Appeal No. 2006-0791 Ex parte Gore Enterp. Holdings, Inc.
[33] Dr. Frydrych explains that the process for applying the ion exchange resin to the
membrane to produce a composite membrane is significantly different.
[34] Dr. Frydrych bases his opinion on a comparison of one alternative Gore method
and one alternative Ito method.
[35] In particular, Dr. Frydrych states (at 3-4) that Ito does not require repeated
application of the ionomer solution or a step of boiling the membrane in water to swell the
membrane.
[36] Dr. Frydrych does not explain how boiling in water to swell the membrane will
affect the conductance.
[37] Ito provides that the ion-conductive material is preferably in a solution so it can
be used in "a method such as impregnation, coating or spraying" to fill the membrane (trans.
at 5-6).
[38] Ito further teaches that the resin solution replaces the air (trans. at 9).
[39] Both Ito (trans. at 9) and Gore (978 at 6:39-40) teach drying after filling.
[40] Dr. Frydrych also states (at 4-6) that the Calis photomicrographs show structural
differences in the final product.
[41] The electronic copies of the photomicrographs in the administrative record do not
show sufficiently clear detail to reveal the details Dr. Frydrych finds meaningful.
[42] In any case, as noted above, the photomicrographs do not provide the relevant
comparison.
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