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ChAPtER 13 | GETTING THE PTO TO DELIVER | 353
Serial No. 07/345,678 -2-
Art Unit 254
The drawing is objected to under Rule 1.83(a) in that all the features recited in the claims are
not shown. See Claims 1 and 2 regarding the “electronic counter means” and “first and second
solid state counters.”
The specification is objected to under Rule 1.71(b) as inadequate. In particular, there is
insufficient information regarding the “counter,” “counter memory,” and how the counter controls
the illumination of the lights. Applicant is required to amplify the disclosure in this regard
without the introduction of new matter, 608.04 MPEP.
Claims 1-7 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 112, 1st. paragraph, as based on an insufficient
disclosure. See above.
Insofar as adequate, Claims 1-6 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 102(b) as fully anticipated by
Ohman. Ohman shows an electronic cribbage board counter that fully meets these claims. See
Fig. 1. The microprocessor 300 shown in Fig. 3 inherently includes the counter means of Claims 1
and 2.
Claim 7 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 112, 2. The term “said LCD readout” lacks proper
antecedent basis in parent independent claim 1 as claim 1 recites only an “LCD monitor.”
Claim 7 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103 as unpatentable over Ohman in view of Morin.
Ohman shows an electronic cribbage board counter, as stated. Morin shows an LCD tally
monitor. It would be obvious to substitute Morin’s LCD tally monitor for Ohman’s mechanical
readout, since the substitution of LCD readouts for mechanical readouts is an expedient well
known to those skilled in the art. See column 13, lines 34-41 of Morin, which indicate that in lieu
of the LCD readout shown, other types of readouts may be used.
No claim is allowed.
The remaining art cited shows other electronic board games containing the claimed structure.
Note Morin, which shows the details of a computer as containing first and second counter means.
Any inquiry concerning this communication should be directed to Examiner Heyman at
telephone number 703-557-4777, Fax number 703-872-9314.
Heyman/EW
98/10/09
John S. Heyman
Examiner
Group Art Unit 254
Fig. 13A/2—Sample Office Action