Appeal No. 2002-1383
Application No. 08/868,972
(2) signalling services allowing each client to communicate with the
supervisor 202 to establish user-to-user connectivity (e.g., call set-up and
tear-down). For example, network clients, such as client 214, can request
the supervisor 202 to set-up and tear down virtual paths/virtual channels
over a signalling channel. The supervisor 202 ensures the proper
resources are available to support the data transfer. The supervisor then
notifies each intermediate switch to update broadcast and translation
tables in the switch to allow for proper switching of cells transmitted by the
client....
Subramanian col. 7, l. 66 - col. 8, l. 9.
Although the preferred embodiment of Subramanian implements the functions of
central supervisor in a separate device, the supervisory functions may also be
implemented in one of the switch module controllers. Col. 6, ll. 60-67; col. 14, ll. 35-39.
The network thus may logically, although not necessarily physically, be viewed as a star
network having the supervisor as the hub (Fig. 6). See col. 14, ll. 11-29.
Grouping of Claims
Appellants contend that most of the claims stand or fall independently, and that
all claims are argued separately. (Brief at 9.) We disagree that all claims are argued
separately. In our view, the relevant rule makes clear that merely repeating the
limitations of a claim is not an argument for separate patentability. We will select a
single representative claim with respect to each ground of rejection, except for the
instances in which appellants have presented separate arguments. See 37 CFR
§ 1.192(c)(7). See also In re McDaniel, 293 F.3d 1379, 1383, 63 USPQ2d 1462, 1465
(Fed. Cir. 2002) (“If the brief fails to meet either requirement [of 37 CFR § 1.192(c)(7)],
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