IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`PATENT
`
`Application of: Mario Boisvert eta/.
`
`Serial No.: 1 0/765,487
`
`Filing Date: January 27, 2004
`
`Title: COLLISION MONITORING SYSTEM
`
`Examiner: Marlon T. Fletcher
`
`Art Unit: 2837
`
`Docket No.: 14-733C2D1
`
`Tarolli, Sundheim, Covell & Tummino, LLP
`Suite 1700
`1300 East Ninth Street
`Cleveland, OH 44114
`
`MAIL STOP AMENDMENT
`Commissioner for Patents
`P.O. Box 1450
`Alexandria, VA 2231 3-1 450
`
`Amendment
`
`In response to the office action having a mailing date of October 31 , 2007,
`
`please amend this application as follows:
`
`Jan 10, 2008
`
`1
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`

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`Claim Status
`
`1.
`
`(Currently Amended) Apparatus for controlling motion of a motor driven element in
`
`a vehicle over a range of motion and for altering said motion when undesirable
`
`resistance to said motion is encountered, said apparatus comprising:
`
`a) a sensor for measuring a parameter of a motor coupled to the motor driven
`
`element that varies in response to a resistance to motion during all or part of a range of
`
`motion of the motor driven element;
`
`b) a memory for storing a number of measurement values from the sensor
`
`based on immediate past measurements of said parameter over at least a portion of a
`
`present traversal of said motor driven element through said range of motion;
`
`c) a controller coupled to the memory for determining to de-activate the motor
`
`based on a most recent sensor measurement of the parameter and the immediate past
`
`measurement values stored in the memory as the motor driven element moves over its
`
`obtained during a present run through the motor driven element range of motion; and
`
`d) a controller interface coupled to the motor for altering motion of said motor
`
`driven element during the present run in response to a determination made by the
`
`controller.
`
`2. (Currently Amended) A method for controlling motion of a motor driven element in a
`
`vehicle over a range of motion and for altering said motion when undesirable resistance
`
`to said motion is encountered, said method comprising:
`
`a) measuring a parameter of a motor coupled to the motor driven element that
`
`varies in response to a resistance to motion during all or part of a range of motion of the
`
`motor driven element by taking a multiplicity of measurements as the motor moves the
`
`motor driven element over its range of motion;
`
`b) storing a number of measurement values based on measurements of said
`parameter over at least a an immediate past portion of a present run through said range
`of motion;
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`Jan 10, 2008
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`2
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`

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`c) determining that the parameter is outside a parameter range based on
`
`previous stored measurement values obtained during the immediate past portion as the
`
`motor driven element moves over its range of motion; and
`
`d) altering motion of said motor driven element during the present run in
`
`response to a determination that the parameter is outside the parameter range.
`
`3. (Original) The method of claim 2 wherein the motor driven element is a window or
`
`panel and additionally comprising reverse actuating the window or panel prior to moving
`
`said window or panel in a direction to close the window or panel.
`
`4. (Original) The method of claim 3 additionally comprising maintaining a position of
`
`the window or panel based on the sensed parameter and the reverse actuation is
`
`initiated if a leading edge of the window or panel is near a closed position.
`
`5. (Original) The method of claim 4 movement is first initiated toward a closed
`
`position when a leading edge of the window or panel is near the closed position and
`
`wherein the reverse actuation is performed upon a sensing of an obstacle that is based
`
`on determining the parameter is outside the parameter range.
`
`6. (Previously Presented) Apparatus for controlling activation of a motor coupled to a
`
`motor vehicle window or panel for moving said window or panel along a travel path and
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`de-activating the motor if an obstacle is encountered by the window or panel, said
`
`apparatus comprising:
`
`a) a sensor for sensing movement of the window or panel and providing a
`
`sensor output signal related to a speed of movement of the window or panel;
`
`b) a switch for controllably actuating the motor by providing an energization
`
`signal; and
`
`c) a controller having an interface coupled to the sensor and the switch for con(cid:173)
`
`trollably energizing the motor; said controller sensing a collision with an obstruction
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`Jan 10, 2008
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`3
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`when power is applied to the controller by:
`
`i) monitoring movement of the window or panel by monitoring a signal from the
`
`sensor related to the movement of the window or panel;
`
`ii) adjusting an obstacle detection threshold in real time based on immediate
`
`past measurements of the signal sensed by the sensor to adapt to varying conditions
`
`encountered during operation of the window or panel;
`
`iii) identifying a collision of the window or panel with an obstacle due to a change
`
`in the signal from the sensor that is related to a change in movement of the window or
`
`panel by comparing a value based on a most recent signal from the sensor with the
`
`obstacle detection threshold; and
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`iv) outputting a control signal to said switch to deactivate said motor in response
`
`to a sensing of a collision between an obstacle and said window or panel.
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`7. (Original) The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the controller comprises a
`
`programmable controller including a processing unit for executing a control program
`
`and including a memory for storing multiple window or panel speed values
`
`corresponding to a signal received from the sensor.
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`8. (Original) The apparatus of claim 6 additionally comprising one or more limit
`
`switches for use by the controller to determine window or panel position for use in
`
`identifying a collision.
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`9. (Cancelled)
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`1 0. (Original) The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the controller maintains a position of
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`a leading edge of the window or panel and further wherein the controller reverse
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`energizes the motor to move the window or panel away from a closure position prior to
`
`activating the motor to close the window or panel.
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`Jan 10, 2008
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`11. (Original) The apparatus of claim 1 0 wherein the controller reverse energizes the
`
`motor in response to a sensing of an obstacle and the reverse energizing and attempt
`
`to move the window or panel to a closed position is performed to confirm sensing of the
`
`obstacle.
`
`12. (Previously Presented) Apparatus for controlling activation of a motor for moving
`
`an object along a travel path and de-activating the motor if an obstacle is encountered
`
`by the object comprising:
`
`a) a movement sensor for monitoring movement of the object as the motor
`
`moves said object along a travel path;
`
`b) a switch for controlling energization of the motor with an energization signal;
`
`and
`
`c) a controller including an interface coupled to the switch for controllably
`
`energizing the motor and said interface additionally coupling the controller to the
`
`movement sensor for monitoring signals from said movement sensor; said controller
`
`comprising a stored program that:
`
`i) determines motor speed of movement from an output signal from the
`
`movement sensor ;
`
`ii) calculates an obstacle detect threshold based on motor speed of movement
`
`detected during a present run of said motor driven element;
`
`iii) compares a value based on currently sensed motor speed of movement with
`
`the obstacle detect threshold; and
`
`iv) outputs a signal from the interface to said switch for stopping the motor if the
`
`comparison based on currently sensed motor movement indicates the object has
`
`contacted an obstacle.
`
`13. (Original) The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the controller includes a buffer
`
`memory for storing successive values of motor movement for use in determining the
`
`obstacle detect threshold.
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`Jan 10, 2008
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`5
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`14. (Original) The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the controller includes a clock and
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`an input from the movement sensor is in a form of a sequence of pulses and further
`
`wherein the controller counts clock signals occurrences between receipt of pulses to
`
`provide an indication of motor speed.
`
`15. (Original) The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the controller includes an interface
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`for monitoring user actuation of control inputs for controlling movement of the window or
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`panel and wherein the controller maintains a motor energization sequence a specified
`
`minimum time period in response to a short period user actuation of said control inputs
`
`to maintain position accuracy in monitoring window or panel movement.
`
`16. (Original) The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the controller includes an interface
`
`for monitoring user actuation of control inputs for controlling movement of the object
`
`and wherein in response to a specified input the controller conducts a calibration motor
`
`energization sequence to determine parameters of object.
`
`17. (Original) The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the motor is coupled to a motor
`
`vehicle window or panel and wherein the controller includes an interface for monitoring
`
`user actuation of control inputs for controlling movement of the window or panel and
`
`wherein the controller maintains a position indication which is updated in response
`
`movement of the window or panel and further wherein the controller reverse actuations
`
`the motor near an end point in an object path of travel to avoid false obstacle detection
`
`in the region of closure of the window or panel.
`
`18. (Original) The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the sensor is a current sensor and
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`wherein the controller includes means for adjusting the obstacle threshold based on
`
`dynamic motor current as sensed from the current sensor to take into account varying
`
`loads experienced by the motor.
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`Jan 10, 2008
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`6
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`19. (Currently Amended) Apparatus for controlling activation of a motor for moving a
`
`window or panel along a travel path and de-activating the motor if an obstacle is
`
`encountered by the window or panel comprising:
`
`a) a sensor for sensing movement of a window or panel along a travel path;
`
`b) a switch for controlling energization of the motor with an energization signal;
`
`and
`
`c) a controller coupled to the switch for controllably energizing the motor and
`
`having an interface coupling the controller to the sensor and to the switch; said
`
`controller comprising decision making logic for:
`
`i) monitoring a signal from the sensor;
`
`ii) calculating a real time obstacle detect threshold based on the signal
`
`that is detected during at least one prior period of motor operation during movement
`
`along a present or current run through a path of travel of said window or panel ;
`
`iii) comparing a value based on a currently sensed motor parameter with
`
`the obstacle detect threshold; and
`
`iv) stopping movement of the window or panel by controlling an output to
`
`said switch that controls motor energization if the comparison based on a currently
`
`sensed motor parameter indicates the window or panel has contacted an obstacle.
`
`20. (Previously Presented) Apparatus for controlling activation of a motor for moving
`
`a window or panel along a travel path and de-activating the motor if an obstacle is
`
`encountered by the window or panel comprising:
`
`a) a sensor for generating speed signals representative of the window or panel
`
`speed as the motor moves the window or panel along a travel path;
`
`b ) an obstacle detection controller for monitoring at least a part of the travel
`
`path of the window or panel for sensing and generating an obstacle detect signal
`
`indicating the presence in said travel path of an obstacle to movement of the window or
`
`panel;
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`Jan 10, 2008
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`c) a switch coupled to said controller tor controlling energization of the motor
`
`with an energization signal; and
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`d) said controller tor processing speed signals and obstacle detection signals
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`and controlling operation of the motor in response to said speed or obstacle detection
`
`signals; said controller including:
`
`i) a storage tor storing a number of speed signals that vary with motor speed;
`
`ii) a processor tor calculating an obstacle detect threshold based on one or more
`
`speed signals stored in said storage obtained in real time based on immediate past
`
`measures of the speed signal sensed by the sensor to adapt to varying conditions
`
`encountered during movement along a present path of travel of said window or panel;
`
`iii) a logic unit tor making a comparison between a value representing window or
`
`panel speed based on a currently sensed motor speed signal with the calculated
`
`obstacle detect threshold, and generating a control output it an obstacle is detected
`
`based on said comparison; and
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`iv) an interface coupled to said switch for changing the state of the switch to stop
`
`the motor.
`
`21. (Original) The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the sensor for generating a speed
`
`signal comprises a Hall-effect sensor.
`
`22. (Original) The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the sensor tor generating a speed
`
`signal comprises a magnetic pick-up.
`
`23. (Original) The apparatus of claim 20 additionally comprising an obstacle detector
`
`having an output coupled to the controller that senses a disruption in a region through
`
`which the window or panel moves.
`
`24. (Original) The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the obstacle detector comprises a
`
`microwave generator and a reflected wave transducer.
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`Jan 10, 2008
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`25. (Original)
`
`The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the obstacle detector comprises an
`
`infrared light source and detector.
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`26. (Previously Presented)
`
`The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the obstacle detector
`
`comprises a field effect device.
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`27. (Previously Presented)
`
`The apparatus of claim 26 wherein the field effect device
`
`comprises a magnetic field inductive sensor.
`
`28. (Currently Amended) Apparatus for controlling activation of a motor coupled to a
`
`motor vehicle window or panel for moving said window or panel along a travel path and
`
`de-activating the motor when the window or panel is within an acceptable range of a
`
`predetermined position is encountered by the '.vindow or panel, said apparatus
`
`comprising:
`
`a)
`
`a sensor for sensing movement of the window or panel and providing a
`
`sensor output signal related to a position of the window or panel;
`
`b)
`
`a switch for controllably actuating the motor by providing an energization
`
`signal; and
`
`c)
`
`a controller having an interface coupled to the sensor and the switch for
`
`controllably energizing the motor; said controller determining the position of the window
`
`or panel when power is applied to the controller by:
`
`i) monitoring the position of the 'Nindow or panel by monitoring the
`
`sensor output signal from the sensor related to the position of the window or panel;
`
`ii)
`
`identifying the position of the window or panel based on the sensor
`
`output signal from the sensor; and
`
`iii) outputting a control signal to said switch to deactivate said motor in
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`Jan 10, 2008
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`9
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`response to a sensing of the predetermined position of said window or panel within the
`
`acceptable range.
`
`29.
`
`(Previously Presented) The apparatus of claim 28 wherein the controller
`
`comprises a programmable controller including a processing unit for executing a control
`
`program and including a memory for storing multiple window or panel position values
`
`corresponding to a signal received from the sensor.
`
`30.
`
`(Currently Amended) The apparatus of claim 28 additionally comprising one or
`
`fRefe multiple position limits that define the acceptable range programmed for use by
`
`the controller to determine 'Nindow or panel position for use in identifying whether the
`
`window or panel is closed or open.
`
`31.
`
`(Previously Presented) The apparatus of claim 28 wherein the controller
`
`maintains a position of a leading edge of the window or panel and further wherein the
`
`controller reverse energizes the motor to move the window or panel away from a
`
`closure position prior to activating the motor to close the window or panel.
`
`32.
`
`(Previously Presented) The apparatus of claim 28 wherein the controller
`
`includes an interface for monitoring user actuation of control inputs for controlling
`
`movement of the motor vehicle window or panel and wherein the controller maintain a
`
`position indication which is updated in response to movement of the window or panel
`
`and further wherein the controller reverse actuates the motor near an end point in the
`
`travel path of the window or panel to avoid false obstacle detection in a region of
`
`closure of the window or panel.
`
`Jan 10, 2008
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`10
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`33.
`
`(Previously Presented) Apparatus for controlling activation of a motor for
`
`moving a motor driven element in a vehicle over a range of motion and de-activating the
`
`motor when undesirable resistance to motion of the element is encountered, the
`
`apparatus comprising:
`
`a) a sensor for sensing a speed of the motor and generating an output signal
`
`representative of a speed of the motor, a speed of the motor changing when
`
`undesirable resistance to motion of the element is encountered;
`
`b) a switch for controlling activation of the motor; and
`
`c) a controller coupled to the sensor and the switch, the controller receiving the
`
`sensor output signal from the sensor and outputting a control signal to the switch to de(cid:173)
`
`activate the motor if the sensor output signal indicates that the element has
`
`encountered undesirable resistance to motion.
`
`34.
`
`(Previously Presented) The apparatus of claim 33 wherein the sensor
`
`includes a Hall effect sensor.
`
`35.
`
`(Previously Presented) The apparatus of claim 33 wherein the apparatus
`
`includes a memory for storing values corresponding to the sensor output signal over at
`
`least a portion of the range of motion of the element and the controller analyzes the
`
`sensor output signal values stored in the memory to determine if the control signal to
`
`de-activate the motor should be output to the switch.
`
`36. (Previously Presented) The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the immediate past
`
`measurements of said parameter were taken within a forty millisecond interval prior to
`
`the most recent sensor measurement.
`
`37. (Previously Presented) The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the immediate past
`
`measurements of said signal are sensed within a forty millisecond interval prior to the
`
`most recent signal from the sensor.
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`Jan 10, 2008
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`11
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`REMARKS
`
`Claims 1, 2, 19, 28, and 30 are amended. Claim 9 has been cancelled without
`
`prejudice or disclaimer. Claims 1-8 and 10-37 are currently pending. Reconsideration
`
`of pending claims in view of the above amendments and following remarks is
`
`respectfully requested.
`
`Claim 1 features apparatus for controlling motion of a motor driven element in a
`
`vehicle over a range of motion and for altering that motion when undesirable resistance
`
`to motion is encountered. A sensor measures a parameter of a motor coupled to the
`
`motor driven element that varies in response to a resistance to motion during all or part
`
`of a range of motion of the motor driven element. A memory is used to store a number
`
`of measurement values from the sensor based on immediate past measurements of the
`
`parameter over at least a portion of a present path of travel of the motor driven element
`
`through its range of motion. A controller coupled to the memory determines whether to
`
`de-activate the motor based on a most recent sensor measurement of the parameter
`
`and the immediate past measurement values stored in the memory that were obtained
`
`during a present run through the motor driven element the range of motion. A
`
`controller interface coupled to the motor alters motion of the motor driven element
`
`during the present run in response to a determination made by the controller.
`
`A system constructed in accordance with the features of claim 1 allows the
`
`controller to adjust collision detection based on real time data obtained during a present
`
`run of the window or panel through its range of motion and this is clearly neither shown
`
`nor suggested by the prior art patent to Okuyama eta/. (US 4,608,637).
`
`Analysis regarding anticipation rejection of claim 1.
`
`Okuyama eta/. fails to anticipate claim 1 as "[a] claim is anticipated only if each
`
`and every element as set forth in the claim is found." Verdegaal Bros. v. Union Oil Co.,
`
`2 USPQ2d 1051 , 1053 (Fed. Cir. 1987). The controller featured in claim 1 performs
`
`collision detection based on real time data obtained during a present run of the window
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`Jan 10, 2008
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`12
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`or panel. This is to be contrasted with the system disclosed by the Okuyama et a/.
`
`system, which uses training data stored by the controller during a previous run to signal
`
`a collision between a window and an obstacle. For this reason the Okuyama eta/.
`
`patent neither anticipates nor renders obvious the structure of claim 1.
`
`There are two situations disclosed in the '637 patent for stopping the motor.
`
`During normal operation, when the motor has driven the window to a so called goal
`
`position it is stopped. See col. 18, lines 35-40. A second condition for stopping the
`
`motor occurs when an overcurrent condition is sensed. The sensed motor current is
`
`compared with a table of stored values. See table 8 of Okuyama eta/.
`
`The Examiner's anticipation rejection of claim 1 is articulated at page 2 of the
`
`October 31 , 2007 office action. The examiner states that the sensors 6a, 6ab etc. can
`
`be interpreted to be the sensors for measuring "a parameter of a motor" and then states
`
`that the Okuyama eta/. patent at column 7, lines 49-62 shows measuring this
`
`parameter as the parameter varies in response to a resistance to motion. As an initial
`
`comment, the sensors 6a etc. of the '637 patent generate pulses rather than providing a
`
`means for measuring a parameter.
`
`The parameter referred to by the Examiner at column 7, lines 49- 62 (col. 7) is
`an overload current derived from an NO converter. This motor current parameter is
`most definitely not monitored by the sensors 6a, 6ab etc. to which the Examiner refers.
`
`It is requested that the Examiner identify which parameter (position or motor current)
`
`he is referring to in the reference to col. 7, lines 49- 62. This inconsistency makes the
`
`Examiner's rejection difficult to interpret.
`
`A memory is also referred to by the Examiner whose function is described at
`
`column 8, lines 51 -64 and whose contents are stored in table 6. This memory is for
`
`storing three positions per window (note since four windows are referenced, there are a
`
`total of 12 positions stored) in terms of counts from a zero position. Depending on the
`
`direction of motion, each pulse from the sensor (6a for example) increments or
`
`decrements a value corresponding to the then current position. The contents of table 6,
`i.e. 151 position, 2nd position and 3rd position, (See column 8, lines 51 -64, referenced
`
`Jan 10, 2008
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`13
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`by the Examiner) are count totals (obtained from the sensor 6a for example) described
`
`in reference to Figure 3a which is reproduced below.
`
`Fig.3a·
`
`Fig.2d
`
`Fig.2c l,'
`~12+----
`..._,
`~ ro
`Fig.2b
`Fig .2a-j ~
`~
`I
`~ 12f ·14------J-------r---~
`B It~~=-~~~~~~~~~
`Q
`
`I I
`
`0
`
`~~
`
`G.lass Rising Str oke
`
`3- d p
`l-st
`. i
`l~ition } ~ r
`os~t on
`2-nd Position
`
`The Examiner's reference to the parameter as being both position (table 6) and
`
`motor current, (col. 7, lines 49- 62) is confusing. Claim 1, however, patentably
`
`distinquishes from any possible interpretation of the '637 patent.
`Returning to the language of claim 1, the claim calls for "a memory for storing a
`
`number of measurement values from the sensor based on immediate past
`
`measurements of said parameter" as well as "a controller coupled to the memory for
`
`determining to de-activate the motor based on a most recent sensor measurement of
`
`the parameter and the immediate past measurement values stored in the memory
`
`obtained during a present run through the motor driven element's range of motion."
`
`There is no teaching in the '637 patent for the italicized features of claim 1. If the
`
`measurement values stored in memory are position values (since two out of the three
`
`text references identified by the Examiner in the claim 1 rejection relate to position this
`
`is perhaps the Examiner's intent), then clearly these features are not shown (nor are
`
`they suggested) by the '637 patent. Under the Examiner's interpretation, receipt of a
`
`Jan 10, 2008
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`14
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`

`sensor generated pulse by the '637 system could shut down the motor based on the
`
`value of an immediate past stored position value. This is not the case since the values
`
`stored in table 6 are stored during a calibration run rather than during an immediate
`
`past measurement stored in the memory as the motor driven element moves over its
`
`range of motion. For this reason claim 1 is neither shown, nor is it suggested by the
`
`'637 patent.
`
`Additional claim analysis
`
`Claim 2 features a method for controlling motion of a motor driven element in a
`
`vehicle over a range of motion and for altering the motion when undesirable resistance
`
`to the motion is encountered. The method is performed by measuring a parameter of a
`
`motor coupled to the motor driven element that varies in response to a resistance to
`
`motion during all or part of a range of motion of the motor driven element by taking a
`
`multiplicity of measurements as the motor moves the motor driven element over its
`
`range of motion. A number of measurement values are stored based on
`
`measurements of the motor parameter over an immediate past portion of the present
`
`run through its range of motion. If the parameter is determined to be outside a
`
`parameter range based on previous stored measurement values as the motor driven
`
`element moves over its range of motion, the method of claim 2 alters motion of said
`
`motor driven element.
`
`The distinctions noted above with regard to claim 1 are pertinent to claim 2.
`
`There is no teaching or suggestion of the italicized reference to a motor parameter
`
`obtained during an immediate past portion of the present run being stored nor used to
`
`make a determination and therefore claim 2 is allowable.
`
`Claims 3-5 depend from allowable claim 2 and are also allowable. As a point
`
`of clarification, the summary of the rejection for these claims mention the '637 patent to
`
`Okuyama eta/. but the detailed rejection, (See page 3, line 3 of the office action)
`
`mention a prior art patent to Jones eta/. Clarification is requested.
`
`Claim 6 features apparatus for controlling activation of a motor coupled to a
`
`Jan 10, 2008
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`15
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`

`motor vehicle window or panel that moves the window or panel along a travel path and
`
`de-activates if an obstacle is encountered by the window or panel.
`
`The apparatus includes a sensor for sensing movement of the window or panel
`
`and providing a sensor output signal related to a speed of movement of the window or
`
`panel ; a switch for controllably actuating the motor by providing an energization signal ;
`
`and a controller having an interface coupled to the sensor and the switch for con(cid:173)
`
`trollably energizing the motor.
`
`The controller senses a collision with an obstruction when power is applied to
`
`the controller by:
`
`i) monitoring movement of the window or panel by monitoring a signal from the
`
`sensor related to the movement of the window or panel;
`
`ii) adjusting an obstacle detection threshold in real time based on immediate
`
`past measurements of the signal sensed by the sensor to adapt to varying conditions
`
`encountered during operation of the window or panel;
`
`iii) identifying a collision of the window or panel with an obstacle due to a change
`
`in the signal from the sensor that is related to a change in movement of the window or
`
`panel by comparing a value based on a most recent signal from the sensor with the
`
`obstacle detection threshold ; and
`
`iv) outputting a control signal to said switch to deactivate said motor in response
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`to a sensing of a collision between an obstacle and said window or panel.
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`It is assumed that although the Jones eta/. patent is mentioned at page 3, line
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`16, the Examiner intends to use the Okuyama eta/. patent especially in view of the
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`recitation of the same column and line numbers from Okuyama eta/. used in discussing
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`claims 1 and 2.
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`The italicized portions of the paraphrased portions of claim 6 relating to real time
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`measurements of a signal to adjust a threshold are neither shown nor suggested by the
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`prior art cited. For this reason claim 6 is allowable.
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`Claims 7, 8, 10 and 11 depend from allowable claim 6 and are also allowable.
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`Claim 12 features apparatus for controlling activation of a motor to move an
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`16
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`object along a travel path. The motor is de-activated it an obstacle is encountered by
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`the object. A movement sensor monitors movement of the object as the motor moves
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`the object along a travel path. A switch controls energization of the motor with an
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`energization signal.
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`A controller has an interface coupled to the switch tor controllably energizing the
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`motor. The interface also couples the controller to the movement sensor to monitor
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`signals from the movement sensor. The controller has a stored program that:
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`i) determines motor speed of movement from an output signal from the
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`movement sensor;
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`ii) calculates an obstacle detect threshold based on motor speed of movement
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`detected during a present run of said motor driven element;
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`iii) compares a value based on currently sensed motor speed of movement with
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`the obstacle detect threshold; and
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`iv) outputs a signal from the interface to said switch tor stopping the motor it the
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`comparison based on currently sensed motor movement indicates the object has
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`contacted an obstacle.
`The Examiner asserts the italicized portion of claim 12 relating to a determination
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`of motor speed is taught at col. 7, lines 6 - 36 of Okuyama eta/. Reading of this
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`portion of the "637 patent tails to disclose this feature, nor does is suggest this feature.
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`For at least this reason claim 12 is patentable. Claims 13- 18 depend from allowable
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`claim 12 and are also allowable.
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`Claim 19 features apparatus tor controlling activation of a motor tor moving a
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`window or panel along a travel path. The motor is de-activated if an obstacle is
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`encountered by the window or panel. A sensor senses movement of a window or panel
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`along a travel path. A switch controls energization of the motor with an energization
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`signal. A controller coupled to the switch tor controllably energizing the motor and
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`having an interface coupling the controller to the sensor and to the switch. The
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`controller comprises decision making logic for:
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`i) monitoring a signal from the sensor;
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`17
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`ii) calculating a real time obstacle detect threshold based on the signal
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`that is detected during at least one prior period of motor operation during movement
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`along a present or current run along a path of travel of said window or panel ;
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`iii) comparing a value based on a currently sensed motor parameter with
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`the obstacle detect threshold; and
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`iv) stopping movement of the window or panel by controlling an output to
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`said switch that controls motor energization if the comparison based on a currently
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`sensed motor parameter indicates the window or panel has contacted an obstacle.
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`Since the Okuyama eta!. prior art patent neither shows nor suggested the
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`italicized portion of the claim relating to a real time obstacle detection threshold, this
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`claim is allowable.
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`Claim 20 features apparatus for controlling activation of a motor for moving a
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`window or panel along a travel path and de-activating the motor if an obstacle is
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`encountered by the window or panel. A sensor generates speed signals representative
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`of the window or panel speed as the motor moves the window or panel along a travel
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`path. An obstacle detection controller monitors at least a part of the travel path of the
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`window or panel to sense and generate an obstacle detect signal indicating the
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`presence in said travel path of an obstacle to movement of the window or panel. A
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`switch coupled to said controller for controls energization of the motor with an energiz(cid:173)
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`ation signal.
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`The controller featured in claim 20 processes speed signals and obstacle
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`detection signals and controls operation of the motor in response to said speed or
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`obstacle detection