Doble v. Scott

295 F. 238, 54 App. D.C. 97, 1924 U.S. App. LEXIS 3168

• Court: District Court, District of Columbia
• Decided: January 7, 1924
• Docket: No. 1614
• Status: Published

Opinion

SMYTH, Chief Justice.

Doble appeals from a decision of the Commissioner of Patents awarding Scott priority in an interference proceeding between a patent to Scott on an application filed June 24, 1918, and an application of Doble’s filed November, 1916. The invention involved relates to an apparatus for burning heavy oils, primarily intended for the generation of steam in a steam-driven automobile. The oil is forced through a mechanical spraying device, and is ignited by an electric sparking device in the path of the oil. Air to complete combustion is supplied by a blowing device, and the spark is shielded from the air blown into the apparatus for that purpose. Doble copied cer'tain claims from the Scott patent, and after the declaration of the interference Scott moved to dissolve it as to counts 3, 4, 5, and 6, on the ground that Doble had no right to make the counts. The motion was denied by the Law Examiner.

As Scott’s patent was issued during the pendency of Doble’s application, he gains no advantage by reason of having it. Doble relies on his filing date. Scott, as to counts 3 and 4, alleged no date of conception prior to that date. As to claims 1, 2, 5, and 6, Scott claims conception as of June, 1908, but he failed to show that he was diligent when Doble entered the field and subsequently. In this situation Doble would be entitled to priority unless his apparatus is inoperative, or unless he is unable to make the claims, as Scott asserts. Testimony was taken on behalf of both. Obviously, the question involved is purely one of fact. Each of the three tribunals found in favor of Scott.

We have attentively considered the record in the light of the oral and printed arguments of the parties, and we find no ground for reversing the decision of the Commissioner. It is therefore affirmed.

Affirmed.