Some public libraries have the subject index, the class schedules and the class listings, giving lists of Canadian patents in specific search fields, on microfiche. In some cases you can use this information in conjunction with a publication called the Patent Office Record to conduct a rough preliminary search. You'll find some descriptive information on patents issued prior to 1976 in the Patent Office Record . The abstracts of patents issued after 1976 are on microfiche at some libraries. They also may have the cover pages, claims and drawings of post-1976 patents on microfiche.
Some libraries have all the class definitions on microfiche.
5.4 - Preparing a Patent Application A patent application consists of an abstract, a specification and often drawings. Your specification must be so clear and complete that it will enable anyone with average skill in the technology to make or use the invention. Information not protected by your claims can be used immediately by anyone. The challenge is to draft the claims so that your invention is defined broadly enough to provide maximum protection against potential infringers, while at the same time being sufficiently specific to identify your invention and distinguish it from all prior inventions. Section D shows an example of a patent application .