Appeal No. 1997-4444
Application 08/427,884
with the Examiner that "fixed" should be interpreted as "fixed
in a vertical direction." The tray 62 in Yamakawa
corresponding to the claimed locating platen is not stationary
with respect to the base 60 and the grip hand 25 which
correspond to the mechanical coupler. Therefore, claim 1 is
not anticipated. The rejection of claim 1 is reversed.
Claims 4-8, 12, and 13
Appellant argues that Yamakawa does not disclose a
"reference mechanical structure being fixed to said movable
carrier assembly," but rather teaches a slidably mounted tray
62.
The Examiner states (EA18): "It is respectfully noted
that 'to fix' has the meanings 'to fasten' or 'to attach'
(Webster II, 1994). Yamakawa et al's reference structure 62
is attached to the carrier, as it moves with it and is part of
it. Thus, it is maintained that Yamakawa et al anticipates
claims 4-8 and 12-13."
We agree with the Examiner that "fixed" in the context of
claim 4 is best interpreted as "securely placed or fastened
to." The language "fixed to" does not preclude the reference
mechanical structure from moving with respect to the carrier.
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