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
Response to Amendment
This is a reply to the request for Continued Examination (RCE) filed on 4/1/2026, in which Claim(s) 1-15 are presented for examination.
Continued Examination Under 37 CFR 1.114
A request for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, including the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e), was filed in this application after final rejection. Since this application is eligible for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, and the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e) has been timely paid, the finality of the previous Office action has been withdrawn pursuant to 37 CFR 1.114. Applicant's submission filed on 4/1/2026 has been entered.
Information Disclosure Statement
The information disclosure statement (IDS) submitted on 1/20/2026 was filed after the mailing date of the Final Rejection on 1/16/2026. The submission is in compliance with the provisions of 37 CFR 1.97. Accordingly, the information disclosure statement is being considered by the examiner.
Response to Argument
Claim Rejections - 35 U.S.C. § 102 and 35 U.S.C. § 103:
Applicant’s arguments with respect to the rejection of claim(s) 1-15 have been considered but are moot in view of the new ground(s) of rejection.
Claim Interpretation
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(f):
(f) Element in Claim for a Combination. – An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof.
The following is a quotation of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph:
An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof.
The claims in this application are given their broadest reasonable interpretation using the plain meaning of the claim language in light of the specification as it would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The broadest reasonable interpretation of a claim element (also commonly referred to as a claim limitation) is limited by the description in the specification when 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is invoked.
As explained in MPEP § 2181, subsection I, claim limitations that meet the following three-prong test will be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph:
(A) the claim limitation uses the term “means” or “step” or a term used as a substitute for “means” that is a generic placeholder (also called a nonce term or a non-structural term having no specific structural meaning) for performing the claimed function;
(B) the term “means” or “step” or the generic placeholder is modified by functional language, typically, but not always linked by the transition word “for” (e.g., “means for”) or another linking word or phrase, such as “configured to” or “so that”; and
(C) the term “means” or “step” or the generic placeholder is not modified by sufficient structure, material, or acts for performing the claimed function.
Use of the word “means” (or “step”) in a claim with functional language creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. The presumption that the claim limitation is interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is rebutted when the claim limitation recites sufficient structure, material, or acts to entirely perform the recited function.
Absence of the word “means” (or “step”) in a claim creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is not to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. The presumption that the claim limitation is not interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is rebutted when the claim limitation recites function without reciting sufficient structure, material or acts to entirely perform the recited function.
Claim limitations in this application that use the word “means” (or “step”) are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, except as otherwise indicated in an Office action. Conversely, claim limitations in this application that do not use the word “means” (or “step”) are not being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, except as otherwise indicated in an Office action.
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: “receiving means for…”, “coupling means of…”, “communication means of…”, “by means of…”, “configured to…” in claims 1-15.
Because this/these claim limitation(s) is/are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, it/they is/are being interpreted to cover the corresponding structure described in the specification as performing the claimed function, and equivalents thereof.
If applicant does not intend to have this/these limitation(s) interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, applicant may: (1) amend the claim limitation(s) to avoid it/them being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph (e.g., by reciting sufficient structure to perform the claimed function); or (2) present a sufficient showing that the claim limitation(s) recite(s) sufficient structure to perform the claimed function so as to avoid it/them being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph.
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.
Claim(s) 1-4, 6-9 and 11-15 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Ljung et al. (US 20200251917 A1; hereinafter Ljung) in view of Stock et al. (US 20170173751 A1; hereinafter Stock).
Regarding claims 1 and 15, Ljung discloses a craftsman equipment, comprising:
a plurality of craftsman devices, at least some of which comprise mechanical receiving means for mechanically coupling to a mechanical coupling means of a token (battery unit configured to supply power to different main devices, e.g. a power drill and an electric scooter [Ljung; ¶19-33; Figs. 1-2 and associated texts]); and
the token with a processor and with the mechanical coupling means for selective mechanical coupling with a respective mechanical receiving means of the respective craftsman device (The battery module comprises a processing unit (processor) and a memory. The battery module may be configured to perform any of the methods disclosed herein (e.g. methods disclosed in FIG. 3). The operations of the battery module may be embodied in the form of executable logic routines (e.g., lines of code, software programs, etc.) that are stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium (e.g., the memory) and are executed by the processing unit; furthermore, the battery module 2 may comprise the secure entity 26 (token) so that steps S102 and S104 of establishing wireless network connection 6 and identifying the battery module 2 to the server 8 may comprise performing a secure authentication using the secure entity 26 of the battery module 2. The secure entity 26 of battery module 2 may comprise a secure element hardware or software, such as TrustZone technology, in the battery module that enables secure identification of the battery module 2 towards the server 8. The secure entity 26 of battery module may comprise an applet which is configured to enable the secure authentication to establish a secure connection to the server 8 on the wireless network connection 6, and transmitting S310, by the battery module 2, usage data of the main device 4 to the server 8. Usage data may comprise power usage of the main device 4, such as total charge supplied to the main device 4, power supplied to the main device 4 as a function of time, peak power drawn from the main device 4, etc. Usage data may also comprise sensor data from sensors 22, 23 of the battery module 2 and/or of the main device 4 [Ljung; ¶19-33, 41-52; Figs. 2-5 and associated texts]);
wherein the craftsman devices comprise at least two different elements from a group consisting of an electrical hand-held device, a tool or tool set, a storage system, a consumable, and a vehicle (a large variety of battery powered main devices such as, but not limited to bicycles, scooters, cars and other vehicles, drones, smart metering systems, portable cameras, garden machines, power tools, etc., [Ljung; ¶19-33; Figs. 1-2 and associated texts]);
wherein the token is equipped with a replaceable battery and/or the token is configured to be operated by electrical power by the battery block of the craftsman device when the token is received in the receiving means of the craftsman device (battery module contains secure entity (token) operating with a battery pack (battery) [Ljung; ¶19-33; Figs. 1-2 and associated texts]). Ljung discloses of a device such as vehicle or tool using battery module with authentication features to validate the device with battery. Ljung does not explicilty discloses a removable and rechargeable battery block being connectable to and disconnectable from the craftsman device, the battery block supplies the craftsman device with electrical energy…, wherein the battery block is connectable to and disconnectable from the respective craftsman device separately from the mechanically coupling of the mechanical coupling means of the token with the respective mechanical receiving means of the respective craftsman device; however, in a related and analogous art, Stock teaches these features.
In particular, Stock teaches hand-held power tool which can be use with a power cord or removable battery. The removeable battery is rechargeable and can be connected or disconnected from the power tool. The hand-held power tool communicates with the data processing device (token), that is separate from the hand-held power tool and use in authenticate the usage of power tool [Stock; ¶5, 35, 40-45; Figs. 2-3, 5 and associated texts]. It would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Ljung in view of Stock standalone data processing device to process tool device and authentication with the motivation maximized the power tool usages [Stock; 5-7].
Regarding claim 2, Ljung-Stock combination discloses the craftsman equipment according to claim 1, comprising at least one further token with a further processor and with a mechanical coupling means or selective mechanical coupling with a respective mechanical receiving means of a respective other craftsman device (the battery connecting to a large variety of battery powered main devices such as, but not limited to bicycles, scooters, cars and other vehicles, drones, smart metering systems, portable cameras, garden machines, power tools, etc., [Ljung; ¶19-33; Figs. 1-2 and associated texts]).
Regarding claim 3, Ljung-Stock combination discloses the craftsman equipment according to claim 2, wherein the token has a communication means and the at least one further token has at least one further communication means and the tokens are coupled to one another in a communicable manner by means of the communication means directly or via a node of a communication network (the battery module may comprise the secure entity so that steps S102 and S104 of establishing wireless network connection and identifying the battery module to the server may comprise performing a secure authentication using the secure entity of the battery module. The secure entity of battery module may comprise a secure element hardware or software, such as TrustZone technology, in the battery module that enables secure identification of the battery module towards the server. The secure entity of battery module may comprise an applet which is configured to enable the secure authentication to establish a secure connection to the server on the wireless network connection 6 [Ljung; ¶19-33, 41-52; Figs. 2-5 and associated texts]).
Regarding claim 4, Ljung discloses the craftsman equipment according to claim 1, wherein the token is configured to control said craftsman device by means of the processor when mechanically coupling the mechanical coupling means to the mechanical receiving means of the respective craftsman device (the battery connecting to a large variety of battery powered main devices such as, but not limited to bicycles, scooters, cars and other vehicles, drones, smart metering systems, portable cameras, garden machines, power tools, etc., [Ljung; ¶19-33; Figs. 1-2 and associated texts]).
Regarding claim 6, Ljung discloses the craftsman equipment according to claims 1, wherein the mechanical coupling means is configured to couple the token detachably from the respective craftsman device (the battery can be attached/detached from the device [Ljung; ¶19-33; Figs. 1-2 and associated texts]).
Regarding claim 7, Ljung discloses the craftsman equipment according to claims 1, comprising at least one of the following features:
wherein the mechanical coupling means has an electromechanical interface for different craftsman devices; wherein the token is configured to simultaneously form a communication connection with a craftsman device when the mechanical coupling means is mechanically coupled to the craftsman device (the battery can be attached/detached from the device [Ljung; ¶19-33; Figs. 1-2 and associated texts]).
Regarding claim 8, Ljung discloses the craftsman equipment according to claims 1, wherein the token comprises a communication means configured to communicate by means of a communication network (the battery module may comprise the secure entity so that steps S102 and S104 of establishing wireless network connection and identifying the battery module to the server may comprise performing a secure authentication using the secure entity of the battery module. The secure entity of battery module may comprise a secure element hardware or software, such as TrustZone technology, in the battery module that enables secure identification of the battery module towards the server. The secure entity of battery module may comprise an applet which is configured to enable the secure authentication to establish a secure connection to the server on the wireless network connection [Ljung; ¶19-33, 41-52; Figs. 2-5 and associated texts]).
Regarding claim 9, Ljung discloses the craftsman equipment according to claims 8, wherein the token is configured to communicate by means of the communication means with at least one communicably coupled node of the communication network selected from a group consisting of another token, a portable user terminal with an app stored thereon, a central control device, and a reordering device for reordering consumables for operating a craftsman device (The secure entity of battery module may comprise a secure element hardware or software, such as TrustZone technology, in the battery module that enables secure identification of the battery module towards the server. The secure entity of battery module may comprise an applet which is configured to enable the secure authentication to establish a secure connection to the server on the wireless network connection [Ljung; ¶19-33, 41-52; Figs. 2-5 and associated texts]).
Regarding claim 11, Ljung discloses the craftsman equipment according to claims 8, wherein the token is configured to upload a data set by means of the communication means to a communicably coupled node of the communication network (the method 300 comprises transmitting S310, by the battery module 2, usage data of the main device 4 to the server 8. Usage data may comprise power usage of the main device 4, such as total charge supplied to the main device 4, power supplied to the main device 4 as a function of time, peak power drawn from the main device 4, etc. Usage data may also comprise sensor data from sensors 22, 23 of the battery module 2 and/or of the main device 4 [Ljung; ¶41-52; Figs. 2-5 and associated texts]).
Regarding claim 12, Ljung discloses the craftsman equipment according to claims 1, wherein the processor is configured to control the operation of the craftsman device coupled to the token in accordance with a personalized user profile stored in the token or accessible to the token of the user of the token (providing access to stored data related to the battery module 2 and/or the main device 4 to a mobile device 9 via the wireless network 18, also enables additional secure applications such as based local access rights control, e.g. to manage who can use the main device and where [Ljung; ¶41-52, 60; Figs. 2-5 and associated texts]).
Regarding claim 13, Ljung discloses the craftsman equipment according to claims 12, comprising at least one of the following features: wherein the processor is configured to permit, set and/or prevent use of the craftsman device by the user based on the personalized authorization profile when coupled with a respective craftsman device; the token having an identification means for identifying a user of the token, in particular the processor being configured to enable operation of the craftsman device coupled to the token only if a user identification carried out in advance by means of the token has led to the result that an identifying user is authorized to operate the craftsman device (providing access to stored data related to the battery module 2 and/or the main device 4 to a mobile device 9 via the wireless network 18, also enables additional secure applications such as based local access rights control, e.g. to manage who can use the main device and where [Ljung; ¶41-52, 60; Figs. 2-5 and associated texts]).
Regarding claim 14, Ljung discloses the craftsman equipment according to claims 1, comprising at least one of the following features:
wherein the craftsman devices comprise at least one electric hand-held device, in particular from a group consisting of a drill, a cordless screwdriver, a cordless drill driver, a rotary screwdriver, a pulse screwdriver, a ratchet screwdriver, an impact wrench, in particular a cordless impact wrench, a hammer drill, a corded hand-held device and a compressed air-operated hand-held device; wherein the tool is configured as a tool from a group consisting of a hammer, pliers, a file, a screwdriver, a drill, a bit and a nut for a ratchet; wherein the storage system is configured as a storage system from a group consisting of a case, a shelf, a drawer and a box; wherein the consumable is formed as a consumable from a group consisting of a screw, a dowel, a bolt anchor, a nail, a rivet, and a package containing such consumables; wherein the vehicle is configured as a vehicle from a group consisting of a vehicle driven by a motor, in particular electrically and/or by means of an internal combustion engine, and a vehicle driven by muscle power; wherein the craftsman devices comprise at least one electrical hand- held device, at least one tool and/or at least one tool set, at least one storage system, at least one consumable, and at least one vehicle (the battery connecting to a large variety of battery powered main devices such as, but not limited to bicycles, scooters, cars and other vehicles, drones, smart metering systems, portable cameras, garden machines, power tools, etc., [Ljung; ¶19-33; Figs. 1-2 and associated texts]).
Claim(s) 5 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Ljung-Stock combination in view of Ye (US 20160294028 A1).
Regarding claim 5, Ljung-Stock combination does not explicilty discloses the craftsman equipment according to claims 1, wherein the tokens is formed as a disk with a diameter in a range from 1 cm to 10 cm; however, in a related and analogous art, Ye teaches this feature.
In particular, Ye teaches the diameter (D.sub.3) of the solid state disk battery cell 700 can be about 2 mm, about 5 mm, or about 10 mm to about 5 cm, about 50 cm, or about 100 cm. For example, the diameter (D.sub.3) of the solid state disk battery cell 700 can be about 2 mm to about 100 cm, about 2 mm to about 40 cm, or about 5 mm to about 10 cm. The width (W.sub.3) of the solid state disk battery cell 700 can be about 0.1 mm, about 1 mm, or about 5 mm to about 1 cm, about 5 cm, about 10 cm, or about 50 cm. For example, the width (W.sub.3) of the solid state disk battery cell 700 can be about 0.1 mm to about 50 cm, about 0.1 mm to about 5 cm, or about 0.5 mm to about 1 cm [Ye, ¶89; Figs. 1, 15-16 and associated texts]. It would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Ljung-Stock combination in view of Ye with the motivation to better accommodate both design and power for the tools.
Claim(s) 10 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Ljung-Stock combination in view of Funk et al. (US 20190067751 A1; hereinafter Funk).
Regarding claim 10, Ljung-Stock combination does not explicilty discloses the craftsman equipment according to claims 8, wherein the token is configured to download a data set by means of the communication means from a communicatively coupled node of the communication network; however, in a related and analogous art, Funk teaches this feature.
In particular, Funk teaches the personalizable battery 150 (or another instance that has downloaded the settings from the network 170) is installed in the device (or a device of the same type), the last set of current settings may be duplicated to automatically configure the device in the manner the user had last used to configure the device, when the personalizable battery 150 is installed into a particular device, the personalizable battery 150 may determine whether a specific user profile and/or device profile is applicable for the particular device. The personalizable battery 150 may then provide configuration settings in accordance with the user profile or device profile. However, the personalizable battery 150 may also be configured to receive information that may cause the user profile and/or device profile to be modified and store such modified user profile and/or device profile (locally or via the network 170). [Funk; ¶25, 45]. It would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Ljung-Stock combination in view of Funk with the motivation to allow sync user profiles between different tools for conveniences and easier usability.
Internet Communications
Applicant is encouraged to submit a written authorization for Internet communications (PTO/SB/439, http:ljwww.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/documents/sb0439.pdf) in the instant patent application to authorize the examiner to communicate with the applicant via email. The authorization will allow the examiner to better practice compact prosecution. The written authorization can be submitted via one of the following methods only: (1) Central Fax which can be found in the Conclusion section of this Office action; (2) regular postal mail; (3) EFS WEB; or (4) the service window on the Alexandria campus. EFS web is the recommended way to submit the form since this allows the form to be entered into the file wrapper within the same day (system dependent). Written authorization submitted via other methods, such as direct fax to the examiner or email, will not be accepted. See MPEP § 502.03.
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to DAO Q HO whose telephone number is (571)270-5998. The examiner can normally be reached on 7:00am - 5:00pm.
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, Jeffrey Nickerson can be reached on (469) 295-9235. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
Information regarding the status of an application may be obtained from the Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR) system. Status information for published applications may be obtained from either Private PAIR or Public PAIR. Status information for unpublished applications is available through Private PAIR only. For more information about the PAIR system, see http://pair-direct.uspto.gov. Should you have questions on access to the Private PAIR system, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative or access to the automated information system, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000.
/DAO Q HO/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2432
Prosecution Insights