Appeal 2006-1521
Application 09/815,877
INTRODUCTION
The claims are directed to a method of controlling air flow through an
inflatable device and an apparatus for warming a person. Claims 34 and 35
are illustrative:
34. A method for controlling airflow through an inflatable
device having two or more inlet ports for admitting airflow into
the device, the method comprising the steps of:
providing a plug;
placing the plug in an inlet port and retaining the plug in the
inlet port;
introducing an airflow into the device through another inlet
port; and
the plug restricting egress of the airflow through the other inlet
port.
35. An apparatus for warming a person, comprising:
an inflatable cover for disposition on a portion of a person’s
body;
two inlet ports in the inflatable cover; and
a plug removably received in at least one port of the two ports.
The Examiner relies on the following prior art references as evidence
of unpatentability:
Dickerhoff US 5,360,439 Nov. 1, 1994
Anderson US 5,651,403 Jul. 29, 1997
The Board cites the following prior art reference for consideration by
the Examiner consistent with the comments made in the “Remand” section
of this decision:
Morten US 5,075,910 Dec. 31, 1991
The rejections as presented by the Examiner are as follows:
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