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 .
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and the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e) has been timely paid, the finality of the previous Office action has been withdrawn pursuant to 37 CFR 1.114.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 09/19/2025 has been entered.
Response to Amendment
Applicant has submitted amendments to the claims on 09/19/2025.
Claim Interpretation
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(f):
(f) Element in Claim for a Combination. – An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof.
The following is a quotation of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph:
An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof.
This application includes one or more claim limitations that do not use the word “means,” but are nonetheless being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, because the claim limitation(s) uses a generic placeholder that is coupled with functional language without reciting sufficient structure to perform the recited function and the generic placeholder is not preceded by a structural modifier. Such claim limitation(s) is/are: control circuitry in claim 21, 29.
Because this/these claim limitation(s) is/are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, it/they is/are being interpreted to cover the corresponding structure described in the specification as performing the claimed function, and equivalents thereof.
If applicant does not intend to have this/these limitation(s) interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, applicant may: (1) amend the claim limitation(s) to avoid it/them being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph (e.g., by reciting sufficient structure to perform the claimed function); or (2) present a sufficient showing that the claim limitation(s) recite(s) sufficient structure to perform the claimed function so as to avoid it/them being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph.
Regarding control circuitry in claim 21 and 29, the generic placeholder is given functional language without providing a corresponding structure. Claim 22 provides a structure of a thermostat for the control circuitry. The instant specification also provides a structure as a wire detection circuit that has first and second wire sensing circuits. For the purpose of examination, the control circuitry is any device that can perform the claimed function.
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 (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) 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.
Claim(s) 21-26 and 35 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Kates ‘657 (US PUB. 20150330657, herein Kates ‘657) in view of Storm et al (US PUB. 20120228393, herein Storm) in further view of Frank et al (US PUB. 20160018122, herein Frank).
Regarding claim 21, Kates ‘657 teaches A Heating, Cooling and Ventilation (HVAC) controller system comprising:
control circuitry for receiving a plurality of signals from a plurality of sensors, each of the signals indicating a current temperature for a space in which a corresponding sensor is located (0040 “Sensors 101-105 monitor the temperature in various areas (zones) of the house. A zone can be a room, a floor, a group of rooms, etc. The sensors 101-105 detect where and when heating or cooling air is needed. Information from the sensors 101-105 is used to control actuators that adjust the flow of air to the various zones”);
a display configured to display a sensor priority screen (0095 “the central console 1300 displays the current temperature, setpoint temperature, temperature slope, and priority of each zone.”), wherein:
the sensor priority screen includes a plurality of graphic constructs (0042 “A control panel 301 provides one or more visual displays and, optionally, one or more user controls”), [wherein each graphic construct of the plurality of graphic constructs corresponds to a different sensor of the plurality of sensors] and displays a current temperature reported by the corresponding sensor (0070 “controller 1101 uses the visual display 1110 to show the current temperature”)
and wherein the control circuitry is further configured to control the HVAC system based on temperatures received from the subset of sensors that are designated as the priority spaces (0040 “Sensors 101-105 monitor the temperature in various areas (zones) of the house. A zone can be a room, a floor, a group of rooms, etc. The sensors 101-105 detect where and when heating or cooling air is needed. Information from the sensors 101-105 is used to control actuators that adjust the flow of air to the various zones”, 0095 “The central system determines how much to open or close ECRVs 702-705 according to the available heating and cooling capacity of the HVAC system and according to the priority of the zones and the difference between the desired temperature and actual temperature of each zone” ).
Kates ‘657 does not teach wherein each graphic construct of the plurality of graphic constructs corresponds to a different sensor of the plurality of sensors, the sensor priority screen identifies a subset of the plurality of graphic constructs that correspond to a subset of sensors that are designated as priority spaces and currently being used by the controller in controlling the HVAC system, and the sensor priority screen provides an indication of which spaces in the building structure are currently calling for HVAC system activation, a user interface configured to receive an input from a user to select which sensors of the plurality of sensors are designated as sensors corresponding to the priority spaces.
Storm teaches wherein each graphic construct of the plurality of graphic constructs corresponds to a different sensor of the plurality of sensors (0046 “a user may selectively operate virtual buttons 608 to successively display other zones having humidity sensors associated with them”)
the sensor priority screen identifies a subset of the plurality of graphic constructs that correspond to a subset of sensors that are designated as priority spaces and currently being used by the controller in controlling the HVAC system (0048 “A second zone (represented by a virtual button 806) may be selectively assigned as the humidity priority zone by operating the virtual button 806. The operation of the virtual button 806 may assign the second zone of the first HVAC system 100 as the humidity priority zone and may further cause the system controller 106 to display a humidity system overview menu 900.”, 0021 “Some HVAC systems comprising a humidity sensor use feedback from the humidity sensor to control indoor humidity” 0052 “user may select one of the humidity sensors and cause the selected humidity sensor to be assigned as the humidity priority sensor”, 0015 “FIG. 1 showing a first zone of a first system as a humidity priority zone for the first system”) ,
and the sensor priority screen provides an indication of which spaces in the building structure are currently calling for HVAC system activation (0051 “a humidity sensor may be provided in a kitchen area, bathroom, exercise room, and/or any other room, zone, and/or area commonly associated with relatively large and/or relatively fast fluctuations in humidity. After providing the humidity sensors, the method may progress to block 1120”, 0052 “At block 1120, a one of the plurality of humidity sensors may be assigned as the humidity priority sensor. In some embodiments, a user may select one of the humidity sensors and cause the selected humidity sensor to be assigned as the humidity priority sensor”, 0053 “At block 1130, the method 1100 may proceed to operate the HVAC system 100 in response to feedback from the assigned humidity priority sensor. In some embodiments, operation of the HVAC system…operation of the HVAC system 100 may comprise controlling the HVAC system 100 to increase humidity in response to a measured humidity being less than a target humidity”, fig. 5 shows a screen calling for humidity HVAC activation), [wherein currently calling for HVAC system activation includes outputting a control signal to the cause the HVAC controller to control the HVAC system]
a user interface configured to receive an input from a user to select which sensors of the plurality of sensors are designated as sensors corresponding to the priority spaces (0052 “user may select one of the humidity sensors and cause the selected humidity sensor to be assigned as the humidity priority sensor”, 0015 “FIG. 1 showing a first zone of a first system as a humidity priority zone for the first system”).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the instant application to have modified the zone priority teachings of Kates ‘657 with the graphical user interface teachings of Storm since Storm teaches a means for selectively control which of the humidity sensors affects operation of the HVAC system based off users desires (0005-0007).
The cited prior art do not teach wherein currently calling for HVAC system activation includes outputting a control signal to the cause the HVAC controller to control the HVAC system.
Frank teaches and the sensor priority screen provides an indication of which spaces in the building structure are currently calling for HVAC system activation (taught above) wherein currently calling for HVAC system activation includes outputting a control signal to the cause the HVAC controller to control the HVAC system (fig. 5a, 5b, 0043 “the user can be provided with an option 510 that will place a temporary hold on the thermostat by setting thermostat so that the user's HVAC system will not be activated until the temperature within the property reaches a threshold temperature, as described above. For example, the user can set a threshold temperature of 72 degrees. If, after opening the windows, the temperature within the property rises to the threshold temperature, then the user can be provided with a subsequent notification 552, as illustrated in FIG. 5(b), describing the change in the property's temperature and confirming 554 that the user wants to activate the HVAC system and close any ventilation openings”).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the instant application to have modified the Kates ‘657 with the graphical user interface teachings of Storm with the interface of Frank since Frank teaches a means for confirming an upcoming activation of a HVAC system (0043).
Regarding claim 22, Kates ‘657, Storms and Frank teach The HVAC controller system of claim 21.
Kates ‘657 teaches wherein a thermostat comprises the control circuitry (0012 “occupants can set the thermostat on the EVCR to control the temperature of the area or room containing the ECRV”).
Regarding claim 23, Kates ‘657, Storms and Frank teach the HVAC controller system of claim 22.
Kates ‘657 teaches wherein the thermostat further comprises the display and the user interface (0070 “In the zone thermostat 1100, a temperature sensor 1102 is provided to a controller 1101. User input controls 1103 are also provided to the controller 1101 to allow the user to specify a setpoint temperature. A visual display 1110 is provided to the controller 1101”).
Regarding claim 24, Kates ‘657, Storms and Frank teach the HVAC controller system of claim 22.
Kates ‘657 teaches further comprising: a remote computing device comprising the display and the user interface (0075 “the zone control functions of the blocks 710, 810, 910 are provided by a computer program running on a control system processor, and the control system processor interfaces with personal computer to provide the console 1300 on the personal computer…In one embodiment, the occupants can use the Internet, telephone, cellular telephone, pager, etc. to remotely access the central system to control the temperature, priority, etc. of one or more zones”).
Regarding claim 25, Kates ‘657, Storms and Frank teach the HVAC controller system of claim 24.
Kates ‘657 teaches wherein the remote computing devices comprises one of a smartphone or a tablet computer (0075 “the zone control functions of the blocks 710, 810, 910 are provided by a computer program running on a control system processor, and the control system processor interfaces with personal computer to provide the console 1300 on the personal computer…In one embodiment, the occupants can use the Internet, telephone, cellular telephone, pager, etc. to remotely access the central system to control the temperature, priority, etc. of one or more zones”).
Regarding claim 26, Kates ‘657, Storms and Frank teach The HVAC controller system of claim 22.
Kates ‘657 teaches wherein the thermostat comprises one of the plurality of sensors (0017 “the EVCR and/or the zoned thermostat includes an occupant sensor, such as, for example, an infrared sensor, motion sensor, ultrasonic sensor, etc”).
Regarding claim 35, Kates ‘657, Storm and Frank teach The HVAC controller system of claim 21.
Storm teaches wherein the sensor priority screen displays an indication of which spaces in the building structure are currently calling for HVAC activation (0051 “a humidity sensor may be provided in a kitchen area, bathroom, exercise room, and/or any other room, zone, and/or area commonly associated with relatively large and/or relatively fast fluctuations in humidity. After providing the humidity sensors, the method may progress to block 1120”, 0052 “At block 1120, a one of the plurality of humidity sensors may be assigned as the humidity priority sensor. In some embodiments, a user may select one of the humidity sensors and cause the selected humidity sensor to be assigned as the humidity priority sensor”, 0053 “At block 1130, the method 1100 may proceed to operate the HVAC system 100 in response to feedback from the assigned humidity priority sensor. In some embodiments, operation of the HVAC system…operation of the HVAC system 100 may comprise controlling the HVAC system 100 to increase humidity in response to a measured humidity being less than a target humidity”, fig. 5 shows a screen calling for humidity HVAC activation).
Claim(s) 28 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Kates ‘657 (US PUB. 20150330657, herein Kates ‘657) in view of Storm et al (US PUB. 20120228393, herein Storm) in further view of Frank et al (US PUB. 20160018122, herein Frank) in further view of Kates (US PUB. 20060071089, herein Kates ‘089).
Regarding claim 28, Kates ‘657, Storms and Frank teach The HVAC controller system of claim 21.
The cited prior art do not teach wherein the control circuitry comprises a wall mountable thermostat, and the HVAC system is a non-zoned HVAC system.
Kates ‘089 teaches wherein the control circuitry comprises a wall mountable thermostat, and the HVAC system is a non-zoned HVAC system (claim 28 “said zone thermostat and said light switch configured to be installed in a standard electrical wall switch enclosure”).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the instant application to have modified the zone priority teachings of Kates ‘657, the graphical user interface teachings of Storm and the teachings of Frank with the teachings of Kate ‘089 since Kate ‘089 teaches that thermostat installed in an electrical wall enclosure is the standard way (claim 28).
Claim(s) 29-34, 36-38, and 40 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Kates ‘657 (US PUB. 20150330657, herein Kates ‘657) in view of Storm et al (US PUB. 20120228393, herein Storm) in further view of Thind (US PUB. 20100235004).
Regarding claim 29, Kates ‘657 A Heating, Cooling and Ventilation (HVAC) controller system comprising:
control circuitry for receiving a plurality of signals from a plurality of sensors, each of the signals indicating a current environmental condition for a space in a building structure in which a corresponding sensor is located and an indication of occupancy for the space in which the corresponding sensor is located (0040 “Sensors 101-105 monitor the temperature in various areas (zones) of the house. A zone can be a room, a floor, a group of rooms, etc. The sensors 101-105 detect where and when heating or cooling air is needed. Information from the sensors 101-105 is used to control actuators that adjust the flow of air to the various zones”, 0074 “an occupant sensor 1201 is provided to the controller 1101”, 0095 “central console 1300 displays the current temperature, setpoint temperature, temperature slope, and priority of each zone”);
a display configured to display a sensor priority screen (0095 “the central console 1300 displays the current temperature, setpoint temperature, temperature slope, and priority of each zone.”) that includes a plurality of graphic constructs (0042 “A control panel 301 provides one or more visual displays and, optionally, one or more user controls”), [where each graphic construct of the plurality of graphic constructs displayed on the sensor priority screen]:
corresponds to a different sensor in a different space in the building structure (0040 “Sensors 101-105 monitor the temperature in various areas (zones) of the house. A zone can be a room, a floor, a group of rooms, etc. The sensors 101-105 detect where and when heating or cooling air is needed. Information from the sensors 101-105 is used to control actuators that adjust the flow of air to the various zones”, 0095 “The central system determines how much to open or close ECRVs 702-705 according to the available heating and cooling capacity of the HVAC system and according to the priority of the zones and the difference between the desired temperature and actual temperature of each zone”);
displays a current environmental condition for the corresponding space (0095 “central console 1300 displays the current temperature, setpoint temperature, temperature slope, and priority of each zone”)
and wherein the control circuitry is further configured to control the HVAC system in accordance with at least some of the plurality of the current environmental conditions for the spaces designated as the priority spaces in the building structure (0040 “Sensors 101-105 monitor the temperature in various areas (zones) of the house. A zone can be a room, a floor, a group of rooms, etc. The sensors 101-105 detect where and when heating or cooling air is needed. Information from the sensors 101-105 is used to control actuators that adjust the flow of air to the various zones”, 0095 “The central system determines how much to open or close ECRVs 702-705 according to the available heating and cooling capacity of the HVAC system and according to the priority of the zones and the difference between the desired temperature and actual temperature of each zone”).
Kates ‘657 does not teach where each graphic construct of the plurality of graphic constructs displayed on the sensor priority screen displays a current occupancy status for the corresponding space; and displays an indication of whether the corresponding sensor for the corresponding space is designated as a priority space such that the sensor belongs to a subset of sensors from the plurality of remote sensors that are currently being used by the controller in controlling the HVAC system; a user interface configured to receive an input from a user to select which spaces are designated as priority spaces.
Storm teaches where each graphic construct of the plurality of graphic constructs displayed on the sensor priority screen (0046 “a user may selectively operate virtual buttons 608 to successively display other zones having humidity sensors associated with them”)
and displays an indication of whether the corresponding sensor for the corresponding space is designated as a priority space such that the sensor belongs to a subset of sensors from the plurality of remote sensors that are currently being used by the controller in controlling the HVAC system (0053 “operation of the HVAC system 100 may comprise controlling the HVAC system 100 to increase humidity in response to a measured humidity being less than a target humidity”, 0052 “user may select one of the humidity sensors and cause the selected humidity sensor to be assigned as the humidity priority sensor”, 0015 “FIG. 1 showing a first zone of a first system as a humidity priority zone for the first system” fig. 5 shows a screen calling for humidity HVAC activation)
a user interface configured to receive an input from a user to select which spaces are designated as priority spaces (0052 “user may select one of the humidity sensors and cause the selected humidity sensor to be assigned as the humidity priority sensor”, 0015 “FIG. 1 showing a first zone of a first system as a humidity priority zone for the first system”).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the instant application to have modified the zone priority teachings of Kates ‘657 with the graphical user interface teachings of Storm since Storm teaches a means for selectively control which of the humidity sensors affects operation of the HVAC system based off users desires (0005-0007).
Kates ‘657 and Storm do not teach displays a current occupancy status for the corresponding space.
Thind teaches displays a current occupancy status for the corresponding space (0009 “controlled environmental conditions are displayed on a graphical user interface, for example, by overlaying temperature heat maps and occupancy maps on a floor plan of the occupancy space.”).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the instant application to have modified the zone priority teachings of Kates ‘657 with the graphical user interface teachings of Storm with the occupancy map teachings of Thind since Thind teaches a means for predicting control settings through user occupancy (0010).
Regarding claim 30, Kates ‘657, Storm and Thind teach The HVAC controller system of claim 29.
Kates ‘657 teaches wherein a thermostat comprises the control circuitry (0012 “occupants can set the thermostat on the EVCR to control the temperature of the area or room containing the ECRV”).
Regarding claim 31, Kates ‘657, Storm and Thind teach The HVAC controller system of claim 30.
Kates ‘657 teaches wherein the thermostat further comprises the display and the user interface (0070 “In the zone thermostat 1100, a temperature sensor 1102 is provided to a controller 1101. User input controls 1103 are also provided to the controller 1101 to allow the user to specify a setpoint temperature. A visual display 1110 is provided to the controller 1101”).
Regarding claim 32, Kates ‘657, Storm and Thind teach The HVAC controller system of claim 30.
Kates ‘657 teaches further comprising: a remote computing device comprising the display and the user interface (0075 “the zone control functions of the blocks 710, 810, 910 are provided by a computer program running on a control system processor, and the control system processor interfaces with personal computer to provide the console 1300 on the personal computer…In one embodiment, the occupants can use the Internet, telephone, cellular telephone, pager, etc. to remotely access the central system to control the temperature, priority, etc. of one or more zones”).
Regarding claim 33, Kates ‘657, Storm and Thind teach the HVAC controller system of claim 32.
Kates ‘657 teaches wherein the remote computing devices comprises one of a smartphone or a tablet computer (0075 “the zone control functions of the blocks 710, 810, 910 are provided by a computer program running on a control system processor, and the control system processor interfaces with personal computer to provide the console 1300 on the personal computer…In one embodiment, the occupants can use the Internet, telephone, cellular telephone, pager, etc. to remotely access the central system to control the temperature, priority, etc. of one or more zones”).
Regarding claim 34, Kates ‘657, Storm and Thind teach The HVAC controller system of claim 30.
Kates ‘657 teaches wherein the thermostat comprises one of the plurality of sensors (0017 “the EVCR and/or the zoned thermostat includes an occupant sensor, such as, for example, an infrared sensor, motion sensor, ultrasonic sensor, etc”).
Regarding claim 36, Kates ‘657, Storm and Thind teach The HVAC controller system of claim 29.
Thind teaches wherein the at least some of the plurality of the current environmental conditions for the spaces designated as the priority spaces in the building structure comprises current environmental conditions for priority spaces that are determined to be occupied (fig. 10).
Regarding claim 37, Kates ‘657, Storm and Thind teach The HVAC controller system of claim 29.
Kates ‘657 teaches wherein at least some of the plurality of sensors include a motion sensor for sensing occupancy (0074 “the occupant sensor 1201, such as, for example, an infrared sensor, motion sensor, ultrasonic sensor, etc”).
Regarding claim 38, Kates ‘657, Storm and Thind teach the HVAC controller system of claim 29.
Kates ‘657 teaches wherein the current environmental condition comprises a current temperature (0095 “central console 1300 displays the current temperature, setpoint temperature, temperature slope, and priority of each zone”).
Regarding claim 40, Kates ‘657, Storm and Thind teach the HVAC controller system of claim 29.
Storm teaches wherein the sensor priority screen highlights the graphic constructs corresponding to the subset of sensors (0052 “user may select one of the humidity sensors and cause the selected humidity sensor to be assigned as the humidity priority sensor”, 0015 “FIG. 1 showing a first zone of a first system as a humidity priority zone for the first system”).
Claim(s) 39 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Kates ‘657 (US PUB. 20150330657, herein Kates ‘657) in view of Storm et al (US PUB. 20120228393, herein Storm) in further view of Thind (US PUB. 20100235004) in further view of Kates (US PUB. 20060071089, herein Kates ‘089).
Regarding claim 39, Kates ‘657, Storm and Thind teach the HVAC controller system of claim 29.
Kates ‘657, Storm and Thind do not teach wherein the control circuitry comprises a wall mountable thermostat, and the HVAC system is a non-zoned HVAC system.
Kates ‘089 teaches wherein the control circuitry comprises a wall mountable thermostat, and the HVAC system is a non-zoned HVAC system (claim 28 “said zone thermostat and said light switch configured to be installed in a standard electrical wall switch enclosure”).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the instant application to have modified the zone priority teachings of Kates ‘657 and the graphical user interface teachings of Storm and the teachings of Thind with the teachings of Kate ‘089 since Kate ‘089 teaches that thermostat installed in an electrical wall enclosure is the standard way (claim 28).
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s arguments, filed 09/19/2025, with respect to the rejection(s) of claim(s) 21 under 35 USC 103 have been fully considered and are persuasive. Therefore, the rejection has been withdrawn. However, upon further consideration, a new ground(s) of rejection is made in view of Kates ‘657 (US PUB. 20150330657, herein Kates ‘657) in view of Storm et al (US PUB. 20120228393, herein Storm) in further view of Frank et al (US PUB. 20160018122, herein Frank).
Applicant argues that the cited prior art does not teach that sensor priority screen provides an indication of which spaces in the building structure are currently calling for HVAC system activation, wherein currently calling for HVAC system activation includes outputting a control signal to the cause the HVAC controller to control the HVAC system.
Examiner respectfully disagrees. Storm informs a user of what the system’s desirable humidity setting is which means it suggests to the user a particular course of action for HVAC system activation. Storm teaches humidity sensor that are provided in rooms/zones (0051). Specific humidity sensors can be given priority (0051 0052). The HVAC system is operated in response to feedback from the assigned humidity sensor which is associated with a specific zone(s)/room(s) which means that the call for HVAC activation provides an indication of which spaces in the building structure are currently calling for HVAC system activation.
In regards to the amendments to claim 21, while Storm teaches controlling the HVAC system in response to a measured humidity being less than a target humidity, Frank has been introduced as a result of further search and consideration. Frank teaches that the system is capable of calling for an HVAC system activation by notifying that the temperature inside has passed a threshold and receives confirmation from the user that the user wants to activate the HVAC system (0043). This corresponds to the broadest reasonable interpretation of the argued limitation.
Therefore, claim 21 is rejected along with their respective dependent claims. Applicant argues claim 29 is patentable for similar reasons as claim 21. Claim 21 for the reasons stated above and thus claim 29 and its respective dependent claims are rejected as well.
Conclusion
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/TAMEEM D SIDDIQUEE/
Primary Examiner
Art Unit 2116