Prosecution Insights
Last updated: April 18, 2026
Application No. 18/220,683

MICROFLUIDIC DEVICE FOR ISOLATING COMPONENTS OF BODILY FLUIDS

Non-Final OA §102§103§112
Filed
Jul 11, 2023
Examiner
YOH, JULIUS FRANCIS
Art Unit
1799
Tech Center
1700 — Chemical & Materials Engineering
Assignee
Aufbau Medical Innovations Limited
OA Round
1 (Non-Final)
Grant Probability
Favorable
1-2
OA Rounds
3y 2m
To Grant

Examiner Intelligence

Grants only 0% of cases
0%
Career Allow Rate
0 granted / 0 resolved
-65.0% vs TC avg
Minimal +0% lift
Without
With
+0.0%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
3y 2m
Avg Prosecution
7 currently pending
Career history
7
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§103
55.6%
+15.6% vs TC avg
§102
11.1%
-28.9% vs TC avg
§112
33.3%
-6.7% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 0 resolved cases

Office Action

§102 §103 §112
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 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. Claim 83 -102 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. Regarding claim 83, the phrases "uveal-like", “corneoscleral-like, and “juxtacanalicular-like” renders the claim(s) indefinite because the claim(s) include(s) elements not actually disclosed (those encompassed by " uveal-like " corneoscleral-like, and “juxtacanalicular-like” ), thereby rendering the scope of the claim(s) unascertainable. See MPEP § 2173.05(d). It is unclear structural features comprises a uveal-like, corneoscleral-like, and juxtacanalicular-like meshwork. For examination purposes, if the meshwork in the channel provides resistance to flow, this will be viewed as satisfying this claim limitation. Claims 84-102 are included in this rejection because they depend on claim 83 and fail to cure the deficiencies of claim 83. Claim 92 recites the limitation "the TM" in the second line of the claim. There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 10 2 and 103 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. 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. The factual inquiries for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 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 . Claim(s) 83-85 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as anticipated by Tao et al. (WO 2017062901 A2) or, in the alternative, under 35 U.S.C. 103 as obvious over Tao et al. (WO 2017062901 A2) in view of Linares et al. (DOI: 10.3402/jev.v4.29509) (see attached NPL document). Regarding claim 83, Tao et al. teaches a device for isolating extracellular vesicles (EV) (para. [0015]), (para. [0049]) from a bodily fluid (para. [0063]), comprising: a channel (See annotated Figure 2A, microchannels 2, 3, 4) having an inlet (Figure 2A, inlet 1) at a first end and an outlet (Figure 2, outlet 5) at a second end, wherein the inlet and outlet are in fluid communication (Figure 2C); a meshwork (Figure 2B, microspheres 6) in the channel for providing resistance to flow (para. [0059]); the meshwork is capable structurally to isolate EV complexes and is therefore anticipated. a pressure source for applying pressure to a bodily fluid (“ first syringe is connected to channel inlet 1 and the pump is turned on at a flow rate of 5 uL /min” (para. [0055]) ) at the inlet (Figure 2A, inlet 1) and introducing the bodily fluid (“ The biological fluids m ay include plasma, serum , urine and cerebrospinal fluid. ” (para . [0049])) into the channel. If the meshwork of Tao et al. is not considered to meet the limitations of the meshwork of claim 1, the following alternative rejection is being applied: Linares et al. teaches that e xtracellular vesicle s from plasma and other bodily fluids form heterogenous complexes when subjected to ultracentrifugation, specifically to isolate, concentrate, and purify e xtracellular vesicle s. Furthermore, this centrifugation induces the formation of extracellular vesicle aggregates (Abstract). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of filing to optimize the meshwork specifically to target EV complexes using Linares et al. teaching of extracellular vesicles complexes in Tao et al. ’s microfluidic device because using ultra centrifugation isolates, concentrates and purifies the extracellular vesicles. This method of improving Tao et al. ’s device was within the ability of one of ordinary skill in the art based on the teachings of Linares et al. Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Linares et al. and Tao et al. to obtain the invention specified in claim 8 3 . Regarding claim 84, Tao et al. teaches the device of claim 83. Tao et al. also teaches that the channel is a microfluidic channel (para. [0051]). Regarding claim 85, Tao et al. teaches the device of claim 83. Tao et al. teaches that the microfluidic channel is located within a microfluidic chip (para. [0052]). Claim 86 i s rejected as being unpatentable ove r Tao et al. ( already referenced) , or Tao et al. in view of Linares et al. (already referenced) as applied to claim 83, and in furt her view of Khuntontong et al. (US 20150258545 A1). Regarding claim 86, modified Tao et al. teaches that device of claim 83. Modified Tao et al. fails to teach that the meshwork comprises of polymer particles or glass beads within the channel . Khuntontong et al. teaches a microfluidic device for isolating extracellular vesicles ( para. [0030]). Khuntontong et al. also teaches a binding channel, where microvesicles can be captured by streptavidin-functionalized surfaces (para. [0065]). These surfaces may be formed by streptavidin coated particles such as polystyrene beads (polymer particles) and glass beads (para. [0065]). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of filing to use Khuntontong et al.’s teaching of a channel with polymer or glass beads in modified Tao et al. ’s microfluidic device because the beads would allow the capture of microvesicles within the channel. This method of improving modified Tao et al. ’s device was within the ability of one of ordinary skill in the art based on the teachings of Khuntontong et al. Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Khuntontong et al. and modified Tao et al. to obtain the invention specified in claim 86 . Claim 87 is rejected as being unpatentable over Tao et al. ( already referenced), or Tao et al. in view of Linares et al. (already referenced) as applied to claim 83, and in further view of Chiu et al. (WO 2019199499 A1). Regarding claim 87, modified Tao et al. teaches that device of claim 83. Modified Tao et al. fails to teach that the meshwork comprises of glass fibers, polymeric fibers, inorganic fibers or metal fibers. Chiu et al. teaches a microfluidic chip for capturing (abstract) nano particles (this includes extracellular vesicles (para. [0029])). Chiu et al. also teaches that “woven fibers (such as cloth or mesh) of wool, metal (e.g. stainless steel or Monel), glass, paper, or synthetic (e.g. nylon, polypropylene, polycarbonate, parylene, and polyester) ” can be used as a filter element – allowing bio-nanoparticles to pass through, while larger matter is blocked (para. [0163]). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of filing to use Chiu et al.’s teaching of fibers in modified Tao et al. ’s microfluidic device because fibers can be used as a filter element to block larger matter. This method of improving modified Tao et al. ’s device was within the ability of one of ordinary skill in the art based on the teachings of Chiu et al. Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Chiu et al. and modified Tao et al. to obtain the invention specified in claim 87 . Claims 88 -90 are rejected as being unpatentable over Tao et al. ( already referenced), or Tao et al. in view of Linares et al. (already referenced) as applied to claim 83 , and in further view of Hassan et al. ( doi : 10.13188/2334-2838.1000017 ) (see attached NPL document) . Regarding claim 8 8 , modified Tao et al. teaches that device of claim 83. Modified Tao et al. fails to teach that the uveal-like meshwork comprises fenestrations of about 25 micrometers. Hassan et al. teaches of open spaces, or fenestrations between the lamellae are approximately 25-27 μm in the uveal meshwork (Page 3, 1 st paragraph). Hassan et al. also teaches that this meshwork (uveal) along with the corneoscleral meshwork forms a highly porous structure and provides insignificant resistance to aqueous humor outflow (Page 3 , 1 st paragraph ). It has been held that in the case where the claimed ranges overlap or lie inside ranges disclosed by the prior art , a prima facie case of obviousness exists (MPEP § 2144.05). The claimed range of fenestrations of about 25 micrometers is obvious in view of Hassan et al. because Hassan et al. discloses a range of 25-27 μm in the uveal meshwork , which overlaps the claimed range of about 25 micrometers. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to select the claimed range from the broader prior art range because one of ordinary skill in the art would reasonably expect that a uveal meshwork with fenestrations of about 25 micrometers would form a porous structure and provide insignificant resistance to aqueous humor outflow . Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Hassan et al. and modified Tao et al. to obtain the invention specified in claim 88. Regarding claim 8 9 , modified Tao et al. teaches that device of claim 83. Modified Tao et al. fails to teach that the corneoscleral -like meshwork comprises fenestrations of about 2-15 micrometers. Hassan et al. teaches of open spaces, or fenestrations between the lamellae are approximately 2-15 μm in the corneoscleral meshwork (Page 3, 1 st paragraph). It has been held that in the case where the claimed range is identical to the prior art, the prima facie case of anticipation exists (MPEP § 2131). The claimed range of fenestrations of about 25 micrometers is anticipated in view of Hassan et al. because Hassan et al. discloses a range of 2-15 micrometers in the uveal meshwork , which is identical to the claimed range of 2-15 micrometers . Regarding claim 90, Tao et al. teaches that device of claim 83. Tao et al. fails to teach that the juxtacanalicular-like meshwork comprises fenestrations of about 1 to about 4 micrometers. Hassan et al. teaches that the ECM of the juxtacanalicular meshwork is thought to provide nearly all of the flow resistance to AH passage (Page 3, 1 st paragraph). Hassan et al. also teaches that the uveal and corneoscleral meshwork provide insignificant resistance (Page 3, 1 st paragraph). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time to use a smaller range (for the juxtacanalicular-like meshwork) when compared to the corneoscleral-like meshwork, specifically to provide more flow resistance to AH passage . This method of improving modified Tao et al. ’s device was within the ability of one of ordinary skill in the art based on the teachings of Hassan et al. Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Hassan et al. and modified Tao et al. to obtain the invention specified in claim 90. Claim 91 is rejected as being unpatentable over Tao et al. ( already referenced), or Tao et al. in view of Linares et al. (already referenced) as applied to claim 83 , and in further view of R eategui et al. ( WO 2018213847 A1 ) . Regarding claim 91, modified Tao et al. teaches the device of claim 83. Modified Tao et al. fails to teach that the device further comprises one or more detectors for analyzing bodily fluid exiting the outlet of the channel. R eategui et al. teaches an analyzer device (element 140) that is located downstream, allowing target EV’s captured on the device to be characterized and investigated (p. 14, 3 rd paragraph). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of filing to use R eategui et al.’s teaching of a downstream analyzer in modified Tao et al. ’s microfluidic device because the analyzer would allow target EV’s captured to be characterized and investigated . This method of improving modified Tao et al. ’s device was within the ability of one of ordinary skill in the art based on the teachings of R eategui et al. Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of R eategui et al. and modified Tao et al. to obtain the invention specified in claim 91 . Claim 92 -102 are rejected as being unpatentable over Tao et al. ( already referenced), or Tao et al. in view of Linares et al. (already referenced) , and in further view of Perkumas et al. (DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2006.09.020 ) . (see attached NPL document) Regarding claim 92, modified Tao et al. teaches the device of claim 83. Tao et al. also teaches a meshwork oriented between the inlet and the outlet of the channel (See annotated Figure 2B above, Tao et al.). Modified Tao et al. fails to teach that the meshwork comprises an anterior half of an animal eye with lens . Perkumas et al. teaches of taking human ocular samples isolated from anterior eye segments (p. 210, 2 nd paragraph). Perkumas et al. also teaches of isolating exosomes from the human ocular samples for analysis of myocilin (p. 210, 3 rd paragraph) , since mutations within myocilin are a cause of primary open angle glaucoma, understanding myocilin’s role is of clinical importance (Abstract, p. 209, 1 st and 2 nd paragraph). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of filing to use Perkumas et al. ’s teaching taking human ocular samples isolated from anterior eye segments in modified Tao et al. ’s microfluidic device because the samples provide the exosomes then isolated for analysis of myocilin , as understanding myocilin’s role is of clinical importance . This method of improving modified Tao et al. ’s device was within the ability of one of ordinary skill in the art based on the teachings of Perkumas et al. Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Perkumas et al. and modified Tao et al. to obtain the invention specified in claim 92. Regarding claim 93 , modified Tao et al. teaches the device of claim 83. Modified Tao et al. fails to teach that the meshwork specifically comprises extracellular vesicle complexes isolated from glaucoma ocular humor. Perkumas et al. teaches that exosomes can be obtained from the aqueous body (ocular humor) of glaucoma patients (p. 210, 2 nd pargraph-3 rd paragraph). As these EVs are present in the native ocular humor, therefore they would inherently be extracellular vesicle aggregate complexes. Perkumas et al. also teaches that myocilin-associated exosomes are obtained from glaucoma aqueous humor samples, and mutations within myocilin are a cause of primary open angle glaucoma, understanding myocilin’s role is of clinical importance (Abstract, p. 209, 1 st and 2 nd paragraph). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of filing to use Perkumas et al. ’s teaching of exo so mes obtained from aqueous body of glaucoma patients in modified Tao et al. ’s microfluidic device and mesh because mutations within myocilin are a cause of primary open angle glaucoma, and understanding myocilin’s role is of clinical importance . This method of improving modified Tao et al. ’s device was within the ability of one of ordinary skill in the art based on the teachings of Perkumas et al. Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Perkumas et al. and modified Tao et al. to obtain the invention specified in claim 93 . Regarding claim 94, modified Tao et al. teaches the device of claim 93 . Modified Tao et al. fails to teach that the extracellular vesicles complexes are isolated from animal or clinical sources. Perkumas et al. teaches that exosomes (EV) can be obtained from the aqueous body of glaucoma patients – specifically from human samples isolated from anterior eye segments (p. 210, 2 nd pargraph-3 rd paragraph). Perkumas et al. also teaches that myocilin-associated exosomes are obtained from glaucoma aqueous humor samples, and mutations within myocilin are a cause of primary open angle glaucoma, understanding myocilin’s role is of clinical importance (Abstract, p. 209, 1 st and 2 nd paragraph). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of filing to use Perkumas et al. ’s teaching of exosomes obtained from aqueous body of glaucoma patients in modified Tao et al. ’s microfluidic device and mesh because mutations within myocilin are a cause of primary open angle glaucoma, and understanding myocilin’s role is of clinical importance. This method of improving modified Tao et al. ’s device was within the ability of one of ordinary skill in the art based on the teachings of Perkumas et al. Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Perkumas et al. and modified Tao et al. to obtain the invention specified in claim 94 . Regarding claim 95, modified Tao et al. teaches the device of claim 93. Linares et al. teaches that the EV complexes are in aggregates (p. 3, 2 nd paragraph) Regarding 96 , modified Tao et al. teaches the device of claim 93. Linares et al. teaches further that aggregates have several tens of EVs (Figure 2). Regarding claim 97 , modified Tao et al. teaches the device of claim 93. Modified Tao et al. fails to teach wherein the extracellular vesicles specifically comprises exosomes . Perkumas et al. teaches that exosomes that are obtained from the aqueous body of glaucoma patients (p. 210, 2 nd paragraph - 3 rd paragraph). Mutations in Myocilin are a cause of primary open angle glaucoma, understanding myocilin’s role in the aqueous humor is of clinical importance (Abstract, p. 209, 1 st and 2 nd paragraph). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of filing to use Perkumas et al. ’s teaching of exosomes obtained from aqueous body of glaucoma patients in modified Tao et al. ’s microfluidic device because mutations within myocilin are a cause of primary open angle glaucoma, and understanding myocilin’s role is of clinical importance. This method of improving modified Tao et al. ’s device was within the ability of one of ordinary skill in the art based on the teachings of Perkumas et al. Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Perkumas et al. and modified Tao et al. to obtain the invention specified in claim 97 . Regarding claim 98 , modified Tao et al. teaches the device of claim 93. Linares et al. teaches further that the EV aggregates have an overall size ranging from about 500 nm to several micrometers in diameter, as EV aggregates are highly heterogenous, containing a variable number of EVs of various morphologies (p. 3, 2 nd paragraph). It has been held that in the case where the claimed ranges overlap or lie inside ranges disclosed by the prior art , a prima facie case of obviousness exists (MPEP § 2144.05). The claimed range of 360 to 21,000 nm is obvious in view of Linares et al. because Linares et al. discloses a range of 500 nm to several micrometers, which overlaps the claimed range of 360 to 21,000 nm . It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to select the claimed range from the broader prior art range because one of ordinary skill in the art would reasonably expect a range of 500 nm to several micrometers due to varying morphologies and number of EVs present in aggregates . Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Linares et al. and modified Tao et al. to obtain the invention specified in claim 98. Regarding claim 99 , modified Tao et al. teaches the device of claim 93. Linares et al. teaches further that the EV aggregates have an overall size ranging from about 500 nm to several micrometers in diameter, as EV aggregates are highly heterogenous, containing a variable number of EVs of various morphologies (p. 3, 2 nd paragraph). It has been held that in the case where the claimed ranges overlap or lie inside ranges disclosed by the prior art, a prima facie case of obviousness exists (MPEP § 2144.05). The claimed range of 360 to 10 , 000 nm is obvious in view of Linares et al. because Linares et al. discloses a range of 500 nm to several micrometers, which overlaps the claimed range of 360 to 10 ,000 nm . It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to select the claimed range from the broader prior art range because one of ordinary skill in the art would reasonably expect a range of 500 nm to several micrometers due to varying morphologies and number of EVs present in aggregates. Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Linares et al. and modified Tao et al. to obtain the invention specified in claim 99. Regarding claim 100 , modified Tao et al. teaches the device of claim 93. Linares et al. teaches further that the EV aggregates have an overall size ranging from about 500 nm to several micrometers in diameter, as EV aggregates are highly heterogenous, containing a variable number of EVs of various morphologies (p. 3, 2 nd paragraph). It has been held that in the case where the claimed ranges overlap or lie inside ranges disclosed by the prior art, a prima facie case of obviousness exists (MPEP § 2144.05). The claimed range of 360 to 5 , 000 nm is obvious in view of Linares et al. because Linares et al. discloses a range of 500 nm to several micrometers, which overlaps the claimed range of 360 to 5 ,000 nm . It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to select the claimed range from the broader prior art range because one of ordinary skill in the art would reasonably expect a range of 500 nm to several micrometers due to varying morphologies and number of EVs present in aggregates. Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Linares et al. and modified Tao et al. to obtain the invention specified in claim 100. Regarding claim 101 , modified Tao et al. teaches the device of claim 93. Linares et al. teaches further that the EV aggregates have an overall size ranging from about 500 nm to several micrometers in diameter, as EV aggregates are highly heterogenous, containing a variable number of EVs of various morphologies (p. 3, 2 nd paragraph). It has been held that in the case where the claimed ranges overlap or lie inside ranges disclosed by the prior art, a prima facie case of obviousness exists (MPEP § 2144.05). The claimed range of 360 to 3 ,000 nm is obvious in view of Linares et al. because Linares et al. discloses a range of 500 nm to several micrometers, which overlaps the claimed range of 360 to 3 ,000 nm . It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to select the claimed range from the broader prior art range because one of ordinary skill in the art would reasonably expect a range of 500 nm to several micrometers due to varying morphologies and number of EVs present in aggregates. Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Linares et al. and modified Tao et al. to obtain the invention specified in claim 101. Regarding claim 102 , modified Tao et al. teaches the device of claim 93. Linares et al. teaches further that the EV aggregates have an overall size ranging from about 500 nm to several micrometers in diameter, as EV aggregates are highly heterogenous, containing a variable number of EVs of various morphologies (p. 3, 2 nd paragraph). It has been held that in the case where the claimed ranges overlap or lie inside ranges disclosed by the prior art, a prima facie case of obviousness exists (MPEP § 2144.05). The claimed range of 360 to 1 , 000 nm is obvious in view of Linares et al. because Linares et al. discloses a range of 500 nm to several micrometers, which overlaps the claimed range of 360 to 1 ,000 nm . It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to select the claimed range from the broader prior art range because one of ordinary skill in the art would reasonably expect a range of 500 nm to several micrometers due to varying morphologies and number of EVs present in aggregates. Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Linares et al. and modified Tao et al. to obtain the invention specified in claim 102. Conclusion Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to FILLIN "Examiner name" \* MERGEFORMAT JULIUS FRANCIS YOH whose telephone number is FILLIN "Phone number" \* MERGEFORMAT (571)272-3489 . The examiner can normally be reached FILLIN "Work Schedule?" \* MERGEFORMAT Monday-Friday: 7:30-5 PM . Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and 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, FILLIN "SPE Name?" \* MERGEFORMAT Michael Marcheschi can be reached at FILLIN "SPE Phone?" \* MERGEFORMAT 571-272-1374 . 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. /JULIUS FRANCIS YOH/ Examiner, Art Unit 1799 /William H. Beisner/ Primary Examiner, Art Unit 1799
Read full office action

Prosecution Timeline

Jul 11, 2023
Application Filed
Mar 31, 2026
Non-Final Rejection — §102, §103, §112 (current)

AI Strategy Recommendation

Get an AI-powered prosecution strategy using examiner precedents, rejection analysis, and claim mapping.
Powered by AI — typically takes 5-10 seconds

Prosecution Projections

1-2
Expected OA Rounds
Grant Probability
3y 2m
Median Time to Grant
Low
PTA Risk
Based on 0 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allow rate.

Sign in with your work email

Enter your email to receive a magic link. No password needed.

Personal email addresses (Gmail, Yahoo, etc.) are not accepted.

Free tier: 3 strategy analyses per month