CPC Definition - Subclass G12B

Last Updated Version: 2024.01
CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF INSTRUMENTS, OR COMPARABLE DETAILS OF OTHER APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
Definition statement

This place covers:

Only details which are restricted to mechanical measuring instrument.

Relationships with other classification places

Details which already are covered by any other subclass in sections A, F, G or H are classified under those corresponding places and not under G12B.

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Details restricted to the measuring instruments covered by the relevant subclasses of class G01, e.g. G01D

G01D

Constructional details restricted to electric apparatus, e.g. casings, screenings

H02B

Constructional details restricted to electronic apparatus, e.g. casings, screenings

H05K

Informative references

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

Insulation or protection of buildings

E04B

Damping of shock or vibrations movement

F16F

Emergency protection of apparatus in general

F16P 7/00

Screening of lighting devices

F21V

Cooling by refrigeration

F25D

Heat-exchange or heat-transfer details

F28F

Calibrating of measuring instrument

G01

Optical filters

G02B 5/20

In connection with acoustic waves

G10K 11/00

In connection with nuclear radiation

G21F

Cooling of electronic apparatus

H05K 7/20

Electromagnetic shielding of electronic apparatus

H05K 9/00

Special rules of classification

Attention is drawn to the Notes following the IPC title of section G, especially as regards to the definition of the term "measuring" in Note (2) following the title of class G01.

Groups G12B 3/00, G12B 13/00, G12B 15/00, G12B 17/00 are not used anymore for classifying new documents.

Groups G12B 1/00, G12B 5/00, G12B 9/00 and G12B 11/00 are used only very rarely.

Glossary of terms

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

Apparatus:

a category of subject matter which is a machine or device, described in terms of its functional capabilities or structural features, that is used to make a product, or to carry out a non-manufacturing process or activity.

Sensitive elements capable of producing movement or displacement for purposes not limited to measurement; Associated transmission mechanisms therefor
Definition statement

This place covers:

Actuating mechanisms of small size, e.g. Micromotion actuators for microdisplacement.

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Thermometers using bimetallic elements

G01K 5/62

Thermally-actuating switches

H01H 37/00

Informative references

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

Bellows in general

F16J 3/00

Details of movements not otherwise provided for (damping of shock or vibrations in general F16F; avoiding out-of-balance forces F16F 15/00; testing balance G01M)
References
Informative references

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

Damping of shock or vibrations in general

F16F

Avoiding out-of-balance forces

F16F 15/00

Testing balance

G01M

Special rules of classification

This group deals with obsolete technology and is therefore not used for classifying new documents

Adjusting position or attitude, e.g. level, of instruments or other apparatus, or of parts thereof (levels per se G01C 9/00); Compensating for the effects of tilting or acceleration, e.g. for optical apparatus
Definition statement

This place covers:

Adjusting mechanisms of small size, e.g. sensor positioning devices.

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Level per se

G01C 9/00

Adjusting means of optical elements

G02B 7/00

Compensating for the effects of temperature (by cooling G12B 15/00)
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Compensating by cooling

G12B 15/00

Housing or supporting of instruments or other apparatus
Definition statement

This place covers:

Mechanical details of casings, housings, cabinets etc. for accommodating a mechanical measuring instrument, or supports and devices for carrying or holding such instruments.

References
References out of a residual place

Examples of places in relation to which this place is residual:

Housings; Supports specially adapted for an instrument or a set of instruments

G01D 11/24, G01D 11/30

Bases, casings or covers of switching devices

H01H 9/02

Bases or cases of electrical coupling devices

H01R 13/46

Frameworks, boards, panels, desks or casings for the supply or distribution of electric power

H02B 1/00

Casings, cabinets or drawers for electric apparatus

H05K 5/00

Informative references

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

Supports adapted for vehicle instrument

B60R 11/00

Supports adapted for aircraft instrument

B64C, B64D

Supports in general

F16M

Containers, seals or encapsulation of semiconductor or other solid-state devices

H01L 23/02, H01L 23/28

Indicating elements; Illumination thereof
Definition statement

This place covers:

  • Illuminating device of instruments in general.
  • Indicating elements of instruments.
References
References out of a residual place

Examples of places in relation to which this place is residual:

Dashboards

B60K 37/00

Arrangements of lighting devices for dashboards

B60Q 3/10

Structurally-combined illuminating devices for component parts of measuring arrangements not specially adapted for a specific variable

G01D 11/28

Component parts of indicators for measuring arrangements not specially adapted for a specific variable

G01D 13/00

Arrangements of scales, pointers, lamps, or acoustic indicators, e.g. in automobile speedometers

G01P 1/08

Informative references

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

Optical elements, systems, or apparatus

G02B

Indicating (displaying) arrangements for variable information

G09F 9/00, G09F 11/00