•z
`..,
`..,
`0
`~
`. ~ :2 . ()
`ii:
`N
`iii
`(/)
`~
`" ·j 0
`w
`::>
`"'
`~
`
`11'1
`·1
`
`• I><.
`.('(.,
`'
`
`tO
`
`:i
`(/)
`
`(.)
`
`PATENT NUMBER
`
`8175608
`11.1~1.111-111111~111111~111
`
`. -6175608
`
`LITY PATENT APPLICATION
`PATENT DATE
`0.1.P.E~
`JAN 1 6 ZOOt
`
`SECTOR CLASS
`
`SUBCLASS
`~ ~t'. '2.
`~I'
`
`ART UNIT
`
`EXAMINER
`
`FILED WITH: D DISK (CAF) D FICHE
`
`1Aff11Clle4 on poekel on nghl 1nstde flap)
`
`···-.
`
`~-
`
`PREPARED AND APPROVED FOR ISSUE
`
`: • ..
`
`, ....
`
`/,,.,
`, /
`OAl_91Ni'L
`
`I
`
`SUBCLASS
`CLASS
`;:.17
`2 '--/, 2-
`INTERNATIONAL CLASSIFICATION
`
`G- 01 c
`
`2.J /, oo
`I
`I
`I
`/,./
`
`...
`. -·
`
`/
`
`·'
`
`ISSUING CLASSIFICATION
`CROSS REFERENCE($)
`
`;
`
`CLASS
`
`SUBCLASS (ONE SUBCLASS PER BLOCK)
`
`/
`Ii /
`
`/ --
`
`(
`
`\._./
`
`/f /v ;-.:.
`
`.--..
`
`D TEAMINAL
`
`DISCLAIMER
`
`0 a) Tl'le term of this patent
`subs111~uent to
`has been disclaimed.
`0 bl The term of this patent shall
`not ex:tend beyond the expiration date
`of U.S Patent. No . - - - - -
`
`(date)
`
`DRAWINGS
`
`Figs. Drw.g(
`
`,.;1'''
`
`r
`
`(Aaeistant Examiner)
`
`--
`
`0 Continued on Issue Slip Inside File Jacket
`
`CLAIMS ALLOWED
`
`Print Claim for O.G.
`)
`
`Print Fig.
`
`. . Total Claims
`
`/ ,, ... ·"'. ·-s 3
`-.(Pate)
`
`. NOTICE OF ALLOWANCE MAILED
`
`D c) The terminal _months ol
`lhis patent have been disclaimed.
`
`WARNING:
`The informalion disclosed herein may be restricted. Unauthorized disclosure may be prohibited by the United States Code Title 35, Sections 122. 181 and 368.
`Possession outside the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office Is restricted 10 aullloriz:ed employees and ~nlractors only.
`
`Form PT0·431A
`(Aev. 6198)
`
`(LABEL AREA)
`
`(FACEl
`
`1
`
`

`

`: j~51e·v··: s .
`PA TENT . APPLICATlON ... '1 "''' _.,_.
`11111111111111111 ~1111111111111111111111111111111
`
`09181738
`
`I
`i
`
`•
`.
`
`·' .
`
`/
`INITIAi.$ ~ .
`NOV v ~- ~9 8 4 5
`.. . -
`..
`
`~····'·
`
`Date received
`(Incl. c. of M.)
`or
`Date Mailed
`
`42:
`
`43. _ __ _ _ ___ _ - - - -
`
`44. __________ - - - -
`
`45. _________ - - - -
`
`46. ___ ..;...__ _____ ..,__ _ _ __,
`
`... ,.,,
`
`47. _____ ......______ _ _ ___::...__
`
`48._
`
`49. _________ - - - -
`
`50. - - - - - - - - - . , . - - - -
`51. _____________ - - · - - -
`52. __________ - - - -
`
`53. - - - - - - - - - - - - -
`54. _________ - - - -
`
`2
`
`

`

`ISSUE SLIP STAPLE AREA (for additional cross references)
`
`POSITION
`
`.-·
`-------...----... --· ·-·----'!'-"""--------.
`INITIALS
`ID.NO.
`DATE
`
`.. ~
`
`FEE DETERMINATION
`0.1.P.E. CLASSIFIER
`FORMALITY REVIEW
`
`C
`
`INDEX OF CLAIMS
`"' ................................. Rejected
`· N ................................. Non-elected
`= ..........••....................• Allowed
`I ................................. Interference
`(Through numeral) ... Canceled
`A ................................. Appeal
`..........••••.••.•...•..•.••...• Restricted
`O ................................. Objected
`
`:
`
`Da18
`
`'·
`
`Clalm
`
`Date
`
`..
`Claim
`! ~
`i>'
`·2
`rv
`ii: ~ ~ ':::-
`J. Lo-
`...
`
`, .
`
`. :i• r ,
`
`'
`
`..
`
`~
`1
`1h
`I 12 • •
`- z ~
`"4
`1-;, ts
`I./ !U
`.. ;; 17
`b 18
`1 19
`i 20
`I 9 21
`1c.: 22
`ii 23
`I 2. 24
`l"'·,i) 2S
`l •l!,i ~6
`·' . J(,, 28
`IS' ·27 ·
`11 29
`If 30
`IC! 31
`l-rl.Q 32
`tl f 33
`].'l. 34
`\' 1) 35
`).~· 36
`;Jl~. 37
`l.b' 38
`ti 39
`U·40
`2..~ 41
`)~. 42
`
`'I 43
`\' )1' 44
`O?'J Mi I'
`46
`47
`48
`49
`50
`
`t>
`
`Date
`
`•
`
`:
`
`I
`~!
`
`.
`
`J
`
`Claim
`
`'ii !
`~
`
`101
`1a:i
`10::
`104
`~05
`10E
`107
`1m
`~cs
`~10
`111
`~12
`11
`m
`115
`~1
`117
`11e
`119
`~20
`121
`~22
`1Z:
`12A
`125
`n26
`127
`128
`n29
`~30
`131
`n3.2
`~3:
`1~
`13
`·~
`"3i
`n38
`~39
`- ~4C
`
`141
`14
`14
`14.<
`~45
`
`"4E n4
`"' ~41
`
`h5C
`
`'
`
`,_ -
`
`1
`~
`~
`
`51
`52
`53
`54
`55
`56
`57
`58
`59
`60
`61
`62
`63
`64
`65
`66
`67
`68
`69
`70
`71
`72
`73
`74
`75
`76
`77
`78
`79
`80
`81
`82
`83
`84
`85
`86
`87
`88
`89
`90
`91
`92
`93
`94
`95
`96
`97.
`98
`99
`IOI
`
`If more than 150 claims or 10 actions
`staple additional sheet here
`
`(LEFT INSIDE)
`
`3
`
`

`

`SEARCHED
`
`SEARCH NOTES
`(INCLUDING SEARCH STRATEGY)
`
`Class
`J77
`
`Sub.
`
`l. '-(, t.
`
`' .. /} .) .:1 l,d
`~r .
`
`[A/f°ST'
`Exmr.
`Date
`Date
`l/Zf/"J >1"""' ~ '/z 't/<.:xJ
`'/z.o/oc H(i...J
`
`Exmr.
`/'-Kl._>
`
`, ..
`
`,.
`
`//
`,,;
`
`·""",,.
`
`/ I
`
`-·
`
`'
`
`INTERFERENCE SEARCHED
`Exmr.
`Sub.
`Class
`Date
`G77v}oi::. MtZt.J
`
`2'-1.~
`
`:)//
`
`.J
`
`(RIGHT OUTSIDE)
`
`4
`
`

`

`PATENT APPLICATION SERIAL NO. - - - - - - - -
`
`U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`FEE RECORD SHEET
`
`0918173&
`11103/19'8 GUASHIMG 00000027 1506'0
`~.00 OP
`38.00 OI
`164.00 CK
`550.00 OI
`
`01 FC:101
`02 FC:102
`03 fC;103
`
`PT0-1556
`(5/87)
`
`5
`
`

`

`SERIAL NUMBER
`
`FILlNGDATE
`
`. , · - - - -
`rROUP ART UNIT
`
`· ATTORNEY DOCKET NO
`
`09/181,738
`
`10/28/1998
`
`377
`
`2816
`
`EPIXINC-4
`
`Printed I 0/28/2000
`
`APPLICAI\ ·
`NATHAN PYLES, LAKE MILLS, WISCONSIN; JOEL M MACHT, REECEVILLE,
`WISCONSIN; CHEN-SHU! JUNG, TAIPEI, TAIWAN.
`
`* • CO NT IN U ING ~DOMESTIC DAT A* * • * " * * * * * * * • * * * * * * * * " *
`VERIFIED.' ...
`
`**371 (NAT'L STAGE) DATA*********************
`VERIFIED
`
`w"f0REIGN APPLICATIONS******************•****
`VERIF:ED
`
`FOREIGN FILING LICENSE GRANTED 11/13/1998
`
`SMALL ENTITY
`
`0 yes 0 no
`Foreign p1iority claimed
`35 USC I 19 (a-d) condirions met 0 yes 0 no 0 Mel after Allowance
`
`STATE OR
`COUNTRY
`
`SHEETS
`DRAWINGS
`
`Veritied and acknowledged
`
`Examiner's Name
`
`Initials
`
`1
`
`TOTAL
`CLAIMS
`
`45
`
`INDEPENDENT
`CLAIMS
`
`5
`
`ADDRESS
`LATHROP & CLARK LLP
`740 REGENT STREE~ su:TE 400
`P .0. BOX 1507
`MADISON
`11'1! 53701.-1507
`
`I
`
`FEES: Authority has been given in Paper
`No.
`to charge/credit DEPOSIT ACCOUNT
`for the following:
`NO.
`
`0 All Fees
`0 1.16 Fees (Filing)
`0 1.17 Fees (Processing Ext. of Time)
`0 1.18 Fees (Issue)
`0 Other
`0 Credit-~--
`
`2 of2
`
`ITLE
`PEDOMETER
`
`!T
`
`FILING FEE
`RECEIVED
`
`$" 2.569
`
`6
`
`

`

`. - · · - - · - - · - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
`
`AttomeyDocketNo. I EPIXINC- I TotalPages I c
`e
`
`4
`First Named Inventor or Application Identifier~ ~ co
`Nathan Pyles
`ExpressMailLabelNo.
`
`,,-,~A\
`
`~~ii;;
`I EM164411845US
`ex>::..._....---....
`_J~ ~o
`Assistant Commissioner for Pa'@m:i' - -
`ADDRESS TO: Box Potent Application
`=::::=.
`·~
`Washington, DC 20231
`
`6. LJ Microfiche Computer Program (Appendix)
`
`r+1
`PTOISBf0.5 (12197)
`l...2:..J
`pprovedforosethrough09/30/00. OMB0651--0032fr
`.nark Office: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE '
`Patent and..
`·
`Under lhe Paperwork Reduction Act of !99S, no perso11S are required to respond to a collection ofinfonnation unless it displays a valid OMB conirol number
`UTILITY
`PATENT APPLICATION
`TRANSMITTAL
`
`·d th. ,
`( ) ·
`·
`I
`Pl
`easetypeaposs1gn + ms1 e
`is
`
`·-+
`
`.
`
`(Only for,riew nonprovisional applications under 37 CFR l.S3(b))
`
`APPLICATION ELEMENTS
`
`[Total Sheets Q:::J )
`[Total Pages L_j )
`
`~:
`
`:::::
`ii}
`
`a. D Newly executed (original or copy)
`
`b.
`
`Copy from a prior application (37 CFR l.63(d))
`(for conlinuation/divisionnl with Box 17 completed)
`(Note Box 5 below]
`
`=
`12.
`=
`13. X
`=
`
`Statement(s)
`
`Statement filed in prior
`application, Slatus still
`proper and desired
`
`(if foreign priority is claimed)
`
`(Should be specificry rmized)
`14. D Small Entity
`15. D Certified Copy of Priority Document(s)
`16. D Other: - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
`
`D
`5. D Incorporation By Reference (useable if Box 4b is checked).
`
`i. DELETION OF INVENTOR(S)
`Signed statement attached deleting invcntor(s)
`named in the prior application, see 37 CFR
`1.63(d)(2) and l.33(b).
`
`The entire disclosure of the prior application, from which
`a copy of the oath or declaration is supplied Wlder Box
`4b, is considered as being part of the disclosure of!he
`accompanying application and is hereby incorporated by
`reference therein.
`17. If a CONTINUING APPLICATION, check appropriate box and supply the requisite infonnation:
`I I Continuation DDivisional D Continuation-in-part (CJP)
`of prior application No.:
`18. CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS
`.---------------------------------1"-
`I or D Correspondence address below
`fXI
`I
`0 2 0, 4 5 5
`~ Customer Number or Bllf Code Label I (lnsett Customer No. or Attach bar~ label ee) :
`1-------.---------->'---------------------------------·~~ ...... ---------------1
`
`l
`
`I
`
`I
`
`Name
`
`Address
`City
`Country
`
`State
`I Teleohone
`
`I ZipCode
`I Fax
`
`I
`
`I
`
`See MPEP chapter 600 concerning utility patent aoDlication contents.
`1. X
`Fee Transmittal Fonn
`
`== ("""'"'••origin•!, .. d • dnpl°""' f<< re. 1""sl
`
`2. X
`[Total Pages 19
`Specification
`...__ (preferred arrangement set forth below)
`- Descriptive title of the Invention
`- Cross References to Related Applications
`- Statement Regarding Fed sponsored R&D
`- Reference to Microfiche Appendix
`- Background of the Invention
`- Brief Summary of the Invention
`- Brief Description of the Drawings (if filed)
`- Detailed Description
`- Claim(s)
`- Abstract of the Disclosure
`3. (L] Drawing(s)(356 USC 113)
`4. Oath or Declaration
`
`J 7.
`1
`
`8.
`
`9.
`
`Nucleotide ond/or Amino Acid Sequence Submission
`(if applicable, all necessaty)
`Computer Readable Copy
`a.
`
`:=:==
`b.
`
`~
`c.
`
`Paper Copy (identical to computer copy)
`
`Statement verifying identity of above copies
`
`ACCOMPANYJNG APPLICATION PARTS
`
`Assigrunent Papers (cover sheet & document(s))
`
`::::== 37 CFR 3.73(b) Statement D Power of
`
`(when there is an assignee)
`Attomey
`~
`10. ~ English Translation Documento·r applicable)
`11.
`Infonnation Disclosure
`Copies of IDS
`Statement (IDS)IPT0-1449
`Citations
`Preliminary Amendment
`Return Receipt Postcard (MPEP 503) (
`
`7
`
`

`

`Approved for use through 00/30/00. OMB 0651..0032
`Patent and Trademark Ofrice: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no Dersons are reQulred to resoond to a collecllon of lnfoonauon unless II dlsplavs a valld OMS control number.
`
`PTO/SB/17 (12·97}
`
`FEE TRANSMITTAL
`'
`
`Note: Effective October 1, 1997,
`Patent lees are subject to annual revision
`1vTALAMOUN OF PATIVICl'll
`I ~152.00
`METHOD OF PAYMENT (checK one)
`The Commissioner is hereby authorized to charge
`L8I
`Indicated fees and credit any over payments to:
`Deposit Account 15-0660
`Number
`
`1.
`
`Deposit Account Lathrop
`Name
`
`& Clark
`
`vomp1ete 11 NlOWn pl
`
`App11cat1on Numoer
`filing Date
`r11st Namea inventor
`Group 1U1 unit
`i:xaminer Name
`Attorney Docket Numoer
`.Ot'J.hll'I~ ...
`l"EE !;ALIJULATION (Continued)
`3. ADDITIONAL FEES
`
`r-y1es, et a1.
`
`13. .........
`PA•:__-.
`~
`-· !::of s;;;a r-...
`..._.!"""i ii:f:;
`.~~ --;,i;-
`() ="
`:::::::::
`
`Large Entity
`Fee
`Fee
`Code
`($)
`105
`130
`127
`50
`
`Small Entity
`Fee
`Fee
`Code
`($)
`205
`65
`ZZT
`25
`
`139
`
`130
`
`139
`
`130
`
`Fee Cescriptlon
`
`Fee
`Paid
`
`Surcharge - late filing fee or oath
`Surcharge - late provisional flllng fee
`or cover sheet
`Non·Engllsh specification
`
`147
`
`2,520 147
`
`2,520 For filing a request for reexamination
`
`~
`
`2.
`
`Chart11eAny
`Additional Fee
`Required Under
`37CFR 1.16and
`1.17
`181
`
`D \.inarge tne Issue Fee Set 11'1 ~'
`CFR 1.18 at the Mailing of the
`Notice of Allowance
`
`Payment Enclosed:
`181check D Money 0
`Order
`
`112
`
`920·
`
`112
`
`Other
`
`113
`
`1,840· 113
`
`920*
`
`R~uesting publication or SIR prior
`to xaminer action
`1,840" Requesting publication of SIR after
`Examiner action
`
`1. FILING FEE
`
`-
`
`FEE CAl.:CULA 1 IUN
`
`Large Entity
`
`Small Entity
`
`115
`116
`
`110
`400
`
`117
`
`950
`
`215
`216
`
`217
`
`Fee
`($}
`
`790
`330
`540
`790
`
`Fee
`Code
`
`101
`106
`107
`108
`
`114
`
`Fee
`Code
`
`Fee
`($)
`
`fee Description
`
`Fee Paid
`
`118
`
`1,510 218
`
`395 Utility filiog fee
`165 Design filing fee
`270 Plant filing fee
`395 Reissue filing fee
`
`~39:;,.oo
`
`128
`119
`120
`121
`138
`
`2,060 228
`310
`219
`310
`220
`270
`221
`1,510 138
`
`201
`206
`207
`208
`
`214
`
`SS
`200
`
`475
`
`755
`
`150
`
`2. Cl.AIMS
`
`75
`Provisional filing fee
`I ;i.,,l:Q.oo
`SUBTOTAL (1)
`Extra
`f'ee 1tom
`below
`
`Fee Pata
`
`Total Claims []·~ ~X~• '""·~
`
`X 1
`
`,.
`
`;i.o.:.w
`
`Independent
`Claims
`Multiple Dependent Claims
`
`-3=
`
`X
`
`= ~u.w
`
`140
`141
`142
`
`143
`144
`122
`123
`
`Eldenslon fOI reply within flrst month
`E.>ltenslon for reply within second
`month
`E>4ension for reply within third
`month
`Extension for reply within fourth
`month
`1,030 Extension for reply within fifth month
`155
`Notice of Appeal
`155
`Filing a brief in support of an appeal
`135
`Request for oral hearing
`1,510 Petition to institute a public use
`proceeding
`Petition to revive - unavoidable
`Petition to reVive • unintentional
`Utility Issue fee (or reissue)
`
`55
`660
`660
`
`240
`110
`1,320 241
`1,320 242
`
`450
`670
`130
`so
`
`243
`244
`122
`123
`
`Z2S
`335
`13()
`50
`
`Design issue fee
`Plant issue fee
`Petitions to Ille Commissioner
`Petitions related to provisional
`applicalions
`Submission of Information
`Disclosure Statement
`Recording each patent assignment
`per property (times number of
`properties)
`Filing a submission after final
`rejection (37 CFR 1.129(a))
`For each additional Invention to be
`examined (37 CFR 1.129(b))
`
`Large Entity
`Fee
`Fee
`Code
`($}
`
`Small Entity
`Fee
`Fee
`Code
`
`126
`
`240
`
`126
`
`240
`
`Fee Description
`
`581
`
`40
`
`581
`
`40
`
`11
`
`41
`
`Claims in excess of 20
`
`146
`
`790
`
`246
`
`395
`
`Independent Claims In excess of 3
`
`149
`
`790
`
`249
`
`395
`
`103
`
`102
`
`104
`109
`
`110
`
`22
`
`82
`
`270
`82
`
`22
`
`203
`
`202
`
`204
`209
`
`210
`
`135 Multiple dependent claims
`Reissue independent claims over
`41
`original patent
`Reissue claims In excess of 20 and
`over original patent
`SUBTOTAL (2} I .}"o' .UO
`
`11
`
`other fee (specify)
`
`othef fee (specify)
`
`*Reduced by Basic Filing Fee Paid
`
`SUBTOTAL (3).
`
`l~O.W
`
`SUBMITTED BV
`Typed or Printed Name J~fry W. S19ith,
`v11rnw~ I Oate
`Signature
`"' .
`
`Complete (if applicable)
`33455
`
`Reg. Number
`
`I Ott. 'fttr, iq1 g Deposit Account User 10
`
`8
`
`

`

`Approved for use throUgh 09130/00. OMS 0651-0032
`Patent and Trademark Office: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`Under the Pai:M!lwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are reQuired to respond to a collection of lnfomlatlon unless It displays a valld OMS control number.
`c.;omplete tr rvtOWn
`
`PTO/SB/17 (12-97)
`
`FEE TRANSMITTAL
`
`~
`
`Note: Effective October 1, 1997,
`Patenffees are subject to annual r&vislon
`IOIALA1v1vUN VI" l"'ATMCNI
`I ~f~.l:.VV
`METHOD OF PAYMENT (check one)
`The Commissioner is hereby authori%ed to charge
`181
`Indicated fees and credit any over payments to:
`Deposit Account 15-0660
`Number
`
`1.
`
`Deposit Account Lathrop Clark
`&
`Name
`
`181
`
`2.
`
`·:~.
`
`."'l.~:
`
`_;: ...
`
`0 Charge the Issue Fee set in ".Jt
`CFR 1.18 at the Mailing of the
`Notice or Allowance
`
`Charge Any
`Additional Fee
`Required Under
`37 CFR 1.16 and
`1.17
`181
`
`Payment Enclosed:
`181checl<
`0 Money 0 Other
`Order
`
`f'"EE
`
`,..,,~a.llUN
`
`.•.. 1. FILING Ft:t:
`.,~
`.,; Large Entity
`
`Small Entity
`
`Appi1cation Numuer
`Fiiing Date
`First Named Inventor
`Group AA Unit
`CMm1ner Name
`Attorney uocket Numcer
`l",l' I X I '"' .__,.
`FEE CALCULA ION (~ontlnUe<I)
`3. ADDITIONAL FEES
`
`r-y1es, et a1.
`
`Large Entity
`Fee
`Fee
`Code
`($)
`105
`130
`127
`50
`
`SmallEnlity
`F~ Fee
`Code
`($)
`205
`65
`25
`227
`
`139
`
`130
`
`139
`
`130
`
`Fee Description
`
`Fee
`Paid
`
`Surcharge • late filing fee or oath
`surcharge • late provislonal filing fee
`or cover sheet
`Non-English specification
`
`147
`
`2,520 147
`
`2.520 For filing a request for reel<amlnation
`
`112
`
`920"
`
`112
`
`113
`
`1,840* 113
`
`920"
`
`Requesting publication of SIR prior
`to Examiner action
`1,840* ReciuesUng publication of SIR after
`E1Camlner action
`
`115
`116
`
`110
`400
`
`215
`216
`
`55
`200
`
`117
`
`950
`
`217
`
`475
`
`·- Fee
`J, Code
`
`d~ .
`
`~~.
`
`Fee
`($}
`
`790
`330
`540
`790
`
`Fee
`Code
`
`Fee Fee Description
`($)
`
`201
`206
`207
`208
`
`395 Utility filing fee
`165 Design riling fee
`270 Plant filing fee
`395 Reissue flllng fee
`
`Fee Paid
`
`118
`
`1,510 218
`
`755
`
`$39~.oo
`
`128
`119
`120
`121
`138
`
`2,06() 228
`310
`219
`310
`220
`270
`221
`1,510 138
`
`150
`
`214
`
`101
`' . 106
`"•'107
`~ '108
`·~~ l
`.::
`"f '1l4
`.~:
`:·::
`.:. 2. CLAIMS
`~.=
`
`Provisional filing fee
`75
`I $395.N
`SUBTOTAL (1)
`l;J(lra
`t-ee1rom
`below
`
`t-ee t'a1a
`
`Total Claims [j"~ ~X~• ~;u::i.uu
`
`x 4
`x 1
`
`= ~l:l~.w
`= ~u.Oo
`
`Independent
`Claims
`Multiple Dependent Claims
`
`-3=
`
`140
`141
`142
`
`143
`144
`122
`123
`
`Extension for reply within first month
`Extension for reply within second
`month
`Extension for reply wi1hin third
`month
`Extension for reply within fourth
`month
`1,030 Extension for reply within fifth month
`155
`Notice of Appeal
`155
`Fiiing a brief In support of an appeal
`Request for oral hearing
`135
`1,510 Peti\ion to institute a public use
`proceeding
`Petition to revive· unavoidable
`Petition to revive. unintentional
`Utility Issue fee (« reissue)
`
`55
`660
`660
`
`240
`110
`1,320 241
`1,320 242
`
`450
`670
`130
`50
`
`243
`244
`122
`123
`
`225
`335
`130
`50
`
`Design Issue fee
`Plant bsue fee
`Petitions to the Commissioner
`Petitions related to provisional
`applications
`Submission of Information
`Disclosure Statement
`Recording each patent assignment
`per property (times number of
`properties)
`Filing a submission after final
`rejection (37 CFR 1.129(a))
`J:"or each additional invention to be
`examined {37 CFR 1.129(b))
`
`Large Entity
`Fee
`Fee
`Code
`(S)
`
`Small Entity
`Fee
`Fee
`Code
`
`126
`
`240
`
`126
`
`240
`
`Fee Description
`
`581
`
`40
`
`581
`
`40
`
`11
`
`41
`
`Claims in excess of 20
`
`146
`
`790
`
`Independent Claims in excess of 3
`
`149
`
`790
`
`246
`
`249
`
`395
`
`395
`
`·,03
`
`102
`
`104
`109
`
`t 10
`
`22
`
`82
`
`270
`82
`
`22
`
`203
`
`202
`
`204
`209
`
`210
`
`135 Multiple dependent claims
`41
`Reissue independent claims over
`original patent
`Reissue claims In excess of 20 and
`over original patent
`SUBTOTAL (2) I $3::11.w
`
`11
`
`other fee (specify)
`
`Other fee (specify)
`
`•Reduced by Basic Filing Fee Paid
`
`SUBTOTAL (3)
`
`I ~v.vv
`
`SUBMITTED BY
`Typed or Printed Name J~fry w. Sl}}i th.
`t/'rf{HtJ~ I Date
`Signature
`
`v
`
`•
`
`Complete (if applicable)
`33455
`
`Reg. Number
`
`I /Jt.1.1~1 )if1 s Deposit Account User ID
`
`9
`
`

`

`PA TENT APPLICATION
`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`Applicant:
`
`Pyles, et al.
`
`Filed: '
`
`Simultaneously herewith
`
`For:
`
`Pedometer
`
`Docket No.:
`
`EPIXINC-4
`
`BOX PATENT APPLICATION
`Assistant Commissioner for Patents
`Washington, D.C. 20231
`
`"Express Mail" Mailing Label No.: EM164411845US
`Date of Deposit: October 28, 1998
`
`I hereby certify that these attached documents
`*
`Response postcard
`*
`Check in the amount of $752.00
`*
`PTO/SB/17 (lp) and 1 copy
`*
`Specification and Claims (19 pages) and informal drawing (1 sheet) and
`unexecuted Declaration and Power of Attorney ( 4 pp)
`PTO/ SB/05 (1 p)
`
`*
`
`are being deposited with the United States Postal Service "Express Mail Post Office to
`Addressee'' service under 35 C. F. R. § 1. 10 on the date indicated above and is addressed to the
`Assistant Commissioner for Patents, Washington, D.C. 20231.
`
`11
`
`Enclosed for filing please find the above-referenced new patent application. Please
`indicate receipt of this application by returning the attached postcard with the official Patent
`and Trademark Office receipt and serial number stamped thereon.
`.
`Respectfully submitted,
`
`c /;J
`
`~L
`. Smith, Reg. No. 3345,_
`J n
`Attorney for Applicant
`Lathrop & Clark
`P.O. Box 1507
`Madison, Wisconsin 53701-1507
`(608) 257-7766
`
`~.xpnn~ibpp
`
`10
`
`

`

`.·
`
`• ...
`
`The undersigned hereby certiflet that this
`document is beinf deposit~ United
`States ~I ..... today lA
`PP
`19:2ibv the • ....., •• ....-- ..,.., uteamnci
`
`expr . . mail.......... §t11wff«Sf51.(,S
`
`addressed to: Autatant Comtlli11ioMr for
`Patenta, WllMllllOf\ O.C. 20231.
`Jc:..~/2-1 M 6M17H
`
`PEDOMETER
`
`Nathan Pyles Joel M. Macht Chen Shui-Jung
`
`. -:~:
`
`FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention relates generally to pedometers having a waist mounted
`stride-counting device and transmitter, and a wrist-mounted receiver and display. The
`invention also relates to a distance calculation device that calculates a distance
`
`walked or run based on an algorithm that converts a base stride length and a base
`stride rate to an actual stride length for use in calculating the distance traveled.
`
`Pedometers are known which include devices or algorithms for determining
`the distance a person travels on foot. For example, U.S. Patent 4,371,945 discloses
`
`an electronic pedometer that calculates distance by electronically measuring the
`length of each stride taken by a user. Stride length is measured by ultrasonic waves
`
`generated by an ultrasonic module strapped to one leg and an ultrasonic detector
`worn on the other leg. A program compensates for a variety of measurement errors
`and the results are displayed on a wrist-mounted display after being transmitted by
`VHF waves from the leg to the wrist.
`
`5
`
`10
`
`is
`
`1
`
`11
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent 4,771,394 discloses a computer shoe with a heel-mounted
`electronic device with an inertia footstrike counter, a timer, a sound generating
`device, a battery, and a gate array for counting time and footstrikes to calculate
`distance and running time as a function of stride time. Although recognizing the
`important relationship of stride length and foot speed, the shoe in this patent requires
`data from at least 15 test runs or walks and the data must be user-entered in pairs of
`
`footstrikes and elapsed time to cover a pre-determined distance. Further, user
`adjustments of time must be perfonned to accommodate start and stop times, and the
`
`s
`
`,,.
`
`number of counted footstrikes is increased one percent to overcome inherent errors
`in the inertia step counter. The shoe-mounted device is subject to damage from
`
`10
`
`impact, dirt, and water, and requires a stay-at-home computer with which to
`interface. There is no means disclosed to transmit data to a wrist-mounted display
`device or an "on-board" computing device that provides "real time" data to a runner.
`
`15
`
`U.S. Patent 4,855,942 discloses a pedometer and calorie measuring device
`that includes a wrist-mounted step counter and a fixed stride length to calculate
`distance traveled. Wrist-mounted step counters are known to be inaccurate because
`
`they assume a step for every ann movement. Even with error correction, such a
`device will provide less accurate step counts than a leg or waist-mounted counter.
`Further, fixed stride lengths do not take into account the fact that stride length varies
`
`:::·:;·
`
`20
`
`with rate of movement.
`
`U.S. Patent 5, 117,444 discloses a pedometer and calibration method with two
`calibration modes. First, a user travels a predetermined "half-distance" for the device
`
`to count and store the number of strides in that distance. Next, the user travels a
`second distance with the step counter comparing actual steps to the steps in memory
`
`2s
`
`and a current trip memory are incremented by a tenth of a "whole unit" distance.
`There is no correlation between stride length and stride rate which requires the user
`
`to re-calibrate the device when walking as opposed to running.
`U.S. Patent 5,475,725 discloses a pulse meter with pedometer function to
`
`30
`
`detennine pace and pulse rate of a user. The meter uses pulse wave base data
`.....
`compared to actual pulse wave data rates.
`U.S. Patent 5,476,427 discloses a pace display device utilizing a base rate for
`
`2
`
`12
`
`

`

`traveling pre-set distances in successive trails. The device calculates step counts and
`rates, and compares actual step count rates to display data to a user for comparison
`of present running rates to previous rates.
`Thus, there is a need for a simple, but highly accurate, pedometer that
`
`s
`
`displays distance traveled, pace, speed, heart rate, and other important infonnation on
`
`"
`
`. an easily read wrist-mounted device.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention overcomes problems and shortcomings in the prior art
`by providing a device that includes a waist, chest, or leg-mounted stride counting
`device, a transmitter, and a wrist-mounted receiver/display device that provides
`
`10
`
`highly accurate travel distances and other information. The device includes a
`
`computer that stores base stride length and rate data from traveling a pre-determined
`
`distance and compares that to actual stride rate data to calculate actual distance
`traveled, speed, and pace. The invention recognizes the interdependency of stride
`
`15
`
`length and stride rate and uses that relationship to provide superior distance-
`
`calculating accuracy.
`
`The invention also provides for improved display of relevant data on a wrist(cid:173)
`mounted display that receives digital signals from devices worn on other body parts
`
`such as legs, waist, and chest. Transmitters that can send coded signals are desirable
`because they will not interfere with similar devices worn by other users in the vicinity.
`
`20
`
`The accuracy of the device is enhanced by the use of an algorithm that adjusts
`a base stride length based on actual stride rates. The algorithm is defined as: Actual
`Stride Length= Base Stride Length+ Base Stride Length *(((Actual Stride Rate -
`
`Base Stride Rate) N)/Base Stride Rate); where N is either an average value or a
`derived value from a plurality of samples.
`
`2s
`
`The invention also includes a method for calculating an actual stride length
`including steps of: timing a first user run of a predetermined distance; counting the
`
`total number of strides in the user first run; dividing the first run distance by the stride
`count to obtain a base stride length; dividing the stride count t.y the first run time to
`obtain a base stride rate; counting strides during a user's second run to obtain an
`actual stride rate; calculating the actual stride length using the fonnula: Actual Stride
`
`30
`
`3
`
`13
`
`

`

`Length = Base Stride Length + Base Stride Length
`
`*(((Actual Stride Rate - Base Stride Rate )N)/Base Stride Rate); wherein N is an
`
`average value or a derived value.
`
`The average value method can be refined by comparing Base Stride Rate to
`
`Actual Stride Rate to determine a percentage difference; and using N=l when the
`Actual Stride Rate :S Base Stride Rate* 1.02 and using N=3 when Actual Stride Rate
`> Base Stride Rate * 1. 02. A preferred embodiment uses a plurality of sample runs
`over known distances to derive an accurate N value for each individual.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a pedometer in accordance with the present
`
`...
`
`5
`
`10
`
`invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`As illustrated in Fig. 1, the present invention is directed to an improved
`
`.....
`·:+.::.
`
`pedometer 20 including: a waist, chest, or leg mounted stride counter 24, and a wrist
`
`15
`
`or waist mounted display unit 26. An optional chest-mounted heart monitor 28 can
`
`be included. AJI of the device components are mounted in suitable housings. The
`
`pedometer 20 includes a data processor 30 that is mounted in the same housing as
`
`either the step counter 24 or the display unit 26.
`
`The step counter 24 is an inertia device that counts the number of steps a user
`
`20
`
`takes. The number of steps is transmitted to a data archive 32 either directly or via a
`
`transmitter 34. The data archive 32 is mounted in the housing with the step counter
`
`24 or the display 26.
`
`The transmitter 34 is mounted in the step counter housing and is preferably an
`
`Rf telemetric signal transmitter with a 30 inches to 36 inches transmission range.
`
`25
`
`Alternately, the transmitter is a wireless or wired digital transmitter with a coding
`
`function to limit or eliminate interference with other similar devices. The wireless
`
`transmission range is .set between 30 inches and 36 inches to provide adequate range
`
`to transmit signals from a user's waist to wrist, but not so far as to cause interference
`
`with other Rf or digital devices in the vicinity.
`The transmitter 34 transmits either raw data or calculated distances, pace, etc.
`
`30
`
`to a wrist-mounted display unit receiver 40. The receiver 40 relays a raw data signal
`
`4
`
`14
`
`

`

`s
`
`10
`
`f..:i::
`
`15
`
`to the data processor 30 or a calculated data signal directly to the display panel 42,
`such as an LCD or LED.
`
`Similarly> the heart rate monitor 28 includes a transmitter 44 that transmits
`heart rate data to the display unit 26. The heart monitor transmitter 44 can transmit at
`the same or a different frequency as the stride counter 24, and to the same or a
`• different receiver in the display unit 26. The heart rate transmitter 44 is preferably Rf,
`but can be digital for the reasons stated above. The range of the heart rate transmitter
`
`44 should also be between 30 inches and 36 inches to ensure effective communication
`with the receiver while limiting outside interference.
`The data processor 30 can also include a programmable logic controller> a
`
`personal computer, a programmable read-only memory, or other suitable processor.
`The data processor 30 includes a data archive 32 to store historic data on stride
`
`length and pace to be used in an algorithm for calculating actual distances, speed, and
`
`rate for real-time conversion of data to useful information for a user.
`
`The data processor 30 can also include closed loop or fuzzy logic
`programming to continually or periodically replace the base stride rate and length
`with recently calculated stride rates and lengths so that long term conditioning trends
`
`are accommodated in the base stride archive. Incorporating trend capabilities may
`
`further enhance accuracy of the distance and pace calculations.
`The display unit 26 also includes an operator interface 46 such as a key pad,
`
`20
`
`button, knob, etc. that enables the user to start and stop a clock 48 (or stop watch)
`and activate various use modes within the pedometer, such as a sampling mode and
`
`operation mode.
`One option for using the pedometer 20, requires the user to operate a
`
`"sampling mode" and begin walking or running a pre-determined distance such as a
`mile or 1600 meters, preferably on a running track of a known size. Upon completion
`
`of the distance, a stop button on the operator interface 46 is pushed. The data
`processor 30 is programmed to then divide the distance by the number of strides
`
`counted to calculate an average stride length. This value is sic.red in the data archive
`32 as the "Base Stride Length."
`Also, the data processor 30 is programmed to divide the number of strides by
`
`25
`
`30
`
`5
`
`15
`
`

`

`the time of the run or walk as measured by the clock 48 to arrive at a "Base Stride
`
`Rate."
`
`The data processor 30 preferably includes progranuning that queries the user
`
`about the distance to be run during the sampling mode. By providing options or
`
`s
`
`..
`
`enabling the use of any distance during the sampling mode, the pedometer 20
`.. provides maximum flexibility for use by people of various physical conditions, or
`
`having access to courses of different known distances. Thus, a user may be queried to
`
`input a distance to be used in the sampling mode and then be given a list of options
`such as 400 meters, 440 yards, 1600 meters, or one mile, or be asked to simply input
`
`10
`
`any distance known to the user that will be traveled during the sampling mode.
`
`The present invention makes full use of the relationship between a faster rate
`
`of travel and longer stride lengths. In other words, the faster a user is moving, the
`
`longer will be the stride length. Over the course of the run or walk, the user's step
`
`rate and, therefore, stride length will change and the user will cover more ground
`
`15
`
`when moving fast and less ground when moving slow.
`
`Clearly, using a fixed average stride length in calculating distance traveled will
`
`result in errors using prior pedometers. This is particularly true if a user changes
`
`pace, or improves conditioning and speed to the point where the average stride length
`
`over a given run increases dramatically. The error compensators in prior devices do
`
`20
`
`not adjust for changes in pace. With the old devices, a user needed to re-calibrate
`
`periodically to be close to getting an accurate reading, and could not change pace
`
`during a workout without decreasing accuracy.
`
`To make the correction, the user activates a "Use Mode" in which the data
`
`processor 30 calculates an Actual Stride Rate based on data from the stride counter
`
`2s
`
`24 and the clock 48. For example, an Actual Stride Rate can be calculated every five
`
`seconds without the user doing more than activating the " Use Mode" button, while
`
`all the calculations are perfonned by the data processor automatically. The
`
`percentage change between the Actual Stride Rate and the Base Stride Rate is then
`
`computed by the data processor 30 to determine an Actual Stride Length. Again, if
`
`30
`
`the Actual Stride Rate is greater than the Base S