Definition

This is the Generic Class for: Single electric energy generators for supplying single load circuits, there being means to regulate or control the generator output, which means may be electrical or nonelectrical and may act in the prime mover for the generator, the power transmission means between the generator prime mover and the generator, the generator, or the armature (output) circuit of the generator, or any combination thereof.

Lines with other classes and within this class

A. GENERATOR RECITED BY NAME ONLY

Systems as defined in Class Definition, above are included in this class even though the generator is recited by name only if the system includes means for the regulation or control of the generator output. Systems which include a generator recited by name only, no significant characteristics of the generator or its control being claimed, are classified with the system, even though the type of current and/or voltage produced by the generator is recited (i.e., as a 60 cycle generator), the generator being considered only a source of energy for the system. For such excluded systems, see the classes referred to under "Search Class" below.

B. LOAD IN OUTPUT CIRCUIT RECITED BY NAME ONLY OR SIGNIFICANTLY

1. Class 322 provides for single generator supplied single load systems as defined in the Class Definition above not otherwise classified even though the electric load in the output circuit is recited by name only or by its electrical characteristics, the system defined otherwise being drawn to the control of the generator.

2. Systems having significant characteristics of the circuit elements in the load circuit other than or in addition to those for the control or regulation of the generator are classified according to the type of load circuit or load device claimed even though significant generator structure or control is also claimed.

3. The following indicates in more detail the classification lines followed in applying paragraphs 1 and 2 where significant generator regulation or control is claimed in combination with electric load or load circuit features.

a. Generator with Transformer or Inductance only in the Load Circuit:

Where the transformer or inductance is recited by name only, the system is in Class 322. Where significant characteristics of the transformer or transformer circuit are claimed, the system is classified as a transformer system. Merely reciting that the transformer has primary and secondary windings or that the transformer is an auto transformer is not a recitation of significant transformer structure or circuit. A recitation that the transformer is a variable ratio transformer is a recitation of significant transformer structure. Likewise systems having a significant structure of an inductance or inductance circuit are classified according to the type of system formed by the inductance. A recitation that the inductance is variable is a recitation of significant inductance structure. For the systems which provide for systems having transformers and/or inductances therein, see Class 323 referred to under "SEARCH CLASS" below.

b. Generator with Condenser Only in Load Circuit:

Where the condenser is recited by name only, the system is classified in Class 322, except in the following cases:

i. where the system is designed for the specific purpose of charging and discharging the condenser, such a system being classified in Class 320, Battery or Capacitor Charging or Discharging, subclasses 166+.

ii. where the condenser is provided solely to control the characteristics of the load circuit (power factor control regulators) such a system being classified in Class 323 listed under References to Other Classes, below.

iii. or where the condenser is defined by significant condenser structure, such a system being classified in Class 323, Electricity: Power Supply or Regulation Systems, subclass 364.

c. Generator and Resistor Only in Load Circuit:

Where the resistor is recited by name only, the system is classified in Class 322. Where significant characteristics of the resistor or resistor system is claimed, the system is classified as a resistor system. Also merely reciting a variable resistance is not considered to be a recitation of significant resistor or resistor system. If in the foregoing systems, structure of the resistor is recited, the patent will be excluded from Class 322.

d. Generator and Electric Switch Only in the Load Circuit:

Where the switch is recited by name only, the system is classified in Class 322. Where significant switch structure or switching system is claimed, the patent is excluded from Class 322. Where an overload switch when open includes a resistor in the circuit to limit the generator current flow, the patent is classified in Class 322. Also, a switch in the load circuit to prevent reverse current flow to the generator is classified in Class 322.

e. Generator with frequency changing means and/or phase converting means and/or current converting means and/or phase control means:

Where the generator supplies a load circuit which includes any of the following means, a frequency changing means, a phase converting means, a current converting means, or a phase controlling means, the patent is excluded from Class 322 whether the means in the load circuit is claimed broadly or specifically. For such excluded systems, see the references to Classes 363, Electric Power Conversion Systems, and 323 Electricity: Power Supply or Regulation Systems, under "SEARCH CLASS" below.

f. Generator and Testing Means for Generator, Signal or Indicator for Generator, Recorder for Generator, Measuring Means for Generator:

Where the generator system includes by name only testing means for the generator, a recorder for the generator or measuring means (voltage, frequency, current, etc.) for the generator, the system is classified in Class 322. Class 322 also takes such systems where the system includes a plurality of such means recited by name only. If any significant characteristics of the testing means, signal or indicating means or recorder, or measuring means are recited, the system is classified with the particular means. For the classes which provide for such means, see the classes referred to under "Search Class" below.

g. Battery Charging and Discharging Systems:

This class excludes generator supplied battery charging systems, battery discharging systems, and the combined charging and discharging systems for one or more batteries. Such systems are in Class 320, Electricity: Battery or Capacitor Charging or Discharging. See the reference to Class 320 under "Search Class" below.

h. Generator and Plural Circuit Elements or Means in the Load Circuit:

Where the generator load circuit includes a plurality of circuit elements or means, and one of the circuit elements is a transformer, a frequency changing means, a phase modification means, or a phase regulation means, even though recited by name only, such system is excluded from Class 322. Where the generator load circuit includes a plurality of circuit elements or means, none of which are these recited in the foregoing paragraph, and such elements are recited by name only, and there is no recitation of the manner of connection of the elements to make any particular type of art system (as an impedance regulator), then the system is classified in Class 322. Where the system includes any significant characteristics of any of the plurality of circuit elements or of their connection with respect to each other in the load circuit, the system is classified according to the type system formed by the load circuit elements.

C. POLYPHASE GENERATOR AND LOAD CIRCUIT:

This class includes polyphase generator systems for supplying a single polyphase load circuit where significant generator structure or control is recited and if the polyphase load circuit is not excluded from the class by the limitation of "B. Load In Output Circuit Recited By Name Only Or Significantly" above. A polyphase load circuit including a plurality of single phase load circuits is excluded from Class 322 as being a plural load circuit.

D. PLURAL GENERATORS AND/OR PLURAL LOAD CIRCUITS:

1. Plural Generators:

Systems having a plurality of generators supplying a single load circuit or having a plurality of generators supplying a plurality of load circuits are excluded from Class 322. However, Class 322 does include single generator systems having one or more generators used as the source of excitation for the generator which supplies the single load circuit. See subclasses 59+. For the excluded subject matter, see the classes in References to Other Classes, below.

2. Plural Load Circuits:

Where the patent discloses a generating system and a plurality of load circuits supplied by a generator, but the plurality of load circuits are not claimed, the patent is included in Class 322. Where significant characteristics of the load circuits are claimed, so that the load circuits do not constitute a single load circuit, the patent is classified in the classes listed in References to Other Classes, below.

E. GENERATING SYSTEMS WITH NONMAGNETIC GENERATOR:

This class provides for generating systems as defined in the Class Definition, above having a nonmagnetic generator which are not otherwise classified. Nonmagnetic generators include: i. Battery generators. ii. Thermoelectric generators. iii. Photoelectric generators. iv. Piezoelectric generators. v. Electrostatic generators. vi. Friction generators. See References to Other Classes, below for these other classes and subclasses which provide for generating systems having a nonmagnetic generator.

F. NONELECTRICAL MEANS CONTROLLING THE GENERATOR:

Systems as defined in the Class Definition, above are included in this class where the only control means for the generator is a nonelectrical means (such as a mechanical or hydraulic system) controlling the operation of the generator prime mover, or the power transmission between the prime mover and the generator.

Where the prime mover is a nonelectric prime mover, see "G. Prime Mover Driven Generator Systems--b. Nonelectric Motor Driven Systems," below. Where the generator control means which controls only the generator structure (such as the generator magnetic structure or the brushes) no other generator control being provided, the subject matter is considered to be only generator structure and is excluded from Class 322. Where the generator control means includes electric means and nonelectric means, the subject matter is considered to be a generator control or regulation system included in Class 322.

G. PRIME MOVER DRIVEN GENERATOR SYSTEMS:

a. Electric Motor Driven Generator Systems:

This class provides for systems as defined in the Class Definition, above wherein the prime mover for the electric generator is an electric motor where significant generator structure or circuit is claimed, except where there is a significant relationship between the characteristics of the input circuit for the motor with relation to the output circuit of the generator so that the generator and its motor prime mover constitutes a translating device in a system for converting electric energy having particular characteristics to electric energy having other characteristics. Such excluded systems are classified in Class 363, Electric Power Conversion Systems. Included in Class 322, in subclasses 10+ are motor generator systems where the generator is used as a motor to start the motor, the motor after the starting period is over, serving as a prime mover for the generator. Motor generator systems where the generator is recited by name only and is only a nominal load for the motor are excluded from Class 322 and are classified in Class 318, Electricity: Motive Power Systems as a motor system. See the reference to Classes 321, 318 and 333 under "Search Class" below.

b. Nonelectric Motor Driven Generator Systems: Electric generating systems having the generator driven by a nonelectric prime mover and where either significant characteristics of the prime mover or significant prime mover control features are set forth are excluded from Class 322, and are classified in Class 290, Prime-Mover Dynamo Plants.

GENERATOR STRUCTURE, PER SE:

This class provides for electrical system as distinguished from the structure of the devices capable of translating nonelectric to electric energy. See "F. Nonelectrical Means Controlling The Generator," above. For the classes which provide for generator structure, per se, see the classes referred to in References to Other Classes, below.

SYSTEMS GENERIC TO MOTORS OR GENERATORS:

Where the system includes a dynamo-electric machine, and the machine is disclosed but not claimed as either an electric motor or and electric generator, the patent is classified in Class 322, if the claimed system is otherwise within the definition of Class 322, and provided that no structure or circuit is claimed that limits the system to being a motor system (in case the machine is disclosed as being a motor. Where the machine is claimed as being either a motor or generator, the patent is classified in Class 322). However, see Class 505, Superconductor Technology: Apparatus, Material, Process, subclasses 150+ for high temperature (T_c 30 K) superconducting devices, and particularly subclasses 166+ for motors or generators containing high temperature superconductors.

GENERATOR SYSTEMS COMBINED WITH OTHER SYSTEMS:

Where a generating system is part of an art system or other system, it is classified with such art device or other system. For a partial list of the classes that provide for such art systems or other systems, see the classes listed under References To Other Classes below.