Appeal No. 2006-1203
Application No. 10/370,976
The claims merely require different frequency bands without
specifying their relational separation or the overall operating
band of the antenna.
We also find that Tran’s description of the dual strip
antenna as not suited for a dual-band antenna (col. 12, lines 20-
22) does not negate the fact that the strips have different
frequency bands. As identified by the Examiner (answer, pages 8
& 11), Tran specifically discloses that if the offset amount is
as large as the center frequency itself, the disclosed antenna
will not operate as intended, which is in a single frequency
band. What Tran is referring to as “not intended for use as a
dual-band antenna” is actually the range of the operating
frequency of the two strips and their separation which was
earlier defined as offset from a center frequency ƒ0 by a small
amount (±Δƒ). Apparently, Tran recognizes that a dual-band
antenna is characterized by a larger frequency offset close to ƒ0
and by each strip acting as an independent antenna, which are
also absent in the claims.
With respect to the signal feed and the ground connection to
the strips, we also agree with the Examiner that Tran clearly
shows the claimed connections. As argued by the Examiner
6
Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Next
Last modified: November 3, 2007