Appeal 2006-1207
Application 10/354,491
Independent claim 14 is representative of the subject matter on appeal
and is set forth below:
A method comprising:
aligning first and second pipe segments at a first end of each
respective pipe segment, each pipe segment having a core and a
composite reinforcement circumferentially surrounding the core,
each pipe segment further having a cut-back portion at the first
ends in which the core is exposed;
attaching the first pipe to the second pipe at the first ends;
wrapping a composite joint tape circumferentially around the
first pipe and second pipe at the cut-back portions; and
curing the composite joint tape to provide hoop reinforcement
to the first and second pipe segments at the cut-back portions.
The Examiner relies upon the following references as evidence of
anticipation and unpatentability:
Yamauchi JP 61025673 A Feb. 4, 1986
Betteridge US 4,595,607 Jun. 17, 1986
Dempster US 5,300,356 Apr. 5, 1994
Wilhelm (as translated) WO 96/29535 Sep. 26, 1996
Funatsu JP 2000179752 A Jun. 27, 2000
Claims 14, 15, 17, 18, 21, and 22 stand rejected under 35 U.S.C.
§ 102(b) as being anticipated by Wilhelm.
Claims 15, 16, 19, 20, 23 and 24 stand rejected under 35 U.S.C.
§ 103(a) as being unpatentable over Wilhelm in view of Dempster.
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