Appeal No. 2006-2084
Reexamination Control No. 90/006,360
are selectively activated to move the tools radially into and out of engagement with
the workpiece to cut the workpiece as desired.
The tool shanks are typically made of rectangular-shaped bars which are
slidably mounted within corresponding channels formed in a tool turret. The tool
shanks are provided in the following industry-standard widths: 7 mm, 8 mm,
10 mm, 12 mm, 5/16 inch, and 1/2 inch. Most smaller automatic screw machines
can accommodate only the 7 mm and 8 mm width shanks, referred to as
"small-shank" cutting tools.
Cutting tools having a shank width of 8 mm or larger are available in several
different configurations. In one type, the carbide tool bits are brazed to the ends of
the shanks. In another, interchangeable carbide tool inserts are screwed to or
clamped to the ends of the shanks. Each type has its advantages and
disadvantages. The present invention relates to small-shank tools with
interchangeable tool inserts.
Mr. Fountaine's declaration states (¶ 4):
4. Based upon my knowledge and experience in the machine tool
industry, both large-shank and small-shank tools have been commercially
available for use on automatic lathes for about fifty (50) years. During this
time, commercially-available small-shank tools have been primarily of the
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