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 .
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
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.
Claims 1-8 and 11-18 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Yang et al. (US 2018/0055343; hereinafter Yang), in view of Elwood et al. (US 2018/0263799; hereinafter Elwood).
Regarding claim 1, Yang discloses a photoacoustic and ultrasonic endoscopy system. Yang teaches a helical scan photoacoustic-ultrasonic endoscope (see abstract and par. [0076]) comprising: a probe (see 200 in fig. 1; par. [0076]); and a driving unit providing rotational power and pullback translational motion to the probe (see 100 in fig. 1; par. [0076], [0127]) wherein the probe comprises: a catheter tubing extending in one direction (see catheter 220 in fig. 1; par. [0076]) and having an interior that is hollow (fig. 1 shows that catheter 220 is hollow inside), one end of the catheter tubing being closed (see distal end of catheter 220 in fig. 1 which is closed) and the other end of the catheter tubing being open (see proximal end of catheter 220 in fig. 1); a coupler that is coupled to the other end of the catheter tubing such that the coupler is fixed to the catheter tubing (fig. 1 shows that proximal of probe 200 is coupled to prove driving unit 100) and has a through hole corresponding to the interior of the catheter tubing (see fig. 1); a pullback shaft extending into the interior of the catheter tubing through the through hole of the coupler (see par. [0085], [0097]; fig. 1) and having an interior that is hollow (see par. [0085], [0097]; fig. 1); and a radial shaft seal interposed between the coupler and the pullback shaft and surrounding the pullback shaft around a central axis of the through hole of the coupler (see par. [0037], [0085]; fig. 1).
But, Yang fails to explicitly state a fastening nut as the coupler, and the fastening nut having a second part which is opposite to the first part and has a first threaded surface.
Elwood discloses a catheter assembly. Elwood teaches a fastening nut to couple the catheter to drive unit (see par. [0056], [0057]; fig. 4). Furthermore, Elwood also teaches that the fastening nut having first part which is fastened to the other end of the catheter tubing such that the fastening nut is fixed to catheter tubing and having a second part which is opposite to first part and has a first threaded surface (see 136a in fig. 4; par. [0057]).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing of the claimed invention, to have utilized the teaching a fastening nut as the coupler, and the fastening nut having a second part which is opposite to the first part and has a first threaded surface in the invention of Yang, as taught by Elwood, to provide a better coupling and leak-proof connection. The examiner notes that upon modification of prior art Yang to incorporate the teaching of Elwood would provide a fastening nut having a first part fastened to the outer end of the catheter tubing such that the fastening nut is fixed to the catheter tubing, having a second part which is opposite to the first part and has a first threaded surface.
Regarding claim 2, Yang and Elwood disclose the invention substantially as described in the 103 rejection above, furthermore, Yang shows wherein the driving unit comprises a linear stage (see par. [0064], [0127]) and a rotary transformer (see abstract; par. [0075], [0076], [0078]), mechanically connected to the pullback shaft (see 1 and 12).
Regarding claim 3, Yang and Elwood disclose the invention substantially as described in the 103 rejection above, furthermore, Yang shows wherein the radial shaft seal shields the interior of the catheter tubing from the outside (see par. [0037], [0085]; fig. 1).
Regarding claim 4, , Yang and Elwood disclose the invention substantially as described in the 103 rejection above, furthermore, Yang shows a probe-side optical fiber passing through the interior of the pullback shaft and extending in a direction toward the one end of the catheter tubing (see fig. 1; par. [0076]); a torque coil surrounding the probe-side optical fiber (see fig. 4; par. [0102]), and passing through the interior of the pullback shaft and extending in the direction toward the one end of the catheter tubing (see fig. 4); and a scanning tip connected to a part of the torque coil in the direction toward the one end of the catheter tubing (see fig. 1 and 4).
Regarding claim 5, Yang and Elwood disclose the invention substantially as described in the 103 rejection above, furthermore, Yang shows wherein the pullback shaft, the probe-side optical fiber, the torque coil, and the scanning tip are relatively movable with respect to the catheter tubing (see fig. 1 and 4), the coupler (see fig. 1 and 4), and the shaft seal (see fig. 1), in a direction in which the catheter tubing extends and in a direction opposite thereto (see fig. 1), and as stated above in claim 1, Elwood teaches a fastening nut to couple the catheter to drive unit (see par. [0056], [0057]; fig. 4).
Regarding claim 6, Yang and Elwood disclose the invention substantially as described in the 103 rejection above, furthermore, Yang shows further comprising a matching fluid filling the interior of the catheter tubing (see par. p0087]).
Regarding claim 7, Yang and Elwood disclose the invention substantially as described in the 103 rejection above, furthermore, Yang shows further comprising a connector connected to an end of the pullback shaft in a direction facing away from the one end of the catheter tubing (see fig. 1 and 12).
Regarding claim 8, Yang and Elwood disclose the invention substantially as described in the 103 rejection above, furthermore, Yang shows wherein the connector is located in the direction facing away from the one end of the catheter tubing (see fig. 1 and 12), with respect to the shaft seal see par. [0037], [0085]; fig. 1).
Regarding claim 11, Yang and Elwood disclose the invention substantially as described in the 103 rejection above, furthermore, Yang shows further comprising a driving unit case accommodating the driving unit (see fig. 1 and 4), but fails to explicitly state a part having a second threaded surface and the second threaded surface is mated with the first threaded surface of the fastening nut.
Elwood discloses a catheter assembly. Elwood teaches a part having a second threaded surface and the second threaded surface is mated with the first threaded surface of the fastening nut (see par. [0056], [0057]; fig. 4).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing of the claimed invention, to have utilized the teaching a part having a second threaded surface and the second threaded surface is mated with the first threaded surface of the fastening nut in the invention of Yang, as taught by Elwood, to provide a better coupling and leak-proof connection.
Regarding claim 12, Yang discloses a photoacoustic and ultrasonic endoscopy system. Yang teaches probe for a helical scan photoacoustic-ultrasonic endoscope (see abstract and par. [0076]) comprising: a catheter tubing extending in one direction (see catheter 220 in fig. 1; par. [0076]) and having an interior that is hollow (fig. 1 shows that catheter 220 is hollow inside), one end of the catheter tubing being closed (see distal end of catheter 220 in fig. 1 which is closed) and the other end of the catheter tubing being open (see proximal end of catheter 220 in fig. 1); a coupler that is coupled to the other end of the catheter tubing such that the coupler is fixed to the catheter tubing (fig. 1 shows that proximal of probe 200 is coupled to prove driving unit 100) and has a through hole corresponding to the interior of the catheter tubing (see fig. 1); a pullback shaft extending into the interior of the catheter tubing through the through hole of the coupler (see par. [0085], [0097]; fig. 1) and having an interior that is hollow (see par. [0085], [0097]; fig. 1); and a radial shaft seal interposed between the coupler and the pullback shaft and surrounding the pullback shaft around a central axis of the through hole of the coupler (see par. [0037], [0085]; fig. 1).
But, Yang fails to explicitly state a fastening nut as the coupler, and the fastening nut having a second part which is opposite to the first part and has a first threaded surface.
Elwood discloses a catheter assembly. Elwood teaches a fastening nut to couple the catheter to drive unit (see par. [0056], [0057]; fig. 4). Furthermore, Elwood also teaches that the fastening nut having first part which is fastened to the other end of the catheter tubing such that the fastening nut is fixed to catheter tubing and having a second part which is opposite to first part and has a first threaded surface (see 136a in fig. 4; par. [0057]).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing of the claimed invention, to have utilized the teaching a fastening nut as the coupler, and the fastening nut having a second part which is opposite to the first part and has a first threaded surface in the invention of Yang, as taught by Elwood, to provide a better coupling and leak-proof connection. The examiner notes that upon modification of prior art Yang to incorporate the teaching of Elwood would provide a fastening nut having a first part fastened to the outer end of the catheter tubing such that the fastening nut is fixed to the catheter tubing, having a second part which is opposite to the first part and has a first threaded surface.
Regarding claim 13, Yang and Elwood disclose the invention substantially as described in the 103 rejection above, furthermore, Yang shows wherein the radial shaft seal shields the interior of the catheter tubing from the outside (see par. [0037], [0085]; fig. 1).
Regarding claim 14, Yang and Elwood disclose the invention substantially as described in the 103 rejection above, furthermore, Yang shows a probe-side optical fiber passing through the interior of the pullback shaft and extending in a direction toward the one end of the catheter tubing (see fig. 1; par. [0076]); a torque coil surrounding the probe-side optical fiber (see fig. 4; par. [0102]), and passing through the interior of the pullback shaft and extending in the direction toward the one end of the catheter tubing (see fig. 4); and a scanning tip connected to a part of the torque coil in the direction toward the one end of the catheter tubing (see fig. 1 and 4).
Regarding claim 15, Yang and Elwood disclose the invention substantially as described in the 103 rejection above, furthermore, Yang shows wherein the pullback shaft, the probe-side optical fiber, the torque coil, and the scanning tip are relatively movable with respect to the catheter tubing (see fig. 1 and 4), the coupler (see fig. 1 and 4), and the shaft seal (see fig. 1), in a direction in which the catheter tubing extends and in a direction opposite thereto (see fig. 1), and as stated above in claim 1, Elwood teaches a fastening nut to couple the catheter to drive unit (see par. [0056], [0057]; fig. 4).
Regarding claim 16, Yang and Elwood disclose the invention substantially as described in the 103 rejection above, furthermore, Yang shows further comprising a matching fluid filling the interior of the catheter tubing (see par. p0087]).
Regarding claim 17, Yang and Elwood disclose the invention substantially as described in the 103 rejection above, furthermore, Yang shows further comprising a connector connected to an end of the pullback shaft in a direction facing away from the one end of the catheter tubing (see fig. 1 and 12).
Regarding claim 18, Yang and Elwood disclose the invention substantially as described in the 103 rejection above, furthermore, Yang shows wherein the connector is located in the direction facing away from the one end of the catheter tubing (see fig. 1 and 12), with respect to the shaft seal (see par. [0037], [0085]; fig. 1).
Claims 9-10 and 19 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Yang et al. (US 2018/0055343; hereinafter Yang), in view of Elwood et al. (US 2018/0263799; hereinafter Elwood), in view of Reiter (US 2014/018765) and Courtney et al. (US 2012/0197113; hereinafter Courtney).
Regarding claim 9, Yang and Elwood disclose the invention substantially as described in the 103 rejection above, furthermore, Yang shows further comprising a coaxial cable electrically connected to the scanning tip (see par. [0096], 0107], [0161]), and extending to the connector through the interior of the torque coil (see fig. 1, 3 and 12), wherein the connector comprises: a ferrule having a central hole through which the probe-side optical fiber passes (see fig. 1, 3 and 12) and a connector housing surrounding at least a part of the ferrule (see fig. 1, 3 and 12), but fails to explicitly state wherein the connector comprises: a ferrule having a central hole through which the probe-side optical fiber passes; a connector housing surrounding at least a part of the ferrule and having electrical conductivity; a connector nut physically contacting the connector housing and having electrical conductivity; and a connector insulating member interposed between the ferrule and the connector housing to electrically insulate the ferrule from the connector housing, wherein a core part of the micro coaxial cable is electrically connected to the ferrule, and a shield part of the micro coaxial cable is electrically connected to the connector housing, and that the coaxial cable is micro coaxial cable.
Reiter discloses a stepped banded connector for intravascular ultrasound device. Reiter also teaches wherein the connector comprises: a ferrule having a central hole through (see fig. 3, 4, 5, 7); a connector housing surrounding at least a part of the ferrule (see fig. 3, 4, 5, 7). Furthermore, Reiter teaches the connector housing having electrical conductivity (see par. [0052]; see fig. 3, 4, 5, 7); a connector nut physically contacting the connector housing and having electrical conductivity (see par. [0052], [0054], [0055]; see fig. 3, 4, 5, 7); and a connector insulating member interposed between the ferrule and the connector housing to electrically insulate the ferrule from the connector housing (see par. [0052], [0054], [0055]; see fig. 3, 4, 5, 7), wherein a core part of the coaxial cable is electrically connected to the ferrule, and a shield part of the coaxial cable is electrically connected to the connector housing (see par. [0052], [0054], [0055]; see fig. 3, 4, 5, 7).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing of the claimed invention, to have utilized the teaching of the connector housing having electrical conductivity; a connector nut physically contacting the connector housing and having electrical conductivity; and a connector insulating member interposed between the ferrule and the connector housing to electrically insulate the ferrule from the connector housing, wherein a core part of the coaxial cable is electrically connected to the ferrule, and a shield part of the coaxial cable is electrically connected to the connector housing in the invention of Yang and Elwood, as taught by Reiter, to provide an improved connection assemblies between the imaging sensing catheter and external components receiving data from the sensors.
But, Yang, Elwood and Reiter fail to explicitly state that the coaxial cable is a micro coaxial cable.
Courtney discloses an ultrasonic probe and teaches micro coaxial cable (see par. [0099]). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing of the claimed invention, to have utilized the teaching of using a micro coaxial cable in the invention of Yang, Elwood and Reiter, as taught by Courtney, to be able to provide space optimization by avoiding bulky wiring and provide compact design with high flexibility and durability.
Regarding claim 10, Yang, Elwood, Reiter and Courtney disclose the invention substantially as described in the 103 rejection above, furthermore, Yang shows wherein the driving unit comprises an adapter (see fig. 1, 12 and 13), and Reiter teaches wherein adapter comprises: a split mating sleeve into which a part of the ferrule is inserted (see par. [0052], [0054], [0055]; see fig. 3, 4, 5, 7); an adapter frame surrounding at least a part of the ferrule and having electrical conductivity (see par. [0052], [0054], [0055]; see fig. 3, 4, 5, 7); and an adapter insulating member interposed between the split mating sleeve and the adapter frame to electrically insulate the split mating sleeve from the adapter frame (see par. [0052], [0054], [0055]; see fig. 3, 4, 5, 7). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing of the claimed invention, to have utilized the teaching of wherein adapter comprises: a split mating sleeve into which a part of the ferrule is inserted; an adapter frame surrounding at least a part of the ferrule and having electrical conductivity; and an adapter insulating member interposed between the split mating sleeve and the adapter frame to electrically insulate the split mating sleeve from the adapter frame in the invention of Yang and Elwood, as taught by Reiter, to provide an improved connection assemblies between the imaging sensing catheter and external components receiving data from the sensors.
Regarding claim 19, Yang and Elwood disclose the invention substantially as described in the 103 rejection above, furthermore, Yang shows further comprising a coaxial cable electrically connected to the scanning tip (see par. [0096], 0107], [0161]), and extending to the connector through the interior of the torque coil (see fig. 1, 3 and 12), wherein the connector comprises: a ferrule having a central hole through which the probe-side optical fiber passes (see fig. 1, 3 and 12) and a connector housing surrounding at least a part of the ferrule (see fig. 1, 3 and 12), but fails to explicitly state wherein the connector comprises: a ferrule having a central hole through which the probe-side optical fiber passes; a connector housing surrounding at least a part of the ferrule and having electrical conductivity; a connector nut physically contacting the connector housing and having electrical conductivity; and a connector insulating member interposed between the ferrule and the connector housing to electrically insulate the ferrule from the connector housing, wherein a core part of the micro coaxial cable is electrically connected to the ferrule, and a shield part of the micro coaxial cable is electrically connected to the connector housing, and that the coaxial cable is micro coaxial cable.
Reiter discloses a stepped banded connector for intravascular ultrasound device. Reiter also teaches wherein the connector comprises: a ferrule having a central hole through (see fig. 3, 4, 5, 7); a connector housing surrounding at least a part of the ferrule (see fig. 3, 4, 5, 7). Furthermore, Reiter teaches the connector housing having electrical conductivity (see par. [0052]; see fig. 3, 4, 5, 7); a connector nut physically contacting the connector housing and having electrical conductivity (see par. [0052], [0054], [0055]; see fig. 3, 4, 5, 7); and a connector insulating member interposed between the ferrule and the connector housing to electrically insulate the ferrule from the connector housing (see par. [0052], [0054], [0055]; see fig. 3, 4, 5, 7), wherein a core part of the coaxial cable is electrically connected to the ferrule, and a shield part of the coaxial cable is electrically connected to the connector housing (see par. [0052], [0054], [0055]; see fig. 3, 4, 5, 7).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing of the claimed invention, to have utilized the teaching of the connector housing having electrical conductivity; a connector nut physically contacting the connector housing and having electrical conductivity; and a connector insulating member interposed between the ferrule and the connector housing to electrically insulate the ferrule from the connector housing, wherein a core part of the coaxial cable is electrically connected to the ferrule, and a shield part of the coaxial cable is electrically connected to the connector housing in the invention of Yang and Elwood, as taught by Reiter, to provide an improved connection assemblies between the imaging sensing catheter and external components receiving data from the sensors.
But, Yang, Elwood and Reiter fail to explicitly state that the coaxial cable is a micro coaxial cable.
Courtney discloses an ultrasonic probe and teaches micro coaxial cable (see par. [0099]). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing of the claimed invention, to have utilized the teaching of using a micro coaxial cable in the invention of Yang, Elwood and Reiter, as taught by Courtney, to be able to provide space optimization by avoiding bulky wiring and provide compact design with high flexibility and durability.
Response to Arguments
Applicant's arguments filed 08/10/2026 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive.
In response to Applicant’s arguments on pages 7-8, with respect to prior arts Yang and Elwood, the examiner respectfully disagrees. The examiner maintains that combined invention of Yang and Elwood does disclose all the claim limitation set forth in independent claim, particularly the claim limitation a fastening nut having a first part fastened to the outer end of the catheter tubing such that the fastening nut is fixed to the catheter tubing, having a second part which is opposite to the first part and has a first threaded surface. The examiner has relied on prior art Yang to teach a coupler that is coupled to the other end of the catheter tubing such that the coupler is fixed to the catheter tubing (fig. 1 shows that proximal of probe 200 is coupled to prove driving unit 100) and has a through hole corresponding to the interior of the catheter tubing (see fig. 1).
The examiner maintains that prior art Elwood does teach a fastening nut to couple the catheter to drive unit (see par. [0056], [0057]; fig. 4). Furthermore, Elwood also teaches that the fastening nut having first part which is fastened to the other end of the catheter tubing such that the fastening nut is fixed to catheter tubing (see either 137 or 136 which are fastened to the catheter 110) and having a second part which is opposite to first part and has a first threaded surface (see 136a in fig. 4; par. [0057]). The examiner notes that upon modification of prior art Yang to incorporate the teaching of Elwood would provide a fastening nut having a first part fastened to the outer end of the catheter tubing such that the fastening nut is fixed to the catheter tubing, having a second part which is opposite to the first part and has a first threaded surface.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. Issacson et al. (US 2018/0280680) disclose a fastening nut with thread (see fig. 2A).
Applicant's amendment necessitated the new ground(s) of rejection presented in this Office action. Accordingly, THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. See MPEP § 706.07(a). Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any nonprovisional extension fee (37 CFR 1.17(a)) pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the mailing date of this final action.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to SHAHDEEP MOHAMMED whose telephone number is (571)270-3134. The examiner can normally be reached Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice.
If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Anne M Kozak can be reached at (571)270-0552. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/SHAHDEEP MOHAMMED/ Primary Examiner, Art Unit 3797
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