Drawings
The drawings are objected to as failing to comply with 37 CFR 1.84(p)(4) because reference characters "50" and "67" have both been used to designate the first spiraling fastening thread in Figs. 2-3. Examiner notes that in Figs. 6-7 only reference character 67 is used. Corrected drawing sheets in compliance with 37 CFR 1.121(d) are required in reply to the Office action to avoid abandonment of the application. Any amended replacement drawing sheet should include all of the figures appearing on the immediate prior version of the sheet, even if only one figure is being amended. Each drawing sheet submitted after the filing date of an application must be labeled in the top margin as either “Replacement Sheet” or “New Sheet” pursuant to 37 CFR 1.121(d). If the changes are not accepted by the examiner, the applicant will be notified and informed of any required corrective action in the next Office action. The objection to the drawings will not be held in abeyance.
Specification
The disclosure is objected to because at paragraph 0037 reference character "50" is used to designate a first spiraling fastening thread, but at paragraph 0040 reference character "67" is used to designate the first spiraling fastening thread
The abstract of the disclosure is objected to because it begins with a phrase that can be implied. A corrected abstract of the disclosure is required and must be presented on a separate sheet, apart from any other text. See MPEP § 608.01(b).
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.
Each of claims 1-20 is directed simply to a “product” “method” or “system”. These are generic/broad terms. There is no particular place in the US patent classification system or any other known patent classification system for something described only as a product, method or system. As such any claim directed simply to a product, method or system is indefinite.
Claim 10 recites the limitation "the first portion of the second vehicle torque shaft". There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim.
Claim 10 recites the limitation "the second spiral fastening thread of the second vehicle torque shaft". There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim.
Claim 10 recites the limitation "the first spiral fastening thread of the first vehicle torque shaft". There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
Claims 1-20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Dine, US 7,040,992. At Figs. 2-8 and cols. 3-6, Dine shows a product, method and system (11, 111, 211) comprising: a first vehicle torque shaft (38, 138) having a first end face including a first plurality of spaced apart radially extending splines (62, 162) and a first plurality of spaced apart radially extending troughs,
wherein one of the first plurality of spaced apart radially extending troughs is between two
adjacent splines of the first plurality of spaced apart radially extending splines,
wherein the first end face further comprising a first mating feature (64),
wherein the first vehicle torque shaft includes a first portion (nominally indicated by numeral 138 in Fig. 7) and an adjacent second portion (see also “outer taped surface” at col. 6, line 23) tapering outwardly from the first portion,
wherein the adjacent second portion includes an outwardly extending rib (left end of the first vehicle torque shaft),
wherein a lock nut (66, 166) constructed and arranged to lock to the first vehicle torque shaft,
wherein Fig. 7 shows a lock nut (166) having a first protrusion (172) extending from a bottom face of the lock nut wherein the first protrusion is constructed and arranged to lock against the outwardly extending rib, the lock nut having a through hole formed therein,
wherein a second vehicle torque shaft (136) including a first spiral fastening thread (168) on an outer surface near a second end face,
wherein the lock nut (166) includes a second spiral fastening thread (170) for mating with the first spiral fastening thread,
wherein the second end face including a second plurality of spaced apart radially extending splines (162) and a second plurality of spaced apart radially extending troughs, wherein one of the second plurality of spaced apart radially extending troughs is between the two adjacent splines of the second plurality of spaced apart radially extending splines, and wherein the first end face comprises a first mating feature (64) and the second end face comprises a second mating feature (64) constructed and arranged to auto-align with the first mating feature (see Fig. 2),
wherein Fig. 7 shows “the first portion of the second vehicle torque shaft” extends through the through hole in the lock nut and wherein the second spiral fastening thread of the lock nut is mated to the first spiral fastening thread of the second vehicle torque shaft, the first plurality of spaced apart radially extending splines are received in the second plurality of spaced apart radially extending troughs and the second plurality of spaced apart radially extending splines are received in the first plurality of spaced apart radially extending troughs, and wherein Figs. 7-8 show the first protrusion is locked against the outwardly extending rib.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. Kawata, Wormsbaecher and Moulinet disclose products, methods and systems.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to Greg Binda whose telephone number is (571)272-7077. The examiner can normally be reached 9:30-5:30 et.
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/Greg Binda/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 3679
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