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
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
The factual inquiries for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows:
1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art.
2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue.
3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.
4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness.
This application currently names joint inventors. In considering patentability of the claims the examiner presumes that the subject matter of the various claims was commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the claimed invention(s) absent any evidence to the contrary. Applicant is advised of the obligation under 37 CFR 1.56 to point out the inventor and effective filing dates of each claim that was not commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the later invention in order for the examiner to consider the applicability of 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) for any potential 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) prior art against the later invention.
Claims 1-22 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. sec. 103 as being unpatentable as obvious in view of United States Patent Application Pub. No.: US20220055770A1 to O’Toole that was filed in 2021 which is prior to the effective filing date of 12-30-20222 and in view of United States Patent Application Pub. No.: US20200288895A1to Bennett that was filed in 2019 (Hereinafter “Bennett and O’Toole”) and in view of United States Patent No.: 9,302,770 B2 to Burgess that was filed in 2014.
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In regard to claim 1, and 20, O’Toole discloses “...1. A combination payload retrieval and package pickup apparatus comprising: (see paragraph 94 where the drone can drop off and pick up from the receptacle)
a base; (see FIG. 5 where the drone can land on the top and deliver or take a package)
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an autoloader assembly mounted to the base including:
a payload holder configured to hold a payload for retrieval by an uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV), (see FIG. 8h where a drone can drop the package on the top of the device and then it is lowered after the door is opened into the temperature controlled compartment)
a channel coupled to the payload holder and configured to direct a payload (see Fig. 8g where the payload is dropped on the top and then directed to a space beneath for storing the package from the drone)
coupling apparatus to the payload holder, (see paragraph 90-94 where the drone can drop a package and be directed into the cooling apparatus for later retrieval)”
O’Toole is silent but Bennett teaches “...the channel having a tether slot adapted for receiving a tether having a first end attached to the UAV and a second end attached to a payload retriever; .wherein the channel is adapted to receive the payload retriever suspended from the UAV, and the tether slot in the channel allows for passage of the tether during movement of the payload retriever through the channel;
wherein when the payload retriever exits the channel (see FIG. 12 where the drone includes a tether 1213 that fits into the receptacle for pickup of the items from and into the housing )
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It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present disclosure to combine the disclosure of O’Toole with the teachings of BENNETT with a reasonable expectation of success since BENNETT teaches that a payload can include a payload tether the drone can grab onto the package using the tether. This can provide the drone can grab and lower the package into a channel of an appliance such as in FIG. 12 and release the package for dispensing later. See FIG. 12. The user can then order the drinks from the appliance to a second drone for delivery via robot 1207.
O’Toole is silent but Burgess teaches “.., the payload retriever is configured to engage a handle of the first payload and remove the first payload from the payload holder;” (see FIG. 1a to 1c and FIG. 5c where the payload has a handle 534 that can be grabbed by the drone 102 with the tether for pickup or lowering the package)
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present disclosure to combine the disclosure of O’Toole with the teachings of BURGESS of GOOGLE LLC with a reasonable expectation of success since BURGESS teaches that a payload can include a payload mount attachment where the drone can grab onto the package using a tether. This can provide the drone can grab and lower the package and release the package. See FIG 2d and rod 232.
O’Toole discloses “...a package receptacle housing having package receptacles configured to house a package to be picked up;
wherein each of the package receptacles includes a locking feature to secure a package to be picked up in the package receptacle; (see Fig. 8g where the payload is dropped on the top and then directed to a space beneath for storing the package from the drone) (see paragraph 90-94 where the drone can drop a package and be directed into the cooling apparatus for later retrieval)” (see paragraph 12 where the drone compartment can include a locking feature)
wherein the locking feature is configured to be unlocked upon receipt of a first access code to allow access to an interior of the package receptacle to allow a package to be placed into, or removed from, the package receptacle. (see paragraph 78, 80-81 where the device has a biometric or code for opening the receptacle to obtain the sliding doors to obtain the items)
In regard to claim 2 and 22, O’Toole discloses “..2. The combination payload retrieval and package pickup apparatus of claim 1, wherein the package receptacle housing is included in the base”. (see Fig. 8g where the payload is dropped on the top and then directed to a space beneath for storing the package from the drone) (see paragraph 90-94 where the drone can drop a package and be directed into the cooling apparatus for later retrieval)” (see paragraph 12 where the drone compartment can include a locking feature) (see paragraph 78, 80-81 where the device has a biometric or code for opening the receptacle to obtain the sliding doors to obtain the items)
O’Toole discloses “.3. The combination payload retrieval and package pickup apparatus of claim 1, wherein the locking feature is configured to be unlocked upon receipt of a second access code to allow access to an interior of the package receptacle to allow a package to be placed into the package receptacle. (see Fig. 8g where the payload is dropped on the top and then directed to a space beneath for storing the package from the drone) (see paragraph 90-94 where the drone can drop a package and be directed into the cooling apparatus for later retrieval)” (see paragraph 12 where the drone compartment can include a locking feature) (see paragraph 78, 80-81 where the device has a biometric or code for opening the receptacle to obtain the sliding doors to obtain the items)
O’Toole discloses “.4. The combination payload retrieval and package pickup apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first access code is a QR code or a numeric code. (see Fig. 8g where the payload is dropped on the top and then directed to a space beneath for storing the package from the drone) (see paragraph 90-94 where the drone can drop a package and be directed into the cooling apparatus for later retrieval)” (see paragraph 12 where the drone compartment can include a locking feature) (see paragraph 78, 80-81 where the device has a biometric or code for opening the receptacle to obtain the sliding doors to obtain the items)
Bennett teaches “...5. The combination payload retrieval and package pickup apparatus of claim 1, wherein the locking feature is operable to be unlocked using an access code received from an application on a phone, tablet, or computer. (see paragraph 43 where the code allows the box to be lowered and see FIG. 13 where the user can unlock the device 1311 using a code)
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present disclosure to combine the disclosure of O’Toole with the teachings of BENNETT with a reasonable expectation of success since BENNETT teaches that a payload can include a payload tether the drone can grab onto the package using the tether. This can provide the drone can grab and lower the package into a channel of an appliance such as in FIG. 12 and release the package for dispensing later. See FIG. 12. The user can then order the drinks from the appliance to a second drone for delivery via robot 1207.
O’Toole discloses “...6. The combination payload retrieval and package pickup apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the package receptacles includes a lockable access door. (see Fig. 8g where the payload is dropped on the top and then directed to a space beneath for storing the package from the drone) (see paragraph 90-94 where the drone can drop a package and be directed into the cooling apparatus for later retrieval)” (see paragraph 12 where the drone compartment can include a locking feature) (see paragraph 78, 80-81 where the device has a biometric or code for opening the receptacle to obtain the sliding doors to obtain the items)”.
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O’Toole discloses “...7. The combination payload retrieval and package pickup apparatus of claim 1, wherein the package receptacles in the package receptacle housing are accessible from an opposite side of the extending member from a side where an entrance to the channel is positioned”. (see Fig .1 to 3a where the payload is dropped on the top 108 surface and then it is lowered into the receptacle for cooling)
O’Toole discloses “...8. The combination payload retrieval and package pickup apparatus
of claim 1, wherein the package receptacles in the package receptacle housing are positioned below the payload holder. (see Fig .1 to 3a where the payload is dropped on the top 108 surface and then it is lowered into the receptacle for cooling)”.
O’Toole discloses “...9. The combination payload retrieval and package pickup apparatus of claim 8, wherein at least one of the package receptacles is positioned at a height that is accessible to a person in a vehicle”. . (see Fig .1 to 3a where the payload is dropped on the top 108 surface and then it is lowered into the receptacle for cooling)”.
O’Toole discloses “..10. The combination payload retrieval and package pickup apparatus of claim 1, wherein a plurality of combination payload retrieval and package pickup apparatuses configured as set forth in claim 1 are positioned in a pickup zone. . (see Fig .1 to 3a where the payload is dropped on the top 108 surface and then it is lowered into the receptacle for cooling)”.
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O’Toole discloses “...11. The combination payload retrieval and package pickup apparatus of claim 11, wherein each of a plurality of packages is assigned to a particular payload holder or a particular package receptacle in the plurality of payload retrieval and package pickup apparatuses. (see Fig. 4a where each areas has a different zone for storing the packages as 32F)
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Burgess teaches “...12. The combination payload retrieval and package pickup apparatus of claim 1, wherein the payload holder includes a pair of pins that are extendable through a pair of corresponding holes on a handle of the payload to hold the payload in position” . (see Fig. 2d to 2e where the payload has an aperture to receive the tether and the device has a hook for engaging 236 the tether via a channel 224)
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present disclosure to combine the disclosure of O’Toole with the teachings of BURGESS of GOOGLE LLC with a reasonable expectation of success since BURGESS teaches that a payload can include a payload mount attachment where the drone can grab onto the package using a tether. This can provide the drone can grab and lower the package and release the package. See FIG 2d and rod 232.
Burgess teaches “...13. The combination payload retrieval and package pickup apparatus of claim 12, wherein the pair of pins are operable to sense that a payload 1s positioned on the payload holder. (see Fig. 2d to 2e where the payload has an aperture to receive the tether and the device has a hook for engaging 236 the tether via a channel 224 and it can also include grippers 176)
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present disclosure to combine the disclosure of O’Toole with the teachings of BURGESS of GOOGLE LLC with a reasonable expectation of success since BURGESS teaches that a payload can include a payload mount attachment where the drone can grab onto the package using a tether. This can provide the drone can grab and lower the package and release the package. See FIG 2d and rod 232.
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Burgess teaches “...14. The combination payload retrieval and package pickup apparatus of claim 13, wherein when the presence of a payload is sensed by the pair of pins, a signal is communicable to the UAV indicating that the payload is ready for retrieval”. (see FIG. 1d and block 106 where a payload release system is shown and where the device can include an actuator and a rod hook and a gripper for grabbing and releasing the package via tether 102)
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present disclosure to combine the disclosure of O’Toole with the teachings of BURGESS of GOOGLE LLC with a reasonable expectation of success since BURGESS teaches that a payload can include a payload mount attachment where the drone can grab onto the package using a tether. This can provide the drone can grab and lower the package and release the package. See FIG 2d and rod 232.
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Burgess teaches “...15. The combination payload retrieval and package pickup apparatus of claim 1, wherein a payload sensor is aligned with the payload holder to sense when a payload is present on the payload holder; and each of the package receptacles includes a package sensor to
determine when a package is present within the package receptacle. (see FIG. 1d and block 106 where a payload release system is shown and where the device can include an actuator and a rod hook and a gripper for grabbing and releasing the package via tether 102 and see FIG. 3b where the payload can be retracted back or released in blocks 320-338)
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present disclosure to combine the disclosure of O’Toole with the teachings of BURGESS of GOOGLE LLC with a reasonable expectation of success since BURGESS teaches that a payload can include a payload mount attachment where the drone can grab onto the package using a tether. This can provide the drone can grab and lower the package and release the package. See FIG 2d and rod 232.
O’Toole discloses “..16. The combination payload retrieval and package pickup apparatus of claim 1, wherein a payload scanner is placed in line with the payload holder which is operable to scan a label on the payload to verify that the correct payload is positioned on the payload holder; and a package scanner is positioned within each of the package receptacles which is operable to scan a label on the package to verify that the correct package is positioned within the package receptacle” (see paragraph 12 and 80-84 where the scanner scans a barcode on the package and then this is lowered into the refrigeration compartment and claims 20-21).
O’Toole discloses “..17. The combination payload retrieval and package pickup apparatus of claim 1, wherein a payload scanner is placed in line with the payload holder which is operable to scan a label on the payload to verify that the correct payload is positioned on the payload holder; (see paragraph 12 and 80-84 where the scanner scans a barcode on the package and then this is lowered into the refrigeration compartment and claims 20-21).
Bennett teaches “...and wherein the combination payload retrieval and package pickup apparatus is operable to communicate a signal to the UAV identifying the particular payload to be retrieved. (see paragraph 92-94 where when delivered the user’s phone obtains a signal and the drone can deliver the item) It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present disclosure to combine the disclosure of O’Toole with the teachings of BENNETT with a reasonable expectation of success since BENNETT teaches that a payload can include a payload tether the drone can grab onto the package using the tether. This can provide the drone can grab and lower the package into a channel of an appliance such as in FIG. 12 and release the package for dispensing later. See FIG. 12. The user can then order the drinks from the appliance to a second drone for delivery via robot 1207.
Burgess teaches “...18. The combination payload retrieval and package pickup apparatus of claim 1, wherein the payload retriever includes a scanner or sensor operable to scan a label or sense a code on a handle of the payload upon retrieval of the payload from the payload holder to identify the particular payload that has been retrieved. (see Col. 10, lines 40-65)( The identifying element may include an RFID tag or an optically scanned linear or two-dimensional barcode. The identifying element can then be associated with information regarding the particular payload in a database that can be accessed by various systems used in handling/sorting payloads, and in loading the UAV 100. For example, such a database may associate the identifying element with contents of the payload, delivery destination, and/or other information pertaining to the particular payload and its delivery. Systems interfacing with a given payload can then scan its identifying element and retrieve the information from the database that relates to the given payload.)
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present disclosure to combine the disclosure of O’Toole with the teachings of BURGESS of GOOGLE LLC with a reasonable expectation of success since BURGESS teaches that a payload can include a payload mount attachment where the drone can grab onto the package using a tether. This can provide the drone can grab and lower the package and release the package. See FIG 2d and rod 232.
Burgess teaches “..19. The combination payload retrieval and package pickup apparatus of claim 18, wherein the payload retriever is operable to communicate a signal to the UAV identifying
the particular payload that has been retrieved. (see Col. 10, lines 40-65)( The identifying element may include an RFID tag or an optically scanned linear or two-dimensional barcode. The identifying element can then be associated with information regarding the particular payload in a database that can be accessed by various systems used in handling/sorting payloads, and in loading the UAV 100. For example, such a database may associate the identifying element with contents of the payload, delivery destination, and/or other information pertaining to the particular payload and its delivery. Systems interfacing with a given payload can then scan its identifying element and retrieve the information from the database that relates to the given payload.)
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present disclosure to combine the disclosure of O’Toole with the teachings of BURGESS of GOOGLE LLC with a reasonable expectation of success since BURGESS teaches that a payload can include a payload mount attachment where the drone can grab onto the package using a tether. This can provide the drone can grab and lower the package and release the package. See FIG 2d and rod 232.
O’Toole discloses “...21. The combination payload retrieval and package pickup apparatus of claim 20, wherein the conveyance assembly is configured to move a particular payload holder and payload to the autoloader assembly”. (see FIG. 4a to 4d where the drone drops the package on the top and then it is lowered to the compartments 32g for temperature control and for sterilization via a holder elements and a motor)
O’Toole discloses “...22. The combination payload retrieval and package pickup apparatus of claim 20, wherein the payload receptacle housing forms the base. (see FIG. 4a to 4d where the drone drops the package on the top and then it is lowered to the compartments 32g for temperature control and for sterilization via a holder elements and a motor)
Claim 23 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. sec. 103 as being unpatentable as obvious in view of United States Patent Application Pub. No.: US20220055770A1 to O’Toole that was filed in 2021 which is prior to the effective filing date of 12-30-20222 and in view of United States Patent Application Pub. No.: US20200231393A1 to Mercado that was filed in 2020.
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O’Toole discloses “...23. A payload retrieval system comprising: (see paragraph 94 where the drone can drop off and pick up from the receptacle)
a payload receptacle housing having payload receptacles configured to house a payload to be picked up;” (see FIG. 5 where the drone can land on the top and deliver or take a package)
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(see FIG. 8h where a drone can drop the package on the top of the device and then it is lowered after the door is opened into the temperature controlled compartment) (see Fig. 8g where the payload is dropped on the top and then directed to a space beneath for storing the package from the drone) (see paragraph 90-94 where the drone can drop a package and be directed into the cooling apparatus for later retrieval)”
Mercado teaches “...wherein each of the payload receptacles includes a pair of locking pins which can receive a payload thereon for retrieval by a payload retriever;
wherein the locking pins and payload thereon is movable into an interior of the payload receptacle housing; and
wherein a selected payload for retrieval is movable into position for pickup by the payload retriever. (see paragraph 43 where the device includes a fiducial pattern to align the drone on the platform and lock the device in place)
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present disclosure to combine the disclosure of O’Toole with the teachings of MERCADO with a reasonable expectation of success since MERCDO teaches that a payload can be secured on a platform using a pattern of members to secure the payload in place. This can prevent the package from moving and becoming stuck in the device.
Mercado teaches “...24. The payload retrieval system of claim 23, wherein the pair of locking pins is positioned on a movable wall; and
wherein when the payload is selected for retrieval the movable wall is tilted into position for the payload to be picked up by the payload retriever. (see paragraph 43 where the device includes a fiducial pattern to align the drone on the platform and lock the device in place)”.
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present disclosure to combine the disclosure of O’Toole with the teachings of MERCADO with a reasonable expectation of success since MERCDO teaches that a payload can be secured on a platform using a pattern of members to secure the payload in place. This can prevent the package from moving and becoming stuck in the device.
Claims 25-28 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. sec. 103 as being unpatentable as obvious in view of United States Patent Application Pub. No.: US20220055770A1 to O’Toole that was filed in 2021 which is prior to the effective filing date of 12-30-20222 and in view of United States Patent Application Pub. No.: US20200288895A1to Bennett that was filed in 2019 (Hereinafter “Bennett and O’Toole”) and in view of United States Patent No.: 9,302,770 B2 to Burgess that was filed in 2014.
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O’Toole discloses “...25. A method of package pickup comprising:
providing a combination payload retrieval and package pickup apparatus(see paragraph 94 where the drone can drop off and pick up from the receptacle)
having a base; an autoloader assembly mounted to the base including: a payload holder configured to hold a payload for retrieval by an uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV), a channel coupled to the payload holder and configured to direct a payload coupling apparatus to the payload holder, (see FIG. 5 where the drone can land on the top and deliver or take a package)
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(see FIG. 8h where a drone can drop the package on the top of the device and then it is lowered after the door is opened into the temperature controlled compartment) (see Fig. 8g where the payload is dropped on the top and then directed to a space beneath for storing the package from the drone) (see paragraph 90-94 where the drone can drop a package and be directed into the cooling apparatus for later retrieval)”
O’Toole is silent but Bennett teaches “...the channel having a tether slot adapted for receiving a tether having a first end attached to the UAV and a second end attached to a payload retriever; wherein the channel is adapted to receive the payload retriever suspended from the UAV, and the tether slot in the channel allows for passage of the tether during movement of the payload retriever through the channel; (see FIG. 12 where the drone includes a tether 1213 that fits into the receptacle for pickup of the items from and into the housing )
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present disclosure to combine the disclosure of O’Toole with the teachings of BENNETT with a reasonable expectation of success since BENNETT teaches that a payload can include a payload tether the drone can grab onto the package using the tether. This can provide the drone can grab and lower the package into a channel of an appliance such as in FIG. 12 and release the package for dispensing later. See FIG. 12. The user can then order the drinks from the appliance to a second drone for delivery via robot 1207.
O’Toole is silent but Burgess teaches “.., wherein when the payload retriever exits the channel, the payload retriever is configured to engage a handle of the first payload and remove the first payload from the payload holder; (see FIG. 1a to 1c and FIG. 5c where the payload has a handle 534 that can be grabbed by the drone 102 with the tether for pickup or lowering the package)
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present disclosure to combine the disclosure of O’Toole with the teachings of BURGESS of GOOGLE LLC with a reasonable expectation of success since BURGESS teaches that a payload can include a payload mount attachment where the drone can grab onto the package using a tether. This can provide the drone can grab and lower the package and release the package. See FIG 2d and rod 232.
O’Toole discloses “...a package receptacle housing having package receptacles configured to house a package to be picked up; (see Fig. 8g where the payload is dropped on the top and then directed to a space beneath for storing the package from the drone) (see paragraph 90-94 where the drone can drop a package and be directed into the cooling apparatus for later retrieval)” (see paragraph 12 where the drone compartment can include a locking feature)
wherein each of the package receptacles includes a locking feature to secure a package to be picked up in the package receptacle; wherein the locking feature is configured to be unlocked upon receipt of a first access code to allow access to an interior of the package receptacle to allow a package to be placed into, or removed from, the package receptacle; . (see paragraph 78, 80-81 where the device has a biometric or code for opening the receptacle to obtain the sliding doors to obtain the items)
receiving a first package for pickup in a particular package receptacle; and
receiving a second package to be picked up from the payload holder on the payload holder”. (see paragraph 78, 80-81 where the device has a biometric or code for opening the receptacle to obtain the sliding doors to obtain the items)
O’Toole discloses “...26. The method of claim 25, further including:
providing access to the particular package receptacle upon receiving the first access code to allow for retrieval of the package to be picked up from the particular package receptacle. (see Fig. 8g where the payload is dropped on the top and then directed to a space beneath for storing the package from the drone) (see paragraph 90-94 where the drone can drop a package and be directed into the cooling apparatus for later retrieval)” (see paragraph 12 where the drone compartment can include a locking feature) (see paragraph 78, 80-81 where the device has a biometric or code for opening the receptacle to obtain the sliding doors to obtain the items)
O’Toole discloses “...27. The method of claim 25, further including:
providing access to the particular package receptacle upon receiving a second access code to allow for the placement of the package to be picked up into the particular package receptacle. (see Fig. 8g where the payload is dropped on the top and then directed to a space beneath for storing the package from the drone) (see paragraph 90-94 where the drone can drop a package and be directed into the cooling apparatus for later retrieval)” (see paragraph 12 where the drone compartment can include a locking feature) (see paragraph 78, 80-81 where the device has a biometric or code for opening the receptacle to obtain the sliding doors to obtain the items)
O’Toole discloses “...28. The method of claim 25 further including:
providing a plurality of combination payload retrieval and package pickup apparatuses configured as set forth in claim 25 in a pickup zone; and
receiving a package to be picked up in a particular package receptacle or onto a particular payload holder of the plurality of combination payload retrieval and package pickup apparatuses. (see Fig. 8g where the payload is dropped on the top and then directed to a space beneath for storing the package from the drone) (see paragraph 90-94 where the drone can drop a package and be directed into the cooling apparatus for later retrieval)” (see paragraph 12 where the drone compartment can include a locking feature) (see paragraph 78, 80-81 where the device has a biometric or code for opening the receptacle to obtain the sliding doors to obtain the items)
Claim 29 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. sec. 103 as being unpatentable as obvious in view of United States Patent Application Pub. No.: US20220055770A1 to O’Toole that was filed in 2021 which is prior to the effective filing date of 12-30-20222 and in view of United States Patent Application Pub. No.: US20200288895A1to Bennett that was filed in 2019 (Hereinafter “Bennett and O’Toole”) and in view of United States Patent No.: 9,302,770 B2 to Burgess that was filed in 2014 and in view of United States Patent Application Pub. No.: US20200231393A1 to Mercado that was filed in 2020.
Mercado teaches “...29. The method of claim 25, further including:
providing a pair of pins on the payload holder that are extendable through a pair of corresponding holes on a handle of the payload to hold the payload in position on the payload hole; (see paragraph 43 where the device includes a fiducial pattern to align the drone on the platform and lock the device in place)”.
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present disclosure to combine the disclosure of O’Toole with the teachings of MERCADO with a reasonable expectation of success since MERCDO teaches that a payload can be secured on a platform using a pattern of members to secure the payload in place. This can prevent the package from moving and becoming stuck in the device.
Burgess teaches “...wherein the pair of pins are operable to sense that the payload is positioned on the payload holder; wherein when the presence of a payload is sensed by the pair of pins, a communication is sent to the UAV indicating that the payload on the payload holder is ready for retrieval”. (see FIG. 1d and block 106 where a payload release system is shown and where the device can include an actuator and a rod hook and a gripper for grabbing and releasing the package via tether 102 and see FIG. 3b where the payload can be retracted back or released in blocks 320-338)”.
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present disclosure to combine the disclosure of O’Toole with the teachings of BURGESS of GOOGLE LLC with a reasonable expectation of success since BURGESS teaches that a payload can include a payload mount attachment where the drone can grab onto the package using a tether. This can provide the drone can grab and lower the package and release the package. See FIG 2d and rod 232.
Claims 30-32 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. sec. 103 as being unpatentable as obvious in view of United States Patent Application Pub. No.: US20220055770A1 to O’Toole that was filed in 2021 which is prior to the effective filing date of 12-30-20222 and in view of United States Patent Application Pub. No.: US20200288895A1to Bennett that was filed in 2019 (Hereinafter “Bennett and O’Toole”) and in view of United States Patent No.: 9,302,770 B2 to Burgess that was filed in 2014.
Burgess teaches “...30. The method of claim 25, further including providing a payload scanner placed in line with the payload holder which is operable to scan a label on the payload to verify that the correct payload is positioned on the payload holder; and wherein the combination payload retrieval and package pickup apparatus is operable to communicate a signal to the UAV identifying the particular payload to be retrieved; (see FIG. 1d and block 106 where a payload release system is shown and where the device can include an actuator and a rod hook and a gripper for grabbing and releasing the package via tether 102 and see FIG. 3b where the payload can be retracted back or released in blocks 320-338) (see FIG. 1d and block 106 where a payload release system is shown and where the device can include an actuator and a rod hook and a gripper for grabbing and releasing the package via tether 102 and see FIG. 3b where the payload can be retracted back or released in blocks 320-338)
scanning the label on the payload to verify the correct payload is positioned on the payload holder; and
communicating a signal to the UAV identifying the particular payload to be retrieved from the payload holder. (see paragraph 12 and 80-84 where the scanner scans a barcode on the package and then this is lowered into the refrigeration compartment and claims 20-21).
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present disclosure to combine the disclosure of O’Toole with the teachings of BURGESS of GOOGLE LLC with a reasonable expectation of success since BURGESS teaches that a payload can include a payload mount attachment where the drone can grab onto the package using a tether. This can provide the drone can grab and lower the package and release the package. See FIG 2d and rod 232.
Burgess teaches “...31. The method of claim 25, further including a scanner or sensor on the payload retriever operable to scan a label or sense a code on a handle of the payload upon retrieval of the payload from the payload holder to verify that the payload that has been retrieved is the correct payload to be retrieved;
retrieving the payload from the payload holder with the payload retriever; and
scanning the label or sensing the code on the handle of the payload with the payload retriever. (see Col. 10, lines 40-65)( The identifying element may include an RFID tag or an optically scanned linear or two-dimensional barcode. The identifying element can then be associated with information regarding the particular payload in a database that can be accessed by various systems used in handling/sorting payloads, and in loading the UAV 100. For example, such a database may associate the identifying element with contents of the payload, delivery destination, and/or other information pertaining to the particular payload and its delivery. Systems interfacing with a given payload can then scan its identifying element and retrieve the information from the database that relates to the given payload.)
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present disclosure to combine the disclosure of O’Toole with the teachings of BURGESS of GOOGLE LLC with a reasonable expectation of success since BURGESS teaches that a payload can include a payload mount attachment where the drone can grab onto the package using a tether. This can provide the drone can grab and lower the package and release the package. See FIG 2d and rod 232.
Burgess teaches “...32. The method of claim 31, further including communicating a signal to the UAV identifying the particular payload that has been retrieved. (see Col. 10, lines 40-65)( The identifying element may include an RFID tag or an optically scanned linear or two-dimensional barcode. The identifying element can then be associated with information regarding the particular payload in a database that can be accessed by various systems used in handling/sorting payloads, and in loading the UAV 100. For example, such a database may associate the identifying element with contents of the payload, delivery destination, and/or other information pertaining to the particular payload and its delivery. Systems interfacing with a given payload can then scan its identifying element and retrieve the information from the database that relates to the given payload.)”.
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present disclosure to combine the disclosure of O’Toole with the teachings of BURGESS of GOOGLE LLC with a reasonable expectation of success since BURGESS teaches that a payload can include a payload mount attachment where the drone can grab onto the package using a tether. This can provide the drone can grab and lower the package and release the package. See FIG 2d and rod 232.
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/JEAN PAUL CASS/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 3666