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 .
The amendment filed 28 April 2026 has been entered.
Claim Interpretation
This application includes one or more claim limitations that do not use the word “means,” but are nonetheless being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, because the claim limitation(s) uses a generic placeholder that is coupled with functional language without reciting sufficient structure to perform the recited function and the generic placeholder is not preceded by a structural modifier. Such claim limitation(s) is/are: securing element (Claims 1-9,14,19-20).
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
Claim(s) 1-9 and 13 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over US 2023/0163720 A1 to Di Stefano et al. (hereinafter referred to as Di Stefano) in view of US 2024/0078501 Al to Terabase Energy, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as Terabase Energy 501) and further in view of US 2021/0206003 A1 to Rosendin Electric, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as Rosendin Electric) and further in view of US 2023/0238912 Al to Terabase Energy, Inc (hereinafter referred to as Terabase Energy 912) and Zheng et al. (CN106363665A) (“Zheng”).
Regarding Claim 1, Di Stefano teaches a system (Fig. 2) for orientating and loading a solar panel (P; Fig. 3) within a centralized solar table assembly factory (transportable station 51/81; Paras. [0052] and [0081]; Fig. 2), the system comprising:
a crate guide (crate: containers C2; Fig. 3; guide: 90/91; para. [0056]/[0060]/[0062]; alternatively, 11, para. [0055], FIG. 1-2) holding a plurality of solar panels (Para. [0057]);
a robotic arm (robot R; Fig. 2) located proximate to the crate such that the robotic arm may couple to a first solar panel within the plurality of solar panels (Paras. [0057]-[0058]; Fig. 3), the robotic arm comprising:
a base (unnumbered portion of robot R adjacent to base structure B as shown in Fig. 2) that is secured to a floor (base structure B; Fig. 2) of the centralized solar table assembly factory (Para. [0053]);
an extending rod (unnumbered arm of robot R as shown in Fig. 2) coupled to the base, the extending rod extends away from the base (as shown in Fig. 2);
a securing element (gripper G; Fig. 5) coupled to the extending rod, the securing element couples to a first side of the first solar panel (Para. [0057]; Fig. 5); and
an assembly framework (support frame 3 and longitudinal beam 3; Para. [0049]; Fig. 1) for the robotic arm to load solar panels, the assembly framework is located within the centralized solar table assembly factory (under BRI, 7/8 is capable of being considered the centralized solar table assembly factory; alternatively, this is intended use in an assembly factory environment that is broadly claimed in which the assembly framework is assembled without further claim details) and proximate to the robotic arm (Paras. [0073]-[0081]; Figs. 6-20), the assembly framework comprising rails that support a properly aligned solar panel being loaded by the robotic arm (Para. [0076]);
Claim 2: wherein the crate guide supports the slipper holding the crate and wherein the crate contains the plurality solar panels in a predefined sequence and orientation (para. [0061]);
Claim 3: wherein the robotic arm provides the rotation motion and movement that allows the first solar panel to be loaded onto the assembly framework from a frontside, forward-facing aligned position (Paras. [0072]-[0081]; Figs. 5-20);
Claim 13: wherein the securing element comprises a clamp or a claw that can be secured to rails on the first solar panel (Para. [0072]; Fig. 5).
Di Stefano does not directly show:
Claim 1: a crate guide that supports at least one of a slipper and the crate holding the plurality of solar panels;
the robotic arm located proximate to the crate guide, the robotic comprising:
the extending rod is extended or shortened during an orientation process of the solar table;
a plurality of motors coupled within the robotic arm, the plurality of motors control movement of the extending rod and the securing element to provide rotational motion and movement within an x, y and z planes to enable proper orientation of the first solar panel; and
the assembly framework comprising a top rail and a bottom rail;
Claim 4: wherein the robotic arm provides the rotation motion and movement that allows the first solar panel to be loaded onto the assembly framework wherein a top edge of first solar panel rests on the top rail;
Claim 5: wherein the robotic arm provides the rotation motion and movement that allows the first solar panel to be loaded onto the assembly framework from a backside, forward-facing aligned position;
Claim 6: wherein a first motor, within the plurality of motors, provides vertical movement of the securing element;
Claim 7: wherein a second motor, within the plurality of motors, provides horizontal movement of the securing element;
Claim 8: wherein a third motor, within the plurality of motors, provides rotational motion of the securing element;
Claim 9: wherein a fourth motor, coupled within the plurality of motors, provides movement to enable a frontside, forward-facing orientation of the first solar panel and a backside, forward-facing orientation of the first solar panel.
Terabase Energy 501 shows a similar device having:
Claim 1: a slipper (solar module crate transport 110; Fig. 1) and a crate (solar module crate 220; Fig. 2) holding a plurality of solar panels (solar modules 230; Abstract and Para. [0026]; Fig. 2) and teaches that the tilted base is such that solar modules are less likely to fall off the transport or fall forward when other modules are removed and enables an installation crew to un-crate and leave the uncrated solar modules in the field until the installation crew is ready to install the modules; [Para. [0022]);
with a reasonable expectation of success for the purpose of preventing the solar panels from falling off or forward and allows the solar modules to left in the field until installed. Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Di Stefano as taught by Terabase Energy 501 and include Terabase Energy 501’s similar device having:
a slipper and a crate holding a plurality of solar panels;
with a reasonable expectation of success for the purpose of preventing the solar panels from falling off or forward and allows the solar modules to left in the field until installed.
Rosendin Electric shows a similar device having:
Claim 1: a plurality of motors and provide rotational motion and movement within an x, y and z planes (a system (Fig. 3) for orientating and loading a solar panel (Abstract) and teaches of a robotic (120; Fig. 1) comprising: a plurality of motors (not shown) coupled with the robotic arm (Para. [0052]), the plurality of motors control movement of the extending rod and the securing element to provide rotational motion and movement within an x, y and z planes to enable proper orientation of the first solar panel (Para. [0031]);
Claim 4: wherein the robotic arm provides the rotation motion and movement that allows the first solar panel to be loaded onto the assembly framework wherein a top edge of first solar panel rests on the top rail (Para. [0031]);
Claim 5: wherein the robotic arm provides the rotation motion and movement that allows the first solar panel to be loaded onto the assembly framework from a backside, forward-facing aligned position (para. [0031]; at least implicitly, “a 6-axis or a 7-axis robotic arm” requires multiple motion and movement with multiple motors);
Claim 6: wherein a first motor, within the plurality of motors, provides vertical movement of the securing element (para. [0031]; at least implicitly, “a 6-axis or a 7-axis robotic arm” requires multiple motion and movement with multiple motors);
Claim 7: wherein a second motor, within the plurality of motors, provides horizontal movement of the securing element (para. [0031]; at least implicitly, “a 6-axis or a 7-axis robotic arm” requires multiple motion and movement with multiple motors);
Claim 8: wherein a third motor, within the plurality of motors, provides rotational motion of the securing element (para. [0031]; at least implicitly, “a 6-axis or a 7-axis robotic arm” requires multiple motion and movement with multiple motors);
Claim 9: wherein a fourth motor, coupled within the plurality of motors, provides movement to enable a frontside, forward-facing orientation of the first solar panel and a backside, forward-facing orientation of the first solar panel (para. [0031]; at least implicitly, “a 6-axis or a 7-axis robotic arm” requires multiple motion and movement with multiple motors);
with a reasonable expectation of success for the purpose of enabling proper orientation of the first solar panel. Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Di Stefano as taught by Rosendin Electric and include Rosendin Electric’s similar device having:
Claim 1: a plurality of motors and provide rotational motion and movement within an x, y and z planes;
Claim 4: wherein the robotic arm provides the rotation motion and movement that allows the first solar panel to be loaded onto the assembly framework wherein a top edge of first solar panel rests on the top rail;
Claim 5: wherein the robotic arm provides the rotation motion and movement that allows the first solar panel to be loaded onto the assembly framework from a backside, forward-facing aligned position;
Claim 6: wherein a first motor, within the plurality of motors, provides vertical movement of the securing element;
Claim 7: wherein a second motor, within the plurality of motors, provides horizontal movement of the securing element;
Claim 8: wherein a third motor, within the plurality of motors, provides rotational motion of the securing element;
Claim 9: wherein a fourth motor, coupled within the plurality of motors, provides movement to enable a frontside, forward-facing orientation of the first solar panel and a backside, forward-facing orientation of the first solar panel;
with a reasonable expectation of success for the purpose of enabling proper orientation of the first solar panel.
Terabase Energy 912 shows a similar device having:
(Terabase Energy 912 teaches a system (Fig. 2) for orientating and loading a solar panel (410; Fig. 4) within a centralized solar table assembly factory (202; Abstract; Fig. 2) and teaches of an assembly framework (assembly unit 300; Fig. 3));
Claim 1: the assembly framework comprising a top rail (upper rail 350; Fig. 3) and a bottom rail (lower rail 360; Para. [0033]; Fig. 3);
with a reasonable expectation of success for the purpose of allowing the solar panels to move within the assembly unit to preferred coupling points at which they are coupled to the torque tube (para. [0035]). Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Di Stefano as taught by Terabase Energy 912 and include Terabase Energy 912’s similar device having:
Claim 1: the assembly framework comprising a top rail and a bottom rail;
with a reasonable expectation of success for the purpose of allowing the solar panels to move within the assembly unit to preferred coupling points at which they are coupled to the torque tube.
Zheng shows a similar device having:
Claim 1: the extending rod is extended or shortened during an orientation process of the solar table (9 is extended or shortened during multiple processes);
with a reasonable expectation of success for the purpose of enlarging the grasping space in which solar panels can be coupled to the securing element (“second electric telescopic rod 9, telescopic rod 16 the first electric azimuth adjustment motor 17 and the rotation motor 13 for enlarging the electric clamping jaws 8 grasping space” (English translation)). Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Di Stefano as taught by Zheng and include Zheng’s similar device having:
Claim 1: the extending rod is extended or shortened during an orientation process of the solar table;
with a reasonable expectation of success for the purpose of enlarging the grasping space in which solar panels can be coupled to the securing element.
Claims 10-12 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Di Stefano in view Terabase Energy 501, Rosendin Electric, Terabase Energy 912, and Nisshinbo Mechatronics Inc. (hereinafter referred to as Nisshinbo Mechatronics; US 2018/0138858 A1) and Zheng. Di Stefano discloses all the limitations of the claims as discussed above.
Di Stefano does not directly show:
Claim 10: wherein the securing element comprises a plurality of suction cups that couple to a surface of the first solar panel;
Claim 11: wherein the glass surface is on a frontside of the first solar panel;
Claim 12: wherein the glass surface is on a backside of the first solar panel.
Nisshinbo Mechatronics shows a similar device having:
Claim 10: wherein the securing element comprises a plurality of suction cups that couple to a glass surface of the first solar panel (in light of Para. [0048] and Fig. 1);
Claim 11: wherein the glass surface is on a frontside of the first solar panel (in light of Para. [0048] and Fig. 1);
Claim 12: wherein the glass surface is on a backside of the first solar panel (in light of Para. [0048] and Fig. 1);
with a reasonable expectation of success for the purpose of providing glass which has a protective layer. Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Di Stefano as taught by Nisshinbo Mechatronics and include Nisshinbo Mechatronics’s similar device having:
Claim 10: wherein the securing element comprises a plurality of suction cups that couple to a glass surface of the first solar panel;
Claim 11: wherein the glass surface is on a frontside of the first solar panel;
Claim 12: wherein the glass surface is on a backside of the first solar panel;
with a reasonable expectation of success for the purpose of providing glass which has a protective layer.
Claim(s) 14 and 18-20 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over US 2023/0163720 A1 to Di Stefano et al. (hereinafter referred to as Di Stefano) in view of US 2024/0078501 Al to Terabase Energy, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as Terabase Energy 501) and further in view of US 2017/0313470 A1 to Britcher et al. (hereinafter referred to as Britcher) and further in view of US 2023/0238912 Al to Terabase Energy, Inc (hereinafter referred to as Terabase Energy 912) and Zheng.
Regarding Claim 14, Di Stefano teaches a system (Fig. 2) for orientating and loading a solar panel (P; Fig. 3) within a centralized solar table assembly factory (transportable station 51/81; Paras. [0052] and [0081]; Fig. 2), the system comprising:
a crate guide (crate: containers C2; Fig. 3; guide: 90/91; para. [0056]/[0060]/[0062]; alternatively, 11, para. [0055], FIG. 1-2) holding a plurality of solar panels (Para. [0057]);
a robotic arm (robot R; Fig. 2) located proximate to the crate guide such that the robotic arm may couple to a first solar panel within the plurality of solar panels (Paras. [0057]-[0058]; Fig. 3), the robotic arm comprising:
a base (unnumbered portion of robot R adjacent to base structure B as shown in Fig. 2) that is secured to a floor (base structure B; Fig. 2) of the centralized solar table assembly factory (Para. [0053]);
an extending rod (unnumbered arm of robot R as shown in Fig. 2) coupled to the base, the extending rod extends away from the base (as shown in Fig. 2);
a securing element (gripper G; Fig. 5) coupled to the extending rod, the securing element couples to a first side of the first solar panel (Para. [0057]; Fig. 5); and
an assembly framework (support frame 3 and longitudinal beam 3; Para. [0049]; Fig. 1) located within the centralized solar table assembly factory (under BRI, 7/8 is capable of being considered the centralized solar table assembly factory; alternatively, this is intended use in an assembly factory environment that is broadly claimed in which the assembly framework is assembled without further claim details) and proximate to the robotic arm (Paras. [0073]-[0081]; Figs. 6-20), the assembly framework comprising rails that support a properly aligned solar panel being loaded by the robotic arm (Para. [0076]);
Claim 18: wherein the securing element comprises a clamp or a claw that can be secured to rails on the first solar panel (Para. [0072]; Fig. 5);
Claim 19: wherein the crate guide supports the slipper holding the crate and wherein the crate contains the plurality solar panels in a predefined sequence and orientation (Para. [0061]).
Di Stefano does not directly show:
Claim 14: a crate guide that supports at least one of a slipper and the crate holding the plurality of solar panels;
the robotic comprising:
the extending rod is extended or shortened during an orientation process of the solar table;
a plurality of motors coupled within the robotic arm, the plurality of motors control movement of the extending rod and the securing element; and
a flipping station that is positioned proximate to the robotic arm, the flipping station allows the robotic arm to decouple from the first solar panel, support the decoupled first solar panel, and enable the robotic arm to recouple to the first solar panel at a different side of the first solar table to enable proper orientation of the first solar panel; and
the assembly framework comprising a top rail and a bottom rail;
Claim 20: wherein the decoupling and recoupling of the securing element to the first solar panel enables a frontside, forward-facing orientation of the first solar panel or a backside, forward-facing orientation of the first solar panel.
Terabase Energy 501 shows a similar device having:
Claim 14: a slipper (solar module crate transport 110; Fig. 1) and a crate (solar module crate 220; Fig. 2) holding a plurality of solar panels (solar modules 230; Abstract and Para. [0026]; Fig. 2) and teaches that the tilted base is such that solar modules are less likely to fall off the transport or fall forward when other modules are removed and enables an installation crew to un-crate and leave the uncrated solar modules in the field until the installation crew is ready to install the modules; [Para. [0022]);
with a reasonable expectation of success for the purpose of preventing the solar panels from falling off or forward and allows the solar modules to left in the field until installed. Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Di Stefano as taught by Terabase Energy 501 and include Terabase Energy 501’s similar device having:
a slipper and a crate holding a plurality of solar panels;
with a reasonable expectation of success for the purpose of preventing the solar panels from falling off or forward and allows the solar modules to left in the field until installed.
Britcher shows a similar device having:
(a system (robotic inverter/transfer station 614 and 618; Figs. 16 and 17) for orientating and loading a solar panel (PV modules 104; Abstract; Fig. 17))
Claim 14: a flipping station (platform tilt mechanism/ stationary rocker platform 624; Para. [0104]; Figs. 16 and 17) that is positioned proximate to the robotic arm (transfer carriage pivot arm assembly 628; Para. [0102]; Fig. 16), the flipping station allows the robotic arm to decouple from the first solar panel (para. [0109]), support the decoupled first solar panel (para. [0109]), and enable the robotic arm to recouple to the first solar panel to enable proper orientation of the first solar panel (Para. [0110]; where the arm assembly 628 is able to recouple to the first solar panel by simply raising the arm assembly 628);
Claim 20: wherein the decoupling and recoupling of the securing element to the first solar panel enables a frontside, forward-facing orientation of the first solar panel or a backside, forward-facing orientation of the first solar panel (Para. [0108]);
with a reasonable expectation of success for the purpose of orienting the solar panel as needed. Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Di Stefano as taught by Britcher and include Britcher’s similar device having:
Claim 14: a flipping station that is positioned proximate to the robotic arm, the flipping station allows the robotic arm to decouple from the first solar panel, support the decoupled first solar panel, and enable the robotic arm to recouple to the first solar panel to enable proper orientation of the first solar panel;
Claim 20: wherein the decoupling and recoupling of the securing element to the first solar panel enables a frontside, forward-facing orientation of the first solar panel or a backside, forward-facing orientation of the first solar panel;
with a reasonable expectation of success for the purpose of orienting the solar panel as needed.
Terabase Energy 912 shows a similar device having:
(Terabase Energy 912 teaches a system (Fig. 2) for orientating and loading a solar panel (410; Fig. 4) within a centralized solar table assembly factory (202; Abstract; Fig. 2) and teaches of an assembly framework (assembly unit 300; Fig. 3));
Claim 14: the assembly framework comprising a top rail (upper rail 350; Fig. 3) and a bottom rail (lower rail 360; Para. [0033]; Fig. 3);
with a reasonable expectation of success for the purpose of allowing the solar panels to move within the assembly unit to preferred coupling points at which they are coupled to the torque tube (para. [0035]). Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Di Stefano as taught by Terabase Energy 912 and include Terabase Energy 912’s similar device having:
Claim 14: the assembly framework comprising a top rail and a bottom rail;
with a reasonable expectation of success for the purpose of allowing the solar panels to move within the assembly unit to preferred coupling points at which they are coupled to the torque tube.
Zheng shows a similar device having:
Claim 1: the extending rod is extended or shortened during an orientation process of the solar table (9 is extended or shortened during multiple processes);
with a reasonable expectation of success for the purpose of enlarging the grasping space in which solar panels can be coupled to the securing element (“second electric telescopic rod 9, telescopic rod 16 the first electric azimuth adjustment motor 17 and the rotation motor 13 for enlarging the electric clamping jaws 8 grasping space” (English translation)). Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Di Stefano as taught by Zheng and include Zheng’s similar device having:
Claim 1: the extending rod is extended or shortened during an orientation process of the solar table;
with a reasonable expectation of success for the purpose of enlarging the grasping space in which solar panels can be coupled to the securing element.
Claims 15-17 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Di Stefano in view Terabase Energy 501, Rosendin Electric, Terabase Energy 912, Nisshinbo Mechatronics, Britcher, and Zheng. Di Stefano discloses all the limitations of the claims as discussed above.
Di Stefano does not directly show:
Claim 15: wherein the securing element comprises a plurality of suction cups that couple to a glass surface of the first solar panel;
Claim 16: wherein the glass surface is on a frontside of the first solar panel;
Claim 17: wherein the glass surface is on a backside of the first solar panel.
Rosendin Electric shows a similar device having:
Claim 15: wherein the securing element comprises a plurality of suction cups that couple to a surface of the first solar panel (Para. [0033]).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Di Stefano as taught by Rosendin Electric and include Rosendin Electric’s similar device having:
Claim 15: wherein the securing element comprises a plurality of suction cups that couple to a surface of the first solar panel;
with a reasonable expectation of success for the purpose of providing suction cups securely grip the surface but do not scratch the surface.
Nisshinbo Mechatronics shows a similar device having:
Claim 15: glass surface (in light of Para. [0048] and Fig. 1);
Claim 16: wherein the glass surface is on a frontside of the first solar panel (in light of Para. [0048] and Fig. 1);
Claim 17: wherein the glass surface is on a backside of the first solar panel (in light of Para. [0048] and Fig. 1);
with a reasonable expectation of success for the purpose of providing glass which has a protective layer. Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Di Stefano as taught by Nisshinbo Mechatronics and include Nisshinbo Mechatronics’s similar device having:
Claim 15: glass surface;
Claim 16: wherein the glass surface is on a frontside of the first solar panel;
Claim 17: wherein the glass surface is on a backside of the first solar panel;
with a reasonable expectation of success for the purpose of providing glass which has a protective layer.
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s arguments, see pp. 7-11, filed 28 April 2026, with respect to the rejection(s) of claim(s) 1-20 in combination with the previous rejections and new limitation, the extending rod is extended or shortened during an orientation process of the solar table and 112(b) rejections, have been fully considered and are persuasive. Therefore, the rejections have been withdrawn. However, upon further consideration, a new ground(s) of rejection is made in view of the previously applied prior art and Zheng.
Applicant's arguments filed 28 April 2026 re. the location of the centralized solar table assembly factory have been fully considered but they are not persuasive. Under BRI, 7/8 in Di Stefano is capable of being considered the centralized solar table assembly factory. Alternatively, this is intended use in an assembly factory environment that is broadly claimed in which the assembly framework is assembled without further claim details.
Conclusion
Applicant's amendment necessitated the new ground(s) of rejection presented in this Office action. Accordingly, THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. See MPEP § 706.07(a). 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 Gerald McClain whose telephone number is (571)272-7803. The examiner can normally be reached Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and at gerald.mcclain@uspto.gov (see MPEP 502.03 (II)).
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Saul Rodriguez can be reached at (571) 272-7097. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/Gerald McClain/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 3652