Appeal 2007-1163
Application 10/172,470
ll. 5-8). We agree with the Examiner that gas inlet 70, as well as gas
outlet 71, can be considered a vent.
Brennan discloses that “the pressure differential may also be created
by forming a vacuum in [the] lower catch basin” using a vacuum pump
coupled to the drain outlet of the base assembly, or by “a combination of
positive pressure in [the] common chamber . . . and a vacuum in [the] catch
basin” (id. at col. 11, ll. 47-55). We agree with the Examiner that, when
both positive pressure and vacuum are used to create this pressure
differential, gas inlet (or vent) 70 is open while the vacuum is applied.
Brennan also discloses a control mechanism to coordinate all of the
simultaneous functions, including pressure regulation (id. at col. 11, ll. 61-
64). Specifically, Brennan states that the “software was designed to support
simultaneous independent synthesis of oligonucleotides” (id. at col. 13,
ll. 50-52). Thus, we agree with the Examiner that Brennan describes a
“controller communicating with a computer comprising software to control
the vent [i.e., gas inlet 70] and the vacuum to simultaneously vent and apply
vacuum to the flow chamber.”
Appellants argue that Brennan “does not disclose or suggest a
controller communicating with a computer comprising software to control
the vent and the vacuum source to simultaneously vent and apply vacuum to
the flow chamber” (Br. 4). Specifically, Appellants argue that “the Answer
identified . . . gas outlet #71 of Brennan as satisfying the claimed ‘separate
vent’” (Reply Br. 2). However, Appellants argue:
It is gas inlet #70 that the reference refers to as providing a
positive pressure inside common chamber #31. Accordingly,
application of a vacuum through drain outlet #83 in Brennan
7
Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Next
Last modified: September 9, 2013