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and the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e) has been timely paid, the finality of the previous Office action has been withdrawn pursuant to 37 CFR 1.114.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 12/01/2025 has been entered.
Remarks/Arguments
Applicant’s arguments filed 12/01/2025 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.
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])
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 and 5-10 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 )
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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 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 of the scanned surface based on the
acquired data (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.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 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]).
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
of a surface of a high voltage cable's insulation and 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 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 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 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 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).
14 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, 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.
15 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
16 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 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 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:
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 a computer software inspection program as taught by Mayumet in order to provide accurate and automated monitoring of the inspection cable .
17 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).
18 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).
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19 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 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.
20 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 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
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.
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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.
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/BRENT J ANDREWS/Examiner, Art Unit 2858
/JUDY NGUYEN/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2858