Appeal No. 2003-0396 Page 5
Application No. 09/698,570
perspective, the pneumatic couplers of the two connectors are “coupled”1 at this point
and the electrical connectors are “connected”2 at this point. In any event, to the extent
that the electrical connectors are not deemed to be “connected” until the coupling nuts
30 have been rotated, perhaps by virtue of the fact that they can be easily separated
until the teeth and slots of the coupling nuts are engaged to secure the connectors
together, the pneumatic couplers must also not be deemed to be coupled until secured
by rotation of the coupling nuts 30. Thus, in our opinion, the electrical connectors are
connected simultaneously with the coupling of the pneumatic couplers.
Appellant offered no other argument as to why the subject matter of claim 5 is
not anticipated by Gardner. Having not found appellant’s sole argument persuasive, as
discussed above, we shall sustain the examiner’s rejection of claim 5 as being
anticipated by Gardner. As appellant has not separately argued the patentability of
claim 6 apart from claim 5 from which it depends, we shall also sustain the rejection of
claim 6. See In re Young, 927 F.2d 588, 590, 18 USPQ2d 1089, 1091 (Fed. Cir. 1991);
In re Wood, 582 F.2d 638, 642, 199 USPQ 137, 140 (CCPA 1978).
Turning now to the rejection of claim 3, appellant’s argument that Gardner
“neither teaches nor suggests an electrical connection that is made as the pneumatic
connection is made, nor ‘simultaneous’ therewith, as claimed in independent claims 3
1 The term “couple” is defined as to join [to put or bring together; connect; fasten] together by
fastening or by association. Webster's New World Dictionary, Third College Edition (Simon & Schuster,
Inc. 1988).
2 The term “connect” is defined as to join or fasten; link; couple. Id.
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