Office Action 1: Non-Final Rejection (2024-10-23)
Rejection types: 103 - Obviousness, 112 - Written Description/Enablement, Double Patenting

CLAIMS:
AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS

This listing of the claims will replace all prior versions and listings of claim in the present application.

1\. (Currently amended) A manipulating device, comprising:
a rocker , one end of the rocker is a manipulation end, another end of the rocker (4- is provided with a magnetic assembly , and the rocker is configured to be rotatable; and
a coil assembly disposed opposite to the rocker and adjacent to the magnetic assembly , wherein the magnetic assembly comprises a central magnet and at least one side magnets , and the coil assembly is configured to be capable of being supplied with an electrical signal, and an interaction force is generated between the coil assembly and the magnetic assembly .

2\. (Currently amended) The manipulating device according to claim 1, wherein the central magnet is formed to have a column shape, and one end of the central magnet having the cylinder shape is fixedly connected to the rocker .

3\. (Currently amended) The manipulating device according to claim 2, wherein another end of the central magnet having the column shape is formed to have a spherical surface.

4\. (Currently amended) The manipulating device according to claim 1, wherein a magnetization direction of the central magnet is parallel to an axial direction of the central magnet having the column shape, and a magnetization direction of the side magnet is perpendicular to the axial direction of the central magnet having the column shape.

5\. (Currently amended) The manipulating device according to claim 1, further comprises a supporting member , and the rocker is rotatable around the supporting member .
6\. (Currently amended) The manipulating device according to claim 1, further comprises a housing, and both the supporting member and the coil assembly are fixedly connected to the housing.

7\. (Currently amended) The manipulating device according to claim 1, further comprises a fitting member , wherein the fitting member is a magnet, and the magnet is positioned in the middle of the coil assembly .

8\. (Currently amended) The manipulating device according to claim 1, further comprises a fitting member , the fitting member is an iron core, and the iron core is positioned in the middle of the coil assembly .

9\. (Currently amended) A manipulating device according to claim 1, wherein a central axis of the coil assembly passes through a center around which the rocker rotates.

10\. (Currently amended) A manipulating device according to claim 1, wherein the rocker is symmetrically disposed with respect to an A-A plane.
1 2

OFFICE ACTION:
DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Claim Objections
Claim 1 is objected to because of the following informalities:  “at least one side magnets” (lines 6-7) should read “at least one side magnet”.  Appropriate correction is required.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(b):
(b)  CONCLUSION.—The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor regards as the invention.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph:
The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the applicant regards as his invention.
Claims 2, 6, and 9-10 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph, as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor (or for applications subject to pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, the applicant), regards as the invention.
Claim 3 recites “another end” (line 2).  Claim 1, recites “another end” (line 2).  The first instance of a claim element should generally subsequently be followed by referring to the element using “the” or “said”.  Reciting “another end” a second time makes it unclear whether the two instances of “another end” refer to the same claim element or different claim elements.  Appropriate correction is required.
Claim 2 recites the limitation the cylinder shape (line 3).  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim.  Dependent claim 3 inherits this discrepancy by nature of its dependency.  Appropriate correction is required.
Claim 6 recites the limitation the supporting member (line 2).  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim.  Dependent claim 3 inherits this discrepancy by nature of its dependency.  Appropriate correction is required.
Claim 9 recites “A manipulating device according to claim 1” (line 1).  Claim 1, upon which claim 9 depends, recites “A manipulating device” (line 1).  The first instance of a claim element should generally subsequently be followed by referring to the element using “the” or “said”.  Reciting “A manipulating device” a second time makes it unclear whether the two instances of “A manipulating device” refer to the same claim element or different claim elements.  Dependent claim 10 recites similar language and is similarly rejected.  Appropriate correction is required.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA  35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA  to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
The factual inquiries for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows:
1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art.
2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue.
3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.
4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness.
This application currently names joint inventors. In considering patentability of the claims the examiner presumes that the subject matter of the various claims was commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the claimed invention(s) absent any evidence to the contrary.  Applicant is advised of the obligation under 37 CFR 1.56 to point out the inventor and effective filing dates of each claim that was not commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the later invention in order for the examiner to consider the applicability of 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) for any potential 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) prior art against the later invention.
Claims 1-7 and 9-10 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Kobayashi, US 2003/0080939 A1 (hereinafter Kobayashi) in view of KUMAHARA et al., US 2016/0357272 A1 (hereinafter Kumahara).
Regarding Claim 1:  Kobayashi discloses a manipulating device, comprising:
a rocker, one end of the rocker is a manipulation end, another end of the rocker is provided with a magnetic assembly, and the rocker is configured to be rotatable (Kobayashi, a lever handle 4 having a spherical portion 3 to be supported by the spherical bearing 1; a grasp portion 9 formed in the upper part of the lever handle 4 [0028] and [Fig. 1]; the spherical portion 3 is formed in the substantially central portion of the lever handle 4, and the spherical portion 3 is supported by the spherical bearing 1, whereby the lever handle 4 is rockably and rotationally mounted to the supporting member 2; also, at the lower end portion of the lever handle 4, there is formed a substantially hemispherical external force receiving portion 10, and on a spherical surface 10a, which is a lower end surface of the external force receiving portion 10, there is provided a magnetic plate 11 through a leaf spring 10b [0029]); and
a coil assembly disposed opposite to the rocker and adjacent to the magnetic assembly (Kobayashi, the haptic input apparatus according to the present embodiment is characterized by the fact that the electromagnetic brake 13 is formed of an electromagnetic coil 5, a permanent magnet 13b arranged below the electromagnetic coil 5, and a magnetic plate 11 mounted to the spherical portion 3 [0036] and [Fig. 3]),
wherein the coil assembly is configured to be capable of being supplied with an electrical signal, and an interaction force is generated between the coil assembly and the magnetic assembly (Kobayashi, when the electromagnetic coil is not energized, the magnetic plate 11 is attracted under the action of the permanent magnet 13b and an off-brake type electromagnetic brake for applying an external force to the lever handle 4 is used [0036] and [Fig. 3]).
Kobayashi fails to explicitly disclose
wherein the magnetic assembly comprises a central magnet and at least one side magnets.
Kumahara teaches
wherein the magnetic assembly comprises a central magnet (Kumahara, the first detection unit includes a rotation detection magnet 406 mounted on a bottom part of the movable unit 180 [0123] and [Fig. 2]) and at least one side magnets (Kumahara, the first driving unit includes a pair of driving magnets 401 [0119] and [Fig. 2]; he second driving unit includes a pair of driving magnets 402 [0120]).
Kobayashi discloses a haptic input apparatus including a supporting member; a lever handle having a spherical portion to be supported by the spherical bearing; an electromagnetic coil arranged opposite to a lower end surface of the lever handle; detection means for detecting an operating state of the lever handle; and control means for taking in an output signal a from the detection means to output a driving signal b of the electromagnetic coil based on the output signal a (Kobayashi [Abstract]).
Kumahara teaches an input and output operation device capable of inclining a manually operable operation unit that is inclinable in an X-axis direction and a Y-axis direction and rotating the operation unit around a Z-axis direction as a central axis of the operation unit (capable of rolling), the input and output operation device also controlling an output of a haptic sense via the operation unit. (Kumahara [0001]).  A sensor detects a magnetic force change caused by a rotation of a rotation detection magnet (Kumahara [0085]).  A series of driving controls result in a position tracking control performed on the operation unit mounted on the movable unit (Kumahara [0203]).  Thus, a good haptic operation is realized (Kumahara [0085]).  In a preferable embodiment, a first driving unit includes a pair of first driving magnets located in the movable unit symmetrically with respect to the Z-axis; a pair of first magnetic yokes located in the secured unit so as to respectively face the pair of first driving magnets; and a pair of first driving coils respectively wound around the pair of first magnetic yokes (Kumahara [0072]).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to combine the haptic input apparatus as disclosed by Kobayashi with a driving unit that includes a pair of driving magnets as taught by Kumahara in order to provide precise haptic feedback.
Regarding Claim 2:  Kumahara further teaches wherein the central magnet is formed to have a column shape (Kumahara, the first detection unit includes a rotation detection magnet 406 mounted on a bottom part of the movable unit 180 [0123] and [Fig. 2]), and one end of the central magnet having the cylinder shape is fixedly connected to the rocker (Kumahara, the driving magnets 401 and the magnetic yokes 203 each have a shape of a part of a cylindrical tube [0119] and [Fig. 2]; the driving magnets 402 and the magnetic yokes 204 also each have a shape of a part of a cylindrical tube [0120]).
Regarding Claim 3:  Kobayashi further discloses wherein another end of the central magnet having the column shape is formed to have a spherical surface (Kobayashi, at the lower end portion of the lever handle 4, there is formed a substantially hemispherical external force receiving portion 10, and on a spherical surface 10a, which is a lower end surface of the external force receiving portion 10, there is provided a magnetic plate 11 through a leaf spring 10b [0029]).
Regarding Claim 4:  Kumahara further teaches wherein a magnetization direction of the central magnet is parallel to an axial direction of the central magnet having the column shape (Kumahara [Fig. 2]), and a magnetization direction of the side magnet is perpendicular to the axial direction of the central magnet having the column shape (Kumahara [Fig. 2]).
Regarding Claim 5:  Kobayashi further discloses a supporting member, and the rocker is rotatable around the supporting member (Kobayashi, the spherical portion 3 is formed in the substantially central portion of the lever handle 4, and the spherical portion 3 is supported by the spherical bearing 1, whereby the lever handle 4 is rockably and rotationally mounted to the supporting member 2 [0029] and [Fig. 1]).
Regarding Claim 6:  Kobayashi further discloses a housing, and both the supporting member and the coil assembly are fixedly connected to the housing (Kobayashi, as shown in FIG. 1, a haptic input apparatus according to the present embodiment includes: a supporting member 2 having a spherical bearing 1; the supporting member 2 is set up inside a panel 8 constituting an automotive dash board, console box and the like [0028] and [Fig. 1]).
Regarding Claim 7:  Kobayashi further discloses a fitting member, wherein the fitting member is a magnet, and the magnet is positioned in the middle of the coil assembly (Kobayashi, the electromagnetic brake 13 is formed of an electromagnetic coil 5, a permanent magnet 13b arranged below the electromagnetic coil 5 [0036] and [Fig. 3]).
Regarding Claim 9:  Kobayashi further discloses wherein a central axis of the coil assembly passes through a center around which the rocker rotates (Kobayashi, the electromagnetic coil 5 and lining material 12 provided on the upper surface thereof cooperate with the magnetic plate 11 provided on the spherical surface 10a [0030] and [Fig. 1]).
Regarding Claim 10:  Kobayashi further discloses wherein the rocker is symmetrically disposed with respect to an A-A plane (Kobayashi [Fig. 1]).
Claim 8 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Kobayashi, in view of Kumahara, and further in view of Chacko et al., US 2013/0248276 A1 (hereinafter Chacko).
Regarding Claim 8:  Kobayashi further discloses a fitting member (Kobayashi, the electromagnetic brake 13 is formed of an electromagnetic coil 5, a permanent magnet 13b arranged below the electromagnetic coil 5 [0036] and [Fig. 3]), the fitting member is positioned in the middle of the coil assembly (Kobayashi, the electromagnetic brake 13 is formed of an electromagnetic coil 5, a permanent magnet 13b arranged below the electromagnetic coil 5 [0036] and [Fig. 3]).
Kobayashi fails to explicitly disclose wherein the fitting member is an iron core.
Chacko teaches wherein the fitting member is an iron core (Chacko, a ferrous core of the electromagnetic coil 20 [0029]).
Kobayashi discloses a haptic input apparatus including a supporting member; a lever handle having a spherical portion to be supported by the spherical bearing; an electromagnetic coil arranged opposite to a lower end surface of the lever handle; detection means for detecting an operating state of the lever handle; and control means for taking in an output signal a from the detection means to output a driving signal b of the electromagnetic coil based on the output signal a (Kobayashi [Abstract]).
Chacko teaches resistance feedback to a machine operator via a joystick configured to steer a machine (Chacko [Abstract]).  Conventional electromagnets include a ferrous core.  Chacko teaches a ferrous core of an electromagnetic coil (Chacko [0029]).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to combine the haptic input apparatus comprising an electromagnetic coil as disclosed by Kobayashi with an electromagnetic coil with a ferrous core as taught by Chacko since the use of ferrous cores is a conventional design.
Double Patenting
The nonstatutory double patenting rejection is based on a judicially created doctrine grounded in public policy (a policy reflected in the statute) so as to prevent the unjustified or improper timewise extension of the “right to exclude” granted by a patent and to prevent possible harassment by multiple assignees. A nonstatutory double patenting rejection is appropriate where the conflicting claims are not identical, but at least one examined application claim is not patentably distinct from the reference claim(s) because the examined application claim is either anticipated by, or would have been obvious over, the reference claim(s). See, e.g., In re Berg, 140 F.3d 1428, 46 USPQ2d 1226 (Fed. Cir. 1998); In re Goodman, 11 F.3d 1046, 29 USPQ2d 2010 (Fed. Cir. 1993); In re Longi, 759 F.2d 887, 225 USPQ 645 (Fed. Cir. 1985); In re Van Ornum, 686 F.2d 937, 214 USPQ 761 (CCPA 1982); In re Vogel, 422 F.2d 438, 164 USPQ 619 (CCPA 1970); In re Thorington, 418 F.2d 528, 163 USPQ 644 (CCPA 1969).
A timely filed terminal disclaimer in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(c) or 1.321(d) may be used to overcome an actual or provisional rejection based on nonstatutory double patenting provided the reference application or patent either is shown to be commonly owned with the examined application, or claims an invention made as a result of activities undertaken within the scope of a joint research agreement. See MPEP § 717.02 for applications subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA  as explained in MPEP § 2159. See MPEP § 2146 et seq. for applications not subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . A terminal disclaimer must be signed in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(b).
The filing of a terminal disclaimer by itself is not a complete reply to a nonstatutory double patenting (NSDP) rejection. A complete reply requires that the terminal disclaimer be accompanied by a reply requesting reconsideration of the prior Office action. Even where the NSDP rejection is provisional the reply must be complete. See MPEP § 804, subsection I.B.1. For a reply to a non-final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.111(a). For a reply to final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.113(c). A request for reconsideration while not provided for in 37 CFR 1.113(c) may be filed after final for consideration. See MPEP §§ 706.07(e) and 714.13.
The USPTO Internet website contains terminal disclaimer forms which may be used. Please visit www.uspto.gov/patent/patents-forms. The actual filing date of the application in which the form is filed determines what form (e.g., PTO/SB/25, PTO/SB/26, PTO/AIA /25, or PTO/AIA /26) should be used. A web-based eTerminal Disclaimer may be filled out completely online using web-screens. An eTerminal Disclaimer that meets all requirements is auto-processed and approved immediately upon submission. For more information about eTerminal Disclaimers, refer to www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/applying-online/eterminal-disclaimer.
Claims 1-10 are provisionally rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1-8 of copending Application No. 17/790,234 (reference application). Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because they vary slightly in terms of wording.
This is a provisional nonstatutory double patenting rejection because the patentably indistinct claims have not in fact been patented.
Conclusion

APPLICANT REBUTTAL: REMARKS
Reconsideration and allowance in view of the foregoing amendments and the following remarks are respectfully requested.
In the outstanding Office Action, Claims 2, 6, and 9-10 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA), second paragraph; Claims 1-10 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103; and Claims 1-10 are provisionally rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting.
In this Response, Claims 1-3, 6, 9, and 10 are currently amended; and Claim 8 is canceled without prejudice to, or disclaimer of, the subject matter recited therein. Therefore, Claims 1-7, 9, and 10 are pending. Support for the amendments to independent Claim 1 can be found, at least at, originally filed Claim 8 and page 12, lines 15-21 of the originally filed specification. No new matter is added.
Editorial amendments have also been made to the claims to correct grammatical errors and other informalities, such as ensuring that proper antecedent basis is recited for all features of the claims. None of these amendments introduce new matter, nor are they intended to alter the scope in view of any of the cited references. Favorable consideration is respectfully requested.
CLAIM OBJECTION
Claim 1 is objected to because of the following informalities: "at least one side magnets" (lines 6- 7) should read "at least one side magnet". Appropriate correction is required.
In a cooperative effort to expedite the present application to allowance, Applicant has currently amended Claim 1. Accordingly, in view of the amendment of Claim 1, Applicant respectfully submits that the objection is now moot and respectfully requests that the objection be reconsidered and withdrawn.
CLAIM REJECTION UNDER 35 U.S.C.
§
Claims 2, 6, and 9-10 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA), second paragraph, as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor (or for applications subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, the applicant),
regards as the invention.
Applicant respectfully traverses the rejection; however, in a cooperative effort to expedite the present application to allowance, Applicant has currently amended Claims 1-3, 6, 9, and 10 as follows:
" Regarding claim 2, "the cylinder shape" is amended as "the column shape". Appropriate
correction is also made to the description correspondingly.
" Regarding claims 1 and 3, "another end of the rocker" in claim 1 is amended as "the other end
of the rocker". In addition, "at least one side magnets" is amended as "at least one side
magnet". Appropriate correction is made to the description correspondingly.
" Regarding claim 6, claim 6 is amended to refer to claim 5.
" Regarding claims 9 and 10, "A manipulating device according to claim 1" is amended as "The
manipulating device according to claim 1".
The amendments are not to be interpreted as Applicant's acquiescence to the substance of the rejection. Accordingly, in view of the amendment of Claims 1-3, 6, 9, and 10, Applicant respectfully submits that the rejection is now moot and respectfully requests that the rejection under 35 U.S.C. § 112 be reconsidered and withdrawn.
CLAIM REJECTION UNDER 35 U.S.C.
§
103(a)
The outstanding Office Action includes the following rejections under 35 U.S.C. § 103(a):
a) Claims 1-7 and 9-10 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being
unpatentable over Kobayashi, US 2003/0080939 Al (hereinafter Kobayashi) in view of KUMAHARA et al., US 2016/0357272 Al
(hereinafter Kumahara).
b) Claim 8 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over
Kobayashi, in view of Kumahara, and further in view of Chacko et al., US
2013/0248276 Al (hereinafter Chacko).
Applicant traverses the rejections, and respectfully requests that the rejections be reconsidered and withdrawn.
Claim 1
In a cooperative effort to expedite the present application to allowance, independent Claim 1 is currently amended. However, the amendments are not to be interpreted as acquiescence to the substance of the rejection.
Currently amended Claim 1 recites, in part (emphasis added):
a coil assembly disposed opposite to the rocker and adjacent to the magnetic assembly,
the coil assembly is a planar coil,
in the manipulatin
g
device further comprises a fittin
g
membe
fitting member is an iron core, and the iron core is
position
the middle of the coil assembly.
As an initial matter, Applicant notes that features of Claim 8 have been incorporated in currently amended Claim 1. Further, the above amendment is supported by the originally filed specification at page 12, lines 15-21, as follows:
When the fitting member 5 is an iron core, the fitting member 5 can generate a strong attractive force F to the magnetic assembly 3. Thus, regardless whether or not the coil assembly 4 is energized, both the rocker 1 and the magnetic assembly 3 can automatically return to a balancing position under the attractive force of the fitting member 5, moreover, when the coil assembly 4 is energized, the iron core can also
enhance the magnetic field generated by the coil assembly 4.
The examiner contends that Kobayashi discloses a fitting member is positioned in the middle of the coil assembly, Chacko teaches wherein the fitting member is an iron core, and that it is obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to combine the haptic input apparatus as disclosed by Kobayashi with an electromagnetic coil with a ferrous core as taught by Chacko since the use of ferrous core is a conventional design. The Applicant disagrees with the Examiner's allegations.
Kobayashi discloses that the electromagnetic brake 13 is formed of an electromagnetic coil 5, a permanent magnet 13b arranged below the electromagnetic coil 5 and a magnetic plate 11 mounted to the spherical portion 3. Firstly, the magnetic plate 11 and the electromagnetic coil 5 of the electromagnetic brake 13 do not have the structure of the magnetic assembly 3 and the coil assembly 4
of the present application. In addition, as can be clearly seen from FIG. 3 of Kobayashi,
the middle of the electromagnetic coil 5 is not an iron core, but a detection means 6 used to detect an o
p
erating state of the lever handle 4
,
and the detection means 6 can be any well-known
p
osition sensor, but not the iron core.
Further, Chacko discloses (see paragraph [0029]) "In contrast, the other primary source of delay, i.e., magnetic response delay, can significantly lessen the responsiveness of the feedback brake unit 11 and render it ineffective for avoiding over-control. The magnetic response delay can be considered as originating from (1) the delay incurred while a ferrous core of the electromagnetic coil 20 builds a magnetic flux in response to the applied current signal and (2) the delay incurred while the magnetic portions of the magnetically reactive medium 19 align or otherwise react to the magnetic flux generated by the electromagnetic coil 20". Firstly, Chacko fails to disclose the structure of the magnetic assembly 3 and the coil assembly 4 of the present application. In addition, assuming arguendo, to which the Applicant does not agree, that Chacko mentions an iron core, Applicant submits that there is no description of the position of the iron core, and Chacko does not have the technical effect of the iron core positioned in the middle of the coil assembly as mentioned in the present application.
As Kobayashi and Chacko fails to disclose the currently amended features of Claim 1, the rejection must rely on Kumahara to cure the deficiencies of Kobayashi and Chacko. Kumahara, however, also does not disclose the features of currently amended Claim 1. Thus, the Applicant respectfully submits that the cited references, whether combined or separately, cannot teach the currently amended features of Claim 1. Thus, the Applicant respectfully submits that it is not obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that the cited references disclose the features of currently amended Claim 1.
Therefore, Applicant submits that Kobayashi, Chacko, and Kumahara, fails to disclose the previously presented or currently amended features of Claim 1. Accordingly, Applicant respectfully requests that the corresponding rejection under 35 U.S.C. § 103(a) be reconsidered and withdrawn.
Claims 1-7
and 10
Dependent Claims 1-7, 9, and 10, depend, directly or indirectly, from independent Claim 1. Accordingly, the dependent claims are allowable over the cited references at least by virtue of their dependency from independent Claim 1, as well as the other features recited therein. Applicant, therefore respectfully requests that rejection under 35 U.S.C. § 103(a) be reconsidered and withdrawn.
DOUBLE PATENTING REJECTION
Claims 1-10 are provisionally rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1-8 of copending Application No. 17/790,234 (reference application). Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because they vary slightly in terms of wording.
Applicant traverses the rejections, and respectfully requests that the rejections be reconsidered and withdrawn.
In a cooperative effort to expedite the present application to allowance, independent Claim 1 is currently amended. However, the amendment is not to be interpreted as acquiescence to the substance of the rejection. Currently amended Claim 1 recites, in part, "the coil assembly is a planar coil." As disclosed in the present application at page 7, lines 12-15: The coil assembly 4 may be a planar coil, and the planar coil can be provided with uniform windings to generate a uniform and stable electric field, such that a stable interaction force is generated between
the coil assembly 4 and the magnetic assembly 3.
Amended claim 1 herein discloses "the coil assembly is a planar coil", and claim 1 of Application No. 17/790,234 discloses "a coil assembly formed to have an arc shape, an inner surface of the arc shape faces the rocker". Therefore, the Applicant respectfully submits that amended Claims 1-10 of the present application (see FIGS. 1 and 2 of the present application) and claims 1-8 of Application No. 17/790,234 (see FIGS. 1 and 2 of 17/790,234) are distinguishable from each other.
Accordingly, Applicant respectfully requests that double-patenting rejections be reconsidered and withdrawn.
CONCLUSION

NEXT OFFICE ACTION: Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Reasons for Allowance
The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance:  the examiner is persuaded by applicant’s arguments in the response dated January 20, 2025 in light of the amendments made to the claims.
Any comments considered necessary by applicant 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.”
Conclusion

CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US20030080939A1: Claims:
A haptic input apparatus, comprising: a lever handle for an operator to operate manually; a support of the lever handle; an actuator arranged opposite to an end surface of the lever handle for directly applying an external force to the lever handle; detection means for detecting an operating state of the lever handle; and control means for controlling driving of the actuator on the basis of an output signal from the detection means.
The haptic input apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein an amount of rocking and a rocking direction of the lever handle with respect to the support and an amount of rotation and a direction of rotation of the lever handle with respect to the support are detected by the detection means, and wherein on the basis of an output signal from the detection means corresponding to the amount of rocking and the rocking direction of the lever handle and the amount of rotation and the direction of rotation, driving of the actuator is controlled.
The haptic input apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein between the support and the lever handle, there is provided an elastic member for automatically returning the lever handle to a center position set in the support.
The haptic input apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein as the actuator, there is used an electromagnetic brake.
The haptic input apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein as the actuator, there is used an off-brake type electromagnetic brake for applying an external force to the lever handle during non-energization.
The haptic input apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein as the detection means, there is used a non-contact type optical position sensor for irradiating an end surface of the lever handle with detection light to detect reflected light from the end surface of the lever handle, and for detecting an operating position and an operating direction of the lever handle, and wherein the non-contact type optical position sensor is arranged opposite to the end surface of the lever handle.
Ref US20160357272A1: Claims:
An input and output operation device, comprising: (i) an actuator including: an operation unit having an operation surface; a movable unit having the operation unit and at least one attraction magnet mounted thereon and including a concaved portion in a part thereof; a secured unit including a convexed spherical surface loosely engageable with at least one magnetic member and the concaved portion of the movable unit, the convexed spherical surface being point-contactable or line-contactable with the concaved portion of the movable unit by a magnetic attraction force between the at least one attraction magnet and the at least one magnetic member, the secured unit supporting the movable unit such that the movable unit is freely rotatable as centered around a spherical center of the convexed spherical surface; a first driving unit rotating the operation unit, with respect to the secured unit, as centered around an X-axis passing the spherical center; a second driving unit rotating the operation unit, with respect to the secured unit, as centered around a Y-axis perpendicular to the X-axis on a plane including the X-axis; and a detector detecting a first rotation angle of the operation unit, with respect to the secured unit, around the X-axis and a second rotation angle of the operation unit, with respect to the secured unit, around the Y-axis; wherein the spherical center of the convexed spherical surface is provided at an origin of the X-axis and the Y-axis; and (ii) a detection circuit unit generating first and second rotation angle signals from the first and second rotation angles.
(i) an actuator including: an operation unit having an operation surface; a movable unit having the operation unit and at least one attraction magnet mounted thereon and including a concaved portion in a part thereof; a secured unit including a convexed spherical surface loosely engageable with at least one magnetic member and the concaved portion of the movable unit, the convexed spherical surface being point-contactable or line-contactable with the concaved portion of the movable unit by a magnetic attraction force between the at least one attraction magnet and the at least one magnetic member, the secured unit supporting the movable unit such that the movable unit is freely rotatable as centered around a spherical center of the convexed spherical surface; a first driving unit rotating the operation unit, with respect to the secured unit, as centered around an X-axis passing the spherical center; a second driving unit rotating the operation unit, with respect to the secured unit, as centered around a Y-axis perpendicular to the X-axis on a plane including the X-axis; and a detector detecting a first rotation angle of the operation unit, with respect to the secured unit, around the X-axis and a second rotation angle of the operation unit, with respect to the secured unit, around the Y-axis; wherein the spherical center of the convexed spherical surface is provided at an origin of the X-axis and the Y-axis; and
an operation unit having an operation surface;
a movable unit having the operation unit and at least one attraction magnet mounted thereon and including a concaved portion in a part thereof;
a secured unit including a convexed spherical surface loosely engageable with at least one magnetic member and the concaved portion of the movable unit, the convexed spherical surface being point-contactable or line-contactable with the concaved portion of the movable unit by a magnetic attraction force between the at least one attraction magnet and the at least one magnetic member, the secured unit supporting the movable unit such that the movable unit is freely rotatable as centered around a spherical center of the convexed spherical surface;
a first driving unit rotating the operation unit, with respect to the secured unit, as centered around an X-axis passing the spherical center;
a second driving unit rotating the operation unit, with respect to the secured unit, as centered around a Y-axis perpendicular to the X-axis on a plane including the X-axis; and
a detector detecting a first rotation angle of the operation unit, with respect to the secured unit, around the X-axis and a second rotation angle of the operation unit, with respect to the secured unit, around the Y-axis;
wherein the spherical center of the convexed spherical surface is provided at an origin of the X-axis and the Y-axis; and
(ii) a detection circuit unit generating first and second rotation angle signals from the first and second rotation angles.
The input and output operation device according to claim 41 , wherein the control computation processing unit generates a current position coordinate pair of the operation unit in a two-dimensional coordinate system corresponding to a movable range of the operation unit based on the first and second rotation angle signals, and generates the first and second target rotation angle signals based on a position feedback control performed by use of a difference between a target position coordinate pair and the current position coordinate pair.
The input and output operation device according to claim 2 , wherein the control computation processing unit sets, in the two-dimensional coordinate system, an identification coordinate area including the target position coordinate pair and being usable as a target; and in the case where the current position coordinate pair of the operation unit is inside the identification coordinate area, sets a first gain of the position feedback control, whereas in the case where the current position coordinate pair of the operation unit is outside the identification coordinate area, sets a gain larger than the first gain.
The input and output operation device according to claim 3 , wherein the control computation processing unit: sets a plurality of identification coordinate areas to be targets in the two-dimensional coordinate system; sets the target position coordinate pair in one identification coordinate area selected from the plurality of identification coordinate areas in accordance with the current position coordinate pair of the operation unit or an external signal; and in the case where the current position coordinate pair of the operation unit is inside the identification coordinate area, sets the first gain of the position feedback control, whereas in the case where the current position coordinate pair of the operation unit is outside the identification coordinate area, sets a gain large than the first gain.
sets a plurality of identification coordinate areas to be targets in the two-dimensional coordinate system;
sets the target position coordinate pair in one identification coordinate area selected from the plurality of identification coordinate areas in accordance with the current position coordinate pair of the operation unit or an external signal; and
in the case where the current position coordinate pair of the operation unit is inside the identification coordinate area, sets the first gain of the position feedback control, whereas in the case where the current position coordinate pair of the operation unit is outside the identification coordinate area, sets a gain large than the first gain.
The input and output operation device according to claim 42 , wherein: the control computation processing unit generates a driving signal having a predetermined driving waveform pattern; the driving circuit unit receives the driving signal and generates a signal usable to drive the third driving unit; and the movable unit is driven to vibrate around the Z-axis by the third driving unit.
the control computation processing unit generates a driving signal having a predetermined driving waveform pattern;
the driving circuit unit receives the driving signal and generates a signal usable to drive the third driving unit; and
the movable unit is driven to vibrate around the Z-axis by the third driving unit.
The input and output operation device according to claim 5 , wherein the predetermined driving waveform pattern includes a vibration waveform having a frequency component in an audible range.
The input and output operation device according to claim 42 , wherein the detector includes: a first detection unit detecting the rotation angles of the operation unit, with respect to the secured unit, around the X-axis and the Y-axis; and a second detection unit detecting a rotation angle of the operation unit, with respect to the secured unit, around the Z-axis.
a first detection unit detecting the rotation angles of the operation unit, with respect to the secured unit, around the X-axis and the Y-axis; and
a second detection unit detecting a rotation angle of the operation unit, with respect to the secured unit, around the Z-axis.
- 11 . (canceled)
The input and output operation device according to claim 42 , wherein: the first driving unit includes: a pair of first driving magnets located in the movable unit symmetrically with respect to the Z-axis; a pair of first magnetic yokes located in the secured unit so as to respectively face the pair of first driving magnets; and a pair of first driving coils respectively wound around the pair of first magnetic yokes; the second driving unit includes: a pair of second driving magnets located in the movable unit symmetrically with respect to the Z-axis; a pair of second magnetic yokes located in the secured unit so as to respectively face the pair of second driving magnets; and a pair of second driving coils respectively wound around the pair of second magnetic yokes; the pair of first driving magnets and the pair of first driving coils are located on a straight line passing the spherical center of the convexed spherical surface; the pair of second driving magnets and the pair of second driving coils are located on another straight line passing the spherical center of the convexed spherical surface and crossing the straight line perpendicularly; and a center between the first driving magnets, a center between the first driving coils, a center between the second driving magnets, and a center between the second driving coils in the Z-axis direction substantially match the spherical center of the convexed spherical surface positionally.
the first driving unit includes: a pair of first driving magnets located in the movable unit symmetrically with respect to the Z-axis; a pair of first magnetic yokes located in the secured unit so as to respectively face the pair of first driving magnets; and a pair of first driving coils respectively wound around the pair of first magnetic yokes;
a pair of first driving magnets located in the movable unit symmetrically with respect to the Z-axis;
a pair of first magnetic yokes located in the secured unit so as to respectively face the pair of first driving magnets; and
a pair of first driving coils respectively wound around the pair of first magnetic yokes;
the second driving unit includes: a pair of second driving magnets located in the movable unit symmetrically with respect to the Z-axis; a pair of second magnetic yokes located in the secured unit so as to respectively face the pair of second driving magnets; and a pair of second driving coils respectively wound around the pair of second magnetic yokes;
a pair of second driving magnets located in the movable unit symmetrically with respect to the Z-axis;
a pair of second magnetic yokes located in the secured unit so as to respectively face the pair of second driving magnets; and
a pair of second driving coils respectively wound around the pair of second magnetic yokes;
the pair of first driving magnets and the pair of first driving coils are located on a straight line passing the spherical center of the convexed spherical surface;
the pair of second driving magnets and the pair of second driving coils are located on another straight line passing the spherical center of the convexed spherical surface and crossing the straight line perpendicularly; and
a center between the first driving magnets, a center between the first driving coils, a center between the second driving magnets, and a center between the second driving coils in the Z-axis direction substantially match the spherical center of the convexed spherical surface positionally.
The input and output operation device according to claim 12 , wherein: the third driving unit includes third driving coils respectively wound around the pair of first magnetic yokes and the pair of second magnetic yokes; and the pair of first driving magnets and the pair of second driving magnets are used as third driving magnets.
the third driving unit includes third driving coils respectively wound around the pair of first magnetic yokes and the pair of second magnetic yokes; and
the pair of first driving magnets and the pair of second driving magnets are used as third driving magnets.
The input and output operation device according to claim 12 , wherein the pair of first driving magnets and the pair of second driving magnets are respectively coupled together by a pair of magnetic back yokes, and the pair of magnetic back yokes are provided on the side of the spherical center with respect to the movable unit.
The input and output operation device according to claim 12 , wherein the at least one magnetic member includes the pair of first magnetic yokes and the pair of second magnetic yokes.
- 33 . (canceled)
The input and output operation device according to claim 1 , further comprising: an electrode contactable with the operator; and a communication unit performing a communication via the operator in contact with the electrode; wherein the control computation processing unit determines an attribute of the operator based on information received by the communication unit.
an electrode contactable with the operator; and
a communication unit performing a communication via the operator in contact with the electrode;
wherein the control computation processing unit determines an attribute of the operator based on information received by the communication unit.
The input and output operation device according to claim 34 , comprising a movable operation unit including the operation unit and the movable unit; wherein the control computation processing unit: selects at least one of a plurality of types of pointer operation patterns prepared in advance, in accordance with the determined attribute of the operator; and causes a force contrary to an operation force to act on the movable unit operation unit by the first and second driving unit, in accordance with the selected pointer operation pattern.
wherein the control computation processing unit: selects at least one of a plurality of types of pointer operation patterns prepared in advance, in accordance with the determined attribute of the operator; and causes a force contrary to an operation force to act on the movable unit operation unit by the first and second driving unit, in accordance with the selected pointer operation pattern.
selects at least one of a plurality of types of pointer operation patterns prepared in advance, in accordance with the determined attribute of the operator; and
causes a force contrary to an operation force to act on the movable unit operation unit by the first and second driving unit, in accordance with the selected pointer operation pattern.
The input and output operation device according to claim 35 , wherein the pointer operation pattern restricts an operation range of a pointer such that the pointer does not go outside an area enclosed by a preset borderline.
The input and output operation device according to claim 35 , wherein the pointer operation pattern restricts an operation range of a pointer such that the pointer is not diverted from a preset track.
The input and output operation device according to claim 35 , wherein the pointer operation pattern restricts an operation range of a pointer such that the pointer is not diverted from an area formed of a plurality of secured areas and a track connecting the plurality of areas.
The input and output operation device according to claim 34 , wherein the electrode is located at a position that allows the electrode to contact the finger of the operator operating the operation unit.
The input and output operation device according to claim 34 , wherein: the operator is in contact with an electrode of a communication tag; and the communication unit communicates with the communication tag via the operator to receive information held by the communication tag.
the operator is in contact with an electrode of a communication tag; and
the communication unit communicates with the communication tag via the operator to receive information held by the communication tag.
The input and output operation device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a control computation processing unit generating first and second target rotation angle signals based on the first and second rotation angle signals; and a driving circuit unit receiving the first and second target rotation angle signals and generating a signal usable to drive the first and second driving units.
a control computation processing unit generating first and second target rotation angle signals based on the first and second rotation angle signals; and
a driving circuit unit receiving the first and second target rotation angle signals and generating a signal usable to drive the first and second driving units.
The input and output operation device according to claim 2 , wherein the actuator includes a third driving unit rotating the movable unit, with respect to the secured unit, as centered around a Z-axis perpendicular to the X-axis and the Y-axis, the Z-axis being a central axis of the operation unit, the spherical center of the convexed spherical surface is provided at an origin of the X-axis, the Y-axis and the Z-axis.
Ref US20130248276A1: Claims:
A method of prov
[Truncated to input limit]