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 .
DETAILED ACTION
The action is in response to the Applicant’s communication filed on 08/14/2023.
Claims 1-23 are pending, where claims 1, 14 and 19 are independent.
This application claims the priority benefit of the provisional application no. 63/299,422 filed on 08/19/2022 incorporated herein.
Information Disclosure Statement
The information disclosure statement (IDS) submitted on 08/28/2023 has been filed after the filing date of the application. The submission is in-compliance with the provisions of 37 CFR 1.97. Accordingly, the information disclosure statement is being considered by the examiner.
Specification objections (Title)
The title of the invention is not descriptive. A new title is required that is clearly indicative of the invention to which the claims are directed.
The following title is suggested: CONTROL AND OPERATION OF BRINE MAKING AND DISPENSING SYSTEM. MPEP 606.01
Specification Objection
The disclosure is objected to because of the following informalities:
a) The same reference character 114 has been used for both the element “mixing hooper 114” and “brine storge 114” in the specification paragraph [0021] and onwards. Appropriate correction is required.
b) The reference character 136 is missing in Fig.1. However, the element “brine storge” is designated by two reference character 114 and 136 in the specification paragraph [0025] and [0026]. Appropriate correction is required.
c) The same element “brine storge” is designated by three reference character 110, 114 and 136 in the specification paragraph [0035-36], [0025] and [0026]. Appropriate correction is required.
d) The reference character “2360’ in para [0037] is missing in Fig.1 and would be 236. Appropriate correction or explanation is required.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 101
35 U.S.C. 101 reads as follows:
Whoever invents or discovers any new and useful process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof, may obtain a patent therefor, subject to the conditions and requirements of this title.
Claims 1, 14 and 19 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 101 because the claimed invention is directed to a judicial exception an abstract idea without significantly more.
Independent claim(s) recite(s) a judicial exception: The claim(s) recite(s) “brine dispensing system of brine making system”; “connecting remotely to a controller of the brine making system with a control application; and initiating a brine transfer from brine storage of the brine making system to an external storage with the control application”, as explained in detail below.
Claim 1: Ineligible
Step 1: The claim recites a series of steps and, therefore, is a process. Thus, the claim is directed to the same as a process, which is a statutory category of invention (Step 1: Yes).
Next, the claims are analyzed to determine directed to a judicial exception.
Under MPEP § 2106.04(a)(2), whether the claim recites:
any judicial exceptions, including certain groupings of abstract ideas (i.e., mathematical concepts, certain methods of organizing human activity such as a fundamental economic practice, or mental processes) ("Step 2A, Prong One"); and
additional elements that integrate the judicial exception into a practical application ("Step 2A, Prong Two").
Step 2A, Prong One: Claim 1 recites a judicial exception with the step of “brine dispensing system of brine making system”; “connecting remotely to a controller of the brine making system with a control application; and initiating a brine transfer from brine storage of the brine making system to an external storage with the control application”, as explained in detail below.
The limitations “connecting remotely to a controller of the brine making system with a control application; and initiating a brine transfer from brine storage of the brine making system to an external storage with the control application” are observations, and therefore recite a mental process, such as an evaluation and judgement. See MPEP § 2106.04(a)(2), subsection III.
This connecting and initiation steps, as drafted, is a process that under its broadest reasonable interpretation, covers (Mental processes: the concept performed in human such as observation, evaluation, judgement, opinion, etc.) of patent eligibility grouping. Thus, the claim recites in a group of mental processes concepts.
The claim, therefore, recites in a group of a mathematical and mental process.
Therefore, claim 1 is directed to an abstract idea of a judicial exception (Step 2A Prong one: Yes).
Step 2A Prong two: The claim(s) does/do not include additional elements that are sufficient to amount to significantly more than the judicial exception because the claim recites the additional elements of “connecting and initiating” that do not add meaningful limitations sufficient amount to significantly more (“inventive concept”) than the judicial exception, that merely further limiting the scope of abstract ideas or stating merely technical environment of these abstract ideas and the claim is directed to the judicial exception.
This exception is not significant into a practical application of the exception and based on the recited additional elements of the claims (Step 2A Prong two: No).
Next, the claim as a whole is analyzed to determine whether any element, or combination of elements, is sufficient to ensure the claim amounts to significantly more than the abstract idea.
Step 2B: In addition to the steps that describe the abstract idea of “connecting and initiating” of “brine dispensing system of brine making system”, the claim recites the additional limitation of brine dispensing system of brine making system. This additional element taken individually represents a general-purpose connection and initiation. The elements “connecting and initiating” of “brine dispensing system of brine making system” are not sufficient amount to significantly more (“inventive concept”) than the judicial exception. As such, the claim is directed to a judicial exception. Accordingly, the claim is ineligible for patenting. (Step 2B: No)
As to independent Claims 14 and 19, reciting substantially similar subject matter as claim 1 for similar reasons as those outlined above, likewise do not amount to significantly more than the above noted abstract idea, which does not rise to a level of significantly more than the abstract idea, and are accordingly not eligible under 35 USC 101. See MPEP 2106.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
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 of this title, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
The factual inquiries set forth in Graham v. John Deere Co., 383 U.S. 1, 148 USPQ 459 (1966), that are applied for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows:
1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art.
2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue.
3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.
4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness.
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 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.
Claims 1-23 are rejected under AIA 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Nesheim, et al. USPGPub No. 20140251177 A1in view of Hildreth, et al. (USPGPub No. 20130094324 A1).
As to claims 1, 14 and 19, Nesheim discloses A method of operating a brine dispensing system of a brine making system (Nesheim [0002-34] “generating brine for the treatment of roadways subject to snow and ice - rapidly generating brine - maintaining the roadways of a given region produces brine at a single central facility - transports the brine to multiple local facilities distributed over the region” [abstract] see Fig. 1-11), comprising:
connecting remotely to a controller of the brine making system with a control application; and initiating a brine transfer from brine storage of the brine making system to an external storage with the control application (Nesheim [0002-34] “generating brine for the treatment of roadways subject to snow and ice - rapidly generating brine - maintaining the roadways of a given region produces brine at a single central facility - transports the brine to multiple local facilities distributed over the region” [0047-129] “density sensor adapted to measure the density of the brine, which converted to a salinity concentration by a PLC - brine 27 measured by the salinity sensor 38 received by a pump 42 to pass to a valve bank 44 having a recycle valve 46 and a tank valve 48 - portable brine generation system, salinity control system adapted to adjust the salinity of the brine dispensed from the brine generation system - adapted to determine a salinity of the brine solution received from the brine outlet and to return the brine solution to the upper portion of the tank body when the salinity is below a predetermined level - one or more controllers or processors communicate - via wired or wireless communications - to operate on one or more processor-controlled devices - include one or more processor-readable and accessible memory elements and/or components - accessed via a wired or wireless network” [abstract] see Fig. 1-11, PLC, portable brine generation system, transports the brine to multiple local facilities distributed over the region, salinity control system, adjust the salinity of the brine dispensed, wired or wireless communications, plurality of processor-controlled devices, plurality of processor-controlled devices, permit the conveyance to storage tank, mixing brine with other additives, automatic operation of pneumatic valves based on salinity sensor, flow sensors and inputs received from operator via control panel obviously provides remotely controlled brine making system and initiating a brine transfer from brine storage of the brine making system to an external storage with the control application).
Nesheim and Hildreth are analogous arts from the same field of endeavor and contain overlapping structural and functional similarities and both contain automatic brine maker.
Therefore at the time the invention was made, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to modify the above functionalities brine dispensing system of brine making system, as taught by Nesheim, and incorporating toolpath zzzz station computing, as taught by Hildreth.
As to claim 2, the combination of Nesheim and Hildreth disclose all the limitations of the base claims as outlined above.
The combination further discloses The method of claim 1, and further comprising monitoring a level of available brine in the brine storage with the control application (Nesheim [0002-34] “generating brine for the treatment of roadways subject to snow and ice - rapidly generating brine - maintaining the roadways of a given region produces brine at a single central facility - transports the brine to multiple local facilities distributed over the region” [0047-129] “density sensor adapted to measure the density of the brine, which converted to a salinity concentration by a PLC - salinity control system mounted to a mobile platform - adapted to determine a salinity of the brine solution received from the brine outlet and to return the brine solution to the upper portion of the tank body - permit the conveyance the brine 27 to a storage tank 54 - mixing station 56 mix the brine 27 with other additives - each of the valves 34, 46, 48, and the pump 42 electrically controlled by pneumatic valves controlled by the controller 58 - a programmable logic controller for automatic operation - based on readings obtained from the salinity sensor 38, flow sensors and inputs received from the operator via a control panel 259” [abstract] see Fig. 1-11, PLC, portable brine generation system, salinity control system, adjust the salinity of brine dispensed, plurality of processor-controlled devices, permit the conveyance to storage tank, mixing brine with other additives, automatic operation of pneumatic valves based on salinity sensor, flow sensors and inputs received from operator via control panel obviously provides monitoring a level of available brine in the brine storage with the control application).
As to claim 3, the combination of Nesheim and Hildreth disclose all the limitations of the base claims as outlined above.
The combination further discloses The method of claim 1, wherein initiating a brine transfer comprises isolating a mixing hopper of the brine making system with the control application, opening a brine valve of the brine making system with the control application, and activating a pump of the brine making system with the control application (Nesheim [0002-34] “generating brine for the treatment of roadways subject to snow and ice - rapidly generating brine - maintaining the roadways of a given region produces brine at a single central facility - transports the brine to multiple local facilities distributed over the region” [0047-129] “density sensor adapted to measure the density of the brine, which converted to a salinity concentration by a PLC - salinity control system mounted to a mobile platform - adapted to determine a salinity of the brine solution received from the brine outlet and to return the brine solution to the upper portion of the tank body - permit the conveyance the brine 27 to a storage tank 54 - mixing station 56 mix the brine 27 with other additives - each of the valves 34, 46, 48, and the pump 42 electrically controlled by pneumatic valves controlled by the controller 58 - a programmable logic controller for automatic operation - based on readings obtained from the salinity sensor 38, flow sensors and inputs received from the operator via a control panel 259” [abstract] see Fig. 1-11, PLC, portable brine generation system, salinity control system, adjust the salinity of brine dispensed, plurality of processor-controlled devices, permit the conveyance to storage tank, mixing brine with other additives, pumps, automatic operation of pneumatic valves based on salinity sensor, flow sensors and inputs received from operator via control panel, graphical user interface obviously provides isolating a mixing hopper of the brine making system with the control application, opening a brine valve of the brine making system with the control application, and activating a pump of the brine making system with the control application).
As to claim 4, the combination of Nesheim and Hildreth disclose all the limitations of the base claims as outlined above.
The combination further discloses The method of claim 3, and further comprising setting an amount of brine to transfer with the control application (Nesheim [0002-34] “generating brine for the treatment of roadways subject to snow and ice - rapidly generating brine - maintaining the roadways of a given region produces brine at a single central facility - transports the brine to multiple local facilities distributed over the region” [0047-129] “density sensor adapted to measure the density of the brine, which converted to a salinity concentration by a PLC - salinity control system mounted to a mobile platform - adapted to determine a salinity of the brine solution received from the brine outlet and to return the brine solution to the upper portion of the tank body - permit the conveyance the brine 27 to a storage tank 54 - mixing station 56 mix the brine 27 with other additives - each of the valves 34, 46, 48, and the pump 42 electrically controlled by pneumatic valves controlled by the controller 58 - a programmable logic controller for automatic operation - based on readings obtained from the salinity sensor 38, flow sensors and inputs received from the operator via a control panel 259” [abstract] see Fig. 1-11, PLC, portable brine generation system, salinity control system, adjust the salinity of brine dispensed, plurality of processor-controlled devices, permit the conveyance to storage tank, mixing brine with other additives, pumps, automatic operation of pneumatic valves based on salinity sensor, flow sensors and inputs received from operator via control panel, graphical user interface obviously provides setting an amount of brine to transfer with the control application).
As to claim 5, the combination of Nesheim and Hildreth disclose all the limitations of the base claims as outlined above.
The combination further discloses The method of claim 4, and further comprising selecting a percentage of brine versus brine additive to be transferred by controlling the brine making system with the control application (Nesheim [0002-34] “generating brine for the treatment of roadways subject to snow and ice - rapidly generating brine - maintaining the roadways of a given region produces brine at a single central facility - transports the brine to multiple local facilities distributed over the region” [0047-129] “density sensor adapted to measure the density of the brine, which converted to a salinity concentration by a PLC - salinity control system mounted to a mobile platform - adapted to determine a salinity of the brine solution received from the brine outlet and to return the brine solution to the upper portion of the tank body - salinity is below a predetermined level and to discharge the brine solution when the salinity is at the predetermined level - automation controls includes controllers, pumps, actuated valves, and sensors to automate the brine production process and to produce brine desired salinity - permit the conveyance the brine 27 to a storage tank 54 - mixing station 56 mix the brine 27 with other additives - each of the valves 34, 46, 48, and the pump 42 electrically controlled by pneumatic valves controlled by the controller 58 - a programmable logic controller for automatic operation - based on readings obtained from the salinity sensor 38, flow sensors and inputs received from the operator via a control panel 259” [abstract] see Fig. 1-11, PLC, portable brine generation system, salinity control system, adjust the salinity of brine dispensed, plurality of processor-controlled devices, permit the conveyance to storage tank, mixing brine with other additives, pumps, automatic operation of pneumatic valves based on salinity sensor, flow sensors and inputs received from operator via control panel, graphical user interface obviously provides brine level drops below a predetermined level, a brine making operation is initiated).
As to claim 6, the combination of Nesheim and Hildreth disclose all the limitations of the base claims as outlined above.
The combination further discloses The method of claim 5, wherein selecting a percentage of brine and selecting a percentage of brine additive is done using a graphical user interface on the control application (Nesheim [0002-34] “generating brine for the treatment of roadways subject to snow and ice - rapidly generating brine - maintaining the roadways of a given region produces brine at a single central facility - transports the brine to multiple local facilities distributed over the region” [0047-129] “density sensor adapted to measure the density of the brine, which converted to a salinity concentration by a PLC - salinity control system mounted to a mobile platform - adapted to determine a salinity of the brine solution received from the brine outlet and to return the brine solution to the upper portion of the tank body - permit the conveyance the brine 27 to a storage tank 54 - mixing station 56 mix the brine 27 with other additives - each of the valves 34, 46, 48, and the pump 42 electrically controlled by pneumatic valves controlled by the controller 58 - a programmable logic controller for automatic operation - based on readings obtained from the salinity sensor 38, flow sensors and inputs received from the operator via a control panel 259” [abstract] see Fig. 1-11, PLC, portable brine generation system, salinity control system, adjust the salinity of brine dispensed, plurality of processor-controlled devices, permit the conveyance to storage tank, mixing brine with other additives, automatic operation of pneumatic valves based on salinity sensor, flow sensors and inputs received from operator via control panel obviously provides selecting a percentage of brine and selecting a percentage of brine additive is done using a graphical user interface on the control application).
As to claim 7, the combination of Nesheim and Hildreth disclose all the limitations of the base claims as outlined above.
The combination further discloses The method of claim 6, and further comprising directing a blend of brine and brine additive with a flow control selection on the control application (Nesheim [0002-34] “generating brine for the treatment of roadways subject to snow and ice - rapidly generating brine - maintaining the roadways of a given region produces brine at a single central facility - transports the brine to multiple local facilities distributed over the region” [0047-129] “density sensor adapted to measure the density of the brine, which converted to a salinity concentration by a PLC - salinity control system mounted to a mobile platform - adapted to determine a salinity of the brine solution received from the brine outlet and to return the brine solution to the upper portion of the tank body - permit the conveyance the brine 27 to a storage tank 54 - mixing station 56 mix the brine 27 with other additives - each of the valves 34, 46, 48, and the pump 42 electrically controlled by pneumatic valves controlled by the controller 58 - a programmable logic controller for automatic operation - based on readings obtained from the salinity sensor 38, flow sensors and inputs received from the operator via a control panel 259” [abstract] see Fig. 1-11, PLC, portable brine generation system, salinity control system, adjust the salinity of brine dispensed, plurality of processor-controlled devices, permit the conveyance to storage tank, mixing brine with other additives, automatic operation of pneumatic valves based on salinity sensor, flow sensors and inputs received from operator via control panel obviously provides directing a blend of brine and brine additive with a flow control selection on the control application).
As to claim 8, the combination of Nesheim and Hildreth disclose all the limitations of the base claims as outlined above.
The combination further discloses The method of claim 7, wherein directing a blend comprises selecting a total volume of material to be transferred from the brine making machine, and selecting a percentage level of volume of each of brine and brine additive (Nesheim [0002-34] “generating brine for the treatment of roadways subject to snow and ice - rapidly generating brine - maintaining the roadways of a given region produces brine at a single central facility - transports the brine to multiple local facilities distributed over the region” [0047-129] “density sensor adapted to measure the density of the brine, which converted to a salinity concentration by a PLC - salinity control system mounted to a mobile platform - adapted to determine a salinity of the brine solution received from the brine outlet and to return the brine solution to the upper portion of the tank body - permit the conveyance the brine 27 to a storage tank 54 - mixing station 56 mix the brine 27 with other additives - each of the valves 34, 46, 48, and the pump 42 electrically controlled by pneumatic valves controlled by the controller 58 - a programmable logic controller for automatic operation - based on readings obtained from the salinity sensor 38, flow sensors and inputs received from the operator via a control panel 259” [abstract] see Fig. 1-11, PLC, portable brine generation system, salinity control system, adjust the salinity of brine dispensed, plurality of processor-controlled devices, permit the conveyance to storage tank, mixing brine with other additives, automatic operation of pneumatic valves based on salinity sensor, flow sensors and inputs received from operator via control panel obviously provides selecting a total volume of material to be transferred from the brine making machine, and selecting a percentage level of volume of each of brine and brine additive).
As to claim 9, the combination of Nesheim and Hildreth disclose all the limitations of the base claims as outlined above.
The combination further discloses The method of claim 1, wherein the control application is used to log in to the controller for billing for brine transferred to the external storage (Hildreth [0080] “control panel of the solution maker - conductivity sensor 132, the PLC 216, and the human-machine interface (HMI) 214 - create a data log - solution produced and diverted to the storage tank - recorded in the PLC program 216 - formulate the amount of solution produced - total created and tailored for separate individuals for accounting and billing purpose” see Fig. 1-27, control panel, conductivity sensor, PLC, HMI, data log, diverted to storage tank, amount of solution produced, tailored for separate individuals for accounting and billing purpose obviously provides controller for billing for brine transferred to the external storage).
As to claims 10 and 18, the combination of Nesheim and Hildreth disclose all the limitations of the base claims as outlined above.
The combination further discloses The method of claim 1, wherein initiating the brine transfer comprises: [entering a unique log in via the control application;]
providing billing information for a brine dispensing operation via the control application (Hildreth [0080] “control panel of the solution maker - conductivity sensor 132, the PLC 216, and the human-machine interface (HMI) 214 - create a data log - solution produced and diverted to the storage tank - recorded in the PLC program 216 - formulate the amount of solution produced - total created and tailored for separate individuals for accounting and billing purpose” see Fig. 1-27, control panel, conductivity sensor, PLC, HMI, data log, diverted to storage tank, amount of solution produced, tailored for separate individuals for accounting and billing purpose obviously provides providing billing information for a brine dispensing operation via the control application); and
entering a unique log in via the control application; controlling dispensing of brine form the brine dispensing system via the control application, including controlling a volume of brine dispensed and an optional volume of brine additive dispensed (Nesheim [0002-34] “generating brine for the treatment of roadways subject to snow and ice - rapidly generating brine - maintaining the roadways of a given region produces brine at a single central facility - transports the brine to multiple local facilities distributed over the region” [0047-129] “density sensor adapted to measure the density of the brine, which converted to a salinity concentration by a PLC - salinity control system mounted to a mobile platform - adapted to determine a salinity of the brine solution received from the brine outlet and to return the brine solution to the upper portion of the tank body - salinity is below a predetermined level and to discharge the brine solution when the salinity is at the predetermined level - automation controls includes controllers, pumps, actuated valves, and sensors to automate the brine production process and to produce brine desired salinity - control panel 259 configured to permit an operator to adjust the desired salinity of the brine 27 - user interface of the control panel 259 include a secure login sequence configured to permit only authorized users to adjust certain operating parameters and or functionality” [abstract] see Fig. 1-11, PLC, portable brine generation system, salinity control system, adjust the salinity of brine dispensed, plurality of processor-controlled devices, permit the conveyance to storage tank, mixing brine with other additives, automatic operation of pneumatic valves based on salinity sensor, flow sensors and inputs received from operator via control panel obviously provides unique log in via the control application; controlling dispensing of brine form the brine dispensing system via the control application, including controlling a volume of brine dispensed and an optional volume of brine additive dispensed).
As to claims 11 and 15, the combination of Nesheim and Hildreth disclose all the limitations of the base claims as outlined above.
The combination further discloses The method of claim 1, and further comprising:
checking with the control application whether a user determined volume of brine is available for transfer to the external storage; in the event there is a sufficient volume of brine available for transfer of the user determined volume to the external storage, transferring the user determined volume of brine to the external storage; and in the event there is not a sufficient volume of brine available for transfer of the user determined volume, initiating brine making with the control application (Nesheim [0002-34] “generating brine for the treatment of roadways subject to snow and ice - rapidly generating brine - maintaining the roadways of a given region produces brine at a single central facility - transports the brine to multiple local facilities distributed over the region” [0047-129] “density sensor adapted to measure the density of the brine, which converted to a salinity concentration by a PLC - salinity control system mounted to a mobile platform - adapted to determine a salinity of the brine solution received from the brine outlet and to return the brine solution to the upper portion of the tank body - salinity is below a predetermined level and to discharge the brine solution when the salinity is at the predetermined level - automation controls includes controllers, pumps, actuated valves, and sensors to automate the brine production process and to produce brine desired salinity” [abstract] see Fig. 1-11, PLC, portable brine generation system, salinity control system, adjust the salinity of brine dispensed, plurality of processor-controlled devices, permit the conveyance to storage tank, mixing brine with other additives, automatic operation of pneumatic valves based on salinity sensor, flow sensors and inputs received from operator via control panel obviously provides checking with the control application whether a user determined volume of brine is available for transfer to the external storage; in the event there is a sufficient volume of brine available for transfer of the user determined volume to the external storage, transferring the user determined volume of brine to the external storage; and in the event there is not a sufficient volume of brine available for transfer of the user determined volume, initiating brine making with the control application).
As to claim 12, the combination of Nesheim and Hildreth disclose all the limitations of the base claims as outlined above.
The combination further discloses. The method of claim 1, wherein connecting to the controller is accomplished via Bluetooth®, WiFi, radio frequency, or cellular transmission (Nesheim [0002-34] “generating brine for the treatment of roadways subject to snow and ice - rapidly generating brine - maintaining the roadways of a given region produces brine at a single central facility - transports the brine to multiple local facilities distributed over the region” [0047-129] “density sensor adapted to measure the density of the brine, which converted to a salinity concentration by a PLC - brine 27 measured by the salinity sensor 38 received by a pump 42 to pass to a valve bank 44 having a recycle valve 46 and a tank valve 48 - portable brine generation system, salinity control system adapted to adjust the salinity of the brine dispensed from the brine generation system - adapted to determine a salinity of the brine solution received from the brine outlet and to return the brine solution to the upper portion of the tank body when the salinity is below a predetermined level - one or more controllers or processors communicate - via wired or wireless communications - to operate on one or more processor-controlled devices - include one or more processor-readable and accessible memory elements and/or components - accessed via a wired or wireless network” [abstract] see Fig. 1-11, PLC, portable brine generation system, salinity control system, adjust the salinity of brine dispensed, wired or wireless communications, plurality of processor-controlled devices obviously provides connecting to the controller is accomplished via Bluetooth®, WiFi, radio frequency, or cellular transmission).
As to claims 13 and 16, the combination of Nesheim and Hildreth disclose all the limitations of the base claims as outlined above.
The combination further discloses The method of claim 1, wherein when a brine level drops below a predetermined level, a brine making operation is initiated (Nesheim [0002-34] “generating brine for the treatment of roadways subject to snow and ice - rapidly generating brine - maintaining the roadways of a given region produces brine at a single central facility - transports the brine to multiple local facilities distributed over the region” [0047-129] “density sensor adapted to measure the density of the brine, which converted to a salinity concentration by a PLC - salinity control system mounted to a mobile platform - adapted to determine a salinity of the brine solution received from the brine outlet and to return the brine solution to the upper portion of the tank body - salinity is below a predetermined level and to discharge the brine solution when the salinity is at the predetermined level - automation controls includes controllers, pumps, actuated valves, and sensors to automate the brine production process and to produce brine desired salinity” [abstract] see Fig. 1-11, PLC, portable brine generation system, salinity control system, salinity predetermined level, adjust the salinity of brine dispensed, plurality of processor-controlled devices, permit the conveyance to storage tank, mixing brine with other additives, automatic operation of pneumatic valves based on salinity sensor, flow sensors and inputs received from operator via control panel obviously provides brine level drops below a predetermined level, a brine making operation is initiated).
As to claims 17 and 20, concatenation of similar to the claims 4, 5 and 7 are rejected under the same rational as stated above for those claims.
As to claim 21, the combination of Nesheim and Hildreth disclose all the limitations of the base claims as outlined above.
The combination further discloses The method of claim 1, further comprising monitoring salinity of brine in the brine making system (Nesheim [0002-34] “generating brine for the treatment of roadways subject to snow and ice - rapidly generating brine - maintaining the roadways of a given region produces brine at a single central facility - transports the brine to multiple local facilities distributed over the region” [0047-129] “density sensor adapted to measure the density of the brine, which converted to a salinity concentration by a PLC - brine 27 measured by the salinity sensor 38 received by a pump 42 to pass to a valve bank 44 having a recycle valve 46 and a tank valve 48 - portable brine generation system, salinity control system adapted to adjust the salinity of the brine dispensed from the brine generation system - adapted to determine a salinity of the brine solution received from the brine outlet and to return the brine solution to the upper portion of the tank body when the salinity is below a predetermined level - one or more controllers or processors communicate - via wired or wireless communications - to operate on one or more processor-controlled devices - include one or more processor-readable and accessible memory elements and/or components - accessed via a wired or wireless network” [abstract] see Fig. 1-11, portable brine generation system, salinity control system, adjust the salinity of the brine dispensed obviously provides monitoring salinity of brine in the brine making system).
As to claim 22, the combination of Nesheim and Hildreth disclose all the limitations of the base claims as outlined above.
The combination further discloses The method of claim 21, wherein monitoring salinity of brine in the brine making system includes sensing conductivity of brine in the brine making system (Nesheim [0002-34] “generating brine for the treatment of roadways subject to snow and ice - rapidly generating brine - maintaining the roadways of a given region produces brine at a single central facility - transports the brine to multiple local facilities distributed over the region” [0047-129] “density sensor adapted to measure the density of the brine, which converted to a salinity concentration by a PLC - brine 27 measured by the salinity sensor 38 received by a pump 42 to pass to a valve bank 44 having a recycle valve 46 and a tank valve 48 - portable brine generation system, salinity control system adapted to adjust the salinity of the brine dispensed from the brine generation system - adapted to determine a salinity of the brine solution received from the brine outlet and to return the brine solution to the upper portion of the tank body when the salinity is below a predetermined level - one or more controllers or processors communicate - via wired or wireless communications - to operate on one or more processor-controlled devices - include one or more processor-readable and accessible memory elements and/or components - accessed via a wired or wireless network” [abstract] see Fig. 1-11, portable brine generation system, salinity control system, adjust the salinity of the brine dispensed obviously provides monitoring salinity of brine in the brine making system includes sensing conductivity of brine in the brine making system).
As to claim 23, the combination of Nesheim and Hildreth disclose all the limitations of the base claims as outlined above.
The combination further discloses The method of claim 1, further comprising supplying data to the controller indicative of at least one of a group including present weather conditions, forecast weather conditions, road conditions, ambient temperature, snow accumulation, humidity, traffic conditions, and condition of brine application equipment, and based on the supplied data, determining a target saturation of brine (Nesheim [0002-34] “generating brine for the treatment of roadways subject to snow and ice - rapidly generating brine - maintaining the roadways of a given region produces brine at a single central facility - transports the brine to multiple local facilities distributed over the region” [0047-129] “density sensor adapted to measure the density of the brine, which converted to a salinity concentration by a PLC - brine 27 measured by the salinity sensor 38 received by a pump 42 to pass to a valve bank 44 having a recycle valve 46 and a tank valve 48 - portable brine generation system, salinity control system adapted to adjust the salinity of the brine dispensed from the brine generation system - adapted to determine a salinity of the brine solution received from the brine outlet and to return the brine solution to the upper portion of the tank body when the salinity is below a predetermined level - one or more controllers or processors communicate - via wired or wireless communications - to operate on one or more processor-controlled devices - include one or more processor-readable and accessible memory elements and/or components - accessed via a wired or wireless network” [abstract] see Fig. 1-11, automatic operation of pneumatic valves based on salinity sensor, flow sensors and inputs received from operator via control panel, PLC, portable brine generation system, transports the brine to multiple local facilities distributed over the region, salinity control system, adjust the salinity of the brine dispensed, wired or wireless communications, plurality of processor-controlled devices, plurality of processor-controlled devices, permit the conveyance to storage tank, mixing brine with other additives, obviously provides supplying data to the controller indicative of at least one of a group including present weather conditions, forecast weather conditions, road conditions, ambient temperature, snow accumulation, humidity, traffic conditions, and condition of brine application equipment, and based on the supplied data, determining a target saturation of brine as inputs received from operator and sensor from control panel and GUI).
Citation of Pertinent Prior Art
It is noted that any citations to specific, pages, columns, lines, or figures in the prior art references and any interpretation of the reference should not be considered to be limiting in any way. A reference is relevant for all it contains and may be relied upon for all that it would have reasonably suggested to one having ordinary skill in the art. See MPEP 2141.02 VI. PRIOR ART MUST BE CONSIDERED IN ITS ENTIRETY, i.e., as a whole and 2123.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. The prior art made of record:
Hildreth, USPGPub No. 2007/0025179 A1 discloses an apparatus to produce chemical solutions (a brine solution) for dissolving a chemical in a solvent to produce a solution of a specific concentration.
Kime, et al. USPGPub No. 20240060260 A1 discloses a method roadway snow and ice control for automatically metering the amount of brine delivered to a roadway along with dispensing of salt on the same roadway.
Hildreth, et al. USPGPub No. 20210178343 A1 discloses a machine for making brine for use as a melting agent for managing snow and ice on roadways, parking lots, and sidewalks, and more particularly, to self-cleaning brine machines that can continuously making brine.
Kime, et al. USPGPub No. 20150053784 A1discloses a roadway snow and ice control system employ six-bit hydraulic manifold onboard a dump truck and in a stationary brine control assembly.
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/Md Azad/
Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2119