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 .
Terminal Disclaimer
The terminal disclaimer electronically filed on 1/02/2026 disclaiming the terminal portion of any patent granted on this application which would extend beyond the expiration date of U.S. Patent 12,215,831 has been reviewed and is accepted/approved. The terminal disclaimer has been recorded.
Claim Status
This Office Action is in response to communications filed on 1/02/2026. Claims 21-22, 25, 31, 33 and 39 were amended. Claims 1-20 remain cancelled. No claims were newly added. Therefore, claims 21-40 are pending for examination.
Title 35, U.S. Code
The text of those sections of Title 35, U.S. Code not included in this action can be found in a prior office action.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
Claims 21-26, 29, 31-34 and 38-40 are rejected under AIA 35 U.S.C. 103 as being obvious over Schempf (U.S. Patent 6,778,100) in view of Yang et al. (U.S. Patent 6,389,881) further in view of Ragle et al. (AU 722231).
Regarding claim 21 (Currently Amended), Schempf teaches a system for reporting utility data (col. 3:8-11 & col. 3:50-60, Figs. 1-4, 8-10, 12, 14-19, 21-24 and 29) comprising:
a sensor (col. 6:9-12, Fig. 1 @ 12 and 26; multiple nodes 12 with corresponding sensor systems 26 placed in conduit network 18 at multiple, and theoretically an unlimited number of locations) configured to generate sensor data associated with a utility system (col. 3:36-60, col. 5:31– col 6:2, Figs 14-16, 18-19 etc.; sensor systems 26 in nodes 12 includes sensor devices);
a telemetry unit (col. 6:11-16; with respect to communication, nodes 12 acting as a relay and/or data extraction node element 12) in communication the sensor (col. 6:62-67; each node element 12 of conduit network system 10 can pick up transmissions from other node elements 12 and relay the data signals 22 onward in the path that results in its receipt at the end point/data-extraction node that is part of the system control mechanism 24; also col. 14:32-39; when a particular node element 12 communicates information to the system control mechanism 24, it is labeled the data sender node element 124; Examiner interprets end point, data-extraction node and data sender node element 124 as one in the same which functions as a data collection unit), and configured to transmit sensor data received from the sensor device at a first interval (col. 13:31-55; monitor mode used for periodic checking of conduit 16 conditions, i.e., a user-defined period of time; Examiner interprets the periodic checking as a first interval),
wherein the telemetry unit is further configured to request real time or near real time sensor data from the sensor (col. 13:31-55; when alarms are triggered, an emergency state wakes up and prevents node element 12 from sleep mode until alarm disappears, whereby the node element 12 returns to the previous work mode, also see emergency state with node control mechanism 46 of nodes 12; col. 14:17-32 with Fig. 23) and requests / polls from the sensor (col 10:56 - col 11:12; in a preferred embodiment sensor system 26…with electronics based on architecture relying on a dedicated microprocessor 100 to poll all the sensors on the printed circuit board, while interfacing with the wireless radio frequency-electronic communications);
wherein the telemetry unit transmits the real time or near real time sensor data at a second interval, wherein the second interval is shorter than the first interval (col. 13:31-55; see interactive mode and/or emergency state col. 14 interactive mode and emergency mode allows the node control mechanism 46 to continuously receive, process and transmit trend data signals 22; Examiner interprets to continuously receive, process and transmit data at a second interval shorter than the user-defined period of time with sleeping between polling).
While Schempf teaches polling the sensory units (as taught above, per col 10:56 - col 11:12), Schempf does that the request is in response to receiving an alarm signal from the sensor. Yang from an analogous art teaches a method/apparatus for real time acoustic pipeline leak detection and location (Title, Abstract, col 6:48 – col 7:5; Figs 5-6) and also teaches the concept wherein the telemetry unit request is in response to receiving an alarm signal from the sensor. (col 8:17-29; node processor 24 polls subsidiary site processors 20, 22 and when site processor 20, 22, detects a potential leak signal, information including recorded real time acoustic pressure profile sent to node processor 24 which receives, integrates and analyses the data from site processors 20, 22… analysis initiated in response to an alarm generated by site processors 20, 22 and transmitted to node processor 24). Therefore, it would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of filing the invention to combine Schempf with the concept, as taught by Yang in order to detect realtime leaks and their location in a monitored utility environment (Yang, col 6:48 – col 7:5).
Schempf and Yang do not teach wherein the telemetry unit simultaneously transmits the sensor data at the first interval and the real time or near real time sensor data at the second interval. Ragle from an analogous metering art teaches a data collection system wherein the telemetry unit transmits the real time or near real time sensor data at a second interval, wherein the second interval is shorter than the first interval and wherein the telemetry unit simultaneously transmits the sensor data at the first interval and the real time or near real time sensor data at the second interval (Pg 50 of 62, Claim 56; data collection system, comprising: a plurality of sensors each of which has a meter configured to sample a parameter value at discrete measurement times and a transmitter configured to transmit data measured by the meter; and a collector having a receiver configured to receive data transmitted by the plurality of sensors, a processor configured to generate a summary profile of data received by the receiver from the plurality of sensors, and a transmitter configured to transmit the summary profile to a monitoring station, wherein each sensor periodically transmits a plurality of data measurements during a current data collection period and, with each 20 transmission, each sensor transmits redundant data measurements corresponding to a prior transmission, and the collector is configured to reduce the occurrence of usage profile errors based upon the redundant data measurements contained in a received transmission). Therefore, it would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of filing the invention to further combine Schempf with the concept wherein the telemetry unit transmits the real time or near real time sensor data at a second interval, wherein the second interval is shorter than the first interval and wherein the telemetry unit simultaneously transmits the sensor data at the first interval and the real time or near real time sensor data at the second interval, as taught by Ragle in order to detect and report realtime leak info/location and historical leak info at controlled time intervals in a monitored utility environment
Regarding claim 22 (Currently Amended), Schempf, Yang and Ragle in combination, teach the system of claim 21, and Schempf further teaches wherein the alarm signal is generated in response to data sensed by the sensor exceeding a predetermined threshold (col. 13:4-10; also see Fig. 23; node control mechanism 46 includes software that resides on the microprocessor 100, which runs custom firmware to interface to pressure, velocity, relative humidity, temperature, accelerometer, 2-serial communication devices and digital potentiometers…the digital potentiometers being set up to provide voltage thresholds for providing "alarms."). The motivation is the same as claim 1.
Regarding claim 23, Schempf, Yang and Ragle in combination, teach the system of claim 22, and Schempf further teaches wherein the telemetry unit transmits the sensor data at the first interval and the trend data at the second interval simultaneously in response to the trend data exceeding the user-defined threshold (col. 13:31-55, also see claim 1). Schempf, Yang and Hoskins are all silent on transmits sensor data at first interval and trend data at the second interval simultaneously. Steele from an analogous art teaches the transmission of a first data and a second data simultaneously (¶005, claim 1; invention provides a digital audio receiver for receiving digital information in the form of live broadcast data transmitted simultaneously with additional data clips). Therefore, it would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of filing the invention to combine the system of Schempf with the concept of the transmission of a first data and second data simultaneously, as taught by Steele, for the purpose of enhancing the remote data feed by including first data relating to normal operation as well as second data relating to other operations in order to make better informed decisions.
Regarding claim 24, Schempf, Yang and Ragle in combination, teach the system of claim 21, and Schempf further teaches wherein the telemetry unit transmits the sensor data to a data collection unit (col. 6:62-67; each node element 12 of conduit network system 10 can pick up transmissions from other node elements 12 and relay the data signals 22 onward in the path that results in its receipt at the end point/data-extraction node that is part of the system control mechanism 24; also col. 14:32-39; when a particular node element 12 communicates information to the system control mechanism 24, it is labeled the data sender node element 124; Examiner interprets end point, data-extraction node and data sender node element 124 as one in the same which functions as a data collection unit).
Regarding claim 25 (Currently Amended), Schempf, Yang and Ragle in combination, teach the system of claim 21, and Schempf further teaches wherein telemetry unit stops transmitting the real time or near real time data in response to the telemetry unit receiving an alarm clear signal from the sensor (col 13:31-55; see following rationale too) when the alarm signal meets the user-defined criteria, automatically initiating trend mode operation at the telemetry unit (col 13:31-55; when alarms are triggered as set in the standby mode using user defined limits and transitions to the emergency state… when the alarm disappears, the node element 12 returns to the standby mode, also see emergency state with node control mechanism 46 of nodes 12; col. 14:17-32 with Fig. 23).
Regarding claim 26, Schempf, Yang and Ragle in combination, teach the system of claim 21, and Schempf further teaches wherein the telemetry unit is configured to stop transmitting the real time or near real time data after a predetermined time period (col 13:31-55; when the alarm stops/disappears, the node element 12 returns to the standby mode, also see emergency state with node control mechanism 46 of nodes 12; col. 14:17-32 with Fig. 23).
Regarding claim 29, Schempf, Yang and Ragle in combination, teach the system of claim 21, and Schempf further teaches wherein sensor data includes one or more of temperature, flow rates, and pressure (col. 13:4-10; also see Fig. 23; node control mechanism 46 includes software that resides on the microprocessor 100, which runs custom firmware to interface to pressure, velocity, temperature, relative humidity, accelerometer, 2-serial communication devices and digital potentiometers).
Regarding claim 31 (Currently Amended), Schempf teaches a method for reporting utility data by a telemetry device (col. 3:8-11 & col. 3:50-60, Figs. 1-4, 8-10, 12, 14-19, 21-24 and 29) comprising:
operating in a first mode (col. 13:31-55; monitor mode used for periodic checking of conduit 16 conditions, i.e., a user-defined period of time; Examiner interprets the periodic checking as a first interval), wherein operating in the first mode comprises:
waking from the first mode at predetermined intervals, reading pre-recorded data from a sensor device, transmitting the pre-recorded data at a first transmission interval (col. 13:31-55; when alarms are triggered, an emergency state wakes up and prevents node element from sleep mode until alarm disappears, whereby the node element returns to the previous work mode; also see emergency state with node control mechanism 46 of nodes 12; col. 14:17-32 with Fig. 23 col. 13:31-55; monitor mode used for periodic checking of conduit 16 conditions, i.e., a user-defined period of time), and
returning to the sleep [ first ] mode (col. 13:31-55; when alarm disappears, node element returns to the standby mode, also see emergency state with node control mechanism 46 of nodes 12; col. 14:17-32 with Fig. 23), operating in a second mode (col 13:31-55; when the alarm signal meets the user-defined criteria, automatically initiating trend mode operation at the telemetry unit, wherein operating in the second mode comprises:
requesting real time or near real time trend data from the sensor device (col. 13:31-55; when alarms are triggered, an emergency state wakes up and prevents node element 12 from sleep mode until alarm disappears, whereby the node element 12 returns to the previous work mode, also see emergency state with node control mechanism 46 of nodes 12; col. 14:17-32 with Fig. 23) also see requests / polls the sensor (col 10:56 - col 11:12; in a preferred embodiment sensor system 26…with electronics based on architecture relying on a dedicated microprocessor 100 to poll all the sensors on the printed circuit board, while interfacing with the wireless radio frequency-electronic communications), transmitting the requested real time or near real time trend data at a second transmission interval, wherein the second transmission interval is shorter than the first transmission interval, (col. 13:31-55; see interactive mode and/or emergency state col. 14 interactive mode and emergency mode allows the node control mechanism 46 to continuously receive, process and transmit trend data signals 22; Examiner interprets to continuously receive, process and transmit data at a second interval shorter than the user-defined period of time with sleeping between polling) and
While Schempf teaches polling the sensory units (as taught above, per col 10:56 - col 11:12), Schempf does not teach that the operating in the second mode is in response to receiving an alarm signal from the sensor device. Yang from an analogous art teaches a method/apparatus for real time acoustic pipeline leak detection and location (Title, Abstract, col 6:48 – col 7:5; Figs 5-6) and also teaches the concept wherein the operating in the second mode is in response to receiving an alarm signal to request real-time trend (col 8:17-29; node processor 24 polls subsidiary site processors 20, 22 and when site processor 20, 22, detects a potential leak signal, information including recorded real time acoustic pressure profile sent to node processor 24 which receives, integrates and analyses the data from site processors 20, 22… analysis initiated in response to an alarm generated by site processors 20, 22 and transmitted to node processor 24). Therefore, it would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of filing the invention to combine Schempf with the concept, as taught by Yang in order to detect realtime leaks and their location in a monitored utility environment (Yang, col 6:48 – col 7:5).
Schempf and Yang do not teach wherein the telemetry device simultaneously transmits the pre-recorded data at the first transmission interval and the real time or near real time trend data at the second transmission interval. Ragle from an analogous metering art teaches a data collection system wherein the telemetry unit transmits the real time or near real time sensor data at a second interval, wherein the second interval is shorter than the first interval and wherein the telemetry device simultaneously transmits the pre-recorded data at the first transmission interval and the real time or near real time trend data at the second transmission interval (Pg 50 of 62, Claim 56; data collection system, comprising: a plurality of sensors each of which has a meter configured to sample a parameter value at discrete measurement times and a transmitter configured to transmit data measured by the meter; and a collector having a receiver configured to receive data transmitted by the plurality of sensors, a processor configured to generate a summary profile of data received by the receiver from the plurality of sensors, and a transmitter configured to transmit the summary profile to a monitoring station, wherein each sensor periodically transmits a plurality of data measurements during a current data collection period and, with each 20 transmission, each sensor transmits redundant data measurements corresponding to a prior transmission, and the collector is configured to reduce the occurrence of usage profile errors based upon the redundant data measurements contained in a received transmission). Therefore, it would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of filing the invention to further combine Schempf with the concept wherein the telemetry unit transmits the real time or near real time sensor data at a second interval, wherein the second interval is shorter than the first interval and wherein the telemetry device simultaneously transmits the pre-recorded data at the first transmission interval and the real time or near real time trend data at the second transmission interval, as taught by Ragle in order to detect and report realtime leak info/location and historical leak info at controlled time intervals in a monitored utility environment
Regarding claim 32, Schempf, Yang and Ragle teach the method of claim 3I, and Schempf further teaches determining whether the alarm signal has been terminated (col. 13:31-55; prevents node element from sleep mode until alarm disappears, whereby the node element returns to previous work mode, also see emergency state with node control mechanism 46 of nodes 12; col. 14:17-32 with Fig. 23); and
resuming operation in the first mode in response to determining that the alarm signal has been terminated (col. 13:31-55; whereby the node element returns to previous work mode, also see emergency state with node control mechanism 46 of nodes 12; col. 14:17-32 with Fig. 23).
Regarding claim 33 (Currently Amended), Schempf, Yang and Ragle teach the method of claim 3I, and Schempf further teaches wherein the sensor generate the alarm signal in response to the sensed data exceeding a predetermined threshold. (col. 13:4-10; also see Fig. 23; node control mechanism 46 includes software that resides on the microprocessor 100, which runs custom firmware to interface to pressure, velocity, relative humidity, temperature, accelerometer, 2-serial communication devices and digital potentiometers…the digital potentiometers being set up to provide voltage thresholds for providing "alarms.").
Regarding claim 34, Schempf, Yang and Ragle teach the method of claim 32, and Schempf further teaches wherein the sensed data includes one or more of temperature, flow rate, and pressure (col. 13:4-10; also see Fig. 23; node control mechanism 46 includes software that resides on the microprocessor 100, which runs custom firmware to interface to pressure, velocity, temperature, relative humidity, accelerometer, 2-serial communication devices and digital potentiometers).
Regarding claim 38, Schempf, Yang and Ragle teach the method of claim 31, and Schempf further teaches wherein the one or more sensors devise are configured to monitor at least a portion of a utility distribution (col. 3:36-60, col. 5:31– col 6:2, Figs 14-16, 18-19 etc.; sensor systems 26 in nodes 12 includes sensor devices).
Regarding claims 39 (Currently Amended), Schempf teaches a telemetry device in communication with a sensor device configured to monitor one or more aspects of a utility distribution network (col. 3:8-11 & col. 3:50-60, Figs. 1-4, 8-10, 12, 14-19, 21-24 and 29), comprising:
a communication interface; and a controller including one or more electronic processors, wherein the electronic processors are configured to operate in a first mode (col. 13:31-55; monitor mode used for periodic checking of conduit 16 conditions, i.e., a user-defined period of time; Examiner interprets the periodic checking as a first interval), wherein operating in the first mode includes:
receiving pre-recorded data from one or more sensor devices, transmitting the received pre-recorded data at a first transmission interval, and receive an alarm signal from the sensor device (col. 13:31-55; when alarms are triggered, an emergency state wakes up and prevents node element from sleep mode until alarm disappears, whereby the node element returns to the previous work mode; also see emergency state with node control mechanism 46 of nodes 12; col. 14:17-32 with Fig. 23 )col. 13:31-55; monitor mode used for periodic checking of conduit 16 conditions, i.e., a user-defined period of time), and returning to the first mode (col. 13:31-55; when alarm disappears, node element 12 returns to the standby mode, also see emergency state with node control mechanism 46 of nodes 12; col. 14:17-32 with Fig. 23).
While Schempf teaches polling/requesting info from the sensory units (as taught above, per col 10:56 - col 11:12), Schempf is silent on receiving an alarm signal from the sensor device. Yang from an analogous art teaches a method/apparatus for real time acoustic pipeline leak detection and location (Title, Abstract, col 6:48 – col 7:5; Figs 5-6) and also teaches the concept wherein the telemetry unit polls the sensory units in response to receiving an alarm signal to request real-time trend (col 8:17-29; node processor 24 polls subsidiary site processors 20, 22 and when site processor 20, 22, detects a potential leak signal, information including recorded real time acoustic pressure profile sent to node processor 24 which receives, integrates and analyses the data from site processors 20, 22… analysis initiated in response to an alarm generated by site processors 20, 22 and transmitted to node processor 24). Therefore, it would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of filing the invention to combine Schempf with the concept, as taught by Yang in order to detect realtime leaks and their location in a monitored utility environment (Yang, col 6:48 – col 7:5). The remainder of the claim is interpreted and rejected the same as claim 31 above.
Schempf and Yang do not teach wherein the electronic processors are further configured to simultaneously transmit the pre-recorded data at the first transmission interval and the real time or near real time trend data at the second transmission interval. Ragle from an analogous metering art teaches a data collection system wherein the electronic processors are further configured to simultaneously transmit the pre-recorded data at the first transmission interval and the real time or near real time trend data at the second transmission interval (Pg 50 of 62, Claim 56; data collection system, comprising: a plurality of sensors each of which has a meter configured to sample a parameter value at discrete measurement times and a transmitter configured to transmit data measured by the meter; and a collector having a receiver configured to receive data transmitted by the plurality of sensors, a processor configured to generate a summary profile of data received by the receiver from the plurality of sensors, and a transmitter configured to transmit the summary profile to a monitoring station, wherein each sensor periodically transmits a plurality of data measurements during a current data collection period and, with each 20 transmission, each sensor transmits redundant data measurements corresponding to a prior transmission, and the collector is configured to reduce the occurrence of usage profile errors based upon the redundant data measurements contained in a received transmission). Therefore, it would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of filing the invention to further combine Schempf with the concept wherein the electronic processors are further configured to simultaneously transmit the pre-recorded data at the first transmission interval and the real time or near real time trend data at the second transmission interval, as taught by Ragle in order to detect and report realtime leak info/location and historical leak info at controlled time intervals in a monitored utility environment.
Regarding claims 40, Schempf, Yang and Ragle teach the telemetry unit of claim 39, and Schempf further teaches wherein operating in the second mode further includes:
determining whether the alarm signal has been terminated (col. 13:31-55; prevents node element from sleep mode until alarm disappears, whereby the node element returns to previous work mode, also see emergency state with node control mechanism 46 of nodes 12; col. 14:17-32 with Fig. 23); and
resuming operation in the first mode in response to determining that the alarm signal has been terminated (col. 13:31-55; whereby the node element returns to previous work mode, also see emergency state with node control mechanism 46 of nodes 12; col. 14:17-32 with Fig. 23).
Claim 27-28, 30 and 35-37 are rejected under AIA 35 U.S.C. 103 as being obvious over Schempf (U.S. Patent 6,778,100) in view of Yang et al. (U.S. Patent 6,389,881) further in view of Ragle et al. (AU 722231) and still further in view of Jarrell et al. (U.S. Patent Application Pub. 2013/0030577).
Regarding claim 27, Schempf, Yang and Ragle in combination, teach the system of claim 21, but all are silent on wherein the data transmitted by the telemetry unit at the second interval is different than standard data sent at the first interval. Jarrell, from an analogous art teaches a computer-implemented method of detecting and responding to a threat condition including receiving, at a sensing module, an input acquired in proximity to a pipeline of a fluid distribution system through which fluid is flowing, the input comprising data associated with a measurement characteristic of the pipeline, wherein the data is acquired by a sensor positioned near the pipeline (¶005 and ¶016 for pressure data as the measurement characteristic). Jarrell further teaches that trend data transmitted may be different than the standard data as, Jarrell also includes additional information, such as an indication for the status of a valve in the monitored pipeline along with the threat condition (¶005, ¶021) and also a timestamp (¶006, ¶021). Therefore, it would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of filing the invention to combine the system of Schempf with the concept wherein the data transmitted by the telemetry unit at the second interval is different than standard data sent at the first interval, as taught by Jarrell, in order to convenience users of the system with additional options to employ upon recognizing a threat.
Regarding claim 28, Schempf, Yang and Ragle in combination, teach the system of claim 21, but all are silent on wherein the second interval is variable based on a user setting. Jarrell teaches the concept that an interval may be variable (¶073; system may use the described sensors to measure pipeline activity at various intervals). The motivation is the same as claim 27.
Regarding claim 30, Schempf, Yang and Ragle in combination, teach the system of claim 21 and Schempf further teaches wherein transmission of the real time or near real time data at the second interval (see claim 1) and the concept of user initiation (col 13:31-55; per… using user defined limits and transitions). Schempf, Yang and Ragle are all silent on the trend data and aspects thereof being initiated by a user. Jarrell teaches in concept that, in some cases, manual engagement may include an operator overriding command signals sent by the control system 170, which commands may be known by or available to authorized personnel. Such commands may be manually entered at the valve location at an input device, if applicable, or may be sent in some cases from devices such as a personal computer, a tablet device, a phone, a portable digital assistant, or any other appropriate device (¶057). Therefore, it would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of filing the invention to further combine the system of Schempf with the concept of trend data and aspects thereof being initiated by a user, as taught by Jarrell, in order so maintenance personnel may perform manual actions/adjustments, as a backup or alternative to automated actions/ adjustments.
Regarding claim 35, Schempf, Yang and Ragle teach the method of claim 31, and all are silent on wherein the second interval is variable based on a user setting. Jarrell teaches the concept that an interval may be variable (¶073; system may use the described sensors to measure pipeline activity at various intervals). Therefore, it would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of filing the invention to combine the system of Schempf with the concept of including additional information like an indication for the status of a component/valve in the monitored pipeline and/or a timestamp along with the threat condition, as taught by Jarrell, in order to convenience users of the system with additional options to employ upon recognizing a threat.
Regarding claim 36, Schempf, Yang and Ragle teach the method of claim 31, and Schempf further teaches wherein transmitting the trend data to the data collection unit at a trend interval comprises transmitting real-time or near real time trend data (see claim 31), but both are silent on wherein transmitting the trend data to the data collection unit at a trend interval comprises transmitting real-time or near real time trend data and one or more past trend data sets. Jarrell further teaches the concept of the transmitted sensor data includes one or more past data reads (¶017, ¶026; using baseline characteristic or measurement which was previously recorded). One motivation would have been to convenience users of the system with determining system integrity as the system ages over time.
Regarding claim 37, Schempf, Yang and Ragle teach the method of claim 31, but both are silent on wherein the second mode is based on an input by a user. Jarrell teaches in concept that, in some cases, manual engagement may include an operator overriding command signals sent by the control system, which commands may be known by or available to authorized personnel… commands may be manually entered at the valve location at an input device or may be sent in some cases from devices such as a personal computer, a tablet device, a phone, a portable digital assistant, or any other appropriate device (¶057). Therefore, it would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of filing the invention to combine the system of Schempf with the concept of trend data and aspects thereof being input by a user, as taught by Jarrell, in order so maintenance personnel may perform manual actions/adjustments, as a backup or alternative to automated actions/ adjustments.
Conclusion
Applicant's amendment necessitated the new ground(s) of rejection presented in this Office action. Accordingly, THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. See MPEP § 706.07(a). Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any nonprovisional extension fee (37 CFR 1.17(a)) pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the mailing date of this final action.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to MANCIL H LITTLEJOHN JR whose telephone number is (571)270-3718. The examiner can normally be reached M-F 8:30-5 (CST).
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/MANCIL LITTLEJOHN JR/Examiner, Art Unit 2685
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