Appeal 2007-1893
Application 10/946,753
Shin reasonably disclosing controlling both length and orientation applies
equally here and we incorporate that discussion by reference.12 Claims 12
and 39 are fully met for those reasons alone.
Regarding claim 14, we add that the multiple growth paths illustrated
in Figures 7A-9 in Shin are certainly oriented relative to each other (e.g.,
parallel, perpendicular, etc.). For the foregoing reasons, claim 14 is fully
met.
Regarding claims 25-29 and 40, we reiterate that at least the exposed
catalyst surface from which the nanotubes originate in Shin physically
contacts the aperture sidewalls – an aperture structure which likewise
influences, at least in part, the orientation of the nanotubes as indicated
previously.
Furthermore, the nanostructures’ length is dictated primarily by the
size of the aperture as shown in Figures 6A-7D (illustrating that the
nanostructures span the entire extent of the aperture (i.e., the diameter of a
circular aperture as shown in Figs. 6A-7C or the width of a polygonal
aperture in Fig. 7D)). Claims 25-29 and 40 are likewise fully met by Shin.
Claims 30 and 31
We will not sustain the Examiner’s rejection of claim 30. The
Examiner refers to Paragraphs 0055-56 of Shin (Answer 18-19). These
passages, however, merely refer to exposing the catalyst pattern to source
gas (¶ 0055) or various deposition methods to synthesize the carbon
nanotubes (¶ 0056). While these techniques may spawn the growth of the
12 See p. 7-9, supra, of this opinion.
12
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