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-Page: Previous 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 NextLast modified: November 3, 2007