DETAILED ACTION
This office action is responsive to the amendment filed on 05/04/26. As directed by the amendment: claims 1, 4, 6, 8, 10-14, 16 and 17 have been amended; claims 2, 3, 5, 7, 15, and 18 have been cancelled; and no claims have been added. Thus, claims 1, 4, 6, 8-14, 16, 17, 19, and 20 are presently pending in this application.
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 following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(f):
(f) Element in Claim for a Combination. – An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof.
The following is a quotation of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph:
An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof.
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.
This application includes one or more claim limitations that do not use the word “means,” but are nonetheless being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, because the claim limitation(s) uses a generic placeholder that is coupled with functional language without reciting sufficient structure to perform the recited function and the generic placeholder is not preceded by a structural modifier. Such claim limitation(s) is/are as follows:
light absorber: “The light absorbing component 111 refers to a component capable of absorbing the laser 210. Specifically, the light absorbing component 111 is capable of absorbing the laser 210 passing through the electrode plate 300. After the laser 210 passing through the electrode plate 300 is absorbed by the light absorbing component 111, the risk of causing damage to other components is reduced. The light absorbing component 111 is usually made of black plastics, and the laser 210 may be absorbed by the black plastics, avoiding damage to other components by the laser 210.”, para. [0078].
light transmitter: “The light transmitting component 112 refers to a component capable of allowing the laser 210 to transmit therethrough. Specifically, the light transmitting component 112 capable of allowing the laser passing through the electrode plate 300 to transmit therethrough, and the laser 210 passing through the electrode plate 300 is dispersed after transmitting through the light transmitting component 112, thereby greatly reducing the energy of the laser 210 and reducing the risk of causing damage to other components. The light transmitting component 112 is made of a transparent material, wherein the transparent material may be an optical glass, transparent plastics or the like.”, para. [0079].
air blower: “The air blowing unit refers to a unit capable of blowing out airflow. Specifically, a fan is disposed within the air blowing unit. The fan rotates to blow the airflow out of the air blowing opening, thus realizing air blowing by the air blowing unit. As a matter of course, in other embodiments, the air blowing unit may also be other unit capable of blowing out airflow; which will not be defined here. The air blowing opening of the air blowing unit is communicated with one end of the hole 1111. It may be understood that the airflow blown out by the air blowing unit can enter the hole 1111 and move through the hole 1111 to come out of the other end of the hole 1111.”, para. [0096]-[0097].
air extractor: “The air extraction unit 120 refers to a unit capable of extracting air. Specifically, a suction fan is disposed within the air extraction unit 120, and the suction fan rotates to create a negative pressure at the air extraction opening. Under the action of the negative pressure, external air will enter the air extraction unit 120 via the air extraction opening, thus realizing air extraction by the air extraction unit 120. As a matter of course, in other embodiments, the air extraction unit 120 may also be other unit capable of extracting air, which will not be defined here.The air extraction opening of the air extraction unit 120 is communicated with one end of the hole 1111. It may be understood that the air extraction unit 120 is capable of extracting air through the hole 1111 so that the external air can enter the hole 1111 from the other end of the hole 1111 and flow through the hole 1111 to come out of the air extraction opening of the air extraction unit 120. Moreover, when the external air flows through the hole 1111, heat accumulated on the light absorbing component 111 is taken away, thereby reducing the temperature of the light absorbing component 111 and reducing damage to the light transmitting component 112 and the electrode plate 300 due to excessively high temperature of the light absorbing component 111.”, para. [0094]-[0095].
supporter: “the supporting component 130 of the provided electrode plate supporting device 100 includes a supporting shaft 131 and a plurality of supporting plates 132. The supporting shaft 131 and the plurality of supporting plates 132 are disposed to pass through the hole 1111. The plurality of supporting plates 132 are connected to the supporting shaft 131 and arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction of the supporting shaft 131. Side portions, far away from the supporting shaft 131, of the supporting plates 132 are connected to the wall of the hole 1111. Surfaces, opposite to each other, of two adjacent supporting plates 132, an outer peripheral wall of the supporting shaft 131 and the wall of the hole 1111 together define the flowing space 1112.”, para. [0109].
dust suction structure to suction: “The dust suction unit 140 refers to a unit capable of suctioning dust generated by cutting the electrode plate 300. Specifically, a suction fan is disposed within the dust suction unit 140. The suction fan creates a negative pressure at a dust suction opening of the dust suction unit 140. Under the action of the negative pressure, dust is suctioned into the dust suction unit 140. Thus, dust suction by the dust suction unit 140 is achieved. As a matter of course, in other embodiments, the dust suction unit 140 may also be other unit capable of suctioning dust, which will not be defined here.
According to the electrode plate supporting device 100 of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the dust suction unit 140 is capable of suctioning the dust generated by cutting the electrode plate 300, avoiding the dust from polluting the electrode plate, reducing cutting fur and improving the cutting quality. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, with reference to FIG. 2 , FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 , the dust suction unit 140 of the provided electrode plate supporting device 100 includes a dust suction component 141 constructed with a negative pressure dust suction chamber 1401 and a first opening 1402. The negative pressure dust suction chamber 1401 is communicated with the first opening 1402, and the outer peripheral wall of the light transmitting component 112 is disposed opposite to the first opening 1402. The negative pressure dust suction chamber 1401 refers to a chamber formed within the dust suction component 141 and having a negative pressure therein. The first opening 1402 refers to an opening structure formed outside the dust suction component 141. The negative pressure dust suction chamber 1401 is communicated with the first opening 1402. It may be understood that the negative pressure dust suction chamber 1401 and the first opening 1402 are in a communicated state. Specifically, the suction fan extracts air out of the negative pressure dust suction chamber 1401, thereby creating a negative pressure within the negative pressure dust suction chamber 1401. Under the action of the negative pressure, dust is suctioned into the dust suction unit 140. Thus, dust suction by the dust suction unit 140 is achieved. When there is the negative pressure in the negative pressure dust suction chamber 1401, the dust outside the dust suction component 141 will enter the negative pressure dust suction chamber 1401 through the first opening 1402. That is, the first opening 1402 serves as the dust suction opening of the dust suction unit 140, thus achieving dust suction. According to the electrode plate supporting device 100 of the embodiment of the present disclosure, since the outer peripheral wall of the light transmitting component 112 is disposed opposite to the first opening 1402, the dust on and around the outer peripheral wall of the light transmitting component 112 will enter the negative pressure dust suction chamber 1401 through the first opening 1402 when there exists a negative pressure in the negative pressure dust suction chamber 1401. Thus, the dust on and around the outer peripheral wall of the light transmitting component 112 can be removed and avoided from polluting the electrode plate..”, para. [0120] - [0126].
dust sucker: “the dust suction unit 140 of the provided electrode plate supporting device 100 includes a dust suction component 141 constructed with a negative pressure dust suction chamber 1401 and a first opening 1402. The negative pressure dust suction chamber 1401 is communicated with the first opening 1402, and the outer peripheral wall of the light transmitting component 112 is disposed opposite to the first opening 1402. The negative pressure dust suction chamber 1401 refers to a chamber formed within the dust suction component 141 and having a negative pressure therein. The first opening 1402 refers to an opening structure formed outside the dust suction component 141. The negative pressure dust suction chamber 1401 is communicated with the first opening 1402. It may be understood that the negative pressure dust suction chamber 1401 and the first opening 1402 are in a communicated state. Specifically, the suction fan extracts air out of the negative pressure dust suction chamber 1401, thereby creating a negative pressure within the negative pressure dust suction chamber 1401. Under the action of the negative pressure, dust is suctioned into the dust suction unit 140. Thus, dust suction by the dust suction unit 140 is achieved. When there is the negative pressure in the negative pressure dust suction chamber 1401, the dust outside the dust suction component 141 will enter the negative pressure dust suction chamber 1401 through the first opening 1402. That is, the first opening 1402 serves as the dust suction opening of the dust suction unit 140, thus achieving dust suction.”, para. [0122]-[0125].
laser assembly: “The laser assembly 200 is configured to emit laser to the abutting surface 1121. It may be understood that when the electrode plate 300 abuts against the abutting surface 1121, the laser emitted by the laser assembly 200 is capable of falling on the abutting region of the electrode plate, and the laser is capable of cutting the region, thus achieving tab cutting.”, para. [0074].
Because this/these claim limitation(s) is/are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, it/they is/are being interpreted to cover the corresponding structure described in the specification as performing the claimed function, and equivalents thereof.
If applicant does not intend to have this/these limitation(s) interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, applicant may: (1) amend the claim limitation(s) to avoid it/them being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph (e.g., by reciting sufficient structure to perform the claimed function); or (2) present a sufficient showing that the claim limitation(s) recite(s) sufficient structure to perform the claimed function so as to avoid it/them being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph.
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 1, 4, 6, 8-14, 16, 17, 19, and 20 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 1 recites “wherein a surface, opposite form the light absorber, of the light transmitter is constructed with the abutting surface”, the term “surface” is indefinite as it is unclear: 1) what structural limitation this is referring to; and 2) if the aforementioned claimed “a surface” is the same or different than the claimed “abutting surface”, and furthermore, neither the claim nor the written description provide a standard for ascertaining the requisite degree and one of ordinary skill in the art would not be reasonably apprised of the scope of the invention. Appropriate correction is required.
The remaining claims are rejected for at least the reason of their respective direct and/or indirect dependency from independent claim 1.
Response to Arguments
Applicant's arguments filed 05/04/26 have been fully considered and are addressed hereafter. The aforementioned definiteness rejection is being presented in view of the newly presented claim amendments.
Conclusion
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 JOSEPH W ISKRA whose telephone number is (313) 446-4866. The examiner can normally be reached on M-F: 09:00-17:00 EST.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, IBRAHIME ABRAHAM can be reached on 571-270-5569. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/JOSEPH W ISKRA/Examiner, Art Unit 3761
/IBRAHIME A ABRAHAM/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 3761
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