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 .
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 1-11, 25-32 are 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.
In claims 1 and 2, there is not antecedent basis for “the surface” in line 11 of claim 1 and line 7 of claim 2. In claim 25, the use of the word “type” after epoxy renders the scope of the claim indefinite because it is not clear what is meant by an epoxy type or how that differs from simply an epoxy resin.
Applicant’s amendment has overcome the previous rejections. Note that if Applicant wishes to rejoin the method claims, they should be made commensurate in scope with the product claims and that antecedent basis for “the surface” in claim 12, line 5 should be provided. Also, note that in claim 13 the use of the word “type” after epoxy renders the scope of the claim indefinite because it is not clear what is meant by an epoxy type or how that differs from simply an epoxy resin.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to ELIZABETH M IMANI whose telephone number is (571)272-1475. The examiner can normally be reached Monday-Wednesday 7AM-7:30; Thursday 10AM -2 PM.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Marla McConnell can be reached at 571-270-7692. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/ELIZABETH M IMANI/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 1789
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