Appeal No. 97-0866
Application 07/801,248
a high fusion reaction cross section. The fusible ion beams
of deuterons and tritons, together with electrons for space-
charge neutralization, constitute a "moving-plasma" (col. 8,
lines 19-22). Thus, it appears that positive ion beams are
injected into a plasma channel created along the machine
axis. Linlor states (col. 8, approx. lines 31-35):
"Because both the deuteron and triton beams have the same
direction relative to the machine axis, the combined current
produces a magnetic field surrounding it, which serves to
provide confinement for the individual ions and the space-
charge-neutralizing electrons." The confining effect is
also discussed at col. 3, line 61 to col. 4, line 36 (under
section 2 of novel features of the invention) and col. 17,
lines 36-46. Thus, the positive ion beams are pinched.
Appellants argue that Linlor does not teach injecting
ions at "a mildly relativistic mean velocity." The examiner
finds that Linlor's "mean velocity of the ions falls within
the claimed range, as the claim language 'mildly
relativistic mean velocity' is best understood" (EA5), where
the examiner has interpreted "mildly relativistic mean
velocity" to be a velocity "between zero and the speed of
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