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Class 385 :: OPTICAL WAVEGUIDES

Definition

GENERAL STATEMENT OF THE CLASS SUBJECT MATTERA. Subject matter appropriate to this class falls into one of the following categories:

(1) An optical waveguiding element, per se, or a grouping thereof which conveys light from one point to another through an optically transparent elongated structure by modal transmission, total internal reflection, or total reflectorization.

(2) A combination of an optical waveguiding element with an additional broadly recited optical element which couples light thereto or therefrom or a combination including a broadly recited optical element which couples light between plural optical waveguiding elements.

(3) A combination of an optical waveguiding element with structure which mechanically joins this waveguiding element with another or with a diverse optical element.

(4) An optical modulator where the modulation of a light wave characteristic is performed exclusively within an optical waveguiding element.

(5) Other miscellaneous devices formed of an optical waveguide (e.g., a waveguide sensing device) and supplemental devices which are limited to use with an optical waveguide (e.g., an external clamp or retainer) not otherwise classifiable.

B. Nominally claimed structure, external to this class in combination with apparatus under the class definition, is classified in this class unless provided for in the appropriate external class.

C. Significantly claimed structure, external to this class claimed in combination with structure under the class definition, is classified in the class appropriate to the external device unless specifically excluded therefrom.

(1) Note. A detailed optical amplifier/frequency converter, per se, or such subject matter in combination with additional wave guide structure is classified elsewhere. The nominal recitation of any type of optical amplifier/converter together with additional waveguide structure is classified in this class (385) wherein such combination meets the class requirements.

(2) Note. Optical modulation that occurs within the area of total internal reflection of an optical waveguide belongs in this class, whereas modulation occurring outside the optical waveguide is classified elsewhere.

(3) Note. If significant details beyond the nominal recitation of a detector or light source are claimed, classification is elsewhere.

(4) Note. A device having an optical wave going through a bulk material, such as a semiconductor, glass, etc., does not belong in this class since the wave is not totally confined within the boundaries of the bulk material. If, however, the wave is totally confined within an area but specified leakage, as designed, is built into the area for some desired results, this would then belong in this class.

(5) Note. The optical fibers and waveguides classified in this class are final products, suitable for immediate optical transmission. Excluded from this class are articles of intermediate shape (e.g., blanks, preforms) from which optical fibers and waveguides are made (as by drawing or extruding). For the classification of such intermediate articles, see References to Other Classes, below.

(6) Note. Fiber optics refers to optical devices for conveying light or images through a particular configuration of glass or plastic fibers. Incoherent fiber optic bundles will transmit light but not an image. Coherent fiber optic bundles can transmit an image through small, clad optical fibers where the fiber ends have similar positions at opposite bundle ends.

(7) Note. An optical fiber waveguide is basically a light guidance system that is cylindrical in shape. The fiber relies upon modal transmission to transmit light along its axial length. Light enters one end of the fiber and emerges from the opposite end with only minimal loss.

(8) Note. The thin-film waveguide is a thin dielectric guide film of high refractive index formed adjacent to a substrate or support region of lower refractive index. The thin-film relies upon modal transmission to transmit light along its length. Light enters one end of the thin-film where it is processed (e.g., modulated or switched) and emerges from the opposite end.

(9) Note. Combinations including an optical waveguide and a device of the Class 257 type are classified here provided the combination does not meet the requirements of a still larger system class.(10) Note. A tee coupler is an optical component used to interconnect a number of terminals through optical waveguides by using partial reflections at dielectric interfaces or metallic surfaces, or by splitting the optical waveguide bundle.(11) Note. Modal Transmission is a form of guide-wave propagation characterized by a particular field pattern.(12) Note. A laser in an integrated optical circuit is classified herein (385).

Subclasses List