Appeal No. 1999-2624 Page 7
Application No. 08/561,658
the claimed invention. As discussed above, Crawford discloses
a joint between the tube and the probe including a force fit
engagement of the proximal end of the probe by a first end of
the tube and, if preferred, a medical grade adhesive for
bonding the tube to the probe. There is no suggestion in
Crawford or in Fugoso that the Crawford joint might be
inadequate for its intended purpose. It is only the
appellant's disclosure (specification, pages 3-4) which
informs us of any perceived deficiencies in the Crawford
device. Fugoso discloses a joint not between a light metal
wire probe and a flexible tube but, rather, between two nylon
or polyethylene lumen shafts of a dilation catheter through
which inflation fluid is passed to inflate and deflate a
dilation balloon on the distal end of the catheter. According
to Fugoso, the lap joint heat shrunk sleeve allows the two
lumen shafts to be in fluid communication with each other. As
the Crawford joint is between a metal wire probe and a tube
rather than between two flexible tubes placed end to end and
as there is no need for fluid to pass through the joint region
between the tube and the probe of Crawford when used as
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