Appeal No. 1997-1594
Application No. 08/247,090
particles with chemical vapor deposition, which is the same
technique also used by appellants. See column 6, lines 34-61
and claim 5. As the method of coating is the same, we
conclude that Chen likewise obtains a uniform and complete
coating of the diamond particles.
Although claim 11 requires compacting the diamonds in an
apparatus, “consisting of a die,” we find that the graphite
mold taught in Example 2 of Chen is indistinguishable from the
“die” of claim 11.
We further find that the compacting and simultaneous
“hot pressing” step taught by Chen at column 5, lines 38-41,
meets the requirements of the claimed subject matter of claim
12, that the diamond particles are compacted to produce a
stable body during infiltration. Our position is supported by
the absence of any requirement in the claimed subject matter
that pressure not be maintained during the brazing step as a
condition that the compact remain stable.
As to claim 12, we find that a composite material in the
form of a sheet is suggested by Chen who teaches backing
members at column 8, lines 7-12. We further find that Chen
suggests formation of a sheet at Figure 4. Our view is
12
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