Appeal No. 1998-1296
Application 08/199,304
the Christianson ignitor. We do not agree.
General Dynamics is a report on investigation into “the
microwave resonant absorption of ten energetic compounds” over
a particular frequency range (Executive Summary). The
objective of the tests was to determine if significant
resonant absorption occurred in the selected materials, and
whether the radiation could be used to detonate the compounds
(page 1). No detonation, deflagration or decomposition of any
of the samples was observed (page 21), so it is clear that the
means utilized did not constitute an apparatus or method for
the initiation of a propellant. More important to our
analysis of the obviousness of the subject matter recited in
the appellants’ claims, however, is
that even giving the text of this reference its most
charitable interpretation, it is clear to us that it does not
teach utilizing a resonant cavity at all, much less a resonant
cavity positioned within the combustion chamber.
The mere fact that the prior art structure could be
modified does not make such a modification obvious unless the
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