Appeal No. 97-0970
Application 08/307,348
were objected
to, but have been indicated to be allowable if rewritten in
independent form.
Appellant's invention relates to a reversing valve, such
as that found in a vapor compression refrigeration system
(e.g., a heat pump system). Of importance to appellant is
that the reversing valve be so constructed and arranged that
the valve member “is relieved from system fluid pressure
forcing it against its seat as it moves between alternative
flow directing positions along a path of travel by which it is
separated from its seat, thereby avoiding substantial friction
forces opposing valve member motion and enabling use of
simple, low force valve actuators” (specification, page 4,
lines 17-23). Independent claims 1, 6, 12, 15 and 17 are
representative of the subject matter on appeal and a copy of
those claims may be found in Appendix A of appellant’s brief.
The sole prior art reference of record relied upon by the
examiner in rejecting the appealed claims is:
2
Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Next
Last modified: November 3, 2007