Appeal No. 2002-0500 Page 13
Application No. 09/258,320
plan view illustrating a bearing holder of the brushless motor," col. 2, ll. 6-7, shows the
outer space as element 36. Because the outer space 36 stretches from one supporting
portion 26a to another supporting portion 26a, fig. 2, we find that the outer space is long
in that direction. Because the width of the outer space 36 between the inner wall of the
bearing holder 12 and the outer wall of the outer cylindrical layer 34a is small, we find
that the space is narrow in that direction. Therefore, we find that the reference's outer
space 36 is a long, narrow furrow or channel, i.e., a groove.
Second, the examiner finds, "Takahashi teaches a rib 58 having a smaller
diameter than the frame housing is formed around the mounting section of the rotor."
(Supp. Examiner's Answer at 5.) The appellants argue, "the rib does not block oil that
is splashed from the space between the shaft and the sleeve, because this is already
done by the oil seal 45." (Appeal Br. at 9.) The examiner further finds, "[i]t is inherent
that the rib 58 helps to block oil from splashing out from the gap between the shaft and
the sleeve." (Supp. Examiner's Answer at 5.)
"In construing claims, the analytical focus must begin and remain centered on
the language of the claims themselves. . . ." Interactive Gift Express, Inc. v.
Compuserve, Inc., 256 F.3d 1323, 1331, 59 USPQ2d 1401, 1406 (Fed. Cir. 2001)
(citing 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶2). "Moreover, limitations are not to be read into the claims
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