Prosecution Insights
Last updated: September 26, 2026
Application No. 19/018,654

LEAKAGE CURRENT DETECTION AND INTERRUPTION DEVICE FOR POWER CORD AND RELATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS AND ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES

Non-Final OA §102§103§DOUBLEPATENT
Filed
Jan 13, 2025
Priority
Mar 22, 2022 — CN 202220635960.5 +2 more
Examiner
SREEVATSA, SREEYA
Art Unit
2838
Tech Center
2800 — Semiconductors & Electrical Systems
Assignee
Chengli LI
OA Round
1 (Non-Final)
86%
Grant Probability
Favorable
1-2
OA Rounds
9m
Est. Remaining
90%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 86% — above average
86%
Career Allowance Rate
254 granted / 295 resolved
+18.1% vs TC avg
Minimal +4% lift
Without
With
+3.8%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
2y 6m
Avg Prosecution
27 currently pending
Career history
315
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
0.6%
-39.4% vs TC avg
§103
50.0%
+10.0% vs TC avg
§102
34.3%
-5.7% vs TC avg
§112
13.3%
-26.7% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 295 resolved cases

Office Action

§102 §103 §DOUBLEPATENT
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 . Claims 1-8 and 11-14 are pending in this application. Drawings The drawings are objected to as failing to comply with 37 CFR 1.84(p)(4) because reference character “103” has been used to designate both Switch module and Trigger module in fig.1. 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. 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. 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. Claims 1-8 and 11-14 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1-8 and 11-14 of U.S. Patent No. 12206231. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because instant application claims are anticipated by prior US patent claims as shown below. Instant application U.S. Patent No. 12206231 Claim 1 A leakage current detection and interruption device for a power cord, comprising: a first power supply line and a second power supply line; a switch module, configured to control an electrical connection of the first power supply line and the second power supply line between an input end and an output end; a leakage current detection module, including a first leakage current detection line and a second leakage current detection line, wherein the first leakage current detection line covers the first power supply line and is configured to detect a leakage current from the first power supply line and to generate a first leakage signal in response thereto, and wherein the second leakage current detection line covers the second power supply line and is configured to detect a leakage current from the second power supply line and to generate a second leakage signal in response thereto; a signal processing module, coupled to the leakage current detection module to receive the first and/or second leakage signals, and configured to generate a leakage fault signal in response to the first and/or second leakage signals, wherein the signal processing module includes a comparing unit configured to have a threshold signal, the comparing unit being selected from a group consisting of: a Zener diode, a trigger diode, a comparator, a TVS (Transient Voltage Suppressor) diode, and a photocoupler, wherein the threshold signal is defined by the Zener diode or the trigger diode or the comparator or the TVS diode or the photocoupler; and a trigger module, coupled to the switch module and the signal processing module, configured to receive the leakage fault signal, and in response thereto, to drive the switch module to disconnect the electrical connection between the input end and the output end, wherein in response to an output signal from the leakage current detection module that is below the threshold signal, the signal processing module prevents the trigger module from driving the switch module to disconnect the electrical connection between the input end and the output end, and in response to at least one of the first leakage signal and the second leakage signal received from the leakage current detection module which is above the threshold signal, the comparing unit generates the leakage fault signal. Claim 1 A leakage current detection and interruption device for a power cord, comprising: a first power supply line and a second power supply line; a switch module, configured to control an electrical connection of the first power supply line and the second power supply line between an input end and an output end; a leakage current detection module, including a first leakage current detection line and a second leakage current detection line, wherein the first leakage current detection line covers the first power supply line and is configured to detect a leakage current from the first power supply line and to generate a first leakage signal in response thereto, and wherein the second leakage current detection line covers the second power supply line and is configured to detect a leakage current from the second power supply line and to generate a second leakage signal in response thereto; a signal processing module, coupled to the leakage current detection module to receive the first and/or second leakage signals, and configured to generate a leakage fault signal in response to the first and/or second leakage signals, wherein the signal processing module includes a comparing unit configured to have a threshold signal, the comparing unit being selected from a group consisting of: a Zener diode, a trigger diode, and a TVS (Transient Voltage Suppressor) diode, wherein the threshold signal is defined by the Zener diode or the trigger diode or the TVS diode; a trigger module, coupled to the switch module and the signal processing module, configured to receive the leakage fault signal, and in response thereto, to drive the switch module to disconnect the electrical connection between the input end and the output end; and wherein in response to an output signal from the leakage current detection module that is below the threshold signal, the signal processing module prevents the trigger module from driving the switch module to disconnect the electrical connection between the input end and the output end, and in response to at least one of the first leakage signal and the second leakage signal received from the leakage current detection module which is above the threshold signal, the comparing unit generates the leakage fault signal. Claim 2 The leakage current detection and interruption device of claim 1, wherein the leakage current detection module is further configured to generate a first open-circuit signal in response to an open circuit condition in the first leakage current detection line, and to generate a second open-circuit signal in response to an open circuit condition in the second leakage current detection line. Claim 2 The leakage current detection and interruption device of claim 1, wherein the leakage current detection module is further configured to generate a first open-circuit signal in response to an open circuit condition in the first leakage current detection line, and to generate a second open-circuit signal in response to an open circuit condition in the second leakage current detection line. Claim 3 The leakage current detection and interruption device of claim 2, wherein the signal processing module is further configured to receive the first and second open-circuit signals and to generate a self-test fault signal in response to the first and/or second open-circuit signal. Claim 3 The leakage current detection and interruption device of claim 2, wherein the signal processing module is further configured to receive the first and second open-circuit signals and to generate a self-test fault signal in response to the first and/or second open-circuit signal. Claim 4 The leakage current detection and interruption device of claim 3, wherein the trigger module is further configured to receive the self-test fault signal, and in response thereto, to drive the switch module to disconnect the electrical connection between the input end and the output end. Claim 4 The leakage current detection and interruption device of claim 3, wherein the trigger module is further configured to receive the self-test fault signal, and in response thereto, to drive the switch module to disconnect the electrical connection between the input end and the output end. Claim 5 The leakage current detection and interruption device of claim 4, wherein the trigger module includes: a solenoid, configured to generate an electromagnetic force in response to a current flowing therethrough to drive the switch module; andat least one semiconductor device, coupled in series with the solenoid, and coupled to the signal processing module, configured to cause a current to flow through the solenoid in response to the leakage fault signal and/or the self-test fault signal. Claim 5 The leakage current detection and interruption device of claim 4, wherein the trigger module includes: a solenoid, configured to generate an electromagnetic force in response to a current flowing therethrough to drive the switch module; andat least one semiconductor device, coupled in series with the solenoid, and coupled to the signal processing module, configured to cause a current to flow through the solenoid in response to the leakage fault signal and/or the self-test fault signal. Claim 6 The leakage current detection and interruption device of claim 3, wherein in response to at least one of the first open-circuit signal and the second open-circuit signal received from the leakage current detection module which is above the threshold signal, the comparing unit generates the self-test fault signal correspondingly. Claim 6 The leakage current detection and interruption device of claim 3, wherein in response to at least one of the first open-circuit signal and the second open-circuit signal received from the leakage current detection module which is above the threshold signal, the comparing unit generates the self-test fault signal. Claim 7 The leakage current detection and interruption device of claim 2, wherein the leakage current detection module further includes: a self-test unit, coupled to the first leakage current detection line, the second leakage current detection line, the first power supply line, the second power supply line, the signal processing module, and the trigger module, configured to detect an open-circuit condition in the first and/or second leakage current detection line, to cooperate with the first leakage current detection line to generate the first open-circuit signal when the first leakage current detection line has an open-circuit condition, and to cooperate with the second leakage current detection line to generate the second open-circuit signal when the second leakage current detection line has an open-circuit condition. Claim 7 The leakage current detection and interruption device of claim 2, wherein the leakage current detection module further includes: a self-test unit, coupled to the first leakage current detection line, the second leakage current detection line, the first power supply line, the second power supply line, the signal processing module, and the trigger module, configured to detect an open-circuit condition in the first and/or second leakage current detection line, to cooperate with the first leakage current detection line to generate the first open-circuit signal when the first leakage current detection line has an open-circuit condition, and to cooperate with the second leakage current detection line to generate the second open-circuit signal when the second leakage current detection line has an open-circuit condition. Claim 8 The leakage current detection and interruption device of claim 1, further comprising a test module, which includes a test switch coupled to the leakage current detection module; wherein in response to the test switch being closed and the leakage current detection module having no fault condition, the trigger module is further configured to drive the switch module to disconnect the electrical connection between the input end and the output end. Claim 8 The leakage current detection and interruption device of claim 1, further comprising a test module, which includes a test switch coupled to the leakage current detection module; wherein in response to the test switch being closed and the leakage current detection module having no fault condition, the trigger module is further configured to drive the switch module to disconnect the electrical connection between the input end and the output end. Claim 11 The leakage current detection and interruption device of claim 1, wherein the trigger module includes: a solenoid, configured to generate an electromagnetic force in response to a current flowing therethrough to drive the switch module; and at least one semiconductor device, coupled in series with the solenoid, and coupled to the signal processing module, configured to cause a current to flow through the solenoid in response to the leakage fault signal. Claim 11 The leakage current detection and interruption device of claim 1, wherein the trigger module includes: a solenoid, configured to generate an electromagnetic force in response to a current flowing therethrough to drive the switch module; and at least one semiconductor device, coupled in series with the solenoid, and coupled to the signal processing module, configured to cause a current to flow through the solenoid in response to the leakage fault signal. Claim 12 The leakage current detection and interruption device of claim 11, wherein the semiconductor device is selected from a group consisting of: a silicon controlled rectifier, a bipolar transistor, a field effect transistor, and a photocoupler. Claim 12 The leakage current detection and interruption device of claim 11, wherein the semiconductor device is selected from a group consisting of: a silicon controlled rectifier, a bipolar transistor, a field effect transistor, and a photocoupler. Claim 13 An electrical power connection device, comprising: a body; and the leakage current detection and interruption device of claim 1, disposed inside the body. Claim 13 An electrical power connection device, comprising: a body; and the leakage current detection and interruption device of claim 1, disposed inside the body. Claim 14 An electrical appliance, comprising: an electrical load; and an electrical power connection device coupled between a power supply and the electrical load, configured to supply power to the electrical load, wherein the electrical power connection device includes the leakage current detection and interruption device of claim 1. Claim 14 An electrical appliance, comprising: an electrical load; and an electrical power connection device coupled between a power supply and the electrical load, configured to supply power to the electrical load, wherein the electrical power connection device includes the leakage current detection and interruption device of claim 1. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102 In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status. The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action: A person shall be entitled to a patent unless – (a)(2) the claimed invention was described in a patent issued under section 151, or in an application for patent published or deemed published under section 122(b), in which the patent or application, as the case may be, names another inventor and was effectively filed before the effective filing date of the claimed invention. Claims 1, 8 and 11-14 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) as being anticipated by Zou (US 20240063631 A1). Regarding claim 1, Zou teaches a leakage current detection and interruption device (abstract, power cord leakage detection and protection circuit) for a power cord (abstract, power cord leakage detection and protection circuit), comprising: a first power supply line (abstract, live wire) and a second power supply line (abstract, neutral wire); a switch module (abstract, controlled switch), configured to control an electrical connection (e.g. connection along L and N) (fig) of the first power supply line and the second power supply line (implicit, as seen in fig.1) between an input end (e.g. end close to line) (fig) and an output end (e.g. end close to load) (fig); a leakage current detection module (e.g. module comprising shielded wire 3) (fig), including a first leakage current detection line (e.g. line with shielded wire 3 on L) (fig) and a second leakage current detection line (e.g. line with shielded wire 3 on N) (fig), wherein the first leakage current detection line covers the first power supply line (implicit, as seen in fig) and is configured to detect a leakage current from the first power supply line ([0017], when the shielded wire 3 is detected to be cracked) and to generate a first leakage signal in response thereto ([0017], shielded wire detection circuit 4 … to disconnect the controlled switch 2 when the shielded wire 3 is detected to be cracked) (it is necessarily true that 3 is generating a first leakage signal), and wherein the second leakage current detection line covers the second power supply line (implicit, as seen in fig) and is configured to detect a leakage current from the second power supply line ([0017], when the shielded wire 3 is detected to be cracked) and to generate a second leakage signal in response thereto ([0017], shielded wire detection circuit 4 … to disconnect the controlled switch 2 when the shielded wire 3 is detected to be cracked) (it is necessarily true that 3 is generating a second leakage signal); a signal processing module (e.g. module comprising shielded wire detection circuit 4) (fig), coupled to the leakage current detection module to receive the first and/or second leakage signals (implicit, as seen in fig), and configured to generate a leakage fault signal ([0017], shielded wire detection circuit 4 is connected with a control circuit 5) in response to the first and/or second leakage signals ([0017], shielded wire 3 is detected to be cracked), wherein the signal processing module includes a comparing unit (e.g. unit comprising photoelectric coupler U1 and bidirectional transient suppression diode Q1) (fig) configured to have a threshold signal (it is necessarily true that photoelectric coupler and transient suppression diode have a threshold signal for turn on), the comparing unit being selected from a group consisting of: a Zener diode, a trigger diode, a comparator, a TVS (Transient Voltage Suppressor) diode (i.e. bidirectional transient suppression diode Q1) (fig), and a photocoupler (e.g. photoelectric coupler U1) (fig), wherein the threshold signal is defined by the Zener diode or the trigger diode or the comparator or the TVS diode or the photocoupler ([0023], The pin 3 and the pin 4 of the photoelectric coupler U1 output power supply. A control signal is sent to a control end of the silicon controlled SCR, so that the silicon controlled SCR is conducted) (it is necessarily true that photoelectric coupler has a threshold signal, above which the diode in the photocoupler turns on); a trigger module (e.g. module comprising control circuit 5) (fig), coupled to the switch module and the signal processing module (implicit, as seen in fig), configured to receive the leakage fault signal ([0017], control circuit 5 for controlling the tripping coil 1), and in response thereto, to drive the switch module to disconnect the electrical connection between the input end and the output end ([0017], to disconnect the controlled switch 2 when the shielded wire 3 is detected to be cracked); and wherein in response to an output signal from the leakage current detection module that is below the threshold signal ([0024], The pin 3 and the pin 4 of the photoelectric coupler U1 output power supply. A control signal is sent to a control end of the silicon controlled SCR, so that the silicon controlled SCR is conducted) (it is necessarily true that SCR is conducted only above a threshold signal), the signal processing module prevents the trigger module from driving the switch module to disconnect the electrical connection between the input end and the output end ([0023], Thus the tripping coil 1 is energized to work, and the controlled switch 2 is controlled to be switched off), and in response to at least one of the first leakage signal and the second leakage signal received from the leakage current detection module which is above the threshold signal ([0023], The pin 3 and the pin 4 of the photoelectric coupler U1 output power supply. A control signal is sent to a control end of the silicon controlled SCR, so that the silicon controlled SCR is conducted), the comparing unit generates the leakage fault signal ([0023], Thus the tripping coil 1 is energized to work, and the controlled switch 2 is controlled to be switched off). Regarding claim 8, Zou teaches the leakage current detection and interruption device of claim 1, further comprising a test module (e.g. module comprising test keying circuit 6) (fig), which includes a test switch (e.g. TEST key) (fig) coupled to the leakage current detection module (implicit, as seen in fig); wherein in response to the test switch being closed ([0025], pressing a TEST key) and the leakage current detection module having no fault condition ([0025], cracking of the shielded wire 3 is simulated), the trigger module is further configured to drive the switch module to disconnect the electrical connection between the input end and the output end ([0025], The working principle is the same as the working principle after the above-mentioned shielded wire 3 is cracked) ([0023], Thus the tripping coil 1 is energized to work, and the controlled switch 2 is controlled to be switched off). Regarding claim 11, Zou teaches the leakage current detection and interruption device of claim 1, wherein the trigger module includes: a solenoid (i.e. tripping coil 1) (fig), configured to generate an electromagnetic force (abstract, controlled switch controlled) in response to a current flowing therethrough to drive the switch module (abstract, controlled switch controlled by the tripping coil); and at least one semiconductor device (i.e. SCR) (fig), coupled in series with the solenoid (implicit, as seen in fig), and coupled to the signal processing module (implicit, as seen in fig), configured to cause a current to flow through the solenoid ([0023], silicon controlled SCR is conducted. Thus the tripping coil 1 is energized to work) in response to the leakage fault signal ([0023], When the shielded wire 3 on the live wire or neutral wire side is cracked, that is, the shielded wire 3 is cracked). Regarding claim 12, Zou teaches the leakage current detection and interruption device of claim 11, wherein the semiconductor device is selected from a group consisting of: a silicon controlled rectifier ([0010], silicon controlled SCR). Regarding claim 13, Zou teaches an electrical power connection device (abstract, power cord), comprising: a body (it is necessarily true that power cord has a body); and the leakage current detection and interruption device of claim 1, disposed inside the body (abstract, power cord leakage detection and protection circuit, comprising a live wire, a neutral wire and a tripping coil). Regarding claim 14, Zou teaches an electrical appliance ([0002], power cord of the electrical appliance), comprising: an electrical load (i.e. LOAD) (fig); and an electrical power connection device (abstract, power cord leakage detection and protection circuit) coupled between a power supply (i.e. LINE) (fig) and the electrical load (implicit, as seen in fig), configured to supply power to the electrical load (implicit, as seen in fig), wherein the electrical power connection device includes the leakage current detection and interruption device of claim 1 (abstract, power cord leakage detection and protection circuit, comprising a live wire, a neutral wire and a tripping coil). Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103 In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status. The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action: A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made. Claims 2-7 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Zou (US 20240063631 A1), and further in view of Li (US 20200393520 A1). Regarding claim 2, Zou teaches the leakage current detection and interruption device of claim 1. Zou does not teach, wherein the leakage current detection module is further configured to generate a first open-circuit signal in response to an open circuit condition in the first leakage current detection line, and to generate a second open-circuit signal in response to an open circuit condition in the second leakage current detection line. Li teaches in a similar field of endeavor of leakage current detection and interruption device for a power cord, wherein a leakage current detection module (e.g. leakage current detection module 142 and detection monitoring module 143) (fig.4A) is further configured to generate a first open-circuit signal ([0039], configured to detect … any open circuit fault condition) in response to an open circuit condition in a first leakage current detection line (i.e. current detection line 241) (fig.4A) ([0039], whether the leakage current detection lines 241 and 242 have any open circuit fault condition), and to generate a second open-circuit signal ([0039], configured to detect … any open circuit fault condition) in response to an open circuit condition in a second leakage current detection line (i.e. current detection line 242) (fig.4A) ([0039], whether the leakage current detection lines 241 and 242 have any open circuit fault condition). It would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have optionally included the leakage current detection module is further configured to generate a first open-circuit signal in response to an open circuit condition in the first leakage current detection line, and to generate a second open-circuit signal in response to an open circuit condition in the second leakage current detection line in Zou, as taught by Li, as it provides additional protection during open circuit, preventing fire or other safety issues. Regarding claim 3, Zou and Li teach the leakage current detection and interruption device of claim 2, wherein the signal processing module (Zou, e.g. module comprising shielded wire detection circuit 4) (fig) (Li, e.g. module comprising diodes D4A and D4B) (fig.4A) is further configured to receive the first and second open-circuit signals (Li, [0040], When an open circuit condition exists … a current loop is formed from the neutral line N via SOL-D 4B-R6B-R2-R3-D1) and to generate a self-test fault signal (Li, [0040], voltage across resistor R3 increases to a sufficient level) in response to the first and/or second open-circuit signal (Li, [0040], When an open circuit condition exists at any point on the leakage current detection line 241 and/or 242). Regarding claim 4, Zou and Li teach the leakage current detection and interruption device of claim 3, wherein the trigger module (Zou, e.g. module comprising control circuit 5) (fig) (Li, e.g. silicon controlled rectifier SCR) (fig.4A) is further configured to receive the self-test fault signal (Li, [0040], voltage across resistor R3 increases to a sufficient level to trigger the silicon controlled rectifier SCR to be conductive), and in response thereto, to drive the switch module (Zou, abstract, controlled switch) (Li, e.g. switch module 141) (fig.4A) to disconnect the electrical connection between the input end and the output end (Li, [0040], As a result, the solenoid SOL generates a magnetic field to actuate the reset switch RESET, causing the device to trip and cut off power to the load). Regarding claim 5, Zou and Li teach the leakage current detection and interruption device of claim 4, wherein the trigger module includes: a solenoid (Zou, i.e. tripping coil 1) (fig) (Li, i.e. solenoid SOL) (fig.4A), configured to generate an electromagnetic force (Li, [0041], SOL generates a magnetic field to actuate) in response to a current flowing therethrough (Li, [0041], the current in the solenoid SOL) to drive the switch module (Li, [0041], actuate the reset switch RESET); and at least one semiconductor device (Zou, i.e. silicon controlled SCR) (fig), coupled in series with the solenoid (Zou, [0010], silicon controlled SCR is respectively connected to one end of the tripping coil), and coupled to the signal processing module (Zou, implicit, as seen in fig), configured to cause a current to flow through the solenoid (Zou, [0023], silicon controlled SCR is conducted. Thus the tripping coil 1 is energized to work) in response to the leakage fault signal (Li, [0023], When the shielded wire 3 on the live wire or neutral wire side is cracked, that is, the shielded wire 3 is cracked). Regarding claim 6, Zou and Li teach the leakage current detection and interruption device of claim 3, wherein in response to at least one of the first open-circuit signal and the second open-circuit signal received from the leakage current detection module which is above the threshold signal (Li, [0040], When an open circuit condition exists), the comparing unit generates the self-test fault signal correspondingly (Li, [0040], voltage across resistor R3 increases). Regarding claim 7, Zou and Li teach the leakage current detection and interruption device of claim 2, wherein the leakage current detection module further includes: a self-test unit (Zou, i.e. test keying circuit 6) (fig) (Li, e.g. test module 145) (fig.4A), coupled to the first leakage current detection line, the second leakage current detection line, the first power supply line, the second power supply line, the signal processing module, and the trigger module (Zou, implicit, as seen in fig) (Li, implicit, as seen in fig.4A), configured to detect an open-circuit condition in the first and/or second leakage current detection line (Li, [0041], When any circuit or components on the test current loop has an open circuit condition, the device will not trip when the test switch TEST is closed), to cooperate with the first leakage current detection line to generate the first open-circuit signal (Li, [0039], configured to detect … any open circuit fault condition) when the first leakage current detection line has an open-circuit condition (Li, [0039], whether the leakage current detection lines 241 and 242 have any open circuit fault condition), and to cooperate with the second leakage current detection line to generate the second open-circuit signal (Li, [0039], configured to detect … any open circuit fault condition) when the second leakage current detection line has an open-circuit condition (Li, [0039], whether the leakage current detection lines 241 and 242 have any open circuit fault condition). Conclusion Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to SREEYA SREEVATSA whose telephone number is (571)272-8304. The examiner can normally be reached M-F 8am-5pm ET. 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, Thienvu V Tran can be reached at (571) 270-1276. 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. /SREEYA SREEVATSA/ Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2838 09/09/2026
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Prosecution Timeline

Jan 13, 2025
Application Filed
Sep 14, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §102, §103, §DOUBLEPATENT (current)

Precedent Cases

Applications granted by this same examiner with similar technology

Patent 12738437
ACTIVE ARC FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTERS WITH SOLID-STATE COMPONENTS
2y 2m to grant Granted Sep 15, 2026
Patent 12730136
APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PROVIDING A SMART POWERLINE EVENT AND HEALTH MONITORING OF POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS USING SURGE PROTECTION DEVICES
2y 6m to grant Granted Sep 08, 2026
Patent 12726016
BATTERY PACK CONTROL APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR FIXING FAILURE OF RELAY
2y 5m to grant Granted Sep 01, 2026
Patent 12719004
XD Relay With Manual Override Knob
4y 0m to grant Granted Aug 25, 2026
Patent 12718975
SYSTEM AND METHOD OF FLUX BIAS FOR SUPERCONDUCTING QUANTUM CIRCUITS
1y 11m to grant Granted Aug 25, 2026
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
86%
Grant Probability
90%
With Interview (+3.8%)
2y 6m (~9m remaining)
Median Time to Grant
Low
PTA Risk
Based on 295 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allowance rate.

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