www.uspto.gov
`
`UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`United States Patent and Trademark Office
`Address: COMMISSIONER FOR PATENTS
`P.O. Box 1450
`Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450
`
`17/417,847
`
`06/24/2021
`
`Richard E. Raby
`
`80628US004
`
`5454
`
`3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
`PO BOX 33427
`ST. PAUL, MN 55133-3427
`
`GASPAR, KYLIE MARIE
`
`ART UNIT
`
`3772
`
`PAPER NUMBER
`
`NOTIFICATION DATE
`
`DELIVERY MODE
`
`01/18/2024
`
`ELECTRONIC
`
`Please find below and/or attached an Office communication concerning this application or proceeding.
`
`The time period for reply, if any, is set in the attached communication.
`
`Notice of the Office communication was sent electronically on above-indicated "Notification Date" to the
`following e-mail address(es):
`
`LegalUSDocketing@mmm.com
`
`PTOL-90A (Rev. 04/07)
`
`

`

`
`
`Disposition of Claims*
`1-20 is/are pending in the application.
`)
`Claim(s)
`5a) Of the above claim(s) _ is/are withdrawn from consideration.
`C} Claim(s)__ is/are allowed.
`Claim(s) 1-20 is/are rejected.
`(] Claim(s)__ is/are objectedto.
`C] Claim(s
`are subjectto restriction and/or election requirement
`)
`* If any claims have been determined allowable, you maybeeligible to benefit from the Patent Prosecution Highway program at a
`participating intellectual property office for the corresponding application. For more information, please see
`http://www.uspto.gov/patents/init_events/pph/index.jsp or send an inquiry to PPHfeedback@uspto.gov.
`
`) ) ) )
`
`Application Papers
`10)(C The specification is objected to by the Examiner.
`11) The drawing(s)filed on 22 September 2023 is/are: a)(¥| accepted or b)L) objected to by the Examiner.
`Applicant may not request that any objection to the drawing(s) be held in abeyance. See 37 CFR 1.85(a).
`Replacement drawing sheet(s) including the correction is required if the drawing(s) is objected to. See 37 CFR 1.121 (d).
`
`Priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119
`12)£) Acknowledgment is made of a claim for foreign priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a)-(d)or (f).
`Certified copies:
`_—_c)L) None ofthe:
`b)L) Some**
`a)Q) All
`1.1) Certified copies of the priority documents have been received.
`2.1.) Certified copies of the priority documents have been received in Application No. |
`3.2.) Copies of the certified copies of the priority documents have been receivedin this National Stage
`application from the International Bureau (PCT Rule 17.2(a)).
`*“ See the attached detailed Office action for a list of the certified copies not received.
`
`Attachment(s)
`
`1)
`
`Notice of References Cited (PTO-892)
`
`2) (J Information Disclosure Statement(s) (PTO/SB/08a and/or PTO/SB/08b)
`Paper No(s)/Mail Date
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
`
`3)
`
`4)
`
`(LJ Interview Summary (PTO-413)
`Paper No(s)/Mail Date
`(Qj Other:
`
`PTOL-326 (Rev. 11-13)
`
`Office Action Summary
`
`Part of Paper No./Mail Date 20231002
`
`Application No.
`Applicant(s)
`171417 ,847
`Rabyet al.
`
`Office Action Summary Art Unit|AIA (FITF)StatusExaminer
`Kylie M Gaspar
`3772
`Yes
`
`
`
`-- The MAILING DATEof this communication appears on the cover sheet with the correspondence address --
`Period for Reply
`
`A SHORTENED STATUTORYPERIOD FOR REPLYIS SET TO EXPIRE 3 MONTHS FROM THE MAILING
`DATE OF THIS COMMUNICATION.
`Extensionsof time may be available underthe provisions of 37 CFR 1.136(a). In no event, however, may a reply betimely filed after SIX (6) MONTHSfrom the mailing
`date of this communication.
`If NO period for reply is specified above, the maximum statutory period will apply and will expire SIX (6) MONTHSfrom the mailing date of this communication.
`-
`- Failure to reply within the set or extended period for reply will, by statute, cause the application to become ABANDONED (35 U.S.C. § 133).
`Any reply received by the Office later than three months after the mailing date of this communication, evenif timely filed, may reduce any earned patent term
`adjustment. See 37 CFR 1.704(b).
`
`Status
`
`1) Responsive to communication(s)filed on 22 September 2023.
`C) A declaration(s)/affidavit(s) under 37 CFR 1.130(b) was/werefiled on
`2a)[¥) This action is FINAL.
`2b) (J This action is non-final.
`3) An election was madeby the applicant in responseto a restriction requirement set forth during the interview
`on
`; the restriction requirement and election have been incorporated into this action.
`4)(2) Since this application is in condition for allowance except for formal matters, prosecution as to the merits is
`closed in accordance with the practice under Exparte Quayle, 1935 C.D. 11, 453 O.G. 213.
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 17/417,847
`Art Unit: 3772
`
`Page 2
`
`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.
`
`The drawings were received on 09/22/2023. These drawings are acceptable.
`
`Drawings
`
`Claim Objections
`
`Claim 19 is objected to because of the following informalities: Lines 1-2 reads
`
`"the second frame surrounds at least 75%of the first perimeter of the first
`
`bracket pad". However, the second frame surrounds the "second bracket pad
`
`second perimeter" as set forth in claim 8. While the first perimeter of the first
`
`bracket pad is surroundedby the first frame. The claim should be adjusted to read
`
`only all "first" or only all "second" features. Appropriate correction is required.
`
`Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
`
`The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(d):
`
`(d) REFERENCE IN DEPENDENT FORMS.—Subject to subsection (e), a claim in
`dependent form shall contain a reference to a claim previously set forth and then
`specify a further limitation of the subject matter claimed. A claim in dependent
`form shall be construed to incorporate by referenceall the limitations of the claim
`to which it refers.
`
`The following is a quotation of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, fourth paragraph:
`
`Subject to the following paragraph [i.e., the fifth paragraph of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C.
`112], a claim in dependent form shall contain a reference to a claim previously set
`forth and then specify a further limitation of the subject matter claimed. A claim
`in dependent form shall be construed to incorporate by referenceall the
`limitations of the claim to which it refers.
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 17/417,847
`Art Unit: 3772
`
`Page 3
`
`Claim 3 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(d) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, 4th
`
`paragraph, as being of improper dependent form for failing to further limit the
`
`subject matter of the claim upon which it depends,or for failing to include all the
`
`limitations of the claim upon which it depends. Claim 3 recites “wherein the slot is
`
`formed in the appliance body [of the orthodontic appliance]”, this limitation is
`
`broader than claim 1 from which it depends as claim 1 set forth that the slot is on
`
`the bracket, which is a specific part of the orthodontic appliance body. For purposes
`
`of examination, examiner will interpret claim 3 as wherein the body of the
`
`orthodontic bracket includes a slot formed in the bracket body. This interpretation
`
`still fails to further limit the subject matter of claim 1. Applicant may cancel the
`
`claim(s), amend the claim(s) to place the claim(s) in proper dependent form,
`
`rewrite the claim(s) in independent form, or present a sufficient showing that the
`
`dependent claim(s) complies with the statutory requirements.
`
`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:
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 17/417,847
`Art Unit: 3772
`
`Page 4
`
`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.
`
`Claims 1-20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over
`
`Webber (US 2019/0298494 A1) in view of Okazaki (US 2014/0349241
`
`A1).
`
`Claim 1, Webber discloses an apparatus for indirect bonding of orthodontic
`
`appliances (Figs. 8A-C)[ abstract], the apparatus comprising:
`
`a first receptacle (the portion of 800 in which 806, 808, 810 areillustrated),
`
`the first receptacle has the claimed structure and is capable to receiveafirst tooth
`
`[0181, 0197 second sentence, 0207], the first tooth having an outer surface [0185
`
`lines 6-8] and gingival margins [0183 (note line 18), 0185 line 8];
`
`a first bracket bonding pad (806)[0065 lines 17-22], the first bracket
`
`bonding pad including a first bonding surface [0201] and a first perimeter (Figs. 8A-
`
`B), the first bonding surface has the claimed structure and is capable to
`
`complement contours of a portion of the first outer surface of the first tooth [0182
`
`lines 1-6], and
`
`an orthodontic bracket [0077 line 5] adhesively bonded to a surface of the
`
`first bracket bonding pad opposite the bonding surface (as Webber [0077]
`
`describes a bracket or brace extending from the attachment 806, it is understood
`
`the bracket or brace would be opposite the bonding surface),
`
`wherein the first receptacle comprisesa first frame (801), the first frame at
`
`least partially surrounding the first bracket pad first perimeter (Figs. 8A-B), wherein
`
`the first receptacle is joined to the first bracket bonding pad (806) with a sprue
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 17/417,847
`Art Unit: 3772
`
`Page 5
`
`(808), the sprue (808) including a first end and a second end (Figs. 8A-C)[0189],
`
`wherein the first end of the sprue is attached to the first frame [0185 final
`
`sentence, 0186 first sentence] and the second end of the sprue is attached to the
`
`first bracket bonding pad first perimeter (Figs. 8A-B)[0185 final sentence], and
`
`wherein the first bracket bonding pad (806) is formed integrally with the first
`
`receptacle [the device as described 0185 is a singular device, understood to be
`
`integrally formed].
`
`Webber does not explicitly state that the orthodontic bracket including a slot
`
`configured for receipt of an arch wire, and a base bonded tothe first bracket
`
`bonding pad.
`
`Okazaki, in the same field of endeavor of indirect bonding pads with
`
`brackets bonded to a bonding pad [abstract], teaches an orthodontic bracket
`
`(3)[0030 lines 9-11] including a slot (best seen in Figs. 4-6) configured for receipt
`
`of an arch wire ((4) Fig. 7)[0055 lines 1-2], and a base (31) bonded to the first
`
`bracket bonding pad (12)[0027 lines 5-8, 0030 lines 9-10].
`
`It would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the
`
`effective filing date of the claimed invention to cause the device of Webber to
`
`include a bracket with a slot and a base as doing so utilizes materials and
`
`techniques well known in the art. One of ordinary artisan would recognize that the
`
`brace or bracket of Webber would include a base andaslot for an arch wire as
`
`these are features common in braces and brackets. Further, one of ordinary artisan
`
`would be motivated to include to the device of Webber a bracket with a base and
`
`slot as taught in Okazaki. As these features of a bracket which is also connected to
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 17/417,847
`Art Unit: 3772
`
`Page 6
`
`an indirect bonding tray in the similar device of Okazaki, one of ordinary artisan
`
`would have a reasonable expectation of success.
`
`Regarding claims 2, 9, 16, and 18, Webber as modified discloses the
`
`device substantially as claimed but is silent wherein the first receptacle is
`
`configured to cover at least 20%of the first tooth outer surface (claim 2), at least
`
`60%of the first tooth outer surface (claim 16), and wherein the second receptacle
`
`is configured to cover at least 20% of the second tooth outer surface (claim 9), at
`
`least 60%of the second tooth outer surface (claim 18).
`
`The instant disclosure describes the amount of the tooth covered by the
`
`receptacle as merely preferable, and does not describe these amounts as
`
`contributing to any unexpected result to the receptacle. As such, this parameter is
`
`deemed a matter of design choice, well within the skill of the ordinary artisan,
`
`obtained through routine experimentation in determining optimum results, and it
`
`would have been a prima facie case of obviousness to one having ordinary skill in
`
`the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to make the covering
`
`of the first receptacle of Webber cover at least 60% of the tooth outer surface.
`
`Claim 3, Webber as modified by Okazaki discloses the device, Okazaki
`
`further discloses wherein the body of the orthodontic bracket includes a slot formed
`
`in the bracket body (Okazaki Figs. 4-7)[0055 lines 1-2](please see interpretation of
`
`claim 3 in 112d section above).
`
`Claim 4, Webber as modified discloses wherein the first receptacle further
`
`comprises a boundary feature (Webber Figs. 8A-8B)[Webber 0183 final sentence
`
`(the curved bottom of the device between portions 808 and 809 which follows any
`
`of the contours listed)], and wherein the boundary feature has the claimed
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 17/417,847
`Art Unit: 3772
`
`Page 7
`
`structure and is capable to follow the gingival margins of the first tooth [Webber
`
`0183 line 18].
`
`Claim 5, Webber as modified discloses wherein the first receptacle includes
`
`an open framework [Webber 0200 lines 1-2].
`
`Claim 6, Webber as modified discloses wherein the open framework
`
`comprises a lattice structure including a cell [Webber 0256](wherein the lattice
`
`structure described can be incorporated into any component seen in Webber Figs.
`
`8A-C), the cell having a shape selected from the group consisting of a regular
`
`polygon, an irregular polygon, an ellipse, and combinations thereof (Webber Fig.
`
`18).
`
`Regarding claims 7 and 17, Webber as modified discloses the device
`
`substantially as claimed and further wherein the first frame surrounds at least 75%
`
`of the first bracket pad first perimeter (the frame 801 of Webber surrounds 100%
`
`of the first bracket pad first perimeter, overlapping the ranges of claims 7 and 17).
`
`Claim 8, Webber as modified discloses wherein the apparatus further
`
`comprises a second receptacle [Webber 0080,0219], the second receptacle has the
`
`claimed structure and is capable to receive a second tooth [Webber 0181, 0197
`
`second sentence, 0207], the second tooth having an outer surface [Webber 0185
`
`lines 6-8] and gingival margins [Webber 0183 (note line 18), 0185 line 8]; anda
`
`second bracket bonding pad (806)[Webber 0065 lines 17-22], the second bracket
`
`bonding pad including a second bonding surface [Webber 0201] and a second
`
`perimeter (Webber Figs. 8A-B), the second bonding surface has the claimed
`
`structure and is capable to complement contours of a portion of the second outer
`
`surface of the second tooth [Webber 0182 lines 1-6], wherein the second receptacle
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 17/417,847
`Art Unit: 3772
`
`Page 8
`
`comprises a second frame (801), the second frame at least partially surrounding
`
`the second bracket pad second perimeter (Webber Figs. 8A-B), wherein the second
`
`receptacle is joined to the second bracket bonding pad (806) with a second sprue
`
`(808), the second sprue (808) including a first end and a second end (Webber Figs.
`
`8A-C)[ Webber 0189], wherein the first end of the second sprue is attached to the
`
`second frame [Webber 0185 final sentence, 0186 first sentence] and the second
`
`end of the second sprue is attached to the second bracket bonding pad second
`
`perimeter (Figs. 8A-B)[Webber 0185 final sentence], wherein the second bracket
`
`bonding pad (806) is formed integrally with the second receptacle [the device as
`
`described in Webber 0185 is a singular device, understood to be integrally formed],
`
`and wherein the first receptacle is joined to the second receptacle (Figs. 8A-B)[
`
`Webber 0219-220].
`
`Claim 10, Webber as modified discloses wherein the second receptacle
`
`further comprises a boundary feature (Figs. 8A-B)[Webber 0183 final sentence (the
`
`curved bottom of the device between portions 808 and 809 which follows any of the
`
`contours listed)].
`
`Claim 11, Webber as modified discloses wherein the boundary feature has
`
`the claimed structure and is capable to follow the gingival margins of the second
`
`tooth [Webber 0183 line 18] and wherein the boundary feature of the second
`
`receptacle is joined to the boundary feature of the first receptacle (Webber Figs.
`
`8A-B show that the boundary features are connected to each other, though only
`
`one receptacle with bracket bonding feature is shown. It can be easily understood
`
`from [Webber 0219-0220] that the second receptacle with identical features would
`
`be next to each other, represented in space 809.).
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 17/417,847
`Art Unit: 3772
`
`Page 9
`
`Claim 12, Webber as modified discloses wherein the second receptacle
`
`includes an open framework [Webber 0200 lines 1-2].
`
`Regarding claims 13 and 19, Webber as modified discloses wherein the
`
`first and second frames surrounds at least 75% of the first and second bracket pad
`
`first and second perimeters (The frame 801 of Webber surrounds 100%of the
`
`bracket pad perimeter, overlapping the ranges of claims 13 and 19).
`
`Claim 14, Webber as modified discloses wherein the apparatus comprises a
`
`biocompatible [Webber 0272 lists biocompatible materials], resin [Webber 0116]
`
`(which may be 3D printed).
`
`Please note that claim 15 is considered product-by-process,
`
`therefore the end result of a device as disclosed by claim 1 (note the 112d
`
`rejection above) will be given patentable weight, regardless of the process
`
`by which it was made.
`
`Claim 15, Webber as modified discloses the apparatus according to claim 1
`
`(the device of Webber is capable to be made using 3D printing, computer numerical
`
`control machining, and combinations thereof [Webber 0115-0116]).
`
`Claim 20, Webber discloses a method for bonding an orthodontic appliance
`
`to a tooth [0063, 0081], the method comprising:
`
`Providing an apparatus (800) including
`
`a first receptacle (the portion of 800 in which 806, 808, 810 areillustrated),
`
`the first receptacle has the claimed structure and is capable to receiveafirst tooth
`
`[0181, 0197 second sentence, 0207], the first tooth having an outer surface [0185
`
`lines 6-8] and gingival margins [0183 (note line 18), 0185 line 8];
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 17/417,847
`Art Unit: 3772
`
`Page 10
`
`a first bracket bonding pad (806)[0065 lines 17-22], the first bracket
`
`bonding pad including a first bonding surface [0201] and a first perimeter (Figs. 8A-
`
`B), the first bonding surface has the claimed structure and is capable to
`
`complement contours of a portion of the first outer surface of the first tooth [0182
`
`lines 1-6],
`
`wherein the first receptacle comprisesa first frame (801), the first frame at
`
`least partially surrounding the first bracket pad first perimeter (Figs. 8A-B), wherein
`
`the first receptacle is joined to the first bracket bonding pad (806) with a sprue
`
`(808), the sprue (808) including a first end and a second end (Figs. 8A-C)[0189],
`
`wherein the first end of the sprue is attached to the first frame [0185 final
`
`sentence, 0186 first sentence] and the second end of the sprue is attached to the
`
`first bracket bonding pad first perimeter (Figs. 8A-B)[0185 final sentence], and
`
`wherein the first bracket bonding pad (806) is formed integrally with the first
`
`receptacle [the device as described 0185 is a singular device, understood to be
`
`integrally formed]; and
`
`bonding an orthodontic bracket [0077 line 5] to a surface of the first bracket
`
`bonding pad opposite the bonding surface (as Webber [0077] describes a bracket
`
`or brace extending from the attachment 806, it is understood the bracket or brace
`
`would be opposite the bonding surface),
`
`Webber does not explicitly state that the orthodontic bracket including a body
`
`and a slot configured for receipt of an arch wire.
`
`Okazaki, in the same field of endeavor of indirect bonding pads with
`
`brackets bonded to a bonding pad (12)[0027 lines 5-8, 0030 lines 9-10], teaches
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 17/417,847
`Art Unit: 3772
`
`Page 11
`
`an orthodontic bracket (3)[0030 lines 9-11] including body (3) and a slot (best
`
`seen in Figs. 4-6) configured for receipt of an arch wire ((4) Fig. 7)[0055 lines 1-2].
`
`It would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the
`
`effective filing date of the claimed invention to cause the device of Webber to
`
`include a bracket with a slot and a body as doing so utilizes materials and
`
`techniques well known in the art. One of ordinary artisan would recognize that the
`
`brace or bracket of Webber would include a body and a slot for an arch wire as
`
`these are features common in braces and brackets. Further, one of ordinary artisan
`
`would be motivated to include to the device of Webber a bracket with a body and
`
`slot as taught in Okazaki. As these features of a bracket which is also connected to
`
`an indirect bonding tray in the similar device of Okazaki, one of ordinary artisan
`
`would have a reasonable expectation of success.
`
`Response to Arguments
`
`Applicant's argumentsfiled 09/22/2023 have been fully considered but they
`
`are not persuasive.
`
`Regarding applicant’s arguments on page 9 that Webber does not
`
`described a bracket bonding pad but instead discrete orthodontic
`
`appliances which do not bond additional appliances. Webber teaches that the
`
`attachment 806 is a bonding pad which attaches to the tooth [0180 lines 1-2], and
`
`further that the bonding pad (806) can include auxiliary features extending from
`
`the pad (806)[0062 lines 27-30, 0077]. These auxiliary features may be braces or
`
`brackets, as set forth in the above 35 U.S.C. 103 rejection above. Webber therefore
`
`does “contemplate bonding additional appliances to the attachment body”.
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 17/417,847
`Art Unit: 3772
`
`Page 12
`
`Regarding applicant’s arguments on page 9 that Webber does not
`
`describe the bracket having a separate bonding base and arch wireslot. It
`
`is noted that Webber does not explicitly teach these features, however the
`
`deficiency is taught in the similar indirect bonding appliance of Okazaki. Further it is
`
`noted that generic brackets such as thoselisted in Webber commonly have a base
`
`and a slot for arch wire as is common in the art.
`
`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 eventa 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 extension fee 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 date of this
`
`final action.
`
`Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from
`
`the examiner should be directed to Kylie M. Gaspar whose telephone number is
`
`(571)272-0570. The examiner can normally be reached Monday-Friday 7:30-4:30.
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 17/417,847
`Art Unit: 3772
`
`Page 13
`
`Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video
`
`conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an
`
`interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request
`
`(AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice.
`
`If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the
`
`examiner’s supervisor, Cris Rodriguez can be reached on 571-272-4964. The fax
`
`phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned
`
`is 571-273-8300.
`
`Information regarding the status of published or unpublished applications
`
`may be obtained from Patent Center. Unpublished application information in Patent
`
`Center is available to registered users. To file and manage patent submissions in
`
`Patent Center, visit: https://patentcenter.uspto.gov. Visit
`
`https ://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/patent-center for more information about
`
`Patent Center and https://www.uspto.gov/patents/docx for information about filing
`
`in DOCX format. For additional questions, contact the Electronic Business Center
`
`(EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO
`
`Customer Service Representative, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-
`
`272-1000.
`
`/K.M.G./
`Examiner, Art Unit 3772
`
`/JAN CHRISTOPHER L MERENE/
`Primary Examiner, Art Unit 3773
`
`