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 .
According to paper filed on July 24, 2026, the applicants have canceled claims 3, 6-9, 11 and 13-14; amended claims 1, 2, 4, 5 and 12 and furthermore, have added a new claim 15.
Claims 1-2, 4-5, 10, 12 and 15 are pending in the application.
Response to Arguments
Applicant's arguments filed July 24, 2026 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive regarding indefiniteness rejection of claims 2 and 12. The applicants have amended claims to overcome all other rejections. Regarding indefiniteness rejection of claims 2 and 12, the applicants point out paragraphs [0021] and [0036] of the specification for antecedent basis. First of all, there are no paragraphs [0021] and [0036] in the specification. Secondly, these terms have to be present in independent claim 1 (and not the specification) for proper antecedent basis.
Conclusion
The indefiniteness rejections of claims 2 and 12 for lack of antecedent basis under 35 U.S.C. 112, 2nd paragraph are maintained.
Claims 1, 4-5, 10 and 15 are allowed.
THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. 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 CHARANJIT AULAKH whose telephone number is (571)272-0678. The examiner can normally be reached Monday-Friday 7:00-3:30.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Clinton A Brooks can be reached at 571-270-7682. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/CHARANJIT AULAKH/ Primary Examiner, Art Unit 1621
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