Appeal No. 97-0935
Application 08/340,905
portion and the pilot portion of Collison's screws to be
various lengths depending on their use. Therefore, we are in
agreement with the examiner that Collison provides evidence of
a recognition in the art that the exact length of the screw
portion and pilot portion of the bone fixing screw would have
been obvious as a design choice entirely dependent on the
exact bone environment of use.
With respect to claim 8, we note that Collison
discloses a ground relief on threads 13 so that they will
enter the bone more easily. See column 4, line 28. This
ground relief of Collison anticipates the limitation of claim
8.
Finally, with respect to claims 9 and 10, we are in
agreement with the examiner that it would have been obvious to
substitute the hexagonal socket of Gustilo for the cruciate
driving surface found in the head of Collison. Both driving
profiles are well known in the art and are well known
substitutes one for the other.
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