Appeal 2006-3270
Application 10/369,089
We determine that the Examiner has established a prima facie case of
obviousness in view of the reference evidence, which prima facie case has
not been adequately rebutted by Appellants’ arguments. Therefore, we
AFFIRM the rejection presented in this appeal essentially for the reasons
stated in the Answer, as well as those reasons set forth below. 2
OPINION
We determine the following factual findings from the record in this
appeal:
Alvarez is directed to a process for removal of water (dehydration)
from corrosive halogen gases (col. 3, ll. 40-50). The process includes the
use of corrosion resistant high silica zeolite as an absorbent for removing
water from corrosive gas streams (col. 6, ll. 7-13). Alvarez discloses that the
zeolite absorbent should be activated prior to incorporation into the gas
stream for dehydration. Specifically, Alvarez states:
it is preferred to activate the material prior to incorporation into the
gas system for dehydration. Activation can be accomplished by
heating the high silica zeolite in an anhydrous inert gas atmosphere
(e.g., N2 or Ar gas) at a temperature of about 250° -425° C. (480° -
800° F.) for about 48-72 hours. The activating gas itself must be
dehydrated prior to the activation procedure. (Col. 8, ll. 22-26).
Alvarez discloses the operating temperature of the gases to be
dehydrated can range from 0°-65°C, a temperature that does not exceed the
temperature of the activation step (col. 8, l. 67- col. 9, l. 1). Alvarez
discloses the operating conditions such as the canister size will be dependent
upon the gas flow space velocity, the activity of the absorbent (col. 9, ll. 3-
2 Appellants have not presented separate specific arguments for any claims
on appeal (see Brief generally). We select claim 1 as representative of the
claims on appeal and will limit our discussion to claim 1.
4
Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Next
Last modified: September 9, 2013