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 .
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 1-18 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.
In claims 1 and 10, “fixed point, modified Scotch Yoke mechanism” is vague and indefinite. First, it is not clear how a Scotch Yoke mechanism is being “modified”, so the metes and bounds of the claim is unclear, especially since Scotch Yokes come in different types. Second, it is not clear what point is fixed or to what it is relatively fixed.
In claims 1 and 10, “such that user movement of the trigger finger piece translates to releasing the hammer” is vague and indefinite. It is not clear what structure allows or is required to cause such an action. The relationship of the claimed elements is not sufficiently clear to show how this function would be realized.
In claims 3 and 12, “a trigger blade working against a Ball” is vague and indefinite. It is not clear what limitations are implied by “working against a ball”.
In claims 3 and 12, “within a Yoke element” is vague and indefinite. It is not clear if this is intended to be the same as the previously claimed Scotch Yoke mechanism or a different Yoke.
In claims 6 and 15, “Scotch Yoke mechanism is formed integrally within … frame” and “forming the Scotch Yoke mechanism integrally within … frame” are each vague and indefinite. Since the mechanism appears to be formed with plural, separately moving parts (including a ball as disclosed) it is not clear how it can be integrally formed.
In claims 7 and 16, “a pocket pistol frame” is vague and indefinite. It is not clear what the limitations of a “pocket” pistol would be.
In claim 14, it is not clear if the “Spherical Yoke” is the same element as the previously claimed “Scotch Yoke”.
Claims 1-18 would appear to be allowable if rewritten or amended to overcome the rejection(s) under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), 2nd paragraph, set forth in this Office action.
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. Browning and Khaidurov et al are cited as being of interest since they disclose firearm firing mechanisms.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to J. WOODROW ELDRED whose telephone number is (571)272-6901. The examiner can normally be reached M-F 9:00-5:30.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Troy Chambers can be reached at 571-272-6874. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/J. Woodrow Eldred/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 3641
JWE