US PATENT CLASS 396
Class Notes
Current as of: June, 1999
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DEFINITION
Classification: 396/
GENERAL STATEMENT OF THE CLASS SUBJECT MATTER
A. This class provides for photos:graphic apparatus not classified elsewhere, generally for recording a picture made by a source of light on a photos:graphic medium.
B. This class also includes fluid-treating apparatus for development of film.
C. This class will not receive for original placement a patent claiming alternative embodiments, one of a type proper for this class and one of a type related to another recording class. Patents claiming alternative embodiments will be placed in the class that provides for the alternative and crossed in the appropriate subclass in this class. This class will receive a patent disclosing two types of recording devices when the claims are general or related to this class.
D. Subcombinations of picture recording apparatus not otherwise provided for, such as a removable film-holder unit, hood, camera housing, and camera setting indicator or legend, are classified here.
E. Also classified here are certain accessories related to photography not otherwise provided for such as studio structure (e.g., background, photos:graphic model, or support, etc.), camera mounting or rest, camera attachment (e.g., a vignetter), retouching, or burnishing device.
F. Nonchemical processes involving photos:graphic apparatus of sections A-E, Class Definition, General Statement of the Class Subject Matter, above (e.g., operating such apparatus) are included in this class. See References to Other Classes, below, for processes of radiation imagery chemistry.
LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES Excluded from Class 396 is subject matter relating to image recording of an original or carrier which is developed by toner and video cameras utilizing a semiconductive or CCD device. Such subject matter may be found elsewhere. See below for the line between Class 396 and Class 348.
LINE BETWEEN CLASS 396 and CLASS 348
Class 396 will receive for original placement a patent disclosing both Class 396 and Class 348 devices when the claims are general or directed only towards Class 396 subject matter and are otherwise proper therefor.
Class 396 will not receive for original placement a patent claiming alternative embodiments, one of a type proper for Class 396 and one of a type proper for Class 348. Such a patent should be classified as an original in Class 348 and crossed into the appropriate subclass in Class 396.
Similar placement applies to a claim reciting a combination of Class 348 and Class 396 subject matter. The original is classified in Class 348 with a cross to Class 396 except where Class 348 subject matter merely provides a perfecting feature of a Class 396 type camera or camera system. In that case, the original is classified in Class 396.
(1) Note. Class 396, subclasses 429+ will accept a combination of a Class 396 type camera and a diverse art device where such combination is not otherwise provided for.
For classification purposes above, the recitation of an "image sensor," "image pickup device," or the like that generates an image representative electrical signal which may be subsequently processed or displayed, or the positive recitation of a "video camera" in a claim is considered to be Class 348 subject matter if otherwise proper therefor.
OBJECT ILLUMINATION SUBCOMBINATIONS CLASSIFIED ELSEWHERE
Artificial light sources, per se, may be distinguished as being either noncombustible or combustible.
Noncombustible incandescent lamps, where the filament is not intended to be burned or consumed and for gas discharge lamps of the "electronic flash" type are classified elsewhere. See References to Other Classes, below.
The combination of a Class 313 light source and the
electrical circuitry for energizing the same are classified elsewhere. See References to Other Classes, below. Circuits of general utility for igniting combustible or explosive devices, such as rockets or dynamite are classified elsewhere. See References to Other Classes, below.
The combination of an artificial light source with a protector, support or distributor, and photos:graphic lights are classified elsewhere. See References to Other Classes, below.
Combustible illuminating flash devices such as photos:graphic bulbs, and electrical circuitry for electrically igniting a combustible light source are classified elsewhere. See References to Other Classes, below.
(1) Note. This class (396) provides for the combination of an illumination device and essential camera structure other than a mere recitation of a "camera housing wall".
FLUID-TREATING APPARATUS CLASSIFIED ELSEWHERE
Class 34, Drying and Gas or Vapor Contact With Solids, is the generic class for the contacting of solids with either, or both, gases or vapors. Class 34 provides for the apparatus which merely claims a gas generator, such as ammonia, with means for containing the gas for treating "photos:graphic" material and may include means for handling or feeding the material in or into the gas treatment area. The inclusion of heating means for vaporizing liquid or solid ammoniated compounds to release ammonia gas or vapor does not preclude classification in Class 34.
Class 134, Cleaning and Liquid Contact With Solids, is the generic class for apparatus for contacting solids with liquids for any purpose not provided for in other classes. The Class 134 definitions should be referred to for the classification of patents directed to subcombinations of fluid treating apparatus.
The combinations of photocopying apparatus and developing apparatus are classified elsewhere. See References to Other Classes, below.
Mixing chambers of the print washer-type including specified feed means without a separate work holder where turbulence or agitation will inherently occur during normal usage are classified elsewhere. See References to Other Classes, below.
(1) Note. This class (396) provides for gas treatment of claimed specific material such as "diazo" sheet material. See Subclass References to the Current Class, below.
This class (396) provides for the combination of a camera and developing apparatus not limited to photocopying. See
Subclass References to the Current Class, below. This class (396) provides for a claimed recitation of a vessel containing a developing solution and a vessel containing a fixing or washing solution with means for moving a photos:graphic film, print, or plate therethrough sequentially.
This class (396) provides for the combinations which include claimed recitations concerning specified solutions, such as "hypo," or specified material by its photos:graphic characteristic or orientation, such as emulsion side up.
This class (396) provides for provide for the combination of fluid treating apparatus and a dark cabinet wherein the light-excluding features are claimed. See Subclass References to the Current Class, below.
This class (396) provides for fluid treating apparatus for treating superimposed or laminar sheets. See Subclass References to the Current Class, below.
See References to Other Classes, below for liquid development.
CAMERA CASE SUBCOMBINATIONS CLASSIFIED ELSEWHERE
Receptacles particularly constructed to contain a camera such as having a special shape and interior arrangement provided with shelves, racks, or arrangements of clasps or retaining devices for holding a camera are classified elsewhere. See References to Other Classes, below.
Devices for carrying a camera wherein means are provided that are especially adapted to be supported upon a person's body are classified elsewhere. See References to Other Classes, below.
Cabinet structure designed to house picture machines or films or other highly inflammable material and cabinets for housing and supporting instruments so that relative guided motion between the instrument and the cabinet structure results in placement of the instrument in a position exposed for use or in a position as for storage, out of the way in cabinet structure are classified elsewhere. See References to Other Classes, below.
(1) Note. This class (396) provides for a camera which includes a detailed light-excluding case, casing, or housing. See Subclass References to the Current Class, below.
FOREIGN ART COLLECTIONS IN CLASS 396
In establishing new Class 396, only a portion of the foreign patents/nonpatent literature from old Class 354 was reclassified along with the U.S. patents into subclasses 1-661 of the new Class 396 schedule.
Those Class 354 subclasses with foreign patents/nonpatent literature which were not reclassified into subclasses 1-661 of Class 396 had these documents transferred directly to equivalent foreign art collections maintaining their original titles and positioning.
Those Class 354 subclasses with foreign patents/nonpatent literature which were reclassified into subclasses 1-661 of Class 396 have no equivalent foreign art collections. The Class 396 subclasses having associated foreign patent/nonpatent literature are as follows: 1-5, 14-47, 207-209, 246-256, 268-276, 281-296, 301-309, 322-350, 429-434, 438, 505-563, and 661.
The foreign art collections in Class 396 (subclasses FOR 700 - FOR 971) are intended only for receiving foreign patents/nonpatent literature.
In subclasses 1-661, references to foreign art collections under "SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS" are intended only as a guide and consideration should be given to the remaining set of foreign art collections in completing a search.
Definitions of the foreign art collections were excerpted from the corresponding Class 354 subclass definitions.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
30+, for the combination of a camera and developing apparatus not limited to photocopying.
535+, provide for a camera which includes a detailed light-excluding case, casing, or housing.
579, for gas treatment of claimed specific material such as "diazo" sheet material.
580+, for fluid treating apparatus for treating superimposed or laminar sheets.
589+, for the combination of fluid treating apparatus and a dark cabinet wherein the light-excluding features are claimed. REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS
15, Brushing, Scrubbing, and General Cleaning,
100, for wiping-type, photos:graphic-film cleaners.
33, Geometrical Instruments,
266, for a straight line light ray geometrical instrument which is camera mounted, subclass 314 for impressing an
indication of a borehole direction or inclination on a photosensitive record, subclass 334 for an indicator of the direction of force traversing a natural medium which is structurally installed on a camera and related to a feature thereof, and subclass 615 for a contact member which facilitates the positioning of a photos:graphic element or element holder at a desired spacing with respect to a support.
34, Drying and Gas or Vapor Contact With Solids, is the generic class for the contacting of solids with either, or both, gases or vapors. Class 34 provides for the apparatus which merely claims a gas generator, such as ammonia, with means for containing the gas for treating "photos:graphic" material and may include means for handling or feeding the material in or into the gas treatment area. The inclusion of heating means for vaporizing liquid or solid ammoniated compounds to release ammonia gas or vapor does not preclude classification in Class 34.
40, Card, Picture, or Sign Exhibiting,
361+, for a photos:graphic transparency viewer.
73, Measuring and Testing,
1.42+, for camera shutter proving or calibrating. 74, Machine Element or Mechanism, appropriate subclasses for an element of a camera; e.g., gear, cam, etc.
75, Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions for Use Therein, Consolidated Metal Powder Compositions, and Loose Metal Particulate Mixtures,
417, for processes producing free metal from photos:graphic waste at 300 degrees Centigrade or greater combined with a step at less than 300 degrees Centigrade and using a liquid nonmetallic material, subclass 635 for processes recovering silver from photos:graphic material at 300 degrees Centigrade or greater, and subclass 713 for processes producing free metal from photos:graphic material below 300 degrees Centigrade using a liquid nonmetallic material.
83, Cutting,
948, for a Cross-reference Art Collection relating to photos:graphic film cutting.
116, Signals and Indicators,
213, for an indicator with a camera merely providing support.
134, Cleaning and Liquid Contact With Solids,
64, for apparatus exhibiting liquid contact with a
longitudinally travelling strip (e.g., photos:graphic) where there are sequential work-treating stations or a station with means to transfer work or fluid-applying devices, and subclass 122 for apparatus exhibiting liquid contact with a longitudinally travelling strip (e.g., photos:graphic). Class 134, is the generic class for apparatus for contacting solids with liquids for any purpose not provided for in other classes. The Class 134 definitions should be referred to for the classification of patents directed to subcombinations of fluid treating apparatus.
156, Adhesive Bonding and Miscellaneous Chemical Manufacture,
58, for miscellaneous chemical manufacturing methods of contour or profile photography to reproduce a three-dimensional object. 178, Telegraphy,
15, and 90, for telegraphy including a photos:graphic operation.
206, Special Receptacle or Package,
316.2, for a special camera receptacle or package receptacles particularly constructed to contain a camera such as having a special shape and interior arrangement provided with shelves, racks, or arrangements of clasps or retaining devices for holding a camera..
224, Package and Article Carriers, provides for devices for carrying a camera wherein means are provided that are especially adapted to be supported upon a person's body;
908, for a Cross-reference Art Collection relating to a photos:graphic (e.g., camera) carrier.
235, Registers,
64.7, for a mechanical photos:graphic calculator, and subclass 91 for a device (e.g., photograph) operated register.
242, Winding, Tensioning, or Guiding,
324+, for an unwinding and rewinding coil-to-coil machine convertible information carrier (e.g., magnetic tape or photos:graphic film, etc.) cartridge system, or subclasses 615+ for a residual guide or guard that directs elongated flexible material that may be combined with more than one nominal winding structure.
248, Supports, appropriate subclasses, for a device which carries the weight of an article or otherwise holds or steadies it against the pull of gravity, and a device for holding an article to its support. 250, Radiant Energy,
214, for a special photocell or electron tube circuit (including photos:graphic control), subclasses 363.02+ for a luminophor body scanner or camera with radiant energy source, subclasses 475.2+ for photos:graphic-type detection of invisible radiation, and subclasses 580+ for the making of a photograph by invisible radiation generally. A camera or part thereof which may be used to take a photograph by visible light as well as by ultraviolet or infrared rays is in Class 396. Picture making by a Class 250 device combined with a Class 396 device is provided for in Class 250.
252, Compositions,
582+, for optical filter composition and optical filter defined only in terms of its composition.
283, Printed Matter,
77, for a photos:graphic personal identifier with revealable concealed information, and subclass 112 for a photograph and revealable concealed information which is plastic laminated.
292, Closure Fasteners, Digest 48, for a camera cover fastener.
294, Handling: Hand and Hoist-Line Implements,
139, for an optical instrument support per se to be gripped and carried by hand.
312, Supports: Cabinet Structure,
10.1, provides for cabinet structure designed to house picture machines or films or other highly inflammable material and subclasses 21+ provide cabinets for housing and supporting instruments so that relative guided motion between the instrument and the cabinet structure results in placement of the instrument in a position exposed for use or in a position as for storage, out of the way in cabinet structure. Some of the patents include the instrument housed by name only but in general if any instrument structure is recited, the combination is classified with the instrument.
313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, for noncombustible incandescent lamps, where the filament is not intended to be burned or consumed and for gas discharge lamps of the "electronic flash" type. 315, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Systems, provides for the combination of a Class 313 light source and the electrical circuitry for energizing the same.
340, Communications: Electrical,
937, for a vehicle detector with camera.
342, Communications, Directive Radio Wave Systems and Devices (e.g., RADAR, Radio Navigation),
66, for a directive radio wave system where the return signal controls a camera.
346, Recorders, particularly
107.1+, for the subject matter of that class combined with a photos:graphic step or apparatus.
348, Television, appropriate subclasses and particularly
272+, and 294+ for an electronic camera with a semiconductor matrix in place of film or a CCD device.
351, Optics: Eye Examining, Vision Testing and Correcting,
206+, for an eye examining instrument with eye photography. 352, Optics: Motion Pictures, appropriate subclasses for motion picture method or apparatus, especially
51, for methods of recording a series of drawings using photos:graphic images as guides, subclass 137 for a motion picture camera structurally convertible to a still camera, and subclass 169 for a motion picture camera which can selectively record a single frame.
353, Optics: Image Projectors,
5+, for a projection system for mapping or aerial photograph rectifying.
355, Photocopying, for photos:graphically copying information from an original or carrier that is not classified elsewhere, while generally employing a concentrated source of light and an image receiving medium with a photosensitive emulsion surface;
27+, 100, and 106+ for combinations of photocopying apparatus and developing apparatus.
356, Optics: Measuring and Testing, appropriate subclasses for measuring or testing combined with photos:graphic recording provided for there,
3, for rangefinder, subclasses 213+ for photometers, subclass 302 for dispersed light spectroscopy using a photos:graphic medium, subclass 404 for photos:graphic light wave frequency analysis, and subclasses 443+ for light transmission or absorption analysis of photos:graphic film.
358, Facsimile,
302, for facsimile photos:graphic recording, subclass 527 for a color facsimile photos:graphic previewer, and subclass 909.1 for a Cross-reference Art Collection related to an electronic still camera with a semiconductor matrix in place of film.
359, Optics: Systems (Including Communication) and Elements, appropriate subclasses for optical subcombinations of a camera, and 564, for optical Fourier transform spatial filtering with photos:graphic media.
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices,
248+, for circuits of general utility for igniting combustible or explosive devices, such as rockets or dynamite.
362, Illumination, for the combination of an artificial light source with a protector, support or distributor;
3+, specifically for photos:graphic lights.
366, Agitating,
166, provides for mixing chambers of the print washer-type including specified feed means without a separate work holder where turbulence or agitation will inherently occur during normal usage.
369, Dynamic Information Storage or Retrieval,
125, for dynamic information storage or retrieval having a photos:graphic storage medium.
378, X-Ray or Gamma Ray Systems or Devices, appropriate subclasses, particularly
167+, for methods and apparatus for making pictures of animate and inanimate objects by the action of X-rays and gamma rays.
386, Processing of Color Television Signal for Dynamic Recording or Reproducing, 42+, for color television signal recording or reproducing using a dynamic photos:graphic record, and subclasses 128+ for generic television signal recording or reproducing using a dynamic photos:graphic record.
399, Electrophotography,
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 237+ for liquid development;
subclasses 297+ for transfer, subclasses 320+ for fixing, subclasses 343+ for cleaning, and subclasses 361+ for document handling.
427, Coating Processes, appropriate subclasses for the method of making a filter by coating.
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles,
98+, for a structurally defined developed film or photos:graphic print, subclasses 195+ for a structurally defined sheet with discontinuous or differential coating such as a retouched photograph, subclasses 221+ for a developed film or photos:graphic print in which an element or component is structurally defined, and subclasses 411.1 for a developed film or photos:graphic print defined merely by the composition of its layers.
430, Radiation Imagery Chemistry: Process, Composition, or Product Thereof, appropriate subclasses for radiation imagery chemistry involving process, composition, and product.
431, Combustion,
357+, for combustible illuminating flash devices such as photos:graphic bulbs, and subclass 362 provides for electrical circuitry for electrically igniting a combustible light source.
446, Amusement Devices: Toys,
408, for a simulated camera toy providing a sound. 493, Manufacturing Container or Tube From Paper; or Other Manufacturing From a Sheet or Web,
53+, for rigid container making with photos:graphic reproduction, subclasses 187+ for pliable container making with photos:graphic reproduction, and subclass 270 for tube making with photos:graphic reproduction, and subclasses 320+ for manufacturing from a sheet or web with photos:graphic reproduction.
536, Organic Compounds,
40, for recovering nitrated cellulose from photos:graphic film, and subclass 78 for recovering cellulose acetate from photos:graphic film.
600, Surgery,
525, for electric heartbeat signal recording using a CRT and camera.
702, Data Processing: Measuring, Calibrating, or Testing,
182+, for performance or efficiency evaluation.
D16, Photography and Optical Equipment,
200+, for design patents relating to cameras or bodies therefor, and subclasses 237+ for design patents relating to photos:graphic accessories.
D21, Games, Toys, and Sports Goods, 514, for design patents relating to toy cameras and photos:graphic type toys.
GLOSSARY:
APERTURE
An aperture is an opening in the camera through which light passes in order to expose a photos:graphic medium.
APERTURE VALUE (Av)
Aperture value is a logarithmic number indicative of aperture size.
CAMERA
A camera is a device which, when actuated, uses light to record an image of an object which may be chemically developable to become visible. It generally includes (a) a light-tight enclosure, (b) a lens for forming an image of an object at an image plane, (c) a holder for a photos:graphic medium at the image plane, (d) a device to control the light flux reaching the photos:graphic medium, and (e) an opaque device selectively operable to pass light to a photos:graphic medium for a period of time. See References to Other Classes, above (e.g., Classes 250 and 378), for information regarding picture-making devices of diverse energy spectra.
CAMERA STRUCTURE
Camera structure is that subcombination of a camera not otherwise provided for in another class.
DEVELOPING APPARATUS
Developing apparatus is that which makes a photos:graphic image visible. DIAPHRAGM
A diaphragm is a device to change the light flux passing through the aperture.
EXPOSURE
Exposure is the act of allowing light to reach the photos:graphic medium.
EXPOSURE CONTROL CIRCUIT
An exposure control circuit is an electronic circuit to control the exposure.
EXPOSURE OBJECTIVE
An exposure objective is an objective that focuses light from the object onto a photos:graphic medium.
EXPOSURE SYSTEM
An exposure system is one that has means to regulate or adjust an amount of light reaching the photos:graphic medium.
EXPOSURE TIME Exposure time is the length of time an exposure occurs.
EXPOSURE TIME VALUE (Tv)
Exposure time value is a logarithmic number indicative of exposure time.
EXPOSURE VALUE (Ev)
Exposure value is the sum of the aperture value and exposure time value.
FLASH DEVICE
A flash device is a means to produce one or more bursts of light to provide scene illumination for exposure.
FOCUSING
Focusing is the act of obtaining a sharp image of a subject by adjusting a lens system.
FRAME
A frame is the space or area on a photos:graphic medium normally occupied by one picture.
IN-FOCUS An in-focus condition occurs when an object image attains its sharpness.
LIGHT FLUX
Light flux is the rate of light flow across a surface.
OBJECT (or SUBJECT)
An object or a subject refers to a person or thing within the scene to be recorded on a photos:graphic medium.
OBJECTIVE
An objective is a lens that normally faces the object. See Class 359 for a more specific definition.
PHOTOGRAPHIC MEDIUM
A photos:graphic medium is a material coated with a chemical that is photosensitive to actinic light.
RANGEFINDING
Rangefinding is the act of measuring the distance from a subject to the camera. SCENE
A scene is the view to be recorded on a photos:graphic medium.
SHUTTER
A shutter is a device for blocking or unblocking the passage of light for controlling the exposure time.