DETAILED ACTION
Drawings
The drawings are objected to as failing to comply with 37 CFR 1.84(p)(4) because reference character “43” has been used to designate two different parts in Fig. 2. The specification uses the reference numeral 43 for the “Metering Perforated Plate”. The reference numeral 7 has been used for the “doser”. Fig. 1 should also be reviewed to confirm that 43 actually points to the metering perforated plate and not the doser 7. All the drawings should be reviewed to ensure that the correct reference numerals point to the appropriate component of the device. 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.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
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 claim 1, lines 7-8, the limitation, “a dispensing device configured to be moved along an image of the path of the ammunition cases”, is not understood. The meaning of, “image of the path of the ammunition cases”, is indefinite an cannot be readily interpreted.
In claim 2, line 3, the term, “image of the path of the ammunition cases” is indefinite for the same reason as discussed above for claim 1.
In claim 3, line 10, the term, “image of the path of the ammunition cases” is indefinite for the same reason as discussed above for claim 1.
In claim 6, line 6, “image of the path” is indefinite for the same reason as discussed above for claim 1.
In claim 14, line 4, the term, “image of the path of the ammunition cases” is indefinite for the same reason as discussed above for claim 1.
In claim 4, line 7, “the doser”, lacks a proper antecedent basis.
In claim 7, the last line thereof, the “dosing depressions”, lacks a proper antecedent basis.
In claim 12, lines 4-5, “a parameter of the propellant powder”, is indefinite because the scope of the limitation cannot readily be determined.
In claim 14, lines 5-6, “the automated production line”, lacks a proper antecedent basis.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
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.
Claims 1, 2 and 13-18 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by KR 101930504 Bl (HANWHA CORP [KR]).
The following rejection is made in as much as the claims can be reasonably interpreted in light of the 35 U.S.C 112(b) rejection presented above.
Regarding independent claim 1, Hanwha Corp disclose a device for the automated filling of at least two ammunition casings (1) with propellant powder for an automated production line for ammunition, comprising a metering housing (60) to which the at least two ammunition casings (1) can be docked in such a manner that the at least two ammunition casings (1) are arranged along a path, and a dispensing device (10) which can be moved along a path that matches the path of the ammunition casings (1) in order to dispense propellant powder into the metering housing (60), wherein a guide (30) is provided for guiding the dispensing device (10) along the path that matches the path of the ammunition casings (1). (see Figs 1-3; paragraphs [0040]-[0107]).
Regarding claims 2 and 13-18, are disclosed by Hanwha Corp (see Figs. 1-3; paragraphs [0071], [0098] and [0107]).
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. See the attached PTO-FORM 892.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to JAMES S BERGIN whose telephone number is (571)272-6872. The examiner can normally be reached M-F 9am - 5am.
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, 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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/JAMES S BERGIN/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 3641
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