DETAILED ACTION
Response to Arguments
Rejections under 35 USC 103
Applicant’s arguments filed 06/16/2026, with respect to the rejection(s) of claims 1-24 under 35 USC 103 have been fully considered and, in view of the amendments to claims 1 and 10, are persuasive. Therefore, the rejection has been withdrawn. However, upon further consideration, a new ground(s) of rejection is made in view of Goldman (US 20190152135 A1).
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 .
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.
The factual inquiries for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows:
1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art.
2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue.
3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.
4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness.
Claims 1-3, 5-7, 9-10, 12-18, 20, 22 and 24 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Torii, et. al. (US 5185512 A), hereinafter Torii, in view of Catania, et. al. (US 5477597 A), hereinafter Catania, and Goldman (US 20190152135 A1).
Regarding claim 1, Torii teaches an apparatus (laser robot, Col. 2, lines 22-26), comprising: a chassis (drive motor Mv and support structures of the drive motor Mv, including housing 24 which encloses a joint joining the output shaft of the drive motor, Col. 4, lines 23-43, Figs. 3 and 4); a transmission mechanism coupled to the chassis (transmission mechanism (including ball screw shaft 30, screw nut 32, and linkage 34), connects to output shaft of drive motor via joint, see Fig. 3 where 30 connects to 24, Col. 4, lines 23-43); and a radiation head coupled to the transmission mechanism (end part including laser beam projecting unit 20 is coupled to transmission mechanism (30, 32, 34) via robot wrist 18, robot arm 16 swivel post 14, Fig. 3, Col. 4, lines 44-56) and comprising:
a radiation source emitting radiation in a direction (laser beam projecting unit 20 emits laser in direction, see arrow showing direction of laser beam in Fig. 3);
wherein the radiation head is moveable with respect to the chassis (motion “V” shown by arrows in Fig. 3 is relative to housing 24 and support structures of the drive motor Mv, Col. 3, lines 41-49).
Although Torii teaches a transmission mechanism (30,32, 34), Torii does not teach a gearbox. Further, Torii does not teach a heat exchanger thermally coupled to the radiation source such that the heat exchanger transfers heat away from the radiation source.
Catania teaches a gearbox (gearbox 358, Figs. 16, 18, and 19, Col. 13 line 48-Col. 14 line 17. The gearbox 358 has an output shaft and couples to head means 314 via arm means 310).
Catania modifies Torii by suggesting a gearbox.
Since both inventions are directed to apparatuses for additive manufacturing, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to incorporate the teachings of Catania because the gearbox, in conjunction with the drive motor and the capstan allows for arcuate motion of the head means within the contour of the inner surface of a workpiece (Col. 13 line 48-Col. 14 line 17).
Goldman teaches a heat exchanger thermally coupled to the radiation source such that the heat exchanger transfers heat away from the radiation source (heat sink 817 is thermally coupled to light source 801 and transfers heat away from the light source, as disclosed in [0071] and picture in Fig. 8).
Goldman modifies the combination by suggesting a heat exchanger thermally coupled to the radiation source that transfers heat away from the radiation source.
Since both inventions are directed to apparatuses for additive manufacturing, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to incorporate the teachings of Goldman because the heat sink can absorb the heat produced by the light source to help control the temperature of the additive fabrication device in general the radiation source in particular, (Goldman, [0071]).
Regarding claim 2, Torii teaches wherein the radiation head is moveable in an angular movement that changes the direction of a radiation emitting from the radiation head (motion “V” shown by arrows in Fig. 3, Col. 3, lines 41-49).
Regarding claim 3, Torii teaches wherein the chassis comprises a motor (drive motor Mv, Col. 4, lines 23-43, Figs. 3 and 4).
Regarding claim 5, Torii teaches further comprising a mounting arm coupled between the transmission mechanism and the radiation head (robot arm 16 with robot wrist 18, Col. 3, lines 41-49 and Col. 4, lines 44-56, Fig. 3).
Although Torii teaches a transmission mechanism (30,32, 34), Torii does not teach a gearbox.
Catania teaches a gearbox (gearbox 358, Figs. 16, 18, and 19, Col. 13 line 48-Col. 14 line 17. The gearbox 358 has an output shaft and couples to head means 314 via arm means 310).
Catania modifies Torii by suggesting a gearbox.
Since both inventions are directed to apparatuses for additive manfacturing, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to incorporate the teachings of Catania because the gearbox, in conjunction with the drive motor and the capstan allows for arcuate motion of the head means within the contour of the inner surface of a workpiece (Col. 13 line 48-Col. 14 line 17).
Regarding claim 6, Torii in view of Catania does not teach wherein the radiation head comprises a fan.
Goldman teaches wherein the radiation head comprises a fan (cooling fan 816, [0071], Fig. 8).
Goldman modifies the combination by suggesting the radiation head comprises a fan.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to incorporate the teachings of Goldman because a cooling fan can absorb heat produced by the radiation source and help to control the temperature of the additive fabrication device in general and the radiation source in particular (Goldman, [0071]).
Regarding claim 7, Torii in view of Catania does not teach wherein the heat exchanger is coupled to the fan.
Goldman teaches the heat exchanger is coupled to the fan (heat sink 817 and cooling fan 816 are coupled, as shown in Fig. 8, [0071]).
Goldman modifies the combination by suggesting a heat exchanger coupled to the fan.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to incorporate the teachings of Goldman because the heat sink functions with the cooling fan to absorb heat produced by the radiation source and help to control the temperature of the additive fabrication device in general and the radiation source in particular (Goldman, [0071]).
Regarding claim 9, Torii teaches further comprising a change tool (support bracket 22, Fig. 3) coupled to the chassis (support bracket couples to housing 24 which supports drive motor Mv, Fig. 3), for coupling the apparatus to an arm of a robot (22 couples interpreted apparatus (drive motor Mv, housing 24, transmission mechanism 30, 32, 34, and laser beam projecting unit 20) to robot swivel post 14, the interpreted robot arm).
Regarding claim 10, Torii teaches an apparatus (laser robot, Col. 2, lines 22-26), comprising: a chassis including a motor having a shaft (drive motor Mv, support structures of the drive motor Mv, including housing 24 which encloses a joint joining the output shaft of the drive motor, Col. 4, lines 23-43, Figs. 3 and 4); a change tool coupled to the chassis (support bracket 22 couples to drive motor Mv and housing 24 and acts as a connecting piece between Mv, 24 and the robot swivel post 14, Col. 4, lines 23-43, Fig. 3); a mounting arm (robot arm 16 with robot wrist 18, Col. 3, lines 41-49 and Col. 4, lines 44-56, Fig. 3); a transmission mechanism coupled to the shaft and the mounting arm, for translating rotation of the shaft into movement of the mounting arm (transmission mechanism (including ball screw shaft 30, screw nut 32, and linkage 34), Col. 4, lines 44-56); and a radiation head coupled to the mounting arm, and comprising: a radiation source emitting radiation in a direction (laser beam projecting unit 20, see arrow showing direction of laser beam in Fig. 3), wherein a movement of the mounting arm changes the direction of emission of a radiation from the radiation head (Fig. 3).
Torii does not teach a gearbox coupled to the shaft and the mounting arm, for translating rotation of the shaft into movement of the mounting arm. Further, Torii does not teach a heat exchanger thermally coupled to the radiation source such that the heat exchanger transfers heat away from the radiation source.
Catania teaches a gearbox (gearbox 358) coupled to the shaft and the mounting arm, for translating rotation of the shaft into movement of the mounting arm (gearbox 358 is coupled to output shaft and arm means 310. Rotation of output shaft translates into movement of the arm means 310 via capstan 362, Col. 13 line 48-Col. 14 line 17).
Catania modifies Torii by suggesting a gearbox coupled to the shaft and the mounting arm for translating rotation of the shaft into movement of the mounting arm.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to incorporate the teachings of Catania because the gearbox, in conjunction with the drive motor, the output shaft, and the capstan allows for arcuate motion of the arm means and head means within the contour of the inner surface of a workpiece (Col. 13 line 48-Col. 14 line 17).
Goldman teaches a heat exchanger thermally coupled to the radiation source such that the heat exchanger transfers heat away from the radiation source (heat sink 817 is thermally coupled to light source 801 and transfers heat away from the light source, as disclosed in [0071] and picture in Fig. 8).
Goldman modifies the combination by suggesting a heat exchanger thermally coupled to the radiation source that transfers heat away from the radiation source.
Since both inventions are directed to apparatuses for additive manufacturing, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to incorporate the teachings of Goldman because the heat sink can absorb the heat produced by the light source to help control the temperature of the additive fabrication device in general the radiation source in particular, (Goldman, [0071]).
Regarding claim 12, Torii teaches wherein the movement of the mounting arm is normal to the direction of emission of radiation (Figure 3 shows motion “V” as being normal to the direction of the laser beam).
Regarding claim 13, Torii teaches wherein the movement of the mounting arm moves the radiation head in an arc (Col. 3, lines 41-49, “swing motion” is arc-shaped shown by “V” in Fig. 3).
Regarding claim 14, Torii teaches wherein the movement of the mounting arm includes moving the radiation head about a nominal position (robot arm 16 produces swing motion “V” about the horizontal position shown in Fig. 3).
Regarding claim 15, Torii teaches wherein the arc extends from the nominal position in a first direction and a second direction opposite that of the first direction (robot arm 16 produces swing motion “V”, where the motion is upward and downward from the horizontal position, as shown in Fig. 3).
Regarding claim 16, Torii teaches wherein the movement of the mounting arm includes at least one stop location (a location where the robot arm is stopped i.e., to direct the laser beam projecting unit toward the desired position, Col. 1, lines 29-40, or inherently when the apparatus is off and the mounting arm is in a stationary position.).
Regarding claim 17, Torii in view of Catania does not teach wherein the radiation head comprises a fan.
Goldman teaches wherein the radiation head comprises a fan (cooling fan 816, [0071], Fig. 8).
Goldman modifies the combination by suggesting the radiation head comprises a fan.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to incorporate the teachings of Goldman because a cooling fan can absorb heat produced by the radiation source and help to control the temperature of the additive fabrication device in general and the radiation source in particular (Goldman, [0071]).
Regarding claim 18, Torii in view of Catania does not teach wherein the heat exchanger is coupled to the fan.
Goldman teaches the heat exchanger is coupled to the fan (heat sink 817 and cooling fan 816 are coupled, as shown in Fig. 8, [0071]).
Goldman modifies the combination by suggesting a heat exchanger coupled to the fan.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to incorporate the teachings of Goldman because the heat sink functions with the cooling fan to absorb heat produced by the radiation source and help to control the temperature of the additive fabrication device in general and the radiation source in particular (Goldman, [0071]).
Regarding claim 20, Torii teaches wherein the change tool (support bracket 22, Fig. 3) couples the apparatus to an arm of a robot (22 couples interpreted apparatus (drive motor Mv, housing 24, transmission mechanism 30, 32, 34, robot arm 16 and robot wrist 18, and laser beam projecting unit 20) to robot swivel post 14, the interpreted robot arm).
Regarding claim 22, Although Torii teaches a radiation head (end part including laser projecting unit 20, Fig. 3) and a mounting arm (robot wrist 18, robot arm 16 swivel post 14, Fig. 3), Torii does not teach wherein the radiation head comprises a fan, and wherein the fan is coupled to the mounting arm.
Goldman teaches the radiation head comprises a fan (light sources 801, moveable stage 802, cooling fan 816, and heat sink 817 are collectively interpreted as the radiation head, Fig. 8, [0070]-[0071]), wherein the fan is coupled to the mounting arm (cooling fan 816 is coupled to the beams/posts on either side of the interpreted radiation head. Said posts are interpreted as the mounting arm because they are arm-like (have long length and extend from something) and mounts the lens 805 to the interpreted radiation head).
Goldman modifies the combination by suggesting a radiation head comprising a fan coupled to the mounting arm.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to incorporate the teachings of Goldman because the fan can absorb the heat produced by the light source to help control the temperature of the additive fabrication device in general the radiation source in particular, (Goldman, [0071]), and because a mounting arm coupled to the fan creates a configuration that connects the elements of the device together into a functional form, (see Fig. 8 of Goldman).
Regarding claim 24, Although Torii teaches a radiation head (end part including laser projecting unit 20, Fig. 3) and a mounting arm (robot wrist 18, robot arm 16 swivel post 14, Fig. 3), Torii does not teach wherein the radiation head comprises a fan, and wherein the fan is coupled to the mounting arm.
Goldman teaches the radiation head comprises a fan (light sources 801, moveable stage 802, cooling fan 816, and heat sink 817 are collectively interpreted as the radiation head, Fig. 8, [0070]-[0071]), wherein the fan is coupled to the mounting arm (cooling fan 816 is coupled to the beams/posts on either side of the interpreted radiation head. Said posts are interpreted as the mounting arm because they are arm-like (have long length and extend from something) and mounts the lens 805 to the interpreted radiation head).
Goldman modifies the combination by suggesting a radiation head comprising a fan coupled to the mounting arm.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to incorporate the teachings of Goldman because the fan can absorb the heat produced by the light source to help control the temperature of the additive fabrication device in general the radiation source in particular, (Goldman, [0071]), and because a mounting arm coupled to the fan creates a configuration that connects the elements of the device together into a functional form, (see Fig. 8 of Goldman).
Claim 4 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Torii (US 5185512 A), Catania (US 5477597 A), and Goldman (US 20190152135 A1).further in view of Sehata, et. al. (JP 2001206221 A), hereinafter Sehata.
Regarding claim 4, Although Torii teaches a shaft between the motor and the transmission mechanism (output shaft of drive motor couples with transmission mechanism, Col. 4, lines 25-58, Fig. 3), Torii does not teach a shaft coupling coupled between the motor and the gearbox.
Catania teaches a shaft between the motor and the gearbox (output shaft of the motor and gearbox 358, Col. 13 line 48-Col. 14 line 17).
Sehata teaches a shaft coupling between a motor and the gearbox (shaft coupling 70 coupling output shaft 31d of electric motor 31 and input shaft 32d speed reducer 32).
Catania modifies Torii by suggesting a gearbox, and a shaft coupled between the motor and the gearbox. Sehata suggests the shaft is coupled between the motor and gearbox by a shaft coupling.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to incorporate the teachings of Catania because the gearbox, in conjunction with the drive motor, the output shaft, and the capstan allows for arcuate motion of the arm means and head means within the contour of the inner surface of a workpiece (Col. 13 line 48-Col. 14 line 17). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to incorporate the teachings of Sehata because a shaft coupling provide support and a means for connection of two parts, (Sehata, [0016]-[0017]).
Claim 11 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Torii, et. al. (US 5185512 A), Catania (US 5477597 A), and Goldman (US 20190152135 A1), further in view of Adair, et. al. (US 20190204811 A1), hereinafter Adair.
Regarding claim 11, Although Torii teaches control for selectively rotating the shaft of the motor to move the mounting arm (Col. 1, lines 35-44 implies a controller coupled to the motor for selectively rotating the shaft of the motor to move the mounting arm since it teaches that movement of the robot arm is controlled and that the motor is employed for driving and causing the motion.), Torii in view of Catania does not explicitly teach a controller coupled to the motor.
Adair teaches a controller coupled to the motor ([0079] and Claim 23).
Adair modifies the combination by suggesting a controller coupled to the motor.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to incorporate the teachings of Adair because the controller allows for the benefit of automation and control of the motor as desired, (Adair, [0079]).
Claims 8 and 19 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Torii (US 5185512 A), Catania (US 5477597 A), and Goldman (US 20190152135 A1), further in view of Roberge (US 20200173365 A1).
Regarding claim 8, Torii in view of Catania and Goldman teaches a heat exchanger (Goldman, heat sink 817, Fig. 8, [0071]).
Torii in view of Catania and Goldman does not teach wherein the heat exchanger is additively manufactured.
Roberge teaches wherein the heat exchanger is additively manufactured ([0027], Fig. 3).
Roberge modifies the combination by suggesting the heat exchanger is additively manufactured.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to incorporate the teachings of Roberge because use of additive manufacturing allows local tailoring improved structural strength, increased wetted area, enhanced cooling effectiveness and weight reduction, (Roberge, [0050]).
Regarding claim 19, Torii in view of Catania and Goldman teaches a heat exchanger (Goldman, heat sink 817, Fig. 8, Col. 6, [0071]).
Torii in view of Catania in view of Goldman does not teach wherein the heat exchanger is additively manufactured.
Roberge teaches wherein the heat exchanger is additively manufactured ([0027], Fig. 3).
Roberge modifies the combination by suggesting the heat exchanger is additively manufactured.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to incorporate the teachings of Roberge because use of additive manufacturing allows local tailoring improved structural strength, increased wetted area, enhanced cooling effectiveness and weight reduction, (Roberge, [0050]).
Claims 21 and 23 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Torii (US 5185512 A), Catania (US 5477597 A), and Goldman (US 20190152135 A1), further in view of Krajca, et. al. (US 20180085860 A1), hereinafter Krajca.
Regarding claim 21, although Torii teaches a radiation source (laser beam projecting unit 20, Fig. 3), Torii in view of Catania and Goldman does not teach further comprising a shroud coupled to the radiation source.
Krajca teaches a shroud coupled to the radiation source (shroud 110, [0024], Fig. 1).
Krajca modifies the combination by suggesting a shroud coupled to the radiation source.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to incorporate the teachings of Krajca because utilizing a flexible and portable laser shroud system provides an effective and safe laser protective shield for laser operations by confining the laser light energy to the work surface, (Krajca, [0022], Abstract).
Regarding claim 23, although Torii teaches a radiation source (laser beam projecting unit 20, Fig. 3), Torii in view of Catania and Goldman does not teach further comprising a shroud coupled to the radiation source.
Krajca teaches a shroud coupled to the radiation source (shroud 110, [0024], Fig. 1).
Krajca modifies the combination by suggesting a shroud coupled to the radiation source.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to incorporate the teachings of Krajca because utilizing a flexible and portable laser shroud system provides an effective and safe laser protective shield for laser operations by confining the laser light energy to the work surface, (Krajca, [0022], Abstract).
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.
Chapiro, et. al. (US 20190299522 A1), hererinafter Chapiro.
Claims 9 and 20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Torii (US 5185512 A) in view of Chapiro, et. al. (US 20190299522 A1), hererinafter Chapiro.
Regarding claim 9, Torii does not teach further comprising a change tool coupled to the chassis, for coupling the apparatus to an arm of a robot.
Chapiro teaches further comprising a change tool (joint 89 connecting container 12 to robotic arm 84, [01115]) coupled to the chassis (container 12 contains motors, [0089]) for coupling the apparatus (nozzle assembly 20, nozzle 10, container 12, [0093]) to an arm of a robot ([0114]-[0115], Fig. 8).
The combination of Chapiro with Torii suggests that the apparatus of Torii can be connected to a robotic arm, as in Chapiro.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to incorporate the teachings of Chapiro because robotic arms can move container/nozzle as desired, (Chapiro, [0091]), and robotic arms are known in the art and therefore it can be easier to implement instead of designing something from the ground up (Chapiro, [0116]).
Regarding claim 20, Torii does not teach wherein the change tool couples the apparatus to an arm of a robot.
Chapiro teaches wherein the change tool couples the apparatus to an arm of a robot (joint 89 connecting nozzle assembly, nozzle 10, and container 12 to robotic arm 84, [0114]-[0115], Fig. 8).
The combination of Chapiro with Torii suggests that the apparatus of Torii can be connected to a robotic arm, as in Chapiro.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to incorporate the teachings of Chapiro because robotic arms can move container/nozzle as desired, (Chapiro, [0091]), and robotic arms are known in the art and therefore it can be easier to implement instead of designing something from the ground up (Chapiro, [0116]).
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to LAURA E TANDY whose telephone number is (703)756-1720. The examiner can normally be reached Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.
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LAURA E TANDY
Examiner
Art Unit 2881
/DAVID E SMITH/ Examiner, Art Unit 2881
Prosecution Insights