Appeal No. 2000-0315
Application 08/671,983
The Allen reference teaches a tray system which is almost identical to the
Appellants’ system as may be seen by reference to Figure 1, which we reproduce
below.
The enclosing wall of the sterilization container 14 is visible; that wall having a
base (bottom) portion and a plurality of drainage apertures 13 through the base portion.
There are drainage wells (the space between ridges 20, and the spaces between ridges
20 and side walls 14 can be considered wells) which include a supporting surface 20
above the exit aperture, an exit surface (the flat bottom) between the supporting surface
and the exit aperture, and (not shown) a flexible elastomeric mat supported within the
container upon the supporting surfaces. The only difference between claim 1 and the
disclosure of Allen is the characterization of the wells as having an exit surface being
“oriented to direct liquid downwardly” toward the exit aperture.
We interpret the quoted language as requiring a down slope between the support
and the exit aperture to facilitate water running off the bottom of the tray. If Appellants
disagree with this interpretation of claim 1, they should immediately inform us and
request reconsideration.
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