Appeal No. 1997-2947
Application No. 08/352,079
theoretical air-fuel ratio.”3 (Claims 1 and 12). The specific meaning of the language used to
define catalyst A is not readily apparent from the literal language of independent claims 1 and 12.
Accordingly, the language of these independent claims invites a review of the specification in
order to enlighten us as to the proper meaning of their claim terms.
The Claim Construction for Catalyst A
Appellants’ claim a catalyst for the purification of exhaust gases having a catalyst A.
Catalyst A is defined by claims 1 and 12 as having a three-way catalyst “for purifying
hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide.” The literal interpretation of this language
is absurd. Literally, the language would require that the catalyst A “purifies” the hydrocarbons,
carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide into a more refined form. Such an interpretation, however,
is inconsistent with the purpose of a catalytic converter in which hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide
and nitrogen oxide pollutants are converted into innocuous compounds prior to their release into
the atmosphere. Indeed, the specification states that catalysts are widely used to purify exhaust
gases from an internal engine by oxidizing carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon and reducing
nitrogen oxide. (Specification, p. 1). Accordingly, both common sense and the specification
lead us to conclude that catalyst A converts hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide
in order to reduce pollution rather than purify them.
3We note that, at oral hearing, appellants’ representative was unable to explain the
meaning of this claim language.
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