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 .
Double Patenting
A rejection based on double patenting of the “same invention” type finds its support in the language of 35 U.S.C. 101 which states that “whoever invents or discovers any new and useful process... may obtain a patent therefor...” (Emphasis added). Thus, the term “same invention,” in this context, means an invention drawn to identical subject matter. See Miller v. Eagle Mfg. Co., 151 U.S. 186 (1894); In re Vogel, 422 F.2d 438, 164 USPQ 619 (CCPA 1970); In re Ockert, 245 F.2d 467, 114 USPQ 330 (CCPA 1957).
A statutory type (35 U.S.C. 101) double patenting rejection can be overcome by canceling or amending the claims that are directed to the same invention so they are no longer coextensive in scope. The filing of a terminal disclaimer cannot overcome a double patenting rejection based upon 35 U.S.C. 101.
Claims 1-19 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 101 as claiming the same invention as that of claims 1-19 of prior U.S. Patent No. 12,228,017. This is a statutory double patenting rejection.
Allowable Subject Matter
The following is a statement of reasons for the indication of allowable subject matter: the prior art does not teach nor fairly suggest the curtain unit comprising a helical spring, and an upper thrust roller bearing mounted on the flotation unit and a lower thrust roller bearing mounted on the weighted base, wherein the upper and lower thrust roller bearings facilitate rotation of the curtain unit with respect to the flotation unit and the weighted base. The invention provides a containment unit for containing and recovering leaks, quickly and efficiently.
Conclusion
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/CARIB A OQUENDO/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 3678
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