Office Action 2: Notice of Allowance (2025-02-19)

CLAIMS:
IN THE CLAIMS

1\. (Currently Amended) A projectile, comprising:
an exterior surface;
a field sensor configured to determine a relative rotation of the exterior surface with respect to an external field;
a motor \[\[,\]\] configured to have a selective mechanical response to a control signal; and
an automated controller \[\[,\]\] configured to generate the control signal, selectively dependent on feedback from the field sensor, to synchronize a phase of the mechanical response of the motor with a phase of the relative rotation of the exterior surface.

2\. (Currently Amended) The projectile according to claim 1, wherein the external field is a static magnetic field \[\[,\]\] and the field sensor is configured to determine the relative rotation of the exterior surface with respect to the static magnetic field.

3\. (Original) The projectile according to claim 1, wherein the field sensor is configured to determine the relative rotation of the exterior surface with respect to a radio frequency emission from the external field.
4\. (Original) The projectile according to claim 1, wherein the automated controller is further configured to receive a steering signal, to control a relationship of the phase of the mechanical response of the motor with respect to the phase of the relative rotation of the exterior surface.

5\. (Original) The projectile according to claim 1, wherein the automated controller is further configured to receive a transmitted modulated remote control steering signal, conveying information to control a relationship of the phase of the mechanical response of the motor with respect to the phase of the relative rotation of the exterior surface.

6\. (Currently Amended) The projectile according to claim 1, wherein the exterior surface has a radial axis of symmetry \[\[,\]\] and the motor comprises a rotor having an axis of rotation orthogonal to the radial axis of symmetry.

7\. (Original) The projectile according to claim 6, wherein the rotor selectively actuates an aerodynamic feature synchronized with an angle of rotation of the exterior surface with respect to the external field.

8\. (Original) The projectile according to claim 1, further comprising an activity sensor, wherein the automated controller shuts down the motor selectively dependent on an output of the activity sensor.

9\. (Original) The projectile according to claim 1, further comprising an air flow sensor configured to sense an air flow around the exterior surface, wherein the automated controller is further selectively responsive to an output of the air flow sensor.

10\. (Original) The projectile according to claim 1, wherein the motor selectively modulates a spatial property of a boundary layer separation of gas surrounding the exterior surface.

11\. (Currently Amended) A method of controlling a projectile having an exterior surface, comprising:
determining a relative rotation of the exterior surface with respect to an external field with a field sensor; and
driving a motor \[\[a\]\] selectively responsive to an automated control signal, selectively dependent on feedback of the determined relative rotation from the field sensor, to synchronize a phase of a response of the motor with a phase of the relative rotation of the surface.

12\. (Original) The method according to claim 11, wherein the exterior field comprises at least one of an electromagnetic field and a magnetic field, and the field sensor

comprises at least one of an electromagnetic field sensor and a magnetic field sensor that determines the relative rotation of the surface with respect to the field.

13\. (Original) The method according to claim 11 further comprising:
receiving a wirelessly communicated steering signal, and
controlling a relationship of the phase of the mechanical response of the motor with respect to the phase of the relative rotation of the surface based on the steering signal.

14\. (Original) The method according to claim 11, wherein the external surface has a radial axis of symmetry, and the motor rotates a rotor having an axis of rotation orthogonal to the radial axis of symmetry.

15\. (Currently Amended) The method according to claim 14, further comprising selectively actuating an aerodynamic element with a rotor of the motor, synchronized with an angle of rotation of the exterior surface with respect to the exterior field.SMH-215.4 - 109 -

16\. (Original) The method according to claim 11, further comprising automatically operating and deactivating the motor selectively dependent on an output of an activity sensor.

17\. (Currently Amended) The method according to claim 11, further comprising sensing an air flow around the exterior surface \[\[,\]\] and selectively controlling the motor dependent on the sensed air flow.

18\. (Currently Amended) A projectile, comprising:
an exterior surface having a radial axis of symmetry, the projectile being dynamically balanced for rotation about the radial axis of symmetry;
a motor, having a movement about an axis which is non-parallel with the radial axis of symmetry, driven in response to a motor control signal; and

an automated controller \[\[,\]\] configured to generate the motor control signal, to synchronize a phase of the motor about the axis with a phase of a rotation of the exterior surface about the radial axis of symmetry.

19\. (Original) The projectile according to claim 18, further comprising a magnetometer configured to determine a relative rotation of the exterior surface with respect to the earth's magnetic field.

20\. (Original) The projectile according to claim 18, wherein the automated controller is configured to determine a launch state of the projectile, and to generate the motor control signal further dependent on the launch state.

OFFICE ACTION:
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
DETAILED CORRESPONDENCE
This is the second Office Action on the merits of application no. 17/580,586 filed 1/20/22. Claims 1-20 are pending.
EXAMINER’S AMENDMENT
An examiner’s amendment to the record appears below. Should the changes and/or additions be unacceptable to applicant, an amendment may be filed as provided by 37 CFR 1.312. To ensure consideration of such an amendment, it MUST be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee.
The application has been amended as follows:
Claim 15
Line 3: “field.SMH-215.4- 109-“ has been amended as -- field. --.
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 1-20 are allowed.
The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance:
Regarding claim 1, the prior art of record fails to show or render obvious an automated controller configured to generate the control signal, selectively dependent on feedback from the field sensor, to synchronize a phase of the mechanical response of the motor with a phase of the relative rotation of the exterior surface in combination with the remaining limitations of claim 1.
Regarding claim 11, the prior art of record fails to show or render obvious driving a motor selectively responsive to an automated control signal, selectively dependent on feedback of the determined relative rotation from the field sensor, to synchronize a phase of a response of the motor with a phase of the relative rotation of the surface in combination with the remaining limitations of claim 11.
Regarding claim 18, the prior art of record fails to show or render obvious an automated controller configured to generate the motor control signal, to synchronize a phase of the motor about the axis with a phase of a rotation of the exterior surface about the radial axis of symmetry in combination with the remaining limitations of claim 18.
Any comments considered necessary by applicant must be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee and, to avoid processing delays, should preferably accompany the issue fee.  Such submissions should be clearly labeled “Comments on Statement of Reasons for Allowance.”
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s arguments filed 12/4/24 with respect to the claim objections has been fully considered and are persuasive. The objection of the claims has been withdrawn.
Conclusion

APPLICANT REBUTTAL: REMARKS
Claims 1-20 are in the application.
The claims are amended according to he Examiner's requests.
The specification is amended to correct typographical and grammatical errors. No new matter has been entered.
Recognizing that Internet communications are not secure, I hereby authorize the USPTO to communicate with the undersigned and practitioners in accordance with 37 CFR 1.33 and 37 CFR 1.34 concerning any subject matter of this application by video conferencing, instant messaging, or electronic mail. I understand that a copy of these communications will be made of record in the application file.
Respectfully submitted, /Steven M. Hoffberg/Steven M. HoffbergRegistration No.: 33,511HOFFBERG & ASSOCIATES29 Buckout RoadWest Harrison, NY 10604(914) 949-2300


CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref APP-17_580586: Claims:
A projectile, comprising: an exterior surface; a field sensor configured to determine a relative rotation of the exterior surface with respect to an external field; a motor configured to have a selective mechanical response to a control signal; and an automated controller configured to generate the control signal, selectively dependent on feedback from the field sensor, to synchronize a phase of the mechanical response of the motor with a phase of the relative rotation of the exterior surface.
a field sensor configured to determine a relative rotation of the exterior surface with respect to an external field;
a motor configured to have a selective mechanical response to a control signal; and
an automated controller configured to generate the control signal, selectively dependent on feedback from the field sensor, to synchronize a phase of the mechanical response of the motor with a phase of the relative rotation of the exterior surface.
The projectile according to claim 1, wherein the external field is a static magnetic field and the field sensor is configured to determine the relative rotation of the exterior surface with respect to the static magnetic field.
The projectile according to claim 1, wherein the field sensor is configured to determine the relative rotation of the exterior surface with respect to a radio frequency emission from the external field.
The projectile according to claim 1, wherein the automated controller is further configured to receive a steering signal, to control a relationship of the phase of the mechanical response of the motor with respect to the phase of the relative rotation of the exterior surface.
The projectile according to claim 1, wherein the automated controller is further configured to receive a transmitted modulated remote control steering signal, conveying information to control a relationship of the phase of the mechanical response of the motor with respect to the phase of the relative rotation of the exterior surface.
The projectile according to claim 1, wherein the exterior surface has a radial axis of symmetry and the motor comprises a rotor having an axis of rotation orthogonal to the radial axis of symmetry.
The projectile according to claim 6, wherein the rotor selectively actuates an aerodynamic feature synchronized with an angle of rotation of the exterior surface with respect to the external field.
The projectile according to claim 1, further comprising an activity sensor, wherein the automated controller shuts down the motor selectively dependent on an output of the activity sensor.
The projectile according to claim 1, further comprising an air flow sensor configured to sense an air flow around the exterior surface, wherein the automated controller is further selectively responsive to an output of the air flow sensor.
The projectile according to claim 1, wherein the motor selectively modulates a spatial property of a boundary layer separation of gas surrounding the exterior surface.
A method of controlling a projectile having an exterior surface, comprising: determining a relative rotation of the exterior surface with respect to an external field with a field sensor; and driving a motor selectively responsive to an automated control signal, selectively dependent on feedback of the determined relative rotation from the field sensor, to synchronize a phase of a response of the motor with a phase of the relative rotation of the surface.
determining a relative rotation of the exterior surface with respect to an external field with a field sensor; and
driving a motor selectively responsive to an automated control signal, selectively dependent on feedback of the determined relative rotation from the field sensor, to synchronize a phase of a response of the motor with a phase of the relative rotation of the surface.
The method according to claim 11, wherein the exterior field comprises at least one of an electromagnetic field and a magnetic field, and the field sensor comprises at least one of an electromagnetic field sensor and a magnetic field sensor that determines the relative rotation of the surface with respect to the field.
The method according to claim 11 further comprising: receiving a wirelessly communicated steering signal, and controlling a relationship of the phase of the mechanical response of the motor with respect to the phase of the relative rotation of the surface based on the steering signal.
receiving a wirelessly communicated steering signal, and
controlling a relationship of the phase of the mechanical response of the motor with respect to the phase of the relative rotation of the surface based on the steering signal.
The method according to claim 11, wherein the external surface has a radial axis of symmetry, and the motor rotates a rotor having an axis of rotation orthogonal to the radial axis of symmetry.
The method according to claim 14, further comprising selectively actuating an aerodynamic element with a rotor of the motor, synchronized with an angle of rotation of the exterior surface with respect to the exterior field.
The method according to claim 11, further comprising automatically operating and deactivating the motor selectively dependent on an output of an activity sensor.
The method according to claim 11, further comprising sensing an air flow around the exterior surface and selectively controlling the motor dependent on the sensed air flow.
A projectile, comprising: an exterior surface having a radial axis of symmetry, the projectile being dynamically balanced for rotation about the radial axis of symmetry; a motor, having a movement about an axis which is non-parallel with the radial axis of symmetry, driven in response to a motor control signal; and an automated controller configured to generate the motor control signal, to synchronize a phase of the motor about the axis with a phase of a rotation of the exterior surface about the radial axis of symmetry.
an exterior surface having a radial axis of symmetry, the projectile being dynamically balanced for rotation about the radial axis of symmetry;
a motor, having a movement about an axis which is non-parallel with the radial axis of symmetry, driven in response to a motor control signal; and
an automated controller configured to generate the motor control signal, to synchronize a phase of the motor about the axis with a phase of a rotation of the exterior surface about the radial axis of symmetry.
The projectile according to claim 18, further comprising a magnetometer configured to determine a relative rotation of the exterior surface with respect to the earth's magnetic field.
The projectile according to claim 18, wherein the automated controller is configured to determine a launch state of the projectile, and to generate the motor control signal further dependent on the launch state.