Appeal No. 1997-0061
Application 08/246,140
shape factor equation ignores the specific shape of the
spring. For example the length of the spring welded to the
spring holder 6 in figure 1 makes a difference in the amount
of deformation; a spring in which 1/3 of the length is
welded to the spring holder will deform more at the free end
(where H is measured) than a spring in which 1/2 of the
length is welded to the spring holder. Yet the equation for
K makes both springs equal if they have the same length.
Nevertheless, since the claims do not recite advantages
linked to the shape factor, we view the claims as merely
reciting a spring satisfying a particular relationship.
Obviousness
Due to a mathematical error, the Examiner has failed to
show that the spring in Shrader inherently has a shape
3 3
factor K in the claimed range from 10 mm /kg to 100 mm /kg.
The equation for K is as follows:3
K = t · B · H/W/L2
3 2
The equation in Appellants' figure 5 should have B
instead of B.
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