Appeal No. 2003-1529
Application No. 08/499,442
page 8.5 However, appellant argues that Bauer does not teach that
using a controlled ratio Q provides advantages by increasing the
lifetime of the molecular sieves and their adsorption effectiveness
(Brief, page 6). Appellant further argues that Bauer teaches the
use of alumina for other purposes than removing water as taught by
appellant (Brief, page 7), and the examiner’s estimate of the ratio
of alumina to molecular sieve is “not really accurate.” Id.
Appellant’s arguments are not persuasive. As discussed above,
the examiner finds that Bauer discloses a ratio of volume of
alumina to volume of alumina and molecular sieve for the entire
adsorber within the claimed range for Q (Answer, page 3).
Furthermore, Bauer teaches the use of alumina for the same purpose
as appellant, namely to effectively remove water from the feedstock
gas, although it also prevents polymers from fouling the expensive
molecular sieve (col. 2, ll. 25-30, and col. 4, ll. 4-9). The
results desired by Bauer are also the same as appellant, namely
increasing the lifetime of the molecular sieves (col. 7, ll. 31-35)
and their adsorption effectiveness (col. 6, ll. 14-17). Finally,
as discussed above (see footnote 3), the examiner’s “estimate”
5We note that independent claim 17 on appeal, which
appellant has not separately argued, only recites an equilibrium
zone and does not require a mass transfer zone.
7
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