The opinion in support of the decision being entered today was not written for publication and is not binding precedent of the Board.
Paper No. 21
UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
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BEFORE THE BOARD OF PATENT APPEALS
AND INTERFERENCES
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Ex parte J.P. STEINER and DANIEL J. ROCKWELL
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Appeal No. 2002-0496
Application No. 09/182,542
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ON BRIEF
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Before THOMAS, KRASS, and BARRY, Administrative Patent Judges.
BARRY, Administrative Patent Judge.
DECISION ON APPEAL
A patent examiner rejected claims 1-36. The appellants appeal therefrom under
35 U.S.C. § 134(a). We affirm-in-part.
BACKGROUND
The invention at issue on appeal locates faults in an underground residential
(power) distribution ("URD") system. A typical URD system is configured as a loop with
an open point along it. Sections of cables connect transformers that supply power to
customers. The system is fed from both ends of the loop via overhead power lines.
Because of the open point, each half of the loop is fed independently. (Spec. at 1.)
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