Appeal No. 2005-2489
Application No. 09/949,736
The stage 2 is an X, Y positioning table . . . .
Such X, Y positioning tables are well known in the art.
With respect to the phrase “means for relatively moving the
integrated circuit with respect to the laser beam” recited in
claim 19, we treat it as a means-plus-function limitation
pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6. Accordingly, we
consult the specification to determine the scope of such a means-
plus-function limitation. As is apparent from dependent claims
20 through 22, the means-plus-function limitation recited in
claim 19 is broad enough to encompass those corresponding to the
means-plus-function limitations recited in claims 20 through 22.
We observe that the specification does not explicitly link
the means-plus-function element recited in claim 19 to any
specific structure. Rather, the specification states (page 3,
lines 23-26, page 4, lines 6-11 and page 5, lines 8-10) that:
The stage 2 is an X, Y positioning table...Such X, Y
positioning tables are well known in the art. They may
be operated using piezoelectric operators, linear
magnetic motors, or lead screws . . . .
. . . .
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