Appeal No. 2004-0546
Application No. 09411793
valve shaft axis between a range of open positions and a
closed position;
B. a motive source configured to generate a valve input
signal as a function of an applied control signal,
wherein said control signal is representative of a
selected throughput T of fluid flow through said
passageway;
C. a linearizing mechanism having:
1) a rack coupled to said motive source and
configured to experience a linear displacement in
response to said valve input signal;
2) a valve shaft interface in operative communication
with said rack, wherein said linear displacement
of said rack effects a rotation of said valve
shaft to position said valve member as a function
of said valve input signal such that the through-
put of fluid flow through said passageway is, for
at least a portion of said open positions, a
linear function of said selected throughput T; and
D. a valve member position sensor configured to sense said
linear displacement of said rack and, in response
thereto, to determine and generate an output signal
representative of the valve member position.
The examiner relies upon the following references as
evidence of obviousness:
Ewing et al. (Ewing) 4,327,894 May 4, 1982
Kawai 4,926,903 May 22, 1990
Appellants' claimed invention is directed to a fluid flow
control valve comprising a rotatable valve member having a shaft
in operative communication with a rack coupled to a motive source.
Linear displacement of the rack effects rotation of the valve
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