Prosecution Insights
Last updated: October 04, 2026
Application No. 18/933,581

Device and Method for Anticipating Failure in a Solenoid Pilot Operated Control Valve for a Fieldbus Manifold Assembly

Non-Final OA §101
Filed
Oct 31, 2024
Priority
Feb 11, 2020 — nonprovisional of PCTUS2020017687 +1 more
Examiner
RODAK, LEE E
Art Unit
Tech Center
Assignee
Asco L P
OA Round
1 (Non-Final)
72%
Grant Probability
Favorable
1-2
OA Rounds
9m
Est. Remaining
99%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 72% — above average
72%
Career Allowance Rate
270 granted / 374 resolved
+12.2% vs TC avg
Strong +34% interview lift
Without
With
+34.1%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
2y 8m
Avg Prosecution
36 currently pending
Career history
407
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
2.5%
-37.5% vs TC avg
§103
52.9%
+12.9% vs TC avg
§102
21.6%
-18.4% vs TC avg
§112
19.5%
-20.5% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 374 resolved cases

Office Action

§101
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 . In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status. 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. Claim 1 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 101 as claiming the same invention as that of claim 11 of prior U.S. Patent No. 12,163,600 B2. This is a statutory double patenting rejection. Claim 1 of Instant application Claim 11 of US Patent 12163600 A method of detecting degradation of a coil in a solenoid pilot in a fieldbus control valve system, said method characterized by: A method of detecting degradation of a coil in a solenoid pilot in a fieldbus control valve system, said method characterized by: providing a power circuit with a direct current power source that powers said solenoid coil; providing a power circuit with a direct current power source that powers said solenoid coil; providing a driver that communicates said power source to ground to close and open the power circuit; providing a driver that communicates said power source to ground to close and open the power circuit; providing a resistive element in series with said direct current power source, said driver and said solenoid coil; providing a resistive element in series with said direct current power source, said driver and said solenoid coil; generating a frequency pulse train to said driver having a characteristic so as not to affect actuation of said solenoid coil; generating a frequency pulse train to said driver having a characteristic so as not to affect actuation of said solenoid coil; measuring an initial voltage level during said frequency pulse trains between said solenoid coil and said resistive element; measuring an initial voltage level during said frequency pulse trains between said solenoid coil and said resistive element; storing said initial voltage level in a memory device; storing said initial voltage level in a memory device; measuring a subsequent voltage level during a subsequent frequency pulse train; measuring a subsequent voltage level during a subsequent frequency pulse train; comparing said subsequent voltage level to said initial voltage level; and comparing said subsequent voltage level to said initial voltage level; and providing an indicator warning when said subsequent voltage level has changed a predetermined amount from said initial voltage level. providing an indicator warning when said subsequent voltage level has changed a predetermined amount from said initial voltage level. Similarly claims 2-3 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 101 as claiming the same invention as that of claims 12-13 of prior U.S. Patent No. 12,163,600 B2 respectively. This is a statutory double patenting rejection. Note: Claims 1-3 are not rejected by any prior art. Conclusion The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. YAMAMOTO et al. (Pub NO. US 2018/0342972 A1) discloses Motor Control System. Larson et al. (Patent NO. US 6,382,226 B1) discloses Method for Detecting Broken Valve. Uchishiba et al. (Patent NO. US 5,315,500) discloses Diagnostic System and Method. Weickel et al. (Pub NO. US 2021/0131459 A1) discloses Valve Device and Method. Fukushima et al. (Pub NO. US 2007/0012284 A1) discloses Coil Failure. Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to ZANNATUL FERDOUS whose telephone number is (571)270-0399. The examiner can normally be reached Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm (PST). Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice. If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Rodak Lee can be reached at 571-270-5628. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300. Information regarding the status of published or unpublished applications may be obtained from Patent Center. Unpublished application information in Patent Center is available to registered users. To file and manage patent submissions in Patent Center, visit: https://patentcenter.uspto.gov. Visit https://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/patent-center for more information about Patent Center and https://www.uspto.gov/patents/docx for information about filing in DOCX format. For additional questions, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000. /ZANNATUL FERDOUS/Examiner, Art Unit 2858 /LEE E RODAK/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2858
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Prosecution Timeline

Oct 31, 2024
Application Filed
Jun 05, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §101 (current)

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Study what changed to get past this examiner. Based on 5 most recent grants.

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Prosecution Projections

1-2
Expected OA Rounds
72%
Grant Probability
99%
With Interview (+34.1%)
2y 8m (~9m remaining)
Median Time to Grant
Low
PTA Risk
Based on 374 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allowance rate.

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