Appeal 2007-2603
Application 10/958,559
been motivated to combine the teachings of the references in the manner
claimed, or has the Examiner improperly relied on hindsight reasoning?
For the reasons discussed below, we find that the Examiner has
properly established a prima facie case of obviousness which Appellants
have failed to rebut.
RELEVANT FINDINGS OF FACT
1) Ryan relates to degradable polymer fibers for use in woven
and nonwoven products (col. 1, ll. 18-21).
2) Ryan discloses fibers containing polylactide (col. 3, ll. 62-
63) blended with one or more additional components or
additives including plasticizers (col. 9, ll. 8-9) in an amount of
.5 to 20 percent by weight (col. 9, ll. 16-17).
3) Ryan teaches that other components which may be blended
with the polylactide include destructurized starch compositions
(col. 10, ll. 62-63).
4) According to Ryan, the degradable polymer fibers may be
formed using various conventional techniques, including melt
spinning, melt blowing, and spunbonding (col. 11, l. 66-col. 12,
l. 2). In each of the three latter techniques, the components are
fed to an extruder where they are melted and processed (Ryan,
Figures 1 and 2, and col. 13, ll. 50-51).
5) Ryan teaches that when blends of polymers are used,
blending can either occur in the extruder or prior to introduction
into the extruder (col. 13, ll. 26-31).
3
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