Appeal No. 2005-0929
Application No. 09/852,519
II. Claims 1-8 stand rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103(a) as being unpatentable over
Seder or Freeman in view of Gwon.
We reverse both rejections.
Background
As set forth in the specification, it is well known in the art that tears are
responsible for lubricating the human eye and guarding it against contaminants.
Specification, p. 1, para. 2. The specification discloses (page 1, lines 5-15) that
. . . tears are secreted by the lachrymal gland, and the excess fluid is carried
away by the lachrymal or punctal [sic, punctual] canals into the lachrymal sac,
and along the nasal duct into the cavity of the nose.
A condition called “dry eye” may occur when inadequate tears are
produced. Generally, this is the result of improper body chemistry, injury, or the
aging process. This condition may affect either or both of the eyes and causes
the eyes to feel scratchy and irritated. Artificial eye drops may provide temporary
relief from the problem, but a long term solution is desirable.
One long-term solution involves the reversible closing of one of the drain
ducts of the affect [sic, affected?] eye. This is done by inserting a plug into one
of the ducts, or punctual canals.
As indicated by claims above, the present invention is directed to a punctum plug
which is visible when positioned in a recipient.
3
Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Next
Last modified: November 3, 2007