Appeal 2006-3206
Application 09/550,276
a movement means for moving said transparent cylinder and said light
source and detector in a longitudinal axis relative to one another.
10. A spin cytometer apparatus comprising:
a rotating means for rotating a transparent cylinder about a
longitudinal axis of the transparent cylinder;
a light source for illuminating at least a portion of the transparent
cylinder while the transparent cylinder is being rotated by the rotating
means;
a detector means for detecting a light signal generated by the light
source and reflected from the transparent cylinder while the transparent
cylinder is being rotated by the rotating means;
determining means for determining at least one cytometric
characteristic of a sample disposed in said transparent cylinder based on
said detected light signal; and
a movement means for moving the transparent cylinder and the light
source and detector means in relative motion.
11. The spin cytometer of claim 10, wherein the rotating means is
adapted to sequentially rotate a transparent cylinder in two (2) directions.
21. The spin cytometer of claim 10, wherein the rotating means
comprises a stepper motor.
24. The spin cytometer of claim 10, wherein the detector means
further comprises an analog to digital converter.
It is readily apparent that all of the appealed claims include in
substantial part elements that are stated in terms of “means,” “means
comprises,” “means further comprises,” and “means . . . adapted” coupled
with a recitation of the function to be performed by such “means.” The
resolution of the principal issues in the grounds of rejection under 35 U.S.C.
§§ 102(b) and 103(a) advanced on appeal requires that the subject claim
language must first be interpreted by giving the claim terms their broadest
reasonable interpretation consistent with the written description provided in
appellants’ specification as it would be interpreted by one of ordinary skill in
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