Appeal No. 97-2035
Application 08/161,234
was known that the disk can be grounded to the base through
the spindle.
Claims 4 and 15, however, additionally recite that the
slider’s conductive coating has a tapered thickness beginning
in the proximity of the transducer and increasing thickness
toward the leading edge facing into the direction of disk
rotation. The applicants argue that none of the references
disclose or suggest this feature as recited in claims 4 and
15. (Brief at 10 and 11). The examiner addressed the
appellants’ remarks by stating:
The examiner maintains that the tapering of the
conductive coating would have been within the common
knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art at the time
the invention was made. Because most all sliders “fly”
with a slight angle with respect to the disk, tapering
the coating would help prevent contact between the disk
and the slider at the rear of the slider. (Answer at 8).
The examiner’s reasoning is conclusory. The examiner has
provided no evidence to support the assertion that tapering
the coating on the surface of the slider would have been
within the common knowledge of one having ordinary skill in
the art. On this record, tapering the coating is a feature
suggested only by the applicants’ own disclosure.
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