Appeal No. 2002-1383
Application No. 08/868,972
his own lexicographer provided the patentee’s definition, to the extent it differs from the
conventional definition, is clearly set forth in the specification.”); Johnson Worldwide
Assocs., Inc. v. Zebco Corp., 175 F.3d 985, 989, 50 USPQ2d 1607, 1610 (Fed. Cir.
1999) (there is a “heavy presumption” that claim language has its ordinary meaning).
We thus interpret the word “bunch” in accordance with its ordinary meaning: “a
number of things of the same kind <ã of grapes>,” or “a homogeneous group.” See
Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary 187 (1990). The broadest reasonable
interpretation of “virtual circuit bunch” is thus a number of virtual circuits of the same
kind, or a number of similar virtual circuits. Under this definition, a virtual path may
contain one or more of a virtual circuit bunch. A virtual circuit bunch, however, would
not necessarily be limited to a single virtual path.
Finally, we note that appellants’ specification could be construed as offering a
very broad definition for “virtual circuit bunch,” at least no narrower than that we can
infer from the art-recognized meaning of “virtual circuit” and the general dictionary
definition of “bunch.” “The Virtual Circuit Bunch, as set forth herein, enables groups of
Virtual Circuits to be established between one or more points of origin and one or more
definitions.” (Spec. at 4, ll. 9-12.)
Subramanian
Subramanian is applied against all the claims on appeal, except for claim 17.
Subramanian teaches that two primary tasks of ATM switches are (1) translation of
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