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 .
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(b):
(b) CONCLUSION.—The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor regards as the invention.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph:
The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the applicant regards as his invention.
Claims 7, 11, 15-17, 23-30 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.
Claim 7, line 2, is confusing because “comprised of at least one of copper” covers the alloys listed.
Claim 7, line 2, is confusing because “copper alloys” covers the other alloys in the claim.
Claim 11, line 1, is indefinite because “the melting step” lacks antecedent basis. It is suggested to delete the word “step”.
Claim 15, line 13, is indefinite because “the thermomechanical processing step” lacks antecedent basis. It is suggested to delete the word “step”.
Claim 25, line 7, is confusing because “comprised of at least one of copper” covers the alloys listed.
Claim 25, line 7, is confusing because “copper alloys” covers the other alloys in the claim.
Claim 25, line 12, is indefinite because “the melting step” lacks antecedent basis. It is suggested to delete the word “step”.
Claim 16, line 13, is indefinite because “the thermomechanical processing step” lacks antecedent basis. It is suggested to delete the word “step”.
Claim 29, line 7, is confusing because “comprised of at least one of copper” covers the alloys listed.
Claim 29, line 7, is confusing because “copper alloys” covers the other alloys in the claim.
Claim 29, line 12, is indefinite because “the melting step” lacks antecedent basis. It is suggested to delete the word “step”.
Allowable Subject Matter
The following is a statement of reasons for the indication of allowable subject matter:
Claims 1-6, 8, 9, 13 are allowable over the prior art of record because the prior art of record does not teach does not teach claimed subject matter including wherein the predetermined sulfur concentration value range is between and includes about 0.35-0.65 wt% sulfur throughout the ingot, the predetermined variance in the sulfur concentration value is about 15% or less, and predetermined percent difference threshold for sulfur concentration values is 30% or less.
Claims 7, 11, 15-17, 23-30 would be allowable if rewritten or amended to overcome the rejection(s) under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), 2nd paragraph, set forth in this Office action.
Response to Arguments
Applicant's arguments filed August 14, 2025 have been fully considered.
New 35 U.S.C. 112 2nd paragraph rejections have been made.
This action will be made Non-Final based on the new rejections.
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to RODNEY GLENN MCDONALD whose telephone number is (571)272-1340. The examiner can normally be reached Hoteling: M-Th every Fri off.
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/RODNEY G MCDONALD/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 1794
RM
November 14, 2025