Appeal No. 2006-0064 Παγε 4
Application No. 09/155,740
We start with independent claim 1 and will separately
consider the other claim groupings and a selected representative
claim of each such separate grouping to the extent that such
groupings have been separately argued.
At the outset, we note that Reznik discloses a process for
treating dried dates that includes the steps of: producing cracks
or fissures in the surface skin of the dates (column 3, line 6
through column 4, line 20); using a vacuum treatment vessel to
introduce water and a preservative or water-soluble agent
(solute) into the dates (column 2, line 25 through column 3, line
5); removing the dates from the vacuum treatment vessel; and
draining excess water therefrom (column 2, lines 48-50 and column
4, lines 29-32). Thereafter, the hydrated dried dates of a
desired softness and a moisture content of from about 25 to 45%
can be packaged (column 1, lines 31-42 and column 2, lines 48-
50).
Reznik (column 2, lines 63-68) teaches that a “conventional
water-soluble agent which will protect the fruit from spoiling in
storage” can be added to the water used in the vacuum treatment
of the fruit. Reznik (column 1, lines 38-42) suggests that the
moisture content of the fruits after treatment with the solute
can be from “about 25 to 45 percent.” We agree with the examiner
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