Definition(A) This class is limited to mechanical, as distinguished from electrical, devices for giving signals of the nature of either alarms or indicators, which signals are generally due to some movement of some part or element from a normal or nonsignaling or signal-controlling position. The signal may be of any type which appeals to any one or more of the senses, but is generally a bell, horn, whistle, semaphore, light-shutter, explosive device, pointer, or flag. Methods are classified in the appropriate subclasses with the signal devices unless specifically provided for by a method subclass. (B) The patents of this class are divided into several main groups: (1) Those for devices having combined functions, as signaling, and also some additional function, as igniting a lamp, fastening a door or window, etc. (2) Those adapted for some special purpose, as code signaling, ships" telegraphs, vehicle motion and direction, street traffic, etc. (3) Those which are for alarms, such as bells, horns, whistles, rattles, etc. (4) Those for indicators, as pointers, semaphores, drop-annunciators, etc. (5) Those for novel horns, whistles, bells, flags, etc., per se. |
Lines with other classes and within this class(A) Where the claims cover printed cards, or printed calendars, pictures, labels, tags or signs, either stationary or which may be made to appear at windows or apertures, the patents are placed in Class 40, Card, Picture, or Sign Exhibiting, with the exception of patents of the following functional subclasses of this class (116), viz., 21, 32, 35+, 63, and 72, when other than mere signs are present. Generally signs normally hidden and adapted to be made to appear at a window in a casing are in Class 40, Card, Picture, or Sign Exhibiting, subclasses 28+, but an exception is made in this class (116), subclasses 42+. (B) This class does not ordinarily include conventional signals and/or alarms applied to devices of other main classes where the structure of such devices is specifically claimed or is materially modified in order to cooperate with the conventional signal mechanism. (C) As between this class and any of the electrical classes, in the following cases the patents will be found classified in the appropriate electrical classes: (1) When an electrical means for transmitting the signal, which is to be indicated, is claimed, whether in combination with mechanical signalling means or not. The inclusion of a magnetic means (which acts in the nature of an adhesive or fastening) to hold a nonelectrical signal in position is not sufficient to exclude the device from Class 116. (2) When the indication is given by an electrical signal, such as an electric light, bell or meter, which indicator is claimed. (3) Electrical signals, per se, such as electric bells, horns, etc. (D) The class in general includes the communication of information, except when otherwise specifically classified - as, for example, in classes 434, Education and Demonstration; 40, Card, Picture, or Sign Exhibiting; 178, Telegraphy; 181, Acoustics; 235, Registers; 246, Railway Switches and Signals; 250, Radiant Energy; 340, Communications: Electrical; 342, Communications: Directive Radio Wave Systems and Devices (e.g., Radar, Radio Navigation); 343, Communications: Radio Wave Antennas; 346, Recorders; 375, Pulse or Digital Communications; and 455, Telecommunications. (E) The production of sound, per se, is excluded; for which see Classes 42, Firearms; 446, Amusement Devices: Toys; 84, Music; 102, Ammunition and Explosive Devices, appropriate subclasses for explosive or ignitable devices and processes which may be useful for signal purposes; 181, Acoustics; 369, Dynamic Information Storage or Retrieval, and 623, Prosthesis (i.e., Artificial Body Members), Parts Thereof or Aids and Accessories Therefor, subclass 9 for larynxes. (F) The classes referred to under "Search Class" below which takes the combination where a signal or alarm is claimed are regarded as superior to this class. |
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