Appeal No. 2006-1076
Application No. 10/147,252
Background
The invention is directed to a method of making a filter module for filtering a fluid. The
filter module includes a cylindrical shaped filter medium which traps contaminants in the fluid as
it flows through the side walls. The ends of the filter medium are sealed with end caps, which
prevent fluid from bypassing the filter medium when positioned in a filter housing. In
accordance with the inventive method, the end caps are sealed to the filter medium by fusing a
middle region of each end cap using an energy source such as a laser, and then applying the fused
portions to the ends of the filter medium.
Discussion
Claims 21-25, 31-33, 36, 42 and 44 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103(a) as unpatentable
over Pall ‘339 in view of Gordon ‘065. The Examiner relies on Pall ‘339 for a teaching of a
method of making a filter module which includes the steps of fusing a recessed portion of an end
cap using a heat source and then inserting the end of a filter element into the fused portion to
create a bond. (Final Rejection, p. 4). The Examiner notes that Pall does not specifically
4
disclose the use of a laser as a heat source and, therefore, relies on Gordon for a teaching of
using a laser to fuse a portion of an end cap in order to seal a filter to the end cap. (Final
Rejection, p. 5 ).
4Gordon is directed to a method of securing a microsieve to a support member using a laser.
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