Appeal No. 1996-2979
Application No. 08/175,376
upstream of forming mat 41. Alternative
locations where the binder can be
added to the fibers are designated
by dashed arrows (17a-d in FIG. 1. For
example, the binder may be added
using the nozzle assembly of the present
invention in any of the following
locations: refiner 14; blender 30;
bypass chute 32 or forming head
apparatuses 40.
Nowhere does Harmon teach or suggest adding the isocyanate
binders to fibers at the claimed location to obtain the
advantages indicated above. Note also that Betzner teaches
away from using the isocyanate binder at the claimed location
by suggesting the advantage of adding the isocyanate binder to
fibers at the blow line. See column 4, lines 1-14. Thus, we
conclude that the applied prior art as a whole would not have
suggested adding the isocyanate binder to fibers after the
claimed blow line, but before the claimed dryer (before
dried). Accordingly, we reverse the examiner’s decision
rejecting all of the appealed claims under 35 U.S.C. § 103.
No time period for taking any subsequent action in
connection with this appeal may be extended under 37 CFR
§ 1.136(a).
REVERSED
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