Appeal No. 2003-1883
Application No. 08/953,488 Page 9
(col. 28, lines 29-43) we note that Mandel additionally discloses
(col. 9, lines 42-57) that:
As is also taught in the above-cited ‘mailbox’ patents, another
desirable optional ‘mailbox’ feature is a variable and virtual
bin system, in which the software in a programmed computer or
controller controlling the mailbox sheet distributor puts the
print job output of user (or users) A into an electronically
assigned bin X which is determined to be then available from a
bin availability system and/or sensor. Then, if a subsequent set
or job for user A will also fit into bin X, it is also put into
bin X. If not, then the subsequent set or job for user A is
automatically put into an assigned ‘overflow’ bin Y, etc. I.e.,
for each user, the number of assigned bins is automatically
increased to meet the users need. Adjacent mailbox bins may be
selected and used for the job overflow, if available, or a larger
capacity overflow tray, as is known for sorters. Plural mailbox
units may also be serially ganged.
We find from the disclosure of Mandel that if an assigned
bin does not have room to accept a print job, the print job is
automatically reassigned to an overflow bin, or to an alternate
output area, such as the overflow tray, or another unassigned
bin, or the printer's output tray. From the disclosure of
reassigning the print job to an alternate bin if the assigned bin
does not have room for the print job, we find that the system of
Mandel sets a priority for which bin the print job will be sent
to if the assigned bin is full.
From all of the above, we find that the disclosure of Mandel
provides a prima facie case of anticipation of claim 27, which
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