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 .
Claims 1-14 are pending.
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.
Claim(s) 1, 2, 5, and 13-14 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by MENHERT (US 3702751A).
Re 1, a device for centering an extrusion die for extruding an extrusion material wherein the device comprises: a housing means (excender housing 37) on or in which one or more centering elements (excentric 42) are arranged or formed, wherein the one or more centering elements are configured to exert a centering force on an extrusion die to be centered, wherein the housing means comprises one or more fastening interfaces (see bushings 18, 43), by means of which the housing means can be fastened to an extrusion die to be centered or to an extrusion means (10) comprising an extrusion die to be centered.
Re 2 (upon 1), wherein the one or more fastening interfaces are configured to releasably fasten the housing means to an extrusion die to be centered or to an extrusion means comprising an extrusion die to be centered. (see use of bushings 18, 43 with threaded interface, see Figs. 1-2)
Re 5 (upon 1), wherein at least one drive unit is arranged or formed on or in the housing means, which drive unit is configured for generating a centering force to be exerted on an extrusion die to be centered. (see actuation of shaft 39 and excenter, see Col. 6, lines 54-64)
Re 13, an extrusion means for extruding an extrusion material, wherein the extrusion means comprises: at least one extrusion die and a device according to claim 1 that is assigned to the at least one extrusion die. (see above in teachings over claim 1)
Re 14, a method for centering an extrusion die for extruding an extrusion material, wherein in the context of the of the method centering of the extrusion die with respect to a reference axis is carried out by means of a device according to claim 1. (see above in teachings over claim 1)
Claim(s) 1, 3, 5, and 13-14 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by MACLAREN (US 4212620 A)
Re 1, a device for centering an extrusion die (die 10, with die body 11, extrusion orifice 15, die ring 14, and mandrel 13) for extruding an extrusion material wherein the device (abstract) comprises: a housing means (die ring clamp ring 21) on or in which one or more centering elements (arms 17, 18) are arranged or formed, wherein the one or more centering elements are configured to exert a centering force on an extrusion die (die ring 14) to be centered, wherein the housing means comprises one or more fastening interfaces (bolts 23), by means of which the housing means can be fastened to an extrusion die to be centered or to an extrusion means (die 10) comprising an extrusion die to be centered.
Re 3 (upon 1), wherein the housing means comprises a ring-like or ring-shaped housing chamber (see ring shape clamp ring 21) in which the one or more centering elements are arranged or formed (Fig. 1).
Re 5 (upon 1), wherein at least one drive unit is arranged or formed on or in the housing means, which drive unit is configured for generating a centering force to be exerted on an extrusion die to be centered (via rotation of shoulder bolts 27, 28).
Re 13, an extrusion means for extruding an extrusion material, wherein the extrusion means comprises: at least one extrusion die and a device according to claim 1 that is assigned to the at least one extrusion die. (see above, Figs. 1-2)
Re 14, a method for centering an extrusion die for extruding an extrusion material, wherein in the context of the of the method centering of the extrusion die with respect to a reference axis is carried out by means of a device according to claim 1. (see above for teaching in claim 1, see Figs. 1-2.)
Claim(s) 1, 5-6, and 13-14 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by GIACOBBE (US 2026/0048542 A1).
Re 1, a device for centering an extrusion die (20) for extruding an extrusion material wherein the device comprises: a housing means (casing 11) on or in which one or more centering elements (plate 25) are arranged or formed, wherein the one or more centering elements are configured to exert a centering force on an extrusion die (see Figs. 1-5, centring force, see [0010-0013, 0075, 0095, 0102]) to be centered, wherein the housing means comprises one or more fastening interfaces (see the various bolts and connection teachings in the Figures), by means of which the housing means can be fastened to an extrusion die to be centered or to an extrusion means comprising an extrusion die to be centered (see Figs. 1-5).
Re 5 (upon 1), wherein at least one drive unit is arranged or formed on or in the housing means, which drive unit is configured for generating a centering force to be exerted on an extrusion die to be centered (see electric driving actuators 30, 40, see Figs. 1-5).
Re 6 (upon 5), wherein the at least one drive unit is configured to generate a force which sets at least one centering element into a movement relative to a second centering element that is motion-coupled thereto, wherein the centering element that can be set into a corresponding movement can be or is coupled to the extrusion die to be centered via at least one movably mounted actuator, such that a movement of the centering element that is set into a corresponding movement leads, via the at least one actuator, to a centering force exerted on the extrusion die to be centered
See coupling of the actuators to the centering/centring plate, see Figs 1-5 of GIACOBBE as shown in the Figures, and wherein the operation of the actuator being also motion coupled to the motion relative to the second centering element.
Re 9 (upon 6), wherein the actuator is arranged or fastened on a centering disc. The actuators being attached to the arms that are part of the centering disc, see Figs. 1-5.
Re 11 (upon 6), wherein the at least one actuator is arranged or formed detachably on or in the housing means. See assembly of the actuators in relation to the housing, see Figs. 1-3.
Re 13, an extrusion means for extruding an extrusion material, wherein the extrusion means comprises: at least one extrusion die and a device according to claim 1 that is assigned to the at least one extrusion die (see above in teaching for claim 1, Figs. 1-2).
Re 14, a method for centering an extrusion die for extruding an extrusion material, wherein in the context of the of the method centering of the extrusion die with respect to a reference axis is carried out by means of a device according to claim 1. (see above for teaching in claim 1, see Figs. 1-2.).
Claim(s) 1 and 4 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated unpatentable by HOFMAN (DE 4243285 A1) .
Re 1, HOFMAN teaches a device for centering an extrusion die (see extruding tools, abstract, see also nozzle 2 and base body 4) for extruding an extrusion material wherein the device comprises: a housing means (front limiting plate 12) on or in which one or more centering elements (eccentric rings 5, 6) are arranged or formed, wherein the one or more centering elements are configured to exert a centering force on an extrusion die (see teaching of adjustment of the eccentric rings 5, 6) to be centered, wherein the housing means comprises one or more fastening interfaces (see Fig. 2), by means of which the housing means can be fastened to an extrusion die to be centered or to an extrusion means comprising an extrusion die to be centered (see bolts applied to fasten the housing to the extrusion die, see Fig. 2).
Re 4 (upon 1), wherein the one or more centering elements are configured as or comprise eccentric rings that engage in one another (see teaching of eccentric rings 5, 6, see Fig. 2).
Claim(s) 1-11 and 13-14 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by WERWITZKE (DE 3619005 A1).
Re 1, a device for centering an extrusion die (Fig. 1) for extruding an extrusion material wherein the device comprises: a housing means (2) on or in which one or more centering elements (see central rings 20, 21 and individual rings 16, 17) are arranged or formed, wherein the one or more centering elements are configured to exert a centering force on an extrusion die (see Figs. 1-3, wherein, the rings are moved, see moving via gears 22, 23) to be centered, wherein the housing means comprises one or more fastening interfaces (see screws 26), by means of which the housing means can be fastened to an extrusion die to be centered or to an extrusion means comprising an extrusion die to be centered (see Figs. 1-4).
Re 2 (upon 1), wherein the one or more fastening interfaces are configured to releasably fasten the housing means to an extrusion die to be centered or to an extrusion means comprising an extrusion die to be centered. (see in Fig 1 of the use of detachable means, see screws 26)
Re 3 (upon 1), wherein the housing means comprises a ring-like or ring-shaped housing chamber (see front plate 2, 28, 29; eccentric individual ring circles 16, 17, 31, 32 that are located within the housing space of the front plate, see Figs 1 and 4) in which the one or more centering elements are arranged or formed.
Re 4 (upon 1), wherein the one or more centering elements are configured as or comprise eccentric rings that engage in one another (see the eccentric individual rings 16, 17, 31, 32).
Re 5 (upon 1), wherein at least one drive unit is arranged or formed on or in the housing means, which drive unit is configured for generating a centering force to be exerted on an extrusion die to be centered (see drive 24, 25).
Re 6 (upon 5), wherein the at least one drive unit (see drive units 24, 25) is configured to generate a force which sets at least one centering element into a movement relative to a second centering element that is motion-coupled thereto (see Figs. 1 and 4, see the arrangement of the rings to each other), wherein the centering element that can be set into a corresponding movement can be or is coupled to the extrusion die to be centered via at least one movably mounted actuator, such that a movement of the centering element that is set into a corresponding movement leads, via the at least one actuator, to a centering force exerted on the extrusion die to be centered (see Figs. 1 and 4).
Re 5 (upon 1), wherein at least one drive unit is arranged or formed on or in the housing means, which drive unit is configured for generating a centering force to be exerted on an extrusion die to be centered (see drive 24, 25, see Figs. 1 and 4).
Re 6 (upon 5), wherein the at least one drive unit is configured to generate a force which sets at least one centering element into a movement relative to a second centering element that is motion-coupled thereto, wherein the centering element that can be set into a corresponding movement can be or is coupled to the extrusion die to be centered via at least one movably mounted actuator, such that a movement of the centering element that is set into a corresponding movement leads, via the at least one actuator, to a centering force exerted on the extrusion die to be centered
See the two eccentric individual rings 16, 17, 31, 32 are motion-coupled, see Figs. 1-4.
Re 7 (upon 6), wherein the at least one actuator comprises an operative portion that is movable against the extrusion die to be centered radially with respect to an axis of symmetry of an extrusion die to be centered in order to exert a corresponding centering force on the extrusion die to be centered.
Wherein, the drives operating upon the eccentric rings implies a radial effect.
Re 8 (upon 6), wherein the centering element that can be set into a corresponding movement can be or is coupled mechanically to the at least one actuator.
The inner of the eccentric individual rings 16, 17, 31, 32 constitutes the actuating element, while the outer of the eccentric individual rings 16, 17, 31, 32 constitutes the centering element capable of being set in motion; the inner and outer rings are mechanically coupled.
Re 9 (upon 6), wherein the actuator is arranged or fastened on a centering disc.
See in Fig. 1, 3 of the discs 20, 21 limit the axial movement of the eccentric individual rings 16, 17, 31, 32; the discs 20, 21 thus provide a centering function and are therefore centering discs, wherein the eccentric individual rings 16, 17, 31, 32 are arranged against or axially secured to these discs.
Re 10 (upon 6), wherein the at least one actuator is movable exclusively in a degree of freedom of movement over which it is movable against the extrusion die to be centered.
The inner component of the eccentric individual rings 16, 17, 31, 32 is movable only radially about an axis; thus, it possesses only one degree of freedom of movement.
Re 12 (upon 6), comprising a plurality of actuators arranged or formed so as to be distributed in the peripheral direction with respect to an annular geometry of the housing means (see the drive motors located along the peripheral direction, see Fig. 1).
Re 13, an extrusion means for extruding an extrusion material, wherein the extrusion means comprises: at least one extrusion die and a device according to claim 1 that is assigned to the at least one extrusion die (see above in teaching for claim 1, Figs. 1-4).
Re 14, a method for centering an extrusion die for extruding an extrusion material, wherein in the context of the of the method centering of the extrusion die with respect to a reference axis is carried out by means of a device according to claim 1 (see above for teaching in claim 1, see Figs. 1-4).
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
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 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.
Claim(s) 11 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over WERWITZKE as applied to claim 6 above.
Re 11 (upon 6), wherein the at least one actuator is arranged or formed detachably on or in the housing means.
The various elements are assembled and thus can be considered detachable particularly in terms of assembly and maintenance. Particularly in light of the teaching of the assembly of the housing that is detachable from the extrusion die, see teaching of the screws, and wherein, can be applied to the other elements such as the drive units.
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art to have modified WERWITZKE with the actuator being detachable on or in the housing means as a known manner of assembly of the connected elements.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. See attached PTO-892 form.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to EMMANUEL S LUK whose telephone number is (571)272-1134. The examiner can normally be reached Monday-Friday 9 to 5.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Xiao S Zhao can be reached at 571-270-5343. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/EMMANUEL S LUK/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 1744
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