Appeal 2007-3412
Application 10/832,450
included in the Principal Brief has been waived, absent a showing of good
cause. 37 C.F.R. § 41.37(c)(1)(vii).
B. Findings of Fact
The following findings of fact and any set out in the Discussion are
supported by a preponderance of the evidence of record.
1. According to D'Errico, windows that reflect infrared radiation while
transmitting visible light are well known, as are such windows adapted for
use as motor vehicle windshields. (Specification at 1:11–19.)
2. According to the Specification, "[s]uch solar screening and/or
electrically conductive layered assemblies are referred to in abbreviated
form . . . as 'IR reflective coating.'" (Specification at 1:19–21.)
3. Such windows are known to include a plasticized energy absorbing
interlayer that contains a sheet of a polymer such as polyvinylbutyral
("PVB") in contact with the IR reflective coating. (Specification at 1:22-27.)
4. The Specification teaches further that it is known that the bonding
strength between the IR reflective coating and the PVB can weaken over
time. (Specification at 1:28–29.)
5. According to the inventor, providing a PVB layer having a glass
transition temperature ("Tg") of 23°C or less results in an improved product
having improved long term stability. (Specification at 3:11–13.)
6. The Specification teaches that "[t]he amount of plasticizer can be
adjusted to affect the glass transition temperature of the poly(vinylbutyral)
sheet. In general, higher amounts of plasticizer are added to decrease
the Tg." (Specification at 6:19–21.)
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