Appeal No. 2006-2581 Page 2
Application No. 10/029,322
activating osmoregulation protectors such as betaine porters and accumulating organic
osmolytes intracellularly.” Specification, page 1.
“Glycine betaine is a common osmoregulation protector used by bacteria in the
presence of urine. . . . Because glycine betaine is commonly found in urine, the growth
of bacteria in urine is common.” Id. Growth of bacteria in urine generates ammonia,
and “[t]he production of ammonia by bacteria in urine can lead to the release of
unwanted and offensive odors.” Id., page 2.
The specification discloses that, “[s]urprisingly, the introduction of an
osmoregulation protector such as glycine betaine in a sufficient amount into the
absorbent product results in a significant decrease in the production of ammonia by the
bacteria when the absorbent product contacts voided urine. This decrease in ammonia
production can result in a significant decrease in foul odors stemming from voided
urine.” Page 3.
Discussion
1. Claims
Claims 1-6, 9-17, 20-23, 26-28, 31-35, and 38 are pending and on appeal. Claim
1 is representative and reads as follows:
1. An absorbent product for minimizing the amount of ammonia produced by
bacteria, said product comprising an osmoregulation protector selected from the group
consisting of glycine betaine, proline betaine, trigonelline, carnitine, and arsenobetaine,
said osmoregulation protector being present in an amount capable of interacting with
bacteria such that the production of ammonia by the bacteria is minimized.
Claim 1 is directed to an absorben product, such as a diaper or wet wipe, that
comprises one of five specific osmoregulation protectants “in an amount capable of
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