Appeal 2007-0615
Application 10/204,304
sensor can be adjusted by either selecting probes (i.e., organometallic
complexes) with different lifetimes, or by modifying the chemical
composition of the supporting media (i.e., the silicone polymer) (Lakowicz
537). Lackowicz further discloses that the selectivity of the sensor for
oxygen is provided by the unique combination of the fluorophore (i.e.,
organometallic complex) and the supporting media (i.e., silicone polymer)
(Lakowicz 537). Lakowicz discloses that using silicone as the substrate
permits diffusion of oxygen into the sensor and prevents other interfering
molecules which might interact with the fluorophore and affect its intensity
(Lakowicz 536).
Jolson discloses a toxic gas sensor that uses a fluorinated silicone gas
permeable film (Jolson, col. 8, ll. 34-56). Jolson uses fluorinated silicone
polymer to make the gas permeable film because it has the high gas
permeability of silicone polymers with the chemical inertness expected from
fluorinated polymers (Jolson, col. 8, ll. 53-56).
Macur discloses an oxygen sensor that uses a fluorosilicone polymer
that is oxygen permeable and ion impermeable (Macur, col. 3, ll. 46-48, 59-
60).
From these disclosures, the Examiner concluded that it would have
been obvious to “substitute a fluorinated silicone matrix for the silicone
matrix in Lakowicz in order to maintain the desired feature of selective and
high permeability to oxygen analyte, while further obtaining the advantage
of chemical inertness, as per the teachings of Jolson . . . and Macur”
(Answer 5). We agree.
Like the Examiner indicates in his motivation statement (Answer 5),
both Jolson and Macur clearly disclose the desirability of using fluorinated
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