Appeal No. 2000-0327 Page 7 Application No. 08/745,330 per minute" to mean that Thompson is determining the volume of water flowing through the pipe. We interpret this language of Thompson as indicating that the flow detectors can detect an extremely low flow rate ("flow" or "no flow") through the pip; i.e., as long as there is at least about 0.1 gallons per minute flowing through the pipe, flow is detected. This detection of an extremely low flow rate is not the same as determining that a selected volume of water has flowed through the pipe, as required by independent claims 1 and 11. We additionally find that Thompson further discloses (col. 2, lines 60-67) that each fixture has a selected maximum time limit for which each control valve may be opened. For example, a tub may only be allowed to have water flowing into it for up to 15 minutes. If it is unintentionally left on in excess of 15 minutes, the fluid management system will close the main shut-off valve thereby preventing it from overflowing and causing damage. From this teaching of Thompson, it is clear that Thompson presumes that the flow is a full flow that will fill the tub in a predetermined period of time. Thus, Thompson presumes the volume of water flowing, but does not measure the volume of the water flowing. If the volume ofPage: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 NextLast modified: November 3, 2007