Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Response to Amendment
The amendment filed on 05/19/2026 has been entered. Claims 1, 9-10, and 13 have been amended. New Limitation have been added to independent claims 1, 9-10, and 13. Claims 1-15 remains pending.
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s arguments with respect to claim(s) have been considered but are moot
because new limitations have been added to independent claims, therefore a new interpretation has been used and the arguments are moot.
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) 1-15 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Laurel (US 9352908) in view of Baroun (JP 5431180).
Regarding claim-1, Laurel discloses a chain conveyor (10, Fig.1-3) comprising:
a frame (Fig.1);
at least one chain (links Fig.1) configured to move on the frame, the at least one chain including a plurality of links (Fig.1, 3) and at least some of the plurality of links supporting a plurality of bearings (22, Fig.2-4) that are configured to rotate relative to the links and contact one or more pallets on the chain conveyor (See Fig.3, 22 contacts 38); and
a dynamic traction control system (Fig.2) including:
But Laurel lacks flexible bladder but instead teaches flexible member/segment.
a flexible bladder (adjustable member/segment in up and down direction32, Fig.2-3) provided to the frame adjacent to but not touching a surface of the plurality of bearings (as can be seen in Fig.2: Segment not touching the Right-side roller 22);
a control body (controllable bearing surface segment 32; Col.2 line44-46) provided to the flexible bladder;
a pressure device (40) in fluid connection with the control body such that the pressure device is configured to selectively expand (up direction) the flexible bladder such that the flexible bladder makes direct contact with the surface of the plurality of bearings in contact with the one or more pallets (See Fig.3, 22 contacts 38) when additional traction is required (Fig.2; Col.3 line1-16 and controllable bearing surface segment 32; Col.2 line44-46); and
a controller (58, Fig.6) in electronic communication with the pressure device (40) to expand the flexible bladder to provide adjustable traction control when needed (Fig.2) and contract the flexible bladder when adjustable traction control is not needed (Fig.2) (Check Col.3 line50 to Col.4 line43).
Baroun teaches a chain conveyor system with dynamic traction control system (Fig.1-3) similar to Laurel and also, teaches a flexible bladder (7) to expand and contract for traction control of rollers (1), and a control body (15) provided to the flexible bladder (7) and to adjust the said flexible bladder.
Therefore, it would have been obvious to the skilled person in the art before the effective filing date of claimed invention to alternatively provide/replace Laurel flexible member with flexible bladder and controller as taught by Baroun for purpose of controlling the speed and traction of rollers/bearing.
Regarding claim-2, Laurel as modified wherein the flexible bladder (7 as taught by Baroun) has an elongated shape along the direction of the chain (Fig.3 of Baroun).
Regarding claim-3, Laurel as modified wherein the control body (15 as taught by Baroun) is at one end of the flexible bladder (7 as taught by Baroun) and a stopper body (3 as taught by Baroun) is provided at another end of the flexible bladder and the stopper body is configured to seal the flexible bladder and hold the flexible bladder in place on the frame (Fig.1B, of Baroun)
Regarding claim-4, Laurel as modified does not teaches wherein the flexible bladder (7 as taught by Baroun) is cylindrical instead teaches a rectangular shape. However, it is just a mere of straightforward design and constructional detail of an apparatus in which skilled person in the art can easily construed to select the shape i.e., cylindrical based on required specification of an apparatus.
Regarding claim-5, Laurel as modified wherein the flexible bladder (7 as taught by Baroun) comprises an internal inflatable bladder (7) and an external covering (6) for the internal inflatable bladder (Fig.1A-1B as taught by Baroun).
Regarding claim-6, Laurel as modified wherein the pressure device comprises a pneumatic or hydraulic system (18, Fig.1B as taught by Baroun).
Regarding claim-7, Laurel as modified wherein the at least one chain (2a, 2b as taught by Baroun) comprises chain bearings (4, Fig.1A-1B as taught by Baroun) that move on the frame along at least one rail provided to the frame, wherein the rail has a circular profile (Fig.3 as taught by Baroun).
Regarding claim-8, Laurel as modified wherein the controller (58) is configured to expand or contract the flexible bladder (7 as taught by Baroun) using a plurality of levels (Fig.3).
Regarding claim-9, Laurel as modified a method for dynamic traction control in a chain conveyor, the chain conveyor including a chain (2a, 2b as taught by Baroun) on the chain conveyor provided with a plurality of bearings (22) for contacting one or more pallets (38) (See Fig.3, 22 contacts 38), the method comprising:
providing a flexible bladder (7, as taught by Baroun) adjacent to the bearings; and
selectively expanding the flexible bladder (7 as taught by Baroun) such that the flexible bladder makes direct contact with a surface of the bearings in contact with the one or more pallets (See Fig.3, 22 contacts 38) when adjustable additional traction is required (Fig.2).
Regarding claim-10, Laurel as modified wherein the selectively expanding the flexible bladder (7 as taught by Baroun) is based on parameters related to at least one pallet of the pallet one or more pallets and the chain conveyor (Fig.3 and also Fig.3 of Baroun)
Regarding claim-11, Laurel as modified wherein the selectively expanding comprises selecting a level of expansion (Fig.3 and also Fig.1A-B, 3 of Baroun)
Regarding claim-12, Laurel as modified wherein the selectively expanding comprises contracting the flexible bladder when additional traction is not required (Fig.3 and also Fig.1A-B, 3 of Baroun)
Regarding claim-13, Laurel discloses a kit to retrofit a chain conveyor (10) to provide dynamic traction control (Fig.2-3), the chain conveyor comprising a frame (Fig.1), at least one chain (links) configured to move on the frame, the at least one chain including a plurality of links (Fig.1) supporting a plurality of bearings (22) configured to rotate freely relative to the links and contact one or more pallets on the chain conveyor (See Fig.3, 22 contacts 38), the kit comprising:
a flexible bladder (7 as taught by Baroun) provided to the frame adjacent to but not touching a surface of the plurality of bearings;
a control body (15 as taught by Baroun) provided to the flexible bladder;
a pressure device (40) in fluid connection with the control body such that the pressure device is configured to selectively expand the flexible member such that the flexible bladder makes direct contact with the surface of the plurality of bearings in contact with the one or more pallets (See Fig.3, 22 contacts 38) when adjustable additional traction is required (Check Col.3 line50 to Col.4 line43).); and
a controller (58) in electronic communication with the pressure device (40) to expand the flexible bladder to provide adjustable traction control when needed and contract the flexible bladder when adjustable traction control is not needed (Fig.2) (Check Col.3 line50 to Col.4 line43).
Regarding claim-14, Laurel as modified wherein the flexible member (7 as taught by Baroun) has an elongated cylindrical shape with a circular cross-section instead teaches an elongated rectangular shape with rectangular cross-section. However, it is just a mere of straightforward design and constructional detail of an apparatus in which skilled person in the art can easily construed to select the shape i.e., cylindrical based on required specification of an apparatus.
Regarding claim-15, Laurel as modified wherein the flexible member (7 as taught by Baroun) comprises an internal inflatable bladder (7) and an external covering (6) for the internal inflatable bladder (Fig.1A-1B).
Claim(s) 1-15 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Laurel (US 9352908) in view of Mark (US 20060249355).
Regarding claim-1, Laurel discloses a chain conveyor (10, Fig.1-3) comprising:
a frame (Fig.1);
at least one chain (links Fig.1) configured to move on the frame, the at least one chain including a plurality of links (Fig.1, 3) and at least some of the plurality of links supporting a plurality of bearings (22, Fig.2-4) that are configured to rotate relative to the links and contact one or more pallets on the chain conveyor (See Fig.3, 22 contacts 38); and
a dynamic traction control system (Fig.2) including:
But Laurel lacks flexible bladder but instead teaches flexible member/segment.
a flexible bladder (adjustable member/segment in up and down direction32, Fig.2-3) provided to the frame adjacent to but not touching a surface of the plurality of bearings (as can be seen in Fig.2: Segment not touching the Right-side roller 22);
a control body (controllable bearing surface segment 32; Col.2 line44-46) provided to the flexible bladder;
a pressure device (40) in fluid connection with the control body such that the pressure device is configured to selectively expand (up direction) the flexible bladder such that the flexible bladder makes direct contact with the surface of the plurality of bearings in contact with the one or more pallets (See Fig.3, 22 contacts 38) when additional traction is required (Fig.2; Col.3 line1-16 and controllable bearing surface segment 32; Col.2 line44-46); and
a controller (58, Fig.6) in electronic communication with the pressure device (40) to expand the flexible bladder to provide adjustable traction control when needed (Fig.2) and contract the flexible bladder when adjustable traction control is not needed (Fig.2) (Check Col.3 line50 to Col.4 line43).
Mark teaches a chain conveyor system with dynamic traction control system (Fig.1-4) similar to Laurel and also, teaches a flexible bladder (68) to expand and contract for traction control of rollers (24), and a control body (76) provided to the flexible bladder (Fig.3-4, [0023-0024]) and to adjust the said flexible bladder.
Therefore, it would have been obvious to the skilled person in the art before the effective filing date of claimed invention to alternatively provide/replace Laurel flexible member with flexible bladder and controller as taught by Mark for purpose of controlling the speed and traction of rollers/bearing.
Regarding claim-2, Laurel as modified wherein the flexible bladder (68 as taught by Mark) has an elongated shape along the direction of the chain (Fig.3 with 4 of Mark).
Regarding claim-3, Laurel as modified wherein the control body (76 as taught by Mark) is at one end of the flexible bladder (68 as taught by Mark) and a stopper body (58 as taught by Mark) is provided at another end of the flexible bladder and the stopper body is configured to seal the flexible bladder and hold the flexible bladder in place on the frame (Fig.3 of Mark)
Regarding claim-4, Laurel as modified teaches wherein the flexible bladder (68 as taught by Mark) is cylindrical (Fig.3 of Mark).
Regarding claim-5, Laurel as modified wherein the flexible bladder (68 as taught by Mark) comprises an internal inflatable bladder (68) and an external covering (66) for the internal inflatable bladder (Fig.3 of Mark).
Regarding claim-6, Laurel as modified wherein the pressure device comprises a pneumatic or hydraulic system (74 as taught by Mark).
Regarding claim-7, Laurel as modified wherein the at least one chain (Fig.1B, 5B as taught by Mark) comprises chain bearings (Fig.1B, 5B as taught by Mark) that move on the frame along at least one rail provided to the frame, wherein the rail has a circular profile (Fig.1B, 5B as taught by Mark)
Regarding claim-8, Laurel as modified wherein the controller (76) is configured to expand or contract the flexible bladder (68 as taught by Mark) using a plurality of levels (78 Fig.3 of Mark).
Regarding claim-9, Laurel as modified a method for dynamic traction control in a chain conveyor, the chain conveyor including a chain (Fig.1B, 5B as taught by Mark) provided with a plurality of bearings (22) for contacting one or more pallets (38) (See Fig.3, 22 contacts 38), the method comprising:
providing a flexible bladder (68 as taught by Mark) adjacent to the bearings; and
selectively expanding the flexible bladder (68 as taught by Mark) such that the flexible bladder makes direct contact with a surface of the bearings in contact with the one or more pallets (See Fig.3, 22 contacts 38) when adjustable additional traction is required (Fig.2).
Regarding claim-10, Laurel as modified wherein the selectively expanding the flexible bladder (68 as taught by Mark) is based on parameters related to at least one pallet of the pallet one or more pallets and chain conveyor (levels 78, Fig.3 Mark).
Regarding claim-11, Laurel as modified wherein the selectively expanding comprises selecting a level of expansion (levels 78, Fig.3 of Mark)
Regarding claim-12, Laurel as modified wherein the selectively expanding comprises contracting the flexible bladder when additional traction is not required (levels 78, Fig.3 Mark)
Regarding claim-13, Laurel discloses a kit to retrofit a chain conveyor (10) to provide dynamic traction control (Fig.2-3), the chain conveyor comprising a frame (Fig.1), at least one chain (links) configured to move on the frame, the at least one chain including a plurality of links (Fig.1) supporting a plurality of bearings (22) configured to rotate freely relative to the links and contact one or more pallets on the chain conveyor (See Fig.3, 22 contacts 38), the kit comprising:
a flexible bladder (68 as taught by Mark) provided to the frame adjacent to but not touching a surface of the plurality of bearings;
a control body (76 as taught by Mark) provided to the flexible bladder;
a pressure device (40) in fluid connection with the control body such that the pressure device is configured to selectively expand the flexible member such that the flexible bladder makes direct contact with the surface of the plurality of bearings in contact with the one or more pallets (See Fig.3, 22 contacts 38) when adjustable additional traction is required (Check Col.3 line50 to Col.4 line43); and
a controller (58) in electronic communication with the pressure device (40) to expand the flexible bladder to provide adjustable traction control when needed and contract the flexible bladder when adjustable traction control is not needed (Fig.2) (Check Col.3 line50 to Col.4 line43).
Regarding claim-14, Laurel as modified wherein the flexible member (68 as taught by Mark) has an elongated cylindrical shape with a circular cross-section (Fig.3 of Mark).
Regarding claim-15, Laurel as modified wherein the flexible member (68) as taught by Mark comprises an internal inflatable bladder (68) and an external covering (66) for the internal inflatable bladder (Fig.3 of Mark).
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 nonprovisional extension fee (37 CFR 1.17(a)) 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 MUHAMMAD AWAIS whose telephone number is (571)272-4955. The examiner can normally be reached Monday-Friday 7-4 pm (EST).
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Gene Crawford can be reached at (571)272-6911. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/MA/Examiner, Art Unit 3651
/GENE O CRAWFORD/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 3651
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