february 2011 classification definitions 398 - 1 · february 2011 classification definitions 398...

February 2011 CLASSIFICATION DEFINITIONS 398 - 1

February 2011

CLASS 398, OPTICAL COMMUNICATIONS

SECTION I - CLASS DEFINITION

This class provides for all types of communication sys-tems in which optical signals are used to transmit modu-lated carrier wave information between points. Suchcommunication includes transmitting an intelligence-bearing signal from one point to another in the form ofvariations in a characteristic of the light wave. The com-munication may be through free space, fibers orwaveguides. These are used to transfer the informationwith an optical beam, and this beam can be used in vari-ous communication schemes to enable the most effec-tive or desired method of moving the information,including optical multiplexing when plural informationsignals or plural transmitters and receivers are utilized.

(1) Note. "Light" includes infrared and ultravi-olet radiation.

(2) Note. The characteristic which is variedmay include, e.g., amplitude, frequency,phase, polarity, or color.

(3) Note. This subclass includes subject matterthat communicates data or informationfrom one location to another via some opti-cal system.

(4) Note. Apparatus having a source of lightsignal containing information to be con-veyed to a light source via an optical linkare classified in this and indented sub-classes regardless of the source being con-trolled by a different form of energy (e.g.,electrical or electromagnetic field) or theoptical output of the sensor being convertedto a different form of energy.

(5) Note. Optical communication to objectsonly within a predetermined location (i.e.,direction) from the source would be classi-fied in this or indented subclasses since theprime objective is to communicate informa-tion and the actual location is only a factorto ensure that the message goes there. Thedetection of range, direction, etc., of theobject, without any data communication tothat object, would not be classified herein.See Search note below for such devicecommunication..

(6) Note. Optical switching to perform a speci-fied function would be classified with thefunction. Optical switching in an opticalcommunication system, where data ismoved from one location to another, is clas-sified in this or indented subclasses. Opticalswitching, per se, is excluded from thisclass. See Search note below for suchdevice.

(7) Note. The optical communication systemsof this and indented subclasses transferoptical data from one location to anothervia a data link but no specific sensor is setforth in the claims. The optical telemetryincludes the combination of an optical com-munication system, as in this class or theindents thereunder, combined with a speci-fied claimed sensor is excluded from thisclass. See Search not below for such sub-ject matter. Well bore telemetry using anytype of energy (i.e., radio, acoustic, mag-netic, optic, etc.) is also excluded from thisclass. See Search note below for suchdevice.

(8) Note. Optical communication by turningthe light on and off without any modulationof the transmitted light is not classified inthis class. See Search note below for suchsubject matter.

(9) Note. Optical communication system incombination with electrical communicationsystem is excluded from this class. SeeSearch note below for such combination.

SECTION II - REFERENCES TO OTHERCLASSES

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:116, Signals and Indicators, appropriate subclasses,

particularly subclass 20 for heliographic sig-naling wherein signals are given by mechani-cally-controlled intermittent flashes of light,usually reflected sunlight.

250, Radiant Energy, subclasses 200 through 239 for electrical circuits whose operations are con-trolled by means of a photocell, electrical cir-cuits for supplying current or potential to aphotocell and photocells in combination withoptical means for controlling the radiant energy

398 - 2 CLASSIFICATION DEFINITIONS February 2011

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which illuminated the photocell; subclasses336.1-395 for systems for detecting the pres-ence of or measuring the quantity or quality ofinvisible radiant energy rays; and subclass 551for an optical signal isolator, per se.

257, Active Solid-State Devices (e.g., Transistors,Solid-State Diodes), subclasses 13, 79-103 forincoherent light emitting injection luminescentdevices.

315, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Sys-tems, appropriate subclasses for control sys-tems for controlling the operation of end loadelectric lamp or discharge device.

329, Demodulators, for demodulation of modulatedelectrical signals.

330, Amplifiers, subclass 59 for amplifiers havinglight-controlled or activated devices, and sub-class 308 for amplifiers having radiant energyimpinging on a semiconductor.

331, Oscillators, subclass 66 for electrical oscilla-tors with a device responsive to heat or light.

332, Modulators, for modulators of electrical sig-nals.

333, Wave Transmission Lines and Networks, appropriate subclasses.

340, Communications: Electrical, subclasses 553+for wellbore telemetry using an type of energy(1.e., radio, acoustic, magnetic, optic), particu-larly subclasses 853.1-856.4 for wellboretelemetry or control that could use opticalenergy, and subclasses 870.28-870.29 for tele-metering systems employing radiant energybeam (e.g., Infrared) transmission.

342, Communications: Directive Radio Wave Sys-tems and Devices (e.g., Radar, Radio Naviga-tion), appropriate subclasses for radio waverange and direction finding apparatus (Rangeand Direction Finding).

348, Television, subclasses 335 through 369 foroptical structures in a television camera.

352, Optics: Motion Pictures, subclasses 1 through37 for motion picture apparatus with soundaccompaniment.

356, Optics: Measuring and Testing, subclasses 3through 22 for an optical range or remote dis-tance finding apparatus, subclasses 27-28.5 foroptical velocity measuring, and subclasses138-155 for optical angle measuring or axialalignment.

359, Optical: Systems and Elements, appropriatesubclasses.

360, Dynamic Magnetic Information Storage orRetrieval, subclass 3 for motion picture film,subclass 114 for magneto-optic head.

361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices, subclasses 173 through 177 for relay or elec-tromagnet circuits utilizing photosensitivedevices.

362, Illumination, subclasses 257 through 311 forlight source and modifier, and subclasses 317-361 for light modifier.

365, Static Information Storage and Retrieval, sub-class 108 for liquid crystal radiant energy type.

367, Communications, Electrical: Acoustic WaveSystems and Devices, appropriate subclasses,subclass 131 for underwater acoustic commu-nication system.

369, Dynamic Information Storage or Retrieval, subclasses 100 through 125 for information orsound recording or reproduction utilizing elec-tro-optical transducers or photographic soundrecords.

370, Multiplex Communications, appropriate sub-classes, subclasses 310 through 350 for com-munication over free space, subclasses 351-430 for packet switching.

372, Coherent Light Generators, appropriate sub-class for laser amplifiers and oscillators.

374, Thermal Measuring and Testing, subclasses121 through 133 for radiation responsive ther-mometers.

375, Pulse or Digital Communications, subclasses219 through 223 for transceivers operated atradio frequencies.

378, X-Ray or Gamma Ray Systems or Devices, appropriate subclasses.

379, Telephonic Communications, subclasses 56.1through 56.3 for a light wave link for speechor a paging signal, subclasses 74-77 for remotecontrol over a telephone line, and subclass 379for an optical link between the line and switch-ing system used as a part of the line or loopcondition detection.

380, Cryptography, subclass 54 for encryption/decryption by modifying an optical image, sub-classes 255-276 for communication systemusing cryptography, particularly subclass 256for fiber optic network using cryptography.

385, Optical Waveguides, subclass 15 for opticalcoupler, subclass 31 for input/output coupler,subclasses 311-114 for optical transmissioncable, subclasses 115-121 for optical fiber bun-dle.

386, Motion Video Signal Processing for Recordingor Reproducing, appropriate subclasses forvideo recording or reproduction.

455, Telecommunications, appropriate subclassesfor Radio Frequency Telecommunications.


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709, Electrical Computers and Digital ProcessingSystems; Multiple Computer or Process Coor-dinating, appropriate subclasses.

SUBCLASSES

1 FAULT RECOVERY:This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Subject matter wherein a correctiveaction is taken to return an inoperative or dis-functioning optical communication system orits component to a satisfactory operating con-dition.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:17 through 24, for detection of a fault in

the optical communication network orits components.

10 through 15, for fault location determi-nation.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:370, Multiplex Communications, sub-

classes 216 through 228 for faultrecovery.

714, Error Detecting/Correction and FaultDetecting/Recovery, subclasses 2through 24 for fault recovery in ageneric digital data processing sys-tem.

2 Bypass inoperative element:This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter including a provision for alter-nate routing when the network or its compo-nent is at fault.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:340, Communications: Electrical, subclass

3.44 for selective communicationmonitoring in a faulty condition.

370, Multiplex Communications, sub-classes 217 through 220 for bypassan inoperative switch or inoperativeelement of a switching system, sub-classes 221-224 for bypass an inoper-ative station, and subclasses 225-228,for bypass an inoperative channel.

3 In a ring or loop:This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Subject matter wherein the inoperative elementis in a closed path transmission system.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:370, Multiplex Communications, subclass

222 for bypass in a ring or loop net-work.

4 Using a secondary ring or loop:This subclass is indented under subclass 3. Subject matter wherein the inoperative elementis bypassed by using an auxiliary closed pathtransmission system.


classes 223 through 224 for bypass ina ring or loop network using a second-ary ring or loop.

5 Spare channel or standby optical fiber:This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Subject matter including a main and a backupor redundant equipment or line activated toroute information data when the main line is atfault.


2.9 for selective communications witha spare channel.

370, Multiplex Communications, subclass227 for bypass an inoperative channelin a repeater using spare channel andsubclass 228 for bypass an inoperativechannel using a spare channel.

714, Error Detection/Correction and FaultDetection/Recovery, subclasses 4.1through 4.5 for masking or reconfigu-ration of transmission network whichis not limited to optical communica-tion.

6 In a repeater system:This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter wherein the fault recovery orfaulty optical communication system has atleast one retransmission station.


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SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:18, for detecting of a fault in a repeater.11, for locating a fault in a repeater.173 through 181, for an optical repeater

system.


226 for bypass an inoperative channelin a repeater.

379, Telephonic Communications, sub-class 4 for nonmultiplex telephonealternate routing around a faultyrepeater.

7 WDM:This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter wherein the faulty optical com-munication system includes a wavelength divi-sion multiplexed system.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:14, for diagnostic testing of a WDM sys-

tem.34, for determination of communication

parameter in a WDM system.68, for broadcasting or distributing of

wavelength division multiplexed sig-nal.

8 TDM:This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter wherein the faulty optical com-munication system includes a time divisionmultiplexed system.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:35, for determination of communication

parameter in a TDM system.98, for time division multiplexing system.

9 DIAGNOSTIC TESTING:This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Subject matter including means for mon-itoring or testing for evaluating an operationalcondition of an optical communication systemor its component.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:33, for determination of communication

parameter having predetermined mon-itoring of a supervisor signal.

177, for specific repeater system includingmeans for monitoring an opticalregenerative repeater during opera-tion.


853.3 for diagnostic monitoring ordetecting operation of a generic com-munication equipment or signal.

356, Optics: Measuring and Testing, foroptically testing of individual piecesof an optical communication system,subclass 73.1 for optical fiber orwaveguide inspection.

370, Multiplex Communications, sub-classes 241 through 253 for diagnos-tic testing other than synchronization.

375, Pulse or Digital Communications, subclasses 224 through 228 for test-ing of pulse or digital communicationsystem

379, Telephonic Communications, sub-classes 1 through 33 for diagnostictesting of telephone equipment.

714, Error Detection/Correction and FaultDetection/Recovery, subclass 712 forthe electrical testing of transmissionfacility.

10 Fault location:This subclass is indented under subclass 9. Subject matter including means for determin-ing a position or site of a fault of the opticalcommunication network or its component.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:1 through 8, for fault recovery of the

optical communication network or itscomponent.

17 through 24, for detection of a fault inthe optical communication network orits component.


February 2011


classes 242 through 245 for faultdetection.

714, Error Detection/Correction and FaultDetection/Recovery, subclasses 25through 57 for fault location in ageneric digital data processing sys-tem.

11 Repeater:This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Subject matter wherein the component com-prises a retransmission station.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:6, for fault recovery in a repeater sys-

tem.18, for fault detection in a repeater.173 through 181, for an optical repeater

system.


243 for fault detection of a repeaterand subclass 246 for diagnostic test-ing of a repeater.

375, Pulse or Digital Communications, subclass 213 for testing of a digitalrepeater.

379, Telephonic Communications, sub-class 4 for nonmultiplex telephonealternate routing around a faultyrepeater.

714, Error Detection /Correction and FaultDetection /Recovery, subclass 713 forgeneric testing of a communicationchannel including a repeater.

12 Switch:This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Subject matter wherein the component com-prises an optical switch.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:19, for fault detection of a switch.


244 for fault detection of a switchingsystem

13 Fiber or waveguide:This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Subject matter wherein the component com-prises a) a single or bundle of fiber used as asingle transmission medium to propagate opti-cal energy or b) a system of material designedto confine direct optical waves in a directiondetermined by its physical boundary.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:20, for fault detection of an optical fiber.110, for remote control system in an

industrial or hazardous environmen tthrough optical fiber or wave guide

113, for remote control syste m throughoptical fiber or wave guide.

116, for hybrid communication systemincluding optical fiber.

134, for a photo-phone transducer includ-ing optical fiber or waveguide.

141, for transmitter and receiver systemincluding optical waveguide, and sub-class N3 for specific type of fiber.

139, for optical transceiver including opti-cal fiber or wave guide.

178, for optical repeater including opticalwave guide.

200, for tra nsmitter including optical waveguide

214, for optical waveguide in an opticalreceiver.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:356, Optics: Measuring or Testing, sub-

class 73.1 for fibers testing.

14 WDM:This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Subject matter wherein the optical communica-tion network includes a wavelength divisionmultiplexed system in which optical signals aremultiplexed in a wavelength domain.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:7, for fault recovery in a WDM system.34, for determination of communication

parameter.68, for broadcasting or distributing of



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15 Stop transmission or reduce power:This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Subject matter including a safety means forcutting-off or limiting transmission power inresponse to a determined fault.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:38, for determination of power parameter

in the optical communication net-work.

94, for feedback power control in a multi-plexing wavelength division or fre-quency division.

120, for power compensation in a freespace optical communication system.

197, for feed back power compensation ina transmitter.

16 Test signal:This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter wherein the operational condi-tion of an optical communication network or itscomponent is monitored for testing or evaluat-ing using an external stimulus signal.

17 Fault detection:This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter including means for determin-ing the presence of a fault of the optical com-munication network or its component.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:1 through 8, for fault recovery of the

optical communication network or itscomponent.

10 through 15, for fault location determi-nation.

18 Repeater:This subclass is indented under subclass 17. Subject matter wherein the component com-prises a retransmission station.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:6, for fault recovery in a repeater.11, for fault location of a repeater173 through 181, for an optical repeater

system.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:375, Pulse or Digital Communications,

subclass 213 for testing of a digitalrepeater.

379, Telephonic Communications, sub-class 4 for telephone alternate routingaround a faulty repeater.

714, Error Detection /Correction and FaultDetection /Recovery, subclass 713 forgeneric testing of a communicationchannel including a repeater.

19 Switch:This subclass is indented under subclass 17. Subject matter wherein the component com-prises an optical switch which opens or closescircuit, completes or breaks a path, or selectspaths or circuits.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:12, for fault location of a switch.

20 Optical fiber:This subclass is indented under subclass 17. Subject matter wherein component comprises asingle or bundle of fiber used as a single trans-mission medium to propagate optical energy.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:13, for fault locat ion in an optical fiber or

wave gu ide.110, for remote control system in an

industrial or hazardous environmen tthrough optical fiber or wave guide

113, for remote control syste m throughoptical fiber or wave guide.


134, for a photo-phone transducer includ-ing optical fiber or waveguide.


139, for optical transceiver including opti-cal fiber or waveguide .

178, for optical repeater including opticalwaveguide .

200, for transmitter including opticalwaveguide

214, for optical waveguide in an opticalreceiver


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13, for testing of fiber or waveguide.



21 Determined by reflection from break infiber:This subclass is indented under subclass 20. Subject matter including a reflectrometrymeans for determining selected parameter froma reflected optical energy on return from atransmission fiber to detect a fault (e.g. abreak) in the fiber.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:370, Multiplexing Communications,

appropriate subclasses.

22 Transceiver:This subclass is indented under subclass 17. Subject matter wherein the component includesan optical transmitter and receiver at a commonlocation for transmission and reception of sepa-rate signals.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:135 through 139, for specific of an optical

transceiver.

23 Transmitter:This subclass is indented under subclass 17. Subject matter wherein the component includesan optoelectric circuit having an optical modu-lator for converting an incoming electricalinformation signal into modulated light wavesignal suitable for propagation through oralong a transmission medium.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:182 through 201, for an optical transmit-

ter.

24 Receiver:This subclass is indented under subclass 17. Subject matter wherein the component includesan optoelectric circuit having at least an opticaldemodulator for converting a received modu-lated light wave signal into an electrical infor-mation signal.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:202 through 214, for specific of an optical

receiver.

25 Determination of communication parame-ter:This subclass is indented under subclass 9. Subject matter including means for measuringor calculating a particular communicationparameter.

(1) Note. A particular communicationparameter includes, for example, trafficnoise ratio, freeze out ratio, etc.


classes 252 through 253 for determi-nation of communication parameters.

26 Signal to noise ratio: This subclass is indented under subclass 25. Subject matter wherein the parameter is a ratioof a usable light signal being transmitted to thenoise or undesired signal.

27 Bit error rate:This subclass is indented under subclass 25. Subject matter wherein the parameter is a per-centage of received bits in error compared to atotal number of bits received.

28 Fiber characteristic:This subclass is indented under subclass 25. Subject matter wherein the parameter repre-sents an effect of a fiber on the optical commu-nication network due to transmission propertyof the fiber.



29 Dispersion:This subclass is indented under subclass 28. Subject matter including means for determin-ing a) a degree of scattering taking place in alight beam as it travels along the fiber or b) adegree of overlapping of a light signal on onewavelength to different wavelengths becauseof reflected ray and different refractive indexof fiber material.


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30 Using supervisory signal:This subclass is indented under subclass 25. Subject matter wherein control signal informa-tion is used to determine at least one communi-cation parameter.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:181, for supervisory signal in an optical

repeater.

31 Different wavelengths for diagnostic andcommunication:This subclass is indented under subclass 30. Subject matter wherein the supervisory signalhas a different wavelength than that of for mes-sage transmission.

32 Pilot signal:This subclass is indented under subclass 30. Subject matter wherein the supervisory signalis a different frequency control signal used as asubcarrier of a modulated transmitted opticalsignal.

33 Monitoring:This subclass is indented under subclass 30. Subject matter including means for monitoringthe supervisory signal.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:177, for monitoring of an optical repeater

system.181, for an optical repeater with supervi-

sory signal.

34 WDM System:This subclass is indented under subclass 25. Subject matter wherein particular communica-tion parameter of a wavelength division multi-plexed system in which optical signals aremultiplexed in a wavelength domain is deter-mined.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:7, for fault recovery in a WDM system.14, for testing of a WDM system.68, for broadcasting or distributing of


35 TDM system:This subclass is indented under subclass 25. Subject matter wherein particular communica-tion parameter of a time division multiplexedsystem in which optical signals are multiplexedin a time domain is determined.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:8, for fault recovery in a TDM system.98, for time division multiplexing system.

36 Collision detection:This subclass is indented under subclass 25. Subject matter including means for determin-ing if a condition resulted from different sta-tions trying to use a shared optical bussimultaneously has taken place.

37 Amplifier or repeater operation:This subclass is indented under subclass 25. Subject matter wherein the particular commu-nication parameter is related to a performanceof an amplifier or a repeater.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:330, Amplifier, subclass 1 for an amplifier

combined with diverse type artdevices.

38 Power:This subclass is indented under subclass 25. Subject matter wherein the particular commu-nication parameter is a power parameter.

(1) Note. This subclass includes, for exam-ples, determination of power loss orpower supplied.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:15, for power control in response to a

fault.94, for feedback power control in a multi-

plexing wavelength division or fre-quency division.




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39 INTERFERENCE SIGNAL TRANSMIS-SION OR ELIMINATION (E.G., JAM-MING OR ANTIJAMMING):This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Subject matter wherein a signal, used tointerfere with a selected signal so as to preventthe intelligible reception of the selected signal,is either transmitted or eliminated.

(1) Note. The jamming signal of this sub-class is independent of information sig-nal.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:342, Communications: Directive Radio

Wave Systems and Devices (e.g.,Radar, Radio Navigation), subclasses13 through 20 for radio wave jam-ming and antijamming.

380, Cryptography, subclasses 252 through254 for concealment of informationby masking (i.e., coding) of an inter-ference-bearing signal.

455, Telecommunications, subclass 1 forinterference signal transmissions(e.g., jamming) that is telecommuni-cation, not optical signals.

40 EAVESDROPPING:This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Subject matter wherein the informationcontent of an optical communication messageintended for one receiver is obtained secretlyby another is avoided, or the transmitter orintended receiver is notified that an unintendedreceiver is receiving the signal.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:379, Telephonic Communications, sub-

class 35 for listening-in or eavesdrop-ping type telephonic service monitor-ing or observation.

41 DUPLEX:This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Subject matter wherein a single opticallink between an optical transmitter and receiverpermits simultaneous transmission and recep-tion of plural optical signals in the same oropposite directions.

(1) Note. Full duplex allows the simulta-neous transmission in either of two

directions, but only one direction at atime.

(2) Note. Half duplex allows data transmis-sion in either of two directions, but onlyone direction at a time.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:135 through 139, for optical transceivers

which transmit a signal in response tothe received signal.

42 Wavelength division:This subclass is indented under subclass 41. Subject matter wherein bi-directional transmis-sion over a single fiber is permitted by causingtwo light beams to travel in different wave-length bands and different directions within thesame medium.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:79 through 97, for wavelength division

only in one direction within the samemedium for multiplexing purposes.

43 MULTIPLEX:This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Subject matter wherein two or moreinformation signals are controlled to be inter-leaved or simultaneously transmitted in eitheror both directions over a same transmissionmedium in such a manner that individualinformation signal may be directly recovered.

(1) Note. The use of a waveguide with anoptical coupler switch to effect the multi-plexing would be classified in this sub-class.

(2) Note. Optical Time Slot interchange isexcluded from this class. See search notebelow for scrambling a signal of anyenergy type.

(3) Note. Since optical demultiplex commu-nication would often require the use of aphotocell to convert the optical signal toan electrical signal, the demultiplexing isoften done electrically, which isexcluded from this class.


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SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:7, for fault recovery in a WDM system.14, for testing of a WDM system.34, for determination of a communication

parameter.


870.28 for telemetering via radiantenergy beam.

348, Television, subclass 343 for cameraoptical multiplexing.

359, Optics: Systems and Elements, sub-classes 618 through 639 for singlechannel simultaneously to or fromplural channels (e.g., light dividing,combining, or plural image forming,etc.).

370, Multiplex Communication, appropri-ate subclasses for electrical multiplex-ing and demultiplexing.

380, Cryptography, subclass 36 for timesegment interchange wherein slot por-tions of the signal are interchangedprior to transmission in order toscramble the signal.

385, Optical Waveguides, subclass 16 forthe combination of a waveguide andswitch not included in an optical com-munication system.

44 Mode: This subclass is indented under subclass 43. Subject matter wherein individual light beam isapplied to an optical cable at a distinctive anglesuch as the individual light beam can be distin-guish when more than one light beam areapplied to the cable simultaneously.

45 Optical switching:This subclass is indented under subclass 43. Subject matter wherein switching of multipleinformation or signals takes place in opticaldomain.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:385, Optical Waveguides, subclasses 16

through 23 for the combination of awaveguide and switch not included inan optical communication system.

46 Hybrid:This subclass is indented under subclass 45. Subject matter wherein the optical switching ofmultiple information or signals is organized toinvolve a combination of different types ofswitching operations in time, wavelength, orspace.


classes 369 through 372 for nonopti-cal hybrid switching.

47 Time and wavelength:This subclass is indented under subclass 46. Subject matter including a wavelength timedivision multiplexed optical switching systemin which optical signals are multiplexed both intime and wavelength domains to provideswitching between time slots and betweenwavelengths.

48 Wavelength:This subclass is indented under subclass 45. Subject matter wherein the optical switchingoperation involves switching of wavelengthdivision multiplexed (WDM) channels or sig-nals based on their wavelengths.

49 Router:This subclass is indented under subclass 48. Subject matter including a wavelength routerhaving a routing mechanism by which a set ofwavelengths from any input are routed to anyoutput.

(1) Note. The routing mechanism can eitherbe static in which the wavelengths arerouted using a fixed configuration or bedynamic in which the wavelength pathscan be reconfigured.

50 Crossconnect:This subclass is indented under subclass 48. Subject matter including a crossconnect unit bywhich any wavelength of optical wavelengthmultiplexed signals is connect from any inputto any output.

(1) Note. The crossconnect involvesdynamic wavelength routing.


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51 Including photonic packet switching:This subclass is indented under subclass 48. Subject matter wherein wavelength multi-plexed signals are organized into optical pack-ets including a payload portion carryinginformation data and an address portion bywhich the optical packets are opticallyswitched to a specific destination.

(1) Note. This subclass is limited to opticalpacket switching only, for non-opticalpacket switching, see search note below.



52 Time:This subclass is indented under subclass 45. Subject matter wherein an input light beam isoptically directed to selected outputs in order toaccomplish time division optical multiplexing.

53 Including delay: This subclass is indented under subclass 52. Subject matter wherein the time division opti-cal switching is accomplished by the use ofsome delay of the input light beam.

54 Including photonic packet switching:This subclass is indented under subclass 52. Subject matter wherein optical time divisionmultiplexed signals are organized into opticalpackets including a payload portion carryinginformation data and an address portion bywhich the optical packets are opticallyswitched to a specific destination.

(1) Note. This subclass is limited to opticalpacket switching only. See Search notebelow for nonoptical packet switching.



55 Space: This subclass is indented under subclass 45. Subject matter wherein multiple informationbeams are separated by the use of a switch toselectively direct individual information por-tions of a light beam to either separate individ-

ual light conductive elements or separatedirections in space.

(1) Note. This subject matter may include awaveguide with a switch as a subcombi-nation thereof. See search note below forspecific waveguide.

(2) Note. For an optical communication asin this subclass or the indents thereundercombined with a particular claimed sen-sor, see search note below.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:340, Communications, subclass 553 for

indicating system responsive tointruder disturbing stationary electro-magnetic waves, subclasses 853.1-856.4 for wellbore telemetering orcontrol; subclasses 870.28-870.29 fortelemetering in combination with thetype of sensing.

370, Multiplex Communications, appropri-ate subclasses for a nonoptical bustransmission local area network hav-ing token passing, loop or ring, etc.

385, Optical Waveguides, subclass 16 forthe combination of a waveguide andswitch not included in an optical com-munications system.

56 Cross Connect:This subclass is indented under subclass 55. Subject matter wherein space division switcheswhich operates on the basis of the spatial loca-tions of their input are used in signal routing.

57 Path finding or path routing:This subclass is indented under subclass 55. Subject matter wherein a suitable signal path isdetermined from the input to the output of theswitching network.

58 Optical local area network (LAN): This subclass is indented under subclass 43. Subject matter wherein multiple optical sta-tions are interconnected via a network of fiberoptics to enable transmission and receptionbetween the stations.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:370, Multiplex Communication, appropri-

ate subclasses for LAN.


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385, Optical Waveguides, appropriate sub-classes for the fibers themselves with-out the optical multiplexcommunication environment.

59 Ring or Loop: This subclass is indented under subclass 58. Subject matter wherein the local area networkconsists of a series of stations connected toeach other and the last station is connected tothe first station.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:370, Multiplex Communications, appropri-

ate subclasses, particularly subclass222 for fault recovery of a ring or loopnetwork, subclass 258 for networkconfiguration determination in a ringsystem, subclasses 403-405 and 406for packet switching in a ring net-work, and subclasses 452-456 forchannel assignment by polling on aring network.

60 Bus:This subclass is indented under subclass 58. Subject matter wherein the local area networkconsists of a series of stations connected incommon along a single fiber optic link throughthe use of optical taps.


ate subclasses, particularly sub-classes 257 through 258 for networkconfiguration determination in a bussystem, and subclasses 451-456 forchannel assignment techniques bypolling for idle or busy channels con-nected on a bus.

61 Active star: This subclass is indented under subclass 58. Subject matter wherein an optical data distribu-tion system, containing a common node con-nected to one end of each of three or morebranches and the other end of the branches areconnected to each member of a local area net-work multiplex system, permits optical infor-mation flow between all of the members; andeach member receives its power (i.e., active)from the received optical signals.

(1) Note. A collision detection device in astar has its own power supply yet theincoming optical signals are not con-verted to electrical energy would be clas-sified in this subclass.

(2) Note. Incoming optical signals whichbecome the source of power within thestar for all terminals as a result of con-version into electrical signals would beclassified in this subclass.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:63, for passive star local area networks

(LAN's).

62 Repeater:This subclass is indented under subclass 61. Subject matter wherein an optical data distribu-tion system contains a common node con-nected to one end of each of three or morebranches and the other end of the branches areconnected to appropriate elements of an opticalrepeater.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:64, for a repeater in passive star local area

networks (LAN's).

63 Passive star: This subclass is indented under subclass 58. Subject matter wherein an optical data distribu-tion system, containing a common node con-nected to one end of each of three or morebranches and the other end of the branches areconnected to each member of a local area net-work multiplex system, permits optical infor-mation flow between all of the members; andeach member has its own power supply (i.e.,passive) and does not change the power of theoptical signals it receives from each member.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:61, for active star local area networks

(LAN's).

64 Repeater:This subclass is indented under subclass 63. Subject matter wherein an optical data distribu-tion system contains a common node con-


February 2011

nected to one end of each of three or morebranches and the other end of the branches areconnected to appropriate elements of an opticalrepeater.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:62, for a repeater in active star local area

networks (LAN's).

65 Polarization: This subclass is indented under subclass 43. Subject matter wherein multiple optical signalsare distinguished from one another by the par-ticular individual signal vibration perpendicu-lar to the ray direction of travel.

(1) Note. The vibrations are straight lines,circles, or ellipses which produce,respectively, plane, circular or ellipticalpolarization.

(2) Note. The light waves are modulated byaltering the polarization (relative to areference) in accordance with the infor-mation signal.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:359, Optical: Systems and Elements, sub-

class 246 for electro-optical modula-tion of polarized light, subclass 281for magneto-optical modulation ofpolarized light, subclass 301 for lightwave directional modulation acting onpolarized light, and subclasses 483.01through 494.01 for polarization with-out modulation.

66 Broadcast and distribution system:This subclass is indented under subclass 43. Subject matter wherein a network systembroadcast or distribute multiplexed signals to agroup of subscribers.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:725, Interactive Video Distribution Sys-

tems, subclass 129 for video distribu-tion with hybrid coax/waveguidecables.

67 Bidirectional:This subclass is indented under subclass 66. Subject matter wherein two- way transmission

and reception of signals is conducted betweenthe subscribers and a broadcasting station.

68 WDM:This subclass is indented under subclass 66. Subject matter wherein a multichannel wave-length division multiplexed signal is broadcastor distributed to a group of subscribers inwhich a receiver selects each channel throughdemultiplexing.

69 With variable frequency channel assign-ment:This subclass is indented under subclass 68. Subject matter wherein a channel is not limitedto a fixed frequency.

70 Hub or central office:This subclass is indented under subclass 68. Subject matter including means that providescentralized functions such as switchingbetween connected circuits or connecting sub-scribers to each other.

71 Including subscribers:This subclass is indented under subclass 70. Subject matter including distribution to theultimate user or customer.

72 Bi-directional:This subclass is indented under subclass 71. Subject matter wherein communicationbetween the hub or central station and the sub-scribers is two way.

73 Bus:This subclass is indented under subclass 68. Subject matter wherein the system consists of aseries of stations connected in common along asingle fiber optic link through the use of opticaltaps.

74 Hybrid:This subclass is indented under subclass 43. Subject matter wherein two or more multiplex-ing schemes are combined to transmit informa-tion.




1February 2011

75 Time and wavelength division:This subclass is indented under subclass 74. Subject matter wherein information is transmit-ted on different segments of transmissionmedium which segments are divided basedupon the frequency spectrum and discrete timeintervals.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:79, for wavelength division multiplexing

only.98, for time division multiplexing only.

76 Subcarrier multiplexing:This subclass is indented under subclass 43. Subject matter wherein a number of base bandanalog or digital signals are first frequencydivision multiplexed using local oscillators ofdifferent radio frequencies and then combinedto drive a high speed light source.

77 Code division multiplexing:This subclass is indented under subclass 43. Subject matter including a spread spectrumtechnique in which each channel is coded in amanner that its spectrum spreads over a muchwider region than that of occupied by an origi-nal signal.

78 Multiple Access (e.g., CDMA):This subclass is indented under subclass 77. Subject matter wherein user is allowed toaccess any shared channel randomly at an arbi-trary time.

79 Wavelength division or frequency division(e.g., Raman, Brillouin, etc.):This subclass is indented under subclass 43. Subject matter wherein 1) two or more opticalinformation signals simultaneously present ona common optical waveguide are differentiatedby optical wavelength or 2) the frequency spec-trum of an optical transmission medium isdivided into segments and respective informa-tion channels are transmitted in different seg-ments.

(1) Note. Waveguide division multiplexingis identified as WDM.

(2) Note. Different segments need not beassociated on a one-to-one basis with theinformation channels.

(3) Note. This subclass includes waveguidewith an input-output coupler as a sub-combination thereof. See also SearchClass note.

(4) Note. Simulated Raman effect is theamplification, build up strongly and gen-erally exhibiting the characteristic ofstimulated emission of the small portionof light that is scattered in random direc-tions when a monochromatic light beamof high intensity is transmitted throughmatter.

(5) Note. This subclass includes Brillouin-type nonlinear optical device having fre-quency-shifted radiation with opticalmultiplexing.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:42, for optical transceiver wavelength

duplex in which two optical beamshaving different wavelengths aretransmitted in opposite directions inthe same medium.

75, for time and wavelength division.132, for photophone wherein an audio sig-

nal is directly modulated onto a lightbeam.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:327, Miscellaneous Active Electrical Non-

linear Devices, Circuits, and Systems, appropriate subclasses for Ramantype frequency translator per se.

359, Optical: Systems and Elements, sub-class 634 for wavelength selective(e.g., dichroic mirror, etc.).

370, Multiplex Communication, appropri-ate subclasses, particularly sub-classes 281 and 295 for frequencydivision in wireless or wired nonopti-cal multiplex communication sys-tems, respectively.

385, Optical Waveguides, subclass 24 forwavelength division multiplexer ordemultiplexer structure that does notinvolve communication.


February 2011

80 Soliton:This subclass is indented under subclass 79. Subject matter wherein very narrow pulses thatmaintain their shape over long distance aremultiplexed for undistorted propagation overan optical fiber.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:146, for soliton transmission in a transmit-

ter and receiver system.179, for soliton transmission in a optical

repeater system.

81 Dispersion compensation:This subclass is indented under subclass 79. Subject matter wherein smeared signals due todifferent group velocities in an optical fiber arecompensated.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:147, for dispersion compensation in a

transmitter and receiver system.

82 By optical coupling:This subclass is indented under subclass 79.Subject matter wherein multiplexing is accom-plished by optical device which permits thetransfer of light from one element to another.

(1) Note. The combination of an opticalcoupler or input-output coupler andwavelength division or frequency divi-sion optical communication system isclassified in this subclass.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:385, Optical Waveguides, subclasses 15

and 31 for optical coupler and inputoutput coupler not included in an opti-cal communication system.

83 Add or drop:This subclass is indented under subclass 82. Subject matter wherein desired wavelengthsare inserted or extracted at a desired location.

(1) Note. A pure add or drop structure notinvolving communication is classified inClass 385.

84 Grating:This subclass is indented under subclass 83. Subject matter comprising an add or drop mul-tiplexer in which signal is either multiplexed ordemultiplexed with a grating.

85 Filter:This subclass is indented under subclass 83. Subject matter comprising add or drop multi-plexer in which signal is either multiplexed ordemultiplexed with a filter.

86 Prism:This subclass is indented under subclass 82. Subject matter wherein a beam is coupled in orout of a waveguide by one or more transparentbodies bounded in part by two plane surfacesthat are angularly related (i.e., not parallel) toaccomplish a desired multiplexing.

(1) Note. At least one of the surfaces beinginternally reflecting or refracting forimpinging incident light.

(2) Note. This subclass includes the combi-nation of a prism and wavelength or fre-quency division optical communicationsystem.


class 831 for prisms per se.385, Optical Waveguides, subclass 36 for

prism coupling not included in anoptical communication system.

87 Grating: This subclass is indented under subclass 82. Subject matter wherein 1) a beam is coupled inor out of a waveguide to accomplish a desiredmultiplexing by narrow parallel slits in a plateor 2) narrow parallel reflecting surfaces madeby ruling grooves on polished metal break upthe light waves as they emerge.

(1) Note. This subclass includes a combina-tion of a grating and wavelength divisionor frequency division optical communi-cation system. See search note forwaveguide per se.


1February 2011

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:385, Optical Waveguides, subclass 37 for a

grating coupling not included in anoptical communication system.

88 Lens:This subclass is indented under subclass 82. Subject matter wherein a beam is coupled in orout of a waveguide by transparent optical com-ponent consisting of one or more pieces ofoptical glass with the surface so curved to con-verge or diverge transmitted rays to accomplisha desired multiplexing.

(1) Note. This subclass includes combina-tion of a lens and wavelength division orfrequency division optical communica-tion system.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:385, Optical Waveguides, subclass 33 for

lens coupling not included in an opti-cal communication system.

89 Multiple Access (e.g., WDMA):This subclass is indented under subclass 79. Subject matter wherein access to multiplechannels on different wavelengths on a samefiber optic cable is provided.

90 Electrically controlled single source:This subclass is indented under subclass 79. Subject matter wherein a single source of lightis either wavelength division or frequency divi-sion optical multiplexed via an external electri-cal control signal.

91 Different sources:This subclass is indented under subclass 79. Subject matter wherein each channel of a com-mon optical waveguide is supplied with datafrom separate origins of light.

92 Including pumping:This subclass is indented under subclass 91. Subject matter wherein the atoms in at leastone of the source of a medium are caused toraise from certain lower to certain higherenergy level to cause population inversionbetween certain intermediate levels in order toultimately produce photons when the energylevel moves from a higher to a lower level.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:157, for pumping in an optical transmitter

and receiver system.


class 345 for a particular pumpingtype in an optical amplifier.

372, Coherent Light Generators, subclass69 for a particular pumping typewhich is not used for amplification ofa light beam input.

93 Including feedback:This subclass is indented under subclass 79. Subject matter wherein a portion of an outputsignal is used to control a desired parameter inthe WDM system.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:195, for a transmitter including feedback.

94 Power control:This subclass is indented under subclass 93. Subject matter wherein power of a light sourceis controlled through a feedback scheme.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:15, for power control in response to a

fault.38, for power parameter determination.94, for feedback power control in a multi-




95 Wavelength control:This subclass is indented under subclass 93. Subject matter wherein wavelength of a lightsource is controlled through a feedbackscheme.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:196, for wavelength control of a transmit-

ter.


February 2011

96 Through free space:This subclass is indented under subclass 79. Subject matter wherein multiplexed informa-tion is transmitted wirelessly or through theatmosphere.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:118 through 131, for free space optical

communication. 103, for time division multiplexing through

free space.

97 Repeater:This subclass is indented under subclass 79. Subject matter wherein the transmitted signal isreceived and regenerated.

98 Time division:This subclass is indented under subclass 43. Subject matter wherein access to optical trans-mission medium is divided into discrete timeintervals and information from respectivechannels is transmitted in differing time inter-vals.

(1) Note. Differing time intervals need notbe associated on a one-to-one basis withthe information channels.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:8, for fault recovery in a TDM system.35, for determination of a communication

parameter in a TDM system.


ate subclasses, particularly sub-classes 280 and 294 for time divisionin wireless or wired nonoptical duplexsystems, respectively, and subclasses345-350 and 498-545 for time divi-sion in wireless or wired nonopticalmultiplex communication systems,respectively.

99 Multiple access (e.g., TDMA, CSMA):This subclass is indented under subclass 98. Subject matter wherein stations use a protocolto obtain access of a channel before sending apacket of information.

(1) Note. Frequently, CSMA network has acollision detection capability in whichthe transmission is immediately termi-nated when a collision of opposing car-rier signal is detected.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:370, Multiplexed Communications, appro-

priate subclasses, particularly sub-classes 319 and 329-337, 342, 344,and 347-348 for multiple accesses inwireless communications, and sub-classes 431-463 for multiple accessesin wired communications.

100 Subscriber system:This subclass is indented under subclass 98. Subject matter wherein the system is developedto communicate with prearranged plural timedivision multiplexed stations thus enabling allpreselected stations to receive identified infor-mation at the same time it is transmitted.

(1) Note. The se systems transmit data with-out any coding, but the data itself identi-fies specific stations that are to receivetransmitted data.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:379, Telephonic Communications, appro-

priate subclasses for nonoptical sub-scriber checking.

380, Cryptography, appropriate subclassesfor coding of the information signal toprevent unauthorized users fromreceiving information.

101 By specific optical element:This subclass is indented under subclass 98. Subject matter wherein specific optical ele-ments derive multiple channel on a singletransmission facility by connecting bit streamone at a time at regular intervals.

102 Including delay:This subclass is indented under subclass 98. Subject matter wherein the time division opti-cal multiplexing is accomplished by the use ofa delay of an input light beam.

103 Through free space:This subclass is indented under subclass 98. Subject matter wherein the multiplexed infor-


1February 2011

mation is transmitted wirelessly or through theatmosphere.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:118 through 131, for free space optical

communication. 96, for wavelength division, time division

multiplexing through free space.

104 UNDERWATER:This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Subject matter wherein optical commu-nication is performed via a light beam actuallytraveling through the water.

(1) Note. The underwater optical communi-cation can be used by underwater diversor in underwater repeater.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:116, Signals or Indicators, subclass 27 for

devices includes means for themechanical production and receptionof sound-vibrations transmittedthrough bodies of water.

340, Communications: Electrical, sub-classes 850 through 852 for a genericunderwater communication system.

367, Communications, Electrical: Acous-tic Wave Systems and Devices, sub-classes 131 through 134 for underwa-ter acoustic communications systems.

105 C able repeater:This subclass is indented under subclass 104. Subject matter comprising details of an opto-electronic device or module to retransmit areceived signal.

(1) Note. For a digital optical communica-tion system, the received signal is usu-ally reshaped, or reconstructed before itis retransmitted.

106 REMOTE CONTROL:This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Subject matter including a transmitter fortransmitting a control signal modulated by avariable device via an optical communicationlink, and a receiver for receiving the controlsignal to control a remote electrically operateddevice coupled to the receiver.

(1) Note. The devices exclude devicessolely for making information or intelli-gence perceptible to an individual.

(2) Note. Optical signal control devices forparticular or broadly recited art devicesare classified in this subclass unlessthere is provision for this combination inthe art devices.

(3) Note. Optical signal control devices forparticular art devices are classified withthe art device if the features thereof areparticularly recited.

(4) Note. Optical telemetry with a specificsensor used in a particular environmentis excluded from this subclass. SeeSearch notes below.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:330, Amplifiers, subclass 59 for electrical

amplifiers combined with a nonmodu-lated light controlled or activateddevice that is not part of the amplify-ing device.

334, Tuners, subclass 8 for remotely con-trolled tuners.

340, Communications: Electrical, sub-classes 853.1 through 856.4 for well-bore telemetry including any type ofradiant energy (i.e., optical, radio),subclasses 870.28-870.38 for genericcommunication system having anoptical data link in combination with aspecific sensor.

348, Television, subclass 734 for remotecontrol of a television receiver.

367, Communication, Electrical AcousticWave Systems and Devices, sub-class 133 for remote control of anunderwater acoustic communicationsystem, and subclass 197 for remotecontrol in an acoustic communicationsystem.

379, Telephonic Communications, sub-classes 74 through 77 for remote con-trol over a telephone line.

455, Telecommunications, subclasses151.1 through 153.2 for analog mod-ulated carrier wave receivers withremote control of receiver tuning.


February 2011

107 Bidirectional (i.e., monitoring or acknowl-edge):This subclass is indented under subclass 106. Subject matter wherein a) the receiver receivesa response from the remote electrically oper-ated device indicating that the control signalwas received or (2) the transmitter monitors theremote electrically operated device.


3.1 for electrical monitoring or con-trol and subclass 503 for an electricalring back acknowledgement conditionresponsive indicating system.

108 Interrogator system:This subclass is indented under subclass 107. Subject matter wherein the transmitter sends asignal requesting a response from the receiver.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:340, Communications: Electrical, sub-

classes 10.1 through 10.6 for interro-gation response in a selective commu-nication system

342, Communications: Directive RadioWave Systems and Devices (e.g.,Radar, Radio Navigation), subclasses42 through 51 for transponder systemusing radar.

109 In industrial or hazardous environment: This subclass is indented under subclass 106. Subject matter wherein the remote electricallyoperated device is a) a machine tool or b) islocated in a dangerous environment.

(1) Note. In such environment robots areused where it is dangerous for humans.

(2) Note. Such environment includes, forexample, an area where stray capaci-tance from radio frequencies wouldcause explosions.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:700, Data Processing: Generic Control

Systems or Specific Applications, subclasses 159 through 195 for amachine tool data processing controlsystem.

901, Robots (Cross-Reference Art Collec-tions), subclass 47 for optical sensingdevice.

110 Through optical fiber or waveguide:This subclass is indented under subclass 109. Subject matter wherein the optical communica-tion link includes a) a single or bundle of fiberused as a single transmission medium to propa-gate optical energy or b) a system of materialdesigned to confine direct optical waves in adirection determined by its physical boundary.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:20, for fault detection of an optical fiber.13, for fault location in an optical fiber or

waveguide.113, for remote control system through

optical fiber or waveguide.116, for hybrid communication system

including optical fiber.141, for transmitter and receiver system

including optical waveguide, and sub-class 142 for specific type of fiber.

139, for optical transceiver including opti-cal fiber or waveguide.

178, for optical repeater including opticalwaveguide.

200, for transmitter including opticalwaveguide.

214, for optical receiver with optical waveguide.

111 Switching:This subclass is indented under subclass 106. Subject matter comprising switching means toselectively initiate or change a state of a remotecontrol.

112 Plural:This subclass is indented under subclass 106. Subject matter wherein (a) a plurality ofdevices or (b) a plurality of functions or acces-sories of a device is remotely controlled.

(1) Note. This subclass includes universalremote control.

113 Through optical fiber or waveguide:This subclass is indented under subclass 106. Subject matter wherein the optical communi-cation link includes a) a single or bundle offiber used as a single transmission medium to


1February 2011

propagate optical energy or b) a system ofmaterial designed to confine direct opticalwaves in a direction determined by its physicalboundary.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:110, for remote control in industrial envi-

ronment or hazardous environmentthrough optical fiber or waveguide.

20, for fault detection of an optical fiber.13, for fault location in an optical fiber or

waveguide.116, for remote control including optical

fiber.141, for transmitter and receiver system

including optical waveguide, and sub-class N3 for specific type of fiber.




214, for an optical receiver with opticalwave guide.

114 Rotating part:This subclass is indented under subclass 106. Subject matter wherein the transmitter or thereceiver is mounted on a rotating device.

115 HYBRID COMMUNICATION SYSTEM(E.G., OPTICAL AND RF):This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Subject matter including convertingmeans adapted for transmission and receptionof signal data in different energy forms (e.g.,electrical and optical energy).

(1) Note. Electrical signal data includes, forexample, digital sound signal, radio fre-quency signal etc.



116 Including specific optical interface:This subclass is indented under subclass 115. Subject matter including details of an optical

interface module comprising optic al commu-nication component for transmission of signal.

(1) Note. The details includes, for example,cable, fiber optic, optical channel,waveguide, light guides etc. for trans-mission of signal.


waveguide.116, for remote control including optical

fiber.134, for a photophone transducer including

optical fiber or waveguide.141, for transmitter and receiver system

including optical waveguide, and sub-class N3 for specific type of fiber.




214, for optical waveguide in an opticalreceiver.

117 Housing and Mounting: This subclass is indented under subclass 116. Subject matter including means for supportingor enclosing the optical interface module.

118 OPTICAL COMMUNICATION OVERFREE SPACE:Subject matter under c lass definition wherein asignal carrying optical beam is propagated overair during which the beam is not spatially con-fined in any optical component or medium.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:96, for multiplexing wavelength division

or frequency division through freespace.

119 Compensation:This subclass is indented under subclass 118. Subject matter including means for correcting asignal distortion due to either system compo-nents or changes in atmospheric transmissionmedium.


February 2011

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:136, for compensation in an optical trans-

ceiver.147 through 148, for dispersion compen-

sation in a transmitter and receiversystem.

158, for compensation in a transmitter andreceiver system

192, for compensation in an optical trans-mitter.

208, for post compensation in an opticalreceiver.

120 Power-control:This subclass is indented under subclass 119. Subject matter wherein the signal distortion iscompensated by controlling a power supply.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:38, for power parameter determination in

an optical communication system.15, for power control in response to a





121 Satellite system:This subclass is indented under subclass 118. Subject matter wherein the optical beam ispropagated to or from at least a moving highattitude object at a great distance from theearth.

122 Including alignment:This subclass is indented under subclass 121. Subject matter including means for controllingthe alignment between two moving objects orbetween the moving object and a station onearth to ensure a proper incident of a transmit-ted beam upon a receiving end for a receptionof useful information.

(1) Note. Means for controlling the align-ment includes, for example, means foradjusting direction of communication,focus checking and control means, etc.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:129, for alignment between two transceiv-

ers.131, for alignment between a transmitter

and a receiver.

123 Feedback control:This subclass is indented under subclass 122. Subject matter including means for returning atleast a portion of an output obtained at thereceiving end to the controlling means toachieve a desired effect.

124 Space to space:This subclass is indented under subclass 121. Subject matter wherein the optical beam ispropagated between two moving high attitudeobjects such as satellites or spacecrafts.

125 Space to ground or ground to space:This subclass is indented under subclass 121. Subject matter wherein the optical beam ispropagated between a moving high attitudeobject such as a satellite or a spacecraft and astation on earth.

126 Specific repeater:This subclass is indented under subclass 118. Subject matter under ... including details of arepeater having at least the receiver and thetransmitter sections to receive and send opticalbeam in free space.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:173 through 181, for an optical repeater

system.

127 In an office environment:This subclass is indented under subclass 118. Subject matter wherein the optical beam iscommunicated in free space between commu-nication devices located within a enclosed area(e.g., in-building communication).

(1) Note. This subclasses includes, forexample, communication between mas-ter and slave machines.


1February 2011

128 Transceivers:This subclass is indented under subclass 118. Subject matter wherein the optical beam ispropagated between two transceivers.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:135 through 139, for an optical trans-

ceiver.

129 Including alignment:This subclass is indented under subclass 128. Subject matter including means for controllingthe alignment between the transceivers toensure a proper incident of a transmitted beamupon a receiving end for a reception of usefulinformation.


SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:122, for alignment between satellites or

aircrafts.131, for alignment between a transmitter

and a receiver.

130 Transmitter and receiver:This subclass is indented under subclass 118. Subject matter wherein the optical beam ispropagated between a transmitter and areceiver.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:140 through 172, for a transmitter and

receiver system.

131 Including alignment:This subclass is indented under subclass 130. Subject matter including means for controllingthe alignment between the transmitter and thereceiver to ensure a proper incident of a trans-mitted beam upon a receiving end for a recep-tion of useful information.


SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:122, for alignment between satellites or

aircrafts.129, for alignment between two transceiv-

ers.

132 PHOTOPHONE:This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Subject matter wherein an audio signal,as an information signal, is directly modulatedonto a light beam.

(1) Note. This subclass includes direct mod-ulation of the light beam by a soundresponsive mechanical device (e.g., adiaphragm).

(2) Note. This subclass includes optical tele-phones which require the use of an opti-cal carrier for communicationinformation.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:379, Telephonic Communications, sub-

classes 56.1-56.3 for a light wave linkfor speech or a paging signal. whichinclude optical telephones where con-nection is made through a telephoneoperator or exchange.

133 Specific transducer:This subclass is indented under subclass 132. Subject matter including details of a lightenergy converting means device which con-verts an optical modulated light beam to a non-optical energy signal (e.g., acoustic, electrical)are specified.

134 Including optical fiber or waveguide:This subclass is indented under subclass 133. Subject matter wherein the transducer either isconnected to or contains (a) a single or bundleof fiber used as a single transmission mediumto propagate optical energy or (b) a system ofmaterial designed to confine direct opticalwaves in a direction determined by its physicalboundary.

(1) Note. An optical fiber or wave guideproduces total internal confinement of anoptical beam.


February 2011


waveguide.110, for remote control system in an

industrial or hazardous environmentthrough optical fiber or waveguide

113, for remote control system throughoptical fiber or waveguide.


141, for transmitter and receiver systemincluding optical waveguide, and sub-class 142 for specific type of fiber.




SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:385, Optical Waveguides, appropriate sub-

classes for optical fiber orwaveguides, per se.

135 OPTICAL TRANSCEIVER:This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Subject matter wherein an optical trans-mitter and a receiver are at a common locationfor transmission and reception of separate opti-cal signals in such a manner that an optical sig-nal is transmitted using some of the sameequipment used for the reception of anotheroptical signal.

(1) Note. The optical transmitter andreceiver are usually confined to a com-mon housing in a transceiver and termed“a station”.

(2) Note. The simultaneous separation of atransmitter and receiver is a duplex oper-ation and is excluded from this subclass,See search note below.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:22, for testing of an optical transceiver.35 through 139, for optical transceivers

in an optical communication system.

41, for a duplexer which uses a singletransmission line to both transmit andreceive.

140 through 172, for an optical transmitterand receiver system in an optical com-munication system.

165 through 167, for plural stations hav-ing the transmitter and receiver in dif-ferent housings and location s.

173 through 181, for an optical repeatercommunication system.

182 through 201, for an optical transmitterin an optical communication system.

202 through 214, for an optical receiver inan optical communication system.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and

Devices, subclasses 728 through 747 for the electrical components that areseparately housed in a container orsupported in a unit or packagingscheme displaying regularity and sep-arable repetition.

136 Including compensation:This subclass is indented under subclass 135. Subject matter including means for correctingor modifying a system operation condition or adata signal error due to either an internal or anexternal effect.

(1) Note. This subclass includes, for exam-ple, clock recovery, phase adjustment,astigmatic correction, noise reduction;temperature calibration, parasitic effectscompensation, etc.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:119, for compensation in a free space opti-

cal communication system.147 through 148, for dispersion compen-

sation in an optical transmitter andreceiver system.

158, for compensation in an optical trans-mitter and receiver system.


208 through 211, for post compensation inan optical receiver.


1February 2011

137 Including feedback:This subclass is indented under subclass 135. Subject matter wherein a portion of a receivedsignal is used to control the optical transmitteror receiver.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:195, for feedback compensation in an opti-

cal transmitter.213, for feedback control of optical ele-

ments in a receiver.209, for feed back control for post compen-

sation in an optical receiver.

138 Single device as transmitter and receiver:This subclass is indented under subclass 135. Subject matter wherein a same device photo-diode or light emitter is used to both transmitor receive signal based on how it is biased.

139 Including optical fiber or waveguide:This subclass is indented under subclass 135. Subject matter including (a) a single or bundleof fiber used as a single transmission mediumto propagate optical energy or (b) a system ofmaterial designed to confine direct opticalwaves in a direction determined by its physicalboundary.


waveguide.110, for remote control system in an indus-

trial or hazardous environmentthrough optical fiber or waveguide



134, for a photophone transducer includingoptical fiber or waveguide.

141, for transmitter and receiver systemincluding optical waveguide, particu-larly N3 for specific type of fiber.



214, for receiver including opticalwaveguide

140 TRANSMITTER AND RECEIVER SYS-TEM:This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Subject matter wherein both the trans-mitter and receiver are located at separate sta-tions for point-to-point communication fromthe transmitter at one location to the receiver atanother location, remote from the transmitter.

(1) Note. This subclass includes active sys-tems wherein the receiver has its ownpower source for an optical beam activa-tion.


in an optical communication system.173 through 181, for an optical repeater

communication system.182 through 201, for an optical transmitter

in an optical communication system.202 through 214, for an optical receiver in

an optical communication system.

141 Including optical wave guide:This subclass is indented under subclass 140. Subject matter includes one or more transpar-ent elongated structures (e.g., rods, fibers, orpipes) which are used to transmit light wavesfrom one point to another within the confinesof their outer surface by means of internalreflections or modal transmission.

(1) Note. An optical waveguide requirestotal internal reflection.

(2) Note. This subject matter includes anoptical waveguide in combination withan optical transmitter and receiver sys-tem. For optical waveguide per se, seesearch note below.



trial or hazardous environmentthrough optical fiber or waveguide.



February 2011






214, for receiver including opticalwaveguide

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:250, Radiant Energy, subclasses 227.11

through 227.32 for photocell controlthat could be optical communicationtype modulator.

324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing, subclass 95 for measuring, testing, orsensing electricity, per se, withwaveguide or long line.

385, Optical Waveguides, appropriate sub-classes for optical waveguide struc-ture, per se.

142 Specific type of fiber or waveguide:This subclass is indented under subclass 141. Subject matter including details of the fiber orwaveguide.

143 Multimode:Subject matter under 142 wherein the fiberincludes core measured about 50-200 micronsin diameter for allowing light pulses to zigzagalong many different paths.

144 Monomode:This subclass is indented under subclass 142. Subject matter wherein the fiber includes coremeasured about 10 microns in diameter forallowing light pulses to travel in a single path.

145 Redundant fibers:This subclass is indented under subclass 142. Subject matter including a first and a secondoptical fiber means in order to ensure that a sig-nal is received.

146 Soliton:This subclass is indented under subclass 141. Subject matter wherein a narrow pulse of lightthat retains its shape as it travels long distance

along the fiber is used in the transmitter andreceiver system.

147 Dispersion compensation:This subclass is indented under subclass 141. Subject matter comprises means for correctingor reducing distortion induced by (a) scatteringin a light beam as it travels along the fiber or(b) overlapping of a light signal on one wave-length to different wavelengths because ofreflected ray and different refractive index offiber material.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:119, for compensation in an optical com-

munication over free space. 136, for compensation in an optical trans-

ceiver.158, for compensation in a transmitter and

receiver system.192, for compensation in an optical trans-

mitter.208, for post compensation in an optical

receiver.

148 Using dispersion compensation optical fiber(e.g., DCOF):This subclass is indented under subclass 147. Subject matter wherein correction fiber ofspecified length and amount or dispersion isused for compensation purpose.

149 Using equalizing filter (e.g., interferometer,grating):This subclass is indented under subclass 147. Subject matter wherein optical filter is used forcompensation purpose.

150 Using optical phase conjugation:This subclass is indented under subclass 147. Subject matter wherein an optical phase conju-gation for the transmitted light waves is gener-ated for compensation purpose.

151 Presence detection:This subclass is indented under subclass 140. Subject matter wherein an optical transmitterand receiver system used for communicationsis also used to determine if an object is presentwithin the range of the transmitted light waves.


1February 2011

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:342, Communications: Directive Radio

Wave Systems and Devices (e.g.,Radar, Radio Navigation), for perti-nent subclass(es) as determined byschedule review.

356, Optics: Measuring and Testing, sub-classes 3 through 22 for range orremote distance (e.g., height) finding,which is useful in identifying theactual location of an object.

152 Including polarization:This subclass is indented under subclass 140. Subject matter wherein the vibrations of anoptical beam in the communication system iscontrolled.

(1) Note. The se vibrations are in straightlines (plane polarization), circles (circu-lar polarization), or ellipses (ellipticalpolarization).

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:184, for polarization in a transmitter.205, for polarization in a heterodyne opti-

cal receiver.

153 One transmitter, plural receivers:This subclass is indented under subclass 140. Subject matter wherein optical informationreceived at multiple locations is delivered by asingle transmitter.

154 Including synchronization:This subclass is indented under subclass 140. Subject matter wherein all transmitters andreceivers operate in the same time frame andtheir respective clocks are maintained to be atthe same time and operating in an identicalmanner.

155 Clock recovery:This subclass is indented under subclass 154. Subject matter wherein a clock signal isrecover ed from the transmitted light waves.

156 Including alignment between transmitterand receiver:This subclass is indented under subclass 140. Subject matter including means for controllingthe alignment between the transmitter and the

receiver to ensure that they are pointing at o neanother to cause a proper incident of the trans-mitted beam upon a receiving end for a recep-tion of useful information.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:356, Optics: Measuring and Testing, sub-

classes 138 through 155 for axialalignment which requires measuringto determine how to align, but not inan optical communication environ-ment; and subclasses 399-401 for lat-eral alignment which moves thereceiver or transmitter for alignmentbetween the two, but not in an opticalcommunication environment.

157 Including pumping:This subclass is indented under subclass 140. Subject matter wherein the atoms of a mediumat the transmitter or in a fiber or amplifier arecaused to be raised from a lower to a higherenergy level to cause a population inversionbetween certain intermediate levels in order toultimately produce photons when the energylevel moves from higher to lower levels.

(1) Note. This is a form of optical amplifi-cation.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:92, for a pump in at least one of the plural

sources to produce wavelength divi-sion o r frequency division multiplex.


class 345 for a particular pumpingtype in an optical amplifier.

372, Coherent Light Generators, sub-classes 69 through 80 for particularpumping type which is not used foramplification of a light beam input.

158 Including compensation:This subclass is indented under subclass 140. Subject matter including means for eliminatingor reducing from a transmitted response infor-mation error that the system would produce.

(1) Note. This compensation is to be effec-tive to eliminate noise, effects of temper-ature, or any error produced on the


February 2011

information signal as the result of anexternal or internal effect.







159 Reducing distortion or dispersion:This subclass is indented under subclass 158. Subject matter wherein the information error iscaused by interference of light waves or byscattering or overlapping taking place in a lightbeam as it travels.


munication over free space. 147, for compensation in optical communi-

cation when the dispersion is specifi-cally caused by a fiber or waveguide.

160 Using optical amplifier:This subclass is indented under subclass 158. Subject matter including an optical amplifierwhich compensates an error by increasing ordecreasing amplitude of the information signal.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:333 through 349, for details of an optical

amplifier.

161 Using delay:This subclass is indented under subclass 158. Subject matter including a delay which com-pensates an error by delaying at least a part ofthe information signal.

162 Including feedback from receiver:This subclass is indented under subclass 140. Subject matter wherein a feedback signal issent from the receiver to the transmitter forcompensation purpose.

163 Including electrical oscillator:This subclass is indented under subclass 140. Subject matter including a generator of analternating, a continuous, sinusoidal, or pulsedsignal.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:31, for electrical oscillator, per se.

164 Including optical circuit board:This subclass is indented under subclass 140. Subject matter wherein the communicationtakes place in a circuit board which includes anempty bus.

(1) Note. The circuit board is essentially anempty bus with provision for pluggingan optical transmitter and receiver into it.


classes 107 through 108 for comput-ing by the use of optical beams.

165 Plural stations:This subclass is indented under subclass 140. Subject matter including at least two spacedapart station s each having a transmitter whichcommunicates with a remote receiver.

(1) Note. Since this subclass requires that atransmitter communicates with a remotereceiver, an adjacent transmitter andreceiver (i.e., within a single transceiver)do not constitute a spaced apart station.


where the transmitter and receiver areadjacent one another and within a sin-gle housing.

166 Address directing connections:This subclass is indented under subclass 165. Subject matter wherein the optical beam isdirected to a proper station using station desti-nation address information attached to commu-nication data on a same optical beam.


1February 2011

(1) Note. The address is an optical code thatidentifies which station is to receive thetransmitted data.

167 Unidirectional or loopback:This subclass is indented under subclass 165. Subject matter comprising a plurality of sta-tions, each having both a transmitter and areceiver, and are serially linked in a mannerthat the transmitter of a preceding station trans-mits to the receiver of a next station and thetransmitter of the last station transmits to thereceiver of the first station.

(1) Note. If one of the stations or linesdevelops a fault; the last transmitted sig-nal, which is not received by the nextstation intended for receipt, will bereturned to the preceding station so thisstation knows that the transmitted signalhas not been transmitted through theentire system.

167.5 Central or master station:This subclass is indented under subclass 165. Subject matter wherein a single central or mas-ter station, having both an optical transmitterand receiver, transmits to all of the stations inthe system and also receives responses from allof the stations of the system.

(1) Note. The central or master station canbroadcast via optical signals or use fiberoptic cables to link the transmitted andreceived optical signals.

(2) Note. The central or master station canbe used in an asynchronous system ofstations.

168 Passive system:This subclass is indented under subclass 140. Subject matter wherein the receiver derives itspower to activate itself from optical beamtransmitted by the transmitter.

(1) Note. The received optical beam is thesource for the receiver.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and

Breakers, subclass 310 for an electri-cal switch together with details of the

indicators; Dig. 47 for light guide forindicators.

250, Radiant Energy, subclasses 227.11through 227.32 for shutter-type opti-cal switches.

169 Retroreflection:This subclass is indented under subclass 168. Subject matter wherein response to a receivedoptical beam is transmitted in the oppositedirection of the received beam to ensure thatoriginal transmitter receives the response.

170 Retroreflection:This subclass is indented under subclass 140. Subject matter wherein response to a receivedoptical beam is transmitted in the oppositedirection of the received beam to ensure thatoriginal transmitter receives the response.

(1) Note. This subclass is for receiver hav-ing active elements.

171 Received signal supplies power distributionto diverse devices:This subclass is indented under subclass 140. Subject matter wherein the power for operationof devices unrelated to the transmitter andreceiver system is obtained from a receivedoptical signal.

172 Including visible light modulation:This subclass is indented under subclass 140. Subject matter wherein communication i s pro-vided at least partially over a visible light sig-nal.

173 OPTICAL REPEATER SYSTEM This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Subject matter including apparatus forreceiving a light wave signal and to reradiatingthe signal at a same or different carrier fre-quency.

(1) Note. The recreating or retransmittingsignal is usually at a higher energy levelor in a desired direction.

(2) Note. This subclass excludes a transmit-ted signal that has different informationcontent than the received signal.


February 2011


in an optical communication system.140 through 172, for an optical transmitter

and receiver system in an optical com-munication system.



SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:178, Telegraphy, subclass 70R-70TS for

repeaters specific to telegraphy.330, Amplifiers, for amplifier systems in

general, particularly subclass 10 formodulator-demodulator type amplifi-ers for amplifying direct current orslowly varying alternating current sig-nals.

332, Modulators, subclass 183 for modula-tion converters for converting onemodulated wave to a differently mod-ulated wave (e.g., pulse modulationto frequency modulation or frequencymodulation to amplitude modulation);subclass 108 for plural stage modula-tion systems wherein each stage is ofthe same or diverse type of modula-tion, the last stage being of the pulsemodulation type; subclasses 119-122or 144-148 for plural stage modula-tion systems wherein the last stage isof the phase or frequency modulationtype; and subclasses 151-154 for plu-ral stage modulation systems whereinthe last stage is of the amplitude mod-ulation type.

333, Wave Transmission Lines and Net-works, subclasses 117 through 123for hybrid type networks.

340, Communications: Electrical, sub-class 291 for signal box repeaterswhich repeat, for example, signalsreceived at a central station to a plu-rality of firehouses.

375, Pulse or Digital Communications, subclasses 211 through 215 forrepeater for a pulse or digital signal inthe radio frequency range.

455, Telecommunications, subclasses 7through 25 for repeaters for analogsignals in the radio frequency range.

174 Demodulating:This subclass is indented under subclass 173. Subject matter wherein the optical repeaterextracts the information content of the signal itreceives prior to reradiating the signal.

(1) Note. Although there are various rea-sons for demodulating prior to transmis-sion, the following are example s (a) toenable retransmission with a differentmodulation, or (b) the demodulation isnecessary to determine the reradiateddestination for the received signal.

175 Regenerative:This subclass is indented under subclass 173. Subject matter wherein the repeater including aregenerator for performing at least one of vari-ous functions, such as, sampling, data timingand signal clocking, clock recovering, pulsereshaping, signal amplifying or enhancing onthe incoming optical beam and then transmits itwithout any demodulation.

(1) Note. This subclass includes positivefeedback of the incoming signal.

176 Modulation conversionThis subclass is indented under subclass 175. Subject matter wherein the repeater convertsthe signal which is input from one type of mod-ulation to another type of modulation

177 Monitoring:This subclass is indented under subclass 173. Subject matter including apparatus to check therepeater system during operation.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:6, for fault recovery in a repeater sys-

tem.9 through 24 , for diagnostic testing of

the optical communication systemincluding fault location, test signaland fault detection.

33, for monitoring a supervisory signalfor the determination of communica-tion parameter.


1February 2011

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:356, Optics: Measuring and Testing, for

optical testing of individual pieces ofan optical communication system,particularly subclass 73.1 for opticalfiber or waveguide inspection.

714, Error Detection /Correction and FaultDetection /Recovery, subclasses 712through 717 for the electrical testingof the information content of a trans-mission facility.

178 Specific optical waveguide:This subclass is indented under subclass 173. Subject matter including details of one or moretransparent elongated structures (e.g., rods,fibers, or pipes) which are used to transmitlight waves from one point to another withinthe confines of their outer surface by means ofinternal reflections or modal transmission.

(1) Note. This subject matter includes anoptical waveguide in combination withan optical repeater system. For opticalwaveguide per se, see Search notes be-low.



trial or hazardous environmentthrough optical fiber or waveguide




141, for transmitter and receiver systemincluding optical waveguide, particu-larly 142 for specific type of fiber.


214, for receiver including opticalwaveguide.


through 227.32 for photocell controlthat could be optical communicationtype modulator.



179 Soliton:This subclass is indented under subclass 178. Subject matter wherein a narrow pulses of lightthat retains its shape as it travels long distancealong the fiber is used in the repeater system.

180 Specific optical elements:This subclass is indented under subclass 173. Subject matter including details of optical ele-ments used in order to provide regeneration orretransmission of a signal.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:212, for optical elements in a receiver.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:359, Optical: Systems a nd Elements, sub-

classes 334 through 349 for opticalamplifiers, control of the amplifiersand pumps.

181 Supervisory signal by repeater:This subclass is indented under subclass 173. Subject matter includes a transmission of man-agement information for supervising or con-trolling purpose.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:30, for determination of an optical com-

munication parameter using supervi-sory signal

182 TRANSMITTER:This subclass is indented under the class defini-tion. Subject matter including an opto-electriccircuit for converting information signal intomodulated optical signal suitable for propagat-ing through or along a transmission medium.


February 2011

(1) Note. The optoelectric circuit includes,for example, opto-electronic lightsources such as LEDS, l aser diode,incandescent bulbs, an optical modulatorand other elements associated with fiberoptic or infrared transmission systemrequired to communicate an informationsignal from one location to another viaan optical beam.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:23, for fault detection in an optical trans-

mitter.135 through 139, for optical transceivers



173 through 181, for an optical rep eatercommunication system.



classes 237 through 324 for opticalmodulators, per se.

183 Having particular modulation:This subclass is indented under subclass 182. Subject matter comprising details of a processin which information signal is coded intobeams of optical energy by use of a carrierwave for transmission through an optical trans-mission medium (e.g., fiber).

(1) Note. The optical energy, include s, forexample, visible, infrared, ultraviolet orlaser.


through 504 H for radiant energy gen-eration and sources.

348, Television, for projection TV modu-lated laser beam which requires scan-ning as distinguished from the opticalcommunication of this class.

359, Optical: Systems and Elements, sub-classes 237 through 324 for opticalbeam modulation without a transmit-ter.

369, Dynamic Information Storage orRetrieval, subclass 104 for a ribbonlight modulator f or radiation beammodification of or by a storagemedium.

372, Coherent Light Generators, subclass38 for coherent light generators withparticular component circuitry.

184 Including polarization:This subclass is indented under subclass 183. Subject matter in which the vibration s of theoptical signal at the transmitter is controlled.

185 Hybrid modulation:This subclass is indented under subclass 183. Subject matter includes a) plurality of modula-tors or b) more than one type of modulationtechniques.

(1) Note. The plurality of modulators can beused to perform same or different modu-lation techniques.

(2) Note. The plurality of modulators can beintegrated as a unitary structure.

186 Intensity modulation:This subclass is indented under subclass 183. Subject matter in which modulation is pro-duced by modulating the amplitude o f a lightwave serving as a carrier by another wave serv-ing as modulating signal.

187 Frequency modulation:This subclass is indented under subclass 183. Subject matter in which angle modulation isproduced by causing the instantaneous fre-quency of a sine wave carrier to depart from acarrier frequency an amount that is propor-tional to the instantaneous value of a modulat-ing signal.

(1) Note. Combinations of phase and fre-quency modulation are commonlyreferred to as frequency modulation.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:183, for an optical transmitter using phase

modulation.


1February 2011

188 Phase modulation:This subclass is indented under subclass 183. Subject matter includes a form of angle modu-lation in which the instantaneous phase angleof a sine wave carrier varies proportionallywith the instantaneous value of an amplitude ofa modulating signal.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:182, for an optical transmitter using fre-

quency or frequency and phase modu-lation.

189 Pulse modulation:This subclass is indented under subclass 183. Subject matter in which modulation is pro-duced by modulating light wave serving as acarrier by a series of pulses with similarattributes by pulse length, pulse position orpulse amplitude.

(1) Note. This subclass includes pulseamplitude, delta, or pulse frequencymodulation.

(2) Note. Pulse amplitude modulation usesthe amplitude of the transmitted carriersignal to convey the information con-tained in the modulating signal.

(3) Note. A delta pulse code modulationconverts audio signals into correspond-ing trains of digital pulses to providegreater freedom from interference duringtransmission.

(4) Note. Pulse frequency modulation var-ies the transmitted pulse repetition rateas a function of the instantaneous valueof the information signal (i.e., modulat-ing signal).

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:186, for pulse time modulation.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:327, Miscellaneous Active Electrical Non-

linear Devices, Circuits, and Systems, subclasses 100 through 333 for mis-cellaneous pulse parameter (e.g.,amplitude) control.

329, Demodulators, subclasses 311-314for electrical pulse demodulators.

332, Modulators, subclasses 106 through116 for electrical pulse modulators.

370, Multiplex Communications, subclass533 for multiplexers/distributorsusing pulse amplitude modulation.

375, Pulse or Digital Communications,subclass 353 for electrical pulseamplitude modulation. Subclasses259-285, 301, and 321 for pulse ordigital communications via modulatedcarrier waves.

190 Pulse-code:This subclass is indented under subclass 189. Subject matter in which modulation is pro-duced by modulating the light wave serving asa carrier by modulating the pulse length, ampli-tude or position by a definite code meaning.

(1) Note. The definite code meaningincludes, foe example, analog to digitalby a specific coding.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:186, for pulse time modulation.

191 Pulse time:This subclass is indented under subclass 189. Subject matter in which modulation is pro-duced by modulating the light wave serving asa carrier by modulating the pulse length by adefinite code in which the time of occurrenceof a characteristic of a pulse carrier varies pro-portionally with respect to a characteristic ofthe modulating signal.

(1) Note. This subclass includes pulse posi-tion and pulse width modulation.

(2) Note. Pulse position modulation modu-lates the position in time of a transmittedpulse with respect to each sampledinstantaneous value of the informationsignal (i.e., modulating signal).

(3) Note. Pulse width, also identified aspulse duration, modulation controls thewidth of the transmitted pulse relative toeach sampled instantaneous value of theinformation signal (i.e., modulating sig-nal).


February 2011

192 Including compensation:This subclass is indented under subclass 182. Subject matter wherein operating characteristicof the transmitter is corrected or adjusted toreduce distortion or to improve system perfor-mance.





158, for compensation in a transmitter andreceiver system.


193 Precompensation (e.g., prechirping, predis-tortion):This subclass is indented under subclass 192. Subject matter including compensating meansat the transmitter for reducing or canceling dis-tortion or noise that is expected to happen laterin the optical communication system.

194 For noise or distortion:This subclass is indented under subclass 192. Subject matter including means for reducing oreliminating harmonic noise or inter-modulationproduct.

(1) Note. The inter-modulation productincludes, for example, non-linear modu-lation, cross-talk, interference, etc.

195 Including feedback:This subclass is indented under subclass 192. Subject matter wherein operating characteristicis compensated by a feedback controller.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:137, for feedback control in an optical

transceiver.213, for feedback control for optical ele-

ments in a receiver.209, for feedback control for post compen-

sation in a receiver.

196 For wavelength control:This subclass is indented under subclass 195. Subject matter wherein feedback signal is sup-plied to a laser or light emitting apparatus forregulating operating wavelength.

197 For power control:This subclass is indented under subclass 195. Subject matter wherein a feedback signal issupplied to a laser or light emitting apparatusfor regulating energy level.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:38, for power parameter determination.15, for power control in response to a





198 For modulator control:This subclass is indented under subclass 195. Subject matter wherein at least a portion of theoptically transmitted light wave is sampled andused to further control operating parameter ofthe optical modulator.

(1) Note. The operating parameter includes,for example, bias voltage.

199 Chirping:This subclass is indented under subclass 182. Subject matter in which the signal from thesource emits a varying frequency during apulse time which results in pulse compressionin optical fibers.

200 Including optical fiber or waveguide:This subclass is indented under subclass 182. Subject matter including (a) a single or bundleof fiber used as a single transmission mediumto propagate optical energy or (b) a system ofmaterial designed to confine direct opticalwaves in a direction determined by its physicalboundary.


1February 2011


waveguide.110, for remote control system in an

industrial or hazardous environmentthrough optical fiber or waveguide




141, for transmitter and receiver systemincluding optical waveguide.

142, for specific type of fiber. 139, for optical transceiver including opti-

cal fiber or waveguide.178, for optical repeater including optical

waveguide.214, for optical receiver including optical

waveguide

201 Including specific optical element:-This subclass is indented under subclass 182. Subject matter including details of at least oneoptical element which provide the opticallytransmitted signal.

(1) Note. The details include, for example,lens, mirror, etc.

202 RECEIVER:Subject matter under class definition includingan optoelectronic circuit for converting areceived modulated optical signal (e.g., light orlaser) into a signal corresponding to the infor-mation transmitted.

(1) Note. This classification is restricted tothose devices peculiar to optical commu-nication with information modulatedthereon.

(2) Note. A mere recitation of a nonmodu-lated light control signal to control oractivate an electrical amplifier isexcluded from this subclass. See searchnote below.

(3) Note. An optoelectronic circuit con-tains, for example, an optical demodula-

tor together with other elementsassociated with fiber optic or infraredtransmission system required to commu-nicate information from one location toanother via an optical beam.




173 through 181, for an optical repeatercommunication system.


SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:250, Radiant Energy, subclasses 206

through 214 for photocell controlledcircuits of general utility, and sub-classes 336.1–395 for invisible radi-ant energy responsive electricsignaling.

330, Amplifiers, subclass 59 for electricalamplifiers combined with a nonmodu-lated light controlled or activateddevice that is not part of the amplify-ing device.

356, Optics: Measuring and Testing, appropriate subclasses for the measur-ing or testing of an optical property.

359, Optical: Systems a nd Elements, sub-classes 557 through 589 for filters(e.g. light interference) and subclasses885-892 for absorption filters withoutcommunication.

203 Homodyne:This subclass is indented under subclass 202. Subject matter including a technique of recep-tion using a locally generated voltage at areceived carrier frequency for detection of thetransmitted information signal.

(1) Note. This is also called a zero-beatreception.

(2) Note. Any further processing of the out-put of the demodulator will use electricalsignals since the intermediate frequency(IF) output is outside the frequency spec-trum of optical signals.


February 2011

(3) Note. An electrical or optical local oscil-lator used in combination with a homo-dyne optical receiver is classified in thissubclass.

204 Heterodyne:This subclass is indented under subclass 202. Subject matter wherein a received wave iscombined with a locally generated wave hav-ing a different frequency in a nonlinear deviceto produce beat frequency signals at the outputfor detection of the transmitted informationsignal.

(1) Note. This is also called a beat recep-tion.

(2) Note. Any further breakdown of the out-put of the demodulator will use electricalsignals since the intermediate frequency(IF) output is outside the frequency spec-trum of optical signals.

(3) Note. An electrical or optical oscillatorused in combination with a heterodyneoptical receiver is classified in this sub-class.

(4) Note. The nonlinear device includes, forexample, vacuum tube, transistor ordiode mixer.

205 Including polarization:This subclass is indented under subclass 204. Subject matter in which the heterodynereceiver detects optical signal having con-trolled vibrations.

(1) Note. These vibrations are in straightlines (plane polarization), circles (circu-lar polarization), or ellipses (ellipticalpolarization).

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:24, for testing of an optical receiver.152, for polarization in an optical transmit-

ter and receiver communication sys-tem.

184, for polarization modulation.203, for homodyne demodulation.


classes 246 through 258 for electro-optic modulation of polarized light,subclasses 281 through 283 for mag-neto-optic modulation of polarizedlight, subclasses 301 through 304 forlight wave directional modulation act-ing on polarized light, and subclasses483.01 through 494.01 for polariza-tion without modulation.

206 Having feedback:This subclass is indented under subclass 205. Subject matter in which at least a portion ofheterodyned signal is sa mpled and used to fur-ther control local oscillator or received signal.

207 Specific optical elements:This subclass is indented under subclass 204. Subject matter including details of optical ele-ments used in order to provide the heterodynefunction (i.e., combining local oscillat ion sig-nal with received wave).

208 Including postcompensation:This subclass is indented under subclass 202. Subject matter including means at a receiverlocation for reducing distortion caused earlierin an optical transmission system.

(1) Note. The distortion includes, for example, dipersion, nonlinearitie, noise.


munication system over free space.136, for compensation in an optical trans-



158, for compensation in a transmitter andreceiver system.


196, for precompensation in an opticaltransmitter.

209 Feedback: This subclass is indented under subclass 208. Su bject matter in which at least a portion of


1February 2011

the received signal is sampled and used to fur-ther control the received light beam.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:137, for feed back control in an optical

transceiver.195, for compen sation with feedback con-

trol in an optical transmitter. 213, for feedback control for optical ele-

ments of a receiver.

210 Amplitude:This subclass is indented under subclass 208. Subject matter including means for sampling aportion of a signal to control the intensity ofthe signal.

211 Intermodulation: This subclass is indented under subclass 208. Subject matter including means at a receiverlocation for compensating for problems withintermodulation products or harmonic distor-tion.

212 Specific optical element (e.g., lens, mirror,etc.):This subclass is indented under subclass 202. Subject matter wherein an optical receivercomprises details of at least one optical ele-ment which are used to aid the reception of sig-nal.

(1) Note. The details include, for e xample,lens, mirror, etc.

(2) Note. Optical waveguide or fiber isexcluded from for this subclass. SeeSearch note below.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:180, for specific optical elements in a

repeater system.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:385, Optical Waveguides, appropriate sub-

classes for optical waveguide struc-ture, per se.

213 Having feedback:This subclass is indented under subclass 212. Subject matter in which at least a portion of thereceived signal is sampled and used to further

control the at least one optical element in thereceiver.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUB-CLASS:137, for feedback control in an optical

transceiver.195, for compensation with feedback con-

trol in an optical transmitter. 209, for feedback for post compensation in

an optical receiver.

214 Including optical fiber or waveguide:This subclass is indented under subclass 202. Subject matter having one or more transparentelongated structures (e.g., rods, fibers, orpipes) which are used to transmit light wavesfrom one point to another within the confinesof their outer surface by means of internalreflections or modal transmission.

(1) Note. An optical waveguide requirestotal internal reflection.

(2) Note. This subclass includes a combina-tion of an optical receiver and an opticalwaveguide. See Search note below fo roptical waveguide, per se.



trial or hazardous environmentthrough opti cal fiber or wave guide

113, for remote control system throughoptical fiber or waveguide .






200, for transmitter including optical waveguide.


February 2011

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:250, Radiant Energy, subclass 206 for pho-

tocell control that could be an opticalCommunication type modulator.



FOREIGN ART COLLECTIONS

The definitions below correspond to abolished sub-classes from which these collections were formed. Seethe Foreign Art Collection schedule of this class for spe-cific correspondences. [Note: The titles and definitionsfor indented art collections include all the details of theone(s) that are hierarchically superior.]

FOR 100 OPTICAL COMMUNICATION:Foreign art collection under the class defini-tion wherein an information signal is trans-mitted through a medium between an opticaltransmitter and optical receiver by means ofvariation in a characteristic of light waves.

FOR 101 Diagnostic testing of optical communica-tion:Foreign art collection under FOR 100wherein the system as a whole, not just asingle piece of the system, is evaluated priorto the communication use.

FOR 102 Interference signal transmission or elimi-nation (e.g., jamming or antijamming:Foreign art collection under FOR 100wherein a signal, used to interfere with aselected signal so as to prevent the intelligi-ble reception of the selected signal, is eithertransmitted or eliminated.

FOR 103 Eavesdropping:Foreign art collection under FOR 100wherein the information content of an opti-cal communication message intended forone receiver is obtained surreptitiously byanother without the other parties being noti-fied.

FOR 104 Duplex:

Foreign art collection under FOR 100wherein a single optical link between anoptical transmitter and receiver permitssimultaneous transmission and reception ofplural optical signals in the same or oppositedirections.

FOR 105 Wavelength division:Foreign art collection under FOR 104wherein bi-directional transmission over asingle fiber is permitted by causing two lightbeams to travel in different wavelengthbands and different directions within thesame medium.

FOR 106 Multiplex:Foreign art collection under FOR 100wherein two or more information signals arecontrolled to be interleaved or simulta-neously transmitted in either or both direc-tions over a common (same) transmissionmedium in such a manner that the informa-tion signals may be directly recovered.

FOR 107 Mode:Foreign art collection under FOR 106wherein each light beam is applied to anoptical cable at an angle which differs fromthe other light beams in order to be able todistinguish the light beams when they areapplied to the cable simultaneously.

FOR 108 Spatial or switching:Foreign art collection under FOR 106wherein multiple information beams areseparated by the use of a switch to selec-tively direct individual information portionsof a light beam to either separate individuallight conductive elements or separate direc-tions in space.

FOR 109 Optical local area network (LAN):Foreign art collection under FOR 106wherein multiple optical stations are inter-connected via a network of fiber optics toenable transmission and reception betweenthe stations.

FOR 110 Loop:Foreign art collection under FOR 109wherein the local area network consists of aseries of stations connected to each otherand the last station is connected to the firststation.


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FOR 111 Active star:Foreign art collection under FOR 109wherein an optical data distribution system,containing a common node connected to oneend of each of three or more branches andthe other end of the branches are connectedto each member of a local area network mul-tiplex system, permits optical informationflow between all of the members; and eachmember receives its power (i.e., active) fromthe received optical signals.

FOR 112 Passive star:Foreign art collection under FOR 109wherein an optical data distribution system,containing a common node connected to oneend of each of three or more branches andthe other end of the branches are connectedto each member of a local area network mul-tiplex system, permits optical informationflow between all of the members; and eachmember has its own power supply (i.e., pas-sive) and does not change the power of theoptical signals it receives from each mem-ber.

FOR 113 Polarization:Foreign art collection under FOR 106wherein the multiple signals are distin-guished from one another by the particularindividual signal vibration perpendicular tothe ray direction of travel.

FOR 114 Time and frequency division:Foreign art collection under FOR 106wherein information is transmitted on differ-ent segments of a transmission medium,which segments are divided based upon thefrequency spectrum and discrete time inter-vals.

FOR 115 Wavelength division/frequency division(includes scattering, e.g., Raman, Bril-louin, etc.):Foreign art collection under FOR 106wherein (1) two or more information opticalsignals simultaneously present on a commonoptical waveguide are differentiated by opti-cal wavelength or (2) the frequency spec-trum of the optical transmission medium isdivided into segments and respective infor-mation channels are transmitted in differingsegments.

FOR 116 Subscriber system:Foreign art collection under FOR 115 com-prising plural stations prearranged to enablepreselected stations to receive identifiedinformation at the same time it is transmit-ted.

FOR 117 Optical source at only one station:Foreign art collection under FOR 116wherein the optical beam communicated toall of the other stations in the system origi-nates from a single station.

FOR 118 By optical coupling:Foreign art collection under FOR 115wherein the multiplexing is accomplishedby the optical device itself, which permitsthe transfer of light from one element toanother.

FOR 119 Switch:Foreign art collection under FOR 118wherein the optical coupler selectivelydetermines which output receives the inputlight beam.

FOR 120 Prism:Foreign art collection under FOR 118wherein a beam is coupled in or out of awaveguide to accomplish the desired multi-plexing by one or more transparent bodiesbounded in part by two plane surfaces whichare angularly related (i.e., not parallel), atleast one of these surfaces being internallyreflecting or refracting to impinging incidentlight.

FOR 121 Grating:Foreign art collection under FOR 118wherein (1) a beam is coupled in or out of awaveguide to accomplish the desired multi-plexing by narrow parallel slits in a plate or(2) narrow parallel reflecting surfaces madeby ruling grooves on polished metal breakup the light waves as they emerge.

FOR 122 Lens:Foreign art collection under FOR 118wherein a beam is coupled in or out of awaveguide to accomplish the desired multi-plexing by a trans-parent optical componentconsisting of one or more pieces of opticalglass with the surfaces so curved (usually


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spherical) that they serve to converge ordiverge the transmitted rays.

FOR 123 Single source, electrically controlled:Foreign art collection under FOR 115wherein a single source of light is eitherwavelength division or frequency divisionoptical multiplexed via an external electricalcontrol signal.

FOR 124 Different sources:Foreign art collection under FOR 115wherein each channel of the common opticalwaveguide is supplied with data from sepa-rate origins of light.

FOR 125 With pump:Foreign art collection under FOR 124wherein the atoms, in at least one of thesources of a medium, are caused to be raisedfrom certain lower to certain higher energylevels to cause population inversion betweencertain intermediate levels in order to ulti-mately produce photons when the energylevel moves from higher to lower levels.

FOR 126 Time division:Foreign art collection under FOR 106wherein access to the optical transmissionmedium is divided into discrete time inter-vals and information from respective chan-nels is transmitted in differing timeintervals.

FOR 127 Multiple access (e.g., CSMA, CDMA):Foreign art collection under FOR 126wherein stations use a protocol to obtainaccess of a channel before sending a packetof information.

FOR 128 Subscriber System:Foreign art collection under FOR 126wherein the system is developed to commu-nicate with prearranged plural time divisionmultiplexed stations, thus enabling all prese-lected stations to receive identified informa-tion at the same time it is transmitted.

FOR 129 By specific optical element:Foreign art collection under FOR 126wherein the time division optical multiplex-ing is produced by specifically identifiedoptical elements.

FOR 130 Optical switch (359/139):Foreign art collection under FOR 129wherein the input light beam is opticallydirected to selected outputs in order toaccomplish time division optical multiplex-ing.

FOR 131 With delay:Foreign art collection under FOR 126wherein the time division optical multiplex-ing is accomplished by the use of somedelay of the input light beam.

FOR 132 Underwater:Foreign art collection under FOR 100wherein optical communication is per-formed via a light beam actually travelingthrough the water.

FOR 133 Remote control:Foreign art collection under FOR 100wherein a variable device is used to modu-late an optical transmitter at a first locationin order to control a remote electricallyoperated second device at a second locationvia an optical communication link betweenthe transmitter and an optical receiverlocated at the second location and connectedto the second device.

FOR 134 Bidirectional (i.e., monitoring oracknowledge):Foreign art collection under FOR 133wherein the optical equipment remotelycontrols the second device, which is unre-lated to the optical system, and either (1)receives a response from the second deviceindicating that the optical control signal wasreceived or (2) monitors the second device.

FOR 135 In industrial environment (e.g., robotcontrol):Foreign art collection under FOR 133wherein the second device, which isremotely controlled with optical communi-cation, is used in the production of somemanufactured product.

FOR 136 With radio link:Foreign art collection under FOR 133wherein multiple remote devices are opti-cally controlled via a single optical beam,but the beam is only directed at one device


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and this device relays control to anotherdevice via radio waves.

FOR 137 With television or radio system:Foreign art collection under FOR 133wherein the optical link remotely controls atelevision or radio.

FOR 138 Switching:Foreign art collection under FOR 133wherein specific connections of the remotedevice are controlled by an optical beam.

FOR 139 Plural functions:Foreign art collection under FOR 133wherein more than one control is activatedvia the optical beam received at the remotedevice.

FOR 140 Photophone:Foreign art collection under FOR100wherein an audio signal, as the informationsignal, is directly modulated onto a lightbeam.

FOR 141 Transducer, per se:Foreign art collection under FOR140wherein the details of a device are specified,which produces a conversion between anoptical beam and nonoptical energy (e.g.,acoustic, electrical).

FOR 142 With optical fiber or waveguide:Foreign art collection under FOR 141wherein the transducer either contains anoptical fiber or waveguide or is connected toone.

FOR 143 Optical transceiver:Foreign art collection under FOR 100wherein an optical transmitter and receiverare at a common location for transmissionand reception of separate signals, and anoptical signal is transmitted using some ofthe same equipment used for the receptionof another optical signal.

FOR 144 Including compensation:Foreign art collection under FOR 143wherein structure is provided within theoptical transceiver to eliminate any informa-tion errors that the transceiver would pro-duce while transmitting a response.

FOR 145 Transmitter and receiver system: Foreign art collection under FOR 100wherein both the transmitter and receiver arelocated at separate stations for point-to-pointcommunication from the transmitter at onelocation to the receiver at another location,remote from the transmitter.

FOR 146 Presence detection:Foreign art collection under FOR 145wherein an optical transmitter and receiversystem is used to determine if an object ispresent within the range of the optical beam.

FOR 147 With polarization:Foreign art collection under FOR 145wherein the optical beam of the transmitterand receiver system vibrates perpendicularto the beam s traveling direction.

FOR 148 One transmitter, plural receivers:Foreign art collection under FOR 145wherein optical information received at mul-tiple locations is delivered by a single trans-mitter.

FOR 149 With synchronization:Foreign art collection under FOR145wherein all transmitters and receivers oper-ate in the same time frame and their respec-tive clocks are maintained to be at the sametime and operating in an identical manner.

FOR 150 With alignment between transmitter andreceiver:Foreign art collection under FOR 145wherein the transmitter and receiver arealways pointed at one another.

FOR 151 With pumping:Foreign art collection under FOR145wherein the atoms of a medium at the trans-mitter are caused to be raised from certainlower to certain higher energy levels tocause a population inversion between cer-tain intermediate levels in order to ulti-mately produce photons when the energylevel moves from higher to lower levels.

FOR 152 With compensation:Foreign art collection under FOR 145wherein structure is provided within theoptical system to eliminate from the trans-


February 2011

mitted response any information errors thatthe system would produce.

FOR 153 With electrical oscillator:Foreign art collection under FOR145wherein the transmitter and receiver opticalcommunication system uses an electricaldevice whose output voltage or current is aperiodic function of time.

FOR 154 With optical circuit board:Foreign art collection under FOR 145wherein a waveguide breadboard is used toplug the transmitter and receiver into anydesired location along the breadboard.

FOR 155 Plural stations:Foreign art collection under FOR 145including at least two spaced apart stationseach having a transmitter which communi-cates with a receiver located remote fromthe transmitter.

FOR 156 Address directing connections:Foreign art collection under FOR 155wherein the optical beam is directed to theproper station as a result of the station desti-nation information (address) attached to thecommunication data on the same opticalbeam.

FOR 157 Unidirectional or loopback:Foreign art collection under FOR 155wherein plural stations, each having both atransmitter and receiver, are serially linkedby the transmitter of the preceding stationtransmitting to the receiver of the next sta-tion and the last station of the system trans-mits to the receiver of the first station of thesystem.

FOR 158 Central or master station:Foreign art collection under FOR 155wherein a single central or master station,having both an optical transmitter andreceiver, transmits to all of the stations in thesystem and also receives responses from allof the stations of the system.

FOR 159 Passive system:Foreign art collection under FOR 145wherein the receiver derives its power toactivate itself from the beam transmitted bythe transmitter.

FOR 160 Retroreflection:Foreign art collection under FOR159wherein the transmitted response to areceived optical beam is transmitted in theopposite direction of the received beam toensure that the original transmitter receivesthe response.

FOR 161 Retroreflection:Foreign art collection under FOR 145wherein the transmitted response to areceived optical beam is transmitted in theopposite direction of the received beam toensure that the original transmitter receivesthe response.

FOR 162 Received signal supplies power distribu-tion to diverse devices:Foreign art collection under FOR 145wherein the power for operation of devicesunrelated to the transmitter and receiver sys-tem is obtained from the received signal.

FOR 163 Satellite communications:Foreign art collection under FOR 145wherein communication is accomplishedwith either (1) a space orbiting satellite or(2) a land satellite.

FOR 164 Including optical waveguide:Foreign art collection under FOR 145 whichfurther includes one or more transparentelongated structures (e.g., rods, fibers, orpipes) which are used to transmit lightwaves from one point to another within theconfines of their outer surface by means ofinternal reflections or modal transmission.

FOR 165 Optical repeater system:Foreign art collection under FOR 100including apparatus for receiving a lightwave signal and reradiating the signal at adifferent carrier frequency and usually at ahigher energy level or in a desired direction.

FOR 166 Demodulating:Foreign art collection under FOR 165wherein the optical repeater extracts theinformation content of the signal it receivesprior to reradiating the signal at the same ordifferent carrier frequency.

FOR 167 Regenerative:


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Foreign art collection under FOR 165wherein the repeater samples the incomingoptical beam without any demodulation andthen transmits it with perfect timing and nodistortion.

FOR 168 Monitoring:Foreign art collection under FOR 167wherein the regenerative repeater includesapparatus to check the system during opera-tion.

FOR 169 Star:Foreign art collection under FOR 165wherein an optical data distribution systemcontains a common node connected to oneend of each of three or more branches andthe other end of the branches are connectedto appropriate elements of an opticalrepeater.


FOR 171 Transmitter:Foreign art collection under FOR 100 whichconverts information signals into modulatedlight wave signals suitable for propagationthrough or along a transmission medium.

FOR 172 With particular modulation:Foreign art collection under FOR 171wherein apparatus is set forth to include theinformation signal in a specified manneronto a light wave carrier entering the device.

FOR 173 Frequency modulation:Foreign art collection under FOR 172wherein the instantaneous amplitude of theinformation signal (i.e., modulating signal)modulates a carrier so that its instantaneousfrequency differs from the carrier frequencyby an amount proportional to the informa-tion signal amplitude.

FOR 174 Phase modulation:Foreign art collection under FOR 172wherein the instantaneous amplitude of the

information signal (i.e., modulating signal)modulates a sine-wave carrier so that itsinstantaneous angle (i.e., phase) deviatesfrom the original (no-signal) angle by anamount proportional to the information sig-nal amplitude.

FOR 175 Pulse modulation:Foreign art collection under FOR 172wherein the carrier signal is transmitted in aseries of pulses, having a normally constantvalue with a variation of a rise and a decayapproaching infinitesimal duration, to con-vey the information contained in the modu-lating signal.

FOR 176 Pulse-code:Foreign art collection under FOR 175wherein the information signal is periodi-cally sampled and each sample is quantizedand transmitted as a digital binary code.

FOR 177 Pulse time:Foreign art collection under FOR 175wherein the values of instantaneous samplesof the information signal (i.e., modulatingsignal) are made to modulate the occurrencetime of some characteristic of a pulse carrier.

FOR 178 With feedback:Foreign art collection under FOR 171wherein at least a portion of the opticallytransmitted light wave is sampled and usedto further control the transmitted light beam.


FOR 180 Receiver:Foreign art collection under FOR 100wherein the information or modulating sig-nal which has been transmitted may bederived from the received modulated lightwave signals and converted into signals cor-responding to the information transmitted.

FOR 181 Homodyne:


February 2011

Foreign art collection under FOR 180wherein a locally generated voltage at thereceived carrier frequency will result in azero beat reception for detection of thetransmitted information signal.

FOR 182 Heterodyne:Foreign art collection under FOR 180wherein the received wave is combined witha locally generated wave in a nonlineardevice to produce sum and difference fre-quencies at the output receiver is classifiedin this subclass.

FOR 183 With polarization:Foreign art collection under FOR 182wherein the heterodyne optical demodulat-ing receiver is used to detect a light wavehaving vibrations perpendicular to the direc-tion of travel of the light beam.

FOR 184 With optical element (e.g., lens, mirror,etc.):Foreign art collection under FOR 180wherein an optical receiver comprises sometype of optical device such as a lens, etc.,other than an optical waveguide.

FOR 185 Automatic gain control:Foreign art collection under FOR 180wherein the amplitude of an output signalamplitude is maintained constant either byan optical or electrical device.

FOR 186 With optical waveguide:Foreign art collection under FOR 180 whichfurther includes one or more transparentelongated structures (e.g., rods, fibers, orpipes) which are used to transmit lightwaves from one point to another within theconfines of their outer surface by means ofinternal reflections or modal transmission.

END

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