an automated moveable member for manipulating objects ... in a plurality
of directions within the reactive volume wherein the manipulated objects are
sterilized
Bilstad Application 09/294,964, Paper 15, p. 13. Bilstad's dependent claims 58-61 (dependent on
57) and 63-64 (dependent on 62) do not affect the "plurality of directions" limitations.
Wakalopulos's motion addressed each ofthe portions ofthe written description which Bilstad
identified as providing support for the "plurality" limitation when the involved claims were
introduced to the prosecution before the examiner (BX 1001) and in the annotated copy of the claims
(Paper 15) submitted by Bilstad during the interference. "Paper 2 1, pp. 7-11. In Wakalopulos' view,
each of the portions identified by Bilstad, either fails to provide any details as to the nature of the
manipulation or the manipulations are unidirectional or linear rather than in aplurality of directions.
Paper 2 1, pp. 7-11.
Bilstad opposes the motion identifying specific portions of Bilstad's written description and
certain drawing figures as showing manipulation of objects in a plurality of directions. Paper 28,
pp. 8-11.
A.
The meaning ofthe word "plurality" in thephrase "amoveable member manipulating objects
in a plurality of directions" is central to resolving the written description issue.
Each party has proposed a definition for "plurality"which supports their particular view of
the issue. Wakalopulos asserls that the word means a large number. Thus, Wakalopulos asserts:
11 With respect to a party whose application contains drawing figures and/or claims including means or
step limitations, the Standing Order provides that
within twenty-eight (28) days of the date of the NOTICE DECLARING INTERFERENCE,
the party is required to file (in addition to the paper required by § 20 of this STANDING
ORDER) a separate paper containing a copy of the claims in which:
(a) following each element recited in each claim, the drawing numbers corresponding to that
element are inserted in bold in braces, e.g., I ) and
(b) following each means or step for performing a specified function are inserted in
bold in braces { ), all structure, material or acts described in the specification
corresponding to that means or step (by citation to the page(s) and line(s) of the
specification and/or figure and item number of the drawings).
Paper 2, § 21, pp. 12-13.
-22-
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