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and the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e) has been timely paid, the finality of the previous Office action has been withdrawn pursuant to 37 CFR 1.114.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 02/05/2026 has been entered.
Response to Amendment
Applicant filed a response and amended claims 1-16 on 01/06/2026.
Response to Arguments
Applicant's arguments are primarily drawn to the amended claims. The rejection below addresses the amendments.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(b):
(b) CONCLUSION.—The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor regards as the invention.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph:
The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the applicant regards as his invention.
Claim 2 and 16 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph, as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor (or for applications subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, the applicant), regards as the invention.
Claim 2 recites “the valve is a two-way valve”. Claim 16 recites “the valve is a two-way ball valve”. It is unclear if said valve is in reference to one or both valves of the valve assemblies. For examination purposes, said valve will be interpreted as the valves of each of the valve assemblies.
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.
The factual inquiries 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.
This application currently names joint inventors. In considering patentability of the claims the examiner presumes that the subject matter of the various claims was commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the claimed invention(s) absent any evidence to the contrary. Applicant is advised of the obligation under 37 CFR 1.56 to point out the inventor and effective filing dates of each claim that was not commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the later invention in order for the examiner to consider the applicability of 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) for any potential 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) prior art against the later invention.
Claim(s) 1 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Borsting (US 10,118,352) in view of Power & Motion (Book 2, Chapter 22: Synchronizing cylinder movement, hereinafter referred to as PM).
Regarding claim 1, Borsting teaches a mold assembly for manufacturing a wind turbine blade shell part,
the mold assembly comprising a mold having a molding surface that defines the
outer shape of the wind turbine blade shell part (Figure 2), the mold having a longitudinal direction extending between a tip end and a root end of the mold (Figure 2),
wherein the mold assembly comprises a lowering device (Figures 17-19), which is adapted to carry and lower a root end insert onto the molding surface of the mold,
the lowering device being attached to the mold and comprising a frame for carrying the root end insert (Figure 17; Col 14, ln 36-42; Col 15, ln 31-47; Col 16, ln 2-8), wherein the lowering device further comprises driving means for lowering the frame together with the root end insert (Col 15, ln 31-47),
wherein the driving means is a telescope piston chamber, such as a hydraulic cylinder (Col 9, ln 3-12).
Borsting teaches the lowering mechanism may advantageously be attached to sides of the mold (Col 15, ln 31-36). Accordingly, Borsting teaches at least two lowering mechanism, one disposed on each side of the mold.
While Borsting teaches the lowering mechanism may advantageously be attached to sides of the mold, Borsting does not explicitly teach two synchronized hydraulic cylinders. Borsting teaches the motions of the piston cylinder (Col 15, Line 52-Col 16, ln 8). Borsting teaches the piston cylinder begins to retract, the frame will in a first motion be lowered towards the moulding surface of the mold while the frame and mounting plate are tilted so that the root end insert is angled. In a second motion step, the frame with mounting plate and root end insert are pivoted until the mounting plate is oriented arranged substantially vertically and the root end insert rets on the mold surface of the mold. Borsting teaches this motion ensures that the fiber material that has been arranged on the mold surface is not distorted or otherwise wrinkled (Col 16, ln 6-8).
As taught by Borsting, one of ordinary skill in the art would have recognized wind blades and their molds are large (Col 1, ln 61-62). One of ordinary skill in the art would have recognized a significant amount of drive is needed to operate a lowering mechanism to move a large mount plate (Figure 12) such that the entire mount plate is properly moved (see Figure 17-19). One of ordinary skill in the art would have recognized in order to efficiently operate the lowering mechanism to move the mount plate with the root end insert according to a desired motion, as taught by Borsting, both hydraulic cylinders should be operating in a synchronized manner such that the movement of the plate relative to both sides are uniform. The mount plate and root end insert are a large assembly (Figure 12-13), and the desired motions of the mounting plate and root end insert of Borsting would appear to be inefficient and difficult if there is a time delay between operating one side after the other due to the extremely large and symmetrical nature of the mounting plate and article.
Furthermore, it appears that it would be desirable to have uniform motion relative to the mount plate and root end insert because asynchronized cylinders can introduce difference variable motions that may introduce wrinkle or distortion in the fiber material disposed on the mold surface, a concern discussed by Borsting (Col 16, ln 6-8).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to ensure that both hydraulic cylinders are synchronized in order to provide precise movements.
Borsting does not explicitly teach:(1) each hydraulic cylinder comprise a piston chamber and a rod chamber,
wherein the first and second hydraulic cylinders are connected to eachother in series for the synchronized operation thereof such that the hydraulic fluid under pressure is supplied to an end of the first hydraulic cylinder and the second hydraulic cylinder is equally operated by the hydraulic fluid ejected from the first hydraulic cylinder; and
(2) the piston chamber and rod chamber of each of the first and second hydraulic cylinders are connected to each other via a respective valve assembly comprising a fluid line and valve such that if an incorrect cylinder position or a lack of synchronization of at least one of the first and second hydraulic cylinders is observed, at least one of the valves of the respective valve assemblies is opened and then subsequently closed to reset a piston position of at least one of the first and second hydraulic cylinders.
PM teaches synchronizing cylinders for operating machines to lift load using different techniques (Page 2). PM teaches double-rod end cylinders in series (Page 12 and 14). PM teaches the first and second hydraulic cylinders are connected to eachother in series for the synchronized operation thereof such that the hydraulic fluid under pressure is supplied to an end of the first hydraulic cylinder and the second hydraulic cylinder is equally operated by the hydraulic fluid ejected from the first hydraulic cylinder (Figure 22-8 – Figure 22-10, Page 15-16). PM teaches when the trapped volume is completely full and if all seals do not leak, the cylinders synchronize nearly perfectly, regardless of load position (Page 15 and 17-18).
PM teaches when the platen nears bottom, it contacts limit switches B and F. If the switches make simultaneously, no leveling occurs. PM teaches if one limit switch makes before the other, the cylinders obviously are out of synchronization, so solenoid C1 on the leveling valve energizes. With solenoids B1 and C1 energized, pump oil flows to the retract sides of cylinders (A) and (E), forcing them to retract fully, and cylinders (A) and (E) can retract because the extend sides of both cylinders have a direct path to tank (Page 16-17 and Figure 22-10).
PM teach a main directional valve (Figure 22-9 and Page 15), a level valve (Figure 22-9, item D and Page 15), and fluid lines connecting the valves and cylinders in a loop. Accordingly, the piston chamber and rod chamber of each of the first and second hydraulic cylinders are connected to eachother via a respective valve assembly comprising a fluid line and valve because the entire system is within the same loop connecting each piston chamber and rod chamber.
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It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date of the invention to modify the assembly of Borsting comprising hydraulic cylinders with the synchronized hydraulic cylinder assembly of PM comprising a first and second hydraulic cylinder arranged in series, fluid lines, and valves, a known suitable assembly for lifting large masses as taught by PM, to yield the predictable result of synchronizing movement of the large blade for proper lifting and load distribution.
Assuming arguendo, Borsting does not teach two hydraulic cylinders, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date of the invention to improve the mold assembly of Borsting comprising a single cylinder with the hydraulic cylinder assembly of PM comprising a first and second hydraulic cylinder arranged in series, fluid lines, and valves, in order to move massive loads, as desired by Borsting.
Borsting in view of PM does not teach if an incorrect cylinder position or a lack of synchronization of at least one of the first and second hydraulic cylinders is observed, at least one of the valves of the respective valve assemblies is opened and then subsequently closed to reset a piston position of at least one of the first and second hydraulic cylinders.
However, a statement of intended use in an apparatus claim fails to distinguish over a prior art apparatus. The manner of operating an apparatus does not differentiate an apparatus claim from the prior art, if the prior art apparatus teaches all of the structural limitations of the claim (see MPEP §§ 2114 and 2173.05(g)).
Given that Borsting in view of PM teaches all of the positively recited structure of the claimed apparatus, the apparatus of Borsting in view of PM would be capable of performing the same function of opening one of the valves and subsequently closing the valve to reset a piston position of at least one of the first and second hydraulic cylinders.
Claim(s) 1, 2, and 16 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Borsting (US 10,118,352) in view of Power & Motion (Book 2, Chapter 22: Synchronizing cylinder movement, hereinafter referred to as PM, 12/05/2010) and Nicholson (PG-PUB 2017/0191346).
Regarding claim 1, Borsting teaches a mold assembly for manufacturing a wind turbine blade shell part,
the mold assembly comprising a mold having a molding surface that defines the
outer shape of the wind turbine blade shell part (Figure 2), the mold having a longitudinal direction extending between a tip end and a root end of the mold (Figure 2),
wherein the mold assembly comprises a lowering device (Figures 17-19), which is adapted to carry and lower a root end insert onto the molding surface of the mold,
the lowering device being attached to the mold and comprising a frame for carrying the root end insert (Figure 17; Col 14, ln 36-42; Col 15, ln 31-47; Col 16, ln 2-8), wherein the lowering device further comprises driving means for lowering the frame together with the root end insert (Col 15, ln 31-47),
wherein the driving means is a telescope piston chamber, such as a hydraulic cylinder (Col 9, ln 3-12).
Borsting teaches the lowering mechanism may advantageously be attached to sides of the mold (Col 15, ln 31-36). Accordingly, Borsting teaches at least two lowering mechanism, one disposed on each side of the mold.
While Borsting teaches the lowering mechanism may advantageously be attached to sides of the mold, Borsting does not explicitly teach two synchronized hydraulic cylinders. Borsting teaches the motions of the piston cylinder (Col 15, Line 52-Col 16, ln 8). Borsting teaches the piston cylinder begins to retract, the frame will in a first motion be lowered towards the moulding surface of the mold while the frame and mounting plate are tilted so that the root end insert is angled. In a second motion step, the frame with mounting plate and root end insert are pivoted until the mounting plate is oriented arranged substantially vertically and the root end insert rets on the mold surface of the mold. Borsting teaches this motion ensures that the fiber material that has been arranged on the mold surface is not distorted or otherwise wrinkled (Col 16, ln 6-8).
As taught by Borsting, one of ordinary skill in the art would have recognized wind blades and their molds are large (Col 1, ln 61-62). One of ordinary skill in the art would have recognized a significant amount of drive is needed to operate a lowering mechanism to move a large mount plate (Figure 12) such that the entire mount plate is properly moved (see Figure 17-19). One of ordinary skill in the art would have recognized in order to efficiently operate the lowering mechanism to move the mount plate with the root end insert according to a desired motion, as taught by Borsting, both hydraulic cylinders should be operating in a synchronized manner such that the movement of the plate relative to both sides are uniform. The mount plate and root end insert are a large assembly (Figure 12-13), and the desired motions of the mounting plate and root end insert of Borsting would appear to be inefficient and difficult if there is a time delay between operating one side after the other due to the extremely large and symmetrical nature of the mounting plate and article.
Furthermore, it appears that it would be desirable to have uniform motion relative to the mount plate and root end insert because asynchronized cylinders can introduce difference variable motions that may introduce wrinkle or distortion in the fiber material disposed on the mold surface, a concern discussed by Borsting (Col 16, ln 6-8).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to ensure that both hydraulic cylinders are synchronized in order to provide precise movements.
Borsting does not explicitly teach:(1) each hydraulic cylinder comprise a piston chamber and a rod chamber,
wherein the first and second hydraulic cylinders are connected to eachother in series for the synchronized operation thereof such that the hydraulic fluid under pressure is supplied to an end of the first hydraulic cylinder and the second hydraulic cylinder is equally operated by the hydraulic fluid ejected from the first hydraulic cylinder; and
(2) the piston chamber and rod chamber of each of the first and second hydraulic cylinders are connected to each other via a respective valve assembly comprising a fluid line and valve such that if an incorrect cylinder position or a lack of synchronization of at least one of the first and second hydraulic cylinders is observed, at least one of the valves of the respective valve assemblies is opened and then subsequently closed to reset a piston position of at least one of the first and second hydraulic cylinders.
As to (1), PM teaches synchronizing cylinders for operating machines to lift load using different techniques (Page 2). PM teaches double-rod end cylinders in series (Page 12 and 14). PM teaches the first and second hydraulic cylinders are connected to eachother in series for the synchronized operation thereof such that the hydraulic fluid under pressure is supplied to an end of the first hydraulic cylinder and the second hydraulic cylinder is equally operated by the hydraulic fluid ejected from the first hydraulic cylinder (Figure 22-8 – Figure 22-10, Page 15-16). PM teaches when the trapped volume is completely full and if all seals do not leak, the cylinders synchronize nearly perfectly, regardless of load position (Page 15 and 17-18).
PM teaches when the platen nears bottom, it contacts limit switches B and F. If the switches make simultaneously, no leveling occurs. PM teaches if one limit switch makes before the other, the cylinders obviously are out of synchronization, so solenoid C1 on the leveling valve energizes. With solenoids B1 and C1energized, pump oil flows to the retract sides of cylinders (A) and (E), forcing them to retract fully, and cylinders (A) and (E) can retract because the extend sides of both cylinders have a direct path to tank (Page 16-17 and Figure 22-10).
PM teach a main directional valve (Figure 22-9 and Page 15) and a level valve (Figure 22-9, item D and Page 15). Accordingly, the piston chamber and rod chamber of each of the first and second hydraulic cylinders are connected to eachother via a respective valve assembly comprising a fluid line and valve.
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It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date of the invention to modify the assembly of Borsting comprising hydraulic cylinders with the synchronized hydraulic cylinder assembly of PM comprising a first and second hydraulic cylinder arranged in series, fluid lines, and valves, a known assembly for lifting large masses as taught by PM, to yield the predictable result of synchronizing movement of the large blade for proper lifting and load distribution.
Assuming arguendo, Borsting does not teach two hydraulic cylinders, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date of the invention to improve the mold assembly of Borsting comprising a single cylinder with the hydraulic cylinder assembly of PM comprising a first and second hydraulic cylinder arranged in series, fluid lines, and valves, in order to move massive loads, as desired by Borsting.
As to (2), Nicholson teaches a hydraulic actuator with a manual override system (Figure 2 and 4 and [0031]-[0033]). Nicholson teaches the manual override system 418 may be connected to a first line 414 and a second line 416 of a hydraulic motor or cylinder, thereby connecting a rod chamber and piston chamber, and may include an auxiliary line 420, two-way valves 422, and a reservoir 432, wherein the two-way valve may be a ball valve [0033]. Nicholson teaches during automatic operation, the two-way valves 422 may remain in a closed position such that the reservoir 432 is not in fluid communication with the first line 414 and the second line 416, during manual mode operation, the two-way valves 422 may be moved to an open position to allow fluid to be directed to the reservoir 432 [0033]. Nicholson teaches in situations where automated control of the hydraulic actuator encounters a problem, it may be useful to have a hydraulic actuator that includes a manual override feature that disables the automatic control and allows for manual control of the actuator [0021]. Nicholson teaches the presence of the fluid in the hydraulic lines of the hydraulic actuator and the difficulty of removing the fluid may present an obstacle to an operator responding to an emergency condition through manual override [0023].
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date of the invention to improve the assembly of Borsting in view of PM with the manual override assembly comprising a two-way valve of Nicholson for each of the hydraulic cylinders, for the benefit of disabling automatic control and allowing manual control during necessary emergencies, repairs, etc..
Borsting in view of PM and Nicholson does not teach if an incorrect cylinder position or a lack of synchronization of at least one of the first and second hydraulic cylinders is observed, at least one of the valves of the respective valve assemblies is opened and then subsequently closed to reset a piston position of at least one of the first and second hydraulic cylinders.
However, a statement of intended use in an apparatus claim fails to distinguish over a prior art apparatus. The manner of operating an apparatus does not differentiate an apparatus claim from the prior art, if the prior art apparatus teaches all of the structural limitations of the claim (see MPEP §§ 2114 and 2173.05(g)).
Given that Borsting in view of PM and Nicholson teaches all of the positively recited structure of the claimed apparatus, the apparatus of Borsting in view of PM and Nicholson would be capable of performing the same function of opening one of the valves and subsequently closing the valve to reset a piston position of at least one of the first and second hydraulic cylinders.
Regarding claim 2, Borsting in view of PM and Nicholson teaches the assembly as applied to claim 1, wherein two-way valves are used (Nicholson, Figure 4 and [0028], [0031]-[0033]).
Regarding claim 16, Borsting in view of PM and Nicholson teaches the assembly as applied to claim 2, wherein the valves are two-way ball valves (Nicholson, [0033]).
Claim 3 and 4 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Borsting (US 10,118,352) in view of PM (Book 2, Chapter 22: Synchronizing cylinder movement, 12/05/2010) and Nicholson (PG-PUB 2017/0191346), as applied to claim 1, in further view of Weber (PG-PUB 2008/0179943).
Regarding claim 3, Borsting in view of PM and Nicholson teaches the assembly as applied to claim 1, wherein each of the piston chamber and rod chamber have a respective fluid port (PM, Figure 22-8 to Figure 22-10).
Borsting in view of PM and Nicholson does not teach each valve assembly further comprises a first fitting at the first end of the fluid line and a second fitting at the second end of the fluid line, and the first and second fittings being connected to the respective ports of the hydraulic cylinder.
Weber teaches a system comprising a master cylinder and a brake line including a housing having an internal bore, an inlet port, a passage, and an outlet port (Figure 1 and [0040]-[0043]). Weber teaches the housing (10) is secured to the master cylinder (100) with a fastener (50), the fastener includes an internal fluid passage 51 for providing fluid communication between passage (16) and an output port of the master cylinder (Figure 3 and [0047], [0058]). Weber teaches the fastener may be a banjo bolt which is similar to the fastener used to secure a brake line to a master cylinder (Figure 3 and [0047], [0058]).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date of the invention to modify the assembly Borsting in view of PM and Nicholson with fittings as taught by Weber, a known suitable fastener for fluidly connecting a fluid line and housing, to yield the predictable result of securely connecting a fluid line to a cylinder to allow for controlled fluid flow.
Regarding claim 4, Borsting in view of PM, Nicholson, and Weber teaches the assembly as applied to claim 3, wherein the first and second fitting are banjo fittings (Weber, Figure 3 and [0047], [0058]).
Claim 3-6 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Borsting (US 10,118,352) in view of PM (Book 2, Chapter 22: Synchronizing cylinder movement, 12/05/2010) and Nicholson (PG-PUB 2017/0191346), as applied to claim 1, in further view of Pick (PG-PUB 2008/0060900).
Regarding claim 3-5, Borsting in view of PM and Nicholson teaches the assembly as applied to claim 1, wherein each of the piston chamber and rod chamber have a respective fluid port (PM, Figure 22-8 to Figure 22-10).
Borsting in view of PM and Nicholson does not teach (1) a first fitting at the first end of the fluid line and a second fitting at the second of the fluid line, and the first and second fittings being connected to the respective ports; (2) the first fitting and the second fitting are banjo fittings; and (3) the first fitting further comprises a hydraulic pressure test point coupling for bleeding air from at least one of the first and second hydraulic cylinder.
Pick teaches a hydraulic control system for a vehicle clutch comprising hydraulic cylinders (101, 115) connected to other components of the system via a fluid line (112, 109) and banjo fitting (106, 118) (Figure 1 and [0045]). Pick teaches the banjo fitting is a suitable fastener for securing a fluid line of a hydraulic cylinder. Pick teaches for one of the two cylinders, a chamber comprises a port sealed with a fitting assembly including a banjo fitting (216) and a bleed screw (214) disposed within the fitting for the benefit of allowing the system to easily bleed trapped air bubbles during maintenance and repair (Figure 1 and 2, [0045] and [0052]).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date of the invention to modify the assembly of Borsting, in particularly the interface of the plurality of ports and fluid line, with a fitting assembly comprising a banjo assembly, a known suitable fastener assembly for securing a fluid line to a hydraulic cylinder and allowing fluid transport from the hydraulic cylinder as taught by Pick, to yield the predictable result of safely coupling a fluid line to a hydraulic cylinder. Additionally, one of ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to modify the assembly of Borsting in view of PM and Nicholson to incorporate the bleed screw of Pick in one of the two fittings for each valve for the benefit of bleeding trapped air during maintenance and repair of the hydraulic system, as taught by Pick.
Regarding claim 6, Borsting in view of PM, Nicholson, and Pick teaches the assembly as applied to claim 5, wherein bleed screw is disposed inside of the banjo fitting (Pick, Figure 1 and 2, [0057]). While not explicitly disclosed, one of ordinary skill in the art would have recognized the banjo bolt and bleed screw are fastened together via an internal thread of the banjo fitting because bleed screws conventionally have threads and in order to secure the threads of the bleed screw to the banjo fitting, the banjo fitting would of Pick would have internal threads.
Conclusion
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/HANA C PAGE/ Examiner, Art Unit 1745