Office Action Predictor
Application No. 17/444,911

TRANSFORMER

Final Rejection §103
Filed
Aug 12, 2021
Examiner
CHAN, TSZFUNG JACKIE
Art Unit
2837
Tech Center
2800 — Semiconductors & Electrical Systems
Assignee
Delta Electronics,Inc.
OA Round
2 (Final)
75%
Grant Probability
Favorable
3-4
OA Rounds
3y 3m
To Grant
94%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

75%
Career Allow Rate
646 granted / 859 resolved
Without
With
+19.3%
Interview Lift
avg trend
3y 3m
Avg Prosecution
35 pending
894
Total Applications
career history

Statute-Specific Performance

§103
54.0%
+14.0% vs TC avg
§102
17.2%
-22.8% vs TC avg
§112
24.7%
-15.3% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data

Office Action

§103
DETAILED ACTION Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103 In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status. The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action: A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made. Claim(s) 1-8, 10-12, and 16 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Takagi et al. [U.S. Pub. No. 2017/0200548] in view of Hashimoto et al. [U.S. Pub. No. 2019/0392973] and Kawasaki et al. [U.S. Pub. No. 2015/0371766]. Regarding Claim 1, Takagi et al. shows a transformer (Figs. 6-7 with teachings from Figs. 1-5), comprising: a first core (20) comprising a first flange (23), a second flange (22), and a middle portion (21) connected between the first flange and the second flange (see Figs. 6-7); a primary side coil set (W5, W6) wound on the middle portion (see Figs. 6-7), wherein the primary side coil set has two opposed ends (ends at elements E4, E5) connected to the first flange (23, see Figs. 6-7); and a secondary side coil set (W1, W3 or W2, W4) wound on the middle portion (see Figs. 6-7), wherein the secondary side coil set has two opposed ends (ends at elements E1, E2 or E6, E8) connected to the first flange (23, see Figs. 6-7) or the second flange (22, see Figs. 6-7); wherein the two opposed ends (ends at elements E4, E5) of the primary side coil set are connected to a first power source (ends at elements E4, E5 will be electrically connected to element 40B or 40A which inherently have a first power source in order for the transformer to operate, see Figs. 5-7, Paragraphs [0035], [0054]), and the two opposed ends (ends at elements E1, E2 or E6, E8) of the secondary side coil set are connected to a second power source (ends at elements E1, E2 or E6, E8 will be electrically connected to element PD or PSE, Paragraphs [0051]-[0052]) different from the first power source (see Figs. 5-7, element PD or PSE is different from element 40B or 40A), wherein the primary side coil set or the secondary side coil set comprises a conductive member (W5, W6 or W1, W3 or W2, W4 are conductive member). In the case where it does not anticipate, it would have been obvious for the two opposed ends of the primary side coil set are connected to a first power source in order for the transformer to operate where the primary side coil set will receive an input voltage or current and convert it into a magnetic field, which then induces a voltage or current in the secondary winding coil set to achieve desirable operating characteristics. Takagi et al. does not explicitly disclose having an insulating layer wrapping around the conductive member, wherein a diameter of the conductive member is between 0.07 mm and 0.2 mm, and a ratio of an outer diameter of the insulating layer to the diameter of the conductive member is between 1.35 and 2.5, and wherein the primary side coil set or the secondary side coil set has 7 to 14 turns. However, it would have been obvious to have an insulating layer wrapping around the conductive member to facilitate insulation to prevent unwanted connection and electrical short. Hashimoto et al. shows a transformer (Figs. 1-21, Paragraph [0134]) teaching and suggesting an insulating layer (30) wrapping around the conductive member (29, see Fig. 3), wherein a diameter of the conductive member (29) is between 0.07 mm and 0.2 mm (Paragraph [0056], diameter can be 80 μm which is 0.08 mm or diameter can be 100 μm which is 0.1 mm), and a ratio of an outer diameter of the insulating layer (30, Paragraph [0056], the thickness of element 30 can be 20 μm, therefore an outer diameter is calculated to be (20+20+80) μm = 120 μm which is 0.12 mm or (20+20+100) μm = 140 μm which is 0.14 mm) to the diameter of the conductive member is between 1.35 and 2.5 (ratio is 0.12/0.08 = 1.5 or 0.14/0.1 = 1.4). Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have an insulating layer wrapping around the conductive member and a diameter of the conductive member is between 0.07 mm and 0.2 mm, and a ratio of an outer diameter of the insulating layer to the diameter of the conductive member is between 1.35 and 2.5 as taught by Hashimoto et al. for the transformer as disclosed by Takagi et al. to facilitate insulation to prevent unwanted connection and electrical short and to have a compact design of the transformer while facilitating conductivity and achieve sufficient insulation to the conductor to obtain desirable operating characteristics and inductances. In addition, stray capacitance can be decreased (Paragraph [0012]). Furthermore, it would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art at the time the invention was made to have a diameter of the conductive member is between 0.07 mm and 0.2 mm, and a ratio of an outer diameter of the insulating layer to the diameter of the conductive member is between 1.35 and 2.5, since it has been held that where the general conditions of a claim are disclosed in the prior art, discovering the optimum or workable ranges involves only routine skill in the art to facilitate conductivity and achieve sufficient insulation to the conductor to obtain desirable operating characteristics and inductances; and decrease stray capacitance. In re Aller, 105 USPQ 233. Takagi et al. in view of Hashimoto et al. does not explicitly disclose having the primary side coil set or the secondary side coil set has 7 to 14 turns. Kawasaki et al. shows a transformer (Figs. 1-4D) teaching and suggesting the coil set has 7 to 14 turns (Paragraph [0038]). Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the coil set has 7 to 14 turns as taught by Kawasaki et al. for the transformer as disclosed by Takagi et al. in view of Hashimoto et al. to achieve desirable magnetic coupling and increase performance to obtain desirable inductances (Paragraphs [0008], [0039]). Furthermore, it would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art at the time the invention was made to have the coil set has 7 to 14 turns, since it has been held that where the general conditions of a claim are disclosed in the prior art, discovering the optimum or workable ranges involves only routine skill in the art to achieve desirable magnetic coupling and increase performance to obtain desirable inductances. In re Aller, 105 USPQ 233. Regarding Claim 2, Takagi et al. shows the first power source is an AC power source or a DC power source (element 40B or 40A inherently is an AC power source or a DC power source in order for the transformer to operate, see Figs. 5-7, Paragraphs [0035], [0054]), and the second power source is a DC power source (element PD or PSE is a DC power source, Paragraphs [0051]-[0052]). In the case where it does not anticipate, it would have been obvious for the first power source is an AC power source or a DC power source in order for the transformer to operate where the primary side coil set will receive an input voltage or current and convert it into a magnetic field, which then induces a voltage or current in the secondary winding coil set to achieve desirable operating characteristics. Regarding Claim 3, Takagi et al. shows the primary side coil set comprises a first coil (W5) and a second coil (W6), the first coil and the second coil each has an end (ends at elements E4, E5) connected to the first flange (23, see Figs. 6-7) and another end (ends at elements E3, E7) connected to the second flange (22, see Figs. 6-7). Regarding Claim 4, Takagi et al. shows the secondary side coil set comprises a third coil (W1 or W2) and a fourth coil (W3 or W4), the third coil and the fourth coil each has an end (ends at elements E6, E8) connected to the first flange (23, see Figs. 6-7) and another end (ends at elements E1, E2) connected to the second flange (22, see Figs. 6-7). Regarding Claim 5, Takagi et al. shows a second core (30), wherein the second core is connected to the first flange and the second flange (see Figs. 6-7, element 30 is connected to elements 23, 22). Regarding Claim 6, Takagi et al. shows a transformer (Figs. 6-7 with teachings from Figs. 1-5), comprising: a first core (20) comprising a first flange (23), a second flange (22), and a middle portion (21) connected between the first flange and the second flange (see Figs. 6-7); a primary side coil set (W5, W6) wound on the middle portion (see Figs. 6-7), wherein the primary side coil set has two opposed ends (ends at elements E4, E5) and a middle end (ends at elements E3, E7), the two opposed ends of the primary side coil set are connected to the first flange (23, see Figs. 6-7), and the middle end of the primary side coil set is connected to the second flange (22, see Figs. 6-7); and a secondary side coil set (W1, W3 or W2, W4) wound on the middle portion (see Figs. 6-7), wherein the secondary side coil set has two opposed ends (ends at elements E1, E2 or E6, E8) connected to the first flange (23, see Figs. 6-7) or the second flange (22, see Figs. 6-7); wherein the two opposed ends (ends at elements E4, E5) of the primary side coil set are connected to a first power source (ends at elements E4, E5 will be electrically connected to element 40B or 40A which inherently have a first power source in order for the transformer to operate, see Figs. 5-7, Paragraphs [0035], [0054]), and the two opposed ends (ends at elements E1, E2 or E6, E8) of the secondary side coil set are connected to a second power source (ends at elements E1, E2 or E6, E8 will be electrically connected to element PD or PSE, Paragraphs [0051]-[0052]) different from the first power source (see Figs. 5-7, element PD or PSE is different from element 40B or 40A), wherein the primary side coil set or the secondary side coil set comprises a conductive member (W5, W6 or W1, W3 or W2, W4 are conductive member). In the case where it does not anticipate, it would have been obvious for the two opposed ends of the primary side coil set are connected to a first power source in order for the transformer to operate where the primary side coil set will receive an input voltage or current and convert it into a magnetic field, which then induces a voltage or current in the secondary winding coil set to achieve desirable operating characteristics. Takagi et al. does not explicitly disclose having an insulating layer wrapping around the conductive member, wherein a diameter of the conductive member is between 0.07 mm and 0.2 mm, and a ratio of an outer diameter of the insulating layer to the diameter of the conductive member is between 1.35 and 2.5, and wherein the primary side coil set or the secondary side coil set has 7 to 14 turns. However, it would have been obvious to have an insulating layer wrapping around the conductive member to facilitate insulation to prevent unwanted connection and electrical short. Hashimoto et al. shows a transformer (Figs. 1-21, Paragraph [0134]) teaching and suggesting an insulating layer (30) wrapping around the conductive member (29, see Fig. 3), wherein a diameter of the conductive member (29) is between 0.07 mm and 0.2 mm (Paragraph [0056], diameter can be 80 μm which is 0.08 mm or diameter can be 100 μm which is 0.1 mm), and a ratio of an outer diameter of the insulating layer (30, Paragraph [0056], the thickness of element 30 can be 20 μm, therefore an outer diameter is calculated to be (20+20+80) μm = 120 μm which is 0.12 mm or (20+20+100) μm = 140 μm which is 0.14 mm) to the diameter of the conductive member is between 1.35 and 2.5 (ratio is 0.12/0.08 = 1.5 or 0.14/0.1 = 1.4). Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have an insulating layer wrapping around the conductive member and a diameter of the conductive member is between 0.07 mm and 0.2 mm, and a ratio of an outer diameter of the insulating layer to the diameter of the conductive member is between 1.35 and 2.5 as taught by Hashimoto et al. for the transformer as disclosed by Takagi et al. to facilitate insulation to prevent unwanted connection and electrical short and to have a compact design of the transformer while facilitating conductivity and achieve sufficient insulation to the conductor to obtain desirable operating characteristics and inductances. In addition, stray capacitance can be decreased (Paragraph [0012]). Furthermore, it would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art at the time the invention was made to have a diameter of the conductive member is between 0.07 mm and 0.2 mm, and a ratio of an outer diameter of the insulating layer to the diameter of the conductive member is between 1.35 and 2.5, since it has been held that where the general conditions of a claim are disclosed in the prior art, discovering the optimum or workable ranges involves only routine skill in the art to facilitate conductivity and achieve sufficient insulation to the conductor to obtain desirable operating characteristics and inductances; and decrease stray capacitance. In re Aller, 105 USPQ 233. Takagi et al. in view of Hashimoto et al. does not explicitly disclose having the primary side coil set or the secondary side coil set has 7 to 14 turns. Kawasaki et al. shows a transformer (Figs. 1-4D) teaching and suggesting the coil set has 7 to 14 turns (Paragraph [0038]). Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the coil set has 7 to 14 turns as taught by Kawasaki et al. for the transformer as disclosed by Takagi et al. in view of Hashimoto et al. to achieve desirable magnetic coupling and increase performance to obtain desirable inductances (Paragraphs [0008], [0039]). Furthermore, it would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art at the time the invention was made to have the coil set has 7 to 14 turns, since it has been held that where the general conditions of a claim are disclosed in the prior art, discovering the optimum or workable ranges involves only routine skill in the art to achieve desirable magnetic coupling and increase performance to obtain desirable inductances. In re Aller, 105 USPQ 233. Regarding Claim 7, Takagi et al. shows the first power source is an AC power source or a DC power source (element 40B or 40A inherently is an AC power source or a DC power source in order for the transformer to operate, see Figs. 5-7, Paragraphs [0035], [0054]), and the second power source is a DC power source (element PD or PSE is a DC power source, Paragraphs [0051]-[0052]). In the case where it does not anticipate, it would have been obvious for the first power source is an AC power source or a DC power source in order for the transformer to operate where the primary side coil set will receive an input voltage or current and convert it into a magnetic field, which then induces a voltage or current in the secondary winding coil set to achieve desirable operating characteristics. Regarding Claim 8, Takagi et al. shows the primary side coil set comprises a first coil (W5) and a second coil (W6), the first coil and the second coil each has an end (ends at elements E4, E5) connected to the first flange (23, see Figs. 6-7) and another end (ends at elements E3, E7) connected to the second flange (22, see Figs. 6-7). Regarding Claim 10, Takagi et al. shows the another end of the first coil (W5) and the another end of the second coil (W6) are connected different conductive pads (E3, E7, another end of element W5 is connected to element E3 which is different from another end of W6 is connected to element E7, see Figs. 6-7) on the second flange (22, see Figs. 6-7). Regarding Claim 11, Takagi et al. shows the secondary side coil set comprises a third coil (W1 or W2) and a fourth coil (W3 or W4), the third coil and the fourth coil each has an end (ends at elements E6, E8) connected to the first flange (23, see Figs. 6-7) and another end (ends at elements E1, E2) connected to the second flange (22, see Figs. 6-7). Regarding Claim 12, Takagi et al. shows a second core (30), wherein the second core is connected to the first flange and the second flange (see Figs. 6-7, element 30 is connected to elements 23, 22). Regarding Claim 16, Hashimoto et al. shows the insulating layer (30) comprises polyurethane material (Paragraph [0057]), polyesterimide material, or polyamide composite material. Claim(s) 1-8, 10-12, and 16 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Takagi et al. [U.S. Pub. No. 2017/0200548] in view of Zhang et al. [WO 2015/123889], Hashimoto et al. [U.S. Pub. No. 2019/0392973], and Kawahara et al [U.S. Pub. No. 2018/0374632]. Regarding Claim 1, Takagi et al. shows a transformer (Figs. 6-7 with teachings from Figs. 1-5), comprising: a first core (20) comprising a first flange (23), a second flange (22), and a middle portion (21) connected between the first flange and the second flange (see Figs. 6-7); a primary side coil set (W5, W6) wound on the middle portion (see Figs. 6-7), wherein the primary side coil set has two opposed ends (ends at elements E4, E5) connected to the first flange (23, see Figs. 6-7); and a secondary side coil set (W1, W3 or W2, W4) wound on the middle portion (see Figs. 6-7), wherein the secondary side coil set has two opposed ends (ends at elements E1, E2 or E6, E8) connected to the first flange (23, see Figs. 6-7) or the second flange (22, see Figs. 6-7); wherein the two opposed ends (ends at elements E4, E5) of the primary side coil set are connected to a first power source (ends at elements E4, E5 will be electrically connected to element 40B or 40A which inherently have a first power source in order for the transformer to operate, see Figs. 5-7, Paragraphs [0035], [0054]), and the two opposed ends (ends at elements E1, E2 or E6, E8) of the secondary side coil set are connected to a second power source (ends at elements E1, E2 or E6, E8 will be electrically connected to element PD or PSE, Paragraphs [0051]-[0052]) different from the first power source (see Figs. 5-7, element PD or PSE is different from element 40B or 40A), wherein the primary side coil set or the secondary side coil set comprises a conductive member (W5, W6 or W1, W3 or W2, W4 are conductive member). In the case where it does not anticipate, it would have been obvious for the two opposed ends of the primary side coil set are connected to a first power source in order for the transformer to operate where the primary side coil set will receive an input voltage or current and convert it into a magnetic field, which then induces a voltage or current in the secondary winding coil set to achieve desirable operating characteristics. Furthermore, Zhang et al. shows a transformer (Fig. 1) teaching and suggesting the primary side coil set are connected to a first power source (primary wire is electrically connected to AC voltage, pulse signal source or input signal, see English translation). Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the primary side coil set are connected to a first power source as taught by Zhang et al. for the transformer as disclosed by Takagi et al. to form and operate a transformer where the primary side coil set will receive an input voltage or current and convert it into a magnetic field, which then induces a voltage or current in the secondary winding coil set to achieve desirable magnetic coupling characteristics (see English translation). Takagi et al. in view of Zhang et al. does not explicitly disclose having an insulating layer wrapping around the conductive member, wherein a diameter of the conductive member is between 0.07 mm and 0.2 mm, and a ratio of an outer diameter of the insulating layer to the diameter of the conductive member is between 1.35 and 2.5, and wherein the primary side coil set or the secondary side coil set has 7 to 14 turns. However, it would have been obvious to have an insulating layer wrapping around the conductive member to facilitate insulation to prevent unwanted connection and electrical short. Hashimoto et al. shows a transformer (Figs. 1-21, Paragraph [0134]) teaching and suggesting an insulating layer (30) wrapping around the conductive member (29, see Fig. 3), wherein a diameter of the conductive member (29) is between 0.07 mm and 0.2 mm (Paragraph [0056], diameter can be 80 μm which is 0.08 mm or diameter can be 100 μm which is 0.1 mm), and a ratio of an outer diameter of the insulating layer (30, Paragraph [0056], the thickness of element 30 can be 20 μm, therefore an outer diameter is calculated to be (20+20+80) μm = 120 μm which is 0.12 mm or (20+20+100) μm = 140 μm which is 0.14 mm) to the diameter of the conductive member is between 1.35 and 2.5 (ratio is 0.12/0.08 = 1.5 or 0.14/0.1 = 1.4). Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have an insulating layer wrapping around the conductive member and a diameter of the conductive member is between 0.07 mm and 0.2 mm, and a ratio of an outer diameter of the insulating layer to the diameter of the conductive member is between 1.35 and 2.5 as taught by Hashimoto et al. for the transformer as disclosed by Takagi et al. in view of Zhang et al. to facilitate insulation to prevent unwanted connection and electrical short and to have a compact design of the transformer while facilitating conductivity and achieve sufficient insulation to the conductor to obtain desirable operating characteristics and inductances. In addition, stray capacitance can be decreased (Paragraph [0012]). Furthermore, it would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art at the time the invention was made to have a diameter of the conductive member is between 0.07 mm and 0.2 mm, and a ratio of an outer diameter of the insulating layer to the diameter of the conductive member is between 1.35 and 2.5, since it has been held that where the general conditions of a claim are disclosed in the prior art, discovering the optimum or workable ranges involves only routine skill in the art to facilitate conductivity and achieve sufficient insulation to the conductor to obtain desirable operating characteristics and inductances; and decrease stray capacitance. In re Aller, 105 USPQ 233. Takagi et al. in view of Zhang et al. and Hashimoto et al. does not explicitly disclose having the primary side coil set or the secondary side coil set has 7 to 14 turns. Kawahara et al. shows a transformer (Figs. 1-14) teaching and suggesting the coil set has 7 to 14 turns (Fig. 13, Paragraph [0065]). Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the coil set has 7 to 14 turns as taught by Kawahara et al. for the transformer as disclosed by Takagi et al. in view of Zhang et al. and Hashimoto et al. to enhance magnetic coupling and increase performance by reducing insertion loss to obtain desirable inductances (Fig. 13, Paragraph [0065]). Furthermore, it would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art at the time the invention was made to have the coil set has 7 to 14 turns, since it has been held that where the general conditions of a claim are disclosed in the prior art, discovering the optimum or workable ranges involves only routine skill in the art to enhance magnetic coupling and increase performance by reducing insertion loss to obtain desirable inductances. In re Aller, 105 USPQ 233. Regarding Claim 2, Takagi et al. shows the first power source is an AC power source or a DC power source (element 40B or 40A inherently is an AC power source or a DC power source in order for the transformer to operate, see Figs. 5-7, Paragraphs [0035], [0054]), and the second power source is a DC power source (element PD or PSE is a DC power source, Paragraphs [0051]-[0052]). In the case where it does not anticipate, it would have been obvious for the first power source is an AC power source or a DC power source in order for the transformer to operate where the primary side coil set will receive an input voltage or current and convert it into a magnetic field, which then induces a voltage or current in the secondary winding coil set to achieve desirable operating characteristics. Zhang et al. shows the first power source is an AC power source or a DC power source (primary wire is electrically connected to AC voltage, pulse signal source or input signal, see English translation). Regarding Claim 3, Takagi et al. shows the primary side coil set comprises a first coil (W5) and a second coil (W6), the first coil and the second coil each has an end (ends at elements E4, E5) connected to the first flange (23, see Figs. 6-7) and another end (ends at elements E3, E7) connected to the second flange (22, see Figs. 6-7). Regarding Claim 4, Takagi et al. shows the secondary side coil set comprises a third coil (W1 or W2) and a fourth coil (W3 or W4), the third coil and the fourth coil each has an end (ends at elements E6, E8) connected to the first flange (23, see Figs. 6-7) and another end (ends at elements E1, E2) connected to the second flange (22, see Figs. 6-7). Regarding Claim 5, Takagi et al. shows a second core (30), wherein the second core is connected to the first flange and the second flange (see Figs. 6-7, element 30 is connected to elements 23, 22). Regarding Claim 6, Takagi et al. shows a transformer (Figs. 6-7 with teachings from Figs. 1-5), comprising: a first core (20) comprising a first flange (23), a second flange (22), and a middle portion (21) connected between the first flange and the second flange (see Figs. 6-7); a primary side coil set (W5, W6) wound on the middle portion (see Figs. 6-7), wherein the primary side coil set has two opposed ends (ends at elements E4, E5) and a middle end (ends at elements E3, E7), the two opposed ends of the primary side coil set are connected to the first flange (23, see Figs. 6-7), and the middle end of the primary side coil set is connected to the second flange (22, see Figs. 6-7); and a secondary side coil set (W1, W3 or W2, W4) wound on the middle portion (see Figs. 6-7), wherein the secondary side coil set has two opposed ends (ends at elements E1, E2 or E6, E8) connected to the first flange (23, see Figs. 6-7) or the second flange (22, see Figs. 6-7); wherein the two opposed ends (ends at elements E4, E5) of the primary side coil set are connected to a first power source (ends at elements E4, E5 will be electrically connected to element 40B or 40A which inherently have a first power source in order for the transformer to operate, see Figs. 5-7, Paragraphs [0035], [0054]), and the two opposed ends (ends at elements E1, E2 or E6, E8) of the secondary side coil set are connected to a second power source (ends at elements E1, E2 or E6, E8 will be electrically connected to element PD or PSE, Paragraphs [0051]-[0052]) different from the first power source (see Figs. 5-7, element PD or PSE is different from element 40B or 40A), wherein the primary side coil set or the secondary side coil set comprises a conductive member (W5, W6 or W1, W3 or W2, W4 are conductive member). In the case where it does not anticipate, it would have been obvious for the two opposed ends of the primary side coil set are connected to a first power source in order for the transformer to operate where the primary side coil set will receive an input voltage or current and convert it into a magnetic field, which then induces a voltage or current in the secondary winding coil set to achieve desirable operating characteristics. Furthermore, Zhang et al. shows a transformer (Fig. 1) teaching and suggesting the primary side coil set are connected to a first power source (primary wire is electrically connected to AC voltage, pulse signal source or input signal, see English translation). Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the primary side coil set are connected to a first power source as taught by Zhang et al. for the transformer as disclosed by Takagi et al. to form and operate a transformer where the primary side coil set will receive an input voltage or current and convert it into a magnetic field, which then induces a voltage or current in the secondary winding coil set to achieve desirable magnetic coupling characteristics (see English translation). Takagi et al. in view of Zhang et al. does not explicitly disclose having an insulating layer wrapping around the conductive member, wherein a diameter of the conductive member is between 0.07 mm and 0.2 mm, and a ratio of an outer diameter of the insulating layer to the diameter of the conductive member is between 1.35 and 2.5, and wherein the primary side coil set or the secondary side coil set has 7 to 14 turns. However, it would have been obvious to have an insulating layer wrapping around the conductive member to facilitate insulation to prevent unwanted connection and electrical short. Hashimoto et al. shows a transformer (Figs. 1-21, Paragraph [0134]) teaching and suggesting an insulating layer (30) wrapping around the conductive member (29, see Fig. 3), wherein a diameter of the conductive member (29) is between 0.07 mm and 0.2 mm (Paragraph [0056], diameter can be 80 μm which is 0.08 mm or diameter can be 100 μm which is 0.1 mm), and a ratio of an outer diameter of the insulating layer (30, Paragraph [0056], the thickness of element 30 can be 20 μm, therefore an outer diameter is calculated to be (20+20+80) μm = 120 μm which is 0.12 mm or (20+20+100) μm = 140 μm which is 0.14 mm) to the diameter of the conductive member is between 1.35 and 2.5 (ratio is 0.12/0.08 = 1.5 or 0.14/0.1 = 1.4). Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have an insulating layer wrapping around the conductive member and a diameter of the conductive member is between 0.07 mm and 0.2 mm, and a ratio of an outer diameter of the insulating layer to the diameter of the conductive member is between 1.35 and 2.5 as taught by Hashimoto et al. for the transformer as disclosed by Takagi et al. in view of Zhang et al. to facilitate insulation to prevent unwanted connection and electrical short and to have a compact design of the transformer while facilitating conductivity and achieve sufficient insulation to the conductor to obtain desirable operating characteristics and inductances. In addition, stray capacitance can be decreased (Paragraph [0012]). Furthermore, it would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art at the time the invention was made to have a diameter of the conductive member is between 0.07 mm and 0.2 mm, and a ratio of an outer diameter of the insulating layer to the diameter of the conductive member is between 1.35 and 2.5, since it has been held that where the general conditions of a claim are disclosed in the prior art, discovering the optimum or workable ranges involves only routine skill in the art to facilitate conductivity and achieve sufficient insulation to the conductor to obtain desirable operating characteristics and inductances; and decrease stray capacitance. In re Aller, 105 USPQ 233. Takagi et al. in view of Zhang et al. and Hashimoto et al. does not explicitly disclose having the primary side coil set or the secondary side coil set has 7 to 14 turns. Kawahara et al. shows a transformer (Figs. 1-14) teaching and suggesting the coil set has 7 to 14 turns (Fig. 13, Paragraph [0065]). Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the coil set has 7 to 14 turns as taught by Kawahara et al. for the transformer as disclosed by Takagi et al. in view of Zhang et al. and Hashimoto et al. to enhance magnetic coupling and increase performance by reducing insertion loss to obtain desirable inductances (Fig. 13, Paragraph [0065]). Furthermore, it would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art at the time the invention was made to have the coil set has 7 to 14 turns, since it has been held that where the general conditions of a claim are disclosed in the prior art, discovering the optimum or workable ranges involves only routine skill in the art to enhance magnetic coupling and increase performance by reducing insertion loss to obtain desirable inductances. In re Aller, 105 USPQ 233. Regarding Claim 7, Takagi et al. shows the first power source is an AC power source or a DC power source (element 40B or 40A inherently is an AC power source or a DC power source in order for the transformer to operate, see Figs. 5-7, Paragraphs [0035], [0054]), and the second power source is a DC power source (element PD or PSE is a DC power source, Paragraphs [0051]-[0052]). In the case where it does not anticipate, it would have been obvious for the first power source is an AC power source or a DC power source in order for the transformer to operate where the primary side coil set will receive an input voltage or current and convert it into a magnetic field, which then induces a voltage or current in the secondary winding coil set to achieve desirable operating characteristics. Zhang et al. shows the first power source is an AC power source or a DC power source (primary wire is electrically connected to AC voltage, pulse signal source or input signal, see English translation). Regarding Claim 8, Takagi et al. shows the primary side coil set comprises a first coil (W5) and a second coil (W6), the first coil and the second coil each has an end (ends at elements E4, E5) connected to the first flange (23, see Figs. 6-7) and another end (ends at elements E3, E7) connected to the second flange (22, see Figs. 6-7). Regarding Claim 10, Takagi et al. shows the another end of the first coil (W5) and the another end of the second coil (W6) are connected different conductive pads (E3, E7, another end of element W5 is connected to element E3 which is different from another end of W6 is connected to element E7, see Figs. 6-7) on the second flange (22, see Figs. 6-7). Regarding Claim 11, Takagi et al. shows the secondary side coil set comprises a third coil (W1 or W2) and a fourth coil (W3 or W4), the third coil and the fourth coil each has an end (ends at elements E6, E8) connected to the first flange (23, see Figs. 6-7) and another end (ends at elements E1, E2) connected to the second flange (22, see Figs. 6-7). Regarding Claim 12, Takagi et al. shows a second core (30), wherein the second core is connected to the first flange and the second flange (see Figs. 6-7, element 30 is connected to elements 23, 22). Regarding Claim 16, Hashimoto et al. shows the insulating layer (30) comprises polyurethane material (Paragraph [0057]), polyesterimide material, or polyamide composite material. Claim(s) 1-8, 10-12, and 16 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Takagi et al. [U.S. Pub. No. 2017/0200548] in view of Harada et al. [JP 2013-214628], Hashimoto et al. [U.S. Pub. No. 2019/0392973], and Kunitsuka et al [U.S. Pub. No. 2021/0280355]. Regarding Claim 1, Takagi et al. shows a transformer (Figs. 6-7 with teachings from Figs. 1-5), comprising: a first core (20) comprising a first flange (23), a second flange (22), and a middle portion (21) connected between the first flange and the second flange (see Figs. 6-7); a primary side coil set (W5, W6) wound on the middle portion (see Figs. 6-7), wherein the primary side coil set has two opposed ends (ends at elements E4, E5) connected to the first flange (23, see Figs. 6-7); and a secondary side coil set (W1, W3 or W2, W4) wound on the middle portion (see Figs. 6-7), wherein the secondary side coil set has two opposed ends (ends at elements E1, E2 or E6, E8) connected to the first flange (23, see Figs. 6-7) or the second flange (22, see Figs. 6-7); wherein the two opposed ends (ends at elements E4, E5) of the primary side coil set are connected to a first power source (ends at elements E4, E5 will be electrically connected to element 40B or 40A which inherently have a first power source in order for the transformer to operate, see Figs. 5-7, Paragraphs [0035], [0054]), and the two opposed ends (ends at elements E1, E2 or E6, E8) of the secondary side coil set are connected to a second power source (ends at elements E1, E2 or E6, E8 will be electrically connected to element PD or PSE, Paragraphs [0051]-[0052]) different from the first power source (see Figs. 5-7, element PD or PSE is different from element 40B or 40A), wherein the primary side coil set or the secondary side coil set comprises a conductive member (W5, W6 or W1, W3 or W2, W4 are conductive member). In the case where it does not anticipate, it would have been obvious for the two opposed ends of the primary side coil set are connected to a first power source in order for the transformer to operate where the primary side coil set will receive an input voltage or current and convert it into a magnetic field, which then induces a voltage or current in the secondary winding coil set to achieve desirable operating characteristics. Furthermore, Harada et al. shows a transformer (Figs. 1 and 9) teaching and suggesting the primary side coil set are connected to a first power source (21, primary wire is electrically connected to element 21, Paragraph [0004]). Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the primary side coil set are connected to a first power source as taught by Harada et al. for the transformer as disclosed by Takagi et al. to form and operate a transformer where the primary side coil set will receive an input voltage or current and convert it into a magnetic field, which then induces a voltage or current in the secondary winding coil set to achieve desirable magnetic coupling characteristics (Paragraph [0004]). Takagi et al. in view of Harada et al. does not explicitly disclose having an insulating layer wrapping around the conductive member, wherein a diameter of the conductive member is between 0.07 mm and 0.2 mm, and a ratio of an outer diameter of the insulating layer to the diameter of the conductive member is between 1.35 and 2.5, and wherein the primary side coil set or the secondary side coil set has 7 to 14 turns. However, it would have been obvious to have an insulating layer wrapping around the conductive member to facilitate insulation to prevent unwanted connection and electrical short. Hashimoto et al. shows a transformer (Figs. 1-21, Paragraph [0134]) teaching and suggesting an insulating layer (30) wrapping around the conductive member (29, see Fig. 3), wherein a diameter of the conductive member (29) is between 0.07 mm and 0.2 mm (Paragraph [0056], diameter can be 80 μm which is 0.08 mm or diameter can be 100 μm which is 0.1 mm), and a ratio of an outer diameter of the insulating layer (30, Paragraph [0056], the thickness of element 30 can be 20 μm, therefore an outer diameter is calculated to be (20+20+80) μm = 120 μm which is 0.12 mm or (20+20+100) μm = 140 μm which is 0.14 mm) to the diameter of the conductive member is between 1.35 and 2.5 (ratio is 0.12/0.08 = 1.5 or 0.14/0.1 = 1.4). Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have an insulating layer wrapping around the conductive member and a diameter of the conductive member is between 0.07 mm and 0.2 mm, and a ratio of an outer diameter of the insulating layer to the diameter of the conductive member is between 1.35 and 2.5 as taught by Hashimoto et al. for the transformer as disclosed by Takagi et al. in view of Harada et al. to facilitate insulation to prevent unwanted connection and electrical short and to have a compact design of the transformer while facilitating conductivity and achieve sufficient insulation to the conductor to obtain desirable operating characteristics and inductances. In addition, stray capacitance can be decreased (Paragraph [0012]). Furthermore, it would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art at the time the invention was made to have a diameter of the conductive member is between 0.07 mm and 0.2 mm, and a ratio of an outer diameter of the insulating layer to the diameter of the conductive member is between 1.35 and 2.5, since it has been held that where the general conditions of a claim are disclosed in the prior art, discovering the optimum or workable ranges involves only routine skill in the art to facilitate conductivity and achieve sufficient insulation to the conductor to obtain desirable operating characteristics and inductances; and decrease stray capacitance. In re Aller, 105 USPQ 233. Takagi et al. in view of Harada et al. and Hashimoto et al. does not explicitly disclose having the primary side coil set or the secondary side coil set has 7 to 14 turns. Kunitsuka et al. shows a transformer (Fig. 1) teaching and suggesting the coil set (51, 52 or 61, 62) has 7 to 14 turns (Paragraphs [0048], [0054]). Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the coil set has 7 to 14 turns as taught by Kunitsuka et al. for the transformer as disclosed by Takagi et al. in view of Harada et al. and Hashimoto et al. to enhance magnetic coupling and increase performance by decreasing leakage inductance and insertion loss to obtain desirable inductances (Paragraphs [0018], [0020]). Furthermore, it would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art at the time the invention was made to have the coil set has 7 to 14 turns, since it has been held that where the general conditions of a claim are disclosed in the prior art, discovering the optimum or workable ranges involves only routine skill in the art to enhance magnetic coupling and increase performance by decreasing leakage inductance and insertion loss to obtain desirable inductances. In re Aller, 105 USPQ 233. Regarding Claim 2, Takagi et al. shows the first power source is an AC power source or a DC power source (element 40B or 40A inherently is an AC power source or a DC power source in order for the transformer to operate, see Figs. 5-7, Paragraphs [0035], [0054]), and the second power source is a DC power source (element PD or PSE is a DC power source, Paragraphs [0051]-[0052]). In the case where it does not anticipate, it would have been obvious for the first power source is an AC power source or a DC power source in order for the transformer to operate where the primary side coil set will receive an input voltage or current and convert it into a magnetic field, which then induces a voltage or current in the secondary winding coil set to achieve desirable operating characteristics. Harada et al. shows the first power source is an AC power source or a DC power source (21, primary wire is electrically connected to element 21 which is a DC power supply, Paragraph [0004]). Regarding Claim 3, Takagi et al. shows the primary side coil set comprises a first coil (W5) and a second coil (W6), the first coil and the second coil each has an end (ends at elements E4, E5) connected to the first flange (23, see Figs. 6-7) and another end (ends at elements E3, E7) connected to the second flange (22, see Figs. 6-7). Regarding Claim 4, Takagi et al. shows the secondary side coil set comprises a third coil (W1 or W2) and a fourth coil (W3 or W4), the third coil and the fourth coil each has an end (ends at elements E6, E8) connected to the first flange (23, see Figs. 6-7) and another end (ends at elements E1, E2) connected to the second flange (22, see Figs. 6-7). Regarding Claim 5, Takagi et al. shows a second core (30), wherein the second core is connected to the first flange and the second flange (see Figs. 6-7, element 30 is connected to elements 23, 22). Regarding Claim 6, Takagi et al. shows a transformer (Figs. 6-7 with teachings from Figs. 1-5), comprising: a first core (20) comprising a first flange (23), a second flange (22), and a middle portion (21) connected between the first flange and the second flange (see Figs. 6-7); a primary side coil set (W5, W6) wound on the middle portion (see Figs. 6-7), wherein the primary side coil set has two opposed ends (ends at elements E4, E5) and a middle end (ends at elements E3, E7), the two opposed ends of the primary side coil set are connected to the first flange (23, see Figs. 6-7), and the middle end of the primary side coil set is connected to the second flange (22, see Figs. 6-7); and a secondary side coil set (W1, W3 or W2, W4) wound on the middle portion (see Figs. 6-7), wherein the secondary side coil set has two opposed ends (ends at elements E1, E2 or E6, E8) connected to the first flange (23, see Figs. 6-7) or the second flange (22, see Figs. 6-7); wherein the two opposed ends (ends at elements E4, E5) of the primary side coil set are connected to a first power source (ends at elements E4, E5 will be electrically connected to element 40B or 40A which inherently have a first power source in order for the transformer to operate, see Figs. 5-7, Paragraphs [0035], [0054]), and the two opposed ends (ends at elements E1, E2 or E6, E8) of the secondary side coil set are connected to a second power source (ends at elements E1, E2 or E6, E8 will be electrically connected to element PD or PSE, Paragraphs [0051]-[0052]) different from the first power source (see Figs. 5-7, element PD or PSE is different from element 40B or 40A), wherein the primary side coil set or the secondary side coil set comprises a conductive member (W5, W6 or W1, W3 or W2, W4 are conductive member). In the case where it does not anticipate, it would have been obvious for the two opposed ends of the primary side coil set are connected to a first power source in order for the transformer to operate where the primary side coil set will receive an input voltage or current and convert it into a magnetic field, which then induces a voltage or current in the secondary winding coil set to achieve desirable operating characteristics. Furthermore, Harada et al. shows a transformer (Figs. 1 and 9) teaching and suggesting the primary side coil set are connected to a first power source (21, primary wire is electrically connected to element 21, Paragraph [0004]). Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the primary side coil set are connected to a first power source as taught by Harada et al. for the transformer as disclosed by Takagi et al. to form and operate a transformer where the primary side coil set will receive an input voltage or current and convert it into a magnetic field, which then induces a voltage or current in the secondary winding coil set to achieve desirable magnetic coupling characteristics (Paragraph [0004]). Takagi et al. in view of Harada et al. does not explicitly disclose having an insulating layer wrapping around the conductive member, wherein a diameter of the conductive member is between 0.07 mm and 0.2 mm, and a ratio of an outer diameter of the insulating layer to the diameter of the conductive member is between 1.35 and 2.5, and wherein the primary side coil set or the secondary side coil set has 7 to 14 turns. However, it would have been obvious to have an insulating layer wrapping around the conductive member to facilitate insulation to prevent unwanted connection and electrical short. Hashimoto et al. shows a transformer (Figs. 1-21, Paragraph [0134]) teaching and suggesting an insulating layer (30) wrapping around the conductive member (29, see Fig. 3), wherein a diameter of the conductive member (29) is between 0.07 mm and 0.2 mm (Paragraph [0056], diameter can be 80 μm which is 0.08 mm or diameter can be 100 μm which is 0.1 mm), and a ratio of an outer diameter of the insulating layer (30, Paragraph [0056], the thickness of element 30 can be 20 μm, therefore an outer diameter is calculated to be (20+20+80) μm = 120 μm which is 0.12 mm or (20+20+100) μm = 140 μm which is 0.14 mm) to the diameter of the conductive member is between 1.35 and 2.5 (ratio is 0.12/0.08 = 1.5 or 0.14/0.1 = 1.4). Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have an insulating layer wrapping around the conductive member and a diameter of the conductive member is between 0.07 mm and 0.2 mm, and a ratio of
Read full office action

Prosecution Timeline

Aug 12, 2021
Application Filed
Mar 08, 2025
Non-Final Rejection — §103
Jun 12, 2025
Response Filed
Sep 20, 2025
Final Rejection — §103
Apr 03, 2026
Response after Non-Final Action

Precedent Cases

Applications granted by this same examiner with similar technology. Study what changed to get past this examiner.

Patent 12586712
COMPOSITE ELECTRONIC COMPONENT
2y 5m to grant Granted Mar 24, 2026
Patent 12586707
MULTILAYER RESIN SUBSTRATE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING MULTILAYER RESIN SUBSTRATE
2y 5m to grant Granted Mar 24, 2026
Patent 12586709
System and Method for Reducing Power Losses for Magnetics Integrated in a Printed Circuit Board
2y 5m to grant Granted Mar 24, 2026
Patent 12563677
MULTILAYER SUBSTRATE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING MULTILAYER SUBSTRATE
2y 5m to grant Granted Feb 24, 2026
Patent 12555712
INDUCTOR COMPONENT
2y 5m to grant Granted Feb 17, 2026

AI Strategy Recommendation

Click below to generate an AI-powered prosecution strategy using examiner precedents, rejection analysis, and claim mapping.
Powered by AI — typically takes 5-10 seconds

Prosecution Projections

3-4
Expected OA Rounds
75%
Grant Probability
94%
With Interview (+19.3%)
3y 3m
Median Time to Grant
Moderate
PTA Risk
Based on 859 resolved cases by this examiner