Appeal No. 1999-0984 6
Application No. 08/696,248
formation of a blanket wherein the anisotropic properties of the body permits flexure of the
band in the machine direction, longitudinally, while inhibiting closure of the grooves by
cross machine direction, traverse, of the band. See column 3, lines 1-8. We specifically
find that, “the anisotropic properties of the body permit flexure of the body in machine
direction during passage through the extended nip press while inhibiting closure of the
grooves by cross-machine direction flexure of the body thereby maintaining the drainage
capabilities of the grooves.” See column 4, lines 1-6 and column 5, lines 50-65. We
further find that McCarten discloses that the fibers are randomly oriented. See column 4,
lines 45-51. There is no disclosure in McCarten to align the fibers in any manner other
than randomly.
Beucker is directed to anisotropic rubber for nip rolls. We find that Beucker
discloses that an, “[a]lternate method of providing the higher modulus elasticity in the
transverse direction include the provision of acicula, fibers or cords as a component of the
elastomeric or rubber layers with the acicula, fibers or cords oriented in the transverse
direction . . . .” See column 3, lines 53-58. However, the physical properties of a rubber
roll are different and distinct from that of the two component polyurethane compositions of
the claimed subject matter. On the record before us, we find no suggestion or motivation
why one of ordinary skill in the art would have substituted fiber containing transversely
oriented two component polyurethane in place of fiber containing randomly oriented
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