Appeal No. 1999-0545 Page 8
Application No. 08/606,068
[e]mploying induction heating to pre-heat the belts results in consistent,
highly controllable temperatures. In some instances it is desirable to elevate
the temperature at the edges of the belts to a higher degree then [sic, than]
the center of the belts or visa versa. Through the use of the induction heating
this can be accomplished. (column 5, lines 51-56).
It is our opinion that the artisan would have been taught by Ross the disadvantages
in continuous casting machines of utilizing an infra red heater such as the gas heater
disclosed by Wood for applying controlled heat to the endless elements utilized in the
casting process, and the advantages of heaters of the induction type. Thus, from our
perspective, one of ordinary skill in the art would have found it obvious to replace the infra
red edge dam block heaters of Wood with induction heaters, explicit suggestion being
provided by the above-cited passages from Ross. Interestingly, the
advantages set out by Ross are among those stated by the appellants on pages 1-4 of
their specification.
We conclude that the combined teachings of Wood and Ross establish a prima
facie case of obviousness with regard to the subject matter recited in independent claim 1,
and we will sustain the rejection. The appellants have chosen not to challenge with any
reasonable specificity before this Board the rejection of dependent claims 2, 3, 6, 8 and 9
(Brief, page 8). This being the case, they are grouped with independent claim 1, from
which they depend, and fall therewith. See In re Nielson, 816 F.2d 1567, 1572,
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