Appeal No. 95-0953
Application 07/976,328
The term "acoustic pathway" is used four times in claim 1
and requires definition. The specification defines an
"acoustic pathway" as follows (page 5, lines 10-13): "An
acoustic pathway 25 in the chestpiece proceeds from
diaphragm 27 into chamber 24 and into hollow, preferably
detachable, stem 22." As the examiner observes (Examiner's
Answer, pages 8-9), claim 1 does not define the structure of
the acoustic pathway, such as a diaphragm chamber, an aperture
in communication with the diaphragm chamber, a tubular passage
in the chestpiece stem, etc. The acoustic pathway is broadly
all of the hollow volume extending from the diaphragm to the
earpieces.
The limitation of "a stethoscope housing forming an
acoustic pathway for acoustic auscultation" reads on the upper
piece in figures 5 and 6, identified for convenience as
element 26 (26 actually refers to the raised center portion).
The key to this rejection is recognizing that the cavity for
accepting the lower piece in figures 5 and 6, identified for
convenience as element 36 (36 actually refers to the bottom
surface of the chestpiece), and the opening 38 for connecting
tube 16 are "an acoustic pathway for acoustic auscultation."
- 7 -
Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Next
Last modified: November 3, 2007