Appeal No. 1999-0404 Page 20
Application No. 08/580,256
main grooves to bend in the direction of said auxiliary
grooves."
Kenkyujo discloses a finned heat exchange tube. As shown
in Figures 1 to 4, the heat exchange tube 1 is provided on its
outer circumference with a number of longitudinal fins 2. The
fins 2 are provided with numerous diagonally cut grooves which
run spirally over the tube in direction of arrow A in Figure
1. Due to the cutting of grooves 3 in the fins 2, burrs 2a,
2b are formed on each unit fin as shown in Figure 4.
After the scope and content of the prior art are
determined, the differences between the prior art and the
claims at issue are to be ascertained. Graham v. John Deere
Co., 383 U.S. 1, 17-18, 148 USPQ 459, 467 (1966).
Based on our analysis and review of Chiang and claim 7,
it is our opinion that the only difference is the limitation
that "convex deformed portions are formed in each of said
ribs to cause a refrigerant flow along said main grooves to
bend in the direction of said auxiliary grooves."
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