First let me preface with definition of divisional patent.

<a divisional application claims a distinct or independent invention based upon pertinent parts "carved out" of the parent application's specification.>

Well on 4/11 Joe Pokrzywa turned over his review of the 336 to Sam Rimell for reexam consolidation. Just so happens the same day Joe Pokrzywa gets the 749 to look over. Perhaps a coincidence and means nothing. Point is Joe is reviewing the 749 and is familiar with the 336 reexam.

It appeared to me that Joe spent most of May looking at quite a few patents in the record room. Some with no connection other than being a division of the 749. It was determined (believe by Ease) that all patents are reexamined individually. They do not reexamine divisionals with the parent. So then I assumed that the examiner was checking the division patents to make sure they were all stand alone. I believe they check to make sure there are no patentably indistinct claims betweeen divisionals and parent. In that case they would have to be reexamined together. Well, at least that is what I am able to gather.

So, here's the punch line. So, far all divisionals have been looked at in the record room, except one. The 336.

Dates the other patents returned to file repository. May 6, May 6, May 21, May 28 and May 29. The examiner has not yet brought the 336 into the file room. Why? I can think of only one instance where it will not make any difference. It wouldn't matter if the 336 was being recertified and Joe knew it. Perhaps won't help the pps any, but got my spirits up. All IMHO Opty