Appeal No. 1997-4397
Application 08/395,698
The real question is whether Sorensen teaches or suggests
a swivel joint that permits continuous monitoring while the
drill is rotating. The Examiner finds that "Sorensen also
either inherently uses or at least suggests the use of a
swivel connection" (EA5). The Examiner relies on column 7,
lines 20+, for the suggestion that the device extracts samples
while the drill bit is rotating and sends them to the
instrument and control unit while the drill bit is rotating.
Column 7, lines 18-23, state: "When the pressure in air line
31 is relieved, a new pore gas/liquid sample penetrates into
the sample chamber 18 and its extension 20, following which
the working cycle described above is repeated, and, as will be
appreciated, this may take place at short intervals and
without interrupting the drilling process . . . ." The
Examiner also states (FR5-6) that Sorensen strongly suggests a
swivel connection at column 6, lines 17-19 and 61-65.
Column 6, lines 17-21, discloses: "The sample chamber
extension 20 is connected with the surface of the ground via
an air line 31 and a liquid line 32, respectively, which are
connected via the water/air sluice 7 and the pipe or hose
connections 10 with the instrument and control unit 9."
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