The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
The disclosure is objected to because of the following informalities: Page 2, line 9, note that the recitation of the phrase “of which” should be rewritten as --where-- for an appropriate characterization; lines 13 & 14, note that the recitation of “combined each other with a” should be rewritten as --combined with each other by a-- for an appropriate characterization. Page 4, line 19, note that --and described in the detail description-- should be inserted after “drawings” for an appropriate characterization. Page 5, line 23, note that the reference to label (100) is vague in meaning, especially since no such label appears in any one of FIGS. 1 & 2 and thus appropriate clarification is needed; lines 23, 24, note that labels (110, 120, 130) should each be reference with respect to --(FIG. 2)-- for consistency with the labeling in that drawing; line 25, note that --layer-- should be inserted after “crystal” for an appropriate characterization consistent with the descriptive wording in FIG. 2. Page 5, lines 26, 27 and page 6, line 1, note that labels (112, 111, “metal vias”, 114, 113) should each be reference with respect to --(FIG. 1)-- for consistency with the labeling in that drawing. Page 6, line 20, note that --as shown in FIG. 1-- should be inserted after “intervals” for an appropriate characterization consistent with the labeling in that drawing. Page 8, line 2, note that the term “aeolotropy” is vague in meaning and thus appropriate clarification (e.g. a definition) is needed. Page 9, line 26, note that the recitation of “the yellow metal ground plane” is vague in meaning and thus appropriate clarification is needed. Appropriate correction is required.
The disclosure is objected to because of the following informalities: Note that corresponding specification description of features depicted in the following drawings are needed for clarity and completeness of description: In FIG. 3, the specific and inclusive list of angles; In FIGS. 4, 6, 8, a description of what are depicted in the respective graphs, including values, parameters & designations correspondingly therein. Appropriate correction is required.
The drawings are objected to because of the following: In FIGS. 1 & 2, it is noted that a label --100-- needs to be provided such as to be commensurate with the specification description of such a label in the description of FIGS. 1 & 2 at page 5, line 23.
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 discrete biasing (i.e. claim 1), the biasing electrodes (i.e. claim 3) and the location of the biasing electrodes relative to the phase shifter (i.e. claim 8), respectively 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.
The specification is objected to as failing to provide proper antecedent basis for the claimed subject matter. See 37 CFR 1.75(d)(1) and MPEP § 608.01(o). Correction of the following is required: The specification needs to provide corresponding descriptions of the bias electrodes and their location relative to the phase shifter, as recited in claims 4 & 8, respectively.
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 1-5 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 pre-AIA the applicant regards as the invention.
In claim 1, lines 7 & 8, note that it is unclear where the “phase shift meander line” and the “lower metal ground plane” are respectively located relative to the defined features of the phase shifter (e.g. on the upper substrate, on the lower substrate, etc.) and thus appropriate clarification is needed; last line, note that it is unclear what characterizes the recitation of “bias is discretely applied by region” and thus appropriate clarification is needed.
In claim 4, lines 5 & 6, note that the recitation of “is separated while the meander line is left intact” is vague in meaning. Appropriate clarification is needed.
In claim 5, lines 4 & 5, note that it is unclear in what manner the recitation of “thereby achieving bias separation” is to be achieved. Appropriate clarification is needed.
The following claims have been found to be objectionable for reasons set forth below:
In claim 1, line 3, note that the recitation of “combined each other with a” should be rewritten as --combined with each other by a-- for an appropriate characterization.
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.
Koscica et al discloses a digital ferroelectric phase shifter having phase bits that can be biased on or off to generate desired amounts of phase shift.
Any inquiry concerning this communication should be directed to BENNY T LEE at telephone number (571)272-1764.
/BENNY T LEE/PRIMARY EXAMINER
ART UNIT 2843
B. Lee