Public Records Division/Public Information Services Division
Public User's Meeting
February 18, 2009 2:00 p.m.
Remsen Building Conference Center
The Public User's Meeting was held at 2:00 p.m. in the 1st floor conference room 1D04/1D14 of the Remsen Building at 400 Dulany Street on the USPTO campus in Alexandria, Virginia. Martha Sneed, Manager PISD, chaired the meeting. There were four (4) members of the public in attendance.
Announcements
There are no general announcements for today's meeting.
Public Search Facility (PSF) Update
Additional shelving to hold Trademark bound volumes will be installed in the PSF on Monday February 23rd . The new shelving will extend the existing shelving units located at the front first floor east corner of the facility. New shelving will also be placed next to the card index cabinets on the Madison East atrium side of the Search Facility.
Several public users reported problems with using UPWS applications. One user expressed a concern about the slow processing of search queries. The system response time increased during the day as more search queries were executed. Another user reported that random text pops up as a search query is processing. Since these problems were reported, UPWS technical personnel have implemented a fix that improves system response time.
A public user complained about a warning or error message not displaying in the proper sequence or on the appropriate Trademark application screen. During a key word search the "mark overflow" warning only pops up on the last screen. It should pop up at the beginning. The user informed Public Search Facility Search Services Manager Terry Howard about the problem. Ms. Howard in turn has reported the problem to the Trademark system development group.
A public user pointed out that during a recent fire evacuation emergency situation the first floor double door emergency exit leading to the Madison East Building elevator lobby was blocked. Public users were told to use a different emergency exit to evacuate the PSF and Madison East building. This has since been resolved. During fire alarms, the public may now use the double door emergency exit that leads into the Madison East elevator lobby and will be directed from there by USPTO Security.
Public Records Division (PRD) Updates
PRD is moving to Randolph Square in April. The move dates are April 24 and 27, 2009. Document Services Branch moves on April 24 and Assignment Services Branch and the rest of the office will move on April 27. The customer boxes and Customer Service Window is moving to the 3rd floor in Randolph Square on March 23 when the File Information Unit (FIU) moves.
The Finance Window will handle drop-offs and pickups in the interim. Document Services couriers will pick up from the Finance Window. The numbering scheme for the boxes will not change. Combination locks will be used for the new customer boxes. Public users should have no problem gaining access to the 3rd floor in the new building with their users' badges.
Randolph Square has above ground parking garage - 1st level is for retail customers; the rest is for the building occupants and customers.
Shuttle service will be available. An OG Notice is forthcoming concerning the move to Randolph Square.
Question: Will hours of operation remain the same for the FIU? There is no indication at this time that the hours of operation will change, but please check with FIU staff.
The Public Users Meeting adjourned at 2:35 pm; next meeting is Wednesday, March 18, 2009, 2:00 pm in the Remsen building room 1D04/1D14.