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 .
DETAILED ACTION
The action is in response to the Applicant’s communication filed on 08/05/2026.
Claims 1-20 are pending, where claims 1, 8 and 16 are independent.
The obviousness-type double patenting rejection set forth in the Non-Final Office Action is maintained since the Applicant has not submitted a Terminal Disclaimer.
The claim objection has been withdrawn because the arguments and amended claims overcome the objection.
The rejection under 112 has been withdrawn because the arguments and amended claims overcome the rejection.
Response to Arguments
Applicant's arguments filed on 08/05/2026 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive.
a) As to pages 3-4, applicant argues Crepeau does not teach or suggest "an inlet sensor and an outlet sensor to obtain baseline humidity and temperatures values of an inlet airpath and an outlet airpath" as recited in claims 1 and 8.
Examiner respectfully disagrees because Crepeau ([0061-97] “controller within the housing includes a set of indicators and one or more user interface (UI) components - includes a set of sensors - pot vessel or the bucket vessel - motor in electrical communication with the controller, and a set of components - perform the infusion cycle and the desiccation cycle as needed - program executed by the unit identifies the contents and desired outcome - to produce a specific stock or broth by grinding, heating, holding at a specified temperature, stirring and holding at safe temperatures the organic food items - based on the desired time to complete the desiccation of the contents, desired energy usage, or other factors external to the unit (e.g., temperature, odor, etc.) - perform various operations grinding, stirring, mixing, heating, using vacuum, using air movement, condensing, using air filtration, and humidity and temperature sensing to create a specified granular media output” [0141-250] “variety of different desiccation cycle profiles - external to the food recycler 1306 (e.g., exhaust temperature, noise levels, etc.) - controller activate one or more other sensors of the food recycler 1300 to identify the contents of the bucket vessel 1320 - volume and water content of these contents - controller engage one or more components of the food recycler 1300 to grind, stir, mix, heat, vacuum, move air, condense, filter air, control and monitor humidity and temperature - produce a liquid condensate or a normal cycle to produce a moist warm air exhaust” [0098-139] [0002-06] [abstract], see Fig. 1-25, controller includes plurality of indicators, plurality of sensors includes wireless communication , control and monitor humidity and temperature of bucket vessel includes inlet/outlet port during grinding mechanism obviously provides inlet and outlet sensor to obtain baseline humidity and temperatures values of inlet and outlet airpath) obviously teach the argued limitations under 103 obviousness rejection. Therefore, Applicant’s arguments are not persuasive.
b) As to pages 5-6, applicant argues Crepeau does not teach or suggest "mixing ratio is a differential between an inlet mixing ratio and an outlet mixing ratio" as recited in the amended claim 16.
Examiner respectfully disagrees because Crepeau ([0061-97] “controller within the housing includes a set of indicators and one or more user interface (UI) components - includes a set of sensors - pot vessel or the bucket vessel - motor in electrical communication with the controller, and a set of components - perform the infusion cycle and the desiccation cycle as needed - program executed by the unit identifies the contents and desired outcome - to produce a specific stock or broth by grinding, heating, holding at a specified temperature, stirring and holding at safe temperatures the organic food items - perform various operations grinding, stirring, mixing, heating, using vacuum, using air movement, condensing, using air filtration, and humidity and temperature sensing to create a specified granular media output” [0141-250] “variety of different desiccation cycle profiles - controller engage one or more components of the food recycler 1300 to grind, stir, mix, heat, vacuum, move air, condense, filter air, control and monitor humidity and temperature - ratio of a first volume of the bucket relative to a second volume comprising an overall volume of the food recycler between 0.0717 and 0.2857” [0098-139] “ [0002-06] [abstract], see Fig. 1-25, controller includes plurality of indicators, plurality of sensors includes wireless communication to control and monitor operations grinding, stirring, mixing, heating, using vacuum, using air movement, condensing, using air filtration, and humidity and temperature sensing to create a specified granular media output of bucket vessel during grinding mechanism provides mixing ratio is a differential between an inlet mixing ratio and an outlet mixing ratio) obviously teach the argued limitations under 103 obviousness rejection. Therefore, Applicant’s arguments are not persuasive.
c) As to page 1, applicant argues "nonstatutory double patenting rejection - to an air treatment system of an organic matter processing apparatus - to a different processing state is far afield from an air treatment system - double patenting rejection be withdrawn".
Examiner respectfully disagrees because comparison table provides that the independent claim limitations of the application and the patents are obviousness type invention. Though, the claim limitations of the application and the patents are not literally same, but the concept of both the application and patents are similar.
Because the limitation “controlling an organic matter processing apparatus (OMPA), - a control unit, a first heater for heating a bucket assembly, and a grinding mechanism - operate the OMPA in the HIP state if the inlet humidity and outlet humidity do not satisfy the transition condition to another state” of the application is equivalent to the limitation “organic matter processing apparatus (OMPA), - bucket assembly for processing organic matter; a bucket interface assembly constructed to receive the bucket assembly - air treatment system coupled to receive untreated air via the port” of the patent in scope and they use the similar limitations and produce similar end result of controlling organic matter processing apparatus for determining and transitioning humidity into satisfied condition (as air treatment system) provides treated air of OMPA.
Thereby, they are not patentably distinct from each other. The concept of both the application and patents are similar. Thereby, it is a non-statutory double patenting rejection and needs terminal disclaimer to overcome. Therefore, Applicant’s arguments are not persuasive.
Multiple filed related applications
Applicants have filed multiple related applications. To date, some of the related applications have been allowed or under NOA and it appears that some related applications are stand pending, yet to be examined. There are plurality of co-pending related Applications and double patenting is proper. See MPEP 804 and 1490 (VI) D:
Nonstatutory Double Patenting
The nonstatutory double patenting rejection is based on a judicially created doctrine grounded in public policy (a policy reflected in the statute) so as to prevent the unjustified or improper timewise extension of the “right to exclude” granted by a patent and to prevent possible harassment by multiple assignees. A nonstatutory double patenting rejection is appropriate where the conflicting claims are not identical, but at least one examined application claim is not patentably distinct from the reference claim(s) because the examined application claim is either anticipated by, or would have been obvious over, the reference claim(s). See, e.g., In re Berg, 140 F.3d 1428, 46 USPQ2d 1226 (Fed. Cir. 1998); In re Goodman, 11 F.3d 1046, 29 USPQ2d 2010 (Fed. Cir. 1993); In re Longi, 759 F.2d 887, 225 USPQ 645 (Fed. Cir. 1985); In re Van Ornum, 686 F.2d 937, 214 USPQ 761 (CCPA 1982); In re Vogel, 422 F.2d 438, 164 USPQ 619 (CCPA 1970); In re Thorington, 418 F.2d 528, 163 USPQ 644 (CCPA 1969).
A timely filed terminal disclaimer in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(c) or 1.321(d) may be used to overcome an actual or provisional rejection based on nonstatutory double patenting provided the reference application or patent either is shown to be commonly owned with the examined application, or claims an invention made as a result of activities undertaken within the scope of a joint research agreement. See MPEP § 717.02 for applications subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA as explained in MPEP § 2159. See MPEP § 2146 et seq. for applications not subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . A terminal disclaimer must be signed in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(b).
The filing of a terminal disclaimer by itself is not a complete reply to a nonstatutory double patenting (NSDP) rejection. A complete reply requires that the terminal disclaimer be accompanied by a reply requesting reconsideration of the prior Office action. Even where the NSDP rejection is provisional the reply must be complete. See MPEP § 804, subsection I.B.1. For a reply to a non-final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.111(a). For a reply to final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.113(c). A request for reconsideration while not provided for in 37 CFR 1.113(c) may be filed after final for consideration. See MPEP §§ 706.07(e) and 714.13.
The USPTO Internet website contains terminal disclaimer forms which may be used. Please visit www.uspto.gov/patent/patents-forms. The actual filing date of the application in which the form is filed determines what form (e.g., PTO/SB/25, PTO/SB/26, PTO/AIA /25, or PTO/AIA /26) should be used. A web-based eTerminal Disclaimer may be filled out completely online using web-screens. An eTerminal Disclaimer that meets all requirements is auto-processed and approved immediately upon submission. For more information about eTerminal Disclaimers, refer to www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/applying-online/eterminal-disclaimer. See MPEP § 804 and 1490 (VI) D.
Claims 1, 8 and 16 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting over the claims 1 and 12 of USP No. 12,448,208 B2 (Appl. No. 17/897505 and Pub. No. 2023/0084646 A1). The subject matter claimed in the instant application and the patent are claiming similar subject matter, as follows:
Instant Application No. 18/412720
USP No. 12,448,208 B2 (Appl. No. 17/897505 and Pub. No. 2023/0084646)
Title
Intelligent Sensor-Driven Processing of Organic Matter with Enhanced Pathogen Destruction for the Smart Home
Apparatus For Processing Organic Matter Having Lid And Air Treatment System Promoting Pleasant User Experience
Claim 1. A method for controlling an organic matter processing apparatus (OMPA), the OMPA comprising a control unit, a first heater for heating a bucket assembly, and a grinding mechanism, the method comprising:
prior to commencing a current OMPA processing cycle, calibrating an inlet sensor and an outlet sensor to obtain baseline humidity and temperatures values of an inlet airpath and an outlet airpath, wherein the inlet sensor monitors inlet humidity and temperature, and the outlet sensor monitors outlet humidity and temperature;
operating the OMPA in a HIP state for a HIP runtime;
after the HIP runtime has expired, determining whether the inlet humidity and outlet humidity satisfy a transition condition to another state;
continuing to operate the OMPA in the HIP state if the inlet humidity and outlet humidity do not satisfy the transition condition to another state; and
transitioning the OMPA away from the HIP state if the inlet humidity and outlet humidity satisfy the transition condition to another state.
1. An organic matter processing apparatus (OMPA), comprising: a bucket assembly for processing organic matter; a bucket interface assembly constructed to receive the bucket assembly, the bucket interface assembly comprising a port; and an air treatment system coupled to receive untreated air via the port, the air treatment system comprising:
an airflow duct assembly coupled to the port; a fan coupled to the airflow duct assembly and operative to draw in untreated air from the bucket assembly via the port and the airflow duct assembly;
a manifold coupled to the fan and constructed to redirect untreated air through a media chamber positioned above the manifold, wherein the media chamber converts untreated air to treated air; and
a spine member coupled to the manifold, the spine member comprising:
a media chamber retaining region constructed to interface with the media chamber when the media chamber is inserted into and placed within the spine member; and
an exhaust region fluidically coupled to receive treated air from the media chamber and fluidically coupled to at least one outlet port to exhaust the received treated air out of the OMPA.
Claims 2-20 are also obvious to claims 1-18 of the USP No 12,448,208 B2 and claims 1-17 of USP No. 12,084,395 B2.
Although the conflicting claims are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other (as shown in the table for comparison) because they are conceptually or inherently similar to the limitations of the patent (as for example the limitation “controlling an organic matter processing apparatus (OMPA), - a control unit, a first heater for heating a bucket assembly, and a grinding mechanism - operate the OMPA in the HIP state if the inlet humidity and outlet humidity do not satisfy the transition condition to another state” of the application is equivalent to the limitation “organic matter processing apparatus (OMPA), - bucket assembly for processing organic matter; a bucket interface assembly constructed to receive the bucket assembly - air treatment system coupled to receive untreated air via the port” of the patent in scope and they use the similar limitations and produce similar end result of controlling organic matter processing apparatus for determining and transitioning humidity into satisfied condition (as air treatment system) provides treated air of OMPA.
It would be therefore obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention was made that to modify or to omit the additional elements of claims 1 and 12 of the patent to arrive at the claims 1, 8 and 16 of the instant application, would perform the similar functions as before.
This is an obviousness-type double patenting rejection. A terminal disclaimer is required to overcome the obviousness-type double patenting rejection. See MPEP § 804 and 1490 (VI) D:
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102 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.
The factual inquiries set forth in Graham v. John Deere Co., 383 U.S. 1, 148 USPQ 459 (1966), that are applied 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.
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.
Claims 1-20 are rejected under AIA 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Crepeau, et al. USPGPub No. 20200353474 A1 cited in IDS.
As to claim 1, Crepeau discloses A method for controlling an organic matter processing apparatus (OMPA), the OMPA comprising a control unit, a first heater for heating a bucket assembly, and a grinding mechanism, (Crepeau [0098-139] “food recycler process organic food waste to generate either nutrient preserved stable granular media via desiccation of the food waste or a nutrient and flavor infused foodstuff (e.g., stocks, broths, etc.) - detect and identify which process, either for desiccation of food waste or for infusion of the nutrients and flavors of the food waste into a foodstuff - performed based on the placement of an appropriate bucket into the food recycler - process through a single device” [0061-97] [0002-06] [abstract], see Fig. 1-25, food recycler process organic food waste, grinding mechanism obviously provides organic matter processing apparatus) the method comprising:
prior to commencing a current OMPA processing cycle, calibrating an inlet sensor and an outlet sensor to obtain baseline humidity and temperatures values of an inlet airpath and an outlet airpath, wherein the inlet sensor monitors inlet humidity and temperature, and the outlet sensor monitors outlet humidity and temperature; operating the OMPA in a high intensity processing (HIP) state for a HIP runtime; after the HIP runtime has expired, determining whether the inlet humidity and outlet humidity satisfy a transition condition to another state; (Crepeau [0061-97] “execute an infusion cycle - execute a desiccation cycle - food recycler includes a controller within the housing that includes a set of indicators and one or more user interface (UI) components - to configure the cycles - includes a set of sensors - pot vessel or the bucket vessel - motor in electrical communication with the controller, and a set of components within the housing - perform the infusion cycle and the desiccation cycle as needed - program executed by the unit identifies the contents and desired outcome - to produce a specific stock or broth by grinding, heating, holding at a specified temperature, stirring and holding at safe temperatures the organic food items - based on the desired time to complete the desiccation of the contents, desired energy usage, or other factors external to the unit (e.g., temperature, odor, etc.) - perform various operations grinding, stirring, mixing, heating, using vacuum, using air movement, condensing, using air filtration, and humidity and temperature sensing to create a specified granular media output” [0098-139] “food recycler process organic food waste to generate either nutrient preserved stable granular media via desiccation of the food waste or a nutrient and flavor infused foodstuff (e.g., stocks, broths, etc.) - detect and identify which process, either for desiccation of food waste or for infusion of the nutrients and flavors of the food waste into a foodstuff - performed based on the placement of an appropriate bucket into the food recycler - process through a single device” [0141-250] [0002-06] [abstract], see Fig. 1-25, housing, food recycler process organic food waste, execute infusion and desiccation cycle as needed, controller, plurality of indicators, plurality of components to configure cycles, plurality of sensors, temperature and humidity, plurality of vessels, motor, grinding mechanism obviously provides processing cycle, calibrating an inlet sensor and an outlet sensor to obtain baseline humidity and temperatures values of an inlet airpath and an outlet airpath, wherein the inlet sensor monitors inlet humidity and temperature, and the outlet sensor monitors outlet humidity and temperature; operating the OMPA in a HIP state for a HIP runtime; after the HIP runtime has expired, determining whether the inlet humidity and outlet humidity satisfy a transition condition to another state)
continuing to operate the OMPA in the HIP state if the inlet humidity and outlet humidity do not satisfy the transition condition to another state; and transitioning the OMPA away from the HIP state if the inlet humidity and outlet humidity satisfy the transition condition to another state (Crepeau [0061-97] “execute an infusion cycle - execute a desiccation cycle - food recycler includes a controller within the housing that includes a set of indicators and one or more user interface (UI) components - to configure the cycles - includes a set of sensors - pot vessel or the bucket vessel - motor in electrical communication with the controller, and a set of components within the housing - perform the infusion cycle and the desiccation cycle as needed - program executed by the unit identifies the contents and desired outcome - to produce a specific stock or broth by grinding, heating, holding at a specified temperature, stirring and holding at safe temperatures the organic food items - based on the desired time to complete the desiccation of the contents, desired energy usage, or other factors external to the unit (e.g., temperature, odor, etc.) - perform various operations grinding, stirring, mixing, heating, using vacuum, using air movement, condensing, using air filtration, and humidity and temperature sensing to create a specified granular media output” [0098-139] “food recycler process organic food waste to generate either nutrient preserved stable granular media via desiccation of the food waste or a nutrient and flavor infused foodstuff (e.g., stocks, broths, etc.) - detect and identify which process, either for desiccation of food waste or for infusion of the nutrients and flavors of the food waste into a foodstuff - performed based on the placement of an appropriate bucket into the food recycler - process through a single device” [0141-250] [0002-06] [abstract], see Fig. 1-25, food recycler process organic food waste, controller, execute infusion and desiccation cycle as needed, plurality of indicators, plurality of components to configure cycles, plurality of sensors, temperature and humidity, plurality of vessels, motor, grinding mechanism obviously provides continuing to operate the OMPA in the HIP state if the inlet humidity and outlet humidity do not satisfy the transition condition to another state; and transitioning the OMPA away from the HIP state if the inlet humidity and outlet humidity satisfy the transition condition to another state).
Application and the reference Crepeau are analogous arts from the same field of endeavor and contain overlapping structural and functional similarities and both contain controlling organic and/or food processing apparatus.
It would be therefore obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art at the time of the invention that food recycler process of organic food and grinding mechanism are assumed as controlling organic matter processing apparatus.
As to independent claims 8 and 16, the claims recite similar limitations as the independent claim 1 and rejected using same rational as stated above.
As to claims 2 and 9, Crepeau further discloses The method of claim 1, wherein the HIP runtime is set independently of a mass quantity of organic matter contained in the bucket assembly (Crepeau [0061-97] “execute an infusion cycle - execute a desiccation cycle - food recycler includes a controller within the housing that includes a set of indicators and one or more user interface (UI) components - to configure the cycles - includes a set of sensors - pot vessel or the bucket vessel - motor in electrical communication with the controller, and a set of components within the housing - perform the infusion cycle and the desiccation cycle as needed” [0098-139] “food recycler process organic food waste to generate either nutrient preserved stable granular media via desiccation of the food waste or a nutrient and flavor infused foodstuff (e.g., stocks, broths, etc.) - detect and identify which process, either for desiccation of food waste or for infusion of the nutrients and flavors of the food waste into a foodstuff - performed based on the placement of an appropriate bucket into the food recycler - process through a single device - controller 224 - various components to control the cycle of operation for drying waste food, grinding waste food, heating waste food, infusing nutrients and other elements of waste food into a liquid food solution, and the like - volumetric size of the food recycler 200” [0141-250] [0002-06] [abstract], see Fig. 1-25, food recycler process organic food waste, controller, execute infusion and desiccation cycle as needed, plurality of indicators, plurality of components to configure cycles, plurality of sensors, temperature and humidity, plurality of vessels, motor, grinding mechanism, operation cycle, cycle status, enable to initiate or stop cycle, perform automatically obviously provides HIP runtime is set independently of a mass quantity of organic matter contained in the bucket assembly).
As to claims 3, 10 and 17, Crepeau further discloses The method of claim 1, further comprising: operating the OMPA in a cool down state for a cool down runtime when the inlet humidity and outlet humidity satisfy a transition to another state; and ending the current OMPA processing cycle after the cooldown runtime expires (Crepeau [0061-97] “execute an infusion cycle - execute a desiccation cycle - food recycler includes a controller within the housing that includes a set of indicators and one or more user interface (UI) components - to configure the cycles - includes a set of sensors - pot vessel or the bucket vessel - motor in electrical communication with the controller, and a set of components within the housing - perform the infusion cycle and the desiccation cycle as needed” [0098-139] “food recycler process organic food waste to generate either nutrient preserved stable granular media via desiccation of the food waste or a nutrient and flavor infused foodstuff (e.g., stocks, broths, etc.) - detect and identify which process, either for desiccation of food waste or for infusion of the nutrients and flavors of the food waste into a foodstuff - performed based on the placement of an appropriate bucket into the food recycler - process through a single device - controller 224 - various components to control the cycle of operation for drying waste food, grinding waste food, heating waste food, infusing nutrients and other elements of waste food into a liquid food solution, and the like - volumetric size of the food recycler 200” [0141-250] [0002-06] [abstract], see Fig. 1-25, food recycler process organic food waste, controller, execute infusion and desiccation cycle as needed, plurality of indicators, plurality of components to configure cycles, plurality of sensors, temperature and humidity, plurality of vessels, motor, grinding mechanism, operation cycles, cycle status, enable to initiate or stop cycle, perform automatically obviously provides operating the OMPA in a cool down state for a cool down runtime when the inlet humidity and outlet humidity satisfy a transition to another state; and ending the current OMPA processing cycle after the cooldown runtime expires).
As to claims 4 and 11, Crepeau further discloses The method of claim 1, wherein during the HIP state, the bucket heater is heated to a HIP state temperature and the grinding mechanism is driven by a motor to process organic matter contained in the bucket assembly (Crepeau [0061-97] “execute an infusion cycle - execute a desiccation cycle - food recycler includes a controller within the housing that includes a set of indicators and one or more user interface (UI) components - to configure the cycles - includes a set of sensors - pot vessel or the bucket vessel - motor in electrical communication with the controller, and a set of components within the housing - perform the infusion cycle and the desiccation cycle as needed - bucket receptacle have a heater or heating component built in to provide heat to the bucket” [0098-139] “food recycler process organic food waste to generate either nutrient preserved stable granular media via desiccation of the food waste or a nutrient and flavor infused foodstuff (e.g., stocks, broths, etc.) - detect and identify which process, either for desiccation of food waste or for infusion of the nutrients and flavors of the food waste into a foodstuff - performed based on the placement of an appropriate bucket into the food recycler - process through a single device - controller 224 - various components to control the cycle of operation for drying waste food, grinding waste food, heating waste food, infusing nutrients and other elements of waste food into a liquid food solution, and the like - volumetric size of the food recycler 200” [0141-250] [0002-06] [abstract], see Fig. 1-25, food recycler process organic food waste, controller, execute infusion and desiccation cycle as needed, plurality of indicators, plurality of components to configure cycles, plurality of sensors, temperature and humidity, plurality of vessels, motor, grinding mechanism, operation cycle, cycle status, enable to initiate or stop cycle, automatically obviously provides bucket heater is heated to a HIP state temperature and the grinding mechanism is driven by a motor to process organic matter contained in the bucket assembly).
As to claims 5 and 12, Crepeau further discloses The method of claim 1, wherein the HIP runtime is sufficient to ensure Log 3 destruction of pathogens existing in organic matter contained in the bucket assembly (Crepeau [0061-97] “execute an infusion cycle - execute a desiccation cycle - food recycler includes a controller within the housing that includes a set of indicators and one or more user interface (UI) components - to configure the cycles - includes a set of sensors - pot vessel or the bucket vessel - motor in electrical communication with the controller, and a set of components within the housing - perform the infusion cycle and the desiccation cycle as needed - program executed by the unit identifies the contents and desired outcome - to produce a specific stock or broth by grinding, heating, holding at a specified temperature, stirring and holding at safe temperatures the organic food items - based on the desired time to complete the desiccation of the contents, desired energy usage, or other factors external to the unit (e.g., temperature, odor, etc.) - perform various operations grinding, stirring, mixing, heating, using vacuum, using air movement, condensing, using air filtration, and humidity and temperature sensing to create a specified granular media output” [0098-139] “food recycler process organic food waste to generate either nutrient preserved stable granular media via desiccation of the food waste or a nutrient and flavor infused foodstuff (e.g., stocks, broths, etc.) - detect and identify which process, either for desiccation of food waste or for infusion of the nutrients and flavors of the food waste into a foodstuff - performed based on the placement of an appropriate bucket into the food recycler - process through a single device - controller 224 - various components to control the cycle of operation for drying waste food, grinding waste food, heating waste food, infusing nutrients and other elements of waste food into a liquid food solution, and the like - volumetric size of the food recycler 200” [0141-250] [0002-06] [abstract], see Fig. 1-25, food recycler process organic food waste, controller, execute infusion and desiccation cycle as needed, complete the desiccation of the contents, plurality of indicators, plurality of components to configure cycles, plurality of sensors, temperature and humidity, plurality of vessels, motor, grinding mechanism, operation cycle, cycle status, enable to initiate or stop cycle obviously provides HIP runtime is sufficient to ensure Log 3 destruction of pathogens existing in organic matter contained in the bucket assembly).
As to claims 6 and 13, Crepeau further discloses The method of claim 1, wherein the transition condition is a relative humidity differential threshold between the inlet humidity and the outlet humidity (Crepeau [0061-97] “execute an infusion cycle - execute a desiccation cycle - food recycler includes a controller within the housing that includes a set of indicators and one or more user interface (UI) components - to configure the cycles - includes a set of sensors - pot vessel or the bucket vessel - motor in electrical communication with the controller, and a set of components within the housing - perform the infusion cycle and the desiccation cycle as needed - bucket receptacle have a heater or heating component built in to provide heat to the bucket” [0098-139] “food recycler process organic food waste to generate either nutrient preserved stable granular media via desiccation of the food waste or a nutrient and flavor infused foodstuff (e.g., stocks, broths, etc.) - detect and identify which process, either for desiccation of food waste or for infusion of the nutrients and flavors of the food waste into a foodstuff - performed based on the placement of an appropriate bucket into the food recycler - process through a single device - controller 224 - various components to control the cycle of operation for drying waste food, grinding waste food, heating waste food, infusing nutrients and other elements of waste food into a liquid food solution, and the like - volumetric size of the food recycler 200” [0141-250] [0002-06] [abstract], see Fig. 1-25, food recycler process organic food waste, controller, execute infusion and desiccation cycle as needed, plurality of indicators, plurality of components to configure cycles, set of indicators and plurality of UI components, plurality of sensors, temperature and humidity, plurality of vessels, motor, grinding mechanism, operation cycle, cycle status, enable to initiate or stop cycle, automatically obviously provides transition condition is a relative humidity differential threshold between the inlet humidity and the outlet humidity).
As to claims 7 and 14, Crepeau further discloses The method of claim 1, wherein the transition condition is a mixing ratio differential threshold between the inlet humidity and the outlet humidity (Crepeau [0061-97] “execute an infusion cycle - execute a desiccation cycle - food recycler includes a controller within the housing that includes a set of indicators and one or more user interface (UI) components - to configure the cycles - includes a set of sensors - pot vessel or the bucket vessel - motor in electrical communication with the controller, and a set of components within the housing - perform the infusion cycle and the desiccation cycle as needed - bucket receptacle have a heater or heating component built in to provide heat to the bucket” [0098-139] “food recycler process organic food waste to generate either nutrient preserved stable granular media via desiccation of the food waste or a nutrient and flavor infused foodstuff (e.g., stocks, broths, etc.) - detect and identify which process, either for desiccation of food waste or for infusion of the nutrients and flavors of the food waste into a foodstuff - performed based on the placement of an appropriate bucket into the food recycler - process through a single device - controller 224 - various components to control the cycle of operation for drying waste food, grinding waste food, heating waste food, infusing nutrients and other elements of waste food into a liquid food solution, and the like - volumetric size of the food recycler 200” [0141-250] [0002-06] [abstract], see Fig. 1-25, food recycler process organic food waste, controller, execute infusion and desiccation cycle as needed, plurality of indicators, plurality of components to configure cycles, set of indicators and plurality of UI components, plurality of sensors, temperature and humidity, plurality of vessels, motor, grinding mechanism, operation cycle, cycle status, enable to initiate or stop cycle, automatically obviously provides transition condition is a mixing ratio differential threshold between the inlet humidity and the outlet humidity).
As to claim 15, Crepeau further discloses The OMPA of claim 8, wherein the inlet sensor is located in the inlet air path and wherein the outlet sensor is located in the outlet air path (Crepeau [0061-97] “execute an infusion cycle - execute a desiccation cycle - food recycler includes a controller within the housing that includes a set of indicators and one or more user interface (UI) components - to configure the cycles - includes a set of sensors - pot vessel or the bucket vessel - motor in electrical communication with the controller, and a set of components within the housing - perform the infusion cycle and the desiccation cycle as needed - bucket receptacle have a heater or heating component built in to provide heat to the bucket” [0098-139] “food recycler process organic food waste to generate either nutrient preserved stable granular media via desiccation of the food waste or a nutrient and flavor infused foodstuff (e.g., stocks, broths, etc.) - detect and identify which process, either for desiccation of food waste or for infusion of the nutrients and flavors of the food waste into a foodstuff - performed based on the placement of an appropriate bucket into the food recycler - process through a single device - controller 224 - various components to control the cycle of operation for drying waste food, grinding waste food, heating waste food, infusing nutrients and other elements of waste food into a liquid food solution, and the like - volumetric size of the food recycler 200” [0141-250] [0002-06] [abstract], see Fig. 1-25, food recycler process organic food waste, controller, execute infusion and desiccation cycle as needed, plurality of indicators, plurality of components to configure cycles, plurality of sensors, temperature and humidity, plurality of vessels, motor, grinding mechanism, operation cycle, cycle status, enable to initiate or stop cycle, automatically obviously provides the inlet sensor is located in the inlet air path and wherein the outlet sensor is located in the outlet air path).
As to claim 18, Crepeau further discloses The OMPA of claim 16, wherein the first heater operates at a first temperature during the standard HIP cycle, wherein the first heater operates at a second temperature during the high temperature HIP cycle, and wherein the second temperature is greater than the first temperature (Crepeau [0061-97] “execute an infusion cycle - execute a desiccation cycle - food recycler includes a controller within the housing that includes a set of indicators and one or more user interface (UI) components - to configure the cycles - includes a set of sensors - pot vessel or the bucket vessel - motor in electrical communication with the controller, and a set of components within the housing - perform the infusion cycle and the desiccation cycle as needed - program executed by the unit identifies the contents and desired outcome - to produce a specific stock or broth by grinding, heating, holding at a specified temperature, stirring and holding at safe temperatures the organic food items - based on the desired time to complete the desiccation of the contents, desired energy usage, or other factors external to the unit (e.g., temperature, odor, etc.) - perform various operations grinding, stirring, mixing, heating, using vacuum, using air movement, condensing, using air filtration, and humidity and temperature sensing to create a specified granular media output” [0098-139] “food recycler process organic food waste to generate either nutrient preserved stable granular media via desiccation of the food waste or a nutrient and flavor infused foodstuff (e.g., stocks, broths, etc.) - detect and identify which process, either for desiccation of food waste or for infusion of the nutrients and flavors of the food waste into a foodstuff - performed based on the placement of an appropriate bucket into the food recycler - process through a single device - controller 224 - various components to control the cycle of operation for drying waste food, grinding waste food, heating waste food, infusing nutrients and other elements of waste food into a liquid food solution, and the like - volumetric size of the food recycler 200” [0141-250] [0002-06] [abstract], see Fig. 1-25, food recycler process organic food waste, controller, execute infusion and desiccation cycle as needed, complete the desiccation of the contents, plurality of indicators, set of indicators and plurality of components UI, plurality of components to configure cycles, plurality of sensors, program executed for desired outcome by grinding, heating at specified temperature, plurality of vessels, motor, grinding mechanism, operation cycle, cycle status, enable to initiate or stop cycle obviously provides first heater operates at a first temperature during the standard HIP cycle, wherein the first heater operates at a second temperature during the high temperature HIP cycle, and wherein the second temperature is greater than the first temperature).
As to claim 19, Crepeau further discloses The OMPA of claim 18, wherein the first temperature is less than a boiling point of water, and wherein the second temperature is greater than the boiling point of water (Crepeau [0061-97] “execute an infusion cycle - execute a desiccation cycle - food recycler includes a controller within the housing that includes a set of indicators and one or more user interface (UI) components - to configure the cycles - includes a set of sensors - pot vessel or the bucket vessel - motor in electrical communication with the controller, and a set of components within the housing - perform the infusion cycle and the desiccation cycle as needed - program executed by the unit identifies the contents and desired outcome - to produce a specific stock or broth by grinding, heating, holding at a specified temperature, stirring and holding at safe temperatures the organic food items - based on the desired time to complete the desiccation of the contents, desired energy usage, or other factors external to the unit (e.g., temperature, odor, etc.) - perform various operations grinding, stirring, mixing, heating, using vacuum, using air movement, condensing, using air filtration, and humidity and temperature sensing to create a specified granular media output” [0098-139] “food recycler process organic food waste to generate either nutrient preserved stable granular media via desiccation of the food waste or a nutrient and flavor infused foodstuff (e.g., stocks, broths, etc.) - detect and identify which process, either for desiccation of food waste or for infusion of the nutrients and flavors of the food waste into a foodstuff - performed based on the placement of an appropriate bucket into the food recycler - process through a single device - controller 224 - various components to control the cycle of operation for drying waste food, grinding waste food, heating waste food, infusing nutrients and other elements of waste food into a liquid food solution, and the like - volumetric size of the food recycler 200” [0141-250] [0002-06] [abstract], see Fig. 1-25, food recycler process organic food waste, controller, execute infusion and desiccation cycle as needed, complete the desiccation of the contents, plurality of indicators, set of indicators and plurality of components UI, plurality of components to configure cycles, plurality of sensors, program executed for desired outcome by grinding, heating at specified temperature, plurality of vessels, motor, grinding mechanism, operation cycle, cycle status, enable to initiate or stop cycle obviously provides first temperature is less than a boiling point of water, and wherein the second temperature is greater than the boiling point of water).
As to claim 20, Crepeau further discloses The OMPA of claim 16, wherein the OMPA further comprises an inlet fan, an exhaust fan, an air inlet heater for heating ambient air, a first humidity sensor, and a second humidity sensor, wherein the grinder mechanism, the inlet fan, and the air inlet heater operate the same in both the standard HIP cycle and the high temperature HIP cycle (Crepeau [0061-97] [0141-250] [0002-06] [abstract], see Fig. 1-25 obviously includes the elements of the limitations to perform the operational process).
Citation of Pertinent Prior Art
It is noted that any citations to specific, pages, columns, lines, or figures in the prior art references and any interpretation of the reference should not be considered to be limiting in any way. A reference is relevant for all it contains and may be relied upon for all that it would have reasonably suggested to one having ordinary skill in the art. See MPEP 2141.02 VI. PRIOR ART MUST BE CONSIDERED IN ITS ENTIRETY, i.e., as a whole and 2123.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. The prior art made of record:
Nekozuka, et al. USP No. 6,190,618 B1 discloses an apparatus for heating and drying garbage in heating vessel to reduce volume of the garbage and deodorizing smell of steam generated upon heating and drying of garbag.
Grillo, USPGPub No. 2018/0305648 A1 discloses a method for producing food-grade ethanol from food selecting plurality of food waste sources for removing unacceptable items from the collected food waste and processing hydrated food waste into a flowable slurry ready for fermentation and distillation.
Vogal, et al. USPGPub No. 2020/0115264 A1 discloses a method of Zero Waste treatment process employing separation and extraction process, blend-heat process, hydrolysis and acidification process, first-in, first-out (FIFO) anaerobic digestion process, aerobic boost-blend process, and smart delivery process include variety of tanks, enclosure.
LeSueur, et al. USPGPub No. 2014/0273178 A1 discloses a method for processing organic material to extract biochemical nutrients from organic material as food scraps comprising liquid and organic material under aerobic conditions to form mixture of slurry and yeast, aerating mixture and forming biomass and nutrient-rich broth, in which biochemical nutrients stabilized and anabolized.
Peterson, USPGPub No. 2018/0126323 A1 discloses a dehumidifier control system for reverse flow dehumidifier for dehumidifying the environment.
Monroe, et al. USPGPub No. 2013/0263499 A1 discloses a method include heating biomass to generate torrefied biomass applying a liquid in order to cool and increase moisture content of the torrefied biomass.
Vanderpool, USPGPub No. 20090039184 A1 discloses a waste processing system including shredder, grinder and steam explosion device as cooking extruder to process raw waste into an end product as pellets.
Manu, USP No. 7,621,472 B2 discloses a process for producing dried pieces of organic waste by reducing raw organic waste to pieces and drying the raw organic waste to a moisture content to free odors by microbial activity.
Killan, et al. USPGPub No. 2004/0182779 A1 discloses a system for treatment of organic matter as waste converted to biogas and other products to control acid forming organisms in an acid reactor and methane forming mechanisms in a methane reactor to control hydraulic retention time requirements of the process.
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/Md Azad/
Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2119
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