DETAILED ACTION
1. This office action is a response to an application filed in which claims 11-19 have been cancelled in a preliminary amendment filed 12/28/2022. Claims 1-10 & 20 in the application are pending and currently being examined.
Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
2. The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Priority
3. Receipt is acknowledged of papers submitted under 35 U.S.C. 119(a)-(d), which papers have been placed of record in the file.
Information Disclosure Statement
4. The information disclosure statements (IDS) submitted on 12/28/2022, 10/15/2024, 04/10/2025 & 08/26/2025 are being considered by the examiner.
References lined-through were not considered as an English abstract or translation has not been provided.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
5. 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.
6. Claims 1-10 & 20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b), as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which applicant regards as the invention.
As regards to claim 1, line 8 recites the limitation “the ink jet jetting body”. There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. For examination purposes, examiner is interpreting “the ink jet jetting body” as “the ink jetting body” recited in line 3. To correct this problem, amend line 8 to recite “the ink jetting body”.
As regards to claim 3, line 3 recites the limitation “the speed”. There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. For examination purposes, examiner is interpreting “the speed” as “a speed”. To correct this problem, amend line 3 to recite “a speed”.
As regards to claim 4, line 3 recites the limitation “the predictive pulse waves”. There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. For examination purposes, examiner is interpreting “the predictive pulse waves” as “predictive pulse waves”. To correct this problem, amend line 3 to recite “predictive pulse waves”.
As regards to claim 4, line 3 recites the limitation “the same intervals”. There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. For examination purposes, examiner is interpreting “the same intervals” as “same intervals”. To correct this problem, amend line 3 to recite “same intervals”.
As regards to claim 5, line 2 recites the limitation “the predictive pulse wave”. There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. For examination purposes, examiner is interpreting “the predictive pulse wave” as “a predictive pulse waves”. To correct this problem, amend line 2 to recite “a predictive pulse wave”.
As regards to claim 6, line 3 recites the limitation “the predictive pulse waves”. There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. For examination purposes, examiner is interpreting “the predictive pulse waves” as “predictive pulse waves”. To correct this problem, amend line 3 to recite “predictive pulse waves”.
As regards to claim 7, line 2 recites the limitation “the number”. There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. For examination purposes, examiner is interpreting “the number” as “a number”. To correct this problem, amend line 2 to recite “a number”.
As regards to claim 7, line 3 recites the limitation “the predictive pulse wave”. There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. For examination purposes, examiner is interpreting “the predictive pulse wave” as “a predictive pulse waves”. To correct this problem, amend line 3 to recite “a predictive pulse wave”.
As regards to claim 9, lines 2 & 3 recite the limitation “the encoder”. There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. It is noted claim 2 recites “an encoder”, however claim 9 depends from claim 8 which depends from claim 1, thus it is unclear whether the encoder in claim 9 is the same or different from the encoder recited in claim 2. For examination purposes, examiner is interpreting “the encoder” as “an encoder” in line 2. To correct this problem, amend line 2 to recite “an encoder”.
As regards to claim 20, line 8 recites the limitation “the ink jet jetting body”. There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. For examination purposes, examiner is interpreting “the ink jet jetting body” as “the ink jetting body” recited in line 3. To correct this problem, amend line 8 to recite “the ink jetting body”.
As regards to claim 20, line 19 recites the limitation “the speed”. There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. For examination purposes, examiner is interpreting “the speed” as “a speed”. To correct this problem, amend line 19 to recite “a speed”.
As regards to claim 20, line 21 recites the limitation “the predictive pulse waves”. There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. For examination purposes, examiner is interpreting “the predictive pulse waves” as “predictive pulse waves”. To correct this problem, amend line 21 to recite “predictive pulse waves”.
As regards to claim 20, line 21 recites the limitation “the same intervals”. There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. For examination purposes, examiner is interpreting “the same intervals” as “same intervals”. To correct this problem, amend line 21 to recite “same intervals”.
As regards to claim 20, line 23 recites the limitation “the predictive pulse wave”. There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. For examination purposes, examiner is interpreting “the predictive pulse wave” as “a predictive pulse waves”. To correct this problem, amend line 23 to recite “a predictive pulse wave”.
As regards to claim 20, line 28 recites the limitation “the predictive pulse waves”. There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. For examination purposes, examiner is interpreting “the predictive pulse waves” as “predictive pulse waves”. To correct this problem, amend line 28 to recite “predictive pulse waves”.
As regards to claim 20, line 31 recites the limitation “the number”. There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. For examination purposes, examiner is interpreting “the number” as “a number”. To correct this problem, amend line 31 to recite “a number”.
As regards to claim 20, line 31 recites the limitation “the predictive pulse wave”. There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. For examination purposes, examiner is interpreting “the predictive pulse wave” as “a predictive pulse waves”. To correct this problem, amend line 31 to recite “a predictive pulse wave”.
Claims 2-10 are rejected at least based on their dependency from claim 1.
Claim Rejections
7. 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 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.
8. This application currently names joint inventors. In considering patentability of the claims the examiner presumes that the subject matter of the various claims was commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the claimed invention(s) absent any evidence to the contrary. Applicant is advised of the obligation under 37 CFR 1.56 to point out the inventor and effective filing dates of each claim that was not commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the later invention in order for the examiner to consider the applicability of 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) for any potential 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) prior art against the later invention.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
9. 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 of this title, 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.
10. The factual inquiries for establishing a background for determining obviousness under pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 103(a) are summarized as follows:
1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art.
2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue.
3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.
4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness.
11. Claims 1-2 & 8-10 are rejected under AIA 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Yamagata (US 2015/0191010 A1) hereinafter Yamagata in view of Saito (JP 2007-098854 A) hereinafter Saito (the terminology of the claims in the application is used, but the references of Yamagata and Saito are included between parentheses).
As regards to claim 1, Yamagata discloses a substrate processing device (abs; [0004]; fig 1-8), comprising:
a substrate transfer portion (8+5) in which a transfer object (6) is seated ([0026]; fig 1); and
a jetting system unit including an ink jetting body (2) configured to jet ink to the transfer object (6) from an upper surface (see fig 1) of the substrate transfer portion (8+5) and print the transfer object (6), an ink module transfer portion (7+9) configured to transfer the ink jetting body (2), an ink discharge controller (43) configured to control a ink jetting timing of the ink jetting body (2) by interlocking the ink jetting body (2), a speed measuring portion (10) configured to specify a moving speed of the ink jetting body (2) ([0026]-[0028]; [0035]-[0047]; fig 1-8), however Yamagata does not disclose a signal splitter configured to receive the moving speed of the ink jetting body (2) by interlocking the speed measuring portion (10) and transmit a predictive movement signal predicted according to the moving speed to the ink discharge controller (43).
Saito discloses substrate processing device (abs; fig 1-7), comprising a speed measuring portion (18) configured to detect a relative speed of movement between the inkjet body and the printed object and a signal splitter (20: 20=34+36+38) configured to receive the moving speed of the ink jetting body by interlocking the speed measuring portion (18), and transmit a predictive movement signal predicted according to the moving speed to the ink discharge controller (22) (speed variation arithmetic part 34 receives pulse signals generated by the encoder 18 and is configured to receive the relative speed of movement between the inkjet body and the printed object by interlocking with the encoder 18, and the timing prediction part 36 thereof transmits the predicted movement signals predicted according to the speed of movement to the head drive part 22) ([0016]-[0023]; fig 1-2). Before the effective filing date of the invention, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to include a signal splitter configured to receive the moving speed of the ink jetting body by interlocking the speed measuring portion and transmit a predictive movement signal predicted according to the moving speed to the ink discharge controller in the substrate processing device of Yamagata, because Saito teaches the use of a speed measuring portion (18) configured to detect a relative speed of movement between the inkjet body and the printed object and a signal splitter (20: 20=34+36+38) configured to receive the moving speed of the ink jetting body by interlocking the speed measuring portion (18), and transmit a predictive movement signal predicted according to the moving speed to the ink discharge controller (22) to ensure that the inkjet position is accurate and the droplet landing timing can be accurately controlled ([0002]; [0004]; [0009]).
As regards to claim 2, Yamagata discloses a substrate processing device (abs; [0004]; fig 1-8), wherein the jetting system unit further includes an encoder (encoder pulses EP) as part the speed measuring portion (10) disposed in the vicinity of the ink module transfer portion (7+9) and configured to output a movement signal for each unit movement distance of the ink module transfer portion (7+9) ([0026]-[0028]; [0035]-[0047]; fig 1-8).
As regards to claim 8, Yamagata discloses a substrate processing device (abs; [0004]; fig 1-8), wherein the ink module transfer portion (7+9) includes a module base (4) in which the ink jetting body (2) is mounted, an actuator driver (driver moving element 7) configured to transfer the module base (4) in one direction, and an ink module position controller (driver moving element 7+47) configured to control a jetting position of ink by controlling the actuator driver (driver moving element 7) to move the module base (4) ([0026]-[0028]; [0035]-[0047]; fig 1-8).
As regards to claim 9, Yamagata discloses a substrate processing device (abs; [0004]; fig 1-8), wherein the ink module position (driver moving element 7+47) acquires position information of the module base (4) from an encoder (encoder pulses EP) as part the speed measuring portion (10 )by interlocking the encoder ([0026]-[0028]; [0035]-[0047]; fig 1-8).
As regards to claim 10, Yamagata discloses a substrate processing device (abs; [0004]; fig 1-8), wherein the substrate transfer portion (8+5) further includes a base controller (controller moving element 6) configured to transfer the transfer object (6) according to a predetermined work command (implicit of printing process) ([0026]-[0028]; [0035]-[0047]; fig 1-8).
12. Claims 3-7 are rejected under AIA 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Yamagata and Saito as applied to claim 1 above and further in view of Yokochi (JP 2001-359292 A) hereinafter Yokochi (the terminology of the claims in the application is used, but the references of Yamagata, Saito and Yokochi are included between parentheses).
As regards to claim 3, Yamagata discloses a substrate processing device (abs; [0004]; fig 1-8), and using a speed profile (fig 5) ([0026]-[0028]; [0035]-[0047]; fig 1-8), however Yamagata does not disclose wherein the signal splitter uses a speed profile for a movement of the ink jetting body (2) and a predictive pulse wave profile configured so as to generate a predictive pulse wave according to the speed of the speed profile.
Saito discloses the signal splitter (20: 20=34+36+38) (see claim 1 above), however the combination of Yamagata and Saito does not disclose the signal splitter uses a speed profile for a movement of the ink jetting body (2) and a predictive pulse wave profile configured so as to generate a predictive pulse wave according to the speed of the speed profile.
Yokochi discloses a substrate processing device (abs; [0002]; fig 1-6), comprising a signal separator that uses a speed profile (PID calculation circuit 55 calculates speed command information by PID control based on the speed information from the speed detection circuit 52 and the parameter from the selector 64, and supplies the speed command information to the PWM calculation circuit 56 which then calculates a duty ratio for PWM control based on the speed command information from the PID calculation circuit 55 or the parameter from the selector 65) for movement of the inkjet body and a predicted pulse wave profile (calculations) configured to generate a predicted pulse wave (pulse train) according to a speed of the speed profile ([0031]-[0040]; fig 2-6). Before the effective filing date of the invention, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to include the signal splitter uses a speed profile for a movement of the ink jetting body (2) and a predictive pulse wave profile configured so as to generate a predictive pulse wave according to the speed of the speed profile in the substrate processing device of modified Yamagata, because Yokochi teaches the use of a signal separator that uses a speed profile (PID calculation circuit 55 calculates speed command information by PID control based on the speed information from the speed detection circuit 52 and the parameter from the selector 64, and supplies the speed command information to the PWM calculation circuit 56 which then calculates a duty ratio for PWM control based on the speed command information from the PID calculation circuit 55 or the parameter from the selector 65) for movement of the inkjet body and a predicted pulse wave profile (calculations) configured to generate a predicted pulse wave (pulse train) according to a speed of the speed profile to achieve the modulation of the predicted pulse signal based on the speed of movement of the printhead and cause output circuit to drive the motor in accordance with the pulse train from the PWM calculation circuit ([0039]-[0040]).
As regards to claim 4, Yamagata discloses a substrate processing device (abs; [0004]; fig 1-8), wherein the speed profile (fig 5) is divided into an equivalent acceleration section (see fig 5, acceleration) and an equivalent speed section (see fig 5, constant), and in the equivalent speed section (see fig 5, constant), predictive pulse waves (LAT) at same intervals are transmitted to the ink discharge controller (43) ([0026]-[0028]; [0035]-[0047]; fig 1-8).
As regards to claim 5, Yamagata discloses a substrate processing device (abs; [0004]; fig 1-8), wherein in the equivalent acceleration section (see fig 5, acceleration), a predictive pulse wave (LAT) whose interval narrows (see fig 5, closer together) in proportion to a slope (see fig 5) of the equivalent acceleration section is transmitted to the ink discharge controller (43) ([0026]-[0028]; [0035]-[0047]; fig 1-8).
As regards to claim 6, Yamagata discloses a substrate processing device (abs; [0004]; fig 1-8), wherein a plurality of ink jetting bodies (3) and the ink discharge controller (43) is interlocked to jet ink ([0026]-[0028]; [0035]-[0047]; fig 1-8), however Yamagata does not disclose a plurality of ink discharge controllers are interlocked to jet ink and the signal splitter outputs predictive pulse waves to each of the plurality of ink discharge controllers.
Saito discloses substrate processing device (abs; fig 1-7), comprising a signal splitter (20: 20=34+36+38) configured to transmit a predictive pulse wave according to the moving speed to the ink discharge controller (22) (speed variation arithmetic part 34 receives pulse signals generated by the encoder 18 and is configured to receive the relative speed of movement between the inkjet body and the printed object by interlocking with the encoder 18, and the timing prediction part 36 thereof transmits the predicted movement signals predicted according to the speed of movement to the head drive part 22) ([0016]-[0023]; fig 1-2). Before the effective filing date of the invention, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to include the signal splitter outputs predictive pulse waves to the ink discharge controller in the substrate processing device of Yamagata, because Saito teaches the use of a signal splitter (20: 20=34+36+38) configured to transmit a predictive pulse wave according to the moving speed to the ink discharge controller (22) to ensure that the inkjet position is accurate and the droplet landing timing can be accurately controlled ([0002]; [0004]; [0009]), however the combination of Yamagata and Saito does not disclose a plurality of ink discharge controllers are interlocked to jet ink.
Although Yamagata, Saito and Yokochi only disclose a singular discharge controller, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to modify the device of modified Yamagata to have additional discharge controllers interlocked to jet ink and the signal splitter outputs predictive pulse waves to each of the plurality of ink discharge controllers as recited in the claim to accommodate additional substrates or as needed for an intended coating method and therefore is not expected to alter the operation of the device in a patentably distinct way.
Therefore before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to have incorporated more than one discharge controllers interlocked to jet ink and the signal splitter outputs predictive pulse waves to each of the plurality of ink discharge controllers since It is held that mere duplication of parts has no patentable significance unless a new and unexpected result it produced, see In re Harza, 274 F.2d 669, 124 USPQ 378 (CCPA 1960), MPEP 2144.04 VI. B.
As regards to claim 7, Yamagata discloses a substrate processing device (abs; [0004]; fig 1-8), wherein the ink discharge controller (43) acquires position information of the ink jetting body (2) by counting a number of inputs of a predictive pulse wave ([0026]-[0028]; [0035]-[0047]; fig 1-8).
13. Claim 20 is rejected under AIA 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Yamagata (US 2015/0191010 A1) hereinafter Yamagata in view of Saito (JP 2007-098854 A) hereinafter Saito and Yokochi (JP 2001-359292 A) hereinafter Yokochi (the terminology of the claims in the application is used, but the references of Yamagata, Saito and Yokochi are included between parentheses).
As regards to claim 20, Yamagata discloses a substrate processing device (abs; [0004]; fig 1-8), comprising:
a substrate transfer portion (8+5) in which a transfer object (6) is seated ([0026]; fig 1); and
a jetting system unit including an ink jetting body (2) configured to jet ink to the transfer object (6) from an upper surface (see fig 1) of the substrate transfer portion (8+5) and print the transfer object (6), an ink module transfer portion (7+9) configured to transfer the ink jetting body (2), an ink discharge controller (43) configured to control a ink jetting timing of the ink jetting body (2) by interlocking the ink jetting body (2), a speed measuring portion (10) configured to specify a moving speed of the ink jetting body (2) ([0026]-[0028]; [0035]-[0047]; fig 1-8),
wherein the jetting system unit further includes an encoder (encoder pulses EP) as part the speed measuring portion (10) disposed in the vicinity of the ink module transfer portion (7+9) and configured to output a movement signal for each unit movement distance of the ink module transfer portion (7+9) ([0026]-[0028]; [0035]-[0047]; fig 1-8),
the signal splitter generates a predictive pulse wave (LAT) based on an initial value of the movement signal output from the encoder (encoder pulses EP) as part the speed measuring portion (10) and transmits the predictive pulse wave (LAT) to the ink discharge controller (43) ([0026]-[0028]; [0035]-[0047]; fig 1-8),
using a speed profile (fig 5) ([0026]-[0028]; [0035]-[0047]; fig 1-8),
wherein the speed profile (fig 5) is divided into an equivalent acceleration section (see fig 5, acceleration) and an equivalent speed section (see fig 5, constant), and in the equivalent speed section (see fig 5, constant), predictive pulse waves (LAT) at same intervals are transmitted to the ink discharge controller (43) ([0026]-[0028]; [0035]-[0047]; fig 1-8),
wherein in the equivalent acceleration section (see fig 5, acceleration), a predictive pulse wave (LAT) whose interval narrows (see fig 5, closer together) in proportion to a slope (see fig 5) of the equivalent acceleration section is transmitted to the ink discharge controller (43) ([0026]-[0028]; [0035]-[0047]; fig 1-8),
wherein a plurality of ink jetting bodies (3) and the ink discharge controller (43) is interlocked to jet ink ([0026]-[0028]; [0035]-[0047]; fig 1-8),
wherein the ink discharge controller (43) acquires position information of the ink jetting body (2) by counting a number of inputs of a predictive pulse wave ([0026]-[0028]; [0035]-[0047]; fig 1-8),
wherein the ink module transfer portion (7+9) includes a module base (4) in which the ink jetting body (2) is mounted, an actuator driver (driver moving element 7) configured to transfer the module base (4) in one direction, and an ink module position controller (driver moving element 7+47) configured to control a jetting position of ink by controlling the actuator driver (driver moving element 7) to move the module base (4) ([0026]-[0028]; [0035]-[0047]; fig 1-8),
wherein the ink module position (driver moving element 7+47) acquires position information of the module base (4) from an encoder (encoder pulses EP) as part the speed measuring portion (10 )by interlocking the encoder ([0026]-[0028]; [0035]-[0047]; fig 1-8),
wherein the substrate transfer portion (8+5) further includes a base controller (controller moving element 6) configured to transfer the transfer object (6) according to a predetermined work command (implicit of printing process) ([0026]-[0028]; [0035]-[0047]; fig 1-8), however Yamagata does not disclose a signal splitter configured to receive the moving speed of the ink jetting body (2) by interlocking the speed measuring portion (10) and transmit a predictive movement signal predicted according to the moving speed to the ink discharge controller (43) and the signal splitter outputs predictive pulse waves to each of the plurality of ink discharge controllers.
Saito discloses substrate processing device (abs; fig 1-7), comprising a speed measuring portion (18) configured to detect a relative speed of movement between the inkjet body and the printed object and a signal splitter (20: 20=34+36+38) configured to receive the moving speed of the ink jetting body by interlocking the speed measuring portion (18), and transmit a predictive movement signal predicted according to the moving speed to the ink discharge controller (22) and the signal splitter (20: 20=34+36+38) configured to transmit a predictive pulse wave according to the moving speed to the ink discharge controller (22) (speed variation arithmetic part 34 receives pulse signals generated by the encoder 18 and is configured to receive the relative speed of movement between the inkjet body and the printed object by interlocking with the encoder 18, and the timing prediction part 36 thereof transmits the predicted movement signals predicted according to the speed of movement to the head drive part 22) ([0016]-[0023]; fig 1-2). Before the effective filing date of the invention, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to include a signal splitter configured to receive the moving speed of the ink jetting body by interlocking the speed measuring portion and transmit a predictive movement signal predicted according to the moving speed to the ink discharge controller and the signal splitter configured to transmit a predictive pulse wave according to the moving speed to the ink discharge controller in the substrate processing device of Yamagata, because Saito teaches the use of a speed measuring portion (18) configured to detect a relative speed of movement between the inkjet body and the printed object and a signal splitter (20: 20=34+36+38) configured to receive the moving speed of the ink jetting body by interlocking the speed measuring portion (18), and transmit a predictive movement signal predicted according to the moving speed to the ink discharge controller (22) and the signal splitter (20: 20=34+36+38) configured to transmit a predictive pulse wave according to the moving speed to the ink discharge controller (22) to ensure that the inkjet position is accurate and the droplet landing timing can be accurately controlled ([0002]; [0004]; [0009]), however the combination of Yamagata and Saito does not disclose the signal splitter generates a predictive pulse wave and uses a speed profile for a movement of the ink jetting body (2) and a predictive pulse wave profile configured so as to generate a predictive pulse wave according to the speed of the speed profile.
Yokochi discloses a substrate processing device (abs; [0002]; fig 1-6), comprising a signal separator that generates a predictive pulse wave and uses a speed profile (PID calculation circuit 55 calculates speed command information by PID control based on the speed information from the speed detection circuit 52 and the parameter from the selector 64, and supplies the speed command information to the PWM calculation circuit 56 which then calculates a duty ratio for PWM control based on the speed command information from the PID calculation circuit 55 or the parameter from the selector 65) for movement of the inkjet body and a predicted pulse wave profile (calculations) configured to generate a predicted pulse wave (pulse train) according to a speed of the speed profile ([0031]-[0040]; fig 2-6). Before the effective filing date of the invention, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to include the signal splitter generates a predictive pulse wave and uses a speed profile for a movement of the ink jetting body (2) and a predictive pulse wave profile configured so as to generate a predictive pulse wave according to the speed of the speed profile in the substrate processing device of modified Yamagata, because Yokochi teaches the use of a signal separator that generates a predictive pulse wave and uses a speed profile (PID calculation circuit 55 calculates speed command information by PID control based on the speed information from the speed detection circuit 52 and the parameter from the selector 64, and supplies the speed command information to the PWM calculation circuit 56 which then calculates a duty ratio for PWM control based on the speed command information from the PID calculation circuit 55 or the parameter from the selector 65) for movement of the inkjet body and a predicted pulse wave profile (calculations) configured to generate a predicted pulse wave (pulse train) according to a speed of the speed profile to achieve the modulation of the predicted pulse signal based on the speed of movement of the printhead and cause output circuit to drive the motor in accordance with the pulse train from the PWM calculation circuit ([0039]-[0040]),
however the combination of Yamagata, Saito and Yokochi does not disclose a plurality of ink discharge controllers are interlocked to jet ink.
Although Yamagata, Saito and Yokochi only disclose a singular discharge controller, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to modify the device of modified Yamagata to have additional discharge controllers interlocked to jet ink and the signal splitter outputs predictive pulse waves to each of the plurality of ink discharge controllers as recited in the claim to accommodate additional substrates or as needed for an intended coating method and therefore is not expected to alter the operation of the device in a patentably distinct way.
Conclusion
14. The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure: all references cited on the attached PTO-892 Notice of References Cited excluding the above relied upon references.
15. Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to Jethro M Pence whose telephone number is (571)270-7423. The examiner can normally be reached M-TH 8:00 A.M. - 6:30 P.M..
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Dah-Wei D. Yuan can be reached on 571-272-1295. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/Jethro M. Pence/
Primary Examiner
Art Unit 1717