This class covers micro-structural devices or systems, including at least one essential element or formation characterised by its very small size, typically within the range of 10-4 to 10-7 meters, i.e. its significant features can not, in at least one dimension, be completely discerned without the use of an optical microscope. [7]
In this class, the following expressions are used with the meaning indicated: [7]
"micro-structural devices" covers: [7]
micro-mechanical devices comprising movable, flexible or deformable elements; and [7]
three-dimensional structures without movable, flexible or deformable elements, comprising microformations designed to accomplish an essential structural function for interacting with their environment, as opposed to purely electronic or chemical functions, regardless of whether the structures are combined with micro-electronic devices or formed from specific materials; [7]
"micro-structural systems" covers: [7]
systems of cooperating micro-structural devices; and [7]
micro-electro-mechanical or micro-opto-mechanical systems, which combine on a common substrate the specific features of micro-structural devices and electrical or optical components, e.g. for controlling, analysing or signalling the functioning of micro-structural devices. [7]
MICRO-STRUCTURAL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS, e.g. MICRO-MECHANICAL DEVICES (piezo-electric, electrostrictive or magnetostrictive elements per seFulltext... Hierarchy... Expanded...H01L 41/00) [7]
Devices or systems classified in this subclass are also classified in appropriate subclasses providing for their structural or functional features, if such features are of interest. [7]
Devices comprising elements which are movable in relation to each other, e.g. comprising slidable or rotatable elements [7]
B81B 7/00
Micro-structural systems [7]
B81B 7/02
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containing distinct electrical or optical devices of particular relevance for their function, e.g. micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) (Fulltext... Hierarchy... Expanded...B81B 7/04 takes precedence) [7]
B81B 7/04
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Networks or arrays of similar micro-structural devices [7]