IPC Definitions - January 01, 2012

B81B - Definition fr

Definition statement

This subclass covers:

Very small micro-mechanical devices which include at least one essential operational component that has all of the following attributes:

Very small three-dimensional structural formations (i.e. microstructures) that have all of the following attributes:

Systems including a discrete micro-mechanical device or microstructure and at least one other discrete micro-mechanical device, micro-electronic device, or micro-optical device (e.g. Micro-Mechanical Systems, Micro-Electronic-Mechanical Systems/MEMS, Micro-optical-Mechanical Systems) that have all of the following attributes:

Components of micro-mechanical devices or microstructures having specialized structural features that limit them to use with their device or structure.

Relationship between large subject matter areas

General relationship of microstructures of B81B with micro-sized structures found in the subclasses of sections C and H

The microstructures covered by this subclass are expected to perform a structural function when interacting with their local environment and are intentionally designed to specifically perform this type of task. This requirement precludes the classification of micro-sized structures within this subclass that either

Micro-electronic devices and micro-optical devices per se are classified in the subclasses of section H (Electricity) and G (Physics) even if they also inherently (e.g. a micro-sized wire between two substrates that supports the upper substrate), or intentionally (e.g. an aerodynamically shaped micro-processor on a wing), accomplish a secondary structural function. Micro-electronic devices and micro-optical devices are found in particular in G02BG11B, H01L, and H01P.

Chemically and biologically formed structures per se that are mere byproducts of processes are classified in the subclasses of section C, "Chemistry; Metallurgy". However, chemically and biologically formed microstructures are classified in B81B when they are the primary intended product of their processes and the microstructures perform a structural function when interacting with their local environment.

Relationship of microstructures of B81B and micro-sized structures in B32B

Microstructures that merely form part of layered products (e.g. bonded or encased micro-sized substrates) are classified in B32B when their intended use is not specified or they are of general utility. However, when at least one of the layers of the layered product is micro-sized and accomplishes a particular structural function (e.g. honeycomb layer forms micro-sized channels for directing fluid to micro-sized pump) they are classified in B81B.

Special rules for classification between this subclass and other subclasses

If the operation or practical utility of micro-sized devices, structures, or systems covered by this subclass are not inherently limited to a microscopic environment, they are also obligatorily classified in the subclasses appropriately providing for their structural or functional features when produced on a larger scale.

References relevant to classification in this subclass

This subclass does not cover:

Products that are essentially two-dimensional layered structures

B32B

Atomic scale structures produced by manipulation of single atoms or molecules

B82B

Micro-optical devices per se

G02F

Semiconductors or other solid-state devices per se or combined with other devices formed on a common substrate

H01L
Examples of places where the subject matter of this class is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:

Microcapsules for medicinal preparations

A61K 9/50

Micromanipulators

B25J 7/00

Micromanipulators combined with microscopes

G02B 21/32

Magnetic heads used with record carriers for information storage

G11B 5/127

Waveguide microstrips

H01P 3/08

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Pressure sensors

G01L 9/00

Mechanical vibration measuring devices and ultrasonic, sonic, or infrasonic wave measuring devices

G01H

Devices for measuring linear or angular speed, acceleration, or deceleration

G01P

Photomechanical processing of semiconductor devices

G03F

Special rules of classification

Identical micro-mechanical devices, microstructures, or micro-structural systems that are not operationally interlinked to each other and are merely produced on a common substrate that is an interim product; are not classified as a system, but in the groups providing for the individual device, structure, or system.

Glossary of terms

In this subclass, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:

Micro-electronic device

Any kind of electronic device that has at least one essential operational component not visible without the use of an optical microscope.

Micro-optical device

Any kind of optical device that has at least one essential operational component not visible without the use of an optical microscope.

Micro-sized

Having a dimension not visible without the use of an optical microscope (e.g. typically within the range of 10-4 to 10-7 meters).

Structural function

The effect of structural features of a microstructure on the mechanical properties of media in contact with the microstructure (e.g. directing of a sampled fluid's flow).