Appeal 97-1804
Application 08/329,042
44. According to Hens, cross-linking can occur
(1) through use of a catalyst (col. 5, line 39), (2) by a
thermosetting reaction at a temperature not so high was to
remove the water soluble component (col. 5, lines 42-48) or
(3) by ultraviolet radiation (col. 6, lines 25-39). See also
col. 8, lines 52-57.
45. Cross-linking can take place before or after
removal of the water soluble component (col. 6, lines 6-9),
although according to Hens it is preferred to effect cross-
linking before "partially debinding the compact by removing
the water soluble component 16 of the binder" (col. 6, lines
9-12).
46. Apparently, cross-linking before debinding
results in increased strength (col. 6, lines 18-21).
47. After the PVB is cross-linked, Hens says that
the PVB formed an "exoskeleton which strengthened the compact"
(col. 8, lines 63).4
We have not been able to locate a definition of the word "exoskeleton" as4
applied to the art to which Hens is related. According to Webster's New International
Dictionary, page 895 (1954), exoskeleton means a hard supporting or protective structure
developed on or secreted by the outside of the body, as the shell of a crustacean--
opposed to endoskeleton. Apparently the teeth of vertebrates are exoskeletal parts.
- 13 -
Page: Previous 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Next
Last modified: November 3, 2007