Appeal 2007-1900
Application 10/605,858
We AFFIRM-IN-PART.
I. BACKGROUND
The invention relates to a diffusion coating process. Claim 1 is
illustrative of the subject matter on appeal:
1. A process of forming a diffusion coating on a component,
the process comprising the steps of:
mixing a particulate donor material containing a coating
element, an activator dissolved in a solvent, and a particulate filler to
form an adhesive mixture having a formable, malleable consistency,
wherein the adhesive mixture does not contain an extraneous binder
and the donor material and the filler within the adhesive mixture are
cohered solely by the dissolved activator;
applying the adhesive mixture to at least one surface of the
component; and
heating the component to a temperature sufficient to vaporize
and react the activator with the coating element of the donor material
to form a reactive vapor of the coating element, the reactive vapor
reacting at the at least one surface of the component to form a
diffusion coating containing the coating element.
The Examiner relies on the following prior art reference to show
unpatentability:
Galmiche US 3,900,613 Aug. 19, 1975
The rejections as presented by the Examiner are as follows:
1. Claims 1-5, 9, 11, 12, 21-25, 28, 30, 31, and 33 are rejected under
35 U.S.C. § 102(b) as anticipated by Galmiche; and
2. Claims 6, 7, 10, 13-20, 26, 29, and 32 are rejected under 35 U.S.C.
§ 103(a) as unpatentable over Galmiche.
2
Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Next
Last modified: September 9, 2013