Appeal No. 95-1779
Application 07/683,130
hindering attachment of said organism to said surface by
interfering with said organisms mechanisms for attachment
to submerged surfaces.
27. A method for preventing fouling of an aquatic
apparatus by an aquatic organism without contamination of
the environment, which comprises:
coating a surface of said apparatus with a
composition
containing an inert matrix and a biologically active
enzyme
chemically bonded to said inert matrix, wherein said
enzyme
is capable of hindering attachment of said organism to
said
surface while coated on said surface, wherein said
apparatus
is one member selected from the group consisting of ship
hulls, pilings, glass and other transparent observation
windows, sonar domes, water-conducting pipes, cooling
towers, ponds, pumps, and valves.
Discussion
1. Section 103 in view of Christie’s teaching
With regard to the teaching in Christie’s Abstract, the
examiner acknowledges (Examiner’s Answer (Ans.), p. 4):
While the reference suggests the use of an enzyme
system in combination with paint marine coatings, the
reference is silent as to how the enzyme system is
incorporated into the coating.
However, the examiner maintains the rejection because (Ans.,
pp. 4-5, bridging para.):
. . . it is notoriously well known in the art to
immobilize enzymes on a solid surface so as to be in
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