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 of applicant’s claim for foreign priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 (a)-(d). The certified copy has been filed in parent Application No. 17672081, filed on 24 March 2022 and 25 March 2022.
Drawings
The drawings are objected to under 37 CFR 1.83(a). The drawings must show every feature of the invention specified in the claims. Therefore, the lifting actuator of claim 11 must be shown or the feature(s) canceled from the claim(s). No new matter should be entered.
Corrected drawing sheets in compliance with 37 CFR 1.121(d) are required in reply to the Office action to avoid abandonment of the application. Any amended replacement drawing sheet should include all of the figures appearing on the immediate prior version of the sheet, even if only one figure is being amended. The figure or figure number of an amended drawing should not be labeled as “amended.” If a drawing figure is to be canceled, the appropriate figure must be removed from the replacement sheet, and where necessary, the remaining figures must be renumbered and appropriate changes made to the brief description of the several views of the drawings for consistency. Additional replacement sheets may be necessary to show the renumbering of the remaining figures. Each drawing sheet submitted after the filing date of an application must be labeled in the top margin as either “Replacement Sheet” or “New Sheet” pursuant to 37 CFR 1.121(d). If the changes are not accepted by the examiner, the applicant will be notified and informed of any required corrective action in the next Office action. The objection to the drawings will not be held in abeyance.
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 Objections
Claims 1, 14, and 20 are objected to because of the following informalities:
Line 1, a comma is needed before the term “comprising”.
Appropriate correction is required.
Claim 11 is objected to because of the following informalities:
Line 3, “the lifting actuator” should be amended to –a lifting actuator--.
Appropriate correction is required.
Claim 19 is objected to because of the following informalities:
Line 3, “plate.” should be amended to –plate,--.
Appropriate correction is required.
Claim 20 is objected to because of the following informalities:
Line 16, “cap,” should be amended to –cap, and--.
Appropriate correction is required.
Allowable Subject Matter
The following is a statement of reasons for the indication of allowable subject matter: The closest pieces of prior art are Huo (CN 208217924 U) in view of Lee (KR 102132170 B1) in further view of Hwang (KR 101461460 B1) and Lyssy (US 3352146 A).
Regarding Claim 1:
Huo discloses a gas cylinder logistics system, comprising:
a loading/unloading stage (1, Figure 1) where a gas container is provided (Paragraph [0038], the gas cylinders are the gas container provided at the loading/unloading stage); and
a cradle loader (6, Figure 1, the conveyor devices are the cradle loader) configured to load a cradle (4, Figure 1, the transport frame is the cradle) on which the gas container is loaded (Paragraph [0038]).
Lee teaches a gas supply system (Paragraph [0020]), comprising:
a loading/unloading robot (6000, Figure 60, the transfer robot is the loading/unloading robot) configured to transfer the gas container between stages (Paragraph [0012])); and
a valve structure (92, Figure 1) of the gas container (90, Figure 1).
Hwang teaches a cap structure, comprising:
a gas container (10, Figure 1) is provided in a state in which a valve structure (15, Figure 1) of the gas container is covered with a valve cap (100, Figure 1) detachably coupled to the gas container (Page 3, third paragraph from the top).
Lyssy teaches means for testing the gas permeability and closure leakage of containers, comprising:
a test buffer chamber (100, Figure 1) configured to inspect the gas container (Column 2, Lines 36-50, the gas container (B1) is inspected for leaks).
The prior art does not disclose or make obvious:
a loading/unloading robot configured to perform a transfer operation of transferring the gas container between the cradle and the test buffer chamber, and the loading/unloading robot configured to perform a separation and fastening operation of the valve cap to the gas container.
The limitation in the last 3 lines of the claim in view of all other limitations of claim 1 is not obvious in view of the prior art. While Huo teaches the loading/unloading stage with the gas containers which includes the robot of Lee to then transport the gas container to the test chamber of Lyssy. The references are leading to hindsight to produce the claimed invention.
The closest pieces of prior art are Lee (KR 102132170 B1) in view of Huo (CN 208217924 U) in further view of Choi (WO 2020175739 A1), Hwang (KR 101461460 B1) and Lyssy (US 3352146 A).
Regarding Claim 14:
Lee discloses a gas supply system (Paragraph [0020]), comprising:
a gas supply stage (Paragraph [0020]) including a gas supply cabinet (3, Figure 3) that is configured to mount the gas container (90, Figure 1);
a loading/unloading robot (6000, Figure 60, the transfer robot is the loading/unloading robot) configured to transfer the gas container between stages (Paragraph [0012])); and
a valve structure (92, Figure 1) of the gas container (90, Figure 1).
Huo teaches a gas cylinder logistics system, comprising:
a loading/unloading stage (1, Figure 1) where a gas container is provided (Paragraph [0038], the gas cylinders are the gas container provided at the loading/unloading stage);
a gas supply stage (3, Figure 1, the gas filling area is the gas supply stage) configured to mount the gas container provided from the loading/unloading stage (1, Figure 1);
wherein the loading/unloading stage comprises:
a cradle loader (6, Figure 1, the conveyor devices are the cradle loader) configured to load a cradle (4, Figure 1, the transport frame is the cradle) on which the gas container is loaded (Paragraph [0038]).
Choi teaches a method for semi-automatically replacing high-pressure gas cylinders, comprising:
a gas supply stage including a gas supply cabinet (100, Figure 2) that is configured to mount the gas container (201, Figure 2) and is configured to supply gas from the gas container to a gas-consuming facility (Paragraphs [0001] and [0047], the gas-consuming facility (semiconductor FAB facility) receives gas through the gas supply pipe).
Hwang teaches a cap structure, comprising:
a gas container (10, Figure 1) is provided in a state in which a valve structure (15, Figure 1) of the gas container is covered with a valve cap (100, Figure 1) detachably coupled to the gas container (Page 3, third paragraph from the top).
Lyssy teaches means for testing the gas permeability and closure leakage of containers, comprising:
a test buffer chamber (100, Figure 1) configured to inspect the gas container (Column 2, Lines 36-50, the gas container (B1) is inspected for leaks).
The prior art does not disclose or make obvious:
a loading/unloading robot configured to perform a transfer operation of transferring the gas container between the cradle and the test buffer chamber, and the loading/unloading robot configured to perform a separation and fastening operation of the valve cap to the gas container.
The limitation in the last 3 lines of the claim in view of all other limitations of claim 14 is not obvious in view of the prior art. While Lee discloses the gas supply system, it is further modified by Huo and Lyssy to contain the components of the loading/unloading stage. Further references would still be needed to teach the limitations which would further modify Huo and Lyssy. The references are leading to hindsight to produce the claimed invention.
Regarding Claim 20:
Lee discloses a gas supply system (Paragraph [0020]), comprising:
a gas supply stage (Paragraph [0020]) including a gas supply cabinet (3, Figure 3) that is configured to mount the gas container (90, Figure 1);
a loading/unloading robot (6000, Figure 60, the transfer robot is the loading/unloading robot) configured to transfer the gas container between stages (Paragraph [0012])); and
a valve structure (92, Figure 1) of the gas container (90, Figure 1).
Huo teaches a gas cylinder logistics system, comprising:
a loading/unloading stage (1, Figure 1) where a gas container is provided (Paragraph [0038], the gas cylinders are the gas container provided at the loading/unloading stage);
a gas supply stage (3, Figure 1, the gas filling area is the gas supply stage) configured to mount the gas container provided from the loading/unloading stage (1, Figure 1);
wherein the loading/unloading stage comprises:
a cradle loader (6, Figure 1, the conveyor devices are the cradle loader) configured to load a cradle (4, Figure 1, the transport frame is the cradle) on which the gas container is loaded (Paragraph [0038]).
Choi teaches a method for semi-automatically replacing high-pressure gas cylinders, comprising:
a gas supply stage including a gas supply cabinet (100, Figure 2) that is configured to mount the gas container (201, Figure 2) and is configured to supply gas from the gas container to a gas-consuming facility (Paragraphs [0001] and [0047], the gas-consuming facility (semiconductor FAB facility) receives gas through the gas supply pipe).
Hwang teaches a cap structure, comprising:
a gas container (10, Figure 1) is provided in a state in which a valve structure (15, Figure 1) of the gas container is covered with a valve cap (100, Figure 1) detachably coupled to the gas container (Page 3, third paragraph from the top).
Lyssy teaches means for testing the gas permeability and closure leakage of containers, comprising:
a test buffer chamber (100, Figure 1) configured to inspect the gas container (Column 2, Lines 36-50, the gas container (B1) is inspected for leaks).
The prior art does not disclose or make obvious:
a loading/unloading robot configured to perform a transfer operation of transferring the gas container between the cradle and the test buffer chamber, and the loading/unloading robot configured to perform a separation and fastening operation of the valve cap to the gas container,
an end effector table configured to hold a container gripping end effector including a gripper for gripping the gas container and a valve cap gripping end effector for gripping the valve cap, and
a valve cap storage box configured to store the valve cap separated from the gas container.
The limitation in the last 8 lines of the claim in view of all other limitations of claim 20 is not obvious in view of the prior art. While Lee discloses the gas supply system, it is further modified by Huo and Lyssy to contain the components of the loading/unloading stage. Further references would still be needed to teach the limitations which would further modify Huo and Lyssy. The references are leading to hindsight to produce the claimed invention.
However, a full determination of allowability will be made once all rejections and objections are overcome.
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.
Claim 1 is rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim 18 of U.S. Patent No. 12214491 B2 in view of Huo (CN 208217924 U) in further view of Lee (KR 102132170 B1) and Lyssy (US 3352146 A).
Regarding Claim 1:
U.S. Patent No. 12214491 B2 discloses a gas supply system, comprising:
A loading/unloading stage where a gas container is provided in a state in which a valve structure of the gas container is covered with a valve cap detachably coupled to the gas container comprising a loading/unloading robot configured to perform a transfer operation of transferring the gas and the loading/unloading robot configured to perform a separation and fastening operation of the valve cap to the gas container.
U.S. Patent No. 12214491 B2 does not disclose:
a cradle loader configured to load a cradle on which the gas container is loaded;
a test buffer chamber configured to inspect the gas container; and
a loading/unloading robot configured to perform a transfer operation of transferring the gas container between the cradle and the test buffer chamber.
Huo discloses a gas cylinder logistics system, comprising:
a loading/unloading stage (1, Figure 1) where a gas container is provided (Paragraph [0038], the gas cylinders are the gas container provided at the loading/unloading stage); and
a cradle loader (6, Figure 1, the conveyor devices are the cradle loader) configured to load a cradle (4, Figure 1, the transport frame is the cradle) on which the gas container is loaded (Paragraph [0038]).
It would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to modify U.S. Patent 12214491 B2 to include a cradle loader configured to load a cradle on which the gas container is loaded as taught by Huo with the motivation to improve the efficiency of the filling of tanks to reduce the time to unload the containers.
U.S. Patent No. 12214491 B2 and Huo do not teach:
a test buffer chamber configured to inspect the gas container; and
a loading/unloading robot configured to perform a transfer operation of transferring the gas container between the cradle and the test buffer chamber.
Lyssy teaches means for testing the gas permeability and closure leakage of containers, comprising:
a test buffer chamber (100, Figure 1) configured to inspect the gas container (Column 2, Lines 36-50, the gas container (B1) is inspected for leaks).
It would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to modify U.S. Patent 12214491 B2 and Huo to include a test buffer chamber configured to inspect the gas container as taught by Lyssy with the motivation to ensure the gas tank is not leaking which would reduce the amount of useable gas.
U.S. Patent No. 12214491 B2, Lyssy, and Huo do not teach:
a loading/unloading robot configured to perform a transfer operation of transferring the gas container between the cradle and the test buffer chamber.
Lee teaches a gas supply system (Paragraph [0020]), comprising:
a loading/unloading robot (6000, Figure 60, the transfer robot is the loading/unloading robot) configured to transfer the gas container between stages (Paragraph [0012])).
It would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to modify U.S. Patent 12214491 B2, Lyssy, and Huo to include a loading/unloading robot configured to transfer the gas container between stages as taught by Lee with the motivation to autonomously move the gas containers to prevent potential human error and to reduce potential physical train on an operator.
Through the combination of U.S. Patent 12214491 B2, Lyssy, Lee, and Huo, the loading/unloading robot of Lee when implemented into U.S. Patent 12214491 B2 would have the loading/unloading robot configured to perform a transfer operation of transferring the gas container between the cradle and the test buffer chamber.
Claim 3 is rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim 18 of U.S. Patent No. 12214491 B2. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because both claims require the loading/unloading robot includes a vision sensor and a nut runner configured to rotate the valve cap in a state engaged with an embossed structure of the valve cap.
Claims 14-15 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim 18 of U.S. Patent No. 12214491 B2 in view of Huo (CN 208217924 U) in further view of Choi (WO 2020175739 A1), Lee (KR 102132170 B1) and Lyssy (US 3352146 A).
Regarding Claim 14:
U.S. Patent No. 12214491 B2 discloses a gas supply system, comprising:
A loading/unloading stage where a gas container is provided in a state in which a valve structure of the gas container is covered with a valve cap detachably coupled to the gas container; and a gas supply stage including a gas supply cabinet that is configured to mount the gas container; wherein the loading/unloading stage comprises: a loading/unloading robot configured to perform a transfer operation of transferring the gas container and the loading/unloading robot configured to perform a separation and fastening operation of the valve cap to the gas container.
U.S. Patent No. 12214491 B2 does not disclose:
a gas supply stage including a gas supply cabinet that is configured to mount the gas container provided from the loading/unloading stage and is configured to supply gas from the gas container to a gas-consuming facility;
a cradle loader configured to load a cradle on which the gas container is loaded;
a test buffer chamber configured to inspect the gas container; and
a loading/unloading robot configured to perform a transfer operation of transferring the gas container between the cradle and the test buffer chamber.
Huo discloses a gas cylinder logistics system, comprising:
a loading/unloading stage (1, Figure 1) where a gas container is provided (Paragraph [0038], the gas cylinders are the gas container provided at the loading/unloading stage);
a gas supply stage (3, Figure 1, the gas filling area is the gas supply stage) configured to mount the gas container provided from the loading/unloading stage (1, Figure 1);
wherein the loading/unloading stage comprises:
a cradle loader (6, Figure 1, the conveyor devices are the cradle loader) configured to load a cradle (4, Figure 1, the transport frame is the cradle) on which the gas container is loaded (Paragraph [0038]).
It would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to modify U.S. Patent 12214491 B2 to include a loading/unloading stage where a gas container is provided, a gas supply stage configured to mount the gas container provided from the loading/unloading stage a cradle loader configured to load a cradle on which the gas container is loaded as taught by Huo with the motivation to improve the efficiency of the filling of tanks to reduce the time to unload the containers.
U.S. Patent No. 12214491 B2 and Huo do not teach:
a gas supply stage is configured to supply gas from the gas container to a gas-consuming facility;
a test buffer chamber configured to inspect the gas container; and
a loading/unloading robot configured to perform a transfer operation of transferring the gas container between the cradle and the test buffer chamber.
Lyssy teaches means for testing the gas permeability and closure leakage of containers, comprising:
a test buffer chamber (100, Figure 1) configured to inspect the gas container (Column 2, Lines 36-50, the gas container (B1) is inspected for leaks).
It would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to modify U.S. Patent 12214491 B2 and Huo to include a test buffer chamber configured to inspect the gas container as taught by Lyssy with the motivation to ensure the gas tank is not leaking which would reduce the amount of useable gas.
U.S. Patent No. 12214491 B2, Lyssy, and Huo do not teach:
a gas supply stage is configured to supply gas from the gas container to a gas-consuming facility; and
a loading/unloading robot configured to perform a transfer operation of transferring the gas container between the cradle and the test buffer chamber.
Choi teaches a method for semi-automatically replacing high-pressure gas cylinders, comprising:
a gas supply stage including a gas supply cabinet (100, Figure 2) that is configured to mount the gas container (201, Figure 2) and is configured to supply gas from the gas container to a gas-consuming facility (Paragraphs [0001] and [0047], the gas-consuming facility (semiconductor FAB facility) receives gas through the gas supply pipe).
It would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to modify U.S. Patent 12214491 B2, Lyssy, and Huo to include a gas supply stage is configured to supply gas from the gas container to a gas-consuming facility as taught by Choi with the motivation to prevent potential contamination during the wafer processing process.
U.S. Patent No. 12214491 B2, Lyssy, Choi, and Huo do not teach:
a loading/unloading robot configured to perform a transfer operation of transferring the gas container between the cradle and the test buffer chamber.
Lee teaches a gas supply system (Paragraph [0020]), comprising:
a loading/unloading robot (6000, Figure 60, the transfer robot is the loading/unloading robot) configured to transfer the gas container between stages (Paragraph [0012])).
It would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to modify U.S. Patent 12214491 B2, Lyssy, Choi and Huo to include a loading/unloading robot configured to transfer the gas container between stages as taught by Lee with the motivation to autonomously move the gas containers to prevent potential human error and to reduce potential physical train on an operator.
Through the combination of U.S. Patent 12214491 B2, Lyssy, Lee, Choi, and Huo, the loading/unloading robot of Lee when implemented into U.S. Patent 12214491 B2 would have the loading/unloading robot configured to perform a transfer operation of transferring the gas container between the cradle and the test buffer chamber.
Regarding Claim 15:
U.S. Patent No. 12214491 B2 discloses a gas supply system, comprising:
a container gripping end effector fastened to the loading/unloading robot (Column 50, Lines 6-7, the loading/unloading robot is configured to mount the container gripping end effector).
U.S. Patent No. 12214491 B2, Lyssy, Choi, and Huo do not teach:
wherein the container gripping end effector includes a bottom support structure that supports a bottom of the gas container and a first gripper that grips side of the gas container.
Lee teaches:
wherein the container gripping end effector (6530 and 6540, Figure 62, the clamper and lifter are the container gripping end effector) includes a bottom support structure (F, Figure 64, the forks are the bottom support structure) that supports a bottom of the gas container (90, Figure 1) and a first gripper (6530, Figure 62) that grips side of the gas container.
It would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to modify U.S. Patent 12214491 B2, Lyssy, Choi and Huo to include the container gripping end effector includes a bottom support structure that supports a bottom of the gas container and a first gripper that grips side of the gas container as taught by Lee with the motivation to ensure the container is secure during transport to prevent potential damage to the gas container.
Claim 16 is rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim 18 of U.S. Patent No. 12214491 B2. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because both claims require the loading/unloading robot includes a vision sensor and a nut runner configured to rotate the valve cap in a state engaged with an embossed structure of the valve cap.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.
Kim (US 20220016788 A1) teaches a gas cylinder transfer device comprising a transfer robot, a gas cylinder, a gas cabinet, and a gas supply stage.
Kim 2 (US 20210156520 A1) teaches a device for automatically opening/closing a gas barrel valve comprising a gas cylinder, a gas cabinet, and a gas supply stage.
Kim 3 (US 12497278 B2) teaches an automatic cap fastening apparatus comprising a robot, a cradle, a gas container, and a cap detachably connected.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to STEPHANIE A SHRIEVES whose telephone number is (571)272-5373. The examiner can normally be reached Monday to Friday: 9:30AM to 5:30PM.
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/STEPHANIE A SHRIEVES/Examiner, Art Unit 3753
/KENNETH RINEHART/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 3753