Appeal No. 2002-0354 Page 7
Application No. 09/293,455
ll. 12-14. Although the reference does not mention that its thrust collar fits within an
enlarged portion of a central bore of bearings, we find that Dafler invites modifications
to it embodiment. Specifically, the reference asserts that "other forms may be adopted.
. . ." Col. 5, l. 74.
We further find that Wrobel recognize a problem facing bearings. Specifically,
“[i]n particular during long periods of operation, at high temperature differences and/or
higher rotational speeds, the bearings would become loose in their seats . . . and would
cause increasingly operating noises which finally would lead to the requirement that . . .
the bearing would have to be exchanged." Col. 1, ll. 15-22.
We also find that the latter reference solves the problem of loose bearings.
Specifically, Wrobel constructs a bearing so that "axial play or clearance which results
in operation is automatically compensated." Id. at ll. 45-46. Besides solving the
problem, the reference's invention offers the advantage that "preparation of the
assembly with the same is itself simple. . . ." Id. at ll. 43-44. We previously found that
Wrobel's thrust washer 43 and retaining ring 44 fit within an enlarged portion of a
central bore of bearing unit 15. Because Dafler invites modifications to it embodiment,
and Wrobel's embodiment solves the problem of loose bearings and simplifies
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