Office Action 2: Notice of Allowance (2025-08-26)

CLAIMS:
LISTING OF THE CLAIMS

1\. (Currently Amended) A dryer appliance comprising:
a cabinet;
a drum rotatably mounted within the cabinet, the drum defining a chamber for receipt of articles for drying; and
a controller provided within the cabinet and operably connected with the drum, the controller comprising a wireless communication module, wherein the controller is configured to perform a drying operation, the drying operation comprising:obtaining one or more washer operating parameters from a washing machine appliance pertaining to a washing cycle;
selecting a base drying cycle time from a plurality of base drying cycle times,
each base drying cycle time of the plurality of base drying cycle times corresponding to a different combination of obtained washer operating parameters, wherein each of the plurality of base dry cycle times is based on a plurality of dryer operating parameters;calculating an initial cycle time estimate using the selected base drying cycle time; and
initiating a drying cycle according to the initial cycle time estimate, initiating the drying cycle comprising displaying the initial cycle time estimate.

2\. (Original) The dryer appliance of claim 1, wherein the washing machine appliance is operably connected to the dryer appliance.

3\. (Original) The dryer appliance of claim 1, wherein the washer operating parameters comprise at least one of a load type, a load weight, or a remaining moisture content.

4\. (Canceled)

5\. (Currently Amended) The dryer appliance of claim \[\[4\]\]1, wherein the plurality of dryer operating parameters comprises an airflow condition within the dryer appliance.

6\. (Currently Amended) The dryer appliance of claim \[\[4\]\]1, wherein the plurality of dryer operating parameters comprises a heater power of a heater provided within the dryer.

7\. (Original) The dryer appliance of claim 1, wherein the calculated initial cycle time estimate is based on:
a dryness level of the articles for drying, the dryness level being input by a user.

8\. (Original) The dryer appliance of claim 1, wherein selecting the base drying cycle time from the plurality of base drying cycle times comprises:
matching the obtained washer operating parameters with a corresponding base drying cycle time.

9\. (Original) The dryer appliance of claim 1, wherein each base drying cycle time of the plurality of base drying cycle times is dynamically adaptable based on previously performed drying cycles.

10\. (Currently Amended)A method of operating a dryer appliance, the method comprising:
obtaining one or more washer operating parameters from a washing machine appliance pertaining to a washing cycle;
selecting a base drying cycle time from a plurality of base drying cycle times, each base drying cycle time of the plurality of base drying cycle times corresponding to a different combination of obtained washer operating parameters, wherein each of the plurality of base drying cycle times is based on a plurality of dryer operating parameters;
calculating an initial cycle time estimate using the selected base drying cycle time; and
initiating a drying cycle according to the initial cycle time estimate, initiating the drying cycle comprising displaying the initial cycle time estimate.

11\. (Original) The method of claim 10, wherein the washing machine appliance is operably connected to the dryer appliance.

12\. (Original) The method of claim 10, wherein the washer operating parameters comprise at least one of a load type, a load weight, or a remaining moisture content.

13\. (Canceled)

14\. (Currently Amended) The method of claim \[\[13\]\]10 wherein the plurality of dryer operating parameters comprises an airflow condition within the dryer appliance.

15\. (Currently Amended) The method of claim \[\[13\]\]10 wherein the plurality of dryer operating parameters comprises a heater power of a heater provided within the dryer.

16\. (Original) The method of claim 10, wherein the calculated initial cycle time estimate is based on:
a dryness level of the articles for drying, the dryness level being input by a user.

17\. (Original) The method of claim 10, wherein selecting the base drying cycle time from the plurality of base drying cycle times comprises:
matching the obtained washer operating parameters with a corresponding base drying cycle time.

18\. (Original) The method of claim 10, wherein each base drying cycle time of the plurality of base drying cycle times is dynamically adaptable based on previously performed drying cycles.

OFFICE ACTION:
Examiners 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 a telephone interview with Mask A Jotanovic on 8/7/2023.
The application has been amended as follows:
In claim 1, line 13, delete the term “dry” add replace with the term ---drying---.
Reasons for Allowance
Claims 1 and 10 include allowable subject matter because prior art could not be found to disclose each of the plurality of base drying cycle times is based on a plurality of dryer operating parameters with all of the limitations of independent claims 1 and 10. The closest prior art includes each of the plurality of drying cycle times is based on a plurality of dryer operating parameters such as Chen (WO2019/095496A1). However Chen does not teach each of the plurality of base drying cycle times is based on a plurality of dryer operating parameters, which includes obtaining one or more washer operating parameters from a washing machine appliance so as to solve the same problem.
Conclusion

APPLICANT REBUTTAL: REMARKSApplicant respectfully requests reconsideration and allowance in view of this Response.No new matter is introduced by this Response.I.    Claim Interpretation - 35 U.S.C § 112(f) Applicant notes the adoption of claim interpretation for several elements throughout the application. Nonetheless, without assenting to or further commenting on the same, Applicant respectfully notes that such interpretations are believed to be inapplicable to the current claims.II.   Rejections under 35 U.S.C. § 102 and 35 U.S.C. § 103 Claims 1-3, 7-8, 10-12, and 16-17 were rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 102 for allegedly being anticipated by Choung (U.S. Pre-Grant Pub. No. 2020/0087847). Claims 2 and 11 were rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103 for allegedly being obvious over Choung and Jeong et al. (U.S.Pre-Grant Pub. No. 2004/0118008). Claims 9 and 18 were rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103 for allegedly being obvious over Choung and Koo et al. (U.S. Pre-Grant Pub. No. 2021/0207306).Without acquiescing to or otherwise commenting on the merits of the rejection, Applicant has amended independent claims 1 and 10 to include the subject matter indicated as allowable in claims 4 and 13, respectively. For at least this reason, Applicant submits that the materials cited in the Office Action do not anticipate the pending claims and that the pending claims patentably define over the materials cited in the Office Action. For at least this reason, Applicant also submits that the pending claims patentably define over the materials cited in the Office Action.Applicant requests withdrawal of the rejections under § 102 and § 103.For at least the reasons discussed above with respect to the above independent claims, Applicant submits that the materials cited in the Office Action do not anticipate the claims respectively dependent thereon. For at least the reasons discussed above with respect to the above independent claims, Applicant also submits that the claims respectively dependent thereon are also not obvious over the materials cited in the Office Action. Applicant also notes that the patentability of the dependent claims certainly does not hinge on the patentability of independent claims. Some or all of these claims may possess features that are independently patentable, regardless of the patentability of the independent claims.III. Allowable Subject Matter Applicant wishes to thank Examiner Bhatia for indicating that claims 4-6 and 13-15 are objected to as being dependent upon a rejected base claim, but allowable if rewritten in independent form including all of the limitations of the base claim and any intervening claims..IV.    Conclusion Applicant respectfully submits that the pending claims are patentable for at least the reasons set forth above. As such, it is believed that the present application is in complete condition for allowance. Applicant requests entry of this Response followed by allowance of the application. Examiner Mccormack is invited and encouraged to telephone the undersigned, however, if any issues remain after consideration of this Response.Please charge any additional fees required by this Response to the above-captioned Deposit Account.Respectfully submitted, DORITY & MANNING, P.A.July 31, 2025


CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US20050138835A1: Claims:
An apparatus for controlling a washing/drying system, the apparatus comprising: a washing machine for performing washing of laundry; a wireless washing machine communication part for processing washing information of the washing machine in a wireless communication regulation; a washing machine antenna through which the washing information processed in the wireless communication regulation is transmitted; and a dryer for wirelessly receiving the washing information transmitted through the washing machine antenna and drying the laundry based on the received laundry information, wherein the washing machine and the dryer are separatable and usable independently.
a washing machine for performing washing of laundry;
a wireless washing machine communication part for processing washing information of the washing machine in a wireless communication regulation;
a washing machine antenna through which the washing information processed in the wireless communication regulation is transmitted; and
a dryer for wirelessly receiving the washing information transmitted through the washing machine antenna and drying the laundry based on the received laundry information,
wherein the washing machine and the dryer are separatable and usable independently.
The apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising: a display part for displaying the washing information; and a remote controller for transmitting information made in an optimal state by a user based on information displayed on the display part to the washing machine and/or the dryer.
a display part for displaying the washing information; and
a remote controller for transmitting information made in an optimal state by a user based on information displayed on the display part to the washing machine and/or the dryer.
The apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a remote controller for transmitting operation information of the washing machine and/or the dryer inputted by a user to the washing machine and/or the dryer.
The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the washing machine and the dryer are disposed in a stack structure.
The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the dryer comprises a dryer manipulator having freedom in change of installation position.
The apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a dryer manipulator disposed at an upper side or a lower side of the dryer, for manipulating the dryer.
The apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising: a dryer manipulator for manipulating the dryer; a first connection terminal formed at a first predetermined portion of the dryer manipulator; and a second connection terminal formed at a second predetermined portion of the dryer so as to be connected with the first connection terminal.
a dryer manipulator for manipulating the dryer;
a first connection terminal formed at a first predetermined portion of the dryer manipulator; and
a second connection terminal formed at a second predetermined portion of the dryer so as to be connected with the first connection terminal.
The apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a remote controller for manipulating the dryer.
The apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the remote controller is seated on a predetermined portion of the dryer.
The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the washing information comprises operation information of the dryer.
The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the washing information comprises: washing machine operation information inputted by a user for operation of the washing machine; and/or information determined during the operation of the washing machine; and/or dryer operation information inputted by the user for operation of the dryer.
washing machine operation information inputted by a user for operation of the washing machine; and/or
information determined during the operation of the washing machine; and/or
dryer operation information inputted by the user for operation of the dryer.
The apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the dryer operation information is inputted into the washing machine through the washing machine manipulator.
The apparatus according to claim 11 , further comprising a remote controller for wirelessly inputting the dryer operation information to the washing machine.
The apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the washing machine comprises a switch for selectively processing the washing machine operation information and the dryer operation information.
The apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the dryer comprises a dryer controller for determining an optimal operation condition according to the washing information.
The apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising: a remote controller communication part formed at the dryer, for transmitting at least the washing information; and a remote controller for receiving the washing information from the remote controller communication part and transmitting dryer operation information determined on the basis of the received washing information to the remote controller communication part.
a remote controller communication part formed at the dryer, for transmitting at least the washing information; and
a remote controller for receiving the washing information from the remote controller communication part and transmitting dryer operation information determined on the basis of the received washing information to the remote controller communication part.
The apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising: a remote controller communication part formed at the washing machine; and a remote controller for inputting at least dryer operation information into the remote controller communication part.
a remote controller communication part formed at the washing machine; and
a remote controller for inputting at least dryer operation information into the remote controller communication part.
The apparatus according to claim 17 , wherein the remote controller receives information related with operation of the washing machine from the remote controller communication part.
The apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a remote controller for wirelessly receiving information related with operation of the washing machine and wirelessly transmitting operation information of the dryer to the dryer.
A method for controlling a washing/drying system, the method comprising the steps of: performing an operation of a washing machine; wirelessly transmitting operation information of the washing machine; determining operation condition of a dryer based on the operation information of the washing machine wirelessly received; and performing an operation of the dryer based on the operation condition of the dryer.
performing an operation of a washing machine;
wirelessly transmitting operation information of the washing machine;
determining operation condition of a dryer based on the operation information of the washing machine wirelessly received; and
performing an operation of the dryer based on the operation condition of the dryer.
The method according to claim 20 , further comprising the step of correcting the operation condition of the dryer to an optimal operation condition at a user.
The method according to claim 21 , wherein the correcting step is performed by a remote controller and/or a dryer manipulator.
The method according to claim 20 , wherein operation information of the dryer inputted by a user is transmitted to the dryer together with the operation information of the washing machine.
The method according to claim 20 , wherein the transmitting step comprises the step of transmitting the operation information of the washing machine using a remote controller, and the determining step comprises the steps of: correcting the operation condition of the dryer based on the operation condition of the washing machine displayed on the remote controller at a user; and transmitting the corrected operation condition from the remote controller to the dryer.
the determining step comprises the steps of: correcting the operation condition of the dryer based on the operation condition of the washing machine displayed on the remote controller at a user; and
transmitting the corrected operation condition from the remote controller to the dryer.
An apparatus for controlling a washing/drying system, the apparatus comprising: a washing machine for performing washing of laundry, the washing machine including a sensor for sensing information related with the laundry during the washing; a washing machine manipulator for manipulating operation of the washing machine, a wireless washing machine communication part and an antenna for processing washing information of the washing machine and wirelessly transmitting operation of the washing machine manipulator; a dryer including a dyer antenna and a wireless dryer communication part for wirelessly receiving the washing information transmitted through the washing machine antenna; and a dryer manipulator for manipulating an operation of the dryer at a user.
a washing machine for performing washing of laundry, the washing machine including a sensor for sensing information related with the laundry during the washing;
a washing machine manipulator for manipulating operation of the washing machine,
a wireless washing machine communication part and an antenna for processing washing information of the washing machine and wirelessly transmitting operation of the washing machine manipulator;
a dryer including a dyer antenna and a wireless dryer communication part for wirelessly receiving the washing information transmitted through the washing machine antenna; and
a dryer manipulator for manipulating an operation of the dryer at a user.
An apparatus for controlling a washing/drying system, the apparatus comprising: a washing machine for performing washing of laundry; a dryer for drying the laundry washed in the washing machine; a dryer manipulator which is separatable from a main body of the dryer; and a receiving part formed at a predetermined portion of the dryer and/or the washing machine, for receiving the dryer manipulator therein.
a dryer for drying the laundry washed in the washing machine;
a dryer manipulator which is separatable from a main body of the dryer; and
a receiving part formed at a predetermined portion of the dryer and/or the washing machine, for receiving the dryer manipulator therein.
The apparatus according to claim 26 , wherein the receiving part is respectively formed at an upper side and a lower side of the dryer.
An apparatus for controlling a washing/drying system, the apparatus comprising: a washing machine into which at least operation condition of a dryer is inputted through a remote controller and/or a washing machine manipulator; two or more user interfaces disposed inside the washing machine, for independently processing the operation condition of the dryer and operation condition of the washing machine; and the dryer disposed independently from the washing machine, for wirelessly receiving control information of the dryer to dry laundry.
a washing machine into which at least operation condition of a dryer is inputted through a remote controller and/or a washing machine manipulator;
two or more user interfaces disposed inside the washing machine, for independently processing the operation condition of the dryer and operation condition of the washing machine; and
the dryer disposed independently from the washing machine, for wirelessly receiving control information of the dryer to dry laundry.
The apparatus according to claim 28 , wherein the washing machine comprises a switch for inputting control information of the washing machine together with the control information of the dryer and selectively division-processing the control information of the washing machine and the control information of the dryer.
An apparatus for controlling a washing/drying system, the apparatus comprising: a washing machine for performing washing of laundry; a dryer stacked on the washing machine, for drying the laundry washed in the washing machine; a washing machine communication part for transmitting a control information of the washing machine to the dryer; a remote controller communication part installed at the dryer, for transmitting the control information of the washing machine; and a remote controller for displaying information transmitted from the remote controller communication part and selecting a control information of the dryer from the control information of the washing machine to transmitting the selected control information of the dryer to the dryer.
a dryer stacked on the washing machine, for drying the laundry washed in the washing machine;
a washing machine communication part for transmitting a control information of the washing machine to the dryer;
a remote controller communication part installed at the dryer, for transmitting the control information of the washing machine; and
a remote controller for displaying information transmitted from the remote controller communication part and selecting a control information of the dryer from the control information of the washing machine to transmitting the selected control information of the dryer to the dryer.
An apparatus for controlling a washing/drying system, the apparatus comprising: a washing machine having a first remote controller communication part for reading out a control information of the washing machine from a memory and transmitting the read control information to a dryer; a remote controller for receiving a signal transmitted from the first remote controller communication part and designating a control information of the dryer; and the dryer having a second remote controller communication part for receiving the control information of the dryer transmitted from the remote controller.
a washing machine having a first remote controller communication part for reading out a control information of the washing machine from a memory and transmitting the read control information to a dryer;
a remote controller for receiving a signal transmitted from the first remote controller communication part and designating a control information of the dryer; and
the dryer having a second remote controller communication part for receiving the control information of the dryer transmitted from the remote controller.
An apparatus for controlling a washing/drying system, the apparatus comprising: a washing machine for performing washing of laundry; a dryer for drying the laundry; and a communication part for wirelessly transmitting and receiving operation information of the washing machine and/or operation information of the dryer.
a dryer for drying the laundry; and
a communication part for wirelessly transmitting and receiving operation information of the washing machine and/or operation information of the dryer.
Ref WO2019095496A1: Claims:
A drying time estimating method, comprising the steps of: In the drying process, the temperature of the laundry to be dried is obtained in real time by an infrared sensor; Acquiring the load of the laundry to be dried according to the temperature of the laundry to be dried obtained in real time, and/or the weight data detected by the load cell; Acquiring the moisture content of the laundry to be dried according to the temperature of the laundry to be dried obtained in real time, and/or the humidity data detected by the humidity sensor; The drying time of the laundry to be dried is estimated according to the load amount and the moisture content of the laundry to be dried.
A drying time estimating method, comprising the steps of:
In the drying process, the temperature of the laundry to be dried is obtained in real time by an infrared sensor;
Acquiring the load of the laundry to be dried according to the temperature of the laundry to be dried obtained in real time, and/or the weight data detected by the load cell;
Acquiring the moisture content of the laundry to be dried according to the temperature of the laundry to be dried obtained in real time, and/or the humidity data detected by the humidity sensor;
The drying time of the laundry to be dried is estimated according to the load amount and the moisture content of the laundry to be dried.
The method of estimating the drying time according to claim 1, wherein the obtaining the load of the laundry to be dried comprises: Generating thermal image data according to the temperature of the laundry to be dried obtained in real time; And obtaining a load amount of the laundry to be dried according to the thermal image data, and/or the weight data detected by the load cell.
The method of estimating the drying time according to claim 1, wherein the obtaining the load of the laundry to be dried comprises:
Generating thermal image data according to the temperature of the laundry to be dried obtained in real time;
And obtaining a load amount of the laundry to be dried according to the thermal image data, and/or the weight data detected by the load cell.
The drying time estimating method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the obtaining the moisture content of the laundry to be dried comprises: Generating a temperature change curve according to the temperature of the laundry to be dried obtained in real time; And obtaining moisture content of the laundry to be dried according to the temperature change curve and/or the humidity data detected by the humidity sensor.
The drying time estimating method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the obtaining the moisture content of the laundry to be dried comprises:
Generating a temperature change curve according to the temperature of the laundry to be dried obtained in real time;
And obtaining moisture content of the laundry to be dried according to the temperature change curve and/or the humidity data detected by the humidity sensor.
The drying time estimating method according to claim 1, wherein: During the drying process, the drying time of the laundry to be dried is estimated every first preset time to update the drying time of the laundry to be dried.
The drying time estimating method according to claim 1, wherein:
During the drying process, the drying time of the laundry to be dried is estimated every first preset time to update the drying time of the laundry to be dried.
The drying time estimating method according to claim 4, wherein when the time for heating the laundry to be dried reaches a first preset time, the control motor stops running and the second preset is allowed to stand. After the time, the drying time of the laundry to be dried is estimated.
The drying time estimating method according to claim 1, wherein the temperature of the laundry to be dried is obtained in real time by an infrared sensor, including: Sensing the heat radiation of the laundry to be dried by the heat sensitive element in the infrared sensor to obtain a thermoelectric signal; Amplifying the thermoelectric signal to obtain an amplified thermoelectric signal; Obtaining, by the thermistor in the infrared sensor, an electrical signal corresponding to an ambient temperature of the current infrared sensor; During the analog-to-digital conversion of the amplified thermoelectric signal, temperature compensation is performed according to an electrical signal corresponding to an ambient temperature of the current infrared sensor to obtain a compensated temperature signal; The compensated temperature signal is processed to obtain the temperature of the laundry to be dried.
The drying time estimating method according to claim 1, wherein the temperature of the laundry to be dried is obtained in real time by an infrared sensor, including:
Sensing the heat radiation of the laundry to be dried by the heat sensitive element in the infrared sensor to obtain a thermoelectric signal;
Amplifying the thermoelectric signal to obtain an amplified thermoelectric signal;
Obtaining, by the thermistor in the infrared sensor, an electrical signal corresponding to a
[Truncated to input limit]