Appeal No. 2001-0344
Application 08/900,254
paper sheet, a backing sheet for a carpet, floor boards, a separator sheet for a
lead cell and a disposable cloth (column 5, lines 1-8)(Emphasis added).
Further, we observe that the discussion of “crimping” in Examples 11 and 12 to
which the Appellant refers is described as crimping of the tow material before the paper
making process (see column 7, lines 20-23), not the crimping which might occur (if any)
during a calendering process involving the formed sheet. Additionally, as evident in the
statement in Yamamoto above, the processing to be applied can vary greatly, which of
course depends on the end use of the material. We are therefore unpersuaded by the
contention that Yamamoto teaches away from calendering.
Turning now to Norton, we note that the Examiner asserted that Norton teaches
the desirability of corrugating filter papers for use in filtering engine oils. More
specifically, we note that Norton teaches:
In filtering lubricating oils as used in automotive engines it is often found
expedient to use corrugated filter paper as a clarifying medium. The paper is
corrugated to increase the area of contact with the oil and this is equivalent to
increasing the capacity of the filter element. Corrugation also strengthens the
paper against possible deformation and rupture under the strain imposed by the
flowing oil. (Column 1, lines 20-27).
The Appellant focuses his argument on the claim limitation in claim 1, which
requires that, during the calendering process, the fibers be bonded. According to the
Appellant, “[t]his is a feature taught in neither Yamamoto or Norton, or the other
references” (Appeal Brief, page 5, lines 7-8). The Examiner has stated “it is reasonably
taken that, in calendering the paper-like sheet material of Yamamoto et al. using a pair
of profiled calender rolls, the fibrous web is bonded in a tension free manner.” The
Appellant’s characterization is that the “Examiner’s assertion of what is “reasonably
6
Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Next
Last modified: November 3, 2007