Appeal No. 96-2623
Application No. 08/240,095
pin 90. Thus, the fit of the upper end of the pin 90 in the12
bottom bored hole 88 of the pressure head 50 (i.e., lower platen)
allows for a slight amount of play whereby the pressure head
virtually floats on the pin 90. Accordingly, it is our opinion
that Stiff's structure (i.e., enlarged hole 88 surrounding pin
90) for performing the function recited by the self-alignment
means is the same as the appellants' disclosed structure.
In light of the foregoing, we believe that the teachings of
the applied prior art are sufficient to establish a prima facie
case of obviousness with respect to claim 4.
With respect to dependent claim 5, the appellants argue that
the recited vertical adjusting screw for raising and lowering the
lower platen is not taught by Stiff. We agree.
The examiner did not find this argument persuasive "since
Stiff discloses an adjustment screw 112 to vertically adjust the
upper platen." However, as disclosed in Stiff, the set screw13
12See column 4, lines 25-29, of Stiff.
13The examiner cites to column 5, lines 7-9, of Stiff for
support.
14
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