DETAILED ACTION
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 2, 4, and 8-11 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 2, the limitations “a value of the plurality of chain links” is indefinite in that it fails to point out what is included or excluded by the claim language.
In claim 4, the limitations “as high as the marked chain link” is indefinite in that it fails to point out what is included or excluded by the claim language. The claim doesn’t define which is the high of the link to make accurate comparison with the value claimed. Also, the specification doesn’t define the limitation.
In claim 8, the limitations “different types of chain links” is indefinite in that it fails to point out what is included or excluded by the claim language. The limitations “and/or” is indefinite because it implies a combination of two mark of the same type and at the same time at least 20% different types.
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 1, 3, 5-7, 12-18 are allowed.
Claims 2, 4, and 8-11 would be allowable if rewritten 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.
The following is an examiner' s statement of reasons for allowance: The claim is allowable because the prior art fails to teach at least one spatial sequence of the information together determines a logical sequence of at least the information, wherein the logical sequence of at least the information forms overall information for identifying a property of the tool chain as set forth in claims 1, 17, and 18.
Sporrer teaches a plurality of links having a plurality of markings of the same and different shape or color for representing specific items of information such as manufacturer data, and/or fabrication data, and/or chain data, and/or timing control data of a timing chain, a particular logo or a particular name. However, Sporrer fails to teach the above limitations because there is reason for having a logical sequence in a timing chain where the links are the same.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to OMAR FLORES SANCHEZ whose telephone number is (571)272-4507. The examiner can normally be reached Monday thru Thursday8:00-4:00 pm.
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/OMAR FLORES SANCHEZ/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 3724
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