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 .
Continued Examination Under 37 CFR 1.114
A request for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, including the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e), was filed in this application after final rejection. Since this application is eligible for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, and the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e) has been timely paid, the finality of the previous Office action has been withdrawn pursuant to 37 CFR 1.114. Applicant's submission filed on 6/12/2026 has been entered.
Response to Amendment
Amendments filed 06/12/2026 have been entered. Amendments do overcome the 103 rejections set forth in the Final Office Action mailed 03/12/2026.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
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 (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) 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.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
Claims 1, 12, and 20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over by (US-20060275659-A1) herein after referred to as ‘Kim’ in view of (US-5021306-A) hereinafter referred to as ‘Sauer’ in view of (US-20030148175-A1) hereinafter referred to as ‘Iwanaga’
Regarding Claim 1,
Kim teaches a battery cell (Kim, “Disclosed is a cylindrical lithium secondary battery” ,Abstract) comprising: an electrode assembly (Kim, electrode assembly, 300, Fig. 2B) comprising a first electrode piece (Kim, first electrode plate, 310, Fig. 2B) and a second electrode piece (Kim, second electrode plate, 320, Fig. 2B) and a separator disposed between the first electrode piece and the second electrode piece (Kim, “and a separator interposed between the first and second electrode sheets”, see Abstract); a housing (Kim, cylindrical case, 400, Fig. 2B) comprising a casing and an electrode lead-out portion (Kim, second electrode tabs, 315, Fig. 2B) insulated from the casing (Kim, “In addition, upper and lower insulating plates 341 and 345 can be attached to upper and lower portions of the electrode assembly 300 in order to prevent the electrode assembly 300 from directly making contact with the cap assembly 500 or the cylindrical case 400.”, see [0037]) wherein the casing is configured to accommodate the electrode assembly and the second electrode piece is affixed to the casing ; and an adapter to electrically connect the electrode lead-out (Kim, core member, 600, Fig. 2B)
Kim teaches wherein the electrode lead-out portion comprises a first recessed portion recessed with respect to an outer surface toward the electrode assembly in a thickness direction of the electrode lead-out portion, the outer surface is located at one side, away from the electrode assembly, of the electrode lead-out portion, and the adapter is welded to a bottom wall of the first recessed portion (see annotated figure of Kim and the instant application below).
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Kim does not teach an adapter portion and the first electrode piece, wherein the adapter comprises a first reel and a second reel, the first reel and the second reel are at least partially spaced and fixed to the electrode lead-out portion, a clamping slot is formed between the first reel and the second reel, at least part of the first electrode piece is inserted into the clamping slot and clamped by the adapter. The first electrode piece is partially wound around the adapter and affixed to the adapter .
Sauer teaches an adapter portion and the first electrode piece, wherein the adapter comprises a first reel and a second reel (Sauer, splint, 6, Fig. 4) , the first reel and the second reel are at least partially spaced and fixed to the electrode lead-out portion, a clamping slot is formed between the first reel and the second reel, at least part of the first electrode piece is inserted into the clamping slot and clamped by the adapter (Sauer, carrier, 2, Fig. 4) . The first electrode piece is partially wound around the adapter and affixed to the adapter (see annotated figure below).
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Sauer teaches that this reel clamping mechanism allows for the cell to be rolled up in a trouble-free fashion (Sauer, “In such case it is advantageous to place the splint collector 6 somewhat inwardly from the end of the band, over the carrier as previously described, and to provide a free end on the separator casing 9 of the counter-electrode 8 (i.e., the Li electrode),… This ensures that the counter-electrode 8 is dependably retracted upon rotation of the needle 6, so that the electrodes are rolled up in trouble-free fashion, one over the other.”, Col. 5, ln. 29)
Kim and Sauer are analogous as they are both of the same field of battery cases and rolls.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified the adapter as taught in Kim with the adapter as taught in Sauer in order to allow for better rolling of the electrode and counter electrode.
Kim does not teach wherein the electrode assembly is provided with a first through hole, and at least part of the adapter is accommodated in the first through hole, wherein the adapter is provided with a plurality of second through holes configured to serve as a flow channel for electrolyte, a first portion of the second through holes extend in an axial direction of the adapter, a second portion of the second through holes extend in a radial direction of the adapter, the first portion communicate with the second portion.
Iwanaga teaches wherein the electrode assembly is provided with a first through hole, and at least part of the adapter is accommodated in the first through hole, wherein the adapter is provided with a plurality of second through holes configured to serve as a flow channel for electrolyte, a first portion of the second through holes extend in an axial direction of the adapter, a second portion of the second through holes extend in a radial direction of the adapter, the first portion communicate with the second portion (see annotated figure below).
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Iwanaga teaches that the multiplicity of holes allows for the spread of electrolyte (Iwanaga, “In addition, the through holes 29h in the center pin 29 also improve the circulation of the electrolyte inside the battery. In other words, such a lithium ion battery has better circulation of electrolyte inside, since the electrolyte is able to circulate in and out of the center pin 29 via the through holes 29h.”, see [0076]).
Kim and Iwanaga are analogous as they are both of the same field of cylindrical cells.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified the invention as taught in Kim to have multiple axial holes at taught in Iwanaga in order to improve the distribution of electrolyte.
Regarding Claim 12,
Modified Kim teaches the battery cell according to claim 1, wherein the electrode lead-out portion comprises a first locating portion, and the adapter comprises a second locating portion for matching with the first locating portion in the thickness direction of the electrode lead-out portion; and the first locating portion comprises a protrusion (Sauer, carrier, 2, Fig. 4)), and the second locating portion comprises a groove (Sauer, eye, see Fig. 5).
Regarding Claim 20,
Modified Kim teaches an electric device, comprising at least one battery cell according to claim 1, the battery cell being configured to provide electrical energy to the electric device (Kim, “electrically and mechanically connected to an upper portion of the positive thermal coefficient device 530 in order to apply current to an external device”, see [0039]).
Claims 4-6, and 13 -19 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over by (US-20060275659-A1) herein after referred to as ‘Kim’, in view of (US-5021306-A) hereinafter referred to as ‘Sauer’, in view of (US-20030148175-A1) hereinafter referred to as ‘Iwanaga’, in view of (US-20170117526-A1), hereinafter referred to as ‘Lee’
Regarding Claim 4,
Modified Kim does not teach wherein the first electrode piece comprises a first coated portion coated with a first active material and a first uncoated portion not coated with the first active material, the first uncoated portion is connected to the first coated portion and located at one end of the first electrode piece in a winding direction.
Lee teaches the first electrode piece comprises a first coated portion coated with a first active material and a first uncoated portion not coated with the first active material, the first uncoated portion is connected to the first coated portion and located at one end of the first electrode piece in a winding direction (Lee, “The first and second electrodes may respectively include electrode regions where an active material is coated and electrode uncoated regions where an active material is not coated, the electrode uncoated region of the first electrode may be electrically coupled to the bonding portion”, see [0020]). (Lee, uncoated region, 22b, Fig. 4)
Lee teaches that the uncoated portion can help form a second terminal and that the formation of a second terminal can allow for a more compact battery (Lee, “center pin 28 is connected to the first electrode uncoated region 22 b by welding (FIG. 4), and may be used as a first terminal of the rechargeable battery.,”, see [0043]) (Lee, “Embodiments provide a rechargeable battery with a maximized battery capacity and a maximized space for housing an electrode assembly of an ultra-small pin type of rechargeable battery.”, see [0008])
Kim and Lee are analogous as they both come from the same field of lithium-ion batteries.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the electrode as taught in Kim with the coated and uncoated portions as taught in Lee in order to improve electrical contact and to allow to create a more compact design with high energy density.
Regarding Claim 5,
Modified Kim teaches the battery cell according to claim 4, wherein the first uncoated portion comprises a first part inserted into the clamping slot and a second part connecting the first part and the first coated portion; the second part is at least partially wound around an outside of the adapter and affixed to the adapter (see annotated Sauer figure below).
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Regarding Claim 6,
Modified Kim teaches the battery cell according to claim 5, wherein the second part is wound for at least one turn around the adapter (see annotated figure above).
Regarding Claim 13,
Modified Kim does not teach wherein; the second electrode piece is at least partially wound around the adapter and is electrically connected to the casing.
Lee teaches wherein, the second electrode piece is at least partially wound around the adapter and is electrically connected to the casing (Lee, “and the exposed second electrode uncoated region 24 b may contact and be electrically coupled to an inner surface of the case”, see [0044]).
Lee teaches that the uncoated portion can help form a second terminal and that the formation of a second terminal can allow for a more compact battery (Lee, “center pin 28 is connected to the first electrode uncoated region 22 b by welding (FIG. 4), and may be used as a first terminal of the rechargeable battery.,”, see [0043]) (Lee, “Embodiments provide a rechargeable battery with a maximized battery capacity and a maximized space for housing an electrode assembly of an ultra-small pin type of rechargeable battery.”, see [0008])
Kim and Lee are analogous as they both come from the same field of lithium-ion batteries.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the electrode as taught in Kim with the coated and uncoated portions as taught in Lee in order to improve electrical contact and to allow to create a more compact design with high energy density.
Regarding Claim 14,
Modified Kim teaches the battery cell according to claim 13, wherein the casing comprises a side wall surrounding the outside of the electrode assembly, and a part of the second electrode piece is affixed to the side wall (Lee, “and the exposed second electrode uncoated region 24 b may contact and be electrically coupled to an inner surface of the case”, see [0044]) .
Regarding Claim 15,
Modified Kim teaches the battery cell according to claim 14, wherein the second electrode piece comprises a second coated portion coated with a second active material and a second uncoated portion not coated with the second active material (Lee, second electrode region and uncoated region, 24a and 24b, see Fig. 4), the second uncoated portion is connected to the second coated portion and located at one end of the second electrode piece in the winding direction; and at least part of the second uncoated portion is affixed to the side wall (Lee, “and the exposed second electrode uncoated region 24 b may contact and be electrically coupled to an inner surface of the case”, see [0044]).
Regarding Claim 16,
Modified Kim teaches the battery cell according to claim 15, wherein the second uncoated portion (Lee, second electrode region and uncoated region, 24a and 24b, see Fig. 4), is wound for multiple turns around the adapter (Lee, second electrode, 24, Fig, 2) ; and the second uncoated portion is welded to the side wall (Lee, “and the exposed second electrode uncoated region 24 b may contact and be electrically coupled to an inner surface of the case”, see [0044]).
Regarding Claim 17,
Modified Kim teaches the battery cell according to claim 16, wherein the casing further comprises a bottom wall (Kim, lower surface, 420, Fig. 2B) and a transition wall (Kim, plates, 345, Fig. 2B) the bottom wall is arranged at one side, away from the electrode lead-out portion, of the electrode assembly, the transition wall is connected to the side wall and the bottom wall, and an inner surface of the transition wall is an arc surface (Kim, cylindrical body, 410, Fig. 2A) surface, a total thickness of multiple turns of the second uncoated portion is greater than or equal to a radius of the inner surface of the transition wall (Kim, see Fig. 2B).
Regarding Claim 18,
Modified Kim teaches the battery cell according to claim 17, wherein projection of the second coated portion is within projection of the bottom wall in a thickness direction of the bottom wall (see annotated Kim figure below).
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Regarding Claim 19,
Modified Kim teaches the battery cell according to claim 18, wherein the battery cell further comprises a spacer disposed between the bottom wall and the electrode assembly to separate the second coated portion from the arc surface (see annotated figure below) surface, a spacing between the second coated portion and the bottom wall is greater than or equal to a radius of the arc surface (Kim, see figure below).
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Claim 9 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over by (US-20060275659-A1) herein after referred to as ‘Kim’, in view of (US-5021306-A) hereinafter referred to as ‘Sauer’, in view of (US-20030148175-A1) hereinafter referred to as ‘Iwanaga’ in view of (US-20100167112-A1) hereinafter referred to as ‘Honda’
Regarding Claim 9,
Modified Kim teaches the battery cell according to claim 8, wherein the first electrode piece r beyond the adapter in a direction away from the electrode lead-out portion (Kim, second electrode tabs, 315, Fig. 2B) the adapter fills only a part of the first through hole, and another part of the first through hole not filled by the adapter is configured to accommodate the electrolyte (Iwanaga, “In the sealed battery of the present invention, it would be preferable if the center pin further has one or more through holes in the wall thereof for passage between inside and outside of the center pin because it is possible to reduce the weight as well as to allow the electrolyte to circulate in and out of the center pin even in the middle range of the length of the electrode assembly, which is for the benefit of the performance of the battery”, see [0024])(The examiner notes that this suggest that the electrolyte moves to other parts of the cell).
Modified Kim does not teach the separator go beyond the adapter.
Honda teaches the second electrode piece the separator go beyond the adapter (Honda, separator, 33, Fig. 4).
Honda teaches that this allows for the prevention of degradation of the cell ( Honda, “ separator 33 is provided on the side of the positive electrode active material layer on which the positive electrode current collector is not provided. It is preferable that the positive electrode 32 is formed such that the width in the longitudinal direction is slightly smaller than the width in the longitudinal direction of the negative electrode 1. The purpose of this is to, as already stated above, prevent lithium from depositing on the current collector of the negative electrode 1 during charge, and the like..”, see [0102]).
Modified Kim and Honda are analogous as they are both of the same field of cylindrical cells.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified the cell as taught in Kim to have the longer separator as taught in Honda in order to prevent cell degradation.
Claims 10, 11, and 22 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over by (US-20060275659-A1) herein after referred to as ‘Kim’ (US-5021306-A) hereinafter referred to as ‘Sauer’, in view of (US-20030148175-A1) hereinafter referred to as ‘Iwanaga’in view of (KR-20130091532-A) hereinafter referred to as ‘Kim III’
Regarding Claim 10,
Modified Kim the battery cell according to claim 1, wherein the bottom wall of the first recessed portion comprises a connecting region and a weak region surrounding the connecting region, the connecting region is welded to the adapter, and the weak region surrounds an outside of the connecting region and is configured to rupture when an internal pressure or a temperature of the battery cell reaches a threshold value, (see annotated figure below)(Kim, “safety vent 510 such that circuits thereof can be disconnected when the safety vent 510 is deformed, a positive thermal coefficient device 530 electrically and mechanically connected to an upper portion of the PCB 520 such that circuits thereof can be disconnected when a temperature rises above a predetermined temperature”, see [0039]). (Lee, “the center pin 28 is connected to the first electrode uncoated region 22 b by welding (FIG. 4)”, see [0043]).
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Kim does not teach the weak region surrounds an outside of the connecting region.
Kim does not teach that the weak part discharges emissions from the battery cell.
Kim III teaches that the weak part discharges emissions from the battery cell and the weak region surrounds an outside of the connecting region (Kim III, “Furthermore, when the internal pressure of the secondary battery continuously increases, the safety vent 32 ruptures and the gas is exhausted through the exhaust port of the top cap 31, so that the explosion of the battery can be prevented.”, see [0008])(notch 31 and cap 35, see Fig. 1).
Kim III teaches that this prevents explosions (Kim III, “Furthermore, when the internal pressure of the secondary battery continuously increases, the safety vent 32 ruptures and the gas is exhausted through the exhaust port of the top cap 31, so that the explosion of the battery can be prevented.”, see [0008]).
Modified Kim and Kim III are analogous as they are both of the same field of battery packs.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified the top as taught in Kim to break when the connection is severed in order to prevent explosion as taught in Kim III.
Regarding Claim 11,
Modified Kim teaches wherein when the weak region ruptures, a part, surrounding an outside of the weak region, is disconnected from the connecting region, and under the internal pressure of the battery cell, the part of the electrode lead-out portion is broken through and separated from the casing (Kim, “safety vent 510 such that circuits thereof can be disconnected when the safety vent 510 is deformed, a positive thermal coefficient device 530 electrically and mechanically connected to an upper portion of the PCB 520 such that circuits thereof can be disconnected when a temperature rises above a predetermined temperature”, see [0039]), thereby discharging the emissions from the battery cell (Kim III, “Furthermore, when the internal pressure of the secondary battery continuously increases, the safety vent 32 ruptures and the gas is exhausted through the exhaust port of the top cap 31, so that the explosion of the battery can be prevented.”, see [0008]).
Regarding Claim 22,
Modified Kim teaches the battery cell according to claim 1, wherein a thickness of the weak region is reduced by arranging the second recessed portion, such that the weak region ruptures when the internal pressure or the temperature the battery cell reaches the threshold value, so as to discharge the emissions from the battery cell (Kim III, “Furthermore, when the internal pressure of the secondary battery continuously increases, the safety vent 32 ruptures and the gas is exhausted through the exhaust port of the top cap 31, so that the explosion of the battery can be prevented.”, see [0008]) the bottom wall of the first recessed portion is provided with a second recessed portion recessed toward the electrode assembly in the thickness direction, and the weak region is a bottom wall of the second recessed portion but it would have been obvious as a matter or rearrangement of parts (Kim II, “At least a portion of the upper portion of the current blocking member 340 is connected to the lower end of the safety vent 330. Therefore, in a normal state, when the safety vent 330.”, see [0039]).
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Claim 21 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over by (US-20060275659-A1) herein after referred to as ‘Kim’ in view of (US-5021306-A) hereinafter referred to as ‘Sauer’, in view of (US-20030148175-A1) hereinafter referred to as ‘Iwanaga’, in further view of (US-20210036297-A1) hereinafter referred to as ‘Kim II’
Regarding Claim 21,
Modified Kim teaches the battery cell according to claim 1, wherein the first electrode piece is bonded to a wall of the clamping slot by a conductive adhesive.
Modified Kim does not teach an electrode piece bonded by a conductive adhesive.
Kim II teaches an electrode piece bonded by a conductive adhesive (Kim II, “the positive tab 240 may be bonded to the positive uncoated region 215 by a conductive adhesive part”, [0057]).
Kim II teaches that a conductive adhesive allows for the area of the electrode materials to be increased and therefore increasing the capacity of the battery (Kim II, “conductive adhesive part 250 instead of by the conventional welding. Therefore, the area of the positive active material layer 213 may be increased to increase the amount of the active material, thereby increasing of the capacity of the rechargeable battery”, see [0058]).
Modified Kim and Kim II are analogous as they are both of the same field of battery materials.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified the attachment of the electrode to the clamp as taught in Kim with the conductive adhesive as taught in Kim II, in order to improve the performance of the electrode.
Claim 23 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over by (US-20060275659-A1) herein after referred to as ‘Kim’, in view of (US-5021306-A) hereinafter referred to as ‘Sauer’, in view of (US-20030148175-A1) hereinafter referred to as ‘Iwanaga’ in view of (US-20170117526-A1), hereinafter referred to as ‘Lee’ in view of (US-20100167112-A1) hereinafter referred to as ‘Honda’
Regarding Claim 23,
Modified Kim teaches the battery cell according to claim 19, wherein, in the thickness direction of the bottom wall, and a thickness of the spacer is smaller than a radius of the arc surface (Kim, plates, 345, Fig. 2B)(see annotated figure below).
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Modified Kim does not teach the separator go beyond the adapter.
Honda teaches the separator goes beyond the adapter (Honda, separator, 33, Fig. 4).
Honda teaches that this allows for the prevention of degradation of the cell ( Honda, “ separator 33 is provided on the side of the positive electrode active material layer on which the positive electrode current collector is not provided. It is preferable that the positive electrode 32 is formed such that the width in the longitudinal direction is slightly smaller than the width in the longitudinal direction of the negative electrode 1. The purpose of this is to, as already stated above, prevent lithium from depositing on the current collector of the negative electrode 1 during charge, and the like..”, see [0102]).
Modified Kim and Honda are analogous as they are both of the same field of cylindrical cells.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified the cell as taught in Kim to have the longer separator as taught in Honda in order to prevent cell degradation.
Claim 24 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over by (US-20060275659-A1) herein after referred to as ‘Kim’ in view of (US-5021306-A) hereinafter referred to as ‘Sauer’, in view of (US-20030148175-A1) hereinafter referred to as ‘Iwanaga’, in view of (US-20060035147-A1) hereinafter referred to as ‘Lam’
Regarding Claim 24,
Modified Kim is silent to wherein the adapter is provided with a first limit structure, a part of the first electrode piece inserted into the clamping slot is provided with a second limit structure matched with the first limit structure, the first limit structure comprises a plurality of protrusions protruding from a wall of the clamping slot, and the second limit structure comprises a groove into which the plurality of protrusions are inserted.
Lam teaches the adapter is provided with a first limit structure, a part of the first electrode piece inserted into the clamping slot is provided with a second limit structure matched with the first limit structure, the first limit structure comprises a plurality of protrusions protruding from a wall of the clamping slot(Lam, “Accordingly, in accordance with a significant aspect of the present invention, an elongate C-shaped mandrel 48 is provided to mechanically reinforce the pin 12 and secure the substrate 32 thereto.”, see [0054]). , and the second limit structure comprises a groove into which the plurality of protrusions are inserted (Lam, “ tube 50 is preferably sufficiently long so as to extend beyond the free end of the pin 12. As depicted in FIG. 9, this enables a drive key 56 to extend into the mandrel slot 52.”, see [0056]).
Lam teaches that the thinness of the material makes it difficult to attached which can be fixed by mechanically fixing the cell part (Lam, “ Alternatively, substrate 32 may be ultrasonically welded to the pin 12. The thinness, e.g. point 0.02 mm of the substrate 32, makes it very difficult to form a strong mechanical connection between the substrate and the pin 12. Accordingly, in accordance with a significant aspect of the present invention, an elongate C-shaped mandrel 48 is provided to mechanically reinforce the pin 12 and secure the substrate 32 thereto.”, see [0054])
Modified Kim and Lam are analogous as they are both of the same field of rolled cells.
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified the battery as taught in Kim to have the mechanical clamping structure as taught in Lam in order to mechanically secure the cell to the adapter.
Response to Arguments
Arguments filed on 06/12/2026 have been entered. Arguments are fully considered.
On pg. 9, the applicant states,
“Claim 1 does not merely recite a duplicated hole. Rather, claim 1 expressly recites that "the adapter is provided with a plurality of second through holes configured to serve as a flow channel for electrolyte," and further recites that "a first portion of the second through holes extend in an axial direction of the adapter, a second portion of the second through holes extend in a radial direction of the adapter, the first portion communicate with the second portion." Thus, claim 1 requires a particular through-hole network of the adapter, including second through holes extending in different directions of the adapter and communicating with one another to form an electrolyte flow channel.”
This is convincing. The examiner has added to the record (US-20030148175-A1) hereinafter referred to as ‘Iwanaga’, which teaches holes in the adapter both in the axial and radial direction and gives motivation for the holes for the spread of electrolyte, which would make the modification obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention. The examiner has also added ‘Honda’ and ‘Lam’, which teach features of the new and amended claims not taught or silent in Modified Kim.
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to SEAMUS PATRICK MCNULTY whose telephone number is (703)756-1909. The examiner can normally be reached Monday- Friday 8:00am to 5pm.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Nicholas A. Smith can be reached on (571) 272-8760. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/S.P.M./Examiner, Art Unit 1752
/NICHOLAS A SMITH/Supervisory Primary Examiner, Art Unit 1752
