January 2011 CLASSIFICATION DEFINITIONS 200 - 1 · 2019. 10. 22. · January 2011 CLASSIFICATION DEFINITIONS 200 - 3 January 2011 with a plug, socket, or other connector coupling

January 2011 CLASSIFICATION DEFINITIONS 200 - 1

January 2011

CLASS 200, ELECTRICITY: CIRCUIT MAK-ERS AND BREAKERS

SECTION I - CLASS DEFINITION

This is the generic class for devices, per se, of generalapplication which are used for closing or opening elec-trical circuits and the combination of these devices withtheir operating means. In the combined devices theremust be something more than the mere inclusion of acircuit maker or breaker broadly.

Combinations of circuit makers and breakers with elec-trical plugs, sockets, or other connectors are in thisclass.

This class includes devices known as “controllers”, “cir-cuit-closers”, “switches”, “circuit-breakers”, “interrupt-ers”, “distributers”, “thermal-cut-offs”, “fuses”, and“electrical thermostats”.

Electrical systems or circuits are excluded from thisclass. These systems or circuits are classified in the var-ious electrical or art classes, depending on the particularform of electrical system or of the apparatus controlled.

SECTION II - LINES WITH OTHER CLASSESAND WITHIN THIS CLASS

A circuit maker or breaker of this class (200) can be dis-tinguished from an electrical connector of Class 439,Electrical Connectors, in that a circuit maker or breakercomprises an assemblage of parts including both a mov-able contact and its mating contact wherein there is apositive (permanent) physical connection between thecontacts such that a contact is restricted to move withrespect to a mating contact along a prescribed path eachtime the circuit maker or breaker operates, whereas anelectrical connector is physically separated from the dis-tinct, mating connector each time the circuit is broken.

The combination of an electrical circuit maker orbreaker with an electrical connector will be found in thisclass (200). For example, an electrical connector with adistinct switch actuated by a mating connector isincluded in this class (200), especially in subclasses61.58+. An electrical connector that includes integrallytherewith a “switching” component actuated by cou-pling engagement with a mating connector is to befound in Class 439. Search especially Class 439, sub-class 188 for an electrical connector having circuit inter-rupting provision effected by mating.

An electrical connector, per se, may include movablecontacts and be in the class of electrical connectors. Forexample, Search Class 439, subclasses 43+ for an elec-trical connector with a selectable circuit wherein nodetails of the circuit structure is set forth; subclasses152+ for an electrical connector detachable from a mat-ing connector by snap or quick-break action; subclasses259+ for a connector with a contact moved laterally intoengagement with a mating contact in a “zero insertionforce device”; subclasses 296+ for an electrical connec-tor with coupling movement-actuating means or retain-ing means in addition to the contact, especiallysubclasses 310+ for a retaining means with distinctmovement-actuating means to move a coupling part axi-ally; and subclasses 374+ for an electrical connectorwith guiding means for mating of a coupling part.

This class (200) has not been screened to verify place-ment according to this line.

Search should be made in the art or special applicationclasses for circuit-controllers of such special type as tobe peculiarly adapted for those arts-- e.g., telegraph keysin Class 178, Telegraphy, telephone-switches in Class379, Telephonic Communications.

SECTION III - REFERENCES TO OTHERCLASSES

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:75, Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Composi-

tions for Use Therein, Consolidated MetalPowder Compositions, and Loose Metal Partic-ulate Mixtures, for patents claiming a metalcomposition, e.g., an alloy or a compositionhaving a continuous phase of free metal madeby consolidating metal particles.

148, Metal Treatment, subclasses 400+ for elemen-tal metal or alloys which (a) are the product ofa Class 148 process (e.g., heat treated, agehardened), (b) are claimed in terms of specificmagnetic properties or as having particularinternal structure which affects the magneticproperties, (c) are amorphous, (d) possess theproperty of shape memory, (e) are the productof a significant Class 164, Metal Founding,step (e.g., chill cast, directionally solidified,etc.), (f) are the product of the dispersion ofparticulate matter in molten metal which par-ticulate retains its identity in the final product(e.g., dispersion strengthened, etc.).

200 - 2 CLASSIFICATION DEFINITIONS January 2011

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178, Telegraphy, see Lines With Other Classes andWithin This Class, above.

234, Selective Cutting (e.g., Punching), appropriatesubclasses, and particularly subclasses 59+ fora pattern-controlled selective cutting machinewherein the pattern sensor may involve electri-cal circuit-controllers.

252, Compositions, subclasses 500+ for electricallyconductive compositions and devices definedsolely in terms of the composition of whichthey are composed. Included are contacts andswitches defined solely in terms of their com-position or stock.

313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, appro-priate subclasses. Class 313 is the genericclass for space discharge devices. See sub-classes 146+ of Class 313 for dischargedevices which are provided with a movableelectrode. Some discharge devices are closelyanalogous in structure to some types of circuitmakers and breakers. See Lines With OtherClasses and Within This Class in Class 313 forthe distinction between a space dischargedevice and a circuit maker and breaker.

314, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Con-sumable Electrodes, appropriate subclasses forelectric space discharge devices designed topass an electric current (e.g., arc, spark, etc.)between two electrodes spaced apart in a vac-uum or a gas or vapor atmosphere (includingatmospheric air). See Class 314 where the dis-charge device is provided with an electrodewhich is consumed during the operation andhas means to feed the electrodes together tocompensate for the consumption of the elec-trode.

333, Wave Transmission Lines and Networks, sub-classes 101+ for plural channel systems includ-ing branched circuits with switching, subclass13 for resonator type breakdown discharge sys-tem, e.g., T-R or R-T systems, and subclass 262for long line elements and components whichmay perform a switching or blocking function,e.g., long line short circuiting switches andlong line shorting plugs.

334, Tuners, subclasses 47+ for tuners which arevaried or adjusted by a switching operationwhich usually involves a make and break typeswitch.

343, Communications: Radio Wave Antennas, sub-class 768 for slot type antennas with periodiccontrol of the slot or coupling; subclass 777 forplural wave guide type antennas with control ofthe individual antenna; subclass 876 for anten-

nas with switching between the antennas andlines; and subclass 904 for antennas which maybe combined with a switch.

361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses 600+ for arrangements of circuitclosures on a mounting or in a housing. Seealso, subclass 115 for specific circuit breakerstructure in protection of safety of a system ordevice.

379, Telephonic Communications, see Lines WithOther Classes and Within This Class, above.

420, Alloys or Metallic Compositions, for alloyscontaining metal or metallic compositionswhich contain a continuous phase of metal.

427, Coating Processes, subclasses 58+ for coatingprocesses, per se, wherein an electrical productis produced.

428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles,appropriate subclasses, especially subclasses379+ for coated electrical conductors whichmay include contacts and switches, but whichare merely coated bases recited solely as a sub-strate with a particular coating therein; see alsosubclasses 411.1+ for a composite web or sheetwhich is characterized solely by the composi-tions of the layers.

439, Electrical Connectors, see Lines With OtherClasses and Within This Class, above.

SUBCLASSES

1 MULTIPLE CIRCUIT CONTROL:This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Devices in which a plurality of contactsare arranged to control two or more circuits.

(1) Note. This group includes motor andresistance controllers, per se, the combi-nation of these with electro-magneticcontrol, and operators peculiar to thistype of circuit control.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:19.01+, for devices for the periodic control of

a plurality of circuits.33+, for combinations with retarding

means.51+, especially subclasses 51.03-51.06 for

multiple circuit control switches actu-ated by or claimed in combination


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with a plug, socket, or other connectorcoupling device.

2 Loop:This subclass is indented under subclass 1.Devices for connecting a loop or shunt circuitinto a main circuit without at any time com-pletely interrupting the circuit.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:51+, especially subclass 51.1 for such

devices actuated by or claimed incombination with a plug, socket, orother connector coupling device.

3 Combined thermal current:This subclass is indented under subclass 1.Devices include combinations with thermalcurrent cut outs or fuses. These devices aregenerally used for starting alternating-currentmotors.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:337, Electricity: Electrothermally or Ther-

mally Actuated Switches, for thermal-current cut outs, per se.

4 Combined pivoted and reciprocating con-tact:This subclass is indented under subclass 1.Devices in which a contactor moving in a cir-cular path is combined with one moving in astraight line.

5 Multiple switch:This subclass is indented under subclass 1.Devices comprising a plurality of switcheseach being separately operated and usually pro-vided with interlocking means to permit theiroperation only in a definite order.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:9, for multiple contact or pivoted contact

of plural switch devices.13, for dial-type plural switch devices.18, for plural switch devices with operat-

ing means.50.01+, for retarded interlocking switches.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:341, Coded Data Generation or Conver-

sion, subclasses 22+ for a keyboardcontrolled code transmitter.

6 Pivoted contact:This subclass is indented under subclass 1.Devices in which the contactors are mountedso as to move in a circular path.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:4, for combined pivoted and reciprocat-

ing contact switches.37, for retarded multiple contact rotary

switches.

7 Combined types:This subclass is indented under subclass 6.Devices comprising two or more of the follow-ing different types of pivoted contact control-lers.

8 Radial contact pressure:This subclass is indented under subclass 6.Devices in which the contact-pressure betweenthe fixed and movable contacts is exerted in aline radial to the arc of movement of the piv-oted contact.

(1) Note. This type comprises largely thedevices known as “drum-controllers”.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:7, for radial contact pressure pivoted

switch combined with other type.17, for radial contact pressure switches

with operating means.

9 Plural switch:This subclass is indented under subclass 8.Devices in which two or more controllers havemovement relative to one another.

10 Arc extinguishing and preventing:This subclass is indented under subclass 8.Devices in which special means are providedfor extinguishing or preventing the formationof arcs upon separation of the contacts.


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SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:218, High-Voltage Switches With Arc Pre-

venting or Extinguishing Devices, subclasses 1+ for arc preventing orextinguishing devices

11 Dial type:This subclass is indented under subclass 6.Devices comprising two or more contactsarranged in the arc of a circle, the contact-sur-face being in a plane and having a pivotedcooperating sliding contact moving in a planeparallel to that of the contact-surfaces.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:7, for dial-type switch combined with

other type.17, for dial type switch with operating

means.

12 Electromagnetic release:This subclass is indented under subclass 11.Devices in which the movable contact is biasedtoward a certain position, usually the off posi-tion, and is adapted to be held in some otherposition and released by means of an electro-magnet.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated

Switches, Magnets, and Electromag-nets, subclasses 2+ for electromagnet-ically actuated circuit controllers gen-erally.

13 Plural switch:This subclass is indented under subclass 12.Devices in which there are two or more con-trollers which have movement relative to oneanother.

14 Plural switch:This subclass is indented under subclass 11.Devices comprising two or more dial-type con-trollers which have movement relative to oneanother.

15 Knife blade:This subclass is indented under subclass 6.Devices comprising conducting blades adaptedto make contact by being projected betweenconducting leaves.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:3, for pivoted contact knife blade switch

combined with thermal current.7, for pivoted contact knife blade switch

combined with other type of pivotedcontact switch.

554+, for single-contact switches of theknife-blade type.

16 Reciprocating contact:This subclass is indented under subclass 1.Devices in which the movable contact operatesin a straight line.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:4, for combined reciprocating contact

and pivoted contact switch.

17 Operating means:This subclass is indented under subclass 1.Means peculiarly adapted for the operation ofmultiple-circuit controllers.

(1) Note. Search should be extended toappropriate subclasses in this group ofmultiple-circuit control.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:74, Machine Element or Mechanism, for

operators of general application; andsubclass 565 for controller checks.

18 Plural switch:This subclass is indented under subclass 17.Devices for operating two or more controllerswhich have movement relative to one another.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:9, for radial pivoted contact pressure

plural switches.13, for dial-type plural switch, electro-

magnetic release.14, for dial-type plural switch.

19.01 PERIODIC:This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Devices in which the circuit is made andbroken intermittently or at constantly recurringintervals.


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(1) Note. There is usually a constantlydriven member which operates a contactor plurality of contacts to intermittentlymake and break the contact.

(2) Note. This group includes devicesknown as 'interrupters', 'distributors', and'flashers'.

19.02 Combined:This subclass is indented under subclass 19.01.Devices comprising a plurality of circuit-con-trollers, one at least of which is of the intermit-tent type.

19.03 Rotary and cam:This subclass is indented under subclass 19.02.Subject matter in which a rotating intermittentcontact is combined with a cam-operated con-tact.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:19.07, for rotary multiple contact.19.13, for cam-operated multiple contact.19.18, for periodic rotary contact.

19.04 Timer:This subclass is indented under subclass 19.03.Subject matter including a special clock mech-anism used to perform switching operations atpredetermined time intervals.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:19.08, for rotary multiple-contact timer.19.29, for cam-operated periodic contact

timer.19.31, for periodic contact breaker assembly

timer.

19.05 Adjustable:This subclass is indented under subclass 19.03.Subject matter in which means are provided forchanging the relative positions of the fixed andmovable contacts to vary the time of contact.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:19.11, for adjustable rotary multiple contact.19.19, for periodic adjustable rotary contact.19.21, for adjustable cam-operated contact.

19.06 Multiple contacts:This subclass is indented under subclass 19.01.Subject matter in which a plurality of moveablecontacts are arranged for engagement with aplurality of fixed contacts.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:1+, for multiple-circuit control generally.

19.07 Rotary:This subclass is indented under subclass 19.06.Subject matter in which a rotating contactcooperates with a plurality of contacts.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:19.03, for periodic rotary and cam-operated

contact.19.18, for periodic rotary contact.36+, for retarded clock train, plural-contact

rotary switch.

19.08 Timer:This subclass is indented under subclass 19.07.Subject matter wherein the rotary contact isused in a special clock mechanism to performswitching operations at predetermined timeintervals.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:19.04, for rotary and cam contact timer.19.29, for cam-operated periodic contact

timer.19.31, for periodic contact breaker assembly

timer.

19.09 Commutator:This subclass is indented under subclass 19.07.Subject matter wherein the rotary contact isused in a direct current generator to reverse thedirection of an electric current and maintain acurrent flowing in one direction.

19.1 Distributor:This subclass is indented under subclass 19.07.Subject matter wherein the rotary contact isused in a device in a multicylinder engine fordistributing the ignition voltage to the sparkplugs in a definite sequence.


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SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:19.14, for automotive distributor.19.24, for cam-operated distributor plate.

19.11 Adjustable:This subclass is indented under subclass 19.07.Subject matter in which the relative positionsof the fixed and movable contacts may bechanged to vary the time of contact.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:19.05, for adjustable rotary and cam-oper-

ated contact.19.19, for adjustable rotary-operated contact.19.21, for adjustable cam-operated contact.

19.12 Radial contact pressure:This subclass is indented under subclass 19.07.Subject matter in which the contact pressurebetween the fixed and movable contacts isexerted in a line radial to the arc of movementof the pivoted contact.

19.13 Cam operated:This subclass is indented under subclass 19.06.Subject matter in which the movable contactsare operated by a rotating cam or cams.


contact.19.2, for periodic cam-operated contact.

19.14 For automotive:This subclass is indented under subclass 19.13.Subject matter in which the switches are usedin automobiles.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:19.1, for rotary multiple-contact distributor.19.24, for periodic cam-operated distributor

plate, per se.

19.15 Programming timer:This subclass is indented under subclass 19.13.Subject matter including an electromechanicaltimer which repeats a preset program continu-ously.

19.16 For sign display:This subclass is indented under subclass 19.15.Subject matter in which the switches are usedfor general advertising and display.

19.17 Traffic control signs:This subclass is indented under subclass 19.16.Subject matter whose use as the display sign isdirectly associated with a traffic control forautomobiles, airplanes, elevators, etc.

19.18 Rotary:This subclass is indented under subclass 19.01.Subject matter in which a rotating contactcooperates with a fixed contact.


contact.19.07, for rotary multiple contact.19.13, for cam-operated multiple contact.36+, for retarded clock train rotary switch.

19.19 Adjustable:This subclass is indented under subclass 19.18.Subject matter in which the relative positionsof the fixed and movable contacts may bechanged to vary the time of contact.


ated contact.19.11, for adjustable rotary multiple contact.19.21, for adjustable cam-operated contact.

19.2 Cam operated:This subclass is indented under subclass 19.01. Subject matter in which the movable contact isactuated by a cam.


contact.19.13, for periodic cam-operated multiple

contact.38+, for retarded clock train, cam-operated

switch.


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19.21 Adjustable:This subclass is indented under subclass 19.2.Subject matter wherein means are provided forchanging the relative positions of the cam andcooperating contact.

(1) Note. The adjustment may be manual orautomatic.


ated contact.19.11, for adjustable rotary multiple contact.19.19, for periodic adjustable rotary contact.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:464, Rotary Shafts, Gudgeons, Housings,

and Flexible Couplings for RotaryShafts, subclasses 1+ for a speedresponsive device for adjusting therelative rotational position of coupledmembers.

19.22 Contact breaker assemblies:This subclass is indented under subclass 19.21.Subject matter including complete adjustableoperating units so that the adjustment of thebreaker contact points is made during actuationof the cam.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:19.26, for automotive distributor contact

assembly.19.3, for periodic contact breaker assembly.

19.23 Centrifugal advance mechanism:This subclass is indented under subclass 19.21.Subject matter including a mechanism directedoutward away from a center that is used forautomatically advancing the time of the sparkin response to a predetermined increase inengine speed.

(1) Note. The centrifugal advance mecha-nism may be used singly or in combina-tion with a vacuum or suction controlledadvance mechanism.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:19.25, for vacuum or suction controlled

advance mechanism.

19.24 Distributor plate:This subclass is indented under subclass 19.21.Subject matter including a broad, thin sheet ofmetal to which the contact breaker structuremay be mounted.

(1) Note. The mounting of the plate assem-bly may be adjacent to the shaft and alsoto the housing. The mounting structureprevents undue vibration of the contactbreaker assembly.

(2) Note. The distributor plate assemblymay also be referred to as 'cam plate' or'interrupter plate'.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:19.01, for periodic breakers of general utility.

19.25 Vacuum or suction controlled advancemechanism:This subclass is indented under subclass 19.21.Subject matter wherein the process or condi-tion of sucking controls advance mechanism,directly responsive to changes in engine tem-perature, automatically adjusts the time of thespark.

19.26 Automotive distributor contact breakerassembly:This subclass is indented under subclass 19.2.Subject matter wherein the cam-operated con-tact breaker assembly is used in automotivedistributors.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:19.22, for adjustable contact breaker assem-

bly. 19.3, for general contact breaker assemblies

of periodic switches.

19.27 Contact breaker lever detail:This subclass is indented under subclass 19.26.Subject matter comprising details of a rigid barturning upon an axis and its associated supportmembers and contacts.


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(1) Note. The support member includespivot post and cam follower.

19.28 Ignition point detail:This subclass is indented under subclass 19.26.Subject matter comprising details of a set ofignition points.

19.29 Timer:This subclass is indented under subclass 19.26.Subject matter including a special clock mech-anism used to perform switching operations atpredetermined time interval.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:19.04, for rotary and cam contact timer.19.08, for rotary multiple-contact timer.19.31, for periodic contact breaker assembly

timer.

19.3 Contact breaker detail:This subclass is indented under subclass 19.01.Subject matter comprising details of a contactbreaker.

(1) Note. The contact breaker assemblymay be either (a) a distributor cap-rotorcombination or (b) cam operated.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:19.22, for adjustable contact breaker assem-

bly. 19.26, for automotive distributor contact

assembly.

19.31 Timer:This subclass is indented under subclass 19.3.Subject matter including a special clock mech-anism used to perform switching operations atpredetermined time intervals.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:19.04, for rotary and cam-contact timer.19.08, for rotary multiple-contact timer.19.29, for cam-operated periodic contact

timer.

19.32 Distributor cap detail:This subclass is indented under subclass 19.01.Subject matter comprising details of a distribu-tor cap which may include fixed contactarrangements, adjustability of cap to housing,electrical connection of wires to the cap, venti-lation means, etc.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:19.38, for protective cover means disposed

on the distributor or wires for multi-purpose shielding functions.

19.33 Distributor rotor detail:This subclass is indented under subclass 19.01.Subject matter comprising details of a distribu-tor rotor-contact arrangement.

19.34 Elevated:This subclass is indented under subclass 19.01.Subject matter in which the circuit breaker islifted up for easy access.

19.35 Locks:This subclass is indented under subclass 19.01.Subject matter including a mechanism for pre-venting operation of the distributor contactassembly or removal of the distributor cap.

19.36 Magnet: This subclass is indented under subclass 19.01.Subject matter which contains a plurality ofswitches operated periodically by a fixed orrotatable permanent magnet assembly.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:123, Internal-Combustion Engines, sub-

class 154 for electromagneticallyactuated switches.

335, Electricity: Magnetically OperatedSwitches, Magnets, and Electromag-nets, subclasses 205+ for permanentmagnet actuated nonperiodicswitches.

19.37 Traffic signal:This subclass is indented under subclass 19.01.Subject matter wherein the circuit breaker pro-duces a set of signals operating the movementof vehicles, ships, or persons in an area.


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19.38 Wire guard:This subclass is indented under subclass 19.01.Subject matter in which a protective covermeans (e.g., rubber, metal, wood, etc.) encap-sulates the distributor housing or cap andwires.

(1) Note. The protective cover meansshields the internal distributor frommoisture, etc. and also may serve asradio interference shielding means.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:19.32, for distributor cap.

19.39 Distributor:This subclass is indented under subclass 19.01.Subject matter in which a rotary contact is usedin a device in a multicylinder engine for dis-tributing the ignition voltage to the spark plugsin a definite sequence.

19.4 With noise preventing means:This subclass is indented under subclass 19.39.Subject matter including means to suppressnoise which radiates from the ignition distribu-tor.

33 RETARDED:This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Devices including means for timing ordelaying the operation of the contacts.

(1) Note. These devices include the so-called “time-switches”.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:178, Telegraphy, subclass 76 for retarded

circuit closers peculiar to telegraphsystems.

307, Electrical Transmission or Intercon-nection Systems, subclasses 141+ fora switching system including a timedelay or retardation means controllinga switch actuation.

335, Electricity: Magnetically OperatedSwitches, Magnets, and Electromag-nets, subclasses 59+ for electromag-netically operated retarded circuit-makers.

337, Electricity: Electrothermally or Ther-mally Actuated Switches, appropriatesubclasses for electrothermally andthermally actuated switches withretarded action.

34 Dashpot:This subclass is indented under subclass 33.Devices in which the retarding means is a dash-pot.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:188, Brakes, subclasses 297+ for a dash-

pot, per se.

35 Clock train:This subclass is indented under subclass 33.Devices in which clocks, clock-trains, or simi-lar gearing are used as a retarding means.

36 Rotary:This subclass is indented under subclass 35.Devices in which the movable contact has arotary motion.

37 Multiple contact:This subclass is indented under subclass 36.Devices in which the movable contact cooper-ates with a plurality of fixed contacts.

38 Cam operated:This subclass is indented under subclass 35.Devices in which the contacts are operated bymeans of a rotating cam.

39 Latch trip:This subclass is indented under subclass 35.Devices in which the switch contact is heldfrom movement by means of a latch which isreleased by a clock mechanism.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:405+, for oscillating contact double snap

switch.427+, for reciprocating contact latch switch.468+, for oscillating contact single snap of

switch.


Switches, Magnets, and Electromag-nets, subclasses 39+ for electromag-netically actuated retarded trips in


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automatic circuit interrupters, andsubclasses 174+ for electromagneti-cally actuated latch trips.

40 Motor release:This subclass is indented under subclass 39.Devices in which the tripping of the latchreleases a motor, usually a spring-motor, whichoperates the contact.

41 Weight release:This subclass is indented under subclass 39.Devices in which the tripping of the latchreleases a weight, which in falling operates thecontact.

42.01 PLURAL SWITCHES CONTROL SIN-GLE CIRCUIT:This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Devices wherein a single circuit is closedor opened by placing a plurality of circuit con-trolling switches in a specified relationship tocomplete or open the circuit.

(1) Note. These devices are commonlyknown as permutation switches.

(2) Note. The switches are normally inseries when the desired state is circuitcompletion and the switches are nor-mally parallel when the desired state isan open circuit.

42.02 Coded removable actuator:This subclass is indented under subclass 42.01.Devices including a separate and distinct actua-tor for opening or closing the switches in a pre-determined pattern, which actuator can bewithdrawn from the switch (e.g., key).

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:43.06, for devices of the type where each

individual switch controls a circuit.

43.01 SWITCH ACTIVATION INHIBITOR (e.g.,UNAUTHORIZED INADVERTENT USEPREVENTION):This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Devices having structure to prohibit orrestrain the operation of a switch actuatorincluding for example coded elements (e.g.,combination codes), locks or other circuit com-pleting means.

(1) Note. The term “switch” is a device formaking or breaking an electrical circuitand it normally activated by an “actua-tor”. The actuator may take many formssuch as button, handles, keys or someother type of element. A “coded ele-ment” may be in the form of a specialtool, key, combinations such as permuta-tion codes or combination locks.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:5+, and 50.01+, for interlock switches

which have the actuator blockeddepending upon the condition of theplug, the switch housing or anotherswitch.

304, and 333, for switch shields whichlimit access to the actuator but whichdo not block the actuator or preventaccess to the actuator.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:380, Cryptography, particularly subclasses

26+ for mechanical control of signalencryption.

43.02 Combined which connector coupling:This subclass is indented under subclass 43.01.Devices wherein a lock-type switch is associ-ated with an electrical connector for openingand closing an electrical circuit.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:51+, for connector couplers which do not

include restraining or inhibitingmeans and see the definitions of 51+for placement of combined switchesand electrical connectors classifiablein this subclass and subclasses 51+.

43.03 Engine starter protector:This subclass is indented under subclass 43.01.Devices having structure which prevents anactuator for an ignition switch from beingreturned to start position after being activatedwithout first being moved to “off”, standby orsome other nonactivated position.


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43.04 Removable actuator:This subclass is indented under subclass 43.01.Devices wherein the actuator is designed to bereadily removable.

(1) Note. The actuator is in many instancestermed a key.

43.05 Actuator is circuit completing element:This subclass is indented under subclass 43.04.Devices wherein the switch is activated byintroducing a coded actuator which becomespart of the circuit-completing means.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:439, Electrical Connectors, appropriate

subclasses for contact plugs in gen-eral.

43.06 Plural switches actuated by a single codedelement:This subclass is indented under subclass 43.04.Devices comprising multiple switch contacts toactivate multiple circuits where all circuits areselectively actuated by introducing a singlecoded element.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:42.02, for devices of the type where a single

circuit is controlled by the switches.

43.07 Reciprocating actuator activates switch:This subclass is indented under subclass 43.04.Devices wherein the switch device includesstructure which is mechanically moved to anactivated condition by inserting a coded ele-ment, and to a nonactivated condition byremoval of the coded element.

(1) Note. The activated condition may beeither opened or closed.

43.08 By rotation of actuator:This subclass is indented under subclass 43.04.Devices wherein the actuator is a coded ele-ment normally referred to as a key which keyactivates a switch device typically includingstructure such as lock cylinders and plungers.

(1) Note. The devices provided for in thissubclass require a key which will only

operate a switch having a matchingplunger configuration.

43.09 Combination automatically actuates switch:This subclass is indented under subclass 43.01.Devices wherein contacts are spontaneouslyactivated by means of a series of combinationmoves of a combination lock.

(1) Note. The combination locks providedfor in this subclass are generally dis-closed as tumbler type, where a series ofcorrect rotations of the operating mecha-nism releases a part of the lock to auto-matically activate the switch contacts.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:43.12, for combination lock which control a

separate locked actuator and the actu-ator must first be unlocked before itcan be manipulated.

43.11 Actuator locking device:This subclass is indented under subclass 43.01.Devices including means that prevent unautho-rized movement of the actuator or the contacts,or prohibits access to the actuator, until thelock is opened.

43.12 Combination lock control actuator:This subclass is indented under subclass 43.11.Devices wherein a combination type lock pre-vents manipulation of a separate and distinctswitch actuator.

43.13 Reciprocating actuator (e.g., push button):This subclass is indented under subclass 43.11.Devices wherein the actuator is a button orknob that when pushed operates to open orclose an electric circuit, and including a lockwhich prevents operations of the button orknob.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:530, and 341, for various types of push

button actuators including push-pushand push-pull.


1January 2011

43.14 Circuit breaker handle type (i.e., padlock):This subclass is indented under subclass 43.11.Devices wherein the actuator comprises a han-dle type assembly which is prevented from anymovement by means of a removable lock.

(1) Note. The padlock device must beremovable for proper classification inthis subclass.

43.15 Including attachments to lock handle:This subclass is indented under subclass 43.14.Devices wherein the actuator is prevented frommovement by means attached to the handleassembly in addition to the lock.

43.16 Actuator blocking device (e.g., latch):This subclass is indented under subclass 43.01.Devices including structure which prevents theinadvertent movement of the actuator, andwhich must be moved or removed in order tomove the actuator.

43.17 Hand grip type (e.g., power tool):This subclass is indented under subclass 43.16.Devices wherein the actuator preventing meansis structurally attached to the handle portion ofa hand held appliance.

43.18 Push button type:This subclass is indented under subclass 43.16.Devices wherein the blocking device preventsthe urging or depression of a button or knob.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:43.13, for push button type actuators that are

locked and must be unlocked beforethe button can be depressed.

43.19 Removable blocking element:This subclass is indented under subclass 43.16.Devices wherein the means that block themovement of the actuator must be completelyremoved from the switch assembly before theactuator can be moved.

43.21 Mounted on actuator:This subclass is indented under subclass 43.19.Devices wherein the blocking element ismounted on the actuator handle, lever, plungeror other type actuator and the blocking element

must be removed to enable movement of theactuator.

43.22 Locked cover prevents access to actuator:This subclass is indented under subclass 43.01.Devices including means to enclose and lockthe switch assembly.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:333, for actuator covers which are not of

the unauthorized prevention type.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:220, Receptacles, subclass 242 for closures

for face plate type openings.

46 PATTERN-SHEET CONTROLLED:This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Devices in which the contact is con-trolled by means of a perforated or embossedsheet, card, or strip.

(1) Note. This subclass is limited to suchdevices, per se.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:84, Music, in most subclasses of “Auto-

matic” that have the word “electric” inthe titles, for combinations of pattern-sheet-controlled circuit closers in asystem.

178, Telegraphy, subclass 3 for pattern-operated automatic telegraph systems,and subclass 17 for pattern-operatedtelegraph transmitters or recorders.

234, Selective Cutting (e.g., Punching), subclasses 59+ for a pattern con-trolled selective cutting machinewhich may involve electrical circuitcontrollers.

235, Registers, subclass 56 for votingmachines using sheet controlledswitches, and subclasses 441+, 444+and 452 for record-sensing deviceswherein switches may be opened orclosed or circuits made in accordancewith areas on the record that containcoded indicia, the area where saidindicia is sensed conveying particularinformation.


January 2011

341, Coded Data Generation or Conver-sion, subclasses 20+ and 173+ for apulse code transmitter of general util-ity.

345, Computer Graphics Processing andSelective Visual Display Systems, subclasses 108+ for visual displaysystems including plural mechanicallymovable display elements with selec-tive electrical control.

47 LIMIT SWITCH:This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Devices include circuit-controllersadapted to limit the travel of electrically-drivendevices. They are generally used in hoistingdevices to break the circuit at the desired limitsof travel.

48 HIGH-POTENTIAL TYPE:This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Devices especially adapted for breakinghigh-voltage circuits.

(1) Notes. These breakers are generallyused out of doors and contacts separatein the air. They are usually providedwith horn arc-dissipating means.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:49, for high potential type switches

adapted for use as pole switches.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices,

appropriate subclasses for electricspace discharge devices, including arcand spark discharge devices.

49 POLE SWITCH:This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Devices adapted to be mounted on a tele-phone-pole to disconnect the transmission-line.They are usually adapted to be operated fromindoors and isolate the telephone during astorm.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:48, for high potential type switches.538+, for mechanical pull type switches.

50.01 Interlocking:This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Devices in which means are provided forinsuring a predetermined sequence of operationof a plurality of switches or of a switch and anassociated element, as the switch-casing coveror an auxiliary plug.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:5, for multiple switch for multiple circuit

control, having interlocking means.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:74, Machine Element or Mechanism, sub-

class 483 for interlocking devicesgenerally.

246, Railway Switches and Signals, sub-classes 131+ for railway signalingsystems involving interlocking switcharrangements.

335, Electricity: Magnetically OperatedSwitches, Magnets, and Electromag-nets, subclasses 120 and 60 for aninterlock associated with electricalpower distribution systems anddevices.

337, Electricity: Electrothermally or Ther-mally Actuated Switches, subclasses43, 201 and 339 for an interlock asso-ciated with electrothemally or ther-mally actuated switches, andsubclasses 284+ for a plurality of fus-ible switches selectively or sequen-tially inserted in the same circuit.

361, Electricity: Electrical Systems andDevices, subclasses 601+ for an inter-lock associated with electrical powerdistribution system and devices.

50.02 Between switches and housing:This subclass is indented under subclass 50.01.Subject matter wherein the interlocking meansassociated between the switch and a casing, abox, or a container having a cover or a door tofacilitate engagement and disengagement ofswitch operating mechanism.

50.03 Handle latches cover:This subclass is indented under subclass 50.02.Subject matter wherein the element includesmeans attached to the housing to be gripped by


1January 2011

the hand to latch the cover or the door when theswitch is closed.

50.04 Simultaneous operation:This subclass is indented under subclass 50.03.Subject matter including means to actuate thecover or the door and the switch to be openedor closed at the same time.

50.05 Handle disconnected from actuator:This subclass is indented under subclass 50.03.Subject matter including means attached to thecover of the switch box so that the cover maybe opened and closed and automatically disen-gages and engages the handle from an interiorswitch actuator.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:50.06, for engaging and disengaging handle

from an interior switch actuator.

50.06 Handle disconnected from actuator:This subclass is indented under subclass 50.02.Subject matter wherein the element includesmeans to be gripped by the hand so that auto-matically disengages and engages the handlefrom an interior switch actuator.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:50.05, for handle latching cover.

50.07 Fuse blocks:This subclass is indented under subclass 50.02.Subject matter wherein an insulating base orslab houses a protective device, usually a shortpiece of wire but sometimes a chemical com-pound which melts and breaks a circuit when acurrent exceeds a rated value.

50.08 Contacts shielding member:This subclass is indented under subclass 50.02.Subject matter including a barrier member forprotecting or screening terminal contacts of theswitch from electric or magnetic fields gener-ated within the device.

50.09 With key-controlled:This subclass is indented under subclass 50.02.Subject matter including a metal instrumentinserted into the interlocking means to move itsbolt to operate the device.

50.1 Lid-controlled: This subclass is indented under subclass 50.02.Subject matter wherein the interlocking meansis controlled by a movable piece, separate orhinged, for closing the opening of the housing.

50.11 Switch handle locking means:This subclass is indented under subclass 50.02.Subject matter including a mechanical meansfor fastening or securing a switch handle in aposition.

50.12 Dual interlocked between door and switch:This subclass is indented under subclass 50.02.Subject matter wherein the interlocking meansis operatively connected between the switchmechanism and the door so that the opening ofthe switch is prerequisite to the opening of thedoor, and the closing of the door is prerequisiteto the closing of the switch.

50.13 Door independently opened:This subclass is indented under subclass 50.12.Subject matter including means to open orclose the door when the switch is opened.

50.14 Lid carrying switch elements (e.g., contacts,terminals, or movable switch member):This subclass is indented under subclass 50.12.Subject matter wherein the housing cover car-ries the switching elements such as contacts,terminals, or a moving switch member.

50.15 Defeater interlock:This subclass is indented under subclass 50.12.Subject matter including means to deactivatethe interlocking means so that the door can beopen while the switch is closed.

50.16 Independently locked switch:This subclass is indented under subclass 50.12.Subject matter including a second lockingmechanism, independent of the interlockingmeans, to lock the switch in its closed or openpositions.

50.17 Drawout-type switchgear:This subclass is indented under subclass 50.12.Subject matter comprising an aggregate ofswitching facilities having components on asliding box or receptacle that is opened by pull-ing out and closed by pushing in, combined


January 2011

with an enclosure for a power station or trans-forming station.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:50.21, for interlocking means, per se.

50.18 Switch latches cover:This subclass is indented under subclass 50.02.Subject matter including means automaticallylocks a lid of the switch housing in a closedposition when the switch is electrically closed.

50.19 Predetermined handle position locks orunlocks switch:This subclass is indented under subclass 50.02.Subject matter including means attached to thehousing to be gripped by the hand for selec-tively locking or unlocking a cover of theswitch housing closed in one or more predeter-mined positions of such handle correspondingto the opened and closed condition of theswitch.

50.2 For bus-duct type:This subclass is indented under subclass 50.02.Subject matter wherein the interlocking meansis used for a duct run containing bus bars and aconnector box having retractable contacts andan interlock cover to prevent the opening of thebox when the contacts are in the engaged posi-tion.

50.21 Drawout-type switchgear:This subclass is indented under subclass 50.01.Subject matter comprising an aggregate ofswitching facilities having components on asliding box or receptacle that is opened by pull-ing out and closed by pushing in, combinedwith an enclosure for a power station or trans-forming station.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:50.17, for dual interlocked between door and

switch.

50.22 Shutter over contacts:This subclass is indented under subclass 50.21.Subject matter wherein the interlock means isin the form of a sliding guard or shutter whichphysically closes off connecting apertures tothe switch gear contacts.

50.23 Truck type:This subclass is indented under subclass 50.21.subject matter wherein the drawout-type switchgear is carried by a carriage with wheels.

50.24 With racking mechanism:This subclass is indented under subclass 50.21.Subject matter including a force amplifying orlevering mechanism for locking the breaker ineach of its plurality of positions automaticallywithout need for guesswork by the operator asto how far the circuit breaker must be moved toplace it in the desired position.

50.25 Racking screw:This subclass is indented under subclass 50.24.Subject matter wherein the racking mechanismis a forming a continuous helical rib, or thread,with the cylindrical shank, or spindle, fromwhich it projects.

50.26 With position indicating means (i.e., con-nect, disconnect, or test):This subclass is indented under subclass 50.21.Subject matter including means providing avisual indication of the connect, disconnect, ortest positions of the circuit interrupter unit inthe draw-out type switchgear.

50.27 Contact or contact mounting structure:This subclass is indented under subclass 50.21.Subject matter comprising structural details ofsupport to hold electrode, or electrode whichengages or disengages to open or close the cir-cuit within the circuit interrupter,

50.28 Between switch and connector assembly:This subclass is indented under subclass 50.01.Subject matter wherein the locking means isassociated with the switch and a connectorassembly comprising a plug and an outlet tofacilitate engagement and disengagement ofswitch operating mechanism.

50.29 Switch locks plug:This subclass is indented under subclass 50.28.Subject matter wherein the locking means pre-vents the withdrawal of the plug except whenthe switch is in the off position.


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50.3 Dual interlock:This subclass is indented under subclass 50.28.Subject matter wherein the interlocking meansis operatively connected between the switchmechanism and the connector assembly so thatthe opening of the switch is prerequisite to theopening the plug from the receptacle, and thelocking the plug on the receptacle is prerequi-site to the closing the switch.

50.31 Plug controls switch:This subclass is indented under subclass 50.28.Subject matter including means which preventswithdrawal of the plug from the receptaclewhen the switch is in the on position, and toprevent movement of the switch into the onposition in the absence of a plug positioned inthe receptacle.

50.32 Between plural switches:This subclass is indented under subclass 50.01.Subject matter including two or more switcheswith the interlocking mechanism connectingthe switches such that the operation of one ormore of those switches affects the operation ofthe others of the switches.

50.33 Alternately operated:This subclass is indented under subclass 50.32.Subject matter including means to control theoperation of the electrical switch, to maintainone electrical switch in an inoperative condi-tion during the time that another electricalswitch is energized.

50.34 Rotary:This subclass is indented under subclass 50.33.Subject matter wherein the switches which turnand variable interleaf in a circular or orbitalpath about a fixed axis.

50.35 Pivot:This subclass is indented under subclass 50.33.Subject matter including a pin or shaft on theend of which the switch is rested and turned orrotated.

50.36 Push button:This subclass is indented under subclass 50.33.Subject matter wherein the switch contacts aremoved into engagement or disengagement by apush button actuator having a single surface on

which pressure is exerted to engage and disen-gage the contacts.

50.37 Sequentially operated:This subclass is indented under subclass 50.32.Subject matter wherein the interlockingarrangement for two or more operating mecha-nisms of two or more switches in series con-ducting relation whereby one switch must beopened before the other switch or switches canbe opened.

50.38 Grounding transformer switch:This subclass is indented under subclass 50.37.Subject matter including a transformer switchintended primarily for the purpose of providinga neutral point for grounding purposes.

50.39 Disconnect switch:This subclass is indented under subclass 50.37.Subject matter including an electrical switch ofthe bypass type for removing a load from itselectrical supply sources.

50.4 With handle:This subclass is indented under subclass 50.37.Subject matter wherein the interlocking meansis gripped by the hand to control the operationof the electrical switches.

51 COMBINED WITH OR ACTUATED BYCONNECTOR COUPLING:This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Connector coupling devices (a) com-bined with a switch in a unitary structure, or (b)capable of functioning as a switch; i.e., havingmeans specially provided for holding the com-plementary coupling parts in mechanicallycoupled but open-circuit position. (For excep-tions, see especially Note (4) below).

(1) Note. “Connector coupling” as usedabove refers to electrical connectors,other than mere binding posts, compris-ing a pair of complementary parts eachhaving contact means adapted to bereadily engaged or disengaged bymanipulation of said parts. Such partsare commonly known as plugs, sockets,receptacles, and the like.

(2) Note. For the distinction between “con-nectors” and “switches”, see Note (3) tothe main class definition.


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(3) Note. The plug, socket, et cetera, mayconstitute or be combined with the baseof a lamp, heater, or other translatingdevice and mere recitation by name onlyof the lamp, heater, or such other devicedoes not exclude the patent from thisclass.

(4) Note. Combinations of connector-cou-pling devices with the following speci-fied types of circuit makers and breakersare excluded from this subclass and willbe found in the subclasses indicatedbelow in Search This Class, Subclass.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:19.01, for periodic switches.33+, for retarded switches.50.01+, for switches and connectors.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:315, Electric Lamp and Discharge

Devices: Systems, subclasses 32+ forelectric lamps and electric space dis-charge devices which have structur-ally combined therewith an electricswitch, note especially subclasses 32,47, 63, 64+, subclasses 72, 73, and74+.

439, Electrical Connectors, especially sub-class 188 for an electrical connectorhaving circuit interrupting provisioneffected by mating or having a “dead”contact actuated after mating. SeeLines With Other Classes and WithinThis Class in this class (200) for moredetails of the lines between this classand Class 439.

51.01 Candle-simulating assembly:This subclass is indented under subclass 51.Devices the parts of which are specially shapedor arranged to resemble a candle or to permitthe assembly to be inclosed in a relatively elon-gated tubular sheath having the appearance of acandle.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:362, Illumination, subclasses 190, 202 and

392+ for such devices claimed incombination with light modifying ordistributing means.

439, Electrical Connectors, subclasses123+ for electrical connectors, per se,which simulate a candle in shape.

51.02 Multiple coupling:This subclass is indented under subclass 51.Devices having a plurality of separate plug,socket, or other coupling parts for cooperationwith a like number of complementary couplingparts.

(1) Note. This subclass includes, for exam-ple, (a) devices having a plug at one endand a socket at the other, sometimesknown as adapters, (b) lamp sockets hav-ing one or more plug receptacles com-bined therewith, and (c) multiple lampsockets, sometimes known as clusterlamp sockets.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:439, Electrical Connectors, subclasses

638+ for two or more plural contactcoupling part connectors combined inone integral unit.

51.03 Multiple circuit control, selective:This subclass is indented under subclass 51.02.Devices in which single or plural switchingmeans may be so operated as to open or close aselected part only of the total number of cir-cuits under control of the switching means.

(1) Note. This subclass includes, for exam-ple, multiple lamp sockets having aswitch which can be operated to lightany desired number of lamps at will ofthe operator.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:1+, for switches, per se, for multiple-cir-

cuit control.19.01+, for switch devices for periodic control

of a plurality of circuits.51.05+, for single coupling connector devices

combined with multiple-circuit, selec-tive switching means.

51.04 Plural switch:This subclass is indented under subclass 51.03.Devices in which the switching means com-prises two or more independent switches, each


1January 2011

complete in itself, and having separate operat-ing means.

(1) Note. This subclass includes, for exam-ple, multiple lamp socket devices, eachsocket of which is provided with an indi-vidual switch.

51.05 Multiple circuit control, selective:This subclass is indented under subclass 51.Single coupling connector devices in whichsingle or plural switching means may be sooperated as to open or close a selected part onlyof the total number of circuits under control ofthe switching means.

(1) Note. This subclass includes, for exam-ple, lamp sockets combined with switch-ing means for selectively controlling aremote lamp in addition to the lamp inthe socket.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:1+, for switches, per se, for multiple-cir-

cuit control.51.03+, for multiple-coupling connector

devices combined with selectiveswitching means.

51.06 Three-or-more contact coupling:This subclass is indented under subclass 51.05.Devices in which the coupling member hasthree or more insulated contacts for coopera-tion with the contacts of a complementary cou-pling member.

(1) Note. This subclass includes, for exam-ple, multiple-filament lamp sockets hav-ing switching means for selectivelylighting the filaments to effect differentdegrees of illumination.


Devices: Systems, subclasses 64+ forsuch devices claimed in combinationwith a multiple filament lamp.

439, Electrical Connectors, subclasses626+ for a plural-contact couplingpart which may have three or morecontacts.

51.07 Plural-position coupling:This subclass is indented under subclass 51.Devices in which the two complementary partsof a connector coupling may be moved relativeto one another to open or close a circuit, with-out completely uncoupling the parts.

(1) Note. This subclass includes, for exam-ple, plug and socket devices wherein thecircuit may be broken by turning theplug in the socket without removing theplug from the socket.

(2) Note. Where the circuit can be brokenby partially uncoupling the plug from itssocket, this subclass includes only thosewherein special means (latch, detent,etc.) is provided for holding the parts intheir partially uncoupled relation. Thus,this subclass does not take mere screw-threading coupling devices, such asscrew-shell lamp sockets in which thelamp may be extinguished by partiallyunscrewing the same from the socket,unless special means are provided forholding the lamp in the “Off” position.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:51.09+, for connector coupling devices

wherein a switching means automati-cally operated by the act of separatingthe parts of the coupling.

51.08 Bayonet-coupling:This subclass is indented under subclass 51.07.Devices in which the coupling is of the “Bayo-net” type; i.e., coupling of the parts is effectedby engagement of a pin, stud, or other projec-tion carried by one of the parts in a slot orgroove having entrance and seat portions andformed in the other part.

51.09 Coupling-actuated switch:This subclass is indented under subclass 51.Devices in which a switch is automaticallyoperated upon engagement or disengagementof the complementary coupling parts.

(1) Note. This subclass includes, for exam-ple, lamp sockets wherein upon removalof the lamp therefrom, a switch automat-ically opens the circuit of the socket con-


January 2011

tacts, thus preventing short-circuiting ofthe socket contacts by tools, foreign mat-ter, etc., or preventing shock by acciden-tal touching of the contacts.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:51.07+, for connector coupling devices in

which a circuit is made or broken byrelative motion of a coupling memberwith respect to a complementary cou-pling member without completelyseparating the coupled parts.


135+ and especially subclasses 137+for connectors having movable non-use covering means operable upondisengagement of the coupling partsto cover or prevent access to any con-tact thereof; and subclasses 310+ foran electrical connector having a“dead” contact actuated after mating.

51.1 Switch closing on coupling separation:This subclass is indented under subclass 51.09.Devices in which separation of the couplingmembers automatically close a switch, usuallyto “short-circuit” the contacts of one of thecoupling members.

(1) Note. This subclass includes, for exam-ple, (a) lamp sockets for series lightingsystems having switching means auto-matically operable upon removal of thelamp to “short-circuit” the contacts ofthe socket thus permitting the remainderof the lamps in series therewith toremain lit, and (b) connector couplingsused in train-line signaling systems inwhich separation of the coupling mem-bers causes the contacts of one of thecoupling members to come together, thuscompleting a circuit for signaling orother purposes.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:51.11, for connector coupling devices having

independent manually operatedswitching means for short circuitingthe contacts of one of the couplingmembers.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:439, Electrical Connectors, subclass 188

for an electrical connector having acircuit interrupting provision effectedby mating or having a “dead” contactactuated after mating; and see LinesWith Other Classes and Within ThisClass in this class (Class 200) defini-tion. Search subclasses 507+ for ajumper to be temporarily insertedacross an electrical flow path havingmeans for matching or interengagingunion with such connector to divert orshunt the flow of electricity so as toshorten the path and/or to preserve thecircuit continuity.

51.11 Switch in parallel with coupling contacts:This subclass is indented under subclass 51.Connector coupling members in which theswitch contacts are in parallel with or “bridge”the coupling contacts thus short circuiting thecoupling contacts when the switch is closed.

(1) Note. This subclass includes, for exam-ple, lamp sockets for use in series light-ing systems having a push-button orother switch for short circuiting the fila-ment of the lamp.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:51.1, for connector coupling devices having

short circuiting means automaticallyoperable upon separation of the com-plementary coupling members.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:439, Electrical Connectors, subclass 188

for an electrical connector having acircuit interrupting provision effectedby mating or having a “dead” contactactuated after mating; and see the linenotes in Lines With Other Classes andWithin This Class, in this class (Class200) definition.

51.12 Meeting contacts of coupling membersforming switch contacts:This subclass is indented under subclass 51.Connector coupling devices comprised of twoseparable coupling members, in which one ofthe switch contacts is mounted in or on one of


1January 2011

the coupling members and a cooperatingswitch contact is mounted in or on the comple-mentary coupling member, said switch contactsserving also as coupling contacts of the respec-tive members.

(1) Note. This subclass includes, for exam-ple, lamp sockets of the screw-shell type,the center contact of which may be dis-engaged from the center contact of thelamp base by an actuating means withoutdisturbing the relation between the lampand the socket.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:51.07+, for connector coupling devices

wherein the circuit is opened or closedby relative movement between thecoupled members without completeseparation thereof.

51.13 Bayonet-coupling:This subclass is indented under subclass 51.Connector coupling devices in which the cou-pling is of the “Bayonet” type, i.e., coupling ofthe parts is effected by engagement of a pin,stud, or other projection carried by one of theparts in a slot or groove having entrance andseat portions, and formed in the other part.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:51.08, for bayonet-type couplings in which

the circuit may be made or brokenwithout completely uncoupling theparts.


671+ for a plural-contact couplingpart having a bayonet-coupling con-tact, and see the search note appendedthereto for another type of bayonetcoupling electrical connector.

51.14 Screw-coupling:This subclass is indented under subclass 51.Devices in which one of the coupling membersis screwed into the other to effect couplingthereof.


661+ for a plural-contact couplingpart having a screw-thread-couplingcontact, and see the search notesappended thereto for the location ofother screw coupling type electricalconnectors, per se.

51.15 Pull-chain switch:This subclass is indented under subclass 51.14.Devices in which the switch is operated bymeans of a pull chain or cord.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:410+, for rotary contact pull snap switches.464+, for mechanical rotating pull switches.519, for pull switches.

51.16 Push-button switch:This subclass is indented under subclass 51.14.Devices in which the switch is operated bymeans of a pushbutton.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:410, for rotating contact pull snap switch.527, for rotating pull switch.530, for push button type switch.

51.17 Rotatable-key switch:This subclass is indented under subclass 51.14.Devices in which the switch is operated bymeans of a rotatable key.

52 SPECIAL APPLICATION:This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Devices in which the circuit maker orbreaker is associated with various devices act-ing either as special operators for or modifiedto carry the circuit controller. The circuit con-troller must be an essential element of the com-bination. A mere conventional or incidentalshowing of the circuit controller is not enough.


Devices: Systems, subclasses 76+ forsystems for supplying electric energyto lamps and/or electric space dis-charge devices of the gaseous ioniza-tion type, the system including an


January 2011

electric switch which is associatedwith a particular device (as a brakepedal), the switch being operated bythe movement of some part of thedevice.

340, Communications: Electrical, sub-classes 500+ for electric alarm sys-tems which are automatically respon-sive to a condition, which conditionmay control a switch.

396, Photography, subclasses 180+ forillumination means with a camerashutter synchronizer wherein a switchis operated concurrently with the actu-ation of the shutter.

56 Indicating instrument:This subclass is indented under subclass 52.Circuit-controllers are arranged to cooperatewith the pointer of an indicating instrument orthere is a common operator for the pointer andthe circuit-controller.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:73, Measuring and Testing, for most mea-

suring instruments (see the Notes tothat class for other measuring instru-ment classes) and for the combinationof a Class 73 measuring instrumentand a circuit controller wherein thecircuit controller is claimed broadly(Class 200 subclass 56 provides forthe combination when specific struc-ture of the circuit controller isclaimed).

60 Portable light:This subclass is indented under subclass 52.Circuit controllers which are specially adaptedfor use with portable hand flashlights.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:362, Illumination, subclasses 205+ for

combinations of circuit controllerswith portable self-contained electriclamp structures.

61 Incubator:This subclass is indented under subclass 52.Circuit controllers especially adapted to beused with incubators and operated by the leverwhich controls the heater-damper.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:119, Animal Husbandry, subclasses 318+

for incubator in combination with theswitch.

61.01 Sound wave responsive:This subclass is indented under subclass 52.Circuit controllers which are operativelyresponsive to compressional impulses propo-gated in an elastic medium.

61.02 Light responsive:This subclass is indented under subclass 52.Circuit controllers comprising means whoseaction is initiated by energy received from asource of illumination.

(1) Note. These devices for the most partcomprise means initiated by photo- sen-sitive gases.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:250, Radiant Energy, subclasses 200+ for

photo cells, circuits and apparatus,and see (7) Note (Class 250, subclass200) for a field of search for photo-cells, per se.

340, Communications: Electrical, sub-class 600 for electric automatic radi-ant energy responsive indicating sys-tems.

61.03 Gas or smoke responsive:This subclass is indented under subclass 52.Circuit controllers comprising means whoseaction is initiated by the presence of non-liquidfluids including colloidal suspensions of solidparticles in a gas.

(1) Note. These circuit controllers mayinvolve mechanisms which becomeunbalanced as a result of exothermicreaction, breakdown of surface tension,or buoyancy due to the presence of thegas.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:61.04, for liquid or moisture responsive

devices.


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SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:340, Communications: Electrical, sub-

classes 628 through 634 for electricautomatic gas or smoke responsiveindicating systems.

61.04 Liquid or moisture responsive:This subclass is indented under subclass 52.Circuit controllers having means whichbecome operative as a result of contact withnongaseous fluid(s) whose presence is merelyAdventitious, or with vapor.


classes 603+ for electric automaticfluent material responsive indicatingsystems.

61.05 Conducting liquid:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.04.Devices in which a circuit is completed by anelectrolyte, that is, liquid bridges the gapbetween the electrical conductors.

61.06 Humidity responsive:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.04.Devices having hygroscopic means responsiveto the presence of vapor in the atmosphere.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:73, Measuring and Testing, subclasses

29.02+ for hygrometers andhygrostats.

236, Automatic Temperature and HumidityRegulation, subclass 44 for apparatuscontrolling the humidity of a room,etc., by means of a device responsiveto the relative humidity therein.

340, Communications: Electrical, sub-class 602 for electrical automaticmoisture or humidity responsive indi-cating systems.

61.07 Weight of absorbed water:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.06.Devices in which a certain quantity of watertaken up by the hygroscopic means causesoperation of the circuit controller.

61.08 Frangible or destructible type:This subclass is indented under subclass 52.Current Conductors which become circuitinterrupters or cut-outs by their destruction byother than thermal action.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:337, Electricity: Electrothermally or Ther-

mally Actuated Switches, appropriatesubclasses for switches responsive toheat generated by current in the circuitor heat from some external source or acombination of both.

61.09 Tramp metal actuated:This subclass is indented under subclass 52.Circuit controllers which are responsive to thepresence, in a particular zone, of metal articlesor particles whose presence in that zone is notdesired.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing,

subclass 204 for fluid material exami-nation, and subclasses 228+ for test-ing material by means of a magneticfield.

61.1 Game or amusement piece operated:This subclass is indented under subclass 52.Apparatus in which a propelled or indepen-dently movable element of a game or amuse-ment device brings about the actuation of aswitch by that element's contacting with, orproximity to, a switch part.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:273, Amusement Devices: Games, sub-

classes 108+ and 317+ for gamedevices involving aerial and surfaceprojectiles, and subclass 238 forremovable and discrete game pieceswhich change the status of an electri-cal circuit located in a game board.

61.11 Ball (e.g., pin ball):This subclass is indented under subclass 61.1.Apparatus in which the propelled or indepen-dently movable element is a sphere.


January 2011

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:273, Amusement Devices: Games, sub-

class 118 for game devices involvinga ball rolling on a surface.

61.12 Bicycle chain, sprocket or brake actuated:This subclass is indented under subclass 52.Circuit controllers responsive to a change inchain tension or direction of movement of thebraking or driving mechanisms of velocipedes.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:61.39, for circuit makers and breakers con-

trolled by direction of rotation of ashaft or spindle and not associatedwith a bicycle.

61.13 Running length, web or strand actuated:This subclass is indented under subclass 52.Circuit makers and breakers in which the oper-ating mechanisms thereof are controlled bycontinuous or indefinite lengths of materialsuch as motion picture film, rope, yarn, endlessbelts and the like, travelling in a given path orbeing wound onto or unwound from spools orreels.

(1) Note. For textile machines, includingfiber preparation apparatus, which havean electrical switch controlled by athread or strand, search the followingclasses listed below.:

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:28, Textiles: Manufacturing, subclasses

187 and 227.57, Textiles: Spinning, Twisting, and

Twining, subclass 81.66, Textiles: Knitting, subclasses 161

and 163.139, Textiles: Weaving, subclasses 353+.226, Advancing Material of Indeterminate

Length, appropriate subclasses formethods of, and apparatus for, feedingmaterial without utilizing the leadingor trailing ends to effect movement ofthe material, especially subclasses10+ for a feeder provided with mate-rial responsive control means.

242, Winding, Tensioning, or Guiding, subclasses 390.1, 390.2+, 413+,418.1, 419.1, 420.5, 421.5, 472.9+,

479.9+, 484.8, 484.9+, 534+, 563+,564.1, and 565 for machine control orstop for regulating running material.

340, Communications: Electrical, sub-classes 675 through 677 for alarmscontrolled by web, sheet or workfeeding.

61.14 Actuator attached to or part of web orstrand:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.13.Devices wherein the control is effected by aspecial configuration or characteristic given orapplied to the material at a definite point alongits length.

(1) Note. For textile machines includingfiber preparation apparatus which havean electrical switch controlled by a knotor variation in diameter of a thread orstand, search the following classes listedbelow:

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:28, Textiles: Manufacturing, subclasses

187 and 227.57, Textiles: Spinning, Twisting, and


and 163.139, Textiles: Weaving, subclasses 353+.

61.15 Spooled or reeled quantity:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.13.Devices wherein the response of the circuitmaker or breaker corresponds to the attainmentof a given amount of material wound upon aspool or reel.

61.16 Diameter sensing:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.15.Devices wherein the amount of material on thespool or reel is determined by means respon-sive to the distance the material is built up fromthe axis of spool rotation.

61.17 Spool, reel or idler rotation:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.13.Devices in which the controller is actuated con-currently with the attainment of or departurefrom a predetermined rotational speed (includ-ing zero rpm) of a member which is in rollingfrictional contact with the material.


1January 2011

61.18 Absence or loss of tension (e.g., breakage ormisalignment):This subclass is indented under subclass 61.13.Circuit controllers in which the actuation is inresponse to slack or reduction in tautness,breakage, runout or failure to travel along theintended path of the material being fed.

(1) Note. For textile machines includingfiber preparation apparatus which havean electrical switch controlled by theslack, breakage, runout or failure toproperly track of a thread or strand,search the following classes listedbelow:

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:28, Textiles: Manufacturing, subclass

187.57, Textiles: Spinning, Twisting, and


and 163.139, Textiles: Weaving, subclasses 353+.340, Communications: Electrical, sub-

class 668 for electrical automatic ten-sion responsive indicating systems.

61.19 Movable or removable interposed non-con-ductor:This subclass is indented under subclass 52.Circuit controllers comprising a nonconductivebody located between the contacts of a circuitmaker to hold the said contacts physically sep-arated during the presence of said body,absence thereof permitting the said contacts tocome into abutting or face-to-face relation.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and

Devices, subclasses 126+ for highvoltage dissipators, per se, comprisinginterposed nonconductive composi-tions.

61.2 Container contents level responsive:This subclass is indented under subclass 52.Circuit makers and breakers which are actuatedby an element which responds, in circuit mak-ing or breaking manner, to the height or vol-ume within a receptacle of the surface ofmaterial contained thereby.


classes 612+ for electrical automaticfluent material level responsive indi-cating systems.

61.21 Fluent solid bin or hopper:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.2.Devices in which the said element responds tothe volume within the said receptacle of partic-ulate nonfluid material.

61.22 Pneumatic tire inflation responsive:This subclass is indented under subclass 52.Circuit makers and breakers associated with apneumatic tire for a vehicle in use, whose actu-ation is controlled by means responsive to anincrease and/or decrease above or below a nor-mal operating pressure range of the air or othergas used to maintain the tire in its inflated con-dition.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:61.45+, for circuit controllers actuated in

response to the tilting of a vehiclewhen a tire becomes deflated.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:73, Measuring and Testing, subclass

146.2 for a fluid pressure gauge com-bined with a vehicle wheel, tire or tirestem.

116, Signals and Indicators, subclass 34for mechanical signals, indicators oralarms associated with tires andresponsive to pressure conditionstherein.

137, Fluid Handling, subclasses 224+ forpressure sensitive switches utilized tocontrol the pressure within the tire andsee the search notes thereto.

340, Communications: Electrical, sub-classes 442+ for electric signals auto-matically actuated by a change in thepressure within pneumatic tires.

61.23 Casing deformation feeler:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.22.Devices in which the control means is a sens-ing member which contacts the “bulge” at theground engaging area of the tire casing whichresults from the deflation of the tire.


January 2011

61.24 Ground engaging feeler:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.22.Devices in which the control means is actuatedby a member which moves into contact withthe vehicle supporting surface as a result of thelowering of the vehicle caused by the deflationof the tire.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:61.44, for vehicle mounted feelers actuated

by contact with an object proximatethe path of the vehicle.

61.25 Fluid pressure actuated:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.22.Devices wherein the control means is operatedby the pressurized fluid within the tire casing.Included are such means as bellows, Bourdontubes, pistons and diaphragms.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:81+, for fluid pressure operated circuit

makers and breakers other than thoseoperatively associated with vehicletires while in use.

61.26 Biased tube engaging member:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.25.Devices in which the fluid pressure actuatedcontrol means is feeler means which is resil-iently urged into contact with the gas confiningtube of the tire and which moves as a result ofthe softening of the tube due to a decrease ingas pressure.

61.27 Turn indicator type switches:This subclass is indented under subclass 52.Circuit makers and breakers especially adaptedfor use on vehicles to control the supply of cur-rent to vehicle turn indicating devices, andbeing generally operated by movement of avehicle controlling means or by independentmanual or pedal means.

(1) Note. Switches disclosed for use withilluminating means, as for example, aux-iliary headlamps (e.g., curve lamps)which are switch controlled by vehicleturning, are included in this grouptogether with other disclosed vehicleturning switch controlled devices.


Devices: Systems, subclass 80 forsystems for supplying electric energyto lamp and/or electric space dis-charge devices of the gas or vaporionization type, the system includinga switch which is operated by themovement of a vehicle controllingmeans (steering wheel, hand or footlever).

340, Communications: Electrical, sub-class 465 for signals which automati-cally respond to vehicle turning orsteering and subclasses 475+ for turnsignals which are manually actuatedand may be automatically cancelled.

61.28 Gear shift lever mounted:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.27.Devices supported in or on the manual trans-mission ratio changer.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:61.88, for switches actuated concurrently

with the movement of a gear shiftlever into operating positions.

61.29 Pedal controlled or mounted:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.27.Devices supported on a foot operated vehiclecontrolling means and/or which are foot oper-ated.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:61.89+, for circuit makers and breakers actu-

ated concurrently with the operationof a vehicle pedal.

86.5, for other foot operated (other than theforce of gravity acting through thefoot) controllers.

61.3 Reset by completed turn:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.27.Devices which are restored to inoperative posi-tion by the return of the vehicle to a straightahead course.

(1) Note. Devices in which the initiation ofthe turning restores the switch to inoper-


1January 2011

ative position are classified in subclass61.27, the generic subclass of the group.


classes 476+ for automatically resetvehicle turn signals.

61.31 Set by turning:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.3.Devices in which the setting to signal indicat-ing position of the circuit controller is accom-plished by the turning of the vehicle from itsstraight ahead course.


class 465 for automatic signals forindicating vehicle turning.

61.32 With pre-turning setting means:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.31.Devices provided with additional means formanually setting the said circuit controller, oran additional circuit controller, to signal indi-cating position prior to turning.

61.33 Steering arm, draglink or tie rod actuated:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.31.Devices in which circuit controller movementis accomplished through the motion of a vehi-cle's steering arm, draglink or tie rod.

61.34 Controller moves reset dog into operativeposition:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.3.Devices in which the restoring means com-prises a pivotally movable unidirectionally act-ing member of rachet-like or pawl-likefunction brought into position for restoringengagement with some part of the steeringmechanism by a manual switch setting lever oroperator.

(1) Note. The rachet-like action or unidirec-tional engagement of the dog may not beaccomplished by the mere resilient orelastic nature of the member, but ratherby being pivoted out of engagementwhile the steering mechanism moves toinitiate a turn.

61.35 By movement of steering wheel or post rela-tive to column:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.3.Devices in which the restoring means acts as aresult of the movement of a steering wheel orsteering rod relative to the steering rod casingor housing.

61.36 Wheel or wheel attached member engagescontroller or rigid extension:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.35.Devices in which restoration is accomplishedby the physical engagement of the steeringwheel or an attachment thereof with some partof the manual switch setting lever or operator,or functionally integral extension thereof.

61.37 Through gearing:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.35.Devices in which restoration is accomplishedby motion imparted to some member of theswitching organization through rolling contactmeans by a rotating steering wheel or post.

61.38 Wheel carried switch unit:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.35.Devices in which the switching organization ismounted or supported on or in the steeringwheel.

61.39 Control by direction of rotation of shaft orspindle:This subclass is indented under subclass 52.Apparatus in which a circuit is made or brokenin response to a mere change in direction ofrotation (not to angular acceleration or deceler-ation) of a shaft, the manner of making orbreaking the circuit consequent upon rotationof the shaft in one direction differing from thatcorresponding to rotation in the opposite direc-tion.

(1) Note. Although it is a form of accelera-tion, the change in direction of rotationinvolved in a shaft's going from rest torotation in either direction is considereda mere change of direction for this sub-class.

(2) Note. The difference in function, depen-dent upon direction of rotation, maycomprise the closing of alternative cir-cuits, for instance; or by way of addi-


January 2011

tional example, the making of a circuitcorresponding with rotation of a shaft inone direction and the breaking of suchcircuit upon rotation in the oppositedirection.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:61.12, for circuit makers and breakers asso-

ciated with bicycle sprocket or brakeshafts which are controlled by thedirection of rotation of said shafts.


class 672 for signals responsive to thedirection of rotation of a shaft.

61.4 Diameter responsive (e.g., wear):This subclass is indented under subclass 52.Devices in which the circuit maker and breakeris actuated by the accomplishment of a prede-termined change in the diameter of a workpieceor of an element in an organized device.

61.41 Stationary feeler detects transient object:This subclass is indented under subclass 52.Apparatus which operates to open or close acircuit in response to the motion of a fixedlysupported mechanical tentacle or movableobstruction (feeler), which motion is broughtabout by the presence of an object movingthrough the zone of operation of such feeler.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:61.13+, for switch-actuating detectors or feel-

ers responsive to the presence orabsence of a running length of web orstrand material.

61.42 Feeler moves into detecting contact withobject:This subclass is indented under subclass 52.Devices which operate to open or close a cir-cuit in response to the motion of a mechanicaltentacle or movable obstruction (feeler) whichmotion is brought about by the impingement ofsuch feeler against an object (either moving orstationary) due to the motion of the feeler sup-port.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:61.62+, for circuit makers and breakers neces-

sarily operated concurrently with theoperation or use of a closure member,operator or accessory.

61.43 Sensitive edge type closure:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.42.Apparatus in which an edge of a closure is pro-vided with circuit making and breaking meansconstituting a feeler means, contacting of anobject by such edge resulting in circuit control-ling movement.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:61.62+, for circuit makers and breakers neces-

sarily operated concurrently with theoperation or use of a closure member,operator or accessory.

61.44 Vehicle attached or carried:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.42.Circuit makers and breakers the support forwhose feeler element is transported by a con-veyance (aerial, ground or marine) so that atleast a component of the sensing motion of thefeeler is imparted to it by the motion of theconveyance.

61.45 Change of inclination or of rate of motionresponsive (e.g., inertia and tilt switches):This subclass is indented under subclass 52.Circuit makers and breakers operated by (a) theaction of gravity on a part thereof when therelation of the circuit controller as a unit to thehorizontal is changed and/or (b) the tendencyof a part thereof to remain at rest or to continuemoving at a constant rate of speed when thecircuit controller as a unit is caused to be accel-erated or decelerated.

(1) Note. Those circuit controllers whichare actuated in response to (a) a changein direction of motion, (b) linear dis-placement, or (c) the attainment of a pre-determined speed, without regard to therate at which (a), (b), or (c) is accom-plished are not in this subclass or inthose indented hereunder, but will befound in other appropriate subclasses inthis class.


1January 2011

(2) Note. As applied to vehicles these con-trollers are generally known as collisionor upset switches.

(3) Note. The duration of the period ofacceleration (or deceleration) may beimperceptible or minute such as whenthe circuit controller is jarred or vibrated.


class 669 for electrical automaticacceleration responsive indicatingsystems.

61.46 Rotary motion:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.45.Devices in which a circuit controller is oper-ated by the change in the relative rotationalvelocities of two rotating units one of which isan inertia member.

61.47 Conducting fluid type:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.45.Devices in which a body of current conductingliquid flows under the influence of gravity, orby reason of its inertia, into or out of circuitclosing position.

(1) Note. The switch operation must be byvirtue of the inertia of the conductingfluid or by the change of inclination ofthe fluid containing vessel without theuse of actuating levers, the fluid contain-ing vessel being rigid with respect to thebody whose inclination is changed.

61.48 Oscillating controller:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.45.Devices in which an inertia body forming apart of the circuit controller unit moves with aswinging motion (relative to the circuit control-ler support) in response to a change in inclina-tion or rate of motion of the said circuitcontroller support.

61.49 Resilient support arm:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.48.Devices wherein the inertia member is con-strained to move in an arcuate path by a flexi-ble springy elongated member fixed at one endand free at the other, the said member beingattached to the free end.

61.5 Restrained against return to normal:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.48.Devices provided with means for preventingthe swinging inertia member from reverting tothe position occupied by it prior to being dis-turbed by the change of inclination or rate ofmotion.

61.51 Conducting:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.48.Devices in which the swinging inertia memberand/or its supporting arm conduct electricalcurrent when the circuit controller is in its dis-turbed or other than normal position.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:61.49, for conducting oscillating controllers

supported by a resilient arm.

61.52 Tilt responsive:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.45.Devices whose circuit controlling membermoves under the influence of gravity alonewhen the circuit maker and breaker undergoesa change in inclination.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:61.47, and 61.48+, respectively, for tilt

responsive circuit controllers utiliz-ing conducting liquids and oscillatingmembers.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:212, Traversing Hoists, subclasses 276+

for tilt-responsive switches whichshut down or otherwise regulate acrane.

340, Communications: Electrical, sub-class 689 for electrical automatic tiltresponsive indicating systems.

61.53 Linearly moving controller:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.45.Devices in which the circuit controlling mem-ber is constrained to move along a straight linepath.

(1) Note. Patents in this subclass are gener-ally provided with means restraining themoving members thereby requiring thatan accelerating force be applied thereto


January 2011

to the restraining means. For those lin-early moving controlling memberswhich are unrestrained, see subclass61.08, tilt responsive.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:61.52, and see (1) Note above.

61.54 Steering wheel, shaft or column mounted:This subclass is indented under subclass 52.Circuit makers and breakers supported or car-ried by a vehicle steering wheel, steering rod,or steering rod casing or housing.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:61.27+, for turn indicator type switches

mounted on a steering wheel shaft orcolumn.


Devices: Systems, subclasses 80+ forsystems for supplying electric energyto lamp and/or electric space dis-charge devices of the gas or vaporionization type, the system includinga switch which is operated by themovement of a vehicle controllingmeans (steering wheel, hand or footlever).

61.55 Wheel hub spring biased type:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.54.Devices at the center of the steering wheel andspring urged to circuit breaking position, clos-ing the circuit requiring the overcoming of thespring means.

61.56 With radially extending operator (e.g., hornring):This subclass is indented under subclass 61.55.Devices having an actuating lever outwardlyextending from the center whereby the circuitcan be closed from a region proximate theperiphery of the wheel.

61.57 On or in wheel rim:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.54.Devices mounted on or in the peripheral por-tion of the wheel.

61.58 Actuated concurrently with operation or useof art device:This subclass is indented under subclass 52.Circuit makers and breakers which are so con-nected with apparatus other than switch meansthat the volitional use of such apparatus, in thenormal manner, necessarily brings about a sub-stantially simultaneous actuation of such cir-cuit maker and breaker.

(1) Note. The volitional use (referred toabove) requires that the utilizing actwhich initiates the circuit controllingaction be brought about by humanagency (e.g., through opening of a door,turning of a handle, etc.), not merely bythe attainment of a certain point in thecycle of operation of a mechanism.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:379, Telephonic Communications, sub-

classes 90.01+ for telephone systemscombined with other electrical sys-tems such as fire or burglar.

396, Photography, subclasses 180+ forillumination means with a camerashutter synchronizer wherein a switchis operated concurrently with the actu-ation of the shutter.

61.59 Article inserted type (e.g., pencil sharp-ener):This subclass is indented under subclass 61.58.Devices in whose operation or use the voli-tional act, which initiates the circuit-control-ling action, is the insertion of an article into theart device.


classes 568.1+ for alarms indicatingthe placement or removal of an arti-cle.

61.6 Coupling of fluid conduit:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.58.Apparatus in whose operation the volitionaluse comprises the coupling of a fluid conduit toanother member, such as a wall outlet oranother conduit.


1January 2011

61.61 Drawer:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.58.Means in whose operation the volitional usecomprises the movement of a sliding compart-ment, till, or receptacle within an encompass-ing receptacle or cabinet.


class 570 for electrical automaticdrawer responsive indicating systems.

61.62 Closure, closure operator or accessory:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.58.Circuit makers and breakers whose circuit-con-trolling operation is brought about by themovement of a closure member, an operatortherefor or an accessory thereof.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:61.42+, for closures which in their operation

may or may not cause a circuit to bemade or broken, and subclass 291 forsuch closures of the sensitive edgetype.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:49, Movable or Removable Closures,

appropriate subclasses, for a closureof the type provided for and see thesearch note thereto in section IV forthe loci of closures in other classes.

312, Supports: Cabinet Structure, sub-classes 271+ for cabinets having mov-able components actuated by move-ment of the closure.

315, Electric Lamp and DischargeDevices: Systems, subclass 84 forsystems for supplying electric energyto lamps and/or electric space dis-charge devices of the gas or vaporionization type, the systems having aswitch which is operated by the move-ment of a door or window sash.

340, Communications: Electrical, sub-classes 542+ and 545.1+ for electricautomatic lock or door or windowmovement responsive indicating sys-tems.

396, Photography, subclasses 180+ forillumination means with a camerashutter synchronizer wherein a switch

is operated concurrently with the actu-ation of the shutter.

61.63 Letter slot or box:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.62.Devices in which the closure member or clo-sure operator is associated with a mail slot orreceptacle.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:61.59, for letter boxes which comprise cir-

cuit controlling means which respondto the insertion or presence of a letterin the box in addition to or instead ofmeans responsive to the movement ofa closure or its operator.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:232, Deposit and Collection Receptacles,

subclasses 35, 36 and 37 for alarmssignals and indicators operated by themovement of letter box doors.

340, Communications: Electrical, sub-class 569 for alarms operated duringplacement or removal of contents ofmail boxes.

61.64 Lock, bolt or keeper actuated:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.62.Devices actuated by the movement of a secur-ing means, as for example a lock, bolt orkeeper, or of an operating means therefor, suchas a key.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:43.11+, for switches provided with means for

locking the movable element of theswitch.


classes 542+ for communicationscomprising means responsive to theoperation of a lock.

61.65 Elevator bar lock type:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.64.Devices in which the securing means is a barlock applied to an elevator gate or door.


January 2011

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:61.67, for other operators which move bolts

or the like and also move circuit con-trolling elements.

61.66 Improper key or mere presence of key inlock:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.64.Devices in which (1) a substitute implement orthe like, not intended for use with the lock, or(2) the mere insertion of an implement (key) orsubstitute therefor causes the circuit to bemade.

(1) Note. The unauthorized keys of section(1) under this subclass definition do not,of course, serve as operators for thelocks or bolts; however, those which areproper operate to move the latch or lock-bolt without changing the circuit condi-tion then present.

61.67 By movement of bolt:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.64.Devices having a bar like securing meanswhich is movable to engage or disengage aretaining means and also controls a circuit.The securing means is either a part of the cir-cuit or else acts as the circuit controller.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:61.65, for circuit controllers which are

moved by a bolt or the like and areassociated with elevator locks.

61.68 In keeper:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.67.Devices in which the movement of the securingmeans into engagement with the retainingmeans either (1) makes direct electrical contacttherewith or (2) moves a circuit maker withinsaid retaining means.

61.69 Plural closures or plural closure cycles:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.62.Means including a circuit maker and breakerwhose operation requires the movement of aplurality of closures into a predetermined posi-tion, or a circuit maker and breaker whosecycle of operation (i.e., a making and breakingof the circuit) corresponds to more than one

closure operating cycle (i.e., more than oneopening and closing of a closure).

61.7 Hinge member actuated:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.62.Devices whose circuit-controlling member is apart of the means for pivotally mounting a clo-sure on its supporting structure.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:16, Miscellaneous Hardware (e.g., Bush-

ing, Carpet Fastener, Caster, DoorCloser, Panel Hanger, Attachable orAdjunct Handle, Hinge, Window SashBalance, etc.), subclasses 221+ forhinges, per se.

61.71 Sliding closure:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.62.Apparatus in which the closure member fol-lows a linear path in its restricted or guided endor edgewise circuit-controlling movement.

61.72 Closure-dragged switch actuator:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.71.Devices including a circuit maker and breakerhaving a part which is constrained, by fric-tional contact with the closure member, tomove in conjunction with the closure member.

61.73 Abutment type switch actuator:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.71.Means in which the closure member, in its cir-cuit-controlling movement, meets a circuit-maker-and-breaker actuator in abutting or face-to-face relationship, causing the latter to makeor break a circuit.

61.74 Spring-biased switch actuator:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.71.Apparatus in which at least one of the contactsof the circuit making and breaking member isresiliently urged into or out of contact-makingposition.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:61.76+, for resiliently urged circuit controllers

associated with a type of closure otherthan sliding.


1January 2011

61.75 With modified closure:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.74.Means in which either the slidable closuremember or its guideway or track is modified toreceive or support a part of the circuit makingand breaking device.

61.76 Spring-biased switch actuator:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.62.Devices in which at least one of the contacts ofthe circuit making and breaking member isresiliently urged into or out of the contact-mak-ing position.

61.77 Pull chain operator:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.76.Apparatus wherein the resilient switch has apull chain type operator and has means respon-sive to opening or closing movement of a clo-sure, to pull the said chain.

61.78 Spring contact:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.76.Devices in which at least one of the contactingmembers of the circuit making and breakingmeans or the immediate support of such mem-ber, which is movable therewith, is itself resil-ient.

61.79 Manually disabled:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.76.Circuit-controllers which may be adjusted insuch a manner that opening or closing move-ment of the associated closure produces no cir-cuit-making or breaking effect.

61.8 Manually reset:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.76.Apparatus which, after responding in circuit-opening or -closing manner to an opening orclosing of a closure, requires an adjustment bysome means other than the reverse motion ofsuch closure before it can respond again in thesame manner to the same stimulus.

61.81 Mounted on closure frame or enclosurewall:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.76.Devices which are mounted upon a closureframe or a wall of an enclosure to which suchclosure gives access, as well as being opera-tively connected to such closure itself.

(1) Note. The enclosure referred to in thedefinition may be, for instance, a room,cabinet, box, etc.

61.82 In recess:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.81.Means in which the frame or wall mountedportion of the device is disposed within arecess in such frame or wall.

61.83 Gravity actuated:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.62.Apparatus in which at least one of the circuitmaking and breaking members is urged bygravity into or out of contact-making position.

61.84 Window accessory (e.g., shades and blinds):This subclass is indented under subclass 61.62.Apparatus which responds, in circuit-control-ling manner, to the movement of a membermounted on or adjacent to a window and whichmember serves as an adjunct to such window.


class 550 for communications com-prising means responsive to the condi-tion of screens, gratings or curtains.

61.85 Manipulating, operating or carrying han-dle:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.58.Devices in whose operation the volitional usecomprises the normal or intended movement ofa manually graspable guiding, lifting, or actuat-ing member.


Devices: Systems, subclasses 80+ forsystems for supplying electric energyto lamp and/or electric space dis-charge devices of the gas or vaporionization type, the system includinga switch which is operated by themovement of a vehicle controlling(steering wheel, hand or foot) lever.

61.86 For fluid controlling valve:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.85.Devices in which movement of the actuatingmember results in the actuation of a circuitcontroller and of a valve.


January 2011

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:81+, for fluid pressure actuated switches,

and especially 81.9 for flow respon-sive devices where the valve orobstruction, if any, is present merelyto operate the switch element(s).

61.87 Hand brake lever:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.85.Means in which the operating handle functionsto control a vehicle retarding device.


class 457.3 for signals responsive tothe position of a hand brake lever.

61.88 Gear shift lever:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.85.Apparatus in which the operating handle func-tions to vary the relation of gears in a train, oneto another, to effect a change in speed ratio orin relative directions of rotation, between theinput and output of such gearing.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:61.28, for turn indicator type switches

mounted on gear shift levers.

61.89 Vehicle pedal:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.58.Means in whose operation the volitional usecomprises the actuation of a foot operatedmember for controlling the functioning of aconveyance part.


Devices: Systems, subclasses 80+ forsystems for supplying electric energyto lamp and/or electric space dis-charge devices of the gas or vaporionization type, the system includinga switch which is operated by themovement of a vehicle controlling(steering wheel, hand or foot) lever.

61.9 Engine governed over-riding means:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.89.Devices whose circuit making or breakingeffect is nullified by (1) disabling the vehicle

pedal as a circuit controller actuator, or (2) useof a series related circuit disabling switch,brought about by the attainment of a predeter-mined condition of the vehicle's engine.

61.91 Transmission controlled:This subclass is indented under subclass 61.58.Apparatus in whose operation the volitionaluse comprises the rearrangement of gears in aspeed-change gearing train and in which thecircuit controlling elements are not directlyaffected by a gear shift lever.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:61.88, for circuit makers and breakers actu-

ated concurrently with the use of agear shift lever.

61.93 Anti-intrusion type:This subclass is indented under subclass 52.Circuit-controllers which are actuated by theattempted entry into or egress from a room,compartment, building, or other enclosure,through the use of unauthorized methods ormeans.


classes 541+ for electrical automaticintrusion responsive indicating sys-tems.

SNAP. This group relates to circuit makers and break-ers which are constructed to operate with aquick motion. They are limited to thoseswitches in which the quick motion of the con-tacts is not dependent on the rate of movementof the operator. This is usually accomplishedby a spring connection between the operatorand the switch-contact, so that the initial move-ment of the operator puts the spring under ten-sion and when the contact is released it issnapped by action of the spring.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:557, for quick-action switches in which the

contact is positively controlled by theoperator, the quick action beingderived through lever mechanism.


1January 2011

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:74, Machine Element or Mechanism, the

subclasses under the heading“Mechanical Movements” especiallysubclasses 97.1+ and 100.1+, formechanical movements, per se,involving snap actions.

337, Electricity: Electrothermally or Ther-mally Actuated Switches, appropriatesubclasses for electrothermal andthermally actuated snap switches.

79 SUSPENDED-WIRE CONTROLLED:This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Circuit-controllers used in transmissionor trolley lines which are operated by thebreaking of the wire to disconnect the brokensection.

80 CENTRIFUGAL:This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Circuit-controllers in which the contact isoperated by means responsive to centrifugalforce.


535+ for a speed responsive device ofthe centrifugal weight type, per se.

361, Electricity: Electrical Systems andDevices, subclasses 236+ for speedcontrolled systems which may includecentrifugally operated switches.

81 FLUID PRESSURE:This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Devices in which the operating means isresponsive to pressure of a liquid, gas, orvapor. The pressure may be caused by a con-fined fluid or by the flow of a fluid.

(1) Note. This group includes devicesresponsive to vacuum.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:60, Power Plants, subclasses 632+, for

one shot explosion actuated expansi-ble chamber type motors.

92, Expansible Chamber Devices, appro-priate subclasses for an expansiblechamber device, per se.

235, Registers, subclass 452 for record-sensing devices wherein a switch may

be opened or closed or circuits madein accordance with areas on the recordthat contain coded indicia, the areawhere said indicia is sensed convey-ing particular information.

337, Electricity: Electrothermally or Ther-mally Actuated Switches, subclasses114+ for electrothermally operatedswitches employing expansible orvaporizable fluid and subclasses 306+for similar thermally actuatedswitches.

81.4 Plural switch:This subclass is indented under subclass 81.Combinations, of two or more distinct circuitmakers and breakers, each having its own oper-ating means, at least one of said operatingmeans being responsive to pressure of a fluidor to vacuum.

81.5 With plural operators:This subclass is indented under subclass 81.Devices, having two or more distinct operatingmeans, at least one of which is responsive topressure of a fluid or to vacuum.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:81.4, for combinations of two or more dis-

tinct circuit makers and breakers, eachhaving its own operating means, atleast one of said operating meansbeing responsive to pressure of a fluidor to vacuum.


classes 625+ for gearing having pro-vision for operation by either manualor power means, and subclass 479.01for manually operated control leverand linkage systems having a pluralityof controlling elements.

123, Internal-Combustion Engines, sub-classes 179.1+ for starters equippedwith dual operators.

236, Automatic Temperature and HumidityRegulation, subclass 91 for devicesoperated by a plurality of thermostats.


January 2011

81.6 Operable to cause liquid contact flow:This subclass is indented under subclass 81.Devices of the type in which the fluid pressure(or vacuum) acts upon a body of conductiveliquid causing the latter to move so as to openor close a circuit including the conductive liq-uid.

(1) Note. The fluid pressure or vacuum maybe applied either directly to the conduc-tive liquid, or indirectly through a pistonor diaphragm, so that the change in pres-sure causes liquid motion, as distin-guished from fluid pressure operatedmeans that cause change in position of aliquid contact switch, liquid motionbeing due to such change in position.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:182+, for miscellaneous circuit makers and

breakers employing liquid contactmeans.

200+, for periodic circuit makers and break-ers employing liquid contact means.


747+ for manometric type pressuregauges.

337, Electricity: Electrothermally or Ther-mally Actuated Switches, subclasses122 and 331 for electrothermal orthermally actuated switches with con-ductive fluid contacts.

81.8 Bourdon tube type:This subclass is indented under subclass 81.Devices, of the type in which the operatingmeans includes a flexible, arc-shaped tube, thecurvature of which changes in response tochanges in the fluid-pressure therein.


732+ for pressure gauges of the Bour-don tube type.

81.9 Flow-responsive type:This subclass is indented under subclass 81.Devices of the type in which the operatingmeans is responsive to the flow of a fluid(including air-currents, wind, etc.), as distin-

guished from those which are responsivemerely to the static pressure of the fluid.

(1) Note. See alphabetical index to the clas-sification of patents, the title “Flow” forthe distribution of flow controlleddevices in the several classes.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:137, Fluid Handling, particularly sub-

classes 98+, 107, 459+, 486+, 496,and 497+ for valves with flow respon-sive actuating means.

82 Piston:This subclass is indented under subclass 81.Devices in which the fluid acts on a pistonwhich moves in a cylinder.

83 Diaphragm:This subclass is indented under subclass 81.Devices in which the fluid acts on a flexiblesheet member confined in a housing.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:92, Expansible Chamber Devices, sub-

classes 96+ for a diaphragm typeexpansible chamber device.

84 FLOAT:This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Devices in which the contact is operatedby the movement of a float.


308 and 313 for float operatedswitches combined with measuringstructures.

337, Electricity: Electrothermally or Ther-mally Actuated Switches, subclasses314+ for thermally actuated switchesemploying an expansible fluid withfloat means.

85 WEIGHT:This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Circuit-controllers in which the operatoris adapted to be moved by having a weightapplied to it and subjected to the action ofgravity.


1January 2011


class 666 for electric alarms which areautomatically responsive to weight.

86 Treads:This subclass is indented under subclass 85.Circuit-controllers incorporated in mats ortreads and adapted to be operated by a personstepping upon them.


class 666 for electric alarms which areautomatically responsive to the move-ment of a tread or treadle.

86.5 FOOT OPERATED:This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Circuit-controllers in which the operatorby its nature, mounting or association with adevice is adapted to be moved by foot appliedforce other than the force of gravity actingthrough the foot.

175 Automatic multiple contact selective means:This subclass is indented under subclass 1.Subject matter wherein the claimed deviceincludes contact selecting means which in itselfis acting, or automatic, the contact selectingstructure operating by its own self-containedmechanism when activated by some imper-sonal influence as for example a signalling cur-rent or voltage transmitted from a distance, andwhich is not manual and requiring personalintervention; i.e., not requiring the presence ofan operator. The art to be found in this and theindented subclasses is analogous to the struc-ture to be found in Class 335, subclasses 111+and in Class 379, Telephonic Communications,subclasses 242+.

(1) Note. (a) The structure to be found inClass 335 is restricted to devices whichare magnetically operated and of generalutility and not restricted by the languagein the claims to any one art device spe-cifically classifiable elsewhere. (b) Thestructure to be found in Class 379 isrestricted by language in the claims,other than in the preamble, which is gen-erally recognized as restricting thedevice to telephony. (c) The patents

classified in this and the indented sub-classes are formerly in the telephone artbut were found not to be restricted to thetelephone art by any language other thanperhaps in the preamble to the claims,and not recited as magnetically operated.A similar group of patents, not restrictedto any otherwise classifiable art, butwhich are specifically claimed as mag-netically activated are to be found inClass 335 subclasses 110+.

(2) Note. The search to be complete must beextended to the appropriate subclasses inClasses 379 and 335 as discussed, supra.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:1, for devices under the class definition

in which a plurality of contacts arearranged to control two or more cir-cuits and where the arrangement is notrestricted to automatic selectivemeans.


Switches, Magnets, and Electromag-nets, subclass 76 for electric motorcontrolled switches with plural con-tacts, subclasses 92+ for electromag-netically controlled vibrators withplural contact activating means, andsubclasses 111+ for electromagneti-cally activated switches with pluralcontacts and not forming a part of aspecific art device, which is otherwiseclassifiable, and wherein the activat-ing structure comprises self acting(automatic) means similar to the tele-phone type.

340, Communications: Electrical, sub-classes 1.1 through 16.1 for remotecontrol selective systems for control-ling the operation of plural devices ata distance, the said control being exer-cised over a lesser number of commu-nication lines than the number ofdifferent results which can beobtained.

379, Telephonic Communications, sub-classes 242+ for automatic telephonesystems limited to instrument andtheir combinations for effecting the


January 2011

transmission of spoken sounds bymeans of electricity and in which con-nection between subscribers are auto-matically and mechanically made at acentral station, without the aid orpresence of an operator.

176 With multidirectional selector means:This subclass is indented under subclass 175.Subject matter wherein the claimed structureincludes means whereby the movable contactoror wiper structure is caused to be first in onedirection, and then at least in one other direc-tion, the final selection being the result of theplurality of motions, or whereby at least two ormore contactor or wiper structures are causedto have movement relative to one another. Themovements may include vertical, rotary, radialor other motions.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:17+, for means under subclass 1 which is

peculiarly adapted for the operation ofmultiple circuit controllers and sub-class 18 for means for operating twoor more controllers which have move-ment relative to one another.


Switches, Magnets, and Electromag-nets, subclasses 112+ for switcheswhich are of similar type, but magnet-ically activated, subclasses 122+ fordevices wherein a plurality of individ-ual controlled circuits are completedselectively, cyclically, alternately orintermittently by other than automaticmeans which may involve compoundmotions, subclasses 140+ for pluralcontact switches utilizing plural mag-netic means which may or may notproduce multi-directional movement.

379, Telephonic Communications, sub-classes 242+ for combined rotary andnonrotary switch lock out arrange-ments.

177 In different planes:This subclass is indented under subclass 176.Subject matter wherein the plurality of direc-tional motions are caused to take place in dif-ferent planes, as for example a first rectilinear

motion in a vertical plane combined with arotary motion in a horizontal plane.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:19.07, for combined rotary and nonrotary

switch arrangements.


Switches, Magnets, and Electromag-nets, subclass 113 for automatic mag-netically activated multiple contactswitches having motion conversionmeans such as, rotary to reciprocal.

379, Telephonic Communications, sub-classes 299+ for automatic telephoneswitches utilizing combined rotaryand nonrotary operating means.

178 With motion in a single plane:This subclass is indented under subclass 175.Subject matter wherein the claimed structureincludes apparatus whereby one or more carri-ers for the contact selecting means is caused tomove or reciprocate in a single plane. Themotion usually takes place in a vertical plane.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:16, for multiple circuit control switches

with reciprocating contact means,subclass 46 for pattern-sheet con-trolled switches which may compriseany number of contacts.


Switches, Magnets, and Electromag-nets, subclass 118 for multiple contactswitches automatically operated in asingle plane, subclass 130 for pluralcontact switches having reciprocatingor linearly sliding means whereby thecontacts are selectively cyclically,alternately or intermittently activated,and subclasses 131+ for plural contactswitches having reciprocating meanswhereby the plurality of contacts aresimultaneously activated.

379, Telephonic Communications, sub-classes 299+ for automatic telephoneswitches establishing circuit connec-tions by devices having motions in


1January 2011

which a line terminal or connectormoves in a longitudinal, transverse,vertical or radial direction.

179 Rotary:This subclass is indented under subclass 178.Subject matter wherein the claimed structureincludes at least one wiper or movable contac-tor which is adapted to be brought into contactwith fixed contacts selectively through themedium of a carrier or rotor turning about afixed axis.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:19.07, for periodic multiple contact switches

with rotary motion, subclass 37 forretarded clocktrain rotary switch withmultiple contacts.


classes 575+ for pawl and ratchetmovements.

335, Electricity: Magnetically OperatedSwitches, Magnets, and Electromag-nets, subclass 64 for retarded ordelayed type switches in which a plu-rality of contacts are alternately, con-secutively or selectively activated bymechanical means, subclass 103 foralternating or fluctuating current acti-vated switches utilizing induction oreddy current rotary means, subclass117 for automatic plural contactswitches with rotary selector motion,subclasses 126+ for plural contacttype switches with rotary or com-pound motion means for selectively,cyclically, alternately or intermittentcontact selection not automatic, sub-classes 142+ for step by step typeswitches utilizing rotary motiondevices which are magnetically acti-vated.

379, Telephonic Communications, sub-classes 258+ for automatic percentagetelephone switching systems, utilizingrotary single level switches.

180 With clutch:This subclass is indented under subclass 179.Subject matter wherein the claimed structurecomprises a clutch mechanism connecting a

driving means to the carrier or rotor wherebythe rotor may be disassociated from the drivingmeans.


class 37 for reciprocating controlmeans utilizing belt or chain meanswith a clutch, subclass 110 for recip-rocating to reciprocating motionmechanical drive means with clutch.

192, Clutches and Power-Stop Control, subclasses 30+ for clutches in general.

246, Railway Switches and Signals, sub-classes 132+ for railway signal typeswitching means, comprising pluralcontact sets and means for selectingany one or any combination of thecontact sets with interlocking orclutch means.

335, Electricity: Magnetically OperatedSwitches, Magnets, and Electromag-nets, subclass 121 for plural contactautomatically operated switches withmotor driven contact activation meansincluding clutch means, subclass 126for nonautomatic plural contactswitches with rotary or compoundmotion means for selectively activat-ing the contacts.

181 ELECTROSTRICTIVE OR ELECTRO-STATIC:This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Subject matter wherein the claimed appa-ratus comprises means whereby the completionor interruption of at least one electrical circuitis accomplished by means utilizing either thephenomenon wherein some materials experi-ence an elastic strain as the result of an electricfield, this strain being independent of the polar-ity of the field or by means utilizing the laws ofelectrostatics, i.e., the phenomena wherein, dueto the mutual repulsion of all electricity forelectricity of the same kind (of like polarity), aconductor of one polarity with its surroundingelectric field is caused to attract or repulseanother conductor with an electric field.

(1) Note. All crystals, in addition to theirfirst order piezo-electric effect, have asecond order electrostrictive effect inwhich a distortion occurs which is pro-portional to the electric displacement.


January 2011

Patents in which piezo-electric devicesare utilized for their electrostrictiveeffect, for the purpose of causing thecontrol of one or more electric circuits,are to be found here.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:40, Card, Picture, or Sign Exhibiting,

subclasses 463+ for changeableexhibitors which may utilize electros-trictive or electrostatic effects for con-trolled action.

102, Ammunition and Explosive Devices, subclasses 200+ for fuses or ignitiondevices utilizing electrical magneticwave or radiant energy.

307, Electrical Transmission or Intercon-nection Systems, subclass 91 fordevices for magnetic or electrostaticfield control, subclass 104 for electro-magnet and highly inductive connec-tion systems, subclass 109 for pulseproducing systems utilizing the dis-charge of a capacitor and subclasses125+ for switching systems respon-sive to electrical conditions and whichmay utilize electrostrictive or electro-static principles.

310, Electrical Generator or Motor Struc-ture, subclass 300 for nondynamo-electric generator or motor structure,subclasses 311+ for piezo-electricdevices, per se, and subclasses 10+ fordynamo-electric generator or motorstructure.

318, Electricity: Motive Power Systems, subclass 118 for magnetostrictivemotor devices.

324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing, subclass 74 for motor type deviceswhich may utilize the electrostrictiveor electrostatic principles, subclass109 for devices for measuring or test-ing electricity and consisting of piezo-electric or electrostatic devices andsubclass 144 for testing devices withan electromagnetic field.

327, Miscellaneous Active Electrical Non-linear Devices, Circuits, and Systems, subclasses 509+ for miscellaneousexternally effected circuits.

335, Electricity: Magnetically OperatedSwitches, Magnets, and Electromag-nets, subclass 18 for automatic circuitbreaking devices responsive toreverse currents or voltages, subclass35 for automatic circuit breakingdevices with trip means which maydepend in part on electrostrictive orelectrostatic means, subclasses 78+for switching devices in which themovement of an armature dependsupon the direction of a current in thearmature controlling circuit, subclass215 for relay devices utilizing themagnetostrictive principle for obtain-ing mechanical force, subclass 223 forrelays utilizing relatively movableconductors, e.g., dynamometer type.

336, Inductor Devices, appropriate sub-classes for particular inductorarrangements.

347, Incremental Printing of SymbolicInformation, subclasses 112+ for elec-trostatic marking.

361, Electricity: Electrical Systems andDevices, subclass 207 for electric cir-cuits for relays and electromagnetswhich utilize the electrostatic princi-ple, subclasses 258+ for electrostaticigniting systems.

182 LIQUID CONTACT:This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Switching devices in which electricalconnection is made between two or more con-tacts or terminals by means of conducting liq-uid, usually mercury.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:61.04+, for other electrically-conducting-liq-

uid switching devices of special appli-cation.

81.6, for other liquid-contact switches ofthe type in which a fluid pressure (orvacuum) acts upon a body of conduc-tive liquid causing the latter to moveso as to open or close a circuit includ-ing the conductive liquid.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices,

subclasses 163+ for electric dischargedevices which have a liquid electrode.


1January 2011

324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing, subclasses 92+ for devices for mea-suring, testing or sensing electricity,per se, and utilizing fluid conductors.

335, Electricity: Magnetically OperatedSwitches, Magnets, and Electromag-nets, subclasses 47+ for magneticallyoperated switches utilizing conductiveliquid.

337, Electricity: Electrothermally or Ther-mally Actuated Switches, subclasses21, 80+, 331, and 373 for electrother-mal or thermally controlled switchesutilizing liquid contacts.

445, Electric Lamp or Space DischargeComponent or Device Manufacturing, subclasses 1+ and 60+ and the classesspecified in the Notes to the defini-tions of those subclasses, for the appa-ratus and processes for themanufacture of electric lamp and elec-tric space discharge devices, suchapparatus and processes being analo-gous to those in making mercuryswitches.

183 Combined:This subclass is indented under subclass 182.Subject matter wherein the liquid contactswitch is claimed in combination with anotherart device having an added purpose or utilityindependent of the switch and which claimedcombination does not include sufficient struc-ture details of the other art device for classifi-cation elsewhere or the combination is notprovided for elsewhere.

184 With illumination means:This subclass is indented under subclass 183.Subject matter wherein the liquid contactswitch is combined with an illuminationmeans.

185 With electrical resistance:This subclass is indented under subclass 183.Subject matter wherein the liquid contactswitch is combined with an electrical resistor(e.g., the resistor may be in the form of a heat-ing coil).

186 Time delay:This subclass is indented under subclass 182.Subject matter wherein some means of delay-ing electrical connection between the switchcontact and the liquid is employed.

187 Plural switches (in same housing):This subclass is indented under subclass 182.Subject matter wherein more than one switch iscontained in a single housing. The housingmay be the only means by which the electri-cally conductive liquid is contained, whereinthere are solid dividers which separate the liq-uid, or each switch may further be contained inan additional enclosure (e.g., a glass envelope)which is mounted within the single housing.

188 With common electrical connection (solid orliquid):This subclass is indented under subclass 187.Plural switches wherein the switches are elec-trically connected by a solid metal conductor orby the liquid conductor of each switch (e.g., bythe flowing-together of the liquid conductor bymeans of an aperture in a wall or septum).

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:221+, for similar type connections occurring

within a single switch.

189 Progressive contacts:This subclass is indented under subclass 187.Subject matter wherein a number of circuits areto be successively completed in a predeter-mined sequence, responsive to the relativemovement of the contacts and the liquid.

190 Liquid level responsive:This subclass is indented under subclass 182.Subject matter wherein electrical connection ofthe liquid contact switch is made or brokenresponsive to the level or height of the liquid inthe enclosing housing.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:61.2+, for similar switches of special appli-

cation.230, for switches wherein electrical con-

nection is made or broken by thebuoyancy of a float which is respon-sive to the rise and fall of a liquid (not


January 2011

to be confused with the liquid whichis part of the switch).

191 Having capillary tube means:This subclass is indented under subclass 182.Subject matter wherein the conductive-liquidcontainer includes a capillary tube.

192 With electro-capillary action:This subclass is indented under subclass 191.Subject matter wherein the phenomenon ofelectro-capillarity is utilized. Electro-capillar-ity action involves generation of a force whencurrent flows from one conductive liquid toanother in a capillarity tube, the force being asurface tension force at the boundary betweenthe liquids. The direction of movement of theliquids is the same as the direction of the cur-rent.

193 Having electrolytic conductive-liquidmeans:This subclass is indented under subclass 182.Subject matter wherein the conductive liquidconstitutes and electrolyte.

194 With significant electrolyte:This subclass is indented under subclass 193.Subject matter wherein the constituents of theelectrolyte are specified by name or character-istics.

195 Spray or jet by centrifugal force and/or byother pressure-producing means:This subclass is indented under subclass 182.Subject matter wherein the conductive liquid isconverted into a spray or jet stream. Usuallythe conversion takes place by using a pump totransfer the liquid from a tank to a centrifugalforce device which is responsible for creatingthe spray or jet stream which in turn establishesan electrical connection across at least two con-tacts.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:80, for circuit controllers under the class

definition in which a contact is oper-ated by means responsive to centrifu-gal force.

196 Periodic:This subclass is indented under subclass 195.Subject matter wherein electrical connection ismade or broken at predetermined time inter-vals.

197 Oscillating jet:This subclass is indented under subclass 196.Subject matter wherein a wave-shaped conduc-tive liquid jet is utilized for effecting the clos-ing or interruption of an electric circuit. Thewave-shape of the liquid jet is generally pro-duced by the interaction of a current carryingliquid jet and a magnetic field.

198 Contact dips (moves relative to container)into the conductive liquid:This subclass is indented under subclass 196.Subject matter wherein the contacts move rela-tive to the container of the conductive liquidand dip into the liquid spray or jet.

199 Contact dips (moves relative to container)into the conductive liquid:This subclass is indented under subclass 182.Subject matter wherein the contacts move rela-tive to the container of the conductive liquidand dip into the liquid.


201 Progressive contacts:This subclass is indented under subclass 200.Subject matter wherein a number of circuits areto be successively completed in a predeter-mined sequence, responsive to the relativemovement of the contacts and the liquid.

202 Cam actuated:This subclass is indented under subclass 200.Subject matter wherein a cam is used to actuatethe switch.

203 Cam actuated:This subclass is indented under subclass 182.Subject matter wherein a cam is used to actuatethe switch.


1January 2011

204 Gyratory movement:This subclass is indented under subclass 203.Subject matter wherein the cam actuationresults in a wobbly motion of the container ofthe conductive liquid.


206 Plural switches (switches not in same hous-ing):This subclass is indented under subclass 205.Subject matter wherein more than one switch isinvolved, but not in the same housing.

(1) Note. Where two or more switches areclaimed as being in the same housingclassification is in subclasses 187+.

207 Eccentric switch movement (wobble):This subclass is indented under subclass 205.Subject matter wherein the cam actuationresults in a wobbly motion of the container ofthe conductive liquid.


209 Piston or plunger means:This subclass is indented under subclass 182.Subject matter wherein piston means (e.g., rodor plunger) are used to force the conductive liq-uid into electrical connection with the switchcontacts.

210 Contact attached to or unitary with pistonor plunger:This subclass is indented under subclass 209.Subject matter wherein the piston functions asa contact or carries a contact to make or breakthe circuit.

211 Pressure-deformable (flexible) means:This subclass is indented under subclass 182.Subject matter wherein the switch is operatedby a pressure deformable or flexible element,such as a diaphragm, a bellows or a bourdon

tube. The movement of the deformable flexiblemeans produces relative movement betweenthe liquid and the contacts.

212 With progressive contacts:This subclass is indented under subclass 211.Subject matter wherein a number of circuits areto be successively completed in a predeter-mined sequence, responsive to the relativemovement of the contacts and the liquid.

213 With movably attached contact means:This subclass is indented under subclass 211.Subject matter wherein contact means areattached to the flexible element for movementinto the conductive liquid to close the switch.

214 With movable liquid-separating or shiftingmeans:This subclass is indented under subclass 182.Subject matter wherein the switch circuit isbroken by utilizing some mechanical means forseparating the conductive liquid into at leasttwo bodies, or shifting the liquid.

215 With external support or external housing:This subclass is indented under subclass 182.Subject matter including housing or supportmeans which is external to the switch, per se,(i.e., external to the envelope or containerwhich contains the electrically conductive liq-uid and the contacts).

216 With hermetic or resin sealing:This subclass is indented under subclass 215.Subject matter wherein the external housing ishermetically sealed. This sealing does not con-cern the switch envelope (usually a sealed glasscontainer) which is almost always sealed toprevent loss of the liquid and air-evacuated toremove harmful oxidizing gases.

217 Dual function support:This subclass is indented under subclass 215.Subject matter wherein an electrical contact ofthe switch extends through the switch housingor envelope and serves as a support element forthe switch.

218 With actuator securing means:This subclass is indented under subclass 217.Subject matter wherein the actuator means ofthe switch is held under a resilient securingmeans usually for the purpose of imparting on-


January 2011

off stop limits or a resistance to the movementof the actuating means.

219 With actuation means:This subclass is indented under subclass 215.Subject matter wherein the housing or supportincludes actuating means for moving theswitch, per se, into circuit-making or breakingposition.

220 Tiltable or rotatable:This subclass is indented under subclass 182.Subject matter wherein the switch is actuatedeither by tilting or rotating.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:61.47, for switch devices of special applica-

tion in which a body of current con-ducting liquid flows under theinfluence of gravity, or by reason ofits inertia, into or out of circuit closingposition. (See also Note (1) under thissubclass).

221 Container has plural major conductive-liq-uid containing chambers or spaces con-nected by a passageway:This subclass is indented under subclass 220.Subject matter wherein the container for theliquid is divided into plural liquid containingchambers with fluid passage means intercon-necting the chambers. Actuation of the switchcauses the liquid of one or more of the cham-bers to flow into circuit closing relationshipwith contact elements of the switch.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:188, for plural switches in a single housing

with a common conductive liquid.

222 Container forms at least one contact:This subclass is indented under subclass 221.Subject matter wherein the switch envelope orcontainer is formed of one or more metal partsand at least one of these parts is used as anelectrical terminal for the switch, per se.

223 Having position sensitive ring, disk or coni-cal contact:This subclass is indented under subclass 220.Subject matter wherein a contact is of such ashape (e.g., ring, disk or cone shaped) that the

electrical circuit is completed when the switchis positioned within certain predeterminedangular limits and the electrical circuit is bro-ken when the switch is not positioned withinthe said predetermined angular limits.

224 Multi-throw or multi-position:This subclass is indented under subclass 220.Subject matter wherein a common contact maybe moved into more than one contact closingposition to establish electrical connections inone of a plurality of electrical circuits.

225 Single pole-double throw:This subclass is indented under subclass 224.Subject matter wherein the common contactmember is the single pole type and is limited toclosing the electrical connection by movementinto either of two contact closing positions.

226 Container forms at least one contact:This subclass is indented under subclass 220.Subject matter wherein the switch envelope orcontainer is formed of one or more metal partsand at least one of these parts is used as anelectrical terminal for the switch, per se.

227 Chamber contains insulative restrictive ele-ment or means to form at least one conduc-tive-liquid-containing recess:This subclass is indented under subclass 226.Subject matter wherein the liquid containercontains a restrictive element of insulativematerial which forms a recess or groove in thecontainer for receiving the conductive liquid inorder to make or break the switch circuit.

228 Chamber contains insulative restrictive ele-ment or means to form at least one conduc-tive-liquid-containing recess:This subclass is indented under subclass 220.Subject matter wherein the liquid containercontains a restrictive element of insulativematerial which forms a recess or groove in thecontainer for receiving the conductive liquid inorder to make or break the switch circuit.

229 Container includes at least one integralrecess:This subclass is indented under subclass 220.Subject matter wherein the conductive liquidcontainer has a recess formed integrally there-with.


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230 Float actuated:This subclass is indented under subclass 220.Subject matter wherein electrical connection ismade or broken by the buoyancy of a floatlocated in the conductive liquid. Whenever theliquid rises or falls, the float carried by the liq-uid is moved into contact opening or closingposition. The float itself may constitute thecontact, or it may carry a contact thereon.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:190, for fluid-level switching devices that

do not require a float.

231 With significant contact-sealing means:This subclass is indented under subclass 220.Subject matter wherein the sealing of a contactor contacts to the switch container is set forthin specific details. The mere statement that thecontact is sealed to the container is not suffi-cient to cause classification in this subclass.

232 With anti-splash means:This subclass is indented under subclass 220.Subject matter wherein some means is speci-fied for preventing splashing of the liquid con-ductor within the container whenever theswitch is actuated.

233 Particular conductive liquid:This subclass is indented under subclass 182.Subject matter wherein the constituents of theconductive liquid are specified.

234 Having contact wetting agent:This subclass is indented under subclass 233.Subject matter wherein the liquid contains acontact-wetting agent.

235 Particular contact structure or material:This subclass is indented under subclass 182.Subject matter wherein the contact structurehas specific details or the material of a contactis specified.

236 Mounting or attaching means:This subclass is indented under subclass 235.Subject matter wherein the mounting or attach-ing means of the contact is set forth in specificdetails.

237 ELECTRIC SWITCH DETAILS:This subclass relates to an element of an elec-trical switch of this class (200) wherein the ele-ment is characterized by some significantstructural detail or details. If a claim is drawnto a sufficient number of elements which coop-erate to form a complete switch, the patent isnormally classified higher in the schedule andcrossed in a “detail” subclass.

238 Contact:This subclass is indented under subclass 237.A contact or contacts, wherein significantdetails are claimed which relate solely to somedistinct characteristics concerning the contact.

(1) Note. An electrical contact is defined asbeing one of at least two elements thatconstitutes the electrical connectionpoint of a circuit maker and breaker, theelements being relatively movable toopen and close a circuit.

239 Abutting type:This subclass is indented under subclass 238.Subject matter, wherein the manner of coopera-tion or engagement between the contacts con-stitutes abutting. This type of engagement ischaracterized in that the relative movementbetween the contacts, whenever the contactsare approaching each other, terminates whenthe surface of one of the contacts touches thesurface of the other contact. Generally, there isno further movement between the contactsafter the initial touch.

240 With subsequent rolling:This subclass is indented under subclass 239.Subject matter, wherein the engagement of thecontacts by abutting is followed immediatelyby a rolling motion between the contacts, gen-erally due to the curvature of at least one of thecontacts. This rolling motion precludes anywiping or sliding movement between the con-tacts.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:241, for “Subsequent Sliding” movement.


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241 With subsequent sliding:This subclass is indented under subclass 239.Subject matter, wherein the engagement of thecontacts by abutting is followed immediatelyby a sliding or wiping motion between the con-tacts. This sliding or wiping motion precludesany rolling motion between the contacts.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:240, for “subsequent rolling” movement.

242 Having contact cleaning structure:This subclass is indented under subclass 241.Subject matter, wherein the sliding or wipingmotion between the contacts is designed forcleaning the contact surfaces.

243 Bridging contacts:This subclass is indented under subclass 239.Subject matter, wherein there are at least twocontact elements mounted on a common sup-port and electrically connected, usually by theconductive material forming the support.

244 With rigid pivoted member carrying themoving contact:This subclass is indented under subclass 239.Subject matter, wherein the moving contact ismounted on a rigid pivoted member.

245 With resilient mounting:This subclass is indented under subclass 239.Subject matter, wherein each of the abuttingcontacts are mounted on a separate piece ofresilient support, such support having the abil-ity to bounce or spring back into shape, posi-tion, etc., after being pressed or stretched.

246 With spring blade support:This subclass is indented under subclass 245.Subject matter, wherein the resilient material isa spring blade support.

247 Within supporting guides:This subclass is indented under subclass 245.Subject matter, wherein at least one of the resil-ient contact supports is held in position orguided by a slot or hole in a structural elementsuch as an insulating block.

248 Self-aligning contacts:This subclass is indented under subclass 239.Subject matter, wherein at least one of the abut-ting contacts is mounted in a semi-universalmanner such that the contact will pivot orrotate to a position whereby the contact alignsitself squarely with its cooperating contact togive an efficient electrical connection.

249 Having contact adjusting means:This subclass is indented under subclass 239.Subject matter, wherein adjusting means (e.g.,a screw) is provided for positioning one of thecontacts relative to its cooperating contact.This positioning includes the setting of the gapbetween the cooperating contacts and/or thehorizontal or sideways aligning between thecontacts.

250 Having biasing means:This subclass is indented under subclass 239.Subject matter, wherein at least one of the abut-ting contacts is biased or pressed by somemeans into good electrical connection with thecooperating contact. Frequently, the biasedcontact is biased inherently in the material ofwhich it is made.

251 Means for adjusting contact pressure:This subclass is indented under subclass 250.Subject matter, wherein the biasing meansincludes means (e.g., a screw) for changing oradjusting the biasing pressure in order toimprove the electrical connection between thecooperating contacts.

252 Sliding type:This subclass is indented under subclass 238.Subject matter, wherein the manner of coopera-tion or engagement between a fixed contactand a moving contact constitutes sliding orwiping. This type of engagement is character-ized in that the relative movement between thecontacts, whenever the contacts are approach-ing each other, does “not” terminate when thesurface of one of the contacts touches the sur-face of the other contact, but rather there is afurther movement between the contacts whichconstitutes a sliding or wiping motion after theinitial touch.


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253 Having contact cleaning structure:This subclass is indented under subclass 252.Subject matter, wherein the sliding or wipingmotion between the contacts is designed forcleaning the contact surfaces.

253.1 Plug type contacts:This subclass is indented under subclass 252.Subject matter wherein the contacts, whenengaged, are arranged in such a manner thatone contact is inserted into another mating part.

254 Knife and clip contacts:This subclass is indented under subclass 252.Subject matter, wherein the sliding or wipingmotion is effected by a knife blade and cliptype of contacts.

255 Having biasing means:This subclass is indented under subclass 254.Subject matter, wherein at least one of the rela-tively sliding contacts (usually the fixed ornonmoving contact) is biased or pressed bysome means into good electrical connectionwith the cooperating contact. Frequently, thebiased contact is biased inherently in the mate-rial of which it is made.

256 Means for adjusting contact pressure:This subclass is indented under subclass 255.Subject matter, wherein the biasing meansincludes means (e.g., a screw) for changing oradjusting the biasing pressure in order toimprove the electrical connection between thecooperating contacts.

257 With resilient mounting:This subclass is indented under subclass 252.Subject matter, wherein the relative movingcontacts, usually only one of these contacts, aremounted on a separate piece of resilient sup-port, such supports having the ability to bounceor spring back into shape, position, etc., afterbeing pressed or stretched.

258 Self-aligning contacts:This subclass is indented under subclass 252.Subject matter, wherein at least one of the rela-tive moving contacts, usually the fixed contact,is mounted such that the contact will pivot,rotate, or spring (according to the nature andstructure of the material) into a positionwhereby the contact aligns itself squarely with

its cooperating contact to give an efficient elec-trical connection.

259 Having contact adjusting means:This subclass is indented under subclass 252.Subject matter, wherein adjusting means (e.g.,a screw) is provided for positioning one of thecontacts relative to its cooperating contact.This positioning includes the setting of the gapbetween the cooperating contacts and/or thehorizontal or sideways aligning between thecontacts.

260 Having biasing means:This subclass is indented under subclass 252.Subject matter, wherein at least one of the rela-tively sliding contacts is biased or pressed bysome means into good electrical connectionwith the cooperating contact. Frequently, thebiased contact is biased inherently in the mate-rial of which it is made.

261 Means for adjusting contact pressure:This subclass is indented under subclass 260.Subject matter, wherein the biasing meansincluding means (e.g., a screw) for changing oradjusting the biasing pressure in order toimprove the electrical connection between thecooperating contacts.

262 Material:This subclass is indented under subclass 238.Subject matter, wherein the contact is specificto the material therein.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Arti-

cles, subclasses 544+ for a metalliccontact claimed nominally, that is, ofsome, but insufficient structural detailfor limitation as an element in a cir-cuit maker or breaker.

263 Cooperating contacts of different material:This subclass is indented under subclass 262.Subject matter, wherein the material of each ofthe cooperating contacts (i.e., a contact whichabuts or slides against and relative to anothercontact) is different.

264 Infiltrated porous substance:This subclass is indented under subclass 262.Subject matter, wherein the contact comprisesa porous substance in which the pores have


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been filled (infiltrated) with a different mate-rial.


cles, subclass 545 for composite stockmaterial comprising a porous metallicpowder compact impregnated with anonmetal.

265 Compositions:This subclass is indented under subclass 262.Subject matter, wherein the contact materialconstitutes a physical mixture of various ingre-dients, not alloyed.

266 Alloys:This subclass is indented under subclass 262.Subject matter, wherein the contact materialconstitutes a chemically combined mixture ofvarious metals or compounds of metals.

267 One layer (i.e., additional to its mounting):This subclass is indented under subclass 262.Subject matter, wherein the contact materialconstitutes one layer.

(1) Note. The support to which the layer isattached does not constitute a layer.

(2) Note. For purposes of classification inthis subclass, the term “layer” is meantto include sheet material or coatingmaterial, either material being adhe-sively bonded to a support (e.g., weld,resin, cold flow, etc.) or to another layeras indicated in subclasses 268 and 269.

268 Two layers:This subclass is indented under subclass 262.Subject matter, wherein the contact materialconstitutes two layers. Each layer material isdifferent from the other layer.

(1) Note. The support to which the layersare attached does not constitute a layer.

(2) Note. For purposes of classification inthis subclass, the term “layer”, is meantto include sheet material or coatingmaterial, either material being adhe-sively bonded to a support (e.g., weld,resin, cold flow, etc.), or to another layeras indicated in subclasses 268 and 269.


cles, subclasses 615+ for a metalliccomposite defined in terms of thecomposition of its components, espe-cially subclasses 616+ for bimetallictemperature-sensitive stock.

269 Three layers or more:This subclass is indented under subclass 262.Subject matter, wherein the contact materialconstitutes three or more layers. Each adjacentlayer of material is different from each otherlayer, however, every other layer of materialcould possibly be similar to each other (e.g.,layers 1 and 3, layers 2 and 4, or layers 3 and 5,etc.).

(1) Note. The support to which the layersare attached does not constitute a layer.

(2) Note. For purposes of classification inthis subclass, the term “layer” is meantto include sheet material or coatingmaterial, either material being adhe-sively bonded to a support (e.g., weld,resin, cold flow, etc.), or to another layeras indicated in subclasses 268 and 269.


cles, subclass 617 for compositemetallic stock having more than twocomponents and deflectable by a tem-perature change, and subclass 635 forcomposite metallic stock having fouror more distinct components withalternate recurrence of each type com-ponent.

270 Elements:This subclass is indented under subclass 262.Subject matter, wherein the contact materialconstitutes an element of the periodic table.There may be more than one element, howeverthey must be individual elements, not chemi-cally combined.

271 Blade or pole-plate:This subclass is indented under subclass 238.Subject matter, relating to the structure of amovable contact, referred to frequently, by theterm “blade”, or “pole plate”.


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272 With support:This subclass is indented under subclass 271.Subject matter, wherein the movable contact iscombined with support means.

273 Rotary:This subclass is indented under subclass 271.Subject matter, wherein the movable contact isstructured for rotary movement.

274 With support:This subclass is indented under subclass 273.Subject matter, wherein the rotary contact iscombined with support means.

275 Particular shape or structure of the contact:This subclass is indented under subclass 238.Subject matter, wherein the contact is charac-terized by a particular shape or structure.

276 Coil spring contact:This subclass is indented under subclass 275.Subject matter, wherein the contact is in theform of a coil spring.

276.1 With push button actuator:This subclass is indented under subclass 276.Subject matter wherein the switch includes apush button actuator to cause the coil spring toengage or disengage the stationary contacts.

277 Roller contact:This subclass is indented under subclass 275.Subject matter, wherein at least one of the con-tact elements has a rolling configuration (e.g.,cylindrical, sphere, etc.).

277.1 With push button actuator:This subclass is indented under subclass 277.Subject matter wherein the switch includes apush button actuator to cause the cylindrical orspherical contact to engage or disengage thestationary contact.

277.2 With rocker actuator:This subclass is indented under subclass 277.Subject matter including an actuator adapted tooscillate in a limited arc to move the contactsinto engagement or disengagement.

278 Laminated:This subclass is indented under subclass 275.Subject matter, wherein the contact constitutestwo or more sheets of material which are phys-ically bonded together (e.g., screw, clamp,etc.).

279 Contact making surface (e.g., grooved):This subclass is indented under subclass 275.Subject matter, wherein the contact is charac-terized by the shape or structure of the contact-making surface (e.g., grooved).

280 Interchangeable and reversible:This subclass is indented under subclass 238.Subject matter, wherein the contact or the sup-port thereof may be repositioned or rearrangedin order to alter the operation of the switch.

281 Replaceable or renewable:This subclass is indented under subclass 238.Subject matter, wherein the contact may bereadily replaced by a new contact (e.g.,replaceable insert); or the contact making sur-face may be renewed by manipulating the con-tact so that a different area is presented for use(e.g., reversing).

282 Spring clip:This subclass is indented under subclass 238.Subject matter, wherein the contact is a gener-ally U-shaped structure, usually made of springmaterial, which grips another contact or thecontact portion of a blade.

283 Leaf spring support:This subclass is indented under subclass 238.Subject matter, wherein the contact is sup-ported by a leaf spring. The leaf spring itselfmay be the contact.

(1) Note. Compare this definition with thedefinition of subclass 284.

284 Integral contact and terminal structure:This subclass is indented under subclass 238.Subject matter, wherein the contact is inte-grally supported by a structure which also con-stitutes a terminal.

(1) Note. This subclass is not intended toinclude the leaf spring with terminal asprovided for in subclass 283.


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285 Lubricated:This subclass is indented under subclass 238.Subject matter, wherein the contact has special-ized structure or material for enhancing thefreedom of movement when touching anothercontact.

286 Adjustment means:This subclass is indented under subclass 238.Subject matter, which relates to the adjusting ofthe contact position relative to its carrier orsupport. Such a combination is sometimescalled a contact finger. This subclass also pro-vides for contact pressure adjusting not limitedto claimed cooperating contacts.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:249, and 259, for position adjustment of a

contact relative to its cooperating con-tact.

251, 256 and 261, for pressure adjustmentbetween cooperating contacts.

287 Self-adjusting:This subclass is indented under subclass 286.Subject matter, wherein the adjusting of thecontact is automatically performed.

288 Buffer, rebound preventing:This subclass is indented under subclass 238.Subject matter, wherein the contact has struc-ture which reduces or prevents bounce whenconnection is made with another contact.

289 Cooler:This subclass is indented under subclass 238.Subject matter, wherein the contact has struc-ture for the purpose of cooling itself.

290 Spring biasing means:This subclass is indented under subclass 238.Subject matter, wherein the contact is biased orpressed into connection with its cooperatingcontact by spring means (e.g., coil spring, rub-ber spring, etc.).

(1) Note. The spring means is in addition tothe contact supporting structure.

291 Detent:This subclass is indented under subclass 238.Subject matter, wherein a moving contact hasdetent means which is adapted for stopping andreleasing the contact relative to its rigid sup-port. An example of the detent means is a ball,carried by the contact or by the contact mount-ing, which is spring-biased into a slot in therigid support.

292 Printed circuit:This subclass is indented under subclass 238.Subject matter, wherein at least one of the con-tacts constitutes a printed conductor and itssupport.

293 Cases and bases:This subclass is indented under subclass 237.Subject matter, wherein the switch cases orswitch mounting bases constitute specifichousing structure or specific supporting struc-ture.

293.1 Unitary switch mounted in handle or hand-grip:This subclass is indented under subclass 293.Subject matter wherein a switch with its ownhousing is mounted in a tool handle or hand-grip and wherein the switch is the actuator ofthe tool.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:332.2, for devices that also have an auxiliary

housing.502, for switches having an auxiliary actu-

ator, and

294 Surface:This subclass is indented under subclass 293.Subject matter, wherein the housing or base hassignificant structural details for attachmentonto a surface.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:296, for housings or bases that extend into

and through a surface.

295 With flexible mounting means:This subclass is indented under subclass 293.Subject matter, wherein the attaching structureof the housing or base constitutes flexible or


1January 2011

resilient structure (e.g., metal spring, plasticspring, usually integral with housing, etc.).

296 Panel:This subclass is indented under subclass 293.Subject matter, wherein the housing or base hassignificant structure which is adapted formounting in or through a panel.

297 Outlet box:This subclass is indented under subclass 293.Subject matter, wherein the switch casing orbase has significant structure which is adaptedfor adjusting the switch casing or base forproper fit and alignment in a box, commonlyknown as an electrical outlet box or switchbox. These boxes are normally located in wallsof houses and other buildings.

298 Pendant:This subclass is indented under subclass 293.Subject matter, wherein the switch case is sus-pended (i.e., hanging) by or on flexible cord orother means.

299 With lamp socket:This subclass is indented under subclass 298.Subject matter, wherein the pendant housing iscombined with a lamp socket.

300 Frangible element:This subclass is indented under subclass 293.Subject matter, wherein the housing includes aportion which can be readily shattered, cut ordestroyed (e.g., fire box cover of glass).

301 Vibration dampening means:This subclass is indented under subclass 293.Subject matter, wherein the housing or basecontains a means for counter-acting the effectsof vibration (e.g., foam rubber mounted insidethe housing).

302.1 Dust, dirt, or moisture excluding:This subclass is indented under subclass 293.Subject matter wherein the switch housing con-tains means which inhibits the ingress of dust,dirt, moisture, etc.

302.2 Seal for push button actuator:This subclass is indented under subclass 302.1.Subject matter wherein the excluding meansincludes a seal between a push button actuatorand the housing.

302.3 Seal for rocker or lever actuator:This subclass is indented under subclass 302.2.Subject matter wherein the excluding meansincludes a seal between a rocker actuator andthe housing, or a seal between a lever actuatorand the housing.

303 Split housing:This subclass is indented under subclass 293.Subject matter, wherein the housing is dividedinto components which are normally detach-able or separable.

304 With shield:This subclass is indented under subclass 293.Subject matter, wherein a portion of the casinghas means which serves particularly in a pro-tective capacity.

(1) Note. This subclass does not includehermetical sealing and total exclusion ofthe elements as does subclass 302.1.

305 Electrical shield:This subclass is indented under subclass 304.Subject matter, wherein the shield portion haselectrical grounding means.

306 Venting means:This subclass is indented under subclass 293.Subject matter, wherein the housing has signif-icant means for venting (e.g., air holes in hous-ing).

307 Stacked:This subclass is indented under subclass 293.Subject matter, wherein the switch casings areprovided with structural means for attaching aplurality of switch casings to each other.

308 Indicators:This subclass is indented under subclass 237.Subject matter, wherein indicating means areutilized for showing “on” or “off” position ofthe switch or for showing the location of theswitch.

309 Interchangeable inserts:This subclass is indented under subclass 308.Subject matter, wherein the indicating meansare inserts designed to be readily interchange-able. Typical interchangeable inserts carry dif-ferent words.


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310 Illuminated:This subclass is indented under subclass 308.Subject matter, wherein the indicating meansinclude illumination means.

311 Having light-filtering means:This subclass is indented under subclass 310.Subject matter, wherein the illuminating meansof the indicator is filtered or changed into acolor by using one or more transparent colorelements.

312 Having additional indicating means:This subclass is indented under subclass 310.Subject matter, wherein the illuminating meansis supplemented with an additional type ofindicating means. The indicating means has tobe more than mere numerals, letters or words.For example, projections indicating the switchsetting position would constitute a proper typeof additional indicating means.

313 Light visible through actuator:This subclass is indented under subclass 310.Subject matter, wherein the illumination is visi-ble through the actuator.

314 Push button type:This subclass is indented under subclass 313.Subject matter, wherein the actuator is a pushbutton type.

315 Rocker or toggle:This subclass is indented under subclass 313.Subject matter, wherein the actuator is a rockeror toggle type.

316 Rotatable:This subclass is indented under subclass 313.Subject matter, wherein the actuator is rotat-able.

317 Light visible through housing:This subclass is indented under subclass 310.Subject matter, wherein the illumination is visi-ble through the switch housing or base.

318 Latches:This subclass is indented under subclass 237.Subject matter, wherein a latch or detent deviceis utilized for holding the contacts of a switchin a desired position. The contacts are usuallylatched in circuit-closing position to prevent

accidental opening, however; the contacts mayalso be latched in a circuit-opening position, orin both a circuit-closing and a circuit-openingposition. The latch is usually released by handor some other physical means when desired.

318.1 Mechanism to hold push button down:This subclass is indented under subclass 318.Subject matter including a push button and amechanism to hold the push button in a desiredposition.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:523+, for push/pull devices which include

alternate action mechanism.

318.2 Auxiliary motion of actuator required torelease (e.g., turn or slide):This subclass is indented under subclass 318.1.Subject matter wherein the push button must bephysically moved, either by turning or sliding,etc., in order to move the push button from itslatched position.

319 Shockproof:This subclass is indented under subclass 318.Subject matter, wherein the latch cannot bereleased due to vibrating and jarring condi-tions.

320 Plural latches:This subclass is indented under subclass 318.Subject matter, wherein more than one latch isutilized in a switch.

321 Manually operated latching means:This subclass is indented under subclass 318.Subject matter, wherein the latch is closed oropened manually.

322 Plate or lever:This subclass is indented under subclass 321.Subject matter, wherein the latching meanscomprises a plate or lever-type element whichis movable into a position necessary for lock-ing or releasing the contacts.

323 Self-operating latching means:This subclass is indented under subclass 318.Subject matter, wherein the latch includes selfactuating means to cause its operation.


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324 Cam (plate, lever, etc.):This subclass is indented under subclass 323.Subject matter, wherein the self-operatinglatching means comprises a cam-type element(e.g., plate, lever, etc.), which is movable into aposition necessary for locking the contacts.

325 Spring biased:This subclass is indented under subclass 324.Subject matter, wherein the cam-type elementis either a spring itself or a spring-biased ele-ment.

326 Gravity operated:This subclass is indented under subclass 323.Subject matter, wherein the latching means isoperated by gravity.

327 Positioning or stop member:This subclass is indented under subclass 318.Subject matter, wherein one contact is stoppedin a predetermined position by a detent or someother type stop element which is usuallylocated on or near the other cooperating con-tact.

329 Actuators:This subclass is indented under subclass 237.Subject matter, wherein the devices includestructure of the operating handles or buttons.

330 Auxiliary:This subclass is indented under subclass 329.Subject matter, wherein an additional actuatoroperates the primary operating handle or but-ton.

331 Extension or remote:This subclass is indented under subclass 330.Subject matter, wherein the additional or auxil-iary actuator is extended to provide remoteoperating means for the primary operating han-dle or button.

332 Lever:This subclass is indented under subclass 330.Subject matter, wherein the additional or auxil-iary actuator is a handle or button which pivotsabout a point remote from the point of theapplied or operating force.

332.1 Having auxiliary housing:This subclass is indented under subclass 330.Subject matter including detailed structure ofan auxiliary housing and actuator into which aswitch having its own housing and actuator isinserted.

(1) Note. The mounted or encased switch isoften referred to as a microswitch.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:330+, for auxiliary actuators which move

the actuator of a switch.

332.2 Housing is a handle or handgrip for tool orappliance:This subclass is indented under subclass 332.1.Subject matter wherein the auxiliary housing isa hand-held housing generally in the shape ofan elongated graspable handle or in the shapeof a handgrip.

(1) Note. The switch housing is generallyan electrical tool or appliance, e.g., drill,vacuum cleaner, router, etc.

333 Covers:This subclass is indented under subclass 329.Subject matter, wherein the actuator is pro-vided with covering means.

334 Safety:This subclass is indented under subclass 329.Subject matter, wherein the actuator is pro-vided with safety structure to prevent acciden-tal actuation of the switch.

335 Lever:This subclass is indented under subclass 329.Subject matter, wherein the actuator is a handleor button which pivots about a point remotefrom the point of the applied or operatingforce.

336 Rotatable:This subclass is indented under subclass 329.Subject matter, wherein the actuator rotates inan arcuate plane.


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337 With linkages:This subclass is indented under subclass 329.Subject matter, wherein the actuator compriseslinkages connected between the operating han-dle or button and the moveable contact.

338 With attachment:This subclass is indented under subclass 329.Subject matter, wherein the actuator includesadditional structure for securing it to theswitching mechanism and may also serve asguiding means.

339 Rocker:This subclass is indented under subclass 329.Subject matter, wherein the actuator pivotsabout an axis (e.g., toggle or rocker).

341 Push button:This subclass is indented under subclass 329.Subject matter wherein the operating structurecomprises a push button element having a sin-gle surface on which pressure can be exerted.

(1) Note. Included herein are push buttonswith a single pushing surface or with twosurfaces when the surfaces are coaxial.

(2) Note. Push buttons are also called keysor caps, often with the actual pushingsurface called a keypad.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:400, Typewriting Machines, subclasses

472+ under appropriate titles for key-board or key lever actuating mecha-nisms.

342 Including lost motion connection:This subclass is indented under subclass 341.Subject matter including a means connected tothe push button to allow pretravel motion priorto moving the contacts into engagement, or topermit the push button to have overtravelmotion after moving the contacts into engage-ment.

343 Hinged button (e.g., piano key):This subclass is indented under subclass 341.Subject matter wherein the push button is con-nected in a flexible manner to a supportingstructure permitting pivotal motion of the push

button in only one plane pivoted about an axisalong the connection.

344 Mechanism to keep key level:This subclass is indented under subclass 341.Subject matter wherein structure is included toprevent tilting or sideways motion of the pushbutton when other than a direct straight-lineforce is applied.

(1) Note. The surface of the push button isnormally in the form of a bar similar to aspace bar of a typewriter.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:400, Typewriting Machines, subclasses

490+ for key-cap or key-stem struc-ture used in typewriting machines.

345 Cap/stem and stem/housing details:This subclass is indented under subclass 341.Subject matter wherein the particular connect-ing structure between (a) the cap and a stem orplunger, or (b) between the stem and a housingor casing, are structurally defined.

400 CONTACT MOVED BY SUDDENRELEASE OF STORED ENERGY (E.G.,SPRING CHARGER):This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Subject matter wherein the switch deviceincludes (a) means to stress a spring device, (b)a latching device for holding the stressedspring from operating after being stressed, and(c) an actuating device to release the storedenergy of the spring to open or close a circuit.

(1) Note. Often the spring or stored energydevice is charged by an electric motor.

(2) Note. These switches differ from snapswitches in that snap switches have anactuator (e.g., a lever, rocker, push but-ton, knob, etc.) which charges a springand then during its motion releases thespring.


class 2, for similar type devices forreleasing or tripping portions ofmachines to cause other portions toautomatically operate due to the


1January 2011

expenditure of the potential energypossessed by such parts.

401 Toggle mechanisms:This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Subject matter comprising an actuatorhaving mechanical linkage connectionsbetween the actuator and a movable contact;the linkage includes at least two links betweenthe actuator and the contact; the switch alsohaving a biasing member, usually a coil spring,to hold the links in various positions.

402 Snap:This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Subject matter comprising a switch hav-ing a moveable contact and an actuator, andwherein the contact is quickly or abruptlymoved independently of the actuator duringactuation.

(1) Note. Contact movement is usuallyaccomplished by a spring connectionbetween the actuator and contactstressed during initial movement of theactuator followed by a quick or abruptmovement of the contact when the actua-tor is moved beyond a predeterminedpoint (i.e., trigger point).


classes 97.1+ for a mechanical move-ment of the oscillating to oscillatingkind and wherein movement of thedriving member causes an initiallydelayed but subsequently rapid move-ment of the driven member, and sub-classes 100.1+ for a mechanicalmovement of the reciprocating to orfrom oscillating kind and whereinmovement of the driving membercauses an initially delayed but subse-quently rapid movement of the drivenmember.

403 Mercury snap:This subclass is indented under subclass 402.Subject matter, wherein the moveable contactis a metallic conducting fluid, (i.e., mercury).

404 Magnetic snap:This subclass is indented under subclass 402.Subject matter including a magnet to cause arapid or abrupt motion of the moveable contactindependent of the actuator.


Switches, Magnets, and Electromag-nets, subclasses 205+ for permanentmagnet-actuated switches.

405 Double snap:This subclass is indented under subclass 402.Subject matter wherein the moveable contact isquickly or abruptly moved independently ofthe actuator (i.e., snapped) towards both anopen and a closed position.

406 Including raised flexible snap element (e.g.,dome):This subclass is indented under subclass 405.Subject matter having a flexible spring elementand wherein the spring element has a dome likeconfiguration, the shape of the spring beingsuch that when it is actuated the direction ofthe spring reverses to cause snapping.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:516, for snap domes used in membrane

switches.

407 Blade element stressed to twisted configura-tion:This subclass is indented under subclass 405.Subject matter wherein the moveable contact ismoved by a planar spring which is prestressedto have two stable positions separated by maxi-mum stress over center position.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:453+, for blades which are bent in a U-shape

and act as a compression spring.

408 Spring buckle:This subclass is indented under subclass 405.Subject matter including a spring with each ofits ends secured to a switch housing in astressed arched state, wherein the snap move-ment is caused by the buckling movement of


January 2011

the arched spring past a line defined by the twosecured ends.

(1) Note. Normally the spring is held in anarched state wherein snap occurs whenthe direction of the arch is reversed.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:535, for switches having the contacts con-

trolled by a spring held at both endswhere the motion is nonsnap.

409 Spring compressed between two points at afixed distance from each other:This subclass is indented under subclass 408.Subject matter wherein the spring ends are sep-arated by a fixed distance with the spring understress, and the ends of the spring generallyattached to a housing.

(1) Note. Normally the spring has its endsfixed to a housing and the actuator exertspressure at a point between the ends.

410 Rotating contact:This subclass is indented under subclass 405.Subject matter wherein the moveable contactmoves in an arc of a circle relative to a station-ary contact in a continuous unlimited rotarymotion.

(1) Note. The rotary movement is usually inone direction.

411 Contact movement blocked until spring ischarged (e.g., latch):This subclass is indented under subclass 410.Subject matter including a spring connectionbetween the actuator and contact, and an ele-ment that (a) blocks the contact movementuntil the actuator has moved to stress the springand (b) moves the blocking element from itsblocking position.

412 Push button actuated:This subclass is indented under subclass 411.Subject matter including a reciprocating typepush button to move the contacts.

413 Pull cord actuated:This subclass is indented under subclass 411.Subject matter wherein the actuator includes anelongated flexible member attached to the

switch to actuate the switch when a pull forceis exerted thereon.

414 Including radial motion:This subclass is indented under subclass 411.Subject matter wherein the blocking meansmoves in a radial direction to release the con-tact for rotary motion.

415 Contact restrained until spring is charged(e.g., detent):This subclass is indented under subclass 410.Subject matter including a spring connectionbetween the actuator and contact, and a springbiased restraining element which releases thecontact when the force of the connecting springreaches a predetermined release level to causesnap motion of the contact.

416 Cam actuated contact:This subclass is indented under subclass 410.Subject matter wherein the contact is moved bya cam, wedge or inclined surface and is quicklyor abruptly released after the contact passesover the highest point of the cam, wedge orinclined surface.

(1) Note. This is also referred to in the art asthe “hill-and-valley” type.

417 Push button actuated:This subclass is indented under subclass 416.Subject matter wherein the switch deviceincludes a reciprocating type button to actuatethe contact.

418 Pull cord actuated:This subclass is indented under subclass 416.Subject matter wherein the actuator includes anelongated flexible member attached to theswitch when a pull force is exerted thereon.

419 Ratchet controlled:This subclass is indented under subclass 410.Subject matter comprising a spring biasedrotary contact which is part of a ratchet andpawl system for limiting the rotation of thecontact to a one-way rotary motion.

420 Pull cord actuated:This subclass is indented under subclass 419.Subject matter wherein the switch deviceincludes an elongated flexible member to actu-


1January 2011

ate the switch when a pull force is exerted onthe flexible member.

421 Pawl carries contact:This subclass is indented under subclass 419.Subject matter wherein the pawl is a contactthat cooperates with the rotating contact on theratchet.

(1) Note. The pawl is usually a leaf spring.

422 Push button actuated:This subclass is indented under subclass 421.Subject matter including a reciprocating typepush button actuator.

423 Pull cord actuated:This subclass is indented under subclass 421.Subject matter wherein the switch deviceincludes an elongated flexible member to actu-ate the switch when a pull force is exerted onthe flexible member.

424 Contact movement is blocked until spring ischarged:This subclass is indented under subclass 405.Subject matter including, a spring connectionbetween the actuator and moveable contact,and an element which blocks the movement ofthe contact until the actuator has moved tostress the spring and moves the blocking ele-ment from its blocking position.

(1) Note. Included herein are deviceswherein the blocking element is part ofthe actuator.

(2) Note. Normally one end of the spring isdirectly driven by the actuator and theother end of the spring directly drives thecontacts. However, the switch may alsoinclude intermediate linkages betweenboth the actuator and a spring drivingelement and the contacts.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:411, for similar-type devices using a rotat-

ing contact.

425 Blocked by distinct latch:This subclass is indented under subclass 424.Subject matter including a separate mechanicalblocking element which is moved or tripped toa nonblocking position by the actuator.

426 Driving and driven element oscillate about acommon axis:This subclass is indented under subclass 425.Subject matter wherein the ends of the connect-ing spring are mounted on a driving and adriven element, both of which oscillate about acommon axis.

427 With reciprocating contact:This subclass is indented under subclass 426.Subject matter including a linkage to translatethe oscillating motion of the driven elementinto a reciprocating motion of the contact.

428 Including cam or wedge release:This subclass is indented under subclass 425.Subject matter including a cam and a springbiased cam follower element wherein move-ment of the cam follower relative to the camover a high point causes a component of thebias force of the cam follower to reverse direc-tion and wherein the actuator moves the latchto release the contact after the cam follower ispast the reversal point.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:431+, and especially 437 for similar type

cam or wedge release devices whichdo not include a latch.

429 Including reciprocating contact:This subclass is indented under subclass 425.Subject matter wherein the contact is moved ina straight line to a closed or opened circuitposition.

430 Contact movement is restrained until springis charged (e.g., detent):This subclass is indented under subclass 405.Subject matter including a connecting springbetween the actuator and the moveable contact,and a spring biased restraining element whichreleases the contact when the force of the con-necting spring reaches a predetermined releaselevel to cause snap motion of the contact.


January 2011

431 Cam or wedge release:This subclass is indented under subclass 405.Subject matter including a cam and springbiased cam follower element wherein move-ment of the cam follower relative to the camover a high point causes a component of thebias force of the cam follower to reverse direc-tion causing a quick or abrupt motion of thecontact.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:428, for similar type devices which include

a latch.

432 Roller contacts acts as cam:This subclass is indented under subclass 431.Subject matter wherein a spherical or cylindri-cal type element is utilized as both the actuat-ing cam and the contact.

433 Contact slides over pivot point:This subclass is indented under subclass 431.Subject matter wherein the contact is movedwith a sliding motion over a pivot point by theactuator which causes the contact to cross overthe pivot point with an abrupt snap motion.

(1) Note. Normally the contact is springbiased towards the pivot point by aplunger type element carried by the actu-ator, however spring biased pivot pointsand rigid coupling of the contact to theactuator are included.

434 Reciprocating contact:This subclass is indented under subclass 431.Subject matter wherein the contact moves in astraight line to a closed or opened circuit posi-tion.

435 Contact carrier snaps in opposite directionfrom actuator:This subclass is indented under subclass 434.Subject matter wherein the actuator carrieseither the cam or cam follower element, withthe moveable contact carried by the other ele-ment, and with the contact reciprocating in theopposite direction from the actuator.

(1) Note. Normally the actuator takes theform of a push button but other actuatorsare herein classified.

436 Including lost motion coupling to cam:This subclass is indented under subclass 431.Subject matter including a lost motion connec-tion between the actuator and the cam or camfollower to permit with the cam or cam fol-lower to rapidly complete its movement inde-pendently of the actuator once the high point ofthe cam is past.

(1) Note. Normally the cam follower is inthe form of a spring with the cam in theform of a square.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:469, for similar devices wherein the cam

snaps in one direction only.

437 Spring biased element slides over pivotedelement:This subclass is indented under subclass 431.Subject matter wherein a spring biased elementacts against an inclined pivoted element and issuddenly released, after passing the highestpoint on the element, to move the contact.

(1) Note. Normally the moveable contact iscarried by or is the pivoted elementalthough linkages may be used.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:438, for similar type devices wherein the

spring bias is provided by the pivotedelement which engages a rigid camfollower.

438 Spring biased pivoted element snappedwhen cam follower crosses pivot:This subclass is indented under subclass 431.Subject matter wherein a cam follower actsagainst a spring biased, pivoted element whichabruptly pivots when the cam follower crossesthe pivot point.

(1) Note. Normally the spring bias for thepivoted element is in the form of a leafspring carried by the pivoted elementwith the follower directly engaging thespring or in the form of a spring biasedpivot.


1January 2011

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:437, for similar type devices utilizing a

spring biased cam follower.

439 Wedge on reciprocating actuator:This subclass is indented under subclass 431.Subject matter wherein the actuator includes awedge shaped cam which forms part of theactuator and the wedge is carried by the actua-tor as it moves in a straight line motion tomove the contacts.

440 With mechanism to insure positive separa-tion of contacts (i.e., positive kick):This subclass is indented under subclass 405.Subject matter combined with a mechanicallinkage to positively move the contacts duringa portion of the actuator travel.

(1) Note. These devices are usuallyintended to break welded contacts or toovercome friction to enable the normalspring system to snap the contacts.

441 Contact moved by separate lever:This subclass is indented under subclass 440.Subject matter including a distinct lever whichis moved by the actuator to initiate movementof the contact, wherein movement of the leveris at the end of the travel of the actuator.

442 Actuator moves contact near limit of travel:This subclass is indented under subclass 440.Subject matter including abutments on theactuator which engage the contact when theactuator is near the limits of its travel.

443 Contact driven by impact element:This subclass is indented under subclass 405.Subject matter including a lost motion couplingbetween the moveable contact and an elementwhich strikes a hammerlike blow to the contactto break contact welds or overcome friction.

(1) Note. These devices are intended tobreak contact welds or overcome fric-tion.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:446, for similar devices where the snapped

element engages the contacts before

the snapped element is moved over-center by the actuator.

444 Having weight drive:This subclass is indented under subclass 443.Subject matter wherein the striking element is amass acted upon by gravity.

445 Snap spring system using multiple diversesprings:This subclass is indented under subclass 405.Subject matter including two or more dissimi-lar springs (e.g., leaf springs, coil springs)which cause the rapid abrupt movement of thecontact.

(1) Note. Herein included are systems hav-ing two or more sequential snap motionsinvolved in the movement of the contact.

446 Systems having lost motion connectionsbetween the actuator, an intermediatesnapped element, and the contact:This subclass is indented under subclass 405.Subject matter including, an intermediatesnapped element and nonrigid connectionsbetween the actuator, intermediate snapped ele-ment, and the contact to allow independentmotion of the actuator, snapped element, andcontact.

447 Double ended type (e.g., reciprocatingbridging contacts):This subclass is indented under subclass 405.Subject matter wherein there are at least twomoveable contacts carried symmetrically by asupport.

(1) Note. The snapped element is normallythe contacts and is normally in the shapeof a disc or a rectangle with one or twosprings coupling the rectangle to the rodor with a dome type spring coupling thedisc to the rod.

448 Contact pivots moved by actuator:This subclass is indented under subclass 447.Subject matter wherein the snap action of thecontacts is caused by the movement of a con-tact pivot point; movement of the contact pivotpoint is caused by movement of the commonsupport.


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(1) Note. The pivot point of the contacts isusually on the common support.

449 Reciprocating contacts:This subclass is indented under subclass 405.Subject matter wherein the contact is caused tomove in a straight line between open andclosed positions.

(1) Note. Normally the contact is driven bya pivoted element which is snapped.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:462+, for similar snap devices using pivoted

contacts, where the pivoted contact isnormally the snapped element andcorresponds to the pivoted driven ele-ment.

450 Compression spring type:This subclass is indented under subclass 449.Subject matter wherein a spring held in a pre-stressed state is utilized to cause the contact tosnap.

(1) Note. The element being snapped is piv-oted and there is a linkage between thesnapped element and contacts to causethe contact to reciprocate in a straightline motion.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:453, for similar devices wherein the con-

tact is pivoted or oscillates about alimited arc where the pivoted contactis normally the snapped element andcorresponds to the pivoted drive ele-ment.

451 End of blade pivotally carries element com-pressing blade:This subclass is indented under subclass 405.Subject matter including a prestressed blade-like spring element and wherein one end of theblade normally carries a contact, and whereinthe other end is attached to a housing and isadapted for pivotal movement during actua-tion.

452 Both ends of blade are freely floating:This subclass is indented under subclass 405.Subject matter including a bladelike elementwith one end of the blade carrying the move-able contact and with the other end of the bladenormally being moved to cause actuation.

(1) Note. There is no definitive fixed pivotpoint for the blade. The blade ismounted normally by two compressionsprings or by a compression spring and arigid link normally mounted between theends of the blade.

453 Compression spring (e.g., push force):This subclass is indented under subclass 405.Subject matter wherein the snapping action iscaused by a resilient member (e.g., spring) pre-stressed (i.e., compressed) by colinear,opposed forces.

(1) Note. Included herein are one piece leafspring elements which are shaped tohave legs in both compression and ten-sion. The nature of the leg under com-pression governs classification.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:450, for similar snap devices using a link-

age to cause the oscillated snap ele-ment to drive the contact in areciprocating straight line motion.

454 Both ends of spring move:This subclass is indented under subclass 453.Subject matter wherein the spring has an initialposition prior to actuation, and assumesanother position after actuation, and whereinafter an abrupt motion both ends of the springare located in a new position.

455 Having roller contact:This subclass is indented under subclass 454.Subject matter including a spherical or cylin-drical-type contact.

(1) Note. Included in this subclass aredevices which utilizes a track for theroller rather than a pivoted link. In thesecases the pivot point is taken to be thecenter of curvature of the track.


1January 2011

456 Both ends of spring are carried by blade(e.g., leaf spring):This subclass is indented under subclass 454.Subject matter including a bladelike memberand wherein the prestressed spring is carriedbetween two portions of the blade.

(1) Note. Included in this subclass are leafspring blades where the compressionspring is an integral part of the leafspring blade.

457 Axially compressed coil spring:This subclass is indented under subclass 454.Subject matter including a spiral shaped springwhich is subjected to a force along its longitu-dinal axis during actuation.

458 One end of spring is carried by actuator:This subclass is indented under subclass 454.Subject matter wherein a one piece actuatordirectly carries one end of the spring.

(1) Note. The actuator is that part of theswitch which is first moved to changethe make or break status. There are noother mechanical connections betweenthe actuator and the spring.

459 One end of spring is fixed:This subclass is indented under subclass 453.Subject matter wherein one end of the springengages a fixed abutment on a support and theother end of the spring engages a moveablemember which is caused to move with a snap-ping action when the spring passes a fixedpoint.

460 Central portion of spring is moved to causesnap:This subclass is indented under subclass 459.Subject matter wherein the central portion ofthe spring is directly moved by an actuator.

461 Blade is moved to cause snap:This subclass is indented under subclass 459.Subject matter wherein the compression springis a resilient blade and wherein an actuatordirectly engages the blade to cause the blade tosnap.

462 Tension spring (e.g., pull force):This subclass is indented under subclass 405.Subject matter including a spring which is usedto exert a pulling force to cause the quickabrupt motion of the contacts.

(1) Note. Normally the contacts are pivotedand directly connected to the springalthough there may be a linkage betweenthe snapped element and the contacts.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:449, for similar snap devices normally

using a pivoted snapped member witha linkage to cause the contacts toreciprocate in a straight line motion.

463 Contact pivot point is moved to cause snap:This subclass is indented under subclass 462.Subject matter including a pivoted contactwhich is caused to snap when its pivot point ismoved beyond a line connecting the two endsof the spring.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:448, for similar devices having an even

number of contacts pivoted on theactuator normally using a tensionspring connected between at least twoof the contacts.

464 Pivot point is carried by actuator:This subclass is indented under subclass 463.Subject matter wherein the pivot point of thecontact is directly mounted on the actuator.

465 Both ends of spring move:This subclass is indented under subclass 462.Subject matter wherein the spring has an initialposition prior to actuation, and assumesanother position after actuation, and whereinafter an abrupt motion both ends of the springare located in a new position.

466 One end of spring is carried by actuator:This subclass is indented under subclass 465.Subject matter wherein a one piece actuatordirectly carries one end of the spring.


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467 One end of spring is fixed:This subclass is indented under subclass 462.Subject matter wherein one end of the springengages a fixed abutment on a support and theother end of the spring engages a moveablemember which is caused to move with a snap-ping action when the spring passes a fixedpoint.

468 Single snap:This subclass is indented under subclass 402.Subject matter wherein the contact is caused toabruptly or quickly move during part of theactuator travel in only one direction, with thecontact being fully controlled by the actuator inthe other direction.

469 Including lost motion coupling to cam:This subclass is indented under subclass 468.Subject matter including a cam, cam follower,and a lost motion connection between the camand actuator, wherein the quick abrupt motionof the contact is caused when the high point ofthe cam is moved past the cam follower withthe cam then quickly moving independent ofthe actuator.

(1) Note. Normally the cam follower is aspring biased contact.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:436, for similar devices wherein the cam

snaps in both directions.

470 Contact movement is blocked by latch untilspring is charged:This subclass is indented under subclass 468.Subject matter including a spring connectionbetween the actuator and contact, and an ele-ment which blocks the movement of the con-tact until the actuator has moved to stress thespring and moves the blocking element from itsblocking position.

471 Contact restrained before snap spring ischarged (e.g., detent):This subclass is indented under subclass 468.Subject matter including a spring connectionbetween the actuator and contact, and a springbiased restraining element which releases thecontact when the force of the connecting spring

reaches a predetermined release level to causesnap motion of the contact.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:430, for similar devices wherein the con-

tact is snapped in both directions.

472 Detent function performed by spring biasedcontact (e.g., knife blade):This subclass is indented under subclass 471.Subject matter wherein the stationary contactacts as a spring biased detent, restraining themoving contact until a spring connected to themoving contact, overcomes the detent springforce allowing the moving contact to quicklyseparate.

(1) Note. Included in this subclass are dou-ble throw switches which snap awayfrom both contacts. These are consid-ered single snap devices because thecontacts do not snap closed.

500 Helical drive mechanism:This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Subject matter wherein the opening orclosing of an electrical circuit is operated by ahelical element.

(1) Note. The helical drive mechanism mayinclude rack and pinions, worm drivedevices, screw-type drive or helicalgrooves on the driving shaft.

501 Gear driven:This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Subject matter comprising relativelyrotatable bodies or combinations of such bod-ies each provided with circumferential teethintermeshing with each other to impart a drivemotion to move a contact member to open orclose a circuit.

502 Solid contact:This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Subject matter wherein an electrical cir-cuit si completed by the physical engagementand disengagement of two solid conductiveelements (i.e., contacts) to form a completeswitch.

(1) Note. Included in this subclass aredevices which may have plural sets of


1January 2011

contacts, however, the plurality herein isan obvious duplication of a single con-tact.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:1+, for devices arranged to control two or

more circuits.

503 Rolamite-type:This subclass is indented under subclass 502.Subject matter comprising a flexible rollerband or spring band device wherein at least apair of rotatable roller contact members are dis-posed within a switch housing and the flexibleresilient band is convoluted around the rollercontact members in S-shaped configuration soas to maintain the roller axes parallel as theymove within the housing when actuated.

504 Coaxial switch:This subclass is indented under subclass 502.Subject matter wherein the switch is used toswitch a signal between a first and a secondcoaxial cable.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:333, Wave Transmission Lines and Net-

works, subclasses 260+ for the com-bination of a coaxial conductor sys-tem including switches.

505 Hand held squeeze actuated switch:This subclass is indented under subclass 502.Subject matter including a switch device com-prising a housing which normally consists of abulb or sleeve element on which a pressure isexerted especially on opposite sides to actuatethe conductive elements.

(1) Note. These devices lack a clearly iden-tifiable actuator projecting from a hous-ing such as a lever or push buttonelement to operate the switch device.

506 Interposed nonconductor:This subclass is indented under subclass 502.Subject matter including a nonconductive ele-ment which is inserted between the solid con-ductive elements to hold the conductiveelements physically separated during the pres-ence of the nonconductive element.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:61.19, for similar type devices in combina-

tion with a special application.

507 Screw used as moving contact:This subclass is indented under subclass 502.Subject matter wherein a movable threadedmember is utilized as the solid contact memberfor completing the electrical circuit.

508 Both contacts are moved:This subclass is indented under subclass 502.Subject matter including structure to moveeach solid conductive element separately intoengagement or disengagement in relation toeach other.

(1) Note. There are no stationary contactspresent in the switch.

509 Bimodal (e.g., single stroke make/break-nomake on return):This subclass is indented under subclass 502.Subject matter wherein the contacts travel inone path upon actuation and includes mecha-nism to divert the contacts into another pathupon their return.

(1) Note. The initial actuating stroke causesa closing and then opening (or vice-versa) of the contacts. The return strokeof the actuator returns the movable con-tact to its original position, but the mech-anism does not permit reactuation.

510 Push button actuator:This subclass is indented under subclass 509.Subject matter including a reciprocating-typepush button having a single surface on whichpressure is exerted to actuate the contacts.

511 Compressible elastomer:This subclass is indented under subclass 502.Subject matter wherein a circuit is completedby an elastomeric material containing discreteparticles of electrically conductive materialsembedded therein and wherein, in the com-pressed state, the particles come into contactwith each other to complete the circuit, and asthe compression is released, the particles againseparate to open the circuit.


January 2011

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:338, Electrical Resistors, subclass 114, for

variable resistors using elastomericconductors. These switches differfrom the resistors in the amount ofchange of resistance with pressure.The switch normally changes fromopen or infinite resistance to closed orlow resistance with only a smallchange in pressure. The resistor has agradual change in resistance such thatintermediate resistance can beobtained.

512 Membrane type:This subclass is indented under subclass 502.Subject matter wherein the switch includes atleast one contact member which is carried onor actuated by a flexible sheet, which cooper-ates with another contact on a substrate to openor close a circuit.

(1) Note. The membrane switch normallycomprises a substrate and a flexiblesheet sealed together with a separatespacer which is normally used to sepa-rate the substrate, and the flexible sheetnormally carries the moving contact.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:5, for similar type switches arranged in

keyboard manner.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:341, Coded Data Generation or Conver-

sion, subclasses 20+ for an operatoractuated code transmitter includingcircuitry.

361, Electricity: Electrical Systems andDevices, subclass 288.

400, Typewriting Machines, subclass479.1, for push button controllersusing variable capacitance. Thecapacitor normally has a substratewith a conductive plate and a flexiblemembrane with a moveable conduc-tive plate like a membrane switch buthas in addition an insulative layer toprevent the plates from contact.

513 Specific dome shape:This subclass is indented under subclass 512.Subject matter wherein the flexible sheet com-prises a particularly defined convex configura-tion, designed to buckle under pressure, andhaving the moving contact within or under theconvex area.

514 Specific nonconductive materials:This subclass is indented under subclass 512.Subject matter comprising a substrate and aflexible member, and wherein there is disposeda spacer separating the substrate and flexiblemember, the spacer or flexible member beingof specified nonconductive materials.

515 Pressure equalizing means:This subclass is indented under subclass 512.Subject matter including means to vent a com-partment formed between the flexible memberand the substrate, to either the atmosphere or toanother compartment so as to equalize the pres-sure of air or other fluid displaced by the flexi-ble sheet member when actuated.

516 Including auxiliary dome/disc type spring:This subclass is indented under subclass 512.Subject matter including an arched disc ordome type spring disposed between the flexiblesheet member and the substrate, wherein thespring may be utilized as the moveable contact.

517 Including additional actuator:This subclass is indented under subclass 512.Subject matter wherein the membrane switchincludes additional means to actuate the mem-brane switch.

(1) Note. The additional means is usuallyattached or applied above the flexiblemember in order to press on the flexiblemember.

518 Plural actuators operate single switch:This subclass is indented under subclass 502.Subject matter including two or more actuatingdevices utilized to engage and disengage thesolid conductive elements of a single switchdevice, each of the actuating devices can oper-ate the switch individually.


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519 Push and/or pull with 3 or more positions:This subclass is indented under subclass 502.Subject matter wherein the contacts are movedinto engagement or disengagement by manu-ally grasping, guiding, pushing or lifting a rigiddevice which can be manipulated into three ormore positions into and out of a switch hous-ing.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:538+, for similar type push/pull mechanical

devices but which devices includeonly two position movements.

520 Push button operated:This subclass is indented under subclass 502.Subject matter wherein the contacts are movedinto engagement or disengagement by a pushbutton actuator having a single surface onwhich pressure is exerted to engage and disen-gage the contacts.

(1) Note. Included herein are also actuatorswhich reciprocate with one pushing sur-face, and also pivoted or hinged typeactuators which have a single pushingsurface. All of these type actuators areinherently two positions switches.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:538+, and 553+, for switches which have

two pushing surfaces, and 51.16, forpush button switches associated withconnector couplings, (i.e., lightbulbs).

521 Including tactile feedback mechanism:This subclass is indented under subclass 520.Subject matter wherein structure is provided tosimulate a varied resistance to depression ofthe push button to indicate by feel the positionof the contacts.

(1) Note. These devices generally try tosimulate the effects of a snap switchwhich reaches maximum resistance totravel prior to switch-over followed byan abrupt decline in resistance after thecontacts are closed.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:400, Typewriting Machines, subclass

491.3 for tactile feedback type mecha-nisms used in typewriters.

522 Trigger actuator:This subclass is indented under subclass 520.Subject matter wherein the push button is alever-type element to control the engagementor disengagement of the contacts.

(1) Note. The push button is normally in theshape of a trigger on a firearm or anactuator on an electrical tool, etc.

523 Including alternate action mechanism, (e.g.,push-pull):This subclass is indented under subclass 520.Subject matter wherein the position of the solidconductive element is alternated betweenopened and closed with each actuation of thepush button and wherein the solid conductiveelement remains in the last position until thepush button is further actuated.

524 With heart-shape cam:This subclass is indented under subclass 523.Subject matter including a cam track having agenerally cardioid shape which is utilized tohold the position of the solid conductive ele-ment in engagement or disengagement.

525 With W-shaped rocking element:This subclass is indented under subclass 523.Subject matter wherein a w-shaped element isutilized to change the position of the solid con-ductive elements by rocking the w-shaped ele-ment from one side to the other with the pushbutton and further includes means to engagealternate grooves of the w-shaped element dur-ing actuation.

526 With rotating member, (e.g., ball point pentype):This subclass is indented under subclass 523.Subject matter including a rotating memberand a mechanism to convert a generally recip-rocating motion of the push button into unlim-ited rotary motion of the rotating member,wherein each actuation of the push buttonindexes the rotary member a predeterminedamount.


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(1) Note. These devices may be similar toball point pen retraction mechanismshaving ratchet type movements.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:417, 419, 422, 526, and 532, for similar

type mechanisms wherein the rotatingelement is a contact which is snapped.

527 Including rotating contact:This subclass is indented under subclass 526.Subject matter wherein the rotating membercarries, or is the solid conductive memberwhich moves in an arc of a circle, engages anddisengages a solid stationary conductive ele-ment.

528 Rotating cam moves contact:This subclass is indented under subclass 526.Subject matter wherein the rotating member isa cam which engages a moveable conductiveelement to engage and disengage with a sta-tionary conductive member.

529 Mechanism to transfer reciprocating torotary or rocking:This subclass is indented under subclass 520.Subject matter including a mechanism to con-vert reciprocating motion of the push button torotary or rocking motion during actuation ofthe push button.

530 Contact carried by push button:This subclass is indented under subclass 520.Subject matter wherein the push button carriesthe solid conductive member.

531 Sliding contact:This subclass is indented under subclass 530.Subject matter wherein the solid conductiveelement carried by the push button engages afixed solid conductive element in a slidingmanner.

532 Leaf spring contact:This subclass is indented under subclass 530.Subject matter wherein the solid conductiveelement is carried by the push button and is inthe form of a leaf spring.

533 Cam actuated contact:This subclass is indented under subclass 520.Subject matter wherein actuation of the pushbutton causes relative movement between acam and cam follower to cause motion of thesolid conductive element.

534 Abutting contact:This subclass is indented under subclass 520.Subject matter wherein engagement betweenthe solid conductive element is characterized inthat the relative movement between one of thesolid conductive elements terminates when thesurface of one touches the surface of the other.

(1) Note. Generally there is no furthermovement between the conductive ele-ments after the initial touch.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:508, for switches wherein both solid con-

ductive elements are caused to engagein an abutting fashion, however thereare no stationary solid conductive ele-ments included in these switches.

535 Leaf spring contact:This subclass is indented under subclass 534.Subject matter wherein leaf springs are utilizedas either the movable or stationary conductiveelements.

536 Sliding contact:This subclass is indented under subclass 520.Subject matter wherein the solid conductiveelements are engaged and disengaged in a slid-ing manner.

537 Reciprocating actuator:This subclass is indented under subclass 502.Subject matter comprising means for movingor controlling the solid conductive elementsinto engagement or disengagement in a straightline motion.

538 Push/pull rod:This subclass is indented under subclass 537.Subject matter wherein the solid conductiveelements are moved into engagement by a rigidrod actuating member and disengaged whenthe rigid rod actuating member is moved in theopposite direction.


1January 2011

(1) Note. These switch devices are gener-ally the reverse of a push button switch,being pulled into engagement rather thanpushed into engagement. Also includedin this subclass are push rods that requirea push at one end to actuate and a push atthe other end to deactuate.

539 Specific detent structure:This subclass is indented under subclass 538.Subject matter including detailed mechanicalstructure of means to hold the actuating rodmember in an engaged position.

540 Contact carried by rod:This subclass is indented under subclass 538.Subject matter wherein the solid conductiveelement is carried by the rigid rod actuatingmember.

541 Sliding contact:This subclass is indented under subclass 540.Subject matter wherein the solid conductiveelements are engaged and disengaged in a slid-ing manner.

542 Cam actuated contact:This subclass is indented under subclass 538.Subject matter wherein movement of the rigidrod actuating member causes relative move-ment between a cam and cam follower to causemotion of a solid conductive element.

543 Pull cord:This subclass is indented under subclass 537.Subject matter wherein the solid conductivemembers are moved into engagement and dis-engagement by pulling an elongated flexiblemember on which a pulling force can beexerted.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:413, 418, 420, and 423, for snap switches

using rotating contacts wherein a pullcord is used to actuate the switch, andalso 51.15 for switches combinedwith or actuated by connector cou-pling and operated by a pull chain orcord.

544 Rotating contact:This subclass is indented under subclass 543.Subject matter wherein one of the solid con-ductive elements moves in an arc of a circle,relative to a stationary contact, in a continuousunlimited rotary motion.

545 Cam actuated contact:This subclass is indented under subclass 543.Subject matter wherein a pull force of the elon-gated flexible member causes relative move-ment between a cam and cam follower to causemotion of the solid conductive elements.

546 Leaf spring contact:This subclass is indented under subclass 543.Subject matter including a leaf spring andwherein the leaf spring is utilized as either themovable or stationary conductive elements.

547 Slide switch (handle projects perpendicularto motion):This subclass is indented under subclass 537.Subject matter including a switch housing anda sliding actuator wherein the actuator pro-trudes from the housing at right angles relativeto the housing, and relative to its sliding direc-tion.

548 Housing and actuator form detent:This subclass is indented under subclass 547.Subject matter wherein the housing and actua-tor include a mechanism which incorporates aholding device to retain the actuator in a givenposition.

549 Contact carried by slide:This subclass is indented under subclass 547.Subject matter wherein the actuator carries thesolid conductive element.

550 Sliding contact:This subclass is indented under subclass 549.Subject matter wherein the solid conductiveelement, carried by the actuator, engages afixed solid conductive element in a slidingmanner.

551 Cam actuator contact:This subclass is indented under subclass 547.Subject matter wherein movement of the actua-tor causes relative movement between a cam


January 2011

and cam follower to cause motion of a solidconductive element.

552 Two button switches (noncoaxial parallelbuttons):This subclass is indented under subclass 537.Subject matter wherein there are two push but-tons which are movable independently of eachother to engage or disengage the solid contactelements.

553 Rocking actuator (e.g., rocker, lever):This subclass is indented under subclass 502.Subject matter including an actuator having atleast two pushing surfaces wherein the actuatoroscillates in a limited arc about an axis parallelto the outer surface of a switch housing fromwhich the actuator projects.

(1) Note. The switches in this subclass aregenerally characterized by having anactuator with two pushing surfaces thatcause an element, normally the actuatoritself, to oscillate. Often the push but-tons are an integral part of the oscillatingmember. The two button switches in thissubclass normally have both buttons pro-jecting from the same side of the hous-ing. Switches with the rocking actuatormounted to the side of the housing,rather than within the housing, areincluded in this subclass.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:538, for switches with two button actuators

where the two buttons reciprocatealong the same axis. These switchesnormally have the buttons projectingfrom opposite sides of the housing.

554 Knife blade contact:This subclass is indented under subclass 553.Subject matter comprising a movable bladetype conducting element and a generallyU-shaped fixed receiving member so that themovable blade member can engage theU-shaped member for closing or opening a cir-cuit.

555 With catch:This subclass is indented under subclass 554.Subject matter including means to hold theblade conducting element and the U-shaped

receiving member in a fixed opened or closedposition.

556 Housing and actuator form detent:This subclass is indented under subclass 553.Subject matter including a housing and an actu-ator which further includes a mechanism whichincorporates a holding device to retain the actu-ator in a desired position.

557 Actuator biasing mechanism:This subclass is indented under subclass 553.Subject matter including specific spring typemeans to urge the actuator to return to a normalnonactuated center position after momentarymotion of the actuator to either side.

558 Cam actuated contact:This subclass is indented under subclass 553.Subject matter wherein movement of the actua-tor causes relative movement between a camand cam follower to cause motion of the mov-able solid conductive elements.

559 Leaf spring contact:This subclass is indented under subclass 558.Subject matter wherein the solid conductiveelement, operated by the cam, is a leaf spring.

560 Rotating contact:This subclass is indented under subclass 553.Subject matter wherein one of the solid con-ductive elements moves in an arc of a circle,relative to a stationary contact, in a limitedrotary motion.

561 Reciprocating contact in straight-linemotion:This subclass is indented under subclass 553.Subject matter including mechanism to convertthe oscillating motion of the actuator to limitedstraight-line motion.

562 Contact carried by actuator:This subclass is indented under subclass 553.Subject matter wherein the actuator carries themovable solid conductive element.

563 Sliding contact:This subclass is indented under subclass 562.Subject matter wherein the solid conductiveelement, carried by the oscillating actuatorengages a fixed solid conductive element in asliding manner.


1January 2011

564 Rotating actuator (e.g., dial):This subclass is indented under subclass 502.Subject matter including a housing and an actu-ator having a graspable extension for manipu-lating the actuator about an axis in a limited orunlimited circular motion relative to the hous-ing.

(1) Note. The graspable extension may alsofunction as a dial to indicate position ofthe actuator.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:51.17, for devices in which a switch is oper-

ated by means of a rotatable key.

565 Housing and actuator form detent:This subclass is indented under subclass 564.Subject matter wherein the housing and theactuator incorporate a mechanism for holdingthe actuator in a desired position.

566 Auxiliary motion required to actuate orrelease (e.g., push to rotate):This subclass is indented under subclass 564.Subject matter wherein the actuator is in an ini-tial hold or lock state and wherein the actuatormust be physically moved, such as by push orpull force in order to release the actuator fromits hold or lock state prior to actuation.

567 Rotation about a longitudinal axis of tool orappliance:This subclass is indented under subclass 564.Subject matter wherein the circular motion ofthe actuator is around the longitudinal axis ofthe body of a housing of a tool or appliance.

568 Contact actuated by cam:This subclass is indented under subclass 564.Subject matter including a cam and cam fol-lower, wherein movement of the actuatorcauses relative movement between the cam andcam follower to actuate the solid conductiveelement.

569 Leaf spring contact operated by cam onactuator:This subclass is indented under subclass 568.Subject matter wherein the solid conductiveelement is a leaf spring-type contact and

wherein the leaf spring contact is actuated by acam carried by the actuator.

570 Rotating contact:This subclass is indented under subclass 564.Subject matter wherein one of the solid con-ductive elements moves in an arc of a circle,relative to a stationary contact, in an unlimitedrotary motion.

571 Sliding contact:This subclass is indented under subclass 570.Subject matter wherein the solid conductiveelement, carried by the oscillating actuatorengages a fixed solid conductive element in asliding manner.

572 Linear moving contact:This subclass is indented under subclass 564.Subject matter including mechanism to convertthe circular motion of the actuator into straight-line motion of the contact.

573 Cam operates contact or microswitch:This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Subject matter including a cam whichimparts motion directly to the contact to openor close an electrical circuit, or imparts motionto a unitary switch, (i.e., microswitch) to actu-ate the switch.

(1) Note. A unitary switch is basically com-prised of its own housing, actuator andterminal. It is generally within anotherdevice.

574 Peripheral cam:This subclass is indented under subclass 573.Subject matter wherein the cam includes, on itsouter circumferential surface, eccentric or disc-type structure which engages the contacts ofthe unitary switch to impart periodic motion tothe contacts.

600 CAPACITIVE:This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Subject matter wherein a capacitor is thecircuit closing and opening device.

(1) Note. A capacitor switch plus circuitryis classified elsewhere.


January 2011

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:307, Electrical Transmission or Intercon-

nection Systems, subclasses 112+ fora capacitive device controlled switch-ing circuit.

320, Electricity: Battery or CapacitorCharging or Discharging, subclasses166+ for capacitor charging or dis-charging.

324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing, subclasses 658+ for measuring capac-itance.

341, Coded Data Generation or Conver-sion, subclass 33 for a capacitive key-board controlled code transmitter.

345, Computer Graphics Processing andSelective Visual Display Systems, subclasses 168+ for a display with acapacitive keyboard.

361, Electricity: Electrical Systems andDevices, subclasses 287+ for amechanically variable capacitor, perse.

400, Typewriting Machines, subclass479.1 for a typewriter keyboard with acapacitance operated switch.

END

Documents

January 2011 CLASSIFICATION DEFINITIONS 200 - 1 · 2019. 10. 22. · January 2011 CLASSIFICATION DEFINITIONS 200 - 3 January 2011 with a plug, socket, or other connector coupling