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 .
Drawings
The drawings are objected to under 37 CFR 1.83(a). The drawings must show every feature of the invention specified in the claims. Therefore, the “the plurality of riser cage standoff apertures provide an ability to laterally move the plurality of riser cage stand offs across the horizontal main housing portion while enabling the riser cage stand offs to couple with the riser retention bracket” must be shown or the feature(s) canceled from the claim(s). No new matter should be entered.
Corrected drawing sheets in compliance with 37 CFR 1.121(d) are required in reply to the Office action to avoid abandonment of the application. Any amended replacement drawing sheet should include all of the figures appearing on the immediate prior version of the sheet, even if only one figure is being amended. The figure or figure number of an amended drawing should not be labeled as “amended.” If a drawing figure is to be canceled, the appropriate figure must be removed from the replacement sheet, and where necessary, the remaining figures must be renumbered and appropriate changes made to the brief description of the several views of the drawings for consistency. Additional replacement sheets may be necessary to show the renumbering of the remaining figures. Each drawing sheet submitted after the filing date of an application must be labeled in the top margin as either “Replacement Sheet” or “New Sheet” pursuant to 37 CFR 1.121(d). If the changes are not accepted by the examiner, the applicant will be notified and informed of any required corrective action in the next Office action. The objection to the drawings will not be held in abeyance.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
The following is a quotation of the first paragraph of 35 U.S.C. 112(a):
(a) IN GENERAL.—The specification shall contain a written description of the invention, and of the manner and process of making and using it, in such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains, or with which it is most nearly connected, to make and use the same, and shall set forth the best mode contemplated by the inventor or joint inventor of carrying out the invention.
The following is a quotation of the first paragraph of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112:
The specification shall contain a written description of the invention, and of the manner and process of making and using it, in such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains, or with which it is most nearly connected, to make and use the same, and shall set forth the best mode contemplated by the inventor of carrying out his invention.
Claims 1-18 rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(a) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), first paragraph, as failing to comply with the enablement requirement. The claim(s) contains subject matter which was not described in the specification in such a way as to enable one skilled in the art to which it pertains, or with which it is most nearly connected, to make and/or use the invention.
Regarding claim 1, the subject matter “the plurality of riser cage standoff apertures provide an ability to laterally move the plurality of riser cage stand offs across the horizontal main housing portion while enabling the riser cage stand offs to couple with the riser retention bracket” is not described in the specification. But rather the apertures seem to receive and fix the stand offs. Further, [0033] of the specification describes the riser retention bracket system provides the ability to laterally move risers sideways.
Claims 2-6 depending from claim 1 are therefore also rejected.
Regarding claim 7, the subject matter “the plurality of riser cage standoff apertures provide an ability to laterally move the plurality of riser cage stand offs across the horizontal main housing portion while enabling the riser cage stand offs to couple with the riser retention bracket” is not described in the specification. But rather the apertures seem to receive and fix the stand offs. Further, [0033] of the specification describes the riser retention bracket system provides the ability to laterally move risers sideways.
Claims 8-12. depending from claim 7 are therefore also rejected.
Regarding claim 13, the subject matter “the plurality of riser cage standoff apertures provide an ability to laterally move the plurality of riser cage stand offs across the horizontal main housing portion while enabling the riser cage stand offs to couple with the riser retention bracket” is not described in the specification. But rather the apertures seem to receive and fix the stand offs. Further, [0033] of the specification describes the riser retention bracket system provides the ability to laterally move risers sideways.
Claims 14-18 depending from claim 13 are therefore also rejected.
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 1-18 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.
Regarding claim 1, the limitation “the plurality of riser cage standoff apertures provide an ability to laterally move the plurality of riser cage stand offs across the horizontal main housing portion while enabling the riser cage stand offs to couple with the riser retention bracket” is unclear.
It is unclear whether the apertures receive the stand offs thereby laterally moving them in a vertical direction across the horizontal main housing portion or if the apertures receive the stand offs and laterally move them in a horizontal direction across the horizontal main housing portion.
For the purpose of examination, the Examiner will interpret this as the apertures receive the stand offs thereby laterally moving the in a vertical direction across the horizontal main housing portion.
Claims 2-6 depending from claim 1 are therefore also rejected.
Regarding claim 7, the limitation “the plurality of riser cage standoff apertures provide an ability to laterally move the plurality of riser cage stand offs across the horizontal main housing portion while enabling the riser cage stand offs to couple with the riser retention bracket” is unclear.
It is unclear whether the apertures receive the stand offs thereby laterally moving them in a vertical direction across the horizontal main housing portion or if the apertures receive the stand offs and laterally move them in a horizontal direction across the horizontal main housing portion.
For the purpose of examination, the Examiner will interpret this as the apertures receive the stand offs thereby laterally moving the in a vertical direction across the horizontal main housing portion.
Claims 8-12. depending from claim 7 are therefore also rejected.
Regarding claim 13, the limitation “the plurality of riser cage standoff apertures provide an ability to laterally move the plurality of riser cage stand offs across the horizontal main housing portion while enabling the riser cage stand offs to couple with the riser retention bracket” is unclear.
It is unclear whether the apertures receive the stand offs thereby laterally moving them in a vertical direction across the horizontal main housing portion or if the apertures receive the stand offs and laterally move them in a horizontal direction across the horizontal main housing portion.
For the purpose of examination, the Examiner will interpret this as the apertures receive the stand offs thereby laterally moving them in a vertical direction across the horizontal main housing portion.
Claims 14-18 depending from claim 13 are therefore also rejected.
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.
Claim(s) 1 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Hsieh US 11150705.
Regarding claim 1 (as best understood), Hsieh US 11150705 discloses a riser retention bracket (530 in Fig. 3) for an information handling system (10 in Fig. 1), comprising:
a lateral riser retention bracket component (531 in Fig. 3);
the lateral riser retention bracket component (531) comprising a horizontal main housing portion (5313 in Fig. 3), the lateral riser bracket component (531) defining a plurality of riser cage standoff apertures (5310 in Fig. 3),
the plurality of riser cage standoff apertures (5310) being positioned to mate with respective riser cage stand offs (512 in Fig. 3) of a plurality of riser cage stand offs (512) when the lateral riser retention bracket component (531) is horizontally mounted within the information handling system (10; as depicted in Fig. 1 and 3 at least the horizontal portion of 531 is horizontally mounted within 10);
wherein, the plurality of riser cage standoff apertures (5310) provide an ability to laterally move the plurality of riser cage stand offs (512) across the horizontal main housing portion (5313) while enabling the riser cage stand offs (512) to couple with the riser retention bracket (530; 5310 are able to laterally move 512 while in 5312 portion in order to guide them to 5311 portion for coupling to 530 as depicted in Fig. 4; 5310 also receive 512 thereby laterally moving them in a vertical direction across the horizontal main housing portion 5313).
Claim(s) 1, 3-7, 9-13 and 16-18 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Yu US 9122458.
Regarding claim 1 (as best understood), Yu discloses a riser retention bracket (10) for an information handling system (1 in Fig. 1), comprising:
a lateral riser retention bracket component (104 in Fig. 3);
the lateral riser retention bracket component (104) comprising a horizontal main housing portion (top horizontal surface of 104 in Fig. 3), the lateral riser bracket component (104) defining a plurality of riser cage standoff apertures (1042b in Fig. 3),
the plurality of riser cage standoff apertures (1042b) being positioned to mate with respective riser cage stand offs (128b in Fig. 4) of a plurality of riser cage stand offs (128b) when the lateral riser retention bracket component (104) is horizontally mounted within the information handling system (1; as least 1046 of 104 is horizontally mounted within 1 as depicted in Fig. 1 and 3);
wherein, the plurality of riser cage standoff apertures (1042b) provide an ability to laterally move the plurality of riser cage stand offs (128b) across the horizontal main housing portion (top horizontal surface of 104) while enabling the riser cage stand offs (128b) to couple with the riser retention bracket (10; 1042b provide the ability to laterally move 128b while in a wide portion of 1042b in order to guide them to a narrow portion of 1042b for coupling to 10 as depicted in Fig. 4-7; 1042b also receive 128b thereby laterally moving them in a vertical direction across the top horizontal surface of 104).
Regarding claim 3 (as best understood), Yu discloses the riser retention bracket of claim 1, wherein:
the lateral riser retention bracket (10) defines a plurality of guide apertures (wide portion of 1042b in Fig. 3).
Regarding claim 4 (as best understood), Yu discloses the riser retention bracket of claim 1, wherein:
the lateral riser retention bracket (10) defines a plurality of peripheral module mounting apertures (narrow portion of 1042b in Fig. 3).
Regarding claim 5 (as best understood), Yu discloses the riser retention bracket of claim 1, wherein:
the lateral riser retention bracket includes a plurality of retention tabs (1048 and 1044 in Fig. 3), each of the plurality of retention tabs (1048 and 1044) being positioned relative to a side edge (side edge at 10 in Fig. 1 and 3) of a drive bay mounting location (mounting location receiving 12 in Fig. 1).
Regarding claim 6 (as best understood), Yu discloses the riser retention bracket of claim 5, wherein: each of the plurality of retention tabs (1048 and 1044) are configured to mate with a rotation lever component (124/126) when the rotating lever component (124/126) is in a closed orientation (as depicted in Fig. 7).
Regarding claim 7 (as best understood), Yu US 9122458 discloses a drive mounting system for an information handling system (1 in Fig. 1) comprising:
a rotating lever component (124 in Fig. 1); and,
a riser retention bracket (10 in Fig. 3),
the riser retention bracket (10) comprising:
a lateral riser retention bracket component (104 in Fig. 3);
the lateral riser retention bracket component (104) comprising a horizontal main housing portion (top horizontal surface of 104 in Fig. 3), the lateral riser bracket component (104) defining a plurality of riser cage standoff apertures (1042b in Fig. 3),
the plurality of riser cage standoff apertures (1042b) being positioned to mate with respective riser cage stand offs (128b in Fig. 4) of a plurality of riser cage stand offs (128b) when the lateral riser retention bracket component (104) is horizontally mounted within the information handling system (1; as least 1046 of 104 is horizontally mounted within 1 as depicted in Fig. 1 and 3);
wherein, the plurality of riser cage standoff apertures (1042b) provide an ability to laterally move the plurality of riser cage stand offs (128b) while enabling the riser cage stand offs (128b) to couple with the riser retention bracket (10; 1042b provide the ability to laterally move 128b while in a wide portion of 1042b in order to guide them to a narrow portion of 1042b for coupling to 10 as depicted in Fig. 4-7; 1042b also receive 128b thereby laterally moving them in a vertical direction across the top horizontal surface of 104).
Regarding claim 9 (as best understood), Yu discloses the drive mounting system of claim 7, wherein:
the lateral riser retention bracket (10) defines a plurality of guide apertures (wide portion of 1042b in Fig. 3).
Regarding claim 10 (as best understood), Yu discloses the drive mounting system of claim 7, wherein:
the lateral riser retention bracket (10) defines a plurality of peripheral module mounting apertures (narrow portion of 1042b in Fig. 3).
Regarding claim 11 (as best understood), Yu discloses the drive mounting system of claim 7, further comprising:
the lateral riser retention bracket includes a plurality of retention tabs (1048 and 1044 in Fig. 3), each of the plurality of retention tabs (1048 and 1044) being positioned relative to a side edge (side edge at 10 in Fig. 1 and 3) of a drive bay mounting location (mounting location receiving 12 in Fig. 1).
Regarding claim 12 (as best understood), Yu discloses the drive mounting system of claim 11, wherein:
each of the plurality of retention tabs (1048 and 1044) are configured to mate with the rotation lever component (124/126) when the rotating lever component (124/126) is in a closed orientation (as depicted in Fig. 7).
Regarding claim 13 (as best understood), Yu US 9122458 discloses an information handling system (1 in Fig. 1) comprising:
a processor (14 in Fig. 1);
a data bus (inherent data bus of 1 not shown) coupled to the processor (14);
drive mounting system (12/10 in Fig. 1) comprising:
a rotating lever component (124 in Fig. 1); and,
a lateral riser retention bracket component (104 in Fig. 3);
the lateral riser retention bracket component (104) comprising a horizontal main housing portion (top horizontal surface of 104 in Fig. 3), the lateral riser bracket component (104) defining a plurality of riser cage standoff apertures (1042b in Fig. 3),
the plurality of riser cage standoff apertures (1042b) being positioned to mate with respective riser cage stand offs (128b in Fig. 4) of a plurality of riser cage stand offs (128b) when the lateral riser retention bracket component (104) is horizontally mounted within the information handling system (1; as least 1046 of 104 is horizontally mounted within 1 as depicted in Fig. 1 and 3);
wherein, the plurality of riser cage standoff apertures (1042b) provide an ability to laterally move the plurality of riser cage stand offs (128b) while enabling the riser cage stand offs (128b) to couple with the riser retention bracket (10 in Fig. 3; 1042b provide the ability to laterally move 128b while in a wide portion of 1042b in order to guide them to a narrow portion of 1042b for coupling to 10 as depicted in Fig. 4-7; 1042b also receive 128b thereby laterally moving them in a vertical direction across the top horizontal surface of 104).
Regarding claim 16 (as best understood), Yu discloses the information handling system of claim 13, wherein:
the lateral riser retention bracket (10) defines a plurality of peripheral module mounting apertures (narrow portion of 1042b in Fig. 3).
Regarding claim 17 (as best understood), Yu discloses the information handling system of claim 13, wherein:
the lateral riser retention bracket includes a plurality of retention tabs (1048 and 1044 in Fig. 3), each of the plurality of retention tabs (1048 and 1044) being positioned relative to a side edge (side edge at 10 in Fig. 1 and 3) of a drive bay mounting location (mounting location receiving 12 in Fig. 1).
Regarding claim 18 (as best understood), Yu discloses the information handling system of claim 17, wherein:
each of the plurality of retention tabs (1048 and 1044) are configured to mate with the rotation lever component (124/126) when the rotating lever component (124/126) is in a closed orientation (as depicted in Fig. 7).
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 2, 8 and 14-15 would be allowable if rewritten to overcome the rejection(s) under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), 2nd paragraph, set forth in this Office action and to include all of the limitations of the base claim and any intervening claims.
Response to Arguments
Applicant's arguments filed 12/29/2025 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive.
Regarding claim 1, 7 and 13, Applicant argues that “nowhere within Hsieh or Yu, taken alone or in combination is there any disclosure or suggestion of a lateral riser retention bracket component; the lateral riser retention component comprising a horizontal main housing portion, the lateral riser bracket component defining a plurality of riser cage stand off apertures, the plurality of riser cage stand off apertures being positioned to mate with respective riser cage stand offs of a plurality of riser cage stand offs when the lateral riser retention bracket component is horizontally mounted within the information handling system, as required by claims 1, 7 and 13.”
The Examiner respectfully disagrees.
Firstly, it must be stated that the examiner is required to give the claims the broadest reasonable interpretation. Specifically, MPEP 2111 states:
During patent examination, the pending claims must be “given *>their< broadest
reasonable interpretation consistent with the specification.” > In re Hyatt, 211 F.3d
1367, 1372, 54 USPQ2d 1664, 1667 (Fed. Cir. 2000).< Applicant always has the
opportunity to amend the claims during prosecution, and broad interpretation by the
examiner reduces the possibility that the claim, once issued, will be interpreted more
broadly than is justified. In re Prater, 415 F.2d 1393, 1404-05, 162 USPQ 541, 550-
51 (CCPA 1969).
Drawings and pictures can anticipate claims if they clearly show the structure which is claimed. In re Mraz, 455 F.2d 1069, 173 USPQ 25 (CCPA 1972). However, the
picture must show all the claimed structural features and how they are put together.
Jockmus v. Leviton, 28 F.2d 812 (2d Cir. 1928). The origin of the drawing is
immaterial. For instance, drawings in a design patent can anticipate or make obvious the claimed invention as can drawings in utility patents. When the reference is a utility patent, it does not matter that the feature shown is unintended or unexplained in the specification.
The drawings must be evaluated for what they reasonably disclose and suggest to one of ordinary skill in the art. In re Aslanian, 590 F.2d 911, 200 USPQ 500 (CCPA 1979). See MPEP § 2121.04 for more information on prior art drawings as "enabled
disclosures."
Hsieh in Fig. 3 show a lateral riser retention bracket component 531 having portion 5313 which extends horizontally.
Therefore Hsieh discloses the lateral riser retention bracket component 531 comprising a horizontal main housing portion 5313.
Fig. 3 of Hsieh shows the lateral riser bracket component 531 having a plurality of riser cage standoff apertures 5310, which mate with respective riser cage stand offs 512 when the lateral riser retention bracket component 531 is horizontally mounted within the information handling system 10; as at least the horizontal portion of 531 is horizontally mounted within the system.
Similarly, Yu in Fig. 1 and 3 show a lateral riser retention bracket component 104 having portion at least a top horizontal surface of 104 which extends horizontally.
Therefore Yu discloses the lateral riser retention bracket component 104 comprising a horizontal main housing portion as a top horizontal surface of 104.
Fig. 3 of Yu shows the lateral riser bracket component 104 having a plurality of riser cage standoff apertures 1042b, which mate with respective riser cage stand offs 128b when the lateral riser retention bracket component 104 is horizontally mounted within the information handling system 1; as at least the horizontal portion of 104 is horizontally mounted within the system.
Therefore Hsieh and Yu disclose a lateral riser retention bracket component; the lateral riser retention component comprising a horizontal main housing portion, the lateral riser bracket component defining a plurality of riser cage stand off apertures, the plurality of riser cage stand off apertures being positioned to mate with respective riser cage stand offs of a plurality of riser cage stand offs when the lateral riser retention bracket component is horizontally mounted within the information handling system, as required by claims 1, 7 and 13.
And so, claims 1, 3-7, 9-13 and 16-18 stand rejected.
Conclusion
Applicant's amendment necessitated the new ground(s) of rejection presented in this Office action. Accordingly, THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. See MPEP § 706.07(a). Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any nonprovisional extension fee (37 CFR 1.17(a)) pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the mailing date of this final action.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to CHRISTOPHER L AUGUSTIN whose telephone number is (571)270-7659. The examiner can normally be reached Monday - Friday 8 am - 3 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, Allen L Parker can be reached at 303-297-4722. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/CHRISTOPHER L AUGUSTIN/Examiner, Art Unit 2841
/JAMES WU/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2841