Appeal No. 2006-0132
Application No. 09/946,627
examiner that one of ordinary skill in the art would have been
led to employ appropriately shaped over-presses conforming to the
shape of the outer surfaces of a given pre-form, including a
generally triangular shape over-presses conforming to the shape
of the outer surfaces of the pre-form of the type discussed in
Wanthal, in appropriate locations, motivated by a reasonable
expectation of successfully distribution of optimum force across
the entire outer surfaces of the pre-form.
In reaching this determination, we consider the appellants’
argument that Sloman does not mention any particular shape, much
less a generally triangular shape, over-press or pressure
intensifier. However, as correctly found by the examiner (the
Answer, page 14), Sloman teaches a pressure intensifier (over-
press) having a generally triangular shape. See Figure 2 in
conjunction with Sloman, page 6. In any event, as indicated
supra, the shape of a pressure intensifier or over-press is known
to be dependent on the contours of the outer surfaces of a given
pre-form since the purpose of the over-press or pressure
intensifier is to distribute optimum force on the outer surfaces
thereof during curing and bonding.
Thus, for the reasons set forth in the Answer and above, we
concur with the examiner that the combined teachings of Wanthal,
39
Page: Previous 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 Next
Last modified: November 3, 2007