Appeal No. 1996-1735
Application No. 08/184,526
Applying the above rule of interpretation to the present
situation, we determine that the phrase “about 1.95:1.00"
recited in claim 1 embraces the ratio of 2.00:1.00 exemplified
in the Weiss reference. In re Peppas, 214 F.2d 172, 176, 102
USPQ 298, 301 (CCPA 1954); In re De Vaney, 185 F.2d 679, 683,
88 USPQ 97, 101 (CCPA 1954); In re Ayers, 154 F.2d 182, 185,
69 USPQ 109, 112 (CCPA 1946). This interpretation is
supported by the specification, pages 17 and 18, which states
in relevant part:
The ratio of equivalents of amine to acid
groups (i.e., NH COOH groups (where x is 1 or
X
2)) for the amino-polyamide synthesis to produce
the improved curative of the described invention
is particularly critical in obtaining the
beneficial effects in epoxy, polysulfide and
cyanoacrylate systems of the curing composition
of our invention. The ratio must be from about
1.05:1.00 equivalents NH :COOH to no greater
X
than about 1.95:1.00 equivalents NH :COOH. A
X
ratio of about 1.20:1.00 to about 1.80:1.00 is
preferred. Care must be taken to assure that
the product obtained meets these specifications
as higher ratios are particularly to be avoided.
Ratios higher than 1.95:1 are generally avoided
since they result in products of a lower
molecular weight. The mobility of a chemical
moiety to successfully diffuse into another body
is proportional to the square root of the
chemical's weight, all other factors being
equal. Therefore, low molecular weight products
are much more mobile in the base leading to
7
Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Next
Last modified: November 3, 2007