Appeal 2006-2530
Application 10/610,143
FINDINGS OF FACT
Appellants invented a differential carrier housing having a hollow rib
extending from a forward end located on the body rearward of the input
shaft bearing to a rear end located at the flange (Specification paragraph 6;
Fig. 4, element 64).
The use and location of the rib provides increased strength to the body
of the differential carrier housing, especially along the load path created
during operation of the axle assembly (Specification paragraph 7).
The rib is hollow in order to reduce the weight of the carrier housing
compared to conventional housings configured with solid ribs (Specification
paragraph 7).
Rejection under 35 U.S.C. § 102(b)
Christie discloses a differential carrier housing having a hollow rib
(Fig. 2, where reference 67 resides) and meeting all the limitations of claim
1. The hollow rib shows a first thickness at the forward and rear ends, and a
varying thickness in the middle of the rib (Fig. 2).
Christie discloses the hollow rib (located above numerals 67 and 62 in
Fig. 2) is aligned (parallel) with a bearing support 45 for the output shaft 35.
Rejection under 35 U.S.C. § 103(a)
Christie discloses a structure (Fig. 1, above label 10) on a differential
carrier housing meeting all the limitations of claim 1 except for the structure
as a hollow rib extending from a forward end to a rear end of the housing
body.
Keller teaches an automobile body casing with hollow ribs 16. Keller
describes using hollow ribs made of injected thermoplastic resin on the body
5
Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Next
Last modified: September 9, 2013