Appeal 2007-0882
Application 10/702,987
components by the HVOF process followed by HIP to densify the coating.
Answer 11. Both references are concerned with minimizing damage that
can occur in gas turbine components. See Findings of Fact 6, 7, 11 & 13.
White teaches that the coating thickness prior to HIP is “generally” about
0.001 to 0.010 inches thick before HIP diffusion bonding and Bajan
discloses that the thickness of the metallurgical coatings applied can range
from 0.001" to 0.100". See Findings of Fact 6 and 14. Thus, in our view,
the Examiner has set forth a reasonable basis to conclude that one of
ordinary skill in the art, upon reading White and Bajan, would have been
motivated to increase the thickness of White’s coating to within the claim 12
and 19 ranges. See Medichem, S.A. v. Rolabo, S.L., 437 F.3d 1157, 1168,
77 USPQ2d 1865, 1872 (Fed. Cir. 2006) (“normal desire of scientists or
artisans to improve upon what is already generally known provides the
motivation to determine where in a disclosed set of percentage ranges is the
optimum combination of percentages").
ORDER
The rejection of claims 1-11, 13-18, and 21 under 35 U.S.C § 103(a)
as unpatentable over White is affirmed.
The rejection of claims 12 and 19 under 35 U.S.C § 103(a) as
unpatentable over White in view of Bajan is affirmed.
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