Appeal No. 2005-2287
Application No. 09/767,588
injunction hole for injecting said liquid crystal therethrough.”
In particular, appellants contend that Saito discloses a strip
spacer SPC-S having an injection port and that this strip spacer
does not perform the claimed sealing function because Saito
teaches, at column 8, lines 15-24, that the liquid crystal
overflows and extrudes out of the strip spacer. Therefore,
contend appellants, the strip spacer is not a seal material, the
strip spacer and cell gap being sealed only when the seal
material SL is deposited around the strip spacer (referring to
column 8, lines 63-65). Moreover, contend appellants, Saito does
not disclose that the seal material SL comprises an injection
port, and that, in fact, the seal material SL in Saito is
deposited after the liquid crystal injection, sealing the
injection hole in the strip spacer.
We have reviewed the evidence of record, including the
arguments of appellants and the examiner, and we agree with the
examiner that, commensurate with the scope of the claims, Saito
anticipates the instant claimed subject matter.
Appellants’ argument focuses on Saito’s strip spacer not
being a “sealing material.” However, as explained by Saito, at
column 7, lines 1-5, a “chosen seal material” coats the outer
edges of the strip spacer, then irradiating ultraviolet rays are
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