Appeal No. 2007-0067
Application No. 10/202,097
The second issue is whether the combination of Kawabe and
Kawasaki teach the claim limitations directed to ending the reference
position learning if the temporary target position is not reached in a set time
period?
Findings of Fact.
Kawabe teaches a control system for controlling an electromagnetic
valve in an automotive engine. See abstract and column 1 lines 9-10. The
valve contains two electromagnets, one to open and one to close. See
column 2 lines 59-61. The control system makes use of a position sensor
and a speed sensor which measure the position and speed of the valve. See
column 3, lines 10-13. As the valve is transitioning from open to closed, or
vice-versa, the valve is allowed to operate uncontrolled, free movement,
from it starting position to a position X1. Starting at position X1 the speed
of the valve is controlled to match a set speed profile until a second position
X2 (which corresponds to fully or nearly fully closed/open). See figure 3
and column 4 lines 42-66. These positions are preset positions. X1 is
determined based on a minimum gap that can bring about an effectiveness of
the electromagnetic force; however we find no discussion of the process
used to make this determination. See column 6, lines 1 through 5. The
value X2 is selected to be zero or merely zero, which corresponds to the
valve being almost fully closed/open. The system controls the valve so that
the speed at position X2 is zero. See column 6, lines 14 through 29.
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