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 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.
Claim(s) 1-2, 5-11, 14, 17, and 20 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Yuan et al. (CN 220036851).
In Reference to Claim 1
(See Yuan, Figures 1, 3-4, 6-10, and 2 & 5 as annotated by Examiner below)
Yuan et al. (Yuan) discloses:
A water pump structure, comprising:
a pump body (3) (See Yuan, Paragraph [0039]);
an inner liner (36), wherein an end of the inner liner (36) is provided in the pump body (3), and the inner liner (36) is provided therein with a moving cavity (31) (See Yuan, Paragraph [0039]);
a piston (2), wherein the piston (2) is in sliding fit with an inner wall of the moving cavity (31) (See Yuan, Paragraph [0039]);
a connecting member (421), wherein the connecting member (421) has a first connecting end (A) and a second connecting end (B) opposite to each other, and the first connecting end (A) is connected to the piston (2) (See Yuan, Paragraphs [0039]-[0040]);
a connecting rod (42), wherein the connecting rod (42) is connected to the second connecting end (B); and the connecting rod (42) is formed thereon with a sliding groove (C), wherein an opening direction of the sliding groove (C) is the same as a moving direction of the piston (2) in the moving cavity (31) (See Yuan, Paragraph [0040]); and
a driving assembly (41,43,431,44), wherein the driving assembly comprises a motor (41), a crank (43,431) and a limiting member (44), wherein an output end of the motor (41) is in transmission connection with the crank (43,431); the crank (43,431) is rotatably provided in the connecting rod (42); the limiting member (44) is provided to pass through the crank (43,431) and the sliding groove (C); the limiting member (44) is fixed in a through hole of the crank (43,431) (See Yuan, Paragraph [0045]), and the limiting member (44) is in sliding fit with an inner wall of the sliding groove (C) (See Yuan, Paragraph [0040]),
wherein when the motor (41) drives the crank (43,431) to rotate in the connecting rod (43), the crank (43,431) is capable of driving the connecting rod (42) to perform reciprocating motion. (See Yuan, Paragraph [0040]).
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In Reference to Claim 2
(See Yuan, Figures 1, 3-4, 6-10, and 2 & 5 as annotated by Examiner above)
Yuan discloses:
wherein the connecting rod (42) is further formed with a first chamber (D), and the second connecting end (B) is fixed in the first chamber (D). (See Yuan, Paragraph [0040]).
In Reference to Claim 5
(See Yuan, Figures 1, 3-4, 6-10, and 2 & 5 as annotated by Examiner above)
Yuan discloses:
Wherein the connecting rod (42) is further formed with a second chamber, the crank (43,431) is rotatably provided in the second chamber, and the second chamber communicates with the sliding groove (C). (See Yuan, Paragraph [0040]).
In Reference to Claim 6
(See Yuan, Figures 1, 3-4, 6-10, and 2 & 5 as annotated by Examiner above)
Yuan discloses:
Wherein the driving assembly further comprises a driving member (411) and a driven member (43); the output end of the motor (41) is connected to the driving member (411), the member meshes with the driven member (43), the crank (43,431) is fixed on the driven member (43), and the limiting member (44) is provided to pass through the driven member (43), the crank (43,431) and the sliding groove (C). (See Yuan, Paragraph [0040]).
In Reference to Claim 7
(See Yuan, Figures 1, 3-4, 6-10, and 2 & 5 as annotated by Examiner above)
Yuan discloses:
Wherein the driven member (43) is provided thereon with a fixing seat (E), the crank (43,431) is fixed on the fixing seat (E); and the fixing seat (E) is provided eccentrically with the crank (43). (See Yuan, Paragraph [0040]).
The Examiner notes that the smooth base to which the crank is mounted constitutes a fixing seat.
In Reference to Claim 8
(See Yuan, Figures 1, 3-4, 6-10, and 2 & 5 as annotated by Examiner above)
Yuan discloses:
Wherein the piston (2) is formed with a connecting cavity (i.e.-threaded hole), and the first connecting end (A) is engaged in the connecting cavity (i.e.-threaded hole). (See Yuan, Paragraph [0040] w/respect to threaded hole).
In Reference to Claim 9
(See Yuan, Figures 1, 3-4, 6-7, 9-10, 2 & 5 as annotated by Examiner above and Figure 8 as annotated by Examiner below)
Yuan discloses:
wherein the first connecting end (A) comprises a first connecting portion (G) and a second connecting portion (H) connected to each other; an end of the first connecting portion (G) away from the second connecting portion (H) is connected to a body of the connecting member (421); an outer diameter of the first connecting portion (G) is larger than an inner diameter of an opening of the connecting cavity (i.e.-threaded hole); and an outer diameter of at least a part of the second connecting portion (H) is smaller than the inner diameter of the opening of the connecting cavity (i.e.-threaded hole). (See Yuan, Paragraph [0040]).
The Examiner notes that the threaded hole of Yuan to which the threaded connecting member is attached includes larger and smaller diameter portions coinciding with larger and smaller diameter portions of the connecting member.
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In Reference to Claim 10
(See Yuan, Figures 1, 3-4, 6-10, and 2 & 5 as annotated by Examiner above)
Yuan discloses:
An oral irrigator (See Yuan, Paragraph [0001]), comprising the water pump structure according to claim 1. (See Claim 1 rejection above).
In Reference to Claim 11
(See Yuan, Figures 1, 3-4, 6-10, and 2 & 5 as annotated by Examiner above)
Yuan discloses:
Wherein the connecting rod (42) is further formed with a second chamber, the crank (43,431) is rotatably provided in the second chamber, and the second chamber communicates with the sliding groove (C). (See Yuan, Paragraph [0040]).
In Reference to Claim 14
(See Yuan, Figures 1, 3-4, 6-10, and 2 & 5 as annotated by Examiner above)
Yuan discloses:
Wherein the driving assembly further comprises a driving member (411) and a driven member (43); the output end of the motor (41) is connected to the driving member (411), the member meshes with the driven member (43), the crank (43,431) is fixed on the driven member (43), and the limiting member (44) is provided to pass through the driven member (43), the crank (43,431) and the sliding groove (C). (See Yuan, Paragraph [0040]).
In Reference to Claim 17
(See Yuan, Figures 1, 3-4, 6-10, and 2 & 5 as annotated by Examiner above)
Yuan discloses:
Wherein the piston (2) is formed with a connecting cavity (i.e.-threaded hole), and the first connecting end (A) is engaged in the connecting cavity (i.e.-threaded hole). (See Yuan, Paragraph [0040] w/respect to threaded hole).
In Reference to Claim 20
(See Yuan, Figures 1, 3-4, 6-10, and 2 & 5 as annotated by Examiner above)
Yuan discloses:
wherein the connecting rod (42) is further formed with a first chamber (D), and the second connecting end (B) is fixed in the first chamber (D). (See Yuan, Paragraph [0040]).
Claim(s) 1, 4-8, 10, 13, 16, and 19 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Zhang et al. (US 2022/0079708).
In Reference to Claim 1
(See Zhang, Figures 1-4, 6, and Figure 5 as annotated by Examiner below)
Zhang et al. (Zhang) discloses:
A water pump structure, comprising:
a pump body (112,114,154) (See Zhang, Paragraph [0046]);
an inner liner (152), wherein an end of the inner liner (152) is provided in the pump body (112,114,154), and the inner liner (152) is provided therein with a moving cavity (i.e.-cavity of 152) (See Zhang, Paragraph [0048]);
a piston (14), wherein the piston (14) is in sliding fit with an inner wall of the moving cavity (i.e.-cavity of 152) (See Zhang, Paragraph [0048]);
a connecting member (X), wherein the connecting member (X) has a first connecting end (Y) and a second connecting end (Z) opposite to each other, and the first connecting end (Y) is connected to the piston (14);
a connecting rod (13), wherein the connecting rod (13) is connected to the second connecting end (Z); and the connecting rod (13) is formed thereon with a sliding groove (131), wherein an opening direction of the sliding groove (131) is the same as a moving direction of the piston (14) in the moving cavity (See Zhang, Paragraphs [0051]-[0052]); and
a driving assembly (17,124,126), wherein the driving assembly comprises a motor (17), a crank (122) and a limiting member (16), wherein an output end of the motor (17) is in transmission connection (124) with the crank (122); the crank (122) is rotatably provided in the connecting rod (13); the limiting member (16) is provided to pass through the crank (122) and the sliding groove (131); the limiting member (16) is fixed in a through hole of the crank (122); and the limiting member (16) is in sliding fit with an inner wall of the sliding groove (131) (See Zhang, Paragraphs [0044] & [0078]),
wherein when the motor (17) drives the crank (122) to rotate in the connecting rod (13), the crank (122) is capable of driving the connecting rod (13) to perform reciprocating motion. (See Zhang, Paragraphs [0051]-[0052]).
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In Reference to Claim 4
(See Zhang, Figures 1-4, 6, and Figure 5 as annotated by Examiner above)
Zhang discloses:
Wherein the second connecting end (Z) and the connecting rod (13) are integrally formed. (See Zhang, Paragraphs [0033] & [0074]).
In Reference to Claim 5
(See Zhang, Figures 1-4, 6, and Figure 5 as annotated by Examiner above)
Zhang discloses:
Wherein the connecting rod (13) is further formed with a second chamber (133), the crank (122) is rotatably provided in the second chamber (133), and the second chamber (133) communicates with the sliding groove (131). (See Zhang, Paragraph [0075]).
In Reference to Claim 6
(See Zhang, Figures 1-4, 6, and Figure 5 as annotated by Examiner above)
Zhang discloses:
Wherein the driving assembly further comprises a driving member (126) and a driven member (124); the output end of the motor (11) is connected to the driving member (126), the driving member (126) meshes with the driven member (124), the crank (122) is fixed on the driven member (124), and the limiting member (16) is provided to pass through the driven member (124), the crank (122) and the sliding groove (131). (See Zhang, Paragraphs [0053]-[0054]).
In Reference to Claim 7
(See Zhang, Figures 1, 3-4, 6 and Figure 5 as annotated by Examiner above and Figure 2 as annotated by Examiner below)
Zhang discloses:
Wherein the driven member (124) is provided thereon with a fixing seat (W), the crank (122) is fixed on the fixing seat (W); and the fixing seat (W) is provided eccentrically with the crank (122). (See Zhang, Paragraphs [0053]-[0054]).
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In Reference to Claim 8
(See Zhang, Figures 1-4, 6, and Figure 5 as annotated by Examiner above)
Zhang discloses:
Wherein the piston (14) is formed with a connecting cavity (142), and the first connecting end (Y) is engaged in the connecting cavity (142). (See Zhang, Paragraph [0075]).
In Reference to Claim 10
(See Zhang, Figures 1-4, 6, and Figure 5 as annotated by Examiner above)
Zhang discloses:
An oral irrigator (See Zhang, Paragraph [0002]), comprising the water pump structure according to claim 1. (See Claim 1 rejection in view of Zhang above).
In Reference to Claim 13
(See Zhang, Figures 1-4, 6, and Figure 5 as annotated by Examiner above)
Zhang discloses:
Wherein the connecting rod (13) is further formed with a second chamber (133), the crank (122) is rotatably provided in the second chamber (133), and the second chamber (133) communicates with the sliding groove (131). (See Zhang, Paragraph [0075]).
In Reference to Claim 16
(See Zhang, Figures 1-4, 6, and Figure 5 as annotated by Examiner above)
Zhang discloses:
Wherein the driving assembly further comprises a driving member (126) and a driven member (124); the output end of the motor (11) is connected to the driving member (126), the driving member (126) meshes with the driven member (124), the crank (122) is fixed on the driven member (124), and the limiting member (16) is provided to pass through the driven member (124), the crank (122) and the sliding groove (131). (See Zhang, Paragraphs [0053]-[0054]).
In Reference to Claim 19
(See Zhang, Figures 1-4, 6, and Figure 5 as annotated by Examiner above)
Zhang discloses:
Wherein the piston (14) is formed with a connecting cavity (142), and the first connecting end (Y) is engaged in the connecting cavity (142). (See Zhang, Paragraph [0075]).
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.
Claim(s) 3, 12, 15, and 18 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Yuan et al. (CN 220036851) in view of Liu (CN 115324860).
In Reference to Claim 3
(See Yuan, Figures 1, 3-4, 6-10, and 2 & 5 as annotated by Examiner in claim 1 to Yuan above)
Yuan discloses:
wherein the second connecting end (B) is spherical in shape; and the first chamber is a circular chamber matching the second connecting end.
Yuan discloses the claimed invention except:
The first chamber is a spherical chamber.
Liu discloses an oral irrigator with a spherical connecting between the connecting member and the connecting rod. (See Liu, Figure 3, Paragraph [0005]). Liu discloses a spherical connection chamber for seating a spherical connection to the connecting member. (See Liu, Paragraphs [0040]-[0041]).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have made the first chamber of Yuan a spherical chamber, as one of ordinary skill in the art would have recognized that both references are directed towards oral irrigator with a spherical connections. One of ordinary skill in the art would have recognized that the spherical chamber connection would have been a simple substitution of one known spherical joint connection for another that would yield the predictable result of securely joining and driving the connecting member with the connecting rod while maintaining a high kinetic energy conversion rate and reducing the radial oscillations.
In Reference to Claim 12
(See Yuan, Figures 1, 3-4, 6-10, and 2 & 5 as annotated by Examiner in claim 1 to Yuan above)
The Yuan-Liu combination discloses:
Wherein the connecting rod (42) is further formed with a second chamber, the crank (43,431) is rotatably provided in the second chamber, and the second chamber communicates with the sliding groove (C). (See Yuan, Paragraph [0040]).
In Reference to Claim 15
(See Yuan, Figures 1, 3-4, 6-10, and 2 & 5 as annotated by Examiner in claim 1 to Yuan above)
The Yuan-Liu combination discloses:
Wherein the driving assembly further comprises a driving member (411) and a driven member (43); the output end of the motor (41) is connected to the driving member (411), the member meshes with the driven member (43), the crank (43,431) is fixed on the driven member (43), and the limiting member (44) is provided to pass through the driven member (43), the crank (43,431) and the sliding groove (C). (See Yuan, Paragraph [0040]).
In Reference to Claim 18
(See Yuan, Figures 1, 3-4, 6-10, and 2 & 5 as annotated by Examiner in claim 1 to Yuan above)
The Yuan-Liu combination discloses:
Wherein the piston (2) is formed with a connecting cavity (i.e.-threaded hole), and the first connecting end (A) is engaged in the connecting cavity (i.e.-threaded hole). (See Yuan, Paragraph [0040] w/respect to threaded hole).
Response to Arguments
Applicant's arguments filed 22 January 2026 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive.
In response to Applicant’s arguments that neither Yuan nor Zhang disclose the feature of “the limiting member is fixed in a through hole of the crank”, the Office respectfully disagrees.
Applicant argues that neither Yuan nor Zhang disclose the feature of “the limiting member is fixed in a through hole of the crank”. Specifically, Applicant argues that “the limiting member is fixed in a through hole of the crank” requires the limiting member rotates with the crank. However, the recitation of “the limiting member is fixed in a through hole of the crank” merely requires, under broadest reasonable interpretation that the limiting member be fixed and be within the through hole. Further, the Examiner notes that Applicant defines “fix” or “fixed” as construed in a broad sense inclusive of mechanical connection, detachable connection, or merely an interaction relationship between two elements. (See Applicant’s specification, Paragraph [0040]). The term “fixed” is additionally disclosed in the same manner in at least the prior art of Yuan. (See Yuan, Paragraph [0033]).
Accordingly, the recitation of “fixed in a through hole of the crank” defined that the limiting member, under broadest reasonable interpretation, as having an interacting relationship with the crank, a detachable and/or a mechanical connection with the crank. The term “fixed” appears to include a rotatable or a stationary mounting. Yuan discloses the limiting member is rotatably mounted (i.e.-fixed) in a through hole of the crank (43). In other words, the crank of Yuan in mechanical connection rotates around with the limiting member mechanical communication. (See Yuan, Paragraph [0045] w/respect to “rotating shaft”). Zhang discloses the crank (122) is rotatably mounted (with the transmission 124) on the limiting member (16) which is fixed to the base in a through hole of the crank allowing rotation of the second transmission member (i.e.-crank). (See Zhang, Paragraphs [0057]-[0058]). Accordingly, Yuan discloses a limiting member which rotates with the crank (i.e.-the crank rotates with the limiting member on the limiting member axis). Zhang at least discloses a limiting member fixed in a through hole of the crank. Therefore, both Yuan and Zhang disclose the feature recitation of “the limiting member is fixed in a through hole of the crank”.
In response to Applicant’s arguments that neither Yuan nor Zhang, nor Yuan in combination with Liu disclose the functional benefits of the instant application. Specifically, Applicant argues that neither Yuan nor Zhang, nor Yuan in combination with Liu, disclose the intended functional benefits of reduced noise, wear, and decomposed lateral force. The Examiner notes that such technical feature benefits are not recited within the rejected claims. Additionally, the Examiner notes that while features of an apparatus may be recited either structurally or functionally, claims directed to an apparatus must be distinguished from the prior art in terms of structure rather than function. Additionally, claimed functional benefits must result in a structural difference from the prior art. Accordingly, Zhang, Yuan and Yuan in combination with Liu, disclose all of the structural limitations of the claimed invention.
Conclusion
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 MATTHEW THOMAS LARGI whose telephone number is (571)270-3512. The examiner can normally be reached 8:00 - 4:00 M-F.
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, Essama Omgba can be reached at (469) 295-9278. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/MATTHEW T LARGI/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 3746
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