Appeal 2007-1788
Application 09/766,032
These figures illustrate the embodiment in which the spring constant
is “approximately equal” to the bobber’s buoyant force. In this embodiment,
the force required to fully compress the spring also causes complete
submersion of the bobber main body (see Fig. 13).
In my view, when claims 18 and 19 are read in light of the
Specification, they are directed to the embodiment depicted in Figures 11-
13, but do not read on the embodiment depicted in Figures 2-4. That is, I
would read the “about equal” (or “approximately” or “substantially” equal)
limitations to require an effect like that shown in Figures 11-13: the force
required to fully compress the spring also causes complete submersion of the
bobber main body.
Riead does not disclose the bobber of claims 18 and 19, properly
interpreted. Riead describes a bobber containing a lamp bulb (Riead,
Abstract). The circuit of lamp bulb 22 is closed when a resilient switch
arm 40 is moved downwardly (id. at col. 3, ll. 20-22). Closure of this switch
is resisted by spring 64 (id. at col. 3, ll. 55-58). When a fish pulls on the
14
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