Appeal No. 2006-0574
Application No. 09/878,405
The examiner has relied upon the following references as evidence of
obviousness:
Muraki et al. (JP ‘123) 7-90123 Apr. 04, 1995
(published Japanese Patent Application)1
Varughese et al. (Varughese), “Chemical Interaction Between Epoxidized Natural
Rubber and Silica: Studies on Cure Characteristics and Low-Temperature Dynamic
Mechanical Properties,” J. Applied Polymer Science, Vol. 44, 1847-1852 (1992).
The claims on appeal stand rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103(a) as unpatentable
over Varughese or JP ‘123 (Answer, page 3). Based on the totality of the record, we
affirm the examiner’s rejection over Varughese essentially for the reasons stated in the
Answer as well as those reasons set forth below. We reverse the examiner’s rejection
over JP ‘123 essentially for the reasons stated in the Brief and Reply Brief, as well as
those reasons set forth below. Accordingly, the decision of the examiner is affirmed.
OPINION
A. The Rejection over Varughese
The examiner finds that Varughese discloses the chemical interaction between
epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) and silica, which materials fall within the scope of the
1We rely upon and cite from a full English translation of this document, previously
made of record.
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