(under the class definition) Subject matter and limited by claimed subject matter to coupling electrical energy between free space and restricted space, i.e., the radiation or collection of such energy together with its transmission to or from a transmitter or receiver, and not otherwise classifiable.
(1) Note. The free space may be interplanetary space, atmospheric space, the earth, or large bodies of water, and the electrical energy therein is radio wave energy covering the range between long and extremely short waves. Excluded are visible light, infrared and ultra violet radiation, X-rays, and gamma rays, as well as compression wave energy, either sonic or supersonic. The restricted space may be
either a wire transmission line or a wave guide type line, and the electrical energy flowing therein is pulsating at the frequency of the corresponding free space energy, which is established by or establishes the energy flowing in the wire transmission line or wave guide.
(2) Note. Since any conducting mass may function as a radiator or collector of radio wave energy, the subject matter classified here is specialized for use as an antenna. The antennas as here classified are formed as a passive conducting mass, which may be in the form of a metallic current conductor, wave guide, or space discharge. This mass in use is in direct engagement with free space to emit or collect radio wave energy to or from free space, and is coupled or connected to a source of energy or to a load. To act as an antenna the mass usually has a particular shape of dimension, or may have electrical circuit elements, namely, resistance inductance, or capacity, associated therewith. Included herein are devices designed to operate as an antenna, but involving no particular structure and claimed in combination with other electrical means, when no other class provides for the claimed subject matter. See the Notes to this subclass, below.
(3) Note. Combinations of an antenna and additional nonperfecting structure, i.e., structure having an added purpose or independent utility other than to perfect the antenna, are classified as follows:
A. Combinations of an antenna and a diverse type art device (i.e., nonradio device), such as an aircraft, water-borne device, vehicle, or lamp, for example, wherein the antenna is claimed by name only in combination with details of the device, there being no significant relationship between the nominal antenna and the diverse type art device, are generally not classified in this or indented subclasses but in the appropriate class taking such device.
B. Combinations of an antenna and a diverse type (i.e., nonradio device) art device including significant antenna structure or wherein a significant relationship exists between the antenna and the diverse type art device are classified in this and the indented subclasses, where the only structure of the diverse type device recited is structure which permits the antenna to function as such (e.g., supports the antenna, forms a ground plane or reflector for the antenna, or makes a specific type antenna necessary for use with the device). For example, the combination of an antenna with a radio cabinet, aircraft, watercraft, or vehicle, there being a significant relationship between the antenna and the associated structure, is classified in indented subclasses 702, 705+, 709+, and 711+, while subclasses 720+ is the residual subclass for this subject matter. Where the other device is recited merely in broad terms for such purposes as background for the antenna or supporting the antenna, classification is in the appropriate indented subclasses, such as in subclasses 878+ where the other device is a support.
C. Generally, where the antenna itself is designed to function also as another device and significant antenna structure is recited, as for example, a venetian blind or water sprinkler, classification is in this and the indented subclasses, subclasses 708, 710, 712, and 720+ being especially pertinent. Where the antenna is broadly claimed, and the other device is significantly claimed, classification is with the other device. For example, a rubber mounted vehicle bumper which may operate as an antenna is classified in Class 293, Vehicle Fenders, subclass 88.
D. Combinations of an antenna and additional electronic structure or system are generally classified with the combination. For example, an antenna and a cabinet containing some radio structure other than the antenna would be classified in Class 455, appropriate subclasses, especially subclasses 269+. However, where detailed antenna structure is combined with additional electronic structure, nominally recited, classification is in this and the indented subclasses. For example, such terms as transmitter, receiver, signal source, and load are considered nominal recitation of the other structure. A plurality of antennas combined with additional electronic structure nominally recited is considered as detailed antenna structure with a nominal electronic structure, and is classified in this and the indented subclasses. A plurality of such nominal elements, such as a plurality of transmitters, a plurality of receivers, or a transmitter and receiver, are generally considered nominal structure, which when combined with detailed antenna structure are classified in this and the indented subclasses. When the antenna is combined with a nominal transmitter and receiver forming a duplex system, classification is in Class 370, Multiplex Communications, subclasses 276+ as a duplex system. The combination of an antenna and electric space discharge device may be in this class (343) where the combination performs the functions there defined. Where the antenna includes an electric discharge device, the discharge serving as a portion of the antenna coupling, and wherein the combination performs no function classified elsewhere, classification is in this class (343) subclass 701. See Class 315, subclass 34 for a space discharge device having an antenna within or integral therewith and Class 325, especially subclass 384 for means for coupling antennas to radio receivers by means of electron tubes.
(4) Note.
A. Combinations of an antenna within the class definition and additional structure for the purpose of improving or perfecting the antenna in the performance of its primary function, which is the radiation or collection of radio wave energy together with the transmission of such energy to or from the transmitter or receiver, are classified in this and the indented subclasses where the structure claimed includes
significant antenna structure or is more than is provided for in other classes. Examples of such subject matter are found in indented subclasses 704, 872, 878, and 904; subclass 904 being the residuary home for such subject matter.
B. Combinations of an antenna with no significant antenna structure with perfecting structure, such as a support, connector or leadin, the combination not being peculiar to antennas (i.e., the combination has more general application) are classified in a more general class if such exists. For example, the structure of a metallic antenna rod, whether insulated or not, unlimited by modifications for radiating purposes, together with a support is classified in Class 52, Static Structures (e.g., Buildings), subclasses 108, 109, 110, 111+, 632, 633+, and 720+. Where the antenna is in the form of a generalized conductor, whether insulated or not, combined with lead-in or connector means, classification is in Class 174, Electricity: Conductors and Insulators. Where a nominal antenna is formed as a helical extensible spring, classification is in Class 267, Spring Devices, subclass 74. Where a nominal antenna is formed as a rod of adjustable length with a joint for permitting such adjustment, classification is in Class 287, Rod Joints or Couplings, subclass 58.
C. Combinations of a nominal antenna or a nominal reflector together with significant structure used with the antenna for supporting, moving, signaling some condition of the antenna, etc.., are not classified in this or the indented subclasses where some other class provides for the claimed subject matter (e.g., the support class provides for the significant support structure and will also take the thing supported by name only), even though the combination improves or perfects the operation of the antenna or reflector. Such subject matter is found in the classes which provide for the significant structure used with the nominal antenna or reflector. Situations of this nature are as follows (for an exception, see (11) Note, below):
1. The combination of a nominal antenna or reflector together with significant mechanism for moving the antenna or reflector, is classified in Class 74, Machine Element or Mechanism, especially subclass 1, where the mechanism is for scanning, sweeping or orienting the antenna. The broad recitation of a motor for driving the mechanism in this combination does not preclude classification in this class (74).
2. The combination of a nominal antenna or reflector together with an electric motor and motor control means for moving the antenna or reflector, is classified in Class 318, Electricity: Motive Power Systems. See also the class definition of Class 318.
3. Combinations of a nominal antenna or reflector together with significant structure for providing a signal, indication or alarm indicative of some condition of the antenna or
reflector, are classified in Class 116, Signals and Indicators, where the signaling structure is mechanical in nature, and in Class 340, Communications: Electrical, where the signaling structure is electrical in nature. This reference to Classes 116 and 340 does not include signals, indicators or alarms actuated by the radio wave energy collected or transmitted by the antenna. For example, Class 340 includes electrical signaling means for indicating the direction in which the antenna is oriented, but Class 343, subclasses 100+, includes direction finding radio systems. 4. Combinations of a nominal antenna together with significant structure for transmitting electrical energy, which may be signal energy, thereto and permitting movement of the antenna are classified in the appropriate subclass of Class 191, Electricity: Transmission to Vehicles. Where a flexible extension for transmitting electrical energy between relatively moving parts is combined with a reel, classification is in subclasses 12.2+ of Class 191. The addition of a drag to any of the combinations involving Class 191 as here set forth is sufficient to exclude such subject matter from Class 191. For classification of such combinations, see paragraph 6 under this section, subclass 707 below, and also the reference to Class 244, Aeronautics, under "SEARCH CLASS", below.
5. Combinations of nominal antennas together with a support are classified in Class 211, Supports: Racks, where the support involves frame structures or a plurality of supports, or supports a plurality of antennas; and in Class 248, Supports, where the support is a single support or supports a single antenna.
6. Combinations of a nominal antenna together with a reel are classified in Class 242, Winding, Tensioning, or Guiding.
7. Combinations of a nominal antenna together with aircraft structure along with such elements as a fair lead, a drag on the free end of the antenna, and a reel or other extending and retracting structure are classified in Class 244, Aeronautics, subclass 1.
8. Combinations of a nominal antenna together with significant electrical connector or terminal structure are classified in Class 439, Electrical Connectors.
(5) Note. Subcombinations of an antenna which are not otherwise classified and are specialized for use in an antenna are classified in this and indented subclasses. Examples of such subject matter are antenna components, such as reflectors and directors. Radio wave lenses, refractors and polarizing converters, which are usually associated with an antenna or a wave guide, are also classified here.
(6) Note. Subcombinations merely amenable to use in an antenna are classified with the subcombination. For example, stock materials and other fabricated materials which may be
used in making an antenna are classified in such classes as 28, Textiles: Manufacturing, 29, Metal Working, 138, Pipes and Tubular Conduits, and 139, Textiles: Weaving and 245, Wire Fabrics and Structure. See the Search Notes under subclasses 897, 900 and 907 below for a field of search for such materials.
(7) Note. The electrical energy coupled by the antennas of this and the indented subclasses is ordinarily signaling energy for such purposes as communication and telemetering. Also included are antennas and reflectors which are analogous in structure to those used in communication and telemetering. Many other classes provide for apparatus for treating persons or materials with radiated electromagnetic waves and include antennas and reflectors which are specialized for such use. See, for example, Class 422, Chemical Apparatus and Process Disinfecting, Deodorizing, Preserving, or Sterilizing, subclasses 221+ for processes and apparatus for preserving, disinfecting and sterilizing, which may involve electromagnetic waves; Class 99, Foods and Beverages: Apparatus, subclass 451, for apparatus for treating foods with electromagnetic waves. Class 128, Surgery, particularly subclasses 404+, for electrical applicators for treating the human body; Class 134, Cleaning and Liquid Contact With Solids, subclass 1, for cleaning and liquid contact with solids involving a electromagnetic wave energy; Class 204, Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy, appropriate subclasses, for chemical processes involving electromagnetic wave energy; Class 219, Electric Heating, subclass 10.55, for structure for heating a device or material by subjecting it to a field of electromagnetic wave radiation; Class 250, Radiant Energy, subclasses 493+, for structure generating and applying ray energy; and Class 426, Food or Edible Material: Processes, Compositions, and Products, subclasses 234, 235, 236, and 237+, for processes involving the application of electromagnetic waves in the treatment of edible material.
(8) Note. There are other classes which provide for structures which project or extract to or from space, earth, or water signaling energy which is wave energy and may be in the form of electromagnetic wave energy (other than radio waves); and such subject matter is not classified in this and the indented subclasses. For example, this subject matter may be found in the following classes and subclasses: 116, Signals and Indicators, subclasses 18+ for visual or audible code signaling, subclass 27 for submarine sound signaling, and subclasses 137+ for horns, whistles and compressional wave generators for signaling; 178, Telegraphy, subclass 43 for space induction telegraph systems; 181, Acoustics, appropriate subclasses for acoustical signaling systems and subclass 175, for sound modifying means; 200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclasses 61.01 and 61.02 for electric circuit makers and breakers responsive to sound and light respectively; 246, Railway Switches and Signals, subclasses 8, 63 and 194 for inductive type railway signaling systems; 336, Inductor Devices, appropriate subclasses, for the structure of inductor devices, per se, which may be used
in inductive type signaling systems; 340, Communications: Electrical, subclasses 4+ for under water compressional wave signaling systems, and especially subclasses 8+ for compressional wave transducers; subclasses 15.5+ for earth propagated compressional wave signaling systems; subclasses 366+ for visual electrical signaling; and subclass 384.1 for audible electrical signaling; 359, Optics: Systems (Including Communication) and Elements, subclasses 109+ for light wave communications.
(9) Note. Communication or signaling systems including an antenna as an element or subcombination are classified with the system. Such communication systems which may include an antenna as an element or subcombination thereof are classified in Class 246, Railway Switches and Signals, subclass 30 for railway block-signal systems involving Hertzian waves (See also the reference to Class 246 in References to Other Classes, in the Class Definition, above); Class 250, Radiant Energy, for radiant energy systems which may include an antenna (See also the references to Class 250 in Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, Signaling, and Measuring and Testing, above; and References to Other Classes, above, in the class definition of this class (343), and under the Notes to this subclass (700); Class 318, Electricity: Motive Power Systems, subclasses 16 and 480 for motor control systems involving radiant energy; Class 340, Communications: Electrical, subclasses 189+ and 224 for signaling systems involving radiant energy; and this class (343) subclasses 5+ for reflected and/or otherwise returned wave systems, subclasses 100+ for directive systems; Class 370, Multiplex Communications, for duplex and multiplex systems. (10) Note. Antennas within the subclass definition combined with a lightning arrester are classified in subclass 904 of this class. Lightning arresters generally are classified in Class 361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclass 40 for lightning arresters. Lightning arresters where the only structure is an arc or spark gap are classified in Class 313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices. Lightning arresters combined with thermal switches are classified in Class 200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, subclass 115.
(11) Note. As between Class 333, Wave Transmission Lines and Networks, and this and indented subclasses, the combination of an antenna and its coupling network, whether single or plural channel, where the antenna is only nominally recited, is classified in this and the indented subclasses.
(12) Note. As between loop antennas and the inductor devices of Class 336, Inductor Devices, the claiming of an antenna by name only or structure peculiar to antennas together with inductor structure would classify the patent in this class (343), subclasses 700+, and particularly subclasses 866+. If the disclosure is a loop antenna, but the claims recite merely an inductor device, classification
is in Class 336.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS
29, Metal Working,
600+, for a method of making an antenna or other wave-energy "plumbing" device not elsewhere classified.
52, Static Structures (e.g., Buildings), appropriate subclass for a residual elongated or openwork structure which may be disclosed or merely defined as an antenna, particularly
40, for a shaft or tower with an article support, 108 for a strip-like unit which is reversibly flexible and rigid, 110 for an elongated member attached to a vehicle shell, 111+ for a mechanism operated or relatively movable assembly, 632 for an axially extensible shaft or openwork, 633+ for a residual openwork structure, e.g., tower, mast, grating, etc.., and 720+ for a residual rigid elongated structure.
60, Power Plants, appropriate subclasses for fluid actuated devices which may be used for extending or retracting an antenna to its operative or inoperative position.
74, Machine Element or Mechanism, for mechanisms for controlling the position of an antenna, and particularly
1, for mechanisms for imparting scanning, sweeping or orienting motion to an antenna. 99, Foods and Beverages: Apparatus,
451, for apparatus for treating foods with electromagnetic waves.
114, Ships,
311, for drags or sea anchors.
116, Signals and Indicators, for mechanical signaling or indicating structure which may be used with an antenna.
134, Cleaning and Liquid Contact With Solids,
1, for cleaning processes including application of electrical, radiant or wave energy to the work.
139, Textiles: Weaving,
425, for fabric materials including metal which may be used as an antenna.
174, Electricity: Conductors and Insulators,
3, for lightning rod conductor structure, subclasses 6+ for earth grounds in general which may be used with antennas,
subclasses 35+ for anti-inductive structures involving a shield or screen, subclass 45 for towers, poles or posts for supporting overhead conductors, subclasses 68.1+ for cables and conductors which may be used in antennas, and subclasses 137+ for antenna insulators, and particularly subclasses 151+ for antenna insulators through a wall or plate. 188, Brakes,
378+, for vibration dampers which use the inertia of a damping mass to dissipate motion; and subclass 381 for dampers using friction between damper elements to dissipate motion.
191, Electricity: Transmission to Vehicles, for means for transmitting electrical energy between relatively moving parts, one of which may be a movable antenna, and particularly
12.2+, where a reel is involved, and subclasses 22+ where a conductor presenting a substantially continuous exposed surface along the path of movement for contact with a collector is involved.
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, for structure adapted for switching signal energy to or from an antenna.
204, Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy, for electrical or wave energy processes and apparatus.
205, Electrolysis: Processes, Compositions Used Therein, and Methods of Preparing the Compositions, appropriate subclasses for electrolytic processes and selected electrolytic products.
211, Supports: Racks, for frame structure supporting means which usually involve a plurality of supports or a support for a plurality of articles which may be antennas.
219, Electric Heating,
600+, for inductive heating, subclasses 678+ for microwave heating, and subclasses 764+ for capacitive dielectric heating.
242, Winding, Tensioning, or Guiding,
370+, particularly subclasses 390.2, 390.3, and 917 for a reeling device on which a flexible antenna may wound. 244, Aeronautics,
1, for miscellaneous aircraft structure including fairlead structure, in combination with a wire or cable, which may be a trailing antenna, and which may include a drag at the free end of the wire or cable.
246, Railway Switches and Signals,
8, 63, and 194 for inductive signaling systems which may involve inductive coupling devices similar to loop antennas; and subclass 30 for Hertzian wave systems involving antennas. See also the reference to Class 246 under References to Other Classes in the class definition of this class (343).
248, Supports, for supporting structure usually involving single supports or supporting a single article which may be an antenna.
293, Vehicle Fenders,
136, for vehicle bumpers with rubber mounting means, which may be used as antennas.
307, Electrical Transmission or Interconnection Systems, for miscellaneous electrical transmission or interconnection systems not otherwise classified. See particularly
11+, for plural load systems, subclasses 43+ for plural supply systems, subclasses 89+ for anti-induction systems, and subclasses 112+ for switching systems.
312, Supports: Cabinet Structure,
7.1, for radio type cabinets. 315, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Systems,
34, for the structural combination of an electric discharge device and an antenna, integrally united.
318, Electricity: Motive Power Systems, for motor control systems which may be used for controlling the position of antennas, particularly for such purposes as scanning, sweeping, or orienting.
324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing, see Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, Measuring and Testing, in the class definition of Class 343.
332, Modulators,
174, for absorption type amplitude modulators which may include a directive antenna.
333, Wave Transmission Lines and Networks,
1+, for plural channel wave transmission systems which may be used for coupling antennas to their transmitters or receivers, which may involve impedance matching, directional couplers, hybrid type networks and switching in addition; subclass 22 for dissipating terminations for long lines which may simulate the power absorbing characteristics of antennas; subclass 23 for artificial lines which may simulate the
impedance characteristics of an antenna over a frequency range; subclasses 24+ for coupling networks for coupling an antenna to its source or load, which may involve balanced to unbalanced coupling networks, delay networks, impedance matching, equalizers, and wave filters; subclasses 219+ for resonators of the distributed parameter type; and subclasses 236+ for long lines. See (11) Note immediately above. See also the reference to Class 333 in References to Other Classes in the class (343) definition.
336, Inductor Devices, appropriate subclasses, for inductor structure, per se, including coils and coil structure which may be used as loop antennas or in the coupling systems of antennas. See (12) Note, above.
340, Communications: Electrical,
853.1+, for telemetering via a radiant energy beam. See also (4) Note, C, 3 and (8) Note above, and Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, Signaling, and Measuring and Testing, in the class definition for this class (343) and the reference to Class 340 in References to Other Classes in the class definition of Class 343. 342, Communications: Directive Radio Wave Systems and Devices (e.g., Radar, Radio Navigation),
1, 205 for reflected or otherwise returned radio wave energy systems which are characterized by some quality that varies according to the relative direction, position or plane of polarization of the sender and receiver, which may include and antenna. See Class 455 for transmitter and receiver, which may include and antenna. See Class 455 for transmitter and receiver systems where such directive properties are not present.
359, Optics: Systems (Including Communication) and Elements,
483+, for optical polarizers, subclasses 642+ for optical lenses, subclasses 838+ for optical reflectors and subclasses 350+ and 885+ for optical filters.
362, Illumination, for illuminating devices which often are structurally similar to antennas; particularly
19, for illuminating means with a polarizer; subclass 327 for combined reflectors and refractors; subclasses 341+ for reflectors and subclasses 326+ for refractors.
375, Pulse or Digital Communications, for pulse communication apparatus having an antenna.
403, Joints and Connections, appropriate subclasses for a joint or coupling which may be used in an antenna. See especially
52+, for articulated connections.
426, Food or Edible Material: Processes, Compositions, and Products,
234, 235, 236, and 237+, for processes involving the application of electromagnetic waves in the treatment of foods. 439, Electrical Connectors, for electrical connector or terminal structure which may be used in antennas. See also (4) Note, C, 8, above.
455, Telecommunication, particularly
6, 19, 25, 82, 83, 107, 121+, 129, 131, 193, and 269+ for analog modulated carrier wave communication systems with antenna structure.
607, Surgery: Light, Thermal, and Electrical Application,
115+, for electrical applicators for treating the human body.
