Appeal 2007-4307
Application 10/173,095
claims 22, 24, and 34 are separately mentioned in the reply brief,2 we will
not consider arguments first raised in the reply brief.3
Claim 18 defines the invention as follows:4
18. A process for the production of a reinforced
acoustically resistive layer comprising the steps of:
- producing a layer of structural reinforcement from
fibers pre-impregnated with a thermosetting or thermoplastic
resin, said layer having a given quantity of open surface relative
to the acoustic waves to be handled,
- emplacing on said layer a metallic acoustic cloth whose
mesh is adapted to the quantity of open surface of said
structural layer, and
- polymerizing or consolidating said resin under suitable
pressure and temperature,
said process further comprising the step of:
- interposing before polymerizing and consolidating,
between said resin and said metallic cloth, a component adapted
for macromolecular interpenetration with said resin during
polymerization or consolidation and that increases the
mechanical and adhesive properties of the connection between
the fibers of said structural reinforcement and said metallic
cloth.
We are obliged to construe claims as broadly as reasonable. The
method steps are listed using the transitional term "comprising", which
opens the method to the inclusion of other steps, including steps adding
other materials, consistent with the steps listed.
2 Reply Brief 6.
3 Cf. Carbino v. West, 168 F.3d 32, 34 (Fed. Cir. 1999) (a late argument,
even on a question of law, need not and ordinarily should not be considered).
4 Claim 18 is reproduced from the claim appendix of the Appeal Brief (Br.),
including the hyphenation of the indentations.
2
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