Application/Control Number: 14/686,161
`
`Art Unit: 3992
`
`autocorrelatable form of modulation, said
`modulator providing the modulated CW
`optical fiber to the span;
`
`an optical receiver joined to said span and
`capable of receiving a retrieved optical
`signal returned therefrom, wherein the
`retrieved optical signal comprises back-
`propagating portions of the illumination
`from sensing zone segments, said receiver
`operative to produce a radio frequency
`(r.f.) counterpart signalof the retrieved
`optical signal; and
`
`a processor operative to detect a reiterative
`autocorrelatable form of modulation from
`the counterpart signal in a corresponding
`plurality of different timed relationships
`with respect to the reiterative
`autocorrelatable form of modulation of the
`CW optical signal to give at least one signal
`for each zone segment.
`
`Pending Claim 25:
`
`25. The system of claim 23, wherein said
`span has a length L andsaid light sourceis
`a laser having the capability to generate a
`lightwave signal with sufficient stability to
`retain coherency in propagation along said
`span for a distanceat least equal to two
`times length L.
`
`Pending Claim 26:
`
`26. The system of claim 25, wherein the
`length L of said spanis at least about 5 km.
`
`a first signal component comprising the
`
`Page 110
`
`remote end;
`
`a first light source for producing a
`coherent carrier lightwavesignalof a first
`predetermined wavelength;
`
`a spectrum spreading signal modulator for
`temporally structuring said carrier
`lightwavesignal into a spread spectrum
`modulated interrogation lightwavesignal
`which continuously reiterates sequences of
`an autocorrelatable spectrum spreading
`signal, the reiterated sequences being
`executed in a fixed relationship to a
`predetermined timing base;
`
`a lightwave heterodyner havingfirst and
`secondinputs for receiving a primary
`signal anda localoscillator signal,
`respectively, and operative to produce the
`beat frequencies of their respective
`frequencies;
`
`a lightwave directional coupler havinga first
`port which receives said spread spectrum
`modulated interrogation lightwave signal, a
`second port coupledto said first end of said
`optical fiber span, and a third port coupled to
`said primary signal input of the heterodyner;
`
`said directional coupler coupling said spread
`spectrum modulated interrogation lightwave
`signal to said second port whereit is launched
`in a forwardly propagating direction along
`said optical fiber span causing the return to
`said second port of a composite back-
`propagating lightwave whichis a
`summation of lightwave back-propagations
`from a continuum of locations along the
`length of the span, said composite back-
`propagating lightwave signal comprising a
`summation of multiple components including;
`
`Pending Claim 27:
`
`27. The system of claim 23, wherein said
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`Reissue — Non Final Office Action
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`Part of Paper No. 20160725
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`HALLIBURTON, Exh. 1014, p. 0201
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`HALLIBURTON, Exh. 1014, p. 0201
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`Application/Control Number: 14/686,161
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`Art Unit: 3992
`
`light source is a planar, ring-typelaser.
`
`Pending Claim 28:
`
`28. The system of claim 23, wherein said
`spanof optical fiber comprises a single
`modefiber optic cable.
`
`Pending Claim 29:
`
`29. The system of claim 23, wherein said
`span of optical fiber is made from the
`polarization preserving type of optical
`fiber.
`
`Pending Claim 30:
`
`30. The system of claim 23, wherein said
`span of optical fiber span has a coating
`madeof a thermoplastic material having
`the combined characteristics of a low
`Young's modulus and a Poisson's ratio
`below that of natural rubber, wherein the
`coating enhancesthe longitudinal
`componentof strain variation derived from
`an acoustic wave signal whose wavefrontis
`incident to the optical fiber span from a
`direction at least in part having a lateral
`componentin the direction along which the
`wavefront propagates.
`
`being coupled to an n-waysplitter
`
`Page 111
`
`summation of portions of the said spread
`spectrum modulated interrogation lightwave
`signal which the innate properties of the
`optical fiber cause to backpropagate at a
`continuum of locations along the span; and
`
`a second signal component comprising the
`modulation of said first signal component
`caused by longitudinal components of optical
`path changes inducedinto said span at a
`continuum of locations along said span by
`external physical signals, said second signal
`componentfurther including a corresponding
`set of n subcomponents comprising the
`modulation of said first signal component by
`optical path changes caused bysaid external
`signals at the respective sensing positions;
`
`said directional coupler coupling said
`composite back-propagating lightwave to
`said third port whereit is applied to said
`first input of the heterodyner;
`
`a second light source coupled to said second
`input of the lightwave heterodyner, said
`second light source producing a coherentlocal
`oscillator lightwave signal in phase locked
`relation to said carrier lightwave signal and of
`a second predetermined wavelength which
`differs from the first predetermined
`wavelength by an amountof difference small
`enough to produceat the output of the
`heterodynera radio frequency(r.f.)
`composite difference beat signal, but by an
`amount large enoughto causesaidr.f.
`composite difference beat signal to have
`sufficient bandwidth to causeit to include
`r.f. counterparts of signal components and
`subcomponents of said composite back-
`propagating lightwavesignal;
`
`said r.f. composite difference beat signal
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`Reissue — Non Final Office Action
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`Part of Paper No. 20160725
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`HALLIBURTON, Exh. 1014, p. 0202
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`Application/Control Number: 14/686,161
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`Art Unit: 3992
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`providing a corresponding set of n output
`channels, each transmitting said r.f.
`composite difference beat signal;
`
`a corresponding set of n de-spreaders and
`de-multiplexers having their respective
`inputs connected to the corresponding
`output channels of said n-way splitter
`through a correspondingset of time delay
`circuits which respectively provide a
`corresponding set of predetermined time
`delays in relation to said predetermined
`timing base of the spectrum spreading
`signal modulator, to establish said n
`desired sensing positions along said optical
`fiber span; and
`
`said set of r.f. de-spreaders and de-
`multiplexers concurrently serving multiple
`functions including:
`
`a first function of performing a coherent
`signal correlation process uponsaidr.f.
`composite difference beat signal to de-
`spread ther.f. counterparts of the
`interrogation lightwave signal; and
`
`a second function of conjunctively
`temporally and spatially demultiplexing
`said r.f. composite difference beat signal to
`provideat their respective outputs r.f.
`counterparts of the subcomponentsof said
`second signal component of said composite
`back-propagating lightwave signal caused
`by changesin the optical path within said
`optical fiber span induced by external
`physical signals respectively coupled to the
`optical fiber span at corresponding sensing
`positions.
`
`4, The reflectometer of claim 1 wherein said
`
`Patent Claim 4:
`
`Reissue — Non Final Office Action
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`Part of Paper No. 20160725
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`HALLIBURTON, Exh. 1014, p. 0203
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`HALLIBURTON, Exh. 1014, p. 0203
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`Application/Control Number: 14/686,161
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`Art Unit: 3992
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`Page 113
`
`type of external physical signal which
`induces light path changesin said optical
`fiber span is an acoustic pressure wave
`signal.
`
`cable of the polarization preserving type.
`
`Patent Claim 6:
`
`6. The reflectometer of claim 5, wherein:
`said optical fiber span is of a length L; and
`said first light source is a laser having the
`performance capability to generate a
`lightwavesignal with sufficient phase
`stability to substantially retain coherency
`in propagation along said optical fiber span
`for a distanceat least equal to 2L.
`
`Patent Claim 7:
`
`7. The reflectometer of claim 6, wherein the
`length L of said optical fiber spanis at least
`5 km.
`
`Patent Claim 8:
`
`8. The reflectometer of claim 7, wherein said
`light source is a planar, ring-typelaser.
`
`Patent Claim 9:
`
`9, The reflectometer of claim 7, wherein said
`optical fiber span comprises a single-mode
`fiber optic cable.
`
`Patent Claim 22:
`
`22. The method of claim 4, wherein said
`optical fiber span comprisesa fiber optic
`
`Reissue — Non Final Office Action
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`Part of Paper No. 20160725
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`HALLIBURTON, Exh. 1014, p. 0204
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`HALLIBURTON, Exh. 1014, p. 0204
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`

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`Application/Control Number: 14/686,161
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`Art Unit: 3992
`
`Page 114
`
`Patent Claim 27:
`
`Patent Claim 23:
`
`23. The reflectometer of claim 4, wherein:
`said optical fiber span has a coating made
`of a thermoplastic material having the
`combined characteristics of a low Young's
`modulusanda Poisson's ratio below that of
`natural rubber, and
`said coating serving to enhance the
`longitudinal componentof strain variation
`derived from an acoustic wavesignal whose
`wavefrontis incident to the span from a
`direction at least in part having a lateral
`componentin the direction along which the
`wave front propagates.
`
`Patent Claim 26:
`
`26. The reflectometer of claim 1, wherein
`said type of external physical signal which
`induces light path changesin said optical
`fiber spanis a selected one of a group
`consisting of: (i) a seismic signal wherein
`with the media which couplesthe signal to
`said optical fiber span includesat least in part
`the ground in whichthe fiber optic span is
`buried; (ii) an underwater sound signal
`wherein the media which couples the signal
`to said optical fiber span includesat least in
`part a bodyof water in which the fiber
`optic span is immersed; (iii) an
`electromagnetic force field coupled to the
`optical fiber span; (iv) a signal comprising
`temperature variations coupledto the optical
`fiber span; and (v) at least one microphonic
`signal which is coupled to said optical fiber
`span at an at least one ofsaid set of n sensing
`positions along the optical fiber span.
`
`Reissue — Non Final Office Action
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`Part of Paper No. 20160725
`
`HALLIBURTON, Exh. 1014, p. 0205
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`HALLIBURTON, Exh. 1014, p. 0205
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`Application/Control Number: 14/686,161
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`Art Unit: 3992
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`Page 115
`
`27. The reflectometer of claim 1, wherein
`each of: (i) said coherent carrier lightwave
`signal; (ii) said coherent local oscillator
`lightwavesignal; (111) said spread spectrum
`modulated interrogation lightwave signal; (iv)
`said composite back-propagating lightwave
`signal; (v) said radio frequency(r.f.)
`composite difference beat signal; and (vi)
`each counterpart of said r.f. counterpart of the
`subcomponentsof said second signal
`componentof said composite back-
`propagating lightwave signal, is a continuous
`wave (CW)signal.
`
`wherein the r.f. counterpart is in phase
`
`Patent Claim 31:
`
`31. A system wherein, at respective span
`sensing stations of a plurality of sensing
`stations along a span ofoptical fiber, the
`system senses input signals of a type having
`a property of inducing light path changes
`at regions of the span influenced by such
`input signals, comprising:
`
`meansfor illuminating an optical fiber
`span with a CW optical signal;
`
`meansfor retrieving back-propagating
`portions of the illumination back
`propagating from a continuum of locations
`along the span;
`
`means for modulating said CW optical
`signal with a reiterative binary psuedonoise
`code sequence in a manner which further
`temporally structures the modulated CW
`optical signal into a spread spectrum
`reiterative binary psuedonoise code
`sequencesignal;
`
`meansfor picking off a radio frequency
`(r.f.) counterpart of the retrieved signal,
`
`Reissue — Non Final Office Action
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`Part of Paper No. 20160725
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`HALLIBURTON, Exh. 1014, p. 0206
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`HALLIBURTON, Exh. 1014, p. 0206
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`Application/Control Number: 14/686,161
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`Art Unit: 3992
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`Page 116
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`locked synchronism with the CW optical
`signal;
`
`meansfor performing a corresponding
`plurality of coherent autocorrelation
`detection processes uponsaid r.f.
`counterpart of the retrieved optical signal
`to conjunctively perform correlation
`detection and dispreadingofther.f.
`counterparts in the respective
`autocorrelation detections of the plurality
`of autocorrelation detection processes in a
`corresponding plurality of different timed
`relationships with respect to the reiterative
`autocorrelatable form of modulation of the
`CW opticalsignal.
`
`modulatedsignal;
`
`Patent Claim 32:
`
`32. Signal sensing array apparatus, for
`sensing input signals at an array of a plurality
`of sensing stations along an optical fiber
`span, wherein at respective sensing stations
`of the array the apparatus senses input
`signals of a type having a property of
`inducing light path changes within
`influenced by such input signals, said
`apparatus comprising:
`
`an optical wave network comprising a
`transmitter laser and a lightwavedirectional
`coupler, said network being operative to
`illuminate an optical fiber span with a CW
`optical signal andto retrieve portions of the
`illumination back-propagating from a
`continuum of locations along the fiber span;
`
`a modulator operative to modulate and
`temporally structure the CW optical signal
`into a CW optical signal with a reiterative
`spread spectrum form of binary
`psuedonoise code sequence form of
`
`Reissue — Non Final Office Action
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`Part of Paper No. 20160725
`
`HALLIBURTON, Exh. 1014, p. 0207
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`HALLIBURTON, Exh. 1014, p. 0207
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`Application/Control Number: 14/686,161
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`Art Unit: 3992
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`Page 117
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`modulation code.
`
`a heterodyner which, in phase locked
`synchronism with said transmitter laser,
`receives said retrieved back-propagated
`portions of illumination and derives
`therefrom a radio frequency(r.f.)
`counterpart; and
`
`a correspondingplurality of
`autocorrelation detectors operative to
`respectively perform coherentcorrelation
`processes uponsaid r.f. counterpart of the
`retrieved optical signal to conjunctively
`perform correlation detection and
`dispreading functions therewith, in
`respective timed relationships of a
`corresponding plurality of different timed
`relationships with respect to said
`reiterative autocorrelatable form of
`
`The Examinerfinds that claims 23 and 25-30 of the ‘161 Reissue Proceedings haveessentially
`
`the same claim requirements as the ‘863 ODP Claims, just somewhat broader. (See comparison
`
`above). In addition, where claims 23 and 25-30 of the ‘161 Reissue Proceedings and the ‘863
`
`ODP Claims are not exactly the same, the Examinerfinds that claims 23 and 25-30 of the ‘161
`
`Reissue Proceedings would be obvious variants to one of ordinary skill in the art based on
`
`engineering expediency of the ‘863 ODP Claims.
`
`Reissue — Non Final Office Action
`
`Part of Paper No. 20160725
`
`HALLIBURTON, Exh. 1014, p. 0208
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`HALLIBURTON, Exh. 1014, p. 0208
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`

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`Application/Control Number: 14/686,161
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`Art Unit: 3992
`
`Page 118
`
`Claim 24 is rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being
`
`unpatentable over the ‘863 ODP Claimsofthe ‘863 patent in view of Kersey et al.’806 (U.S.
`
`Patent No. 6,285,806).°°
`
`XIV. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
`
`The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 that
`
`form the basis for the rejections under this section madein this Office action:
`
`A personshall be entitled to a patent unless —
`
`(b) the invention was patented or described in a printed publication in this or a foreign country or in
`public use or onsale in this country, more than oneyearprior to the date of application for patent in the
`United States.
`
`Claims 23-25 and 31-33 are rejected under pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(b) as being
`
`anticipated by Kersey et al.'806 (U.S. Patent No. 6,285,806).
`
`With respect to claim 23, Kersey et al.'806 discloses
`
`[a] system comprising:
`
`In this regard, the Examinerfinds that Kersey et al.'806 discloses a system 200 for
`
`detecting an acoustic signal. (Kersey et al.'806 Abstract; c.1, Il.6-10; see Figure 2). The
`
`Examinerfinds that Kersey et al.'806 discloses light path changes induced by conditions to be
`
`sensed (i.e., acoustic waves, temperature change,stress and strain) provide a measurementof the
`
`conditions to be sensed. (/d. c.1, 11.15-19; c.2, 11.6-10; c.3, 1146-49).
`
`Thus, the Examiner concludes that Kersey et al.'S806 sufficiently discloses [a] system.
`
`*° See the pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 103(a) rejection of claims 24 and 32 over Kersey et al. 806 below for prima facie
`teachings of claim requirements and obviousness.
`
`Reissue — Non Final Office Action
`
`Part of Paper No. 20160725
`
`HALLIBURTON, Exh. 1014, p. 0209
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`HALLIBURTON, Exh. 1014, p. 0209
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`

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`Application/Control Number: 14/686,161
`
`Art Unit: 3992
`
`Page 119
`
`a span of optical fiber having sensing zone segments wherein signals incident to said
`span have a property of inducing light path changes at sensing zone segments that result in
`a back-propagating signals wherein each zone segmenthasa specialized sensing function;
`
`In this regard, the Examinerfinds that Kersey et al.'S06 discloses a fiber sensory array
`
`200 comprising a span of optical fiber 214 having sensing zone segments (Kersey et al.'806
`
`Bragg grating reflectors 218-0 — 218-N with coils 216-1 — 216N) with signals (sum of reflected
`
`light fluxes; id. c.3, I1.56-57) incident to the span 214 having a property of inducing light path
`
`changesat the sensing segments/regions (Bragg grating reflectors 218-0 — 218-N with coils 216-
`
`1 — 216N)of the span 214 that result in a back-propagating signal. (/d. c.3, 11.40-49, 54-57; see
`
`Figure 2). The Examinerfinds that Kersey et al.'806 discloses light path changes induced by
`
`conditions to be sensed (i.e., acoustic waves, temperature change, stress and strain) provide a
`
`measurement of the conditions to be sensed. (/d. c.1, II.15-19; c.2, 11.6-10; c.3, 11.46-49)
`
`Thus, the Examiner concludesthat Kersey et al.'S06 sufficiently discloses a span of
`
`optical fiber having sensing zone segments wherein electromagnetic signals incident to said span
`
`have a property of inducing light path changes at sensing zone segments that result in a back-
`
`propagating signals wherein each zone segmenthasa specialized sensing function.
`
`a light source operative to provide a continuous wave (CW)optical signal;
`
`In this regard, the Examinerfinds that Kersey et al.'806 discloses a laser 202 that emits
`
`light having a long coherence length and a narrow wavelength range. (Kersey et al.'806 c.3,
`
`11.56-57).
`
`Thus, the Examiner concludes that Kersey et al.'806 sufficiently discloses a light source
`
`operative to provide a continuous wave (CW) opticalsignal.
`
`Reissue — Non Final Office Action
`
`Part of Paper No. 20160725
`
`HALLIBURTON, Exh. 1014, p. 0210
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`HALLIBURTON, Exh. 1014, p. 0210
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`

`

`Application/Control Number: 14/686,161
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`Art Unit: 3992
`
`Page 120
`
`a modulator operative to modulate the CW optical signal with a reiterative
`autocorrelatable form of modulation, said modulator providing the modulated CW optical
`fiber to the span;
`
`In this regard, the Examinerfinds that Kersey et al.'806 discloses a phase modulator 208
`
`that modulates a flux provided by the laser 202 with a Pseudo-random bit sequence (“PRBS”)
`
`generated by generator 206 to produce a PRBS optical signal 210. (/d. c.3, 11.35-46; see Figure
`
`2). The Examinerfinds that the generator 206 produces the PRBS whichis provided to both the
`
`phase modulator 208 to produce a PRBS optical signal 210 and the delay circuit 228 and
`
`correlation circuit 230 combination. The Examinerfinds that the PRBS is the reiterative
`
`autocorrelatable form of modulation.
`
`Thus, the Examiner concludes that Kersey et al.'806 sufficiently discloses a modulator
`
`operative to modulate the CW optical signal with a reiterative autocorrelatable form of
`
`modulation, said modulator providing the modulated CW opticalfiber to the span.
`
`an optical receiver joined to said span and capableof receiving a retrieved optical
`signal returned therefrom, wherein the retrieved optical signal comprises back-
`propagating portions of the illumination from sensing zone segments, said receiver
`operative to produce a radio frequency (r.f.) counterpart signal of the retrieved optical
`signal;
`
`In this regard, the Examinerfinds that Kersey et al.'806 discloses an optical receiver
`
`(combination coupler 220, transducers 22 and 224, and amplifier 226) joined to said span 214
`
`and capable of receiving a retrieved optical signal returned therefrom (sum ofreflected light
`
`fluxes; id. c.3, 11.56-57), wherein the retrieved optical signal comprises back-propagating
`
`portions of the illumination from the sensing segments/regions (Bragg grating reflectors 218-0 —
`
`218-N with coils 216-1 — 216N), said receiver (combination coupler 220, transducers 22 and
`
`224, and amplifier 226) operative to produce a radio frequency (r.f.) counterpart signal (output
`
`Reissue — Non Final Office Action
`
`Part of Paper No. 20160725
`
`HALLIBURTON, Exh. 1014, p. 0211
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`HALLIBURTON, Exh. 1014, p. 0211
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`Application/Control Number: 14/686,161
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`Art Unit: 3992
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`Page 121
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`signal 227) of the retrieved optical signal. (/d. c.3. 1.54 —c.4, 1.8; see Figure 2). The Examiner
`
`finds that that Kersey et al.'S06 discloses that heterodyne processing can also can be incorporated
`
`into the system for demodulation. (/d. c.5, l1.7-13).
`
`Thus, the Examiner concludes that Kersey et al.'806 sufficiently discloses an optical
`
`receiver joined to said span and capable of receiving a retrieved optical signal returned
`
`therefrom, wherein the retrieved optical signal comprises back-propagating portions of the
`
`illumination from sensing zone segments, said receiver operative to producea radio frequency
`
`(r.f.) counterpart signalof the retrieved optical signal, wherein the counterpart signalis in phase
`
`locked synchronism with the CW optical signal.
`
`a processor operative to detect a reiterative autocorrelatable form of modulation
`from the counterpart signal in a corresponding plurality of different timed relationships
`with respect to the reiterative autocorrelatable form of modulation of the CW optical signal
`to give at least one signal for each zone segment.
`
`In this regard, the Examinerfinds that Kersey et al.'806 discloses a processor (correlation
`
`circuit 230/230-1 — 230-N) to detect a reiterative autocorrelatable form of modulation (PRBS
`
`generated by generator 206) from the counterpart signal (output signal 227) in a corresponding
`
`plurality of different timed relationships (delay circuit 228/228-1 — 228-N outputs to correlator
`
`230/230-1 — 230-N) with respect to the reiterative autocorrelatable form of modulation (PRBS
`
`generated by generator 206) of the CW optical signal (PRBS optical signal 210) to give a
`
`measurement (/1- 3) representative of the electromagnetic field proximate to at least one zone
`
`segment (Bragg grating reflectors 218-0 — 218-N with coils 216-1 — 216N). (/d. c.4, 1.8 —c.5, 1.6;
`
`Reissue — Non Final Office Action
`
`Part of Paper No. 20160725
`
`HALLIBURTON, Exh. 1014, p. 0212
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`HALLIBURTON, Exh. 1014, p. 0212
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`Application/Control Number: 14/686,161
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`Art Unit: 3992
`
`Page 122
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`see Figures 2, 3). The Examinerfinds that the ‘electromagnetic signals’ inherently have an effect
`
`on the fiber optic span of Kerseyet al.'806, as evidence by Kerseyetal.'986.*°
`
`Thus, the Examiner concludes that Kersey et al.'S06 sufficiently discloses a processor
`
`operative to detect a reiterative autocorrelatable form of modulation from the counterpart signal
`
`in a corresponding plurality of different timed relationships with respectto the reiterative
`
`autocorrelatable form of modulation of the CW optical signalto give at least one signal for each
`
`zone Segment.
`
`With respect to claim 24, Kersey et al.'806 discloses
`
`wherein at least one zone segment of said spanis helically disposed.
`
`In this regard, the Examinerfinds that Kersey et al.'806 discloses zone segments of the
`
`span of optical fiber 214 having coils helically disposed (Kersey et al.'806 Bragg grating
`
`reflectors 218-0 — 218-N with coils 216-1 — 216N).
`
`Thus, the Examiner concludes that Kersey et al.'806 sufficiently discloses wherein at
`
`least one zone segment of said span is helically disposed.
`
`With respect to claim 25, Kersey et al.'806 discloses
`
`wherein said span has a length L andsaidlight sourceis a laser having the
`capability to generate a lightwave signal with sufficient stability to retain coherency in
`propagation along said span for a distance at least equal to two times length L.
`
`In this regard, the Examinerfinds that Kersey et al.'S06 discloses the span of optical fiber
`
`* See rejection of claim 23 above for explanation of electromagnetic field sensing inherency (emphasis on "system"
`element).
`
`Reissue — Non Final Office Action
`
`Part of Paper No. 20160725
`
`HALLIBURTON, Exh. 1014, p. 0213
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`HALLIBURTON, Exh. 1014, p. 0213
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`Application/Control Number: 14/686,161
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`Art Unit: 3992
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`Page 123
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`214 having a length L. (/d. Figure 2). The Examinerfinds that Kersey et al.'806 discloses the
`
`light source being a laser 202 having a long coherence length and a narrow wavelength range.
`
`(Id. c.3, 11.29-31). The Examinerfinds that the laser 202 emits light that is modulated by phase
`
`modulator 208, propagated up the entirety of the optical fiber 214, and reflected back from the
`
`Bragg grating reflectors 218-0 — 218-N/coils 216-1 — 216N combinations. Since the PRBS
`
`optical signal 210 is propagated downthe entirety of the optical fiber 214 and back as indicated
`
`in Figure 2, the Examinerfinds laser 202 inherently has the capability to generate a lightwave
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`signal with sufficient phase stability to substantially retain coherency in propagation along said
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`span for a distance at least equal to two timeslength L.
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`Thus, the Examiner concludesthat Kersey et al.'806 sufficiently discloses wherein said
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`span has a length L and said light source is a laser having the capability to generate a lightwave
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`signal with sufficient stability to retain coherency in propagation along said span for a distance
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`at least equalto two times length L.
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`With respect to the limitations of claim 31, The Examinerfinds that claim 31 is a method
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`claim for performing the functions of the apparatus of claim 25. Thus, the Examiner concludes
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`that the apparatus of claim 25 performs the methodsteps of claim 31. (See rejection of claim 23
`
`above).
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`With respect to the limitations of claim 32, The Examinerfinds that claim 32 is a method
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`claim for performing the functions of the apparatus of claim 24. Thus, the Examiner concludes
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`Reissue — Non Final Office Action
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`Part of Paper No. 20160725
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`HALLIBURTON, Exh. 1014, p. 0214
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`HALLIBURTON, Exh. 1014, p. 0214
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`Application/Control Number: 14/686,161
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`Art Unit: 3992
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`Page 124
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`that the apparatus of claim 24 performs the methodsteps of claim 32. (See rejection of claim 24
`
`above).
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`With respect to the limitations of claim 33, The Examinerfinds that claim 33 is a method
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`claim for performing the functions of the apparatus of claim 25. Thus, the Examiner concludes
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`that the apparatus of claim 25 performs the methodsteps of claim 33. (See rejection of claim 25
`
`above).
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`XV. Rejections under 35 U.S.C. § 103
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`The following is a quotation of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 103(a) which formsthe basis forall
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`obviousnessrejections set forth in this Office action:
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`(a) A patent may not be obtained though the inventionis not identically disclosed or described as set
`forth in section 102 ofthistitle, if the differences between the subject matter sought to be patented and
`the prior art are such that the subject matter as a whole would have been obvious at the time the
`invention was madeto a person having ordinaryskill in the art to which said subject matter pertains.
`Patentability shall not be negatived by the manner in which the invention was made.
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`The factual inquiries set forth in Graham v. John Deere Co., 383 U.S. 1, 148 USPQ 459
`
`(1966), that are applied for establishing a background for determining obviousness underpre-
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`AIA 35 U.S.C. 103(a) are summarized as follows:
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`1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art.
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`2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claimsat issue.
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`3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.
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`4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousnessor
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`nonobviousness.
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`Reissue — Non Final Office Action
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`Part of Paper No. 20160725
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`HALLIBURTON, Exh. 1014, p. 0215
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`HALLIBURTON, Exh. 1014, p. 0215
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`Application/Control Number: 14/686,161
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`Art Unit: 3992
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`Page 125
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`Claims 26 and 34 are rejected under pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 103(a) as being unpatentable
`
`over Kersey et al.'806 (U.S. Patent No. 4,889,986) in view of Taylor et al. (U.S. Patent No.
`
`5,194,847) and Farhadiroushan (U.S. Patent No. 5,754,293).
`
`In this regard, Kersey et al.'S06 disclosesall the limitations, as previously set forth,
`
`except for specifically calling for the length L of said span being at least about 5 km.
`
`However, a fiber optic sensing device having the length L of the span being at least about
`
`5 km is knownin the art. The Examinerfinds that Tayloret al., for example, teaches the length
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`of a fiber optic span of fiber optic sensor device being as long as 50 km.(Tayloretal. c:4, 11.37-
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`40, 47-64; see Figure 3).
`
`The Examinerfinds that that it would have been obviousto one of ordinary skill in the art
`
`at the time of the invention was madeto incorporate for the length L of said span beingatleast
`
`about 5 km as described in Taylor et al. in the system of Kerseyet al.'806.
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`A person of ordinary skill in the art would be motivated to provide the length L of at least
`
`about 5 km for the optical fiber span since it is desired length for both linear acoustic and
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`pipeline sensory arrays. (Farhadiroushan c:1, 11.33-46). In other words, such a modification
`
`would have provided a system for detecting signals of a large number of sensors in acoustic and
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`pipeline application, thus increasing the overall versatility of the fiber optic sensor system.
`
`Thus, the Examiner concludesthat Kersey et al.'806, Taylor et al. and Farhadiroushan
`
`teaches and/or renders obviousthe limitations of the length L of said span being at least about 5
`
`km.
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`Reissue — Non Final Office Action
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`Part of Paper No. 20160725
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`HALLIBURTON, Exh. 1014, p. 0216
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`HALLIBURTON, Exh. 1014, p. 0216
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`Application/Control Number: 14/686,161
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`Art Unit: 3992
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`Page 126
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`Claims 27 and 35 are rejected under pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 103(a) as being unpatentable
`
`over Kersey et al.'806 (U.S. Patent No. 4,889,986) in view of Nilsson (U.S. Patent No.
`
`5,177,764).
`
`In this regard, Kersey et al.'806 explicitly discloses the light source being a laser 202 that
`
`emits light having a long coherence length and a narrow wavelength range. (Kersey et al.'806
`
`c.3, Il.56-57). While Kersey et al.'S806 discloses the light source being a laser 202 (id.), Kersey et
`
`al.'806 is silent to the laser being a planar, ring-type laser.
`
`However, a light source that is a planar, ring-type laser is knownin the art. The Examiner
`
`finds that Nilsson, for example, teaches a planar ring-type laser light source (Nilsson Abstract;
`
`c.4, l.5-42; whole document).
`
`The Examinerfinds that that it would have been obviousto one of ordinary skill in the art
`
`at the time of the invention was madeto incorporate the planar, ring-type laser as described in
`
`Nilsson in the system of Kersey et al.'806.
`
`A person of ordinary skill in the art would be motivated to provide the planar, ring-type
`
`laser, since it has an optimized differential loss and is frequency tunable. (/d.) In other words,
`
`such a modification would have provided a system for detecting an acoustic signal that utilizes a
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`unidirectional laser that is frequency tunable, optimized and simple to operate, thereby
`
`operationalefficient.
`
`Thus, the Examiner concludes that Kersey et al.'806 and Nilsson teaches and/or renders
`
`obviousthe limitations of wherein said light source is a planar, ring-type laser.
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`Reissue — Non Final Office Action
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`Part of Paper No. 20160725
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`HALLIBURTON, Exh. 1014, p. 0217
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`HALLIBURTON, Exh. 1014, p. 0217
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`Application/Control Number: 14/686,161
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`Art Unit: 3992
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`Page 127
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`Claims 28 and 36 are rejected under pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 103(a) as being unpatentable
`
`over Kersey et al.'806 (U.S. Patent No. 6,285,806) in view of Groves-Kirkby (UK Publication
`
`No. GB 2372100 A) and Bailey et al. (U.S. Patent No. 6,626,043).
`
`In this regard, Kersey et al.'S06 disclosesall the limitations, as previously set forth,
`
`except for specifically calling for the span of optical fiber comprising a single modefiber optic
`
`cable.
`
`However, a span of optical fiber comprising a single modefiber optic cable is known in
`
`the art. The Examinerfinds that Groves-Kirkby, for example, teaches a fiber optic waveguide
`
`Bragg grating system for sensing mechanical strain. (Groves-Kirkby Abstract; c. 2, I].22-24; c. 4,
`
`11.16-17). The Examiner finds that Groves-Kirkby teachesa fiber optic waveguide Bragg grating
`
`system comprising a preferenceto utilization of a single mode optical fiber (1, 2, 100) as the
`
`waveguide. (Id. at c. 2,