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 .
Status of Claims
Amendment to the Claims was filed on 6/25/2026.
Claim 2 was canceled. Claim 18 was newly added.
Claims 1 and 3-18 are currently pending.
Response to Arguments
Applicant's arguments filed 8/25/2026 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive.
Applicant argues that 4’ and 7 are not setting discs. Examiner respectfully disagrees. 4’ and 7 are both cylindrical and have flat tops and bottoms, such as discs. Each setting disc (4’ and 7) has an extension (19 and 7) at the end portion of the discs that have a surface (19 and 7) that corresponds to the other surface (see fig. 9). At the point of contact between the surfaces (19 and 7) the surfaces lie flat against each other. The movement of one surface creates a lifting movement of the other surface and its setting disc.
The setting discs and their corresponding surfaces are broadly stated in Claim 1. Additionally, the Application’s figures indicate that disc 7 and 9 include a cylinder with an extension that are one single element. The extension has a sloped surface. This is similar to Nobili discs 4’ and 7 and their extensions with sloped surfaces 19 and 7, respectively.
Finally, the Claims do not state how far the sloped surfaces extend. However, newly added claim 18 includes this limitation. The combination of Nobili and Xia meet that newly added claim limitation.
Information Disclosure Statement
The information disclosure statements filed on 8/25/2026 is acknowledged by the examiner.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
The text of those sections of Title 35, U.S. Code not included in this action can be found in a prior Office action.
Claims 1-17 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) as being anticipated by Nobili US PG PUB 20230062715 (“Nobili”).
Regarding Claim 1, Nobili discloses a valve (1) with a valve housing (2), a main valve (G, para 0063-0070) and a pilot valve (3, para 0067), which can be actuated via a push-push mechanism (2b, 4”, 26, 27, 30), for adjusting the main valve between an open (position A, para 0043) and a closed (position B, para 0043) position, wherein the valve (1) includes two setting discs (7, 4’), which act on the push-push mechanism (2b, 4”, 26, 27, 30), from the outside and which are arranged to be rotatable relative to each other (the claim does not state that each disc rotates, it merely states that the discs rotate relative to each other; thus if one disc rotates and the other disc is stationary, the claim limitation is met) for setting the open position (para 0047, a second actuating member 5 rotatable about the longitudinal axis X to vary the opening position A of the shutter arrangement 3 so as to adjust a flow rate of the water flow exiting the valve body 2, 2a, 2b, 2c”), wherein the setting disks (7, 4’) have surfaces (distal end of 7 that has a sloped surface and distal end of 19 that has the rounded sloped surface that cooperates with the sloped surface of 7) being designed to correspond with each other (see fig. 9), so that they lie flat against each other, and wherein the two setting discs (4’, 7) form a pair of lifting discs (movement of one surface creates a lifting movement of the other surface and its setting disc)(para 0113 “ the first actuating member 4′, a follower relief 19 is obtained that is configured to be in contact with, and follow, the profile of the shaped edge 7.”)
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NOBILI – ANNOTATED FIGURE 1 and FIGURES 9 and 10
Regarding Claim 3, Nobili discloses each of the two setting discs (7, 4’) have surfaces that are inclined (see fig. 7; projection 19 is inclined and not flat on both sides).
Regarding Claim 4, Nobili discloses each of the two setting discs (7, 20 has projection 19) each have two surfaces (fig. 9 illustrates two sloped surfaces on each setting disc)(7 and 19 interact to set the closing travel distance of the pilot 3)(para 0113 “The profile of the shaped edge 7 is geometrically configured such that the rotation of the second actuating member 5 determines a displacement of the aforesaid follower relief 19 and consequently an axial displacement of the first actuating element 4′ along the longitudinal axis X, so as to regulate the opening position A of the shutter arrangement 3.”).
Regarding Claim 5, Nobili discloses stops (ann. fig. 1) for limiting the rotary movement are arranged between the surfaces (7, 19) of each of the two setting discs (7, 4’).
Regarding Claim 6, Nobili discloses the setting discs (7, 4’) are arranged on a setting attachment (2a) that is detachably mounted (ann. fig. 1 illustrates the detachable mount) on at least one of the valve housing (2b), via which the open position (position A, para 0043) can be set to regulate a flow rate (para 0047, a second actuating member 5 rotatable about the longitudinal axis X to vary the opening position A of the shutter arrangement 3 so as to adjust a flow rate of the water flow exiting the valve body 2, 2a, 2b, 2c”).
Regarding Claim 7, Nobili discloses the push-push mechanism (2b, 4”, 26, 27, 30), is operable via the setting attachment (2a).
Regarding Claim 8, Nobili discloses a manual control element (5, 6), wherein the push-push mechanism (2b, 4”, 26, 27, 30), is operable by pressing the manual control element (5, 6) and the open position (position A, para 0043) can be set by rotating the manual control element (5, 6).
Regarding Claim 9, Nobili discloses one of the two setting discs (7, 4’) is detachably connected to the push-push mechanism (2b, 4”, 26, 27, 30).
Regarding Claim 10, Nobili discloses one of the two setting discs (7) is arranged at the manual control element (5, 6) (para 0144, “The second control element 6C is suitable for receiving a rotation action by the user and is configured to engage with the second actuating member 5 (actuating ferrule element 5) to allow adjusting the flow rate of the water to be delivered.”).
Regarding Claim 11, Nobili discloses the one of the two setting discs (7) is connected to the manual control element (element 5 of manual control element 5, 6) in one piece.
Regarding Claim 12, Nobili discloses the manual control element (5, 6) is connected to the valve housing (2a) (para 0118, “The rotation of the second actuating member 5, which can be called ferrule element 5 for convenience, is limited thanks to a protrusion 37 obtained on the latter and which projects to engage with an eyelet 38 obtained on the first portion 2a of the valve body. The eyelet 38 extends around the X axis circumferentially for a given angular tract.”).
Regarding Claim 13, Nobili discloses the manual control element (5, 6) is connected to the valve housing (2a) (para 0118, “The rotation of the second actuating member 5, which can be called ferrule element 5 for convenience, is limited thanks to a protrusion 37 obtained on the latter and which projects to engage with an eyelet 38 obtained on the first portion 2a of the valve body. The eyelet 38 extends around the X axis circumferentially for a given angular tract.”) in such a way that it can be moved axially in the direction (X direction) of the push-push mechanism (2b, 4”, 26, 27, 30) against the force of a tensioning spring (27) and is rotatable relative to the valve housing (2)(para 0078-0080, “[0078] Each of said first actuating element 4′ and second actuation element 4″ has an elongated shape, extends along the axis X and is defined by a narrow upper part, substantially cylindrical, with a small diameter, and an enlarged lower part, with a larger diameter, extending circularly and transversally with respect to the aforesaid longitudinal axis X. [0079] The second actuating element 4″ is fitted on the housing chamber 24 of the second portion 2b of valve body and can slide with respect thereto. [0080] In other words, the housing chamber 24 penetrates into the enlarged lower part of the second actuating element 4″ inside which a return spring 27 is provided and arranged to urge the first actuating member 4 away from the second portion 2b of valve body. In other words, the return spring 27 urges the first actuating member 4 upwards (i.e., towards the control member 6) with reference to the enclosed figures.”).
Regarding Claim 14, Nobili discloses the manual operating element (5, 6) has latching elements (37) which are latched to a latching structure (38) arranged on the valve housing (2a).
Regarding Claim 15, Nobili discloses the latching elements (38) are formed on resilient tongues.
Regarding Claim 16, Nobili discloses the latching structure (38) is designed in the form of a circumferential latching collar.
Regarding Claim 17, Nobili discloses the pilot valve (3) has a pilot control element (31) coupled to the push-push mechanism (2b, 4”, 26, 27, 30) configured to be switched back and forth in a bistable manner between two end positions (open position A and closed position C, para 0043) via operation of the push-push mechanism to thereby adjust the main valve (G) between the open (position A) and the closed position (position C), and wherein the two setting discs (4’, 7) are arranged to be rotatable relative to each other to steplessly set the open position (A)(para 0047, a second actuating member 5 rotatable about the longitudinal axis X to vary the opening position A of the shutter arrangement 3 so as to adjust a flow rate of the water flow exiting the valve body 2, 2a, 2b, 2c”).
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
The factual inquiries for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows:
1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art.
2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue.
3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.
4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness.
This application currently names joint inventors. In considering patentability of the claims the examiner presumes that the subject matter of the various claims was commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the claimed invention(s) absent any evidence to the contrary. Applicant is advised of the obligation under 37 CFR 1.56 to point out the inventor and effective filing dates of each claim that was not commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the later invention in order for the examiner to consider the applicability of 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) for any potential 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) prior art against the later invention.
Claim 18 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Nobili US PG PUB 20230062715 (“Nobili”) in view of Xia CN208687007U (“Xia”) (Translation provided by Applicant on 8/25/2026).
Nobili discloses the claimed invention, except the surfaces of the setting discs are coplanar, and wherein the surface of each setting disc extends circumferentially about a central axis of the valve.
Xia teaches the surfaces of the setting discs (31, 51) are coplanar, and wherein a surface of each setting disc (31, 51, see fig. 3) extends circumferentially about a central axis of a valve.
It would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art at a time prior to the effective filing date to have modified the setting disc protrusion with two surfaces that each partially extends circumferentially about a central axis, as disclosed by Nobili, with two surface that combined extend circumferentially about a central axis, as taught by Xia, for the purpose of creating a smooth and gradual movement between the different valve positions.
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 Daphne Barry whose telephone number is (571)272-9966 and fax number is (571) 273-9966. The examiner can normally be reached on Monday through Friday 9 AM-6 PM (eastern).
If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor either Kenneth Rinehart can be reached at (571) 272-4881 or Craig Schneider can be reached at (571) 272-3607. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/DAPHNE BARRY/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 3753
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