Appeal No. 2004-1043 Application No. 09/960,907 (b) Providing a plurality of non-consumable anodes and cathodes disposed vertically in the electrolyte; (c) Heating the cell up to operating temperature and completely melting the electrolyte; and (d) Passing an electric current through the anodes and through the electrolyte to the cathodes, depositing aluminum on the cathodes and generating oxygen bubbles that stir the electrolyte. Regarding claim 36, Beck discloses the use of an electrolyte temperature of 750�C (abstract). Regarding claim 37, Beck discloses the use of alkali metal fluorides in the bath including NaF (introduction). Regarding claim 40, Beck uses anodes and an anodic liner made of Cu-Ni-Fe alloy (p. 359, col.1). Regarding claim 41, Beck provides an example of a cell operated at 0.5 A/cm2 (p. 359, col. 2). Regarding claim 42, Beck discloses the use of titanium diboride cathodes (abstract). Regarding claim 43, the anodes and cathode are disposed in an alternating relationship (fig. 10). The method of Beck differs from the instant invention because Beck does not disclose the following: a. Adding solid electrolyte and alumina to the cell, as recited in claim 35; b. Placing a heater adjacent to the bottom of the liner and adding heat to the bottom until the electrolyte until it is melted, as recited in claim 35; and c. A plurality of anodes and a plurality of cathodes, as recited in~clairn 43; 15Page: Previous 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 NextLast modified: November 3, 2007