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 .
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.
Double Patenting
The non-statutory double patenting rejection is based on a judicially created doctrine
grounded in public policy (a policy reflected in the statute) so as to prevent the unjustified or improper timewise extension of the “right to exclude” granted by a patent and to prevent possible harassment by multiple assignees. A non-statutory double patenting rejection is appropriate where the claims at issue are not identical, but at least one examined application claim is not patentably distinct from the reference claim(s) because the examined application claim is either anticipated by, or would have been obvious over, the reference claim(s). See, e.g., In re Berg, 140 F.3d 1428, 46 USPQ2d 1226 (Fed. Cir. 1998); In re Goodman, 11 F.3d 1046, 29 USPQ2d 2010 (Fed. Cir. 1993); In re Longi, 759 F.2d 887, 225 USPQ 645 (Fed. Cir. 1985); In re Van Ornum, 686 F.2d 937, 214 USPQ 761 (CCPA 1982); In re Vogel, 422 F.2d 438, 164 USPQ 619 (CCPA 1970); and In re Thorington, 418 F.2d 528, 163 USPQ 644 (CCPA 1969).
A timely filed terminal disclaimer in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(c) or 1.321(d) may be used to overcome an actual or provisional rejection based on a non-statutory double patenting ground provided the reference application or patent either is shown to be commonly owned with this application, or claims an invention made as a result of activities undertaken within the scope of a joint research agreement. A terminal disclaimer must be signed in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(b).
The USPTO internet Web site contains terminal disclaimer forms which may be used. Please visit http://www.uspto.gov/forms/. The filing date of the application will determine what form should be used. A web-based eTerminal Disclaimer may be filled out completely online using web-screens. An eTerminal Disclaimer that meets all requirements is auto-processed and approved immediately upon submission. For more information about eTerminal Disclaimers, refer to http://www.uspto.gov/patents/process/file/efs/guidance/eTD-info-I.jsp.
Claims 1-11 are rejected on the ground of non-statutory double patenting over claims 1-20 of U.S. Patent No. 11913979 since the claims, if allowed, would improperly extend the “right to exclude” already granted in the patent.
The subject matter claimed in the instant application is fully disclosed in the patent and is covered by the patent since the patent and the application are claiming common subject matter, as follows:
Claims 1-4, 7 are rejected on the ground of non-statutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim 1-20 of U.S. Patent No.11913979 (hereinafter referred to as Van Itallie)
Regarding claim 1, Van Italie teaches an electrical safety monitor, comprising: a housing having a face; a plurality of line inputs for hardwiring a plurality of electrical connections; a plurality of meter probe test points with each of the meter probe test points corresponding to one of the line inputs and operatively connected thereto through a corresponding voltage divider circuit, each of the plurality of meter probe test points accessible at the face of the housing (Claim 1)
An electrical safety monitor, comprising: a housing having a face; a plurality of line inputs for hardwiring a plurality of electrical connections; a plurality of meter probe test points with each of the meter probe test points corresponding to one of the line inputs, each of the plurality of meter probe test points accessible at the face of the housing[Cl-1]
Furthermore, Van Italie teaches a line monitoring circuit electrically connected to the plurality of line inputs and a plurality of light indicators, the line monitoring circuit configured to produce light using the light indicators to thereby indicate presence of voltage at each of the plurality of line inputs to a user(Claim 1)
Van Italie differs from the application in that the claimed disclosure, recites a line monitoring circuit electrically connected to the plurality of line inputs, whereas, Van Italie teaches a line monitoring circuit electrically connected to a plurality of light indicators and configured to produce light if voltage exists between any two of the line inputs, (Claim 1)
An electrical safety monitor, comprising: a housing having a face; a plurality of line inputs for hardwiring a plurality of electrical connections; a plurality of meter probe test points with each of the meter probe test points corresponding to one of the line inputs, each of the plurality of meter probe test points accessible at the face of the housing; a line monitoring circuit electrically connected to a plurality of light indicators and configured to produce light if voltage exists between any two of the line inputs to thereby indicate presence of voltage to a user; illumination areas associated with each of the meter probe test points, wherein each of the illumination areas is provided light by one or more of the plurality of light indicators; wherein each of the illumination areas is positioned around a corresponding one of the meter probe test points.[Cl-1]
However, it is obvious to ordinary skill in the art, that by definition, “any two inputs” is equivalent to a plurality of line inputs and therefore by recites the same operational disclosure as the pending application accordingly.
Van Italie further teaches illumination areas associated with each of the meter probe test points, wherein each of the illumination areas is provided light by one or more of the plurality of light indicators; wherein each of the illumination areas is positioned around a corresponding one of the meter probe test points (Claim 1)
An electrical safety monitor, comprising: a housing having a face; a plurality of line inputs for hardwiring a plurality of electrical connections; a plurality of meter probe test points with each of the meter probe test points corresponding to one of the line inputs, each of the plurality of meter probe test points accessible at the face of the housing; a line monitoring circuit electrically connected to a plurality of light indicators and configured to produce light if voltage exists between any two of the line inputs to thereby indicate presence of voltage to a user; illumination areas associated with each of the meter probe test points, wherein each of the illumination areas is provided light by one or more of the plurality of light indicators; wherein each of the illumination areas is positioned around a corresponding one of the meter probe test points.[Cl-1]
Regarding Claim 2, Van Italie teaches the plurality of light indicators provide light at a corresponding one of the meter probe test points (Claim 1).
An electrical safety monitor, comprising: a housing having a face; a plurality of line inputs for hardwiring a plurality of electrical connections; a plurality of meter probe test points with each of the meter probe test points corresponding to one of the line inputs, each of the plurality of meter probe test points accessible at the face of the housing; a line monitoring circuit electrically connected to a plurality of light indicators and configured to produce light if voltage exists between any two of the line inputs to thereby indicate presence of voltage to a user; illumination areas associated with each of the meter probe test points, wherein each of the illumination areas is provided light by one or more of the plurality of light indicators; wherein each of the illumination areas is positioned around a corresponding one of the meter probe test points.[Cl-1]
Regarding claim 3, Van Italie teaches light pipes for conveying light from the plurality of light indicators to illumination areas associated with the meter probe test points (Claim 2)
The electrical safety monitor of claim 1 further comprising light pipes for conveying light from the plurality of light indicators to the illumination areas.[Cl-2]
Regarding claim 4, Van Italie teaches each of the meter probe test points comprises a conductive well for insertion of a test probe of a voltmeter (Claim 3)
The electrical safety monitor of claim 1 wherein each of the meter probe test points comprises a conductive well for insertion of a test probe of a voltmeter.[Cl-3]
Regarding claim 5, Van Italie teaches the plurality of line inputs includes an L1, an L2, an L3, and a GND three-phase connection.(Claim 5)
The electrical safety monitor of claim 1 wherein the plurality of line inputs includes an L1, an L2, an L3, and a GND three-phase connection.[Cl-5]
Thereby, making it obvious that the line monitoring circuit is configured to accommodate DC voltages at the plurality of line inputs.
Regarding claim 7, Van Italie teaches a transparent cover operatively connected to the housing for covering the face of the housing when the transparent cover is in a closed position thereby protecting the plurality of meter probe test points while allowing the light indicators to be seen (Claim 12)
The electrical safety monitor of claim 9 further comprising a transparent cover operatively connected to the housing for covering the face of the housing when the transparent cover is in a closed position[Cl-12]
Claims 6, is/are rejected on the ground of non-statutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim 1-20 of U.S. Patent No.11913979 (hereinafter referred to as Van Itallie) in view of Phan et al. (US 20090118604 A1)
Regarding claim 6, Van Itallie fails to teach the line monitoring circuit is configured to accommodate 1500VDC voltages at the plurality of line inputs.
However, Phan on the other hand teaches the line monitoring circuitry is configured to accommodate 1500VDC voltages at the plurality of line inputs (Paragraphs 89, 94)
The optical isolator 42 may provide an isolation of up to 6000 VDC for serial communication between the processor 34 and the serial-to-USB converter 74. [P-89]
The isolation DC/DC converter 44 may be a Transitronix model TVF05 D05K3 dual +/-5V output, 600 mA, regulated DC/DC converter with 6000 VDC isolation.[P-94]
Indicating that the monitoring circuit can accommodate at least 1500 VDC, as it can accommodate 6000VDC. It would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing of the invention to combine Phan’s teaching with Van Itallie’s teaching in order enable the safe monitoring and testing protocol of high voltage meter panels.
Claims 8, is/are rejected on the ground of non-statutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim 1-20 of U.S. Patent No.11913979 (hereinafter referred to as Van Itallie) in view of Allen Jr. (US 20070132458 A1).
Regarding claim 8, Van Itallie fails to teach each of the plurality of meter probe test points is impedance protected.
However, Allen teaches wherein each of the plurality of meter probe test points is impedance protected (Paragraph 27)
Line inputs are shown for lines L1, L2, L3, and the ground potential GND, each of which are connected to a power limiting resistor, R1, R2, R3, and R4, respectively. (P-27)
Thereby, it is obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art during the filing date of the said invention to combine Allen’s teaching with Van Itallie’s teaching in order to each of the plurality of meter probe test points is impedance protected, for the sole purpose of limiting the maximum current possible. Thereby provides accurate voltage readings without the risk of shock or arc
Claims 9, 10 is/are rejected on the ground of non-statutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim 1-20 of U.S. Patent No.11913979 (hereinafter referred to as Van Itallie) in view of Bugaris et al. (CN 106104284 A).
Regarding claim 9, Van Italie fails to teach the electrical safety monitor is installed for monitoring at a line side of an electrical enclosure.
Bugaris on the hand teaches the electrical safety monitor is installed for monitoring at a line side of an electrical enclosure (Page 5, Paragraph 2)
As shown in FIG. 5, power connection leads 504 can be formed by three separate lines. each line can be approximately the same length and at one end (inner module 502) is terminated in advance. other end of the power connection wire 504 will be free and may have pre-mounted attachment connector. the attachment connector can be used to promote the connected three-phase power supply in the electrical panel. each phase when the device is mounted, a power connection lead 504 is hard-wired to a power source (line or supply side) of the (L1, L2, L3). For typical applications, electric connection lead 504 can be mounted in the panel of an electrical breaker 506 upstream (line/supply side) or downstream (load side). attaching connector is designed to promote the power lead 504 and the safety of the power conductor connection, regardless of diameter or type of electrical power conductors. attachment types may include, but are not limited to, terminals, an adjustable width-like terminal, wrapping the electric mark of the conductor, an insulating sleeve, a vampires clamp (vampireclamp) or any other acceptable wire (wiretapping), joint, or splice connection.[Pg 5, P-2]
Therefore, it would have been obvious during the time of the filing date of the said invention to combine Bugaris’ teaching with Van Italie’s teaching in order to more effectively provide distance protection accordingly.
Regarding claim 10, Van Italie fails to teach the electrical safety monitor is installed for monitoring a load side of an electrical enclosure.
Bugaris on the hand teaches the electrical safety monitor is installed for monitoring a load side of an electrical enclosure. (Page 5, Paragraph 2)
As shown in FIG. 5, power connection leads 504 can be formed by three separate lines. each line can be approximately the same length and at one end (inner module 502) is terminated in advance. other end of the power connection wire 504 will be free and may have pre-mounted attachment connector. the attachment connector can be used to promote the connected three-phase power supply in the electrical panel. each phase when the device is mounted, a power connection lead 504 is hard-wired to a power source (line or supply side) of the (L1, L2, L3). For typical applications, electric connection lead 504 can be mounted in the panel of an electrical breaker 506 upstream (line/supply side) or downstream (load side). attaching connector is designed to promote the power lead 504 and the safety of the power conductor connection, regardless of diameter or type of electrical power conductors. attachment types may include, but are not limited to, terminals, an adjustable width-like terminal, wrapping the electric mark of the conductor, an insulating sleeve, a vampires clamp (vampireclamp) or any other acceptable wire (wiretapping), joint, or splice connection.[Pg 5, P-2]
Therefore, it would have been obvious during the time of the filing date of the said invention to combine Bugaris’ teaching with Van Italie’s teaching in order to more effectively provide impedance relays for the purpose of detecting and clearing faults on the load side.
Claims 11 is/are rejected on the ground of non-statutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim 1-20 of U.S. Patent No.11913979 (hereinafter referred to as Van Itallie) in view of Van Italie al. (US 12385954 B2).
Regarding claim 11, Van Italie fails to teach the electrical safety monitor is installed on an electrical cabinet and configured to allow the user to perform an absence of voltage test (AVT) from outside of the electrical cabinet.
Van Italie ‘5954 on the other hand teaches the electrical safety monitor is installed on an electrical cabinet and configured to allow the user to perform an absence of voltage test (AVT) from outside of the electrical cabinet (Claim 25)
The electrical safety monitor of claim 24 wherein the electrical safety monitor is further configured with circuitry to allow the user to perform an absence of voltage test (AVT) from outside of the electrical cabinet.[Cl-25]
Therefore, it would have been obvious during the time of the filing date of the said invention to combine Bugaris’ teaching with Van Italie’s teaching in order to effectively conduct remote tests of the respective safety monitor.
A rejection based on double patenting of the “same invention” type finds its support in the language of 35 U.S.C. 101 which states that “whoever invents or discovers any new and useful process... may obtain a patent therefor...” (Emphasis added). Thus, the term “same invention,” in this context, means an invention drawn to identical subject matter. See Miller v. Eagle Mfg. Co., 151 U.S. 186 (1894); In re Vogel, 422 F.2d 438, 164 USPQ 619 (CCPA 1970); In re Ockert, 245 F.2d 467, 114 USPQ 330 (CCPA 1957).
A statutory type (35 U.S.C. 101) double patenting rejection can be overcome by canceling or amending the claims that are directed to the same invention so they are no longer coextensive in scope. The filing of a terminal disclaimer cannot overcome a double patenting rejection based upon 35 U.S.C. 101.
Claim 1-11 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 101 as claiming the same invention as that of claim 1-39 of prior U.S. Patent No. 12385954. This is a statutory double patenting rejection.
Claims 1-8, 11 is/are rejected on the ground of statutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim 1-39 of U.S. Patent No. 12385954 (hereinafter referred to as Van Itallie)
Regarding claim 1, Van Italie teaches an electrical safety monitor, comprising: a housing having a face; a plurality of line inputs for hardwiring a plurality of electrical connections; a plurality of meter probe test points with each of the meter probe test points corresponding to one of the line inputs and operatively connected thereto through a corresponding voltage divider circuit, each of the plurality of meter probe test points accessible at the face of the housing (Claim 1)
An electrical safety monitor, comprising: a housing having a face; a plurality of line inputs for hardwiring a plurality of electrical connections; a plurality of meter probe test points with each of the meter probe test points corresponding to one of the line inputs and operatively connected thereto, each of the plurality of meter probe test points accessible at the face of the housing; a line monitoring circuit electrically connected to the plurality of line inputs and a plurality of light indicators, the line monitoring circuit configured to produce light using the light indicators to thereby indicate presence of voltage at each of the plurality of line inputs to a user; and wherein the plurality of light indicators are positioned at the face of the electrical safety monitor, with each of the plurality of light indicators corresponding with one of the plurality of meter probe test points.[Cl-1]
a line monitoring circuit electrically connected to the plurality of line inputs and a plurality of light indicators, the line monitoring circuit configured to produce light using the light indicators to thereby indicate presence of voltage at each of the plurality of line inputs to a user; and wherein the plurality of light indicators are positioned at the face of the electrical safety monitor, with each of the plurality of light indicators corresponding with one of the plurality of meter probe test points.(Claim 1)
An electrical safety monitor, comprising: a housing having a face; a plurality of line inputs for hardwiring a plurality of electrical connections; a plurality of meter probe test points with each of the meter probe test points corresponding to one of the line inputs and operatively connected thereto, each of the plurality of meter probe test points accessible at the face of the housing; a line monitoring circuit electrically connected to the plurality of line inputs and a plurality of light indicators, the line monitoring circuit configured to produce light using the light indicators to thereby indicate presence of voltage at each of the plurality of line inputs to a user; and wherein the plurality of light indicators are positioned at the face of the electrical safety monitor, with each of the plurality of light indicators corresponding with one of the plurality of meter probe test points.[Cl-1]
Regarding claim 2, Van Italie teaches the plurality of light indicators provide light at a corresponding one of the meter probe test points (Claim 2)
The electrical safety monitor of claim 1 wherein the plurality of light indicators provide light at a corresponding one of the meter probe test points.[Cl-2]
Regarding claim 3, Van Italie teaches pipes for conveying light from the plurality of light indicators to illumination areas associated with the meter probe test points (Claim 3)
The electrical safety monitor of claim 2 further comprising light pipes for conveying light from the plurality of light indicators to illumination areas associated with the meter probe test points.[Cl-3]
Regarding claim 4, Van Italie teaches each of the meter probe test points comprises a conductive well for insertion of a test probe of a voltmeter (Claim 4)
The electrical safety monitor of claim 1 wherein each of the meter probe test points comprises a conductive well for insertion of a test probe of a voltmeter.[Cl-4]
Regarding claim 5, Van Italie teaches the line monitoring circuit is configured to accommodate DC voltages at the plurality of line inputs (Claim 5)
The electrical safety monitor of claim 1 wherein the plurality of line inputs includes an L1, an L2, an L3, and a GND three-phase connection..[Cl-5]
Regarding claim 6, Van Italie teaches the line monitoring circuit is configured to accommodate 1500VDC voltages at the plurality of line inputs.(Claim 15)
The electrical safety monitor of claim 1 wherein the line monitoring circuitry is configured to accommodate 1500 VDC voltages at the plurality of line inputs [Cl-15]
Regarding claim 7, Van Italie teaches a transparent cover operatively connected to the housing for covering the face of the housing when the transparent cover is in a closed position thereby protecting the plurality of meter probe test points while allowing the light indicators to be seen.(Claim 23)
The electrical safety monitor of claim 18 further comprising a transparent cover operatively connected to the housing for covering the face of the housing when the transparent cover is in a closed position thereby protecting the plurality of meter probe test point while allowing the plurality of visual indicators to be seen.[Cl-23]
Regarding claim 8, Van Italie teaches each of the plurality of meter probe test points is impedance protected. (Claim 17)
The electrical safety monitor of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of meter probe test points is impedance protected.[Cl-17]
Regarding claim 11, Van Italie teaches the electrical safety monitor is installed on an electrical cabinet and configured to allow the user to perform an absence of voltage test (AVT) from outside of the electrical cabinet (Claim 25)
The electrical safety monitor of claim 24 wherein the electrical safety monitor is further configured with circuitry to allow the user to perform an absence of voltage test (AVT) from outside of the electrical cabinet..[Cl-25]
Claims 9, 10 is/are rejected on the ground of statutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim 1-20 of U.S. Patent No.11913979 (hereinafter referred to as Van Itallie) in view of Bugaris et al. (CN 106104284 A).
Regarding claim 9, Van Italie fails to teach the electrical safety monitor is installed for monitoring at a line side of an electrical enclosure.
Bugaris on the hand teaches the electrical safety monitor is installed for monitoring at a line side of an electrical enclosure (Page 5, Paragraph 2)
As shown in FIG. 5, power connection leads 504 can be formed by three separate lines. each line can be approximately the same length and at one end (inner module 502) is terminated in advance. other end of the power connection wire 504 will be free and may have pre-mounted attachment connector. the attachment connector can be used to promote the connected three-phase power supply in the electrical panel. each phase when the device is mounted, a power connection lead 504 is hard-wired to a power source (line or supply side) of the (L1, L2, L3). For typical applications, electric connection lead 504 can be mounted in the panel of an electrical breaker 506 upstream (line/supply side) or downstream (load side). attaching connector is designed to promote the power lead 504 and the safety of the power conductor connection, regardless of diameter or type of electrical power conductors. attachment types may include, but are not limited to, terminals, an adjustable width-like terminal, wrapping the electric mark of the conductor, an insulating sleeve, a vampires clamp (vampireclamp) or any other acceptable wire (wiretapping), joint, or splice connection.[Pg 5, P-2]
Therefore, it would have been obvious during the time of the filing date of the said invention to combine Bugaris’ teaching with Van Italie’s teaching in order to more effectively provide distance protection accordingly.
Regarding claim 10, Van Italie fails to teach the electrical safety monitor is installed for monitoring a load side of an electrical enclosure.
Bugaris on the hand teaches the electrical safety monitor is installed for monitoring a load side of an electrical enclosure. (Page 5, Paragraph 2)
As shown in FIG. 5, power connection leads 504 can be formed by three separate lines. each line can be approximately the same length and at one end (inner module 502) is terminated in advance. other end of the power connection wire 504 will be free and may have pre-mounted attachment connector. the attachment connector can be used to promote the connected three-phase power supply in the electrical panel. each phase when the device is mounted, a power connection lead 504 is hard-wired to a power source (line or supply side) of the (L1, L2, L3). For typical applications, electric connection lead 504 can be mounted in the panel of an electrical breaker 506 upstream (line/supply side) or downstream (load side). attaching connector is designed to promote the power lead 504 and the safety of the power conductor connection, regardless of diameter or type of electrical power conductors. attachment types may include, but are not limited to, terminals, an adjustable width-like terminal, wrapping the electric mark of the conductor, an insulating sleeve, a vampires clamp (vampireclamp) or any other acceptable wire (wiretapping), joint, or splice connection.[Pg 5, P-2]
Therefore, it would have been obvious during the time of the filing date of the said invention to combine Bugaris’ teaching with Van Italie’s teaching in order to more effectively provide impedance relays for the purpose of detecting and clearing faults on the load side.
Claims 12-20 are rejected on the ground of non-statutory double patenting over claims 1-39 of U.S. Patent No. 12385954 since the claims, if allowed, would improperly extend the “right to exclude” already granted in the patent.
The subject matter claimed in the instant application is fully disclosed in the patent and is covered by the patent since the patent and the application are claiming common subject matter, as follows:
Claims 12-16, 19, 20 are rejected on the ground of non-statutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim 1-39 of U.S. Patent No.12385954 (hereinafter referred to as Van Itallie)
Regarding claim 12, Van Italie teaches an electrical safety monitor for monitoring DC voltages, comprising: a housing having a face; a plurality of line inputs for hardwiring a plurality of electrical connections; a plurality of meter probe test points with each of the meter probe test points corresponding to one of the line inputs and operatively connected thereto, each of the plurality of meter probe test points accessible at the face of the housing (Claims 18, 21)
An electrical safety monitor, comprising: a housing for mounting to a door of an electrical cabinet such that the electrical safety monitor is accessible without opening the door of the electrical cabinet; a plurality of input lines; a line monitoring circuit board disposed within the housing and having a line monitoring circuit associated therewith, the line monitoring circuit being electrically connected to a plurality of visual indicators such that there is at least one of the plurality of visual indicators corresponding with each of the plurality of input lines; a voltage test circuit board disposed within the housing and having a voltage test circuit associated therewith; a plurality of meter probe test points positioned at the face and electrically connected to the voltage test circuit such that each of the plurality of the meter probe test points corresponds with one of the plurality of input lines; a plurality of visual indicators to indicate presence of voltage at the plurality of input lines without opening the door of the electrical cabinet; wherein each of the plurality of meter probe test points is impedance protected.[Cl-18]
The electrical safety monitor of claim 18 wherein the line monitoring circuitry is configured to accommodate 1500 VDC voltages at the plurality of line inputs.[P-21]
Though Van Italie’s preamble is silent to an electrical safety monitor for monitoring DC voltages, by the dependent claim 18, reciting the line monitoring circuitry is configured to accommodate 1500 VDC voltages at the plurality of line inputs, then it is obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that Van Italie’s disclosure monitors DC voltages.
Van Italie then teaches a line monitoring circuit electrically connected to the plurality of line inputs and a plurality of light indicators, the line monitoring circuit configured to produce light using the light indicators to thereby indicate presence of voltage at each of the plurality of line inputs to a user; and wherein the plurality of light indicators are positioned at the face of the electrical safety monitor, with each of the plurality of light indicators corresponding with one of the plurality of meter probe test points; wherein the line monitoring circuit is configured to accommodate 1500VDC voltages at the plurality of line inputs; wherein each of the plurality of meter probe test points is impedance protected(Claims 18, 21)
An electrical safety monitor, comprising: a housing for mounting to a door of an electrical cabinet such that the electrical safety monitor is accessible without opening the door of the electrical cabinet; a plurality of input lines; a line monitoring circuit board disposed within the housing and having a line monitoring circuit associated therewith, the line monitoring circuit being electrically connected to a plurality of visual indicators such that there is at least one of the plurality of visual indicators corresponding with each of the plurality of input lines; a voltage test circuit board disposed within the housing and having a voltage test circuit associated therewith; a plurality of meter probe test points positioned at the face and electrically connected to the voltage test circuit such that each of the plurality of the meter probe test points corresponds with one of the plurality of input lines; a plurality of visual indicators to indicate presence of voltage at the plurality of input lines without opening the door of the electrical cabinet; wherein each of the plurality of meter probe test points is impedance protected.[Cl-18]
The electrical safety monitor of claim 18 wherein the line monitoring circuitry is configured to accommodate 1500 VDC voltages at the plurality of line inputs.[P-21]
Regarding claim 13, Van Italie teaches the plurality of light indicators provide light at a corresponding one of the meter probe test points(Claim 18)
An electrical safety monitor, comprising: a housing for mounting to a door of an electrical cabinet such that the electrical safety monitor is accessible without opening the door of the electrical cabinet; a plurality of input lines; a line monitoring circuit board disposed within the housing and having a line monitoring circuit associated therewith, the line monitoring circuit being electrically connected to a plurality of visual indicators such that there is at least one of the plurality of visual indicators corresponding with each of the plurality of input lines; a voltage test circuit board disposed within the housing and having a voltage test circuit associated therewith; a plurality of meter probe test points positioned at the face and electrically connected to the voltage test circuit such that each of the plurality of the meter probe test points corresponds with one of the plurality of input lines; a plurality of visual indicators to indicate presence of voltage at the plurality of input lines without opening the door of the electrical cabinet; wherein each of the plurality of meter probe test points is impedance protected.[Cl-18]
Regarding claim 14, Van Italie teaches light pipes for conveying light from the plurality of light indicators to illumination areas associated with the meter probe test points (Claim 19)
The electrical safety monitor of claim 18 further comprising light pipes for conveying light from the plurality of visual indicators to illumination areas.[Cl-19]
Regarding claim 15, Van Italie teaches each of the meter probe test points comprises a conductive well for insertion of a test probe of a voltmeter (Claim 4)
The electrical safety monitor of claim 1 wherein each of the meter probe test points comprises a conductive well for insertion of a test probe of a voltmeter.[Cl-4]
Regarding claim 16, Van Italie teaches a transparent cover operatively connected to the housing for covering the face of the housing when the transparent cover is in a closed position thereby protecting the plurality of meter probe test points while allowing the light indicators to be seen.(Claim 23)
The electrical safety monitor of claim 18 further comprising a transparent cover operatively connected to the housing for covering the face of the housing when the transparent cover is in a closed position thereby protecting the plurality of meter probe test point while allowing the plurality of visual indicators to be seen.[Cl-23]
Claims 17, 18 is/are rejected on the ground of non-statutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim 1-39 of U.S. Patent No.12385954 (hereinafter referred to as Van Itallie) in view of Bugaris et al. (CN 106104284 A).
Regarding claim 17, Van Italie fails to teach the electrical safety monitor is installed for monitoring at a line side of an electrical enclosure.
Bugaris on the hand teaches the electrical safety monitor is installed for monitoring at a line side of an electrical enclosure.(Page 5, Paragraph 2)
As shown in FIG. 5, power connection leads 504 can be formed by three separate lines. each line can be approximately the same length and at one end (inner module 502) is terminated in advance. other end of the power connection wire 504 will be free and may have pre-mounted attachment connector. the attachment connector can be used to promote the connected three-phase power supply in the electrical panel. each phase when the device is mounted, a power connection lead 504 is hard-wired to a power source (line or supply side) of the (L1, L2, L3). For typical applications, electric connection lead 504 can be mounted in the panel of an electrical breaker 506 upstream (line/supply side) or downstream (load side). attaching connector is designed to promote the power lead 504 and the safety of the power conductor connection, regardless of diameter or type of electrical power conductors. attachment types may include, but are not limited to, terminals, an adjustable width-like terminal, wrapping the electric mark of the conductor, an insulating sleeve, a vampires clamp (vampireclamp) or any other acceptable wire (wiretapping), joint, or splice connection.[Pg 5, P-2]
Therefore, it would have been obvious during the time of the filing date of the said invention to combine Bugaris’ teaching with Van Italie’s teaching in order to more effectively provide distance protection accordingly.
Regarding claim 18, Van Italie fails to teach the electrical safety monitor is installed for monitoring a load side of an electrical enclosure.
Bugaris on the hand teaches the electrical safety monitor is installed for monitoring a load side of an electrical enclosure. (Page 5, Paragraph 2)
As shown in FIG. 5, power connection leads 504 can be formed by three separate lines. each line can be approximately the same length and at one end (inner module 502) is terminated in advance. other end of the power connection wire 504 will be free and may have pre-mounted attachment connector. the attachment connector can be used to promote the connected three-phase power supply in the electrical panel. each phase when the device is mounted, a power connection lead 504 is hard-wired to a power source (line or supply side) of the (L1, L2, L3). For typical applications, electric connection lead 504 can be mounted in the panel of an electrical breaker 506 upstream (line/supply side) or downstream (load side). attaching connector is designed to promote the power lead 504 and the safety of the power conductor connection, regardless of diameter or type of electrical power conductors. attachment types may include, but are not limited to, terminals, an adjustable width-like terminal, wrapping the electric mark of the conductor, an insulating sleeve, a vampires clamp (vampireclamp) or any other acceptable wire (wiretapping), joint, or splice connection.[Pg 5, P-2]
Therefore, it would have been obvious during the time of the filing date of the said invention to combine Bugaris’ teaching with Van Italie’s teaching in order to more effectively provide impedance relays for the purpose of detecting and clearing faults on the load side.
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 19-21 allowed.
Independent claim 19, recites “An electrical safety monitor, comprising: a housing for mounting to a door of an electrical cabinet such that the electrical safety monitor is accessible without opening the door of the electrical cabinet; a plurality of line inputs for hardwiring a plurality of electrical connections; a line monitoring circuit electrically connected to a plurality of light indicators and configured to produce light if voltage exists between any two of the plurality of line inputs to thereby indicate presence of voltage to a user; a plurality of meter probe test points with each of the meter probe test points corresponding to one of the line inputs and operatively connected thereto through at least one resistor to provide high input impedance, each of the plurality of meter probe test points accessible at a face of the housing; and a transparent cover operatively connected to the housing for covering the face of the housing when the transparent cover is in a closed position thereby protecting the plurality of meter probe test points while allowing the plurality of light indicators to be seen; and wherein each of the meter probe test points comprises a conductive area for insertion of a test probe of a voltmeter; wherein the line monitoring circuit is configured to accommodate 1500VDC voltages at the plurality of line inputs.”
During the time of the filing date of the said invention, there was no prior art that taught the scope of the invention in its entirety, as a result, the examiner acknowledges applicants’ inventive entity as novel/patentable. Dependent claims 20, 21 are allowed for the same rationale.
Conclusion
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/ANTHONY D AFRIFA-KYEI/Examiner, Art Unit 2686
/BRIAN A ZIMMERMAN/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2686
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