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 .
Examiner’s Comment(s)
In response to applicant’s arguments dated 05/13/2026, applicants argue that a first counter is used for a line current and rotational speed (for relative claims 2 and 18 of claims 1-18). Applicant’s work machine control system figs.2 (first embodiment), 22 (second embodiment), 27-28 (third and fourth embodiment) does not show a first counter among the battery counter (relating to current, mentioned in spec, para. [0068], overload counter Co (relating to temperature, mentioned in spec., para’s [0108], [0130], [0161], [0164], motor drive counter Cd and motor stop counter Cs (spec., para. [0111]).
As to claims 2 and 18, based on arguments examiner request clarification how the first counter (which counter) is utilized in the applicant’s chainsaw (claim1), electric work machine electrical configuration (claims 2-17, relative figs.2, 22, 27-28) and method claim 18 and relative figs.3-11, 23-25 among the figs 1-28) for the phrase “increase a first counter based on the line current value acquired or estimated being greater than a current threshold;
decrease the first counter based on the rotational speed calculated being greater than a speed threshold”. Based on the applicant’s arguments, since the first counter, second counter and overload counter (mentioned in claims 1-18) is not shown in applicant’s control system figs. 2, 22 & 27-28 the drawings are objected and request corresponding correction without adding new matter.
Drawings
The drawings are objected to under 37 CFR 1.83(a). The drawings must show every feature of the invention specified in the claims. Therefore, (see Examiner’s comment(s), the battery counter, the first counter, second counter and overload counter (mentioned in claims 1-18) is not shown and referenced (in applicant’s work machine control system figs. 2, 22 & 27-28) relating to the limitations of claims 1-18 and must be shown or the feature(s) canceled from the claim(s). No new matter should be entered.
Corrected drawing sheets in compliance with 37 CFR 1.121(d) are required in reply to the Office action to avoid abandonment of the application. Any amended replacement drawing sheet should include all of the figures appearing on the immediate prior version of the sheet, even if only one figure is being amended. The figure or figure number of an amended drawing should not be labeled as “amended.” If a drawing figure is to be canceled, the appropriate figure must be removed from the replacement sheet, and where necessary, the remaining figures must be renumbered and appropriate changes made to the brief description of the several views of the drawings for consistency. Additional replacement sheets may be necessary to show the renumbering of the remaining figures. Each drawing sheet submitted after the filing date of an application must be labeled in the top margin as either “Replacement Sheet” or “New Sheet” pursuant to 37 CFR 1.121(d). If the changes are not accepted by the examiner, the applicant will be notified and informed of any required corrective action in the next Office action. The objection to the drawings will not be held in abeyance.
Claim Rejections – 35 USC § 102
The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action:
A person shall be entitled to a patent unless –
(a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
Claim(s) 2 and 18 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102 (a)(1) as being anticipated by Norell et al. (US Pub.No.: US 2010/0083457 A1 and Norell hereinafter.)
As to claim 2, An electric work machine comprising: a motor configured to receive a power from a power supply to be driven; and a first control circuit configured to:
acquire or estimate a line current value, the line current value corresponding to a magnitude of a current flowing through the motor;
calculate a rotational speed of the motor;
increase a first counter based on the line current value acquired or estimated being greater than a current threshold;
decrease the first counter based on the rotational speed calculated being greater than a speed threshold; and
stop the motor based on the first counter exceeding a first threshold.
(As to claim 2, Norell teaches (figs.1-2, para’s [0044], [0045],[0046], [0047]) an electric work machine [vacuum cleaner 100] comprising:
a motor 200 (see fig.3A, para. [0047]-[0048], motor stator windings 580, 582, see figs.6-7) configured to receive a power from a power supply [battery/DC input] (see figs.6-7, para. [0048], [0064]-[0065]) to be driven; and a first control circuit [500] (fig.6, para.[0068], [0091]) configured to:
using a controller 512 (figs.6-7, para. [0068], [0091], [0105]) via control step 820/840 (13B, 13D) acquire by measuring a line current value [current Amps] (fig.13C, 13E) the line current value [current Amps] (fig.13C, 13E) corresponding to a magnitude of a current flowing through the motor 200 (see para’s [0086], 36 amps, see [0089], [0125]);
controller [512] (fig.6) calculate/determine a rotational speed of the motor 200 (see figs.12A, control steps 742, 746; fig.12B, control step 766, para. [0109]-[0110]);
increase a first counter (increase Count [control processing 826], fig.13B) based on the line current value [current Amps] (fig.13C, 13E) acquired being greater than a current threshold [Exceed threshold] (control processing 822, Yes, see fig.13B, para. [0130] or see fig.13F, control steps 862, 866, para. [0136]));
decrease the first counter [decrement counter] (see control step 734, fig.12A) based on the rotational speed calculated being greater than a speed threshold [Speed > S1] (see fig.12A, control steps 724, 730, para’s [0109], [0110], [0111]); and
stop the motor based on the first counter exceeding a first threshold (see control steps 870, 872, fig.13F, Norell teaches count value X where five consecutive measurements above the threshold triggers a fault condition, where the motor phases are shut off, see para’s [0136]-[0141]; Norell teaches “motor stops and enters a fault state if the current continues to rise above the maximum threshold…”, see para. [0125]; Norell teaches “if the count value is reached, a fault occurs. The motor is thus shut off, see para. [0114]).
As to claim 18, A method for controlling a motor, the method comprising:
increasing a counter based on a line current value being greater than a current threshold, the line current value corresponding to a magnitude of a current flowing through the motor;
decreasing the counter based on a rotational speed of the motor being greater than a speed threshold; and
stopping the motor based on the counter exceeding a counter threshold.
(As to claim 18, Norell teaches (figs.1-14, para’s [0021], [0064], [0070]-[0088], [0130] thru [0141]) a method for controlling a motor 200 (fig.3A, 6-7), the method (see figs.8C, 12A-12B, 13D-13F) comprising:
increasing a first counter (increase Count [control processing 826], see fig.13B) based on the line current value [current Amps] (fig.13C, 13E) acquired being greater than a current threshold [Exceed threshold] (control processing 822, Yes, see fig.13B, para. [0130] or see fig.13F, control steps 862, 866, para. [0136]));
a controller 512 (figs.6-7, para. [0068], [0091]) via control processing 820/840 (13B, 13D) acquire by measuring a line current value [current Amps] (fig.13C, 13E) the line current value [current Amps] (fig.13C, 13E) corresponding to a magnitude of a current flowing through the motor 200 (see para’s [0086], [0089], [0125]);
decreasing the first counter [decrement counter] (see control step 734, fig.12A) based on the rotational speed calculated being greater than a speed threshold [Speed > S1] (see fig.12A, control steps 724, 730, para’s [0109], [0110], [0111]); and
stopping the motor 200 based on the first counter exceeding a first threshold (see control steps 870, 872, fig.13F, Norell teaches count value X where five consecutive measurements above the threshold triggers a fault condition, where the motor phases are shut off, see para’s [0136]-[0141]; Norell teaches “motor stops and enters a fault state if the current continues to rise above the maximum threshold…”, see para. [0125]; Norell teaches “if the count value is reached, a fault occurs. The motor is thus shut off, see para. [0114]).
Allowable Subject-Matter
Claim 1 is allowed.
Claims 3-17 are objected to as being dependent upon a rejected base claim, but would be allowable if rewritten in independent form including all of the limitations of the base claim and any intervening claims.
The following is a statement of reasons for the indication of allowable subject matter: As to claim 1, The prior art of records (Norell) fails to teach add an addition value to an overload counter based on the line current value being greater than a current threshold; subtract a subtraction value from the overload counter based on the actual rotational speed being greater than a speed threshold; (i) stop the motor and (ii) increase a first count based on the overload counter being equal to or more than a counter threshold; increase the subtraction value according to an increase in the actual rotational speed based on the actual rotational speed being greater than 0; and decrease the subtraction value according to an increase in the first count based on the actual rotational speed being less than 0.
As to claim 3, The prior art of records (Norell) fails to teach the first control circuit is configured to change a decrease rate of the first counter according to the rotational speed calculated by the first control circuit. Claim 4 depend on allowable claim 3.
As to claim 5, The prior art of records (Norell) fails to teach the first control circuit is configured to: select the first correspondence data based on the battery pack including the first battery; select the second correspondence data based on the battery pack including the second battery; and decrease the first counter based on the first correspondence data selected or the second correspondence data selected. Claims 6-7 depend on allowable subject-matter of claim 5.
As to claim 8, The prior art of records (Norell) fails to teach the first control circuit is configured to decrease a decrease rate of the first counter according to an increase in count of stopping the motor based on the first counter exceeding the first threshold.
As to claim 9, The prior art of records (Norell) fails to teach the first control circuit is configured to: stop decreasing the first counter based on a first time having reached a first time threshold during rotation of the motor, the first time corresponding to a time elapsed from starting to decrease the first counter during rotation of the motor.
As to claim 10, The prior art of records (Norell) fails to teach the first control circuit is configured (11) to stop decreasing the first counter based on a second time having reached a second time threshold during stop of the motor, the second time corresponding to a time elapsed from starting to decrease the first counter during stop of the motor.
As to claim 11, The prior art of records (Norell) fails to teach the first control circuit is configured to calculate the speed threshold based on a power supply voltage value and/or the voltage command value, the power supply voltage value corresponding to a magnitude of a power supply voltage output from the power supply. Claims 12-13 depend on allowable claim 11.
As to claim 14, The prior art of records (Norell) fails to teach a voltage detection circuit configured to detect a motor voltage value, the motor voltage value corresponding to a magnitude of a voltage input to the motor, wherein the first control circuit is configured to calculate the speed threshold based on the motor voltage value detected by the voltage detection circuit. Claim 15 depend on allowable claim 14.
As to claim 16, The prior art of records (Norell) fails to teach the first control circuit is configured to calculate a decrease rate of the first counter based on the first counter. Claim 17 depend on allowable claim 16.
Citation of pertinent prior art
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. Norell et al. (US Pub.No.: US 2010/0083462 A1) teaches (figs.1-24, abstract) system and method of controlling an SR motor for a vacuum system.
Applicant’s arguments
Applicant's arguments (see Remarks) filed 05/13/2026 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive.
Applicant’s arguments:
Applicants argue in page 2 of remarks that the rejection shows different variables from different routines in Norell are being combined to read the claimed first counter).
Examiner’s response:
In response to applicant’s arguments dated 05/13/2026, applicants argue that a first counter is used for a line current and rotational speed (for relative claims 2 and 18 of claims 1-18). Applicant’s work machine electrical configuration (control system figs.2 (first embodiment), 22 (second embodiment), 27-28 (third and fourth embodiment) does not show a first counter among the battery counter (relating to current, mentioned in spec, para. [0068], overload counter Co (relating to temperature, mentioned in spec., para’s [0108], [0130], [0161], [0164], motor drive counter Cd and motor stop counter Cs (spec., para. [0111]).
As to claims 2 and 18, based on arguments examiner request clarification how the first counter is utilized in the applicant’s electric work machine electrical configuration (claims 2-17, relative figs. 2, 22, 27-28) and method claim 18 and relative figs.3-11, 23-25 among the figs 1-28) for the phrase “increase a first counter based on the line current value acquired or estimated being greater than a current threshold;
decrease the first counter based on the rotational speed calculated being greater than a speed threshold”.
In regard to claims 2 and 18, examiner request clarification how the first counter and which counter is utilized for the phrase, “increase a first counter based on the line current value acquired or estimated being greater than a current threshold;
decrease the first counter based on the rotational speed calculated being greater than a speed threshold” in a single method fig. among the relative method figs.3-11, 23-25.
The battery counter, first counter, second counter and overload counter (mentioned in claims 1-18) is not shown and referenced in applicant’s control system figs. 2, 22 & 27-28 with respect to relative line current and speed.
Applicant’s argument:
Applicants argue (see page 2 of remarks) Claims 2 and 18 require the same first counter that performs all three functions: it is increased based on current, decreased based on speed, and used to stop the motor when the counter exceeds a threshold. Norell does not disclose a single counter having that integrated functionality.
Applicants also argue (see page 3 of remarks) Norell still does not disclose a single counter that is both increased based on current and decreased based on speed and that also serves as the stopping criterion.
Examiner’s response:
As to claims 2 and 18, the above underlined limitations (the same first counter that performs all three functions: a single counter having that integrated functionality. a single counter that is both increased based on current and decreased based on speed and that also serves as the stopping criterion” is not part of the claim language.
In regard to claims 2 and 18, examiner request clarification how the first counter and which counter is utilized for the phrase, “increase a first counter based on the line current value acquired or estimated being greater than a current threshold;
decrease the first counter based on the rotational speed calculated being greater than a speed threshold” in a single method fig. among the relative method figs.3-11, 23-25.
The battery counter, first counter, second counter and overload counter (mentioned in claims 1-18) is not shown and referenced in applicant’s control system figs. 2, 22 & 27-28 with respect to relative line current and speed.
As to claims 2 and 18, Norell et. al. teaches a counter is used for counting for relative controlling of the motor (motor 200, figs.1, 6-7) and Norell teaches motor is shutoff when count is reached (see para. [0114]) and said counter is also used for counting for example increase count (step 826, fig.13B or step 846, fig.13D or step 866, fig.13F) when corresponding current exceed threshold (step 822/842//862, see figs.13B/13D/13F, see para’s [0130]).
Norell et. al. teaches a counter is used for counting for relative controlling of the motor (motor 200, figs.1, 6-7, para. [0114]) and counter is used for monitoring speed (see fig.12A, para’s [0114], [0117], [0119]) and Norell teaches decrement counter [step 734] when speed >S1 (step 724, see fig.12A).
Norell et al. teaches stopping the motor 200 based on the first counter exceeding a first threshold (see control steps 870, 872, fig.13F, Norell teaches count value X where five consecutive measurements above the threshold triggers a fault condition, where the motor phases are shut off, see para’s [0136]-[0141]; Norell teaches “motor stops and enters a fault state if the current continues to rise above the maximum threshold…”, see para. [0125]; Norell teaches “if the count value is reached, a fault occurs. The motor is thus shut off, see para. [0114]).
As to claims 2 and 18, examiner request applicants to refer to the detailed explanation is given in the 35 USC 102 rejection.
Conclusion
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 ANTONY M PAUL whose telephone number is (571)270-1608. The examiner can normally be reached M-F 8 am to 4 pm.
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, Mr. Eduardo Colon Santana can be reached at 571-272-2060. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/ANTONY M PAUL/
Primary Examiner of Art Unit 2837
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