US PATENT CLASS 363
Class Notes


Current as of: June, 1999
Click HD for Main Headings
Click for All Classes

Internet Version by PATENTEC © 1999      Terms of Use



363 /   HD   ELECTRIC POWER CONVERSION SYSTEMS



DEFINITION

Classification: 363/

This is a restricted class for conversion systems wherein a single electrical source circuit is coupled to a single electrical load circuit.

A. LOAD IN OUTPUT CIRCUIT

1. Load Defined By Its Characteristics:

This class provides for conversion systems as defined the Glossary, below, even though the electrical load in the output circuit is recited by its characteristics, e.g., an inductive load, a load having negative current resistance characteristic, etc.

2. Particular Load Device:

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 electrical furnace, etc. A partial list of such art systems is set forth under References to Other Classes, below.

3. What This Class Does Not Provide For:

This class does not provide for systems having a plurality of load devices whether the load devices are in different output circuits or in the same output circuit, except where the plural load device in a single output circuit are similar type loads. Therefore, if there are a plurality of diverse load devices in a single output circuit, even though recited only by their characteristics, e.g., a high inductive load and a low inductive load, then the system is excluded from this class. B. CONVERSION SYSTEMS INCLUDING VOLTAGE MAGNITUDE AND/OR PHASE CONTROL

Conversion systems of the type classified herein are included in this class, even though they include voltage magnitude and/or phase control means.

LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES

B. CONVERSION SYSTEMS HAVING PLURAL INPUT AND/OR PLURAL OUTPUT CIRCUITS

1. What This Class Excludes:

This class excludes systems having a plurality of either electrical source (input) circuits (see below with reference to polyphase systems) or output circuits. Where the system including the plurality of input and/or output comprises or is part of an art device, classification is with the art device. For other such systems, see References to Other Classes, below.

2. Alternate Input or Load Systems

If the system can operate with only one input and one output circuit at a time, even though there might be an alternate input or output circuit, classification is in this class (363). If the system contemplates that more than one input or output circuit will be used concurrently at any time, the

system is excluded from this class and pointed out in 1 above. Also, see 3 below, with reference to polyphase systems.

3. Polyphase Systems

Although this class excludes systems having a plurality of input or output circuits, systems wherein the input circuit or the output circuit is a single polyphase circuit are considered to be systems having a single input or output circuit and are included in this class.

a. A single polyphase circuit is defined as a polyphase circuit which either does not have significantly different sources or significantly different load devices or load circuits for its several phases. b. Plural Single Phase Sources To Make Polyphase:

Systems wherein a plurality of single phase sources are combined to produce a single polyphase output are excluded from this class. See References to Other Classes, below.

c. Polyphase From Single Phase:

This class includes systems having a single phase source circuit where phase converter means are used to produce a polyphase output. Where impedances are used for this purpose, see Subclass References to the Current Class, below.

C. CONVERSION SYSTEMS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS CLASS

1. The conversion systems not included in this class for the most part relate to the communications arts. They include such converters as oscillators, modulators, demodulators, detectors, amplifiers, repeaters, filters, pulsing systems, wave transmission systems, etc. Many of these excluded systems, such as modulators, amplifiers, detectors, include means to control an electric current or potential of one character, such as direct or alternating current, by means of a control signal so as to produce a current or potential of another character. For example, in an amplifier system using an electronic tube with a source of direct current connected to the anode, the alternating current in the grid circuit controls the electronic tube so that the flow of direct current is varied to produce a pulsating current in the output. Also in some of these systems, such as some types of detectors, alternating current modulated by a signal is passed through a rectifying system so as to produce in the output circuit a pulsating direct current representative of the signal. For the lines between some of the excluded systems and this class, see the following sections. Also, for a partial list of such converters and their classification, see "Related Art" below.

It is common practice in the communications arts to refer to

a signal or control circuit as an "input" circuit and the claims might recite "-- --conversion of one frequency to another" where the first frequency is in fact only a signal or control for controlling another electrical source circuit which is the source of energy for producing the second frequency. In this class, the input circuit is the circuit to which the energy is applied which is to appear in the output circuit.

Systems which include Electricity-Heat-Electricity Conversion are classified elsewhere. Lines and Networks which include frequency conversion are classified elsewhere. See References to Other Classes below.

2. Pulse Forming Circuits:

Systems designed to produce a plurality of discrete pulses similar to the pulses used in radar systems by conversion of electrical energy will be found in a number of other classes. Some of these classes are found in References to Other Classes, below.

3. Amplifiers in Class 330, and the Conversion Systems of This Class (363): Systems which are designed to control a local source of energy by means of a control wave so as to produce an output which is either an enlarged, diminished or identical copy of the control wave of the type used in communication systems are classified as amplifiers in Class 330. In such systems, the control wave is not the source of power for the system.

4. Oscillators In Class 331 and Conversion Systems Of This Class (363):

a. Converting Direct to Alternating Current:

Converters for converting direct to alternating current wherein the system is self-controlled are classified in Class 331, except in those cases wherein the control involves circuit making and breaking, or wherein a resistor is mechanically varied. Where the system is such that conversion may be either way, i.e., A.C. to D.C. or D.C. to A.C. classification is in this class (363). In those cases wherein the conversion is A.C. to D.C. classification is in this class (363). The usual art in Class 331, will have a tuned circuit for determining the frequency of the resulting alternating current. However, the art in Class 331 also includes oscillators using resistance-inductance and resistance-capacity circuits (e.g., relaxation oscillators) which are self-controlled. Some of the oscillation generators in Class 331 are designed to produce pulse waves. Also, see the reference to Class 315 in References to Other Classes, below, for a reference to the systems closely analogous to oscillation generators in Class 315.

b. Oscillators with Alternating Power Supply:

Self-controlled oscillatory circuits which have an alternating current source of supply are classified as oscillation generators elsewhere. See References to Other Classes, below.

c. Oscillators with Rectifier in Output Circuit:

Where the output of an oscillator is rectified, the overall system is a conversion system for this class (363). See Subclass References to the Current Class, below.

5. Harmonic Generators, Frequency Multipliers in Class 327 and Class 331:

Systems designed to produce an output alternating current of a frequency (f1), from an alternating current having a frequency (f2) may be used as frequency multipliers or frequency dividers. In event the output frequency had definite harmonic relation to the frequency (f1), (f1 is a multiple of f2) the system is a harmonic generator. Where the output frequency is a submultiple of the frequency (f1) the system is a frequency divider. Included as multiples are fractions such as three-halves and as submultiples are fractions such as two-thirds.

If the system includes an electronic tube of type having a control means (e.g., grid) as the converting means and the source of power (e.g., anode supply) is A.C. or D.C. and the frequency of the output circuit is a multiple of the frequency applied to the control circuit, classification is elsewhere; for cascaded oscillator systems of the frequency multiplying type, and for oscillators combined with output coupling networks of the harmonic, producing or selecting type classification is also elsewhere. If the frequency of the output circuit in such electronic tube systems is a submultiple of the frequency applied to the control circuit, classification is elsewhere. Miscellaneous nonlinear active device frequency control circuits (including mixers and multipliers) having a configuration other than a single source coupled to a single electrical load are classified elsewhere. If there is no definite relation as above set forth, then the system is excluded from Class 331, and will be found in this class. To be classified in Class 331 as a frequency multiplier or divider the system must contain a local source of energy or signal for controlling the output frequency. Where the system is not self-controlled and the source circuit is supplied with energy having a frequency (f2) other than the output energy and is the same energy as the input energy, and has a frequency relation to the source energy, which is determined by the frequency of the source circuit, classification is in class (363), regardless of the magnitudes of the frequencies or the

proposed use of the system. Also, included in Class 363 are frequency multipliers and dividers which are not otherwise classified, such as motor-generator systems where the motor is supplied by a frequency(f2) and the output circuit of the generator has a frequency (f2).

6. Demodulators in Class 329, Demodulators and The Conversion Systems of This Class (363):

Class 329 provides for both the structure of devices used by demodulating and for the demodulating systems. Included in these subclasses are systems using a rectifying means designed to rectify a signal modulated wave so as to produce in the output circuit a pulsating direct current representative of the signal, and electronic tube systems where a modulated wave is impressed upon the control means (e.g., grid) of the tube so as to control the output to produce a wave representative of the signal.

7. The Gas Or Vapor Tube Systems In Class 315, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, Systems and the Conversion Systems in This Class (363):

Class 315 contains many systems which are closely analogous to the systems in this class. Class 315 provides for electrical systems for supplying electric current and/or potential to one or more electronic tubes of the gas or vapor type. Many of these systems inherently convert A.C. to D.C. or D.C. to A.C. Some are inherently oscillation generators. Where the system is limited by claimed subject matter to supplying a load circuit, it is excluded from Class 315. Merely claiming the circuit necessary to connect the anode to the cathode as a load circuit is not sufficient to exclude the system from Class 315. Claiming a load device, either specifically or broadly in the output circuit will exclude the system from Class 315. Claiming subject matter which would not be provided unless the system were to be used for supplying a load device is sufficient to exclude the system from Class 315. For example, reciting means in the output circuit responsive to overload conditions in output circuit to control the system will exclude the system from Class 315.

Particular attention is called to the following subclasses which are fields of search for gas or vapor-type systems which inherently convert A.C. to D.C. or D.C. to A.C: Subclasses where the system includes means to substitute one electronic tube for another when the electronic tube becomes inoperative by reason of some defect or failure to operate properly; subclasses where the system includes a signal indicator or alarm for indicating some condition of the system; and subclasses where the phase shifting means to control the current or potential applied to the control (grid circuit). See the Class 315 reference Search Class note below, referencing this section.

a. A.C. to D.C. In many of the systems in Class 315, the electronic tube is an asymmetrical device, and operates to pass electric current in one direction only between the electrodes. Merely naming the device as a rectifier or derectifier is not sufficient to exclude the system from Class 315, unless some subject matter is claimed which limits the system to the rectifying or derectifying art. Accordingly, a search for such systems where control of the rectifying or derectifying tube is the significant factor should include Class 315.

See the Class 315 Search Class reference below for the art subclasses referred to in the sections above, and also note there the references to subclasses where polyphase current is supplied to the tube or tubes (note where single phase is changed to polyphase which is applied to the tube to tubes); and subclasses where alternating current is supplied to one or more tubes.

b. D.C. to A.C. Many systems using electric lamps of the gaseous or vapor discharge type inherently generate oscillations during operation. Class 315 therefore, provides for all systems for merely supplying electric current and/or potential to gaseous or vapor discharge devices whether the system is claimed as an oscillation generator or merely as a lamp circuit, provided that the system is not limited by claimed subject matter to use as an oscillation generator, such as, for example, means to transfer the oscillating electric energy to another circuit or means to use the oscillating energy.

Also, Class 315 includes systems which do not inherently generate oscillations but which do inherently convert D.C. to A.C. The subclass areas referred to in the general Section of 7. above, and also note Class 315 subclasses for systems having a condenser in the supply circuit. Many of the systems include relaxation circuits (L-C R-C). Note especially subclasses where the condenser is connected in shunt to the tube so as to supply pulses of energy to the tube. In subclass 229 will be found plural tube systems having a commutating condenser where the system inherently converts D.C. to A.C. Similar systems using tubes with a plurality of anodes or cathodes with a commutating condenser are in Class 315. Class 315 provides for miscellaneous systems for sequentially starting a plurality of gas or vapor tubes. So-called ring circuits are an example of such systems. The search should extend for any particular type of system to the appropriate subclass.

8. Motor Generator Systems in Class 322, Electricity, Single Generator Systems:

Class 322 provides for motor-generator set systems wherein there is no significant relationship between the characteristics of the electrical energy supplied to the

motor and the characteristics of the electrical energy supplied to the output circuit by the generator.

Class 363 provides for those motor-generator set systems wherein there is a significant relationship between the characteristics of the electrical energy supplied to the motor and the characteristics of the electrical energy supplied to the output circuit by the generator (e.g., f1 to f2 or phase1 to phase2).

9. Modulators in Class 332, Modulators and the Conversion Systems in This Class (363):

Class 332 includes conversion systems, such as pulse forming systems, D.C. to A.C. systems, frequency conversion systems where the purpose of the system is to produce a repetitious wave which has one of its characteristics (frequency, shape, phase) varied in accordance with an intelligence which continuously varies in an arbitrary manner. An example of an arbitrary continuously varying intelligence is speech. Examples of the waves produced by these systems are modulated pulse waves, frequency modulated carrier waves. Oscillation generators which are modulated by an intelligence are included in Class 332.

D. LINE BETWEEN CLASS 363 AND CLASS 323, ELECTRICITY, POWER SUPPLY OR REGULATION SYSTEMS

Class 323 is restricted to those systems wherein only the magnitude of the current or voltage and/or the magnitude of the phase angle relationship are controlled, varied, or regulated. Class 323 excludes all systems wherein a conversion step is performed on the energy going through the system.

Class 363 provides for systems for converting input electrical energy into output electrical energy whose characteristics are different from those of the input electrical energy. A Class 363 conversion system may include as a subcombination thereof a voltage magnitude and/or phase control system such as might be classified, per se, in Class 323.

E. SYSTEMS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS CLASS

a. Wave Shaping: Mere wave shaping systems where the electrical energy is not converted into a different character (e.g., from A.C. to D.C. or vice versa), or where there is no phase or frequency conversion are not included in this class. For example, networks consisting of passive elements, such as resistors, capacitors, and inductances, which function to alter the shape of the wave (e.g., to convert a sine wave to a square wave) and which do not involve current, phase or frequency

conversion means are excluded from Class 363. Also excluded are systems such as electronic tube systems and saturable reactor systems where a source of energy (e.g., the anode supply in the case of an electronic tube system) is controlled by a control signal so as to produce a wave having a particular shape, the shape having a definite relation to the control wave.

See the Search Class notes below for classifications for appropriate waveform or wave shape determinative or pulse producing systems and for miscellaneous nonlinear active device converting, shaping or generating circuits wherein a single electrical source is not coupled to a single electrical load.

Also see the Search Class notes below for differentiating and integrating networks of the passive type, and for wave shaping networks of the passive type in general.

b. Filters:

Filter network which are designed to transmit freely, electrical energy of a particular frequency or range of frequencies while to attenuate substantially electrical energy of another frequency or range of frequencies are found elsewhere. See References to OTher Classes, below, for Lines and Networks which include frequency conversion.

c. Wave Transmission Systems:

Wave transmission systems wherein wave shaping occurs for facilitating transmission or correcting for distortion of electrical waves are provided for elsewhere. See References to Other Classes below referencing this section.

F. CONVERTER STRUCTURE

This class provides for the electrical system as distinguished from the structure of the device which may be used in or as part of the system. For the structure of such converting devices, see References to Other Classes, below.

The following SEARCH CLASS references contain art related to main subject matter of this class (363). The parenthetical references at the end of SEARCH CLASS note indicate the topical subject area.

RELATED ART See References To Other Classes below for the following related art areas.

Amplifiers

Battery Charging Systems

Car Systems

Condenser Charging Systems

Consumable Electrode Systems

Current Magnitude Control Systems

Demodulators

Dynamoelectric Machine

Dynamotor Structure

Electric Communication Systems Electric Measuring Systems

Electric Space Discharge Devices

Electrochemistry

Electrocuting Vermin

Electronic Tube Structure

Electronic Tube Systems

Filters

Furnaces: Electric

Generator Structure

Generator Systems

Harmonic Generator Systems

Heating Systems, Electric Lamp Systems

Modulators

Motor Systems

Music

Oscillators

Phase Control Systems

Plural Input and/or Output Systems

Pulsing Systems

Railroad Locomotives, Electric

Rectifier Element Structure

Rotary Converter Structure Signaling Systems

Surgery: Electrical applications

Switching Systems

Telegraph SYstems

Telephone Systems

Testing Systems

Thermocouples or Thermal Batteries

Voltage Magnitude Control Systems

Wave MOde Converters

Wave Transmission Systems

X-Ray Systems Supplied By Rectifiers

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 1+, where the output of an oscillator is rectified, the overall system is a conversion system for this class (363).

156, for systems having a single phase source circuit where impedances are used to produce a polyphase output.

REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS

43, Fishing, Trapping, and Vermin Destroying,

98+, and 112 for arrangements wherein such electrocuting devices are supplied by conversion systems. (Electrocuting Vermin)

84, Music,

672, 677 for electrical tone generators which include conversion systems as a part thereof. (Music)

105, Railway Rolling Stock,

49+, for electric motor driven locomotives which may include a conversion system for converting the electrical energy supplied by the trolley to a form having characteristics suitable for the motor. (Railroad Locomotives, Electric)

136, Batteries: Thermoelectric and Photoelectric, 200+,. (Thermocouples Or Thermal Batteries)

178, Telegraphy, appropriate subclasses for telegraph systems which may include conversion systems as subcombinations thereof. (Electric Communication Systems)

178, Telegraphy, has a number of subclasses with pulse producing systems. In Class 178, the pulses are usually representative of a telegraph code. Some of the systems relate to the 5 unit code where marking (a pulse) and spacing (no pulse) are used to code information. This class provides for such pulse forming systems and devices where a perforated tape or other automatic means controls the production of the pulses. This class also provides for such code pulses where a keyboard is used to produce the pulses. See this class for miscellaneous telegraph systems using pulsating currents. (see Lines With Other Classes, Conversion Systems Not in This Class, "Pulse Forming Circuits" above)

200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, appropriate subclasses for switches used as rectifier elements; particularly note

19.01+, for periodic switches. (Rectifier Element Structure)

204, Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy, appropriate subclasses for arrangements wherein chemical processes are supplied with electrical energy by a conversion system. (Electrochemistry)

219, Electric Heating, appropriate subclasses for electric heating systems supplied by conversion systems. (Heating Systems, Electric)

246, Railway Switches and Signals, appropriate subclasses for railway signaling systems which may include conversion systems as subcombinations thereof.

250, Radiant Energy,

458+, for signaling communication systems utilizing fluorescent or phosphorescent detectors.

250, Radiant Energy,

250, for radio and microwave absorption wavemeters. (Electric Measuring Systems) 257, Active Solid-State Devices (e.g., Transistors, Solid-State Diodes), appropriate subclasses for devices which may be used as rectifiers, including

107, 181 for regenerative type devices (e.g., thyristors).

307, Electrical Transmission or Interconnection Systems,

9.1+, for systems wherein the electrical equipment of a railroad car such as lights, air conditioning apparatus, etc., are supplied with electrical energy through a converter. (Car Systems)

307, Electrical Transmission or Interconnection Systems, contains patents for such pulse producing systems. (see Lines With Other Classes, Conversion Systems Not in This Class, "Pulse Forming Circuits" above)

307, Electrical Transmission or Interconnection Systems,

110, for systems wherein a plurality of condensers are charged in parallel and discharged in series to produce a high voltage, and wherein there is no conversion. (Condenser Charging Systems)

307, Electrical Transmission or Interconnection Systems,

106+, accepts class appropriate waveform or wave shape determinative or pulse producing systems. (see Lines With Other Classes, "Systems Not Included In This Class-Wave-shaping Systems" above)

307, Electrical Transmission or Interconnection Systems,

43+, for systems where a circuit is energized by a plurality of sources of supply. (Generator Systems) 307, Electrical Transmission or Interconnection Systems,

112+, for class appropriate transmission or interconnection switching systems, and subclass 132 for repetitive make and break systems. (Switching Systems)

307, Electrical Transmission or Interconnection Systems,

11+, for systems having a plurality of load devices in either single or plural output circuits. (See Lines With Other Classes, Load in Output Circuit, Particular Load Device.)

307, Electrical Transmission or Interconnection Systems,

11+, and subclasses 43+ are the generic subclasses for plural output and plural input circuits, respectively. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Conversion Systems Having Plural Input and/or Plural Output Circuits," above.)

310, Electrical Generator or Motor Structure,

138, for dynamotor structure. (Dynamotor Structure)

310, Electrical Generator or Motor Structure, appropriate subclasses for the structure of electrical generators and motors and subcombinations thereof, not elsewhere classified. (Generator Structure)

310, Electrical Generator or Motor Structure,

129+, for rotary converter structure. (Rotary Converter Structure) 313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, appropriate subclasses for the structure of electronic tubes. (Electronic Tube Structure)

314, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Consumable Electrodes, appropriate subclasses for converter system supplied arc lamps, arc welders, etc. (Consumable Electrode Systems)

314, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Consumable Electrodes, appropriate subclasses for conversion system supplied consumable electrode lamp systems. (Lamp Systems)

315, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Systems, provides in many of the subclasses for systems using gas or vapor tubes which operate so that the energy passes through the gas tube in pulses of energy. These systems are closely analogous to the oscillation generators in Class 331, appropriate subclasses. See the reference to the Gas Or Vapor Tube Systems in Class 315 and the Conversion Systems in This Class (363). (see Lines With Other Classes, Conversion Systems Not in This Class, "Pulse Forming Circuits" above)

315, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Systems,

88+, where the system includes means to substitute one electronic tube for another when the electronic tube becomes inoperative by reason of some defect or failure to operate properly; subclasses 129+ where the system includes a signal indicator or alarm for indicating some condition of the system; and subclasses 194+ where the phase shifting means to control the current or potential applied to the control (grid circuit); subclasses 137+ where polyphase current is supplied to the tube or tubes (note subclass 138 where single phase is changed to polyphase which is applied to the tube to tubes); subclasses 246+ where alternating current is supplied to one or more tubes; subclasses 227+ for systems having a condenser in the supply circuit. Many of the systems in subclasses 227+ include relaxation circuits (L-C R-C). Note especially subclasses 241+ where the condenser is connected in shunt to the tube so as to supply pulses of energy to the tube. In subclass 229 will be found plural tube systems having a commutating condenser where the system inherently converts D.C. to A.C. Similar systems using tubes with a plurality of anodes or cathodes with a commutating condenser are in subclass 235. Subclass 323 provides for miscellaneous systems for sequentially starting a plurality of gas or vapor tubes. So-called ring circuits are an example of such systems. The search should extend for any particular type of system to the appropriate subclass noted in the search notes to subclass 323. (see Lines With Other Classes, "The Gas Or Vapor Tube Systems In Class 315, Electric Lamp and Discharge

Devices, etc." above)

315, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Systems, for gas or vapor tube systems. See Lines WIth Other Classes, above. (Electronic Tube Systems)

315, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Systems, gas or vapor tube systems analogous to oscillators. See Lines With Other Classes, above. (Oscillators)

318, Electricity: Motive Power Systems, appropriate subclasses for electric motor systems, which include conversion means. (Motor Systems)

320, Electricity: Battery or Capacitor Charging or Discharging, appropriate subclass for the use of electric power conversion in a battery or capacitor charging or discharging system. (Battery Charging Systems)

320, Electricity: Battery or Capacitor Charging or Discharging, 166+, for miscellaneous capacitor charging or discharging systems. (Condenser Charging Systems)

322, Electricity: Single Generator Systems,

1.5, for systems which include electricity-heat-electricity conversion. (Lines With Other Classes. "Conversion Systems not Included in This Class." above)

323, Electricity: Power Supply or Regulation Systems,

220, 354 for current and/or voltage magnitude control systems. See Lines With Other Classes, above. (Current Magnitude Control Systems)

323, Electricity: Power Supply or Regulation Systems,

212, 219, subclasses indented under "Phase Control", for phase control systems of general application. (Phase Control Systems)

324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing, is the miscellaneous class of electrical measuring and testing. Note

76.41+, for frequency measurement using frequency conversion; subclass 85 for phase comparison using frequency conversion; and subclasses 118, 119, and 120 for electric metering using current conversion.

327, Miscellaneous Active Electrical Nonlinear Devices, Circuits, and Systems, appropriate subclasses for miscellaneous electron tube circuits and see the class definition search notes also.

327, Miscellaneous Active Electrical Nonlinear Devices, Circuits, and Systems, 365+, for miscellaneous gating circuits analogous to mechanical switching.

327, Miscellaneous Active Electrical Nonlinear Devices, Circuits, and Systems,

291+, for miscellaneous pulse or clock generating circuits. (See Lines With Other Classes, Pulse Forming Circuits.)

327, Miscellaneous Active Electrical Nonlinear Devices, Circuits, and Systems,

100+, accepts miscellaneous nonlinear active device converting, shaping or generating circuits wherein a single electrical source is not coupled to a single electrical load. (see Lines With Other Classes, "Systems Not Included In This Class-Wave-shaping Systems" above)

327, Miscellaneous Active Electrical Nonlinear Devices, Circuits, and Systems, if the frequency of the output circuit in such electronic tube systems is a submultiple of the frequency applied to the control circuit, classification is in Class 327. Also included in Class 327 are miscellaneous nonlinear active device frequency control circuits (including mixers and multipliers) having a configuration other than a single source coupled to a single electrical load. (Lines With Other Classes, C, "Conversion Systems not Included in This Class.")

329, Demodulators, appropriate subclasses for appropriate subclasses for rectifiers used in demodulators (Demodulators)

330, Amplifiers, for amplifiers. (Amplifiers)

331, Oscillators, for self-controlled oscillatory circuits which have an alternating current source of supply classified as oscillation generators where there is no definite relation between the frequency of the source circuit and the frequency of the output circuit;

111+, 129+, and 143+ also includes oscillators using resistance-inductance and resistance-capacity circuits (e.g., relaxation oscillators) which are self-controlled. (Lines With Other Classes "Conversion Systems not Included in This Class, Converting Direct to Alternating Current" )

331, Oscillators,

53, for cascaded oscillator systems of the frequency multiplying type, and subclasses 76 and 77 for oscillators combined with output coupling networks of the harmonic, producing or selecting type; subclass 71 for a Self-controlled oscillatory circuits which have an alternating current source of supply where there is no definite relation between the frequency of the source circuit and the frequency of the output circuit. (Lines With Other Classes, Conversion Systems not Included in This Class., "Harmonic Generators, Frequency Multipliers" and "Oscillators with Alternating Power Supply")

332, Modulators, for systems including a pulse generator and means to modulate the pulse with intelligence. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Pulse Forming Circuits".)

333, Wave Transmission Lines and Networks,

21, for wave mode converters. (Wave Mode Converters)

333, Wave Transmission Lines and Networks, includes wave transmission systems wherein wave shaping occurs for facilitating transmission or correcting for distortion of electrical waves; see

14, for amplitude compression and expansion systems; subclasses 15 and 16, respectively, for pilot line and current control systems wherein compensation occurs for changes in a transmission line's impedance characteristics; subclass 28 for equalizers of the passive type which modify the attenuation or attenuation and phase characteristics over a frequency range of the energy passing therethrough, and subclasses 138+ for passive networks for retarding wave energy a predetermined period of time over a range of frequencies; subclasses 25+ for passive networks for balanced to unbalanced circuit conversion; subclasses 236+ for long transmission lines which may be balanced; subclasses 4+ for plural channel systems which include balanced circuits. (see Lines With Other Classes, "Systems Not Included In This Class--Wave Transmission Systems)

333, Wave Transmission Lines and Networks,

19, provides for differentiating and integrating networks of the passive type, and subclass 20 provides for wave shaping networks of the passive type in general. (see Lines With Other Classes, "Systems Not Included In This Class--Wave-shaping Systems" above)

333, Wave Transmission Lines and Networks,

167+, for filter network which are designed to transmit freely, electrical energy of a particular frequency or range of frequencies while to attenuate substantially electrical energy of another frequency or range of frequencies; subclasses 24, 245+ and 248+ for Lines and Networks which include frequency conversion. (see Lines With Other Classes, "Systems Not Included In This Class--Filters" above)

335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets, and Electromagnets, 87+, for vibrator type electromagnetic switches.

340, Communications: Electrical, appropriate subclass for signaling systems which may include conversion systems as subcombinations thereof.

340, Communications: Electrical,

287+, for signal box electric signaling systems having means for transmitting a train of pulse signals. The pulses are usually formed by making and breaking a circuit. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Pulse Forming Circuits".)

341, Coded Data Generation or Conversion,

20+, and 173+ for a pulse code transmitter. (See Lines With Other Classes, Pulse Forming Circuits.)

342, Communications: Directive Radio Wave Systems and Devices (e.g., Radar, Radio Navigation) appropriate subclasses for radar and directive radio systems which may include conversion systems as subcombinations thereof.

359, Optics: Systems (Including Communication) and Elements,

109+, for light wave communications.

361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices,

436, for the structure of rectifier elements of the electrolytic type.

361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, 93.1+, for safety systems involving circuit interruption, subclasses 160+ for relay and electromagnetic switching systems, and subclasses 245+ for polarity reversing systems.

373, Industrial Electric Heating Furnaces, appropriate subclasses for electric furnaces which may be supplied by conversion systems. (Furnaces, Electric)

378, X-Ray or Gamma Ray Systems or Devices,

101+,. (X-Ray Systems Supplied By Rectifiers)

379, Telephonic Communications, appropriate subclasses for telegraphy systems which may include conversion systems as subcombinations thereof.

379, Telephonic Communications,

362+, for pulse producing systems with converting means for use in telephone cell transmitter systems. (See Lines With Other Classes, Pulse Forming Circuits.)

607, Surgery: Light, Thermal, and Electrical Application,

1, for arrangements for supplying electricity to the body. These arrangements require electric currents having particular characteristics and it is usual for them to include conversion systems as subcombinations. (Surgery, Electrical Applications)

GLOSSARY:

ALTERNATING CURRENT Alternating current includes pulsating current which is of such a character as to have the characteristics of alternating current (e.g., such as to be applied to the primary of a transformer to produce alternating current in the secondary).

AUTOMATIC CONTROL

Includes means for sensing the existence of, the magnitude of, or a deviation of a predetermined condition, e.g., the existence, magnitude or change of temperature voltage, etc., combined with means for initiating the operation of a controlled means to perform a controlling operation.

CHOPPER

A device for interrupting current at regular intervals.

CONTROL

Includes either the maintenance of a condition at a predetermined value or the variation of a condition from one value to another.

CONVERSION

This class (363), includes only the following: (1) Changing alternating current to direct current (rectification); (2) Changing direct current to alternating current (inverting); (3) Systems having means for performing a combination of the conversions of (1) and (2) above so that the input and output current are of the same character, but the system includes intermediate means to convert the current to a different character (e.g., A.C. to D.C. to A.C.); (4) Changing the frequency of alternating current from one frequency to a different frequency; (5) Changing electrical energy having one number phases to a different number of phases; (6) Combination of any of the above.

CURRENT CONVERSION

The transformation of electrical energy from alternating current to direct current or the transformation of direct current to alternating current. CURRENT OR VOLTAGE MAGNITUDE CONTROL

Includes controlling either the amplitude of the current or voltage, or controlling the average or effective value of the current or voltage, even though the amplitude is not controlled.

DIRECT CURRENT

Direct current includes pulsating current which is of such character as to have the characteristics of direct current (e.g., such as the output of half-wave rectifier which may be smoothed by filters to produce a substantially nonpulsating current).

DYNAMOELECTRIC MACHINE

A device for converting electrical energy into mechanical energy or mechanical energy into electrical energy or combinations thereof which involve electromagnetic induction. (Also see particular type).

DYNAMOTOR

Also called a rotary converter or synchronous inverter. A rotating device for changing a D.C. voltage to another value. It is a combination electric motor and D.C. generator with two or more armature windings and a common set of field poles. One armature winding receives the direct current and rotates (thus operating as a motor), while the others generate the required voltage (and thus operate as dynamos or generators).

ELECTRICAL SPACE DISCHARGE DEVICE

An apparatus which is intended to have an electrical 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.

ELECTRONIC TUBE

An electrical space discharge device. ELECTRIC SOURCE CIRCUIT

The circuit designed to be connected to a source of electric energy.

FREQUENCY CONVERSION

The transformation of electrical energy having a first frequency to electrical energy having a second frequency.

IMPEDANCE

Includes an inductance, or a capitance, or a resistance, or any combination thereof, and excludes any source of electrical energy.

LINE CIRCUIT

The main power path between the source and the load.

PHASE CONVERSION

The transformation of electrical energy having one number of phases to electrical energy having another number of phases.

PULSATING CURRENT A nonuniform electron flow which varies periodically but does not reverse its direction.

SEMICONDUCTOR

A solid or liquid electronic conductor, with resistivity between that of metals and that of insulators in which the electrical charge carrier concentration increases with increasing temperature over some temperature range. Over most of the practical temperature range, the resistance has a negative temperature coefficient. Certain semiconductors possess two types of carriers, negative electrons and positive holes. The charge carriers are usually electrons, but there may be also some ionic conductivity.

THYRISTOR

A bistable device comprising three or more junctions. At least one of the junctions can switch between reverse and forward-voltage polarity within a single quadrant of the anode-to-cathode voltage-current characteristics. Used in a generic sense to include silicon controlled rectifiers and gate-control switches as well as multilayer two- terminal devices.

TRANSFORMER:

An electrical device which transfers electrical energy from one circuit to another circuit at the same frequency solely by electrical induction.

TRANSISTORS:

An active semiconductor device usually made of silicon or germanium, having three or more electrodes. The three main electrodes used are the emitter, base, and collector. Conduction is by means of electrons (elementary particles having the smallest negative electrical charge that can exist) and holes (mobile electron vacancies equivalent to a positive charge).

VIBRATOR

A circuit interrupter that has a movable conducting member which moves between contacts for converting D.C. to A.C. or A.C. to D.C.