Appeal No. 2000-0315
Application 08/671,983
drainage wells associated with at least a portion of the drainage apertures;
the drainage wells individually comprising:
a supporting surface above the exit aperture, and
an exit surface between supporting surface [sic] and the exit aperture, the
exit surface being oriented to direct liquid downwardly toward the exit aperture
without entrapment; and
a flexible elastomeric mat supported within the container upon the
supporting surfaces, said mat having means for holding an instrument;
whereby the exit surfaces promote drainage of liquids from the container
out through the drainage apertures associated therewith and the supporting
surfaces support the flexible elastomeric mat.
THE REFERENCES
In rejecting the appealed claims under 35 U.S.C. §103, the Examiner relies on
the following references:
Allen et al. (Allen) 5,407,648 Apr. 18, 1995
Nichols (Nichols) 4,900,519 Feb. 13, 1990
THE REJECTIONS
Claims 1 -18 stand rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103(a) as being
unpatentable over Allen in view of Nichols.
SUMMARY OF DECISION
On consideration of the entire record, we affirm.
DISCUSSION
The Invention
The Appellant’s invention relates generally to a sterilization container for
sterilizing instruments. The container includes an enclosing wall having a base portion
2
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