Appeal 2007-1400
Reexamination Control 90/006,825
Patent 6,457,239 B1
41. According to Eldridge, a ferromagnetic material such as barrium [sic:
barium] ferrite, which is less dense than metal magnets, provides highly
satisfactory magnets for the invention when embedded in nitrile rubber.
42. Eldridge describes a 10" × 16" sheet embodiment of the invention that
weights about 4 ounces, compared to prior art magnetic drapes that weigh
more than a pound. (Eldridge at 4: 49–53.)
43. According to Eldridge, the magnets are flexible, and where flexibility
is not desired, a metal backing strip may be used to reinforce the magnets to
prevent flexing. (Eldridge at 4: 26–30.)
44. Eldridge further teaches that the magnets are held on the pad by an
impervious thin plastic laminate 4, which is vacuum formed around each
magnet by suction through the porous pad. (Eldridge at 3: 8–13.)
45. According to Eldridge, adhesive coatings may be used to bond the
laminate to the pad. (Eldridge at 3: 20–21.)
46. Eldridge also teaches, in the special case where sheet 4 is an Ionomer
(Eldridge at 3: 16) and the foamed plastic is a polyurethane (id. at 2: 51–59),
that an adhesive is not needed (id. at 3: 18-20).
Ray, Sr.
47. According to the face of the 239 patent, U.S. patent 4,942,663, issued
to Edward D. Ray, Sr. ("Ray") was cited in the prosecution of the 239 patent.
48. Ray describes a knife sheath with elongated flexible magnetic strips
that line the interior faces of the sheath, substantially the same length as the
sheath. (Ray at 2: 25-32.)
-11-
Page: Previous 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Next
Last modified: September 9, 2013