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 .
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, 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.
Claims 1-4-11, 14-19 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Yang [ EP 0676561] in view of Han [US 2019/0242467] in further view of Ilovich [WO 2010/134078].
Regarding claim 1: Yang shows a variable gear ratio gear set system, comprising: a planetary gear set including: a sun gear (T1) disposed at a central axis of rotation; a plurality of planet gears (T3) meshed with the sun gear (T1) and retained at a carrier (A3); and a ring gear (T2) surrounding the plurality of planet gears (T3) and meshed therewith; an input shaft ( IN PUT) to input rotational energy to the planetary gear set at a first rotational speed; an output shaft ( OUT PUT) to output rotational energy from the planetary gear set at a second rotational speed; a plurality of one-way clutches (SC21, SC22, SC31, SC32) disposed in the gear set and engageable such that the system has a first gear ratio when the input shaft is rotated in a first direction (see fig 1), and a second gear ratio when the input shaft is rotated in a second direction (see fig 1);wherein a first one-way clutch (SC21) of the plurality of one-way clutches is disposed between and operably coupled to the ring gear (T2) and the output shaft; wherein a second one-way clutch (SC31) of the plurality of one-way clutches ((SC21, SC22, SC31, SC32) is disposed between and operably coupled to the carrier (A3) and the output shaft (OUT PUT).
Yang does not explicitly show wherein the first one-way clutch includes: a ramp positioned at one of the ring gear and the output shaft: a ring positioned radially spaced apart from the ramp at the other of the ring gear and the output shaft; and a roller disposed radially between the ramp and the ring, the roller configured to move along the ramp radially between the ramp and the ring. However Han show wherein the first one-way clutch includes: a ramp 620-1, see fig 6) positioned at one of the ring gear and the output shaft (see fig 5): a ring (615) positioned radially spaced apart from the ramp (620-1) at the other of the ring gear and the output shaft; and a roller (610-2) disposed radially between the ramp and the ring, the roller (610-2) configured to move along the ramp radially between the ramp and the ring
Yang and Han do not explicitly show wherein the planetary gear set is configured to urge an extension stroke of an actuator operably connected to the output shaft when the input shaft is rotated in the first direction, and is configured to urge a retraction stroke of the actuator when the input shaft is rotated in the second direction.
However Ilovich shows wherein the planetary gear set (134) is configured to urge an extension stroke of an actuator (102) operably connected to the output shaft when the input shaft is rotated in the first direction, and is configured to urge a retraction stroke of the actuator when the input shaft is rotated in the second direction (see fig 4).
It would have been obvious to someone having ordinary skill in the art at the time of effective filling date to have made clutches with ramp and roller to control and restrict the rotation of the clutch, this type of clutches with ramp and roller are well known clutch structures in mechanical art.
It would have been obvious to someone having ordinary skill in the art at the time of effective filling date to have attached an actuator to the output of the planetary gear to transfer rotation and gear ratio of the planetary gear set and to the control the rotation or movement of the attached part.
Regarding claim 4: Yang shows wherein a third one- way (SC31) clutch of the plurality of one-way clutches is operably coupled to the ring gear (T2) and a ground.
Regarding claim 5: Yang shows wherein a fourth one- way clutch (SC32) of the plurality of one-way clutches is operably coupled to the carrier and a ground.
Regarding claim 6: Yang shows variable gear ratio gear set system, comprising: a planetary gear set including: a sun gear (T1) disposed at a central axis of rotation; a plurality of planet gears (T3) meshed with the sun gear (T1) and retained at a carrier (A3); and a ring gear (T2) surrounding the plurality of planet gears (T3) and meshed therewith; an input shaft (IN PUT) to input rotational energy to the planetary gear set at a first rotational speed; an output shaft (OIT PUT) to output rotational energy from the planetary gear set at a second rotational speed; a plurality of one-way clutches (SC21, SC22, SC31, SC32) disposed in the gear set and engageable such that the system has a first gear ratio when the input shaft is rotated in a first direction (see fig 1), and a second gear ratio when the input shaft is rotated in a second direction (see fig 1);
Yang does not explicitly show wherein the first one-way clutch includes: a ramp positioned at one of the ring gear and the output shaft: a ring positioned radially spaced apart from the ramp at the other of the ring gear and the output shaft; and a roller disposed radially between the ramp and the ring, the roller configured to move along the ramp radially between the ramp and the ring. However Han show wherein the first one-way clutch includes: a ramp 620-1, see fig 6) positioned at one of the ring gear and the output shaft (see fig 5): a ring (615) positioned radially spaced apart from the ramp (620-1) at the other of the ring gear and the output shaft; and a roller (610-2) disposed radially between the ramp and the ring, the roller (610-2) configured to move along the ramp radially between the ramp and the ring
It would have been obvious to someone having ordinary skill in the art at the time of effective filling date to have made clutches with ramp and roller to control and restrict the rotation of the clutch, this type of clutches with ramp and roller are well known clutch structures in mechanical art.
Yang and Han do not explicitly show wherein the planetary gear set is configured to urge an extension stroke of an actuator operably connected to the output shaft when the input shaft is rotated in the first direction, and is configured to urge a retraction stroke of the actuator when the input shaft is rotated in the second direction.
However Ilovich shows wherein the planetary gear set (134) is configured to urge an extension stroke of an actuator (102) operably connected to the output shaft when the input shaft is rotated in the first direction, and is configured to urge a retraction stroke of the actuator when the input shaft is rotated in the second direction (see fig 4).
It would have been obvious to someone having ordinary skill in the art at the time of effective filling date to have made clutches with ramp and roller to control and restrict the rotation of the clutch, this type of clutches with ramp and roller are well known clutch structures in mechanical art.
It would have been obvious to someone having ordinary skill in the art at the time of effective filling date to have attached an actuator to the output of the planetary gear to transfer rotation and gear ratio of the planetary gear set and to the control the rotation or movement of the attached part.
Regarding claim 7: Yang shows wherein when the input shaft (IN PUT) is rotated in the first direction, a torque transmission path is through the sun gear (T1), through the carrier (A3) and through the output shaft (OUT PUT).
Regarding claim 8: Yang shows wherein the ring gear (T2) is rotationally fixed.
Regarding claim 9: Yang shows wherein when the input shaft (IN PUT) is rotated in the second direction, a torque transmission path is through the sun gear (T1), through the plurality of planet gears (T3), through the ring gear and through the output shaft.
Regarding claim 10: Yang shows wherein the carrier (A3) is rotationally fixed.
Regarding claim 11: Yang shows An actuation system, comprising: an actuator configured to drive movement of a component coupled to the actuator; a power source operably coupled to the actuator to drive operation of the actuator; and a variable gear ratio gear set system, comprising: a planetary gear set including: a sun gear (T1) disposed at a central axis of rotation; a plurality of planet gears (T3) meshed with the sun gear and retained at a carrier (A3); and a ring gear (T2) surrounding the plurality of planet gears (T3) and meshed therewith; an input shaft (IN PUT) operably connected to the power source to input rotational energy to the planetary gear set at a first rotational speed; an output shaft (OUT PUT) to output rotational energy from the planetary gear set to the actuator at a second rotational speed; a plurality of one-way clutches (SC21, SC22, SC31, SC32) disposed in the gear set and engageable such that the system has a first gear ratio when the input shaft is rotated in a first direction (see fig 1), and a second gear ratio when the input shaft is rotated in a second direction (see fig 1); wherein a first one-way clutch (SC21) of the plurality of one-way clutches is disposed between and operably coupled to the ring gear (T2) and the output shaft (OUT PUT); wherein a second one-way clutch (SC22) of the plurality of one-way clutches is disposed between and operably coupled to the carrier (A3) and the output shaft.
Yang does not explicitly show wherein the first one-way clutch includes: a ramp positioned at one of the ring gear and the output shaft: a ring positioned radially spaced apart from the ramp at the other of the ring gear and the output shaft; and a roller disposed radially between the ramp and the ring, the roller configured to move along the ramp radially between the ramp and the ring. However Han show wherein the first one-way clutch includes: a ramp 620-1, see fig 6) positioned at one of the ring gear and the output shaft (see fig 5): a ring (615) positioned radially spaced apart from the ramp (620-1) at the other of the ring gear and the output shaft; and a roller (610-2) disposed radially between the ramp and the ring, the roller (610-2) configured to move along the ramp radially between the ramp and the ring
Yang and Han do not explicitly show wherein the planetary gear set is configured to urge an extension stroke of an actuator operably connected to the output shaft when the input shaft is rotated in the first direction, and is configured to urge a retraction stroke of the actuator when the input shaft is rotated in the second direction.
However Ilovich shows wherein the planetary gear set (134) is configured to urge an extension stroke of an actuator (102) operably connected to the output shaft when the input shaft is rotated in the first direction, and is configured to urge a retraction stroke of the actuator when the input shaft is rotated in the second direction (see fig 4).
It would have been obvious to someone having ordinary skill in the art at the time of effective filling date to have made clutches with ramp and roller to control and restrict the rotation of the clutch, this type of clutches with ramp and roller are well known clutch structures in mechanical art.
It would have been obvious to someone having ordinary skill in the art at the time of effective filling date to have attached an actuator to the output of the planetary gear to transfer rotation and gear ratio of the planetary gear set and to the control the rotation or movement of the attached part.
Regarding claim 14: Yang shows wherein a third one-way clutch (SC31) of the plurality of one-way clutches is operably coupled to the ring gear (T2) and a ground.
Regarding claim 15: Yang shows wherein a fourth one-way clutch (SC32) of the plurality of one-way clutches is operably coupled to the carrier (A3) and a ground.
Regarding claim 16: Yang does not explicitly show wherein each of the one-way clutches of the plurality of one-way clutches includes: a ramp disposed at a first component; a ring disposed at a second component; and a roller disposed between the ramp and the ring, such that during rotation of the first component in a first rotation direction urges the roller up the ramp to jam between the ramp and the ring preventing rotation of the first component relative to the second component, and rotation of the first component in a second rotation direction there is free rotation of the first component relative to the second component.
However Miller shows : a ramp (61, see fig 8) disposed at a first component; a ring (34) disposed at a second component; and a roller (62) disposed between the ramp and the ring, such that during rotation of the first component in a first rotation direction urges the roller up the ramp to jam between the ramp and the ring preventing rotation of the first component relative to the second component, and rotation of the first component in a second rotation direction there is free rotation of the first component relative to the second component.
It would have been obvious to someone having ordinary skill in the art at the time of effective filling date to have made clutches with ramp and roller to control restrict the rotation of the clutch, this type of clutches with ramp and roller are well known clutch structures in mechanical art.
Regarding claim 17: Yang shows, wherein when the input shaft (IN PUT) is rotated in the first direction, a torque transmission path is through the sun gear (T1), through the carrier (A3) and through the output shaft.
Regarding claim 18: Yang shows wherein the ring gear (T2) is fixed.
Regarding claim 19: Yang shows wherein when the input shaft is rotated in the second direction, a torque transmission path is through the sun gear (T1), through the plurality of planet gears (T3), through the ring gear (T2) and through the output shaft.
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, 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 20 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Yang [ EP 0676561] in view of Han [US 2019/0242467] in further view of Ilovich [WO 2010/134078] in further view of Sherrill [DE 112012000506].
Regarding claim 20: Yang does not explicitly show that wherein the actuator is a screw nut driven actuator, However Sherrill shows wherein the actuator is a screw nut driven actuator (1516).
It would have been obvious to someone having ordinary skill in the art at the time of effective filling date to have used screw nut actuator type for being reliable and more durable with reduced backlash.
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s arguments with respect to claims 1,4-11, 14-20 have been considered but are moot because the new ground of rejection does not rely on any reference applied in the prior rejection of record for any teaching or matter specifically challenged in the argument.
The new added limitations are taught by Ilovich. Ilovich shows wherein the planetary gear set (134) is configured to urge an extension stroke of an actuator (102) operably connected to the output shaft when the input shaft is rotated in the first direction, and is configured to urge a retraction stroke of the actuator when the input shaft is rotated in the second direction (see fig 4).
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Conclusion
Applicant's amendment necessitated the new ground(s) of rejection presented in this Office action. Accordingly, THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. See MPEP § 706.07(a). Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any nonprovisional extension fee (37 CFR 1.17(a)) pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the mailing date of this final action.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to ZAKARIA ELAHMADI whose telephone number is (571)270-5324. The examiner can normally be reached on M-F 10-6 EST.
If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Minnah Seoh can be reached on 571-270-7778. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/ZAKARIA ELAHMADI/
Examiner, Art Unit 3618
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