Appeal No. 2003-1593 2
Application No. 09/729,650
or waxy solid ink composition is heated to reduce the viscosity. Thereafter the ink is
deposited upon the ceramic article in the form of micro-droplets. The ceramic article is
thereafter fired in an oxidizing atmosphere in order to decompose the ink composition and
form colored oxide. Additional limitations are described in the following illustrative claim.
THE CLAIM
Claim 1 is illustrative of appellants’ invention and is reproduced below:
1. A method of decorating a ceramic article comprising:
providing an ink composition comprising a metallic soap, said ink composition being
a viscous oil or waxy solid at about 25oC;
heating said ink composition to reduce its viscosity to less than about 40 centipoise;
depositing micro-droplets of said heated ink composition upon said ceramic
article; and
firing said ceramic article in an oxidizing atmosphere to decompose said ink
composition and form a coloring oxide.
THE REFERENCES OF RECORD
As evidence of obviousness, the examiner relies upon the following references:
Alkaitis et al. (Alkaitis) 4,162,986 Jul. 31, 1979
de Saint Romain 5,273,575 Dec. 28, 1993
Lima-Marques et al. (Lima-Marques) 5,800,600 Sep. 1, 1998
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