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IPC Subclass
H04Q

SELECTING

Introduced: September 1968

Last revised: January 2009

Classification Context

Section:
ELECTRICITY
Class:
ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
Subclass:
SELECTING

Description

H04Q covers switching and routing mechanisms in telecommunications networks, including exchange systems, selectors, and call distribution equipment. This subclass encompasses technologies for establishing connections between communication devices, such as automatic telephone exchanges, crossbar switches, and electronic switching systems. It includes both the hardware components and operational principles used to direct signals through communication networks to their intended destinations. Related switching technologies for data networks and specialized routing systems are classified elsewhere in H04L or other relevant communication subclasses.

Additional Content

Glossary

Satellite satellites A kind of exchange the operation of which depends upon control signals received from a supervisory exchange. Subscriber subscribers General term for terminal equipment, e.g. telephone for public use. Substation substations Subscriber or monitoring equipment which may connect a single subscriber to a line without choice as to subscriber. Switching centres switching centre Include exchanges and satellites.

Limiting references

Electric switches; Relays; Selectors Multiplex communication Wireless communication networks

Related Keywords

CIRCUITS for selecting routes for electric signalsHOMING of electric selector switcheselectric circuit arrangements for SELECTINGSIGNALLING in telephonic or telegraphic systemsSUBSCRIBERS selectionSWITCHING centresselecting for TELECOMMUNICATION

5 direct subcodes

Child Classifications

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Top Applicants

Top 10 applicants by patent filingsfor class H04, 2013–2023, worldwide · Source: EPO PATSTAT

  1. QUALCOMM US 97,396
  2. HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES COMPANY CN 96,502
  3. SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS COMPANY KR 86,981
  4. TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL) SE 55,869
  5. HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES COMPANY 55,349
  6. LG ELECTRONICS KR 53,649
  7. CANON 33,341
  8. SONY CORPORATION JP 32,761
  9. ZTE CORPORATION CN 32,274
  10. GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION 28,327