U.S. PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
Information Products Division |
U.S. Patent Classification System - Classification Definitions
as of June 30, 2000
Patents classified in a subclass may be accessed by either clicking on
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(definitions have been obtained from the
Patents ASSIST CD-ROM which
is produced by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Electronic Products Branch)
Class 381
ELECTRICAL AUDIO SIGNAL PROCESSING SYSTEMS AND DEVICES
Class Definition:
This class provides for: (a) wired one-way electrical
transmission or processing systems for audio signals, (b)
Stereophonic systems, which are not elsewhere classified, (c)
instrument or process for converting an electrical audio
information signal to or from humanly audible form.
(1) Note. A "system" is an assemblage of two or more
elements having diverse functions.
(2) Note. An "audio" signal is an electrical signal which
represents spoken or other sounds which vary with time, and
may be in analog or digital form.
(3) Note. Combinations of a loudspeaker or microphone with
another audio signal processing device (e.g., amplifier,
filter, etc.) or other circuit (e.g., bias circuit) are
classified herein even if the loudspeaker or microphone is
included by name only.
(4) Note. Nominal recitation of "audio" is not sufficient
to afford classification herein of an invention which would
be otherwise classified elsewhere.
LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS
A transducer for conversion of speech or similar sound (e.g.,
music) to or from a corresponding electrical signal, and the
combination of such a transducer with acoustical structure is
classified herein (see Subclass References to the Current
Class, below). Note that transducer structure combined with
circuitry, other than a lead or connector, is classified with
the system, either in this class (381), or in an external
class for processing an audio signal.
Excluded from this class are two-way wired electrical audio
signal transmission systems which are classified elsewhere.
Transmissions of pulse signals which do not represent audio
signals is classified elsewhere. Multiplex Communication
Systems (except stereophonic multiplex systems) are
classified elsewhere. Modulated Carrier Wave Communication
Systems and devices are classified elsewhere. Combinations of
subject matter of this class with structure of a more
comprehensive combination (e.g., Television Set) are
classified with the combination. (See References to Other
Classes, below.)
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
150 for a transducer for conversion of speech or similar
sound (e.g., music) to or from a corresponding electrical
signal, and the combination of such a transducer with
acoustical structure.
REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
27, Undertaking, subclass 31 for systems adapted for
communication with entombed persons.
73, Measuring and Testing, 584 for measuring sound waves,
especially subclass 585 for audiometers (ear or hearing
testing), and subclasses 646+ for measuring sound intensity.
84, Music, 600 for electronic musical instruments.
178, Telegraphy, for transmissions of pulse signals which do
not represent audio signals. (Lines With Other Classes and
Within This Class)
181, Acoustics, appropriate subclasses for mechanical audio
systems.
330, Amplifiers, for amplifiers not having specific input
signals or specific loads.
340, Communications: Electrical, appropriate subclasses for
electrical communications in general.
367, Communications, Electrical: Acoustic Wave Systems and
Devices, subclass 132 for underwater speech transmission by
an acoustic wave; subclasses 140+ for an acoustic transducer
not related to speech signal conversion.
369, Dynamic Information Storage or Retrieval, appropriate
subclasses for storing and retrieving sound signals.
370, Multiplex Communications, appropriate subclasses for
multiplex communications and for multiplex communication
systems (except stereophonic multiplex systems). (Lines With
Other Classes and Within This Class)
375, Pulse or Digital Communications, for transmissions of
pulse signals which do not represent audio signals. (Lines
With Other Classes and Within This Class)
379, Telephonic Communications, for two-way wired electrical
audio signal transmission systems. (Lines With Other Classes
and Within This Class)
455, Telecommunications, appropriate subclasses for modulated
carrier wave speech communications, and for modulated carrier
wave communication systems and devices. (Lines With Other
Classes and Within This Class,
505, Superconductor Technology: Apparatus, Material,
Process, 150 for high temperature (T[subscrpt]c[end
subscrpt] 30 K) superconducting devices, and particularly
subclasses 202+ for electric communication system containing
transmitter or receiver of pulse, digital, or electromagnetic
radio, television, or radar wave form.
600, Surgery, subclass 559 for audiometers (ear or testing
by auditory stimulus).
623, Prosthesis (i.e., Artificial Body Members), Parts
Thereof, or Aids and Accessories Therefor, subclass 9 for
mechanical artificial larynxes.
704, Data Processing: Speech Signal Processing, Linguistics,
Language Translation, and Audio Compression/Decompression,
200 for speech signal processing using a computer.
SUBCLASSES
Subclass:
1
BINAURAL AND STEREOPHONIC:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter where there are two or more independent sound
signals which are to be separately reproduced so as to create
a sense of depth.
(1) Note. "Sound signals" are electric signals representing
sounds.
(2) Note. Stereophonic or pseudo stereo- phonic systems are
classified here, not in Class 370.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
360, Dynamic Magnetic Information Storage or Retrieval, for
magnetically recording or reproducing stored stereophonic
information.
369, Dynamic Information Storage or Retrieval, 85 for
recording or reproducing stored stereophonic information.
370, Multiplex Communications, appropriate subclasses for
multiplex in general.
Subclass:
2
Broadcast or multiplex stereo:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
for the broadcasting or transmission of two or more
independent sound signals which are to be reproduced so as to
create a sense of depth.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
360, Dynamic Magnetic Information Storage or Retrieval, for
magnetically recording or reproducing stored stereophonic
information.
369, Dynamic Information Storage or Retrieval, 85 for
recording or reproducing stored stereophonic information.
370, Multiplex Communications, appropriate subclasses for
multiplex in general.
455, Telecommunications, appropriate subclasses for
broadcast, nonstereo radio communications.
Subclass:
3
FM final modulation:
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Subject matter
where stereophonic signals are broadcast by means of a radio
carrier wave which is only frequency modulated.
(1) Note. There may also be an amplitude modulated
subcarrier.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
455, Telecommunications, 42, 93, 110+, and 205+ for frequency
modulated carrier wave communications in general.
Subclass:
4
AM subcarrier:
This subclass is indented under subclass 3. Subject matter
where a carrier wave is frequency modulated by a subcarrier
which has been amplitude modulated by a signal.
Subclass:
5
Four discrete channels:
This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Subject matter
where the independent sound signals are four in number.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
19 for quadrisonic sound systems in general.
Subclass:
6
Having transmitter:
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Subject matter
including means for generating and modulating a carrier wave
by a stereophonic signal and usually including the coupling
of the modulated carrier wave to the transmission medium.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
455, Telecommunications, subclasses 39-129 for radio
transmitters in general.
Subclass:
7
Switch-type detector or modulator:
This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Subject matter
having a detector or modulator which extracts information
from or adds information to an input waveform only at
instants determined by a selector pulse.
Subclass:
8
Two diodes:
This subclass is indented under subclass 7. Subject matter
in which the detector or demodulator is limited to
containing, two diodes.
Subclass:
9
Four or more diodes:
This subclass is indented under subclass 7. Subject matter
in which the detector or demodulator contains at least four
diodes.
Subclass:
10
Channel separation control:
This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Subject matter
where there is control over the electrical or acoustical
difference between the independent sound signals.
Subclass:
11
Automatic switchover between mono and stereo modes:
This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Subject matter
where a receiver is changed from a monaural receiver to a
stereophonic receiver in response to the presence of a
stereophonic signal at its input.
Subclass:
12
Stereo indicators (e.g., stereo presence):
This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Subject matter
having an indicator which gives an indication in response to
the presence of a stereophonic signal.
Subclass:
13
Antinoise:
This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Subject matter
having provision for the reduction or elimination of an
unwanted signal.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
455, Telecommunications, 50.1, 63+, 222+, 283+, and 296+ for
noise elimination in radio communications in general.
Subclass:
14
Having transmitter:
This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Subject matter
including means for generating and modulating a carrier wave
by a stereophonic signal and usually including the coupling
of the modulated carrier wave to the transmission medium.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
455, Telecommunications, subclasses 39-129 for radio
transmitters in general.
Subclass:
15
AM or both AM and angle final modulation:
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Subject matter
having a carrier wave which is amplitude modulated and which
may also be angle modulated.
Subclass:
16
Having transmitter:
This subclass is indented under subclass 15. Subject matter
including means for generating and modulating a carrier wave
by a stereophonic signal and usually including the coupling
of the modulated carrier wave to the transmission medium.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
455, Telecommunications, subclasses 39-129 for radio
transmitter in general.
Subclass:
17
Pseudo stereophonic:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
having a device or arrangement which transforms single
channel audio signals into a plurality of channels of audio
information to create a sense of depth.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
63 for reverberators, which are often used to create a
stereophonic effect.
Subclass:
18
Pseudo quadrasonic:
This subclass is indented under subclass 17. Subject matter
where the plurality of channels are four in number.
Subclass:
19
Quadrasonic:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
in which four independent sound signals are to be
reproduced.
Subclass:
20
Matrix:
This subclass is indented under subclass 19. Subject matter
where the four independent sound signals are either (1)
combined or coded to give one or more complex signals or (2)
one or more complex signals are combined or decoded to
recover the four independent sound signals.
Subclass:
21
4-2-4:
This subclass is indented under subclass 20. Subject matter
where four quadrasonic signals are multiplexed into two more
complex signals, then expanded back into four signals.
Subclass:
22
Variable decoder:
This subclass is indented under subclass 21. Subject matter
where the two more complex signals are combined in variable
ratios in order to recover the four independent sound
signals.
Subclass:
23
With encoder:
This subclass is indented under subclass 21. Subject matter
where the four independent sound signals are combined or
coded to give two complex signals.
Subclass:
23.1
Hearing aid:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
having a small ambient sound reproducing system wherein two
or mote output transducers transmit independent sound signals
directly into the ear or skull for use by a hearing impaired
individual to increase the sound level received by the ear
(i.e., listening assistance.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
68 and the search notes therein for hearing aids, in
general.
Subclass:
26
Stereo sound pickup device (microphone):
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
including a single transducer system for converting sound
waves into two or more independent sound signals.
Subclass:
27
Center channel:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
where a third sound signal is derived from combination of two
independent sound signals.
Subclass:
28
Amplifier:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
including a device to increase the amplitude of the
independent sound signals.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
330, Amplifiers, appropriate subclasses for an amplifier not
having a specific source of input signals or a specific
load.
Subclass:
54
HELIUM SPEECH:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter where an output speech signal is of differing
apparent predominant frequency but of the same duration as
the input speech signal.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
29 for bandwidth compression or expansion of a speech
signal.
Subclass:
55
AUDIO TRANSDUCER PROTECTION CIRCUITRY:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter where there is an audio transducer and
circuitry to protect the transducer from damage due to
abnormal operating conditions.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
111 for systems having specific audio transducers.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, 1 for
circuitry to protect other systems and devices in general
from damage due to abnormal operating conditions.
Subclass:
56
MONITORING OF SOUND:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter having a qualitative (yes-no) indication
dependent upon a parameter of sound waves, e.g., loudness,
quality, etc.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
58 for monitoring the operation of audio devices.
77 for systems having a microphone at a location remote from
a listening location (i.e., one-way intercoms).
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
73, Measuring and Testing, 570 for measuring and testing
sound waves where a quantative (numerical) indication is
given, especially 645+ for measuring an acoustic parameter.
367, Communications, Electrical: Acoustic Wave Systems and
Devices, 135 for acoustic wave receiver circuitry.
Subclass:
57
Amplification control responsive to ambient sound:
This subclass is indented under subclass 56. Subject matter
where the ambient sound level, at a place where sound is
being reproduced, is evaluated and the result used to control
the volume of the reproduced sound.
Subclass:
58
MONITORING/MEASURING OF AUDIO DEVICES:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter having an indicator, measuring device, or
eavesdropping means.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
56 for monitoring of sound waves.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
340, Communications: Electrical, 500 for condition
responsive alarms.
714, Error Detection/Correction and Fault Detection/Recovery,
712 for testing transmission facilities.
Subclass:
59
Loudspeaker operation:
This subclass is indented under subclass 58. Subject matter
where an operating parameter of a sound reproducing
transducer is measured or indicated.
Subclass:
60
Testing of hearing aids:
This subclass is indented under subclass 58. Subject matter
in which at least part of a hearing aid is tested.
(1) Note. A hearing aid is a small audio reproducing system
for the hard of hearing.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
68 for hearing aids.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
73, Measuring and Testing, 570 for measuring vibration
including sound waves.
324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing, for electrical
testing or measuring in general.
370, Multiplex Communications, 241 for multiplex testing.
455, Telecommunications, 67.1 for modulated carrier system
testing: subclasses 115+ for transmitter testing; and
subclasses 226.1+ for receiver testing.
Subclass:
61
SOUND EFFECTS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter where the audio signal is selectively
distorted.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
369, Dynamic Information Storage or Retrieval, 174 for
signal modification in a recording system.
Subclass:
62
Tremolo or vibrato effects:
This subclass is indented under subclass 61. Subject matter
having means to produce a rapid variation in amplitude or
pitch of a signal.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
63 for means to introduce echoes into a signal.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
84, Music, subclass 1.25 for producing vibrato in an
electronic musical instrument.
181, Acoustics, subclass 143 for a moving sound producer or
deflector which can produce tremolo effects.
Subclass:
63
Reverberators:
This subclass is indented under subclass 61. Subject matter
having a device for producing echoes in the audio signal.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
84, Music, subclass 1.24 for reverberation production in
electronic musical instruments, and digest 26 for musical
reverberation.
181, Acoustics, 123 for echo system.
333, Wave Transmission Lines and Networks, subclasses 138-164
for delay lines.
360, Dynamic Magnetic Information Storage or Retrieval,
subclass 7 for recording for momentary delay to produce
echoes.
369, Dynamic Information Storage or Retrieval, subclass 60.01
for using a recording system to delay a signal.
Subclass:
64
Mechanical (e.g., reverberation chamber):
This subclass is indented under subclass 63. Subject matter
where the echoes are produced by other than electrical
means.
Subclass:
65
Helical spring:
This subclass is indented under subclass 64. Subject matter
where the echoes are produced by reflecting a compressional
sound wave along a helical spring.
Subclass:
66
DEREVEBERATORS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter for removing echoes from a sound signal.
Subclass:
67
STETHOSCOPES, ELECTRICAL:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter forming an instrument used to convey sounds to
the ear of a user.
(1) Note. If the instrument is particularly adapted for use
on or in a living body, classification is in Class 128,
Surgery, but if the instrument can be used generally (e.g.,
to detect leaks or the internal sounds of machinery)
classification is here.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
181, Acoustics, subclass 131 for mechanical stethoscopes.
600, Surgery, subclass 528 for specific structure, adapted
to be placed on or in a living body, for detecting sounds
emanating from the heart.
Subclass:
70
ARTIFICIAL LARYNX, ELECTRICAL:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter for replacing or supplementing the larynx and
involving electrical actuation.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
84, Music, subclass 375 for imitation trumpets, jew's harps,
and reed horns of variable pitch.
116, Signals and Indicators, 137 for horns, whistles and
compressional wave generators.
128, Surgery, 207.14 for tubes to be inserted into the
trachea or larynx.
181, Acoustics, pertinent subclasses for sound amplifying and
transmitting means and methods.
446, Amusement Devices: Toys, 297 for a toy having means to
emit sound imitating a voice.
472, Amusement Devices, particularly subclass 64 for an
illusion caused by sound imitation or effect.
623, Prosthesis (i.e., Artificial Body Members), Parts
Thereof, or Aids and Accessories Therefor, 24 for
electrically actuated artificial body members other than a
larynx and subclass 9 for nonelectrical artificial larynxes.
704, Data Processing: Speech Signal Processing, Linguistics,
Language Translation, and Audio Compression/Decompression,
258 for speech signal synthesis and subclass 271 for speech
signal processing applied to a handicap aid.
Subclass:
71.1
ACOUSTICAL NOISE OR SOUND CANCELLATION:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter, not elsewhere classifiable, comprising a
noise cancellation system where audible noise is at least
partially eliminated by generating and acoustically emitting
an out-of-phase replica of an offending sound.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
73.1 for sound or noise masking.
94.1 for suppression of the effects of unwanted signals on
desired signals.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
415, Rotary Kinetic Fluid Motors or Pumps, subclass 119 for
noise elimination in fans, turbines, jet engines, etc.
Subclass:
71.11
Adaptive filter topology:
This subclass is indented under subclass 71.8. Subject
matter having the functional interconnections between two or
more transfer function models which make up an overall
circuit or computational arrangement designed to generate a
counterwave.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
71.13 for the generation of the out-of-phase replica using
analog circuitry or non-adaptive filter.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
708, Electrical Computers: Arithmetic Processing and
Calculating, 322 for adaptive digital filter structures, per
se.
Subclass:
71.12
Algorithm or formula (e.g., LMS, Filtered-X, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 71.8. Subject
matter having a specific computational sequence or a
mathematical formula used in computation of a counterwave.
Subclass:
71.13
Analog or nonadaptive:
This subclass is indented under subclass 71.8. Subject
matter in which the out-of-phase replica is generated using
either analog circuitry or an electrical circuit having a
fixed transfer function.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
71.11 for the generation of a counterwave using adaptive
filter topology.
Subclass:
71.14
Tonal noise or particular frequency or band:
This subclass is indented under subclass 71.8. Subject
matter in which the noise cancellation system is particularly
designed to either eliminate noise having a high degree of
underlying periodicity or process noise at a particular
frequency or within a limited or particular frequency band.
Subclass:
71.2
Acoustic, nonairborne vibration sensing or counterwave
emission:
This subclass is indented under subclass 71.1. Subject
matter which senses vibration from or which imparts a
cancelling wave directly to a solid or liquid medium or
structure.
(1) Note. In order to be properly classifiable here, the
primary object should be attenuation of acoustic sounds. In
most cases, this will mean that a sensor such as a microphone
will be needed to detect sound propagated through air, such
as the residual sound after the counterwave source's output
has been acoustically summed with the original noise.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
52, Static Structures (e.g., Buildings), subclass 167.1 +
for means compensating for an earth-transmitted force, i.e.,
earthquake.
267, Spring Devices, 136 for resilient shock or vibration
absorbers. See especially subclasses 140.14 and 140.15 for
subject matter including electronic or magnetic control, or
subclass 140.11 for subject matter having an energy absorbing
feature.
Subclass:
71.3
From appliance:
This subclass is indented under subclass 71.1. Subject
matter wherein the noise cancellation system cancels noise
emanating from a device such as an air conditioner,
refrigerator, vacuum cleaner, etc.
Subclass:
71.4
Within cabin or compartment of vehicle:
This subclass is indented under subclass 71.1. Subject
matter wherein the noise cancellation system cancels noise
within a humanly occupied space of an aircraft, automobile,
etc.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
86 for electrical audio systems combined with vehicles.
Subclass:
71.5
Within duct:
This subclass is indented under subclass 71.1. Subject
matter wherein the noise cancellation system cancels noise
propagating in a tube, canal, pipe, or similar conduit,
including automobile inlet and exhaust pipes.
Subclass:
71.6
Adjacent ear:
This subclass is indented under subclass 71.1. Subject
matter wherein the noise cancellation system is associated
with a structure in a manner designed to cancel noise in the
immediate vicinity of a person's ears.
(1) Note. Structures included in this subclass are
headrests, hearing protectors, etc. Hearing protectors based
on active noise cancellation are classified herein.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
72 for hearing protector without noise cancellation.
Subclass:
71.7
Particular transducer or enclosure structure:
This subclass is indented under subclass 71.1. Subject
matter specifying details of an electro-acoustic energy
converter or housing for use in an active noise cancellation
system.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
88 for enclosure or housing.
150 for electro-acoustic audio transducer.
Subclass:
71.8
Counterwave generation control path:
This subclass is indented under subclass 71.1. Subject
matter having either a feedback or feedforward circuit or a
sequence of computations to generate the out-of-phase replica
of the offending noise.
Subclass:
71.9
Non-acoustically derived reference signal:
This subclass is indented under subclass 71.8. Subject
matter in which a transducer used to obtain a signal for
processing detects a form of energy other than sound
vibration.
(1) Note. Examples are spark timing, crankshaft position,
manifold pressure of an engine, etc.
Subclass:
72
HEARING PROTECTORS, ELECTRICAL:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter which provides a barrier to the transmission
of at least some sounds to the ear.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
68 for hearing aids, electrical.
Subclass:
73.1
SOUND OR NOISE MASKING:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter which utilizes sound to reduce the distractive
influences of unwanted sound or other audible noise.
(1) Note. The unwanted sound may include intelligence
bearing sound (e.g., conversation).
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
128, Surgery, subclass 1 for pain reducing or relaxation
inducing sound.
380, Cryptography, subclasses 252-254 for an electrical
audio signal masked for concealment by another signal.
Subclass:
74
HEADPHONE CIRCUITS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter having means to perform a desired electrical
or electronic function in conjunction with a device held
against the ear having a diaphragm which vibrates according
to current variations.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
68 for electrical hearing aids.
Subclass:
75
MEGAPHONES:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter for amplifying the human voice and which is
capable of being carried.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
74 for headphone circuits.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
181, Acoustics, 177 for sound intensifying horns.
Subclass:
76
LECTERNS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter having an enclosure in the form of a reading
desk.
(1) Note. Excluded from here are lecterns which have no
electric audio signal processing circuitry.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
312, Supports: Cabinet Structure, appropriate subclasses for
lecterns, per se.
362, Illumination, appropriate subclasses of light sources
for use with lecterns.
Subclass:
77
ONE-WAY AUDIO SIGNAL PROGRAM DISTRIBUTION:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter for delivering the output of an audio signal
source to a remote location, or to a plurality of
electric-signal-to-sound transducers.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
340, Communications: Electrical, 825.26 for stock quotation
systems.
348, Television, 6 for wired television broadcasting and
distribution system.
370, Multiplex Communications, 486 for multiplex program
distribution systems.
455, Telecommunications, 3.1 for radio program distribution
systems.
Subclass:
78
Drive-in:
This subclass is indented under subclass 77. Subject matter
for providing one-way communication between a central
location and one or more stations accessible to occupants of
automobiles.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
87 for audio systems having nonelectrical features such as
mountings, housings etc.
Subclass:
79
Near field:
This subclass is indented under subclass 77. Subject matter
which is a near field or limited range system (i.e., field
strength 1/d where d = distance from the transmitter to the
receiver) where signal transfer from transmitter to receiver
is inductive or capacitive rather wired.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
455, Telecommunications, subclass 41 for near field
modulated carrier wave systems.
Subclass:
80
Multiple channel:
This subclass is indented under subclass 77. Subject matter
having more than one audio signal path.
Subclass:
81
With switching:
This subclass is indented under subclass 80. Subject matter
where there is the making, breaking or changing connections
between audio signal paths.
Subclass:
82
Public address system:
This subclass is indented under subclass 77. Subject matter
having an input transducer to convert sound into an
electrical signal and an output transducer converting the
electrical signal into sound so that the sound can be heard
over a large area.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
75 for megaphones.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
369, Dynamic Information Storage or Retrieval, 1 for public
address systems combined with recording reproducers.
Subclass:
83
Feedback suppression:
This subclass is indented under subclass 82. Subject matter
having provision for preventing audio coupling from
loudspeaker to microphone.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
93 for feedback suppression in audio systems in general.
Subclass:
84
Spare amplifier substitution:
This subclass is indented under subclass 82. Subject matter
having provision for substituting one amplifier for another.
Subclass:
85
Speaker or channel switching:
This subclass is indented under subclass 82. Subject matter
having provision for changing audio signal paths or audio
reproducers.
Subclass:
86
VEHICLE:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter with a vehicle.
(1) Note. Classified here are electrical audio systems
combined with vehicles, other communication devices with
vehicles are classified in Class 340, Communications:
Electrical, subclasses 425.5+.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
340, Communications: Electrical, 425.5, note especially
subclasses 460 and 474 for vehicle with horn, siren, or other
electrical communication means not elsewhere provided for.
455, Telecommunications, 345 for a vehicle mounted radio
receiver.
Subclass:
87
HAVING NON-ELECTRICAL FEATURE (E.G., MOUNTING):
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter including a mechanical adjunct or device such
as a mounting means or a specific container for electrical
components.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
386 for a mounting or support feature of a housed
loudspeaker.
Subclass:
89
Loudspeakers driven in given phase relationship:
This subclass is indented under subclass 87. Subject matter
where there are a plurality of loudspeakers in the specific
container which are driven such as that their output sound
has a particular phase relationship.
Subclass:
91
Having microphone:
This subclass is indented under subclass 87. Subject matter
where the specific container holds a microphone.
(1) Note. There are both claimed electrical features in this
subclass as well as nonelectrical features.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
111 for circuitry combined with a specific type of
microphone.
122 for a microphone combined with an element having a
diverse function, e.g., an amplifier.
355 for a housed microphone.
369 for a microphone capsule, per se.
375 for a microphone in particular support structure,
wherein there is no claimed electrical feature of the
transducer.
Subclass:
92
DIRECTIVE CIRCUITS FOR MICROPHONES:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter including a circuit for imparting directional
pickup characteristics to microphones.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
155 for a directional microphone, per se.
Subclass:
93
FEEDBACK SUPPRESSION:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter for prevention or reduction of an output
signal from being returned to an input.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
83 for feedback suppression in a public address system.
95 for a microphone system having feedback.
96 for a loudspeaker system having feedback.
Subclass:
94.1
NOISE OR DISTORTION SUPPRESSION:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter with provisions for reducing the effects of an
unwanted signal on a desired signal.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
13 for antinoise means in broadcast or multiplex stereo
systems.
71.1 for acoustical noise or sound cancellation.
73.1 for audio masking.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
327, Miscellaneous Active Electrical Nonlinear Devices,
Circuits, and Systems, 551 for unwanted signal suppression.
708, Electrical Computers: Arithmetic Processing and
Calculating, 300 for digital selection or rejection of
signal components and subclass 819 for filtering electrical
signals by analog computation.
Subclass:
94.2
Spectral adjustment:
This subclass is indented under subclass 94.1. Subject
matter in which the unwanted signal is either at least
partially removed by processing a selected frequency or
frequency band, such as by subtracting the contents of a
particular frequency band from the input signal, or is
overcome by preemphasis of a particular frequency or band to
enhance the signal to noise ratio.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
83 for feedback elimination in a public address system (this
is frequently done by spectral subtraction using notch
filters, for example).
93 for feedback elimination in an audio system under the
class definition.
94.7 for noise suppression using a signal channel and noise
channel.
98 for control of frequency characteristics in an audio
signal in general, such as for equalization.
106 for compression/expansion ("compansion") systems, which
achieve enhanced signal to noise ratio through compression.
Preemphasis is often found with compression.
Subclass:
94.3
In multiple frequency bands:
This subclass is indented under subclass 94.2. Subject
matter in which processing takes place in more than one
spectral region, i.e., more than one frequency or frequency
band is processed.
Subclass:
94.4
Interpolation:
This subclass is indented under subclass 94.1. Subject
matter in which a segment of a desired signal which contains
noise is replaced with an estimate of what it would or should
have been in the absence of noise, the estimate being based
on the desired signal's values before or after, or before and
after, the noise occurred.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
702, Data Processing: Measuring, Calibrating, or Testing, 189
for measured signal processing including weighting,
averaging, and matrix operation.
708, Electrical Computers: Arithmetic Processing and
Calculating, subclass 290 for interpolation, per se.
Subclass:
94.5
Soft switching, muting, or noise gating:
This subclass is indented under subclass 94.1. Subject
matter designed to prevent a momentary, sudden fluctuation of
voltage or current (a "pop") in a circuit as a result of a
sudden change of an operating parameter in the circuit, such
as the application of power; or to attenuate or cutoff on a
broad-band basis the audio output of a circuit when the audio
signal does not contain intelligence; or to switch off the
signal input to a system when the signal or noise level on
the input is above a certain threshold (a condition which
usually indicates that only noise is present).
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
94.8 for peak limiting or pulsive noise compensation.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
455, Telecommunications, 194.1 for muting and subclasses
218+ for squelch.
Subclass:
94.6
Hum or ground loop:
This subclass is indented under subclass 94.1. Subject
matter designed to eliminate frequency components generated
as a result of AC power supply contamination, or compensate
for noise transmission caused by currents flowing through an
electrical conductor which connects two different circuit
points, each of which is nominally at ground potential.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
330, Amplifiers, subclass 149 for hum or noise or distortion
bucking introduced into signal channel.
455, Telecommunications, 298 for noise or interference
elimination in the receiver power supply.
Subclass:
94.7
Using signal channel and noise channel:
This subclass is indented under subclass 94.1. Subject
matter having separate inputs, each respectively containing
primarily the desired and undesired signals, and which
derives at least one "clean" output having the desired signal
by utilizing both inputs, such as by subtracting one input
from the other.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
94.2 for noise suppression using spectral adjustment.
Subclass:
94.8
Peak limiting or pulsive noise compensation:
This subclass is indented under subclass 94.1. Subject
matter designed to restrict the amplitude of relatively short
duration, high amplitude excursions of a desired signal to
prevent distortion in a subsequent stage such as a modulator
or amplifier, or compensate for the effects of sporadic or
short duration undesired signals ("pulses").
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
94.5 for soft switching, muting, or noise gating.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
327, Miscellaneous Active Electrical Nonlinear Devices,
Circuits, and Systems, 310 for limiting, clipping, or
clamping lessens or eliminates an intermittent spuriously
generated component from a signal.
455, Telecommunications, 223 for noise blanking.
Subclass:
94.9
Feedforward circuitry for transducer compensation:
This subclass is indented under subclass 94.1. Subject
matter having circuitry designed to compensate for distortion
which is generated by a transducer itself (such as a
loudspeaker or microphone), without using feedback.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
95 for microphones with feedback.
96 for systems which compensate for loudspeaker distortion
using feedback.
Subclass:
95
MICROPHONE FEEDBACK:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter having a microphone and a circuit and also
having provision for returning a fraction of an output signal
of the circuit to an input of the circuit.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
93 for feedback suppression in audio systems.
96 for a loudspeaker circuit with feedback.
168 for a microphone, per se.
Subclass:
96
LOUDSPEAKER FEEDBACK:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. The
mechanical or electromechanical coupling of a portion of a
sound wave output of a system to a preceding part or input
circuit of the system.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
93 for feedback suppression in audio systems.
95 for microphones with feedback.
150 for a loudspeaker, per se.
Subclass:
97
INCLUDING PHASE CONTROL:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter with means to vary or maintain the phrase of
an electrical signal relative to either another signal or a
standard.
Subclass:
98
INCLUDING FREQUENCY CONTROL:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter with means to vary or maintain the frequency
response of the system.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
62 for vibrato effects.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
333, Wave Transmission Lines and Networks, subclasses 165-212
for filters, per se.
455, Telecommunications, 255, 266 and 268 for frequency
response control in radio receivers.
Subclass:
99
Having crossover filter:
This subclass is indented under subclass 98. Subject matter
that separates a signal into two or more separate frequency
bands.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
333, Wave Transmission Lines and Networks, 132 for crossover
networks, per se.
369, Dynamic Information Storage or Retrieval, subclass 175
for record players with frequency dependent signal
separation.
Subclass:
100
With active device:
This subclass is indented under subclass 99. Subject matter
having an electrical or electronic element capable of
controlling voltages or currents to produce gain or switching
action in a circuit (e.g., transistor, vacuum tube, or
saturable reactor).
Subclass:
101
Automatic tone control:
This subclass is indented under subclass 98. Subject matter
having a control used to alter automatically the frequency
response of the system so that a listener can be provided the
most pleasing sound.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
333, Wave Transmission Lines and Networks, subclass 28, and
167-212 for tone control, per se.
455, Telecommunications, subclass 267 for tone control in a
radio receiver.
Subclass:
102
With amplitude control:
This subclass is indented under subclass 101. Subject matter
including automatic tone control combined with means for
adjusting or setting the signal level or for obtaining a
substantially constant amplitude output signal for a range of
variations of the amplitude of an input signal.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
455, Telecommunications, subclass 233.1 for combined volume
and tone control in a radio receiver.
Subclass:
103
Having automatic equalizer circuit:
This subclass is indented under subclass 98. Subject matter
designed to compensate for an undesired amplitude-frequency
and/or phrase-frequency characteristic of the system.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
333, Wave Transmission Lines and Networks, subclass 28 for
equalizers, per se.
369, Dynamic Information Storage or Retrieval, subclass 133
for recording with equalization.
Subclass:
104
INCLUDING AMPLITUDE OR VOLUME CONTROL:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter including means for adjusting or setting the
signal level or for obtaining a substantially constant
amplitude output signal for a range of variations of the
amplitude of an input signal.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
102 for amplitude control combined with automatic tone
control.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
327, Miscellaneous Active Electrical Nonlinear Devices,
Circuits, and Systems, 306 for miscellaneous amplitude
control circuits.
330, Amplifiers, 129, 254 and 278+ for amplitude control for
amplifiers.
338, Electrical Resistors, 13 and 68+ for variable
resistors.
455, Telecommunications, 232.1 for amplitude control in a
radio receiver.
Subclass:
105
Remote:
This subclass is indented under subclass 104. Subject matter
where the amplitude or volume is controlled by at least one
or more devices from a remote point.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
340, Communications: Electrical, 825 for remote control in
general.
369, Dynamic Information Storage or Retrieval, 24 for remote
control of a recording or reproducing device.
455, Telecommunications, subclass 355 for remote amplitude
or volume control in a radio receiver.
Subclass:
106
With amplitude compression/expansion:
This subclass is indented under subclass 104. Subject matter
having electrical audio signal system combined with provision
for decreasing the amplitude range of an applied audio signal
or for restoring the full amplitude range of an amplitude
compressed audio signal.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
333, Wave Transmission Lines and Networks, subclass 14 for
amplitude compression/expansion, per se.
370, Multiplex Communications, subclass 202 for amplitude
compression or expansion in a multiplex system.
455, Telecommunications, subclass 72 for amplitude
compression/expansion in a radio system.
704, Data Processing: Speech Signal Processing, Linguistics,
Language Translation, and Audio Compression/Decompression,
500 for audio signal bandwidth compression or expansion and
subclasses 503+ for audio signal time compression or
expansion.
Subclass:
107
Automatic:
This subclass is indented under subclass 104. Subject matter
having means to control the signal level adjusting means
automatically as a function of some characteristic of an
input signal.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
22 for automatic gain control for decoding quadrasonic
signals.
Subclass:
108
Including feedback:
This subclass is indented under subclass 107. Subject matter
further having provision for returning a fraction of an
output signal back to an input.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
83 for feedback suppression in a public address system.
93 for feedback suppression in a audio systems in general.
95 for microphone circuits with feedback.
96 for loudspeaker circuits with feedback.
Subclass:
109
With manual volume control:
This subclass is indented under subclass 104. Subject matter
wherein volume is controlled in accordance with the position
of a device which is adjusted by hand.
Subclass:
110
VOICE CONTROLLED:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter which is controlled in some manner in response
to a voice signal.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
367, Communications, Electrical: Acoustic Wave Systems and
Devices, subclass 198 for speech responsive selective
control in general.
Subclass:
111
CIRCUITRY COMBINED WITH SPECIFIC TYPE MICROPHONE OR
LOUDSPEAKER:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter combined with a specific audio-to-electrical
signal or electrical-to-audio transducer.
(1) Note. Classified herein are microphone or loudspeakers
combined with a diverse type of circuit (e.g., amplifier) or
circuit element (e.g., resistor) other than a lead or
connector.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
122 for audio signal systems having a generic microphone.
150 for a specific type of microphone or loudspeaker.
Subclass:
112
With carbon microphone:
This subclass is indented under subclass 111. Subject matter
where the transducer is a carbon microphone.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
180 for a carbon microphone, per se.
Subclass:
113
With electrostatic microphone:
This subclass is indented under subclass 111. Subject matter
where the transducer is an electrostatic microphone.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
173 for an electrostatic microphone, per se.
Subclass:
114
With piezoelectric microphone:
This subclass is indented under subclass 111. Subject matter
where the transducer is a piezoelectric microphone.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
173 for a piezoelectric microphone, per se.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
310, Electrical Generator or Motor Structure, 311 for
piezoelectric transducers.
367, Communications, Electrical: Acoustic Wave Systems and
Devices, 157 for underwater type piezoelectric transducers.
Subclass:
115
With magnetic microphone:
This subclass is indented under subclass 111. Subject matter
where the transducer is a magnetic microphone.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
176 for a magnetic microphones, per se.
Subclass:
116
With electrostatic loudspeaker:
This subclass is indented under subclass 111. Subject matter
where the transducer is an electrostatic loudspeaker.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
191 for an electrostatic loudspeakers, per se.
Subclass:
117
With magnetic loudspeaker:
This subclass is indented under subclass 111. Subject matter
where the transducer is a magnetic loudspeaker.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
192 for a magnetic loudspeaker, per se.
Subclass:
118
WITH MUSICAL INSTRUMENT:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter for amplifying or reproducing the sounds of
musical instruments.
(1) Note. The subject matter classified herein merely
receives, amplifies and/or reproduces signals representing
musical sounds while the subject matter classified in Class
84 generates musical sounds.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
84, Music, 1 for musical instruments, especially subclasses
1.01+ for electronic musical instruments.
Subclass:
119
WITH MIXER:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter including a circuit having two or more inputs
and a common output which combines separate input signals
linearly in desired proportions to produce an output signal.
Subclass:
120
WITH AMPLIFIER:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter including a device for producing an output of
greater amplitude than is applied at an input.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
330, Amplifiers, appropriate subclasses for amplifiers not
having specific input signals or specific loads.
379, Telephonic Communications, subclass 395 for amplifiers
combined with telephone systems.
Subclass:
121
Feedback:
This subclass is indented under subclass 120. Subject matter
where a fraction of an output signal is returned to an
input.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
71.1 for acoustical sound cancellation.
83 for public address systems with feedback suppression.
93 for feedback suppression for audio systems in general.
95 for microphone circuits with feedback.
96 for loudspeaker circuits with feedback.
108 for automatic amplitude control having feedback.
Subclass:
122
HAVING MICROPHONE:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter including a generic microphone combined with
an element having diverse function (e.g., a microphone and an
amplifier).
(1) Note. Subject matter under the class definition having
a specific microphone combined with a diverse element is
found in subclasses 111+.
(2) Note. Microphones are also found in the subject matter
of subclasses 26, 55-58, 64+, 67-69, 75-85, 91, and 95.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
168 for a microphone, per se.
Subclass:
123
SWITCHING:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter where there is the making, breaking or
changing connections in an electrical circuit.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
7 for switch type stereo modulators or detectors.
11 for switching between mono and stereo modes.
55 for audio transducer protection circuitry.
81 for switching in multiple channel program distribution.
85 for speaker or channel switching in a public address
system.
110 for voice controlled switching of audio systems.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, for switches,
per se.
307, Electrical Transmission or Interconnection Systems, 112
for electrical transmission or interconnection switching
systems.
327, Miscellaneous Active Electrical Nonlinear Devices,
Circuits, and Systems, 365 for miscellaneous gating circuits
including channel selection.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets for magnetic switches.
340, Communications: Electrical, subclass 825.01 for spare
channel switching.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, 139 for
relay or solenoid circuits.
370, Multiplex Communications, 357 for multiplex switching
circuit.
379, Telephonic Communications, 242 for switching in
telephone systems, and subclass 325 for telephone switches,
per se.
455, Telecommunications, 78 for transmitter-receiver
switching.
714, Error Detection/Correction and Fault Detection/Recovery,
3 for replacing a faulty apparatus with a spare.
Subclass:
124
MISCELLANEOUS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter not hereinabove classified.
Subclass:
150
ELECTRO-ACOUSTIC AUDIO TRANSDUCER:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter having a structure or process for converting
an information signal between audible sound vibrations and a
corresponding time-varying electrical quantity.
(1) Note. Included herein are instruments such as
microphones, speakers earphones, and housings or supports
peculiar thereto. However, combinations with circuitry,
other than leads, terminals, or connectors, are not
classified herein, but are classified in the preceding
subclasses of this class (381).
(2) Note. The audible sound vibrations are generally speech
or music.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
181, Acoustics, appropriate subclasses for an attachment to a
casing of an audio transducer.
310, Electrical Generator or Motor Structure, 300 for a
piezoelectric transducer not limited to audio utility.
367, Communications, Electrical: Acoustic Wave System and
Devices, 140 for a nonaudio acoustical transducer.
Subclass:
151
Body contact wave transfer (e.g., bone-conduction earphone,
larynx microphone):
This subclass is indented under subclass 150. Subject matter
wherein sound vibrations are obtained from or imparted to a
portion of a human body in direct contact with a vibrating
component of an electroacoustical transducer.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
68.3 for similar subject matter used in a hearing aid.
Subclass:
152
Driven diverse static structure (e.g., wall, sounding
board):
This subclass is indented under subclass 150. Subject matter
combined with a stationary structural element having a
function independent of electricity-to-sound conversion and
being driven to radiate sound waves by an audio transducer
mounted thereon.
(1) Note. Devices which vibrate walls to emit intelligible
sound are classified herein.
Subclass:
160
Reflecting element:
This subclass is indented under subclass 153. Subject matter
having an element which reflects the sound waves.
Subclass:
161
With mechanical amplifier arrangement:
This subclass is indented under subclass 150. Subject matter
having a vibrating solid element intermediate a conversion
between mechanically increases the amplitude of the
vibrations of the solid.
Subclass:
162
Detail of mechanical vibration coupling to transducer (e.g.,
tuned vibrating element):
This subclass is indented under subclass 150. Subject matter
including a detail of a mechanical element which transfers
sound vibrations to or from the audio transducer.
Subclass:
163
Having bi-directional transducer:
This subclass is indented under subclass 150. Subject matter
having a single device which converts sound waves to
electrical variations and electrical variations to sound
waves.
(1) Note. For classification herein, conversion in both
directions must be specifically included.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
379, Telephonic Communications, subclass 420 for a
loudspeaking type telephone set with a single bi-directional
transducer; subclass 433 for a handset having a single
bi-directional transducer.
Subclass:
164
Thermal response to, or generation of, sound vibration:
This subclass is indented under subclass 150. Subject matter
where sound waves either modify or are emitted by a
temperature effect on an element material, or area of the
device.
Subclass:
165
By modifying fluid flow:
This subclass is indented under subclass 150. Subject matter
having a source of gas flow which flow interacts with an
electrical circuit to either (a) vary the current therein in
accordance with incident sound waves, or (b) produce sound
waves corresponding to an applied audio information signal in
the electric circuit.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
166 for similar subject matter having a fluid electrical
conducting element absent fluid flow.
Subclass:
166
Having fluid as a conducting element:
This subclass is indented under subclass 150. Subject matter
wherein an electrically conductive element of the transducer
is a fluid.
(1) Note. The fluid conducting element may be either the
portion converting the signal between electrical variations
and sound waves, or an electrode connecting the circuit to
another transducer.
(2) Note. The fluid may include an ionized path between
electrodes.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
165 for a fluid flow modifying transducer.
Subclass:
167
Ionized gap, spark, or flame:
This subclass is indented under subclass 166. Subject matter
which ionizes the air or other gas or causes sparks across a
gap.
(1) Note. Included herein are also plasma, glow discharge,
or flame.
Subclass:
170
Compound:
This subclass is indented under subclass 168. Subject matter
having a plurality of independent microphone devices in a
single casing.
Subclass:
171
Micromagnetic:
This subclass is indented under subclass 168. Subject matter
in which the incident sound vibrates a diaphragm so as to
vary both the resistance of a microphone contact and magnetic
induction means which reinforce each other to produce a
combined affect on an electric current.
Subclass:
172
Light modifying:
This subclass is indented under subclass 168. Subject matter
for converting an incident sound wave to an audio signal by
means of a light modifying element.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
455, Telecommunications, 618 for a transmitter for light
wave communication.
Subclass:
173
Piezoelectric or ferroelectric:
This subclass is indented under subclass 168. Subject matter
having an element made of either (a) a material which
produces a voltage when subjected to a mechanical stress or
(b) a material having a spontaneous electrical polarization.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
190 and 191, for reproducer or generic transducer of the
piezoelectric or ferroelectric type, respectively.
Subclass:
174
Capacitive:
This subclass is indented under subclass 168. Subject matter
having an electrostatic capacitance element which varies in
accordance with sound waves incident thereon.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, 283.1 for
pressure responsive electrostatic capacitors, per se.
Subclass:
175
Semiconductor junction microphone:
This subclass is indented under subclass 168. Subject matter
having an element with conductivity intermediate that of a
conductor and an insulator and having one region having
predominantly electron conductivity (n-type) and another
region having predominantly hole (p-type) conductivity
forming a potential barrier layer therebetween.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
257, Active Solid-State Devices (e.g., Transistors,
Solid-State Diodes), 53, 108, 225+, and 414+ for
nonelectrical input devices, including subclasses 415+ for
pressure sensors.
Subclass:
176
Conductive diaphragm (e.g., reed, ribbon):
This subclass is indented under subclass 168. Subject matter
having an electrically conductive element as a portion of the
diaphragm.
Subclass:
177
Dynamic (e.g., magnetic):
This subclass is indented under subclass 168. Subject matter
including a diaphragm to which a current conducting element
is attached and which is positioned in a fixed magnetic
field.
Subclass:
178
Vibrating electrical contact:
This subclass is indented under subclass 168. Subject matter
in which two elements have an area of intermittent electrical
contact caused by oscillatory motion of an element in
accordance with incident sound waves.
Subclass:
179
Resistive:
This subclass is indented under subclass 168. Subject matter
having an element the resistance of which is varied by
incident sound waves.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
338, Electrical Resistors, appropriate subclasses for a
condition responsive variable resistor.
Subclass:
180
Granular or carbon:
This subclass is indented under subclass 180. Subject matter
having a sound responsive resistive element composed of
either elemental carbon, or a mass of comminuted material.
Subclass:
181
Differential:
This subclass is indented under subclass 180. Subject matter
having two sound responsive resistance elements one
positioned on either side of a central diaphragm.
Subclass:
182
Plural or compound reproducers:
This subclass is indented under subclass 180. Subject matter
having a plurality of sound producing transducer having two
or more elements performing the same or similar functions.
Subclass:
184
Different types of diaphragms:
This subclass is indented under subclass 182. Subject matter
having two or more flexible membranes which differ in size,
shape or composition.
Subclass:
185
Having common voice coil:
This subclass is indented under subclass 182. Subject matter
where two or more flexible membranes are driven by a common
helix of conductive material carrying an electrical
information signal.
Subclass:
186
Plural diaphragms:
This subclass is indented under subclass 182. Subject matter
including a speaker having plural flexible membranes, for
radiating sound waves.
Subclass:
189
Having protective or shielding feature:
This subclass is indented under subclass 150. Subject matter
having structure for shielding a transducer from adverse
environmental conditions or preventing undesired effects
caused by an external magnetic field.
(1) Note. Adverse conditions include moisture and impact.
Subclass:
190
Electrostrictive, magnetostrictive, or piezoelectric:
This subclass is indented under subclass 150. Subject matter
including an element which expands or contracts in accordance
with an applied electric or magnetic field, or which produces
a mechanical stress tending to produce deflection, expansion,
or contraction when subjected to an applied electrical
voltage.
(1) Note. The term deflection covers both twisting and
bending.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
173 for a piezoelectric microphone.
Subclass:
191
Having electrostatic element (e.g., electret, vibrating
plate):
This subclass is indented under subclass 150. Subject matter
including either a capacitor with a vibratable plate, or an
element which has a spontaneous electrical field, one of
which is caused to vibrate by an audio signal or incident
sound.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
174 for a capacitive microphone.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
307, Electrical Transmission or Interconnection Systems,
subclass 400 for electrets.
327, Miscellaneous Active Electrical Nonlinear Devices,
Circuits, and Systems, subclass 516 for miscellaneous
vibration sensitive circuits.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, 283.1 for
a pressure responsive capacitor, per se.
Subclass:
300
Stereo speaker arrangement:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
including transducers for reproducing the sound signals, and
the spatial relationship of the transducers to their
surroundings.
Subclass:
301
In furniture or clothing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 300. Subject matter
in which the transducers are mounted on or within a pillow,
headrest, couch, jacket, belt, etc.
(1) Note. A television set, computer monitor, etc. is
considered to be an "image presentation means," and is not
considered to be "furniture" for this class.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
306 for image projection means, i.e., a television set
having stereo speakers.
333 for furniture, clothing, or image projection means
combined with a monaural loudspeaker.
364 for clothing combined with a microphone.
388 for furniture or clothing combined with mounting or
support feature of housed loudspeaker.
Subclass:
302
In vehicle:
This subclass is indented under subclass 300. Subject matter
in which the transducers are mounted on or within an
automobile, aircraft, motorcycle, etc.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
365 for a housed microphone mounting or support in a
vehicle.
389 for a mounting or support feature of a housed
loudspeaker in a vehicle.
Subclass:
303
Optimization:
This subclass is indented under subclass 300. Subject matter
in which steps are taken to enhance the stereo listening
effect, such as by enlarging the area in which stereo
audibility is satisfactory (i.e., the "sweet point").
Subclass:
304
Enclosure orientation:
This subclass is indented under subclass 303. Subject matter
in which either a distance or relative angle between two or
more transducer housings or baffles is adjusted or
specified.
Subclass:
305
Enclosure adaptation:
This subclass is indented under subclass 303. Subject matter
in which a modification is made within single housing or
baffle, such as by providing a directible or directional
capability.
Subclass:
306
With image presentation means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 300. Subject matter
in which the transducers are arranged to emit sound in
conjunction with a television screen, computer monitor,
motion picture screen, etc.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
333 for image presentation means combined with a
loudspeaker
388 for image presentation means combined with a mounting or
support feature of a housed loudspeaker
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
353, Optics: Image Projectors, 15 for sound accompaniment
with an image projector
359, Optics: Systems and Elements, subclass 444 for a
projection screen with a sound producer
Subclass:
307
Surround (i.e., front plus rear or side):
This subclass is indented under subclass 300. Subject matter
in which, in addition to having at least one transducer
arranged forward of a listening position, at least one
transducer is arranged laterally or to the back of the
listening position.
Subclass:
308
In single baffle:
This subclass is indented under subclass 300. Subject matter
in which the two or more spatially related sounds are emitted
from a only one transducer enclosure.
Subclass:
309
Stereo earphone:
This subclass is indented under subclass 300. Subject matter
in which the transducers are intended to be placed in or over
the user's ears.
Subclass:
310
Virtual positioning:
This subclass is indented under subclass 309. Subject matter
in which audio signals, prior to delivery to the earphone,
are processed in order to give an illusion that the spatially
related sounds are being emitted from physically distinct
locations in the earphone user's environment.
(1) Note. The orientation of earphones with respect to the
room changes as the user moves his or her head. Virtual
positioning when specifically used with an earphone is often
done for the purpose of making the sounds appear to come from
an invariant physical location in the environment,
irrespective of the orientation of the user's head. This is
done to foster the illusion that the user is not in fact
wearing headphones.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
17 for a device or arrangement which transforms single
channel audio signals into a plurality of channels of audio
information to create a sense of depth. Comprehended in
subclass 17 is virtual positioning, typically used with
loudspeakers.
Subclass:
311
Wireless or for use in diverse environment:
This subclass is indented under subclass 309. Subject matter
in which a) audio signals are conveyed to the earphone
without the use of conductors, such as by modulated RF or
infrared carrier wave or b) the earphone is especially
configured or adapted to be used in an unusual location, such
as underwater or within a magnetic field such as Magnetic
Resonance Imaging (MRI), etc.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
359, Optics: Systems and Elements 109 for modulated
wireless optical communications.
455, Telecommunications for modulated wireless
communications, generally.
Subclass:
312
HEARING AIDS, ELECTRICAL:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter having a small ambient sound reproducing
system wherein an output transducer transmits directly into
the ear or skull for use by the hard of hearing to increase
the sound level received by the ear (i.e., listening
assistance).
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
23.1 for hearing aids in binaural and stereophonic circuits
and systems.
60 for testing of hearing aids.
74 for headphone circuits.
75 for megaphones.
327 for hearing aids within the scope of this definition in
combination with spectacle structure such as temples
370 for a headphone.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
73, Measuring and Testing, subclass 585 for ear or hearing
testing, and subclasses 645+ for measuring acoustic
parameters.
128, Surgery, subclass 746, for testing by auditory stimulus
(e.g., audiology)
181, Acoustics, 126 for mechanical hearing aids.
330, Amplifiers, particularly subclass 65 and 250+ for
amplifiers involving structural details or elements, and
transistor amplifiers.
351, Optics: Eye Examining, Vision Testing and Correcting, 41
for spectacles and eyeglasses, and subclasses 111+ for
spectacle temples.
600, Surgery, subclass 25 for a surgically implanted
vibratory hearing aid
623, Prosthesis (i.e., Artificial Body Members), Parts
Thereof or Aids and Accessories Therefor, subclass 10 for
artificial ears having electrical hearing aid as a
subcombination.
Subclass:
313
Directional:
This subclass is indented under subclass 312. Subject matter
where a response of an input transducer (i.e., microphone) to
the ambient sound varies significantly with a location of a
source relative to the transducer, the hearing aid, or the
hearing aid user.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
356 for a directional microphone.
Subclass:
314
Programming interface circuitry:
This subclass is indented under subclass 312. Subject matter
including circuitry within the hearing aid or external to the
hearing aid for connection to the hearing aid in order to
program it.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
323 for programming interface terminals in a hearing aid,
without circuitry,
Subclass:
315
Remote control, wireless, or alarm:
This subclass is indented under subclass 312. Subject matter
allowing for a) parameters of the hearing aid to be altered
from a location different from the location of the hearing
aid itself, b) processed sound from an amplifier to be
conveyed to the ear without the use of conductors or an
acoustic tube, or c) a warning sensor or device to make its
warning known to a hearing aid user through the hearing aid.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
340, Communications: Electrical, 635 for alarms responding
to condition changes in electrical apparatus 825.69, for
radio link remote control and 825.72 frequency responsive
wireless remote control.
Subclass:
316
Frequency transposition:
This subclass is indented under subclass 312. Subject matter
in which some portion of a received audio signal is shifted
in frequency prior to being delivered to the hearing aid's
loudspeaker in order to enhance audibility.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
320 for spectral control in the hearing aid
Subclass:
317
Noise compensation circuit:
This subclass is indented under subclass 312. Subject matter
including circuitry to ameliorate effects of undesired
signals.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
94 for a device of this class including means for noise
suppression.
322 for subject matter in which amelioration of noise is
accomplished using purely mechanical or acoustic means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
327, Miscellaneous Active Electrical Nonlinear Devices,
Circuits and Systems, 551 for unwanted signal suppression
generally.
Subclass:
318
Feedback suppression:
This subclass is indented under subclass 317. Subject matter
in which the particular kind of undesired signal is howling
or screeching caused by a return to the hearing aid's input
of a sufficient fraction of its output to cause oscillation.
(1) Note. Hearing aid feedback normally occurs via an
acoustic path.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
83 for feedback suppression circuitry in a public address
system.
93 for generic feedback circuitry under the class
definition.
Subclass:
319
With vacuum tube amplifier:
This subclass is indented under subclass 312. Subject matter
including means using one or more devices in which electron
flow takes place in an evacuated envelope.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
330, Amplifiers, subclass 64 for vacuum tube amplifiers
generally.
Subclass:
320
Spectral control:
This subclass is indented under subclass 312. Subject matter
including a circuit to control the amplitude of a received
audio signal in at least two separate frequency bands, i.e.,
to selectively amplify or attenuate two or more different
frequencies or frequency bands.
(1) Note. Included herein are tone control and filtering.
Note that subject matter which emphasizes one frequency band
relative to another inherently results in different treatment
of two bands, and is properly classified here.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
316 for frequency transposition in hearing aids.
Subclass:
321
Wideband gain control:
This subclass is indented under subclass 312. Subject matter
having a circuit to regulate the amplitude of the entire
frequency range of a received audio signal (i.e., broad band
amplitude regulation).
(1) Note. The amount of amplification may be adjusted
either manually or in response to a sound parameter, as in
automatic gain or volume control (AGC, AVC).
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
104 for amplitude or volume control of an audio system.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
330, Amplifiers, 278 for gain control means using a
transistor.
Subclass:
322
Specified casing or housing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 312. Subject matter
including a specific container for the hearing aid
components.
Subclass:
323
Power supply or programming interface terminals:
This subclass is indented under subclass 322. Subject matter
including a) an energy source such as a battery, solar cell,
etc., or structural detail to accommodate an energy source,
such as battery compartment detail, including contacts or b)
contacts used for programming the hearing aid when hooked up
to an interface.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
314 for programming interface circuitry.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
323, Electricity: Power Supply or Regulation Systems, for
power supply or regulation systems generally.
Subclass:
324
Component mounting:
This subclass is indented under subclass 322. Subject matter
including structural features designed for mounting or
holding hearing aid parts and circuitry, including printed
circuit boards.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
87 for component mounting of this class wherein no
electrical feature, is claimed.
Subclass:
325
Cerumen protection:
This subclass is indented under subclass 322. Subject matter
having a barrier or means to prevent the hearing aid from
being harmed by earwax.
Subclass:
326
Non-air-conducted sound delivery:
This subclass is indented under subclass 322. Subject matter
in which sound is conducted to the inner ear through the
cranial bones, the skin, or the nerves (i.e., bone
conduction, tactile, transdermal, transcutaneous, etc.).
(1) Note. The nerves may be stimulated without direct
contact therewith. While surgically implanted devices, such
as cochlear implants (Class 600, subclass 25), stimulate the
nerves through direct contact therewith, other devices
stimulate the nerves indirectly with modulated
electromagnetic fields. The latter type of device is
properly classifiable here.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
151 for a bone conduction audio transducer of this class,
generally.
Subclass:
327
Spectacle:
This subclass is indented under subclass 322. Subject matter
in combination with an eyeglass frame.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
351, Optics: Eye Examining, Vision Testing and Correcting, 41
for spectacle and eyeglasses, and subclasses 111+ for
spectacle temples.
600, Surgery, subclass 25 for surgically implanted hearing
aids, such as cochlear implants, which stimulate the nerves
through direct contact therwith.
Subclass:
328
Ear insert:
This subclass is indented under subclass 322. Subject matter
which fits entirely within and is completely supported by the
user's ear.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
380 for a sound reproducer element inserted in the ear.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
623, Prosthesis (i.e., Artificial Body Members) Parts Thereof
or Aids and Accessories Therefor, subclass 10 for an
artificial ear having an electrical hearing aid as a
subcombination.
Subclass:
329
Device for manipulation:
This subclass is indented under subclass 328. Subject matter
including means for insertion, extraction, or parameter
setting of an ear insert.
Subclass:
330
Hook over ear:
This subclass is indented under subclass 322. Subject matter
including support structure which engages an exterior portion
of the user's ear.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
381 for a hook over ear type headphone including a
particular support structure.
Subclass:
331
Inductive pickup:
This subclass is indented under subclass 322. Subject matter
including an inductor or coil connected to the hearing aid in
order to detect an electromagnetic field from a telephone ear
piece.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
379, Telephonic Communications, subclass 52, for a telephone
system including an aid for a handicapped user, such as a
hearing aid; search subclass 55 for a telephonic device
having a near field link (i.e., capacitive or inductive).
Subclass:
332
And loudspeaker:
This subclass is indented under subclass 87. Subject matter
where the specific container holds a transducer for
converting an electrical signal into sound, e.g., a
transducer baffle or housing.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
386 for a mounting or support feature of a housed
loudspeaker wherein significant electrical features are not
included.
Subclass:
333
With furniture, clothing, or image presentation means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 332. Subject matter
in which an enclosure is part of, on, or within a) a couch,
chair, headrest, etc., or b) a jacket, belt, etc., or c) a
television set, computer monitor screen, etc.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
301 for furniture or clothing in a stereo speaker
arrangement.
306 for image presentation means in a stereo speaker
arrangement.
388 for furniture, clothing, or image display in a
mounting or support feature of a housed loudspeaker.
Subclass:
334
Portable or for use in diverse environment:
This subclass is indented under subclass 332. Subject matter
in which an enclosure is a) readily movable from one location
to another, or b) adapted for use in an unusual location such
as underwater, within a magnetic field, etc.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
311 for a stereo earphone that is wireless or for use in a
diverse environment.
Subclass:
335
Plural diaphragms, compartments, or housings:
This subclass is indented under subclass 332. Subject matter
in which there is a) more than one movable membrane within an
enclosure, or b) an enclosure having more than one distinct
volume, or c) more than one enclosure.
Subclass:
336
Curved or angled housing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 332. Subject matter
in which an enclosure or some part of it (such as a reflex
vent pipe) is non-linear, non-planar or constructed with
faces which intersect at non-perpendicular angles.
Subclass:
337
Having acoustic wave modifying structure:
This subclass is indented under subclass 150. Subject matter
having a passive element for changing a characteristic of
audible sound vibrations produced or detected by an
electro-acoustic transducer.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
370 for acoustic wave modifying structures in combination
with headphones.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
181, Acoustics, 175 for sound- modifying means in a
mechanical acoustic device or system.
Subclass:
338
With tubular waveguide or resonant element:
This subclass is indented under subclass 337. Subject matter
for conducting sound through either a) a hollow cylinder or
b) one or more hollow, acoustically resonant means, such as a
hollow reed.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
382 for sound conducting tube in a particular support
structure.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
181, Acoustics, 196 for a mechanical acoustic sound
modifying means within tubular means.
Subclass:
339
Sound intensifying or spreading element:
This subclass is indented under subclass 337. Subject matter
wherein a) the amplitude of a sound wave is increased, or b)
wherein the sound from the transducer is widely dispersed.
Subclass:
340
Horn:
This subclass is indented under subclass 339. Subject matter
in which the intensifying element is a tubular element having
a crossectional area which varies along the element's
length.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
181, Acoustics, 177 for a mechanical acoustic, intensifying
horn.
Subclass:
341
Inverted, folded, or curled:
This subclass is indented under subclass 340. Subject matter
in which a) a crossectional area of the sound conducting
element decreases as a distance from a diaphragm increases,
or b) the sound path of the element has one or more sharp
bends, or c) an entrance of the element is smoothly curved
back toward an exit.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
181, Acoustics, subclass 194 for mechanica acoustic,
intensifying horn having a doubly folded sound path.
Subclass:
342
Plural horns or diaphragms:
This subclass is indented under subclass 340. Subject matter
in which there are either a) two or more tubular elements
with varying crossectional areas, b) or a single tubular
element with varying crossectional area which is fed from two
or more vibrating membranes.
Subclass:
343
Phase plug:
This subclass is indented under subclass 340. Subject matter
having an element placed within the throat of the horn to
optimize the sound propagation.
(1) Note. A phase plug is usually placed in the throat
adjacent the diaphragm.
Subclass:
344
Mouthpiece:
This subclass is indented under subclass 339. Subject matter
wherein the modifying element is designed for use close to
the mouth of a person speaking into a microphone.
Subclass:
345
Acoustic enclosure:
This subclass is indented under subclass 337. Subject matter
including a housing surrounding the electro-acoustic
transducer wherein the housing is specifically configured to
modify characteristics of sound emitted or received by the
transducer.
(1) Note. Electrical circuitry means amplifiers, filters,
etc. ;terminals, leads, and so forth are not considered to be
significant electrical circuity in this context.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
332 for the combination of a loudspeaker in a housing is
claimed with significant electrical circuity.
386 for the combination of a loudspeaker in a housing in
which details other than acoustic properties are claimed.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
181, Acoustics, 198, for housing or enclosure for a
mechanical acoustic sound modifying means.
Subclass:
346
Acoustic resistance:
This subclass is indented under subclass 345. Subject matter
further including a material such as foam, wool, fiberglass,
etc. or other sound absorbing means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
181, Acoustics, 284 for sound absorbing panels in sound
modifying means.
Subclass:
347
On front side of diaphragm:
This subclass is indented under subclass 346. Subject matter
in which an acoustic resistance is placed within a primary
sound radiation path of a vibrating membrane of a
transducer.
Subclass:
348
On rear side of diaphragm:
This subclass is indented under subclass 346. Subject matter
in which an acoustic resistance is placed within a
non-primary sound radiation path of a vibrating membrane of a
transducer.
Subclass:
349
Bass reflex (e.g., rear wave):
This subclass is indented under subclass 345. Subject matter
in which a non-primary sound radiation path from the
transducer's diaphragm is vented to ambient through the
housing or cavity.
(1) Note. The length of the rear wave sound propagation
path of a bass reflex enclosure is generally designed so that
the rear wave is in phase with the front wave when the two
meet in the ambient atmosphere.
Subclass:
350
Front wave:
This subclass is indented under subclass 345. Subject matter
in which a primary sound radiation path from a transducer's
diaphragm is vented to ambient through the housing or
cavity.
Subclass:
351
Plural chambers:
This subclass is indented under subclass 345. Subject matter
wherein there is more than one physically distinct
compartment space within the housing.
Subclass:
352
Having internal wave reflecting means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 345. Subject matter
wherein the cavity or housing contains means to redirect a
direction of travel of a sound wave.
Subclass:
353
Acoustic damping or attenuating resonator:
This subclass is indented under subclass 345. Subject matter
in which a) the acoustic properties of a cavity are used to
compensate for mechanical shock, i.e., to effectively cancel
transmission of the shock to the transducer's output, or b)
the resonant property of a cavity is used to absorb or
attenuate sound at a particular frequency or over a band of
frequencies.
(1) Note. A "quarter wave" Helmholtz resonator is a typical
example of the subject matter included under definition (b)
above.
Subclass:
354
Absorbing or attenuating element:
This subclass is indented under subclass 337. Subject matter
wherein undesired sound intensity or vibration is lessened.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
355 for housed microphone.
372 for mechanical or acoustic sound attenuation in
combination with headphones.
375 for a microphone in a particular support structure,
wherein there is no claimed electrical feature of the
transducer, but there is an electrical feature of the
support.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
181, Acoustics, 284 for sound-absorbing means in a
mechanical acoustic device or system.
Subclass:
355
Housed microphone:
This subclass is indented under subclass 150. Subject matter
having either a capsule supported within an enclosure, or a
diaphragm and motor means supported relative to one another
in order to convert sound waves into a varying electrical
voltage, further including structure beyond that necessary to
merely support the diaphragm and motor means relative to one
another.
(1) Note. A microphone capsule is generally housed within a
larger, unitary structure to provide protection, electrical
connections, adequate size to be handled, acoustic
properties, etc.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
91 for a microphone in a mounting wherein there is no
claimed electrical feature.
111 for circuitry combined with a specific type of
microphone.
122 for a microphone combined with an element having a
diverse function, e.g., an amplifier.
369 for a microphone capsule, per se.
375 for a microphone in a particular support structure,
wherein there is no claimed electrical feature of the
transducer, but there is an electrical feature of the
support.
Subclass:
356
Directional:
This subclass is indented under subclass 355. Subject matter
acoustically or mechanically configured to have a different
response to sounds emanating from different locations in an
environment.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
92 for a circuit for imparting directional pickup
characteristics to a microphone.
313 for directional hearing aids.
Subclass:
357
With plural sound ports (e.g., pressure gradient):
This subclass is indented under subclass 356. Subject matter
having two or more openings within the housing for the
purpose of providing multiple sound paths leading to a
transducer.
Subclass:
358
Plural or variable characteristics:
This subclass is indented under subclass 357. Subject matter
having a) two or more switchable discrete directional
response patterns, or b) a single response pattern which is
continuously variable.
Subclass:
359
Windscreen:
This subclass is indented under subclass 355. Subject matter
including structure to ameliorate the effects of rapidly
moving air or breath on a microphone.
Subclass:
360
Cavity:
This subclass is indented under subclass 355. Subject matter
including a resonant acoustic space or similar structure
designed to affect the acoustic characteristics of a
microphone.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
345 for acoustic enclosure in acoustic wave modifying
structure.
Subclass:
361
Mounting or support:
This subclass is indented under subclass 355. Subject matter
having a) details of how a microphone capsule is supported
within a housing, or b) a structure designed to hold a housed
microphone for or during use.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
91 for microphone in support or housing.
Subclass:
362
Boom (other than on headset):
This subclass is indented under subclass 361. Subject matter
including a generally horizontally projecting beam, pole,
rod, or spar which supports a microphone.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
363 for a stand or goose neck in a mounting or support.
367 for a headgear in mounting or support.
375 for a microphone in particular support structure.
390 for a boom or support arm in a mounting or support
feature of a housed loudspeaker.
Subclass:
363
Stand or gooseneck:
This subclass is indented under subclass 361. Subject matter
in which the microphone is supported a) at the end of a beam,
pole, rod, or spar which has a generally upright position, or
b) on one end of a flexible, tube-like structure which will
generally retain a certain shape or position when adjusted.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
362 for a boom (other than on headset)in mounting or support
of housed microphone.
Subclass:
364
On body or clothing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 361. Subject matter
in which the mounting or support secures the microphone to a
human being's person or garments.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
367 for a microphone in headgear.
Subclass:
365
In electronic apparatus or vehicle:
This subclass is indented under subclass 361. Subject matter
in which the mounting or support means secures the microphone
a) to a walkie-talkie, video camera, transceiver, etc., or b)
to or in an automobile, aircraft, motorcycle, etc.
Subclass:
366
Detachable from support:
This subclass is indented under subclass 361. Subject matter
in which the microphone is designed to be readily removed
from its support.
Subclass:
367
In headgear:
This subclass is indented under subclass 361. Subject matter
wherein the microphone is mounted or supported in or on a
helmet or breathing mask or similar structure.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
364 for microphone attached to a person`s body or clothing.
Subclass:
368
On shock absorbing support:
This subclass is indented under subclass 361. Subject matter
in which the mounting means is particularly adapted to lessen
the effects of mechanically coupled vibration to the
microphone.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
353 for an acoustic damping or attenuating resonator in an
acoustic enclosure.
Subclass:
369
Microphone capsule only:
This subclass is indented under subclass 150. Subject matter
for converting a sound wave into a corresponding time
variation of an electrical signal, in which the claimed
subject matter consists essentially of a diaphragm and motor
means to convert sound-induced movement of the diaphragm into
an electrical signal, and any minimal chassis or housing
components necessary to hold the diaphragm and motor means
together or in proper relative position.
(1) Note. This basic combination is sometimes referred to
as a "capsule", or a "cartridge", or a "button". This is
essentially the "smallest" combination of elements which can
be said to comprise a transducer.
Subclass:
370
Headphone:
This subclass is indented under subclass 182. Subject matter
including a head-engaging element which holds a transducer
for reproducing sound signal, against an ear of a user.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
74 for headphone circuits.
Subclass:
371
Particular cup:
This subclass is indented under subclass 370. Subject matter
having particular structural features relating to enclosures
designed to fit over or on a user's ear.
Subclass:
372
Having mechanical or acoustic sound attenuation:
This subclass is indented under subclass 371. Subject matter
in which the particular feature of a cup is designed to
reduce noise.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
354 for an absorbing or attenuating element in acoustic wave
modifying structure.
Subclass:
373
Openable to ambient:
This subclass is indented under subclass 371. Subject matter
in which the space within the cup is ventable to the
atmosphere.
Subclass:
374
Particular support structure:
This subclass is indented under subclass 370. Subject matter
having a specific means for maintaining a trans-ducer on the
user's head.
Subclass:
375
And microphone:
This subclass is indented under subclass 374. Subject matter
in combination with a means for converting sound waves into a
varying electrical current or voltage.
(1) Note. A typical example is a microphone supported from
the headphone by a boom, often found on telephone operator's
headsets.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
355 for a housed microphone.
362 for a microphone on a boom.
369 for a microphone capsule.
Subclass:
376
Headgear:
This subclass is indented under subclass 374. Subject matter
in which the support structure is a helmet, hat, breathing
mask, or similar structure.
Subclass:
377
Plural bands:
This subclass is indented under subclass 374. Subject matter
having two or more belts or straps.
Subclass:
378
Single band:
This subclass is indented under subclass 374. Subject matter
including one belt or strap.
Subclass:
379
Adjustable:
This subclass is indented under subclass 374. Subject matter
in which some characteristic of a support structure may be
altered in length or size to ensure a proper fit of a
transducer to the user's head.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
383 for a collapsible feature in particular support
structure.
Subclass:
380
Ear insert or bone conduction:
This subclass is indented under subclass 374. Subject matter
which a) fits entirely within a user's ear or is completely
supported within the outer auditory meatus of a user's ear,
or b) is designed to transmit sound to a user's inner ear by
vibration of a user's skeletal structure.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
326 for a hearing aid that uses a non-air- conducted sound
delivery to inner ear in a specified casing or housing.
328 for a hearing aid comprising an ear insert in a
specified casing or housing.
Subclass:
381
Hook over ear or spectacle:
This subclass is indented under subclass 374. Subject matter
including support structure which a) engage's the exterior of
the user's ear, e.g., the pinna, or b) in which the support
structure is an eyeglass frame.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
327 for a hearing aid mounted in a spectacle.
330 for hook over ear type hearing aid in a specified casing
or housing.
Subclass:
382
Sound conducting tube:
This subclass is indented under subclass 374. Subject matter
in which the support structure comprises a hollow cylindrical
element acoustically connecting two earcups.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
338 for a tubular waveguide or resonant element in
acoustic wave modifying structure.
Subclass:
383
Collapsible:
This subclass is indented under subclass 374. Subject matter
in which the support structure can be reduced in size for
ease of carrying through folding or bending.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
379 for adjustable feature in particular support structure.
Subclass:
384
Electrical hardware feature:
This subclass is indented under subclass 370. Subject matter
with particular connections or connectors, such as jack,
plug, terminals, cord details, etc.
(1) Note. Headphones in combination with electrical
circuitry such as amplifiers, filters, and so on are
generally classified elsewhere.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
74 for headphone circuits.
309 for stero earphones with circuitry.
394 for electrical hardware in mounting or support feature
of housed loudspeaker.
Subclass:
385
Having body supported structure other than on head:
This subclass is indented under subclass 150. Subject matter
having a means to support a transducer on the neck,
shoulders, chest, abdomen, arms, hands, etc.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
376 for a headgear for supporting a headphone.
Subclass:
386
Mounting or support feature of housed loudspeaker:
This subclass is indented under subclass 150. Subject matter
having a) a transducer for converting a time varying
electrical signal into sound combined with an enclosure,
casing, shell, or baffle, or b) details of the fastening of
such a transducer to or within an enclosure, casing, shell,
or baffle, or c) means to hold an enclosed transducer for or
during use.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
87 for a device of this class having electrical features in
addition to mounting features.
332 for loudspeaker in an enclosure or housing wherein
electrical features are also claimed.
Subclass:
387
Directional, directible, or movable:
This subclass is indented under subclass 386. Subject matter
in which a) the housing and transducer together radiate sound
with different strengths toward different locations in an
environment, or b) the enclosure or a portion thereof is
aimable or steerable toward different locations in an
environment, or c) means are provided to enable a housed
transducer to be readily relocated to different positions in
an environment.
Subclass:
388
With furniture, clothing, or image display:
This subclass is indented under subclass 386. Subject matter
wherein the particular support or mounting feature of the
transducer involves furniture such things as a headrest,
couch, chair, jacket, hat, belt, harness, etc., or a
television, computer monitor, etc.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
301 for stereo speakers mounted in furniture or clothing.
306 for stereo speakers arranged to emit sound in
conjunction with an image presentation means.
333 for a loudspeaker mounted in furniture, clothing, or
image presentation means, wherein no electrical feature is
claimed.
Subclass:
389
In vehicle:
This subclass is indented under subclass 386. Subject matter
wherein the support or mounting is in an automobile,
aircraft, motorcycle, etc.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
365 for mounting or support means securing a microphone in a
vehicle or electronic apparatus.
Subclass:
390
Boom or support arm:
This subclass is indented under subclass 386. Subject matter
including a) a generally horizontally projecting beam, pole,
rod, or spar which maintains the position of a housed
transducer for or during use, or b) a hand-held support
comprising a beam, pole, rod, or spar.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
362 for boom used in mounting or support of a housed
microphone.
Subclass:
391
Grille:
This subclass is indented under subclass 386. Subject matter
including a mesh or grating covering the transducer or a
sound path leading to the transducer.
Subclass:
392
Resilient:
This subclass is indented under subclass 386. Subject matter
including a vibration or shock damping means, cushioning
means, springs, etc.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
346 for acoustic damping of a transducer in an acoustic
enclosure, as in an acoustic resistance (foam, wool,
fiberglass, etc.) in an acoustic path.
353 for acoustic damping or attenuating in an acoustic
enclosure.
354 for acoustic damping in combination with a transducer.
Subclass:
393
Electrical insulation feature:
This subclass is indented under subclass 386. Subject matter
in which the housing or components within it do not conduct
electricity.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
174, Electricity: Conductors and Insulators, for insulators,
generally.
Subclass:
394
Electrical hardware:
This subclass is indented under subclass 386. Subject matter
including circuit boards, terminals, terminal blocks, signal
conductors (i.e., wires, leads, or cords), etc.
(1) Note. Subject matter involving circuitry which filters,
amplifies, etc., in combination with a loudspeaker in a
housing is classified in this class, subclasses 332+.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
332 for subject matter involving circuitry which filters,
amplifies, etc., in combination with loudspeaker in a
housing.
384 for a headphone including an electrical hardware
feature.
Subclass:
395
Mechanical detail:
This subclass is indented under subclass 386. Subject matter
involving the details of how the support or mounting is
achieved, such as using clips, screws, tabs, detents,
bonding, etc.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
411, Expanded, Threaded, Driven, Headed, Tool-Deformed, or
Locked- Threaded Fastener, for mechanical mounting details,
generally.
Subclass:
396
Electromagnetic (e.g., dynamic):
This subclass is indented under subclass 150. Subject matter
wherein an information varied electrical signal produces a
similarly varying magnetic field which causes motion in a
sound radiating device to produce a corresponding acoustical
wave.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
117 for circuitry combined with a magnetic loudspeaker.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, for electromagnetic circuits and devices,
generally.
336, Inductor Devices, for inductor devices, generally.
Subclass:
397
Cooling feature:
This subclass is indented under subclass 396. Subject matter
including a feature designed to remove heat from the
transducer.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
165, Heat Exchange, for heat exchange, generally.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, 688 for
cooling means in electronic systems and devices.
Subclass:
398
Having diaphragm support feature:
This subclass is indented under subclass 396. Subject matter
having specific structure to maintain a sound radiating
flexible membrane in a specified position relative to other
parts of the transducer.
Subclass:
399
Conductive diaphragm (e.g., ribbon):
This subclass is indented under subclass 396. Subject matter
in which at least a portion of a sound radiating membrane
itself conducts the information varied electrical signal.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
176 for a microphone with a conductive diaphragm.
400 for a coil or other conductor path mounted directly on
the diaphragm.
Subclass:
400
Movable voice coil:
This subclass is indented under subclass 396. Subject matter
having a spiral shaped conductor attached to a flexible
membrane and positioned in an air gap in a magnetic circuit,
so as to drive the membrane in accordance with an applied
current.
Subclass:
401
Multiple voice coils:
This subclass is indented under subclass 400. Subject matter
in which there is more than one spirally wound conductor.
Subclass:
402
For different frequencies:
This subclass is indented under subclass 401. Subject matter
in which at least two separate voice coils receive signal
currents having distinct spectral content.
Subclass:
403
Centering from outside bobbin or diaphragm:
This subclass is indented under subclass 400. Subject matter
for the adjustment of voice coil position in an air gap so
that the coil and gap axes coincide, in which the means for
accomplishing this lies outside a cylindrical means holding
the voice coil, or outside the volume contained by a moving
membrane.
Subclass:
404
Spider:
This subclass is indented under subclass 403. Subject matter
including a concentrically-waved membrane or sheet which
readily flexes in the direction of motion of the diaphragm,
but resists motion perpendicular to the diaphragm's motion,
and which typically surrounds the diaphragm or bobbin in an
annular manner.
Subclass:
405
Centering from within bobbin or diaphragm:
This subclass is indented under subclass 400. Subject matter
for adjustment of voice coil position in the air gap so that
the coil and gap axes coincide in which the means for
accomplishing this lies within the volume enclosed by a
vibrating membrane, or within the volume enclosed by a
cylindrical form on which the voice coil is wound.
(1) Note. An example is a flexible disk attached to the
inner side of the diaphragm with a number of flexible arms or
leaves, with the center of the disk attached by screw to a
center pole or stud.
Subclass:
406
Field coil:
This subclass is indented under subclass 400. Subject matter
including a spirally wound conductor which receives a current
designed to generate a static field against which the
signal-related electromagnetic field of the voice coil
will react to generate motion.
(1) Note. A field coil generally substitutes for or
augments a permanent magnet.
Subclass:
407
Particular bobbin structure:
This subclass is indented under subclass 400. Subject matter
specifying particular details about a cylindrical form or
member on which the voice coil is wound.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
242, Winding, Tensioning, or Guiding 118 for a winding
bobbin or spool, generally.
Subclass:
408
Pattern:
This subclass is indented under subclass 400. Subject matter
where the voice coil comprises a particular configuration of
conductive material applied directly to the diaphragm.
(1) Note. The diaphragm is usually flat.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
410 for coil structure in a cylindrically wound coil (e.g.
on a bobbin ).
Subclass:
409
Wiring structure:
This subclass is indented under subclass 400. Subject matter
specifying detail of the manner in which the signal
conductors (i.e., voice coil) are mechanically or
electrically attached, fastened, connected, etc.
Subclass:
410
Coil coating, winding layer structure, or wire:
This subclass is indented under subclass 400. Subject matter
specifying details of a cylindrically wound voice coil (e.g.,
on bobbin), such as 1) insulation or wire covering, 2) manner
in which wire is wound on bobbin, or 3) details of the
conductor per se, such as crossection (e.g., square, etc.) or
wire material (copper, silver, etc.).
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
174, Electricity: Conductors and Insulators, for conductors.
336, Inductor Devices, 222 for winding an inductor device.
Subclass:
411
Including adjustment mechanism:
This subclass is indented under subclass 396. Subject matter
including means to alter some aspect or physical parameter of
the electromagnetic transducer, such as the air gap size.
Subclass:
412
Magnetic circuit:
This subclass is indented under subclass 396. Subject matter
including a path of magnetic flux from north pole to south
pole of a magnet (or electromagnet) through a magnetic
material.
Subclass:
413
Having damping:
This subclass is indented under subclass 412. Subject matter
including a sound or vibration absorbing means.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
353 for acoustic damping or attenuating resonator in
acoustic enclosure.
354 for absorbing or attenuating element in acoustic
enclosure.
372 for mechanical or acoustic sound attenuation in
headphone.
Subclass:
414
Flux modifying means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 412. Subject matter
which shapes or alters the magnetic flux in the air gap in
order to enhance its effectiveness in reacting with a voice
coil or diaphragm.
Subclass:
415
Magnetic liquid:
This subclass is indented under subclass 412. Subject matter
having a colloid containing magnetic particles in a region
unoccupied by solid members of the magnetic circuit, such as
the air gap.
Subclass:
416
Inverted (e.g., within cone):
This subclass is indented under subclass 412. Subject matter
in which the elements of the magnetic circuit (e.g., magnets
and pole pieces) lie substant-ially entirely within the
volume enclosed by an axially extending, e.g., conical
diaphragm.
(1) Note. The diaphragm is usually conical, and thus the
magnetic circuit lies within the cone, and the voice coil
bobbin also projects toward the cone rather than away from
the cone.
Subclass:
417
Armature diaphragm:
This subclass is indented under subclass 412. Subject matter
in which the voice coil is stationary and a moving membrane
itself is made of magnetic material and vibrates within the
fluctuating electromagnetic field of the voice coil.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
419 for an electromagnetic transducer not having a central
magnetic portion in the magnetic circuit.
Subclass:
418
Armature linked to diaphragm:
This subclass is indented under subclass 412. Subject matter
in which a magnetic member separate from a moving membrane
vibrates within a stationary voice coil's electromagnetic
field and its motion is mechanically linked to the moving
membrane.
Subclass:
419
Not having central magnetic portion:
This subclass is indented under subclass 412. Subject matter
in which the magnetic circuit lacks an innermost magnet or
pole piece.
(1) Note. This configuration usually lacks a central
annular air gap, and it is often associated with an armature
diaphragm. Typical shapes include annular, horseshoe, or
U-shaped.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
417 for an armature diaphragm in a magnetic circuit.
Subclass:
420
Having central magnetic portion:
This subclass is indented under subclass 412. Subject matter
in which there is an innermost magnet or pole piece around
which other parts of the magnetic circuit are symmetrically
located.
(1) Note. This configuration is most often associated with
the standard conically-shaped diaphragm with cylindrical
bobbin and centrally located annular air gap.
Subclass:
421
Plural magnets:
This subclass is indented under subclass 420. Subject matter
having more than one permanent magnet or one permanent magnet
and an electromagnet generated by a field coil.
Subclass:
422
Like poles adjacent:
This subclass is indented under subclass 421. Subject matter
in which respective regions of either north magnetic polarity
or south magnetic polarity of two magnets are juxtaposed.
Subclass:
423
Specified diaphragm shape or structure:
This subclass is indented under subclass 396. Subject matter
including a flexible membrane with a particular geometrical
contour or made of a specified material.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
181, Acoustics, 167 or 173+ for critically defined acoustic
diaphragm structure or shape, generally.
Subclass:
424
Plural portions or sections:
This subclass is indented under subclass 423. Subject matter
specifying that a diaphragm has more than one distinct area
with respect to construction or function.
Subclass:
425
Honeycomb:
This subclass is indented under subclass 424. Subject matter
in which the diaphragm is composed of two or more sheets or
layers of material connected with a corrugated, web-like
structure.
Subclass:
426
Critically defined material or lamination:
This subclass is indented under subclass 423. Subject matter
specifying the use of a particular substance or a layered
structure.
Subclass:
427
Metal
This subclass is indented under subclass 426. Subject matter
in which the particular material is a metallic substance.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
181, Acoustics, subclass 168 for metallic material in
diaphragm in acoustic devices generally.
Subclass:
428
Fibrous
This subclass is indented under subclass 426. Subject matter
in which the particular material is comprised of slender,
elongated structures, such as threads, filaments, etc.
(1) Note. Paper and cardboard are materials made from
cellulose fibers.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
181, Acoustics, subclass 169 for fibrous material in
diaphragm in acoustic devices.
Subclass:
429
Apertures in surface
This subclass is indented under subclass 423. Subject matter
in which a diaphragm is perforated or has holes or openings
therein.
Subclass:
430
Dome or round
This subclass is indented under subclass 423. Subject matter
in which a diaphragm has the shape of a hemisphere or a
sphere, or a similarly curved surface.
Subclass:
431
Flat:
This subclass is indented under subclass 423. Subject matter
in which a diaphragm has a substantially planar surface.
Subclass:
432
Conical:
This subclass is indented under subclass 423. Subject matter
where a diaphragm has a configuration of at least a portion
of a regular solid joining the circumference of a circle in a
plane with a point along its axis of symmetry outside the
plane.
(1) Note. This encompasses conical and frusto-conical
shapes.
Subclass:
433
Basket detail:
This subclass is indented under subclass 396. Subject matter
specifying a frame-like structure which supports both a
diaphragm and a magnetic circuit means.
FOREIGN ART COLLECTIONS
The definitions for FOR 100-FOR 122 below correspond to the
definitions of the abolished subclasses under Class 381 from
which these collections were formed. The definitions for FOR
123-FOR 124 below correspond to the definitions of the
abolished subclasses under Class 381 from which these
collections were formed. The definitions for FOR 125-FOR 139
below correspond to the definitions of the abolished
subclasses under Class 381 from which these collections were
formed. See the Foreign Art Collection schedule for specific
correspondences. {Note: The titles and definitions for
indented art collections include all the details of the
one(s) that are hierarchically superior.}
Subclass: FOR 100
AUDIO BANDWIDTH COMPRESSION OR EXPANSION: Foreign art
collection where there is either an expansion or reduction of
the bandwidth required for transmission of a sound signal
using analog techniques or elements.
Subclass: FOR 101
With content reduction encoding: Foreign art collection where
redundant information is discarded and replaced by a code
indicating what has been discarded.
Subclass: FOR 102
Delay line: Foreign art collection having means to cause a
time delay of a sound signal.
Subclass: FOR 103
TIME COMPRESSION OR EXPANSION (E.G., RUN LENGTH CODING):
Foreign art collection where there is either an expansion or
reduction of the time required for transmission of a sound
signal using analog techniques or elements.
Subclass: FOR 104
With content reduction encoding: Foreign art collection where
redundant information is discarded and replaced by a code
indicating what has been discarded.
Subclass: FOR 105
SPEECH ANALYSIS AND SYNTHESIS COMBINED: Foreign art
collection where signals representing the component parts of
an input speech wave are generated and then the signals
representing the component parts are used to produce a
synthetic speech wave using analog techniques or elements.
Subclass: FOR 106
Using frequency: Foreign art collection where the signals
represent the value of a function of a component frequency.
Subclass: FOR 107
Pitch: Foreign art collection where the signal represents the
amplitude or frequency of the apparent predominant frequency
of the speech wave.
Subclass: FOR 108
Formants: Foreign art collection where the signals represent
the amplitude or frequency values of any of several resonance
bands which determine the phonetic quality of a vowel sound.
Subclass: FOR 109
Using time: Foreign art collection where the signals
represent the value of a function of time.
Subclass: FOR 110
SPEECH ANALYSIS (E.G., PHONEME RECOGNITION): Foreign art
collection where an input speech signal is separated into its
component parts using analog techniques or elements.
Subclass: FOR 111
Voice recognition: Foreign art collection which discriminates
between different voices.
Subclass: FOR 112
Word recognition: Foreign art collection which discriminates
between different sounds or words.
Subclass: FOR 113
Phonetic typewriters: Foreign art collection where the output
is typescript.
Subclass: FOR 114
Frequency domain: Foreign art collection where the component
parts are functions of frequency.
Subclass: FOR 115
Detection of speech in noise: Foreign art collection where an
output is generated in response to the presence of a voice or
speech signal input which may be obscured by noise.
Subclass: FOR 116
Signal to noise ratio enhancement: Foreign art collection
where there is noise present along with the speech signal and
the amplitude of the speech wave is increased relative to the
amplitude of the noise.
Subclass: FOR 117
Speech parameter display: Foreign art collection where there
is an output signal perceptible by the eye which represents
one of the component parts of the input speech signal.
Subclass: FOR 118
Speech pitch fundamental frequency: Foreign art collection
where the component part is the apparent predominant
frequency of the input speech wave.
Subclass: FOR 119
Speech formant frequencies: Foreign art collection where the
components parts are any of several resonance bands which
determine the phonetic quality of a vowel sound.
Subclass: FOR 120
SPEECH SYNTHESIS: Foreign art collection where the component
parts of a speech signal are combined to produce a synthetic
speech wave using analog techniques or elements.
Subclass: FOR 121
Speech from printed matter: Foreign art collection where the
synthetic speech wave is generated according to a written or
printed text.
Subclass: FOR 122
Vocal tract model: Foreign art collection having an analog of
a human vocal tract.
Subclass: FOR 123
ACOUSTICAL NOISE OR SOUND CANCELLATION Foreign art
collections including subject matter where audible noise is
at least partially eliminated by generating an out-of-phase
replica of the offending sound.
Subclass: FOR 124
NOISE SUPPRESSION Foreign art collections including subject
matter with provision for reducing the effects of unwanted
signals upon desired signals.
Subclass: FOR 125
Speaker arrangement: Subject matter including transducers for
reproducing the sound signals, and the spatial relationship
of the transducers to their surroundings.
Subclass: FOR 126
Earphone: Subject matter where the transducers are intended
to be placed in or over the ear.
Subclass: FOR 127
HEARING AIDS, ELECTRICAL: Subject matter under the class
definition having a small ambient sound reproducing system
wherein the output transducer transmits directly into the ear
or skull for use by the hard of hearing to increase the sound
level received by the ear (i.e., listening assistance).
Subclass: FOR 128
Directional: Subject matter where the response of an input
transducer (i.e., microphone to the ambient sound varies
significantly with the direction of incidence of the sound.
Subclass: FOR 129
Frequency control: Subject matter including a circuit to
control the amplitude of the hearing aid as a function of the
frequency.
Subclass: FOR 130
Bone conduction: Subject matter in which sound is conducted
to the inner ear through the cranial bones.
Subclass: FOR 131
Gain control: Subject matter for varying the amount of
amplification of the output signal.
Subclass: FOR 132
Spectacle: Subject matter in combination with an eyeglass
frame.
Subclass: FOR 133
Ear insert: Subject matter which fits entirely within and is
completely supported by the user's ear.
Subclass: FOR 134
Hook over ear: Subject matter including support structure
which engages the exterior of the user's ear.
Subclass: FOR 135
Specified casing or housing: Subject matter including a
specific container for the hearing aid components.
Subclass: FOR 136
Having vacuum tube amplifier: Subject matter including an
amplifier which uses one or more electron tubes.
Subclass: FOR 137
Having battery: Subject matter including at least one battery
used as a power source.
Subclass: FOR 138
Having enclosure or housing: Subject matter where the
mechanical adjunct or device is a specific container for
electrical components.
Subclass: FOR 139
With loudspeaker (e.g., baffle, spatial orientation, etc.):
Subject matter where the specific container holds a
loudspeaker.
Information Products Division -- Contacts
Questions regarding this report should be directed to:
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Information Products Division
PK3- Suite 441
Washington, DC 20231
tel: (703) 306-2600
FAX: (703) 306-2737
email: oeip@uspto.gov
Last Modified: 6 October 2000