Appeal 2006-3312
Application 09/816,774
INTRODUCTION
The subject matter on appeal relates to a lubricating member for use in
the lubrication of rolling bearing, linear motion devices (ball screw, linear
guide, etc.) or the like for food-processing equipment (Specification 1:5-8).
Conventionally, such lubricating members include a base resin and a
lubricant (Specification 1:9 to 2:3). While the materials are selected to be
non-toxic, at high operating temperatures the base resin may be eluted from
the lubricating member and become harmful to human beings (Specification
2:3-6). The claims are directed to a process of operating the lubricating
member at temperatures low enough to prevent elution of the resin. Claim 1
is illustrative:
1. A method of using a lubricating member for food-processing
equipment, said method comprising:
preparing a food-processing equipment lubricating member
made of a polyolefin resin and a lubricant; and
using said lubricating member at a temperature in the range
from the pour point of said lubricant to not higher than 70ēC.
The Examiner relies on the following prior art references to show
unpatentability:
ASO (as translated) JP 10-36875 Feb. 10, 1998
YABE US 6,119,813 Sep. 19, 2000
The Examiner rejects claims 1-7 under 35 U.S.C. § 103(a) as
unpatentable over either Yabe or Aso.1
We affirm substantially for the reasons advanced by the Examiner in
the Answer and add the following primarily for emphasis.
1 The Examiner and Appellant refer to Aso as JP ‘875.
2
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