Prosecution Insights
Last updated: April 19, 2026
Application No. 18/571,268

High efficiency generation of a vapor-containing aerosol mist without added heat

Non-Final OA §102§103§112
Filed
Dec 18, 2023
Examiner
SARANTAKOS, KAYLA ROSE
Art Unit
1799
Tech Center
1700 — Chemical & Materials Engineering
Assignee
Teknologian Tutkimuskeskus Vtt OY
OA Round
1 (Non-Final)
31%
Grant Probability
At Risk
1-2
OA Rounds
3y 10m
To Grant
82%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants only 31% of cases
31%
Career Allow Rate
19 granted / 61 resolved
-33.9% vs TC avg
Strong +51% interview lift
Without
With
+51.0%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
3y 10m
Avg Prosecution
44 currently pending
Career history
105
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§103
50.5%
+10.5% vs TC avg
§102
27.5%
-12.5% vs TC avg
§112
17.3%
-22.7% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 61 resolved cases

Office Action

§102 §103 §112
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. Priority Receipt is acknowledged of certified copies of papers required by 37 CFR 1.55. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112 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 appl icant regards as his invention. Claim 8 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 8, the phrase "preferably" renders the claim indefinite because it is unclear whether the limitation(s) following the phrase are part of the claimed invention. See MPEP § 2173.05(d). 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. Claims 1-2, 5, 7-11, and 13-15 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102 (a)(1) as being anticipated by Frische (US 20170304475 A1) . Regarding claim 1, Frische teaches a device for the generation and discharge of an at least partially evaporated aerosol mist from a sterilizing solution (aerosol device generates submicron liquid droplets, abstract, and liquid includes cleaning agents or disinfectants, paragraph [0077]) , and the device being formed of a container comprising: a reservoir for holding the sterilizing solution (liquid container, abstract) , a gas inlet for carrying a steam of gas into the container (connecting a source of pressurized gas to the chamber, abstract) , an atomizing unit for forming an aerosol mist f ro m the sterilizing solution (aerosol device forms an aerosol from a liquid and a gas, paragraph [0076]) , an optional feed system for supplying sterilizing solution to the atomizing unit (liquid container that supplies the aerosol device with the liquid to be aerosolized, paragraph [0082]) , and a mist outlet for leading a formed vapor-containing mist out of the container (bowl outlet opening through which aerosol generated within the bowl passes out of the bowl, paragraph [0093]) , wherein: the device further comprises an inertial separation unit (bowl provides a stages filter system, paragraph [0095]) arranged to cause collision of a fraction of the droplets of the aerosol against a surface of the container (larger droplets impact the bowl wall, paragraph [0095]) , thus separating the collided droplets from the aerosol (only the smaller droplets will avoid hitting the wall and remain in the air flow, paragraph [0095]) , the inertial separation unit being in the form of an impaction target, placed in the trajectory of the stream of gas passing the atomizing unit at a distance from the outlet of the atomizing unit that is 1-4 times the width of the outlet (referring to figure 2D of Frische seen below, Frische shows that distance between the nozzle and bowl side wall 1-4 times that of width of the outlet of the nozzle ) . Regarding claim 2, Frische teaches wherein the atomizing unit comprises one or more of the following: one or more misting nozzles (aerosol system includes a nozzle, paragraph [0013]) , arranged wither to mix the sterilizing solution with a created high velocity jet of the stream of gas or arranged to receive the sterilizing solution that is pumped through the nozzle at high pressure (liquid container fluidly coupled to the nozzle and a source of pressurized gas connected to the nozzle, abstract) , one or more vibrating orifices, or one or more ultrasonic misters. Regarding claim 5, Frische teaches wherein the device comprises a feed system for supplying sterilizing solution to the atomizing unit is in the form of: one or more vacuum ejectors, arranged to transfer sterilizing solution from the reservoir via a liquid channel to the atomizing unit by means of Venturi effect, one or more liquid pumps, arranged to pump the sterilizing solution from the reservoir via a liquid channel to the atomizing unit (aerosol system includes a pump configured to pump liquid from the liquid container to the nozzle, paragraph [0013]) , or a liquid channel arranged to feed the sterilizing solution from the reservoir, placed at an elevated position to the atomizing unit by gravitational forces. Regarding claim 7, Frische teach wherein the device is made of durable material selected from the group consisting of plastic, glass, and metal (outer box may be plastic, paragraph [0083]) . Regarding claim 8, Frische teach wherein the gas inlet is in fluid communication with a gas distributor, preferably in the form a gas pressurizer, a fan, or a blower, more preferably in the form of a gas pump, a compressor, or a container holding a pressurized gas, most suitably being in the form of a compressed gas bottle (source of pressurized gas may be a compressor, paragraph [0023]) . Regarding claim 9. Frische teaches a method for generation and discharge of an at least partially evaporated aerosol mist from a sterilizing solution at ambient temperature (treating a room at initial ambient temperature, paragraph [0010], and aerosol device generates submicron liquid droplets, abstract, and liquid includes cleaning agents or disinfectants, paragraph [0077] ) comprising the steps of: carrying a stream of gas into a container holding a sterilizing solution, leading the stream of gas through the container, to an atomizing unit (connecting a source of pressurized gas to the chamber of the nozzle, abstract) , providing sterilizing solution at the atomizing unit (liquid container fluidly connected to the nozzle, abstract) , atomizing the sterilizing solution in the atomizing unit, thus forming an aerosol mist containing at least partially evaporated droplets ( aerosol device forms an aerosol from a liquid and a gas, paragraph [0076]) , and leading the formed aerosol mist with the gas stream through a mist outlet out of the container (bowl outlet opening through which aerosol generated within the bowl passes out of the bowl, paragraph [0093]) , and separating a fraction of droplets of sterilizing solution from the gas stream via collision against an impaction target (bowl provides a stages filter system, larger droplets impact the bowl wall, and only the smaller droplets will avoid hitting the wall and remain in the air flow, paragraph [0095]) , placed in the trajectory of the stream of gas passing the atomizing unit at a distance from the outlet of the atomizing unit that is 1-4 times the width of the outlet, thus separating the collided droplets from the gas stream carried to the mist outlet (referring to figure 2D of Frische seen below, Frische shows that distance between the nozzle and bowl side wall 1-4 times that of width of the outlet of the nozzle ) . Regarding claim 10, Frische teaches wherein the aerosol mist is formed by atomizing the liquid solution: by driving the liquid solution through one or more misting nozzles ( aerosol system includes a nozzle, paragraph [0013]) , where it is mixed with a created high velocity jet of the stream of gas, by pumping the liquid solution at high pressure through one or more misting nozzles (liquid container fluidly coupled to the nozzle and a source of pressurized gas connected to the nozzle, abstract, and aerosol system includes a pump to pump liquid to the nozzle, paragraph [0013 ) , by driving the liquid solution through one or more vibrating orifices, or by using a separate ultrasonic mister, or by using two or more of these alternatives simultaneously. Regarding claim 11, Frische teaches wherein the gas is nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, argon, or air (pressurized gas source is an adjustable air compressor, paragraph [0081]) . Regarding claim 13, Frische teaches wherein the sterilizing solution is fed to the atomizing unit in a separate feeding step by: using one or more vacuum ejectors, which transfer sterilizing solution by Venturi effect, pumping the sterilizing solution using one or more liquid pumps (aerosol system includes a pump configured to pump liquid from the liquid container to the nozzle, paragraph [0013]) , or using gravitational forces to feed the sterilizing solution. Regarding claim 14, Frische teaches wherein a fraction of droplets of sterilizing solution is separated from the gas stream by colliding the fraction of droplets against either a surface of the container of a surface of the impaction target, the collided droplets being the largest droplets of the solution, thus causing either the atomization of these collided droplets of their return to the solution in the container (larger droplets impact the bowl wall and flow down to the reservoir and the smaller droplets remain in the air flow, paragraph [0095]) . Regarding claim 15, Frische teaches wherein the diameter of the droplets in the formed aerosol mist is limited to a droplet diameter of less than 10µm via a separation of a fraction of the droplets including the largest droplets of the mist (liquid droplets have a maximum dimension in a range between 0.1 µm and 0.7 µm, paragraph [0007]) . Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103 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 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action: A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made. The factual inquiries for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows: 1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art. 2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue. 3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art. 4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness . Claims 3-4 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Frische in view of Feuchter (US 20230201403 A1). Regarding claim 3, Frische teaches all aspects of the current invention except wherein the atomizing unit is a misting nozzle having an outlet with a width of 0.01-10mm. However, Feuchter teaches wherein the atomizing unit is a misting nozzle having an outlet with a width of 0.01-10mm (outlet my range in diameter from about 1/8 inch to 1 inch [3.175mm to 25.4 mm], paragraph [0028]). Frische and Feuchter are considered analogous to the current invention because all are in the field of aerosol generation device. While Feuchter does not explicitly teach a nozzle width of 0.01-10mm, a case of prima facie case of obviousness exists when a range taught by prior art overlaps with the claimed range in the current invention (see MPEP 2144.05 I). Additionally, it would have been obvious to combine the aerosol generation device taught by Frische with the range of nozzle outlet widths taught by Feuchter because Feuchter teaches such nozzle sizes increases the efficiency of distribution of the decontamination agent due to the high volume of air exchange within the target volume (paragraph [0037]). Regarding claim 4, Frische teaches all aspects of the current invention except wherein the impaction target is placed at a distance from the outlet from of the atomizing unit that is 1.5-2.5 times the width of the outlet. However, Feuchter teaches wherein the impaction target is placed at a distance from the outlet from of the atomizing unit that is 1.5-2.5 times the width of the outlet (gap established between the deflector surface and nozzle outlet and gap may range from about 1/10 inch to about ¾ inches [2.54mm-19.05mm], paragraph [0029], this establishes a ratio between the gap distance and the width of the nozzle outlet is 0.1-6). Frische and Feuchter are considered analogous to the current invention as discussed above. While Feuchter does not explicitly teach a ratio of 1.5 to 2.5, a case of prima facie case of obviousness exists when a range taught by prior art overlaps with the claimed range in the current invention (see MPEP 2144.05 I). Additionally, it would have been obvious to combine the aerosol generation device taught by Frische with the ratio between the nozzle width and the gap distance taught by Feuchter because Feuchter teaches such distances increases the efficiency of distribution of the decontamination agent due to the high volume of air exchange within the target volume (paragraph [0037]). Claims 6, 12, and 16 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Frische in view of Shane (US 20190201565 A1) . Regarding claim 6, Frische teaches all aspects of the current invention except wherein the device further comprises an atomizing unit submerged into the reservoir containing the sterilizing solution, whereby no separate feed system is needed. However, Shane teaches wherein the device further comprises an atomizing unit submerged into the reservoir containing the sterilizing solution, whereby no separate feed system is needed (cleaning fluid passively lies in the bottom chamber portion and submerges the distal end of the ultrasonic cavitator , paragraph [0007]). Frische and Shane are considered analogous to the current invention because all are in the field of disinfecting aerosol generators. Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to combine the aerosol generation device taught by Frische with the submerged atomizing unit taught by Shane because Shane teaches that the use of such nebulizing devices allow for control of the dosage emitted by a specific nebulizer (paragraph [0037]). Regarding claim 12 , Frische teaches all aspects of the current invention except wherein the gas further comprises ozone, ethylene oxide, ammonia, chlorine, chlorine dioxide, or nitrogen dioxide as an additive. However, Shane teaches wherein the gas further comprises ozone, ethylene oxide, ammonia, chlorine, chlorine dioxide, or nitrogen dioxide as an additive (sterilant gas comprises chlorine dioxide, ethylene oxide, ozone, or nitrogen dioxide, paragraph [0014]). Frische and Shane are considered analogous to the current invention as discussed above. Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to combine the aerosol generation device taught by Frische with the use of sterilant gases as taught by Shane because Shane teaches the use of such gases will provide at least a 6-log 10 reduction of bacteria and viruses (paragraph [0014]). Regarding claim 16, Frische teaches all aspects of the current invention wherein the sterilizing solution is a solution containing hydrogen peroxide in water in a concentration of 1-100 vol%, the method thus forming hydrogen peroxide vapor. However, Shane teaches wherein the sterilizing solution is a solution containing hydrogen peroxide in water in a concentration of 1-100 vol%, the method thus forming hydrogen peroxide vapor (cleaning fluid comprises hydrogen peroxide at a concentration of about 7.8%, paragraph [0014], and mist is generated from cleaning fluid, paragraph [0013]). Frische and Shane are considered analogous to the current invention as discussed above. Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to combine the aerosol generation method taught by Frische with the use of hydrogen peroxide taught by Shane because Shane teaches the hydrogen peroxide will produce active species that will react with the cell walls of microbiological organisms to destroy the cells (paragraph [0048]) Conclusion Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to FILLIN "Examiner name" \* MERGEFORMAT KAYLA ROSE SARANTAKOS whose telephone number is FILLIN "Phone number" \* MERGEFORMAT (703)756-5524 . The examiner can normally be reached FILLIN "Work Schedule?" \* MERGEFORMAT Mon-Fri 7:00-4:00 . 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, FILLIN "SPE Name?" \* MERGEFORMAT Michael Marcheschi can be reached at FILLIN "SPE Phone?" \* MERGEFORMAT (571) 272-1374 . 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. /K.R.S./ Examiner, Art Unit 1799 /DONALD R SPAMER/ Primary Examiner, Art Unit 1799
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Prosecution Timeline

Dec 18, 2023
Application Filed
Mar 09, 2026
Non-Final Rejection — §102, §103, §112 (current)

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Study what changed to get past this examiner. Based on 5 most recent grants.

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Prosecution Projections

1-2
Expected OA Rounds
31%
Grant Probability
82%
With Interview (+51.0%)
3y 10m
Median Time to Grant
Low
PTA Risk
Based on 61 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allow rate.

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