Appeal No. 2001-2332
Application 08/909,249
that altering the array distribution is limited to changing the x
and y numerical arrangement, and to conclude that “a mere space
change alters the array distribution.”
After having looked to appellants’ specification
(particularly pages 46 and 53 noted supra) and drawings (Figures
9-11) to understand exactly what appellants’ mean by the
requirement in independent claim 29 that the molded articles be
removed and transported from a molding station “in a first array
distribution” and deposited at a remote fourth location “in a
second array distribution,” and for exactly what structure in the
application corresponds to the “means for altering the array
distribution of the articles” set forth in claim 29, we must
agree with appellants’ assessment that a mere change of spacing
of the molded articles in an array by spreading the articles out
does not result in an altering of the array distribution, as
required in the claims before us on appeal.
It is clear from appellants’ disclosure that the linearly
reciprocating second assembly (330) is operative to change the
spacing of the articles relative to one another in the first
matrix array distribution, while the linearly reciprocating third
assembly (340) is operative to alter the array distribution and
reorient the first array distribution (original 4x4 array) into a
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