Appeal 2006-1399
Application 10/666,712
first and second axle output shafts within a common rotational speed range if
the rotational speeds of the first and second axle output shafts differ from
each other by a predetermined amount. The Appellants further contend that
Yasuda does not disclose that the controller activates the clutch mechanism
to couple the first and second axle output shafts during wheel slippage when
the rotational speeds are within the common rotational speed range.
ISSUES
The first issue in the case is whether the Appellants have shown that
the Examiner erred in determining that Appellants’ Specification does not
disclose coupling the first and second axle output shafts together only during
a wheel slippage condition.
The second issue is whether Yasuda discloses a controller that first
determines whether there is wheel slippage and if there is wheel slippage,
generates a control signal to bring the rotational speeds of a first axle output
shaft and a second axle output shaft within a common rotational speed range
and engages the second axle output shaft when the rotational speeds are
within the common rotational speed range.
FINDINGS OF FACT
Appellants invented an automatic axle traction control system. The
specification teaches that in prior art devices, automatic controlled
engagement and disengagement of the front axle is initiated independent of
ground conditions. Therefore, the engagement of the front axle may be
poorly timed to maintain the vehicle tractive effort and may lead to
unnecessary engagement of the front axle resulting in additional wear of the
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Last modified: September 9, 2013