Appeal 2007-2862
Application 10/955,533
RELEVANT FINDINGS OF FACT
1) Kato discloses a water absorbent paper or nonwoven fabric
“composed of short or long fibers of cotton, rayon, acetate, nylon,
polyester or the like.” (Col. 2, ll. 16-18).
2) The fabric is impregnated with 5-hydroxy-2-hydroxymethyl-γ-
pyrone as well as an additional organic acid such as adipic acid and/or
water-retaining agent such as magnesium chloride. (Col. 2, ll. 30-39).
3) Nielsen discloses a composite wet-formed matt comprising a
blend of cellulose acetate fibers, bicomponent fibers, and an aqueous
based organic solvent which solubilizes the surface of the cellulose
acetate fibers to permit bonding thereof. (Col. 3, ll. 27-34).
4) Nielsen teaches that the acetate fibers, bicomponent fibers and
solvents are dispersed in a system of water, thickener and dispersant.
(Col. 6, ll. 3-5).
5) According to Nielsen, suitable dispersing agents are synthetic,
long-chain, linear molecules such as polyethylene oxide, which are
deposited on and coat the fiber surface and make it slippery. (Col. 6, ll.
49-50, 60-63, 65-66). Nielsen states that the slip characteristic “aids in
deterring the formation of clumps, tangles and bundles.” (Col. 6, 63-65).
ANALYSIS AND CONCLUSIONS
Appellant does not dispute the Examiner’s conclusion that it would
have been obvious to add polyethylene oxide in the process used to form
Kato’s nonwoven/paper product. Rather, Appellant argues that the
polyethylene oxide would only serve to reduce coefficient of friction
between fibers during processing and would not be retained in Kato’s final
product. (Br. 4).
4
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