http://www.uspto.gov/go/og/2005/week...

Pertinent information from that link

Upon receipt of a properly filed request, a Technology Center Art Unit
supervisor will designate a panel of examiners experienced in the field of
technology to review the applicant's remarks and the examiner's rejections.
The panel will include at least a supervisor and the examiner of record.
The applicant will not be permitted to attend the review and no interviews
will be granted prior to issuance of the panel's decision.

   The panel members will review the rejection(s) identified by applicant in
the request.  They will also review the application and the appropriate
evidence in support of the rejections to the extent necessary.  The panel
will then decide if an issue for appeal is, in fact, present in the record.
The Office should mail a decision within 45 days of receipt of a properly
filed request.