Appeal No. 2004-1043
Application No. 09/960,907
beginning at last paragraph; p. 359, col. 2). The method
of Beck differs from the instant claims because Beck does
not explicitly disclose where the heater is located or the
order in which the heat is applied and the electrolyte is
added. Steiger teaches a method of electrolytically
producing aluminum and teaches that either molten
electrolyte may be added to the cell, or powdered
electrolyte may be added and then melted (see US `583,
col.13, lines 5-13). Regarding the placement of the
heater, Berclaz teaches that placement of the heater at the
bottom of the cell is advantageous because it also provides
insulation to the cell to prevent heat loss (see WO 120,
p. 26, lines 25-36). One skilled in the art would have
been motivated to combine the references Beck Berclaz and
Steiger because the teachings of the prior art suggest
advantages to the combination. One skilled in the art
would recognize that the rearrangement of the components in
each reference does not affect the Method of producing
aluminum taught by the prior art.
III. Our analysis
We incorporate the examiner’s comments as our own and
affirm each of the rejections.
IV. Conclusion
Each of the art rejections is affirmed.
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