Patent AU-2015207855-B2 (AU)
Title: Power line proximity sensing and warning system
Inventor: OLSON MARK C
IPC: G01R19/00
Filed: 2015-07-28
Granted: 2022-07-21
Abstract: Application/Control No. Applicant(s)/Patent Under 
Reexamination 
Search Notes 13730827 SMITH ET AL.  BB Examiner Art Unit 
JULIE LIEU 2684 
CPC-SEARCHED 
Symbol Date Examiner 
CPC COMBINATION SETS- SEARCHED 
Symbol Date Examiner 
US CLASSIFICATION SEARCHED 
Class Subclass Date Examiner 
SEARCHNOTES 
Search Notes Date Examiner 
EAST,CPC 6/15/14 JL 
EAST 4/16/15 JL 
EAST 11/20/15 JL 
EAST 7/9/16 JL 
INTERFERENCESEARCH 
US Class/ US Subclass / CPC Group Date Examiner 
CPC Symbol 
G08G 1/0962 7/10/16 JL 
H02H 5/12 "1 "1 
G01V 3/10, 15 "_ "_ 
G01 R 19/145; 28/085 "1 "1
UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE 
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 
United States Patentand Trademark Office 
Address: COMMISSIONER FOR PATENTS 
P.O. Box 1450 
Alexadria, Virginia 22313-1450 
ww -upto.gov 
APPLICATION NO. ISSUE DATE PATENT NO. ATTORNEY DOCKET NO. CONFIRMATION NO.  
13/730,827 11/22/2016 9501930 20600.0001USU1 8263 
52835 7590 11/02/2016 
HAMRE, SCHUMANN, MUELLER & LARSON, P.C.  
45 South Seventh Street 
Suite 2700 
MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55402-1683 
ISSUE NOTIFICATION 
he projected patent number and issue date are specified above.  
Determination of Patent Term Adjustment under 35 U.S.C. 154 (b) 
(application filed on or after May 29, 2000) 
he Patent Term Adjustment is 0 day(s). Any patent to issue from the above-identified application will include 
m indication of the adjustment on the front page.  
f a Continued Prosecution Application (CPA) was filed in the above-identified application, the filing date that 
determines Patent Term Adjustment is the filing date of the most recent CPA.  
Applicant will be able to obtain more detailed information by accessing the Patent Application Information 
Retrieval (PAIR) WEB site (http://pair.uspto.gov).  
Any questions regarding the Patent Term Extension or Adjustment determination should be directed to the 
)ffice of Patent Legal Administration at (571)-272-7702. Questions relating to issue and publication fee 
>ayments should be directed to the Application Assistance Unit (AAU) of the Office of Data Management 
ODM) at (571)-272-4200.  
APPLICANT(s) (Please see PAIR WEB site http://pair.uspto.gov for additional applicants): 
tephen L. Smith, Kalispell, MT; 
dark C. Olson, Racine, WI; 
Zyan W. Johnson, Bigfork, MT; 
JNITED SAFETY, INC., Kalispell, MT 
he United States represents the largest, most dynamic marketplace in the world and is an unparalleled location 
or business investment, innovation, and commercialization of new technologies. The USA offers tremendous 
esources and advantages for those who invest and manufacture goods here. Through SelectUSA, our nation 
vorks to encourage and facilitate business investment. To learn more about why the USA is the best country in 
he world to develop technology, manufacture products, and grow your business, visit SelectUSA.gov.
EAST Search History 
EAST Search History (Prior Art) 
Ref Hits Search Query 0Bs DIefault IPurais Time 
#__ ___ _____________perator ____Stamp 
S194 1 1/387US-PGPUB; ~ADJ ION 2016/07/09 
___ ____1373027USPAT;EEEPO 14:42 
___ ____ ~~~~ JPO; DERWENTj___j__I___ 
!S195] 1 ]S194 and user near6 adjust$4 US-PAT;EB; ADO j12/70 
'distnce)USPAT;EPO; 14:55 
!S196 4599 power line with (proxim$3 or US-PGPUB; ~ ADJ ION J2016/07/09 
___ ___ I________________ JPO; DERWENT _ _ I _____ 
S19 114 S96and (exceed$3 or higher or US-PGPUB; ADIN 21/70 
S19]114 above or larger) with level USPAT;EPO; AD21:55~4o/o 
___ ____I___________________JPO;DERWENT ____I______ 
S198 I44(GO8G1/0962 OR H02H5/12 OR US-PGPUB; IADJ ION 21/70 
___ ___ GO1V3/10,15 0R G01R19/145 or USPAT;EEEPO [21: 5 80/ 
___ ____GO1R29/085 or HO2H5/12).cpc. JPO;DERWENT ___I_______ 
S199 11 S197 AND5S198 US-PGPUB; ADJ ON 21/70 
USPAT; EPO1:5 
JPO; DERWENT 
S200 7 [S199 an dutbeUS-PGPUB; IADJ [ON 21/70 
anddjstaleUSPAT;EPO; 220 
S2123849 loop antenna US-PGPUB; ADJ ON 21/70 
S225659 sensitivity near10 adjustable US-PGPUB; ADJ ON r201/70 
USPAT;EPO; 122:12 
JPO; DERWENT 
S203 3 S196 and S01 and S02 US-PGPUB; ADJ ON 21/70 
USPAT;EEPO 22:13 
___ ____JPO; DERWENT 
S204 61236 (level or sensitivity or threshold) US-PGPUB; ADJ ON 2016/07/09 
near10 adjustable USPAT;EEPO 22:14 
___ ~~~~~JPO; DERWENT____ __ I___ 
S205 3 S196 and S01 and S04 US-PGPUB; ADJ ON 21/70 
S261057 nstiitothesol) US-PAT; PO A2:1 
I~lvelJPO;DERWENT 
S206 10537 (level or sensitivity or threshold) US-PGPUB; ADJ ON 2016/07/0 
I near10 adjustableclm. USPAT; EPO2:1 
S207 I00loop anen~l.US-PGPUB; 1ADJ ON 21/70 
~350USPAT;EPOC2:1 
EATSearch History (Interference) 
Ref [Hits [Search Query DBs [Default IPlurals ime 
# ~ IOpeator ~ xtamp 
~~7~777
16 - 1 O G 1R19/145or IFOGPUB .. ... ................. 21 
____ zIM FD_ Gi29/085 or H02H5/i2).cp. [USPAT ____ _______ 
opantennaci.U- 'D 0 
[S21 1053 (level or sensitivity or threshold) 
nearO0 zU- AJ O 21/70 adj ustablecm. PPUB; z2:1 
8211 I08 and S209 and S210 US- AJr079 
_ _ _ _ I.....I................. 1.  
7/10/201633059PM... . . .. .........  C:\Uersjlie\Doumens\EST\orksace\137082.ws
S/N13/730827 
Remarks 
Reconsideration is requested in view of the above amendments and the following 
remarks. Claims 1-11, 14, 17, and 19-26 are pending 
Claims 1-11 15, 17 and 19-22are rejected under 35 USC 112 first paragraph 
Claims 1, 10 and 17 are amended todelete the language about the difference being user 
adjustable.  
Withdrawal of the rejection is requested.  
All claims should now be in conditionfor allowance. Favorable reconsideration 
in the form of a notice of allowance is requested, Any questions concerning this paper 
can be directed to the attention of the undersigned at (612) 455-3805.  
Respectfilly submitted, 
HAMRE, SCHUMANN,MUELLER & 
LARSONg.C.  
45 South 7 St.  
Suite 2700 
Minneapolis, MN 55402-0902 
(612) 455-3800 
Dated May 2. 2016 By: _lames A, Larson! 
James A. Larson 
Reg No. 40443 
9
IN lTE UNI TED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE 
Inventorship: SMITH Examiner: LIEU 
Serial No.: 13/730827 Group Art Unit: 2684 
Filed: December 28, 2012 Docket No,: 20600.00OIUSUI 
Title: POWER LINE PROXIMITY SENSING AND WARNIN(I SYSTEM 
CERIFICA11 OF'YRANSM ISS ION 
Ih-ere bycertzify ththtpapalrskbeingrnsiteby EyS Wb o C lnn siowe fr;?mw, s.F0Box i450hAlemandnia VA.  
22313-1430 o May 2, 2016, 
By: ... e Ahi~ lA s 
Nauie: twrxne±A. Larson 
AMENDMENT AND RESPONSE 
Mail Stop: AMENDMENT 
Commissioner for Patents 
P.O. Box 1450 
Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450 
Dear Sir: 
In response to the office action miailed December 2, 2015, Applicant provides the 
following.  
Amendments to the claims begin on page 2 of this paper.  
Remarks begin on. page 9 of this paper.
UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE 
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 
United States Patent and Trademark Office 
Address: COMMISSIONER FOR PATENTS 
P.O. Box1450 
A1x dria, Virginia 22313-1450 
wwwusptogov 
NOTICE OF ALLOWANCE AND FEE(S) DUE 
52835 7590 08/04/2016 
EXAMINER 
AMRE, SCHUMANN, MUELLER & LARSON, P.C. LIEU, JULIE BICHNGOC 
5 South Seventh Street 
quite 2700 ART UNIT PAPER NUMBER 
INNEAPOLIS, MN 55402-1683 2684 
DATE MAILED: 08/04/2016 
APPLICATION NO. FILING DATE FIRST NAMED INVENTOR ATTORNEY DOCKET NO. CONFIRMATIONNO.  
13/730,827 12/28/2012 Stephen L. Smith 20600.0001USU1 8263 
OF INVENTION: POWER LINE PROXIMITY SENSING AND WARNING SYSTEM 
PPLN. TYPE ENTITY STATUS ISSUE FEE DUE PUBLICATION FEE DUE PREV. PAID ISSUE FEE TOTAL FEE(S) DUE DATE DUE 
>nprovisional SMALL $480 $0 $0 $480 11/04/2016 
APPLICATION IDENTIFIED ABOVE HAS BEEN EXAMINED AND IS ALLOWED FOR ISSUANCE AS A PATENT.  
SECUTION ON THE MERITS IS CLOSED. THIS NOTICE OF ALLOWANCE IS NOT A GRANT OF PATENT RIGHTS.  
i APPLICATION IS SUBJECT TO WITHDRAWAL FROM ISSUE AT THE INITIATIVE OF THE OFFICE OR UPON 
[TION BY THE APPLICANT. SEE 37 CFR 1.313 AND MPEP 1308.  
ISSUE FEE AND PUBLICATION FEE (IF REQUIRED) MUST BE PAID WITHIN THREE MONTHS FROM THE 
LING DATE OF THIS NOTICE OR THIS APPLICATION SHALL BE REGARDED AS ABANDONED. THIS 
TUTORY PERIOD CANNOT BE EXTENDED. SEE 35 U.S.C. 151. THE ISSUE FEE DUE INDICATED ABOVE DOES 
REFLECT A CREDIT FOR ANY PREVIOUSLY PAID ISSUE FEE IN THIS APPLICATION. IF AN ISSUE FEE HAS 
VIOUSLY BEEN PAID IN THIS APPLICATION (AS SHOWN ABOVE), THE RETURN OF PART B OF THIS FORM 
L BE CONSIDERED A REQUEST TO REAPPLY THE PREVIOUSLY PAID ISSUE FEE TOWARD THE ISSUE FEE NOW 
V TO REPLY TO THIS NOTICE: 
view the ENTITY STATUS shown above. If the ENTITY STATUS is shown as SMALL or MICRO, verify whether entitlement to that 
status still applies.  
ENTITY STATUS is the same as shown above, pay the TOTAL FEE(S) DUE shown above.  
ENTITY STATUS is changed from that shown above, on PART B - FEE(S) TRANSMITTAL, complete section number 5 titled 
nge in Entity Status (from status indicated above)".  
urposes of this notice, small entity fees are 1/2 the amount of undiscounted fees, and micro entity fees are 1/2 the amount of small entity 
RT B - FEE(S) TRANSMITTAL, or its equivalent, must be completed and returned to the United States Patent and Trademark Office 
TO) with your ISSUE FEE and PUBLICATION FEE (if required). If you are charging the fee(s) to your deposit account, section "4b" 
rt B - Fee(s) Transmittal should be completed and an extra copy of the form should be submitted. If an equivalent of Part B is filed, a 
st to reapply a previously paid issue fee must be clearly made, and delays in processing may occur due to the difficulty in recognizing 
paper as an equivalent of Part B.  
11 communications regarding this application must give the application number. Please direct all communications prior to issuance to 
Stop ISSUE FEE unless advised to the contrary.  
ORTANT REMINDER: Utility patents issuing on applications filed on or after Dec. 12, 1980 may require payment of 
tenance fees. It is patentee's responsibility to ensure timely payment of maintenance fees when due.  
Page 1 of 3
mplete and send this form, together with applicable fee(s), to: Mail Mail Stop ISSUE FEE 
Commissioner for Patents 
P.O. Box 1450 
Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450 
or Fax (571)-273-2885 
JUCTIONS: This form should be used for transmitting the ISSUE FEE and PUBLICATION FEE (if required). Blocks 1 through 5 should be completed where 
riate. All further correspondence including the Patent, advance orders and notification of maintenance fees will be mailed to the current correspondence address as 
ted unless corrected below or directed otherwise in Block 1, by (a) specifying a new correspondence address; and/or (b) indicating a separate "FEE ADDRESS" for 
nance fee notifications.  
Note: A certificate of mailing can only be used for domestic mailings of the 
Fee(s) Transmittal. This certificate cannot be used for any other accompanying 
RENT CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS (Note: Use Block 1 for ay change of address) papers. Each additional paper, such as an assignment or formal drawing, must 
have its own certificate of mailing or transmission.  
Certificate of Mailing or Transmission 
52835 7590 08/04/2016 I hereby certify that this Fee(s) Transmittal is being deposited with the United 
AMRE, SCHUMANN, MUELLER & LARSON, P.C. States Postal Servicewith sufficientnpostage for first class mail inan envelope 
addressed to the Mail Stop ISSUE FEE address above, or being facsimile 
> South Seventh Street transmitted to the USPTO (571) 273-2885, on the date indicated below.  
quite 2700 
INNEAPOLIS, MN 55402-1683 (Depositor'nae) 
(Signature) 
(Date) 
APPLICATION NO. FILING DATE FIRST NAMED INVENTOR ATTORNEY DOCKET NO. CONFIRMATION NO.  
13/730,827 12/28/2012 Stephen L. Smith 20600.0001USU1 8263 
OF INVENTION: POWER LINE PROXIMITY SENSING AND WARNING SYSTEM 
,PPLN. TYPE ENTITY STATUS ISSUE FEE DUE PUBLICATION FEE DUE PREV. PAID ISSUE FEE TOTAL FEE(S) DUE DATE DUE 
provisionall SMALL $480 $0 $0 $480 11/04/2016 
EXAMINER ART UNIT CLASS-SUBCLASS 
LIEU, JULIE BICHNGOC 2684 340-901000 
nge of correspondence address or indication of "Fee Address" (37 2. For printing on the patent front page, list 
.363). (1) The names of up to 3 registered patent attorneys I 
Change of correspondence address (or Change of Correspondence or agents OR, alternatively, 
ress form PTO/SB/122) attached. (2) The name of a single firm (having as a member a 2 
"Fee Address" indication (or "Fee Address" Indication form registered attorney or agent) and the names of up to 
)/SB/47; Rev 03-02 or more recent) attached. Use of a Customer 2 registered patentattorneysoragents.Ifnonameis 3 
mber is required. listed, no name will be printed.  
IGNEE NAME AND RESIDENCE DATA TO BE PRINTED ON THE PATENT (print or type) 
EASE NOTE: Unless an assignee is identified below, no assignee data will appear on the patent. If an assignee is identified below, the document has been filed for 
)rdation as set forth in 37 CFR 3.11. Completion of this form is NOT a substitute for filing an assignment.  
NAME OF ASSIGNEE (B) RESIDENCE: (CITY and STATE OR COUNTRY) 
check the appropriate assignee category or categories (will not be printed on the patent) : UIndividual UCorporation or other private group entity UGovernment 
e following fee(s) are submitted: 4b. Payment of Fee(s): (Please first reapply any previously paid issue fee shown above) 
Issue Fee A check is enclosed.  
Publication Fee (No small entity discount permitted) UPayment by credit card. Form PTO-2038 is attached.  
Advance Order - # of Copies Ll The director is hereby authorized to charge the required fee(s), any deficiency, or credits any 
overpayment, to Deposit Account Number - (enclose an extra copy of this form).  
nge in Entity Status (from status indicated above) 
Applicant certifying micro entity status. See 37 CFR 1.29 NOTE: Absent a valid certification of Micro Entity Status (see forms PTO/SB/15A and 15B), issue 
fee payment in the micro entity amount will not be accepted at the risk of application abandonment.  
Applicant asserting small entity status. See 37 CFR 1.27 NOTE: If the application was previously under micro entity status, checking this box will be taken 
to be a notification of loss of entitlement to micro entity status.  
Applicant changing to regular undiscounted fee status. NOTE: Checking this box will be taken to be a notification of loss of entitlement to small or micro 
entity status, as applicable.  
, This form must be signed in accordance with 37 CFR 1.31 and 1.33. See 37 CFR 1.4 for signature requirements and certifications.  
horized Signature Date 
ed or printed name Registration No.
UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE 
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 
United States Patent and Trademark Office 
Address: COMMISSIONER FOR PATENTS 
P.O. Box1450 
A1x dria, Virginia 22313-1450 
www.uspto.gov 
APPLICATION NO. FILING DATE FIRST NAMED INVENTOR ATTORNEY DOCKET NO. CONFIRMATION NO.  
13/730,827 12/28/2012 StephenL.Smith 20600.0001USU1 8263 
52835 7590 08/04/2016 
EXAMINER 
AMRE, SCHUMANN, MUELLER & LARSON, P.C. LIEU, JULIE BICHNGOC 
5 South Seventh Street 
quite 2700 ART UNIT PAPER NUMBER 
INNEAPOLIS, MN 55402-1683 2684 
DATE MAILED: 08/04/2016 
Determination of Patent Term Adjustment under 35 U.S.C. 154 (b) 
(Applications filed on or after May 29, 2000) 
Office has discontinued providing a Patent Term Adjustment (PTA) calculation with the Notice of Allowance.  
ion 1(h)(2) of the AIA Technical Corrections Act amended 35 U.S.C. 154(b)(3)(B)(i) to eliminate the 
irement that the Office provide a patent term adjustment determination with the notice of allowance. See 
sions to Patent Term Adjustment, 78 Fed. Reg. 19416, 19417 (Apr. 1, 2013). Therefore, the Office is no longer 
iding an initial patent term adjustment determination with the notice of allowance. The Office will continue to 
ide a patent term adjustment determination with the Issue Notification Letter that is mailed to applicant 
oximately three weeks prior to the issue date of the patent, and will include the patent term adjustment on the 
nt. Any request for reconsideration of the patent term adjustment determination (or reinstatement of patent term 
stment) should follow the process outlined in 37 CFR 1.705.  
questions regarding the Patent Term Extension or Adjustment determination should be directed to the Office of 
nt Legal Administration at (571)-272-7702. Questions relating to issue and publication fee payments should be 
:ted to the Customer Service Center of the Office of Patent Publication at 1-(888)-786-0101 or (571)-272-4200.  
Page 3 of 3
OMB Clearance and PRA Burden Statement for PTOL-85 Part B 
The Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995 requires Federal agencies to obtain Office of Management and 
Budget approval before requesting most types of information from the public. When OMB approves an agency 
request to collect information from the public, OMB (i) provides a valid OMB Control Number and expiration 
date for the agency to display on the instrument that will be used to collect the information and (ii) requires the 
agency to inform the public about the OMB Control Number's legal significance in accordance with 5 CFR 
1320.5(b).  
The information collected by PTOL-85 Part B is required by 37 CFR 1.311. The information is required to obtain 
or retain a benefit by the public which is to file (and by the USPTO to process) an application. Confidentiality is 
governed by 35 U.S.C. 122 and 37 CFR 1.14. This collection is estimated to take 12 minutes to complete, 
including gathering, preparing, and submitting the completed application form to the USPTO. Time will vary 
depending upon the individual case. Any comments on the amount of time you require to complete this form 
and/or suggestions for reducing this burden, should be sent to the Chief Information Officer, U.S. Patent and 
Trademark Office, U.S. Department of Commerce, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450. DO NOT 
SEND FEES OR COMPLETED FORMS TO THIS ADDRESS. SEND TO: Commissioner for Patents, P.O. Box 
1450, Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to 
respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number.  
Privacy Act Statement 
The Privacy Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-579) requires that you be given certain information in connection with your 
submission of the attached form related to a patent application or patent. Accordingly, pursuant to the 
requirements of the Act, please be advised that: (1) the general authority for the collection of this information is 
35 U.S.C. 2(b)(2); (2) furnishing of the information solicited is voluntary; and (3) the principal purpose for which 
the information is used by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is to process and/or examine your submission 
related to a patent application or patent. If you do not furnish the requested information, the U.S. Patent and 
Trademark Office may not be able to process and/or examine your submission, which may result in termination of 
proceedings or abandonment of the application or expiration of the patent.  
The information provided by you in this form will be subject to the following routine uses: 
1. The information on this form will be treated confidentially to the extent allowed under the Freedom of 
Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) and the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C 552a). Records from this system of records 
may be disclosed to the Department of Justice to determine whether disclosure of these records is required 
by the Freedom of Information Act.  
2. A record from this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, in the course of presenting evidence 
to a court, magistrate, or administrative tribunal, including disclosures to opposing counsel in the course of 
settlement negotiations.  
3. A record in this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, to a Member of Congress submitting a 
request involving an individual, to whom the record pertains, when the individual has requested assistance 
from the Member with respect to the subject matter of the record.  
4. A record in this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, to a contractor of the Agency having 
need for the information in order to perform a contract. Recipients of information shall be required to 
comply with the requirements of the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a(m).  
5. A record related to an International Application filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty in this system of 
records may be disclosed, as a routine use, to the International Bureau of the World Intellectual Property 
Organization, pursuant to the Patent Cooperation Treaty.  
6. A record in this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, to another federal agency for purposes 
of National Security review (35 U.S.C. 181) and for review pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act (42 U.S.C.  
218(c)).  
7. A record from this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, to the Administrator, General 
Services, or his/her designee, during an inspection of records conducted by GSA as part of that agency's 
responsibility to recommend improvements in records management practices and programs, under authority 
of 44 U.S.C. 2904 and 2906. Such disclosure shall be made in accordance with the GSA regulations 
governing inspection of records for this purpose, and any other relevant (i.e., GSA or Commerce) directive.  
Such disclosure shall not be used to make determinations about individuals.  
8. A record from this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, to the public after either publication 
of the application pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 122(b) or issuance of a patent pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 151. Further, a 
record may be disclosed, subject to the limitations of 37 CFR 1.14, as a routine use, to the public if the 
record was filed in an application which became abandoned or in which the proceedings were terminated 
and which application is referenced by either a published application, an application open to public 
inspection or an issued patent.  
9. A record from this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, to a Federal, State, or local law 
enforcement agency, if the USPTO becomes aware of a violation or potential violation of law or regulation.
Application No. Applicant(s) 
13/730,827 SMITH ET AL.  
Notice of Allowability Examiner Art Unit AA(First Inventor to File) 
JULIE LIEU 2684 Status 
No 
-- The MAILING DATE of this communication appears on the cover sheet with the correspondence address-
-laims being allowable, PROSECUTION ON THE MERITS IS (OR REMAINS) CLOSED in this application. If not included 
with (or previously mailed), a Notice of Allowance (PTOL-85) or other appropriate communication will be mailed in due course. THIS 
TICE OF ALLOWABILITY IS NOT A GRANT OF PATENT RIGHTS. This application is subject to withdrawal from issue at the initiative 
he Office or upon petition by the applicant. See 37 CFR 1.313 and MPEP 1308.  
1This communication is responsive to amendment filed May 02, 2016.  
A declaration(s)/affidavit(s) under 37 CFR 1.130(b) was/were filed on .  
]An election was made by the applicant in response to a restriction requirement set forth during the interview on _; the restriction 
requirement and election have been incorporated into this action.  
SThe allowed claim(s) is/are 1-11,14,17 and 19-26. As a result of the allowed claim(s), you may be eligible to benefit from the Patent 
Prosecution Highway program at a participating intellectual property office for the corresponding application. For more information, 
please see http://www.uspto.gov/patents/initevents/pph/index.jsp or send an inquiry to PPHfeedback@uspto.gov.  
]Acknowledgment is made of a claim for foreign priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a)-(d) or (f).  
Certified copies: 
a) E All b) E Some *c) M None of the: 
1. Certified copies of the priority documents have been received.  
2. Certified copies of the priority documents have been received in Application No._ .  
3. Copies of the certified copies of the priority documents have been received in this national stage application from the 
International Bureau (PCT Rule 17.2(a)).  
* Certified copies not received:_.  
applicant has THREE MONTHS FROM THE "MAILING DATE" of this communication to file a reply complying with the requirements 
)ted below. Failure to timely comply will result in ABANDONMENT of this application.  
HIS THREE-MONTH PERIOD IS NOT EXTENDABLE.  
]CORRECTED DRAWINGS (as "replacement sheets") must be submitted.  
E including changes required by the attached Examiner's Amendment / Comment or in the Office action of 
Paper No./Mail Date_.  
Identifying indicia such as the application number (see 37 CFR 1.84(c)) should be written on the drawings in the front (not the back) of 
each sheet. Replacement sheet(s) should be labeled as such in the header according to 37 CFR 1.121(d).  
] DEPOSIT OF and/or INFORMATION about the deposit of BIOLOGICAL MATERIAL must be submitted. Note the 
attached Examiner's comment regarding REQUIREMENT FOR THE DEPOSIT OF BIOLOGICAL MATERIAL.  
achment(s) 
M Notice of References Cited (PTO-892) 5. E Examiner's Amendment/Comment 
M Information Disclosure Statements (PTO/SB/08), 6. E Examiner's Statement of Reasons for Allowance 
Paper No./Mail Date 
]Examiner's Comment Regarding Requirement for Deposit 7. [ Other_ .  
of Biological Material 
]Interview Summary (PTO-413), 
Paper No./Mail Date_.  
lie Lieu/ 
mary Examiner 
Unit: 2684 
Patent and Trademark Office 
)L-37 (Rev. 08-13) Notice of Allowability Part of Paper No./Mail Date 
60710
EAST Search History 
EAST Search History (Prior Art) 
Ref IHits Search Query [DBs Default Piurais Time 
# ............ "'l Operatorj Stamp 
S176 369 (power line or high voltage) with US- IADJ zON 2015/11/20z 
(proxim$3 or distance) same (warn$3 PGPUB; 23:53 
or alert$3 or alarm$3) USPAT; z 
EPO; JPO 
___ _______________________DERWENT___I______ 
S177 502358 (threshold or predetermined or US- ADJ ON 21/12 
sensitivity) with adjust$4 PGPUB; 23:53 
USPA 
z ~EPO; JPO; 
DERWENT 
S178 34 S176sand S177 US- ADJ ION 2015/11/20 
PGPUB; 23:53 
USPAT; 
EPO; JPO; 
DERWENT_ z _z 
S17921 (US-20100214094-$ orUS- US- ADJ ON 2015/11/23 
20100286845-$orUS-20070018841$ PGPUB; 13:55 
or US-20100090863-$orUS- USPAT; 
20020067286-$orUS-20090237263$ DERWENT 
or US-20060271263-$ or US
20100052929-$ or US-20090108840-$ 
or US-20030011484-$ or US
20100289662-$).did. or (US-5252912-$ 
orUS-3786468-$ or US-6600426-$ or 
US-6170607-$orUS-5592092-$ or US
3907136-$ or US-6515588-$ or US
3745549-$or US-5859597-$).did or 
z___ _____ (EP 2479735-$).did. o_____ zz 
S180 5 S179 anduserwithadust$4 US- jADJ jON 2015/11/23 
USPAT; 
S181 21 (US-20100214094-$ or US- US- ADJ ON 2015/11/24 
20100286845-$ or US-20070018841-$ PPUB; 12:51 
orUS-20100090863-$ or US- USPAT 
20020067286-$ or US-20090237263-$ DERWENT 
orUS-20060271263-$ - or US
20100052929-$ or US-20090108840-$ 
or US-20030011484-$ or US
20100289662-$).did. or (US-5252912-$ 
or US-3786468-$ or US-6600426$or 
US-6170607-$ or US-5592092-$ or US
3907136-$ or US-6515588-$ or US
3745549-$ or US-5859597-$).did. or 
(EP-2479735-$).did. zz 
S182 6 S181 and remote$2 near control$3 US- ADJ zON 2015/11/24 
PGPUB; 12:51 
USPAT 
EPO; JPO 
DERWENT
same warn$e PGPUB; 13:14 
USPAT; 
EPO; JPO; 
DERWENT T 
S184 2 S181 and remote$2 near6 control$3 US- ADJ ON 2015/11/24 
same warn$3 PGPUB; 13:15 
USPAT; 
EPO; JPO; 
DERWENT 
S185 30985 loop near3 antenna US- ADJ zON 2015/11/25 
PGPUB; 14:45 
USPAT; z 
z ~ ~ EPO; JPO; 
DERWENTI z z 
S186 21 (US-20100214094-$ or US- US- ADJ ON 2015/11/25 
20100286845-$ or US-20070018841-$ PGPUB; 14:45 
or US-20100090863-$ or US- USPAT; 
20020067286-$ or US-20090237263-$ DERWENTz 
or US-20060271263-$ or US
20100052929-$ or US-20090108840-$ 
or US-20030011484-$ or US
20100289662-$).did. or (US-5252912-$ 
or US-3786468-$ or US-6600426-$ or 
US-6170607-$ or US-5592092-$ or US
'3907136-$ or US-6515588-$ or US
3745549-$ or US-5859597-$).did. or 
z__ __ _ (EP-2479735-$).did. z z 
S187 1 S186 and S185 US- ADJ [ON 2015/11/25 
PGPUB; 14:45 
USPATI 
DERWENT____ _______ 
!S188 424 power line with (proxim$3 or distance) US- IADJ ION 2015/11/25 
j4284 PGPUB; 14:47 
z USPAT; I 
z EPO; JPO; z 
z__ ._ _ _DERWENT [ z z 
S189 428137 (strength or magnitude or level) with US- zADJ zON 2015/11/25 
field PUB; z 14:47 
z USPAT; z z 
z EPO; JPO; z z 
z__ I _ _ _DERWENT _ z z 
S190 360422 s189 and (exceed$3 or higher orabove US- zADJ ON 2015/11/25 
I ~ ~USPAT; 
I ~EPO; JPO; 
___I____ ____________________DERWENT___ I______ 
S191 21 S185 and S188 and5190 US- IADJ ON 2015/11/25 
PGPUB; 14:47 
USPAT; 
EPO; JPO; 
DERWENT 
S192 S185 and188and189and warn$3 US- ADJ ON 2015/11/25 S(useroroperatororworker) PGPUB; 14:51 
USPAT z z 
EPO; JPO; z 
DERWENTI, z 
S19360 S185 and S188 [US- [ADJ [ON 2015/11/25 
PGPUB; 14:52
EPO; JPO; 
DERWENT 
EAST Search History (Interference) 
<This search history is empty> 
11/ 25/ 2015 3:40:20 PM 
C:\ Users\ jlieu\ Documents\ EAST\ Workspaces\ 13730827.wsp
S/N13/730827 
Amendments to the claims 
L (Currently amended) Apower ine proximity sensing and warning systemfor use 
by an operator of machinery operating near high-voltage powerline comprising 
a loop antenna disposed on a structure of the machinery that is movable near the 
power line; 
a signal processor in communication with the loop antenna, the signal processor 
configured to send test signals through the loopantennaand receive field strength signals 
from the loop antenna generated by an electromagnetic field from the power line; and 
a micro-controller in communication with the signal processor that interprets the 
received field strength signals and compares thereceived field strength signals to first 
and second preset, user-adjustable sensitivity levels, generates a proximity signal, 
graphically displays the proximity signal on a color display, causes an audible signal to 
be generated to audibly wam theoperator when the proximity signalexceedsthefirst 
preset sensitivity level, and automatically shuts down the machinery when a received 
field strength signal exceeds the second preset sensitivity level, wherein the second preset 
sensitivity level exceeds the first preset sensitivity level, and each of the first preset 
sensitivity level and the second preset sensitivity level is user adjustableratldie 
difference between the fist preset sensitivity level and the sen t si level 
2. (Original) The system according to claim 1, further comprising an input/output (I/O) 
module in communication with the microcontroller, the/o module configured for 
communicating with external devices, 
3.(Original) The systemaccording to claim furtherr comprising an event loggerin 
communication wth the micro-controller for recording user interface button presses, user 
interface sensitivity adjustnients, received fieldstrength signals, alerts generated, alarms 
generated system cable connectionspower loss, errors and system status, all as a 
function of time.  
2
S/N13/730827 
4(Original) The system according to claiIIfurther comprising radio transceiver 
module in communication with the micro-controller, the radio transceiver module 
configured for wireless communication with external wireless devices.  
5.(PreviouslyPresented) The system according to claim 4 further comprising a 
remote controller incommunication with the system via the radio transceiver, theremote 
controller configured for wireless control of the system
6. (Previously presented) The system according to claim 5, wherein the remote 
controller further comprises a panic button for use by a remote user to warn the operator 
or optionally shutdown the machinery to stop movement closer to the power line.  
7 (Previously Presented) The systemaccording to claim 1, further comprising a 
memordevice in commcatmi theM i controilefor storing omp 
program instructions and data.  
8. (Previously presented) The system according to claim I further comprising a user 
interface having buttons for controlling power, adjusting the first and second preset 
sensitivity levels and external communications.  
9. (Previously Presented) The system according to claim. wherein the userinterface 
further comprises a graphical display of field strength, alerts and warnings, 
10. (Currently amended) A method forremotely alerting an operator of machinery 
when a structure ofthe machinery is moved near high voltage power line, the method 
comprising: 
installingan antenna on the structure of the machinery that is movable near the 
high voltage power line theantenna generating field strength signals based on proxintity 
of the antenna to the high voltage power line; 
generating proxiimity signals based on the field strength signals; 
3
S/N13/730827 
warning the operator when the structures moved a firstwaning distance from 
the high voltage power line such that a first proximity signalgeneratedfromthefield 
strength signal exceeds a first presetfield sensitivity; 
automatically shutting down the machinery when the structure is moved a second 
warning distance from the high voltage power line such that a second proximity signal 
generated from the field strength signal exceeds a second preset field sensitivity, the first 
waning distance exceeds the second warning distance; and 
allowing the operator to adjust each of the first warning distance and the second 
second warning distance.  
seeenavamng itanee.  
11 (Previously presented) The method according to claim 10, wherein installing the 
antenna on the structure comprises installinga loop antennaabout the structure; 
sending a test signal through the loop antenna and detecting the test signal; and 
graphically displaying each proximity signal on a color display, and warning the 
operator comprises audibly warning the operator.  
12-13 (Canceled) 
14.(Previously presented) The method according to clan 10, further comprising 
using a remote controller with a panic button to shutdown themachinery when the panic 
button is pressed.  
15-16 (Canceled) 
17 (Currently amended) A power line proximity sensing and warning systemfor use 
with machinery operating near a high-votage power line.comprising 
an antenna disposed onasnetare ofthe machinery that is movable near the 
power line; 
a control system that includes a signal processor and a micro-controller; 
4
S/N13/730827 
the signal processorisincommnicationwith the antenna and receives field 
strength signals from the antenna generated by an electromagnetic field from the power 
line; and 
the micro-controller is in connmnication with the signal processor and interprets 
thereceivedfieldstrengthsignalsandcompares thereceived field strength signalsto first 
and second preset; user-adjustable sensitivity levels, and automatically shuts down the 
machinery when the structure is close to the power line; 
tie first preset sensitivity level represents a first waring distance from the power 
line, and the micro-controller generates at least one of an audible warning anda visual 
warning when the field strength signal exceeds the first preset sensitivity level 
the second preset sensitivity level represents a second shut down distance from 
the power line that is less than the first warning distance, and the icrocontroller shuts 
down the machinery when the field strength signal exceeds the second preset sensitivity 
levelandeachofthefirstwarning distanceand the second warning distance is user 
adj ustab 1t, and the difference b nte 4Fi wainemf gdbance and the ;ccondf 4huM 
dawn distance is wcer adj, 
18.(Canceled) 
19 (Previously presented) The systemaccording to claim 17, wherein the control 
sstem~ further comprisesan inputoutput (1/O) module in coununication with the micro
controller that can communicate with external devices.  
20. (Previously presented) The system accordingto claim17, wherein the control 
system further comprises an event logger in communication with the micro-controller 
21. (Previously presented) The system according toclaim 17, further comprising a 
radio transceiver module i communicationwith thenmcrocntrolier theradio 
transceiver module is capable of wireless communication with external wireless devices 
5
S/N13/730827 
22. (Previously presented) 'he system according to claim 21, further comprising a 
remote controller in communication with the control system via the radio transceiver 
module.  
23 (Previously presented) A power line proximitysensingand warning systemfor use 
with machinery operating near a high-voltage power line, comprising: 
anantenna disposed on a structure of the machinery that is movable near the 
power line; 
a control system that includes a signal processor andamicro-controller; 
the signal processor is in communication with the antenna and receives field 
strength signals from the antenna generated by an electromagnetic field from the power 
line; 
the micro-controller is in communication with the signal processorand interprets 
the received field strength signals and compares the received field strength signalstoa 
user-adjustable sensitivity level, and automaticallyshuts down the machinery when the 
structure is close to the power line 
a radio transceiver module in communication with the micro-controller, the radio 
transceiver module is capable of wireless communication with external wireless devices 
a remote controller in communication with. the control system via the radio 
transceiver module; and 
the remotecontroller further comprises a button that when pressed results in 
generation of a warming to an operator of the machinery that the structure of the 
machinery is close to the power line.  
24 (Previously presented) The system according to claim 22, wherein the remote 
controller further includes a button that when pressed causes the machinery to shutdown 
25 (Previousy presented) A power line proximity ensing and warning system foruse 
with machinery operating near ahigh-voltage power line, comprising: 
an antenna disposed on a structure of the machinery that is movable near the 
power line; 
6
S/Nm3/730827 
a control system that includes a signal processor and amicro ontroler; 
the signal processor is in communication with the antenna and receives field 
strength signals from the antenna generated by an electromagnetic field from the power 
line; 
the micro-controller is in communication with the signal processor and interprets 
the received field strength signals and compares the received field strength signals to a 
user-adjustable sensitivity level, and automatically shuts down the machinery when the 
structure is close to the power line; 
a radio transceiver module in communication with the micro-controller, the radio 
transceiver module is capable of wireless communication with external wireless devices; 
a remote controller in communication with the control system via the radio transceiver 
module; 
the control systemincludesa first link button and an infrared transmitter; the 
remote controller includesasecond link buttoned ani nfrared receiverand 
the control system and the remote controller are configured so that the remote 
controller is linked to the control system by pressing the first link button and the second 
link button, the control system transmits a code via the infrared transmitter to the infrared 
receiver of the remote controller, and the remote controller uses the received code to 
establish alink with the control system.  
26 (Previouslypresented) A method for remotely alerting an operatorof machinery 
when a structure of the machinery is moved near a high voltage power line, the method 
comprising: 
installing an antenna on the stature of the machinerythat is movable near the 
high voltage power line, the antenna generating field strength signals based on proximity 
of the antenna to the high voltage power line; 
generating proximity signals based on the field strength signals; 
warning the operator when the structure is moved a first waning distancefron 
the high voltage power line such that a first proximity signal generated from the field 
strength signal exceeds a first presetfield sensitivity; 
'7
S/N13/30827 
automatically shutting down the machinery when the structure is moved asecond 
warning distance from the high voltage power line such that a second proximity signal 
generated from the field strength signal exceeds asecond preset field sensitivity, the first 
warning distance exceeds the second warning distance; 
using a remote controller with a panic button to shutdown the machinery when the 
panic button is pressed; 
a control system that can automatically shut down the machinery; the control 
system includes a first link button and an infrared transmitter; the remote controller 
includes a second link button and an infrared receiver; and 
establishing a link between the remote controller and the control system by 
pressing the first link button and the second link button so that the control system 
transmits a code via the infrared transmitter to the infrared receiver of the remote 
controllerand the remote controller receives the received code to establish the link with 
the controlsystem.  
8
IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE 
Inventorship: SMITH Examiner: LIEU 
Serial No.: 13/730827 Group Art Unit: 2684 
Filed: December 28, 2012 Docket No.: 20600.0001USU1 
Title: POWER LINE PROXIMITY SENSING AND WARNING SYSTEM 
CERTIFICATE OF TRANSMISSION 
I hereby certify that this paper is being transmitted by EFS Web to: Commissioner for Patents, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 
22313-1450 on July 20, 2015.  
By: /Megan Jachim/ 
Name: Megan Jachim 
AMENDMENT AND RESPONSE AFTER FINAL 
Mail Stop: AF 
Commissioner for Patents 
P.O. Box 1450 
Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450 
Dear Sir: 
In response to the office action mailed April 21, 2015, Applicant provides the 
following.  
Amendments to the claims begin on page 2 of this paper.  
Remarks begin on page 9 of this paper.
UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE 
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 
United States Patent and Trademark Office 
Address: COMMISSIONER FOR PATENTS 
P.O. Box1450 
Ale rria, Virginia 22313-1450 
www.uspto.gov 
APPLICATION NO. FILING DATE FIRST NAMED INVENTOR ATTORNEY DOCKET NO. CONFIRMATION NO.  
13/730,827 12/28/2012 Stephen L. Smith 20600.0001USU1 8263 
52835 7590 12/02/2015 EXAMINER 
HAMRE, SCHUMANN, MUELLER & LARSON, P.C.  
P.O. BOX 2902 LIEU, JULIE BICHNGOC 
MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55402-0902 
ART UNIT PAPER NUMBER 
2684 
NOTIFICATION DATE DELIVERY MODE 
12/02/2015 ELECTRONIC 
lease find below and/or attached an Office communication concerning this application or proceeding.  
Fhe time period for reply, if any, is set in the attached communication.  
notice of the Office communication was sent electronically on above-indicated "Notification Date" to the 
ollowing e-mail address(es): 
3TOMail@hsml.com
l 3/ /3U,02l / IVi I I- I -AL.  
Office Action Summary Examiner Art Unit AIA (First Inventor to File) 
JULIE LIEU 2684 Status 
No 
-- The MAILING DATE of this communication appears on the cover sheet with the correspondence address-
Briod for Reply 
A SHORTENED STATUTORY PERIOD FOR REPLY IS SET TO EXPIRE 3 MONTHS FROM THE MAILING DATE OF 
COMMUNICATION.  
- Extensions of time maybe available under the provisions of 37 CFR 1.136(a). In no event, however, may a reply be timely filed 
after SIX (6) MONTHS from the mailing date of this communication.  
- If NO period for reply is specified above, the maximum statutory period will apply and will expire SIX (6) MONTHS from the mailing date of this communication.  
- Failure to reply within the set or extended period for reply will, by statute, cause the application to become ABANDONED (35 U.S.C. § 133).  
Any reply received by the Office later than three months after the mailing date of this communication, even if timely filed, may reduce any 
earned patent term adjustment. See 37 CFR 1.704(b).  
status 
1)Z Responsive to communication(s) filed on July 20, 2015.  
A declaration(s)/affidavit(s) under 37 CFR 1.130(b) was/were filed on .  
2a) This action is FINAL. 2b) This action is non-final.  
3) An election was made by the applicant in response to a restriction requirement set forth during the interview on 
_; the restriction requirement and election have been incorporated into this action.  
4) Since this application is in condition for allowance except for formal matters, prosecution as to the merits is 
closed in accordance with the practice under Exparte Quayle, 1935 C.D. 11, 453 O.G. 213.  
sposition of Claims* 
5) Claim(s) 1-11,14,17 and 19-26 is/are pending in the application.  
5a) Of the above claim(s) _ is/are withdrawn from consideration.  
6) Claim(s)23,25 and26 is/areallowed.  
7) Claim(s) 1-11,14,17,19-22 and 24 is/are rejected.  
8) Claim(s) is/are objected to.  
9) Claim(s) are subject to restriction and/or election requirement.  
f any claims have been determined allowable, you may be eligible to benefit from the Patent Prosecution Highway program at a 
rticipating intellectual property office for the corresponding application. For more information, please see 
Qp://www. ustO.ov/patents/init events/pph/index.isp or send an inquiry to PPHfeedbackSusPto.aov.  
application Papers 
10) The specification is objected to by the Examiner.  
11) The drawing(s) filed on is/are: a) accepted or b) objected to by the Examiner.  
Applicant may not request that any objection to the drawing(s) be held in abeyance. See 37 CFR 1.85(a).  
Replacement drawing sheet(s) including the correction is required if the drawing(s) is objected to. See 37 CFR 1.121(d).  
iority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 
12) Acknowledgment is made of a claim for foreign priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a)-(d) or (f).  
Certified copies: 
a) All b) Some** c) None of the: 
1.1 Certified copies of the priority documents have been received.  
2.1 Certified copies of the priority documents have been received in Application No._.  
3.1 Copies of the certified copies of the priority documents have been received in this National Stage 
application from the International Bureau (PCT Rule 17.2(a)).  
See the attached detailed Office action for a list of the certified copies not received.  
tachment(s) 
1Notice of References Cited (PTO-892) 3) Interview Summary (PTO-413) 
Paper No(s)/Mail Date.__._ 
1Information Disclosure Statement(s) (PTO/SB/08a and/or PTO/SB/08b) 4 ater___ Dt 
Paper No(s)/Mail Date . 4) []Other: .  
Patent and Trademark Office 
I -O /D... 11 I iQ\ 'f A ntianO.mm D -r _f D___r lKl_ /lulil 1- n -A .1R 1 OQ
Application/Control Number: 13/730,827 Page 2 
Art Unit: 2684 
DETAILED ACTION 
1. The present application is being examined under the pre-AA first to invent provisions.  
2. This Office action is in response to Applicant's amendment filed December 23, 2014.  
Claims 1, 8, 10, 11, and 14 were amended. Claims 12, 13, 15, 16, and 18 were canceled.  
3. The text of those sections of Title 35, U.S. Code not included in this action can be found 
in a prior Office action.  
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112 
4. The following is a quotation of the first paragraph of 35 U.S.C. 112(a): 
(a) IN GENERAL.-The specification shall contain a written description of the invention, 
and of the manner and process of making and using it, in such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as to 
enable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains, or with which it is most nearly connected, to 
make and use the same, and shall set forth the best mode contemplated by the inventor orjoint inventor 
of carrying out the invention.  
The following is a quotation of the first paragraph of pre-AA 35 U.S.C. 112: 
The specification shall contain a written description of the invention, and of the manner and 
process of making and using it, in such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as to enable any person 
skilled in the art to which it pertains, or with which it is most nearly connected, to make and use the 
same, and shall set forth the best mode contemplated by the inventor of carrying out his invention.  
5. Claims 1-11, 15, 17, and 19-22 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(a) or 35 U.S.C. 112 
(pre-AIA), first paragraph, as failing to comply with the written description requirement. The 
claim(s) contains subject matter which was not described in the specification in such a way as to
Application/Control Number: 13/730,827 Page 3 
Art Unit: 2684 
reasonably convey to one skilled in the relevant art that the inventor or a joint inventor, or for 
pre-AIA the inventor(s), at the time the application was filed, had possession of the claimed 
invention.  
The specification only discloses user adjustable sensitivity of each sensitivity level but 
does not disclose that the difference between the first preset sensitivity level and the second 
preset sensitivity level is user adjustable.  
Allowable Subject Matter 
6. Claims 23, 25, and 26 are allowed.  
7. Claims 1-11, 14, 17, and 19-22 would be allowable if rewritten or amended to overcome 
the rejection(s) under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA), 2nd paragraph, set forth in 
this Office action.  
Response to Arguments 
8. In response to Applicant's argument regarding the adjustable difference between two 
sensitivity levels , the argument is moot because of new grounds of rejection necessitated by the 
amendment. Also, this newly added claimed feature raises new matter. If Applicant contends 
that it is not new matter, a particular pages and lines in the specification where it is disclosed 
should be pointed out.
Application/Control Number: 13/730,827 Page 4 
Art Unit: 2684 
Conclusion 
9. Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the 
examiner should be directed to JULIE LIEU whose telephone number is (571)272-2978. The 
examiner can normally be reached on Increased Flex.  
If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner's 
supervisor, Benjamin Lee can be reached on 571-272-2963. The fax phone number for the 
organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.  
Information regarding the status of an application may be obtained from the Patent 
Application Information Retrieval (PAIR) system. Status information for published applications 
may be obtained from either Private PAIR or Public PAIR. Status information for unpublished 
applications is available through Private PAIR only. For more information about the PAIR 
system, see http://pair-direct.uspto.gov. Should you have questions on access to the Private PAIR 
system, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would 
like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative or access to the automated 
information system, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000.  
/Julie Lieu/ 
Primary Examiner 
Art Unit 2684 
Nov 25, 2016
Application/Control No. Applicant(s)/Patent Under 
Reexamination 
Search Notes 13730827 SMITH ET AL.  BB Examiner Art Unit 
JULIE LIEU 2684 
CPC-SEARCHED 
Symbol Date Examiner 
CPC COMBINATION SETS- SEARCHED 
Symbol Date Examiner 
US CLASSIFICATION SEARCHED 
Class Subclass Date Examiner 
SEARCH NOTES 
Search Notes Date Examiner 
EAST,CPC 6/15/14 JL 
EAST 4/16/15 JL 
INTERFERENCESEARCH 
US Class/ US Subclass / CPC Group Date Examiner 
CPC Symbol
S/N 13/730827 
Remarks 
Reconsideration is requested in view of the above amendments and the following 
remarks. The amendments to claims 1, 8, 10, 11 and 17 are supported by the original 
disclosure, for example paragraph [0016], line 3-5; paragraph [0021], lines 9-10; 
paragraph [0032]; Figure 2; and Figure 4, elements 408, 414 and 416. Claim 18 is 
canceled without prejudice or disclaimer as a result of the amendments to claim 17.  
Allowable claims 23, 25, and 26 have been rewritten into independent form. No new 
matter has been added. Claims 1-11, 14, 17, and 19-26 are pending.  
With respect to the non-considered references in the Information Disclosure 
Statement, Applicant disagrees that information is material to patentability only if it 
qualifies as prior art. As is explicitly indicated in MPEP 2001.04, materiality is not 
limited to prior art, but embraces any information that a reasonable examiner would be 
substantially likely to consider important in deciding whether to allow claims.  
Materiality is explicitly defined in 37 CFR 1.56(b) and discussed at MPEP 2001.05, and 
does not state that the must be prior art. There are certain situations when a date of 
information being submitted is simply not known. Applicant submits that it has satisfied 
is duty of disclosure under 37 CFR 1.56 regardless of whether or not the information was 
considered.  
Claims 1-4, 7-9, and 17-21 are rejected under 35 USC 103(a) as being 
unpatentable over US 2012/0214094 to Givens in view of US 3786468 to Moffitt.  
In addition, claims 5, 6 and 24 are rejected under 35 USC 103(a) as being 
unpatentable over Givens and Moffitt, and further in view of US 2010/0286845 to 
Rekow.  
In addition, claims 10 and 11 are rejected under 35 USC 103(a) as being 
unpatentable over Givens and Moffitt, and further in view of US 3907136 to Christides.  
In addition, claim 14 is rejected under 35 USC 103(a) as being unpatentable over 
Givens, Moffitt and Christides, and further in view of Rekow.  
In addition, claims 22 and 24 are rejected under 35 USC 103(a) as being 
unpatentable over Givens and Moffitt, and further in view of Rekow.  
9
S/N 13/730827 
Applicant traverses the rejections.  
Givens, Moffitt, Rekow and Christides do not teach or suggest a system as recited 
in claim 1 where each of the first preset sensitivity level and the second preset sensitivity 
level is adjustable, and the difference between the first preset sensitivity level and the 
second preset sensitivity level is adjustable; a method as recited in claim 10 that includes 
allowing the operator to adjust each of the first warning distance and the second warning 
distance and to adjust the difference between the first warning distance and the second 
warning distance; and a system as recited in claim 17 where each of the first warning 
distance and the second warning distance is user adjustable, and the difference between 
the first warning distance and the second shut down distance is user adjustable.  
The ability to allow adjustment of two sensitivity levels and the difference 
between the two sensitivity levels, which results in adjustment of the warning distances 
and the difference between the warning distances, provides a number of advantages.  
For example, the actual voltage running through the power line(s) of concern may 
vary from the expected or nominal voltage. Therefore, the system can be adjusted 
depending upon the actual voltage.  
In addition, environmental conditions, such as snow, rain, humidity, etc., can 
impact the shape of the electrical field being sensed. By being able to adjust the 
difference between the two sensitivity levels, the user can factor in environmental 
conditions when using the system.  
In addition, if the equipment upon which the system is installed in carrying a load, 
the size of the load being carried may need to be factored in. For example, the load may 
extend far from the equipment, so that even though the equipment may not be 
dangerously near a power line, the load being carried by the equipment may be. So the 
user may want to adjust the sensitivity levels to account for the load.  
The speed of the equipment on which the system is installed is also a factor. For 
equipment that moves very slowly, the difference between the two sensitivity levels can 
be made smaller compared to equipment that moves relatively fast in which case the 
difference between the two sensitivity levels should be increased. If the equipment 
moves slowly, the user has time when the initial warning is given to take corrective 
10
S/N 13/730827 
action prior to shut-down occurring if the equipment moves too close. In contrast, if the 
equipment moves relatively fast, once the initial warning is given, the equipment could 
come into contact with the power line before shut-down actually takes place. Allowing 
the user to increase the difference between the two sensitivity levels increases the time 
the user will have to take corrective action once the initial warning is given.  
Still another factor impacting sensing capability is variations in antenna 
sensitivity. Although one may know the nominal sensitivity of the antenna, in actual 
practice the sensitivity may vary. Therefore, adjusting the difference between the two 
sensitivity levels allows the user to factor in antenna variations.  
Givens discloses a power line proximity warning system. Paragraph [0022].  
Givens discloses providing a number of visual or audible warnings when equipment gets 
too close to a power line. Paragraphs [0022], [0027], [0036]. Givens does not disclose 
user adjustment of a sensitivity level, nor adjustment of two sensitivity levels or a 
difference between two sensitivity levels. Paragraph [0030] of Givens refers to automatic 
adjustment of sensitivity settings based on location of the equipment. This is automatic 
adjustment of a single sensitivity level, not user adjustment or adjustment of a difference 
between two sensitivity levels. Automatic adjustment is deficient because it does not 
allow the user to factor in site specific variables that may not be accounted for in the 
automatic settings.  
Paragraph [0028] of Givens refers to adjusting sensitivity of a wireless receiver, 
but this is not adjustment of the sensitivity of the sensor. Paragraph [0028] of Givens 
also refers to control of "base alarm levels". What is meant by "base alarm levels" is not 
explicitly clear from Givens. Does this refer to the sensor? Or does this refer to sound 
levels as discussed later in paragraph [0028]? Regardless of the meaning, since Givens 
does not disclose both a pre-warning followed by shut-down, at best the disclosure in 
Givens refers to adjustment of a single sensitivity level, and does not disclose adjusting 
two sensitivity levels or a difference between two sensitivity levels.  
Moffitt also discloses a power line proximity warning system. Abstract. Moffitt 
discloses that the system includes a potentiometer 30 that allows a user to adjust 
sensitivity. Column 3, lines 24-25; 42-45; and 61-64. The adjustment disclosed in 
Moffitt is of a single sensitivity level. Moffitt does not disclose a pre-warning followed 
11
S/N 13/730827 
by shut-down, and thus does not disclose the ability to adjust first and second sensitivity 
levels or adjustment of a difference between the two levels.  
Rekow is characterized as teaching the use of a remote control. Rekow does not 
teach pre-warning followed by shut-down, first and second sensitivity levels, and 
adjustment of a difference between the sensitivity levels.  
Christides discloses a system for sensing underground power lines. Abstract.  
Christides discloses that a first threshold can be used to provide a warning signal and a 
second threshold can be used to automatically shut down the equipment. Column 3, lines 
10-15. Christides does not disclose user adjustment of the two thresholds or adjustment 
of the difference between the two thresholds. Rather, the system in Christides appears to 
assume that the voltage of the power line is known or constant, that environmental 
conditions do not impact the ability to detect the power line, that the equipment on which 
the system is mounted is the same, and that the antenna sensitivity is known/constant.  
As Applicant indicates above, each of these assumptions by Christides is incorrect 
and can lead to catastrophic results.  
None of Givens, Moffitt, Rekow and Christides teach or suggest a system where 
first and second sensitivity levels can be adjusted, and the difference between the first 
preset sensitivity level and the second preset sensitivity level is adjustable; allowing the 
operator to adjust the first and second warning differences as well as the difference 
between the first warning distance and the second warning distance; and where the first 
and second warning distances are user adjustable as is the difference between the first 
warning distance and the second shut down distance.  
Nor do Givens, Moffitt, Rekow and Christides recognize the advantages that arise 
from being able to adjust the first and second preset sensitivity levels and the difference 
between the first preset sensitivity level and the second preset sensitivity level or 
adjusting the first and second warning distances and the difference between the first 
warning distance and the second warning distance.  
For at least these reasons, claims 1, 10 and 17 are patentable over Givens, Moffitt, 
Rekow, and Christides. Claims 2-9, 11, 14, 19-22 and 24 depend from claims 1, 10 and 
17 and are patentable therewith for that reason alone and need not be separately 
distinguished. Applicant does not concede the rejections to the dependent claims.  
12
S/N 13/730827 
Allowable claims 23, 25 and 26 have been rewritten into independent form and 
should be in condition for allowance along with the remainder of the claims.  
Favorable reconsideration in the form of a notice of allowance is requested. Any 
questions concerning this paper can be directed to the attention of the undersigned at 
(612) 455-3805.  
Respectfully submitted, 
HAMRE, SCHUMANN, MUELLER & 52835 LARSON, P.C.  
PATENT TRADEMARK OFFICE P.O. Box 2902 
Minneapolis, MN 55402-0902 
(612) 455-3800 
Dated: July 20, 2015 By: /James A. Larson/ 
James A. Larson 
Reg. No. 40,443 
JAL/mbj 
13
Application/Control No. Applicant(s)/Patent Under 
Reexamination 
Search Notes 13730827 SMITH ET AL.  BB Examiner Art Unit 
JULIE LIEU 2684 
CPC-SEARCHED 
Symbol Date Examiner 
CPC COMBINATION SETS- SEARCHED 
Symbol Date Examiner 
US CLASSIFICATION SEARCHED 
Class Subclass Date Examiner 
SEARCH NOTES 
Search Notes Date Examiner 
EAST,CPC 6/15/14 JL 
EAST 4/16/15 JL 
EAST 11/20/15 JL 
INTERFERENCESEARCH 
US Class/ US Subclass / CPC Group Date Examiner 
CPC Symbol
S/N 13/730827 
Amendments to the claims 
1. (Currently amended) A power line proximity sensing and warning system for use 
by an operator of machinery operating near a high-voltage power line, comprising: 
a loop antenna disposed on a structure of the machinery that is movable near the 
power line; 
a signal processor in communication with the loop antenna, the signal processor 
configured to send test signals through the loop antenna and receive field strength signals 
from the loop antenna generated by an electromagnetic field from the power line; and 
a micro-controller in communication with the signal processor that interprets 
eeffigured for interpretigthe received field strength signals and compareseemaring 
the received field strength signals to [[a]] first and second preset, user-adjustable 
sensitivity levels -e4, generates genefating a proximity signal, graphically displays 
displaying the proximity signal on a color display, easing causes an audible signal to be 
generated to audibly warn the operator when the proximity signal exceeds the first preset 
levels-ef-fie sensitivity level, and automatically shuts sht4inig down the machinery 
when a received field strength signal exceeds the second preset tsefr-adjustabe sensitivity 
level, wherein the second preset sensitivity level exceeds the first preset sensitivity level, 
each of the first preset sensitivity level and the second preset sensitivity level is user 
adjustable, and the difference between the first preset sensitivity level and the second 
preset sensitivity level is user adjustable.  
2. (Original) The system according to claim 1, further comprising an input/output (I/O) 
module in communication with the micro-controller, the I/O module configured for 
communicating with external devices.  
3. (Original) The system according to claim 1, further comprising an event logger in 
communication with the micro-controller for recording user interface button presses, user 
interface sensitivity adjustments, received field strength signals, alerts generated, alarms 
generated, system cable connections, power loss, errors and system status, all as a 
function of time.  
2
S/N 13/730827 
4. (Original) The system according to claim 1, further comprising a radio transceiver 
module in communication with the micro-controller, the radio transceiver module 
configured for wireless communication with external wireless devices.  
5. (Previously Presented) The system according to claim 4, further comprising a 
remote controller in communication with the system via the radio transceiver, the remote 
controller configured for wireless control of the system.  
6. (Previously presented) The system according to claim 5, wherein the remote 
controller further comprises a panic button for use by a remote user to warn the operator 
or optionally shutdown the machinery to stop movement closer to the power line.  
7. (Previously Presented) The system according to claim 1, further comprising a 
memory device in communication with the micro-controller for storing computer 
program instructions and data.  
8. (Currently amended) The system according to claim 1, further comprising a user 
interface having buttons for controlling power, adjusting the first and second preset 
sensitivity levels field-seisiivity and external communications.  
9. (Previously Presented) The system according to claim 8, wherein the user interface 
further comprises a graphical display of field strength, alerts and warnings.  
10. (Currently amended) A method for remotely alerting an operator of machinery 
when a structure of the machinery is moved near a high voltage power line, the method 
comprising: 
installing an antenna on the structure of the machinery that is movable near the 
high voltage power line, the antenna generating field strength signals based on proximity 
of the antenna to the high voltage power line; 
generating proximity signals based on the field strength signals; 
3
S/N 13/730827 
warning the operator when the structure is moved a first warning distance from 
the high voltage power line such that a first proximity signal generated from the field 
strength signal exceeds a first preset field sensitivity; [[and]] 
automatically shutting down the machinery when the structure is moved a second 
warning distance from the high voltage power line such that a second proximity signal 
generated from the field strength signal exceeds a second preset field sensitivity, the first 
warning distance exceeds the second warning distance and 
allowing the operator to adjust each of the first warning distance and the second 
warning distance and to adjust the difference between the first warning distance and the 
second warning distance.  
11. (Currently amended) The method according to claim 10, wherein installing the 
antenna on the structure comprises installing a loop antenna about the structure; 
sending a test signal through the loop antenna and detecting the test signal; 
the first and second preset field sensitivities are user adjustableand 
graphically displaying each proximity signal on a color display, and warning the 
operator comprises audibly warning the operator.  
12-13. (Canceled) 
14. (Previously presented) The method according to claim 10, further comprising 
using a remote controller with a panic button to shutdown the machinery when the panic 
button is pressed.  
15-16. (Canceled) 
17. (Currently amended) A power line proximity sensing and warning system for use 
with machinery operating near a high-voltage power line, comprising: 
an antenna disposed on a structure of the machinery that is movable near the 
power line; 
a control system that includes a signal processor and a micro-controller; 
4
S/N 13/730827 
the signal processor is in communication with the antenna and receives field 
strength signals from the antenna generated by an electromagnetic field from the power 
line; and 
the micro-controller is in communication with the signal processor and interprets 
the received field strength signals and compares the received field strength signals to [[a]] 
first and second preset, user-adjustable sensitivity levels -e, and automatically shuts 
down the machinery when the structure is close to the power line; 
the first preset sensitivity level represents a first warning distance from the power 
line, and the micro-controller generates at least one of an audible warning and a visual 
warning when the field strength signal exceeds the first preset sensitivity level; 
the second preset sensitivity level represents a second shut down distance from 
the power line that is less than the first warning distance, and the micro-controller shuts 
down the machinery when the field strength signal exceeds the second preset sensitivity 
level, each of the first warning distance and the second warning distance is user 
adjustable, and the difference between the first warning distance and the second shut 
down distance is user adjustable.  
18. (Canceled) 
19. (Previously presented) The system according to claim 17, wherein the control 
system further comprises an input/output (I/O) module in communication with the micro
controller that can communicate with external devices.  
20. (Previously presented) The system according to claim 17, wherein the control 
system further comprises an event logger in communication with the micro-controller.  
21. (Previously presented) The system according to claim 17, further comprising a 
radio transceiver module in communication with the micro-controller, the radio 
transceiver module is capable of wireless communication with external wireless devices.  
5
S/N 13/730827 
22. (Previously presented) The system according to claim 21, further comprising a 
remote controller in communication with the control system via the radio transceiver 
module.  
23. (Currently amended) The system according to claim 22, v hei~inApower line 
proximity sensing and warning system for use with machinery operating near a high
voltage power line, comprising: 
an antenna disposed on a structure of the machinery that is movable near the 
power line; 
a control system that includes a signal processor and a micro-controller; 
the signal processor is in communication with the antenna and receives field 
strength signals from the antenna generated by an electromagnetic field from the power 
line 
the micro-controller is in communication with the signal processor and interprets 
the received field strength signals and compares the received field strength signals to a 
user-adjustable sensitivity level, and automatically shuts down the machinery when the 
structure is close to the power line; 
a radio transceiver module in communication with the micro-controller, the radio 
transceiver module is capable of wireless communication with external wireless devices; 
a remote controller in communication with the control system via the radio 
transceiver module; and 
the remote controller further comprises a button that when pressed results in 
generation of a warning to an operator of the machinery that the structure of the 
machinery is close to the power line.  
24. (Previously presented) The system according to claim 22, wherein the remote 
controller further includes a button that when pressed causes the machinery to shutdown.  
25. (Currently amended) The systcm efclaim 22, whercinApower line proximity 
sensing and warning system for use with machinery operating near a high-voltage power 
line, comprising: 
6
S/N 13/730827 
an antenna disposed on a structure of the machinery that is movable near the 
power line; 
a control system that includes a signal processor and a micro-controller; 
the signal processor is in communication with the antenna and receives field 
strength signals from the antenna generated by an electromagnetic field from the power 
linL 
the micro-controller is in communication with the signal processor and interprets 
the received field strength signals and compares the received field strength signals to a 
user-adjustable sensitivity level, and automatically shuts down the machinery when the 
structure is close to the power line; 
a radio transceiver module in communication with the micro-controller, the radio 
transceiver module is capable of wireless communication with external wireless devices; 
a remote controller in communication with the control system via the radio transceiver 
module; 
the control system includes a first link button and an infrared transmitter; the 
remote controller includes a second link button and an infrared receiver; and 
the control system and the remote controller are configured so that the remote 
controller is linked to the control system by pressing the first link button and the second 
link button, the control system transmits a code via the infrared transmitter to the infrared 
receiver of the remote controller, and the remote controller uses the received code to 
establish a link with the control system.  
26. (Currently amended) The method ofclaim 14, further compisingA method for 
remotely alerting an operator of machinery when a structure of the machinery is moved 
near a high voltage power line, the method comprising: 
installing an antenna on the structure of the machinery that is movable near the 
high voltage power line, the antenna generating field strength signals based on proximity 
of the antenna to the high voltage power line; 
generating proximity signals based on the field strength signals; 
7
S/N 13/730827 
warning the operator when the structure is moved a first warning distance from 
the high voltage power line such that a first proximity signal generated from the field 
strength signal exceeds a first preset field sensitivity; 
automatically shutting down the machinery when the structure is moved a second 
warning distance from the high voltage power line such that a second proximity signal 
generated from the field strength signal exceeds a second preset field sensitivity, the first 
warning distance exceeds the second warning distance; 
using a remote controller with a panic button to shutdown the machinery when the 
panic button is pressed; 
a control system that can automatically shut down the machinery; the control 
system includes a first link button and an infrared transmitter; the remote controller 
includes a second link button and an infrared receiver; and 
establishing a link between the remote controller and the control system by 
pressing the first link button and the second link button so that the control system 
transmits a code via the infrared transmitter to the infrared receiver of the remote 
controller, and the remote controller receives the received code to establish the link with 
the control system.  
8
S/N 13/730827 
Remarks 
Reconsideration is requested in view of the above amendments and the following 
remarks. The amendments to the claims are supported by the original disclosure, for 
example paragraphs [0017] and [0032]. New claims 17-24 are supported by the original 
disclosure, for example original claims 1-9. New claims 25-26 are supported by, for 
example, paragraphs [0023] and [0024] of the original disclosure. No new matter has 
been added. Claims 12-13 and 15-16 are canceled without prejudice or disclaimer.  
Claims 1-11, 14, and 17-26 are pending. Any excess claims fees can be charged to 
Deposit Account No. 50-3478 
Applicant notes that certain non-patent citations submitted by Applicant in an 
Information Disclosure Statement appear to have been cross-off as not being considered.  
However, no explanation has been provided as to why the citations have not been 
considered.  
Copies of the citations were submitted by Applicant so the citations should be 
considered. To the extent that the citations were not considered because a date was not 
provided for each citation, Applicant submits that this is not a valid reason for not 
considering a citation. Applicant has submitted the crossed-off citations in compliance 
with 37 CFR 1.56. There is nothing in 37 CFR 1.56 that requires Applicant to provide a 
date in order for the information that Applicant is aware of and cites in an Information 
Disclosure Statement to be considered. Applicant submits that it has fully complied with 
37 CFR 1.56.  
Claims 1-4 and 7-9 are rejected under pre-AIA 35 USC 103(a) as being 
unpatentable over Givens et al. (US Publication No. 2012/0214094).  
In addition, claims 5, 6 and 10-16 are rejected under pre-AIA 35 USC 103(a) as 
being unpatentable over Givens et al. in view of Rekow et al. (US Publication No.  
2010/0286845).  
Applicant traverses the rejections.  
Givens and Rekow do not teach or suggest a micro-controller that automatically 
shuts down the machinery when a received field strength signal exceeds the user
8
S/N 13/730827 
adjustable sensitivity level (claim 1), automatically shutting down the machinery when 
the extended structure is moved a second warning distance from the high voltage power 
line such that a second proximity signal generated from the field strength signal exceeds a 
second preset field sensitivity, the first warning distance exceeds the second warning 
distance (claim 10), or a micro-controller that automatically shuts down the machinery 
when the structure is close to the power line (new claim 17).  
Givens discloses a power line proximity warning system. Paragraph [0022].  
Givens discloses providing a number of visual or audible warnings when equipment gets 
too close to a power line. Paragraphs [0022], [0027], [0036]. However, Givens does not 
disclose automatically shutting down the machinery if the machinery gets too close to the 
power line.  
Givens does describe "in the event that the control box (1005) senses a roll over, 
the control line (1050) could automatically turn off the equipment". Paragraph [0073].  
However, this is limited to roll over of the machinery. Givens does not teach or suggest 
that the machinery should be automatically shut down when it is sensed that the 
machinery is too close to the power line.  
Rekow is characterized as teaching a system with a remote controller with an 
emergency stop button that when pressed stops a vehicle. Rekow requires that a user 
push a button to stop the vehicle. In the event that the user is distracted at some moment 
in time, the stop button may not be pushed in time to stop the vehicle. However, Rekow 
does not teach a micro-controller that automatically shuts down the machinery when the 
structure is close to the power line.  
For at least these reasons, claims 1, 10 and 17 are patentable over Givens and 
Rekow. Claims 2-9, 11, 14 and 18-24 depend from claims 1, 10 and 17 and are 
patentable therewith for that reason alone and need not be separately distinguished.  
Applicant does not concede the rejections to dependent claims 2-9, 11 and 14.  
9
S/N 13/730827 
Favorable reconsideration in the form of a notice of allowance is requested. Any 
questions concerning this paper can be directed to the attention of the undersigned at 
(612) 455-3805.  
Respectfully submitted, 
283 5 HAMRE, SCHUMANN, MUELLER & 52835LARSON, P.C.  
PATENT TRADEMARK OFFICE P.O. Box 2902 
Minneapolis, MN 55402-0902 
(612) 455-3800 
Dated: December 23, 2014 By: /James A. Larson/ 
James A. Larson 
Reg. No. 40,443 
JAL/mbj 
10
IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE 
Inventorship: SMITH Examiner: LIEU 
Serial No.: 13/730827 Group Art Unit: 2684 
Filed: December 28, 2012 Docket No.: 20600.0001USU1 
Title: POWER LINE PROXIMITY SENSING AND WARNING SYSTEM 
CERTIFICATE OF TRANSMISSION 
I hereby certify that this paper is being transmitted by EFS Web to: Commissioner for Patents, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 
22313-1450 on December 23, 2014.  
By: /Megan Jachim/ 
Name: Megan Jachim 
AMENDMENT AND RESPONSE 
Mail Stop: AMENDMENT 
Commissioner for Patents 
P.O. Box 1450 
Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450 
Dear Sir: 
In response to the office action mailed June 23, 2014, Applicant provides the 
following.  
Amendments to the claims begin on page 2 of this paper.  
Remarks begin on page 8 of this paper.
Application/Control No. Applicant(s)/Patent Under 
Reexamination 
13/730,827 SMITH ET AL.  
Notice of References Cited Examiner ArtUnit 
JULIE LIEU 2684 Page 1 
of 1 
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS 
Document Number Date 
Country Code-Number-Kind Code MM-YYYY Name Classification 
A US-3,907,136 A 09-1975 Christides et al. 414/694 
B US-5,592,092 A 01-1997 Mechler, Mark V. 324/326 
C US-2006/0271263 Al 11-2006 Self et al. 701/050 
D US-2009/0237263 Al 09-2009 Sawyer et al. 340/686.6 
E US
F US
G US
H US
I US
j US
K US
L US
M US
FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS 
Document Number Date 
Country Code-Number-Kind Code MM-YYYY Country Name Classification 
N EP 2 479 735 A2 07-2012 YANO 
0 
P 
Q 
R 
S 
T 
NON-PATENT DOCUMENTS 
Include as applicable: Author, Title Date, Publisher, Edition or Volume, Pertinent Pages) 
U 
V 
W 
X 
opy of this reference is not being furnished with this Office action. (See MPEP § 707.05(a).) 
s in MM-YYYY format are publication dates. Classifications may be US or foreign.  
Patent and Trademark Office 
)-892 (Rev. 01-2001) Notice of References Cited Part of Paper No. 20150415
PTO/SB/08a (07-09) 
Approved for use through 07/3112012. OMB 0651-0031 
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 
Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it contains a valid OMB control number.  
Substitute for form 1449/PTO Complete if Known 
Application Number 131730,827 
INFORMATION DISCLOSURE Filing Date December 28, 2012 First Named Inventor Stephen L. Smith 
STATEMENT BY APPLICANT Art Unit 
(Use as many sheets as necessary) Examiner Name 
Sheet 1 of 2 Attorney Docket Number 5010.USI.NP 
U. S. PATENT DOCUMENTS 
Examiner Cite Document Number Publication Date Name of Patentee or Pages, Columns, Lines, Where 
Initials* 
No.'   
MM-DD-YYYY Applicant of Cited Document Relevant Passages or Relevant 
Number-Kind Code
2 
(ifknown) Figures Appear 
JL/ Us- 6,104,305 08-15-2000 Beckmann 
US- 6,133,841 10-17-2000 Beckmann 
US- 6,170,607 B1 01-09-2001 Freeman et al.  
US- 6,252,513 B1 06-26-2001 Beckmann 
US- 6,600,426 B1 07-29-2003 Sacks et al.  
US- 7,081,812 B2 07-25-2006 Hastings, Sr.  
US
US- 2004/0066284 Al 04-08-2004 Hastings, Sr.  
US- 2007/0018841 Al 01-25-2007 Nickerson 
US- 2010/0214094 Al 08-26-2010 Givens et al.  
US
US
US
US
US
US
US
US
US
FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS 
Examiner Cite Foreign Patent Document Publication Name of Patentee or Pages, Columns, Lines, 
Initials* 
No.'   
Date Applicant of Cited Document Where Relevant Passages 
Country Code-Number Kind Code° (ifknown) MM-DD-YYYY 
Or Relevant Figures Appear To 
Examiner Date 
Signature Considered 06/15/2014 
*EXAMINER: Initial if reference considered, whether or not citation is in conformance with MPEP 609. Draw line through citation if not in conformance and not 
considered. Include copy of this form with next communication to applicant. 1 Applicant's unique citation designation number (optional). 2 See Kinds Codes of 
USPTO Patent Documents at www.smqov or MPEP 901.04. 3 Enter Office that issued the document, by the two-letter code (WIPO Standard ST.3). 4 For 
Japanese patent documents, the indication ofthe yearofthe reign ofthe Emperor must precede the serial numberofthe patent document. 
5
Kind ofdocument by 
the appropriate symbols as indicated on the document under WIPO Standard ST.16 if possible. 6Applicant is to place a check mark here if English language 
Translation is attached.  
This collection of information is required by 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98. The information is required to obtain or retain a benefit by the public which is to file (and by the 
USPTO to process) an application. Confidentiality is governed by 35 U.S.C. 122 and 37 CFR 1.14. This collection is estimated to take 2 hours to complete, 
including gathering, preparing, and submitting the completed application form to the USPTO. Time will vary depending upon the individual case. Any comments 
on the amount oftime you require to complete this form and/or suggestions for reducing this burden, should be sent to the Chief Information Officer, U.S. Patent 
and Trademark Office, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450. DO NOT SEND FEES OR COMPLETED FORMS TO THIS ADDRESS. SEND 
TO: Commissioner for Patents, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450.  
Ifyou need assistance in completing the form, call 1-800-PTO-9199 (1-800-786-9199) and select option 2.
PTO/SB/08b (07-09) 
Approved for use through 07/31/2012. OMB 0651-0031 
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 
Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons ar required to respond to a collection of information unless it contains a valid OMB control number.  
Substitute for form 1449/PTO 
Complete if Known 
Application Number 13/730,827 
INFORMATION DISCLOSURE Filing Date December 28, 2012 
STATEMENT BY APPLICANT First Named Inventor Stephen L. Smith 
Art Unit 
(Use as many sheets as necessary) 
Examiner Name 
sheet 2 Attorney Docket Number 5010.USI.NP 
NON PATENT LITERATURE DOCUMENTS 
Examiner Cite Include name of the author (in CAPITAL LETTERS), title of the article (when appropriate), title of 
Initials* No.'   the item (book, magazine, journal, serial, symposium, catalog, etc.), date, page(s), volume-issue -2 
number(s), publisher, city and/or country where published.  
/JL/ Installation Procedure for the ASE 2200 High Voltage Proximity Warning 
Device, Allied Safety Engineering, February 21, 2006.  
Proxyvolt PV5007 Brochure, Proxyvolt Pty Ltd, 1717 Ipswich Road, Rocklea 
Qld Australia4106, date unknown.  
Sigalarm Model 110 Lattice Boom Manual, Sigalarm, 5224 West State Road 
46 PMB 405, Sanford, FL 32771, 2010.  
Wire-Watcher Brochure, The Wire-Watcher Co. Ltd, Gigg Mill, Old Bristol Rd, 
Nailsworth GL6 OJP, United Kingdom, date unknown.  
http://www.alliedsafetyeng.com/proximitywarningdevice.html, Allied Safety 
L Systems, Inc., 4380 St. Johns Parkway, Suite 100 Sanford, FL 32771, 2009.  
http://www.siqalarminc.com/index.html. Siqalarm 5224 West State Road 
46 PMB 405, Sanford, FL 32771, date unknown.  
http://www.wirewatcher.co.uk/wwprd.html, The Wire-Watcher Co. Ltd, Gigg Mill, 
/JL/ Old Bristol Rd, Nailsworth GL6 OJP, United Kingdom, 2005.  
xaminer / ;Ulle LieU/ Date -0/521 
Signature Considered 0/521 
*EXAMINER: Initial if reference considered, whether or not citation is in conformance with MPEP 609. Draw line through citation if not in conformance and not 
considered. Include copy of this form with next communication to applicant.  
1 Applicant's unique citation designation number (optional). 2 Applicant is to place a check mark here if English language Translation is attached.  
This collection of information is required by 37 CFR 1.98. The information is required to obtain or retain a benefit by the public which is to file (and by the USPTO 
to process) an application. Confidentiality is governed by 35 U.S.C. 122 and 37 CFR 1.14. This collection is estimated to take 2 hours to complete, including 
gathering, preparing, and submitting the completed application form to the USPTO. Time will vary depending upon the individual case. Any comments on the 
amount of time you require to complete this form and/or suggestions for reducing this burden, should be sent to the Chief Information Officer, U.S. Patent and 
Trademark Office, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450. DO NOT SEND FEES OR COMPLETED FORMS TO THIS ADDRESS. SEND TO: 
Commissioner for Patents, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450.  
If you need assistance in completing the form, call 1-800-PTO-9199 (1-800-786-9199) and select option 2.
Application/Control No. Applicant(s)/Patent Under 
Reexamination 
Search Notes 13730827 SMITH ET AL.  BB Examiner Art Unit 
JULIE LIEU 2684 
CPC-SEARCHED 
Symbol Date Examiner 
CPC COMBINATION SETS- SEARCHED 
Symbol Date Examiner 
US CLASSIFICATION SEARCHED 
Class Subclass Date Examiner 
SEARCH NOTES 
Search Notes Date Examiner 
EAST,CPC 6/15/14 JL 
INTERFERENCESEARCH 
US Class/ US Subclass / CPC Group Date Examiner 
CPC Symbol
S/N 13/730827 
Amendments to the claims 
1. (Currently amended) A power line proximity sensing and warning system for use 
by an operator of machinery operating near a high-voltage power line 4mes, comprising: 
a loop antenna disposed abeu on a structure of the machinery that is movabled-4he 
structure configured formovementnear the power line 4mes; 
a signal processor in communication with the loop antenna, the signal processor 
configured to send test signals through the loop antenna and receive field strength signals 
from the loop antenna generated by an electromagnetic field from the power line mes; 
and 
a micro-controller in communication with the signal processor configured for 
interpreting the received field strength signals and comparing the received field strength 
signals to a user-adjustable sensitivity level, generating a proximity signal, [[and]] 
graphically displaying the proximity signal on a color display, [[and]] causing an audible 
signal to be generated to audibly warn [[warning]] the operator when the proximity signal 
exceeds preset levels of field sensitivity, and automatically shutting down the machinery 
when a received field strength signal exceeds the user-adjustable sensitivity level.  
2. (Original) The system according to claim 1, further comprising an input/output (I/O) 
module in communication with the micro-controller, the I/O module configured for 
communicating with external devices.  
3. (Original) The system according to claim 1, further comprising an event logger in 
communication with the micro-controller for recording user interface button presses, user 
interface sensitivity adjustments, received field strength signals, alerts generated, alarms 
generated, system cable connections, power loss, errors and system status, all as a 
function of time.  
4. (Original) The system according to claim 1, further comprising a radio transceiver 
module in communication with the micro-controller, the radio transceiver module 
configured for wireless communication with external wireless devices.  
2
S/N 13/730827 
5. (Previously Presented) The system according to claim 4, further comprising 
a remote controller in communication with the system via the radio transceiver, the 
remote controller configured for wireless control of the system.  
6. (Currently amended) The system according to claim 5, wherein the remote 
controller further comprises a panic button for use by a remote user to warn the operator 
or optionally shutdown the machinery to stop movement closer to the power line ines.  
7. (Previously Presented) The system according to claim 1, further comprising a 
memory device in communication with the micro-controller for storing computer 
program instructions and data.  
8. (Previously Presented) The system according to claim 1, further comprising a user 
interface having buttons for controlling power, adjusting field sensitivity and external 
communications.  
9. (Previously Presented) The system according to claim 8, wherein the user interface 
further comprises a graphical display of field strength, alerts and warnings.  
10. (Currently amended) A method for remotely alerting an operator of machinery 
when an-extended a structure of the machinery is moved near a high voltage power line 
limes, the method comprising: 
installing an antenna on the structure of the machinery that is movable near the 
high voltage power line, the antenna generating field strength signals based on proximity 
of the antenna to the high voltage power line; 
generating proximity signals based on the field strength signals; 
providing a power line proxmity sensing anRd warning system anRd a wireles 
remoete conftroller; 
installing the system on the mnachinef' 
pe4rifig a system check of the system;+ 
3
S/N 13/730827 
adjutsting field sensitivity of the system;+, 
remoitely conftrollinig the systems ufsing the remoite conftroller; 
warning the operator when the extended structure is moved a first warning 
distance from the high voltage power line such that a first proximity signal generated 
from the field strength signal exceeds within a first preset field sensitivity; and 
automatically shutting down the machinery when the extended structure is moved 
a second warning distance from the high voltage power line such that a second proximity 
signal generated from the field strength signal exceeds a second presetwi4thin-another 
pr-esent field sensitivity, the first warning distance exceeds the second warning distance.  
11. (Currently amended) The method according to claim 10, wherein installing the 
antenna on the structure comprises installing a loop antenna about the structure; the 
powv er line pr~oximfit-y sensing and warning system, copiss 
a loop antennfa disposed abot the exEtentded structure of the mfachintef, th 
Arturette conffigurfed for mofevemfent near the power liness, 
a signal proessor in communications 'With the looP anftennfa, the signal processor 
configurfed to send test signals through the loop antenna and receive field strFength signals 
ffrom the loop antenna generated by an electromagnetic field from the pow er: lines; an 
sendin a test signal through the loop antenna and detecting the test signal; 
the first and second preset field sensitivities are user-adjustable, and 
a mficr~o controller: in commuanication with the signal processors: adaptedfo 
inftefpreting the received field strFength signals and comparing the received field strFength 
signals to a utser adjustable sentsitivit-y level, genierating a proxiit-y signal, anid 
graphically displaying each the proximity signal on a color display, and warning the 
operator comprises audibly warning the operatorwhen the proximity' signal exceeds 
preset levls offield sensitivity.  
12-13. (Canceled) 
4
S/N 13/730827 
14. (Currently amended) The method according to claim 10, further comprising 
using a remote controller with a panic button to shutdown the machinery when the panic 
button is pressed.whereinthe remote controller has a panic btton configured t 
wirelessly sh-utdown the mnaehinfef to prevent the exitenfded stmcIture fromn corning infto 
conftact with the pow er: lines.  
15-16. (Canceled) 
17. (New) A power line proximity sensing and warning system for use with 
machinery operating near a high-voltage power line, comprising: 
an antenna disposed on a structure of the machinery that is movable near the 
power line; 
a control system that includes a signal processor and a micro-controller; 
the signal processor is in communication with the antenna and receives field 
strength signals from the antenna generated by an electromagnetic field from the power 
line; and 
the micro-controller is in communication with the signal processor and interprets 
the received field strength signals and compares the received field strength signals to a 
user-adjustable sensitivity level, and automatically shuts down the machinery when the 
structure is close to the power line.  
18. (New) The system according to claim 17, wherein the micro-controller also 
generates proximity signals based on the received field strength signals, causes display of 
the proximity signals on a color display, and causes an audible warning to be generated 
when one of the generated proximity signals exceeds a preset level of field sensitivity.  
19. (New) The system according to claim 17, wherein the control system further 
comprises an input/output (I/O) module in communication with the micro-controller that 
can communicate with external devices.  
5
S/N 13/730827 
20. (New) The system according to claim 17, wherein the control system further 
comprises an event logger in communication with the micro-controller.  
21. (New) The system according to claim 17, further comprising a radio transceiver 
module in communication with the micro-controller, the radio transceiver module is 
capable of wireless communication with external wireless devices.  
22. (New) The system according to claim 21, further comprising a remote controller 
in communication with the control system via the radio transceiver module.  
23. (New) The system according to claim 22, wherein the remote controller further 
comprises a button that when pressed results in generation of a warning to an operator of 
the machinery that the structure of the machinery is close to the power line.  
24. (New) The system according to claim 22, wherein the remote controller further 
includes a button that when pressed causes the machinery to shutdown.  
25. (New) The system of claim 22, wherein the control system includes a first link 
button and an infrared transmitter; the remote controller includes a second link button and 
an infrared receiver; and 
the control system and the remote controller are configured so that the remote 
controller is linked to the control system by pressing the first link button and the second 
link button, the control system transmits a code via the infrared transmitter to the infrared 
receiver of the remote controller, and the remote controller uses the received code to 
establish a link with the control system.  
26. (New) The method of claim 14, further comprising a control system that can 
automatically shut down the machinery; the control system includes a first link button 
and an infrared transmitter; the remote controller includes a second link button and an 
infrared receiver; and 
6
S/N 13/730827 
establishing a link between the remote controller and the control system by 
pressing the first link button and the second link button so that the control system 
transmits a code via the infrared transmitter to the infrared receiver of the remote 
controller, and the remote controller receives the received code to establish the link with 
the control system.  
7
EAST Search History 
EAST Search History (Prior Art) 
Ref Hits Search Query DoBs IDefault IPlurais Time 
#_ Operator Stamp 
Li 106317 event with log$4 US-PGPUB; ADJ ON 2014/06/16 
USPAT; 01:46 
____ ____________________ DERWENTi_ __I______ 
L2 3712 power line with (proxim$3 ordistance) IUS-PGPUB; ADJ ION 21/61 
~USPAT 01:47 
[2 18 L~ndiEPO;JPO; 
DERWENT ___I___ ___ 
L3 11 L2 nd 1US-PGPUB ADJ ON 21/61 
USPAT; 01:47 
EPO; JPO; 
DERWENT 
L4 2783 (340/901,686.6,657).mLS. US-PGPUB; OR OFF 2014/06/16z 
USPAT; 01:47 
USOCR 
L5 1553 (324/72)CLS. US-PGPUB OR OFF 2014/06/16 
____ _ __ _ __ _ __ _ __ _ __USPAT_ _ __ _____ _ __ 01:47 
USOCR 
L6 3729 L4or L5 US- PPUB; ADJ ON 2014/06/16 
USPAT;0:4 
_____1L4 ~~~~~ PO; JPZO; ___ 14 
DERWENT 
L7 463 (G01Ri9/145 or G01R29/085 or IUS-PGPUB; ADJ ON 2014/06/16 
H02H5/12).cpc. USPAT;0:4 
z ~~ EPO; JPO;zz 
DERWENT 
L8 340 (340/685).CCLS. US-PPUB; OR OF 21/61 
____ _________________ USPAT ____~F RX:7~22 
L9 4008 L6 or L8 US-PGPUB; IADJ ON 2014/06/16 
USPAT 01:47 
EPO;JPO; 
DERWENT _______I___ 
LiO 4440 L7 or L9 IUS-FPGPUB; IADJ [ON 21/61 jUSPAT;0:4 
z____ DERWENT zz z 
Lii 4 [3andLiO IUS-PGPUB;IADJ ION 2014/06/16 
I ~USPAT; 01:47 
____ I____________________DERWENTI_ __I______ 
S3 2070 (340/901,686.6).CCLS. US-PGPUB; OR OFF 2014/06/15 
USPAT 20:10 
_USOCR I 
3with ordistance) US-PGP A ON 2014/06/15 
z z 
USPAT 20:11 
z US~PO; JPO01:4 
zz Z~~ERWENT z
USPAT; 20:12 
EPO; JPO 
DERWENT 
S7 381324 (strength or magnitude or level) with US-PGPUB; ADJ ON 2014/06/15z 
field USPAT; 20:13 
EPO; JPO; 
DERWENT 
S8 321348 S7 and (exceed$3 or higher or above US-PGPUB; zADJ jON 2014/06/15 
or larger) USPAT; 20:14 
DERWENT ____I____ __ 
S9 __3 S4and86 and8S8 USPGPUB; ADJ__ ON 2014/06/1 z ~~ EPO; JPO;zzz 
DERWENT 
S10 2783 ~(340/901,686.6,657).CCLS. US-PGPUB; OR OF 20:17/61 
S1 211 ~tn ea3 oo USPAT; IOF r20:17161 
S11 21 S3 andtS n lo US-PGPUB; ADJ ON 2014/06/15 
USPAT; 20:18 
EPO; JPO 
DERWENT 
S12 0 S9adS1US-PGPUB; ADJ jON 21/61 
~S~ndSand1USPAT; 20:18 
DERWENT 
SiS14 0 S4 an andnd S11US-PGPUB; ADJ ION 2014/06/15 
USPAT 20:19 
____ _____________________ DERWENT I___I______ 
S14 53 S41 and S11 IUS-PGPUB; ADJ ION 21/61 
USPAT ~2:19 
____ _____________________ DERWENT ____I______ 
155 14 (S14/72) S. IUS-PGPUB; ADJ ~ O 2014/06/15 
~USPAT j20:19 
S160 46 SG11 and r01R9S65r US-PGPUB IADJ ION 2014/06/15 
H025/1).ccUSPAT; 20:48 
z ~~ EPO; JPO;zzz 
z____ ___IDERWENT _ _ Izz 
S18 1 (3240/6).CCLS. U UBOR FF 204/06/15 
USPAT 20:36 
USOCR zz 
S19 4008 1S10 or 218 US-PGPUB; 1ADJ ION 2014/06/15 
~~USPAT; 20:36 
z ~~ EPO; JPO;zzz 
z M~~ERWENT z 
S1 30 (340/685).CCLS US-PGPUB; OR OFFM 2014/06/15z 
~~USPAT; 20:48 z z USOCR 
S223 008 S19 ord S21n S US-PGPUB; zzADJ zzON 2014/06/1 5z
1EPO; JPO; .  
DERWEN T 
S23 4440 US-PGPUB; ADJ ON 2014/06/15 
USPAT; 20:48 
EPO;JPO; 
..........................z DERW ENT 
S24 2 S23 and S4 and S6 and S8 US-PGPUB; IADJ ION 2014/06/15 
(gUSPAT; 20:49 
8262567 Ireot with cntrol$4sesivt with 4o IUS-PGPUB;IADJ ION 2014/06/15 
vay3ozaid EPO; JPO;zzz 
~shut$4 or turn$3 off$1) with (vehicle or USPAT 20:53 
machine or crane or lift or forklift) EPO; JPO; 
z_____ I____DERWENT zz z z 
S2 5 S26 and S4 and S7 iUS-PGPUB; ADJ ON 2014/06/15 
USPAT; 20:53 
EP;JPO; 
____ I_____________________DERWENT ____I______ 
S28 1 825 and S4 US-PGPUB ADJ ON 21/61 
USPAT; 20:54 
EPO;JPO; 
DERWENT 
S29 6 1826 and S4 IUS-PGPUB; ADJ ~ ON 21/61 I USPAT; 20:54 
S30 385 remote with control$4 with (stop$4 or US-PGPUB ADJ ON 2014/06/15 
shut$4 or turn$3 off$1) with (vehicle or USPAT 20:55 
machine or crane or lift or forklift) EPO;JPO 
same (urgentorurgencyor DERWENT 
____emergency or danger$3) _____ 
S31 273 remote with control with (stop$4 or | US-PGPUB ADJ ON 2014/06/15 
shut$4orturn$3off$1)with(vehicleor|USPAT 21:10 
machineorcraneorliftorforklift) EPO;JPO z 
same (urgentorurgencyoremergencyDERWENT I z 
____ or danger$3)I_________I___ .____ 
S32 9 (20040066284" |"20070018841" | IUS-FPGPUB ADJ ION 21/61 
"20100214094" |"6104305" |USPAT Ij21:2015 
"6133841" "6170607" |"6252513" 
"____6600426" |7081812")PN. _________ ___ ____ 
S33 82 G0R29/08.cpc US-PGPUB ADJ ON 2014/06/15 z __ _ __ _ __USPAT; 21:2 
zcc.EP; JC;2PO1:2 
DERWENT 
S34 1 US-PGPUB; OR OFF 2014/06/15 
z ~USPAT; 22:22 
USOC 
EAST Search History (Interference) 
<This search history is empty> 
6/116/12014 2:14:25 AM 
C:\ Users\ jlieu\ Document s\ EAST\ Workspaces\ 13730827.wsp
EAST Search History 
EAST Search History (Prior Art) 
RefHits [Search Query DOBs Default Piurais[Time 
#_ lOperatorStamp 
S46 1i ("20140184425").PN. US-PGPUB; OR OFF 015/04/13 
USPAz 22:27 
!S47 1 846 and automatic$4 ~ US-PGPUB; ADJ ON 2015/04/13 
USPAT; 2:28 
USOCR; EPO 
JPO; 
DERWENT 
!S48 (US-20100214094-$orUS- US-PGPUB; ADJ ON 2015/04/13 K 20100286845-$ or US-20070018841- USPAT 2 :2913 $).did.or (US-5252912-$ or USI 3786468-$ or US-6600426-$ or US
6170607-$).did. _____I____I__ ____ 
850 1 ~ S48 and automatic$4with(shut$4or US-GPUB ADJ ON 2015/04/13 
power$3 or turn$3adj2off) :USPAT; 22:30 
USOCR; EPO; 
JPO; 
DERWENT 
S51_ 4013 power line with (proxim$3 or US-PPUB; ADJ ON 21/44 
'~1 ~ distance) USPAT;EPO; 0O 0:35 
852 408796 (strength or magnitude or level) with US-PPUB; ADJ ON 2015/04/14 
field USPAT;EPOC0:3 
DERWENT 
S53 343799 852 and (exceed$3 or higher or US-PPUB; ADJ ION 2015/04/14 
,above or larger) USPAT;EPO; 00:35 
___ ___ ___ ____ ___ ____ ___DERWENT _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 
!S54 29371 ant enna near3 loop US- PGPUB; IADJ ~ ON 2015/04/14 
USPAT;EEC; 00:35 
JPO; 
DERWENT i___I______ 
!S55 18 851 and853 and8S54 US-PGPUB; IADJ ION 2015/04/14 I USPAT;EPO; 00:35 
___ I____________________DERWENT I_____ ___ 
!S56 4768 GO8G1/0962 OR H02H5/12 OR US-PGPUB; ADJ ION 21/41 
G01R29/085 OR GO1V3/10,15 USPAT;EPO; 0:38 
DERWENT ____I______ 
572473 (GO8G1/0962 OR H02H5/12 OR US-PGPUB; ADJ ON 21/41 
G01R29/085 OR GO1V3/10,15).CPC. USPAT;EPO; 0:39 
DERWENT 
S58 1 857 and851 and8 52 US-PGPUB; zADJ zON 2015/04/14 
E [USPAT E 00:39 zJPO; 
z zJzCz
S59 2978- (340/901,686.6,657).CCLS. US-PGPUB; ORFF 2015/04/14 
USPAT; 00:40 
USOCR zz 
S60 496 (G1R19/145 or G01R29/085 or US-PGPUB; zADJ ON 2015/04/14 
H02H5/12).cpc. USPAT; EPO; 00:40 
DERWENT 
iS61 5539 857 or860 or5S59 US-PGPUB; IADJ ON 2015/04/14 
USPAT;EPO; [00:40 
JPO; z 
DERWENT _______I___ 
862 19 861 and8S53 and 851 US-PGPUB; ADJ ION 21/41 
*USPAT;EEC; j 00:40 
z Z~~ERWENT zzz 
863 19 S62 and (shut$4 or power$3or US-PGPUB; IADJ zON 2015/04/14 
turn$3 adj2 off) USPAT; 00:41 
USOCR; EPO; 
JPO; 
DERWENT Izz 
S64 S62 and (shut$4 or power$3or US-PGPUB; ADJ ION 2015/04/14 
turn$3) adj2 (off or down) USPAT; 0:50 
z ~ ~~~USOC; EPO;zz0:4 z 
~~JPO; 
z M~~ERWENT z 
S65 9 (20040066284" "20070018841" US-PPUB ADJ ON 2015/04/15 
"20100214094" |"6104305" USPAT 14:35 
"6133841" |"6170607" |"6252513" 
"6600426" |"7081812").PN. __________ 
S66 0 S65 and (different or multiple or US-PGPUB; ADJ ON 2015/04/15 
multi) adj2 (distanceorlevel) USPAT; 14:35 
1 USOCR; EPO; 
___ _______________________DERWENT I_ __I______ 
867 243 (GO8G1/0962 OR HO2H5/12 OR US-PGPUB; ADJ ION 2015/04/15 
G01R29/085 OR GO1V3/10,15).CPC USPAT; EPO4:3 
z ~~ JPO; 
z ~~ DERWENT zzz 
S868 2978 (340/901,686.6,657).CCLS. US-PGPUB; OR 10FF 21/41 
USPAT; 214:35 
USOCR 
!S69 496 (G1R19/145 or G01R29/085 or ~US-PGPUB; ADJ ON 2015/04/15 
HO2H5/12).cpc. 'USPAT;EPO; [14:35 
DERWENT _______I___ 
S70 5539 S67 or S69 or 868 US-PGPUB; ADJ ON 2015/04/15 
USPAT;EPOC4:3 
DERWENT 
871 434 870 and (different or multiple or US-PGPUB; IADJ ~ ON 2015/04/15 
multi) adj2 (distance or level) USPAT zEP;014:35 
ortrn$orUSOCR; EPO 
JPO; 
z M~~ERWENT z 
S72 19 7 ( different84 or multiple88or US-PGPUB; zADJ zON 2015/04/1 5z 
multi)adj2 (distance orlevel) with USPAT 14:36 
(down or off) poer3)it
S73 978 (340/901,686.6,657).CCLS. 
US-PGPUB; 
43FF 2015/04/15 
USPAT; 14:38 
USOCR 
S74 1101 S73 and (shut$4 or turn$3 or US-PGPUB; ADJ ON 2015/04/15 
power$3) with (down or off) USPAT; 14:38 
USOCR; EPO; 
JPO; 
DERWENT 
S75 1983 (different or multiple or multi) adj2 US-PGPUB; ADJ zON 2015/04/15z 
(distance or level) with (warning or USPAT; z14:38 
alert) USOCR; EPO; 
DERWENT zz z 
!S76 16 S74 and S75 US-PGPUB; ADJ ON 2015/04/15 
z16 USPAT; 14:39 
z USOCR; EPO; 
JPO; 
z__ IZ__ _ _DERWENT 
S77 2371 (different or multiple or multi) adj2 US-PGPUB; ADJ ON 2015/04/15 
(distance or level or threshold) with USPAT; 14:47 
(warning or alert) USOCR; EPO; 
JPO; 
DERWENT z 
S78 17 S74 and S77 US-PGPUB; zADJ [ON 2015/04/15 
USPAT; 1 14:47/1 
USOCR; EPO; 
!S79 1 S8not S76 US-PPUB; ADJ ION 2015/04/15 
USPAT; 14:47 
JPO; 
DERWENT 
SB0 72 S70 and (shut$4orturn$3or US-PGPUB; ADJ ON 2015/04/15 
power$3)with(downoroff)with USPAT; 14:48 
z (machine or tool) USOCR; EPOA zN L5 z 
JPO; 
DERWENT 
81 32 S0 and S77 US-PGPUB; ADJ ON 2015/04/15 
S84 83an877USPAT; 15:17 
USOCR;EPO; 
___I________________________DERWENT 
power$3) with (down or off) with USPAT 14:49 z 
(machine or tool) USOCR; EPO; 
JPO; 
DERWENT zz 
814 34 S83 and S77 US- PGPUB; zADJ zzON 2015/04/15z 
z ~USPAT; 15:17 
z ~~ USOCR; EPO;' 
z ~~ JPO; 
z M~~ERWENT z
USPAT; 15:38 
USOCR 
S86 2298 S85 or S69 US- PGPUB ADJ ON 2015/04/15 
USPAT; 15:39 
USOCR; EPO; 
JPO; 
DERWENT 
88 3P15675 ((shut$4 or turn$3 or power$3) adj4 US- PGPUB; ADJ ON 2015/04/15 
(down or off) or stop$4) with USPAT; 15:40 
(machine or tool) USOCR; EPO; 
__ I____ _______ _______DERWENT I_ _ I_ _ _ _ US-zPUB 
!S89 12 886 and 887 US-PAT; ADJ ~ ON j2015/04/15~ 
eJPOPO; 
___ ______________________DERWENT 
892 01 pow1alne7 wt(poi$or US-PGPUB; ADJ ON 2015/04/15 
dsac)USPAT; EO15:43 
JPO; 
DERWENT 
893 11 S9 and (Shut$4 oUS-PGPUB; ADJ ON 2015/04/15z 
p USPAT; 15:41 
19 0 !93andthshodsmstp$US-PGPUB; ADJ ~ ON 2015/04/15 
USPAT; '15:43 
USOCR; EPO; 
JPO; 
DERWENT zz z z 
!S5 1 94ndowrlneUSPAT; 16:01 
USOCR;EO 
8941 86932 00n 0thshosme sop41 US-PGPUB; ADJ ON 2015/04/15 
2000109""6030"USPAT 19:24 
distance) ~ ~ USOC; EPO;zz154 z 
JPO; 
DERWENT z 
897 1 896 and autp r lne US-PGPUB; ADJ ON 2015/04/15 
USPAT; 19:4 
USOCR; EPO; 
JPO; 
DERWENT 
898 1 896 and adst l US-PGPUB ADJ zON 2015/04/15 
USPAT; 19:24 
USOCR; EPO; 
J 2JPO015/4/1 
98 0 9 an colo wit diply$ US- PGPUB; AD ON 2015/04/15z 
z ~USPAT; 20:02 
z ~USOCR; EPO 
.......... ............ ............JP O..  
S94z 1 S93 nd hreholdsam stpDERWENTUB
distance) USPAT; EPO 20:02 
JPO; 
DERWENT ..... [....  
S100 29371 antenna near3 loop US-PGPUB; ADJ ON 2015/04/15z 
USPAT; EPO; r20 :02 
JPO; z 
DERWENT 
S101 110 99 and S100 and color with US-PGPUB; ADJ ON 2015/04/15 
display$3 USPAT; 20:02 
USOCR; EPO; 
JPO 
DERWENT 
S102 408796 (strength or magnitude or level) with US-PGPUB; zADJ ZON 2015/04/15 
field USPAT; EPO; 20:04 
JPO; 
DERWENT ___ I___ ___ 
1S103 343799 5102 and (exceed$3 or higher or US-PPUB; IADJ ION 2015/04/15 
z JPO; 
z__ Z__ _ _DERWENT i _ I _z 
S104 432 S99 and Si03 US-PGPUB; ADJ ON 2015/04/15 
USPAT; 20:04 
USOCR; EPO; 
JPO; 
DERWENT 
18105 3 S10 and ol US-PGPUB; ADJ ON 2015/04/15 
z USPAT; 20:04 
z ~~ USOCR; EPO;zzz 
DERWENT 
above7 or larger) USPAT;EPO; 20:05 
JPO; 
DERWENT ____I______ 
S107 110 899 and8S106 US-PGPUB; ADJ ON 21/41 
USPAT;EPO; 20:05 
JPO; 
DERWENT 
1083 107andcolorwithdisplay$3 USP ; ADJ ON 2015/04/15 
8109 0167 clor$2withlrthdisplay$3 US- PGPUB; AD ON 205041 
(snorit USPAT; 20:06 
USOCR; EPO; 
JPO; 
DERWENT 
S109 167 clor2 with dis$3 rageror US-PGPUB; ADJ ON 2015/04/15 
Hane or rox) iy USPAT;EEC; 20:07 
8109 ~ ~~~DERWENT I______I___ 
S51109 (Gn1R19/4o01.c~r510)o US-PGPUB; ADJ [ON 2015/04/15 
HUSPAT; E20:07 
JPO; z 
DERWENT zz z z 
S111079 S 29 and isp40"$3 or stanceUS-PGPUB; IADJ ION 2015/04/15 
USPAT;EOz 20:07 
JPO; 
DERWENT z 
S11 7969 l 7 n color with display$3 t dsac US- PGPUB; AD ON 205041
USOR; EPO 
___ _______________________ DERWENT __________ 
S113 1 S112 and S110 US-PGPUB; ADJ ON 2015/04/15 
USPAT; j20:07 
USOCR; EPO; 
DERWENT 
WS114 433 Sll2 and Slll US-PGPUB; ADJ ON ~2015/04/15 
USPAT; 20:07 
USOCR; EPO; 
JPO; 
DERWENT 
S115 10 S112 and 340/686.6.ccls. US-PGPUB; ADJ zON 2015/04/15 
USPAT; 20:08 
z ~~ USOCR; EPO, 
S5116 89 crane orbo)with power (line or US-PPUB; ADJ [ON ~2015/04/15 
cable) with (proxim$3 or close or USPAT; 215 
near$1) USOCR; EPO; 
JPO; 
DERWENT ___I___ ___ 
S5117 408796 (strength or magnitude or level) with US-PPUB; IADJ ION 2015/04/15 
field USPAT;EPO; 21:55 
I ~JPO; 
DERWENT i_ _zz 
S118 28 S117 with power(lineorcable)with US-PGPUB; ADJ ON 2015/04/15 
(proxim$3orcloseornear$1) USPAT; 21:55 
USOCR; EPO; 
JPO; 
DERWENT zz z [ 
S119 o7ra53 dislera with rwith (warn$3 US-PGPUB; ADJ ON 2015/04/15 
oale) USPAT; 21:57 
z nUSOCR; EPO; 
JPO 
z__ IM__ _ _DERWENT 
S11 20167 c r$nthd s7 US-PGPUB; ADJ zON 2015/04/15 
(ieldinm USPAT; 21:57 
~496 H2H5/12.cpc.USPATER; O 
z JPO; 
z__ IDERWENT 
S1217 20 colr$ with 5 a dpl3or52) e US-PGPUB; IADJ ON 2015/04/15 
z (distance or proximity)r$1 USPAT; 21 :57 
USOCR; EPO; 
___ L ._________________DERWENT I________ 
5JPOU [ 
z Z~~ERWENT z 
S12 10 79 12 dipand wt ("4"cls. ort S122) US-PGPUB; zADJ zON 2015/04/1 5z 
or let)USPAT; 21 :57 
USOCR; EPO;zzz 
JPO; 
DERWENT z 
S1 2043 S1209 and S1237 US- PGPUB; zADJ zON 2015/04/15z 
z ~~ USPAT; 21 :57 z 
z ~~ ~ SOCR; EPO;zzz
DERWENT 
S125 9 ("20040066284" | "20070018841 US-PGPUB; ADJ ON 2015/04/16 
z 20100214094" | "6104305" USPAT 00:25 
z 6133841" | "6170607" | "6252513" 
z__ I"6600426" | "7081812").PN.  
S126 0 S125 and remote control$4 same US-PGPUB; ADJ ION 2015/04/16 
(warn$3 or alert) USPAT; 00:25 
USOCR; EPO; z 
JPO; 
DERWENT z 
!S127 21 remote control$4 with (warn$3 or US-PGPUB; ADJ ON 2015/04/16 
alert) with operator with (machine or USPAT; 00:26 
DERWENT _______[___ 
S181800 pair$3 with (remote or wireless) adj4 US-PPUB; ADJ ~ON 2015/04/16 
(controller or controlling) USPAT; [17:02 
z boom o crane)USOCR; EPO; 
JPO; 
__ I___DERWENT 
S129 4014 power linewith (proxim$3 or US-PGPUB; ADJ ON 2015/04/16 
distance) USPAT; EPO 17:02 
JPO; O 70 
DERWENT 
S130 78 5129 and ((shut$4 or turn$3 or US-PPUB; ADJ ON 2015/04/16 
78 power$3) adj4 (down or off) or USPAT; [17:02 
so$)with (machine or tool) USOCR; EPO; 
JPO; 
DERWENT 
US-zPUz 
S131 78 S130 and "1" US-PT; ADJ ON 7201/41 
USOCR; EPO; 
z ~~ JPO; 
DERWENT 
S132 0 S130 ande 128 US-PGPUB; IADJ ION 2015/04/16 
d USPAT; 17:0 
USOCR; EPO; 
5129 ~ ~~~DERWENT ___I _____ 
!S133 0 S19same (alarm or alert) and US-PPUB; ADJ ON 21/46 
S128 USPAT;1:0 
I USOCR;EPO; 
DERWENT 
!S134 2 S129 and (alarm or alert) and5128 US-PPUB; ~ADJ ON 21/46 
USPAT r7:08 
JPO; 
DERWENT 
S135 21 remote control$4 with(warn$3 or US-PGPUB; ADJ ON 2015/04/16z 
alert) withoperatorwith (machine or USPAT; 17:09 
boom or crane) USOCR; EPO; 
JPO; 
DERWENT 
iS136 11 S135 and code US-PGPUB; ADJ ION 21/41 
USPAT; 1 7:09 
USOCR;EEPO 
WJPO; 
z Z~ERWENT zz
(machine or boom or crane) USPAT; 17:23 
USOCR; EPO; 
JPO; 
DERWENT 
S138 1800 pair$3 with (remote or wireless) adI4 US-PGPUB; ADJ ON 2015/04/16 
13 (controller or controlling) USPAT; 19:52 
USOCR; EPO 
JPO; 
DERWENT ___I___ ___ 
S139 26 remote control$4 with5S138 with US- PPUB; ADJ ON 2015/04/16 
(machine or boom or crane) USPAT; [19:52 
jUSOCR; EPO; 
JPO; 
z Z~~ERWENT z 
S141 1148 remote control with (r38 o US-PGPUB; ADJ zON 2015/04/16z 
(a)ith ortor or usner) USPAT; 9:52 
USOCR; EPO; 
JPO; 
DERWENT zz I 
S141 2 S141 emtcnt hin rn$or US-PGPUB; ADJ ON 2015/04/16 
cae)wUSPAT; 20:39 
USOCR; EPO; 
JPO; 
DERWENT 
118 141wicnro4wth~ hineoromor US-FOPUB; ADJ O 050/ 
z124 aclan) wih(prto rue)USPAT; z 0:40 
z ~JPO; z z 
z_ I___ZERWENT z 
EAST Search History (Interference) 
<This search history is empty> 
4 161 2015 10:13:30 PM 
C:\ Users\ jlieu\ Document s\ EAST\ Workspaces\ 13730827.w sp
S/N 13/730827 
REMARKS 
The above preliminary amendment is made to correct the claim numbering and 
claim dependencies.  
Applicants respectfully request that the preliminary amendment described herein 
be entered into the record prior to calculation of the filing fee and prior to examination 
and consideration of the above-identified application.  
If a telephone conference would be helpful in resolving any issues concerning this 
communication, please contact Applicants' primary attorney-of record, James A. Larson 
(Reg. No. 40,443), at (612) 455.3805.  
Respectfully submitted, 
283 5 HAMRE, SCHUMANN, MUELLER & 52835LARSON, P.C.  
PATENT TRADEMARK OFFICE P.O. Box 2902 
Minneapolis, MN 55402-0902 
(612) 455-3800 
Dated: March 26, 2014 By: _/James A. Larson/ 
James A. Larson 
Reg. No. 40,443 
JAL/mbj 
6
Application/Control No. Applicant(s)/Patent Under 
Reexamination 
13/730,827 SMITH ET AL.  
Notice of References Cited Examiner ArtUnit 
JULIE LIEU 2684 Page 1 
of 1 
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS 
Document Number Date 
Country Code-Number-Kind Code MM-YYYY Name Classification 
A US-3,786,468 A 01-1974 Moffitt, Melville M. 340/515 
B US-5,252,912 A 10-1993 Merritt et al. 324/72 
C US-6,600,426 B1 07-2003 Sacks et al. 340/664 
D US-2010/0286845 Al 11-2010 Rekow et al. 701/2 
E US
F US
G US
H US
I US
j US
K US
L US
M US
FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS 
Document Number Date 
Country Code-Number-Kind Code MM-YYYY Country Name Classification 
N 
0 
P 
Q 
R 
S 
T 
NON-PATENT DOCUMENTS 
Include as applicable: Author, Title Date, Publisher, Edition or Volume, Pertinent Pages) 
U 
V 
W 
X 
opy of this reference is not being furnished with this Office action. (See MPEP § 707.05(a).) 
s in MM-YYYY format are publication dates. Classifications may be US or foreign.  
Patent and Trademark Office 
-892 (Rev. 01-2001) Notice of References Cited Part of Paper No. 20140615
UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE 
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 
United States Patent and Trademark Office 
Address: COMMISSIONER FOR PATENTS 
P.O. Box1450 
Ale rria, Virginia 22313-1450 
www.uspto.gov 
APPLICATION NO. FILING DATE FIRST NAMED INVENTOR ATTORNEY DOCKET NO. CONFIRMATION NO.  
13/730,827 12/28/2012 Stephen L. Smith 20600.0001USU1 8263 
52835 7590 04/21/2015 EXAMINER 
HAMRE, SCHUMANN, MUELLER & LARSON, P.C.  
P.O. BOX 2902 LIEU, JULIE BICHNGOC 
MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55402-0902 
ART UNIT PAPER NUMBER 
2684 
NOTIFICATION DATE DELIVERY MODE 
04/21/2015 ELECTRONIC 
lease find below and/or attached an Office communication concerning this application or proceeding.  
Fhe time period for reply, if any, is set in the attached communication.  
notice of the Office communication was sent electronically on above-indicated "Notification Date" to the 
ollowing e-mail address(es): 
3TOMail@hsml.com
l 3/ / 3U,02l / bIViI I--zI AL.  
Office Action Summary Examiner Art Unit AIA (First Inventor to File) 
JULIE LIEU 2684 Status 
-- The MAILING DATE of this communication appears on the cover sheet with the correspondence address-
Briod for Reply 
A SHORTENED STATUTORY PERIOD FOR REPLY IS SET TO EXPIRE 3 MONTHS FROM THE MAILING DATE OF 
COMMUNICATION.  
- Extensions of time maybe available under the provisions of 37 CFR 1.136(a). In no event, however, may a reply be timely fied 
after SIX (6) MONTHS from the mailing date of this communication.  
- If NO period for reply is specified above, the maximum statutory period will apply and will expire SIX (6) MONTHS from the mailing date of this communication.  
- Failure to reply within the set or extended period for reply will, by statute, cause the application to become ABANDONED (35 U.S.C. § 133).  
Any reply received by the Office later than three months after the mailing date of this communication, even if timely filed, may reduce any 
earned patent term adjustment. See 37 CFR 1.704(b).  
atus 
1)Z Responsive to communication(s) filed on 23 December 2014.  
A declaration(s)/affidavit(s) under 37 CFR 1.130(b) was/were filed on .  
2a) This action is FINAL. 2b) This action is non-final.  
3) An election was made by the applicant in response to a restriction requirement set forth during the interview on 
_; the restriction requirement and election have been incorporated into this action.  
4) Since this application is in condition for allowance except for formal matters, prosecution as to the merits is 
closed in accordance with the practice under Exparte Quayle, 1935 C.D. 11, 453 O.G. 213.  
sposition of Claims* 
5) Claim(s) 1-11,14 and 17-26is/are pending in the application.  
5a) Of the above claim(s) _ is/are withdrawn from consideration.  
6) Claim(s) is/are allowed.  
7) Claim(s) 1-11,14,17-22 and 24 is/are rejected.  
8)Z Claim(s)23,25 and26 is/are objected to.  
9) Claim(s) are subject to restriction and/or election requirement.  
f any claims have been determined allowable, you may be eligible to benefit from the Patent Prosecution Highway program at a 
rticipating intellectual property office for the corresponding application. For more information, please see 
p://wvw.uLsptO.gov/patents/init events/pph/index.isp or send an inquiry to PPHfeedbackSusptoaov.  
application Papers 
10) The specification is objected to by the Examiner.  
11) The drawing(s) filed on is/are: a) accepted or b) objected to by the Examiner.  
Applicant may not request that any objection to the drawing(s) be held in abeyance. See 37 CFR 1.85(a).  
Replacement drawing sheet(s) including the correction is required if the drawing(s) is objected to. See 37 CFR 1.121(d).  
iority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 
12) Acknowledgment is made of a claim for foreign priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a)-(d) or (f).  
Certified copies: 
a) All b) Some** c) None of the: 
1.1 Certified copies of the priority documents have been received.  
2.1 Certified copies of the priority documents have been received in Application No._.  
3.D Copies of the certified copies of the priority documents have been received in this National Stage 
application from the International Bureau (PCT Rule 17.2(a)).  
See the attached detailed Office action for a list of the certified copies not received.  
tachment(s) 
Notice of References Cited (PTO-892) 3) Interview Summary (PTO-413) 
Paper No(s)/Mail Date.__._ DInformation Disclosure Statement(s) (PTO/SB/08a and/or PTO/SB/08b) 4) Other-__ Dt 
Paper No(s)/Mail Date . -th 
Patent and Trademark Office 
I QO9/0- 11/ I Q\ r44i Atinn Q mm De- of n I li, I ~/A.;i n - On i R A IR
Application/Control Number: 13/730,827 Page 2 
Art Unit: 2684 
DETAILED ACTION 
1. The present application is being examined under the pre-AIA first to invent provisions.  
2. This Office action is in response to Applicant's amendment filed December 23, 2014.  
Claims 1, 10, 11, and 14 were amended. Claims 12, 13, 15, and 16 were canceled. New claims 
17-26 were added.  
3. The text of those sections of Title 35, U.S. Code not included in this action can be found 
in a prior Office action.  
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103 
4. Claims 1-4, 7-9, and 17-21 are rejected under pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 103(a) as being 
unpatentable over Givens et al. (US 2012/0214094 Al) (hereinafter as Givens) (cited by 
Applicants) in view of Moffitt (US Patent No. 3,786,468).  
Regarding claim 1, Givens disclose a power line proximity sensing and warning system 
for use by an operator of machinery operating near high-voltage power lines, comprising: 
a loop antenna 300 (see para. 0056]) disposed on a structure 130 of the machinery (Fig.  
2, 200-202), the structure configured for movement near the power line (Fig. 2, Fig. 3, and 
paragraphs [0027] and [0031]);
Application/Control Number: 13/730,827 Page 3 
Art Unit: 2684 
a signal processor 725 (Fig. 7) in communication with the loop antenna, the signal 
processor configured to send test signals through the loop antenna and receive field strength 
signals from the loop antenna generated by an electromagnetic field from the power line (para.  
0056]); and 
a micro-controller (in base station 1000, Fig. 10 and paragraph [0072]) in communication 
with the signal processor configured for interpreting the received field strength signals and 
comparing the received field strength signals to a user-adjustable sensitivity level (paragraph 
[0030]), generating a proximity signal, and graphically displaying the proximity signal on a color 
display, causing an audible signal to be generated to audibly warn the operator when the 
proximity signal exceeds preset levels of field sensitivity (see paragraph [0027] and [0036]).  
Givens fails to specifically state "a micro-controller". However, it would have been 
obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to have readily recognized that since the base station 
can communicate with the signal processor 725 of the sensor, is capable of interpreting the 
received field strength signals and comparing the received field strength signals to a user
adjustable sensitivity level (paragraph [0030]), generating a proximity signal, and graphically 
displaying the proximity signal on a color display, and audibly warning the operator when the 
proximity signal exceeds preset levels of field sensitivity (paragraph [0027]), it is inherent that 
there is a microcontroller or an equivalent thereof to perform the stated functions.  
Givens fails to disclose automatically shutting down the machinery when a received field 
strength signal exceeds the user adjustable sensitivity. However, Moffitt teaches the concept of 
shutting down the machinery when the signal strength and distance from a power line exceeds 
user's sensitivity level. See abstract. Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary
Application/Control Number: 13/730,827 Page 4 
Art Unit: 2684 
skill in the art to readily recognize adding this old and well known concept in the Givens system 
because the use of known techniques taught in Moffitt would improve the Givens system in that 
it further enhance the safety feature.  
Regarding claim 2, it is inherent that the Givens system includes an input/output (/0) 
module in communication with the micro-controller, the 1/O module configured for 
communicating with external devices because 1/O are needed for signals to be input and output 
to the microcontroller for processing and for outputting alarms signals.  
Regarding claim 3, Givens discloses using a data logger with time stamp. Para. [0098].  
As for the claimed an event logger in communication with the micro-controller for recording 
user interface button presses, user interface sensitivity adjustments, received field strength 
signals, alerts generated, alarms generated, system cable connections, power loss, errors and 
system status, all as a function of time, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the 
art to record or log all events as desired depending on the designer's discretion. This feature 
would not be considered an inventive step because what data to be logged is only up to the 
system implementer and only constitute a choice in design.  
Regarding claim 4, with reference to Fig. 2, Givens inherently discloses a radio 
transceiver module in communication with the micro-controller, the radio transceiver module 
configured for wireless communication with external wireless devices because the base station 
receives the wireless signal from the sensor.  
Regarding claim 7, though not clearly disclosed, it would have been obvious to one of 
ordinary skill in the art that a memory device is included in the micro-controller in the Givens 
system for storing computer program instructions and data to carry out the functions involved.
Application/Control Number: 13/730,827 Page 5 
Art Unit: 2684 
Regarding claim 8, base station 210 includes a user interface having buttons for 
controlling power, adjusting field sensitivity and external communications. See paragraphs 
[0027]-[0028].  
Regarding claim 9, the user interface of Givens's system further comprises a graphical 
display of field strength, alerts and warnings (paragraph [0052] states that the range and position 
data could be displayed in a graphical format on a base receiver).  
Regarding claim 17, Given discloses a power line proximity sensing and warning 
system for use with machinery operating near a high-voltage power line, comprising: 
an antenna 300 (see para. 0056]) disposed on a structure of the machinery 130 that is 
movable near the power line; 
a control system 725 (Fig. 7) that includes a signal processor and a micro-controller; 
the signal processor is in communication with the antenna and receives field strength signals 
from the antenna generated by an electromagnetic field from the power line; and 
the micro-controller is in communication with the signal processor and interprets 
the received field strength signals and compares the received field strength signals to a 
user-adjustable sensitivity level (para. [0030]).  
Givens fails to specifically state "a micro-controller". However, it would have been 
obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to have readily recognized that since the base station 
can communicate with the signal processor 725 of the sensor, is capable of interpreting the 
received field strength signals and comparing the received field strength signals to a user
adjustable sensitivity level (paragraph [0030]), generating a proximity signal, and graphically 
displaying the proximity signal on a color display, and audibly warning the operator when the
Application/Control Number: 13/730,827 Page 6 
Art Unit: 2684 
proximity signal exceeds preset levels of field sensitivity (paragraph [0027]), it is inherent that 
there is a microcontroller or an equivalent thereof to perform the stated functions.  
Givens fails to disclose automatically shuts down the machinery when the structure is 
close to the power line. Givens fails to disclose automatically shutting down the machinery 
when a received field strength signal exceeds the user adjustable sensitivity. However, in a same 
field of endeavor, Moffitt teaches shutting down the machinery when the field strength and 
distance from a power line exceeds user's adjustable sensitivity level. See abstract. Therefore, it 
would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to readily recognize adding this old 
and well known concept in the Givens system because the use of known techniques taught in 
Moffitt would improve the Givens system in that it further enhance the safety feature.  
Regarding claim 18, Given discloses that the micro-controller generates proximity 
signals based on the received field strength signals, causes display of the proximity signals.  
Givens also disclose a display for displaying the range and position in graphical format (see Fig.  
13 and para. [0052]) and audio warning (via speaker 902, see Fig. 9], see para. [0068]) when the 
generated proximity signals exceeds a preset level of field sensitivity.  
Givens fails to discuss in details whether the display graphically displays the proximity 
signal on a color display. However, the concept of using graphical display of different colors to 
depict data is conventional in the art. Thus, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill 
in the art to have readily recognized employing this concept in the Givens system because it 
would provide the advantage of clearly indicating the data on the user interface making it easily 
comprehensible to the user.
Application/Control Number: 13/730,827 Page 7 
Art Unit: 2684 
Regarding claim 19, it is inherent that the Givens system includes an input/output (/0) 
module in communication with the micro-controller, the 1/0 module configured for 
communicating with external devices because 1/0 are needed for signals to be input and output 
to the microcontroller for processing and for outputting alarms signals.  
Regarding claim 20, Givens discloses using a data logger with time stamp (para. [0098]) 
inherently in communication with the micro-controller.  
Regarding claim 21, with reference to Fig. 2, Givens inherently discloses a radio 
transceiver module in communication with the micro-controller, the radio transceiver module 
configured for wireless communication with external wireless devices because the base station 
receives the wireless signal from the sensor.  
5. Claims 5, 6, and 24 are rejected under pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 103(a) as being unpatentable 
over Givens (US 2012/0214094 Al) (cited by Applicants) in view of Moffitt (US Patent No.  
3,786,468) and further in view of Rekow et al. (US 2010/0286845 Al) (hereinafter as Rekow).  
Regarding claim 5, Givens fails to disclose a remote controller in communication with 
the system via the radio transceiver, the remote controller configured for wireless control of the 
system. However, the concept of providing a remote controller to allow a person to control a 
vehicle in the case of an emergency is well known in the art as taught by Rekow. Rekow teaches 
a system wherein a remote controller is used to stop an autonomous vehicle and all of its 
functions when an operator presses an emergency stop button on a remote control unit (see front
page figure and paragraph [0003]). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one skilled in the
Application/Control Number: 13/730,827 Page 8 
Art Unit: 2684 
art to incorporate this teaching in the Givens system for the purpose of increasing the safety 
feature of the system.  
Regarding claim 6, the remote controller taught by Rekow comprises a panic button, 
which is an emergency stop button, for use by a remote user to optionally shutdown the 
machinery to stop movement closer to the power lines (paragraph [0003]).  
Regarding claim 24, the remote controller taught by Rekow comprises a panic button, 
which is an emergency stop button, for use by a remote user to optionally shutdown the 
machinery to stop movement closer to the power lines (paragraph [0003]).  
6. Claims 10 and 11 are rejected under pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 103(a) as being unpatentable 
over Givens (US 2012/0214094 Al) (cited by Applicants) in view of Moffitt (US Patent No.  
3,786,468) and further in view of Christides et al. (US Patent No. 3,907,13) (hereinafter as 
Christides).  
Regarding claim 10, Givens discloses a method for remotely alerting an operator of 
machinery when an extended structure of the machinery is moved near high voltage power lines, 
the method comprising: 
installing an antenna 300 on the structure of the machinery 130 that is movable near the 
high voltage power line 150 (Fig. 1), the antenna generating field strength signals based on 
proximity of the antenna to the high voltage power line; 
generating proximity signals based on the field strength signals (para. [0046]);
Application/Control Number: 13/730,827 Page 9 
Art Unit: 2684 
warning the operator when the extended structure is moved a first warning distance from 
the high voltage power line such that a first proximity signal generated from the field strength 
signal exceeds a first preset field sensitivity (para. [0036]).  
See Figs. 1-4.  
Givens fails to disclose automatically shutting down the machinery when a received field 
strength signal exceeds the user adjustable sensitivity. However, in a same field of endeavor, 
Moffitt teaches shutting down the machinery when the field strength and distance from a power 
line exceeds user's adjustable sensitivity level. See abstract. Therefore, it would have been 
obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to readily recognize adding this old and well known 
concept in the Givens system because the use of known techniques taught in Moffitt would 
improve the Givens system in that it enhance the safety feature.  
Neither Givens nor Moffitt discloses shutting the machine down when the structure is 
moved to a second warning distance less than the first distance. Nonetheless, Christides teaches 
this concept. See col. 5, line 57 to col. 6 line 5. Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of 
ordinary skill in the art to applying the known technique taught by Christides in the modified 
system of Givens and Moffitt for improvement to yield predictable results because this combined 
system would warn the operator before shutting down granting more awareness and perhaps 
control for the operator.  
Regarding claim 11, Givens discloses that installing the antenna on the structure 
comprises installing a loop antenna about the structure. Givens also discloses that warning the 
operator comprises-audibly warning the operator (see para. [0067]).
Application/Control Number: 13/730,827 Page 10 
Art Unit: 2684 
Givens fails to disclose sending a test signal through the loop antenna and detecting the 
test signal. However, Moffitt teaches the concept of providing a test function to allow the 
operator to determine that working condition of system. See abstract, col. 1 lines 20-27, and col.  
4 lines 33-36. In light of this teaching, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the 
art to incorporate this feature in the Givens system because it would further enhance safety 
feature of the system.  
Regarding the first and second preset field sensitivities are user-adjustable, Moffitt also 
teaches adjustable preset distance (col. 4 lines 33-36). Moffitt does not teach the second 
sensitivity. However, Christides teaches this concept. See col. 5, line 57 to col. 6 line 5 in 
Christides. Therefore, would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to incorporate 
this feature in the Givens system because it would further enhance safety feature of the system 
and increase the operator's awareness before shutting down the machine.  
Givens disclose a display for displaying the range and position in graphical format (see 
Fig. 13 and para. [0052]). Givens fails to discuss in details whether the display graphically 
displays the proximity signal on a color display. However, the concept of using graphical 
display of different colors to depict data is conventional in the art. Thus, it would have been 
obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to have readily recognized employing this concept in 
the Givens system because it would provide the advantage of clearly indicating the data on the 
user interface making it easily comprehensible to the user.  
7. Claim 14 is rejected under pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 103(a) as being unpatentable over Givens 
(US 2012/0214094 Al) (cited by Applicants) in view of Moffitt (US Patent No. 3,786,468) and
Application/Control Number: 13/730,827 Page 11 
Art Unit: 2684 
Christides et al. (US Patent No. 3,907,13) (hereinafter as Christides) and further in view of 
Rekow et al. (US 2010/0286845 Al).  
Regarding claim 14, Givens fails to disclose a remote controller in communication with 
the system via the radio transceiver, the remote controller configured for wireless control of the 
system. However, the concept of providing a remote controller to allow a person to control a 
vehicle in the case of an emergency is well known in the art as taught by Rekow. Rekow teaches 
a system wherein a remote controller is used to stop an autonomous vehicle and all of its 
functions when an operator presses an emergency stop button on a remote control unit (see front
page figure and paragraph [0003]). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one skilled in the 
art to incorporate this teaching in the Givens system for the same purpose increasing the safety of 
the system.  
The remote controller taught by Rekow comprises a panic button, which is an emergency 
stop button, for use by a remote user to optionally shutdown the machinery to stop movement 
closer to the power lines (paragraph [0003]).  
8. Claims 22 and 24 are rejected under pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 103(a) as being unpatentable 
over Givens (US 2012/0214094 Al) (cited by Applicants) in view of Moffitt (US Patent No.  
3,786,468) and further in view of Rekow et al. (US 2010/0286845 Al).  
Regarding claim 22, Givens and Moffitt fails to disclose a remote controller. However, 
the concept of providing a remote controller to allow a person to control a vehicle in the case of 
an emergency is well known in the art as taught by Rekow. Rekow teaches a system wherein a 
remote controller is used to stop an autonomous vehicle and all of its functions when an operator
Application/Control Number: 13/730,827 Page 12 
Art Unit: 2684 
presses an emergency stop button on a remote control unit (see front-page figure and paragraph 
[0003]). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one skilled in the art to incorporate this 
teaching in the Givens system for the same purpose increasing the safety of the system. One of 
ordinary skill in the art would have also readily recognized modifying the Givens system and 
Moffitt to include a wireless radio communication module to communicate with the remote 
controller.  
Regarding claim 24, the remote controller taught by Rekow comprises a panic button, 
which is an emergency stop button, for use by a remote user to optionally shutdown the 
machinery to stop movement (paragraph [0003]).  
Allowable Subject Matter 
9. Claims 23, 25, and 26 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.  
Response to Arguments 
10. Applicant's arguments with respect to claims 1, 10, and 17 have been considered but are 
moot because the arguments do not apply to any of the references being used in the current 
rejection.
Application/Control Number: 13/730,827 Page 13 
Art Unit: 2684 
In response to Applicant's argument regarding the automatic machine shut down, the 
argument is moot because of new grounds of rejection necessitated by the amendment.  
Regarding Applicant's argument that the citations should be considered, the examiner 
submits that 37 CFR 1.56 states the "duty to disclose...all information known...to be material to 
patentability" (of the pending claims of the current application). Such information would be 
material to patentability only if it qualifies as prior art, and without a publication date of a piece 
of IDS document (at least the publication year for NPL if it is a year that is earlier than the 
earliest effective filing year of the application), no determination could be made as to prior art 
qualification and thus patentability based on such a document. Therefore, each document 
submitted in an IDS must be provided with its publication date (at least the publication year for 
NPL if it is earlier than the year of the earliest effective filing year of the application) to satisfy 
the full requirements of 37 CFR 1.56. Since the dates of the cited documents in the previous IDS 
were not provided, they cannot be considered and were crossed out.  
Conclusion 
11. Applicant's amendment necessitated the new ground(s) of rejection presented in this 
Office action. Accordingly, THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. See MPEP § 706.07(a).  
Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).  
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE 
MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO 
MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after
Application/Control Number: 13/730,827 Page 14 
Art Unit: 2684 
the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period 
will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any extension fee pursuant to 37 
CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, 
however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the date of this 
final action.  
12. Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the 
examiner should be directed to JULIE LIEU whose telephone number is (571)272-2978. The 
examiner can normally be reached on Increased Flex.  
If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner's 
supervisor, Benjamin Lee can be reached on 571-270-1210. The fax phone number for the 
organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.  
Information regarding the status of an application may be obtained from the Patent 
Application Information Retrieval (PAIR) system. Status information for published applications 
may be obtained from either Private PAIR or Public PAIR. Status information for unpublished 
applications is available through Private PAIR only. For more information about the PAIR 
system, see http://pair-direct.uspto.gov. Should you have questions on access to the Private PAIR 
system, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would 
like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative or access to the automated 
information system, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000.  
/Julie Lieu/ 
Primary Examiner 
Art Unit 2684 
Apr 16, 15
CLAIMS 
What is claimed is: 
1. A power line proximity sensing and warning system for use by an operator 
of machinery operating near high-voltage power lines, comprising: 
loop antenna disposed about a structure of the machinery, the structure configured for 
movement near the power lines; 
a signal processor in communication with the loop antenna, the signal processor 
configured to send test signals through the loop antenna and receive field 
strength signals from the loop antenna generated by an electromagnetic field 
from the power lines; and 
a micro-controller in communication with the signal processor configured for interpreting 
the received field strength signals and comparing the received field strength 
signals to a user-adjustable sensitivity level, generating a proximity signal, and 
graphically displaying the proximity signal on a color display, and audibly warning 
the operator when the proximity signal exceeds preset levels of field sensitivity.  
2. The system according to claim 1, further comprising an input/output (1/O) 
module in communication with the micro-controller, the 1/O module configured for 
communicating with external devices.  
3. The system according to claim 1, further comprising an event logger in 
communication with the micro-controller for recording user interface button presses, 
user interface sensitivity adjustments, received field strength signals, alerts generated, 
alarms generated, system cable connections, power loss, errors and system status, all 
as a function of time.  
4. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a radio transceiver 
module in communication with the micro-controller, the radio transceiver module 
configured for wireless communication with external wireless devices.  
13
7. The system according to claim 4, further comprising a remote controller in 
communication with the system via the radio transceiver, the remote controller 
configured for wireless control of the system.  
8. The system according to claim 8, wherein the remote controller further 
comprises a panic button for use by a remote user to warn the operator or optionally 
shutdown the machinery to stop movement closer to the power lines.  
9. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a memory device in 
communication with the micro-controller for storing computer program instructions and 
data.  
10. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a user interface 
having buttons for controlling power, adjusting field sensitivity and external 
communications.  
11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the user interface further 
comprises a graphical display of field strength, alerts and warnings.  
12. A method for remotely alerting an operator of machinery when an 
extended structure of the machinery is moved near high voltage power lines, the 
method comprising: 
providing a power line proximity sensing and warning system and a wireless remote 
controller; 
installing the system on the machinery; 
performing a system check of the system; 
adjusting field sensitivity of the system; 
wirelessly linking the remote controller to the system; 
remotely controlling the system using the remote controller; 
warning the operator when the extended structure is moved within a preset field 
sensitivity; and 
14
shutting down the machinery when the extended structure is moved within another 
present field sensitivity.  
13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the power line proximity 
sensing and warning system, comprises: 
aloop antenna disposed about the extended structure of the machinery, the structure 
configured for movement near the power lines; 
a signal processor in communication with the loop antenna, the signal processor 
configured to send test signals through the loop antenna and receive field 
strength signals from the loop antenna generated by an electromagnetic field 
from the power lines; and 
a micro-controller in communication with the signal processor adapted for interpreting 
the received field strength signals and comparing the received field strength 
signals to a user-adjustable sensitivity level, generating a proximity signal, and 
graphically displaying the proximity signal on a color display, and audibly warning 
the operator when the proximity signal exceeds preset levels of field sensitivity.  
13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the remotely controlling the 
system using the remote controller, comprises a remote user viewing the extended 
structure of the machinery from outside of the machinery and wirelessly controlling the 
system using the remote controller.  
14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the remote user is a spotter.  
15. The method according to claim 12, wherein the remote controller has a 
panic button configured to wirelessly shutdown the machinery to prevent the extended 
structure from coming into contact with the power lines.  
16. The method according to claim 12, further comprising providing a wireless 
system logger configured for wirelessly connecting to the system and downloading data 
stored by an event logger.  
15
17. The method according to claim 12, wherein the graphically displaying the 
proximity signal on a color display comprises a red-yellow-green bar graph.  
16
IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE 
Inventorship: SMITH Examiner: LIEU 
Serial No.: 13/730827 Group Art Unit: 2684 
Filed: December 28, 2012 Docket No.: 20600.0001USU1 
Title: POWER LINE PROXIMITY SENSING AND WARNING SYSTEM 
CERTIFICATE OF TRANSMISSION.  
I hereby certify that this paper is being transmitted by EFS Web to the United States Patent & Trademark Office on March 26, 2014.  
By: /MeanJachim/ 
Name: Megan Jachim 
PRELIMINARY AMENDMENT 
Mail Stop: AMENDMENT 
Commissioner for Patents 
P.O. Box 1450 
Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450 
In connection with the above-identified application, please enter the following 
preliminary amendment.  
Amendments to the Claims are reflected in the listing of the claims which 
begins on page 2 of this paper.  
Remarks begin on page 6 of this paper.
S/N 13/730827 
Amendments to the Claims: 
This listing of claims will replace all prior versions, and listings, of claims in the 
application.  
Listing of Claims: 
1. (Original) A power line proximity sensing and warning system for use by an operator 
of machinery operating near high-voltage power lines, comprising: 
a loop antenna disposed about a structure of the machinery, the structure 
configured for movement near the power lines; 
a signal processor in communication with the loop antenna, the signal processor 
configured to send test signals through the loop antenna and receive field strength signals 
from the loop antenna generated by an electromagnetic field from the power lines; and 
a micro-controller in communication with the signal processor configured for 
interpreting the received field strength signals and comparing the received field strength 
signals to a user-adjustable sensitivity level, generating a proximity signal, and 
graphically displaying the proximity signal on a color display, and audibly warning the 
operator when the proximity signal exceeds preset levels of field sensitivity.  
2. (Original) The system according to claim 1, further comprising an input/output (I/O) 
module in communication with the micro-controller, the I/O module configured for 
communicating with external devices.  
3. (Original) The system according to claim 1, further comprising an event logger in 
communication with the micro-controller for recording user interface button presses, user 
interface sensitivity adjustments, received field strength signals, alerts generated, alarms 
generated, system cable connections, power loss, errors and system status, all as a 
function of time.  
2
S/N 13/730827 
4. (Original) The system according to claim 1, further comprising a radio transceiver 
module in communication with the micro-controller, the radio transceiver module 
configured for wireless communication with external wireless devices.  
[[7]] 5. (Currently Amended) The system according to claim 4, further comprising 
a remote controller in communication with the system via the radio transceiver, the 
remote controller configured for wireless control of the system.  
[[8]] 6. (Currently Amended) The system according to claim [[8]] 5, wherein the 
remote controller further comprises a panic button for use by a remote user to warn the 
operator or optionally shutdown the machinery to stop movement closer to the power 
lines.  
[[9]] 7. (Currently Amended) The system according to claim 1, further comprising 
a memory device in communication with the micro-controller for storing computer 
program instructions and 
data.  
[[10]] 8. (Currently Amended) The system according to claim 1, further comprising 
a user interface having buttons for controlling power, adjusting field sensitivity and 
external communications.  
[[11]] 2. (Currently Amended) The system according to claim [[10]] 8, wherein the 
user interface further comprises a graphical display of field strength, alerts and warnings.  
[[12]] 10. (Currently Amended) A method for remotely alerting an operator of 
machinery when an extended structure of the machinery is moved near high voltage 
power lines, the method comprising: 
providing a power line proximity sensing and warning system and a wireless 
remote controller; 
installing the system on the machinery; 
3
S/N 13/730827 
performing a system check of the system; 
adjusting field sensitivity of the system; 
wirelessly linking the remote controller to the system; 
remotely controlling the system using the remote controller; 
warning the operator when the extended structure is moved within a preset field 
sensitivity; and 
shutting down the machinery when the extended structure is moved within 
another present field sensitivity.  
[[13]]11. (Currently Amended) The method according to claim [[12]]i0, wherein 
the power line proximity sensing and warning system, comprises: 
a loop antenna disposed about the extended structure of the machinery, the 
structure configured for movement near the power lines; 
a signal processor in communication with the loop antenna, the signal processor 
configured to send test signals through the loop antenna and receive field strength signals 
from the loop antenna generated by an electromagnetic field from the power lines; and 
a micro-controller in communication with the signal processor adapted for 
interpreting the received field strength signals and comparing the received field strength 
signals to a user-adjustable sensitivity level, generating a proximity signal, and 
graphically displaying the proximity signal on a color display, and audibly warning the 
operator when the proximity signal exceeds preset levels of field sensitivity.  
[[13]]12. (Currently Amended) The method according to claim [[12]]i0, wherein 
the remotely controlling the system using the remote controller, comprises a remote user 
viewing the extended structure of the machinery from outside of the machinery and 
wirelessly controlling the system using the remote controller.  
[[14]] 13. (Currently Amended) The method according to claim [[13]] 12, wherein 
the remote user is a spotter.  
4
S/N 13/730827 
[[15]] 14. (Currently Amended) The method according to claim [[12]] ., wherein 
the remote controller has a panic button configured to wirelessly shutdown the machinery 
to prevent the extended structure from coming into contact with the power lines.  
[[16]] 15. (Currently Amended) The method according to claim [[12]] L, further 
comprising providing a wireless system logger configured for wirelessly connecting to 
the system and downloading data stored by an event logger.  
[[17]] 16. (Currently Amended) The method according to claim [[12]] L, wherein 
the graphically displaying the proximity signal on a color display comprises a red-yellow
green bar graph.  
5
UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE 
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 
United States Patent and Trademark Office 
Address: COMMISSIONER FOR PATENTS 
P.O. Box1450 
Aledria, Virginia 22313-1450 
www.uspto.gov 
APPLICATION NO. FILING DATE FIRST NAMED INVENTOR ATTORNEY DOCKET NO. CONFIRMATION NO.  
13/730,827 12/28/2012 Stephen L. Smith 20600.0001USU1 8263 
52835 7590 06/23/2014 EXAMINER 
HAMRE, SCHUMANN, MUELLER & LARSON, P.C.  
P.O. BOX 2902 LIEU, JULIE BICHNGOC 
MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55402-0902 
ART UNIT PAPER NUMBER 
2684 
NOTIFICATION DATE DELIVERY MODE 
06/23/2014 ELECTRONIC 
lease find below and/or attached an Office communication concerning this application or proceeding.  
Fhe time period for reply, if any, is set in the attached communication.  
notice of the Office communication was sent electronically on above-indicated "Notification Date" to the 
ollowing e-mail address(es): 
3TOMail@hsml.com
l 3/ /3U,02l / IVi I I- I -AL.  
Office Action Summary Examiner Art Unit AIA (First Inventor to File) 
JULIE LIEU 2684 Status 
No 
-- The MAILING DATE of this communication appears on the cover sheet with the correspondence address-
Briod for Reply 
A SHORTENED STATUTORY PERIOD FOR REPLY IS SET TO EXPIRE 3 MONTHS FROM THE MAILING DATE OF 
COMMUNICATION.  
- Extensions of time maybe available under the provisions of 37 CFR 1.136(a). In no event, however, may a reply be timely filed 
after SIX (6) MONTHS from the mailing date of this communication.  
- If NO period for reply is specified above, the maximum statutory period will apply and will expire SIX (6) MONTHS from the mailing date of this communication.  
- Failure to reply within the set or extended period for reply will, by statute, cause the application to become ABANDONED (35 U.S.C. § 133).  
Any reply received by the Office later than three months after the mailing date of this communication, even if timely filed, may reduce any 
earned patent term adjustment. See 37 CFR 1.704(b).  
status 
1) Responsive to communication(s) filed on March 26, 2014.  
A declaration(s)/affidavit(s) under 37 CFR 1.130(b) was/were filed on .  
2a) This action is FINAL. 2b) This action is non-final.  
3) An election was made by the applicant in response to a restriction requirement set forth during the interview on 
_; the restriction requirement and election have been incorporated into this action.  
4) Since this application is in condition for allowance except for formal matters, prosecution as to the merits is 
closed in accordance with the practice under Exparte Quayle, 1935 C.D. 11, 453 O.G. 213.  
sposition of Claims* 
5) Claim(s) 1-16 is/are pending in the application.  
5a) Of the above claim(s) _ is/are withdrawn from consideration.  
6) Claim(s) is/are allowed.  
7) Claim(s) 1-16 is/are rejected.  
8) Claim(s) is/are objected to.  
9) Claim(s) are subject to restriction and/or election requirement.  
f any claims have been determined allowable, you may be eligible to benefit from the Patent Prosecution Highway program at a 
rticipating intellectual property office for the corresponding application. For more information, please see 
Qp://www. ustO.ov/patents/init events/pph/index.isp or send an inquiry to PPHfeedbackSusPto.aov.  
application Papers 
10) The specification is objected to by the Examiner.  
11) The drawing(s) filed on is/are: a) accepted or b) objected to by the Examiner.  
Applicant may not request that any objection to the drawing(s) be held in abeyance. See 37 CFR 1.85(a).  
Replacement drawing sheet(s) including the correction is required if the drawing(s) is objected to. See 37 CFR 1.121(d).  
iority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 
12) Acknowledgment is made of a claim for foreign priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a)-(d) or (f).  
Certified copies: 
a) All b) Some** c) None of the: 
1.1 Certified copies of the priority documents have been received.  
2.1 Certified copies of the priority documents have been received in Application No._.  
3.1 Copies of the certified copies of the priority documents have been received in this National Stage 
application from the International Bureau (PCT Rule 17.2(a)).  
See the attached detailed Office action for a list of the certified copies not received.  
tachment(s) 
Notice of References Cited (PTO-892) 3) Interview Summary (PTO-413) 
Paper No(s)/Mail Date.__._ 
Information Disclosure Statement(s) (PTO/SB/08a and/or PTO/SB/08b) 4 ater___ Dt 
Paper No(s)/Mail Date . 4) []Other: .  
Patent and Trademark Office 
I -O /D... 11 I iQ\ 'f A ntianO.mm D -r _f D___r lKl_ /lulil 1- n -1 1-IA 1i
Application/Control Number: 13/730,827 Page 2 
Art Unit: 2684 
DETAILED ACTION 
1. The present application is being examined under the pre-AIA first to invent provisions.  
2. This Office action is in response to Applicant's preliminary amendment filed March 26, 
2014. Claims 7-17 have been amended and renumbered to 5-16.  
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103 
3. The following is a quotation of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 103(a) which forms the basis for all 
obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action: 
(a) A patent may not be obtained though the invention is not identically disclosed or described as set 
forth in section 102 of this title, if the differences between the subject matter sought to be patented and 
the prior art are such that the subject matter as a whole would have been obvious at the time the 
invention was made to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which said subject matter pertains.  
Patentability shall not be negatived by the manner in which the invention was made.  
This application currently names joint inventors. In considering patentability of the 
claims under pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 103(a), the examiner presumes that the subject matter of the 
various claims was commonly owned at the time any inventions covered therein were made 
absent any evidence to the contrary. Applicant is advised of the obligation under 37 CFR 1.56 to 
point out the inventor and invention dates of each claim that was not commonly owned at the 
time a later invention was made in order for the examiner to consider the applicability of pre
AIA 35 U.S.C. 103(c) and potential pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(e), (f) or (g) prior art under pre-AIA 
35 U.S.C. 103(a).
Application/Control Number: 13/730,827 Page 3 
Art Unit: 2684 
4. Claims 1-4 and 7-9 are rejected under pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 103(a) as being unpatentable 
over Givens et al. (US 2012/0214094 A]) (hereinafter as Givens) (cited by Applicants).  
Regarding claim 1, Givens disclose a power line proximity sensing and warning system 
for use by an operator of machinery operating near high-voltage power lines, comprising: 
a loop antenna 300 (720 in one of the embodiments) (see para. 0056]) disposed about a 
structure of the machinery, the structure configured for movement near the power lines (Fig. 2, 
Fig. 3, andparagraphs [0027] and [0031]); 
a signal processor 725 (Fig. 7) in communication with the loop antenna, the signal 
processor configured to send test signals through the loop antenna and receive field strength 
signals from the loop antenna generated by an electromagnetic field from the power lines (para.  
0056]); and 
a micro-controller (in base station 1000, Fig. 10 and paragraph [0072]) in 
communication with the signal processor configured for interpreting the received field strength 
signals and comparing the received field strength signals to a user-adjustable sensitivity level 
(paragraph [0030]), generating a proximity signal, and graphically displaying the proximity 
signal on a color display, and audibly warning the operator when the proximity signal exceeds 
preset levels of field sensitivity (see paragraph [0027]).  
Givens fails to disclose a micro-controller. However, it would have been obvious to one 
of ordinary skill in the art to have readily recognized that since the base station can communicate 
with the signal processor 725 of the sensor, is capable of interpreting the received field strength 
signals and comparing the received field strength signals to a user-adjustable sensitivity level 
(paragraph [0030]), generating a proximity signal, and graphically displaying the proximity
Application/Control Number: 13/730,827 Page 4 
Art Unit: 2684 
signal on a color display, and audibly warning the operator when the proximity signal exceeds 
preset levels of field sensitivity (paragraph [0027]), it is inherent that there is a microcontroller 
or an equivalent thereof to perform the stated functions.  
Regarding claim 2, it is inherent that the Givens system includes an input/output (/0) 
module in communication with the micro-controller, the 1/0 module configured for 
communicating with external devices because 1/0 are needed for signals to be input and output 
to the microcontroller for processing and for outputting alarms signals.  
Regarding claim 3, Givens discloses using a data logger with time stamp. Para. [0098].  
As for the claimed an event logger in communication with the micro-controller for recording 
user interface button presses, user interface sensitivity adjustments, received field strength 
signals, alerts generated, alarms generated, system cable connections, power loss, errors and 
system status, all as a function of time, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the 
art to record or log all events as desired depending on the designer's discretion. This feature 
would not be considered an inventive step because what data to be logged is only up to the 
system implementer and only constitute a choice in design.  
Regarding claim 4, with reference to Fig. 2, Givens inherently discloses a radio 
transceiver module in communication with the micro-controller, the radio transceiver module 
configured for wireless communication with external wireless devices because the base station 
receives the wireless signal from the sensor.  
Regarding claim 7, though not clearly disclosed, it would have been obvious to one of 
ordinary skill in the art that a memory device is included in the micro-controller in the Givens 
system for storing computer program instructions and data to carry out the functions involved.
Application/Control Number: 13/730,827 Page 5 
Art Unit: 2684 
Regarding claim 8, base station 210 includes a user interface having buttons for 
controlling power, adjusting field sensitivity and external communications. See paragraphs 
[0027]-[0028].  
Regarding claim 9, the user interface of Givens's system further comprises a graphical 
display of field strength, alerts and warnings (paragraph [0052] states that the range and 
position data could be displayed in a graphical format on a base receiver).  
5. Claims 5, 6, and 10-16 are rejected under pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 103(a) as being 
unpatentable over Givens et al. (US 2012/0214094 A]) (hereinafter as Givens) (cited by 
Applicants) in view of Rekow et al. (US 2010/0286845 A) (hereinafter as Rekow).  
Regarding claim 5, Givens fails to disclose a remote controller in communication with 
the system via the radio transceiver, the remote controller configured for wireless control of the 
system. However, the concept of providing a remote controller to allow a person to control a 
vehicle in the case of an emergency is well known in the art as taught by Rekow. Rekow teaches 
a system wherein a remote controller is used to stop an autonomous vehicle and all of its 
functions when an operator presses an emergency stop button on a remote control unit (see front
page figure and paragraph [0003]). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one skilled in the 
art to incorporate this teaching in the Givens system for the same purpose increasing the safety of 
the system.  
Regarding claim 6, the remote controller taught by Rekow comprises a panic button, 
which is an emergency stop button, for use by a remote user to optionally shutdown the 
machinery to stop movement closer to the power lines (paragraph [0003]).
Application/Control Number: 13/730,827 Page 6 
Art Unit: 2684 
Regarding claim 10, Givens discloses a method for remotely alerting an operator of 
machinery when an extended structure of the machinery is moved near high voltage power lines, 
the method comprising: 
providing a power line proximity sensing and warning system; 
installing the system on the machinery; 
adjusting field sensitivity of the system level (paragraph [0030]); 
warning the operator when the extended structure is moved within a preset field 
sensitivity.  
See Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 
Givens fails to disclose including a remote controller to remotely control the machine and 
shutting down the machinery when the extended structure is moved within another present field 
sensitivity. However, the concept of providing a remote controller to allow a person to control a 
vehicle in the case of an emergency is well known in the art as taught by Rekow. Rekow teaches 
a system wherein a remote controller is used to stop an autonomous vehicle and all of its 
function when an operator presses an emergency stop button on a remote control unit (see front
page figure and paragraph [0003]). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one skilled in the 
art to incorporate this teaching in the Givens system for the same purpose increasing the safety of 
the system.  
Regarding claim 11, see the rejection of claim 1.  
Regarding claim 12, in the combined system of Givens and Rekow, an operator would 
view the extended structure of the machinery, i.e. boom 130, and remotely controlling the system 
using the remote controller to wirelessly controlling the system using the remote controller.
Application/Control Number: 13/730,827 Page 7 
Art Unit: 2684 
Regarding claim 13, Givens discloses a supervisor carrying a wireless device who 
monitors the power line safety from a location remote and outside of the machinery. The 
supervisor can make a call to the operator using two way radio or the base station itself.  
Therefore, the reference suggests that a spotter watching communicate with the operator 
regarding the safety condition.  
Regarding claim 14, see the rejection of claim 6.  
Regarding claim 15, Givens discloses using a data logger with time stamp. Paragraph 
[0098]. As for the claimed wireless system logger configured for wirelessly connecting to 
the system and downloading data stored by an event logger, it would have been obvious to one of 
ordinary skill in the art to provide this method because it would allow the system user to 
download the event to wireless device as desired.  
Regarding claim 16, the user interface of Givens's system further comprises a graphical 
display of field strength, alerts and warnings (paragraph [0052] states that the range and 
position data could be displayed in a graphical format on a base receiver). Givens fails to discuss 
in details whether the display graphically displays the proximity signal on a color display 
comprises a red-yellow- green bar graph. However, the concept of using bar graph of different 
colors to depict data is conventional in the art. Thus, it would have been obvious to one of 
ordinary skill in the art to have readily recognized employing this concept in the Givens system 
because it would provide the advantage of clearly indicating the data on the user interface 
making it easily comprehensible to the user.
Application/Control Number: 13/730,827 Page 8 
Art Unit: 2684 
6. Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the 
examiner should be directed to JULIE LIEU whose telephone number is (571)272-2978. The 
examiner can normally be reached on Increased Flex.  
If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner's 
supervisor, Steven Lim can be reached on 571-272-3021. The fax phone number for the 
organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.  
Information regarding the status of an application may be obtained from the Patent 
Application Information Retrieval (PAIR) system. Status information for published applications 
may be obtained from either Private PAIR or Public PAIR. Status information for unpublished 
applications is available through Private PAIR only. For more information about the PAIR 
system, see http://pair-direct.uspto.gov. Should you have questions on access to the Private PAIR 
system, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would 
like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative or access to the automated 
information system, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000.  
/Julie Lieu/ 
Primary Examiner 
Art Unit 2684 
Jun 15, 14
PTOISB/08a (07-09) 
Approved for use through 07/31/2012. OMB 0651-0031 
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 
Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it contains a valid OMB control number.  
Substitute for form 1449/PTO Complte if Known 
Application Number 13/730,827 
INFORMATION DISCLOSURE Filing Date December 28, 2012 First Named Inventor Stephen L. Smith 
STATEMENT BY APPLICANT Arl Unit 
(Use as many sheets as necessary) Examiner Name 
Sheet 1 of 2 Attorney Docket Number 5010.USI.NP 
U. S. PATENT DOCUMENTS 
Examiner Cite Document Number Publication Date Name of Patentee or Pages, Columns, Lines, Where 
Initials*  
No.
1  
MM-DD-YYYY Applicant of Cited Document Relevant Passages or Relevant 
Number-Kind Code (irknown) Figures Appear 
Us- 6,104,305 08-15-2000 Beckmann 
US- 6,133,841 10-17-2000 Beckmann 
Us- 6,170,607 BI 01-09-2001 Freeman et al.  
Us- 6,252,513 B1 06-26-2001 Beckmann 
US- 6,600,426 BI 07-29-2003 Sacks et al.  
Us 7,081,812 B2 07-25-2006 Hastings, Sr.  
US
Us- 2004/0066284 Al 04-08-2004 Hastings, Sr.  
US- 2007/0018841 Al 01-25-2007 Nickerson 
US- 2010/0214094 Al 08-26-2010 Givens et al.  
US
US
US
US
US
US
US
US
US
FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS 
Examiner Cite Foreign Patent Document Publication Name of Patentee or Pages, Columns, Lines, 
Initials*  
No.' Date Applicant of Cited Document Where Relevant Passages 
CountryGode umber
4 
-ind Code
5 
(ifkown) MM-DD-YYYY Or Relevant Figures 
Appear T
6 
Examiner Date 
Signature Considered 
*EXAMINER: Initial if reference considered, whether or not citation is in conformance with MPEP 609. Draw line through citation if not in conformance and not 
considered. Include copy of this form with next communication to applicant. 'Applicant's unique citation designation number (optional). 
2
See Kinds Codes of 
USPTO Patent Documents at y isgg or MPEP 901.04. Enter Office that issued the document, by the two-letter code (WIPO Standard ST.3). 4 For 
Japanese patent documents, the indication of the year of the reign of the Emperor must precede the serial number of the patent document. 
5
Kind of document by 
the appropriate symbols as indicated on the document under WIPO Standard ST.16 if possible. 
6
Applicant is to place a check mark here if English language 
Translation is attached.  
This collection of information is required by 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98. The information is required to obtain or retain a benefit by the public which is to file (and by the 
USPTO to process) an application. Confidentiality is governed by 35 U.S.C. 122 and 37 CFR 1.14. This collection is estimated to take 2 hours to complete, 
including gathering, preparing, and submitting the completed application form to the USPTO. Time will vary depending upon the individual case. Any comments 
on the amount of time you require to complete this form and/or suggestions for reducing this burden, should be sent to the Chief Information Officer, U.S. Patent 
and Trademark Office, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450. DO NOT SEND FEES OR COMPLETED FORMS TO THIS ADDRESS. SEND 
TO: Commissioner for Patents, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450.  
If you need assistance in completing the form, call 1-800-PTO-9199 (1-800-786-9199) and select option 2.
PTO/SB/08b (07-09) 
Approved for use through 07/31/2012. OMB 0651-0031 
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 
Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons ar required to respond to a collection of information unless it contains a valid OMB control number.  
Substitute for form 1449/PTO 
Complete if Known 
Application Number 13/730,827 
INFORMATION DISCLOSURE Filing Date December 28, 2012 
STATEMENT BY APPLICANT First Named Inventor Stephen L. Smith 
Art Unit 
(Use as many sheets as necessary) 
Examiner Name 
sheet 2 of 2 Attorney Docket Number 5010.USI.NP 
NON PATENT LITERATURE DOCUMENTS 
Examiner Cite Include name of the author (in CAPITAL LETTERS), title of the article (when appropriate), title of 
Initials* No.'   the item (book, magazine, journal, serial, symposium, catalog, etc.), date, page(s), volume-issue T2 
number(s), publisher, city and/or country where published.  
Installation Procedure for the ASE 2200 High Voltage Proximity Warning 
Device, Allied Safety Engineering, February 21, 2006.  
Proxyvolt Instruction Manual PV500711, Proxyvolt Pty Ltd, date unknown.  
Proxyvolt PV5007 Brochure, Proxyvolt Pty Ltd, 1717 Ipswich Road, Rocklea 
QId Australia 4106, date unknown.  
Proxyvolt Quick Start Guide (Label), Proxyvolt Pty Ltd, date unknown.  
Sigalarm Model 110 Lattice Boom Manual, Sigalarm, 5224 West State Road 
46 PMB 405, Sanford, FL 32771, 2010.  
Wire-Watcher Brochure, The Wire-Watcher Co. Ltd, Gigg Mill, Old Bristol Rd, 
Nailsworth GL6 OJP, United Kingdom, date unknown.  
http://www.alliedsafetyeng.com/proximitywarningdevice.html, Allied Safety 
Systems, Inc., 4380 St. Johns Parkway, Suite 100 Sanford, FL 32771, 2009.  
http://www.sigalarminc.com/index.html, Sigalarm, 5224 West State Road 
46 PMB 405, Sanford, FL 32771, date unknown.  
http://www.wirewatcher.co.uk/wwprd.html, The Wire-Watcher Co. Ltd, Gigg Mill, 
Old Bristol Rd, Nailsworth GL6 OJP, United Kingdom, 2005.  
E xaminer 
Date 
Signature Considered 
*EXAMINER: Initial if reference considered, whether or not citation is in conformance with MPEP 609. Draw line through citation if not in conformance and not 
considered. Include copy of this form with next communication to applicant.  
1 Applicant's unique citation designation number (optional). 2 Applicant is to place a check mark here if English language Translation is attached.  
This collection of information is required by 37 CFR 1.98. The information is required to obtain or retain a benefit by the public which is to file (and by the USPTO 
to process) an application. Confidentiality is governed by 35 U.S.C. 122 and 37 CFR 1.14. This collection is estimated to take 2 hours to complete, including 
gathering, preparing, and submitting the completed application form to the USPTO. Time will vary depending upon the individual case. Any comments on the 
amount of time you require to complete this form and/or suggestions for reducing this burden, should be sent to the Chief Information Officer, U.S. Patent and 
Trademark Office, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450. DO NOT SEND FEES OR COMPLETED FORMS TO THIS ADDRESS. SEND TO: 
Commissioner for Patents, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450.  
If you need assistance in completing the form, call 1-800-PTO-9199 (1-800-786-9199) and select option 2.