US PATENT SUBCLASS 250 / 200
PHOTOCELLS; CIRCUITS AND APPARATUS

Current as of: June, 1999
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250 /   HD   RADIANT ENERGY

200PHOTOCELLS; CIRCUITS AND APPARATUS {11}
201.1  DF  .~> Photocell controls its own optical systems {8}
550  DF  .~> Interference pattern analysis (e.g., spatial filtering or holography)
551  DF  .~> Signal isolator
552  DF  .~> Solid state light source {1}
554  DF  .~> Flame light source
559.01  DF  .~> With circuit for evaluating a web, strand, strip, or sheet {13}
206  DF  .~> Photocell controlled circuit {9}
215  DF  .~> Combined with diverse-type device
216  DF  .~> Optical or pre-photocell system {11}
238  DF  .~> Temperature control of photocell
239  DF  .~> Housings (in addition to cell casing)

DEFINITION

Classification: 250/200

(under the class definition) Subject matter which includes a photocell.

(1) Note. DEFINITION OF TERMS: A photocell is defined for the purpose of classification in these subclasses as an electrical device which responds to light by varying its electrical characteristics or by generating an electric current. This definition therefore includes resistances, electric space discharge devices, batteries, inductances, condensers, bolometers and other electrical devices which have their electrical characteristics varied by radiant energy. For the purpose of classification in these subclasses "light" and "radiant energy" are used synonymously.

(2) Note. CIRCUITS AND APPARATUS INCLUDED: These are the generic subclasses for the following: a. Electrical circuits whose operations are controlled by means of a photocell. b. Electrical systems for supplying electric current and/or potential to a photocell. c. Photocells in combination with

the optical means for controlling the radiant energy which illuminates the photocell. d. Photocells in combination with the source of illumination for the photocell. e. Apparatus which is limited to use with photocells and which is not otherwise classified. Examples of such apparatus are the photocell temperature control means in subclass 238 and the housings in subclass 239.

(3) Note. SIGNALING SYSTEMS: Electrical communication systems whose operation is controlled by means of a photocell are excluded from these subclasses. For such systems see the Search Class notes below.

(4) Note. PHOTOCELL CONTROLLED CATHODE-RAY TUBE CIRCUITS See the Search Class notes below for Photocell Controlled Cathode-ray Tube Circuits

(5) Note. PHOTOCELL COMBINED WITH DIVERSE TYPE DEVICE: These subclasses include a photocell apparatus or photocell controlled circuit when combined with a diverse type apparatus only when the combination includes only the portion of the diverse type apparatus necessary to provide for the photocell apparatus or circuit. Such combinations will be found for the most part in subclass 215 of this class. Where structure of the device is claimed in addition to that necessary to provide for the photocell apparatus or photocell circuit, the device is excluded from these subclasses and will be found with the art that provides for the particular device with which the photocell is combined. Also, see (6) Note below with reference to photocell circuits which are limited to controlling specific devices, such as a signal, meter, etc. See (3) Note above for a reference to signaling systems which include a photocell. For some of the classes which provide for devices which include a photocell apparatus or circuit, see the classes listed under (9) Note below. (6) Note. PHOTOCELL CIRCUIT WITH SPECIFIC LOAD DEVICE IN THE OUTPUT CIRCUIT:

a. General Statement: These subclasses do not provide for photocell controlled circuits which have a particular load device, such as an electric motor, recited in the output circuit. Such systems are classified with the particular art. See the paragraphs below for some special exceptions to this general statement. For a partial list of the classes which provide for the excluded circuits, see the classes under (9) Note below.

b. Photocell controls its light source or optical system: These subclasses do provide in subclasses 201+ for photocell circuits where the output circuit controls means which control the optical system of the photocell, (e.g., rebalancing systems, apparatus having means for causing the photocell to move so as to trace the contour of a pattern, circuits having the illumination source for the photocell controlled by the photocell). Note that where the claims are limited to a photoelectric circuit having an electric lamp as

the source of illumination for the photocell, the electric lamp being connected in the output circuit of the photocell circuit so that the lamp which illuminates the photocell is controlled by the photocell, no structure of the optical system between the lamp and photocell being claimed, the circuit is classified in Class 315, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Systems, subclass 151.

c. Photocell with electronic tube or other current or potential modifying means in the output circuit. These subclasses do provide for photocell circuits having means in the output circuit for modifying or amplifying the photocell current or voltage so as to produce the type of output control current or voltage desired. Examples of such means are the bridge circuits and electronic tube devices. Where the disclosure relates to a plurality of species of relay systems of which one is an electronic relay (electronic tube) system and the claims recite the relay in generic terms, classification is in Class 361, subclasses 173+. Where the claims are limited to an electronic relay or the disclosure relates only thereto even though the relay is recited broadly, classification is herein (Class 250).

If such optical system is claimed, the subject matter is classified in Class 250, subclasses 200+.

Where the device controlled in the output circuit is a cathode-ray tube, or where the photocell is a part of a cathode-ray tube and the claims do not include any significant output circuit for the cathode-ray tube, the circuit is classified in Class 315, Electric

Lamp and Discharge Devices: Systems, subclasses 10+. See (4) Note above.

Where the device controlled in the output circuit is an electronic tube of the gas or vapor type (including gas or vapor discharge lamps), and the claims do not include any significant output circuit for the electronic tube, the circuit is classified in Class 315, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Systems, subclasses 149+, especially in subclasses 156 and 157. Subclass 156 provides for the circuit where another electronic tube which is controlled by the photocell is interposed in the supply circuit of the gas or vapor type electronic tube, and subclass 157 where the electronic tube which is controlled is provided with a discharge control means (e.g., grid).

d. Photoelectric visible light examination apparatus.

The analysis of visible light by means of a photosensitive detector coupled to a recorder or meter is in Class 356. The analysis of light and including a photosensitive detector, but not including a meter, recorder or other indicator is classified in Class 250. The examination of solid, liquid or gaseous material or articles for an optical property, light scattering flaws, or size and configuration tests are in

Class 356. A support for material or an article being examined and a photosensitive device to detect variation in visible light caused by the examined material is classified in Class 356, providing the disclosure involves the examination of the material or the article by visible light.

The examination of material by visible light involving a photoelectric detection of the light as affected by the material and an electrical alarm is in Class 340, subclasses 619+.

(7) Note. PHOTOCELLS, PER SE: These subclasses do not include the structure of the photocell, per se. The photocells, per se, are classified according to the type of electrical device. For the classes and subclasses which provide for photocells and analogous devices, see the Search Class notes below.

(8) Note. TO COMPLETE THE SEARCH FOR THIS SUBJECT MATTER, see the Search This Class, Subclass and Search Class notes below.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

336.1+, where the photocell has characteristics which cause it to respond principally to the invisible portion of the radiation spectrum or where the photocell is combined with means to insure that it will respond to the invisible portion of the radiation spectrum. Illustrative of such photocells are a Geiger-Mueller counter and a conventional photocell provided with an ultraviolet ray filter, respectively. Where the photocell will respond to both visible and invisible radiant energy and is not provided with means for enhancing response to invisible radiant energy or diminishing response to visible radiant energy, classification is in subclasses 200+ (see (8) note above).

354.1, for photocell means to control the amount of invisible radiation falling on the photocell.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS

15, Brushing, Scrubbing, and General Cleaning,

319, with automatic control.

19, Textiles: Fiber Preparation, photoresponsive control of stopping fiber preparation apparatus.

33, Geometrical Instruments, 363, electrical telemetering with a photoelectric pickoff; subclass 707, distance, including optical. (see (9) note above).

40, Card, Picture, or Sign Exhibiting,

465+, for special effects displays with photoelectric switching.

49, Movable or Removable Closures,

25, radiant energy control, and subclasses 197+, photocell control of an up-and-over closure opener.

60, Power Plants,

233+, condition responsive thrust bearing means for reaction motors; subclass 254, solid propellant type reaction motors including means to regulate or terminate motive fluid production.

62, Refrigeration,

139, and 140, automatic control by accumulation of ice or frost.

72, Metal Deforming,

6+, control means stimulated by condition responsive, including condition responsive sensor. 73, Measuring and Testing,

23, 23.1, 53+ including 61.4, 73+, 104, 151+, 861+, and 290 for measuring and testing involving, inter alia, radiant energy detection; subclass 705, photoelectric fluid projector gauge.

84, Music,

639, and 724 for musical instruments in which the sound is produced from electric currents which are generated or controlled by photocells or for the photocell subcombinations of such musical instruments, when restricted to such use.

89, Ordnance,

41.06, for operation by photocell control of certain motors.

96, Gas Separation: Apparatus,

417+, for gas separation apparatus with signals, indicators, measuring, or testing means.

99, Foods and Beverages: Apparatus,

342, with signal, indicator, or tester.

112, Sewing,

80.23+, for embroidery with optical pattern program means; subclasses 470.01+ for pattern control means

118, Coating Apparatus,

691, photoelectric sensor responsive to condition of coated material.

134, Cleaning and Liquid Contact With Solids,

56, automatic controls, and subclass 113, with, inter alia, testing, inspecting or illuminating means

136, Batteries: Thermoelectric and Photoelectric,

213+, for photocells of the radiation pyrometer type which generate electricity by virtue of the heating effect of radiant energy and which may contain optical means; subclasses 243+ for photocells of the primary battery type which depend upon the presence of visible radiant energy for their operation; and subclasses 291 for applications of these photocells (see Photocells, Per Se; (7) note above).

137, Fluid Handling,

78.1, ambient condition responsive; subclass 93, sensing condition opically.

141, Fluent Material Handling With Receiver Coacting Means,

192+, automatic cutoff or diversion control.

160, Flexible or Portable Closure, Partition, or Panel, 5, for closures, partitions or panels which are automatically controlled by a photocell.

162, Paper Making and Fiber Liberation,

263, measuring, testing inspecting, indicating or illumination.

164, Metal Founding,

4.1, with measuring, testing, inspecting or condition sensing.

166, Wells,

250+, with indicating, testing, measuring or locating.

175, Boring or Penetrating the Earth,

41, combined with ray energy detection or measuring.

178, Telegraphy,

70, photocell repeaters (see Signaling Systems; 3 Note

above). 187, Elevator, Industrial Lift Truck, or Stationary Lift for Vehicle,

317, for an electric control for an elevator door having a position detector mounted on the door and subclass 392 for an elevator with a position detector for monitoring passengers.

192, Clutches and Power-Stop Control,

29, photocell control of stop; subclass 142, radio tuner stop control.

198, Conveyors: Power-Driven,

356+, with condition responsive control means, especially subclass 358, sensing condition of source or destination.

209, Classifying, Separating, and Assorting Solids,

509+, especially subclasses 576+, for devices containing a photocell, which will classify, separate or assort objects in accordance with their optical properties or their appearance, such as glossiness, color or size.

210, Liquid Purification or Separation,

745, process control by optical sensing of condition.

219, Electric Heating,

121.6, laser beam position control. 227, Elongated-Member-Driving Apparatus,

2+, with control means responsive to sensed condition.

235, Registers,

400+, ordnance or weapons computer, including subclass 411, with target tracking means; subclasses 375+, systems controlled by data bearing members.

241, Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration,

33+, with automatic control.

242, Winding, Tensioning, or Guiding,

331.4, 410+, 472.9+, 479.9+, 484.8, 484.9+, 534+, and 563+ for a detector or stop for regulating winding, unwinding, or tensioning of an elongated material.

244, Aeronautics,

3.1+, missile stabilization or trajectory control using

radiant energy.

246, Railway Switches and Signals, 29, for railway traffic control systems which are controlled by a photocell (see Signaling Systems; 3 Note above).

252, Compositions,

501.1, contains photosensitive resistance compositions (see Photocells, per se; (7) note above).

257, Active Solid-State Devices (e.g., Transistors, Solid-State Diodes),

10, 11, 21, 53-56, 113-118, 184-189, 225-234, 257, 258, 290-294, and 414-466 for radiation-sensitive active semiconductors devices (see Photocells, per se; (7) note above).

264, Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Testing: Processes,

408+, measuring, testing or inspecting by passing light through material.

307, Electrical Transmission or Interconnection Systems,

117, radiant energy responsive switching systems; subclass 10.8, vehicle mounted light system (see Signaling Systems; 3 Note above).

313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices,

364+, for photosensitive cathode-ray tubes, and subclasses 523+ for other photosensitive discharge devices (see Photocells, per se; (7) note above).

314, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Consumable Electrodes, 63, for arc lamps in which the feeding of the electrodes is controlled by a photocell.

315, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Systems,

10+, with radiant energy sensitive control means, subclasses 82+ for vehicle headlamp as by dimming when the photocell is illuminated by the headlamps of another vehicle, and subclass 134, with signal indicator or alarm readout energy responsive control.

315, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Systems,

10+, for miscellaneous circuits for supplying electric current and/or potential to a cathode-ray tube where the system includes a photocell to control the cathode-ray tube.

The systems included in subclasses 10+ include systems having a photocell in the supply circuit of the cathode-ray tube and systems where the cathode-ray tube includes a photoelectric electrode (see Photocell Controlled Cathode-ray Tube Circuit: (4) note above).

315, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Systems,

10+, for photocell controlled cathode-ray tube circuits. See (4) and (6c) Notes, supra. Subclass 134 provides for indicator or alarm signal in an electron tube circuit controlled by a photoelectric cell. Subclasses 149+ provide for photocell circuits which control an electric lamp or an electronic tube of the gas or vapor type. See subclass 150 where the lamp or gas or vapor tube is itself a photocell, subclass 151 where the lamp which illuminates the photocell is in the output circuit of the photocell, (see (6) Note, b, above and subclasses 156 and 157 where the photocell controls the operation of a gas or vapor type electronic tube or lamp (see (6) Note, c, above).

318, Electricity: Motive Power Systems,

560+, particularly subclass 640 for electric motor position servo systems which may be responsive to a photocell; subclasses 576+, particularly subclass 577 for electric motor systems in which a photocell senses a pattern and controls the motor in accordance with the sensing; and subclass 480 for other photocell controlled electric motor systems.

322, Electricity: Single Generator Systems,

26, for electric generator systems having a generator and a photocell which controls the generator or the driving means for the generator. 323, Electricity: Power Supply or Regulation Systems,

221, for voltage magnitude control systems having a photocell which automatically controls the system.

324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing,

344, using a radiant energy receiver for geological measurement or test; subclass 96, light detector.

327, Miscellaneous Active Electrical Nonlinear Devices, Circuits, and Systems,

509+, for miscellaneous circuits responsive to radiant energy (see Signaling Systems; (3) note above.)

338, Electrical Resistors,

15+, for electrical resistors, per se, whose resistance value changes in response to a change in light intensity, e.g., photoconductive type electrical resistors (see Photocells,

Per Se; (7) note above).

330, Amplifiers,

59, light controlled or activated device.

331, Oscillators, 66, light responsive ambient condition sensor.

335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets, and Electromagnets,

2+, electromagnetically actuated switches.

337, Electricity: Electrothermally or Thermally Actuated Switches,

298+, for thermally responsive switches (see Photocells, Per Se; (7) note above).

338, Electrical Resistors,

15+, for light responsive electrical resistors.

340, Communications: Electrical,

902+, for vehicle carried photocell system; subclasses 870.28+, for telemetering via light beam; subclasses 500+ for photocell controlled condition responsive devices; e.g., alarms; subclass 942, for photoelectric vehicle detectors.

340, Communications: Electrical, for miscellaneous signaling systems controlled by a photocell. Note especially

901+, for a vehicle carried photocell system, subclass 870.29 for telemetering via a light beam, and subclass 600 for a condition sensing photocell which actuates a signal or alarm (see Signaling Systems; (3) note above.)

341, Coded Data Generation or Conversion, 1+, digital pattern reading converter, especially subclasses 13, optical, and subclass 14, optical waveguide, and subclass 31, photoelectric actuated keyboard code generator (see Signaling Systems; (3) note above.)

342, Communications: Directive Radio Wave Systems and Devices (e.g., Radar, Radio Navigation),

52+, with diverse type radiant energy system.

345, Computer Graphics Processing, Operator Interface Processing, and Selective Visual Display Systems,

180+, for light pen input to selective visual display communication systems.

346, Recorders,

33, combined with external optical system recorder operating means.

348, Television,

207+, and 332 for television system with photocell and subclasses 602+ for photocell controlled cathode-ray tube.

348, Television,

207+, and 332 for television system which may include a photocell (see Signaling Systems; (3) note above.) 358, Facsimile,

161, for control of brightness or contrast of display on cathode-ray tube dependent on ambient light sensed by photocell, and subclasses 471+ for photocell control of a cathode-ray tube in facsimile systems (see Photocell Controlled Cathode-Ray Tube Circuit: (4) note above).

358, Facsimile,

400+, for facsimile (phototelegraphy) and subclasses 471+ for facsimile systems which may include a photocell (see Signaling Systems; (3) note above.)

360, Dynamic Magnetic Information Storage or Retrieval,

31, monitoring or testing recording progress; subclass 74.6, photoelectric stopping or reversing control; subclass 114, magneto-optic head (see Signaling Systems; (3) note above.)

364, Electrical Computers and Data Processing Systems,

806+, analog computer simulation of physical phenomena; subclass 822, optical correlation or convolution (see Signaling Systems; (3) note above.)

351, Optics: Eye Examining, Vision Testing and Correcting,

210, using photodetector to detect eye movement.

352, Optics: Motion Pictures,

140, focus control; and subclass 141, automatic diaphragm control. 353, Optics: Image Projectors,

25+, selective data retrieval.

355, Photocopying,

55+, photodetector used with focus or magnification control; subclass 41, identifying, composing or selecting using photocell; subclass 38, color film exposure or light intensity control; subclasses 203+, photocopiers with diagnostic testing; subclass 68, illumination system including photocell.

356, Optics: Measuring and Testing, particularly

300+, for photoelectric spectroscopic apparatus, subclasses 345+ for photoelectric interference type test apparatus, subclasses 364+ for polarized light tests, subclasses 128+ for photoelectric refraction test apparatus, subclasses 402+ for shade or color tests, subclasses 433+ for light transmission tests, subclasses 445+ for light reflection tests, subclasses 218+ for photoelectric type photometers, and subclasses 237.1+ for photoelectric flaw testing apparatus.

358, Facsimile,

400+, and 471+ for facsimile devices with photocell.

359, Optics: Systems (Including Communication) and Elements,

507+, moisture or foreign particle control of optical elements or systems.

360, Dynamic Magnetic Information Storage or Retrieval, 31, monitoring or testing recording progress; subclass 74.6 photoelectric stopping or reversing control; subclass 114, magneto-optic head.

361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices,

173+, for photocell controlled relay and electromagnet circuits. See (6) Note. c, above.

362, Illumination,

276, and 277+ for illuminating means having a movable screen which is automatically controlled by a photocell, and subclass 4, light responsive photos:graphic lighting.

363, Electric Power Conversion Systems,

125+, for rectifying systems having rectifiers of the selenium type, analogous to selenium photocells.

364, Electrical Computers and Data Processing Systems,

806+, analog computer simulation of physical phenomena.

365, Static Information Storage and Retrieval,

106+, radiant energy; subclasses 215+, optical read-write circuits; subclasses 234+, optical address (see Signaling Systems; (3) note above.) 367, Communications, Electrical: Acoustic Wave Systems and Devices,

64, optical processing of seismic signals; subclasses 140+, signal transducer (see Signaling Systems; (3) note above.)

369, Dynamic Information Storage or Retrieval,

100+, for electrical sound recording and reproducing systems which include a photocell (see Signaling Systems; (3) note above.)

370, Multiplex Communications,

1+, optical (see Signaling Systems; (3) note above.)

379, Telephonic Communications, appropriate subclasses, for electric sound recording and reproducing, using photocells (see Signaling Systems; (3) note above.)

365, Static Information Storage and Retrieval,

106+, radiant energy; subclasses 215+, optical read-write circuits; subclasses 234+, optical address.

367, Communications, Electrical: Acoustic Wave Systems and Devices,

64, optical processing of seismic signals; subclasses 140+, signal transducer.

368, Horology: Time Measuring Systems or Devices, 11, ambient light sensor.

369, Dynamic Information Storage or Retrieval,

44+, optical transducers; subclasses 100+, radiation beam modification by storage medium.

370, Multiplex Communications,

1+, optical.

372, Coherent Light Generators,

9+, particular beam control device.

374, Thermal Measuring and Testing,

121+, for temperature measurement by an arrangement responsive to thermally emitted radiation by the body whose temperature it measured.

376, Induced Nuclear Reactions: Processes, Systems, and Elements,

248, testing reactor condition using optics. 377, Electrical Pulse Counters, Pulse Dividers, or Shift Registers: Circuits and Systems,

53, with photoelectric detector; subclass 6, counting inanimate entities.

378, X-Ray or Gamma Ray Systems or Devices,

97, and 108 for source control in response to detecting radiation therefrom.

382, Image Analysis, all subclasses.

396, Photography,

549+, for phototype composing, subclasses 89+ for automatic camera focussing with photoelectric control; subclasses 213+ for automatic exposure control; and subclass 570 for photocell controlled fluid-treating means.

400, Typewriting Machines,

706+, for indicating position of line or end of page, including detector of record medium.

409, Gear Cutting, Milling, or Planing,

128, tracer adapted to trigger a photocell.

422, Chemical Apparatus and Process Disinfecting, Deodorizing, Preserving, or Sterilizing, 50+, analyzer, indicator or manipulative laboratory device; subclass 162, automatic analytical monitor and control of industrial products; subclass 85, with color change; subclass 91, gas analysis with absorption and with photometric detector; subclass 106, control element responsive to sensed liquid level.

424, Drug, Bio-Affecting and Body Treating Compositions,

9.1+, for in vivo diagnosis and testing compositions and subclasses 10.1+ for Class 424 compositions with an identification or warning feature.

427, Coating Processes,

10, optical measuring, testing and indicating.

434, Education and Demonstration,

1+, electromagnetic sensor to detect or determine range; subclasses 112+, communication aids for handicapped; subclass 187, measurement of length or volume; subclass 240, radio navigation with light sensor in simulator; subclass 303, science, physics, optics; subclass 325, image projector and light detector used in question or problem; subclass 337, correctness of response using light detector; subclasses 355 and 358, grading a response using light sensor.

435, Chemistry: Molecular Biology and Microbiology,

288.7, for optical sensing apparatus; and subclasses 4+ for measuring or testing.

436, Chemistry: Analytical and Immunological Testing,

164+, optical result; subclass 805, optical property. 438, Semiconductor Device Manufacture: Process, particularly

7, for methods of making semiconductor devices having a step controlled in response to a sensed optical condition and subclass 16 for methods having a step of measuring an optical condition.

446, Amusement Devices: Toys,

175, having light or sound responsive switch or control.

455, Telecommunications,

600+, for lightwave communication (see Signaling Systems; (3) note above.)

463, Amusement Devices: Games,

51+, for a game in which an electromagnetic ray (e.g., a light ray, etc.) is used to simulate a projectile fired from a gun, torpedo launcher, etc., which game may include a photocell (often as part of a target for the gun, torpedo launcher, etc.

493, Manufacturing Container or Tube From Paper; or Other Manufacturing From a Sheet or Web,

3+, condition responsive control means, especially subclass 10, using photocell.

505, Superconductor Technology: Apparatus, Material, Process,

150+, for high temperature (Tc greater than 30 K) superconducting devices, subclasses 300+ for processes of producing high temperature superconductor or superconductive devices, particularly subclasses 320, 325, and 480+ for use of radiant energy or particle bombardment; and cross-reference art collections 842+ for superconductor measuring and testing.

600, Surgery,

300+, for diagnostic testing.

702, Data Processing: Measuring, Calibrating, or Testing, appropriate subclasses.

708, Electrical Computers: Arithmetic Processing and Calculating,

816, for optical correlation or convolution.

901, Robots,

47, optical sensing device.

902, Electronic Funds Transfer,

41, with means to read data stored on identifier.