`ges=tiex
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`UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARKOFFICE
`
`UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`United States Patent and TrademarkOffice
`Address; COMMISSIONER FOR PATENTS
`P.O. Box 1450
`Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450
`www.uspto.gov
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`NOTICE OF ALLOWANCEAND FEE(S) DUE
`
`McDermott Will and Emery LLP
`The McDermott Building
`500 North Capitol Street, N.W.
`Washington, DC 20001
`
`PRABHAKHER,PRITHAM DAVID
`
`2697
`DATE MAILED: 12/02/2021
`
`APPLICATION NO.
`
`FILING DATE
`
`FIRST NAMED INVENTOR
`
`ATTORNEY DOCKETNO.
`
`CONFIRMATIONNO.
`
`16/631,768
`
`01/16/2020
`
`Masaaki OCHI
`
`091478-0368
`
`1060
`
`TITLE OF INVENTION: ACTUATOR AND CAMERA DEVICE
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`APPLN. TYPE PUBLICATION FEE DUE|PREV. PAID ISSUE FEEENTITY STATUS ISSUE FEE DUE TOTAL FEE(S) DUE DATE DUE
`
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`nonprovisional
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`UNDISCOUNTED
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`$1200
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`$0.00
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`$0.00
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`$1200
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`03/02/2022
`
`THE APPLICATION IDENTIFIED ABOVE HAS BEEN EXAMINED AND IS ALLOWED FOR ISSUANCE AS A PATENT.
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`PROSECUTION ON THE MERITS IS CLOSED. THIS NOTICE OF ALLOWANCEIS NOT A GRANT OF PATENT RIGHTS.
`THIS APPLICATION IS SUBJECT TO WITHDRAWAL FROM ISSUE AT THE INITIATIVE OF THE OFFICE OR UPON
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`THE ISSUE FEE AND PUBLICATIONFEE (IF REQUIRED) MUSTBE PAID WITHIN THREE MONTHS FROM THE MAILING
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`DATE OF THIS NOTICE OR THIS APPLICATION SHALL BE REGARDED AS ABANDONED. THIS STATUTORY PERIOD
`CANNOT BE EXTENDED. SEE 35 U.S.C. 151. THE ISSUE FEE DUE INDICATED ABOVE DOES NOT REFLECT A CREDIT
`FOR ANY PREVIOUSLY PAID ISSUE FEE IN THIS APPLICATION. IF AN ISSUE FEE HAS PREVIOUSLY BEEN PAID IN
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`HOW TO REPLYTO THIS NOTICE:
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`For purposesof this notice, small entity fees are 1/2 the amount of undiscounted fees, and micro entity fees are 1/2 the amountof small entity
`fees.
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`II. PART B - FEE(S) TRANSMITTAL,orits equivalent, must be completed and returned to the United States Patent and Trademark Office
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`Page | of 3
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`PTOL-85 (Rev. 02/11)
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`Complete and sendthis form, together with applicable fee(s), by mail or fax, or via EFS-Web.
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`PARTB - FEE(S) TRANSMITTAL
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`By mail, sendto: By fax, send to:—(571)-273-2885Mail Stop ISSUE FEE
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`INSTRUCTIONS: This form should be used for transmitting the ISSUE FEE and PUBLICATIONFEE(if required). Blocks 1 through 5 should be completed where appropriate. All
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`Certificate of Mailing or Transmission
`I hereby certify that this Fee(s) Transmittal is being deposited with the United
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`CURRENT CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS(Note: Use Block 1 for any change of address)
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`(Signature) (Date)
`
`APPLICATION NO.
`
`FILING DATE
`
`FIRST NAMED INVENTOR
`
`ATTORNEY DOCKETNO.
`
`CONFIRMATIONNO.
`
`16/631,768
`
`01/16/2020
`
`Masaaki OCHI
`
`091478-0368
`
`1060
`
`TITLE OF INVENTION: ACTUATOR AND CAMERA DEVICE
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`APPLN. TYPE PUBLICATION FEE DUE|PREV. PAID ISSUE FEEENTITY STATUS ISSUE FEE DUE TOTAL FEE(S) DUE DATE DUE
`
`nonprovisional
`
`UNDISCOUNTED
`
`$1200
`
`$0.00
`
`$0.00
`
`$1200
`
`03/02/2022
`
`EXAMINER
`
`ART UNIT
`
`CLASS-SUBCLASS
`
`PRABHAKHER, PRITHAM DAVID
`
`2697
`
`348-208200
`
`1. Change of correspondenceaddressor indication of "Fee Address” (37
`CFR 1.363).
`
`(I Change of correspondence address (or Change of Correspondence
`Address form PTO/SB/122) attached.
`
`
`
`
`
`2. For printing on the patent front page,list
`(1) The namesof up to 3 registered patent attorneys
`or agents OR,alternatively,
`(2) The nameofa single firm (having as a member a
`registered attorney or agent) and the names of upto
`2 registered patent attorneys or agents. If no nameis
`listed, no namewillbe printed.
`
`
`
`
`
`1
`
`=—-_2
`
`
`
`[I "Fee Address" indication (or "Fee Address" Indication form PTO/
`SB/47; Rev 03-09 or more recent) attached. Use of a Customer
`Numberis required.
`3. ASSIGNEE NAME AND RESIDENCE DATA TO BE PRINTED ON THE PATENT(printor type)
`PLEASE NOTE: Unlessan assigneeis identified below, no assignee data will appear on the patent. If an assigneeis identified below, the document must have been previously
`recorded,orfiled for recordation, as set forth in 37 CFR 3.11 and 37 CFR 3.81(a). Completion of this form is NOTa substitute for filing an assignment.
`(A) NAMEOF ASSIGNEE
`(B) RESIDENCE:(CITY and STATE OR COUNTRY)
`
`(LV individual LJ Corporation or other private group entity (_] Government
`Please check the appropriate assignee category or categories (will not be printed on the patent) :
`4a. Fees submitted:
`(Llissue Fee
`(Ipublication Fee (if required)
`(VAdvance Order- # of Copies
`4b. Method of Payment: (Please first reapply any previously paidfee shown above)
`(I Electronic Payment via EFS-Web
`(LI Enclosed check
`(LI Non-clectronic paymentby credit card (Attach form PTO-2038)
`
` (I The Directoris hereby authorized to charge the required fee(s), any deficiency, or credit any overpaymentto Deposit Account No.
`
`5. Changein Entity Status (from status indicated above)
`(I Applicantcertifying micro entity status. See 37 CFR 1.29
`(I Applicantasserting small entity status. See 37 CFR 1.27
`(I Applicant changing to regular undiscounted fee status.
`
`
`
`NOTE:Absenta valid certification of Micro Entity Status (see forms PTO/SB/15A and 15B), issue
`fee paymentin the micro entity amountwill not be accepted at the risk of application abandonment.
`NOTE:If the application was previously under micro entity status, checking this box will be taken
`to be a notification of loss of entitlement to micro entity status.
`
`NOTE:Checking this box will be takento be a notification of loss of entitlement to small or micro
`entity status, as applicable.
`NOTE: This form must be signed in accordance with 37 CFR 1.31 and 1.33. See 37 CFR 1.4 for signature requirements and certifications.
`
`Date
`
`Registration No.
`
`Authorized Signature
`
`Typed or printed name
`
`PTOL-85 Part B (08-18) Approved for use through 01/31/2020
`
`Page 2 of 3
`OMB 0651-0033
`
`USS. Patent and Trademark Office; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
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`
`
`
`
`UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`United States Patent and TrademarkOffice
`Address; COMMISSIONER FOR PATENTS
`P.O. Box 1450
`Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450
`www.uspto.gov
`
`APPLICATION NO.
`
`FILING DATE
`
`FIRST NAMED INVENTOR
`
`ATTORNEY DOCKETNO.
`
`CONFIRMATIONNO.
`
`16/631,768
`
`01/16/2020
`
`Masaaki OCHI
`
`091478-0368
`
`1060
`
`McDermott Will and Emery LLP
`The McDermott Building
`500 North Capitol Street, N.W.
`Washington, DC 20001
`
`PRABHAKHER,PRITHAM DAVID
`
`2697
`DATE MAILED: 12/02/2021
`
`Determination of Patent Term Adjustment under 35 U.S.C. 154 (b)
`(Applications filed on or after May 29, 2000)
`
`The Office has discontinued providing a Patent Term Adjustment (PTA)calculation with the Notice of Allowance.
`
`Section 1(h)(2) of the AIA Technical Corrections Act amended 35 U.S.C. 154(b)(3)(B)(i) to eliminate the requirement
`that the Office provide a patent term adjustment determination with the notice of allowance. See Revisions to Patent
`Term Adjustment, 78 Fed. Reg. 19416, 19417 (Apr. 1, 2013). Therefore, the Office is no longer providing an initial
`patent term adjustment determination with the notice of allowance. The Office will continue to provide a patent term
`adjustment determination with the Issue Notification Letter that is mailed to applicant approximately three weeks prior
`to the issue date of the patent, and will include the patent term adjustmenton the patent. Any request for reconsideration
`of the patent term adjustment determination (or reinstatement of patent term adjustment) should follow the process
`outlined in 37 CFR 1.705.
`
`Any questions regarding the Patent Term Extension or Adjustment determination should be directed to the Office of
`Patent Legal Administration at (571)-272-7702. Questions relating to issue and publication fee payments should be
`directed to the Customer Service Center of the Office of Patent Publication at 1-(888)-786-0101 or (571)-272-4200.
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`PTOL-85 (Rev. 02/11)
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`Page 3 of 3
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`OMB Clearance and PRA Burden Statement for PTOL-85 Part B
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`The Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995 requires Federal agencies to obtain Office of Management and Budget
`approval before requesting most types of information from the public. When OMB approves an agency request to
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`The information collected by PTOL-85 Part B is required by 37 CFR 1.311. The information is required to obtain
`or retain a benefit by the public which is to file (and by the USPTO to process) an application. Confidentiality is
`governed by 35 U.S.C. 122 and 37 CFR 1.14. This collection is estimated to take 30 minutes to complete, including
`gathering, preparing, and submitting the completed application form to the USPTO. Timewill vary depending upon
`the individual case. Any comments on the amount of time you require to complete this form and/or suggestions
`for reducing this burden, should be sent to the Chief Information Officer, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office,
`U.S. Department of Commerce, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450. DO NOT SEND FEES OR
`COMPLETED FORMSTO THIS ADDRESS. SEND TO: Commissioner for Patents, P-O. Box 1450, Alexandria,
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`Privacy Act Statement
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`(2); (2) furnishing of the information solicited is voluntary; and (3) the principal purpose for which the information
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`be able to process and/or examine your submission, which may result in termination of proceedings or abandonment
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`The information provided by you in this form will be subject to the following routine uses:
`1. The information on this form will be treated confidentially to the extent allowed under the Freedom of
`Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) and the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C 552a). Records from this system of records may
`be disclosed to the Department of Justice to determine whether disclosure of these records is required by the
`Freedom of Information Act.
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`2. A record from this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, in the course of presenting evidence
`to a court, magistrate, or administrative tribunal, including disclosures to opposing counsel in the course of
`settlement negotiations.
`3. A record in this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, to a Member of Congress submitting
`a request involving an individual, to whom the record pertains, when the individual has requested assistance
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`4. A record in this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, to a contractor of the Agency having
`need for the information in order to perform a contract. Recipients of information shall be required to comply
`with the requirements of the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a(m).
`5. A record related to an International Application filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty in this system of
`records may be disclosed, as a routine use, to the International Bureau of the World Intellectual Property
`Organization, pursuant to the Patent Cooperation Treaty.
`6. A record in this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, to another federal agency for purposes of
`National Security review (35 U.S.C. 181) and for review pursuantto the Atomic Energy Act (42 U.S.C. 218(c)).
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`7. Arecord from this system of records may be disclosed,as a routine use, to the Administrator, General Services,
`or his/her designee, during an inspection of records conducted by GSAaspart of that agency's responsibility
`to recommend improvements in records managementpractices and programs, under authority of 44 U.S.C.
`2904 and 2906. Such disclosure shall be made in accordance with the GSA regulations governing inspection
`of records for this purpose, and any other relevant (i.e., GSA or Commerce) directive. Such disclosure shall
`not be used to make determinations about individuals.
`
`8. Arecord from this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, to the public after either publication of
`the application pursuantto 35 U.S.C. 122(b) or issuance of a patent pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 151. Further, a record
`may be disclosed, subject to the limitations of 37 CFR 1.14, as a routineuse, to the public if the record wasfiled
`in an application which became abandonedorin which the proceedings were terminated and which application
`is referenced by either a published application, an application open to public inspection or an issued patent.
`9. A record from this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, to a Federal, State, or local law
`enforcement agency, if the USPTO becomesawareof a violation or potential violation of law or regulation.
`
`
`
`.
`
`.
`
`16/631,768
`
`OCHI etal.
`
`PRITHAM D PRABHAKHER
`
`2697
`
`Yes
`
`-- The MAILING DATEof this communication appears on the cover sheet with the correspondence address--
`All claims being allowable, PROSECUTION ON THE MERITS IS (OR REMAINS) CLOSED in this application. If not included
`herewith (or previously mailed), a Notice of Allowance (PTOL-85) or other appropriate communication will be mailed in due course. THIS
`NOTICE OF ALLOWABILITY IS NOT A GRANTOF PATENTRIGHTS.This application is subject to withdrawal from issue at the initiative
`of the Office or upon petition by the applicant. See 37 CFR 1.313 and MPEP 1308.
`1.{¥] This communication is responsive to claimsfiled on 01/16/20.
`(J A declaration(s)/affidavit(s) under 37 CFR 1.130(b) was/werefiled on
`
`.
`
`2._) Anelection was madebythe applicant in responseto a restriction requirementset forth during the interview on
`restriction requirement and election have been incorporatedinto this action.
`
`; the
`
`3.{¥) The allowed claim(s) is/are 1-20 . As a result of the allowed claim(s), you maybeeligible to benefit from the Patent Prosecution
`Highwayprogram 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.
`
`4[¥] Acknowledgmentis made of a claim for foreign priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a)-(d) or (f).
`Certified copies:
`c) () Noneofthe:
`a) MAI
`b) (] Some*
`1.
`Certified copies of the priority documents have been received.
`2. (J Certified copies of the priority documents have been received in Application No.
`3. (J Copiesof the certified copies of the priority documents have been receivedin this national stage application from the
`International Bureau (PCT Rule 17.2(a)).
`
`Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2697
`
`“ Certified copies not received:
`
`Applicant has THREE MONTHS FROM THE "MAILING DATE"of this communication to file a reply complying with the requirements
`noted below.Failure to timely comply will result in ABANDONMENT ofthis application.
`THIS THREE-MONTH PERIOD IS NOT EXTENDABLE.
`
`5._) CORRECTED DRAWINGS (as "replacement sheets") must be submitted.
`(} including changes required by the attached Examiner's Amendment / Commentor in the Office action of
`Paper No./Mail Date
`.
`Identifying indicia such as the application number (see 37 CFR 1.84(c)) should be written on the drawingsin the front (not the back) of each
`sheet. Replacement sheet(s) should be labeled as such in the header according to 37 CFR 1.121(d).
`
`6.LJ DEPOSIT OFand/or INFORMATION aboutthe deposit of BIOLOGICAL MATERIAL must be submitted. Note the
`attached Examiner's comment regarding REQUIREMENT FOR THE DEPOSIT OF BIOLOGICAL MATERIAL.
`
`Attachment(s)
`5. (2 Examiner's Amendment/Comment
`1.{¥] Notice of References Cited (PTO-892)
`
`2.{Y} Information Disclosure Statements (PTO/SB/08), 6.lv}Examiner's Statement of Reasonsfor Allowance
`Paper No./Mail Date
`.
`
`3.) Examiner's Comment Regarding Requirementfor Deposit 7.¥}Other Email communication.
`of Biological Material
`4.{¥} Interview Summary (PTO-413),
`Paper No./Mail Date.
`/PRITHAM D PRABHAKHER/
`Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2697
`
`/PRITHAM D PRABHAKHER/
`
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
`PTOL-37 (Rev. 08-13)
`
`Notice of Allowability
`
`.
`Part of Paper No./Mail Date 20211104
`
`
`
`Application/Control Number: 16/631,768
`Art Unit: 2697
`
`Page 2
`
`Notice of Pre-AlA 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.
`
`1.) Foreign Priority
`
`Receipt is acknowledged of certified copies of papers required by 37 CFR 1.55.
`
`2.) Information Disclosure Statement
`
`The information disclosure statement (IDS) submitted on 01/16/20 is in
`
`compliance with the provisions of 37 CFR 1.97. Accordingly, the information disclosure
`
`statement is being considered by the examiner.
`
`3.) Claim Interpretation
`
`The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(f):
`
`(f) Elementin Claim fora Combination. —-An elementin aclaim fora combination maybe
`expressed as ameansor step for performing a specified function without the recital of
`structure, material, or acts in supportthereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the
`corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents
`thereof.
`
`The following is a quotation of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph:
`
`An elementinaclaim fora combination maybe expressed as a meansor step for performing
`a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in supportthereof, and
`suchclaim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts
`describedin the specification and equivalents thereof.
`
`Use of the word “means”(or “step for’) in a claim with functional language
`
`creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim element is to be treated in accordance
`
`with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) (pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph). The presumption that
`
`
`
`Application/Control Number: 16/631,768
`Art Unit: 2697
`
`Page 3
`
`35 U.S.C. 112(f) (pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph) is invoked is rebutted when
`
`the function is recited with sufficient structure, material, or acts within the claim itself to
`
`entirely perform the recited function.
`
`Absence of the word “means”(or “step for’) in aclaim creates a rebuttable
`
`presumption that the claim element is not to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C.
`
`112(f) (pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph). The presumption that 35 U.S.C. 112(f)
`
`(pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph) is not invoked is rebutted whenthe claim
`
`elementrecites function but fails to recite sufficiently definite structure, material or acts
`
`to perform that function.
`
`Claim elements in this application that use the word “means”(or “step for”) are
`
`presumedto invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f) except as otherwise indicated in an Office
`
`action. Similarly, claim elements that do not use the word “means”(or “step for’) are
`
`presumednot to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f) except as otherwise indicated in an Office
`
`action.
`
`The claims in this application are given their broadest reasonable interpretation
`
`using the plain meaning of the claim language in light of the specification as it would be
`
`understood by one ofordinary skill
`
`in the art. The broadest reasonable interpretation of
`
`a claim element (also commonlyreferred to as aclaim limitation) is limited by the
`
`description in the specification when 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth
`
`paragraph,
`
`is invoked.
`
`As explained in MPEP § 2181, subsection |, claim limitations that meet the
`
`following three-prong test will be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35
`
`U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph:
`
`
`
`Application/Control Number: 16/631,768
`Art Unit: 2697
`
`Page 4
`
`(A)
`
`the claim limitation uses the term “means”or “step” or a term used as a
`
`substitute for “means”that is a generic placeholder (also called a nonce term or a
`
`non-structural term having no specific structural meaning) for performing the
`
`claimed function;
`
`(B)
`
`the term “means” or “step” or the generic placeholder is modified by functional
`
`language,
`
`typically, but not always linked by the transition word “for” (e.g.,
`
`“meansfor’) or another linking word or phrase, such as “configured to” or “so
`
`that”: and
`
`(C)
`
`the term “means”or “step” or the generic placeholder is not modified by
`
`sufficient structure, material, or acts for performing the claimed function.
`
`Use of the word “means”(or “step”) in a claim with functional language creates a
`
`rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is to be treated in accordance with 35
`
`U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. The presumption that the claim
`
`limitation is interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth
`
`paragraph,
`
`is rebutted whenthe claim limitation recites sufficient structure, material, or
`
`acts to entirely perform the recited function.
`
`Absence of the word “means”(or “step”) in aclaim creates a rebuttable
`
`presumption that the claim limitation is not to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C.
`
`112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. The presumption that the claim
`
`limitation is not interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth
`
`paragraph,
`
`is rebutted whenthe claim limitation recites function without reciting
`
`sufficient structure, material or acts to entirely perform the recited function.
`
`
`
`Application/Control Number: 16/631,768
`Art Unit: 2697
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`Page 5
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`Claim limitations in this application that use the word “means”(or “step”) are
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`being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph,
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`except as otherwise indicated in an Office action. Conversely, claim limitations in this
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`application that do not use the word “means”(or “step”) are not being interpreted under
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`35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, except as otherwise
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`indicated in an Office action.
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`This application includes one or moreclaim limitations that do not use the word
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`“means,” but are nonetheless being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35
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`U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, because the claim limitation(s) uses a generic placeholder
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`that is coupled with functional language without reciting sufficient structure to perform
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`the recited function and the generic placeholder is not preceded bya structural
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`modifier. Such claim limitation(s) is/are: “a mounting unit’,
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`“a detection unit’, “a sensor
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`unit’, “a first holding mechanism”, “a second holding mechanism”, “a first module’, “a
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`rotational driving unit’,
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`in claims 1-20.
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`Because this/these claim limitation(s) is/are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C.
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`112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph,
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`it/they is/are being interpreted to
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`cover the corresponding structure described in the specification as performing the
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`claimed function, and equivalents thereof.
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`If applicant does not intend to have this/these limitation(s) interpreted under 35
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`U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, applicant may:
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`(1) amend the
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`claim limitation(s) to avoid it/them being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AlA
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`35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph (e.g., by reciting sufficient structure to perform the
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`claimed function); or (2) present a sufficient showing that the claim limitation(s) recite(s)
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`
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`Application/Control Number: 16/631,768
`Art Unit: 2697
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`Page 6
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`sufficient structure to perform the claimed function so as to avoid it/them being
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`interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph.
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`Claim limitations “a mounting unit’, “a detection unit’, “a sensor unit”, “a first
`yn
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`holding mechanism”,
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`a first module’,
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`1
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`“a rotational
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`“a second holding mechanism
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`1
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`driving unit’, has/have been interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C.
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`112, sixth paragraph, because it uses/they use a generic placeholder “a mounting unit’,
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`“a detection unit’, “a sensor unit’, “a first holding mechanism”,
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`0
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`mechanism”,
`“a first module’,
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`“a second holding
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`“a rotational driving unit’, coupled with functional
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`language “configured to support’, “configured to detect an orientation’,
`el
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`0
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`detect acceleration’,
`“configured to be rotatable”,
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`“configured to
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`“configured to fit’, “configured to be
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`rotatable around each of a first axis and a second axis”, “configured to
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`electromagnetically drive’, without reciting sufficient structure to achieve the
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`function. Furthermore, the generic placeholder is not preceded by a structural modifier.
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`Since the claim limitation(s) invokes 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112,
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`sixth paragraph, claim(s) 1-20 has/have been interpreted to cover the corresponding
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`structure described in the specification that achieves the claimed function, and
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`equivalents thereof.
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`A review of the specification shows that the following appears to be the
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`corresponding structure described in the specification for the 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-
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`AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph limitation:
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`Application/Control Number: 16/631,768
`Art Unit: 2697
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`Page 7
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`Support for the structure that performs the functions of “a mounting unit” appear
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`to be implemented by a bearing (Paragraph 0037 of the publication to the instant
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`application).
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`“A detection unit” appears to be implemented by a gyrosensoror a
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`magnetic sensor (Paragraph 0148 of the publication to the instant application). The
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`sensor unit appears to be implemented by an acceleration sensor (Paragraph 0150 of
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`the publication to the instant application). A first holding mechanism is shown as being
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`implemented by a rotatable sphere (Figure 6 and Paragraphs 0088-0089 of the
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`publication to the instant application). A second holding mechanism appears to be
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`implemented by a rolling drive magnet (Figures 2B-2C and Paragraph 0037of the
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`publication to the instant application). A first module appears to be implemented by a
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`camera holder, a first movable base and a second movable base along wth a pair of
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`first coil units and second coil units (Paragraphs 0073 and 0081 of the publication to the
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`instant application). A rotational driving unit appears to be implemented by
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`electromagnetic drivers (Paragraphs 0039 and 0182 of the publication to the instant
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`application).
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`If applicant wishes to provide further explanation or dispute the examiner's
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`interpretation of the corresponding structure, applicant mustidentify the corresponding
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`structure with reference to the specification by page and line number, and to the
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`drawing,
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`if any, by reference characters in response to this Office action.
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`If applicant does not intend to have the claim limitation(s) treated under 35
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`U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112 , sixth paragraph, applicant may amend the
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`Application/Control Number: 16/631,768
`Art Unit: 2697
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`Page 8
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`claim(s) so that it/they will clearly not invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112,
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`sixth paragraph, or present a sufficient showing that the claim recites/recite sufficient
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`structure, material, or acts for performing the claimed function to preclude application of
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`35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph.
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`For more information, see MPEP § 2173 et seg. and Supplementary Examination
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`Guidelines for Determining Compliance With 35 U.S.C. 112 and for Treatment of
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`Related Issues in Patent Applications, 76 FR 7162, 7167 (Feb. 9, 2011).
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`4.) Allowable Subject Matter
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`Claims 1-20 are allowed.
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`The following is an examiner's statement of reasons for allowance:
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`In regard to independent Claim 1, the closestprior-art of record fails to teach or
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`reasonably disclose the combination of the limitations to the claim that includes, “An
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`actuator comprising:
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`a second module configured to support the first module to makethe first module
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`rotatable around eachofa first axis and a second axis perpendicular to the first axis;
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`and
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`the second module having a movable range of 360 degrees or more wth respect
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`to the mounting unit,
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`the second module including:
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`Application/Control Number: 16/631,768
`Art Unit: 2697
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`a second coil configured to electromagnetically drive the first module in rotation
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`around the second axis wth respect to the second module by generating magnetic force
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`between_the second coil itself and the second magnet; and
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`a third coil configured to electromagnetically drive the mounting unit in rotation
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`wth respect to the second module by generating magnetic force between_the third coll
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`itself and the third magnet.”
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`Dependent Claims 2-11 are also allowed due to their dependence on allowed
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`independent claim 1.
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`With regard to independent Claim 12, the closestprior-art of record fails to teach
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`or reasonably disclose the combination of the limitations to the claim that includes, “An
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`actuator comprising:
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`a second module configured to support the first module to makethe first module
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`rotatable around eachofthe first axis and the second axis;
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`a second driving unit including a second coil and a second magnet and
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`configured to electromagnetically drive the first module in rotation around the second
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`axis wth respect to the second module;
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`a mounting unit to be fitted to the second module; and
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`a third driving unit including a third coil and _a third magnet and configured to
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`electromagnetically drive the second module in rotation around a third axis, which is
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`perpendicular to both of the first axis and the second axis, wth respect to the mounting
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`unit wth _a moving range expanded to 360 degrees or more,
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`Application/Control Number: 16/631,768
`Art Unit: 2697
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`the first coil, the second coil, and the third coil being provided for