Appeal No. 1997-0281 Page 10
Application No. 08/351,874
Spira teaches a “combination of a switching means, a
rectifier means, and a controllably conductive means which can
control the flow of electrical current therethrough in a
selective manner.” Col. 2, ll. 19-23. The combination is
used “in a system for selectively diming [sic] the lumen
output of an electric lamp.” Col. 1, ll. 16-17. The
reference specifically teaches employing a four-layer type
diode, i.e., a breakover diode, as the controllably conductive
element of the combination. Col. 6, ll. 38-42. Spira also
specifically discloses, “the controllable conductive element
could be the type device known as the Zener diode.” Id. at
ll. 42-44.
At best, the reference evidences that breakover diodes
and Zener diodes were recognized as equivalents in the art of
lamp dimming. The appellant’s invention, however, “relates to
ignition system ....” (Spec. at 1.) Spira does not evidence
that breakover diodes and Zener diodes were recognized as
equivalents in the art of ignition systems. In fact, the
examiner has not offered any evidence of the equivalence of
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