Appeal No. 1999-0406
Application 08/484,019
patent in view of Friedheim ‘037.
Reference is made to the appellant’s brief (Paper No. 15)
and to the examiner’s final rejection and answer (Paper Nos.
10 and 16) for the respective positions of the appellant and
the examiner with regard to the merits of these rejections.
Turning first to the 35 U.S.C. § 102(b) rejection,
Friedheim ‘037 discloses a superheated vapor generator 32 and
a method of making same. As explained in the reference, the
generator
is essentially in the form of metal castings in two
parts and welded together as shown in FIG. 3 at 33
having a shape as shown having an integral opening
as designated at 34 in the figures. . . . The
castings are internally etched, as described to
facilitate flashing. See FIG. 4 and the enlarged
section FIG. 5.
Referring to the etching 33 of the generator,
the final etch is non-uniform in size and produces
cavities that range in size from pinpoint to c"
diameter and depths ranging from 1/32" to shallow.
Non-uniformity of the etched surfaces within the
chamber is crucial for the successful operation of
the steam generator. Liquid on contact with 550 F.
aluminum surfaces will roll and ball up but the
etched surface, as described herein, causes the
liquid to explode (flash) instead and this is what
enables it to create both the steam pressure and the
continuing flow [column 4, lines 12 through 33].
4
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