Appeal No. 98-2031
Application 08/794,154
[i]n applications where low rigidity, high elongation, good compression set and
excellent tensile strength are important, the instant compositions would be preferred.
Chen additionally points out (in column 6) that the compositions therein “are also useful as
moulded shape articles for use in medical and sport health care” (lines 48-49) and that other uses of the
compositions “may include... optical uses... and various optical devices... [and use] as a high vacuum
seal” (lines 58-62). At column 7, lines 8-12, it is indicated that the elastomer compositions of Chen can
be formed into any desired shape, size and thickness suitable as a cushion, and that the shaped
composition can be additionally surrounded by film, fabric, foam, or any other desired material or
combinations thereof. Column 7, lines 42-47, again emphasize that
the compositions of Chen can be formed in any shape, and that
the original shape can be deformed into another shape (to contact a regular or irregular
surface) by pressure and upon removal of the applied pressure, the composition in the
deformed shape will recover back to its original shape.
Based on the foregoing, and particular on the teachings of Chen regarding the gelatinous
elastomeric compositions therein being 1) used for medical and sport health care applications, 2) used
as cushions associated with human body parts, 3) for optical uses and various optical devices, and 4)
used as a high vacuum seal against atmospheric pressure, it is our conclusion that one of ordinary skill in
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