Appeal 2007-0501
Application 10/747,956
particle size of the flux is controlled at < 10 µm, with at least 70% of the
particles having a diameter of 2-4 µm, to maintain at least 25% by volume of
the particles in suspension without stirring (id., citing col. 2, ll. 18-26). The
Examiner concludes it would have been obvious “to obtain potassium
fluorozincate of either Seseke-Koyro or [Lauzon], by optimizing the
conditions of the process of making such product, or by pulverizing . . . or
agglomerating” to achieve a particle size of < 10 µm as suggested by
Popoola to use the same as a flux in a brazing process (id.).
With respect to claim 12, the Examiner contends Seseke-Koyro ‘221
and Lauzon do not disclose the particle size of the potassium fluorozincate
(Answer 4-5). The Examiner contends Shimajiri discloses a fluoride flux
powder having a particle size of 15 µm on average (id. 5). The Examiner
concludes it would have been obvious “to obtain potassium fluorozincate of
either Seseke-Koyro or [Lauzon], by optimizing the conditions of the
process of making such product, or by pulverizing . . . or agglomerating” to
achieve a particle size of 15 µm on average as suggested by Shimajiri to use
the same as a flux in a brazing process (id.).
Appellants contend one of ordinary skill in the art would not have
found any motivation in the references to combine Seseke-Koyro or Lauzon
with Popoola or Shimajiri because the two sets of references relate to
distinctly different materials (Br. 6). Appellants contend the primary
references relate to potassium fluorozincate salts which are distinctly
different from the potassium aluminum salts disclosed by Popoola and the
3 We have not considered the translation of Seseke-Koyro ‘641 prepared for
the USPTO by FLS, Inc. (June 2006) which is attached to the Answer.
4
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