Appeal No. 2002-0531 Page 6
Application No. 09/108,687
"[a]ir is known to be a good dielectric material," (Appeal Br. at 9), the appellants argue,
"[a]pplicants' specific formation of a 'first air chamber' facilitates the specific formation of
the dielectric around the connection section" (Reply Br. at 5.)
"In construing claims, the analytical focus must begin and remain centered on
the language of the claims themselves. . . ." Interactive Gift Express, Inc. v.
Compuserve, Inc., 256 F.3d 1323, 1331, 59 USPQ2d 1401, 1406 (Fed. Cir. 2001)
(citing 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶2). Here, claim 8 specifies in pertinent part that a "first air
chamber is formed within the front portion of the housing, the connection sections of the
signal and ground contacts extending through the first air chamber . . . , the first air
chamber forming a first dielectric around each connection section. . . ." The
aforementioned assertion that "[a]ir is known to be a good dielectric material," (Appeal
Br. at 9), moreover, is uncontested. Because claim 8 specifies that the connection
sections pass through the air chamber; and air is a good dielectric, i.e., a good
insulator; we conclude that one skilled in the art would understand how that the air
chamber insulates the portion of the connecting sections therein.
4. Impedance
The examiner asserts, "[a]pplicant should clarify what is intended by 'an
impedance.'" (Examiner's Answer at 4.) The appellants argue, "'[i]mpedance' is a well
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