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 .
Claim Interpretation
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(f):
(f) Element in Claim for a Combination. – An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof.
The following is a quotation of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph:
An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof.
The claims in this application are given their broadest reasonable interpretation using the plain meaning of the claim language in light of the specification as it would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The broadest reasonable interpretation of a claim element (also commonly referred to as a claim limitation) is limited by the description in the specification when 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is invoked.
As explained in MPEP § 2181, subsection I, claim limitations that meet the following three-prong test will be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph:
(A) the claim limitation uses the term “means” or “step” or a term used as a substitute for “means” that is a generic placeholder (also called a nonce term or a non-structural term having no specific structural meaning) for performing the claimed function;
(B) the term “means” or “step” or the generic placeholder is modified by functional language, typically, but not always linked by the transition word “for” (e.g., “means for”) or another linking word or phrase, such as “configured to” or “so that”; and
(C) the term “means” or “step” or the generic placeholder is not modified by sufficient structure, material, or acts for performing the claimed function.
Use of the word “means” (or “step”) in a claim with functional language creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. The presumption that the claim limitation is interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is rebutted when the claim limitation recites sufficient structure, material, or acts to entirely perform the recited function.
Absence of the word “means” (or “step”) in a claim creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is not to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. The presumption that the claim limitation is not interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is rebutted when the claim limitation recites function without reciting sufficient structure, material or acts to entirely perform the recited function.
Claim limitations in this application that use the word “means” (or “step”) are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, except as otherwise indicated in an Office action. Conversely, claim limitations in this application that do not use the word “means” (or “step”) are not being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, except as otherwise indicated in an Office action.
This application includes one or more claim limitations that do not use the word “means,” but are nonetheless being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, because the claim limitation(s) uses a generic placeholder that is coupled with functional language without reciting sufficient structure to perform the recited function and the generic placeholder is not preceded by a structural modifier. Such claim limitation(s) is/are: "taste judging unit" in claim 10 & 11 and in specification Paragraphs 16 & 52 which states that the taste judging unit is not shown in the figures but describes the unit as a push button, switch, or slide bar.
Because this/these claim limitation(s) is/are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, it/they is/are being interpreted to cover the corresponding structure described in the specification as performing the claimed function, and equivalents thereof.
If applicant does not intend to have this/these limitation(s) interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, applicant may: (1) amend the claim limitation(s) to avoid it/them being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph (e.g., by reciting sufficient structure to perform the claimed function); or (2) present a sufficient showing that the claim limitation(s) recite(s) sufficient structure to perform the claimed function so as to avoid it/them being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph.
This application includes one or more claim limitations that do not use the word “means,” but are nonetheless being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, because the claim limitation(s) uses a generic placeholder that is coupled with functional language without reciting sufficient structure to perform the recited function and the generic placeholder is not preceded by a structural modifier. Such claim limitation(s) is/are: "detection unit" in claim 5 and located in paragraph 12 of the specification.
Because this/these claim limitation(s) is/are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, it/they is/are being interpreted to cover the corresponding structure described in the specification as performing the claimed function, and equivalents thereof.
If applicant does not intend to have this/these limitation(s) interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, applicant may: (1) amend the claim limitation(s) to avoid it/them being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph (e.g., by reciting sufficient structure to perform the claimed function); or (2) present a sufficient showing that the claim limitation(s) recite(s) sufficient structure to perform the claimed function so as to avoid it/them being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph.
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.
Claim(s) 1 & 2 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over US 2005/0090864 hereinafter Pines in view of US 2017/0197075 hereinafter Van Bruggen in further view of US 2015/0283384 hereinafter Williams.
In regards to claim 1: Pines teaches of an electric taste adjustment device configured to adjust taste through electrical stimulation of a human body, comprising:
a first electrode (Pines, Paragraph 78; Figure 6A Item 72);
a second electrode (Pines, Paragraph 78; Figure 6A Item 72); and
an electrical signal generator (Pines, Paragraph 71), wherein
the first electrode is configured to come into contact with an oral cavity of the human body (Pines, Paragraph 78; Figure 6A),
the electrical signal generator is configured to apply an electrical signal between the first electrode and the second electrode (Pines, Paragraph 71; Examiner interprets the pair of electrodes 72 to include a first and second electrode.).
Pines does not teach the second electrode is configured to come into contact with either or all of a mandibular base and a front of a neck of the human body, and the electric taste adjustment device is configured to present taste to the human body by applying the electrical signal to a taste organ of the human body using the first electrode and the second electrode.
Van Bruggen teaches the second electrode is configured to come into contact with either or all of a mandibular base and a front of a neck of the human body (Van Bruggen, Paragraph 67; Figure 1 Item 3).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to add the location of the second electrode taught in Van Bruggen to the system for electrical stimulation taught in Pines, the motivation being to allow for uses like resistive ablation which stimulates saliva and has the known outcome of affecting taste perception by facilitating salivary dilution and delivery of food particles to the taste buds.
Williams teaches the electric taste adjustment device is configured to present taste to the human body by applying the electrical signal to a taste organ of the human body using the first electrode and the second electrode (Williams, Paragraph 37).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to add the configuration of the taste adjustment device taught by Williams to the system for electrical stimulation taught by a modified Pines, the motivation being to enhance or reduce the ability of the user to taste.
In regards to Claim 2: Pines teaches of an electric taste adjustment device configured to adjust taste through electrical stimulation of a human body, comprising:
a first electrode (Pines, Paragraph 78; Figure 6A Item 72);
a second electrode (Pines, Paragraph 78; Figure 6A Item 72); and
an electrical signal generator (Pines, Paragraph 71), wherein
the first electrode is configured to come into contact with either or all of a dentilabial sulcus and a cheek of an upper mandible of the human body (Pines, Paragraph 78; Figure 6A; Examiner interprets the device described in Pines to be contact with the inner cheek of the user and positioned around the molar of the lower jaw.),
the electrical signal generator is configured to apply an electrical signal between the first electrode and the second electrode (Pines, Paragraph 71; Examiner interprets the pair of electrodes 72 to include a first and second electrode.).
Pines does not teach the second electrode is configured to come into contact with either or all of a mandibular base and a front of a neck of the human body, and the electric taste adjustment device is configured to present taste to the human body by applying the electrical signal to a taste organ of the human body using the first electrode and the second electrode.
Van Bruggen teaches the second electrode is configured to come into contact with either or all of a mandibular base and a front of a neck of the human body (Van Bruggen, Paragraph 67; Figure 1 Item 3).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to add the location of the second electrode taught in Van Bruggen to the system for electrical stimulation taught in Pines, the motivation being to allow for uses like resistive ablation which stimulates saliva and has the known outcome of affecting taste perception by facilitating salivary dilution and delivery of food particles to the taste buds.
Williams teaches the electric taste adjustment device is configured to present taste to the human body by applying the electrical signal to a taste organ of the human body using the first electrode and the second electrode (Williams, Paragraph 37).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to add the configuration of the taste adjustment device taught by Williams to the system for electrical stimulation taught by a modified Pines, the motivation being to enhance or reduce the ability of the user to taste.
Claim(s) 3 & 4 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over US 2005/0090864 hereinafter Pines in view of US 2017/0197075 hereinafter Van Bruggen in further view of US 2015/0283384 hereinafter Williams in furthest view of US 2006/0161218 hereinafter Danilov.
In regards to Claim 3: Pines teaches of an electric taste adjustment device configured to adjust taste through electrical stimulation of a human body, comprising:
a first electrode (Pines, Paragraph 78; Figure 6A Item 72);
a second electrode (Pines, Paragraph 78; Figure 6A Item 72);
an electrical signal generator (Pines, Paragraph 71); and
the first electrode is configured to come into contact with either or all of a mentolabial sulcus and a cheek of an upper mandible of the human body (Pines, Paragraph 78; Figure 6A; Examiner interprets the device described in Pines to be contact with the inner cheek of the user and positioned around the molar of the lower jaw.),
the electrical signal generator is configured to apply an electrical signal between the first electrode and the second electrode (Pines, Paragraph 71; Examiner interprets the pair of electrodes 72 to include a first and second electrode.),
Pines does not teach of a food container holding unit, the second electrode is configured to come into contact with either or all of a mandibular base and a front of a neck of the human body, the electric taste adjustment device is configured to present taste to the human body by applying the electrical signal to a taste organ of the human body using the first electrode and the second electrode, and the food container holding unit is configured to hold a food container.
Van Bruggen teaches the second electrode is configured to come into contact with either or all of a mandibular base and a front of a neck of the human body (Van Bruggen, Paragraph 67; Figure 1 Item 3).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to add the location of the second electrode taught in Van Bruggen to the system for electrical stimulation taught in Pines, the motivation being to allow for uses like resistive ablation which stimulates saliva and has the known outcome of affecting taste perception by facilitating salivary dilution and delivery of food particles to the taste buds.
Williams teaches the electric taste adjustment device is configured to present taste to the human body by applying the electrical signal to a taste organ of the human body using the first electrode and the second electrode (Williams, Paragraph 37).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to add the configuration of the taste adjustment device taught by Williams to the system for electrical stimulation taught by a modified Pines, the motivation being to enhance or reduce the ability of the user to taste.
Danilov teaches a food container holding unit and the food container holding unit is configured to hold a food container (Danilov, Paragraph 182; Examiner interprets the housing to be the food bottle and the food containing holding unit to be the cap and nipple).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to add the food container holding unit taught in Danilov to the system for electrical stimulation taught in Pines, the motivation being to provide a relatively compact and lightweight device that can easily be held in one hand.
In regards to Claim 4: Pines teaches of an electric taste adjustment device configured to adjust taste through electrical stimulation of a human body, comprising:
a first electrode (Pines, Paragraph 78; Figure 6A Item 72);
a second electrode (Pines, Paragraph 78; Figure 6A Item 72);
an electrical signal generator (Pines, Paragraph 71); and
the first electrode is configured to come into contact with either or all of a mentolabial sulcus and a cheek of an upper mandible of the human body (Pines, Paragraph 78; Figure 6A; Examiner interprets the device described in Pines to be contact with the inner cheek of the user and positioned around the molar of the lower jaw.),
the electrical signal generator is configured to apply an electrical signal between the first electrode and the second electrode (Pines, Paragraph 71; Examiner interprets the pair of electrodes 72 to include a first and second electrode),
Pines does not teach of a food container holding unit, the second electrode is configured to come into contact with either or all of a mandibular base and a front of a neck of the human body, the electric taste adjustment device is configured to present taste to the human body by applying the electrical signal to a taste organ of the human body using the first electrode and the second electrode, the food container holding unit is configured to hold a food container, and the food container holding unit are integrally configured.
Van Bruggen teaches the second electrode is configured to come into contact with either or all of a mandibular base and a front of a neck of the human body (Van Bruggen, Paragraph 67; Figure 1 Item 3).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to add the location of the second electrode taught in Van Bruggen to the system for electrical stimulation taught in Pines, the motivation being to allow for uses like resistive ablation which stimulates saliva and has the known outcome of affecting taste perception by facilitating salivary dilution and delivery of food particles to the taste buds.
Williams teaches the electric taste adjustment device is configured to present taste to the human body by applying the electrical signal to a taste organ of the human body using the first electrode and the second electrode (Williams, Paragraph 37).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to add the configuration of the taste adjustment device taught by Williams to the system for electrical stimulation taught by a modified Pines, the motivation being to enhance or reduce the ability of the user to taste.
Danilov teaches a food container holding unit the food container holding unit is configured to hold a food container (Danilov, Paragraph 182; Examiner interprets the housing to be the food bottle and the food containing holding unit to be the cap and nipple)., and the food container holding unit are integrally configured (Danilov, Paragraph 182; Examiner interprets the cap, nipple, and food bottle to be integrally linked together).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to add the food container holding unit taught in Danilov to the system for electrical stimulation taught in Pines, the motivation being to provide a relatively compact and lightweight device that can easily be held in one hand.
Claim(s) 5 & 6 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over US 2005/0090864 hereinafter Pines in view of US 2017/0197075 hereinafter Van Bruggen in further view of US 2015/0283384 hereinafter Williams in further view of US 2017/0021172 hereinafter Perez.
In regards to Claim 5: A modified Pines teaches all of claim 1, but does not teach wherein the electric taste adjustment device includes an approach detection unit, the approach detection unit is configured to detecting approach to the human body, and the electric signal generator is configured to adjust the electric signal by the approach detection unit.
Perez teaches wherein the electric taste adjustment device includes an approach detection unit (Perez, Paragraph 398; Examiner interprets the sensor described as a detection unit due to its ability to monitor the contact integrity), the approach detection unit is configured to detecting approach to the human body (Perez, Paragraph 398),
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to add the approach detection sensor taught in Perez to the system for electrical stimulation taught in Pines, the motivation being to make sure the electrodes are in proper contact with the skin prior to sending and receiving electrical signals.
Another embodiment of Perez teaches and the electric signal generator is configured to adjust the electric signal by the approach detection unit (Perez, Paragraph 602; Examiner interprets a device that can be adjusted in relation to the intensity of the stimulation is capable of said adjustment in response to contact made by the electrode.).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to add the adjustment of the electrical signal taught in Perez to the system for electrical stimulation taught in Pines, the motivation being to make sure the electrodes are in proper contact with the skin prior to sending and receiving electrical signals.
In regards to Claim 6: A modified Pines teaches all of claim 1, but does not teach wherein the electrical signal is adjustable in either or all of amplitude, frequency, waveform, intermittent time.
Perez teaches wherein the electrical signal is adjustable in either or all of amplitude, frequency, waveform, intermittent time (Perez, Paragraph 140).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to add the pulse amplitude adjustment taught in Perez to the system for electrical stimulation taught in Pines, the motivation being to provide a way to maintain constant current.
Claim(s) 7 & 8 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over US 2005/0090864 hereinafter Pines in view of US 2017/0197075 hereinafter Van Bruggen in further view of US 2015/0283384 hereinafter Williams in further view of US 2020/0121924 hereinafter Sama.
In regards to Claim 7: A modified Pines teaches all of Claim 1, but does not teach wherein the first electrode is an anode, and the second electrode is a cathode.
Sama teaches wherein the first electrode is an anode, and the second electrode is a cathode (Sama, Paragraphs 61 & 152; Figure 3A Item 132 & 133; Figure 3E Item 152A & 152B; Examiner interprets an electrode that has both an anode and cathode exists in both locations specified by 132-133 & 152A-B).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to add the anode and cathode locations of Sama to the system for electrical stimulation taught in Pines, the motivation being to provide a proper reading of the taste experienced by the user.
In regards to Claim 8: A modified Pines teaches all of claim 1, but does not teach wherein the first electrode is a cathode, and the second electrode is an anode.
Sama teaches wherein the first electrode is a cathode, and the second electrode is an anode (Sama, Paragraphs 61 & 152; Figure 3A Item 132 & 133; Figure 3E Item 152A & 152B; Examiner interprets an electrode that has both an anode and cathode exists in both locations specified by 132-133 & 152A-B).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to add the anode and cathode locations of Sama to the system for electrical stimulation taught in Pines, the motivation being to provide a proper reading of the taste experienced by the user.
Claim(s) 9 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over US 2005/0090864 hereinafter Pines in view of US 2017/0197075 hereinafter Van Bruggen in further view of US 2015/0283384 hereinafter Williams in further view of US 2020/0121924 hereinafter Sama in furthest view of US 2017/0021172 hereinafter Perez.
In regards to Claim 9: a modified Pines teaches all of claim 1, but does not teach wherein the electrical signal is adjustable in either or all of amplitude, frequency, waveform, intermittent time, and the electrical signal is switchable between an anodic electrical stimulation state where the first electrode is an anode and the second electrode is a cathode, and a cathodic electrical stimulation state where the first electrode is a cathode and the second electrode is an anode.
Perez teaches the electrical signal is adjustable in either or all of amplitude, frequency, waveform, intermittent time (Perez, Paragraph 140).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to add the pulse amplitude adjustment taught in Perez to the system for electrical stimulation taught in Pines, the motivation being to provide a way to maintain constant current.
Sama teaches the electrical signal is switchable between an anodic electrical stimulation state where the first electrode is an anode and the second electrode is a cathode, and a cathodic electrical stimulation state where the first electrode is a cathode and the second electrode is an anode (Sama, Paragraphs 61 & 152; Figure 3A Item 132 & 133; Figure 3E Item 152A & 152B; Examiner interprets an electrode that has both an anode and cathode exists in both locations specified by 132-133 & 152A-B. Therefore the signal between the anode and the cathode can travel in both directions).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to add the anode and cathode locations of Sama to the system for electrical stimulation taught in Pines, the motivation being to provide a proper reading of the taste experienced by the user.
Claim(s) 10 & 11 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over US 2005/0090864 hereinafter Pines in view of US 2017/0197075 hereinafter Van Bruggen in further view of US 2015/0283384 hereinafter Williams in further view of US 2021/0121656 hereinafter Kim.
In regards to Claim 10: Pines teaches of an electric taste adjustment device configured to adjust taste through electrical stimulation of a human body, comprising:
a first electrode (Pines, Paragraph 78; Figure 6A Item 72);
a second electrode (Pines, Paragraph 78; Figure 6A Item 72); and
an electrical signal generator (Pines, Paragraph 71), wherein
the first electrode is configured to come into contact with an oral cavity of the human body (Pines, Paragraph 78; Figure 6A; Examiner interprets the device described in Pines to be contact with the inner cheek of the user and positioned around the molar of the lower jaw.),
the electrical signal generator is configured to apply an electrical signal between the first electrode and the second electrode (Pines, Paragraph 71; Examiner interprets the pair of electrodes 72 to include a first and second electrode.).
Pines does not teach the second electrode is configured to come into contact with either or all of a mandibular base and a front of a neck of the human body, the electric taste adjustment device is configured to present taste to the human body by applying the electrical signal to a taste organ of the human body using the first electrode and the second electrode, a taste judging unit, and the taste judging unit is configured to judge the taste presented.
Van Bruggen teaches the second electrode is configured to come into contact with either or all of a mandibular base and a front of a neck of the human body (Van Bruggen, Paragraph 67; Figure 1 Item 3).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to add the location of the second electrode taught in Van Bruggen to the system for electrical stimulation taught in Pines, the motivation being to allow for uses like resistive ablation which stimulates saliva and has the known outcome of affecting taste perception by facilitating salivary dilution and delivery of food particles to the taste buds.
Williams teaches the electric taste adjustment device is configured to present taste to the human body by applying the electrical signal to a taste organ of the human body using the first electrode and the second electrode (Williams, Paragraph 37).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to add the configuration of the taste adjustment device taught by Williams to the system for electrical stimulation taught by a modified Pines, the motivation being to enhance or reduce the ability of the user to taste.
Kim teaches of the taste judging unit and the taste judging unit being configured to judge the taste presented (Kim, Paragraph 11, 12, & 21; Figure 1 Item 100).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to add taste judging unit taught by Kim to the system for electrical stimulation taught by a modified Pines, the motivation being to provide feedback on whether or not the device is having the effect it should be.
In regards to Claim 11: Pines teaches of an electric taste adjustment device configured to adjust taste through electrical stimulation of a human body, comprising:
a first electrode (Pines, Paragraph 78; Figure 6A Item 72);
a second electrode (Pines, Paragraph 78; Figure 6A Item 72); and
an electrical signal generator (Pines, Paragraph 71), wherein
the first electrode is configured to come into contact with either or all of a dentilabial sulcus and a cheek of an upper mandible of the human body (Pines, Paragraph 78; Figure 6A; Examiner interprets the device described in Pines to be contact with the inner cheek of the user and positioned around the molar of the lower jaw.),
the electrical signal generator is configured to apply an electrical signal between the first electrode and the second electrode (Pines, Paragraph 71; Examiner interprets the pair of electrodes 72 to include a first and second electrode.).
Pines does not teach the second electrode is configured to come into contact with either or all of a mandibular base and a front of a neck of the human body, the electric taste adjustment device is configured to present taste to the human body by applying the electrical signal to a taste organ of the human body using the first electrode and the second electrode, a taste judging unit, and the taste judging unit is configured to judge the taste presented.
Van Bruggen teaches the second electrode is configured to come into contact with either or all of a mandibular base and a front of a neck of the human body (Van Bruggen, Paragraph 67; Figure 1 Item 3).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to add the location of the second electrode taught in Van Bruggen to the system for electrical stimulation taught in Pines, the motivation being to allow for uses like resistive ablation which stimulates saliva and has the known outcome of affecting taste perception by facilitating salivary dilution and delivery of food particles to the taste buds.
Williams teaches the electric taste adjustment device is configured to present taste to the human body by applying the electrical signal to a taste organ of the human body using the first electrode and the second electrode (Williams, Paragraph 37).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to add the configuration of the taste adjustment device taught by Williams to the system for electrical stimulation taught by a modified Pines, the motivation being to enhance or reduce the ability of the user to taste.
Kim teaches of the taste judging unit and the taste judging unit being configured to judge the taste presented (Kim, Paragraph 11, 12, & 21; Figure 1 Item 100).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to add taste judging unit taught by Kim to the system for electrical stimulation taught by a modified Pines, the motivation being to provide feedback on whether or not the device is having the effect it should be.
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to NOE R DIETZ whose telephone number is (571)272-1135. The examiner can normally be reached Mon-Fri 8am - 5pm.
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/N.R.D./ Patent Examiner, Art Unit 3791
/ALEX M VALVIS/ Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 3791
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