US Code as of: 01/26/98
Sec. 112. Specification
The specification shall contain a written description of the
invention, and of the manner and process of making and using it, in
such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as to enable any person
skilled in the art to which it pertains, or with which it is most
nearly connected, to make and use the same, and shall set forth the
best mode contemplated by the inventor of carrying out his
invention.
The specification shall conclude with one or more claims
particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject
matter which the applicant regards as his invention.
A claim may be written in independent or, if the nature of the
case admits, in dependent or multiple dependent form.
Subject to the following paragraph, a claim in dependent form
shall contain a reference to a claim previously set forth and then
specify a further limitation of the subject matter claimed. A
claim in dependent form shall be construed to incorporate by
reference all the limitations of the claim to which it refers.
A claim in multiple dependent form shall contain a reference, in
the alternative only, to more than one claim previously set forth
and then specify a further limitation of the subject matter
claimed. A multiple dependent claim shall not serve as a basis for
any other multiple dependent claim. A multiple dependent claim
shall be construed to incorporate by reference all the limitations
of the particular claim in relation to which it is being
considered.
An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a
means or step for performing a specified function without the
recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and
such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure,
material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents
thereof.