Appeal 2007-2419
Application 10/681,413
1 diameter pulleys 10, 11 becomes greater, providing a large slip torque M.”
2 (Masahiko ¶ 12).
3 Hofmann
4 20. The Examiner found that Hofmann describes a belt drive
5 mechanism with a belt guide (Figures 6-7, tension roll 55) for controlling
6 slack and tension in the belt 72. (Final rejection 3 and Answer 4).
7 21. The Examiner further found that the belt guide 55 contacts the
8 portion of the belt 72 as it travels from the pulley with the large diameter
9 (analogous to the supply reel) toward the pulley with the small diameter
10 (analogous to the take up reel). (Id.).
11 22. The Examiner found that it would have been obvious to locate the
12 belt guide along the belt as it travels from the supply reel to the take-up reel,
13 since Hofmann shows the arrangement to be functionally equivalent to the
14 placement of the Masahiko belt guide. (Id.).
15 Applicants’ arguments
16 23. Applicants agree with the Examiner’s findings with respect to
17 Stevens (Appeal Br. 7).
18 24. Applicants’ argue that the Masahiko torque varying mechanism 14
19 is mounted on a rotatable plate for adjustment of slip torque and that:
20 If the torque varying mechanism were instead placed on the side
21 of the belt that moves from the supply reel to the take-up reel,
22 part of its range of motion would be utilized merely in taking up
23 the slack created when the transfer tool is operated. In that
24 position, the torque varying mechanism would be less effective
8
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Last modified: September 9, 2013