Appeal 2007-1168
Application 10/211,407
19. In preferred embodiments, the melt blown material is 100%
polypropylene (Lutzow at 3:61-62).
20. The diameter of the meltblown polypropylene fibers is said to range
from about 0.1 to 100 microns, preferably from about 1 to 15 microns.
(Lutzow at 3:54–58.)
21. Lutzow does not disclose the thickness or density of the meltblown
polypropylene layer.
22. According to Lutzow, "[i]n a preferred embodiment, the layers are
bonded together at a number of discrete points across the length and width of
the laminated sheet.” (Lutzow at 2:57–60.)
23. Lutzow teaches that ultrasonic welding is preferred. (Lutzow
at 2:59-60.)
24. According to Lutzow, the needle punched fibers in the outer layers of
the laminated sheet draw in and sorb liquids toward the middle layer of
meltblown fibers, which wicks the liquid away from the outer layers,
substantially isolating the liquid from the outer layers. (Lutzow at 2:33–39.)
25. Lutzow states that the NMN laminate may "have additional,
unexpected performance characteristics when used in other applications such
as for an insulator, filter or garment material." (Lutzow at 8:5–8.)
Sorrick
26. Sorrick discloses a filter medium said to be useful for collecting
particulates out of fluids. (Sorrick at 2:39-41.)
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