This is the generic class for electrical systems wherein a single electrical source is coupled to a single electrical load circuit and means are provided which control the magnitude or level of the current or voltage of either or both of said circuits and/or the phase angle between the current or voltage of either or both of said circuits.
This is also the generic class for transformer systems, see TRANSFORMER SYSTEMS below.
This is also the generic class for impedance systems, see IMPEDANCE SYSTEMS, below.
2. Voltage Magnitude and Phase Control Systems
In order to be classified in this class, the system must operate to control only (1) the magnitude of the current or voltage and/or (2) the phase angle between the current and voltage of an electric circuit. Where the system operates to perform some other additional function, classification is not herein. For a partial list of the classes which provide for such excluded systems, see the classes listed in the class definition, under "SEARCH CLASS."
3. Load in Output Circuit
This class provides for voltage and/or current magnitude and phase control systems as defined in Class Scope and Voltage Magnitude and Phase Control Systems, above, even though the electric load in the output circuit is recited by its characteristics (e.g., "an inductive load", a load having a negative current-resistance characteristic, etc.).
Systems wherein a particular load device is recited in the output circuit are classified with the particular art even though the load device is recited by name only (e.g., "a motor", "an electric furnace", etc.). For a partial list of such art systems, see classes listed in the class definition, under "SEARCH CLASS."
This class does not provide for systems having plural load circuits whether the plural load circuits are in different output circuits (see Voltage Magnitude and Phase Control Systems Having Plural Input and/or Plural Output Circuits below) or in the same circuit, except where the plural loads in a single output circuit are similar type loads that are not excluded by the paragraph above. Therefore, if there are a plurality of diverse loads in the same output circuit even though recited only by their characteristics (e.g., a highly inductive load and a low inductive load), then the system is excluded from this class.
4. Voltage Magnitude and Phase Control Systems Having Plural Input and/or Plural Output Circuits
This class excludes systems having a plurality of either electrical source (input) circuits or output circuits. Where the system including the plurality of input and/or output circuits comprises or is part of an art device, classification is with the art device. See References to Other Classes, below.
5. Regulating or Control Device Structure
This class provides for the electrical system as distinguished from the structure of the devices which may be used in or as part of the system. For the structure of such regulating and control devices, see the class definition, under "SEARCH CLASS."
SYSTEMS HAVING PLURAL DIVERSE TYPE MEANS USED FOR CONTROLPURPOSES
Where the system includes a plurality of different types of devices which form the basis of the principal subdivision of the class, that is, a dynamoelectric system, and/or an electronic tube, and/or a transformer, and/or an impedance, the original classification is in the first occurring (lowest numbered) subclass which has a definition that will include one or more of such types of devices.
DYNAMOELECTRIC MACHINES
This class provides for voltage and/or current magnitude and/or phase control systems as defined in GENERAL STATEMENT OF CLASS SUBJECT MATTER above, where the means interposed between the source circuit and the load circuit for controlling the voltage and/or current magnitude and/or phase includes a dynamoelectric machine, excepting the following: 1. Motor-Generator Sets
This class does not take those systems wherein an electrical source energizes an electric motor which drives a generator whose output supplies an electric load circuit. This organization is considered to be an electric motor driven generator system classified elsewhere. See References to Other Classes, below)"SEARCH CLASS" reference to single generator systems,
2. Dynamoelectric Machine Conversion Systems
This class does not take dynamoelectric machine conversion systems wherein the input electrical energy is converted into output electrical energy whose character differs from the input energy. For a partial list of such systems, see classes listed in the class definition, under "SEARCHCLASS."
ELECTRONIC TUBE SYSTEMS
This class provides for voltage and/or current magnitude control systems as defined in the class definition where the means interposed between the electrical source circuit and the load circuit for controlling the voltage and/or current magnitude includes an electronic tube. An electronic tube may be a vacuum tube, a gas tube, a vapor tube, or an open gap.
Where the electronic tube system operates to perform any function not provided for in this class, or any function in addition to the functions provided for by this class (e.g., rectification, phase conversion, frequency conversion), classification is not herein. For a partial list of such systems, see classes listed in the class definition, under "SEARCH CLASS."
See Lines With Other Classes, below, for the line between this class and other classes providing for electronic tube systems.
TAP-CHANGING SYSTEMS
This is the generic class for tap-changing systems, that is, systems for changing by electric switch means the connection of a circuit from one point to another point on a winding or for changing by electric switch means one value of impedance to another value of impedance of a system.
Where the tap-changing system is applied to a particular art, classification is with the art device, e.g., a tap-changing system for changing the connection of a generator armature circuit from one point on the generator field winding to another point on the field winding is classified elsewhere (see References to Other Classes, below). This class also provides for tap changing wherein a tap-changing system is part of a significant system for which provision is made in the class, (e.g., see Subclasses References to the Current Class, below.)
Usually, but not necessarily, the current flowing to or from the circuit from or to the winding or impedance is not interrupted during the tap-changing operation.
TRANSFORMER SYSTEMS
This class takes subject matter under the class definition, wherein the means interposed between the electrical source and the electrical load circuit for controlling the voltage and/or current magnitude and/or phase comprises a transformer. Systems within the class definition are included herein even though the transformer is recited by name only.
This is the generic class for transformer systems, that is, systems in which a transformer supplies an output circuit, or in which a load device not otherwise classified is supplied with electricity by a transformer.
This class will therefore take any system of supply to a transformer if no other class provides for the subject matter claimed. Many classes have systems specialized for the purposes of such class with a transformer system as a part of the combination.
This class excludes systems where a plurality of electrical source circuits are coupled to one or more output circuits, or where a plurality of output circuits are coupled to one or more source circuits.
This excludes systems where a plurality of distinct transformers which are coupled to a single source have their outputs coupled in current and/or voltage adding or subtracting relation. Likewise, systems having a single transformer with plural primary windings are excluded if the connection of the primary windings to the source is diverse; that is, if one primary winding circuit contains different circuit elements or has different circuit characteristics than another. Likewise, systems having a single transformer with plural secondaries connected to supply output circuits are excluded from this class.
1. Polyphase Systems
Although this class excludes systems wherein a plurality of electrical source circuits are coupled to one or more output circuits, systems wherein the energy of a single polyphase source is transferred by a polyphase transformer to a single polyphase output circuit having the same number of phases as the input circuit for energizing a single polyphase load circuit are considered to be systems having a single source and a single load circuit within the definition of this class.
2. Tuning Systems and Coupling Systems Involving Frequency Characteristics This class excludes tuning systems wherein the combination of transformer and impedance is used to control the resonant characteristics of the system with respect to a particular impressed frequency. For systems having the combination of a transformer and capacitance element connected in such a manner as to form a variable tuned circuit, the mean resonant frequency of which is adjustable, see the reference to Tuners under "SEARCH CLASS" below.
This class excludes coupling systems which are effective over predetermined frequency ranges or wherein frequency characteristics are controlled or varied. For such systems, see Wave Transmission Lines and Networks in "SEARCH CLASS" below.
IMPEDANCE SYSTEMS
This class takes subject matter under the Class Definition wherein the means interposed between the electrical source and the electrical load circuit for controlling the voltage and/or current magnitude and/or phase consists of one or more impedances.
This is the generic class for impedance systems, that is, systems in which there is an impedance between a single source and single output circuit, or in which a load device per the GENERAL STATEMENT OF CLASS SUBJECT MATTER, "Load in Output Circuit," above, combined with an impedance in the single circuit supplying the same. Many other classes provide for systems where the output of the system is defined as having an impedance connected in the output.
1. Turning Systems and Coupling Systems Involving Frequency Characteristics
This class excludes tuning systems where the impedance means is used to control the resonant characteristics of the system with respect to a particular impressed frequency and coupling systems using impedances which are effective over a predetermined frequency range or where frequency characteristics are controlled or varied. For the excluded systems, see the reference to: Wave Transmission Lines and Networks; and Tuners, under "SEARCH CLASS" below.
VOLTAGE MAGNITUDE CONTROL SYSTEMS INVOLVING CIRCUITINTERRUPTION
This class takes those systems wherein the voltage, current, or power are regulated or controlled by the interruption of the circuit carrying the load current except where a claimed load would cause classification elsewhere.
CONVERSION SYSTEMS
This class excludes systems where the input energy is converted into output energy whose characteristics differ from the input energy, such as converting direct current to alternating current or vice versa, changing the number of phases of polyphase current, or changing the frequency. LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES
CLASSES FOR ELECTRONIC TUBE SYSTEMS
The lines between this class (323) and Class 327, Miscellaneous Active Electrical Nonlinear Devices, Circuits, and Systems, appropriate subclasses, and Class 315, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Systems, are as follows:
Class 315 provides for systems which include a gas vapor type electronic tube and means for supplying electric current and/or potential to the tube where the tube is the sole ultimate load device and where the result of the system is to merely cause a discharge to take place or to merely regulate the discharge in the tube. Also included in subclass 94 of Class 315 are systems for merely supplying heating current to the cathode or cathode heater of any type of electronic tube, which systems may also include the anode supply for the tube without being excluded from the class. Merely claiming an output circuit does not exclude the system from Class 315 as long as no load device in the output circuit is claimed, or as long as no other circuit elements which limit the system to use in supplying current and/or potential to another load device are claimed. The limitations on Class 315 will therefore not exclude a system from Class 315 where the operation of the discharge device is controlled so as to maintain the discharge voltage and/or current at a predetermined value or to vary the discharge current and/or voltage from one value to another even though such regulation of the discharge device results in regulating the current and/or voltage in the output circuit.
Class 323 provides for systems where the sole function of the electronic tube system is to control the magnitude of the electric current and/or voltage supplied to a circuit, either to maintain the current and/or voltage at a predetermined value or to vary the current and/or voltage at a predetermined value or to vary the current and/or voltage from one value to another.
Class 327 is a miscellaneous place to classify electronic tube systems, and as among these three classes takes any such system excluded from the other classes. In Class 327 will be found miscellaneous systems including an electronic tube and having means for supplying current and/or potential to the electronic tube (power supply systems). Among the other types of electronic tube systems classified in Class 327 are wave shaping systems, plus producing systems and switching systems (electronic tubes utilized to connect an input circuit to an output circuit in the manner of a circuit maker
or breaker).
In general, for electronic tube systems as among these three classes, classification is determined as follows: If restricted to the functions provided for under Class 323, classification is therein unless it is of the special type provided for in Class 315. If the system involves some function not provided for by Class 323, classification is in Class 327, appropriate subclasses, unless it is for a special type provided for in Class 315.
GENERAL NOTE
Subclasses 201 through 371 and 901-911 are the result of a reclassification of the subject matter originally contained in subclasses 1-129, now abolished, of Class 323. In this reclassification, no substantive change has been made in the class definition or the scope of subject matter covered in this class. The reclassification was done for the purpose of rearranging that subject matter in a manner which facilitates efficient searching of the more modern technology and which more obviously delineates the miscellaneous transformer and impedance systems from the control systems. As a result of the delineation noted above, many of the cross-references which were present in the earlier subclasses have been eliminated. Appropriate search notes have been placed throughout the definitions as a guide to other areas containing similar subject matter and as a caution against burdensome cross-referencing between the similar areas.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
255, 340, for transformer systems with tap changing. REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS
178, Telegraphy,
43, for space induction telegraph systems (i.e., using spaced transformer coils to transmit the signals by induction); and subclass 64 for telegraph systems using line conductors for the signal transmission and having an induction coil or transformer for coupling the signal current in the local circuit to the main line, or for coupling sections of the main line together.
191, Electricity: Transmission to Vehicles,
10, for space-induction systems for supplying electrical energy to a moving body. These systems usually include a transformer primary along the path to be followed by the body and a secondary mounted upon the moving body.
204, Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy,
193, for systems for supplying electrolytic and other electrical and wave energy chemical apparatus with electric current, including current and/or voltage magnitude and/or phase control means. Some of the systems in Class 204 are designed to supply a constant current to the electrical or wave energy chemical apparatus.
219, Electric Heating, appropriate subclasses for electric heating systems which include current and/or voltage magnitude and/or phase control means; see
600+, for inductive heating, subclasses 678+ for microwave heating, and subclasses 764+ for capacitive dielectric heating; see subclass 108 for transformer-supplied heating systems; note especially subclass 116 where the device to be heated forms the secondary of the transformer; see subclass 130.1 for electric welding and heating systems involving an electric arc as a load which requires substantially constant current energization; and see subclass 482 for the miscellaneous systems for supplying electric current to electrical heating elements.
246, Railway Switches and Signals, 8, 63, and 194 for railway switch and signaling systems using spaced inductive means (e.g., transformer coils) to transmit the signal energy by space induction.
290, Prime-Mover Dynamo Plants. Current and/or voltage magnitude control systems are found throughout the class as electrical controls for generator systems having a nonelectric prime mover.
307, Electrical Transmission or Interconnection Systems, is the generic class for electric circuit networks of general application and takes systems not otherwise classified, wherein a plurality of circuits are coupled to one or more circuits. The systems may include space discharge devices, transformers, or impedances as coupling means or phase control means.
11, provides for systems having a plurality of output circuits; subclass 43 provides for a plurality of input circuits or sources; and subclass 96 provides for intermittent regulatory interruption of the system. (see the Class Definitions, "Voltage Magnitude and Phase Control Systems Having Plural Input and/or Plural Output Circuits" above)
310, Electrical Generator or Motor Structure, appropriate subclasses for the structure of dynamoelectric converters, generators, dynamotors, metadynes, balancer sets, motors, and synchronous condensers.
314, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Consumable Electrodes, appropriate subclasses for systems for supplying electric current to arc lamps and other consumable electrode
type discharge devices which systems include current or voltage magnitude control means. Some of the systems in Class 314 are constant current systems. See
32, for such systems with a transformer in the supply circuit; subclass 64 for electronic tub controlled systems for controlling the feeding of consumable electrode; and subclass 135 for miscellaneous systems with current or voltage regulations.
315, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Systems, provides for some systems which are closely analogous to the systems in this class (323). See ELECTRONIC TUBE SYSTEMS (second paragraph), above for the line between Class 315 and Class 323.
1, is the generic subclass for systems for supplying current and/or potentials to a cathode-ray tube; subclass 32 provides for the structure of electronic tubes which have combined therewith a circuit element, such as an impedance (see subclass 57 for electronic tubes which have a transformer structurally combined therewith); and subclass 58 and the subclasses specified in the search notes thereto provide for electronic tubes which have an impedance combined therewith; subclass 70 provides for the structural combination of an electric lamp and a transformer; subclasses 76 to 363 are the generic subclasses for systems for supplying electric current or potential to an electric lamp or a gas or vapor filled electronic tube for merely causing a discharge to take place within the electronic tube or for regulating the discharge within the tube; subclass 94 is the generic subclass for supplying heating current to the cathode or cathode heater of an electronic tube of any type; subclass 194 provides for systems for regulating the control current of potential applied to the control element of an electronic tube of the gas or vapor filled type by means of phase shifting means; subclass 276 and the subclasses specified in the notes to the definitions thereof provide for systems having transformers in the supply circuit; subclass 291 and the subclasses specified in the notes to the definition thereof provide for regulation systems within the class definition; and subclass 354 and the subclasses specified in the notes to the definition thereof provide for systems having a transformer in the control circuit.
318, Electricity: Motive Power Systems, provide for systems for supplying electricity to one or more motors, which systems include current and/or voltage magnitude and/or phase control systems. For motors systems having means for regulating the motor to maintain the motor current at a predetermined value, see
432, which relates to constant motor current control and subclass 434 which relates to motor current limitation. For motor systems which include electric space discharge device systems for current and/or voltage magnitude control, see subclass 767 for induction motor circuit control by means of electric space discharge devices in the motor primary circuit; subclass 818 for induction motor circuit control by means of electric space discharge devices in the motor secondary circuit; subclass 505 for electric motor armature or primary circuit control by means of electric space discharge devices; and subclass 532 for electric motor field or secondary circuit control by means of electric space discharge device. For motor systems which include a transformer, and subclass 504 for motor armature voltage control by means of transformers. For motor systems which include an impedance, see the appropriate subclasses, see subclass 508 and the subclasses specified in the notes to the definition of that subclass for impedance-controlled armature or primary circuits; and subclass 533 and the subclasses specified in the notes to the definition of those subclasses for impedance-controlled field or secondary circuits. For motor systems which include phase control means, see subclass 700 for synchronous motor systems which often are used for phase control in addition to driving a mechanical load. Note subclass 438 which provides for power factor control of the armature or line circuit of a motor.
320, Electricity: Battery and Condenser Charging and Discharging,
1, for condenser charging and discharging systems; and subclass 2 for battery charging and discharging systems which include current and/or voltage magnitude control means.
322, Electricity: Single Generator Systems, appropriate subclasses for single generator systems having current or voltage magnitude and/or phase control means. Practically every generator system is a current and/or voltage magnitude control system, and the controls therefor are analogous to the controls for other voltage magnitude control systems. See the class definition for Class 323 for the classification of motor-generator systems. Class 322 provides for systems having an impedance or a transformer recited by name only in the output circuit of the generator even though the impedance or transformer does not control the generator. See
16, and 39 for electric motor driven generator systems; subclass 28 for systems wherein an electric generator supplies a load circuit and the generator is controlled in response to the output current to maintain output current constant; and subclass 71 for generator systems having tapped field windings, see the Class Definition, "Dynamo-Electric Systems: Motor-Generator Sets" and "Tap-Changing Systems").
327, Miscellaneous Active Electrical Nonlinear Devices, Circuits, and Systems, appropriate subclasses for miscellaneous nonlinear electrical circuitry.
330, Amplifiers, appropriate subclasses for amplifiers of general application wherein the output signal waveform is a substantial replica of the input signal waveform: for transistors amplifiers, search
250, ; for transistor amplifiers with special power supply means, search subclasses 296 and 297; for saturable reactor amplifiers; for power supply control for series arranged transistors, search subclass 296 and subclass 70 for series arranged vacuum tube amplifiers; for power supply control and power supply circuits, search subclasses 96, 123, and 127; and for power supply circuits, per se, search subclass 199; for thermal impedances, search subclass 143; and for controlled impedance, search subclass 144.
331, Oscillators, appropriate subclasses for oscillator systems with transformer or impedance in the output circuit, particularly
74, for oscillators combined with a particular output coupling network. See also subclass 186 of Class 331 for oscillators provided with a particular regulated source of power or bias.
333, Wave Transmission Lines and Networks, provides for coupling networks which have attenuation and/or delay characteristics over a frequency range for attenuating and/or delaying in a predetermined manner wave energy passing therethrough, including equalizers, delay networks, and filters. This class also provides for passive networks which modify the amplitude characteristics of the wave energy passing therethrough, namely, differentiating or integrating systems, wave shaping systems, and attenuators. See 1, for coupling, differentiating or integrating, wave shaping, and attenuating networks in plural channel systems; subclass 19 for differentiating or integrating systems of the passive type; subclass 20 for wave shaping systems of the passive type; subclass 24 for coupling networks; subclass 28 for equalizers with attenuation or attenuation and phase distortion characteristics over a frequency range; and subclass 81 for attenuators which reduce the intensity of the energy passing therethrough by dissipation, while maintaining substantially constant input and/or output impedance therein.
334, Tuners, appropriate subclasses for tuned networks for use in wave energy apparatus and comprising inductance and capacitance elements in circuit arrangement to form a resonant circuit and in which structure is provided for adjusting one or both of these elements for changing the means resonant frequency of the circuit. Note especially
59, and 61 for tuned networks where a transformer may be used in the resonant system.
336, Inductor Devices, appropriate subclasses for the structure of transformers and inductive reactors.
338, Electrical Resistors, appropriate subclasses for electrical resistor and rheostat structure.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices,
139, for miscellaneous systems for supplying current to an electromagnet, some of those systems being closely analogous to the systems in this class (323). If the ultimate load in the system is an electromagnet, then classification is in Class 361. Search subclass 271 for condensers.
363, Electric Power Conversion Systems,
1, for combined or plural conversion systems; subclass 13 for rectifying or derectifying systems (particularly subclass 50 for such systems provided with protective means; subclass 74 for such systems having automatic voltage and/or current magnitude control; subclass 83 for such systems having line circuit control by an electronic tube; subclass 111 for such systems where the converter is an electronic tube); subclass 151 for phase conversion systems wherein the converter includes an electronic tube; and subclass 166 for frequency conversion systems wherein the converter includes an electronic tube.
373, Industrial Electric Heating Furnaces, appropriate subclasses for electric furnace control systems which include current or voltage magnitude control means and/or phase control means. Class 373 includes transformer supplied and transformer-controlled electric furnaces, and impedance controlled electric furnaces.
378, X-Ray or Gamma Ray Systems or Devices, 101, for X-ray systems which include power supplies and regulators.
379, Telephonic Communications,
55, for telephone systems using spaced transformer inductive means (e.g., transformer coils) to transmit the signal by space induction.
388, Electricity: Motor Control Systems, art collections 913 for motor control systems including a space discharge device.
399, Electrophotography,
37, for diagnostics of power supplied to an electrophotos:graphic device, subclasses 88+ for machine operations with power supply, and subclasses 168+ for charging a photoconductive member.
455, Telecommunications, provides for radio receiving and transmitting systems in combination with their power supplies, which power supplies may include voltage magnitude and/or phase control means.
150+, for high temperature (Tc 30 K) superconducting devices, and particularly subclasses 166+ for motors or generators, or 211+ for electrical energy storage devices, inductors, transformers, magnetic switches, etc.
600, Surgery,
9+, for magnetic fields applied to the body for therapeutic purposes. GLOSSARY:
AUTOMATIC CONTROL
Includes means for sensing the existence of, the magnitude or level of, or a deviation of a predetermined condition (e.g., the existence, magnitude of change of temperature, voltage, etc.) combined with means for initiating the operation of a control means to perform a control function on the system upon the occurrence of the predetermined condition.
CONTROL
Includes either the maintenance of a condition at a predetermined value or the variation of a condition from one value to another.
ELECTRICAL SOURCE CIRCUIT
The input terminals which are to be connected to a source of electrical energy.
ELECTRONIC TUBE
An apparatus which is intended to have an electric current flow between two spaced electrodes, at least part of the current path being constituted by a gas, vapor, or vacuum, "Electronic Tube" is used as the name for an electric space discharge device in this class. Included are discharge devices which operate in the open, i.e., not in an enclosed envelope.
FINAL CONTROL DEVICE
That element or group of elements which ultimately produces the controlled output of a system. This excludes any condition sensors or control signal processing circuitry.
IMPEDANCE Includes an inductance, a capacitance, or a resistance or any combination thereof and excluding any source of electric energy. Inductances are usually grouped with transformers in the subclasses that follow.
INPUT CIRCUIT
Is the same as electrical source circuit.
LOAD CIRCUIT
The output terminals which are to be connected to a device which is to be supplied with electrical energy.
MAGNITUDE OR LEVEL CONTROL
Includes controlling either the amplitude of the current or voltage or controlling the average or effective value of the current or voltage, even through the amplitude is not controlled.
OUTPUT CIRCUIT
Is the same as load circuit.
PHASE CONTROL
Includes the maintenance of a predetermined value of or the predetermined variation of the value of the phase angle between the current and voltage of a circuit or of the phase angle of the current or voltage of a circuit with respect to itself or to the current or voltage of another circuit. THREE OR MORE TERMINAL SEMICONDUCTIVE DEVICES
A transistor, semiconductor-controlled rectifier or other such controllable solid-state device.
TRANSFORMER
An electrical device which transfers electric energy from one circuit to another circuit at the same frequency solely by electromagnetic induction.