Appeal 2007-1900
Application 10/605,858
dissolve an activator in a solvent to form an activator solution as required by
claim 21?
We answer in the affirmative.
Claim 21 requires a step of “dissolving an activator in a solvent to
form an activator solution.” As we determined above, “dissolving an
activator” encompasses dissolving any amount of activator, and the claim is
open to the presence of undissolved activator in addition to the dissolved
activator. Likewise, the claim encompasses forming any amount of activator
solution. There is no limitation in the claim on the amount of solution nor
does Appellant point to any definition or disclaimer in the Specification that
serves as a limitation on the meaning of “activator solution” as claimed.
Galmiche forms a mixture of 1200 cubic centimenters isopropyl
alcohol, 10 grams of oleic acid, and 13 grams of ammonium chloride. As
we determined above, it is reasonable to believe that some of the ammonium
chloride is dissolved in the alcohol because the ammonium chloride is
slightly soluble in alcohol. It follows that the activator that is dissolved
forms an activator solution. By definition, when a substance dissolves a
solution is formed.
C. Anticipation of Claims 2 and 22
Appellants group claims 2 and 22 together in contending that
Galmiche does not disclose the claimed step of “drying the adhesive mixture
after the applying step to remove the solvent from the adhesive mixture and
thereby form a solid pack adhering to the at least one surface of the
component.” (Br. 20-21). We select claim 2 as representative. The issue is:
Does Galmiche describe drying to remove solvent and adhering as required
by claim 2?
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