Senko EX1027
`PGR2024-00037
`U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/793,198
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`Non-Publication Request: No
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`Early Publication Request: No
`Title
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`Flexible Push-Pull Boot
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`Statement under 37 CFR 1.55 or 1.78 for AIA (First Inventor to File) Transition Applications: No
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`PROTECTING YOUR INVENTION OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES
`
`Since the rights granted by a U.S. patent extend only throughout the territory of the United States and have no
`effect in a foreign country, an inventor who wishes patent protection in another country must apply for a patent
`in a specific country or in regional patent offices. Applicants may wish to consider thefiling of an international
`application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). An international (PCT) application generally has the same
`effect as a regular national patent application in each PCT-member country. The PCT process simplifies the filing
`of patent applications on the same invention in member countries, but does notresult in a grantof "an international
`patent" and doesnoteliminate the needof applicantsto file additional documents and fees in countries where patent
`protection is desired.
`
`Almost every country has its own patent law, and a person desiring a patent in a particular country must make an
`application for patent in that country in accordancewith its particular laws. Since the laws of many countries differ
`in various respects from the patent law of the United States, applicants are advised to seek guidance from specific
`foreign countries to ensure that patent rights are not lost prematurely.
`
`Applicants also are advised that in the case of inventions madein the United States, the Director of the USPTO must
`issue a license before applicants can apply for a patent in a foreign country. Thefiling of a U.S. patent application
`serves as a request for a foreign filing license. The application's filing receipt contains further information and
`guidance asto the status of applicant's license for foreign filing.
`
`Applicants may wish to consult the USPTO booklet, "General Information Concerning Patents”(specifically, the
`section entitled "Treaties and Foreign Patents") for more information on timeframes and deadlinesfor filing foreign
`patent applications. The guide is available either by contacting the USPTO Contact Center at 800-786-9199, or it
`can be viewed on the USPTO website at http://“www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/doc/general/index.html.
`
`For information on preventing theft of your intellectual property (patents, trademarks and copyrights), you may wish
`to consult the U.S. Government website, http:/Avww.stopfakes.gov. Part of a Department of Commerceinitiative,
`this website includes self-help "toolkits" giving innovators guidance on how to protectintellectual property in specific
`countries such as China, Korea and Mexico. For questions regarding patent enforcementissues, applicants may
`call the U.S. Governmenthotline at 1-866-999-HALT (1-866-999-4258).
`
`LICENSE FOR FOREIGN FILING UNDER
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`Title 35, United States Code, Section 184
`
`Title 37, Code of Federal Regulations, 5.11 & 5.15
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`GRANTED
`
`if the phrase "IF REQUIRED, FOREIGN FILING
`The applicant has been granted a license under 35 U.S.C. 184,
`LICENSE GRANTED"followed by a date appears on this form. Such licenses are issuedin all applications where
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`the conditions for issuance of a license have been met, regardless of whether or not a license may be required as
`set forth in 37 CFR 5.15. The scope andlimitations of this license are set forth in 37 CFR 5.15(a) unless an earlier
`license has been issued under 37 CFR 5.15(b). The license is subject to revocation upon written notification. The
`date indicatedis the effective date of the license, unless an earlier license of similar scope has been granted under
`37 CFR 5.13 or 5.14.
`
`This licenseis to be retained by the licensee and maybe usedat any time onor after the effective date thereof unless
`it is revoked. This license is automatically transferred to any related applications(s) filed under 37 CFR 1.53(d). This
`license is not retroactive.
`
`The grantof a license doesnot in any way lessen the responsibility of a licensee for the security of the subject matter
`as imposed by any Governmentcontract or the provisions of existing laws relating to espionage and the national
`security or the export of technical data. Licensees should apprise themselvesof current regulations especially with
`respect to certain countries, of other agencies, particularly the Office of Defense Trade Controls, Department of
`State (with respect to Arms, Munitions and Implements of War (22 CFR 121-128)); the Bureau of Industry and
`Security, Department of Commerce (15 CFR parts 730-774); the Office of Foreign AssetsControl, Department of
`Treasury (31 CFR Parts 500+) and the Department of Energy.
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`NOT GRANTED
`
`No license under 35 U.S.C. 184 has been granted at this time, if the phrase "IF REQUIRED, FOREIGN FILING
`LICENSE GRANTED" DOESNOTappear on this form. Applicant maystill petition for a license under 37 CFR 5.12,
`if a license is desired before the expiration of 6 months from thefiling date of the application. If 6 months has lapsed
`from thefiling date of this application and the licensee has not received any indication of a secrecy order under 35
`U.S.C. 181, the licensee mayforeign file the application pursuant to 37 CFR 5.15(b).
`
`
`
`SelectUSA
`
`The United States represents the largest, most dynamic marketplace in the world and is an unparalleled location for
`businessinvestment, innovation, and commercialization of new technologies. The U.S. offers tremendous resources
`and advantages for those who invest and manufacture goods here. Through SelectUSA, our nation works to
`promote andfacilitate business investment. SelectUSAprovides information assistance to the international investor
`community; serves as an ombudsmanfor existing and potential investors; advocates on behalf of U.S. cities, states,
`and regions competing for global investment; and counsels U.S. economic developmentorganizations on investment
`attraction best practices. To learn more about why the United States is the best country in the world to develop
`technology, manufacture products, deliver services, and grow your business, visit http:/Awww.SelectUSA.govor call
`+1-202-482-6800.
`
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`PTO/AIAI 4 (02-18)
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`Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unlessit contains a valid OMB control number.
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`Attorney Docket Number|USCO-105P
`Application Data Sheet 37 CFR 1.76
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`Application Number
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`Title of Invention
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`The application data sheetis part of the provisional or nonprovisional application for whichit is being submitted. The following form contains the
`bibliographic data arranged in a format specified by the United States Patent and Trademark Office as outlined in 37 CFR 1.76.
`This document may be completed electronically and submitted to the Office in electronic format using the Electronic Filing System (EFS) or the
`document may be printed and included in a paperfiled application.
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`Secrecy Order 37 CFR 5.2:
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`Inventor Information:
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`Oo Portions or all of the application associated with this Application Data Sheet may fall under a Secrecy Order pursuant to
`37 CFR 5.2 (Paperfilers only. Applications that fall under Secrecy Order may not be filed electronically.)
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`B709 6thSt. NE
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`Address 1
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`511 5th Ave NE
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`Address 2
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`Prefix) Given Name
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`PTO/AIAI 4 (02-18)
`Approved for use through 11/30/2020. OMB 0651-0032
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`Underthe Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it contains a valid OMB control number.
`
`
`Attorney Docket Number|USCO-105P
`
`
`Application Data Sheet 37 CFR 1.76
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`Title of Invention
`Flexible Push-Pull Boot
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`Application Number
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`Mailing Address of Inventor:
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`Address 1
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`¥138 Forest Ridge Rd
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`Address 2
`[NC
`[fathewsSCC Ssatelrovince
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`Postal Code |2 8104|Countryi—_—|[us
`Inventor
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`Postal Code
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`Inventor Information blocks may be
`Inventors Must Be Listed - Additional
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`generated within this form by selecting the Add button.
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`CorrespondenceInformation:
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`Enter either Customer Numberor complete the Correspondence Information section below.
`For further information see 37 CFR 1.33(a).
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`[_] An Addressis being provided for the correspondence Information of this application.
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`Customer Number
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`Email Address
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`Email Address
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`ichael@leetzow.com
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`ssengupta@usconec.com
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`Add Email
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`Application Information:
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`Title of the Invention
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`PowsionCSSCSCSCSCSCSSSSSSSSSSSTCSCSCSCSCS
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`PTO/AIAI 4 (02-18)
`Approved for use through 11/30/2020. OMB 0651-0032
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`Underthe Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it contains a valid OMB control number.
`
`
`Attorney Docket Number|USCO-105P
`
`
`Application Data Sheet 37 CFR 1.76
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`Title of Invention
`Flexible Push-Pull Boot
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`Application Number
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`Filing By Reference:
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`Only complete this section whenfiling an application by reference under 35 U.S.C. 111(c) and 37 CFR 1.57{a). Do not complete this section if
`application papers including a specification and any drawings are beingfiled. Any domestic benefit or foreign priority information must be
`provided in the appropriate section(s) below(i.e., "Domestic Benefit/National Stage Information’ and “Foreign Priority Information”).
`
`For the purposesofa filing date under 37 CFR 1.53(b), the description and any drawings of the present application are replaced by this
`reference to the previously filed application, subject to conditions and requirements of 37 CFR 1.57(a}.
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`i
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`Application numberof the previously
`filed application
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`Filing date (YYYY-MM-DD)
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`Intellectual Property Authority or Country
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`Publication Information:
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`[_] Request Early Publication (Fee required at time of Request 37 CFR 1.219)
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`Request Not to Publish. | hereby requestthat the attached application not be published under
`35 U.S.C. 122(b) and certify that the invention disclosed in the attached application has not and will not be the
`subject of an application filed in another country, or under a multilateral international agreement, that requires
`publication at eighteen monthsafterfiling.
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`Representative Information:
`
`Representative information should be provided for all practitioners having a power of attorney in the application. Providing
`this information in the Application Data Sheet does not constitute a power of attorney in the application (see 37 CFR 1.32).
`Either enter Customer Number or complete the Representative Name section below.
`If both sections are completed the customer
`Numberwill be used for the Representative Information during processing.
`
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`C) Limited Recognition (37 CFR 11.9) Customer Number
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`Please Select One:
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`@ Customer Number
`i 52017
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`US Patent Practitioner
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`Domestic Benefit/National Stage Information:
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`This section allows for the applicant to either claim benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e), 120, 121, 365(c), or 386(c) or indicate
`National Stage entry from a PCT application. Providing benefit claim information in the Application Data Sheet constitutes
`the specific reference required by 35 U.S.C. 119(e) or 120, and 37 CFR 1.78.
`Whenreferring to the current application, please leave the “Application Number’field blank.
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`Prior Application Status
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`Lt
`Filing or 371(c) Date
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`(YYYY-MM-DD)
`Application Number
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`Continuity Type
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`Prior Application Number
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`Additional Domestic Benefit/National Stage Data may be generated within this form
`by selecting the Add button.
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`PTO/AIAI 4 (02-18)
`Approved for use through 11/30/2020. OMB 0651-0032
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`Underthe Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it contains a valid OMB control number.
`
`. Attorney Docket Number|USCO-105P.
`
`
`Application Data Sheet 37 CFR 1.76
`
`— Title of Invention
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`Flexible Push-Pull Boot
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`Foreign Priority Information:
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`This section allows for the applicant to claim priority to a foreign application. Providing this information in the application data sheet
`constitutes the claim for priority as required by 35 U.S.C. 119(b) and 37 CFR 1.55. Whenpriority is claimed to a foreign application
`thatis eligible for retrieval under the priority document exchange program (PDX)! the information will be used by the Office to
`automatically attempt retrieval pursuant to 37 CFR 1.55(1)(1) and (2). Under the PDX program, applicant bears the ultimate
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`responsibility for ensuring that a copy of the foreign application is received by the Office from the participating foreign intellectual
`property office, or a certified copy of the foreign priority application is filed, within the time period specified in 37 CFR 1.55(g){1).
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`Filing Date (YYYY-MM-DD)
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`Application Number
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`Additional Foreign Priority Data may be generated within this form by selecting the
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`Statement under 37 CFR 1.55 or 1.78 for AIA (First Inventor to File) Transition
`Applications
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`This application (1) claims priority to or the benefit of an application filed before March 16, 2013 and (2) also
`contains, or contained at any time, a claim to a claimed invention that has an effective filing date on or after March
`[] 16, 2013.
`NOTE: By providing this statement under 37 CFR 1.55 or 1.78,this application, with a filing date on or after March
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`16, 2013, will be examined underthefirst inventor to file provisions of the AIA.
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`PTO/AIAI 4 (02-18)
`Approved for use through 11/30/2020. OMB 0651-0032
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`Underthe Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it contains a valid OMB control number.
`leat
`Application Data Sheet 37 CFR 1.76
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`Title of Invention
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`Flexible Push-Pull Boot
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`Authorization or Opt-Out of Authorization to Permit Access:
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`Whenthis Application Data Sheet is properly signed and filed with the application, applicant has provided written
`authority to permit a participating foreign intellectual property (IP) office access to the instant application-as-filed (see
`paragraph A in subsection 1 below) and the European Patent Office (EPO) access to any search results from the instant
`application (See paragraph B in subsection 1 below).
`
`Should applicant choose not to provide an authorization identified in subsection 1 below, applicant must opt-out of the
`authorization by checking the corresponding box A or B or both in subsection 2 below.
`
`NOTE: This section of the Application Data Sheet is ONLY reviewed and processed with the INITIALfiling of an
`application. After the initial filing of an application, an Application Data Sheet cannot be used to provide or rescind
`authorization for access by a foreign IP office(s).
`Instead, Form PTO/SB/39 or PTO/SB/69 must be used as appropriate.
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`1. Authorization to Permit Access by a Foreign Intellectual Property Office(s)
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`A. Priority Document Exchange (PDX)- Unless box A in subsection 2 (opt-out of authorization) is checked, the
`undersigned hereby grants the USPTO authority to provide the European Patent Office (EPO), the Japan Patent Office
`(JPO), the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIP©), the State Intellectual Property Office of the People’s Republic of
`China (SIPO), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and any other foreign intellectual property office
`participating with the USPTOin a bilateral or multilateral priority document exchange agreementin which a foreign
`application claiming priority to the instant patent application is filed, access to: (1) the instant patent application-as-filed
`andits related bibliographic data, (2) any foreign or domestic application to which priority or benefit is claimed by the
`instant application and its related bibliographic data, and (3) the date of filing of this Authorization. See 37 CFR 1.14(h)
`(1).
`
`B. Search Results from U.S. Application to EPO - Unless box B in subsection 2 (opt-out of authorization) is checked,
`the undersigned hereby grants the USPTO authority to provide the EPO accessto the bibliographic data and search
`results from the instant patent application when a European patent application claiming priority to the instant patent
`applicationis filed. See 37 CFR 1.14(h)(2).
`
`The applicant is reminded that the EPO’s Rule 141(1) EPC (European Patent Convention} requires applicants to submit a
`copy of search results from the instant application without delay in a European patent application that claims priority to
`the instant application.
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`2. Opt-Out of Authorizations to Permit Access by a Foreign Intellectual Property Office(s)}
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`[|
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`A. Applicant DOES NOT authorize the USPTOto permit a participating foreign IP office access to the instant
`application-as-filed.
`If this box is checked, the USPTOwill not be providing a participating foreign IP office with
`any documents andinformation identified in subsection 1A above.
`
`B. Applicant DOES NOTauthorize the USPTOto transmit to the EPO any search results from the instant patent
`|] application. If this box is checked, the USPTO will not be providing the EPO with search results from the instant
`application.
`NOTE: Oncethe application has published or is otherwise publicly available, the USPTO may provide accessto the
`application in accordance with 37 CFR 1.14.
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`EFS Web 2.2.13
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`PTO/AIAI 4 (02-18)
`Approved for use through 11/30/2020. OMB 0651-0032
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`Underthe Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it contains a valid OMB control number.
`
`. Attorney Docket Number|USCO-105P.
`
`
`Application Data Sheet 37 CFR 1.76
`—
`
`Title of Invention
`
`Flexible Push-Pull Boot
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`
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`Applicant Information:
`
`Providing assignment information in this section does not substitute for compliance with any requirementof part 3 of Title 37 of CFR
`to have an assignment recorded by the Office.
`
`{1
`Applicant
`If the applicant is the inventor (or the remaining joint inventor or inventors under 37 CFR 1.45), this section should not be completed.
`The information to be provided in this section is the name and addressof the legal representative whois the applicant under 37 CFR
`1.43; or the name and addressof the assignee, person to whom the inventor is under an obligation to assign the invention, or person
`who otherwise showssufficient proprietary interest in the matter who is the applicant under 37 CFR 1.46. If the applicantis an
`applicant under 37 CFR 1.46 (assignee, person to whem theinventoris obligated to assign, or person who otherwise showssufficient
`proprietary interest) together with one or morejoint inventors, then the joint inventor or inventors who are also the applicant should be
`identified in this section.
`
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`Clear
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`Assignee
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`Legal Representative under 35 U.S.C. 117
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`Joint Inventor
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`Person who showssufficient proprietary interest
`Person to whom the inventoris obligated to assign.
`
`lf applicant is the legal representative, indicate the authority to file the patent application, the inventor is:
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`Nameof the Deceased or Legally Incapacitated Inventor:Po
`If the Applicant is an Organization check here.
`Xx]
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`Organization Name
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`i S Conec,Lid
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`Mailing Address Information For Applicant:
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`Address 2
`City
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`|
`[Fixer StaterProvinee[Nc
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`PhoneNumber]auNumber|
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`Email Address |sengupta@usconec.com
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`Additional Applicant Data may be generated within this form by selecting the Add button.
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`Add
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`Assignee Information including Non-Applicant Assignee Information:
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`Providing assignment information in this section does not substitute for compliance with any requirement of part 3 of Title
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`37 of CFR to have an assignment recorded by the Office.
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`PTO/AIAI 4 (02-18)
`Approved for use through 11/30/2020. OMB 0651-0032
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`Underthe Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it contains a valid OMB control number.
`
`
`Attorney Docket Number|USCO-105P
`
`
`Application Data Sheet 37 CFR 1.76
`
`
`
`
`
`Title of Invention
`Flexible Push-Pull Boot
`
`
`Application Number
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`Assignee
`
`(1
`
`Complete this section if assignee information, including non-applicant assignee information, is desired to be included on the patent
`application publication. An assignee-applicant identified in the "Applicant Information” section will appear on the patent application
`publication as an applicant. For an assignee-applicant, complete this section onlyif identification as an assigneeis also desired on the
`patent application publication.
`Remove
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`
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`If the Assignee or Non-Applicant Assignee is an Organization check here. [|
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` Prefix
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`Mailing Address Information For Assignee including Non-Applicant Assignee:
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`Address 2
`city
`county’
`
`i
`[id Siateirovincs [TS
`[[id stlcoce
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`Email Address
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`Additional Assignee or Non-Applicant Assignee Data may be generated within this form by
`selecting the Add button.
`
`Add
`
`
`
`
`Signature:
`NOTE: This Application Data Sheet must be signed in accordance with 37 CFR 1.33(b). However,if this Application
`Data Sheet is submitted with the INITIALfiling of the application and either box A or B is not checked in
`subsection 2 of the “Authorization or Opt-Out of Authorization to Permit Access”section, then this form must
`also be signed in accordance with 37 CFR 1.14(c).
`
`This Application Data Sheet must be signed by a patent practitioner if one or more of the applicants is a juristic
`entity (€.g., corporation or association). If the applicant is two or more joint inventors, this form must be signed by a
`patent practitioner, all joint inventors who are the applicant, or one or more joint inventor-applicants who have been given
`powerof attorney (e.g., see USPTO Form PTO/AIA/81) on behalf of all joint inventor-applicants.
`See 37 CFR 1.4(d) for the manner of making signatures and certifications.
`
`
`Signature
`|/Michael L. Leetzow/
`Date (YYYY-MM-DD)|
`(2019-01-16
`
`
`First Name
`
`ichael
`
`Last Name
`
`eetzow
`
`Registration Number
`
`5932
`
`Additional Signature may be generated within this form by selecting the Add button.
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`Add
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`EFS Web 2.2.13
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`PTO/AIAI 4 (02-18)
`Approved for use through 11/30/2020. OMB 0651-0032
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`Underthe Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it contains a valid OMB control number.
`
`. Attorney Docket Number|USCO-105P.
`
`
`Application Data Sheet 37 CFR 1.76
`
`— Title of Invention
`
`Flexible Push-Pull Boot
`
`This collection of information is required by 37 CFR 1.76. The information is required te obtain or retain a benefit by the public which
`is to file (and by the USPTOto process) an application. Confidentiality is governed by 35 U.S.C. 122 and 37 CFR 1.14. This
`collection is estimated to take 23 minutes to complete, including gathering, preparing, and submitting the completed application data
`sheet form to the USPTO. Timewill vary depending upon the individual case. Any comments on the amount of time you require to
`complete this form and/or suggestions for reducing this burden, should be sent to the Chief Information Officer, U.S. Patent and
`Trademark Office, U.S. Department of Commerce, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450. DO NOT SEND FEES OR
`COMPLETED FORMS TO THIS ADDRESS. SEND TO: Commissionerfor Patents, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450.
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`Privacy Act Statement
`
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` Record of Invention
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`ROI # 129
`Atty. Dkt. No.:
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`1. Name(s) of Inventor(s):
`1.1. Jason Higley
`1.2. Darrell Childers
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`1.3. Mitchell Cloud
`1.4. Jillcha Wakjira
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`2. Short Title of Invention: Flexible Push-Pull Boot
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`3. Circumstances Leading to the Invention:
`High Density fiber-optic connector applications call for a need to insert and remove
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`connectors easily without worrying about snagging or difficulty in handling the
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`connector, especially when surrounded by many other connectors. Connectors should be
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`able to handle push-pull
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`forces without damage to any part of the connector or
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`surrounding components. A user gripping any part of the connector may carry out
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`pushing the connector, but pulling should preferably be carried out using a bootora pull-
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`tab.
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`3.1 Current State of the Art (optional — include any patents/publications/articles with a
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`date on them):
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`Current connectors either require a user to have a proper grip and apply a force to pull a
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`connector out or push it into an adapter or a port. Alternatively or additionally, a separate
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`push-pull tab componentto insert or remove the connector may be used.
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`3.2 Describe at least one drawback/problem with the current state of the art:
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`Current fiber-optic connector boots have limited stiffness to handle push-pull forces.
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`In a
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`high-density environment, a push-pull tab on the connector takes up space from the small
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`footprint requirements of the connectors. Further, the push-pull tab handle may snag on
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`fiber cables nearby, thereby damaging the connector, the cable, and/or the connectorport.
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`4. Detailed Description of Invention:
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`Various aspects of this disclosure provide a numberofdesigns for fiber-optic connector boots
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`that address the issues with the current state of the art. The boots described herein have greater
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`flexibility and transmit the force required to effectuate insertion or disengagement from a port or
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`Record of Invention
`SSCOVES
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`an adapter along a continuous path (e.g., allowing pulling along an axis of the boot/connector).
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`Thatis, along the body of the boot, no impulsive forces are generated during pushing or pulling
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`of the boot as there is no discontinuity in the transmission of the force from one end thereof to
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`the other. As a result, the boot implementations described herein handle push-pull forces better
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`than the conventional boots, by providing stiffness along the longitudinal direction without
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`collapsing on the fiber cable and by simultaneously being flexible in the perpendicular direction.
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`According to a first design, a flexible push-pull bootis illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. FIG.
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`1
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`illustrates a perspective view of this boot having interlocking hooks. The interlocking hooks are
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`disposed on the top and bottom sides of a tubular boot body.
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`The interlocking hooks are
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`generally shaped as the letter “S”, as visible in FIGS. 1-3, with the exception of a rear terminal
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`hook and a front terminal hook (see, e.g., FIG. 2, top view). The rear and front terminal hooks
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`are generally semi-circular or “C” shaped. The interlocking between the hooks occurs with the
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`spatial overlap of the ends of the S or C shaped hooks, for example, two ends of the successive
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`hooks overlap along the direction of the longitudinal axis, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. The front
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`end of the boot attaches to a body of the fiber optic connector (not shown). A pair of front
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`latches aid in such attachment, and attach to the back end of the connector. The tubular boot
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`body defines a longitudinal opening into which a fiber-optic cable goesinto.
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`Morespecifically, as illustrated in FIG. 2, top view of the flexible boot, the interlocking
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`hooks include the rear terminal hook, followed by successive intermediary hooks, and the front
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`termin