Appeal 2006-3236
Inter Partes Reexamination Control No. 95/000,006
possible for Brahmbhatt's surface 68 to have first and second wall surfaces
defined by the angle between the surface 68 and the horizontal base 20.
(2)
There is no dispute that the ridge 69.1 in Brahmbhatt, which may be
slightly rounded (col. 5, ll. 39-40), corresponds to the claimed "first wall
surface" because clearly it is inclined at an angle and supports an edge of the
component 12. The most reasonable interpretation is that the first wall
surface (ridge 69.1) extends the vertical length of the ridge 69.1, so the
upper and lower edges of the first wall surface are defined by physical
interruptions at the top and bottom of the ridge 69.1. The ridge 69.1 has one
angle with respect to the horizontal. The edge between the first wall surface
and the rest of surface 68 is just to the side of the ridge 69.1 where the
ridge 69.1 ceases to perform the support function.
The Examiner finds that the upper portion of the surface 68 near the
vertical surface portion 70 corresponds to the "second wall surface." It is
not clear where the edge of the second wall surface on surface 68 is located,
because it is not clear where the portion of surface 68 would cease to
perform the function of limiting horizontal movement (if, in fact, it performs
this function). Since the "angle between the inner surface 68 and the base 20
progressively increases to substantially perpendicular as the junction 66 is
approached" (Brahmbhatt, col. 5, ll. 46-48), a logical location for the edge is
along the vertical line where the surface 70 meets the rest of surface 68. The
vertical portion 70 of the surface 68 meets the limitation that "said second
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