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 Objections
Claim 21 is objected to because of the following informalities:
(line 1) “A power management system for a snow thrower” should be changed to “A power management system of a snow thrower” to provide proper antecedent basis for the positively recited components of the snow thrower in the claim and in the dependent claims.
(lines between line 1 & line 2) “one or more drive elements configured to move the snow thrower; an impeller configured to expel snow from the snow thrower; one or more augers configured to provide the snow to the impeller” should be added to provide proper antecedent basis for the components of the snow thrower in the claim and in the dependent claims.
(lines 2-3) “provide a first power to one or more augers” should be changed to “provide a first power to the one or more augers”.
(lines 4-5) “provide a second power to an impeller” should be changed to “provide a second power to the impeller”.
(lines 6-7) “provide a third power to one or more drive elements” should be changed to “provide a third power to the one or more drive elements”.
Appropriate correction is required.
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: “one or more drive elements configured to move” in claims 1, 12 and 21, and “an additional drive element configured to move” in claims 10 and 30.
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 § 102
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
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.
(a)(2) the claimed invention was described in a patent issued under section 151, or in an application for patent published or deemed published under section 122(b), in which the patent or application, as the case may be, names another inventor and was effectively filed before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
Claims 1, 8-12, 19-21 and 28-31 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1)/102(a)(2) as being anticipated by Bonney (US 2022/0098811).
As concerns claim 1, Bonney shows a snow thrower (10), comprising: one or more drive elements (24) configured to move the snow thrower; an impeller (22) configured to expel snow from the snow thrower; one or more augers (20) configured to provide the snow to the impeller; an auger power control system (26 & control panel [not shown]; paragraph 0020) configured to provide a first power to the one or more augers; an impeller power control system (28 & control panel [not shown]; paragraph 0020) configured to provide a second power to the impeller; and a drive power control system (70 & control panel [not shown]; paragraph 0020) configured to provide a third power to the one or more drive elements; wherein, in response to at least one of a user input (operator), a change in a first load on the one or more augers, a change in a second load on the impeller, or a change in a third load on the one or more drive elements, at least one of: the auger power control system is configured to one of increase or decrease the first power; the impeller power control system is configured to one of increase or decrease the second power; or the drive power control system is configured to one of increase or decrease the third power (paragraph 0020, 0021, 0028, 0030 & 0031).
As concerns claim 8, Bonney shows wherein: the auger power control system comprises an auger motor (26) configured to rotate the one or more augers according to the first power and an auger motor controller (control panel [not shown]; paragraph 0020) configured to drive the auger motor according to the first power, the impeller power control system comprises an impeller motor (28) configured to rotate the impeller according to the second power and an impeller motor controller (control panel [not shown]; paragraph 0020) configured to drive the impeller motor according to the second power, and the drive power control system comprises a drive motor (70) configured to rotate the one or more drive elements according to the third power and a drive motor controller (control panel [not shown]; paragraph 0020) configured to drive the drive motor according to the third power.
As concerns claim 9, Bonney shows a control unit (control panel [not shown]; paragraph 0020) configured to control at least one of the first power, the second power, or the third power.
As concerns claim 10, Bonney shows an additional drive element (24) configured to move the snow thrower; and an additional drive power control system (70 & control panel [not shown]; paragraph 0020) configured to provide a fourth power to the additional drive element, wherein the additional drive element is different than the one or more drive elements, and wherein the additional drive power control system is configured to increase or decrease the fourth power in response to at least one of the user input (operator), the change in the first load on the one or more augers, the change in the second load on the impeller, the change in the third load on the at least one drive element, or a change in a fourth load on the additional drive element (paragraph 0020, 0021, 0028, 0030 & 0031).
As concerns claim 11, Bonney shows wherein at least one of: the auger power control system is configured to provide the first power one or more of mechanically, electrically, electronically, hydraulically, hydrostatically, or pneumatically (paragraph 0020 & 0021); the impeller power control system is configured to provide the second power one or more of mechanically, electrically, electronically, hydraulically, hydrostatically, or pneumatically (paragraph 0020 & 0021); or the drive power control system is configured to provide the third power one or more of mechanically, electrically, electronically, hydraulically, hydrostatically, or pneumatically (paragraph 0020, 0026 & 0028).
As concerns claim 12, Bonney shows a snow thrower (10), comprising: one or more drive elements (24) configured to move the snow thrower; an impeller (22) configured to expel snow from the snow thrower; one or more augers (20) configured to provide the snow to the impeller; an auger power control system (26 & control panel [not shown]; paragraph 0020) comprising an auger motor (26) configured to rotate the one or more augers according to the first power and an auger motor controller (control panel [not shown]; paragraph 0020) configured to drive the auger motor according to the first power; an impeller power control system (28 & control panel [not shown]; paragraph 0020) comprising an impeller motor (28) configured to rotate the impeller according to the second power and an impeller motor controller (control panel [not shown]; paragraph 0020) configured to drive the impeller motor according to the second power; and a drive power control system (70 & control panel [not shown]; paragraph 0020) comprising a drive motor (70) configured to rotate the one or more drive elements according to the third power and a drive motor controller (control panel [not shown]; paragraph 0020) configured to drive the drive motor according to the third power; wherein, in response to at least one of a user input (operator), a change in a first load on the one or more augers, a change in a second load on the impeller, or a change in a third load on the one or more drive elements, at least one of: the auger power control system is configured to one of increase or decrease the first power; the impeller power control system is configured to one of increase or decrease the second power; or the drive power control system is configured to one of increase or decrease the third power (paragraph 0020, 0021, 0028, 0030 & 0031).
As concerns claim 19, Bonney shows a control unit (control panel [not shown]; paragraph 0020) configured to control at least one of the first power, the second power, or the third power.
As concerns claim 20, Bonney shows an additional drive element (24) configured to move the snow thrower; and an additional drive power control system (70 & control panel [not shown]; paragraph 0020) configured to provide a fourth power to the additional drive element, wherein the additional drive element is different than the one or more drive elements, and wherein the additional drive power control system is configured to increase or decrease the fourth power in response to at least one of the user input (operator), the change in the first load on the one or more augers, the change in the second load on the impeller, the change in the third load on the at least one drive element, or a change in a fourth load on the additional drive element (paragraph 0020, 0021, 0028, 0030 & 0031).
As concerns claim 21, Bonney shows a power management system of a snow thrower (10), comprising: one or more drive elements (24) configured to move the snow thrower; an impeller (22) configured to expel snow from the snow thrower; one or more augers (20) configured to provide the snow to the impeller; an auger power control system (26 & control panel [not shown]; paragraph 0020) configured to provide a first power to the one or more augers; an impeller power control system (28 & control panel [not shown]; paragraph 0020) configured to provide a second power to the impeller; and a drive power control system (70 & control panel [not shown]; paragraph 0020) configured to provide a third power to the one or more drive elements; wherein, in response to at least one of a user input (operator), a change in a first load on the one or more augers, a change in a second load on the impeller, or a change in a third load on the one or more drive elements, at least one of: the auger power control system is configured to one of increase or decrease the first power; the impeller power control system is configured to one of increase or decrease the second power; or the drive power control system is configured to one of increase or decrease the third power (paragraph 0020, 0021, 0028, 0030 & 0031).
As concerns claim 28, Bonney shows wherein: the auger power control system comprises an auger motor (26) configured to rotate the one or more augers according to the first power and an auger motor controller (control panel [not shown]; paragraph 0020) configured to drive the auger motor according to the first power, the impeller power control system comprises an impeller motor (28) configured to rotate the impeller according to the second power and an impeller motor controller (control panel [not shown]; paragraph 0020) configured to drive the impeller motor according to the second power, and the drive power control system comprises a drive motor (70) configured to rotate the one or more drive elements according to the third power and a drive motor controller (control panel [not shown]; paragraph 0020) configured to drive the drive motor according to the third power.
As concerns claim 29, Bonney shows a control unit (control panel [not shown]; paragraph 0020) configured to control at least one of the first power, the second power, or the third power.
As concerns claim 30, Bonney shows an additional drive element (24) configured to move the snow thrower; and an additional drive power control system (70 & control panel [not shown]; paragraph 0020) configured to provide a fourth power to the additional drive element, wherein the additional drive element is different than the one or more drive elements, and wherein the additional drive power control system is configured to increase or decrease the fourth power in response to at least one of the user input (operator), the change in the first load on the one or more augers, the change in the second load on the impeller, the change in the third load on the at least one drive element, or a change in a fourth load on the additional drive element (paragraph 0020, 0021, 0028, 0030 & 0031).
As concerns claim 31, Bonney shows wherein at least one of: the auger power control system is configured to provide the first power one or more of mechanically, electrically, electronically, hydraulically, hydrostatically, or pneumatically (paragraph 0020 & 0021); the impeller power control system is configured to provide the second power one or more of mechanically, electrically, electronically, hydraulically, hydrostatically, or pneumatically (paragraph 0020 & 0021); or the drive power control system is configured to provide the third power one or more of mechanically, electrically, electronically, hydraulically, hydrostatically, or pneumatically (paragraph 0020, 0026 & 0028).
Claims 1-31 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) as being anticipated by Duchscherer et al. (US 2024/0068190).
As concerns claim 1, Duchscherer shows a snow thrower (100), comprising: one or more drive elements (106) configured to move the snow thrower; an impeller (180) configured to expel snow from the snow thrower; one or more augers (160) configured to provide the snow to the impeller; an auger power control system (192 & 200) configured to provide a first power to the one or more augers; an impeller power control system (194 & 200) configured to provide a second power to the impeller; and a drive power control system (190 & 200) configured to provide a third power to the one or more drive elements; wherein, in response to at least one of a user input, a change in a first load on the one or more augers, a change in a second load on the impeller (paragraph 0053), or a change in a third load on the one or more drive elements, at least one of: the auger power control system is configured to one of increase or decrease the first power (paragraph 0053); the impeller power control system is configured to one of increase or decrease the second power; or the drive power control system is configured to one of increase or decrease the third power (Fig. 4; paragraph 0049, 0052 & 0053).
As concerns claim 2, Duchscherer shows wherein, in response to the change in the second load being an increase, the impeller power control system is configured to increase the second power (paragraph 0049, 0052 & 0053).
As concerns claim 3, Duchscherer shows wherein, in response to the change in the second load being an increase, the auger power control system is configured to decrease the first power (paragraph 0049, 0052 & 0053).
As concerns claim 4, Duchscherer shows wherein, in response to the change in the second load being an increase, the drive power control system is configured to decrease the third power (paragraph 0049, 0052 & 0053).
As concerns claim 5, Duchscherer shows wherein, in response to the change in the first load being an increase, the impeller power control system is configured to increase the second power (paragraph 0049, 0052 & 0053).
As concerns claim 6, Duchscherer shows wherein, in response to the change in the first load being a decrease, the auger power control system is configured to decrease the first power (paragraph 0049, 0052 & 0053).
As concerns claim 7, Duchscherer shows wherein, in response to the change in the first load being an increase, the drive power control system is configured to decrease the third power (paragraph 0049, 0052 & 0053).
As concerns claim 8, Duchscherer shows wherein: the auger power control system comprises an auger motor (192) configured to rotate the one or more augers according to the first power and an auger motor controller (200) configured to drive the auger motor according to the first power, the impeller power control system comprises an impeller motor (194) configured to rotate the impeller according to the second power and an impeller motor controller (200) configured to drive the impeller motor according to the second power, and the drive power control system comprises a drive motor (190) configured to rotate the one or more drive elements according to the third power and a drive motor controller (200) configured to drive the drive motor according to the third power.
As concerns claim 9, Duchscherer shows a control unit (200) configured to control at least one of the first power, the second power, or the third power.
As concerns claim 10, Duchscherer shows an additional drive element (106) configured to move the snow thrower; and an additional drive power control system (190 & 200) configured to provide a fourth power to the additional drive element, wherein the additional drive element is different than the one or more drive elements, and wherein the additional drive power control system is configured to increase or decrease the fourth power in response to at least one of the user input, the change in the first load on the one or more augers, the change in the second load on the impeller, the change in the third load on the at least one drive element, or a change in a fourth load on the additional drive element (Fig. 4; paragraph 0049, 0052 & 0053).
As concerns claim 11, Duchscherer shows wherein at least one of: the auger power control system is configured to provide the first power one or more of mechanically, electrically, electronically, hydraulically, hydrostatically, or pneumatically (paragraph 0048-0053); the impeller power control system is configured to provide the second power one or more of mechanically, electrically, electronically, hydraulically, hydrostatically, or pneumatically (paragraph 0048-0053); or the drive power control system is configured to provide the third power one or more of mechanically, electrically, electronically, hydraulically, hydrostatically, or pneumatically (paragraph 0048-0053).
As concerns claim 12, Duchscherer shows a snow thrower (100), comprising: one or more drive elements (106) configured to move the snow thrower; an impeller (180) configured to expel snow from the snow thrower; one or more augers (160) configured to provide the snow to the impeller; an auger power control system (192 & 200) comprising an auger motor (192) configured to rotate the one or more augers according to the first power and an auger motor controller (200) configured to drive the auger motor according to the first power; an impeller power control system (194 & 200) comprising an impeller motor (194) configured to rotate the impeller according to the second power and an impeller motor controller (200) configured to drive the impeller motor according to the second power; and a drive power control system (190 & 200) comprising a drive motor (190) configured to rotate the one or more drive elements according to the third power and a drive motor controller (200) configured to drive the drive motor according to the third power; wherein, in response to at least one of a user input, a change in a first load on the one or more augers, a change in a second load on the impeller (paragraph 0053), or a change in a third load on the one or more drive elements, at least one of: the auger power control system is configured to one of increase or decrease the first power (paragraph 0053); the impeller power control system is configured to one of increase or decrease the second power; or the drive power control system is configured to one of increase or decrease the third power (Fig. 4; paragraph 0049, 0052 & 0053).
As concerns claim 13, Duchscherer shows wherein, in response to the change in the second load being an increase, the impeller power control system is configured to increase the second power (paragraph 0049, 0052 & 0053).
As concerns claim 14, Duchscherer shows wherein, in response to the change in the second load being an increase, the auger power control system is configured to decrease the first power (paragraph 0049, 0052 & 0053).
As concerns claim 15, Duchscherer shows wherein, in response to the change in the second load being an increase, the drive power control system is configured to decrease the third power (paragraph 0049, 0052 & 0053).
As concerns claim 16, Duchscherer shows wherein, in response to the change in the first load being an increase, the impeller power control system is configured to increase the second power (paragraph 0049, 0052 & 0053).
As concerns claim 17, Duchscherer shows wherein, in response to the change in the first load being a decrease, the auger power control system is configured to decrease the first power (paragraph 0049, 0052 & 0053).
As concerns claim 18, Duchscherer shows wherein, in response to the change in the first load being an increase, the drive power control system is configured to decrease the third power (paragraph 0049, 0052 & 0053).
As concerns claim 19, Duchscherer shows a control unit (200) configured to control at least one of the first power, the second power, or the third power.
As concerns claim 20, Duchscherer shows an additional drive element (106) configured to move the snow thrower; and an additional drive power control system (190 & 200) configured to provide a fourth power to the additional drive element, wherein the additional drive element is different than the one or more drive elements, and wherein the additional drive power control system is configured to increase or decrease the fourth power in response to at least one of the user input, the change in the first load on the one or more augers, the change in the second load on the impeller, the change in the third load on the at least one drive element, or a change in a fourth load on the additional drive element (Fig. 4; paragraph 0049, 0052 & 0053).
As concerns claim 21, Duchscherer shows a power management system of a snow thrower (100), comprising: one or more drive elements (106) configured to move the snow thrower; an impeller (180) configured to expel snow from the snow thrower; one or more augers (160) configured to provide the snow to the impeller; an auger power control system (192 & 200) configured to provide a first power to the one or more augers; an impeller power control system (194 & 200) configured to provide a second power to the impeller; and a drive power control system (190 & 200) configured to provide a third power to the one or more drive elements; wherein, in response to at least one of a user input, a change in a first load on the one or more augers, a change in a second load on the impeller (paragraph 0053), or a change in a third load on the one or more drive elements, at least one of: the auger power control system is configured to one of increase or decrease the first power (paragraph 0053); the impeller power control system is configured to one of increase or decrease the second power; or the drive power control system is configured to one of increase or decrease the third power (Fig. 4; paragraph 0049, 0052 & 0053).
As concerns claim 22, Duchscherer shows wherein, in response to the change in the second load being an increase, the impeller power control system is configured to increase the second power (paragraph 0049, 0052 & 0053).
As concerns claim 23, Duchscherer shows wherein, in response to the change in the second load being an increase, the auger power control system is configured to decrease the first power (paragraph 0049, 0052 & 0053).
As concerns claim 24, Duchscherer shows wherein, in response to the change in the second load being an increase, the drive power control system is configured to decrease the third power (paragraph 0049, 0052 & 0053).
As concerns claim 25, Duchscherer shows wherein, in response to the change in the first load being an increase, the impeller power control system is configured to increase the second power (paragraph 0049, 0052 & 0053).
As concerns claim 26, Duchscherer shows wherein, in response to the change in the first load being a decrease, the auger power control system is configured to decrease the first power (paragraph 0049, 0052 & 0053).
As concerns claim 27, Duchscherer shows wherein, in response to the change in the first load being an increase, the drive power control system is configured to decrease the third power (paragraph 0049, 0052 & 0053).
As concerns claim 28, Duchscherer shows wherein: the auger power control system comprises an auger motor (192) configured to rotate the one or more augers according to the first power and an auger motor controller (200) configured to drive the auger motor according to the first power, the impeller power control system comprises an impeller motor (194) configured to rotate the impeller according to the second power and an impeller motor controller (200) configured to drive the impeller motor according to the second power, and the drive power control system comprises a drive motor (190) configured to rotate the one or more drive elements according to the third power and a drive motor controller (200) configured to drive the drive motor according to the third power.
As concerns claim 29, Duchscherer shows a control unit (200) configured to control at least one of the first power, the second power, or the third power.
As concerns claim 30, Duchscherer shows an additional drive element (106) configured to move the snow thrower; and an additional drive power control system (190 & 200) configured to provide a fourth power to the additional drive element, wherein the additional drive element is different than the one or more drive elements, and wherein the additional drive power control system is configured to increase or decrease the fourth power in response to at least one of the user input, the change in the first load on the one or more augers, the change in the second load on the impeller, the change in the third load on the at least one drive element, or a change in a fourth load on the additional drive element (Fig. 4; paragraph 0049, 0052 & 0053).
As concerns claim 31, Duchscherer shows wherein at least one of: the auger power control system is configured to provide the first power one or more of mechanically, electrically, electronically, hydraulically, hydrostatically, or pneumatically (paragraph 0048-0053); the impeller power control system is configured to provide the second power one or more of mechanically, electrically, electronically, hydraulically, hydrostatically, or pneumatically (paragraph 0048-0053); or the drive power control system is configured to provide the third power one or more of mechanically, electrically, electronically, hydraulically, hydrostatically, or pneumatically (paragraph 0048-0053).
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. Schmalz (US 2017/0015342) shows a snow thrower.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to MATTHEW R BUCK whose telephone number is (571)270-3653. The examiner can normally be reached Monday-Thursday 6:30-5.
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, Nicole Coy can be reached at (571)272-5405. 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.
/MATTHEW R BUCK/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 3672