Appeal No. 2003-1279
Application 09/455,621
2. Claim 5 stands rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103 as
unpatentable over Knight.
We reverse.
DISCUSSION
The present invention is directed to a fiber optic
connector module. A typical fiber optic connector includes a
ferrule for mounting and centering an optical fiber or fibers
within the connector. Specification, page 1, lines 9-10. The
ferrule is embraced by a ferrule holder or other housing
component, a spring being disposed within the housing or ferrule
holder to forwardly bias the ferrule for engagement with another
fiber-mounting ferrule of a mating connecting device. Id. at
lines 11-15. According to appellants, the claimed fiber optic
connector module has significant advantages in assembly over
conventional fiber optic connector assemblies. These advantages
are achieved, in part, by fixing the ends of the spring to the
pusher member and pin keeper such that the module is held
together as a self-contained unit. See Appeal Brief, page 5,
third paragraph, and Specification, page 2, lines 14-16.
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