Professional Experience:
· Electrical Engineer, Radio Corporation of America (R.C.A.), 1970 –1971:
Worked in areas of radio frequency design/analysis and digital logic design
· Electrical Engineer, H.R.B. Singer, Inc., Reston, VA, 1971-1972:
Worked in areas of ultra-high frequency design and logic design
· Part-time Instructor, Northern Virginia Community College, 1976 -1977:
Taught a lecture/laboratory course in alternating current theory and circuits design
· Patent Examiner, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Examining Groups 230 and 260, 1972 -1986:
The arts examined included analog and digital communications systems including repeaters, cable distribution systems, mobile communications systems, transmitters, receivers, transceivers and related subsystems. Acted as Supervisory Patent Examiner.
· Quality Review Examiner, USPTO, Office of Patent Quality Review (OPQR), 1986 - 2002:
Conducted reviews of allowed patent application samples randomly selected from art units within electrical Technology Centers. The quality review was conducted on three major aspects of the patent examining process, namely correctness of the search, patentability of the allowed claims in view of prior art; and compliance with examining practices and procedures. Participated in panel discussions with Technology Center Directors, managers and examiners on the merits of issues in patent applications reviewed. Conducted reviews of Reissue and Reexamination applications as assigned. Participated in numerous quality improvement projects. Occasionally acted as Director of Office of Patent Quality Review.
· Quality Assurance Specialist (Program Manager) for Technology Center 2600, Office of Patent Quality Assurance and Training, 2002-2004:
While this position had only been recently established and will be responsible for initiating, facilitating, coordinating as well as participating in a broad array of functions related to continuous quality improvement efforts with respect to Technology Center 2600, the assigned duties may be summarized as follows:
Conducting work product reviews of allowed applications and any actions of patent examiners during prosecution of applications related to Technology Center 2600 and reporting findings related to quality and clarity for subsequent analysis; and Developing and providing necessary training or assistance to patent examiners to improve the quality and clarity of the examination process within Technology Center 2600.
· Training Quality Assurance Specialist for Technology Center 2100, 2004-2006:
Training of examiners in Technology Center 2100 through various methods including one on one consultation, lectures to art units and workgroups and training module development. Quality consultant for all issues related to law, practice and procedure to Technology Center management. Heavy emphasis on training examiners with respect to statutory subject matter issues, claim scope interpretation and obviousness-type double patenting. Participated in signatory program by reviewing examiners’ work and conducting panel discussions and providing guidance and recommendations to SPEs and Directors with respect to granting examiners partial or full signatory authority.
Awards & Affiliations:
· Department of Commerce Bronze Medal, April 14, 1998 in recognition for "outstanding performance over many years."
· Registered to practice before the US Patent & Trademark Office.
Education:
· Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, City College of New York, (1970, cum laude)
· Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (Communications), George Washington University, (1975)
Military Service:
New Jersey National Guard, (1970, 1971) United States Army Reserve, (1971-1976)