As for my assertion that the 336 is not dependent on the 148, it was based on an engineering point of view. I have never directly dealt with the USPTO but have helped out patent attorneys at my company now and then, so if my statement that any prior art or combination of prior art has to contain all aspects of a claim to invalidate a claim is incorrect let me know.

I'm curious why it was assumed that the 336 depends on the 148. Is it mere speculation or is there some valid basis?