Appeal No. 2001-1375
Application 09/204,609
while maintaining the lowest possible sodium hydroxide content.
Id., page 2, lines 12-13. It is further desirable that the
undissolved particle content in the solutions be minimal. Id.,
lines 14-15.
According to appellants, the initial step of the claimed
process uses high sodium hydroxide concentrations to enhance
solubility of the cellulose carbamate. Reply Brief, Paper No.
13, received July 10, 2000, page 2. Since high concentrations of
sodium hydroxide are considered undesirable for spinning
purposes, the second step of the process is used to reduce sodium
hydroxide concentration to a level which is economically feasible
for spinning without causing precipitation of the cellulose
carbamate. Id.
DISCUSSION
1. Rejection of claims 1-7 under 35 U.S.C. § 103 as
unpatentable over Turunen.
The examiner found that “[t]he instant claims differ from
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