Appeal No. 2003-0292 Page 8
Application No. 09/584,032
Lienert
Lienert's invention relates to an improved shot peening machine and more
particularly to such a shot peening machine in which there is provided a minimum
number of components within a critical blast region thereof which components are
subjected to wear and must be periodically replaced. As seen in Figures 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B
and 3, the shot peening machine 10 includes a blast cabinet 12, the top of which
supports a pair of blast wheels 14. The blast wheels 14 are capable of directing a
plurality of shot generally downwardly under sufficient force for cold working work
pieces such as springs 16.
Ascertainment of differences
After the scope and content of the prior art are determined, the differences
between the prior art and the claims at issue are to be ascertained. Graham v. John
Deere Co., 383 U.S. 1, 17-18, 148 USPQ 459, 467 (1966).
Based on our analysis and review of Louis and the claims under appeal, it is our
opinion that the differences include (1) providing a component in a shot peening
chamber; (2) providing shot peening particles having an outer surface including a
sacrificial metal coating selected to provide sacrificial metal corrosion resistance to the
Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Next
Last modified: November 3, 2007