Appeal No. 97-4173
Application 08/575,963
language of claim 1 requires, since each such symbol would
constitute a coupon value located within a segment, the
different symbols would be a plurality of different coupon
values, and the number of aligned segments (of the same
symbol) would “represent a total coupon value,” as recited.
Accordingly, the combination of Fukuda and Wilhelm
meets all the limitations of claim 1, and the rejection of
that claim will be sustained. Since appellant states that
claim 3 stands or falls with claim 1 (brief, page 5), its
rejection will likewise be sustained.
As for claim 5, appellant further argues that
neither Fukuda nor Wilhelm suggests adding the accumulated
value of similar coupons on the aligned segments of the reels.
We agree. Claim 5 requires adding the coupon values displayed
on the left reel to any similar coupon values located (in
alignment) on the other two reels, with the total coupon value
being the sum of those values. The examiner does not assert,
and we are not aware, that in the normal operation of a slot
machine the pay off is determined by adding up the values of
the aligned symbols. There is therefore no suggestion from
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Last modified: November 3, 2007