Appeal No. 2003-0271 Page 8
Application No. 09/592,058
Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Third Edition, (1992) defines "circuit
board" as "[a]n insulated board on which interconnected circuits and components such
as microchips are mounted or etched" and defines "circuit" as "[a] configuration of
electrically or electromagnetically connected components or devices." With these
definitions, it is our determination that the claimed second circuit board of claims 1 and
10 and the circuit board of claim 15 are readable on Weidler's dielectric member 61 on
which interconnected conductive sheets 62, 63 and capacitors 72 (which constitute
circuits) are mounted. Lastly, we agree with the examiner that Weidler's capacitive
coupling assembly 60 which blocks passage of low frequency current will inherently
provide a galvanically isolated high frequency coupling between the conductive shell 14
of the connector 10 and the conductive panel 4.
For the reasons set forth above, claims 1, 10 and 15 are anticipated by Weidler.
Accordingly, the decision of the examiner to reject independent claims 1, 10 and 15
under 35 U.S.C. § 102(e) is affirmed. The appellants have grouped claims 1 to 20 as
standing or falling together.2 Thereby, in accordance with 37 CFR § 1.192(c)(7), claims
2, 4 to 7, 9, 12 to 14, 16 to 18 and 20 fall with claims 1, 10 and 15. Thus, it follows that
the decision of the examiner to reject claims 2, 4 to 7, 9, 12 to 14, 16 to 18 and 20 under
35 U.S.C. § 102(e) is also affirmed.
2 See page 4 of the appellants' brief.
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