Appeal No. 1996-3706
Application 07/854,921
coupling variables due to one or more dependent variables
related to an independent variable to provide the requisite
change.
In our consideration of the function of the claimed
"means for mutually coupling" in claim 34, we find that the
function is not the same as that disclosed by Conrad.
Therefore, although the pending claim contains means-plus-
function language that requires analysis of the claim under 35
U.S.C.
§ 112, sixth paragraph, no further analysis is required once
it has been determined that the claimed function is not the
same as that disclosed by the applied reference. See Micro
Chem., Inc. v. Great Plains Chem. Co., 194 F.3d 1250, 1258, 52
USPQ2d 1258, 1263 (Fed. Cir. 1999).
Accordingly, we reverse the rejection of claims 23,
31 and 34 under 35 U.S.C. § 102 as anticipated by Conrad.
CONCLUSION
We have sustained the rejection of claims 18-22
under 35 U.S.C. § 102(b) as anticipated by Conrad, and have
reversed the rejection of claims 1-14, 17 and 31-35 under 35
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