Appeal No. 1999-2444
Application 08/842,088
filter 74, an oil passage 75 in the split crankcase and oil
paths 76 extending from the oil passage for supplying oil to
the crankshaft bearings. Of concern to Tsunoda is the fact
that the bearing sections 28a extending from the cylinder
block are thicker than the adjacent cylinder walls 79 in the
block. This results in the formation of steps or shoulders
a (see Figure 2) which prevent proper drainage of the oil
(see column 1, lines 29 through 34; and column 8, lines 36
through 46).
To solve this problem, Tsunoda provides oil drainage holes
80 in the cylinder wall portions 79 adjacent the steps.
Tsunoda arguably would have suggested providing oil
drainage holes or passages in the crankshaft bearing
components extending from Fukuoka’s cylinder block, which
components correspond to the first crankshaft supporting
member recited in claim 16. There is nothing in Tsunoda,
however, which would have suggested providing such oil
drainage holes or passages in the crankshaft bearing
components extending from Fukuoka’s crankcase member 32,
which components correspond to the second crankshaft
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