Appeal No. 2002-0116 Page 6
Application No. 09/457,730
respectively, the openings can have other shapes such as (see Figures 11A-F) a
substantially square shape 60, oval shape 62, diamond shape 64 and a bow-tie shape 66.
From the above teachings of Balz, we conclude that Balz teaches forming a four-
sided first opening (30b, 30 c, 30d) in a disk of material 12, the four-sided first opening
having at least one flexible side for elastically holding a workpiece (Figure 4 shows four
flexible sides, Figure 5 shows three flexible sides and Figure 6 shows two flexible sides);
and forming a second opening distinct from the first opening adjacent each flexible side for
allowing each flexible side to flex, wherein the second opening may be either a circle (24 in
Figures, 4, 5 and 6) or a slot/oval (Figure 7H). However, the slot/oval opening has a length
substantially less than the length of the flexible side.
After the scope and content of the prior art are determined, the differences between
the prior art and the claims at issue are to be ascertained. Graham v. John Deere Co.,
383 U.S. 1, 17-18, 148 USPQ 459, 467 (1966).
Based on our analysis and review of the Admitted Prior Art and claim 21, it is our
opinion that the differences are as follows: (1) the first opening having at least
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