Office Action 1: Non-Final Rejection (2025-01-30)
Rejection types: 102 - Lack of Novelty, 103 - Obviousness, 112 - Written Description/Enablement

CLAIMS:
IN THE CLAIMS

Please cancel claim 1. Claims 2 through 16 were previously cancelled.Please insert new claims 17 through 32 as follows:

Claims 1-16 - (Cancelled)215

17\. (New) A device for feeding a first and a second weft thread in a weft direction to a gripper head of a loom, the device comprising:
a coupling unit configured to move back and forth in a warp direction when the device is installed laterally on the loom;
a first and a second feed unit adjacently arranged in the warp direction on the coupling unit, the first and the second feed units configured to feed the first and the second weft threads, respectively, to the gripper head;
a positioning unit configured to position the coupling unit in the warp direction in a first position of the coupling unit and counter to the warp direction in a second position of the coupling unit; and
wherein the first feed unit feeds the first weft thread to the gripper head when the coupling unit is in the first position and the second feed unit feeds the second weft thread to the gripper head when the coupling unit is in the second position.

18\. (New) The device of claim 17, wherein the coupling unit is positionable such that the position of the first feed unit in the first position of the coupling unit and the position of the second feed unit in the second position of the coupling unit match in the warp direction during weft insertion.

19\. (New) The device of claim 17, wherein each of the first and second feed units comprises slides that are movable in the weft direction.

20\. (New) The device of claim 19, wherein each of the slides is individually motor-driven in and counter to the weft direction.

21\. (New) The device of claim 19, wherein each of the slides comprises an actuatable clamp configured to clamp and release the respective weft thread associated with each of the slides, and further comprising guide elements upstream of each of the clamps in the weft direction that guide the respective weft threads from above, below, and laterally.

22\. (New) The device of claim 20, wherein the common drive is controllable such that each of the slides are drivable to different away from or into the gripper head.

23\. (New) The device of claim 17, wherein each of the feed units comprise a strip-conveying unit having two revolving strip conveyors positionable in relation to each other, wherein the respective weft threads are conveyable in the weft direction between the strip conveyors.

24\. (New) The device of claim 17, further comprising a drive configured with the positioning unit.

25\. (New) The device of claim 17, wherein the coupling unit is configured on a fixed guide part having first guide structures, the coupling unit comprising guide elements that interact with the first guide structures to move the coupling in or counter to the warp direction.

26\. (New) The device of claim 25, wherein the first guide structures are configured to prevent one of the first or second feed units from moving in the weft direction as the coupling unit is positioned in and counter to the warp direction, and further comprising second guide structures on the guide part that enable the other of the second or first feed units to move in and counter to the weft direction.

27\. (New) The device of claim 26, wherein the first and second guide structures are formed by grooves or protrusions in or on the guide part.

28\. (New) The device of claim 17, further comprising a first weft thread storage unit having a first bobbin, the first weft thread guided from the first weft thread storage unit to the first feed unit, and a second weft thread storage unit having a second bobbin, the second weft thread guided from the second weft thread storage unit to the second feed unit.

29\. (New) The device of claim 28, wherein the first weft thread storage unit is arranged above the second weft thread storage unit such that the first weft thread and the second weft thread emerge from the first and second weft thread storage units, respectively, extending one above the other.

30\. (New) The device of claim 28, wherein:
the first and the second weft thread storage units are aligned in the weft direction and the axes of the first and the second bobbins are aligned in the warp direction, or the first and the second weft thread storage units are aligned in the warp direction and the axes of the first and the second bobbins being aligned in the weft direction, and further comprising deflectors located to convey the first and the second weft threads in the weft direction.

31\. (New) A loom, comprising a gripper head that is movable through an open shed in and counter to a weft direction, and the device according to claim 17 for feeding the first and the second weft thread in the weft direction to the gripper head

32\. (New) A method for feeding a first and a second weft thread during production of woven fabric in a loom having a gripper head that draws the first and second weft threads through an open shed along a weft insertion line, the method comprising:
locating the first and second weft threads next to one another in a plane in a warp direction at an edge of the woven fabric;
moving the first and second weft threads in a first direction along the warp direction to position the first weft thread at the weft insertion line while deflecting the second weft thread clear of the weft insertion line;
feeding the first weft thread along the weft insertion line to the gripper head that draws the first weft thread through the open shed;
moving the first and second weft threads in a second opposite direction along the warp direction to position the second weft thread at the weft insertion line while deflecting the first weft thread clear of the weft insertion line; and
feeding the second weft thread along the weft insertion line to the gripper head that draws the second weft thread through the open shed.

OFFICE ACTION:
DETAILED ACTION
This is in response to application filed on October 11th, 2023 in which claims 1-16 were presented for examination, amended via preliminary amendment 1/19/24 to present Claims 17-32 for examination.
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 .
Specification
The disclosure is objected to because of the following informalities:
[0049] “pneumatic cylinder 15” should read “pneumatic cylinder 16”
[0052] after “According to Fig. 1e, the second feed unit” add –50--
[0058] “coupling element 10” should read “coupling unit 10” for consistency in terminology; otherwise, it is suggested to indicate coupling element/unit in the first instance in order to establish that the terms are synonymous
[0065] “first guide element 30” needs review whether it should read “first feed unit 30”
[0068] “lower clamp part” should read “lower clamping part 88” for consistency in terminology
Appropriate correction is required.
Claim Objections
Claim(s) 31 is/are objected to because of the following informalities:
Claim 31 is missing a period
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.
Claim(s) 22 is/are rejected under U.S.C. 112(b).
Claim 22 recites the limitation the common drive in Line 1.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim.
As such, it is unclear what the term “the common drive” is referring to.  Claim 22 depends on Claim 20, which established that each of the slides are individually “motor-driven”.  It is unclear whether the terms are related.
The term common in claim 22 is a relative term which renders the claim indefinite.  The term common is not defined by the claim, the specification does not provide a standard for ascertaining the requisite degree, and one of ordinary skill in the art would not be reasonably apprised of the scope of the invention.  It is unclear whether the term “common” is meant to establish “well-known as prior art”, based on [0049] “commonly used drive 42”, such that [0049] teaches the recitation.
The term “common” in claim 22 is further unclear and therefore renders the claim indefinite.  It is unclear whether the term is meant to be interpreted as a “single” drive for multiple elements.
The term “drivable to different away from” in Claim 22 Line 2 is unclear and therefore renders the claim indefinite.  It is unclear whether there is missing recitation.
For the purposes of applying art and providing rejections, the recitation will be interpreted such that Claim 22 Line 2 deleted the term “to different”, and such that Claim 22 is met by the rejection of Claim 20 if the gripper head moves in the weft direction.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action:
A person shall be entitled to a patent unless –
(a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
(a)(2) the claimed invention was described in a patent issued under section 151, or in an application for patent published or deemed published under section 122(b), in which the patent or application, as the case may be, names another inventor and was effectively filed before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
Claim(s) 17, 18, 24, 25, 28, 29, 31, 32 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Laukamp et al (USPN 8550123), herein Laukamp.
Regarding Claim 17, Laukamp teaches a device (1) for feeding a first and a second weft thread (6, 6’) in a weft direction (BR) to a gripper head (4) of a loom (it is noted that a recitation with respect to the manner in which a claimed apparatus is intended to be employed does not differentiate the claimed apparatus from a prior art apparatus satisfying the claimed structural limitations; however, see Fig. 2; Col. 5 Lines 21-25 device 1…for transferring band-shaped weft material 6…from a feed unit…to the insertion element 4 of a weaving machine; Col. 5 Line 30 insertion element 4…is embodied as a gripper; Col. 6 Lines 11-12 insertion element 4 moves with the clamp 10; see Fig. 5 for first/second weft; although recitations herein may be directed to a different embodiment, such as Fig. 1, it is understood that Figs. 2-5 having the same numerals and concepts as recited for Fig. 1 as applicable would also have the recitations apply to Figs. 2-5), the device comprising:
a coupling unit (3, 3’) configured to move back and forth in a warp direction when the device is installed laterally on the loom (Col. 5 Line 64 swivel arm 3; Col. 6 Lines 6-7 Fig. 2 shows...the device...comprises...arms 3; see Fig. 2 for back/forth; wherein the rotation includes movement in a warp direction; Col. 6 Lines 64-66 insertion element 4 carries the weft material 6…into the opened loom shed; see Fig. 2; arms 3 lateral to 4 lateral to loom, see extrinsic evidence Park KR 100822409);
a first and a second feed unit (9, 9’) adjacently arranged in the warp direction on the coupling unit (Col. 6 Lines 6-8 Fig. 2 shows…the device…comprises…arms 3 that are connected by a coupling element 9; see Fig. 5 for adjacent in warp direction; on arms 3/coupling unit),
the first and the second feed units configured to feed the first and the second weft threads, respectively, to the gripper head (see Fig. 5; Col. 6 Line 11 insertion element 4);
a positioning unit (8, 8’) configured to position the coupling unit in the warp direction in a first position of the coupling unit and counter to the warp direction in a second position of the coupling unit (see Fig. 2 for two positions; Col. 6 Line 38 drive 8; positions the coupling units/arms 3 -- Col. 2 Lines 51-53 clamping device is conveyable by means of a pivot or swivel unit, which includes at least one pivot or swivel arm and is drivable by the drive; Col. 5 Lines 46-47 A drive 8 is provided for conveying the clamping device 5); and
wherein the first feed unit feeds the first weft thread to the gripper head when the coupling unit is in the first position and the second feed unit feeds the second weft thread to the gripper head when the coupling unit is in the second position (see Fig. 5; Col. 8 Line 60-Col. 9 Line 7).
Regarding Claim 18, Laukamp teaches the device of claim 17, wherein the coupling unit is positionable such that the position of the first feed unit in the first position of the coupling unit and the position of the second feed unit in the second position of the coupling unit match in the warp direction during weft insertion (see Fig. 5; positions match inasmuch as wefts are fed to position at 4).
Regarding Claim 24, Laukamp teaches the device of claim 17, further comprising a drive configured with the positioning unit (see Fig. 2; Col. 6 Line 38 drive 8).
Regarding Claim 25, Laukamp teaches the device of claim 17, wherein the coupling unit (3, 3’) is configured on a fixed guide part having first guide structures (see Figs. 2, 5; Col. 6 Lines 24-25 weft material 6 is guided between two guide bolts 11; wherein coupling unit 3, 3’ is on a structure of device 1 having bolts 11).
Regarding Claim 28, Laukamp teaches the device of claim 17, further comprising a first weft thread storage unit having a first bobbin (Col. 8 Lines 48-50 feed packages comprise…length for band-shaped materials 6…a package or bobbin exchange can take place),
the first weft thread guided from the first weft thread storage unit to the first feed unit (see Fig. 5, wherein the thread is guided inasmuch as the thread is correctly placed),
and a second weft thread storage unit having a second bobbin (Col. 8 Lines 45-46 feed two different weft materials by means of the device; therefore Col. 8 Lines 48-50 also teaches second weft thread storage unit with second bobbin),
the second weft thread guided from the second weft thread storage unit to the second feed unit (Col. 8 Lines 45-46 teaches that the first weft thread guided as recited would also indicate the second weft guided as recited).
Regarding Claim 29, Laukamp further teaches the device of claim 28, wherein the first weft thread storage unit is arranged above the second weft thread storage unit such that the first weft thread and the second weft thread emerge from the first and second weft thread storage units, respectively, extending one above the other (see Fig. 5, wherein arranged above/extending above is a matter of perspective).
Regarding Claim 31, Laukamp teaches a loom (it is noted that a recitation with respect to the manner in which a claimed apparatus is intended to be employed does not differentiate the claimed apparatus from a prior art apparatus satisfying the claimed structural limitations; however, see Fig. 2; Col. 5 Lines 21-25 device 1…for transferring band-shaped weft material 6…from a feed unit…to the insertion element 4 of a weaving machine, the weaving machine being a loom; although recitations herein may be directed to a different embodiment, such as Fig. 1, it is understood that Figs. 2-5 having the same numerals and concepts as recited for Fig. 1 as applicable would also have the recitations apply to Figs. 2-5), comprising
a gripper head (4) that is moving through an open shed in and counter to a weft direction (BR) (see Fig. 5; Col. 6 Line 12 insertion element 4; Col. 6 Lines 64-66 insertion element 4 carries the weft material 6…into the opened loom shed; Col. 5 Lines 45-46 motion BR of the insertion element 4 and thus in the weft direction; see Fig. 2 for BR being in/counter to weft),
and the device according to claim 17 for feeding the first and the second weft thread in the weft direction to the gripper head (see rejection of Claim 17).
Regarding Claim 32, Laukamp teaches a method for feeding a first and a second weft thread during production of woven fabric in a loom having a gripper head that draws the first and second weft threads through an open shed along a weft insertion line (if a prior art, in its normal and usual operation, would necessarily describe a device capable of performing the steps of the method or process, then the device claimed will be considered to be inherent by the prior art process or method. When the prior art process or method is the same as a process or method described in the specification for describing the claimed device, it can be assumed the process or method will inherently describe the claimed device capable of performing the different steps of the process or method. In re King, 801 F.2d 1324, 231 USPQ 136 (Fed. Cir. 1986). MPEP 2112.02; as such, for structure for the method: for loom-- see Fig. 2; Col. 5 Lines 21-25 device 1…for transferring band-shaped weft material 6…from a feed unit…to the insertion element 4 of a weaving machine;  for gripper head-- Col. 5 Line 30 insertion element 4…is embodied as a gripper; Col. 6 Lines 11-12 insertion element 4 moves with the clamp 10”; see Fig. 5 for first/second weft 6, 6'; for open shed-- Col. 6 Lines 64-66 insertion element 4 carries the weft material 6…into the opened loom shed; for weft insertion line --see Figs. 2, 3, 5; Col. 5 Lines 45-46 motion BR of the insertion element 4 and thus in the weft direction; although recitations herein may be directed to a different embodiment, such as Fig. 1, it is understood that Figs. 2-5 having the same numerals and concepts as recited for Fig. 1 as applicable would also have the recitations apply to Figs. 2-5), the method comprising:
locating the first and second weft threads next to one another in a plane in a warp direction at an edge of the woven fabric (see Fig. 5 for next to one another in warp direction plane, as BR is weft direction; Col. 7 Lines 6-7 fabric edge 7),
moving the first and second weft threads in a first direction along the warp direction to position the first weft thread at the weft insertion line while deflecting the second weft thread clear of the weft insertion line (for moving—see Figs. 2-5; Col. 8 Line 60-Col. 9 Line 7; especially for deflecting -- see Fig. 5; Col. 8 Lines 52-56 swivel unit 2' with the clamping device 5' is located in the transfer position and is available for the insertion, while the swivel unit 2 with the clamping device 5 with the clamped weft material 6 is located in a parked position); and
feeding the first weft thread along the weft insertion line to the gripper head that draws the first weft thread through the open shed (see Figs. 2-4; Col. 8 Lines 60-66);
moving the first and second weft threads in a second opposite direction along the warp direction to position the second weft thread at the weft insertion line while deflecting the first weft thread clear of the weft insertion line (see Fig. 5; Col. 8 Line 66-Col. 9 Line 7); and
feeding the second weft thread along the weft insertion line to the gripper head that draws the second weft thread through the open shed (see Figs. 2-5; Col. 8 Line 60-Col. 9 Line 7).
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.
Claim(s) 19-22 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Laukamp et al (USPN 8550123), herein Laukamp, in view of Park (KR 100822409).
Regarding Claim 19, Laukamp teaches all the claimed limitations as discussed above in Claim 17.
Laukamp does not explicitly teach wherein each of the first and second feed units comprises slides that are movable in the weft direction.
Park teaches a feed unit with a slide movable in the weft direction (see Figs. 9, 10; page 10 Lines 534-537 piston (232) is moved back and forth by a cylinder (233) installed inside the rod body (231), and a pressure inclined surface (234) is formed that fixes the weft (1) while moving forward in the direction of the weft inlet (231a), and allows the weft (1) to be free while moving backward-- piston as slide; wherein the piston is a separate movement/slide from movement from biting rod forward/backward device-- page 11 Lines 620-621  biting bar (23) is advanced...to wait for the weft (1) to advance; page 10 Lines 538-540 biting bar forward/backward device moves the biting bar (23) forward/backward...various cylinder devices, robot arms, linear motors...can be applied).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify each of Laukamp’s feed units with the slide of Park as a known method of effectively providing weft insertion.
Regarding Claim 20, modified Laukamp teaches all the claimed limitations as discussed above in Claim 19.
Park further teaches wherein each of the slides is individually motor-driven in and counter to the weft direction  (indirectly individually motor-driven; see page 10 Lines 538-540 where linear motors drive the biting bar 23 which has the piston 232; for in/counter – see biting bar forward/backward device; see also the “moving forward” and “moving backward” recited of page 10 Lines 534-537 above).
Regarding Claim 21, modified Laukamp teaches all the claimed limitations as discussed above in Claim 19.
Modified Laukamp further teaches wherein each of the slides comprises an actuatable clamp configured to clamp and release the respective weft thread associated with each of the slides (see Park Fig. 10 with clamp formed between 231 and 234; page 10 Lines 535-537 pressure inclined surface (234) is formed that fixes the weft (1) while moving forward in the direction of the weft inlet (231a)”)
and further comprising guide elements upstream of each of the clamps in the weft direction that guide the respective threads from above, below, and laterally (for guide elements on the device--see Laukamp Fig. 4; Col. 6 Lines 24-25 weft material 6 is guided between two guide bolts 11; wherein the above/below bolts also guide laterally inasmuch as the guidance has a dimension in the lateral direction; wherein Laukamp modified with Park would have bolts 11 upstream of the clamp depending on perspective).
Regarding Claim 22, modified Laukamp teaches all the claimed limitations as discussed above in Claim 20.
Park further teaches wherein the common drive is controllable such that each of the slides are drivable to different away from or into the gripper head (as best understood in light of the 112(b) rejections—see rejection of Claim 20).
Claim(s) 30 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Laukamp et al (USPN 8550123), herein Laukamp, in view of Arrigoni et al (EP 3425094), herein Arrigoni.
Regarding Claim 30, Laukamp teaches all the claimed limitations as discussed above in Claim 28.
Laukamp does not explicitly teach wherein: the first and the second weft thread storage units are aligned in the weft direction and the axes of the first and the second bobbins are aligned in the warp direction.
Arrigoni teaches wherein: the first and the second weft thread storage units are aligned in the weft direction and the axes of the first and the second bobbins are aligned in the warp direction (see Fig. 1 for weft yarns stored in weft direction and axes in the warp direction; [0001] present invention refers to a weft yarn operating device in a gripper loom).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Laukamp’s arrangement to be as taught by Arrigoni as a known arrangement for weft feeders ([0021]).
Allowable Subject Matter
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).
Claim(s) 23, 26, 27 is/are further objected to as being dependent upon a rejected base claim, but may be allowable if rewritten in independent form including all of the limitations of the base claim and any intervening claims.
The following is a statement of reasons for the indication of allowable subject matter:
Regarding Claim 23, none of the prior art of record discloses a device wherein each of the feed units comprise a strip-conveying unit having two revolving strip conveyors positionable in relation to each other, wherein the respective weft threads are conveyable in the weft direction between the strip conveyors, in conjunction with the rest of the structural limitations such as the coupling unit and positioning unit, as set forth in the claim.  The use of utilizing weft yarn between revolving strip conveyors is known in the art of weft insertion devices, but the specific combination of the strip-conveying unit being of the feed unit in Claim 23 while also claiming a specific relationship between the feed units and the coupling unit and the positioning unit in Claim 17, on which Claim 23 depends, such that the feed units are on the coupling unit with the positioning unit configured to position the coupling unit in a first/second position in and counter to the warp direction, as claimed by the applicant is novel.  Specifically, prior art Laukamp et al (USPN 8550123), herein Laukamp discloses the coupling unit, positioning unit, and feeds units as recited in the application.  Prior art Dendo (USPN 3596683) also discloses strip-conveying unit having two revolving strips conveyors positionable relative to one another with weft thread conveyable between the conveyors.  However, none of the prior art discloses, teaches, or suggests such a strip-conveying unit conveying in the weft direction combinable with coupling unit/positioning unit, feed units as recited, such that the conveyors would be movable.  To modify Laukamp with Dendo merely to be as recited in the current application would be impermissible hindsight reconstruction of the applicant’s invention without any disclosure, teaching, or suggestion from the prior art of record, as is presently the case, especially as Dendo’s conveyors do not reposition (which would be required by Laukamp’s positioning unit’s relationship to the conveyors via the coupling unit and feed units).
Regarding Claim 26, none of the prior art of record discloses a device wherein the first guide structures are configured to prevent one of the first or second feed units from moving in the weft direction as the coupling unit is positioned in and counter to the warp direction, let alone the same for second guide structures, in conjunction with other structural limitations, as set forth in the claim.  The use of guide structures is known in the art of weft insertion devices, but the specific functionality of the guide structures to prevent feed units from moving in a weft direction as the coupling unit is positioned in and counter to the warp direction as claimed by the applicant is novel.  Specifically, prior art Laukamp discloses feed units, and a coupling unit positioned in and counter to the warp direction as recited in the application.  Prior art Laukamp also discloses guide structures.  However, none of the prior art discloses, teaches, or suggests that the purpose of guide structures is to prevent the feed units from moving in the weft direction.  To modify Laukamp merely to be as recited in the current application would be impermissible hindsight reconstruction of the applicant’s invention without any disclosure, teaching, or suggestion from the prior art of record, as is presently the case, especially as the existence of bolts clearly allow movement in the weft direction.
Regarding Claim 27—Claim 27 is indicated with allowable subject matter at least for depending on Claim 26, which has been indicated with allowable subject matter.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure and can be used to formulate a rejection if necessary: Umemura et al (USPN 4784191), Edwards et al (USPN 5501250) directed to conveyor-related weft insertion; Debaes et al (USPN 7007723) directed to feed unit parts; Tefag Textile (GB 489980) directed to guide elements; Prohazka et al (USPN 4291731) directed to guide structures; Khokar (USPN 7992596), Lindauer (WO 2020/011915), Dubs (USPN 3517704), Mo et al (US Publication 2018/0127901) directed to storage unit guiding weft thread to feed unit; Mueller et al (USPN 9328437) directed to deflectors.

APPLICANT REBUTTAL: REMARKSClaims 17-32 are pending.The claims have been amended to address the objection to claim 31 and Section 112 rejection of claim 22.A. Allowable Subject Matter Claims 23, 26, and 27 are objected to for being dependent upon a rejected base claim, but are otherwise allowable.New claim 33 corresponds to claim 23 in independent form and is thus allowable.New claim 34 corresponds to claim 26 in independent form and is thus allowable.B. Section 102 and Section 103 rejections Claims 17, 18, 24, 25, 28, 29, 31, and 32 are rejected under Section 102(a)(1) as anticipated by Laukamp '123 (US 8,550,123).Claims 19-22 are rejected under Section 103 as obvious over Laukamp '123 in view of Park '409 (KR 100822409).Applicant submits that all pending claims patentably distinguish over Laukamp '123 alone or in combination with any other reference or record.Laukamp '123 corresponds to WO 2011/015173 discussed in the Background section of the present application and is the type of device the present invention is intended to improve upon. As acknowledged in the present specification, Laukamp '123 discloses two feed units arranged one above the other, with each feed unit having a clamping device for clamping a free end of a respective weft thread. The clamping devices are movable in the weft direction between at least two different operating positions. In addition, each clamping device is movable in an arc by means of a swivel unit which is driven by a drive, preferably a servomotor. The swivel unit includes two parallel swivel arms which are connected by a coupling element, wherein the clamping devices are arranged on the coupling element.The device of Laukamp '123, however, has drawbacks. The device is relatively complex and costly, and also requires a relatively large amount of space. Also, due to the swivel kinematics during the movement of the clamping device in the weft direction, an undesired movement of the weft thread upward also takes place, i.e., in the vertical direction with respect to the plane in which the weft insertion line is also situated. This negatively affects the accuracy of presenting the weft thread to the gripper head and also the cutting position of the weft thread once it is inserted into the shed.Claim 17 calls for a device for feeding a first and a second weft thread in a weft direction to a gripper head of a loom. The device includes a coupling unit that moves move back and forth in a warp direction when the device is installed laterally on the loom. A first and a second feed unit are adjacently arranged in the warp direction on the coupling unit, the first and the second feed units configured to feed the first and the second weft threads, respectively, to the gripper head. A positioning unit is configured to move the coupling unit in a linear axis path in the warp direction in a first position of the coupling unit and in the linear axis path counter to the warp direction in a second position of the coupling unit. The first feed unit feeds the first weft thread to the gripper head when the coupling unit is in the first position and the second feed unit feeds the second weft thread to the gripper head when the coupling unit is in the second position.Fig. 5 of Laukamp '123 is provided below:5 33 8 I//12 4 1 2' Fig. 5 The rejection labels components 3, 3' as a coupling unit and the components 9, 9' as first and second feed units. The components 8, 8' are identified as a positioning unit.Applicant does not necessarily acquiese to these component assertions. However, it is readily apparent from the figure (and associated desciption) that the components 3/3' and 9/9' move in an arc path. It cannot reasonably be asserted the the positioning unit 8/8' moves the components 3/3' in a linear axis path in the warp direction in a first position of the coupling unit and in the linear axis path counter to the warp direction in a second position of the coupling unit. In Laukamp '123, the components move in an arc path.Accordingly, Applicant submits that claim 17 patentably distinguishes over Laukamp '123 and is allowable. Claims 18 - 31 only further define claim 17 and are thus also allowable.Independent claim 32 has been amended to reflect essentially the same distinguishing features as claim 17 and is thus also allowable.With this Amendment, Applicant submits that all pending claims are allowable and that the application is in condition for allowance.The Examiner is encouraged to contact the undersigned at his convenience should any additional information be required.Respectfully submitted, DORITY & MANNING, P.A.By: /stephen e. bondura/ Stephen E. Bondura Registration No.: 35,070 P.O. Box 1449 Greenville, SC 29602-1449 (864) 271-1592 fax (864) 233-7342 I hereby certify that this paper and all attachments and any fee are being transmitted via the internet to the U.S.Patent and Trademark Office via Patent Center on:DATE: April 28, 2025 NAME: Jackie Leonard SIGNATURE: /Jackie Leonard/

NEXT OFFICE ACTION: EXAMINER’S AMENDMENT
An examiner’s amendment to the record appears below. Should the changes and/or additions be unacceptable to applicant, an amendment may be filed as provided by 37 CFR 1.312. To ensure consideration of such an amendment, it MUST be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee.
Authorization for this examiner’s amendment was given in an interview with Stephen Bondura on 5/12/25.
The application has been amended as follows:
Claim 17 Line 8 before “a linear axis” add -–only—
Claim 17 Line 9 before “the linear axis add –only—
Claim 32 Line 7 delete “along “and substitute –consisting of—
Claim 32 Line 12 delete “along” and substitute –consisting of--
Claim(s) 17-34 is/are allowed over the art of record.
Reasons for Allowance
The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance:
Regarding Claim 17-- none of the prior art of record discloses a device for feeding first/second wefts with a positioning unit configured to move a coupling unit only in a linear axis path in the warp direction, in conjunction with the other structural limitations, as set forth in the independent claim.  The use of devices for feeding first/second wefts having a positioning unit to move a coupling unit is known in the art of weaving, but the specific limited movement of only being in a linear axis path as claimed by the applicant is novel.  Specifically, prior art Laukamp et al (USPN 8550123), herein Laukamp, discloses a device for feeding first/second wefts with a positioning unit configured to move a coupling unit in the warp direction as recited in the application.  Prior art Laukamp also discloses that the movement is both rotational and linear.  However, none of the prior art discloses, teaches, or suggests that the movement would be only linear.  To modify Laukam’s movement merely to be as recited in the current application would be impermissible hindsight reconstruction of the applicant’s invention without any disclosure, teaching, or suggestion from the prior art of record, as is presently the case.
Regarding Claim 31—Claim 31 is allowable for including the allowable subject matter of Claim 17.
Regarding Claim 32—Claim 32 is allowable for reasons similarly indicated for Claim 17.
Regarding Claim 33—Claim 33 is allowable for rewriting the allowable subject matter of Claim 23 in independent form, with reasons for allowable subject matter indicated starting page 11 of the office action 1/30/25.
Regarding Claim 34—Claim 34 is allowable for rewriting the allowable subject matter of Claim 26 in independent form, with reasons for allowable subject matter indicated starting page 12 of the office action 1/30/25.
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

CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US7992596B2: Claims:
A method for producing a woven material from tape-like warps and wefts, comprising: feeding the tape-like warps to aid shed formation and fabric take-up; inserting the tape-like weft in a shed formed by said tape-like warps; depositing the inserted tape-like weft at a fabric-fell position; and taking-up the produced woven material; wherein said inserting of the tape-like weft involves gripping each successive weft tape by clamping the weft tape between a base lip and a clamp lip of a rapier, the base lip having an extension dimensioned to receive the tape-like weft in an essentially flat condition, thereby clamping the weft tape in an essentially flat condition, and pulling the weft tape through the shed.
feeding the tape-like warps to aid shed formation and fabric take-up;
inserting the tape-like weft in a shed formed by said tape-like warps;
depositing the inserted tape-like weft at a fabric-fell position; and
taking-up the produced woven material;
wherein said inserting of the tape-like weft involves gripping each successive weft tape by clamping the weft tape between a base lip and a clamp lip of a rapier, the base lip having an extension dimensioned to receive the tape-like weft in an essentially flat condition, thereby clamping the weft tape in an essentially flat condition, and pulling the weft tape through the shed.
The method of claim 1 , wherein the gripping of the tape-like weft occurs in a width direction of a fore part of the tape-like weft.
The method of claim 1 , further comprising selecting one of several available tape-like wefts of at least one of different widths, different materials and different constructions before gripping one of the tape-like wefts for insertion in the shed, wherein selecting tape-like weft includes arranging a fore end of the weft tape to be selected at a predetermined gripping position.
The method of claim 1 , wherein the inserted weft tape is cut off from its supply source at a predetermined position before being deposited at the fabric-fell position.
The method of claim 1 , wherein predetermined lengths of required tape-like warps are supplied positively in the directions of shedding zone and fabric-fell positions for aiding shedding and fabric taking-up.
The method of claim 5 , wherein tape-like warps are supplied in a split arrangement such that warp tapes forming top and bottom layers of shed are independently controllable to aid opening and closing of the shed.
The method of claim 6 , further comprising depositing at the fabric-fell position, the inserted weft tape of at least one of either similar or different widths, similar or different materials and similar or different constructions by gripping fore and trailing parts of the inserted weft tape from outside of the shed.
The method of claim 1 , wherein at least some of the weft tapes are incorporated obliquely in relation to the warp tapes.
The method of claim 8 , wherein at least some of at least one of tape-like warps and tape-like-wefts are supplied in tandem to produce a material comprising at least one of doubled warps and doubled wefts.
The method of claim 8 , wherein at least some of at least one of tape-like warps and tape-like wefts are supplied at least one of individually and in tandem to produce a material with variable weight per unit area.
The method of claim 1 , further comprising taking-up a woven material that comprises weft tapes of any width and maintaining the fabric-fell position at essentially the same position.
The method of claim 1 , further comprising forming a selvedge on at least one of sides of the woven material by arranging a weft end fixation on weft ends extending past outermost warp tapes of the woven material.
The method of claim 1 , wherein at least some of the at least one of warp and weft tapes are overfed to produce non-linearity in fibres of either partially stabilized or non-stabilized types of at least one of warp and weft tapes.
The method of claim 1 , wherein weaving is performed in a vertical disposition of the warp and weft tapes.
An apparatus for producing a woven material from tape-like warps and wefts, comprising: a warp feeding device for feeding the tape-like warps to aid shed formation and fabric take-up; a weft insertion device for inserting the tape-like weft in a shed formed by said tape-like warps; a weft depositing device for depositing the inserted tape-like weft at a fabric-fell position; and a take-up device for taking-up the produced woven material; wherein said device for inserting the tape-like weft includes a rapier with a gripper for gripping each successive weft tape, having a mouth, a base lip and a clamp lip, the base lip having an extension dimensioned to receive the tape-like weft in an essentially flat condition, thereby clamping the weft tape in an essentially flat condition, and pulling the weft tape through the shed.
a warp feeding device for feeding the tape-like warps to aid shed formation and fabric take-up;
a weft insertion device for inserting the tape-like weft in a shed formed by said tape-like warps;
a weft depositing device for depositing the inserted tape-like weft at a fabric-fell position; and
a take-up device for taking-up the produced woven material;
wherein said device for inserting the tape-like weft includes a rapier with a gripper for gripping each successive weft tape, having a mouth, a base lip and a clamp lip, the base lip having an extension dimensioned to receive the tape-like weft in an essentially flat condition, thereby clamping the weft tape in an essentially flat condition, and pulling the weft tape through the shed.
The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the gripper is arranged to grip a width direction of a fore part of the tape-like weft.
The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the gripper is employable to insert either a single or doubled tape-like wefts of at least one of different widths, different materials and different constructions in the shed.
The apparatus of claim 15 , further comprising a device for selecting one of several available tape-like wefts of at least one of different widths, different materials and different constructions before gripping one of the tape-like wefts for insertion in the shed.
The apparatus of claim 17 , further comprising a weft feeding device for supplying weft tapes as singles or doubled.
The apparatus of claim 15 , further comprising a weft feeding device which overfeeds the weft tapes to produce non-linearity in fibres of either partially stabilized or non-stabilized weft tapes.
The apparatus of claim 15 , further comprising a device for cutting the weft tape from its supply source at a predetermined position.
The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the warp feeding device is arranged to feed positively predetermined lengths of the warp tapes in the directions of shedding zone and fabric-fell position for aiding shedding and fabric taking-up.
The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the warp feeding device is arranged to supply warp in a split arrangement such that warp tapes forming top and bottom layers of shed are independently controllable to aid opening and closing of the shed.
The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein more than one warp feeding device are incorporated to supply doubled warp in tandem.
The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein a weft depositing device is incorporated to deposit the inserted weft tape at the fabric-fell position by gripping fore and trailing parts of the inserted weft tape that extend out from the warp tapes.
The apparatus of claim 25 , wherein the weft depositing device deposits at least some of the inserted weft tapes obliquely in relation to the warp tapes.
The apparatus of claim 15 , further comprising a selvedge forming device for forming a selvedge on at least one of the sides of the woven material is incorporated.
A method for producing a woven material from tape-like warps and wefts, comprising: feeding the tape-like warps to aid shed formation and fabric take-up; inserting the tape-like weft in a shed formed by said tape-like warps; depositing the inserted tape-like weft at a fabric-fell position; and taking-up the produced woven material, wherein said inserting of the tape-like weft involves gripping a fore end part of each successive weft tape by clamping the weft tape between a base lip and a clamp lip of a rapier, the base lip having an extension dimensioned to receive the tape-like weft in an essentially flat condition, thereby clamping the weft tape in an essentially flat condition, and pulling the weft tape through the shed.
taking-up the produced woven material, wherein said inserting of the tape-like weft involves gripping a fore end part of each successive weft tape by clamping the weft tape between a base lip and a clamp lip of a rapier, the base lip having an extension dimensioned to receive the tape-like weft in an essentially flat condition, thereby clamping the weft tape in an essentially flat condition, and pulling the weft tape through the shed.
wherein said inserting of the tape-like weft involves gripping a fore end part of each successive weft tape by clamping the weft tape between a base lip and a clamp lip of a rapier, the base lip having an extension dimensioned to receive the tape-like weft in an essentially flat condition, thereby clamping the weft tape in an essentially flat condition, and pulling the weft tape through the shed.
An apparatus for producing a woven material from tape-like warps and wefts, comprising: a warp feeding device for feeding the tape-like warps to aid shed formation and fabric take-up; a weft insertion device for inserting the tape-like weft in a shed formed by said tape-like warps; a weft depositing device for depositing the inserted tape-like weft at a fabric-fell position; and a take-up device for taking-up the produced woven material; wherein said device for inserting the tape-like weft includes a rapier with a gripper for gripping a fore end part each successive weft tape, having a mouth, a base lip and a clamp lip, the base lip having an extension dimensioned to receive the tape-like weft in an essentially flat condition, thereby clamping the weft tape in an essentially flat condition, and pulling the weft tape through the shed.
a take-up device for taking-up the produced woven material; wherein said device for inserting the tape-like weft includes a rapier with a gripper for gripping a fore end part each successive weft tape, having a mouth, a base lip and a clamp lip, the base lip having an extension dimensioned to receive the tape-like weft in an essentially flat condition, thereby clamping the weft tape in an essentially flat condition, and pulling the weft tape through the shed.
wherein said device for inserting the tape-like weft includes a rapier with a gripper for gripping a fore end part each successive weft tape, having a mouth, a base lip and a clamp lip, the base lip having an extension dimensioned to receive the tape-like weft in an essentially flat condition, thereby clamping the weft tape in an essentially flat condition, and pulling the weft tape through the shed.
The method of claim 1 , wherein during gripping, the rapier is arranged with its longitudinal axis parallel to that of the tape-like weft.
The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein during gripping, the rapier is arranged with its longitudinal axis parallel to that of the tape-like weft.
The method of claim 1 , wherein the inserting of the tape-like weft involves gripping the weft tape transversely over the weft tape.
The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the inserting of the tape-like weft involves gripping the weft tape transversely over the weft tape.
The method of claim 1 , wherein the clamping is controlled by a clamp activator arranged near the base lip and the clamp lip, and connected with a drive initiator through a drive-transmitting member.
The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the clamping is controlled by a clamp activator arranged near the base lip and the clamp lip, and connected with a drive initiator through a drive-transmitting member.
Ref US4784191A: Claims:
A device for storing a weft yarn for inserting in a jet loom comprising a surface which moves in one direction and retains a weft yarn thereon between a yarn-receiving position and a yarn withdrawal-start position spaced away from said yarn-receiving position in said one direction, and a feed nozzle which ejects said weft yarn together with fluid onto said weft yarn retaining surface at said yarn-receiving position, said fluid ejected from said feed nozzle impinging upon said weft yarn retaining surface at an impingement point, characterized in that a narrow blocking means extending transversely of said direction of surface movement for blocking said ejected fluid from the area of said surface downstream of said point engages said surface at a position slightly displaced from said impingement point and for a short distance therebeyond on the side thereof towards said start position where a weft yarn withdrawal operation is started, said narrow blocking means permitting said yarn, ejected on to the latter, to pass thereunder, said yarn when retained on said surface between said narrow blocking means and said withdrawal-start position being free of pressure against said moving surface.
A device for storing a weft yarn for inserting in a jet loom according to claim 1, wherein said blocking means comprises a roller extending transverse to said moving direction of said weft yarn retaining surface, and said roller is pressed substantially against said weft yarn retaining surface.
A device for storing a weft yarn for inserting in a jet loom according to claim 1, wherein said weft yarn retaining surface and said blocking means are substantially contained in a container comprising a container body and a cover pivoted on said container body, at least one of said cover and said container body having a withdrawal opening formed therein for guiding said weft yarn withdrawn from said weft yarn retaining surface, said withdrawal opening being open at a free end of said cover.
A device for storing a weft yarn for inserting in a jet loom according to claim 1, wherein said blocking means comprises a plate extending over said weft yarn retaining surface and having an end extending transversely across, and substantially engaging said weft yarn retaining surface at a position adjacent to said feed nozzle, said plate being inclined upwardly from its said surface-engaging end, and increasingly spaced away from said surface along the length of said plate extending in the direction towards said yarn withdrawal-start position.
A device for storing a weft yarn for inserting in a jet loom according to claim 1, wherein said yarn is withdrawn towards one side of said surface at said yarn withdrawal-start position, and further characterized in that a narrow, elongated yarn withdrawal resistance applying means, extending in said direction of surface movement on said one side of said surface and spaced laterally away from a yarn retaining zone thereon for engaging said weft yarn during at least a part of a weft withdrawing operation, is disposed at least immediately adjacent to said moving surface to permit said yarn being withdrawn to pass thereunder at said yarn withdrawal-start position.
A device for storing a weft yarn for inserting in a jet loom according to claim 1, wherein said moving surface is in the form of a disc which is rotatable in said one direction.
A device for storing a weft yarn for inserting in a jet loom according to claim 1, wherein said moving surface is a peripheral surface of a cylinder which is rotatable in said one direction.
A device for storing a weft yarn for inserting in a jet loom comprising a surface which moves in one direction and retains a weft yarn thereon between a yarn-receiving position and a yarn withdrawal-start position, at which said yarn is withdrawn upwardly and angularly towards one side of and off from said surface, and a feed nozzle which ejects said weft yarn onto said weft yarn retaining surface at said yarn-receiving position, fluid ejected from said feed nozzle impinging upon said weft yarn retaining surface at an impingement point, characterized in that a narrow, elongated yarn withdrawal resistance applying means, extending in said direction of surface movement on said one side of said surface and spaced laterally away towards said one side from a yarn retaining zone thereon for engaging said weft yarn during a weft withdrawing operation, is disposed adjacent to said moving surface to permit said yarn being withdrawn to pass thereunder in engagement therewith after its withdrawal from said surface.
A device for storing a weft yarn for inserting in a jet loom according to claim 8, wherein said withdrawal resistance applying means comprises a guide bar extending in said moving direction of said weft yarn retaining surface and engaging said weft yarn while said weft yarn is withdrawn.
A device for storing a weft yarn for inserting in a jet loom according to claim 8, wherein said weft yarn retaining surface and said resistance applying means are substantially contained in a container comprising a container body and a cover, at least one of said cover and said container body having a withdrawal opening formed therein for guiding said weft yarn withdrawn from said weft yarn retaining surface, said withdrawal resistance applying means being formed by substantially an edge of said withdrawal opening.
A device for storing a weft yarn for inserting in a jet loom according to claim 10, wherein said withdrawal opening is formed as an elongated hole, and said withdrawal resistance applying means comprises a guide bar extending along said elongated hole.
A device for storing a weft yarn for inserting in a jet loom according to claim 8, wherein said withdrawal resistance applying means comprises a cover member, one side of which constitutes said yarn withdrawal resistance applying means, and one end of which comprises a narrow edge extending transversely across, and substantially engaging said weft yarn retaining surface at a position adjacent to said feed nozzle, and a gap is formed between said weft yarn retaining surface and said cover member side, which gap increases as a yarn position on said surface moves away from said yarn-receiving position towards said yarn withdrawal-start position.
A device for storing a weft yarn for inserting in a jet loom according to claim 12, wherein said cover member is transparent.
A device for storing a weft yarn for inserting in a jet loom according to claim 12, wherein said cover is mounted at each of its ends by means providing for resilient movement towards and away from said surface, said mounting means having means for adjusting the position of said cover towards and away from said surface.
A device for storing weft yarn according to claim 8, wherein said surface is the interior surface of a cylinder which is rotatable about its cylindrical axis, and said elongated yarn withdrawal resistance applying means comprises the outer periphery of a disc in fixed position centered on and perpendicular to said cylindrical axis, the diameter of said disc being less than the interior diameter of said cylinder to provide peripheral spacing between said disc periphery and said surface.
Ref US9328437B2: Claims:
Apparatus for the intermediate storage of a first and a second band-like weft material ( 1 , 21 ) for a weaving machine ( 3 ), with a first storage container ( 7 ) with an opening ( 8 ) for the first weft material ( 1 ) and with an inner space ( 9 ) that is bounded by two narrow sides ( 10 , 11 ) in such a manner so that a U-shaped loop ( 12 ) of the first weft material ( 1 ) can be formed between these narrow sides ( 10 , 11 ), whereby these two narrow sides ( 10 , 11 ) extend in a longitudinal direction ( 13 ) of the first storage container ( 7 ) and in the direction of the width of the first
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