US PATENT SUBCLASS 338 / 13
RESISTANCE VALUE RESPONSIVE TO A CONDITION

Current as of: June, 1999
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338 /   HD   ELECTRICAL RESISTORS

13RESISTANCE VALUE RESPONSIVE TO A CONDITION {10}
14  DF  .~> Plural conditions
15  DF  .~> Photoconductive (e.g., light sensitive) {4}
20  DF  .~> Current and/or voltage (e.g., ballast resistor) {3}
25  DF  .~> Ambient temperature {4}
32 R  DF  .~> Magnetic field or compass (e.g., Hall effect type) {2}
33  DF  .~> Float actuator
34  DF  .~> Gas, vapor, or moisture absorbing or collecting {1}
36  DF  .~> Fluid- or gas pressure-actuated {6}
43  DF  .~> Gravity stabilized or inertia actuator {3}
47  DF  .~> Force-actuated

DEFINITION

Classification: 338/13

(under the class definition) Subject matter including a resistor usually mechanically variable to change its resistance value, linked with actuating structure which senses and responds significantly well to a particular stimulus or condition or change in such stimulus or condition; or including a resistor, usually nonmechanically variable, having the property as by shape or chemical composition of changing its resistance value significantly well in response to a particular stimulus or condition or change in such stimulus or condition; and usually together with structure as part of the resistor or in addition to the resistor for applying or facilitating the application of this stimulus or condition to the resistor.

(1) Note. For classification here the actuator must be something more than merely adapted to have a force applied thereto for the actuation of the mechanical variable or adjustable resistor, as a knob, pedal, or handle. The actuator must sense the condition or change in condition, and respond in some manner as by moving or deforming. When a meter Wheatstone bridge connection or other indicating device for indicating the current passing through a resistor together with the resistor and condition sensing device are recited, classification is not here, but in such Classes as

33, Geometrical Instruments and 73, Measuring and Testing. 374, Thermal Measuring and Testing, Microphones are classified in Class 381, Electrical Audio Signal Processing Systems and Devices, even when the output circuitry is not recited. Similarly, resistive phonograph pickups are classified in Class 369, Dynamic Information Storage or Retrieval, subclass 152. However a mere variable resistor adapted to be actuated by a stylus (unclaimed) is classified in this subclasses 13+. A mere statement of use as a resistor whose value changes in response to a sensed condition is not sufficient for classification here. The structure or chemical composition which at least contributes to this result must be recited in the claims.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

2+, for a strain gauge resistor with a particular condition sensing actuator.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS

33, Geometrical Instruments, appropriate subclasses, for geometrical instruments. 73, Measuring and Testing, appropriate subclasses, for measuring and testing devices.

177, Weighing Scales,

211, for a weighing scale including an electrical strain gauge.

200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers,

52+, for electric circuit makers and breakers of special application.

318, Electricity: Motive Power Systems,

445+, for systems of automatic motor control.

323, Electricity: Power Supply or Regulation Systems,

293+, for automatic impedance systems.

334, Tuners,

5+, for tuners which are responsive to a condition.

340, Communications: Electrical, especially 177+, and 500+, for electrical systems for telemetering or indicating electrically a sensed condition.

361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices,

91.2, for overvoltage protection with resistor sensor.

369, Dynamic Information Storage or Retrieval,

152, for resistive phonograph pickups.

374, Thermal Measuring and Testing, appropriate subclasses for measuring and testing of thermal quantities.