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 .
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
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.
Claims 1 and 14 are recites, “at least one measurement signal connector of the impedance measuring device can be connected, by means of at least one switch, to at least one of these first contact points…”
The scope of this limitation is unclear because it is not reasonably certain what structure is encompassed by “at least one measurement signal connector” and how the recited connector is connected to “at least one of these first contact points.” Specifically, the claim does not clearly identify whether the measurement signal connector is permanently connected, selectively connected, directly connected, or indirectly connected through additional circuitry. Further, the phrase “at least one of these first contact points” renders the metes and bounds of the claim uncertain because it is unclear which contact points are required to be connected during operation of the impedance measuring device. Applicant may overcome this rejection by amending the claim to clearly recite the structure and electrical relationship between the measurement signal connector, the switch, and the identified contact points.
Further, claims 1 and 14 recite: “the impedance measuring device is developed for determining the equivalent ohmic series resistance…” The phrase “developed for” is unclear because it does not positively recite a structural limitation and does not clearly define whether the impedance measuring device is configured, programmed, adapted, designed or otherwise arranged to perform the recited function. As a result, the scope of the claim is uncertain. Applicant may overcome this rejection by replacing “developed for” with terminology that clearly defines the relationship between the device and the recited function, such as “configured to”, programmed to”, or other language supported by the specification.
In claim 3, the claim recites: the test signal generator is designed to generate a sign-wave shaped test signal.” The term “sign-wave” is unclear because it is not a term of art recognized in the relevant field and the claim does not provide sufficient context to ascertain it’s meaning. To overcome this rejection, the claim should be written as “sine-wave”.
Upon correction of the above-noted indefiniteness, claims 1-20 would be in condition for allowance, as the prior art of record does not teach or suggest the claimed impedance measuring arrangement, including the recited switched connection of the impedance measuring device for determining equivalent ohmic series resistance between first contact points connected by the current path.
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to FARHANA AKHTER HOQUE whose telephone number is (571)270-7543. The examiner can normally be reached Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4:00pm.
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/FARHANA A HOQUE/ Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2858
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