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 .
DETAILED ACTION
Claims 1-14 are pending in this application, which is a 371 of PCT/JP2023/027043.
Election/Restrictions
Applicant’s election without traverse of claims 1-11 in the reply filed on 03/30/2026 is acknowledged.
Claims 12-14 are withdrawn from consideration as being directed to a nonelected invention.
Priority
Receipt is acknowledged of certified copies of papers required by 37 CFR 1.55.
Specification
The title of the invention is not descriptive. A new title is required that is clearly indicative of the invention to which the claims are directed.
It is noted that the claimed invention is directed solely to an apparatus. The examiner suggests amending the title to reflect same.
The lengthy specification has not been checked to the extent necessary to determine the presence of all possible minor errors. Applicant’s cooperation is requested in correcting any errors of which applicant may become aware in the specification.
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 3-11 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.
In claim 3 line 2, the term “the paired width regulating jigs” lacks antecedent basis. It is noted that claim 2, from which claim 3 depends, recites a pair (i.e. two) of jigs, but not that they are “paired”. The same issue applies to claim 6.
In claim 2 line 5 and elsewhere, the term “apparent density” is confusing as to what said term means. The examiner questions what is the difference between density and apparent density. Clarification, and if necessary, amendments to the claims, are requested. The same issue applies to claims 4-5.
In claim 7 line 4, the term “crown roll shape” is deemed vague and indefinite as to what crown roll shape means. The examiner suggests deleting the word “shape”.
In claim 8 lines 1-2, the phrase “wherein the first adjusting mechanism includes an adjusting mechanism (A)”, which appears to be redundant and not further limiting. Appropriate amendments, if necessary, are requested
In claim 8 line 3, the term “blade shape” is deemed vague and indefinite as to what blade shape means. The examiner suggests deleting the word “shape”.
In claim 8 lines 3-4, the phrase “optionally adjust a continuous change in the gap in the width direction” is confusing as to how this further limits the limitation recited in independent claim 1, from which claim 8 depends. Claim 1 already recites this limitation.
In claim 9 line 2, the phrase “one or more types” is deemed vague and indefinite because the addition of the word “type” to an otherwise definite expression extends the scope of the expression so as to render it indefinite. The examiner suggests its deletion.
In claim 10 lines 2-3, the phrase “a basis weight inspecting unit that inspects a basis weight in the width direction” is deemed confusing as to how a unit inspects weight. How is weight inspected? In addition, once a weight is inspected, is anything done with that information? Clarification is requested.
In claim 11 lines 2-3, the phrase “an appearance inspecting unit that inspects an appearance” is deemed confusing as to how a unit inspects appearance. How is an appearance inspected? What appearance is being inspected? In addition, once an appearance is inspected, is anything done with that information? Clarification is requested.
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 1-11 are allowed over the prior art.
It is well known to manufacture a member for an electrochemical device which has an electrode mixture layer and a support, a conductive adhesive layer, and an electrode whose apparatus has a support and a supplier for composite particles which are leveled by a roller squeegee and subsequently pressed as noted in JP WO2019013218.
With respect to feeding granulated particles, it is well known to feed granulated particles from a tank on a T-shaped support as noted in CN 208910973.
With respect to conveying granulated particles, it is well known to produce an electrochemical element electrode using an apparatus which coveys granulated particles as noted in CN 106233507.
With respect to the squeegee, it is well known to produce an electrochemical element by forming an electrode mixture layer using a roller squeegee to apply and level composite particles as noted in WO 2019/013218. However, the prior art references fail to teach a squeegee that has a gap relative to the support unit and non-passage portions that are provided at both ends to block the passage of the granulated particles and also has a first adjusting mechanism which changes the gas in a width direction such that the passage portions are narrower than a central portion.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to BRET CHEN whose telephone number is (571)272-1417. The examiner can normally be reached M-F 8:30-8:30 MT.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Gordon Baldwin can be reached at (571) 272-5166. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/BRET P CHEN/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 1718 04/30/2026
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