Appeal 2007-0620
Application 10/323,626
2 correspond to an embodiment encompassed by claim 1 illustrated in
Specification Figs. 2 and 2A.
With respect to claim 17, we agree with Appellants that Smith does
not disclose whether the baffle plates are secured to the catalyst tubes.
However, Iwanaga teaches that the partition plates, which control heat
exchange medium flow similar to baffle plates and both types of plates are
affixed to the reactor wall, can optionally be attached to the catalyst tubes by
welding. In this respect, Iwanaga further teaches that where not attached,
the gap between the plate and the tube must not substantially prevent
independent circulation between the partitioned sections of the reactor.
Thus, we agree with the Examiner that it is within the ordinary skill in this
art to leave a gap between the baffle and the tube to the extent that the
desired flow of the heat exchange medium across the tube is not
substantially prevented.
With respect to claim 33, Iwanaga clearly teaches at least two
substantially liquid-tight zones separated by partition(s) for independent heat
exchange flow in any reactor and Wanka further illustrates such separate
zones in a shell-and-tube reactor with horizontal heat exchange medium flow
across catalyst tubes. Thus, contrary to Appellants’ contentions, one of
ordinary skill in this art would have combined Iwanaga, Smith, and Wanka
and modified the shell-and-tube reactor of Smith to include at least two
substantially liquid tight, unconnected separate heat exchange zones.
Accordingly, based on our consideration of the totality of the record
before us, we have weighed the evidence of obviousness found in the
combined teachings of Iwanaga and Smith and as further combined with
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