Patent Application 18548675 - DEVICE FOR CLEANING A GLASS SURFACE - Rejection

Patent Application 18548675 - DEVICE FOR CLEANING A GLASS SURFACE

Title: DEVICE FOR CLEANING A GLASS SURFACE

Application Information

• Invention Title: DEVICE FOR CLEANING A GLASS SURFACE
• Application Number: 18548675
• Submission Date: 2025-05-16T00:00:00.000Z
• Effective Filing Date: 2023-09-01T00:00:00.000Z
• Filing Date: 2023-09-01T00:00:00.000Z
• National Class: 134
• National Sub-Class: 05800R
• Examiner Employee Number: 90933
• Art Unit: 1711
• Tech Center: 1700

Rejection Summary

• 102 Rejections: 2
• 103 Rejections: 0

Cited Patents

No patents were cited in this rejection.

Office Action Text

    DETAILED ACTION

Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(b):
(b)  CONCLUSION.—The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor regards as the invention.


The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph:
The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the applicant regards as his invention.


Claims 1-10 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph, as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor (or for applications subject to pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, the applicant), regards as the invention.
Claim 1 states that the device comprises at least one nozzle, and further recites a plurality of electrovalves or sets of electrovalves that are each arranged on the line between the pump and the at least one nozzle.  However, the disclosure as understood does not contemplate an embodiment in which the device comprises only one nozzle and a plurality of valves (see figures).  It is understood that each valve is associate with a nozzle, and the purpose of having move valves than nozzles is unclear.
Claim 1 recites the limitation "the distribution line".  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim because it is unclear if it is referring to the at least one line for distributing the cleaning fluid and if it refers to all distributing lines if there are a plurality.
Claim 1 recites the limitation "the heating element".  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim because it is unclear if it refers to the at least one element for heating the cleaning fluid and if it refers to all heating elements if there are a plurality.
Claims 1 and 2 recite “a plurality of electrovalves or of sets of electrovalves.”  The distinction between a “plurality” of valves and a “set” of valves is unclear; it is not clear from the disclosure what defines a “set” of valves.  Furthermore, the plurality and set are claimed in the alternate, which cannot be understood since a set necessarily includes a plurality.
Claims 2 and 3 state that at least one heating element is disposed between two hydraulic connection members that connect the valves to the distribution line.  However, claim 1 requires that the heating element is coupled to one of the valves or sets of valves.  It cannot be understood how the heating element could be on the distribution line between the hydraulic connection members and also be coupled to a valve.  For purposes of examination claim 1 is interpreted such that the at least one heating element is coupled to a valve or set of valves or is disposed on the distribution line.
Claim 3 recites the limitation "a plurality of heating elements".  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim because it is unclear if it is referring to the at least one heating element recited in claim 1.
Claim 4 recites the limitation "a heating element".  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim because it is unclear if it is referring to the at least one heating element recited in claim 1.
Claim 4 refers to a set of electrovalves.  It is not clear from the disclosure what defines a “set” of valves.
Claim 5 recites a plurality of additional branches.  However, the claim nor a claim from which it depends recites a branch, and it is unclear what the “additional” branches are in addition to.
Claim 5 recites the limitation "the main branch".  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim.
Claim 6 refers to a set of electrovalves.  It is not clear from the disclosure what defines a “set” of valves.
Claim 6 states that at least one heating element is disposed between the interconnection point and the set of electrovalves.  However, claim 1 requires that the heating element is coupled to one of the valves or sets of valves.  It cannot be understood how the heating element could be between the interconnection point and a set of valves and also be coupled to a valve.
Claim 7 refers to a set of electrovalves.  It is not clear from the disclosure what defines a “set” of valves.
Claim 7 recites the limitation "the heating element".  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim because it is unclear which of the at least one heating element is being referred to.
Claim 7 states that a heating element is disposed between the set of electrovalves and one of the nozzles.  However, claims 1 and 4 require that the heating element to be coupled to one of the valves or sets of valves.  It cannot be understood how the heating element could be between a valve and nozzle and also be coupled to a valve.
Claim 8 states that the heating element is integrated into the electrovalve, but claim 1 states that the heating element is coupled to the valve.  Being integrated into and coupled to are mutually exclusive, and it is unclear how it could be integrated yet coupled to the valve.
Claim 8 recites the limitation "the at least one electrovalve".  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim.
Claim 9 recites the limitation "the heating element".  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim because it is unclear if it refers to the at least one heating element recited in claim 1.
Claim 9 recites the limitation "the electrovalve".  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim because it is unclear which electrovalve is being referred to.
Claim 10 states that the device comprises at least one nozzle, and further recites a plurality of electrovalves or sets of electrovalves that are each arranged on the line between the pump and the at least one nozzle.  However, the disclosure as understood does not contemplate an embodiment in which the device comprises only one nozzle and a plurality of valves (see figures).  It is understood that each valve is associate with a nozzle, and the purpose of having move valves than nozzles is unclear.
Claim 10 recites the limitation "the distribution line".  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim because it is unclear if it is referring to the at least one line for distributing the cleaning fluid and if it refers to all distributing lines if there are a plurality.
Claim 10 recites the limitation "the heating element".  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim because it is unclear if it refers to the at least one heating element and if it refers to all heating elements if there are a plurality.
Claim 10 recites “a plurality of electrovalves or of sets of electrovalves.”  The distinction between a “plurality” of valves and a “set” of valves is unclear; it is not clear from the disclosure what defines a “set” of valves.  Furthermore, the plurality and set are claimed in the alternate, which cannot be understood since a set necessarily includes a plurality.

Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action:
A person shall be entitled to a patent unless –

(a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale, or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.


Claims 1, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 10 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by U.S. Patent Application Publication 20190275990 by Agrotis et al.
As to claim 1, Agrotis discloses a device for cleaning a glazed surface of a vehicle, the device comprising nozzles (para. 42), a distribution line 202 (fig. 1), a pump 214, a plurality of electrovalves 234 (within 225, figs. 1 and 3) respectively arranged on the distribution line 202 between the pump 214 and nozzles, the line including a fluidic inlet in which the pump 214 is disposed, a heating element 206 in the distribution line and a heating element 243 coupled to the valves (fig. 3).
As to claim 4, Agrotis discloses that the distribution line 202 includes a main branch and an additional branch specific to a set of valves connected to the main branch by an interconnection point (fig. 1, line to left headlight and left mirror branches from main vertical line), wherein a heating element 243 is coupled to the valves on the additional branch (fig. 3).
As to claim 5, Agrotis discloses that the distribution line 202 includes a plurality of additional branches connected to the main branch by a single interconnection point (fig. 2, manifold may be used to distribute fluid).
As to claim 7, Agrotis discloses that the set of valves 234 are disposed on the additional branch and a heating element is disposed between the set of valves and one of the nozzles (fig. 3, heating element 243 is between the valve 234 and a nozzle at the outlet 232).
As to claim 8, Agrotis discloses that the heating element 234 is integrated into the valve 234 (fig. 3).
As to claim 10, Agrotis discloses vehicle comprising a glazed surface and a device for cleaning a glazed surface of a vehicle, the device comprising nozzles (para. 42), a distributing line 202 (fig. 1), a pump 214, a plurality of electrovalves 234 (within 225, figs. 1 and 3) respectively arranged on the distribution line 202 between the pump 214 and nozzles, the line including a fluidic inlet in which the pump 214 is disposed, a heating element 206 in the distribution line and a heating element 243 coupled to the valves (fig. 3), the device able to spray the fluid against the glazed surface.

Claims 1-10 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by U.S. Patent Application Publication 20200317160 by Albrecht et al.
As to claim 1, Albrecht discloses a device for cleaning a glazed surface of a vehicle, the device comprising nozzles (fig. 2B, para. 59, valves 238 may connect to nozzles), a distribution lines 236, 260, 270, 280, 290 (figs. 2A and 2B), a pump 220 (fig. 2A), a plurality of electrovalves 238 (fig. 2B) respectively arranged on the distribution line between the pump 220 and nozzles, the line including a fluidic inlet in which the pump 214 is disposed, a heating element in the distribution line and a heating element coupled to the valves (para. 69, heating elements may be provided within, adjacent, and/or on the exterior of any of the fluid lines and valves).
As to claim 2, Albrecht discloses electrovalves 238 (fig. 2B) or sets of valves successively connected to the distribution line via hydraulic connection members (fig. 2B; see also paras. 58-59, outlet of valves 238 and line 236 may connect to another gallery 230), and that a heating element may be disposed between two connection members (para. 69, heating elements may be provided within, adjacent, and/or on the exterior of any of the fluid lines).
As to claim 3, Albrecht discloses that the distribution line may comprise a plurality of heating elements along the line, each element disposed between two connection members of the valves (para. 69, heating elements may be provided within, adjacent, and/or on the exterior of any of the fluid lines).
As to claim 4, Albrecht discloses that the distribution line includes a main branch 260 and an additional branch 236 specific to a set of valves connected to the main branch by an interconnection point 232 (figs. 2A, 2B), wherein a heating element is coupled to the valves on the additional branch (para. 69, heating elements may be provided within, adjacent, and/or on the exterior of any of the fluid lines and valves).
As to claim 5, Albrecht discloses that the distribution line includes a plurality of additional branches 270, 280, 290 connected to the main branch 260 by a single interconnection point 230 (fig. 2A).
As to claim 6, Albrecht discloses that a set of valves 238 may be disposed on an additional branch 270, 280, 290 of the distribution line (figs. 2A, 2B; para. 58, lines 270, 280, 290 may be connected to another gallery 230 having a set of valves 238), and a heating element may be disposed between the interconnection point and the set of valves (para. 69, heating elements may be provided within, adjacent, and/or on the exterior of any of the fluid lines and valves).
As to claim 7, Albrecht discloses that the set of valves 238 are disposed on the additional branch 270, 280, 290 (figs. 2A, 2B; para. 58, lines 270, 280, 290 may be connected to another gallery 230 having a set of valves 238), and a heating element is disposed between the set of valves and one of the nozzles (para. 69, heating elements may be provided within, adjacent, and/or on the exterior of any of the fluid lines and valves).
As to claim 8, Albrecht discloses that the heating element 234 is integrated into the valve 234 (para. 69, heating elements may be provided within the fluid lines valves).
As to claim 9, Albrecht discloses a module for controlling the heating element (para. 55) configured to generate a preheating instruction for the heating element as a function of a control instruction for the valves (para. 85).
As to claim 10, Albrecht discloses vehicle comprising a glazed surface and a device for cleaning a glazed surface of a vehicle, the device comprising nozzles (fig. 2B, para. 59, valves 238 may connect to nozzles), a distribution lines 236, 260, 270, 280, 290 (figs. 2A and 2B), a pump 220 (fig. 2A), a plurality of electrovalves 238 (fig. 2B) respectively arranged on the distribution line between the pump 220 and nozzles, the line including a fluidic inlet in which the pump 214 is disposed, a heating element in the distribution line and a heating element coupled to the valves (para. 69, heating elements may be provided within, adjacent, and/or on the exterior of any of the fluid lines and valves), the device able to spray the fluid against the glazed surface.

Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to Spencer Bell whose telephone number is (571)272-9888. The examiner can normally be reached Monday - Friday 9am - 6:30pm.
Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice.
If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Michael Barr can be reached at 571.272.1414. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
Information regarding the status of published or unpublished applications may be obtained from Patent Center. Unpublished application information in Patent Center is available to registered users. To file and manage patent submissions in Patent Center, visit: https://patentcenter.uspto.gov. Visit https://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/patent-center for more information about Patent Center and https://www.uspto.gov/patents/docx for information about filing in DOCX format. For additional questions, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000.





/SPENCER E. BELL/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 1711