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 .
Election/Restrictions
Claims 7-14 are withdrawn from further consideration pursuant to 37 CFR 1.142(b), as being drawn to a nonelected Invention, there being no allowable generic or linking claim. Applicant timely traversed the restriction (election) requirement in the reply filed on October 2, 2025.
Drawings
The drawings are objected to under 37 CFR 1.83(a). The drawings must show every feature of the invention specified in the claims. Therefore, the “profile” and “user” in claim 1, “flux” in claim 4, and “reference” in claim 5 must be shown or the feature(s) canceled from the claim(s). No new matter should be entered.
Corrected drawing sheets in compliance with 37 CFR 1.121(d) are required in reply to the Office action to avoid abandonment of the application. Any amended replacement drawing sheet should include all of the figures appearing on the immediate prior version of the sheet, even if only one figure is being amended. The figure or figure number of an amended drawing should not be labeled as “amended.” If a drawing figure is to be canceled, the appropriate figure must be removed from the replacement sheet, and where necessary, the remaining figures must be renumbered and appropriate changes made to the brief description of the several views of the drawings for consistency. Additional replacement sheets may be necessary to show the renumbering of the remaining figures. Each drawing sheet submitted after the filing date of an application must be labeled in the top margin as either “Replacement Sheet” or “New Sheet” pursuant to 37 CFR 1.121(d). If the changes are not accepted by the examiner, the applicant will be notified and informed of any required corrective action in the next Office action. The objection to the drawings will not be held in abeyance.
Specification
The title of the invention is not descriptive. A new title is required that is clearly indicative of the invention to which the claims are directed.
The specification should be reviewed for proper idiomatic English and in compliance with 37 CFR 1.52(a) and (b) is required.
The terms “flux” and “reference” used in the claims and throughout the specification do not appear to be used based on their conventional understanding. These terms should be reviewed based on the priority document for the best translation.
Claim Objections
Claim 2 is objected to because of the following informalities:
“including the pattern inputted through the interface and the parameters”
A suggested revision is as follows:
“including the pattern inputted through the interface and the parameter window”
Claim 2 is objected to because of the following informalities:
“control module generates the profile …”
A suggested revision is as follows:
“control module generates an update to the profile …”
Claim 4 is objected to because of the following informalities:
“a flux by which the viscous fluid is dispensed, a pressure, valve on coordinates and valve off coordinates. “
A suggested revision is as follows:
“a flux by which the viscous fluid is dispensed, a pressure, a set of valve on coordinates, and a set of valve off coordinates. “
Appropriate correction is required.
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.
Claim 1 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over US Pat. Pub. No. 20190093373 A1 to Telleria (hereinafter Telleria) and KR 101388233 B1 to Yoo Sang Il ( hereinafter Yoo).
Regarding claim 1, Telleria teaches an apparatus for dispensing a viscous fluid (joint compound), the apparatus comprising: a dispenser module including a nozzle (1240) which dispenses a viscous fluid (joint compound) according to a profile (data from vision system);
a robot module (140) configured to move the nozzle according to the profile; a vision module (324, 364). (See Telleria, Abstract, Figs. 1-24, paragraphs 2, 9, 11-22, 25, 33, 46, 62, 69, 83-85, 114, 121, 126-127, 129, 136-138, 142-143, 147, 161, and 166.)
Telleria does not explicitly teach a vision module configured to generate an image by photographing a workpiece to which the viscous fluid is dispensed; and
a control module configured to integrally control the dispenser module and the robot module based on the image received from the vision module to dispense the viscous fluid according to the profile,
wherein, to generate the profile, the control module provides a user with an interface which enables the user to input a pattern of the viscous fluid in such a way as to draw the pattern on the image.
Yoo is directed to an adhesive coating device for precision part.
Yoo teaches a vision module (camera 31) configured to generate an image by photographing a workpiece (parts M) to which the viscous fluid is dispensed; and
a control module (50) configured to integrally control the dispenser module (32) and the robot module based on the image received from the vision module to dispense the viscous fluid according to the profile ( virtual adhesive application line) ,
wherein, to generate the profile, the control module provides a user with an interface which enables the user to input a pattern ( virtual adhesive application line) of the viscous fluid in such a way as to draw the pattern on the image (photographed images). (See Yoo, Abstract, page 3, paragraphs 5, 9; page 4, paragraph 6. )
It would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to include a vision module configured to generate an image by photographing a workpiece to which the viscous fluid is dispensed; and
a control module configured to integrally control the dispenser module and the robot module based on the image received from the vision module to dispense the viscous fluid according to the profile,
wherein, to generate the profile, the control module provides a user with an interface which enables the user to input a pattern of the viscous fluid in such a way as to draw the pattern on the image, because Yoo teaches this would enable the adhesive to applied at the correct position. (See Yoo, Abstract, page 3, paragraphs 5, 9; page 4, paragraph 6; page 6, paragraph 7. )
Claim 2 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over US Pat. Pub. No. 20190093373 A1 to Telleria (hereinafter Telleria) and KR 101388233 B1 to Yoo Sang Il ( hereinafter Yoo) as applied to claim 1 and further in view of US Pat. Pub. No. 20220274259 A1 to Nakata et al (hereinafter Nakata) .
Regarding claim 2, Telleria teach the interface comprises: a picture window configured to display the image (2D or 3D representation of the workspace) received from the vision module, and display the pattern drawn by the user; a motion window configured to display and input a path through which the robot module moves the nozzle along the pattern (interface can overlay paths in paragraph 151) ; and a parameter window configured to display and input parameters for adjusting an amount of the viscous fluid based on the pattern (display information… including flow rate, pressure, path speed, coverage record). (See Telleria, Abstract, Figs. 1-24, paragraphs 2, 9, 11-22, 25, 33, 46, 62, 69, 83-85, 114, 121, 126-127, 129, 136-138, 142-143, 147, 151, 154, 161, and 166.)
Telleria does not explicitly teach the wherein the control module generates the profile including the pattern inputted through the interface and the parameters.
Nakata is directed to a coating control apparatus.
Nakata teaches the control module (4, 136) generates the profile ( operation data: association of the robot data with coating data) including the pattern inputted through the interface and the parameters. (See Nakata, Abstract, Figs. 1-11; paragraphs 55, 76, 121, 128, 133, 135, 144, 146, and 150.)
It would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to include the control module generates the profile including the pattern inputted through the interface and the parameters, because Nakata teaches this would enable the state of the adhesive to be monitored. (See Nakata, paragraphs 55, 76, 121, 128, 133, 135, 144, 146, and 150.)
Telleria does not explicitly teach a picture window configured to display the image (2D or 3D representation of the workspace) received from the vision module, and display the pattern drawn by the user.
Yoo is directed to an adhesive coating device for precision part.
Yoo teaches a picture window configured to display the pattern drawn by the user( virtual adhesive application line) (See Yoo, Abstract, page 3, paragraphs 5, 9; page 4, paragraph 6. ) (Examiner is considering system which includes a virtual adhesive application line to include a picture window.)
It would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to include a picture window configured to display the image (2D or 3D representation of the workspace) received from the vision module, and display the pattern drawn by the user, because Yoo teaches this would enable the adhesive to applied at the correct position. (See Yoo, Abstract, page 3, paragraphs 5, 9; page 4, paragraph 6; page 6, paragraph 7. )
Claim 3 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over US Pat. Pub. No. 20190093373 A1 to Telleria (hereinafter Telleria) and KR 101388233 B1 to Yoo Sang Il ( hereinafter Yoo) and US Pat. Pub. No. 20220274259 A1 to Nakata et al (hereinafter Nakata) as applied to claim 2.
Regarding claim 3, Telleria does not explicitly teach the pattern includes a straight line which is formed between a start point and an end point inputted by the user, or a curve whose shape is determined depending on positions and the number of middle points and a curvature inputted by the user in the middle of the pattern.
Yoo teaches a straight line which is formed between a start point and an end point inputted by the user, or a curve whose shape is determined depending on positions and the number of middle points and a curvature inputted by the user in the middle of the pattern (See Yoo, Abstract, page 3, paragraphs 5, 9; page 4, paragraph 6.)
It would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to include a straight line which is formed between a start point and an end point inputted by the user, or a curve whose shape is determined depending on positions and the number of middle points and a curvature inputted by the user in the middle of the pattern, because Yoo teaches this would enable the adhesive to applied at the correct position. (See Yoo, Abstract, page 3, paragraphs 5, 9; page 4, paragraph 6; page 6, paragraph 7. )
Claim 4 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over US Pat. Pub. No. 20190093373 A1 to Telleria (hereinafter Telleria) and KR 101388233 B1 to Yoo Sang Il ( hereinafter Yoo) and US Pat. Pub. No. 20220274259 A1 to Nakata et al (hereinafter Nakata) as applied to claim 2 and further in view of KR 20200034435 to Choi Byeung Suk (hereinafter Choi).
Regarding claim 4, Telleria does not explicitly teach the parameters are set for each pattern which is defined by a start point and an end point, and include at least one of a line speed of the robot module, a motor acceleration, a flux by which the viscous fluid is dispensed, a pressure, valve on coordinates and valve off coordinates.
Choi is directed to a method for controlling motions of a dispensing robot.
Choi teaches the parameters are set for each pattern which is defined by a start point and an end point, and include at least one of a line speed of the robot module, a motor acceleration, a flux by which the viscous fluid is dispensed, a pressure, valve on coordinates and valve off coordinates (See Choi, Abstract, page 3, paragraphs 2, 7.)
It would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to include the parameters are set for each pattern which is defined by a start point and an end point, and include at least one of a line speed of the robot module, a motor acceleration, a flux by which the viscous fluid is dispensed, a pressure, valve on coordinates and valve off coordinates, because Choi teaches this would enable the coating agent to be accurately dispensed. (See Choi, Abstract, page 3, paragraphs 2, 7.)
Claim 5 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over US Pat. Pub. No. 20190093373 A1 to Telleria (hereinafter Telleria) and KR 101388233 B1 to Yoo Sang Il ( hereinafter Yoo) and US Pat. Pub. No. 20220274259 A1 to Nakata et al (hereinafter Nakata) as applied to claim 2 and further in view of US Pat. Pub. No. 20140046471 A1 to Bamford et al (hereinafter Bamford).
Regarding claim 5, Telleria does not explicitly teach the control module receives, before generating the profile, a reference from the user based on the image received from the vision module, determines, when dispensing the viscous fluid according to the profile, whether the workpiece included in the image received from the vision module meets the reference, performs dispensing when the workpiece is within the reference, and outputs an alarm when the workpiece is out of the reference.
Bamford is directed to a robotic processing and scanning system.
Bamford teaches the control module receives, before generating the profile, a reference from the user based on the image received from the vision module (captured image data), determines, when dispensing the viscous fluid according to the profile whether the workpiece included in the image received from the vision module meets the reference (a determination is made whether the workpiece meets the standard), performs dispensing when the workpiece is within the reference (proceeds to the line), and outputs an alarm when the workpiece is out of the reference (determination is reported to the operator). (See Bamford, Abstract, Figs. 1-9, paragraph 38.)
It would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to include the control module receives, before generating the profile, a reference from the user based on the image received from the vision module, determines, when dispensing the viscous fluid according to the profile, whether the workpiece included in the image received from the vision module meets the reference, performs dispensing when the workpiece is within the reference, and outputs an alarm when the workpiece is out of the reference, because Bamford teaches this would determine if the workpiece meets a predetermined standard. (See Bamford, Abstract, Figs. 1-9, paragraph 38.)
Claim 6 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over US Pat. Pub. No. 20190093373 A1 to Telleria (hereinafter Telleria) and KR 101388233 B1 to Yoo Sang Il ( hereinafter Yoo) as applied to claim 1 and further in view of US Pat. Pub. No. 20140046471 A1 to Bamford et al (hereinafter Bamford).
Regarding claim 6, Teleria teaches the dispenser module comprises: a first constituent into a mixer; a second constituent into the mixer. (See Telleria, Fig. 14, paragraphs 115-117.)
Regarding claim 6, Telleria does not explicitly teach the dispenser module comprises: a first pump configured to inject a first constituent into a mixer; a second pump configured to inject a second constituent into the mixer in the same embodiment.
Teleria teaches pump can be used in supply lines (432) in a separate embodiment. (See Teleria, paragraphs 118-119.)
The selection of something based on its known suitability for its intended use has been held to support a prima facie case of obviousness. Sinclair & Carroll Co. v. lnterchemical Corp., 325 U.S. 327, 65 USPQ 297 (1945). See MPEP 2144.07. Therefore, taking the references as a whole, it would have been obvious to have the dispenser module comprises: a first pump configured to inject a first constituent into a mixer; a second pump configured to inject a second constituent, with a reasonableexpectation of success because a person of ordinary skill in the art would recognize a pump as a suitable way of supplying the resin. (See Telleria, Abstract, Figs. 1-24, paragraphs 115-119.)
Regarding claim 5, Telleria does not explicitly teach a first pressure sensor configured to measure a pressure of the first constituent inputted to the mixer; a second pressure sensor configured to measure a pressure of the second constituent inputted to the mixer into the mixer in the same embodiment.
Teleria teaches a sensor can be used to monitor the pressure along a compound line 432 enabling the detection of changes in pressure, flow rate, or clogs. (See Teleria, paragraphs 118.)
Therefore, taking the references as a whole, it would have been obvious to have a first pressure sensor configured to measure a pressure of the first constituent inputted to the mixer; a second pressure sensor configured to measure a pressure of the second constituent inputted to the mixer
with a reasonable expectation of success because a person of ordinary skill in the art would recognize a pump as a suitable way of detecting clogs. (See Telleria, Abstract, Figs. 1-24, paragraphs 115-119.)
Regarding claim 5, Telleria does not explicitly teach a third pressure sensor configured to measure a pressure of the viscous fluid supplied to the nozzle from the mixer.
Teleria teaches filters can be used at an outlet of the mixer and directly before the nozzle. Telleria teaches the pressure can be monitored before and after the filters. (See Teleria, paragraphs 118.)
Therefore, taking the references as a whole, it would have been obvious to have a third pressure sensor configured to measure a pressure of the viscous fluid supplied to the nozzle from the mixer,
with a reasonable expectation of success because a person of ordinary skill in the art would recognize a pressure sensor as a suitable way for detecting pressure. (See Telleria, Abstract, Figs. 1-24, paragraphs 115-119.)
Regarding claim 5, Telleria does not explicitly teach a third pressure sensor configured to measure a pressure of the viscous fluid supplied to the nozzle from the mixer.
Teleria teaches filters can be used at an outlet of the mixer and directly before the nozzle. Telleria teaches the pressure can be monitored before and after the filters. (See Teleria, paragraphs 118.)
Therefore, taking the references as a whole, it would have been obvious to have a third pressure sensor configured to measure a pressure of the viscous fluid supplied to the nozzle from the mixer,
with a reasonable expectation of success because a person of ordinary skill in the art would recognize a pressure sensor as a suitable way for detecting pressure. (See Telleria, Abstract, Figs. 1-24, paragraphs 115-119.)
Regarding claim 5, Telleria does not explicitly teach a valve configured to turn on or off output of the viscous fluid from the nozzle, wherein, based on the pressures received from the first pressure sensor, the second pressure sensor and the third pressure sensor, the control module controls the valve so that a pressure of the viscous fluid outputted from the nozzle is the same as a pressure included in the profile.
Telleria teaches an automated coating system to determine set path parameters such as thickness of coating applied, pressures, and sprayer settings. (See Telleria, paragraph 69.)
Telleria teaches the automated surface finish system (100) can use any suitable actuator to open and close the nozzle of the spray gun. (See Telleria, paragraph 110.)
Telleria teaches the system can tune the material flow rate, pressure to achieve a desired thickness with the tool parameters ( pressures from the first sensor, second sensor, and third sensor) updated to ensure the correction. (See Telleria, paragraph 147.)
Dufault is directed to method for pressure control in a closed system.
Dufault teaches a valve configured to turn on or off output of the fluid from the nozzle, wherein, based on the information received from the first sensor (60), the second sensor (62) and the third pressure sensor (52), the control module (50) controls the valve so that a pressure of the viscous fluid outputted from the nozzle is the same as a pressure included in the profile (target pressure). (See Dufault, Abstract, paragraphs 20-23.) Examiner is considering flow rate sensors as equivalent to pressure sensors based on Telleria paragraphs 110, 118, 147, 152, 156, and 171.)
Therefore, taking the references as a whole, it would have been obvious to have a valve configured to turn on or off output of the viscous fluid from the nozzle, wherein, based on the pressures received from the first pressure sensor, the second pressure sensor and the third pressure sensor, the control module controls the valve so that a pressure of the viscous fluid outputted from the nozzle is the same as a pressure included in the profile,
with a reasonable expectation of success because a person of ordinary skill in the art would recognize this as a way for controlling pressure in an industrial system that can cost-effectively adapt to varying operating conditions. (See Dufault, Abstract, paragraphs 2-15, 20-23, and Figs. 1-2.)
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to KARL V KURPLE whose telephone number is (571)270-3477. The examiner can normally be reached Monday-Friday 8 AM-5 PM.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Dah-Wei Yuan can be reached at (571) 272-1295. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/KARL KURPLE/Primary Examiner
Art Unit 1717