Appeal No. 2002-1620 Page 7
Application No. 09/504,416
signals for the normally closed outlet valves 51, 52, 57, 58 which open the connections
69, 71 leading to the low-pressure accumulators 67, 68 so that the pressure fluid
volume discharged from the master brake cylinder 2 propagates into the low-pressure
accumulators 67, 68. The operating condition of the brake system is shown in Figure 5.
The appellants argue (brief, pp. 5-6; reply brief, pp. 1-2) that the anticipation
rejection of claim 1 is in error since Bauer does not disclose a releasable pedal system
for an automotive vehicle which includes a pressure release valve operable to release
pressurized fluid to a fluid supply reservoir so as to reduce the amount of pressurized
fluid in response to detecting a vehicle collision. Specifically, the appellants point out
that (1) the fluid supply reservoir, as described in the specification, is clearly associated
with the actuator assembly for supplying fluid thereto, and (2) Bauer fails to teach or
even suggest releasing pressurized fluid to a fluid supply reservoir for use in a pedal
system such that the fluid can be reused.
The argument presented by the appellants does not convince us that the subject
matter of claim 1 is novel. In our view, Bauer does disclose a releasable pedal system
for an automotive vehicle which includes a pressure release valve operable to release
pressurized fluid to a fluid supply reservoir so as to reduce the amount of pressurized
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