Appeal No. 97-2148
Application 08/295,829
sections resiliently support the nib to permit it to move axially
within the holder pipe. Yokosuka discloses a liquid applying
device comprising a spring loaded actuator valve 41, and an
axially slidable liquid-applying member 3 for unseating the valve
so that liquid can flow forwardly from the reservoir 45 to the
tip of the device when it is desired to apply liquid.
In our view, the combined teachings of the applied
references would not have suggested mounting Ayme’s nib 14 for
axial movement in the auxiliary nib unit housing. The mere fact
that Fukui and Yokosuka disclose nib portions which are slidably
mounted is not sufficient in this regard. In Fukui, the purpose
for mounting the needle-like writing nib 2 for axial movement in
the holder pipe 1 is not entirely clear, although it may be
inferred that it helps to keep the holder pipe free of debris
(page 2, lines 79-81) and facilitates the smooth flow of ink
along the nib (page 2, lines 125-126). In Yokosuka, the purpose
for mounting the liquid-applying member 3 for axial movement is
to open the valve 41, which in turn causes the liquid in the
reservoir 45 to flow forwardly so that the application of liquid
can be achieved (column 2, lines 61-68). Neither of these
references, however, describe any advantage to having an axially
slidable nib that would appear to be applicable to Ayme. In the
-6-
Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Next
Last modified: November 3, 2007