`
`Control No.
`
`Patent Under Reexamination
`
`
`
` Notice of Intent to Issue 90/013s106 5796183
`
`
`
`Ex Parte Reexamination Certificate
`
`Examiner
`
`HENRY N. TRAN
`
`Art Unit
`
`3992
`
`AIA (First Inventor to File)
`Status
`No
`
`-- The MAILING DA TE of this communication appears on the cover sheet with the correspondence address --
`
`1. IZI Prosecution on the merits is (or remains) closed in this ex parte reexamination proceeding. This proceeding is
`subject to reopening at the initiative of the Office or upon petition. Of. 37 CFR 1 .313(a). A Certificate will be issued
`in view of
`
`)
`
`IXI Patent owner’s communication(s) filed: 07 Ma); 2014.
`El Patent owner’s failure to file an appropriate timely response to the Office action mailed:
`I:I Patent owner’s failure to timely file an Appeal Brief (37 CFR 41.31).
`|:| The decision on appeal by the El Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences E! Court dated
`
`ae Reexamination Certificate will indicate the following:
`aChange in the Specification.
`I:l Yes IZI No
`bChange in the Drawing(s ):
`I:l Yes IZI No
`c Status of the Claim(s):
`
`) Patent c|aim(s ) confirmed.
`Patent c|aim(s) amended (including dependent on amended c|aim(s)):
`Patent c|aim(s ) canceled. 18 27 and 35.
`Newly presented c|aim(s ) patentable:_40-117.
`Newly presented canceled claims.
`Patent c|aim(s)I:l previously I:l currently disclaimed:
`Patent c|aim(s ) not subject to reexamination. 1- 17 19-26 28-34 and 36-39.
`
`) ) ) ) ) )
`
`(1
`(2
`(3
`(4
`(5
`(6
`(7
`
`3. E! A declaration(s)/affidavit(s) under 37 CFR 1.130(b) was/were filed on
`4. IZI Note the attached statement of reasons for patentability and/or confirmation. Any comments considered necessary
`by patent owner regarding reasons for patentability and/or confirmation must be submitted promptly to avoid
`processing delays. Such submission(s) should be labeled: “Comments On Statement of Reasons for Patentability
`and/or Confirmation.”
`
` 1
`
`5. El Note attached NOTICE OF REFERENCES CITED (PTO-892).
`
`6. CI Note attached LIST OF REFERENCES CITED (PTO/SB/O8 or PTO/SB/08 substitute).
`
`7. El The drawing correction request filed on
`
`is: El approved
`
`I:l disapproved.
`
`8. El Acknowledgment is made of the priority claim under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a)-(d) or (f).
`a)I:I AII
`b)I:I Some*
`c)I:I None
`of the certified copies have
`I:l been received.
`I:l not been received.
`I:| been filed in Application No.
`I:| been filed in reexamination Control No.
`I:l been received by the International Bureau in PCT Application No.
`
`* Certified copies not received: _
`
`9. El Note attached Examiner’s Amendment.
`
`10. El Note attached Interview Summary (PTO-474).
`
`1 1. El Other:
`
`All correspondence relating to this reexamination proceeding should be directed to the Central Reexamination Unit at
`the mail, FAX, or hand-carry addresses given at the end of this Office action.
`
`rec uester)
`cc: Rec uester (if third - art
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
`PTOL-469 (Rev. 08-13)
`Notice of Intent to Issue Ex Parte Reexamination Certificate
`
`HENRY N TRAN/
`
`Primary Examiner
`‘ rt Unit: 3992
`
`Part of Paper No 20140603
`
`APPLE 1007
`
`1
`
`APPLE 1007
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 90/013,106
`Art Unit: 3992
`
`Page 2
`
`The present application is being examined under the pre—AIA first to invent provisions.
`
`NOTICE OF INTENT TO ISSUE EX PARTE REEXAMINATION CERTIFICATE
`
`INTRODUCTION
`
`1. This Notice of Intent to Issue Ex Part6 Reexamination Certificate (NIRC) action concerns the
`
`Ex Parte Reexamination Request (hereinafter “the Request”) filed by patent owner on December
`
`24, 2013 for the Ex Parte Reexamination Certificate, the US Patent No. 5,786,183 C1, issued
`
`on April 29, 2013 to Hourmand et al. (hereinafter “the ‘ 183 patent”); and it is responsive to the
`
`patent owner’s response filed on May 7, 2014 (hereinafter “the response”). The response has
`
`been entered. Claims 40-117 are subject to this reexamination; and they are found patentable
`
`and/or confirmed.
`
`RESPONSE TO THE RESPONSE
`
`2. Patent owner’s proposed amendment to the claims, see pages 2—14, filed with the response is
`
`in compliance with 37 CFR 1.530(d)-(j), and it has been entered. See M.P.E.P. § 2250. Claims
`
`18, 27, and 35 are canceled; claims 1-17, 19-26, 28-34, and 36-39 are unamended and they are
`
`not subject to reexamination; claims 40-105 were previously added, and of which, claims 40, 41,
`
`56, 66, 67, 71, and 95 are amended; and claims 106—1 17 are newly added. Thus, claims 40—1 17
`
`are subject to this reexamination.
`
`3. Patent owner’s arguments, see pages 15—14], filed with the response, with respect to the claim
`
`rejections under 35 U.S.C. § 305, the prior art references of Boie, Gerpheide, Lee, and Casio. and
`
`2
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 90/013,106
`Art Unit: 3992
`
`Page 3
`
`the supports for new claims 40—1 17, have been fully considered and are persuasive. The
`
`rejection of claims 18, 27. 40-44, 56-71, and 95-105 under 35 U.S.C. § 305 as recited in the
`
`prior Office action mailed on March 27, 2014 has been overcome, and it has been withdrawn.
`
`REFERENCES CITED IN THIS OFFICE ACTION
`
`3. The prior art patents and printed publications (the prior art references) cited in the Request
`
`pursuant to C.F.R. § 1.510(b) (3), see the Request page 10, and relied upon are relisted below:
`
`° US. 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.
`
`- US Patent No. 5,565,658 issued to Gerpheide et al. on October 15, 1996 ("Gerpheide" or the
`‘658 patent), which was submitted with the request as Exhibit D.
`
`' Casio advertisement entitled "Now... The Invisible Casio Calculator Watch," published in
`Popular Science by On the Run in 1984 ("Casio"), which was submitted with the request as
`Exhibit E.
`
`' Lee, thesis entitled "A Fast Multiple-Touch-Sensitive Input Device," and published October
`1984 ("Lee"), which was submitted with the IDS filed with the request.
`
`ALLOWABLE SUBJECT MATTER
`
`4. New claims 40-117 are patentable.
`
`STATEMENT OF REASONS FOR PATENTABILITY AND/OR CONFIRMATION
`
`5. The following is an examiner's statement of reasons for patentability and/or confirmation of
`
`the claims found patentable in this reexamination proceeding:
`
`3
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 90/013,106
`Art Unit: 3992
`
`Page 4
`
`The ‘l83 patent generally relates to a capacitive responsive electronic switching circuit including
`
`an oscillator 200 providing a periodic output signal, a keypad having a plurality of input touch
`
`terminals 450 defining areas for an operator to provide inputs by proximity and touch, a
`
`microcontroller 500 using the periodic output signal from the oscillator for selectively providing
`
`signal output frequencies to the input touch terminals(e.g., touch terminals 57 and 59), and a
`
`detector circuit 400 coupled to the oscillator, the input touch terminals, and the microcontroller
`
`for providing a control output signal based on the presence of operator’s body capacitance to
`
`ground coupled to the input touch terminal when in proximity or touched by an operator. An
`
`array of touch terminals may be provided in close proximity due to the reduction in crosstalk that
`
`may result from contaminants by utilizing an oscillator outputting signal having a frequency of
`
`50 KHZ or greater. See, the ‘183 patent Abstract, and Figures 3, 4 and 11. Each of the new
`
`independent claims 45, 56, 72, 84, 95, 106, and 1 ll identifies the uniquely distinct features that
`
`are not taught or suggested by the cited prior art references, either alone or in any reasonable
`
`combinations. Specifically,
`
`(i) Independent claim 45 inludes the new limitation of “a microcontroller using the periodic
`
`output signal from the oscillator, the microcontroller selectively providing signal output
`
`frequencies directly to a plurality of small sized input touch terminals of a keypad”
`
`(ii) Independent claim 56 requires, inter alia, the features: “a microcontroller using the periodic
`
`output signal from the oscillator, the microcontroller selectively providing signal output
`
`frequencies to a plurality of small sized input touch terminals of a keypad, and wherein a peak
`
`voltage of the signal outputfrequencies is greater than a supply voltage ”;
`
`4
`
`

`

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

`

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

`

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

`

`Application/Control Number: 90/013,106
`Art Unit: 3992
`
`Page 8
`
`is a fixed constant, approximately 50, and M is specified by the microcontroller 102 to be, for
`
`example, one of four values in the ranges 61 KHZ to 80 KHz as specified by the microcontroller
`
`102; and wherein, the microcontroller 102 performs the functions of interference evaluation 106
`
`and frequency selection 108. See id. at Figure 7, and col. 8:20-43.
`
`Thus, Gerpheide does not teach or suggest the synchronous electrode capacitance measurement
`
`unit is responsive to signals from the oscillator via said microcontroller and the presence of an
`
`operator's body capacitance to ground.
`
`Accordingly, Gerpheide does not teach or suggest the above-identified underlined claimed
`
`features.
`
`Casio
`
`Casio teaches a Casio Calculator Watch, which is a timepiece product employing electro—touch
`
`technology. The watch works by reading finger-strokes traced across its face. See id. at col. 1.
`
`The transparent touch panel construction includes a fiberg1ass panel having a transparent
`
`conductor film pattern (first layer) and a dielectric layer (second layer) overlying the fiberglass.
`
`See id. at col. 2. The touch panel determines figure and math symbols outlined with finger-
`
`strokes traced across the face. See id. at col. 1. The touch panel senses the input, and then
`
`digitizes it to extract features of the figure or math symbol. See id. at col. 2. The watch then
`
`outputs the corresponding figure or math symbol on the screen.
`
`Thus, Casio does not teach or suggest the nricrocontroller is used to selectively providing signal
`
`output frequencies to input touch terminals of a keypad.
`
`Accordingly, Casio does not teach or suggest the above-identified underlined claimed features.
`
`8
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 90/013,106
`Art Unit: 3992
`
`Page 9
`
`Lee
`
`Lee discloses a fast—scanning multiple—touch—sensitive input device comprising: a sensor matrix
`
`board, row and column selection registers, A/D converting circuits and a dedicated CPU. See id.
`
`at Figure 3.4. The row selection registers select one or more rows by setting the corresponding
`
`bits to a high state in order to charge up the sensors while the column selection registers select
`
`one or more columns by turn on corresponding analog switches to discharge the sensors
`
`through timing resistors. The intersecting region of the selected rows and the selected columns
`
`represents the selected sensors as a unit. See id. at Figure 3.1(a) shows a model of a selected
`
`sensor in the sensor matrix, Figure 3.1 (b) shows the timing diagram for discharging time
`
`measurement of a selected sensor, and Figure 3.2 illustrates a small section of a sensor matrix.
`
`Particularly, Lee describes the interface between the CPU and the sensor matrix as follows: The
`
`CPU selects the row or rows of a sensor group. initiating charging of all the associated sensors.
`
`After a charging interval, the CPU discharges the selected column or columns corresponding to a
`
`sensor group by connecting a group of discharge resistors whose current is summed via a high
`
`slew rate operational amplifier. Wherein, the CPU selects or deselects the row(s) by sending
`
`binary signals to the selected row(s). See id. at Figs. 3.1(a), 3.1(b), and 3.4, and page 3-10. As
`
`illustrated by the data bus of Figure 3.4.
`
`Thus, Lee does not teach or suggest sending signal output frequencies to the selected rows and/or
`
`column.
`
`Accordingly, Lee does not teach or suggest the above—identified underlined claimed features.
`
`9
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 90/013,106
`Art Unit: 3992
`
`Page 10
`
`Further, the examiner agrees with the discussion articulated by patent owner that the prior art
`
`references, Boie, Gerpheide, Lee, and Casio, either alone or in combinations, fails to teach the
`
`above—identified claimed, see the response pages 16—20.
`
`Accordingly, the independent claims 45, 56, 72, 84, 95, 106, and 111 are patentable over the
`
`prior art references of Boie, Gerpheide, Lee, and Casio.
`
`Dependent claims 40-44, 46-55, 57-71, 73-83, 85-94, 96-105, 107-110, and 112-117, each is
`
`dependent upon one of said independent claims, and it is patentable based on at least the reasons
`
`set forth for the independent claim due to its dependency.
`
`Any comments considered necessary by PATENT OWNER regarding the above statement must
`
`be submitted promptly to avoid processing delays. Such submission by the patent owner should
`
`be labeled: "Comments on Statement of Reasons for Patentability and/0r Confirmation" and will
`
`be placed in the reexamination file.
`
`CLAIM RENUMBERS
`
`6. Claims 40-117 are renumbered consecutively in compliance with 37 CFR 1.126 and 37 CFR
`
`1.530(g), see MPEP 608.010) and MPEP § 2250, as shown in the table below.
`
`10
`
`10
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 90/013,106
`Art Unit: 3992
`
`Page 11
`
`T D
`CPA
`Ciaims renumbered in the same order as presented by appiicant
`angina:
`Final
`ongmaz
`Final
`CIIiginal
`Fmai
`angina:
`origins:
`Fmal
`Cfigim:
`rm;
`Enigma!
`Final
`Final
`m:
`
`
`
`
`
`
`: 3r :. u a, 55 25 36:‘ :53
`
`
`
`15-}
`ur.)inmX»lo
`35
`
`.or
`19
`
`
` Uuu
`,.
`
` (.1.u.u.u.rM;
`aas
`
`mr
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`CONCLUSION
`
`7. Extensions of Time
`
`Extensions of time under 37 CFR 1.136(a) Will not be permitted in these proceedings because the
`
`provisions of 37 CFR 1.136 apply only to "an applicant" and not to parties in a reexamination
`
`proceeding. Additionally, 35 U.S.C. 305 requires that reexamination proceedings "will be
`
`conducted with special dispatch" (37 CFR 1.550(a)). Extension of time in ex parte
`
`reexamination proceedings are provided for in 37 CFR 1.550(c).
`
`8. Litigation Reminder
`
`The patent owner is reminded of the continuing responsibility under 37 CFR 1.565(a) to apprise
`
`the Office of any litigation activity, or other prior or concurrent proceeding, involving the ‘ 183
`
`11
`
`11
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 90/013,106
`Art Unit: 3992
`
`Page 12
`
`patent throughout the course of this reexamination proceeding. See MPEP §§ 2207, 2282 and
`
`2286.
`
`9. Correspondence and Inquiry as to Office Actions
`
`All correspondence related to this ex parte reexamination proceeding should be directed
`
`as follows:
`
`By EFS:
`
`Registered users may submit Via the electronic filing system EFS -Web, at
`https://efs.uspto.gov/efile/myportal/efs—registered
`
`By Mail to: Mail Stop Ex Parte Reexam
`Central Reexamination Unit
`Commissioner for Patents
`United States Patent & Trademark Office
`PO. Box 1450
`
`Alexandria, VA 223 13- 1450
`
`By FAX to:
`
`(571) 273-9900
`Central Reexamination Unit
`
`By hand:
`
`Customer Service Window
`Randolph Building
`401 Dulany Street
`Alexandria, VA 223]
`
`For EFS-Web transmissions, 37 CFR 1.8(a)(1)(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 1.6(a)(4), and (b) includes a certificate of transmission for each piece of
`
`correspondence stating the data of transmission, which is prior to the expiration of the set period
`
`of time in the Office action.
`
`12
`
`12
`
`

`

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

`

`Application/Control No.
`
`Applicant(s)/Patent Under Reexamination
`
`3992
`
`Issue Classification 90013106
`
`||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ”I ""ll” |||
`
`Examiner
`
`HENRY N TRAN
`
`5796183
`
`Art unit
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Version
`
`
`
`(Assistani Examiner)
`/HENRY N TRAN/
`Primary Examiner.Ar1 Unit 3992
`
`(Primary Examiner)
`US. Patent and Trademark Office
`
`4
`
`Toial Claims Allowed:
`
`78
`
`06/03/2014
`
`O.G. Prini Claim(s)
`
`O.G. Prini Figure
`
`(Date)
`
`40
`
`Part of Paper No. 20140603
`
`14
`
`14
`
`

`

`Application/Control No.
`
`Applicant(s)/Patent Under Reexamination
`
`Issue Classification 90013106
`
`IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII III
`
`IIIIIIII
`
`III
`
`Examiner
`
`HENRY N TRAN
`
`5796183
`
`Art unit
`
`3992
`
`US ORIGINAL CLASSIFICATION
`
`INTERNATIONAL CLASSIFICATION
`
`CLASS
`
`SUBCLASS
`
`CLAIMED
`
`NON-CLAIMED
`
`3 3
`
`—---I—
`
`17/94 IZOOBIOI.01. I'll-
`
`
`
`CROSS REFERENCE(S)
`
`SUBCLASS (ONE SUBCLASS PEH BLOCK)
`
`
`
`140 112139 113
`
`
`
`
`
`
`O.G. Prinl Figure (Primary Examiner)
`
`(Assistanl Examiner)
`/HENRY N TRAN/
`Primary Examiner.Ar1 Unit 3992
`
`US. Patent and Trademark Office
`
`15
`
`Tolal Claims Allowed:
`
`78
`
`06/03/2014
`
`O.G. Prinl Claim(s)
`
`(Date)
`
`40
`
`4
`Part of Paper No. 20140603
`
`15
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`

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`Application/Control No.
`
`Applicant(s)/Patent Under Reexamination
`
`Issue Classification 90013106
`
`||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ”I ""ll” |||
`
`Examiner
`
`HENRY N TRAN
`
`5796183
`
`Art unit
`
`[I
`
`[I
`
`El
`
`R.1.47
`T.D.
`Claims renumbered in the same order as presented by applicant
`El
`Original
`Final
`Original
`Final
`Original
`Final
`Original
`Final
`Original
`Final
`Original
`Final
`Original
`Final
`Original
`Final
`69
`109
`1
`1
`18
`60
`52
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` oooxiofimeum
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`O.G. Prinl Figure (Primary Examiner)
`
`(Assistanl Examiner)
`/HENRY N TRAN/
`Primary Examiner.Ar1 Unit 3992
`
`US. Patent and Trademark Office
`
`16
`
`Toial Claims Allowed:
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`78
`
`06/03/2014
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`O.G. Prinl Claim(s)
`
`(Date)
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`40
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`4
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`' UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`
`
`BIB DATA SHEET
`
`Page 1 of1
`
`LNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF CONIMERCE
`United States Patent and Trademark Office
`Addmss: COMMISSIONER FOR PATENTS
`PO. Box 1450
`AchaJIdTiEL Vilginia 22313-1450
`www uspro gov
`
`CONFIRMATION NO. 9188
`
`SERIAL NUMBER
`90/013,106
`
`FILINgIAgrl‘E 371 (C)
`12/24/2013
`
`GROUP ART UNIT ATTORNI‘lTCY) DOCKET
`NAR-5796183RX2
`
`APPLICANTS
`
`RULE
`
`INVENTORS
`5796183, Residence Not Provided;
`NARTRON CORPORATION, REED CITY, MI;
`in CONTINUING DATA *************************
`This application is a REX NOS/601,268 01/31/1996 PAT 5796183
`** FOREIGN APPLICATIONS *************************
`
`** IF REQUIRED, FOREIGN FILING LICENSE GRANTED ** ** SMALL ENTITY **
`
`3 Yes BN0
`Foreign Prioriiv ciaimed
`35 USC 119(a—d) conditions met :I Yes BNO
`Verified and
`/HENFlY N "FIAN/
`Acknowledged
`Examlner's Slgnature
`ADDRESS
`
`
`
`Allowance
`D Met after
`
`'lfilfiEls—
`
`SLATER & MATSIL, L.L.P.
`17950 PRESTON RD, SUITE 1000
`DALLAS, TX 75252—5793
`UNITED STATES
`TITLE
`
`STATE OR
`COUNTRY
`
`SHEETS
`DRAWINGS
`
`TOTAL
`CLAIMS
`
`INDEPENDENT
`CLAIMS
`
`82- 1 4
`
`”.8 1 1 O
`
`
`
`Capacitive Responsive Electronic Switching Circuit
`
`FEES: Authority has been given in Paper
`FILING FEE
`RECEIVED NO.
`to charge/credit DEPOSIT ACCOUNT
`for following:
`
`
`II All Fees
`
`
`31.16 Fees (Filing)
`
`-
`-
`3 1-17 Fees (Process'ng EXt- 0“ t'me)
`:l 1.18 Fees (Issue)
`:| Other
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`:| Credit
`
`BIB (Rev. 05/07).
`
`17
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`17
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`

`
`Reexamination
`Application/Control No.
`Applicant(s)/Patent Under
`Reexamination
`5796183
`
`90013106
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`
`
`IIIIIIIIIIII
`III
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`IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
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`IIIIIIII
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`II
`
`04/29/2013
`
`5796183C1
`
`
`
`Requester Correspondence Address:
`
`SLATER & MATSIL, L.L.P.
`17950 PRESTON RD, SUITE 1000
`
`IX
`
`Patent Owner
`
`El Third Party
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`LITIGATION REVIEW IX
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`/HT/
`examiner initials
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`01/26/2014
`date
`Director Initials
`Case Name
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`1:060v 1777 - CLOSED
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`2 :030V751 69 - CLOS ED
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`1 :100v691 - CLOSED
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`2:060V500 -CLOS ED
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`DALLAS, TX 75252-5793
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`COPENDING OFFICE PROCEEDINGS
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`TYPE OF PROCEEDING
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`1. NONE
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`DOC. CODE RXFILJKT
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`
`
`Application/Control No.
`
`Applicant(s)/Patent Under
`Reexamination
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`Search Notes
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`90013106
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`5796183
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`iliiiilli
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`
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`i
`ArtUnit
`Examiner
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`ii
`IIIIIIII
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`IIIIIIIIIIII
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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 Examiner ‘ Date ‘
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`US CLASSIFICATION SEARCHED
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`——~mi_-m_-m
`HT
`112,113,116,125,139,140,157
`6/2/2014 —
`361 HT 181 6/2/2014
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`SEARCH NOTES
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`Search Notes mm
`Review of patented file‘s prosecution history
`03/102014/
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`06/02/14
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`6/2/14
`
`INTERFERENCE SEARCH
`
`US Class/
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`CPC S mbol
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`US Subclass / CPC Group “W
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`112,113,116,125,139,140,157
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`6/2/14
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`/HENRY N TRAN/
`Primary ExaminerArt Unit 3992
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`Applicant(s)/Patent Under
`Application/Control No.
`Reexamination
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`013106
`5796183
`90
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`Examiner
`Art Unit
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`HENRY N TRAN
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` Index of Claims
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` HHHZ22HHHHZZ2H
`(OOJVQUI-booh)
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`4.xLON HI
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`.11 O 2222 2222
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`———
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`———
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`———
`4.xLON
`————
`14 ——————
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`15
`15
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`N
`N
`17
`17
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`29 ——————
`so ——————
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`as ——————
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
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`Applicant(s)/Patent Under Application/Control No.
`Reexamination
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`
`Index of Clalms
`90013106
`5796183
`
`Art Unit
` Examiner
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`HENRY N TRAN
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`
`El Claims renumbered in the same order as presented by applicant
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`El CPA
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`CLAIM
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`DATE
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`37
`as
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`39
`39
`N
`45
`40
`W
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`55
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`62
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`ee
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`as
`ea
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`70
`63
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`64
`as
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`109
`1 10
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`69
`70
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`71
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`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
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`Applicant(s)/Patent Under Application/Control No.
`Reexamination
`
`Index of Clalms
`90013106
`5796183
`Art Unit
` Examiner
`HENRY N TRAN
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`7s ———
`74 ———
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`as ———
`as “——
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`91_——
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`as “——
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`\/
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`HU
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`105
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`
`Applicant(s)/Patent Under Application/Control No.
`Reexamination
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`
`Index of Clalms
`90013106
`5796183
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`Art Unit
`
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` Examiner
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`
`HENRY N TRAN
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`

`(12) EX PARTE REEXAMINATION CERTIFICATE (10211th)
`United States Patent
`US 5,796,183 C2
`(10) Number:
`Hourmand et a].
`
`(45) Certificate Issued: Jun. 27, 2014
`
`US005796183C2
`
`(54) CAPACITIVE RESPONSIVE ELECTRONIC
`SWITCHING CIRCUIT
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Byron Hourmand, Hersey, MI (US);
`John M. Washeleski, Cadillac, MI (US);
`Stephen R. W. Cooper, Fowlerville, 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
`Appl. No.:
`08/601,268
`Filed:
`Jan. 31, 1996
`
`Reexamination Certificate Cl 5,796,183 issued Apr. 29, 2013
`
`Certificate of Correction issued May 11, 1999
`Certificate of Correction issued Oct.
`1 l, 201 1
`
`(51)
`
`Int- Cl-
`H03K 1 7/96
`H03K17/94
`(52) 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
`307/112,113,116,125,139,140,157;
`361/181
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`(56)
`
`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 7 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 an operator provide an 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 terminal 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.
`
`209
`(
`104
`r-wu—w-"w-m-----------------------i
`—---—' V0!TAGE
`------
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`REGULATOR}
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`1
`
`immaculate;
`
`24
`
`24
`
`

`

`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.
`
`lVIatter 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 REEXAMINAlION, Il HAS BA *N
`DETERMINED 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 keypad, 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
`keirad;
`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
`fi