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 § 112
Claim(s) 15-28 is/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 applications subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, the applicant), regards as the invention.
Claim 15 recites, “..one or more heating elements, such as electrical resistance heaters”. The use of the term “such as” renders the scope of the claim indefinite because it introduces one or more exemplary embodiments without clearly identifying the complete scope of the claimed invention. Claim(s) 16-24 are also rejected as being dependent on rejected claim 15.
Claim 17 recites, “..said apparatus comprises at least two separate and independent sections”. The use of the term “separate and independent” renders the claim indefinite because it is unclear what degree or type of separation or independence is required between the sections.
Claim 17 also recites, “.. for retaining and separating”. The use of the term “and” renders the claim indefinite because it is unclear whether the recited structure is required to perform both the retaining and separating functions, or whether either function is sufficient.
Claim 25 recites, “..such as electrical resistance heaters”. The use of the term “such as” renders the scope of the claim indefinite because it introduces one or more exemplary embodiments without clearly identifying the complete scope of the claimed invention. Claim(s) 25-28 are also rejected as being dependent on rejected claim 25.
Claim 25 also recites, “by means of a heat- sensitive adhesive”. The term “heat sensitive” renders the claim indefinite because it is unclear what degree or range of heat sensitivity is required by the claim.
Claim 26 recites, “at least two separate and independent sections”. The use of the term “separate and independent” renders the claim indefinite because it is unclear what degree or type of separation or independence is required between the sections.
Claim 26 also recites, “comprising heating elements such as electrical resistance heaters”. The use of the term “such as” renders the scope of the claim indefinite because it introduces one or more exemplary embodiments without clearly identifying the complete scope of the claimed invention.
Claim 26 also recites, “retaining and separating heated abrasion-resistant steel plates”. The use of the term “and” renders the claim indefinite because it is unclear whether the recited structure is required to perform both the retaining and separating functions, or whether either function is sufficient.
Allowable Subject Matter
Claim(s) 15-28 would be allowable if rewritten or amended to overcome the rejection(s) under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), 2nd paragraph, set forth in this Office action.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.
Wu (CN 116572278 A) discloses an anti-adhesion plate transfer manipulator. Wu is used for the separation of two plates by means of vibration, automatic separation or manual separation. However, Wu fails to disclose the use of electromagnets or heating elements to perform the function of separating the steel plates.
Cai (CN 120057718 A) discloses a system for intelligent magnetic separating of steel plates. Cai is used for separating steel plates comprising electromagnets. However, Cai fails to disclose the use of a heating element.
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/REHMAN A QURESHI/Examiner, Art Unit 3654
/ROBERT W HODGE/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 3654
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