Appeal No. 1998-1465
Application No. 08/445,926
of reasoning (Answer, pages 4-5), we will affirm the rejection
based upon the examiner's alternative line of reasoning
(Answer, page 5). The examiner first interprets the small
holes in element 17 in Figure 1 of Moon as both an integral
diffusion path to and also an integral channel from the
breather filter. Thus, the examiner considers air to flow
into and back out of the device through the filter. However,
that would mean that the air leaving the device would be
filtered, which is counterintuitive. Furthermore, Moon
provides ports 18 to purge the interior of dust particles.
Accordingly, we interpret Moon as having air flow into the
disk drive through the filter and then out through ports 18.
Consequently, the small holes fail to meet the claim language
of "an integral diffusion path for controlling airflow to said
breather filter."
On the other hand, as pointed out by the examiner, the
breather filter is actually the circular mesh shown above
element 17 in Figure 1 of Moon. Numeral 17 points to the
cylindrical opening in cover 14 into which the breather filter
fits. The bottom of the opening has small holes therethrough.
Thus, once the filter is in place, there will be a portion of
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