Appeal No. 96-2810
Application 08/017,086
l. 32-39):
. . . hydrophobically modified hydroxyethylcelluloses
(HMHEC) function as an effective protective colloid
for the preparation of aqueous polymer emulsions of
vinyl monomers. Further, it has been found that such
hydrophobically modified cellulose ethers function as
effective protective colloids at levels significantly
lower than levels required when utilizing standard HEC.
The combined teachings of Norris and Lo provide no reason
or suggestion to substitute hydrophobically modified cellulose
ethers for either the xanthan gum Norris prefers or the
nonpreferred modified cellulose ethers which Norris may use as
a thickener in ceramic glazes. Lo teaches that
hydrophobically modified cellulose ethers are useful in the
preparation of aqueous polymer emulsions of vinyl monomers at
levels significantly lower than levels required when utilizing
standard HEC. The ceramic glazes Norris describes are not
aqueous polymer emulsions of vinyl monomers or polymer
latexes. The utility
of hydrophobically modified cellulose ethers as thickeners in
ceramic glazes for any reason is speculative. At best, Lo’s
teaching might invite persons having ordinary skill in the art
to try hydrophobically modified cellulose ethers as thickeners
in ceramic glazes. However, “obvious to try” is not the
standard for unpatentability under 35 U.S.C. § 103. In re
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