Appeal No. 1999-0551 Page 5
Application No. 08/636,431
membrane provides the filter media which captures particulates entrained in the gas. (Col. 4, ll. 7 to 8.)
Zievers discloses the ends of the ceramic wrapping (14) are folded back a short distance over the ends
of the tube (i.e., support structure ). (Col. 3, ll. 19 to 21.) The wrapped end of the support structure is
inserted into the annular grove (22) in the cap (18). (Col. 3, ll. 46 to 49.) The membrane, on the
interior surface of the support structure, does not appear to extend above the cap so as to prevent
particulate matter from penetrating into the support structure from the interior surface. Zievers does not
disclose or describe a membrane, having a finer porous structure than the support structure, which
prevents particulate matter from penetrating into the support structure from the inner surface.
Connolly describes a ceramic candle filter for removing particles from a gas stream. The filter
comprises a porous elongated filter support and a porous membrane layer on the outer surface of the
support. (Col. 2, ll. 32 to 34.) Connolly discloses the membrane layer has a porosity that is less than
that of the support. (Col. 2, ll. 56 to 57.) Connolly does not disclose or describe a membrane, having
a finer porous structure than the support structure, which prevents particulate matter from penetrating
into filter support structure from the inner surface.
The Examiner asserts that Zievers shows the placement of a membrane layer on the inner and
outer surfaces of the filter. The Examiner concludes that it would have been obvious to modify the filter
of Connolly in light of the showing of Zievers. (Answer, p. 3.) We do not agree. The phrase “in
communication with the inner surface is a second membrane which prevents particulate matter from
penetrating into the sidewall from the inner surface” when read in light of the specification must be
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