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 1-13 in the reply filed on 07/28/2025 is acknowledged.
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 1-13 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Merle et al. (20150306682).
Merle et al. discloses a machine device for outer pipe surfaces, comprising at least two chain links or blocks100, 200, which are hingedly connectable to each other in such a way that they form a closed chain ring and annularly surround a plastic pipe, the chain connecting link 200 includes the tensioning device 230, 232 and can be hingedly connected to the tool holder 100 by means of its tightener 232, wherein the end of chain connecting link 200 hingedly connected to guide piece 320 is the same as the axial position of the facing end of tool holder 100, so that the closed chain ring forms a circular ring, wherein a bead roller 250 having a convex profile and able to roll on the lateral surface with its two parallel contact surfaces on either side of the bead may be provided on a chain link.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to Thu-Khanh T. Nguyen whose telephone number is (571)272-1136. The examiner can normally be reached 7:30-4:30.
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/Thu Khanh T. Nguyen/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 1743