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
.
Priority
Acknowledgment is made that this application is a continuation of parent application 18/676,761 (USPN 12162160), with a more extended CON/CIP history inclusive of 16/869,675 (USPN 11872707), 16/863,594 (USPN 11511426), and 15/853,391 (USPN 10698412).
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Information Disclosure Statement
While it is not necessary for the Applicant to submit an information disclosure statement that lists the prior art reference(s) previously cited and considered by the Office in the parent application for the latter filed continuing application claiming the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 to said parent application (other than an international application that designated the U.S.), the information will not be printed on any patent issuing from the continuing application unless cited by the Applicant on an IDS or by the Examiner on a PTO-892 for the present application. See MPEP § 609.02. While the Examiner has reviewed the reference(s) of the parent application(s), the Examiner has not verified that all of the reference(s) listed in the parent application(s) appear on the present IDS and/or PTO-892.
The information disclosure statement(s)
(IDS) submitted on 10/16/2024 (x2) and 04/10/2026 is/are in compliance
with the provisions of 37 CFR 1.97. Accordingly, the information disclosure statement(s) is/are being considered by the Examiner.
Drawings
The drawings have not been checked to the extent necessary to determine the presence of all possible minor errors. Applicant’s cooperation is requested in correcting any errors of which Applicant may become aware in the drawings.
Specification
The lengthy specification has not been checked to the extent necessary to determine the presence of all possible minor errors. Applicant’s cooperation is requested in correcting any errors of which Applicant may become aware in the specification.
Claim Interpretation
The Examiner acknowledges the relevant definition(s) in/on [00476] of the originally filed specification (bold added for emphasis):
[00476] With reference to FIG. 92, to provide adequate line-of-sight coverage, a prism configuration that may create a complete coverage map when mounted normal to a surface is provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 92, a RTS prism 224100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, includes seven individual trihedral corner (TC) reflectors, e.g., first to seventh TC reflectors 224102, 224104, 224106, 224108, 224110, 224112, 224114 that are configured to reflect substantially all light from the center of the RTS prism 224100 (e.g., ±1.5 mm), and a single mounting cap 224116 on a bottom of the RTS prism 224100. In the illustration of FIG. 92, the first TC reflector 224102 is on a left front of the RTS prism 224100; the second TC reflector 224104 is on a right front of the RTS prism 224100; the third TC reflector 224112 is on a front center of the RTS prism 224100; the fourth TC reflector 224108 is on a left rear of the RTS prism 224100; the fifth TC reflector 224110 is on a right rear of the RTS prism 224100; the sixth TC reflector 224106 is on a rear center of the RTS prism 224100; and the seventh TC reflector 224114 is on a top of the RTS prism 224100. The mounting cap 224116 is on only the bottom of the RTS prism 224100, and there is no mounting cap on the top of the RTS prism 224100. Instead, the seventh TC reflector 224114 is on the top of the RTS prism 224100. The RTS prism 224100 may be referred to as a “1.5 plane prism.”
If Applicant wishes to provide further explanation or dispute the Examiner’s interpretation of the definitions or to identify missed definitions, Applicant should clearly identify the special definitions and corresponding structure with reference to the specification by page and line number, and to the drawing, if any, by reference characters in response to this Office action. Examples should be clearly delineated from required features.
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.
Use of the word “means” (or “step for”) in a claim with functional language creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim element is to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) (pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph). The presumption that 35 U.S.C. 112(f) (pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph) is invoked is rebutted when the function is recited with sufficient structure, material, or acts within the claim itself to entirely perform the recited function.
Absence of the word “means” (or “step for”) in a claim creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim element is not to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) (pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph). The presumption that 35 U.S.C. 112(f) (pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph) is not invoked is rebutted when the claim element recites function but fails to recite sufficiently definite structure, material or acts to perform that function.
Claim elements in this application that use the word “means” (or “step for”) are presumed to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f) except as otherwise indicated in an Office action. Similarly, claim elements that do not use the word “means” (or “step for”) are presumed not to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f) except as otherwise indicated in an Office action.
As explained in MPEP § 2181(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 (bold for emphasis):
(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.
Note also that MPEP § 2181(I)(B) states that “In certain circumstances, it is also not necessary to use a linking word if other words used with “means”, or the generic placeholder, convey the function.”
The following claim limitation(s) has/have been interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, with any exceptions noted:
“reflective means for reflecting the laser emitted from the laser tracking head to provide a reflective orientation coverage (ROC) map corresponding to a 1.5 plane prism model”,
having generic placeholder “means” coupled with functional language “reflective” and “for reflecting the laser emitted from the laser tracking head to provide a reflective orientation coverage (ROC) map corresponding to a 1.5 plane prism model”, the Examiner further noting that “1.5 plane prism” also has a special definition associated therewith as put forth in [00476] and conveniently shown above, without explicitly reciting sufficient structure to perform the recited function and the generic placeholder is not preceded by a structural modifier, whereby
claim(s) 25-28 has/have been interpreted
to cover the corresponding structure described in the disclosure that achieves the claimed function, and equivalents thereof, said corresponding structure found in at least (additional emphasis added):
[0023] Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide for greater line-of-sight coverage for an RTS prism than a traditional “360” RTS system. Embodiments of the present disclosure may replace one of the mounting caps of a traditional “360” RTS system with an additional reflector. The resultant coverage map may resemble a hemisphere, rather than the traditional stretched torus. The single-reflector addition may increase the prism’s reflecting coverage to 1.5 planes. This may provide full coverage when mounted normal to a surface, for example, when mounted on an inspection robot.
[00476] With reference to FIG. 92, to provide adequate line-of-sight coverage, a prism configuration that may create a complete coverage map when mounted normal to a surface is provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 92, a RTS prism 224100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, includes seven individual trihedral corner (TC) reflectors, e.g., first to seventh TC reflectors 224102, 224104, 224106, 224108, 224110, 224112, 224114 that are configured to reflect substantially all light from the center of the RTS prism 224100 (e.g., ±1.5 mm), and a single mounting cap 224116 on a bottom of the RTS prism 224100. In the illustration of FIG. 92, the first TC reflector 224102 is on a left front of the RTS prism 224100; the second TC reflector 224104 is on a right front of the RTS prism 224100; the third TC reflector 224112 is on a front center of the RTS prism 224100; the fourth TC reflector 224108 is on a left rear of the RTS prism 224100; the fifth TC reflector 224110 is on a right rear of the RTS prism 224100; the sixth TC reflector 224106 is on a rear center of the RTS prism 224100; and the seventh TC reflector 224114 is on a top of the RTS prism 224100. The mounting cap 224116 is on only the bottom of the RTS prism 224100, and there is no mounting cap on the top of the RTS prism 224100. Instead, the seventh TC reflector 224114 is on the top of the RTS prism 224100. The RTS prism 224100 may be referred to as a “1.5 plane prism.”
[00477] With further reference to FIG. 92, the RTS prism 224100 may be for reflecting a laser and may include the single mounting cap 224116 at a first end of the RTS prism 224100, and the first to seventh trihedral corner (TC) reflectors 224102, 224104, 224106, 224108, 224110, 224112, 224114, each including a reflective surface including: three side edges, and three corners at respective intercept points between the side edges, wherein the seventh TC reflector 224114, among the first to seventh TC reflectors 224102, 224104, 224106, 224108, 224110, 224112, 224114, is on a second end of the RTS prism 224100 opposite to the first end of the RTS prism 224100.
[00478] In the RTS prism 224100, the seventh TC reflector 224114 may have a reflective surface that is parallel to a top surface of the mounting cap 224116. In the RTS prism 224100, the first to sixth TC reflectors 224102, 224104, 224106, 224108, 224110, 224112, among the first to seventh TC reflectors 224102, 224104, 224106, 224108, 224110, 224112, 224114, are arranged annularly between the seventh TC reflector 224114 and the mounting cap 224116.
[00479] In the RTS prism 224100, for each of the first to third TC reflectors 224102, 224104, 224106, a first side edge, among the three side edges, directly contacts the top surface of the mounting cap 224116, and for each of the fourth to sixth TC reflectors 224108, 224110, 224112, a first side edge, among the three side edges, directly contacts a side edge of the seventh TC reflector 224114.
[00480] FIG. 93A is a schematic diagram of a 3D line-of-sight coverage area for the RTS prism of FIG. 92. FIG. 93B is a section view of the 3D line-of-sight coverage area of FIG.96.
[00481] Referring to FIG. 93A, a hemisphere-type shape may provide a reflective orientation coverage (ROC) coverage map 225102 with adequate line-of-sight reflective coverage. To facilitate this reflective coverage, in an embodiment, the seventh TC reflector 224114 is disposed on the top of the RTS prism 224100, as compared to the six TC reflectors of the traditional RTS prism 222100 of FIG. 90. A 1.5 plane prism may create an ROC coverage map 225102 that resembles a modified hemisphere shape. The resultant ROC coverage map 225102 is the sum of a hemisphere with the bottom half of the modified torus shape discussed in the section above. Referring to FIG. 93B, which is a section view of the ROC coverage map 225102 of FIG. 93A, a line-of-sight coverage is shown in area 225104, and a loss in coverage is depicted in area 225106. There is no line-of-sight coverage below the plane of the mounting cap 224116.
[00482] Referring to FIG. 94, an apparatus 226100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, may include: an inspection robot 226102, e.g., a robot crawler, including: a body 226104, and a prism 226106 for reflecting a laser emitted from a laser tracking head that is at a fixed location, the prism including: a single mounting cap 226108 mounted on the body 226104 of the inspection robot 226102 at a first end of the prism 226106, and first to sixth trihedral corner (TC) reflectors 226110 (e.g., first to sixth TC reflectors 224102, 224104, 224106, 224108, 224110, 224112 of FIG. 92) and a seventh TC reflector 224114 (e.g., the seventh TC reflector 224114 of FIG. 92), each TC reflector including a reflective surface including: three side edges, and three corners at respective intercept points between the side edges, wherein the seventh TC reflector 226112 is on a second end of the prism 226106 opposite to the first end of the prism 226106. The illustrated body 226104 and prism 226106 are not necessarily to scale.
[00483] In the apparatus 226100, the seventh TC reflector 226112 may include a reflective surface that is parallel to a top surface of the mounting cap 226108. In the apparatus 226100, the first to sixth TC reflectors 226110 may be arranged annularly between the seventh TC reflector 226112 and the mounting cap 226108. In the apparatus 226100, for each of the first to third TC reflectors, among the first to sixth TC reflectors 226110 (e.g., first to third TC reflectors 224102, 224104, 224106 of FIG. 92), a first side edge, among the three side edges, may directly contact the top surface of the mounting cap 226108, and for each of the fourth to sixth TC reflectors, among the first to sixth TC reflectors 226110 (e.g., fourth to sixth TC reflectors 224108, 224110, 224112 of FIG. 92), a first side edge, among the three side edges, may directly contact a side edge of the seventh TC reflector 226112. The relative angles of each surface of the first to sixth TC reflectors 224102, 224104, 224106, 224108, 224110, 224112 with respect to the top surface of the mounting cap 226108 in an embodiment, e.g., as shown in FIG. 94, may be different from the relative angles of each surface of the first to sixth TC reflectors 222102, 222104, 222106, 222108, 222110, 222112 with respect to the top surface of the mounting cap 222114 of the traditional RTS prism 222100 shown in FIG. 90.
[00484] Referring to FIG. 95, a method 227100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, may include providing a prism reflecting a laser emitted from a laser tracking head (227102), including: providing a single mounting cap mounted on the body of the inspection robot at a first end of the prism (227104), and providing first to seventh trihedral corner (TC) reflectors (227106), each including a reflective surface including: three side edges, and three corners at respective intercept points between the side edges, wherein the seventh TC reflector, among the first to seventh TC reflectors, is on a second end of the prism opposite to the first end of the prism.
[00485] Referring to FIG. 96, the method 227100 may further include providing the prism on an inspection robot, the inspection robot including a body to which the mounting cap is mounted (228102). The method 227100 may further include reflecting a laser from the laser tracking head on at least the seventh TC reflector (228104). The method 227100 may further include further reflecting the laser from the laser tracking head on at least one of the first to sixth TC reflectors (228106). The method 227100 may further include reflecting the laser from the laser tracking head within a reflective orientation coverage (ROC) map corresponding to a 1.5 plane prism model (228108). In the method 227100, the seventh TC reflector may include a reflective surface that is parallel to a top surface of the mounting cap. In the method 227100, the first to sixth TC reflectors, among the first to seventh TC reflectors, are arranged annularly between the seventh TC reflector and the mounting cap. In the method 227100, for each of the first to third TC reflectors, a first side edge, among the three side edges, may directly contact the top surface of the mounting cap, and for each of the fourth to sixth TC reflectors, a first side edge, among the three side edges, may directly contact a side edge of the seventh TC reflector.
[00486] Traditional RTS prisms already utilize TC reflectors and may be configured or modified in an embodiment to enhance its resultant ROC map. A complete ROC coverage map can be created, when normal to a surface, by replacing a mounting cap with an additional TC reflector on a 360° prism design. This relatively small design change creates a profound difference in the ROC map. It ensures that, as long as there is a line-of-sight between a laser tracking head and a 1.5 plane prism on a robot crawler, which is normal to some surface, there will also be a line-of-sight with a reflector on the 1.5 plane prism, e.g., the RTS prism 224100. When crawling on assets with curves, or other changing geometries, such as on/in the hull of a ship or in/on a pipe, the RTS prism 224100 remains inside the bounds of its resultant ROC coverage map 225102. It should be appreciated that the aforementioned hull of a ship and pipe locations are non-limiting examples. In a calibration operation, three RTS prisms, e.g., the RTS prism 224100, may be placed on the body 226104 of the inspection robot 226102 at specific locations. The specification locations may be pre-identified in the manufacturing of the body. A laser tracking head at a fixed location, e.g., at a base station, may emit a laser at the three prisms to determine exact locations of each prism with respect to the laser tracking head, e.g., with global position system (GPS) location information. This may provide a triangulated position for the prisms as reference points with respect to the base station. It should be appreciated that embodiments are not limited to three prisms for calibration, and that any number may be used to provide appropriately accurate location calibration. Other location information sources may also be used. During operation, after calibration, only a single prism, e.g., the RTS prism 224100, may be retained on the body 226104 of the inspection robot 226102. Alternatively, the additional calibration prisms may remain in place during operation. It should also be appreciated that calibration may be performed on the inspection robot or on an asset to be mapped by the inspection robot, or next to the asset to be mapped. The ROC map may also be created by mounting a laser tracking head on the inspection robot while the RTS prism 224100 remains at a fixed location, e.g., at a base station. Calibration would still be performed similarly to the above description.
[00487] Advantages and benefits of embodiments may include the improved ROC map that provides an additional 0.5 plane of visibility. Also, embodiments may provide an improved return signal geometry, which may provide a stronger signal. Because embodiments include only the single mounting cap 226108 (see FIG. 94), rather than the two mounting caps 222114, 222116 of the traditional 360° RTS prism 222100 (see FIG. 90), the RTS prism 224100 of FIG. 92 may be manufactured to be smaller than the traditional 360° RTS prism 222100, which may reduce costs and allow for the inspection robot 226102 be made smaller, e.g., to fit into smaller or tighter spaces than with the traditional RTS prism. One reason is that the mounting caps are relatively large with respect to the prism assembly.
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with the Examiner’s interpretation of the corresponding structure as a prism that includes seven trihedral corner reflectors, with the mounting cap at the first end of the prism, where six trihedral corner reflectors form the 360° coverage (i.e., full plane), while (importantly) the seventh trihedral corner reflector is on top/second-end of the prism (forming the +0.5 plane).
If Applicant wishes to provide further explanation or dispute the Examiner’s interpretation including of the corresponding structure, Applicant should identify the corresponding structure with reference to the specification by page and line number, and to the drawing, if any, by reference characters in response to this Office action.
If Applicant does not intend to have the claim limitation(s) treated under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112 , sixth paragraph, Applicant may amend the claim(s) so that it/they will clearly not invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, or present a sufficient showing that the claim recites/recite sufficient structure, material, or acts for performing the claimed function to preclude application of 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph.
For more information, see MPEP § 2173 et seq. and Supplementary Examination Guidelines for Determining Compliance With 35 U.S.C. 112 and for Treatment of Related Issues in Patent Applications, 76 FR 7162, 7167 (Feb. 9, 2011).
Double Patenting
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.
MPEP § 804 states in part:
As filing a terminal disclaimer, or filing a showing that the claims subject to the rejection are patentably distinct from the reference application’s claims, is necessary for further consideration of the rejection of the claims, such a filing should not be held in abeyance. Only objections or requirements as to form not necessary for further consideration of the claims may be held in abeyance until allowable subject matter is indicated.
Instant claim(s) 21-35 is/are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over reference patented claim(s) 1-16 and 19 of U.S. Patent No. 12162160.
Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because of the reasons put forth in the table below:
One-Way Double Patenting Analysis Table
18/917,514
(instant)
USPN
12162160
(reference)
Obviousness Analysis of instant claim over reference claim
21
1
19
A prism for reflecting a laser (1 A prism for reflecting a laser), comprising:
a mounting cap at a first end of the prism (1 a single mounting cap at a first end of the prism); and first to seventh trihedral corner reflectors, each comprising a reflective surface (1 first to seventh trihedral corner (TC) reflectors, each comprising a reflective surface), wherein the seventh TC reflector, among the first to seventh TC reflectors, is on a second end of the prism opposite to the first end of the prism (1 first to seventh trihedral corner (TC) reflectors, each comprising a reflective surface).
A prism for reflecting a laser (17 A prism for reflecting a laser beam), comprising: a mounting cap (17 a mounting cap) at a first end of the prism (19 the mounting cap is at the first end of the prism); and first to seventh trihedral corner reflectors, each comprising a reflective surface (17 seven trihedral corner (TC) reflectors, each comprising a reflective surface),
wherein the seventh TC reflector, among the first to seventh TC reflectors, is on a second end of the prism opposite to the first end of the prism (17 a seventh of the seven TC reflectors: each of three side edges contacts a respective one of the first sides of the second three of the seven TC reflectors; and the reflective surface is parallel to the top surface of the mounting cap).
The Examiner notes: indistinctly recites most limitations, differences being merely nominal nomenclatural differences or grammatical variations not amounting to patentable distinction.
22
2
19
The prism of claim 21 (2 The prism of claim 1), wherein the seventh TC reflector comprises a reflective surface that is parallel to a top surface of the mounting cap (2 wherein the seventh TC reflector comprises a reflective surface that is parallel to a top surface of the mounting cap).
The prism of claim 21, wherein the seventh TC reflector comprises a reflective surface that is parallel to a top surface of the mounting cap (17 for a seventh of the seven TC reflectors: each of three side edges contacts a respective one of the first sides of the second three of the seven TC reflectors; and the reflective surface is parallel to the top surface of the mounting cap).
The Examiner notes: indistinctly recites most limitations, differences being merely nominal nomenclatural differences or grammatical variations not amounting to patentable distinction.
23
3
The prism of claim 22 (3 The prism of claim 2), wherein the first to sixth TC reflectors, among the first to seventh TC reflectors, are arranged annularly between the seventh TC reflector and the mounting cap (3 wherein the first to sixth TC reflectors, among the first to seventh TC reflectors, are arranged annularly between the seventh TC reflector and the mounting cap).
24
4
19
The prism of claim 23 (4 The prism of claim 3), wherein: for each of the first to third TC reflectors, a first side edge, among three side edges, directly contacts the top surface of the mounting cap; and for each of the fourth to sixth TC reflectors, a first side edge, among three side edges, directly contacts a side edge of the seventh TC reflector (4 wherein: for each of the first to third TC reflectors, a first side edge, among the three side edges, directly contacts the top surface of the mounting cap; and for each of the fourth to sixth TC reflectors, a first side edge, among the three side edges, directly contacts a side edge of the seventh TC reflector).
The prism of claim 23, wherein: for each of the first to third TC reflectors, a first side edge, among three side edges, directly contacts the top surface of the mounting cap (17 for each of a first three of the seven TC reflectors: a first side edge, among the three side edges, is in direct contact with and parallel to a top surface of the mounting cap); and for each of the fourth to sixth TC reflectors, a first side edge, among three side edges, directly contacts a side edge of the seventh TC reflector (17 for each of a second three of the seven TC reflectors: a first corner, among the three corners, points toward the top surface of the mounting cap; a first side edge, among the three side edges, is parallel to the top surface of the mounting cap, and is opposite to the first corner; and a second corner and a third corner, among the three corners, directly contact another of the second three of the seven TC reflectors at first and second ends of the first side edge parallel to the top surface of the mounting cap, and are opposite to the first corner; and for a seventh of the seven TC reflectors: each of three side edges contacts a respective one of the first sides of the second three of the seven TC reflectors).
The Examiner notes: indistinctly recites most limitations, differences being merely nominal nomenclatural differences or grammatical variations not amounting to patentable distinction.
25
5-8
A system (5 An apparatus), comprising: an inspection robot including (5 an inspection robot comprising): a body (5 a body); and a prism for reflecting a laser emitted from a laser tracking head, the prism comprising (5 a prism for reflecting a laser emitted from a laser tracking head, the prism comprising):
a mounting cap mounted on the body of the inspection robot at a first end of the prism (5 a single mounting cap mounted on the body of the inspection robot at a first end of the prism); and reflective means for reflecting the laser emitted from the laser tracking head to provide a reflective orientation coverage map corresponding to a 1.5 plane prism model (5 and first to seventh trihedral corner (TC) reflectors, each comprising a reflective surface comprising: three side edges; and three corners at respective intercept points between the side edges, wherein the seventh TC reflector, among the first to seventh TC reflectors, is on a second end of the prism opposite to the first end of the prism).
The Examiner has looked to the (shared) disclosure and notes the following as particularly relevant (bold added for emphasis; numbering as put forth in instant application):
[00476] With reference to FIG. 92, to provide adequate line-of-sight coverage, a prism configuration that may create a complete coverage map when mounted normal to a surface is provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 92, a RTS prism 224100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, includes seven individual trihedral corner (TC) reflectors, e.g., first to seventh TC reflectors 224102, 224104, 224106, 224108, 224110, 224112, 224114 that are configured to reflect substantially all light from the center of the RTS prism 224100 (e.g., ±1.5 mm), and a single mounting cap 224116 on a bottom of the RTS prism 224100. In the illustration of FIG. 92, the first TC reflector 224102 is on a left front of the RTS prism 224100; the second TC reflector 224104 is on a right front of the RTS prism 224100; the third TC reflector 224112 is on a front center of the RTS prism 224100; the fourth TC reflector 224108 is on a left rear of the RTS prism 224100; the fifth TC reflector 224110 is on a right rear of the RTS prism 224100; the sixth TC reflector 224106 is on a rear center of the RTS prism 224100; and the seventh TC reflector 224114 is on a top of the RTS prism 224100. The mounting cap 224116 is on only the bottom of the RTS prism 224100, and there is no mounting cap on the top of the RTS prism 224100. Instead, the seventh TC reflector 224114 is on the top of the RTS prism 224100. The RTS prism 224100 may be referred to as a “1.5 plane prism.”
It is the Examiner’s position that USPN ‘160 claim 5 likewise claimed a prism that includes seventh trihedral corner (TC) reflectors and has one of the TC reflectors opposite the single mounting cap that would likewise be considered a 1.5 plane prism, and therefore the (one-way) differences are merely nominal/grammatical variations.
In the event that the Examiner and Applicant disagree with the Examiner’s claim interpretation of the reflective means and “1.5 plane prism” and Applicant argues for more detailed structure belonging thereto than claimed in USPN ‘160 claim 5, the Examiner notes that reference patent claims 6-8 cascadingly depend upon reference patent claim 5 and add additional descriptive claimed details of the prism, namely: (reference patent claim 6) “wherein the seventh TC reflector comprises a reflective surface that is parallel to a top surface of the mounting cap”, (reference patent claim 7) “wherein the first to sixth TC reflectors, among the first to seventh TC reflectors, are arranged annularly between the seventh TC reflector and the mounting cap”, and (reference patent claim 8) “wherein: for each of the first to third TC reflectors, a first side edge, among the three side edges, directly contacts the top surface of the mounting cap; and for each of the fourth to sixth TC reflectors, a first side edge, among the three side edges, directly contacts a side edge of the seventh TC reflector”.
26
7-8
The system of claim 25 (7 The apparatus of claim 6), wherein at least a portion of the reflective means is arranged annularly (7 wherein the first to sixth TC reflectors, among the first to seventh TC reflectors, are arranged annularly between the seventh TC reflector and the mounting cap).
27
5-8
The system of claim 25, wherein the reflective means contacts the mounting cap (5 single mounting cap mounted on the body of the inspection robot at a first end of the prism).
It is the Examiner’s position that the single mounting cap at the first end of the prism is in contact with the prism, the prism (aside from the mounting cap) being a reflective means.
28
5-8
The system of claim 25, further comprising: the laser tracking head (5 for reflecting a laser emitted from a laser tracking head).
Examiner acknowledges that USPN ‘160 only teaches that it is for the laser tracking head and is silent to the system actually comprising the laser tracking head, however, it is the Examiner’s position that so explicitly including the laser tracking head therewith (now as claimed element instead of intended use) is trivial and commonsensical, and therefore it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to so explicitly include the laser tracking head for which the USPN ‘160 is claimed as intended for as both trivial & commonsensical and is not considered a patentable distinction.
29
9
A method, comprising: inspecting, with an inspection robot, an inspection surface (Examiner notes as silent to inspecting inspection surface),
wherein the inspection robot includes a body and a prism (9 providing a prism reflecting a laser emitted from a laser tracking head, comprising: providing a single mounting cap mounted on a body of an inspection robot at a first end of the prism); and reflecting, by the prism, a laser emitted from a laser tracking head (9 providing a prism reflecting a laser emitted from a laser tracking head), wherein the prism includes: a mounting cap mounted on the body of the inspection robot at a first end of the prism (9 providing a single mounting cap mounted on a body of an inspection robot at a first end of the prism); and first to seventh trihedral corner reflectors, each comprising a reflective surface (9 providing first to seventh trihedral corner (TC) reflectors, each comprising a reflective surface), wherein the seventh TC reflector, among the first to seventh TC reflectors, is on a second end of the prism opposite to the first end of the prism (9 wherein the seventh TC reflector, among the first to seventh TC reflectors, is on a second end of the prism opposite to the first end of the prism).
While USPN ‘160 claim 9 teaches the inspection robot, USPN ‘160 claim 9 does not explicitly claim inspecting an inspection surface, however the Examiner takes Official Notice that inspecting an inspection surface with the inspection robot is a conventional and expected activity, and it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to further include the aforementioned activity of inspecting a surface with USPN ‘160’s inspection robot for the expected utility thereof. The Examiner notes that evidence of the conventionality of (generically) inspecting surfaces with a (generic) inspection robot can be found at least in the history of the parent applications and the prior art of record.
30
10
The method of claim 29 (10 The method of claim 9), wherein the seventh TC reflector comprises a reflective surface that is parallel to a top surface of the mounting cap (10 wherein the seventh TC reflector comprises a reflective surface that is parallel to a top surface of the mounting cap).
31
11
The method of claim 30 (11 The method of claim 10), wherein the first to sixth TC reflectors, among the first to seventh TC reflectors, are arranged annularly between the seventh TC reflector and the mounting cap (11 wherein the first to sixth TC reflectors, among the first to seventh TC reflectors, are arranged annularly between the seventh TC reflector and the mounting cap).
32
12
The method of claim 31 (12 The method of claim 11), wherein: for each of the first to third TC reflectors, a first side edge, among three side edges, directly contacts the top surface of the mounting cap (12 wherein: for each of the first to third TC reflectors, a first side edge, among the three side edges, directly contacts the top surface of the mounting cap); and for each of the fourth to sixth TC reflectors, a first side edge, among three side edges, directly contacts a side edge of the seventh TC reflector (12 for each of the fourth to sixth TC reflectors, a first side edge, among the three side edges, directly contacts a side edge of the seventh TC reflector).
33
14
The method of claim 29 (14 The method of claim 13), further comprising reflecting the laser from the laser tracking head on at least the seventh TC reflector (14 reflecting a laser from the laser tracking head on at least the seventh TC reflector).
34
15
The method of claim 29 (15 The method of claim 13), further comprising further reflecting the laser from the laser tracking head on at least one of the first to sixth TC reflectors (15 further reflecting the laser from the laser tracking head on at least one of the first to sixth TC reflectors).
35
16
The method of claim 29 (16 The method of claim 14), further comprising reflecting the laser from the laser tracking head within a reflective orientation coverage map corresponding to a 1.5 plane prism model (16 reflecting the laser from the laser tracking head within a reflective orientation coverage (ROC) map corresponding to a 1.5 plane prism model).
Further dependent claim(s) of the aforementioned reference claim(s) likewise reject the instant claim(s).
The Double Patenting Rejections will not be held in abeyance. See MPEP § 804 & 714.02.
Allowable Subject Matter
Claim(s) 21-35 is/are would be allowable if a terminal disclaimer in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(c) or 1.321(d) is used to overcome the nonstatutory double patenting rejection set forth in this Office action.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to Applicant's disclosure. Applicant is invited to review PTO form 892 accompanying this Office Action listing Prior Art relevant to the instant invention cited by the Examiner.
Examiner interviews are available via telephone 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.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the Examiner should be directed to DAVID L SINGER whose telephone number is 303-297-4317. The Examiner can normally be reached Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 6:00pm CT, EXCEPT alternating Friday.
If attempts to reach the Examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the Examiner’s supervisor, John Breene can be reached on 571-272-4107. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/DAVID L SINGER/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2855 31AUG2026
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