Appeal No. 95-3682
Application No. 08/028,916
optimum concentration of chain-transfer agent during
polymerization is necessary "to control the structure and
solubility of the polymer" (specification, page 10, lines 1
and 2). The optimum concentration of chain-transfer agent can
be determined by measuring the solubility quotient
(specification, page 10, lines 24 through 26). As stated by
applicants,
Use of a chain-transfer agent in concentrations such
that the solubility quotient is less than 30 percent
provides products that are not soluble. Only when
optimum concentrations are used, effectuating a
solubility quotient greater than 30 percent, do the
polymers exhibit the required solubility character-
istics. Thus, the soluble polymers of this
invention all possess a minimum solubility quotient
of over 30 percent, preferably over 40 percent and
even more preferably over 50 percent. Many exhibit
a solubility quotient of greater than 90 percent.
[Specification, page 11, lines 4 through 14].
On this record, the examiner has not established that Flesher
discloses or suggests a polymeric flocculant having "a
solubility quotient of greater than about 30 percent." The
examiner has not established that Flesher suggests using an
optimum concentration of chain-transfer agent during
polymerization, or using any other methodology, to achieve a
solubility quotient of greater than about 30 percent. Simply
stated, the examiner has not established that the prior art
-4-
Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Next
Last modified: November 3, 2007