Appeal No. 96-3603 Page 4
Application No. 08/243,839
The present invention is characterized in that the
connection pattern has opening structures for
dealing with an external overcurrent provided on
both sides of the division lines. Specifically[,]
the opening structures are constituted by fuse
patterns. Alternatively, the opening structure may
be constituted by diodes having a reduced gate
width.
(Paper No. 1 at 6, emphasis added; see also Paper No. 1 at 11
(explaining how the diodes open in response to an overcurrent
before the transistors of the internal circuit are damaged).)
The genus of opening structures is bounded by the fact that
each "must have a property such that predetermined
conductivity is maintained unless an overcurrent is applied
and it opens when such an overcurrent is applied." (Paper No.
1 at 12.) As indicated, however, a diode meets these
requirements. The specification expressly contradicts
Appellant's argument on rehearing that the opening structure
cannot be a diode.
Ukai also supports our construction of opening
structures. Appellant has not contested our finding (Paper
No. 18 at 4) that Ukai is directed to the same problem (see
Ukai at 2:20-3:36), i.e., protecting display circuits from
electrostatic discharge. Ukai uses coupling elements 42 in
connection patterns between two guard rings 31, 32 to protect
display circuits from static electricity. (4:49-60.) The
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