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 .
Information Disclosure Statement
The information disclosure statement (IDS) filed 3/24/2026 fails to comply with 37 CFR 1.98(a)(3)(i) because it does not include a concise explanation of the relevance, as it is presently understood by the individual designated in 37 CFR 1.56(c) most knowledgeable about the content of the information, of each reference listed that is not in the English language. It has been placed in the application file, but not all of the information referred to therein has been considered. Please be advised that all references cited on the IDS filed on 3/24/2026 have been considered with the exception of NPL Citation #1 (Japanese Office Action mailed on March 17, 2026 in corresponding Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-147344 (6 pages)). This is because NPL Citation #1 is not in the English language and Applicant has not included a concise explanation of the relevance as it is presently understood by the individual designated in 37 CFR 1.56(c) most knowledgeable about the content of the information of NPL Citation #1.
Election/Restrictions
Applicant’s election without traverse of Species i (drawn to, “A first embodiment as shown within Figure 1 in which a processing tool (10) includes a tool holder and a detachable tool as per paragraph [0014] of the specification, and in which a slide can be attached to the tool holder in place of the detachable tool as per paragraph [0028]”) in the reply filed on 8/3/2026 is acknowledged.
Please note that no claims have been withdrawn, as elected Species i reads on each of claims 1-20 as presented in the current claim set filed 8/28/2024.
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:
“a retaining body” and “the retaining body” in claim 1 (noting that the term “retaining” is a function, such that the claim recites a body for performing the function of retaining, but provides no additional structure to perform the function of retaining); and
“a retaining body” and “the retaining body” in claim 20 (noting that the term “retaining” is a function, such that the claim recites a body for performing the function of retaining, but provides no additional structure to perform the function of retaining).
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 Objections
Claim 20 is objected to because of the following informalities: On line 20 of the claim, “second” should inserted before “tip tool”. Appropriate correction is required.
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 1-20 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.
Lines 1-3 of claim 1 state, “A detachable tool detachably mounted to a tool mounting hole of a tool holder including the tool mounting hole, and a retaining body disposed in the tool mounting hole.” This limitation is viewed to be vague and indefinite, because as written, it is unclear if Applicant is setting forth that the tool holder includes the retaining body.
Line 10 of claim 1 sets forth, “a basal end portion” and lines 12-13 of claim 1 set forth, “a basal end.” It is unclear if “a basal end portion” and “a basal end” are intended to refer to two different elements or if instead they are intended to refer to the same element.
Claim 4 recites the limitation "the stem" in line 2. There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Be advised that claim 4 is directly dependent upon claim 1. This is noted, because Applicant previously set forth “a stem” in line 4 of claim 3.
Claim 6 recites the limitation "the elastic body receiver" in line 2. There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Be advised that claim 6 is directly dependent upon claim 1. This is noted, because Applicant previously set forth “an elastic body receiver” in line 5 of claim 3.
Claim 7 recites the limitation "the elastic body receiver" in line 3. There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Be advised that claim 7 is directly dependent upon claim 1. This is noted, because Applicant previously set forth “an elastic body receiver” in line 5 of claim 3.
Claim 9 recites the limitation "the stem" in line 2. There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Be advised that claim 9 is directly dependent upon claim 2, which in turn is directly dependent upon claim 1. In neither claim 1 nor claim 2 though, does Applicant set forth, “a stem”.
Claim 14 recites the limitation "the elastic body receiver" in line 2. There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Be advised that claim 14 is directly dependent upon claim 2, which in turn is directly dependent upon claim 1. In neither claim 1 nor claim 2 though, does Applicant set forth, “an elastic body receiver”.
Claim 16 recites the limitation "the elastic body receiver" in line 2. There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Be advised that claim 16 is directly dependent upon claim 4, which in turn is directly dependent upon claim 1. In neither claim 1 nor claim 4 though, does Applicant set forth, “an elastic body receiver”.
Claim 17 recites the limitation "the elastic body receiver" in line 2. There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Be advised that claim 17 is directly dependent upon claim 5, which in turn is directly dependent upon claim 1. In neither claim 1 nor claim 5 though, does Applicant set forth, “an elastic body receiver”.
Claim 18 recites the limitation "the elastic body receiver" in line 3. There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Be advised that claim 18 is directly dependent upon claim 2, which in turn is directly dependent upon claim 1. In neither claim 1 nor claim 2 though, does Applicant set forth, “an elastic body receiver”.
Claim 20 sets forth, “A processing tool, comprising:…a slide tool detachably mounted in the tool mounting hole…; and a detachable tool detachably attached to the tool mounting hole instead of the slide tool.” Claim 20 is viewed to be vague and indefinite, because it is unclear as to what the relationship is in the claimed processing tool between the tool holder, the slide tool, and the detachable tool. Is the processing tool actually a processing tool set, for example, and only one of the slide tool and the detachable tool is received in the tool holder at a given time?
Line 20 of claim 20 sets forth, “a basal end portion” and line 24 of claim 24 sets forth, “a basal end.” It is unclear if “a basal end portion” and “a basal end” are intended to refer to two different elements or if instead they are intended to refer to the same element.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
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.
Claims 1-19 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Muto et al. (U.S. PG Publication No. 2021/0107071 A1).
Claim 1: Figure 1 of Muto et al. shows a processing tool (10) comprising a detachable tool attached to a tool mounting hole (13a) of a tool holder (15) including the tool mounting hole (13a).
Next, please be advised that "a retaining body" is being interpreted by Examiner 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 (“body”) that is coupled with functional language (“retaining”) without reciting sufficient structure to perform the recited function and the generic placeholder is not preceded by a structural modifier. Please be advised that said " retaining body" is interpreted as comprising the structure disclosed within paragraph [0014] of Applicant's specification filed on 8/28/2024, as well as equivalents thereto.
With respect to the prior art and Muto et al., Figure 1 shows the tool holder (15) as including a first ball (27). The first ball (27) corresponds in structure to the retaining body of line 2 of claim 1. This is because the retaining body of line 2 of claim 1 is disclosed in paragraph [0012] of Applicant's specification as being a ball. Based on the foregoing, the first ball (27) of
Muto et al. will hereinafter be referred to by Examiner as “the retaining body [27].” Noting this, the retaining body (27) is disposed in the tool mounting hole (13a) of the tool holder (15) in a radially inwardly reciprocal manner.
With regards to the detachable tool, it comprises a housing (17) that is supported at a predetermined position of the tool mounting hole (13a), the housing (17) including an elastic body chamber that is defined by an inner surface (17b) of the housing (17), and further including a retaining body insertion hole (25) through which the retaining body (27) is inserted.
The detachable tool of Muto et al. further comprises a slider (49) to which a tip tool (61) having a blade (61a) at a basal end portion is mountable, wherein the slider (49) is supported by the housing (17) to reciprocate inside the tool mounting hole (17a). Note, for example, how between Figures 1 and 4 the housing (17) and the slider (49) have reciprocated inside the tool mounting hole (13a). Figures 1 and 4 further show the slider (49) as having a guide groove (55) that extends along the tool mounting hole (17a). Additionally/Alternatively, Figures 1 and 3 show the slider (49) having a guide groove (35) that extends along the tool mounting hole (17a).
With regards to the aforesaid elastic body chamber (17b) defined by an inner surface of the housing (17), said elastic body chamber (17b) has an elastic body (53) disposed therein that urges the slider (49) toward a basal end [paragraph 0069].
Lastly, an anti-rotation body (57) is disposed in the housing (17) to be received in the guide groove (55). This anti-rotation body (57) holds a tool holding part (47) of the slider (49) in a center position of a cylinder (13) of the tool holder (15) [paragraph 0068]. Additionally/ Alternatively, an anti-rotation body (33) is disposed in the housing (17) to be received in the guide groove (55), and said anti-rotation body (33) prevents relative rotation (and is therefore “anti-rotation”) between the housing (17) and a drive gear (29) of the slider (49).
Claim 2: The slider (49) includes the tool holding part (47) which is a slide body disposed at a distal end portion of the housing (17) to slide within the slide mounting hole (13a).
Claim 3: First, be advised that by virtue of receiving the drive gear (29) therein, the housing (17) has a stem hole (29b), which is formed through the drive gear (29) [paragraph 0056]. Next, noting that the drive gear (29) is received within the elastic body chamber (17a), that means that the stem hole (29b) is also received within the elastic body chamber (17a). Thus, in this way, the stem hole (29b) and the elastic body chamber (17a) are connected to one another. As such, the housing (17) has the stem hole (29b) that is connected to the elastic body chamber (17a).
Regarding the slider (49), it includes a stem (45+47) which in turn includes each of an elastic body receiver (45) and the tool holding part (47). Via the elastic body receiver (45) thereof, the stem (45+47) is configured to pass through the stem hole (29b) [paragraph 0061]. As to the elastic body receiver (45), it is disposed inside the elastic body chamber (17a) and is connected to the tool holding part (47), which is a basal end portion of the stem (45+47).
Lastly, as can be seen in Figure 1 of Muto et al., the elastic body (53) is disposed between the housing (17) and the elastic body receiver (45) with respect to, for example, a radial direction.
Claim 4: Figure 3 shows a stem (29+43) including the guide groove (35). Additionally/ Alternatively, Figure 3 shows a stem (45+47) including the guide groove (55).
Claim 5: Figure 1 shows the housing (17) coming into contact with an inner surface of the tool mounting hole (13a).
Claim 6: An elastic body receiver (45) of the detachable tool slides inside the elastic body chamber (17a).
Claim 7: First, it is reiterated that the elastic body chamber (17b) is defined by the inner surface of the housing (17). Noting this, it can be seen in Figure 2 of Muto et al. that the elastic body chamber (17b) is open to a basal end portion of the housing (17).
Next, Figure 3 of Muto et al. shows the slider (49). When, for example, the drive gear (29) of the slider (49) and a corresponding driven gear (43) of the slider (49) are removed from an elastic body receiver (45), the result is the elastic body receiver (45) as having been detached from the slider (49). When the drive gear (29) and driven gear (43) are re-attached, the result is the elastic body receiver (45) having attached to the slider (49). Thus, in at least this way, the elastic body receiver (45) is detachably attachable to the slider (49).
Claim 8: First, be advised that by virtue of receiving the drive gear (29) therein, the housing (17) has a stem hole (29b), which is formed through the drive gear (29) [paragraph 0056]. Next, noting that the drive gear (29) is received within the elastic body chamber (17a), that means that the stem hole (29b) is also received within the elastic body chamber (17a). Thus, in this way, the stem hole (29b) and the elastic body chamber (17a) are connected to one another. As such, the housing (17) has the stem hole (29b) that is connected to the elastic body chamber (17a).
Regarding the slider (49), it includes a stem (45+47) which in turn includes each of an elastic body receiver (45) and the tool holding part (47). Via the elastic body receiver (45) thereof, the stem (45+47) is configured to pass through the stem hole (29b) [paragraph 0061]. As to the elastic body receiver (45), it is disposed inside the elastic body chamber (17a) and is connected to the tool holding part (47), which is a basal end portion of the stem (45+47).
Lastly, as can be seen in Figure 1 of Muto et al., the elastic body (53) is disposed between the housing (17) and the elastic body receiver (45) with respect to, for example, a radial direction.
Claim 9: Figure 3 shows a stem (29+43) including the guide groove (35). Additionally/ Alternatively, Figure 3 shows a stem (45+47) including the guide groove (55).
Claim 10: Figure 3 if Muto et al. shows the stem (45+47) as including the guide groove (55).
Claim 11: Figure 1 shows the housing (17) coming into contact with an inner surface of the tool mounting hole (13a).
Claim 12: Figure 1 shows the housing (17) coming into contact with an inner surface of the tool mounting hole (13a).
Claim 13: Figure 1 shows the housing (17) coming into contact with an inner surface of the tool mounting hole (13a).
Claim 14: An elastic body receiver (45) of the detachable tool slides inside the elastic body chamber (17a).
Claim 15: The elastic body receiver (45) slides inside the elastic body chamber (17a).
Claim 16: An elastic body receiver (45) of the detachable tool slides inside the elastic body chamber (17a).
Claim 17: An elastic body receiver (45) of the detachable tool slides inside the elastic body chamber (17a).
Claim 18: First, it is reiterated that the elastic body chamber (17b) is defined by the inner surface of the housing (17). Noting this, it can be seen in Figure 2 of Muto et al. that the elastic body chamber (17b) is open to a basal end portion of the housing (17).
Next, Figure 3 of Muto et al. shows the slider (49). When, for example, the drive gear (29) of the slider (49) and a corresponding driven gear (43) of the slider (49) are removed from an elastic body receiver (45), the result is the elastic body receiver (45) as having been detached from the slider (49). When the drive gear (29) and driven gear (43) are re-attached, the result is the elastic body receiver (45) having attached to the slider (49). Thus, in at least this way, the elastic body receiver (45) is detachably attachable to the slider (49).
Claim 19: First, it is reiterated that the elastic body chamber (17b) is defined by the inner surface of the housing (17). Noting this, it can be seen in Figure 2 of Muto et al. that the elastic body chamber (17b) is open to a basal end portion of the housing (17).
Next, Figure 3 of Muto et al. shows the slider (49). When, for example, the drive gear (29) of the slider (49) and a corresponding driven gear (43) of the slider (49) are removed from the elastic body receiver (45), the result is the elastic body receiver (45) as having been detached from the slider (49). When the drive gear (29) and driven gear (43) are re-attached, the result is the elastic body receiver (45) having attached to the slider (49). Thus, in at least this way, the elastic body receiver (45) is detachably attachable to the slider (49).
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 20 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Muto et al. (U.S. PG Publication No. 2021/0107071 A1) in view of Nakada (Japan Publication No. JP 2013184285 A).
Please be advised that a Machine Translation of Nakada is relied upon below, and said Machine Translation has been furnished with this office action.
Claim 20: Figure 1 of Muto et al. shows a processing tool (10) comprising a tool holder (15), which in turn includes a tool mounting hole (13a) and a pusher (21) that is reciprocably disposed (at least in part) in the tool mounting hole (13a).
Next, please be advised that "a retaining body" is being interpreted by Examiner 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 (“body”) that is coupled with functional language (“retaining”) without reciting sufficient structure to perform the recited function and the generic placeholder is not preceded by a structural modifier. Please be advised that said " retaining body" is interpreted as comprising the structure disclosed within paragraph [0014] of Applicant's specification filed on 8/28/2024, as well as equivalents thereto.
With respect to the prior art and Muto et al., Figure 1 shows the tool holder (15) as including a first ball (27). The first ball (27) corresponds in structure to the retaining body of line 2 of claim 1. This is because the retaining body of line 2 of claim 1 is disclosed in paragraph [0012] of Applicant's specification as being a ball. Based on the foregoing, the first ball (27) of
Muto et al. will hereinafter be referred to by Examiner as “the retaining body [27].” Noting this, the retaining body (27) is disposed in the tool mounting hole (13a) of the tool holder (15) in a radially inwardly reciprocal manner.
The processing tool (10) further comprises a detachable tool, which in turn comprises a housing (17) that is supported at a predetermined position of the tool mounting hole (13a). The housing (17) includes an elastic body chamber that is defined by an inner surface (17b) of the housing (17), and further includes a retaining body insertion hole (25) through which the retaining body (27) is inserted.
The detachable tool of Muto et al. further comprises a slider (49) to which a tip tool (61) having a blade (61a) at a basal end portion is mountable, wherein the slider (49) is supported by the housing (17) to reciprocate inside the tool mounting hole (17a). Please note, for example, how between Figures 1 and 4 the housing (17) and the slider (49) have reciprocated inside the tool mounting hole (13a). Figures 1 and 4 of Muto et al. further show the slider (49) as having a (second) guide groove (55) that extends along the tool mounting hole (17a). Additionally/ Alternatively, Figures 1 and 3 show the slider (49) having a (second) guide groove (35) that extends along the tool mounting hole (17a).
With regards to the aforesaid elastic body chamber (17b) defined by an inner surface of the housing (17), said elastic body chamber (17b) has an elastic body (53) disposed therein that urges the slider (49) toward a basal end [paragraph 0069].
Moreover, an anti-rotation body (57) is disposed in the housing (17) to be received in the guide groove (55). This anti-rotation body (57) holds a tool holding part (47) of the slider (49) in a center position of a cylinder (13) of the tool holder (15) [paragraph 0068]. Additionally/ Alternatively, an anti-rotation body (33) is disposed in the housing (17) to be received in the guide groove (55), and said anti-rotation body (33) prevents relative rotation (and is therefore “anti-rotation”) between the housing (17) and a drive gear (29) of the slider (49).
Muto et al. though, does not disclose the processing tool (10) as comprising “a slide tool detachably mounted in the tool mounting hole, the slide tool including a slide body to which a first tip tool having a blade at a distal end portion is attached, the slide body urged by the pusher toward a distal end to reciprocate in the tool mounting hole, the slide body having a first guide groove extending along the tool mounting hole on an outer peripheral surface of the slide body to receive the retaining body.”
Figure 6 of Nakada though, shows a slide tool (25) that is able to be detachably mounted in a tool mounting hole, the slide tool (25) including a slide body (22C) to which a first tip tool (21) having blades (21A, 21B) at a distal end portion is attached, wherein the slide body (22C) has a first guide groove (25) on an outer peripheral surface of the slide body (22C) that is configured to receive a retaining body (30). Please be advised that the first tip tool (21) is configured such that the blades (21A, 21B) provide for both front-side and back-side machining of a workpiece.
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have provided the processing tool (10) of Muto et al. with the slide tool (25) of Nakada, so as to provide the processing tool (10) of Muto et al. with the added capability of being able to machine with the slide tool (25) of Nakada both the front-side and the back-side of a given workpiece with a single rotary tool without having to, for example, turn over the given workpiece.
Please be advised that when the slide tool (25) of Nakada is detachably mounted to the tool mounting hole (13a) of Muto et al. in place of the detachable tool of Muto et al., a proximal end of the slide tool (25) of Nakada is urged by the pusher (21) of Muto et al. toward the distal end to reciprocate in the tool mounting hole (13a). Furthermore, when the slide tool (25) of Nakada is detachably mounted to the tool mounting hole (13a) of Muto et al., the first guide groove (25) of Nakada receives the retaining body (27) of Muto et al. However, when the detachable tool of Muto et al. is required for processing, the detachable tool of Muto et al. is detachably attached to the tool mounting hole (13a) instead of the slide tool (25).
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. JP 2012071387 A shows in Figures 2-3 thereof a processing tool (10) comprising a tool holder (11) having a tool mounting hole (15). The processing tool (10) further comprises a retaining body (30) disposed in the tool mounting hole (15). Figures 2 and 5 then show a detachable tool (20) that is detachably attached to the tool mounting hole (15), which detachable tool (20) has a guide groove (24) for receipt of the retaining body (30).
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to Michael Vitale whose telephone number is (571)270-5098. The examiner can normally be reached Monday - Friday 8:30 AM- 6:00 PM.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Sunil K Singh can be reached at (571) 272-4502. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/MICHAEL VITALE/Examiner, Art Unit 3722
/SUNIL K SINGH/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 3722
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