Appeal No. 1997-4018
Application No. 08/668,716
computer and either the local fax machine or the remote fax
machine goes through switching/simulating unit (1), with no
"exclusive line" between the computer and the local fax
machine (see Figures 1, 2, and 7).
The examiner asserts (Answer, page 7) that an additional
line is required to allow the facsimile machine to receive and
transmit under the control of the computer. However, we see
no reason why an exclusive line between the computer and the
fax machine would be required. Further, the examiner points
to Lin's statement in the abstract (Answer, page 5) that "the
interface can also be used exclusively to interconnected [sic]
the computer (3) and the fax machine (2)," (reference numerals
added) for a suggestion of an exclusive line. The examiner's
position apparently relies on Lin's use of the word
"exclusively" in describing the interface's interconnection of
the computer and the fax machine. However, the entire
disclosure describes the interface as selectively connecting
the computer to either the local or the remote fax machine.
Accordingly, the interface cannot be considered an exclusive
line between the computer and the local fax machine, nor is
there any suggestion to include one. Therefore, the examiner
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