FWIW, here are my comments on the recert'd '336 patent. First, some caveats. As stated before, I am a systems-level designer, not a chip-level designer. As such I understand what a microchip does, and why, but I do not have extensive knowledge of chip-level architecture. Also, these comments are all in my opinion, so don't take it as gospel.

Claim 10: The introduction of the term "off-chip" clarifies the previous references to "external" in regard to the second clock that clocks the I/O interface. It does so in a way that results in a claim that is not narrower.

Claim 11: The introduction of the term "asynchronously" clarifies the fact that the ring oscillator operates independently of, and is different from, the second "off-chip" clock that is clocking the I/O interface. This, again, is not necessarily a narrower claim because of this, but rather clearer as to its physical characteristics and functionality.

Claim 12 reiterates Claim 2 and is nothing new.

Claim 13 is similar to Claim 6, except that the very last statement is added and changed to state that same term "asynchronously" as it relates to the operation of not only the ring oscillator and second off-chip clocks, but also to their target clocked components, meaning the CPU and the I/O interface, respectively. I believe this may broaden the claim a bit, and is a strong clarification.

Claim 14 reiterates Claim 7 and is nothing new.

Same for Claim 15 and Claim 9.

Claim 16 is an alternate version of Claim 10, and with regard to the Markman Ruling I offer the following:

1. It addresses the CPU dispute of the "b. microprocessor" disputed construction. This is in our favor and a good thing...more clear.
2. The "plurality of transistors" phrase, IMO, fails to address our view of the construction of the disputed ring oscillator.

Finally, what I find interesting in an I-don't-why way is the deletion of Claim 8 without a ready amended version. I suspect that it has to do with the apparent conflict with the term "asynchronously," but this is just a guess.

So, there you have it. It's not much, but I delivered what I said Iwould. I hope someone finds it useful.

Cheers,

DG