Appeal No. 96-2623
Application No. 08/240,095
thickness that is predetermined so that surface 12 is spaced
apart from surface 13 a distance equal to that distance necessary
to space apart press platen 8 where all points on pressing
surface 13 are equal distances from corresponding opposite points
on pressing surface 12. Such a pressing position causes an equal
distribution of pressure over the entire composite 1.6
The examiner first determined that Stiff disclosed all the
subject matter of the appealed claims except Stiff does not
specify the radius of curvature for the curved surfaces of the
upper and lower platens (i.e., Stiff's surface 46 of sole plate
40 and surface 48 of pressure head 50). The examiner then
determined that it would have been obvious to one having ordinary
skill in the art to provide the concave pressing surface (i.e.,
surface 46) of the upper platen of Stiff with a larger radius of
curvature than that of the convex lower platen in view of the
teaching of Johnston that an even distribution of pressure across
the laminate is achieved thereby.
With respect to independent claim 1, the appellants argue
that (1) Johnston is non-analogous art, (2) there is no teaching,
6See column 3, line 66 to column 4, line 17, of Johnston.
8
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