Appeal No. 98-2124 Page 11
Application No. 08/454,898
With respect to claim 21 the appellants argue that
Biechler does not show grooves as claimed. We disagree. Figs.
4 and 5 of Biechler clearly show the solder tabs or beam
portions 88 passing through grooves in the lower portion of the
vertical side walls 40 of the housing 24. Fig. 1 of Biechler
clearly shows the solder tabs or signal contacts passing
through the lower portion of the side walls 40 in such a manner
that a portion of the lower side wall is interleaved between
each of the solder tabs or signal contacts 88. Thus, viewing
Figs. 1, 4 and 5 together, it is readily apparent that the
grooves shown in Figs. 4 and 5 are provided for each of the
solder tabs or signal contacts 88.
In view of the foregoing, we will sustain the rejection of
claims 1, 2, 12, 13, 15, 21 and 22 under 35 U.S.C. § 102(b) as
being anticipated by Biechler.
We now consider the § 102(b) rejection of claims 4, 5, and
10. As to claim 4, the examiner contends that Biechler teaches
a beam portion which is tapered in Fig. 2B. Apparently the
examiner is referring to the tapered transition which is shown,
for example, just below the lead line for the numeral 80. We
must point out, however, that this tapered transition occurs in
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