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 .
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.
The factual inquiries for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows:
1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art.
2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue.
3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.
4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness.
This application currently names joint inventors. In considering patentability of the claims the examiner presumes that the subject matter of the various claims was commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the claimed invention(s) absent any evidence to the contrary. Applicant is advised of the obligation under 37 CFR 1.56 to point out the inventor and effective filing dates of each claim that was not commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the later invention in order for the examiner to consider the applicability of 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) for any potential 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) prior art against the later invention.
Claims 1 to 22 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. sec. 103 as being unpatentable as obvious in view of United States Patent Application Pub. No.: US20210331903A1 to Brooke filed in 2020 and in view of U.S. Patent Pub. No.: US20200407206A1 to Bowers filed in 2018 (hereinafter “Bowers”).
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In regard to claim 1, Brooke discloses “….1. (Currently Amended) An autonomous transport vehicle fit for transporting an
Object comprising
a platform~; (see apparatus 100 that can provide a lifting of an object on a platform and where the axle can be secured and lifted using a hydraulic apparatus via a platform with a safety device; see paragraph 5-26)
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Brooke is silent but Bowers teaches “…a first environmental perception sensor f44t-mounted at the platform ~for detecting an object (7, 15) located in the vicinity of the autonomous transport vehicle-
a lifting device ~extending at a front side of the platform ~ along a longitudinal axis
t4f of the autonomous transport vehicle and being moveable relative the
platform ~ in a vertical direction for lifting an object from a ground-
wherein
the platform ~ comprises a first clearance- ; and (see claims 1-13 where each robot has a scissor type engagement that is controlled by a remote device that a server 200 and that can control the robot to grab the wheel of the vehicle and lift it vertically via an optical sensor and a load sensor)
the first environmental perception sensor has a limited first sensing range
extending at least partly through the first clearance for covering a first
intersection point (18a, 18b) located in front of a main part of the platform~
on the longitudinal axis of the autonomous transport vehicle-fit”. (See claims 1-13 and the optical sensor and load sensor that can provide data for the scissor arms to engage each side and lift the wheel and see Fig. 11 where a number of mobile robots can provide a lifting in a vertical range of the vehicle’s wheel and lift this wheel off the floor to provide a transportation of the vehicle using the robots to a parking space from the original initial location and that are all controlled by a server device)
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present disclosure to combine the teachings of BOWERS with the disclosure of BROOKE with a reasonable expectation of success since BOWERS teaches that four autonomous robots can each have 1. An optical sensor 2. An imaging sensor 3. A contact sensor and 4. Other sensors. The robots can be controlled by a server 200 that can control them to move from the initial location to a location near the tire. The U shaped scissor arms can then contact each side of the tire and lift the tire vertically with the other three robots also move the tires vertically with their arms. Then the robots can slowly jack and move the vehicle when the vehicle is off to a second parked location where the vehicle can be serviced with a new battery or other parts. This server can then cause the robots to leave and move to another task by the server computer 200. This can provide an automated towing of the vehicle with an autonomous functionality that does not require any human operators for an inexpensive towing and parking to replace a battery. See paragraphs 36-61 and claims 1-13.
Bowers teaches “…2. (Currently Amended) The autonomous transport vehicle f-1-t-of claim 1, wherein
the first environmental perception sensor f44t-has a limited first sensing range f4-+t
extending at least partly through the first clearance f4-et-for covering a first
intersection point (18a) located in front of the lifting device ~on the longitudinal
axis t4tof the autonomous transport vehicle-fit” (See paragraph 32-35 and claims 1-13 and the optical sensor and load sensor that can provide data for the scissor arms to engage each side and lift the wheel and see Fig. 11 where a number of mobile robots can provide a lifting in a vertical range of the vehicle’s wheel and lift this wheel off the floor to provide a transportation of the vehicle using the robots to a parking space from the original initial location and that are all controlled by a server device)
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present disclosure to combine the teachings of BOWERS with the disclosure of BROOKE with a reasonable expectation of success since BOWERS teaches that four autonomous robots can each have 1. An optical sensor 2. An imaging sensor 3. A contact sensor and 4. Other sensors. The robots can be controlled by a server 200 that can control them to move from the initial location to a location near the tire. The U shaped scissor arms can then contact each side of the tire and lift the tire vertically with the other three robots also move the tires vertically with their arms. Then the robots can slowly jack and move the vehicle when the vehicle is off to a second parked location where the vehicle can be serviced with a new battery or other parts. This server can then cause the robots to leave and move to another task by the server computer 200. This can provide an automated towing of the vehicle with an autonomous functionality that does not require any human operators for an inexpensive towing and parking to replace a battery. See paragraphs 36-61 and claims 1-13.
Bowers teaches “…3. (Currently Amended) The autonomous transport vehicle fit of claim 1~,
wherein the platform ~ extends in the vertical direction at a rear side of the lifting
device~.(See paragraph 32-35 and claims 1-13 and the optical sensor and load sensor that can provide data for the scissor arms to engage each side and lift the wheel and see Fig. 11 where a number of mobile robots can provide a lifting in a vertical range of the vehicle’s wheel and lift this wheel off the floor to provide a transportation of the vehicle using the robots to a parking space from the original initial location and that are all controlled by a server device)
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present disclosure to combine the teachings of BOWERS with the disclosure of BROOKE with a reasonable expectation of success since BOWERS teaches that four autonomous robots can each have 1. An optical sensor 2. An imaging sensor 3. A contact sensor and 4. Other sensors. The robots can be controlled by a server 200 that can control them to move from the initial location to a location near the tire. The U shaped scissor arms can then contact each side of the tire and lift the tire vertically with the other three robots also move the tires vertically with their arms. Then the robots can slowly jack and move the vehicle when the vehicle is off to a second parked location where the vehicle can be serviced with a new battery or other parts. This server can then cause the robots to leave and move to another task by the server computer 200. This can provide an automated towing of the vehicle with an autonomous functionality that does not require any human operators for an inexpensive towing and parking to replace a battery. See paragraphs 36-61 and claims 1-13.
Bowers teaches “…4. (Currently Amended) The autonomous transport vehicle f-1-t-of any one of
claims 1 to 3claim 1, wherein
the lifting device ~is moveable between a lower position and an upper position; and
the first intersection point (18a) is covered by the first sensing range when the lifting
device ~is in the lower position. (See paragraph 50-58 and 32-35 and claims 1-13 and the optical sensor and load sensor that can provide data for the scissor arms to engage each side and lift the wheel and see Fig. 11 where a number of mobile robots can provide a lifting in a vertical range of the vehicle’s wheel and lift this wheel off the floor to provide a transportation of the vehicle using the robots to a parking space from the original initial location and that are all controlled by a server device)
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present disclosure to combine the teachings of BOWERS with the disclosure of BROOKE with a reasonable expectation of success since BOWERS teaches that four autonomous robots can each have 1. An optical sensor 2. An imaging sensor 3. A contact sensor and 4. Other sensors. The robots can be controlled by a server 200 that can control them to move from the initial location to a location near the tire. The U shaped scissor arms can then contact each side of the tire and lift the tire vertically with the other three robots also move the tires vertically with their arms. Then the robots can slowly jack and move the vehicle when the vehicle is off to a second parked location where the vehicle can be serviced with a new battery or other parts. This server can then cause the robots to leave and move to another task by the server computer 200. This can provide an automated towing of the vehicle with an autonomous functionality that does not require any human operators for an inexpensive towing and parking to replace a battery. See paragraphs 36-61 and claims 1-13.
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Bowers teaches “…5. (Currently Amended) The autonomous transport vehicle fB of any one of
claims 1 to 4claim 1, wherein the first clearance f4-et has at least partly aA U-shaped or
a V-shaped contour”. (See FIG. 11-14 where in a top down view the scissor engagement arms are U shaped with each portion of the U grabbing the tire on the sides and see paragraph 32-35 and claims 1-13 and the optical sensor and load sensor that can provide data for the scissor arms to engage each side and lift the wheel and see Fig. 11 where a number of mobile robots can provide a lifting in a vertical range of the vehicle’s wheel and lift this wheel off the floor to provide a transportation of the vehicle using the robots to a parking space from the original initial location and that are all controlled by a server device)
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present disclosure to combine the teachings of BOWERS with the disclosure of BROOKE with a reasonable expectation of success since BOWERS teaches that four autonomous robots can each have 1. An optical sensor 2. An imaging sensor 3. A contact sensor and 4. Other sensors. The robots can be controlled by a server 200 that can control them to move from the initial location to a location near the tire. The U shaped scissor arms can then contact each side of the tire and lift the tire vertically with the other three robots also move the tires vertically with their arms. Then the robots can slowly jack and move the vehicle when the vehicle is off to a second parked location where the vehicle can be serviced with a new battery or other parts. This server can then cause the robots to leave and move to another task by the server computer 200. This can provide an automated towing of the vehicle with an autonomous functionality that does not require any human operators for an inexpensive towing and parking to replace a battery. See paragraphs 36-61 and claims 1-13.
Bowers teaches “…6. (Currently Amended) The autonomous transport vehicle f4tof any one of
claims 1 to §claim 1, wherein an angle f4-98-f between the longitudinal axis t4t and an
edge ~ of the first sensing range f4-+t is greater than 12 degree (See FIG. 11-14 where in a top down view the scissor engagement arms are U shaped with each portion of the U grabbing the tire on the sides and using an optical sensor that includes a range of 180 degrees in the front of the sensor in paragraph 35 and see paragraph 32-35 and claims 1-13 and the optical sensor and load sensor that can provide data for the scissor arms to engage each side and lift the wheel and see Fig. 11 where a number of mobile robots can provide a lifting in a vertical range of the vehicle’s wheel and lift this wheel off the floor to provide a transportation of the vehicle using the robots to a parking space from the original initial location and that are all controlled by a server device)
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present disclosure to combine the teachings of BOWERS with the disclosure of BROOKE with a reasonable expectation of success since BOWERS teaches that four autonomous robots can each have 1. An optical sensor 2. An imaging sensor 3. A contact sensor and 4. Other sensors. The robots can be controlled by a server 200 that can control them to move from the initial location to a location near the tire. The U shaped scissor arms can then contact each side of the tire and lift the tire vertically with the other three robots also move the tires vertically with their arms. Then the robots can slowly jack and move the vehicle when the vehicle is off to a second parked location where the vehicle can be serviced with a new battery or other parts. This server can then cause the robots to leave and move to another task by the server computer 200. This can provide an automated towing of the vehicle with an autonomous functionality that does not require any human operators for an inexpensive towing and parking to replace a battery. See paragraphs 36-61 and claims 1-13.
Bowers teaches “…7. (Currently Amended) The autonomous transport vehicle fB of any one of
claims 1 to 6claim 1, wherein the first clearance f4-et has an inclination being inclined in
respect of the longitudinal axis-t4-t. (See FIG. 11-14 where in a top down view the scissor engagement arms are U shaped with each portion of the U grabbing the tire on the sides and then lift this up from the floor at a few feet incline and using an optical sensor that includes a range of 180 degrees in the front of the sensor in paragraph 35 and see paragraph 32-35 and claims 1-13 and the optical sensor and load sensor that can provide data for the scissor arms to engage each side and lift the wheel and see Fig. 11 where a number of mobile robots can provide a lifting in a vertical range of the vehicle’s wheel and lift this wheel off the floor to provide a transportation of the vehicle using the robots to a parking space from the original initial location and that are all controlled by a server device)
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present disclosure to combine the teachings of BOWERS with the disclosure of BROOKE with a reasonable expectation of success since BOWERS teaches that four autonomous robots can each have 1. An optical sensor 2. An imaging sensor 3. A contact sensor and 4. Other sensors. The robots can be controlled by a server 200 that can control them to move from the initial location to a location near the tire. The U shaped scissor arms can then contact each side of the tire and lift the tire vertically with the other three robots also move the tires vertically with their arms. Then the robots can slowly jack and move the vehicle when the vehicle is off to a second parked location where the vehicle can be serviced with a new battery or other parts. This server can then cause the robots to leave and move to another task by the server computer 200. This can provide an automated towing of the vehicle with an autonomous functionality that does not require any human operators for an inexpensive towing and parking to replace a battery. See paragraphs 36-61 and claims 1-13.
Bowers teaches “…8. (Currently Amended) The autonomous transport vehicle f4tof claim 7, wherein
the inclination of the first clearance f4-et is oriented towards the first intersection point
(18a, 18b). (See FIG. 11-14 where in a top down view the scissor engagement arms are U shaped with each portion of the U grabbing the tire on the sides and then lift this up from the floor at a few feet incline and using an optical sensor that includes a range of 180 degrees in the front of the sensor in paragraph 35 and see paragraph 32-35 and claims 1-13 and the optical sensor and load sensor that can provide data for the scissor arms to engage each side and lift the wheel and see Fig. 11 where a number of mobile robots can provide a lifting in a vertical range of the vehicle’s wheel and lift this wheel off the floor to provide a transportation of the vehicle using the robots to a parking space from the original initial location and that are all controlled by a server device)
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present disclosure to combine the teachings of BOWERS with the disclosure of BROOKE with a reasonable expectation of success since BOWERS teaches that four autonomous robots can each have 1. An optical sensor 2. An imaging sensor 3. A contact sensor and 4. Other sensors. The robots can be controlled by a server 200 that can control them to move from the initial location to a location near the tire. The U shaped scissor arms can then contact each side of the tire and lift the tire vertically with the other three robots also move the tires vertically with their arms. Then the robots can slowly jack and move the vehicle when the vehicle is off to a second parked location where the vehicle can be serviced with a new battery or other parts. This server can then cause the robots to leave and move to another task by the server computer 200. This can provide an automated towing of the vehicle with an autonomous functionality that does not require any human operators for an inexpensive towing and parking to replace a battery. See paragraphs 36-61 and claims 1-13.
Bowers teaches “..9. (Currently Amended) The autonomous transport vehicle fB of any one of
claims 1 to 8claim 1, wherein a distance ~ between the first intersection point~
and a distal end ~ of the lifting device ~ in a lower position is shorter than 30
centimeters”. (See paragraph 40-48 and where the robot can pull the wheels up to any desired height which can be 2-3 feet so as to move the vehicle to a parking spaced and see FIG. 11-14 where in a top down view the scissor engagement arms are U shaped with each portion of the U grabbing the tire on the sides and then lift this up from the floor at a few feet incline and using an optical sensor that includes a range of 180 degrees in the front of the sensor in paragraph 35 and see paragraph 32-35 and claims 1-13 and the optical sensor and load sensor that can provide data for the scissor arms to engage each side and lift the wheel and see Fig. 11 where a number of mobile robots can provide a lifting in a vertical range of the vehicle’s wheel and lift this wheel off the floor to provide a transportation of the vehicle using the robots to a parking space from the original initial location and that are all controlled by a server device)
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present disclosure to combine the teachings of BOWERS with the disclosure of BROOKE with a reasonable expectation of success since BOWERS teaches that four autonomous robots can each have 1. An optical sensor 2. An imaging sensor 3. A contact sensor and 4. Other sensors. The robots can be controlled by a server 200 that can control them to move from the initial location to a location near the tire. The U shaped scissor arms can then contact each side of the tire and lift the tire vertically with the other three robots also move the tires vertically with their arms. Then the robots can slowly jack and move the vehicle when the vehicle is off to a second parked location where the vehicle can be serviced with a new battery or other parts. This server can then cause the robots to leave and move to another task by the server computer 200. This can provide an automated towing of the vehicle with an autonomous functionality that does not require any human operators for an inexpensive towing and parking to replace a battery. See paragraphs 36-61 and claims 1-13.
Bowers teaches “…10. (Currently Amended) The autonomous transport vehicle fB of any one of
claims 1 to 9claim 1, wherein the first sensing range f4-+t covers a second intersection
point~ located behind the platform ~ on the longitudinal axis t4t of the autonomous
transport vehicle-fB.” (See paragraph 5, 35-36 and claims 17-18 where the robot is provided with a camera to sense the tire in the front of the robot and the edges of the tire to engage the scissor members on the side of the robot and then can drive away to the opposition direction to park the vehicle in a parking lot since this is a mobile robot and see paragraphs 40-48 and where the robot can pull the wheels up to any desired height which can be 2-3 feet so as to move the vehicle to a parking spaced and see FIG. 11-14 where in a top down view the scissor engagement arms are U shaped with each portion of the U grabbing the tire on the sides and then lift this up from the floor at a few feet incline and using an optical sensor that includes a range of 180 degrees in the front of the sensor in paragraph 35 and see paragraph 32-35 and claims 1-13 and the optical sensor and load sensor that can provide data for the scissor arms to engage each side and lift the wheel and see Fig. 11 where a number of mobile robots can provide a lifting in a vertical range of the vehicle’s wheel and lift this wheel off the floor to provide a transportation of the vehicle using the robots to a parking space from the original initial location and that are all controlled by a server device)
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It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present disclosure to combine the teachings of BOWERS with the disclosure of BROOKE with a reasonable expectation of success since BOWERS teaches that four autonomous robots can each have 1. An optical sensor 2. An imaging sensor 3. A contact sensor and 4. Other sensors. The robots can be controlled by a server 200 that can control them to move from the initial location to a location near the tire. The U shaped scissor arms can then contact each side of the tire and lift the tire vertically with the other three robots also move the tires vertically with their arms. Then the robots can slowly jack and move the vehicle when the vehicle is off to a second parked location where the vehicle can be serviced with a new battery or other parts. This server can then cause the robots to leave and move to another task by the server computer 200. This can provide an automated towing of the vehicle with an autonomous functionality that does not require any human operators for an inexpensive towing and parking to replace a battery. See paragraphs 36-61 and claims 1-13.
Bowers teaches “…11. (Currently Amended) The autonomous transport vehicle fB of any one of
claims 1 to 1 0claim 1, wherein the platform ~comprises at least one wheel~ for
moving the autonomous transport vehicle fB on the ground-fej;
the at least one wheel ~ being located below and adjacent to the first clearance-f4et.” (See FIG> 10 where each mobile robot of the four has four wheels with two on the front and two in the rear on the opposite side and can be controlled by a server computer 200 and see paragraph 40-48 and where the robot can pull the wheels up to any desired height which can be 2-3 feet so as to move the vehicle to a parking spaced and see FIG. 11-14 where in a top down view the scissor engagement arms are U shaped with each portion of the U grabbing the tire on the sides and then lift this up from the floor at a few feet incline and using an optical sensor that includes a range of 180 degrees in the front of the sensor in paragraph 35 and see paragraph 32-35 and claims 1-13 and the optical sensor and load sensor that can provide data for the scissor arms to engage each side and lift the wheel and see Fig. 11 where a number of mobile robots can provide a lifting in a vertical range of the vehicle’s wheel and lift this wheel off the floor to provide a transportation of the vehicle using the robots to a parking space from the original initial location and that are all controlled by a server device)
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present disclosure to combine the teachings of BOWERS with the disclosure of BROOKE with a reasonable expectation of success since BOWERS teaches that four autonomous robots can each have 1. An optical sensor 2. An imaging sensor 3. A contact sensor and 4. Other sensors. The robots can be controlled by a server 200 that can control them to move from the initial location to a location near the tire. The U shaped scissor arms can then contact each side of the tire and lift the tire vertically with the other three robots also move the tires vertically with their arms. Then the robots can slowly jack and move the vehicle when the vehicle is off to a second parked location where the vehicle can be serviced with a new battery or other parts. This server can then cause the robots to leave and move to another task by the server computer 200. This can provide an automated towing of the vehicle with an autonomous functionality that does not require any human operators for an inexpensive towing and parking to replace a battery. See paragraphs 36-61 and claims 1-13.
Bowers teaches “…12. (Currently Amended) The autonomous transport vehicle f4+-of any one of
claims 1 to 11 claim 1, wherein the platform~ comprises a base part~ extending
along the longitudinal axis f4t below the lifting device~;
the base part fd-4+-being excluded from the first sensing range-f4-7-t. (See FIG> 10 where each mobile robot of the four has four wheels with two on the front and two in the rear on the opposite side and can be controlled by a server computer 200 and see paragraph 40-48 and where the robot can pull the wheels up to any desired height which can be 2-3 feet so as to move the vehicle to a parking spaced and see FIG. 11-14 where in a top down view the scissor engagement arms are U shaped with each portion of the U grabbing the tire on the sides and then lift this up from the floor at a few feet incline and using an optical sensor that includes a range of 180 degrees in the front of the sensor in paragraph 35 and see paragraph 32-35 and claims 1-13 and the optical sensor and load sensor that can provide data for the scissor arms to engage each side and lift the wheel and see Fig. 11 where a number of mobile robots can provide a lifting in a vertical range of the vehicle’s wheel and lift this wheel off the floor to provide a transportation of the vehicle using the robots to a parking space from the original initial location and that are all controlled by a server device)
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present disclosure to combine the teachings of BOWERS with the disclosure of BROOKE with a reasonable expectation of success since BOWERS teaches that four autonomous robots can each have 1. An optical sensor 2. An imaging sensor 3. A contact sensor and 4. Other sensors. The robots can be controlled by a server 200 that can control them to move from the initial location to a location near the tire. The U shaped scissor arms can then contact each side of the tire and lift the tire vertically with the other three robots also move the tires vertically with their arms. Then the robots can slowly jack and move the vehicle when the vehicle is off to a second parked location where the vehicle can be serviced with a new battery or other parts. This server can then cause the robots to leave and move to another task by the server computer 200. This can provide an automated towing of the vehicle with an autonomous functionality that does not require any human operators for an inexpensive towing and parking to replace a battery. See paragraphs 36-61 and claims 1-13.
Bowers teaches “…13. (Currently Amended) The autonomous transport vehicle f4+-of any one of
claims 1 to 12claim 1, wherein the lifting device~ is excluded from the first sensing
rang e-f4-7-“ (see paragraph 35 where the device also has a sensor that can provide an engagement with the wheel by the scissor arms and that is independent from the lifting)
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present disclosure to combine the teachings of BOWERS with the disclosure of BROOKE with a reasonable expectation of success since BOWERS teaches that four autonomous robots can each have 1. An optical sensor 2. An imaging sensor 3. A contact sensor and 4. Other sensors. The robots can be controlled by a server 200 that can control them to move from the initial location to a location near the tire. The U shaped scissor arms can then contact each side of the tire and lift the tire vertically with the other three robots also move the tires vertically with their arms. Then the robots can slowly jack and move the vehicle when the vehicle is off to a second parked location where the vehicle can be serviced with a new battery or other parts. This server can then cause the robots to leave and move to another task by the server computer 200. This can provide an automated towing of the vehicle with an autonomous functionality that does not require any human operators for an inexpensive towing and parking to replace a battery. See paragraphs 36-61 and claims 1-13.
Bowers teaches “…14. (Currently Amended) The autonomous transport vehicle fB of claim 13, \Vhen
referring back to claim 6, wherein the lifting device is excluded from the first sensing
range and wherein a distal end ~of the lifting device ~has an inclined shape
correlating with the angle (19a) between the longitudinal axis f4tand the edge (2Gb) of
the first sensing range-f4-7-t. (see paragraph 35 where the device also has a sensor that can provide an engagement with the wheel by the scissor arms and that is independent from the lifting) (See FIG. 11-14 where in a top down view the scissor engagement arms are U shaped with each portion of the U grabbing the tire on the sides and using an optical sensor that includes a range of 180 degrees in the front of the sensor in paragraph 35 and see paragraph 32-35 and claims 1-13 and the optical sensor and load sensor that can provide data for the scissor arms to engage each side and lift the wheel and see Fig. 11 where a number of mobile robots can provide a lifting in a vertical range of the vehicle’s wheel and lift this wheel off the floor to provide a transportation of the vehicle using the robots to a parking space from the original initial location and that are all controlled by a server device)
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present disclosure to combine the teachings of BOWERS with the disclosure of BROOKE with a reasonable expectation of success since BOWERS teaches that four autonomous robots can each have 1. An optical sensor 2. An imaging sensor 3. A contact sensor and 4. Other sensors. The robots can be controlled by a server 200 that can control them to move from the initial location to a location near the tire. The U shaped scissor arms can then contact each side of the tire and lift the tire vertically with the other three robots also move the tires vertically with their arms. Then the robots can slowly jack and move the vehicle when the vehicle is off to a second parked location where the vehicle can be serviced with a new battery or other parts. This server can then cause the robots to leave and move to another task by the server computer 200. This can provide an automated towing of the vehicle with an autonomous functionality that does not require any human operators for an inexpensive towing and parking to replace a battery. See paragraphs 36-61 and claims 1-13.
Bowers teaches “…15. (Currently Amended) The autonomous transport vehicle f4+-of any one of
claims 1 to 14claim 1, comprising
a second environmental perception sensor~ mounted at the platform ~for
detecting an object (7, 15) in the vicinity of the autonomous transport vehicle-fB;
wherein the platform ~comprises a second clearance~;
the second environmental perception sensor ~has a limited second sensing range
~extending at least partly through the second clearance ~for covering the
first intersection point (18a, 18b) located in front of the platform ~on the
longitudinal axis t4tof the autonomous transport vehicle-fB; and wherein
a combination of the first sensing range f4-7tand the second sensing range ~results
in a surrounding sensing range around the autonomous transport vehicle-fB. . (see paragraph 35 where the device also has a sensor that can provide an engagement with the wheel by the scissor arms and that is independent from the lifting and also an imaging sensor that can provide a thermal imaging and also a camera sensor that is a third sensor that can capture the lifting with all measuring in the same direction a combination of parameters) (See FIG. 11-14 where in a top down view the scissor engagement arms are U shaped with each portion of the U grabbing the tire on the sides and using an optical sensor that includes a range of 180 degrees in the front of the sensor in paragraph 35 and see paragraph 32-35 and claims 1-13 and the optical sensor and load sensor that can provide data for the scissor arms to engage each side and lift the wheel and see Fig. 11 where a number of mobile robots can provide a lifting in a vertical range of the vehicle’s wheel and lift this wheel off the floor to provide a transportation of the vehicle using the robots to a parking space from the original initial location and that are all controlled by a server device)
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present disclosure to combine the teachings of BOWERS with the disclosure of BROOKE with a reasonable expectation of success since BOWERS teaches that four autonomous robots can each have 1. An optical sensor 2. An imaging sensor 3. A contact sensor and 4. Other sensors. The robots can be controlled by a server 200 that can control them to move from the initial location to a location near the tire. The U shaped scissor arms can then contact each side of the tire and lift the tire vertically with the other three robots also move the tires vertically with their arms. Then the robots can slowly jack and move the vehicle when the vehicle is off to a second parked location where the vehicle can be serviced with a new battery or other parts. This server can then cause the robots to leave and move to another task by the server computer 200. This can provide an automated towing of the vehicle with an autonomous functionality that does not require any human operators for an inexpensive towing and parking to replace a battery. See paragraphs 36-61 and claims 1-13.
Bowers teaches “…16. (Currently Amended) The autonomous transport vehicle fB of claim 15,
wherein the number of the environmental perception sensors is limited to the first and
the second environmental perception sensor (14, 25). (see paragraph 35 where the device also has a sensor that can provide an engagement with the wheel by the scissor arms and that is independent from the lifting and also an imaging sensor that can provide a thermal imaging and also a camera sensor that is a third sensor that can capture the lifting with all measuring in the same direction a combination of parameters) (See FIG. 11-14 where in a top down view the scissor engagement arms are U shaped with each portion of the U grabbing the tire on the sides and using an optical sensor that includes a range of 180 degrees in the front of the sensor in paragraph 35 and see paragraph 32-35 and claims 1-13 and the optical sensor and load sensor that can provide data for the scissor arms to engage each side and lift the wheel and see Fig. 11 where a number of mobile robots can provide a lifting in a vertical range of the vehicle’s wheel and lift this wheel off the floor to provide a transportation of the vehicle using the robots to a parking space from the original initial location and that are all controlled by a server device)
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present disclosure to combine the teachings of BOWERS with the disclosure of BROOKE with a reasonable expectation of success since BOWERS teaches that four autonomous robots can each have 1. An optical sensor 2. An imaging sensor 3. A contact sensor and 4. Other sensors. The robots can be controlled by a server 200 that can control them to move from the initial location to a location near the tire. The U shaped scissor arms can then contact each side of the tire and lift the tire vertically with the other three robots also move the tires vertically with their arms. Then the robots can slowly jack and move the vehicle when the vehicle is off to a second parked location where the vehicle can be serviced with a new battery or other parts. This server can then cause the robots to leave and move to another task by the server computer 200. This can provide an automated towing of the vehicle with an autonomous functionality that does not require any human operators for an inexpensive towing and parking to replace a battery. See paragraphs 36-61 and claims 1-13.
Bowers teaches “…17. (Currently Amended) The autonomous transport vehicle f4+-of any one of
claims 1 to 16claim 1, comprising a sensor device~ to detect if an object fB is
carried by the lifting device~.(see paragraph 35 where the device also has a sensor that can provide an engagement with the wheel by the scissor arms and that is independent from the lifting and also an imaging sensor that can provide a thermal imaging and also a camera sensor that is a third sensor that can capture the lifting with all measuring in the same direction a combination of parameters) (See FIG. 11-14 where in a top down view the scissor engagement arms are U shaped with each portion of the U grabbing the tire on the sides and using an optical sensor that includes a range of 180 degrees in the front of the sensor in paragraph 35 and see paragraph 32-35 and claims 1-13 and the optical sensor and load sensor that can provide data for the scissor arms to engage each side and lift the wheel and see Fig. 11 where a number of mobile robots can provide a lifting in a vertical range of the vehicle’s wheel and lift this wheel off the floor to provide a transportation of the vehicle using the robots to a parking space from the original initial location and that are all controlled by a server device)
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present disclosure to combine the teachings of BOWERS with the disclosure of BROOKE with a reasonable expectation of success since BOWERS teaches that four autonomous robots can each have 1. An optical sensor 2. An imaging sensor 3. A contact sensor and 4. Other sensors. The robots can be controlled by a server 200 that can control them to move from the initial location to a location near the tire. The U shaped scissor arms can then contact each side of the tire and lift the tire vertically with the other three robots also move the tires vertically with their arms. Then the robots can slowly jack and move the vehicle when the vehicle is off to a second parked location where the vehicle can be serviced with a new battery or other parts. This server can then cause the robots to leave and move to another task by the server computer 200. This can provide an automated towing of the vehicle with an autonomous functionality that does not require any human operators for an inexpensive towing and parking to replace a battery. See paragraphs 36-61 and claims 1-13.
Bowers teaches “…18. (Currently Amended) The autonomous transport vehicle f4+-of any one of
claims 1 to 17claim 1, wherein the control unit ~is configured to detect if an object fB
is carried by the lifting device ~based on a current demand required to lift the object(see paragraph 46 where each of the four robots are coordinated to lift the object together so they can drive the car to the parking lot and 35 where the device also has a sensor that can provide an engagement with the wheel by the scissor arms and that is independent from the lifting and also an imaging sensor that can provide a thermal imaging and also a camera sensor that is a third sensor that can capture the lifting with all measuring in the same direction a combination of parameters) (See FIG. 11-14 where in a top down view the scissor engagement arms are U shaped with each portion of the U grabbing the tire on the sides and using an optical sensor that includes a range of 180 degrees in the front of the sensor in paragraph 35 and see paragraph 32-35 and claims 1-13 and the optical sensor and load sensor that can provide data for the scissor arms to engage each side and lift the wheel and see Fig. 11 where a number of mobile robots can provide a lifting in a vertical range of the vehicle’s wheel and lift this wheel off the floor to provide a transportation of the vehicle using the robots to a parking space from the original initial location and that are all controlled by a server device)
Bowers teaches “…19. (Currently Amended) The autonomous transport vehicle fB of any one of
claims 1 to 1 Bclaim 1, comprising a control unit~ configured to adjust the vertical
position of the lifting device~.(see paragraph 38 where the car can be lifted a few feet as desired and see paragraph 46 where each of the four robots are coordinated to lift the object together so they can drive the car to the parking lot and 35 where the device also has a sensor that can provide an engagement with the wheel by the scissor arms and that is independent from the lifting and also an imaging sensor that can provide a thermal imaging and also a camera sensor that is a third sensor that can capture the lifting with all measuring in the same direction a combination of parameters) (See FIG. 11-14 where in a top down view the scissor engagement arms are U shaped with each portion of the U grabbing the tire on the sides and using an optical sensor that includes a range of 180 degrees in the front of the sensor in paragraph 35 and see paragraph 32-35 and claims 1-13 and the optical sensor and load sensor that can provide data for the scissor arms to engage each side and lift the wheel and see Fig. 11 where a number of mobile robots can provide a lifting in a vertical range of the vehicle’s wheel and lift this wheel off the floor to provide a transportation of the vehicle using the robots to a parking space from the original initial location and that are all controlled by a server device)
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present disclosure to combine the teachings of BOWERS with the disclosure of BROOKE with a reasonable expectation of success since BOWERS teaches that four autonomous robots can each have 1. An optical sensor 2. An imaging sensor 3. A contact sensor and 4. Other sensors. The robots can be controlled by a server 200 that can control them to move from the initial location to a location near the tire. The U shaped scissor arms can then contact each side of the tire and lift the tire vertically with the other three robots also move the tires vertically with their arms. Then the robots can slowly jack and move the vehicle when the vehicle is off to a second parked location where the vehicle can be serviced with a new battery or other parts. This server can then cause the robots to leave and move to another task by the server computer 200. This can provide an automated towing of the vehicle with an autonomous functionality that does not require any human operators for an inexpensive towing and parking to replace a battery. See paragraphs 36-61 and claims 1-13.
Bowers discloses “…20. (Currently Amended) The autonomous transport vehicle fB of claim 19,
wherein the control unit~ is configured to reduce the speed of the autonomous
transport vehicle fB from a higher speed value to a lower speed value if an object fB
being free of contact with the lifting device~ protrudes in the first sensing range-f4-+t. (see paragraph 61-63 where each robot indicates a successful engagement they can move the vehicle to replace the battery and drive off at a predetermined speed that is greater than zero and then drop the vehicle and drive away at a second speed see paragraph 46 where each of the four robots are coordinated to lift the object together so they can drive the car to the parking lot and 35 where the device also has a sensor that can provide an engagement with the wheel by the scissor arms and that is independent from the lifting and also an imaging sensor that can provide a thermal imaging and also a camera sensor that is a third sensor that can capture the lifting with all measuring in the same direction a combination of parameters) (See FIG. 11-14 where in a top down view the scissor engagement arms are U shaped with each portion of the U grabbing the tire on the sides and using an optical sensor that includes a range of 180 degrees in the front of the sensor in paragraph 35 and see paragraph 32-35 and claims 1-13 and the optical sensor and load sensor that can provide data for the scissor arms to engage each side and lift the wheel and see Fig. 11 where a number of mobile robots can provide a lifting in a vertical range of the vehicle’s wheel and lift this wheel off the floor to provide a transportation of the vehicle using the robots to a parking space from the original initial location and that are all controlled by a server device)
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present disclosure to combine the teachings of BOWERS with the disclosure of BROOKE with a reasonable expectation of success since BOWERS teaches that four autonomous robots can each have 1. An optical sensor 2. An imaging sensor 3. A contact sensor and 4. Other sensors. The robots can be controlled by a server 200 that can control them to move from the initial location to a location near the tire. The U shaped scissor arms can then contact each side of the tire and lift the tire vertically with the other three robots also move the tires vertically with their arms. Then the robots can slowly jack and move the vehicle when the vehicle is off to a second parked location where the vehicle can be serviced with a new battery or other parts. This server can then cause the robots to leave and move to another task by the server computer 200. This can provide an automated towing of the vehicle with an autonomous functionality that does not require any human operators for an inexpensive towing and parking to replace a battery. See paragraphs 36-61 and claims 1-13.
Bowers teaches “…21. (Currently Amended) The autonomous transport vehicle fB of claim 19 or 20,
wherein the control unit~ is configured to prevent a movement of the autonomous
transport vehicle f4+-on the ground tat if an object fB carried by the lifting device ~
protrudes in the first sensing range-f4-+t.” (see paragraph 61-63 where each robot indicates a successful engagement they can move the vehicle to replace the battery and drive off at a predetermined speed that is greater than zero and then drop the vehicle and drive away at a second speed see paragraph 46 where each of the four robots are coordinated to lift the object together so they can drive the car to the parking lot and 35 where the device also has a sensor that can provide an engagement with the wheel by the scissor arms and that is independent from the lifting and also an imaging sensor that can provide a thermal imaging and also a camera sensor that is a third sensor that can capture the lifting with all measuring in the same direction a combination of parameters) (See FIG. 11-14 where in a top down view the scissor engagement arms are U shaped with each portion of the U grabbing the tire on the sides and using an optical sensor that includes a range of 180 degrees in the front of the sensor in paragraph 35 and see paragraph 32-35 and claims 1-13 and the optical sensor and load sensor that can provide data for the scissor arms to engage each side and lift the wheel and see Fig. 11 where a number of mobile robots can provide a lifting in a vertical range of the vehicle’s wheel and lift this wheel off the floor to provide a transportation of the vehicle using the robots to a parking space from the original initial location and that are all controlled by a server device)
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present disclosure to combine the teachings of BOWERS with the disclosure of BROOKE with a reasonable expectation of success since BOWERS teaches that four autonomous robots can each have 1. An optical sensor 2. An imaging sensor 3. A contact sensor and 4. Other sensors. The robots can be controlled by a server 200 that can control them to move from the initial location to a location near the tire. The U shaped scissor arms can then contact each side of the tire and lift the tire vertically with the other three robots also move the tires vertically with their arms. Then the robots can slowly jack and move the vehicle when the vehicle is off to a second parked location where the vehicle can be serviced with a new battery or other parts. This server can then cause the robots to leave and move to another task by the server computer 200. This can provide an automated towing of the vehicle with an autonomous functionality that does not require any human operators for an inexpensive towing and parking to replace a battery. See paragraphs 36-61 and claims 1-13.
Bowers teaches “…22. (Currently Amended) The autonomous transport vehicle fB of any one of
claims 19 to 21 claim 1, wherein the control unit ~is configured
to adjust the vertical position of the lifting device ~ for moving an object flt-carried by
the lifting device ~ out of the first sensing range-f4-+t; and
to stop the adjustment of the lifting device ~if the object flt-is moved out of the first
sensing range-f4-+t. (see paragraph 61-63 where each robot indicates a successful engagement they can move the vehicle to replace the battery and drive off at a predetermined speed that is greater than zero and then drop the vehicle and drive away at a second speed see paragraph 46 where each of the four robots are coordinated to lift the object together so they can drive the car to the parking lot and 35 where the device also has a sensor that can provide an engagement with the wheel by the scissor arms and that is independent from the lifting and also an imaging sensor that can provide a thermal imaging and also a camera sensor that is a third sensor that can capture the lifting with all measuring in the same direction a combination of parameters) (See FIG. 11-14 where in a top down view the scissor engagement arms are U shaped with each portion of the U grabbing the tire on the sides and using an optical sensor that includes a range of 180 degrees in the front of the sensor in paragraph 35 and see paragraph 32-35 and claims 1-13 and the optical sensor and load sensor that can provide data for the scissor arms to engage each side and lift the wheel and see Fig. 11 where a number of mobile robots can provide a lifting in a vertical range of the vehicle’s wheel and lift this wheel off the floor to provide a transportation of the vehicle using the robots to a parking space from the original initial location and that are all controlled by a server device)
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present disclosure to combine the teachings of BOWERS with the disclosure of BROOKE with a reasonable expectation of success since BOWERS teaches that four autonomous robots can each have 1. An optical sensor 2. An imaging sensor 3. A contact sensor and 4. Other sensors. The robots can be controlled by a server 200 that can control them to move from the initial location to a location near the tire. The U shaped scissor arms can then contact each side of the tire and lift the tire vertically with the other three robots also move the tires vertically with their arms. Then the robots can slowly jack and move the vehicle when the vehicle is off to a second parked location where the vehicle can be serviced with a new battery or other parts. This server can then cause the robots to leave and move to another task by the server computer 200. This can provide an automated towing of the vehicle with an autonomous functionality that does not require any human operators for an inexpensive towing and parking to replace a battery. See paragraphs 36-61 and claims 1-13.
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.
Claims 23-24 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. sec. 102(a)(2) as being anticipated by U.S. Patent Pub. No.: US20200407206A1 to Bowers filed in 2018 (hereinafter “Bowers”).
Bowers teaches “…23. (Currently Amended) A method for transporting an object fB by an
autonomous transport vehicle fB comprising a platform~ and a lifting device ~being
moveable in a vertical direction relative to the platform ~ for lifting an object fB from a
ground-fej, the method comprising the steps:
detecting an object fB--protruding in a first sensing range f4-+t-of a first environmental
perception sensor --f4-4t; (see paragraph 32-36 where there is a camera sensor, and an imaging sensor and a contact sensor to determine that the scissor arms contact the wheels)
determining if the object fB--is carried by the lifting device~; (see element 200 where the element can call the robots to move to lift the car and then they stop and lift the vehicle and then move slowly to a location for service and then speed off to the next job)
reducing the speed of the autonomous transport vehicle f4tfrom a higher speed value
to a lower speed value if the object fB--is free of contact with the lifting device~;
and preventing a movement of the autonomous transport vehicle f4ton the ground t@t-if the
object fB--is carried by the lifting device~. (see paragraph 61-63 where each robot indicates a successful engagement they can move the vehicle to replace the battery and drive off at a predetermined speed that is greater than zero and then drop the vehicle and drive away at a second speed see paragraph 46 where each of the four robots are coordinated to lift the object together so they can drive the car to the parking lot and 35 where the device also has a sensor that can provide an engagement with the wheel by the scissor arms and that is independent from the lifting and also an imaging sensor that can provide a thermal imaging and also a camera sensor that is a third sensor that can capture the lifting with all measuring in the same direction a combination of parameters) (See FIG. 11-14 where in a top down view the scissor engagement arms are U shaped with each portion of the U grabbing the tire on the sides and using an optical sensor that includes a range of 180 degrees in the front of the sensor in paragraph 35 and see paragraph 32-35 and claims 1-13 and the optical sensor and load sensor that can provide data for the scissor arms to engage each side and lift the wheel and see Fig. 11 where a number of mobile robots can provide a lifting in a vertical range of the vehicle’s wheel and lift this wheel off the floor to provide a transportation of the vehicle using the robots to a parking space from the original initial location and that are all controlled by a server device)
Bowers teaches “…24. (Currently Amended) The method of claim 23, comprising the steps:
adjusting the vertical position of the lifting device ~for moving the object fB out of the
first sensing range-fiB; and(see paragraph 32-36 where there is a camera sensor, and an imaging sensor and a contact sensor to determine that the scissor arms contact the wheels)
enabling a movement of the autonomous transport vehicle f4ton the ground -if the
object fB--carried by the lifting device ~is moved out of the first sensing range” (see paragraph 32-36 where there is a camera sensor, and an imaging sensor and a contact sensor to determine that the scissor arms contact the wheels and then when dropped and not in contact anymore the robot can drive off) (see paragraph 61-63 where each robot indicates a successful engagement they can move the vehicle to replace the battery and drive off at a predetermined speed that is greater than zero and then drop the vehicle and drive away at a second speed see paragraph 46 where each of the four robots are coordinated to lift the object together so they can drive the car to the parking lot and 35 where the device also has a sensor that can provide an engagement with the wheel by the scissor arms and that is independent from the lifting and also an imaging sensor that can provide a thermal imaging and also a camera sensor that is a third sensor that can capture the lifting with all measuring in the same direction a combination of parameters) (See FIG. 11-14 where in a top down view the scissor engagement arms are U shaped with each portion of the U grabbing the tire on the sides and using an optical sensor that includes a range of 180 degrees in the front of the sensor in paragraph 35 and see paragraph 32-35 and claims 1-13 and the optical sensor and load sensor that can provide data for the scissor arms to engage each side and lift the wheel and see Fig. 11 where a number of mobile robots can provide a lifting in a vertical range of the vehicle’s wheel and lift this wheel off the floor to provide a transportation of the vehicle using the robots to a parking space from the original initial location and that are all controlled by a server device)
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to JEAN PAUL CASS whose telephone number is (571)270-1934. The examiner can normally be reached Monday to Friday 7 am to 7 pm; Saturday 10 am to 12 noon.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Scott A. Browne can be reached at 571-270-0151. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/JEAN PAUL CASS/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 3666
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