DETAILED ACTION
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 .
Response to Amendment
The amendment filed 04/10/2026 has been entered. Claims 1-5, 7-15, and 17-20 are pending in the application.
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, 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(s) 1-5, 8-15, and 17 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as obvious over GROSSMAN et al. (US 20160171903 A1) in view of Kuhlenbeck et al. (US 20220055169 A1) and further in view of Mahalingappa et al. (US 20190217460 A1).
Regarding claims 1 and 11, GROSSMAN et al. discloses an accessory storage device (700) comprising: a housing including an accessory slot (bins 340 and/or 712, 714, and 716 figs. 3 and 7 and/or holster 644 fig. 6) for storing an accessory (tools, safety glasses, glue gun [0049-0050, 0057-0058, 0089-0095]); a sensor (722, 724, and 726, depth sensor, weight sensor, and/or RFID tag) configured to detect a presence of the accessory within the accessory slot (via lights/LED -audio/visual alerts/feedback); and
a controller (central processing unit (CPU) 202/100, figs. 2-3), connected to the sensor, the controller configured to: determine, based on a signal from the sensor, whether the accessory is located within the accessory slot, in response to determining that the accessory is not located within the accessory slot, determine a set of parameters for driving a power tool, the set of control parameters associated with the accessory (speed, [0047-0048, 0077-0078, 0087-0088, 0090, 0096, 0100, 0112, 0117]), and transmit the set of one or more parameters to the power tool ([0047-0050, 0053, 0057-0058, 0073-0078, 0088-0097, 0101]); and
a method (800/workspace system 200) for monitoring accessories (tools, safety glasses, glue gun [0049-0050, 0057-0058, 0089-0095]) in an accessory storage device, the method comprising: determining, based on a signal from the sensor (722, 724, and 726, depth sensor, weight sensor, and/or RFID tag), whether the accessory is located within an accessory slot (bins 340 and/or 712, 714, and 716 figs. 3 and 7 and/or holster 644 fig. 6), the sensor configured to detect a presence of the accessory within the accessory slot (via lights/LED -audio/visual alerts/feedback); in response to determining that the accessory is not located within the accessory slot, determining a set of one or more parameters (speed etc.) associated with the accessory; and transmitting the set of parameters to a power tool (precision rotary tool 620 [0059-0066-0123, figs. 1-11); and the set of one or more parameters includes control parameters for driving the precision rotary tool 620 ([0075-0083, 0100, 0112-0117].
GROSSMAN et al. states: “augmented toolkit provides an indication as to where the needed tool or part is located. For example, the augmented toolkit could illuminate an LED located on the bin in the augmented toolkit that contains the tool or part. The augmented toolkit is equipped with a sensor for each bin to determine when the needed tool or part is removed from the bin [0049] … augmented toolkit 340 transmits a message to the toolkit guidance engine 238 when the tool or part has been removed from the bin [0057] … sensors, actuators, and controller for a particular augmented tool may be built into the augmented tool during manufacturing and assembly. Alternatively, a tool may be refitted in the field with one or more sensors, actuators, and controller, thereby converting a conventional tool into an augmented tool” [0079] … augmented tool engine 236, in turn, transmits a message to the augmented tool to disable the tool or to change an operating condition of the augmented tool, such as operating speed or operating temperature of the augmented tool [0100].
GROSSMAN et al. fails to explicitly disclose in response to determining that the accessory is not located within the accessory slot, determine a set of control parameters for driving a motor, the set of control parameters associated with the accessory, and transmit the set of control parameters to a power tool communicatively coupled to the accessory storage device, the power tool including the motor.
Kuhlenbeck et al. teaches intelligent tool detection system (100/200) that determines that an accessory (drill bits, sockets, pair of pliers, wrench, screwdriver, punch, or any other metallic object - Combination trays [0050-0058], fig. 1, drill bit 1232, fig. 12) is not located within an accessory slot (tool tray 106 or 1202/1300/1400/1500/1600/1700, [0060-0062], figs. 1-2 and 12-15), determine a set of control parameters for driving a motor (machine 120- torque tool [0054], machine 1-N [0060-0067] figs. 1-4), the set of control parameters associated with the accessory (torque configurations or disabled if incorrect tool), and transmit the set of control parameters to a power tool communicatively coupled to the accessory storage device, the powertool including the motor (disabled or torque configurations [0061].
Mahalingappa et al. teaches a power tool (10) having a detection system (control unit 30 and/or MCB 40) that determines that an accessory (UIM 50), is not located within an accessory slot (receptacle 71 - plug component 61/62, not attached to back end 18 of the housing 20), determine a set of control parameters for driving a motor (22), the set of control parameters associated with the accessory (pre-programmed operation mode/default mode [0041]), and transmit the set of control parameters to a power tool communicatively coupled to the accessory storage device, the power tool including the motor (programs, input parameters 56, operation modes, fixed precision ([0031-0046], figs. 1-3).
Given the teachings of GROSSMAN et al. to have an external device/power tool within communication range to an accessory storage device to transmit data/signals, it 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 to modify the accessory storage device/controller to be configured to in response to determining that the accessory is not located within the accessory slot, determine a set of control parameters for driving a motor, the set of control parameters associated with the accessory, and transmit the set of control parameters to a power tool communicatively coupled to the accessory storage device, the power tool including the motor to ensure correct tool/size is being used, provide easy installation of parameters with the correct tool, monitor usage/wear and tear, and/or for feedback purposes as taught by Kuhlenbeck et al. and Mahalingappa et al.
Regarding claims 2 and 12, GROSSMAN et al. discloses the accessory is one selected from a group consisting of a crimping die, a hole saw, a threading die, and a drill bit (drill bit [0048, 0055, 0065, 0087-0088]).
Regarding claims 3-4 and 13-14, GROSSMAN et al. discloses the sensor is a pressure sensor configured to monitor a weight applied to the accessory slot (“detects removal of the tool or part via a sensor, such as a depth sensor, a weight sensor, or an RFID sensor” wherein the sensor is a camera configured to capture an image of the accessory slot wherein each presence sensor is one selected from a group consisting of a pressure sensor, a weight sensor, an inductive sensor, an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor [0030], a mechanical switch, and an imaging device (“any surface or volume rendering technique” [0027-0030, 0035-0036, 0049-0052, 0071, 0082-0084, 0091, 0095, 0102, 0107-0108, 0115, 0121]).
Regarding claims 6 and 16, GROSSMAN et al. discloses the external device is a power tool including a motor (precision rotary tool 620); and the set of one or more parameters includes control parameters for driving the motor ([0075-0083].
Regarding claims 8-9 and 17, GROSSMAN et al. discloses the controller is connected to a memory (204/212) storing a log of accessory usage, and wherein the controller is further configured to: update, in response to the accessory being removed from the accessory slot, the log of accessory usage; and update, in response to the accessory being returned to the accessory slot, the log of accessory usage, wherein: the power tool includes a display [0025-0027]; and the power tool provides the control parameters via the display (abstract, claim 1, [0025-0041, 0069, 0076, 0090, 0121]). Mahalingappa et al. also teaches the controller is connected to a memory ([0032]) storing a log of accessory usage, and wherein the controller is further configured to: update, in response to the accessory being removed from the accessory slot, the log of accessory usage; and update, in response to the accessory being returned to the accessory slot, the log of accessory usage, wherein: the power tool includes a display (54); parameters via the display ([0036-0044], figs. 1-3).
Regarding claims 10, GROSSMAN et al. discloses the accessory slot is configured to store a first accessory, and wherein the controller is configured to: determine, in response to the accessory being located in the accessory slot, whether the accessory is the first accessory; and generate, in response to determining that the accessory is not the first accessory, a notification that the accessory is not the first accessory (how many removed, how many required, etc. “within a threshold distance away from the bin” [0047-0050, 0053, 0057-0058, 0073-0078, 0088-0097, 0101]).
Regarding claims 5 and 15, GROSSMAN et al. discloses, wherein the sensor is an inductive sensor configured to sense the presence of a metallic accessory (glue gun), the presence of a metallic accessory (glue gun magnet 650) in the accessory slot (holster 644 - magnet and hall-effect sensor [0082-0084], fig. 6).
Claim(s) 7 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as obvious over GROSSMAN et al. (US 20160171903 A1) in view of Kuhlenbeck et al. (US 20220055169 A1) in view of Mahalingappa et al. (US 20190217460 A1) in view of Muhme (US 5886634 A) and further in view of GALLO et al. (US 20210347002 A1).
Regarding claims 7, GROSSMAN et al. discloses the controller is further configured to: determine whether the external device is within communication range to the accessory storage device (RFID measures distance, “within a threshold distance away from the bin” [0050, 0091-0095, 0115]).
GROSSMAN et al. fails to disclose transmitting a first key to the external device; receive a second key from the external device; and store the first key and the second key in a memory of the accessory storage device.
Muhme teaches having a controller (18/40/processor 106) is further configured to: determine whether an external device (12) is within communication range (via tags 20/56) to an accessory storage device (50/54-interrogates and receives tag IDs from tags 20, 22, and/or 56) transmitting a first key (response message/tag ID 144) to the external device (12); receive a second key (response message to base station 18) from the external device; and store the first key (store tag ID 144) and the second key in a memory of the accessory storage device (col. 5, lines 4-67- col. 6, lines 1-67).
Muhme states: “Wherever tags 20 and 22 are placed, enclosed, or positioned, base station 18 utilizes wireless communication techniques to read information encoded or stored within tags 20 and 22…tags 20 and 22 respond by transmitting a response message to base station 18 that includes their respective tag identifiers (IDs) tags 20 and 22 respond by transmitting a response message to base station 18 that includes their respective tag identifiers (IDs). Base station 18 and tags 20 and 22 preferably communicate over links 24 using any appropriate wireless communication technique, such as radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR), optical, ultrasound, or other wireless technique that allows base station 18 to interrogate and receive the tag IDs of tags 20 and 22 (col. 3, lines 12-25)…wireless interface 102 and/or processor 106 may retrieve a key or encryption algorithm to decode the transmission and recover the information in the response message” (col. 6, lines 42-45)
GALLO et al. also teaches an intelligent tool management system (1) having a controller (tool management center 2/tool monitoring system 4 and/or microcontroller (MCU)) configured to: determine whether an external device (driving apparatus 7 with drill bit 5) is within communication range (proximity) to an accessory device (dispensing stations 3) a sensor (8/6/ sensory arrangement 11) on the external device (7); transmitting a first key (unique identifier ID stored in the RFID tag 4/ electronic communication interface 12 key input) to the external device; receive a second key (passive infrared sensor (PIR)) from the external device; and store the first key and the second key in a memory (electronic control unit 13) of the accessory storage device ([0035-0103], figs. 1-5)
Given the teachings of GROSSMAN et al. to have an external device/power tool within communication range to an accessory storage device to transmit data/signals, it 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 to modify the controller to be further configured to determine whether the external device is within communication range to the accessory storage device and transmitting a first key to the external device; receive a second key from the external device; and store the first key and the second key in a memory of the accessory storage device to have security for the use of the tool, ensure correct tool/size is being used, monitor usage/wear and tear, and/or for feedback purposes as taught by Muhme and GALLO et al.
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 18-20 are allowed.
As allowable subject matter has been indicated, applicant's reply must either comply with all formal requirements or specifically traverse each requirement not complied with. See 37 CFR 1.111(b) and MPEP § 707.07(a).
Reasons for Allowable Subject Matter
The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance: the prior art of record fails to teach or render obvious an accessory storage device comprising all the structural and functional limitations and further comprising, amongst other limitations/features, a plurality of accessory slots for storing a plurality of accessories; a plurality of presence sensors configured to detect a presence of an accessory within a respective accessory slot; and a controller connected to the plurality of presence sensors, the controller configured to determine, based on signals from the plurality of presence sensors, whether each accessory of the plurality of accessories is located in the respective accessory slot, and transmit, in response to at least one accessory being removed from the respective accessory slot, a type of the at least one accessory to a power tool communicatively coupled to the accessory storage device, the type of the at least one accessory associated with a set of control parameters for driving a motor of the power tool, determine, based on signals from the plurality of presence sensors, that the incorrect accessory is in an accessory slot, and generate, in response to at least one accessory being placed in the incorrect accessory slot, a notification that the accessory is located in the incorrect accessory slot. Though GROSSMAN et al. (US 20160171903 A1) teaches, a plurality of accessory slots for storing a plurality of accessories/storage device to determine and transmit control parameters to a power tool if a tool/accessory has been removed from the storage slots but fails to teach transmitting, in response to at least one accessory being removed from the respective accessory slot, a type of the at least one accessory to a power tool communicatively coupled to the accessory storage device, the type of the at least one accessory associated with a set of control parameters for driving a motor of the power tool, determine, based on signals from the plurality of presence sensors, that the incorrect accessory is in an accessory slot, and generate, in response to at least one accessory being placed in the incorrect accessory slot, a notification that the accessory is located in the incorrect accessory slot and one of ordinary skill would recognize that a second cable cannot be added to single roller without having to add other rollers and modify the clamping member to function with a two cable system. Having the efficiency and safety of ensuring the correct tools are returned to the correct storage area, ensure the correct parameter being transmitted for the too type, ensure correct tool used provides an effective tool tracking and correct tool usage when using power tools.
While various features of the claimed subject matter are found individually in the prior art, a skilled artisan would have to include knowledge gleaned only from the applicant's disclosure to combine or modify the teachings of the prior art to produce the claimed subject matter, and thus obviousness would not be proper. See In re McLaughlin, 443 F.2d 1392, 170 USPQ 209 (CCPA 1971). There is no teaching, suggestion, or motivation found either in the references themselves or in the knowledge generally available to one of ordinary skill in the art to combine or modify the teachings of the prior art to produce the claimed invention, and thus obviousness would not be proper. See In re Fine, 837 F.2d 1071, 5 USPQ2d 1596 (Fed. Cir. 1988), In re Jones, 958 F.2d 347, 21 USPQ2d 1941 (Fed. Cir. 1992), and KSR International Co. v. Teleflex, Inc., 550 U.S. 398, 82 USPQ2d 1385 (2007).
Any comments considered necessary by applicant must be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee and, to avoid processing delays, should preferably accompany the issue fee. Such submissions should be clearly labeled “Comments on Statement of Reasons for Allowance.”
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s arguments, see remarks, filed 04/10/2026, with respect to claims 18-20 have been fully considered and are persuasive. The rejection of claims 18-20 has been withdrawn. However, upon further consideration, a new ground(s) of rejection is made in view of Applicant's arguments filed 04/10/2026 for claims 1-5, 7-15, and 17 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive. Applicant argues that GROSSMAN et al. fails to teach have storage device to determine and transmit control parameters to a power tool if a tool/accessory has been removed from the storage slots. Examiner contends that GROSSMAN et al. teaches having a storage device to determine and transmit control parameters to a power tool if a tool/accessory has been removed from the storage slots since GROSSMAN et al. teaches when the accessory safety glasses 500 are removed the controller/engine transmit control parameters to a power tool to ensure correct use- GROSSMAN et al. states: “a sensor for each bin to determine when the needed tool or part is removed from the bin…transmits information regarding the needed tool or part to a toolkit augmented with a network interface. The augmented toolkit provides an indication as to where the needed tool or part is located … determine when any tool or part is removed and to identify the particular bin or bins from which a tool or part was removed” [0049] and teaches having tracking parts with panel 470 and instruct make to wear the safety glasses and will perform “disabling the dangerous equipment, or changing an operating condition of the dangerous equipment” [0073, 0117]
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure:
Zeiler et al. (US 20060159533 A1)- detection system (communication member 24/36) that determines that an accessory (20- drill bit or a hole saw for a power drill) determine a set of control parameters for driving a motor (30 [0040], figs. 5-7-motor speed, cutting feed rate, etc. [0040]), and transmit the set of control parameters to a power tool including the motor (disabled or torque configurations ([0040-0062], figs. 1-10).
US 20210328399 A1- dies communicating parameters with external device (605), “select usable dies” [0042], and crimping power tool (10)
US 20140184397 A1 – ““operational parameter” refers to any data that the controller 128 generates internally or receives from the sensors 118 about the operation of components in the power tool 102” [0018] and see references cited, form 892.
THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any nonprovisional extension fee (37 CFR 1.17(a)) pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the mailing date of this final action.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to ROBERT LONG whose telephone number is (571)270-3864. The examiner can normally be reached M-F, 9am-5pm, 8-9pm (EST).
Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice.
If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, SHELLEY SELF can be reached at (571) 272-4524. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
Information regarding the status of published or unpublished applications may be obtained from Patent Center. Unpublished application information in Patent Center is available to registered users. To file and manage patent submissions in Patent Center, visit: https://patentcenter.uspto.gov. Visit https://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/patent-center for more information about Patent Center and https://www.uspto.gov/patents/docx for information about filing in DOCX format. For additional questions, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000.
/ROBERT F LONG/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 3731
Prosecution Insights