Appeal No. 1999-1651
Application No. 08/775,308
Figure 23 discloses a plurality of first terminals each having a first end and a second
end, and that at least one first end is electrically connected to said at least one power
device as recited in the language of claim 41.
The examiner argues that the diagrams in Figure 23 are inadequately taught and
that there is no support member and no common structure to fit the diagrams together.
(See answer at page 3.) We disagree with the examiner. While Figure 23 is only
briefly labeled, it is clear that there is support for the claimed invention, and the linkage
between the diagrams would appear to be the hidden lines that show the heat sink
under the support which holds the chips 2200 and 2100. The examiner further
questions whether there is a package that seals the heat sink, power device, control
element, and the terminals. (See answer at page 3.) Here, we disagree with the
examiner’s claim interpretation. The heat sink is on the lower portion of the support and
the other elements are on the upper surface which is sealed. We find that Fig. 23
discloses this claimed feature with one end of the terminals within the sealed area. The
examiner maintains that various embodiments cannot be intermingled. (See brief at
page 3.) We disagree with the examiner’s generalization. In many instances the skilled
artisan must look to the disclosure as a whole since there is not a need to
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