Appeal 2007-2045
Application 10/204,670
nanotubes which show the highest resistivity against the reaction.”
(Col. 2, ll. 37-44).
11) Hiura further teaches that the disclosed process makes it
“possible to react only with the tips of carbon nanotubes and uncap
it from there.” (Col. 5, ll. 7-8).
12) The Specification discloses that in one embodiment, “the
cathode electrode wires 2, the gate electrode wires 11, the anode
electrode 27, and a power supply which applies a voltage to these
elements make up electric field applying means that applies an
electric field to the carbon nanotubes 8.” (Specification 116:3-8).
ANALYSIS AND CONCLUSIONS
The Examiner found that Shih discloses a film of carbon nanotubes
made by CVD in the pores of an anodic alumina membrane without a metal
catalyst. (Answer 3). The Examiner notes that Shih’s alumina membrane
has the same pore size and density as the membrane used by Appellants.
(Answer 3). The Examiner further points out that Shih uses a plasma
assisted CVD process with process parameters and hydrocarbon feed
materials in line with those of Appellants’ CVD process. (Answer 3). The
Examiner concluded that “[a]lthough Shih does not test the tubes for
crystallite size & thickness and total resistivity, Shih does make it clear that
a goal of the reference is to create nanotubes with improved current densities
(Column 1), and it is expected that the carbon nanotube product properties
would be patentably indistinct from those of the current disclosure.”
(Answer 3).
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