DETAILED ACTION
This is a final office action on the merits in response to communications on 7/17/2026. Claim 15 is cancelled. Claim 9 is amended. Claim 22 is new. Claims 1-14, 16-22 are pending and addressed below.
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 .
Information Disclosure Statement
The information disclosure statement (IDS) submitted on 7/17/2026 is being considered by the examiner.
Non-English documents have been considered in as much as the drawings and translated portions provided therein (See MPEP 609).
Response to Arguments
Applicant's arguments filed on 7/17/20026 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive.
Starting on page 1 of Remarks, applicant is arguing:
Filho, however, does not disclose multiple cycles as claimed in applicant’s claim 1, wherein in each cycle there is a first sub-cycle with a reduction of the generator braking moment and a second sub-cycle with an increase of the generator braking moment:
“wherein within one of the plurality of cycles changing of the generator braking moment provided by the electric drive is effected;
wherein each of the plurality of cycles includes a first sub-cycle and a second sub-cycle; and,
wherein in the first sub-cycle the changing includes reducing the generator braking moment, and in the second sub-cycle the changing includes increasing the generator braking moment.” (emphasis added)
However, at least in fig. 6 it can be seen that there are two cycles within each cycle is a sub-cycle of reducing and a second sub-cycle of increasing. See annotated fig. 6 below.
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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)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale, or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
(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.
Claim(s) 1-14, 16-22 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1)/(a)(2) as being anticipated by ROTILLI FILHO et al. (US 20200094683 a reference in IDS 2/26/2025).
Regarding claims 1, 17, 20, 22, ROTILLI FILHO et al. teaches:
A vehicle comprising:
an electric drive;
a control device including a processor and a non-transitory computer readable storage medium having program code stored thereon for regulating a generator braking moment of said electric drive for the vehicle;
said program code being configured, when executed by said processor, to:
(at least figs. 1, 6-7, 8-11 [0044]-[0051] [0074]-[0099] [0100]-[0121] discussed electric vehicle, motors, controller 800, regenerative braking, braking torque/regen level, discussed applying regenerative braking at an initial level then modify level based on vehicle motion parameter; in particular fig. 1 [0044]-[0051] boxes 105-120, fig. 6 [0074]-[0087] t0-t7; amount of change differs at different times; [0075]-[0076]);
sense a call for braking for the purposes of braking the vehicle using a setpoint braking moment; and,
regulate the generator braking moment in dependence upon the setpoint braking moment and on a trigger condition;
(at least figs. 1, 6-7, 8-11 [0044]-[0051] [0074]-[0099] [0100]-[0121] discussed electric vehicle, motors, controller 800, regenerative braking, braking torque/regen level, discussed applying regenerative braking at an initial level then modify level based on vehicle motion parameter; in particular fig. 1 [0044]-[0051] boxes 105-120)
wherein said regulating is effected within a plurality of cycles;
wherein within one of the plurality of cycles changing of the generator braking moment provided by said electric drive is effected;
wherein each of the plurality of cycles includes a first sub-cycle and a second sub-cycle and,
wherein in the first sub-cycle the changing includes reducing the generator braking moment, and in the second sub-cycle the changing includes increasing the generator braking moment
(at least figs. 1, 6-7, 8-11 [0044]-[0051] [0074]-[0099] [0100]-[0121] discussed electric vehicle, motors, controller 800, regenerative braking, braking torque/regen level, discussed applying regenerative braking at an initial level then modify level based on vehicle motion parameter; in particular fig. 1 [0044]-[0051] boxes 105-120, fig. 6 [0074]-[0087] t0-t7);
Regarding claim 2, ROTILLI FILHO et al. teaches:
wherein the generator braking moment is changed such that the generator braking moment does not change sign within one of the plurality of cycles;
(at least figs. 1, 6-7, 8-11 [0044]-[0051] [0074]-[0099] [0100]-[0121] discussed electric vehicle, motors, controller 800, regenerative braking, braking torque/regen level, discussed applying regenerative braking at an initial level then modify level based on vehicle motion parameter; in particular fig. 1 [0044]-[0051] boxes 105-120, fig. 6 [0074]-[0087] t0-t7);
Regarding claim 3, ROTILLI FILHO et al. teaches:
wherein a new one of the plurality of cycles begins upon the trigger condition being fulfilled;
(at least figs. 1, 6-7, 8-11 [0044]-[0051] [0074]-[0099] [0100]-[0121] discussed electric vehicle, motors, controller 800, regenerative braking, braking torque/regen level, discussed applying regenerative braking at an initial level then modify level based on vehicle motion parameter; in particular fig. 1 [0044]-[0051] boxes 105-120, fig. 6 [0074]-[0087] t0-t7; [0075]-[0076] discussed traction loss);
Regarding claim 4, ROTILLI FILHO et al. teaches:
wherein the changing is effected according to a variable rate of change;
(at least figs. 1, 6-7, 8-11 [0044]-[0051] [0074]-[0099] [0100]-[0121] discussed electric vehicle, motors, controller 800, regenerative braking, braking torque/regen level, discussed applying regenerative braking at an initial level then modify level based on vehicle motion parameter; in particular fig. 1 [0044]-[0051] boxes 105-120, fig. 6 [0074]-[0087] t0-t7; amount of change differs at different times);
Regarding claim 5, ROTILLI FILHO et al. teaches:
wherein the variable rate of change is dependent upon at least one of a roadway characteristic and a driving status;
(at least figs. 1, 6-7, 8-11 [0044]-[0051] [0074]-[0099] [0100]-[0121] discussed electric vehicle, motors, controller 800, regenerative braking, braking torque/regen level, discussed applying regenerative braking at an initial level then modify level based on vehicle motion parameter; in particular fig. 1 [0044]-[0051] boxes 105-120, fig. 6 [0074]-[0087] t0-t7; amount of change differs at different times; [0080]))
Regarding claim 6, ROTILLI FILHO et al. teaches:
wherein the rate of change is limited such that the trigger condition is not fulfilled within a predefined cycle segment;
(at least figs. 1, 6-7, 8-11 [0044]-[0051] [0074]-[0099] [0100]-[0121] discussed electric vehicle, motors, controller 800, regenerative braking, braking torque/regen level, discussed applying regenerative braking at an initial level then modify level based on vehicle motion parameter; in particular fig. 1 [0044]-[0051] boxes 105-120, fig. 6 [0074]-[0087] t0-t7; amount of change differs at different times);
Regarding claim 7, ROTILLI FILHO et al. teaches:
wherein, within one of the plurality of cycles, the reducing is effected at a first rate of change and the increasing at a second rate of change; and, the first rate of change is different in amount from the second rate of change;
(at least figs. 1, 6-7, 8-11 [0044]-[0051] [0074]-[0099] [0100]-[0121] discussed electric vehicle, motors, controller 800, regenerative braking, braking torque/regen level, discussed applying regenerative braking at an initial level then modify level based on vehicle motion parameter; in particular fig. 1 [0044]-[0051] boxes 105-120, fig. 6 [0074]-[0087] t0-t7; amount of change differs at different times);
Regarding claim 8, ROTILLI FILHO et al. teaches:
wherein a change in braking moment relating to the generator braking moment is effected within one of the plurality of cycles; and, the regulating is effected in consideration of a previous change in braking moment of a previous cycle;
(at least figs. 1, 6-7, 8-11 [0044]-[0051] [0074]-[0099] [0100]-[0121] discussed electric vehicle, motors, controller 800, regenerative braking, braking torque/regen level, discussed applying regenerative braking at an initial level then modify level based on vehicle motion parameter; in particular fig. 1 [0044]-[0051] boxes 105-120, fig. 6 [0074]-[0087] t0-t7; amount of change differs at different times);
Regarding claim 9, ROTILLI FILHO et al. teaches:
wherein the change in the braking moment is selected in consideration of a first threshold-value condition relating to the previous change in the braking moment;
(at least figs. 1, 6-7, 8-11 [0044]-[0051] [0074]-[0099] [0100]-[0121] discussed electric vehicle, motors, controller 800, regenerative braking, braking torque/regen level, discussed applying regenerative braking at an initial level then modify level based on vehicle motion parameter; in particular fig. 1 [0044]-[0051] boxes 105-120, fig. 6 [0074]-[0087] t0-t7; amount of change differs at different times);
Regarding claim 10, ROTILLI FILHO et al. teaches:
wherein the trigger condition is dependent upon at least one of a wheel acceleration, a change in the wheel acceleration over time, a slip, a total braking moment, and a change over time in the total braking moment;
(at least figs. 1, 6-7, 8-11 [0044]-[0051] [0074]-[0099] [0100]-[0121] discussed electric vehicle, motors, controller 800, regenerative braking, braking torque/regen level, discussed applying regenerative braking at an initial level then modify level based on vehicle motion parameter; in particular fig. 1 [0044]-[0051] boxes 105-120, fig. 6 [0074]-[0087] t0-t7; amount of change differs at different times; [0075]-[0076]);
Regarding claim 11, ROTILLI FILHO et al. teaches:
regulating a friction-braking moment, provided by a friction-braking system, in dependence upon a second threshold-value condition relating to the generator braking moment;
(at least figs. 1, 6-7, 8-11 [0044]-[0051] [0074]-[0099] [0100]-[0121] discussed electric vehicle, motors, controller 800, regenerative braking, braking torque/regen level, discussed applying regenerative braking at an initial level then modify level based on vehicle motion parameter; in particular fig. 1 [0044]-[0051] boxes 105-120, fig. 6 [0074]-[0087] t0-t7; amount of change differs at different times; [0087]);
Regarding claim 12, ROTILLI FILHO et al. teaches:
wherein slip-based regulating of the generator braking moment is effected between two of the plurality of cycles;
(at least figs. 1, 6-7, 8-11 [0044]-[0051] [0074]-[0099] [0100]-[0121] discussed electric vehicle, motors, controller 800, regenerative braking, braking torque/regen level, discussed applying regenerative braking at an initial level then modify level based on vehicle motion parameter; in particular fig. 1 [0044]-[0051] boxes 105-120, fig. 6 [0074]-[0087] t0-t7; amount of change differs at different times; [0075]-[0076]);
Regarding claim 13, ROTILLI FILHO et al. teaches:
wherein, upon the trigger condition being fulfilled, reducing of the generator braking moment is effected to a predefined proportion of the generator braking moment upon the fulfilling of the trigger condition;
(at least figs. 1, 6-7, 8-11 [0044]-[0051] [0074]-[0099] [0100]-[0121] discussed electric vehicle, motors, controller 800, regenerative braking, braking torque/regen level, discussed applying regenerative braking at an initial level then modify level based on vehicle motion parameter; in particular fig. 1 [0044]-[0051] boxes 105-120, fig. 6 [0074]-[0087] t0-t7; amount of change differs at different times; [0075]-[0076]);
Regarding claim 14, ROTILLI FILHO et al. teaches:
wherein the vehicle is a utility vehicle;
(at least figs. 1, 6-7, 8-11 [0044]-[0051] [0074]-[0099] [0100]-[0121] discussed electric vehicle, motors, controller 800, regenerative braking, braking torque/regen level, discussed applying regenerative braking at an initial level then modify level based on vehicle motion parameter; in particular fig. 1 [0044]-[0051] boxes 105-120, fig. 6 [0074]-[0087] t0-t7; amount of change differs at different times; [0075]-[0076]);
Regarding claim 16, ROTILLI FILHO et al. teaches:
A computer readable medium comprising:
a non-transitory computer readable storage medium having program code stored thereon; and,
said program code being configured, when executed by a processor, to perform the method of claim 1;
(at least figs. 1, 6-7, 8-11 [0044]-[0051] [0074]-[0099] [0100]-[0121] discussed electric vehicle, motors, controller 800, regenerative braking, braking torque/regen level, discussed applying regenerative braking at an initial level then modify level based on vehicle motion parameter; in particular fig. 1 [0044]-[0051] boxes 105-120, fig. 6 [0074]-[0087] t0-t7; amount of change differs at different times; [0075]-[0076]);
Regarding claim 18, ROTILLI FILHO et al. teaches:
An electric drive for a vehicle, the electric drive comprising the control device of claim 17;
(at least figs. 1, 6-7, 8-11 [0044]-[0051] [0074]-[0099] [0100]-[0121] discussed electric vehicle, motors, controller 800, regenerative braking, braking torque/regen level, discussed applying regenerative braking at an initial level then modify level based on vehicle motion parameter; in particular fig. 1 [0044]-[0051] boxes 105-120, fig. 6 [0074]-[0087] t0-t7; amount of change differs at different times; [0075]-[0076]);
Regarding claim 19, ROTILLI FILHO et al. teaches:
An electric braking system for a vehicle comprising the control device of claim 17;
(at least figs. 1, 6-7, 8-11 [0044]-[0051] [0074]-[0099] [0100]-[0121] discussed electric vehicle, motors, controller 800, regenerative braking, braking torque/regen level, discussed applying regenerative braking at an initial level then modify level based on vehicle motion parameter; in particular fig. 1 [0044]-[0051] boxes 105-120, fig. 6 [0074]-[0087] t0-t7; amount of change differs at different times; [0075]-[0076]);
Regarding claim 21, ROTILLI FILHO et al. teaches:
wherein the vehicle is a utility vehicle;
(at least figs. 1, 6-7, 8-11 [0044]-[0051] [0074]-[0099] [0100]-[0121] discussed electric vehicle, motors, controller 800, regenerative braking, braking torque/regen level, discussed applying regenerative braking at an initial level then modify level based on vehicle motion parameter; in particular fig. 1 [0044]-[0051] boxes 105-120, fig. 6 [0074]-[0087] t0-t7; amount of change differs at different times; [0075]-[0076]);
Conclusion
THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. 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 BAO LONG T NGUYEN whose telephone number is (571)270-7768. The examiner can normally be reached M-F 8:30-4:30.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Khoi Tran can be reached at (571) 272-6919. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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BAO LONG T. NGUYEN
Examiner
Art Unit 3656
/BAO LONG T NGUYEN/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 3656
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