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 .
Double Patenting
The nonstatutory double patenting rejection is based on a judicially created doctrine grounded in public policy (a policy reflected in the statute) so as to prevent the unjustified or improper timewise extension of the “right to exclude” granted by a patent and to prevent possible harassment by multiple assignees. A nonstatutory double patenting rejection is appropriate where the conflicting claims are not identical, but at least one examined application claim is not patentably distinct from the reference claim(s) because the examined application claim is either anticipated by, or would have been obvious over, the reference claim(s). See, e.g., In re Berg, 140 F.3d 1428, 46 USPQ2d 1226 (Fed. Cir. 1998); In re Goodman, 11 F.3d 1046, 29 USPQ2d 2010 (Fed. Cir. 1993); In re Longi, 759 F.2d 887, 225 USPQ 645 (Fed. Cir. 1985); In re Van Ornum, 686 F.2d 937, 214 USPQ 761 (CCPA 1982); In re Vogel, 422 F.2d 438, 164 USPQ 619 (CCPA 1970); In re Thorington, 418 F.2d 528, 163 USPQ 644 (CCPA 1969).
A timely filed terminal disclaimer in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(c) or 1.321(d) may be used to overcome an actual or provisional rejection based on nonstatutory double patenting provided the reference application or patent either is shown to be commonly owned with the examined application, or claims an invention made as a result of activities undertaken within the scope of a joint research agreement. See MPEP § 717.02 for applications subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA as explained in MPEP § 2159. See MPEP § 2146 et seq. for applications not subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . A terminal disclaimer must be signed in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(b).
The filing of a terminal disclaimer by itself is not a complete reply to a nonstatutory double patenting (NSDP) rejection. A complete reply requires that the terminal disclaimer be accompanied by a reply requesting reconsideration of the prior Office action. Even where the NSDP rejection is provisional the reply must be complete. See MPEP § 804, subsection I.B.1. For a reply to a non-final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.111(a). For a reply to final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.113(c). A request for reconsideration while not provided for in 37 CFR 1.113(c) may be filed after final for consideration. See MPEP §§ 706.07(e) and 714.13.
The USPTO Internet website contains terminal disclaimer forms which may be used. Please visit www.uspto.gov/patent/patents-forms. The actual filing date of the application in which the form is filed determines what form (e.g., PTO/SB/25, PTO/SB/26, PTO/AIA /25, or PTO/AIA /26) should be used. A web-based eTerminal Disclaimer may be filled out completely online using web-screens. An eTerminal Disclaimer that meets all requirements is auto-processed and approved immediately upon submission. For more information about eTerminal Disclaimers, refer to www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/applying-online/eterminal-disclaimer.
Claims 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 14, 17, 18, and 19 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1, 1, 1, 7, 8, 10, 7, 12, 13, 7, 8, 7, 12, and 13, respectively, of U.S. Patent No. 11,695,259. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because claims 1, 1, 1, 7, 8, 10, 7, 12, 13, 7, 8, 7, 12, and 13, respectively, of U.S. Patent No. 11,695,259 anticipate each of the limitations of claims 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 14, 17, 18, and 19, respectively, of the immediate application.
Claims 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, respectively, of U.S. Patent No. 12,100,938. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, respectively, of U.S. Patent No. 12,100,938 anticipate each of the limitations of claims 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18, respectively, of the immediate application.
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 applicant regards as his invention.
Claims 5 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.
Claim 5 recites the limitation "the receptacle" in claim 1. There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim.
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, 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, and 18 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Shimada U.S. PGPUB No. 2008/0130190.
Regarding claim 1, Shimada discloses an ion generator device, comprising: a housing 40 comprising a front end and a back end (illustrated in figure 5);
PNG
media_image1.png
501
540
media_image1.png
Greyscale
a cavity GP formed within the housing 40; a collar 42 extending outwardly from the front end of the housing (as illustrated in figure 5) and containing a conductive device 65 (“the connecting terminal 51 is protruded at an end surface of the supporting plate 55 to electrically connect to the power supply joint 65” [0084] – see also, figures 13 and 14); at least one electrode 90 positioned within the cavity of the housing 40 (see figure 21).
Regarding claim 2, Shimada discloses that the conductive device 65 extends outwardly from the collar 42 having a circular cross-section 67 (as illustrated in figure 14).
Regarding claim 3, Shimada discloses a receptacle 63 disposed within the back end of the housing (when attached to the back end of the housing, as illustrated in figure 15).
Regarding claim 6, Shimada discloses an ion generator device, comprising: a housing 40 with a front end and a back end (illustrated in figure 5) defining a volume GP therein;
PNG
media_image1.png
501
540
media_image1.png
Greyscale
a collar 42 extending outwardly from the front end of the housing (as illustrated in figure 5) and containing a conductive device 65 (“the connecting terminal 51 is protruded at an end surface of the supporting plate 55 to electrically connect to the power supply joint 65” [0084] – see also, figures 13 and 14); a plurality of electrodes 90 disposed within housing 40 (see figure 21).
Regarding claim 7, Shimada discloses a power head engaged to the ion generator device (“The electricity removing device drives a high voltage transformer 2A which is the high voltage power supply unit 2 using alternate current source and applies high voltage to the discharge electrode 1 to cause corona discharge” [0005]).
Regarding claim 8, Shimada discloses a plurality of openings 98 within the housing 40 and an electrode 90 disposed adjacent each opening 98 (as illustrated in figure 21).
Regarding claim 10, Shimada discloses that one or more ion generator devices 40 are engaged to each other (as illustrated in figure 3).
Regarding claim 11, Shimada discloses that the electrodes 90 contain an emitter that may be constructed of a conducting type material (“The needle electrode 90 of the electrode assembly 92 is made of such as tungsten, for example” [0116]).
Regarding claim 12, Shimada discloses a plurality of ridges 48 on the housing 40.
Regarding claim 13, Shimada discloses an ion generator device, comprising: a housing 40 with a front end and a back end (illustrated in figure 5) defining a volume GP therein;
PNG
media_image1.png
501
540
media_image1.png
Greyscale
a plurality of electrodes 90 disposed within housing 40 (see figure 21); a collar 42 extending outwardly from the front end of the housing (as illustrated in figure 5) and containing a conductive device 65 (“the connecting terminal 51 is protruded at an end surface of the supporting plate 55 to electrically connect to the power supply joint 65” [0084] – see also, figures 13 and 14); and a receptacle 63 disposed within the back end of the housing (when attached to the back end of the housing, as illustrated in figure 15).
Regarding claim 14, Shimada discloses a plurality of openings 98 within the housing 40 and an electrode 90 disposed adjacent each opening 98 (as illustrated in figure 21).
Regarding claim 17, Shimada discloses that the electrodes 90 contain an emitter that may be constructed of a conducting type material (“The needle electrode 90 of the electrode assembly 92 is made of such as tungsten, for example” [0116]).
Regarding claim 18, Shimada discloses a plurality of ridges 48 on the housing 40.
Claim(s) 1, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, and 18 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Noda et al. U.S. PGPUB No. 2013/0214173.
Regarding claim 1, Noda discloses an ion generator device, comprising: a housing 13 comprising a front end (the top of figure 2(b)) and a back end (the bottom of figure 2(b)); a cavity formed within the housing (as illustrated in figure 2(b)); a collar 30 extending outwardly from the front end of the housing 13 that has a hollow inner portion, wherein the hollow inner portion of the collar contains a conductive device 9; and at least one electrode 5 positioned within the cavity of the housing 13.
Regarding claim 6, Noda discloses an ion generator device, comprising: a housing 13 with a front end (the top of figure 2(b)) and a back end (the bottom of figure 2(b)) defining a volume therein (as illustrated in figure 2(b)); a collar 30 extending outwardly from the front end of the housing 13 that has a hollow inner portion (as illustrated in figure 2(b)), wherein the hollow inner portion of the collar 30 contains a conductive device 9; and a plurality of electrodes 5 disposed within the housing 13.
Regarding claim 7, Noda discloses a power head engaged to the ion generator device (“the connector 9 connected to an external power source such as a commercial power source supplies power to the high-voltage transformer drive circuit 23” [0034]).
Regarding claim 8, Noda discloses a plurality of openings 33 within the housing 13 and an electrode 5 disposed adjacent each opening (see figure 3).
Regarding claim 11, Noda discloses that the electrodes 5 contain an emitter that may be constructed of carbon fiber brushes, stainless steel or any other conducting type material (an electrode is, by definition, formed of a conducting material).
Regarding claim 12, Noda discloses that the housing 13 includes four ridges configured to surround the ion generating electrodes 5:
PNG
media_image2.png
196
434
media_image2.png
Greyscale
Regarding claim 13, Noda discloses a modular ion generator device, comprising: a housing 13 with a front end (the top of figure 2(b)) and a back end (the bottom of figure 2(b)) defining a volume therein (as illustrated in figure 2(b)); a plurality of electrodes 5 disposed within the housing 13; a collar 30 extending outwardly from the front end of the housing 13 that has a hollow inner portion (as illustrated in figure 2(b)), wherein the hollow inner portion of the collar 30 contains a conductive device 9; and a receptacle 33 disposed within the back end of the housing (as illustrated in figure 3).
Regarding claim 14, Noda discloses a plurality of openings 33 within the housing 13 and an electrode 5 disposed adjacent each opening (see figure 3).
Regarding claim 17, Noda discloses that the electrodes 5 contain an emitter that may be constructed of carbon fiber brushes, stainless steel or any other conducting type material (an electrode is, by definition, formed of a conducting material).
Regarding claim 18, Noda discloses that the housing 13 includes four ridges configured to surround the ion generating electrodes 5:
PNG
media_image2.png
196
434
media_image2.png
Greyscale
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
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) 4, 5, 15, and 16 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Shimada U.S. PGPUB No. 2008/0130190 in view of Oakley et al. U.S. PGPUB No. 5,296,019.
Regarding claim 4, Shimada discloses the claimed invention except that while Shimada connects a series of ionization casing members 40 through connection ports 42 at each end of casing member 40 and having an electrically conductive high voltage plate 50 (each of the connection ports 42 forming collars), there is no explicit disclosure that the collar is externally threaded.
Oakley discloses an ionization device which may be secured to additional ionization devices via an electrical connection formed with an externally threaded (“Each of the housings includes a connector 36 of a type including a body 37 which has an outer screw thread 38 and an end cap 39” [col. 5; lines 61-65]) cooperating with internal threading 40.
It would have been obvious to one possessing ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified Shimada with the threaded connection of Oakley in order to provide an alternative mechanism for ensuring a secure electrical connection between adjacent ionization sources.
Regarding claim 5, Shimada discloses the claimed invention except that while Shimada connects a series of ionization casing members 40 through connection ports 42 at each end of casing member 40 and having an electrically conductive high voltage plate 50, there is no explicit disclosure of an internally threaded receptacle.
Oakley discloses an ionization device which may be secured to additional ionization devices via an electrical connection formed with an externally threaded (“Each of the housings includes a connector 36 of a type including a body 37 which has an outer screw thread 38 and an end cap 39” [col. 5; lines 61-65]) cooperating with internal threading 40.
It would have been obvious to one possessing ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified Shimada with the threaded connection of Oakley in order to provide an alternative mechanism for ensuring a secure electrical connection between adjacent ionization sources.
Regarding claim 15, Shimada discloses the claimed invention except that while Shimada connects a series of ionization casing members 40 through connection ports 42 at each end of casing member 40 and having an electrically conductive high voltage plate 50 (each of the connection ports 42 forming collars), there is no explicit disclosure that the collar is externally threaded.
Oakley discloses an ionization device which may be secured to additional ionization devices via an electrical connection formed with an externally threaded (“Each of the housings includes a connector 36 of a type including a body 37 which has an outer screw thread 38 and an end cap 39” [col. 5; lines 61-65]) cooperating with internal threading 40.
It would have been obvious to one possessing ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified Shimada with the threaded connection of Oakley in order to provide an alternative mechanism for ensuring a secure electrical connection between adjacent ionization sources.
Regarding claim 16, Shimada discloses the claimed invention except that while Shimada connects a series of ionization casing members 40 through connection ports 42 at each end of casing member 40 and having an electrically conductive high voltage plate 50, there is no explicit disclosure of an internally threaded receptacle.
Oakley discloses an ionization device which may be secured to additional ionization devices via an electrical connection formed with an externally threaded (“Each of the housings includes a connector 36 of a type including a body 37 which has an outer screw thread 38 and an end cap 39” [col. 5; lines 61-65]) cooperating with internal threading 40.
It would have been obvious to one possessing ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified Shimada with the threaded connection of Oakley in order to provide an alternative mechanism for ensuring a secure electrical connection between adjacent ionization sources.
Claim(s) 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, and 16 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Noda et al. U.S. PGPUB No. 2013/0214173 in view of Oakley et al. U.S. PGPUB No. 5,296,019.
Regarding claim 2, Noda discloses a conductive device 9 extending outwardly from collar 30 (as illustrated in figure 2(b)) for supplying power to the ion generator device (“the connector 9 connected to an external power source such as a commercial power source supplies power to the high-voltage transformer drive circuit 23” [0034]). However, there is no explicit disclosure that the conductive device extends outwardly from the collar having a circular cross-section.
Oakley discloses an ion generator device comprising a collar 36 extending outwardly from a front end of a housing 31 (as illustrated in figure 5), the collar 36 having a hollow inner portion containing a conductive device 42; at least one electrode 50 positioned within a cavity of the housing 31; and the conductive device 42 extends outwardly from the collar 36 having a circular cross-section (as illustrated in figures 5 and 6).
It would have been obvious to one possessing ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified Noda with the electrical connection mechanism of Noda in order to provide a specific type of electrical connector (such as the one disclosed by Oakley) for embodying the generic electrical connector required to power Noda.
Regarding claim 3, Noda discloses a conductive device 9 extending outwardly from collar 30 (as illustrated in figure 2(b)) for supplying power to the ion generator device (“the connector 9 connected to an external power source such as a commercial power source supplies power to the high-voltage transformer drive circuit 23” [0034]). However, there is no explicit disclosure of a receptacle disposed within the back end of the housing that is internally threaded.
Oakley discloses an ion generator device comprising a collar 36 extending outwardly from a front end of a housing 31 (as illustrated in figure 5), the collar 36 having a hollow inner portion containing a conductive device 42; at least one electrode 50 positioned within a cavity of the housing 31; and a receptacle is disposed within the back end of the housing that is internally threaded (as illustrated in figure 4 - “Each of the housings includes a connector 36 of a type including a body 37 which has an outer screw thread 38 and an end cap 39” [col. 5; lines 61-65]).
It would have been obvious to one possessing ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified Noda with the electrical connection mechanism of Noda in order to provide a specific type of electrical connector (such as the one disclosed by Oakley) for embodying the generic electrical connector required to power Noda.
Regarding claim 4, Noda discloses a conductive device 9 extending outwardly from collar 30 (as illustrated in figure 2(b)) for supplying power to the ion generator device (“the connector 9 connected to an external power source such as a commercial power source supplies power to the high-voltage transformer drive circuit 23” [0034]). However, there is no explicit disclosure that the collar is externally threaded.
Oakley discloses an ion generator device comprising a collar 36 extending outwardly from a front end of a housing 31 (as illustrated in figure 5), the collar 36 having a hollow inner portion containing a conductive device 42; at least one electrode 50 positioned within a cavity of the housing 31; and the collar is externally threaded (“Each of the housings includes a connector 36 of a type including a body 37 which has an outer screw thread 38 and an end cap 39” [col. 5; lines 61-65]).
It would have been obvious to one possessing ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified Noda with the electrical connection mechanism of Noda in order to provide a specific type of electrical connector (such as the one disclosed by Oakley) for embodying the generic electrical connector required to power Noda.
Regarding claim 5, Noda discloses a conductive device 9 extending outwardly from collar 30 (as illustrated in figure 2(b)) for supplying power to the ion generator device (“the connector 9 connected to an external power source such as a commercial power source supplies power to the high-voltage transformer drive circuit 23” [0034]). However, there is no explicit disclosure of a receptacle disposed within the back end of the housing that is internally threaded.
Oakley discloses an ion generator device comprising a collar 36 extending outwardly from a front end of a housing 31 (as illustrated in figure 5), the collar 36 having a hollow inner portion containing a conductive device 42; at least one electrode 50 positioned within a cavity of the housing 31; and a receptacle is disposed within the back end of the housing that is internally threaded (as illustrated in figure 4 - “Each of the housings includes a connector 36 of a type including a body 37 which has an outer screw thread 38 and an end cap 39” [col. 5; lines 61-65]).
It would have been obvious to one possessing ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified Noda with the electrical connection mechanism of Noda in order to provide a specific type of electrical connector (such as the one disclosed by Oakley) for embodying the generic electrical connector required to power Noda.
Regarding claim 10, Noda discloses a conductive device 9 extending outwardly from collar 30 (as illustrated in figure 2(b)) for supplying power to the ion generator device (“the connector 9 connected to an external power source such as a commercial power source supplies power to the high-voltage transformer drive circuit 23” [0034]). However, there is no explicit disclosure that one or more ion generator devices are engaged to each other.
Oakley discloses an ion generator device comprising a collar 36 extending outwardly from a front end of a housing 31 (as illustrated in figure 5), the collar 36 having a hollow inner portion containing a conductive device 42; at least one electrode 50 positioned within a cavity of the housing 31; and the one or more ion generator devices are engaged to each other (“a plurality of emitters arranged in series by connection of a wire from each to the next” [col. 6; lines 10-12]).
It would have been obvious to one possessing ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified Noda with the electrical connection mechanism of Noda in order to provide a specific type of electrical connector (such as the one disclosed by Oakley) for embodying the generic electrical connector required to power Noda, and to allow for a duplication of the device – enhancing the production of ions by including additional ion generators.
Regarding claim 15, Noda discloses a conductive device 9 extending outwardly from collar 30 (as illustrated in figure 2(b)) for supplying power to the ion generator device (“the connector 9 connected to an external power source such as a commercial power source supplies power to the high-voltage transformer drive circuit 23” [0034]). However, there is no explicit disclosure that the conductive device extends outwardly from the collar having a circular cross-section.
Oakley discloses an ion generator device comprising a collar 36 extending outwardly from a front end of a housing 31 (as illustrated in figure 5), the collar 36 having a hollow inner portion containing a conductive device 42; at least one electrode 50 positioned within a cavity of the housing 31; and the conductive device 42 extends outwardly from the collar 36 having a circular cross-section (as illustrated in figures 5 and 6); and the collar is externally threaded (“Each of the housings includes a connector 36 of a type including a body 37 which has an outer screw thread 38 and an end cap 39” [col. 5; lines 61-65])
It would have been obvious to one possessing ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified Noda with the electrical connection mechanism of Noda in order to provide a specific type of electrical connector (such as the one disclosed by Oakley) for embodying the generic electrical connector required to power Noda.
Regarding claim 16, Noda discloses a conductive device 9 extending outwardly from collar 30 (as illustrated in figure 2(b)) for supplying power to the ion generator device (“the connector 9 connected to an external power source such as a commercial power source supplies power to the high-voltage transformer drive circuit 23” [0034]). However, there is no explicit disclosure of a receptacle disposed within the back end of the housing that is internally threaded.
Oakley discloses an ion generator device comprising a collar 36 extending outwardly from a front end of a housing 31 (as illustrated in figure 5), the collar 36 having a hollow inner portion containing a conductive device 42; at least one electrode 50 positioned within a cavity of the housing 31; and a receptacle is disposed within the back end of the housing that is internally threaded (as illustrated in figure 4 - “Each of the housings includes a connector 36 of a type including a body 37 which has an outer screw thread 38 and an end cap 39” [col. 5; lines 61-65]) and contains another conductive element 42.
It would have been obvious to one possessing ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified Noda with the electrical connection mechanism of Noda in order to provide a specific type of electrical connector (such as the one disclosed by Oakley) for embodying the generic electrical connector required to power Noda.
Claim(s) 9 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Shimada U.S. PGPUB No. 2008/0130190 in view of Sunshine U.S. PGPUB No. 2016/0190772.
Regarding claim 9, Shimada discloses the claimed invention except that there is no explicit disclosure of at least one flange extending from the housing for engaging a magnet thereto.
Sunshine discloses an ion generator device, comprising a housing 1 and at least one flange 12 extending from the housing for engaging a magnet thereto (“The one or more flanges 12 can be used to secure ion generator device enclosure 1 to a surface by any suitable connection means, such as a screw, nail, clip, adhesive, rivet, grommet, bolt, magnetic connectors, hook and loop fasteners, straps and the like” [0019]).
It would have been obvious to one possessing ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified Shimada with the magnetic fastener(s) of Sunshine in order to secure the ion generator device preventing its movement during use.
Claim(s) 9 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Noda et al. U.S. PGPUB No. 2013/0214173 in view of Sunshine U.S. PGPUB No. 2016/0190772.
Regarding claim 9, Noda discloses a conductive device 9 extending outwardly from collar 30 (as illustrated in figure 2(b)) for supplying power to the ion generator device (“the connector 9 connected to an external power source such as a commercial power source supplies power to the high-voltage transformer drive circuit 23” [0034]). However, there is no explicit disclosure of at least one flange extending from the housing for engaging a magnet thereto.
Sunshine discloses an ion generator device, comprising a housing 1 and at least one flange 12 extending from the housing for engaging a magnet thereto (“The one or more flanges 12 can be used to secure ion generator device enclosure 1 to a surface by any suitable connection means, such as a screw, nail, clip, adhesive, rivet, grommet, bolt, magnetic connectors, hook and loop fasteners, straps and the like” [0019]).
It would have been obvious to one possessing ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified Noda with the magnetic fastener(s) of Sunshine in order to secure the ion generator device preventing its movement during use.
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to JASON L MCCORMACK whose telephone number is (571)270-1489. The examiner can normally be reached M-Th 7:00AM-5:00PM EST.
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, Robert Kim can be reached at 571-272-2293. 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.
/JASON L MCCORMACK/Examiner, Art Unit 2881
Prosecution Insights