Prosecution Insights
Last updated: July 17, 2026
Application No. 18/479,387

Integrally Combined Current Carrier Circulation Chamber and Frame for Use in Unipolar Electrochemical Devices

Non-Final OA §DOUBLEPATENT
Filed
Oct 02, 2023
Priority
Jul 17, 2020 — provisional 63/053,264 +3 more
Examiner
KEELING, ALEXANDER W
Art Unit
1795
Tech Center
1700 — Chemical & Materials Engineering
Assignee
Key Dh Ip Inc. /Ip Strategiques Dh Inc.
OA Round
1 (Non-Final)
56%
Grant Probability
Moderate
1-2
OA Rounds
6m
Est. Remaining
94%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 56% of resolved cases
56%
Career Allowance Rate
326 granted / 581 resolved
-8.9% vs TC avg
Strong +38% interview lift
Without
With
+38.0%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
3y 4m
Avg Prosecution
43 currently pending
Career history
634
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
0.2%
-39.8% vs TC avg
§103
82.7%
+42.7% vs TC avg
§102
9.5%
-30.5% vs TC avg
§112
5.4%
-34.6% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 581 resolved cases

Office Action

§DOUBLEPATENT
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 . Claims 1-20 are pending and under consideration for this Office Action. Double Patenting The nonstatutory double patenting rejection is based on a judicially created doctrine grounded in public policy (a policy reflected in the statute) so as to prevent the unjustified or improper timewise extension of the “right to exclude” granted by a patent and to prevent possible harassment by multiple assignees. A nonstatutory double patenting rejection is appropriate where the conflicting claims are not identical, but at least one examined application claim is not patentably distinct from the reference claim(s) because the examined application claim is either anticipated by, or would have been obvious over, the reference claim(s). See, e.g., In re Berg, 140 F.3d 1428, 46 USPQ2d 1226 (Fed. Cir. 1998); In re Goodman, 11 F.3d 1046, 29 USPQ2d 2010 (Fed. Cir. 1993); In re Longi, 759 F.2d 887, 225 USPQ 645 (Fed. Cir. 1985); In re Van Ornum, 686 F.2d 937, 214 USPQ 761 (CCPA 1982); In re Vogel, 422 F.2d 438, 164 USPQ 619 (CCPA 1970); In re Thorington, 418 F.2d 528, 163 USPQ 644 (CCPA 1969). A timely filed terminal disclaimer in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(c) or 1.321(d) may be used to overcome an actual or provisional rejection based on nonstatutory double patenting provided the reference application or patent either is shown to be commonly owned with the examined application, or claims an invention made as a result of activities undertaken within the scope of a joint research agreement. See MPEP § 717.02 for applications subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA as explained in MPEP § 2159. See MPEP § 2146 et seq. for applications not subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . A terminal disclaimer must be signed in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(b). The filing of a terminal disclaimer by itself is not a complete reply to a nonstatutory double patenting (NSDP) rejection. A complete reply requires that the terminal disclaimer be accompanied by a reply requesting reconsideration of the prior Office action. Even where the NSDP rejection is provisional the reply must be complete. See MPEP § 804, subsection I.B.1. For a reply to a non-final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.111(a). For a reply to final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.113(c). A request for reconsideration while not provided for in 37 CFR 1.113(c) may be filed after final for consideration. See MPEP §§ 706.07(e) and 714.13. The USPTO Internet website contains terminal disclaimer forms which may be used. Please visit www.uspto.gov/patent/patents-forms. The actual filing date of the application in which the form is filed determines what form (e.g., PTO/SB/25, PTO/SB/26, PTO/AIA /25, or PTO/AIA /26) should be used. A web-based eTerminal Disclaimer may be filled out completely online using web-screens. An eTerminal Disclaimer that meets all requirements is auto-processed and approved immediately upon submission. For more information about eTerminal Disclaimers, refer to www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/applying-online/eterminal-disclaimer. Claims 1-20 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim of U.S. Patent No. US 11814741 B2 (referred to as 741 herein). Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other Claim 1: Claim 1 of 741 claims a combined electrically conductive current carrier, circulation chamber, and rigid support frame for use in a unipolar electrochemical apparatus (“A combined electrically conductive current carrier, circulation chamber, and rigid support frame for use in a unipolar electrochemical apparatus”), comprising: a one-piece, integrally formed, rigid support frame configured to support a pair of opposed, spaced apart, electroactive structures disposed in a unipolar arrangement, the rigid support frame being electrically conductive and capable of carrying current to the pair of electroactive structures, the rigid support frame having (“a one-piece, integrally formed, rigid support frame configured to support a pair of opposed, spaced apart, electroactive structures disposed in a unipolar arrangement, the rigid support frame being electrically conductive and capable of carrying current to the pair of electroactive structures, the rigid support frame having”): first and second opposed faces defining a thickness of the rigid support frame sufficient to accommodate a circulation chamber extending therebetween (“first and second opposed faces defining a thickness of the rigid support frame sufficient to accommodate a circulation chamber extending therebetween”), spaced apart opposed first and second side arms and first and second lateral cross members extending between the first and second side arms, one of the first and second side arms is configured to receive power from a power source (“spaced apart opposed first and second side arms and first and second lateral cross members extending between the first and second side arms, one of the first and second side arms is configured to receive power from a power source”); one or more intermediate lateral cross members extending between the first and second side arms, the one or more intermediate lateral cross members being in physical and electrical contact with the first and second side arms (“one or more intermediate lateral cross members extending between the first and second side arms, the one or more intermediate lateral cross members being in physical and electrical contact with the first and second side arms and being releasably detachable from the first and second side arms”); a first inner frame member attached to at least one of the second and first side arms and the second lateral cross member, the first inner frame member cooperating with the at least one of the second and first side arms and the second lateral cross member to define a first channel defining aperture (“a first inner frame member attached to at least one of the second and first side arms and the second lateral cross member, the first inner frame member cooperating with the at least one of the second and first side arms and the second lateral cross member to define a first channel defining aperture”); a second channel defining aperture disposed near the second lateral cross member and between the first and second side arms (“a second channel defining aperture disposed near the second lateral cross member and between the first and second side arms”); a second inner frame member attached to at least one of the first and second side arms and the first lateral cross member, the second inner frame member cooperating with the at least one of the first and second side arms and the first lateral cross member to define a third channel defining aperture (“a second inner frame member attached to at least one of the first and second side arms and the first lateral cross member, the second inner frame member cooperating with the at least one of the first and second side arms and the first lateral cross member to define a third channel defining aperture”); a fourth channel defining aperture disposed near the first lateral cross member and between the first and second side arms (“a fourth channel defining aperture disposed near the first lateral cross member and between the first and second side arms”); a circulation chamber integrally formed within the rigid support frame for the circulation of electrolyte, products, and reactants, the circulation chamber extending between the first and second faces of the rigid support frame, the first and second inner frame members and inner edges of the first and second side arms (“a circulation chamber integrally formed within the rigid support frame for the circulation of electrolyte, products, and reactants, the circulation chamber extending between the first and second faces of the rigid support frame, the first and second inner frame members and inner edges of the first and second side arms”), the pair of electroactive structures comprising a first electroactive structure and a second electroactive structure, the first electroactive structure affixed to the rigid support frame adjacent to the first face thereof, the first electroactive structure extending between the first and second inner frame members and the first and second side arms (“the pair of electroactive structures comprising a first electroactive structure and a second electroactive structure, the first electroactive structure affixed to the rigid support frame adjacent to the first face thereof, the first electroactive structure extending between the first and second inner frame members and the first and second side arms”), the second electroactive structure affixed to the rigid support frame adjacent to the second face thereof, the second electroactive structure extending between the first and second inner frame members and the first and second side arms (“the second electroactive structure affixed to the rigid support frame adjacent to the second face thereof, the second electroactive structure extending between the first and second inner frame members and the first and second side arms”), each electroactive structure having apertures formed therein to allow liquid and gases to pass through the electroactive structure from one side to the other (“each electroactive structure having apertures formed therein to allow liquid and gases to pass through the electroactive structure from one side to the other”); when the combined current carrier, circulation chamber, and rigid support frame is operatively connected to the unipolar electrochemical apparatus and power is applied, the first and second electroactive structures are of the same polarity (“when the combined current carrier, circulation chamber, and rigid support frame is operatively connected to the unipolar electrochemical apparatus and power is applied, the first and second electroactive structures are of the same polarity”). Claim 2: Claim 2 of 741 claims that the first inner frame member is a first generally L-shaped member having first and second arm portions joined to each other; the first arm portion of the first generally L-shaped member being attached to one of the second and first side arms and the second arm portion of the first generally L-shaped member being attached to the second lateral cross member; the second inner frame is a second generally L-shaped member having first and second arms portions joined to each other; the first arm portion of the second generally L-shaped member being attached to one of the first and second side arms and the second arm portion of the second generally L-shaped member being attached to the first lateral cross member; the circulation chamber extends between the first and second faces of the rigid support frame, the first arm portions of the first and second generally L-shaped members and inner edges of the first and second side arms. Claim 3: Claim 3 of 741 claims that the first arm portion of the first generally L-shaped member is attached to the second side arm; and the first arm portion of the second generally L-shaped member is attached to the first side arm. Claim 4: Claim 4 of 741 claims that the first arm portion of the first generally L-shaped member is attached to the first side arm; and the first arm portion of the second generally L-shaped member is attached to the first side arm. Claim 5: Claim 5 of 741 claims that the first electroactive structure extending between the first arm portions of the first and second generally L-shaped members and the first and second side arms; and the second electroactive structure extending between the first arm portions of the first and second generally L-shaped members and the first and second side arms. Claim 6: Claim 2 of 741 claims that the one or more intermediate lateral cross members are fixed to the first and second side arms (“the first arm portion of the first generally L-shaped member being attached to one of the second and first side arms and the second arm portion of the first generally L-shaped member being attached to the second lateral cross member…the first arm portion of the second generally L-shaped member being attached to one of the first and second side arms and the second arm portion of the second generally L-shaped member being attached to the first lateral cross member”). Claim 7: Claim 1 of 741 claims that the one or more intermediate lateral cross members are releasably detachable from the first and second side arms (“the first and second side arms and being releasably detachable from the first and second side arms”). Claim 8: Claim 6 of 741 claims that the one or more intermediate lateral cross members each have opposed ends shaped and configured to be insertable into complementary shaped and configured receptacles in the first and second side arms. Claim 9: Claim 7 of 741 claims that the one or more intermediate lateral cross members each having a thickness that is substantially the same as the thickness of the rigid support frame. Claim 10: Claim 8 of 741 claims that the one or more intermediate lateral cross members are configured to allow electrolytes, products and reactants to pass between the one or more intermediate lateral cross members and one of the electroactive structures, when the combined current carrier, circulation chamber, and rigid support frame is operational within the unipolar electrochemical apparatus. Claim 11: Claim 9 of 741 claims that each electroactive structure is a structure selected from the group consisting of: (a) a plate provided with any of slots and holes; (b) an expanded metal screen structure; and (c) a woven mesh structure. Claim 12: Claim 10 of 741 claims that one or more recesses in each of the first and second side arms around the circulation chamber to allow the electroactive structures to be positioned at least partially within the depth of the circulation chamber. Claim 13: Claim 11 of 741 claims that portions of the first and second faces are recessed along margins of the first and second side arms adjacent the circulation chamber to allow the pair of electroactive structures to be positioned at least partially within the circulation chamber. Claim 14: Claim 12 of 741 claims that one of the first and second side arms having electrically conductive tabs extending outwardly from said side arm to which electrical power conductors are attachable. Claim 15: Claim 13 of 741 claims that the one of the first and second side arms having holes defined in one of the first and second side arms for hosting an external electrical connection mechanism. Claim 16: Claim 14 of 741 claims that the rigid support frame has a generally rectangular shape, a height and a width; the height of the rigid support frame being greater than the width thereof. Claim 17: Claim 15 of 741 claims a plurality of tie rod holes defined in at least one of the first and second side arms, the tie rod holes of the plurality configured to receive therethrough tie rods therethrough to facilitate alignment of the rigid support frame with other rigid support frames in the unipolar electrochemical apparatus. Claim 18: Claim 16 of 741 claims that 18. An electrochemical cell for a unipolar filter press electrolyser apparatus (“An electrochemical cell for a unipolar filter press electrolyser apparatus, the electrochemical cell”, the electrochemical cell comprising: a plurality of combined current carrier, circulation chamber, and rigid support frames arranged to form a stack of rigid support frames of alternating polarity and being aligned such that the channel defining apertures in each rigid support frame of the plurality align with each other; the plurality of rigid support frames including (“a plurality of combined current carrier, circulation chamber, and rigid support frames arranged to form a stack of rigid support frames of alternating polarity and being aligned such that the channel defining apertures in each rigid support frame of the plurality align with each other; the plurality of rigid support frames including”): a pair of end rigid support frames, one end rigid support frame being disposed at one end of the stack and the other end rigid support frame being disposed at the other end of the stack; each end rigid support frame having at least one electroactive structure affixed thereto adjacent one of its first and second faces, the at least one electroactive structure being disposed to face the opposite end of the stack (“a pair of end rigid support frames, one end rigid support frame being disposed at one end of the stack and the other end rigid support frame being disposed at the other end of the stack; each end rigid support frame having at least one electroactive structure affixed thereto adjacent one of its first and second faces, the at least one electroactive structure being disposed to face the opposite end of the stack”); at least one intermediate rigid support frame according to claim 1 being disposed between the pair of end rigid support frames (“at least one intermediate rigid support frame according to claim 1 being disposed between the pair of end rigid support frames”); a plurality of separators, each separator being mounted between a pair of adjacent rigid support frames to separate the circulation chamber of one of the adjacent rigid support frames from the circulation chamber of the other of the adjacent rigid support frames; a plurality of sealing and electrically insulating gaskets having substantially the same configuration as that of the plurality of rigid support frames, each sealing and electrically insulating gasket having defined therein channel defining apertures (“a plurality of sealing and electrically insulating gaskets having substantially the same configuration as that of the plurality of rigid support frames, each sealing and electrically insulating gasket having defined therein channel defining apertures”); and a plurality of masking frames, each masking frame being placed in the channel defining aperture defined in one of the sealing and electrically insulating gaskets or in one of the rigid support frames (“a plurality of masking frames, each masking frame being placed in the channel defining aperture defined in one of the sealing and electrically insulating gaskets or in one of the rigid support frames”); the channel defining apertures in each of the rigid support frames and first and second apertures in the gaskets being aligned with each other to form flow passageways through the stack (“the channel defining apertures in each of the rigid support frames and first and second apertures in the gaskets being aligned with each other to form flow passageways through the stack”). Claim 19: Claim 17 of 741 claims that each end rigid support frame has two electroactive structures with one electroactive structure being affixed to the end rigid support frame adjacent to its first face and the other electroactive structure being affixed to the end rigid support frame adjacent to its second face. Claim 20: Claim 18 of 741 claims that the first inner frame member of the at least one intermediate rigid support frame is a first generally L-shaped member having first and second arm portions joined to each other; the first arm portion of the first generally L-shaped member being attached to the second side arm and the second arm portion of the first generally L-shaped member being attached to the second lateral cross member; the second inner frame of the at least one intermediate rigid support frame is a second generally L-shaped member having first and second arms portions joined to each other; the first arm portion of the second generally L-shaped member being attached to the first side arm and the second arm portion of the second generally L-shaped member being attached to the first lateral cross member; the circulation chamber of the at least one intermediate rigid support frame extends between the first and second faces of the at least one intermediate rigid support frame, the first arm portions of the first and second generally L-shaped members associated with the at least one intermediate rigid support frame and inner edges of the first and second side arms of the at least one intermediate rigid support frame. Claims 1, 2, 5, and 9-20 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim of U.S. Patent No. US 11225724 B1 (referred to as 724 herein). Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other Claim 1: Claim 1 of 634 claims a combined electrically conductive current carrier, circulation chamber, and rigid support frame for use in a unipolar electrochemical apparatus (“A combined electrically conductive current carrier, dual circulation chamber, and rigid support frame for use in a unipolar electrochemical apparatus”), comprising: a one-piece, integrally formed, rigid support frame configured to support a pair of opposed, spaced apart, electroactive structures disposed in a unipolar arrangement, the rigid support frame being electrically conductive and capable of carrying current to the pair of electroactive structures, the rigid support frame having (“a one-piece, integrally formed, rigid support frame configured to support two pairs of opposed, spaced apart, electroactive structures disposed in a unipolar arrangement, the rigid support frame being electrically conductive and capable of carrying current to the pairs of electroactive structures, the rigid support frame having”): first and second opposed faces defining a thickness of the rigid support frame sufficient to accommodate a circulation chamber extending therebetween *first and second opposed faces defining a thickness of the rigid support frame sufficient to accommodate dual circulation chambers extending therebetween”), spaced apart opposed first and second side arms and first and second lateral cross members extending between the first and second side arms, one of the first and second side arms is configured to receive power from a power source (“spaced apart opposed first and second side arms and first and second lateral cross members extending between the first and second side arms, one of the first and second side arms is configured to receive power from a power source”); one or more intermediate lateral cross members extending between the first and second side arms, the one or more intermediate lateral cross members being in physical and electrical contact with the first and second side arms (“one or more intermediate lateral cross members extending from, and in electrical contact with, the one of the first and second side arms configured to receive power from the power source”); a first inner frame member attached to at least one of the second and first side arms and the second lateral cross member, the first inner frame member cooperating with the at least one of the second and first side arms and the second lateral cross member to define a first channel defining aperture (“a first inner frame member attached to the second side arm and the second lateral cross member, the first inner frame member cooperating with the second side arm and the second lateral cross member to define a first channel defining aperture”); a second channel defining aperture disposed near the second lateral cross member and between the first and second side arms (“a second channel defining aperture disposed near the second lateral cross member and between the first and second side arms”); a second inner frame member attached to at least one of the first and second side arms and the first lateral cross member, the second inner frame member cooperating with the at least one of the first and second side arms and the first lateral cross member to define a third channel defining aperture (“a second inner frame member attached to the first side arm and the first lateral cross member, the second inner frame member cooperating with the first side arm and the first lateral cross member to define a third channel defining aperture”); a fourth channel defining aperture disposed near the first lateral cross member and between the first and second side arms (“a fourth channel defining aperture disposed near the first lateral cross member and between the first and second side arms”); a circulation chamber integrally formed within the rigid support frame for the circulation of electrolyte, products, and reactants, the circulation chamber extending between the first and second faces of the rigid support frame, the first and second inner frame members and inner edges of the first and second side arms (“a circulation chamber integrally formed within the rigid support frame for the circulation of electrolyte, products, and reactants, the circulation chamber extending between the first and second faces of the rigid support frame, the first and second inner frame members and inner edges of the first and second side arms”), the pair of electroactive structures comprising a first electroactive structure and a second electroactive structure, the first electroactive structure affixed to the rigid support frame adjacent to the first face thereof, the first electroactive structure extending between the first and second inner frame members and the first and second side arms (“the pair of electroactive structures comprising a first electroactive structure and a second electroactive structure, the first electroactive structure affixed to the rigid support frame adjacent to the first face thereof, the first electroactive structure extending between the first and second inner frame members and the first and second side arms”), the second electroactive structure affixed to the rigid support frame adjacent to the second face thereof, the second electroactive structure extending between the first and second inner frame members and the first and second side arms (“the second electroactive structure affixed to the rigid support frame adjacent to the second face thereof, the second electroactive structure extending between the first and second inner frame members and the first and second side arms”), each electroactive structure having apertures formed therein to allow liquid and gases to pass through the electroactive structure from one side to the other (“each electroactive structure having apertures formed therein to allow liquid and gases to pass through the electroactive structure from one side to the other”); when the combined current carrier, circulation chamber, and rigid support frame is operatively connected to the unipolar electrochemical apparatus and power is applied, the first and second electroactive structures are of the same polarity (“when the combined current carrier, circulation chamber, and rigid support frame is operatively connected to the unipolar electrochemical apparatus and power is applied, the first and second electroactive structures are of the same polarity”). Claim 2: Claim 2 of 634 claims the first inner frame member is a first generally L-shaped member having first and second arm portions joined to each other; the first arm portion of the first generally L-shaped member being attached to one of the second and first side arms and the second arm portion of the first generally L-shaped member being attached to the second lateral cross member; the second inner frame is a second generally L-shaped member having first and second arms portions joined to each other; the first arm portion of the second generally L-shaped member being attached to one of the first and second side arms and the second arm portion of the second generally L-shaped member being attached to the first lateral cross member; the circulation chamber extends between the first and second faces of the rigid support frame, the first arm portions of the first and second generally L-shaped members and inner edges of the first and second side arms. Claim 5: Claim 3 of 634 claims the first electroactive structure extending between the first arm portions of the first and second generally L-shaped members and the first and second side arms; and the second electroactive structure extending between the first arm portions of the first and second generally L-shaped members and the first and second side arms. Claim 9: Claim 5 of 634 claims the one or more intermediate lateral cross members each having a thickness that is substantially the same as the thickness of the rigid support frame. Claim 10: Claim 6 of 634 claims the one or more intermediate lateral cross members are configured to allow electrolytes, products and reactants to pass between the one or more intermediate lateral cross members and one of the electroactive structures, when the combined current carrier, circulation chamber, and rigid support frame is operational within the unipolar electrochemical apparatus. Claim 11: Claim 7 of 634 claims (a) a plate provided with any of slots and holes; (b) an expanded metal screen structure; and (c) a woven mesh structure. Claim 12: Claim 8 of 634 claims one or more recesses in each of the first and second side arms around the circulation chamber to allow the electroactive structures to be positioned at least partially within the depth of the circulation chamber. Claim 13: Claim 9 of 634 claims portions of the first and second faces are recessed along margins of the first and second side arms adjacent the circulation chamber to allow the pair of electroactive structures to be positioned at least partially within the circulation chamber. Claim 14: Claim 10 of 634 claims the one of the first and second side arms having electrically conductive tabs extending outwardly from said side arm to which electrical power conductors are attachable. Claim 15: Claim 11 of 634 claims the one of the first and second side arms having holes defined in one of the first and second side arms for hosting an external electrical connection mechanism. Claim 16: Claim 12 of 634 claims the rigid support frame has a generally rectangular shape, a height and a width; the height of the rigid support frame being greater than the width thereof. Claim 17: Claim 13 of 634 claims a plurality of tie rod holes defined in at least one of the first and second side arms, the tie rod holes of the plurality configured to receive therethrough tie rods therethrough to facilitate alignment of the rigid support frame with other rigid support frames in the unipolar electrochemical apparatus. Claim 18: Claim 14 of 634 claims an electrochemical cell for a unipolar filter press electrolyser apparatus (“an electrochemical cell for a unipolar filter press electrolyzer apparatus”), the electrochemical cell comprising: a plurality of combined current carrier, circulation chamber, and rigid support frames arranged to form a stack of rigid support frames of alternating polarity and being aligned such that the channel defining apertures in each rigid support frame of the plurality align with each other; the plurality of rigid support frames including (“a plurality of combined current carrier, circulation chamber, and rigid support frames according to claim 1 arranged to form a stack of rigid support frames of alternating polarity and being aligned such that the channel defining apertures in each rigid support frame of the plurality align with each other; the plurality of rigid support frames including”): a pair of end rigid support frames, one end rigid support frame being disposed at one end of the stack and the other end rigid support frame being disposed at the other end of the stack; each end rigid support frame having at least one electroactive structure affixed thereto adjacent one of its first and second faces, the at least one electroactive structure being disposed to face the opposite end of the stack (“a pair of end rigid support frame members, one end rigid support frame member being disposed at one end of the stack and the other end rigid support frame member being disposed at the other end of the stack; each end rigid support frame member having at least one electroactive structure affixed thereto adjacent one of its first and second faces, the at least one electroactive structure being disposed to face the opposite end of the stack”); at least one intermediate rigid support frame according to claim 1 being disposed between the pair of end rigid support frames (“at least one intermediate rigid support frame member being disposed between the pair of end rigid support frame members”); a plurality of separators, each separator being mounted between a pair of adjacent rigid support frames to separate the circulation chamber of one of the adjacent rigid support frames from the circulation chamber of the other of the adjacent rigid support frames (“a plurality of separators, each separator being mounted between a pair of adjacent rigid support frames to separate the circulation chamber of one of the adjacent rigid support frames from the circulation chamber of the other of the adjacent rigid support frames”); a plurality of sealing and electrically insulating gaskets having substantially the same configuration as that of the plurality of rigid support frames, each sealing and electrically insulating gasket having defined therein channel defining apertures (“a plurality of sealing and electrically insulating gaskets having substantially the same configuration as that of the plurality of rigid support frames, each sealing and electrically insulating gasket having defined therein channel defining apertures”); and a plurality of masking frames, each masking frame being placed in the channel defining aperture defined in one of the sealing and electrically insulating gaskets or in one of the rigid support frames (“a plurality of masking frames, each masking frame being placed in the channel defining aperture defined in one of the sealing and electrically insulating gaskets or in one of the rigid support frames”); the channel defining apertures in each of the rigid support frames and first and second apertures in the gaskets being aligned with each other to form flow passageways through the stack (“the channel defining apertures in each of the rigid support frame members and first and second apertures in the gaskets being aligned with each other to form flow passageways through the stack”). Claim 19: Claim 15 of 634 claims each end rigid support frame has two electroactive structures with one electroactive structure being affixed to the end rigid support frame adjacent to its first face and the other electroactive structure being affixed to the end rigid support frame adjacent to its second face. Claim 20: Claim 16 of 634 claims the first inner frame member of the at least one intermediate rigid support frame is a first generally L-shaped member having first and second arm portions joined to each other; the first arm portion of the first generally L-shaped member being attached to the second side arm and the second arm portion of the first generally L-shaped member being attached to the second lateral cross member; the second inner frame of the at least one intermediate rigid support frame is a second generally L-shaped member having first and second arms portions joined to each other; the first arm portion of the second generally L-shaped member being attached to the first side arm and the second arm portion of the second generally L-shaped member being attached to the first lateral cross member; the circulation chamber of the at least one intermediate rigid support frame extends between the first and second faces of the at least one intermediate rigid support frame, the first arm portions of the first and second generally L-shaped members associated with the at least one intermediate rigid support frame and inner edges of the first and second side arms of the at least one intermediate rigid support frame. Conclusion Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to ALEXANDER W KEELING whose telephone number is (571)272-9961. The examiner can normally be reached 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM. Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice. If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Luan Van can be reached at 571-272-8521. 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. /ALEXANDER W KEELING/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 1795
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Prosecution Timeline

Oct 02, 2023
Application Filed
Apr 20, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §DOUBLEPATENT (current)

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