Prosecution Insights
Last updated: October 02, 2026
Application No. 17/527,901

AUDIBLE AND VISUAL CUES IN CHEST-WORN SENSOR DEVICE

Final Rejection §101
Filed
Nov 16, 2021
Examiner
TRAN, THIEN JASON
Art Unit
3792
Tech Center
3700 — Mechanical Engineering & Manufacturing
Assignee
Analog Devices Inc.
OA Round
6 (Final)
75%
Grant Probability
Favorable
7-8
OA Rounds
0m
Est. Remaining
96%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 75% — above average
75%
Career Allowance Rate
65 granted / 87 resolved
+4.7% vs TC avg
Strong +21% interview lift
Without
With
+21.4%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
3y 5m
Avg Prosecution
29 currently pending
Career history
128
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
22.8%
-17.2% vs TC avg
§103
50.7%
+10.7% vs TC avg
§102
20.2%
-19.8% vs TC avg
§112
3.7%
-36.3% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 87 resolved cases

Office Action

§101
DETAILED ACTION Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . Status of Claims Claims 1-21 are pending. Claims 1-2, 6, 11, 14-15, and 17 are amended. Claim 21 is added as a new claim. Response to Arguments Examiner’s Note: For further questions and arguments regarding the 35 U.S.C. 101 rejection, the examiner suggests scheduling an interview to help proceed with prosecution . Applicant's arguments, see pages 10-13, filed 6/17/2026, have been fully considered but they are not persuasive. 35 U.S.C. 101 Regarding the amended independent claim 1, applicant argues that at a minimum, the subject matter, as a whole, is not directed to an abstract idea because the invention “involves a positioning sensor comprising an inertial sensor configured to determine orientation relative to gravity, and also involves the claimed processor to use data from that positioning sensor to determine body posture and control capture of measurement data according to multiple sensing modalities. The examiner respectfully argues that although “the positioning sensor comprising an inertial sensor” is an additional element, the limitation does not recite significantly more than pre-solution activity to the step of data gathering, which will later be used in a processing step. The process of “controlling capture of measurement data according to multiple sensing modalities” using a processor is recited as computer implementation to perform the abstract idea of selecting measurement data from multiple sensing modalities. Furthermore, applicant argues that the amended claim is directed towards the improvement in the technical field of monitoring chronic health conditions of a subject. Applicant argues that the specific limitations to support this improvement includes: “a sensor system that ensures proper positioning of a sensor device and collection of usable data for at-home monitoring of a cardiopulmonary condition” “a multi-modality chest sensor device to obtain at least acoustic and thoracic impedance measurements during at-home monitoring of a cardiopulmonary condition” “audio cues are instead an integral part of the processor-guided measurement sequence that ensures proper body positioning during at-home monitoring of a cardiopulmonary condition and indicates completion of the measurement sequence” The examiner respectfully disagrees and argues that the sensor system recites pre-solution activity to the step of data gathering. The selection process of “a multi-modality chest sensor device to obtain at least acoustic and thoracic impedance measurements” recite an improvement towards the abstract idea of selecting sensing modes. Lastly, audio cues from an audio interface recite post-solution activity to the step of giving a diagnosis. Applicant is reminded that abstract ideas cannot provide a practical application or significantly more (e.g., an improvement). Both Step 2A Prong 2 and Step 2B require an additional element, not an abstract idea, to provide a practical application or significantly more (e.g., an improvement). See Genetic Technologies Limited v. Merial LLC (Fed Cir 2016). Here, the additional elements of claims 1-21 are merely generically recited computer elements used as tools for executing the abstract ideas or insignificant extra-solution activity. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 101 35 U.S.C. 101 reads as follows: Whoever invents or discovers any new and useful process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof, may obtain a patent therefor, subject to the conditions and requirements of this title. Section 33(a) of the America Invents Act reads as follows: Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no patent may issue on a claim directed to or encompassing a human organism. Claims 1-21 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 101 because the claimed invention is directed to an abstract idea without significantly more. To determine whether a claim satisfies the criteria for subject matter eligibility, the claim is evaluated according to a stepwise process as described in MPEP 2106(III) and 2106.03-2106.05. The instant claims are evaluated according to such analysis. Step 1: Is the claim to a process, machine, manufacture or composition of matter? Claim 1 is directed to a system, claim 11 is directed to a method, and claim 17 is directed towards a system, and thus meet the requirements for step 1. Step 2A (Prong 1): Does the claim recite an abstract idea, law of nature, or natural phenomenon? Claims 1, 11, and 17 recite two sensor systems and a method with instructions for performing operations and a device comprising: Claim 1 “Determine that a first orientation of the chest sensor device corresponds to a first body posture in a series of correct body postures.” “Instruct the chest sensor device to capture measurement data, as part of the measurement sequence, by obtaining first measurements while the subject is in a first body posture with the first measurements related to the cardiopulmonary condition and the measurement data being usable in identification of a potential cardiopulmonary issue and management of the cardiopulmonary condition.” “Instruct the audio interface to output a first audio cue instructing the subject to move to a second body posture in the series of correct body postures.” “Determine that a second orientation of the chest sensor device corresponds to the second body posture.” “Instruct the chest sensor to capture measurement data while the user is in the second body posture.” “Instruct the chest sensor device to capture second measurement data, as part of the measurement sequence, by obtaining second measurements while the subject is in the second body posture with the second measurements related to the cardiopulmonary condition and the measurement data being usable in identification of a potential cardiopulmonary issue and management of the cardiopulmonary condition.” “Instruct the audio interface to output a second audio cue indicating that the measurement sequence is complete.” Claim 11 “Detecting that there is an issue in the chest-worn sensor device, with the issue preventing the chest-worn sensor device from obtaining first measurements related to the cardiopulmonary condition of the subject.” “In response to detecting an posture issue, instructing an audio interface of the sensor device to output an audio cue alerting the user to the posture issue.” “in response to detecting that the posture issue has been resolved, instructing the chest-worn sensor device to capture measurement data by obtaining the first measurements, the measurement data being usable in identification of a potential cardiopulmonary issue and in management of the cardiopulmonary condition.” Claim 17 “Determine an orientation and body angle of the chest sensor device.” “Compare the body angle of the user to an expected body angle.” “Detect a posture issue in response to a comparison of the body angle to the expected body angle being indicative of the body angle being less than the expected body angle or the body angle being greater than the expected body angle, with the sequence of measurements being a related to the cardiopulmonary condition and yielding measurement data usable in management of the cardiopulmonary condition.” “Determine that the posture issue has been resolved.” obtain, during the at-home monitoring of the cardiopulmonary condition, a sequence of measurements in a first body posture comprising the expected body angle, with the sequence of measurements being [[a]] related to the cardiopulmonary condition and yielding measurement data usable in identification of a potential cardiopulmonary issue and in management of the cardiopulmonary condition “Output a first audio cue in response to the body angle being less than the expected body angle, the first audio cue indicating presence of a first type of the posture issue, and output a second audio cue in response to the body angle being greater than the expected body angle, the first audio cue indicating presence of a second type of posture issue.” Claim 21 “determine a body angle of the subject;” “determine that the body angle of the subject matches an expected body angle of a first body posture in a series of correct body postures or is within a range of expected body angles for the first body posture;” “instruct the chest sensor device to capture measurement data, as part of the measurement sequence, by obtaining first measurements while the subject is in the first body posture, with the first measurements related to the cardiopulmonary condition and the measurement data being usable in identification of a potential cardiopulmonary issue and in management of the cardiopulmonary condition;” “instruct the audio interface to output a first audio cue instructing the subject to move to a second body posture in the series of correct body postures;” “determine a second body angle of the subject;” “determine that the second body angle of the subject matches an expected body angle of a second body posture in the series of correct body postures or is within a range of expected body angles for the second body posture;” “instruct the chest sensor device to capture second measurement data, as part of the measurement sequence, by obtaining second measurements while the subject is in the second body posture, with the second measurements related to the cardiopulmonary condition and the second measurement data being usable in identification of a potential cardiopulmonary issue and in management of the cardiopulmonary condition;” “instruct the audio interface to output a second audio cue indicating that the measurement sequence is complete.” If a claim limitation, under its broadest reasonable interpretation, covers performance of the limitation in the mind but for the recitation of generic computer components, then it falls within the “Mental Processes” grouping of abstract ideas. Therefore, claims 1, 11, 17, and 21 recite an abstract idea of a mental process. Claims 1, 11, 17, and 21 recite the abstract idea of a mental process. The limitations as drafted in the claims, under its broadest reasonable interpretation, covers performance of the claimed steps in the mind, but for the recitation of a generic processor. Other than reciting a generic wearable data gathering device with a sensor and processor, nothing in the elements of the claims precludes the step from practically being performed in the mind or manually by a clinician. For example a clinician can: Claim 1 “Determine that a first orientation of the chest sensor device corresponds to a first body posture in a series of correct body postures.” A clinician may determine a first orientation of a chest sensor corresponds to a body posture through observation. “Instruct the chest sensor device to capture measurement data, as part of the measurement sequence, by obtaining first measurements while the subject is in a first body posture with the first measurements related to the cardiopulmonary condition and the measurement data being usable in identification of a potential cardiopulmonary issue and management of the cardiopulmonary condition.” A physician may provide instruction to collect data based on body posture observations. “Instruct the audio interface to output a first audio cue instructing the subject to move to a second body posture in the series of correct body postures.” A physician may give verbal instructions to have the subject move to a second body posture. “Determine that a second orientation of the chest sensor device corresponds to the second body posture.” A physician may determine an orientation of a chest sensor corresponding to the second body posture is correct based on observation. “Instruct the chest sensor to capture measurement data while the user is in the second body posture.” The physician may instruct or capture data while the user is in the second posture. “Instruct the chest sensor device to capture second measurement data, as part of the measurement sequence, by obtaining second measurements while the subject is in the second body posture with the second measurements related to the cardiopulmonary condition and the measurement data being usable in identification of a potential cardiopulmonary issue and management of the cardiopulmonary condition.” Based sensor data analysis, the physician may choose to collect the second measurement data as part of a measurement sequence. “Instruct the audio interface to output a second audio cue indicating that the measurement sequence is complete.” The physician may alert the subject that a measurement sequence is complete. Claim 11 “Detecting, based on the sensor data, that there is an issue in the chest-worn sensor device, with the issue preventing the chest-worn sensor device from obtaining first measurements related to the cardiopulmonary condition of the subject.” A clinician may determine a first orientation of a chest sensor corresponds to a body posture is correct through observation. “In response to detecting an posture issue, instructing an audio interface of the sensor device to output an audio cue alerting the user to the posture issue.” A physician may alert the patient if an issue arise with the sensing device. “in response to detecting that the posture issue has been resolved, instructing the chest-worn sensor device to capture measurement data by obtaining the first measurements, the measurement data being usable in identification of a potential cardiopulmonary issue and in management of the cardiopulmonary condition.” Based sensor data analysis, the physician may choose to collect the first or second measurement data as part of a measurement sequence. Claim 17 “Determine an orientation and body angle of the chest sensor device.” A physician may make this through observation. “Compare the body angle of the user to an expected body angle.” A physician may make comparisons between body angle. “Detect a posture issue in response to a comparison of the body angle to the expected body angle being indicative of the body angle being less than the expected body angle or the body angle being greater than the expected body angle, with the sequence of measurements being a related to the cardiopulmonary condition and yielding measurement data usable in management of the cardiopulmonary condition.” Based sensor data analysis, the physician may choose to collect the first or second measurement data as part of a measurement sequence. Sensor data analysis is based on body angle in comparison to expected body angle. “Determine that the posture issue has been resolved.” A physician may alert the patient when a posture issue is resolved. “Obtain, during the at-home monitoring of the cardiopulmonary condition, a sequence of measurements in a first body posture comprising the expected body angle, with the sequence of measurements being [[a]] related to the cardiopulmonary condition and yielding measurement data usable in identification of a potential cardiopulmonary issue and in management of the cardiopulmonary condition;” Based sensor data analysis, the physician may choose to collect the first or second measurement data as part of a measurement sequence. Sensor data analysis is based on body angle in comparison to expected body angle. “Output a first audio cue in response to the body angle being less than the expected body angle, the first audio cue indicating presence of a first type of the posture issue, and output a second audio cue in response to the body angle being greater than the expected body angle, the first audio cue indicating presence of a second type of posture issue.” The physician may alert the subject that a body angle is less than or greater than an expected body angle. Claim 21 “determine a body angle of the subject;” A physician may make this through observation. “determine that the body angle of the subject matches an expected body angle of a first body posture in a series of correct body postures or is within a range of expected body angles for the first body posture;” A physician may make comparisons between body angle and determine matches with an expected body angle. “instruct the chest sensor device to capture measurement data, as part of the measurement sequence, by obtaining first measurements while the subject is in the first body posture, with the first measurements related to the cardiopulmonary condition and the measurement data being usable in identification of a potential cardiopulmonary issue and in management of the cardiopulmonary condition;” Based sensor data analysis, the physician may choose to collect the first or second measurement data as part of a measurement sequence. Sensor data analysis is based on body angle in comparison to expected body angle. “instruct the audio interface to output a first audio cue instructing the subject to move to a second body posture in the series of correct body postures;” A physician may instruct a subject to move to a second body posture. “determine a second body angle of the subject;” A physician may make this through observation. “determine that the second body angle of the subject matches an expected body angle of a second body posture in the series of correct body postures or is within a range of expected body angles for the second body posture;” A physician may make comparisons between body angles and an expected range. “instruct the chest sensor device to capture second measurement data, as part of the measurement sequence, by obtaining second measurements while the subject is in the second body posture, with the second measurements related to the cardiopulmonary condition and the second measurement data being usable in identification of a potential cardiopulmonary issue and in management of the cardiopulmonary condition;” Based sensor data analysis, the physician may choose to collect the first or second measurement data as part of a measurement sequence. Sensor data analysis is based on body angle in comparison to expected body angle. “instruct the audio interface to output a second audio cue indicating that the measurement sequence is complete.” The physician may alert the subject that a measurement sequence is complete. Furthermore claims 2-3, 7-8, 12- 16, and 20 recite additional steps that can be manually performed by the clinician Claim 2 “Determine based on data from the positioning sensor, whether a body angle of the subject matches an expected body angle for the first body posture; and in response to determining that the body angle does not match the expected body angle, instruct the audio interface to output a third audio cue instructing the subject to adjust their body posture.” A physician can make a comparison on body posture and instruct a patient verbally to change their body posture based on that comparison. Claim 3 “Instruct the audio interface to output a first sound sequence in response to the body angle being less than the expected body angle, and further configured to instruct the audio interface to output a second sound sequence in response to the body angle of the subject being greater than the expected body angle.” A physician can make a comparison on body posture angle and instruct a patient verbally to change their body posture based on that angle comparison. Claim 7 “Determine based on data from the chest sensor device, that there is a contact issue between the chest sensor device and the chest of the subject; and instruct the audio interface to output a third audio cue instructing the subject to press on the chest sensor device.” Based on data received, a physician can instruct a patient verbally to press on the chest sensor device. Claim 8 “Detect an issue, wherein the issue is a posture issue or a contact issue; detect that the issue has been resolved; and instruct the audio interface to output a third audio cue indicating that the issue has been resolved.” Based on data received, a physician can instruct a patient verbally to indicate that a contact issue is resolved. Claim 12 “Detecting that there is an issue in the chest-worn sensor device comprises: determining, based on the position data, that a body angle of the subject fails to match an expected body angle.” A physician can make a comparison on body posture angle and instruct a patient verbally to change their body posture based on that angle comparison. Claim 13 “Wherein the instructing the audio interface of the chest-worn sensor device to output the audio cue alerting the subject to the issue comprises: instructing the audio interface to output a first sound sequence in response to the body angle being less than the expected body angle; or instructing the audio interface to output a second sound sequence in response to the body angle being greater than the expected body angle.” A physician can make a comparison on body posture angle and instruct a patient verbally to change their body posture based on that angle comparison. Claim 14 “Wherein the detecting that there is an issue in the chest-worn sensor device comprises determining, based on the sensor data, that there is a contact issue between the chest-worn sensor device and [[a]the chest of the subject.” Based on data received, a physician can instruct a patient verbally to press on the chest sensor device. Claim 15 “In response to detecting that the issue has been resolved, instructing the audio interface to output a second audio cue indicating that the issue has been resolved.” Based on data received, a physician can instruct a patient verbally to indicate that a contact issue is resolved. Claim 16 “In response to detecting the issue, instructing a visual interface of the chest-worn sensor device to output a visual cue alerting the subject to the issue, the visual cue comprising at least one of a light color and a light pattern.” A physician can make a comparison on body posture and instruct a patient visually, using paper and pen, to change their body posture based on that comparison. Claim 20 “determine that the chest sensor device has obtained the sequence of measurements in the first body posture; and in response to determining that the chest sensor device has obtained the sequence of measurements, instruct the audio interface to output a third audio cue indicating to the subject to move to a second body posture.” A physician can make a comparison on body posture and instruct a patient verbally to change their body posture based on that comparison. Step 2A (Prong 2): Does the claim recite additional elements that integrate the judicial exception into a practical application? Claims 1, 6, 9, 11, 17-18, and 21 recite the additional elements of a “chest sensor”, “a processor” and a “positioning sensor”, “audio interface”, “acoustic sensor”, “visual interface”, “audio interface,” and “light interface which are being interpreted as a processor of a wearable device that comprises a generic sensors. - “A chest sensor device configured to be removably placed on a chest of a subject, with the chest sensor device having multiple sensors configured to obtain measurements according to multiple sensing modalities, with the measurements comprising acoustic measurements and thoracic impedance measurements and being related to a cardiopulmonary condition of the subject during at-home monitoring of the cardiopulmonary condition; a positioning sensor configured to determine an orientation of the chest sensor device, with the positioning sensor comprising an inertial sensor configured to determine orientation of the positioning sensor relative to gravity;” is recited as pre-solution activity to gather data. - “a processor coupled with the chest sensor device and configured to: receive the signal to initiate the measurement sequence” is recited as computer implementation to perform the abstract idea of selecting measurement data from multiple sensing modalities. - The visual, audio, and light interfaces are recited as post-solution activity to give a diagnosis or an alert to the patient. However, these elements are recited at a high level of generality performing the function of generic data processing such that they amount to no more than mere instructions to simply implement the abstract idea using generic computer components. See MPEP 2106.05(b) and (f). Accordingly, the additional elements do not integrate the abstract idea into a practical application. Step 2B: Does the claim recite additional elements that amount to significantly more than the judicial exception? The additional elements when considered individually and in combination are not enough to qualify as significantly more than the abstract idea. “A chest sensor device configured to be removably placed on a chest of a subject, with the chest sensor device having multiple sensors configured to obtain measurements according to multiple sensing modalities, with the measurements comprising acoustic measurements and thoracic impedance measurements and being related to a cardiopulmonary condition of the subject during at-home monitoring of the cardiopulmonary condition; a positioning sensor configured to determine an orientation of the chest sensor device, with the positioning sensor comprising an inertial sensor configured to determine orientation of the positioning sensor relative to gravity;” is recited as pre-solution activity to gather data. - “a processor coupled with the chest sensor device and configured to: receive the signal to initiate the measurement sequence” is recited as computer implementation to perform the abstract idea of selecting measurement data from multiple sensing modalities. - The visual, audio, and light interfaces are recited as post-solution activity to give a diagnosis or an alert to the patient. As discussed above with respect to integration of the abstract idea into a practical application, “chest sensor”, “a processor” and a “positioning sensor”, “audio interface”, “acoustic sensor”, “visual interface”, and “light interface,” which are being interpreted as a processor of a wearable device that comprises a generic sensors as recited to perform the steps of: Claim 1 “Determine that a first orientation of the chest sensor device corresponds to a first body posture in a series of correct body postures.” “Instruct the chest sensor device to capture measurement data, as part of the measurement sequence, by obtaining first measurements while the subject is in a first body posture with the first measurements related to the cardiopulmonary condition and the measurement data being usable in identification of a potential cardiopulmonary issue and management of the cardiopulmonary condition.” “Instruct the audio interface to output a first audio cue instructing the subject to move to a second body posture in the series of correct body postures.” “Determine that a second orientation of the chest sensor device corresponds to the second body posture.” “Instruct the chest sensor to capture measurement data while the user is in the second body posture.” “Instruct the chest sensor device to capture second measurement data, as part of the measurement sequence, by obtaining second measurements while the subject is in the second body posture with the second measurements related to the cardiopulmonary condition and the measurement data being usable in identification of a potential cardiopulmonary issue and management of the cardiopulmonary condition.” “Instruct the audio interface to output a second audio cue indicating that the measurement sequence is complete.” Claim 11 “Detecting, based on the sensor data, that there is an issue in the chest-worn sensor device, with the issue preventing the chest-worn sensor device from obtaining first measurements related to the cardiopulmonary condition of the subject.” “In response to detecting an posture issue, instructing an audio interface of the sensor device to output an audio cue alerting the user to the posture issue.” “in response to detecting that the posture issue has been resolved, instructing the chest-worn sensor device to capture measurement data by obtaining the first measurements, the measurement data being usable in identification of a potential cardiopulmonary issue and in management of the cardiopulmonary condition.” Claim 17 “Determine an orientation and body angle of the chest sensor device.” “Compare the body angle of the user to an expected body angle.” “Detect a posture issue in response to a comparison of the body angle to the expected body angle being indicative of the body angle being less than the expected body angle or the body angle being greater than the expected body angle, with the sequence of measurements being a related to the cardiopulmonary condition and yielding measurement data usable in management of the cardiopulmonary condition.” “Determine that the posture issue has been resolved.” obtain, during the at-home monitoring of the cardiopulmonary condition, a sequence of measurements in a first body posture comprising the expected body angle, with the sequence of measurements being [[a]] related to the cardiopulmonary condition and yielding measurement data usable in identification of a potential cardiopulmonary issue and in management of the cardiopulmonary condition “Output a first audio cue in response to the body angle being less than the expected body angle, the first audio cue indicating presence of a first type of the posture issue, and output a second audio cue in response to the body angle being greater than the expected body angle, the first audio cue indicating presence of a second type of posture issue.” Claim 21 “determine a body angle of the subject;” “determine that the body angle of the subject matches an expected body angle of a first body posture in a series of correct body postures or is within a range of expected body angles for the first body posture;” “instruct the chest sensor device to capture measurement data, as part of the measurement sequence, by obtaining first measurements while the subject is in the first body posture, with the first measurements related to the cardiopulmonary condition and the measurement data being usable in identification of a potential cardiopulmonary issue and in management of the cardiopulmonary condition;” “instruct the audio interface to output a first audio cue instructing the subject to move to a second body posture in the series of correct body postures;” “determine a second body angle of the subject;” “determine that the second body angle of the subject matches an expected body angle of a second body posture in the series of correct body postures or is within a range of expected body angles for the second body posture;” “instruct the chest sensor device to capture second measurement data, as part of the measurement sequence, by obtaining second measurements while the subject is in the second body posture, with the second measurements related to the cardiopulmonary condition and the second measurement data being usable in identification of a potential cardiopulmonary issue and in management of the cardiopulmonary condition;” “instruct the audio interface to output a second audio cue indicating that the measurement sequence is complete.” amount to no more than mere instructions to apply the exception using generic computer components. Mere instructions to apply an exception using generic components cannot provide an inventive concept. These additional elements are well‐understood, routine (For example DePasqua et al (U.S. Patent Application Publication Number: US 2013/0108995 A1, hereinafter “DePasqua”) teaches a wearable data gathering device that comprises sensors and conventional limitations that amount to mere instructions or elements to implement the abstract idea. In addition, the end result of the system/method, the essence of the whole, is a patent-ineligible concept. Therefore, the claims are not patent eligible. Although there is no prior art, the claims cannot be considered allowable due to the 35 U.S.C. 101 rejection disclosed above. Conclusion Applicant's amendment necessitated the new ground(s) of rejection presented in this Office action. Accordingly, THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. See MPEP § 706.07(a). Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a). A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any nonprovisional extension fee (37 CFR 1.17(a)) pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the mailing date of this final action. Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to THIEN J TRAN whose telephone number is (571)272-0486. The examiner can normally be reached M-F. 8:30 am - 5:30 pm. Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice. If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Benjamin Klein can be reached on 571-270-5213. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300. Information regarding the status of published or unpublished applications may be obtained from Patent Center. Unpublished application information in Patent Center is available to registered users. To file and manage patent submissions in Patent Center, visit: https://patentcenter.uspto.gov. Visit https://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/patent-center for more information about Patent Center and https://www.uspto.gov/patents/docx for information about filing in DOCX format. For additional questions, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000. /T.J.T./Examiner, Art Unit 3792 /Benjamin J Klein/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 3792
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Prosecution Timeline

Show 9 earlier events
Sep 29, 2025
Response Filed
Nov 05, 2025
Final Rejection mailed — §101
Feb 05, 2026
Request for Continued Examination
Feb 27, 2026
Response after Non-Final Action
Mar 17, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §101
Jun 17, 2026
Response Filed
Aug 24, 2026
Final Rejection mailed — §101
Sep 30, 2026
Interview Requested

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Prosecution Projections

7-8
Expected OA Rounds
75%
Grant Probability
96%
With Interview (+21.4%)
3y 5m (~0m remaining)
Median Time to Grant
High
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