Appeal No. 2006-2084
Reexamination Control No. 90/006,360
IC should be no more than approximately 90% of the width A of the shank,
and for 7 mm shanks, the diameter of the inscribed circle IC is preferably
approximately 86% or less of the shank width, in order to ensure that the
lip 24 has sufficient thickness and structural integrity to fixedly support the
tool insert during machining operations. Accordingly, the diameter of the
inscribed circle IC is preferably within the range of approximately 5.5 mm to
6.5 mm for shanks having a width within the range of approximately 7 mm
to 8 mm.
An inscribed circle (IC) is the largest circle that can be inscribed within the
four sides of the rhomboidal-shaped insert. The IC diameter must be less than 90%
of the width of the shank and, so, must be less than 7.2 mm for an 8 mm shank.
The IC diameter is also constrained to be less than or equal to the width of the
shank minus the width of the supporting lip 24 and the lip is preferably at least
1 mm; therefore, the IC diameter must be less than or equal to 7 mm for an 8 mm
shank and a 1 mm lip. The term "Accordingly" beginning the last sentence quoted
above suggests that the "approximately . . . 6.5 mm" number is based on the 90%
and 1 mm dimensions discussed in the preceding sentences and would include
7 mm. Certainly, no reasons are provided for the use of 6.5 mm for an 8 mm shank
width. Nevertheless, 6.5 mm is less than 7 mm and we will not interpret
"approximately" 6.5 mm to read on 7 mm. Since the new ground of rejection is
based on obviousness, it is not necessary to adopt a forced claim interpretation.
- 24 -
Page: Previous 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Next
Last modified: November 3, 2007