
subcombination of elements consisting of at least one fusible
link combined with enclosing or holding means, which
enclosing means is adapted to provide a continuous electrical
circuit between clips or other terminal means through the
fuse links. The holder is generally of two types: (1) a
tube of insulating material, or (2) a plug of insulating
material adapted to screw into a conductor socket. However,
the holder may take other forms such as a wafer or
grasshopper type.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
29, Metal Working, subclass 623 for the assembly and
manufacture of electrical devices including fuse cartridges.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses
271+ for electrical capacitor structure with housing or
tube structure similar to that used with fuses.
493, Manufacturing Container or Tube From Paper; or Other
Manufacturing From a Sheet or Web, subclasses 269+ for
manufacture of a fuse tube.
Subclass:
228
This subclass is indented under subclass 227. Subject matter
wherein the carrier or holder means is specifically recited
as comprising a cartridge or tube.
Subclass:
229
This subclass is indented under subclass 228. Subject matter
wherein the claimed structure includes at least two or more
fusible elements or links in combination with a cartridge or
tube and each being adapted to be inserted in an electrical
circuit to be protected.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
144 for plural electrothermally responsive fuses combined
with a single mechanical contact control means.
412 for a plurality of thermally actuated fuse elements
combined with a single circuit completion means.
Subclass:
230
This subclass is indented under subclass 229. Subject matter
including means whereby individual ones of the plurality of
fusible elements may be selectively or successively inserted
between the terminals of a common electric circuit which is
to be protected.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 284+ for plural independent complete fuses which
may be selectively or sequentially inserted in the same
protected circuit.
Subclass:
231
This subclass is indented under subclass 228. Subject matter
including significantly recited means whereby at least one
fusible link or element is securely attached to or supported
within a cartridge. The securing means generally comprises
cooperative elements whereby a continuous electrical circuit
is completed between the securing means through the fusible
element.
Subclass:
232
This subclass is indented under subclass 231. Subject matter
wherein the attaching or securing means is specifically
recited as consisting of a soldered or brazed joint.
Subclass:
233
This subclass is indented under subclass 231. Subject matter
wherein the attaching or securing means is specifically
recited as including a rigid bar member upon which a fusible
element is supported in a manner to prevent undue stress in
the element. The bar usually consists of a rigid member of
insulating material supporting at each end one end of a low
tensile strength fuse element.
Subclass:
234
This subclass is indented under subclass 231. Subject matter
wherein the attaching or securing means includes significant
details of cooperative interfitting elements combined with or
attachable to the fuse element and the cartridge whereby when
a fusible link or element is inserted therebetween and the
cooperating elements are drawn together (as by screw threads,
for example) the fusible element is caused to be locked or
clamped in operative position.
Subclass:
235
This subclass is indented under subclass 231. Subject matter
wherein the attaching or securing means includes significant
details of at least one threaded screw or stud device whereby
the fusible element is rigidly attached to a contact or other
current conductive element upon assembly of the device.
Subclass:
236
This subclass is indented under subclass 231. Subject matter
wherein the attaching or securing means includes significant
details of means whereby the fusible link or element is
secured by wedging or camming action between the associated
parts of the device.
Subclass:
237
This subclass is indented under subclass 231. Subject matter
wherein the attaching or securing means includes significant
details of means whereby the fuse link or element may be
readily detached, replaced or interchanged at the will of an
operator.
Subclass:
238
This subclass is indented under subclass 228. Subject matter
including significant details of means associated with the
tube or cartridge whereby the fuse link or element is
maintained in the tube under the tension when in the unfused
condition. The fuse tensioning means may and generally does
act to separate the ends of the fusible element when melting
takes place.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 217+ for fuse structure with extraction or
explusion means whose primary function is to remove the
unblown remnants of the fuse element after rupture, but which
may incidently serve as fuse element tensioning means.
Subclass:
239
This subclass is indented under subclass 238. Subject matter
wherein the tensioning means is specifically recited as
consisting of or comprising spring or other energy storage
means.
Subclass:
240
This subclass is indented under subclass 239. Subject matter
including a flexible fusible element, as one component of the
fuse link, in combination with a wire or other strain member.
The strain member is designed to take the full force of the
spring tensioning means as long as the fuse is conducting
thereby protecting the fuse from any tensile stress.
Usually, as soon as the fuse ruptures and becomes
nonconducting, the strain wire becomes heated and in turn is
ruptured thereby allowing the ends of the fusible element to
be separated.
Subclass:
241
This subclass is indented under subclass 228. Subject matter
wherein the cartridge or tube structure is recited as
including means whereby the physical condition of the fusible
element may be readily ascertained, as by visual or audible
perception.
(1) Note. For other signals or indicators used in devices
of this class, see the subclasses listed under SEARCH THIS
CLASS, SUBCLASS in subclass 79.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 265+ for plug type fuse carriers with indicating
means. See (1) Note above.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
340, Communications: Electrical, subclasses 638+ for
electrical signals and/or alarms responsive to the condition
of a fuse.
Subclass:
242
This subclass is indented under subclass 241. Subject matter
wherein the indicating means is specifically recited as being
a glow lamp.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
266 for plug type fuse carriers with glow lamp indicating
means.
Subclass:
243
This subclass is indented under subclass 241. Subject matter
wherein the indicating means is specifically recited as
consisting of a chemical composition which is capable of
changing state or color upon the application of heat due to
rupture of the fusible element, as, for example, pyrotechnic
compositions.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
149, Explosive and Thermic Compositions or Charges,
subclasses 37+ for pyrotechnic compositions, per se, useful
as indicating means.
Subclass:
244
This subclass is indented under subclass 241. Subject matter
wherein the indicating or inspection means comprises a
mechanical device capable of changing its position in
response to a blown condition of the fusible element. For
example, the indicating means may consist of a slidable
plunger or semaphore.
(1) Note. In several of the patents classified herein, the
plunger type indicator comprises a striker pin device which
may or may not perform another function such as an actuator
for some external device. These are classified here on the
assumption that the primary function of the striker pin is as
an indicator of the condition of the fuse element.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
267 for plug type fuse carriers with plunger or semaphore
type indicators.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
116, Signals and Indicators, subclasses 216+ for fusible
thermal indicators.
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclasses
308+ for indicator structure for mechanical switches.
340, Communications: Electrical, subclasses 638+ for
automatic signals and/or indicators which are responsive to
the blown condition of a fuse and employ plunger means.
Subclass:
245
This subclass is indented under subclass 228. Subject matter
wherein the cartridge or tube structure includes a handle or
other manual manipulating device rigidly attached to or
united therewith, whereby the cartridge or tube may be
manipulated at the will of an operator.
Subclass:
246
This subclass is indented under subclass 228. Subject matter
wherein the cartridge or tube is specifically recited as
comprising particular structural elements or consisting of a
particular composition of matter; as, for instance, a ceramic
mixture or synthetic resin compound.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
273 especially indented subclass 279, for arc suppression or
extinguishing means comprising a tubular structure containing
gas or vapor generating material.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
493, Manufacturing Container or Tube From Paper; or Other
Manufacturing From a Sheet or Web, subclasses 269+ for
making a paper fuse tube.
501, Compositions: Ceramic, appropriate subclasses for
ceramic materials which are used as electric insulators,
especially subclasses 127+ and 134+ for clay containing
compositions; and subclasses 141+ for titanates and similar
material containing compositions.
Subclass:
247
This subclass is indented under subclass 246. Subject matter
wherein the cartridge or tube structure is recited as
comprising at least two separate tubular elements interfitted
one with the other. The tubes may be fixedly related or
relatively movable. They may be of diverse electrical or
material characteristics, as for example, a frangible tube
within a metallic or other reinforcing tube.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 273+ for devices having a liner consisting of
gas evolving material whose sole purpose in the combination
is for the prevention of or smothering of an arc.
Subclass:
248
This subclass is indented under subclass 228. Subject matter
wherein the cartridge or tube structure includes
significantly recited ferrule, cap or seal means in
cooperative relationship with the cartridge or tube. For
example, (1) the sealing means may be a means for
hermetically sealing a dielectric tube or cartridge, (2) the
cap means may be frangible and adapted to rupture upon the
destruction of the fuse element, (3) a cap and seal
combination may serve to prevent the escape of gases upon the
rupture of the fuse.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 251+ for cartridge type fuse structure
consisting of metallic ferrules or caps serving as a means
for completing an electrical circuit through the fuse
device.
Subclass:
249
This subclass is indented under subclass 228. Subject matter
wherein the cartridge or tube structure includes significant
details of means adapted for the expulsion of any gas from
the cartridge or tube resulting from the rupture or
destruction of the fusible element, thereby facilitating the
breaking of a protected circuit.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
203 for apparatus consisting of a electrothermally
responsive fuse combined with a housing structure with means
for expulsion or venting of gases from the housing.
281 for gaseous blowout means for arc suppression.
Subclass:
250
This subclass is indented under subclass 249. Subject matter
wherein the gas expulsion structure includes significant
details of means comprising an opening or passage to the
outside atmosphere thereby relieving pressure inside the
tube, means for cooling the gas (as by an expansion chamber)
or deionizing means.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
279 for arc suppression or extinguishing means utilizing
deionizing gas generating material.
280 for cooling means for the arc.
Subclass:
251
This subclass is indented under subclass 228. Subject matter
wherein the cartridge or tube structure includes
significantly recited metallic cap, ferrule or other
conducting means normally attached to the tube and serving to
complete an electrical circuit from one line terminal to
another through the fuse element.
(1) Note. For other contact or terminal structures used in
devices of this class, see the subclasses listed under
subclass 26.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
248 for similar subject matter where the primary function of
the ferrule or cap is to act as a seal.
413 for thermally responsive fuse devices with significant
contact structure or composition of material.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
29, Metal Working, subclasses 874+ for processes of
manufacture for contacts and terminals and subclass 756 for
manufacturing apparatus for assembling electrical apparatus
which may be a cartridge fuse.
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclasses
275+ for details of switch structure in general including
contact structure.
439, Electrical Connectors, appropriate subclasses for
electrical terminal or contact structure.
Subclass:
252
This subclass is indented under subclass 251. Subject matter
including significantly recited means comprising cooperative
elements on the tube or cartridge and on the contact or
terminal means whereby the contact or terminal structure is
rigidly affixed to the tube or cartridge.
Subclass:
253
This subclass is indented under subclass 252. Subject matter
wherein the attaching or securing means includes locking,
clamp or wedge means, such as a bayonet connection for
instance.
Subclass:
254
This subclass is indented under subclass 253. Subject matter
including knife blade type contacts cooperatively associated
with slotted desk elements.
Subclass:
255
This subclass is indented under subclass 227. Subject matter
wherein the structure is significantly recited as consisting
of a plug type container adapted to be screwed or slidably
connected in an electric circuit.
(1) Note. The subject matter classified herein usually
consists of a plug combined with at least one fusible element
and adapted to be screwed or otherwise inserted into a
matching socket carrying electrical contacts adapted to
cooperate with the plug in such a manner as to complete an
electrical circuit through the fusible element when the plug
is fully inserted in the socket.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
439, Electrical Connectors, subclasses 660+ for an
electrical connector of the plural contact plug or receptacle
type.
Subclass:
256
This subclass is indented under subclass 255. Subject matter
including at least two or more separate fusible elements
combined with a single plug type carrier.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 283+ for plural independent fuses independently
operative.
subclasses 290+ for fuse link structure, per se, consisting
of plural elements.
412 for thermally responsive fuse actuated devices having a
plurality of independent fuse elements with a single circuit
completion means.
Subclass:
257
This subclass is indented under subclass 256. Subject matter
including significantly recited means whereby the individual
fusible elements may be selectively or successively inserted
into a common electric circuit. The selection means may be
either automatic or manually operated.
Subclass:
258
This subclass is indented under subclass 257. Subject matter
comprising means peculiarly adapted to perform the selection
operation whereby the separate fusible elements are inserted
into the electric circuit.
Subclass:
259
This subclass is indented under subclass 258. Subject matter
wherein the selection means comprises relatively movable,
rotatable, mechanical elements as, for example, a rotatable
spider rotating about a fixed axis or pivot.
Subclass:
260
This subclass is indented under subclass 255. Subject matter
comprising significantly recited means whereby at least one
fusible element is attached to or secured within the plug
type carrier in fixed engagement with contact means thereby
completing a conductive circuit therebetween.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 231+ for similar structure combined with a
cartridge or tube.
Subclass:
261
This subclass is indented under subclass 260. Subject matter
wherein the attachment or securing means is recited as
comprising resilient spring or other biasing means whereby
the fusible element may be retained in an operative position
under tension until ruptured.
Subclass:
262
This subclass is indented under subclass 260. Subject matter
including significantly recited selective means consisting of
complementary or cooperative mechanical features on the plug
and fuse element whereby the use of any fusible element
except one specifically adapted for that particular plug type
carrier is prohibited; for example, the device may be
constructed to take only a ribbon fuse of a certain width or
other dimension.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
225 for similar subject matter with overfusing or tamper
prevention means, and consult the "SEARCH CLASS" notes
thereunder for a field of search in other classes.
Subclass:
263
This subclass is indented under subclass 262. Subject matter
including significant details of means whereby the plug type
carrier is adapted to accommodate only a fusible element
which is sealed or enclosed in a further cartridge or capsule
type container.
Subclass:
264
This subclass is indented under subclass 260. Subject matter
wherein the attachment or securing means includes mechanical
structure whereby a fuse element may be readily detached or
replaced. The devices to be classified herein are of the
type known as "renewable fuses".
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
237 for similar subject matter relating to cartridge fuses.
Subclass:
265
This subclass is indented under subclass 255. Subject matter
including significant details of means associated with or
forming an integral part of the structure of the plug type
fuse carrier, whereby the physical condition of the fusible
element may be readily ascertained as by visual or audible
perception.
(1) Note. For other signals or indicators used in devices
of this class, see the subclasses listed under SEARCH THIS
CLASS, SUBCLASS in subclass 79.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 241+ above the cartridge fuse devices with
indicating or inspection means. See (1) Note above.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
116, Signals and Indicators, subclass 106 for fusible
controlled thermal alarms and subclasses 216+ for visual
indicators operable by changes of temperature.
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclasses
308+ for indicators for switches in general.
340, Communications: Electrical, subclasses 638+ for
automatic alarms responsive to the condition of a fuse.
374, Thermal Measuring and Testing, subclass 106 and 160 for
indicative devices wherein a fusible element constitutes an
indicator.
Subclass:
266
This subclass is indented under subclass 265. Subject matter
wherein the indicating means is specifically recited as being
a glow lamp or other incandescent means.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
242 for similar subject matter in a cartridge type fuse.
Subclass:
267
This subclass is indented under subclass 265. Subject matter
wherein the indicating means includes significantly recited
details of a mechanical plunger or semiphore device whose
position visually indicates the condition of a fusible
element.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
244 for similar subject matter in a cartridge type fuse
device.
Subclass:
268
This subclass is indented under subclass 255. Subject matter
wherein the carrier structure includes significant details of
contact or terminal structure whereby an electrical circuit
is normally completed through the fuse link or element when
the plug is inserted into a socket.
(1) Note. For other contact or terminal structure used with
devices of this class, see the subclasses listed under SEARCH
THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS in subclass 26.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 186+ for the combination of a fuse plug in
combination with a socket or connector and in which the
housing has blade or prong type contacts adapted to be
inserted into a service outlet and the socket or connector is
intended only as a means for connecting the plug fuse into a
circuit.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
439, Electrical Connectors, subclasses 660+ for an
electrical connector comprising a plural contact plug or
receptacle.
Subclass:
269
This subclass is indented under subclass 268. Subject matter
including significant details of a combination of contacts or
terminals (male and female) whereby the fuse plug may be
utilized in the manner of a plug-in receptacle or a connector
between an electrical outlet and an appliance cord. Note
that the structure classified here usually has a double
function with the main function being as a fuse carrier, the
fuse being directly attached to or housed within the plug.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
197 for housed, fusible element switches with plural diverse
connectors (e.g., male and female).
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
439, Electrical Connectors, subclasses 621+ for an
electrical connector combined with a named fuse or comprising
a casing, housing, or holder for receiving and fully
enclosing a fuse.
Subclass:
270
This subclass is indented under subclass 255. Subject matter
relating to significant features of construction of or
composition of material in a plug type fuse carrier.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, subclass 686
for a metallic composite having adjacent components, each of
which is claimed in terms of its function, e.g., low
melting.
501, Compositions: Ceramic, appropriate subclasses for
ceramic material which are used as electric insulating
compositions, especially subclasses 127+ and 134+ for clay
containing compositions; and subclasses 141+ for titanates
and similar material containing compositions.
Subclass:
271
This subclass is indented under subclass 270. Subject matter
wherein the plug structure is significantly recited as
comprising structural features whereby the plug is restricted
to use only with a particularly designed socket having
cooperative or complementary parts adapted for mating
connection with the plug.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
439, Electrical Connectors, subclasses 660+ for an
electrical connector comprising a plural-contact plug or
receptacle.
Subclass:
272
This subclass is indented under subclass 270. Subject matter
including significant details of means whereby any gases
generated within the plug, upon the operation of the fusible
element, may be expelled through venting passages open to the
atmosphere.
Subclass:
273
This subclass is indented under subclass 142. Subject matter
including significantly recited means whereby an electric arc
or discharge which is established or tends to be established,
between the ends of a fusible element when ruptured, or
between contacts controlled by the fusible element, is either
prevented from starting or is smothered or otherwise
suppressed after starting.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
218, High-Voltage Switches With Arc Preventing and
Extinguishing Devices, subclasses 1+ for arc preventing and
extinguishing devices for mechanical switches.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclass 201 for electromagnetically
actuated switches with arc suppression means.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses
2+ for safety and protective devices with contact arc
suppression means.
Subclass:
274
This subclass is indented under subclass 273. Subject matter
wherein the arc suppression of quenching structure includes
at least two or more means adapted to act conjointly or
independently to suppress or smother the arc. For example,
the separate means may comprise gas evolving material acting
conjointly with magnetic means, etc., or may include the
so-called "multibreak" devices in which a series of arcs are
generated, thereby providing arc extinguishing gas blasts at
each point of break or rupture.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
218, High-Voltage Switches With Arc Preventing and
Extinguishing Devices, subclasses 2+ for multiple break arc
preventing and extinguishing means for mechanical switches.
Subclass:
275
This subclass is indented under subclass 274. Subject matter
wherein at least one of the suppression or extinguishing
means consists of a draw out rod. The draw out rod devices
usually consist of a relatively massive metallic rod
functioning as a movable contact normally connected in the
circuit by a fuse and being withdrawn instantly, upon the
blowing of the fuse, through a chamber or passage wherein the
arc is extinguished by one or more means.
Subclass:
276
This subclass is indented under subclass 273. Subject matter
wherein the suppression or extinguishing means includes or
consists of a dielectric material surrounding the fusible
element.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
106, Compositions: Coating or Plastic, appropriate
subclasses, particularly subclass 163.01 for arc
extinguishing materials containing a cellulose or
derivative.
Subclass:
277
This subclass is indented under subclass 276. Subject matter
wherein the specifically recited dielectric material
comprises a liquid. The liquid generally is of a
hydrocarbon.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
204 for housed, fusible element switches immersed in arc
insulating liquid, usually for cooling purposes.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
208, Mineral Oils: Processes and Products, subclass 14 for
an insulating oil comprising only mineral oil components.
252, Compositions, subclasses 570+ for fluent dielectric
compositions containing a nonhydrocarbon material.
585, Chemistry of Hydrocarbon Compounds, subclass 6.3 for an
all-hydrocarbon insulating oil containing more than mineral
oil fractions.
Subclass:
278
This subclass is indented under subclass 276. Subject matter
including a dielectric material forming a gap or barrier
between the two extremities of the arc when the fuse is blown
thereby acting to snuff the arc.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
218, High-Voltage Switches With Arc Preventing and
Extinguishing Devices, subclasses 89+ for arc preventing or
extinguishing means comprising a non-conductive barrier.
Subclass:
279
This subclass is indented under subclass 273. Subject matter
wherein the suppression or extinction means consists of a
material capable of generating a deionizing gas or vapor when
heated.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
174, Electricity: Conductors and Insulators, appropriate
subclasses, especially subclasses 102+ for armored
conductors with arc extinguishing vapor generating filler
material.
218, High-Voltage Switches With Arc Preventing and
Extinguishing Devices, subclasses 1+ and 89+ for vapor
generating nonconducting material.
252, Compositions, subclasses 2+, especially subclass 8 for
fire or arc extinguishing materials charged with volatile
liquid or gas.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses
117+ for protective devices utilizing a gas generating arc
quenching material.
Subclass:
280
This subclass is indented under subclass 273. Subject matter
wherein the suppression or extinguishing means comprises
means whereby the heated gases resulting from and sustained
by the arc are cooled, condensed or completely absorbed.
Subclass:
281
This subclass is indented under subclass 273. Subject matter
wherein the suppression or extinguishing means comprises
means whereby a blast of air is directed across an arc to
extinguish it or whereby a magnetic field is generated when
the circuit is broken, the field acting to repel and break
the arc.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
218, High-Voltage Switches With Arc Preventing and
Extinguishing Devices, subclasses 22+ for magnetic blow out
devices for arc blow out in mechanical switches.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclass 201 for electromagnetically
operated switches with magnetic blow out means.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses
133+ for safety and protection systems and devices with
magnetic means for snuffing an arc.
Subclass:
282
This subclass is indented under subclass 273. Subject matter
including significant details of chamber or passage structure
wherein the arcing is confined or caused to take place or
into which it is drawn for purposes of extinction.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
275 for structure including an arc draw out rod operating in
an arcing chamber, usually a cylindrical cavity.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
218, High-Voltage Switches With Arc Preventing and
Extinguishing Devices, subclasses 1+ for similar structure
in a mechanical circuit breaker device.
Subclass:
283
This subclass is indented under subclass 142. Subject matter
including details of at least two or more separate and
distinct fuses operative independently to break an electrical
circuit.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
292 and 293, for single fuse structure having a plurality of
fusible elements connected in series or parallel arrangement,
respectively.
Subclass:
284
This subclass is indented under subclass 283. Subject matter
including details of means whereby each of the individual
fuses may be separately inserted in a single electric circuit
in sequence or selectively at the will of an operator.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
307, Electrical Transmission and Interconnection Systems,
subclass 141.8 for series connected switches with time delay
means which may comprise fusible elements.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses
103+ for thermally actuated protective devices comprising
plural fuse means in parallel.
Subclass:
285
This subclass is indented under subclass 284. Subject matter
wherein the selection means is specifically recited as
automatically operative.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclass 142 for an electromagnetically
operated switch with a plurality of automatically selective
fuses.
Subclass:
286
This subclass is indented under subclass 285. Subject matter
wherein the automatic selective means includes structure
whereby a pre-selected interval of time is caused to elapse
between the blowing of a first fuse and its replacement by a
second.
Subclass:
287
This subclass is indented under subclass 286. Subject matter
wherein the time delayed selection apparatus consists of
hydraulic or pneumatic means.
Subclass:
288
This subclass is indented under subclass 285. Subject matter
wherein the selective structure includes significant details
of means whereby the insertion of any one fuse in a circuit
is dependent upon the condition of at least one other fuse or
whereby the insertion of a second fuse is prevented for as
long as one other previously inserted fuse is in operative
condition.
Subclass:
289
This subclass is indented under subclass 284. Subject matter
wherein the selector structure includes means whereby a
plurality of fuses are mounted in such a way that they may be
rotated around a common axis to successively or selectively
connect the fixed contacts of an electrical circuit. The
structure to be found here also includes devices where a
plurality of fuses are fixedly mounted in such a way that at
least one movable contact may be rotated into conductive
relationship with each of the fuses selectively or
sequentially at the will of an operator.
Subclass:
290
This subclass is indented under subclass 142. Subject matter
including significant details of fuse link or fuse element
structure or material of construction. The subject matter to
be found here relates to the structure, including a fusible
element, which serves to complete a conductive path from an
input terminal of a fuse to the output terminal and which
structure does not form a subcombination of a more
comprehensive combination classifiable elsewhere in the class
or in another art class.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
29, Metal Working, subclass 623 for processes for
manufacture of electrical devices including fusible
elements.
102, Ammunition and Explosive Devices, subclass 262 for
explosive devices comprising fuses and igniting devices.
149, Explosive and Thermic Compositions or Charges,
appropriate subclasses for thermic compositions.
169, Fire Extinguishers, subclass 42 for fusible
connections.
252, Compositions, subclasses 500+ for electrically
conductive or emissive compositions.
420, Alloys or Metallic Compositions, for alloys suitable for
fusible elements.
Subclass:
291
This subclass is indented under subclass 290. Subject matter
including at least one element of appreciable tensile
strength parallelly connected to a fusible element of
comparative weak tensile strength. The strain relief member
is utilized to protect the fusible element against tensile
stresses which tend to rupture it under normal conditions of
usage. The strain element is usually of conducting material
capable of carrying a certain amount of current both before
and after the fusible element has been ruptured.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
240 for cartridge fuses with tensioning means including a
strain relief member.
Subclass:
292
This subclass is indented under subclass 290. Subject matter
wherein the fuse link structure comprises at least two or
more conductive segments, series connected, at least one or
more being of a readily fusible material. The devices
classified herein usually comprise high melting point
elements connected at their inner ends by low melting point
material such as solder or other alloy.
Subclass:
293
This subclass is indented under subclass 290. Subject matter
including at least two or more fusible elements parallelly
connected between the fuse contacts and forming parallel
current paths.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 161+ for high voltage current limiting fuse
devices utilizing plural fusible elements.
Subclass:
294
This subclass is indented under subclass 290. Subject matter
wherein the fusible element consists of a continuous strand
or wire adapted for successive insertion of undamaged
portions thereof between the contacts of an electrical
circuit to be protected.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
416 for similar structure in thermally actuated fuse
controlled switches.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
362, Illumination, subclass 6 for a combined light and
structure utilizing a continuous strand of volatilizable
material as a source of light flashes.
Subclass:
295
This subclass is indented under subclass 290. Subject matter
wherein the fusible element is described as being of
particular geometrical shape or configuration.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
159 for current limiting fuse devices utilizing fuse
elements of significant shape.
Subclass:
296
This subclass is indented under subclass 290. Subject matter
wherein the fusible element is described as comprising a
composite structure made up of at least two or more
conductive materials, as, for example, a fusible ribbon with
an overlay of a more readily meltable mass.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
160 for similar structure in a current limiting device.
subclasses 163+ for similar structure in a delayed action
fuse.
Subclass:
297
This subclass is indented under subclass 290. Subject matter
wherein the fuse link structure includes significant details
of at least one fusible link which is coated upon or
otherwise attached to a non conducting core.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
29, Metal Working, subclass 620 for processes for the
manufacture of resistors by coating resistive material on a
base.
174, Electricity: Conductors and Insulators, subclass 250
for printed electrical circuits, per se.
338, Electrical Resistors, subclass 308 for an electrical
resistance element printed on a base.
439, Electrical Connectors, subclasses 55+ for an
electrical connector combined with a preformed panel circuit
arrangement (e.g., a printed circuit board).
Subclass:
298
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject
matter comprising circuit controlling means which is wholly,
or for the major part, responsive to heat from the
surrounding atmosphere or material (i.e., thermally
actuated).
(1) Note. See the definition of subclass 14 of this class
for the distinction between electrothermally actuated
switches and this group of thermally actuated switches.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 14+ for switching devices responsive to heat
derived, to a major degree, from an electrical current
traversing the device. See (1) Note above.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
99, Foods and Beverages: Apparatus, subclasses 325+ for
automatic control means for cooking apparatus, the means
being thermally responsive.
219, Electric Heating, subclasses 494+ for thermally
responsive means for automatically controlling the power
supply or controlling the current in electric heater devices
and subclasses 510+ for thermally responsive automatically
operated switching means for electric heaters.
236, Automatic Temperature and Humidity Regulation,
subclasses 91-104 for thermostatic control means for
automatic temperature and humidity regulation devices.
307, Electrical Transmission or Interconnection Systems,
subclass 117 for electrical switching systems responsive to
light, heat, etc.
320, Electricity: Battery or Capacitor Charging or
Discharging, subclasses 166+ for charging or discharging a
capacitor, per se.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses
103+ for protective circuits with thermally responsive
actuating means, and subclasses 161+ for control circuits for
electromagnetic devices with thermal control means.
374, Thermal Measuring and Testing, subclasses 100+ for
thermometers, per se.
439, Electrical Connectors, subclass 161 for an electrical
connector having an element responsive to temperature to
effect varying pressure on the contact surfaces.
Subclass:
299
This subclass is indented under subclass 298. Subject matter
including at least two or more thermally responsive devices
of diverse type cooperatively combined in a single switch
device for controlling a common set of contacts. For
example, the device may have an expansible fluid bellows
structure combined with an expansible rod member.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
35 above for similar subject matter in electrothermally
actuates switches.
Subclass:
300
This subclass is indented under subclass 298. Subject matter
wherein the thermally responsive structure is significantly
described as being responsive to plural external conditions.
For example, to both temperature and humidity.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
236, Automatic Temperature and Humidity Regulation,
appropriate subclasses especially subclass 4, 5, 18, 19, 32,
33, 40, and 91-104 for plural condition responsive
thermostatic controls.
Subclass:
301
This subclass is indented under subclass 298. Subject matter
including mechanical means, such as a clock or motor whereby
the contacts of a controlled circuit are maintained closed
for a definite period of time, are opened and/or closed at
regular cyclic intervals, the operating range of a
thermostatic device (i.e. the minimum and maximum operative
temperature at which it operates) is varied at predetermined
intervals of time, or whereby the thermostatic device may be
prevented from functioning during certain hours. The motor
structure for operating the timing means may be electric,
magnetic, or spring wound.
(1) Note. For other delaying or timing means used in the
devices of this class, see the subclasses listed under SEARCH
THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS in subclass 81.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, particularly
subclass 19.01, for periodically operated circuit breakers,
per se.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclasses 68+ for electromagnetic
switches with motor operator.
Subclass:
302
This subclass is indented under subclass 301. Subject matter
comprising means whereby a circuit is completed and broken
intermittently or cyclically at constantly recurring
intervals.
(1) Note. For other cyclic or periodic actuators used in
devices of this class, see the subclasses listed under SEARCH
THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS in subclass 92.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
51 for similar subject matter utilizing electrothermally
responsive bimetallic means.
116 for similar subject matter in expansible or vaporizable
fluid actuated switches.
138 for cyclically operated longitudinally expansible
element actuated switches.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclass
19.01 for periodic circuit breakers generally.
307, Electrical Transmissions or Interconnection Systems,
subclass 132 for repetitive make and break switching
systems.
315, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Systems, subclasses
209+ for systems having a periodic switch in the supply
circuit of a load or loads.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclasses 87+ for periodically
operated electromagnetic switches (e.g. vibrators).
363, Electric Power Conversion Systems, subclass 110 for an
inverter system comprising a vibrator.
Subclass:
303
This subclass is indented under subclass 302. Subject matter
including means whereby the interval of time during which the
thermally responsive device is active or inactive, to control
the contacts of a circuit, may be predeterminedly fixed.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
93 for cyclically controlled electrothermal, bimetallic
element switches with means to adjust cyclical period.
Subclass:
304
This subclass is indented under subclass 301. Subject matter
including significant details of means whereby the range of
temperature values which determined the operational
characteristics of the device may be predeterminedly fixed.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
82 for electrothermally responsive bimetallic means combined
with manual or mechanical contact control means and whose
operative range is adjustable.
94 for similar subject matter in a device in which the
contacts are directly actuated by the metallic device.
Subclass:
305
This subclass is indented under subclass 304. Subject matter
wherein the operative temperature range determining means
includes rotatable cam or eccentric means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
219, Electric Heating, subclass 515 for adjustable,
automatic thermally responsive switch means for an electric
heater.
Subclass:
306
This subclass is indented under subclass 298. Subject matter
wherein the circuit controlling means comprises a device
utilizing an expansible or vaporizable fluid whereby the
change of volume or the pressure generated thereby transmits
an actuating force to a movable contact or contacts.
(1) Note. For devices in which an expansible liquid in a
container, the container acting to complete a circuit or to
prevent the completion of a circuit, as by propping the
contacts open, is caused to explode the container to control
the circuit, search will be in this class in subclass 416
even though the device is not in fact explosive or
combustible as defined in that subclass.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 114+ for similar subject matter in an
electrothermally actuated switch.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
60, Power Plants, subclasses 516+ for power plants
utilizing expansible or vaporizable fluid.
73, Measuring and Testing, subclasses 700+ for fluid
pressure gauges with motion transmitting means actuated by
expansible fluids.
219, Electric Heating, subclass 513 for automatically
operative switches for electric heaters utilizing thermally
responsive expansible liquid.
236, Automatic Temperature and Humidity Regulation, subclass
4, 18, 32, 42, 56+, 64+, 86, and 99 for automatic temperature
regulating devices utilizing thermally expansive fluid.
307, Electrical Transmission or Interconnection Systems,
subclass 118 for switching systems responsive to pressure in
a fluid and subclass 144 for fluid pressure actuator, per
se.
340, Communications: Electrical, subclass 592 for automatic
alarms with fluid pressure sensitive thermo-mechanical
sensing means.
374, Thermal Measuring and Testing, subclasses 201+ for a
thermometer utilizing an expanding fluid.
Subclass:
307
This subclass is indented under subclass 306. Subject matter
including at least two or more expansible or vaporizable
fluid actuated devices acting either separately or conjointly
to control a common set of contacts.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 38+ for plural electrothermally actuated
bimetallic elements combined with a single mechanical contact
control device.
144 for devices comprising a plurality of electrothermally
actuated fuses combined with a single contact operating
means.
subclasses 335+ for plural thermally responsive bimetallic
elements with a single contact control means.
Subclass:
308
This subclass is indented under subclass 307. Subject matter
including at least two or more expansible elements, each of
which is significantly described as responsive to diverse
environmental conditions, such as immediate ambient
temperature and external temperature for example, or of
diverse operating characteristics whereby the opening and/or
closing of an electrical circuit is a resultant of the
operative condition of all the elements.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
40 for similar subject matter in devices utilizing a
plurality of electrothermally responsive bimetallic
elements.
336 for similar devices utilizing a plurality of thermally
actuated bimetallic elements.
Subclass:
309
This subclass is indented under subclass 306. Subject matter
including a plurality (three or more) of contacts associated
with a single continuous electric circuit to be controlled or
includes means whereby two or more continuous electric
circuits are controlled by the contact controlling means.
See (1) Note under the definition of subclass 41, above.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 86+ for similar subject matter in devices
utilizing electrothermally responsive bimetallic elements
directly controlling a plurality of contacts.
subclasses 145+ for similar subject matter utilizing
electrothermally responsive fusible elements.
subclasses 337+ for thermally responsive bimetallic
elements controlling plural contacts.
Subclass:
310
This subclass is indented under subclass 309. Subject matter
including at least two or more separate distinct and
independently operative switch devices.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 42+ for similar subject matter utilizing
electrothermally responsive bimetallic elements.
subclasses 338+ for similar subject matter utilizing
thermally responsive bimetallic elements.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
62, Refrigeration, appropriate subclasses, especially
subclass 4 and 235.1 for refrigeration devices utilizing
plural expansible fluid type switches.
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclass 81.4
for plural fluid pressure type switches.
307, Electrical Transmission or Interconnection Systems,
subclasses 113+ for electrical switching systems utilizing
plural switches.
315, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Systems, subclasses
320+ for discharge device systems having plural discharge
device loads with plural switches.
374, Thermal Measuring and Testing, subclass 203 for bellows
type thermometers with multiple distinct elements.
Subclass:
311
This subclass is indented under subclass 309. Subject matter
including significant means whereby each of a plurality of
contact pairs may be actuated selectively, alternately, or
sequentially. The movable contact may be a single contact
common to each pair, i.e., may constitute the movable contact
of each pair selectively.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
44 for similar subject matter in switches utilizing
electrothermally responsive bimetallic elements.
87 for similar subject matter in electrothermally actuated
switches in which a bimetallic element directly actuates the
contacts.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
62, Refrigeration, subclass 156 for automatic control of
refrigerators by thermal means utilizing a plurality of
contacts.
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclass 16
for multiple circuit control means with pressure actuated
reciprocating contacts.
236, Automatic Temperature and Humidity Regulation,
appropriate subclasses, especially subclasses 99+ for
expanding fluid control devices with plural selectively
actuated contacts.
374, Thermal Measuring and Testing, subclasses 188+.
Subclass:
312
This subclass is indented under subclass 306. Subject matter
including significant details of manual or other mechanical
means which acts conjointly with or as an intermediary
between at least one expansible fluid actuated device and at
least one movable contact, thereby opening and/or closing an
electric circuit.
(1) Note. For other manual or mechanical control means used
in devices of this class, see the subclasses listed under
SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS in subclass 115.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 115+ for similar subject matter utilized in an
electrothermally actuated switch. See (1) Note above.
Subclass:
313
This subclass is indented under subclass 312. Subject matter
including a mechanical linkage whereby the movement of a
movable contact, or contacts, results from a force applied
thereto as a result of a motion in a first direction
converted to a motion in a second direction; for example, a
linear first motion may be converted to a rotary motion about
a fixed origin or pivot as by a toggle linkage.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 58+ for similar subject matter in an
electrothermally operated switch utilizing bimetallic
elements.
350 for similar subject matter in thermally operated
switches utilizing bimetallic elements.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclass 191 for electromagnetic
switches employing compound motion mechanical contact control
means.
Subclass:
314
This subclass is indented under subclass 312. Subject matter
wherein the contact control means includes structure whereby
the opening and/or closing of an electric circuit is complete
as a result of sliding or reciprocating motion by the
mechanical means.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 62+ for similar subject matter utilized in
electrothermally responsive bimetallic element actuated
switches.
148 for similar subject matter in electrothermally
responsive fusible element actuated switches.
354 for similar subject matter in thermally responsive
bimetallic element actuated switches.
subclasses 408+ for similar subject matter in thermally
responsive, fusible, combustible or explosive material
element type switches.
Subclass:
315
This subclass is indented under subclass 314. Subject matter
wherein the reciprocating member is specifically recited as
comprising a piston or plunger.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
409 for thermally responsive, fusible, combustible or
explosive material element switches with reciprocating
plunger or piston.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
236, Automatic Temperature and Humidity Regulation, subclass
100 for expanding fluid thermostatic actuating means for
temperature regulators utilizing a float or piston.
374, Thermal Measuring and Testing, subclass 202 for
expanding fluid type thermometers with float or piston.
Subclass:
316
This subclass is indented under subclass 312. Subject matter
wherein the mechanical contact control means is specifically
recited as comprising structure whereby contact opening
and/or closing is accomplished as a result or rotary or
oscillatory motion of the mechanical elements.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
61 for similar subject matter in an electrothermally
actuated switch utilizing bimetallic elements.
149 for similar subject matter in electrothermally actuated
switches utilizing fusible elements.
subclasses 351+ for similar subject matter in thermally
actuated switches utilizing bimetallic elements.
410 for thermally responsive, fusible, combustible or
explosive material element switches with rotatable actuator.
Subclass:
317
This subclass is indented under subclass 312. Subject matter
wherein the contact control structure includes spring or
other potential energy storage means whereby a major portion
of the force used in actuating the contacts of the device.
The actuating force is usually transmitted to the movable
contact structure through mechanical means upon the spring
being released from its energy storage position.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 52+ for similar subject matter in
electrothermally actuated switches actuated switches
utilizing bimetallic elements.
subclasses 342+ for similar subject matter in thermally
actuated switches utilizing bimetallic elements.
subclasses 388+ for thermal, longitudinally expansible
element type switch with spring or other energy storage
means.
subclasses 407+ for thermal, fusible, combustible or
explosive material type switch with spring or other energy
storage means.
Subclass:
318
This subclass is indented under subclass 317. Subject matter
wherein the contact control means is specifically recited as
comprising a snap action device.
(1) Note. For other snap action mechanisms used in devices
of this class see the subclasses listed under SEARCH THIS
CLASS, SUBCLASS in subclass 53.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
62, Refrigeration, appropriate subclasses, especially
subclass 4, 5, 156, and 235.1 for refrigerator control
devices utilizing a snap action switch of the bellows type.
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclasses
402+ for snap switches, per se, and subclass 83 for fluid
pressure switches with diaphragm controlled snap action.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclass 188 for electromagnetic
switches with snap action contact actuating means.
439, Electrical Connectors, subclass 180 for an electrical
connector with provision for the contact thereof to move with
respect to the rest of the device and away from the mating
contact quickly, i.e., by snap or quick-break action.
Subclass:
319
This subclass is indented under subclass 318. Subject matter
wherein the snap action structure includes means whereby some
operative characteristic of the device or the thermally
responsive control element by which it is actuated, may be
readily adjusted, calibrated or compensated.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
57 and 347, for similar subject matter in other art type
switches.
368 for thermal, bimetallic snap action switch with
adjustment or calibration means.
Subclass:
320
This subclass is indented under subclass 306. Subject matter
wherein the thermally responsive element is specifically
recited as comprising a pressure responsive diaphragm or
bellows structure.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
117 for similar subject matter in an electrothermally
actuated switch.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
62, Refrigeration, appropriate subclasses, especially
subclass 5, 7, and 235.1 for refrigerator controls utilizing
diaphragm or bellows type expansible liquid means.
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, especially
subclass 83 for diaphragm controlled fluid pressure
switches.
236, Automatic Temperature and Humidity Regulation,
appropriate subclasses especially subclass 9, 20, 49.1, 68,
and 75 for automatic temperature control apparatus utilizing
similar subject matter.
310, Electrical Generator or Motor Structure, subclass 68
for electric motor structure for expansible fluid overload
switches.
340, Communications: Electrical, subclass 592 for automatic
alarms with fluid pressure sensors utilizing a diaphragm or
bellows.
374, Thermal Measuring and Testing, subclass 203 for bellows
type expanding fluid thermometers.
Subclass:
321
This subclass is indented under subclass 320. Subject matter
including specifically recited details of a capillary tube or
bore for the expansible fluid whereby a change of volume
results from a change in ambient temperature.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
119 for similar subject matter in electrothermally actuated
switches.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
236, Automatic Temperature and Humidity Regulation,
appropriate subclasses, especially subclass 9, 21, 32, and 99
for automatic temperature control devices utilizing capillary
tube pressure transmittal means.
310, Electrical Generator or Motor Structure, subclass 68
for motor structure with electric safety devices utilizing
capillary tube means.
340, Communications: Electrical, appropriate subclasses,
especially subclass 592 for automatic alarms responsive to
temperature which may include capillary tube pressure
transmitting means.
374, Thermal Measuring and Testing, subclass 202 for
expanding fluid thermometers utilizing capillary tube
pressure transmitting means.
Subclass:
322
This subclass is indented under subclass 306. Subject matter
wherein the temperature responsive actuating means is
specifically recited as including a Bourdon tube device. The
Bourdon tube is a tubular structure, usually of stainless
steel or other similar material with a large coefficient of
expansion and bent upon itself in the shape of a sector of a
torus and when subjected to heat of pressure tends to
straighten out, thereby actuating a movable contact
structure.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 114+ for similar subject matter in an
electrothermally actuated switch.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
73, Measuring and Testing, subclasses 732+ for Bourdon tube
type fluid pressure gauges.
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclass 81.6
for Bourdon tube type pressure actuated switches.
236, Automatic Temperature and Humidity Regulation, subclass
30 and 57 for automatic temperature regulating devices
utilizing Bourdon tubes.
374, Thermal Measuring and Testing, subclass 203 for a
thermometer having a fluid filled Bourdon tube.
Subclass:
323
This subclass is indented under subclass 306. Subject matter
including significantly recited details of means whereby the
operative current value, or range of values, sufficient or
necessary to actuate the main contact control means and
thereby produce an opening or closing action thereof is
predetermined, varied at will or calibrated.
(1) Note. For other range adjustment or calibration means
used in devices of this class, see the subclasses listed
under SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS in subclass 82.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 82+ and 94, for similar subject matter in
electrothermally responsive bimetallic element actuated
switches. See (1) Note above.
subclasses 360+ below for similar subject matter in
thermally actuated switches with bimetallic elements.
Subclass:
324
This subclass is indented under subclass 306. Subject matter
including significant details of structure comprising heat
generating or concentrating means, such as heating coils or
high resistance elements, serving to augment the heating
effect of the heating medium normally surrounding or
influencing the expansible fluid actuating means.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
120 for similar subject matter in electrothermally
responsive expansible fluid actuated switches.
Subclass:
325
This subclass is indented under subclass 306. Subject matter
comprising significant means whereby (1) the contact control
means of the temperature responsive means may be prevented
from movement when the operative temperature is either below
or above certain limits, (2) the contact control means may be
locked in either the circuit closed or circuit open position,
irrespective of a change in a temperature condition, or (3)
the contacts are prevented from accidental movement from a
predetermined condition.
(1) Note. For other latching or holding means used in
devices of this class, see the subclasses listed under SEARCH
THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS in subclass 46.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclasses 157+ for similar subject
matter in electromagnetically operated switches.
Subclass:
326
This subclass is indented under subclass 306. Devices
relating specifically to a particular temperature responsive
fluid or fluid generating means whereby pressure is generated
sufficient to actuate contact control means upon the
application of heat to the device.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
374, Thermal Measuring and Testing, subclass 159 for a
thermometer having a fluid undergoing a change of state
(e.g., volatile), or having a temperature responsive sorption
effect; and subclasses 201+ for other expanding fluid
thermometers.
Subclass:
327
This subclass is indented under subclass 306. Subject matter
relating specifically to significant details of housing,
casing or support means peculiarly adapted for use with
expansible or vaporizable fluid actuated switches.
(1) Note. For other housing or casing structures used in
devices of this class, see the subclasses listed under SEARCH
THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS in subclass 20.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
121 for similar subject matter in electrothermally actuated
switches.
Subclass:
328
This subclass is indented under subclass 327. Subject matter
including specifically recited means for relieving excess
pressure generated within the housing or the fluid container,
as by venting.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
73, Measuring and Testing, subclass 738 for fluid pressure
gauges of the Bourdon type having pressure relief means.
Subclass:
329
This subclass is indented under subclass 306. Subject matter
including significant details of contact structure,
arrangement or composition of matter.
(1) Note. For other contact structures or compositions used
in devices of this class, see the subclasses listed under
SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS in subclass 26.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
26 109, 137, 273, and 399, for particular contact structure
in other types of electrothermally and thermally actuated
switches. See (1) Note above.
122 for similar subject matter in electrothermally
responsive expansible fluid actuated switches.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
29, Metal Working, subclasses 874+ for processes for the
manufacture of electrical contacts.
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclasses
238+ for switch contact details in general.
252, Compositions, subclasses 500+ for electrically
conductive compositions.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclasses 196+ for contact composition
or structure in electromagnetic switches.
Subclass:
330
This subclass is indented under subclass 329. Subject matter
wherein the contact structure includes details of means
whereby the relative position of the contacts when in the
nonoperative position may be adjusted at will by an
operator.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
323 for devices wherein the operative temperature or range
of temperatures is adjusted by varying the relative position
of the contacts (i.e. the movable contact).
subclasses 374+ for similar subject matter in thermally
responsive, bimetallic element actuated switches.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclasses 197+ for similar subject
matter in electromagnetically operated switches.
Subclass:
331
This subclass is indented under subclass 329. Subject matter
wherein at least one of the contacts is specifically recited
as comprising a conductive liquid, such as mercury.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
21 for conductive fluid switches of the electrothermally
actuated type.
80 for bimetallically actuated electrothermal switches with
mercury contacts.
273 for similar subject matter in thermally responsive
bimetallic element actuated switches.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclasses
182+ for liquid contact mechanical switches.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclasses 47+ for electromagnetically
operated mercury switches.
Subclass:
332
This subclass is indented under subclass 306. Subject matter
including significant details of signal, alarm or other
indicating means whereby the operative condition of the
switch or some abnormal occurrence within the switch
structure may be readily ascertained visually, audibly or by
a combination of both.
(1) Note. For other signals or indicators used in devices
of this class, see the subclasses listed under SEARCH THIS
CLASS, SUBCLASS in subclass 79.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
116, Signals and Indicators, subclasses 102+ for thermally
expansible fluid actuated alarms and subclasses 216+ for
thermally actuated indicators of the mechanical type.
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclasses
81+ for fluid pressure actuated switches in general with
indicator means and subclasses 308+ for indicators, per se.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclass 17 for electromagnetically
actuated circuit breakers with indicating means.
340, Communications: Electrical, subclasses 584+ and 664
for automatic alarms responsive to a condition such as heat
or electrical current.
Subclass:
333
This subclass is indented under subclass 298. Subject matter
including at least one thermal responsive composite element
consisting of two different metals, bonded together, and
having different coefficients of expansion, such that when
heated, a bending motion of the composite element results.
The resultant motion is utilized either directly or through
an intermediate mechanical means to control the opening
and/or closing of an electrical circuit.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 36+ for corresponding subject matter utilizing
electrothermally responsive bimetallic elements.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
99, Foods and Beverages: Apparatus, subclasses 325+ for
automatic control of food cooking utensils with bimetallic
thermostatic control.
137, Fluid Handling, subclass 457 and 468 for
thermostatically controlled values.
219, Electric Heating, subclass 494 and 510+ for automatic
control, regulating or switch means for electric heaters
utilizing bimetallic thermostats.
236, Automatic Temperature and Humidity Regulation, subclass
5, 19, 33, 43, 59, and 96 for automatic temperature
regulators utilizing bimetallic thermostats.
252, Compositions, subclass 70 for thermostatic
compositions.
314, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Consumable
Electrodes, subclasses 89+ for thermostatic operators for
consumable electrodes.
315, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Systems, subclass
72 for flashers utilizing a bimetallic periodic switch.
318, Electricity: Motive Power Systems, subclasses 471+
for automatic motor control devices with thermostatic means.
320, Electricity: Battery or Capacitor Charging or
Discharging, subclasses 166+ for charging or discharging a
capacitor, per se.
322, Electricity: Single Generator Systems, subclasses 33+
for automatic controls responsive to thermal conditions.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclass 145 for electromagnetic
switches with bimetallic element.
340, Communications: Electrical, subclasses 593+ for
automatic alarms responsive to temperature and utilizing
thermostats.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses
103+ and 124+ for thermally actuated safety and protective
devices comprising bimetallic elements.
374, Thermal Measuring and Testing, subclasses 205+ for
expanding solid type thermometers utilizing bimetallic
elements.
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, subclasses
616+ for composite metallic stock having heat-deflectable
characteristics.
Subclass:
334
This subclass is indented under subclass 333. Subject matter
comprising manual or other mechanical means acting conjointly
or cooperatively with at least one bimetallic device, or
which acts as an intermediary between the thermally
responsive bimetallic element and at least one movable
contact, thereby opening or closing an electrical circuit.
The manual means may be a handle or push button actuated
means, for instance or the other mechanical means may be any
combination of mechanical elements, as a toggle for
instance.
(1) Note. For other manual or mechanical controls used in
this class, see the subclasses listed under SEARCH THIS
CLASS, SUBCLASS in subclass 115.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 37+ for similar subject matter in an
electrothermally actuated switch. See (1) Note above.
Subclass:
335
This subclass is indented under subclass 334. Subject matter
including at least two or more thermal responsive bimetallic
elements, combined with a further single mechanical contact
controlling means. The bimetallic elements may operate
jointly or individually to control the movable contact or
contacts through the agency of the mechanical means.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 38+ for similar subject matter in an
electrothermally actuated switch.
Subclass:
336
This subclass is indented under subclass 335. Subject matter
wherein each of the thermal responsive elements is
significantly described as responsive to different
environmental conditions such as, to a local heating medium
and atmospheric conditions, or of diverse operating
characteristics whereby the opening or closing of an
electrical circuit is a resultant of the operative condition
of all the elements, i.e., differential.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
40 for similar subject matter in an electrothermally
actuated switch.
Subclass:
337
This subclass is indented under subclass 334. Subject matter
including a plurality (three or more) of contacts associated
with a single continuous electrical circuit, or includes
means whereby two or more continuous electric circuits are
controlled by the contact control means.
(1) Note. Under the definition of subclass 41 should be
consulted in determining the scope of the subject matter
contained in this subclass.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
11 for fusible element switch with multiple circuit contact
means combined with diverse art switch.
subclasses 41+ for similar subject matter in an
electrothermally actuated switch.
subclasses 145+ for fusible element actuated switch with
multiple circuit contact means.
Subclass:
338
This subclass is indented under subclass 337. Subject matter
comprising at least two or more separate distinct and
independently operative switch devices whereby two or more
separate and distinct electrical circuits may be controlled.
See (1) Note under the definition of subclass 42 above to
determine the scope of the subclass.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 42+ for similar subject matter in an
electrothermally actuated switch.
Subclass:
339
This subclass is indented under subclass 338. Subject matter
including means whereby the plural switching devices are
rendered interdependent, one on the other, thereby being
caused to operate alternately, successively, or selectively;
the operation of each one depending upon conditions in at
least one other; for example, one device is prevented from
operating while another is in an operated position, etc.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
43 for similar subject matter in an electrothermally
actuated switch.
Subclass:
340
This subclass is indented under subclass 337. Subject matter
wherein the structure, whereby each of a plurality of contact
pairs is controlled, may be actuated selectively,
alternately, or sequentially. The movable contact may be a
single contact common to each pair, i.e., may constitute the
movable contact for each pair selectively.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
44 for similar subject matter in an electrothermally
actuated switch.
Subclass:
341
This subclass is indented under subclass 334. Subject matter
including significant details of means whereby the act of
opening or closing of the main switch contacts takes place at
an appreciable interval of time after an actuating force is
applied to the contact actuating means, or the operative
interval of the switch is controlled by varying the amount of
heat or the rate of heating applied to the thermal responsive
means.
(1) Note. For other delay or timing means used in devices
of this class, see SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
81 for similar subject matter in an electrothermally
actuated switch. For other delay or timing means used in
devices of this class, see the subclasses listed under SEARCH
THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS of subclass 81.
Subclass:
342
This subclass is indented under subclass 334. Subject matter
wherein the structure includes spring or other potential
energy storage means whereby a major portion of the force
exerted in actuating the contacts of the switch from one
condition to another is derived. The actuating force is
usually transmitted to the movable contact structure through
mechanical means upon the spring being released from its
energy storage position.
(1) Note. For other spring or energy storage means used in
devices of this class, see the subclasses listed under SEARCH
THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS in subclass 317.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 52+ for corresponding subject matter in an
electrothermally actuated switch. See (1) Note above.
349 for contact biasing, pressure control or adjusting
means.
Subclass:
343
This subclass is indented under subclass 342. Subject matter
wherein the mechanical structure comprises means whereby a
movable contact, or contacts, may be operated from a first
position to a second position, quickly as by a snap action,
the contact motion being independent of the rate of movement
of the operator. This is usually accomplished by a spring
connection between the operator and the contact carrier so
arranged that the initial movement of an operator places a
spring under tension whereby, upon release of a holding
means, the contact is snapped from one position to another.
(1) Note. For other snap action mechanisms used in devices
of this class, see SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 53+ for corresponding subject matter in an
electrothermal actuated switch. For other snap action
mechanisms used in devices of this class, see the subclasses
listed under SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS.
Subclass:
344
This subclass is indented under subclass 343. Subject matter
including means for setting up a field of magnetic flux
whereby the actuation of the movable contact, or contacts, is
at least in part influenced by magnetic force operative
within the flux field.
(1) Note. For other magnetic assist structures used in
devices of this class, see the subclasses listed under SEARCH
THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS in subclass 54.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
54 for similar subject matter in an electrothermally
actuated switch. See (1) Note above.
Subclass:
345
This subclass is indented under subclass 343. Subject matter
including significant details of a device consisting of two
elements joined together end to end at a knee joint and
normally not in a common plane whereby upon the application
of force to the knee tending to straighten the arrangement
the parts which are abutting or joined will receive an
endwise pressure thrust thereby operating the parts from a
first overcenter (nonaligned) position to a second over
center position.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
59 for similar subject matter in an electrothermally
actuated switch.
Subclass:
346
This subclass is indented under subclass 343. Subject matter
wherein the contact control structure includes frictional
clutch connecting means or other elements connected in such a
manner as to provide a significant time lag between the
application of a force to the control means by the thermal
responsive device and the transmittal of the applied force
directly to the movable contact or contacts.
Subclass:
347
This subclass is indented under subclass 343. Subject matter
including means whereby some operative characteristic of the
snap acting contact controlling structure or the thermal
responsive element may be adjusted at will or calibrated.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
57 for similar subject matter in an electrothermally
actuated switch.
319 for thermal, expansible fluid actuated snap action
switch with adjusting or calibration means for the snap
action means.
368 for thermal, bimetallic element snap action switch with
adjusting or calibration means for the snap action means.
Subclass:
348
This subclass is indented under subclass 343. Subject matter
including significant means whereby after the movable contact
or contacts have been actuated from one original condition to
another operated condition, due to heating of the thermal
responsive device, or by manual manipulation, the contacts
may be returned to the original condition either
automatically or manually, or means whereby a latching or
holding mechanism is reset to an operative condition wherein
the contact control means will be rigidly held in the
original condition until released by operation of the thermal
responsive device.
(1) Note. For other snap action reset or reclosing means
used in devices of this class, see SEARCH THIS CLASS,
SUBCLASSbelow.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
56 for similar structure in an electrothermally actuated
switch.
118 for other snap action reset or reclosing means used in
devices of this class, see the subclasses listed under SEARCH
THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS in subclass 118.
Subclass:
349
This subclass is indented under subclass 334. Subject matter
including significant details of means whereby a
predetermined or constant pressure is applied to the contacts
when in the circuit closing position or whereby such contact
pressure may be adjusted at will.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
67 for similar subject matter in electrothermally actuated
switches having bimetallic means combined with manual or
mechanical contact control means.
subclasses 342+ for structure whereby the movable contact
is biased toward open or closed condition by tension or
compression of a spring, which spring acts as an agent for
assisting in the reversal of contact positions, when such
reversal takes place.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
219, Electric Heating, subclass 515 for thermally responsive
switches in electric heater circuits and having adjusting
means.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclass 194 for similar subject matter
in electromagnetically operated switches.
374, Thermal Measuring and Testing, subclasses 141+ and
205+ for bimetallic thermometers combined with contact
pressure control means.
Subclass:
350
This subclass is indented under subclass 334. Subject matter
wherein the contact control means consists of structure
comprising a mechanical linkage whereby the movement of a
movable contact, or contacts, results from a force applied
thereto as a final result of the conversion of a force
applied in a first direction to a force applied in a second
direction; for example, a linear first motion may be
converted to a rotary motion about a fixed origin or pivot as
by a toggle linkage.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 58+ above for similar subject matter in
electrothermally actuated switches utilizing bimetallic
elements.
313 for thermal, expansible fluid actuated switch with
compound motion linkage.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclass
19.01 for periodic switches with combined motion operating
means.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclass 191 for electromagnetic
switches, with compound motion operating means.
Subclass:
351
This subclass is indented under subclass 334. Subject matter
including significant details of means whereby contact
opening or closing is accomplished by the operation of a
mechanical device moving in a rotary or oscillatory manner in
a single plane for example, circulatory motion in a
horizontal plane with a reversal of direction.
(1) Note. For other rotary or oscillatory mechanisms used
in devices in this class, see the subclasses listed under
SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS in subclass 10.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
61 for similar subject matter in electrothermally actuated
switches utilizing bimetallic elements.
149 for similar subject matter in electrothermally actuated
switches utilizing fusible elements.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclass 179
for automatic telephone type switches with rotary contact
selection means, subclasses 19.06+ and 19.18+ for rotary
periodic switches, subclasses 36+ for rotary controls in a
retarded switch, subclasses 410+; for snap switches with
rotary contacts and 564+ for rotating mechanical switches.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclasses 71+ for electromagnetic
switches with motor actuated contact control structure and
subclass 114 for automatic telephone type switches with
rotary selector means.
Subclass:
352
This subclass is indented under subclass 351. Subject matter
wherein the mechanical control means includes at least one
clutch or other frictional coupling means whereby the rotary
torque generated by a thermal responsive device is
transmitted to the contact control means.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
387 for similar subject matter in a thermally actuated
switch utilizing longitudinally expansible solid elements.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclass 180
for automatic telephone type switches with clutch means in
the rotary selector structure.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclasses 74+ for motor operated
electromagnetic switches with a brake or clutch in the
contact operating means.
Subclass:
353
This subclass is indented under subclass 351. Subject matter
including significant details of cam and follower mechanism
whereby the torque generated by the thermal responsive device
is transferred to the contact carrier or control means. For
purposes of classification, a device comprising a pin and
slot combination or a geneva wheel type movement are
considered as cam and follower devices and are classified
here.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
74, Machine Element or Mechanism, subclasses 567+ for cam
structure, per se.
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers subclass 19.03
for periodic switches with combined rotary and cam structure
in the contact control means, subclasses 19.13+ for multiple
contact periodic switches with cam and subclass 19.20 for
periodic switches, per se, with cam, subclass 38 for retarded
switches with cam operator.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclass 73 for motor driven
electromagnetic switches with eccentric or cam means in the
contact control means and subclass 190 for contact actuating
means, per se, utilizing cam, roller or eccentric means.
Subclass:
354
This subclass is indented under subclass 334. Subject matter
wherein the mechanical control means comprises structure
whereby contact opening or closing results from a sliding or
reciprocating motion (in a single plane) by the contact
carrier. The contact carrier or actuating means is generally
spring biased to open position and held closed by a latch
under the influence of a bimetallic element, which upon
heating, releases the latch and allows the contact control
means to move the contacts to open position under the
influence of the spring means.
(1) Note. For other reciprocating or sliding motion means
used in devices of this class, see the subclasses listed
subclass 10.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
62 for similar subject matter in an electrothermally
actuated switch utilizing bimetallic elements.
148 for similar subject matter in a fusible element actuated
switch of the electrothermally actuated type.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclass 16
for multiple circuit control means utilizing reciprocating
contacts, subclass 176 for automatic telephone type switches
utilizing reciprocating selective means and subclass 449 for
snap switches with reciprocating contacts.
Subclass:
355
This subclass is indented under subclass 334. Subject matter
including significant details of means whereby the movable
contact or contacts may be operated directly by either the
manual means or by the other mechanical means independently
of the operative condition of the thermal responsive device.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
69 for similar subject matter in electrothermally actuated
switches utilizing bimetallic elements.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclass 3
for mechanical multiple circuit control means combined with
thermal current actuated means.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclass 143 for electromagnetic
switches having independently operative electrothermal
actuating means.
Subclass:
356
This subclass is indented under subclass 334. Subject matter
wherein the mechanical structure includes significant details
of operating means whereby the contacts may be retained in a
first condition by a latch or detent capable of being tripped
by a thermal responsive device. The contacts are usually
held latched in a circuit closing condition and tripped to
open position.
(1) Note. For other latch mechanisms used in devices of
this class, see the subclasses listed under SEARCH THIS
CLASS, SUBCLASS in subclass 46.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 70+ for similar subject matter in an
electrothermally actuated switch utilizing bimetallic
elements.
128 for similar subject matter in electrothermally actuated
switches utilizing longitudinally expansible elements.
150 for latching or tripping structure in fusible element
actuated electrothermal switches.
385 for similar subject matter in thermally actuated
switches utilizing longitudinally expansive elements.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclasses
39+, 318+, 411+, 415, 424+, 470, and 471 for latch or trip
structure in various mechanical switches.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclasses 21+ for magnetic circuit
breakers with latch or trip structure, subclasses 167+ for
latching means in general in electromagnetic switches and
subclasses 172+ for tripping means in general.
Subclass:
357
This subclass is indented under subclass 356. Subject matter
wherein the latch or latch release structure is recited as
adjustable.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
129 for similar subject matter in an electrothermally
actuated switch utilizing a longitudinally expansible
element.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclass 176 for a magnetically control
latch tripping means with adjusting features.
Subclass:
358
This subclass is indented under subclass 356. Subject matter
including significant details of means whereby the claimed
latch, or latch release device, may be returned to its normal
operative condition after having completed the transition to
an unoperative condition.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 72+ for similar reclosing or resetting structure
in an electrothermally actuated switch utilizing bimetallic
elements.
130 for similar subject matter in electrothermally actuated
switches with longitudinally expansible elements.
155 for fusible element actuated electrothermal switches
with reclosing or reset means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclasses 26+ for electromagnetic
circuit breakers with reclosing or resetting structure and
166 for latch or trip reset means in general.
Subclass:
359
This subclass is indented under subclass 356. Subject matter
wherein a bimetallic element is the latch or forms part of or
is unitary with the latch or latch release means.
Subclass:
360
This subclass is indented under subclass 333. Subject matter
including significant details of means whereby the operating
temperature or range of temperatures sufficient or necessary
to actuate the main contact control means, and thereby
produce an opening or closing action thereof, is
predeterminedly fixed, varied at will or calibrated.
(1) Note. For other operating range or calibration means
used in the devices of this class, see the subclasses listed
under SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS in subclass 82.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 82+ for similar subject matter in
electrotherthermally actuated switches utilizing bimetallic
elements. See (1) Note above.
323 for similar subject matter in thermally responsive
expansible or vaporizable liquid controlled switches.
392 for similar subject matter in thermally responsive
longitudinally expansible solid actuated switches.
Subclass:
361
This subclass is indented under subclass 360. Subject matter
wherein the calibration or adjustment means is specifically
recited as comprising cam and follower or roller structure.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
305 for thermally actuated switches with mechanical timing
means and having cam or eccentric means for predetermining
the operative temperature range.
323 for similar subject matter in thermally actuated
switches utilizing expansive fluid elements.
392 for similar subject matter in thermally responsive
longitudinally expansible solid element actuated switches.
Subclass:
362
This subclass is indented under subclass 333. Subject matter
including at least one bimetallic element having a movable
contact, unitary with or directly connected thereto, which
movable contact is operative to open and/or close an electric
circuit as a result of a movement of the bimetallic element
when heated or cooled.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 85+ for similar subject matter in
electrothermally actuated switches.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
310, Electrical Generator or Motor Structure, subclasses 68+
for electric circuit making or breaking devices in
combination with a motorwinding and comprising a
bimetallically actuated contact means.
315, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Systems, subclass
72 for a flasher in the circuit of a discharge device, the
flasher constituting a bimetallic element and subclasses 209+
for discharge device systems with bimetallic periodic
switches.
340, Communications: Electrical, subclass 594 for
temperature responsive automatic alarm systems having
bimetallic means.
Subclass:
363
This subclass is indented under subclass 362. Subject matter
including significant details of at least two or more contact
pairs operative in such a manner that at least two or more
separate and distinct electrical circuits may be controlled
by the bimetallic contact actuating means. One of the
plurality of contacts may be common to more than a single
contact pair.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 41+ for electrothermally actuated switches
having bimetallic elements combined with mechanical contact
operating means.
subclasses 86+ for electrothermally actuated switches
having a plurality of contacts directly driven by the
bimetallic element or elements.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclass 3
for circuit makers and breakers for multiple circuit control
with thermal current devices.
219, Electric Heating, subclasses 483+ for power supply,
voltage or current regulating means for plural electrical
heating units, especially subclass 494, subclasses 508 for
plural heaters with switching means and 510+ for plural
heaters automatically controlled by thermal means.
307, Electrical Transmission of Interconnection Systems,
subclass 115 for switching systems with plural switches
selectively actuated.
315, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Systems, subclass
217 for plural electric discharge devices selectively
connected to a supply circuit.
Subclass:
364
This subclass is indented under subclass 363. Subject matter
including significant details of means whereby individual
contact pairs connected to external circuits may be actuated
in such a manner that a plurality of individually controlled
circuits are completed through the switching device
selectively, sequentially, or alternately.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
87 for similar subject matter in electrothermally actuated
switches.
Subclass:
365
This subclass is indented under subclass 362. Subject matter
wherein the claimed structure includes means whereby the
movable contact, or contacts, may be operated from a first
position to a second position quickly, as by a snap action
with the contact motion being independent of the rate of
movement of the operator. This may be accomplished by means
of a spring, a permanent magnet, or other appropriate means,
such as for example; an inherent characteristic or structure
of the bimetallic element itself.
(1) Note. For other snap action means used in devices in
this class, see the subclasses listed under SEARCH THIS
CLASS, SUBCLASS in subclass 53.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 89+ above for similar subject matter in
electrothermally actuated switches. See (1) Note above.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
62, Refrigeration, subclass 4 for refrigerator defrosting
apparatus utilizing bimetallic thermostatic elements
operative with a snap action.
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclasses
402+ for mechanical snap switches.
236, Automatic Temperature and Humidity Regulation, subclass
48 for automatic temperature control devices with snap
action.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclass 188 for electromagnetically
actuated switches with snap action.
Subclass:
366
This subclass is indented under subclass 365. Subject matter
including means for establishing a field of magnetic flux
whereby the actuation of the movable contact, or contacts, in
at least in part influenced by magnetic force operative
within the flux field. The magnetic flux source is generally
a permanent magnet.
(1) Note. For other magnetic assist means used in devices
of this class, see SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
54 For other magnetic assist means used in devices of this
class, see the subclasses listed under SEARCH THIS CLASS,
SUBCLASS in subclass 54.
90 for similar subject matter in electrothermally actuated
switches. See (1) Note, above.
Subclass:
367
This subclass is indented under subclass 365. Subject matter
including significant means whereby, after the movable
contact (or contacts) has been actuated from one condition to
another condition, the contacts may be returned to the
original condition either automatically or manually.
(1) Note. For other snap action reset means used in the
devices of this class, see SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS
below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
91 for similar subject matter in an electrothermally
actuated switch. See (1) Note above.
118 for other snap action reset means used in the devices of
this class, see the subclasses listed under SEARCH THIS
CLASS, SUBCLASS in subclass 118.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
318, Electricity: Motive Power Systems, subclasses 471+
for automatic motor control devices responsive to thermal
conditions, especially subclass 473.
Subclass:
368
This subclass is indented under subclass 365. Subject matter
including means whereby some operative characteristic of the
specifically recited snap acting contact controlling
structure or the thermal responsive bimetallic element may be
adjusted at will or calibrated.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
57 for electrothermally actuated switches utilizing
mechanical snap acting contact control means with calibration
or adjustment means.
319 for expansible fluid, thermally actuated switch with
adjustable snap action means.
347 for thermally actuated switches utilizing mechanical
snap action contact actuation means having adjusting or
calibrating means.
Subclass:
369
This subclass is indented under subclass 362. Subject matter
including significant details, specifically recited, of means
whereby the contacts (of at least one electrical circuit) are
intermittently or cyclically opened or closed directly under
the influence of a thermal responsive bimetallic element.
(1) Note. For other cyclical or intermittent actuators used
in devices of this class, see Search This Class, Subclass,
below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 92+ for similar subject matter in an
electrothermally actuated switch. For other cyclical or
intermittent actuators used in devices of this class, see the
subclasses listed under subclass 92.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclass
19.01 for mechanical periodic switches.
307, Electrical Transmission or Interconnection Systems,
subclass 132 for repetitive make and break switches.
315, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Systems, subclass
72 for a load device combined with a periodic switch, and
subclass 209 for discharge device systems with a periodic
switch in the supply circuit of a discharge device or
devices.
318, Electricity: Motive Power Systems, subclass 117 for
periodic thermoelectric motor systems.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclasses 87+ for electromagnetically
operated vibrators.
340, Communications: Electrical, subclasses 593+ for
automatic alarm systems with thermally responsive vibrators.
Subclass:
370
This subclass is indented under subclass 362. Subject matter
including significantly recited details of at least two or
more separate and distinct bimetallic elements acting
conjointly or cooperatively to control a set of electrical
contacts from a first condition to a second position. Each
of the separate elements may carry one of the contacts or the
elements may be connected to one another with one element
carrying at least one movable contact.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 95+ for similar subject matter in
electrothermally actuated switches.
378 for bimetallic element thermal switches in which one or
more bimetallic elements acts simply as a compensation
means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
374, Thermal Measuring and Testing, subclass 204 for
bimetallic element thermometers with plural elements.
Subclass:
371
This subclass is indented under subclass 370. Subject matter
wherein at least two of the bimetallic elements are described
as responsive to diverse environmental conditions, such as
ambient temperatures of as being of diverse operating
characteristics whereby the opening or closing of an
electrical circuit takes place as a result of the operating
condition of all the elements acting as a whole.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
96 for similar subject matter in an electrothermally
actuated switch.
Subclass:
372
This subclass is indented under subclass 362. Subject matter
including significant details of the means by which at least
one contact bearing thermal responsive bimetallic element is
mounted on or attached to a housing or support.
Subclass:
373
This subclass is indented under subclass 333. Subject matter
including significant details of contact structure,
composition of material or arrangement peculiarly adapted for
operation through the agency of at least one thermal
responsive bimetallic element.
(1) Note. For other contact compositions or structures used
in devices of this class, see the subclasses listed under
SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS in subclass 26.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
109 for similar subject matter in electrothermally
responsive switches. See (1) Note above.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
29, Metal Working, subclasses 874+ for processes of
mechanical manufacture of electrical contacts.
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclasses
238+ for details of contacts, per se.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclasses 196+ for contact composition
or structure in electromagnetically actuated switches.
Subclass:
374
This subclass is indented under subclass 373. Subject matter
wherein the contact structure includes means whereby the
relative position of the contacts, when in the nonoperated or
open position, may be adjusted by an operator at will.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 360+ for thermal bimetallic element switch with
means to adjust operating temperature range of the switch.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclass 197 for adjustable contact
structure in electromagnetically actuated switches.
Subclass:
375
This subclass is indented under subclass 374. Subject matter
wherein the adjustment means comprises a direct thrust
element, such as a bearing or stud, adapted to adjustably
contact a leaf spring acting as a contact carrier or
support.
Subclass:
376
This subclass is indented under subclass 333. Subject matter
including significant details of signal, alarm or other
indicating means whereby the operative condition of the
switch, or some abnormal condition within the switch
structure, may be ascertained either visually, or audibly or
by a combination of both.
(1) Note. For other signal or indicator means used in
devices of this class, see Search This Class, Subclass
below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
79 for electrothermally actuated switches utilizing
bimetallic elements combined with mechanical contact
actuating means, and having signal or indicating means. For
other signal or indicator means used in devices of this
class, see the subclasses listed under Search This Class,
Subclass in subclass 79.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclasses
308+ for indicator details of mechanical switches.
219, Electric Heating, subclass 506 for automatic regulating
and control means for electric heaters with signal and
indicating means.
236, Automatic Temperature and Humidity Regulation, subclass
94 for thermostatically operated automatic temperature
regulator means with indicator or alarm means.
Subclass:
377
This subclass is indented under subclass 333. Subject matter
including significant details of structure comprising heat
generating, radiating, or concentrating means, such as
heating coils, high resistance elements, heat sinks or solar
ray reflectors, which serve to augment the heating effect of
the ambient material from which the device derives its main
source of heat.
(1) Note. For other auxiliary heating means used in devices
of this class, see Search This Class, Subclass below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 102+ for similar subject matter in
electrothermally actuated switches with bimetallic elements.
For other auxiliary heating means used in devices of this
class, see the subclasses listed under Search This Class,
Subclass in subclass 102.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
219, Electric Heating, subclass 511 for thermally responsive
automatically operated switch means for an electric heater
and having auxiliary heating means for the thermal element.
Subclass:
378
This subclass is indented under subclass 333. Subject matter
including significant details of means whereby any tendency
toward variation of the operative characteristics of a switch
device due to external conditions such as physical distortion
due to ambient temperature, changes in external temperature,
thermal current, etc. are compensated for.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 99+ for similar subject matter in
electrothermally actuated switches.
124 for longitudinally expansible solid element switch with
voltage or ambient temperature compensating means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
374, Thermal Measuring and Testing, subclass 197 for a
mechanical thermometer with compensation, and subclasses 198+
for an adjustable mechanical thermometer.
Subclass:
379
This subclass is indented under subclass 333. Subject matter
relating to specific details of the physical structure or the
composition of matter utilized in the construction of a
bimetallic element or elements significantly adapted for use
in a thermally actuated switch.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
111 for similar subject matter in a thermoelectrically
actuated switch.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
29, Metal Working, appropriate subclasses, especially
subclass 400.1 for methods of manufacture.
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, subclasses
577+ for metallic intermediate articles and blanks, and
subclasses 616+ for plural layered metallic stock which is
deflectable by a temperature change and defined in terms of
its composition.
Subclass:
380
This subclass is indented under subclass 333. Subject matter
including significant details of housing, casing, or support
structure peculiarly adapted for use with thermally actuated
switches.
(1) Note. For other housing, casing, or support structures
used in devices of this class, see the subclasses listed
under SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS in subclass 20.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 112+ above for similar subject matter in
electrothermally actuated switches. See (1) Note above.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclasses
293+ for details of housings or bases for mechanical
switches in general.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclass 202 for electromagnetically
actuated switches with housings.
Subclass:
381
This subclass is indented under subclass 380. Subject matter
wherein the housing, casing, or support structure includes
means whereby an electrical circuit may be completed through
the switch enclosed therein or supported thereby. The
housing may comprise a flexible cord connector plug, for
instance.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
113 above for similar subject matter in electrothermally
actuated switches.
subclasses 187+ for fusible element switches with housing,
casing or support having external circuit connection means.
Subclass:
382
This subclass is indented under subclass 298. Subject matter
wherein the thermally responsive switching device comprises
at least one monometallic solid element whose coefficient of
expansion along its major axis is utilized to cause the
opening or closing of an electrical circuit as a result of
the change in dimension of the element. The element may be
fixedly secured at both ends, around its circumference, or at
one end only, according to the design of the switch.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 123+ above for similar subject matter in an
electrothermally actuated switch.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
219, Electric Heating, subclass 512 for automatically
operated switching means for an electric heater utilizing
linearly expansible metal.
236, Automatic Temperature and Humidity Regulation, subclass
5, 19, 33, 43, 59+, 66, 96, and 101+ for automatic
temperature control devices utilizing expansible solid
thermostats.
237, Heating Systems, subclass 8 for heating systems with
automatic control with expansible metal.
374, Thermal Measuring and Testing, subclasses 187+ for
expansible solid type thermometers.
Subclass:
383
This subclass is indented under subclass 382. Subject matter
including significant details of at least two or more contact
pairs operative in such a manner that at least two or more
separate and distinct electrical circuits may be controlled
by the longitudinally expansible element. One of the
plurality of contacts may be common to more than a single
contact pail.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 41+ for similar subject matter in
electrothermally responsive bimetallic element actuated
switches.
subclasses 145+ for similar subject matter in fusible
element actuated electrothermally responsive expansible fluid
actuated switches.
subclasses 309+ for similar subject matter in thermally
responsive expansible fluid actuated switches.
subclasses 337+ for similar subject matter in thermally
responsive bimetallic element actuated switches.
406 for fusible, combustible or explosive material element
switches with multiple contacts or plural circuit control
means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclass 3
for multiple circuit control devices combined with thermal
current responsive devices.
307, Electrical Transmission or Interconnection Systems,
subclass 39 for systems comprising plural load circuits
selectively controlled by temperature responsive means, and
subclass 117 for switching systems with heat responsive
control means.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclasses 106+ for multiple contact
type electromagnetic switches.
Subclass:
384
This subclass is indented under subclass 382. Subject matter
including manual or other mechanical means acting conjointly
or cooperatively with at least one longitudinally expansible
element or which acts as an intermediary between the
thermally responsive expansible element and at least one
movable contact thereby opening or closing an electrical
circuit.
(1) Note. For other manual or mechanical control means used
in the devices of this class, see SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS
below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
115 For other manual or mechanical control means used in the
devices of this class, see the subclasses listed under Search
This Class, Subclass in subclass 115.
subclasses 126+ for similar subject matter in an
electrothermally actuated switch. See (1) Note above.
Subclass:
385
This subclass is indented under subclass 384. Subject matter
including significant details of means whereby the switch
contacts may be restrained in an open or closed condition by
a latch or detent which may be tripped by the action of the
thermally deformable device. The contacts are usually held
in circuit closing position and tripped to open position by
release of the latching means.
(1) Note. For other latches or trips used in devices of
this class, see Search This Class, Subclass below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
46 for other latches or trips used in devices of this class,
see the subclasses listed under Search This Class, Subclass
in subclass 46.
subclasses 128+ for similar subject matter in an
electrothermally actuated switch. See (1) Note above.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclasses 43+ for thermally actuated
latch or trip means in automatic circuit interrupters of the
electromagnetic type.
Subclass:
386
This subclass is indented under subclass 384. Subject matter
wherein the mechanical contact control structure includes
means whereby the force applied to the intervening control
structure by the operation of the thermal responsive element
is multiplied or amplified when applied to the movable
contact or contacts.
Subclass:
387
This subclass is indented under subclass 384. Subject matter
wherein the contact control structure includes frictional
clutch connecting means or other elements connected in such a
manner as to provide a significant time lag between the
application of a force to the control means, by the thermal
responsive device, and the transmittal of the applied force
directly to the movable contact or contacts.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
352 for thermally actuated bimetallic element switches with
frictional clutch in the drive means for a rotating
oscillatory mechanism for the switch actuator.
Subclass:
388
This subclass is indented under subclass 384. Subject matter
including spring or other potential energy storage means;
whereby a major portion of the force used in actuating the
contacts of the switch from one condition to another is
derived independently of the thermal responsive device.
Generally the movement of the movable contact in one
direction is directly responsive to action by the thermal
responsive element and in the other direction directly
responsive to the tendency of the spring to resume its
unstressed condition.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 52+ for similar subject matter in
electrothermally responsive bimetallic element actuated
switches.
subclasses 317+ for thermal, expansible fluid switch with
operating mechanism having spring or other energy storage
means.
subclasses 342+ for similar subject matter in thermally
responsive bimetallic element actuated switches.
subclasses 407+ for fusible material element switch with
operating mechanism having spring or other energy storage
means.
Subclass:
389
This subclass is indented under subclass 388. Subject matter
wherein the spring means consists of a resilient leaf, either
carrying the movable contact directly, or directly acting
upon a separate movable contact carrying leaf member.
Subclass:
390
This subclass is indented under subclass 388. Subject matter
including significant details of means whereby the opening or
closing contact motion is caused to take place abruptly and
is not dependent on the rate of movement of the thermally
responsive element. The contact movement is usually
accomplished by a spring connection between the operator and
the movable contact in such a manner that the initial
movement of the thermally responsive element or other
actuating means places the spring under tension, as by a
toggle, until released whereupon the movable contact is
snapped to open or closed position by the energy stored in
the spring.
(1) Note. For other snap action means used in devices of
this class, see SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
53 For other snap action means used in devices of this class,
see the subclasses listed under Search This Class, Subclass
in subclass 53.
subclasses 131+ above for similar subject matter in an
electrothermally actuated switch with a longitudinally
expansible element. See (1) Note above.
Subclass:
391
This subclass is indented under subclass 390. Subject matter
including significant details of a flexible vane or plate
means whereby the snapping action of the contacts is caused
to take place. The vane or plate may control the action of a
movable contact, or contacts, by its inherent tendency to
change curvature when heated or it may be under the influence
of a further temperature responsive element such as a wire or
ribbon which exerts a deforming force on the vane or plate
when cold and releases the force when expanded by heat.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 135+ for similar subject matter in
electrothermally actuated switches with longitudinally
expansible elements.
Subclass:
392
This subclass is indented under subclass 382. Subject matter
including significant details of means whereby the operative
temperature or range of temperature sufficient or necessary
to actuate the main contact control means and thereby produce
an opening or closing action thereof is predetermined, varied
at will or calibrated.
(1) Note. For other adjusting or calibrating means used in
the devices of this class, see SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
82 for other adjusting or calibrating means used in the
devices of this class, see the subclasses listed under Search
This Class, Subclass in subclass 82.
94 for similar subject matter in an electrothermally
actuated switch having a bimetallic element directly
actuating a movable contact.
323 for thermally actuated switches utilizing expansive or
vaporizable fluid.
subclasses 360+ for thermally actuated switches utilizing
bimetallic elements. See (1) Note above.
Subclass:
393
This subclass is indented under subclass 382. Subject matter
relating specifically to the physical structure or the
composition of matter utilized in the longitudinally
deformable thermal responsive element or elements. One
example of the structure to be found here includes "thermic
couples", consisting of two solid elements having the same or
different coefficients of expansion and being rigidly
attached at one or more points. When heated, one of the two
elements moves relative to the other thereby providing an
actuating force.
(1) Note. For a further filed of search in other classes
see SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 139+ for similar structure in an
electrothermally responsive device. For a further filed of
search in other classes consult the SEARCH CLASS notes under
the subclass definition of subclasses 139+.
Subclass:
394
This subclass is indented under subclass 393. Subject matter
wherein the expansible solid structure consists of a rod,
tube or cylinder device.
Subclass:
395
This subclass is indented under subclass 393. Subject matter
wherein the expansible solid structure consists of wire or
other stranded material.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
140 for similar subject matter in an electrothermally
actuated switch.
Subclass:
396
This subclass is indented under subclass 393. Subject matter
wherein the expansible solid structure consists of a
diaphragm, strip, or ribbon device.
Subclass:
397
This subclass is indented under subclass 382. Subject matter
including at least two or more thermally responsive
expansible solid elements acting either singly, conjointly,
or cooperatively in such a manner as to control the contact
opening and/or closing operation in a single switch device.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 38+ for electrothermally actuated switches
utilizing a plurality of bimetallic elements combined with a
single contact operating means.
subclasses 95+ for electrothermally actuated switches
utilizing plural bimetallic elements directly actuating
movable contacts.
subclasses 307+ for thermally actuated switches utilizing
plural expansible or vaporizable fluid devices.
subclasses 335+ for thermally actuated switches utilizing
plural bimetallic elements combined with a single mechanical
means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
374, Thermal Measuring and Testing, subclass 204 for
thermometers utilizing plural expanding solid elements.
Subclass:
398
This subclass is indented under subclass 382. Subject matter
wherein the claimed structure includes significant details of
housing, casing, or support structure peculiarly adapted for
use with switches of the thermal, expansible solid element
type.
(1) Note. For other housing, casing, or support means for
devices of this class, see the subclasses listed under SEARCH
THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS in subclass 20.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
174, Electricity: Conductors and Insulators, subclass 52.1
for housings with electric device and 145 for insulator
structure combined with connector means.
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclass 293
for casing or base structure for mechanical switches.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclass 202 for electromagnetic
switches with particular housing or support means.
439, Electrical Connectors, subclasses 621+ for an
electrical connector combined with a named fuse or comprising
a casing, housing, or holder for receiving and fully
enclosing a fuse.
Subclass:
399
This subclass is indented under subclass 382. Subject matter
including significant details of the mechanical structure of
composition of matter of the contact assembly, or its means
of attachment either to the thermally responsive element or
other supporting means.
(1) Note. For other contact structures or compositions used
in the devices of this class, see the subclasses listed under
SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS in subclass 26.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
109 for similar subject matter in electrothermally actuated
switches with bimetallic elements.
122 for details of contact structure in expansible fluid
actuated electrothermally responsive switches.
137 for details of contact structure in electrothermally
actuated switches utilizing longitudinally expansible
elements. See (1) Note above.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclasses
238+ for details of contacts for mechanical switches.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, appropriate subclasses, especially
subclass 57, 83, 97, 133+, and 196+ for details of contact
structure.
439, Electrical Connectors, appropriate subclasses for an
electrical connector, generally.
Subclass:
400
This subclass is indented under subclass 399. Subject matter
wherein the contact structure includes significant details of
means whereby the relative position of the contacts when at
rest may be varied or adjusted at will.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 374+ for similar subject matter in thermally
actuated switches utilizing bimetallic elements.
Subclass:
401
This subclass is indented under subclass 298. Subject matter
wherein the thermal responsive element, or elements, consists
of material, usually a wire or strip, which melts or
otherwise disintegrates under the influence of heat generated
in its immediate surroundings, thereby causing the opening or
closing of an electric circuit.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
30 for electrothermal switch combined with space discharge
device and including an explosive or combustible material
control means.
subclasses 142+ for similar subject matter in
electrothermally actuated switches.
243 for cartridge fuse with a signal or indicator comprising
explosive material.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
52, Static Structures (e.g., Buildings), subclass 232 for
building structures combined with a fuse.
73, Measuring and Testing, subclass 1.42 for timing
apparatus for measuring and testing and containing a fuse.
116, Signals and Indicators, subclass 106 for fusible
controlled signals and indicators.
122, Liquid Heaters and Vaporizers, subclass 504.1 and 504.3
for fusible controlled safety devices in liquid heaters and
vaporizers.
126, Stoves and Furnaces, subclass 287.5 for dampers with
fusible release.
169, Fire Extinguishers, subclass 42 for fire extinguishers
with fusible connections.
219, Electric Heating, subclass 517 for thermally responsive
automatic connection or disconnection devices for electric
heaters with fusible element control.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclass 142 for electromagnetic
switches with fuse means.
340, Communications: Electrical, subclasses 638+ for fuse
with automatic alarm responsive to the condition of the
fuse.
493, Manufacturing Container or Tube From Paper; or Other
Manufacturing From a Sheet or Web, subclasses 269+ for fuse
tube manufacturing.
Subclass:
402
This subclass is indented under subclass 401. Subject matter
including manual, gravity actuated or other mechanical means
acting cooperatively or conjointly with at least one fusible
element, or which acts as an intermediary between the fusible
element and at least one movable contact thereby opening or
closing an electrical circuit.
(1) Note. For other manual or mechanical contact control
means used in devices of this class, see the subclasses
listed under SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS in subclass 115.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 143+ for similar subject matter in
electrothermally actuated fuses. See (1) Note above.
Subclass:
403
This subclass is indented under subclass 402. Subject matter
wherein the mechanical contact control means is adapted to
interrupt a controlled electrical circuit automatically upon
the melting or otherwise destruction of the fusible element
or elements. The separating means usually consists of spring
or other energy storage structure held under compression or
tension until release by the melting of the fuse, whereupon
the contacts are forcibly opened.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 168+ for similar subject matter in
electrothermally actuated switches.
Subclass:
404
This subclass is indented under subclass 403. Subject matter
wherein the fusible element is directly interposed between
the main circuit contacts, maintaining the contact control
means immobile until melted or otherwise destroyed.
Subclass:
405
This subclass is indented under subclass 403. Subject matter
wherein the fusible material comprises an integral part of an
electrical circuit which is opened upon the melting or
disintegration of the fuse element.
Subclass:
406
This subclass is indented under subclass 402. Subject matter
including at least two or more contact pairs associated with
a single continuous electric circuit, to be controlled, or
includes means whereby at least two or more continuous
electric circuits are controlled by the contact controlling
means.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 145+ for similar subject matter in
electrothermally actuated switches.
Subclass:
407
This subclass is indented under subclass 402. Subject matter
wherein the contact control means includes spring or other
potential energy storage means whereby a major portion of the
force exerted in actuating the switch contacts from one
condition to another is derived.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 52+ for similar subject matter in
electrothermally actuated switches utilizing bimetallic
elements.
subclasses 317+ for thermally responsive expansible fluid
actuated switches with spring actuated contact control
means.
subclasses 342+ for similar subject matter in thermally
actuated switches utilizing bimetallic elements.
388 for thermal expansible solid element switch with
mechanical means having spring or other energy storage
means.
Subclass:
408
This subclass is indented under subclass 407. Subject matter
wherein the contact control structure includes mechanical
means whereby contact opening or closing results from a
rectilinear sliding or reciprocating motion of the operating
means under the influence of the spring means.
(1) Note. For other reciprocating or rectilinear sliding
means used in devices of this class, see the subclasses
listed under SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS in subclass 10.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
148 for similar subject matter in electrothermally actuated
switches with fusible elements. See (1) Note above.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclass
61.48 for switches of special application with oscillating
control means which is fusibly held.
439, Electrical Connectors, subclasses 816+ for a metallic
connector having a spring actuated or resilient securing
part.
Subclass:
409
This subclass is indented under subclass 408. Subject matter
wherein the sliding or reciprocating structure is
specifically recited as consisting of a spring biased plunger
or piston device.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
108 for similar subject matter in thermoelectrically
actuated switches.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
74, Machine Element or Mechanism, subclass 2 for
automatically controlled trip structure utilizing a fusibly
held piston actuator means.
137, Fluid Handling, subclasses 72+ especially subclass 75,
for heat destructible or fusible control means with spring
biased plunger.
Subclass:
410
This subclass is indented under subclass 407. Subject matter
wherein the spring driven control means comprises elements
rotating about a fixed axis and in a single plane.
(1) Note. For other rotatable or oscillatable means used in
devices of this class, see the subclasses listed under SEARCH
THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS in subclass 10.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
149 for similar subject matter in electrothermally actuated
switches utilizing fusible elements. See (1) Note above.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclass 410
for mechanical snap switches with rotating contacts and
subclass 465 for mechanical switches with rotating contacts.
Subclass:
411
This subclass is indented under subclass 402. Subject matter
including significant details of means whereby the main
switch contacts are latched, positively held or otherwise
retained either in an operative or inoperative position. The
latching means usually consists of mechanical means capable
of being tripped or released upon operation of the thermal
fuse.
(1) Note. For other latch, trip, or holding means used in
devices of this class, see the subclasses listed under
subclass 46.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 150+ for similar subject matter in
electrothermally actuated switches. See (1) Note above.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclasses
318+ for latch structure in mechanical switches.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclasses 43+ for thermally actuated
latch structure in electromagnetically actuated automatic
circuit breakers and subclasses 167+ for latch structure in
general in electromagnetically actuated switches.
Subclass:
412
This subclass is indented under subclass 401. Subject matter
including at least two or more fusible elements acting
independently, conjointly, or cooperatively to control the
opening and/or closing of a single electrical circuit.
(1) Note. The subject matter to be found here generally
relates to fire alarm type systems wherein a plurality of
fusible devices are distributed over an area to be protected
with the failure of any one or group of fuses completing or
otherwise actuating an electrical circuit.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
144 for similar subject matter in an electrothermally
actuated switch.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
116, Signals and Indicators, subclass 106 for fusible
controlled alarms in general.
340, Communications: Electrical, subclasses 590+ for
thermal condition responsive alarms with fusible sensors.
Subclass:
413
This subclass is indented under subclass 401. Subject matter
relating to significant details of the mechanical structure,
or composition of matter, of the contact elements or assembly
of the switch.
(1) Note. For other contact structure or composition used
in devices of this class, see the subclasses listed under
SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS in subclass 26.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 251+ for cartridge fuses with significant
contact or terminal structure.
subclasses 268+ for plug fuses with significant contact or
terminal structure.
subclasses 329+ for contact structure in thermally actuated
switches utilizing expansible fluid elements.
subclasses 373+ for thermally actuated switches utilizing
bimetallic elements.
subclasses 399+ for thermally actuated switches utilizing
longitudinally expansible solid means. See (1) Note above.
Subclass:
414
This subclass is indented under subclass 401. Subject matter
including significant details of housing, casing, or support
structure whereby the switch structure is protectively housed
or enclosed or support means whereby the switch device may be
mounted or supported in a fixed manner.
(1) Note. For other housing, casing, or support means used
in devices of this class, see the subclasses listed under
SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS in subclass 20.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 186+ for similar subject matter in an
electrothermally actuated switch utilizing fusible elements.
See (1) Note above.
Subclass:
415
This subclass is indented under subclass 414. Subject matter
wherein the housing structure comprises flexible or resilient
means of the cable type wherein the thermal responsive means
and the associated circuit conductors are housed. The
conductors are normally insulated and are bridged by the
action of the fusible material.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
174, Electricity: Conductors and Insulators, subclasses 70+
for cable conductor in general combined with other structure
which may comprise fusible or meltable insulation.
Subclass:
416
This subclass is indented under subclass 401. Subject matter
relating specifically to significant details of the physical
structure, or composition of material, of the fusible link or
element.
(1) Note. For a complete field of search in other classes
consult the notes under SEARCH CLASS in the subclasses 290+
search notes.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 290+ for similar subject matter in
electrothermally responsive fusible element actuated
switches.
Subclass:
417
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject
matter wherein the subject matter relates to miscellaneous
structures or details, peculiarly adapted for or intended for
use in electrothermally or thermally actuated switches, and
not forming a subcombination of a more complete or
comprehensive combination to be found elsewhere in the
class.
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