DETAILED ACTION
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 1-26 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 each of the independent claims, a ligature resistant door lock interface is set forth, yet no claim language clearly defines what makes the feature ligature nor an interface. How, in what way, and by what means does it function as a ligature resistant door lock interface?
In claim 7, it is unclear and not understood the context in the context of the claim language how, in what way, and by what means the door lock override achieves an override function, and in particular is configured to allow unlocking of the door lock from an exterior side… in the manner claimed.
In claim 17, it is unclear in the context of the claim language how, in what way, and by what means “configured to be depressed and convert… of a locking actuator” is achieved.
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 1-26, as best understood, would 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.
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to MARK A WILLIAMS whose telephone number is (571)272-7064. The examiner can normally be reached Monday through Friday.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Christine Mills can be reached at (571) 272-8322. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/MARK A WILLIAMS/ Primary Examiner, Art Unit 3675
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