Appeal No. 2001-0588
Application No. 08/609,308
Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) which is frequency modulated by an audio
waveform and is tuned to generate a first frequency. A frequency prescaler receives
the first frequency and generates a second frequency which is a particular fraction of
the first frequency and wherein the second frequency is mixed with an RF waveform.
Representative independent claim 1 is reproduced as follows:
1. An intermediate frequency (IF) source, comprising:
a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) tuned to generate a first output
frequency having a frequency value of f, wherein said VCO is frequency
modulated by an audio waveform; and
a frequency prescaler for receiving said first output frequency and
generating a second output frequency having a frequency value of f/N,
wherein N is greater than one, said second output frequency being
operable for mixing with an RF waveform.
The examiner relies on the following references:
Kramer, Jr. et al. (Kramer) 5,230,088 Jul. 20, 1993
Cheah 5,309,479 May 03, 1994
Hashimoto JP 04-245,8141 Sep. 02, 1992
Claims 1-4 and 6-16 stand rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103. As evidence of
obviousness, the examiner offers Hashimoto and Cheah with regard to claims 1, 2, 6-
8 and 11-13, adding Kramer to this combination with regard to claims 3, 4, 9, 10 and
14-16.
1 Our understanding of the Hashimoto reference is derived from an English translation thereof
prepared for the United States Patent and Trademark Office, a copy of said translation being attached
hereto.
2
Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Next
Last modified: November 3, 2007