Appeal No. 2002-1603
Application 09/320,853
While we would agree with appellants that Otsuka does not
expressly describe in words the structure of a roller (5) having
an annular radial projection on a cylindrical inner
circumferential surface of the roller at each axial end thereof
and that Otsuka does not expressly disclose that the annular
projections of the roller and a series of rolling elements being
retained along a groove in the central section of the inner
circumferential surface of the roller form an independent
assembly that prevents the rolling elements from dispersing prior
to mounting the assembly on a trunnion, we nonetheless agree with
the examiner that one of ordinary skill in the art would have
readily perceived from the drawings of Otsuka (Figs. 3-5) and the
description (taken in context) that each of the rollers (5) of
the tripod constant velocity joint in Otsuka includes the
features set forth in appellants claim 1 on appeal, particularly,
annular radial projections on the cylindrical inner
circumferential surface of the roller at each axial end thereof
and a groove therebetween for accommodating the rolling elements
(8).
5
Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Next
Last modified: November 3, 2007