Definite?

Question 1

“About”

Area of the lower end of a mold as between 25 to about 45% of the mold entrance

Answer 1

DEFINITE

Held clear, but flexible

Question 2

“essentially”

“a silicon dioxide source that is essentially free of alkali metal”

Answer 2

DEFINITE

because spec contained guidelines & examples considered sufficient to enable OS to draw a line bet. unavoidable impurities in SM and essential ingredients

Question 3

“substantially”

Used in conjunction w/ another term to describe a particular characteristic of the claimed invention.

Answer 3

DEFINITE

Broad term

Question 4

“similar”

In preamble of claim directed to a nozzle “for high-pressure cleaning units or similar apparatus”

Answer 4

INDEFINITE

Indefinite- not clear what applicant intended to cover

Question 5

“type”

(e.g., “Friedel-Crafts type catalyst”)

Answer 5

INDEFINITE

addition of the word “type” to an otherwise definite expression (e.g., “Friedel-Crafts catalyst”) is indefinite because it extends the scope of the expression so as to render it indefinite

Question 6

“relatively”

“relatively shallow”

Answer 6

INDEFINITE

Indefinite because spec lacked some standard for measuring the degree intended

Question 7

“of the order of”

“the order of about 5mm”

Answer 7

INDEFINITE

Indefinite because spec lacked some standard for measuring the degree intended

Question 8

“substantial portion”

Answer 8

INDEFINITE

Indefinite because spec lacked some standard for measuring the degree intended

Question 9

“a temperature of between 45 and 78 degrees Celsius, preferably between 50 and 60 degrees Celsius”

Answer 9

INDEFINITE

Narrow and Broader ranges in the SAME claim

Question 10

“R is halogen, for example, chlorine”

Answer 10

INDEFINITE

Held Indefinite (intended scope of claim was unclear)

Question 11

“material such as rock wool or asbestos”

Answer 11

INDEFINITE

Held Indefinite (intended scope of claim was unclear)

Question 12

“lighter hydrocarbons, such, for example, as the vapors or gas produced”

Answer 12

INDEFINITE

Held Indefinite (intended scope of claim was unclear)

Question 13

“normal operating conditions such as while in the container of a proportioner.“

Answer 13

INDEFINITE

Held Indefinite (intended scope of claim was unclear)

Question 14

“a predetermined quantity, for
example, the maximum capacity.”

Answer 14

INDEFINITE

Question 15

“The product produced by the method of claim 1“

Answer 15

DEFINITE

OK to Reference to Limitations in another Claim

Question 16

“wherein R is a material selected from the group consisting of A, B, C and D”

Answer 16

DEFINITE

Question 17

“wherein R is A, B, C or D”

Answer 17

DEFINITE

Question 18

“made entirely or in part of“

Answer 18

DEFINITE

Question 19

“at least one piece”

Answer 19

DEFINITE

Question 20

“iron, steel or any other magnetic material.“

Answer 20

DEFINITE

Question 21

“Optionally”

“containing A, B, and optionally C”

Answer 21

DEFINITE

Question 22

“Optionally”

Answer 22

DEFINITE

But, requires some analysis before concluding definite or not
- If list of potential alternatives can vary»ambiguity»indefinite

Question 23

“A process for using monoclonal antibodies of claim 4 to isolate and purify human fibroblast interferon”

Answer 23

INDEFINITE

Attempt to claim a process without setting forth any steps involved in the process&raquo_space; generally indefinite

merely recites a use without any active, positive steps delimiting how this use is actually practiced.

Question 24

“A device substantially as shown and described”

Answer 24

INDEFINITE

without specifics&raquo_space; held indefinite
Fails to point our what is included or excluded by claim language

Question 25

“normal operating conditions such as while in the container of a proportioner”

Answer 25

INDEFINITE

Held Indefinite (intended scope of claim was unclear)

Question 26

“coke, brick, or like material”

Answer 26

NDEFINITE

Held Indefinite (intended scope of claim was unclear)