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 Objections
Claims 6-7 are objected to because of the following informalities:
Claim 6 line 1 “wherien” should recite “wherein”.
Claim 7 line 1 “wherien” should recite “wherein”.
Claim 7 line 2 “a wire is connected” should recite “a wire connected”.
Claim 14 line 6 “wherien” should recite “wherein”.
Appropriate correction is required.
Double Patenting
The nonstatutory double patenting rejection is based on a judicially created doctrine grounded in public policy (a policy reflected in the statute) so as to prevent the unjustified or improper timewise extension of the “right to exclude” granted by a patent and to prevent possible harassment by multiple assignees. A nonstatutory double patenting rejection is appropriate where the conflicting claims are not identical, but at least one examined application claim is not patentably distinct from the reference claim(s) because the examined application claim is either anticipated by, or would have been obvious over, the reference claim(s). See, e.g., In re Berg, 140 F.3d 1428, 46 USPQ2d 1226 (Fed. Cir. 1998); In re Goodman, 11 F.3d 1046, 29 USPQ2d 2010 (Fed. Cir. 1993); In re Longi, 759 F.2d 887, 225 USPQ 645 (Fed. Cir. 1985); In re Van Ornum, 686 F.2d 937, 214 USPQ 761 (CCPA 1982); In re Vogel, 422 F.2d 438, 164 USPQ 619 (CCPA 1970); In re Thorington, 418 F.2d 528, 163 USPQ 644 (CCPA 1969).
A timely filed terminal disclaimer in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(c) or 1.321(d) may be used to overcome an actual or provisional rejection based on nonstatutory double patenting provided the reference application or patent either is shown to be commonly owned with the examined application, or claims an invention made as a result of activities undertaken within the scope of a joint research agreement. See MPEP § 717.02 for applications subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA as explained in MPEP § 2159. See MPEP § 2146 et seq. for applications not subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . A terminal disclaimer must be signed in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(b).
The filing of a terminal disclaimer by itself is not a complete reply to a nonstatutory double patenting (NSDP) rejection. A complete reply requires that the terminal disclaimer be accompanied by a reply requesting reconsideration of the prior Office action. Even where the NSDP rejection is provisional the reply must be complete. See MPEP § 804, subsection I.B.1. For a reply to a non-final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.111(a). For a reply to final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.113(c). A request for reconsideration while not provided for in 37 CFR 1.113(c) may be filed after final for consideration. See MPEP §§ 706.07(e) and 714.13.
The USPTO Internet website contains terminal disclaimer forms which may be used. Please visit www.uspto.gov/patent/patents-forms. The actual filing date of the application in which the form is filed determines what form (e.g., PTO/SB/25, PTO/SB/26, PTO/AIA /25, or PTO/AIA /26) should be used. A web-based eTerminal Disclaimer may be filled out completely online using web-screens. An eTerminal Disclaimer that meets all requirements is auto-processed and approved immediately upon submission. For more information about eTerminal Disclaimers, refer to www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/applying-online/eterminal-disclaimer.
Claim 1 is rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim 1 of U.S. Patent No. US 12150786 B2 in view of Burkett (US 20140187874 A1).
Claim 13 is rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim 1 of U.S. Patent No. US 12150786 B2 in view of Burkett (US 20140187874 A1), as applied to claim 1. Claim 13 recites the same limitations as the subject matter claimed in claim 1 of U.S. Patent No. US 12150786 B2.
Instant Application 18/958945
1. An apparatus, comprising: an intravascular catheter or guidewire comprising: a first sensor; and a sensor connection arrangement, wherein the first sensor and the sensor connection arrangement are physically distinct from one another, wherein sensor connection arrangement comprises: a foil configured for conduction of electrical signals; and a first terminal structure electrically coupled to the foil, wherein the first terminal structure comprises a first side and an opposite, second side, wherein the first side of the first terminal structure is attached to the foil, wherein the foil comprises a first fold such that the second side of the first terminal structure is positioned over the foil, wherein the first sensor is positioned over the foil.
13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sensor connection arrangement comprises a second terminal structure electrically coupled to the foil, wherein the second terminal structure comprises a first side and an opposite, second side, wherein the first side of the second terminal structure is attached to the foil, wherein the foil comprises a second fold such that the second side of the second terminal structure is positioned over the foil, wherein the second terminal structure is configured to be electrically coupled to a second sensor.
U.S. Patent No. US 12150786 B2
1. A sensor arrangement, comprising: a foil configured for conduction of electrical signals; a first terminal structure electrically coupled to the foil, wherein the first terminal structure comprises a first side and an opposite, second side, wherein the first side of the first terminal structure is attached to the foil; a second terminal structure electrically coupled to the foil, wherein the second terminal structure comprises a first side and an opposite, second side, wherein the first side of the second terminal structure is attached to the foil; and a first sensor electrically coupled the first terminal structure, wherein the second terminal structure is configured to be electrically coupled to a second sensor, wherein the foil comprises a first fold such that the second side of the second terminal structure is positioned over the foil, wherein the foil comprises a second fold second side of the first terminal structure is positioned over the foil, wherein the first sensor is positioned over the foil between the first terminal structure and the second terminal structure.
Examiner note: Claim 1 of U.S. Patent No. US 12150786 B2 does not explicitly recite that the sensor and the sensor connection arrangement are distinct components, however they are being interpreted as distinct components due to the sensor being positioned over the foil and claim does not require that the sensor is integrated with the sensor connection arrangement.
Claim 1 of U.S. Patent No. US 12150786 B2 does not teach an apparatus, comprising: an intravascular catheter or guidewire comprising the first sensor and the and the sensor connection arrangement. However, Burkett (US 20140187874 A1) directed to intravascular devices, systems, and methods discloses an apparatus (Abstract, figs. 10 & 18), comprising: an intravascular catheter or guidewire (Abstract, figs. 10 & 18, “guidewire”, para. [0064]) comprising a first sensor (“one or more sensors on the guidewire”, para. [0013, 0064], figs. 10 & 18) and a sensor connection arrangement (conductive wires 308, fig. 18, para. [0009, 0064]).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify claim 1 U.S. Patent No. US 12150786 B2 to incorporate the sensor connection arrangement into an apparatus comprising an intravascular catheter or guidewire, in view of the teachings of Burkett, as this would aid in obtaining data related to blood vessels (Burkett, para. [0005]).
Claim 2 is rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim 19 of U.S. Patent No. US 12150786 B2 in view of Burkett (US 20140187874 A1), as applied to claim 1 above. Claim 2 recites the same limitations as the subject matter claimed in claim 19 of U.S. Patent No. US 12150786 B2.
Claim 3 is rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim 2 of U.S. Patent No. US 12150786 B2 in view of Burkett (US 20140187874 A1), as applied to claim 1 above. Claim 3 recites the same limitations as the subject matter claimed in claim 2 of U.S. Patent No. US 12150786 B2.
Claim 10 is rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim 16 of U.S. Patent No. US 12150786 B2 in view of Burkett (US 20140187874 A1), as applied to claim 1 above. Claim 10 recites the same limitations as the subject matter claimed in claim 16 of U.S. Patent No. US 12150786 B2.
Claim 11 is rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim 18 of U.S. Patent No. US 12150786 B2 in view of Burkett (US 20140187874 A1), as applied to claim 1 above. Claim 11 recites the same limitations as the subject matter claimed in claim 18 of U.S. Patent No. US 12150786 B2.
Claim 12 is rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim 4 of U.S. Patent No. US 12150786 B2 in view of Burkett (US 20140187874 A1), as applied to claim 1 above. Claim 12 recites the same limitations as the subject matter claimed in claim 4 of U.S. Patent No. US 12150786 B2.
Claim 14 is rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim 1 of U.S. Patent No. US 12150786 B2 in view of Burkett (US 20140187874 A1), as applied to claim 13 above. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because claim 1 of U.S. Patent No. US 12150786 B2 recites that the first sensor is positioned over the foil between the first terminal structure and the second terminal structure. The first terminal structure and the second terminal structure of claim 1 of U.S. Patent No. US 12150786 B2 would each be need to be positioned at a proximal and distal side/end of the sensor/foil, respectively, to enable the sensor to be positioned over the foil between the first terminal structure and second terminal structure, which is similar in scope to the sensor being positioned on a middle region of the foil as recited in claim 14 of the instant application.
Claim 15 is rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim 4 of U.S. Patent No. US 12150786 B2 in view of Burkett (US 20140187874 A1), as applied to claim 13 above. Claim 15 recites the same limitations as the subject matter claimed in claim 4 of U.S. Patent No. US 12150786 B2.
Claim 16 is rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim 17 of U.S. Patent No. US 12150786 B2 in view of Burkett (US 20140187874 A1), as applied to claim 13 above. Claim 16 recites the same limitations as the subject matter claimed in claim 17 of U.S. Patent No. US 12150786 B2.
Claim 4 is rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim 1 of U.S. Patent No. US 12150786 B2 in view of Burkett (US 20140187874 A1), as applied to claim 1 above, and further in view of Meyer (US 20190217059 A1).
Regarding claim 4, Claim 1 of U.S. Patent No. US 12150786 B2 as modified by Burkett does not teach wherein a width of the first terminal structure is aligned with a width of the first sensor.
However, Meyer directed to a sensor assembly discloses wherein a width of the first terminal structure is aligned with a width of the first sensor (as seen in figs. 9-10, para. [0102-0103]).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Claim 1 of U.S. Patent No. US 12150786 B2 as modified by Burkett such that a width of the first terminal structure is aligned with a width of the first sensor, in view of the teachings of Kaneto, as this would aid consumes a smaller cross-section area (Meyer, para. [0081, 0101]).
Claims 5-6 and 7-9 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim 1 of U.S. Patent No. US 12150786 B2 in view of Burkett (US 20140187874 A1), as applied to claim 1 above, and further in view of Kaneto (US 20060244177 A1).
Regarding claim 5, Claim 1 of U.S. Patent No. US 12150786 B2 as modified by Burkett does not teach wherein the intravascular catheter or guidewire comprises: a wire connected to the first terminal structure.
However, Kaneto directed to a flexible printed circuit board for a catheter discloses an intravascular catheter or guidewire (tube 101, fig. 12, “catheter”, para. [0115]), wherein the intravascular catheter or guidewire comprises: a wire (wire 7, fig. 12) connected to the first terminal structure (terminal part 20, fig. 12, para. [0115, 0148]).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Claim 1 of U.S. Patent No. US 12150786 B2 as modified by Burkett such that the intravascular catheter or guidewire comprises: a wire connected to the first terminal structure, in view of the teachings of Kaneto, as this would aid in electrically connecting the sensor to the terminal structure.
Regarding claim 6, Claim 1 of U.S. Patent No. US 12150786 B2 as modified by Burkett does not teach wherein the intravascular catheter or guidewire comprises: a wire connected to the first sensor.
However, Kaneto directed to a flexible printed circuit board for a catheter discloses an intravascular catheter or guidewire (tube 101, fig. 12, “catheter”, para. [0115]), wherein the intravascular catheter or guidewire comprises: a wire (wire 7, fig. 12) connected to the first sensor (electronic component/pressure sensor 50, fig. 12, para. [0114-0115, 0148])
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Claim 1 of U.S. Patent No. US 12150786 B2 as modified by Burkett such that the intravascular catheter or guidewire comprises: a wire connected to the first sensor, in view of the teachings of Kaneto, as this would aid in electrically connecting the sensor to the terminal structure.
Regarding claim 7, Claim 1 of U.S. Patent No. US 12150786 B2 as modified by Burkett does not teach wherein the intravascular catheter or guidewire comprises: a wire is connected to the first terminal structure and the first sensor simultaneously.
However, Kaneto directed to a flexible printed circuit board for a catheter discloses an intravascular catheter or guidewire (tube 101, fig. 12, “catheter”, para. [0115]), the intravascular catheter or guidewire comprises: a wire (wire 7, fig. 12) is connected to the first terminal structure (terminal part 20, fig. 12) and the first sensor (electronic component 2, fig. 11) simultaneously (as seen in fig. 12, para. [0115, 0148]).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Claim 1 of U.S. Patent No. US 12150786 B2 as modified by Burkett such that the intravascular catheter or guidewire comprises: a wire is connected to the first terminal structure and the first sensor simultaneously, in view of the teachings of Kaneto, as this would aid in electrically connecting the sensor to the terminal structure.
Regarding claim 8, Claim 1 of U.S. Patent No. US 12150786 B2 as modified by Burkett and Kaneto does not teach wherein the wire extends across a gap between the between the first terminal structure and the first sensor.
However, Kaneto directed to a flexible printed circuit board for a catheter discloses an intravascular catheter or guidewire (tube 101, fig. 12, “catheter”, para. [0115]), the wire (wire 7, fig. 12) extends across a gap between the between the first terminal structure (terminal part 20, fig. 12) and the first sensor (electronic component 2, fig. 11) (unlabeled, but as seen in fig. 11).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Claim 1 of U.S. Patent No. US 12150786 B2 as modified by Burkett and Kaneto such that the wire extends across a gap between the between the first terminal structure and the first sensor, in view of the teachings of Kaneto, as this would aid in electrically connecting the sensor to the terminal structure.
Regarding claim 9, Claim 1 of U.S. Patent No. US 12150786 B2 as modified by Burkett and Kaneto does not teach wherein the intravascular catheter or guidewire comprises a seal positioned over: where the wire is connected to the first terminal structure; where the wire is connected to the first sensor; and the gap.
However, Kaneto directed to a flexible printed circuit board for a catheter discloses an intravascular catheter or guidewire (tube 101, fig. 12, “catheter”, para. [0115]), a wire (metal wire 7, fig. 12), and a first sensor (electronic component/pressure sensor 50, fig. 12, para. [0114]), wherein the intravascular catheter or guidewire comprises a seal (“resin 8 for sealing”, para. [0116, 0118], fig. 12) positioned over: where the wire is connected to the first terminal structure (“resin 8 ... sealing the connection between a terminal part 20”, para. [0118], as seen in fig. 12); where the wire is connected to the first sensor (as seen in fig. 12, para. [0118]); and the gap (unlabeled, but ass seen in fig. 12, para. [0118]).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Claim 1 of U.S. Patent No. US 12150786 B2 as modified by Burkett and Kaneto such that the intravascular catheter or guidewire comprises a seal positioned over: where the wire is connected to the first terminal structure; where the wire is connected to the first sensor; and the gap, in view of the teachings of Kaneto, as this would aid in protecting and sealing the connection between the first terminal structure and the first sensor.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
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.
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.
(a)(2) the claimed invention was described in a patent issued under section 151, or in an application for patent published or deemed published under section 122(b), in which the patent or application, as the case may be, names another inventor and was effectively filed before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
Claims 1-6 and 11 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) as being anticipated by Meyer (US 20190217059 A1).
Regarding claim 1, Meyer discloses an apparatus (Abstract, figs. 9-10), comprising: an intravascular catheter or guidewire (104, fig. 1, “104 ... catheter”; “sensor assembly 300 that can be used in ... 104”, para. [0063, 0072]) comprising: a first sensor (first magnetic field sensor 920A, figs. 9-10); and a sensor connection arrangement (multilayer circuit 908, figs. 9-10, para. [094]), wherein the first sensor and the sensor connection arrangement are physically distinct from one another (as seen in figs. 9-10, para. [0093-0095, 0098-0100]), wherein sensor connection arrangement comprises: a foil (multilayer circuit 908 comprising flexible substrate 912, figs. 9-10) configured for conduction of electrical signals (“electrical traces ... electrically couple”, para. [0094, 0098, 0100]); and a first terminal structure electrically coupled to the foil (electrical lead pads 916, figs. 8-9, para. [0099-0100, 0103]), wherein the first terminal structure comprises a first side (leg portion 930B, as seen in figs. 9-10, para. [0101, 0103]) and an opposite, second side (leg portion 930A, as seen in figs. 9-10, para. [0101, 0103]), wherein the first side of the first terminal structure is attached to the foil (as seen in figs.9-10, “positioned”, para. [0101, 0103]), wherein the foil comprises a first fold (bend portion 932, as seen in figs. 9-10) such that the second side of the first terminal structure is positioned over the foil (leg portion 930A, as seen in figs. 9-10, “ two ... positioned ... four of the electrical lead pads 916 are positioned outside the inner area”; “electrical leads 904 is positioned in each of ... halves 936A-936B”, para. [0101, 0103]), wherein the first sensor is positioned over the foil (as seen in figs. 9-10, para. [0098, 0100]).
Regarding claim 2, Meyer discloses the apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first terminal structure is positioned at a proximal portion of the foil (proximal section 928, as seen in figs. 9-10, para. [0100-0102]).
Regarding claim 3, Meyer discloses the apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first sensor is positioned distal of the first terminal structure (as seen in figs. 9-10).
Regarding claim 4, Meyer discloses the apparatus of claim 1, wherein a width of the first terminal structure is aligned with a width of the first sensor (as seen in figs. 9-10, para. [0102-0103]).
Regarding claim 5, Meyer discloses the apparatus of claim 1, wherein the intravascular catheter or guidewire comprises: a wire connected to the first terminal structure (electrical lead 904, as seen in figs. 9-10, para. [0099]).
Regarding claim 6, Meyer discloses the apparatus of claim 1, wherein the intravascular catheter or guidewire comprises: a wire connected to the first sensor (wire bonds 926, figs. 9-10, para. [0098]).
Regarding claim 11, Meyer discloses the apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first sensor comprises one of: a pressure sensor, an ultrasound transducer, a flow velocity sensor, a spectral sensor, or a chemical sensor (“ultrasound sensors”, para. [0107]).
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.
The factual inquiries for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows:
1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art.
2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue.
3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.
4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness.
This application currently names joint inventors. In considering patentability of the claims the examiner presumes that the subject matter of the various claims was commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the claimed invention(s) absent any evidence to the contrary. Applicant is advised of the obligation under 37 CFR 1.56 to point out the inventor and effective filing dates of each claim that was not commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the later invention in order for the examiner to consider the applicability of 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) for any potential 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) prior art against the later invention.
Claims 7-9 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Meyer in view of King, as applied to claim 8 above, and further in view of Kaneto (US 20060244177 A1).
Regarding claim 7, Meyer discloses the apparatus of claim 1. Meyer does not disclose wherein the intravascular catheter or guidewire comprises: a wire is connected to the first terminal structure and the first sensor simultaneously.
However, Kaneto directed to a flexible printed circuit board for a catheter discloses an intravascular catheter or guidewire (tube 101, fig. 12, “catheter”, para. [0115]), the intravascular catheter or guidewire comprises: a wire (wire 7, fig. 12) is connected to the first terminal structure (terminal part 20, fig. 12) and the first sensor (electronic component/pressure sensor 50, fig. 12, para. [0114]) simultaneously (as seen in fig. 12, para. [0115, 0148]).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Meyer such that the intravascular catheter or guidewire comprises: a wire is connected to the first terminal structure and the first sensor simultaneously, in view of the teachings of Kaneto, as this would aid in electrically connecting the sensor to the terminal structure.
Regarding claim 8, Meyer, as modified by Kaneto hereinabove, discloses the apparatus of claim 7. Meyer, as modified by Kaneto hereinabove, does not expressly disclose wherein the wire extends across a gap between the between the first terminal structure and the first sensor.
However, Kaneto directed to a flexible printed circuit board for a catheter discloses an intravascular catheter or guidewire (tube 101, fig. 12, “catheter”, para. [0115]), the wire (wire 7, fig. 12) extends across a gap (unlabeled, but as seen in fig. 11) between the between the first terminal structure (terminal part 20, fig. 12) and the first sensor (electronic component/pressure sensor 50, fig. 12, para. [0114]) (as seen in fig. 11).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Meyer such that the wire extends across a gap between the between the first terminal structure and the first sensor, in view of the teachings of Kaneto, as this would aid in electrically connecting the sensor to the terminal structure.
Regarding claim 9, Meyer, as modified by Kaneto hereinabove, discloses the apparatus of claim 8. Meyer, as modified by Kaneto hereinabove, does not disclose wherein the intravascular catheter or guidewire comprises a seal positioned over: where the wire is connected to the first terminal structure; where the wire is connected to the first sensor; and the gap.
However, Kaneto directed to a flexible printed circuit board for a catheter discloses an intravascular catheter or guidewire (tube 101, fig. 12, “catheter”, para. [0115]), a wire (metal wire 7, fig. 12), and a first sensor (electronic component/pressure sensor 50, fig. 12, para. [0114]), wherein the intravascular catheter or guidewire comprises a seal (“resin 8 for sealing”, para. [0116, 0118], fig. 12) positioned over: where the wire is connected to the first terminal structure (“resin 8 ... sealing the connection between a terminal part 20”, para. [0118], as seen in fig. 12); where the wire is connected to the first sensor (as seen in fig. 12, para. [0118]); and the gap (unlabeled, but ass seen in fig. 12, para. [0118]).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Meyer, as modified by Kaneto hereinabove, such that the intravascular catheter or guidewire comprises a seal positioned over: where the wire is connected to the first terminal structure; where the wire is connected to the first sensor; and the gap, in view of the teachings of Kaneto, as this would aid in protecting and sealing the connection between the first terminal structure and the first sensor.
Claim 10 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Meyer in view of Dalene (US 20170202495 A1).
Regarding claim 10, Meyer discloses the apparatus of claim 1. Meyer does not expressly disclose wherein the first fold extends transverse to a length of the foil.
However, Dalene directed to an oximetry sensor assembly connector including a flexible circuit that is folded (Abstract) discloses wherein the first fold extends transverse to a length of the foil (fold axis 208, figs. 6A-6B, para. [0049-0050, 0074-0075]).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Meyer such that the first fold extends transverse to a length of the foil, in view of the teachings of Dalene, as such a modification would have yielded predictable results of exposing electrical traces to provide electrical connection means on the top and bottom of the flexible circuit.
Claim 12 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Meyer in view of Rice (US 20140257107 A1).
Regarding claim 12, Meyer discloses the apparatus of claim 1. Meyer does not expressly disclose wherein the sensor connection arrangement comprises a first integrated circuit attached and electrically coupled to the foil, and wherein the first integrated circuit overlaps the first terminal structure.
However, Rice directed to a transducer assembly including a flex circuit discloses a sensor connection arrangement (figs. 7 & 9B) comprising a first integrated circuit (“substrate 201 (having the ASIC 220) includes conductive bonding pads 321-322”, para. [0053, 0057], figs. 7 & 9B) attached and electrically coupled to the foil (“bond pads 321-322 ... 201 is bonded to a flex circuit 300; flex circuit includes conductive bonding pads 331-332, to which the bonding pads 321-322 are bonded”, para. [0057], figs. 7 & 9B), and wherein the first integrated circuit overlaps the first terminal structure (fig. 7, “bonding pads ... bonded, using flip-chip technology”, para. [0057]).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Meyer such that the sensor connection arrangement comprises a first integrated circuit attached and electrically coupled to the foil, and wherein the first integrated circuit overlaps the first terminal structure, in view of the teachings of Rice, as this would aid in sending and receiving electrical signals to the sensor.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure: King directed to (US 20190054274 A1) directed to a flexible printed circuit positioned within a multi-lumen catheter.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to ANDREW ELI HOFFPAUIR whose telephone number is (571)272-4522. The examiner can normally be reached Monday-Friday 8:00-5:00.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Charles Marmor II can be reached at (571) 272-4730. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/A.E.H./Examiner, Art Unit 3791
/AURELIE H TU/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 3791
Prosecution Insights