DefinitionGENERAL STATEMENT OF THE CLASS SUBJECT MATTER This is the specific class for apparatus and corresponding processes for the storage and retrieval of variable optical or magneto-optical information based on relative movement between an optical storage carrier or medium and a transducer along a continuous path. This class also includes apparatus and corresponding processes for making copies or editing of optical records falling within the above definition. This class also includes the record carrier or medium, per se, having particular information storage structure. SCOPE OF THE CLASS (1) Note. This class is an integral part of class 369, Dynamic Information Storage or Retrieval, following subclass 18 and after Class 360. (2) Note. An optical record carrier or medium within the meaning of this class is an element which consists a material which can be sensed optically or is comprised of series of mechanical or thermally induced markings which is intended for the storage of more than a single bit of information. (3) Note. The record carrier or medium must have continuous physical extent over the path of movement and be able to store a time-varying information signal. Static or discrete storage devices are classified elsewhere. See the SEE OR SEARCH CLASS notes below. (4) Note. The optical record carrier or medium may include other elements for storing dynamic information, such as a magnetic material. (5) Note. Storage elements which include discrete optical, magnetic areas, inserts or spots, each intended for the storage of single bits of information, whether or not relative motion is used in transducing that information, are classified elsewhere. See the SEE OR SEARCH CLASS notes below. (6) Note. This class includes elements forming subcombinations specific to apparatus within the class definition such as record carriers, transducers, actuators, supports for the media carrier or the transducer. (7) Note. Electrical circuits not specific to optical or magneto-optical recording or reproducing which may constitute subcombinations of such apparatus are classified in the class appropriate for such circuits unless specifically excluded therefrom. (8) Note. Mechanisms forming subcombinations of apparatus are classified in the appropriate mechanical class providing for such subject matter unless claimed in significant combination with specifics of a dynamic optical storage or retrieval device. (9) Note. Significantly claimed apparatus external to this class, claimed in combination with apparatus under the class definition, which records or reproduces some quality or quantity related to such external apparatus or its function, is classified in the class appropriate to the external apparatus. (10) Note. Nominally claimed apparatus external to this class, claimed in combination with apparatus under the class definition, is classified in this class unless provided for in the appropriate external class. (11) Note. Because of the placement of this class into the Class 369 schedule, this class is no longer exhaustive of dynamic optical storage or retrieval, appropriate subclasses in Class 369 should also be considered. (12) Note. This class is differentiated from Class 206 in that in order to record or reproduce information, the optical recording medium element must first be removed from its container for Class 206, while this class allows the optical recording medium element to be maintained within its holder or protector for recording and reproducing. (13) Note. The combination of an audio signal producing device with the subject matter of this class is classified in this class, except for the combination with telephone signal devices which are classified in the Telephone class. For such excluded subject matter see the SEE OR SEARCH CLASS notes below. ORGANIZATION OF THIS CLASS: For the organization of this class, refer to Subclass References to the Current Class, below. |
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