Appeal 2006-2838
Application 10/257,576
10 were to bulge towards the nut, then the teeth 13 on the washer would not
properly engage the teeth 14 on the nut.
Claims 63 and 64 recite a tool that can engage a plurality of spring action
joints according to claims 39 and 41, respectively, so that the plurality of spring
action joints can be torqued simultaneously.
Neither claim 39 nor 41 describes a particular configuration for the outer
peripheries of the claimed threaded part or of the claimed washers.
The specification describes, “The fasteners are depicted with double-hex
configuration on their periphery 213, 493, although hexagonal and other tool
engaging shapes are equally possible” (Specification, as amended, p. 22).
Junkers discloses a tool 7 that simultaneously provides torque to a plurality
of joints 4, 6 (Junkers, Figure 5 and col. 3, ll. 3-10).
The joints of Junkers include gears 6 and the tool 7 has a plurality of teeth 8
corresponding to the teeth of the gears 6 (Junkers, col. 2, ll. 42-43).
The tool disclosed in Junkers is capable of engaging a plurality of spring
action joints, such as those recited in claims 39 and 41.
PRINCIPLES OF LAW
“A claim is anticipated only if each and every element as set forth in the
claim is found, either expressly or inherently described, in a single prior art
reference.” Verdegaal Bros. v. Union Oil Co. of California, 814 F.2d 628, 631, 2
USPQ2d 1051, 1053 (Fed. Cir. 1987), cert. denied, 484 U.S. 827 (1987).
6
Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Next
Last modified: September 9, 2013