could it be that there might Not be a non final rejection based on a lack of merit in the prior art cited but, as you say, the patent owner may be the one using this time to actually "strengthen" the patent claims and get that second Validation from the USPTO?

The original request for the reexam was in October of 2006.

Sheesh............if they are only just taking a look since the merger of the other patents in April of 2008............what have they been doing for the past year and a half with the 336???

Thanks for all the updates.

d