Appeal No. 1998-3281
Application 08/650,500
Xu discloses that hydrophobic graphite particles may be
dispersed in aqueous media by using comb-like polymers with both
hydrophilic and hydrophobic side chains. Specifically, Xu found
DAPRAL GE 202 polymers obtained from Akzo Chemie America which
are ethoxylated maleic anhydride-alpha-olefin copolymers to be
useful. Xu recognized that the hydrocarbon chains on the polymer
adsorbed on the graphite through hydrophobic interaction leaving
the ethoxylated chain to extend into solution. The polymers were
found to stabilize colloidal suspensions of graphite particles in
aqueous media.
We observe that although appellant's claims are couched in
terms of being claims to a process, the "process" comprises
"incorporating" into an apparatus a particular composition.
Thus, although nominally "process" claims, the apparatus recited
in the claims and the method of using same were, as shown by the
extensive prior art in this proceeding, exceedingly well-known in
the art at the time appellant's made their invention.
Accordingly, the question of obviousness here revolves around
Page: Previous 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Next
Last modified: November 3, 2007