Appeal No. 99-0094
Application 08/482,589
from consideration pursuant to 37 CFR § 1.142(b). We 2
reverse.
The subject matter on appeal relates to a method for
forming a rib on a cannula. The purpose of the rib is to
prevent the removal of a contaminated cannula from a safety
cover which deters accidental “needle sticks.” Claim 1 is
illustrative and reads as follows:
1. A method for forming a rib on a cannula comprising:
providing a cannula having a predetermined outside
diameter said outside diameter being substantially constant
along a predetermined position;
providing a sleeve having an inside diameter smaller than
the predetermined outside diameter of the cannula;
heating the sleeve for a sufficient time and at a
sufficient temperature to cause the inside diameter to expand
to a diameter larger than the predetermined outside diameter
of the cannula;
sliding the sleeve onto the cannula to said predetermined
position while the inside diameter is expanded; and
cooling the sleeve to room temperature to cause the
inside diameter of the sleeve to contract to a diameter
2Although the appellants indicate on page 2 of their
brief (Paper No. 13) that claims 6 through 9 and 11 have been
canceled, the record does not contain any amendment formally
effecting the cancellation.
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Last modified: November 3, 2007