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Nature of Suit Code: 830
Nature of Suit: Patent
Cause of Action: 35:271 Patent Infringement

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT 

SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA 

BAL SEAL ENGINEERING COMPANY, 

INC., a California corporation, 

Civil No. 10cv819-CAB 

v. 

Plaintiff, CLAIM CONSTRUCTION ORDER FOR US 

PATENTS NOS. 5,082,390; 5,411,348; AND 

5,545,842 

JAY QIANG HUANG, an individual; and 

SAINT-GOBAIN PERFORMANCE 

PLASTICS CORPORATION, a California 

corporation, 

Defendants. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

2011. 

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

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

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

lAn order construing the terms at issue in U.S. Patent 5,160,122 will issue separately. 

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Case 3:10-cv-00819-CAB-RBB Document 84 Filed 07/15/11 Page 1 of 29
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1997). District courts are not required to construe every limitation present in the patent's asserted 

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

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

court's duty to resolve it." Id 

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

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

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

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

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

Having considered the submissions ofthe 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 

2 

Case 3:10-cv-00819-CAB-RBB Document 84 Filed 07/15/11 Page 2 of 29
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 

Case 3:10-cv-00819-CAB-RBB Document 84 Filed 07/15/11 Page 3 of 29
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 ofthe 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 ofthe 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 ofthe elliptical coils. (See Fig. 4a; Col. 3, lines 10-12.) 

Major Axis 

Court adopts the parties' joint construction ofmajor axis as 

The long axis ofthe 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) 

2 

Case 3:10-cv-00819-CAB-RBB Document 84 Filed 07/15/11 Page 4 of 29
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 ofthe 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 ofthe coil to vary off the first groove's 

center line. The indentation has a bottom wall such that the depth ofthe indentation is sufficient 

to retain the spring, but less than the coil width (major axis) ofthe 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 ofClaim 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 ofthe 

indentation such that a spring disposed in the space is retained, the width ofthe 

indentation such that the spring is retained generally on its minor axis but may allow the 

major axis ofthe spring to vary offthe center line ofthe indentation, and equivalents 

thereof. 

3 

Case 3:10-cv-00819-CAB-RBB Document 84 Filed 07/15/11 Page 5 of 29
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 ofthe 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 ofthe 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 ofthe 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 ofthe elliptical coils along the minor axis. (See Fig. 4a; CoL 3, lines 10-12.) 

********** 

4 

Case 3:10-cv-00819-CAB-RBB Document 84 Filed 07/15/11 Page 6 of 29
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 ofmeans, 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.) 

********** 

5 

Case 3:10-cv-00819-CAB-RBB Document 84 Filed 07/15/11 Page 7 of 29
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 ofthe first groove means. Both 

parties agree the rules of section 112(6) apply. The function ofthe 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 ofthe 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 ofthe 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 ofthe 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 ofthe first member from which the coils extend, accomplished by tapering the 

sidewalls ofthe 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 

6 

Case 3:10-cv-00819-CAB-RBB Document 84 Filed 07/15/11 Page 8 of 29
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 ofthe 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 ofthe 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 lID; 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 

membersfrom 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.) 

********** 

7 

Case 3:10-cv-00819-CAB-RBB Document 84 Filed 07/15/11 Page 9 of 29
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 ofthe 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 ofthe 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 

8 

Case 3:10-cv-00819-CAB-RBB Document 84 Filed 07/15/11 Page 10 of 29
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 ofthe 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 ofthe invention loads 

along the major axis ofthe 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 ofthe 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 ofthe 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 ofthe 

indentation such that a portion of each coil extends outwardly from the indentation. The recitation 

ofsome 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 ofthe 

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. 

9 

Case 3:10-cv-00819-CAB-RBB Document 84 Filed 07/15/11 Page 11 of 29
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 ofthe second groove means in the second member is to accept 

the portion ofeach coil extending from the first groove means in the first member and load the 

coils generally along the major axis ofthe 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 ofthe 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.) 

********** 

10 

Case 3:10-cv-00819-CAB-RBB Document 84 Filed 07/15/11 Page 12 of 29
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 ofthe first groove means. Both 

parties agree the rules ofsection 112(6) apply. The function ofthe 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 ofthe means that defines tapered side walls ofthe 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 ofthe indentation at the bottom is greater than the width ofthe 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 ofthe taper to be °

to 1 degree. No other tapered means is disclosed for retaining the spring in the first groove. 

11 

Case 3:10-cv-00819-CAB-RBB Document 84 Filed 07/15/11 Page 13 of 29
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 ofthe 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 ofthe 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 ofthe 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 ofthe first member surface not greater than 

about 45 degrees, and equivalents thereof. 

********** 

12 

Case 3:10-cv-00819-CAB-RBB Document 84 Filed 07/15/11 Page 14 of 29
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 ofthe second member, and equivalents thereof. 

(Figs. 7a-c; Col. 4, lines 18-29.) 

13 

Case 3:10-cv-00819-CAB-RBB Document 84 Filed 07/15/11 Page 15 of 29
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 ofClaim 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 ofthe 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 ofthe 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 

Case 3:10-cv-00819-CAB-RBB Document 84 Filed 07/15/11 Page 16 of 29
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 ofwhat 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 ifthe 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 ofthe 

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 ofits configurations, may effect electromagnetic shielding, 

electrical conductivity, heat dissipation or environmental sealing, or a combination ofthem, Col. 

7, lines 10-28, but the patent does not assert that the suitability ofthe mechanism for these 

applications is what distinguishes it over prior art. 

Nor in this case is there any evidence that during the prosecution ofthe '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 ofthe preamble phrase does not affect the structure or steps ofthe 

claimed invention. Catalina, 289 F.3d at 808. Claim 1 describes a mechanism for joining two 

surfaces utilizing a coil spring. The deletion ofthe preamble phrase regarding suitable uses ofthat 

mechanism does not affect the claimed structure. 

15 

Case 3:10-cv-00819-CAB-RBB Document 84 Filed 07/15/11 Page 17 of 29
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 ofthe 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 ifthe preamble phrase in Claim 1, was deleted, dependent 

Claim 6 would still be complete and understandable. 

Based on review ofthe 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 ofthe groove means inside the opening in 

the housing is to receive the protruding portion ofthe spring disposed in the groove ofthe body 

and to enable assembly ofthe body in the opening ofthe 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 

ofthe 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 

Case 3:10-cv-00819-CAB-RBB Document 84 Filed 07/15/11 Page 18 of 29
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 ofthe 

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 ofthe 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 ofthe short dimension ofthe spring. 

********** 

17 

Case 3:10-cv-00819-CAB-RBB Document 84 Filed 07/15/11 Page 19 of 29
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 thereof protruding 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 ofthe body. Both 

parties agree that rules of section 112(6) apply. The function ofthe 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 ofthe body in the opening ofthe housing when the body and housing are 

moved in one direction. 

18 

Case 3:10-cv-00819-CAB-RBB Document 84 Filed 07/15/11 Page 20 of 29
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 

ofthe 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 ofthe 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 ofthe 

groove that is at an angle, such that the depth ofthe 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 ofthe groove in which the spring is disposed, such that the bottom with 

respect to the side walls ofthe groove is angled, such that the depth ofthe groove is not 

uniform between the walls, and equivalents thereof. 

********** 

19 

Case 3:10-cv-00819-CAB-RBB Document 84 Filed 07/15/11 Page 21 of 29
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 

Case 3:10-cv-00819-CAB-RBB Document 84 Filed 07/15/11 Page 22 of 29
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 ofClaim 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 ofthe 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 ofthe 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 

Case 3:10-cv-00819-CAB-RBB Document 84 Filed 07/15/11 Page 23 of 29
As discussed with regard to the '348 Patent, above, in determining whether the preamble is a 

separate limitation, the Court must determine ifit 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 ofthe 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 ofthat mechanism does not affect the claimed structure. 

Dependent Claim 7, claims the mechanism according to claim 1 wherein said continuous spring 

includes coils sized for 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 ifthe preamble 

phrase in Claim 1, was deleted, dependent Claim 7 would still be complete and understandable. 

22 

Case 3:10-cv-00819-CAB-RBB Document 84 Filed 07/15/11 Page 24 of 29
Based on review ofthe entirety ofthe patent, the Court concludes that the preamble ofClaim 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 ofthe bore in the 

housing. Both parties agree that rules of section 112(6) apply. The function ofthe groove means 

inside the bore in the housing is to receive the protruding portion ofthe spring disposed in the 

groove means ofthe cylindrical body and to enable assembly ofthe body in the opening ofthe 

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 

ofthe bore in the housing for receiving the protruding spring portion and enabling assembly ofthe 

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 ofthe 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 ofsection 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 

Case 3:10-cv-00819-CAB-RBB Document 84 Filed 07/15/11 Page 25 of 29
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 ofthe 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 ofthe spring. 

********** 

24 

Case 3:10-cv-00819-CAB-RBB Document 84 Filed 07/15/11 Page 26 of 29
Claim 10. A connect/disconnect, lock/unlock and hold mechanismfor 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 

thereof protruding 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 ofwhich, 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 ofthe cylindrical 

body. Both parties agree that rules of section 112(6) apply. The function ofthe groove means on 

25 

Case 3:10-cv-00819-CAB-RBB Document 84 Filed 07/15/11 Page 27 of 29
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 ofthe 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 ofthe 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 ofthe 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 

Case 3:10-cv-00819-CAB-RBB Document 84 Filed 07/15/11 Page 28 of 29
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 ofthe short dimension ofthe spring. 

27 

Case 3:10-cv-00819-CAB-RBB Document 84 Filed 07/15/11 Page 29 of 29