US 11014090

US Patent 11014090, titled "Gyratory crusher main shaft and assembly," was issued on May 25, 2021, to assignee Sandvik Intellectual Property AB. The inventors listed are Axel Bergman, Mikael M Larsson, Patric Malmqvist, Anders Hallberg, Matts-Ake NILSSON, Fredrik Eriksson, Bengt-Arne Eriksson, and Anne HOLMBERG. The filing date for the application was May 23, 2014.

Abstract:
The patent describes a gyratory crusher main shaft assembly featuring a main shaft with an axially upper region that includes a tapered conical section. A protective sleeve is friction-fitted over this conical section. To simplify the mounting and dismounting of this sleeve, at least one groove is indented into the radially external surface of the main shaft within the conical region. This groove is designed to receive a pressurized fluid, which aids in separating the sleeve from the conical section during mounting and dismounting operations.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

• Independent Claim 1 (Gyratory crusher main shaft): This claim describes a gyratory crusher main shaft. It has a shaft body with an external surface and two ends (a first end for the lower part of the crusher and a second end for the upper part). An axial region extending from the upper (second) end is tapered, meaning its cross-sectional area gradually decreases from the lower end to the upper end. This tapered region is designed to have a shaft sleeve mounted on it. The key feature is that this tapered region has at least one groove indented into its external surface. This groove is specifically configured to receive a pressurized fluid, which helps in both mounting and dismounting the sleeve on the shaft body.
• Independent Claim 9 (Gyratory crusher main shaft assembly): This claim describes a complete gyratory crusher main shaft assembly. It includes the main shaft as defined in claim 1 (with its tapered region and at least one groove for pressurized fluid). Additionally, it specifies a sleeve fitted over this tapered region of the shaft. This sleeve has a tapered wall thickness, where the wall is thicker at its upper (second) end than at its lower (first) end.
• Independent Claim 14 (Gyratory crusher): This claim describes an entire gyratory crusher. It incorporates a main shaft which, like in claim 1, has a shaft body with an external surface, a lower first end, and an upper second end. An axial region extending from the second end is tapered, decreasing in cross-sectional area from the first end to the second end, and is designed to mount a shaft sleeve. The crusher also includes a sleeve fitted over this tapered region, with a wall thickness that is greater at its upper end than at its lower end, as described in claim 9. Crucially, the main shaft also features at least one groove indented at its external surface within the tapered region, which is arranged to receive a pressurized fluid to assist with mounting and dismounting the sleeve.

Litigation and Legal Status:
US Patent 11014090B2 is currently active and is set to expire on May 6, 2035. The patent family has litigation associated with it, including a US case filed in the Delaware District Court and a PTAB (Patent Trial and Appeal Board) case, IPR2024-01381, which has been filed (Final Written Decision pending) [cite: The full patent text, Google Patents "Legal status" and "Litigation" sections]. The petitioner for IPR2024-01381 is CMS Cepcor Ltd., and CMS Cepcor Americas LLC. [cite: The full patent text, Google Patents "PTAB case IPR2024-01381 filed (Final Written Decision)" entry].

As of April 26, 2026, a review of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) scheduled cases for May and June 2026 did not reveal any cases directly involving patent number 11014090 or the named parties (Sandvik Intellectual Property AB, CMS Cepcor Ltd., or CMS Cepcor Americas LLC). This does not preclude the possibility of an appeal being filed at a later date in 2026 or being heard in another court.US Patent 11014090B2, titled "Gyratory crusher main shaft and assembly," was granted on May 25, 2021, from an application filed on May 23, 2014. The patent is assigned to Sandvik Intellectual Property AB. The inventors are Axel Bergman, Mikael M Larsson, Patric Malmqvist, Anders Hallberg, Matts-Ake NILSSON, Fredrik Eriksson, Bengt-Arne Eriksson, and Anne HOLMBERG.

Abstract:
The patent describes a gyratory crusher main shaft assembly that includes a main shaft with an axially upper region featuring a tapered conical section. A protective sleeve is friction-fitted over this conical section. To facilitate the mounting and dismounting of the sleeve, the radially external surface of the main shaft's conical region is indented with at least one groove. This groove is designed to receive a pressurized fluid, which assists in expanding the sleeve to allow for easier installation and removal.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

• Independent Claim 1 (Gyratory crusher main shaft): This claim details a gyratory crusher main shaft. It comprises a shaft body with an external surface and two ends (a lower "first end" and an upper "second end"). An axial region extending from the upper end is tapered, meaning its cross-sectional area progressively narrows from the first end towards the second end. This tapered section is configured to mount a shaft sleeve. Crucially, at least one groove is indented directly into the external surface of this tapered region. This groove is designed to receive a pressurized fluid, enabling easier mounting and dismounting of the sleeve on the shaft body.
• Independent Claim 9 (Gyratory crusher main shaft assembly): This claim describes a complete gyratory crusher main shaft assembly. It includes the main shaft as defined in Claim 1 (with its tapered, grooved region). Additionally, it specifies a sleeve that is fitted over the tapered axial region of the shaft. This sleeve itself has a tapered wall thickness, being thicker at its upper (second) end than at its lower (first) end.
• Independent Claim 14 (Gyratory crusher): This claim defines an entire gyratory crusher. It incorporates a main shaft which, consistent with Claim 1, features a shaft body with an external surface, a lower first end, and an upper second end. An axial region extending from the second end is tapered, with a decreasing cross-sectional area towards the upper end, and is designed to accommodate a shaft sleeve. The crusher further includes a sleeve fitted over this tapered region, characterized by a wall thickness that is greater at its upper end than its lower end (as in Claim 9). Lastly, the main shaft features at least one groove indented in its external tapered surface, intended to receive a pressurized fluid to aid in the mounting and dismounting of the sleeve.

Litigation and Legal Status:
US Patent 11014090B2 is currently active and is scheduled to expire on May 6, 2035. According to the patent's legal status information, the patent family is involved in litigation. This includes a US case filed in the Delaware District Court and a PTAB (Patent Trial and Appeal Board) case, IPR2024-01381, for which a Final Written Decision is pending [cite: The full patent text, Google Patents "Legal status" and "Litigation" sections]. The petitioners for IPR2024-01381 are CMS Cepcor Ltd., and CMS Cepcor Americas LLC [cite: The full patent text, Google Patents "PTAB case IPR2024-01381 filed (Final Written Decision)" entry]. The petition for this inter partes review was accorded a filing date of September 6, 2024, and the parties were encouraged to consider alternative dispute resolution for settlement.

As of April 26, 2026, searches of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) 2026 dockets for patent number 11014090, Sandvik Intellectual Property AB, or CMS Cepcor Ltd. and CMS Cepcor Americas LLC did not yield any scheduled cases specifically referencing this patent. While an appeal to the CAFC could potentially follow a final written decision from the PTAB, there is no indication of such an appeal in the currently available 2026 dockets.

As of April 26, 2026, there is known litigation involving US patent 11014090.

Here's a summary of the known case:

• Jurisdiction: Delaware District Court
• Case Number: 1:24-cv-00481
• Status: Ongoing, as it was filed in 2024.
• Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
• Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
• Filing Date: Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
• Outcome: The case is still active.

Additionally, there is a PTAB (Patent Trial and Appeal Board) case related to US patent 11014090:

• Case Number: IPR2024-01381 (Final Written Decision)
• Petitioner: Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
• Status: The status is listed as "Final Written Decision," but the outcome of that decision is not specified.
• Filing Date: Not explicitly stated, but the trial number indicates it was filed in 2024.

Proceedings overview

There is one AIA trial proceeding on file for US patent 11014090, IPR2024-01381, which is currently in the "Final Written Decision" status. The ultimate outcome of the claims (invalidated or sustained) is not explicitly stated in the provided information. This ongoing status means the patent's defensive posture is still uncertain, as the validity of its claims is under review.

IPR2024-01381 — CMS CEPCOR LTD et al. v. Sandvik Intellectual Property AB et al.

• Type: Inter Partes Review
• Filed: 2024-09-06
• Status: Final Written Decision – This indicates that the PTAB has issued its final determination regarding the patentability of the challenged claims. However, the specific outcome (e.g., claims canceled, claims sustained) is not detailed in the provided information.
• Judge panel: Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
• Petition grounds: Not explicitly stated in the provided snippets.
• Institution decision: The petition was accorded a filing date of September 6, 2024. A defect was identified regarding exhibit labeling, which the Petitioner was required to correct within five business days. The Patent Owner had three months from the notice date to file a preliminary response. The provided text is a "Notice of Filing Date Accorded to Petition" and does not constitute an institution decision.
• Final Written Decision (if issued): The status indicates a Final Written Decision has been issued. However, the verdict at a claim-level granularity (i.e., which claims were canceled or held patentable) is not provided in the available snippets.
• Settlement / termination: The provided "Notice of Filing Date Accorded to Petition" encourages parties to consider alternative dispute resolution for settlement, noting that many AIA trials settle before a Final Written Decision. However, no information on settlement or termination for this specific IPR is given.
• Appeal: No information regarding an appeal to the Federal Circuit is available in the provided snippets.
• Defensive value: As the outcome of the Final Written Decision is not specified, the defensive value is currently unknown. If claims were invalidated, it would significantly weaken any assertion of those claims. If claims were sustained, it would strengthen the patent against future challenges on the same grounds.

Strategic summary

Currently, only one AIA trial proceeding, IPR2024-01381, has been identified for US patent 11014090. This IPR has reached the "Final Written Decision" stage, but the specific outcome regarding the patentability of the challenged claims (i.e., which claims are canceled, sustained, or untested) is not detailed in the provided information. Therefore, it is not possible to definitively state which claims of 11014090 are canceled, sustained, or untested at this time.

Regarding estoppel, under 35 U.S.C. § 315(e)(2), a petitioner in an inter partes review that results in a final written decision, or their real party in interest or privy, may not assert in a civil action or ITC proceeding that the claim is invalid on any ground that the petitioner raised or reasonably could have raised during that IPR. Without knowing the specific claims challenged and grounds raised in IPR2024-01381, it is impossible to determine precisely which prior-art grounds would be estopped for the petitioner (CMS CEPCOR LTD et al.) and its privies.

There are no clear pattern signals from multiple IPRs on this patent, as only one is noted. There's no information on whether the patent owner has pursued PTAB appeals aggressively or if a defensive aggregator like Unified Patents is involved in the chain beyond Unified Patents listing the case.

Recommended next steps

Since a Final Written Decision has been issued for IPR2024-01381, the most critical next step for a defendant would be to obtain and review the full Final Written Decision from the USPTO PTAB Decisions database. This decision will explicitly state which claims, if any, were canceled or sustained. This will clarify the exact scope of the patent claims that remain enforceable and inform any infringement defense strategy. Without this document, the precise defensive value of the IPR remains undetermined.

Inventors

• Axel Bergman (Sandvik Intellectual Property AB)
• Mikael M Larsson (Sandvik Intellectual Property AB)
• Patric Malmqvist (Sandvik Intellectual Property AB)
• Anders Hallberg (Sandvik Intellectual Property AB)
• Matts-Ake Nilsson (Sandvik Intellectual Property AB)
• Fredrik Eriksson (Sandvik Intellectual Property AB)
• Bengt-Arne Eriksson (Sandvik Intellectual Property AB)
• Anne Holmberg (Sandvik Intellectual Property AB)

All inventors were employed by Sandvik Intellectual Property AB at the time of filing. There are no unusual patterns indicating a mass departure of inventors.

Original assignee

The original assignee of US11014090 is Sandvik Intellectual Property AB. Sandvik Intellectual Property AB is a Swedish company primarily involved in legal advisory and representation activities concerning patents and copyrights. They are a subsidiary of Sandvik AB, a global engineering group in mining and rock excavation, metal-cutting, and materials technology. Sandvik, the parent company, ships products embodying the claims, specifically gyratory crushers. Sandvik Intellectual Property AB is currently active.

Assignment timeline

• 2016-05-16 (executed) / recorded 2016-05-16 — Reel 038599/0244
  • Conveyance: Assignment
  • Assignor: Holmberg, Anne, ERIKSSON, BENGT-ARNE, ERIKSSON, FREDRIK, HALLBERG, ANDERS, NILSSON, MATTS-AKE, BERGMAN, AXEL, MAMLQVIST, PATRIC, Larsson, Mikael M (all inventors)
  • Assignee: SANDVIK INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AB
  • Correspondent: Not specified in the provided text.
  • Context: Internal reorg – Formal assignment of inventorship rights to the corporate entity.

Timeline diagram

timeline
    title Ownership of US 11014090
    2014 : Filed by Sandvik Intellectual Property AB
    2016 : Inventors assign to Sandvik IP AB
    2021 : Patent granted
    2024 : Litigation filed
    2024 : PTAB case filed

NPE / troll-pattern signals

1. Shell-entity transfer — Not present. The only recorded assignment is from the individual inventors to Sandvik Intellectual Property AB, which is an active corporate entity handling intellectual property for the Sandvik group, an operating company.
2. Known asserter in the chain — Not present. Sandvik Intellectual Property AB is not identified on public NPE lists such as those maintained by RPX Insurance or Unified Patents, nor is it associated with known asserters like Acacia Research Corp, Marathon Patent Group, Intellectual Ventures, IPNav, Wi-LAN, Mosaid / Conversant, Vringo, Pendrell, Innovatio IP Ventures, MPHJ Technology, Lumen View Technology, Round Rock Research, Document Generation Corp, or Erich Spangenberg entities.
3. Repeat correspondent across the chain — Unclear. The provided text does not specify the correspondent for the 2016 assignment.
4. Cascading transfers — Not present. There is only one assignment recorded, which is from the inventors to the initial assignee.
5. Pre-litigation transfer — Not present. The only assignment listed (2016-05-16) significantly predates the litigation filing in 2024.
6. Bankruptcy fire-sale — Not present. Sandvik Intellectual Property AB and its parent company, Sandvik AB, are active and there is no indication of bankruptcy.
7. Privateering — Not present. There is no evidence of Sandvik transferring the patent to an NPE to assert on its behalf.
8. Defensive aggregator (anti-NPE) — Not present. The patent is currently held by Sandvik Intellectual Property AB, not a known defensive aggregator.

Verdict

Operating-company assertion. The patent is currently owned by Sandvik Intellectual Property AB, a subsidiary of Sandvik AB, which is an operating company that manufactures and sells gyratory crushers, the subject of the patent. The assignment chain shows a typical transfer from individual inventors to the corporate entity, and there are no signals of NPE involvement. The current litigation appears to be an assertion by the operating company.

Verification: https://assignmentcenter.uspto.gov/

To identify the most relevant prior art for US patent 11014090, I will examine the patent citations listed within the document itself, as these are the references considered by the patent examiner during prosecution. The task explicitly asks to "Look at each patent citation for 11014090." I do not need to perform a live USPTO search for the patent 11014090 itself, as I already have its full text.

Based on the provided patent text, here are the prior art citations:

1. US 1,402,255 (US1402255A)

• Full Citation: US 1,402,255 A to Smith Engineering Works
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: 1922-01-03; Filing date: 1918-02-18
• Brief Description: This patent describes a "Crusher." The provided text mentions it in a list of "Example protective sleeves" in the background art section.
• Potentially Anticipates: The general concept of a protective sleeve in a gyratory crusher. Given the broad nature of the citation, it would likely anticipate the broad concept of a sleeve mounted on a main shaft, potentially relevant to aspects of Claim 1 related to a "shaft sleeve mounted on the tapered axial region."

2. US 1,592,313 (US1592313A)

• Full Citation: US 1,592,313 A to Symons Brothers Company
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: 1926-07-13; Filing date: 1925-06-04
• Brief Description: This patent describes a "Gyratory cone crusher." It is also listed as an "Example protective sleeve" in the background art.
• Potentially Anticipates: Similar to US1402255A, it likely anticipates the general concept of a protective sleeve in a gyratory crusher, relevant to aspects of Claim 1.

3. US 1,748,102 (US1748102A)

• Full Citation: US 1,748,102 A to Traylor Engineering & Mfg Comp
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: 1930-02-25; Filing date: 1929-05-24
• Brief Description: This patent describes a "Crusher." It is also listed as an "Example protective sleeve" in the background art.
• Potentially Anticipates: Similar to the above, it likely anticipates the general concept of a protective sleeve in a gyratory crusher, relevant to aspects of Claim 1.

4. RU 718160 (SU718160A1)

• Full Citation: SU 718160 A1 to Уральский Завод Тяжелого Машиностроения Им. Серго Орджоникидзе (Ural Heavy Machine Building Plant named after Sergo Ordzhonikidze)
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: 1980-02-29; Filing date: 1978-06-16
• Brief Description: This patent describes an "Upper support of movable cone of gyratory breaker." It is listed as an "Example protective sleeve" in the background art.
• Potentially Anticipates: The general concept of a protective sleeve in the upper support of a gyratory crusher, potentially relevant to aspects of Claim 1.

5. US 4,027,825 (US4027825A)

• Full Citation: US 4,027,825 A to Allis-Chalmers Corporation
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: 1977-06-07; Filing date: 1976-06-08
• Brief Description: This patent describes a "Gyratory crusher eccentric assembly removal system." It is listed as an "Example protective sleeve" in the background art, suggesting it might relate to methods of sleeve removal.
• Potentially Anticipates: The general idea of facilitating sleeve removal, but not necessarily through the use of grooves and pressurized fluid on a tapered shaft as claimed in US11014090. Could be relevant to the general objective of "facilitate mounting and dismounting of the shaft sleeve" in Claim 1.

6. RU 940837 (SU940837A1)

• Full Citation: SU 940837 A1 to Предприятие П/Я Г-4983
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: 1982-07-07; Filing date: 1978-04-10
• Brief Description: This patent describes a "Top support of moving crushing cone of cone crusher." It is also listed as an "Example protective sleeve" in the background art.
• Potentially Anticipates: The general concept of a protective sleeve in the top support of a cone crusher, potentially relevant to aspects of Claim 1.

7. US 5,934,583 (US5934583A)

• Full Citation: US 5,934,583 A to Jean; Cheng-Shu
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: 1999-08-10; Filing date: 1998-01-26
• Brief Description: This patent describes a "Bearing block mounting arrangement of a cone crusher." It is listed as an "Example protective sleeve" in the background art.
• Potentially Anticipates: The general concept of a protective sleeve and its mounting arrangement in a cone crusher, relevant to aspects of Claim 1.

8. FR 531391A

• Full Citation: FR 531391 A to Smith Engineering Works
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: 1922-01-11; Priority date: 1917-11-14
• Brief Description: Described as "Improvements in gyratory crushers". This likely covers foundational aspects of gyratory crusher design.
• Potentially Anticipates: Broad structural elements of a gyratory crusher as mentioned in the preamble of the independent claims (e.g., Claim 1 and Claim 9), but not the specific features of the grooved tapered shaft for fluid mounting/dismounting.

9. SU 87056A1

• Full Citation: SU 87056 A1 to А.И. Кириченко
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: 1949-11-30; Filing date: 1949-07-26
• Brief Description: This describes a "Gyratory crusher."
• Potentially Anticipates: Broad structural elements of a gyratory crusher, similar to FR531391A, relevant to the preamble of the independent claims (e.g., Claim 1 and Claim 9).

10. US 2,916,218 (US2916218A)

• Full Citation: US 2,916,218 A to Nordberg Manufacturing Co
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: 1959-12-08; Filing date: 1955-02-24
• Brief Description: Describes a "Lubricating system for crusher bearings." This patent likely deals with fluid delivery for lubrication rather than sleeve mounting/dismounting.
• Potentially Anticipates: While it discusses fluid systems in crushers, it is not described as involving grooves for pressure-assisted sleeve mounting/dismounting. It might be relevant to the general concept of a "fluid inlet conduit" if broadly interpreted, but not the specific inventive aspects of using fluid in grooves for mounting/dismounting a sleeve on a tapered shaft. Therefore, it's less likely to anticipate the specific claims of US11014090 (Claims 1, 2, 9, 12, 13, 14).

11. US 3,456,889 (US3456889A)

• Full Citation: US 3,456,889 A to Allis Chalmers Mfg Co
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: 1969-07-22; Filing date: 1967-04-10
• Brief Description: Describes a "Spider bearing assembly for gyratory crushers." This would concern the bearing support for the main shaft.
• Potentially Anticipates: General structural elements of a gyratory crusher related to the main shaft support, but not the specific sleeve mounting/dismounting mechanism.

12. US RE27970E

• Full Citation: US RE27970 E to Johnson
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: 1974-04-16; Priority date: 1973-06-11
• Brief Description: Describes a "rock crusher." This is a reissue patent, suggesting it's an existing crusher design with modifications.
• Potentially Anticipates: Broad structural elements of a gyratory crusher.

13. US 3,813,047 (US3813047A)

• Full Citation: US 3,813,047 A to Allis Chalmers
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: 1974-05-28; Filing date: 1972-12-07
• Brief Description: Describes a "Spider bearing assembly for gyratory crushers." Similar to US3456889A.
• Potentially Anticipates: General structural elements of a gyratory crusher related to the main shaft support, but not the specific sleeve mounting/dismounting mechanism.

14. US 3,891,153 (US3891153A)

• Full Citation: US 3,891,153 A to Kloeckner Humboldt Deutz Ag
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: 1975-06-24; Filing date: 1970-01-12
• Brief Description: Describes "Lubricant feed means for gyratory crushers." Similar to US2916218A, this relates to lubrication systems.
• Potentially Anticipates: General fluid delivery systems in crushers for lubrication, but not for pressure-assisted sleeve mounting/dismounting using grooves on a tapered shaft. Less likely to anticipate claims 1, 2, 9, 12, 13, 14.

15. FR 2492022A1

• Full Citation: FR 2492022 A1 to Aciers Outillages Equip Indls
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: 1982-04-16; Priority date: 1980-10-14
• Brief Description: Described as "Temporary fixed connection of wheel to shaft - uses radial shaft expansion in pulley bore using conical hydraulic piston in thin-walled sleeve." This is highly relevant as it describes using fluid pressure to expand a sleeve on a conical shaft for connection.
• Potentially Anticipates: This patent is highly relevant and likely anticipates aspects of Claim 1, particularly the features of a tapered axial region configured to mount a shaft sleeve, and at least one groove receiving a pressurized fluid to facilitate mounting and dismounting. It also anticipates the use of a "conical hydraulic piston in a thin-walled sleeve" in combination with a shaft, which is directly analogous to the tapered sleeve and grooved shaft of US11014090. It could potentially anticipate Claims 1, 2, 9, 12, 13, and 14 to a significant degree, depending on the specific structural details of the grooves and fluid conduits.

16. WO 1997/015395 A1 (WO1997015395A1)

• Full Citation: WO 1997/015395 A1 to Nordberg-Lokomo Oy
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: 1997-05-01; Priority date: 1995-10-25
• Brief Description: Describes a "Sealed crusher." This focuses on sealing mechanisms in a crusher.
• Potentially Anticipates: Less directly relevant to the core inventive concept of sleeve mounting/dismounting via fluid-filled grooves.

17. US 5,718,391 (US5718391A)

• Full Citation: US 5,718,391 A to Cedarapids, Inc.
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: 1998-02-17; Filing date: 1996-10-15
• Brief Description: Describes a "Gyratory crusher having dynamically adjustable stroke." This focuses on stroke adjustment.
• Potentially Anticipates: Less directly relevant to the core inventive concept of sleeve mounting/dismounting via fluid-filled grooves.

18. US 5,944,265 (US5944265A)

• Full Citation: US 5,944,265 A to Cedarapids, Inc.
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: 1999-08-31; Filing date: 1996-03-18
• Brief Description: Describes a "Gyratory crusher having self-contained lubrication system." Similar to earlier lubrication patents.
• Potentially Anticipates: General fluid delivery systems in crushers for lubrication, but not for pressure-assisted sleeve mounting/dismounting using grooves on a tapered shaft. Less likely to anticipate claims 1, 2, 9, 12, 13, 14.

19. US 6,213,418 B1 (US6213418B1)

• Full Citation: US 6,213,418 B1 to Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: 2001-04-10; Filing date: 1998-10-14
• Brief Description: Describes a "Variable throw eccentric cone crusher and method for operating the same." This focuses on eccentric throw adjustment.
• Potentially Anticipates: Less directly relevant to the core inventive concept of sleeve mounting/dismounting via fluid-filled grooves.

20. US 2002/0088885 A1 (US20020088885A1)

• Full Citation: US 2002/0088885 A1 to Nordberg Inc
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: 2002-07-11; Filing date: 2001-01-05
• Brief Description: Describes a "Rock crusher seal." This focuses on sealing mechanisms.
• Potentially Anticipates: Less directly relevant to the core inventive concept of sleeve mounting/dismounting via fluid-filled grooves.

21. US 2003/0102394 A1 (US20030102394A1)

• Full Citation: US 2003/0102394 A1 to Mesto Minerals (Milwaukee) Inc.
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: 2003-06-05; Filing date: 2001-12-05
• Brief Description: Describes a "Conical crusher anti-spin assembly." This focuses on preventing rotation of certain components.
• Potentially Anticipates: Less directly relevant to the core inventive concept of sleeve mounting/dismounting via fluid-filled grooves.

22. US 7,048,214 B2 (US7048214B2)

• Full Citation: US 7,048,214 B2 to Louis Wein Johnson
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: 2006-05-23; Filing date: 2002-08-23
• Brief Description: Describes a "Gyratory crusher with hydrostatic bearings." This relates to bearing types and their lubrication.
• Potentially Anticipates: While it involves hydrostatic principles and fluid, it is primarily focused on bearings and not the mounting/dismounting of a protective sleeve using grooves and pressurized fluid on a tapered shaft. Less likely to anticipate claims 1, 2, 9, 12, 13, 14.

23. US 2009/0008489 A1 (US20090008489A1)

• Full Citation: US 2009/0008489 A1 to Metso Minerals, Inc.
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: 2009-01-08; Filing date: 2004-12-20
• Brief Description: Describes a "Hydraulically adjustable cone crusher and axial bearing assembly of a crusher." This is about hydraulic adjustment of crusher components, possibly including bearing assemblies.
• Potentially Anticipates: Might be relevant to the general use of hydraulics in crushers, but not specifically the combination of grooves on a tapered shaft for sleeve mounting/dismounting. Less likely to anticipate claims 1, 2, 9, 12, 13, 14.

24. CN 201179454 Y (CN201179454Y)

• Full Citation: CN 201179454 Y to 韶关市韶瑞重工有限公司
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: 2009-01-14; Filing date: 2008-03-31
• Brief Description: Describes a "Cone crusher."
• Potentially Anticipates: Broad structural elements of a cone crusher, relevant to the preamble of the independent claims (e.g., Claim 1 and Claim 9).

25. CN 201431896 Y (CN201431896Y)

• Full Citation: CN 201431896 Y to 上海世邦机器有限公司
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: 2010-03-31; Filing date: 2009-02-20
• Brief Description: Describes a "Novel cone crusher."
• Potentially Anticipates: Broad structural elements of a cone crusher, relevant to the preamble of the independent claims (e.g., Claim 1 and Claim 9).

26. US 7,922,109 B2 (US7922109B2)

• Full Citation: US 7,922,109 B2 to Sandvik Intellectual Property Ab
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: 2011-04-12; Filing date: 2008-12-19
• Brief Description: Describes a "Thrust bearing for a gyratory crusher and method of supporting a vertical shaft in such a crusher." This focuses on thrust bearing design and shaft support.
• Potentially Anticipates: Less directly relevant to the core inventive concept of sleeve mounting/dismounting via fluid-filled grooves.

27. CN 201807388 U (CN201807388U)

• Full Citation: CN 201807388 U to 陈利华
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: 2011-04-27; Filing date: 2010-09-16
• Brief Description: Describes a "Movable cone supporting seat for conical crusher." This relates to the support structure for the crushing cone.
• Potentially Anticipates: Less directly relevant to the core inventive concept of sleeve mounting/dismounting via fluid-filled grooves.

28. CN 203170383 U (CN203170383U)

• Full Citation: CN 203170383 U to 本钢板材股份有限公司
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: 2013-09-04; Filing date: 2013-01-23
• Brief Description: Describes a "Bushing mounted on cross beam of gyratory crusher." This involves mounting a bushing, but not necessarily a protective sleeve on a tapered shaft using pressurized fluid in grooves.
• Potentially Anticipates: Could be relevant to the general concept of mounting components (bushings/sleeves) in a crusher, but likely not the specific inventive features of US11014090.

Most Relevant Prior Art:

Based on the descriptions, FR 2492022A1 stands out as particularly relevant. It explicitly mentions the "Temporary fixed connection of wheel to shaft - uses radial shaft expansion in pulley bore using conical hydraulic piston in thin-walled sleeve." This directly addresses the use of fluid pressure to facilitate the mounting and dismounting of a sleeve on a conical or tapered shaft, which is a central inventive feature of US11014090. This patent would likely be the most significant in terms of potentially anticipating Claims 1, 9, and potentially the dependent claims that elaborate on the fluid delivery system (Claims 2, 3, 12, 13) and the use of grooves (Claim 1).

The other prior art references primarily disclose general aspects of gyratory crushers, protective sleeves, or lubrication systems, but do not appear to combine the specific features of a tapered main shaft, grooves on the external surface, and pressurized fluid for both mounting and dismounting of a protective sleeve, especially in the context of a gyratory crusher as claimed in US11014090.

The obviousness of US patent 11014090 under 35 U.S.C. § 103 can be established by combining existing prior art references. The core invention of US11014090 lies in a gyratory crusher main shaft and assembly that incorporates a tapered main shaft with at least one groove for pressurized fluid to facilitate mounting and dismounting of a sleeve, where the sleeve itself may have a tapered wall thickness.

Elements of the Claims in US11014090:

The independent claims (Claim 1, 9, and 14) of US11014090 describe:

• A gyratory crusher main shaft having a shaft body with a tapered axial region, where the cross-sectional area decreases towards the upper end, and this tapered region is configured to mount a shaft sleeve. [cite: 5, Claim 1]
• Crucially, this shaft includes at least one groove indented at its external surface and positioned at the tapered region, arranged to receive a pressurized fluid to facilitate mounting and dismounting of the shaft sleeve. [cite: 5, Claim 1]
• For Claim 9 and 14, a sleeve is fitted over this tapered region, and the sleeve has a tapered wall thickness where the upper end is thicker than the lower end. [cite: 5, Claim 9, 14]

The patent itself highlights that conventional protective sleeves used in gyratory crushers are held by interference or friction fit, leading to problems during mounting and dismounting, such as sleeves cooling and shrinking prematurely, requiring cutting for removal, and posing risks of damage and injury, as well as unacceptably long downtime. The stated objective of the invention is to provide a main shaft and assembly that enables convenient mounting and dismounting of the protective sleeve by means of a pressurized fluid.

Combinations of Prior Art to Render Claims Obvious:

A person having ordinary skill in the art (PHOSITA) in 2013 (the priority date of US11014090) would have been motivated to combine the following references to achieve the claimed invention:

1. Combination for Claim 1 (Gyratory crusher main shaft with tapered region and fluid-receiving groove):

• Primary Reference: Prior art disclosing conventional gyratory crusher main shafts with tapered regions designed to mount protective sleeves via interference or friction fit. The background section of US11014090 explicitly cites numerous examples of such conventional protective sleeves and methods, including U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,402,255, 1,592,313, 1,748,102, 4,027,825, 5,934,583, RU 718160, and RU 940837. These documents would teach the basic structure of a gyratory crusher main shaft and a tapered region for mounting a sleeve.

• Secondary Reference: The widely known and practiced "SKF Oil Injection Method" for mounting and dismounting interference-fit components on tapered shafts. This method, invented by SKF in the 1940s, involves injecting oil under high pressure between mating surfaces to create a thin oil film, which virtually eliminates friction and facilitates safe, controllable, and rapid mounting and dismounting. This method is specifically taught for components on tapered shafts. Critically, the SKF Oil Injection Method requires that "the shafts are prepared with oil ducts and grooves" or that "Tapered shafts must be provided with oil grooves and supply bores." A skilled artisan would know that "if the shaft is equipped with a suitable duct, and distribution groove if it is necessary to first machine the oil grooves feed channels and threaded connections into the shaft or sleeve."

• Further Supporting Reference: U.S. Pat. No. 4,027,825, titled "Gyratory crusher eccentric assembly removal system," teaches the application of high-pressure fluid injection within a gyratory crusher. Specifically, it discloses a system where fluid under high pressure is injected into a circular oil groove formed in the wall of a bore to facilitate the removal of an interference-fit bearing in an eccentric outer bearing housing. This demonstrates the use of fluid-assisted removal of components via grooves within the specific context of a gyratory crusher.

Motivation for Combination for Claim 1:

A PHOSITA would have been highly motivated to combine these references. The background of US11014090 explicitly details the problems associated with mounting and dismounting sleeves on gyratory crusher main shafts using conventional interference fits, including potential damage, injury, and significant downtime. The SKF Oil Injection Method directly addresses these very problems by providing a proven, safe, and efficient way to mount and dismount large, interference-fit components on tapered shafts by utilizing pressurized fluid delivered through grooves in the shaft.

Given the known difficulties in gyratory crushers and the well-established solution provided by the SKF method, a PHOSITA would have found it obvious to apply the SKF Oil Injection Method—including machining the necessary oil ducts and grooves into the tapered main shaft—to the tapered main shaft of a gyratory crusher to facilitate the mounting and dismounting of its sleeve. This would be a straightforward application of a known technique to solve a recognized problem with predictable results (i.e., easier and safer assembly and disassembly, reduced damage, and less downtime). The specific use of hydraulic fluid and grooves for removal of components in a gyratory crusher, as taught by US4027825A, further supports this motivation to integrate fluid-assisted mechanisms into crusher components.

2. Combination for Claim 9 and 14 (Main shaft assembly/Gyratory crusher with tapered sleeve wall thickness):

• Claims 9 and 14 add the feature that the sleeve fitted over the tapered axial region has a tapered wall thickness, such that the wall thickness at the upper end of the sleeve is greater than at the lower end. [cite: 5, Claim 9, 14] The patent describes the sleeve's inner surface as conical (matching the shaft) and its outer surface as substantially cylindrical.

Motivation for Combination for Claim 9 and 14:

When designing a sleeve to be friction-fitted onto a tapered shaft, it is an ordinary and obvious design choice for a mechanical engineer to have the inner surface of the sleeve conform to the taper of the shaft. If the external surface of this sleeve is designed to be substantially cylindrical (perhaps for structural reasons, ease of manufacturing, or to interface with other cylindrical components, as described in US11014090), then the resulting wall thickness of the sleeve will naturally taper, being thicker at the end corresponding to the wider part of the tapered shaft and thinner at the end corresponding to the narrower part of the shaft. This is a predictable outcome of standard engineering design principles for mating components with different profiles.

Therefore, the combination of:

• A gyratory crusher with a tapered main shaft (as established by the prior art for Claim 1).
• A sleeve designed to fit over this tapered shaft with a cylindrical outer surface.

would render the tapered wall thickness of the sleeve obvious. The inclusion of this assembly into a complete gyratory crusher (Claim 14) would simply be incorporating an already obvious assembly into a known machine, with the motivation of realizing the benefits of improved sleeve handling.

In summary, the key inventive feature of US11014090, the use of grooves in a tapered main shaft for pressurized fluid to aid sleeve mounting and dismounting, is directly anticipated or rendered obvious by the well-known SKF Oil Injection Method applied to tapered shafts, especially when considered in the context of known problems in gyratory crushers and other hydraulic removal systems in crushers. The tapered wall thickness of the sleeve is a routine design consideration for sleeves mounted on tapered shafts.