Office Action 4: Notice of Allowance (2024-10-01)

CLAIMS:
IN THE CLAIMS:

Please amend the claims as follows:

1\. (Currently amended) An input device comprising:
a base member placed on a front surface of a touchscreen panel;
an operating member provided to be rotatable around a rotational axis with respect to the base member; and
a first fixed electrode and a second fixed electrode arranged on a principal surface of the base member, and configured to \[\[be\]\] remain fixed in all directions relative to the touchscreen panel when the operating member is rotated,
the first fixed electrode and the second fixed electrode being configured to, as the operating member is operated, be switched from an electrically conductive state into an electrically non-conductive state, or vice versa,
the touchscreen panel including:one or more first line electrodes extending along a longitudinal axis thereof and having a portion overlapping with the first fixed electrode when viewed along a normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel; and
a plurality of second line electrodes intersecting with the one or more first line electrodes when viewed along the normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel,
all of a plurality of tangential lines extending along the longitudinal axis of the one or more first line electrodes and being in contact with outer end edges of the first fixed electrode when viewed along the normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel including a first tangential line and a second tangential line, the first tangential line being located more distant, in a first direction intersecting with the longitudinal axis of the one or more first line electrodes,

from a particular first line electrode out of the one or more first line electrodes than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines in contact with the outer edges of the first fixed electrode, the second tangential line being located more distant, in a second direction opposite from the first direction, from the particular first line electrode than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines in contact with the outer edges of the first fixed electrode,all of a plurality of tangential lines extending along the longitudinal axis of the one or more first line electrodes and being in contact with outer end edges of the second fixed electrode when viewed along the normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel including a third tangential line and a fourth tangential line, the third tangential line being located more distant, in the first direction, from the particular first line electrode than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines in contact with the outer edges of the second fixed electrode, the fourth tangential line being located more distant, in the second direction, from the third tangential line than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines in contact with the outer edges of the second fixed electrode,
the first fixed electrode including a first shifted portion shifted by a first predetermined distance between the second tangential line and the fourth tangential line with respect to the second fixed electrode, and
the second fixed electrode including a second shifted portion shifted by a second predetermined distance between the first tangential line and the third tangential line with respect to the first fixed electrode.

2\. (Original) The input device of claim 1, further comprising a moving electrode provided for the operating member,

the moving electrode being configured to switch, as the operating member is turned, the first fixed electrode and the second fixed electrode from the electrically conductive state into the electrically non-conductive state, or vice versa.

3\. (Original) The input device of claim 1, wherein the operating member is configured to be brought closer toward, or away from, the base member, and
the first fixed electrode and the second fixed electrode are made electrically conductive or non-conductive with each other as the operating member is brought closer toward, or away from, the base member.

4\. (Previously Presented) The input device of claim 1, wherein the first shifted portion of the first fixed electrode has an area at least one-third as large as an area of the first fixed electrode, and
the second shifted portion of the second fixed electrode has an area at least one-third as large as an area of the second fixed electrode.

5\. (Previously Presented) The input device of claim 1, wherein the first shifted portion of the first fixed electrode has a same area as the first fixed electrode, and
the second shifted portion of the second fixed electrode has a same area as the second fixed electrode.

6-8. (Cancelled)77

9\. (Previously Presented) The input device of claim 1, wherein a moving electrode is configured to move, as the operating member is turned, along a circular orbit, and
the first fixed electrode and the second fixed electrode are arranged adjacent to each other along the circular orbit when viewed along a rotational axis of the operating member.

10\. (Previously Presented) The input device of claim 1, wherein each of the first fixed electrode and the second fixed electrode has a pair of lateral sides extending along the longitudinal axis.

11\. (Previously Presented) The input device of claim 1, further comprising an elastic sheet,
the elastic sheet being provided on an other side of the base member, the other side being opposite from one side, where the operating member is provided, of the base member.

12\. (Previously Presented) The input device of claim 1, wherein an outer peripheral surface of the base member is provided with an externally recognizable marker.

13-14. (Cancelled)

15\. (Previously Presented) The input device of claim 1, wherein the first fixed electrode and the second fixed electrode are arranged to avoid overlapping with a same one of the plurality of first line electrodes when viewed along the normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel.

16\. (Previously Presented) The input device of claim 1, wherein respective centers of the plurality of first line electrodes are arranged at a predetermined pitch, and
the first predetermined distance and the second predetermined distance are equal to or greater than the predetermined pitch.

17\. (Previously Presented) The input device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of second line electrodes is extended perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis.

18\. (Previously Presented) An input system comprising:
the input device of claim 1; and
the touchscreen panel.

19\. (Currently amended) The input device of claim 1, further comprising a third fixed electrode and a fourth fixed electrode, both of which are provided on the principal surface of the base member,

all of a plurality of tangential lines extending along the longitudinal axis and being in contact with outer end edges of the third fixed electrode when viewed along the normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel including a fifth tangential line and a sixth tangential line, the fifth tangential line being located more distant, in the first direction, from a second particular first line electrode out of the one or more first line electrodes than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines in contact with the outer edges of the third fixed electrode, the sixth tangential line being located more distant, in the second direction, from the second particular first line electrode than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines in contact with the outer edges of the third fixed electrode,
all of a plurality of tangential lines extending along the longitudinal axis and being in contact with outer end edges of the fourth fixed electrode when viewed along the normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel including a seventh tangential line and an eighth tangential line, the seventh tangential line being located more distant, in the first direction, from the second particular first line electrode than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines in contact with the outer edges of the fourth fixed electrode, the eighth tangential line being located more distant, in the second direction, from the seventh tangential line than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines in contact with the outer edges of the fourth fixed electrode,
the third fixed electrode including a third shifted portion shifted by a distance between the sixth tangential line and the eighth tangential line with respect to the fourth fixed electrode,
the fourth fixed electrode including a fourth shifted portion shifted by a distance between the fifth tangential line and the seventh tangential line with respect to the third fixed electrode.

20\. (Currently amended) The input device of claim 1, further comprising a third fixed electrode and a fourth fixed electrode, both of which are provided on the principal surface of the base member,
all of a plurality of tangential lines extending along the longitudinal axis and being in contact with outer end edges of the third fixed electrode when viewed along the normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel including a fifth tangential line and a sixth tangential line, the fifth tangential line being located more distant, in the second direction, from a second particular first line electrode out of the one or more first line electrodes than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines, the sixth tangential line being located more distant, in the first direction, from the second particular first line electrode than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines in contact with the outer edges of the third fixed electrode,
all of a plurality of tangential lines extending along the longitudinal axis and being in contact with outer end edges of the fourth fixed electrode when viewed along the normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel including a seventh tangential line and an eighth tangential line, the seventh tangential line being located more distant, in the second direction, from the second particular first line electrode than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines, the eighth tangential line being located more distant, in the first direction, from the seventh tangential line than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines in contact with the outer edges of the fourth fixed electrode,
the third fixed electrode including a third shifted portion shifted by a distance between the sixth tangential line and the eighth tangential line with respect to the fourth fixed electrode,
the fourth fixed electrode including a fourth shifted portion shifted by a distance between the fifth tangential line and the seventh tangential line with respect to the third fixed electrode.

21\. (Currently amended) The input device of claim 1, further comprising a third fixed electrode and a fourth fixed electrode, both of which are provided on the principal surface of the base member,
all of a plurality of tangential lines extending along the longitudinal axis and being in contact with outer end edges of the third fixed electrode when viewed along the normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel including a fifth tangential line and a sixth tangential line, the fifth tangential line being located more distant, in the second direction, from the particular first line electrode than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines, the sixth tangential line being located more distant, in the first direction, from the particular first line electrode than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines in contact with the outer edges of the third fixed electrode,
all of a plurality of tangential lines extending along the longitudinal axis and being in contact with outer end edges of the fourth fixed electrode when viewed along the normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel including a seventh tangential line and an eighth tangential line, the seventh tangential line being located more distant, in the second direction, from the particular first line electrode than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines, the eighth tangential line being located more distant, in the first direction, from the seventh tangential line than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines in contact with the outer edges of the fourth fixed electrode,
the third fixed electrode including a third shifted portion shifted by a distance between the sixth tangential line and the eighth tangential line with respect to the fourth fixed electrode,

the fourth fixed electrode including a fourth shifted portion shifted by a distance between the fifth tangential line and the seventh tangential line with respect to the third fixed electrode.

22\. (Previously Presented) The input device of claim 1, wherein the first fixed electrode and the second fixed electrode are fixed in position relative to the touchscreen panel regardless of a rotation of the operating member with respect to the base member.

OFFICE ACTION:
DETAILED ACTION
This is in reply to an Amendment filed on September 11, 2024 regarding Application No. 17/617,291.  Applicants amended claims 1 and 19-21 and previously canceled claims 6-8 and 13-14.  Claims 1-5, 9-12, and 15-22 are pending.
Examiner’s Amendment
An Examiner’s Amendment to the record to correct informalities and for clarification (see June 20, 2024 Office action, page 6 objections: claims 20-21) appears below.  Should the changes and/or additions be unacceptable to Applicants, an amendment may be filed as provided by 37 CFR 1.312.  To ensure consideration of such an amendment, it MUST be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee.
1. (Currently amended) An input device comprising:
a base member placed on a front surface of a touchscreen panel;
an operating member provided to be rotatable around a rotational axis with respect to the base member; and
a first fixed electrode and a second fixed electrode arranged on a principal surface of the base member, and configured to remain fixed in all directions relative to the touchscreen panel when the operating member is rotated,
the first fixed electrode and the second fixed electrode being configured to, as the operating member is operated, be switched from an electrically conductive state into an electrically non-conductive state, or vice versa,
the touchscreen panel including:
one or more first line electrodes extending along a longitudinal axis thereof and having a portion overlapping with the first fixed electrode when viewed along a normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel; and
a plurality of second line electrodes intersecting with the one or more first line electrodes when viewed along the normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel,
all of a plurality of tangential lines extending along the longitudinal axis of the one or more first line electrodes and being in contact with outer end edges of the first fixed electrode when viewed along the normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel including a first tangential line and a second tangential line, the first tangential line being located more distant, in a first direction intersecting with the longitudinal axis of the one or more first line electrodes, from a particular first line electrode out of the one or more first line electrodes than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines in contact with the outer end edges of the first fixed electrode, the second tangential line being located more distant, in a second direction opposite from the first direction, from the particular first line electrode than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines in contact with the outer end edges of the first fixed electrode,
all of a plurality of tangential lines extending along the longitudinal axis of the one or more first line electrodes and being in contact with outer end edges of the second fixed electrode when viewed along the normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel including a third tangential line and a fourth tangential line, the third tangential line being located more distant, in the first direction, from the particular first line electrode than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines in contact with the outer end edges of the second fixed electrode, the fourth tangential line being located more distant, in the second direction, from the third tangential line than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines in contact with the outer end edges of the second fixed electrode,
the first fixed electrode including a first shifted portion shifted by a first predetermined distance between the second tangential line and the fourth tangential line with respect to the second fixed electrode, and
the second fixed electrode including a second shifted portion shifted by a second predetermined distance between the first tangential line and the third tangential line with respect to the first fixed electrode.
15. (Currently amended) The input device of claim 1, wherein
the first fixed electrode and the second fixed electrode are arranged to avoid overlapping with a same one of the [[plurality of]] one or more first line electrodes when viewed along the normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel.
16. (Currently amended) The input device of claim 1, wherein
respective centers of the [[plurality of]] one or more first line electrodes are arranged at a predetermined pitch, and
the first predetermined distance and the second predetermined distance are equal to or greater than the predetermined pitch.
19. (Currently amended) The input device of claim 1, further comprising a third fixed electrode and a fourth fixed electrode, both of which are provided on the principal surface of the base member,
all of a plurality of tangential lines extending along the longitudinal axis and being in contact with outer end edges of the third fixed electrode when viewed along the normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel including a fifth tangential line and a sixth tangential line, the fifth tangential line being located more distant, in the first direction, from a second particular first line electrode out of the one or more first line electrodes than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines in contact with the outer end edges of the third fixed electrode, the sixth tangential line being located more distant, in the second direction, from the second particular first line electrode than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines in contact with the outer end edges of the third fixed electrode,
all of a plurality of tangential lines extending along the longitudinal axis and being in contact with outer end edges of the fourth fixed electrode when viewed along the normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel including a seventh tangential line and an eighth tangential line, the seventh tangential line being located more distant, in the first direction, from the second particular first line electrode than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines in contact with the outer end edges of the fourth fixed electrode, the eighth tangential line being located more distant, in the second direction, from the seventh tangential line than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines in contact with the outer end edges of the fourth fixed electrode,
the third fixed electrode including a third shifted portion shifted by a distance between the sixth tangential line and the eighth tangential line with respect to the fourth fixed electrode,
the fourth fixed electrode including a fourth shifted portion shifted by a distance between the fifth tangential line and the seventh tangential line with respect to the third fixed electrode.
20. (Currently amended) The input device of claim 1, further comprising a third fixed electrode and a fourth fixed electrode, both of which are provided on the principal surface of the base member,
all of a plurality of tangential lines extending along the longitudinal axis and being in contact with outer end edges of the third fixed electrode when viewed along the normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel including a fifth tangential line and a sixth tangential line, the fifth tangential line being located more distant, in the second direction, from a second particular first line electrode out of the one or more first line electrodes than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines in contact with the outer end edges of the third fixed electrode, the sixth tangential line being located more distant, in the first direction, from the second particular first line electrode than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines in contact with the outer end edges of the third fixed electrode,
all of a plurality of tangential lines extending along the longitudinal axis and being in contact with outer end edges of the fourth fixed electrode when viewed along the normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel including a seventh tangential line and an eighth tangential line, the seventh tangential line being located more distant, in the second direction, from the second particular first line electrode than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines in contact with the outer end edges of the fourth fixed electrode, the eighth tangential line being located more distant, in the first direction, from the seventh tangential line than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines in contact with the outer end edges of the fourth fixed electrode,
the third fixed electrode including a third shifted portion shifted by a distance between the sixth tangential line and the eighth tangential line with respect to the fourth fixed electrode,
the fourth fixed electrode including a fourth shifted portion shifted by a distance between the fifth tangential line and the seventh tangential line with respect to the third fixed electrode.
21. (Currently amended) The input device of claim 1, further comprising a third fixed electrode and a fourth fixed electrode, both of which are provided on the principal surface of the base member,
all of a plurality of tangential lines extending along the longitudinal axis and being in contact with outer end edges of the third fixed electrode when viewed along the normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel including a fifth tangential line and a sixth tangential line, the fifth tangential line being located more distant, in the second direction, from the particular first line electrode than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines in contact with the outer end edges of the third fixed electrode, the sixth tangential line being located more distant, in the first direction, from the particular first line electrode than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines in contact with the outer end edges of the third fixed electrode,
all of a plurality of tangential lines extending along the longitudinal axis and being in contact with outer end edges of the fourth fixed electrode when viewed along the normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel including a seventh tangential line and an eighth tangential line, the seventh tangential line being located more distant, in the second direction, from the particular first line electrode than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines in contact with the outer end edges of the fourth fixed electrode, the eighth tangential line being located more distant, in the first direction, from the seventh tangential line than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines in contact with the outer end edges of the fourth fixed electrode,
the third fixed electrode including a third shifted portion shifted by a distance between the sixth tangential line and the eighth tangential line with respect to the fourth fixed electrode,
the fourth fixed electrode including a fourth shifted portion shifted by a distance between the fifth tangential line and the seventh tangential line with respect to the third fixed electrode.
Allowable Subject Matter
The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance:
Regarding claim 1, the prior art of record teaches an input device but does not teach the particular combination of claimed features of:
An input device comprising:
a base member placed on a front surface of a touchscreen panel;
an operating member provided to be rotatable around a rotational axis with respect to the base member; and
a first fixed electrode and a second fixed electrode arranged on a principal surface of the base member, and configured to remain fixed in all directions relative to the touchscreen panel when the operating member is rotated,
the first fixed electrode and the second fixed electrode being configured to, as the operating member is operated, be switched from an electrically conductive state into an electrically non-conductive state, or vice versa,
the touchscreen panel including:
one or more first line electrodes extending along a longitudinal axis thereof and having a portion overlapping with the first fixed electrode when viewed along a normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel; and
a plurality of second line electrodes intersecting with the one or more first line electrodes when viewed along the normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel,
all of a plurality of tangential lines extending along the longitudinal axis of the one or more first line electrodes and being in contact with outer end edges of the first fixed electrode when viewed along the normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel including a first tangential line and a second tangential line, the first tangential line being located more distant, in a first direction intersecting with the longitudinal axis of the one or more first line electrodes, from a particular first line electrode out of the one or more first line electrodes than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines in contact with the outer end edges of the first fixed electrode, the second tangential line being located more distant, in a second direction opposite from the first direction, from the particular first line electrode than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines in contact with the outer end edges of the first fixed electrode,
all of a plurality of tangential lines extending along the longitudinal axis of the one or more first line electrodes and being in contact with outer end edges of the second fixed electrode when viewed along the normal to the front surface of the touchscreen panel including a third tangential line and a fourth tangential line, the third tangential line being located more distant, in the first direction, from the particular first line electrode than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines in contact with the outer end edges of the second fixed electrode, the fourth tangential line being located more distant, in the second direction, from the third tangential line than any other one of the plurality of tangential lines in contact with the outer end edges of the second fixed electrode,
the first fixed electrode including a first shifted portion shifted by a first predetermined distance between the second tangential line and the fourth tangential line with respect to the second fixed electrode, and
the second fixed electrode including a second shifted portion shifted by a second predetermined distance between the first tangential line and the third tangential line with respect to the first fixed electrode.
Accordingly, independent claim 1 is allowed over the prior art of record.  Also, dependent claims 2-5, 9-12, and 15-22 are allowed over the prior art of record.
Any comments considered necessary by Applicants must be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee and, to avoid processing delays, should preferably accompany the issue fee.  Such submissions should be clearly labeled “Comments on Statement of Reasons for Allowance.”
Examiner notes the current invention as disclosed in the independent claim(s) is allowed in its entirety.  Each and every limitation working together in concert realizes the current claimed invention’s novelty.  No single limitation alone accomplishes the allowability of the inventive independent claim(s).  Rather, each and every limitation of the claim(s) and their disclosed relationships are integral.
Conclusion
Reference made of record are considered pertinent to Applicants’ disclosure.  Please take note of the documents listed in the attached PTO-892 form.  Note: an original copy and an abstract translation is provided for each foreign patent document.

APPLICANT REBUTTAL: REMARKS
I.
Introduction
In response to the pending Office Action, Applicants have amended claim 1 so as to clearly distinguish over the cited prior art references. Claims 19-21 have been amended in accordance with the Examiner's suggestion so as to overcome the objections thereto. No new matter has been added.
Applicants and Applicants' attorney would like to thank Examiner Kiyabu for her time and courtesy during the interview conducted on August 27, 2024 during which it was tentatively agreed that the foregoing amendment to claim 1 would overcome the pending rejection. Examiner Kiyabu withheld making a final determination until filing of the formal response. The substance of the interview is set forth below.
II.
Claim Re
j
ections Under 35 U.S.C.
&
Claims 1-5, 9-10, 12, and 15-22 were rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103 as being
unpatentable over USP Pub. No. 2020/0104006 to Rao, in view of USP Pub. No. 2017/0316901 to Sawada. For at least the foregoing reasons, it is clear that amended claim 1 is patentable over Rao and Sawada taken alone or in combination with one another.
Claim 1, as amended, recites in-part:
a first fixed electrode and a second fixed electrode arranged on a principal surface
of the base member, and configured to remain fixed in all directions relative to the
touchscreen panel
when the o
per
atin
g
member is
r
otated.
is submitted in response to the "Response to Arguments"section of the pending Office Action. More specifically, as set forth in the Response to Arguments, it is being asserted that Rao reads on the previous claim language because
when the knob 32 of Rao is NOT being rotated,
the contact pads 52 of Rao (cited as corresponding to the
recited first and second fixed electrodes) are fixed in position relative to the touchscreen panel. During the interview, Examiner also raised the possibility of the contact pads being fixed in the Z-direction, perpendicular to the surface of the touch screen.
The foregoing amendment clearly distinguishes over Rao and the foregoing
interpretations, as the claim language now expressly states that the first and second fixed electrodes arranged on a principal surface of the base member,
remain
fixed in
all directions
relative to the touchscreen panel
when the o
p
eratin
g
member is rotated.
At a minimum, Rao does not disclose or suggest the foregoing element.
As previously noted, Rao discloses a system in which the physical knob 32 is rotatable about an axis of rotation 36 and is mounted to the touchscreen (see, paragraph [0044] of Rao).
The plurality of contact pads 52 asserted as corresponding to the first fixed electrode and the second fixed electrode are fixed to a lower surface of the physical knob
32 (see, paragraph [0046] of Rao), and the rotational positions of the plurality of contact pads 52 are determined in the touch screen 30 (see, paragraph [0047] of Rao).
Thus, Rao determines the rotational positions of the plurality of contact pads 52 which have moved on the upper surface of the touch screen 30 along with the rotation of the physical knob 32. As such, in Rao, the plurality of contact pads 52 move on the upper surface of the touchscreen 30, and
it is essential that the
plur
ality of contact
p
ads 52 a
r
e not fixed in all directions
r
elative to the touchscreen 30
so as to allow Rao to perform its intended function.
Accordingly, it is clear that Rao does not disclose or suggest afirst fixed electrode and a second fixed electrode arranged on a principal surface of the base member, and configured to
r
emain
fixed in all directions relative to the touchscreen panel
when the ope
r
atin
g
member is
r
otated,
as recited by amended claim 1.
Sawada does not cure this deficiency of Rao.
As such, as each and every element of the claim must be disclosed or suggested by the cited prior art references in order to establish a prima facie case of obviousness (see, e.g., M.P.E.P. § 2143.03), and the combination of Rao and Sawada fails to do so for at least the foregoing reasons, it is clear that claim 1, as amended, is patentable over Rao and Sawada, taken alone or in combination with one another.
III.
De
p
endent Claims
Under Federal Circuit guidelines, a dependent claim is nonobvious if the independent
claim upon which it depends is allowable because all the limitations of the independent claim are contained in the dependent claims, Hartness International Inc. v. Simplimatic Engineering Co., 819 F.2d at 1100, 1108 (Fed. Cir. 1987). Accordingly, as the pending independent claim is patentable for at least the reasons set forth above, it is respectfully submitted that all claims dependent thereon are also patentable.
IV.
Summary
Applicants submit that all claims are now in condition for allowance, an indication of which is respectfully solicited.
If there are any questions regarding this Amendment or the application in general, a telephone call to the undersigned would be appreciated to expedite the prosecution of the application.
To the extent necessary, a petition for an extension of time under 37 C.F.R. § 1.136 is
hereby made. Please charge any shortage in fees due in connection with the filing of this paper, including extension of time fees, to Deposit Account 505992 and please credit any excess fees to such deposit account.
Respectfully submitted, RIMON, P.C./Michael E. Fogarty/


CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US10967975B2: Claims:
In a seat system for a passenger aircraft wherein the seat system includes a passenger seat frame having (i) a backrest support assembly including a backrest and a spreader and (ii) a seat bottom support assembly, the improvement comprising a quadrant assembly, said quadrant assembly comprising: (a) a quadrant member connected between said backrest support assembly and said seat bottom support assembly, said quadrant member including (i) a pivot point adapted to pivot said backrest with respect to said spreader and said quadrant member (ii) a lower attachment point attached to said seat bottom support assembly and (iii) an upper attachment point attached to said backrest and adapted to break away in the event of an impact with said seat back, said upper attachment point further including a mechanical fuse located at said upper attachment point; and (b) a pivot point brake assembly attached to said pivot point and adapted to provide a controlled stop of the rotation of said backrest about said pivot point in the event of an impact with said backrest, wherein said pivot point brake assembly includes a brake pin and a pivot point brake plate, wherein said brake pin is inserted through a hole in said quadrant member and through an opening in said pivot point brake plate.
(a) a quadrant member connected between said backrest support assembly and said seat bottom support assembly, said quadrant member including (i) a pivot point adapted to pivot said backrest with respect to said spreader and said quadrant member (ii) a lower attachment point attached to said seat bottom support assembly and (iii) an upper attachment point attached to said backrest and adapted to break away in the event of an impact with said seat back, said upper attachment point further including a mechanical fuse located at said upper attachment point; and
(i) a pivot point adapted to pivot said backrest with respect to said spreader and said quadrant member
(ii) a lower attachment point attached to said seat bottom support assembly and
(iii) an upper attachment point attached to said backrest and adapted to break away in the event of an impact with said seat back, said upper attachment point further including a mechanical fuse located at said upper attachment point; and
(b) a pivot point brake assembly attached to said pivot point and adapted to provide a controlled stop of the rotation of said backrest about said pivot point in the event of an impact with said backrest, wherein said pivot point brake assembly includes a brake pin and a pivot point brake plate, wherein said brake pin is inserted through a hole in said quadrant member and through an opening in said pivot point brake plate.
The quadrant assembly according to claim 1 further including a second quadrant assembly attached to said backrest support assembly and said seat bottom support assembly.
The quadrant assembly of claim 2 , wherein the second quadrant assembly is attached to a second spreader located on an opposing side of said passenger seat frame.
The quadrant assembly according to claim 1 , wherein said quadrant member is comprised of an aluminum alloy having its longitudinal grain direction substantially oriented in a pre-determined direction, such as along the length of said quadrant member thereby reducing the variation in breaking strength of said quadrant member.
The quadrant assembly according to claim 1 , wherein said mechanical fuse comprises a breakout pin inserted into a hole along said upper attachment point.
The quadrant assembly according to claim 5 , wherein the load to set said mechanical fuse is dependent on the thickness of the cross-section of a fuse wall located adjacent to said hole.
The quadrant assembly according to claim 6 , wherein the load for said breakout pin to break away from said upper attachment point is between about 100 pounds and 300 pounds.
The quadrant assembly according to claim 7 , wherein the load for said breakout pin to break away from said upper attachment point is about 200 pounds and the thickness of the cross-section of said fuse wall is about ⅙ inches.
The quadrant assembly according to claim 1 , wherein said pivot point brake plate overlaps at least one side of said quadrant member.
The quadrant assembly according to claim 9 , wherein the opening in said pivot point brake plate that said brake pin is inserted into is a slot in said pivot point brake plate overlapping said hole in said quadrant member.
The quadrant assembly according to claim 10 , wherein said slot of pivot point brake plate further includes a stop wall at an opposing.
The quadrant assembly according to claim 10 , wherein said brake pin and said slot in said pivot point brake plate are adapted to provide a controlled stop of the rotation of said backrest about said pivot point after said impact causes said upper attachment point of said quadrant member to break away.
The quadrant assembly according to claim 12 , wherein said brake pin provides a controlled stop by deforming through said slot of said pivot point brake plate overlapping said hole.
The quadrant assembly according to claim 13 , wherein the controlled stop of the rotation of said backrest about said pivot point is controlled by the thickness of said pivot point brake plate.
The quadrant assembly according to claim 13 , wherein the controlled stop of the rotation of said backrest about said pivot point is controlled by the width of said slot in said pivot point brake plate.
The quadrant assembly according to claim 13 , wherein said pivot point brake assembly resists force up to about 300 pounds before said brake pin deforms through said slot of said pivot point brake plate.
The quadrant assembly according to claim 1 , wherein said brake pin includes a head having a groove adapted to fit the width of said slot of said pivot point brake plate to maintain the position of said brake pin in said slot.
The quadrant assembly according to claim 17 , wherein said groove in the head of said brake pin is chamfered.
The quadrant assembly according to claim 1 , wherein said pivot point brake assembly comprises a first brake pin and a second brake pin.
The quadrant assembly according to claim 19 , wherein said second brake pin simultaneously resists an applied force with said first brake pin.
The quadrant assembly according to claim 19 , wherein said first brake pin is inserted into a first slot on said pivot point brake plate and said second brake pin is inserted into a second slot on said pivot point brake plate.
The quadrant assembly according to claim 21 , wherein said first slot is located above said second slot.
The quadrant assembly according to claim 22 , wherein said first brake pin and said second brake pin are opposed with respect to said pivot point.
A seat system for a passenger aircraft, said seat system comprising: (a) a passenger seat frame having (i) a backrest support assembly including a backrest and a spreader and (ii) a seat bottom support assembly; (b) a quadrant assembly comprising a quadrant member connected between said backrest support assembly and said seat bottom support assembly, said quadrant member including (i) a pivot point adapted to pivot said backrest with respect to said spreader and said quadrant member, a lower attachment point attached to said seat bottom support assembly and an upper attachment point attached to said backrest and adapted to break away in the event of an impact with said backrest, said upper attachment point further including a mechanical fuse located at said upper attachment point; and (ii) a pivot point brake assembly attached to said pivot point and adapted to provide a controlled stop of the rotation of said backrest about said pivot point in the event of an impact with said backrest, wherein said pivot point brake assembly includes a brake pin and a pivot point brake plate, wherein said brake pin is inserted through a hole in said quadrant member and through an opening in said pivot point brake plate; and (c) a seat back tray table attached to the back of said passenger seat frame.
(a) a passenger seat frame having (i) a backrest support assembly including a backrest and a spreader and (ii) a seat bottom support assembly;
(i) a backrest support assembly including a backrest and a spreader and
(ii) a seat bottom support assembly;
(b) a quadrant assembly comprising a quadrant member connected between said backrest support assembly and said seat bottom support assembly, said quadrant member including (i) a pivot point adapted to pivot said backrest with respect to said spreader and said quadrant member, a lower attachment point attached to said seat bottom support assembly and an upper attachment point attached to said backrest and adapted to break away in the event of an impact with said backrest, said upper attachment point further including a mechanical fuse located at said upper attachment point; and (ii) a pivot point brake assembly attached to said pivot point and adapted to provide a controlled stop of the rotation of said backrest about said pivot point in the event of an impact with said backrest, wherein said pivot point brake assembly includes a brake pin and a pivot point brake plate, wherein said brake pin is inserted through a hole in said quadrant member and through an opening in said pivot point brake plate; and
(i) a pivot point adapted to pivot said backrest with respect to said spreader and said quadrant member, a lower attachment point attached to said seat bottom support assembly and an upper attachment point attached to said backrest and adapted to break away in the event of an impact with said backrest, said upper attachment point further including a mechanical fuse located at said upper attachment point; and
a lower attachment point attached to said seat bottom support assembly and
an upper attachment point attached to said backrest and adapted to break away in the event of an impact with said backrest, said upper attachment point further including a mechanical fuse located at said upper attachment point; and
(ii) a pivot point brake assembly attached to said pivot point and adapted to provide a controlled stop of the rotation of said backrest about said pivot point in the event of an impact with said backrest, wherein said pivot point brake assembly includes a brake pin and a pivot point brake plate, wherein said brake pin is inserted through a hole in said quadrant member and through an opening in said pivot point brake plate; and
(c) a seat back tray table attached to the back of said passenger seat frame.
The seat system according to claim 24 , wherein said seat back tray table attached to the back of said passenger seat frame is movable between a first storage position and a second deployed position.
The seat system according to claim 25 further including a lock mechanism attached to the back of said passenger seat frame for retaining said seat back tray table in a secured position.
The seat system according to claim 24 further including a display attached to the back of said passenger seat frame.
The seat system according to claim 27 , wherein said display is adjoined by the back of said passenger seat frame.
The seat system according to claim 24 further including a backrest cushion attached to the backrest support assembly.
The seat system according to claim 29 , wherein said backrest support assembly further includes a headrest.
The seat system according to claim 30 , wherein said headrest is adjustable to accommodate for the height of a passenger.
The seat system according to claim 24 , wherein said passenger seat frame further includes an upholstered package.
The seat system according to claim 32 , wherein said passenger seat further includes a trim package.
The quadrant assembly according to claim 24 further including a second quadrant assembly attached to said backrest support assembly and said seat bottom support assembly.
The quadrant assembly of claim 34 , wherein the second quadrant assembly is attached to a second spreader located on an opposing side of said passenger seat frame.
The quadrant assembly according to claim 24 , wherein said quadrant member is comprised of an aluminum alloy having its longitudinal grain direction substantially oriented in a pre-determined direction, such as along the length of said quadrant member thereby reducing the variation in breaking strength of said quadrant member.
The quadrant assembly according to claim 24 , wherein said mechanical fuse comprises a breakout pin inserted into a hole along said upper attachment point.
The quadrant assembly according to claim 37 , wherein the load to set said mechanical fuse is dependent on the thickness of the cross-section of a fuse wall located adjacent to said hole.
The quadrant assembly according to claim 38 , wherein the load for said breakout pin to break away from said upper attachment point is between about 100 pounds and 300 pounds.
The quadrant assembly according to claim 39 , wherein the load for said breakout pin to break away from said upper attachment point is about 200 pounds and the thickness of the cross-section of said fuse wall is about ⅙ inches.
The quadrant assembly according to claim 41 , wherein the opening in said pivot point brake plate that said brake pin is inserted into is a slot in said pivot point brake plate overlapping said hole in said quadrant member.
The quadrant assembly according to claim 42 , wherein said slot of pivot point brake plate further includes a stop wall at an opposing end.
The quadrant assembly according to claim 42 , wherein said brake pin and said slot in said pivot point brake plate are adapted to provide a controlled stop of the rotation of said backrest about said pivot point after said impact causes said upper attachment point of said quadrant member to break away.
The quadrant assembly according to claim 44 , wherein said brake pin provides a controlled stop by deforming through said slot of said pivot point brake plate overlapping said hole.
The quadrant assembly according to claim 45 , wherein the controlled stop of the rotation of said backrest about said pivot point is controlled by the thickness of said pivot point brake plate.
The quadrant assembly according to claim 45 , wherein the controlled stop of the rotation of said backrest about said pivot point is controlled by the width of said slot in said pivot point brake plate.
The quadrant assembly according to claim 45 , wherein said pivot point brake assembly resists force up to about 300 pounds before said brake pin deforms through said slot of said pivot point brake plate.
The quadrant assembly according to claim 49 , wherein said groove in the head of said brake pin is chamfered.
The quadrant assembly according to claim 51 , wherein said second brake pin simultaneously resists an applied force with said first brake pin.
The quadrant assembly according to claim 51 , wherein said first brake pin is inserted into a first slot on said pivot point brake plate and said second brake pin is inserted into a second slot on said pivot point brake plate.
The quadrant assembly according to claim 53 , wherein said first slot is located above said second slot.
The quadrant assembly according to claim 54 , wherein said first brake pin and said second brake pin are opposed with respect to said pivot point.
Ref US10978355B2: Claims:
A device comprising: a semiconductor substrate, the semiconductor substrate comprising a first fin and a second fin of a first semiconductor material; a first epitaxial region and a second epitaxial region in the first fin, the first epitaxial region and the second epitaxial region comprising a second semiconductor material different than the first semiconductor material; a third epitaxial region interposed between the first epitaxial region and the second epitaxial region in the first fin, the third epitaxial region comprising a third semiconductor material different than the first semiconductor material and the second semiconductor material, wherein the first semiconductor material separates the third semiconductor material from the first epitaxial region and the second epitaxial region, wherein the first semiconductor material has a concave surface along an interface between first semiconductor material and a sidewall of the first epitaxial region; a fourth epitaxial region and a fifth epitaxial region in the second fin; shallow-trench isolation regions along opposing sides of the first fin and the second fin, wherein an upper surface of the shallow-trench isolation regions is higher than a lower surface of the third epitaxial region, wherein the shallow-trench isolation regions directly contacts the third epitaxial region; a first gate electrode over the third epitaxial region in the first fin; and a second gate electrode over the first semiconductor material of the second fin between the fourth epitaxial region and the fifth epitaxial region, wherein the first semiconductor material of the second fin extends continuously between the fourth epitaxial region and the fifth epitaxial region along a shortest line between the fourth epitaxial region and the fifth epitaxial region.
a semiconductor substrate, the semiconductor substrate comprising a first fin and a second fin of a first semiconductor material;
a first epitaxial region and a second epitaxial region in the first fin, the first epitaxial region and the second epitaxial region comprising a second semiconductor material different than the first semiconductor material;
a third epitaxial region interposed between the first epitaxial region and the second epitaxial region in the first fin, the third epitaxial region comprising a third semiconductor material different than the first semiconductor material and the second semiconductor material, wherein the first semiconductor material separates the third semiconductor material from the first epitaxial region and the second epitaxial region, wherein the first semiconductor material has a concave surface along an interface between first semiconductor material and a sidewall of the first epitaxial region;
a fourth epitaxial region and a fifth epitaxial region in the second fin;
shallow-trench isolation regions along opposing sides of the first fin and the second fin, wherein an upper surface of the shallow-trench isolation regions is higher than a lower surface of the third epitaxial region, wherein the shallow-trench isolation regions directly contacts the third epitaxial region;
a first gate electrode over the third epitaxial region in the first fin; and
a second gate electrode over the first semiconductor material of the second fin between the fourth epitaxial region and the fifth epitaxial region, wherein the first semiconductor material of the second fin extends continuously between the fourth epitaxial region and the fifth epitaxial region along a shortest line between the fourth epitaxial region and the fifth epitaxial region.
The device of claim 1 , further comprising a first gate dielectric interposed between the first gate electrode and the third epitaxial region, wherein the third semiconductor material in the third epitaxial region is completely contained within lateral boundaries of the first gate dielectric.
The device of claim 2 , wherein the first gate dielectric completely covers the third epitaxial region in a direction orthogonal to a direction of current flow between the first epitaxial region and the second epitaxial region.
The device of claim 1 , wherein the first epitaxial region and the second epitaxial region extend higher than the third epitaxial region.
The device of claim 1 , further comprising a first spacer and a second spacer on opposing sides of the first gate electrode, wherein the first epitaxial region extends under the first spacer and the second epitaxial region extends under the second spacer.
The device of claim 1 , wherein the semiconductor substrate comprise
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