www.uspto.gov
`
`UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`United States Patent and Trademark Office
`Address: COMMISSIONER FOR PATENTS
`P.O. Box 1450
`Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450
`
`17/298,412
`
`05/28/2021
`
`Kazutoshi KOHIRA
`
`094704-0079
`
`4591
`
`Rimon PC - Pansonic Corporation
`8300 Greensboro Dr
`Suite 500
`McLean, VA 22102
`
`WALLS-MURRAY,JESSIE LOGAN
`
`1728
`
`PAPER NUMBER
`
`NOTIFICATION DATE
`
`DELIVERY MODE
`
`12/01/2023
`
`ELECTRONIC
`
`Please find below and/or attached an Office communication concerning this application or proceeding.
`
`The time period for reply, if any, is set in the attached communication.
`
`Notice of the Office communication was sent electronically on above-indicated "Notification Date" to the
`following e-mail address(es):
`USPTOmail@rimonlaw.com
`
`PTOL-90A (Rev. 04/07)
`
`

`

`
`
`Disposition of Claims*
`1-35 is/are pending in the application.
`)
`Claim(s)
`5a) Of the above claim(s) 2-25,32 and 34-35 is/are withdrawn from consideration.
`[] Claim(s)__ is/are allowed.
`Claim(s) 1,26-31 and 33 is/are rejected.
`[) Claim(s)__ is/are objectedto.
`C] Claim(s
`are subjectto restriction and/or election requirement
`)
`* If any claims have been determined allowable, you maybeeligible to benefit from the Patent Prosecution Highway program at a
`participating intellectual property office for the corresponding application. For more information, please see
`http:/Awww.uspto.gov/patents/init_events/pph/index.jsp or send an inquiry to PPHfeedback@uspto.gov.
`
`) ) ) )
`
`Application Papers
`10)2 The specification is objected to by the Examiner.
`11) The drawing(s) filed on 28 May 2021 is/are: a)(¥) accepted or b)(] objected to by the Examiner.
`Applicant may not request that any objection to the drawing(s) be held in abeyance. See 37 CFR 1.85(a).
`Replacement drawing sheet(s) including the correction is required if the drawing(s) is objected to. See 37 CFR 1.121(d).
`
`Priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119
`12)(¥) Acknowledgment is made of a claim for foreign priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a)-(d)or (f).
`Certified copies:
`c)() None ofthe:
`b)( Some**
`a) All
`1.@) Certified copies of the priority documents have been received.
`2.1.) Certified copies of the priority documents have been received in Application No.
`3.1.) Copies of the certified copies of the priority documents have been receivedin this National Stage
`application from the International Bureau (PCT Rule 17.2(a)).
`*“ See the attached detailed Office action for a list of the certified copies not received.
`
`Attachment(s)
`
`1)
`
`Notice of References Cited (PTO-892)
`
`Information Disclosure Statement(s) (PTO/SB/08a and/or PTO/SB/08b)
`2)
`Paper No(s)/Mail Date
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
`
`3)
`
`4)
`
`(LJ Interview Summary (PTO-413)
`Paper No(s)/Mail Date
`(Qj Other:
`
`PTOL-326 (Rev. 11-13)
`
`Office Action Summary
`
`Part of Paper No./Mail Date 20231122
`
`Application No.
`Applicant(s)
`17/1298,412
`KOHIRAet al.
`
`Office Action Summary Art Unit|AIA (FITF)StatusExaminer
`Jessie Walls-Murray
`1728
`Yes
`
`
`
`-- The MAILING DATEof this communication appears on the cover sheet with the correspondence address --
`Period for Reply
`
`A SHORTENED STATUTORYPERIOD FOR REPLYIS SET TO EXPIRE 3 MONTHS FROM THE MAILING
`DATE OF THIS COMMUNICATION.
`Extensionsof time may be available underthe provisions of 37 CFR 1.136(a). In no event, however, may a reply betimely filed after SIX (6) MONTHSfrom the mailing
`date of this communication.
`If NO period for reply is specified above, the maximum statutory period will apply and will expire SIX (6) MONTHSfrom the mailing date of this communication.
`-
`- Failure to reply within the set or extended period for reply will, by statute, cause the application to become ABANDONED (35 U.S.C. § 133).
`Any reply received by the Office later than three months after the mailing date of this communication, evenif timely filed, may reduce any earned patent term
`adjustment. See 37 CFR 1.704(b).
`
`Status
`
`1) Responsive to communication(s) filed on 02 October 2023.
`C) A declaration(s)/affidavit(s) under 37 CFR 1.130(b) was/werefiled on
`
`2a)() This action is FINAL. 2b)¥)This action is non-final.
`3) An election was madeby the applicant in responseto a restriction requirement set forth during the interview
`on
`; the restriction requirement and election have been incorporated into this action.
`4)(2) Since this application is in condition for allowance except for formal matters, prosecution as to the merits is
`closed in accordance with the practice under Exparte Quayle, 1935 C.D. 11, 453 O.G. 213.
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 17/298,412
`Art Unit: 1728
`
`Page 2
`
`DETAILED ACTION
`
`Notice of Pre-AlA orAIA Status
`
`1.
`
`The presentapplication,filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first
`
`inventorto file provisions of the AIA.
`
`Priority
`
`2.
`
`3.
`
`Receipt is acknowledged of certified copies of papers required by 37 CFR1.55.
`
`Information Disclosure Statement
`
`The information disclosure statement (IDS) submitted on 05/28/2021 was filed in compliance
`
`with the provisions of 37 CFR 1.97. Accordingly, the information disclosure statementis being
`
`considered by the examiner.
`
`Election/Restrictions
`
`4.
`
`Applicant’s election of Species A7, B4, and C11 (with claims 1, 26-31, and 33 readable thereon)
`
`in the reply filed on 10/02/2023 is acknowledged. Because applicant did not distinctly and specifically
`
`point out the supposederrorsin the restriction requirement, the election has been treatedas an
`
`election without traverse (MPEP § 818.01(a)).
`
`5.
`
`Claims 2-25, 32, and 34-35 are withdrawnfrom further consideration pursuant to 37 CFR
`
`1.142(b) as being drawn to nonelected Species (A1-A6, B1-B3, C1-C10 and C12), there being no
`
`allowable generic orlinking claim. Election was made without traverse inthe reply filed on 10/02/2023.
`
`6.
`
`Accordingly, claims 1, 26-31, and 33 are examined on their merits below.
`
`Claim Objections
`
`7.
`
`Claim 27 is objected to because of the following informalities: "the sealing late" should read
`
`"the sealing plate". Appropriate correction is required. Claim 28 is objected tofor its dependence on
`
`claim 27.
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 17/298,412
`Art Unit: 1728
`
`Page 3
`
`Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
`
`8.
`
`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.
`
`9.
`
`Claim 33 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AlA), second paragraph,as
`
`being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the
`
`inventoror a joint inventor (or for applications subject to pre-AlA35 U.S.C. 112, the applicant), regards
`
`as the invention.
`
`Claim 33 recites the limitation "the inner circumferential surface of the side wall portion”in line
`
`2 and the limitation "the outer circumferential surface of the cylinder portion"in lines 2-3. There is
`
`insufficient antecedent basis for these limitation in the claim, nor in claim 1 on which claim 33 depends.
`
`Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
`
`10.
`
`Inthe 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-AlA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory
`
`basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AlA) 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.
`
`11.
`
`The following isa 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}(2) the claimed invention was described ina patent issued under section 151, or in an application
`for patent published or deemed published under section 122(b), in which the patent or application, as
`the case may be, names another inventor and was effectively filed before the effective filing date of
`the claimed invention.
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 17/298,412
`Art Unit: 1728
`
`Page 4
`
`12.
`
`Claim(s) 1, 26-31, and 33 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) as being anticipated by Bae
`
`et al. (US 2020/0083494 A1).
`
`Regarding claim1, Bae discloses: A battery (secondary battery 100, fig 1) comprising:
`
`a batterycan (case 200,fig 1) that includes a cylinder portion (lateral plate 121, fig 3) anda
`
`bottom portion (bottom plate 122, fig 3), the cylinder portion having an opening edge portion at one of
`
`end portions of the cylinder portion (open at edge of crimping part 124 at top of cylinder in Fig 3), the
`
`other one of the end portions of the cylinder portion being closed by the bottom portion (122 closed at
`
`bottom of cylinder in Fig 3);
`
`an electrode body that is housed in the cylinder portion (electrode assembly 110 within 121,fig
`
`3; and
`
`a sealing member that is fixed to the cylinder portion to seal an opening of the opening edge
`
`portion (cap assembly 130 and conductive cover 150 being couples to upper part of case 120, [0039] and
`
`Figs 1-3), wherein the sealing member includes:
`
`a sealing plate (cap-up 131, [0031] and figs 1,3);
`
`a cap (conductive cover 150, figs 1-3) that has a through hole corresponding to the
`
`sealing plate (central hole 151a of 150 corresponding to 131a of 131,figs 1-3) and is connected
`
`to the sealing plate (150 connected to 131 via layered structure of 161/124/140,fig 3 and
`
`[0039]) while being electrically insulated from the sealing plate (via insulation member 160 and
`
`gasket 140, [(0038, 0047] andfig 3); and
`
`a sealing portion that seals a space between thecylinder portion and the cap (insulation
`
`member 160is positioned between the upper part of the case 120 and the conductive cover
`
`150, [0047] and figs 2-3),
`
`with a direction in which the two end portions of the cylinder portion face each other being
`
`defined as an axial direction (vertical direction in Figs 1-3),
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 17/298,412
`Art Unit: 1728
`
`the cap (150,figs 2-3) includes:
`
`Page5S
`
`a ring-shaped topplate portion (flat part 151, figs 2-3) that is disposed to oppose the
`
`opening edge portion in the axial direction (151 at uppermost side relative to edge 124 in
`
`vertical direction, figs 2-3) and lie along a circumferential edge of the sealing plate (151 is
`
`upwards axially and outwards radially relative to peripheral circumferential edge of 131,fig 3);
`
`and
`
`a side wall portion (extending part 152, figs 2-3) that extends from a circumferential
`
`edge of the top plate portion toward the bottom portion and covers an outer circumferential
`
`surface of the cylinder portion (extending part 152 downwardly extending from theflat part 151
`
`and covering the upper part of the case 120, [0039] andfig 3),
`
`the batterycan is electrically connected to one of electrodes included in the electrode body
`
`(second electrode tab 115 connects second electrode 112 to case 120 bottom plate 122, fig 3 and
`
`[0028], the sealing plate is electrically connected to the other one of the electrodes included in the
`
`electrode body (first electrode tab 114 connects first electrode 111 to cap assembly 130 including cap-
`
`up 131, [(0026-0027, 0031-0032] and fig 3), and the capis electrically connected to the cylinder portion
`
`(conductive cover 150 fixed to 121 via coupling part 153, [0043-0044] andfigs 3-4).
`
`Regarding claim 26, Bae discloses the limitations of claim 1 above and discloses the sealing
`
`portion includes a fifth gasket that seals a space between the opening edge portion and the cap
`
`(insulation member 160 between open edge of 121 at 124 and conductive cover 150, figs 2-3 and
`
`[0047]), and
`
`the fifth gasket is provided between the opening edge portion and the top plate portion (160
`
`between open edge at 124 and flat part 151 of cover 150, [0047] and fig 3), and
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 17/298,412
`Art Unit: 1728
`
`Page 6
`
`the opening edge portion is pressed in the axial direction by the fifth gasket (crimping part 124,
`
`having open edgetherein, pressed in downward vertical direction by 160,fig 3).
`
`Examiner notes that“fifth” is a relative term, and the positively recited structure ofthe instantly
`
`claimed fifth gasket is indeed met by Bae as cited herein.
`
`Regarding claim 27, Bae discloses the limitations of claim 26 above and discloses the sealing
`
`member further includes a sixth gasket (gasket 140,fig 3) that seals a space between the sealing plate
`
`and the cap (gasket 140 surrounds periphery of 131 and is thus in a space between 131 and 150, [0038]
`
`andfig 3), and
`
`the sixth gasketis provided spaced apart from thefifth gasket (140 and 160 are spatially
`
`separate pieces as shownin Fig 3).
`
`Examiner notes that “fifth” and “sixth” are relative terms, and the positively recited structure of
`
`the instantly claimed fifth and sixth gaskets is indeed met by Bae as cited herein.
`
`Regarding claim 28, Bae discloses the limitations of claim 27 above and discloses the cap
`
`includes a supporting portion (region 153a, fig 4) that extends towardthe bottom portionin the axial
`
`direction (vertically downward,figs 2 and 4) on an inner circumferential side of the top plate portion
`
`relative to a position of the side wall portion (153a is more radially inward than 152,fig 4 and [0039]),
`
`the sixth gasket is provided between an inner circumferential surface of the supporting portion
`
`(gasket 140 is radially inward relative to 153a, fig 3) and at least an outer circumferential edge portion of
`
`the sealing plate (gasket 140is radially outward relative to 131, fig 3), and
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 17/298,412
`Art Unit: 1728
`
`Page 7
`
`the fifth gasket is provided in an outer circumferential region (insulation member 160is along an
`
`upward/outward location under 150 and above 120,fig 3) that is located on an outer circumferential
`
`side of the supporting portion and includes an outer circumferential end portion of the top plate portion
`
`(160 is positioned in a region radially outward relative to 153a and is adjacent to 151,figs 2-4).
`
`Regarding claim 29, Bae discloses the limitations of claim 26 above and discloses thefifth gasket
`
`is also provided between an outer circumferential edge portion of the sealing plate and the top plate
`
`portion (insulation member 160 is positioned above and extendsradially outward relative to
`
`outer/upper circumferential edge of 131, and is positioned below flat part 151; fig 3) tosealaspace
`
`between the sealing plate and the cap (thus, 160 seals between 131 and 150; [0047] and figs 2-3)
`
`Regarding claim 30, Bae discloses the limitations of claim 26 above and discloses an end portion
`
`of the cylinder portion on a side of the opening edge portion (outer portion of crimping part 124 is
`
`radially outward relative to its inner open edge,fig 3) has ashape that is bent or curved outwardin a
`
`radial direction of the cylinder portion (outwardly curved portion of 124, fig 3) and then extends toward
`
`the bottom portion (outer edge extends from 124 toward 123 and toward 122,fig 3), and
`
`the fifth gasket is provided between the top plate portion andaportion of the shape that
`
`extends from a bent or curved position toward the bottom portion (160 is between 151 and the curved
`
`portion of 124 in the vertical direction of Figs 2-3, and per [0047)).
`
`Regarding claim 31, Bae discloses the limitations of claim 30 above and discloses in the shape,
`
`an outer circumferential surface of the cylinder portion (radially outward surface of 120 relative to 124,
`
`fig 3) and an inner circumferential surface of the side wall portion (inner circumferential surface of 152,
`
`figs 2-3) are bonded to each other ona side toward the bottom portion relative to a region where the
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 17/298,412
`Art Unit: 1728
`
`Page 8
`
`fifth gasket is provided (152 and outwardcurve of 120/124 are touching/electrically coupled per [0039]
`
`andfig 3, specifically fixed by coupling part 153 which is in the downward/bottom direction per [0039]
`
`andfig 3).
`
`Regarding claim 33, Bae discloses the limitations of claim 1 above and discloses the inner
`
`circumferential surface of the side wall portion (inner surface of 152, figs 3-4) is bonded (via coupling
`
`part 153, [0039] and figs 2-4) to the outer circumferential surface of the cylinder portion (outer surface
`
`of 120,figs 2-3).
`
`Double Patenting
`
`13.
`
`The nonstatutory double patenting rejection is based on a judicially created doctrine grounded
`
`in public policy (a policy reflected in the statute) soas to prevent the unjustified or improper timewise
`
`extension of the “right to exclude” granted by a patent and to prevent possible harassment by multiple
`
`assignees. Anonstatutory double patenting rejection is appropriate where the conflicting claims are not
`
`identical, but at least one examined application claim is not patentably distinct from the reference
`
`claim(s) because the examinedapplication claim is either anticipated by, or would have been obvious
`
`over, the reference claim(s). See, e.g., Inre Berg, 140 F.3d 1428, 46 USPQ2d 1226 (Fed. Cir. 1998); Inre
`
`Goodman,11 F.3d 1046, 29 USPQ2d 2010 (Fed. Cir. 1993); Inre Longi, 759 F.2d 887, 225 USPQ 645 (Fed.
`
`Cir. 1985); Inre Van Ornum,686 F.2d 937, 214 USPQ 761 (CCPA 1982); In re Vogel, 422 F.2d 438, 164
`
`USPQ 619 (CCPA 1970); In re Thorington, 418 F.2d 528, 163 USPQ 644 (CCPA 1969).
`
`Atimely filed terminal disclaimerin compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(c) or 1.321(d) may be used to
`
`overcome an actualorprovisional rejection based on nonstatutory double patenting provided the
`
`reference application or patent either is shown to be commonly owned withthe examined application,
`
`or claims an invention madeas a result of activities undertaken within the scope of a joint research
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 17/298,412
`Art Unit: 1728
`
`Page 9
`
`agreement. See MPEP § 717.02 for applications subject to examination under thefirst inventortofile
`
`provisions of the AIA as explained in MPEP § 2159. See MPEP § 2146etseq. for applications not subject
`
`to examination under thefirst inventor to file provisions of the AIA. A terminal disclaimer must be
`
`signedin compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(b).
`
`Thefiling of a terminal disclaimer by itselfis not a complete reply to a nonstatutory double
`
`patenting (NSDP) rejection. A complete reply requires that the terminal disclaimer be accompanied by a
`
`reply requesting reconsideration of the prior Office action. Even where the NSDP rejection is provisional
`
`the reply must be complete. See MPEP § 804, subsection|.B.1. For a reply to a non-final Office action,
`
`see 37 CFR1.111(a). For a reply to final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.113(c). A request for reconsideration
`
`while not provided for in 37 CFR 1.113(c) may befiled after final for consideration. See MPEP §§
`
`706.07(e) and 714.13.
`
`The USPTO Internet website contains terminal disclaimer forms which may be used. Please visit
`
`www.uspto.gov/patent/patents-forms. The actual filing date of the application in which the form isfiled
`
`determines what form (e.g., PTO/SB/25, PTO/SB/26, PTO/AIA/25, or PTO/AIA/26) should be used. A
`
`web-based eTerminal Disclaimer may befilled out completely online using web-screens. An eTerminal
`
`Disclaimer that meetsall requirements is auto-processed and approved immediately upon submission.
`
`For more information about eTerminal Disclaimers, refer to www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/applying-
`
`online/eterminal-disclaimer.
`
`14.
`
`Claim 33 is provisionally rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being
`
`unpatentable over claim 1 of copending Application No. 17/296,402 (reference application). Although
`
`the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because reference
`
`application claim 1 encompassesall limitations of instant claim 33 (including all limitations of instant
`
`claim 1 on which claim 33 depends). Namely, the following limitations are readon by the reference:
`
`From instant claim 1:
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 17/298,412
`Art Unit: 1728
`
`Page 10
`
`e Abatterycomprising: a battery can that includes a cylinder portion and a bottom portion, the
`
`cylinder portion having an opening edge portion at one of end portions of the cylinder portion,
`
`the other one of the end portions of the cylinder portion being closed by the bottom portion; an
`
`electrode body that is housed in the cylinder portion;
`
`o
`
`Encompassed by “A batterycomprising: a battery can including a cylinder and a bottom,
`
`the cylinder having a cylindrical shape and having an opening edge atafirst end of the
`
`cylinder, the bottom closing a second end of the cylinder; an electrode body housedin
`
`the cylinder” of reference claim 1
`
`®
`
`asealing member that is fixed tothecylinder portion to sealanopening of the opening edge
`
`portion,
`
`o
`
`Encompassed by “a sealing memberfixed to the cylinder and sealing an opening
`
`surrounded by the opening edge”of reference claim 1
`
`e
`
`the sealing member includes: a sealing plate;
`
`o
`
`Encompassed by “the sealing memberhas a sealing plate” of reference claim 1
`
`@
`
`acapthat hasa through hole corresponding to the sealing plate and is connected to the sealing
`
`plate while being electrically insulated from the sealing plate;
`
`o Encompassed by “a cap having a through hole correspondingto the sealing plate, the
`
`cap being connected tothesealing plate in a state of being electrically insulatedfrom
`
`the sealing plate” of reference claim 1
`
`@
`
`a sealing portion that seals a space between thecylinder portion and the cap,
`
`o Encompassed by “a first gasket that seals between the cylinder and the cap”of reference
`
`claim 1
`
`e witha direction in which the two end portions of the cylinder portion face each other being
`
`defined as an axial direction,
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 17/298,412
`Art Unit: 1728
`
`Page 11
`
`o Encompassed by “thefirst end and the secondendof the cylinderface in an axial
`
`direction”of reference claim 1
`
`@
`
`the cap includes: a ring-shaped top plate portion that is disposed to oppose the opening edge
`
`portion in the axial direction and lie along a circumferential edge of the sealing plate;
`
`o
`
`Encompassed by “the cap has a top plate having a ring shape, disposed radially outside
`
`of the cylinder along a peripheral edge of the sealing plate, andfacing the cylinder” of
`
`reference claim 1
`
`@
`
`aside wall portion that extends from a circumferential edge of the top plate portion toward the
`
`bottom portion and covers an outer circumferential surface of the cylinder portion,
`
`o
`
`Encompassed by “a side wall that is erected in the axial directionfrom a peripheral edge
`
`of the top plate and extends and overlapping an outer surface of the cylinder” of
`
`reference claim 1
`
`e
`
`the batterycan is electrically connected to one of electrodes included in the electrode body,
`
`o
`
`Encompassed by “the battery can and the cap are electrically connected to a second
`
`electrode ofthe electrode body”of reference claim 1
`
`e@
`
`the sealing plate is electrically connected to the other one of the electrodes included in the
`
`electrode body,
`
`o
`
`Encompassed by “the sealing member has a sealing plate electrically connected toa first
`
`electrode ofthe electrode body”of reference claim 1
`
`e
`
` thecapis electrically connected to the cylinder portion.
`
`o
`
`Encompassed by “the battery can and the cap are electrically connected to a second
`
`electrode ofthe electrode body”of reference claim 1
`
`From instant claim 33:
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 17/298,412
`Art Unit: 1728
`
`Page 12
`
`e
`
`the inner circumferential surface of the side wall portion is bonded to the outer circumferential
`
`surface of the cylinder portion.
`
`o
`
`Encompassed by “a side wall that is erected in the axial directionfrom a peripheral edge
`
`of the top plate and extends and overlapping an outer surface of the cylinder” of
`
`reference claim 1.
`
`This is a provisional nonstatutory double patenting rejection because the patentably indistinct
`
`claims have notin fact been patented.
`
`Conclusion
`
`15.
`
`Anyinquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner
`
`should be directed to Jessie Walls-Murray whose telephone number is (571)272-1664. The examiner can
`
`normally be reached M-F, typically 10-4.
`
`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 reachthe examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor,
`
`Matthew Martin can be reached on (571) 270-7871. The fax phone number for the organization where
`
`this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
`
`Information regarding the status of published or unpublished applications may be obtained from
`
`Patent Center. Unpublished application information in Patent Center is available to registered users. To
`
`file and managepatent submissions in Patent Center,visit: https://patentcenter.us pto. gov.Visit
`
`https ://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/patent-center for more information about Patent Center and
`
`https ://www.uspto.gov/patents/docx for information aboutfiling in DOCX format. For additional
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 17/298,412
`Art Unit: 1728
`
`Page 13
`
`questions, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197(toll-free). If you would like
`
`assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA)or
`
`571-272-1000.
`
`/JESSIE WALLS-MURRAY/
`Examiner, Art Unit 1728
`
`