Appeal 2007-1945
Application 10/669,215
STATEMENT OF THE CASE
The subject matter on appeal is directed to “polyester/polycarbonate
blends and more particularly, to such blends with reduced yellowness and
with increased thermal and melt stability resulting from the catalyst utilized
in the production of the polyester.” (Specification 1.) These improved
properties are said to be “achieved by preparing the blends utilizing
polyesters that have produced with a reduced level of titanium catalyst.”
(Specification 4.) Further details of the appealed subject matter are recited
in representative claim 1 reproduced below:
1. In a thermoplastic composition comprising a compounded
blend of a polyester and a polycarbonate, the improvement comprising
preparing the polyester in the presence of a titanium-containing
catalyst compound in an amount of from about 1 to about 30 ppm
elemental titanium and, optionally, an ester exchange catalyst in an
amount of from about 1 to about 150 ppm of an active element
utilized when an acid component of the polyester is derived from a
diester of a dicarboxylic acid, with ppm based on the total weight of
the polyester.
As evidence of unpatentability of the claimed subject matter, the
Examiner has relied upon the following references:
Smith, W.A. (Smith), “Chemistry of Miscible Polycarbonate-Copolyester
Blends,” Journal of Applied Polymer Science 26, 4233-4245 (1981).
Allen US 4,786,692 Nov. 22, 1988
Sublett US 5,106,944 Apr. 21, 1992
Small US 5,254,610 Oct. 19, 1993
Hilbert US 5,886,133 Mar. 23, 1999
Hamilton US 5,922,816 Jul. 13, 1999
2
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