Appeal No. 1997-3074 Page 5
Application No. 08/392,598
desired. They are two equally obvious forms of connection, the
choice of which depends on considerations well within the skill
of the artisan. The use of cables would provide for a fast
and simple connection with some leeway regarding the details of
a specific fit between the scanner and the scale. However, the
use of cables, as the examiner points out, entails possible
noise along the conductors. The use of a direct connection, as
envisioned by appellants, a connection well known to artisans,
would help with noise and maybe make for a more compact unit,
but would add an additional initial expense of designing the
scanner and scale so that their printed circuit boards line up
properly for the connection. The claim does not recite details
of the specific connection between the scanner and the scale or
how the two units are specifically designed to complement each
other in making the connection. It merely calls for a direct
coupling between the circuit boards of the scanner and the
scale. Such a broad recitation of a direct coupling makes the
claimed subject matter obvious, within the meaning of 35 U.S.C.
103, in view of the cable connection of Latimer since direct
coupling vs. cables would have been alternatively obvious
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