Appeal No. 2006-0132
Application No. 09/946,627
Boyce. We observe that as indicated supra, the appellants have
not disputed the examiner’s finding that Wanthal describes using
Z-pins to bind a woven pi-shaped pre-form having a base and a
pair of spaced apart legs to a composite component. The
examiner, however, asserts, “Wanthal discloses [that] the pins
are inserted into the base (pre-form flange) but it is unclear as
to whether the pins extend into the component as well ....”
Compare the Answer, pages 7-8 with the Brief, pages 8-13.
To remedy this deficiency, the examiner relies on the
disclosure of Campbell. See the Answer, pages 8-9. As undisputed
by the appellants, Campbell teaches the importance of using
Z-pins to bond a pre-form base to a composite layer by extending
the pins through the pre-form base and the composite layer.
Compare the Answer, pages 8-9, with the Brief, pages 8-13. As
also undisputed by the appellants, “Campbell shows that the pins
through the base outside of the leg portions are parallel to each
other (Figures 1, 4, 5, 6 in Campbell).” Compare, e.g., the
Answer, page 17 with the Brief, pages 8-13 and 19. We also note
that Campbell teaches (column 2, lines 3-16):
This invention results from the realization that
a composite stiffener can be more efficiently and
more securely attached to a composite skin material
by inserting reinforcing pins at the radius region of
the stiffener and into the skin material to increase
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