Patent ID: 7498714

Claim:
A layered three-dimensional structure formed from a process having a minimum feature size associated with the formation of features on each layer, the layered three-dimensional structure comprising: a first layer defining a first opening, wherein the first opening is at least as large as the minimum feature size; and a second layer positioned adjacent to the first layer, wherein the second layer defines a second opening at least as large as the minimum feature size, wherein the second opening is positioned adjacent the first opening to define a third opening at the junction of the first opening and the second opening, and wherein the third opening has an effective size that is at least in part less than the minimum feature size, and wherein portions of the second layer overlying portions of the first layer are adhered to one another and wherein at least a portion of the second opening overlies at least a portion of the first opening, wherein the first layer comprises a first portion and a first movable portion positioned on the opposite side of the first opening from the first fixed portion, wherein the second layer comprises a second fixed portion and a second movable portion positioned on the opposite side of the second opening from the second fixed portion, wherein the second fixed portion is adhered to the first fixed portion to form a fixed element, wherein the second movable portion is adhered to the second movable portion to form a movable element, and wherein the movable element is capable of moving relative to the fixed element.