Appeal No. 1998-3388
Application 08/370,551
the specification as being directed to a method of remediating an environment
contaminated with carbon tetrachloride by introducing Pseudomonas sp. strain KC
(PsKC) into the environment under conditions which permit the microorganism to
convert the carbon tetrachloride, present in the environment being treated, directly into
carbon dioxide and a non-volatile water soluble fraction.
Discussion
Claim interpretation
Claim 1 is directed to a method of remediating an environment of soil or water,
which has a neutral pH, which contains a diverse microbial population and which is
contaminated with carbon tetrachloride (CT). The pH of the environment is initially
adjusted to a pH of about 7.8 to 9.2. A culture of Pseudomonas strain sp. KC (PsKC) is
introduced into the environment to be treated under anaerobic conditions and in a
number and at a temperature sufficient to permit the microorganism to convert the
carbon tetrachloride directly into carbon dioxide and a nonvolatile water soluble fraction.
The claim, further, provides that the PsKC has been grown in a culture medium prior to
introduction into the environment to be treated.
The rejection under 35 U.S.C. § 102(b)
In rejecting claims 1, 3, and 9 - 11, the examiner cites Criddle as teaching
(Answer, pages 3-4):
3
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