Appeal 2007-1432
Application 09/141,186
Patent 5,549,673
27. Appellant’s argument (see below) addressed at least the
following limitations of Appellant’s amended claims 14-16:
(1) wherein the holding portions on the implant bodies are
H-shaped in cross section.
(2) the inserter instrument means includes an elongated portion
with a notched-end adapted to engage the H-shaped holding
portion in a releasable friction fit, the elongated portion
including a telescoping movable rod for disengaging the
implant body.
(3) wherein the series of engaging means includes a series of shims
with openings therein for engaging the holding portions of the
implant bodies, the shims having openings in different locations
for holding the implant bodies in different positions in the
thyroid cartilage.
Limitation (1) is the “specific holding portion” referred to by the
Examiner and Appellant, and was found in amended claims 14
and 15.
Limitation (2) is the “specific inserting instrument” referred to by the
Examiner and Appellant, and was found in amended claim 15.
Limitation (3) is the “specific engaging means” referred to by the
Examiner and Appellant, and was found in amended claim 16.
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