Office Action 1: Non-Final Rejection (2024-12-16)
Rejection types: 103 - Obviousness, 112 - Written Description/Enablement

CLAIMS:
What is claimed is:
1\. A multifunctional electric wave generator for simulation of brain wave, comprising: a base; a protective box fixedly mounted on the top of the base; a support plate located inside the protective box; an electric wave generator body placed on the support plate, consisting of a housing, a signal receiver, a frequency controller, a power amplifier, a waveform converter, an output device, and a digital signal processor; the signal receiver, frequency controller, power amplifier, waveform converter, output device, and the digital signal processor are all assembled inside the housing and are interconnected electrically; a storage mechanism disposed on the protective box for storing the electric wave generator body.
2\. The multifunctional electric wave generator for simulation of brain wave according to claim 1, wherein a limit plate is fixedly mounted on one side of the electric wave generator body, an L-shaped plate is fixedly mounted on the top of the support plate, the L-shaped plate is slidingly connected to the limit plate, and a screwing rod is threadedly mounted on the top of the limit plate, and the screwing rod is threadedly connected to the L-shaped plate.
3\. The multifunctional electric wave generator for simulation of brain wave according to claim 1, wherein the storage mechanism comprises: a connecting box fixedly mounted on the upright posts of the base; a threaded rod rotatably mounted at the top of the connecting box; a threaded sleeve set on the threaded rod; a connecting plate fixedly mounted on one side of the support plate, one side of the connecting plate extending outside of the protective box, the connecting plate being securely connected to the threaded sleeve; a drive mechanism provided on the connecting box for driving the threaded rod.
4\. The multifunctional electric wave generator for simulation of brain wave according to claim 3, wherein the drive mechanism comprises: a connecting piece fixedly mounted in the connecting box; a rotating lever rotationally mounted on the connecting piece, with conical gears fixedly sheathed on both the rotating lever and the threaded rod, where a set of the conical gears mesh with each other; a junction box fixedly mounted on one side of the connecting box; a first sprocket fixedly socketed to the rotating lever, connected to a first chain that passes through the junction box and meshes with the first sprocket; a first motor fixedly mounted at the bottom of the connecting box; a set of drive gears fixedly socketed to the output shaft of the first motor and the rotating lever respectively, withe the drive gears meshing with each other.
5.The multifunctional electric wave generator for simulation of brain wave according to claim 2, wherein the top of protective box is in an opening shape, a cover plate is hingedly connected to the top of the protective box, the top of the cover plate is fixedly mounted with a handle, and the top of the electric wave generator body is assembled with a push rod.
6.The multifunctional electric wave generator for simulation of brain wave according to claim 1, wherein a notch is provided on one side of the protective box, the notch is adapted to the connecting plate.
7.The multifunctional electric wave generator for simulation of brain wave according to claim 5, wherein one side of the connecting box is fixedly equipped with a mounting tab, on which a connecting bar is pivotally mounted, the connecting bar is wrapped with a rope , the top end of the rope is fixedly connected to one side of the cover plate.
8.The multifunctional electric wave generator for simulation of brain wave according to claim 7, wherein the connecting bar and rotating lever are both equipped with a second sprocket, and a second chain is wrapped around the two second sprockets, engaging with both of them.
9.The multifunctional electric wave generator for simulation of brain wave according to claim 8, wherein a protective cover is fixedly mounted on the mounting tab, and the protective cover is placed on the second sprocket located on the connecting bar.
10\. A control method of a multifunctional electric wave generator for simulation of brain wave according to claim 1, comprising the following steps: Step one: Ensuring the power supply is stable, connecting the power and ground lines correctly, activating the electric wave generator and allowing it to warm up to improve the frequency stability; Step two: Selecting or setting a modulation mode as needed, which includes amplitude modulation, frequency modulation, and phase modulation, choosing appropriate filters to filter out clutter or noise from the output signal, then setting or adjusting various parameters, such as waveform type, frequency, amplitude, through a microprocessor to ensure stable DC power supply to the internal circuit of the electric wave generator body; Step three: Selecting the desired waveform type through a waveform converter, which includes sine wave, square wave, and triangle wave, setting the desired range of signal output frequency range by a frequency controller, adjusting a fine-tuning knob or a keyboard to input the precise frequency, adjusting the output power of the power amplifier as needed to ensure sufficient signal strength, and monitoring the waveform, frequency, amplitude, and other parameters of the output signal in real-time through a display device, utilizing a digital signal processor to further process and optimize the output signal.

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 .
Drawings
The drawings are objected to because the cut away “A” and “B” figures (Figures 8 and 9) are incorrectly labelled. Figure 8 appears to show “B” in figure 1. Figure 9 appears to show “A” in figure 1.
Corrected drawing sheets in compliance with 37 CFR 1.121(d) are required in reply to the Office action to avoid abandonment of the application. Any amended replacement drawing sheet should include all of the figures appearing on the immediate prior version of the sheet, even if only one figure is being amended. The figure or figure number of an amended drawing should not be labeled as “amended.” If a drawing figure is to be canceled, the appropriate figure must be removed from the replacement sheet, and where necessary, the remaining figures must be renumbered and appropriate changes made to the brief description of the several views of the drawings for consistency. Additional replacement sheets may be necessary to show the renumbering of the remaining figures. Each drawing sheet submitted after the filing date of an application must be labeled in the top margin as either “Replacement Sheet” or “New Sheet” pursuant to 37 CFR 1.121(d). If the changes are not accepted by the examiner, the applicant will be notified and informed of any required corrective action in the next Office action. The objection to the drawings will not be held in abeyance.
Specification
The disclosure is objected to because of the following informalities: Paragraphs [0004], [0069] and [0070] use the words “stimulating” and “stimulation” while the use of “simulating” and “simulation” are prevalent throughout the specification. The two terms are not interchangeable. The invention itself would seem to be a brain wave stimulation device. Examiner is requesting clarification as to whether “stimulation” or “simulation” is the correct word intended.
Appropriate correction is required.
Claim Objections
Claims 4, 5 and 10 are objected to because of the following informalities:
Claim 4, line 12 states “withe” but should read –with--.
Claim 5, line 2 states “of protective box” but should read –of the protective box--.
Claim 10, line 1 states “a multifunctional electric wave generator” but should read – the multifunctional electric wave generator--.
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.
Claim 1-10 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.
Regarding claim 1, the preamble states “a multifunctional electric wave generator for simulation of brain wave,”, but it is unclear if applicant intends to use “simulation” or the “stimulation”. The specification (paragraphs [0004], [0069] and [0070]) and claims read as though the word is intended to be “stimulation”, or as defined to function as a physiological stimulus. The word “simulation” is defined as the imitative representation of the functioning of one system or process by means of the functioning of another. While “simulation” is plausible the claimed device does not seem to be intended to simulate brain wave due to the complexity of doing so. Examiner is interpreting the claims in view of the interpretation of “a multifunctional electric wave generator for stimulation of brain wave,” for the purpose of examination. Examiner is requesting clarification as to the intended word.
Claim 1 recites the limitation “an electric wave generator body placed on the support plate, consisting of” but the use of “consisting of” excludes any element not specified in the claim, per MPEP 2111.03. The device claimed is lacking elements to allow the generator to function, such as, but not limited to, power input. The claim does have a power amplifier, but does not disclose any power to the processor, which is required. It also does not include the AI monitoring system disclosed in paragraph [0079].  As the use “consisting of” would require the listing of all elements to make the device function and therefore renders the claim unclear. Examiner is interpreting “consisting of” as “comprising” for examination purposes, unless further clarified by applicant.
Claim 1 recites the limitation the top in line 3.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Claim 1, line 3 should read –a top of the box--.
Claims 2-10 inherit the same deficiencies.
Regarding claim 2, lines 2-3 recite “a limit plate is fixedly mounted on one side of the electric wave generator body” but the figures show a limit plate fixedly mounted on both sides of the electric wave body. It is unclear if applicant intended to limit the fixation of the limit plate to one side. Examiner suggests --a limit plate is fixedly mounted on at least one side of the electric wave generator body.--
Claim 2 recites the limitation the top in line 3.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Line 3 should read –a top of the support plate--.
Claim 2 recites the limitation the top in line 5.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Line 5 should read –a top of the limit plate--.
Claims 5 and 7-9 inherit the same deficiencies.
Claim 3 recites the limitation the upright posts in line 3.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Line 3 should read –upright posts--.
Claim 3 recites the limitation the top of the connecting box in line 4.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Line 4 should read – a top of a connecting box--.
Regarding claim 3, line 6 recites “a connecting plate fixedly mounted on one side of the support plate,” but the figures show a connecting plate fixedly mounted on both sides of the support plate. It is unclear if applicant intended to limit the fixation of the connecting plate to one side. Examiner suggests --a connecting plate fixedly mounted on at least one side of the support plate,--.
Claim 4 inherits the same deficiencies.
Claim 4 recites the limitation the bottom in line 10.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Line 10 should read –a bottom--.
Claim 4 recites the limitation  the output shaft in line 11.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Line 11 should read –an output shaft--.
Claim 4 recites the limitation the drive gears in line 12.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Line 12 should read –the set of drive gears--.
Claim 4 recites the limitation the drive gears in line 12.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Line 12 should read –the set of drive gears--.
Claim 5 recites the limitation the top in line 2.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Line 2 should read –a top of the protective box--.
Claim 5 recites the limitation the top in line 3.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Line 3 should read –a top of the cover plate--.
Claim 5 recites the limitation the top in line 4.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Line 4 should read –a top of the electric wave generator body--.
Claims 7-9 inherit the same deficiencies.
Regarding claim 6, line 2 recites “a notch is provided on one side of the protective box,” but the figures show a notch is provided on both sides of the protective box. It is unclear if applicant intended to limit the notch of the protective box to one side. Examiner suggests --a notch is provided on at least one side of the protective box,--.
Claim 6 recites the limitation the connecting plate in line 3.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. The first recitation of “connecting plate” occurs in claim 3 so line 6 should read --a connecting plate--.
Regarding claim 7, line 2 recites “one side of the connecting box,” but the figures show a mounting tab is provided on both sides of the connecting box. It is unclear if applicant intended to limit the mounting tab of the connecting box to one side. Examiner suggests –at least one side of the connecting box--.
Claim 7 recites the limitation the connecting box in line 2.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. The first recitation of “connecting box” occurs in claim 3 so line 2 should  read --a connecting box--.
Claim 7 recites the limitation the top end in line 4.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Line 4 should read –a top end--.
Regarding claim 7, lines 4-5 recite “rope is fixedly connected to one side of the cover plate” but the figures show the rope is connected on both sides of the cover plate. It is unclear if applicant intended to limit the rope connecting to one side of the cover plate. Examiner suggests –rope is fixedly connected to at least one side of the cover plate--.
Claims 8-9 inherit the same deficiencies.
Claim 8 recites the limitation the top end in line 4.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Line 4 should read –a top end--.
Claim 10 recites the limitation the power supply in line 3.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Line 3 should read –a power supply --.
Claim 10 recites the limitation the power and ground in line 3.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Line 3 should read – power and ground--.
Claim 10 recites the limitation the frequency stability in line 5.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Line 5 should read –frequency stability --.
Claim 10 recites the limitation Selecting or setting a modulation mode as needed, in line 6.  This limitation renders the claim indefinite because it is not clear if applicant is intending to render the step optional or what conditions make the step “needed”.
Claim 10 recites the limitation which includes amplitude modulation, frequency modulation, and phase modulation in lines 6 and 7.  This limitation renders the claim indefinite because it is not clear if the modulation mode is limited to only the listed modes or includes additional. Examiner recommends verbiage similar to --Selecting or setting a modulation mode as needed, wherein the modulation modes are selected from the group of amplitude modulation, frequency modulation, and phase modulation;--.
Claim 10 recites the limitation the output signal in line 8.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Line 8 should read –an output signal --.
Claim 10 recites the limitation setting or adjusting various parameters, such as waveform type, frequency, amplitude in lines 8 and 9.  This limitation renders the claim indefinite because it is not clear if the parameters are limited to only the ones listed or includes additional. Examiner recommends verbiage similar to -- adjusting parameters, wherein the parameters are selected from the group of waveform type, frequency, amplitude;--.
Claim 10 recites the limitation the internal circuit in line 10.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Line 10 should read –an internal circuit--.
Claim 10 recites the limitation the desired waveform type in line 12.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Line 12 should read –a desired waveform type--.
Claim 10 recites the limitation which includes sine wave, square wave, and triangle wave in line 13.  This limitation renders the claim indefinite because it is not clear if the waveform types are limited to only the ones listed or includes additional. Examiner recommends verbiage similar to -- a waveform converter, wherein the waveform type is selected from the group of sine wave, square wave, and triangle wave;--.
Claim 10 recites the limitation the desired range in line 13.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Line 13 should read –a desired range--.
Claim 10 recites the limitation the precise frequency in line 15.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Line 15 should read –a precise frequency--.
Claim 10 recites the limitation the output power in line 15.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Line 15 should read –an output power--.
Claim 10 recites the limitation the waveform, frequency, amplitude, and other parameters in line 17.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Line 17 should read –waveform, frequency, amplitude, and other parameters--.
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.
Claim 1 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Ives (US4806881A) in view of Sanus (“CFR2115, CFR2127, CFR2136, CFR2144 Instruction Manual”, 2014) and Al-Samman (“Comparative Study of Indoor Propagation Model Below and Above 6 GHz for 5G Wireless Networks”, 2019).
Regarding claim 1, under broadest reasonable interpretation, examiner is interpreting claim 1 as a common signal generator stored in a common electronics rack. Ives discloses a multifunctional electric wave generator for simulation of brain wave (Abstract, “for simulation of brain wave” is intended use, so any multifunctional electric wave generator would suffice.) comprising an electric wave generator body (Figure 1), consisting of a signal receiver (Col 2, lines 9-14), a frequency controller (Col 3, lines 64-65), a power amplifier (Col 5, lines 15-16), a waveform converter (Col 2, lines 16-18), an output device (Figure 1, “Output channel”), and a digital signal processor (Figure 2, “70”); the signal receiver, frequency controller, power amplifier, waveform converter, output device, and the digital signal processor are interconnected electrically (Figures 1 and 2).
Ives does not disclose the common electronics rack. Sanus discloses a base (See annotated figure below); a protective box fixedly mounted on the top of the base (See annotated figure below); a support plate located inside the protective box (See annotated figure below); and a storage mechanism disposed on the protective box for storing the electric wave generator body (See annotated figure below. The door is considered the storage mechanism. “for storing the electric wave generator body” is considered intended use and as the rack can store an wave generator it meets the limitation).
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Neither Ives nor Sanus teach the electric wave generator body consisting of a housing, wherein the signal receiver, frequency controller, power amplifier, waveform converter, output device, and the
digital signal processor are all assembled inside the housing and the housing is placed on the support plate. Al-Samman teaches in figure 1 that the function generator has a housing with the function generator electronics in the housing and the housing is placed on the support plate of an electronics storage racks as part of a standard measurement equipment setup. It would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to one having ordinary skill in the art to modify the multifunctional electric wave generator as taught by Ives, with putting the multifunctional electric wave generator in a housing, with the housing stored in the common electronics rack on a support shelf disclosed by Sanus as taught by Al-Samman, since such a modification would allow the electronics to be stored in a damage safe space in manner that allows the electronics to be easier moved (wheels).
Claim 10 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Ives (US4806881A), Sanus (“CFR2115, CFR2127, CFR2136, CFR2144 Instruction Manual”, 2014), and Al-Samman (“Comparative Study of Indoor Propagation Model Below and Above 6 GHz for 5G Wireless Networks”, 2019), as applied to claim 1, in view of Leger (“How to Use a Function Generator”, 2013).
Regarding claim 10, the multifunctional electric wave generator of claim 1 was previously disclosed by Ives, Sanus and Al-Samman. Ives, Sanus and Al-Samman do not explicitly disclose a control method. Leger discloses a control method (“How to Use a Function Generator” Title) of a multifunctional electric wave generator (“Function Generator) for simulation of brain wave (“for simulation of brain wave” is intended use, so any multifunctional electric wave generator would suffice) according to claim 1, comprising the following steps: Step one: Ensuring the power supply is stable (“Power on the generator” in order to power it on, a user would have to make sure it’s plugged in, thereby ensuring the power supply is stable), connecting the power and ground lines correctly (“This entails connecting the ground and signal leads to your oscilloscope to check the controls.”), activating the electric wave generator and allowing it to warm up to improve the frequency stability (“You use a function generator by powering it on”); Step two: Selecting or setting a modulation mode as needed (“Then you adjust the function generator until you get the appropriate signal”), which includes amplitude modulation (“amplitude control”), frequency modulation (“frequency control”), choosing appropriate filters to filter out clutter or noise from the output signal, then setting or adjusting various parameters, such as waveform type (“pick the shape of the output”, frequency, amplitude (“amplitude control”), through a microprocessor to ensure stable DC power supply to the internal circuit of the electric wave generator body (“Its direct current (DC) offset control changes the signal’s average voltage with regard to the ground”); Step three: Selecting the desired waveform type through a waveform converter (“pick the shape of the output”, which includes sine wave, square wave, and triangle wave (Paragraph 3 and 4), setting the desired range of signal output frequency range by a frequency controller (Paragraph 6), adjusting a fine-tuning knob or a keyboard to input the precise frequency (Paragraph 6), adjusting the output power of the power amplifier as needed to ensure sufficient signal strength (Paragraph 5), and monitoring the waveform, frequency, amplitude, and other parameters of the output signal in real-time through a display device (“Then you adjust the function generator until you get the appropriate signal and attach the function generator’s ground and signal leads to the device under test’s input and ground terminals.” A user would have to monitor the parameters in order to adjust the generator), utilizing a digital signal processor to further process and optimize the output signal (“Then you adjust the function generator until you get the appropriate signal and attach the function generator’s ground and signal leads to the device under test’s input and ground terminals.” As disclosed by Ives, the function generator contains a digital signal processor, so adjusting the parameters would be utilizing the processor and a user would not adjust a signal to be less optimal.) As Leger is describing commonly known steps for using a wave generator it would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to one having ordinary skill in the art to modify the multifunctional electric wave generator as taught by Ives, Sanus and Al-Samman, with steps of using a wave generator as taught by Leger, since such a modification would be using the wave generator in manner that is commonly known in the art and within the normal functions of the wave generator.
Conclusion
The examiner notes that, though no art has been applied against claims 2-9 at this time, they are not presently allowable. The question of prior art will be revisited upon resolution of the
numerous issues noted above.


NEXT 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 .
Response to Amendment
Applicant’s amendments, filed 7 March 2025, is acknowledged. Claims 1, 3-8 and 10 are amended. Claim 2 is cancelled.
Claims 1 and 3-10 are pending in the instant application.
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s arguments, filed 7 March 2025, with respect to the objections to the specification and drawings have been fully considered and are persuasive in light of the amendments.  The objections to the specification and drawings have been withdrawn. Examiner appreciates the clarification regarding the terms “simulate” versus “stimulate”.
Applicant’s arguments with respect to the objections to the claims 4, 5 and 10  and the 112 rejections of claims 1-10 have been fully considered and are persuasive in light of the amendments.  The objections and 112 rejections to the claims have been withdrawn.
Applicant's arguments regarding the 103 rejections of claims 1 and 10 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive in light of the amendments. Examiner was not able to apply prior to claims 2-9 in the first action due to the lack of clarity as recorded in the 112(b) rejections of the previous action. Applicant did not argue that the 103 rejections of claims 1 and 10 were improper or not obvious, but that the inclusion of the amended claim 2 limitations into claim 1 moved it beyond obviousness. With the 112(b) rejections clarified, examiner was able to apply art to the amended claim 1. While art was found obvious over amended claim 1 and 10, claims 3-9 were found non-obvious over prior art and would be allowable if amended into the independent claim.
Claim Objections
Claims 1, 3 and 4 objected to because of the following informalities:
Claim 1, lines 11-12, state “electrically; a storage” but should read –electrically; and a storage--.
Claim 3, lines 9-10, state “sleeve; a drive” but should read –sleeve; and a drive--.
Claim 4, lines 11-12, state “box; a set” but should read –box; and a set--.
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.
Claim 1 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Ives (US4806881A) in view of Sanus (“CFR2115, CFR2127, CFR2136, CFR2144 Instruction Manual”, 2014) and Al-Samman (“Comparative Study of Indoor Propagation Model Below and Above 6 GHz for 5G Wireless Networks”, 2019) and further in view of Rockler.com (“Accuride 2109 75-lb. Drawer Slides”, 2022) and Jin (CN209374057U)
Regarding claim 1, under broadest reasonable interpretation, examiner is interpreting claim 1 as a common signal generator stored in a common electronics rack. Ives discloses a multifunctional electric wave generator for simulation of brain wave (Abstract, “for simulation of brain wave” is intended use, so any multifunctional electric wave generator would suffice.) comprising an electric wave generator body (Figure 1), comprising a signal receiver (Col 2, lines 9-14), a frequency controller (Col 3, lines 64-65), a power amplifier (Col 5, lines 15-16), a waveform converter (Col 2, lines 16-18), an output device (Figure 1, “Output channel”), and a digital signal processor (Figure 2, “70”); the signal receiver, frequency controller, power amplifier, waveform converter, output device, and the digital signal processor are interconnected electrically (Figures 1 and 2).
Ives does not disclose the common electronics rack. Sanus discloses a base (See annotated figure below); a protective box fixedly mounted on the top of the base (See annotated figure below); a support plate located inside the protective box (See annotated figure below); and a storage mechanism disposed on the protective box for storing the electric wave generator body (See annotated figure below. The door is considered the storage mechanism. “for storing the electric wave generator body” is considered intended use and as the rack can store an wave generator it meets the limitation).
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Neither Ives nor Sanus teach the electric wave generator body consisting of a housing, wherein the signal receiver, frequency controller, power amplifier, waveform converter, output device, and the digital signal processor are all assembled inside the housing and the housing is placed on the support plate. Al-Samman teaches in figure 1 that the function generator has a housing with the function generator electronics in the housing and the housing is placed on the support plate of an electronics storage racks as part of a standard measurement equipment setup. It would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to one having ordinary skill in the art to modify the multifunctional electric wave generator as taught by Ives, with putting the multifunctional electric wave generator in a housing, with the housing stored in the common electronics rack on a support shelf disclosed by Sanus as taught by Al-Samman, since such a modification would allow the electronics to be stored in a damage safe space in manner that allows the electronics to be easier moved (wheels).
Neither Ives, Sanus nor Al-Samman disclose a limit plate is fixedly mounted on at least one side of the electric wave generator body, an L-shaped plate is fixedly mounted on a top of the support plate, the L-shaped plate is slidingly connected to the limit plate. Rockler.com discloses a mounting bracket (See annotated figure below), wherein the “L” shaped bracket would be mounted to the support plate and the limit plate is mounted to the generator body (See annotated figure below). It would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to one having ordinary skill in the art to modify the multifunctional electric wave generator as taught by Ives, Sanus and Al-Samman, with a limit plate that is fixedly mounted on at least one side of the electric wave generator body, an L-shaped plate is fixedly mounted on a top of the support plate, the L-shaped plate is slidingly connected to the limit plate as taught by Rockler.com, since such a modification would allow the generator body to be easily slid out of the electronics rack for maintenance. Sliding shelves for electronics racks so this would be an obvious alternative.
Neither Ives, Sanus, Al-Samman nor Rockler.com disclose a screwing rod is threadedly mounted on a top of the limit plate, and the screwing rod is threadedly connected to the L-shaped plate. Jin discloses an electronics rack (Abstract) wherein the sliding drawers are mounted with screw thread rods through the limit and drawer slider (Figures 1-3). It would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to one having ordinary skill in the art to modify the multifunctional electric wave generator as taught by Ives, Sanus, Al-Samman and Rockler.com, with a screwing rod is threadedly mounted on a top of the limit plate, and the screwing rod is threadedly connected to the L-shaped plate as taught by Rockler.com, since such a modification would allow prevent the generator body from sliding out of the rack unexpectedly or in the case of moving the hardware rack.
Claim 10 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Ives (US4806881A), Sanus (“CFR2115, CFR2127, CFR2136, CFR2144 Instruction Manual”, 2014), Al-Samman (“Comparative Study of Indoor Propagation Model Below and Above 6 GHz for 5G Wireless Networks”, 2019), Rockler.com (“Accuride 2109 75-lb. Drawer Slides”, 2022) and Jin (CN209374057U) as applied to claim 1, in view of Leger (“How to Use a Function Generator”, 2013).
Regarding claim 10, the multifunctional electric wave generator of claim 1 was previously disclosed by Ives, Sanus, Al-Samman, Rockler.com and Jin. Ives, Sanus and Al-Samman do not explicitly disclose a control method. Leger discloses a control method (“How to Use a Function Generator” Title) of a multifunctional electric wave generator (“Function Generator) for simulation of brain wave (“for simulation of brain wave” is intended use, so any multifunctional electric wave generator would suffice) according to claim 1, comprising the following steps: Step one: Ensuring a power supply is stable (“Power on the generator” in order to power it on, a user would have to make sure it’s plugged in, thereby ensuring the power supply is stable), connecting power and ground lines correctly (“This entails connecting the ground and signal leads to your oscilloscope to check the controls.”), activating the electric wave generator and allowing it to warm up to improve frequency stability (“You use a function generator by powering it on”); Step two: Selecting or setting a modulation mode as needed (“Then you adjust the function generator until you get the appropriate signal”), wherein the modulation modes are selected from the group of amplitude modulation (“amplitude control”), frequency modulation (“frequency control”), choosing appropriate filters to filter out clutter or noise from an output signal, then or adjusting parameters, wherein the parameters are selected from the group of waveform type (“pick the shape of the output”, frequency, amplitude (“amplitude control”), through a microprocessor to ensure stable DC power supply to an internal circuit of the electric wave generator body (“Its direct current (DC) offset control changes the signal’s average voltage with regard to the ground”); Step three: Selecting a desired waveform type through a waveform converter (“pick the shape of the output”, wherein the waveform type is selected from the group of sine wave, square wave, and triangle wave (Paragraph 3 and 4), setting a desired range of signal output frequency range by a frequency controller (Paragraph 6), adjusting a fine-tuning knob or a keyboard to input a precise frequency (Paragraph 6), adjusting an output power of the power amplifier as needed to ensure sufficient signal strength (Paragraph 5), and monitoring waveform, frequency, amplitude, and other parameters of the output signal in real-time through a display device (“Then you adjust the function generator until you get the appropriate signal and attach the function generator’s ground and signal leads to the device under test’s input and ground terminals.” A user would have to monitor the parameters in order to adjust the generator), utilizing a digital signal processor to further process and optimize the output signal (“Then you adjust the function generator until you get the appropriate signal and attach the function generator’s ground and signal leads to the device under test’s input and ground terminals.” As disclosed by Ives, the function generator contains a digital signal processor, so adjusting the parameters would be utilizing the processor and a user would not adjust a signal to be less optimal.) As Leger is describing commonly known steps for using a wave generator it would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to one having ordinary skill in the art to modify the multifunctional electric wave generator as taught by Ives, Sanus, Al-Samman, Rockler.com and Jin with steps of using a wave generator as taught by Leger, since such a modification would be using the wave generator in manner that is commonly known in the art and within the normal functions of the wave generator.
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 3-9 are objected to as being dependent upon a rejected base claim, but would be allowable if rewritten in independent form including all of the limitations of the base claim and any intervening claims.
The following is a statement of reasons for the indication of allowable subject matter:  The art cited in the current office action is the closest prior art. The instant application of claim 1 teaches a multifunctional electric wave generator with a base, a protective box mounted on the base, a support plate inside the protective box, a storage mechanism disposed on the protective box, a limit plate mounted to the multifunctional electric wave generator wherein the limit plate is slidingly connected to an “L” shaped plate which is mounted to the support plate and a screwing rod threadedly connect to the limit plate and support plate.
Claim 3 discloses the storage mechanism comprising a connecting box fixedly mounted on upright posts of the base; a threaded rod rotatably mounted at a top of the connecting box; a threaded sleeve set on the threaded rod; a connecting plate fixedly mounted on at least one side of the support plate, one side of the connecting plate extending outside of the protective box, the connecting plate being securely connected to the threaded sleeve; a drive mechanism provided on the connecting box for driving the threaded rod.
The prior art cited teaches the limitations of claim 1, but does not teach the limitations of claim 3. The embodiment taught by the prior art that is obvious over claim 1, would not have been obvious to modify or change in a manner similar to the limitations of claim 3. There is no prior art that teaches the limitations of claims 1 and 3, either singularly or in combination.
Claims 4-9 depend on claim 3.
Conclusion
Applicant's amendment necessitated the new ground(s) of rejection presented in this Office action. Accordingly, THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. See MPEP § 706.07(a). Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any nonprovisional extension fee (37 CFR 1.17(a)) pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the mailing date of this final action.

CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US4806881A: Claims:
A digital frequency synthesizer comprising: frequency input means for setting a predetermined output frequency and for generating first digital signals representing said predetermined output frequency; frequency modulation input means for inputting a frequency modulation signal; waveform selection input means for generating a waveform selection signal for selecting a predetermined output waveform; first summing means coupled to said frequency input means and said frequency modulation input means for summing said first digital signals and said frequency modulation signal and generating second digital signals representing said predetermined output frequency modulated by said frequency modulation signal; phase accumulator means coupled to said first summing means for receiving said second digital signals and responsive to a first clock signal for generating a cyclic progression of digital binary numbers representative of an output signal having said predetermined output frequency; phase modulation input means for inputting a phase modulation signal; second summing means coupled to said phase modulation input means and to said phase accumulator means for summing said phase modulation signal with said digital binary numbers output by said phase accumulator means and outputting third digital signals representative of said digital binary numbers modulated by said phase modulation signal; and waveform generation means coupled to said waveform selection input means and to said second summing means for generating a plurality of selectable waveforms and responsive to said third digital signals and to a control signal for generating digital output signals representative of said selected waveform modulated by said frequency modulation signal and said phase modulation signal and having said predetermined output frequency.
frequency input means for setting a predetermined output frequency and for generating first digital signals representing said predetermined output frequency;
frequency modulation input means for inputting a frequency modulation signal;
waveform selection input means for generating a waveform selection signal for selecting a predetermined output waveform;
first summing means coupled to said frequency input means and said frequency modulation input means for summing said first digital signals and said frequency modulation signal and generating second digital signals representing said predetermined output frequency modulated by said frequency modulation signal;
phase accumulator means coupled to said first summing means for receiving said second digital signals and responsive to a first clock signal for generating a cyclic progression of digital binary numbers representative of an output signal having said predetermined output frequency;
phase modulation input means for inputting a phase modulation signal;
second summing means coupled to said phase modulation input means and to said phase accumulator means for summing said phase modulation signal with said digital binary numbers output by said phase accumulator means and outputting third digital signals representative of said digital binary numbers modulated by said phase modulation signal; and
waveform generation means coupled to said waveform selection input means and to said second summing means for generating a plurality of selectable waveforms and responsive to said third digital signals and to a control signal for generating digital output signals representative of said selected waveform modulated by said frequency modulation signal and said phase modulation signal and having said predetermined output frequency.
A digital frequency synthesizer as in claim 1 further comprising: amplitude modulation input means for inputting an amplitude modulation signal; and amplitude modulation means coupled to said amplitude modulation input means and coupled to an output of said waveform generation means and responsive to said amplitude modulation signal for amplitude modulating said digital output signals output by said waveform generation means.
amplitude modulation input means for inputting an amplitude modulation signal; and
amplitude modulation means coupled to said amplitude modulation input means and coupled to an output of said waveform generation means and responsive to said amplitude modulation signal for amplitude modulating said digital output signals output by said waveform generation means.
A digital frequency synthesizer as in claim 1 wherein said waveform generation means includes first storage means having a multiplicity of storage locations for storing at least one set of digital values, each set of digital values corresponding to at least the magnitude of a plurality of digital samples of a different predetermined output signal waveform.
A digital frequency synthesizer as in claim 3 wherein said waveform generation means further comprises noise generator means for generating a uniform noise waveform signal.
A digital frequency synthesizer as in claim 4 wherein said noise generator means includes means for generating a Gaussian noise waveform signal.
A digital frequency synthesizer as in claim 2 further comprising: digital-to-analog converter means coupled to said amplitude modulation means for converting said digital output signals to an analog output signal have said selected waveform modulated by said frequency modulation signal, said phase modulation signal and said amplitude modulation signal and having said predetermined output frequency; and analog filter means coupled to said digital-to-analog converter means for filtering said analog output signal.
digital-to-analog converter means coupled to said amplitude modulation means for converting said digital output signals to an analog output signal have said selected waveform modulated by said frequency modulation signal, said phase modulation signal and said amplitude modulation signal and having said predetermined output frequency; and
analog filter means coupled to said digital-to-analog converter means for filtering said analog output signal.
A digital frequency synthesizer as in claim 2 wherein said amplitude modulation means includes means responsive to a pulse modulation signal for pulse modulating said digital output signals.
A digital frequency synthesizer as in claim 2 wherein said first summing means, phase accumulator means, second summing means, waveform generation means and amplitude modulation means comprise a single monolithic integrated circuit on a single chip.
A multifunction digital frequency synthesizer system comprising: a plurality of independent digital frequency synthesizer means, each of said independent digital frequency synthesizers generating an independent digital output signal having a predetermined, selectable frequency, phase offset, amplitude and waveform; first multiplexer means having an output bus and a plurality of inputs, each of said inputs coupled to a different one of said plurality of digital frequency synthesizers, said first multiplexer means for time-multiplexing said plurality of digital output signals on said multiplexer output bus; adder means coupled to said multiplexer output bus for summing at least one of said plurality of time-multiplexed digital output signals in any predetermined combination and outputting a plurality of time-multiplexed summed digital output signals on an adder output bus, each of said summed digital output signals being the sum of at least one of said plurality of digital output signals in any predetermined combination; feedback means coupled to said adder output bus providing feedback to a first digital frequency synthesizer of said plurality of digital frequency synthesizers, said first digital frequency synthesizer generating a first digital output signal modulated by any predetermined combination of said time-multiplexed summed digital output signals; and demultiplexer means coupled to said adder output bus and having at least one output bus for demultiplexing said plurality of summed digital output signals and outputting a selected summed one of said plurality of digital output signals on each demultiplexer output bus.
a plurality of independent digital frequency synthesizer means, each of said independent digital frequency synthesizers generating an independent digital output signal having a predetermined, selectable frequency, phase offset, amplitude and waveform;
first multiplexer means having an output bus and a plurality of inputs, each of said inputs coupled to a different one of said plurality of digital frequency synthesizers, said first multiplexer means for time-multiplexing said plurality of digital output signals on said multiplexer output bus;
adder means coupled to said multiplexer output bus for summing at least one of said plurality of time-multiplexed digital output signals in any predetermined combination and outputting a plurality of time-multiplexed summed digital output signals on an adder output bus, each of said summed digital output signals being the sum of at least one of said plurality of digital output signals in any predetermined combination;
feedback means coupled to said adder output bus providing feedback to a first digital frequency synthesizer of said plurality of digital frequency synthesizers, said first digital frequency synthesizer generating a first digital output signal modulated by any predetermined combination of said time-multiplexed summed digital output signals; and
demultiplexer means coupled to said adder output bus and having at least one output bus for demultiplexing said plurality of summed digital output signals and outputting a selected summed one of said plurality of digital output signals on each demultiplexer output bus.
A multifunction digital frequency synthesizer system as in claim 9 wherein each of said independent digital frequency synthesizer means comprise: frequency input means for setting a predetermined output frequency and for generating first digital signals representing said predetermined output frequency; frequency modulation input means for inputting a frequency modulation signal; waveform selection input means for generating a waveform selection signal for selecting a predetermined output waveform; amplitude modulation input means for inputting an amplitude modulation signal; first summing means coupled to said frequency input means and said frequency modulation input means for summing said first digital signals and said frequency modulation signal and generating second digital signals representing said predetermined output frequency modulated by said frequency modulation signal; phase accumulator means coupled to said first summing means for receiving said second digital signals and responsive to a first clock signal for generating a cyclic progression of digital binary numbers representative of an output signal having said predetermined output frequency; phase modulation input means for inputting a phase modulation signal; second summing means coupled to said phase modulation input means and to said phase accumulator means for summing said phase modulation signal with said digital binary numbers output by said phase accumulator means and outputting third digital signals representative of said digital binary numbers modulated by said phase modulation signal; waveform generation means coupled to said waveform selection input means and to said second summing means for generating a plurality of selectable waveforms and responsive to said third digital signals and to a control signal for generating a digital output signal representative of said selected waveform modulated by said frequency modulation signal and said phase modulation signal and having said predetermined output frequency; and amplitude modulation means coupled to said amplitude modulation input means and to said waveform generation means responsive to said amplitude modulation signal for amplitude modulating said digital output signal.
amplitude modulation input means for inputting an amplitude modulation signal;
second summing means coupled to said phase modulation input means and to said phase accumulator means for summing said phase modulation signal with said digital binary numbers output by said phase accumulator means and outputting third digital signals representative of said digital binary numbers modulated by said phase modulation signal;
waveform generation means coupled to said waveform selection input means and to said second summing means for generating a plurality of selectable waveforms and responsive to said third digital signals and to a control signal for generating a digital output signal representative of said selected waveform modulated by said frequency modulation signal and said phase modulation signal and having said predetermined output frequency; and
amplitude modulation means coupled to said amplitude modulation input means and to said waveform generation means responsive to said amplitude modulation signal for amplitude modulating said digital output signal.
A multifunction digital frequency synthesizer system as in claim 9 wherein said plurality of independent digital frequency synthesizer means comprise: first input multiplexer means for inputting a selected one of a plurality of frequency selection signals, each of said frequency selection signals representative of a predetermined output frequency; second input multiplexer means for inputting a selected one of a plurality of phase offset signals; third input multiplexer means for inputting a selected one of a plurality of amplitude level set signals; fourth input multiplexer means for inputting a selected one of a plurality of waveform selection signals; digital frequency synthesizer means coupled to said first, second, third and fourth input multiplexer means and to said feedback means and having an output bus and responsive to a plurality of control signals for generating a plurality of independent digital output signals time-multiplexed on said synthesizer output bus, each of said plurality of independent digital output signals having predetermined frequency, phase offset and amplitude, a first digital output signal of said plurality of independent digital output signals being modulated by any predetermined combination of said time-multiplexed summed digital output signals; and control means coupled to said input multiplexers, said digital frequency synthesizer means, said first multiplexer means, said adder means, said feedback means and said demultiplexer means for providing said control signals.
first input multiplexer means for inputting a selected one of a plurality of frequency selection signals, each of said frequency selection signals representative of a predetermined output frequency;
second input multiplexer means for inputting a selected one of a plurality of phase offset signals;
third input multiplexer means for inputting a selected one of a plurality of amplitude level set signals;
fourth input multiplexer means for inputting a selected one of a plurality of waveform selection signals;
digital frequency synthesizer means coupled to said first, second, third and fourth input multiplexer means and to said feedback means and having an output bus and responsive to a plurality of control signals for generating a plurality of independent digital output signals time-multiplexed on said synthesizer output bus, each of said plurality of independent digital output signals having predetermined frequency, phase offset and amplitude, a first digital output signal of said plurality of independent digital output signals being modulated by any predetermined combination of said time-multiplexed summed digital output signals; and
control means coupled to said input multiplexers, said digital frequency synthesizer means, said first multiplexer means, said adder means, said feedback means and said demultiplexer means for providing said control signals.
A multifunction digital frequency synthesizer system as in claim 11 wherein said control means includes: an external control input bus; storage means for storing a plurality of digital signals representing predetermined values of frequency, phase and amplitude; and said control means responsive to an external control signal input on said external control input bus for programming said digital frequency synthesizer means to generate said first digital output signal comprising a predetermined sequence of digital output signals having independent phase, amplitude and frequency states.
an external control input bus;
storage means for storing a plurality of digital signals representing predetermined values of frequency, phase and amplitude; and
said control means responsive to an external control signal input on said external control input bus for programming said digital frequency synthesizer means to generate said first digital output signal comprising a predetermined sequence of digital output signals having independent phase, amplitude and frequency states.
A multifunction digital frequency synthesizer system in claim 12 wherein said control means further includes an external reference input means for providing reference signals to phase lock said selected summed digital output signal on each demultiplexer output bus to an external reference signal.