Appeal 2006-1399
Application 10/666,712
Yasuda discloses a device to engage a front wheel shaft when wheel
slippage is determined (Yasuda, col. 3, lines 6-10). Wheel slippage is
determined by calculating a slippage ratio S using the equation: S=(VTFR+
VTFL-VTRR–VTRL)/2, where VTFR is the front right wheel speed, VTFL
is the front left wheel speed, VTRR is the rear right wheel speed and VTRL
is the rear right wheel speed (Yasuda, col. 3, ll. 56-64). If the slippage ratio
S is above a threshold value, STH, it is determined that there is wheel
slippage, and the front axle is engaged (Yasuda, col. 3, ll. 28-33; col. 4, ll.
19-27).
Yasuda does not include a controller that first determines whether
there is wheel slippage and if there is wheel slippage, generates a control
signal to bring the rotational speeds of a first axle output shaft and a second
axle output shaft within a common rotational speed range and engages the
second axle output shaft when the rotational speeds are within the common
rotational speed range.
ANALYSIS
In regard to issue one, it is our determination that Appellants’
Specification discloses that the front axle is engaged only during wheel
slippage. While it is true that Appellants’ Specification discloses that it may
be difficult to determine when wheel slippage ends, the Specification
nonetheless discloses that once it is determined, by whatever method, that
there is no wheel slippage, the front axle is disengaged. As such, in our
view, the subject matter recited in claims 34 and 35 is disclosed in the
Specification in a manner which complies with the first paragraph of 35
U.S.C. § 112.
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