Interference No. 102,712
a chemical and friction resistant layer on the whisker-
reinforced ceramic substrate in order to obtain improved wear
resistance and tool life. Kraemer was asked to carry out
tests to evaluate the concept. Such tests were conducted, and
Kraemer reported on March 22, 1985 that improved results were
obtained when cutting 4150 steel (AR 198-202; AX-15(Test 2,
Test 3)).
In our opinion, the evidence adduced by Augustine is
sufficient to establish conception of the invention at issue
by June 2, 1984, and an actual reduction to practice of that
invention by March 22, 1985.
Mehrotra would have us find otherwise. According to
Mehrotra, disappointing results reported by Kraemer on July
18, 1985 (AX-16; AR 385-87) raise doubts as to whether the
earlier tests relied upon by Augustine were sufficient to
establish that the invention at issue had been successfully
reduced to practice. We find this argument unpersuasive. On
the basis of the earlier test results (AX-15), Kraemer and
others were satisfied that at least one particular embodiment
of the Augustine invention “was satisfactory for use as a
cutting tool material and that the Al O coating provided an
2 3
effective chemical and friction resistant layer on the WG-300
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