281 F. 453 | 8th Cir. | 1922
Lead Opinion
A clear statement of this extended litigation will be found in the opinion of Judge Hook, rendered in this case May 1, 1916. 233 Fed. 752, 147 C. C. A. 518, Subsequent thereto a new master was appointed, who, after a hearing, found in favor of the plaintiff in the sum of $182,384.59. Upon exceptions, the District Court disapproved the recommendations of the special master, and ordered a judgment for the plaintiff in the sum of $9,174.12, from which this appeal is taken.
So in this accounting case we find—-
(a) February 16, 1904, decree for accounting, and appointment of Henry H. Denison as special master.
(b) July 29. 1907, master filed his report, finding plaintiff entitled to an award of $132,433.35.
(c) November 29, 1907, report of master disapproved by the District Court, and judgment entered for $1 and costs.
(d) August 16, 1909, this court affirmed (Judge Sanborn dissenting) the finding of the District Court. 173 Fed. 361, 97 C. C. A. 621.
(e) June 7,1912, Supreme Court filed its opinion reversing this court, and remanding the case for further proceedings before a master. 225 U. S. 604, 32 Sup. Ct 691, 56 L. Ed. 1222, 41 L. R. A. (N. S.) 653.
(f) October 21, 1912, Henry H. Denison reappointed special master.
(g) July 9, 1914, master made report, again finding in favor of the plaintiff in the sum of $132,433.35.
(h) December 5, 1914, the District Court overruled report of the master, and entered a decree for plaintiff for the sum of $10,000 and costs, which upon appeal to this court was reversed, and the cause was remanded, with directions to recommit to a master. 233 Fed. 752, 147 C. C. A. 518.
(i) The District Court appointed James L. Hopkins special master, instead of Henry H. Denison. Special Master Hopkins, after a hearing, filed his report, recommending judgment ’for plaintiff in the sum of $182,394.59. o
o (j) The District Court set aside the report of Special Master Hopkins, and ordered judgment in favor of plaintiff for the sum of $9,-174.12.
From such order of the District Court this appeal was taken.
So we find that there were three reports of the special masters, recommending, respectively, an allowance to plaintiff of $132,433.35, $132,-433.35, and $182,394.59. We also find each of these reports disapproved, and findings made by the District Court, respectively, were $1, $10,000, and $9,174.12.
It is not disputed that the defendant manufactured infringing transformers. The essential questions to be determined in this case are:
(1) The Burden of Proof.
[ 1 ] Much of the discussion all through this litigation relates to the question as to who has the burden of proof with reference to the issues involved ? We hold that this question, under the facts in this case, was settled by the Supreme Court of the United States in its opinion in this case, where it is said (225 U. S. 604, 620, 32 Sup. Ct. 691, 696, 56 L. Ed. 1222, 41 L. R. A. [N. S.] 653):
“But. when a case of confusion does appear—when it is impossible to make a mathematical or approximate apportionment—then from the very necessity of the case one party or the other must secure the entire fund. It must be kept by the infringer, or it must be awarded, by law, to the patentee. On established principles of equity, and on the plainest principles of justice, the guilty trustee cannot take advantage of his own wrong. The fact that he may lose something of his own is a misfortune which he has brought upon himself; and if, as argued, the fund may have been made by the use of other patents also, for which he may be liable in another case, it is again a misfortune which he has brought upon himself and an instance of a double wrong causing double liability. He cannot appeal to a court of conscience to cast the loss upon an innocent patentee and by judicial decree repeal the provision of Bev. Stat. § 4921, which declares that in case of infringement the complainant shall be entitled to recover the ‘profits to be accounted for by the defendant.’ ”
This language of the Supreme Court had relation particularly to apportionment of profits from a device containing infringing elements and noninfringing elements. We hold, however, that the rule announced is, under the facts in this case, just as necessary for the administration of justice in the determination of the question as to how many infringing transformers were sold as it is to the determination of the question of profit. Where, as in this case, the infringer cannot account for the profits, the owner of the patent can hardly be expected to be able to do so.
It will be observed that the infringing element in the transformers was hidden from view by the metal casing, so that only those who constructed it, or those who should remove the casing, would have any knowledge as to whether the transformer, as constructed, infringed or not. The metal casing was part of the transformer, and was firmly and permanently fastened in place in the manufacturing process. The Westinghouse invention, so far as claim 4 is concerned, was very simple in construction. The core of transformers, had, long prior thereto, been made of small, thin plates, or scales of iron (iaminae), placed one upon another, built up without any spacing between the plates. Westinghouse provided for inserting plugs or pieces of metal between the thin plates at intervals, so as to form spaces in the core; the number of spaces and the size thereof being determined in the process of manufacture. These open spaces permitted oil or other nonconducting liquid to circulate, not only about the core, but through the open spaces in the core, thus reducing the danger of overheating.
“Mr. A. H. Timmerman,
“Mr. S. E. Joliannesen,
“Mr. Selinger:
“In the future, we must not under any considerations use in oil-filled transformers, small or large, spacing strips between the laminae. Tbe Westingliouse Company has a patent on such a construction, and we are enjoined from the use of it. Please understand that it is not in any way or shape to affect or interfere with, our using such a construction in dry or air-blast transformers. The combination of spaced laminae and oil filling is patented. This holds good for every one and all transformers that will be shipped out of the house after this morning. The injunction was served on us a minute ago, and you must be very, very careful about this. I suggest that we, with standard transformers now in the house and ready for shipment, either pull out the spacing strips, or leave them in and fill the spaces in between the laminae with the proper kind of compound. I would suggest sulphur and feld [sparl. If the meaning of this note is not absolutely clear to you, come down and talk it over with me, and I .ask Mr. Timmerman in particular to see that the transformers now in stock are marked in such a way that they will not be taken and sent out by the shipping clerk, or the foreman of the packing department, without first being changed.”
So it is quite apparent that only the men who actually constructed, the transformers knew, or could, know, whether they contained the infringing element. There were no distinguishing marks, so far as the record shows, from which'even the men in the factory could continue to have knowledge as to which transformers of any type had spaces in the core, and which did not.
The Wesiinghouse patent was granted in 1887. Suit for infringement was commenced May 10, 1900. While this original action for infringement was against the Union Carbide Company, the defendant aided in the defense because it had manufactured the alleged infringing device. November 11, 1901, the District Court entered a decree sustaining the claim of infringement, which was affirmed by the Court of Appeals May, 1902. Injunction was served upon this defendant July 2, 1902, the date Schwedtmann wrote the foregoing letter.
The first testimony taken in this action for an accounting was subsequent to May 31, 1904. During the time of infringement, 1896 to 1902, plaintiff had no access to the factory of the defendant, or the books or records of the defendant, and after infringment, and up to
When it came to trial of this case, more than eight years after the infringement commenced, the defendant was unable to produce a single book or record, or fragment of paper, indicating either the number of transformers which infringed, or the profits upon the infringing transformers, or the portion of cost, selling price, or profits, which should be attributed to the infringing element. The only records disclosed are those showing the total number of transformers manufactured and sold, having nothing to indicate which infringed and which did not, and the general books of account, which are likewise barren of any indication as to the two important questions in this case: (1) How many infringing transformers were made and sold; (2) the profits upon the transformers sold, or upon any element included in such transformers.
There were some records kept. It was the practice in the factory to make advance estimates of “the labor and material values, and to superpose upon those values the amount to cover general operating expenses.” Layman, the general manager, states that—
“It was the practice of the company to make one inventory a year. I think sometimes two a year were made during the period of this schedule” (which included a list of the infringing transformers).
One of the employés testified that these inventories were bound in volumes and kept in the vault. This is not denied. A former manager testifies:
“It was customary to make a record of the manufactured stock, etc., every six months,” and that “the part of the inventory which I had to do with, gave the factory cost of the transformers,” and that “it would he possible by reference to the inventory to get at the cost of the various transformers made.”
Another employe testifies:
That an exact account was kept of the “price of labor of each transformer,” and that he kept “a record of the price of labor,” and “the exact amount of labor spent on each transformer.”
Layman, the general manager at the time of the trial and long prior thereto, testifies:
That the records were burned. “We burned all of the records.” “Those records were destroyed five or six years ago.” (He was testifying November 10,1905.)
• He says that the records were destroyed within a year or two from the time they ceased infringement, and he swears that—
“The company has in its possession at this time absolutely no reliable data on which we could arrive at the actual cost of this apparatus.”
The special accountant employed by the defendant testifies that there was not a single item of record evidence with reference to cost of the transformers. This destruction of records made it impossible, not only for the plaintiff to prove the facts in issue, but left the defendant with- '
Defendant contends that their records were not accurate, and that a new system was adopted before the records were burned; but they were the records upon which the business was conducted and the transformers made, and upon which prices were fixed—at least in part— during a long period of years. Under the foregoing circumstances, to hold that the plaintiff has the burden of proof either as to the number of infringing transformers sold, or as to the profits or segregation of profits, would be a-denial of justice, and the situation is presented in which, as the Supreme Court said (225 U. S. 604, 620, 32 Sup. Ct. 691, 696, 56 L. Ed. 1222, 41 L. R. A. [N. S.] 653)
“From the very necessity of the case one party or the other must secure the entire fund. It must be kept by the infringer, or it must be awarded, by law, to the patentee. On established principles of equity, and on the plainest principles of justice, the guilty trustee cannot take advantage of his own wrong. * * He cannot appeal to a court of conscience to cast the loss upon an innocent patentee, and hy judicial decree repeal the provision of Bev. Stat. § 4921, which declares that in case of infringement the complainant shall be entitled to recover the ‘profits to be accounted for by the defendant.’ ”
(2) The Accounting by the Defendant.
Strictly speaking, the defendant made no accounting of the number of infringing transformers, or the profits, or the portion of profits properly due for the use of the infringing element. The evidence as to the number of transformers is so vague and uncertain that it is with the greatest difficulty that any fair estimate thereof may be arrived at. There was no real attempt to segregate profits—the defendant undertaking instead to prove the infringing element was worthless.
(3) The Dayman Schedule.
Much of the controversy which has brought this case under the consideration of two special masters (one of whom filed two separate reports), to the District Court three times, and into this court twice before the present hearing, and to the Supreme Court of the United States once, centers upon what is known in this record as the “Layman Schedule.” Upon the first hearing before the special master, it seems
Counsel for plaintiff proceeded to interrogate this manager as to the number of infringing transformers which had been made by the defendant. The witness had nothing more than “preliminary figures” relating to 6,524 transformers, and considerable time was devoted to discussion as to the facts with reference to the number of transformers made and sold, and to whom sold, etc. Finally, on July 13, counsel for plaintiff suggested, in order to save time, that the witness produce at a later session a complete transcript of all. sales of inf ringing transformers by the defendant company from June 24, 1896, up to and including July 12, 1901. Counsel for defendant agreed that such a transcript should be made and produced, and on September 26, 1904, some 2% months later, the transcript was brought before the master. This transcript is known as the “Layman Schedule.” Mr. Layman did not prepare it personally, but he testified that—
“It has been made under my instructions, and by clerks in wbom I have confidence, and to my best knowledge and belief it is correct.”
Later, when this schedule was attacked by the defendant as erroneous, stress was laid upon the fact that Miss Eagan, the stenographer for the master, who took the testimony in the hearing, was active in preparing the transcript—counsel sometimes referring to the fact that the Layman schedule was made by the representative of the master. But we find nothing in the record to justify any conclusion that Miss Eagan acted in any other capacity than as a mere stenographer or accountant in putting into the transcript the items given to her by clerks in whom Mr. Layman had confidence. This schedule reported something like 6,000 transformers sold, for a total sum of over $800,000. Upon the trial Mr. Layman positively asserted a number of times that this schedule contained only transformers which infringed the Westinghouse patent. He testified that he had not checked it over in detail, but that he was satisfied that it contained only infringing transformers. He understood the questions in issue, and endeavored at that time to disclose what the company records showed as to sales of infringing devices, and only such as did infringe.
After the report of the master, the decree of the District Court, and the appeal taken to this court, in order to shorten the record, a stipulation was entered into (Transcript of Record, 42), in which the parties agreed:
“That said two volumes of tabulations (which were not to be printed) contained a list of more than 6,000 transformers sold by the Wagner Electric Manufacturing Company, appellee, from and after June 24, 1S96, up to and including November 14, 1901, being a list of transformers manufactured and sold by the Wagner Electric Manufacturing Company, appellee and defendant,*461 each of which transformers embodies in its construction the invention claimed by the fourth claim of the Westinghouse patent in suit, No. 366,362, dated July 12, 1887, being infringing transformers manufactured and sold by the defendant and which are the transformers referred to in the master’s report in this case, and concerning which transformers the master in this ease was ordered to take and state an account by the interlocutory decree entered in this cause by the Circuit Court on the 16th day of February, 1904, * * * and is the same tabulation, record, or report thereafter referred to by Waldo H. Layman, one of the defendant’s witnesses, in his testimony taken in this ease, and that said defendant’s witness Waldo H. Layman admits, in questions and answers 84 and 85 of his testimony before the master, said tabulated report or statement covers all transformers made and sold by the Wagner Electric Manufacturing Company from and after June 24, 1898, up to and including November 14, 1901, which transformers embody in their construction the invention described in claim 4 of the Westinghouse patent in suit, No. 366,362, dated July 12, 1887.”
The total volume of the company’s business during such period ($2,-314,774.75) and the amount of money ($955,271.76) actually received by the defendant company for infringing transformers was also agreed to in this stipulation. So at the close of the first hearing before the master, and when this case first came to this court, there was no dispute about the number of infringing transformers, and no dispute about the amount of money received- for them by the defendant. The master as aforesaid allowed the plaintiff to recover profits in the sum of $132,-433.35; the District Court held that nominal damages only could be recovered. This decree was affirmed by this court (Judge Sanborn dissenting). The District Court and this court were in error as to the burden of proof, which error was corrected by the Supreme Court, supra. When the Supreme Court .remanded the case, it was ordered:
“That the case be recommitted to a. master for a new hearing on all the questions involved in the original reference and on evidence already submitted and such additional testimony as may be offered.”
(4) The Williams Schedule.
Upon the second hearing before the master, under the mandate of the Supreme Court, he assumed that the Dayman schedule, fixing the number of infringing transformers, and the stipulation aforesaid, were conclusive, which, of course, was erroneous, and so held by this court (233 Fed. 752, 147 C. C. A. 518), which remanded the case—
“with direction to recommit it to a master for a new hearing on all the questions involved in the original reference, and on evidence already submitted and such additional evidence as may be offered.”
Thereupon the District Court appointed a new master, whose report is now before this court.
Upon the second hearing, the Supreme Court having placed the burden of proof upon the defendant, the Wagner Company proceeded to attack the Layman schedule and stipulation aforesaid, and the principal witness produced was one John R. Williams, an accountant, whet was permitted by the master to present a transcript from the card index and record of the defendant, containing a total list of all the transformers manufactured and sold by the defendant—infringing and noninfringing. Of course this witness had no knowledge, and no means of
“My understanding is that all type M transformers were alike in construction.”
He does assert that he knows that the schedule includes transformers not oil-filled. Other witnesses were also introduced by the defendant to prove that the Layman schedule was erroneous.
“So far as it depends upon conflicting testimony, or upon the credibility of witnesses, or so far as there is any testimony consistent with the finding, it [the master’s report] must be treated as unassailable.” Davis v. Schwartz, 155 U. S. 631-636, 15 Sup. Ct. 237, 239 (39 L. Ed. 289).
See, also, Tilghman v. Proctor, 125 U. S. 136, 8 Sup. Ct. 894, 31 L. Ed. 664; Adamson v. Gilliland, 242 U. S. 350, 37 Sup. Ct. 169, 61 L. Ed. 356.
To review the evidence offered by the defendant upon the question as to the number of infringing transformers would be fruitless. Any deductions from the Layman schedule would have to be based upon guesswork. In reaching this conclusion, we give to the Layman schedule and stipulation only that weight and consideration to which it is entitled as an item of evidence in this case.
'T have followed this entire litigation (beginning with tbe Carbide Case in 3900) very closely. I have had frequent consultations with counsel in the preparation of the defense and in the preparation of the argument (in the same case). I was present in the Court of Appeals when oral argument was made in the case referred to. I have also many times discussed with counsel for the defense means to be employed by the Wagner Company in modifying apparatus in event of an adverse decision so as to free the transformers made by the Wagner Company from the terms of claim 4 of this patent here in suit.”
Under these circumstances, the inclusion of the M transformers in the Layman schedule could hardly be an accident. In the letter of July 2, 1902, heretofore quoted, the manager instructs the men that—
“In the future we must not under any considerations use in oil-filled transformers, small or large, spacing strips between tbe laminae. * * 0 This holds good for every one and all transformers that will be shipped out of the house after this morning. ® * * I suggest that we, with standard transformers now in the house and ready for shipment, either pull out the spacing strips or leave them in and fill the spaces in between,” etc. “I ask Mr. Tim-merman in particular to see tbat the transformers now in stock are marked in such a way that they will not’ be taken and sent out by the shipping clerk, or the foreman of the packing department, without first being changed.”
There is not a suggestion in the letter that any transformers not infringing are in the factory. The manager refers to "the transformers now in stock.” He insists:
“That the transformers now in stock” “will not be taken and sent out by the shipping clerk or the foreman of the packing department, without first being changed.”
No suggestion that other transformers which did not infringe should be sent out. Why should Layman be solemnly discussing with, counsel in the case “means to be employed by the Wagner Company in modifying apparatus in event of an adverse decision, so as to free the transformers made by the Wagner Company from the terms of claim 4 of .this patent here in suit,” if the company was at that time making transformers which did not infringe?
The impression which one gets from reading the entire evidence is that all oil-filled transformers had spaces, except where, as a matter of “mechanical convenience,” the spaces were omitted. The burden being upon the defendant—the defendant having the further burden of overcoming the weight of the Layman schedule and the admissions in the stipulation—we are convinced that this court should not interfere with the findings of the master as to the number of transformers which infringed.
The first method may be employed with satisfaction, where the infringer is manufacturing, or selling, only the infringing article, and where there is no contribution to the profits from noninfringing elements in the article produced and sold. But where, as in this case, the defendant is manufacturing and selling many articles besides those which infringe; where, as in this case, no books of account are kept, showing the cost of any of the articles; where, as in this case, inventories and cost data have been burned by defendant; where, as in this case, the books of account containing general accounts of the general business are inaccurate, and, as contended by the defendant herein, erroneous in many particulars—in such a case, an attempt to prove the amount of profit derived from the infringing element in one of the articles sold must utterly fail. It is not only impracticable, but it is impossible, to arrive at any conclusion with that degree of certainty which is required in a court to establish a fact in issue.
“Having, by books and other data, proved to the satisfaction of the master the existence of profits, the plaintiff had carried the burden imposed by law, and established every element necessary to entitle it to a decree, except one. As to that, the act of the defendant had made it not merely difficult but impossible to carry the burden of apportionment. But plaintiff offered evidence tending to establish a legal equivalent. It had proved the existence of a fact which, whether treated as a rule of evidence or as a matter of substantive law would entitle it to a decree for all the profits.” 225 U. S. 604, 618, 32 Sup. Ct. 691, 695 (56 L. Ed. 1222, 41 L. R. A. [N. S] 653).
The testimony of Accountant Williams and other testimony has been brought into the case since the Supreme Court of the United States expressed itself as aforesaid, but with the additional evidence the record in our judgment is now without sufficient proof from any áccounts or books to enable any court to segregate the profits upon the infringing element. The evidence is not “reliable and tangible”—it is “conjectural or speculative.”
The second method aforesaid, proof by experts, it is pointed out by the Supreme Court in this case, must be employed where other methods
“The converse is true. What is permissible in an effort to separate costs may also be done in a patent case, where it is necessary to separate profits.”
A review of patent accounting cases in which weeks and months have been devoted to the hearing of testimony of accountants upon “original investment,” “additional investments,” “depreciation,” “experimentation,” “losses upon defective manufacture,” “total income,” “interest upon whole investment,” “labor,” “material,” “tools and machinery,” and a dozen other correlated subjects, with confusing contradictions of bookkeepers and accountants, is convincing that the Supreme Court has suggested a method by which, in patent accounting -cases, it is possible to arrive at the approximate truth in regard to profits in a brief and satisfactory manner. It may not be necessary to resort to experts in some cases, where the facts appear from books of account; but as a rule the cases which burden the courts—the cases in which' delay and expense of litigation discourage and dishearten litigants in patent accounting cases—are those in which books, accounts, and records lead only to endless confusion.
In the nature of things, expert testimony will not lead to exact results. The courts recognize “the impossibility of reaching a conclusion that is mathematically exact”; but men who are qualified by experience in the manufacture and sale of (in this case) transformers certainly could enlighten the court upon the question as to the profit in a given transformer, and likewise what portion of such profit was attributable to the different elements therein, including the infringing element. This way was open to the defendant in this case. The Supreme Court had in this case so expressed itself, but the defendant offered no such testimony; it relied principally upon accountants, and upon witnesses, whose testimony was intended to prove that the infringing element was worthless.
So far as books and accounts, and accounting, is concerned, the defendant relies to a large extent upon Williams; but no bookkeeper or accountant employed by the defendant through these many years, no man or woman who kept the books of account for the defendant, was placed upon the witness stand, and no. explanation is given .as to their silence. This is very significant, in view of the fact that, upon the first hearing, Layman, the manager, made a statement of the total sales and total profits—brought the statement into court, and testified that it was correct (S. C. R. 335), and then fortified this by an express stipulation in writing, heretofore referred to. The burden being upon the defendant, under the circumstances in this case, to segregate the amount of profits derived from the infringement, it has failed, and the plaintiff is therefore entitled, under the rule of the Supreme Court in this case, to the total profits upon all infringing transformers.
“During tlie time I was with the company a rule prevailed which is to add a percentage of 25 to the factory cost, and this rule was always used as a basis for ascertaining the selling price.” “It was the practice to take the flat cost of labor and material, and add thereto a certain percentage, ranging from 25 to 40 per cent., the sum of which item represented the total factory cost, and to that sum 25 per cent, was added to make the selling price.”
His evidence further shows that 25 per cent, was the usual profit added to the total cost. The witness produced two blueprints from original tracings worked out by the witness and his assistant, showing in minute detail the cost of manufacturing transformers. These two blueprints in the custody of this witness.appeared to be the only two which survived the burning of the records, estimates, accounts of cost, and material during the many years of infringement.
Witness Foster was employed by the defendant from 1896 until May, 1902, assisting Johannesen as engineer in the preparation of “data relative to transformers, also working up costs in detail.” He was transferred to positions in charge of the various transformers— testing departments for approximately a year and a half, then back to the engineering office assisting in designing transformers, etc., and again transferred to the head of what was known as the production department and quotations department, which he held until he left the employment of the company. He also testifies as to the complete records kept, as to the estimates of costs of labor and material, as to the inventories taken January and July, and without question he shows his competency to testify as to the percentage added to the cost of production.
Defendant in no manner denies the service of these men, and the making and keeping of the records of the costs and expenses, but denies the accuracy; but in view of the fact that the burden is upon the defendant, and in view of the many years during which the factory methods were as testified to by these two witnesses, which is not disputed, and in view of the fact that the defendant was doing an extensive business, and in view of the destruction of the records and inventories by the defendant, the court is not justified in holding that the defendant has sustained the burden imposed upon it in this case.
The conclusions of the court herein expressed render it unnecessary to consider other and interesting legal questions discussed by counsel.
The ruling of the District Court, in setting aside the report of the special master and ordering judgment in favor of the plaintiff for the sum of §9,174.12, is reversed, and the finding of the master is confirmed, and decree is ordered in favor of the plaintiff and against the defendant, in the sum of §182,394.59, as found by the special master. This sum to bear interest at the rate of 6 per cent, from the date o£ the filing of the report of the special master.
The above opinion was prepared in outline and substance and submitted to Judge HOOK, who prepared the dissenting opinion following and asked that it be filed with the majority opinions
Dissenting Opinion
(dissenting). I am so deeply convinced that the foregoing opinion is erroneous as regards both rules of law applied and facts assumed to exist, and that it will give much trouble in future patent accountings, besides working a grave injustice to the defendant, that I feel constrained to express my dissent at more than customary length. Ordinarily the expression of differences among judges of an appellate court over the facts of a case should be carefully avoided, and it is with reluctance that I discuss them here. It appears to me, however, that, aside from the punishment of the defendant to an unmerited degree, the conclusions of fact announced are not only contrary to prior holdings in this case, but that, even if they were true, they afford an insufficient basis for the rales of law applied. As to their departure from the prior holdings of this court I particularly feel that I should protest.
A brief review of the case will explain the situation. Claim 4 of plaintiff’s patent is as follows:
“Tie combination substantially as described, of an electric converter (transformer) constructed with open spaces in its core, and inclosing case, and a nonconducting fluid or gas in said case adapted to circulate through said spaces and about the converter.”
The validity of the claim and the fact of infringement were established in the Second Circuit in what is known as the Carbide Case against a customer of defendant. That suit was begun May 10, 1900, was decided November 11, 1901, by the court of first instance (Westinghouse Electric & Mfg. Co. v. Union Carbide Co. [C. C.] 112 Fed. 417), and its decree (so far as it concerned claim 4) was affirmed by the Court of Appeals of that circuit May 29, 1902 (117 Fed. 495, 55 C. C. A. 230). The present suit in this circuit for an injunction and an accounting was begun June 24, 1902, and a preliminary injunction was promptly awarded with consent of defendant. About a year afterwards the plaintiff applied to the trial court for an extension of the scope of the injunction and for an attachment of defendant for contempt in
“It appears from the evidence in the present ease upon this hearing that the defendant, Wagner Electric Manufacturing Company, had been engaged for some five years in the manufacture of the device which is now complained of. It further appears that the defendant, in order to obviate the infringement which was established in the suit in New York, transformed all its converters which had been manufactured in conformity with the device there in evidence to the form of device now complained of. It has gone forward in the manufacture and sale of these devices. In so doing I am satisfied that it has acted in the utmost good faith and under the advice of counsel. I am the more inclined to accept as entirely true the representations of the defendant in this regard from the fact that the defendant had been engaged for some five years in the manufacture of the same device, had advertised it extensively to the trade, and had sold it throughout the country without any complaint on the part of the complainant. It is quite manifest that no showing has been made here which would justify the punishment of the defendant for contempt for a violation of the preliminary injunction.”
The court further held that, aside from the question of contemptuous conduct, the defendant’s device, against which plaintiff’s motion was directed, did not infringe claim 4. The evidence upon which Judge Amidon acted is not shown in the records before us. The case again arose February 13, 1904, in the trial court, on a hearing for an interlocutory decree, Judge Adams, afterwa-rds a member of this court, presiding. (C. C.) 129 Fed. 604. The same questions that were before Judge Amidon were presented to Judge Adams. Judge Adams said, February 19, 1904:
“Again, it clearly appears that the defendant was engaged in making its transformer for some years prior to the hearing of the Carbide Case, and that the witnesses in that case knew of this fact. They certainly knew that defendant was manufacturing a transformer with open space between the coils and a rectangular opening into the core for the insertion of the coils. But no attempt was there made to hold these features to be an infringement of claim 4 of the patent. Complainant there contented itself by claiming the parallel open spaces throughout the core itself to be an infringement. After judgment was rendered in that case, the complainant, with full knowledge that the defendant was manufacturing transformers with the open spaces and openings now claimed to be an infringement of claim 4, never sought to hold the defendant guilty of contempt for violation of the injunctive order in that case. After that injunctive order became final, the defendant conformed thereto by changing its transformer, so as to close up all the parallel open spaces throughout the core itself, leaving the core one solid mass of iron plates, with no open spaces in it, but retaining in its structure the open spaces between the coils and between the core and coils as before, and has continued to manufacture such transformers, so modified, from that day to this. The proof shows no claim that the use of this modified structure constituted a violation of the injunctive order in that case. * * * To now enjoin the defendant, after it has been manufacturing, selling, and advertising the transformer complained of for a period of about eight years, as shown by the testimony, and under circumstances disclosed by this record, would in my opinion be grossly inequitable.”
The first reference was then made to a master. It may be said here that the accounting period was from June 24, 1896, to November 14, 1901, and that the accounting was for profits only, not damages. At the hearing before the master the Fayman schedule, so call
“The master held that the entire commercial value of the transformer was due to the invention covered by claim 4, and that therefore all the profits belonged to the Westinghouse Company. The court, on the other hand, found that the defendant’s additions were not infringements, and had contributed to the profits, and that because of the failure to make a separation the plaintiff was entitled only to nominal damages.”
Then followed the first appeal to this court. On that appeal the decree of the trial court was affirmed. 173 Fed. 361, 97 C. C. A. 621. In the opinion of this court the character of claim 4 and the defendant’s construction, which plaintiff still insisted infringed, was exhaustively discussed. This court said:
“The appellee [defendant] manufactured and sold two types of transformers ■—the device involved in the Carbide suit, which was there held to be an infringement of claim 4 of appellant’s patent, and the device referred to in the record as Type M. Both are claimed by appellant to be infringements of claim 4 of its patent.”
And we held that claim A was a limited detailed claim, that open spaces in the coils and between the coils and the core constituted a material and substantial improvement over claim A, that type M, not having open spaces in the core, did not infringe; and that the burden of apportioning the profits between infringing and noninfringing elements of the transformers was on the plaintiff. The case then went to the Supreme Court by writ of certiorari, and that court held that the rule stated as to the burden of proof in the matter of apportionment was erroneous. It was expressly said, however, that the writ was not granted for the purpose of re-examining the decision below on the question of infringement. The Supreme Court remanded the cause for a new hearing—
“on all the questions involved in the original reference, and, on evidence already submitted and such additional testimony as may be offered, for further proceedings not inconsistent with this opinion.” 225 U. S. 604, 32 Sup. Ct. 691, 56 L. Ed. 1222, 41 L. R. A. (N. S.) 658.
When the cause reached the trial court it recommitted the accounting to the same master. In the meantime the defendant claimed to have discovered that by mistake and oversight large numbers of transformers of various types, sizes, and kinds which did not infringe claim 4 had been erroneously included in the Dayman schedule, and on that subject and on the questions of profits and apportionment, as
We stated this carefully and temperately, so as not to prejudice the plaintiff upon another hearing of the cause, when with additional evidence,’ if offered, the actual number of infringing transformers in the Layman schedule should be considered. We held, however, that the trial court should have again referred the cause to a master instead of feeling obliged to institute an investigation of its own, following Chicago, etc., Ry. Co. v. Tompkins, 176 U. S. 167, 20 Sup. Ct. 336, 44 L. Ed. 417, and we therefore reversed the cause and' remanded it to the trial court for a new hearing upon the same and additional evidence —using the same language in that respect as was employed by the Supreme Court. A third reference was then made to a different master, and was heard by him on the record as it existed at the second reference. In other words, no witnesses appeared and no additional evidence was received from either party. This master recommended a decree for $182,000, round figures, or $50,000 more than the first master on the same record, and more than the entire amount of profits
It is important to note here that the award of $182,000 recommended by the master was based, not on the Layman schedule of transformers, but upon a part of the Williams schedule produced on behalf of defendant at the second reference to the first master, and purporting to be a list of all transformers, infringing and noninfringing, sold by defendant during the accounting period. Taking a part of the Williams schedule as a basis the master put upon defendant the burden of proving affirmatively which of the transformers listed in it did not infringe ; and he applied the burden of proof with so heavy a hand that in practical effect he ignored or dissipated for one reason or another, and not always logically or consistently, every other part of the voluminous evidence introduced by defendant at the reference to the first master after the case came back from the Supreme Court. He ruled that the part of the Williams schedule which he took as a basis was a declaration by defendant agoÁnst interest. The other part of the Williams schedule and all the other evidence, oral and documentary, bearing upon the number of infringing transformers, the relative commercial value of plaintiff’s construction, the value of defendant’s noninfringing openings, and the matter of apportionment were held for naught. In view of the character and volume of this evidence, admitted under the mandate of the Supreme Court, and the opinions of the trial court and this court as to its probative effect, the conclusion of the master is so extraordinary that its gross error is quite manifest. He also held claim 4 was unitary. When the report of the second master came before the trial court, instead of setting it aside wholly and referring the accounting to some one who would give the inquiry a judicial treatment, it sustained exceptions to vital parts and again reduced the award to plaintiff, this time to $9,174.12. The grounds for this appear in the court’s opinion. The plaintiff’s appeal from this last decree is now before us.
From the course of the case to this point the following conclusions appear, which would ordinarily be the law of the case unless this court, now differently constituted than before, decides not to give them effect: (1) Claim 4 is a limited detailed claim; open spaces in the core being a distinctive feature. (2) Oil-cooled transformers—that is, tranformers in a container with oil, with open spaces in the coils, and also between the coils and the core, but without such spaces in the core itself—do not infringe, and defendant had a right to make and sell them. (3) The Layman schedule did not operate as an estoppel, but, on the contrary, the character of the transformers listed in it, infringing or noninfringing, should be determined from all the evidence on that subject. In this particular we said there was substantial evidence before the first master on the second reference tending quite
There are also some matters of fact which I think ought reasonably be regarded as settled in this case, or at least be given more weight than has been accorded:
1. Open spaces in the coils of an oil-cooled transformer, and between the coils and the core, constituted “a material and substantial improvement” over claim 4; they “performed a very substantial office” even, in connection with core spaces. See opinion of this court on the first appeal. (The serious effort at apportionment by proof ought to be seriously considered.)
2. The trial court (Judge Amidon), in May, 1903, held (a) that defendant had been making for some five years a transformer with open spaces for the circulation of the cooling liquid, but without such spaces in the core, and that they did not infringe because of that construction ; and (b) that “the defendant in order to obviate the infringement which was established in the suit in New York (Carbide Case) transformed all its converters (transformers) which had been manufactured in'conformity with the device there in evidence (with core spaces) to the form of the device now complained of” (that is, without core spaces). Two things are apparent here: The making by defendant during the accounting period of oil-cooled transformers which plaintiff claimed before Judge Amidon to infringe but which lie held did not; and, next, upon the decision in the Carbide Case that those having core spaces infringed, the defendant obviated that infringement by closing the spaces. Again, the trial court (Judge Adams) held substantially the same in February, 1904, and the same observations may be made about his decision as about that of Judge Amidon. In other words, defendant had been making before the hearing in the Carbide Case oil-cooled transformers without core spaces (of which type M was an example), as well as transformers with such spaces in the core, and also spaces between the coils and between the coils and the core, and that upon the decree in that case, holding the latter to infringe, it obviated the infringement in that part of its output by closing the spaces, thereby making them in that particular like others of its manufacture. That this is true conclusively appears from the evidence adduced before Judge Adams. (It will be observed that he said in 1904 that spaces between the coils and between the coils and the core had been employed by defendant for eight years.) (This evidence will presently be adverted to in detail. When the case afterwards came to this court on the first appeal it was said:
“The appellee [defendant] manufactured and sold two types of transformers—the device involved in the Carbide suit, which was there held to be an infringement of claim 4 of appellant’s patent, and the device referred to in the record as ‘type M.’ Both are claimed by appellant to be infringements of claim 4 of its patent.”
Type M was taken as a notable illustration of defendant’s transformers made during and after the accounting period which did not
“It appeared that after the decree in the Carbide Case the Wagner Company had instructed its experts to build a transformer that would not infringe the Westinghouse patent. They thereupon devised one, referred to herein as type M, which omitted the (a) open spaces in the core, but substituted (b) spaces between the coil, and (c) spaces between the coil mié the core.”
This recital was employed historically or as a preface to the opening sentence of the opinion itself that—
“The statute makes the decision of the Circuit Court of Appeals final in patent cases, and the plaintiff’s petition for the writ of certiorari herein was not granted for the purpose of re-examining the court’s ruling that defendant’s type M transformer was not an infringement of claim 4 of the Westinghouse patent.”
■I am quite sure the Supreme Court did not intend this as a decision upon an important question of fact. It was so taken to be by the second master in his report on the third reference. He said that the later type M machines (without core spaces) resulted from instructions by defendant after the decree in the Carbide Case, and he added:
“ I so hold, as did the Supreme Court.’ 225 U. S. 608” (32 Sup. Ct. 691, 86 L. Ed. 1222, 41 L R. A. [N. S.] 653).
The evidence in the record that was before the Supreme Court shows without contradiction that defendant had been making transformers with open spaces in the coils and between the coils and the core for years before the decision of the Carbide Case, also that some of them had spaces in the core, some did not, and that type M, originating early in 1901, were of the latter kind. The photographic illustrations in the pamphlet of 1901 issued in June of that year show this last structure. The second master invokes another item of testimony for the conclusion that there were two type M’s, and that all of that type in the accounting period had open spaces in the core. At the first reference to the first master after the Layman schedule had been produced the plaintiff asked Mr. Layman to explain a dozen descriptive terms applied to transformers in the schedule. He did so by saying that they were factory terms applying to the number, type of mechanism, or electrical construction, different forms of design, particular characteristics of winding or of the boxes, or some other
“Constructional differences between G, F, Spec. F, K, L, and M have nothing to do with the issues in this matter, I presume, so far as you understand them?”
Mr. Layman answered: “No, sir; they have not.” Much is made of this, because some of the types other than M infringed, and the conclusion that type M infringed also was enforced by the last master against the positive testimony of three witnesses, besides Mr. Layman, at the second reference, that it had no core spaces. This indicates quite a curious condition of mind. If the question quoted had been framed as the witness might reasonably have understood it, and doubtless did in view of those just preceding and his answers to them, it would- have read:
“Have the constructional differences you have just mentioned, which led your company to apply the different factory terms, anything to do with the issues in this case?”
Almost anything can be proved by taking questions and' answers away from their context.
The evidence before Judge Adams shows clearly there were not two type M’s differing as to core spaces. At that hearing, which was for the interlocutory decree and before reference to a master, the plaintiff introduced defendant’s “Catalogue No. 102, Bulletin No. 59.” The bulletin was a printed pamphlet, dated “1903,” and entitled “Types M and M H Transformers.” It says type M is “our well-known high-efficiency type.” The illustrations in this pamphlet show these transformers without open spaces in the core. It was stipulated by the parties for the hearing mentioned that defendant made and sold transformers described and illustrated in this pamphlet “prior to the filing of the bill of complaint” in the trial court. The bill of complaint was filed in the court below on June 24, 1902. On the other hand, defendant introduced in evidence its Bulletin No. 43 of the same catalogue. This was a printed pamphlet, dated “1901,” was entitled “Type M Transformers,” and the text of it began as follows: “We continue to advocate the shell construction for transformers.” The illustrations in this pamphlet also showed the cores without spaces. A witness for defendant (Wells), who had been in its service from September, 1898, to July, 1901, said this pamphlet was issued just before he left; that, as near as he could recall, it was issued in June, 1901, and was for public distribution. Mr. Layman testified that it was issued' “early in the year 1901,” and that not less than 5,000 of them were distributed throughout the United States. An illustrated cross-section of a 15-kilowatt type M in this pamphlet shows open spaces between the coils and between the coils and the core, and the text discusses the provisions made for the circulation of the oil. Other illustrations, one of a 10-kilowatt type M, show the core without spaces. Mr. Layman also testified that defendant had 'been continuously making transformers with open spaces between the coils and between the coils and the core for 8 or 10 years (note the opinion of Judge Adams),
The Dayman schedule 'came into the record at the first reference to the first master. The importance hitherto attached to this item of evidence has been lessened, because a part of the subsequent Williams schedule (second reference), covering all transformers, infringing and noninfringing, made and sold during the accounting period, has been taken (third reference) as the basis of the decree against defendant. The Williams schedule embraces more transformers than Dayman’s for reasons hereafter mentioned. The Dayman schedule has been erroneously referred to a number of times as listing only about 6,000 transformers. The exact number is probably not very important, excepting for comparison with Williams’, and upon the contention of the defendant that the master’s stenographer and defendant’s clerks, in compiling Dayman’s, had apparently taken a list of all transformers (except the very smallest ones) appearing on the records they consulted, regardless of infringement. But any one who takes the trouble to compute the number will find that the Dayman schedule lists at least 16,300 transformers. There is no doubt about this. The first master at the second reference reported the exact number as 16,366. Mr. Dayman’s official positions with defendant and his connection with the mechanical construction of its transformers bear on the evidential value of that schedule as one exclusively of infringing machines. From 1892, when he was about 23 years old, to 1898, 2 years after the beginning of the accounting period (1896-1901), he was actively employed in tire transformer department, and participated in supervising the construction, testing, and installing of transformers. From 1898 to 1902 he was assistant manager and treasurer, and from 1902 to 1903, in which latter year he first testified for the hearing before Judge Adams on the interlocutory decree before the accounting was referred to a master, he was manager and treasurer. After 1898 his duties were principally commercial; he had no active supervision of
The Layman schedule came into the case in this way: At the first reference Mr. Layman was put upon the stand by the plaintiff. • Defendant’s records having been produced or held subject to inspection under the master’s ruling, plaintiff proceeded to question him about each sale of transformers from the beginning of the accounting period. That course appearing tedious and interminable, plaintiff suggested that the witness produce at a later session a complete transcript of all transformers “hereinbefore inquired about” from the records of defendant produced before the master and other records of its business. It is fair to say, however, that there was always enough in plaintiff’s questions on this subject to indicate that infringing transformers only were meant, although at times, in following the questions in that aspect, rather close attention was required. Thereafter the Layman schedule was produced, and was assumed to contain only infringing transformers. It gave the following information as to each transformer listed: Defendant’s order number; the name of the customer; the residence of the customer; the date of the order; the number of transformers embraced in each order and sale; their size; their kind or type; the price; the total price to the customer; the agent’s commission; and finally the net receipt of defendant, being total price less commission. There is no doubt that at the time the schedule was produced as and taken to be a list of infringing transformers. It was so referred to a number of times by Mr. Layman. It is equally plain that this was to a considerable extent the result of assumption on his part, instead of a conclusion from his own knowledge derived from personal investigation or inspection. At times he referred to the schedule as “covering” or “incorporating” all infringing transformers. He made it clear at the outset that, while he believed the schedule accurate for the purpose sought, it was not checked by him, but was prepared under his instructions from the records by a representative of the master and the clerks of defendant. Again, at that reference the attention of defendant was directed more to the relative value of the core spaces in infringing transformers, and the belief that the burden of separation was on the plaintiff. The Supreme Court afterwards referred to this in declining to direct a decree on the record before it, but remanding the case for a new hearing. 225 U. S. 622, 32 Sup. Ct. 691, 56 L. Ed. 1222, 41 L. R. A. (N. S.) 653. At that same first
It may be said at this point that defendant’s literature nowhere discloses that core spaces were an advertised feature. Moreover, the infringement by the very large transformers involved in the Carbide Case, used at Niagara Falls, was removed by simply withdrawing the plugs and compressing the sheets of the core together. Thereafter they continued in-use without invasion of plaintiff’s rights. I have said that Mr. Eayman testified, at the first reference at which the schedule was produced, that core spaces were not used in very small transformers (thousands of which were nevertheless listed in the schedule). Having a confirmatory bearing on this was the business practice of the General Electric Company, one of the very large manufacturers of transformers in this country. It was a licensee of the Westinghouse patent in which claim 4 appears. An engineer in the service of the General Electric Company, testifying for the plaintiff in the Carbide Case, said that a regular line of oil-cooled transformers up to 50 kilowatts in size were made by his company without the internal openings. In other words, that extensive concern, with legal right to employ the device of claim 4, omitted it from a standard line of oil-cooled transformers of less than 50 k. w. size. The great majority of those listed in the Eayman schedule were less than the size mentioned. I do not mean by this that defendant’s practice should be judged by that of another company, or that' it was not right at the first reference to take the Eayman schedule as it was evidently intended; but I do say that there were numerous indications, even at that time, of which I have mentioned but a few, that Mr. Eayman was mistaken as to the character of his schedule. There was proof at the second reference of the inaccuracy of the Eayman schedule in this particular, which was voluminous, direct, and positive. There is too much of it to recite in detail in this opinion. Part of it was given by men who were in a position personally to know whereof they testified. There was proof that in certain types and certain sizes of transformers core spaces were never employed, and that in other types and other sizes core spaces were employed, but not exclusively. Estimates and tabulations were also, given as to the extent of infringement in the latter class. It is this volume of evidence which the trial court said “fully sustained” defendant’s contention, and to which this court referred when it said that it was substantial and tended “quite strongly
The Williams schedule was produced by defendant at the second reference to the first master, when the character of the Layman schedule was under investigation. Mr. Williams was a public accountant, not a patent expert. He was employed by defendant to check the Layman schedule with its records, and to make from the records a list of all transformers of every kind, size, and description sold by it during the accounting period, regardless of the question of infringement. He found that the Layman schedule had evidently been taken from the order records, instead of the sales records of defendant, and that, besides many errors appearing from a comparison of it with the records consulted by its compilers, it was incomplete and defective in three important particulars: First, it omitted orders from customers booked prior to June 24, 1896, the beginning of the accounting period, but filled within that period; second, it omitted transformers consigned to agents whose sales did not get on the order record; and, third, it took no account of customers’ returns of transformers and allowances to them. Williams made up his schedule in two parts, which, when introduced in evidence, were designated A and B. The first was a list of all transformers sold, with information like that in Layman’s, but not so complete; and the second was a list of returns and allowances. As I have said, the Layman schedule, according to the first master, listed 16,366 transformers. Upon the same authority the Williams schedule listed for the same period 3,381 more than Layman’s. A comparison of the two schedules, Layman’s and Williams’, together with the explanation of the major differences between them above noted, and the fact that Layman’s confessedly listed a large number of noninfringing transformers, effectively destroys in any reasonable, impartial mind the assumption that the Layman schedule was in truth a list of infringing transformers. But, after all, that is no longer of much moment. The exhaustive effort of defendant to disclose the character of that schedule was turned to its disadvantage at the last reference by the second master, who took Williams’ schedule A as his foundation of defendant’s liability as prima facie, and then practically disregarded its evidence.
At this point arose one of the curious things in the course of the third reference. The master’s report as first filed ignored Williams’ schedule B, and at defendant’s instance the cause was recommitted to him for a report upon it. In a supplemental report he disposed of Williams’ schedule B as follows: First, it was not proven to be (a) “from books of original entry,” or (b) “such books being those used in the course of defendant’s business,” or (c) “from entries made at or about
“There were some transformers returned in the early part of this accounting that were sold before the accounting period began. I did not list them. I simply listed those that were sold during the period and returned.”
Third, the master next criticized the Williams B schedule for insufficiency of data, but this was no more substantial than his other objections. The essential data were there, as other parts of the master’s report show. Fourth, he finally pointed out a number of discrepancies which he said appeared from a comparison of it with the Layman schedule, and because of them condemned the entire document upon the assumption that the Layman schedule was correct. He gave defendant no opportunity to explain them, to show which was correct, or whether there was in fact any real discrepancy, but he ruled as follows: “The master disallows each and every credit claimed in it.” If there were in fact any discrepancies between the two schedules, the undisputed proof as to the manner in which the schedules were compiled, who compiled them, and the pains taken with them, would seem to require, more consideration of Williams’ than of Layman’s in the matter in question. But, even if this were not so, the discrepancies indicated went to but
Another feature of the report of the last master may be referred-to. It concerns fuse plugs. Mr. Williams testified, and his evidence was undisputed, that defendant sometimes sold its transformers without fuse plugs, but in most cases with them; that in some cases the transformers and the fuse plugs were invoiced together, without separation of the price, and in others they were invoiced separately; that in the latter part of the accounting period the price of the plugs was generally shown separately on the invoices; that the prices of the plugs specified ranged from about $1.75 to $4 per pair, the most frequent price being $2.50 per pair. Where the plugs were invoiced separately, he did not extend the prices with those of the transformers on his schedule A, ,but simply gave the prices of the transformers; and where the transformers and the plugs were invoiced together without separation, he applied the price of $2.50 to the plugs and extended them separately in his schedule. The master treated this subject as follows:
First. “In the absence of precedent, the master sees no reason for allowing the credit claimed.” It seems to me one would hardly expect a fuse plug precedent. There is an abundance of precedent, if any is needed, for the exclusion of things sold that were not a part of the infringed invention.
Second. “The fuse plug is a safety device, and performed the same function in the defendant’s transformers which it performs in electric house lighting or in trolley cars. It is as much an integral part of a transformer as an oil cup is of an engine or other machine.” That their function is the same as in house lighting or traction service is unimportant. They are not as intimately a part of a transformer as an oil cup is of an engine. They are separate and distinct devices, hung outside the metal container of the transformer, to protect it from an overcharge of electricity, as by lightning. A fuse plug is a complete mechanism in itself, and is not illustrated or remotely referred to in plaintiff’s patent. Indeed, if any inferences are to be drawn from the words of the patent, fuse plugs would be excluded by the specification, immediately preceding the claims, that “the entire converter may be sealed into an inclosing case,” etc.
Third. “It was not sold separately, save in the few cases specified in the Layman schedule, and, of course, was not invoiced separately.” This is not true. Fuse plugs were sold and invoiced separately in several thousand instances, as shown by Williams’ testimony and his schedule A. Nor can I find that the Layman schedule refers to fuse plugs at all.
Fourth. “No record was kept by defendant to warrant or justify Mr. Williams’ conjecture as to what their selling price might have been, if sold separately.” I have already stated the substance of Mr. Wil
Fifth. Then, as if the above objection might not hold, the master applies his general one that, “aside from what has just been said, the claim for this credit is supported by evidence so vague and indefinite and the amount is-so clearly excessive,” etc. The evidence was not vague or -indefinite. Except as to the price to be attributed to those fuse plugs invoiced with that of the transformers, it was definite and precise. Every sale involving the two prices in a single invoice was specified, with descriptive data by which it could be checked from the books; there were no generalizations and no estimates. When it came to the price to be allowed for the fuse plugs not separately invoiced, Mr. Williams took $2.50 per pair, because that was the most frequent price of those specified. It was less than the average of $1.75 and $4, the two extremes. Where the master found warrant for his statement that “the amount is so clearly excessive” does not appear in the record. If it was regarded as excessive, it was his duty to find a reasonable amount. These aspects of his report are not the most important ones. They do not affect the recovery he recommended as much as some others, but they illustrate -clearly the way he handled the matters referred to him. It was a case of all signboards pointing to the destination when one is on his way.
I now come to the opinion to which this dissent is addressed. The opinion does not indicate the amount of the decree rendered or directed, nor does it show whether the basis for the decree shall be the Layman schedule or that of Williams; there being between them a difference of about $50,000 in the result. It does not confirm or reject, or direct the confirmation or rejection of, the report of the last master upon the third reference. I am at a loss to know just what has been or will be done. Some things, however, are said to which I must record my objection. It is said in the foregoing opinion that there are two questions in this case:
(1) “How many infringing transformers were manufactured and sold by the defendant? and (2) wbat was the profit of the defendant upon tbe infringing transformers sold?"
I had supposed there was a third and very important question, to which the two above mentioned were in a degree preliminary, and to which the Supreme Court devoted considerable attention. Having found the number of infringing transformers and the profit on them, then (3) what part of that profit was attributable to the patented feature, and what part to the features not patented? I will not discuss this last matter, save to say that upon it, and also upon the questions of the number of infringing transformers and the profits on them, defendant introduced, under the warrant of the opinion of the Supreme Court, about 300'pages of additional evidence and more than 200 pages of schedules, tabulations, etc. The plaintiff introduced no additional evidence whatever. It seems to me incredible that all of this effort was wholly futile and fruitless, as it is held to be. I cannot here go into the details of that evidence, but will allow the proposition to rest upon the inherent moral probabilities of the situation.
There is a clause in the opinion from which an inference might naturally be drawn that the Supreme Court put on defendant the burden of proving which of its transformers did not infringe. It is said:
“Upon the second hearing, the Supreme Court having placed the burden of proof upon the defendant, the Wagner Company proceeded to attack the Layman schedule and stipulation aforesaid, and the principal witness produced was one John R. Williams, an accountant, who was permitted by the master to present a transcript from the card index and record of the defendant, containing a total list of all the transformers manufactured and sold by the defendant, infringing and noninfringing.”
The Supreme Court did not put this burden of proof upon the defendant. It is an extension in the foregoing opinion of the rule announced by the Supreme Court applicable to the apportionment of profits between infringing and noiiinfringing elements in infringing transformers. Furthermore, the testimony and schedule of Williams, who, it is said, “was permitted by the master to present a transcript,” went much deeper into the business of the defendant than the above quotation would seem to imply. His schedules were an exhaustive exposition of defendant’s sales of transformers during the accounting period as disclosed by its records. Again, it is said in the foregoing opinion of the second reference to the first master:
“But defendant had the burden of proof as to the number of transformers before any evidence was introduced. In addition to this it had the burden of overcoming the weight of the [Layman] schedule and stipulation; so that, when it came to the second hearing, it must be confessed that only reasonably clear and- convincing evidence contradicting the Layman schedule would be sufficient to sustain the burden resting upon the defendant.”
In this way this court, now differently constituted than before, effectively reverses what upon full consideration we once said regarding this matter. It not only puts the burden of proof upon the defendant, but erects the Layman schedule as a barrier, to be surmounted only by clear and convincing evidence.
“Furthermore, the court cannot shut its eyes to the well-established rule that, ‘so far as it depends upon conflicting testimony, or upon the credibility of witnesses, or so far as there is any testimony consistent with the finding, it [the master’s report] must be treated as unassailable.’ ”
The rule in the opinion above quoted was taken from Davis v. Schwartz, 155 U. S. 631, 15 Sup. Ct. 237, 39 L. Ed. 289. The reference to the master in that case was by consent of the parties, instead of being made by the court under the ordinary chancery practice. Because of that fact the Supreme Court applied the doctrine of Kimberly v. Arms, 129 U. S. 512, 9 Sup. Ct. 355, 32 L. Ed. 764. That this is so appears from the next succeeding sentence in the report from which the quotation was taken. The Supreme Court said further:
“As the reference in this case was by consent to find the facts, we think the rule in Kimberly v. Arms applies, and as there is nothing to show that the findings of fact were unsupported by the evidence, we think they must be treated as conclusive.”
Of course, that is not the case here; the reference was under the general practice, to which a far different rule of presumption applies. The doctrine of Kimberly v. Arms is well known in federal practice. As stated by Mr. Justice Field, it is:
“A master in chancery is an officer appointed by the court to assist it in various proceedings incidental to the progress of a cause before it, and is usually employed to take and state accounts, to take and report testimony, and to perform such duties as require computation of interest, the value of annuities, the amount of damages in particular cases, the auditing and ascertaining-of liens upon property involved, and similar services. The information which he may communicate by his findings in such cases, upon the evidence presented to him, is merely advisory to the court, which it may accept and act upon, or disregard, in whole or in part, according to its own judgment as to the weight of the evidence, s * * But when the parties consent to the reference of a case to a master or other officer to hear and decide all the issues therein, and report his findings, both of fact and of law, and such reference is entered as a rule of the court, the master is clothed with very different powers from those which he exercises upon ordinary references, without such consent, and his determinations are not subject to be set aside and disregarded at the mere discretion of the court.”
“The reference to the special master to find the facts and conclusions of law was not made by consent of the parties. Accordingly his report is not clothed with that presumption in. its favor which attends reports made on reference by consent. The trial court could not of its own motion abdicate its proper function or delegate it to any 'other person. The report, therefore, could be treated, as the record clearly shows the Circuit Court did treat it, as advisory only.”
In Guarantee Gold Bond, etc., Co. v. Edwards, 164 Fed. 809, 90 C. C. A. 585, Judge Sanborn said for the court:
“The next contention is that, since the case was referred to the master by consent, and since his finding that the deed was not procured fraudulently, and was not intended as a mortgage, was founded upon conflicting evidence, it was unassailable, and the courts below erred in reversing it under the decision in Kimberly v. Arms, 129 U. S. 512, 516, 524, 9 Sup. Ct. 355, 32 L. Ed. 764, and Davis v. Schwartz, 155 U. S. 631, 633, 637, 15 Sup. Ct. 237, 39 L. Ed. 289. But in those and similar cases, where the rule here invoked prevailed the parties consented to the references to the masters, while in this case the reference was made by a general order before the suit was commenced, without the knowledge or consent of any one connected with it. The fact that the parties to this suit proceeded with the prosecution of it under this general order without objection was not a request for or a consent to the order; it was nothing but a compliance with it, and the case does not fall under the rule applicable to cases of consent.”
In International Harvester Co. v. Carlson, 217 Fed. 736, 133 C. C. A. 430 (a bankruptcy case), Judge Amidon said for the court:
“Such a reference, however, is not by consent, and the report of the referee can be treated as advisory only”—citing Kimberly v. Arms and Davis v. Schwartz.
See, also, Babcock v. De Mott, 160 Fed. 882, 88 C. C. A. 64, 67.
Were this not enough, reference might be made to Denver v. Denver Union Water Co., 246 U. S. 178, 38 Sup. Ct. 278, 62 L. Ed. 649. Justice Pitney said:
“In our opinion, the District Court erred in declining to pass upon the questions raised by the exceptions. Although no. opinion was filed, the ruling appears to have been based upon the theory that, because the order of reference was made by consent of parties, the conclusions of the master were not open to question. Kimberly v. Arms, 129 U. S. 512, 524, and Davis v. Schwartz, 155 U. S. 631, 633, 636, are cited in support, but they are distinguishable. In the former case, the reference, made by consent of the parties, authorized the master to hear the evidence and decide all the issues between them, and it was because of this that the court held the findings were not merely advisory, as in the ordinary case, but were to be taken as presumptively correct,” etc.
Tilghman v. Proctor, 125 U. S. 136, 8 Sup. Ct. 894, 31 L. Ed. 664, cited in the foregoing opinion, is not an authority for the rule there quoted. The reference was an ordinary one, the evidence, including oral testimony, was heard by the master, and his report was confirmed by the trial court. Even so, the Supreme Court, upon an extended consideration of the evidence, rejected the master’s conclusion upon a branch of the case, saying:
“Much of the testimony on which he chiefly relies was in the record upon which the case had been previously heard before this court, * * 0 of which the court then said: ‘We have examined the evidence on this point, and are satisfied that it shows the objection to be unfounded.’ ”
This excerpt is rather pertinent to the case at bar. Part of the evidence before the last master was before this court oh the first appeal, when, the-character of plaintiff's patent claim and of defendant’s additions were discussed, and all of it in the record on the second appeal, when we decided that the hearing contemplated had not been given by the first master on the second reference and definitely expressed our view upon the evidence affecting the Eayman schedule.
Adamson v. Gilliland, 242 U. S. 350, 37 Sup. Ct. 169, 61 L. Ed. 356. also cited in the foregoing opinion, was a case of a finding of fact by a District Judge upon oral testimony of witnesses before him. It is true that Justice Holmes cites Davis v. Schwartz as authority for the doctrine of unassailability of a finding so made, but it was probably inadvertent, as Davis v. Schwartz was a reference by consent of parties as pointed out by Justice Pitney in the later case (246 U. S. 178, 38 Sup. Ct. 278, 62 L. Ed. 649), in which the doctrine in question is discussed and distinguished.
A number of reasons are recited for imposing the twofold burden of proof (as to the number of infringing transformers and profits) upon the defendant. But, as I have said, the reasons are not stated distrib
“The infringing element in the transformers was hidden from view by the metal casing,” etc. “The metal casing was part of the transformer, and was firmly and permanently fastened in place in the manufacturing process.”
It is true that the transformer proper was intended to be submerged in oil in a metal container with a top, but I can find no warrant in the record for the Statement that the casing was permanently fastened in place in the manufacturing process. On the contrary, the tops of the cases were easily removable, and it was the custom to sell hangers by means of which the transformers could be easily lifted from the oil for repairs to the windings, etc. It was important that this be so. The photographs produced by defendant of a number of transformers sold throughout the country during the accounting period to show that they were without core spaces, and the testimony regarding them, indicated ho difficulty in the particular mentioned. Moreover, I have never heard the reason relied on assigned as one for transferring from a plaintiff to a defendant the burden of proof as to the number of infringing machines sold. There were methods open to the plaintiff of determining which of defendant’s transformers infringed, and there is evidence in the record', much of it, direct and positive, that thousands of transformers included in the recovery indicated did not have the infringing device.
Second. It is said that—
“During the time of infringement, 1896 to 1902, the plaintiff had no access to the factory of the defendant or the books or records of the defendant, and after infringing and up to the time of taking testimony in this case, plaintiff had no knowledge of defendant’s business except as disclosed in the infringing litigation. So that the number of infringing transformers manufactured and sold, and the cost, selling price, and profits were known only to the defendant.”
As a ground for imposing upon the defendant the burden of proof, either as to the number of infringing transformers or as to the profits made from them (I am not now speaking of the apportionment rule announced by the Supreme Court), I will allow the above quotation to speak for itself.
Third. The books and records of defendant did not disclose how many infringing transformers were sold or the profits made from those sold, or from"any element included in them. As to this I will say there was much proof as to the number, sizes, and kinds of transformers which did not infringe, and there was proof as to the profits made.
Fourth. Destruction of records. It is true that some records were destroyed, probably in 1910; but it is not intimated that it was done in view of this litigation, and if it were so intimated there is no basis for it. It had been the custom in defendant’s engineering department to make advance estimates of the cost of labor and material going into transformers. Some of those estimates were in the shape of a chart with an ascending curve. In those days the estimates were used in making up periodical inventories of manufactured stock on hand. Both the advance estimates and the inventories are referred to in the foregoing opinion. The former were destroyed as being useless when a
It was claimed by defendant’s witnesses that the engineer’s estimates of costs were generally too low and were of little practical value. The evidence shows the inventories themselves were not destroyed, but neither side called for their production. But, however this may be, it is not seriously contended that the advance estimates of cost that were destroyed had any bearing upon the question whether the transformers to which they related infringed or did not infringe. Two of those estimates which survived, and which were produced in evidence by former employés of defendant, but then in the service of the plaintiff, threw no light upon the question of infringement. This matter ma.y have a bearing on the question of profits, but so far as that matter is concerned a measure was easily found in the evidence that was available, and it was applied. As to the finding of profits made it is certain that the defendant secured no advantage through the absence of. the engineer’s advanced estimates of cost or otherwise.
The above are the reasons, so far as I can gather them from the opinion, for putting upon the defendant the burden of proving which of all the transformers made by it during the accounting period did not infringe.
It is said that defendant had notice of the claim of infringement as early as 1897, and continued “from that time until July-2, 1902” (November 14, 1901 ?). Any inference from this that defendant knowingly and willfully persisted in the infringement of particular claim 4 of this particular patent is erroneous. It is true that on July 13, 1897, notice of infringement was served upon defendant; but the notice covered 26 different patents, which doubtless contained many times that number of claims. While such a notice might be sufficient for the purpose of the statute, it is not regarded as making the person to whom it is sent an intentional, willful infringer for punitive visitation.
In conclusion: I think that the plaintiff is entitled to a substantial recovery in this case. On the other hand, I think the defendant is entitled to have a real trial of its case and a real hearing before a master, who will accord it the just consideration that it has not so far received. No record is too voluminous or trouble too great for that end. I think the decree now before us should be vacated, and the cause sent back to the trial court for reference to such a master, so that when it again comes before court it will come with such presumptions as are proper to be' given. Also in the interest of consistency in the opinions and conclusions of this court, especially in the same case on different appeals, I earnestly protest against the foregoing' opinion. The observance of that consistency has hitherto been scrupulously given by the members of this court, but here the prior judgment of this court upon the quality of the evidence brought into the record at the second reference, expressed by judges who presumably gave it their careful, painstaking consideration, is not only waved aside for one