DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Continued Examination Under 37 CFR 1.114
A request for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, including the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e), was filed in this application after final rejection. Since this application is eligible for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, and the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e) has been timely paid, the finality of the previous Office action has been withdrawn pursuant to 37 CFR 1.114. Applicant's submission filed on September 26, 2025 has been entered.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
The text of those sections of Title 35, U.S. Code not included in this action can be found in a prior Office action.
Claim(s) 7, 8, and 11-14 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Rodenbeck (US 8,176,958,of record).
As best depicted in Figure 2, Rodenbeck is directed to a system comprising a tire 500, a rim 200, and at least one electromagnet 120 (claimed at least one magnet- part of MRE assembly) disposed radially on said rim (Column 3, Lines 62+). Rodenbeck further states that (a) said electromagnet can be arranged within respective MRE pillars 111 or can be arranged outward of said pillars (Column 3, Lines 39-61) and (b) a strength of the magnetic field produced by said electromagnet is variable as a function of, for example, external road sensors or internal vehicle sensors (these are seen to correspond with “vehicle operating conditions”- Column 6, Lines 26+). It is unclear how the language “configured” to produce a magnetic field oriented outward from the tire to repel magnetic objects external from the tire” structurally distinguishes the claimed tire from the tire taught by Rodenbeck (the mere presence of an electromagnet on the rim that is associated with a magnetic field whose strength is variable and can be increased or decreased is seen to satisfy the claimed configuration). Also, the assembly of Rodenbeck is configured to produce an electromagnetic field that would be present at a point of contact with a surface below the tire to repel ferromagnetic debris external to the tire.
Lastly, regarding claim 7, Rodenbeck discloses the inclusion of a power source (Column 5, Lines 60+).
As to claims 11-14, Rodenbeck discloses the inclusion of multiple MRE assemblies, wherein each assembly includes an electromagnet that can be independently controlled (Column 5, Lines 49+). Furthermore, Rodenbeck (Column 6, Lines 26+) teaches the inclusion of feedback control systems 700 that communicate control signals to an assembly that includes said electromagnet and said power source. In such an instance, said system would include a first device that analyzes feedback signals 760 (corresponds with claimed computing device) and a second device (corresponds with claimed electronic communication device) that subsequently sends control signals 765 to said MRE assembly. It is emphasized that Rodenbeck states that control signals 765 can result in a stronger magnetic field and it is well recognized that increased magnetic field strength is directly related to an increase in current flowing through a coil in an electromagnet. This relationship is seen to satisfy the claimed limitation that “at least one electronic communication device is configured to enable or disable the power source” (power source would be enabled (as a result of communication from the electronic communication device) when a desired magnetic field is necessary). Lastly, the respective devices within the system are seen to be “configured” to wirelessly communicate in a manner consistent with the claimed invention (disclosure of “signals” from sensors to feedback control system and subsequently from said feedback control system to the MRE assembly suggests a wireless communication).
Response to Arguments
Applicant's arguments filed September 26, 2025 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive.
Applicant argues that the amended claims are limited to repelling external ferromagnetic debris, a function not taught or disclosed by Rodenbeck. This argument is not entirely understood. Rodenbeck expressly teaches a wheel assembly comprising a tire and a rim, wherein an electromagnetic is arranged on a rim and positioned axially external an MRE pillar 111- such a configuration is configured to repel external ferromagnetic debris since the magnitude of the electromagnetic field is variable and can be increased or decreased as desired. It is emphasized that Applicant’s assembly similarly has an electromagnet positioned on a rim wherein a magnitude of an electromagnetic field is variable. It is unclear how the assembly of Rodenbeck is not “configured” in a manner that carries out of the function detailed by the claims.
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to JUSTIN R FISCHER whose telephone number is (571)272-1215. The examiner can normally be reached M-F 5:30-2:00.
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Justin Fischer
/JUSTIN R FISCHER/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 1749 October 6, 2025