Appeal No. 1999-2544 Page 12
Application No. 08/796,513
basic objective of the present invention is to
operate all hollow fibers at the same
temperature in order to obtain an extensively
uniform breathing gas temperature and humidity
over the entire cross section of the humidifier
module. Only this can guarantee an optimal
utilization of every individual hollow fiber in
terms of the release of humidity and heat.
Individual fibers might otherwise be too cold
and would have an insufficient humidification
capacity, whereas others would be too warm and
thus they would lead to excessive humidification
capacity, as a result of which the humidity
would again precipitate as a condensate. Each
hollow fiber of the bundle is directly heated
electrically according to the present invention.
(emphasis ours)
Accordingly, we understand from the appellant's specification
that a heating means as set forth in claim 12 on appeal is a
heater arranged directly around and in contact with the outer
circumferential surface, and extending along the length, of
each of the hollow fibers in the water bath.
As noted above, the examiner has determined, and the
appellant has recognized, that Jackson's water heats the
fibers (brief, pages 5-6 and final rejection, page 5). It is
our opinion that the appellant's "heating means" recited in
claim 12 is not readable on Jackson's heated water which is
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