Appeal No. 2001-0499 Page 8
Application No. 08/945,731
To the extent Itoh and other relevant references teach that absorption and
release of valuable substances using LCST polymers depends on temperature, pH and
ionic strength1 but do not specifically teach the specific parameters required by the
claims on appeal, the examiner should determine if such parameters are result effective
variables. If so, optimization of such values may have been obvious. In re Boesch, 617
F.2d 272, 276, 205 USPQ 215, 219 (CCPA 1980).
FUTURE PROCEEDINGS
We state that we are not authorizing a supplemental examiner’s answer under 37
CFR § 1.193(b)(1).
VACATED; REMANDED
)
William F. Smith )
Administrative Patent Judge )
)
)
) BOARD OF PATENT
Toni R. Scheiner )
Administrative Patent Judge ) APPEALS AND
)
) INTERFERENCES
)
Lora M. Green )
Administrative Patent Judge )
ELD
1 See Hoffman, column 1, lines 25-39 (LCST polymers undergo phase separation in response to change
in solution pH, ionic strength or temperature.).
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