Description
This is the residual class for electrical devices, circuits orsystems having an output not directly proportional to its inputand comprising at least one component which can provide gain orcan route electrical current and which device, circuit or systemdoes not form a complete system such as is classified specificallyelsewhere or a subcombination of utility only in such elsewhere classifiedsystem.
(1)Note. The scope of patents classified herein can be determinedonly by determining the scope of other related classes which arelisted below under SEARCH CLASS. Also, consult search notes anddefinitions of these classes.
(2)Note. Typical active components are solid-state components,vacuum tubes, and gas filled tubes. However, also included would becomponents broadly claimed to have active properties, but whichare not specifically limited to a particular embodiment such asa vacuum tube.MAIN SUBDIVISIONS OF THIS CLASSA. Specific Signal Discriminating (e.g., Comparing Or Selecting)Without Subsequent ControlIncluded here are circuits for the comparison, selection,or distinguishing of specific characteristics of either an inputsignal or signals without continuous regulation of such characteristic.B. Signal Converting, Shaping, Or GeneratingIncluded here are circuits wherein: (a) an inherent inputsignal parameter such as phase, frequency, amplitude or currentis modified, maintained at some value, or changed to an entirelydifferent parameter; (b) an input signal having a particular waveformmodified into an output signal having a partially or a completelydifferent waveform; or (c) an output signal of specified waveformis produced.C. Specific Input To Output FunctionIncluded here are circuits wherein an output signal is proportionalto a mathematical expression involving an input signal or signals.
(1)Note. Characteristically, the input signals are continuousand slowly varying.
(2)Note. Circuitry performing Boolean Algebra functions, perse, are excluded from this class. See References to Other Classes, below.
(3)Note. The input signals of this subclass do not contain information(data). For data processing see References to Other Classes, below.D. Gating (i.e., Switching Input To Output)Included here are electron tube or solid-state gating circuitswhich distribute unmodified input signals to selected outputs.E. External EffectIncluded here are circuits, not elsewhere classified responsiveto or compensating for an ambient nonelectrical condition such asheat or magnetism.F. With Particular ControlIncluded here are circuits where current or power to a broadlyrecited device is controlled in response to a control signal. The controlsignal may be derived from an external source or from a feedbackstructure responsive to the condition of the load.
(1)Note. Where a specific load device is recited, classificationwill be in the particular class providing for the specific load device.G. Specific Identifiable Device, Circuit, Or SystemIncluded here are circuits having a particular structure,arrangement, or construction not classifiable elsewhere.H. MiscellaneousIncluded here are systems or circuits not provided for elsewhere.