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`
`UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`United States Patent and Trademark Office
`Address: COMMISSIONER FOR PATENTS
`P.O. Box 1450
`Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450
`
`16/975,829
`
`08/26/2020
`
`Fumiharu Niina
`
`P200800US00
`
`6904
`
`WHDA,LLP
`8500 LEESBURG PIKE
`SUITE 7500
`TYSONS, VA22182
`
`KRONE, TAYLOR HARRISON
`
`1728
`
`PAPER NUMBER
`
`NOTIFICATION DATE
`
`DELIVERY MODE
`
`04/24/2024
`
`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):
`
`patentmail @ whda.com
`
`PTOL-90A (Rev. 04/07)
`
`

`

`Application No.
`Applicant(s)
`16/975,829
`Niinaet al.
`
`Office Action Summary Art Unit|AIA (FITF)StatusExaminer
`TAYLOR H KRONE
`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 14 March 2024.
`C} A declaration(s)/affidavit(s) under 37 CFR 1.130(b) was/werefiled on
`2a)[¥) This action is FINAL.
`2b) (J 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.
`
`Disposition of Claims*
`1-2 is/are pending in the application.
`)
`Claim(s)
`5a) Of the above claim(s) _ is/are withdrawn from consideration.
`C] Claim(s)
`is/are allowed.
`Claim(s) 1-2 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://www.uspto.gov/patents/init_events/pph/index.jsp or send an inquiry to PPHfeedback@uspto.gov.
`
`) ) ) )
`
`Application Papers
`10) The specification is objected to by the Examiner.
`11)0) The drawing(s) filedon__ is/are: a)(J 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)7) Acknowledgment is made of a claim for foreign priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a)-(d)or (f).
`Certified copies:
`c)Z None ofthe:
`b)() Some**
`a)C All
`1.1.) Certified copies of the priority documents have been received.
`2.2) 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)
`
`2) (J Information Disclosure Statement(s) (PTO/SB/08a and/or PTO/SB/08b)
`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 20240419
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 16/975,829
`Art Unit: 1728
`
`Page 2
`
`DETAILED ACTION
`
`Response to Amendment
`
`Applicant's amendmentfiled on March 14, 2024, has been entered. Claims 1-2 remain
`
`pendingin the application.
`
`Response to Arguments
`
`Applicant's arguments filed on March 14, 2024, have been fully considered.
`
`Applicantasserts that the combination of references does not provide for a binder
`
`different from the polyacrylic acid or a salt thereof, the second layer containing no polyacrylic
`
`acid norsalt thereof.
`
`However, applicant’s argumentis unpersuasive, because TOSHIROdiscloses using a
`
`binderlike styrene butadiene rubber (SBR)in the negative electrode active material (middle of
`
`page 26 andtop of page 28 of the English translation), which is a binderother than polyacrylic
`
`acid ora salt thereof, such that, there would be no polyacrylic acid or a salt thereof in the second
`
`layer.
`
`Additionally, HARADAdiscloses using a combination of binders including polyacrylic
`
`acid ora salt thereof and styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), to bind the negative electrode active
`
`material with the current collector.
`
`Applicant also argues that SAWAis not applicable, because SAWAis directed to binders
`
`in general, not polyacrylic acid ora salt thereof. However, applicant’s argumentis unpersuasive,
`
`because, as disclosed by ABDELSALAM and HARADA, polyacrylic acid is known inthe art as
`
`a generally used binder, and SAWAisrelied on for disclosing that it would be obvious to a
`
`person of ordinary skill in the art to vary the concentration of binders in general across a negative
`
`electrode.
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 16/975,829
`Art Unit: 1728
`
`Page 3
`
`Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
`
`In the eventthe determination ofthe status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C.
`
`102 and 103 (oras subject to pre-AJA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the
`
`statutory basis for the rejection will not be considered a new groundof rejection if the prior art
`
`relied upon, andthe rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same undereitherstatus.
`
`The followingis a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which formsthe basis for all obviousness
`
`rejections set forth in this Office action:
`
`A patent fora 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 obviousbefore 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.
`
`The factual inquiries for establishing a backgroundfor determining obviousness under 35
`
`U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows:
`
`1. Determining the scope and contents of the priorart.
`
`2. Ascertaining the differences betweenthe prior art and the claimsat issue.
`
`3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinentart.
`
`4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or
`
`nonobviousness.
`
`This application currently namesjoint inventors. In considering patentability of the
`
`claims the examiner presumesthat the subject matter of the various claims was commonly
`
`ownedas of the effective filing date of the claimed invention(s) absent any evidenceto the
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`contrary. Applicant is advised of the obligation under 37 CFR 1.56 to point out the inventor and
`
`effective filing dates of each claim that was not commonly owned asof the effective filing date
`
`of the later invention in order for the examinerto consider the applicability of 35 U.S.C.
`
`102(b)(2)(C) for any potential 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) prior art against the later invention.
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 16/975,829
`Art Unit: 1728
`
`Page 4
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`Claims 1, 2, and 3 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over
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`TOSHIRO (JP2012015051) in view of ABDELSALAM (US20150280221), HARADA (US
`
`20170077511), ABE ‘167 (US20170155167), and SAWA (US20160204431), and further in
`
`view of SHINOMIYA ‘336 (US 20200119336).
`
`Regarding Claim 1, TOSHIROteaches a nonaqueouselectrolyte secondary battery
`
`comprising a positive electrode containing a positive electrode active material (a positive
`
`electrode having a positive electrode active material; bottom of page 25 of the English translation
`
`of TOSHIRO), a negative electrode (a negative electrode; middle of page 24 of the English
`
`translation of TOSHIRO) including a negative electrode mix layer (the negative electrode layer
`
`comprising at least two layers to form a multilayer structure; top of page 25 of the English
`
`translation of TOSHIRO),
`
`wherein the positive electrode active material contains a titanium lithium complex oxide
`
`(a lithium composite oxide with the general formula: Li, Niy Mn, Coq-y-z-w) Aw O2 wherein A may
`
`be a transition metal such as Ti; where 1.0<x< 1.02, y>z,0<z<0.4,0<w<0.01; see top of
`
`page 26 of the English translation of TOSHIRO) that hasalattice shrinkage in a chargedstate of
`
`98.5% or less. The composition disclosed in TOSHIRO above overlaps with the composition
`
`disclosed in paragraph [0019] of the instant application’s specification for the titanium lithium
`
`complex oxide of claim |. In Titanium Metals Corp. v. Banner, 778 F.2d 775, 227 USPQ 773
`
`(Fed. Cir. 1985), the court said that it was immaterial what properties the alloys had or who
`
`discovered the properties because the composition is the same and thus must necessarily exhibit
`
`the properties. Thus, the limitation that the titanium complex oxide hasalattice shrinkage in a
`
`chargedstate of 98.5% orless is an inherent property of the composition cited in the
`
`specification and does notfurther impart any structure to the claim. See MPEP 2112.01 I:
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 16/975,829
`Art Unit: 1728
`
`Page 5
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`“Where the claimed andpriorart products are identical or substantially identical in structure or
`
`composition, or are produced by identical or substantially identical processes, a prima facie case
`
`of either anticipation or obviousness has been established” Un re Best, 562 F.2d 1252, 1255, 195
`
`USPQ 430, 433 (CCPA 1977)).
`
`Moreover, TOSHIROteaches that the negative electrode mix layer includes a first layer
`
`and a secondlayer disposed successively from the negative electrode collector (the negative
`
`electrode layer comprisingat least two layers to form a multilayer structure; top of page 25 of the
`
`English translation of TOSHIRO) andthat each of the first layer and secondlayer contains a
`
`carbon-based negative electrode active material (the layer closest to the current collector contains
`
`crystalline carbon andthe layer farther away from the current collector contains amorphous
`
`carbon; top of page 25 of the English translation of TOSHIRO).
`
`TOSHIROalso discloses using a binderdifferent from the polyacrylic acid ora salt
`
`thereof, wherein the second layer contains no polyacrylic acid norsalt thereof, because
`
`TOSHIROdiscloses using a binderlike styrene butadiene rubber (SBR)in the negative electrode
`
`active material (middle of page 26 and top of page 28 of the English translation), which is a
`
`binderother than polyacrylic acid or a salt thereof, such that, there would be no polyacrylic acid
`
`ora salt thereof in the secondlayer. Also, see paragraph [0038] of the presently filed
`
`specification stating that styrene butadiene rubber (SBR)is used as the binderother than
`
`polyacrylic acid orsalt thereof.
`
`However, TOSHIROis deficient in explicitly disclosing that the negative electrode mix
`
`layer contains a polyacrylic acid ora salt thereof.
`
`ABDELSALAMdiscloses that the negative electrode mix layer contains a polyacrylic
`
`acid ora salt thereof (a suitable binder for a composite anode layer containingsilicon is a
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 16/975,829
`Art Unit: 1728
`
`Page 6
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`polyacrylic acid ora salt of polyacrylic acid; paragraph [0141] of ABDELSALAM).
`
`Advantageously, using polyacrylic acid as a binder allows for the expansion ofthe silicon during
`
`charging and discharging (paragraph [0141] of ABDELSALAM). Accordingly, prior to the
`
`effective filing date of the claimed invention, one of ordinaryskill in the art, in seeking to allow
`
`for the expansion ofsilicon during charging and discharging, would have foundit obvious to
`
`utilize a polyacrylic acid bindora salt thereof as suggested by ABDESALAMinthe nonaqueous
`
`secondarybattery as taught by TOSHIRO.
`
`Modified TOSHIRO does not explicitly disclose using a combination of binders
`
`including both a polyacrylic acid ora salt thereof and a binderdifferent from polyacrylic acid or
`
`a Salt thereof, like styrene butadiene rubber (SBR).
`
`However, HARADAdiscloses an active material including a composite oxide fora
`
`nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery, wherein the battery includes a negative electrode
`
`including the active material, a positive electrode and a nonaqueous electrolyte ([0017] —
`
`[0018]). HARADAfurther discloses that a binderis addedto fill gaps amongthe dispersed
`
`negative electrode active material and also to bind the negative electrode active material with the
`
`current collector ((0091]). Examples of the binder include styrene-butadiene rubber and
`
`polyacrylic acid compounds, wherein two or more may be included in combination as the binder
`
`({0091]). As such, priorto the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been
`
`obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to include a combination of binders including
`
`polyacrylic acid ora salt thereof and styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), the to bind the negative
`
`electrode active material with the current collector, as suggested by HARADA, in the
`
`nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery, as taught by modified TOSHIRO.
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 16/975,829
`Art Unit: 1728
`
`Page 7
`
`Modified TOSHIRO does not explicitly teach thataratio (B/A) of the D-band/G-band
`
`ratio (B) of the Raman spectrum ofthe second layer to the D-band/G-bandratio (A) of the
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`Ramanspectrum ofthefirst layer is 2 to 10 and that the carbon-based negative electrode active
`
`material contained in the secondlayer includes an amorphous carbon anda graphite -based
`
`carbon, wherein the amorphouscarbonis configured to be chemically and/or physically bonded
`
`to a surface of the graphite-based carbon. However, modified TOSHIRO does vary the carbon
`
`content of the amorphous carbon mixture layer with the crystalline graphite carbon mixture
`
`layer, such that the negative electrode mixture layer farther from the negative electrode current
`
`collector has a higher content of the amorphous carbon, while the contentof the crystalline
`
`carbon at the layer closest to the negative electrode collectoris higher than that of the amorphous
`
`carbon (abstract). As such, varying the amount of amorphous carbon correspondsto the peak
`
`intensity ratio of D-band/G-band, whereby a higher ratio correspondsto a larger amount of
`
`amorphous carbon (paragraph [0023] of the instant application).
`
`Additionally, ABE ‘167 explicitly teaches a negative electrode active material with a
`
`graphite B and graphite A, such thatthe lithium ion receptivity can be increased (paragraph
`
`[0058]). The graphite B is comprised of graphite particles as base particles whose surface are
`
`coated with an amorphous carbon. The graphite carbon particles and the amorphous carbon
`
`particles are containedin a single layer corresponding to the second layer, wherebyit is the
`
`examiner’s position that the graphite carbon and amorphouscarbon are chemically and/or
`
`physically bonded together by a vapor phase methodthrough thermolysis of a hydrocarbon gas
`
`such as propaneor acetylene carbon, thereby makingit into carbonto be deposited onto the
`
`surface of graphite (paragraph [0056] of ABE ‘167), which correspondstothe instant
`
`application’s disclosure of the amorphous carbon being fixed or bonded to the surface of
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 16/975,829
`Art Unit: 1728
`
`Page 8
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`graphite-based carbon (paragraphs [0033] & [0034] of the instant application). Further, ABE
`
`‘167 teaches that the R value is a peak strength ratio of the peak strength at 1340 to 1370cm"!
`
`with respectto the peak strength at 1570 to 1590 cm"! by meansof an argon ion laser Raman
`
`spectrum (paragraph [0056] of ABE ‘167), which correspondsto the instant application’s
`
`disclosure of the peak intensity ratio of D-band/G-band being used as an indicator of the amount
`
`of amorphous carbon (paragraph [0023] of the instant application). It is preferable, that the R
`
`value is 0.3 or more in order to secure sufficient quantity of the coating by the amorphous carbon
`
`((0056] of ABE ‘167). Accordingly, prior to the effective filing date of the claimed invention,
`
`one of ordinary skill in the art, would have optimized, by routine experimentation, the amount of
`
`amorphous carbon in eachlayer, corresponding to the D-band/G-bandratio, in order to secure
`
`sufficient quantity of the coating by amorphous carbonin the secondlayerof the negative
`
`electrode mix layer. “[W]here the general conditions of a claim are disclosed in the priorart, itis
`
`not inventive to discover the optimum or workable ranges by routine experimentation.” See In re
`
`Aller, 220 F.2d 454, 456, 105 USPQ 233, 235 (CCPA 1955). The discovery of an optimum value
`
`of aknownresult effective variable, without producing any new or unexpectedresults, is within
`
`the ambit of a person of ordinary skill in the art. See Jn re Boesch, 205 USPQ 215 (CCPA 1980)
`
`(see MPEP § 2144.05, II.).
`
`Modified TOSHIROis deficient in disclosing a nonaqueouselectrolyte and that a
`
`concentration of the polyacrylic acid or a salt thereof in the first layer is higher than a
`
`concentration of the polyacrylic acid orasalt thereof in the second layer.
`
`SAWAdiscloses a negative electrode used in a nonaqueouselectrolyte secondary battery
`
`(paragraph [0014] of SAWA). SAWAfurther discloses that the percentage of a binderin the
`
`vicinity of a negative electrode current collector is 2.5 times or morethe percentage of the binder
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 16/975,829
`Art Unit: 1728
`
`Page 9
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`in a position away from the negative electrode current collector (paragraph [0003] of SAWA).
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`Advantageously, concentrating muchof the binder closeto the interface of the current collector
`
`improves the adhesion between the second mix layer and the current collector (paragraph [002 1]
`
`of SAWA). Thus, prior to the effective filing date of the claimed invention, one of ordinary skill
`
`in the art, in seeking to improve the adhesion betweenthe second mix layer and the current
`
`collector, would have foundit obvious to vary the concentration of the binder such that the
`
`concentration of the binderin the first mix layer is higher than the concentration of the binderin
`
`the second mix layer, as suggested by SAWA, in the nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery,
`
`as taught by modified TOSHIRO.
`
`Modified TOSHIRO does not explicitly disclose that the carbon-based negative electrode
`
`active material is a primary negative electrode active material constituting a highest
`
`concentration in eachofthe first layer and the secondlayer, the negative electrode mix layer
`
`further including a silicon compoundas a secondary negative electrode active material in
`
`addition to the carbon-based negative electrode active material, and the silicon compoundis
`
`either (1) contained onlyin thefirst layer, or (i) contained in a higher concentration in thefirst
`
`layer than in the secondlayer.
`
`SHINOMIYA‘336 discloses a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery having
`
`excellent discharge load characteristics and excellent long-term cycle characteristics (abstract).
`
`The negative electrode 30 includes the negative electrode current collector 31 and at least one
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`negative electrode mixture layer 32 formed on the negative electrode current collector 31
`
`({0027]). The negative electrode mixture layer 32 includes a first mixture layer 33 primarily
`
`composedof carbon-coated graphite 35 and a second mixture layer 34 primarily composed of a
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`graphite 36 (1.e., the graphite constitutes the highest concentration in each ofthe first and second
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 16/975,829
`Art Unit: 1728
`
`Page 10
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`mixture layers; [0028]). Additionally, in the negative electrode mixture layer 32, a negative
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`electrode active material other than graphite may also be contained, such as silicon (Si) (i.e., a
`
`secondary negative electrode active material; [0037]). The silicon contained in the negative
`
`electrode mixture layer 32 may be containedin only the first mixture layer 33 or the second
`
`mixture layer 34, but may also be containedin both layers in different concentrations ([0037]).
`
`Therefore, prior to the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious
`
`to a person of ordinary skill in the art, in seeking to provide a battery having excellent discharge
`
`load and long-term cycle characteristics, to further modify the negative electrode of the
`
`nonaqueous electrolyte battery, as taught by modified TOSHIRO, suchthat the carbon -based
`
`negative electrode active material is a primary negative electrode active material constituting a
`
`highest concentration in each of the first layer and the secondlayer, the negative electrode mix
`
`layer further including a silicon compoundas a secondary negative electrode active material in
`
`addition to the carbon-based negative electrode active material, and the silicon compoundis
`
`either (1) contained onlyin thefirst layer, or (i) contained in a higher concentration in thefirst
`
`layer than in the secondlayer, as suggested by SHINOMIYA‘336.
`
`Regarding Claim 2, modified TOSHIROteaches the nonaqueous electrolyte secondary
`
`battery according to Claim 1, wherein the thickness of the first mix layer is preferably 10 um or
`
`less and the thickness of the second mix layer is 10 um or more (paragraphs [0026] & [0027] of
`
`SAWA). Thelimitation of claim 2 is met, for example, whenthe first mix layer is 10 um, the
`
`second mix layer is 10 um, andthe total negative electrode mix layeris a total of 20 um.
`
`Therefore, the second mix layer is 50% of the thickness of the negative electrode mix layer
`
`whichis within the range of 20% to 70%.
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 16/975,829
`Art Unit: 1728
`
`Page 11
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`Asset forth in MPEP 2144.05, in the case where the claimed range “overlaporlie inside
`
`ranges disclosed bythe priorart,” a prima facie case of obviousness exists (In re Wertheim, 541
`
`F.2d 257, 191 USPQ 90(CCPA 1976); In re Woodruff, 919 F.2d 1575, 16 USPQ2d 1934 (Fed.
`
`Cir. 1990)).
`
`Conclusion
`
`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
`
`MONTHSfrom the mailing date of this action. In the eventa first reply is filed within TWO
`
`MONTHSofthe mailing date of this final action and the advisoryaction is not mailed until after
`
`the end of the THREE-MONTHshortenedstatutory period, then the shortened statutory period
`
`will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any extension fee pursuant to 37
`
`CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event,
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`however,will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHSfrom thedate of this
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`final action.
`
`Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the
`
`examiner should be directed to TAYLOR H KRONEwhosetelephone numberis (57 1)270-5064.
`
`The examiner can normally be reached Mondaythrough Friday from 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM EST.
`
`Examinerinterviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using
`
`a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicantis
`
`encouragedto use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR)at
`
`http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice.
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 16/975,829
`Art Unit: 1728
`
`Page 12
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`If attempts to reach the examinerby telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s
`
`supervisor, MATTHEW T MARTINcan be reached on 571-270-7871. The fax phone number
`
`for the organization wherethis application or proceedingis assigned is 57 | -273-8300.
`
`Information regarding the status of published or unpublished applications may be
`
`obtained from Patent Center. Unpublished application information in Patent Centeris available
`
`to registered users. To file and manage patent submissionsin Patent Center,visit:
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`https://patentcenter.uspto.gov. Visit https://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/patent-center for more
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`information about Patent Center and https://www.uspto.gov/patents/docx for information about
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`filing in DOCX format. For additional questions, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC)
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`at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO CustomerService
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`Representative, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA)or 571-272-1000.
`
`/TAYLOR HARRISON KRONE/
`Examiner, Art Unit 1728
`
`/MATTHEW T MARTIN/
`Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 1728
`
`