Appeal No. 2004-0441
Application 09/777,535
annular member 71 comprising primarily a porous,
sintered material 73 and a segment 75 of elastomeric
material under tension. Extending radially outwardly
from the lower portion of the annular member is an
elastomeric flange or shoulder 77. The flange is
bonded or otherwise secured to the annular member 71
and spaces the base 79 of the annular member from the
surface of the cylinder head about the valve guide bore
81. The flange functions as a seal to prevent oil from
entering the lower valve stem surface 83 except through
the porous material 73. The flange 77 may be bonded as
a separate element to the annular member 71 as stated
above or it may be integrally formed with the
elastomeric segment 75 and bonded to porous
material 73.
The examiner argues that “the flange [annular cover 67] and
seal [elastomeric flange 77] of Foley et al. are attached by an
interference fit” (answer, page 5). The examiner does not point
out any disclosure by Foley of such an interference fit, and none
is apparent. As indicated by the above-cited portion of Foley,
this reference teaches that the elastomeric flange (77) is
affixed to the annular member (71) but is merely pressed against
the annular cover (67) by the valve spring (65) (figure 6).
The examiner (answer, page 5) and the appellants (brief,
page 8) agree that the ordinary meaning of “affix”, as indicated
by the dictionary definition appended to the appellants’ brief,
is “to attach in any way”. “Attach” means “[t]o fasten on or
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Last modified: November 3, 2007