Appeal No. 2004-1395 Page 6
Application No. 09/407,053
the elastomeric spring is so designed so that throughout its total travel from free
height, it is folding and flexing rather than compressing. The loaded area remains
essentially the same throughout its total travel. This is accomplished by
designing the pre-formed thermoplastic elastomeric spring so that the outside
diameter minus the inside diameter is less than the solid height within the side
bearing.
Magowan's invention relates to a spring for a railroad car. As shown in Figures
1-2, the spring includes a central cylindrical core A of India rubber, two surrounding
rings B of India rubber having a circular cross-section, a box D surroundings the rings B
and a follower C of corresponding configuration with the interior of the box so as to form
an opposite bearing for the spring. Magowan teaches that his spring has a high degree
of elasticity, great bearing strength and may be manufactured with great economy.
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 Carlston and claim 15, it is our opinion that
the only difference is the limitation that the toroid spring has an outside diameter minus
an inside diameter equal to or greater than a height when positioned in the bearing pad
assembly.
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