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`Application
`Number
`First Named
`Inventor
`
`10765487
`
`Mario Boisvert
`
`I Filing
`
`Date
`
`1 2004-01-27
`
`REQUEST FOR CONTINUED EXAMINATION(RCE)TRANSMITTAL
`(Submitted Only via EFS-Web)
`Docket Number 14-733C2D1
`(if applicable)
`Examiner
`Name
`
`I Art
`
`Unit
`
`1 2837
`
`Marton T. Fletcher
`
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`Doc code: RCEX
`Doc description: Request for Continued Examination {RCE)
`
`PTO/SB/30EFS (03/08)
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`Signature of Registered U.S. Patent Practitioner
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`Signature
`
`/Stephen J. Schultz/
`
`Name
`
`Stephen J . Schultz
`
`Date (YYYY-MM-DD) 2008-06-05
`
`Registration Number
`
`29108
`
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`

`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`PATENT
`
`CERTIFICATE OF ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION
`I hereby certify that this Amendment is being filed today
`with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office via electronic
`filing using the U.S. Patent Office's EFS Web System.
`On:
`June 5. 2008
`/Carrie A. Lewis/
`By:
`Carrie A. Lewis
`
`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
`1300 East Ninth Street, Suite 1700
`Cleveland, OH 44114
`
`AMENDMENT
`
`Mail Stop RCE
`Commissioner for Patents
`P.O. Box 1450
`Alexandria, VA 22313-1450
`
`Dear Sir:
`
`Pursuant to the Request for Continued Examination that is filed herewith, entry
`
`and consideration of the present Amendment that is responsive to the Final Office
`
`Action mailed May 30, 2008, is requested.
`
`

`

`In the Claims:
`
`1.
`
`(Previously Presented) 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 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. (Previously Presented) 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 an immediate past portion of a present run through said range of
`
`motion;
`
`June 5, 2008
`
`2
`
`

`

`c) determining that the parameter is outside a parameter range based on 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
`
`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
`
`June 5, 2008
`
`3
`
`

`

`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
`
`to a sensing of a collision between an obstacle and said window or panel.
`
`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.
`
`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.
`
`9. (Cancelled) without prejudice or disclaimer.
`
`1 0. (Original) The apparatus of claim 6 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.
`
`June 5, 2008
`
`4
`
`

`

`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.
`
`June 5, 2008
`
`5
`
`

`

`14. (Original) The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the controller includes a clock and
`
`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
`
`for monitoring user actuation of control inputs for controlling movement of the window or
`
`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
`
`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.
`
`June 5, 2008
`
`6
`
`

`

`19. (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 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;
`
`June 5, 2008
`
`7
`
`

`

`c) a switch coupled to said controller tor controlling energization of the motor
`
`with an energization signal; and
`
`d) said controller tor processing speed signals and obstacle detection signals
`
`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
`
`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.
`
`June 5, 2008
`
`8
`
`

`

`25. (Original) The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the obstacle detector comprises an
`
`infrared light source and detector.
`
`26. (Previously Presented) The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the obstacle detector
`
`comprises a field effect device.
`
`27. (Previously Presented) The apparatus of claim 26 wherein the field effect device
`
`comprises a magnetic field inductive sensor.
`
`28. (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 de-activating the motor when the window or panel is within an acceptable range of
`
`a predetermined position, 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 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
`
`response to a sensing of said window or panel within the acceptable range.
`
`June 5, 2008
`
`9
`
`

`

`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.
`
`(Previously Presented) The apparatus of claim 28 additionally comprising
`
`multiple position limits that define the acceptable range programmed for use by the
`
`controller to determine 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.
`
`June 5, 2008
`
`10
`
`

`

`33.
`
`(Cancelled) without prejudice or disclaimer.
`
`34.
`
`(Cancelled) without prejudice or disclaimer.
`
`35.
`
`(Cancelled) without prejudice or disclaimer.
`
`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.
`
`June 5, 2008
`
`11
`
`

`

`REMARKS
`
`Claims 9 and 33-35 have been cancelled without prejudice or disclaimer. Claims
`
`1-8, 1 0-32, and 36-37 are currently pending and indicated as being allowed.
`
`Reconsideration of pending claims in view of the following remarks is respectfully
`
`requested.
`
`This Request for Continued Examination is being filed for the purpose of adding
`
`to the references already cited U.S. Patent No.: 6,377,009 issued to Phillipp and its
`
`provisional application from which the '009 patent claims priority to, namely U.S.
`
`Provisional Application Serial No. 60/152,605 attached to PTO form 1449, which is
`
`enclosed with this Request for Continued Examination.
`
`In the Final Office Action mailed May 30, 2008, all currently pending claims
`
`namely, 1-8, 1 0-32, and 36-37 where allowed and rejected claims 33-35 have been
`
`cancelled by the amendment above, leaving all the currently pending claims in
`
`allowable condition.
`
`Accordingly, all claims are believed to be in condition for allowance and prompt
`
`issuance of a Notice of Allowance is respectfully requested.
`
`If any fees are determined
`
`to be due, the commissioner is authorized to charge those fees to deposit account No.
`
`20-0090.
`
`Date:
`
`June 5. 2008
`
`June 5, 2008
`
`12
`
`Respectfully submitted,
`
`/Stephen J. Schultz/
`Stephen J. Schultz
`Registration No. 29, 108
`John A Yirga
`Registration No. 56,480
`
`Tarolli, Sundheim, Covell
`and Tummino LLP
`1300 East Ninth St. , Suite 1700
`Cleveland, OH 44114
`Phone: (216) 621-2234
`Facsimile: (216) 241-8151
`E-mail: sschultz @tarolli.com
`
`