"My understanding is when we file an RCE, the claims are modified hoping to make them acceptable bsed on the rejection comments."

That is not the case for this application...

Regarding this application, it was a question of the prior art the examiner used in the prosecution.

It should not have been allowed, and it was brought to the examiners attention.

The last words from the examiner was....

And this is not paraphrased..."Why did you not bring this to my attention earlier?

A new case was docketed.....and then ......nothing....

Anyway....we wait on the examiner to followup on the prior art issue.

That is the only thing blocking the application.

I've put this info up a number of times , however no one seems to remember it.

doni