Ex parte GIFFORD - Page 42




          Appeal No. 1998-0631                                                        
          Application 07/957,990                                                      

          mechanically communicated data, while "pressure signals" are                
          electrical signals (Br29-30).                                               
               The Examiner maintains that the claim is unclear                       
          because "data" in this art generally refers to some type of                 
          electronic signal (EA13).                                                   
               We agree with Appellant that the claim language is                     
          clear to one of ordinary skill in the art, who would have                   
          been able to distinguish between mechanically transmitted                   
          data ("pressure data") and electrical signals ("pressure                    
          signals").  We disagree with the Examiner's interpretation                  
          of "data" as requiring an electrical signal.  This basis for                
          the rejection of claim 208 is reversed.                                     
               As to the statement that it is indefinite how one                      
          mechanical element can collect data from another mechanical                 
          element, Appellant points to the specification, page 7,                     
          lines 1-5, and notes that one mechanical element collects                   
          pressure data from another mechanical element when one                      
          element presses on the other (Br30).                                        
               The Examiner does not respond to this argument.                        
          Appellant's argument is rational and persuasive.  This basis                
          for the rejection of claim 208 is reversed.                                 

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