Office Action 3: Non-Final Rejection (2024-12-03)
Rejection types: 103 - Obviousness

CLAIMS:
AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS

1-9. (Cancelled)28

10\. (Currently Amended) A prefabricated building structure, comprising:
\- a first and a second pillar (21, 22) stacked and having a preponderant longitudinal extension direction (20);
an upper end (211) of the first pillar (21) being located at a lower end (221) of the second pillar (22);
\- a beam (3) extending substantially horizontally and having a first end (31) located at said upper end (211) and said lower end (221);
\- fixing means (9) for fixing the first pillar (21), the second pillar (22) and the beam (3); said fixing means (9) being able to be at least partly incorporated in the first pillar (21), in the second pillar (22), in the beam (3);
the fixing means (9) comprising projecting means (91) and corresponding housing means (92) in which the projecting means (91) fits defining a joint;
said projecting means (91) and said housing means (92) defining male-female connections both between the first pillar (21) and the beam (3) and between the second pillar (22) and the beam (3); characterised in that:
\- the structure comprises enveloping means (8) which compresses the first pillar (21) along the preponderant longitudinal extension direction (20); the enveloping means (8) exerting a post compression by winding; the enveloping means (8) comprising a fibre-resin structure;
\- the first pillar (21), the second pillar (22) and the horizontal beam (3) are dry-connected without welds on site; connection casts are absent among the first pillar (21), the second pillar (22) and the horizontal beam (3).

11\. (Previously Presented) The structure according to claim 10, characterised in that the projecting means (91) comprises:
\- a first protrusion (213) located at said upper end (211) and associated to the first pillar (21);
\- a second protrusion (223) located at said lower end (221) and associated to the second pillar (22);
the first and the second protrusion (213, 223) projecting transversally with respect to said
SVG {EMBED HERE} 0.0870.033

preponderant longitudinal extension direction (20);
the housing means (92) comprising at the first end (31) of the beam (3) a slot (30);
the first and the second protrusion (213, 223) at least partially fitting in the slot (30) at the first end (31).

12\. (Previously Presented) The structure according to claim 11, characterised in that said first pillar (21) comprises:
\- a first element (215) comprising said first protrusion (213);
\- a first support (214) to which the first element (215) is removably connected;
said second pillar (22) comprises:
i) a second element (225) comprising said second protrusion (223);
ii) a second support (224) to which the second element (225) is removably connected.

13\. (Previously Presented) The structure according to claim 12, characterised in that the first element (215) is a head plate of the first support (214) and the second element (225) is a head plate of the second support (224).

14\. (Previously Presented) The structure according to claim 13, characterised in that the enveloping means (8) pass between the plate of the first element (215) and the first support (214).

15\. (Previously Presented) The structure according to claim 12, characterised in that the first element (215) is an angle profile comprising:
\- a first arm (216) which connects to the first support (214) along a lateral flank (219) of the first support (214);
\- a second arm (217) which projects away from the first support (214) and in which said first protrusion (213) is made;
the second element (225) being an angle profile comprising:
i) a first portion (226) which connects laterally to the second support (224);
ii) a second portion (227) which projects away from the second support (224) and in which said second protrusion (223) is made.
SVG {EMBED HERE} 0.0870.033

16\. (Previously Presented) The structure according to claim 11, characterised in that said slot (30) has a preponderant longitudinal direction and extending in width orthogonally to said preponderant extension direction; the first and the second protrusion (213, 223) being superposed one on the other and being joined in the width of the slot (30).

17\. (Previously Presented) The structure according to claim 10, characterised in that said beam (3) comprises a plurality of holes (34); said structure comprising threaded joining means (5) which crosses said holes (34) and which inserts in threaded counter-shapings made in the first and the second pillar (21, 22); said threaded joining means (5) being stressed by pure traction.

18\. (Previously Presented) The structure according to claim 10, characterised in that it comprises a concrete vertical wall (6) which lies in the plane identified by the first pillar (21) and by the beam (3) and which occludes the space interposed between the first pillar (21) and the beam (3).SVG {EMBED HERE} 0.0870.033

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 communication is a first Office Action on the Merits. Claims 10-18, as amended
18 NOV. 2024 , are pending and have been considered as follows:
Continued Examination Under 37 CFR 1.114
A request for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, including the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e), was filed in this application after final rejection.  Since this application is eligible for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, and the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e) has been timely paid, the finality of the previous Office action has been withdrawn pursuant to 37 CFR 1.114.  Applicant's submission filed on
18 NOV. 24 has been entered.
Claim Objections
Claim 10 objected to because of the following informalities:
Cl. 10 ln. 20: after “without welds on site;” insert --and further-- as this appears to be an incomplete sentence.
Appropriate correction is required.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
THE TEXT OF THOSE SECTIONS OF TITLE 35, U.S. CODE NOT INCLUDED IN THIS ACTION CAN BE FOUND IN A PRIOR OFFICE ACTION.
Claim 10-17 rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Mou et al. US 10633851 B2 (Mou) in view of Ehsani US 9376782 B1.
As per claim 10 Mou teaches a prefabricated building structure (“Composite Joint” title), comprising:
a first and a second pillar (lower steel-tube column section 5, upper steel-tube column section 3, FIG. 1) stacked and having a preponderant longitudinal extension direction (see vertical direction, FIG. 1);
an upper end (see upper end of section 5, FIG. 1) of the first pillar (lower steel-tube column section 5 FIG. 1) being located at (see “located” FIG. 1) a lower end (see lower end of section 3, FIG. 1) of the second pillar (upper steel-tube column section 3, FIG. 1);
a beam (H-shaped steel beam 2, FIG. 1) extending substantially horizontally (see “substantially horizontally” FIG. 1) and having a first end (see proximal end of beam 2, FIG. 1) located at said upper end (see upper end of section 5, FIG. 1) and said lower end (see lower end of section 3, FIG. 1);
fixing means (circular tube 10, connecting ring plate 11, insertion plate 12, end plate 13, web connecting plate 16, flange connecting plate 17, FIGs. 2-3) for fixing the first pillar (lower steel-tube column section 5 FIG. 1), the second pillar (upper steel-tube column section 3, FIG. 1) and the beam (H-shaped steel beam 2, FIG. 1);
said fixing means (circular tube 10, connecting ring plate 11, insertion plate 12, end plate 13, web connecting plate 16, flange connecting plate 17, FIGs. 2-3) being able to be at least partly incorporated (see tube 10 “least partly incorporated”, as broadly claimed, FIG. 4) in the first pillar (lower steel-tube column section 5 FIG. 1), in the second pillar (upper steel-tube column section 3, FIG. 1), in the beam (H-shaped steel beam 2, FIG. 1);
the fixing means (circular tube 10, connecting ring plate 11, insertion plate 12, end plate 13, web connecting plate 16, flange connecting plate 17, FIGs. 2-3) comprising projecting means (insertion plate 12, FIG. 2; see plate 12 “least partly incorporated” as broadly claimed, FIG. 4) and corresponding housing means (slot 14, web connecting plate 16, flange connecting plate 17, FIG. 2) in which the projecting means (insertion plate 12, FIG. 2; see plate 12 “least partly incorporated” as broadly claimed, FIG. 4) fits defining a joint (see “joint” between elements FIG. 4);
said projecting means (insertion plate 12, FIG. 2; see plate 12 “least partly incorporated” as broadly claimed, FIG. 4) and said housing means (slot 14, web connecting plate 16, flange connecting plate 17, FIG. 2) defining male-female connections both between the first pillar (lower steel-tube column section 5 FIG. 1) and the beam (H-shaped steel beam 2, FIG. 1) and between the second pillar (upper steel-tube column section 3, FIG. 1) and the beam (H-shaped steel beam 2, FIG. 1);
characterised in that:
the structure (“Composite Joint” title) comprises enveloping means (cylindrical members of upper and lower sections of steel-tube column 1, and cylindrical member comprising slot 14, FIG. 2) which compresses the first pillar (lower steel-tube column section 5 FIG. 1) along the preponderant longitudinal extension direction (see vertical direction, FIG. 1);
the enveloping means (cylindrical members of upper and lower sections of steel-tube column 1, and cylindrical member comprising slot 14, FIG. 2)  exerting a post compression (see four bars, left side, FIG. 2; these are recognized exerting a post compression —at least somewhat— when tightened by fasteners 9, FIG. 1) by winding (see FIG. 4; the above identified “enveloping means” are recognized as “being coiled completely about” —or “by winding”— the upper and lower bars 9);
the first pillar (lower steel-tube column section 5 FIG. 1), the second pillar (upper steel-tube column section 3, FIG. 1) and the horizontal beam (H-shaped steel beam 2, FIG. 1) are dry-connected without welds on site (see FIG. 4; also “all members are machined in a factory and are connected on site through bolts” abstract, ln. 16-17; this is recognized as teaching “dry-connected without welds” as broadly claimed);
--and further--
connection casts are absent among the first pillar (21), the second pillar (22) and the horizontal beam (3) (see FIG. 4; also “all members are machined in a factory and are connected on site through bolts” abstract, ln. 16-17; this is recognized as teaching “connection casts are absent” as broadly claimed because no “cast” is required for connection).
Mou fails to explicitly disclose:
the enveloping means comprising a fibre-resin structure;
Ehsani teaches such an obvious cylindrical fibre-resin structure capable of use with the assembly of Mou and capable of being used to provide at least some compression, specifically:
the enveloping means (see “A coiled FRP laminate is provided and wrapped in a helical fashion around the column” abstract ln. 3 and “The method can be used for a variety of column materials, such as steel” 2:9) comprising a fibre-resin structure (see “A coiled FRP laminate is provided and wrapped in a helical fashion around the column” abstract ln. 3);
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in before the effective filing date to modify the assembly of Mou by substituting the FRP shell members as taught by Ehsani
As per claim 11 Mou in view of Ehasi teaches the limitations according to claim 10, and Mou further discloses the projecting means (insertion plate 12, FIG. 2; see plate 12 “least partly incorporated” as broadly claimed, FIG. 4) comprises:
a first protrusion (see circular members, transverse T-shaped sections exemplified in FIG. 2, and vertical plates protruding between 5 and 14, FIG. 1; also upwardly from unidentified member below 14, FIG. 2) located at said upper end (see upper end of section 5, FIG. 1) and associated to the first pillar (lower steel-tube column section 5 FIG. 1);
a second protrusion (see circular members, transverse T-shaped sections exemplified in FIG. 2, and vertical plates protruding between 3 and 14, FIG. 1; also downwardly from unidentified member above 14, FIG. 2) located at said lower end (see lower end of section 3, FIG. 1) and associated to the second pillar (upper steel-tube column section 3, FIG. 1);
the first and the second protrusion (circular members, transverse T-shaped sections exemplified in FIG. 2, and vertical plates protruding between 5 and 14 and between 3 and 14, FIG. 1) projecting transversally with respect to said preponderant longitudinal extension direction (see vertical direction, FIG. 1);
the housing means (slot 14, web connecting plates 16, flange connecting plate 17, FIG. 2) comprising at the first end (see proximal end of beam 2, FIG. 1) of the beam (H-shaped steel beam 2, FIG. 1) a slot (slot 14, web connecting plates 16, FIG. 1);
the first and the second protrusion  (circular members, transverse T-shaped sections exemplified in FIG. 2, and vertical plates, FIG. 2) at least partially fitting in the slot (slot 14, web connecting plates 16, FIG. 1) at the first end (see proximal end of beam 2, FIG. 1).
As per claim 12 Mou in view of Ehasi-teaches the limitations according to claim 11, and Mou further discloses said first pillar (lower steel-tube column section 5 FIG. 1) comprises:
a first element (member between 5 and 14, FIG. 1) comprising said first protrusion (see circular members, transverse T-shaped sections exemplified in FIG. 2, and vertical plates protruding between 5 and 14, FIG. 1; also upwardly from unidentified member below 14, FIG. 2);
a first support (top face of section 5, FIG. 1; also unidentified circular top face of unidentified element 5, FIG. 2) to which the first element (member between 5 and 14, FIG. 1) is removably connected;
said second pillar (upper steel-tube column section 3, FIG. 1) comprises:
i) a second element (member between 3 and 14, FIG. 1) comprising said second protrusion (see circular members, transverse T-shaped sections exemplified in FIG. 2, and vertical plates protruding between 3 and 14, FIG. 1; also downwardly from unidentified member above 14, FIG. 2);
ii) a second support (bottom face of section 3, FIG. 1; also unidentified circular bottom face of unidentified element 3, most proximate element 10, FIG. 2) to which the second element (member between 3 and 14, FIG. 1) is removably connected (see “connected on site through bolts” abstract ln. 17).
As per claim 13 Mou in view of Ehasi teaches the limitations according to claim 12, and Mou further discloses the first element (member between 5 and 14, FIG. 1) is a head plate (see horizontally extending plate, below 14, above unidentified member 5, FIG. 2) of the first support (top face of section 5, FIG. 1; also unidentified circular top face of unidentified element 5, FIG. 2) and the second element (member between 3 and 14, FIG. 1) is a head plate (see horizontally extending plate comprising 11 and 13, above 14, FIG. 2) of the second support (bottom face of section 3, FIG. 1; also unidentified circular bottom face of unidentified element 3, most proximate element 10, FIG. 2).
As per claim 14 Mou in view of Ehasi teaches the limitations according to claim 13, and Mou further discloses the enveloping means (cylindrical members of upper and lower sections of steel-tube column 1, and cylindrical member comprising slot 14, FIG. 2)  pass between (see “pass between” FIG. 2) the plate of the first element (member between 5 and 14, FIG. 1) and the first support (top face of section 5, FIG. 1; also unidentified circular top face of unidentified element 5, FIG. 2).
As per claim 15 Mou in view of Ehasi teaches the limitations according to claim 12, and Mou further discloses the first element (member between 5 and 14, FIG. 1) is an angle profile comprising:
a first arm (leftward extending side of unidentified end plate between unidentified lower section 5 and slot 14, FIG. 2) which connects to the first support (top face of section 5, FIG. 1; also unidentified circular top face of unidentified element 5, FIG. 2) along a lateral flank  of the first support (top face of section 5, FIG. 1; also unidentified circular top face of unidentified element 5, FIG. 2);
a second arm (rightward extending side of unidentified end plate between unidentified lower section 5 and slot 14, FIG. 2) which projects away from the first support (top face of section 5, FIG. 1; also unidentified circular top face of unidentified element 5, FIG. 2) and in which said first protrusion (see circular members, transverse T-shaped sections exemplified in FIG. 2, and vertical plates protruding between 5 and 14, FIG. 1; also upwardly from unidentified member below 14, FIG. 2) is made;
the second element (member between 3 and 14, FIG. 1) being an angle profile comprising:
i) a first portion (leftward extending side of plate 13 between unidentified upper section 3 and slot 14, FIG. 2) which connects laterally to the second support (bottom face of section 3, FIG. 1; also unidentified circular bottom face of unidentified element 3, most proximate element 10, FIG. 2);
ii) a second portion (rightward extending side of plate 13 between unidentified upper section 3 and slot 14, FIG. 2) which projects away from the second support (bottom face of unidentified section 3, FIG. 2) and in which said second protrusion (see circular members, transverse T-shaped sections exemplified in FIG. 2, and vertical plates protruding between 3 and 14, FIG. 1) is made.
As per claim 16 Mou in view of Ehasi teaches the limitations according to claim 11, and Mou further discloses said slot (slot 14, web connecting plates 16, FIG. 1) has a preponderant longitudinal direction and extending in width orthogonally to said preponderant extension direction (see longitudinal/vertical direction, FIG. 1; the elements are recognized to extend in a width orthogonally at least somewhat in relation to a vertical axis thereof);
the first and the second protrusion   (see circular members, transverse T-shaped sections, FIG. 2) being superposed one on the other and being joined in the width (see “joined in the width”, as broadly claimed, FIG. 4) of the slot (slot 14, web connecting plates 16, FIG. 1).
As per claim 17 Mou in view of Ehasi-Radhouane teaches the limitations according to claim 10, and Mou further discloses said beam (H-shaped steel beam 2, FIG. 1) comprises a plurality of holes (see FIG. 4; the bolts would create holes; also “connected on site through bolts” abstract ln. 17);
said structure (“Composite Joint” title) comprising threaded joining means (see “connected on site through bolts” abstract ln. 17) which crosses said holes  and which inserts in threaded counter-shapings made in the first and the second pillar (see “connected on site through bolts” abstract ln. 17; these would create “counter-shapings” as broadly claimed);
said threaded joining means  being stressed by pure traction (see “connected on site through bolts” abstract ln. 17; this is recognized as “stressed by pure traction” because the bolts would create at least some friction —or “traction”— against the members).
Claim 18 rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Mou in view of Ehasi-as applied to claim 10 above and further in view of Compton US 4819394 A.
As per claim 18 Mou in view of Ehasi-teaches the limitations according to claim 10, but fails to explicitly disclose:
in that it comprises a concrete vertical wall which lies in the plane identified by the first pillar and by the beam and which occludes the space interposed between the first pillar and the beam.
Compton teaches such a wall, specifically:
in that it comprises a concrete vertical wall which lies in the plane identified by the first pillar and by the beam and which occludes the space interposed between the first pillar and the beam (“precast reinforced concrete exterior wall” abstract; see also panels 12, FIG. 1)
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to modify the assembly of Mou in view of Ehasi by including the concrete walls as taught by Compton in order to enclose a space between a number of the pillars least because doing so would form the beginnings of a structure.
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s arguments with respect to claim(s) 10-18 have been considered but are moot because the new ground of rejection does not rely on any reference applied in the prior rejection of record for any teaching or matter specifically challenged in the argument.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.

APPLICANT REBUTTAL: REMARKSReconsideration and withdrawal of the rejections of the application are respectfully requested in view of the amendments and remarks herewith, which place the application in condition for allowance.I. STATUS OF THE CLAIMS AND FORMAL MATTERSClaims 10-18 are currently pending in this application. Claim 10 is independent. Claim 10 is currently amended. No new matter has been added. None of the amendments should be construed as acquiescence to any of the allegations set forth in the Office Action.II. SUPPORT FOR CLAIM AMENDMENTSNon-limiting, example support for these amendments may be found in, for example, FIG.10 and page 9 lines 8-9 of the Applicant's application.III. CLAIM OBJECTIONClaim 10 was objected to as allegedly containing informalities. Without acquiescing to any of the reasoning set forth in the Office Action, Applicant has amended Claim 10 as suggested in the Office Action to remove the alleged informalities. No new matter is added by way of these amendments. Accordingly, Applicant respectfully requests that the objection to Claim 10 be withdrawn.IV. REJECTIONS UNDER 35 USC §103 Claims 10-17 were rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103 as allegedly being obvious in light of U.S. Patent No. 10,633,851 to Mou et al. ("Mou") and U.S. Patent No. 9,376,782 to Ehsani et al ("Ehsani"). Claim 18 was rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103 as allegedly being obvious in light of Mou, Ehsani, and U.S. Patent No. 4,819,394 to Compton et al. ("Compton").Applicant respectfully submits that independent Claim 10, as amended, is novel over the cited references as the cited references do not teach, suggest, or disclose each and every element of independent Claim 10. In particular, Mou does not disclose at least the following features of Claim 10 "the first pillar (21), the second pillar (22) and the horizontal beam (3) are dry- connected without welds on site... casts are absent among the first pillar (21), the second pillar (22) and the horizontal beam (3)".In Mou, the introduction of pouring concrete in the joint is an essential feature. In fact, this is a feature indicated in the title and in the independent claims of this application as published (See e.g., in claim 1: "concrete filled steel tube composite joint" and in claim 8 see step VI). In the claimed invention casts are not used between the first pillar (21), the second pillar (22) and the horizontal beam (3). Indeed, independent Claim 10 states, inter alia, "the enveloping means (8) comprising a fibre-resin band which compresses the first pillar (21) along the preponderant longitudinal extension direction (20) generating an axial compression force oriented along the preponderant longitudinal extension direction". The steel tube of Mou does not comprise a fibre- resin band and consequently it does not disclose the other features associated with the fibre-resin band. Accordingly, Claim 10 is novel as the cited references do not teach, suggest, or disclose each and every element of independent Claim 10.Applicant respectfully submits that independent Claim 10 as amended, is also non-obvious over the cited references as the cited references do not teach, suggest, or disclose each and every element of independent Claim 10. Mou does not disclose at least the following features of Claim 10:the first pillar (21), the second pillar (22) and the horizontal beam (3) are dry- connected without welds on site... casts are absent among the first pillar (21), the second pillar (22) and the horizontal beam (3)" the enveloping means (8) comprising a fibre-resin band which compresses the first pillar (21) along the preponderant longitudinal extension direction (20) generating an axial compressionforce oriented along the preponderant longitudinal extension direction;As indicated in the description on page 8 lines 24-25 of the claimed invention: "[f]irstly, the nodes thus defined allow the transfer of very high specific moments without using connection casts or welds on site". None of the cited references face the objective technical problem of permitting the transfer of high specific moment in combination with high assembly speed. In particular, none of the cited references solves it as indicated in Claim 10. Ehsani discloses a fibre- resin band which compresses radially (and not axially as explicitly indicated by Claim 10) the first pillar. Nowhere does Ehsani disclose a fibre resin which compresses axially the pillar.However, the element 3 of Mou (indicated as corresponding to the first pillar of Claim 10) is a hollow tube intended to be filled by concrete; therefore, the skilled man would never have placed the fibre-resin band on the first and second base to obtain axial compression. In fact, if the bases were obstructed he would no longer be able to pour the concrete inside it (an essential characteristic of the solution described by Mou).In addition, Applicant notes that the post compression must take place on the concrete not on the metal tubular element 3; in Mou, after casting, the band is no more wrappable on the opposite bases of the tubular element 3 in order to have an axial compression; in fact the lower base of the tubular element 3 is embedded inside the component 6 and therefore becomes not accessible.Therefore, the skilled man would not have been able to combine Mou and Ehsani for obtaining the solution of Claim 10.This axial compression of the ends of the pillar is very important because in this way the post-compression load is also applied to the fixing elements. In fact, as indicated from page 8 line 31 to page 9 line 1 of Applicant's application: "the structure 1 can be incorporated with the post- compression and thereby the post-compression load is also applied to the fixing elements". So, it permits to transfer high specific moments without additional casts or welds on site. Claim 10 is therefore nonobvious. Thus, for at least the various reasons set forth above, Applicant submits that the cited references do not teach or suggest each and every element of independent Claim 10 as amended. Withdrawal of the rejections are respectfully requested.V. OTHER CLAIMSThe other claims are dependent from one of the independent claims discussed above and are patentable for at least the same reasons. Applicant, therefore, respectfully submits that the rejections herewith are overcome and request that the rejections be withdrawn. Because Applicant maintains that all claims are allowable for at least the reasons presented hereinabove, in the interests of brevity, this response does not comment on each and every comment made by the Examiner in the Office Action. This should not be taken as acquiescence of the substance of those comments, and Applicant reserves the right to address such comments.CONCLUSIONThe foregoing is submitted as a full and complete response to the Non-Final Office Action dated December 03, 2024. The foregoing amendments and remarks are believed to have placed the present application in condition for allowance, and such action is respectfully requested. The Examiner is encouraged to contact Applicant's undersigned attorney by phone at (704) 444-1078 or by email at Killian.Steer@alston.com to resolve any remaining issues in order to expedite examination of the present application.The patentability of the independent claims has been argued as set forth above and thus Applicant will not take this opportunity to argue the merits of the rejection with regard to each dependent claim. However, Applicant does not concede that the dependent claims are not independently patentable and reserves the right to argue the patentability of the dependent claims at a later date if necessary.It is not believed that extensions of time or fees for net addition of claims are required, beyond those that may otherwise be provided for in documents accompanying this paper.However, in the event that additional extensions of time are necessary to allow consideration of this paper, such extensions are hereby petitioned under 37 CFR §1.136(a), and any fee required therefore (including fees for net addition of claims) is hereby authorized to be charged to Deposit Account No. 16-0605.Respectfully submitted, /Killian K. Steer/ Killian K. Steer Registration No. 79,551 Customer No. 826 ALSTON & BIRD LLP1120 South Tryon Street, Suite 300 Charlotte, NC 28203-6818 Tel Silicon Valley Office (650) 838-2000 Fax Charlotte Office (704) 444-1111 ELECTRONICALLY FILED USING THE EFS-WEB ELECTRONIC FILING SYSTEM OF THE UNITED STATES PATENT &TRADEMARK OFFICE ON March 3, 2025.

NEXT 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 communication is a second Office Action on the Merits. Claims 10-18, as amended
03 MAR. 2025, are pending and have been considered as follows:
Allowable Subject Matter
Claim 10-18 allowed.
As allowable subject matter has been indicated, applicant's reply must either comply with all formal requirements or specifically traverse each requirement not complied with.  See 37 CFR 1.111(b) and MPEP § 707.07(a).
The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance:
Although the references of record show some similar technical features of Applicant’s claimed device, they fail to show or teach the claimed invention, wherein a prefabricated building structure comprises first and second stacked pillars and a dry-connected beam —connected without welds or casts on site— wherein the structure is defined by a novel fixing means at least partly incorporated in the first and second pillar and beam which fixing means comprises a projecting means engaging a housing means, particularly by a projecting element incorporated the first and second pillar which engaging a female housing of the beam; and further the structure comprising an enveloping means in the form of a wound fiber-resin band which compresses the pillar in an axial direction.
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.”
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.
Calderon Uriszar-Aldaca et al.	US 10378199 B2:
The object of the present invention is a junction between columns and beams of precast reinforced concrete, with a dry joint, i.e. by means of a joint that on site does not require formwork, pouring fresh concrete, and a period for the concrete to set in order to acquire its required strength, and which makes it possible to build high-rise buildings with a competitive edge, even in seismic risk areas

CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US10094110B2: Claims:
A building block comprising: a single face shell having an interior surface and an exterior surface that are opposite and spaced apart from each other, a first end and a second end that are opposite and spaced apart from each other, and an upper surface and a lower surface that are opposite and spaced apart from each other, wherein the interior surface and exterior surface extend between the first and second ends and the upper and lower surfaces; a first web and a second web extending from the interior surface of the single face shell, and wherein each of the first web and the second web comprises a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal ends of the first and second webs being spaced inwardly from the first and second ends of the single face shell, and the proximal ends of the first and second webs being coupled to the interior surface of the single face shell; and a pier having a proximal surface adjacent the distal ends of the first and second webs, a distal surface opposite the proximal surface and facing away from the interior surface of the single face shell, a pier upper surface that is substantially within the same plane as the upper surface of the single face shell, a pier lower surface that is substantially within the same plane at the lower surface of the single face shell, a first side surface that is coupled to the distal end of the first web, and a second side surface that is coupled to a distal end of the second web, wherein the first and second side surfaces are spaced apart from each other and extend between the pier upper and pier lower surfaces, wherein interior surfaces of the webs, the proximal surface of the pier, and a portion of the interior surface of the face shell between the interior surfaces of the first and second webs together define a pocket, and wherein a ledge extends from the distal surface of the pier in a direction away from the interior surface of the single face shell, the ledge being spaced between the upper and lower surfaces of the pier.
a single face shell having an interior surface and an exterior surface that are opposite and spaced apart from each other, a first end and a second end that are opposite and spaced apart from each other, and an upper surface and a lower surface that are opposite and spaced apart from each other, wherein the interior surface and exterior surface extend between the first and second ends and the upper and lower surfaces;
a first web and a second web extending from the interior surface of the single face shell, and wherein each of the first web and the second web comprises a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal ends of the first and second webs being spaced inwardly from the first and second ends of the single face shell, and the proximal ends of the first and second webs being coupled to the interior surface of the single face shell; and
a pier having a proximal surface adjacent the distal ends of the first and second webs, a distal surface opposite the proximal surface and facing away from the interior surface of the single face shell, a pier upper surface that is substantially within the same plane as the upper surface of the single face shell, a pier lower surface that is substantially within the same plane at the lower surface of the single face shell, a first side surface that is coupled to the distal end of the first web, and a second side surface that is coupled to a distal end of the second web, wherein the first and second side surfaces are spaced apart from each other and extend between the pier upper and pier lower surfaces,
wherein interior surfaces of the webs, the proximal surface of the pier, and a portion of the interior surface of the face shell between the interior surfaces of the first and second webs together define a pocket, and
wherein a ledge extends from the distal surface of the pier in a direction away from the interior surface of the single face shell, the ledge being spaced between the upper and lower surfaces of the pier.
The building block of claim 1 , wherein: the interior surfaces of the first and second webs adjacent the proximal ends thereof and the interior surface of the single face shell define first and second grooves, respectively, and the first and second grooves extend from the lower surfaces of the first and second webs, respectively, to first and second interior ledges, respectively, disposed within the pocket, the first and second interior ledges being spaced between the upper and lower surfaces of the first and second webs, respectively, and the interior surfaces of the first and second webs adjacent the distal ends of thereof and the proximal surface of the pier define third and fourth grooves, respectively, and the third and fourth grooves extend from the lower surfaces of the first and second webs, respectively, to third and fourth interior ledges, respectively, disposed within the pocket, the third and fourth interior ledges being spaced between the upper and lower surfaces of the first and second webs, respectively.
the interior surfaces of the first and second webs adjacent the proximal ends thereof and the interior surface of the single face shell define first and second grooves, respectively, and the first and second grooves extend from the lower surfaces of the first and second webs, respectively, to first and second interior ledges, respectively, disposed within the pocket, the first and second interior ledges being spaced between the upper and lower surfaces of the first and second webs, respectively, and
the interior surfaces of the first and second webs adjacent the distal ends of thereof and the proximal surface of the pier define third and fourth grooves, respectively, and the third and fourth grooves extend from the lower surfaces of the first and second webs, respectively, to third and fourth interior ledges, respectively, disposed within the pocket, the third and fourth interior ledges being spaced between the upper and lower surfaces of the first and second webs, respectively.
The building block of claim 2 , wherein a first knock-out portion of the first web is defined between the first and third grooves, the lower surface of the first web, and the first and third interior ledges, and a second knock-out portion of the second web is defined between the second and fourth grooves, the lower surface of the second web, and the second and fourth interior ledges.
The building block of claim 1 , wherein the upper surfaces of the first and second webs are substantially within the same plane as the upper surface of the single face shell and the pier upper surface.
The building block of claim 4 , wherein the lower surface of the first and second webs are substantially within the same plane as the lower surface of the single face shell and the pier lower surface.
The building block of claim 1 , wherein the lower surface of the first and second webs are substantially within the same plane as the lower surface of the single face shell and the pier lower surface.
The building block of claim 1 , wherein the plane in which at least a portion of the ledge lies is substantially parallel to a plane in which at least a portion of the upper surface of the pier lies.
The building block of claim 1 , wherein the interior surface of the single face shell comprises a center line that extends between the upper and lower surfaces of the single face shell and is equi-spaced between the first and second ends of the face shell, and the proximal ends of the first and second webs are disposed between one of the first and second ends of the single face shell and the center line.
The building block of claim 1 , wherein the lower surface of the pier defines a horizontally oriented groove that extends between the first side and the second side of the pier.
The building block of claim 1 , wherein an exterior surface of the first web defines a lifting ledge adjacent the upper surface of the first web, the lifting ledge extends outwardly from the interior and the exterior surfaces of the first web in a direction parallel to a second axis, wherein the second axis extends through the first and second ends of the single face shell.
The building block of claim 1 , wherein the portion of the single face shell between the proximal ends of the first and second webs has a thickness, as measured in a direction parallel to a first axis, that is less than a thickness of a remaining portion of the single face shell, wherein the first axis is orthogonal to the interior surface of the single face shell.
The building block of claim 1 , wherein the pier has a width that is less than a width defined between exterior surfaces of the first and second webs, the exterior surfaces being spaced apart and opposite from the interior surfaces of the respective web, wherein width is measured in a direction parallel to a second axis that extends through the first and second ends of the single face shell.
A masonry wall comprising a plurality of building blocks stacked in horizontal courses, each building block comprising: a single face shell having an interior surface and an exterior surface that are opposite and spaced apart from each other, a first end and a second end that are opposite and spaced apart from each other, and an upper surface and a lower surface that are opposite and spaced apart from each other, wherein the interior surface and exterior surface extend between the first and second ends and the upper and lower surfaces; a first web and a second web extending from the interior surface of the single face shell, and wherein each of the first web and the second web comprises a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal ends of the first and second webs being spaced inwardly from the first and second ends of the single face shell, and the proximal ends of the first and second webs being coupled to the interior surface of the single face shell; and a pier having a proximal surface adjacent the distal ends of the first and second webs, a distal surface opposite the proximal surface and facing away from the interior surface of the single face shell in a direction parallel to a first axis, a pier upper surface that is substantially within the same plane as the upper surface of the single face shell, a pier lower surface that is substantially within the same plane at the lower surface of the single face shell, a first side surface that is coupled to the distal end of the first web, and a second side surface that is coupled to a distal end of the second web, wherein the first and second side surfaces are spaced apart from each other and extend between the pier upper and pier lower surfaces, and wherein the planes in which the pier upper and pier lower surfaces lie are substantially parallel to each other, wherein: interior surfaces of the webs, the proximal surface of the pier, and a portion of the interior surface of the face shell between the interior surfaces of the first and second webs together define a pocket, a ledge extends from the distal surface of the pier in the direction away from the interior surface of the single face shell parallel to the first axis, wherein the ledge is spaced between the pier upper and pier lower surfaces, and the plurality of building blocks comprises a first building block in a first horizontal course and a second building block in a second horizontal course, wherein the first building block is stacked upon the second building block such that the webs and pockets of the first and second building blocks form a column and a channel is defined by the ledge of the first building block, the pier upper surface of the second building block, and a portion of the distal surface of the pier of the first building block between the ledge and the pier upper surface of the first building block.
a pier having a proximal surface adjacent the distal ends of the first and second webs, a distal surface opposite the proximal surface and facing away from the interior surface of the single face shell in a direction parallel to a first axis, a pier upper surface that is substantially within the same plane as the upper surface of the single face shell, a pier lower surface that is substantially within the same plane at the lower surface of the single face shell, a first side surface that is coupled to the distal end of the first web, and a second side surface that is coupled to a distal end of the second web, wherein the first and second side surfaces are spaced apart from each other and extend between the pier upper and pier lower surfaces, and wherein the planes in which the pier upper and pier lower surfaces lie are substantially parallel to each other, wherein: interior surfaces of the webs, the proximal surface of the pier, and a portion of the interior surface of the face shell between the interior surfaces of the first and second webs together define a pocket, a ledge extends from the distal surface of the pier in the direction away from the interior surface of the single face shell parallel to the first axis, wherein the ledge is spaced between the pier upper and pier lower surfaces, and the plurality of building blocks comprises a first building block in a first horizontal course and a second building block in a second horizontal course, wherein the first building block is stacked upon the second building block such that the webs and pockets of the first and second building blocks form a column and a channel is defined by the ledge of the first building block, the pier upper surface of the second building block, and a portion of the distal surface of the pier of the first building block between the ledge and the pier upper surface of the first building block.
interior surfaces of the webs, the proximal surface of the pier, and a portion of the interior surface of the face shell between the interior surfaces of the first and second webs together define a pocket,
a ledge extends from the distal surface of the pier in the direction away from the interior surface of the single face shell parallel to the first axis, wherein
the ledge is spaced between the pier upper and pier lower surfaces, and the plurality of building blocks comprises a first building block in a first horizontal course and a second building block in a second horizontal course, wherein the first building block is stacked upon the second building block such that the webs and pockets of the first and second building blocks form a column and a channel is defined by the ledge of the first building block, the pier upper surface of the second building block, and a portion of the distal surface of the pier of the first building block between the ledge and the pier upper surface of the first building block.
The masonry wall of claim 13 , wherein a plane in which at least a portion of the ledge lies is substantially parallel to a plane in which at least a portion of the pier upper surface lies.
The masonry wall of claim 14 , wherein the plane in which the portion of the ledge lies is substantially parallel to a plane in which a portion of the pier lower surface lies.
The masonry wall of claim 13 , wherein a plane in which at least a portion of the ledge lies is substantially parallel to a plane in which at least a portion of the pier lower surface lies.
The masonry wall of claim 13 , further comprising a furring channel framing, the furring channel framing being disposed horizontally within the channel defined between the first and second building blocks.
The masonry wall of claim 13 , further comprising a furring channel framing, the furring channel framing being disposed diagonally within the channel defined between the first and second building blocks.
The masonry wall of claim 13 , wherein for each building block, the interior surfaces of the first and second webs adjacent the proximal ends thereof and the interior surface of the single face shell define first and second grooves, respectively, and the first and second grooves extend from the lower surfaces of the first and second webs, respectively, to first and second interior ledges, respectively, disposed within the pocket, the first and second interior ledges being spaced between the upper and lower surfaces of the first and second webs, respectively, and the interior surfaces of the first and second webs adjacent the distal ends of thereof and the proximal surface of the pier define third and fourth grooves, respectively, and the third and fourth grooves extend from the lower surfaces of the first and second webs, respectively, to third and fourth interior ledges, respectively, disposed within the pocket, the third and fourth interior ledges being spaced between the upper and lower surfaces of the first and second webs, respectively.
The masonry wall of claim 19 , wherein: for each building block, a first knock-out portion of the first web is defined between the first and third grooves, the lower surface of the first web, and the first and third interior ledges, and a second knock-out portion of the second web is defined between the second and fourth grooves, the lower surface of the second web, and the second and fourth interior ledges, and for building blocks in a particular course of the masonry wall, the first and second knock out portions are removed such that the lower surfaces of the webs are adjacent the first, second, third, fourth interior ledges, and the proximal surfaces of the piers, the lower surfaces of the webs with the knock out portions removed, and the interior surfaces of the single face shells in the particular course together define a horizontal beam channel along the particular course.
for each building block, a first knock-out portion of the first web is defined between the first and third grooves, the lower surface of the first web, and the first and third interior ledges, and a second knock-out portion of the second web is defined between the second and fourth grooves, the lower surface of the second web, and the second and fourth interior ledges, and
for building blocks in a particular course of the masonry wall, the first and second knock out portions are removed such that the lower surfaces of the webs are adjacent the first, second, third, fourth interior ledges, and the proximal surfaces of the piers, the lower surfaces of the webs with the knock out portions removed, and the interior surfaces of the single face shells in the particular course together define a horizontal beam channel along the particular course.
The masonry wall of claim 20 , further comprising a beam, the beam being disposed within the horizontal beam channel.
The masonry wall of claim 13 , wherein, for each building block, the interior surface of the single face shell comprises a center line that extends between the upper and lower surfaces of the single face shell and is equi-spaced between the first and second ends, and the proximal ends of the first and second webs of a first set of building blocks are disposed between the first end of the single face shell and the center line and the proximal ends of the first and second webs of a second set of building blocks are disposed between the second end of the single face shell and the center line, wherein blocks from the first set are laid in a first horizontal course, and blocks from the second set are laid vertically adjacent the first course in a second horizontal course.
The masonry wall of claim 22 , wherein the pockets of building blocks in adjacent courses are aligned and stacked to form continuous columns.
The masonry wall of claim 13 , wherein, for each building block, the portion of the single face shell between the proximal ends of the first and second webs has a thickness as measured in a direction parallel to the first axis that is less than a thickness of a remaining portion of the single face shell, wherein the first axis is orthogonal to the interior surface of the face shell.
The masonry wall of claim 13 ,
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