`Control No.
`Patent Under Reexamination
`
`
` Notice of Intent to Issue 90/013,106 5796183
`
`
`Ex Parte Reexamination Certificate|Examiner Art Unit AIA (First Inventorto File)
`
`Status
`No
`
`HENRY N. TRAN
`
`3992
`
` 1
`
`Patent claim(s) canceled: 18,27 and 35.
`Newly presented claim(s) patentable: 40-117.
`Newly presented canceled claims:
`Patent claim(s) (J previously [J currently disclaimed:
`Patent Slaimts not subject to reexamination: 1-17,19-26,28-34 and 36-39.
`3. A declaration(s)/affidavit(s) under 37 CFR 1.130(b) was/werefiled on
`4. XX] Note the attached statementof reasonsfor patentability and/or confirmation. Any comments considered necessary
`by patent owner regarding reasonsfor 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.”
`
`-- The MAILING DATEof this communication appears on the cover sheet with the correspondence address --
`1. X] 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. Cf 37 CFR 1.318(a). A Certificate will be issued
`in view of
`) 1 Patent owner's communication(s) filed: 07 May 2014.
`
`[_] Patent owner’sfailure to timelyfile an Appeal Brief (37 CFR 41.31).
`[-] The decision on appeal by the [_] Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences [_] Court dated
`(e) J Other:
`ne Reexamination Certificate will indicate the following:
`a) Change in the Specification:
`[] Yes XJ No
`b) Change in the Drawing(s):
`[] Yes XI No
`
`Status of the me):
`Patent claim(s) amended (including dependent on amended claim(s)):
`
`5. Note attached NOTICE OF REFERENCESCITED (PTO-892).
`
`6. Note attached LIST OF REFERENCESCITED (PTO/SB/08 or PTO/SB/08 substitute).
`7. The drawing correction requestfiled on
`is: LJapproved
`[J disapproved.
`8. ] Acknowledgmentis made ofthe priority claim under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a)-(d) or (f).
`
`
`a)LJ All b)L] Some*—c)LJ None of the certified copies have
`L_] been received.
`[] not been received.
`;
`L] been filed in Application No.
`L] been filed in reexamination Control No.
`_] been received by the International Bureau in PCT Application No.
`
`“ Certified copies not received:
`9. [] Note attached Examiner's Amendment.
`10.(] Note attached Interview Summary (PTO-474).
`11.(] Other: .
`
`All correspondencerelating to this reexamination proceeding should be directed to the Central Reexamination Unit at
`the mail, FAX, or hand-carry addresses given at the endof this Office action.
`
`HENRYN TRAN/
`Primary Examiner
`Art Unit: 3992
`
`U.S. Patent and TrademarkOffice
`PTOL-469 (Rev. 08-13)
`Notice of Intent to Issue Ex Parte Reexamination Certificate
`
`Part of Paper No 20140603
`
`APPLE 1007
`
`1
`
`APPLE 1007
`
`
`
`Application/Control Number: 90/013,106
`Art Unit: 3992
`
`Page 2
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`The present application is being examined under the pre-ATA first to invent provisions.
`
`NOTICE OF INTENT TO ISSUE EX PARTE REEXAMINATION CERTIFICATE
`
`INTRODUCTION
`
`1. This Notice of Intent to Issue Fx Parte Reexamination Certificate (NIRC) action concerns the
`
`Ex Parte Reexamination Request (hereinafter “the Request’) filed by patent owner on December
`
`24, 2013 for the Ex Parte Reexamination Certificate, the U.S. Patent No. 5,786,183 Cl, issued
`
`on April 29, 2013 to Hourmandetal. (hereinafter “the ‘183 patent’’); and it is responsive to the
`
`patent owner’s response filed on May 7, 2014 (hereinafter “the response’). The response has
`
`been entered. Claims 40-117 are subject to this reexamination; and they are found patentable
`
`and/or confirmed.
`
`RESPONSE TO THE RESPONSE
`
`2. Patent owncr’s proposed amendmentto the claims, see pages 2-14, filed with the response is
`
`in compliance with 37 CFR 1.530(d)-(j), and it has been entered. See M.P.E.P. § 2250. Claims
`
`18, 27, and 35 are canceled; claims 1-17, 19-26, 28-34, and 36-39 are unamended and they are
`
`not subject to reexamination; claims 40-105 were previously added, and of which, claims 40, 41,
`
`56, 66, 67, 71, and 95 are amended; and claims 106-117 are newly added. Thus, claims 40-117
`
`are subject to this reexamination.
`
`3. Patent owner’s arguments, see pages 15-141, filed with the response, with respect to the claim
`
`rejections under 35 U.S.C. § 305, the prior art references of Boie, Gerpheide, Lee, and Casio, and
`
`2
`
`
`
`Application/Control Number: 90/013,106
`Art Unit: 3992
`
`Page 3
`
`the supports for new claims 40-117, have been fully considered and are persuasive. The
`
`rejection of claims 18, 27, 40-44, 56-71, and 95-105 under 35 U.S.C. § 305 as recited in the
`
`prior Office action mailed on March 27, 2014 has been overcome, and it has been withdrawn.
`
`REFERENCES CITED IN THIS OFFICE ACTION
`
`3. The prior art patents and printed publications(the prior art references) cited in the Request
`
`pursuant to C.F.R. § 1.510(b) (3), see the Request page 10, and relied upon are relisted below:
`
`*U.S. Patent No. 5,463,388 issued to Boie et al. on October 31, 1995 ("Boie” or the '388 patent),
`which was submitted with the request as Exhibit C.
`
`*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 ‘183 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
`
`mayresult 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 111 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
`
`oulpul signal from the oscillator, the microcontroller selectively providing signal oulput
`
`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 fromthe oscillator, the microcontroller selectively providing signal output
`
`frequencies to a plurality of small sized input touch terminals of a keypad, and wherein a peak
`
`voltage ofthe signal outputfrequencies is greater than a supply voltage’;
`
`4
`
`
`
`Application/Control Number: 90/013,106
`Art Unit: 3992
`
`Page 5
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`(iii) Independentclaim 72 requires, inter alia, the features: “a microcontroller using the periodic
`
`output signal from the oscillator, the microcontroller selectively providing signal output
`
`frequenciesdirectly to a closely spaced arrayofinput touch terminals ofa keypad”, and “a
`
`detector circuit coupled to said oscillator for receiving said periodic output signalfrom said
`
`oscillator, and coupled to said input touchterminals, 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 bythe
`
`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 whenthe operatoris
`
`proximal or touch said second touch terminalafter 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 signalfrom the oscillator, the microcontroller selectively providing
`
`signal outputfrequencies 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 fromthe oscillator, the microcontroller selectively providing signal output
`
`frequencies to a pluralityof small sized input touch terminals of a keypad, whereinthe
`
`selectively providing comprises the microcontroller selectively providing a signal output
`
`Srequencyto each rowofthe plurality ofsmall sized input touch terminals ofa keypad”; and
`
`5
`
`
`
`Application/Control Number: 90/013,106
`Art Unit: 3992
`
`Page 6
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`(vi) Independent claim 111 requires, inter alia, the features: “a microcontroller using the
`
`periodic output signal from the oscillator, the microcontroller selectively providing signal output
`
`frequencies to a closely spaced array of input touch terminals of a keypad, the input touch
`
`terminals comprising first and second input touch terminal, wherein the selectively providing
`
`comprises the microcontroller selectively providing a signal oulput frequency to each rowof the
`
`pluralityofclosely spaced arrayof 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 columnsand rows, each column and row is connectedto 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
`
`synchronousdetectorand filter circuit 404 to a signal related to the capacitance of the row or
`
`columnselected by the multiplexer. See id. at col. 3:62-67. The RF oscillator 408 provides an
`
`RFsignal of, for example ,100 Kilohertz, to circuits 401, synchronousdetectorandfilter circuit
`
`404 via inverter 410, and guard plane 411, which is a substantially continuous plane parallel to
`
`array 100 and associated connections, and servesto isolate array 100 from extraneoussignals.
`
`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
`
`synchronousdetector andfilter 404 is converted to digital form by analog-to-digital converter
`
`405 and forwarded to microcontroller 406 so that microcontroller 406 obtainsa digital value
`
`representing the capacitance seen by any row or columnofelectrode 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 microcontrolleris 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
`
`synchronouselectrode capacitance measurement unit 14, a reference frequency generator 16, and
`
`a position locator 18. See id. at Figure 1, and col. 3:52 to col. 4:26. The electrode array consists
`
`of multiple X electrodes 20 and Y electrodes 22. See id. at Figures 2A and 2B. The
`
`synchronouselectrode capacitance measurement unit 14 is connected to the electrode array 12
`
`and the reference frequency generator 16 for producing capacitive measurement signals. Seeid.
`
`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 alwaysselecting a reference frequency
`
`away from frequencies which have been foundto result in measurementinterference; wherein, N
`
`7
`
`
`
`Application/Control Number: 90/013,106
`Art Unit: 3992
`
`Page 8
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`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 synchronouselectrode 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 fiberglass panel having a transparent
`
`conductor film pattern (first layer) and a dielectric layer (second layer) overlying the fiberglass.
`
`See id.at col. 2. The touch panel determines figure and math symbols outlined with finger-
`
`strokes traced across the face. See id.at col. 1. The touch panel senses the input, and then
`
`digitizes it to extract features of the figure or math symbol. See id. at col. 2. The watch then
`
`outputs the corresponding figure or math symbol on the screen.
`
`Thus, Casio does not teach or suggest the microcontroller 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
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`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. Seeid.
`
`at Figure 3.4. The row selection registers select one or more rowsby setting the corresponding
`
`bits to a high state in order to charge up the sensors while the column selection registers select
`
`one or more columnsbyturn 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 modelofa selected
`
`sensor in the sensor matrix, Figure 3.1 (b) showsthe timing diagram for discharging time
`
`measurementof a selected sensor, and Figure 3.2 illustrates a small section of a sensor matrix.
`
`Particularly, Lee describes the interface between the CPU andthe sensor matrix as follows: The
`
`CPU selects the row or rows of a sensor group, initiating charging ofall 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
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`Further, the examiner agrees with the discussion articulated by patent ownerthat 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 overthe
`
`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 oneof said independentclaims, 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 OWNERregarding the above statement must
`
`be submitted promptly to avoid processing delays. Such submission by the patent owner should
`
`be labeled: "Comments on Statement of Reasons for Patentability and/or Confirmation” and will
`
`be placed in the reexaminationfile.
`
`CLAIM RENUMBERS
`
`6. Claims 40-117 are renumbered consecutively in compliance with 37 CFR 1.126 and 37 CFR
`
`1.530(g), see MPEP 608.01(j) and MPEP § 2250, as shownin the table below.
`
`10
`
`
`
`Application/Control Number: 90/013,106
`Art Unit: 3992
`
`Page ILI
`
`Claims renumbered in the same order as presented by appiicant
`Fistat
`Original
`Final
`Griginat
`Final
`Ciripinat
`10>
`t
`8
`By
`
`Sos
`189
`3
` ES
`
`a 2 t
`
`
` a
`
`
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`
`
`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 notto 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
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`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 CPR 1.565(a) to apprise
`
`the Office of any litigation activity, or other prior or concurrent proceeding, involving the ‘183
`
`11
`
`|eyoh)om]me| a3
`h)i|ob|a
` a)cadet|ndeRa
`
`Fingt
`t
`
`ao
`
`Originat
`a3
`
`Firat
`a5
`
`viginal
`35
`
`Finat
`is
`
`Originat
`
`Final
`
`‘Originat
`
`
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`
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`
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`11
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`
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`Application/Control Number: 90/013,106
`Art Unit: 3992
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`Page 12
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`patent throughout the course ofthis reexamination proceeding. See MPEP $§ 2207, 2282 and
`
`2286,
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`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 Mailto: Mail Stop Ex Parte Reexam
`Central Reexamination Unit
`Commissionerfor Patents
`United States Patent & Trademark Office
`P.O. Box 1450
`Alexandria, VA 22313-1450
`
`By FAX to:
`
`(571) 273-9900
`Central Reexamination Unit
`
`By hand:
`
`Customer Service Window
`Randolph Building
`401 Dulany Street
`Alexandria, VA 2231
`
`For EFS-Webtransmissions, 37 CFR 1.8(a)(1)q) (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
`
`correspondencestating the data of transmission, which is prior to the expiration of the set period
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`of time in the Office action.
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`12
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`
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`Application/Control Number: 90/013,106
`Art Unit: 3992
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`Page 13
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`Any inquiry by the patent owner concerning this communication or earlier communications from
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`the Legal Advisor or Examiner, or as to the status of this proceeding, should be directed to the
`
`Central Reexamination Unit at telephone number (571) 272-7705.
`
`Signed:
`
`/Henry N Tran/
`Patent Reexamination Specialist,
`CRU - Art Unit 3992
`
`Conferees:
`
`Hf
`Patent Reexamination Specialist,
`CRU- Art Unit 3992
`
`Hf
`Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 3992
`
`13
`
`
`
`Application/Control No.
`Applicant(s)/Patent Under Reexamination
`Issue Classification|9591315
`5796183
`
`seams
`
`HENRY N TRAN
`
`3992
`
`(Primary Examiner) (Date)
`
`
`WANA ih |
`
`co
`
`
`
`Version
`
`Total Claims Allowed:
`
`78
`
`(Assistant Examiner)
`/HENRY N TRAN/
`Primary Examiner.Art Unit 3992
`
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
`
`06/03/2014
`
`0.G. Print Claim(s)
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`O.G. Print Figure
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`40
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`4
`Part of Paper No. 20140603
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`14
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`14
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`
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`Application/Control No.
`Applicant(s)/Patent Under Reexamination
`Issue Classification|9591315
`5796183
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`WANA ih |
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`seams
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`HENRY N TRAN
`
`Art Unit
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`3992
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`US ORIGINAL CLASSIFICATION
`
`INTERNATIONAL CLASSIFICATION
`
`Ppp«]smeee
`H
`3
`K
`17 / 94 (2006.01.01)
`
`
`Se ee
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`
`
`PtttPLLC
`SUBCLASS (ONE SUBCLASS PER BLOCK)
`112
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`Total Claims Allowed:
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`78
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`06/03/2014
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`0.G. Print Claim(s)
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`O.G. Print Figure
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`(Date)
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`40
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`4
`Part of Paper No. 20140603
`
`(Assistant Examiner)
`/HENRY N TRAN/
`Primary Examiner.Art Unit 3992
`
`(Primary Examiner)
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
`
`15
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`
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`Application/Control No.
`Applicant(s)/Patent Under Reexamination
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`Issue Classification|9591315 5796183
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`WANA ih |
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`seams
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`HENRY N TRAN
`
`co
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`oO
`
`Ol
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`
`
`R.1.47
`O TOD.
`Claims renumberedin the same order as presented by applicant
`oO
`Original
`Final
`Original
`Final
`Original
`Final
`Original
`Final
`Original
`Final
`Original
`Final
`Original
`Final
`Original
`Final
`69
`109
`q
`1
`18
`60
`52
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` Ololraloala;alol]n
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`O.G. Print Figure (Primary Examiner)
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`Total Claims Allowed:
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`78
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`06/03/2014
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`0.G. Print Claim(s)
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`(Date)
`
`40
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`4
`Part of Paper No. 20140603
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`(Assistant Examiner)
`/HENRY N TRAN/
`Primary Examiner.Art Unit 3992
`
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
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`16
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`16
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`2) UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OTTICE
`"
`
`Page 1 of 1
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`UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`United States Patent and Trademark Office
`Address: COMMISSIONER FOR PATENTS
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`
`BIB DATA SHEET
`
`SERIAL NUMBER
`90/013,106
`
`FILINGor 371(c)
`12/24/2013
`
`RULE
`
`APPLICANTS
`
`CONFIRMATION NO.9188
`
`GROUPART UNIT ATTORNEY DOCKET
`NAR-57961 83RX2
`
`INVENTORS
`5796183, Residence Not Provided;
`NARTRON CORPORATION, REED CITY, MI;
`** CONTINUING DATA **8t8t88888e eaten aaaeee
`This application is a REX of 08/601 ,268 01/81/1996 PAT 5796183
`ek FOREIGN APPLICATIONS REKREREREKEHERERERERERERERE
`
`
`
`** IF REQUIRED, FOREIGN FILING LICENSE GRANTED ** ** SMALL ENTITY **
`
`Foreign Priority claimed STATEOR|SHEETSU) ves No TOTAL |INDEPENDENT
`
`
`
`35 USC 119(a-d) conditions met LU ves WNo
`| Metafter|
`COUNTRY
`DRAWINGS
`CLAIMS
`CLAIMS
`Verified and
`/HENRY N TRAN/
`Acknowledged
`Examiners Signature
`Thitals”
`“Qo- 14
`8 110
`ADDRESS
`
`
`
`SLATER & MATSIL, L.L.P.
`17950 PRESTON RD, SUITE 1000
`DALLAS, TX 75252-5793
`UNITED STATES
`TITLE
`
`Capacitive Responsive Electronic Switching Circuit
`
`FILING FEE |FEES: Authority has been given in Paper
`RECEIVED |No.
`to charge/credit DEPOSIT ACCOUNT
`for following:
`
`
`UO) All Fees
`
`
`UO) 1.16 Fees(Filing)
`
`L) 1.17 Fees (Processing Ext. of time)
`
`L) 1.18 Fees (Issue)
`L) Other
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`LI Credit
`
`BIB (Rev.05/07).
`
`17
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`
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`Reexamination
`
`Application/Control No.
`
`90013106
`
`Applicant(s)/Patent Under
`Reexamination
`5796183
`
`
`
`
`rr socio
`
`
`
`
`
`04/29/2013
`
`579618301
`
`DALLAS, TX 75252-5793
`
`Requester Correspondence Address:
`
`> Patent Owner
`
`[|] Third Party
`
`SLATER & MATSIL, L.L.P.
`17950 PRESTON RD, SUITE 1000
`
`01/26/2014
`/HT/
`LITIGATION REVIEW [xj
`date
`examiner initials
`Case Name DirectorInitials
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`1:06cv 1777 - CLOSED
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`2:03cv75169 - CLOSED
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`1:10cv691 - CLOSED
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`2:06cv500 -GCLOSED
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` COPENDING OFFICE PROCEEDINGS
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`TYPE OF PROCEEDING
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`1. NONE
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`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
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`DOC. CODE RXFILJKT
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`18
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`Application/Control No.
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`Search Notes
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`90013106
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`Applicant(s)/Patent Under
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`5796183
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`il | hl
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`ArtUnit
`Examiner
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`3992
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`CPC- SEARCHED
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`US CLASSIFICATION SEARCHED |Class|CSSubclass——“‘tiédT:SC§SssCéitte@=~|SExaminer|
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`361
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`112,113,116,125, 139,140,157
`181
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`|Examiner_|
`Review of patented file's prosecution history
`03/102014/
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`SEARCH NOTES
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`INTERFERENCE SEARCH
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`US Class/
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`US Subclass / CPC Group
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`112,113,116,125,139,140,157
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`/HENRY N TRAN/
`Primary Examiner.Art Unit 3992
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`Applicant(s)/Patent Under
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`Index of Claims
`90013106
`5796183
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`HENRY N TRAN
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`(J Claims renumberedin the same order as presented by applicant
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`CL] CPA
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`O T.D.
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`C]sR.1.47
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`CLAIM
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`36
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`Application/Control No.
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`Applicant(s)/Patent Under
`Reexamination
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`Index of Claims
`90013106
`5796183
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`HENRY N TRAN
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`37 a
`38 a
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`U.S, Patent and Trademark Office
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`Applicant(s)/Patent Under
`Reexamination
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`Index of Claims
`90013106
`5796183
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`Art Unit
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`Application/Control No.
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`HENRY N TRAN
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` Examiner
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`(J Claims renumberedin the same order as presented by applicant
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`CL] CPA
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`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
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`Applicant(s)/Patent Under
`Reexamination
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`Index of Claims
`90013106
`5796183
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`Art Unit
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`Application/Control No.
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` Examiner
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`HENRY N TRAN
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`az EX PARTE REEXAMINATION CERTIFICATE (1021 1th)
`United States Patent
`US 5,796,183 C2
`(40) Number:
`Hourmandet al.
`Jun. 27, 2014(45) Certificate Issued:
`
`
`US005796183C2
`
`(54) CAPACITIVE RESPONSIVE ELECTRONIC
`SWITCHING CIRCUIT
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Byron Hourmand, Herscy, 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
`Tiled:
`Jan. 31, 1996
`
`Reexamination Certificate C1 5,796,183 issued Apr. 29, 2013
`
`Certificate of Correction issued May 11, 1999
`Certificate of Correction issued Oct. 11, 2011
`
`(51)
`
`Int.Cl.
`HO03K 17/96
`HO3K 17/94
`(52) US. CL
`USPC veces 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
`
`‘lo 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 Referencestab.
`
`Primary Examiner — Henry N Tran
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A capacitive responsive electronic switching circuit com-
`prises an oscillator providing a periodic output signal having
`a frequency of 50 kHz or greater, an input touch terminal
`defining anarea 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 whenin proximityor 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 kHzorgreater.
`
`300
`
`nee
`FLOATING
`
`GROUND
` a4Z
`
`
`
`
`
`MICRO-
`
`CONTROLLER |
`
`
`
`104
`
`200
`
`101
`
`700
`
`403
`
`+Voe
`
`a |
`
`780\
`_
`i
`| LOAD r
`
`600
`9
`AeAANNARIMApnmamnnnamnnnnnenene)
`-~
`|
`Jconrmotien|
`MICRO-
`
`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.
`
`Matter enclosed in heavy brackets [ ] appearedin the
`patent, but has been deleted andis no longera partof the
`patent; matter printed in italics indicates additions made
`to the patent.
`
`T.
`
`
` EN
`AS A RESULT OF REEXAMINATION,
`IT HAS B
`DETERMINED ‘THAT:
`
`16
`
`15
`
`Claims 18, 27 and 35 are cancelled.
`New claims 40-117 are added and determined to be
`patentable.
`Claims1-17, 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 outputfrequenciesto 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
`keypad,
`the plurality ofsmall sized input touch terminals defining
`adjacent areas on a dielectric substratefor an operator
`to provide inputs by proximity and touch; and
`a detector circuit coupled to said oscillator for receiving
`said periodic output signal from said oscillator. and
`coupled to said input touch terminals, said detector cir-
`cuit being responsive to signalsfromsaid 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 frequencyof said oscillator and
`said signal outputfrequencies are selected to decrease a
`first impedance ofsaid dielectric substrate relative to a
`second impedance ofany contaminate that may create
`an electrical path on said dielectric substrate between
`said adjacent areas defined by the plurality of small
`sized input touch terminals, and wherein said detector
`circuit compares a sensed body capacitance change to
`groundproximate an input touch terminalto a threshold
`level to prevent inadvertent generation of the control
`output signal.
`41. The capacitive responsive electronic switching circuit
`as defined in claim 40, wherein each signal outputfrequency
`selectively provided to each rowofthe plurality ofsmall sized
`in