Appeal 2007-0910
Application 10/108,807
STATEMENT OF THE CASE
The subject matter on appeal is directed to “a nonwoven fabric having
a relatively low level of ionic contaminates which is achieved by exposing
the fabric to a deionized water wash, preferably, in-line with the nonwoven
production process…” (Specification 1). This fabric “may be manufactured
into such end-use products as cleaning wipes and protective clothing for
cleanrooms and surface coating operations, such as automotive paintrooms.”
(id.) Further details of the appealed subject matter are recited in
representative claim 18 reproduced below:
18. A spun-bonded nonwoven fabric having low ion content
and comprised of continuous multi-component fibers that are at least
partially spilt along their length into individual component fibers,
wherein the ions are selected from the group comprised of Na, Li,
NH4, K, Mg, Ca, Fl, Cl, NO4, PO4, and SO4, and wherein the ions are
present on the fabric at less than about 10,000 parts per billion, when
tested according to Short Term Extraction Test IEST-RP-CC-004
§6.1.2
As evidence of unpatentability of the claimed subject matter, the
Examiner has relied upon the following references:
Jeffers US 4,925,722 May 15, 1990
Antonacci US 5,244,724 Sep. 14, 1993
Groten US 5,899,785 May 4, 1999
Morin US 6,189,189 B1 Feb. 20, 2001
The Examiner has finally rejected the claims on appeal as follows:
1) Claims 18 through 27 and 30 through 34 under 35 U.S.C.
§ 103(a) as unpatentable over the combined teachings of Jeffers and
Groten;
2
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