Appeal 2007-2364
Application 09/879,613
4. Skoufis asserts that the prior art, which uses hydrogen peroxide at
concentrations of, for example, 1% to 5%, can result in unwanted impurities,
such as methyl [sic: metal?] ions. (Specification at 5, last paragraph.)
5. Skoufis teaches that such problems can be avoided by using "a
substantially lower concentration of about 0.05 to 1%, preferably about 0.1%
. . . thereby avoiding the deleterious effects of the higher concentrations."
(Specification at 5, last paragraph.)
6. The Specification does not appear to disclose any other values for the
upper end of the hydrogen peroxide concentration.
7. In Skoufis's words, "The amount of hydrogen peroxide is selected so
as to be low enough to give reasonable assurance that it will actually
decompose into its components by the time the package is opened to remove
the material for use." (Specification at 5, 2d paragraph.)
8. According to Skoufis, the low end of the hydrogen peroxide
concentration is sufficient to kill bacteria, while "[t]he high value is one at
which metal ions or other impurities developed are at intolerable [sic:
maximum tolerable] levels." (Specification at 7, 2d paragraph.)
9. Skoufis emphasizes that "highly pure de-ionized water and ultra-pure
semiconductor grade hydrogen peroxide" are used in his invention.
(Specification at 7, 1st paragraph.)
10. According to Skoufis, the soaked sponges can be stored in sealed
plastic bags for six months or one year and more "without significant
increase in contamination." (Specification at 8, 3d and 5th full paragraphs.)
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