A. This is the generic class for processes of and apparatus for the storage or retrieval of arbitrarily variable information (as defined in the glossary below) which is retained in a storage medium by variation of a physical characteristic thereof. The information is stored or retrieved by causing or sensing a variation of a physical characteristic of the storage medium by a transducer having relative motion along a continuous path.
(1) Note. The record carrier must have continuous physical extent over the path of movement and be able to store a time-varying information signal. Static or discrete systems are classified elsewhere (see References to Other Classes, below).
(2) Note. The characteristic variation is one which must be retrievable by a transducer. Such variation producing only a directly perceptible indication (e.g., a graph), is classified elsewhere (see References to Other Classes, below).
B. This class includes processes and apparatus for the copying or editing of a storage medium within the above definition limited to such copying or editing including a step of storage or retrieval by relative motion.
C. This class includes the record carrier, per se, having particular information storage structure.

LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS
COMBINATIONS OF OTHER APPARATUS WHICH INCLUDE APPARATUS OF THIS CLASS
Significantly claimed subject matter external to this class, claimed in combination with apparatus under the class definition, is classified in the class appropriate to the external apparatus.
The combination of an audio signal producing device with the subject matter of this class is classified in this class, except the combination with telephone signal devices are classified elsewhere. (See References to Other Classes, below.)
Nominally claimed apparatus external to this class, claimed in combination with apparatus under the class definition, is classified herein. (See Subclass References to the Current Class, below.)
SUBCOMBINATIONS OF DYNAMIC INFORMATION STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL
This class includes elements and subcombinations peculiar to the subject matter of this class (e.g., a phonos:graphic stylus and cartridge).
(1) Note. Subcombination devices of general utility such as piezoelectric transducers are classified elsewhere.
Electrical circuitry which may be used in dynamic storage or retrieval, but which is not unique thereto is found in the appropriate class for such circuitry.
Mechanisms forming subcombinations of storage or retrieval devices, are classified in the appropriate mechanical class.
DYNAMIC MAGNETIC INFORMATION STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL
Class 360 provides for information storage and retrieval by causing or sensing modification of a magnetic condition on a record. Class 360 is to be considered an integral part of Class 369 and follows the schedule hierarchy, retaining all pertinent definitions and class lines, thereof. Classification in Class 360 is evidenced by either explicit recitation or sole disclosure of magnetic structure.
ORGANIZATION OF THIS CLASS
For the organization of this class, see Subclass References to the Current Class, below.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
1 through 12, Combined with Independent Audio System, for a device of this class and an operatively related audio signal source of independent content. These subclasses may include specific magnetic storage or retrieval devices.
13 through 18, Diverse Types of Storage and Retrieval: for devices having differing intended kinds of storage and retrieval. These subclasses may include specific magnetic storage or retrieval devices.
53 through 58, Control Functions: for devices and processes for modifying or maintaining the storage or retrieval operation, other than for sequential storage medium selection.
53 through 58, Monitoring of Condition: for devices which indicate a condition of a storage or retrieval device or a subcombination thereof.
59 through 85, Special Purpose Devices: for devices designed for use with or control of diverse type devices, or particular processing of the information signal.
69 for nominally claimed apparatus external to this class, claimed in combination with apparatus under the class definition.
99 through 173, General Recording or Reproducing; for methods and devices which are concerned with either the physics of storage or retrieval or processing of the information signal.
174 and 175, Signal Modification: for devices which are basically electronic in nature and are used to modify, correct, or insure the efficient storage or retrieval of information signals, and are not limited to any particular type of storage or retrieval.
176 through 257, Dynamic Mechanism Subsystems: for mechanism subcombinations peculiar to storage or retrieval absent more than nominal information handling structure.
272 through 291, Structure of Storage Medium: for structure of the storage medium element having significant structure for carrying information.
292 Miscellaneous: for subject matter under the class definition and not found above.

REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
181, Acoustics, appropriate subclasses for nonelectrical sound wave handling systems and components.
235, Registers, for static or discrete systems. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, "Static or Discrete Systems"
310, Electrical Generator or Motor Structure, 300 for piezoelectric transducers, per se.
312, Supports: Cabinet Structure, 9.1 for phonograph cabinets without storage or retrieval structure.
340, Communications: Electrical, subclass 692 for an alarm system having a sound reproducer.
346, Recorders, appropriate subclasses for storage of information on a medium in a directly human perceptible form.
346, Recorders, for variation producing only a directly perceptible indication (e.g., a graph). (Class Definition,
(2) Note, above.)
352, Optics: Motion Pictures, 1 for subject matter of this class combined with motion picture recording or projection.
353, Optics: Image Projectors, 15 for image projectors with sound accompaniment.
355, Photocopying, subclass 31 and 98 for copying optical sound records.
360, Dynamic Magnetic Information Storage or Retrieval, appropriate subclasses for magnetic storage or retrieval analogs to the subclasses following Class 18 (See Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, "Dynamic Magnetic Information Storage and Retrieval, " above).
365, Static Information Storage and Retrieval, for static or discrete systems. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, "Static or Discrete Systems"
379, Telephonic Communications, 67.1 for similar subject matter combined with a telephone system component; and other appropriate subclasses for electrical audio signal handling, in general. The combination of an audio signal producing device with the subject matter of this class (369) is classified in this class (369), except the combination with telephone signal devices are classified in Class 379, subclasses 67.1+. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, "Combinations of Other Apparatus")
381, Electrical Audio Signal Processing and Systems and Devices, appropriate subclasses for electrical audio signal handling in general.
386, Television Signal Processing for Dynamic Recording or Reproducing, 1 for color television recording or reproducing; and subclasses 46+ for recording or reproducing with video signal processing.
399, Electrophotography, subclass 10 for storage of data on the operation of an electrophotos:graphic device (i.e., log report) and subclass 83 for job mode selection with memory.
455, Telecommunications, appropriate subclasses for radio devices.
505, Superconductor Technology: Apparatus, Material, Process, 150 for high temperature (T[subscrpt]c[end subscrpt] > 30 K) superconducting material, particularly subclasses 170+ for dynamic information storage or retrieval.
704, Data Processing: Speech Signal Processing, Linguistics, Language Translation, and Audio Compression/Decompression, 200 for speech signal processing involving data processing.
711, Electrical Computers and Digital Processing Systems: Memory, subclass 4 for addressing dynamic storage devices including address formation or manipulation and subclasses 111+ for data accessing and control techniques for dynamic storage devices in digital data processing systems.

GLOSSARY:
INFORMATION OR INFORMATION SIGNAL
A time varying physical quantity representing desired intelligence, often an audible sound or an electrical signal.
RETRIEVAL
Production or reproduction of a stored information signal from the storage medium characteristics.
RECORD
(1) (noun) The pattern of modulation by the information signal of the variable storage medium characteristic. (2) (verb) To effect storage of an information signal. As these terms have the same spelling the terms "store", "storage medium", and variants thereof will be preferred usage in the schedule and definitions in order to avoid confusion.
RECORD CARRIER
A tangible object upon which an information signal is stored, synonymous with storage medium.
STORAGE
Retention of information in a permanent or semipermanent form, or establishing such retention.
STORAGE MEDIUM
An object having a characteristic which is, or may be, modified at positional increments in accordance with the time variation of information which is stored thereon.
TRACK OR STORAGE TRACK
A continuous path of an intelligence varied characteristic on the storage medium.
TRACKING
Following a storage track by a transducer assembly or a component thereof.
TRANSDUCER ASSEMBLY
The combination of an energy conversion device (transducer)
and device coupling the energy conversion device to a storage medium so as to sense or to cause a variation of a characteristic therein.

COMBINED INDEPENDENT AUDIO SYSTEMS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter combined with another audio signal system capable of operating independently of the storage or retrieval device.
(1) Note. Such distinct apparatus includes public address systems or radios.
(2) Note. The apparatus may include an additional storage or retrieval device.
(3) Note. The storage or retrieval device may be of the magnetic type.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
379, Telephonic Communications, 68 for a dynamic audio signal recorder or reproducer combined with a telephone system or component thereof.

Changeover between audio systems:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter having switching structure to selectively connect the independent audio systems.

Fading between plural signals:
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Subject matter wherein the switching structure includes a signal handling element which varies continuously over a period of time the ratio of two input signals to form a resultant signal which is composed solely of the first signal prior to the specified period and solely of the second signal subsequent to said period.

Combining signals to form composite (e.g., mixing):
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter wherein the independent audio signals are concurrently passed through a common signal handling element to produce a resultant of both signals.
(1) Note. The signals to be combined may be relatively or separately adjusted, and monitored to produce a desired resultant effect.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
53 for monitoring of a storage or retrieval system.
83 for editing of stored information, in general.

One of systems having plural concurrent signal (e.g., stereophonic):
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter wherein one of the systems provides a plurality of signals simultaneously.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
86 for storage or retrieval systems for spatially related acoustic signals.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
381, Electrical Audio Signal Processing Systems and Devices, 1 circuitry, in general.

Radio:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter including a system which converts radio frequency energy to audible energy.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
455, Telecommunications, for radio devices, per se.

Including recording from radio:
This subclass is indented under subclass 6. Subject matter wherein an audio signal output of the radio is connected to the storage input.
(1) Note. The connection is usually part of an overall selection of program sources for the loud speaker output.

Oscillator modulated by retrieved information signal:
This subclass is indented under subclass 6. Subject matter including a source of oscillations controlled or otherwise modulated by the information retrieval device.
(1) Note. The oscillator is often a local oscillator in the radio circuit.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
129 for a mechanical retrieval controlled oscillator.

Mechanical phonograph:
This subclass is indented under subclass 6. Subject matter wherein the radio and a mechanical phonograph are coupled by a common acoustical element.

With common cabinet for cartridge or cassette:
This subclass is indented under subclass 6. Subject matter wherein the radio housing includes structure unitary therewith for receiving a housing including a storage medium.

Including separable assembly:
This subclass is indented under subclass 6. Subject matter wherein (a) a radio is converted to a cartridge/cassette
player by combining a cartridge/cassette module therewith, or (b) a cartridge/cassette player is converted to a radio by combining a radio module therewith.
(1) Note. A radio module includes a cartridge or cassette housing with radio circuitry therein.

Cabinet details:
This subclass is indented under subclass 6. Subject matter including structural details of an enclosure surrounding the components of the radio and signal retrieval system.
(1) Note. The cabinet structure must include some specific detail of the combined system, or an element thereof, otherwise such structure is classified as a cabinet, per se.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
75.1 for similar subject matter including only a storage or retrieval device.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
174, Electricity: Conductors and Insulators, 50 for boxes and housing limited by claimed structure to electrical use but having no characteristic limiting them to particular electrical equipment; and subclasses 250+ for printed circuit arrangements of general utility.
181, Acoustics, 148 for a diaphragm mounted in a cabinet.
312, Supports: Cabinet Structure, 9.1 for cabinets or enclosures especially designed to house phonograph instruments or records.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, 600 for boxes and mountings in combination with electrical apparatus having no significant art limitation, or boxes and mounting in combination with plural diverse electrical apparatus.

STORAGE DIFFERENT FROM RETRIEVAL (E.G., OPTICAL RECORDING AND MAGNETIC REPRODUCTION):
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein storage medium sensing for signal retrieval is diverse from storage medium modification for signal storage.
(1) Note. The term "diverse" refers to physically different changes, e.g., magnetic, optical, mechanical.
(2) Note. For classification herein the diverse types of storage and retrieval must be claimed together. Alternative embodiments of an invention claimed separately are classified elsewhere.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
17 for conversion of the information from a variation in one characteristic to a variation in a different characteristic of the storage medium.
85 for transfer of stored information from a storage medium to another of diverse type.

SIMULTANEOUS DIVERSE TYPES OF STORAGE OR RETRIEVAL:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter for information signal storage by concurrent diverse types of storage medium modification, or information signal retrieval by concurrent diverse types of storage medium sensing.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
93 for plural, spatially distinct tracks stored or retrieved by the same type of storage or retrieval.

ALTERNATIVE DIVERSE TYPES OF STORAGE OR RETRIEVAL:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter for information signal storage by selection of one of diverse types of storage medium modification, or for the information signal retrieval by selection of one of diverse types of storage medium sensing.
(1) Note. Exemplary of such subject matter would be a recording or reproducing device for an elongate web record carrier having both magnetic and radiation transducers which may be alternatively switched into a circuit for use with either a photos:graphic or magnetic tape.

MECHANICAL PRODUCTION OF OPTICAL STORAGE TRACK:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter in which information is mechanically recorded onto a storage medium to produce variations in the transmissivity or reflectivity of the storage medium.
(1) Note. This subject matter combined with claimed optical reading of the storage medium is classified in subclass 13, above.
(2) Note. This subject matter often includes mechanical cutting of an opaque layer covering the storage medium.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
127 for mechanical information storage, in general.

TRACK CONVERSION:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter including changing from a first type to a second type of track having the same signal content on the same storage medium.
(1) Note. Included herein is conversion from an optical track to a magnetic track.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
85 for copying a sound track onto a separate storage medium of a different type.

OPTICAL READING OF MECHANICAL RECORD:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter including retrieval by optical sensing of a mechanically recorded track.
(1) Note. Included herein are devices with photosensitive pickups for grooved records.

CONTROL BY TIMER OR EXTERNAL EXTRANEOUS CONDITION:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter including modification of an operating
condition of the storage or retrieval device by apparatus responsive to time or to a condition other than an information parameter and external to the storage or retrieval device.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
47 for control of a storage or retrieval operation by an information related parameter.

By diverse art device:
This subclass is indented under subclass 19. Subject matter wherein the operating condition is controlled by apparatus having utility other than to perfect the storage or retrieval of a signal.
(1) Note. Detailed structure of the diverse art device is classified therewith.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
70 for control of diverse art device by storage or retrieval device.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
340, Communications: Electrical, subclass 692 for a sound reproducer controlled by an alarm circuit.
434, Education and Demonstration, subclass 366 for abnormal condition simulating devices.

In vehicle or elevator:
This subclass is indented under subclass 19. Subject matter wherein the storage or retrieval device is located in a movable passenger carrying compartment.
(1) Note. The controlling condition may be external to the vehicle.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
340, Communications: Electrical, 139 and 901+ for a communication device for an elevator or a vehicle, in general.

Audible indicator:
This subclass is indented under subclass 20. Subject matter wherein the retrieval device is an audible reproducer, the content of the reproduced sound information being the value, generally numerical, of the time or condition to which the device responds.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
379, Telephonic Communications, 67 for similar subject matter in a telephone system.

Talking clock:
This subclass is indented under subclass 22. Subject matter wherein the reproduced sound information is the time.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
368, Horology: Time Measuring Systems or Devices, subclass 63 for talking clocks including details of the time determining device.

OPERATOR ACTUATED REMOTE CONTROL OR INFORMATION LOCATION:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter including control of a storage or retrieval apparatus by an operator either (a) from a geos:graphically spaced location, or (b) of physical location of the information on a storage medium.
(1) Note. This subclass does not include conventional control of signal processing such as on-off or volume controls.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
340, Communications: Electrical, 825 for electrical remote control transmission systems of general utility.

Dictation or transcribing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 24. Subject matter particularly adapted to audibly record or reproduce the spoken intended contents of a document.
(1) Note. Examples of such adaptation are facilitating correction of stored audio information subsequent to storage and prior to retrieval, or facilitating retrieval and modification thereof (e.g., backspacing).
(2) Note. A storage or retrieval device designated as for dictation or transcription, merely by name and absent structure therefor, is not classified herein.

Privacy:
This subclass is indented under subclass 25. Subject matter with provision for preventing access to a dictation circuit or signal, or to the corresponding portions of the storage medium.
(1) Note. Examples include antibackspace tones, and busy or in use signals.

With access to or marking of specified locations (e.g., indexing):
This subclass is indented under subclass 25. Subject matter having structure to indicate the location of the current, or another designated, positioned increment along the storage medium.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
53 for condition indication and monitoring of a storage or retrieval device, in general.

By stored additional signal (e.g., tone):
This subclass is indented under subclass 27. Subject matter wherein the indication is given by a signal stored in the same manner as the information signal.
(1) Note. Such indicating signals are often reproduced as audible tones.

Remote station (e.g., multiple stations or recording devices):
This subclass is indented under subclass 25. Subject matter wherein the source of the audible information to be stored and control equipment is located remotely from, and connected by an audible signal transmitting line to the storage device.
(1) Note. The source is often a telephone-type handset.
(2) Note. The connecting line is often similar to a telephone system connecting a plurality of audible information devices, or of storage devices. However, classification is herein unless the system is recited to be a telephone system, or conversation is possible over such a system (e.g., between handsets).

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
379, Telephonic Communications, subclass 75 for remote dictation over a telephone system.

Selective addressing or storage medium (e.g., programmed access, "juke box"):
This subclass is indented under subclass 24. Subject matter wherein the control function includes storage on or retrieval from a designated storage medium element or portion thereof.
(1) Note. The term "random access" is sometimes used for such device. However, such usage should be carefully distinguished from random selection or indexing which is classified in subclasses 66 and 98, and refers to selection absent prior designation.
(2) Note. Positive recitation of steps or apparatus for designation is necessary for classification herein.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
57 for manual tone arm positioning adjuncts.
178 for selection of storage medium absent designation.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
360, Dynamic Magnetic Information Storage or Retrieval, 75
for random access of a magnetic record carrier.
434, Education and Demonstration, appropriate subclasses, particularly 322 for nominal audio reproduction combined with recording of, or controlling by operator response to instruction, or combined with audible description corresponding to displayed visual matter, other than a display or listing.

Novelty device (e.g., talking doll):
This subclass is indented under subclass 30. Subject matter wherein the storage medium is associated with a novelty device.
(1) Note. Usually the novelty device constitutes the housing for a sound reproducer. Thus, a doll with a pull string by which the reproducer will emit one of several messages as selected by the direction of a pull on the string.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
63 for similar subject matter absent selective addressing.

With specified electrical information signal processing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 30. Subject matter including detail of handling the information signal.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
99 for information signal processing absent selective addressing.

With specified electrical control signal processing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 30. Subject matter including detail of handling of an electrical signal which affects the operation of storage medium element or portion selection.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
340, Communications: Electrical, subclass 825.24 and 825.25
for similar subject matter absent structure detail of signal storage.

Plural storage medium elements:
This subclass is indented under subclass 33. Subject matter wherein the selection is of one of a plurality of separate storage medium elements.

Plural nontranslating storage elements (e.g., in situ):
This subclass is indented under subclass 30. Subject matter having plural storage elements wherein the transducing assembly produces all storage element selecting motion.
(1) Note. The transducing assembly may have associated structure for driving the storage element in use.
(2) Note. The storage elements have no motion other than that used for storage or retrieval.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
39 for a scanning turntable which moves the storage element from its nonselected position in a plural disc carrier.

With unitary plural disc carrier:
This subclass is indented under subclass 30. Subject matter wherein an integrated mechanical array holds the discs in some way that they are readily accessible for selection.
(1) Note. The array holding the discs may be referred to as a magazine.
(2) Note. This subject matter absent storage medium designation is classified in subclass 192 and cross-reference thereto should not be made in the absence of a nonselective embodiment.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
318, Electricity: Motive Power Systems, 567 for electric motor positioning systems not limited to subject of this class as an end element or load.

Radial array:
This subclass is indented under subclass 36. Subject matter wherein the mechanical array holds the storage discs in a nonparallel pattern or spacing, which pattern may have characteristic lines with a common center.
(1) Note. Either the array or retrieval station may move for selective positioning.
(2) Note. The diameter of each disc in a common plane may be seen to radiate from the same center.
(3) Note. The array classified here may be merely a segment or a portion, or an entire circumference.
(4) Note. Arrays of small groups of discs, possibly parallel within each group but spaced radially group to group are classified here.
(5) Note. This subject matter absent storage medium designation is classified in subclass 192 and cross-reference thereto should not be made in the absence of a nonselective embodiment.

Moving linear array:
This subclass is indented under subclass 36. Subject matter wherein the mechanical array holds the storage discs in parallel along a common axis, and which array is movable along such axis for positioning a selected disc adjacent a retrieval station.
(1) Note. Arrays of small groups of discs, parallel within each group but spaced radially group to group are classified in subclass 37 above.
(2) Note. This subject matter absent storage medium designation is classified in subclass 192 and cross-reference thereto should not be made in the absence of a nonselective embodiment.

Scanning turntable:
This subclass is indented under subclass 36. Subject matter wherein the storage medium motion producer moves along a stationary array for positioning relative to a selected disc.
(1) Note. The storage medium motion producer may be a turntable of such small diameter as to permit access to both sides of a disc.
(2) Note. This subject matter absent storage medium designation is classified in subclass 192 and cross-reference thereto should not be made in the absence of a nonselective embodiment.

By manually actuated mechanism for movement of tone arm:
This subclass is indented under subclass 30. Subject matter including a hand actuated linkage coupled to a tone arm for setting to a selected position on a storage disc.

Of track on single storage medium:
This subclass is indented under subclass 30. Subject matter wherein the designated portion of the storage medium is a distinct path of information modulated variation on the surface thereof.

By mechanical linkage:
This subclass is indented under subclass 24. Subject matter including a device having a plurality of relatively moving parts for transmitting a controlling force or motion from another location to the storage or retrieval location.
(1) Note. Examples of such devices are Bowden cables or pneumatic actuators.

WITH SERVO POSITIONING OF TRANSDUCER ASSEMBLY OVER TRACK COMBINED WITH INFORMATION SIGNAL PROCESSING:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter having closed-loop control of the alignment between the transducer assembly and the information storage track combined with handling of the information signal.
(1) Note. The servo corrects alignment error and, if necessary, provides tracking motion for the transducer assembly.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
220 for transducer support control of powered support drive having storage or retrieval absent information signal handling.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
360, Dynamic Magnetic Information Storage or Retrieval, 77.01 for track centering on a magnetic record carrier.

Optical servo system:
This subclass is indented under subclass 43. Subject matter wherein the servo positioning is controlled by a radiant energy transducer.
(1) Note. The transducer may be either an information sensing transducer or an auxiliary transducer. Incidental recitation of focusing or tracking, or a servo system therefor, is not enough to permit classification here.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
44.27 for recording systems with initialization/startup/changing modes concepts.
44.32 for recording systems with defect/abnormal condition concepts.
44.38 for a recording system claimed in a plural beam system.
47 and 51, for optical information storage or retrieval systems where a pilot signal is used.
93 for optical systems using plural distinct independent tracks.
100 for optical systems with specific detail of information handling portion of system.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
250, Radiant Energy, 201.1 for optical tracking devices in
radiant energy systems, per se.

Solid state optical element with plural dissimilar optical components (e.g., using i.c. block, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 44.11. Subject matter including a block of material of an integrated chip, semiconductor or solid state nature with plural dissimilar optical components or at least one optical component with an additional electrical component combined therein.
(1) Note. Examples are acoustic beam deflector and tracking circuit are on the same block of material, or a diode laser and acoustic lens in the same block of material.
(2) Note. Plural lasers or lasing points of the same frequency/wavelength on a common substrate are not classified herein since they have similar structure, but may be classified in this Class, subclass 44.37 or 44.38. However, if they are of different structure (i.e. different laser types) combined in a common structure they are classified herein.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
44.37 or 44.38, for servo systems using plural beams.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
257, Active Solid-State Devices (e.g., Transistors, Solid-State Diodes), subclass 13, 79 through 103 and 918 for incoherent light emitting injection luminescent devices, subclasses 80-85 for semiconductor light emitting sources combined with semiconductor light responsive devices, and subclasses 10, 11, 21, 53-56, 72, 113-118, 184 through 189, 225 through 234, 257, 258, 290 through 294, 414, and 431 through 466 for light responsive active semiconductor devices.
385, Optical Waveguides, subclass 14 for an integrated optical circuit and subclasses 129+ for a planar optical waveguide.

Dithering or wobbling the beam or track:
This subclass is indented under subclass 44.11. Subject matter wherein a beam or track is dithered wobbled, undulated, vibrated, or oscillated along a track center line for tracking or focusing control.

Optical head servo system structure:
This subclass is indented under subclass 44.11. Subject matter including structural detail of the mechanisms for focussing or tracking.
(1) Note. Optical head is defined as a device for producing a focused beam of light on a medium containing information and detecting the light reflected from the medium to determine the information content of the medium.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
359, Optics: Systems (Including Communication) and Elements, 197 and 819+ for optical heads in general, with or without servo system combination, when no recording/playback or combination with the recording medium is claimed.

Elastic, flexible, pliant or spring support of lens or mirror:
This subclass is indented under subclass 44.14. Subject matter wherein an optical element is supported by some type of elastic, flexible, pliant, resilient or spring support for allowing or limiting motion in one or more various directions (e.g., elastic support holds lens or mirrors and permits focus motion but limits lateral motion, etc.).
(1) Note. A piezoelectric bender which supports the lens or mirror meets the definition and its flexible condition.

Flat flexible support (e.g., parallel leaf springs, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 44.15. Subject matter with planar means to limit or provide a limited direction of motion (e.g., support permits only one of focusing or tracking motion to occur, etc.).

Optical head element with rotary motion:
This subclass is indented under subclass 44.14. Subject matter wherein an optical head element such as a lens or mirror pivots/rotates about its own axis or about a support axis in order to scan or focus on the track.

Rotary headwheel or scanner (e.g., for use with arcuate, transverse or slant tracks, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 44.17. Subject matter wherein an optical component rotales through a 360 degree motion to follow a track.
(1) Note. Slant tracts or tracks transverse to the storage medium motion are found on tape or card medium where the medium moves before or as the beam is directed across the medium.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
97 for systems using tracks transverse to a motion component.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
360, Dynamic Magnetic Information Storage or Retrieval, appropriate subclasses for magnetic rotary heads and headwheels and the combination with magnetic tape.

Head element pivots on arm (e.g., optical head on disk arm etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 44.17. Subject matter including a support arm which rotates about a pivot point to drive the lens or mirror transverse to the track direction (e.g., optical lens or mirror is pivoted on a phonograph type arm which may provide both track accessing and tracking control, etc.).

Lens or mirror pivots off center (e.g., on a shaft, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 44.17. Subject matter wherein the support may or may not pivot about its own central axis, but the lens or mirror on this support is pivoted off center.

Lens or mirror floats (e.g., magnetic field support or lens/mirror can freely float and pivot about its own axis, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 44.14. Subject matter wherein the lens or mirror has no support and floats with potential freedom of motion in any direction, though a field such as a magnetic field which may limit and control its position and movement.

Structure for shaping beam or causing astigmatic condition:
This subclass is indented under subclass 44.14. Subject matter having means to modify the cross-sectional profile or energy distribution of the beam or cause an astigmatic beam condition.
(1) Note. The phrase "shaping beam" is intended to include changing the intensity distribution characteristics or cross-sectional profile or size/diameter of the beam (e.g., for beam intensity control etc.) but not for routine focus control which inherently alters the beam size/diameter.
(2) Note. An "astigmatic" condition may be created by a cylindrical or unidirectional lens.
(3) Note. Astigmatic is defined as a spherical aberration.

Means to mask or shield a portion of the beam:
This subclass is indented under subclass 44.23. Subject matter wherein a modification is performed by masking or shielding a cross-sectional portion of the beam.
(1) Note. The masking or shielding can be caused by one photodetector blocking a portion of the beam from falling onto another photodetector.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
44.42 where the servo system has arithmetic operations performed on plural detectors outputs and the servo system is responsive to a particular shape of the beam by virtue of the beam or detector being that shape.

Servo signal compared to a reference signal:
This subclass is indented under subclass 44.11. Subject matter wherein a developed servo signal is compared to an external reference signal.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
44.27 if in an initialization/start-up or changing modes system.
44.34 if the reference signal is sampled and stored signal of an earlier servo signal.

Servo system operation related to disc structure information format:
This subclass is indented under subclass 44.11. Subject matter wherein the operation of the servo system is in cooperation with an information arrangement, format, layout, pattern or track structure on the record medium.
(1) Note. The system can be, for example, a preformatted disc where tracking is turned on during preformatted regions and off during nonrecorded regions absent tracking data, or where servo operation is integral with or affected by a constant linear velocity disc format mode of operation, etc.

Initialization/start-up or changing modes of system:
This subclass is indented under subclass 44.11. Subject matter wherein the servo system is affected by a change of mode in operation at the beginning of system operation or a change of mode during system operation.
(1) Note. "Random accessing" or indexing concepts may be classified herein if no specific "selective addressing" or feedback indication of arriving at a particular track address occurs.
(2) Note. The action taken by the servo system must be outside or beyond its normal routine ongoing continuous servo operation.
(3) Note. Varying the servo system control during a change
between recording and playback or tracking modes due to the information format of the disc is classified above in subclass 44.26.
(4) Note. Examples of initialization/start-up are first track recording and track jumping or crossing during a random access type of operation.
(5) Note. Examples of mode change during operation are: switching between coarse/fine servo control as servo operation begins/changes modes, and the servo system responding to some user initiated operation.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
30 32 or 33, for random accessing systems with selective addressing.
44.11 for generic recording systems without recitation of plural beams.
44.32 for recording systems with defect/abnormal condition concepts.
44.34 for sampling or digital techniques not associated with the criteria for subclass 44.27.
44.38 for a recording system claimed in a plural beam system.

While track jumping or crossing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 44.27. Subject matter wherein the servo system is operative during a track jumping or track changing operation or as plural tracks are crossed.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
44.32 for the concept of "track crossing" when not normally associated with a deliberate action to jump across plural tracks such as during initial addressing or relocating to another track but where track crossing may be accidentally introduced by some abnormal condition as found in subclasses 44.32+ below.

Servo loop gain/switching control:
This subclass is indented under subclass 44.27. Subject
matter wherein the servo system continuously varies the servo gain or discretely switches in/out between servo loops.
(1) Note. Varying the gain may be some control operation not only to change the gain but to have the ability to vary it to keep it stable and prevent undesired varying, and varying the gain may be implemented with either active or passive (e.g., notch filter, etc.) elements.
(2) Note. Gain is defined as the ratio of output power to input power for a system or component.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
44.35 servo loop gain/switching control not associated with criteria for subclass 44.27.

Recording:
Subject matter under subclasses 44.29 wherein an optical system is capable of a writing/recording operation.
(1) Note. An example is recording of a first track on a disc which is then used for tracking control for further tracks being recorded.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
44.33 for recording systems with a defect/abnormal condition.
44.38 for a recording system claimed in a plural beam system.
44.39 for generic recording systems without recitation of plural beams.

Means to compensate for defect or abnormal condition:
This subclass is indented under subclass 44.11. Subject matter wherein the servo system structure or operation has means to avoid the servo system being affected by, or so that it is responsive to and corrects for an adverse situation.
(1) Note. Examples of conditions being corrected are disc defects, tilt, vibrations, shocks, impacts, skew to normal direction to the disc surface, vertical warp, jitter, eccentricity, beam variations or some condition outside of the ordinary servo operation condition, etc.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
44.11 for generic recording systems.
44.27 for recording systems with initialization/start-up/changing modes concepts.
44.38 for a recording system claimed in a plural beam system.

Recording (e.g., inhibit recording upon defect, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 44.32. Subject matter comprising a writing/recording system in combination with compensation means.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
44.31 for recording systems including initialization/start-up.
44.38 for a recording system claimed in a plural beam system.
44.39 for generic recording systems without recitation of plural beams.

Sampling servo system:
This subclass is indented under subclass 44.11. Subject matter wherein an instantaneous value of a variable is obtained at regular intervals (e.g., sample and hold, be it analog or digital storage, etc.).

Servo loop gain/switching control:
This subclass is indented under subclass 44.11. Subject matter wherein the servo system varies the servo gain or switches in/out or between servo loops.
(1) Note. Varying the gain also includes techniques for stabilization.
(2) Note. Varying the gain may be implemented with either
active or passive (e.g., notch filter etc.) elements.
(3) Note. Gain is defined as the ratio of output power to input power of a system or component.

Variable gain:
This subclass is indented under subclass 44.35. Subject matter wherein the servo gain is variable in a continuous manner as opposed to being switched between values, but may be combined with switching operations.

Plural incident beams:
Subject matter under 44.11 wherein plural beams incident upon the recording medium are used, which may be one or more focusing, tracking, playback or recording beams.
(1) Note. Plurals beams created by splitting a single beam from the recording medium (e.g., etc., reflected beam is split and directed to plural detectors) is not classified here.

Recording:
This subclass is indented under subclass 44.37. Subject matter wherein one of the beams is for writing/recording operations.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
44.31 for recording systems with initialization/start-up/changing modes concepts.
44.33 for recording systems with defect/abnormal condition concepts.
44.39 for generic recording systems without recitation of plural beams.

Recording:
This subclass is indented under subclass 44.11. Subject matter comprising an optical system capable of a writing/recording operation.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
44.31 for recording systems with initialization/start-up.
44.33 for recording systems with defect/abnormal condition.
44.38 for a recording system claimed in a plural beam system.

Arithmetic operation using plural photo-detectors:
Subject matter under 44.11 where more than one of addition, subtraction, multiplication, division is performed upon an output signals of plural photodetectors for the purpose of deriving one or more servo signals.

Beam or detector is not rectangular or circular:
Subject matter under 44.41 wherein either the beam or the detector has a shape other than rectangular or circular.

CONTROL OF STORAGE OR RETRIEVAL BY A SIGNAL TO BE RECORDED OR REPRODUCED (E.G., PILOT OR CONTROL SIGNAL):
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein a signal to be stored or retrieved acts upon apparatus for modifying, adjusting, or maintaining some operating condition of the storage or retrieval apparatus.
(1) Note. The controlling signal may be either the information signal or a distinct signal for control purposes.

Control of information signal channel:
This subclass is indented under subclass 47. Subject matter wherein information signal processing circuitry is affected by the controlling signal to determine a parameter of the information signal.

Of plural interrelated channels:
This subclass is indented under subclass 48. Subject matter wherein the information signal processing circuitry includes distinct paths for several signal components, and the controlled parameters in each path have a definite relationship to each other.

Mechanism control by information signal (e.g., voice responsive):
This subclass is indented under subclass 47. Subject matter wherein a mechanical operating condition is controlled by a parameter of the information signal.

Control of spiral track spacing (e.g., signal variable pitch):
This subclass is indented under subclass 50. Subject matter wherein the information signal adjusts the displacement between adjacent record tracks during storage of the signal.
(1) Note. Such adjustment is often necessary for high values of signal amplitude when recording lateral grooves.

CONTROL STRUCTURE ON STORAGE MEDIUM SENSED BY OTHER THAN TRANSDUCER SUPPORT (E.G., CONDUCTIVE STRIP, NOTCHED EDGE SENSOR):
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein the storage medium has an element thereon which is sensed by an electrical detector distinct from the intelligence transducer support wherein the detector controls an operating condition of the storage or retrieval apparatus.
(1) Note. The additional structure on the storage medium is not a recorded signal, which is classified elsewhere.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
14 for control by a recorded signal of a type diverse from the information signal.
47 for control by reproduced signal.
231 for mechanism control structure sensed by transducer support mechanism.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
360, Dynamic Magnetic Information Storage or Retrieval, subclass 77.03 and 78.11 for nonmagnetic sensing to produce a control signal for magnetic transducer track centering and selecting, respectively.

WITH CONDITION INDICATING (E.G., MONITORING) OR TESTING:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter with apparatus including a perceptible indication of some condition of a part of the storage or retrieval system.
(1) Note. The indication may be given continuously, only to indicate an abnormal condition, or only upon initiation by an operator.
(2) Note. Condition indication or testing, absent storage or retrieval will be classified in accordance with the pertinent condition in the appropriate subclasses of Classes 73, Measuring and Testing; 116, Signals and Indicators; 324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing; 340, Communications: Electrical.

With radiation storage or retrieval:
This subclass is indented under subclass 53. Subject matter wherein the information signal is stored on or retrieved from the storage medium by information signal modulation of a beam of radiant energy.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
100 for radiant energy storage or retrieval, in general.

Of transducer:
This subclass is indented under subclass 53. Subject matter wherein the component being tested or monitored is the transducer assembly.

Location on storage medium:
This subclass is indented under subclass 55. Subject matter wherein the indicated condition of the transducer is its position on the storage medium element.

Positioning adjunct (e.g., indexing):
This subclass is indented under subclass 55. Subject matter which indicates the position to which the transducing assembly is set.

Of record carrier:
This subclass is indented under subclass 53. Subject matter wherein the storage medium is monitored or tested.

WITH BINARY PULSE TRAIN INFORMATION SIGNAL:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter including handling of an information signal composed of a series or pattern of identical pulse bits characterized solely by their presence or absence.
(1) Note. The term "identical pulse bits" refers to a signal limited to one of two predetermined values for an integral multiple of a predetermined period of time.
(2) Note. Pulse characteristic modulation is not classified herein.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
341, Coded Data Generation or Conversion, 1 for pattern reading type analog to digital converters.

SIGNAL PROCESSING BY STORAGE AND SUBSEQUENT RETRIEVAL (E.G., FREQUENCY SHIFT, DELAY, ETC.):
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein a time-dependent characteristic of a signal is modified by storing the signal on a storage medium and subsequently reproducing the signal from the storage medium.
(1) Note. The term "characteristic" includes the time of occurrence of the signal.
(2) Note. The term "storage medium" is synonymous with a "record carrier" under the class definition and does not refer to a static memory.

STORAGE OF DIRECTLY RETRIEVABLE MODULATED R.F. OR SUPERAUDIBLE CARRIER SIGNAL:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein the information is stored in the form of a wave modulated by the information signal, which upon retrieval forms the stored modulated signal.

STORAGE OF SIGNAL MODULATING COMPONENT:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein the information signal to be stored is presented in the form of a carrier wave modulated by a lower frequency component, and the higher frequency wave is partially or completely suppressed prior to storage and is reinserted subsequent to retrieval.
(1) Note. The term "suppressed" refers to removal of the carrier wave as by demodulation.

SOUND REPRODUCTION FOR TOY OR NOVELTY DEVICE (E.G., TALKING DOLL):
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter specifically designed for sound reproduction and mounting within a device otherwise used for novelty or amusement.
(1) Note. Such devices are often of the direct mechanical conversion to sound type reproducers.
(2) Note. If the sole disclosure is of a sound reproducer in a toy or novelty device, classification is in this subclass even in the absence of claimed limitations thereto.
(3) Note. Note classification is in Class 446, Amusement Devices: Toys, for sounding toys with structural details of the toy.

With electrical information signal processing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 63. Subject matter having electrical circuitry for handling the intelligence signal.
(1) Note. Subclasses 63 and 65-68 are intended to include, at most, nominal recitation of an electrical information signal.

Indexing to track (e.g., consecutive):
This subclass is indented under subclass 63. Subject matter having selection of one of a plurality of storage medium tracks by successive operations of the sound reproducer.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
31 for similar subject matter having operator controlled designation of a track.
98 for similar subject matter of general utility.

By chance:
This subclass is indented under subclass 65. Subject matter
wherein the selection of one of plural sound tracks is made without any control of which track is chosen.
(1) Note. The term "random indexing" is sometimes used for these devices, and should be distinguished from random access or selective addressing as described in (1) Note of subclass 30.
(2) Note. The plural tracks may be on a single or on distinct storage elements.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
98 for indexing by chance to plural tracks on a single surface.
178 for indexing by chance to plural storage elements.

With beginning or end of cycle stylus return:
This subclass is indented under subclass 63. Subject matter including a mechanical pickup which is returned to an initial position prior to beginning or subsequent to completion of the reproduction.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
225 for pickup restoring not limited to toys or novelty devices.

Manual motion application (e.g., novelty card, hand-held stylus):
This subclass is indented under subclass 63. Subject matter wherein relative motion between the storage medium element and transducer assembly is provided by a force concurrently applied by an operator's hand.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
177 for a mechanism subsystem having a stationary storage medium, in general.

SYSTEMS OR SUBSYSTEMS COMBINED WITH DIVERSE ART DEVICE:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter including structure peculiar to this class for either information signal processing or storage medium element handling, and having specified cooperation with structure otherwise classifiable elsewhere and not provided for therein.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
1 for such subject matter combined with a distinct audio signal source.

For control of diverse art device:
This subclass is indented under subclass 69. Subject matter including controlling the operation of the diverse art device by the storage or retrieval operation.

WITH STYLUS CLEANING OR TREATMENT (E.G., GRINDING):
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter having removal of debris from, or modification of, a stylus.

WITH STORAGE MEDIUM CLEANING OR ELECTROSTATIC CHARGE NEUTRALIZATION:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter having structure or method for removing undesired material or electrostatic charge from the storage medium combined with storage or retrieval.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
15, Brushing, Scrubbing, and General Cleaning, appropriate subclasses for mechanical cleaning of storage medium not combined with storage or retrieval.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, 212 for discharging of an electrostatic charge, in general.

By charge leakage (e.g., ionized particles):
This subclass is indented under subclass 72. Subject matter wherein the cleaning or charge neutralization has structure to conduct undesired charge away from the storage medium.
(1) Note. The structure may include a source of air ionizing radiation.

By tone arm attachment:
This subclass is indented under subclass 72. Subject matter wherein the cleaning structure is mounted on the transducer assembly support.

WITH PARTICULAR CABINET STRUCTURE:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter including structural details of an enclosure surrounding the components of the dynamic information storage or retrieval system.
(1) Note. The cabinet structures in this and the indented subclasses must include some specific structure of a dynamic information storage or retrieval system or an element thereof, otherwise such structures classified as a cabinet, per se.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
12 for cabinet structure for a radiophonograph combination.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
174, Electricity: Conductors and Insulators, 50 for boxes and housings limited by claimed structure to electrical use but having no characteristic limiting them to particular electrical equipment; and subclasses 250+ for printed circuit arrangements of general utility.
181, Acoustics, 148 for a diaphragm mounted in a cabinet.
312, Supports: Cabinet Structure, 9.1 for cabinets or enclosures especially designed to house phonograph instruments or records.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, 600 for boxes and mountings in combination with electrical apparatus having no significant art limitation, or boxes and mounting
in combination with plural diverse electrical apparatus.

With mechanism to place disc on a turntable:
This subclass is indented under subclass 75.1. Subject matter including a mechanical arrangement normally inside the cabinet which moves to the cabinet exterior to position the record medium element onto a turntable within the cabinet.

With electrical information signal processing:
Subject matter under subclasses 75.1+ including electrical handling of the information signal.
(1) Note. Subclasses 75.1 and 77.1 include at most nominal recitation of an electrical signal.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
128 for electrical information signal processing with mechanical storage or retrieval, absent particular cabinet structure.

Slotted for edgewise insertion of storage disc:
This subclass is indented under subclass 75.1. Subject matter where there is a long narrow opening in the cabinet structure which is used to insert or remove a disk shaped storage medium.

Having disc stored in protective jacket:
This subclass is indented under subclass 77.1. Subject matter wherein the disc is surrounded by a protective enclosure when in other than the location at which the information storage or retrieval is performed.
(1) Note. The protective jacket is often removed from the cabinet with the disc remaining therein.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
360, Dynamic Magnetic Information Storage or Retrieval, 99.02 for a floppy disk loading or ejecting mechanism in a magnetic recorder or reproducer.

With lid-mounted transducer assembly carrier:
This subclass is indented under subclass 75.1. Subject matter wherein the enclosure has a lid with structure to carry the transducer assembly of the enclosed storage or retrieval equipment.

With closure-operated interlock or braking actuator:
This subclass is indented under subclass 75.1. Subject matter wherein the enclosure has a lid or door with structure to prevent or stop the operation of the enclosed equipment when the cabinet lid or door is in other than a closed position.

Particular acoustical structure (e.g., baffle):
This subclass is indented under subclass 75.1. Subject matter including structure which mechanically modifies sound waves.
(1) Note. This is primarily a collection of old style mechanical phonographs with sound amplifying or modifying structure (e.g., trumpets, baffles, etc.).

Having collapsible or expandable acoustic path:
This subclass is indented under subclass 80. Subject matter in which a portion of the acoustic structure defining the acoustic path is movable so as to vary a dimension of the acoustic path.
(1) Note. Typical structure include lid controlled folding horn, and telescoping horn sections for making compact.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
181, Acoustics, subclass 178, 186, and 197 for similar subject matter of general utility.

Having parallel acoustic paths:
This subclass is indented under subclass 80. Subject matter including structure having a plurality of acoustical energy conducting passages through which such energy may travel simultaneously.
(1) Note. A baffle in a horn may define several such paths.
(2) Note. The combinations including shutters are classified in this subclass.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
181, Acoustics, subclass 184 and 185 for similar subject matter of general utility.

EDITING OF STORED INFORMATION:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter for deleting, adding, or rearranging portions of a stored information signal on a storage medium element.
(1) Note. The change to the information signal may be effected either by physical rearrangement of portions of the storage medium element (e.g., cutting and splicing), or by rerecording the information signal onto the same or another storage medium element.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
84 for rerecording of a signal without modification.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
360, Dynamic Magnetic Information Storage or Retrieval, 13 for similar subject matter limited to magnetic storage and retrieval.

DUPLICATION OR COPYING (E.G., RERECORDING):
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein information is retrieved from one storage medium and subsequently stored on another distinct storage medium.
(1) Note. It is necessary that the retrieval and storage be effected by a dynamic transformation.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
264, Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating: Processes, 106 for the method of stamping duplicate records.
360, Dynamic Magnetic Information Storage or Retrieval, 15 for copying a magnetic record.
425, Plastic Article or Earthenware Shaping or Treating: Apparatus, appropriate subclasses for apparatus for stamping duplicate record.

To diverse type of storage medium:
This subclass is indented under subclass 84. Subject matter wherein the storage medium element onto which the information is stored has a different configuration than the storage medium from which the information is retrieved.
(1) Note. Included herein are devices for recording phonograph records from magnetic tape.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
17 for converting the varied characteristic on the same storage medium element.

STORAGE OR RETRIEVAL OF SPATIALLY RELATED ACOUSTIC SIGNALS (E.G., STEREO):
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter in which the signal to be stored is responsive to, or the retrieved signal produces, plural audible vibrations which have a common time base and a spatial relationship to produce the effect of position or depth.
(1) Note. The plural signals are usually stored and received separately and concurrently.
(2) Note. The signals are often combined (e.g., as sum or difference signals) before storage and separated after retrieval.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
5 for a radio combined with a storage or retrieval device in which either may be stereophonic.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
381, Electrical Audio Signal Processing Systems and Devices, subclass 2.

Simulated spatial effect (e.g., pseudo-stereo):
This subclass is indented under subclass 86. Subject matter in which a single reproduced signal is processed to give a stereo effect.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
381, Electrical Audio Signal Processing Systems and Devices, 17 for Pseudo Stereo Systems in general.

With transformation or intentional distortion of information signal (e.g., preemphasis):
This subclass is indented under subclass 86. Subject matter having signal processing prior to storage which includes an intentional change to the information signal.
(1) Note. Such changes are often frequency dependent signal magnitude control to compensate apparatus characteristic differences between the storage and the retrieval device.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
133 for similar subject matter for electro-mechanical recording, not restricted to plural audio signals.
174 for signal modification not restricted to plural audio signals, nor any particular type of storage or retrieval.

Quadraphonic:
This subclass is indented under subclass 86. Subject matter in which four or more channels are stored or retrieved.

Including modulated subchannel signal:
This subclass is indented under subclass 89. Subject matter wherein at least one channel or combined signal modulates an A.C. wave prior to storage, or demodulation of such wave after retrieval.
(1) Note. Frequently, both a direct wave and a modulated wave are stored upon the same track to permit storage of four channels on two tracks.

Having distinct electrical channels:
This subclass is indented under subclass 86. Subject matter having a separate electrical circuit for each channel, each of said circuits having no common electrical elements other than for power supply.

Including distinct storage tracks on record medium:
This subclass is indented under subclass 86. Subject matter wherein the paths of the transducer over the record medium for each channel are physically separated.

SYSTEMS HAVING PLURAL PHYSICALLY DISTINCT INDEPENDENT TRACKS ON A SINGLE STORAGE MEDIUM SURFACE:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter having a storage medium element with plural spaced apart information modulated tracks.
(1) Note. Adjacent sections of a single continuous spiral track are not plural tracks; however, distinct interleaved spirals are plural tracks for purposes of this subclass.

Having layered storage medium:
This subclass is indented under subclass 93. Subject matter wherein the storage medium element has plural coextensive surfaces, a plurality of which have storage tracks thereon, and which tracks are each accessible for storage or retrieval from the same side of the storage element.

Common time base (i.e., simultaneous):
This subclass is indented under subclass 93. Subject matter wherein the plural tracks are either stored or intended to be retrieved concurrently.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
14 for simultaneous storage or retrieval of diverse types.
47 for similar subject matter in which one track stores a control signal.
92 for plural tracks producing binaural effects.

Continuous consecutive storage or retrieval of interrupted track for single signal (e.g., automatic reversal):
This subclass is indented under subclass 93. Subject matter wherein the plural tracks are consecutively utilized for storage or retrieval of a continuing signal.
(1) Note. The tracks may be connected at distinct points.
(2) Note. The term "continuing signal" indicates time continuity of the signal being stored or retrieved.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
41 for selective addressing of one of a plurality of signals on a record medium.
98 for consecutive indexing of signal tracks not limited to use for a time-continuous signal.

Tracks transverse to a motion component:
This subclass is indented under subclass 96. Subject matter wherein the tracks have a component of motion transverse to the microscopic movement of the storage medium element.
(1) Note. The transducer assembly is often movable to obtain a higher velocity of relative motion than that of the storage medium.

Indexing to discrete signal tracks (e.g., consecutive, by chance):
This subclass is indented under subclass 93. Subject matter wherein selection of the information modulated track is made by starting a storage or retrieval operation.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
41 for such subject matter with designation of track.
65 for similar subject matter utilized in a toy or novelty device.

SPECIFIC DETAIL OF INFORMATION HANDLING PORTION OF SYSTEM:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter having at least one step or element of information signal processing particularly described.
(1) Note. Nominal recitation of a signal processing step or element to show relationship to mechanical structure will be classified with such mechanical structure.
(2) Note. Information processing methods, structure, and circuitry, not limited to information storage and retrieval, are each classified in the appropriate class therefor.

Radiation beam modification of or by storage medium:
This subclass is indented under subclass 99. Subject matter wherein the information signal is stored on or retrieved from the storage medium by a beam of radiant energy which is modulated by the information signal either (a) to store the information on a radiant energy sensitive storage medium, or
(b) by a radiant energy controlling storage medium for subsequent retrieval by sensing of the radiant energy.

Invisible radiation (e.g., electron beam or X-ray):
This subclass is indented under subclass 100. Subject matter wherein the radiant energy is either (a) radiation outside the visible spectrum (4000-7000A5), or (b) a subatomic particle (e.g., electron) beam.
(1) Note. A charged particle (e.g., electron) beam may be considered either invisible radiation or a particular electrical current depending upon the manner in which such a beam interacts with the storage medium.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
126 for storage or retrieval by an electron beam modifying or being controlled by storage medium element charge.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
250, Radiant Energy, appropriate subclasses for invisible radiant energy devices or systems, in general.

Multiplex:
This subclass is indented under subclass 100. Subject matter wherein a single radiation beam simultaneously stores or retrieves a plurality of independent signals on a single track of the storage medium element.
(1) Note. Each signal may modulate different ranges of value of a property (e.g., frequency, polarization) of the radiation beam; or each signal may modulate the radiation beam in distinct discrete time intervals.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
359, Optics: Systems (Including Communication) and Elements, 115 for a multiplex arrangement for optical communications.

Holos:graphic:
This subclass is indented under subclass 100. Subject matter
wherein the storage medium is a three-dimensional coherent image.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
359, Optics: Systems (Including Communication) and Elements, 1 for holos:graphic systems and elements, in general.
365, Static Information Storage and Retrieval, subclass 125, 216, and 235 for holos:graphic static storage or retrieval of information.

Ribbon light modulator:
This subclass is indented under subclass 100. Subject matter including a flat flexible electrical conductor variably blocking the optical path in accordance with an information current flowing therethrough.

Penumbra or push-pull optical system:
This subclass is indented under subclass 100. Subject matter wherein the optical path has either (a) variably superimposed shadows, or (b) complementarily varying beams.

Optical feedback:
This subclass is indented under subclass 100. Subject matter having intelligence signal processing circuitry which includes a radiation beam link from a later point in such circuitry to a preceding point in such circuitry.

Ground noise suppression, signal envelope, or plural optical modulation:
This subclass is indented under subclass 100. Subject matter wherein provision is made to suppress spurious signals caused by graininess of the film and emulsion; or the storage medium has an additional signal representative of the average signal level, or has a plurality of characteristics varied.

Color:
This subclass is indented under subclass 100. Subject matter in which the radiant energy beam modifies, or is modified by the storage medium in a selectively variable frequency dependent manner within the visible spectrum (i.e., 4000-7000Ao).

With diffraction (e.g., pits, grating):
This subclass is indented under subclass 100. Subject matter wherein the radiant energy beam is deflected by the edge of an object by other than reflection or refraction.

By polarization:
This subclass is indented under subclass 100. Subject matter wherein the direction of the electric field component of the radiant energy beam is restricted.

Spiral or helical track:
This subclass is indented under subclass 100. Subject matter wherein the path along which the information is stored or retrieved has plural, curved turns about an axis of rotation of the storage medium.

With particular imaging element:
This subclass is indented under subclass 100. Subject matter including an element modifying the direction of the radiant energy beam and capable of focussing the beam to form an image.
(1) Note. The image is generally of the beam source or of the storage medium.
(2) Note. Planar mirrors are not classifiable herein.

With medium contacting drum or gate in optical system (e.g., sound head):
This subclass is indented under subclass 100. Subject matter including an element in or adjacent to the beam path which positions the storage medium and has either a linear or cylindrical contacting surface.

Movable roller support for optical path:
This subclass is indented under subclass 113. Subject matter in which the element for positioning the storage medium is a rotatably mounted drum or roller.

With driving or stabilizing mechanism:
This subclass is indented under subclass 113. Subject matter further including driving, movable, or other elements for controlling or smoothing the motion of the storage medium.

Light intensity adjustment or maintenance:
This subclass is indented under subclass 100. Subject matter including modification of the beam source to obtain a desired or constant intensity.

Having movable shutter or light gate:
This subclass is indented under subclass 100. Subject matter having a variably positioned radiation blocking element in the radiation beam path.
(1) Note. The position is generally varied by the information signal.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
104 for a ribbon type light modulator.

With detail, configuration, or adjunct of element having slit or aperture in radiation path:
This subclass is indented under subclass 100. Subject matter having the structure, shape, or cooperating device of an element blocking all but a limited area of the radiant energy beam.

With movement of optical beam (e.g., galvanometer):
This subclass is indented under subclass 118. Subject matter further including periodic variation of the beam position.

Having particular radiation sensor:
This subclass is indented under subclass 100. Subject matter wherein structural detail of the beam responsive element is particularly described.

With particular light source (e.g., laser, CRT wit phosphor):
This subclass is indented under subclass 100. Subject matter including either structural detail of a light source, or a light source characterized by a function or relationship additional to conventional light emission.
(1) Note. An additional function or relationship would include light coherence or light position control.
(2) Note. The CRT with phosphor herein has position control other than for generating or following plural tracks in the storage medium.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
257, Active Solid-State Devices (e.g., Transistors,
Solid-State Diodes), subclass 13, 79 through 103 and 918 for incoherent light emitting injection luminescent devices, and subclasses 80-85 for semiconductor light emitting sources combined with semiconductor light responsive devices.

Solid state:
This subclass is indented under subclass 121. Subject matter wherein the light source is a solid element emitting light when excited by an electric signal.
(1) Note. Such device are often semiconductive.

Glow lamps:
This subclass is indented under subclass 121. Subject matter wherein the light source is a gas discharge device for electric current.

With details of electrical signal processing:
This subclass is indented under 100. Subject matter further including a particularly described step or structure of electrical modification of the information signal.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
48 for information signal processing responsive to a control signal that determines a parameter of the information signal.
59 for information signal processing wherein the signal is a binary signal.

With transducing multiple tracks:
This subclass is indented under 124.01. Subject matter wherein the information signal is processed during information signal storage on or retrieval from a plurality of tracks on a storage medium element.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
95 For information signal processing wherein the information signal are either stored or intended to be retrieved concurrently from plural tracks.

With transducing using plural beams:
This subclass is indented under 124.01. wherein the information signal is processed during information signal storage or retrieval using a plurality of light beams.

Modulating or demodulating:
This subclass is indented under 124.01. Subject matter including step or structure to perform transformation of an input signal into a recording signal by varying amplitude, frequency, or phase using a carrier signal for storage or reverse transformation of a signal reproduced from a storage medium.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
329, Demodulators, appropriate subclasses for frequency, phase, and amplitude demodulation, per se.
332, Modulators, appropriate subclasses for frequency, phase, and amplitude modulation, per se.
348, Television, subclass 724 for modulating television signal.
375, Pulse or Digital Communication, subclasses 271-284, 302-308, and 322-337 for frequency or phase modulated carrier wave pulse, and subclasses 268, 320, and 353 for pulse amplitude modulation in communication systems, per se.

Integrating or sampling:
This subclass is indented under 124.01. Subject matter including step or structure to obtain an integral value over time or an instantaneous value of an information signal.

Compressing or decompressing:
This subclass is indented under 124.01. Subject matter including step or structure to perform transformation of an input signal into a recording signal by reducing an amount thereof for storage or reverse transformation of a signal reproduced from a storage medium.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
386, Television Signal Processing for Dynamic Recording or Reproducing, subclass 27 and 33 for compressing or decompressing of color television signal, and subclasses 109-112 for compressing or decompressing of black and white television signal.

Auxiliary information arrangement processing (e.g., block headers, subcode, or interpolated information, etc.):
This subclass is indented under 124.01. Subject matter whereas the information signal is ordered with a particular distribution on a medium to include supplemental information (e.g., block headers, subcode, or interpolated information, etc. ).

Sectioned information processing (e.g., lengths, frames, or blocks, etc.):
This subclass is indented under 124.01. Subject matter including step or structure to subdivide an information signal into portions of similar repetitive characteristic (e.g., lengths, frames, blocks, etc.) for storage or to eliminate the subdivisions of the information signal during retrieval.

Multiplexing or demultiplexing:
This subclass is indented under 124.01. Subject matter including step or structure to perform transformation of plural input signals into a recording signal by combining for storage or reverse transformation of a signal reproduced from a storage medium.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
370, Multiplex Communications, appropriate subclasses for multiplexing and demultiplexing of communications in general.

Gain processing:
This subclass is indented under 124.01. Subject matter including step or structure to vary the amplification of an information signal.

Of retrieved signal:
This subclass is indented under 124.1. Subject matter wherein the information signal is a signal reproduced from a storage medium.

Of signals obtained from photo-detector components:
This subclass is indented under 124.11. Subject matter wherein the retrieved signal is obtained from output signals from a plurality of segments of a photo-detector.

With specific frequency or frequency range:
This subclass is indented under 124.11. Subject matter including gain processing of the retrieved signal at a distinct frequency or within a distinct frequency domain.

Rate, phase, or transient processing:
This subclass is indented under 124.01. Subject matter including step or structure to adjust the frequency, phase, or oscillation characteristic of the information signal.

Level detecting using reference signal:
This subclass is indented under 124.01. Subject matter including step or structure to detect an amplitude of an information signal by comparison with a signal that provides a measuring standard.

Having photos:graphic storage medium (e.g., variable density or area):
This subclass is indented under subclass 100. Subject matter wherein the storage medium contains a component subject to a radiation induced chemical change, and not classified in a preceding subclass.
(1) Note. The resultant change may take the form of a variation in optical transmissivity or optical track width.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
399, Electrophotography, subclass 10 for storage of data on the operation of an electrophotos:graphic device (i.e., log report) and subclass 83 for job mode selection with memory.

Electrical modification or sensing of storage medium (e.g., capacitive, resistive, electrostatic charge):
This subclass is indented under subclass 99. Subject matter wherein the information signal is stored or retrieved by either (a) modulating an electrical property of the storage medium by an electrical transducer, or (b) sensing an electrical property of the storage medium by a transducer electrically related thereto.
(1) Note. Electrical properties may include charge, capacitance, etc.
(2) Note. A charged particle (e.g., electron) beam may be considered either invisible radiation or electrical current depending upon the manner in which such a beam interacts with the storage medium.

Mechanical modification or sensing of storage medium:
This subclass is indented under subclass 99. Subject matter wherein the information signal is stored or retrieved by either (a) modulating a mechanical property of the storage medium by a mechanical effect produced by the transducing assembly, or (b) sensing a mechanical property of the storage medium by a transducing assembly mechanically related thereto.

With electrical information signal processing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 127. Subject matter including some detail of handling or control of the electrical signal input to or output of the transducing assembly.
(1) Note. Mere mention of connecting means, or wires along the tone arm is not classifiable here.

From information modulated oscillator:
This subclass is indented under subclass 128. Subject matter including a source of oscillations controlled or otherwise modulated by the transducing assembly to produce an A.C. signal with an information related parameter.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
8 for similar subject matter combined with a radio.

Sensing of elastic deformation or relaxation of storage medium (e.g., skid type):
This subclass is indented under subclass 128. Subject matter including a probe which couples the transducer assembly to the storage medium to cause deformation and to sense the restoring force thereto.

Bidirectional information flow (e.g., record/replay switching):
This subclass is indented under subclass 128. Subject matter wherein the signal processing is switchable between a storage and a retrieval mode of information handling.
(1) Note. Typical systems classified here may have an amplifier which is switched between recording and playback modes.

Recording:
This subclass is indented under subclass 128. Subject matter limited to signal processing for storing information.

With transformation or intentional distortion of information signal (e.g., compensation for velocity variation with diameter):
This subclass is indented under subclass 132. Subject matter wherein the processing includes some intended change in a characteristic of the information signal.
(1) Note. The magnitude control of high frequencies in the information signal (e.g., Dolby) is classified here.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
88 for similar subject matter for stereophonic systems.

With particular amplification characteristic or signal control circuitry (e.g., muting):
This subclass is indented under subclass 128. Subject matter having either (a) an amplifier with a particular characteristic (e.g., band-pass), or (b) circuitry for control of a characteristic of the electrical information signal.
(1) Note. A nominally recited amplifier, of itself, is insufficient for classification herein.
(2) Note. Particular control circuitry may be by a switch or a circuitry subsystem, such as muting.

Specified structure of electrical transducing assembly:
This subclass is indented under subclass 127. Subject matter including some structural detail of the storage element modifying or sensing device which includes the combination of a complete electricity-force conversion element and a storage medium coupling element.
(1) Note. This may include the subcombination of such a modulating or sensing device, of itself.
(2) Note. Where the modulating or sensing device is described only by name, e.g., "a stylus driving a pickup", without any detail thereof, classification is determined by the combination of such a nominally recited device with the other elements recited.
(3) Note. Where a tone arm is recited with details of the modulating or sensing device, classification is in this or one of the indented subclasses; however, such recitation in further combination with storage medium support or motion production, or with particular circuitry will be classified in the appropriate preceding subclass.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
170 for stylus coupling devices, in general.
215 and 244+, for tone arm devices absent detail of the modifying or sensing device.

Multichannel (stereo cartridge):
This subclass is indented under subclass 135. Subject matter wherein one or more transducing assemblies provide a plurality of independent outputs.
(1) Note. The subject matter of this subclass, as a "stereophonic transducer", is a subcombination of the stereo of subclasses 86+ above.

By stress application to solid transducing element (e.g., piezoelectric):
This subclass is indented under subclass 136. Subject matter wherein a stylus is coupled to a relatively static transducer
element which responds to pressure or other force.
(1) Note. Typical transducer elements will be piezoelectric, electrostrictive, solid state pressure responsive devices, or the like. The term "relatively static" refers to the absence of translatory motion of the transducer element, as a whole.

With adjustable or replaceable stylus coupling structure:
This subclass is indented under subclass 137. Subject matter wherein the linkage between stylus and transducer permits selectable change between styli, or facilitates removal and replacement of a stylus assembly.
(1) Note. Typical selectable change is a lever control of either of two differently sized styli.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
171 for a stylus holder with stylus interchanging structure.

With details of damping or compliance:
This subclass is indented under subclass 136. Subject matter wherein an element of the transducing assembly is specified to have either a desired rigidity or stiffness, or elasticity, or absorption as to a dynamic characteristic.
(1) Note. The element having a desired elasticity or absorption may be anywhere in the transducing assembly or support structure, with a control of vibration or resonance.
(2) Note. The stiffness or compliance is usually formed in the stylus lever.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
170 for damping or compliance details of a stylus holder or linkage thereof.

Plural styli:
This subclass is indented under subclass 135. Subject matter
wherein the mechanical force applying structure includes more than one stylus.
(1) Note. A typical device classified here may have styli of different sizes coupling the storage medium to a monaural cartridge or pickup, with a lever to selectably engage one stylus with the storage medium.

Plural alternative or with signal handling adjunct:
This subclass is indented under subclass 135. Subject matter including several transducers only one of which is operative at any time; or an additional device directly cooperating with the transducer for processing either an information signal, or another signal in its place.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
1 for a system having an alternative signal.
129 for an electromechanical system having switching between a storage and a retrieval mode of operation.
136 for plural concurrently operative transducers.

Stylus controlled optical element:
This subclass is indented under subclass 135. Subject matter wherein the stylus is coupled to an element which controls or affects light.
(1) Note. Typical optical elements may be a vane or mask, or a mirror, in a beam of light.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
359, Optics: Systems (Including Communication) and Elements, appropriate subclasses for particular optical elements.

Electron tube:
This subclass is indented under subclass 135. Subject matter wherein the stylus is coupled to an element which affects operation of an electron tube.
(1) Note. The operation of the electron tube may be affected by either external (e.g., magnet) or internal (e.g., grid) elements.

Electret or piezoelectric:
This subclass is indented under subclass 135. Subject matter wherein the transducer element has a bound electrostatic charge or is otherwise an electrostatic generator.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
307, Electrical Transmission or Interconnection Systems, subclass 400 for electret systems in general.
310, Electrical Generator or Motor Structure, 311 for piezoelectric generators.

Semiconductive:
This subclass is indented under subclass 135. Subject matter including a force responsive element having an electrical conductivity intermediate that of a conductor and of an insulator.
(1) Note. The element may have a potential barrier layer therein.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
128 for such subject matter with additional information processing circuitry.
144 for piezoelectric semiconductive transducer assemblies.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
257, Active Solid-State Devices (e.g., Transistors, Solid-State Diodes), subclass 108 and 414-420 for devices responsive to nonelectrical signals, including pressure.
327, Miscellaneous Active Electrical Nonlinear Devices, Circuits, and Systems, 509 for miscellaneous externally effected circuits.

Magnetic field variation (e.g., magnetostrictive):
This subclass is indented under subclass 135. Subject matter wherein the electrical transducer has magnetic field variation related to the information signal.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
310, Electrical Generator or Motor Structure, appropriate subclasses for generator structure of general utility.

Moving signal coil:
This subclass is indented under subclass 146. Subject matter wherein the information signal is generated by, or causes movement of, a coil rigidly connected to the stylus within a magnetic field.

Variable reluctance:
This subclass is indented under subclass 146. Subject matter wherein the magnetic field variation is caused by a stylus-linked portion of the magnetic field circuit.

Fixed coil surrounding fixed part of magnetic path:
This subclass is indented under subclass 148. Subject matter wherein the information signal is generated in a winding about a stationary portion of the magnetic field circuit.

Capacitive or electrolytic liquid:
This subclass is indented under subclass 135. Subject matter wherein the transducer includes a liquid which is specified as having dielectric or conductive properties.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
338, Electrical Resistors, 80 for mechanically variable resistors, in general.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, 280 for externally variable capacitors, in general.

Electrostatic or capacitive:
This subclass is indented under subclass 135. Subject matter wherein the transducer includes an electric field and electrodes related thereto.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, 277 for variable capacitors, in general.

Variable resistance:
This subclass is indented under subclass 135. Subject matter wherein the transducer has an electric circuit element, the resistance of which is varied in accordance with the information.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
323, Electricity: Power Supply or Regulation Systems, 291 and especially 298+ for variable resistance controlled circuits not limited to stylus control of the resistance.
338, Electrical Resistors, 68 for mechanically variable resistors, in general.

Including treatment to facilitate storage (e.g., storage medium softening):
This subclass is indented under subclass 127. Subject matter including treatment of the storage medium surface to produce a modification in a physical characteristic thereof.
(1) Note. Examples of such treatment include softening of the storage medium and erasure of a previous track by scraping or abrading.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
82, Turning, subclass 1.12 for record disc erasing not combined with mechanical storage thereon.
264, Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating: Processes, subclass 36.13 for a process of record disc erasing by shaping, not combined with mechanical storage thereon.

Heating (e.g., heated stylus):
This subclass is indented under subclass 153. Subject matter including the application of heat to the storage medium.
(1) Note. The heat may be applied indirectly, e.g., through the stylus.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
219, Electric Heating, appropriate subclasses for electric heating of general utility.

Mechanical conversion to or from sound:
This subclass is indented under subclass 127. Subject matter wherein the storage medium sensing or modulating element is mechanically coupled to a sound transmitting or responsive solid element (e.g., diaphragm), so as to directly couple the elements.
(1) Note. The sensing or modulating element is usually in physical contact with the storage element.
(2) Note. The term "mechanical" includes a fluidic coupling.
(3) Note. Such devices with sound boxes or acoustical tone arms are classified here, however, the subcombination limited thereto are classified in the indented subclasses 157-169.

Including fluid coupling in force linkage:
This subclass is indented under subclass 155. Subject matter including two diaphragms coupled by an enclosed fluid.

Sound box with mounting structure:
This subclass is indented under subclass 155. Subject matter limited to a stylus coupled acoustical resonator and mounting means therefor.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
155 for similar structure combined with storage medium support or movement device.

Acoustical tone arm:
This subclass is indented under subclass 155. Subject matter limited to a tone arm with acoustical coupling structure.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
155 for such structure combined with storage medium support or movement devices.
244 for tone arms, in general.

Having plural acoustical paths:
This subclass is indented under subclass 158. Subject matter in which the acoustical coupling structure includes a plurality of acoustical energy conducting passages through which such energy may travel simultaneously.
(1) Note. Such structure may include two acoustical conduits driven in a mechanical push-pull relationship by a single stylus.

Sound box:
This subclass is indented under subclass 155. Subject matter limited in extent to a stylus coupled acoustical resonator, a casing therefor, or a mechanical linkage used therein.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
155 for such structure combined with storage medium support or movement devices.

With interchangeable styli:
This subclass is indented under subclass 160. Subject matter having plural styli selectively coupled in cooperative relationship with the acoustical resonator.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
171 for stylus holders with interchangeable styli, in general.

Including stylus pivoted from fixed casing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 160. Subject matter having a stylus having a tracking motion limited to an angular displacement about its support from an immovable casing.

With sound modification:
This subclass is indented under subclass 160. Subject matter having acoustical structure for amplifying, muffling or filtering the incident or reproduce sound.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
167 for mechanical amplification of sound box vibration.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
181, Acoustics, for structure to handle sound, in general.

Convertible between lateral and perpendicular modulation modes:
This subclass is indented under subclass 160. Subject matter including structure to cause or respond to stylus vibrations in two planes, one being normal and the other parallel to the record medium surface.
(1) Note. Such structure in a reproducer may be unitary or alternative.

Perpendicular mechanical modulation:
This subclass is indented under subclass 160. Subject matter wherein the sound box causes or is responsive to stylus vibration in a plane normal to the surface of the storage medium.

Recording:
This subclass is indented under subclass 165. Subject matter wherein the stylus modulates the storage medium by cutting its surface.

With mechanical amplification (e.g., friction coupling):
This subclass is indented under subclass 165. Subject matter having structure to increase the amplitude of the mechanical vibrations of the elements coupling the stylus and acoustical resonator.
(1) Note. Such structure is often a frictional linkage to an auxiliary vibrating structure.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
163 for sound boxes having acoustical, rather than mechanical, amplification.

Floating weight:
This subclass is indented under subclass 165. Subject matter having a stylus supporting lever with counterbalancing weight structure to minimize or eliminate the weight applied by the stylus.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
254 for tone arm counterbalancing weight structure, in
general.

Lateral mechanical modulation:
This subclass is indented under subclass 160. Subject matter wherein the sound box causes or is responsive to stylus vibration in a plane tangent, or parallel the surface of the storage medium.

Stylus holder or shield:
This subclass is indented under subclass 127. Subject matter limited in extent to a support or a protecting device for the storage medium engaging element with or without such element.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
135 for such holders combined with electrical transducing structure.

With structure to interchange styli:
This subclass is indented under subclass 170. Subject matter having structure to select one of a plurality of styli for engagement with the storage medium.

By replacement:
This subclass is indented under subclass 171. Subject matter wherein each one of the plurality of styli successively engage the storage medium.
(1) Note. These are generally single use type needles and are often in cartridge or magazine type containers.

Stylus:
This subclass is indented under subclass 127. Subject matter limited in extent to the storage medium engaging element.

Including signal modification:
This subclass is indented under subclass 99. Subject matter including significant detail of changing some parameter of the information signal.
(1) Note. The parameter change must modify the relationship among plural signal parameters, other than a multiplication of the magnitude. Therefore simple amplification is not classified in this or its indented subclasses, but a change in degree of amplification (e.g., automatic volume control, compression) would be so classified.
(2) Note. Circuitry for changing signal parameters, in general, is classified in the class containing the particular circuitry structure.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
88 for similar subject matter in a stereophonic retrieval system.
124 for similar subject matter in a radiation beam retrieval system.
134 for similar subject matter in an electrically actuated mechanical recording system.

Frequency dependent (e.g., separation):
This subclass is indented under subclass 174. Subject matter wherein the signal parameter is varied as a function of the signal frequency.
(1) Note. Variation of distribution of differing frequency components of the information signal to different ones of a plurality of channels (e.g., crossover networks) are classified herein.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
379, Telephonic Communications, appropriate subclasses for similar subject matter not restricted to storage or retrieval.

DYNAMIC MECHANISM SUBSYSTEM:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter including a support for either a transducer assembly or a storage medium, or driving means for such a support.
(1) Note. Nominal recitation of a signal processing step or structure to show relationship to mechanical structure will be classified in this or indented subclasses.
(2) Note. Subcombinations and elements of such structure peculiar thereto and not elsewhere classified are also in this or indented subclasses.

Having stationary storage medium:
This subclass is indented under subclass 176. Subject matter wherein all of the relative motion for storage or retrieval is produced by the transducer assembly.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
63 for such reproducers used for a toy or novelty device.

Access of multiple storage elements (e.g., record changer):
This subclass is indented under subclass 176. Subject matter having production of additional motion of the transducer or storage medium to change the storage medium used for storage or retrieval.
(1) Note. Movement of the transducer mounting (e.g., tone arm) is so interrelated with multiple storage access, that documents classified herein will not ordinarily be cross-referenced to powered transducer drive in subclasses 215+.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
30 for similar subject matter having designation or selection of storage medium to be used for storage or retrieval.

Cylindrical storage element:
This subclass is indented under subclass 178. Subject matter wherein the storage medium has an elongate axially symmetric tubular configuration with a closed curved surface and an axis of rotation coincident with its axis or symmetry.

Flexible disc:
This subclass is indented under subclass 178. Subject matter wherein the accessed storage medium is a disc subject to extensive deformation without any permanent effect thereto.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
360, Dynamic Magnetic Information Storage or Retrieval, 99.02 for a floppy disk loading or ejecting mechanism in a magnetic recorder or reproducer.

Stack height adjustment for tone arm or turntable:
This subclass is indented under subclass 178. Subject matter for storage discs and having a tone arm and a turntable having a spindle, and having structure to modify the position of the tone arm or the turntable along the spindle axis to compensate for changes in the height of stacks or discs on the turntable.
(1) Note. The stack height need not be sensed directly, but may be inferred by the number of disc changes.

Numerical count shut-off:
This subclass is indented under subclass 178. Subject matter including termination of operation in response to completion of a settable number of storage or retrieval operations.

Cam shaft transverse to turntable spindle axis of record
changer:
This subclass is indented under subclass 178. Subject matter having a tone arm and a turntable for storage discs with a spindle and rotatable shaft with mechanical actuating surfaces positioned below the turntable with an axis intersecting the spindle and a support for the tone arm such that the actuating surfaces are below and proximate both the spindle and tone arm support.

Tone arm position control by sensing of disc (e.g., disc or hole size):
This subclass is indented under subclass 178. Subject matter including moving a tone arm away from the path of storage disc movement during disc changing and moving the tone arm to the starting position on the disc to be placed in use after changing in accordance with a sensed dimension indicative of the starting position.
(1) Note. Such dimension may be the diameter of the disc or of a spindle aperture therein.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
217 for tone arm set down control responsive to disc sensing, in general.

Disc size sensor on or using tone arm:
This subclass is indented under subclass 184. Subject matter wherein the size of the disc to be placed in use is determined by a sensing element mounted on, or by direct disc contact with, the tone arm.

Stepped tone arm stop element:
This subclass is indented under subclass 184. Subject matter in which the tone arm starting position is determined by a stop element with a surface having a stair-step configuration.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
192, Clutches and Power-Stop Control, 138 for limit stop
devices of general utility.

Disc size sensor in feed path:
This subclass is indented under subclass 184. Subject matter in which a portion of the sensor is in the path of storage disc movement.
(1) Note. By contact with the disc, the disc size then sets the tone arm starting position.

Disc size sensor at turntable position:
This subclass is indented under subclass 184. Subject matter in which a portion of the sensor is adjacent the operative location of the disc.
(1) Note. The sensor is usually adjacent the turntable and active in the plane of the disc as it is normally used.

Turntable speed control:
This subclass is indented under subclass 178. Subject matter having adjustment or change of motion of a rotating horizontal surface which supports and imparts motion to a storage medium disc.

By sensing of disc (e.g., disc or hole size):
This subclass is indented under subclass 189. Subject matter wherein the nominal rotational speed of the turntable is selected in accordance with a sensed parameter (e.g., dimension) of the disc.

Storage disc fed to and removed from turntable:
This subclass is indented under subclass 178. Subject matter
having a turntable and a supply of storage discs in which each of the discs is consecutively moved from the supply to the turntable prior to storage or retrieval and subsequently removed from the turntable to another location.
(1) Note. The disc may be turned to the original supply to another group of discs, or to some indeterminate location.

Plural disc holder having unitary separating structure:
This subclass is indented under subclass 191. Subject matter wherein the disc supply includes a casing having distinct sections in which each disc is mounted, the sections being separated by material structurally integral with said casing.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
36 for this subject matter combined with storage element designation.

Grouped removal with sequential feed:
This subclass is indented under subclass 191. Subject matter wherein the discs are individually moved to the turntable, and a plurality of discs in the form of a stack are removed from the turntable together.

Coplanar storage:
This subclass is indented under subclass 191. Subject matter wherein the disc position in the supply, before movement, is in the same plane as the turntable surface position after movement.

Both side of disc used:
This subclass is indented under subclass 191. Subject matter wherein both sides of a storage disc are accessed for information storage and retrieval without operator intervention.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
199 for this subject matter with other types of record changers.

Separate motors operate turntable and disc change mechanism:
This subclass is indented under subclass 178. Subject matter having a turntable for storage discs, the turntable and structure to change the storage discs being powered by separate motors.

Plural turntables:
This subclass is indented under subclass 178. Subject matter having a plurality of turntables, each being consecutively utilized for storage or retrieval.

Plural tone arms:
This subclass is indented under subclass 197. Subject matter having separate transducer assembly support arms for different turntables or groups thereof.

Both sides of disc used:
This subclass is indented under subclass 178. Subject matter wherein both sides of a storage disc are accessed for information storage and retrieval without operator intervention.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
195 for similar subject matter with both feed and removal of disc from turntable.

By inverting disc:
This subclass is indented under subclass 199. Subject matter wherein the disc surface used is changed by turning over the disc element.

Discs sequentially removed from turntable:
This subclass is indented under subclass 178. Subject matter wherein storage discs are stacked on a turntable and are individually removed subsequent to the storage or retrieval operation.

Discs sequentially fed to turntable:
This subclass is indented under subclass 178. Subject matter wherein the storage discs are individually fed to the turntable prior to the storage or retrieval operation so as to be stacked upon discs which have previously been used.

Tone arm set down adjustment:
This subclass is indented under subclass 202. Subject matter including controllable placement of the transducer assembly on the storage disc.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
184 for such adjustment controlled by disc sensing.
216 for similar subject matter not restricted to multiple element access devices.

By edge controlled feeding of disc:
This subclass is indented under subclass 202. Subject matter including moving the disc to the turntable by applying force to the perimeter of the disc.

With feed cooperating structure on spindle:
This subclass is indented under subclass 204. Subject matter wherein the spindle has structure or configuration cooperating with the disc force application to assist in disc feeding.

By center hold feeding of disc (e.g., spindle drop):
This subclass is indented under subclass 202. Subject matter including moving the disc to the turntable by applying or releasing force adjacent center holes in such discs.
(1) Note. The discs are often stacked on a portion of the spindle prior to storage or retrieval.

Support mechanism adapter for large hole records on small hole spindles:
This subclass is indented under subclass 206. Subject matter having an element extending radially, in at least one direction, from the spindle to engage disc apertures larger than the spindle diameter.
(1) Note. The adapters, per se, are also classified herein.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
290 for disc hole size adapters, in general.

Having specified spindle structure:
This subclass is indented under subclass 206. Subject matter including detail of the spindle mechanism structure.

Umbrella type:
This subclass is indented under subclass 208. Subject matter
including plural, laterally extendable elements mounted on and disposed angularly about the spindle, which elements control and support the disc stack.

Having shoulder and ejector lever:
This subclass is indented under subclass 208. Subject matter wherein the disc is positioned by a ledge formed on the spindle and a lever element is used to feed the disc to the turntable.

With edge stabilizer:
This subclass is indented under subclass 210. Subject matter wherein the disc is held adjacent the edge by an element to steady the disc to be fed.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
205 for an edge controlled disc feed with cooperating spindle support structure.

Auxiliary structure (e.g., shut-off preventer, disc spacer):
This subclass is indented under subclass 178. Subject matter having or limited to an element added to modify the operation of the record changer or mechanism.
(1) Note. Examples of such elements are discs for spacing, a clip or other device for defeating last-record shut-off.
(2) Note. Subcombination of this nature peculiar to record changers are classified here.

Additional motion or storage element support to effect tracking:
This subclass is indented under subclass 176. Subject matter wherein the structure supporting the storage medium has a motion component additional to the relative motion along the path of motion, which additional motion component maintains
each instantaneous position of the storage medium having its characteristic sensed at the location of a substantially stationary transducer.

Cylindrical storage element:
This subclass is indented under subclass 213. Subject matter wherein the storage medium has an elongate axially symmetric tubular configuration with a closed curved surface and an axis of rotation coincident with its axis of symmetry.

Having power driven transducer assembly:
This subclass is indented under subclass 176. Subject matter having a source of power which applies a force to drive the transducer assembly along a desired path.
(1) Note. The driving force is often applied to the tone arm.
(2) Note. The incidental driving force resulting from stylus engagement with an information carrying groove is not classified herein.

Having tone arm set-down control:
This subclass is indented under subclass 215. Subject matter wherein the driving force places the transducer assembly on a storage disc.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
184 for similar subject matter in an automatic record changer.

By disc sensing (e.g., by sensed disc or hole size):
This subclass is indented under subclass 216. Subject matter wherein the position of the placement is determined by a sensed characteristic of the disc, such as disc or hole size.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
184 for similar subject matter in an automatic record changer.

Having groove engaging driving element:
This subclass is indented under subclass 215. Subject matter wherein a groove engaging element, distinct from any information coupling element, provides all tracking force to the transducer assembly.
(1) Note. Examples of the subject matter classified in this subclass include unmodulated grooves and groove coupling elements transmitting only tracking motion.

With drive transverse to storage track during storage or retrieval:
This subclass is indented under subclass 215. Subject matter wherein the driving force is applied during storage or retrieval to provide or modify the motion necessary thereto.

Controlled by transducer assembly support:
This subclass is indented under subclass 219. Subject matter wherein the driving force is determined by a condition (e.g., position, movement) of the transducer supporting structure.
(1) Note. The supporting structure is often a tone arm.

With additional drive (e.g., scanning, restoring, or return):
This subclass is indented under subclass 219. Subject matter having a second source of driving force which produces a different rate or direction of motion and is selectively applied to the transducer support.

Having pivoted tone arm:
This subclass is indented under subclass 219. Subject matter having a tone arm which supports the transducer assembly and which tone arm is subject only to angular displacement at the end opposite the transducer assembly so as to cause the assembly to travel in a substantially arcuate path.

By lead screw:
This subclass is indented under subclass 219. Subject matter wherein the driving force is applied to the transducer assembly, or support therefor, by a rotating tubular element having an externally extending element of helical configuration.

With passive linear tracking:
This subclass is indented under subclass 215. Subject matter including constraining the path of the transducer assembly due to incidental motion from stylus engagement to a straight line, the driving force being applied other than during storage or retrieval.
(1) Note. This driving force is generally a restoring force.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
249 for linear tracking absent application of driving force.

Restoring after passive tracking:
This subclass is indented under subclass 215. Subject matter wherein the driving force is applied after storage or retrieval to place the transducer support at a predetermined location.

Responsive to transducer support condition (e.g., movement or position):
This subclass is indented under subclass 225. Subject matter where the driving force is initiated or controlled by a condition of the transducer assembly support (e.g., movement or position).
(1) Note. Included herein are devices which restore a tone arm to an initial position upon reaching lead-out groove.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
231 for tone arm operated trip devices, in general.

Numerical count replay:
This subclass is indented under subclass 226. Subject matter including termination of storage or retrieval in response to completion of a settable number of repetitions of the restoring operation.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
182 for numerical count shut-off in a record changer.

Controllable position:
This subclass is indented under subclass 226. Subject matter in which either a restoring initiating or ending location of the transducer assembly may be adjusted.

Turntable mounted template:
This subclass is indented under subclass 225. Subject matter wherein the driving force is derived from an adjunct to the turntable which moves the transducer support by guiding the stylus to a restored position.

Power cueing (i.e., engage/disengage):
This subclass is indented under subclass 215. Subject matter wherein the driving force places the transducer assembly into or out of a storage or retrieval relationship with the storage medium (e.g., engagement or disengagement between a stylus and record).

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
224 for such subject matter combined with linear constraint of passive tracking.

Mechanism responsive to control structure on storage medium sensed by transducer support (e.g., trip device):
This subclass is indented under subclass 176. Subject matter wherein the storage medium has control structure thereon which is sensed by the transducer assembly support to modify the operation of the dynamic mechanism subsystem.
(1) Note. This control structure is often a lead-out groove.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
47 for control by an information signal.
52 for storage medium control structure sensed by other than the transducer assembly support.
178 for record changing devices which may be controlled by a transducer support sensed control structure.
226 for tone arm restoring controlled by similar structure.

With turntable braking (e.g., velocity or reverse responsive):
This subclass is indented under subclass 231. Subject matter wherein the storage medium control structure is sensed to control a braking device to stop turntable motion.
(1) Note. The motion of the transducer support may be either increased, or reciprocatory, speed (velocity) for energizing the brake control.

Mechanism condition or storage medium responsive control:
This subclass is indented under subclass 176. Subject matter wherein the mechanism subsystem is controlled by a condition of an element thereof, or by a characteristic of the storage medium.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
178 for such subject matter in a record changing device.
220 for a tone arm controlled lateral drive mechanism.
226 for a tone arm controlled restoring mechanism.
231 for a tone arm motion controlled mechanism.

With turntable braking (e.g., tone arm position responsive):
This subclass is indented under subclass 233. Subject matter wherein the controlled mechanism subsystem is a brake to stop turntable motion.
(1) Note. Braking systems responsive to control structure, such as the lead-out groove or the eccentric circle at the end of play (center) of the disc record, are classified in 232 above.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
79 for braking controlled by a phonograph cabinet closure.

With stopping of motor:
This subclass is indented under subclass 234. Subject matter wherein the motive power is controlled.
(1) Note. This includes electric circuit control of the motor in addition to braking.
(2) Note. Systems using a governor controlled motor with braking (such as a fly-weight disc) are classified here.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
243 for motive power control absent braking.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
318, Electricity: Motive Power Systems, 362 for motor systems having braking; and subclass 626 for motor systems with a limit or end-stop device.

Adjustable:
This subclass is indented under subclass 234. Subject matter wherein the mechanism is controlled by a linkage which is changeable to suit some desired variation (e.g., tone arm position at which braking occurs).

With electrical control of brake:
This subclass is indented under subclass 234. Subject matter wherein the mechanism is controlled by an electrical subsystem to control the brake.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, 52 and specifically subclasses 61.4, 61.41, 61.45+ for switches used for special applications.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, 139 for control circuits for electromagnetic devices.

End limit sensor coupled with tone arm:
This subclass is indented under subclass 234. Subject matter wherein the mechanism is controlled by a feeler or other element which is contacted by the tone arm or a projection therefrom at a position at the end of play.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
236 for similar subject matter which is adjustable and which is not cross- referenced to this subclass.

Speed:
This subclass is indented under subclass 233. Subject matter wherein the relative motion used for producing storage or retrieval is controlled.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
189 for similar subject matter in a record changing mechanism.
267 for turntable speed changing, in general.

Variable radius compensation (e.g., constant interaction speed):
This subclass is indented under subclass 239. Subject matter wherein the speed controlling condition is the radial position of the transducing assembly.
(1) Note. Such control may be used to establish and maintain a constant linear velocity between a storage disc and transducing assembly.

Self-responsive (e.g., governor):
This subclass is indented under subclass 239. Subject matter wherein the relative motion is both the controlled and controlling condition.
(1) Note. Such control may be used to maintain or limit relative motion.

Antiskating:
This subclass is indented under subclass 233. Subject matter wherein a controllable lateral force is applied to prevent skidding in a direction transverse to the information track and on the storage medium surface.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
252 for antiskating devices absent control.

Energizing circuit:
This subclass is indented under subclass 233. Subject matter having an electrical circuit to supply power to at least the subsystem and which circuit is controlled to obtain the desired effect from the subsystem.
(1) Note. The control is often making or breaking of the circuit.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
235 for such subject matter to stop the motor combined with braking of an element driven thereby (e.g., a turntable).

Specific detail of transducer assembly support structure (e.g., tone arm):
This subclass is indented under subclass 176. Subject matter having particular detail of structure to maintain the transducer assembly at one or more desired locations.
(1) Note. The holding structure may allow motion of the transducer assembly.
(2) Note. This and indented subclasses may include nominal recitation of information handling structure. However, details of such structure with or without support structure will be classified with the particular information handling structure.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
158 for an acoustical tone arm.

With manual tone arm displacement adjunct (e.g., cueing):
This subclass is indented under subclass 244. Subject matter including a tone arm and structure to manually change the location of tone arm.
(1) Note. The location change may be engagement or disengagement with, or position change on, the storage medium element.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
40 for a manually actuated mechanism to place the tone arm at a designated location on the storage medium.

With viscous limiting of motion (e.g., rate damping):
This subclass is indented under subclass 245. Subject matter further including loading of the displacement motion by the internal friction of a liquid.

Vibration or resonance suppression (e.g., damping):
This subclass is indented under subclass 244. Subject matter including suppression of undesired mechanical energy incident upon a tone arm.

By viscous damping:
This subclass is indented under subclass 247. Subject matter wherein the suppression of vibration is caused by transmission of vibration through a velocity dependent frictional force structure, which is usually a liquid.

Having linear guide:
This subclass is indented under subclass 244. Subject matter having a structure restricting transducer travel to a path along a straight element.

Pivoted arm with tracking path compensation:
This subclass is indented under subclass 244. Subject matter wherein the transducer support structure is an arm rotatably mounted upon pivoting structure and has structure to modify the tracking path (e.g., pivot motion or supplemental pivot).
(1) Note. The tracking path modification is generally to
convert the path from an arc to a straight line.

Having application of counterbalancing force:
This subclass is indented under subclass 244. Subject matter further including application of a force to modify the motion of the transducer assembly supporting structure.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
215 for causing motion of transducer supporting structure.

Lateral (e.g., antiskating):
This subclass is indented under subclass 251. Subject matter wherein the additional force balances forces parallel to the storage medium surface.
(1) Note. Such balancing of forces is often used to prevent skidding of a storage medium contacting stylus over the surface.

By resilient force element (e.g., spring):
This subclass is indented under subclass 251. Subject matter wherein the counterbalancing force is a displacement dependent restoring force applied by a highly elastic mechanical device or element.
(1) Note. Examples of such mechanical devices include a hydraulic or pneumatic device, a coiled spring, or a block of rubber.

Specified weight mounting:
This subclass is indented under subclass 251. Subject matter wherein the force applying structure includes details of a gravitational force applying structure.

Having specified bearing structure:
This subclass is indented under subclass 244. Subject matter including structural detail of an element permitting motion of the transducer assembly support.

Mechanical details of cartridge mounting:
This subclass is indented under subclass 244. Subject matter having detail of structure for holding a cartridge containing a stylus and transducer on a support.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
135 for such subject matter with structural detail of the transducer or of the stylus coupling.

Rest:
This subclass is indented under subclass 244. Subject matter having or limited to structure to support a portion of the transducer assembly support in an inoperative position.
(1) Note. The support portion of the transducer assembly support is often support by the storage medium element during operation.

Specific detail of storage medium support or motion production:
This subclass is indented under subclass 176. Subject matter having particular detail for maintaining the storage medium at a desired location or condition of motion.

For endless web looped about plural rotatable mounts (e.g., belt):
This subclass is indented under subclass 258. Subject matter having a plurality of rotatable elements about which a
continuous, flexible, flat storage medium element is mounted.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
242, Winding, Tensioning, or Guiding, 324 for a machine convertible information carrier; e.g., a magnetic tape or image film formed in an endless loop.

For cylinder:
This subclass is indented under subclass 258. Subject matter having a mounting element (e.g., mandrel) for a cylindrical storage medium.

For pliable (e.g., floppy) disc:
This subclass is indented under subclass 258. Subject matter wherein the support is particularly designed for use with a disc subject to extensive deformation without any permanent effect.
(1) Note. Incidental use of a support of general utility (e.g., turntable) for a floppy disc is not classified herein.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
180 for record changer for such discs.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
360, Dynamic Magnetic Information Storage or Retrieval, 99.01 for a floppy disk drive mechanism in a magnetic recorder or reproducer.

With storage medium removal adjunct:
This subclass is indented under subclass 258. Subject matter further including means to remove the storage medium element from the support or motion producing structure.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
77.1 for similar subject matter in a slotted cabinet.
191 and 201, for removing storage medium elements in a multiple element access devices.

Mounting structure for support or motion producing assembly (e.g., vibration damping):
This subclass is indented under subclass 258. Subject matter with structure for keeping either of (a) the support, or (b) the motion producing assembly, at a particular location.

Turntable:
This subclass is indented under subclass 258. Subject matter having a rotating platform upon which a storage medium disc is placed.

With auxiliary turntable:
This subclass is indented under subclass 264. Subject matter having an additional turntable and driving mechanism therefor.
(1) Note. Speed conversion assemblies placed on a turntable to drive another turntable at a different speed are classified in this subclass.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
197 for plural turntables for consecutive access to storage medium elements.

Driving mechanism:
This subclass is indented under subclass 264. Subject matter including features of an element causing or coupling motion of the turntable.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
310, Electrical Generator or Motor Structure, appropriate
subclasses for motor structure not limited to the specific turntable load.

Speed changing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 266. Subject matter including an element for changing the rotational speed of the turntable.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
189 for similar subject matter in a record changer.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
477, Interrelated Power Delivery Controls, Including Engine Control, for interrelated control between a motor and a transmission, clutch, or brake.

Braking:
This subclass is indented under subclass 264. Subject matter including structure to prevent further rotation of the turntable.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
232 for similar subject matter in which the braking is initiated by a trip device.
234 for similar subject matter in which the braking is initiated by the tone arm position.

Bearing structure:
This subclass is indented under subclass 264. Subject matter having particular contact structure associating the rotating assembly with surrounding stationary support structure.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
384, Bearings, appropriate subclasses for bearing structure of general utility.

Disc holding or locating (e.g., spindle structure):
This subclass is indented under subclass 264. Subject matter including structure to maintain the position of the disc with respect to the turntable.

With detail of storage medium contact structure on turntable surface:
This subclass is indented under subclass 270. Subject matter including detail of turntable surface which contacts and supports the disc.

STORAGE MEDIUM STRUCTURE:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein the specific structure of the information bearing storage medium is recited.
(1) Note. A blank or starting piece not limited to storage or retrieval is classified elsewhere, appropriate to the actual blank. See search notes below.
(2) Note. Mention of intended use such as in the preamble of the claim is not enough for classification in this subclass.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
206, Special Receptacle or Package, 307 for a container under the class definition for removably containing an article which includes machine readable information registered thereon.
252, Compositions, appropriate subclasses such as for surface lubricants.
346, Recorders, 200 for a record blank without grooves.
352, Optics: Motion Pictures, subclass 92, 102+, and 232+ for structure of storage medium structure limited to motion pictures.
360, Dynamic Magnetic Information Storage or Retrieval, 131 for structure of record medium limited to magnetic storage.
425, Plastic Article or Earthenware Shaping or Treating: Apparatus, appropriate subclasses for subject matter not including storing or information.
427, Coating Processes, appropriate subclasses for article and process of making where not limited to a blank with an information track.
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, 44 for stock material without an information bearing track.

Combined with diverse art structure:
This subclass is indented under subclass 272. Subject matter wherein a storage medium is combined with an element or structure of another utility.
(1) Note. The combination is classified elsewhere when provided for in the class for such art structure.
(2) Note. Typical diverse art structure is a page of a book with a clear laminate carrying a phonograph recording.

Composite (e.g., package with preview record):
This subclass is indented under subclass 272. Subject matter wherein several storage medium structures are related in some particular way.
(1) Note. One form is of several annular rings snapped together to form a large disc with chosen recorded bands.

Optical track structure (e.g., phase or diffracting structure, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 272. Subject matter wherein an information track is in the form of a variation of light modifying structure on the storage medium element.
(1) Note. The term "light modifying structure" refers to modification such as bending, diffraction, phase variation, but does not include simple changes in transmissivity or reflectivity.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
44.11 93+ and 100+, for devices and systems utilizing such storage medium elements.
284 for a layered storage medium having information modulation of transmissivity or reflectivity.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
235, Registers, subclass 454 for optically coded record sensors; subclass 487 for optical records, per se.
359, Optics: Systems (Including Communication) and Elements, appropriate subclasses for light modifying structure, in general.

Erasable, reversible or re-recordable:
Subject matter under 275.1 wherein the recording layer permits information therein to be erased, reversibly recorded over or re-recorded over.
(1) Note. The term "re-recorded over is intended to include those conditions where the "old" data may still exist after the "new" data is recorded onto or over the "old" data, such as where the "new" data may be of a different nature such as a different playback frequency or different pit size.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
13 where the recording medium storage uses a different recording technique than for retrieval (e.g., optical recording and magnetic reproduction), or simultaneous or alternative types of storage or retrieval occur etc.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
359, Optics: Systems (Including Communication) and Elements, 280 and 484 for magneto-optical polarization.
360, Dynamic Magnetic Information Storage or Retrieval, subclass 114 for magneto-optic storage wherein the intensity of the flux emanating from a record is determined by directing a beam of polarized light at the record and detecting the rotation of polarization caused by the flux.
365, Static Information Storage and Retrieval, subclass 122 for information masking systems which use magneto-optical polarization; subclasses 185.01+ for floating gate memory storage (e.g., flash memory).

Track data format/layout:
This subclass is indented under subclass 275.1. Subject matter wherein a recurrent or repeated data arrangement, pattern, sectors, or data blocks occur on the information medium.
(1) Note. An organized pattern interrelates with an information arrangement pattern.
(2) Note. Examples are: Pre-formatted subject matter wherein data or certain track structure (e.g., guide grooves, etc.) has been pre-recorded, pre-etched or pre-formatted on the storage medium, having servo, index or address sectors or segments or tracks set forth as to there location with respect to other data on the storage medium; radial dependent parameter on disc medium subject matter wherein the data or information on a disc type storage medium has some parameter of the signal or track structure which varies as a function of the disc radius (e.g., pit size in some dimension varies dependent as a function of disc radius, or CLV/constant linear velocity format of recorded data, etc.).

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
44.26 for servo system operation related to disc structure information format.
94 and 95, for systems using a storage medium element with more than one plane of distinct tracks of recording information.
111 for systems using a spiral or helical track.
280 where the disc thickness varies as a function of the radius.

Pit/bubble/groove structure specifics:
This subclass is indented under subclass 275.1. Subject matter wherein data is stored in the form of pits (indentations), bubbles (protuberances) or modulation of a groove and specifics of the pit/bubble/groove are set forth such as its wall angles, dimensions, or phase depth.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
109 for systems using a diffraction storage medium such as those with pits or a grating.

Protection (e.g., preventing damage to medium, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 275.1. Subject matter wherein some means of guarding is provided to prevent some undesired effect.
(1) Note. Examples include a protective cover or structure to prevent scratches, a protective layer to prevent undesired thermal effect or chemical reaction or unwanted optical or recording effects, or an adhesive layer to prevent peeling.

Electrical track structure:
This subclass is indented under subclass 272. Subject matter wherein the storage medium has a track in the form of a variation in an electrical property.
(1) Note. The term "variation in an electrical property" refers to modification of an electric field or current, for example, variable depth capacitive layers or variable thickness resistive layers.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
126 for devices utilizing such storage medium elements.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
338, Electrical Resistors, 204 for resistive elements piled between terminals; and subclass 211 for a resistive element coated on a flexible base.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, 271 for electrostatic capacitor structure.

Special groove (e.g., particular groove shape):
This subclass is indented under subclass 272. Subject matter wherein the storage medium has a groove of specified form.

Groove acts as control system signal:
This subclass is indented under subclass 277. Subject matter wherein the position of the groove is modified for a predetermined control signal.
(1) Note. Distinction should be noted between position changes related to only storage (lateral recording) and changes intended to control a sensor (eccentric groove for actuating tone arm trip switch).

Guide during storage or retrieval:
This subclass is indented under subclass 277. Subject matter wherein a groove is used to position or track the interaction element for engagement adjacent the information bearing area of the storage medium.
(1) Note. The guide groove of this subclass is usually unmodulated. The information area may be at the bottom of the guide, or to one side, and may be of any of the types of interaction classifiable in subclasses 99+.
(2) Note. Subcombinations with magnetic storage are excluded from this class and are classified in Class 360, subclass 128.

Specific disc profile:
This subclass is indented under subclass 272. Subject matter including a disc, the thickness of which varies as a function of the radius.
(1) Note. A typical profile will have ridges at the circumference to space the modulated grooves from one disc to another to avoid scratching.

With interdisc coupling:
This subclass is indented under subclass 280. Subject matter wherein the disc includes an element which couples with a similar element of another disc placed thereon so as to prevent slippage between the two discs.
(1) Note. The term "element" in this subclass is intended to include configuration of the disc, such as ridges or serrated teeth, as well as elements additional to the disc
structure.

Specified center-hole or locating structure:
This subclass is indented under subclass 272. Subject matter wherein the locating element, whether centrally positioned or not, is constructed in a particular way.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
16, Miscellaneous Hardware, 2.1 for bushings, in general.
249, Static Molds, 83 for nonmetallic composite casting.
384, Bearings, 276 for a bearing sleeve, or liner.

Layered (e.g., permanent protective layer):
This subclass is indented under subclass 272. Subject matter wherein the storage medium has an adjacent layer.
(1) Note. This layer may be a base, or substrate, or a loose cover layer. The loose cover layer will have a permanent relation to the storage medium. The cover layer which is completely removable, such as a paper sleeve for a disk record, is classifiable in subclass 291.

Radiation beam modified or controlling (e.g., photosensitive, optical track):
This subclass is indented under subclass 283. Subject matter wherein at least one layer is either (a) responsive to incident radiation to vary a characteristic of such layer, or (b) has an information varied radiation characteristic to control a beam of radiation.
(1) Note. The characteristics referred to above are transmissivity or reflectivity.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
100 for a device utilizing such storage medium elements.
275.1 for a storage medium element with light modifying structure.

With mask:
This subclass is indented under subclass 284. Subject matter having a mask placed upon the storage medium surface to merge between stored signals.

Laminated or unified discrete layers:
This subclass is indented under subclass 283. Subject matter wherein the layers are fused, joined, glued, or otherwise made into a unitary structure.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
156, Adhesive Bonding and Miscellaneous Chemical Manufacture, appropriate subclasses for methods and apparatus for assembling or making elements not limited to information storage.
425, Plastic Article or Earthenware Shaping or Treating: Apparatus, appropriate subclasses for such subject matter absent information storage.
427, Coating Processes, appropriate subclasses for article and process making where not limited to a blank with an information track.
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, 44 for stock material without an information bearing track.

Flexible:
This subclass is indented under subclass 272. Subject matter wherein the storage medium taken as an entirety is flexible or bendable without breaking in normal use.

Specified material:
This subclass is indented under subclass 272. Subject matter wherein the material of which the storage medium is made is
specifically stated.
(1) Note. Where not limited to structure of the storage medium as classified here, the specific material is classified either in blank or starting material, or in the chemical class relating to such composition or material.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
252, Compositions, appropriate subclasses for starting materials not limited to structure of the stock or starter article.
346, Recorders, 200 for a record blank without grooves.
352, Optics: Motion Pictures, subclass 92, 102+, and 232+ for structure of storage medium structure limited to motion picture.
360, Dynamic Magnetic Information Storage or Retrieval, 131 for structure of record medium limited to magnetic storage.
425, Plastic Article or Earthenware Shaping or Treating: Apparatus, appropriate subclasses for subject matter not including storing of information.
427, Coating Processes, appropriate subclasses for article and process of making where not limited to a blank with an information track.
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, 44 for stock material without an information bearing track.

Adjuncts or adapters:
This subclass is indented under subclass 272. Subject matter having or limited to a separable device for use with a storage medium.

For central area of disc (e.g., hole size or drive sticker):
This subclass is indented under subclass 289. Subject matter wherein an element is added to the portion of a disc storage medium adjacent the center.
(1) Note. An adapter for making small holes from a large hole is classified here.
(2) Note. Another form classified here is an adhesive
device with ridges or bumps for reasons related to a disc storage medium.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
16, Miscellaneous Hardware, 2.1 for bushings, in general.
384, Bearings, 276 for a bearing sleeve, or liner.

Protectors:
This subclass is indented under subclass 289. Subject matter wherein an element is formed for covering or enclosing a storage medium unit for preventing an undesirable harm.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
77.2 for a storage or retrieval arrangement having a slotted cabinet adapted to receive a storage disc in a protective jacket.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
206, Special Receptacle or Package, 307 for a container under the class definition for removably containing an article which includes machine readable information registered thereon.
220, Receptacles, various subclasses and especially 200+ for cans or other casings without the storage medium unit.
229, Envelopes, Wrappers, and Paperboard Boxes, 68.1 for envelopes.
242, Winding, Tensioning, or Guiding, 324.2, 326+, 335+ for a machine convertible information carrier on or within a housing typically termed cartridge, cassette, or magazine, and subclass 601 for a spool provided with a cover.

MISCELLANEOUS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter not provided for in any of the preceding subclasses of this class.

DETAIL OF OPTICAL SLIDER PER SE:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein specific slider structure is provided on a slider containing an optical head.
(1) Note. The specific structure allows the slider to follow the topography of an optical disk.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
13 for magnetic sliders in magneto-optical drives.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
360, Dynamic Magnetic Information Storage or Retrieval, subclasses 234.3-237.1 for a flying magnetic slider in a magnetic disk drive and subclass 246.2 for a full contact magnetic slider in a magnetic disk drive.

The definitions of the Foreign Patent/NPL Art Collections below correspond to the definitions of the abolished subclasses from which these Collections were formed. See the Foreign Patent/NPL Art Collection schedule for specific correspondences.

SIGNAL PROCESSING BY STORAGE AND SUBSEQUENT RETRIEVAL (E.G., FREQUENCY SHIFT, DELAY, ETC): Foreign art collections including subject matter wherein a time-dependent characteristic of a signal is modified by storing and subsequently reproducing the signal.

With details of electrical signal processing: Foreign art collections including subject matter further including a particularly described step or structure of electrical modifi of the information signal.