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You are viewing a Class definition.CLASS 200, ELECTRICITY: CIRCUIT MAKERS AND BREAKERS
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SECTION I - CLASS DEFINITION

This is the generic class for devices, per se, of general application which are used for closing or opening electrical circuits and the combination of these devices with their operating means. In the combined devices there must be something more than the mereinclusion of a circuit maker or breaker broadly.

Combinations of circuit makers and breakers with electrical plugs, sockets, or other connectors are in this class.

This class includes devices known as "controllers", "circuit-closers", "switches", "circuit-breakers", "interrupters", "distributers", "thermal-cut-offs", "fuses", and "electrical thermostats".

Electrical systems or circuits areexcluded from this class. These systems or circuits are classified in the various electrical or art classes, depending on the particular form of electrical system or of the apparatus controlled.

SECTION II - LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS

A circuit maker or breaker of this class (200) can be distinguished from an electrical connector of Class 439, Electrical Connectors, inthat a circuit maker or breaker comprises an assemblage of parts including both a movable contact and its mating contact wherein there is a positive (permanent) physical connection between the contacts such that a contact is restricted to move with respect to a mating contact along a prescribed path each time the circuit maker or breaker operates, whereas an electrical connector is physicallyseparated from the distinct, mating connector each time the circuit is broken.

The combination of an electrical circuit maker or breaker with an electrical connector will be found in this class (200). For example, an electrical connector with a distinct switch actuated by a mating connector is included in this class (200), especially in subclasses 61.58+. An electrical connector that includesintegrally therewith a "switching" component actuated by coupling engagement with a mating connector is to be found in Class 439. Search especially Class 439, subclass 188 for an electrical connector having circuit interrupting provision effected by mating.

An electrical connector, per se, may include movable contacts and be in the class of electrical connectors. For example, Search Class 439,subclasses 43+ for an electrical connector with a selectable circuit wherein no details of the circuit structure is set forth; subclasses 152+ for an electrical connector detachable from a mating connector by snap or quick-break action; subclasses 259+ for a connector with a contact moved laterally into engagement with a mating contact in a "zero insertion force device"; subclasses 296+ for anelectrical connector with coupling movement-actuating means or retaining means in addition to the contact, especially subclasses 310+ for a retaining means with distinct movement-actuating means to move a coupling part axially; and subclasses 374+ for an electrical connector with guiding means for mating of a coupling part.

This class (200) has not been screened to verify placement according to thisline.

Search should be made in the art or special application classes for circuit-controllers of such special type as to be peculiarly adapted for those arts-- e.g., telegraph keys in Class 178, Telegraphy, telephone-switches in Class 379, Telephonic Communications.

SECTION III - REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

75, Specialized Metallurgical Processes, Compositions for...