DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
1. The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Information Disclosure Statement
2. The information disclosure statement (IDS) submitted on December 20th 2024 is in compliance with the provisions of 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98. Accordingly, the references cited therein are considered by the examiner.
Priority
3. Acknowledgment is made of applicant’s claim for foreign priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 (a)-(d). The certified copy has been filed in parent Application No. DE 10 2023 136 568.1, filed on December 22nd 2023.
Claim Interpretation
4. 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.
5. 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”) in a claim with functional language creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. The presumption that the claim limitation is interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is rebutted when the claim limitation recites sufficient structure, material, or acts to entirely perform the recited function.
Absence of the word “means” (or “step”) in a claim creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is not to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. The presumption that the claim limitation is not interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is rebutted when the claim limitation recites function without reciting sufficient structure, material or acts to entirely perform the recited function.
Claim limitations in this application that use the word “means” (or “step”) are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, except as otherwise indicated in an Office action. Conversely, claim limitations in this application that do not use the word “means” (or “step”) are not being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, except as otherwise indicated in an Office action.
Claim 1 recites the phrase “tool element”.
Claim 1 recites the phrase “contact element”.
Claim 1 recites the phrase “supply device”.
Claim 3 recites the phrase “tool element”.
Claim 6 recites the phrase “contact element”.
Claim 9 recites the phrase “switching element” and “switching elements”.
Claim 10 recites the phrase “storage element”.
Claim 11 recites the phrase “switching element”.
Claim 11 recites the phrase “resistor element”.
Claim 13 recites the phrase “contact element”.
Claim 13 recites the phrase “supply device”.
Claim 14 recites the phrase “contact element”.
Claim 15 recites the phrase “supply device”.
Claim 16 recites the phrase “contact element”.
Claim 17 recites the phrase “contact element”.
Claim 18 recites the phrase “contact element”.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
6. 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.
7. Claims 1-18 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.
Claim 1 recites the phrase “…electrical energy and/or electrical signals…”. This claim is deemed indefinite because it is unclear what is being positively recited.
Claim 1 recites the phrase “…electrical energy and/or electrical signals…”. This claim is deemed indefinite because it is unclear what is being positively recited.
Claim 1 recites the phrase “…reducing and/or switching off…”. This claim is deemed indefinite because it is unclear what is being positively recited.
Claim 1 recites the phrase “…disconnection process of the at least one supply device and/or in a disconnection state…”. This claim is deemed indefinite because it is unclear what is being positively recited.
Claim 2 recites the phrase “…operating state of the drive unit and/or a change in the operating state of the drive unit…”. This claim is deemed indefinite because it is unclear what is being positively recited.
Claim 2 recites the phrase “…defined and/or recorded…”. This claim is deemed indefinite because it is unclear what is being positively recited.
Claim 2 recites the phrase “…before the disconnection process and/or before the disconnection state…”. This claim is deemed indefinite because it is unclear what is being positively recited.
Claim 2 recites the phrase “…and/or wherein…”. This claim is deemed indefinite because it is unclear what is being positively recited.
Claim 2 recites the phrase “…operating state of the drive unit and/or a change in the operating state…”. This claim is deemed indefinite because it is unclear what is being positively recited.
Claim 2 recites the phrase “…defined and/or recorded…”. This claim is deemed indefinite because it is unclear what is being positively recited.
Claim 2 recites the phrase “…after the disconnection process and/or during the disconnection state…”. This claim is deemed indefinite because it is unclear what is being positively recited.
Claim 3 recites the phrase “…in which no electrical energy is supplied to the drive unit and/or the drive unit is stationary…”. This claim is deemed indefinite because it is unclear what is being positively recited.
Claim 4 recites the phrase “…operating parameter of the intermediate circuit and/or a change of the operating parameter…”. This claim is deemed indefinite because it is unclear what is being positively recited.
Claim 4 recites the phrase “…defined and/or recorded…”. This claim is deemed indefinite because it is unclear what is being positively recited.
Claim 4 recites the phrase “…before the disconnection process and/or before the disconnection state…”. This claim is deemed indefinite because it is unclear what is being positively recited.
Claim 4 recites the phrase “…and/or wherein…”. This claim is deemed indefinite because it is unclear what is being positively recited.
Claim 4 recites the phrase “…an operating parameter of the intermediate circuit and/or a change of the operating parameter…”. This claim is deemed indefinite because it is unclear what is being positively recited.
Claim 4 recites the phrase “…defined and/or recorded…”. This claim is deemed indefinite because it is unclear what is being positively recited.
Claim 4 recites the phrase “…after the disconnection process and/or during the disconnection state…”. This claim is deemed indefinite because it is unclear what is being positively recited.
Claim 5 recites the phrase “…operating parameter of the intermediate circuit and/or a change of the operating parameter…”. This claim is deemed indefinite because it is unclear what is being positively recited.
Claim 5 recites the phrase “…defined and/or recorded…”. This claim is deemed indefinite because it is unclear what is being positively recited.
Claim 5 recites the phrase “…before the disconnection process and/or before the disconnection state…”. This claim is deemed indefinite because it is unclear what is being positively recited.
Claim 5 recites the phrase “…and/or wherein…”. This claim is deemed indefinite because it is unclear what is being positively recited.
Claim 5 recites the phrase “…an operating parameter of the intermediate circuit and/or a change of the operating parameter…”. This claim is deemed indefinite because it is unclear what is being positively recited.
Claim 5 recites the phrase “…defined and/or recorded…”. This claim is deemed indefinite because it is unclear what is being positively recited.
Claim 5 recites the phrase “…after the disconnection process and/or during the disconnection state…”. This claim is deemed indefinite because it is unclear what is being positively recited.
Claim 6 recites the phrase “…and/or at least one main line…”. This claim is deemed indefinite because it is unclear what is being positively recited.
Claim 7 recites the phrase “…arranged and/or configured…”. This claim is deemed indefinite because it is unclear what is being positively recited.
Claim 7 recites the phrase “…disconnection process and/or disconnection state…”. This claim is deemed indefinite because it is unclear what is being positively recited.
Claim 7 recites the phrase “…arranged and/or configured…”. This claim is deemed indefinite because it is unclear what is being positively recited.
Claim 7 recites the phrase “…disconnection process and/or disconnection state…”. This claim is deemed indefinite because it is unclear what is being positively recited.
Claim 13 recites the phrase “…electrical energy and/or electrical signals…”. This claim is deemed indefinite because it is unclear what is being positively recited.
Claim 13 recites the phrase “…electrical energy and/or electrical signals…”. This claim is deemed indefinite because it is unclear what is being positively recited.
Claim 13 recites the phrase “…electrical energy and/or electrical signals…”. This claim is deemed indefinite because it is unclear what is being positively recited.
Claim 13 recites the phrase “…disconnection process of the at least one supply device and/or in a disconnection state…”. This claim is deemed indefinite because it is unclear what is being positively recited.
Claim 13 recites the phrase “…reducing and/or switching off…”. This claim is deemed indefinite because it is unclear what is being positively recited.
Claim 14 recites the phrase “…the disconnection process and/or the disconnection state…”. This claim is deemed indefinite because it is unclear what is being positively recited.
Claim 15 recites the phrase “…to the intermediate circuit and/or from the intermediate circuit…”. This claim is deemed indefinite because it is unclear what is being positively recited.
Claim 15 recites the phrase “…presence and/or absence…”. This claim is deemed indefinite because it is unclear what is being positively recited.
Claim 15 recites the phrase “…the disconnection process and/or the disconnection state…”. This claim is deemed indefinite because it is unclear what is being positively recited.
Claim 15 recites the phrase “…one communication reference signal and/or at least one communication threshold signal…”. This claim is deemed indefinite because it is unclear what is being positively recited.
Regarding claim 1, the most relevant prior art is Burger et al. (US 6,376,942; “Burger”).
Burger discloses all of the claimed subject matter except for and intermediate circuit.
Regarding claim 13, the most relevant prior art is Burger et al. (US 6,376,942; “Burger”).
Burger discloses all of the claimed subject matter except for and intermediate circuit.
Regarding claim 15, the most relevant prior art is Burger et al. (US 6,376,942; “Burger”).
Burger discloses all of the claimed subject matter except for and intermediate circuit.
Conclusion
8. Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to EYAMINDAE JALLOW whose telephone number is (571)270-1927. The examiner can normally be reached on Monday-Thursday from 7:30am-5:00pm and alternating Fridays from 7:30am-4:00pm. If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, SHELLEY SELF, can be reached on (571)272-4524. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is (571)273-8300.
9. Information regarding the status of an application may be obtained from the Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR) system. Status information for published applications may be obtained from either Private PAIR or Public PAIR. Status information for unpublished applications is available through Private PAIR only. For more information about the PAIR system, see http://portal.uspto.gov/external/portal. Should you have questions on access to the Private PAIR system, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free).
/EYAMINDAE C JALLOW/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 3731
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