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...that it was melting ice cream that inspired the invention of the outboard motor? It was a lovely August day and Ole Evinrude was rowing his boat to his favorite island picnic spot. As he rowed, he watched his ice cream melt and wished he had a faster way to get to the island. At that moment the idea for the outboard motor was born!

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Class 362 - Illumination

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624 Subclasses


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Definition

This class is the residual locus of means and processes for casting visible radiant energy in at least one direction to render objects in that direction visible.

BASIC SUBJECT MATTER OF THE CLASS

The basic subject matter of the class is comprised of:

A. The combination of a source of visible radiant energy and means to modify the distribution or composition of the radiant energy emanating from the source.

B. Methods utilizing the combination of A, above, to cast light in at least one direction to render objects in that direction visible.

SCOPE OF THE CLASS

In addition to the basic subject matter of the class, this class also provides for:

A. Subcombinations of the basic subject matter of the class not provided for elsewhere comprising:

1. means to modify the distribution of composition of light from sources other than the heavenly bodies;

2. means to support a source of visible radiant energy;

3. means to support the modifying means of item (1), above, and

4. combinations of (1), (2) and/or (3) above.

B. Combinations of the basic subject matter of the class and subject matter classified elsewhere insofar as the combination is not provided for elsewhere.

C. Accessories to the basic subject matter of the class limited in their intended use to the basic subject matter of the class.

(1) Note. Wherever drawings are associated with subclass definitions, they are used merely to illustrate the basic concept encompassed by the definition of that subclass and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the subject matter covered by that subclass.

Lines with other classes and within this class

A. LIGHT SOURCES, PER SE

Light sources, per se, are not classifiable in this class (362). For such devices, see References to Other Classes, below.

B. LIGHT MODIFIERS

Generally, light modifying means, per se, used merely to modify light from light sources other than a heavenly body are classifiable in this class (362). For exceptions listed in this class, see Subclass References to the Current Class, below.

Light modifying means not limited in use to illumination are not classifiable in this class. Two such modifying means may be found in References to Other Classes, below: (1) Filter, i.e., means to modify the composition of light, not limited in use to illumination. And (2) Reflectors, refractors, etc., i.e., means to modify the distribution of light, not limited in use to illumination.

C. LIGHT SOURCE SUPPORTS OR HOUSINGS

This class (362) provides for combinations of a support for a light source and significant structure of a light source and for a light source support having structural features limited to use with a light source. Housings for light sources having more than nominally recited light source supporting means or having or comprising light modifier means of this class type are also provided for in this class. For Light source housings, per se, and certain types of light source supports, see References to Other Classes, below.

D. SIGNALLING AND COMMUNICATION

Illuminating means, per se, which are used to convey information (e.g., "signal lanterns") are generally classified in this class (362) unless explicitly provided for elsewhere.

Means to convey information classifiable in another class combined with illuminating means is generally classified in the other class. Classes providing for such combinations may be found in References to Other Classes, below.

E. COMBINATIONS OF DEVICES PROVIDED FOR IN OTHER CLASSES AND ILLUMINATING MEANS

Combinations of devices provided for in other classes and illuminating means are classified with the device unless specifically provided for in this class (362) whether or not the illuminating means illuminates the device itself. See the search notes of the combination subclasses of this class (362) for the lines between this class and other relevant classes.

Classes providing for combinations of devices of the respective class type and illuminating means may be found in References to Other Classes, below.

F. SPECIAL APPLICATIONS

In general, the proximate function of the basic subject matter of this class (362) is merely to direct visible radiation in at least one direction to render a reflective object in that direction visible to an observer in the path of the light reflected from the object.

Illuminating means used to perform functions provided for in other classes are classified in such classes. See References to Other Classes, for class references to subsection D, above, for classes providing for illuminating means used in signalling and communication. Additional classes also providing for illuminating means used in performing the function of the classes may be found in References to Other Classes, below.

 
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