Appeal No. 97-1070
Application 08/100,418
and third, that the measurement made during engine operation be used to determine compression
pressure.
The examiner relies on Buck (at columns 9 and 10) to show that crankshaft acceleration is
measured. Our close review of the Buck reference reveals that Buck discloses two separate and
distinct embodiments. It is important to understand the relation between these two embodiments in
providing a proper 35 U.S.C. § 103 analysis as to Buck’s teachings and suggestions.
First, Buck discloses a "Compression Test" as discussed at column 9, line 35 through column
11, line 14 and shown in figures 3 and 4. Buck teaches that during the compression test, the engine "is
operating without power" and "is being cranked as with a starter or crank motor" (column 9, lines 45 to
46). This test is used to detect a low compression based on a compression index and ratio.
Second, Buck discloses a "Power Performance Test" as discussed at column 11, line 15
through column 14, line 17 and shown in figures 5, 6, and 7. Buck teaches that during the power test
the engine is running (column 11, lines 17 to 58), and that the power test detects a loss in power for an
individual cylinder based on a power index and ratio.
The examiner relies on the compression test embodiment of Buck to teach the feature of claim 1
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