Appeal No. 2003-0346
Application No. 09/113,925
We reverse each of the aforementioned Section 103
rejections. Our reasons for this determination follow.
The subject matter on appeal is directed to a non-
destructive evaluation/inspection sensor for detecting or
measuring the early stages of corrosion in a metallic structure,
which comprises, inter alia, a solid polymer electrolyte membrane
and an electrode in electrochemical communication with the solid
polymer electrolyte membrane. See claims 1, 33, 39, 47, 51, 53
and 55, together with the specification, page 2, lines 10-11 and
page 8, lines 16-18. To detect or measure corrosion in the
metallic structure, the solid polymer electrolyte membrane and
the electrode must be appropriately arranged so that electro-
chemical impedance can be measured upon applying a small AC
signal perturbation between the structure and the electrode. See
claims 1, 33, 39, 47, 51, 53 and 55, together with the
specification, page 8, line 16 to page 15, line 8. Electrical
impedance amplitude defines the level of corrosion damage in the
structure. See the specification, page 7, together with, e.g.,
Figures 3 and 4.
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