DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Continued Examination Under 37 CFR 1.114
A request for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, including the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e), was filed in this application after final rejection. Since this application is eligible for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, and the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e) has been timely paid, the finality of the previous Office action has been withdrawn pursuant to 37 CFR 1.114. Applicant's submission filed on 7/27/2026 has been entered.
Information Disclosure Statement
The information disclosure statement submitted on 6/1/2026 has been considered by the examiner.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(b):
(b) CONCLUSION.—The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor regards as the invention.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph:
The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the applicant regards as his invention.
Claims 39 and 44 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph, as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor (or for applications subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, the applicant), regards as the invention.
Claim 39 recites the limitation "the multivariable transmitter" in line 1. There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. It is unclear if this limitation refers to the first multivariable transmitter or the second multivariable transmitter of parent claim 36.
Claim 44 recites the limitations "the first and second holes" in line 1. There is insufficient antecedent basis for these limitations in the claim. It is unclear whether or not the first and second holes are the same structures as the first and second apertures of parent claim 36.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
This application currently names joint inventors. In considering patentability of the claims the examiner presumes that the subject matter of the various claims was commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the claimed invention(s) absent any evidence to the contrary. Applicant is advised of the obligation under 37 CFR 1.56 to point out the inventor and effective filing dates of each claim that was not commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the later invention in order for the examiner to consider the applicability of 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) for any potential 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) prior art against the later invention.
Claims 26, 28, 29 and 31-34 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over U.S. Patent 5,606,513 issued to Louwagie et al. (“Louwagie”) in view of U.S. Patent 9,234,776 issued to Strei (“Strei”), U.S. Patent Application Publication 2018/0106648 by Eastoe et al. (“Eastoe”), U.S. Patent 6,267,010 issued to Hatanaka et al. (“Hatanaka”), JP 2015-038841 by Hirose (“Hirose”), U.S. Patent 8,033,175 issued to Sundet et al. (“Sundet”) and CN 2015-75870-U by Wu et al. (“Wu”).
As for claim 26, Louwagie discloses a multivariable transmitter for measuring multiple process fluid variables (Fig. 1), the multivariable transmitter comprising:
a process fluid conduit (4), the process fluid conduit having first and second process fluid penetrations (implicitly provided to sense differential pressure; col. 4, lines 59-61),
a first pressure sensor (52) operably coupled to the first process fluid penetration;
a housing (14, 16);
measurement circuitry (57, 58-64, 72, 80) operably coupled to the first pressure sensor (52) disposed within the housing (col. 5, lines 12-21); and
a temperature probe (8, 10, 12) having a temperature sensor (8) therein, the temperature sensor (8) being coupled to the measurement circuitry (57, 58-64, 72, 80) to provide an indication of process fluid temperature, wherein the outer surface (12) of the temperature probe is welded to the housing (col. 8, lines 62-64).
Louwagie does not explicitly disclose that the process fluid conduit and the housing is constructed from a material suitable for exposure to saltwater.
However, Strei discloses a material suitable (col. 2, line 64 - col. 3, line 9) for exposure to saltwater.
It would have been obvious for one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present application to modify the process fluid conduit and housing of Louwagie to be constructed of the material as disclosed by Strei in order ensure that the conduit and housing will not corrode or degrade in salt water (Strei: col. 2, lines 61-64).
Louwagie as modified by Strei does not disclose that the process fluid conduit has a second pressure sensor operably coupled to the second process fluid penetration. Louwagie discloses that line pressure (via first pressure sensor 52) and differential pressure are measured, but Louwagie does not specifically disclose a second pressure sensor arranged to perform these measurements in conjunction with a first pressure sensor.
However, Eastoe discloses a second pressure sensor (22, 52) operably coupled to a second process fluid penetration (12), along with a first pressure sensor (21, 51) operably coupled to a first process fluid penetration (11). Eastoe discloses that the first and second pressure sensors are used to measure line pressure and differential pressure (paragraphs [0058] and [0059]).
Because Louwagie and Eastoe both disclose structures for measuring line pressure and differential pressure, it would have been obvious for one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present application to substitute the first and second pressure sensors and venturi tube of Eastoe for the differential pressure sensor and line pressure sensor of Louwagie to achieve the predictable result of providing structures that measure line pressure and differential pressure.
Louwagie as modified by Strei and Eastoe discloses a subsea (Strei: col. 2, line 64 - col. 3, line 9) multivariable transmitter for measuring multiple process fluid variables (Louwagie: Fig. 1), the multivariable transmitter comprising:
a subsea (Strei: col. 2, line 64 - col. 3, line 9) process fluid conduit (Louwagie: 4 and Eastoe: 101) constructed from a material (Strei: col. 2, line 64 - col. 3, line 9) suitable for exposure to saltwater, the process fluid conduit (Eastoe: 101) having a process fluid area (Eastoe: inside 101) with a first internal diameter proximate the first process fluid penetration (Eastoe: at 11; see Fig. 1) and a second internal diameter proximate the second process fluid penetration (Eastoe: at 12; see Fig. 1), wherein the first and second internal diameters are different (Eastoe: see Fig. 1);
a first pressure sensor (Eastoe: 21, 51) operably coupled to a first process fluid penetration (Eastoe: 11) via a first remote seal (Eastoe: paragraph [0056]);
a second pressure sensor (Eastoe: 22, 52) operably coupled to a second process fluid penetration (Eastoe: 12);
a housing (Louwagie: 14, 16) suitable for exposure to saltwater (Strei: col. 2, line 64 -col. 3, line 9);
measurement circuitry (Louwagie: 57, 58-64, 72, 80 and Eastoe: 50) operably coupled to the first pressure sensor (Louwagie: 52 and Eastoe: 21, 51) and the second pressure sensor (Eastoe: 22, 52); and
a temperature probe (Louwagie: 8, 10, 12) mounted to the subsea process conduit (Louwagie: see Fig. 1), the temperature probe being spaced form the first and second process fluid penetrations (Louwagie: see Fig. 1 and Eastoe: see Fig. 1), the temperature probe having a temperature sensor (Louwagie: 8) therein, the temperature sensor (Louwagie: 8) being coupled to the measurement circuitry (Louwagie: 57, 58-64, 72, 80) to provide an indication of process fluid temperature, wherein the outer surface (Louwagie: 12) of the temperature probe is welded to the housing (Louwagie: col. 8, lines 62-64).
Although Louwagie as modified by Strei and Eastoe discloses that the temperature probe (Louwagie: 8, 10, 12) has cabling (Louwagie: 10), Louwagie as modified by Strei and Eastoe does not disclose that the temperature probe has an outer surface constructed from metal suitable for exposure to the saltwater.
However, Hirose discloses cabling (1E; Fig. 4) that has an outer surface (20E) constructed from metal suitable for exposure to the saltwater (Embodiment 5).
It would have been obvious for one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present application to modify the cabling of the temperature probe of Louwagie, Strei and Eastoe to have an outer surface constructed from metal as disclosed by Hirose in order to protect the cabling when it is used underwater (Hirose: Abstract and Embodiment 5).
Louwagie as modified by Strei, Eastoe and Hirose does not explicitly disclose that the multivariable transmitter is configured to provide an indication of line pressure, differential pressure, and temperature.
However, Sundet discloses a multivariable transmitter (10) that is configured to provide an indication of line pressure, differential pressure, and temperature (see step 416).
It would have been obvious for one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present application to modify the multivariable transmitter of Louwagie, Strei, Eastoe and Hirose to provide an indication of line pressure, differential pressure, and temperature as disclosed by Sundet in order to allow a user to monitor the line pressure, differential pressure, and temperature of the process fluid.
Louwagie as modified by Strei, Eastoe, Hirose and Sundet does not disclose that the temperature probe is mounted within a blind hole of the subsea process conduit that does not penetrate into the process fluid area.
However, Wu discloses a temperature probe (1-8) that is mounted within a hole (see Fig. 1 and Abstract) of a process conduit (10) that does not penetrate into a process fluid area.
It would have been obvious for one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present application to modify the temperature probe of Louwagie, Strei, Eastoe, Hatanaka, Hirose and Sundet to be mounted within a hole that does not penetrate as disclosed by Wu in order to avoid holes that may leak (Wu: paragraphs [0006]-[0010]).
As for claim 28, Louwagie as modified by Strei, Eastoe, Hatanaka, Hirose, Sundet and Wu discloses that the second pressure sensor is operably coupled to the second process fluid penetration via a second remote seal (Eastoe: paragraph [0056]).
As for claim 29, Louwagie as modified by Strei, Eastoe, Hatanaka, Hirose, Sundet and Wu discloses that the multivariable transmitter is configured to calculate a process fluid flow output based on a signal from the first pressure sensor, a signal from the second pressure sensor, and the indication of process fluid temperature (Louwagie: col. 1, lines 50-57 and Eastoe: paragraph [0065]).
As for claim 31, Louwagie as modified by Strei, Eastoe, Hatanaka, Hirose, Sundet and Wu discloses the multivariable transmitter of claim 26 (see the rejection of claim 26 above).
Louwagie as modified by Strei, Eastoe, Hatanaka, Hirose, Sundet and Wu does not disclose a third pressure transmitter as recited.
However, Eastoe discloses a third pressure sensor (31) coupled to a third process fluid penetration (at 13) in a process fluid conduit, the third process fluid penetration being disposed opposite one of the first (at 11) and second process fluid penetrations (see Fig. 1). Eastoe discloses that third (31) and fourth pressure (32) sensors, and an additional temperature sensor (33) are provided to provide redundancy (Eastoe: paragraph [0023]).
It would have been obvious for one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present application to further modify the multivariable transmitter of Louwagie, Strei, Eastoe, Hatanaka, Hirose, Sundet and Wu to include a third pressure sensor along with a fourth pressure sensor and an additional temperature sensor as disclosed by Eastoe, in order to provide redundancy (Eastoe: paragraph [0023]).
As for claim 32, Louwagie as modified by Strei, Eastoe, Hatanaka, Hirose, Sundet and Wu discloses a fourth pressure sensor (Eastoe: 32) coupled to a fourth process fluid penetration (Eastoe: at 14), the fourth process fluid penetration being disposed opposite the other (Eastoe: at 12) of the first and second process fluid penetrations (Eastoe: see Fig. 1).
As for claim 33, Louwagie as modified by Strei, Eastoe, Hatanaka, Hirose, Sundet and Wu discloses an additional temperature probe (Eastoe: 33) having an additional temperature sensor (Eastoe: 33) therein, the additional temperature being mounted within a second blind hole (Wu: see Fig. 1) of the process fluid circuit (Eastoe: see Fig. 1), the additional temperature probe the having an outer surface constructed from a metal suitable for exposure to the saltwater sensor (Hirose: 1E; Fig. 4; 20E; Embodiment 5).
As for claim 34, Louwagie as modified by Strei, Eastoe, Hatanaka, Hirose, Sundet and Wu discloses that the third pressure sensor, fourth pressure sensor, and the additional temperature probe provide redundant indications of line pressure, differential pressure, and process fluid temperature (Easton: paragraph [0023]).
Claim 35 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over U.S. Patent 5,606,513 issued to Louwagie et al. (“Louwagie”) in view of U.S. Patent 9,234,776 issued to Strei (“Strei”), U.S. Patent Application Publication 2018/0106648 by Eastoe et al. (“Eastoe”), U.S. Patent 6,267,010 issued to Hatanaka et al. (“Hatanaka”), JP 2015-038841 by Hirose (“Hirose”), U.S. Patent 8,033,175 issued to Sundet et al. (“Sundet”) and CN 2015-75870-U by Wu et al. (“Wu”) as applied to claim 26, further in view of U.S. Patent 8,840,301 issued to Hashemian et al. (“Hashemian”).
As for claim 35, Louwagie as modified by Strei, Eastoe, Hatanaka, Hirose, Sundet and Wu discloses the multivariable transmitter of claim 26 (see the rejection of claim 26 above) and that the temperature probe (Louwagie: 8) is an RTD element (Louwagie: col. 4, lines 35-38)
Louwagie as modified by Strei, Eastoe, Hatanaka, Hirose, Sundet, Muth and Jiang does not explicitly disclose that the RTD element is a dual element RTD.
However, Hashemian discloses an RTD element that is a dual element type RTD (see Fig. 2).
It would have been obvious for one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present application to modify the RTD element of Louwagie, Strei, Eastoe, Hatanaka, Hirose, Sundet and Wu to be a dual element type as disclosed by Hashemian in order to maintain diversity while increasing redundancy in measuring an environment’s temperature (Hashemian: col. 4, line 11-15).
Claims 36, 39 and 44 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over U.S. Patent 5,495,769 issued to Louwagie et al. (“Louwagie”) in view of U.S. Patent 9,234,776 issued to Strei (“Strei”), U.S. Patent Application Publication 2018/0106648 by Eastoe et al. (“Eastoe”), JP 2015-038841 by Hirose (“Hirose”), U.S. Patent 4,407,065 issued to Gray (“Gray”) and CN 2015-75870-U by Wu et al. (“Wu”).
As for claim 36, Louwagie discloses a system for measuring multiple process fluid variables (Fig. 1), the system comprising:
a process fluid conduit (4), the process fluid conduit having first and second process fluid penetrations (implicitly provided to sense differential pressure; col. 3,lines 13-15),
a first pressure sensor (52) operably coupled to the first process fluid penetration;
a first temperature probe (8, 10, 12) having a first temperature sensor (Louwagie: 8) therein;
first multivariable transmitter (14, 16) coupled to the first pressure sensor, the second pressure sensor and the first temperature probe (see Fig. 1); and
wherein the outer surface (12) of the first temperature probe (8, 10, 12) is welded to a housing of the first multivariable transmitter (col. 8, lines 62-64).
Louwagie does not explicitly disclose that the process fluid conduit is constructed from a material suitable for exposure to saltwater.
However, Strei discloses a material suitable (col. 2, line 64 - col. 3, line 9) for exposure to saltwater.
It would have been obvious for one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present application to modify the process fluid conduit of Louwagie to be constructed of the material as disclosed by Strei in order ensure that the conduit will not corrode or degrade in salt water (Strei: col. 2, lines 61-64).
Louwagie as modified by Strei does not disclose that the process fluid conduit has a second pressure sensor operably coupled to the second process fluid penetration. Louwagie discloses that line pressure (via first pressure sensor 52) and differential pressure are measured, but Louwagie does not specifically disclose a second pressure sensor arranged to perform these measurements in conjunction with a first pressure sensor.
However, Eastoe discloses a second pressure sensor (22, 52) operably coupled to a second process fluid penetration (12), along with a first pressure sensor (21, 51) operably coupled to a first process fluid penetration (11). Eastoe discloses that the first and second pressure sensors are used to measure line pressure and differential pressure (paragraphs [0058] and [0059]).
Because Louwagie and Eastoe both disclose structures for measuring line pressure and differential pressure, it would have been obvious for one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present application to substitute the first and second pressure sensors and venturi tube of Eastoe for the differential pressure sensor and line pressure sensor of Louwagie to achieve the predictable result of providing structures that measure line pressure and differential pressure.
Louwagie as modified by Strei and Eastoe discloses a process fluid conduit (Louwagie: 4 and Eastoe: 101) constructed from a material (Strei: col. 2, line 64 - col. 3, line 9) suitable for exposure to saltwater, the process fluid conduit (Eastoe: 101) having a first internal diameter proximate the first process fluid penetration (Eastoe: at 11; see Fig. 1) and a second internal diameter proximate the second process fluid penetration (Eastoe: at 12; see Fig. 1), wherein the first and second internal diameters are different (Eastoe: see Fig. 1);
a first pressure sensor (Eastoe: 21, 51) operably coupled to a first process fluid penetration (Eastoe: 11) via a first remote seal (Eastoe: paragraph [0056]); and
a second pressure sensor (Eastoe: 22, 52) operably coupled to a second process fluid penetration (Eastoe: 12) via a second remote seal (Eastoe: paragraph [0056]);
a first temperature probe (Louwagie: 8, 10, 12) having a first temperature sensor (Louwagie: 8) therein,
a first multivariable transmitter (Louwagie: 14, 16) coupled to the first pressure sensor, the second pressure sensor and the first temperature probe (Louwagie: see Fig. 1), wherein the first temperature probe (Louwagie: 8, 10, 12) is coupled to the first multivariable transmitter by a cable (Louwagie: 10); and
wherein the outer surface (Louwagie: 12) of the first temperature probe (Louwagie: 8, 10, 12) is welded to a housing of the first multivariable transmitter (Louwagie: col. 8, lines 62-64).
Louwagie as modified by Strei and Eastoe does not disclose that the first temperature probe has an outer surface constructed from metal suitable for exposure to the saltwater.
However, Hirose discloses cabling (1E; Fig. 4) that has an outer surface (20E) constructed from metal suitable for exposure to the saltwater (Embodiment 5).
It would have been obvious for one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present application to modify the cabling of the first temperature probe of Louwagie, Strei and Eastoe to have an outer surface constructed from metal as disclosed by Hirose in order to protect the cabling when it is used underwater (Hirose: Abstract and Embodiment 5).
Louwagie as modified by Strei, Eastoe and Hirose does not explicitly disclose that the cable is mineral-insulated.
However, Gray discloses a cable that is mineral-insulated (Abstract and col. 7, lines 18-25).
It would have been obvious for one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present application to modify the cable of Louwagie, Strei, Eastoe and Hirose to be mineral-insulated as disclosed by Gray in order to provide enhanced tensile strength and to provide protection against corrosion and pressure (Gray: col. 7, lines 18-22).
Louwagie as modified by Strei, Eastoe, Hirose and Gray does not disclose that the first temperature probe is mounted within a first aperture of the process fluid conduit without creating a process fluid penetration.
However, Wu discloses a temperature probe (1-8) that is mounted within a first aperture (see Fig. 1 and Abstract) of a process fluid conduit (10) without creating a process fluid penetration.
It would have been obvious for one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present application to modify the temperature probe of Louwagie, Strei, Eastoe, Hirose and Gray to be mounted within a first aperture that does not create a process fluid penetration as disclosed by Wu in order to avoid holes that may leak (Wu: paragraphs [0006]-[0010]).
Louwagie as presently modified by Strei, Eastoe, Hirose, Gray and Wu does not disclose a third pressure sensor, a fourth pressure sensor, and a second temperature probe as recited.
However, Eastoe discloses a third pressure sensor (31) coupled to a third process fluid penetration (at 13) in a process fluid conduit, the third process fluid penetration being disposed opposite one of the first (at 11) and second process fluid penetrations (see Fig. 1);
a fourth pressure sensor (Eastoe: 32) coupled to a fourth process fluid penetration (Eastoe: at 14), the fourth process fluid penetration being disposed opposite the other (Eastoe: at 12) of the first and second process fluid penetrations (Eastoe: see Fig. 1); and
a second temperature probe (Eastoe: 33) having a second temperature sensor (Eastoe: 33) therein, the second temperature sensor the having an outer surface constructed from a metal suitable for exposure to the saltwater sensor (Hirose: 1E; Fig. 4; 20E; Embodiment 5).
Easton discloses that third (31) and fourth pressure (32) sensors, and the second temperature sensor (33) are provided to provide redundancy (Easton: paragraph [0023]).
It would have been obvious for one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present application to further modify the system of Louwagie, Strei, Eastoe, Hirose, Gray and Wu to include a third pressure sensor, a fourth pressure sensor, and a second temperature sensor as disclosed by Easton in order to provide redundancy (Easton: paragraph [0023]).
Louwagie as modified by Strei, Eastoe, Hirose, Gray and Wu discloses:
a process fluid conduit (Louwagie: 4 and Eastoe: 101) constructed from a material (Strei: col. 2, line 64 - col. 3, line 9) suitable for exposure to saltwater, the process fluid conduit (Eastoe: 101) having a first internal diameter proximate the first process fluid penetration (Eastoe: at 11; see Fig. 1) and a second internal diameter proximate the second process fluid penetration (Eastoe: at 12; see Fig. 1), wherein the first and second internal diameters are different (Eastoe: see Fig. 1);
a first pressure sensor (Eastoe: 21, 51) operably coupled to a first process fluid penetration (Eastoe: 11) via a first remote seal (Eastoe: paragraph [0056]);
a second pressure sensor (Eastoe: 22, 52) operably coupled to a second process fluid penetration (Eastoe: 12) via a second remote seal (Eastoe: paragraph [0056]);
a third pressure sensor (31) coupled to a third process fluid penetration (at 13) via a third remote seal (Eastoe: paragraph [0056]) , the third process fluid penetration being disposed opposite one of the first (at 11) and second process fluid penetrations (see Fig. 1);
a fourth pressure sensor (Eastoe: 32) coupled to a fourth process fluid penetration (Eastoe: at 14) via a fourth remote seal (Eastoe: paragraph [0056]), the fourth process fluid penetration being disposed opposite the other (Eastoe: at 12) of the first and second process fluid penetrations (Eastoe: see Fig. 1);
a first temperature probe (Louwagie: 8, 10 and Wu: 1-8) mounted within a first aperture (Wu: see Fig. 1 and Abstract) of the process fluid conduit (Louwagie: 4 and Wu: 10) without creating a process fluid penetration, the first temperature probe having a first temperature sensor (Louwagie: 8) therein,
a first multivariable transmitter (Louwagie: 14, 16) coupled to the first pressure sensor, the second pressure sensor and the first temperature probe (Louwagie: see Fig. 1), wherein the first temperature probe (Louwagie: 8) is coupled to the first multivariable transmitter by a mineral-insulated cable (Gray: Abstract and col. 7, lines 18-25) that has an outer metallic surface that is suitable for exposure to saltwater (Hirose: 1E; Fig. 4; 20E; Embodiment 5);
a second temperature probe (Eastoe: 33) mounted within a second aperture (Wu: see Fig. 1 and Abstract) of the process fluid conduit (Louwagie: 4 and Wu: 10) without creating a process fluid penetration, the second temperature probe having a second temperature sensor (Eastoe: 33) therein,
a second multivariable transmitter (Louwagie: 14, 16 and Eastoe: Fig. 1) coupled to the third pressure sensor, the fourth pressure sensor and the second temperature probe (Louwagie: see Fig. 1), wherein the second temperature probe (Louwagie: 8) is coupled to the second multivariable transmitter by a mineral-insulated cable (Gray: Abstract and col. 7, lines 18-25) that has an outer metallic surface that is suitable for exposure to saltwater (Hirose: 1E; Fig. 4; 20E; Embodiment 5);
wherein the outer surface (Louwagie: 12) of the first temperature probe (Louwagie: 8, 10, 12) is welded to a housing of the first multivariable transmitter (Louwagie: col. 8, lines 62-64) and wherein the outer surface (Louwagie: 12) of the second temperature probe (Eastoe: 33 and Louwagie: 8, 10, 12) is welded to a housing of the second multivariable transmitter (Louwagie: col. 8, lines 62-64).
As for claim 39, Louwagie as modified by Strei, Eastoe, Hirose, Gray and Wu discloses that the multivariable transmitter is configured to calculate a process fluid flow output based on a signal from the first pressure sensor, a signal from the second pressure sensor, and the indication of process fluid temperature (Louwagie: col. 1, lines 50-57 and Eastoe: paragraph [0065]).
As for claim 44, Louwagie as modified by Strei, Eastoe, Hirose, Gray and Wu discloses the first and second holes are disposed on opposite sides of the process fluid circuit (Eastoe: see Fig.1 ).
Claim 38 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over U.S. Patent 5,495,769 issued to Louwagie et al. (“Louwagie”) in view of U.S. Patent 9,234,776 issued to Strei (“Strei”), U.S. Patent Application Publication 2018/0106648 by Eastoe et al. (“Eastoe”), JP 2015-038841 by Hirose (“Hirose”), U.S. Patent 4,407,065 issued to Gray (“Gray”) and CN 2015-75870-U by Wu et al. (“Wu”) as applied to claim 36, further in view of U.S. Patent 8,840,301 issued to Hashemian et al. (“Hashemian”).
As for claim 38, Louwagie as modified by Strei, Eastoe, Hirose, Gray and Wu discloses the multivariable transmitter of claim 36 (see the rejection of claim 36 above) and that at least one of the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor (Louwagie: 8) is an RTD element (Louwagie: col. 4, lines 35-38)
Louwagie as modified by Strei, Eastoe, Hirose, Gray and Wu does not explicitly disclose that the RTD element is a dual element RTD.
However, Hashemian discloses an RTD element that is a dual element type RTD (see Fig. 2).
It would have been obvious for one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present application to modify the RTD element of Louwagie, Strei, Eastoe, Hirose, Gray and Wu to be a dual element type as disclosed by Hashemian in order to maintain diversity while increasing redundancy in measuring an environment’s temperature (Hashemian: col. 4, line 11-15).
Claim 40 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over U.S. Patent 5,495,769 issued to Louwagie et al. (“Louwagie”) in view of U.S. Patent 9,234,776 issued to Strei (“Strei”), U.S. Patent Application Publication 2018/0106648 by Eastoe et al. (“Eastoe”), JP 2015-038841 by Hirose (“Hirose”), U.S. Patent 4,407,065 issued to Gray (“Gray”) and CN 2015-75870-U by Wu et al. (“Wu”) as applied to claim 36, further in view of U.S. Patent 8,033,175 issued to Sundet et al. (“Sundet”).
As for claim 40, Louwagie as modified by Strei, Eastoe, Hirose, Gray and Wu discloses the multivariable transmitter of claim 36 (see the rejection of claim 36 above).
Louwagie as modified by Strei, Eastoe, Hirose, Gray and Wu does not explicitly disclose that the multivariable transmitter is configured to provide an indication of line pressure, differential pressure, and temperature.
However, Sundet discloses a multivariable transmitter (10) that is configured to provide an indication of line pressure, differential pressure, and temperature (see step 416).
It would have been obvious for one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present application to modify the multivariable transmitter of Louwagie, Strei, Eastoe, Hirose, Gray and Wu to provide an indication of line pressure, differential pressure, and temperature as disclosed by Sundet in order to allow a user to monitor the line pressure, differential pressure, and temperature of the process fluid.
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s arguments with respect to claims 26 and 36 have been considered but are moot in view of the new grounds of rejection.
Conclusion
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/JUSTIN N OLAMIT/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2853
