Appeal No. 2002-1223
Application 09/435,455
plates 16, 18 and transverse to the X-axis (e.g., see lines 39-44
in column 3). The particular direction of droplet deflection
along this “fan axis” can be changed by rotating the deflection
plates 16, 18 (e.g., see lines 26-33 in column 4). Signifi-
cantly, this reference further discloses that the “fan axis”
can be rotated continuously by rotating plates 16, 18 “while
droplets are deflected along the fan axis to deposit a pattern of
droplets” (see lines 31-34 in column 7). This disclosed embodi-
ment wherein the fan axis and plates are rotated continuously
“while droplets are deflected along the fan axis” would
necessarily result in the deflection of droplets in a plurality
of directions along this fan axis.
It follows that the independent claims on appeal do not
distinguish over Muntz even when these claims are interpreted, as
urged by the appellant, to require that the droplets be deflected
in plural directions.
In light of the foregoing, we will sustain the
examiner’s § 103 rejections of all appealed claims as being
unpatentable over Muntz or Smith.
The decision of the examiner is affirmed.
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