Appeal No. 1997-3260
Application 08/506,153
each of the primary references, discloses “a composite
material having a reinforcement texture and a matrix, the
composition of the matrix varying substantially without
discontinuity along a thickness direction of the structure,
from being an essentially refractory material, in the region
of a front face intended to be exposed to very high
temperatures, to being an essentially heat conductive
material” (col. 2, lines 4-11).
The examiner argues that “each of the primary references
discloses actual process steps for producing a metal matrix
composite substantially the same as the steps recited in the
claims on appeal” (answer, page 5). The examiner, however,
has not explained where any of the primary references
discloses a step for making the fiber density graduated. Nor
has the examiner explained why Boury would have fairly
suggested, to one of ordinary skill in the art, making such a
modification to any of the primary references. Instead, the
examiner has merely made an assertion to that effect (answer,
page 5).
The primary references disclose techniques for
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