Office Action 1: Non-Final Rejection (2025-06-18)
Rejection types: 103 - Obviousness, 112 - Written Description/Enablement

CLAIMS:
Amendments to the Claims:

This listing of claims will replace all prior versions, and listings, of claims in the application:

Listing of Claims:

1\. (Currently Amended) A method for producing belt tensioning rollers \[\[(1)\]\], wherein, on the basis of a uniform basic roller shape \[\[(GF)\]\],different main bodies \[\[(2)\]\] of belt tensioning rollers \[\[(1)\]\], which each have at least one reinforcement \[\[(9, 14, 15)\]\], are produced generatively by various modifications of the basic roller shape \[\[(GF)\]\].

2\. (Currently Amended) The method according to The method according to wherein various reinforcements are produced in the form of reinforcing webs \[\[(14, 15)\]\] which complement the basic roller shape \[\[(GF)\]\].

3\. (Currently Amended) The method according to claim 1 \[\[or 2\]\], wherein at least one reinforcement \[\[(9)\]\] is realized in the form of an increase in wall thickness.

4\. (Currently Amended) The method according to claim 1, wherein the main body \[\[(2)\]\] is constructed from a powdery material, wherein openings \[\[(16)\]\] in the main body \[\[(2)\]\] for depowdering, which are open in the direction of the central axis \[\[(MA)\]\] of the main body \[\[(2)\]\], are excluded.

5\. (Currently Amended) A set of belt tensioning rollers \[\[(1)\]\],comprising a plurality of different main bodies \[\[(2)\]\], each produced by the

method according to claim 1,which are provided to receive a rolling bearing \[\[(10)\]\] held in an inner wall \[\[(6)\]\] of the main body \[\[(2)\]\], wherein each main body \[\[(2)\]\] has two cavities \[\[(5, 7)\]\] with a toroidal basic shape, namely an outer cavity \[\[(7)\]\] delimited by a belt support wall \[\[(8)\]\] and an inner cavity \[\[(5)\]\] delimited by the inner wall \[\[(6)\]\].

6\. (Currently Amended) The belt tensioning roller set according to claim 5, wherein at least in the case of one of the belt tensioning rollers \[\[(1)\]\] a reinforcement \[\[(15)\]\] of the main body \[\[(2)\]\] is disposed in the outer cavity \[\[(7)\]\].

7\. (Currently Amended) The belt tensioning roller set according to claim 6, wherein various reinforcements \[\[(15)\]\] are formed alternately in the circumferential direction of the outer cavity \[\[(7)\]\] in said cavity \[\[(7)\]\].

8\. (Currently Amended) The belt tensioning roller set according to claim 6 \[\[or 7\]\], wherein an additional reinforcement \[\[(14)\]\] extending to the inner wall \[\[(6)\]\] outside the two cavities \[\[(5, 7)\]\] is disposed in each case in an extension of a reinforcement \[\[(15)\]\] of the outer cavity \[\[(7)\]\].

9\. (Currently Amended) The belt tensioning roller set according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the main bodies \[\[(2)\]\] has a one-sided rim \[\[(17)\]\] on the belt support wall \[\[(8)\]\] thereof.

10\. (Currently Amended) The belt tensioning roller set according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the main bodies \[\[(2)\]\] has rims \[\[(17, 18)\]\] on both sides of the belt support wall \[\[(8)\]\] thereof.

11\. (New) A method for producing a set of belt tensioning rollers comprising:providing a powder material;
generatively forming a plurality of main bodies of the set of belt tensioning rollers with the powder material, wherein a respective main body is formed to include one or more reinforcement webs, at least two cavities, and a depowdering opening, wherein the depowdering open is configured for removal of the powder material following formation of the respective main body.

12\. (New) The method according to claim 11, wherein each cavity has a toroidal shape.

13\. (New) A belt tensioning device comprising:one or more belt tensioning rollers, wherein a respective belt tensioning roller comprises a main body and includes a reinforcement, wherein the main body is configured to receive a rolling bearing held in an inner wall of the main body, wherein the main body has two cavities including an outer cavity defined by a belt support wall and an inner cavity defined by the inner wall, wherein the main body includes an opening for removal of powder used to form the main body.

14\. (New) The system according to claim 13, wherein each cavity has a toroidal shape.

15\. (New) The system according to claim 13, wherein the reinforcement comprises a reinforcement web.

16\. (New) The system according to claim 13, wherein the reinforcement of the main body is disposed in the outer cavity.

17\. (New) The system according to claim 13, wherein reinforcement comprises multiple reinforcements formed alternately in the circumferential direction of the outer cavity within the outer cavity.

18\. (New) The system according to claim 13, further comprising an additional reinforcement extending to the inner wall outside the two cavities is disposed in within an extension of a reinforcement of the outer cavity.

19\. (New) The system according to claim 13, wherein the one or more main bodies comprises a one-sided rim on the belt support wall.

20\. (New) The system according to claim 13, wherein the one or more main bodies comprises rims on both sides of the belt support wall.

OFFICE ACTION:
DETAILED 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 .
Claim Objections
Claims 9 and 10 are objected to because of the following informalities: Claims 9 and 10 depend from claim 1, “A method of producing belt tensioning rollers…”.  Claims 9 and 10 recite “The belt tensioning roller set according to claim 1…”  Appropriate correction is required.
Claims 14-20 are objected to because of the following informalities: claims 14-20 claim “The system according to claim 13…”  Claim 13 does not claim a system.  Appropriate correction is required.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(b):
(b)  CONCLUSION.—The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor regards as the invention.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph:
The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the applicant regards as his invention.
Claims 1-10 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph, as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor (or for applications subject to pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, the applicant), regards as the invention.  Claim 1, line 2 recites “a uniform basic roller shape”.  It is unclear what a basic roller shape consists of or looks like.  Does it have a reinforcement or is a reinforcement an addition to the basic roller shape?  Lines 2 and 5 recite “…different main bodies of belt tensioning rollers…by various modifications of the basic roller shape.”  It is unclear what the different main bodies are by  various modifications of the basic roller shape.  Are small radius changes different main bodies?  Are changes in wall thickness of a portion of the basic roller shape counted as different main bodies.  There are many small variations that could be seen resulting in different main bodies.
Claim 2 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph, as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor (or for applications subject to pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, the applicant), regards as the invention.  Line 3 recites “complement the basic roller shape.”  It is unclear what the scope of complementing the basic roller shape is.  Is it merely adding reinforcing webs?  Can complementing the basic roller shape include other various modifications of the basic roller shape?
Claim 3 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph, as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor (or for applications subject to pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, the applicant), regards as the invention.  Claim 3 recites “at least one reinforcement is realized in the form of an increase in wall thickness.”  The claim doesn’t specify what the reinforcement is thicker than relative to what.  Does the reinforcement have increased wall thickness relative to an inner wall, a belt support wall?  Can the reinforcement just have an area where the thickness is increased versus the rest of the reinforcement?
Claim 4 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph, as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor (or for applications subject to pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, the applicant), regards as the invention.  Lines 3-5 recite “wherein openings in the main body for depowdering, which are open in the direction of the central axis of the main body, are excluded.”  It is unclear what this means.  “wherein openings….are excluded.”  Excluded from what?
Claims 9 and 10 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph, as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor (or for applications subject to pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, the applicant), regards as the invention.  Claims 9 and 10 recite “The belt tensioning roller set according to claim 1”.  However, claim 1 is directed to a method of producing belt tensioning rollers.  Claims 9 and 10 should be recited appropriately to claim 1 or claim dependency to claim 5.  Note: “the belt support wall” lacks antecedent basis to claim 1, but does have antecedent basis to claim 5.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
Claims 1, 4, 5 and 11-15 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Gerhard, DE102019132263.
As per claim 1, Gerhard discloses a method for producing belt tensioning rollers (1) (abstract) (fig. 1), wherein, on the basis of a uniform basic roller shape (fig. E-1), main bodies (fig. E-1) of belt tensioning rollers (1), which each have at least one reinforcement (10a, 10b), are produced generatively by various modifications of the basic roller shape (fig. E-1).
Gerhard doesn’t disclose producing belt tensioning rollers, wherein on the basis of a uniform basic roller shape, different main bodies… are produced.  However, it is well known in the art that radii changes can increase/decrease crack initiation likelihood of structurally rigid components.  Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to increase radii at reinforcement intersections for rollers of certain high load applications to increase overall structural strength of the basic roller shape.
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As per claim 3, Gerhard as set forth above,  discloses the claimed invention except for at least one reinforcement is realized in the form of an increase in wall thickness.  It would have been obvious matter of design choice to vary reinforcement wall thickness to increase structural rigidity or increase structural flexibility, since such a modification would have involved a mere change in the size of a component.  A change is size is generally recognized as being within the level of ordinary skill in the art.  In re Rose, 105 USPQ 237, (CCPA 1955).
As per claim 4, Gerhard as set forth above, discloses wherein the main body (fig. E-1) is constructed from a powdery material (p. 2, paragraph 9), wherein openings (9a-9d) in the main body for depowdering, which are open in the direction of the central axis of the main body, are excluded.
As per claim 5, Gerhard as set forth above, discloses a set of belt tensioning rollers (1), comprising a plurality of different main bodies (fig. E-1), each produced by the method according to claim 1, which are provided to receive a rolling bearing (p.2, paragraph 12) held in an inner wall (11b) (fig. 1) of the main body, wherein each main body has two cavities (6a, 6b, 6c) with a toroidal basic shape, namely an outer cavity (6a, 6b) delimited by a belt support wall (near 2) and an inner cavity (6c) delimited by the inner wall (11b).
As per claim 11, Gerhard discloses a method for producing a set of belt tensioning rollers (1) comprising: providing a powder material (p. 2, paragraph 9); generatively forming (p. 2, paragraph 9) a plurality of main bodies (fig. E-1) of the set of belt tensioning rollers (1) with the powder material, wherein a respective main body is formed to include one or more reinforcement webs (10a, 10b), at least two cavities (6a-c), and a depowdering opening (9a-d), wherein the depowdering open is configured for removal of the powder material following formation of the respective main body.  A set of tensioning rollers can obviously be made by producing more than one tensioning roller.
As per claim 12, Gerhard as set forth above, discloses each cavity (6a-c) has a toroidal shape (fig. 1) (revolving around centerline axis).
As per claim 13, Gerhard discloses a belt tensioning device (1) comprising: one or more belt tensioning rollers (1), wherein a respective belt tensioning roller comprises a main body (fig. E-1) and includes a reinforcement (10a, 10b), wherein the main body is configured to receive a rolling bearing (p.2, paragraph 12) held in an inner wall (11b) of the main body, wherein the main body has two cavities
(6a-c) including an outer cavity (6a, 6b) defined by a belt support wall (near 2) and an inner cavity (6c) defined by the inner wall (11b), wherein the main body includes an opening (9a-d) for removal of powder used to form the main body.
As per claim 14, Gerhard as set forth above, discloses each cavity (6a-c) has a toroidal shape (revolving around centerline axis).
As per claim 15, Gerhard as set forth above, discloses the reinforcement (10a, 10b) comprises a reinforcement web (fig. 1).
Claims 2, 6, 7, 16 and 17 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Gerhard, DE102019132263 in view of Garlatti, U.S. Patent Publication 2014/0221140.
As per claim 2, Gerhard as set forth above, does not disclose various reinforcements are produced in the form of reinforcing webs which complement the basic roller shape.  However, Garlatti in his Plastic Pulley for Driving Drum for Washing Machine into Rotation invention teaches the use of peripheral ribs (50) as part of a pulley used in conjunction with a belt.  Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the rollers of Gerhard with additional webs (ribs), as taught by Garlatti, for the purpose of providing extra structural support to the belt/pulley arrangement.
As per claims 6 and 16, Gerhard as set forth above, does not disclose at least in the case of one of the belt tensioning rollers a reinforcement of the main body is disposed in the outer cavity.  However,  Garlatti in his Plastic Pulley for Driving Drum for Washing Machine into Rotation invention teaches the use of peripheral ribs (50) as part of a pulley used in conjunction with a belt.  Fig. E-2 shows a pulley (roller) with an inner cavity and an outer cavity with a reinforcement located in the outer cavity.  Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the invention of Gerhard with added reinforcement in an outer cavity, as taught by Garlatti, for the purpose of increasing structural rigidity of the roller.  Examiner notes Applicants’ at least figures 1-16 and 18 are shown in cross section from an axial plane resulting in cavities shown from said planar orientation.
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Fig. E-2
As per claims 7 and 17, Gerhard as set forth above, does not disclose various reinforcements are formed alternately in the circumferential direction of the outer cavity in said cavity. However,  Garlatti in his Plastic Pulley for Driving Drum for Washing Machine into Rotation invention teaches the use of peripheral ribs (50) as part of a pulley used in conjunction with a belt.  Fig. E-3 shows a pulley (roller) with an inner cavity and an outer cavity with alternately formed reinforcements located in the outer cavity.  Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the invention of Gerhard with added alternately formed reinforcements in an outer cavity, as taught by Garlatti, for the purpose of increasing structural rigidity of the roller.  Examiner notes Applicants’ at least figures 1-16 and 18 are shown in cross section from an axial plane resulting in cavities shown from said planar orientation.
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Fig. E-3
Claims 9, 10, 19 and 20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Gerhard, DE102019132263 in view of Doerr et al., U.S. Patent 4,602,875.
As per claims 9, 10, 19 and 20, Gerhard as set forth above, does not disclose at least one of the main bodies has a one-sided rim or rims on both sides on the belt support wall thereof.  However, Doerr et al. in their Combined Bearing, Rotatable Member and Shield Assembly invention teach the use of a bearing/pulley assembly (10) featuring  rims or sidewalls (near 14) (fig. 1) on the engaging rim (42).  Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the invention of Gerhard with rims, as taught by Doerr et al., for the purpose of locating the belt on the outer peripheral surface to prevent the belt from falling off.
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 8 and 18 are objected to as being dependent upon a rejected base claim, but would be allowable if rewritten in independent form including all of the limitations of the base claim and any intervening claims.

APPLICANT REBUTTAL: REMARKS/ARGUMENTSClaims 5, 7, 9-15, 17, and 19-20 are pending in this application. Claims 5, 7, 9-15, 17, and 19-20 have been amended, without waiver. Claims 1-4, 6, 8, 16, and 18 are cancelled, without waiver. Support for the amendments is found throughout the application as-filed. Reconsideration and further examination are respectfully requested.Allowable and Allowed Subject Matter The Patent Office stated Claims 8 and 18 are objected to as being dependent upon a rejected base claim, but would be allowable if rewritten in independent form including all of the limitations of the base claim and any intervening claims.The Applicant thanks the Patent Office for the indication of allowed and allowable subject matter.Claim Objections In section 2, claims 9-10 are objected to because claims 9 and 10 depend from claim 1, "A method of producing belt tensioning rollers..." and claims 9 and 10 recite "The belt tensioning roller set according to claim 1...". The Applicant thanks the Examiner for the indication. Claims 9-10 are amended in a manner that renders this objection moot. The Applicant respectfully requests the removal of the present objection.In section 3, claims 14-20 are objected to because claims 14-20 claim "The system according to claim 13..." while claim 13 does not claim a system. The Applicant thanks the Examiner for the indication. Claims 16 and 18 are cancelled and claims 14-15, 17, and 19-20 are amended in a manner that renders this objection moot. The Applicant respectfully requests the removal of the present objection.Claim Rejections - 35 U.S.C. § 112 Claims 1-10 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre- AIA), second paragraph, as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor (or for applications subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, the applicant), regards as the invention.In section 5, the Examiner indicates the "a uniform basic roller shape" of claim 1 is indefinite because it is unclear what a basic roller shape consists of or looks like. In section 5, the Examiner also indicates the "... different main bodies of belt tensioning rollers... by various modifications of the basic roller shape" of claim 1 is indefinite because it is unclear what the different main bodies are by various modifications of the basic roller shape. The Applicant thanks the Examiner for the indication. To expedite prosecution, claim 1 is cancelled. The Applicant respectfully requests withdrawal of this rejection.In section 6, the Examiner indicates the "complement the basic roller shape" of claim 2 is indefinite because it is unclear what the scope of complementing the basic roller shape is. The Applicant thanks the Examiner for the indication. To expedite prosecution, claim 2 is cancelled. The Applicant respectfully requests withdrawal of this rejection.In section 7, the Examiner indicates the "at least one reinforcement is realized in the form of an increase in wall thickness" of claim 3 is indefinite because the claim doesn't specify what the reinforcement is thicker than relative to what.The Applicant thanks the Examiner for the indication. To expedite prosecution, claim 3 is cancelled. The Applicant respectfully requests withdrawal of this rejection.In section 8, the Examiner indicates the "wherein openings in the main body for depowdering, which are open in the direction of the central axis of the main body, are excluded" of claim 4 is indefinite because it is unclear what this means.The Applicant thanks the Examiner for the indication. To expedite prosecution, claim 4 is cancelled. The Applicant respectfully requests withdrawal of this rejection.In section 8, the Examiner indicates the "The belt tensioning roller set according to claim 1" of claim 9 and 10 are indefinite because claim 1 is directed to a method of producing belt tensioning rollers. The Examiner further suggests Claims 9 and 10 should be recited appropriately to claim 1 or claim dependency to claim 5. The Applicant thanks the Examiner for the indication. Claims 9 and 10 are amended to claim dependency to claim 5. The Applicant respectfully requests withdrawal of this rejection.Claim Rejections - 35 U.S.C. § 103 Claims 1, 4, 5 and 11-15 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Gerhard, DE102019132263.Claims 2, 6, 7, 16 and 17 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Gerhard, DE102019132263 in view of Garlatti, U.S. Patent Publication 2014/0221140.Claims 9, 10, 19 and 20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Gerhard, DE102019132263 in view of Doerr et al., U.S. Patent 4,602,875.The Applicant respectfully traverses each rejection under 35 U.S.C. § 103.To establish prima facie obviousness of a claimed invention, all the claim limitations must be taught or suggested by the prior art. In re Ryoka, 180 U.S.P.Q.580 (C.C.P.A. 1974). See also In re Wilson, 165 U.S.P.Q. 494 (C.C.P.A. 1970).Moreover, "[o]bviousness can only be established by combining or modifying the teachings of the prior art to produce the claimed invention where there is some teaching, suggestion, or motivation to do so found either explicitly or implicitly in the references themselves or the knowledge generally available to one of ordinary skill in the art." MPEP § 2143.01. "If an independent claim is nonobvious under 35 U.S.C. 103, then any claim depending therefrom is nonobvious." MPEP § 2143.03, citing In re Fine, 837 F.2d 1071, 5 USPQ 2d 1596 (Fed. Cir. 1988).To expedite prosecution, the Applicant has amended Claim 5. Claim 5 is amended to include the allowable subject matter of claim 8, together with the intervening claims. Claim 5 is believed to be allowable for at least this reason.Claims 7 and 9-10 depend upon claim 5 directly or indirectly and are allowable based on their dependence upon an allowable base claim.To expedite prosecution, the Applicant has amended Claim 11. Claim 11 is amended in a similar manner as claim 5. Claim 11 is believed to be allowable for at least this reason. Claims 12 depends upon claim 10 directly and is allowable based on its dependence upon an allowable base claim.To expedite prosecution, the Applicant has amended Claim 13. Claim 13 is amended to include the allowable subject matter of claim 18. Claim 13 is believed to be allowable for at least this reason. Claims 14-15, 17, and 19-20 depend upon claim 13 directly or indirectly and are allowable based on their dependence upon an allowable base claim.The Applicant respectfully traverses all the arguments made in the Office Action that were not specifically addressed above. The fact that rejections and/or statements may not be explicitly addressed during the course of prosecution should not be taken as an admission of any sort, and Applicant hereby reserves any and all rights to contest such rejections and/or statements at a later time.The Applicant may have cancelled and/or amended one or more claims during the course of prosecution. Claims have been amended and/or cancelled in this Amendment solely to facilitate expeditious prosecution. Applicant notes that any such cancellations and/or amendments will have transpired (i) prior to issuance and (ii) in the context of the rules that govern claim interpretation during prosecution before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (Patent Office).Applicant notes that the rules that govern claim interpretation during prosecution form a radically different context than the rules that govern claim interpretation subsequent to a patent issuing. Accordingly, Applicant respectfully submits that any cancellations and/or amendments during the course of prosecution should be held to be tangential to and/or unrelated to patentability in the event that such cancellations and/or amendments are viewed in a post-issuance context under post-issuance claim interpretation rules. Applicant submits that support for these amendments may be found in the disclosure as originally filed, and therefore no new matter has been added.The Applicant respectfully reserves the right to pursue claims as presented prior to this Amendment and additional claims in one or more continuing applications. With respect to any cancelled claims, such cancelled claims were and continue to be a part of the original and/or present patent application(s). Applicant hereby reserves all rights to present any cancelled claim or claims for examination at a later time in this or another application. Applicant hereby gives public notice that any cancelled claims are still to be considered as present in all related patent application(s) (e.g. the original and/or present patent application) for all appropriate purposes (e.g., written description and/or enablement). Applicant does not intend to dedicate the subject matter of any cancelled claims to the public.CONCLUSIONIn light of the forgoing, reconsideration and allowance of the pending claims is earnestly solicited. Should the Examiner have any questions or comments concerning the foregoing, Applicant's attorney welcomes the opportunity to discuss the same with the Examiner via a telephonic interview.Respectfully submitted, By: /matthew a poulsen/ Matthew A. Poulsen Reg. No. 71,622 SUITER SWANTZ RINGENBERG POULSEN PC LLO14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 220 Omaha, NE 68154 (402) 496-0300  telephone (402) 496-0333  facsimile

NEXT OFFICE ACTION: DETAILED 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 .
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 5, 7, 9-15, 17 and 19-20 are allowed.
The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance: the prior art of record fails to teach or suggest a set of belt tensioning rollers, comprising: a plurality of different main bodies which are provided to receive a rolling bearing held in an inner wall of the main body, wherein each main body has two cavities with a toroidal shape, wherein the two cavities comprise an outer cavity delimited by a belt support wall and an inner cavity delimited by the inner wall, wherein at least one of the main bodies comprises a reinforcement disposed in the outer cavity and comprises an additional reinforcement extending to the inner wall outside the two cavities, wherein the additional reinforcement is disposed in an extension of the reinforcement of the outer cavity.
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.”

CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US11536351B2: Claims:
A pulley device configured to support a belt of a chain tensioning idler or runner roller, comprising: a bearing having a rotatable outer ring and a coaxial fixed inner ring; and a pulley having at least one C-shaped pulley part, the at least one pulley part having an inner portion with an inner surface mounted on an outer cylindrical surface of the bearing outer ring, an outer cylindrical portion having an outer cylindrical surface configured to contact the belt or the chain, and a radial intermediate portion extending substantially radially between an axial outer end of the inner cylindrical portion and an axial outer end of the outer cylindrical portion, each of the at least one pulley part being formed integral and defining an open end on an axial side opposite the intermediate portion; wherein the entire outer cylindrical portion is thicker than every part of the inner cylindrical portion.
a bearing having a rotatable outer ring and a coaxial fixed inner ring; and
a pulley having at least one C-shaped pulley part, the at least one pulley part having an inner portion with an inner surface mounted on an outer cylindrical surface of the bearing outer ring, an outer cylindrical portion having an outer cylindrical surface configured to contact the belt or the chain, and a radial intermediate portion extending substantially radially between an axial outer end of the inner cylindrical portion and an axial outer end of the outer cylindrical portion, each of the at least one pulley part being formed integral and defining an open end on an axial side opposite the intermediate portion;
wherein the entire outer cylindrical portion is thicker than every part of the inner cylindrical portion.
The pulley device according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one pulley part comprises no more than one pulley part.
The pulley device according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one pulley part comprises two C-shaped pulley parts mounted on the outer cylindrical surface of the outer ring of bearing with the open ends of the two pulley parts axially facing each other, axially inner ends of the inner cylindrical portions being in axial abutment.
The pulley device according to claim 3 , wherein the two pulley parts are symmetrical with respect to a transverse radial plane passing through the center of the bearing.
The pulley device according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one pulley part is made from a stamped metal sheet or blank.
The pulley device according to claim 1 , wherein a ratio between a thickness of the outer cylindrical portion and a thickness of the inner cylindrical portion is between 1.1 and 1.5.
The pulley device according to claim 6 , wherein the ratio is equal to 1.25.
The pulley device according to claim 1 , wherein a material thickness of the outer cylindrical portion is equal to a material thickness of the intermediate portion.
The pulley device according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one pulley part comprises two C-shaped pulley parts mounted onto the outer cylindrical surface of outer ring of bearing with the open ends of the two pulley parts axially facing each other, axially inner ends of the inner cylindrical portions being in axial abutment, wherein the two pulley parts are symmetrical with respect to a transverse radial plane passing through the center of the bearing, wherein the at least one pulley part is made from a stamped metal sheet or blank, wherein a ratio between a thickness of the outer cylindrical portion and a thickness of the inner cylindrical portion is between 1.1 and 1.5, and wherein a material thickness of the outer cylindrical portion is equal to a material thickness of the intermediate portion.
wherein the at least one pulley part comprises two C-shaped pulley parts mounted onto the outer cylindrical surface of outer ring of bearing with the open ends of the two pulley parts axially facing each other, axially inner ends of the inner cylindrical portions being in axial abutment,
wherein the two pulley parts are symmetrical with respect to a transverse radial plane passing through the center of the bearing,
wherein the at least one pulley part is made from a stamped metal sheet or blank,
wherein a ratio between a thickness of the outer cylindrical portion and a thickness of the inner cylindrical portion is between 1.1 and 1.5, and
wherein a material thickness of the outer cylindrical portion is equal to a material thickness of the intermediate portion.
The pulley device according to claim 9 , wherein the ratio is 1.25.
A pulley device configured to support a belt of a chain tensioning idler or runner roller, comprising: a bearing having a rotatable outer ring and a coaxial fixed inner ring; and a pulley having at least one C-shaped pulley part, the at least one pulley part having an inner portion with an inner surface mounted on an outer cylindrical surface of the bearing outer ring, an outer cylindrical portion having an outer cylindrical surface configured to contact the belt or the chain, and a radial intermediate portion extending substantially radially between an axial outer end of the inner cylindrical portion and an axial outer end of the outer cylindrical portion, each of the at least one pulley part being formed integral and defining an open end on an axial side opposite the intermediate portion; wherein a ratio between a material thickness of the outer cylindrical portion at a first location radially outward of the outer ring and a material thickness of the inner cylindrical portion at a second location radially between the first location and the outer ring is strictly greater than 1.
wherein a ratio between a material thickness of the outer cylindrical portion at a first location radially outward of the outer ring and a material thickness of the inner cylindrical portion at a second location radially between the first location and the outer ring is strictly greater than 1.
The pulley device according to claim 11 , wherein the at least one pulley part comprises no more than one pulley part.
The pulley device according to claim 11 , wherein the at least one pulley part comprises two C-shaped pulley parts mounted on the outer cylindrical surface of the outer ring of bearing with the open ends of the two pulley parts axially facing each other, axially inner ends of the inner cylindrical portions being in axial abutment.
The pulley device according to claim 13 , wherein the two pulley parts are symmetrical with respect to a transverse radial plane passing through the center of the bearing.
The pulley device according to claim 11 , wherein the at least one pulley part is made from a stamped metal sheet or blank.
The pulley device according to claim 11 , wherein the ratio is between 1.1 and 1.5.
The pulley device according to claim 11 , wherein the ratio is equal to 1.25.
The pulley device according to claim 11 , wherein the material thickness of the outer cylindrical portion is equal to a material thickness of the intermediate portion.
The pulley device according to claim 11 , wherein the at least one pulley part comprises two C-shaped pulley parts mounted onto the outer cylindrical surface of outer ring of bearing with the open ends of the two pulley parts axially facing each other, axially inner ends of the inner cylindrical portions being in axial abutment, wherein the two pulley parts are symmetrical with respect to a transverse radial plane passing through the center of the bearing, wherein the at least one pulley part is made from a stamped metal sheet or blank, wherein the ratio is between 1.1 and 1.5, and wherein the material thickness of the outer cylindrical portion is equal to a material thickness of the intermediate portion.
wherein the ratio is between 1.1 and 1.5, and
wherein the material thickness of the outer cylindrical portion is equal to a material thickness of the intermediate portion.
The pulley device according to claim 19 , wherein the ratio is 1.25.
Ref US11892070B2: Claims:
A belt pulley of a washing machine drum, particularly of a household washing machine, made of a plastic material, which comprises a central part of the belt pulley formed as a hub, with which the belt pulley is fastened to a drum shaft; a belt pulley circumference arranged concentrically with respect to the hub and receiving a belt on its outer surface; a substantially circular dividing rib arranged concentrically with respect to the circumference of the belt pulley so as to divide the belt pulley into two concentric sections, i.e. a first, inner section closer to the hub, and a second, outer section delimited by the circumference of the belt pulley, wherein a respective plurality of reinforcing ribs are arranged in the inner and outer sections, characterized in that the dividing rib is arranged on a line of a polygon having the centre in the belt pulley axis and exhibiting corners, into which, from a side facing the hub, a portion of the reinforcing ribs lying the furthest away from the hub lead, said ribs being part of a plurality of reinforcing ribs of the inner section, wherein at least a portion of the reinforcing ribs leading into the corners of the dividing rib extend along a line of polygons which are in the shape of hexagons and radially arranged in the inner section and in contact with each other along one of their sides, that from at least one said corner of the dividing rib on the side facing the circumference, at least one arc-shaped reinforcing rib originates, the free end of which contacts the circumference of the belt pulley.
that the dividing rib is arranged on a line of a polygon having the centre in the belt pulley axis and exhibiting corners, into which, from a side facing the hub, a portion of the reinforcing ribs lying the furthest away from the hub lead, said ribs being part of a plurality of reinforcing ribs of the inner section, wherein at least a portion of the reinforcing ribs leading into the corners of the dividing rib extend along a line of polygons which are in the shape of hexagons and radially arranged in the inner section and in contact with each other along one of their sides,
that from at least one said corner of the dividing rib on the side facing the circumference, at least one arc-shaped reinforcing rib originates, the free end of which contacts the circumference of the belt pulley.
A belt pulley according to claim 1 , characterized in that from at least one corner of the dividing rib on the side facing the circumference, two arc-shaped reinforcing ribs of the outer section originate, forming a pair of mirrored arc-shaped reinforcing ribs and their free ends contacting the circumference of the belt pulley.
A belt pulley according to claim 1 , characterized in that the dividing rib is arranged concentrically with respect to the circumference of the belt pulley at ⅓ to ⅔ of the radius of the circumference of the belt pulley, preferably at substantially half the radius of the circumference of the belt pulley.
A belt pulley according to claim 1 , characterized in that the reinforcing ribs of the inner section running along the line of the polygons form a honeycomb.
A belt pulley according to claim 4 , characterized in that the size of the cells of the honeycomb increases with their distance from the axis of the belt pulley.
A belt pulley according to claim 1 , characterized in that the size of the radius of the arc-shaped reinforcing rib is substantially equal to or larger than the radius of the belt pulley.
A belt pulley according to claim 2 characterized in that a second pair of arc-shaped reinforcing ribs is axially mirrored to a pair of arc-shaped reinforcing ribs of the outer section.
A belt pulley according to claim 1 , characterized in that the heights of the reinforcing ribs that extend in the direction of the axis of the belt pulley, increase towards the central part of the belt pulley.
A belt pulley according to claim 1 , characterized in that the number of pairs of arc-shaped reinforcing ribs in the outer section is equal to the number of corners of the dividing rib.
Ref US9085846B2: Claims:
A plastic pulley for driving a drum for a washing machine into rotation, the plastic pulley comprising: a central hub with a hole or slot to spline a shaft of a drum of washing machine; a peripheral crown with a housing to receive as driving belt, said peripheral crown being provided with center and radius coinciding with center and radius of the pulley; a first intermediate section comprising a plurality of radial ribs extending radially from the hub; and a second intermediate section comprising a plurality of peripheral ribs ending in said peripheral crown, said peripheral ribs being inclined with respect to radial ribs; wherein the pulley comprises: a circular intermediate rib concentric with center of the pulley and provided with radius substantially equal to half radius of pulley, said circular intermediate rib separating the first intermediate section from the second intermediate section, said circular intermediate rib comprising connection points of the radial ribs and connection points of the peripheral ribs, wherein said connection points of the radial ribs are distant from said connection points of the peripheral ribs; said peripheral ribs having suitable inclination both each other and with respect to the radial ribs, in such way that said peripheral ribs intersect each other at least in one crossing point to form a web structure in said second intermediate section.
a central hub with a hole or slot to spline a shaft of a drum of washing machine;
a peripheral crown with a housing to receive as driving belt, said peripheral crown being provided with center and radius coinciding with center and radius of the pulley;
a first intermediate section comprising a plurality of radial ribs extending radially from the hub; and
a second intermediate section comprising a plurality of peripheral ribs ending in said peripheral crown, said peripheral ribs being inclined with respect to radial ribs;
wherein the pulley comprises: a circular intermediate rib concentric with center of the pulley and provided with radius substantially equal to half radius of pulley, said circular intermediate rib separating the first intermediate section from the second intermediate section, said circular intermediate rib comprising connection points of the radial ribs and connection points of the peripheral ribs, wherein said connection points of the radial ribs are distant from said connection points of the peripheral ribs; said peripheral ribs having suitable inclination both each other and with respect to the radial ribs, in such way that said peripheral ribs intersect each other at least in one crossing point to form a web structure in said second intermediate section.
a circular intermediate rib concentric with center of the pulley and provided with radius substantially equal to half radius of pulley, said circular intermediate rib separating the first intermediate section from the second intermediate section, said circular intermediate rib comprising connection points of the radial ribs and connection points of the peripheral ribs, wherein said connection points of the radial ribs are distant from said connection points of the peripheral ribs;
said peripheral ribs having suitable inclination both each other and with respect to the radial ribs, in such way that said peripheral ribs intersect each other at least in one crossing point to form a web structure in said second intermediate section.
The pulley of claim 1 , wherein each connection point of the peripheral ribs is situated on the circular intermediate rib in intermediate position between two connection points ( 40 b ) of the radial ribs.
The pulley of claim 1 , wherein two peripheral ribs with mutual inclination originate from each connection point of the peripheral ribs on the circular rib.
The pulley of claim 3 , wherein two peripheral ribs originate from each connection point of the peripheral ribs on the circular rib, being mutually inclined by angle higher than 90Â°, in such way that each peripheral rib crosses at least two peripheral ribs in two crossing points.
The pulley of claim 1 , wherein the pulley comprises at least one plate comprising of a substantially circular plate that covers said first intermediate section of the pulley and extends from the hub to the circular intermediate rib.
The pulley of claim 5 , wherein said plate comprises at least one tapered section, in order to obtain taper between the hub and the circular intermediate rib.
The pulley of claim 5 , wherein said plate comprises a plurality of openings situated between said radial ribs for air ventilation.
The pulley of claim 1 , wherein said peripheral ribs have T-shaped or tapered section from back to front.
The pulley of claim 1 , wherein the pulley is made of plastic material with elastic modulus higher than 14,000 MPa, charged with mineral or synthetic charges in percentage from 50 to 70%, preferably 65%.
Ref US5797819A: Claims:
A resin pulley comprising a resin material wherein an inorganic fiber, an inorganic powder, an organic fiber and an elastomer are blended in a phenol resin.
The resin pulley according to claim 1, wherein each content of the inorganic fiber, inorganic powder, organic fiber and elastomer in the resin material is within the following range Inorganic fiber: 25-45% by weight Inorganic powder: 3-7% by weight Organic fiber: 3-7% by weight Elastomer: 3-10% by weight.
Inorganic fiber: 25-45% by weight
Inorganic powder: 3-7% by weight
Organic fiber: 3-7% by weight
Elastomer: 3-10% by weight.
The resin pulley according to claim 1, wherein the inorganic fiber is a glass fiber and the inorganic powder is a silica powder and, further, the organic fiber is a cotton cloth fiber.
The resin pulley according to claim 1, wherein the elastomer is at least one sort selected from the group consisting of nitrile rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, chloroprene rubber and ethylene-propylene rubber.
The resin pulley according to claim 1, which is made by insert-molding the resin material.
The resin pulley according to claim 1, which is made by insert-molding the resin material on the outer periphery of a metal boss.
Ref US20230204092A1: Claims:
- 10 . (canceled)
A belt pulley of a washing machine drum, particularly of a household washing machine, made of a plastic material, which comprises a central part of the belt pulley formed as a hub, with which the belt pulley is fastened to a drum shaft; a belt pulley circumference arranged concentrically with respect to the hub and receiving a belt on its outer surface; a substantially circular dividing rib arranged concentrically with respect to the circumference of the belt pulley so as to divide the belt pulley into two concentric sections, i.e. a first, inner section closer to the hub, and a second, outer section delimited by the circumference of the belt pulley, wherein a respective plurality of reinforcing ribs are arranged in the inner and outer sections, characterized in that the dividing rib is arranged on a line of a polygon having the centre in the belt pulley axis and exhibiting corners, into which, from a side facing the hub, a portion of the reinforcing ribs lying the furthest away from the hub lead, said ribs being part of a plurality of reinforcing ribs of the inner section, wherein at least a portion of the reinforcing ribs leading into the corners of the dividing rib extend along a line of polygons which are in the shape of hexagons and radially arranged in the inner section and in contact with each other along one of their sides, that from at least one said corner of the dividing rib on the side facing the circumference, at least one arc-shaped reinforcing rib originates, the free end of which contacts the circumference of the belt pulley.
that the dividing rib is arranged on a line of a polygon having the centre in the belt pulley axis and exhibiting c
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