Appeal No. 1998-2516
Application 08/422,440
Smith describes a solution to Jove’s problem caused by
common mode DC and low frequency components. This solution is
achieved by coupling a controllable current sink to one end of
the MR element. Smith discloses that the feedback loop
comprising the controllable current sink controls common mode
DC and low frequency components, and effectively performs the
function of a coupling capacitor [column 11, lines 15-23].
Thus, the second feedback loop of Smith functions as a
replacement for the coupling capacitor alleged to be necessary
in Jove while still controlling common mode DC and low
frequency components.
Our inquiry in the original decision and our inquiry
now only concerns the nonobviousness of the invention as
broadly recited in claim 12. We still agree with the examiner
that the broad modification of Jove to include a feedback loop
comprised of a controllable current sink to solve the
recognized problem caused by common mode DC and low frequency
components would have been obvious to the artisan based on the
suggestions of Smith. The arguments of appellant properly
2 The rest of the appealed claims stand or fall together
as a single group with claim 1.
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