Appeal No. 2003-0275 Page 12
Application No. 09/550,032
rotates with respect to the inductor to slow the rotation of the wheels when the actuator
moves the first and second brake members to the actuated position.
Based on our analysis and review of Bodie and claim 15, it is our opinion that the
differences include (1) the step of providing a drive axle powered by an engine and
including an axle housing extending between a pair of wheels with a rotating member
for driving the wheels; (2) the step of generating a magnetic field between the rotating
member and the axle housing during braking to produce a retarding force to additionally
slow rotation of the wheels; and (3) storing energy generated by that magnetic field in
an accumulator.
Based on our analysis and review of Boberg and claim 20, it is our opinion that
the differences include (1) a retarding system having an actuated position and an
unactuated position, the retarding system including at least one magnet mounted for
rotation with at least one of the driveshaft or axle shaft and an inductor held fixed
independently from the magnet wherein the retarding system selectively produces a
retarding force as the magnet rotates with respect to the inductor to slow the rotation of
the driveshaft or axle shaft when the retarding system is in the actuated position; and
(2) a controller for moving the retarding system between the actuated and unactuated
positions.
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