[Cboldt]

I've had a crash course on what I can, should, and shouldn't say in my patent and supporting documentation (like brochures, which I can't even have printed until final approval on my patent comes back . . .

Somebody is giving you bad advice. The "absolute novelty" requirement is satisfied when your patent application is filed.

BTW, it's "doctrine of equivalents," not "doctrine of equivalence."

[UnBlinkingEye]

BTW, it's "doctrine of equivalents," not "doctrine of equivalence."

Piranha beat you to it. BTW, Piranha is a great screen name, especially if my guess as to your profession is correct. You guys gobble up the money.