Appeal 2006-2523
Application 10/206,496
film formed by polymerizing a metal precursor in an alcohol based solvent
(Adachi cols. 4-11). We agree with the Examiner’s findings of alcohol
solvents used with titanium alkoxides and silicon alkoxides in the teachings
of Adachi (see above pp. 12-13). We emphasize Adachi teaches the alcohols
are primarily selected from four to ten carbon alcohols, with a small amount
of one to three carbon alcohols, when a titanium alkoxide is employed, and
are selected from one to three carbon alcohols when a silicon alkoxide is
employed (Adachi, e.g., col. 5, l. 33, to col. 6, l. 30, and col. 9, l. 44, to col.
11, l. 18). The differences in the alcohols used in the methods is, as the
Examiner finds, explained by Adachi on the basis of hydrolysis rates of the
metal precursor employed in the alcohol solution (Adachi col. 5, ll. 35-49).
Adachi further adds an aqueous alkaline solution to the alcohol containing
solution to activate the surface of the metal oxide substrates (Adachi, e.g.,
col. 5, l. 58, to col. 6, l. 14, and col. 9, l. 49, to col. 10, l. 4).
Upon comparing the claimed methods encompassed by claims 1, 2, 6,
7, 16, and 19, as we interpreted them above, with the prior art methods
described in the Background of the Invention combined with the teachings
of Adachi, as we found above, we agree with the Examiner’s position.
Contrary to Appellants’ contentions, the claimed methods and the prior art
methods as described in the Background of the Invention and taught by
Adachi use sol-gel solutions. The claimed methods can coat substrate metal
particles which comprise a metal oxide to any extent, including on the
surface and entirely, and can use an aqueous alkaline solutions in this respect
as do the methods of Adachi. The prior art methods described in the
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