Office Action 2: Notice of Allowance (2025-10-16)

CLAIMS:
Listing of Claims:

1\. (Currently Amended) A lighting system comprising a mounting rail assembly comprising mechanical mounting fixtures for lighting modules, other system modules and/or lighting control modules;a first wireless node module having a first antenna or antenna arrav;
a second wireless node module having a second antenna or antenna arrav, anda waveguide attached to an upper wall of the mounting rail assembly and configured to guide wireless signals between the first wireless node module and the second wireless node module;
wherein the waveguide has a first aperture at a first location on the waveguide and a second aperture at a second location on the waveguide, the first wireless module is mounted externally to the waveguide such that at least a portion of the wireless signal transmitted and/or received by the first antenna or first antenna array is coupled out or coupled into the waveguide via the first aperture, and the second wireless module is mounted externally to the waveguide such that at least a portion of the wireless signal transmitted and/or received by the second antenna or second antenna array s is coupled out or coupled into the waveguide via the second aperture: and further wherein the waveguide is a closed electromagnetic waveguide between the first wireless node module and the second wireless node module.

2-4. (Cancelled)33

5\. (Currently Amended) The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the waveguide has an upper hole in the upper wall of the waveguide and a lower hole in a lower wall of the waveguide to accommodate a pendant cord for suspending the mounting rail assembly

to a ceiling, the waveguide is divided into a first waveguide module portion and a second waveguide module portion along a plane extending through the upper hole and the lower hole, and the a first waveguide module portion and a second waveguide module portion are ioined together to fit around the pendent cord .

6\. (Currently Amended) The lighting system according to claim 5, wherein the mounting rail is configured to be suspended from a ceiling.

7\. (Previously Presented) The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the mounting rail assembly has an essentially U-shaped cross section.

8\. (Previously Presented) The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the waveguide comprises at least one termination element arranged at an end portion of the waveguide, wherein the at least one termination element is configured to attenuate electromagnetic waves.

9\. (Currently Amended) The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the first and second apertures are prefabricated.

10\. (Currently Amended) The lighting system according to claim 9, wherein the first and second apertureshave a dimension corresponding to half a wavelength of the wireless signals.

11-12 (Cancelled).

13\. (New) The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the first and second wireless modules are mounted on an upper wall of the waveguide, and the first and second apertures are through the upper wall of the waveguide.

14\. (New) The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the first and second wireless modules are mounted inside the mounting rail assembly and the first and second apertures are through a lower wall of the waveguide, and a top wall of the mounting rail assembly comprises a first corresponding aperture and a second corresponding aperture that correspond in location and dimension to the first and second apertures through the lower wall of the waveguide.

15\. (New) The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the waveguide has electrically conducting walls, an approximate rectangular cross section and is hollow or filled with a dielectric material.

OFFICE ACTION:
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 1, 5-10, and 13-15 have been allowed.
The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance. In combination with the other limitations nothing in the prior art of record teaches, suggests, or discloses:
Re 1, 5-10, and 13-15: in claim 1, “wherein the waveguide has a first aperture at a first location on the waveguide and a second aperture at a second location on the waveguide, the first wireless module is mounted externally to the waveguide such that at least a portion of the wireless signal transmitted and/or received by the first antenna or first antenna array is coupled out or coupled into the waveguide via the first aperture, and the second wireless module is mounted externally to the waveguide such that at least a portion of the wireless signal transmitted and/or received by the second antenna or second antenna array s is coupled out or coupled into the waveguide via the second aperture: and further wherein the waveguide is a closed electromagnetic waveguide between the first wireless node module and the second wireless node module.”
The amendment to claim 1, requiring that the waveguide be a closed electromagnetic waveguide between the first wireless module and the second wireless module, distinguishes over the Block reference. Further, the transmitter 15 and the repeater 22 in the Block reference are located within the waveguide, which is different from being mounted externally to the waveguide as described in amended claim 1.
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
Relevant prior art considered: US 7606592 teaching a waveguide-based wireless distribution system.

APPLICANT REBUTTAL: REMARKS/ARGUMENTS
This paper responds to the Non-Final Office Action dated May 8, 2025. Claims 1, 5-6, and 9-10 are amended. Claims 2-4, and 11-12 are cancelled.  New dependent claims 13-15 are added. Claims 1, 5-10 and 13-15 are pending in the present application. Reconsideration and allowance of the presently pending claims in view of the above amendments and remarks made below is respectfully requested.
Claim Rejections - 35 U.S.C. § 112
Claim 6 has been amended to address the rejection under 35 U.S.C. § 112 for indefiniteness. Amended claim 6 now states that the mounting rail is configured to be suspended from a ceiling.
Claim 6 is intended to cover suspension from the ceiling using pendent cords 16 and brackets on the mounting rail, and not necessarily passing through the waveguide, as shown in Fig. 7, and is also intended to cover suspension from the ceiling where the pendent cords 16 pass through the waveguide, e.g. as explained in [0141].
Claim Rejections - 35 U.S.C. § 102 and § 103
Claims 1-7 and 9-12 have been rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Block European Patent No. EP3700306. Claim 8 has been rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103 as being unpatentable over Block ‘306 in view of Mills PCT Publication No. WO 2021/004981.  Claim 1 has been amended to clarify and narrow its scope, and distinguish over cited prior art.
Claim 1 has been amended to require that the waveguide is a closed electromagnetic waveguide between the first wireless node module and the second wireless node module.  Applicant’s ¶¶ [0085, 0097, 0078-85] describe the waveguide as a closed electromagnetic waveguide and explain that the closed waveguide enables communication between wireless nodes beyond the range of the wireless nodes in free space, does not leak radiation, and reduces electromagnetic interference which can be important, e.g. in hospitals or research institutions.  The waveguide in the cited European Patent No. EP3700306 (Block) is not closed between the components 15 (transmitter), 22 (repeater) identified in the Office Action as the first and second wireless node modules. There are windows 17, 18 and 19 located in the waveguide between the components labelled 15, 22. The amendment to claim 1, requiring that the waveguide be a closed electromagnetic waveguide between the first wireless module and the second wireless module, distinguishes over the Block reference.  The rejection under 35 U.S.C. § 102(a)(1) should be withdrawn for this reason.
Claim 1 has also been amended to require that the waveguide be mounted on the top wall of the mounting rail assembly, as shown in the embodiments described in connection with Applicant’s Figs. 5 and 6.
A diagram of a device
AI-generated content may be incorrect.
Claim 1 was also amended to state that:
wherein the waveguide has a first aperture at a first location on the waveguide and a second aperture at a second location on the waveguide,
the first wireless module is mounted externally to the waveguide
such that at least a portion of the wireless signal transmitted and/or received by the first antenna or first antenna array is coupled out or coupled into the waveguide via the first aperture, and
the second wireless module is mounted externally to the waveguide
such that at least a portion of the wireless signal transmitted and/or received by the second antenna or second antenna array s is coupled out or coupled into the waveguide via the second aperture
The transmitter 15 and the repeater 22 in the Block reference are located within the waveguide, which is different from being mounted externally to the waveguide as described in amended claim 1.  This is another reason the rejection under 35 U.S.C. § 102(a)(1) should be withdrawn.
The above passage in amended claim 1 also requires that the first aperture be in a location on the waveguide such that at least a portion of the wireless signal transmitted and/or received by the first antenna or first antenna array is coupled out or coupled into the waveguide via the first aperture, and that the second aperture be in a location on the waveguide such that at least a portion of the wireless signal transmitted and/or received by the second antenna or second antenna array is coupled out or coupled into the waveguide via the second aperture.  This is different from the Block reference too, since the windows 17, 18 and 19 in Block are positioned to facilitate transmission to the luminaires.   This is another reason the rejection under 35 U.S.C. § 102(a)(1) should be withdrawn.
The embodiment shown in Fig. 5 also shows that the first and second wireless modules are mounted on the upper wall of the closed waveguide.  This has the technical advantage of using the ceiling of the room as a reflector for achieving wide radiation coverage of the external wireless signal, ¶ [0134].   New dependent claim 13 is directed specifically to the first and second wireless modules being mounted on the upper wall of the closed waveguide. The cited prior art does not show or suggest this feature, and dependent claim 13 should be allowed for this additional reason.
Claim 14 is directed to the embodiment shown in Fig. 6, where the waveguide is mounted to the top wall of the mounting rail assembly, but the first and second wireless modules are mounted inside the mounting rail assembly.  This configuration requires that the waveguide and the mounting rail assembly have corresponding apertures with corresponding locations and corresponding dimensions.  Claim 14 states:
wherein the first and second wireless modules are mounted inside the mounting rail assembly and the first and second apertures are through a lower wall of the waveguide, and a top wall of the mounting rail assembly comprises a first corresponding aperture and a second corresponding aperture that correspond in location and dimension to the first and second apertures through the lower wall of the waveguide.
The cited prior art does not show or suggest this configuration, and dependent claim 14 should be allowed for this additional reason.
Conclusion


CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US7606592B2: Claims:
A wireless distribution system comprising: a waveguide with a hollow cross-sectional structure and a conductive inner surface that supports the transmission of wireless signal energy from a wireless signal source to a location proximate to a wireless receiver location; an originating port connected to the waveguide for signal injection and extraction; and a signal coupling device coupled to the wireless waveguide, the signal coupling device includes: a conductive longitudinal ground shell; a hollow center conductor contained within the conductive longitudinal ground shell; a first dielectric contained within a first longitudinal section of the conductive longitudinal ground shell and surrounding the hollow center conductor contained within the first longitudinal section of the conductive longitudinal ground shell; a second dielectric contained within a second longitudinal section of the conductive longitudinal ground shell and surrounding the hollow center conductor contained within the second longitudinal section of the conductive longitudinal ground shell; and a conductive longitudinal probe with a proximal end partially contained within the hollow center conductor thereby forming a section of a transmission line within the hollow center conductor.
a waveguide with a hollow cross-sectional structure and a conductive inner surface that supports the transmission of wireless signal energy from a wireless signal source to a location proximate to a wireless receiver location;
an originating port connected to the waveguide for signal injection and extraction; and
a signal coupling device coupled to the wireless waveguide, the signal coupling device includes: a conductive longitudinal ground shell; a hollow center conductor contained within the conductive longitudinal ground shell; a first dielectric contained within a first longitudinal section of the conductive longitudinal ground shell and surrounding the hollow center conductor contained within the first longitudinal section of the conductive longitudinal ground shell; a second dielectric contained within a second longitudinal section of the conductive longitudinal ground shell and surrounding the hollow center conductor contained within the second longitudinal section of the conductive longitudinal ground shell; and a conductive longitudinal probe with a proximal end partially contained within the hollow center conductor thereby forming a section of a transmission line within the hollow center conductor.
a conductive longitudinal ground shell;
a hollow center conductor contained within the conductive longitudinal ground shell;
a first dielectric contained within a first longitudinal section of the conductive longitudinal ground shell and surrounding the hollow center conductor contained within the first longitudinal section of the conductive longitudinal ground shell;
a second dielectric contained within a second longitudinal section of the conductive longitudinal ground shell and surrounding the hollow center conductor contained within the second longitudinal section of the conductive longitudinal ground shell; and
a conductive longitudinal probe with a proximal end partially contained within the hollow center conductor thereby forming a section of a transmission line within the hollow center conductor.
The wireless distribution system of claim 1 , wherein the hollow cross-sectional structure is any shape that will support the propagation of electromagnetic energy in a desired frequency range.
The wireless distribution system of claim 1 , wherein the waveguide operates in one or more waveguide propagation modes.
The wireless distribution system of claim 1 , wherein the waveguide is metal.
The wireless distribution system of claim 1 , wherein the wireless distribution system is fabricated with suitable materials to comply with relevant fire safety regulations pertaining to installation of the wireless distribution system in heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) plenum spaces of a building or in areas containing an explosion-prone atmosphere.
The wireless distribution system of claim 1 , wherein the wireless distribution system is integrated into architectural features of a building.
The wireless distribution system of claim 1 , wherein the waveguide is fabricated using a modified, precursor hollow shape.
The wireless distribution system of claim 1 , wherein the hollow cross-sectional structure is substantially elliptical.
The wireless distribution system of claim 1 , wherein the hollow cross-sectional structure is substantially rectangular.
The wireless distribution system of claim 1 , wherein the hollow cross-sectional structure is substantially circular.
The wireless distribution system of claim 1 , wherein two or more signals of pre-determined frequencies are multiplexed into the wireless waveguide by using one or more propagation modes within the waveguide.
The wireless distribution system of claim 1 wherein a distal end of the conductive longitudinal probe extends at least partially into the waveguide.
The wireless distribution system of claim 12 wherein a feed point reactance of the distal end of the conductive longitudinal probe is substantially cancelled by the position of the proximal end of the conductive longitudinal probe and the position of a metallic spacer between the hollow center conductor and the conductive longitudinal probe.
The wireless distribution system of claim 12 wherein a position of the conductive longitudinal probe can be adjusted to vary the amount of wireless signal energy extracted from the waveguide.
The wireless distribution system of claim 12 wherein a position of the conductive longitudinal probe can be adjusted remotely.
The wireless distribution system of claim 15 , further comprising at least one radio frequency detector coupled to the signal coupling device for monitoring signals at least one predetermined point in the waveguide.
The wireless distribution system of claim 15 wherein the signal coupling device has at least one sensor incorporated therein for measuring and reporting mechanical position data of the signal coupling device.
The wireless distribution system of claim 1 , wherein the waveguide comprises two or more physically separate sections that are joined together to form the wireless waveguide.
The wireless distribution system of claim 18 , wherein the two or more sections of the wireless waveguide are mechanically and electrically connected using fastened, clam-shell shaped joining devices.
The wireless distribution system of claim 18 , wherein the two or more sections of the wireless waveguide are mechanically and electrically connected in tandem by using a wrap-around metal sleeve.
The wireless distribution system of claim 20 , wherein the wrap-around metal sleeve is secured with one or more fastening devices.
The wireless distribution system of claim 1 , wherein forming and punching processes are used to fabricate wireless waveguides from a starting sheet metal.
The wireless distribution system of claim 22 , wherein a final sheet metal form is closed through crimping or welding.
The wireless distribution system of claim 1 , wherein the waveguide is predominantly plastic.
The wireless distribution system of claim 24 further comprising one or more electric or magnetic signal coupling devices.
The wireless distribution system of claim 24 , wherein the waveguide has a thin metallic layer on an inner surface of the waveguide.
The wireless distribution system of claim 1 further comprising a magnetic loop probe connected to the conductive longitudinal probe with the magnetic loop probe connected between the conductive longitudinal probe and a base of the conductive longitudinal ground shell.
The wireless distribution system of claim 1 , further comprising at least one pre-positioned aperture located in a side of the waveguide.
The wireless distribution system of claim 28 , wherein the pre-positioned aperture is initially covered with removable material that seals and reestablishes the radio frequency integrity of the waveguide when it is placed over the aperture.
The wireless distribution system of claim 28 , wherein the pre-positioned aperture is a direct radiator from the waveguide to free space.
The wireless distribution system of claim 30 , wherein the aperture is variable in size of opening.
The wireless distribution system of claim 1 further comprising a termination end assembly connected to the waveguide.
The wireless distribution system of claim 1 , wherein a signal interface assembly is attached to the waveguide and the signal interface assembly is one or more of a transmitter, receiver, transceiver, filter, filters, combiner, duplexer, amplifier, and amplifiers.
An electric signal coupler for coupling wireless signals out of and into a waveguide, comprising: a conductive longitudinal ground shell; a hollow center conductor contained within the conductive longitudinal ground shell; a first dielectric contained within a first longitudinal section of the conductive longitudinal ground shell and surrounding the hollow center conductor contained within the first longitudinal section of the conductive longitudinal ground shell; a second dielectric contained within a second longitudinal section of the conductive longitudinal ground shell and surrounding the hollow center conductor contained within the second longitudinal section of the conductive longitudinal ground shell; a conductive longitudinal probe contained within the hollow conductor; and a bidirectional radio frequency port located at an end of the conductive longitudinal ground shell.
a second dielectric contained within a second longitudinal section of the conductive longitudinal ground shell and surrounding the hollow center conductor contained within the second longitudinal section of the conductive longitudinal ground shell;
a conductive longitudinal probe contained within the hollow conductor; and
a bidirectional radio frequency port located at an end of the conductive longitudinal ground shell.
The electric signal coupler of claim 34 wherein the bidirectional radio frequency port includes a coaxial connector.
The electric signal coupler of claim 34 further comprising a metallic spacer coupled to the conductive longitudinal probe that is in low impedance connection with the interior of the hollow center conductor.
The electric signal coupler of claim 34 wherein the outer diameter of a portion of the hollow center conductor contained within the second longitudinal section of the conductive longitudinal ground shell is greater than the outer diameter of a portion of the hollow conductor contained within the first longitudinal section of the conductive longitudinal ground shell.
The electric signal coupler of claim 34 wherein a portion of the conductive longitudinal probe extends into an inner side of the waveguide.
The electric signal coupler of claim 38 wherein the length of the portion of the conductive longitudinal probe that extends into the inner side of the waveguide is adjustable.
The electric signal coupler of claim 38 wherein the length of the portion of the conductive longitudinal probe that extends into the inner side of the waveguide is less than a quarter wavelength of an operating frequency of the waveguide.
The electric signal coupler of claim 38 further comprising a metallic cylinder coupled to, and coaxial with, the portion of the conductive longitudinal probe that extends into the inner side of the waveguide.
The electric signal coupler of claim 41 further comprising a dielectric attachment appended to the metallic cylinder.
A magnetic signal coupler for coupling wireless signals out of and into a waveguide, comprising: a conductive longitudinal ground shell; a hollow center conductor contained within the conductive longitudinal ground shell; a first dielectric contained within a first longitudinal section of the conductive longitudinal ground shell and surrounding the hollow center conductor contained within the first longitudinal section of the conductive longitudinal ground shell; a second dielectric contained within a second longitudinal section of the conductive longitudinal ground shell and surrounding the hollow center conductor contained within the second longitudinal section of the conductive longitudinal ground shell; a conductive longitudinal probe contained within the hollow conductor; a magnetic loop probe extending into the waveguide and connected between the conductive longitudinal probe and the conductive longitudinal ground shell; and a bidirectional radio frequency port coupled to the hollow center conductor and located at an end of the conductive longitudinal ground shell.
a conductive longitudinal probe contained within the hollow conductor;
a magnetic loop probe extending into the waveguide and connected between the conductive longitudinal probe and the conductive longitudinal ground shell; and
a bidirectional radio frequency port coupled to the hollow center conductor and located at an end of the conductive longitudinal ground shell.
The magnetic signal coupler of claim 43 wherein a variable amount of signal energy is coupled from the waveguide by varying the size of the magnetic loop probe.
The magnetic signal coupler of claim 43 wherein a variable amount of signal energy is coupled from the waveguide by rotating the magnetic loop probe around an axis of the magnetic signal coupler.
A wireless distribution system comprising: a waveguide with a hollow cross-sectional structure and a conductive inner surface that supports the transmission of wireless signal energy from a wireless signal source to a location proximate to a wireless receiver location; an originating port coupled to the waveguide for injection and extraction of wireless signal energy; and a signal coupling device coupled to the waveguide, the signal coupling device includes: an input port for introduction and extraction of wireless signal energy; an output port for introduction and extraction of wireless signal energy; an impedance transforming section connected between the input port and the output port; a conductor at least partially contained within the impedance transforming section; and a probe coupled to the conductor, wherein the conductor is configured such that the conductor provides a reactive impedance component that substantially cancels a reactive impedance component of the probe when the probe is contained at least partially within the interior of the waveguide.
an originating port coupled to the waveguide for injection and extraction of wireless signal energy; and
a signal coupling device coupled to the waveguide, the signal coupling device includes: an input port for introduction and extraction of wireless signal energy; an output port for introduction and extraction of wireless signal energy; an impedance transforming section connected between the input port and the output port; a conductor at least partially contained within the impedance transforming section; and a probe coupled to the conductor, wherein the conductor is configured such that the conductor provides a reactive impedance component that substantially cancels a reactive impedance component of the probe when the probe is contained at least partially within the interior of the waveguide.
an input port for introduction and extraction of wireless signal energy;
an output port for introduction and extraction of wireless signal energy;
an impedance transforming section connected between the input port and the output port;
a conductor at least partially contained within the impedance transforming section; and
a probe coupled to the conductor,
wherein the conductor is configured such that the conductor provides a reactive impedance component that substantially cancels a reactive impedance component of the probe when the probe is contained at least partially within the interior of the waveguide.
The wireless distribution system of claim 46 wherein the probe is excited by an electric field within the waveguide.
The wireless distribution system of claim 47 wherein the probe is a longitudinal conductor.
The wireless distribution system of claim 46 wherein the probe is excited by a magnetic field within the waveguide.
The wireless distribution system of claim 49 wherein the probe is a loop-shaped probe connected between the conductor and a ground point on the impedance transforming section.
The wireless distribution system of claim 46 further comprising an indicator showing a position of rotation of the signal coupling device around an axis perpendicular to an axis of the waveguide.
Ref US7606592: Claims:
1. A wireless distribution system comprising:
a waveguide with a hollow cross-sectional structure and a conductive inner surface that supports the transmission of wireless signal energy from a wireless signal source to a location proximate to a wireless receiver location;
an originating port connected to the waveguide for signal injection and extraction; and
a signal coupling device coupled to the wireless waveguide, the signal coupling device includes:
a conductive longitudinal ground shell;
a hollow center conductor contained within the conductive longitudinal ground shell;
a first dielectric contained within a first longitudinal section of the conductive longitudinal ground shell and surrounding the hollow center conductor contained within the first longitudinal section of the conductive longitudinal ground shell;
a second dielectric contained within a second longitudinal section of the conductive longitudinal ground shell and surrounding the hollow center conductor contained within the second longitudinal section of the conductive longitudinal ground shell; and
a conductive longitudinal probe with a proximal end partially contained within the hollow center conductor thereby forming a section of a transmission line within the hollow center conductor.
2. The wireless distribution system of claim 1, wherein the hollow cross-sectional structure is any shape that will support the propagation of electromagnetic energy in a desired frequency range.
3. The wireless distribution system of claim 1, wherein the waveguide operates in one or more waveguide propagation modes.
4. The wireless distribution system of claim 1, wherein the waveguide is metal.
5. The wireless distribution system of claim 1, wherein the wireless distribution system is fabricated with suitable materials to comply with relevant fire safety regulations pertaining to installation of the wireless distribution system in heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) plenum spaces of a building or in areas containing an explosion-prone atmosphere.
6. The wireless distribution system of claim 1, wherein the wireless distribution system is integrated into architectural features of a building.
7. The wireless distribution system of claim 1, wherein the waveguide is fabricated using a modified, precursor hollow shape.
8. The wireless distribution system of claim 1, wherein the hollow cross-sectional structure is substantially elliptical.
9. The wireless distribution system of claim 1, wherein the hollow cross-sectional structure is substantially rectangular.
10. The wireless distribution system of claim 1, wherein the hollow cross-sectional structure is substantially circular.
11. The wireless distribution system of claim 1, wherein two or more signals of pre-determined frequencies are multiplexed into the wireless waveguide by using one or more propagation modes within the waveguide.
12. The wireless distribution system of claim 1 wherein a distal end of the conductive longitudinal probe extends at least partially into the waveguide.
13. The wireless distribution system of claim 12 wherein a feed point reactance of the distal end of the conductive longitudinal probe is substantially cancelled by the position of the proximal end of the conductive longitudinal probe and the position of
[Truncated to input limit]