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 .
Claim Objections
Claim 3 is objected to because of the following informalities: Claim 3 currently depends on itself; however, the Examiner believes claim 3 should depend on claim 1 and will examine the claim as such. Appropriate correction is still required.
Double Patenting
A rejection based on double patenting of the “same invention” type finds its support in the language of 35 U.S.C. 101 which states that “whoever invents or discovers any new and useful process... may obtain a patent therefor...” (Emphasis added). Thus, the term “same invention,” in this context, means an invention drawn to identical subject matter. See Miller v. Eagle Mfg. Co., 151 U.S. 186 (1894); In re Vogel, 422 F.2d 438, 164 USPQ 619 (CCPA 1970); In re Ockert, 245 F.2d 467, 114 USPQ 330 (CCPA 1957).
A statutory type (35 U.S.C. 101) double patenting rejection can be overcome by canceling or amending the claims that are directed to the same invention so they are no longer coextensive in scope. The filing of a terminal disclaimer cannot overcome a double patenting rejection based upon 35 U.S.C. 101.
Claims 1-20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 101 as claiming the same invention as that of claims 1-18 of prior U.S. Patent No. 12,111,042. This is a statutory double patenting rejection.
Claims 2-8, 10-13 and 15-20 correspond to dependents 2-7, 9-12 and 14-18 of the ‘042 Patent.
Instant Application 18/828,987
Patent No. 12,111,042
1. A lighted artificial tree comprising: a power cord; a wiring harness having two or more electrical conductors; a first tree segment having a first decorative lighting system, the first decorative lighting system comprising: a first light string, the first light string comprising a first plurality of lamps, each of the first plurality of lamps comprising a plurality of color LEDs; and a first controller configured to selectively control one or more illumination characteristics of the first plurality of lamps responsive to data indicative of user preference; and a second tree segment having a second decorative lighting system, the second decorative lighting system comprising: a second light string, the second light string comprising a second plurality of lamps, each of the second plurality of lamps comprising a plurality of color LEDs; and a second controller configured to selectively control one or more illumination characteristics of the second plurality of lamps responsive to data indicative of user preference.
1. A lighted artificial tree comprising: a power cord; a wiring harness having two or more electrical conductors; a first tree segment having a first decorative lighting system, the first decorative lighting system comprising: a first light string, the first light string comprising a first plurality of lamps, each of the first plurality of lamps comprising a plurality of color LEDs; and a first controller configured to selectively control one or more illumination characteristics of the first plurality of lamps responsive to data indicative of user preference; and a second tree segment having a second decorative lighting system, the second decorative lighting system comprising: a second light string, the second light string comprising a second plurality of lamps, each of the second plurality of lamps comprising a plurality of color LEDs; and a second controller configured to selectively control one or more illumination characteristics of the second plurality of lamps responsive to data indicative of user preference.
9. A lighted artificial tree comprising: a power cord; a controller configured to (i) receive user input related to a desired illumination property and (ii) transmit instructions for selectively controlling one or more LED lamps based on the received desired illumination property; a first trunk portion comprising: a first trunk body; a first wiring harness having two or more electrical conductors configured to be disposed at least partially within the first trunk body; a first connection mechanism; a first plurality of branch segments extending axially from the first trunk portion; and a first variable-color LED light string distributed across the first plurality of branch segments, the first variable-color LED light string comprising a first plurality of LED lamps, each of the first plurality of LED lamps comprising a plurality of LEDs; and a first integrated circuit (IC) configured to communicate with the first wiring harness and at least one of the first plurality of LED lamps; and a second trunk portion comprising: a second trunk body; a second wiring harness having two or more electrical conductors configured to be disposed at least partially within the second trunk body; a second connection mechanism; a second plurality of branch segments extending axially from the first trunk portion; and a second variable-color LED light string distributed across the second plurality of branch segments, the second variable-color LED light string comprising a second plurality of LED lamps, each of the second plurality of LED lamps comprising a plurality of LEDs; and a second IC configured to communicate with the second wiring harness and at least one of the second plurality of LED lamps, wherein the first connection mechanism is configured to mate with the second connection mechanism when the first trunk portion is mated with the second trunk portion.
8. A lighted artificial tree comprising: a power cord; a controller configured to (i) receive user input related to a desired illumination property and (ii) transmit instructions for selectively controlling one or more LED lamps based on the received desired illumination property; a first trunk portion comprising: a first trunk body; a first wiring harness having two or more electrical conductors configured to be disposed at least partially within the first trunk body; a first connection mechanism; a first plurality of branch segments extending axially from the first trunk portion; and a first variable-color LED light string distributed across the first plurality of branch segments, the first variable-color LED light string comprising a first plurality of LED lamps, each of the first plurality of LED lamps comprising a plurality of LEDs; and a first integrated circuit (IC) configured to communicate with the first wiring harness and at least one of the first plurality of LED lamps; and a second trunk portion comprising: second trunk body; a second wiring harness having two or more electrical conductors configured to be disposed at least partially within the second trunk body; a second connection mechanism; a second plurality of branch segments extending axially from the first trunk portion; and a second variable-color LED light string distributed across the second plurality of branch segments, the second variable-color LED light string comprising a second plurality of LED lamps, each of the second plurality of LED lamps comprising a plurality of LEDs; and a second IC configured to communicate with the second wiring harness and at least one of the second plurality of LED lamps, wherein the first connection mechanism is configured to mate with the second connection mechanism when the first trunk portion is mated with the second trunk portion.
14. A lighted artificial tree comprising: a power cord; a wiring harness having two or more electrical conductors; a first tree segment having a first decorative lighting system, the first decorative lighting system comprising: a first light string, the first light string comprising a first plurality of lamps, at least one of the first plurality of lamps comprising a plurality of color LEDs; and a first controller configured to selectively control one or more illumination characteristics of at least one of the first plurality of lamps responsive to data indicative of user preference; and a second tree segment having a second decorative lighting system, the second decorative lighting system comprising: a second light string, the second light string comprising a second plurality of lamps, at least one of the second plurality of lamps comprising a plurality of color LEDs; and a second controller configured to selectively control one or more illumination characteristics of at least one of the second plurality of lamps responsive to data indicative of user preference.
13.A lighted artificial tree comprising: a power cord; a wiring harness having two or more electrical conductors; a first tree segment having a first decorative lighting system, the first decorative lighting system comprising: a first light string, the first light string comprising a first plurality of lamps, at least one of the first plurality of lamps comprising a plurality of color LEDs; and a first controller configured to selectively control one or more illumination characteristics of at least one of the first plurality of lamps responsive to data indicative of user preference; and a second tree segment having a second decorative lighting system, the second decorative lighting system comprising: a second light string, the second light string comprising a second plurality of lamps, at least one of the second plurality of lamps comprising a plurality of color LEDs; and a second controller configured to selectively control one or more illumination characteristics of at least one of the second plurality of lamps responsive to data indicative of user preference.
The nonstatutory double patenting rejection is based on a judicially created doctrine grounded in public policy (a policy reflected in the statute) so as to prevent the unjustified or improper timewise extension of the “right to exclude” granted by a patent and to prevent possible harassment by multiple assignees. A nonstatutory double patenting rejection is appropriate where the conflicting claims are not identical, but at least one examined application claim is not patentably distinct from the reference claim(s) because the examined application claim is either anticipated by, or would have been obvious over, the reference claim(s). See, e.g., In re Berg, 140 F.3d 1428, 46 USPQ2d 1226 (Fed. Cir. 1998); In re Goodman, 11 F.3d 1046, 29 USPQ2d 2010 (Fed. Cir. 1993); In re Longi, 759 F.2d 887, 225 USPQ 645 (Fed. Cir. 1985); In re Van Ornum, 686 F.2d 937, 214 USPQ 761 (CCPA 1982); In re Vogel, 422 F.2d 438, 164 USPQ 619 (CCPA 1970); In re Thorington, 418 F.2d 528, 163 USPQ 644 (CCPA 1969).
A timely filed terminal disclaimer in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(c) or 1.321(d) may be used to overcome an actual or provisional rejection based on nonstatutory double patenting provided the reference application or patent either is shown to be commonly owned with the examined application, or claims an invention made as a result of activities undertaken within the scope of a joint research agreement. See MPEP § 717.02 for applications subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA as explained in MPEP § 2159. See MPEP § 2146 et seq. for applications not subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . A terminal disclaimer must be signed in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(b).
The filing of a terminal disclaimer by itself is not a complete reply to a nonstatutory double patenting (NSDP) rejection. A complete reply requires that the terminal disclaimer be accompanied by a reply requesting reconsideration of the prior Office action. Even where the NSDP rejection is provisional the reply must be complete. See MPEP § 804, subsection I.B.1. For a reply to a non-final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.111(a). For a reply to final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.113(c). A request for reconsideration while not provided for in 37 CFR 1.113(c) may be filed after final for consideration. See MPEP §§ 706.07(e) and 714.13.
The USPTO Internet website contains terminal disclaimer forms which may be used. Please visit www.uspto.gov/patent/patents-forms. The actual filing date of the application in which the form is filed determines what form (e.g., PTO/SB/25, PTO/SB/26, PTO/AIA /25, or PTO/AIA /26) should be used. A web-based eTerminal Disclaimer may be filled out completely online using web-screens. An eTerminal Disclaimer that meets all requirements is auto-processed and approved immediately upon submission. For more information about eTerminal Disclaimers, refer to www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/applying-online/eterminal-disclaimer.
Claims 1-8 and 14-20 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1-7 of U.S. Patent No. 10,490,795. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because they contain substantially similar subject matter (see chart below).
Claims 2-7 and 15-20 are also rejected as being dependent on claims 1 and 14 and may also correspond to claims 2-6 of the ‘795 patent.
Instant Application 18/828,987
US Patent No. 10,490,795
1. A lighted artificial tree comprising: a power cord; a wiring harness having two or more electrical conductors; a first tree segment having a first decorative lighting system, the first decorative lighting system comprising: a first light string, the first light string comprising a first plurality of lamps, each of the first plurality of lamps comprising a plurality of color LEDs; and a first controller configured to selectively control one or more illumination characteristics of the first plurality of lamps responsive to data indicative of user preference; and a second tree segment having a second decorative lighting system, the second decorative lighting system comprising: a second light string, the second light string comprising a second plurality of lamps, each of the second plurality of lamps comprising a plurality of color LEDs; and a second controller configured to selectively control one or more illumination characteristics of the second plurality of lamps responsive to data indicative of user preference.
1. A lighted artificial tree comprising: a power cord comprising one or more conductors and a power plug; a wiring harness having two or more electrical conductors; a first tree segment having a first decorative lighting system comprising: a first variable-color LED light string, the first variable-color light string comprising a first plurality of variable-color LED lamps, each of the first plurality of variable-color LED lamps comprising: a bulb housing; a plurality of color LEDs; an embedded integrated circuit (IC) comprising (i) a bulb processor in communication with the plurality of color LEDs and (ii) a bulb memory in communication with the processor, the bulb memory storing data relating to one or more illumination sequences; and at least two bulb electrical conductors in communication with the embedded IC for communication with the wiring harness; and a second tree segment having a second decorative lighting system comprising: a second variable-color LED light string, the second variable-color light string comprising a second plurality of variable-color LED lamps, each of the second plurality of variable-color LED lamps comprising: a bulb housing; a plurality of color LEDs; an embedded IC comprising (i) a bulb processor in communication with the plurality of color LEDs and (ii) a bulb memory in communication with the processor, the bulb memory storing data relating to one or more illumination sequences; and at least two bulb electrical conductors in communication with the embedded IC for communication with the wiring harness; and a controller in communication with the wiring harness and configured to receive user input, the controller comprising a processor and at least one memory operatively coupled to the processor and configured for storing data instructions that, when executed by the controller, cause the processor to perform a method comprising: transmitting, by the controller and to each of the embedded ICs of the first variable-color LED light string, instructions for selectively controlling at least one variable-color LED lamp according to a user input (preference), wherein the instructions include an indication of one of the one or more illumination sequences to be distributed to the plurality of color LEDs by the embedded IC; and transmitting, by the controller and to each of the embedded ICs of the second variable-color LED light string, instructions for selectively controlling at least one variable-color LED lamp according to a user input (preference), wherein the instructions include an indication of one of the one or more illumination sequences to be distributed to the plurality of color LEDs by the embedded IC.
14. A lighted artificial tree comprising: a power cord; a wiring harness having two or more electrical conductors; a first tree segment having a first decorative lighting system, the first decorative lighting system comprising: a first light string, the first light string comprising a first plurality of lamps, at least one of the first plurality of lamps comprising a plurality of color LEDs; and a first controller configured to selectively control one or more illumination characteristics of at least one of the first plurality of lamps responsive to data indicative of user preference; and a second tree segment having a second decorative lighting system, the second decorative lighting system comprising: a second light string, the second light string comprising a second plurality of lamps, at least one of the second plurality of lamps comprising a plurality of color LEDs; and a second controller configured to selectively control one or more illumination characteristics of at least one of the second plurality of lamps responsive to data indicative of user preference.
1. A lighted artificial tree comprising: a power cord comprising one or more conductors and a power plug; a wiring harness having two or more electrical conductors; a first tree segment having a first decorative lighting system comprising: a first variable-color LED light string, the first variable-color light string comprising a first plurality of variable-color LED lamps, each of the first plurality of variable-color LED lamps comprising: a bulb housing; a plurality of color LEDs; an embedded integrated circuit (IC) comprising (i) a bulb processor in communication with the plurality of color LEDs and (ii) a bulb memory in communication with the processor, the bulb memory storing data relating to one or more illumination sequences; and at least two bulb electrical conductors in communication with the embedded IC for communication with the wiring harness; and a second tree segment having a second decorative lighting system comprising: a second variable-color LED light string, the second variable-color light string comprising a second plurality of variable-color LED lamps, each of the second plurality of variable-color LED lamps comprising: a bulb housing; a plurality of color LEDs; an embedded IC comprising (i) a bulb processor in communication with the plurality of color LEDs and (ii) a bulb memory in communication with the processor, the bulb memory storing data relating to one or more illumination sequences; and at least two bulb electrical conductors in communication with the embedded IC for communication with the wiring harness; and a controller in communication with the wiring harness and configured to receive user input, the controller comprising a processor and at least one memory operatively coupled to the processor and configured for storing data instructions that, when executed by the controller, cause the processor to perform a method comprising: transmitting, by the controller and to each of the embedded ICs of the first variable-color LED light string, instructions for selectively controlling at least one variable-color LED lamp according to a user input (preference), wherein the instructions include an indication of one of the one or more illumination sequences to be distributed to the plurality of color LEDs by the embedded IC; and transmitting, by the controller and to each of the embedded ICs of the second variable-color LED light string, instructions for selectively controlling at least one variable-color LED lamp according to a user input (preference), wherein the instructions include an indication of one of the one or more illumination sequences to be distributed to the plurality of color LEDs by the embedded IC.
Claims 1-20 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1-13 and 24-26 of U.S. Patent No. 10,728,978. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because they contain substantially similar subject matter (see chart below).
Claims 2-20 are also rejected as being dependent on claims 1, 9 and 14 and may also correspond to claims 2-13 and 25-26 of the ‘978 patent.
Instant Application 18/828,987
US Patent No. 10,728,978
1. A lighted artificial tree comprising: a power cord; a wiring harness having two or more electrical conductors; a first tree segment having a first decorative lighting system, the first decorative lighting system comprising: a first light string, the first light string comprising a first plurality of lamps, each of the first plurality of lamps comprising a plurality of color LEDs; and a first controller configured to selectively control one or more illumination characteristics of the first plurality of lamps responsive to data indicative of user preference; and a second tree segment having a second decorative lighting system, the second decorative lighting system comprising: a second light string, the second light string comprising a second plurality of lamps, each of the second plurality of lamps comprising a plurality of color LEDs; and a second controller configured to selectively control one or more illumination characteristics of the second plurality of lamps responsive to data indicative of user preference.
1. A lighted artificial tree comprising: a power cord comprising one or more conductors and a power plug; a wiring harness having two or more electrical conductors; a first tree segment having a first decorative lighting system, the first decorative lighting system comprising: a first LED light string, the first LED light string comprising a first plurality of LED lamps, each of the first plurality of LED lamps comprising: a bulb housing; a plurality of LEDs; an embedded integrated circuit (IC) comprising (i) a bulb processor in communication with the plurality of LEDs and (ii) a bulb memory in communication with the processor, the bulb memory storing data relating to one or more illumination sequences; and at least two bulb electrical conductors in communication with the embedded IC for communication with the wiring harness; and a second tree segment having a second decorative lighting system, the second decorative lighting system comprising: a second LED light string, the second LED light string comprising a second plurality of LED lamps, each of the second plurality of LED lamps comprising: a bulb housing; a plurality of LEDs; an embedded IC comprising (i) a bulb processor in communication with the plurality of LEDs and (ii) a bulb memory in communication with the processor, the bulb memory storing data relating to one or more illumination sequences; and at least two bulb electrical conductors in communication with the embedded IC for communication with the wiring harness; and a third tree segment having a third decorative lighting system in communication with the wiring harness; and a controller in communication with the wiring harness and configured to receive user input, the controller comprising a processor and at least one memory operatively coupled to the processor and configured for storing data instructions that, when executed by the controller, cause the processor to perform a method comprising: transmitting, by the controller and to each of the embedded ICs of the first LED light string, instructions for selectively controlling at least one LED lamp according to a user input (preference), wherein the instructions include an indication of one of the one or more illumination sequences to be transmitted to the plurality of LEDs by the embedded IC; transmitting, by the controller and to each of the embedded ICs of the second LED light string, instructions for selectively controlling at least one LED lamp according to a user input (preference), wherein the instructions include an indication of one of the one or more illumination sequences to be transmitted to the plurality of LEDs by the embedded IC; and transmitting, by the controller to the third lighting system, instructions for controlling the third lighting system.
9. A lighted artificial tree comprising: a power cord; a controller configured to (i) receive user input related to a desired illumination property and (ii) transmit instructions for selectively controlling one or more LED lamps based on the received desired illumination property; a first trunk portion comprising: a first trunk body; a first wiring harness having two or more electrical conductors configured to be disposed at least partially within the first trunk body; a first connection mechanism; a first plurality of branch segments extending axially from the first trunk portion; and a first variable-color LED light string distributed across the first plurality of branch segments, the first variable-color LED light string comprising a first plurality of LED lamps, each of the first plurality of LED lamps comprising a plurality of LEDs; and a first integrated circuit (IC) configured to communicate with the first wiring harness and at least one of the first plurality of LED lamps; and a second trunk portion comprising: a second trunk body; a second wiring harness having two or more electrical conductors configured to be disposed at least partially within the second trunk body; a second connection mechanism; a second plurality of branch segments extending axially from the first trunk portion; and a second variable-color LED light string distributed across the second plurality of branch segments, the second variable-color LED light string comprising a second plurality of LED lamps, each of the second plurality of LED lamps comprising a plurality of LEDs; and a second IC configured to communicate with the second wiring harness and at least one of the second plurality of LED lamps, wherein the first connection mechanism is configured to mate with the second connection mechanism when the first trunk portion is mated with the second trunk portion.
24. A lighted artificial tree comprising: a power cord comprising one or more conductors and a power plug; a controller configured to receive user input related to a desired illumination sequence and transmit instructions for selectively controlling one or more LED lamps to a plurality of trunk portions; a first trunk portion comprising: a first wiring harness having two or more electrical conductors; a first connection mechanism; a first plurality of branch segments extending axially from the first trunk portion; and a first variable-color LED light string distributed across the first plurality of branch segments, the first variable-color LED light string comprising a first plurality of LED lamps, each of the first plurality of LED lamps comprising: a bulb housing; a plurality of LEDs; and an integrated circuit (IC) configured to store data relating to one or more illumination sequences; and a second trunk portion comprising: a second wiring harness having two or more electrical conductors; a second connection mechanism; a second plurality of branch segments extending axially from the first trunk portion; and a second variable-color LED light string distributed across the second plurality of branch segments, the second variable-color LED light string comprising a second plurality of LED lamps, each of the second plurality of LED lamps comprising: a bulb housing; a plurality of LEDs; and an integrated circuit (IC) configured to store data relating to one or more illumination sequences, wherein the first connection mechanism is configured to mate with the second connection mechanism when the first trunk portion is mated with the second trunk portion.
14. A lighted artificial tree comprising: a power cord; a wiring harness having two or more electrical conductors; a first tree segment having a first decorative lighting system, the first decorative lighting system comprising: a first light string, the first light string comprising a first plurality of lamps, at least one of the first plurality of lamps comprising a plurality of color LEDs; and a first controller configured to selectively control one or more illumination characteristics of at least one of the first plurality of lamps responsive to data indicative of user preference; and a second tree segment having a second decorative lighting system, the second decorative lighting system comprising: a second light string, the second light string comprising a second plurality of lamps, at least one of the second plurality of lamps comprising a plurality of color LEDs; and a second controller configured to selectively control one or more illumination characteristics of at least one of the second plurality of lamps responsive to data indicative of user preference.
1. A lighted artificial tree comprising: a power cord comprising one or more conductors and a power plug; a wiring harness having two or more electrical conductors; a first tree segment having a first decorative lighting system, the first decorative lighting system comprising: a first LED light string, the first LED light string comprising a first plurality of LED lamps, each of the first plurality of LED lamps comprising: a bulb housing; a plurality of LEDs; an embedded integrated circuit (IC) comprising (i) a bulb processor in communication with the plurality of LEDs and (ii) a bulb memory in communication with the processor, the bulb memory storing data relating to one or more illumination sequences; and at least two bulb electrical conductors in communication with the embedded IC for communication with the wiring harness; and a second tree segment having a second decorative lighting system, the second decorative lighting system comprising: a second LED light string, the second LED light string comprising a second plurality of LED lamps, each of the second plurality of LED lamps comprising: a bulb housing; a plurality of LEDs; an embedded IC comprising (i) a bulb processor in communication with the plurality of LEDs and (ii) a bulb memory in communication with the processor, the bulb memory storing data relating to one or more illumination sequences; and at least two bulb electrical conductors in communication with the embedded IC for communication with the wiring harness; and a third tree segment having a third decorative lighting system in communication with the wiring harness; and a controller in communication with the wiring harness and configured to receive user input, the controller comprising a processor and at least one memory operatively coupled to the processor and configured for storing data instructions that, when executed by the controller, cause the processor to perform a method comprising: transmitting, by the controller and to each of the embedded ICs of the first LED light string, instructions for selectively controlling at least one LED lamp according to a user input (preference), wherein the instructions include an indication of one of the one or more illumination sequences to be transmitted to the plurality of LEDs by the embedded IC; transmitting, by the controller and to each of the embedded ICs of the second LED light string, instructions for selectively controlling at least one LED lamp according to a user input (preference), wherein the instructions include an indication of one of the one or more illumination sequences to be transmitted to the plurality of LEDs by the embedded IC; and transmitting, by the controller to the third lighting system, instructions for controlling the third lighting system.
Claims 1-20 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1-26 of U.S. Patent No. 11,019,692. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because they contain substantially similar subject matter (see chart below).
Claims 2-20 are also rejected as being dependent on claims 1, 9 and 14 and may also correspond to claims 2-14, 16-21 and 23-26 of the ‘692 patent.
Instant Application 18/828,987
US Patent No. 11,019,692
1. A lighted artificial tree comprising: a power cord; a wiring harness having two or more electrical conductors; a first tree segment having a first decorative lighting system, the first decorative lighting system comprising: a first light string, the first light string comprising a first plurality of lamps, each of the first plurality of lamps comprising a plurality of color LEDs; and a first controller configured to selectively control one or more illumination characteristics of the first plurality of lamps responsive to data indicative of user preference; and a second tree segment having a second decorative lighting system, the second decorative lighting system comprising: a second light string, the second light string comprising a second plurality of lamps, each of the second plurality of lamps comprising a plurality of color LEDs; and a second controller configured to selectively control one or more illumination characteristics of the second plurality of lamps responsive to data indicative of user preference.
1. A lighted artificial tree comprising: a power cord comprising (i) one or more conductors and (ii) a power plug; a wiring harness having two or more electrical conductors; a first tree segment having a first decorative lighting system, the first decorative lighting system comprising: a first variable-color LED light string, the first variable-color LED light string comprising a first plurality of variable-color LED lamps, each of the first plurality of variable-color LED lamps comprising (i) a bulb housing and (ii) a plurality of color LEDs; a first integrated circuit (IC) comprising (i) a processor in communication with the first plurality of variable-color LED lamps and (ii) a memory in communication with the processor, the memory storing data relating to one or more illumination sequences; and at least two first decorative lighting system electrical conductors in communication with the first IC for communication with the wiring harness; and a second tree segment having a second decorative lighting system, the second decorative lighting system comprising: a second variable-color LED light string, the second variable-color LED light string comprising a second plurality of variable-color LED lamps, each of the second plurality of variable-color LED lamps comprising (i) a bulb housing and (ii) a plurality of color LEDs; a second IC comprising (i) a processor in communication with the second plurality of variable-color LED lamps and (ii) a memory in communication with the processor, the memory storing data relating to one or more illumination sequences; and at least two second decorative lighting system electrical conductors in communication with the second IC for communication with the wiring harness; and a third tree segment having a third decorative lighting system in communication with the wiring harness; and a controller in communication with the wiring harness and configured to receive user input (preference), the controller comprising a processor, a rectifying circuit, and at least one memory operatively coupled to the processor and configured for storing data instructions that, when executed by the controller, cause the processor to perform a method comprising: transmitting, by the controller and to the first variable-color LED light string, instructions for selectively controlling at least one variable-color LED lamp of the first variable-color LED light string according to a user input (preference), wherein the instructions include an indication of one of the one or more illumination sequences to be transmitted, by the first IC, to the plurality of color LEDs of the at least one variable-color LED lamp of the first variable-color LED light string; transmitting, by the controller and to the second variable-color LED light string, instructions for selectively controlling at least one variable-color LED lamp of the second variable-color LED light string according to a user input (preference), wherein the instructions include an indication of one of the one or more illumination sequences to be transmitted, by the second IC, to the plurality of color LEDs of the at least one variable-color LED lamp of the second variable-color LED light string; and transmitting, by the controller to the third decorative lighting system, instructions for controlling the third decorative lighting system.
9. A lighted artificial tree comprising: a power cord; a controller configured to (i) receive user input related to a desired illumination property and (ii) transmit instructions for selectively controlling one or more LED lamps based on the received desired illumination property; a first trunk portion comprising: a first trunk body; a first wiring harness having two or more electrical conductors configured to be disposed at least partially within the first trunk body; a first connection mechanism; a first plurality of branch segments extending axially from the first trunk portion; and a first variable-color LED light string distributed across the first plurality of branch segments, the first variable-color LED light string comprising a first plurality of LED lamps, each of the first plurality of LED lamps comprising a plurality of LEDs; and a first integrated circuit (IC) configured to communicate with the first wiring harness and at least one of the first plurality of LED lamps; and a second trunk portion comprising: a second trunk body; a second wiring harness having two or more electrical conductors configured to be disposed at least partially within the second trunk body; a second connection mechanism; a second plurality of branch segments extending axially from the first trunk portion; and a second variable-color LED light string distributed across the second plurality of branch segments, the second variable-color LED light string comprising a second plurality of LED lamps, each of the second plurality of LED lamps comprising a plurality of LEDs; and a second IC configured to communicate with the second wiring harness and at least one of the second plurality of LED lamps, wherein the first connection mechanism is configured to mate with the second connection mechanism when the first trunk portion is mated with the second trunk portion.
15. A lighted artificial tree comprising: a power cord comprising one or more conductors and a power plug; a controller configured to (i) receive user input related to a desired illumination sequence and (ii) transmit instructions for selectively controlling one or more LED lamps to a plurality of trunk portions; a first trunk portion comprising: a first wiring harness having two or more electrical conductors; a first connection mechanism; a first plurality of branch segments extending axially from the first trunk portion; and a first variable-color LED light string distributed across the first plurality of branch segments, the first variable-color LED light string comprising a first plurality of LED lamps, each of the first plurality of LED lamps comprising (i) a bulb housing and (ii) a plurality of LEDs; and a first integrated circuit (IC) configured to store data relating to one or more illumination sequences; and a second trunk portion comprising: a second wiring harness having two or more electrical conductors; a second connection mechanism; a second plurality of branch segments extending axially from the first trunk portion; and a second variable-color LED light string distributed across the second plurality of branch segments, the second variable-color LED light string comprising a second plurality of LED lamps, each of the second plurality of LED lamps comprising (i) a bulb housing and (ii) a plurality of LEDs; and a second IC configured to store data relating to one or more illumination sequences, wherein the first connection mechanism is configured to mate with the second connection mechanism when the first trunk portion is mated with the second trunk portion.
14. A lighted artificial tree comprising: a power cord; a wiring harness having two or more electrical conductors; a first tree segment having a first decorative lighting system, the first decorative lighting system comprising: a first light string, the first light string comprising a first plurality of lamps, at least one of the first plurality of lamps comprising a plurality of color LEDs; and a first controller configured to selectively control one or more illumination characteristics of at least one of the first plurality of lamps responsive to data indicative of user preference; and a second tree segment having a second decorative lighting system, the second decorative lighting system comprising: a second light string, the second light string comprising a second plurality of lamps, at least one of the second plurality of lamps comprising a plurality of color LEDs; and a second controller configured to selectively control one or more illumination characteristics of at least one of the second plurality of lamps responsive to data indicative of user preference.
22. A lighted artificial tree comprising: a power cord comprising one or more conductors and a power plug; a wiring harness having two or more electrical conductors; a first tree segment having a first decorative lighting system, the first decorative lighting system comprising: a plurality of variable-color LED light strings including at least a first and second variable-color LED light string, each of the plurality of variable-color LED light strings comprising a plurality of variable-color LED lamps, each of the plurality of variable-color LED lamps comprising (i) a bulb housing and (ii) a plurality of color LEDs including at least one white LED; and a first integrated circuit (IC) configured to store data relating to one or more illumination sequences; a second tree segment having a second decorative lighting system, the second decorative lighting system comprising: a third variable-color LED light string, the third variable-color LED light string comprising a plurality of variable-color LED lamps, each of the plurality of variable-color LED lamps comprising (i) a bulb housing and (ii) a plurality of color LEDs including at least one white LED; and a second IC configured to store data relating to one or more illumination sequences; and a controller in communication with the wiring harness and configured to receive user input, the controller comprising (i) a processor and (ii) at least one memory operatively coupled to the processor, the memory configured for storing data instructions that, when executed by the controller, cause the processor to perform a method comprising: transmitting, by the controller and to the first variable-color LED light string, instructions for selectively controlling at least one variable-color LED lamp of the first variable-color LED light string according to a user input, wherein the instructions include an indication of one of the one or more illumination sequences to be transmitted, by the first IC, to the plurality of color LEDs of the at least one variable-color LED lamp of the first variable-color LED light string; transmitting, by the controller and to the second variable-color LED light string, instructions for selectively controlling at least one variable-color LED lamp of the second variable-color LED light string according to a user input, wherein the instructions include an indication of one of the one or more illumination sequences to be transmitted to the plurality of color LEDs of the at least one variable-color LED lamp of the second variable-color LED light string; and transmitting, by the controller and to the third variable-color LED light string, instructions for selectively controlling at least one variable-color LED lamp of the third variable-color LED light string according to a user input, wherein the instructions include an indication of one of the one or more illumination sequences to be transmitted, by the second IC, to the plurality of color LEDs of the at least one variable-color LED lamp of the third variable-color LED light string.
Claims 1-20 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1-21 of U.S. Patent No. 11,460,179. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because they contain substantially similar subject matter (see chart below).
Claims 2-20 are also rejected as being dependent on claims 1, 9 and 14 and may also correspond to claims 2-14 and 16-21 of the ‘179 patent.
Instant Application 18/828,987
US Patent No. 11,460,179
1. A lighted artificial tree comprising: a power cord; a wiring harness having two or more electrical conductors; a first tree segment having a first decorative lighting system, the first decorative lighting system comprising: a first light string, the first light string comprising a first plurality of lamps, each of the first plurality of lamps comprising a plurality of color LEDs; and a first controller configured to selectively control one or more illumination characteristics of the first plurality of lamps responsive to data indicative of user preference; and a second tree segment having a second decorative lighting system, the second decorative lighting system comprising: a second light string, the second light string comprising a second plurality of lamps, each of the second plurality of lamps comprising a plurality of color LEDs; and a second controller configured to selectively control one or more illumination characteristics of the second plurality of lamps responsive to data indicative of user preference.
1. A lighted artificial tree comprising: a power cord; a wiring harness having two or more electrical conductors; a first tree segment having a first decorative lighting system, the first decorative lighting system comprising: a first (variable-color LED) light string, the first (variable-color LED) light string comprising a first plurality of (variable-color LED) lamps, each of the first plurality of (variable-color LED) lamps comprising a plurality of color LEDs; and a first integrated circuit (IC) (controller) configured to communicate with the wiring harness and the first plurality of variable-color LED lamps; and a second tree segment having a second decorative lighting system, the second decorative lighting system comprising: a second (variable-color LED) light string, the second (variable-color LED) light string comprising a second plurality of (variable-color LED) lamps, each of the second plurality of (variable-color LED) lamps comprising a plurality of color LEDs; a second IC (controller) configured to communicate with the wiring harness and the second plurality of variable-color LED lamps; and a controller in communication with the wiring harness and configured to receive user input, the controller comprising a processor and at least one memory operatively coupled to the processor and configured for storing data instructions that, when executed by the controller, cause the processor to perform a method comprising: transmitting, by the controller and to the first variable-color LED light string, instructions for selectively controlling at least one variable-color LED lamp of the first variable-color LED light string according to a user input (preference); and transmitting, by the controller and to the second variable-color LED light string, instructions for selectively controlling at least one variable-color LED lamp of the second variable-color LED light string according to a user input (preference).
9. A lighted artificial tree comprising: a power cord; a controller configured to (i) receive user input related to a desired illumination property and (ii) transmit instructions for selectively controlling one or more LED lamps based on the received desired illumination property; a first trunk portion comprising: a first trunk body; a first wiring harness having two or more electrical conductors configured to be disposed at least partially within the first trunk body; a first connection mechanism; a first plurality of branch segments extending axially from the first trunk portion; and a first variable-color LED light string distributed across the first plurality of branch segments, the first variable-color LED light string comprising a first plurality of LED lamps, each of the first plurality of LED lamps comprising a plurality of LEDs; and a first integrated circuit (IC) configured to communicate with the first wiring harness and at least one of the first plurality of LED lamps; and a second trunk portion comprising: a second trunk body; a second wiring harness having two or more electrical conductors configured to be disposed at least partially within the second trunk body; a second connection mechanism; a second plurality of branch segments extending axially from the first trunk portion; and a second variable-color LED light string distributed across the second plurality of branch segments, the second variable-color LED light string comprising a second plurality of LED lamps, each of the second plurality of LED lamps comprising a plurality of LEDs; and a second IC configured to communicate with the second wiring harness and at least one of the second plurality of LED lamps, wherein the first connection mechanism is configured to mate with the second connection mechanism when the first trunk portion is mated with the second trunk portion.
15. A lighted artificial tree comprising: a power cord; a controller configured to (i) receive user input related to a desired illumination property and (ii) transmit instructions for selectively controlling one or more LED lamps based on the received desired illumination property; a first trunk portion comprising: a first trunk body; a first wiring harness having two or more electrical conductors configured to be disposed at least partially within the first trunk body; a first connection mechanism; a first plurality of branch segments extending axially from the first trunk portion; and a first variable-color LED light string distributed across the first plurality of branch segments, the first variable-color LED light string comprising a first plurality of LED lamps, each of the first plurality of LED lamps comprising a plurality of LEDs; and a first integrated circuit (IC) configured to communicate with the first wiring harness and the first plurality of LED lamps; and a second trunk portion comprising: a second trunk body; a second wiring harness having two or more electrical conductors configured to be disposed at least partially within the second trunk body; a second connection mechanism; a second plurality of branch segments extending axially from the first trunk portion; and a second variable-color LED light string distributed across the second plurality of branch segments, the second variable-color LED light string comprising a second plurality of LED lamps, each of the second plurality of LED lamps comprising a plurality of LEDs; and a second IC configured to communicate with the second wiring harness and the first plurality of LED lamps, wherein the first connection mechanism is configured to mate with the second connection mechanism when the first trunk portion is mated with the second trunk portion.
14. A lighted artificial tree comprising: a power cord; a wiring harness having two or more electrical conductors; a first tree segment having a first decorative lighting system, the first decorative lighting system comprising: a first light string, the first light string comprising a first plurality of lamps, at least one of the first plurality of lamps comprising a plurality of color LEDs; and a first controller configured to selectively control one or more illumination characteristics of at least one of the first plurality of lamps responsive to data indicative of user preference; and a second tree segment having a second decorative lighting system, the second decorative lighting system comprising: a second light string, the second light string comprising a second plurality of lamps, at least one of the second plurality of lamps comprising a plurality of color LEDs; and a second controller configured to selectively control one or more illumination characteristics of at least one of the second plurality of lamps responsive to data indicative of user preference.
1. A lighted artificial tree comprising: a power cord; a wiring harness having two or more electrical conductors; a first tree segment having a first decorative lighting system, the first decorative lighting system comprising: a first (variable-color LED) light string, the first (variable-color LED) light string comprising a first plurality of (variable-color LED) lamps, each of the first plurality of (variable-color LED) lamps comprising a plurality of color LEDs; and a first integrated circuit (IC) (controller) configured to communicate with the wiring harness and the first plurality of variable-color LED lamps; and a second tree segment having a second decorative lighting system, the second decorative lighting system comprising: a second (variable-color LED) light string, the second (variable-color LED) light string comprising a second plurality of (variable-color LED) lamps, each of the second plurality of (variable-color LED) lamps comprising a plurality of color LEDs; a second IC (controller) configured to communicate with the wiring harness and the second plurality of variable-color LED lamps; and a controller in communication with the wiring harness and configured to receive user input, the controller comprising a processor and at least one memory operatively coupled to the processor and configured for storing data instructions that, when executed by the controller, cause the processor to perform a method comprising: transmitting, by the controller and to the first variable-color LED light string, instructions for selectively controlling at least one variable-color LED lamp of the first variable-color LED light string according to a user input (preference); and transmitting, by the controller and to the second variable-color LED light string, instructions for selectively controlling at least one variable-color LED lamp of the second variable-color LED light string according to a user input (preference).
Conclusion
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/JASON M CRAWFORD/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2844