Bal Seal Engineering Company, Inc. v. Huang et al

Filing 84

Claim Construction ORDER for US Patents Nos. 5,082,390; 5,411,348; and 5,545,842 re 54 , 73 . Signed by Magistrate Judge Cathy Ann Bencivengo on 7/15/11.(lao)(jrd)

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

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SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

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BAL SEAL ENGINEERING COMPANY,
INC., a California corporation,

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Plaintiff,

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Civil No.

10cv819-CAB

CLAIM CONSTRUCTION ORDER FOR US
PATENTS NOS. 5,082,390; 5,411,348; AND
5,545,842

v.
JAY QIANG HUANG, an individual; and
SAINT-GOBAIN PERFORMANCE
PLASTICS CORPORATION, a California
corporation,

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Defendants.

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Before the Court are the parties' joint motions for claim construction for U.S. Patents Nos.

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5,082,390 ("the '390 Patent "); 5,411,348 ("the '348 Patent"); and 5,545,842 ("the '842 Patent").'

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Pursuant to the Patent Local Rules and this Court's scheduling order, the plaintiffBal Seal Engineering

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Co., Inc., and defendants Jay Quiang Huang and Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Corp., submitted

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opening and responsive briefs and Joint Claim Construction Charts regarding the proposed constructions

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for certain terms and phrases of these patents. The Court held a claim construction hearing on March 25,

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2011.

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The purpose of a claim construction hearing is to resolve "disputed meanings and technical

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scope, to clarifY and when necessary to explain what the patentee covered by the claims, for use in the

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determination of infringement." Us. Surgical Corp. V Ethicon, Inc., 103 F.3d 1554, 1568 {Fed. Cir.

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lAn order construing the terms at issue in U.S. Patent 5,160,122 will issue separately.
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1997). District courts are not required to construe every limitation present in the patent's asserted

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claims. 02 Micro Intern, Ltd. v. Beyond Innovation Technology Co., Ltd, 521 F.3d 1351, l362 (Fed.

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Cir. 2008). "When the parties present a fundamental dispute regarding the scope of a claim term, it is the

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court's duty to resolve it." Id

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The parties identified Claims 1,4,5,6, 7,8,9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18 ofthe '390 Patent as

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at issue in this litigation and presented certain limitations of those claims for construction. Claims 1, 2,

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9 and 10 of the '348 Patent were identified as at issue in this litigation and certain limitations ofthose

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claims were presented for construction. Claims 1,2, 10 and 11 of the '842 Patent were identified as at

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issue in this litigation and certain limitations of those claims were presented for construction.

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Having considered the submissions of the parties and the arguments of counsel, the Court
construes the limitations at issue as set forth in the attachment to this Order.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

CATHY ANN BENCIVENGO
United States Magistrate Judge

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Attachment
Claim Construction for

U.S. Patent No. 5,082,390

U.S. Patent No. 5,411,348

and

U.S. Patent No. 5,545,842

1

Claim Construction

for U.S. Patent 5,082.390

Claim 1. Locking mechanism comprising:

a garter-type canted-coil spring having elliptical coils with a coil height and a coil

wifdJth measured, respectively along a minor and a major axis ofthe elliptical coils:

a first member including means defining a first groove for retaining the spring, said
first groove having a depth less than the coil width in order that a portion ofeach coil
extends outwardly from the first groove;
a second member including means defining a second groove for accepting the extended
portion ofeach coil andfor loading the coils generally along the major axis thereof,
saidfirst and second members being locked to one another when the coils are disposed
within and loaded by the first and second grooves.
Terms for Construction

Coil Height
Court adopts the parties' joint construction of coil height as
The length of the elliptical coils along the minor axis. (See Fig. 4a; Col. 3, lines 10-12.)
Coil Width
Court adopts the parties' joint construction of coil width as
The length of the elliptical coils along the major axis. (See Fig. 4a; Col. 3, lines 10-12.)
Minor Axis
Court adopts the parties' joint construction of minor axis as
The short axis of the elliptical coils. (See Fig. 4a; Col. 3, lines 10-12.)
Major Axis
Court adopts the parties' joint construction of major axis as
The long axis of the elliptical coils. (See Fig. 4a; Col. 3, lines 10-12.)

Means defining a first groove for retaining the spring
The Court interprets this claim language in accordance with 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6
("section 112(6)"), which states: An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a
means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material or acts
in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure,
material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof ("means-plus-function
claim"). Laitram Corp. v. Rexnord, Inc., 939 F.2d, 1533, 1536 (Fed. Cir. 1991). A claim
limitation that actually uses the word "means" will invoke a rebuttable presumption that 112(6)

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applies. Personalized Media Comm 'n, LLC v. Int'l Trade Comm'n, 161 F.3d 696, 703-04 (Fed.
Cir. 1998). ("Means-plus-function claim.") Claim 1 uses the word "means" for defining a first
groove. Both parties agree the rules of section 112(6) apply.
"The construction of a means-plus-function limitation includes two steps. First, [the court
determines] the claimed function. Second, [the court identifies] the corresponding structure in the
written description that performs that function." JVW Enterprises, Inc. v. Interact Accessories,
Inc., 424 F.3d 1324, 1330 (Fed. Cir. 2004). The function of the first groove means is to retain the
spring generally along its minor axis when the spring is assembled into the first member.
The Court looks to the specification for the corresponding structure. The patent figures illustrate
and the written descriptions identity, the first groove means as an indentation in the first member
with two sidewalls of a width such that the spring is retained generally on its minor axis when
disposed in the first groove, but may allow the major axis of the coil to vary off the first groove's
center line. The indentation has a bottom wall such that the depth of the indentation is sufficient
to retain the spring, but less than the coil width (major axis) of the spring, so that a portion of each
coil extends outwardly from the indentation. See Col. 1, lines 42-46; Col. 2, lines 4-7, 13-18;
Figs. 1 and 2, and Col. 3, lines 12-17; Fig. 3, and Col. 3, lines 23-25; Figs. 5a-c, and Col. 3, lines
43-61; Figs. 6a-c, and CoL 3, lines 62-67; Figs. 7a-c, and CoL 4, lines 1-5; Figs.8 a-c, and Col 4,
lines 34-41; Fig. 9, and Col. 4, lines 46-48; Figs. 10a-d, and Col. 4, lines 60-65 and Col. 5, lines
1-4,37-40.
The language of Claim 1 includes the specific structural recitation that the first groove means have
"a depth less than the coil width in order that a portion of each coil extends outwardly from the
first groove." This limitation of Claim 1 is consistent with all the corresponding structures for the
first groove means depicted in the specification, each showing and describing a depth ofthe
indentation such that a portion of each coil extends outwardly from the indentation. The recitation
of some structure in a means-plus-function element does not preclude the applicability of section
112(6). Laitram Corp., 939 F.2d at 1536.
The Court finds that section 112(6) applies and the means defining a first groove for retaining
the spring is defined as
An indentation in the first member with two sidewalls and a bottom wall, the depth of the
indentation such that a spring disposed in the space is retained, the width of the
indentation such that the spring is retained generally on its minor axis but may allow the
major axis of the spring to vary off the center line ofthe indentation, and equivalents
thereof.

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Means defining a second groove for accepting the extended portion of each coil and for
loading the coils generally along the major axis thereof
Claim 1 uses the word "means" for defining a second groove. Both parties agree the rules of
section 112(6) apply. The function of the second groove means in the second member is to accept
the portion of each coil extending from the first groove means in the first member and load the
coils generally along the major axis of the spring when the members are in the locked position.
The Court looks to the specification for the corresponding structure(s). The patent figures
illustrate and the written descriptions identify the second groove means as an indentation in the
second member of a depth such that the indentation can accept the portion of the coil width of the
spring that extends outwardly from the first groove means. The width of the indentation is such
that the spring is generally loaded on its major axis when the members are in the locked position.
See Col. 1, lines 47-50; CoL 2, lines 8-12,18-24; Figs. 1 and 2, and Col. 3, lines 17-21; Fig. 3,
and Col. 3, lines 26-27; Figs. 5a-c, and CoL 3, lines 43-61; Figs. 6a-c, and Col. 3, lines 62-67;
Figs. 7a-c, and CoL 4, lines 14- 33; Figs. 8a-c, and Col 4, lines 34-41; Fig. 9, and Col. 4, lines 49­
51; Figs. lOa-d, and CoL 4, lines 59-64 and CoL 5, lines 11-13.
The Court finds that section 112(6) applies and the means defining a second groove for
accepting the extended portion of each coil and for loading the coils generally along the
major axis thereof is defined as
An indentation in the second member which has a depth and width that enables it to accept
the extended portion of each coil of the spring disposed in the first groove means, and
generally load the spring on its major axis when the first and second members are in the
locked position, and equivalents thereof.

**********
Claim 4. Locking mechanism according to claim 1 wherein the first groove has a width at the

most equal to the coil height.

Terms for Construction

Coil Height
Court adopts the parties' joint construction of coil height as
The length of the elliptical coils along the minor axis. (See Fig. 4a; CoL 3, lines 10-12.)

**********

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Claim 5. Locking mechanism according to claim 1 wherein the first groove has a width greater
than the coil height.
Terms for Construction

Coil Height
Court adopts the parties' joint construction of coil height as
The length of the elliptical coils along the minor axis. (See Fig. 4a; Col. 3, lines 10-12.)

**********
Claim 6. The locking mechanism according to claim 4 wherein said means defining a second
groove includes means, defining side walls ofthe second groove, for determining theforce
required to unlock thefirst and second members from one another.
Terms for Construction

Means, defining side walls of the second groove, for determining the force required to
unlock the first and second members from one another
Court adopts the parties' joint construction of means, defining side walls of the second groove,
for determining the force required to unlock the first and second members from one
another as
A structure with at least one side wall that is ramped or tapered relative to the surface of
the second member, and equivalents thereof. (Figs. 7a-c; Col. 4, lines 18-22; Fig. 9; Col.
46-59.)

**********
Claim 7. The locking mechanism according to claim 5 wherein said means defining a second
groove includes means, defining side walls ofthe second groove, for determining the
force required to unlock thefirst and second members from one another.
Terms for Construction

Means, defining side walls of the second groove, for determining the force required to
unlock the first and second members from one another
Court adopts the parties' joint construction of means, defining side walls of the second groove,
for determining the force required to unlock the first and second members from one
another as
A structure with at least one side wall that is ramped or tapered relative to the surface of
the second member, and equivalents thereof. (Figs. 7a-c; Col. 4, lines 18-22; Fig. 9; Col.
46-59.)

**********
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Claim 8. The locking mechanism according to claim 5 wherein said means dejining ajirst groove
includes means, defining tapered side walls ofthe first groove,for retaining the spring
in saidfirst groove.
Tenns for Construction

Means, defining tapered side walls of the first groove, for retaining the spring in said first
groove
Claim 8 uses the word "means" for further defining the structure of the first groove means. Both
parties agree the rules of section 112(6) apply. The function of the first groove means in the first
member is to retain the spring generally along its minor axis when the spring is assembled into the
first member. The function of the means that defines tapered side walls of the first groove
structure according to the specification is to "further retain the spring within the groove." Col. 5,
lines 37-38.
The Court looks to the specification for the corresponding structure. Patent Fig. 10d and the
written description at Col. 5, lines 37-40, identifY the corresponding structure for this claim. The
indentation in the first member that constitutes the first groove, has angled sidewalls, such that the
width of the indentation at the bottom is greater than the width of the indentation at the surface of
the first member from which the coils extend. This is accomplished by tapering the sidewalls
inwardly from bottom to top. The specification indicates that the preferred angle of the taper to be
oto 1 degree. No other tapered means is disclosed for retaining the spring in the first groove.
The Court finds that section 112(6) applies and the means, defining tapered side walls of the
first groove, for retaining the spring is defined as
An indentation in the first member with a width at the bottom greater than the width at the
surface of the first member from which the coils extend, accomplished by tapering the
sidewalls of the indentation inwardly from bottom to surface, and equivalents thereof.

**********
Claim 9. The locking mechanism according to claim 1 wherein said means dejining ajirst groove
includes means, defining afirst groove width,for varying an angular disposition ofthe
coil major axis with respect to a first groove center line in order to determine the force
required to unlock the first and second members from one another.
Tenns for Construction

Means, defining a first groove width, for varying an angular disposition of the coil major
axis with respect to a first groove center line in order to determine the force required to
unlock the first and second members from one another
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Claim 9 uses the word "means" for defining a first groove width. Both parties agree the rules of
section 112(6) apply. The function of the means defining a first groove width is to vary the
angular disposition of the coil's major axis with respect to a first groove center line in order to
determine the force required to unlock the first and second members from one another.
The Court looks to the specification for the corresponding structure. The patent figures illustrate
and the written descriptions identify means for defining a first groove width such that the spring
while still generally retained on its minor axis when disposed in the first groove, may allow the
major axis of the coil to vary off the first groove's center line, preferably between 20 and 45
degrees. See Col. 2, lines 13-18; Fig. 4b, and Col. 3, lines 34-39; Figs. 7a-c, and Col. 4, lines l­
ID; Figs. 8a-c, and Col 4, lines 34-45; Figs. lOa and 10c, and Col. 5, lines 7-8, 15-16, 19-21,24­
31.
The Court finds that section 112(6) applies and the means, defining a first groove width, for

varying an angular disposition of the coil major axis with respect to a first groove center
line in order to determine the force required to unlock the first and second members from
one another is defined as
An indentation in the first member with a width greater than coil height (minor axis) such
that the angle of coil major axis may vary off the first groove's center line while still
retaining the spring between the indentation side walls generally on its minor axis, and
equivalents thereof.

**********
Claim 10. The locking mechanism according to claim 9 wherein said means defining a second
groove includes means, defining side walls ofthe second groove, for determining, in concert
with said means defining a first groove width, the force required to unlock the first and second
members from one another.
Terms for Construction

Means, defining side walls of the second groove, for determining, in concert with said means
defining a first groove width, the force required to unlock the first and second members
from one another
Court adopts the parties' joint construction of means, defining side walls of the second groove,
for determining, in concert with said means defining a first groove width, the force required
to unlock the first and second members from one another as
A structure with two side walls, at least one of which is ramped or tapered relative to the
surface of the second member, and equivalents thereof. (Figs. 7a-c; Col. 4, lines 18-29.)

**********

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Claim 11. Locking mechanism comprising:
a garter-type canted-coil spring having elliptical coils with a coil height and a coil width
measured, respectively along a minor and a major axis ofthe elliptical coils;
a first member including means defining a first groove for retaining the spring, and
orienting the coils so that the coil major axis is disposed at an acute angle with a
normal to thefirst member sutj'ace, said first groove having a depth less than the coil
width in order that a portion ofeach coil extends outwardly from the first groove;
a second member including means defining a second groove for accepting the extended
portion ofeach coil andfor loading the coils generally along the major axis thereof,
and cooperating with the coil orientation to enable the first and second members to be
unlockedfrom one another when moved in one direction with respect to one another
and preventing unlocking ofthe first and second members along an opposite direction.
Terms for Construction
Coil Height
Court adopts the parties' joint construction of coil height as
The length of the elliptical coils along the minor axis. (See Fig. 4a; Col. 3, lines to-12.)
Coil Width
Court adopts the parties' joint construction of coil width as
The length of the elliptical coils along the major axis. (See Fig. 4a; Col. 3, lines to-12.)
Minor Axis
Court adopts the parties' joint construction of minor axis as
The short axis of the elliptical coils. (See Fig. 4a; Col. 3, lines 10-12.)
Major Axis
Court adopts the parties' joint construction of major axis as
The long axis of the elliptical coils. (See Fig. 4a; Col. 3, lines to-12.)
Means defining a first groove for retaining the spring, and orienting the coils so that the coil
major axis is disposed at an acute angle with a normal to the first member surface
Claim 11 uses the word "means" for defining a first groove. Both parties agree the rules of
section 112(6) apply. The function of the first groove means is to retain the spring generally along
its minor axis when the spring is assembled into the first member and in a position such that the
coil major axis is at an acute angle to the normal of the surface of the first member.
The Court looks to the specification for the corresponding structure(s). The ordinary meaning of
an "acute" angle is an angle between 0 and 90 degrees. See American Heritage Science Dictionary
(2002). Figures 7a-c, 8a-c, lOa and 10c illustrate a first member with a spring retained within an
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indentation having two side walls and a bottom wall, such that the coil major axis is at an acute
angle, greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees to a line normal (perpendicular) to the
surface of the first member. None of these corresponding structures, however, illustrates, nor
does the written description provide for the angle of the coil major axis to be in excess of about 45
degrees from a line normal to the surface of the first member, the preferred outer range of the
angle orientation. See Col. 5, lines 29-31.
The patent distinguishes itself over prior art because the locking mechanism of the invention loads
along the major axis of the coils. See Col. 1, lines 50-57. The coils do not have to be loaded
between the first and second members directly along the major axis, but the coils must be oriented
so that the spring generally loads along the major axis. An orientation of the coil major axis
beyond 45 degrees but less than 90 degrees is at an acute angle, however, a spring disposed in the
first groove at an orientation exceeding about 45 degrees becomes generally retained in the groove
along the major axis and will load generally along the minor axis as described in the prior art.
Consequently, within the scope of this patent, the first groove means is limited to a structure that
orients the major axis coils at a maximum of about 45 degrees off the normal to the first member
surface, as depicted in the corresponding structures of the patent, and does not encompass the full
range that comes within the ordinary meaning of an acute angle.
The language of Claim 11 includes the specific structural recitation that the first groove means
have "a depth less than the coil width in order that a portion of each coil extends outwardly from
the first groove." This limitation of Claim 11 is consistent with the corresponding structures for
the first groove means depicted in the specification, each showing and describing a depth of the
indentation such that a portion of each coil extends outwardly from the indentation. The recitation
of some structure in a means plus function element does not preclude the applicability of section
112(6). Laitram Corp., 939 F.2d at 1536.
The Court finds that section 112(6) applies and the means defining a first groove for retaining
the spring and orienting the coils so that the coil major axis is disposed at an acute angle
with a normal to the first member surface is defined as
An indentation in the first member with two sidewalls and a bottom wall, the depth of the
indentation such that a spring disposed in the space is retained, the width of the
indentation such that the spring while retained generally on its minor axis is oriented such
that the major axis of the spring is angled off the normal to the first member surface not
greater than about 45 degrees, and equivalents thereof.

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Means defining a second groove for accepting the extended portion of each coil and for
loading the coils generally along the major axis thereof and cooperating with the coil
orientation to enable the first and second members to be unlocked from one another when
moved in one direction with respect to one another and preventing unlocking of the first
and second members along an opposite direction
Claim 11 uses the word "means" for defining a second groove. Both parties agree the rules of
section 112(6) apply. The function of the second groove means in the second member is to accept
the portion of each coil extending from the first groove means in the first member and load the
coils generally along the major axis of the spring and to cooperate with the coil orientation so that
the first and second member unlock when moved in one direction but not the other direction. on.
The Court looks to the specification for the corresponding structure. Patent Figures 7a-c and 9
illustrate a second groove means that performs this function. The indentation in the second
member has one side wall that is a right angle shoulder and a second side wall that is a ramp
shoulder that permits unlocking one direction and prohibits unlocking in the other direction. See
Figs. 7a-c, and CoL 4, lines 14- 33; Fig. 9, and Col. 4, lines 51-59.
The Court finds that section 112(6) applies and the means defining a second groove for
accepting the extended portion of each coil and for loading the coils generally along the
major axis thereof and cooperating with the coil orientation to enable the first and second
members to be unlocked from one another when moved in one direction with respect to one
another and preventing unlocking of the first and second members along an opposite
direction is defined as
An indentation in the second member with a side wall that is a right angle shoulder and a
second sidewall that is a ramp shoulder and has a depth and width that enables it to accept
the extended portion of each coil of the spring disposed in the first groove means, and
generally load the spring on its major axis when the first and second members are in the
locked position, and equivalents thereof.

**********
Claim 14. Locking mechanism according to claim 11 wherein the first groove has a width greater
than the coil height.
Terms for Construction
Coil Height
Court adopts the parties' joint construction of coil height as
The length ofthe elliptical coils along the minor axis. (See Fig. 4a; Col. 3, lines 10-12.)

**********

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Claim IS. The locking mechanism according to claim 14 wherein said means defining a second
groove includes means, defining side walls ofthe second groove,for determining theforce
required to unlock the first and second members from one another.
Tenns for Construction

Means, defining side walls of the second groove, for determining the force required to
unlock the first and second members from one another
Court adopts the parties' joint construction of means, defining side walls of the second groove,
for determining the force required to unlock the first and second members from one
another as
A structure with at least one side wall that is ramped or tapered relative to the surface of
the second member, and equivalents thereof. (Figs. 7a-c; Col. 4, lines 18-22; Fig. 9; Col.
46-59.)

**********
Claim 16. The locking mechanism according to claim 14 wherein said means defining afirst
groove includes means, defining tapered side walls ofthefirst groove, for retaining the spring
in said first groove.
Tenns for Construction

Means, defining tapered side walls of the first groove, for retaining the spring in said first
groove
Claim 16 uses the word "means" for further defining the structure of the first groove means. Both
parties agree the rules of section 112(6) apply. The function of the first groove means in the first
member is to retain the spring generally along its minor axis when the spring is assembled into the
first member. The function of the means that defines tapered side walls of the first groove
structure according to the specification is to "further retain the spring within the groove." Col. 5,
lines 37-38.
The Court looks to the specification for the corresponding structure. Patent Fig. 10d and the
written description at Col. 5, lines 37-40, identify the corresponding structure for this claim. The
indentation in the first member that constitutes the first groove, has angled sidewalls, such that the
width of the indentation at the bottom is greater than the width of the indentation at the surface of
the first member from which the coils extend. This is accomplished by tapering the sidewalls
inwardly from bottom to top. The specification indicates that the preferred angle of the taper to be
to 1 degree. No other tapered means is disclosed for retaining the spring in the first groove.

°

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The Court finds that section 112(6) applies and the means, defining tapered side walls of the
first groove, for retaining the spring is defined as
An indentation in the first member with a width at the bottom greater than the width at the
surface of the first member from which the coils extend accomplished by tapering the
sidewalls of the indentation inwardly from bottom to surface, and equivalents thereof.

**********
Claim 17. The locking mechanism according 10 claim 11 wherein said means defining afirsl
groove includes means, defining afirst groove width,for varying the acute angle in
order to determine the force required to unlock the first and second members from one
another.
Terms for Construction
Means, defining a first groove width, for varying the acute angle in order to determine the
force required to unlock the first and second members from one another
Claim 17 uses the word "means" for defining a first groove width. Both parties agree the rules of
section 112(6) apply. The function of the means defining a first groove width is to vary the acute
angular disposition of the coil's major axis with respect to a normal of the first member surface in
order to determine the force required to unlock the first and second members from one another.
The Court looks to the specification for the corresponding structure. The patent figures illustrate
and the written descriptions identify means for defining a first groove width such that the spring
while still generally retained on its minor axis when disposed in the first groove, may allow the
major axis of the coil to vary off a normal to the first member's surface, preferably between 20
and 45 degrees. See Col. 2, lines 13-18; Fig. 4b, and Col. 3, lines 34-39; Figs. 7a-c, and Col. 4,
lines 1-10; Figs. 8a-c, and Col 4, lines 34-45; Figs. lOaand lOc, and Col. 5, lines 7-8,15-16,19­
21,24-31. As discussed above, although an orientation beyond 45 degrees but less than 90
degrees would still be at an acute angle, a spring disposed in the first groove at an orientation
exceeding about 45 degrees becomes generally retained in the groove along the major axis and
will load generally along the minor axis as described in the prior art. Consequently, the first
groove means within the scope of this patent is be limited to a structure with a width that orients
the major axis coils at a maximum of about 45 degrees off a normal of the first member surface,
as depicted in the patent, and does not encompass the full range that comes within the ordinary
meaning of an acute angle.
The Court finds that section 112(6) applies and the means, defining a first groove width, for
varying the acute angle in order to determine the force required to unlock the first and
second members from one another is defined as
An indentation in the first member with a width greater than coil height (minor axis) such
that the coil major axis is angled off a normal of the first member surface not greater than
about 45 degrees, and equivalents thereof.

**********
12

Claim 18. The locking mechanism according to claim 12 wherein said means defining a second
groove includes means, defining side walls ofthe second groove, for determining, in concert
with said means defining a first groove width, the force required to unlock the first and second
memhersfrom one another.
Terms for Construction

Means, defining side walls of the second groove, for determining, in concert with said means
defining a first groove width, the force required to unlock the first and second members
from one another
Court adopts the parties' joint construction of a structure with two side walls, at least one of
which is ramped or tapered relative to the surface of the second member, and equivalents thereof.
(Figs. 7a-c; Col. 4, lines 18-29.)

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Claim Construction

for U.S. Patent No. 5,411,348

Claim 1. A connecVdisconnect, lock/unlock and hold mechanism/or mechanical,
electromagnetic shielding, electrical conductivity, and thermal dissipation coupling with
environmental sealing, the mechanism comprising:

a body having a groove therein with generally parallel side walls;
a coil spring disposed in said groove with a portion thereofprotruding from said groove;
a housing having a means, defining an openingfor accommodating said body and groove
means, disposed in an inside sUrface o/said opening,/or receiving the protruding
spring portion and/or enabling assembly o/the body within the opening when the body
and housing are moved in one direction with respect to one another; and

means, defining a tapered bottom in said groove, said tapered bottom being tapered with
respect to the side walls,/or preventing the spring/rom turning past a vertical line when
the body and housing are moved in another direction with respect to one another in
order to prevent disassembly 0/ the body and housing.
Terms for Construction

A connect/disconnect, lock/unlock and hold mechanism for mechanical, electromagnetic
shielding, electrical conductivity, and thermal dissipation coupling with environmental
sealing
The parties disagree as to whether the preamble of Claim 1 is a limitation on the claimed
invention. Plaintiff argues that the preamble language a connect/disconnect, lock/unlock and

hold mechanism for mechanical, electromagnetic shielding, electrical conductivity, and
thermal dissipation coupling with environmental sealing is only used to state a purpose or
intended use for the mechanism claimed in the invention and the structurally complete invention
is defined in the body of the claim. This language is therefore not a limitation. Rowe v. Dror, 112
F.3d 473, 478 (Fed. Cir. 1997).
Defendants argue that the preamble, specifically the words for mechanical, electromagnetic
shielding, electrical conductivity, and thermal dissipation coupling with environmental
sealing are an important aspect of the invention as these uses are referenced throughout the patent
and therefore constitute a claim limitation. Further, defendants argue that dependent claims refer
back to the preamble using comparative language so the language is essential to understand
limitations or terms in the claim body, and therefore limits the claim scope. Catalina Mkt. 1m '/ v.
Coo/savings, 289 F.3d 801,808 (Fed. Cir. 2002).

14

There is no litmus test with respect to when the introductory words of a claim, the preamble,
constitute a statement of purpose for a device or are, in themselves, additional structural
limitations of a claim. The effect preamble language should be given can be resolved only on
review ofthe entirety of the patent to gain an understanding of what the inventors actually
invented and intended to encompass by the claim. Corning Glass Works v. Sumitomo Electric
US.A., 868 F.2d 1251, 1257 (Fed. Cir. 1989).
In determining whether the preamble is a separate limitation, the Court must determine if it recites
essential structure, or if it is necessary to give life, meaning, and vitality to the claim. The
preamble is not limiting where a patentee defines a structurally complete invention in the claim
body and uses the preamble only to state a purpose or intended use for the invention. The Federal
Circuit has provided certain "guideposts" to aid in determining whether a preamble should be
given limiting weight. Symantec Corp., v. Computer Assoc. Int'l, Inc., 522 F.3d 1279, 1288 (Fed.
Cir. 2008), citing Catalina, 289 F.3d at 808.
Preambles describing the use of an invention generally do not limit the claims because the
patentability of an apparatus claim depends on the claimed structure not on the use or purpose of
that structure. "Statements of intended use or asserted benefits in the preamble may, in rare
instances, limit apparatus claims, but only if the applicant clearly and unmistakably relied on those
uses or benefits to distinguish prior art." Catalina, 289 F.3d at 809; Symantec, 522 F.3d at 1288
(clear reliance on the preamble during prosecution to distinguish the claimed invention from the
prior art transforms the preamble into a claim limitation because such reliance indicates use of the
preamble to define, in part, the claimed invention).
The patent specification discusses uses for the mechanism claimed in the invention and represents
that the mechanism is "suitable for many mechanical and electrical applications." Col. 1, lines 27­
28. It sets forth various configurations that may enhance environmental sealing, such as the use
of an elastomer. Col. 1, lines 32-34, Col. 6, line 65-68. Varying the coil size is also referenced to
increase magnetic shielding, electrical conductivity, thermal dissipation and environmental
sealing. Col. 2, lines 12-17, Col. 5, lines 44-50; Col. 6, lines 35-40. Overall, the patent represents
that the claimed mechanism, in some of its configurations, may effect electromagnetic shielding,
electrical conductivity, heat dissipation or environmental sealing, or a combination of them, Col.
7, lines 10-28, but the patent does not assert that the suitability of the mechanism for these
applications is what distinguishes it over prior art.
Nor in this case is there any evidence that during the prosecution of the '348 Patent, the preamble
was relied upon to distinguish the claimed invention from prior art. Without such reliance, a
preamble generally is not limiting when the claim body describes a structurally complete
invention such that deletion of the preamble phrase does not affect the structure or steps of the
claimed invention. Catalina, 289 F.3d at 808. Claim 1 describes a mechanism for joining two
surfaces utilizing a coil spring. The deletion of the preamble phrase regarding suitable uses of that
mechanism does not affect the claimed structure.

15

Dependent Claim 6, claims the mechanism according to claim 1 wherein said coil spring includes
coils sized for causing adjacent coils to abut one another upon assembly ofthe body within the
opening in order to increase electromagnetic shielding, electrical conductivity, thermal
dissipation and environmental sealing between the body and the housing. Defendant claims that
because this claim refers back to the preamble reference to applications for the mechanism, using
comparative language ("in order to increase"), the preamble is essential to understand this
limitation. The Court disagrees. Claim 6 provides a further limitation of the mechanism
described in Claim 1 with regard to the structure of the claimed coil spring. The inclusion of
language describing the purpose for the added element is understandable without reference to the
preamble of Claim 1. In other words if the preamble phrase in Claim 1, was deleted, dependent
Claim 6 would still be complete and understandable.
Based on review of the entirety of the patent, the Court concludes that the preamble of Claim 1 is
statement of purpose or intended use and is not a limitation and does not require construction.

Generally parallel
The parties agree that parallel has its ordinary meaning, and that generally means "for the most
part." The Court defines generally parallel as
For the most part, extending in the same direction, equidistant at all points.
Groove means, disposed in an inside surface of said opening, for receiving the protruding
spring portion and for enabling assembly of the body within the opening when the body and
housing are moved in the one direction with respect to one another
Claim 1 uses the word "means" for defining a groove in the opening of the housing. Both parties
agree that rules of section 112(6) apply. The function of the groove means inside the opening in
the housing is to receive the protruding portion of the spring disposed in the groove ofthe body
and to enable assembly of the body in the opening of the housing when the body and housing are
moved in one direction.
The Court looks to the specification for the corresponding structure(s). The patent figures
illustrate and the written descriptions identifY this groove means as a structure inside the surface
of the opening in the housing for receiving the protruding spring portion and enabling assembly of
the body within the opening, with two side walls and a bottom walL See Figs. 5a-c, and Col. 3,
lines 61-66; Figs.7a-d, and Col. 4, lines 57-64; Figs. 9a-d, CoL 5, lines 4-21.
Court adopts the parties' joint construction of groove means, disposed in an inside surface of
said opening, for receiving the protruding spring portion and for enabling assembly of the
body within the opening when the body and housing are moved in the one direction with
respect to one another as
An indentation with two side walls and a bottom located there between having a width and
a depth, disposed in an inside surface of the opening in the housing, and equivalents
thereof.

16

Means, defining a tapered bottom in said groove, said tapered bottom being tapered with
respect to the side walls, for preventing the spring from turning past a vertical line when the
body and housing are moved in another direction with respect to one another in order to
prevent disassembly of the body and housing
Claim 1 uses the word "means" for defining the bottom of the groove relative to the side walls of
the groove in the body. Both parties agree that rules of section 112(6) apply. The function of the
tapering means is to provide a groove bottom such that the spring disposed in the groove will not
turn past a vertical line in the groove when pressure is applied from one direction so as to prevent
the disassembly of the body and the housing.

The Court looks to the specification for the corresponding structure(s). The patent figures
illustrate and the written descriptions identify a bottom wall with respect to the side walls that is
angled, such that the depth of the groove is not uniform between the walls. See Figs. 5a-c, and
Col. 4, lines 6-12, 25-34; Figs.7a-d, and Col. 4, lines 59-60; Figs. 8a-c, Col. 4, line 65 Col. 5,
line l; Figs. 9a-d, Col. 5, lines 4-21, Figs.l 0 a-d, Col. 5, lines 30-34, 53-57; Figs. 11-14, and Col.
6, lines 1-9.21-22.
The Court finds that section 112(6) applies and means, defining a tapered bottom in said
groove, said tapered bottom being tapered with respect to the side walls, for preventing the
spring from turning past a vertical line when the body and housing are moved in another
direction with respect to one another in order to prevent disassembly of the body and
housing is defined as
A bottom wall of the groove in which the spring is disposed, such that the bottom wall
with respect to the side walls of the groove is angled, such that the depth of the groove is
not uniform between the walls, and equivalents thereof.

**********
Claim 2. The mechanism according to claim 1 wherein the groove has a groove width which is
smaller than a coil height o/the spring.
Terms for Construction
Coil height
Court adopts the parties' joint construction of coil height as
The length of the short dimension of the spring.

**********

17

Claim 9. A connect/disconnect, lock/unlock and hold mechanism/or mechanical,
electromagnetic shielding, electrical conductivity, and thermal dissipation coupling with
environmental sealing, the mechanism comprising:

a housing including means defining an opening therein having a groove therein with
generally parallel side walls;
a coil spring disposed in said groove with a portion thereofprotruding from said groove;
a body sized for insertion into said opening and groove means, disposed on an outside
sut/ace o/said body,/or receiving the protruding spring portion and/or enabling
assembly 0/ the body within the opening when the body and housing are moved in one
direction with respect to one another; and
means, defining a tapered bottom in said groove, said tapered bottom being tapered with
respect to the side walls,/or preventing the spring/rom turning past a vertical line when
the body and housing are moved in another direction with respect to one another in
order to prevent disassembly 0/ the body and housing.
Terms for Construction

A connect/disconnect, lock/unlock and hold mechanism for mechanical, electromagnetic
shielding, electrical conductivity, and thermal dissipation coupling with environmental
sealing
For the reasons set forth above with respect to Claim 1, the Court concludes that the preamble of
Claim 9 is statement of purpose or intended use and is not a limitation and does not require
construction.

Generally parallel
The parties agree that parallel has its ordinary meaning, and that generally means "for the most
part." The Court defines generally parallel as
For the most part, extending in the same direction, equidistant at all points.

Groove means, disposed on an outside surface of said body, for receiving the protruding
spring portion and for enabling assembly of the body within the opening when the body and
housing are moved in one direction with respect to one another
Claim 9 uses the word "means" for defining a groove on the outside surface of the body. Both
parties agree that rules of section 112(6) apply. The function of the groove means on the outside
of the body is to receive the protruding portion of the spring disposed in the groove in the housing
and to enable assembly of the body in the opening of the housing when the body and housing are
moved in one direction.

18

The Court looks to the specification for the corresponding structure(s). The patent figures
illustrate and the written descriptions identify this groove means as an indentation on the surface
of the body for receiving the protruding spring portion and enabling assembly of the body within
the opening. See Figs. 6a-c, and Col. 3, lines 35-44.
The Court finds that section 112(6) applies and adopts the parties' joint construction of groove
means, disposed in an outside surface of said body, for receiving the protruding spring
portion and for enabling assembly of the body within the opening when the body and
housing are moved in the one direction with respect to one another as
An indentation with two side walls and a bottom located there between having a width and
a depth, disposed in an outside surface ofthe body, and equivalents thereof.
Means, defining a tapered bottom in said groove, said tapered bottom being tapered with
respect to the side walls, for preventing the spring from turning past a vertical line when the
body and housing are moved in another direction with respect to one another in order to
prevent disassembly of the body and housing
Claim 9 uses the word "means" for defining the bottom of the groove relative to the side walls of
the groove in the housing. Both parties agree that rules of section 112(6) apply. The function of
the tapering means is to provide a groove bottom such that the spring disposed in the groove will
not tum past a vertical line in the groove when pressure is applied from one direction so as to
prevent the disassembly of the body and the housing.
The Court looks to the specification for the corresponding structure(s). The patent figures
illustrate and the written descriptions identify a bottom wall with respect to the side walls of the
groove that is at an angle, such that the depth of the groove is not uniform between the walls. See
Figs. 6 a-c, and Col. 4, lines 45-56.
The Court finds that section 112(6) applies and means, defining a tapered bottom in said
groove, said tapered bottom being tapered with respect to the side walls, for preventing the
spring from turning past a vertical line when the body and housing are moved in another
direction with respect to one another in order to prevent disassembly of the body and
housing is defined as
A bottom wall of the groove in which the spring is disposed, such that the bottom with
respect to the side walls of the groove is angled, such that the depth of the groove is not
uniform between the walls, and equivalents thereof.

**********

19

Claim 10. The mechanism according to claim 9 wherein the groove has a groove width which is
smaller than a coil height ofthe spring.

Terms for Construction
Coil height
Court adopts the parties' joint construction of coil height as
The length of the short dimension of the spring.

20

Claim Construction

for U.S. Patent No. 5,545,842

Claim 1. A connect/disconnect, lock/unlock and hold mechanism for mechanical,
electromagnetic shielding, electrical conductivity, and thermal dissipation coupling with
environmental sealing, the mechanism comprising:

a cylindrical body having a circumferential groove means there with generally parallel
side walls;
a continuous coil spring disposed in said circumferential groove means with a portion
thereofprotrudingfrom said circumferential groove means;
a housing having a bore therein sized to accommodate said cylindrical body and groove
means, disposed in an inside sUrface ofsaid bore,for receiving the protruding spring
portion andfor enabling assembly ofthe cylindrical body within the bore when the
cylindrical body and housing are moved in one direction with respect to one another;
and
means, defining a tapered bottom in said circumferential groove means, for preventing
the spring from turning past a vertical line when the cylindrical body and housing are
moved in another direction with respect to one another in order to prevent disassembly
ofthe cylindrical body and housing.
Terms for Construction
A connect/disconnect, lock/unlock and hold mechanism for mechanical, electromagnetic
shielding, electrical conductivity, and thermal dissipation coupling with environmental
sealing
The parties disagree as to whether the preamble of Claim 1 is a limitation on the claimed
invention. Plaintiff argues that the preamble language a connect/disconnect, lock/unlock and
hold mechanism for mechanical, electromagnetic shielding, electrical conductivity, and
thermal dissipation coupling with environmental sealing is only used to state a purpose or
intended use for the mechanism claimed in the invention and the structurally complete invention
is defined in the body of the claim. This language is therefore not a limitation.
Defendants argue that the preamble, specifically the words for mechanical, electromagnetic
shielding, electrical conductivity, and thermal dissipation coupling with environmental
sealing are an important aspect of the invention as these uses are referenced throughout the patent
and therefore constitute a claim limitation. Further, defendants argue that dependent claims refer
back to the preamble using comparative language so the language is essential to understand
limitations or terms in the claim body, and therefore limits the claim scope.

21

As discussed with regard to the '348 Patent, above, in determining whether the preamble is a
separate limitation, the Court must determine if it recites essential structure, or if it is necessary to
give life, meaning, and vitality to the claim. The preamble is not limiting where a patentee
defines a structurally complete invention in the claim body and uses the preamble only to state a
purpose or intended use for the invention.
Preambles describing the use of an invention generally do not limit the claims because the
patentability of an apparatus claim depends on the claimed structure not on the use or purpose of
that structure. "Statements of intended use or asserted benefits in the preamble may, in rare
instances, limit apparatus claims, but only if the applicant clearly and unmistakably relied on those
uses or benefits to distinguish prior art." Catalina, 289 F.3d at 809.
The patent specification discusses uses for the mechanism claimed in the invention and represents
that the mechanism is "suitable for many mechanical and electrical applications." Col. 1, lines 29­
30. It sets forth various configurations that may enhance environmental sealing, such as the use
of an elastomer. Col. 1, lines 33-36; Col. 2, lines 23-25; Col. 7, line 9-12. Varying the coil size is
also referenced to increase magnetic shielding, electrical conductivity, thermal dissipation and
environmental sealing. Col. 2, lines 17-22; Col. 6, lines 29-35. Overall, the patent represents that
the claimed mechanism, in some of its configurations, may effect electromagnetic shielding,
electrical conductivity, heat dissipation or environmental sealing, or a combination of them, but
the patent does not assert that the suitability of the mechanism for these applications is what
distinguishes it over prior art.
Nor in this case is there any evidence that during the prosecution of the '842 Patent, the preamble
was relied upon to distinguish the claimed invention from prior art. Without such reliance, a
preamble generally is not limiting when the claim body describes a structurally complete
invention such that deletion of the preamble phrase does not affect the structure or steps of the
claimed invention. Catalina, 289 F.3d at 808. Claim I describes a mechanism for joining a
cylindrical body and housing utilizing a coil spring. The deletion of the preamble phrase
regarding suitable uses of that mechanism does not affect the claimed structure.
Dependent Claim 7, claims the mechanism according to claim 1 wherein said continuous spring
includes coils sizedfor causing adjacent coils to abut one another upon assembly ofthe
cylindrical body within the bore in order to increase electromagnetic shielding, electrical
conductivity, thermal dissipation and environmental sealing between the cylindrical body and the
housing. Defendant claims that because this claim refers back to the preamble reference to
applications for the mechanism, using comparative language ("in order to increase"), the preamble
is essential to understand this limitation. The Court disagrees. Claim 7 provides a further
limitation of the mechanism described in Claim I with regard to the structure of the claimed
continuous spring. The inclusion of language describing the purpose for the added element is
understandable without reference to the preamble of Claim 1. In other words if the preamble
phrase in Claim 1, was deleted, dependent Claim 7 would still be complete and understandable.

22

Based on review of the entirety of the patent, the Court concludes that the preamble of Claim 1 is
statement of purpose or intended use and is not a limitation and does not require construction.

Generally parallel side walls
The parties agree that parallel has its ordinary meaning, and that generally means "for the most
part." The Court defines generally parallel side walls as
Side walls, the surfaces of which, for the most part, extend in the same direction,
equidistant at all points.
Groove means, disposed in an inside surface of said bore, for receiving the protruding
spring portion and for enabling assembly of the cylindrical body within the bore when the
cylindrical body and housing are moved in one direction with respect to one another
Claim 1 uses the word "means" for defining a groove in the inside surface of the bore in the
housing. Both parties agree that rules of section 112(6) apply. The function of the groove means
inside the bore in the housing is to receive the protruding portion of the spring disposed in the
groove means of the cylindrical body and to enable assembly of the body in the opening of the
housing when the cylindrical body and housing are moved in one direction.
The Court looks to the specification for the corresponding structure( s). The patent figures
illustrate and the written descriptions identifY this groove means as a structure inside the surface
of the bore in the housing for receiving the protruding spring portion and enabling assembly of the
cylindrical body within the opening, with two side walls and a bottom wall. See Figs. 1-2, and
Col. 4, lines 32-41.
Court adopts the parties' joint construction of groove means, disposed in an inside surface of
said bore, for receiving the protruding spring portion and for enabling assembly of the
cylindrical body within the bore when the cylindrical body and housing are moved in one
direction with respect to one another as
An indentation with two side walls and a bottom located there between having a width and
a depth, disposed in an inside surface of the bore in the housing, and equivalents thereof.

Means, defining a tapered bottom in said circumferential groove means, for preventing the
spring from turning past a vertical line when the cylindrical body and housing are moved in
another direction with respect to one another in order to prevent disassembly of the
cylindrical body and housing
Claim 1 uses the word "means" for defining the bottom of the groove means. Both parties agree
that rules of section 112(6) apply. The function ofthe tapering means is to provide a groove
bottom such that the spring disposed in the groove will not tum past a vertical line in the groove
when pressure is applied from one direction so as to prevent the disassembly of the body and the
housing.

23

The Court looks to the specification for the corresponding structure(s). The patent figures
illustrate and the written descriptions identify a bottom wall with respect to the side walls that is
angled, such that the depth of the groove is not uniform between the walls. See Figs. 1-3, and 5
and Col. 4, lines 43-48,62-67; Figs.8-12, and Col. 5, lines 24-27,32-36,39-55.
The Court finds that section 112(6) applies and means, defining a tapered bottom in said
circumferential groove, for preventing the spring from turning past a vertical line when the
cylindrical body and housing are moved in another direction with respect to one another in
order to prevent disassembly of the cylindrical body and housing is defined as
A bottom wall of the groove in which the spring is disposed, such that the bottom wall
with respect to the side walls of the groove is angled, such that the depth of the groove is
not uniform between the walls, and equivalents thereof.

**********
Claim 2. The mechanism according to claim 1 wherein the circumferential groove means has a
groove width which is smaller than a coil height ofthe spring.
Terms for Construction

Coil height
Court adopts the parties' joint construction of coil height as
The length of the short dimension of the spring.

**********

24

Claim 10. A connect/disconnect, lock/unlock and hold mechanism for mechanical,
electromagnetic shielding, electrical conductivity, and thermal dissipation coupling with
environmental sealing, the mechanism comprising:

a housing including a bore therein having a circumferential groove means with
generally parallel side walls;
a continuous coil spring disposed in said circumferential groove means with a portion
thereofprotruding from said circumferential groove means;
a cylindrical body sized for insertion into said bore and groove means, disposed on an
outside sUrface ofsaid cylindrical body,for receiving the protruding spring portion and
for enabling assembly ofthe cylindrical body within the bore when the cylindrical body
and housing are moved in one direction with respect to one another; and
means, defining a tapered bottom in said circumferential groove means, for preventing
the spring from turning past a vertical line when the cylindrical body and housing are
moved in another direction with respect to one another in order to prevent disassembly
ofthe cylindrical body and housing.

Terms for Construction

A connect/disconnect, lock/unlock and hold mechanism for mechanical, electromagnetic
shielding, electrical conductivity, and thermal dissipation coupling with environmental
sealing
For the reasons set forth above with respect to Claim 1, the Court concludes that the preamble of
Claim lOis statement of purpose or intended use and is not a limitation and does not require
construction.

Generally parallel
The parties agree that parallel has its ordinary meaning, and that generally means "for the most
part." The Court defines generally parallel as
Side walls, the surfaces of which, for the most part, extend in the same direction,
equidistant at all points.
Groove means, disposed on an outside surface of said cylindrical body, for receiving the
protruding spring portion and for enabling assembly of the cylindrical body within the bore
when the cylindrical body and housing are moved in one direction with respect to one
another
Claim lOuses the word "means" for defining a groove on the outside surface of the cylindrical
body. Both parties agree that rules of section 112(6) apply. The function of the groove means on
25

the outside of the cylindrical body is to receive the protruding portion of the spring disposed in the
groove means in the bore in the housing and to enable assembly of the cylindrical body in the bore
in the housing when the cylindrical body and housing are moved in one direction.
The Court looks to the specification for the corresponding structure. The patent figures illustrate
and the written description identifY this groove means as an indentation on the surface of the
cylindrical body with two side walls and a bottom wall for receiving the protruding spring portion
and enabling assembly of the body within the opening. See Figs. 6-7, and Co1.5, lines 4-20.
The Court finds that section 112(6) applies and adopts the parties' joint construction of groove
means, disposed on an outside surface of said cylindrical body, for receiving the protruding
spring portion and for enabling assembly of the cylindrical body within the bore when the
cylindrical body and housing are moved in one direction with respect to one another as
An indentation with two side walls and a bottom located there between having a width and
a depth, disposed in an outside surface of the cylindrical body, and equivalents thereof.
Means, defining a tapered bottom in said circumferential groove means, for preventing the
spring from turning past a vertical line when the cylindrical body and housing are moved in
another direction with respect to one another in order to prevent disassembly of the
cylindrical body and housing
Claim lOuses the word "means" for defining the bottom of the circumferential groove means in
the bore in the housing. Both parties agree that rules of section 112(6) apply. The function of the
tapering means is to provide a groove bottom such that the spring disposed in the groove will not
tum past a vertical line in the groove when pressure is applied from one direction so as to prevent
the disassembly of the cylindrical body and the housing.
The Court looks to the specification for the corresponding structure(s). The patent figures
illustrate and the written descriptions identifY a bottom wall with respect to the side walls of the
groove that is at an angle, such that the depth of the groove is not uniform between the walls. See
Figs. 6-7, and Col. 5, lines 16-23.
The Court finds that section 112(6) applies and means, defining a tapered bottom in said
circumferential groove means, for preventing the spring from turning past a vertical line
when the cylindrical body and housing are moved in another direction with respect to one
another in order to prevent disassembly of the cylindrical body and housing is defined as
A bottom wall of the groove in which the spring is disposed, such that the bottom with
respect to the side walls of the groove is angled, such that the depth of the groove is not
uniform between the walls, and equivalents thereof.

**********

26

Claim 11. The mechanism according to claim 10 wherein the circumferential groove means has a
groove width which is smaller than a coil height ofthe spring.

Terms for Construction
Coil height
Court adopts the parties' joint construction of coil height as
The length of the short dimension of the spring.

27