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 .
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.
Information Disclosure Statement
The information disclosure statement (IDS) submitted on 12/16/2024 has been considered by the examiner.
Oath/Declaration
Oath/Declaration as file 10/30/2024 is noted by the Examiner.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
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 for”) in a claim with functional language creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim element is to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) (pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph). The presumption that 35 U.S.C. 112(f) (pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph) is invoked is rebutted when the function is recited with sufficient structure, material, or acts within the claim itself to entirely perform the recited function.
Absence of the word “means” (or “step for”) in a claim creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim element is not to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) (pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph). The presumption that 35 U.S.C. 112(f) (pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph) is not invoked is rebutted when the claim element recites function but fails to recite sufficiently definite structure, material or acts to perform that function.
Claim elements in this application that use the word “means” (or “step for”) are presumed to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f) except as otherwise indicated in an Office action. Similarly, claim elements that do not use the word “means” (or “step for”) are presumed not to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f) except as otherwise indicated in an Office action.
Regarding claim 1, the limitation “…a first connection switching unit that switches the connection between the first terminal and the second terminal via the first transmission line …” has/have been interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, because it uses/they use the term “means” or equivalent term coupled with functional language “…a first connection switching unit that switches the connection between the first terminal and the second terminal via the first transmission line …” without reciting sufficient structure to achieve the function. Furthermore, the term “first connection switching unit” is not preceded by a structural modifier.
The following table shows that all three prongs of the 3-prong analysis are met and the limitation invokes 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph (See MPEP 2181(I) for details):
The 3-Prong Analysis for Claim Limitation : “…a first connection switching unit that switches the connection between the first terminal and the second terminal via the first transmission line …”
Met
Prong A
Explicit recitation of “means” or equivalent term
YES
Prong B
Functional recitation of “…a first connection switching unit that switches the connection between the first terminal and the second terminal via the first transmission line …”
YES
Prong C
No structure that performs the function
YES
Regarding claim 1, the limitation “…a first ground switching unit that switches a connection of each of three or more first connection points at different positions in the first transmission line to a reference potential.” has/have been interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, because it uses/they use the term “means” or equivalent term coupled with functional language “…a first ground switching unit that switches a connection of each of three or more first connection points at different positions in the first transmission line to a reference potential.” without reciting sufficient structure to achieve the function. Furthermore, the term “first ground switching unit” is not preceded by a structural modifier.
The following table shows that all three prongs of the 3-prong analysis are met and the limitation invokes 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph (See MPEP 2181(I) for details):
The 3-Prong Analysis for Claim Limitation : “…a first ground switching unit that switches a connection of each of three or more first connection points at different positions in the first transmission line to a reference potential.”
Met
Prong A
Explicit recitation of “means” or equivalent term
YES
Prong B
Functional recitation of “…a first ground switching unit that switches a connection of each of three or more first connection points at different positions in the first transmission line to a reference potential.”
YES
Prong C
No structure that performs the function
YES
Regarding claim 2, the limitation “…the first ground switching unit connects each of the three or more first connection points to a reference potential when there is no connection between the first terminal and the second terminal.” has/have been interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, because it uses/they use the term “means” or equivalent term coupled with functional language “…the first ground switching unit connects each of the three or more first connection points to a reference potential when there is no connection between the first terminal and the second terminal.” without reciting sufficient structure to achieve the function. Furthermore, the term “first ground switching unit” is not preceded by a structural modifier.
The following table shows that all three prongs of the 3-prong analysis are met and the limitation invokes 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph (See MPEP 2181(I) for details):
The 3-Prong Analysis for Claim Limitation : “…the first ground switching unit connects each of the three or more first connection points to a reference potential when there is no connection between the first terminal and the second terminal.”
Met
Prong A
Explicit recitation of “means” or equivalent term
YES
Prong B
Functional recitation of “…the first ground switching unit connects each of the three or more first connection points to a reference potential when there is no connection between the first terminal and the second terminal.”
YES
Prong C
No structure that performs the function
YES
Regarding claim 4, the limitation “…a second connection switching unit that switches a connection between the first terminal and the third terminal via the second transmission line; and a third connection switching unit that switches a connection between the second terminal and the third terminal via the third transmission line.” has/have been interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, because it uses/they use the term “means” or equivalent term coupled with functional language “…a second connection switching unit that switches a connection between the first terminal and the third terminal via the second transmission line; and a third connection switching unit that switches a connection between the second terminal and the third terminal via the third transmission line.” without reciting sufficient structure to achieve the function. Furthermore, the terms “second connection switching unit” and “third connection switching unit “ are not preceded by a structural modifier.
The following table shows that all three prongs of the 3-prong analysis are met and the limitation invokes 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph (See MPEP 2181(I) for details):
The 3-Prong Analysis for Claim Limitation : “…a second connection switching unit that switches a connection between the first terminal and the third terminal via the second transmission line; and a third connection switching unit that switches a connection between the second terminal and the third terminal via the third transmission line.”
Met
Prong A
Explicit recitation of “means” or equivalent term
YES
Prong B
Functional recitation of “…a second connection switching unit that switches a connection between the first terminal and the third terminal via the second transmission line; and a third connection switching unit that switches a connection between the second terminal and the third terminal via the third transmission line.”
YES
Prong C
No structure that performs the function
YES
Regarding claim 5, the limitation “…a second ground switching unit that switches a connection of each of three or more second connection points at different positions in the second transmission line to a reference potential; and a third ground switching unit that switches a connection of each of three or more third connection points at different positions in the third transmission line to a reference potential.” has/have been interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, because it uses/they use the term “means” or equivalent term coupled with functional language “…a second ground switching unit that switches a connection of each of three or more second connection points at different positions in the second transmission line to a reference potential; and a third ground switching unit that switches a connection of each of three or more third connection points at different positions in the third transmission line to a reference potential.” without reciting sufficient structure to achieve the function. Furthermore, the terms “second ground switching unit” and “third ground switching unit” are not preceded by a structural modifier.
The following table shows that all three prongs of the 3-prong analysis are met and the limitation invokes 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph (See MPEP 2181(I) for details):
The 3-Prong Analysis for Claim Limitation : “…a second ground switching unit that switches a connection of each of three or more second connection points at different positions in the second transmission line to a reference potential; and a third ground switching unit that switches a connection of each of three or more third connection points at different positions in the third transmission line to a reference potential.”
Met
Prong A
Explicit recitation of “means” or equivalent term
YES
Prong B
Functional recitation of “…a second ground switching unit that switches a connection of each of three or more second connection points at different positions in the second transmission line to a reference potential; and a third ground switching unit that switches a connection of each of three or more third connection points at different positions in the third transmission line to a reference potential.”
YES
Prong C
No structure that performs the function
YES
Regarding claim 6, the limitation “…a second ground switching unit that switches a connection of a second connection point at a position with a distance equal to ¼ of a wavelength of a signal passing through the third terminal away from the third terminal in the second transmission line to a reference potential; and a third ground switching unit that switches a connection of a third connection point at a position with a distance equal to ¼ of a wavelength of a signal passing through the third terminal away from the third terminal in the third transmission line to a reference potential.” has/have been interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, because it uses/they use the term “means” or equivalent term coupled with functional language “…a second ground switching unit that switches a connection of a second connection point at a position with a distance equal to ¼ of a wavelength of a signal passing through the third terminal away from the third terminal in the second transmission line to a reference potential; and a third ground switching unit that switches a connection of a third connection point at a position with a distance equal to ¼ of a wavelength of a signal passing through the third terminal away from the third terminal in the third transmission line to a reference potential.” without reciting sufficient structure to achieve the function. Furthermore, the terms “second ground switching unit” and “third ground switching unit” are not preceded by a structural modifier.
The following table shows that all three prongs of the 3-prong analysis are met and the limitation invokes 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph (See MPEP 2181(I) for details):
The 3-Prong Analysis for Claim Limitation : “…a second ground switching unit that switches a connection of a second connection point at a position with a distance equal to ¼ of a wavelength of a signal passing through the third terminal away from the third terminal in the second transmission line to a reference potential; and a third ground switching unit that switches a connection of a third connection point at a position with a distance equal to ¼ of a wavelength of a signal passing through the third terminal away from the third terminal in the third transmission line to a reference potential.”
Met
Prong A
Explicit recitation of “means” or equivalent term
YES
Prong B
Functional recitation of “…a second ground switching unit that switches a connection of a second connection point at a position with a distance equal to ¼ of a wavelength of a signal passing through the third terminal away from the third terminal in the second transmission line to a reference potential; and a third ground switching unit that switches a connection of a third connection point at a position with a distance equal to ¼ of a wavelength of a signal passing through the third terminal away from the third terminal in the third transmission line to a reference potential.”
YES
Prong C
No structure that performs the function
YES
Regarding claim 7, the limitation “…a common connection switching unit that switches a connection between a branching point located in middle of the first transmission line and the third terminal via the common transmission line, the first connection switching unit connects the first terminal to the first transmission line and disconnects the second terminal from the first transmission line when it is connected between the first terminal and the third terminal...” has/have been interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, because it uses/they use the term “means” or equivalent term coupled with functional language “…a common connection switching unit that switches a connection between a branching point located in middle of the first transmission line and the third terminal via the common transmission line, the first connection switching unit connects the first terminal to the first transmission line and disconnects the second terminal from the first transmission line when it is connected between the first terminal and the third terminal...” without reciting sufficient structure to achieve the function. Furthermore, the terms “common connection switching unit” and “first connection switching unit” are not preceded by a structural modifier.
The following table shows that all three prongs of the 3-prong analysis are met and the limitation invokes 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph (See MPEP 2181(I) for details):
The 3-Prong Analysis for Claim Limitation : “…a common connection switching unit that switches a connection between a branching point located in middle of the first transmission line and the third terminal via the common transmission line, the first connection switching unit connects the first terminal to the first transmission line and disconnects the second terminal from the first transmission line when it is connected between the first terminal and the third terminal...”
Met
Prong A
Explicit recitation of “means” or equivalent term
YES
Prong B
Functional recitation of “…a common connection switching unit that switches a connection between a branching point located in middle of the first transmission line and the third terminal via the common transmission line, the first connection switching unit connects the first terminal to the first transmission line and disconnects the second terminal from the first transmission line when it is connected between the first terminal and the third terminal...”
YES
Prong C
No structure that performs the function
YES
Regarding claim 8, the limitation “…a common ground switching unit that switches a connection of each of three or more common connection points at different positions in the common transmission line to a reference potential.” has/have been interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, because it uses/they use the term “means” or equivalent term coupled with functional language “…a common ground switching unit that switches a connection of each of three or more common connection points at different positions in the common transmission line to a reference potential.” without reciting sufficient structure to achieve the function. Furthermore, the term “common ground switching unit” is not preceded by a structural modifier.
The following table shows that all three prongs of the 3-prong analysis are met and the limitation invokes 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph (See MPEP 2181(I) for details):
The 3-Prong Analysis for Claim Limitation : “…a common ground switching unit that switches a connection of each of three or more common connection points at different positions in the common transmission line to a reference potential.”
Met
Prong A
Explicit recitation of “means” or equivalent term
YES
Prong B
Functional recitation of “…a common ground switching unit that switches a connection of each of three or more common connection points at different positions in the common transmission line to a reference potential.”
YES
Prong C
No structure that performs the function
YES
Regarding claim 9, the limitation “…three or more first switching elements that connect or disconnect between each of the three or more first connection points and the reference potential...” has/have been interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, because it uses/they use the term “means” or equivalent term coupled with functional language “…three or more first switching elements that connect or disconnect between each of the three or more first connection points and the reference potential...” without reciting sufficient structure to achieve the function. Furthermore, the term “three or more first switching elements” is not preceded by a structural modifier.
The following table shows that all three prongs of the 3-prong analysis are met and the limitation invokes 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph (See MPEP 2181(I) for details):
The 3-Prong Analysis for Claim Limitation : “…three or more first switching elements that connect or disconnect between each of the three or more first connection points and the reference potential...”
Met
Prong A
Explicit recitation of “means” or equivalent term
YES
Prong B
Functional recitation of “…three or more first switching elements that connect or disconnect between each of the three or more first connection points and the reference potential...”
YES
Prong C
No structure that performs the function
YES
Regarding claim 11, the limitation “…a first connection switching unit that switches the connection between the first terminal and the second terminal via the first transmission line…” has/have been interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, because it uses/they use the term “means” or equivalent term coupled with functional language “…a first connection switching unit that switches the connection between the first terminal and the second terminal via the first transmission line …” without reciting sufficient structure to achieve the function. Furthermore, the term “first connection switching unit” is not preceded by a structural modifier.
The following table shows that all three prongs of the 3-prong analysis are met and the limitation invokes 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph (See MPEP 2181(I) for details):
The 3-Prong Analysis for Claim Limitation : “…a first connection switching unit that switches the connection between the first terminal and the second terminal via the first transmission line …”
Met
Prong A
Explicit recitation of “means” or equivalent term
YES
Prong B
Functional recitation of “…a first connection switching unit that switches the connection between the first terminal and the second terminal via the first transmission line …”
YES
Prong C
No structure that performs the function
YES
Regarding claim 11, the limitation “…a first ground switching unit that switches a connection of each of three or more first connection points at different positions in the first transmission line to a reference potential.” has/have been interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, because it uses/they use the term “means” or equivalent term coupled with functional language “…a first ground switching unit that switches a connection of each of three or more first connection points at different positions in the first transmission line to a reference potential.” without reciting sufficient structure to achieve the function. Furthermore, the term “first ground switching unit” is not preceded by a structural modifier.
The following table shows that all three prongs of the 3-prong analysis are met and the limitation invokes 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph (See MPEP 2181(I) for details):
The 3-Prong Analysis for Claim Limitation : “…a first ground switching unit that switches a connection of each of three or more first connection points at different positions in the first transmission line to a reference potential.”
Met
Prong A
Explicit recitation of “means” or equivalent term
YES
Prong B
Functional recitation of “…a first ground switching unit that switches a connection of each of three or more first connection points at different positions in the first transmission line to a reference potential.”
YES
Prong C
No structure that performs the function
YES
Regarding claim 12, the limitation “…a first connection switching unit that switches the connection between the first terminal and the second terminal via the first transmission line…” has/have been interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, because it uses/they use the term “means” or equivalent term coupled with functional language “…a first connection switching unit that switches the connection between the first terminal and the second terminal via the first transmission line …” without reciting sufficient structure to achieve the function. Furthermore, the term “first connection switching unit” is not preceded by a structural modifier.
The following table shows that all three prongs of the 3-prong analysis are met and the limitation invokes 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph (See MPEP 2181(I) for details):
The 3-Prong Analysis for Claim Limitation : “…a first connection switching unit that switches the connection between the first terminal and the second terminal via the first transmission line …”
Met
Prong A
Explicit recitation of “means” or equivalent term
YES
Prong B
Functional recitation of “…a first connection switching unit that switches the connection between the first terminal and the second terminal via the first transmission line …”
YES
Prong C
No structure that performs the function
YES
Regarding claim 12, the limitation “…a first ground switching unit that switches a connection of each of three or more first connection points at different positions in the first transmission line to a reference potential.” has/have been interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, because it uses/they use the term “means” or equivalent term coupled with functional language “…a first ground switching unit that switches a connection of each of three or more first connection points at different positions in the first transmission line to a reference potential.” without reciting sufficient structure to achieve the function. Furthermore, the term “first ground switching unit” is not preceded by a structural modifier.
The following table shows that all three prongs of the 3-prong analysis are met and the limitation invokes 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph (See MPEP 2181(I) for details):
The 3-Prong Analysis for Claim Limitation : “…a first ground switching unit that switches a connection of each of three or more first connection points at different positions in the first transmission line to a reference potential.”
Met
Prong A
Explicit recitation of “means” or equivalent term
YES
Prong B
Functional recitation of “…a first ground switching unit that switches a connection of each of three or more first connection points at different positions in the first transmission line to a reference potential.”
YES
Prong C
No structure that performs the function
YES
Since the claim limitation(s) invokes 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, Claim(s) 1, 2, 4-9, 11 and 12 have been interpreted to cover the corresponding structure described in the specification that achieves the claimed function, and equivalents thereof.
If Applicant does not intend to have the claim limitation(s) treated under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112 , sixth paragraph, applicant may amend the claim(s) so that it/they will clearly not invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, or present a sufficient showing that the claim recites/recite sufficient structure, material, or acts for performing the claimed function to preclude application of 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph.
For more information, see MPEP § 2173 et seq. and Supplementary Examination Guidelines for Determining Compliance With 35 U.S.C. 112 and for Treatment of Related Issues in Patent Applications, 76 FR 7162, 7167 (Feb. 9, 2011).
The following is a quotation of the first paragraph of 35 U.S.C. 112(a):
(a) IN GENERAL.—The specification shall contain a written description of the invention, and of the manner and process of making and using it, in such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains, or with which it is most nearly connected, to make and use the same, and shall set forth the best mode contemplated by the inventor or joint inventor of carrying out the invention.
The following is a quotation of the first paragraph of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112:
The specification shall contain a written description of the invention, and of the manner and process of making and using it, in such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains, or with which it is most nearly connected, to make and use the same, and shall set forth the best mode contemplated by the inventor of carrying out his invention.
Claims 1-12 rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(a) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), first paragraph, as failing to comply with the written description requirement. The claim(s) contains subject matter which was not described in the specification in such a way as to reasonably convey to one skilled in the relevant art that the inventor or a joint inventor, or for applications subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, the inventor(s), at the time the application was filed, had possession of the claimed invention. As described above, the disclosure does not provide adequate structure to perform each of the claimed functions cited above in the row of the 112(f) grid entitled “Prong B” for each of the respective placeholders.
The specification with regards to the first connection switching unit, first ground switching unit, second connection switching unit, third connection switching unit, second ground switching unit, third ground switching unit, common connection switching unit, common ground switching unit and three or more first switching elements; does not demonstrate that the application has made an invention that achieves the claimed function because the invention is not described with sufficient detail that one of ordinary skill in the art can reasonably conclude that the inventor had possession of the claimed invention.
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 1-12 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 pre-AIA the applicant regards as the invention.
Claim 1 recites the limitation “…a first connection switching unit that switches the connection between the first terminal and the second terminal via the first transmission line …”;. The term “first connection switching unit” renders the claim indefinite as the claim does not define sufficient structure to achieve the function of switches the connection between the first terminal and the second terminal via the first transmission line; the original specification does not provide clarification as to what structure performs the particular functions of this claim, and one of ordinary skill in the art could interpret so many structures that can perform the particular function of switches the connection between the first terminal and the second terminal via the first transmission line. Thus, for these reasons, the phrase “first connection switching unit” renders claim 1 indefinite.
Claim 1 recites the limitation “…a first ground switching unit that switches a connection of each of three or more first connection points at different positions in the first transmission line to a reference potential.”;. The term “first ground switching unit” renders the claim indefinite as the claim does not define sufficient structure to achieve the function of switches a connection of each of three or more first connection points at different positions in the first transmission line to a reference potential; the original specification does not provide clarification as to what structure performs the particular functions of this claim, and one of ordinary skill in the art could interpret so many structures that can perform the particular function of switches a connection of each of three or more first connection points at different positions in the first transmission line to a reference potential. Thus, for these reasons, the phrase “first ground switching unit” renders claim 1 indefinite.
Claim 2 recites the limitation “…the first ground switching unit connects each of the three or more first connection points to a reference potential when there is no connection between the first terminal and the second terminal.”;. The term “first ground switching unit” renders the claim indefinite as the claim does not define sufficient structure to achieve the function of connects each of the three or more first connection points to a reference potential when there is no connection between the first terminal and the second terminal; the original specification does not provide clarification as to what structure performs the particular functions of this claim, and one of ordinary skill in the art could interpret so many structures that can perform the particular function of connects each of the three or more first connection points to a reference potential when there is no connection between the first terminal and the second terminal. Thus, for these reasons, the phrase “first ground switching unit” renders claim 2 indefinite.
Claim 4 recites the limitation “…a second connection switching unit that switches a connection between the first terminal and the third terminal via the second transmission line; and a third connection switching unit that switches a connection between the second terminal and the third terminal via the third transmission line”;. The terms “second connection switching unit” and “third connection switching unit” renders the claim indefinite as the claim does not define sufficient structure to achieve the function of switches a connection between the first terminal and the third terminal via the second transmission line; and switches a connection between the second terminal and the third terminal via the third transmission line; the original specification does not provide clarification as to what structure performs the particular functions of this claim, and one of ordinary skill in the art could interpret so many structures that can perform the particular function of switches a connection between the first terminal and the third terminal via the second transmission line; and switches a connection between the second terminal and the third terminal via the third transmission line. Thus, for these reasons, the phrases “second connection switching unit” and “third connection switching unit” render claim 4 indefinite.
Claim 5 recites the limitation “…a second ground switching unit that switches a connection of each of three or more second connection points at different positions in the second transmission line to a reference potential; and a third ground switching unit that switches a connection of each of three or more third connection points at different positions in the third transmission line to a reference potential.”;. The terms “second ground switching unit” and “third ground switching unit” renders the claim indefinite as the claim does not define sufficient structure to achieve the function of switches a connection of each of three or more second connection points at different positions in the second transmission line to a reference potential; and switches a connection of each of three or more third connection points at different positions in the third transmission line to a reference potential; the original specification does not provide clarification as to what structure performs the particular functions of this claim, and one of ordinary skill in the art could interpret so many structures that can perform the particular function of switches a connection of each of three or more second connection points at different positions in the second transmission line to a reference potential; and switches a connection of each of three or more third connection points at different positions in the third transmission line to a reference potential. Thus, for these reasons, the phrases “second ground switching unit” and “third ground switching unit” render claim 5 indefinite.
Claim 6 recites the limitation “…a second ground switching unit that switches a connection of a second connection point at a position with a distance equal to ¼ of a wavelength of a signal passing through the third terminal away from the third terminal in the second transmission line to a reference potential; and a third ground switching unit that switches a connection of a third connection point at a position with a distance equal to ¼ of a wavelength of a signal passing through the third terminal away from the third terminal in the third transmission line to a reference potential.”;. The terms “second ground switching unit” and “third ground switching unit” renders the claim indefinite as the claim does not define sufficient structure to achieve the function of switches a connection of a second connection point at a position with a distance equal to ¼ of a wavelength of a signal passing through the third terminal away from the third terminal in the second transmission line to a reference potential; and switches a connection of a third connection point at a position with a distance equal to ¼ of a wavelength of a signal passing through the third terminal away from the third terminal in the third transmission line to a reference potential; the original specification does not provide clarification as to what structure performs the particular functions of this claim, and one of ordinary skill in the art could interpret so many structures that can perform the particular function of switches a connection of a second connection point at a position with a distance equal to ¼ of a wavelength of a signal passing through the third terminal away from the third terminal in the second transmission line to a reference potential; and switches a connection of a third connection point at a position with a distance equal to ¼ of a wavelength of a signal passing through the third terminal away from the third terminal in the third transmission line to a reference potential. Thus, for these reasons, the phrases “second ground switching unit” and “third ground switching unit” render claim 6 indefinite.
Claim 7 recites the limitation “…a common connection switching unit that switches a connection between a branching point located in middle of the first transmission line and the third terminal via the common transmission line, the first connection switching unit connects the first terminal to the first transmission line and disconnects the second terminal from the first transmission line when it is connected between the first terminal and the third terminal...”;. The terms “common connection switching unit” and “first connection switching unit” renders the claim indefinite as the claim does not define sufficient structure to achieve the function of switches a connection between a branching point located in middle of the first transmission line and the third terminal via the common transmission line; and connects the first terminal to the first transmission line and disconnects the second terminal from the first transmission line when it is connected between the first terminal and the third terminal; the original specification does not provide clarification as to what structure performs the particular functions of this claim, and one of ordinary skill in the art could interpret so many structures that can perform the particular function of switches a connection between a branching point located in middle of the first transmission line and the third terminal via the common transmission line; and connects the first terminal to the first transmission line and disconnects the second terminal from the first transmission line when it is connected between the first terminal and the third terminal. Thus, for these reasons, the phrases “common connection switching unit” and “first connection switching unit” render claim 7 indefinite.
Claim 8 recites the limitation “…a common ground switching unit that switches a connection of each of three or more common connection points at different positions in the common transmission line to a reference potential”;. The term “common ground switching unit” renders the claim indefinite as the claim does not define sufficient structure to achieve the function of switches a connection of each of three or more common connection points at different positions in the common transmission line to a reference potential; the original specification does not provide clarification as to what structure performs the particular functions of this claim, and one of ordinary skill in the art could interpret so many structures that can perform the particular function of switches the connection between the first terminal and the second terminal via the first transmission line. Thus, for these reasons, the phrase “common ground switching unit” renders claim 8 indefinite.
Claim 9 recites the limitation “…three or more first switching elements that connect or disconnect between each of the three or more first connection points and the reference potential...”;. The term “three or more first switching elements” renders the claim indefinite as the claim does not define sufficient structure to achieve the function of connect or disconnect between each of the three or more first connection points and the reference potential; the original specification does not provide clarification as to what structure performs the particular functions of this claim, and one of ordinary skill in the art could interpret so many structures that can perform the particular function of connect or disconnect between each of the three or more first connection points and the reference potential. Thus, for these reasons, the phrase “three or more first switching elements” renders claim 9 indefinite.
Claim 11 recites the limitation “…a first connection switching unit that switches the connection between the first terminal and the second terminal via the first transmission line …”;. The term “first connection switching unit” renders the claim indefinite as the claim does not define sufficient structure to achieve the function of switches the connection between the first terminal and the second terminal via the first transmission line; the original specification does not provide clarification as to what structure performs the particular functions of this claim, and one of ordinary skill in the art could interpret so many structures that can perform the particular function of switches the connection between the first terminal and the second terminal via the first transmission line. Thus, for these reasons, the phrase “first connection switching unit” renders claim 11 indefinite.
Claim 11 recites the limitation “…a first ground switching unit that switches a connection of each of three or more first connection points at different positions in the first transmission line to a reference potential.”;. The term “first ground switching unit” renders the claim indefinite as the claim does not define sufficient structure to achieve the function of switches a connection of each of three or more first connection points at different positions in the first transmission line to a reference potential; the original specification does not provide clarification as to what structure performs the particular functions of this claim, and one of ordinary skill in the art could interpret so many structures that can perform the particular function of switches a connection of each of three or more first connection points at different positions in the first transmission line to a reference potential. Thus, for these reasons, the phrase “first ground switching unit” renders claim 11 indefinite.
Claim 12 recites the limitation “…a first connection switching unit that switches the connection between the first terminal and the second terminal via the first transmission line …”;. The term “first connection switching unit” renders the claim indefinite as the claim does not define sufficient structure to achieve the function of switches the connection between the first terminal and the second terminal via the first transmission line; the original specification does not provide clarification as to what structure performs the particular functions of this claim, and one of ordinary skill in the art could interpret so many structures that can perform the particular function of switches the connection between the first terminal and the second terminal via the first transmission line. Thus, for these reasons, the phrase “first connection switching unit” renders claim 12 indefinite.
Claim 12 recites the limitation “…a first ground switching unit that switches a connection of each of three or more first connection points at different positions in the first transmission line to a reference potential.”;. The term “first ground switching unit” renders the claim indefinite as the claim does not define sufficient structure to achieve the function of switches a connection of each of three or more first connection points at different positions in the first transmission line to a reference potential; the original specification does not provide clarification as to what structure performs the particular functions of this claim, and one of ordinary skill in the art could interpret so many structures that can perform the particular function of switches a connection of each of three or more first connection points at different positions in the first transmission line to a reference potential. Thus, for these reasons, the phrase “first ground switching unit” renders claim 12 indefinite.
Claims 2-10 are also rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph as they further limit rejected Claim 1.
Please make the proper corrections.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.
Evtyushkin et al. US 2021/0242557 - A switch device is disclosed. The switch device includes: an input point; a first output point; a second output point; a first transmission line connecting the input point to the first output point; a second transmission line connecting the input point to the second output point; a switch unit connected to the first output point; and a third transmission line of which one end is connected to the switch unit and the other end is connected to the second output point, wherein the third transmission line causes a 90-degree phase shift when a signal at an operating frequency is delivered therethrough.
Mizutani US 2002/0149450 - The purpose of the present invention is to provide a small-sized switch attaining high isolation of not less than 80 dB, maintaining low insertion loss also in high frequencies not less than 60 GHz. A semiconductor switch according to the present invention utilizes FETs a gate electrode, a source electrode, and a drain electrode of each of which are formed on a semiconductor.
Tsukahara US 2010/0225376 - A semiconductor switch for switching a signal according to input power and maintaining performance of a receiver system with a simple configuration. The semiconductor switch comprises: a first FET connected between a first input/output terminal and a second input/output terminal; a first transmission line connected between the first input/output terminal and a third input/output terminal; a second transmission line parallel to the first transmission line; and a detector circuit connected to one end of the second transmission line, for outputting a DC voltage corresponding to power level of the high frequency signal, branched by the second transmission line.
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/RAUL J RIOS RUSSO/Examiner, Art Unit 2858
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