Appeal No. 2005-1538
Application No. 09/950,654
By stable is meant minimum D.P. loss in alkaline
environments, and very low self cross linking and
color reversion.
The examiner further states that Seltzer on page 1,
last full paragraph, discusses that color reversion or
discoloration of pulp is ascribed to light induced
reactions that cleave or breakdown ketyl radicals formed in
the lignin. The phenoxy radicals are oxidized by other
oxygen-centered radicals to form yellow chromophores. The
examiner reasons that clearly the color reversion discussed
by Jewell is due to the yellowing of the lignin in the
pulp. The examiner concludes therefore that Jewell teaches
using hindered amino hydroxides, including 4-amino TEMPO,
to prevent the lignin contained in the lignocellulosic
material from yellowing. Answer, page 4.
We agree with the examiner’s position for the
following reasons.
Seltzer does explain that discoloration of pulp is
ascribed to light induced reactions that cleave or
breakdown ketyl radicals formed in the lignin. As such, we
agree with the examiner’s reasoning that lignin does exist
in the material disclosed in Jewel because Jewel addresses
color reversion. We also note that lignocellulosic
material is raw vegetable matter consisting primarily of
cellulose and lignin, or primarily of cellulose and lignin
and minor amounts of carbohydrate and resin, and such
materials include straw, bagasse, corn stalk, grass, wood
pulp, wood, and bark. See the attached definition of U.S.
Subclass 106/162.5. As such, we agree with the examiner
that the hardwood and softwood pulps disclosed in column 4
at lines 8-10 of Jewell contain lignin (especially in view
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