APPLICATION
`NUMBER
`61/552,944
`
`FILING or
`37l(c)DATE
`10/28/2011
`
`GRPART
`UNIT
`
`FIL FEE REC'D
`250
`
`6980
`TROUTMAN SANDERS LLP
`5200 BANK OF AMERICA PLAZA
`600 PEACHTREE STREET, N.E.
`SUITE 5200
`ATLANTA, GA 30308-2216
`
`Ul\TfED STATES DEPA RTME'IT OF COMMERCE
`United States Patent and Trademark Office
`Adm"'· COMMISSIO'JER FOR PATENTS
`PO Box 1450
`Alexandria, Virgmia 22313-1450
`\VVi\V.USpto.gov
`
`ATTY.DOCKET.NO
`PTREE56PRV
`
`TOT CLAIMS IND CLAIMS
`
`CONFIRMATION NO. 7745
`FILING RECEIPT
`111111111111111111111111]~!l]~~1~~1~~H~~IH~ 111111111111111111111111111
`
`Date Mailed: 11/18/2011
`
`Receipt is acknowledged of this provisional patent application. It will not be examined for patentability and will
`become abandoned not later than twelve months after its filing date. Any correspondence concerning the application
`must include the following identification information: the U.S. APPLICATION NUMBER, FILING DATE, NAME OF
`APPLICANT, and TITLE OF INVENTION. Fees transmitted by check or draft are subject to collection. Please verify
`the accuracy of the data presented on this receipt. If an error is noted on this Filing Receipt, please submit
`a written request for a Filing Receipt Correction. Please provide a copy of this Filing Receipt with the
`changes noted thereon. If you received a "Notice to File Missing Parts" for this application, please submit
`any corrections to this Filing Receipt with your reply to the Notice. When the USPTO processes the reply
`to the Notice, the USPTO will generate another Filing Receipt incorporating the requested corrections
`
`Applicant( s)
`
`Chi Yin Alan Leung, Hong Kong, CHINA;
`Ricky Tong, Hong Kong, CHINA;
`Power of Attorney:
`Robert Madayag--57355
`
`If Required, Foreign Filing License Granted: 11/15/2011
`The country code and number of your priority application, to be used for filing abroad under the Paris Convention,
`is US 61 /552,944
`Projected Publication Date: None, application is not eligible for pre-grant publication
`Non-Publication Request: No
`Early Publication Request: No
`Title
`
`POWERED TREE CONSTRUCTION
`
`PROTECTING YOUR INVENTION OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES
`
`Since the rights granted by a U.S. patent extend only throughout the territory of the United States and have no
`effect in a foreign country, an inventor who wishes patent protection in another country must apply for a patent
`in a specific country or in regional patent offices. Applicants may wish to consider the filing of an international
`application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). An international (PCT) application generally has the same
`effect as a regular national patent application in each PCT-member country. The PCT process simplifies the filing
`of patent applications on the same invention in member countries, but does not result in a grant of "an international
`page 1of3
`
`Willis Exhibit 1003 - 1
`
`

`
`patent" and does not eliminate the need of applicants to file additional documents and fees in countries where patent
`protection is desired.
`
`Almost every country has its own patent law, and a person desiring a patent in a particular country must make an
`application for patent in that country in accordance with its particular laws. Since the laws of many countries differ
`in various respects from the patent law of the United States, applicants are advised to seek guidance from specific
`foreign countries to ensure that patent rights are not lost prematurely.
`
`Applicants also are advised that in the case of inventions made in the United States, the Director of the US PTO must
`issue a license before applicants can apply for a patent in a foreign country. The filing of a U.S. patent application
`serves as a request for a foreign filing license. The application's filing receipt contains further information and
`guidance as to the status of applicant's license for foreign filing.
`
`Applicants may wish to consult the USPTO booklet, "General Information Concerning Patents" (specifically, the
`section entitled "Treaties and Foreign Patents") for more information on timeframes and deadlines for filing foreign
`patent applications. The guide is available either by contacting the USPTO Contact Center at 800-786-9199, or it
`can be viewed on the USPTO website at http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/doc/general/index.html.
`
`For information on preventing theft of your intellectual property (patents, trademarks and copyrights), you may wish
`to consult the U.S. Government website, http://www.stopfakes.gov. Part of a Department of Commerce initiative,
`this website includes self-help "toolkits" giving innovators guidance on how to protect intellectual property in specific
`countries such as China, Korea and Mexico. For questions regarding patent enforcement issues, applicants may
`call the U.S. Government hotline at 1-866-999-HAL T (1-866-999-4158).
`
`LICENSE FOR FOREIGN FILING UNDER
`
`Title 35, United States Code, Section 184
`
`Title 37, Code of Federal Regulations, 5.11 & 5.15
`
`GRANTED
`
`The applicant has been granted a license under 35 U.S.C. 184, if the phrase "IF REQUIRED, FOREIGN FILING
`LICENSE GRANTED" followed by a date appears on this form. Such licenses are issued in all applications where
`the conditions for issuance of a license have been met, regardless of whether or not a license may be required as
`set forth in 37 CFR 5.15. The scope and limitations of this license are set forth in 37 CFR 5.15(a) unless an earlier
`license has been issued under 37 CFR 5.15(b). The license is subject to revocation upon written notification. The
`date indicated is the effective date of the license, unless an earlier license of similar scope has been granted under
`37 CFR 5.13 or 5.14.
`
`This license is to be retained by the licensee and may be used at any time on or after the effective date thereof unless
`it is revoked. This license is automatically transferred to any related applications(s) filed under 37 CFR 1.53(d). This
`license is not retroactive.
`
`The grant of a license does not in any way lessen the responsibility of a licensee for the security of the subject matter
`as imposed by any Government contract or the provisions of existing laws relating to espionage and the national
`security or the export of technical data. Licensees should apprise themselves of current regulations especially with
`respect to certain countries, of other agencies, particularly the Office of Defense Trade Controls, Department of
`State (with respect to Arms, Munitions and Implements of War (22 CFR 121-128)); the Bureau of Industry and
`page 2 of 3
`
`Willis Exhibit 1003 - 2
`
`

`
`Security, Department of Commerce (15 CFR parts 730-774); the Office of Foreign AssetsControl, Department of
`Treasury (31 CFR Parts 500+) and the Department of Energy.
`
`NOT GRANTED
`
`No license under 35 U.S.C. 184 has been granted at this time, if the phrase "IF REQUIRED, FOREIGN FILING
`LICENSE GRANTED" DOES NOT appear on this form. Applicant may still petition for a license under 37 CFR 5.12,
`if a license is desired before the expiration of 6 months from the filing date of the application. If 6 months has lapsed
`from the filing date of this application and the licensee has not received any indication of a secrecy order under 35
`U.S.C. 181, the licensee may foreign file the application pursuant to 37 CFR 5.15(b).
`
`Select USA
`
`The United States represents the largest, most dynamic marketplace in the world and is an unparalleled location
`for business investment, innovation and commercialization of new technologies. The USA offers tremendous
`resources and advantages for those who invest and manufacture goods here. Through SelectUSA, our nation
`works to encourage, facilitate, and accelerate business investment. To learn more about why the USA is the best
`country in the world to develop technology, manufacture products, and grow your business, visit SelectUSA.gov.
`
`page 3 of 3
`
`Willis Exhibit 1003 - 3
`
`

`
`Certificate of E-Filing/Transmission under 37 CFR § 1.8
`
`In accordance with 37 CFR § 1.8, I certify that this correspondence is being
`deposited and electronically filed with the USPTO via the USPTO's EFS-Web
`Electronic Filing System to:
`
`Commissioner for Patents
`P.O. Box 1450
`Alexandria, VA 22313-1450
`
`on
`
`28 October 2011
`Date
`
`/Robert A. Madayag, Reg. #57,355/
`Signature
`
`Robert A. Madayag
`Typed or printed name of person signing Certificate
`
`57,355
`Registration Number, if applicable
`
`404.885.3238
`Telephone Number
`
`Note: Each paper must have its own certificate of mailing, or this certificate
`must identify each submitted paper. This Submission includes:
`
`1. New Utility Patent Application Transmittal Form (1 page)
`2. Application Data Sheet (3 pages)
`3. New Non-Provisional Patent Application (18 pages)
`4. Drawing(s) (11 pages)
`5. Certificate of E-filing/Transmission under 37 CFR § 1.8 (1 page)
`
`Inventors: LEUNG, Chi Yin Alan
`Title: POWERED TREE CONSTRUCTION
`EFS-Web Submission Date: 28 October 2011
`Attorney Docket No.: PTREE56PRV
`
`2294570vl
`
`PTREE56PRV
`
`Willis Exhibit 1003 - 4
`
`

`
`Electronic Patent Application Fee Transmittal
`
`Application Number:
`
`Filing Date:
`
`Title of Invention:
`
`POWERED TREE CONSTRUCTION
`
`First Named Inventor/Applicant Name:
`
`Chi Yin Alan LEUNG
`
`Filer:
`
`ROBERT ANTHONY MADAYAG
`
`Attorney Docket Number:
`
`PTREE56PRV
`
`Filed as Large Entity
`
`Provisional Filing Fees
`
`Description
`
`Fee Code
`
`Quantity
`
`Amount
`
`Sub-Total in
`USO($)
`
`Provisional application filing
`
`1005
`
`1
`
`250
`
`250
`
`Basic Filing:
`
`Pages:
`
`Claims:
`
`Miscellaneous-Filing:
`
`Petition:
`
`Patent-Appeals-and-Interference:
`
`Post-Allowance-and-Post-Issuance:
`
`Extension-of-Time:
`
`Willis Exhibit 1003 - 5
`
`

`
`Description
`
`Fee Code
`
`Quantity
`
`Amount
`
`Sub-Total in
`USO($)
`
`Miscellaneous:
`
`Total in USO($)
`
`250
`
`Willis Exhibit 1003 - 6
`
`

`
`Electronic Acknowledgement Receipt
`
`EFSID:
`
`Application Number:
`
`11293560
`
`61552944
`
`International Application Number:
`
`Confirmation Number:
`
`7745
`
`Title of Invention:
`
`POWERED TREE CONSTRUCTION
`
`First Named Inventor/Applicant Name:
`
`Chi Yin Alan LEUNG
`
`Customer Number:
`
`6980
`
`Filer:
`
`ROBERT ANTHONY MADAYAG
`
`Filer Authorized By:
`
`Attorney Docket Number:
`
`PTREE56PRV
`
`Receipt Date:
`
`28-0CT-2011
`
`Filing Date:
`
`Time Stamp:
`
`Application Type:
`
`Payment information:
`
`Submitted with Payment
`
`Payment Type
`
`Payment was successfully received in RAM
`
`RAM confirmation Number
`
`Deposit Account
`
`Authorized User
`
`File Listing:
`Document I
`Number
`
`17:27:07
`
`Provisional
`
`yes
`
`Deposit Account
`
`$250
`
`4209
`
`201507
`
`Document Description
`
`File Name
`
`I
`
`File Size( Bytes)/ I Multi I Pages
`(if appl.)
`Message Digest
`Part /.zip
`
`I
`
`Willis Exhibit 1003 - 7
`
`

`
`1
`
`Application Data Sheet
`
`PTREE56PRV _ADS.pdf
`
`no
`
`3
`
`17660
`
`20553d819d8a851 ab66681 c02683d6eab3
`22e165
`
`Warnings:
`
`Information:
`
`This is not an USPTO supplied ADS fillable form
`
`2
`
`Provisional Cover Sheet (SBl 6)
`
`PTREE56PRV _Provisiona1Cover
`Sheet.pdf
`
`28729
`
`no
`
`2
`
`d 15 f4 fd 3c04 9 34d 9003f082dec72 c9a 77 d ea
`6c95
`
`Warnings:
`
`This is not a USPTO supplied Provisional Cover Sheet SBl 6 form.
`
`Information:
`
`3
`
`Drawings-other than black and white
`line drawings
`
`PTREE56PRV _Drawings.pdf
`
`no
`
`11
`
`374551
`
`8cbce4eadfa 7441Oacb1 Oafab5213c499a45
`1260
`
`Warnings:
`
`The page size in the PDF is too large. The pages should be 8.5 x 11 or A4. If this PDF is submitted, the pages will be resized upon entry into the
`Image File Wrapper and may affect subsequent processing
`
`Information:
`
`4
`
`PTREE56PRV _Application.pdf
`
`yes
`
`18
`
`95653
`
`Multipart Description/PDF files in .zip description
`
`93a5c37aaa9a4 76d1 9804afa632f0cec628c
`61d3
`
`Document Description
`
`Start
`
`End
`
`Specification
`
`Claims
`
`Abstract
`
`Warnings:
`
`Information:
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`1
`
`17
`
`18
`
`16934
`
`5
`
`Miscellaneous Incoming Letter
`
`PTREE56PRV _CertEFiling.pdf
`
`no
`
`1
`
`Warnings:
`
`Information:
`
`99cd 6f0c98c 7b84c62 9f062d 03 5 d 1983a9d
`31c3
`
`29466
`
`6
`
`Fee Worksheet (SB06)
`
`fee-info.pdf
`
`no
`
`2
`
`3931d007db471 ae22557a0f1 7cad5b81 ba6
`68553
`
`Warnings:
`
`Information:
`
`Total Files Size (in bytes)
`
`562993
`
`Willis Exhibit 1003 - 8
`
`

`
`This Acknowledgement Receipt evidences receipt on the noted date by the USPTO of the indicated documents,
`characterized by the applicant, and including page counts, where applicable. It serves as evidence of receipt similar to a
`Post Card, as described in MPEP 503.
`
`New Applications Under 35 U.S.C. 111
`If a new application is being filed and the application includes the necessary components for a filing date (see 37 CFR
`1.53(b)-(d) and MPEP 506), a Filing Receipt (37 CFR 1.54) will be issued in due course and the date shown on this
`Acknowledgement Receipt will establish the filing date of the application.
`
`National Stage of an International Application under 35 U.S.C. 371
`If a timely submission to enter the national stage of an international application is compliant with the conditions of 35
`U.S.C. 371 and other applicable requirements a Form PCT/DO/E0/903 indicating acceptance of the application as a
`national stage submission under 35 U.S.C. 371 will be issued in addition to the Filing Receipt, in due course.
`
`New International Application Filed with the USPTO as a Receiving Office
`If a new international application is being filed and the international application includes the necessary components for
`an international filing date (see PCT Article 11 and MPEP 181 O), a Notification of the International Application Number
`and of the International Filing Date (Form PCT/R0/1 OS) will be issued in due course, subject to prescriptions concerning
`national security, and the date shown on this Acknowledgement Receipt will establish the international filing date of
`the application.
`
`Willis Exhibit 1003 - 9
`
`

`
`APPLICATION DATA SHEET
`
`Regular
`
`Utility
`
`Application Information
`
`Application Type:
`
`Subject Matter:
`
`Suggested Classification:
`
`Suggested Group Art Unit:
`
`CD-ROM or CD-R:
`
`None
`
`Title:
`
`POWERED TREE CONSTRUCTION
`
`Attorney Docket Number:
`
`PTREE56PRV
`
`Request for Early Publication:
`
`Request for Non-Publication:
`
`Suggested Drawing Figure:
`
`Total Drawing Sheets:
`
`Small Entity:
`
`Petition included:
`
`Secrecy Order in Parent Appl.:
`
`Applicant Information
`
`Applicant Authority type:
`
`Primary Citizenship Country:
`
`Status:
`
`Given Name:
`
`Middle Name:
`
`Family Name:
`
`Name Suffix:
`
`No
`
`No
`
`11
`
`No
`
`No
`
`No
`
`Inventor
`
`China
`
`Full Capacity
`
`Chi
`
`Yin Alan
`
`Leung
`
`City of Residence:
`
`Hong Kong
`
`State or Province of Residence:
`
`Country of Residence:
`
`Street of mailing address:
`
`City of mailing address:
`
`China
`
`8/F, Enterprise Square 3, 39 Wang Chiu
`Road, Kowloon Bay
`Hong Kong
`
`2294550vl
`
`Page 1 of 3
`
`Initial Application Data Sheet
`PTREE56PRV
`
`Willis Exhibit 1003 - 10
`
`

`
`State or Province of mailing address:
`
`Country of mailing address:
`
`China
`
`Postal or Zip Code of mailing address:
`
`Applicant Authority type:
`
`Primary Citizenship Country:
`
`Status:
`
`Given Name:
`
`Middle Name:
`
`Family Name:
`
`Name Suffix:
`
`Inventor
`
`China
`
`Full Capacity
`
`Ricky
`
`Tong
`
`City of Residence:
`
`Hong Kong
`
`State or Province of Residence:
`
`Country of Residence:
`
`Street of mailing address:
`
`City of mailing address:
`
`State or Province of mailing address:
`
`China
`
`8/F, Enterprise Square 3, 39 Wang Chiu
`Road, Kowloon Bay
`Hong Kong
`
`Country of mailing address:
`
`China
`
`Postal or Zip Code of mailing address:
`
`Correspondence Information
`
`Correspondence Customer Number:
`
`006980
`
`Representative Information
`
`Representative Customer Number:
`
`006980
`
`2294550vl
`
`Page 2 of 3
`
`Initial Application Data Sheet
`PTREE56PRV
`
`Willis Exhibit 1003 - 11
`
`

`
`Domestic Priority Information
`
`Application:
`
`Continuity Type:
`
`Parent Application:
`
`Parent Filing Date:
`
`Assignee Information
`
`Assignee Name:
`
`Street of mailing address:
`
`Internal Address::
`City of mailing address:
`
`Polygroup Macau Limited (BVI)
`
`P.O. Box 957
`Offshore Incorporations Centre
`Road Town
`
`State or Province of mailing address:
`
`Tortola
`
`Country of mailing address:
`
`British Virgin Islands
`
`Postal or ZIP Code of mailing address:
`
`2294550vl
`
`Page 3 of 3
`
`Initial Application Data Sheet
`PTREE56PRV
`
`Willis Exhibit 1003 - 12
`
`

`
`Doc Code: TR.PROV
`Document Description: Provisional Cover Sheet (SB16)
`
`PTO/SB/16 (11-08)
`Approved for use through 01/31/2014 OMB 0651-0032
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless ii displays a valid OMB control number
`Provisional Application for Patent Cover Sheet
`This is a request for filing a PROVISIONAL APPLICATION FOR PATENT under 37 CFR 1.53(c)
`
`lnventor{s)
`
`Inventor 1
`
`Given Name
`
`Middle Name
`
`Family Name
`
`City
`
`State
`
`IJ RmrlOi;.Ei JI
`Country i
`
`Chi
`
`Yin Alan
`
`LEUNG
`
`Hong Kong
`
`CN
`
`Inventor 2
`
`Given Name
`
`Middle Name
`
`Family Name
`
`City
`
`State
`
`Ricky
`
`Tong
`
`Hong Kong
`
`All Inventors Must Be Listed -Additional Inventor Information blocks may be
`generated within this form by selecting the Add button.
`
`Title of Invention
`
`POWERED TREE CONSTRUCTION
`
`Attorney Docket Number (if applicable)
`
`PTREE56PRV
`
`I 8%N:i~WJI
`Country i
`
`CN
`
`It ?Add Jj
`
`Correspondence Address
`
`Direct all correspondence to (select one):
`
`@ The address corresponding to Customer Number
`
`0 Firm or Individual Name
`
`Customer Number
`
`06980
`
`The invention was made by an agency of the United States Government or under a contract with an agency of the United
`States Government.
`
`@No.
`O Yes, the name of the U.S. Government agency and the Government contract number are:
`
`EFS - Web 1.0.1
`
`Willis Exhibit 1003 - 13
`
`

`
`Doc Code: TR.PROV
`Document Description: Provisional Cover Sheet (SB16)
`
`PTO/SB/16 (11-08)
`Approved for use through 01/31/2014 OMB 0651-0032
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless ii displays a valid OMB control number
`
`Entity Status
`Applicant claims small entity status under 37 CFR 1.27
`0 Yes, applicant qualifies for small entity status under 37 CFR 1.27
`@ No
`
`Warning
`
`Petitioner/applicant is cautioned to avoid submitting personal information in documents filed in a patent application that may
`contribute to identity theft. Personal information such as social security numbers, bank account numbers, or credit card
`numbers (other than a check or credit card authorization form PT0-2038 submitted for payment purposes) is never required
`by the USPTO to support a petition or an application. If this type of personal information is included in documents submitted
`to the USPTO, petitioners/applicants should consider redacting such personal information from the documents before
`submitting them to USPTO. Petitioner/applicant is advised that the record of a patent application is available to the public
`after publication of the application (unless a non-publication request in compliance with 37 CFR 1.213(a) is made in the
`application) or issuance of a patent. Furthermore, the record from an abandoned application may also be available to the
`public if the application is referenced in a published application or an issued patent (see 37 CFR1 .14). Checks and credit
`card authorization forms PT0-2038 submitted for payment purposes are not retained in the application file and therefore are
`not publicly available.
`
`Signature
`
`Please see 37 CFR 1.4(d) for the form of the signature.
`
`Signature
`
`/Robert A. Madayag #57,355/
`
`Date (YYYY-MM-DD)
`
`2011-10-28
`
`First Name
`
`Robert A.
`
`Last Name
`
`Madayag
`
`Registration Number
`(If appropriate)
`
`57355
`
`This collection of information is required by 37 CFR 1.51. The information is required to obtain or retain a benefit by the public which is to
`file (and by the USPTO to process) an application. Confidentiality is governed by 35 U.S.C. 122 and 37 CFR 1.11 and 1.14. This collection
`is estimated to take 8 hours to complete, including gathering, preparing, and submitting the completed application form to the USPTO.
`Time will vary depending upon the individual case. Any comments on the amount of time you require to complete this form and/or
`suggestions for reducing this burden, should be sent to the Chief Information Officer, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, U.S. Department
`of Commerce, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450. DO NOT SEND FEES OR COMPLETED FORMS TO THIS ADDRESS. This
`form can only be used when in conjunction with EFS-Web. If this form is mailed to the USPTO, it may cause delays in handling
`the provisional application.
`
`EFS - Web 1.0.1
`
`Willis Exhibit 1003 - 14
`
`

`
`Fig. 1
`Fig. 1
`
`Willis Exhibit 1003 - 15
`
`Willis Exhibit 1003 - 15
`
`

`
`Fig. 2
`Fig. 2
`
`Willis Exhibit 1003 - 16
`
`Willis Exhibit 1003 - 16
`
`

`
`32
`
`-30
`
`-34
`
`-~
`
`36
`
`32
`
`34
`
`32
`
`30
`
`38
`
`Fig. 3a
`Fig. 3a
`
`Fig. 3b
`Fig. 3b
`
`Fig. 3c
`Fig. 30
`
`Willis Exhibit 1003 - 17
`
`Willis Exhibit 1003 - 17
`
`

`
`40
`
`40
`
`44
`
`46--
`
`42
`
`40
`
`x
`
`-
`
`-------{> y
`
`Fig. 4
`Fig. 4
`
`Willis Exhibit 1003 - 18
`
`Willis Exhibit 1003 - 18
`
`

`
`--50
`
`60
`
`62
`--- 56
`
`-------------52
`
`~58
`
`54-
`
`Fig. 5
`
`Willis Exhibit 1003 - 19
`
`Willis Exhibit 1003 - 19
`
`

`
`~
`64
`
`70
`
`72
`
`66
`
`Fig. 6
`
`Willis Exhibit 1003 - 20
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`Willis Exhibit 1003 - 20
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`0
`~ ~ ••
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`--- 74
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`Fig. 7
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`Willis Exhibit 1003 - 21
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`Willis Exhibit 1003 - 21
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`

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`80
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`I
`I
`I
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`\
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`84
`-- ...... ;
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`\
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`I
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`\
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`I
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`-
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`82
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`Fig. 8
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`Willis Exhibit 1003 - 22
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`Willis Exhibit 1003 - 22
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`/— 100
`r10 0
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`210
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`232
`--232
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`214
`214
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`224
`224
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`311
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`Fig. 9
`Fig. 9
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`Willis Exhibit 1003 - 23
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`Willis Exhibit 1003 - 23
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`Willis Exhibit 1003 - 24
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`Willis Exhibit 1003 - 24
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`Willis Exhibit 1003 - 25
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`Willis Exhibit 1003 - 25
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`

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`PTREE56PRV
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`POWERED TREE CONSTRUCTION
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`5
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`The presently disclosed subject matter relates generally to artificial Christmas trees.
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`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
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`BACKGROUND
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`As part of the celebration of the Christmas season, traditionally people bring a pine or
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`evergreen tree into their home and decorate it with ornaments, lights, garland, tinsel, and the like.
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`10 Natural trees, however, can be quite expensive and are recognized by some as a waste of
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`environmental resources. In addition, trees can be messy, leaving both sap and needles behind
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`after removal, and requiring water to prevent drying out and becoming a fire hazard. Each time a
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`natural tree is obtained it must be decorated, and at the termination of the Christmas season the
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`decorations must be removed. Because the needles have dried and may be quite sharp by this
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`15
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`time, removal of the decorations can prove to be a painful process. Also, oftentimes, the natural
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`tree is disposed in landfills, further polluting these overflowing settings.
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`To overcome the disadvantages of a natural tree, yet still celebrate with a Christmas tree,
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`a great variety of artificial trees are available. For the most part, these artificial trees must be
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`assembled for use and disassembled after use. Artificial trees have the advantage of being usable
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`20
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`over a period of years and thereby eliminate the annual expense of purchasing live trees for the
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`short holiday season. Further, they help reduce the chopping down of trees for a temporary
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`decoration, and the subsequent disposal, typically in a landfill, of same.
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`Generally, most artificial Christmas trees comprise a multiplicity of separate branches
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`each formed of a plurality of plastic needles held together by twisting a pair of wires about them.
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`25
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`In other instances, the branches are formed by twisting a pair of wires about an elongated sheet
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`of plastic material having a large multiplicity of transverse slits. In still other artificial Christmas
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`trees, the branches are formed by injection molding of plastic.
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`Irrespective of the form of branch, the most common form of artificial Christmas tree
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`comprises a plurality of trunks connectable to one another. For example, the first and second
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`30
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`trunks each comprise an elongate body. A first end of the body includes a receiving portion
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`(e.g., a female end) and a second end of the body includes an extending portion (e.g., a male
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`1
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`Willis Exhibit 1003 - 26
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`

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`PTREE56PRV
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`end). Typically, the body is a cylinder. Near the second end the body tapers slightly to reduce
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`the diameter of the body. In other words, the diameter of the first end, i.e., the receiving portion,
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`is larger than the diameter of the second end, i.e., the extending portion. To connect the trunks,
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`the first end of a first trunk receives the second end of a second trunk. For example, the tapered
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`5
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`end of the first trunk is inserted into the non-tapered end of the second trunk.
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`One of the more time consuming tasks in decorating a Christmas tree, be it an artificial
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`tree or a natural tree, is the installation of lights on the tree. A person decorating the tree with
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`lights either removes new strings of lights from a box, or, if the lights are reused from a prior
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`use, removes the light strings from a storage container. Once removed, the decorator unrolls the
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`10
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`light strings (and sometimes untangles multiple knots) and walks around the tree, installing the
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`light strings in various patterns to decorate the tree with lights. Depending on the size of the tree
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`and the light strings, it may be difficult, or impossible, for the decorator to decorate the tree. To
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`alleviate this issue, some artificial trees are packaged and delivered with pre-strung light strings.
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`The light strings are installed during the manufacturing process so that when the decorator
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`15
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`assembles the tree, the decorator does not need to worry about the hassle of installing the light
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`strings, but instead, can move forward and decorate the tree with ornaments once the tree is
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`assembled.
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`SUMMARY
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`20
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`Briefly described, embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter relate to an
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`artificial tree power system for providing power to light strings as well as other electrical
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`devices. In some examples, the light strings are pre-installed, or, are configured to receive power
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`from the tree power system once the light strings are installed.
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`In some embodiments, the
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`artificial tree comprises: a plurality of tree trunk sections, each tree trunk section of the plurality
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`25
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`of tree trunk sections having an inner void along a length each tree trunk section of the plurality
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`of tree trunk sections; and a plurality of power distribution subsections disposed within the inner
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`void of at least one of the plurality of tree trunk sections.
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`In some embodiments, at least one power distribution subsection of the plurality of power
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`distribution subsections comprises a male end for distributing electrical power, a female end for
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`30
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`receiving electrical power, and one or more power outputs for distributing power to one or more
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`light strings.
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`In further embodiments, the female end of one power distribution subsection
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`2
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`Willis Exhibit 1003 - 27
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`PTREE56PRV
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`receives electrical power from the male end of another power distribution subsection. In some
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`exemplary embodiments, the power distribution subsection further comprises one or more
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`electrical wires that electrically connect the male end of a power distribution subsection to the
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`female end of the same power distribution subsystem. In some embodiments, the one or more
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`5
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`electrical wires also provide power to the one or more power outputs.
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`In some further embodiments, the male end of one power distribution subsection engages
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`with the female end of another power distribution subsection when a tree trunk section having
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`the male end is engaged with a tree trunk section having the female end.
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`In some embodiments, at least one of the power distribution subsections further
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`10
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`comprises an electrical power cord that electrically connects the at least one of the power
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`distribution subsections to an electrical power source, such as the wall outlet of a home or
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`building.
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`In some examples, the male end and the female end comply with at least one standard set
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`forth by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association ("NEMA"). In some examples, the
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`15 male end of a power distribution subsection comprises a plurality of prongs for insertion into the
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`female end of another power distribution subsection. In some further embodiments, the male end
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`of a power distribution subsection comprises two prongs, wherein the female end of another
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`power distribution subsection comprises a central receiving void for engaging with one of the
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`prongs and a channel receiving void for engaging with the other prong.
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`20
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`In some embodiments, a first end of at least a first tree trunk section of the plurality of
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`tree trunk sections is configured to receive and engage with at least one second end of a second
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`tree trunk section of the plurality of tree trunk sections.
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`In some embodiments, the light strings comprise one or more lamp systems used to
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`illuminate the tree.
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`In some exemplary embodiments, the lamp system comprises a light
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`25
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`assembly and a socket assembly. The light assembly comprises a light source, a base in
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`communication with the light source, and a bypass activating system. The socket assembly
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`comprises a socket adapted to receive the light assembly, first and second contacting members,
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`and a bypass mechanism having a first position and a second position.
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`When the bypass mechanism is in the first position, current flows from the first
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`30
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`contacting member, through the bypass mechanism, and to the second contacting member. The
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`bypass mechanism moves into its second position when the light assembly is inserted into the
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`3
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`Willis Exhibit 1003 - 28
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`PTREE56PRV
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`socket assembly. In the second position, current does not flow through the bypass mechanism,
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`but current can flow through the lamp system by passing through the light source of the light
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`assembly.
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`The bypass activating system of the light assembly 1s adapted to move the bypass
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`5 mechanism of the socket assembly between the first and second positions. The bypass
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`mechanism can comprise a cabinet and at least a first extending member.
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`The cabinet can have opposing first and second sides, where the first side faces the first
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`contacting member. The first extending member can be attached to the cabinet at a joint, such
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`that the first extending member is moveable while the cabinet remains substantially stationary
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`10
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`relative to the socket. The first extending member can extend outwardly from the first side of the
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`cabinet and be configured to extend to the first contacting member of the socket assembly when
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`the bypass mechanism is in the first position.
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`The bypass activating system can comprise a separating member configured to interact
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`with the first extending member. When the light assembly is inserted into the socket assembly,
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`15
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`the separating member separates the first extending member of the bypass mechanism from the
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`first contacting member of the socket assembly, thereby placing the bypass mechanism in the
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`second position. When the light assembly is removed from the socket assembly, the first
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`extending member resumes its contact with the first contacting member, thereby placing the
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`bypass mechanism back into the first position.
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`20
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`The foregoing summarizes only a few aspects of the presently disclosed subject matter
`
`and is not intended to be reflective of the full scope of the presently disclosed subject matter as
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`claimed. Additional features and advantages of the presently disclosed subject matter are set
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`forth in the following description, may be apparent from the description, or may be learned by
`
`practicing the presently disclosed subject matter. Moreover, both the foregoing summary and
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`25
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`following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further
`
`explanation of the presently disclosed subject matter as claimed.
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`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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`The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this
`
`30
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`specification, illustrate multiple embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter and,
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`together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the presently disclosed subject
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`4
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`Willis Exhibit 1003 - 29
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`

`
`PTREE56PRV
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`matter; and, furthermore, are not intended in any manner to limit the scope of the presently
`
`disclosed subject matter.
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`Fig. 1 is a picture of an exemplary embodiment of a female end of