US PATENT SUBCLASS 359 / 227
LIGHT CONTROL BY OPAQUE ELEMENT OR MEDIUM MOVABLE IN OR THROUGH LIGHT PATH

Current as of: June, 1999
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359 /   HD   OPTICS: SYSTEMS (INCLUDING COMMUNICATION) AND ELEMENTS

227LIGHT CONTROL BY OPAQUE ELEMENT OR MEDIUM MOVABLE IN OR THROUGH LIGHT PATH {6}
228  DF  .~> Fluid
229  DF  .~> With glare or flicker elimination
230  DF  .~> Electro-mechanical {1}
232  DF  .~> Slit type
233  DF  .~> With relative motion of two apertured elements
234  DF  .~> With rotating or pivoting element (e.g., scanning discs) {2}

DEFINITION

Classification: 359/227

LIGHT CONTROL BY OPAQUE ELEMENT OR MEDIUM MOVABLE IN OR THROUGH LIGHT PATH:

(under the class definition) Subject matter comprising the control of the amount of light transmitted through an area defined by an optical beam via an element or material, which is either completely opaque or opaque only in certain portions whereas the other portions are transparent, by (1) selectively intercepting the light path by the element or (2) changing the orientation of the element within the light path.

(1) Note. Where the element is not substantially opaque, but is used to reduce the light intensity, the subject matter is not classified here but in subclass 889.

(2) Note. Class 359 provides for optical diaphragms and shutters, per se, in subclasses 227+ for lenses combined with shutters generally in subclasses 738+, and for lenses combined with diaphragms generally in subclasses 739+. However, a camera shutter and diaphragm, per se, are classifiable in Class 396, Photography, subclasses 452+ and subclasses 505+ respectively, the indicated use in cameras or camera background being sufficient for classification in Class 396 as opposed to Class 359. Class 396 also provides for lenses broadly or specifically combined with camera shutter or diaphragm details, it being emphasized that such combinations involving noncamera shutters or diaphragms or plural disclosures of utility are classified in subclasses 738+ and 739+ of Class 359 as indicated above. The combination of a lens broadly or specifically claimed and a camera shutter or diaphragm broadly claimed are classifiable in subclasses 738+ and 739+ of this class (359).

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

196+, for light deflection by a moving element.

738+, for light controlling means combined with a lens.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS 396, Photography, particularly

452+, and 505+ for shutters and diaphragms used in cameras and see (2) Note above.