Appeal No. 1996-1644
Application No. 07/933,147
substrate, the surface of the substrate needs to contain
active hydrogen groups, such as -OH, -COOH, -NH2 and =NH
groups. See column 5, lines 23-28. When substrates with less
surface hydrophilic groups, for example plastic substrates,
are used, they must be subjected to an oxygen plasma or corona
(different plasma) treatment to increase the surface
hydrophilic groups. See column 5, lines
34-44. The examiner finds, and appellants do not dispute,
that diamond surfaces, like plastic substrates, are known to
be not hydrophilic. Compare the bridging paragraph of pages 5
and 6 of the Answer with the Brief and the Reply Brief in
their entirety; and also note the specification, page 6, lines
1-6. The examiner also finds, and appellants do not dispute,
that “the taught oxygen plasma or corona treatment are [sic.,
is] old and well known for functionalizing surfaces,
especially carbon containing [sic., surfaces] by adding oxygen
groups to improve coating adhesion.” Compare the Answer, page
4 with the Brief and the Reply Brief in their entirety.
Similarly, we find that Suzuki also discloses treating a
substrate having an outer surface layer containing carbon in
the form of amorphous carbon, graphite or diamond-like carbon
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