Appeal No. 2003-1836 Page 9
Application No.10/085,590
For its part, Millet explains that "[s]croll type machines are becoming more and
more popular for use as compressors in . . . refrigeration . . . due primarily to their
capability of extremely efficient operation." Col. 1, ll. 13-16. The appellants concur,
admitting, "[i]t is true that scroll compressors are efficient." (Reply Br. at 2.) Because
Persem allows modifications to its refrigeration compressor system; and Millet discloses
that scroll compressors offer extremely efficient operation for refrigeration; we are
persuaded that the references would have suggested using a scroll compressor in the
refrigeration compressor system.
Regardless of the motivation to combine teachings from Persem and Millet, the
latter reference itself would have suggested the claimed invention. More specifically,
Millet discloses a "compressor protection and control subsystem . . . in association with
a hermetic scroll compressor. . . . Compressor 10 comprises a generally cylindrical
hermetic shell 12. . . ." Col. 3, ll. 36-42. An "[e]lectrical case 84 is mounted to shell 12.
. . . Compressor protection and control subsystem 86 is mounted within electrical
case 84. . . ." Col. 4, ll. 56-59." The subsystem incorporates . . . a serial peripheral
interface," abs., ll. 17-18, "to allow communications between a microcontroller and
integrated circuits on a board providing expanded peripheral functions." Col. 7, ll. 62-
64.
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