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 .
Election/Restrictions
Applicant’s election without traverse of Group I (claims 1-25) in the reply filed on January 9, 2026 is acknowledged.
Claim 26 has been withdrawn from further consideration pursuant to 37 CFR 1.142(b) as being drawn to a nonelected invention, there being no allowable generic or linking claim.
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: driving members in claim 1; driving member in claims 1 and 16, respectively; and fastening member in claims 11, 13 and 16, respectively.
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 1-25 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 “a holder through bore” in Line 12. Where applicant acts as his or her own lexicographer to specifically define a term of a claim contrary to its ordinary meaning, the written description must clearly redefine the claim term and set forth the uncommon definition so as to put one reasonably skilled in the art on notice that the applicant intended to so redefine that claim term. Process Control Corp. v. HydReclaim Corp., 190 F.3d 1350, 1357 (Fed. Cir. 1999). The term “through bore” in claim 1 is used by the claim to mean “a bore opening out to the coupling hole peripheral surface to form a through bore inner opening and the holder peripheral surface to form a through bore outer opening,” while the accepted meaning is “a hole that goes completely through the material from opposite sides.” While there are two openings in Applicant’s bore, the radial opening resulting from overlap with the coupling hole would not be understood as the second end of a through bore. The term is indefinite because the specification does not clearly redefine the term. Appropriate correction required.
Claim 11 recites “a fastening engagement portion and a fastening fixation portion located axially offset from the fastening engagement portion” in Lines 3-5. It is unclear whether the axial offset is relative to the fastening member axis or the tool holder axis. Claim 17 contains the same language and is also rejected on the same ground. Appropriate correction required.
Claim 14 recites “axially opposite.” It is unclear whether the axially opposite is relative to the bore axis or the tool holder axis. Claim 18 contains the same language and is also rejected on the same ground. Appropriate correction required.
Claim 16 recites “a tool holder” in Line 2. Yet, antecedent basis has already been established for “a tool holder” in claim 1. As such, it is unclear whether this recitation is the same as or different from that previously recited. Appropriate correction required.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action:
A person shall be entitled to a patent unless –
(a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale, or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
Claims 1-4, 8, 10, 11, 13-19 and 21-24 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Su (CN 102151881 A).
(Claim 1) Su discloses a tool holder (1), having a holder longitudinal axis, extending in a forward to rearward direction and about which the tool holder is rotatable in a rotational direction (Figs. 1-4). The tool holder (1) includes a holder peripheral surface (surface in which leader line for detail 1 touches in Figs. 1-4) extending circumferentially about the holder longitudinal axis and forming a boundary of a holder base surface at a forward end of the tool holder (annotated Fig. 4); two circumferentially spaced apart driving members (annotated Fig. 4) extending forwardly from the holder base surface; a holder coupling hole (12) recessed in the holder base surface (Fig. 4), the holder coupling hole (12) including a coupling hole peripheral surface extending circumferentially about the holder longitudinal axis (¶ 0033; Figs. 2-4); and a holder through bore (13) including a bore peripheral surface (Figs. 2-4) extending circumferentially along a holder through bore axis and opening out to the coupling hole peripheral surface to form a through bore inner opening (¶ 0043; Fig. 2) and the holder peripheral surface to form a through bore outer opening (Figs. 3, 4); and a first holder longitudinal plane (LP1 in annotated Fig. 2), extending parallel to the holder through bore axis (B) and containing the holder longitudinal axis; wherein: the holder through bore (shown in Fig. 2 with screw 3 therein) is located entirely on one side of the first holder longitudinal plane (¶ 0043).
PNG
media_image1.png
373
469
media_image1.png
Greyscale
PNG
media_image2.png
394
410
media_image2.png
Greyscale
(Claim 2) The holder through bore (13) includes a non-threaded bore engagement portion (¶ 0043), the through bore inner opening being formed on the non-threaded bore engagement portion (¶ 0043; Figs. 2, 6). The bore peripheral surface at the non-threaded bore engagement portion lies on an imaginary bore cylinder having the holder through bore axis as its axis (¶ 0043; Fig. 2, 6 – it is worth noting that the “lying on” an imaginary bore cylinder appears to be met merely by the wall intersecting such an imaginary cylinder). In a cross-sectional view taken in a holder radial plane (RP) extending perpendicular to the holder longitudinal axis and intersecting the through bore inner opening (annotated Fig. 2 below): the imaginary bore cylinder defines parallel inner and outer bore straight lines (the straight lines would be the respective left and right extremities of the bore 13 in the plane, Fig. 2), the inner bore line (left extremity) being closer to the first holder longitudinal plane than the outer bore line (right extremity); and both the inner and outer bore lines are located on the same side of the first holder longitudinal plane (LP1, annotated Fig. 2). At least the inner bore line (left extremity) of the inner and outer bore lines intersects the coupling hole peripheral surface (Figs. 2-4).
PNG
media_image3.png
394
410
media_image3.png
Greyscale
(Claim 3) The holder through bore axis does not intersect the holder coupling hole (axis of hole 13 containing screw 3 in Fig. 2; ¶ 0042).
(Claim 4) Only the inner bore line (left extremity that would exist in cross section as identified roughly in Fig. 2 above) of the inner and outer bore lines intersects the coupling hole peripheral surface (Figs. 2-4).
(Claim 8) The tool holder has exactly one holder through bore (13; Figs. 1-4).
(Claim 10) The tool holder includes two holder flutes (14) recessed in the holder peripheral surface and extending helically about the holder longitudinal axis (Figs. 1-4); and the holder coupling hole (12) opens out to the two holder flutes (Fig. 4).
(Claim 11) A fastening member (3) extends along a fastening member axis; wherein: the fastening member (3) includes a fastening engagement portion (33) and a fastening fixation portion (32) located axially offset (relative to fastening member, not tool holder) from the fastening engagement portion (Fig. 7).
(Claim 13) The holder through bore (13) includes a bore fixation portion (¶¶ 0043, 0046), for releasably attaching a fastening member (3) thereto; and the bore fixation portion includes a bore internal threaded portion (¶¶ 0043, 0046; Fig. 7).
(Claim 14) The holder through bore (13) includes a non-threaded bore engagement portion (¶¶ 0043, 0046; relative to portion 33 of fastening member), the through bore inner opening being formed on the non-threaded bore engagement portion (¶¶ 0043, 0046; Fig. 7); the non-threaded bore engagement portion is located axially opposite the bore internal threaded portion (Figs. 1-4, 7; ¶¶ 0043, 0046); the non-threaded bore engagement portion includes a through bore support surface located diametrically opposite the through bore inner opening about the through bore axis (¶ 0043).
(Claim 15) The holder through bore axis lies in the holder radial plane (annotated Fig. 2 above).
(Claim 16) Su discloses a rotary cutting tool (Fig. 1) including: the tool holder (1), in accordance with claim 1; and a cutting head (2) having a head central axis (Fig. 1). The cutting head (2) includes a forward end forming a head cutting portion (21) and a rearward end forming a head coupling portion (22). The head cutting portion (21) includes: a head rear surface (annotated Fig. 5), defining a boundary between the head cutting portion (21) and the head coupling portion (22); a head rear abutment surface, located on the head rear surface (annotated Fig. 5); two cutting arms extending radially with respect to the head central axis (annotated Fig. 5), each comprising a driven surface (right side in annotated Fig. 5); and the head coupling portion (22) includes a head coupling pin (Fig. 5), protruding rearwardly from the head rear surface along the head central axis, the head coupling pin (22) includes: a pin rear surface spaced apart from the head rear surface and a pin peripheral surface extending therebetween (annotated Fig. 5); a pin recess (23), recessed in the pin peripheral surface (Fig. 5), and includes a pin recess surface with a pin abutment surface which slopes radially outwardly relative to the head central axis (¶¶ 0043, 0046), in the rearward direction of the cutting head (2); and a fastening member (3) releasably engaged to the tool holder (¶¶ 0043, 0046) at the holder through bore (13); wherein: the rotary cutting tool is adjustable between a free position and a fastened position, and in the fastened position: the cutting head (2) is releasably attached to the tool holder (1) by the fastening member (3); the head coupling pin (22) is located in the holder coupling hole (12); each cutting arm is in contact with a respective driving member;1 and the fastening member (3) protrudes into the holder coupling hole and abuts the pin abutment surface (¶¶ 0043, 0046; Figs. 1-7).
PNG
media_image4.png
272
504
media_image4.png
Greyscale
(Claim 17) The fastening member (3) extends along a fastening member axis (Figs. 2-4, 7). The fastening member (3) includes a fastening engagement portion (33) and a fastening fixation portion (32) located axially offset from the fastening engagement portion (Fig. 2). The fastening fixation portion (32) comprises a fastening external threaded portion (Fig. 7); the holder through bore (13) comprises a bore fixation portion (¶¶ 0043, 0046), for releasably attaching a fastening member (3) thereto; the bore fixation portion comprises a bore internal threaded portion (¶¶ 0043, 0046); and in the fastened position of the rotary cutting tool (2), the fastening external threaded portion is threadingly engaged with the bore internal threaded portion (¶¶ 0043, 0046).
(Claim 18) The holder through bore (13) includes a non-threaded bore engagement portion (¶¶ 0043, 0046; relative to portion 33 of fastening member), the through bore inner opening being formed on the non-threaded bore engagement portion (¶¶ 0043, 0046; Fig. 7); the non-threaded bore engagement portion is located axially opposite the bore internal threaded portion (Figs. 1-4, 7; ¶¶ 0043, 0046); the through bore inner opening is formed on the non-threaded bore engagement portion; and the non-threaded bore engagement portion (106) comprises a through bore support surface located diametrically opposite the through bore inner opening about the through bore axis; and in the fastened position of the rotary cutting tool: the fastening engagement portion simultaneously abuts the pin abutment surface and the through bore support surface (Figs. 1-4, 7; ¶¶ 0043, 0046).
(Claim 19) The fastening engagement portion (33) includes a fastening engagement end surface (Fig. 7) and a fastening engagement peripheral surface (Fig. 7) that extends circumferentially along the fastening member axis and that circumferentially bounds the fastening engagement end surface (Fig. 7); the fastening engagement portion (33) includes a fastening abutment surface and a fastening peripheral bearing surface, the fastening peripheral bearing surface being located diametrically opposite the fastening abutment surface (Figs. 1-7; ¶¶ 0043, 0046) about the fastening member axis; and in the fastened position of the rotary cutting tool (Fig. 1): the fastening abutment surface abuts the pin abutment surface and the fastening peripheral bearing surface abuts the through bore support surface Figs. 1-7; ¶¶ 0043, 0046).
(Claim 21) The pin recess surface (23) lies on an imaginary recess cylinder extending circumferentially along a recess cylinder axis oriented perpendicular to the head central axis (Fig. 5), so that the pin abutment surface (23) is concavely curved.
(Claim 22) The tool holder (1) includes a holder base abutment surface located on the holder base surface (annotated Fig. 4 above); and in the fastened position of the rotary cutting tool (2), the head rear abutment surface abuts the holder base abutment surface (Fig. 1).
(Claim 23) The head coupling pin (22) includes exactly one pin recess (23); and the tool holder (1) includes exactly one holder through bore (13) and exactly one fastening member (3) releasably engaged to the tool holder (Figs. 1, 2).
(Claim 24) The holder through bore (13) includes a non-threaded bore engagement portion (¶ 0043), the through bore inner opening being formed on the non-threaded bore engagement portion (¶ 0043; Figs. 2, 6). The bore peripheral surface at the non-threaded bore engagement portion lies on an imaginary bore cylinder having the holder through bore axis as its axis (¶ 0043; Fig. 2, 6 – it is worth noting that the “lying on” an imaginary bore cylinder appears to be met merely by the wall intersecting such an imaginary cylinder). In a cross-sectional view taken in a holder radial plane (RP) extending perpendicular to the holder longitudinal axis and intersecting the through bore inner opening (annotated Fig. 2 below): the imaginary bore cylinder defines parallel inner and outer bore straight lines (the straight lines would be the respective left and right extremities of the bore 13 in the plane, Fig. 2), the inner bore line (left extremity) being closer to the first holder longitudinal plane than the outer bore line (right extremity); and both the inner and outer bore lines are located on the same side of the first holder longitudinal plane (LP1, annotated Fig. 2). At least the inner bore line (left extremity) of the inner and outer bore lines intersects the coupling hole peripheral surface (Figs. 2-4). The tool holder (1) has a second holder longitudinal plane extending perpendicular to the first holder longitudinal plane (LP1) and containing the holder longitudinal axis (Figs. 1-4). In the fastened position of the rotary cutting tool (Figs. 1, 2), the fastening member (3) abuts the pin abutment surface at a contact region located on the same side of the second holder longitudinal plane as the first intersection point (¶¶ 0043, 0046).
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
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.
Claims 5-7 and 20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Su (CN 102151881 A).
(Claim 5) The first holder longitudinal plane and a tangent line oriented parallel to the holder through bore axis and tangentially touching the coupling hole peripheral surface are spaced apart by a tangent distance; the first holder longitudinal plane and the inner bore line (left extremity that would exist in cross section as identified roughly in Fig. 2 above) are spaced apart by an inner line distance. Yet, the percentage of the relative distances is not explicitly disclosed. Nevertheless, the relative distance percentage is a result-effective variable because it impacts fastening of the cutting head to be received in the holder, which is well-known in the art, the fact of which examiner takes official notice. Thus, one having ordinary skill in the art would have found it obvious at a time prior to filing to provide the intersection angle in Su within the claimed range in order to optimize fastening of the cutting head to be received in the holder. See In re Aller, 220 F.2d 454, 456 (CCPA 1955) (“[W]here the general conditions of a claim are disclosed in the prior art, it is not inventive to discover the optimum or workable ranges by routine experimentation.”).
(Claim 6) The inner bore line intersects the coupling hole peripheral surface twice to define first and second intersection points, the first intersection point being rotationally ahead of the second intersection point (Figs. 1-4). The first and second intersection points subtend an intersection angle at the holder longitudinal axis (given disclosure of hole 13 opening into coupling bore 12). Yet, the angle is not explicitly disclosed. Nevertheless, the angle of the opening is a result-effective variable because it impacts fastening of the cutting head to be received in the holder as well as structural integrity of the tool holder, both of which are well-known in the art, the facts of which examiner takes official notice. Thus, one having ordinary skill in the art would have found it obvious at a time prior to filing to provide the intersection angle in Su within the claimed range in order to optimize fastening of the cutting head to be received in the holder as well as structural integrity of the tool holder. See In re Aller, 220 F.2d 454, 456 (CCPA 1955) (“[W]here the general conditions of a claim are disclosed in the prior art, it is not inventive to discover the optimum or workable ranges by routine experimentation.”).
(Claim 7) The tool holder (1) has a second holder longitudinal plane extending perpendicular to the first holder longitudinal plane (LP1) and containing the holder longitudinal axis; the first and second intersection points are on opposite sides of the second holder longitudinal plane (Figs. 1-7).
(Claim 20) In the fastened position of the rotary cutting tool (Figs. 1, 3), the holder radial plane intersects the pin abutment surface (23); and in the cross-sectional view taken in the holder radial plane, the pin abutment surface (23) forms a fastening surface angle with the through bore axis (Figs. 1-4). Yet, the angle is not explicitly disclosed. Nevertheless, the angle of approach (the fastening surface angle) is a result-effective variable because it impacts fastening of the cutting head to be received in the holder, which is well-known in the art, the fact of which examiner takes official notice. Thus, one having ordinary skill in the art would have found it obvious at a time prior to filing to provide the intersection angle in Su within the claimed range in order to optimize fastening of the cutting head to be received in the holder. See In re Aller, 220 F.2d 454, 456 (CCPA 1955) (“[W]here the general conditions of a claim are disclosed in the prior art, it is not inventive to discover the optimum or workable ranges by routine experimentation.”).
Claims 9 and 25 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Su (CN 102151881 A) in view of Schmid (DE 102018206222A1).
(Claim 9) The tool holder (1) comprises a holder base abutment surface located on the holder base surface (annotated Fig. 4 above). The holder base abutment surface is not explicitly disclosed as planar and oriented perpendicular to the holder longitudinal axis.
Schmid discloses a planar base abutment surface oriented perpendicular to the holder longitudinal axis (6a; Figs. 5-7, 16-19). At a time prior to filing it would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art to provide the holder disclosed in Su with a planar base abutment surface oriented perpendicular to the axis as suggested by Schmid in order for ease of manufacturing as well as ease of seating, and/or applying a known solution with the predictable result of providing an abutment surface for a cutting head. See KSR International Co. v. Teleflex Inc., 550 U.S. 398, 418 (2007) (reciting several exemplary rationales that may support a finding of obviousness).
(Claim 25) The pin peripheral surface has a cylindrical shape having a pin diameter (Fig. 5). The cutting head (2) has an outer cutting diameter. Yet, the pin is not explicitly disclosed as being greater than a third of the cutting diameter.
Schmid discloses a holder and cutting head with pin style with a pin diameter that is greater than a third of the outer cutting diameter. At a time prior to filing it would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art to provide the holder disclosed in Su with a pin diameter that is greater than a third of the outer cutting diameter as suggested by Schmid in order to increase the robustness of the cutting head. See In re Aller, 220 F.2d 454, 456 (CCPA 1955) (“[W]here the general conditions of a claim are disclosed in the prior art, it is not inventive to discover the optimum or workable ranges by routine experimentation.”).
Claim 12 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Su (CN 102151881 A) in view of Ewing (US Patent No. 4,621,958).
The fastening fixation portion (32) includes a fastening external threaded portion (Fig. 7; ¶ 0046); the fastening engagement portion (33) is non-threaded. Yet, Su does not explicitly disclose the non-threaded fastening engagement portion being longer than the fastening external threaded portion in a direction along the fastening member axis.
Ewing discloses a non-threaded fastening engagement portion of a fastening element (31) that is longer than a fastening external threaded portion thereof in a direction along the fastening member axis (Fig. 2). At a time prior to filing it would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art to provide the holder disclosed in Su with a non-threaded fastening engagement portion being longer than the fastening external threaded portion in a direction along the fastening member axis as suggested by Ewing in order to increase the robustness of the connection while providing the ability to force the cutting head against the abutment surface. (Col. 2, Lines 43-55).
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to RYAN RUFO whose telephone number is (571)272-4604. The examiner can normally be reached Mon-Thurs.
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, Singh Sunil can be reached at (571) 272-3460. 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.
/RYAN RUFO/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 3722
1 Interpreted as respective driving members relative to the two driving members recited in claim 1.