Appeal No. 95-3876
Application 08/222,009
interpret particular words or phrases in the claim."). To the
extent there is any ambiguity, it is the applicant's burden to
choose better language. In re Morris, 127 F.3d 1048, 1056,6
44 USPQ2d 1023, 1030 (Fed. Cir. 1997).
The control means corresponds to the flash firing
control circuit 5 in its entirety, including transistor Q3.
Assuming, arguendo, that we need not include transistor Q3 to
satisfy the functions ascribed to the control means,
dissecting the control means to exclude transistor Q3 proceeds
farther than is necessary or reasonable to construe the claim.
The claim sets forth a control means with two functions. A
single circuit, the flash firing control circuit 5, as a whole
provides both functions. No other circuit provides these
functions. The specification unambiguously includes
transistor Q3 in the flash firing control circuit 5. No
embodiment of the flash firing control circuit 5 lacking
Claims serve an important notice function so bromides6
about according applicants wide latitude in drafting their
claims have less force during prosecution when applicants have
the opportunity to revise claims. See Morris, 127 F.3d
at 1054, 44 USPQ2d at 1028.
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