Definition

This is the generic class for electric lamp and electric space discharge device structure.

Examples of such devices are electric incandescent lamps, gas or vapor filled electric discharge tubes, including lamps, mercury arc devices, vacuum discharge tubes, radio tubes, cyclotrons, cathode-ray tubes, photosensitive discharge devices, secondary emission electron multipliers, spark plugs, and open air arc and spark devices.

Lines with other classes and within this class

For specific class references where not provided in the sections below, see References to Other Classes that refer to the particular section title.

A. LAMPS AND DISCHARGE DEVICE STRUCTURE CLASSIFIED ELSEWHERe

1. X-ray Tubes And Targets - See References to Other Classes.

2. Insulators With Arcing Devices - See References to Other Classes.

3. Lightning Arresters - Class 313 includes lightning arresters where the only structure is an arc or spark gap. Excluded are lightning arresters which include an arc or spark gap in combination with an impedance element such as a resistance, or inductance. Also excluded are arc or spark gap arresters in combination with a circuit maker or breaker such as a thermostatic switch or fuse. Excluded from Class 313 are the lightning arresters of the arc or spark gap type which are designed to have the electrodes brought into physical contact upon a prolonged discharge or which are provided with a material, such as, a fusible substance which melts and flows between the electrodes to short-circuit the electrodes upon a prolonged discharge.

Among the excluded types of lightning arresters is the type including a mass of particulate particles, each particle being insulated from the other, usually by a coating upon the surface of the particle. When a discharge passes from particle to particle, the surface material becomes conductive making a short-circuit through the mass. If the particles remain conductively insulated and the current is transmitted through the mass of particles by the arc or spark, then the device is included within the scope of Class 313.

For the excluded types of lightning arresters see References to Other Classes, below.

4. Electric Lamp Provided With Structure For Holding A Material To Be Heated - See References to Other Classes.

5. Molecular Or Atomic Beam Devices - See References to Other Classes.

6. Mass Spectrometers - See References to Other Classes.

7. Electron Microscopes - See References to Other Classes.

8. Cathode Ray Oscillographs - See References to Other Classes.

9. Consumable Electrode Discharge Devices (e.g., Arc Lamps, etc.) - See References to Other Classes.

10. Lamps And Discharge Devices Having A Circuit Element Included Therein

An electromagnet connected in circuit with an electrode does not prevent classification of a lamp or space discharge device in Class 313 if the electromagnet is an operator for moving an electrode or if the electromagnet generates a magnetic flux which influences the operation of the lamp or space discharge device (see Subclass References to the Current Class, below). The inherent resistance of an electrode, although significant to the operation of the device, is not considered a circuit element such as would prevent classification in Class 313. Also See References to Other Classes.

11. Discharge Devices Structurally Combined With And In Circuit Relation With Incandescent Lamps- See References to Other Classes.

12. Discharge Devices Having The Cathode Heater or Other Structurally Combined Heater In Circuit Relation Therewith- See References to Other Classes.

13. Gas Pumps And Fans- See References to Other Classes.

B. LAMP AND DISCHARGE DEVICE SYSTEMS

This class does not include electric systems for supplying electric current and/or potential to electric lamps or to discharge devices.

Patents which claim a lamp or discharge device having electrodes which are adapted to have current or potential impressed upon the electrodes or which claim a lamp or discharge device with means recited broadly (no specific means, such as a battery, source etc., being included) to impress current or potential on the electrodes are classified in this class as lamps or discharge devices unless some circuit elements are claimed which positively limit the claims to a system rather than to a lamp or discharge device, per se. However, where the relative potentials between the electrodes are claimed, the patent is classified as a system.

For example, a claim to a discharge device having an anode adapted to be maintained at a high positive potential, a control electrode adapted to be maintained at a low negative potential, and a cathode adapted to be maintained at ground potential will be excluded from this class and will be found in the appropriate system class.

For discharge devices and lamp systems, see References to Other Classes, below.

C. METHOD OF OPERATING LAMPS OR DISCHARGE DEVICE

Patents which claim a method of operating a lamp or discharge device are excluded from this class and will be found in the class which provides for the system which is required to operate the device. See above for the classification of electric lamp and discharge device systems. Also See References to Other Classes, below.

D. METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR SUBJECTING OBJECTS, ARTICLES AND MATERIALS TO RAY ENERGY OR ELECTRONS OR IONS GENERATED BY DISCHARGE DEVICES OR LAMPS

Class 313 does not include either processes or apparatus for subjecting materials, articles or objects to the ray energy (e.g., ultraviolet light, X-rays, etc.) or to electrons, ions, arcs or sparks generated by electric lamps or discharge devices.

For such methods and apparatus, see References to Other Classes, below.

E. COMBINED WITH A SUPPORT

Where the support is a casing, jacket, electrical connector (e.g., socket) or includes means for modifying the temperature of the lamp or discharge device, see below.

Lamps including discharge device lamps combined with a supporting means for the lamp are excluded from Class 313.

Class 313 is the generic class for discharge devices in combination with supporting means for the discharge device.

Also See References to Other Classes, below.

F. COMBINED WITH TEMPERATURE MODIFYING MEANS

1. With Enclosing Casing Or Jacket:

Class 313 is a generic class for all discharge devices where significant discharge device structure is claimed in combination with a jacket, casing or enclosure having means to modify the temperature of the discharge device. (See Subclass References to the Current Class, below.)

Included in Class 313 are all lamps, per se, and discharge devices, per se, which are provided with a double walled envelope or two sealed enclosing envelopes, the second envelope being an integral part of the lamp or discharge device structure, the space between the two envelope portions being evacuated or filled with heat transfer or insulating means to modify the temperature of the lamp or discharge device. (See Subclass References to the Current Class, below.)

See References to Other Classes, below.

2. Lamp, Discharge Devices, And Envelopes Therefor With Temperature Modifying Means

Class 313, provides for all lamp and discharge device structures, per se, where significant lamp or discharge device structure is claimed and which include means for modifying the temperature of the lamp or discharge device, excepting lamps and discharge devices of the consumable electrode type which are classified elsewhere. (See References to Other Classes, below.)

See above when the lamp or discharge device is provided with a separable casing, jacket, or enclosure and which include means to modify the temperature of the lamp or discharge device, and also see above with respect to photocells provided with temperature modifying means where no significant photocell structure is claimed.

See Class 313 for lamp and discharge device structure which include means for modifying the temperature of the lamp or discharge device. Included are lamp and discharge devices, per se, having heating means for raising the temperature of the device, devices with electrodes provided with cooling ducts or heat radiators, devices with means to modify the temperature of the envelope, including double walled envelopes or two sealed enclosing envelopes with a heat conducting or heat insulating medium (including vacuum) in the space between the two envelope walls, devices with heat conducting or insulating members, etc.. Also included is the structure of electrodes for lamps and discharge devices which are provided with means to modify the temperature of the electrode (e.g., electrodes with cooling fins, fluid ducts, heat transmission means, etc.).

Excluded from Class 313 are mere envelopes, for electric lamps or discharge devices provided with temperature modifying means where no significant lamp or discharge device structure is claimed.

Parts of lamps and discharge devices, such as electrode clamps or electrical connectors provided with heat modifying means are classified with the appropriate device, e.g., with the clamp or connector, etc.

G. COMBINED WITH A SEPARABLE CASING, JACKET, SHIELD, OR ENVELOPE PROTECTIVE MEANS

Where the lamp or discharge device and casing or jacket includes means to modify the temperature of the lamp or discharge device, see above.

See below with respect to the classification of lamps and discharge devices provided with an envelope or a nonseparable casing or jacket.

Class 313 is a generic class for the combination of significant discharge device structure and a separable casing jacket, shield or enclosure, or envelope protective means and provides for all discharge devices other than lamps which are not otherwise classified where significant discharge device structure is claimed in combination with a casing, jacket, shield, or envelope protective means. Included in Class 313 are all lamps which have a double wall envelope where the second envelope which encloses the first envelope is integrally united with the first envelope so that the two envelope walls constitute an integral structure. Where the second envelope wall is not integral with the lamp envelope, that is, it is removable therefrom, the patent is excluded from Class 313 and will be found elsewhere. The combination of an envelope, box or housing (such as a lamp or discharge device envelope) and either a separable or integral casing or housing where electrical features are claimed is classified elsewhere. (See References to Other Classes, below.)

See Class 313 for lamps and discharge devices which have an integral double wall envelope; for discharge devices having an envelope and a casing or jacket therefor; for where the discharge device is provided with an electrical shield and for other discharge devices provided with a casing or jacket. (See Subclass References to the Current Class, below.)

Also See References to Other Classes.

H. COMBINED WITH OPTICAL DEVICE OR HAVING SPECIAL RAY TRANSPARENT ENVELOPE (E.G., FILTER, REFLECTOR, LENS, LIGHT DISTRIBUTOR OR MODIFIER LIGHT SHIELD, LIGHT SHADE, ULTRAVIOLET RAY TRANSPARENT PORTION, OR LIGHT OBSCURING MEANS).

Class 313 provides for all lamps and discharge devices which have an integral part of the lamp an optical means combined therewith or which are provided with an envelope at least a portion of which is made of a glass or material especially designed to transmit a particular portion of the spectrum, such as ultraviolet, infrared, or only a restricted portion of the visible spectrum. This includes lamps and discharge devices with light filters, reflectors, refractors, etc. within the envelope of the lamp or coated upon or forming a part of the envelope of the lamp. See Class 313 for this art. See this class (313) for lamps and discharge devices where the claims are limited to the envelope being made of a glass or other material (e.g., quartz) which transmits a particular portion of the spectrum or a restricted portion of the spectrum. (See Subclass References to the Current Class, below.)

See below for the classification of envelopes, jackets, and casings, per se, for lamps and discharge devices.

Class 313 does not provide for any discharge devices or lamps where the optical device is separable from the lamp or discharge device, that is, it is not an integral part of the lamp or discharge device.

See References to Other Classes, below.

J. COMBINED WITH ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR STRUCTURE

Class 313 provides for the combination of all electric lamps and discharge devices where significant lamp or discharge device structure is recited in combination with an electric connector for connecting the lamp or discharge device in an electric circuit. See Class 313 where the lamp or discharge device is combined with a separable or detachable electric connector (e.g., a socket) and where the lamp or discharge device is provided with an electrical connector which is a part of the lamp or discharge device (e.g., a base on the lamp). (See Subclass References to the Current Class, below.)

1. Lamps And Discharge Devices Combined With A Separable Electric Connector

This class (Class 313), Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices) provides for the combination of an electrical lamp with a base or socket including a filament, or other reference to electrodes of the lamp.

See References to Other Classes.

2. Lamps And Discharge Devices Which Include Electrical Connector Structure

For reference to lamps and discharge devices with a base, where no electrical connector structure is involved, see below and References to Other Classes.

3. Electrodes Combined With Connector Structure

Class 313 includes all electrodes for electric lamps and discharge devices where significant lamp or discharge device electrode structure is claimed in combination with an electrical connector for the electrode, or where the electrode is provided with electrical connector structure. Merely reciting that the electrode is a metallic or nonmetallic rod or wire, or that the electrode has a particular cross-section where the connector is attached to the connector is not considered to be significant electrode structure.

See References to Other Classes, below.

K. ENVELOPES, CASINGS AND JACKETS FOR LAMPS AND DISCHARGE DEVICES

Class 313 provides for the combination of electric lamps and discharge devices which are provided with a envelope, and for electric lamps and discharge devices which are provided with a casing or jacket which is an integral part of the lamp or discharge device. Class 313 provides for lamps and discharge devices where the claims are limited to the envelope being made of a glass or other material (e.g., quartz) which transmits a particular portion of the spectrum or a restricted portion of the spectrum. See Class 313 for lamps and discharge devices with envelopes, and for discharge devices and lamps with casings or jackets. (See Subclass References to the Current Class, below.)

See discharge devices which are provided with separable casing, jacket, shield or envelope protective means, and References to Other Classes, below.

1. With Attached Base

Where the attached base includes electrical connector means see above and References to Other Classes, below.

2. With Lead-in Structure

Boxes, housings, and envelopes for electrical devices including electric lamps and discharge devices where the box, housing or envelope includes means to couple a conductor to the box, housing, or envelope, or has means for passing a lead-in conductor into the box or housing are classified elsewhere. Boxes, housings, and envelopes which are provided with other significant electrical structure or which are claimed as having an electrical device therein where no significant characteristics of the electrical device are recited are elsewhere. (See References to Other Classes, below.)

Note that if the lead-in conductors are of such rigidity to form contacts (usually plug-type contacts), the device is classified elsewhere unless significant structure of the device in addition to the connector structure is recited as pointed out above. Any specification of electric lamp or discharge device structure in addition to naming the type of lamp or discharge device will cause classification of the patent in Class 313. Where the claims are drawn to an electrical device broadly defined within the envelope, the patent is classified elsewhere. Claims which are drawn to a discharge device or electric lamp or a particular type, such as a gas filled discharge device, or an incandescent lamp where only envelope and lead-in structures are claimed are classified elsewhere.

For lead-in and seal structure such as glass to metal seals, see below.

3. With Identifying Indicating Mark- See References to Other Classes.

4. Defined Only By Composition

Envelopes, jackets and casings which are defined only by their composition will be found in the appropriate composition class.- See References to Other Classes, below.

5. Structure- See References to Other Classes, below.

L. BUSHINGS, GLASS-TO-METAL SEALS AND LEAD-IN CONDUCTORS

See above for lamps and discharge devices which are provided with electrical connector means such as a base having prongs thereon and which sometimes include bushings or lead-in conductors for conducting electricity through the wall of the housing, jacket or envelope of the lamp or discharge device to the electrodes within the casing, jacket or envelope. See above for housings, jackets, and envelopes for electric lamps and discharge devices which are provided with lead-in or bushing structure for passing electric current through the wall of the housing, jacket, or envelope to the interior of the device.

See References to Other Classes, below.

M. ELECTRODES AND SHIELDS

Class 313 provides for all electrodes and shields, per se, excepting the consumption feed type electrodes classified elsewhere. Class 313 includes electrodes and shields formed of two or more parts with a joint therebetween where significant electrode or shield structure is claimed. Electrodes which are limited by claimed structure to use in discharge devices (arc lamps) in which the feed or motion of one of the electrodes towards the other is accomplished by the destruction of the electrode or a portion thereof due to the discharge are classified elsewhere. (See References to Other Classes, below.)

Electrodes and shields which include no more structure than a base having one or more coatings thereon are excluded from Class 313. Merely naming the electrode or shield as a wire, filament, rod, ribbon or strand is not sufficient structure to cause classification in Class 313. Electrodes and shields which are defined only by their composition are excluded from this class. The excluded art relating to electrodes and shields will be found in the classes listed below:

1. Electrodes And Shields With Joints Therebetween

Where the only structure of the electrode or shield recited is that the electrode or shield is composed of two or more parts with means to join the parts together, the patents will be found in the appropriate class providing for the joint.

See References to Other Classes, below, for a reference to the classes which provide for joint structure.

Where an electrical feature is claimed in addition to the joint but no significant structure other than that required to make the joint is recited, the patent will be found elsewhere for the electrical connector structure. Where an electrode is composed of two rod-like portions and one portion is provided with a hollow screw threaded socket and the other is provided with the screw threaded end to fit into the socket, the patent is classified elsewhere. If the structure includes means such as a portion of higher electrical conductivity to insure good electrical contact between the portions, the patent would be classified elsewhere.

See References to Other Classes, below.

2. Coated Electrodes Or Shields And Compositions- See References to Other Classes, below.

3. Methods And Apparatus For Manufacturing Electrodes- See References to Other Classes, below.

N. FLUORESCENT AND PHOSPHORESCENT COATING AND COMPOSITIONS

Class 313 provides for electric lamps and discharge devices where significant lamp or discharge device structure is claimed which include as a part thereof a fluorescent or phosphorescent material. See this class (313) for cathode-ray tubes which have a fluorescent or phosphorescent target and for other discharge devices and lamps having an electrode or the envelope coated with or containing a fluorescent or phosphorescent material, or which otherwise include as a part thereof a fluorescent or phosphorescent material.

See References to Other Classes, below.

O. GETTERS AND GAS OR VAPOR GENERATING MATERIALS

Class 313, provides for all electric lamps and discharge devices which have combined therewith a getter or a gas or vapor generating material, irrespective of whether the getter or gas or vapor generating means, is to be used during the manufacture of the device, or to be used during the operation of the device, or to be used as needed after the device has been operated. Class 313 also provides for electrode structure combined with containers or receptacles for the getter or the gas or vapor generating material. For electrodes which involve significant electrode structure with a coating or a getter material thereon, see this class (313). For the classification of electrodes which involve only a base with a coating of a getter material thereon, or which involves only an electrode defined by its compositions, see above.

See Subclass References to the Current Class, below, and References to Other Classes, below.

P. DEFLECTION AND FOCUSING MAGNETS

Magnets provided with a plurality of coils to deflect the cathode ray in a plurality of directions, (e.g., vertically, and horizontally) are classified elsewhere. Magnets for focusing, concentrating or accelerating cathode rays even if the magnet is provided with a plurality of separate coils are elsewhere. Magnets for cathode-ray tubes which have a plurality of coils to generate both a deflecting field and a focusing, concentrating and/or accelerating field are classified in Class 313.

See References to Other Classes, below.

Q. INFRARED RAY GENERATORS

Class 313 does not provide for devices for converting electrical energy into infrared ray energy, excepting in special cases. Many lamps and discharge devices inherently generate infrared ray energy in their operation. Class 313 will take therefore, electric lamps and discharge devices which are stated to be for the purpose of generating infrared ray energy when such lamps and discharge devices are substantially identical in structure with lamps and discharge devices intended to generate visible light or ultraviolet light or other analogous ray energy. Class 313 will take such devices even though the device includes means for preventing light energy other than the infrared ray energy from being emitted, such as having the envelope wall formed of an opaque material. Such infrared ray generators are classified in Class 313 in the subclasses providing for the structure of the analogous lamp or discharge device, see especially where the lamp or discharge device has an envelope made of the material which is especially transparent to infrared ray energy and where the lamp or discharge device is provided with a light obscuring means such as an opaque coating on the envelope wall. (See Subclass References to the Current Class, below.)

Class 313 does not provide for the infrared generator in combination with a reflector, guard, support, separable casing, or jacket. For such excluded subject matter and other infrared ray generators see References to Other Classes, below.

R. METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING OR REPAIRING ELECTRIC LAMPS OR DISCHARGE DEVICES OR SALVAGING PARTS THEREOF

Class 313 does not provide for the processes or apparatus used either to manufacture or repair electric lamps or discharge devices. It should be noted, however, that Class 313 does provide for electric lamp and discharge devices which are provided with a getter, a gas or vapor generating means, or pressure regulating means, see above. (See Subclass References to the Current Class, below.)

S. SYSTEMS, APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR TESTING ELECTRIC LAMPS AND DISCHARGE DEVICES

See References to Other Classes.

T. RELATIONSHIP OF CLASSES 313 TO 445, ELECTRIC LAMP OR SPACE DISCHARGE COMPONENT OR DEVICE MANUFACTURING

In view of the statements in the above sections, the relationship between the classes and subclasses mentioned can be shown in schedule form thus:

313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices

314, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Consumable Electrodes

315, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Systems

445, Electric Lamp or Space Discharge Component or Device Manufacturing

U. DISTINCTION BETWEEN DISCHARGE DEVICES AND ELECTRIC SWITCHES

Some types of electric switches are closely analogous in structure to some types of discharge devices. This is especially true with respect to the type of discharge device where the electrodes of the discharge device are placed in contact and then separated from each other to establish the discharge. Some types of switches include means, such as electromagnets, to extinguish the arc between the switch contacts when the switch is opened. Some types of discharge devices include means, such as electromagnets, to defect or otherwise alter the characteristics of the discharge between the electrodes.

The distinction between electric switches and discharge devices, therefore, depends in some cases principally upon the disclosed purpose of the structure claimed by the patent. Where the discharge is only an incident to the separating of the switch contacts and the purpose of the structure is to open or close a circuit, the device will be considered an electric switch for the purpose of classification. When the electrodes are placed in physical contact to close the circuit, and separated from each other to interrupt the circuit, the device will be classified as a switch. Where the purpose of the claimed structure is to establish a space discharge by contacting the electrodes with each other and then separating the electrodes, the device is considered to be a discharge device for Class 313.

Excluded from Class 313 are devices which are designed normally to have a discharge between the electrodes and which include means operative after either prolonged use or overload to establish a short-circuit path from one of the electrodes to the other electrode so as to extinguish the space discharge. See above relative to lightning arresters of this type.

Switches which are somewhat analogous in structure to space discharge devices where the switch is provided with means to separate the switch contacts from each other to open the circuit, the switch structure including means to extinguish the space discharge formed when the switch contacts are opened, are classified elsewhere.

See References to Other Classes, below.

W. DISTINCTION BETWEEN DISCHARGE DEVICES AND ELECTRIC CONDENSERS AND OTHER STATIC FIELD PRODUCING MEANS

Some types of space discharge devices are closely analogous in structure to some types of electric condensers and other static field producing devices. In these cases the device usually consists of two electrodes separated by air, gas, vapor or vacuum and are designed to have an electric potential impressed thereon. Where the device is intended to have a current flow between the electrodes either by ionization or by electron flow, the device is considered to be a space discharge device for Class 313. However, if the device is designed for use without ionization between the electrodes or without transmitting current by electron flow then the device will be excluded from Class 313 and found in the other appropriate class.

Most devices other than the electric condensers of the type referred to above which are excluded from Class 313 are devices for treating materials such as ozonizers, electrical precipitators, disinfecting and sterilizing apparatus.

The Classification of such devices is referred to above. Also See References to Other Classes.