Appeal No. 97-3294
Application 08/408,225
Contrary to the view set forth in the main brief (pages 12,
13, 19 and 20), we determined, supra, that the content of
claims 14 and 15 was anticipated by the Blom patent.
Claim 16
We reverse the rejection of claim 16, a claim
requiring means for introducing fluid into contact with a
retainer soluble in fluid. Blom discloses the dissolving of
half of a gelatin capsule (retainer) 416 upon contact with
saliva and mucus, i.e., naturally occurring body fluids.
Simply stated, we discern no teaching in Blom of a distinct
structure that would be encompassed by the means for
introducing a fluid into contact with the retainer, as
specified by claim 16.
The obviousness issue
We reverse the rejection of claim 6 under 35 U.S.C.
§ 103.
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