May 2006
`
`CLASSIFICATION DEFINITIONS
`
` 362 - 1
`
`CLASS 362, ILLUMINATION
`
`SECTION I - CLASS DEFINITION
`
`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 compo-
`sition 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 sub-
`class and should not be construed as limit-
`ing the scope of the subject matter covered
`by that subclass.
`
`SECTION II - LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES
`AND WITHIN THIS CLASS
`
`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 Cur-
`rent Class, below.
`
`Light modifying means not limited in use to illumina-
`tion are not classifiable in this class. Two such modify-
`ing 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 dis-
`tribution 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 cer-
`tain 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 classi-
`fied 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
`
`December 2004 Edition
`
`1
`
`KOITO 1036
`Koito Manufacturing v. Adaptive Headlamp
`IPR2016-00079
`
`

`
`362 - 2
`
`IN OTHER
`MEANS
`
`CLASSES AND
`
`ILLUMINATING
`
`40,
`
`CLASSIFICATION DEFINITIONS
`
`May 2006
`
`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 radi-
`ation 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 sub-
`section D, above, for classes providing for illuminating
`means used in signalling and communication. Addi-
`tional classes also providing for illuminating means
`used in performing the function of the classes may be
`found in References to Other Classes, below.
`
`SECTION III - SUBCLASS REFERENCES TO
`THE CURRENT CLASS
`
`SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
`257,
`see the search notes for exceptions to light
`modifying means found in this class (362).
`
`40,
`
`73,
`
`84,
`
`114,
`
`116,
`
`116,
`
`SECTION IV
`CLASSES
`
`- REFERENCES TO OTHER
`
`126,
`
`SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
`34,
`Drying and Gas or Vapor Contact With Solids,
`subclass 88 for drying apparatus and apparatus
`for contacting gases or vapors with solids
`which are provided with electric lamp illumi-
`nating means. (See Lines With Other Classes,
`"Combinations of Devices Provided for in
`Other Classes and Illuminating Means.")
`
`128,
`
`December 2004 Edition
`1
`
`Card, Picture, or Sign Exhibiting, particularly
`subclasses 480, 502 and 541+ for means for
`illuminating subject matter of this class. (See
`Lines With Other Classes, "Signalling and
`Communication.")
`Card, Picture, or Sign Exhibiting, particularly
`subclasses 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.")
`Measuring and Testing, subclass 293 for illu-
`minated liquid level and depth gauges. (See
`Lines With Other Classes, "Combinations of
`Devices Provided for in Other Classes and Illu-
`minating Means.")
`Music, subclass 464 for musical instruments
`combined with means to produce color or light
`effects. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Com-
`binations of Devices Provided for in Other
`Classes and Illuminating Means.")
`Ships, subclass 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.")
`Signals and Indicators, subclass 3 for combina-
`tions of horns and lamps, subclasses 18+ for
`illuminated mechanical code signal apparatus.
`(See Lines With Other Classes, "Signalling and
`Communication.")
`Signals and Indicators, subclass 7 for mechani-
`cal burglar alarms combined with illuminating
`(e.g., floodlighting) means; subclasses 18+ for
`illuminated mechanical code signal apparatus;
`subclasses 48, 49 and 54 for mechanical illumi-
`nated vehicle motion and direction indicators;
`and subclasses 241+ for illuminated radio tun-
`ing dials.
`(See Lines With Other Classes,
`"Combinations of Devices Provided for in
`Other Classes and Illuminating Means.")
`Stoves and Furnaces, subclass 209 for a com-
`bined 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 Illu-
`minating Means.")
`Surgery, for illuminating means for treating the
`human body with light rays. (See Lines With
`Other Classes, "Special Applications.")
`
`2
`
`

`
`May 2006
`
`CLASSIFICATION DEFINITIONS
`
` 362 - 3
`
`250,
`
`294,
`
`313,
`
`314,
`
`315,
`
`340,
`
`165,
`
`219,
`
`220,
`
`232,
`
`239,
`
`239,
`
`246,
`
`246,
`
`248,
`
`250,
`
`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.")
`heating
`for
`Electric Heating, subclass 553
`devices wherein the heating elements are ordi-
`nary incandescent lamps.
` (See Lines With
`Other Classes, "Special Applications.")
`Receptacles, for housings, per se, for light
`sources including such housings having nomi-
`nally recited light source supporting means.
`(See Lines With Other Classes, "Light Source
`Supports or Housings.")
`Deposit and Collection Receptacles, subclass
`13 for illuminated fare boxes. (See Lines With
`Other Classes, "Combinations of Devices Pro-
`vided for in Other Classes and Illuminating
`Means.")
`Fluid Sprinkling, Spraying, and Diffusing,
`appropriate subclasses for a fluid fuel distribu-
`tor which may be disclosed as an illuminating
`burner. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Light
`Sources, Per Se.")
`Fluid Sprinkling, Spraying, and Diffusing,
`subclasses 18+ for ornamental
`illuminated
`fountains. (See Lines With Other Classes,
`"Combinations of Devices Provided for in
`Other Classes and Illuminating Means.")
`Railway Switches and Signals, subclass 473
`for illuminated railway signals. (See Lines
`With Other Classes, "Signalling and Communi-
`cation.")
`Railway Switches and Signals, subclass 483
`for illuminated semaphore arms. (See Lines
`With Other Classes, "Combinations of Devices
`Provided for in Other Classes and Illuminating
`Means.")
`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 subclass 382, below.
`(See
`Lines With Other Classes, "Light Source Sup-
`ports or Housings.")
`for self-
`Radiant Energy, subclasses 462.1+
`luminous articles.
`(See Lines With Other
`Classes, "Light Sources, Per Se.")
`
`Radiant Energy, subclasses 200+ for illuminat-
`ing means combined with photocells.
`(See
`Lines With Other Classes, "Combinations of
`Devices Provided for in Other Classes and Illu-
`minating Means.")
`Handling: Hand and Hoist-line Implements,
`subclass 1.2 for a contact lens applicator com-
`bined 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.")
`Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, gener-
`ally, 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 Sep-
`arable Casing, Jacket, Shield, or Envelope Pro-
`tective 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.")
`Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Con-
`sumable Electrodes, for consumable carbon
`arc-type light sources, per se. (See Lines With
`Other Classes, "Light Sources, Per Se.")
`Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Sys-
`tems, 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.")
`Communications: Electrical, appropriate sub-
`classes for claimed combinations whose proxi-
`mate 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, com-
`position 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 con-
`vey information and illuminate or to convey
`information or illuminate, the combination is
`
`December 2004 Edition
`
`3
`
`

`
`362 - 4
`
`CLASSIFICATION DEFINITIONS
`
`May 2006
`
`classifiable in this class (362). Subcombina-
`tions 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 explic-
`itly provided for in Class 340. However, N.B.,
`Class 340 has not been screened for such sub-
`combinations which may have been originally
`classified there in the past. (See Lines With
`Other Classes, "Signalling and Communica-
`tion.")
`Communications: Electrical, subclasses 907+
`for illuminating means combined with means
`to convey information. See also subsection D,
`above. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Com-
`binations of Devices Provided for in Other
`Classes and Illuminating Means.")
`for
`Optics: Motion Pictures, subclasses 198+
`illuminating means used to project motion pic-
`tures. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Special
`Applications.")
`illuminating
`Optics: Image Projectors, for
`means used to project images. (See Lines With
`Other Classes, "Special Applications.")
`Optics: Measuring and Testing, subclass 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.")
`Optical: Systems and Elements, subclass 885
`for optical filters, subclasses 483-502 for polar-
`izers. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Light
`Modifiers, Filter.").
`Optical: Systems and Elements, generally, for
`light modifiers which modify light from an
`illuminated object or field rather than directly
`from a light generating means. See subclass
`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; sub-
`classes 642-830 for lenses. (See Lines With
`Other Classes, "Light Modifiers, Reflectors,
`Refractors, etc.").
`Horology:
`Time Measuring Systems or
`Devices, subclasses 67 and 227 for illumi-
`nated clocks.
`Dynamic Information Storage or Retrieval,
`subclasses 100+ for apparatus and systems
`including illuminating means for electrically
`
`372,
`
`374,
`
`374,
`
`385,
`
`398,
`
`399,
`
`416,
`
`428,
`
`431,
`
`recording or reproducing photographic sound
`records. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Spe-
`cial Applications.")
`sub-
`Coherent Light Generators, appropriate
`classes for laser-type light sources, per se. (See
`Lines With Other Classes, "Light Sources, Per
`Se.")
`Thermal Measuring and Testing, subclasses
`100+ for detailed structures of thermometers.
`Thermal Measuring and Testing, subclasses
`100+ for the detailed structure of thermome-
`ters. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Combi-
`nations of Devices Provided for in Other
`Classes and Illuminating Means.")
`Optical Waveguides, appropriate subclasses for
`light transmitting fibers, rods, or pipes. (See
`Lines With Other Classes, "Light Modifiers,
`Reflectors, refractors, etc.")
`subclasses
`Optical Communications, various
`for light wave communications. (See Lines
`With Other Classes, "Signaling and Communi-
`cation.")
`Electrophotography, for illumination systems
`including light sources used in electrophoto-
`graphic devices, specifically subclasses 9+ for
`diagnostics, subclasses 38+ for controls, sub-
`classes 130+ for image formation, subclasses
`168+ for charging, subclasses 177+ for expo-
`sure, subclasses 222+ for development, sub-
`classes 297+ for transfer, subclasses 320+ for
`fixing, subclasses 343+ for cleaning, and sub-
`classes 361+ for document handling. (See
`Lines With Other Classes, "Light Sources, Per
`Se.")
`Fluid Reaction Surfaces (i.e., Impellers), sub-
`class 5 for impellers combined with illuminat-
`ing means. (See Lines With Other Classes,
`"Combinations of Devices Provided for in
`Other Classes and Illuminating Means.")
`Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, sub-
`class 38 for a mass transmissive of light
`through all layers and having an opaque bor-
`der; 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 non-
`structural 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.")
`Combustion, for flame-type light sources, per
`se, especially subclasses 100+ for a mantle
`type illuminating burner; subclasses 288+ for a
`
`340,
`
`352,
`
`353,
`
`356,
`
`359,
`
`359,
`
`368,
`
`369,
`
`December 2004 Edition
`1
`
`4
`
`

`
`May 2006
`
`CLASSIFICATION DEFINITIONS
`
` 362 - 5
`
`433,
`
`439,
`
`441,
`
`446,
`
`454,
`
`463,
`
`472,
`
`501,
`
`600,
`
`candle; and subclasses 298+ for a wick-type
`liquid fuel burner. (See Lines With Other
`Classes, "Light Sources, per se.")
`Dentistry, subclasses 29+ for illuminated or
`illuminating dental apparatus. (See Lines With
`Other Classes, "Combinations of Devices Pro-
`vided for in Other Classes and Illuminating
`Means.")
`subclasses
`Electrical Connectors, appropriate
`for an electrical connector, per se, such as a
`light bulb or tube socket which may also sup-
`port or contribute to the support of the light
`bulb or tube. See also the notes to the definition
`of subclass 382, below. (See Lines With Other
`Classes, "Light Source Supports or Housings.")
`Buoys, Rafts, and Aquatic Devices, subclasses
`13+ for illumination buoys. (See Lines With
`Other Classes, "Combinations of Devices Pro-
`vided for in Other Classes and Illuminating
`Means.")
`91,
`Amusement Devices: Toys, subclass 47,
`242, and 485+ for illuminated toys. (See Lines
`With Other Classes, "Combinations of Devices
`Provided for in Other Classes and Illuminating
`Means.")
`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 subclasses 293+
`for a ceiling diffuser with a light fixture. (See
`Lines With Other Classes, "Combinations of
`Devices Provided for in Other Classes and Illu-
`minating Means.")
`Amusement Devices: Games, subclasses 51+
`for a simulated projectile game wherein a light
`ray is used to simulate a projectile. (See Lines
`With Other Classes, "Special Applications.")
`Amusement Devices, subclasses 57+ and par-
`ticularly subclass 61 for illusion apparatus with
`illuminating means appropriate therefor. (See
`Lines With Other Classes, "Special Applica-
`tions.")
`for
`Compositions: Ceramic, subclasses 11+
`glass compositions which may act as a light fil-
`ter. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Light
`Modifiers, Filter.")
`Surgery, appropriate subclasses for illuminated
`diagnostic apparatus and for apparatus for
`treating the human body with light rays. In
`for endo-
`particular, search subclasses 101+
`scopes; subclass 11 for pharygoscopes; sub-
`classes 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.")
`Surgery: Kinesitherapy, subclass 1 for kinesi-
`therapy devices.
`(See Lines With Other
`Classes, "Combinations of Devices Provided
`for in Other Classes and Illuminating Means.")
`Surgery: Splint, Brace, or Bandage, subclass 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.")
`Surgery, subclasses 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.'')
`Surgery, subclass 1 for surgical instrumenta-
`tion. (See Lines With Other Classes, "Combi-
`nations of Devices Provided for in Other
`Classes and Illuminating Means.")
`
`601,
`
`602,
`
`604,
`
`606,
`
`SECTION V - 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 sub-
`ject matter within this class and do not necessarily
`encompass all usages of the terms in the art. Because
`the following definitions are generalized, certain sub-
`class 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.
`
`December 2004 Edition
`
`5
`
`

`
`362 - 6
`
`CLASSIFICATION DEFINITIONS
`
`May 2006
`
`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.
`
` Certain terms such as "lens,"
`(1) Note.
`"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 transpar-
`ent window in a light housing whose proxi-
`mate function is to protect the light source.
`Whether or not a means recited in a claim
`in such ambiguous terms is to be consid-
`ered 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 dis-
`closure, function in the claimed combina-
`tion 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 mod-
`
`December 2004 Edition
`1
`
`ifier is classifiable in the first-occurring
`subclass providing for modifiers which per-
`form at least one of its modifying functions.
`
`REFLECTOR
`
`A light modifying device having a surface which redi-
`rects 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 transpar-
`ent material of the reflector itself in which case it is redi-
`rected 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 transpar-
`ent 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 "Modi-
`fier", 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
`
`6
`
`

`
`May 2006
`
`CLASSIFICATION DEFINITIONS
`
` 362 - 7
`
`straight lines. Transparent illuminating means may or
`may not be light modifiers.
`
`3
`
`1
`
`2
`
`SUBCLASSES
`
`This subclass is indented under the class defini-
`tion. Subject matter having means for modify-
`ing the spectral character of light from an artifi-
`cial source for the purpose of producing light
`simulating daylight.
`
`(1) Note. This subclass includes a combina-
`tion of light sources of differing spectral
`outputs with means for mixing the out-
`puts for a combined spectral output sim-
`ulating daylight.
`
`SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-
`CLASS:
`231,
`for plural light sources with different
`radiation outputs but not limited to
`simulated daylight.
`
`607,
`
`SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
`Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices,
`313,
`subclasses 110+ for optical device or
`special ray transmissive envelope, per
`se.
`Surgery: Light, Thermal, and Electri-
`cal Application, subclass 95 for a cab-
`inet to enclose a person and designed
`to expose the person to the sun's rays;
`and subclasses 88+ for devices to
`apply light to the body for therapeutic
`purposes.
`
`This subclass is indented under subclass 1.
`Subject matter wherein the means for modify-
`ing the light has different effects on different
`light wavelengths such as absorbing some
`while transmitting others or reflecting others.
`
`SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-
`CLASS:
`293,
`for an illumination light source or
`support combined with a selected
`wavelength modifier but not limited
`to simulating daylight.
`
`SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
`Optics: Systems (Including Commu-
`359,
`nication) and Elements, subclasses
`885+ for light filters, per se.
`
`This subclass is indented under the class defini-
`tion. Subject matter comprising means to illu-
`minate a subject and designed for use with a
`device (camera) for recording an image of the
`subject on photosensitive material and not clas-
`sifiable elsewhere.
`
`(1) Note. This and the indented subclasses
`include subcombinations adapted to per-
`fect the illumination function such as a
`"flashgun" designed to give a short burst
`of high intensity light when used with an
`unclaimed shutter actuator.
`
`SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-
`CLASS:
`for light projectors of general illumi-
`257+,
`nation utility including "photo flood
`lights" which fail to require structural
`features that would limit them to a
`photographic environment.
`
`219,
`
`313,
`
`315,
`
`361,
`
`SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
`Electricity: Conductors and Insula-
`174,
`tors, subclasses 250+ for a printed cir-
`cuit board, per se.
`Electric Heating, subclasses 260+ for
`resistive element igniters.
`Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices,
`appropriate subclasses for photoflash
`bulbs, per se, of the nonconsumable
`type.
`and Discharge
`Electric Lamp
`sub-
`Devices: Systems, appropriate
`classes for systems including circuit
`means for energizing light sources of
`the nonconsumable type.
`Electricity: Electrical Systems and
`Devices, subclasses 243+ for electri-
`cal systems for igniting combustible
`flashbulbs of general utility and
`wherein the flashbulbs are not limited
`by specific structure. See the refer-
`ence to Class 431 below.
`for
`Photography, subclasses 155+
`combinations of photographic lights
`and
`significant camera
`structure
`which may
`include photoelectric
`means.
`illumination
`Electrophotography, for
`systems including light sources used
`
`396,
`
`399,
`
`December 2004 Edition
`
`7
`
`

`
`362 - 8
`
`CLASSIFICATION DEFINITIONS
`
`May 2006
`
`431,
`
`439,
`
`in electrophotographic devices, spe-
`cifically subclasses 177+
`for expo-
`sure.
`for
`Combustion, subclasses 357+
`photoflash bulbs, per se, of the com-
`bustible type and combinations which
`include means for igniting such spe-
`cific bulbs. That section also provides
`for a nominal light source, such as a
`"flashbulb", or a nominal light modi-
`fier or "reflector" if combined with
`specific mechanical igniting means,
`such as percussive means and which
`may include
`light source support
`means. See the reference to Class 361
`above which provides for more gen-
`eral utility electrical ignition means
`that are not limited by light source,
`modifier or support details.
`Electrical Connectors, subclass 151
`for a coupling part connector com-
`bined with means to allow reposition-
`ing of a mating part for engagement of
`different contacts on the mating part,
`e.g., a flash cube, etc.; and subclasses
`620.01-620.34 for an electrical con-
`nector combined with a named circuit
`component;
`and
`see
`the notes
`appended thereto.
`
`This subclass is indented under subclass 3.
`Subject matter having an electrical device
`which responds to radiant light energy by (1)
`varying its electrical characteristics, (2) gener-
`ating an electric current, or (3) means for deter-
`mining the intensity or quantity of light
`emanating from a particular location or direc-
`tion, wherein any of the aforementioned three
`are combined with photos:graphic illumination
`structure.
`
`SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-
`CLASS:
`6,
`for devices which respond to infrared
`radiation or other forms of thermal
`energy.
`
`SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
`for
`Radiant Energy, subclasses 200+
`250,
`photocells, circuits and apparatus,
`especially subclass 215 where com-
`bined with a diverse type device.
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`315,
`
`356,
`
`361,
`
`396,
`
`and Discharge
`Electric Lamp
`Devices: Systems, subclasses 149+
`where the system is combined with
`radiant
`energy
`sensitive
`control
`means.
`Optics: Measuring and Testing, sub-
`classes 213+ for photometers per se
`and see the search class notes for
`other fields of search.
`Electricity: Electrical Systems and
`Devices, subclasses 173+ for relays
`and solenoids combined with light
`condition responsive means.
`for
`Photography, subclasses 155+
`combinations of photographic lights
`and
`significant camera
`structure
`which may include light sensing or
`indicating.
`
`This subclass is indented under subclass 3.
`