Appeal No. 1997-2627
Application No. 08/424,122
a pH between 6 and 8 in an electrically non-conducting
container (2) in which are located two chemically solid
electrodes (3,4), of which the first one (3) is positive
electrode and the second one (4) is negative electrode, in
that between the electrodes (3,4) is located a thin membrane
(5), made from material having a very small specific
electrical conductivity which is of the same magnitude as the
specific electrical conductivity for High Density Polyethylene
when immersed in said electrolytic solution and having a
thickness of 5-50 Fm, which membrane (5) divides the
electrolytic solution (1) into two separated volumes (7,8) of
which the first volume (7) contains the positive electrode (3)
and the second volume (8) contains the negative electrode (4);
applying a direct-current voltage (6) on said electrodes (3,4)
during a time of 3-20 minutes; and wherein application of said
direct current voltage creates a considerably increasing
potential gradient within said membrane to cause ions to flow
between said first volume and said second volume and wherein
said specific electrical conductivity is such that the
resulting pH of said first volume (7) is the same as the pH of
the said electrolytic solution at the start of said method and
thereby obtaining volume (7) as said fraction.
THE REFERENCE
Moeglich (Moeglich ‘475) 4,361,475 Nov. 30, 1982
THE REJECTION
Claims 10-18 stand rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103 as
being unpatentable over Moeglich ‘475.
OPINION
We have carefully considered all of the arguments
advanced by appellant and the examiner and agree with
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