Interference No. 103,169
II.
Background
Poly(p-phenylenebenzobisthiazole) (PBT, also known as PBZT) is a rigid-rod liquid
crystalline polymer. PBT has been formed into fibers by a wet-spinning process from
PBT/poly(phosphoric acid)(PPA) dopes, i.e., the PBT polymerization medium (See BX
IIII). PBT has a tendency when formed into a film to form a highly aligned or uniaxially
oriented structure resulting in increased strength in the direction of extrusion, and a
tendency to fibrillate (or to form fibers) when subjected to even the smallest forces
transverse to the direction of orientation (CB, page 4).
In December of 1982, the Air Force Wright Patterson Material Labs (AFWP/ML,
also referred to herein as AF) issued an announcement [PRDA 83-3-PMRR] (PRDA)
seeking technical and cost proposals for an exploratory development program to develop
methods of processing PBT into biaxially oriented films having high strength
and high modulus (CX D). The proposals were due January 14, 1983. Id. The date was
later extended to January 31, 1983. Both Chenevey et al. and Baars et al. submitted
proposals. Both were awarded contracts by the Air Force and filed patent applications
9
based on their respective work.
9 The parties were questioned at the hearing as to whether this was an adversarial
proceeding in light of the fact that both parties carried out their work under contract to the
Air Force. The parties were requested to file a paper setting forth what interest the Air
(continued...)
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