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 § 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 15-17 and 19-35 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Norrie (US 5142971).
Regarding claim 15, Norrie discloses
A system (apparatus, fig.5) for processing green pork bellies (intended use), comprising:
a first injection system (needles 18, fig.5) for injecting a protein composition comprising a mixture of pork protein and water into the pork belly (intended use), the first injection system (needles 18) comprising:
a needle carrier (injection head 16, fig.5) having portions defining a protein composition supply chamber (transverse header tube 29, fig.5);
a plurality of longitudinal first injection needles (needles 18) supported by the needle carrier (injection head 16, fig.5) during injection of the mixture of pork protein and water into the pork belly; and
wherein the first injection needles (needles 18) comprise a hollow needle body (tubular body 19, fig.6) having a proximal inlet end for receiving the protein composition, a distal tapered tip portion (offset point 20, fig.6) for delivering the protein composition into the pork belly, an inlet port (semi-flexible hoses 30, fig.5) at the top inlet end of the needle (needles 18), in communication with the supply chamber (transverse header tube 29), the inlet port (semi-flexible hoses 30) being beveled or curved outwardly in the direction that the inlet top port (semi-flexible hoses 30) extends outwardly from the interior of the hollow needle body (tubular body 19) toward the supply chamber (transverse header tube 29).
Regarding claim 16, Norrie discloses
a second injection system (needles 18 back side, fig.5) for injecting curing brine into the pork belly, the second injection system (needles 18 back side) comprising a plurality of longitudinal second injection needles (needles 18 back side) supported by a needle carrier (valve operating bar 34, fig.4) during injection of the curing brine into the pork belly.
Regarding claim 17, Norrie discloses
the relative composition of pork protein and water in the mixture in the protein composition corresponds to that of a green pork belly (intended use).
Regarding claim 19, Norrie discloses
an emulsifier to emulsify the protein composition prior to injection into the pork belly (intended use).
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Regarding claim 20, Norrie discloses
a curing brine production unit (supply tank 46, fig.1) for producing curing brine for injection into the pork belly (intended use).
Regarding claim 21, Norrie discloses
the inlet port (semi-flexible hoses 30, fig.5) extends through a sidewall of the proximal inlet end of the needle body (tubular body 19, fig.6).
Regarding claim 22, Norrie discloses
the inlet port (semi-flexible hoses 30, fig.5) is elongated in cross-section [semi-flexible hoses 30 is elongated in cross-section, fig.5].
Regarding claim 23, Norrie discloses
the elongated direction of the inlet port (semi-flexible hoses 30, fig.5) extends along the length of the injection needle (needles 18, fig.5) [elongated direction of semi-flexible hoses 30 is along the length of the needles 18, fig.5].
Regarding claim 24, Norrie discloses
An injection system (needles 18, fig.5) for injecting a brine composition comprising a mixture of meat protein and water into a meat work piece (intended use), the injection system (needles 18) comprising:
a needle carrier (injection head 16, fig.5) having portions defining a brine composition supply chamber (transverse header tube 29, fig.5);
a plurality of longitudinal first injection needles (needles 18) supported by the needle carrier (injection head 16, fig.5) during injection of the brine into the work piece; and
wherein the first injection needles (needles 18) comprise a hollow needle body (tubular body 19, fig.6) having a proximal inlet end for receiving the protein composition, a distal tapered tip portion (offset point 20, fig.6) for delivering the brine into the work piece, an inlet port (semi-flexible hoses 30, fig.5) at the top inlet end of the needle (needles 18), in communication with the supply chamber (transverse header tube 29), the inlet port (semi-flexible hoses 30) being beveled or curved outwardly in the direction that the inlet top port (semi-flexible hoses 30) extends outwardly from the interior of the hollow needle body (tubular body 19) toward the supply chamber (transverse header tube 29).
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Regarding claim 25, Norrie discloses
the inlet port (semi-flexible hoses 30, fig.5) extends through a sidewall of the proximal inlet end of the needle body (tubular body 19, fig.6).
Regarding claim 26, Norrie discloses
the inlet port (semi-flexible hoses 30, fig.5) is elongated in cross-section [semi-flexible hoses 30 is elongated in cross-section, fig.5].
Regarding claim 27, Norrie discloses
the elongated direction of the inlet port (semi-flexible hoses 30, fig.5) extends along the length of the injection needle (needles 18, fig.5) [elongated direction of semi-flexible hoses 30 is along the length of the needles 18, fig.5].
Regarding claim 28, Norrie discloses
An injection system (needles 18, fig.5) for injecting a brine composition into a meat work piece (intended use), the injection system (needles 18) comprising:
a needle carrier (injection head 16, fig.5) having portions defining a brine composition supply chamber (transverse header tube 29, fig.5);
a plurality of longitudinal first injection needles (needles 18) supported by the needle carrier (injection head 16, fig.5) during injection of the briner into the work piece; and
wherein the first injection needles (needles 18) comprise a hollow needle body (tubular body 19, fig.6) having a proximal inlet end for receiving the protein composition, a distal tapered tip portion (offset point 20, fig.6) for delivering the brine into the work piece, an inlet port (semi-flexible hoses 30, fig.5) at the top inlet end of the needle (needles 18), in communication with the supply chamber (transverse header tube 29), the inlet port (semi-flexible hoses 30) being beveled or curved outwardly in the direction that the inlet top port (semi-flexible hoses 30) extends outwardly from the interior of the hollow needle body (tubular body 19) toward the supply chamber (transverse header tube 29).
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Regarding claim 29, Norrie discloses
the inlet port (semi-flexible hoses 30, fig.5) extends through a sidewall of the proximal inlet end of the needle body (tubular body 19, fig.6).
Regarding claim 30, Norrie discloses
the inlet port (semi-flexible hoses 30, fig.5) is elongated in cross-section [semi-flexible hoses 30 is elongated in cross-section, fig.5].
Regarding claim 31, Norrie discloses
the elongated direction of the inlet port (semi-flexible hoses 30, fig.5) extends along the length of the injection needle (needles 18, fig.5) [elongated direction of semi-flexible hoses 30 is along the length of the needles 18, fig.5].
Regarding claim 32, Norrie discloses
An injection needle (needles 18, fig.5) for use with a brine injection system (apparatus, fig.5) for injecting a brine composition into a meat work piece (intended use), the injection system (apparatus) comprising a needle carrier (injection head 16, fig.5) having portions defining a brine composition supply chamber (transverse header tube 29, fig.5), the needle carrier (injection head 16) supporting the injection needle (needles 18, fig.5) during injection of the brine into to work piece, the injection needle (needles 18) comprising:
a hollow needle body (tubular body 19, fig.6) having a proximal inlet end for receiving the brine from the supply chamber (transverse header tube 29);
a distal tapered tip portion (offset point 20, fig.6) for delivering the brine into the work piece;
an inlet port (semi-flexible hoses 30, fig.5) at the inlet end of the needle (needles 18) in communication with the supply chamber (transverse header tube 29); the inlet port (semi-flexible hoses 30) being beveled or curved outwardly in the direction that the inlet port (semi-flexible hoses 30) extends outwardly from the interior of the hollow needle body toward the supply chamber (transverse header tube 29).
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Regarding claim 33, Norrie discloses
the inlet port (semi-flexible hoses 30, fig.5) extends through a sidewall of the proximal inlet end of the needle body (tubular body 19, fig.6).
Regarding claim 34, Norrie discloses
the inlet port (semi-flexible hoses 30, fig.5) is elongated in cross-section [semi-flexible hoses 30 is elongated in cross-section, fig.5].
Regarding claim 35, Norrie discloses
the elongated direction of the inlet port (semi-flexible hoses 30, fig.5) extends along the length of the injection needle (needles 18, fig.5) [elongated direction of semi-flexible hoses 30 is along the length of the needles 18, fig.5].
Response to Argument
Applicant's arguments filed on 04/28/2026 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive as the following reasons:
The applicants argue: “…Applicant respectfully submits that Norrie does not disclose or suggest the system of amended claim 15. Norrie discloses the use of injection needles 18 having upper ends directed laterally outwardly and upwardly for connection to a semi-flexible hoses 30 connected to a source of brine. See Fig. 5 of Norie. There is no discussion or disclosure in Norrie of the nature of the configuration of the upper ends of the injection needles 18 at their connection with the hoses 30. Thus, there is nothing to suggest that Norrie discloses or even suggests injection needles with an inlet port that is beveled or curved outwardly in the direction that the inlet port extends outwardly from the interior of the hollow needle body toward the supply chamber as specified in amended claim 15. Further, in Norrie, the upper ends of the injection needles 18 are directed laterally outwardly away from the brine header tube 29. For are least these reasons, amended claim 15 is neither disclosed nor suggested by Norri…”, Remark Pages 7-8.
The examiner’s response: the applicant’s argument is not persuasive because the task of 102 rejections is “a claim is anticipated only if each and every element as set forth in the claim is found, either expressly or inherently described, in a single prior art reference”. Verdagaal Bros. v. Union Oil Co. of California, 814 F.2d 628,631,2 USPQ2d 1051, 1053 (Fed. Cir. 1987). In this case, in figs.5-6, with the needles 18 is indirectly connected to the semi-flexible hose 30; and the needles 18 with the semi-flexible hose 30 that is beveled or curved outwardly in the direction that the semi-flexible hoses 30 extends outwardly from the interior of the hollow needle body 19 toward the transverse tube 29.
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Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. Beasley (US 3683789) is considered as a relevant prior art in field of a food injector, as shown in figs.1-2, with a needle carrier, and a needle, but does not disclose the inlet port being beveled or curved outwardly in the direction that the inlet port extends outwardly from the interior of the hollow needle body toward the supply chamber….
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THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. 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 extension fee 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 PHUONG T NGUYEN whose telephone number is (571)270-1834. The examiner can normally be reached 9.00am-5.00pm.
If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Steven Crabb can be reached on 571-270-5095. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/PHUONG T NGUYEN/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 3761
05/17/2026
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