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 .
Claim Interpretation
The claims in this application are given their broadest reasonable interpretation using the plain meaning of the claim language in light of the specification as it would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The broadest reasonable interpretation of a claim element (also commonly referred to as a claim limitation) is limited by the description in the specification when 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is invoked.
As explained in MPEP § 2181, subsection I, claim limitations that meet the following three-prong test will be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph:
(A) the claim limitation uses the term “means” or “step” or a term used as a substitute for “means” that is a generic placeholder (also called a nonce term or a non-structural term having no specific structural meaning) for performing the claimed function;
(B) the term “means” or “step” or the generic placeholder is modified by functional language, typically, but not always linked by the transition word “for” (e.g., “means for”) or another linking word or phrase, such as “configured to” or “so that”; and
(C) the term “means” or “step” or the generic placeholder is not modified by sufficient structure, material, or acts for performing the claimed function.
Use of the word “means” (or “step”) in a claim with functional language creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. The presumption that the claim limitation is interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is rebutted when the claim limitation recites sufficient structure, material, or acts to entirely perform the recited function.
Absence of the word “means” (or “step”) in a claim creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is not to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. The presumption that the claim limitation is not interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is rebutted when the claim limitation recites function without reciting sufficient structure, material or acts to entirely perform the recited function.
Claim limitations in this application that use the word “means” (or “step”) are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, except as otherwise indicated in an Office action. Conversely, claim limitations in this application that do not use the word “means” (or “step”) are not being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, except as otherwise indicated in an Office action.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action:
A person shall be entitled to a patent unless –
(a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale, or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
Claims 1-6 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Naidu (U.S. Publication No. 2021/0345648).
Concerning claims 1 & 4, Naidu discloses a food purification device and system of food purification, comprising:
A circuit board (202) for controlling functions and operation (paragraph 64);
A storage compartment (120) for storing (paragraph 53);
One or more sound source (paragraph 26);
One or more timer (paragraph 26);
One or more keypad to give commands for operation of the device (paragraph 26);
One or more grids for protection of one or more quartz glass jacket (paragraph 26);
One or more tray to keep raw materials (paragraph 26);
A door for opening and closing the device (paragraph 26);
A first button (102);
A second button (104);
A display unit (106) for displaying (paragraph 53);
A water inlet (108) unit for entry of water (Figure 1);
One or more proximity sensor (110) for sensing the proximity (paragraph 53);
One or more ultra violet lamps (112) for radiating ultraviolet rays;
An ozonator (204) for generating ozone (paragraph 26);
One or more lights for showing the indication (paragraph 26);
One or more ozone pumping holes (114) for pumping ozone (paragraphs 26 and 60);
One or more water drain outlets (116) for draining the water (paragraph 61);
One or more sensors (118) for sensing water levels (paragraph 62);
An air pump (206) for supplying oxygen to the ozonator (paragraph 64);
One or more chokes (208) for converting direct current to alternating current for the ultraviolet lamps (paragraph 64); and
One or more solenoid valve (210) for controlling the flow or direction of air or liquid and for purifying the food products (paragraph 65).
Regarding claims 2 & 5, Naidu continues to disclose that the first button (102) is for purification of vegetables, fruits, grains, pulses and spices (paragraph 54).
With respect to claims 3 & 6, Naidu also discloses that the second button (104) is for purification of meat and eggs (paragraph 55).
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to KEVIN C JOYNER whose telephone number is (571)272-2709. The examiner can normally be reached Monday-Friday 8:00AM-4:30PM.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, MICHAEL MARCHESCHI can be reached at (571) 272-1374. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/KEVIN JOYNER/ Primary Examiner, Art Unit 1799