Appeal No. 1996-1699
Application No. 08/077,681
Oliver teaches the desired resolution may be obtained using an
air abrasion gun at 30 psi and 600 mesh alumina, (col. 8,
lines 17-22). In order to obtain uniform abrasion over the
entire exposed surface of the cathode, Olive teaches that it
is
necessary to use a rectangular nozzle having a high aspect
ratio, as opposed to the circular nozzle used in the prior
art, together with scanning of the grid pattern relative to
the nozzle (col. 8, lines 34-57).
Contrary to the examiner’s position, we do not view Reed
or Oliver as suggesting a smaller abrasive media to improve
control of blasting depth. In fact, Reed teaches abrading
with a coarser media than the prior art, the opposite of the
claimed method, while adjusting other blasting variables, such
as, blasting pressure and range. Oliver teaches that erosion
lithography for the purpose of obtaining very fine detail was
a failure, even with 600 mesh alumina, until changes in
variables other than abrasive particle size, such as nozzle
shape and relative movement between the nozzle and work piece,
were made.
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