Appeal No. 96-2608
Application 08/068,498
receive the removable and replaceable insert (4) which carries
the sample containers (6) in recesses defined therein. The
insert/adapter (4), while being spun, will have a “portion” that
lies radially inboard and a portion that lies radially outboard
with respect to the axis of rotation of the rotor. We view the
“portion” that lies radially inboard as being the entire inner
surface of the insert/adapter (4) and we note that this surface
has openings therein defined by the spaces between the ribs(5)
of Stallmann’s insert. In view of this understanding of the
rotor and insert/adapter of Stallmann, we find
appellants’ arguments as set forth on page 5 of their brief to
be unpersuasive and we will therefore sustain the examiner’s
rejection of claims 1 and 2 under 35 U.S.C. § 102(b).
As for the examiner’s rejection of claim 7 under 35
U.S.C. § 103 based on Stallmann, we will also sustain this
rejection. In light of our discussions above regarding the
insert/adapter (4) of Stallmann, we find appellants’
6
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