Appeal 2007-2358
Reexamination Control No. 90/006,888
The 442 Patent Disclosure
1. The 442 patent discloses a "prelubricated innerduct which provides a
low friction and hazardless environment for the installation and placement of
fiber optic cables." (442 patent at 1:8–10.)
2. According to the 442 patent, the innerduct exhibits "high tensile
strength to facilitate the conduit's placement as well as a highly lubricous
inner layer to aid in the placement of a cable, for example, within the
conduit." (442 patent at 2:53–56.)
3. These goals are accomplished, according to the 442 patent, by
providing an "outer jacket of a high tensile strength polymer such as high
molecular weight, high density polyethylene and an inner layer of high
molecular weight lubricous polymer compound, such as TeflonŽ, silicone
impregnated polyethylene, graphite impregnated polyethylene or the like."
(442 patent at 2:43–48.)
4. The innerduct is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 of the 442 patent.
{Figures 1 and 2 of the 442 patent are shown below:}5
{Figures 1 and 2 are said to depict an innerduct.}
5 The text in curly braces before and after the Figures is provided to ensure
compliance with section 508 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act for publication
of this Decision on the USPTO website pursuant to the Freedom of
Information Act. They are not part of the Decision.
4
Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Next
Last modified: September 9, 2013