Appeal No. 2001-1853
Application 09/198,217
5 of the answer based upon such factors as weight, cost, thermal
expansion, fatigue and manufacturing ease. In light of this
position, we note further that appellants have recognized at
the bottom of page 3 of the prior art discussion in their own
specification as filed that it was known to be an advantageous
feature of utilizing nonconducting or electrically insulating
substrate materials because they present an easier ability to
match the coefficient of thermal expansion to the piezoelectrets
themselves to avoid thermal stresses. Thus, the examiner's
reasoning of combinability and substitutability for the substrate
materials appears to be well-based.
What independent claim 1 essentially requires in its
broadest perspective is that the inventors have essentially
solved known prior art problems associated with piezoelectric
bending transducers by utilizing in effect two inner electrodes,
the inner electrode normally associated with the piezoelectric
element itself in addition to what amounts to a second electrode,
the additional recitation of an electrically conductive coating
material. This is essentially what is taught and shown in
Bullock upon a careful consideration of his teachings. As
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