Control No.
`
`Patent Under Reexamination
`
`Notice of Intent to Issue
`
`90/013-105
`
`Ex Parte Reexamination Certificate
`
`Examiner
`
`HENRY N. TRAN
`
`5795183
`
`Art Unit
`
`3992
`
`AIA (First Inventor to File)
`Status
`No
`
`— The MAILING DA TE of this communication appears on the cover sheet with the correspondence address --
`
`1. IZI Prosecution on the merits is (or remains) closed in this ex parte reexamination proceeding. This proceeding is
`subject to reopening at the initiative of the Office or upon petition. Of. 37 CFR 1.313(a). A Certificate will be issued
`in view of
`
`IZI Patent owner's communication(s) filed: 07 May 2014.
`(a)
`(b) I:I Patent owner's failure to file an appropriate timely response to the Office action mailed:
`(c) I:I Patent owner's failure to timely file an Appeal Brief (37 CFR 41.31).
`(d)
`|:I The decision on appeal by the |:I Board of Patent Appeals and interferences |:I Court dated
`(e)
`|:I Other:
`The Reexamination Certificate will indicate the following:
`(a) Change in the Specification:
`|:l Yes IZI No
`(b) Change in the Drawing(s):
`|:l Yes IZI No
`(c) Status of the CIaim(s):
`
`Patent claim(s) amended (including dependent on amended claim(s)):
`Patent claim(s) canceled: 18 27 and 35.
`Newly presented claim(s) patentable: 40-117.
`Newly presented canceled claims:
`.
`Patent claim(s)
`|:I previously |:I currently disclaimed:
`Patent claim(s) not subject to reexamination: 1-17 19-26 28-34 and 36-39.
`
`3. |:l A declaration(s)/affidavit(s) under 37 CFR 1.130(b) was/were filed on
`4. E Note the attached statement of reasons for patentability and/or confirmation. Any comments considered necessary
`by patent owner regarding reasons for patentability and/or confirmation must be submitted promptly to avoid
`processing delays. Such submission(s) should be labeled: “Comments On Statement of Reasons for Patentability
`and/or Confirmation.”
`
`5. CI Note attached NOTICE OF REFERENCES CITED (PTO-892).
`
`6. I] Note attached LIST OF REFERENCES CITED (PTO/SB/08 or PTO/SB/08 substitute).
`
`7. |:I The drawing correction request filed on
`
`is: El approved
`
`El disapproved.
`
`8. I:I Acknowledgment is made of the priority claim under 35 U.S.C.§119( )-(d) or (f).
`a)I:| All b)I:| Some*
`c)I:I None
`of the certified copies have
`|:l been received.
`|:| not been received.
`.
`I:| been filed in Application No.
`.
`I:I been filed in reexamination Control No.
`I:I been received by the International Bureau in PCT Application No.
`
`* Certified copies not received: j
`
`9. El Note attached Examiner’s Amendment.
`
`10. El Note attached Interview Summary (PTO-474).
`
`11. El Other:
`
`All correspondence relating to this reexamination proceeding should be directed to the Central Reexamination Unit at
`the mail, FAX, or hand-carry addresses given at the end of this Office action.
`
`cc: Reuester (if third arty reuester)
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
`PTOL-469 (Rev. 08-13)
`Notice of Intent to Issue Ex Parte Reexamination Certificate
`
`Part of Paper No 20140603
`
`HENRY N TRAN/
`Primary Examiner
`A rt Unit: 3992
`
`Page 1 of 1714
`
`SAMSUNG EXHIBIT 1006
`
`

`
`Application/Control Number: 90/013,106
`Art Unit: 3992
`
`Page 2
`
`The present application is being examined under the pre-AIA first to invent provisions.
`
`NOTICE OF INTENT TO ISSUE EX PARTE REEXAMINATION CERTIFICATE
`
`INTRODUCTION
`
`1. This Notice of Intent to Issue Ex Parte Reexamination Certificate (NIRC) action concerns the
`
`Ex Parte Reexamination Request (hereinafter “the Request”) filed by patent owner on December
`
`24, 2013 for the Ex Parte Reexamination Certificate, the U.S. Patent No. 5,786,183 C1, issued
`
`on April 29, 2013 to Hourrnand et al. (hereinafter “the ‘ 183 patent”); and it is responsive to the
`
`patent owner’s response filed on May 7, 2014 (hereinafter “the response”). The response has
`
`been entered. Claims 40-117 are subject to this reexamination; and they are found patentable
`
`and/or confirmed.
`
`RESPONSE TO THE RESPONSE
`
`2. Patent oWncr’s proposed amendment to the claims, see pages 2-14, filed with the response is
`
`in compliance with 37 CFR 1.530(d)-(j), and it has been entered. See M.P.E.P. § 2250. Claims
`
`18, 27, and 35 are canceled; claims 1-17, 19-26, 28-34, and 36-39 are unamended and they are
`
`not subject to reexamination; claims 40-105 were previously added, and of which, claims 40, 41,
`
`56, 66, 67, 71, and 95 are amended; and claims 106-117 are newly added. Thus, claims 40-117
`
`are subject to this reexamination.
`
`3. Patent owner’s arguments, see pages 15-141, filed with the response, with respect to the claim
`
`rejections under 35 U.S.C. § 305, the prior art references of Boie, Gerpheide, Lee, and Casio. and
`
`Page 2 of 1714
`
`

`
`Application/Control Number: 90/013,106
`Art Unit: 3992
`
`the supports for new claims 40-] 17, have been fully considered and are persuasive. The
`
`rejection of claims 18, 27. 40-44. 56-71, and 95-105 under 35 U.S.C. § 305 as recited in the
`
`prior Office action mailed on March 27, 2014 has been overcome, and it has been withdrawn.
`
`REFERENCES CITED IN THIS OFFICE ACTION
`
`3. The prior art patents and printed publications (the prior art references) cited in the Request
`
`pursuant to C.F.R. § 1.510(b) (3), see the Request page 10, and relied upon are relisted below:
`
`° U.S. Patent No. 5,463,388 issued to Boie et al. on October 31, 1995 ("Boie" or the '388 patent),
`which was submitted with the request as Exhibit C.
`
`- U.S. Patent No. 5,565,658 issued to Gerpheide et al. on October 15, 1996 ("Gerpheide" or the
`‘658 patent), which was submitted with the request as Exhibit D.
`
`- Casio advertisement entitled "Now... The Invisible Casio Calculator Watch," published in
`Popular Science by On the Run in 1984 ("Casio"), which was submitted with the request as
`Exhibit E.
`
`' Lee, thesis entitled "A Fast Multiple—Touch—Sensitive Input Device," and published October
`1984 ("Lee"), which was submitted with the IDS filed with the request.
`
`ALLOWABLE SUBJECT MATTER
`
`4. New claims 40-117 are patentable.
`
`STATEMENT OF REASONS FOR PATENTABILITY AND/OR CONFIRMATION
`
`5. The following is an examiner's statement of reasons for patentability and/or confirmation of
`
`the claims found patentable in this reexamination proceeding:
`
`Page 3 of 1714
`
`

`
`Application/Control Number: 90/013,106
`Art Unit: 3992
`
`Page 4
`
`The ‘l83 patent generally relates to a capacitive responsive electronic switching circuit including
`
`an oscillator 200 providing a periodic output signal, a keypad having a plurality of input touch
`
`terminals 450 defining areas for an operator to provide inputs by proximity and touch, a
`
`microcontroller 500 using the periodic output signal from the oscillator for selectively providing
`
`signal output frequencies to the input touch terminals(e.g., touch terminals 57 and 59), and a
`
`detector circuit 400 coupled to the oscillator, the input touch terminals, and the microcontroller
`
`for providing a control output signal based on the presence of operator’s body capacitance to
`
`ground coupled to the input touch terminal when in proximity or touched by an operator. An
`
`array of touch terminals may be provided in close proximity due to the reduction in crosstalk that
`
`may result from contaminants by utilizing an oscillator outputting signal having a frequency of
`
`50 KHZ or greater. See, the ‘I83 patent Abstract, and Figures 3, 4 and 11. Each of the new
`
`independent claims 45, 56, 72, 84, 95, 106, and 1 ll identifies the uniquely distinct features that
`
`are not taught or suggested by the cited prior art references, either alone or in any reasonable
`
`combinations. Specifically,
`
`(ii) Independent claim 45 inludes the new limitation of “a microcontroller using the periodic
`
`output signal from the oscillator, the microcontroller selectively providing signal output
`
`frequencies directly to a plurality of small sized input touch terminals of a keypad”
`
`(ii) Independent claim 56 requires, inter alia, the features: “a microcontroller using the periodic
`
`output signal from the oscillator, the microcontroller selectively providing signal output
`
`frequencies to a plurality of small sized input touch terminals of a keypad, and wherein a peak
`
`voltage ofthe signal outputfrequencies is greater than a supply voltage ”;
`
`Page 4 of 1714
`
`

`
`Application/Control Number: 90/013,106
`Art Unit: 3992
`
`Page 5
`
`(iii) Independent claim 72 requires, inter alia, the features: “a microcontroller using the periodic
`
`output signal from the oscillator, the microcontroller selectively providing signal output
`
`frequencies‘ directly to a closely spaced array of input touch terminals of a keypad”, and “a
`
`detector circuit coupled to said oscillator for receiving said periodic output signal from said
`
`oscillator, and coupled to said input touch terminals, said detector circuit being responsive to
`
`signals from said oscillator via said microcontroller and a presence of an operator's body
`
`capacitance to ground coupled to said touch terminals when proximal or touched by the
`
`operator to provide a control output signal for actuation of the controlled keypad device, said
`
`detector circuit being configured to generate said control output signal when the operator is
`
`proximal or touch said second touch terminal after the operator is proximal or touches said first
`
`touch terminal”
`
`(iv) independent claims 84 and 95, each requires, inter alia. the features: “a microcontroller
`
`using the periodic output signal from the oscillator, the microcontroller selectively providing
`
`signal output frequencies to a closely spaced array of input touch terminals of a keypad, the
`
`input touch terminals comprising first and second input touch terminals, and wherein a peak
`
`voltage ofthe signal outputfrequencies is greater than a supply voltage";
`
`(V) Independent claim 106 requires, inter alia, the features: “a microcontroller using the periodic
`
`output signal from the oscillator, the microcontroller selectively providing signal output
`
`frequencies to a plurality of small sized input touch terminals of a keypad, wherein the
`
`selectively providing comprises the microcontroller selectively providing a signal output
`
`frequency to each row ofthe plurality ofsmall sized input touch terminals ofa keypad”; and
`
`Page 5 of 1714
`
`

`
`Application/Control Number: 90/013,106
`Art Unit: 3992
`
`(vi) Independent claim 1 l 1 requires, inter alia, the features: “a microcontroller using the
`
`periodic output signal from the oscillator, the microcontroller selectively providing signal output
`
`frequencies to a closely spaced array of input touch terminals of a keypad, the input touch
`
`terminals comprising first and second input touch terminal, wherein the selectively providing
`
`comprises the microcontroller selectively providing a signal output frequency to each row of the
`
`plurality ofclosely spaced array of input touch terminals ofa keypad.
`
`Whereas, the cited prior art references:
`
`Boie
`
`Boie discloses a computer input device for use as a computer mouse or keyboard comprises a
`
`thin, insulating surface covering an array 100 of electrodes arranged in a grid pattern and
`
`connected in columns and rows, each column and row is connected to circuitry 401, which can
`
`be selected by multiplexer 402 under Control of microcontroller 406. See id. at col. 3:56-61 . The
`
`selected output is forwarded to summing circuit 403, the output of which is converted by
`
`synchronous detector and filter circuit 404 to a signal related to the capacitance of the row or
`
`column selected by the multiplexer. See id. at col. 3:62-67. The RF oscillator 408 provides an
`
`RF signal of, for example ,l00 Kiloheitz, to circuits 401, synchronous detector and filter circuit
`
`404 via inverter 410, and guard plane 411, which is a substantially continuous plane parallel to
`
`array 100 and associated connections, and serves to isolate array 100 from extraneous signals.
`
`See id. at col. 3:67 — col. 4:5. To measure separate capacitance values for each electrode in array
`
`100 instead of the collective capacitances of subdivided electrode elements connected in rows
`
`and columns, a Circuit 401 is provided for each electrode in array 100 and multiplexer 402 is
`
`enlarged to accommodate the outputs from all circuits 401. See id. at col. 4: 14-21. The output of
`
`Page 6 of 1714
`
`

`
`Application/Control Number: 90/013,106
`Art Unit: 3992
`
`Page 7
`
`synchronous detector and filter 404 is converted to digital form by analog—to—digital converter
`
`405 and forwarded to rnicrocontroller 406 so that microcontroller 406 obtains a digital value
`
`representing the capacitance seen by any row or column of electrode elements (or electrode if
`
`measured separately) selected by multiplexer 402. See id. at col. 4:22-28. Particularly, Boie
`
`discloses driving the electrodes of electrode array 100 and guard planes 411 with a single RF
`
`signal for minimizing the effects of electrode—to—electrode capacitances, wiring capacitances and
`
`other extraneous capacitances. See id. at col. 4:58-61.
`
`Thus, Boie does not teach or suggest the rnicrocontroller is used to selectively providing signal
`
`output frequencies to input touch terminals of a keypad.
`
`Accordingly, Boie does not teach or suggest the above—identified underlined claimed features.
`
`Gerpheide
`
`Gerpheide teaches a system and method for a capacitance—based proximity sensor with
`
`interference rejection. See Abstract. The system 10 comprises an electrode array 12, a
`
`synchronous electrode capacitance measurement unit 14, a reference frequency generator 16, and
`
`a position locator 18. See id. at Figure 1, and col. 3:52 to col. 4:26. The electrode array consists
`
`of multiple X electrodes 20 and Y electrodes 22. See id. at Figures 2A and 2B. The
`
`synchronous electrode capacitance measurement unit 14 is connected to the electrode array 12
`
`and the reference frequency generator 16 for producing capacitive measurement signals. See id.
`
`at Figure 4, and col. 5:50-67. Particularly, Gerpheide teaches that the reference frequency
`
`generator 16 includes an oscillator 100 for driving a microcontroller 102 and a divide—by— (M+N)
`
`circuit 104, for providing signal output frequencies and always selecting a reference frequency
`
`away from frequencies which have been found to result in measurement interference; wherein, N
`
`Page 7 of 1714
`
`

`
`Application/Control Number: 90/013,106
`Art Unit: 3992
`
`Page 8
`
`is a fixed constant, approximately 50, and M is specified by the microcontroller 102 to be, for
`
`example. one of four values in the ranges 61 KHZ to 80 KHz as specified by the microcontroller
`
`102; and wherein, the microcontroller 102 performs the functions of interference evaluation 106
`
`and frequency selection 108. See id. at Figure 7, and col. 8:20-43.
`
`Thus, Gerpheide does not teach or suggest the synchronous electrode capacitance measurement
`
`unit is responsive to signals from the oscillator via said rnicrocontroller and the presence of an
`
`operator's body capacitance to ground.
`
`Accordingly, Gerpheide does not teach or suggest the above—identified underlined claimed
`
`features.
`
`Casio
`
`Casio teaches a Casio Calculator Watch, which is a timepiece product employing electro—touch
`
`technology. The watch works by reading finger—strokes traced across its face. See id. at col. 1.
`
`The transparent touch panel construction includes a fiberglass panel having a transparent
`
`conductor film pattern (first layer) and a dielectric layer (second layer) overlying the fiberglass.
`
`See id. at col. 2. The touch panel determines figure and math symbols outlined with finger-
`
`strokes traced across the face. See id. at col. 1. The touch panel senses the input, and then
`
`digitizes it to extract features of the figure or math symbol. See id. at col. 2. The watch then
`
`outputs the corresponding figure or math symbol on the screen.
`
`Thus, Casio does not teach or suggest the rnicrocontroller is used to selectively providing signal
`
`output frequencies to input touch terminals of a keypad.
`
`Accordingly, Casio does not teach or suggest the above—identified underlined claimed features.
`
`Page 8 of 1714
`
`

`
`Application/Control Number: 90/0l3,l06
`Art Unit: 3992
`
`Lee
`
`Lee discloses a fast—scanning multiple—touch—sensitive input device comprising: a sensor matrix
`
`board, row and column selection registers, A/D converting circuits and a dedicated CPU. See id.
`
`at Figure 3.4. The row selection registers select one or more rows by setting the corresponding
`
`bits to a high state in order to charge up the sensors while the column selection registers select
`
`one or more columns by turn on corresponding analog switches to discharge the sensors
`
`through timing resistors. The intersecting region of the selected rows and the selected columns
`
`represents the selected sensors as a unit. See id. at Figure 3. 1(a) shows a model of a selected
`
`sensor in the sensor matrix, Figure 3.1 (b) shows the timing diagram for discharging time
`
`measurement of a selected sensor, and Figure 3.2 illustrates a small section of a sensor matrix.
`
`Particularly, Lee describes the interface between the CPU and the sensor matrix as follows: The
`
`CPU selects the row or rows of a sensor group. initiating charging of all the associated sensors.
`
`After a charging interval, the CPU discharges the selected column or columns corresponding to a
`
`sensor group by connecting a group of discharge resistors whose current is summed Via a high
`
`slew rate operational amplifier. Wherein, the CPU selects or deselects the row(s) by sending
`
`binary signals to the selected row(s). See id. at Figs. 3.l(a), 3.l(b), and 3.4, and page 3-10. As
`
`illustrated by the data bus of Figure 3.4.
`
`Thus, Lee does not teach or suggest sending signal output frequencies to the selected rows and/or
`
`column.
`
`Accordingly, Lee does not teach or suggest the ab0Ve—identified underlined claimed features.
`
`Page 9 of 1714
`
`

`
`Application/Control Number: 90/013,106
`Art Unit: 3992
`
`Page 10
`
`Further, the examiner agrees with the discussion articulated by patent owner that the prior art
`
`references, Boie, Gerpheide, Lee, and Casio, either alone or in combinations, fails to teach the
`
`above-identified claimed, see the response pages 16-20.
`
`Accordingly, the independent claims 45, 56, 72, 84, 95, 106, and 111 are patentable over the
`
`prior art references of Boie, Gerpheide, Lee, and Casio.
`
`Dependent claims 40-44, 46-55, 57-71, 73-83, 85-94, 96-105, 107-110, and 112-117, each is
`
`dependent upon one of said independent claims, and it is patentable based on at least the reasons
`
`set forth for the independent claim due to its dependency.
`
`Any comments considered necessary by PATENT OWNER regarding the above statement must
`
`be submitted promptly to avoid processing delays. Such submission by the patent owner should
`
`be labeled: "Comments on Statement of Reasons for Patentability and/or Confirmation" and will
`
`be placed in the reexamination file.
`
`CLAIM RENUMBERS
`
`6. Claims 40-117 are renumbered consecutively in compliance with 37 CFR 1.126 and 37 CFR
`
`1.530(g), see MPEP 608.010) and MPEP § 2250, as shown in the table below.
`
`Page 10 of 1714
`
`

`
`Application/Control Number: 90/013,106
`Art Unit: 3992
`
`Ciaims :'enu-mi.‘re:'ed in the same order as plesemsad by applicant
`I3rL:,-ma!
`Final
`Ciriqinal
`3.
`:.
`;—_
`
`Final
`1\7
`
`C-riginzt
`55
`
`Final
`25
`
`TD
`C-rigina!
`3-5
`
`Origrnzt
`* -
`
`Finit
`:5:
`15-}
`
`Final
`
`Ongirxir
`
`CONCLUSION
`
`7. Extensions of Time
`
`Extensions of time under 37 CFR 1. l36(a) will not be permitted in these proceedings because the
`
`provisions of 37 CFR 1.136 apply only to "an applicant" and not to parties in a reexamination
`
`proceeding. Additionally, 35 U.S.C. 305 requires that reexamination proceedings "will be
`
`conducted with special dispatch" (37 CFR l.550(a)). Extension of time in ex parte
`
`reexamination proceedings are provided for in 37 CFR l.550(c).
`
`8. Litigation Reminder
`
`The patent owner is reminded of the continuing responsibility under 37 CFR l.565(a) to apprise
`
`the Office of any litigation activity, or other prior or concurrent proceeding, involving the ‘ 183
`
`Page 11 of 1714
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`

`
`Application/Control Number: 90/0l3,l06
`Art Unit: 3992
`
`Page l2
`
`patent throughout the course of this reexamination proceeding. See MPEP §§ 2207, 2282 and
`
`2286.
`
`9. Correspondence and Inquiry as to Office Actions
`
`All correspondence related to this ex parte reexamination proceeding should be directed
`
`as follows:
`
`By EFS:
`
`Registered users may submit Via the electronic filing system EFS —Web, at
`https://efs.uspto.gov/efile/myportal/efs—registered
`
`By Mail to: Mail Stop Ex Parte Reexam
`Central Reexamination Unit
`Commissioner for Patents
`United States Patent & Trademark Office
`P.O. Box 1450
`
`Alexandria, VA 22313-1450
`
`By FAX to:
`
`(571)273-9900
`Central Reexamination Unit
`
`Customer Service Window
`
`Randolph Building
`40l Dulany Street
`Alexandria, VA 2231
`
`For EFS—Web transmissions, 37 CFR l.8(a)(l)(i) (C) and (ii) states that correspondence (except
`
`for a request for reexamination and a corrected or replacement request for reexamination) will be
`
`considered timely filed if (a) it is transmitted Via the Office's electronic filing system in
`
`accordance with 37 CFR l.6(a)(4), and (b) includes a certificate of transmission for each piece of
`
`correspondence stating the data of transmission, which is prior to the expiration of the set period
`
`of time in the Office action.
`
`Page 12 of 1714
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`

`
`Application/Control Number: 90/013,106
`Art Unit: 3992
`
`Page 13
`
`Any inquiry by the patent owner concerning this communication or earlier communications from
`
`the Legal Advisor or Examiner, or as to the status of this proceeding, should be directed to the
`
`Central Reexamination Unit at telephone number (571) 272-7705.
`
`Signed:
`
`/Henry N Tran/
`Patent Reexamination Specialist,
`CRU — Art Unit 3992
`
`Conferees:
`
`//
`
`Patent Reexamination Specialist,
`CRU — Art Unit 3992
`
`//
`
`Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 3992
`
`Page 13 of 1714
`
`

`
`Application/Control No.
`
`Applicant(s)/Patent Under Reexamination
`
`Issue Classification 00010100
`
`Examiner
`
`HENRY N TRAN
`
`5700100
`
`Art Unit
`
`3992
`
`Version
`
`(Assistam Examiner)
`/HENRY N TRAN/
`Primary Examiner.Ar1 Unit 3992
`
`(Primary Examiner)
`US. Patent and Trademark Office
`
`To1al Claims Allowed:
`
`78
`
`06/03/2014
`
`O.G. Prim C|aim(s)
`
`O.G. Prim Figure
`
`(Date)
`
`40
`
`4
`Part of Paper No. 20140603
`
`Page 14 of 1714
`
`

`
`Application/Control No.
`
`Applicant(s)/Patent Under Reexamination
`
`Issue Classification 00010100
`
`Examiner
`
`HENRY N TRAN
`
`5700100
`
`Art Unit
`
`3992
`
`US ORIGINAL CLASSIFICATION
`
`INTERNATIONAL CLASSIFICATION
`
`CLASS
`
`SUBCLASS
`
`116
`
`CROSS REFERENCE(S)
`
`SUBCLASS (ONE SUBCLASS PER BLOCK)
`139
`140
`112
`113
`
`CLAIMED
`17/96 (2006 0101)
`17/94 i2006.01.01I
`
`NON-CLAIMED
`
`(Assistam Examiner)
`/HENRY N TRAN/
`Primary Examiner.Ar1 Unit 3992
`
`(Primary Examiner)
`US. Patent and Trademark Office
`
`Tom! Claims Allowed:
`
`78
`
`06/03/2014
`
`O.G. Prim C|aim(s)
`
`O.G. Prim Figure
`
`(Date)
`
`40
`
`4
`Part of Paper No. 20140603
`
`Page 15 of 1714
`
`

`
`Application/Control No.
`
`Applicant(s)/Patent Under Reexamination
`
`Issue Classification 00010100
`
`Examiner
`
`HENRY N TRAN
`
`5700100
`
`Art Unit
`
`El
`Final
`1
`
`Claims renumbered in the same order as presented by applicant
`Original
`Final
`Original
`Final
`Original
`Final
`Original
`1
`18
`60
`52
`
`[I
`
`Final
`109
`
`Original
`69
`
`[I
`
`T.D.
`Original
`
`Final
`
`|:I
`
`R.1.47
`Original
`
`Final
`
`Final
`
`Original
`
`<D00\lO3U'I4>(.Jl\)
`
`(Assistant Examiner)
`/HENRY N TRAN/
`Primary Examiner.Art Unit 3992
`
`(Primary Examiner)
`US. Patent and Trademark Office
`
`Total Claims Allowed:
`
`78
`
`06/03/2014
`
`O.G. Print C|aim(s)
`
`O.G. Print Figure
`
`(Date)
`
`40
`
`4
`Part of Paper No. 20140603
`
`Page 16 of 1714
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`

`
`I UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OTEICE
`
`Page 1 of1
`
`LNITED STATES DEPARTMEN '1' OF COIVIMEKCE
`United States Patent and Tradelllark Office
`Addxess: COMMISSIONER FOR PATENTS
`PO. Box 1450
`Alcxajldlia. Vi
`' LIE1 22313-1450
`www uspro go
`
`BIB DATA SHEET
`
`SERIAL NUMBER
`90/013.106
`
`F|LlNgA9|_rE 371 (c)
`12/24/2013
`
`RULE
`
`APPLICANTS
`
`CONFIRMATION No. 9188
`
`GROUP ART UNIT ATTORN'\IlE(Y) DOCKET
`NAR-5796183RX2
`
`INVENTORS
`5796183, Residence Not Provided;
`NARTRON CORPORATION, REED CITY, MI;
`*~k*~k*~k*~k*~k1c~k1c~k~k*~k*~k*~k*~k*~k
`This application IS a REX OI08/601,268 01/31/‘I 996 PAT 5796183
`********'k*'k**************
`
`*1:
`
`‘IN:
`
`** IF REQUIRED, FOREIGN FILING LICENSE GRANTED ** ** SMALL ENTITY **
`
`3 Yes Wm
`Foreign Priority claimed
`35 USC t19(a-d) conditions met :I Yes “No
`Verified and
`/HENRY N "RANI
`Acknowledged
`Examiner's Signature
`ADDRESS
`
`Allowance
`D Met after
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`nitia s
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`SLATER & MATSIL, L.L.P.
`17950 PRESTON RD, SUITE ‘I000
`DALLAS, TX 75252-5793
`UNITED STATES
`TITLE
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`STATE on
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`SHEETS
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`TOTAL
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`INDEPENDENT
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`-82' 1 4
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`1 1 O
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`Capacitive Responsive Electronic Switching Circuit
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`II All Fees
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`FEES: Authori
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`IF:;IIE'I;NEcI'VFEII3E No.
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`has been iven in Pa er
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`W to chargeg/credit DEFEIOSIT ACCOUNT
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`II 1.16 Fees (Filing)
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`3 ‘-17 Fees (P'°°e53‘“9 Ext °I time)
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`for following:
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`II 1.18 Fees (Issue)
`II Other
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`II Credit
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`are (Rev. 05/07).
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`Page 17 of 1714
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`

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`Reexamination
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`Application/Control No.
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`"
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`90013106
`
`Certificate Date
`
`04/29/2013
`
`App|icant(s)/Patent Under
`Reexamination
`5796183
`
`Certificate Number
`
`5796183C1
`
`Requester Correspondence Address:
`
`IZ
`
`Patent Owner
`
`|:| Third Party
`
`SLATER & MATSIL, L.L.P.
`17950 PRESTON RD, SUITE 1000
`DALLAS, TX 75252-5793
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`LITIGATION REVIEW E
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`Case Name
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`/HT/
`examiner initials
`
`O1/26/2014
`date
`Director Iniiials
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`1:O6cv 1777 - CLOSED
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`2 :03Cv751 69 - CLOS ED
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`1 :10cv691 - CLOSED
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`2:O6cv500 -CLOS ED
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`COPENDING OFFICE PROCEEDINGS
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`TYPE OF PROCEEDING
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`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
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`DOC. CODE RXFILJKT
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`Page 18 of 1714
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`

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`Application/Control No.
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`Applicant(s)/Patent Under
`Reexamination
`
`Search NOTES
`
`90013106
`
`5796163
`
`HENRY N TRAN
`
`3992
`
`CPC- SEARCHED
`
`CPC COMBINATION SETS - SEARCHED
`
`Symbol
`
`l
`
`l
`
`Examiner
`
`US CLASSIFICATION SEARCHED
`
` ZE1-S
`HT
`112,113,116,125,139,140,157
`6/2/2014 —
`HT
`181
`
`361
`
`SEARCH NOTES
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`Search Notes 2
`Review of patented fi|e‘s prosecution history
`03/102014/
`
`INTERFERENCE SEARCH
`
`US Classl
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`CPC S mbol
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`US Subclass / CPC Group
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`112,113,116,125,139,140,‘I57
`
`O6/O2/14
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`6/2/14
`6/2/14
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`/HENRY N TRAN/
`Primary E><aminer.Art Unit 3992
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`UVSI Pateni and Trademark Office
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`Part of Paper No.
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`: 20140603
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`Page 19 of 1714
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`

`
`Index Of Claims
`
`90013106
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`5796183
`
`Application/Control No.
`
`Applicant(s)/Patent Under
`Reexamination
`
`Examiner
`
`HENRY N TRAN
`
`|:I Claims renumbered in the same order as presented by applicant
`
`CLAIM
`
`Final
`
`03/20/2014 06/03/2014
`H
`
`<OO0\lO>U‘I-l>ODl'\)—|
`
`8
`_a. _;
`_. N
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`_L 01
`_. O)
`_a. \l
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`19
`20
`21
`22
`23
`24
`25
`26
`
`28
`29
`30
`31
`32
`33
`34
`
`36
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`444444444
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`ZZZZZZZ22H
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`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
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`Part of Paper No.
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`: 20140603
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`Page 20 of 1714
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`

`
`Index of Claims
`
`90 013106
`
`5796183
`
`Application/Control No.
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`Applicant(s)/Patent Under
`Reexamination
`
`Examiner
`
`HENRY N TRAN
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`El Claims renumbered in the same order as presented by applicant
`
`—uocox:migig
`
`01l\)
`
`O‘IO‘IU‘IU'IO30‘!-#00
`
`00(0
`-l>O
`-k_;
`
`-l>-P-PO1-#0)
`
`-l>O)
`
`CLAIM
`Final
`37
`38
`39
`45
`41
`42
`43
`44
`50
`51
`52
`56
`57
`58
`59
`60
`53
`54
`55
`61
`62
`63
`66
`67
`68
`69
`70
`64
`65
`1 06
`1 07
`1 08
`1 09
`110
`111
`71
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
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`N
`\/
`\/
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`\/
`\/
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`Part of Paper No.
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`: 20140603
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`Page 21 of 1714
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`

`
`Index Of Claims
`
`90013106
`
`5796183
`
`Application/Control No.
`
`Applicant(s)/Patent Under
`Reexamination
`
`Examiner
`
`HENRY N TRAN
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`73
`74
`75
`76
`77
`78
`79
`72
`80
`81
`82
`83
`85
`86
`87
`88
`89
`90
`91
`92
`93
`84
`94
`96
`97
`98
`99
`
`101
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`95
`40
`46
`47
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`(0\lU‘!
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`100
`101
`102
`103
`104
`105
`106
`107
`108
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`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
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`Part of Paper No.
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`: 20140603
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`Page 22 of 1714
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`

`
`Index Of Claims
`
`90013106
`
`5796183
`
`Application/Control No.
`
`Applicant(s)/Patent Under
`Reexamination
`
`Examiner
`
`HENRY N TRAN
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`111
`112
`113
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`EE2
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`2
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`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
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`Part of Paper No.
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`: 20140603
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`Page 23 of 1714
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`

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`US005796l83C2
`
`(12) EX PARTE REEXAMINATION CERTIFICATE (10211th)
`United States Patent
`I-Iourmand et al.
`
`US 5,796,183 C2
`(10) Number:
`(45) Certificate Issued:
`Jun. 27, 2014
`
`(54) CAPACITIVE RESPONSIVE ELECTRONIC
`SVVITCHING CIRCUIT
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Byron Hourmand, Hcrscy, MI (US);
`John M. Washeleski, Cadillac, MI (US);
`Stephen R. W. Cooper, Fowlcrvillc, MI
`(US)
`
`(73) Assignee: Nartron Corporation, Reed City, MI
`(US)
`
`Reexamination Request:
`No. 90/013,106, Dec. 24, 2013
`
`Reexamination Certificate for:
`Patent No.:
`5,796,183
`Issued:
`Aug. 18, 1998
`App1.No.:
`08/601,268
`Filed:
`Jan. 31, 1996
`
`Reexamination Certificate C1 5,796,183 issued Apr. 29, 2013
`
`Certificate of Correction issued May 11. 1999
`Certificate of Correction issued Oct.
`1 I, 201 1
`
`(51)
`
`(52)
`
`Int. Cl.
`H03K17/96
`H03K17/94
`U.S. Cl.
`USPC ......... .. 307/116; 307/125; 307/139; 307/140;
`307/112; 307/113; 361/181
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`(58) Field of Classification Search
`USPC
`307/112, 113, 116, 125, 139, I40, 157;
`361/181
`See application file for complete search l1istory.
`
`(5 6)
`
`References Cited
`
`To View the complete listing of prior art documents cited
`during the proceeding for Reexamination Control Number
`90/013,106, please refer to the USPTO’s public Patent
`Application Information Retrieval (PAIR) system under the
`Display References tab.
`
`Primary Examiner — Henry N Tran
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A capacitive responsive electronic switching circuit com-
`prises an oscillator providing a periodic output signal having
`a frequency of 50 kHz or greater, an input touch terminal
`defining an area for a11 operator provide a11 input by proximity
`and touch, and a detector circuit coupled to the oscillator for
`receiving the periodic output signal from the oscillator. and
`coupled to the input touch terminal. The detector circuit being
`responsive to signals from the oscillator and the presence of
`an operator’s body capacitance to ground coupled to the
`touch tcrminal when in proximity or touched by an operator to
`provide a control output signal. Preferably. the oscillator pro-
`vides a periodic output signal having a frequency of 800 kHz
`or greater. An array of touch terminals may be provided in
`close proximity due to the reduction in crosstalk that may
`result from contaminants by utilizing an oscillator outputting
`a signal having a frequency of 50 kHz or greater.
`
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`Gaouwa
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`Page 24 of 1714
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`

`
`US 5,796,183 C2
`
`1
`EX PARTE
`REEXAMINATION CERTIFICATE
`
`ISSUED UNDER 35 U.S.C. 307
`
`THE PATENT IS HEREBY AMENDED AS
`INDICATED BELOW.
`
`l\Iatter enclosed in heavy brackets [ ] appeared in the
`patent, but has been deleted and is no longer a part of the
`patent; matter printed in italics indicates additions made
`to the patent.
`
`AS A RESULT OF REEXAMINAIION, I1 HAS B *N
`DE'l'ERM1Nl:'D THAT:
`
`Claims 18, 27 and 35 are cancelled.
`New claims 40-117 are added and determined to be
`patentable.
`Claims 1-17, 19-26, 28-34 and 36-39 were not reexamined.
`
`40. A capacitive responsive electronic switching circuit
`comprising:
`an oscillator providing a periodic output signal having a
`predefinedfrequency,‘
`a microcontroller using theperiodic output signalfrom the
`oscillator, the microcontroller selectively providing sig-
`nal outputfrequencies to a plurality ofsmall sized input
`touch terminals of a heypad, wherein the selectively
`providing comprises the microcontroller selectivelypro-
`viding a signal output frequency to each row of the
`plurality of small sized input touch terminals of the
`keypad;
`the plurality ofsmall sized input touch terminals defining
`adjacent areas on a dielectric substratefor an operator
`to provide inputs by proximity and touch; and
`a detector circuit coupled to said oscillatorfor receiving
`said periodic output signal from said oscillator. and
`coupled to said input touch terminals, said detector cir-
`cuit being responsive to signalsfrom said oscillator via
`said microcontroller and a presence of an operator’s
`body capacitance to ground coupled to said touch ter-
`minals when proximal or touched by the operator to
`provide a control output signal,
`wherein said predefined frequency of said oscillator and
`said signal outputfrequencies are selected to decrease a
`first impedance ofsaid dielectric substrate relative to a
`second impedance ofany contaminate that may create
`an electrical path on said dielectric substrate between ,
`said adjacent areas defined by the plurality of small
`sized input touch terminals, and wherein said detector
`circuit compares a sensed body capacitance change to
`groundproximate an input touch terminal to a threshold
`level to prevent inadvertent generation of the control
`output signal.
`41. The capacitive responsive electronic switching circuit
`as defined in claim 40, wherein each signal output’frequency
`selectivelyprovided to each row oftheplurality ofsmall sized
`input touch terminals ofthe keypad is selectedfrom aplurality
`ofHertz values.
`42. The capacitive responsive electronic switching circuit
`as defined in claim 41, wherein theplurality ofHertz values
`comprises Hertz values greater than 50 kHz.
`43. The capacitive responsive electronic swi