Appeal No. 96-3040
Application 08/135,650
With respect to the recitation in claim 1 that the two resistors have different
temperature coefficients, the examiner explains that the constant current source 41 of Cho
would have a temperature coefficient near zero while the temperature coefficient of
transistor 42 would be significant as shown in Cho’s Figures 3-5 [answer, pages 4-5]. We
agree with the examiner that Cho discloses that the current source remains basically
unaffected by temperature changes while the transistors are significantly affected. Thus,
we agree with the examiner that transistor 42 and current source 41 of Cho act as two
resistor means that have different temperature coefficients. Appellants’ argument
regarding the similarity of the temperature coefficients of elements 40 and 50 of Cho is not
persuasive because it is elements 42 and 41 of Cho which are critical to the claim, not
elements 40 and 50.
For all the reasons just discussed, we conclude that independent claim 1 is fully met
by the disclosure of Cho. Since independent claims 30 and 36 are basically argued in the
same manner as claim 1, these claims are also fully met by the disclosure of Cho.
With respect to claims 2 and 31, appellants argue that there is no disclosure in Cho
that current source 41 would have a smaller temperature coefficient than transistor 42. As
just noted above, however, the current source of Cho has a temperature coefficient near
zero while the temperature coefficient of transistor 42 is significant. Therefore, these
claims are anticipated by Cho. With respect to claim 6, appellants argue that Cho does
7
Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Next
Last modified: November 3, 2007