IPC Definitions - January 01, 2012
B81B - Definition
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
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.
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.
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 |
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 |
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.
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). |