Appeal No. 2001-2134
Application No. 09/101,276
bundle of single mode fibers, the small end of which is optically
coupled to one end of a length of multimode fiber. The other end
of the multimode fiber is optically coupled with the
photosensitive surface of the photodetector.
Independent claim 1 is reproduced as follows:
An assembly including a close-packed bundle of optical
fibres having adiabatically tapered fibre cores, which fibres are
single mode at the large end of the taper, wherein the small end
of the taper is optically coupled with one end of a length of
multimode fibre the other end of which multimode fibre is
optically coupled with the photosensitive area of a
photodetector.
The examiner relies on the following references:
O’Shaughnessy et al. [O’Shaughnessy] 5,138,677 Aug. 11, 1992
Wong 5,408,556 Apr. 18, 1995
Claims 1-4 stand rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as
unpatentable over Wong in view of O’Shaughnessy.
Reference is made to the briefs and answer for the
respective positions of appellants and the examiner.
OPINION
The examiner applies Figures 5 and 11 of Wong and states
-2-
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