Appeal 2007-1932
Application 11/066,550
to transfer the ink pattern onto the print object. (Okazaki at 3:31–41 and
Figure 1.)
5. Okazaki explains that intaglio printing, recesses corresponding to the
desired print pattern are formed in a printing plate, such as a copper plate;
then filled with "somewhat hard ink”; excess ink is wiped from the non-
printing areas, and then the print object, usually paper, in pressed "with
considerable force against the plate” to transfer the ink. (Okazaki
at 2:41-52.)
6. According to Okazaki, the considerable force is required to ensure
contact and transfer of the ink to the paper; transfer to hard, rigid surface is
said to be "almost impossible." (Okazaki at 2:52 to 3:15.)
7. Okazaki also describes offset printing processes that use lithographic
methods of forming hydrophobic patterns that are wet by ink in
complementary hydrophilic regions that are wet by water (and which repel
the hydrophobic ink), but notes that resolution has been limited to about 100
to 200 μm. (Okazaki at 1:48 to 2:19.)
8. Okazaki does not expressly describe the hydrophobic or hydrophilic
properties of any surfaces involved in the modified intaglio printing process
of its invention.
9. However, Okazaki does state that, in addition to metals, other hard
materials such as glass and ceramics may be used as the printing plate
material. (Okazaki at 5:3–9.)
10. Okazaki does not describe the use of a conductive organic polymer as
an ink in its process.
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