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 .
Statement re Text of U.S. Code
The text of those sections of Title 35, U.S. Code not included in this action can be found in a prior Office action.
Comment
It is noted that two copies of specifications, claims, and abstracts were filed on 1/25/2023. At first blush, the copies appear to be identical to one another, though it is noted that one of the specifications contains 34 pages and the other contains only 31 pages. That said, it appears (again at first blush) that the difference in page count stems from the use of a different font, rather than from a difference in content.
It is noted that one of the copies of each of the specification, claims, and abstracts includes a(n attorney) docket number in the upper left corner of each page, and the other copies of each of the specification, claims, and abstracts does not include such attorney docket number(s). It is noted that the copies being examined are the ones that include the aforementioned attorney docket number, and any references herein to page numbers, line numbers, paragraph numbers, or the like are with respect to the copies having the attorney docket number thereon.
Election/Restrictions
Claims 16 and 18-20 are withdrawn from further consideration pursuant to 37 CFR 1.142(b) as being drawn to a nonelected invention, there being no allowable generic or linking claim. Election (of Group I, drawn to either a “machining system” or an “end effector”, depending on the claim) was made without traverse in the reply filed on October 29, 2025.
Claims
The claims are objected to because of the following informalities:
in claim 11, lines 14-15, the claim recites “the unique pattern of the plurality of second contacts and a plurality of first contacts of the master-side data transmission connector to automatically complete a unique electrical circuit that corresponds to the end effector”. However, it appears that, as written, this limitation is missing some verbiage, i.e., the unique pattern “to automatically complete a unique electrical circuit that corresponds to the end effector” does what? Alternatively, Applicant may wish to consider deleting “to” (between “connector” and “automatically”.
Appropriate correction is required.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
Claims 6, 9-15, and 21-22, are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph, as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor (or for applications subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, the applicant), regards as the invention.
There are several positively recited limitations that lack sufficient antecedent bases in the claims. Examples of this are:
“the unique pattern of the plurality of second contacts corresponding to each one of the plurality of end effectors” as set forth in claim 21 (noting that while claim 1 previously set forth “each one of the plurality of end effectors comprising: …a tool-side data transmission connector coupled to the machine tool of the corresponding one of the plurality of end effectors, comprising a unique pattern of a plurality of second contacts…”, that is not a clear recitation of one unique pattern of the plurality of second contacts that corresponds to each of the end effectors, nor is such inherent);
“the tool-side data transmission connector of each one of the plurality of end effectors” as set forth in claim 14 (noting that claim 12 merely broadly set forth that “the end effector is selected from a plurality of end effectors…”, and does not actually require, in this method limitation set forth in an apparatus claimed directed to one “end effector”, the plural end effectors at all, and further, does not recite any particular structure of the “plurality of end effectors” mentioned in claim 12 such that no plural tool-side data transmission connectors were previously mentioned or recited);
“the tool-side automated tool changer of a select one of the plurality of end effectors” in claim 14; and
“the plurality of unique patterns corresponding to the select one of the plurality of end effectors” in claim 14.
In claim 6, the claim recites “wherein the master-side data transmission connector and the tool-side data transmission connector of each one of the plurality of end effectors comprise a serial communication interface”. However, it is unclear as claimed how many serial communication interfaces are required in order to meet the claim. In particular, it is unclear as claimed whether the master-side data transmission connector and each of the tool-side data transmission connectors collectively comprise “a” (i.e., one) serial communication interface, or whether (instead) the master-side data transmission connector comprises a serial communication interface, and additionally, each of the tool-side data transmission connectors comprises a respective serial communication interface.
In claim 9, the claim now recites “each one of the plurality of end effectors further comprises a tool housing; the machine tool of the corresponding one of the plurality of end effectors is coupled to and is movable relative to the tool housing of the corresponding one of the plurality of end effectors along a processing axis”. However, it is unclear as claimed whether the machine tools of each of the plurality of end effectors is coupled to and movable along a processing axis relative to the corresponding tool housing, or whether it is only necessary for one of the machine tools (i.e., of a “corresponding one” of the plurality end effectors) to be so coupled and so movable. A similar issue likewise applies to claim 10 re the limitation “a tool stroke of the machine tool of the corresponding one of the plurality of end effectors relative to the tool housing of the corresponding one of the plurality of end effectors is selectively adjustable”, i.e., it is unclear as claimed whether such only applies to one of the machine tools of one of the end effectors, or whether such applies to each of the machine tools/end effectors.
In claim 11, last four lines, the claim sets forth “the end effector is passively identifiable based on the unique electrical circuit completed by the unique pattern of the plurality of second contacts and the plurality of first contacts”. However, it is unclear what effect the term “passively” is intended to have on the scope of the claim, as it is unclear as claimed what characteristic(s) an identification that is “passive” must have (or lack) in order for the limitation to be met, and it is unclear as claimed what characteristic(s) an identification that is not “passive” must have (or lack) in order for the identification to be excluded by the term “passively identifiable”.
Claim 12 recites “The end effector of claim 11, wherein the end effector is selected from a plurality of end effectors and for a corresponding one of a plurality of workpieces”. However, noting that the claim is drawn to the “end effector”, it is unclear as claimed what (if any) effect the recitation of the method step/function of “select[ing]” the end effector “from a plurality of end effectors and for a corresponding one of a plurality of workpieces” is intended to have on the scope of the claim {i.e., the claim drawn to (one) end effector}. It is noted that this issue has now been magnified in claim 14 via the amendments to claim 14 that were filed 4/1/2026, which now recites “wherein the tool-side data transmission connector of each one of the plurality of end effectors…”, though it is noted that no such plurality of end effectors was actually required, i.e., as part of the claimed “end effector” to which claim 12 is drawn. Note that merely setting forth a method step of (at some point in time, such as during a design phase or the like) selecting the claimed end effector from a plurality of end effectors as set forth in claim 12 merely requires that the claimed end effector be merely capable of being selected (at some point in time, such as during design) from a plurality of end effectors.
In new claim 22, line 4, the term “end effector” lacks a modifying article such as “an” or “the”, rendering it unclear as claimed as to whether “end effector” in line 4 is intended to be the same as, or different from, the previously recited end effector.
The following is a quotation of the first paragraph of 35 U.S.C. 112(a):
(a) IN GENERAL.—The specification shall contain a written description of the invention, and of the manner and process of making and using it, in such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains, or with which it is most nearly connected, to make and use the same, and shall set forth the best mode contemplated by the inventor or joint inventor of carrying out the invention.
The following is a quotation of the first paragraph of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112:
The specification shall contain a written description of the invention, and of the manner and process of making and using it, in such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains, or with which it is most nearly connected, to make and use the same, and shall set forth the best mode contemplated by the inventor of carrying out his invention.
Claims 1-4, 6-15, and 21-22 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(a) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), first paragraph, as failing to comply with the written description requirement. The claim(s) contains subject matter which was not described in the specification in such a way as to reasonably convey to one skilled in the relevant art that the inventor or a joint inventor, or for applications subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, the inventor(s), at the time the application was filed, had possession of the claimed invention.
In claim 1, lines 6 and 11-14, the claim now recites “a plurality of end effectors, each one of the plurality of end effectors comprising: …a tool-side data transmission connector coupled to the machine tool of the corresponding one of the plurality of end effectors, comprising a unique pattern of a plurality of second contacts, and coupleable to the master-side data transmission connector”. Furthermore, claim 1 additionally now recites (in lines 17-21 and 26-30) “wherein, with the master-side automated tool changer coupled to the tool-side automated tool changer of a select one of the plurality of end effectors: a select combination of the plurality of second contacts having the unique pattern and the plurality of first contacts complete a unique electrical circuit that corresponds to the select one of the plurality of end effectors;” and “the controller identifies the select one of the plurality of end effectors based on the unique electrical circuit completed by the select combination of the plurality of second contacts and the plurality of first contacts”. However, the specification as originally filed does not appear to provide support for the aforequoted limitations.
Furthermore, independent claim 11 now recites “[A]n end effector comprising: …a tool-side data transmission connector coupled to the machine tool and comprising a plurality of second contacts arranged in a unique pattern that corresponds to the end effector”, and “with the master-side automated tool changer coupled to the tool-side automated tool changer of the end effector: the unique pattern of the plurality of second contacts and a plurality of first contacts of the master-side data transmission connector to (sic) automatically complete a unique electrical circuit that corresponds to the end effector;…and the end effector is passively identifiable based on the unique electrical circuit completed by the unique pattern of the plurality of second contacts and the plurality of contacts”. However, the specification as originally filed does not appear to provide support for the aforequoted limitations.
It is noted that paragraph 0035 of the specification as filed teaches that “[T]he master-side automated tool changer 108 and the tool-side automated tool changer 110 are designed to lock or couple together automatically, carry a payload, and have the ability to pass utilities, such as power 172”. Furthermore, paragraph 0036 teaches that “the data transmission connector 112 provides flexibility to automatically connect communications with different ones of the end effectors 102 when interchanged” and “includes two mating parts, a master-side data transmission connector 114 and a tool-side data transmission connector 116” that “are designed to mate together automatically and have the ability to pass electrical signals 174”. Paragraph 0027 teaches that the “data transmission connector 112 is utilized for electrical communications between the controller 120 and the connected one of the plurality of end effectors 102”.
It is noted that paragraphs 0040-0044 of the specification as filed are as follows (with particular emphasis on the italicized portions):
[0040] With the master-side automated tool changer 108 coupled to the tool-side automated tool changer 110 of the coupled one of the end effectors 102, power 172 is selectively transferred from the master-side automated tool changer 108 to the tool-side automated tool changer 110. The machine tool 118 is coupled to and is in communication with the tool-side automated tool changer 110. The power 172 is transferred from the tool-side automated tool changer 110 to the machine tool 118. For the purpose of the present disclosure, “power” refers to any utility required to energize or operate the machine tool 118 including, but not limited to, electrical power, pneumatic power, hydraulic power, and the like.
[0041] With the master-side automated tool changer 108 coupled to the tool-side automated tool changer 110 of the coupled one of the end effectors 102, electrical signals 174 are transferred between the master-side data transmission connector 114 and the tool-side data transmission connector 116. As will be described in greater detail herein, the electrical signals 174 are used by the controller 120 to identify the coupled one of the end effectors 102. As an example, with the master-side automated tool changer 108 coupled to the tool-side automated tool changer 110 of the coupled one of the end effectors 102, the controller 120 identifies the coupled one of the plurality of end effectors 102 based on one of the electrical signals 174 transferred between the master-side data transmission connector 114 and the tool-side data transmission connector 116. Additionally, the electrical signals 174 may include sensor data or other information transmitted between the coupled one of the end effector 102 and the controller 120.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 1, in one or more examples, in one or more examples, the data transmission connector 112 includes a serial connector 136. In these examples, the master-side data transmission connector 114 and the tool-side data transmission connector 116 of each one of the end effectors 102 includes a serial communication interface 122. In one or more examples, the data transmission connector 112, including the master-side data transmission connector 114 and the tool-side data transmission connector 116, of each one of the plurality of end effectors 102 includes or takes the form of an HD15 type connector 214.
[0043] Referring to FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, in one or more examples, the master-side data transmission connector 114 (e.g., the serial connector 136) includes a contact pad 222 having a plurality of first contacts 148. The tool-side data transmission connector 116 (e.g., serial connector 136) of each one of the plurality of end effectors 102 includes the contact pad 222 having a plurality of second contacts 150. With the master-side automated tool changer 108 coupled to the tool-side automated tool changer 110 of the coupled one of the plurality of end effectors 102, a select combination 152 of the second contacts 150 and the first contacts 148 complete an electrical circuit between the master-side data transmission connector 114 and the tool-side data transmission connector 116 that corresponds to the coupled one of the plurality of end effectors 102.
[0044] In one or more examples, the serial connector 136 of the master-side data transmission connector 114 and the tool-side data transmission connector 116 also includes a serial port 216 and a serial plug 218 that is connected to the serial port 216. Each one of the plurality of first contacts 148 corresponds to one of the pins of the serial connector 136 of the master-side data transmission connector 114. Each one of the plurality of second contacts 150 corresponds to one of the pins of the serial connector 136 of the tool-side data transmission connector 116. When the first contacts 148 of the contact pad 222 of the master-side data transmission connector 114 and the second contacts 150 of the contact pad 222 of the tool-side data transmission connector 116 make intimate contact, energized ones of the first contacts 148 and ones of the second contacts 150 corresponding to active pins of serial connector 136 and form the select combination 152, which completes the electrical circuit. Based on the completed electrical circuit and the electrical signal 174 transferred between the controller 120 and the tool-side data transmission connector 116, the controller 120 can identify which one of the end effectors 102 is coupled to the robotic manipulator 104.
Additionally, paragraph 0060 teaches that “[W]ith the end effector 102 connected to the robotic manipulator 104 by the automated tool changer 106, the data transmission connector 112 is used to send a signal to the controller 120 to indicate which one of the end effectors 102 is connected to the robotic manipulator 104”.
Also, paragraph 0068 teaches the following:
[0068] In one or more examples, the calibration tool 170 also includes the tool-side data transmission connector 116. In one or more examples, the tool-side data transmission connector 116 is coupled to the body of the calibration tool 170. In one or more examples, the tool-side data transmission connector 116 is coupled to or is integrated with the tool-side automated tool changer 110. The tool-side data transmission connector 116 is coupleable to the master-side data transmission connector 114. In one or more examples, the calibration tool 170 includes the serial connector 136 and is configured to engage the master-side data transmission connector 114 as described herein. In one or more examples, the controller 120 is in selective communication with the tool-side data transmission connector 116 of the calibration tool 170 via connection between the master-side data transmission connector 114 and the tool-side data transmission connector 116. With the master-side automated tool changer 108 coupled to the tool-side automated tool changer 110 of the calibration tool 170, electrical signals 174 are transferred between the master-side data transmission connector 114 and the tool-side data transmission connector 116. As described herein above with respect to the end effectors 102, the electrical signals 174 are used by the controller 120 to identify the calibration tool 170. As an example, with the master-side automated tool changer 108 coupled to the tool-side automated tool changer 110 of the calibration tool 170, the controller 120 identifies the calibration tool 170 based on one of the electrical signals 174 transferred between the master-side data transmission connector 114 and the tool-side data transmission connector 116. In one or more examples, the calibration tool 170 has its own code so the machining system 100 knows the calibration tool 170 is loaded. In one or more examples, identification of the calibration tool 170 is used to automatically select one of a plurality of processing programs 162 that correspond to the calibration tool 170.
Furthermore, paragraph 0073 teaches that “[I]dentification of the selected and coupled one of the end effectors 102 is achieved by the controller 120 based on the select combination 152 of the first contacts 148 of the master-side data transmission connector 114 and the second contacts 150 of the tool-side data transmission connector 116, which complete an electrical circuit that corresponds to that end effector”, and paragraph 0076 teaches that “the step of (block 1006) identifying the select one of the plurality of end effectors 102 includes a step of (block 1012) completed an electrical circuit between the select combination 152 of the plurality of second contacts 150 of the tool-side data transmission connector 116 and the plurality of first contacts 148 of the master-side data transmission connector 114”.
The foregoing teachings do more broadly support there being a master-side data transmission connector 114 (which is coupled to the robotic manipulator 104) comprising a plurality of first contacts 148 (shown in Figures 1 and 3, for example), and support each of a plurality of the end effectors 102 having a (respective) a tool-side data transmission connector 116 (at least ultimately) “coupled to” the machine tool 118 of the corresponding end effector 102, which tool-side data transmission connectors 114 (each) comprising a respective plurality of second contacts 150 (shown in Figures 1 and 4, for example). Furthermore, these teachings also support that, with the master-side automated tool changer 108 coupled to the tool-side automated tool changer 110 of a select one of the plurality of end effectors 102, electrical signals 174 are transferred between the master-side data transmission connector 114 and the tool-side data transmission connector 116, and the controller 120 identifies the select one of the plurality of end effectors 102 based on one of the electrical signals 174 transferred between the master-side data transmission connector 114 and the tool-side data transmission connector 116 (see at least paragraphs 0068-0069), based on an electrical circuit that is completed by “energized ones of the first contacts 148 and ones of the second contacts 150 corresponding to active pins of serial connector 136” when “the first contacts 148 of the contact pad 222 of the master-side data transmission connector 114 and the second contacts 150 of the contact pad 222 of the tool-side data transmission connector 116 make intimate contact” (see paragraph 0044, for example).
However, these teachings (nor the specification as filed as a whole) do not support that the tool-side data transmission connector 116 comprises “a unique pattern of a plurality of second contacts”, as now set forth in independent claim 1, nor that the tool-side data transmission connector 116 comprises “a plurality of second contacts arranged in a unique pattern that corresponds to the end effector”, as now set forth in independent claim 11. Furthermore, these teachings (nor the specification as filed as a whole) do not support that “with the master-side automated tool changer” (108) “coupled to the tool-side automated tool changer” (110) “of a select one of the plurality of end effectors” (102): “a select combination of the plurality of second contacts” (150) “having the unique pattern and the plurality of first contacts” (148) “complete a unique electrical circuit that corresponds to the select one of the plurality of end effectors”, and that “the controller” (120) “identifies the select one of the plurality of end effectors based on the unique electrical circuit completed by the select combination of the plurality of second contacts” (150) “and the plurality of first contacts” (148), as now set forth in independent claim 1, nor that “with the master-side automated tool changer” (108) “coupled to the tool-side automated tool changer” (110) “of the end effector” (102): “the unique pattern of the plurality of second contacts and a plurality of first contacts of the master-side data transmission connector to (sic) automatically complete a unique electrical circuit that corresponds to the end effector” and “the end effector is passively identifiable based on the unique electrical circuit completed by the unique pattern of the plurality of second contacts and the plurality of first contacts”, as now set forth in independent claim 11.
Firstly, it is noted that the specification as filed did not use the word “unique” or any synonym (having the same meaning) thereof, and it is not inherent that, for example, the electrical circuit completed by any of the first 148 and second 150 contacts is “unique”, as opposed to, for example, there being an electrical circuit “corresponding to” all of the end effectors of the same type (such as all end effectors that have calibration tools being configured to complete an electrical circuit having the same properties, and all of the end effectors that have cutting tools being configured to complete an electrical circuit having the same properties, though different properties than the electrical circuit completed by an end effector having a calibration tool), or as opposed to there being another end effector with an identical tool, somewhere in the world, that has the same pattern of contacts and/or same electrical circuit. See, for example, paragraphs 0034 and 0068, as well as Figures 6-10.
Furthermore, it is noted that the specification as originally files teaches that the master-side data transmission connector 114 and the tool-side data transmission connector 116 of each one of the end effectors 102 includes a serial communication interface 122 (paragraph 0042, Figure 1), and further teaches that the data transmission connector 112 (which includes both 114 and 116) of each of the plurality of end effectors 102 “includes or takes the form of an HD15 type connector 214”. See paragraph 0042 and Figure 1. Furthermore, the specification as originally filed teaches that “the master-side data transmission connector 114 (e.g., the serial connector 136) includes a contact pad 222 having a plurality of first contacts 148” and “[T]he tool-side data transmission connector 116 (e.g., serial connector 136) of each one of the plurality of end effectors 102 includes the contact pad 222 having a plurality of second contacts 150”. See paragraphs 0043-0044, as well as Figures 1, 3, and 4. Additionally, paragraph 0044 teaches that each of the plurality of first contacts 148 “corresponds to” one of the pins of the serial connector 136 of the master-side data transmission connector 114” and that each one of the plurality of second contacts 150 “corresponds to” one of the pins of the serial connector 136 of the tool-side data transmission connector 116. See paragraph 0044 as well as Figures 1, 3, and 4. Paragraph 0044 goes on to say that “[W]hen the first contacts 148 of the contact pad 222 of the master-side data transmission connector 114 and the second contacts 150 of the contact pad 222 of the tool-side data transmission connector 116 make intimate contact, energized ones of the first contacts 148 and ones of the second contacts 150 corresponding to active pins of serial connector 136 and form the select combination 152, which completes the electrical circuit” and “[B]ased on the completed electrical circuit and the electrical signal 174 transferred between the controller 120 and the tool-side data transmission connector 116, the controller 120 can identify which one of the end effectors 102 is coupled to the robotic manipulator 104”.
All that being said, the specification teaches that each of the end effectors 102 includes the same “pattern” of second contacts 150 (i.e., of the standardized HD15 type connector 214 shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4 and disclosed in at least paragraphs 0042-0043), and a select combination of those contacts 150 and the first contacts 148 complete an electrical circuit that “corresponds to” the coupled one of the end effectors 102 (paragraph 0043) by energizing “ones” of the first contacts 148 and “ones” of the second contacts 150 corresponding to active pins of serial connector 136. Note that this is not the same thing as there being a “tool-side data transmission connector coupled to the machine tool of the corresponding one of the plurality of end effectors, comprising a unique pattern of a plurality of second contacts”, as now set forth in independent claim 1, nor of there being a “tool-side data transmission connector coupled to the machine tool and comprising a plurality of second contacts arranged in a unique pattern”, as now set forth in independent claim 11. Furthermore, the aforedescribed teachings of the specification are likewise not the same thing as “a select combination of the plurality of second contacts having the unique pattern and the plurality of first contacts complete a unique electrical circuit” as now set forth in claim 1, nor is such the same thing as the controller identifying the select one of the plurality of end effectors based on “the unique electrical circuit completed by the select combination of the plurality of second contacts” (previously recited in the claim as “comprising a unique pattern of a plurality of second contacts”) “and the plurality of first contacts”, as now set forth in claim 1, nor is such the same thing as “the unique pattern of the plurality of second contacts and a plurality of first contacts of the master-side data transmission connector to (sic) automatically complete a unique electrical circuit that corresponds to the end effector”, as now set forth in independent claim 11, nor is such the same thing as, “with the master-side automated tool changer coupled to the tool-side automated tool changer of the end effector”, the “end effector is passively identifiable based on the unique electrical circuit completed by the unique pattern of the plurality of second contacts and the plurality of first contacts” as now set forth in independent claim 11.
Furthermore, re the “passive” identification of the end effector 102 “based on the unique electrical circuit” set forth in claim 11, it is also noted that paragraph 0068 teaches that the calibration tool 170, for example, “has its own code so that the machining system 100 knows the calibration tool 170 is loaded”.
It is noted that claim 14 has some clarity issues, as are described in the above rejection(s) based on 35 USC 112(b), particularly noting that claim 14 depends from claim 12, and both claims are directed to an/one “end effector”, rather than to a plurality of end effectors, and furthermore, noting that the recitation of the method step of the end effector being “selected from a plurality of end effectors” set forth in claim 12 does not actually require the plurality of end effectors (nor does it require or mention any particular structures related to the broadly mentioned plurality of end effectors). Given that claims 12 and 14 are apparatus claims directed to the “end effector”, all that is necessary to meet the broadly-recited method/functional limitation “wherein the end effector is selected from a plurality of end effectors” is for the end effector to be merely capable of being “selected” (at some point in time, such as during design or planning) from “a plurality of end effectors”. That said, regarding claim 14 as best understood, it is noted that the specification as originally filed does not teach “wherein: the tool-side data transmission connector of each one of the plurality of end effectors comprises one of a plurality of unique patterns of the second contacts; and with the master-side automated tool changer coupled to the tool-side automated tool changer of a select one of the plurality of end effectors, a select combination of the plurality of second contacts having one of the plurality of unique patterns corresponding to the select one of the plurality of end effectors and the plurality of first contacts of the master-side data transmission connector automatically complete one of a plurality of unique electrical circuits corresponding to and that passively identifies the select one of the plurality of end effectors”, as set forth in claim 14, for the same or similar reasoning previously described re the newly-added similar limitations of claims 1 and 11.
Furthermore, new claim 21 sets forth “wherein: the master-side data transmission connector and the tool-side data transmission connector of each one of the plurality of end effectors comprises a serial communication interface; and the unique pattern of the plurality of second contacts corresponding to each one of the plurality of end effectors corresponds to a specific set of the plurality of first contacts that creates a unique identification signature associated with each one of the plurality of end effectors”. The aforedescribed issues described regarding the lack of support in the specification as originally filed for the amendments to claim 1 described above likewise apply here. Furthermore, it is particularly noted re claim 21 that the specification as filed did not use the word “unique” or any synonym (having the same meaning) thereof, and it is not inherent that, for example, the electrical circuit completed by any of the first 148 and second 150 contacts is “unique”, as opposed to, for example, there being an electrical circuit “corresponding to” all of the end effectors of the same type (such as all end effectors that have calibration tools being configured to complete an electrical circuit having the same properties, and all of the end effectors that have cutting tools being configured to complete an electrical circuit having the same properties, though different properties than the electrical circuit completed by an end effector having a calibration tool). See, for example, paragraphs 0034 and 0068, as well as Figures 6-10.
Furthermore, new claim 22 sets forth “[T]he end effector of Claim 11, wherein: the tool-side data transmission connector comprises a serial communication interface; and the unique pattern of the plurality of second contacts corresponding to end (sic) effector corresponds to a specific set of the plurality of first contacts of the master-side data transmission connector to create a unique identification signature associated with the end effector”. The aforedescribed issues described regarding the lack of support in the specification as originally filed for the amendments to claim 11 described above likewise apply here. Furthermore, it is particularly noted re claim 22 that the specification as filed did not use the word “unique” or any synonym (having the same meaning) thereof, and it is not inherent that, for example, the electrical circuit completed by any of the first 148 and second 150 contacts is “unique”, as opposed to, for example, there being an electrical circuit “corresponding to” all of the end effectors of the same type (such as all end effectors that have calibration tools being configured to complete an electrical circuit having the same properties, and all of the end effectors that have cutting tools being configured to complete an electrical circuit having the same properties, though different properties than the electrical circuit completed by an end effector having a calibration tool). See, for example, paragraphs 0034 and 0068, as well as Figures 6-10.
Comment Regarding Non-Indication of Allowable Subject Matter
A thorough search has been conducted re the elected invention/claims. That being said, though no art rejections are considered to presently apply to claims 1-4, 6-15, and 21-22, no indication regarding the allowability of the subject matter of elected claims 1-4, 6-15, and 21-22 with respect to the prior art is being made at this time due to the rejection(s) thereof based on 35 USC 112(a), set forth above, particularly given that is unclear what changes to the claims might be necessary to overcome the above-described issues with respect to 35 USC 112(a).
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s arguments with respect to claims 1-4, 6-15, and 21-22 have been considered but are moot because the new ground of rejection (re 35 USC 112(a)) does not rely on any reference applied in the prior rejection of record for any teaching or matter specifically challenged in the argument.
Regarding the previous rejections under 35 USC 112(b), Applicant indicates that the claim amendments filed 4/1/2026 overcome these rejections. However, attention is directed to the above rejections under 35 USC 112(b) for any issues with respect thereto that either remain, or that were newly created via the amendment filed 4/1/2026.
Applicant’s request for the rejoinder of the withdrawn claims is noted. However, at this time, no elected claims are being indicated as allowable. Should any claims be allowed in the future, a determination will be made at that time as to whether any of the withdrawn claims contain all of the limitations of an allowable claim, and thus, as to whether any of the withdrawn claims are eligible for rejoinder.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.
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 ERICA E CADUGAN whose telephone number is (571)272-4474. The examiner can normally be reached Monday-Thursday, 5:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET.
Examiner interviews are available via telephone, and via 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, Sunil K Singh can be reached at (571) 272-3460. 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.
/ERICA E CADUGAN/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 3722
eec
June 10, 2026
Prosecution Insights