Appeal No. 96-1651
Application 07/987,186
3) that this joining structure can be effected by brazing,
diffusion joining or welding, joining by the use of oxide,
friction welding, hot pressing, and hot isostatic pressing.
Relative to the “mechanical joining means” of paragraph
(E), we understand this recitation as denoting a joining
structure effected by mechanical interaction between the claimed
intermediate member and the socket portion of the metallic shaft.
The specification (page 3) instructs us that this joining
structure can be effected by press fitting, shrink fitting and
fastening with bolts or screws.
Based upon the above claim analysis, we understand
independent claim 13 (with clauses (D) and (E) therein) to be
clearly drawn to a product, i.e., a ceramic-metal composite
rotor. Claim 13, in particular, is therefore definite in meaning
under 35 U.S.C. § 112, second paragraph.7
7We simply note at this point that the language of the
dependent claims is likewise viewed as definite. For example,
the recitation that the metallurgical joining means comprises
joining by heating while interposing an intermediate layer
consisting of a sheet of Ni (claim 18) and the recitation that
mechanical joining means comprises press fitting (claim 20) are
6
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