Appeal 2006-2967
Application 10/832,598
microlens (65) and an optical fiber. (Page 5, par. 50). The MEMS also
includes a comb drive actuator (70) with fixed combs (75A, 75B) and
movable combs (80A, 80B). The latter combs are attached to a stage (85)
upon which the microlens (65) is mounted. Further, the suspension
members (90A, 90B) are fixedly attached to the suspended stage (85) and
the substrate (95). (Page 5, par. 51). The microlens (65) and the MEMS
actuator (70) are disposed in a fixed position in relation to the substrate (95).
(Page 6, par. 58). In response to an actuating force (e.g. application of
potential voltage to MEMS drive actuator), the movable combs (80A, 80B)
are displaced to cause the stage (85) and the suspension members (90A,
90B) to successively move. As a result, the stage movement causes the
microlens (65) to be positioned to steer the light onto a target. (Page 5, par.
54).
PRINCIPLES OF LAW
1. ANTICIPATION
It is axiomatic that anticipation of a claim under § 102 can be found
only if the prior art reference discloses every element of the claim. See In re
King, 801 F.2d 1324, 1326, 231 USPQ 136, 138 (Fed. Cir. 1986) and
Lindemann Maschinenfabrik GMBH v. American Hoist & Derrick Co., 730
F.2d 1452, 1458, 221 USPQ 481, 485 (Fed. Cir. 1984).
In rejecting claims under 35 U.S.C. § 102, a single prior art reference
that discloses, either expressly or inherently, each limitation of a claim
invalidates that claim by anticipation. Perricone v. Medicis Pharmaceutical
Corp., 432 F.3d 1368, 1375-76, 77 USPQ2d 1321, 1325-26 (Fed. Cir. 2005),
citing Minn. Mining & Mfg. Co. v. Johnson & Johnson Orthopaedics, Inc.,
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