Appeal No. 2006-1064 Page 2
Application No. 10/170,684
BACKGROUND
The present invention relates to a process for producing a lightweight foamed
metal part. According to Appellants, the produced metal parts have special properties
that can be used in technical applications, such as, energy absorbers in automotive
technology. (Brief, page 5). Representative claim 1, as presented in the appendix to
the Brief, appears below:
1. A process for producing a lightweight molded part, comprising (a)
introducing a gas into a particle-containing, molten metal to produce a
free-flowing metal foam having voids therein, said voids having a
monomodal distribution of their dimensions, (b) at least partially
introducing the metal foam into a casting die compressing it therein under
essentially all-round pressure, and (c) allowing the liquid phase to solidify.
The Examiner cited the following references in rejecting the appealed claims:
Jin et al. (Jin ‘697) 5,112,697 May 12, 1992
Kenny et al. (Kenny) 5,281,251 Jan. 25, 1994
ASM Handbook, Vol. 15 Casting, (1988), pages 323 - 326 2
The Examiner entered the following rejections (Answer, pages 3-6):
Claims 1-5 and 9-15 stand rejected under 35 U.S.C. ' 103(a) as obvious over
Kenny.
Claims 6-8, 16 and 17 stand rejected under 35 U.S.C. ' 103(a) as obvious over
the combined teachings of Kenny and Jin ‘697.
2The Examiner cites the ASM Handbook as rebuttal evidence to Appellants’ arguments. (Answer,
page 10).
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