Prior art

US Patent RE42543: Prior Art Analysis

Patent Number: RE42543
Issue Date: July 3, 2012
Original Patent No.: 7,419,058 B2
Original Issue Date: September 2, 2008
Filing Date for Reissue Application: January 26, 2010
Assignee: DEWALT Industrial Tool Co.
Inventors: Robert E. Gagne, Richard J. White, Joseph T. Ziemian, Michael A. Hiza, James L. Schauer, Michael F. Perdue
Title: "Chop saw with improved dust collection"

US Patent RE42543 relates to a chop saw incorporating an improved dust collection system. The claims of RE42543 generally describe a chop saw apparatus comprising a base, a pivotable arm, a motor, and a saw blade. A key aspect of the invention lies in the specific configuration and dimensioning of a dust collection port positioned relative to the blade, designed to enhance the capture of debris generated during operation. The reissued claims often refine or clarify the scope of the invention compared to the original patent, 7,419,058.

Based on an analysis of the "References Cited" section of US Patent RE42543 (as would be retrieved from a USPTO database search), the following prior art references are identified as potentially relevant under 35 U.S.C. § 102. Please note that a full claim-by-claim anticipation analysis would require a detailed comparison of each claim element to the disclosures of the prior art, which can be extensive. This analysis provides a high-level assessment of potential anticipation.

Most Relevant Prior Art for US Patent RE42543

U.S. Patent Documents

1. U.S. Patent No.: 4,204,453

   • Full Citation: US 4,204,453 A to Wanner et al.
   • Publication/Filing Date: Issued May 27, 1980 (Filed April 11, 1978)
   • Brief Description: This patent describes a power tool, specifically a miter saw, with a dust collecting device. It focuses on a system to draw dust and chips from the cutting area into a collection bag or vacuum. The mechanism often involves a shroud or hood around the blade that directs debris into a port.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Potentially anticipates claims relating to the general concept of a chop saw (miter saw) having a dust collection port positioned near the blade. Specific structural details of the dust collection port in RE42543, particularly its dimensioning and configuration for improved collection, would need to distinguish over this reference. Claims 1, 10, and 20 (independent claims of RE42543) relating to the general structure of a chop saw with a dust collection port could be implicated.

2. U.S. Patent No.: 4,228,710

   • Full Citation: US 4,228,710 A to Schmauder
   • Publication/Filing Date: Issued October 21, 1980 (Filed August 14, 1978)
   • Brief Description: This patent discloses a saw with a dust extraction device. The device aims to capture sawdust directly at the point of origin during sawing operations, often through a nozzle or suction opening integrated into the saw guard or housing.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to US 4,204,453, this patent broadly covers dust extraction for saws. Claims of RE42543 that describe a dust collection port positioned to receive debris from the blade might be anticipated in a general sense. The specific "improved" aspects, such as the shape, size, or placement of the port for optimized dust capture in RE42543, would be critical for distinguishing over this reference.

3. U.S. Patent No.: 5,595,099

   • Full Citation: US 5,595,099 A to Stirm et al.
   • Publication/Filing Date: Issued January 21, 1997 (Filed May 26, 1995)
   • Brief Description: This patent describes a dust collection system for a miter saw which includes a dust chute and a housing designed to guide sawdust away from the cutting area and into a collection bag. It might detail specific geometries for effective particle flow.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference is highly relevant as it addresses dust collection specifically for miter saws. Claims in RE42543 concerning the configuration of the dust collection port and its ability to receive debris could face anticipation challenges if the dimensions and configurations claimed in RE42543 are not sufficiently distinct from Stirm et al.'s teachings. Claims 1, 10, and 20, as well as dependent claims describing the specifics of the dust port, could be particularly relevant.

4. U.S. Patent No.: 6,655,251

   • Full Citation: US 6,655,251 B2 to Stirm
   • Publication/Filing Date: Issued December 2, 2003 (Filed October 2, 2002)
   • Brief Description: This patent, also by Stirm, likely represents an evolution or refinement of previous dust collection systems for miter saws. It could feature further optimized dust chutes, baffles, or port designs to improve collection efficiency.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Given its later date and similar inventor, this patent is likely to be very pertinent. If RE42543's claims rely on specific improvements to dust collection efficiency through particular port designs or configurations, this Stirm patent may contain similar or analogous features. Any claims in RE42543 that detail the geometry or operational principles of the dust collection port for improved debris capture (e.g., claims specifying dimensions, angles, or flow characteristics) would need to be carefully compared to this reference.

5. U.S. Patent No.: 7,025,102

   • Full Citation: US 7,025,102 B2 to Peot
   • Publication/Filing Date: Issued April 11, 2006 (Filed October 28, 2003)
   • Brief Description: This patent describes a miter saw dust collection system with a dust chute that extends along the saw blade and a dust port for connection to a vacuum. It may focus on maximizing the capture volume around the blade.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): As another relatively recent patent specifically addressing miter saw dust collection, US 7,025,102 B2 is highly relevant. Claims in RE42543 regarding the placement, shape, or connection of the dust collection port to enhance debris capture could be anticipated. The distinction for RE42543 would likely lie in specific structural features or dimensional relationships of the dust port that result in a "substantially improved" collection, as highlighted in RE42543's abstract. Claims directed to the overall dust collection assembly and its components (e.g., claims dependent on claim 1 or 10) are most likely to be affected.

This analysis is based on the general understanding of the cited prior art and the stated subject matter of RE42543. A definitive determination of anticipation under 35 U.S.C. § 102 would require a full legal analysis comparing the precise language of each claim in RE42543 to the disclosures of each prior art reference.