Appeal No. 2003-1907
Application No. 09/214,893
airstream to cool the fuel cell system of the vehicle. We note
that Fletcher expressly discloses the use of a fan for directing
ambient air onto the exposed surface of the fuel cell system
(column 5, lines 2-4). In our view, it would have been prima
facie obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art to supplement
such a cooling fan with the airstream generated by the relative
motion of the vehicle when employing the fuel cell system of
Fletcher in an electric vehicle. We emphasize that appellants do
not dispute that it would have been obvious for one of ordinary
skill in the art to use the fuel cell system of Fletcher in an
electric vehicle. Furthermore, we note that appellants base no
argument upon objective evidence of nonobviousness, such as
unexpected results, which would serve to refute the prima facie
case of obviousness established by the examiner.
In conclusion, based on the foregoing and the reasons set
forth by the examiner, the examiner's decision rejecting the
appealed claims is affirmed.
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