Appeal No. 2002-2336
Application 09/081,765
system. While conceding that Franke also discloses an
interconnection between metal flange components (7,8) defining a
thin, pressure-resistant shaft passage (10) which is configured
to withstand mechanical stresses while minimizing thermal
conduction (col. 3, lines 4-11), appellants contend that there is
no basis to conclude that element (10) transmits a flux of force
between the hot and cool parts (brief, page 8). We do not agree.
While there is no doubt that the majority of the forces
transmitted between the hot pump section (1, 7) and cool motor
section (2, 8) of the machinery unit seen in Figure 1 of Franke
are intended to be transferred through the ceramic element (5),
we share the examiner’s view that the welded interconnection of
metal flange components (7, 8) at the shaft passage (10) provides
a force-transmitting metal element for producing a flux of force
between the hot and cool parts of the machinery unit therein.
Franke (col. 3, lines 4-11) describes the flange components (7,
8) of the machinery unit as being in heat-conducting contact in
the area of the shaft (9) where they form a thin, pressure-
resistant shaft passage (10), and also indicates that the shaft
passage (10) is “configured so as to withstand mechanical stress,
while minimizing thermal conduction.”
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