Ex Parte JACH et al - Page 7




                Appeal No. 2002-1191                                                                                                      
                Application No. 09/101,175                                                                                                


                subject matter of claim 44.  Consequently, the subject matter of claim 44 is not                                          
                distinguishable from the electrochemical sensor of Makino.                                                                
                        In any event, the combination of Makino and Furutani also renders the subject matter                              
                of claim 44 unpatentable.  The Examiner has concluded that it would have been obvious to                                  
                include in the Makino invention a additional protective layer over the porous cover that also                             
                covers the gas inlet.  The Examiner relies on the teachings of Furutani in rendering his                                  
                conclusion.  (Answer, p. 4).                                                                                              
                        The Appellants argue that the teachings of Makino and Furutani, either individually                               
                or in combination, do not teach or suggest completely covering a gas inlet opening with a                                 
                cover layer and a separate porous cover over the gas inlet so that the porous cover                                       
                completely covers the gas inlet opening.  (Brief, p. 7, ll. 8-13; p. 8, ll. 2-5 and 20-23; Reply                          
                Brief, pp. 5-8 ).                                                                                                         
                        We agree with the Examiner.  The additional cover layer would enhance the diffusion                               
                and protective function of the cover structure compared to a single covering layer.  It is not                            
                disputed that Makino discloses the use of a single cover layer protection and Furutani                                    
                discloses the use of multi-layer cover protection for a gas sensor.  This prior art would have                            
                suggested to one of ordinary skill in the art that a gas sensor could be protected by use of                              
                cover layers individually or in combination.  Moreover, it has long been held obvious to                                  


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