Prosecution Insights
Last updated: July 17, 2026
Application No. 18/339,699

Method and System for Inspecting an Insulation of a High Voltage Cable

Final Rejection §103
Filed
Jun 22, 2023
Priority
Jun 22, 2022 — EU 22180574.0
Examiner
ANDREWS, BRENT J
Art Unit
2858
Tech Center
2800 — Semiconductors & Electrical Systems
Assignee
Nkt Hv Cables AB
OA Round
4 (Final)
78%
Grant Probability
Favorable
5-6
OA Rounds
1m
Est. Remaining
99%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 78% — above average
78%
Career Allowance Rate
244 granted / 313 resolved
+10.0% vs TC avg
Strong +28% interview lift
Without
With
+28.4%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
3y 2m
Avg Prosecution
19 currently pending
Career history
334
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
0.4%
-39.6% vs TC avg
§103
91.2%
+51.2% vs TC avg
§102
3.7%
-36.3% vs TC avg
§112
3.8%
-36.2% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 313 resolved cases

Office Action

§103
6DETAILED ACTION The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . Remarks/Arguments Applicant’s arguments filed 04/17/2026 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive. Applicant’s arguments Page 2 “Harjuhahto discloses a method for surface defect detection. However, Harjuhahto fails to teach "wherein the scanning includes moving the at least one laser scanner relative to the high voltage cable along a length direction of the high voltage cable." Harjuhahto describes detecting surface defects by moving a cable 2 along a manufacturing line (direction x) through a set of non- contact distance measurement sensors 6 (laser sensors), as shown in Figures 1-2. (Page 3 lines 20-33.) The scanning therefore moves the cable 2 relative to the laser scanner. This is opposite of the claimed invention.” The Examiner respectfully disagrees. HARJUHAHTO discloses scanning a surface (Figs. 1-2 Item 8 discloses the sensors (6) such that beams (7) of the sensors are directable to the outer surface (8) of the cable (2) abstract Page 3 Lin 20-35) of a high voltage cable's insulation (Figs. 1-2 Item 2 discloses the cable 2 to be inspected position abstract). The laser scanner is shown to move in x direction as shown in Fig1. DOEDENS teaches a scanner (Fig. 1-4 Item 10 discloses a HV-cable end 1 with conductor 2 and outer insulation layer 4 to determine the quality of the surface 5 of the insulation layer 4..The measurement of the surface of the cable end, and comparing the continuous 3D surface geometry measurement with at least one surface geometry acceptance threshold. Contains surface scanner 10 is freely movable in any direction in Paragraph [0004, 0015 & 0029]) Applicant’s arguments Page 3 “Harjuhahto also fails to teach "comparing the generated model with a reference 3-dimensional model of the surface of the high voltage cable's insulation." The Office Action at page 5 concedes that Harjuhahto does not teach comparing the generated model with a 3-dimensional model.” The Examiner respectfully disagrees. HARJUHAHTO discloses generating a 3-dimensional model (c Figs. 1-2 Item 1 & 12 discloses creates thereof a continuous 3D topographic map and stored 3D data of the outer surface (8) of the cable (2), Cable 2 is a high voltage cable being inspected). HARJUHAHTO discloses (item 1 3D data and reference 3D data stored in memory 12) DOEDENS teaches comparing the generated model with a reference 3-dimensional model (Fig. 1-4 discloses, creating a continuous 3D surface geometry measurement of the surface of the cable (inspect high voltage cable) end and comparing, using the continuous 3D surface geometry [Abstract & 0008]) of the surface of the high voltage cable's insulation (Fig. 1-4 discloses a HV-cable end 1 with conductor 2 and outer insulation layer 4 to determine the quality of the surface 5 of the insulation layer 4 The measurement of the surface of the cable end, and comparing the continuous 3D surface geometry measurement with at least one surface geometry acceptance threshold. Contains surface scanner 10 is freely movable in any direction in Paragraph [0004, 0015 & 0029]). Applicant’s arguments Page 4 “The Proposed Combination of Harjuhahto and Doedens Is Improper” The Examiner respectfully disagrees. HARJUHAHTO discloses (The 3D surface scanner can inspect the resulting cable of the cable and calculation using stored or predetermined data). DOEDENS teaches (The surface 5 of the insulation 4 is inspected to ensure that there are no irregularities in Paragraph [0004],). Both references are in same area of inspecting insulation of the cable. DOEDENS teaches comparing the data to find (i Fig. 1-4 discloses comparing the data to find (comparing the continuous 3D surface geometry measurement with at least one surface geometry acceptance threshold n Paragraph [0017],) Applicant’s arguments Page 5 “Harjuhahto Does Not Teach Scanning Along a Length Direction of the Cable” The Examiner respectfully disagrees. HARJUHAHTO discloses (wherein the 3D surface scanner 1 is arranged after the cooling section 18 in the run direction x of the cable 2 as shown in Fig 1 below) Applicant’s arguments Page 6 “Claims 5-7 further recite that "the reference 3-dimensional model is a partly predefined model of a surface of a high voltage cable's insulation and wherein the partly predefined model is adjusted based on the acquired data." The Examiner respectfully disagrees. DOEDENS teaches comparing the data to find (i Fig. 1-4 discloses comparing the data to find (comparing the continuous 3D surface geometry measurement with at least one surface geometry acceptance threshold n Paragraph [0017],) Applicant’s arguments Page 7 “Claim 11 depends from claim 1 and further recites "wherein the scanned surface area has a length of at least 0.2 m along a main direction of extension of the high voltage cable." The Examiner relies on Ebisawa for this limitation, citing Ebisawa's disclosure of a "coaxial flexible piezoelectric member 2 (normally having a length of several hundreds m or more).." The Examiner respectfully disagrees. Ebisawa teaches wherein the scanned surface area has a length of at least 0.2 m along a main direction of extension of the high voltage cable. (Fig. 1-3 Item 2 &4 discloses, defect inspecting apparatus including an electrode 4 and therefore, the coaxial flexible piezoelectric member 2 (normally having a length of several hundreds of m or more) cannot be polarized. [0028]). Applicant’s arguments Page 7 “Independent claim 12 recites a system including, inter alia, "at least one scanning assembly" with "a linear axis and a laser scanner attached to the linear axis, wherein the linear axis is configured to provide linear motion to the laser scanner" The Examiner respectfully disagrees. wherein the at least one scanning assembly HARJUHAHTO discloses includes a linear axis (Figs. 1-2 Item 2 discloses voltage cable 2 to be inspected position moved in linear axis Fig. 1 and abstract), 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 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(a) 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. 3 Claim 1-3, 5-10 and 16-17 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103(a) as being unpatentable over HARJUHAHTO et al. (WO 2019197530 A1) in view of DOEDENS; et al. (EP 3901571 A1) PNG media_image1.png 482 648 media_image1.png Greyscale 4 Regarding to claim 1, HARJUHAHTO discloses a method for inspecting an Insulation of a high voltage cable (Figs. 1-2 Item 2 discloses the extra high voltage cable 2 to be inspected position abstract), the method comprising: a data acquisition including: scanning a surface (Figs. 1-2 Item 8 discloses the sensors (6) such that beams (7) of the sensors are directable to the outer surface (8) of the cable (2) abstract Page 3 Lin 20-35) of a high voltage cable's insulation (Figs. 1-2 Item 2 discloses the cable 2 to be inspected conductor and wire position abstract), by at least one laser scanner (Figs. 1-2 Item 6 discloses the measurement sensors 6 comprise laser displacement sensors ln a laser displacement sensor, a laser beam emitted from a laser is applied to the outer surface 8 of the cable 2 abstract Page 3 Lin 20-35), wherein the scanning includes moving the at least one laser scanner (Figs. 1-2 Item 6 discloses measurement sensors 6 comprise laser displacement sensors ln a laser displacement sensor, a laser beam emitted from a laser is applied to the outer surface 8 of the cable 2 Page 3 Lin 20-35) and relative to the high voltage cable ((Figs. 1-2 Item 2) along a length direction of the high voltage cable; and a data evaluation (Figs. 1-2 Item 4 & 10 discloses analysis part 4 comprises a receiver 9 for the measurement data and a processor 10 for processing the measurement data providing defect detection data abstract Page 3 Lin 20-35) including: generating a 3-dimensional model (c Figs. 1-2 Item 1 discloses creates thereof a continuous 3D topographic map of the outer surface (8) of the cable (2),) of the scanned surface based on the acquired data (Figs. 1-2 Item 1 & 12 discloses a continuous 3D topographic map and 12 stored 3D data of the outer surface of the cable, said 3D topographic map providing defect detection data from the cable Abstract Page 3 -4) of the surface of the high voltage cable's insulation (Figs. 1-2 Item 1 discloses a 3D surface scanner is also able to detect properties of the outer surface 22 of a cable Page3 -4); and However, HARJUHAHTO does not explicitly teach comparing the generated model with a reference 3-dimensional model of the surface of the high voltage cable's insulation; However, DOEDENS teaches comparing the generated model with a Reference (i Fig. 1-4 discloses comparing the data to find (comparing the continuous 3D surface geometry measurement with at least one surface geometry acceptance threshold n Paragraph [0017],) 3-dimensional model (Fig. 1-4 discloses, creating a continuous 3D surface geometry measurement of the surface of the cable end and comparing, using the continuous 3D surface geometry [Abstract]) of the surface of the high voltage cable's insulation (Fig. 1-4 discloses a HV-cable end 1 with conductor 2 and outer insulation layer 4 to determine the quality of the surface 5 of the insulation layer 4The measurement of the surface of the cable end, and comparing the continuous 3D surface geometry measurement with at least one surface geometry acceptance threshold. Contains surface scanner 10 is freely movable in any direction in Paragraph [0004, 0015 & 0029]) It would have been obvious to one skilled in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to modify an invention which is employed for ice detection and measurement is unfoldedin HARJUHAHTO to include creating a continuous 3D surface geometry measurement of the surface of the cable as taught by DOEDENS in order to determining the quality of the surface of the high voltage cable [Abstract]). 5 Regarding to claim 2 HARJUHAHTO discloses the method according to claim 1, wherein the scanned surface comprises a full circumference of the high voltage cable (Figure 2 the sensors 6 are arranged with substantially even intervals. By arranging the sample areas 22 are at a circumference of the cable 2). 6 Regarding to claim 3 HARJUHAHTO discloses the method according to claim 1, wherein generating the 3-dimensional model includes combining measurement data from at least two laser scanner (Figure 1-2 the 7 of non-contact distance measurement sensors 6 are directed to the outer surface which are shown top and bottom of cable 2). 7 Regarding to claim 5 HARJUHAHTO discloses the method according to claim 1, wherein the reference 3-dimensional model is a partly predefined model (c Figs. 1-2 Item 1 & 12 discloses creates thereof a continuous 3D topographic map of the outer surface (8) of the cable (2) the stored 3D processed data and/or the defect detection data) of a surface of a high voltage cable's insulation and wherein the partly predefined model (c Figs. 1-2 Item 1 & 12 shows continuous 3D model info stored and measured values are used to find defect) is adjusted based on the acquired data. (Compared to existing X-rays systems used in cable manufacturing the 3D surface scanner 1 provides an accurate monitoring of the geometry of the outer surface 8 of a cable 2. X-ray systems are adapted to measure the depth or diameter of different layers inside the cable as well as the eccentricity of the conductor inside the insulation). 8 Regarding to claim 6 HARJUHAHTO discloses the method according to claim 5, wherein a diameter of the partly predefined model (c Figs. 1-2 Item 1 & 12 shows continuous 3D model info stored and measured values are used to find defect) is adjusted based on the acquired data. (Compared to existing X-rays systems used in cable manufacturing the 3D surface scanner 1 provides an accurate monitoring of the geometry of the outer surface 8 of a cable 2. X-ray systems are adapted to measure the depth of different layers inside the cable as well as the eccentricity of the conductor inside the insulation). 9 Regarding to claim 7 HARJUHAHTO discloses the method according to claim 6, wherein the diameter is adjusted (Compared to existing X-rays systems used in cable manufacturing the 3D surface scanner 1 provides diameter an accurate monitoring of the geometry of the outer surface 8 of a cable 2. X-ray systems are adapted to measure the depth of different layers inside the cable as well as the eccentricity of the conductor inside the insulation). based on at least one of: a minimum diameter and a maximum diameter of the high voltage cable determined from the acquired data (Figs. 1-2 Item 4 & 10 discloses analysis part is detecting surface defects of the cable and outputs surface defect detection data of the cable such as insulation layer thickness abstract Page 3 and 4) 10 Regarding to claim 8 HARJUHAHTO discloses the method according to claim 1, wherein the data evaluation further includes determining a state (Figs. 1-2 Item 4 & 10 discloses analysis part is detecting surface defects of the cable) of the insulation (insulation layer thickness of cable 2) of the high voltage cable according to predefined criteria (Figs. 1-2 Item 4 & 10 discloses analysis part is detecting surface defects of the cable and outputs surface defect detection data of the cable such as insulation layer thickness abstract Page 3 and 4) 11 Regarding to claim 9 HARJUHAHTO discloses the method according to claim 8, wherein the determination of a state (Figs. 1-2 Item 4 & 10 discloses analysis part is detecting surface defects of the cable) of the insulation includes: calculating distance values (insulation layer thickness of cable 2) between points of the generated 3-dimensional model and the reference 3-dimensional model (Figs. 1-2 Item 1 discloses a continuous 3D topographic map of the outer surface of the cable, said 3D topographic map providing defect detection data from the cable Abstract Page 3 -4), 12 Regarding to claim 10 HARJUHAHTO discloses the method according to claim 1, wherein the data evaluation further includes an identification of irregularities (Figs. 1-2 Item 4 & 10 discloses analysis part is detecting surface defects of the cable) on the surface (Figs. 1-2 Item 8) of the insulation (insulation layer thickness of cable 2) of the high voltage cable (Figs. 1-2 Item 2) according to predefined criteria (Fig.1 discloses 3D topographic map providing defect detection data from the cable, and the trained neural network of the analysis part is detecting surface defects of the cable and outputs surface defect detection data of the cable). 13 Regarding to claim 16 HARJUHAHTO discloses the method according to claim 1, wherein the reference 3-dimensional model (c Figs. 1-2 Item 1 & 12 shows continuous 3D model and stored 3D model 12) is a partly predefined model (c Figs. 1-2 Item 1 & 12 shows continuous 3D model info stored and measured values are used to find defect) of a surface of a high voltage cable's (c Figs. 1-2 Item 2) insulation, wherein the partly predefined model is adjusted based on the acquired data Compared to existing X-rays systems used in cable manufacturing the 3D surface scanner 1 provides an accurate monitoring of the geometry of the outer surface 8 of a cable 2. X-ray systems are adapted to measure the depth or diameter of different layers inside the cable as well as the eccentricity of the conductor inside the insulation).. 14 Regarding to claim 17 HARJUHAHTO discloses the method according to claim 16, wherein a diameter (Figs. 1-2 Item 2 discloses the cable 2 a high voltage cable comprises a cable diameter to be inspected position abstract), of the partly predefined model (c Figs. 1-2 Item 1 & 12 shows continuous 3D model info stored and measured values are used to find defect) is adjusted based on the acquired data Compared to existing X-rays systems used in cable manufacturing the 3D surface scanner 1 provides an accurate monitoring of the geometry of the outer surface 8 of a cable 2. X-ray systems are adapted to measure the depth or diameter of different layers inside the cable as well as the eccentricity of the conductor inside the insulation). 15 Claim 11 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103(a) as being unpatentable over HARJUHAHTO et al. (WO 2019197530 A1) in view of DOEDENS et al. (EP 3901571 A1) in view of Ebisawa et al. (US 7199508 B2). 16 Regarding to claim 11 HARJUHAHTO discloses the method according to claim 1, However, HARJUHAHTO does not explicitly teach wherein the scanned surface area has a length of at least 0.2 m along a main direction of extension of the high voltage cable. However, Ebisawa teaches wherein the scanned surface area has a length of at least 0.2 m along a main direction of extension of the high voltage cable. (Fig. 1-3 Item 2 &4 discloses, defect inspecting apparatus including an electrode 4 and therefore, the coaxial flexible piezoelectric member 2 (normally having a length of several hundreds m or more) cannot be polarized. [0028]). It would have been obvious to one skilled in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to modify an invention which is employed for ice detection and measurement is unfoldedin HARJUHAHTO to include a provides a defect inspecting apparatus as taught by Ebisawa in order to provide a defect inspecting apparatus for longer lengths of cable. 17 Claim 12-13 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103(a) as being unpatentable over HARJUHAHTO et al. (WO 2019197530 A1) in view of DOEDENS; et al. (EP 3901571 A1) in view of Mayumet al. (US 20170249727 A1 18 Regarding to claim 12 HARJUHAHTO discloses a system for inspecting an insulation of a high voltage cable (Figs. 1-2 Item 2 discloses the extra high voltage cable 2 to be inspected position abstract), the system comprising: an apparatus comprising: at least one scanning assembly (Figs. 1-2 Item 4) for scanning a surface (Figs. 1-2 Item 8) of the high voltage cable (Figs. 1-2 Item 2 discloses the extra high voltage cable 2 to be inspected position abstract), and an attachment assembly (Figs. 1-2 Item 4) configured for attaching the at least one scanning assembly (Figs. 1-2 Item 6) to the high voltage cable (Figs. 1-2 Item 2), wherein the at least one scanning assembly includes a linear axis (Figs. 1-2 Item 2 discloses voltage cable 2 to be inspected position moved in linear axis abstract), and a laser scanner (Figs. 1-2 Item 6 discloses the measurement sensors 6 comprise laser displacement sensors ln a laser displacement sensor, a laser beam emitted from a laser is applied to the outer surface 8 of the cable 2 abstract Page 3 Lin 20-35), attached to the linear axis and wherein the linear axis is configured to provide linear motion to the laser scanner (Figs. 1-2 Item 7 discloses the measurement sensors 6 comprise laser displacement sensors ln a laser displacement sensor, a laser beam emitted from a laser is applied to the outer surface 8 of the cable 2 abstract Page 3 Lin 20-35), wherein for evaluating data acquired by the at least one scanning assembly: the apparatus has an electronic circuit (Figs. 1-2 Item 4 & 10 discloses analysis part 4 comprises a receiver 9 for the measurement data and a processor 10 for processing the measurement data providing defect detection data. abstract Page 3 Lin 20-35) configured to carry out a method including: a data acquisition (Figs. 1-2 Item 4, 10 & 12 discloses analysis part 4 comprises a receiver 9 for the measurement data and a processor 10 and 12 memory for processing the measurement data providing defect detection data abstract Page 3 Lin 20-35), including: scanning the surface (Figs. 1-2 Item 8) of the high voltage cable's insulation (Figs. 1-2 Item 2 includes insulation or cover layer) by at least one laser scanner (Figs. 1-2 Item 6 discloses the measurement sensors 6 comprise laser displacement sensors ln a laser displacement sensor, a laser beam emitted from a laser is applied to the outer surface 8 of the cable 2 abstract Page 3 Lin 20-35), wherein the scanning includes moving the at least one laser scanner (Figs. 1-2 Item 6) and relative to the high voltage cable (Figs. 1-2 Item 2) along a length direction of the high voltage cable (Figs. 1-2 Item 2)); and a data evaluation (Figs. 1-2 Item the analysis part 4 is receiving the measurement data and the processor10), including: generating a 3-dimensional model (Figs. 1-2 Item 1 discloses a continuous 3D topographic map of the outer surface of the cable, said 3D topographic map providing defect detection data from the cable Abstract Page 3 -4) of the surface of the high voltage cable's insulation (Figs. 1-2 Item 1 discloses a 3D surface scanner is also able to detect properties of the outer surface 22 of a cable 2 Page 3 -4) based on the acquired data, or the apparatus is connectable to a computer (Figs. 1-2 Item 4& 12 the analysis part 4 comprises a transmitter 11 for transmitting the processed data and/or the defect detection data to a cloud storage 12. Computerized maintenance) for transferring (Figs. 1-2 Item 11 the analysis part 4 comprises a transmitter 11 for transmitting the processed data and/or the defect detection data to a cloud storage 12), the acquired data to the computer and the system (Figs. 1-2 Item the analysis part 4 is receiving the measurement data and the processor10). However, HARJUHAHTO does not explicitly teach comparing the generated model with a reference 3-dimensional model of the surface of the high voltage cable's insulationl; However, DOEDENS teaches comparing the generated model with a reference 3-dimensional model (Fig. 1-4 discloses, creating a continuous 3D surface geometry measurement of the surface of the cable end and comparing, using the continuous 3D surface geometry [Abstract]) of the surface of the high voltage cable's insulation (Fig. 1-4 discloses a HV-cable end 1 with conductor 2 and outer insulation layer 4 to determine the quality of the surface 5 of the insulation layer 4.The measurement of the surface of the cable end, and comparing the continuous 3D surface geometry measurement with at least one surface geometry acceptance threshold. Contains surface scanner 10 is freely movable in any direction in Paragraph [0004, 0015 & 0029]) It would have been obvious to one skilled in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to modify an invention which is employed for ice detection and measurement is unfoldedin HARJUHAHTO to include creating a continuous 3D surface geometry measurement of the surface of the cable as taught by DOEDENS in order to determining the quality of the surface of the high voltage cable [Abstract]). However, HARJUHAHTO does not explicitly teach computer and the system further includes a computer program product comprising instructions which, when the computer program product is executed by the computer, cause the computer to carry out the data evaluation of the method. However, Mayumet teaches computer and the system further includes a computer program product comprising instructions which, when the computer program product is executed by the computer, cause the computer to carry out the data evaluation of the method. (Fig. 1-3 discloses, an image inspection program, and a computer-readable recording medium and recording equipment of the invention can be utilized for outer appearance inspection of a workpiece conveyed on a line.in paragraph 0158) It would have been obvious to one skilled in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to modify an invention which is employed for ice detection and measurement is unfoldedin HARJUHAHTO to include a computer software inspection program as taught by Mayumet in order to provide accurate and automated monitoring of the inspection cable. 19 Regarding to claim 13 HARJUHAHTO discloses the system according to claim 12, wherein the apparatus includes at least two laser scanners (Figure 1-2 the 7 of non-contact distance measurement sensors 6 are directed to the outer surface which are shown top and bottom of cable 2)., wherein the at least two laser scanners (Figs. 1-2 Item 6 discloses the measurement sensors 6 comprise laser displacement sensors ln a laser displacement sensor, a laser beam emitted from a laser is applied to the outer surface 8 of the cable 2 abstract Page 3 Lin 20-35), are configured to jointly scan a full circumference of the high voltage cable (Figure 2 the sensors 6 are arranged with substantially even intervals. By arranging the sample areas 22 are at a circumference of the cable 2). 20 Claim 14-15 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103(a) as being unpatentable over HARJUHAHTO et al. (WO 2019197530 A1) in view of DOEDENS; et al. (EP 3901571 A1) in view of Mayumet al. (US 20170249727 A1) in further view of WEI et al. (CN 105953756 A). PNG media_image2.png 464 870 media_image2.png Greyscale 21 Regarding to claim 14 HARJUHAHTO discloses the system according to claim 12, However, HARJUHAHTO does not explicitly teach wherein the attachment assembly includes at least one pair of legs attached to the linear axis. However, WEI teaches wherein the attachment assembly includes at least one pair of legs attached to the linear axis (Fig. 1-3 Item 2 & 4 discloses, a mounting bracket 1 is fixedly connected with the cable, a synchronous belt assembly 2]). It would have been obvious to one skilled in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to modify an invention which is employed for ice detection and measurement is unfoldedin HARJUHAHTO to include a pair of clamping synchronous belt drive mechanism and a probe assembly as taught by WEI in order to provide the connection pipe for altitude detection, and no harm to the detector body in abstract. 22 Regarding to claim 15 HARJUHAHTO discloses the system according to claim 14, However, HARJUHAHTO does not explicitly teach wherein the attachment assembly includes a strap for attaching the at least one pair of legs to the high voltage cable. However, WEI teaches wherein the attachment assembly includes a strap for attaching the at least one pair of legs to the high voltage cable (Fig. 1-3 Item 2 & 4 discloses, a mounting bracket 1 is fixedly connected with the cable, a synchronous belt assembly 2] connected to cable). It would have been obvious to one skilled in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to modify an invention which is employed for ice detection and measurement is unfoldedin HARJUHAHTO to include a pair of clamping synchronous belt drive mechanism and a probe assembly as taught by WEI in order to provide the connection pipe for altitude detection, and no harm to the detector body in abstract. Conclusion THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. 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 BRENT J ANDREWS whose telephone number is (571)272-6101. The examiner can normally be reached 10am-5pm. Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice. If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Judy Nguyen can be reached at (571)272-2258. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300. Information regarding the status of published or unpublished applications may be obtained from Patent Center. Unpublished application information in Patent Center is available to registered users. To file and manage patent submissions in Patent Center, visit: https://patentcenter.uspto.gov. Visit https://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/patent-center for more information about Patent Center and https://www.uspto.gov/patents/docx for information about filing in DOCX format. For additional questions, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000. /BRENT J ANDREWS/Examiner, Art Unit 2858 /NEEL D SHAH/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2858
Read full office action

Prosecution Timeline

Show 3 earlier events
May 27, 2025
Response after Non-Final Action
Jul 21, 2025
Response Filed
Sep 17, 2025
Final Rejection mailed — §103
Dec 01, 2025
Request for Continued Examination
Dec 08, 2025
Response after Non-Final Action
Jan 26, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §103
Apr 17, 2026
Response Filed
Jun 29, 2026
Final Rejection mailed — §103 (current)

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Prosecution Projections

5-6
Expected OA Rounds
78%
Grant Probability
99%
With Interview (+28.4%)
3y 2m (~1m remaining)
Median Time to Grant
High
PTA Risk
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