STUTZ
v.
ROBSON.
507
washer boxes with sieves, slate-discharge passages operated by valves, inclined ways for the coal and water, and a settling tank or receiving chamber; the only difference being that, whereas in the plaintiff's machine the chamber, L, is between and immediately adjacent to the two washer boxes, in the prior machines the settling tank or receiving chamber was in front of the washer boxes,...,.-in the Larimer machine immediately in front and close thereto, so that the coal and water passing over an incline were delivered directly into the chamber; while in the other two cases the reo ceiving chamber was somewhat further removed, the washed coal being discharged therein over a screen, so as to drain the coal as much as possible. It is clear that the only feature of novelty in claim No.3 of the reissue is the location of the receiving chamber between the washer boxes. If, then, the claim under consideration can be sustained at all, it must be interpreted very narrowly. In view of the designation "central chamber, L," it is difficult to see how the claim can be construed otherwise than as limited to a receiving chamber located between the separators or washer boxes; but, assuredly, the central chamber of the claim cannot be a tank or chamber located in front of the washer boxes and away therefrom. Keystone Bridge Co. v. Phoenix Iron Co., 95 U. S. 274; White v. Dunbar, 119 U. S. 47, 7 Sup. Ct. Rep. 72. Indeed, an interpretation which would include a receiving chamber not directly con· nected with the washer boxes, but separated and distant therefrom, is excluded by the prior state of the art. Roller-Mill Co. v. Walker, 138 U. S. 124, 133, 11 Sup. Ct. Rep. 292. Now, the receiving chamber of the defendants' machine is not located between the washer boxes, but is situated in front of them, and not less than six distant. It is not, therefore, a "central chamber," within the true meaning of the claim. Moreover, it is noteworthy (Rowell v. Lindsay, 113 U. S. 103, 5 Sup. Ct. Rep. 507) that the defendants' apparatus does not p<)ssess the distinguishing function of the plaintiff's combination whereby the water is saved and used over and over again. Waiving the question of patentability, our conclusion is that there is no infringement of this claim by the defendants. 'The defendant9 are charged with the infringement of claims 2 and 3 of the other patent, No. 194,059, namely: "(2) The boxes, A, B, provided with the curved partition, M, and the out· let, 0, substantially as described, for the purpose specified. (3) The combina· tion of the stationary sieve, S, and water chamber, A, with the dam, n, passage, F, and dry screen, f, and with the passages, h, gO, and, g, g', substan· tially as described."
The box, A, of the second claim is the "separator box," and it is provided with a sieve, S, upon which is placed the layer of crushed coal which is to be washed. In the box, B, a box-shaped piston works, and thereby a current of water is forced up against the coal. The curved partition, M, is at the bottom of the separator box, A, and upon it fall the sulphur and other fine matter dropping through the sieve as the coal is moved and lifted by the action of the water. The function of the curved partition is stated to be "greater convenience of cleaning out that part of .the box
508
FEDERAL REPORTER,
vol. 54.
from fine sulphur and slate, the mud sliding down more easily to the opening, 0, where its outlet is effected automatically;" that is, upon moving a valve or lifting a gate which closes the hole, o. Anticipation of this claim is clearly shown. The coal-washing machine of Jones & Laughlins and at Mansfield, respectively, had a. plunger box and a washer box equipped with a sieve, and having a curved bottom, shaped like a half circle, in the lowest part of which was a sulphur outlet, operated by a valve for the periodical discharge of the sulphur and other fine particles. True, in the plaintiff's machine the curvature is only in the front part, and the opening for the discharge of sulphur is at the opposite side of the machine, the sulphur passing out through the space under the plunger. These differences, however, do not amount to invention. The function of the sulphur outlet is the same whether located at the one place or the other. The plaintiff, indeed, testifies that his machine possesses a special advantage, in that his curved partition, M, leads into a chamber beneath the plunger, which acts as a receptacle for the sulphur, which thus is prevented from mixing with the clean water during the agitation of the latter; but there is no hint in the specification of any such advantage or function, and the plaintiff cannot read into his claim' a sulphur deposit chamber. Western Electric Manuf'g 00. v. Ansonia Brass, etc., Co., 114 U. S. 452, 5 Sup. Ot. Rep. 941; Howe Mach. Co. v. National Needle Co., 134 U. S. 394, 395, 10 Sup. Ct. Rep. 570. Besides, according. to the weight of evidence, the asserted advantage has no real existence. Moreover, the coal-washing machine at Larimer had an inclined bottom, down which the sulphur slid to the sulphur outlet at the extreme bottom part of the box. This construction is also shown in the .prior patent granted to George Lauder on May 30, 1871. It is to be added that, in point of fact, the defendants do not .use a curved bottom, but an inclined one. The defendants' structure, too, otherwise differs from the plaintiff's specific form. But this line of discussion we will not further pursue, for it is enough to say that, in our illdgment, this claim is altogether destitute of natentable novelty. The third claim of patent No. 194,059 was before this court in the case of Stutz v. Armstrong, 20 Fed. Rep. 843, and was sustained, with certain other claims; but the contest there was mainly over the other claims, as the latter embodied the really meritorious and novel features of the plaintiff's apparatus. Touching this particular claim the proofs were scanty and incomplete; but here they are full, and such as to compel us to hold that the defense of anticipation is made out. It is now conclusively shown that the prior machines of Jones & Laughlins and at Mansfield contained all the elements of this third claim, performing severally the same identical functions, and combined in substantially the same way, for the same purpose, and with the same result. The single difference is in the location of the "dry screen, f," in the chute connecting the washer boxes and the "elevator boot" into which the washed coal is delivered. The function of the screen, as is stated in the specification, is "to separate the water from the delivered material before the latter has reached the elevator
PALMER
M'DEmIAID.
buckets." In the plaintiff's patent this drying screen is placed immediately in front of the washers, whereas in the prior machines referred to it was placed further in advance,-nearer to the elevator. But, whether in the one place or the other, the screen performs the same function with equal efficiency. Certainly the change made by the plaintiff in the position of the screen, even if it secured a better result, was a matter simply of good judgment, not involving invention; but, in fact, the change was of no advantage. Let a decree be drawn dismissing the bill, with costs. BUFFINGTON, District Judge, concurs.
PALMER et a1. v. McDEltMAID. (Circuit Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit. No. 59. PATENTS FOR INVENTIONS-NoVELTY-CHURNS.
February 11, 1893.)
Letters patent No. 378,144, issued February 21, 1888, Bnd Nos. 418,355 and 518,3.56, issued December 31, 1889, to Samuel D. Palmer, for devices for securing the lid of end over end revolving barrel churns, consisting of the combinaton, with a churn baving bails, of a removable hlO'ad, and a cam to engage the free portion of the bails, and means for operating the cam, are void for want of novelty, having been anticipated by letters patent issued July 5, 1881, to Wllliam Dobson.
In Equity. Suit by Henry H. Palmer, George E. King, and Samuel D. Palmer against John McDermaid to restrain the alleged infringe· ment of certain patents. Defendallt obtained a decree. Complain· ants appeal. .The follOWing opinion was delivered in the circuit court, May 2, 1892, by Judge BLODGETT: "In this case defendant is charged with the infringement of patent No. 378,144, granted February 21, 1888, to Samuel D. Palmer, for a 'churn,' and patents Nos. 418,355 and 518,356, granted December 31, 1889, to Samuel D. Palmer, fora 'churn.' All tbese patents relate to devices for securing the'lid of end over end revolving barrel churns. Patent No. 378,144 shows a ring head, preferably of metal, inserted in the croze or open enCL of the cburn, and extending inwardly, say a couple of inches, more or less,-enough to form a seat for the lid. On this ring head are four uprising ears, to which two bails are pivoted In such a way that these bails may be used to handle the churn, and are also adapted to be used as levers to press upon the lid, and hold it closely upon its on the ring head, so as to close the churn; these bails acting as levers, and when turned inwardly, towards the center of the lid, are fastened so as to hold the lid firmly in place. Infringement is charged of the first claim of this patent, which is: '(1) The combination, with a churn having bails pivoted thereto, of a removable head, and a cam secured to the said head to engage the free portions of the bails, substantially as set forth.' Patent No. 418,335 is, in its general characteristics, as the preceding one, except that it shows the ears attached to the body of the churn, outside of the ring head, and a device for locking the bails in place after they have been turned over the lid to act as levers to hold it closed; and infringement is charged of the second claim of this patent, which is: '(2) The combination of a churn body having a pair of bails pivoted tbereto, a ring head, a removable head, a cam secured to the removable head to engage the free por·
elm District of llIinois.
Appeal from the Circuit Court of the United States for the North-
510
tion ot the balls, and means for operating the cam, l;lubstantially, as set fOrth.' PateiltNo. 418,356 shows a churn in which the staves of the open end are cut off square, or at right angJes with lengthwise aXis of the churn: a removable lid, mainly of wood, enCircled with the metallic ring surrounding its periphery and a portion of its top; lL portion of the outer periph-' ery Qf, the under side of the lid cut away, and filled with cork pack· ing:ears fastened to the body of the churn, with the lower parts of such ears so twisted as to conform to the body of the churn, and the upper part so twisted as to bring the holes of the bail in line with the bail, or in a chord across the periphery of the lid; balls adapted to act as levers to hold the lid in the closed position; a bolt passing up through the center of the lid, on which a cam turns to lock the bails, when it is desired to do so, for the purpose of holding the lid firmly in place. Infringement is charged of the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth claims of this patent, which are: '(3) The combination of a removable head, a churn body, two pairs of ears secured to the churn body, and provided with bail holes, arranged at an oblique angle to the base portion of the ears, and a pair of bails pivoted to the upper portion of the ears, and engaging the removable head, substantially as set forth. (4) The combination of a removable head, a churn body, two pairs of ears secured to the churn body, the upper portion of the ears formed at an angle to the base portion, and a pair of bails pivoted to said upper portion, and engaging the removable head, thereby holding' it in position, substantially as set forth. (5) The combination of a removable head, a churn body, two pairs of ears secured to the churn bOdy, the upper portion of the ears formed at an angle to the base portion, a pair of bails pivoted to the said upper portion, and engaging the removable head, and a fastening for the balls, substantially as set forth. (6) The combination of a removable head, II fastening on the removable head, II churn body, two pairs of ears, each ear being secured to the churn body by II fastening passing radially through the churn body and ear, the upper portion of the ears formed at an angle to the base portion, and a pair of balls pivoted to said upper portion, and engaging the fastening, thereby holding the removable head in position, substantially as set forth. (7) The combination of a churn body, a pair of balls pivoted thereto, a removable hen.d, and II cam secured to the removable head to engage the free portion of the bails, substantially as set forth. (8) The combination of a churn body, two pairs of ears secured thereto, a pair of balls pivoted to the ears, a removable head, a cam located on a removable head to engage the free portion of the bails, and means for operating the cam, substantially as set forth. (9) The combination of a churn body, a pair of baiis pivoted thereto, a removable head, a cam located on the removable head to engage the free portion of the bails, said cam being provided with II lever projection or projections to form means for operating the cam, substantially as set forth.' "The defenses of noninfringement and want of patentable novelty were both relied upon, but I care only to consider the latter. "The patent of July 5, 1881, to William Dobson, which is in evidence, shows all the features of the complainants' patent 378,144. We there see the ring head with the four ears, the two bails swinging in these ears, and so arranged as to act as levers to hold the lid in place when the churn is closed, and a l'otatlng cam in the center of the lid to engage with these balls to press or hold the lid firmly in place. Patent No. 418,355 does not differ from the Dobson device in any essentialpartlcular, except that the ears are to be fastened to the body of the churn, instead of the ring head, and minute directions are given for making a cam fastener to hold the bails in place when they act as levers to fasten down the lid. And I say, unhesitatingly, that these features do not rise to the dignity of invention, but involve the simplest order of mechanical skill. If, for any reason, it was deemed desirable to put the ears on the body of the chum, instead of the ring head, any mechanic could have done so. "The same may be said of patent No. 418,356, which is but a reproduction of the Dobson patent and of complainants' patent 418,355, 80 far as ears, bails, and cams are concerned; and there was surely no inventive ability required to cut the open end of the churn off square, and tit the lid upon It,
· HOLLOWAY fl. DOW.
511
usf.ng the Dobson baOs to hold it in place, and the cork pacIdng to make a tight joint. The cam of this patent is but a reproduction of the Dobson cam, 10 far as I can see trom the drawings, except that the cam face may be & little more inclined,-a little more 'cammy,' it 1 may coin a word to describe the difference. But the question of too much cam, or whether any cam is necessary, depends largely upon the shape given the balls. It the arch of the ball is high, it is obvious that when it is placed in an inclined position, as it must be to lock the lid closely, the ball itself will turnlsh cam enough, so that a straight button. might only be required to press home the lid. If the ball arch is low, then some cam shape should be given the button to secure the requisite amount of pressure to the lid. "With ali due respect to the patent office, I must say that it seems to me all these patents in suit, as well as others in this record, were very improvidently issued. They may cover improvements in this class of churns, but all lmprovements do not involve or imply invention. These patents are void for want of novelty, and the suit is dlmlssed for want of equity."
Banning & Banning & Payson, for appellants. L. L. Morrison, for appellee. Before GRESHAM and WOODS, Circuit Judges, and BUNN, District Judge. PER CURIAM. The decree appealed from is affirmed upon. the grounds stated in the opinion of the court below.
HOLLOWAY v. DOW et al (Circuit Court, D. Indiana. No. 8,497. 1. PATENTS FOR INVENTIONS-INFRINGEMENT-OFFBETTING LOG CARRIAGES.
March 13, 1893.)
In letters patent No. 279,537, granted June 19, 1883, to Carter & Seeley, for an offsetting log carriage for sawmills, whose object was to prevent the cut surface of the log from coming in contact with the saw during the backward motion of the carriage, claims 1 and 2 were for a carrying frame, narrower than the trucks on which it was mounted, and adapted to slide transversely on their axles, with a draft beam, to which was attached the mechanism for moving the carriage longitudinally towards the saw In the operation of cutting, such beam being adapted to have a slight longitudinal movement in relation to the carriage, and being so connected by links with the carrying frame that this motion would produce the transverse motion of the carrying frame on the axles. Held, that these claims are not infringed by a carriage In which the transverse motion is produced by the action of spiral cam plates carried by a swlnglng arm actuated by the rotation of the axles of the trucks.
I.
SAME-ANTICIPATION.
Claim 3 of this patent was as follows: "In a sawmill, the combination with a saw. a fixed track by the side of the saw, and a series of trucks, or their equivalent, adapted ttl move along said track, and occupying a fixed position transversely thereon, of a frame adapted to support a log mounted on said trucks, and adapted to have a transverse movement thereon." Held, that this was not anticipated by the Fox patent No. 271, reissue of No. 10,888 of 1854, or No. 60,648 of 1866, to Stearns, in both of which the offset was of the whole carriage by means of the leverage of grooved wheels, mounted obliquely, against the rails, neither being capable of such lateral motion except when the carriage was in motion longitudinally, especially as both machines were uncertain in their operation, and never came into general use.