Appeal 2007-0955
Application 10/297,899
FINDINGS OF FACT
Oka discloses a junction connector with junction circuits including
multiple bus bar layers 14 and 16 separated by an insulating sheet 17. In one
embodiment, multiple bus bars 13 and 15 in the first and second bus bar
layers 14 and 16 are fitted into corresponding grooves 17a disposed on
opposite sides of the insulating sheet. End tabs 13a, 13b, 15a, and 15b are
provided on opposite ends of the bus bars 13 and 15.
Selected bus bars 13 and 15 are connected together at cross positions
P1-P6 through openings 17b in the insulating sheet. To this end, bus bars 13
are bent such that they contact bus bars 15. See Fig. 7. Both bus bars are
then joined by resistance welding or, alternatively, by fasteners (Oka, col. 3,
l. 64 – col. 4, l. 35; col. 5, ll. 64-67; Figs. 5A-7 and 13).
PRINCIPLES OF LAW
Anticipation is established only when a single prior art reference
discloses, expressly or under the principles of inherency, each and every
element of a claimed invention as well as disclosing structure which is
capable of performing the recited functional limitations. RCA Corp. v.
Applied Digital Data Systems, Inc., 730 F.2d 1440, 1444, 221 USPQ 385,
388 (Fed. Cir. 1984); W.L. Gore and Associates, Inc. v. Garlock, Inc., 721
F.2d 1540, 1554, 220 USPQ 303, 313 (Fed. Cir. 1983).
ANALYSIS
We agree with the Examiner that Oka fully meets all limitations of
independent claim 11. First, the scope and breadth of the claim language
simply does not preclude the end tabs 13a of the first bus bars 13 as
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