Appeal 2007-1581
Application 10/670,113
1 FINDINGS OF FACT
2 Euverard discloses a method of assembling wrapped bakery products
3 into predetermined patterns including the steps of providing a grouping
4 apparatus for receiving wrapped bakery products. This grouping apparatus
5 comprises the conveyor 21 with conveyor belt 25, grouping gate 27, and
6 gate 68. The bakery products are fed via the conveyor 21 and grouped into
7 groups of four by the grouping gate 27 and the gate 68 (Figs. 1 and 3). The
8 bakery products are then moved from the conveyor 21 to the turntable by a
9 transfer apparatus which comprises conveyor section 47 that includes rollers
10 48. (Euverard, col. 8, ll. 26-29; Fig. 2). As such, Euverard discloses a
11 grouping apparatus separate from the transfer apparatus. In addition, as the
12 conveyor 21 moves the bakery products to the transfer apparatus and to the
13 turntable, another group of bakery products is moved to the grouping
14 apparatus by conveyor 21 (Euverard Fig. 3; col. 8, ll. 29-32).
15 Schneider discloses a method of forming wrapped bakery products
16 including the step of moving patterns of wrapped bakery products from a
17 turntable into bakery trays. However, the bakery products are moved from
18 the turntable to a transfer conveying assembly 80 to a loader assembly 110
19 and then into bakery containers 25 (Figs. 1 and 4A). The bakery products
20 are not moved directly from the turntable into bakery trays.
21 DISCUSSION
22 We will sustain the Examiner’s rejection of claim 63 because we find
23 that Euverard discloses the claimed grouping apparatus in the form of
24 grouping gate 27, conveyor 21, and gate 68. This grouping apparatus (21,
25 27, 68) is indeed separate from the transfer apparatus which moves the
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Last modified: September 9, 2013