DETAILED ACTION
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Response to Amendment
The amendment filed on 05/26/2026 has been entered. Claim(s) 1-47 is/are now pending in the application. Applicant's amendments have addressed all informalities as previously set forth in the non-final action mailed on 11/25/2025.
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) 1-20, 23, 37, 42-46 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over KLICPERA1 (WO 2020/154384 A1) (hereinafter “KLICPERA11”) in view of INDURKAR (US 11190985 B1), KLICPERA (US 20190234786 A1) (hereinafter “KLICPERA2”).
Regarding claim 1, KLICPERA1 discloses: A water meter system comprising:
a base station configured to be installed between a main water supply line for one or more buildings or structures and a water supply from a water source provider; (KLICPERA1, e.g., see fig. 1 illustrating a Water Meter and Leak Detection System connected in series to the water supply piping to monitor water use and detect leak(s) for an example property, a residential structure; see also para. [0013]; see also para. [0057] disclosing figure 1 shown is an illustrative view of the Water Meter and Leak Detection System (10) ((126) shown in fig. 6 and (200) shown in fig. 7) connected in series to the water supply lines in an appropriate location for local water monitoring (42) and for monitoring water use and leak detection within a private or public property(ies) (40). For accurate measurements of water use, the present invention can be installed in the standard water meter location or installed between the pressure reducing valve and the civil, commercial, governmental, or municipal supply water source(s) and before any distribution lines).
the base station further comprising:
an electrical circuitry including at least one of a CPU, a microprocessor, or a microcontroller, or any combination thereof; (KLICPERA1, e.g., see fig. 3 illustrating CPU (84) which also includes communication and control lines (98) and display control and data lines (89), display (80), wireless communication means (101), (56), and (102), optional temperature sensor (93), Main power (98), water energy generator (95), and clock IC (88); see also para. [0015] disclosing fig. 3 is an electrical schematic showing the main power, CPU or microcontroller, the analog or digital optional display means, the clock circuit, one or more flow sensors, optional temperature sensor, optional pressure sensor and/or water quality sensor(s), and optional water energy generator, and a first, second and/or third wireless communication technology for data transfer through either a private or public network system and/or the optional collection hub to an internet router).
a power source configured to be electrically connected to the electrical circuitry; (KLICPERA1, e.g., see fig. 3 illustrating main power (98) with battery (87), power line (85), and grounding wire (86); see also para. [0121] disclosing main power (98) produces a power line (85) and a ground line (86); see also para. [0150] disclosing the Water Meter and Leak Detection System (10), (126), (200) with control valve mechanism (210) can be battery operated and utilize re-chargeable batteries or super capacitors that can be charged with a water turbine electric generator or have typical batteries that are replaceable. The water Meter and Leak Detection System (10), (126), (200) with control valve mechanism (310) can also be AC or DC powered).
one or more water flow rate sensors or one or more positive displacement water meters or sensors configured to sensor and monitor a flow of water through the main water supply line; (KLICPERA1, e.g., see rejection as applied above; see also para. [0134] disclosing flow meters can use a displacement piston, pushing it against a calibrated spring is a qualitative method and can only be used to show if the flow is on or off; see also para. [0140] disclosing multi-jet meters, positive displacement meter, single jet meters, pressure sensors, magnetic, ultrasound and Coriolis flow meters can all be utilized with the present invention to function as the flow sensor; see also para. [0138] disclosing the ultrasonic flow meters can measure water flow using two methods; transit time and 2) doppler shift. The speed of the transmission is affected by the movement of water in the pipe and by comparing the time taken to complete the cycle upstream versus downstream the flow of water through the pipe can be measured).
a memory including instructions that, when executed by at least one of the CPU, the microprocessor, or the microcontroller, or any combination thereof, monitor water data of the one or more buildings or structures, the water data comprising one or more of water flow rates, water flow durations, total water volumes, or water energy uses, or any combination thereof; (KLICPERA1, e.g., see paras. [0071]-[0072] disclosing the CPU (84) that processes the information supplied by the flow sensor (105), the optional temperature sensor (93), the optional pressure sensor (65), and the timing circuit (88) uses internal instructions to control the information projected on a display, transferring water use data by wired or wireless communication, and for processing leak detection alarm states. The microprocessor can include an EEPROM or any type of memory section that allows for specific programming to be incorporated as processing instructions; see also para. [0109] disclosing the water meter and leak detection system (10) will communicate with the private or public property(ies) using a remote display at a specifically determined frequency. The preferred method of data transfer will be on a water event basis; construed by the examiner as a schedule; which monitors the initiation of water use, its initial water flow rate, intermediate water flow rates, and when the water ceases to flow (turned off) the water use duration and total water used is calculated).
one or more wireless communication transceivers, at least one of the one or more wireless communication transceivers is configured to communicate via: a wireless network protocol based on IEEE 802.11 standards; an infrared light transmission scheme; a low power and long-range chirp spread modulation technology; a network that uses the low power and long-range chirp spread modulation technology; a wireless technology that transmits over an ultra narrow band; an Internet Protocol (IPv6) that uses a sub-1 GHz frequency; a network, based on a star, ring, or bus topology network with master and slave devices and specified standards, that uses operating modes S, T, R, C (868 MHz), F (433 MHz), or N (169 MHz); a narrowband internet of things (IoT) protocol that uses a low-power wide-area network technology standard by 3GPP for cellular network devices and services; a network protocol that uses a differential binary phase-shift keying and a Gaussian frequency shift keying over an ultra narrow band;
a wireless communication technology based on IEEE 802.16 standards; a wireless network that uses a low-bandwidth and long-range connectivity, the wireless network is configured to provide cloud connectivity for one or more Internet of Things (IoT) devices, smart speakers, or bridge devices, or any combination thereof; a third-generation wireless mobile telecommunications technology; a fourth-generation wireless mobile telecommunications technology; or a fifth-generation wireless mobile telecommunications technology; or any combination thereof; (KLICPERA1, e.g., see rejection as applied above; see also para. [0062] disclosing the wireless communication (46) can consist of two-way transmission, commonly known as duplex transceiver technology, such that the Water Meter and Leak Detection System (10) can transmit and receive electronic signals with a remote station, cell or smart phone, computer, or other electronic apparatus (400). The wireless communication (46) can also comprise a Radio Frequency (RF) mesh-enabled or point-to-point device (meters, relays) technology that is connected to several other mesh-enabled or point-to-point devices, which function as signal repeaters, relaying the data to an access point. The access point device aggregates, encrypts, and eventually transmits the data back to a municipal or government agency over a secure third-party private or commercial network. If the Water Meter and Leak Detection System or optional communication hub transmitter drops out of the network, its neighboring Water Meter and Leak Detection System or optional communication hub will find another route; see also para. [0163] disclosing the use of Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 family of wireless local area network) and upcoming Wi-Fi3 wireless technology (420b) is commonly a feature found on many cell phones, smart phones and similar apparatus (400) and wireless routers/servers); see also paras. [0041]-[0046]).
wherein one or more wireless communication technologies are configured to communicate via one or more wireless mobile telecommunication technologies that utilize a cellular transceiver configured to download water parameter data. (KLICPERA1, e.g., see rejection as applied above; see also fig. 8; see also paras. [0062]-[0063] disclosing signals and/or data can also be transferred by standard cellular format, 3GPPP or LTE-M and 5G cellular technology from cellular towers to remote servers and then over the internet to a local router/server in a private or public property(ies). The wireless communications (52), (54) and (46) are preferred to transmit, upload or download water parameter data or information via a secure wireless communication network).
wherein the one or more wireless communication transceivers are configured to utilize an authentication technology or an encryption technology, or any combination thereof, when: transmitting the water data; or receiving a signal or a command; or any combination thereof; (KLICPERA1, e.g., see rejection as applied above; see also fig. 8 illustrating transceiver; see also para. [0159] disclosing the transfer to data can use authentication, encryption, integrity and non-repudiation technology to ensure that data or information is communicated securely).
wherein the one or more wireless communication transceivers are configured to communicate with an Internet Connection, one or more remote computers, a private network, a public network, a corporate network, or a cloud service company, or any combination thereof; (KLICPERA1, e.g., see fig. 8 disclosing transceiver (320); see also para. [0062] disclosing the wireless communication (46) can consist of two-way transmission, commonly known as duplex transceiver technology, such that the Water meter and Leak Detection System (10) ((126) shown in Fig. 6 and (200) shown in fig. 7) can transmit and receive electronic signals with a remote station, cell or smart phone, computer, or other electronic apparatus (400). When the wireless communication (46) is being used, the water use data can be routed through Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy (BLE), Wi-Fi/Wi-Fi3, Zigbee, Z-wave, LoRa, 6LoWPAN, WiMAX, Ultra Narrow band (UNB) or other wireless technology using a local router/server or private or commercial network that transfers the water use data over the internet and remote servers (cloud technology)).
wherein when the one or more water flow rate sensors detect an initiation of the flow of water, wherein at least one of the CPU, the microprocessor, or the microcontroller, or any combination thereof, is configured to instruct the one or more water flow rate sensors to adjust a sampling rate to monitor one or more water flow events; and (KLICPERA1, e.g., see rejection as applied above in view of fig. 3 and CPU (84) in combination with optional flow rate sensor; see also para. [0057] disclosing figure 1 is an illustrative view of the Water Meter and Leak Detection System (10) connected in series to the water supply lines in an appropriate location for local water monitoring (42) and for monitoring water use and leak detection within a private or public property(ies). The water use and leak detection apparatus (10) can update, upload or download water and energy use on various frequencies, e.g., once per minute, once per hour, once per day, once per any frequency or preferably can send information upon sensing the initiation of water flow until the water flow is stopped (defined herein as an “water event use” or “water event use basis”); see also para. [0032] disclosing water event use or water even use basis is defined as monitoring and sensing the initiation of water flow until the water flow is stopped, whereby the water flow rate, the duration of water flow, and the total water volume can be calculated and recorded. The water event use will inherently save wireless transmission energy by causing the CPU to go into a sleep mode between each water event using and allowing a superior analysis of water signatures and patterns for reliable discernment of leak and leak locations).
wherein the water data is transmitted, utilizing an application programming interface (API), to the one or more remote computers or the cloud service company. (KLICPERA1, e.g., see rejection as applied above; see also paras. [0083]-[0084] disclosing the use of an API, wherein the RestAPI has a uniform interface which serves between devices with mobile APPs or stations with computer programs and remotely located computer servers. The uniform interface simplifies and decouples the REST architecture, which enables the device APPs or station computer programs and remotely located computer servers to evolve independently; see also para. [0184] disclosing there are large cloud-computing companies with several computer server farms around the world that supplant the independent comprehensive internet infrastructure and communication network).
KLICPERA1 is not relied upon as explicitly disclosing:
an embedded Subscriber Identity Module (eSIM) code;
automatically transition from a first sampling rate associated with a non-flow condition to a second sampling rate greater than the first sampling rate to monitor one or more water flow events during active water flow conditions and the second sampling rate is dynamically adjusted based on detected water flow characteristics including at least one of flow duration, flow rate, or pressure variation.
However, INDURKAR further discloses: download an embedded Subscriber Identity Module (eSIM) code (INDURKAR, e.g., see col. 6, lines 45-63 disclosing the IoT device (102) may need to activate a different eSIM profile (120) stored in its eUICC (108) and/or download a different eSIM profile (120), store it in the eUICC (108), and make that downloaded eSIM profile (120) active).
Accordingly, it would be prima facie obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, at the time the invention was effectively filed, to have modified KLICPERA1 with INDURKAR’s embedded Subscriber Identity Module (eSIM) for at least the reasons that an eSIM enables association of coverage areas, which is reprogrammable upon a new coverage area association, as taught by INDURKAR; e.g., see col. 6, lines 45-63.
KLICPERA2 teaches ‘a water meter and leak detection system that has a private or public property(ies) facility water supply interruption system. The system is comprised of a water meter collection node system with shut-off/on mechanism that has wireless Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy, Zigbee, Z-wave LoRa, Wi-Fi, radio frequency and cellular technology with a private or corporate network, or internet connection that transfer water parameter data to a remote computer or server. Or the system can consist of a water meter collection node that communicates by Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy, Zigbee, Z-wave LoRa, Wi-Fi, radio frequency and cellular technology with a data communication hub whereby the communication hub is in wired or wireless communication with an internet router that communicates with an internet connection, or with a private or commercial network system, to a remote computer/server or a cloud-computing commercial service’ and the BRI of:
automatically transition from a first sampling rate associated with a non-flow condition to a second sampling rate greater than the first sampling rate to monitor one or more water flow events during active water flow conditions and the second sampling rate is dynamically adjusted based on detected water flow characteristics including at least one of flow duration, flow rate, or pressure variation (See, e.g., ¶ 0107).
It would have been obvious to one ordinary skill in the art, at the time before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to modify KLICPERA1to include automatically transition from a first sampling rate associated with a non-flow condition to a second sampling rate greater than the first sampling rate to monitor one or more water flow events during active water flow conditions and the second sampling rate is dynamically adjusted based on detected water flow characteristics including at least one of flow duration, flow rate, or pressure variation.
One of ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to modify KLICPERA1because it would be beneficial to improve water metering and leak detection. Further, it would be obvious to combine prior art elements according to known methods to yield predictable results, simply substitute one known element for another to obtain predictable results, use known techniques to improve similar devices in the same way, and/or apply a known technique to a known device ready for improvement to yield predictable results.
Regarding claim 2, KLICPERA1 in view of INDURKAR discloses The water meter as recited in Claim 1, further comprising a water control valve mechanism, the water control valve mechanism including at least one of a ball valve, a so9lenoid valve, a piston valve, a variable open design water control valve, a gate valve or a three-way water control valve, (KLICPERA1, e.g., see fig. 9 illustrating a valve; see also para. [0139] disclosing the water supply line from the water main (208) can optionally include a manual shut off valve (300) with handle (302). the manual shut off valve (300) can be a ball valve, a solenoid valve, gate value type, piston valve, or other known technology).
said water control valve mechanism connected to the electrical circuitry. (KLICPERA1, e.g., see fig. 8 explicitly illustrating water control valve (300) connected to the control circuit (314); see also para. [0155] disclosing the configuration of fig. 8).
Regarding claim 3, KLICPERA1 in view of INDURKAR discloses
wherein
the application programming interface (API) comprises at least one of:
(i) a direct Internet message encapsulation, (ii) a simple object access protocol, (iii) an architectural style that sends requests and receives responses using methods to access and process data for different systems via the Internet connection, (iv) a platform that uses a programming software development kit to facilitate communications between applications and external services over a HTTP, (v) a document object module that is written in a a programming language software to process operations of a web document, (vi) a simple event-driven algorithm for lexing and parsing XML documents, (vii) a bidirectional read/write event-based method for lexing and parsing the XML documents, or (viii) an extensible markup language application programming interface, or any combination thereof (KLICPERA1, e.g., see rejection as applied to claim 1; see also para. [0083] disclosing many newer internet protocols have been developed commonly known as an application programming interface (API). The API defines the well organized and resourceful way for a programmer or developer to write software instructions in the program separate from an operating system or other application. One such API is the RestAPI system which aims for fast performance, reliability, and the ability to grow, by re-using components that can be managed and updated without affecting the commercial system. With cloud-company services on the rise, APIs are being developed to facilitate communication with web services mobile APPs. REST is a logical choice for building APIs that allow users to connect and interact with Cloud services; see also para. [0085] disclosing using resources for identified uniform resource identifiers (URIs) as resource identifiers. The identifiers are separated from the representations that are returned to the client. The commercial or private server does not transfer data directly from the database, but rather, utilizes HTML, XML or JSON code that is designed to represent database records expressed in variable width character encoding, depending on the details of the structured query language (SQL) request and the server implementation; examiner notes the cited paragraph is describing lexing; see also para. [0173] disclosing the large cloud-computer companies can temporarily extend or customize the functionality for a client by transferring logic to it that it can execute. Examples of this may include compiled components such as Java applets and client-side scripts such as JavaScript. Complying with these constraints, and thus conforming to the REST architectural style (REST an acronym for Representational State Transfer), which will enable any kind of distributed hypermedia system to have desirable emergent properties, such as performance, scalability, simplicity, modifiability, visibility, portability, and reliability (Rest API)).
Regarding claim 4, KLICPERA1 in view of INDURKAR discloses The water meter system as recited in Claim 2, further comprising a pressure sensor, the memory further including instructions that, when executed by at least one of the CPU, the microprocessor, or the microcontroller, or any combination thereof, perform, based on pressure data from the pressure sensor: (i) monitoring pressure patterns and establishing pressure signatures; (ii) detect a leak condition; or (iii) monitoring pressure changes when the base station closes the water control valve mechanism; or any combination thereof. (KLICPERA1, e.g., see figs. 10-13 and para. [0069] disclosing figures 10-13 show a cell or smart phone, computer, or other electronic apparatus (400) running an “APP” or a sequence of “APP” pages that show, in a pie chart, bar chart, or other format. The Water Meter and Leak Detection System’s flow rate sensor(s) and software calculate of the using the water flow rate, water use duration, and total volume of water to differentiate water use devices or appliances. The addition of an acoustic sensor, can observe movement, vibration, and noise patterns (sound and pressure patterns) which can sense water valve position or movement, with the Water Meter and Leak Detection System can provide more specific differentiation of water use devices. Using AI software technologies, the acoustic sensor can be calibrated to monitor water flow and water pressure; see also figs. 15a-15c; see also paras. [0132]-[0133] disclosing the pressure sensor can then measure the decay in pressure reads to observe and indicate small leaks. Like a flow rate sensor, the acoustic sensor with programming software can also monitor the flow rate, the duration and the total water volume to determine water signature patterns).
Regarding claim 5, KLICPERA1 in view of INDURKAR discloses The water meter system as recited in Claim 1, further comprising a temperature sensor. (KLICPERA1, e.g., see para. [0072] disclosing a single set of localized sensors (flow rate sensor (105), optional pressure sensor (65), optional acoustic sensor, and/or optional temperature sensor) can be utilized and incorporated into the Water Meter and Leak Detection System (10)).
Regarding claim 6, KLICPERA1 in view of INDURKAR discloses The water meter system as recited in Claim 1, wherein at least one of the CPU, the microprocessor, or the microcontroller, or any combination thereof, includes a software program that performs a water use device calibration mode, the water use device calibration mode informs a user to activate a water use device, fixture, or appliance, monitors and records the one or more water flow events, and utilizes at least one of a software calculation, an algorithm, or an artificial intelligence, or any combination thereof, to monitor a water pattern and establish a water signature to identify the water use device, fixture, or appliance. (KLICPERA1, e.g., see rejection as applied above; see also para. [0032] disclosing the water event use will inherently save wireless transmission energy by causing the CPU to go into a sleep mode between each water event use and allowing a superior analysis of water signatures and patterns for reliable discernment of leak and leak conditions; see paras. [0073]-[0074] disclosing the automatic sensor learning mode utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) and other software to perform this operation. A user can enter into a programmed “Automatic Sensor Learning Mode” by pressing a specific hard or soft button on the Water Meter and Leak Detection System (10) or touch screen display (80) or by sending an electronic signal from a display and/or recording apparatus (50), (110) and/or other electronic apparatus (400). Such operation initiates the software to monitor the water use that occurs during the next days, weeks and/or months and, during this period, the learning AI software enters an aggressive learning phase. The AI software observes and monitors the main water supply, irrigation system, and water use devices (e.g., washing machine, water heater, showers, dishwasher, kitchen and bathroom faucets); see also paras. [0167]-[0168] disclosing the display of water used by the water use devices utilizes water flow rate, water use duration, total water volume data and optional pressure and acoustic technology in software calculations that generates water and use patterns or water signatures for leak detection and/or displaying water use and/or water quality information or data on a cell phone, smart phone, mobile phone, computer or similar electronic apparatus. The program (or setting) buttons can be used to program a “sensor calibration stage” or an “Automatic Sensor Learning Mode.” In the “sensor calibration stage” example, an owner-user can enter into a programmed “sensor calibration stage” by pressing a specific hard or soft button on the water meter and leak detection system (10), (126), (200) or touch screen display (80), or make a verbal or annunciation command or communication with the central audio hub having intelligent listening and speaker capabilities and/or another remote device such as a cell phone (400)).
Regarding claim 7, KLICPERA1 in view of INDURKAR discloses The water meter system as recited in Claim 1, wherein at least one of the CPU, the microprocessor, or the microcontroller, or any combination thereof, includes a software program that performs an automatic learning mode, the automatic learning mode executes a period of self-learning, monitors and records the one or more water flow events, and utilizes at least one of a software calculation, an algorithm, or an artificial intelligence, or any combination thereof, to monitor water patterns and establish water signatures to identify water use devices, fixtures, or appliances, or any combination thereof. (KLICPERA1, e.g., see rejection as applied to claim 1; see also para. [0032] disclosing the water event use will inherently save wireless transmission energy by causing the CPU to go into a sleep mode between each water event use and allowing a superior analysis of water signatures and patterns for reliable discernment of leak and leak conditions; see also paras. [0167]-[0169] disclosing fig. 13 shows another example of a cell phone, smart phone or similar apparatus (400) having an “APP” or programmed application, or another page of an “APP” or programmed application to display the soft buttons or control activators to turn on/off the water system, schedule the water control mechanism, or receive a text message that utilizes the technology and functionality as previously described. This display of water used by the water use devices utilizes water flow rate, water use duration, total water volume data and optional pressure and acoustic technology in software calculations that generates water use patterns or water signatures for leak detection and/or displaying water use patterns or water signatures for leak detection and/or displaying water use and/or water quality information or data on a cell phone, smart phone, mobile phone, computer or similar electronic apparatus. The program (or setting) buttons can be used to program a “sensor calibration stage” or an “Automatic Sensor Learning Mode.” In the “sensor calibration stage” example, an owner/user can enter into a programmed “sensor calibration stage” by pressing a specific hard or soft button on the water meter and leak detection system (10), (126), (200) or touch screen display (80), or make a verbal or annunciation command or communication with the central audio hub having intelligent listening and speaker capabilities. In the “automatic sensor learning mode,” the software learns about a family’s or corporation’s water use with or without the calibration steps. The automatic learning software could analyze, record, and store actual independent flow rates, variation of flow rate over time, typical durations, variations in pressure patterns (e.g. rate of flow at onset of water flow and rate of flow when turned off, and any variations during water flow duration, and optional acoustic/sound frequency) to assign the pattern of water use for the toilet and bathroom faucet).
Regarding claim 8, KLICPERA1 in view of INDURKAR discloses The water meter system as recited in Claim 2, wherein the base station is configured to receive the signal or the command, from the one or more remote computers or one or more electronic communication devices, to transmit the water data, close or open the water control valve mechanism, or perform a leak detection analysis, or any combination thereof. (KLICPERA1, e.g., see rejection as applied to claim 2; see also para. [0061] disclosing the wireless communication (46) can transmit information to a remote database, which communicates with a registered cell or smart phone, computer, or other electronic apparatus (400) for displaying water use and leak detection data. The wireless communication can also send information upon sensing the observation of a leak condition, e.g., alarm situation, to the registered cell or smart phone, computer, or other electronic apparatus (400); see also paras. [0177]-[0179] disclosing the application (410) can have to interface with the Bluetooth (420a), Wi-Fi (420b), or cellular (420c) wireless communication means, and send instructions to a specific “paired” Water Meter and Leak Detection System (10), (126), (200) with water control valve mechanism. Various pairing methods between the Water Meter and Leak Detection System (10), (126), (200) with water control valve mechanism (310) and the cell phone, smart phone or other electronic apparatus (400) are contemplated to be necessary to ensure that proper communication is established between a single and unique Water Meter and Leak Detection System (10), (126), (200) in addition to one or more unique cell phone, smart phone or other electronic apparatus (400). A quick Response Code (QR code) unit address located on Water Meter and Leak Detection System (10), (126), (200) can communicate with a cell phone, smart phone or other electronic apparatus (400) having a camera to read QR and establish link to the Water Meter and Leak Detection System (200)).
Regarding claim 9, KLICPERA1 in view of INDURKAR discloses The water meter system as recited in Claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more wireless communication transceivers is configured to utilize a blockchain technology to transmit the water data and receive the signal or the command. (KLICPERA1, e.g., see rejection as applied above; see also para. [0108] disclosing when a Water Meter and Leak Detection System (10) receives or uploads data and information such as a control command signal to send or transmit data and information it is critical that the device can authenticate the sender and be sure of the integrity of the data and information. Non-repudiation can be provided by signing, electronic witnessing and technologies that assert a document was read before it was signed. One of the main advantages of the Block-Chain technology is that non-repudiation is nearly immutable and can be used for security applications).
Regarding claim 10, KLICPERA1 discloses A water meter system comprising:
a collection node configured to be installed between a main water supply line for one or more buildings or structures and a water supply from a water source provider; (KLICPERA1, e.g., see fig. 1 illustrating a Water Meter and Leak Detection System; construed by the examiner as a collection node; connected in series to the water supply piping to monitor water use and detect leak(s) for an example property, a residential structure; see also para. [0013]; see also para. [0057] disclosing figure 1 shown is an illustrative view of the Water Meter and Leak Detection System (10) ((126) shown in fig. 6 and (200) shown in fig. 7) connected in series to the water supply lines in an appropriate location for local water monitoring (42) and for monitoring water use and leak detection within a private or public property(ies) (40). For accurate measurements of water use, the present invention can be installed in the standard water meter location or installed between the pressure reducing valve and the civil, commercial, governmental, or municipal supply water source(s) and before any distribution lines).
the collection node further comprising;
an electrical circuitry including at least one of a CPU, a microprocessor, or a microcontroller, or any combination thereof; (KLICPERA1, e.g., see fig. 3 illustrating CPU (84) which also includes communication and control lines (98) and display control and data lines (89), display (80), wireless communication means (101), (56), and (102), optional temperature sensor (93), Main power (98), water energy generator (95), and clock IC (88); see also para. [0015] disclosing fig. 3 is an electrical schematic showing the main power, CPU or microcontroller, the analog or digital optional display means, the clock circuit, one or more flow sensors, optional temperature sensor, optional pressure sensor and/or water quality sensor(s), and optional water energy generator, and a first, second and/or third wireless communication technology for data transfer through either a private or public network system and/or the optional collection hub to an internet router).
a power source configured to be electrically connected to the electrical circuitry; (KLICPERA1, e.g., see fig. 3 illustrating main power (98) with battery (87), power line (85), and grounding wire (86); see also para. [0121] disclosing main power (98) produces a power line (85) and a ground line (86); see also para. [0150] disclosing the Water Meter and Leak Detection System (10), (126), (200) with control valve mechanism (210) can be battery operated and utilize re-chargeable batteries or super capacitors that can be charged with a water turbine electric generator or have typical batteries that are replaceable. The water Meter and Leak Detection System (10), (126), (200) with control valve mechanism (310) can also be AC or DC powered).
one or more water flow rate sensors or one or more positive displacement water meters or sensors configured to sensor and monitor a flow of water through the main water supply line; (KLICPERA1, e.g., see rejection as applied above; see also para. [0134] disclosing flow meters can use a displacement piston, pushing it against a calibrated spring is a qualitative method and can only be used to show if the flow is on or off; see also para. [0140] disclosing multi-jet meters, positive displacement meter, single jet meters, pressure sensors, magnetic, ultrasound and Coriolis flow meters can all be utilized with the present invention to function as the flow sensor; see also para. [0138] disclosing the ultrasonic flow meters can measure water flow using two methods; transit time and 2) doppler shift. The speed of the transmission is affected by the movement of water in the pipe and by comparing the time taken to complete the cycle upstream versus downstream the flow of water through the pipe can be measured).
a memory including instructions that, when executed by at least one of the CPU, the microprocessor, or the microcontroller, or any combination thereof, monitor water data of the one or more buildings or structures, the water data comprising one or more of water flow rates, water flow durations, total water volumes, or water energy uses, or any combination thereof; (KLICPERA1, e.g., see paras. [0071]-[0072] disclosing the CPU (84) that processes the information supplied by the flow sensor (105), the optional temperature sensor (93), the optional pressure sensor (65), and the timing circuit (88) uses internal instructions to control the information projected on a display, transferring water use data by wired or wireless communication, and for processing leak detection alarm states. The microprocessor can include an EEPROM or any type of memory section that allows for specific programming to be incorporated as processing instructions; see also para. [0109] disclosing the water meter and leak detection system (10) will communicate with the private or public property(ies) using a remote display at a specifically determined frequency. The preferred method of data transfer will be on a water event basis; construed by the examiner as a schedule; which monitors the initiation of water use, its initial water flow rate, intermediate water flow rates, and when the water ceases to flow (turned off) the water use duration and total water used is calculated).
one or more wireless communication transceivers, at least one of the one or more wireless communication transceivers is configured to communicate via: a wireless network protocol; based on IEEE 802.11 standards; an infrared light transmission scheme; a low power and long-range chirp spread modulation technology; a network that uses the low power and long-range chirp spread modulation technology; a wireless technology that transmits over an ultra narrow band; an Internet Protocol (IPv6) that uses a sub-1 GHz frequency; a network, based on a star, ring, or bus topology network with master and slave devices and specified standards, that uses operating modes S, T, R, C (868 MHz), F (433 MHz), or N (169 MHz); a narrowband internet of things (IoT) protocol that uses a low-power wide-area network technology standard by 3GPP for cellular network devices and services; a network protocol that uses a differential binary phase-shift keying and a Gaussian frequency shift keying over an ultra narrow band;
a wireless communication technology based on IEEE 802.16 standards; a wireless network that uses a low-bandwidth and long-range connectivity, the wireless network is configured to provide cloud connectivity for one or more Internet of Things (IoT) devices, smart speakers, or bridge devices, or any combination thereof; a third-generation wireless mobile telecommunications technology; a fourth-generation wireless mobile telecommunications technology; or a fifth-generation wireless mobile telecommunications technology; or any combination thereof; (KLICPERA1, e.g., see rejection as applied above; see also para. [0062] disclosing the wireless communication (46) can consist of two-way transmission, commonly known as duplex transceiver technology, such that the Water Meter and Leak Detection System (10) can transmit and receive electronic signals with a remote station, cell or smart phone, computer, or other electronic apparatus (400). The wireless communication (46) can also comprise a Radio Frequency (RF) mesh-enabled or point-to-point device (meters, relays) technology that is connected to several other mesh-enabled or point-to-point devices, which function as signal repeaters, relaying the data to an access point. The access point device aggregates, encrypts, and eventually transmits the data back to a municipal or government agency over a secure third-party private or commercial network. If the Water Meter and Leak Detection System or optional communication hub transmitter drops out of the network, its neighboring Water Meter and Leak Detection System or optional communication hub will find another route; see also para. [0163] disclosing the use of Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 family of wireless local area network) and upcoming Wi-Fi3 wireless technology (420b) is commonly a feature found on many cell phones, smart phones and similar apparatus (400) and wireless routers/servers); see also paras. [0041]-[0046]).
wherein one or more wireless communication technologies are configured to communicate via one or more wireless mobile telecommunication technologies that utilize a cellular transceiver configured to download water parameter data. (KLICPERA1, e.g., see rejection as applied above; see also fig. 8; see also paras. [0062]-[0063] disclosing signals and/or data can also be transferred by standard cellular format, 3GPPP or LTE-M and 5G cellular technology from cellular towers to remote servers and then over the internet to a local router/server in a private or public property(ies). The wireless communications (52), (54) and (46) are preferred to transmit, upload or download water parameter data or information via a secure wireless communication network).
wherein the one or more wireless communication transceivers are configured to utilize an authentication technology or an encryption technology, or any combination thereof, when: transmitting the water data; or receiving a signal or a command; or any combination thereof; (KLICPERA1, e.g., see rejection as applied above; see also fig. 8 illustrating transceiver; see also para. [0159] disclosing the transfer to data can use authentication, encryption, integrity and non-repudiation technology to ensure that data or information is communicated securely).
wherein the collection node is configured to communicate with one or more communication hubs that function to extend a wireless range of the one or more wireless communication transceivers; (KLICPERA1, e.g., see para. [0049] disclosing Ultra Narrow band (UNB) refers to technology that transmits over a very narrow spectrum to achieve ultralong-range for data communication link between a sensor collection node transmitter and a communication receiving hub. By transmitting in a UNB channel, little power is required to transmit data over a considerable distance. UNB systems are frequently used in one-way, half duplex, e.g., from collection node sensor(s) to an optional communication but can mimic two-way full duplex communications when the receiver/sensor is sleeping most of the time and must open once a few times each hour to listen for signal commands or messages).
wherein the one or more communication hubs perform as a repeater device or provide a mesh technology, or any combination thereof; (KLICPERA1, e.g., see para. [0062] disclosing the third communication means (46) can also comprise a RF mesh enabled device (meters, relays) is connected to several other mesh-enabled devices, which function as signal repeaters, relaying the data to an access point).
the one or more communication hubs having a second electrical circuitry including at least one of a second CPU, a second microprocessor, or a second microcontroller, wherein the second electrical circuitry includes a second power source; wherein the one or more communication hubs includes one or more second wireless communication transceivers that communicate with an Internet connection, one or more remote computers, a private network, a public network, a corporate network, or a cloud service company, or any combination thereof; (KLICPERA1, e.g., see fig. 3 illustrating second wireless communication means (101); see also paras. [0065]-[0066] disclosing the wireless communication means (46), (52), and (54) can send data on various frequencies, e.g., once per minute, once per hour, once per day, or can send information on a water event basis to a first remote (50), a second remote (54) or a cell phone, smart phone or other electronic apparatus (400) examiner notes a smart phone necessarily provides a “second CPU” and “second power source.” the wireless means can consist of two-way transmission, commonly known as duplex transceiver technology, such that the Water Meter and Leak Detection System 910) can transmit and receive electronic signals from the first, second remotes, (50), (56) or cell phone, smart phone or other electronic apparatus (400) and similarly, the first and second optional remotes (50), (56) and cell phone, smart phone or other electronic apparatus (400 can transmit and receive electronic signals from Water meter and Leak Detection System (10) to regulate a water control valve).
wherein when the one or more flow rate sensors detects an initiation of the flow of water, wherein at least one of the CPU, the microprocessor, or the microcontroller, or any combination thereof, is configured to instruct the one or more water flow rate sensors to adjust a sampling rate to monitor one or more water flow events; (KLICPERA1, e.g., see rejection as applied above; see also para. [0032] disclosing water event use or water event use basis is defined as monitoring and sensing the initiation of water flow until the water flow is stopped, whereby the water flow rate, the duration of water flow, and the total water volume can be calculated and recorded; see also fig. 11 illustrating a selection of sampling rates to include a day sampling rate which samples per hour, a week sampling rate which samples per day, and a yearly sampling rate which samples per month; see also para. [0057] disclosing the water use and leak detection apparatus (10) can update, upload or download water and energy use on various frequencies, e.g., once per minute, once per hour, once per day, once per any frequency; examiner notes that water and energy use may be performed at “any frequency,” construed by the examiner as adjustable, or preferably can send information upon sensing the initiation of water flow until the water flow is stopped (defined herein as an “water event use” or water event use basis”); see also paras. [0165]-[0168] disclosing this example application (APP) or page (300) is designed as a line graph format to be used by the resident of a home or a representative of a company or corporation to monitor water conservation. Figure 11 shows an[d] example of an application or page (APP) (300) for Water Use (302) having a daily (304) graph (306) with day hours (308). The example of an application or page (APP) (300) for Water Use (302) can also have a weekly (320) graph (322) with days (324). The example of an application or page (APP) (300) for Water Use (302) can also have a monthly (334) graph (330) with months (332))
wherein the one or more wireless communication transceivers are configured to communicate with the Internet connection, the one or more remote computers, the private network, the public network, the corporate network, or the cloud service company, or any combination thereof; (KLICPERA1, e.g., see fig. 8 disclosing transceiver (320); see also para. [0062] disclosing the wireless communication (46) can consist of two-way transmission, commonly known as duplex transceiver technology, such that the Water meter and Leak Detection System (10) ((126) shown in Fig. 6 and (200) shown in fig. 7) can transmit and receive electronic signals with a remote station, cell or smart phone, computer, or other electronic apparatus (400). When the wireless communication (46) is being used, the water use data can be routed through Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy (BLE), Wi-Fi/Wi-Fi3, Zigbee, Z-wave, LoRa, 6LoWPAN, WiMAX, Ultra Narrow band (UNB) or other wireless technology using a local router/server or private or commercial network that transfers the water use data over the internet and remote servers (cloud technology)).
wherein the water data is transmitted, utilizing an application programming interface (API) to the one or more remote computers or the cloud service company. (KLICPERA1, e.g., see rejection as applied above; see also paras. [0083]-[0084] disclosing the use of an API, wherein the RestAPI has a uniform interface which serves between devices with mobile APPs or stations with computer programs and remotely located computer servers. The uniform interface simplifies and decouples the REST architecture, which enables the device APPs or station computer programs and remotely located computer servers to evolve independently; see also para. [0184] disclosing there are large cloud-computing companies with several computer server farms around the world that supplant the independent comprehensive internet infrastructure and communication network).
KLICPERA1 is not relied upon as explicitly disclosing:
an embedded Subscriber Identity Module (eSIM) code;
automatically transition from a first sampling rate associated with a non-flow condition to a second sampling rate greater than the first sampling rate to monitor one or more water flow events during active water flow conditions and the second sampling rate is dynamically adjusted based on detected water flow characteristics including at least one of flow duration, flow rate, or pressure variation.
However, INDURKAR further discloses: download an embedded Subscriber Identity Module (eSIM) code (INDURKAR, e.g., see col. 6, lines 45-63 disclosing the IoT device (102) may need to activate a different eSIM profile (120) stored in its eUICC (108) and/or download a different eSIM profile (120), store it in the eUICC (108), and make that downloaded eSIM profile (120) active).
Accordingly, it would be prima facie obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, at the time the invention was effectively filed, to have modified KLICPERA1 with INDURKAR’s embedded Subscriber Identity Module (eSIM) for at least the reasons that an eSIM enables association of coverage areas, which is reprogrammable upon a new coverage area association, as taught by INDURKAR; e.g., see col. 6, lines 45-63.
KLICPERA2 teaches ‘a water meter and leak detection system that has a private or public property(ies) facility water supply interruption system. The system is comprised of a water meter collection node system with shut-off/on mechanism that has wireless Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy, Zigbee, Z-wave LoRa, Wi-Fi, radio frequency and cellular technology with a private or corporate network, or internet connection that transfer water parameter data to a remote computer or server. Or the system can consist of a water meter collection node that communicates by Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy, Zigbee, Z-wave LoRa, Wi-Fi, radio frequency and cellular technology with a data communication hub whereby the communication hub is in wired or wireless communication with an internet router that communicates with an internet connection, or with a private or commercial network system, to a remote computer/server or a cloud-computing commercial service’ and the BRI of:
automatically transition from a first sampling rate associated with a non-flow condition to a second sampling rate greater than the first sampling rate to monitor one or more water flow events during active water flow conditions and the second sampling rate is dynamically adjusted based on detected water flow characteristics including at least one of flow duration, flow rate, or pressure variation (See, e.g., ¶ 0107).
It would have been obvious to one ordinary skill in the art, at the time before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to modify KLICPERA1to include automatically transition from a first sampling rate associated with a non-flow condition to a second sampling rate greater than the first sampling rate to monitor one or more water flow events during active water flow conditions and the second sampling rate is dynamically adjusted based on detected water flow characteristics including at least one of flow duration, flow rate, or pressure variation.
One of ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to modify KLICPERA1because it would be beneficial to improve water metering and leak detection. Further, it would be obvious to combine prior art elements according to known methods to yield predictable results, simply substitute one known element for another to obtain predictable results, use known techniques to improve similar devices in the same way, and/or apply a known technique to a known device ready for improvement to yield predictable results.
Regarding claim 11, Claim 11 recites The water system as recited in Claim 10, further comprising a water control valve mechanism including at least one of a ball valve, a solenoid valve, a piston valve, a variable open design valve, a gate valve, or a three-way valve, or any combination thereof, the water control valve mechanism is configured to connect with the electrical circuitry., and is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable by KLICPERA1 in view of INDURKAR for reasons analogous to those set forth in connection with claim 2.
Regarding claim 12, Claim 12 recites
wherein the application programming interface (API) comprises at least one of:
(i) a direct Internet message encapsulation, (ii) a simple object access protocol, (iii) an architectural style that sends requests and receives responses using methods to access and process data for different systems via the Internet connection, (iv) a platform that uses a software programing development kit to facilitate communication between applications and external services over a HTTP, (v) a document object module that is written in a software programming language to process operations of a web document, (vi) a simple event-driven algorithm for lexing and parsing XML documents, (vii) a bidirectional read/write event-based method for lexing and parsing the XML documents, or (viii) an extensible markup language application programming interface, or any combination thereof., and is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable by KLICPERA1 in view of INDURKAR for reasons analogous to those set forth in connection with claim 3.
Regarding claim 13, KLICPERA1 in view of INDURKAR discloses The water meter system as recited in Claim 1, further comprising one or more electronic communication devices that include at least one of a cell phone, a mobile phone, a PDA, a tablet, the remote computer, a server, a web portal, a smart or Internet capable television, a wireless smartwatch, a remote computer operation center, or another electronic communication apparatus, or any combination thereof, (KLICPERA1, e.g., see rejection as applied above, specifically to claim 10; see also para. [0062] disclosing the wireless communication (46) can consist of two-way transmission, commonly known as duplex transceiver technology, such that the Water Meter and Leak Detection System (10) can transmit and receive electronic signals with a remote station, cell or smart phone, computer, or other electronic apparatus (400). The wireless communication (46) can also comprise a Radio Frequency (RF) mesh-enabled or point-to-point device (meters, relays) technology that is connected to several other mesh-enabled or point-to-point devices, which function as signal repeaters, relaying the data to an access point. The access point device aggregates, encrypts, and eventually transmits the data back to a municipal or government agency over a secure third-party private or commercial network. If the Water Meter and Leak Detection System or optional communication hub transmitter drops out of the network, its neighboring Water Meter and Leak Detection System or optional communication hub will find another route).
the one or more electronic communication devices are configured to communicate with the one or more remote computers or the cloud service company, or any combination thereof. (KLICPERA1, e.g., see rejection as applied above; see also para. [0059] disclosing the electronic communication comprises, in part, a segment of the internet of things (IoT) concept. The wireless (or wired) communication means (52) can also electronically communicate with a local router, which uses the internet and remote computer server(s) (Cloud technology) to provide remote access of the water data; see also para. [0063]).
Regarding claim 14, KLICPERA1 in view of INDURKAR discloses The water meter system as recited in Claim 10, further comprising an acoustic sensor, the memory further including instructions that, when executed by at least one of the CPU, the microprocessor, or the microcontroller, or any combination thereof, perform, based on acoustic data from the acoustic sensor: (i) monitoring sound patterns and establishing sound signatures to identify one or more water control valves; or (ii) detecting a leak condition; or any combination thereof. (KLICPERA1, e.g., see figs. 10-13 and para. [0069] disclosing figures 10-13 show a cell or smart phone, computer, or other electronic apparatus (400) running an “APP” or a sequence of “APP” pages that show, in a pie chart, bar chart, or other format. The Water Meter and Leak Detection System’s flow rate sensor(s) and software calculate of the using the water flow rate, water use duration, and total volume of water to differentiate water use devices or appliances. The addition of an acoustic sensor, can observe movement, vibration, and noise patterns (sound and pressure patterns) which can sense water valve position or movement, with the Water Meter and Leak Detection System can provide more specific differentiation of water use devices. Using AI software technologies, the acoustic sensor can be calibrated to monitor water flow and water pressure; see also figs. 15a-15c; see also para. [0072] disclosing during water use device calibration, the user turns on or cycles one water use device for a time period and the Water Meter and Leak Detection System’s calibration software calibrates or determines the water flow rate, water duration, and total water volume and, if applicable, utilizes pressure and acoustic sensors to observe patterns (movement and noise) to identify water valves for specific water use devices. The software can use calibration data from the flow sensor for each water use device and record its water use signature (actual independent flow rates, variation of flow rate over time, water use duration, total volume used).
Regarding claim 15, KLICPERA1 in view of INDURKAR discloses The water meter system as recited in Claim 10, further comprising one or more electronic communication devices that include at least one of a cell phone, a mobile phone, a PDA, a tablet, the remote computer, a server, a web portal, a smart or an Internet capable television, a wireless smartwatch, a remote computer operation center, or another electronic communication apparatus, or any combination thereof, (KLICPERA1, e.g., see rejection as applied above; see also para. [0062] disclosing the wireless communication (46) can consist of two-way transmission, commonly known as duplex transceiver technology, such that the Water Meter and Leak Detection System (10) can transmit and receive electronic signals with a remote station, cell or smart phone, computer, or other electronic apparatus (400). The wireless communication (46) can also comprise a Radio Frequency (RF) mesh-enabled or point-to-point device (meters, relays) technology that is connected to several other mesh-enabled or point-to-point devices, which function as signal repeaters, relaying the data to an access point. The access point device aggregates, encrypts, and eventually transmits the data back to a municipal or government agency over a secure third-party private or commercial network. If the Water Meter and Leak Detection System or optional communication hub transmitter drops out of the network, its neighboring Water Meter and Leak Detection System or optional communication hub will find another route).
the one or more electronic communication devices are configured to communicate with the one or more remote computers or the cloud service company, or any combination thereof. (KLICPERA1, e.g., see rejection as applied above; see also para. [0059] disclosing the electronic communication comprises, in part, a segment of the internet of things (IoT) concept. The wireless (or wired) communication means (52) can also electronically communicate with a local router, which uses the internet and remote computer server(s) (Cloud technology) to provide remote access of the water data; see also para. [0063]).
Regarding claim 16, KLICPERA1 in view of INDURKAR discloses The water meter system as recited in Claim 10, further comprising one or more water quality sensors configured to monitor at least one of a pH, a halogen, total dissolved solids, a biological or a fecal contamination, a water hardness, a metallic ion, or any combination thereof. (KLICPERA1, e.g., see para. [0126] disclosing as illustrated in fig. 4 is a cross-section showing the one or more sensors (70), (72), (74), (76), (78), and water quality sensors (130), (132), (134), and (136) located in close proximity to water supply line (20), (22) and/or a water delivery supply lines (24), (26). Sensor (72) could be a timing sensor e.g., to monitor when water is flowing, sensor (74) can be a temperature sensor, sensor (76) can be a flow sensor, (78) can be a halogen sensor, (130) can be a total dissolved solids sensor, (132) can be a biological or fecal sensor, and (134) can be a water hardness sensor and (136) can be a specific iron or other mineral sensor).
Regarding claim 17, KLICPERA1 in view of INDURKAR discloses The water meter system as recited in Claim 10, where at least one of the one or more wireless communication transceivers and at least one of the one or more second wireless communication transceivers are configured to utilize a blockchain technology to transmit the water data and receive the signal or the command. (KLICPERA1, e.g., see rejection as applied above; see also para. [0108] disclosing when a Water Meter and Leak Detection System (10) receives or uploads data and information such as a control command signal to send or transmit data and information it is critical that the device can authenticate the sender and be sure of the integrity of the data and information. Non-repudiation can be provided by signing, electronic witnessing and technologies that assert a document was read before it was signed. One of the main advantages of the Block-Chain technology is that non-repudiation is nearly immutable and can be used for security applications).
Regarding claim 18, KLICPERA1 in view of INDURKAR discloses The water meter system as recited in claim 10, wherein one or more collection nodes and the one or more communication hubs are configured to form the private network, the public network, or the corporate network, or any combination thereof; (KLICPERA1, e.g., see para. [0110] disclosing the encrypted data is transmitted optionally to a local router/server and then across the Internet or cell tower technology, or via directly to a public or private networks has been described herein. This is accomplished directly by the water meter collection hub or by using remote receiving stations or communication hub with Wi-Fi/Wi-Fi3 (101) or LoRa or WiMAX).
the private network, the public network, or the corporate network utilizes an application programming interface (API) when communicating with the one or more remote computers, the cloud service company, one or more electronic communication devices, or any combination thereof. (KLICPERA1, e.g., see rejection above; see also paras. [0083]-[0084] disclosing many newer internet protocols have been developed commonly known as an application programming interface (API). Once such API is the RestAPI system which aims for fast performance. RestAPI has a uniform interface which serves between devices with mobile APPs or stations with computer programs and remotely located computer servers).
Regarding claim 19, KLICPERA1 in view of INDURKAR discloses The water meter system as recited in Claim 10, wherein at least one of the CPU, the microprocessor, or the microcontroller, or any combination thereof, includes a software program that performs a water use device calibration mode, the water use device calibration mode informs a user to activate a water use device, fixture, or appliance, monitors and records the one or more water flow events, and utilizes at least one of a software calculation, an algorithm, or an artificial intelligence, or any combination thereof, to monitor a water pattern and establish a water signature to identify the water use device, fixture, or appliance. (KLICPERA1, e.g., see rejection as applied to claim 10; see also paras. [0072]-[0074] disclosing during water use device calibration, the user turns on or cycles one water use device for a time period and the Water Meter and Leak Detection System’s calibration software calibrates or determines the water flow rate, water duration, and total water volume and, if applicable, utilizes pressure and acoustic sensors to observe patterns (movement and noise) to identify water values for specific water use devices. The Automatic Sensor Learning Mode utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) and other software to perform this operation. A user can enter into a programmed “Automatic Sensor Learning Mode” by pressing a specific hard or soft button on the Water Meter and Leak Detection System (10) or touch screen display (80) or by sending an electronic signal from a display and/or recording apparatus (50), (110) and/or another remote device such as a cell or smart phone, computer, or other electronic apparatus (400)).
Regarding claim 20, KLICPERA1 in view of INDURKAR discloses The water meter system as recited in Claim 10, wherein at least one of the CPU, the microprocessor, or the microcontroller, or any combination thereof, includes a software program that performs an automatic learning mode, the automatic learning mode executes a period of self-learning, monitors and records the one or more water flow events, and utilizes at least one of a software calculation, an algorithm, or an artificial intelligence, or any combination thereof, to monitor water patterns and establish water signatures to identify water use devices, fixtures, or appliances, or any combination thereof. (KLICPERA1, e.g., see rejection as applied to claim 10; see also paras. [0073]-[0074] disclosing it is anticipated by the Applicant that an “Automatic Sensor Learning Mode,” where the software learns about the users’ water use at a private or public property(ies), can be completed without the calibration steps. The Automatic Sensor Learning Mode utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) and other software to perform this operation. The optional pressure and acoustic sensor(s) observe movement, vibration, and noise patterns (sound and pressure patterns) to identify water valves for specific water use devices. The AI software observes and monitors the main water supply, irrigation system, and water use devices (e.g., washing machine, water heater, showers, dishwasher, kitchen and bathroom faucets). The AI software determines property occupation associated with water use (and non-water use) remembers water usage with consideration of time and day/week/month. For example, after a period of time. Automatic Sensor Learning Mode using AI and other software can monitor a washing machine’s range of water flow used and records the water use duration periods, water flow rate patterns (water flow rates for washing machine cycles and variations of water flow rates over time including rate of flow at onset of water flow and rate of flow at completion of water flow)).
Regarding claim 23, KLICPERA1 in view of INDURKAR discloses The water meter system as recited in Claim 1, further comprising an acoustic sensor, the memory further including instructions that, when executed by at least one of the CPU, the microprocessor, or the microcontroller, or any combination thereof, perform, based on acoustic data from the acoustic sensor, (i) monitoring sound patterns and establishing sound signatures to identify one or more water control valves; or (ii) detecting a leak condition; or any combination thereof. (KLICPERA1, e.g., see figs. 10-13 and para. [0069] disclosing figures 10-13 show a cell or smart phone, computer, or other electronic apparatus (400) running an “APP” or a sequence of “APP” pages that show, in a pie chart, bar chart, or other format. The Water Meter and Leak Detection System’s flow rate sensor(s) and software calculate of the using the water flow rate, water use duration, and total volume of water to differentiate water use devices or appliances. The addition of an acoustic sensor, can observe movement, vibration, and noise patterns (sound and pressure patterns) which can sense water valve position or movement, with the Water Meter and Leak Detection System can provide more specific differentiation of water use devices. Using AI software technologies, the acoustic sensor can be calibrated to monitor water flow and water pressure; see also figs. 15a-15c; see also para. [0072] disclosing during water use device calibration, the user turns on or cycles one water use device for a time period and the Water Meter and Leak Detection System’s calibration software calibrates or determines the water flow rate, water duration, and total water volume and, if applicable, utilizes pressure and acoustic sensors to observe patterns (movement and noise) to identify water valves for specific water use devices. The software can use calibration data from the flow sensor for each water use device and record its water use signature (actual independent flow rates, variation of flow rate over time, water use duration, total volume used).
Regarding claim 37, KLICPERA1 in view of INDURKAR discloses The water meter system as recited in Claim 1, wherein at least one of the CPU, the microprocessor, or the microcontroller, or any combination thereof, and at least one of the one or more wireless communication transceivers enter a sleep mode until awakened by a water flow event, a leak detection analysis, the signal or the command, or an alert or a notification, or any combination thereof. (KLICPERA1, e.g., see rejection as applied above; see also para. [0032] disclosing water event use or water even use basis is defined as monitoring and sensing the initiation of water flow until the water flow is stopped, whereby the water flow rate, the duration of water flow, and the total water volume can be calculated and recorded. The water event use will inherently save wireless transmission energy by causing the CPU to go into a sleep mode between each water event using and allowing a superior analysis of water signatures and patterns for reliable discernment of leak and leak locations; see also para. [0049] disclosing to save energy, UNB systems are frequently used in one-way, half duplex format but can mimic two-way full duplex communication when the device/sensor is sleeping most of the time and has to open occasionally to listen for signal commands or messages, or transmit data or information).
Regarding claim 42, KLICPERA1 in view of INDURKAR discloses The water meter system as recited in Claim 5, wherein the memory further including instructions that, when executed by at least one of the CPU, the microprocessor, or the microcontroller, or any combination thereof, perform, based on temperature data from the temperature sensor that a water temperature approaches a freeze point of[AltContent: connector] 32 degrees Fahrenheit or 0 degrees Celsius: (i) sending a warning or a message to the one or more remote computers or one or more electronic communication devices, or any combination thereof; (ii) communicating with an intelligent thermostat with wireless technology to turn on a heating system for the one or more buildings or structures; or (iii) conducting a water freeze protection procedure including draining the main water supply line or replacing at least a portion of the water in the main water supply line with air, nitrogen, or another gas or liquid having a low freezing point; or any combination thereof. (KLICPERA1, e.g., see para. [0072] disclosing a single set of localized sensors (flow rate sensor (105), optional pressure sensor (65), optional acoustic sensor, and/or optional temperature sensor) can be utilized and incorporated into the Water Meter and Leak Detection System (10); examiner notes that the Water Meter and Leak Detection System is collocated with the temperature sensor, wherein the temperature sensor must necessarily be in close proximity to the water supply; see also para. [0114] disclosing a preset alarm might include visual reference, for example, an in-operative condition indicating a broken sensor, low power source, no flow, reverse flow, leak conditions, freeze conditions, and/or some default limits; see also para. [0151] disclosing the water meter and leak detection system (10), (126), (200) can incorporate a freeze design feature which, before a freezing condition is encountered, activates a freezing protection mechanism. This technology is sometimes referred by other technologies such gas vehicle engines and called “freeze plugs.”).
Regarding claim 43, KLICPERA1 in view of INDURKAR discloses The water meter system as recited in Claim l0, further comprising a temperature sensor. (KLICPERA1, e.g., see para. [0072] disclosing a single set of localized sensors (flow rate sensor (105), optional pressure sensor (65), optional acoustic sensor, and/or optional temperature sensor) can be utilized and incorporated into the Water Meter and Leak Detection System (10)).
Regarding claim 44, KLICPERA1 in view of INDURKAR discloses The water meter system as recited in Claim 43, wherein the memory further including instructions that, when executed by at least one of the CPU, the microprocessor or the microcontroller, or any combination thereof, perform, based on temperature data from the temperature sensor that a water temperature approaches a freeze point of[AltContent: connector] 32 degrees Fahrenheit or 0 degrees Celsius: (i) sending a warning or a message to the one or more remote computers or one or more electronic communication devices, or any combination thereof; (ii) communicating with an intelligent thermostat with wireless technology to turn on a heating system for the one or more buildings or structures; or (iii) conducting a water freeze protection procedure including draining the main water supply line or replacing at least a portion of the water in the main water supply line with air, nitrogen, or another gas or liquid having a low freezing point; or any combination thereof. (KLICPERA1, e.g., see para. [0072] disclosing a single set of localized sensors (flow rate sensor (105), optional pressure sensor (65), optional acoustic sensor, and/or optional temperature sensor) can be utilized and incorporated into the Water Meter and Leak Detection System (10); examiner notes that the Water Meter and Leak Detection System is collocated with the temperature sensor, wherein the temperature sensor must necessarily be in close proximity to the water supply; see also para. [0114] disclosing a preset alarm might include visual reference, for example, an in-operative condition indicating a broken sensor, low power source, no flow, reverse flow, leak conditions, freeze conditions, and/or some default limits; see also para. [0151] disclosing the water meter and leak detection system (10), (126), (200) can incorporate a freeze design feature which, before a freezing condition is encountered, activates a freezing protection mechanism. This technology is sometimes referred by other technologies such gas vehicle engines and called “freeze plugs.”).
Regarding claim 45, KLICPERA1 in view of INDURKAR discloses The water meter system as recited in Claim 1, wherein the base station is configured to transmit an alert or a notification, in response to detecting a leak condition, to the one or more remote computers or one or more electronic communication devices to inform a user, an owner, or a monitoring facility, or any combination thereof. (KLICPERA1, e.g., see rejection as applied to claim 21; see also para. [0158] disclosing the communication and control lines (83) can be used to transfer water use parameters and leak detection alerts to a remotely positioned display receiver apparatus or the display means (12), (14), and (16) can be eliminated to be replaced by the first display and/or recording apparatus (50), (56), (110) or on a cell phone, smart phone or other electronic apparatus (400); see also paras. [0182]-[0183])
Regarding claim 46, KLICPERA1 in view of INDURKAR discloses The water meter system as recited in Claim 10, wherein the collection node is configured to transmit an alert or a notification, in response to detecting a leak condition, to the one or more remote computers or one or more electronic communication devices to inform a user, an owner, or a monitoring facility, or any combination thereof. (KLICPERA1, e.g., see rejection as applied to claim 21; see also para. [0158] disclosing the communication and control lines (83) can be used to transfer water use parameters and leak detection alerts to a remotely positioned display receiver apparatus or the display means (12), (14), and (16) can be eliminated to be replaced by the first display and/or recording apparatus (50), (56), (110) or on a cell phone, smart phone or other electronic apparatus (400); see also paras. [0182]-[0183]).
Claim(s) 21-22, 25-26, 28-36, 38, 40-41, and 47 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over KLICPERA1 (WO 2020/154384 A1) (hereinafter “KLICPERA11”) in view of FANG ET AL. (US 11284230 B1) (hereinafter “FANG”), KLICPERA (US 20190234786 A1) (hereinafter “KLICPERA2”).
Regarding claim 21, KLICPERA1 discloses A water meter system comprising:
a base station configured to be installed between a main water supply line for one or more buildings or structures and a water supply from a water source provider; (KLICPERA1, e.g., see fig. 1 illustrating a Water Meter and Leak Detection System connected in series to the water supply piping to monitor water use and detect leak(s) for an example property, a residential structure; see also para. [0013]; see also para. [0057] disclosing figure 1 shown is an illustrative view of the Water Meter and Leak Detection System (10) ((126) shown in fig. 6 and (200) shown in fig. 7) connected in series to the water supply lines in an appropriate location for local water monitoring (42) and for monitoring water use and leak detection within a private or public property(ies) (40). For accurate measurements of water use, the present invention can be installed in the standard water meter location or installed between the pressure reducing valve and the civil, commercial, governmental, or municipal supply water source(s) and before any distribution lines).
the base station comprising:
an electrical circuitry including at least one of a CPU, a microprocessor, or a microcontroller, or any combination thereof; (KLICPERA1, e.g., see fig. 3 illustrating CPU (84) which also includes communication and control lines (98) and display control and data lines (89), display (80), wireless communication means (101), (56), and (102), optional temperature sensor (93), Main power (98), water energy generator (95), and clock IC (88); see also para. [0015] disclosing fig. 3 is an electrical schematic showing the main power, CPU or microcontroller, the analog or digital optional display means, the clock circuit, one or more flow sensors, optional temperature sensor, optional pressure sensor and/or water quality sensor(s), and optional water energy generator, and a first, second and/or third wireless communication technology for data transfer through either a private or public network system and/or the optional collection hub to an internet router).
a power source configured to be electrically connected to the electrical circuitry, the power source comprising a battery; (KLICPERA1, e.g., see fig. 3 illustrating main power (98) with battery (87), power line (85), and grounding wire (86); see also para. [0121] disclosing main power (98) produces a power line (85) and a ground line (86); see also para. [0150] disclosing the Water Meter and Leak Detection System (10), (126), (200) with control valve mechanism (210) can be battery operated and utilize re-chargeable batteries or super capacitors that can be charged with a water turbine electric generator or have typical batteries that are replaceable. The water Meter and Leak Detection System (10), (126), (200) with control valve mechanism (310) can also be AC or DC powered).
one or more water flow rate sensors or one or more positive displacement water meters or sensors configured to sense and monitor a flow of water through the main water supply line; (KLICPERA1, e.g., see rejection as applied above; see also para. [0134] disclosing flow meters can use a displacement piston, pushing it against a calibrated spring is a qualitative method and can only be used to show if the flow is on or off; see also para. [0140] disclosing multi-jet meters, positive displacement meter, single jet meters, pressure sensors, magnetic, ultrasound and Coriolis flow meters can all be utilized with the present invention to function as the flow sensor; see also para. [0138] disclosing the ultrasonic flow meters can measure water flow using two methods; transit time and 2) doppler shift. The speed of the transmission is affected by the movement of water in the pipe and by comparing the time taken to complete the cycle upstream versus downstream the flow of water through the pipe can be measured).
e) a memory including instructions that, when executed by at least one of the CPU, the microprocessor, or the microcontroller, or any combination thereof, monitor water data of the one or more buildings or structures, the water data comprising one or more of water flow rates, water flow durations, total water volumes, or water energy uses, or any combination thereof; and (KLICPERA1, e.g., see paras. [0071]-[0072] disclosing the CPU (84) that processes the information supplied by the flow sensor (105), the optional temperature sensor (93), the optional pressure sensor (65), and the timing circuit (88) uses internal instructions to control the information projected on a display, transferring water use data by wired or wireless communication, and for processing leak detection alarm states. The microprocessor can include an EEPROM or any type of memory section that allows for specific programming to be incorporated as processing instructions; see also para. [0109] disclosing the water meter and leak detection system (10) will communicate with the private or public property(ies) using a remote display at a specifically determined frequency. The preferred method of data transfer will be on a water event basis; construed by the examiner as a schedule; which monitors the initiation of water use, its initial water flow rate, intermediate water flow rates, and when the water ceases to flow (turned off) the water use duration and total water used is calculated).
wherein the water data is transmitted, through an Internet connection to one or more remote computers or a cloud service company. (KLICPERA1, e.g., see rejection as applied above; see also para. [0058] disclosing the water parameter information can also be uploaded wither with the use of an optional communication hub to an internet router using wired or wireless technology which transmits the data through remote servers (for example, Amazon Web Services, Oracle Cloud, Microsoft Azure Cloud) and associated database(s) or, alternatively, through a private or commercial network with privately own servers).
KLICPERA1 is not relied upon as explicitly disclosing:
Power over Ethernet (PoE) based on IEEE 802.3af, IEEE 802.3at, or IEEE 802.3bt standards, or any combination thereof
via the Power over Ethernet (PoE) based on the IEEE 802.3af, IEEE 802.3at or IEEE 802.3bt standards, or any combination thereof,
automatically transition from a first sampling rate associated with a non-flow condition to a second sampling rate greater than the first sampling rate to monitor one or more water flow events during active water flow conditions and the second sampling rate is dynamically adjusted based on detected water flow characteristics including at least one of flow duration, flow rate, or pressure variation.
However, Fang further discloses: Power over Ethernet (PoE) based on IEEE 802.3af, IEEE 802.3at, or IEEE 802.3bt standards, or any combination thereof; and via the Power over Ethernet (PoE) based on the IEEE 802.3af, IEEE 802.3at or IEEE 802.3bt standards, or any combination thereof, (Fang, e.g., see col. 5, line 62 – col. 6, line 20 disclosing the system (100) also includes a Power over Ethernet (“PoE”) passthrough switch (152). The PoE RHMS (156) includes an RJ45-type IEEE 802.3af compliant PoE power-receiving Ethernet port (168); see also col. 7, lines 36-63 disclosing a backwards compatibility between 802.3at and 802.af).
Accordingly, it would be prima facie obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, at the time the invention was effectively filed, to have modified KLICPERA1 with Fang’s Power over Ethernet (PoE) based on IEEE 802.3af, IEEE 802.3at, or IEEE 802.3bt standards, or any combination thereof; and via the Power over Ethernet (PoE) based on the IEEE 802.3af, IEEE 802.3at or IEEE 802.3bt standards, or any combination thereof for at least the reasons that providing power requires less wires and connections, thereby reducing cost, complexity, and connection liabilities.
KLICPERA2 teaches ‘a water meter and leak detection system that has a private or public property(ies) facility water supply interruption system. The system is comprised of a water meter collection node system with shut-off/on mechanism that has wireless Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy, Zigbee, Z-wave LoRa, Wi-Fi, radio frequency and cellular technology with a private or corporate network, or internet connection that transfer water parameter data to a remote computer or server. Or the system can consist of a water meter collection node that communicates by Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy, Zigbee, Z-wave LoRa, Wi-Fi, radio frequency and cellular technology with a data communication hub whereby the communication hub is in wired or wireless communication with an internet router that communicates with an internet connection, or with a private or commercial network system, to a remote computer/server or a cloud-computing commercial service’ and the BRI of:
automatically transition from a first sampling rate associated with a non-flow condition to a second sampling rate greater than the first sampling rate to monitor one or more water flow events during active water flow conditions and the second sampling rate is dynamically adjusted based on detected water flow characteristics including at least one of flow duration, flow rate, or pressure variation (See, e.g., ¶ 0107).
It would have been obvious to one ordinary skill in the art, at the time before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to modify KLICPERA1to include automatically transition from a first sampling rate associated with a non-flow condition to a second sampling rate greater than the first sampling rate to monitor one or more water flow events during active water flow conditions and the second sampling rate is dynamically adjusted based on detected water flow characteristics including at least one of flow duration, flow rate, or pressure variation.
One of ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to modify KLICPERA1because it would be beneficial to improve water metering and leak detection. Further, it would be obvious to combine prior art elements according to known methods to yield predictable results, simply substitute one known element for another to obtain predictable results, use known techniques to improve similar devices in the same way, and/or apply a known technique to a known device ready for improvement to yield predictable results.
Regarding claim 22, KLICPERA1 in view of Fang discloses The water meter system as recited in claim 21, further comprising a water control valve mechanism including at least one of a ball valve, a solenoid valve, a piston valve, a variable open design valve, a gate valve, or a three-way valve, or any combination thereof, (KLICPERA1, e.g., see fig. 9 illustrating a valve; see also para. [0139] disclosing the water supply line from the water main (208) can optionally include a manual shut off valve (300) with handle (302). The manual shut off valve (300) can be a ball valve, a solenoid valve, gate value type, piston valve, or other known technology).
the water control valve mechanism is configured to connect with the electrical circuitry. (KLICPERA1, e.g., see fig. 8 explicitly illustrating water control valve (300) connected to the control circuit (314); see also para. [0155] disclosing the configuration of fig. 8).
Regarding claim 25, KLICPERA1 in view of Fang is not relied upon as explicitly disclosing: The water meter system as recited in Claim 21, wherein the Power over Ethernet (PoE), based on the IEEE 802.3af, IEEE 802.3at, or IEEE 802.3bt standard, or any combination thereof, connects to the Internet connection through router or connects to a private network, a public network, or a corporate network, or any combination thereof, the private network, the public network, or the corporate network is configured to utilize an application programming interface (API).
However, Fang further discloses: wherein the Power over Ethernet (PoE), based on the IEEE 802.3af, IEEE 802.3at, or IEEE 802.3bt standard, or any combination thereof, connects to the Internet connection through router or connects to a private network, a public network, or a corporate network, or any combination thereof, the private network, the public network, or the corporate network is configured to utilize an application programming interface (API). (Fang, e.g., see rejection as applied to claim 21, specifically col. 5, line 62 – col. 6, line 20; see also col. 4, lines 26-61 disclosing the term “communicate” and inflections thereof mean to receive and/or transmit data or information over a communication link. The communication link may include both wired and wireless links, and may comprise a direct link or may comprise multiple links passing through one or more communication networks or network devices such as, but not limited to, routers, firewalls, servers, and switches. The communication networks may comprise any type of wired or wireless network. The networks may include private networks and/or public networks such as the Internet. Also, a “module” or “unit” as referenced herein comprises one or more hardware or electrical components such as electrical circuitry, processors, and memory that may be specially configured to perform a particular function. A module or unit may comprise software components such as, but not limited to, data access objects, service components, user interface components, application programming interface (“API”) components; hardware components such as electrical circuitry, processors, and memory).
Accordingly, it would be prima facie obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, at the time the invention was effectively filed, to have modified KLICPERA1 in view of Fang’s device with Fang’s Power over Ethernet (PoE), based on the IEEE 802.3af, IEEE 802.3at, or IEEE 802.3bt standard, or any combination thereof, connects to the Internet connection through router or connects to a private network, a public network, or a corporate network, or any combination thereof, the private network, the public network, or the corporate network is configured to utilize an application programming interface (API) for at least the reasons that it is known in the art to utilize switching mechanisms with self-sustaining power, such as PoE to pass network packets.
Regarding claim 26, KLICPERA1 in view of Fang discloses: The water meter system as recited in Claim 21, further comprising a communication hub, the communication hub utilizes one or more wireless communication transceivers to communicate with a router for access to an Internet private network, a public network, or a corporate network, or any combination thereof. (see rejection as applied to claim 21; see also KLICPERA1, e.g., see para. [0058] disclosing the water parameter information an also be uploaded, either with the use of an optional communication hub to an internet router using wired or wireless technology which transmits the data through remote servers and associated database(s) or, alternatively through a private or commercial network with privately owned servers).
KLICPERA1 in view of Fang is not relied upon as explicitly disclosing: configured to connect to the Power over Ethernet (PoE).
However, Fang further discloses: a communication hub configured to connect to the Power over Ethernet (PoE) (Fang, e.g., see fig. 3 illustrating a layout of a PoE non-wirelessly-communicative radio-head-mounted sensor; construed by the examiner as a communication hub, wherein device comprises ethernet port (168) to include input-power contacts of an RJ45 connector).
Accordingly, it would be prima facie obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, at the time the invention was effectively filed, to have modified KLICPERA1 in view of Fang’s device with Fang’s communication hub configured to connect to the Power over Ethernet (PoE) for at least the reasons that it is known to utilize switching circuits, to include PoE circuits, to communicate through transmitted packets.
Regarding claim 28, KLICPERA1 in view of Fang discloses The water meter as recited in Claim 21, wherein the one or more wireless communication transceivers utilizes are configured to utilize an authentication technology or encryption technology, or any combination thereof, when: transmitting the water data; or receiving a signal or a command; or any combination thereof. (KLICPERA1, e.g., see rejection as applied above; see also fig. 8 illustrating transceiver; see also para. [0159] disclosing the transfer to data can use authentication, encryption, integrity and non-repudiation technology to ensure that data or information is communicated securely).
Regarding claim 29, KLICPERA1 in view of Fang discloses
wherein
the application programming interface (API) comprises at least one of:
(i) a direct Internet message encapsulation, (ii) a simple object access protocol, (iii) an architectural style that sends requests and receives responses using methods to access and process data for different systems via an Internet connection, (iv) a platform that uses a software programming development kit to facilitate communication between applications and external services over a HTTP, (v) a document object module that is written in a software programming language to process operations of a web document, (vi) a simple event-driven algorithm for lexing and parsing XML documents, (vii) a bidirectional read/write event-based method for lexing and parsing the XML documents, or (viii) an extensible markup language application programming interface, or any combination thereof. (KLICPERA1, e.g., see rejection as applied to claim 1; see also para. [0083] disclosing many newer internet protocols have been developed commonly known as an application programming interface (API). The API defines the well organized and resourceful way for a programmer or developer to write software instructions in the program separate from an operating system or other application. One such API is the RestAPI system which aims for fast performance, reliability, and the ability to grow, by re-using components that can be managed and updated without affecting the commercial system. With cloud-company services on the rise, APIs are being developed to facilitate communication with web services mobile APPs. REST is a logical choice for building APIs that allow users to connect and interact with Cloud services; see also para. [0085] disclosing using resources for identified uniform resource identifiers (URIs) as resource identifiers. The identifiers are separated from the representations that are returned to the client. The commercial or private server does not transfer data directly from the database, but rather, utilizes HTML, XML or JSON code that is designed to represent database records expressed in variable width character encoding, depending on the details of the structured query language (SQL) request and the server implementation; examiner notes the cited paragraph is describing lexing; see also para. [0173] disclosing the large cloud-computer companies can temporarily extend or customize the functionality for a client by transferring logic to it that it can execute. Examples of this may include compiled components such as Java applets and client-side scripts such as JavaScript. Complying with these constraints, and thus conforming to the REST architectural style (REST an acronym for Representational State Transfer), which will enable any kind of distributed hypermedia system to have desirable emergent properties, such as performance, scalability, simplicity, modifiability, visibility, portability, and reliability (Rest API)).
Regarding claim 30, KLICPERA1 in view of Fang discloses The water meter system as recited in Claim 22, further comprising a pressure sensor, the memory further including instructions that, when executed by at least one of the CPU, the microprocessor, or the microcontroller, or any combination thereof, perform, based on pressure data from the pressure sensor: (i) monitoring pressure patterns and establishing pressure signatures; (ii) detecting a leak condition; or (iii) monitoring pressure changes when the base station closes the water control valve mechanism; or any combinations thereof. (KLICPERA1, e.g., see figs. 10-13 and para. [0069] disclosing figures 10-13 show a cell or smart phone, computer, or other electronic apparatus (400) running an “APP” or a sequence of “APP” pages that show, in a pie chart, bar chart, or other format. The Water Meter and Leak Detection System’s flow rate sensor(s) and software calculate of the using the water flow rate, water use duration, and total volume of water to differentiate water use devices or appliances. The addition of an acoustic sensor, can observe movement, vibration, and noise patterns (sound and pressure patterns) which can sense water valve position or movement, with the Water Meter and Leak Detection System can provide more specific differentiation of water use devices. Using AI software technologies, the acoustic sensor can be calibrated to monitor water flow and water pressure; see also figs. 15a-15c; see also paras. [0132]-[0133] disclosing the pressure sensor can then measure the decay in pressure reads to observe and indicate small leaks. Like a flow rate sensor, the acoustic sensor with programming software can also monitor the flow rate, the duration and the total water volume to determine water signature patterns).
Regarding claim 31, KLICPERA1 in view of Fang discloses The water meter system as recited in Claim 22, wherein the base station is configured to receive a signal or a command, from the one or more remote computers or one or more electronic communication devices, to transmit the water data, close or open the water control valve mechanism, or perform a leak detection analysis, or any combination thereof. (KLICPERA1, e.g., see rejection as applied to claim 2; see also para. [0061] disclosing the wireless communication (46) can transmit information to a remote database, which communicates with a registered cell or smart phone, computer, or other electronic apparatus (400) for displaying water use and leak detection data. The wireless communication can also send information upon sensing the observation of a leak condition, e.g., alarm situation, to the registered cell or smart phone, computer, or other electronic apparatus (400); see also paras. [0177]-[0179] disclosing the application (410) can have to interface with the Bluetooth (420a), Wi-Fi (420b), or cellular (420c) wireless communication means, and send instructions to a specific “paired” Water Meter and Leak Detection System (10), (126), (200) with water control valve mechanism. Various pairing methods between the Water Meter and Leak Detection System (10), (126), (200) with water control valve mechanism (310) and the cell phone, smart phone or other electronic apparatus (400) are contemplated to be necessary to ensure that proper communication is established between a single and unique Water Meter and Leak Detection System (10), (126), (200) in addition to one or more unique cell phone, smart phone or other electronic apparatus (400). A quick Response Code (QR code) unit address located on Water Meter and Leak Detection System (10), (126), (200) can communicate with a cell phone, smart phone or other electronic apparatus (400) having a camera to read QR and establish link to the Water Meter and Leak Detection System (200)).
Regarding claim 32, KLICPERA1 in view of Fang discloses The water meter system as recited in Claim 21, wherein the base station is configured to transmit an alert or a notification, in response to detecting a leak condition, to the one or more remote computers or one or more electronic communication devices to inform a user, an owner, or a monitoring facility, or any combination thereof. (KLICPERA1, e.g., see rejection as applied to claim 21; see also para. [0158] disclosing the communication and control lines (83) can be used to transfer water use parameters and leak detection alerts to a remotely positioned display receiver apparatus or the display means (12), (14), and (16) can be eliminated to be replaced by the first display and/or recording apparatus (50), (56), (110) or on a cell phone, smart phone or other electronic apparatus (400); see also paras. [0182]-[0183])
Regarding claim 33, KLICPERA1 in view of Fang discloses The water meter system as recited in Claim 21, further comprising a temperature sensor. (KLICPERA1, e.g., see para. [0072] disclosing a single set of localized sensors (flow rate sensor (105), optional pressure sensor (65), optional acoustic sensor, and/or optional temperature sensor) can be utilized and incorporated into the Water Meter and Leak Detection System (10)).
Regarding claim 34, KLICPERA1 in view of Fang discloses The water meter system as recited in Claim 33, wherein the memory further including instructions that, when executed by at least one of the CPU, the microprocessor, or the microcontroller, or any combination thereof, perform, based on temperature data from the temperature sensor, that a water temperature approaches a freeze point of 32 degrees Fahrenheit or 0 degrees Celsius: (i) sending a warning or a message to the one or more remote computers or one or more electronic communication devices, or any combination thereof; (ii) communicating with an intelligent thermostat with wireless technology to turn on a heating system for the one or more buildings or structures; or (iii) conducting a water freeze protection procedure including draining the main water supply line or replacing at least a portion of the water in the main water supply line with air, nitrogen, or another gas or liquid having a low freezing point; or any combination thereof. (KLICPERA1, e.g., see para. [0072] disclosing a single set of localized sensors (flow rate sensor (105), optional pressure sensor (65), optional acoustic sensor, and/or optional temperature sensor) can be utilized and incorporated into the Water Meter and Leak Detection System (10); examiner notes that the Water Meter and Leak Detection System is collocated with the temperature sensor, wherein the temperature sensor must necessarily be in close proximity to the water supply; see also para. [0114] disclosing a preset alarm might include visual reference, for example, an in-operative condition indicating a broken sensor, low power source, no flow, reverse flow, leak conditions, freeze conditions, and/or some default limits; see also para. [0151] disclosing the water meter and leak detection system (10), (126), (200) can incorporate a freeze design feature which, before a freezing condition is encountered, activates a freezing protection mechanism. This technology is sometimes referred by other technologies such gas vehicle engines and called “freeze plugs.”).
Regarding claim 35, KLICPERA1 in view of Fang discloses The water meter system as recited in Claim 21, further comprising one or more electronic communication devices that include at least one of a cell phone, a mobile phone, a PDA, a tablet, the remote computer, a server, a web portal, a smart or an Internet capable television, a wireless smartwatch, a remote computer operation center, or another electronic communication apparatus, or any combination thereof, the one or more electronic communication devices are configured to communicate with the one or more remote computers or the cloud service company, or any combination thereof. (KLICPERA1, e.g., see rejection as applied above; see also paras. [0062]-[0063] disclosing the wireless communication (46) can consist of two-way transmission, commonly known as duplex transceiver technology, such that the Water Meter and Leak Detection System (10) can transmit and receive electronic signals with a remote station, cell or smart phone, computer, or other electronic apparatus (400). The wireless communication (46) can also comprise a Radio Frequency (RF) mesh-enabled or point-to-point device (meters, relays) technology that is connected to several other mesh-enabled or point-to-point devices, which function as signal repeaters, relaying the data to an access point. The access point device aggregates, encrypts, and eventually transmits the data back to a municipal or government agency over a secure third-party private or commercial network. If the Water Meter and Leak Detection System or optional communication hub transmitter drops out of the network, its neighboring Water Meter and Leak Detection System or optional communication hub will find another route. Alternatively, continuous data monitoring can be stored in a data module in the water meter collection node and periodically transferred wirelessly to a remote computer or server as described herein).
Regarding claim 36, KLICPERA1 in view of Fang discloses The water meter system as recited in Claim 21, further comprising an acoustic sensor, the memory further including instructions that, when executed by at least one of the CPU, the microprocessor, or the microcontroller, or any combination thereof, perform, based on acoustic data obtained from the acoustic sensor: (i) monitoring sound patterns and establishing sound signatures to identify one or more water control valves; or (ii) detecting a leak condition; or any combination thereof. (KLICPERA1, e.g., see figs. 10-13 and para. [0069] disclosing figures 10-13 show a cell or smart phone, computer, or other electronic apparatus (400) running an “APP” or a sequence of “APP” pages that show, in a pie chart, bar chart, or other format. The Water Meter and Leak Detection System’s flow rate sensor(s) and software calculate of the using the water flow rate, water use duration, and total volume of water to differentiate water use devices or appliances. The addition of an acoustic sensor, can observe movement, vibration, and noise patterns (sound and pressure patterns) which can sense water valve position or movement, with the Water Meter and Leak Detection System can provide more specific differentiation of water use devices. Using AI software technologies, the acoustic sensor can be calibrated to monitor water flow and water pressure; see also figs. 15a-15c; see also para. [0072] disclosing during water use device calibration, the user turns on or cycles one water use device for a time period and the Water Meter and Leak Detection System’s calibration software calibrates or determines the water flow rate, water duration, and total water volume and, if applicable, utilizes pressure and acoustic sensors to observe patterns (movement and noise) to identify water valves for specific water use devices. The software can use calibration data from the flow sensor for each water use device and record its water use signature (actual independent flow rates, variation of flow rate over time, water use duration, total volume used).
Regarding claim 38, KLICPERA1 in view of Fang discloses The water meter system as recited in Claim 21, further comprising one or more water quality sensors configured to monitor at least one of a pH, a halogen, total dissolved solids, a biological or a fecal contamination, a water hardness, a metallic ion, or any combination thereof. (KLICPERA1, e.g., see para. [0126] disclosing as illustrated in fig. 4 is a cross-section showing the one or more sensors (70), (72), (74), (76), (78), and water quality sensors (130), (132), (134), and (136) located in close proximity to water supply line (20), (22) and/or a water delivery supply lines (24), (26). Sensor (72) could be a timing sensor e.g., to monitor when water is flowing, sensor (74) can be a temperature sensor, sensor (76) can be a flow sensor, (78) can be a halogen sensor, (130) can be a total dissolved solids sensor, (132) can be a biological or fecal sensor, and (134) can be a water hardness sensor and (136) can be a specific iron or other mineral sensor).
Regarding claim 40, KLICPERA1 in view of Fang discloses The water meter system as recited in Claim 21, wherein at least one of the CPU, the microprocessor, or the microcontroller, or any combination thereof, includes a software program that performs a water use device calibration mode, the water use device calibration mode informs a user to activate a water use device, fixture, or appliance, monitors and records one or more water flow events, and utilizes at least one of a software calculation, an algorithm, or an artificial intelligence, or any combination thereof, to monitor a water pattern and establish a water signature to identify the water use device, fixture, or appliance. (KLICPERA1, e.g., see rejection as applied to claim 10; see also paras. [0072]-[0074] disclosing during water use device calibration, the user turns on or cycles one water use device for a time period and the Water Meter and Leak Detection System’s calibration software calibrates or determines the water flow rate, water duration, and total water volume and, if applicable, utilizes pressure and acoustic sensors to observe patterns (movement and noise) to identify water values for specific water use devices. The Automatic Sensor Learning Mode utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) and other software to perform this operation. A user can enter into a programmed “Automatic Sensor Learning Mode” by pressing a specific hard or soft button on the Water Meter and Leak Detection System (10) or touch screen display (80) or by sending an electronic signal from a display and/or recording apparatus (50), (110) and/or another remote device such as a cell or smart phone, computer, or other electronic apparatus (400)).
Regarding claim 41, KLICPERA1 in view of Fang discloses The water meter system as recited in Claim 21, wherein at least one of the CPU, the microprocessor, or the microcontroller, or any combination thereof, includes a software program that performs an automatic learning mode, the automatic learning mode executes a period of self-learning, monitors and records one or more water flow events, and utilizes at least one of a software calculation, an algorithm, or an artificial intelligence, or any combination thereof, to monitor water patterns and establish water signatures to identify water use devices, fixtures, or appliances, or any combination thereof. (KLICPERA1, e.g., see rejection as applied to claim 1; see also para. [0032] disclosing the water event use will inherently save wireless transmission energy by causing the CPU to go into a sleep mode between each water event use and allowing a superior analysis of water signatures and patterns for reliable discernment of leak and leak conditions; see also paras. [0167]-[0169] disclosing fig. 13 shows another example of a cell phone, smart phone or similar apparatus (400) having an “APP” or programmed application, or another page of an “APP” or programmed application to display the soft buttons or control activators to turn on/off the water system, schedule the water control mechanism, or receive a text message that utilizes the technology and functionality as previously described. This display of water used by the water use devices utilizes water flow rate, water use duration, total water volume data and optional pressure and acoustic technology in software calculations that generates water use patterns or water signatures for leak detection and/or displaying water use patterns or water signatures for leak detection and/or displaying water use and/or water quality information or data on a cell phone, smart phone, mobile phone, computer or similar electronic apparatus. The program (or setting) buttons can be used to program a “sensor calibration stage” or an “Automatic Sensor Learning Mode.” In the “sensor calibration stage” example, an owner/user can enter into a programmed “sensor calibration stage” by pressing a specific hard or soft button on the water meter and leak detection system (10), (126), (200) or touch screen display (80), or make a verbal or annunciation command or communication with the central audio hub having intelligent listening and speaker capabilities. In the “automatic sensor learning mode,” the software learns about a family’s or corporation’s water use with or without the calibration steps. The automatic learning software could analyze, record, and store actual independent flow rates, variation of flow rate over time, typical durations, variations in pressure patterns (e.g. rate of flow at onset of water flow and rate of flow when turned off, and any variations during water flow duration, and optional acoustic/sound frequency) to assign the pattern of water use for the toilet and bathroom faucet).
Regarding claim 47, KLICPERA1 in view of Fang discloses The water meter system as recited in claim 21, wherein the Power over Ethernet (PoE) is configured to (i) transmit the water data from the base station to the one or more remote computers, the cloud service company, or to one or more electronic communication devices, and (ii) receive a signal or a command from the one or more remote computers, the cloud service company or the one or more electronic communication devices. (see rejection as applied to claim 21; see also KLICPERA1, e.g., see para. [0050] disclosing the request signal can be generated by, for example, the pushing of a requesting button located on the first remote display and/or recorder (50) that transmits a request for water and energy use data to the water and energy monitoring apparatus water meter and leak detection system (10) (and (126) in figs. 6 and (200) in fig. 7). The first wireless communication means (52) can consist of two-way transmission, commonly known as transceiver technology, such that the monitoring display apparatus water meter and leak detection system (10) can transmit and receive electronic signals from the first display and/or recording apparatus (50) and similarly, and the first display and/or recording apparatus (50) can transmit and receive electronic signals from the monitoring display apparatus water meter and leak detection system).
Claim(s) 24 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over the cited reference(s) of the parent claim(s) in view of KAAG ET AL. (EP 3345340 B1) (hereinafter “KAAG”).
Regarding claim 24, KLICPERA1 in view of Fang is not relied upon as explicitly disclosing: The water meter system as recited in Claim 21, further including one or more rechargeable batteries that are supplemented with an electrical energy by the Power over Ethernet (PoE) based on the IEEE 802.3af, IEEE 802.3at, or IEEE 802.3bt standards, or any combination thereof.
However, KAAG further discloses: one or more rechargeable batteries that are supplemented with an electrical energy by the Power over Ethernet (PoE) based on the IEEE 802.3af, IEEE 802.3at, or IEEE 802.3bt standards, or any combination thereof. (see rejection as applied to claim 21; see also KAAG, e.g., see para. [0004] disclosing a typical PoE data-forwarding device will thus require a relative high additional power budget to “keep the line alive.” This is standardized in Ethernet standard “802.3at;” see also para. [0019] disclosing the apparatus further comprises a monitoring unit to monitor status of the energy storage and initiate a recharge if the amount drops below a predetermined value).
Accordingly, it would be prima facie obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, at the time the invention was effectively filed, to have modified KLICPERA1 in view of Fang’s device with KAAG’s one or more rechargeable batteries that are supplemented with an electrical energy by the Power over Ethernet (PoE) based on the IEEE 802.3af, IEEE 802.3at, or IEEE 802.3bt standards, or any combination thereof for at least the reasons that in order to guarantee an amount of energy sufficient to power up the network interface a monitoring unit may determine the energy degradation and initiate a recharge by charging the power mode to a status that allows a battery recharge while keeping the energy consumption low, as taught by KAAG; e.g., see para. [0019].
Claim(s) 27, 39 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over the cited reference(s) of the parent claim(s) in view of INDURKAR (US 11190985 B1).
Regarding claim 27, KLICPERA1 in view of Fang discloses The water meter system as recited in Claim 26, wherein the communication hub includes the one or more wireless communication transceivers, at least one of the one or more wireless communication transceivers is configured to communicate via: a wireless network protocol based on IEEE 802.11 standards; an infrared light transmission scheme; a low power and long-range chirp spread modulation technology; a network that uses the low power and long-range chirp spread modulation technology; a wireless technology that transmits over an ultra narrow band; an Internet Protocol (IPv6) that uses a sub-1 GHz frequency; a network, based on a star, ring, or bus topology network with master and slave devices and specified standards, that uses operating modes S, T, R, C (868 MHz), F (433 MHz), or N (169 MHz); a narrowband internet of things (IoT) protocol that uses a low-power wide-area network technology standard by for cellular network devices and services; a network protocol that uses a differential binary phase-shift keying and a Gaussian frequency shift keying over an ultra narrow band; a wireless communication technology based on IEEE 802.16 standards; a wireless network that uses a low-bandwidth and long-range connectivity, the wireless network is configured to provide cloud connectivity for one or more Internet of Things (IoT) devices, smart speakers, or bridge devices, or any combination thereof; a third-generation wireless mobile telecommunications technology; a fourth-generation wireless mobile telecommunications technology; or a fifth-generation wireless mobile telecommunications technology; or any combination thereof; (KLICPERA1, e.g., see rejection as applied above; see also para. [0062] disclosing the wireless communication (46) can consist of two-way transmission, commonly known as duplex transceiver technology, such that the Water Meter and Leak Detection System (10) can transmit and receive electronic signals with a remote station, cell or smart phone, computer, or other electronic apparatus (400). The wireless communication (46) can also comprise a Radio Frequency (RF) mesh-enabled or point-to-point device (meters, relays) technology that is connected to several other mesh-enabled or point-to-point devices, which function as signal repeaters, relaying the data to an access point. The access point device aggregates, encrypts, and eventually transmits the data back to a municipal or government agency over a secure third-party private or commercial network. If the Water Meter and Leak Detection System or optional communication hub transmitter drops out of the network, its neighboring Water Meter and Leak Detection System or optional communication hub will find another route; see also para. [0163] disclosing the use of Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 family of wireless local area network) and upcoming Wi-Fi3 wireless technology (420b) is commonly a feature found on many cell phones, smart phones and similar apparatus (400) and wireless routers/servers); see also paras. [0041]-[0046]).
wherein one or more wireless communication technologies are configured to communicate via one or more wireless mobile telecommunication technologies that utilize a cellular transceiver configured to download water parameter data. (KLICPERA1, e.g., see rejection as applied above; see also fig. 8; see also paras. [0062]-[0063] disclosing signals and/or data can also be transferred by standard cellular format, 3GPPP or LTE-M and 5G cellular technology from cellular towers to remote servers and then over the internet to a local router/server in a private or public property(ies). The wireless communications (52), (54) and (46) are preferred to transmit, upload or download water parameter data or information via a secure wireless communication network).
KLICPERA1 in view of Fang is not relied upon as explicitly disclosing: an embedded Subscriber Identity Module (eSIM) code.
However, INDURKAR further discloses: an embedded Subscriber Identity Module (eSIM) code. (INDURKAR, e.g., see col. 6, lines 45-63 disclosing the IoT device (102) may need to activate a different eSIM profile (120) stored in its eUICC (108) and/or download a different eSIM profile (120), store it in the eUICC (108), and make that downloaded eSIM profile (120) active).
Accordingly, it would be prima facie obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, at the time the invention was effectively filed, to have modified KLICPERA1 in view of Fang’s system with INDURKAR’s embedded Subscriber Identity Module (eSIM) for at least the reasons that an eSIM enables association of coverage areas, which is reprogrammable upon a new coverage area association, as taught by INDURKAR; e.g., see col. 6, lines 45-63.
Regarding claim 39, KLICPERA1 in view of Fang, in further view of INDURKAR discloses The water meter system as recited in Claim 27, wherein at least one of the one or more wireless communication transceivers is configured to use a blockchain technology to transmit the water data and receive a signal or a command. (KLICPERA1, e.g., see rejection as applied above; see also para. [0108] disclosing when a Water Meter and Leak Detection System (10) receives or uploads data and information such as a control command signal to send or transmit data and information it is critical that the device can authenticate the sender and be sure of the integrity of the data and information. Non-repudiation can be provided by signing, electronic witnessing and technologies that assert a document was read before it was signed. One of the main advantages of the Block-Chain technology is that non-repudiation is nearly immutable and can be used for security applications).
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s amendments, filed on 05/26/2026, have been entered and fully considered. In light of the applicant’s amendments changing the scope of the claimed invention, the rejection(s) have been withdrawn or updated. However, upon further consideration, a new or updated ground(s) of rejection(s) have been made, and applicant's argument(s)/remark(s) pertaining to the amended language have been rendered moot.
Applicant's argument(s)/remark(s), see page(s) 1, filed 05/26/2026, with respect to the claim objection(s) has/have been fully considered.
-Applicant states
“Claim Objections
8. Claim 21 is objected to because of the following informalities: Claim 21 includes bullet points a-c, skips d and lists again at bullet point e. The examiner recommends to amend to replace bullet point e with bullet point d. Appropriate correction is required.”.
Said rejection(s) has/have been withdrawn.
Applicant's argument(s)/remark(s), see page(s) 1, filed 05/26/2026, with respect to the 112 rejection(s) has/have been fully considered.
-Applicant states
“Claim Rejections - 35 USCQ 112
Claims 1-20, 23, 27, 29, 37, 39, and42-46 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.”.
Said rejection(s) has/have been withdrawn.
Applicant's argument(s)/remark(s), see page(s) 1-3, filed 05/26/2026, with respect to the art rejection(s) has/have been fully considered.
-Applicant states
“Claim Rejections - 35 USCQ 103
Claims 1-20, 23, 37, and 42-46 are rejected under 35 U.S.C.103 as being unpatentable over KLICPERA1 (WO 2020/154384 Al), hereinafter KLICPERA1, in view of INDURKAR (US 11,190,985 Bl), hereinafter INDURKAR.
Claims 21-22, 25-26, 28-36, 38, 40-41, and 47 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over KLICPERA1 in view of Fang et al (US 11,284,230 Bl), hereinafter Fang.
Claim 24 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over KLICPERA1 in view of Fang, in further view of KAAG et al. (EP 3345340 Bl), hereinafter KAAG.
Claims 27 and 39 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over KLICPERA1 in view of Fang, in further view of INDURKAR.
Applicant's response
Applicant herein amends the independent claims 1, 10, and 21 to recite that wherein when the one or more water flow rate sensors detect an initiation of the flow of water, at least one of the CPU, the microprocessor, or the microcontroller, or any combination thereof, is configured to automatically transition from a first sampling rate associated with a non-flow condition to a second sampling rate greater than the first sampling rate to monitor one or more water flow events during active water flow conditions and the second sampling rate is dynamically adjusted based on detected water flow characteristics including at least one of flow duration, flow rate, or pressure variation. Support may be found for the amendment at least at Paragraph [0032] of applicant's specification.
The Examiner is currently relying on KLICPERA1 paragraph [0032]/[0057] for the concept of varying sampling/update behavior when water begins flowing. However, KLICPERA1 primarily discusses sending updates at different reporting frequencies, event-based transmissions, and general monitoring behavior. Applicant argues that KLICPERA1 does not clearly disclose transitioning between defined sampling states, changing sensor sampling rates from a non-flow state to an active-flow state, or adaptive sensor-level sampling control triggered by detected initiation of water flow.
The Examiner asserts that KLICPERA1 discloses "adjusting a sampling rate" based on initiation of water flow. Applicant respectfully disagrees. Applicant is concerned that the Examiner may be conflating the two concepts of "sampling rate" of the sensor subsystem, versus "communication/reporting frequency" of transmitted data.
As amended, the independent claims 1, 10 and 21 now specifically requires that detection of initiation of water flow causes the processor to automatically instruct the one or more water flow rate sensors to transition from a first sampling rate associated with a non-flow condition to a second sampling rate greater than the first sampling rate; and the increased sampling rate is utilized during active water flow monitoring. The cited portions of KLICPERA1 do not teach or suggest this claimed functionality.
KLICPERA1 generally discusses transmitting water usage information at varying reporting intervals and event-based communication. For example, KLICPERA1 describes transmitting information "once per minute, once per hour, once per day" and optionally transmitting upon initiation of water flow. However, these disclosures relate to communication or reporting frequency, not adaptive modification of sensor sampling rates in response to a detected initiation of flow.
The presently claimed invention instead recites a processor-controlled adaptive sensing architecture in which the processor dynamically changes operation of the water flow sensing process itself by transitioning between different sampling rates depending upon whether a water flow condition is detected.
The art of INDURKAR, as well as the balance of the art presented by the Examiner, likewise fails to remedy these deficiencies. INDURKAR is directed to IoT wireless communication service management and eSIM provisioning. INDURKAR does not disclose adaptive water-flow sensing, dynamic sensor sampling control, or water-event-driven modification of sensor acquisition behavior.
Accordingly, even if combined, KLICPERA1 and INDURKAR fail to teach or suggest the amended limitations of independent claims 1, 10 and 21. Therefore, applicant believes claims 1, 10 and 21 are patentable over the art provided by the Examiner. Claims 2-9, 11-20 and 22-47 are patentable on their own merits, or at least as depended from a patentable base claim.”.
The underlined argument(s)/remark(s) are moot because the arguments do not apply to any of the previous rejected limitations.
See new/updated rejection(s) above necessitated by amendment(s).
Conclusion
THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any extension fee pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the mailing date of this final action.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to RAYMOND NIMOX whose telephone number is (469)295-9226. The examiner can normally be reached Mon-Thu 10am-8pm CT.
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RAYMOND NIMOX
Primary Examiner
Art Unit 2857
/RAYMOND L NIMOX/Primary Examiner, Art Unit
Prosecution Insights