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
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and the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e) has been timely paid, the finality of the previous Office action has been withdrawn pursuant to 37 CFR 1.114.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 04/28/2026 has been entered.
Information Disclosure Statement
The Information Disclosure Statements (IDS) filed on 03/13/2023 has been acknowledged.
Status of Application
Claims 1-17 and 19-20 are pending.
Claims 1, 10, and 16 are the independent claims.
Claims 18 have been cancelled.
This Office Action is in response to the “Amendments and Remarks” received on 04/28/2026.
Office Note: While “exclusively” is not clearly supported in the specification, the office understands it to be separate and/or isolated when looking at the pumps, cylinders, and conduits, which was explained during the interview on 03/11/2026 and is shown in Fig, 3.
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) 1-10 and 12-15 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being anticipated by US-20190177953-A1 to Takahashi et. al. (“Takahashi”) in view of US-20220259828-A1 to Zhang et. al. (“Zhang”).
Regarding claim 1, Takahashi teaches a control system for an agricultural implement, comprising (Takahashi Abstract):
a first electric pump (Takahashi Fig. 1, ref 101 “Main pump of variable displacement type”) fluidly coupled to a first fluid cylinder (Takahashi Fig. 1 ref 3d “bucket cylinder”) through a first conduit (Takahashi Fig. 1 ref 105a “hydraulic fluid supply path” and [0056] “plurality of flow control valves 106a, 106b, and 106d of a closed center type (a plurality of first flow control valves) for controlling the boom cylinder 3a, the arm cylinder 3b, and the bucket cylinder 3d (a plurality of first actuators), a hydraulic fluid supply path 105a for introducing the hydraulic fluid of the main pump 101 to the plurality of flow control valves 106a, 106b, and 106d”), wherein the first electric pump is disposed on the agricultural implement (Takahashi Fig. 1), and the first fluid cylinder is configured to apply a force to a first ground-engaging tool of the agricultural implement (Takahashi Fig. 2, ref 3d and [0054], [0058], & [0070] – [0071] and [0276]);
a second electric pump (Takahashi Fig. 1, ref 301 “Main pump of variable displacement type”) fluidly coupled to a second fluid cylinder (Takahashi Fig. 1 ref 3h “blade cylinder”) through a second conduit, (Takahashi Fig. 1 & 1C ref 305 “hydraulic fluid supply path” and [0054] “hydraulic fluid supply paths 105, 205, and 305 for introducing the hydraulic fluids delivered from the main pumps 101, 201, and 301 to the plurality of actuators”) wherein the second electric pump is disposed on the agricultural implement (Takahashi Fig. 1), and the second fluid cylinder is configured to apply a force to a second ground-engaging tool of the agricultural implement (Takahashi Fig. 2, ref 3h and [0054] & [0063] – [0069] and [0276]); and
a controller communicatively coupled to the first electric pump and the second electric pump, and the controller is configured to (Takahashi ref 90 “controller” and [0274]):
determine a first target fluid pressure inside the first fluid cylinder based on a first target force of the first fluid cylinder (Takahashi [0070]);
determine a second target fluid pressure inside the second fluid cylinder based on a second target force of the second fluid cylinder (Takahashi [0063] & [0068]);
control the first electric pump to adjust a first fluid pressure inside the first fluid cylinder such that a first difference between the first fluid pressure and the first target fluid pressure is less than a first threshold (Takahashi [0058], [0070] – [0072], & [0118]); and
control the second electric pump to adjust a second fluid pressure inside the second fluid cylinder such that a second difference between the second fluid pressure and the second target fluid pressure is less than a second threshold (Takahashi [0063], [0068] – [0069], & [0131] – [0132]).
Takahashi does not explicitly teach that the controller comprises a memory and a processor, the first electric pump is fluidly and exclusively coupled to a first fluid cylinder through a first conduit, and the second electric pump is fluidly and exclusively coupled to a second fluid cylinder through a second conduit separate from the first conduit. However, Zhang teaches that the controller comprises a memory and a processor (Zhang [0060] “the EHA 200 can include a controller 282. The controller 282 can include one or more processors or microprocessors and may include data storage (e.g., memory, transitory computer-readable medium, non-transitory computer-readable medium, etc.).”), the first electric pump (Zhang Fig. 3 ref 220A “boom pump”) is fluidly and exclusively coupled to a first fluid cylinder (Zhang Fig. 3 ref 114 “boom hydraulic cylinder actuator”) through a first conduit (Zhang Fig. 3 ref 236A “load-holding valve”) (Zhang Abstract “hydraulic cylinder actuator comprising a cylinder and a piston” and [0083] “The controller further actuates the load-holding valve 236A of the EHA 200A to allow fluid discharged from the rod side chamber of the boom hydraulic cylinder actuator 114 to flow therethrough back to boom pump 220A.”), and the second electric pump (Zhang Fig. 3 ref 220B “pump”) is fluidly and exclusively coupled to a second fluid cylinder (Zhang Fig. 3 ref 116 “arm hydraulic cylinder actuator”) through a second conduit separate from the first conduit (Zhang Fig. 3 ref 234B “load-holding valves”) (Zhang Abstract “hydraulic cylinder actuator comprising a cylinder and a piston” and [0083] “The controller also actuates the load-holding valves 234B of the EHA 200B to allow fluid discharged from the head side chamber of the arm hydraulic cylinder actuator 116 to flow therethrough back to the pump 220B.”).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention with a reasonable expectation of success to have modified the apparatus of Takahashi to incorporate the teachings of Zhang such that the controller comprises a memory and a processor, the first electric pump is fluidly and exclusively coupled to a first fluid cylinder through a first conduit, and the second electric pump is fluidly and exclusively coupled to a second fluid cylinder through a second conduit separate from the first conduit. Doing so would allow the controller to perform the operations described and enhance the efficiency of a work machine (Zhang [0004] and [0060]).
Regarding claim 2, Takahashi as modified by Zhang teaches all of the elements of the claimed invention in claim 1. Takahashi further discloses that at least one electric pump of the first electric pump or the second electric pump is configured to have an amount of fluid flowing in-between the at least one electric pump and corresponding fluid cylinder coupled to the at least one electric pump without connecting to an external fluid supply (Takahashi ref 105 & 305 “hydraulic fluid supply paths” and [0054] “hydraulic fluid supply paths 105, 205, and 305 for introducing the hydraulic fluids delivered from the main pumps 101, 201, and 301 to the plurality of actuators,” and [0056]).
Regarding claim 3, Takahashi as modified by Zhang teaches all of the elements of the claimed invention in claim 2. Takahashi further discloses that the external fluid supply is disposed on a work vehicle (Takahashi [0058] “unloading valve 115 which comes into an opened state to return the hydraulic fluid of the hydraulic fluid supply path 105a to a tank when the pressure P1 of the hydraulic fluid supply path 105a becomes equal to or higher …”).
Regarding claim 4, Takahashi as modified by Zhang teaches all of the elements of the claimed invention in claim 1. Takahashi further discloses that a fluid supply for at least one of the first electric pump and the second electric pump is disposed on the agricultural implement (Takahashi Fig. 1 and ref 30 “pilot pump”).
Regarding claim 5, Takahashi as modified by Zhang teaches all of the elements of the claimed invention in claim 1. Takahashi further discloses that the first electric pump and the second electric pump are hydraulic, or pneumatic, or a combination thereof (Takahashi [0092] “The main pumps 101 and 201 provide first and second pumps that supply hydraulic fluids to the plurality of first and second flow control valves …”).
Regarding claim 6, Takahashi as modified by Zhang teaches all of the elements of the claimed invention in claim 1. Takahashi further discloses that the control system comprises a first valve assembly and a second valve assembly (Takahashi [0364] & [0365] “plurality of first flow control valves … plurality of second flow control valves”), wherein the first electric pump is fluidly coupled to the first fluid cylinder via the first valve assembly, and the second electric pump is fluidly coupled to the second fluid cylinder via the second valve assembly (Takahashi Fig. 1 and [0056]).
Regarding claim 7, Takahashi as modified by Zhang teaches all of the elements of the claimed invention in claim 6. Takahashi further discloses that at least one of the first valve assembly or the second valve assembly is disposed on the agricultural implement (Takahashi Fig. 1).
Regarding claim 8, Takahashi as modified by Zhang teaches all of the elements of the claimed invention in claim 6. Takahashi further discloses that the controller is configured to: control the first valve assembly to adjust the first fluid pressure inside the first fluid cylinder; and control the second valve assembly to adjust the second fluid pressure inside the second fluid cylinder (Takahashi [0056] and [0063]).
Regarding claim 9, Takahashi as modified by Zhang teaches all of the elements of the claimed invention in claim 1. Takahashi further discloses that the control system comprises a sensor communicatively coupled to the controller and configured to output a signal indicative of at least one property of the agricultural implement, at least one property of an agricultural field in which the agricultural implement is located, or a combination thereof (Takahashi ref 85 “pressure sensor” and [0277]), wherein the controller is configured to determine the first target force and the second target force based on the at least one property of the agricultural implement, the at least one property of the agricultural field, or the combination thereof (Takahashi [0143] & [0150]).
Regarding claim 10, Takahashi teaches a control system for an agricultural implement, comprising (Takahashi Abstract):
a plurality of electric pumps (Takahashi [0054] “main pumps 101, 201, and 301”) fluidly coupled to a plurality of fluid cylinders (Takahashi [0054] “a boom cylinder 3a, an arm cylinder 3b, … a bucket cylinder 3d, a swing cylinder 3e, … and a blade cylinder 3h”) via a plurality of valve assemblies (Takahashi [0364] & [0366] “plurality of first flow control valves … plurality of third flow control valves”) and through separate respective conduits (Takahashi [0054] “hydraulic fluid supply paths 105, 205, and 305 for introducing the hydraulic fluids delivered from the main pumps 101, 201, and 301 to the plurality of actuators”), wherein each electric pump of the plurality of electric pumps is fluidly coupled to a respective fluid cylinder of the plurality of fluid cylinders, (Takahashi Fig. 1 and 1C) wherein the plurality of electric pumps and the plurality of valve assemblies are disposed on the agricultural implement (Takahashi Fig. 1-2 and [0056]), and each fluid cylinder of the plurality of fluid cylinders is configured to apply a force to a respective ground-engaging tool of the agricultural implement (Takahashi [0054], [0058], & [0063] – [0071] and [0276]);
and a controller communicatively coupled to the plurality of electric pumps and the plurality of valve assemblies, and the controller is configured to (Takahashi ref 90 “controller” and [0274]):
determine a respective target fluid pressure for each fluid cylinder of the plurality of fluid cylinders based on a respective target force of the fluid cylinder (Takahashi [0063], [0068], and [0070]);
and control the plurality of electric pumps, the plurality of valve assemblies, or a combination thereof, such that a respective difference between the respective target fluid pressure and a respective fluid pressure in each fluid cylinder of the plurality of fluid cylinders is less than a respective threshold value (Takahashi [0058], [0063], [0068] - [0073], & [0118] [0059], & [0125]).
Takahashi does not teach that the controller comprises a memory and a processor, and that each electric pump of the plurality of electric pumps is fluidly and exclusively coupled to a respective fluid cylinder of the plurality of fluid cylinders. However, Zhang teaches that the controller comprises a memory and a processor (Zhang [0060] “the EHA 200 can include a controller 282. The controller 282 can include one or more processors or microprocessors and may include data storage (e.g., memory, transitory computer-readable medium, non-transitory computer-readable medium, etc.).”), and that each electric pump of the plurality of electric pumps is fluidly and exclusively coupled to a respective fluid cylinder of the plurality of fluid cylinders (Zhang Fig. 3 and [0083] “The controller further actuates the load-holding valve 236A of the EHA 200A to allow fluid discharged from the rod side chamber of the boom hydraulic cylinder actuator 114 to flow therethrough back to boom pump 220A. The controller also actuates the load-holding valves 234B of the EHA 200B to allow fluid discharged from the head side chamber of the arm hydraulic cylinder actuator 116 to flow therethrough back to the pump 220B.”).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention with a reasonable expectation of success to have modified the apparatus of Takahashi to incorporate the teachings of Zhang such that the controller comprises a memory and a processor, and that each electric pump of the plurality of electric pumps is fluidly and exclusively coupled to a respective fluid cylinder of the plurality of fluid cylinders. Doing so would allow the controller to perform the operations described and enhance the efficiency of a work machine (Zhang [0004] and [0060]).
Regarding claim 12, Takahashi as modified by Zhang teaches all of the elements of the claimed invention in claim 10. Takahashi further discloses that at least one electric pump of the plurality of electric pumps is configured to have an amount of fluid flowing in-between the at least one electric pump and respective fluid cylinders coupled to the at least one electric pump without connecting to an external fluid supply (Takahashi ref 105 & 205 “hydraulic fluid supply paths” and [0054] “hydraulic fluid supply paths 105, 205, and 305 for introducing the hydraulic fluids delivered from the main pumps 101, 201, and 301 to the plurality of actuators,” and [0056]).
Regarding claim 13, Takahashi as modified by Zhang teaches all of the elements of the claimed invention in claim 10. Takahashi further discloses that a fluid supply for at least one electric pump of the plurality of electric pumps is disposed on the agricultural implement (Takahashi Fig. 1 and ref 30 “pilot pump”).
Regarding claim 14, Takahashi as modified by Zhang teaches all of the elements of the claimed invention in claim 10. Takahashi further discloses that each electric pump of the plurality of electric pumps is individually coupled to a respective fluid cylinder of the plurality of fluid cylinders via a respective valve assembly of the plurality of valve assemblies (Takahashi [0364] & [0365] “plurality of first flow control valves … plurality of second flow control valves” and Fig. 1 and [0056]).
Regarding claim 15, Takahashi as modified by Zhang teaches all of the elements of the claimed invention in claim 10. Takahashi further discloses that the control system comprises a sensor communicatively coupled to the controller and configured to output a signal indicative of at least one property of the agricultural implement, at least one property of an agricultural field in which the agricultural implement is located, or a combination thereof (Takahashi ref 85 “pressure sensor” and [0277]), wherein the controller is configured to determine the respective target force based on the at least one property of the agricultural implement, the at least one property of the agricultural field, or the combination thereof (Takahashi [0143] & [0150]).
Claim(s) 11 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Takahashi in view of Zhang, further in view of US-9989986-B2 to Foster et. al. (“Foster”).
Regarding claim 11, Takahashi as modified by Zhang teaches all of the elements of the claimed invention in claim 10. Takahashi as modified by Zhang does not teach that the plurality of fluid cylinders are hydraulic, or pneumatic, or a combination thereof. However, Foster teaches that the plurality of fluid cylinders are hydraulic, or pneumatic, or a combination thereof (Foster col 4 lines 25-26 “One or more actuators (e.g., pneumatic cylinders, hydraulic cylinders)”).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention with a reasonable expectation of success to have modified the apparatus of Takahashi as modified by Zhang to incorporate the teachings of Foster such that the plurality of fluid cylinders are hydraulic, or pneumatic, or a combination thereof. Doing so would allow for parts of the implement to be adjusted (Foster (13)).
Claim(s) 16 and 19-20 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Takahashi in view of US-20140060403-A1 to Blunier et. al. (“Blunier”), further in view of Zhang.
Regarding claim 16, Takahashi teaches:
selecting a number of electric pumps based on a number of fluid cylinders on the agricultural implement, wherein the number of electric pumps and the number of fluid cylinders is two or more; (Takahashi Fig. 1, ref 101 “Main pump of variable displacement type”, ref 3a, 3b, 3d “plurality of first actuators” ref 301 “Main pump of variable displacement type”, ref 3h “blade cylinder”, and [0054] & [0063] – [0072], and [0276]);
disposing the electric pumps on the agricultural implement (Takahashi Fig. 1 and [0056]);
fluidly coupling each electric pump of the electric pumps to a respective fluid cylinder of the fluid cylinders on the agricultural implement via a separate respective conduit (Takahashi Fig. 1, ref 101 “Main pump of variable displacement type”, ref 3a, 3b, 3d “plurality of first actuators” ref 301 “Main pump of variable displacement type”, ref 3h “blade cylinder”, ref 105 and 305 “hydraulic fluid supply paths”, and [0054] & [0063] – [0072], and [0276]);
and communicatively coupling a controller to the electric pumps, wherein the controller is configured to (Takahashi ref 90 “controller”):
determine a respective target fluid pressure for each fluid cylinder of the fluid cylinders based on a respective target force of the fluid cylinder to apply to a respective ground-engaging tool of the agricultural implement (Takahashi ref 3a, 3b, 3d “plurality of first actuators”, ref 3h “blade cylinder”, and [0054] & [0063] – [0072] and [0276]);
and control each of the electric pumps independently such that a respective difference between the respective target fluid pressure and a respective fluid pressure in each fluid cylinder of the fluid cylinders is less than a respective threshold value (Takahashi [0058], [0063] – [0073], & [0118] [0059], & [0125]).
Takahashi does not teach a method for manufacturing an agricultural implement. However, Blunier teaches A method for manufacturing an agricultural implement, comprising (Blunier Claim 16). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention with a reasonable expectation of success to have modified the apparatus of Takahashi to incorporate the teachings of Bluneir such that a method for manufacturing an agricultural implement is disclosed because methods of operating or creating a system are commonly taught alongside the structural features of the device to show its intended use an to ensure the system achieves its designed functionality.
Takahashi as modified by Blunier does not teach fluidly and exclusively coupling each electric pump of the electric pumps to a respective fluid cylinder of the fluid cylinders on the agricultural implement via a separate respective conduit. However, Zhang teaches fluidly and exclusively coupling each electric pump of the electric pumps to a respective fluid cylinder of the fluid cylinders on the agricultural implement via a separate respective conduit (Zhang Fig. 3 and [0083] “The controller further actuates the load-holding valve 236A of the EHA 200A to allow fluid discharged from the rod side chamber of the boom hydraulic cylinder actuator 114 to flow therethrough back to boom pump 220A. The controller also actuates the load-holding valves 234B of the EHA 200B to allow fluid discharged from the head side chamber of the arm hydraulic cylinder actuator 116 to flow therethrough back to the pump 220B.”).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention with a reasonable expectation of success to further incorporate the teachings of Zhang to Takahashi as modified by Blunnier such that the method comprises fluidly and exclusively coupling each electric pump of the electric pumps to a respective fluid cylinder of the fluid cylinders on the agricultural implement via a separate respective conduit. Doing so would allow the controller to perform the operations described and enhance the efficiency of a work machine (Zhang [0004] and [0060]).
Regarding claim 19, Takahashi as modified by Blunier and Zhang teaches all of the elements of the current invention in claim 16. Takahashi further discloses that the electric pumps are hydraulic, or pneumatic, or a combination thereof (Takahashi [0092] “The main pumps 101 and 201 provide first and second pumps that supply hydraulic fluids to the plurality of first and second flow control valves …”).
Regarding claim 20, Takahashi as modified by Blunier and Zhang teaches all of the elements of the current invention in claim 16. Takahashi further discloses that the method includes selecting the number of the electric pumps comprises selecting a particular electric pump, in which fluid flows in-between the particular electric pump and the respective fluid cylinder coupled to the particular electric pump without connecting to an external fluid supply (Takahashi ref 105 & 205 “hydraulic fluid supply paths” and [0054] “hydraulic fluid supply paths 105, 205, and 305 for introducing the hydraulic fluids delivered from the main pumps 101, 201, and 301 to the plurality of actuators,” and [0056]).
Claim(s) 17 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Takahashi in view of Blunier, further in view of Zhang and Foster.
Regarding claim 17, Takahashi as modified by Blunier and Zhang teaches all of the elements of the current invention in claim 16. Takahashi as modified by Blunier and Zhang does not teach that the method comprises disposing a fluid supply for at least one fluid cylinder of the fluid cylinders on the agricultural implement. However, Foster discloses that the method, comprising: disposing a fluid supply for at least one fluid cylinder of the fluid cylinders on the agricultural implement (Foster claim 2).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention with a reasonable expectation of success to further incorporate the teachings of Foster to Takahashi as modified by Blunier and Zhang such that the method comprises disposing a fluid supply for at least one fluid cylinder of the fluid cylinders on the agricultural implement. Doing so would allow the cylinders to be powered (Foster claim 2).
Response to Arguments/Remarks
With respect to Applicant’s remarks filed on 04/28/2026; Applicant's “Amendments and Remarks” have been fully considered. Applicant’s remarks will be addressed in sequential order as they were presented.
Office Note: Claim 18 has been cancelled, therefore any rejection or objection pertaining thereupon is now considered moot.
With respect to the claim rejections under 35 U.S.C. § 103, applicants “Amendment and Remarks” have been fully considered. Applicant has amended the independent claim and these amendments have changed the scope of the original application and the Office has supplied new grounds for rejection attached below in the office action and therefore the prior arguments are considered moot. However, even though applicant has amended the scope of the claims and the Office has provided new mapping of cited prior art below, the Office is still using the same cited prior art, thus the Office will attempt to address all remarks that remain relevant.
Applicant remarks:
Second, Zhang does not appear to cure the deficiencies of Takahashi. For at least these reasons, Applicant respectfully submits that Takahashi and Zhang, taken alone or in hypothetical combination, do not appear to teach or suggest all of the recitations of independent claims 1 and 10, and thus cannot support a prima facie case of obviousness with respect to these claims. Accordingly, Applicant respectfully requests withdrawal of the rejection of independent claims 1 and 10, and their dependent claims under 35 U.S.C. § 103 and allowance of the same.
Office Response:
While the office doesn’t necessarily agree with applicant’s arguments regarding Takahashi, to further advance prosecution, new mapping from Zhang is provided to cure the deficiencies of Takahashi. Please see the above mapping of the amended claims.
Therefore, the Office's respectfully disagrees with applicant’s arguments.
Applicant further argues that the other independent claims which recite similar features are allowable and the dependent claims are also allowable since they depend on allowable subject and the Office respectfully disagrees. It is the Office's stance that all of the claimed subject matter has been properly rejected; therefore, the Office's respectfully disagrees with applicant’s arguments. It is the Office’s stance that all of applicant arguments have been considered and the rejections remain.
Conclusion
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/J.N./Examiner, Art Unit 3666
/Hitesh Patel/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 3667
8/4/26
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