Appeal No. 2004-2120 4
Application No. 09/987,566
We agree with the examiner that the broadly recited function of the reference
voltage determining a voltage level of an internal voltage generated from the power supply
voltage is met by the comparison of the two voltage inputs to the comparator 37. The
result of the comparison is “internal” to the comparator, and it is a voltage value dependent
upon one of the input voltage values being treated as a “reference voltage” value in the
comparison to the power supply voltage Vcc. On the other hand, we agree with the
appellant that Bion is completely silent as to the high-gain amplifier 44 functioning to
generate a “binary” level detection signal. Bion merely teaches that the amplifier operates
as a buffer-type shaping circuit that amplifies “the current difference present in the two
arms of the differential stage [37]” (column 8, lines 41 through 44).
Thus, the anticipation rejection of claims 19 and 20 is reversed for lack of a teaching
in Bion of a “binary” signal output from the amplifier 44.
DECISION
The decision of the examiner rejecting claims 19 and 20 under 35 U.S.C. § 102(e) is
reversed.
Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Next
Last modified: November 3, 2007