Appeal No. 2000-2255
Application No. 09/123,522
combining the disclosed teachings of a piezoelectric transformer,
which converts an input waveform into a sinusoid with a 50% duty
cycle, with the disclosure of Newton. Our review of Zaitsu
reveals a clear discussion of the replacement of electro-magnetic
transformers with piezoelectric transformers, the problems
attendant with such replacement, and a disclosure of a particular
structural arrangement for addressing those problems. Further,
with regard to dependent claim 7, we find that both Newton and
Zaitsu contemplate application of their disclosed circuitry to
systems using commercial AC power with the attendant necessity to
rectify and smooth the AC power input to produce a usable DC
input voltage applied to their disclosed DC/DC converter
structure.
Appellant’s position would limit the use of any reference to
its express teachings, an assertion we find to be in error. The
rationale to modify or combine the prior art does not have to be
expressly stated in the prior art; the rationale may be expressly
or impliedly contained in the prior art or it may be reasoned
from knowledge generally available to one of ordinary skill in
the art, established scientific principles, or legal precedent
established by prior case law. In re Nilssen, 851 F.2d 1401,
1403, 7 USPQ2d 1500, 1502 (Fed. Cir. 1988); Keller, 642 F.2d at
7
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