Appeal No. 1997-3444
Application 08/268,728
It is impossible for us to make a direct comparison
between the mechanisms because the RBC is described in terms
of base-emitter voltage V and collector-emitter voltage V asBE CE
independent variables (figure 4), whereas the avalanche mode
is described in terms of a family of curves of
collector-emitter voltage V versus collector current I forCE C
base currents I with no mention of V (Handbook,B BE
figure 3-15). It does appear that there is a difference in
operation, as disclosed, because in the RBC device, stable
states both have I = 0 (the voltage to the base is removed),
B
whereas in the avalanche mode, one state is for I = 0 and one
B
state is I < 0 (i.e., I or I (Reverse)). Also, the avalancheB BR B
mode description in the Handbook does not describe a region of
reverse base current (negative resistivity) between two
regions of positive base current. Further, the stable states
in figure 9-5b of the Handbook occur for a constant current of
about 1 mA, whereas Appellants' device has different base
current values as a function of V . Still further, we agree
BE
with Appellants' argument that claim 21 requires a constant
collector-emitter voltage V (Br16) and the latching action in
CE
the Handbook does not take place at a constant V . We
CE
- 7 -
Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Next
Last modified: November 3, 2007