US PATENT CLASS 362
Class Notes
Current as of: June, 1999
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DEFINITION
Classification: 362/
This class is the residual locus of means and processes for casting visible radiant energy in at least one direction to render objects in that direction visible.
BASIC SUBJECT MATTER OF THE CLASS
The basic subject matter of the class is comprised of:
A. The combination of a source of visible radiant energy and means to modify the distribution or composition of the radiant energy emanating from the source.
B. Methods utilizing the combination of A, above, to cast light in at least one direction to render objects in that direction visible.
SCOPE OF THE CLASS
In addition to the basic subject matter of the class, this class also provides for:
A. Subcombinations of the basic subject matter of the class not provided for elsewhere comprising:
1. means to modify the distribution of composition of light from sources other than the heavenly bodies; 2. means to support a source of visible radiant energy;
3. means to support the modifying means of item (1), above, and
4. combinations of (1), (2) and/or (3) above.
B. Combinations of the basic subject matter of the class and subject matter classified elsewhere insofar as the combination is not provided for elsewhere.
C. Accessories to the basic subject matter of the class limited in their intended use to the basic subject matter of the class.
(1) Note. Wherever drawings are associated with subclass definitions, they are used merely to illustrate the basic concept encompassed by the definition of that subclass and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the subject matter covered by that subclass.
LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES
A. LIGHT SOURCES, PER SE
Light sources, per se, are not classifiable in this class (362). For such devices, see References to Other Classes, below.
B. LIGHT MODIFIERS
Generally, light modifying means, per se, used merely to modify light from light sources other than a heavenly body are classifiable in this class (362). For exceptions listed in this class, see Subclass References to the Current Class, below. Light modifying means not limited in use to illumination are not classifiable in this class. Two such modifying means may be found in References to Other Classes, below: (1) Filter, i.e., means to modify the composition of light, not limited in use to illumination. And (2) Reflectors, refractors, etc., i.e., means to modify the distribution of light, not limited in use to illumination.
C. LIGHT SOURCE SUPPORTS OR HOUSINGS
This class (362) provides for combinations of a support for a light source and significant structure of a light source and for a light source support having structural features limited to use with a light source. Housings for light sources having more than nominally recited light source supporting means or having or comprising light modifier means of this class type are also provided for in this class. For Light source housings, per se, and certain types of light source supports, see References to Other Classes, below.
D. SIGNALLING AND COMMUNICATION
Illuminating means, per se, which are used to convey information (e.g., "signal lanterns") are generally classified in this class (362) unless explicitly provided for elsewhere.
Means to convey information classifiable in another class combined with illuminating means is generally classified in the other class. Classes providing for such combinations may be found in References to Other Classes, below.
E. COMBINATIONS OF DEVICES PROVIDED FOR IN OTHER CLASSES AND ILLUMINATING MEANS
Combinations of devices provided for in other classes and illuminating means are classified with the device unless specifically provided for in this class (362) whether or not the illuminating means illuminates the device itself. See the search notes of the combination subclasses of this class (362) for the lines between this class and other relevant classes.
Classes providing for combinations of devices of the respective class type and illuminating means may be found in References to Other Classes, below.
F. SPECIAL APPLICATIONS
In general, the proximate function of the basic subject matter of this class (362) is merely to direct visible radiation in at least one direction to render a reflective object in that direction visible to an observer in the path of the light reflected from the object. Illuminating means used to perform functions provided for in other classes are classified in such classes. See References to Other Classes, for class references to subsection D, above, for classes providing for illuminating means used in signalling and communication. Additional classes also providing for illuminating means used in performing the function of the classes may be found in References to Other Classes, below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
257, see the search notes for exceptions to light modifying means found in this class (362).
REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS
34, Drying and Gas or Vapor Contact With Solids,
88, for drying apparatus and apparatus for contacting gases or vapors with solids which are provided with electric lamp illuminating means. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Combinations of Devices Provided for in Other Classes and Illuminating Means.")
40, Card, Picture, or Sign Exhibiting, particularly
480, 502 and 541+ for means for illuminating subject matter of this class. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Signalling and Communication.")
40, Card, Picture, or Sign Exhibiting, particularly
480, 502 and 541+ for illuminating means associated with the subject matter of the class (40). (See Lines With Other Classes, "Combinations of Devices Provided for in Other Classes and Illuminating Means.") 73, Measuring and Testing,
293, for illuminated liquid level and depth gauges. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Combinations of Devices Provided for in Other Classes and Illuminating Means.")
84, Music,
464, for musical instruments combined with means to produce color or light effects. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Combinations of Devices Provided for in Other Classes and Illuminating Means.")
114, Ships,
66, for observation ships having means to illuminate the object or field to be observed. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Combinations of Devices Provided for in Other Classes and Illuminating Means.")
116, Signals and Indicators,
3, for combinations of horns and lamps, subclasses 18+ for illuminated mechanical code signal apparatus. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Signalling and Communication.")
116, Signals and Indicators,
7, for mechanical burglar alarms combined with illuminating (e.g., floodlighting) means; subclasses 18+ for illuminated mechanical code signal apparatus; subclasses 48, 49 and 54 for mechanical illuminated vehicle motion and direction indicators; and subclasses 241+ for illuminated radio tuning dials. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Combinations of Devices Provided for in Other Classes and Illuminating Means.")
126, Stoves and Furnaces,
209, for a combined body warmer and illuminating means; subclasses 235 and 241 for tool heaters with illuminating means; subclasses 255+ for lamp heaters; and subclass 267 for a combined lunch bucket heater and illuminating means. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Combinations of Devices Provided for in Other Classes and Illuminating Means.") 128, Surgery, for illuminating means for treating the human body with light rays. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Special Applications.")
165, Heat Exchange, for patents claiming heat exchange
apparatus combined with a device to be heated or cooled thereby if no structure of said device is included other than the structure necessary for cooperation with the heat exchange apparatus. The mere naming of the device as a lamp, light fixture, etc., will not be sufficient to exclude the patent from Class 165. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Combinations of Devices Provided for in Other Classes and Illuminating Means.")
219, Electric Heating,
553, for heating devices wherein the heating elements are ordinary incandescent lamps. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Special Applications.")
220, Receptacles, for housings, per se, for light sources including such housings having nominally recited light source supporting means. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Light Source Supports or Housings.")
232, Deposit and Collection Receptacles,
13, for illuminated fare boxes. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Combinations of Devices Provided for in Other Classes and Illuminating Means.")
239, Fluid Sprinkling, Spraying, and Diffusing, appropriate subclasses for a fluid fuel distributor which may be disclosed as an illuminating burner. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Light Sources, Per Se.")
239, Fluid Sprinkling, Spraying, and Diffusing,
18+, for ornamental illuminated fountains. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Combinations of Devices Provided for in Other Classes and Illuminating Means.")
246, Railway Switches and Signals, 473, for illuminated railway signals. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Signalling and Communication.")
246, Railway Switches and Signals,
483, for illuminated semaphore arms. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Combinations of Devices Provided for in Other Classes and Illuminating Means.")
248, Supports, appropriate subclasses for supports which may support, but are not limited to the support of light sources. See also the notes to the definition of
382, below. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Light Source Supports or Housings.")
250, Radiant Energy,
462.1+, for self-luminous articles. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Light Sources, Per Se.")
250, Radiant Energy,
200+, for illuminating means combined with photocells. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Combinations of Devices Provided for in Other Classes and Illuminating Means.")
294, Handling: Hand and Hoist-line Implements,
1.2, for a contact lens applicator combined with illuminating means and subclass 66.2 for illuminating means combined with underwater handling equipment. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Combinations of Devices Provided for in Other Classes and Illuminating Means.") 313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, generally, for electric light sources, per se, of the nonconsumable electrode type. See Lines With Other Classes, "Combined With a Support, Combined With a Temperature Modifying Means" (subsection 1), "Combined With a Separable Casing, Jacket, Shield, or Envelope Protective Means," and "Combined With Optical Device or Having a Special Ray Transparent Envelope," in the class definition of Class 313 for the lines between Class 313 and this class (362). (See Lines With Other Classes, "Light Sources, Per Se.")
314, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Consumable Electrodes, for consumable carbon arc-type light sources, per se. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Light Sources, Per Se.")
315, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Systems, for an electric light source and circuitry for energizing the light source where the source of power (battery or generator) is not recited as an integral part of the claimed combination. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Light Sources, Per Se.")
340, Communications: Electrical, appropriate subclasses for claimed combinations whose proximate function is to convey information by means of electrically generated visible light. Such combinations must necessarily include a light source or light source and modifier and some (encoding) means which establishes a correspondence between the distribution, composition or location of the light and some other fact to be communicated. This requirement is based on the premise that, in signalling with visible light, the light itself is merely the carrier of or medium for the transfer of information and not the information itself. If the proximate function of the claimed combination is to convey information and illuminate or to convey information or illuminate, the combination is classifiable in this class (362). Subcombinations of subject matter of this class (362), for example, a light source and modifier which can be used for signalling (e.g., "signal lantern") or is used for signalling in nonclaimed disclosure, are classified in this class (362),
unless explicitly provided for in Class 340. However, N.B., Class 340 has not been screened for such subcombinations which may have been originally classified there in the past. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Signalling and Communication.")
340, Communications: Electrical,
907+, for illuminating means combined with means to convey information. See also subsection D, above. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Combinations of Devices Provided for in Other Classes and Illuminating Means.")
352, Optics: Motion Pictures,
198+, for illuminating means used to project motion pictures. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Special Applications.")
353, Optics: Image Projectors, for illuminating means used to project images. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Special Applications.")
356, Optics: Measuring and Testing,
46, for incandescent materials used in the testing of visible light or materials for optical properties; and subclasses 331+ for monochromators of the visible type. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Special Applications.") 359, Optics: Systems (Including Communication) and Elements,
885+, for optical filters, subclasses 483+ for polarizers. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Light Modifiers, Filter.")
359, Optics: Systems (Including Communication) and Elements, generally, for light modifiers which modify light from an illuminated object or field rather than directly from a light generating means. See
515+, for signal reflectors which may modify the distribution of (reflect) light directly from a light generating means; especially subclass 527 for a signal reflector for a signal source remote from the observer; subclass 528 for a signal reflector for a source behind the reflector; subclasses 642+ for lenses. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Light Modifiers, Reflectors, refractors, etc.")
359, Optics: Systems (Including Communication) and Elements,
109+, for light wave communications. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Signalling and Communication.")
368, Horology: Time Measuring Systems or Devices,
67, and 227 for illuminated clocks.
369, Dynamic Information Storage or Retrieval,
100+, for apparatus and systems including illuminating means for electrically recording or reproducing photos:graphic sound records. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Special Applications.")
372, Coherent Light Generators, appropriate subclasses for laser-type light sources, per se. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Light Sources, Per Se.") 374, Thermal Measuring and Testing,
100+, for detailed structures of thermometers.
374, Thermal Measuring and Testing,
100+, for the detailed structure of thermometers. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Combinations of Devices Provided for in Other Classes and Illuminating Means.")
385, Optical Waveguides, appropriate subclasses for light transmitting fibers, rods, or pipes. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Light Modifiers, Reflectors, refractors, etc.")
399, Electrophotography, for illumination systems including light sources used in electrophotos:graphic devices, specifically
9+, for diagnostics, subclasses 38+ for controls, subclasses 130+ for image formation, subclasses 168+ for charging, subclasses 177+ for exposure, subclasses 222+ for development, subclasses 297+ for transfer, subclasses 320+ for fixing, subclasses 343+ for cleaning, and subclasses 361+ for document handling. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Light Sources, Per Se.")
416, Fluid Reaction Surfaces (i.e., Impellers),
5, for impellers combined with illuminating means. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Combinations of Devices Provided for in Other Classes and Illuminating Means.")
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles,
38, for a mass transmissive of light through all layers and having an opaque border; subclass 415 for a stock material product in the form of a nonstructural laminate of glass or quartz next to epoxy; subclasses 426+ for a stock material product in the form of a nonstructural laminate embodying one or more layers of glass or quartz; and subclass 918 (a cross reference art collection) for a material abnormally transparent. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Light Modifiers, Filter.")
431, Combustion, for flame-type light sources, per se, especially
100+, for a mantle type illuminating burner; subclasses 288+ for a candle; and subclasses 298+ for a wick-type liquid fuel burner. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Light Sources, per se.")
433, Dentistry,
29+, for illuminated or illuminating dental apparatus. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Combinations of Devices Provided for in Other Classes and Illuminating Means.")
439, Electrical Connectors, appropriate subclasses for an electrical connector, per se, such as a light bulb or tube socket which may also support or contribute to the support of the light bulb or tube. See also the notes to the definition of
382, below. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Light Source Supports or Housings.")
441, Buoys, Rafts, and Aquatic Devices,
13+, for illumination buoys. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Combinations of Devices Provided for in Other Classes and Illuminating Means.")
446, Amusement Devices: Toys,
47, 91, 242, and 485+ for illuminated toys. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Combinations of Devices Provided for in Other Classes and Illuminating Means.")
454, Ventilation, for illuminating means combined with means to ventilate an enclosed space other than, or in addition to, a light source or light source enclosure, particularly
293+, for a ceiling diffuser with a light fixture. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Combinations of Devices Provided for in Other Classes and Illuminating Means.") 463, Amusement Devices: Games,
51+, for a simulated projectile game wherein a light ray is used to simulate a projectile. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Special Applications.")
472, Amusement Devices,
57+, and particularly subclass 61 for illusion apparatus with illuminating means appropriate therefor. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Special Applications.")
501, Compositions: Ceramic,
11+, for glass compositions which may act as a light filter. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Light Modifiers, Filter.")
600, Surgery, appropriate subclasses for illuminated diagnostic apparatus and for apparatus for treating the human body with light rays. In particular, search
101+, for endoscopes; subclass 11 for pharygoscopes; subclasses 185+ for nonpivoted gags; subclasses 184+ for tongue depressors; subclass 241 for pivoted specula; subclass 200 for reflectors with lamps; subclass 249 for miscellaneous illuminated diagnostic apparatus not otherwise classified; subclass 200.11 for medicating apparatus. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Combinations of Devices Provided for in Other Classes and Illuminating Means.")
601, Surgery: Kinesitherapy,
1, for kinesitherapy devices. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Combinations of Devices Provided for in Other Classes and Illuminating Means.")
602, Surgery: Splint, Brace, or Bandage, 2, for orthopedic devices including light, heat, or electrical applicators. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Combinations of Devices Provided for in Other Classes and Illuminating Means.")
604, Surgery,
20+, for electrical energy applied to the body for therapeutic purposes. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Combinations of Devices Provided for in Other Classes and Illuminating Means.'')
606, Surgery,
1, for surgical instrumentation. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Combinations of Devices Provided for in Other Classes and Illuminating Means.")
GLOSSARY:
The following definitions of terms occurring frequently in the titles and definitions of this class are intended only to be used as aids in determining placement of subject matter within this class and do not necessarily encompass all usages of the terms in the art. Because the following definitions are generalized, certain subclass definitions may include definitions of the listed terms which deviate somewhat from the definitions given below. In such cases, the subclass definition is controlling. The use of ambiguous or equivocal art terms in the titles and definitions of this class has been avoided wherever possible. For the interpretation of such terms for classification purposes, see the notes to the definitions of "Modifier".
FILTER
A type of transparent or translucent selected wavelength modifier which absorbs light of at least one wavelength (i.e., color) and transmits light of another wavelength.
ILLUMINATING MEANS
Basic subject matter of the class or subcombinations thereof. LIGHT SOURCE
An element (e.g., filament) or material (e.g., neon) which converts energy into visible radiant energy and/or the essential container of such an element or material, i.e., a light source envelope including the envelope base (e.g., light bulb, fluorescent tube). Unless otherwise specified a light source is assumed to be a point source. For purposes of classification within this class, nominal recitations such as "light unit", "lamp", "headlight", etc., are assumed to denote only a light source.
MODIFIER
A recited element or combination of elements whose proximate function in the claimed combination is, according to the claim or the claimed disclosure, to alter the distribution or composition of light emitted from a light source by reflecting, refracting, or partially or completely absorbing the light.
(1) Note. Certain terms such as "lens," "shield," "screen," etc., are used in the art in some instances to denote modifiers and in other instances to denote structure whose proximate function is other than to modify light. For example, the term "lens" is used in some instances to denote means whose proximate function is to refract light and in other instances to denote merely a transparent window in a light housing whose proximate function is to protect the light source. Whether or not a means recited in a claim in such ambiguous terms is to be considered a modifier for placement within this class must be determined by the proximate function (according to the claim or the claimed disclosure) of the means in the claimed combination.
(2) Note. Certain terms such as "shade," "bowl," etc., are used in the art in some instances to denote recited modifiers which, according to the claim or claimed disclosure, function to modify light in two or more ways provided for separately in this class. A recited "bowl," for example, may, according to the claim or claimed disclosure, function in the claimed combination to diffuse light by internal scattering within the material of which the bowl is made (viz., translucent bowls) and reflect light from one of its surfaces. Such a modifier is classifiable in the first-occurring subclass providing for modifiers which perform at least one of its modifying functions.
REFLECTOR
A light modifying device having a surface which redirects incident light back into the medium from which it came. Reflectors are more commonly opaque but may be transparent. Light incident on the redirecting surface of a transparent reflector may arrive from the transparent material of the reflector itself in which case it is redirected back into the transparent material of the reflector, or it may arrive at the redirecting surface from some other material (e.g., air) in which case it is redirected back into the other material. Whether a recited transparent modifier is a reflector or some other type of modifier or both depends, for purposes of classification within this class, on its proximate function according to the claim or claimed disclosure.
REFRACTOR
A light modifier whose proximate function is to redirect light comprising a light previous material having a pair of opposed surfaces at least one of which is, at least in part, so angularly related to the other surface that the path of a light ray incident on one opposed surface of the material and the path of the same ray after it emerges from the material through the other opposed surface are not parallel. A nominally recited "lens" is considered a refractor for purposes of classification within this class only if the structural and functional characteristics of a refractor can be imputed to it from the claim or claimed disclosure. (See (1) Note to the definition of "Modifier", above).
SELECTED WAVELENGTH MODIFIER A type of modifier which modifies light of at least one wavelength (color) differently from light of another wavelength. Such modifiers may reflect, refract or filter light.
TRANSLUCENT
Having the property of certain light previous materials which results in the random internal scattering of light rays passing through the material.
TRANSPARENT
Having the property of certain light previous materials which permits light rays to pass through the material in straight lines. Transparent illuminating means may or may not be light modifiers.