Appeal No. 2005-2754
Application No. 10/391,835
LoVasco to provide a reusable alignment tool for optical components, while allowing for
a more simplified bench structure. We agree.
Appellants’ argument that the prior art does not expressly show, teach or suggest
that spacers and a removable template should be used for “optical component”
positioning on an optical bench is noted, but for the reasons set forth by the examiner
on pages 5 and 6 of the answer is not persuasive. Moreover, for the reasons set forth
in the answer on pages 6 and 7, appellants’ assertion that Silhavy does not suggest a
“removable” template is likewise not persuasive.
From our perspective the discussions in LoVasco and Silhavy concerning the
importance of controlling solder joint geometry by providing spacers and lateral
alignment fixtures during a solder reflow process and providing solder joints without
using flux
are applicable to the joining of semiconductor chips as well as optical components to
bench or package substrate structures like those acknowledged by appellants on page
1 of the specification to exist in the prior art. We do not see any reason why an
unpopulated bench precursor structure for use with semiconductor electronic chips
would necessarily be different from an unpopulated bench precursor structure used for
the structural
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