Appeal 2007-1552
Application 09/852,123
T1-T3 are short-circuited with one another and are coupled, via a track resistor RB
to the reference voltage VSS and thus the emitter connections E.”
10. Furthermore, the Specification discloses that the “track resistor is
created by a deep implantation region or diffusion region inserted in the
semiconductor body” using, for example, a “conventional trench etching process
and filling [it] up with doped or undoped polysilicon or with a dielectric”
(Specification 4:10-11 and 5:8-10) (emphasis added).
11. The Specification further states, “It is contemplated that the well-
shaped regions may not be doped, or may include a dielectric” (Specification
5:3-4) (emphasis added).
12. Accordingly, we find, sua sponte, that the Specification supports a
broad interpretation of the term “track resistor.” More specifically, we find that the
track resistor is a region within the semiconductor body (i.e., substrate) which is
either (1) doped, (2) undoped, or (3) a dielectric.
13. If the region is undoped, it is the parasitic resistance of the substrate
which acts as the track resistor.
PRINCIPLES OF LAW
“A claim is anticipated only if each and every element as set forth in the
claim is found, either expressly or inherently described, in a single prior art
reference.” Verdegaal Bros. v. Union Oil Co. of California, 814 F.2d 628, 631,
2 USPQ2d 1051, 1053 (Fed. Cir. 1987).
“To establish inherency, the extrinsic evidence must make clear that the
missing descriptive matter is necessarily present in the thing described in the
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