Appeal 2007-1243
Application 10/336,018
perimeter while the disk is rotated and reduce the vibration of the disk. In addition
the scope of claim 7 also includes round balls in the holder.
As discussed supra, Goodrich teaches a holder for balancing rotating masses
which includes a holder and ball shaped masses and a fluid. Fact 11. The device
balances the rotating mass by rotating the object and the balls and fluid flow to
oppose the eccentric mass and reduce vibrations of the rotating object. Fact 12. It
is readily apparent from reading the disclosure of Goodrich that the device operates
each time the rotating object is used, i.e. it does not provide a permanent balance
but rebalances with each operation of the object. Fact 16. As discussed supra,
Hung teaches a device for balancing rotating objects where in the balancing
procedure permanently balances the rotating object by adding or removing mass in
a permanent manner, i.e. placing UV glue in a location to oppose the eccentric
mass and curing it. We consider that one skilled in the art viewing Goodrich and
Hung would recognize that Hung’s teaching of curing UV glue, and to Goodrich’s
system of rotating a holder with balls and fluid to counter act vibration could be
combined to allow Goodrich’s device to permanently balance the rotating object.
Goodrich states that the purpose of the fluid (lubricant) in the holder with the balls
is to dampen the movement of the balls. Hung’s UV glue would provide this
function during initial operation and then by curing, adhere the balls in the
appropriate location to counteract the rotating object’s eccentric mass permanently.
Thus, we find ample evidence to support the Examiner’s rejection based upon
Hung and Goodrich. Further, applying this rationale we now reject Appellant’s
independent claims 1, 7, and 19 under 35 U.S.C. § 103(a). We leave it to the
Examiner and the Appellant to determine if the claims dependent upon
independent claims 1, 7 and 19 are similarly obvious.
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