Ex Parte Cheng - Page 8

               Appeal 2006-2453                                                                             
               Application 10/302,391                                                                       
                      and concentrate outlet ends of the filter element  [0010] to prevent                  
                      unfiltered feed fluid from entering the fabric sheet or backing material              
                      directly through a cross-section [0003].                                              

               8)     Figure 2 of Simonetti is reproduced below:                                            













               9)     Simonetti Figure 2 illustrates a portion of the filter element of                     
                      Simonetti Figure 1 that lies between two filtration envelopes [0011].                 
               10)  The desired flow path 101a is substantially parallel to the surface                     
                      plane of the filter membrane and through the filter membrane 105a                     
                      and fabric sheet 107a.  [0012].                                                       
               11) Simonetti teaches that some unfiltered feed flow may also travel along                   
                      the lateral flow path 101b and enter the filter membrane 105a through                 
                      its cross-sectional surface “at either of the ends of the filter element or           
                      at cracks in the filter element, e.g., those that tend to form near the               
                      crease in an envelope."  [0012].  As a result, feed flow along the                    
                      lateral flow path 101b may avoid filtration through filter membrane                   


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Last modified: September 9, 2013