Response After RCE
This Office action is in response to the RCE filed on 05/26/2026.
Claims 1-15 are pending in the application.
Claims 1-15 are rejected.
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35
U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
Response to Arguments
The applicant's arguments filed May 26, 2026 have been considered but are
moot because the arguments do not apply to the references being used in the current rejection.
Claim Objections
Claims 1 and 13-15 are objected to because of the following informalities:
In Claims 1 and 14-15, second to last line, “the two bending directions” should be --the two opposing bending directions--
In Claim 13, lines 1-2, “transducer” should be --piezoelectric transducer--
In Claim 14, line 3, “each piezoelectric transducer” should be --a plurality of the piezoelectric transducers--
In Claim 15, lines 1-2, “each piezoelectric transducer” should be –each of the one or more piezoelectric transducers--
Appropriate correction is required.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(b):
(b) CONCLUSION.—The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor regards as the invention.
Claims 1-15 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) as being indefinite
for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the applicant regards as the invention.
In Claims 1 and 14-15, it is unclear whether “about” refers to a fourth, a third, half, more than half, entirely, near, along, or some other quantity. The specification does not provide some standard for measuring “about.” One of ordinary skill in the art, in view of the prior art and the status of the art, would not be reasonably apprised of the scope of “about” from the drawings alone. Therefore, the examiner has understood the term “about” to designate “along.”
In Claim 4, it is unclear whether “compared to” refers to a fourth, a third, half, more than half, entirely the same or opposed, or some other quantity. The specification does not provide some standard for measuring “compared to.” One of ordinary skill in the art, in view of the prior art and the status of the art, would not be reasonably apprised of the scope of “compared to” from the drawings alone. Therefore, the examiner has understood the term “compared” to designate “deflattening.”
Dependent claims 2-13 inherit the deficiencies of independent claim 1, and are
therefore also rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112 (b).
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action:
A person shall be entitled to a patent unless –
(a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
Claims 1-15 are rejected under AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated
by Bischur et al. (U.S. Publication No. 20180026554; hereinafter “Bischur”).
Regarding claim 1, Bischur discloses a piezoelectric transducer (Figs. 1-2, piezoelectric transducer in piezoelectric generator 1; [Abstract]) comprising: a piezoelectric foil (Figs. 1-2, 2/22) with a piezoelectric material (Figs. 1-2, material of 2/22) exhibiting (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016]) a shear piezoelectric effect (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016]), wherein the piezoelectric material (Figs. 1-2, material of 2/22) is polarized (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016]) in a polarization direction (Figs. 1-2, direction in which 2 is polarized; [0009]; [0016]) in a plane (Figs. 1-2, plane in which 2/22’s polarization direction extends; [0009]; [0016]) with the piezoelectric foil (Figs. 1-2, 2/22) to generate (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016]) an electric field (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016] – electric field associated with generated electrical energy) in a field direction (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016] – electric field associated with generated electrical energy and directed normal to plane in which 2/22’s polarization direction extends) normal (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016]) to the plane (Figs. 1-2, plane in which 2/22’s polarization direction extends; [0009]; [0016]) of the piezoelectric foil (Figs. 1-2, 2/22) between (Figs. 1-2) a top surface (Figs. 1-2, top surface of 2/22) and a bottom surface (Figs. 1-2, bottom surface of 2/22) of the piezoelectric foil (Figs. 1-2, 2/22) when (Figs. 1-2) the piezoelectric foil (Figs. 1-2, 2/22) is sheared (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016]) in the plane (Figs. 1-2, plane in which 2/22’s polarization direction extends; [0009]; [0016]) of the piezoelectric foil (Figs. 1-2, 2/22) in a shearing direction (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016] – 2/22’s shearing direction) about the field direction (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016] – electric field associated with generated electrical energy and directed normal to plane in which 2/22’s polarization direction extends); and an actuating structure (Figs. 1-2, actuating structure in piezoelectric generator 1; [Abstract]; [0016]) configured to (Figs. 1-2) actuate (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016]) the piezoelectric foil (Figs. 1-2, 2/22) with actuation forces (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016] – forces actuating 2/22) applied (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016]) at respective actuation points (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016] – respective actuation points at which forces actuating 2 are applied) in respective actuation directions (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016] – respective actuation directions at which 2 is bent) to bend (Figs. 1-2; [0011]; [Claim 2]) the piezoelectric foil (Figs. 1-2, 2/22), wherein the actuating structure (Figs. 1-2, actuating structure in piezoelectric generator 1; [Abstract]; [0016]) is configured to (Figs. 1-2) actuate (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016]) the piezoelectric foil (Figs. 1-2, 2/22) according to (Figs. 1-2) a saddle shape deformation (Figs. 1-2; [0011]; [Claim 2]), wherein the piezoelectric foil (Figs. 1-2, 2/22) is bent (Figs. 1-2; [0011]; [Claim 2]) in two opposing bending directions (Figs. 1-2; [0011]; [Claim 2] – opposing bending directions of saddle shaped 2/22 orthogonal to each other and diagonal to 2/22’s polarization direction), and wherein the two bending directions (Figs. 1-2; [0011]; [Claim 2] – opposing bending directions of saddle shaped 2/22 orthogonal to each other and diagonal to 2/22’s polarization direction) are orthogonal (Figs. 1-2; [0011]; [Claim 2]) to each other (Figs. 1-2; [0011]; [Claim 2]) and are both diagonal (Figs. 1-2; [0011]; [Claim 2]) to the polarization direction (Figs. 1-2, direction in which 2/22 is polarized; [0009]; [0016]).
Regarding claim 2, Bischur discloses the piezoelectric transducer according to claim 1, wherein the actuating structure (Figs. 1-2, actuating structure in piezoelectric generator 1; [Abstract]; [0016]) is configured to (Figs. 1-2) apply (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016]): a first set of actuation forces (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016] – first set of forces actuating 2/22) in a first actuation direction (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016] – first actuation directed normal to plane in which 2/22’s polarization direction extends) normal (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016]) to the plane (Figs. 1-2, plane in which 2/22’s polarization direction extends; [0009]; [0016]) of the piezoelectric foil (Figs. 1-2, 2/22), and a second set of actuation forces (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016] – second set of forces actuating 2/22) in a second actuation direction (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016] – second actuation directed opposite to the first actuation direction) opposite (Figs. 1; [0009]; [0016]) to the first actuation direction (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016] – first actuation directed normal to plane in which 2/22’s polarization direction extends).
Regarding claim 3, Bischur discloses the piezoelectric transducer according to claim 2, wherein the first set of actuation forces (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016] – first set of forces actuating 2/22) is applied (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016]) to a first set of separate actuation points (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016] – first set of separate actuation points at which forces actuating 2/22 are applied) defining (Figs. 1-2) a first bending direction (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016] – first bending direction of two opposing bending directions) of the two opposing bending directions (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016] – two opposing bending directions) there between, and wherein the second set of actuation forces (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016] – second set of forces actuating 2/22) is applied (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016]) to a second set of separate actuation points (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016] – second set of separate actuation points at which forces actuating 2 are applied) defining (Figs. 1-2) a second bending direction (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016] – second bending direction of two opposing bending directions) of the two opposing bending directions (Figs. 1-2; [0011]; [Claim 2] – opposing bending directions of saddle shaped 2/22 orthogonal to each other and diagonal to 2/22’s polarization direction) there between, and wherein the second bending direction (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016] – second bending direction of two opposing bending directions) crosses orthogonally (Figs. 1-2; [0011]; [Claim 2]) with the first bending direction (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016] – first bending direction of two opposing bending directions) at a saddle point (Figs. 1-2; [0011]; [Claim 2]) of the piezoelectric foil (Figs. 1-2, 2/22) in an actuated state (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016]).
Regarding claim 4, Bischur discloses the piezoelectric transducer according to claim 1, wherein, during a saddle shape deformation (Figs. 1-2; [0011]; [Claim 2]), the piezoelectric foil (Figs. 1-2, 2/22) in a deformed state (Figs. 1-2; [0011]; [Claim 2]) is elongated along (Figs. 1-2; [0011]; [Claim 2]) the first bending direction (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016] – first bending direction of two opposing bending directions) and compressed along (Figs. 1-2; [0011]; [Claim 2]) the second bending direction (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016] – second bending direction of two opposing bending directions) compared to the piezoelectric foil (Figs. 1-2, 2/22) in a flat state (Figs. 1-2, 2/22 in a flat state).
Regarding claim 5, Bischur discloses the piezoelectric transducer according to claim 1, wherein the polarization direction (Figs. 1-2, direction in which 2/22 is polarized; [0009]; [0016]) is along (Figs. 1-2) a length (Figs. 1-2, length of 2/22 along which polarization of 2/22 is) of the piezoelectric foil (Figs. 1-2, 2/22), and wherein the piezoelectric foil (Figs. 1-2, 2/22) is cut and/or folded back (Figs. 1-2; [0011]; [Claim 2]) on itself (Figs. 1-2, 2/22) along a width (Figs. 1-2, width of 2 along which 2 is cut and/or folded back) of the piezoelectric foil (Figs. 1-2, 2/22) by a cut and/or fold line (Figs. 1-2, cut and/or fold line orthogonal to 2/22’s length) that is orthogonal (Figs. 1-2) to the length (Figs. 1-2, length of 2/22 along which polarization of 2 is) of the piezoelectric foil (Figs. 1-2, 2/22).
Regarding claim 6, Bischur discloses the piezoelectric transducer according to claim 1, wherein the piezoelectric foil (Figs. 1-2, 2/22) is polarized (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016]) by drawing (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016]) the piezoelectric foil (Figs. 1-2, 2/22) along a length (Figs. 1-2, length along which 2/22 is drawn; [0009]; [0016]), and wherein the piezoelectric foil (Figs. 1-2, 2/22) comprises a piezoelectric polymer (Figs. 1-2, 2/22; [0013] – PVDF) with elongate molecules (Figs. 1-2, 2/22; [0013] – PVDF) which align (Figs. 1-2, 2/22; [0013] – PVDF) with a drawing direction (Figs. 1-2, 2; [0013] – direction of drawing with which PVDF elongate molecules align).
Regarding claim 7, Bischur discloses the piezoelectric transducer according to claim 1, wherein the piezoelectric foil (Figs. 1-2, 2/22) is adhered (Figs. 1-2; [0012]) to a flexible plate (Figs. 1-2, 5; [0012]; [Claim 2]).
Regarding claim 8, Bischur discloses the piezoelectric transducer according to claim 1, wherein a respective neutral axis (Figs. 1-2, respective neutral axis for bending) for bending (Figs. 1-2) a combined stack (Figs. 1-2, combined stack of 2 and 22) comprising (Figs. 1-2) one or more layers (Figs. 1-2, layers of 2 and 22) of the piezoelectric foil (Figs. 1-2, 2/22) adhered (Figs. 1-2; [0012]) to a flexible plate (Figs. 1-2, 5; [0012]; [Claim 2]) along (Figs. 1-2) a first bending direction (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016] – first bending direction of two opposing bending directions) of the two opposing bending directions (Figs. 1-2; [0011]; [Claim 2] – opposing bending directions of saddle shaped 2/22 orthogonal to each other and diagonal to 2/22’s polarization direction) and/or a second bending direction (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016] – second bending direction of two opposing bending directions) of the two opposing bending directions (Figs. 1-2; [0011]; [Claim 2] – opposing bending directions of saddle shaped 2/22 orthogonal to each other and diagonal to 2/22’s polarization direction) lies within (Figs. 1-2) the flexible plate (Figs. 1-2, 5; [0012]; [Claim 2]).
Regarding claim 9, Bischur discloses the piezoelectric transducer according to claim 1, wherein the piezoelectric foil (Figs. 1-2, 2/22) is adhered (Figs. 1-2; [0012]) to both a top side (Figs. 1-2, top side of 5) and a bottom side (Figs. 1-2, bottom side of 5) of a flexible plate (Figs. 1-2, 5; [0012]; [Claim 2]).
Regarding claim 10, Bischur discloses the piezoelectric transducer according to claim 1, wherein the piezoelectric foil (Figs. 1-2, 2/22) is wrapped around (Figs. 1-2; [0012]) a flexible plate (Figs. 1-2, 5; [0012]; [Claim 2]).
Regarding claim 11, Bischur discloses the piezoelectric transducer according to claim 1, wherein a stack of piezoelectric foils (Figs. 1-2, 2 and 22) is formed (Figs. 1-2) by alternating layers (Figs. 1-2) of piezo piezoelectric material (Figs. 1-2, material of 2 and 22) having different chirality (Figs. 1-2, 2 and 22; Examiner’s Note: Different layers have different chirality. Each layer has its own chirality.).
Regarding claim 12, Bischur discloses the piezoelectric transducer according to claim 1, wherein the piezoelectric foil (Figs. 1-2, 2/22) comprises: a first electrode layer (Figs. 1-2, 3); and a second electrode layer (Figs. 1-2, 4), wherein the piezoelectric material (Figs. 1-2, material of 2/22) is sandwiched (Figs. 1-2) between (Figs. 1-2) the first electrode layer (Figs. 1-2, 3) and the second electrode layer (Figs. 1-2, 4), wherein a conductive surface (Figs. 1-2, conductive surface formed by 3) formed by (Figs. 1-2) the first electrode layer (Figs. 1-2, 3) extends beyond (Figs. 1-2) a surface (Figs. 1-2, surface of material of 2/22 on one side of 2/22) of the piezoelectric material (Figs. 1-2, material of 2/22) on one side (Figs. 1-2, one side of 2/22) of the piezoelectric foil (Figs. 1-2, 2/22), and wherein a conductive surface (Figs. 1-2, conductive surface formed by 4) formed by (Figs. 1-2) the second electrode layer (Figs. 1-2, 4) extends beyond (Figs. 1-2) a surface (Figs. 1-2, surface of material of 2/22 on another side of 2/22) of the piezoelectric material (Figs. 1-2, material of 2/22) on another side (Figs. 1-2, another side of 2/22) of the piezoelectric foil (Figs. 1-2, 2/22).
Regarding claim 13, Bischur discloses the piezoelectric transducer according to claim 1, wherein the transducer comprises a square shaped stack (Fig. 1, square shaped stack of 1) formed by (Fig. 1) the piezoelectric foil (Figs. 1-2, 2/22) wrapped multiple times around (Figs. 1-2; [0012]) a square shaped flexible plate (Figs. 1-2, 5; [0012]; [Claim 2]), wherein the actuating structure (Figs. 1-2, actuating structure in piezoelectric generator 1; [Abstract]; [0016]) is configured to (Figs. 1-2) engage corners (Fig. 1, corners of square shaped stack of 1) of the square shaped stack (Fig. 1, square shaped stack of 1) in opposing directions (Fig. 1, opposing directions in which corners of square shaped stack of 1 are engaged by the actuating structure in piezoelectric generator 1) to press (Figs. 1-2; [Abstract]; [0011]; [Claim 2]) the square shaped stack (Fig. 1, square shaped stack of 1) into (Figs. 1-2) the saddle shape deformation (Figs. 1-2; [0011]; [Claim 2]).
Regarding claim 14, Bischur discloses an energy harvesting device (Fig. 1, 1) comprising a plurality of piezoelectric transducers (Figs. 1-2, piezoelectric transducers associated with 2 and 22 in piezoelectric generator 1; [0043]), wherein each piezoelectric transducer (Figs. 1-2, piezoelectric transducers associated with 2 and 22 in piezoelectric generator 1; [Abstract]) of the plurality of piezoelectric transducers (Figs. 1-2, piezoelectric transducers associated with 2 and 22 in piezoelectric generator 1; [0043]) comprises: a piezoelectric foil (Figs. 1-2, 2/22) with a piezoelectric material (Figs. 1-2, material of 2/22) exhibiting (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016]) a shear piezoelectric effect (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016]), wherein the piezoelectric material (Figs. 1-2, material of 2/22) is polarized (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016]) in a polarization direction (Figs. 1-2, direction in which 2 is polarized; [0009]; [0016]) in a plane (Figs. 1-2, plane in which 2/22’s polarization direction extends; [0009]; [0016]) with the piezoelectric foil (Figs. 1-2, 2/22) to generate (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016]) an electric field (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016] – electric field associated with generated electrical energy) in a field direction (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016] – electric field associated with generated electrical energy and directed normal to plane in which 2/22’s polarization direction extends) normal (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016]) to the plane (Figs. 1-2, plane in which 2/22’s polarization direction extends; [0009]; [0016]) of the piezoelectric foil (Figs. 1-2, 2/22) between (Figs. 1-2) a top surface (Figs. 1-2, top surface of 2/22) and a bottom surface (Figs. 1-2, bottom surface of 2/22) of the piezoelectric foil (Figs. 1-2, 2/22) when (Figs. 1-2) the piezoelectric foil (Figs. 1-2, 2/22) is sheared (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016]) in the plane (Figs. 1-2, plane in which 2/22’s polarization direction extends; [0009]; [0016]) of the piezoelectric foil (Figs. 1-2, 2/22) in a shearing direction (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016] – 2/22’s shearing direction) about the field direction (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016] – electric field associated with generated electrical energy and directed normal to plane in which 2/22’s polarization direction extends); and an actuating structure (Figs. 1-2, actuating structure in piezoelectric generator 1; [Abstract]; [0016]) configured to (Figs. 1-2) actuate (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016]) the piezoelectric foil (Figs. 1-2, 2/22) with actuation forces (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016] – forces actuating 2/22) applied (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016]) at respective actuation points (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016] – respective actuation points at which forces actuating 2 are applied) in respective actuation directions (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016] – respective actuation directions at which 2 is bent) to bend (Figs. 1-2; [0011]; [Claim 2]) the piezoelectric foil (Figs. 1-2, 2/22), wherein the actuating structure (Figs. 1-2, actuating structure in piezoelectric generator 1; [Abstract]; [0016]) is configured to (Figs. 1-2) actuate (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016]) the piezoelectric foil (Figs. 1-2, 2/22) according to (Figs. 1-2) a saddle shape deformation (Figs. 1-2; [0011]; [Claim 2]), wherein the piezoelectric foil (Figs. 1-2, 2/22) is bent (Figs. 1-2; [0011]; [Claim 2]) in two opposing bending directions (Figs. 1-2; [0011]; [Claim 2] – opposing bending directions of saddle shaped 2/22 orthogonal to each other and diagonal to 2/22’s polarization direction), and wherein the two bending directions (Figs. 1-2; [0011]; [Claim 2] – opposing bending directions of saddle shaped 2/22 orthogonal to each other and diagonal to 2/22’s polarization direction) are orthogonal (Figs. 1-2; [0011]; [Claim 2]) to each other (Figs. 1-2; [0011]; [Claim 2]) and are both diagonal (Figs. 1-2; [0011]; [Claim 2]) to the polarization direction (Figs. 1-2, direction in which 2/22 is polarized; [0009]; [0016]).
Regarding claim 15, Bischur discloses a sensor (Fig. 1, 1; [0028]) comprising one or more piezoelectric transducers (Figs. 1-2, piezoelectric transducers associated with 2 and 22 in piezoelectric generator 1; [0043]), wherein each piezoelectric transducer (Figs. 1-2, piezoelectric transducers associated with 2 and 22 in piezoelectric generator 1; [0043]) of the one or more piezoelectric transducers comprises (Figs. 1-2, piezoelectric transducers associated with 2 and 22 in piezoelectric generator 1; [0043]): a piezoelectric foil (Figs. 1-2, 2/22) with a piezoelectric material (Figs. 1-2, material of 2/22) exhibiting (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016]) a shear piezoelectric effect (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016]), wherein the piezoelectric material (Figs. 1-2, material of 2/22) is polarized (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016]) in a polarization direction (Figs. 1-2, direction in which 2 is polarized; [0009]; [0016]) in a plane (Figs. 1-2, plane in which 2/22’s polarization direction extends; [0009]; [0016]) with the piezoelectric foil (Figs. 1-2, 2/22) to generate (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016]) an electric field (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016] – electric field associated with generated electrical energy) in a field direction (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016] – electric field associated with generated electrical energy and directed normal to plane in which 2/22’s polarization direction extends) normal (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016]) to the plane (Figs. 1-2, plane in which 2/22’s polarization direction extends; [0009]; [0016]) of the piezoelectric foil (Figs. 1-2, 2/22) between (Figs. 1-2) a top surface (Figs. 1-2, top surface of 2/22) and a bottom surface (Figs. 1-2, bottom surface of 2/22) of the piezoelectric foil (Figs. 1-2, 2/22) when (Figs. 1-2) the piezoelectric foil (Figs. 1-2, 2/22) is sheared (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016]) in the plane (Figs. 1-2, plane in which 2/22’s polarization direction extends; [0009]; [0016]) of the piezoelectric foil (Figs. 1-2, 2/22) in a shearing direction (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016] – 2/22’s shearing direction) about the field direction (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016] – electric field associated with generated electrical energy and directed normal to plane in which 2/22’s polarization direction extends); and an actuating structure (Figs. 1-2, actuating structure in piezoelectric generator 1; [Abstract]; [0016]) configured to (Figs. 1-2) actuate (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016]) the piezoelectric foil (Figs. 1-2, 2/22) with actuation forces (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016] – forces actuating 2/22) applied (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016]) at respective actuation points (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016] – respective actuation points at which forces actuating 2 are applied) in respective actuation directions (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016] – respective actuation directions at which 2 is bent) to bend (Figs. 1-2; [0011]; [Claim 2]) the piezoelectric foil (Figs. 1-2, 2/22), wherein the actuating structure (Figs. 1-2, actuating structure in piezoelectric generator 1; [Abstract]; [0016]) is configured to (Figs. 1-2) actuate (Figs. 1-2; [0009]; [0016]) the piezoelectric foil (Figs. 1-2, 2/22) according to (Figs. 1-2) a saddle shape deformation (Figs. 1-2; [0011]; [Claim 2]), wherein the piezoelectric foil (Figs. 1-2, 2/22) is bent (Figs. 1-2; [0011]; [Claim 2]) in two opposing bending directions (Figs. 1-2; [0011]; [Claim 2] – opposing bending directions of saddle shaped 2/22 orthogonal to each other and diagonal to 2/22’s polarization direction), and wherein the two bending directions (Figs. 1-2; [0011]; [Claim 2] – opposing bending directions of saddle shaped 2/22 orthogonal to each other and diagonal to 2/22’s polarization direction) are orthogonal (Figs. 1-2; [0011]; [Claim 2]) to each other (Figs. 1-2; [0011]; [Claim 2]) and are both diagonal (Figs. 1-2; [0011]; [Claim 2]) to the polarization direction (Figs. 1-2, direction in which 2/22 is polarized; [0009]; [0016]).
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication should be directed to MONICA MATA
whose telephone number is (571) 272-8782. The examiner can normally be reached on Monday thru Friday from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s
supervisor, Dedei Hammond, can be reached on (571) 270-7938. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is (571) 273-8300.
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/MONICA MATA/
Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2837
12 June 2026
/EMILY P PHAM/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2837
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