Appeal No. 1997-2036
Application No. 08/335,991
Webster's definition of "chamber," "an enclosed space or
compartment." Further, the examiner asserts (Answer, page 4)
that "neither the claims nor the specification recite a
structure of channels or chambers which clearly differentiates
the two elements," explaining that appellant's preferred
dimensions do not distinguish between the two terms because
appellant discloses that the dimensions may vary.
Appellant's use of two separate terms in the claims,
"channel" and "chamber," at the very least implies different
types of elements. Also, the words "channel" and "chamber"
differ in meaning. Channels must have an opening at the top
and bottom, as they carry some form of fluid, whereas a
chamber (as quoted by the examiner) is "an enclosed space or
compartment" (emphasis added). (Chambers can have doors or
openings, but channels cannot be completely enclosed.)
Further, relative to chambers, channels have a higher length
to width ratio.
In addition, appellant indicates in the specification and
drawings an intent for the terms to refer to different types
of elements. Note, as pointed out by appellant (Brief, pages
6
Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Next
Last modified: November 3, 2007