Appeal No. 1996-0208
Application 08/098,153
final rejection of claim 14, the only claim in the
application. The subject matter on appeal is directed to a
method of retrofitting a forming apparatus.
Claim 14 is reproduced below:
14. A method of converting a forming apparatus for
receiving a paper web and press forming multiple blanks into a
plurality of three-dimensionally shaped paper products within
a single die cavity in each forming cycle into a forming
apparatus in which the plurality of blanks are simultaneously
shaped into a plurality of three-dimensionally shaped paper
products within separate die cavities in each forming cycle,
comprising the steps of:
(a) retrofit installing an existing forming
apparatus having a die set that defines a single cavity with
at least one reciprocating die plate, at least one upper die
plate and at least one lower die plate in vertically stacked
relationship with respect to the die set of the existing
forming apparatus so as to form a respective additional die
cavity; and
(b) forming [sic, providing] a guide means for
cyclically transferring a single paperboard blank from a
blanking means into each of said die cavities during a first
portion of each forming cycle; wherein said guide means
includes a plurality of stationary guide means, and said
providing step includes placing each of said stationary guide2
means in alignment with a respective one of said die cavities
2Antecedent basis for the claim language “said providing
step” is not present. As discussed at the oral hearing,
appellant apparently intended to define step (b) of the claim
as a “providing” step. We trust that the examiner and
appellant will correct this informality prior to the allowance
of this application.
2
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