Appeal No. 1996-1362
Application 08/234,074
photosensitive member causing black spots on the produced image, and [provides]
improved charging characteristics and reduced deterioration over time (translation p.2:
problem solved by the invention).” (Id.) The examiner acknowledges that Matsumura "does
not exemplify the use of alcohol treated silica," but relies on Akiyama as disclosing "that
alcohol coated titanium oxide and alcohol coated silica are alternatives for each other in
the treatment of toners (see Table 1's list of inorganic compounds and specifically
additives M through R)." (Id.) The examiner further urges that (Supp. Answer, page 4):
The supporting Akiyama reference teaches an advantage to
be gained through the use of alcohol carbon chains of 20 to 60
because the strength of the film formed on the silica or titania
is improved. Below this carbon chain length, a film is still
present on the titania or silica and abrasion is reduced during
fixing (translation, p 9). There is also substantial overlap in the
properties desired by the references such as, with reference to
Akiyama, cleaning, environmental stability (charging stability in
Matsumura) and durability (reduced
deterioration over time in Matsumura).
Here, the examiner is referencing that portion of Akiyama from page 9, quoted in
our previous decision, which states:
The alcohol with a carbon numbers of 20-60 that is solid at
ordinary temperatures . . . Straight-chain alcohols are
desirable. Crystallinity drops in alcohols having a carbon
number of less than 20 and the strength of the film formed by
the lubricant is low . . . and there is little increase in
resistance to abrasion. When only a solid alcohol with a carbon number
6
Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Next
Last modified: November 3, 2007