Page 1 of 1714
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`SAMSUNG EXHIBIT 1006 (Part 1 of 8)
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`

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`Application/Control Number: 90/013,106
`Art Unit: 3992
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`Page 2
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`The present application is being examined under the pre-AIA first to invent provisions.
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`NOTICE OF INTENT TO ISSUE EX PARTE REEXAMINATION CERTIFICATE
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`INTRODUCTION
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`1. This Notice of Intent to Issue Ex Parte Reexamination Certificate (NIRC) action concerns the
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`Ex Parte Reexamination Request (hereinafter “the Request”) filed by patent owner on December
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`24, 2013 for the Ex Parte Reexamination Certificate, the U.S. Patent No. 5,786,183 C1, issued
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`on April 29, 2013 to Hourrnand et al. (hereinafter “the ‘ 183 patent”); and it is responsive to the
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`patent owner’s response filed on May 7, 2014 (hereinafter “the response”). The response has
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`been entered. Claims 40-117 are subject to this reexamination; and they are found patentable
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`and/or confirmed.
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`RESPONSE TO THE RESPONSE
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`2. Patent oWncr’s proposed amendment to the claims, see pages 2-14, filed with the response is
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`in compliance with 37 CFR 1.530(d)-(j), and it has been entered. See M.P.E.P. § 2250. Claims
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`18, 27, and 35 are canceled; claims 1-17, 19-26, 28-34, and 36-39 are unamended and they are
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`not subject to reexamination; claims 40-105 were previously added, and of which, claims 40, 41,
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`56, 66, 67, 71, and 95 are amended; and claims 106-117 are newly added. Thus, claims 40-117
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`are subject to this reexamination.
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`3. Patent owner’s arguments, see pages 15-141, filed with the response, with respect to the claim
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`rejections under 35 U.S.C. § 305, the prior art references of Boie, Gerpheide, Lee, and Casio. and
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`Page 2 of 1714
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`Application/Control Number: 90/013,106
`Art Unit: 3992
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`the supports for new claims 40-] 17, have been fully considered and are persuasive. The
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`rejection of claims 18, 27. 40-44. 56-71, and 95-105 under 35 U.S.C. § 305 as recited in the
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`prior Office action mailed on March 27, 2014 has been overcome, and it has been withdrawn.
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`REFERENCES CITED IN THIS OFFICE ACTION
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`3. The prior art patents and printed publications (the prior art references) cited in the Request
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`pursuant to C.F.R. § 1.510(b) (3), see the Request page 10, and relied upon are relisted below:
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`° 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.
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`' 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.
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`ALLOWABLE SUBJECT MATTER
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`4. New claims 40-117 are patentable.
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`STATEMENT OF REASONS FOR PATENTABILITY AND/OR CONFIRMATION
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`5. The following is an examiner's statement of reasons for patentability and/or confirmation of
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`the claims found patentable in this reexamination proceeding:
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`Page 3 of 1714
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`

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

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

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

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

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`Application/Control Number: 90/013,106
`Art Unit: 3992
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`Page 8
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`is a fixed constant, approximately 50, and M is specified by the microcontroller 102 to be, for
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`example. one of four values in the ranges 61 KHZ to 80 KHz as specified by the microcontroller
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`102; and wherein, the microcontroller 102 performs the functions of interference evaluation 106
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`and frequency selection 108. See id. at Figure 7, and col. 8:20-43.
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`Thus, Gerpheide does not teach or suggest the synchronous electrode capacitance measurement
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`unit is responsive to signals from the oscillator via said rnicrocontroller and the presence of an
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`operator's body capacitance to ground.
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`Accordingly, Gerpheide does not teach or suggest the above—identified underlined claimed
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`features.
`
`Casio
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`Casio teaches a Casio Calculator Watch, which is a timepiece product employing electro—touch
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`technology. The watch works by reading finger—strokes traced across its face. See id. at col. 1.
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`The transparent touch panel construction includes a fiberglass panel having a transparent
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`conductor film pattern (first layer) and a dielectric layer (second layer) overlying the fiberglass.
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`See id. at col. 2. The touch panel determines figure and math symbols outlined with finger-
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`strokes traced across the face. See id. at col. 1. The touch panel senses the input, and then
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`digitizes it to extract features of the figure or math symbol. See id. at col. 2. The watch then
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`outputs the corresponding figure or math symbol on the screen.
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`Thus, Casio does not teach or suggest the rnicrocontroller is used to selectively providing signal
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`output frequencies to input touch terminals of a keypad.
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`Accordingly, Casio does not teach or suggest the above—identified underlined claimed features.
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`Page 8 of 1714
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`Application/Control Number: 90/0l3,l06
`Art Unit: 3992
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`Lee
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`Lee discloses a fast—scanning multiple—touch—sensitive input device comprising: a sensor matrix
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`board, row and column selection registers, A/D converting circuits and a dedicated CPU. See id.
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`at Figure 3.4. The row selection registers select one or more rows by setting the corresponding
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`bits to a high state in order to charge up the sensors while the column selection registers select
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`one or more columns by turn on corresponding analog switches to discharge the sensors
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`through timing resistors. The intersecting region of the selected rows and the selected columns
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`represents the selected sensors as a unit. See id. at Figure 3. 1(a) shows a model of a selected
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`sensor in the sensor matrix, Figure 3.1 (b) shows the timing diagram for discharging time
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`measurement of a selected sensor, and Figure 3.2 illustrates a small section of a sensor matrix.
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`Particularly, Lee describes the interface between the CPU and the sensor matrix as follows: The
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`CPU selects the row or rows of a sensor group. initiating charging of all the associated sensors.
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`After a charging interval, the CPU discharges the selected column or columns corresponding to a
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`sensor group by connecting a group of discharge resistors whose current is summed Via a high
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`slew rate operational amplifier. Wherein, the CPU selects or deselects the row(s) by sending
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`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
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`illustrated by the data bus of Figure 3.4.
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`Thus, Lee does not teach or suggest sending signal output frequencies to the selected rows and/or
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`column.
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`Accordingly, Lee does not teach or suggest the ab0Ve—identified underlined claimed features.
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`Page 9 of 1714
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`

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`Application/Control Number: 90/013,106
`Art Unit: 3992
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`Page 10
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`Further, the examiner agrees with the discussion articulated by patent owner that the prior art
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`references, Boie, Gerpheide, Lee, and Casio, either alone or in combinations, fails to teach the
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`above-identified claimed, see the response pages 16-20.
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`Accordingly, the independent claims 45, 56, 72, 84, 95, 106, and 111 are patentable over the
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`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
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`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
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`be submitted promptly to avoid processing delays. Such submission by the patent owner should
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`be labeled: "Comments on Statement of Reasons for Patentability and/or Confirmation" and will
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`be placed in the reexamination file.
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`CLAIM RENUMBERS
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`6. Claims 40-117 are renumbered consecutively in compliance with 37 CFR 1.126 and 37 CFR
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`1.530(g), see MPEP 608.010) and MPEP § 2250, as shown in the table below.
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`Page 10 of 1714
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`

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`Application/Control Number: 90/013,106
`Art Unit: 3992
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`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
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`Extensions of time under 37 CFR 1. l36(a) will not be permitted in these proceedings because the
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`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
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`reexamination proceedings are provided for in 37 CFR l.550(c).
`
`8. Litigation Reminder
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`The patent owner is reminded of the continuing responsibility under 37 CFR l.565(a) to apprise
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`the Office of any litigation activity, or other prior or concurrent proceeding, involving the ‘ 183
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`Page 11 of 1714
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`Application/Control Number: 90/0l3,l06
`Art Unit: 3992
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`Page l2
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`patent throughout the course of this reexamination proceeding. See MPEP §§ 2207, 2282 and
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`2286.
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`9. Correspondence and Inquiry as to Office Actions
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`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
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`correspondence stating the data of transmission, which is prior to the expiration of the set period
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`of time in the Office action.
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`Page 12 of 1714
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`Application/Control Number: 90/013,106
`Art Unit: 3992
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`Page 13
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`Any inquiry by the patent owner concerning this communication or earlier communications from
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`the Legal Advisor or Examiner, or as to the status of this proceeding, should be directed to the
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`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
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`Page 13 of 1714
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`

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`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
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`Page 14 of 1714
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`

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`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
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`Page 15 of 1714
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`

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`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
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`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
`
`nitia s
`
`SLATER & MATSIL, L.L.P.
`17950 PRESTON RD, SUITE ‘I000
`DALLAS, TX 75252-5793
`UNITED STATES
`TITLE
`
`STATE on
`
`SHEETS
`
`TOTAL
`
`INDEPENDENT
`
`-82' 1 4
`
`1 1 O
`
`Capacitive Responsive Electronic Switching Circuit
`
`II All Fees
`
`FEES: Authori
`
`IF:;IIE'I;NEcI'VFEII3E No.
`
`has been iven in Pa er
`
`W to chargeg/credit DEFEIOSIT ACCOUNT
`
`II 1.16 Fees (Filing)
`
`3 ‘-17 Fees (P'°°e53‘“9 Ext °I time)
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`for following:
`
`II 1.18 Fees (Issue)
`II Other
`
`II Credit
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`are (Rev. 05/07).
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`Page 17 of 1714
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`

`
`Reexamination
`
`Application/Control No.
`
`"
`
`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
`
`LITIGATION REVIEW E
`
`Case Name
`
`/HT/
`examiner initials
`
`O1/26/2014
`date
`Director Iniiials
`
`1:O6cv 1777 - CLOSED
`
`2 :03Cv751 69 - CLOS ED
`
`1 :10cv691 - CLOSED
`
`2:O6cv500 -CLOS ED
`
`COPENDING OFFICE PROCEEDINGS
`
`TYPE OF PROCEEDING
`
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
`
`DOC. CODE RXFILJKT
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`Application/Control No.
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`Applicant(s)/Patent Under
`Reexamination
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`Search NOTES
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`90013106
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`5796163
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`HENRY N TRAN
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`3992
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`CPC- SEARCHED
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`CPC COMBINATION SETS - SEARCHED
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`Symbol
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`l
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`l
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`Examiner
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`US CLASSIFICATION SEARCHED
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` ZE1-S
`HT
`112,113,116,125,139,140,157
`6/2/2014 —
`HT
`181
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`361
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`SEARCH NOTES
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`Search Notes 2
`Review of patented fi|e‘s prosecution history
`03/102014/
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`INTERFERENCE SEARCH
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`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
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`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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`Index Of Claims
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`90013106
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`5796183
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`Application/Control No.
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`Applicant(s)/Patent Under
`Reexamination
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`Examiner
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`HENRY N TRAN
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`|:I Claims renumbered in the same order as presented by applicant
`
`CLAIM
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`Final
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`03/20/2014 06/03/2014
`H
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`19
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`28
`29
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`444444444
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`ZZZZZZZ22H
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`Index of Claims
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`90 013106
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`5796183
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`Application/Control No.
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`Applicant(s)/Patent Under
`Reexamination
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`Examiner
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`HENRY N TRAN
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`El Claims renumbered in the same order as presented by applicant
`
`—uocox:migig
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`01l\)
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`CLAIM
`Final
`37
`38
`39
`45
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`42
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`50
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`56
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`64
`65
`1 06
`1 07
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`110
`111
`71
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`Index Of Claims
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`90013106
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`5796183
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`Application/Control No.
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`Applicant(s)/Patent Under
`Reexamination
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`Examiner
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`HENRY N TRAN
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`73
`74
`75
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`Index Of Claims
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`90013106
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`5796183
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`Application/Control No.
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`Applicant(s)/Patent Under
`Reexamination
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`Examiner
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`HENRY N TRAN
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`111
`112
`113
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`EE2
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`2
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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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`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 switching circuit
`as defined in claim 4], wherein the plurality ofHertz values
`comprises Hertz values greater than 100 kHz.
`
`2
`44. The capacitive responsive electronic switching circuit
`as defined in claim 41, wherein theplurality ofHertz values
`comprises Hertz values greater than 800 lcHz.
`45. The capacitive responsive electronic switching circuit
`as defined in claim 40, wherein each signal outputfrequency
`selectively provided to each row ofthe plurality ofsmall sized
`input touch terminals oftlze keypad has a same Hertz value.
`46. The capacitive responsive switching circuit as defined
`in claim 40, wherein said oscillatorprovides aperiodic out-
`10 put signal having a frequency of 800 kHz or greater
`47. The capacitive responsive electronic switching circuit
`as defined in claim 40, wherein the sensed body capacitance
`change to ground proximate the input touch terminal is
`caused by the operator ’s body‘ capacitance decreasing an
`input touch terminal signal on the detector circuit, and
`wherein the sensed body capacitance change to ground is
`compared to a second threshold level to generate the control
`output signal.
`48. The capacitive responsive electronic switching circuit
`' as defined in claim 40, wherein the sensed body capacitance
`change to ground proximate the input
`touch terminal is
`caused by the operator ’s body capacitance decreasing an
`input touch terminal signal amplitude on the detector circuit,
`and wherein the sensed body capacitance change to ground is
`compared to a second threshold level to generate the control
`output signal.
`49. The capacitive responsive electronic switching circuit
`as defined in claim 40, wherein the detector circuit comprises
`aplurality oftouch circuits, and wherein the microcontroller
`selectively provides the signal outputfrequencies to the plu-
`rality ofsmall sized input touch terminals ofthe keypad via
`the plurality oftouch circuits.
`50. 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 output frequencies directly to a plurality of small
`sized input touch terminals ofa 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 oscillator_/or receiving
`said periodic output signal fi'om 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 ficequency of said oscillator and
`said signal output/i'eauencies are selected to decrease a
`first impedanc