Office Action 1: Non-Final Rejection (2025-01-29)
Rejection types: 102 - Lack of Novelty, 103 - Obviousness

CLAIMS:
CLAIMS
1\. A headlamp for vehicles comprising: a light source for emitting a light beam; and an optical unit containing a projection lens which deflects a first part of the light beam for generation of a light distribution with a light/dark boundary, wherein a second part of the light beam emitted by the light source is guided in an area above the light/dark boundary of the light distribution for detection of high-mounted traffic signs, wherein the projection lens is a Fresnel lens which comprises arch-shaped first usable edges in an upper half space and in a lower half space for deflection of the first part of the light beam, and which comprises a plurality of arch-shaped second usable edges exclusively in the upper half space for passage of the second part of the light beam therethrough.
2\. The headlamp of claim 1, wherein the second usable edges respectively merge in a transition area into the first edge edges or into an interfering edge running adjacent to the first usable edges.
3\. The headlamp of claim 2, wherein the transition area runs to above a horizontal median plane of the Fresnel lens or until directly up to the horizontal median plane of the Fresnel lens.
4\. The headlamp of claim 2, wherein the second usable edges merge continuously into the first usable edges or into the interfering edge.
5\. The headlamp of claim 2, wherein the interfering edge, which runs parallel to the first usable edges or alternatively the second usable edges, is connected to opposing longitudinal edges of the first usable edges and of the second usable edges.
6\. The headlamp of claim 1, wherein the second usable edges run semicircularly at such a radius to an optical axis of the Fresnel lens that predetermined lighting levels for illuminating the high-placed traffic signs at a predetermined lighting location are met.
7\. The headlamp of claim 1, wherein a width of the first usable edges and the second usable edges is between 0.5 mm and 1.5 cm.
8\. The headlamp of claim 1, wherein the second usable edge is aspherical such that the second part of the light beam is refracted in a direction of a predetermined lighting location above the light/dark boundary of the light distribution.
9\. The headlamp of claim 1, wherein: the light source or an aperture edge associated with the light source is arranged in a focal plane of the Fresnel lens; and the second usable edges are arranged at a radius such that the second part of the light beam passes without refraction through the second usable edges to a lighting location above the light/dark boundary of the light distribution.
10\. The headlamp of claim 1, wherein the second usable edges run flat, such that the second part of the light beam strikes the second usable edges perpendicularly.
11\. The headlamp of claim 2, wherein the second usable edges taper in the transition area.
12\. The headlamp of claim 2, wherein the second usable edges are configured in such a way that light beams impinging the transition area are deflected in a direction below the light/dark boundary.
13\. The headlamp of claim 1, wherein an aperture edge is formed by an edge of the light source or by an edge of a primary lens associated with the light source or by an edge of an additional aperture.
14\. The headlamp of claim 2, wherein the first usable edges and the second usable edges and the interfering edge are arranged on a light exit side of the Fresnel lens facing away from the light source.
15\. The headlamp of claim 1, wherein a light entry side of the Fresnel lens runs flat.

OFFICE ACTION:
DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Drawings
The drawings are objected to under 37 CFR 1.83(a).  The drawings must show every feature of the invention specified in the claims.  Therefore, the “…the second usable edges are arranged at a radius such that the second part of the light beam passes without refraction through the second usable edges to a lighting location above the light/dark boundary of the light distribution…,” as recited in claim 9, must be shown or the feature(s) canceled from the claim(s).  No new matter should be entered.
Corrected drawing sheets in compliance with 37 CFR 1.121(d) are required in reply to the Office action to avoid abandonment of the application. Any amended replacement drawing sheet should include all of the figures appearing on the immediate prior version of the sheet, even if only one figure is being amended. The figure or figure number of an amended drawing should not be labeled as “amended.” If a drawing figure is to be canceled, the appropriate figure must be removed from the replacement sheet, and where necessary, the remaining figures must be renumbered and appropriate changes made to the brief description of the several views of the drawings for consistency. Additional replacement sheets may be necessary to show the renumbering of the remaining figures. Each drawing sheet submitted after the filing date of an application must be labeled in the top margin as either “Replacement Sheet” or “New Sheet” pursuant to 37 CFR 1.121(d). If the changes are not accepted by the examiner, the applicant will be notified and informed of any required corrective action in the next Office action. The objection to the drawings will not be held in abeyance.
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA  35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA  to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
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.
Claims 1-5, 8, 11, and 13-15 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) and 102(a)(2) as being anticipated by Yatsuda (US 2011/0205748 A1).
Regarding claim 1, Yatsuda discloses a headlamp for vehicles (Figs. 9-12B) comprising: a light source (10 and 20, collectively) for emitting a light beam (as shown in Figs. 10-12B); and an optical unit (80) containing a projection lens (80 contains projection lenses 81-84) which deflects a first part of the light beam for generation of a light distribution with a light/dark boundary (as shown in Figs. 10-12B), wherein a second part of the light beam emitted by the light source is guided in an area above the light/dark boundary of the light distribution for detection of high-mounted traffic signs (as shown in Fig. 10, light which traverses through 84 and 85, see paragraph [0088]-[0095]), wherein the projection lens is a Fresnel lens (as shown in Fig. 9, also see paragraph [0043]) which comprises arch-shaped first usable edges in an upper half space (in 82 and half of the middle portion 81) and in a lower half space (in 83 and the lower half of 81) for deflection of the first part of the light beam (as shown in Figs. 9-10), and which comprises a plurality of arch-shaped second usable edges (84, 85) exclusively in the upper half space (as shown in Fig. 9) for passage of the second part of the light beam therethrough (as described in paragraph [0088]).
Regarding claim 2, Yatsuda discloses (Figs. 9-12B) the second usable edges (84 and 85) respectively merge in a transition area into the first edge edges or into an interfering edge running adjacent to the first usable edges (the entire lens is formed integrally, thus 84 and 85 merge in a transition area into the first edge edges therebelow at a bottom edge thereof, as shown in Fig. 9, or into an interfering edge formed by the perimeter of the lens running adjacent to the first usable edges, at an upper and side portion thereof, as shown in Fig. 9).
Regarding claim 3 Yatsuda discloses (Figs. 9-12B) the transition area runs to above a horizontal median plane of the Fresnel lens (as shown in Fig. 9).
Regarding claim 4, Yatsuda discloses (Figs. 9-12B) the second usable edges (84, 85) merge continuously into the first usable edges or into the interfering edge (as shown in Fig. 9, i.e. the entire lens is integrally formed, thus, all the edges merge continuously into both the adjacent edges, or into said interfering edge).
Regarding claim 5, Yatsuda discloses (Figs. 9-12B) the interfering edge, which runs parallel to the first usable edges or alternatively the second usable edges, is connected to opposing longitudinal edges of the first usable edges and of the second usable edges (as shown in Fig. 9).
Regarding claim 8, Yatsuda discloses (Figs. 9-12B) the second usable edge (84, 85) is aspherical (e.g. as described in paragraph [0040]) such that the second part of the light beam is refracted in a direction of a predetermined lighting location above the light/dark boundary of the light distribution (as shown in Figs. 12A-12B).
Regarding claim 11, Yatsuda discloses (Figs. 9-12B) the second usable edges (84, 85) taper in the transition area (as shown in Fig. 9).
Regarding claim 13, Yatsuda discloses (Figs. 9-12B) an aperture edge (i.e. an edge of the lens 80, or an edge of 61, or an edge of 140, 141) is formed by an edge of the light source or by an edge of a primary lens associated with the light source or by an edge of an additional aperture (as shown in Fig. 9).
Regarding claim 14, Yatsuda discloses (Figs. 9-12B) the first usable edges and the second usable edges and the interfering edge are arranged on a light exit side of the Fresnel lens facing away from the light source (as shown in Figs. 9-12B).
Regarding claim 15, Yatsuda discloses (Figs. 9-12B) a light entry side of the Fresnel lens runs flat (as shown in Figs. 9-12B).
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
Claims 6 and 12 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Yatsuda, in view of DE LAMBERTERIE et al. (US 2019/0079217 A1, herein referred to as: DE LAMBERTERIE).
Regarding claim 6, Yatsuda does not explicitly teach that the second usable edges run semicircularly at such a radius to an optical axis of the Fresnel lens that predetermined lighting levels for illuminating the high-placed traffic signs at a predetermined lighting location are met.
DE LAMBERTERIE teaches or suggests (Figs. 1-8) second usable edges (e.g. in 13’) run semicircularly at such a radius to an optical axis of the Fresnel lens that predetermined lighting levels for illuminating the high-placed traffic signs at a predetermined lighting location are met (as shown in Fig. 5).
Therefore, it would have been obvious for a person of ordinary skill in the art, as of the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to have modified the device of Yatsuda and incorporated the teachings of the second usable edges run semicircularly at such a radius to an optical axis of the Fresnel lens that predetermined lighting levels for illuminating the high-placed traffic signs at a predetermined lighting location are met, such as suggested by DE LAMBERTERIE, since it has been held by the courts that combining prior art elements according to known methods to yield predictable results, simple substitution of one known element for another to obtain predictable results, or choosing from a finite number of identified, predictable solutions, with a reasonable expectation of success, is not sufficient to distinguish over the prior art, as it requires only ordinary skill in the art. KSR International Co. v. Teleflex Inc., 82 USPQ2d 1385, 1397 (2007).  In this case, one of ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to yield the predictable result of providing illuminating for high-placed traffic signs.
Regarding claim 12, Yatsuda teaches or suggests all of the elements of the claimed invention, except for the second usable edges are configured in such a way that light beams impinging the transition area are deflected in a direction below the light/dark boundary.
DE LAMBERTERIE teaches or suggests (Figs. 1-8) the second usable edges are configured in such a way that light beams impinging the transition area (a transition area adjacent 13’) are deflected in a direction below the light/dark boundary (as shown in Figs. 4-5).
Therefore, it would have been obvious for a person of ordinary skill in the art, as of the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to have modified the device of Yatsuda and incorporated the teachings of the second usable edges are configured in such a way that light beams impinging the transition area are deflected in a direction below the light/dark boundary, such as taught or suggested by DE LAMBERTERIE, since it has been held by the courts that combining prior art elements according to known methods to yield predictable results, simple substitution of one known element for another to obtain predictable results, or choosing from a finite number of identified, predictable solutions, with a reasonable expectation of success, is not sufficient to distinguish over the prior art, as it requires only ordinary skill in the art. KSR International Co. v. Teleflex Inc., 82 USPQ2d 1385, 1397 (2007).  In this case, one of ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to yield the predictable result of providing illuminating for high-placed traffic signs above a low beam pattern.
Claim 7 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Yatsuda.
Regarding claim 7, Yatsuda does not explicitly recite that a width of the first usable edges and the second usable edges is between 0.5 mm and 1.5 cm.
However, one skilled in the art would recognize the width of the first usable edges and the second usable edges to be a result effective variable, which can be tailored through routine experimentation in order to optimize the width of first and second parts of the light beam.
Therefore, it would have been obvious for a person of ordinary skill in the art, as of the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to have modified the device of Yatsuda and incorporated the teachings of a width of the first usable edges and the second usable edges is between 0.5 mm and 1.5 cm, since it has been held that where the general conditions of a claim are disclosed in the prior art, discovering the optimum or workable ranges involves only ordinary skill in the art.  In re Aller, 105 USPQ 233. In the instant case, one skilled in the art would have been motivated to optimize the width of first and second parts of the light beam as suited for the intended application or regulatory standard.
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 9-10 are objected to as being dependent upon a rejected base claim, but would be allowable if rewritten in independent form including all of the limitations of the base claim and any intervening claims.
The following is a statement of reasons for the indication of allowable subject matter:
Regarding claim 9, the prior art of record does not teach, or merely suggest: “…the light source or an aperture edge associated with the light source is arranged in a focal plane of the Fresnel lens; and the second usable edges are arranged at a radius such that the second part of the light beam passes without refraction through the second usable edges to a lighting location above the light/dark boundary of the light distribution…,” as recited in combination with all of the limitations of claim 1.
Regarding claim 10, the prior art of record does not teach, or merely suggest, “…the second usable edges run flat, such that the second part of the light beam strikes the second usable edges perpendicularly…,” as recited in combination with all of the limitations of claim 1.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure: please see US 2016/0363288 A1 to McKendry, pertinent to the feature of claim 7.

APPLICANT REBUTTAL: REMARKSReconsideration of the above-identified patent application is respectfully requested. Claims 1-5 and 7-15 are pending in this application. Claims 1, 9, and 10 are amended. Claim 6 is canceled. No claims are newly added. The rejections are respectfully traversed.I. Drawing Objections As previously presented, the drawings were objected to under 37 CFR 1.83(a) as not showing "the second usable edges are arranged at a radius such that the second part of the light beam passes without refraction through the second usable edges to a lighting location above the light/dark boundary of the light distribution" as recited in claim 9. Figure 4 is amended to show the second part of the light beam (L2) as passing without refraction. Support is provided at paragraph 0034 ("In this embodiment, second usable edges 7' are arranged in such a way that the second part L2 of the light L passes through without refraction and is used for generation of the lighting levels at the lighting locations V for detecting the overhead traffic signs"). No new matter has been added. Withdrawal of the drawing objection is therefore respectfully requested.II. Allowable Subject Matter Applicant appreciates the Examiner's statement that claims 9 and 10 would be allowable if rewritten in independent form, including all of the limitations of the base claim and any intervening claims. Claims 9 and 10 have been rewritten accordingly. It is therefore respectfully submitted that claims 9 and 10 present allowable subject matter in allowable form.III. Section 102 Rejection As previously presented, claim 1 was rejected as being anticipated by US2011/0205748 to Yatsuda. The rejection as conceivably applied to the amended claim is respectfully traversed.The headlamp of claim 1 includes, in part, a Fresnel lens having arch-shaped first usable edges and arch-shaped second usable edges, wherein the arch-shaped second usable edges extend along a portion of a circular arc when viewed in front elevation, and wherein the arch-shaped second usable edges are bordered on each side by respective ones of the arch-shaped first usable edges in the upper half space of the Fresnel lens. As discussed below, Yatsuda does not disclose, teach, or suggest these features.Yatsuda instead discloses a multi-focus Fresnel lens 80, shown in Figures 9 and 10 below.The Fresnel lens 80 includes "overhead sign light distribution portions" 84, 85 (Pgph. 0089), which the Office Action equates with the claimed arch-shaped second usable edges. (Office Action, ¶7).Fig.9 Fig. 10 -` 151 3114 roA 101 50 : w 83 Ott "l - `.c.F However, Yatsuda's overhead sign light distribution portions 84, 85 do not extend along a portion of a circular arc when viewed in front elevation. Instead, the overhead sign light distribution portions 84, 85 extend laterally in a straight-line when viewed from a front elevation.In addition, Yatsuda's overhead sign light distribution portions 84, 85 (equated with the claimed arch-shaped first usable edges) are not bordered on both sides by Yatsuda's upper level lens portion 82 (equated with the claimed arch-shaped first usable edges). Instead, Yatsuda's overhead sign light distribution portions 84, 85 are only bordered on the bottom side.By contrast, the headlamp of claim 1 includes a Fresnel lens 3 having arch-shaped first usable edges 6 and arch-shaped second usable edges 7, wherein the arch-shaped second usable edges 7 extend along a portion of a circular arc when viewed in front elevation, and wherein the arch-shaped second usable edges 7 are bordered on both sides by respective ones of the arch- shaped first usable edges 6 in the upper half space 9 of the Fresnel lens 3. As set forth in the Specification at paragraph 0007, the arch-shaped second usable edges provide a limited light distribution above the light/dark boundary for illuminating overhead traffic signs in an efficient manner ("Second usable edges are used to generate a second part of the light emitted by the light source (light beams) for detecting high-mounted traffic signs").In view of the foregoing, it is respectfully submitted that the Section 102(a)(2) rejection of claim 1 is overcome and should therefore be withdrawn. Support for the amendments is set forth at Figure 1 and at paragraph 0011 ("According to a further development of the invention, such a number of second usable edges that preferably run longitudinally in an arch shape or semicircularly is provided that the specified lighting levels for the overhead traffic signs are met.").Dependent claims 2-5, 8, 11, and 13-15 were also rejected as anticipated by Yatsuda.Claims 2-5, 8, 11, and 13-15 distinguish over Yatsuda for at least the reasons noted above in connection with claim 1, from which these claims depend. It is therefore respectfully submitted that the Section 102(a)(2) rejection of dependent claims 2-5, 8, 11, and 13-15 is overcome and should therefore be withdrawn.IV. Section 103 Rejection As previously presented, dependent claim 12 was rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Yatsuda in view of US2019/0079217 to De Lamberterie. Claim 12 is allowable for at least the reasons noted above in connection with claim 1, from which this claim depends.While De Lamberterie discloses spreading segments 13', 14', these segments are disclosed on lateral portions of Fresnel lens in De Lamberterie, and are therefore ineffective at illuminating an area above a light/dark boundary of a light distribution, as presently claimed. Withdrawal of the Section 103 rejection is therefore respectfully requested.V. Conclusion In view of the above amendments and these remarks, it is respectfully submitted that the present application is fully in condition for allowance. A notice to that effect is respectfully requested. The Commissioner is authorized to charge Deposit Account No. 23-0457 for any additional fees or credit the account for any overpayment.Respectfully submitted, By: Warner Norcross + Judd LLP /Vito A. Ciaravino/ Vito A. Ciaravino Registration No. 62749 2715 Woodward Avenue, Ste. 300 Detroit, Michigan 48201-3030 313-546-6179 32415467

NEXT OFFICE ACTION: NOTICE OF ALLOWANCE
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 .
Response to Amendment
Applicant's amendment filed on 28 April 2025 has been entered. Claims 1 and 9-10 have been amended. Claim 6 has been cancelled. No claims have been added. Claims 1-5 and 7-15 are still pending in this application, with claims 1, 9, and 10 being independent. The drawing objections set forth in the previous non-final office action mailed 29 January 2025 are overcome by Applicant’s amended drawings filed 28 April 2025.
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 1-5 and 7-15 are allowed.
The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance:
Regarding claim 1, the prior art of record does not teach, or merely suggest, a headlamp for vehicles comprising: a light source for emitting a light beam; and an optical unit containing a projection lens which deflects a first part of the light beam for generation of a light distribution with a light/dark boundary, wherein a second part of the light beam emitted by the light source is guided in an area above the light/dark boundary of the light distribution for detection of high-mounted traffic signs, wherein the projection lens is a Fresnel lens which comprises arch-shaped first usable edges in an upper half space and in a lower half space for deflection of the first part of the light beam, and which comprises a plurality of arch-shaped second usable edges exclusively in the upper half space for passage of the second part of the light beam therethrough, wherein the arch-shaped second usable edges extend along a portion of a circular arc when viewed in front elevation, and wherein the arch-shaped second usable edges are bordered on each side by respective ones of the arch-shaped first usable edges in the upper half space of the Fresnel lens.
The most pertinent prior art of record: YATSUDA (US 2011/0205748 A1) teaches or suggests various elements of the claimed invention. However, Yatsuda does not teach or suggest, alone or in-combination: “…the arch-shaped second usable edges extend along a portion of a circular arc when viewed in front elevation, and wherein the arch-shaped second usable edges are bordered on each side by respective ones of the arch-shaped first usable edges in the upper half space of the Fresnel lens…,” as recited in combination with all of the limitations of claim 1. Additionally, there does not appear to be any reason absent Applicant's disclosure to modify the above-cited prior art devices with any additional prior art of record in such a way as to arrive at the claimed invention. As the prior art fails to teach, suggest, or disclose the claimed limitations, and there is no reason absent Applicant's disclosure to modify the prior art devices in such a way as to arrive at the claimed invention, the claim is allowable over the prior art of record.
Claims 2-5, 7-8, and 11-15 are allowable as they depend upon and further limit allowable claim 1.
Regarding claim 9, the prior art of record does not teach, or merely suggest, a headlamp for vehicles comprising: a light source for emitting a light beam; and an optical unit containing a projection lens which deflects a first part of the light beam for generation of a light distribution with a light/dark boundary; wherein a second part of the light beam emitted by the light source is guided in an area above the light/dark boundary of the light distribution for detection of high-mounted traffic signs; wherein the projection lens is a Fresnel lens which comprises arch-shaped first usable edges in an upper half space and in a lower half space for deflection of the first part of the light beam, and which comprises a plurality of arch-shaped second usable edges exclusively in the upper half space for passage of the second part of the light beam therethrough; wherein the light source or an aperture edge associated with the light source is arranged in a focal plane of the Fresnel lens; and wherein the second usable edges are arranged at a radius such that the second part of the light beam passes without refraction through the second usable edges to a lighting location above the light/dark boundary of the light distribution.
The most pertinent prior art of record: YATSUDA (US 2011/0205748 A1) teaches or suggests various elements of the claimed invention. However, Yatsuda does not teach or suggest, alone or in-combination: “…the second usable edges are arranged at a radius such that the second part of the light beam passes without refraction through the second usable edges to a lighting location above the light/dark boundary of the light distribution…,” as recited in combination with all of the limitations of claim 9. Additionally, there does not appear to be any reason absent Applicant's disclosure to modify the above-cited prior art devices with any additional prior art of record in such a way as to arrive at the claimed invention. As the prior art fails to teach, suggest, or disclose the claimed limitations, and there is no reason absent Applicant's disclosure to modify the prior art devices in such a way as to arrive at the claimed invention, the claim is allowable over the prior art of record.
Regarding claim 10, the prior art of record does not teach, or merely suggest, a headlamp for vehicles comprising: a light source for emitting a light beam; and an optical unit containing a projection lens which deflects a first part of the light beam for generation of a light distribution with a light/dark boundary; wherein a second part of the light beam emitted by the light source is guided in an area above the light/dark boundary of the light distribution for detection of high-mounted traffic signs; wherein the projection lens is a Fresnel lens which comprises arch-shaped first usable edges in an upper half space and in a lower half space for deflection of the first part of the light beam, and which comprises a plurality of arch-shaped second usable edges exclusively in the upper half space for passage of the second part of the light beam therethrough; wherein the second usable edges run flat, such that the second part of the light beam strikes the second usable edges perpendicularly.
The most pertinent prior art of record: YATSUDA (US 2011/0205748 A1) teaches or suggests various elements of the claimed invention. However, Yatsuda does not teach or suggest, alone or in-combination: “…the second usable edges run flat, such that the second part of the light beam strikes the second usable edges perpendicularly…,” as recited in combination with all of the limitations of claim 10. Additionally, there does not appear to be any reason absent Applicant's disclosure to modify the above-cited prior art devices with any additional prior art of record in such a way as to arrive at the claimed invention. As the prior art fails to teach, suggest, or disclose the claimed limitations, and there is no reason absent Applicant's disclosure to modify the prior art devices in such a way as to arrive at the claimed invention, the claim is allowable over the prior art of record.
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 US20110205748A1: Claims:
A vehicle light comprising: a multi-focal lens that has, a mid-level lens portion whose focal point is located on an optical axis extending in a front-to-rear direction, and an upper-level lens portion located above the mid-level lens portion and whose focal point is located diagonally frontward and above the focal point of the mid-level lens portion; a separator plate configured in a face-down state with respect to a horizontal plane and located at a rear of the multi-focal lens, the separator plate having a front edge positioned substantially at the focal point of the mid-level lens portion; a first light emitting element mounted on a top of the separator plate at a rear portion located a substantial distance from the front edge of the separator plate, the first light emitting element facing upwards; a second light emitting element mounted on a bottom of the separator plate and spaced from the front edge of the separator plate, the second light emitting element facing downwards; a first elliptical reflecting surface located on the top of the separator plate, the first elliptical reflecting surface having a first focal point located substantially at the first light emitting element and a second focal point located substantially at the focal point of the mid-level lens portion; and a second elliptical reflecting surface located on the bottom of the separator plate, the second elliptical reflecting surface having a first focal point located substantially at the second light emitting element and a second focal point located substantially at the focal point of the upper-level lens portion, wherein the vehicle light is configured such that the first light emitting element and the second light emitting element selectively emit light beams.
a multi-focal lens that has, a mid-level lens portion whose focal point is located on an optical axis extending in a front-to-rear direction, and an upper-level lens portion located above the mid-level lens portion and whose focal point is located diagonally frontward and above the focal point of the mid-level lens portion;
a separator plate configured in a face-down state with respect to a horizontal plane and located at a rear of the multi-focal lens, the separator plate having a front edge positioned substantially at the focal point of the mid-level lens portion;
a first light emitting element mounted on a top of the separator plate at a rear portion located a substantial distance from the front edge of the separator plate, the first light emitting element facing upwards;
a second light emitting element mounted on a bottom of the separator plate and spaced from the front edge of the separator plate, the second light emitting element facing downwards;
a first elliptical reflecting surface located on the top of the separator plate, the first elliptical reflecting surface having a first focal point located substantially at the first light emitting element and a second focal point located substantially at the focal point of the mid-level lens portion; and
a second elliptical reflecting surface located on the bottom of the separator plate, the second elliptical reflecting surface having a first focal point located substantially at the second light emitting element and a second focal point located substantially at the focal point of the upper-level lens portion, wherein
the vehicle light is configured such that the first light emitting element and the second light emitting element selectively emit light beams.
The vehicle light according to claim 1 , wherein the multi-focal lens further comprises a lower-level lens portion located below the mid-level lens portion, the lower-level lens portion having a focal point located diagonally rearward and below the focal point of the mid-level lens portion, and wherein the vehicle light further comprises a hyperbolic reflecting surface located diagonally frontward and below the second elliptical reflecting surface and having an inner focal point located substantially at the second light emitting element and having an outer focal point located substantially at the focal point of the lower-level lens portion.
the vehicle light further comprises a hyperbolic reflecting surface located diagonally frontward and below the second elliptical reflecting surface and having an inner focal point located substantially at the second light emitting element and having an outer focal point located substantially at the focal point of the lower-level lens portion.
The vehicle light according to claim 2 , wherein, when viewing the multi-focal lens from the front direction, a surface area of a region occupied by the mid-level lens portion is approximately a sum of a surface area of a region occupied by the upper-level lens portion and a surface area of a region occupied by the lower-level lens portion.
The vehicle light according to claim 1 , further comprising a flat reflecting surface located between the front edge of the upper surface of the separator plate and the first light emitting element and configured to be parallel with the horizontal plane.
The vehicle light according to claim 2 , further comprising a flat reflecting surface located between the front edge of the upper surface of the separator plate and the first light emitting element and configured to be parallel with the horizontal plane.
The vehicle light according to claim 3 , further comprising a flat reflecting surface located between the front edge of the upper surface of the separator plate and the first light emitting element and configured to be parallel with the horizontal plane.
The vehicle light according to claim 1 , wherein the multi-focal lens further comprises an overhead lens configured to distribute light towards an overhead sign, the overhead lens being located on an upper left or an upper right of the upper-level lens portion, and the overhead lens having a focal point located above and in front of the focal point of the upper-level lens portion, and wherein the vehicle light further comprises a third elliptical reflecting surface located diagonally frontward and above the first elliptical reflecting surface, third elliptical reflecting surface having a first focal point located substantially at the first light emitting element and a second focal point located substantially at the focal point of the overhead lens.
the vehicle light further comprises a third elliptical reflecting surface located diagonally frontward and above the first elliptical reflecting surface, third elliptical reflecting surface having a first focal point located substantially at the first light emitting element and a second focal point located substantially at the focal point of the overhead lens.
The vehicle light according to claim 2 , wherein the multi-focal lens further comprises an overhead lens configured to distribute light towards an overhead sign, the overhead lens being located on an upper left or an upper right of the upper-level lens portion and the overhead lens having a focal point located above and in front of the focal point of the upper-level lens portion, and wherein the vehicle light further comprises a third elliptical reflecting surface located diagonally frontward and above the first elliptical reflecting surface, third elliptical reflecting surface having a first focal point located substantially at the first light emitting element and a second focal point located substantially at the focal point of the overhead lens.
The vehicle light according to claim 3 , wherein the multi-focal lens further comprises an overhead lens configured to distribute light towards an overhead sign, the overhead lens being located on an upper left or an upper right of the upper-level lens portion and the overhead lens having a focal point located above and in front of the focal point of the upper-level lens portion, and wherein the vehicle light further comprises a third elliptical reflecting surface located diagonally frontward and above the first elliptical reflecting surface, third elliptical reflecting surface having a first focal point located substantially at the first light emitting element and a second focal point located substantially at the focal point of the overhead lens.
The vehicle light according to claim 4 , wherein the multi-focal lens further an overhead lens configured to distribute light towards an overhead sign, the overhead lens being located on an upper left or an upper right of the upper-level lens portion and the overhead lens having a focal point located above and in front of the focal point of the upper-level lens portion, and wherein the vehicle light further comprises a third elliptical reflecting surface located diagonally frontward and above the first elliptical reflecting surface, third elliptical reflecting surface having a first focal point located substantially at the first light emitting element and a second focal point located substantially at the focal point of the overhead lens.
The vehicle light according to claim 5 , wherein the multi-focal lens further an overhead lens configured to distribute light towards an overhead sign, the overhead lens being located on an upper left or an upper right of the upper-level lens portion and the overhead lens having a focal point located above and in front of the focal point of the upper-level lens portion, and wherein the vehicle light further comprises a third elliptical reflecting surface located diagonally frontward and above the first elliptical reflecting surface, third elliptical reflecting surface having a first focal point located substantially at the first light emitting element and a second focal point located substantially at the focal point of the overhead lens.
The vehicle light according to claim 6 , wherein the multi-focal lens further an overhead lens configured to distribute light towards an overhead sign, the overhead lens being located on an upper left or an upper right of the upper-level lens portion and the overhead lens having a focal point located above and in front of the focal point of the upper-level lens portion, and wherein the vehicle light further comprises a third elliptical reflecting surface located diagonally frontward and above the first elliptical reflecting surface, third elliptical reflecting surface having a first focal point located substantially at the first light emitting element and a second focal point located substantially at the focal point of the overhead lens.
The vehicle light according to claim 1 , wherein the first light emitting element has an optical axis oriented upward in a state inclining rearward 0° to 20° with respect to a vertical direction.
The vehicle light according to claim 2 , wherein the first light emitting element has an optical axis oriented upward in a state inclining rearward 0° to 20° with respect to a vertical direction.
The vehicle light according to claim 3 , wherein the first light emitting element has an optical axis oriented upward in a state inclining rearward 0° to 20° with respect to a vertical direction.
The vehicle light according to claim 4 , wherein the first light emitting element has an optical axis oriented upward in a state inclining rearward 0° to 20° with respect to a vertical direction.
The vehicle light according to claim 5 , wherein the first light emitting element has an optical axis oriented upward in a state inclining rearward 0° to 20° with respect to a vertical direction.
The vehicle light according to claim 7 , wherein the first light emitting element has an optical axis oriented upward in a state inclining rearward 0° to 20° with respect to a vertical direction.
The vehicle light according to claim 1 , wherein the second light emitting element has an optical axis oriented downward in a state inclining forward 10° to 20° with respect to a vertical direction.
The vehicle light according to claim 2 , wherein the second light emitting element has an optical axis oriented downward in a state inclining forward 10° to 20° with respect to a vertical direction.
A multi-focal lens comprising: a mid-level lens portion having a focal point located on an optical axis extending in a front-to-rear direction; and an upper-level lens portion that is located above the mid-level lens portion and having a focal point located diagonally frontward and above the focal point of the mid-level lens portion.
a mid-level lens portion having a focal point located on an optical axis extending in a front-to-rear direction; and
an upper-level lens portion that is located above the mid-level lens portion and having a focal point located diagonally frontward and above the focal point of the mid-level lens portion.
The multi-focal lens according to claim 21 , further comprising a lower-level lens portion located below a bottom of the mid-level lens portion, the lower level lens portion having a focal point located diagonally rearward and below the focal point of the mid-level lens portion.
The multi-focal lens according to claim 21 , further comprising an overhead lens configured to distribute light towards an overhead sign, the overhead lens located on an upper left or an upper right of the upper-level lens portion, and the overhead lens having a focal point located further above and in front of the focal point of the upper-level lens portion.
The multi-focal lens according to claim 22 , further comprising an overhead lens configured to distribute light towards an overhead sign, the overhead lens located on an upper left or an upper right of the upper-level lens portion, and the overhead lens having a focal point located further above and in front of the focal point of the upper-level lens portion.
Ref US20160363288A1: Claims:
In an optical warning system comprising a light head that includes a light source emitting light rays from a light-emitting area, the light rays propagating through an optical diffuser to provide a visual warning signal to an observer remotely located from the optical warning system, the improvement comprising: a Fresnel optic array positioned between the optical diffuser and the light-emitting area, the Fresnel optic array spaced apart from and spatially aligned with the light-emitting area to receive the light rays emitted from the light-emitting area and form a collimated light beam, and the Fresnel optic array having first and second opposite major surfaces, of which the first major surface has multiple concentric ring facets positioned nearer to the optical diffuser and of which the second major surface is flat and positioned nearer to the light-emitting area; the multiple concentric ring facets forming separate inner and outer groups, the concentric ring facets in the inner group having facet spacings that are greater than facet spacings of the concentric ring facets in the outer group; and each of the multiple ring facets in the outer group occupying an annular region in which a draft facet and an adjacent optical facet are joined to form a rounded peak, the draft facet inclined at a draft angle and the rounded peak defined by a peak radius, the draft angle and peak radius set to values that are coordinated to cause incident light rays emitted from the light-emitting area to propagate through the optical facet and not through the draft facet and the rounded peak thereby to increase optical transmission efficiency of the Fresnel optic array by reducing light lost to scattering by the rounded peak in forming the collimated light beam.
a Fresnel optic array positioned between the optical diffuser and the light-emitting area, the Fresnel optic array spaced apart from and spatially aligned with the light-emitting area to receive the light rays emitted from the light-emitting area and form a collimated light beam, and the Fresnel optic array having first and second opposite major surfaces, of which the first major surface has multiple concentric ring facets positioned nearer to the optical diffuser and of which the second major surface is flat and positioned nearer to the light-emitting area;
the multiple concentric ring facets forming separate inner and outer groups, the concentric ring facets in the inner group having facet spacings that are greater than facet spacings of the concentric ring facets in the outer group; and
each of the multiple ring facets in the outer group occupying an annular region in which a draft facet and an adjacent optical facet are joined to form a rounded peak, the draft facet inclined at a draft angle and the rounded peak defined by a peak radius, the draft angle and peak radius set to values that are coordinated to cause incident light rays emitted from the light-emitting area to propagate through the optical facet and not through the draft facet and the rounded peak thereby to increase optical transmission efficiency of the Fresnel optic array by reducing light lost to scattering by the rounded peak in forming the collimated light beam.
The optical warning system of claim 1 , in which the Fresnel optic array has a focal point, and in which the light source includes a light-emitting diode positioned a distance away from the flat major surface at the focal point of the Fresnel optic array.
The optical warning system of claim 1 , in which the Fresnel optic array has a focal point lying on a focal plane, in which the light source includes two light-emitting diodes positioned on either side of the focal point in the light-emitting area and on the focal plane of the Fresnel optic array, and in which the Fresnel optic array forms two substantially collimated light beams.
The optical warning system of claim 3 , in which the light-emitting diodes emit light of different colors and are positioned at substantially equal distances on either side of the focal point.
The optical warning system of claim 3 , in which the optical diffuser forms from the two substantially collimated beams a combined diffused light intensity pattern having a peak intensity.
The optical warning system of claim 5 , in which the Fresnel optic array has a principal axis, and in which the light-emitting diodes emit light of different colors and are positioned at substantially equal distances on either side of the focal point so that the diffused light intensity pattern is symmetrical about and the peak intensity lies on the principal axis of the Fresnel optic array.
The optical warning system of claim 1 , in which the inner group includes fewer of the multiple concentric ring facets than those in the outer group.
The optical warning system of claim 1 , in which the peak radius of the rounded peak is no greater than about 0.04 mm.
In an optical warning system comprising a light head that includes multiple light sources emitting light rays from associated light-emitting areas, the light rays propagating through an optical diffuser to provide a visual warning signal to an observer remotely located from the optical warning system, the improvement comprising: multiple Fresnel optic arrays positioned between the optical diffuser and the associated light-emitting areas, each of the multiple Fresnel optic arrays spaced apart from and spatially aligned with the light-emitting area with which the Fresnel optic array is associated to receive the light rays emitted from the light-emitting area and form a collimated light beam, and each of the multiple Fresnel optic arrays having first and second opposite major surfaces, of which the first major surface has multiple concentric ring facets positioned nearer to the optical diffuser and of which the second major surface is flat and positioned nearer to the light-emitting area; the multiple concentric ring facets of each of the multiple Fresnel optic arrays forming separate inner and outer groups, the concentric ring facets in the inner group having facet spacings that are greater than facet spacings of the concentric ring facets in the outer group; and each of the multiple ring facets in the ou
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