Appeal No. 2004-0441
Application 09/777,535
OPINION
We reverse the aforementioned rejections.
Binford discloses a valve stem seal comprising 1) a
cylindrical retainer (12, 14) which has an axis and a radially
oriented annular end wall integral therewith which defines an
upper extremity of the retainer orthogonal to the axis
(figure 2), and 2) an annular elastomeric valve stem seal (20)
adapted for sealingly engaging a reciprocally movable valve
stem (18) (col. 2, lines 29-31). The valve stem seal has a
circumferential exterior groove (25) disposed for engaging the
annular end wall whereby the seal is fixed to the cylindrical
retainer (col. 2, lines 45-47; col. 3, lines 1-7; figure 2). The
cylindrical retainer comprises an outwardly extending radial
flange-shaped coil spring seat (26) defining its lower extremity
(figure 2). Binford does not disclose an elastomeric sealing
media, or any other seal, affixed to the bottom surface of the
outwardly extending radial flange-shaped coil spring seat.
The relevant disclosure by Foley is the following (col. 2,
line 61 - col. 3, line 11):
The valve spring or an auxiliary spring 65 presses
against an annular cover 67 which is positioned over
and about a portion of the valve stem seal and
lubricator assembly 69. The assembly includes an
3
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