Appeal 2007-1529
Application 10/385,722
casting a magnesium alloy containing 2-10 mass percent
aluminum to obtain a cast semifinished product having crystal grain size not
greater than 10 µm,
subjecting the cast semifinished product to solution treatment at
a temperature between the solid solution temperature and the solidus curve
of the composition of the alloy, and
after solution treatment, forging the semifinished product to
have a desired shape;
wherein the alloy consists essentially of Mg, A1, Zn and Mn.
The Examiner relies on the following prior art references as evidence
in rejecting the appealed claims:
Sakamoto (EP‘901) EP 0,799,901 A1 Jun. 10, 1997
Sakamoto (EP‘710) EP 0,990,710 A1 May 4, 2000
F. Bardi et al. (hereafter “Bardi”), “Grain size evolution of a thixotropic
AZ91,” Proceedings - Int’l Conference on Semi-Solid Processing of Alloys
and Composites 337-343 (Bhasin, A. Kumar eds., 5th ed., Golden , CO June
23-25, 1998).
Kojima et al. (hereafter “Kojima), “5.5 Superplasticity,” Magnesium
Technology Handbook 119-125 ( Kallos Publishing Co., Ltd. May 17,
2000).
Claims 1-14, 23, 25-34, and 36 stand rejected under 35 U.S.C.
§ 103(a) as being unpatentable over EP 0990710 (EP ‘710) in view of
EP 0799901 (EP ‘901) and Kojima. Claims 24 and 35 stand rejected under
35 U.S.C. § 103(a) as being unpatentable over EP ‘710 in view of EP ‘901,
Kojima, and Bardi.
We affirm the stated rejections for substantially the reasons set forth
by the Examiner in the Answer and as further explained below.
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