Appeal No. 2000-0093
Application No. 08/874,812
upon this 3-D data, cross-sectional-shape data is obtained for each shape
of a plurality of parallel cross-sections obtained in the whole image of the
mold at every given interval. Subsequently, based upon the cross-
sectional-shape data obtained in this manner, from a material for
full-mold-casting models, such as styrofoam board, etc., multiple board
pieces are prepared which have the external shapes corresponding to the
shapes of the parallel cross-sections that are described by the
cross-sectional-shape data [translation, page 6].
Tamura '541 also discloses that the multiple board pieces are shaped by an
automatic cutting device under control of the processor (see, for example, page 17 in
the translation).
The preambles of claims 1, 8, 13 and 26, the four independent claims on appeal,
define the methods respectively recited therein as being for “making a casting having
free-form, undercut or hidden interior surfaces” (claim 1), “making a casting having
complex free-form, undercut or substantially hidden interior surfaces” (claim 8), “making
a functional casting from molten castable material, said casting having interior surfaces
which are shaped with two or more characteristic[s] of free-form, undercut or hidden”
(claim 13) and “making a fugitive investment pattern having free-form, undercut or
hidden interior surfaces” (claim 26). Each of these claims also sets forth a “carving”
step relating to the formation of such interior surfaces. In applying the Tamura
references against the appealed claims, the examiner takes the position that
each of prior art references substantially shows the invention as claimed
except that they do not disclose [how] to make a casting having free-from
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