DETAILED ACTION
Continued Examination Under 37 CFR 1.114
A request for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, including the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e), was filed in this application after final rejection. Since this application is eligible for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, and the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e) has been timely paid, the finality of the previous Office action has been withdrawn pursuant to 37 CFR 1.114.
Applicant's submission filed on June 24, 2026, has been entered. Claims 1-6, 8-10, 15-19, and 24-26 remain pending in the Application.
Claim Objections
Claim 25 is objected to because of the following informalities:
Lines 1-2 of claim 25 should recite “the pair of conical coil springs”.
Appropriate correction is required.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
The factual inquiries for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows:
1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art.
2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue.
3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.
4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness.
This application currently names joint inventors. In considering patentability of the claims the examiner presumes that the subject matter of the various claims was commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the claimed invention(s) absent any evidence to the contrary. Applicant is advised of the obligation under 37 CFR 1.56 to point out the inventor and effective filing dates of each claim that was not commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the later invention in order for the examiner to consider the applicability of 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) for any potential 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) prior art against the later invention.
Claims 1, 4, 6, 15, and 17 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over US 20120157018 A1 (Robinson ‘018) in view of US 20130343042 A1 (Windom ‘042), and further in view of JP H09149479 A (Mogi ‘479 – citing to the attached English translation).
Regarding claim 1, Robinson ‘018 discloses a reusable power module (replaceable module 120; [0017]) for a field device (wireless measurement transmitter 100; [0017]), the reusable power module comprising:
a main body (replaceable modules 200 & 500, exemplary embodiments of replaceable module 120, include a module outer shell 258; [0027] – [0028] & Figs. 1B & 4B) defining a chamber configured to house a primary battery (the replaceable module 200 houses a primary battery 250 & 500; [0029] - [0030] & Fig. 4B);
a cover operably coupled to the main body (module cap 260 serving as the cover coupled to the module outer shell 250; [0029] & Figs. 1B, 4A, & 4B), the cover having a first configuration relative to the main body wherein the main body is open and allows access to the primary battery (as shown in Fig. 4A, the cover is in a configuration where the module outer shell 258 is open and allows access to the primary battery 250; [0029]), the cover also having a second configuration wherein access to the primary battery is closed (as shown in Fig. 1B, the replaceable module 200 is in a closed configuration, where access to the battery is closed, because the module cap serving as the cover is coupled to the module outer shell);
a plurality of field communicator clips (service communication connectors 122; [0017] & Fig. 1B), wherein at least a portion of each of the plurality of field communicator clips extends outside a periphery of the cover when the cover is in the second configuration (when the replaceable module is closed, i.e., in the second configuration, the service communication connectors 122 protrude beyond the second cavity 106 and are accessible when the second cover 102C is removed; [0017] & Fig. 2);
a second circuit board mounted relative to the cover (printed wiring board 255 positioned above primary battery 250 in Fig. 4A, and when fully assembled, the printed wiring board 255 would be mounted relative to the module cap 260; Fig. 4A & 4B & [0027]); and at least three conductors (as shown in Fig. 3, there are three contacts 116 that plug into the module, wherein three lines of wiring extends through the module, a single wiring 170, a single wiring 178, and a common wiring for 170 and 178; [0016] & [0026] & Fig. 3), the at least three conductors including a conductor for power (the primary battery 150 in the replaceable module 120 is connected by wiring 178 to energize the electronic measurement circuitry 140; [0026]), a conductor for common (a conductor for common for connecting both the wiring 178 and the wiring 170; Fig. 3), and a conductor for communication (a conductor for communication for connecting the wiring 170 for service communications connected to communication circuit 172; [0025] & Fig. 3).
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Additionally, the printed wiring board 255 connects to the primary battery 250 via leads 251, and the printing wiring board 255 connects to the service communication connector 253 via leads 253 ([0027]).
Robinson ‘018 does not disclose a first circuit board mounted relative to the main body coupled to the second circuit board by the at least three conductors, wherein the second circuit board contains the plurality of field communicator clips.
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Windom ‘042 discloses a rechargeable battery pack 100 that may include a rechargeable cell 135 ([0034]). The rechargeable cell 135 may be coupled to a printed circuit board 133, which may be coupled to the conductive power contacts 170, such as through springs 172 ([0034]). Additionally, the rechargeable battery pack 100 may include a charging system 138, which may be coupled to the charging port 175 as well as the rechargeable cell 135 (such as through spring 137) to facilitate the charging of the rechargeable cell 135 from the charging port 175 ([0034]). The charging system 138, corresponding to the first circuit board mounted relative to the main body, may also be coupled to the printed circuit board 133 through one or more wires 131 ([0034]). The charging system 138 may be configured to control aspects of charging of the rechargeable cell 135 ([0035]). The charging system 138 may also be coupled to a charging indicator light to display a charging status of the rechargeable battery pack 100 ([0036]).
Therefore, prior to the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art, to provide a first circuit board mounted relative to the main body coupled to the second circuit board by the at least three conductors, wherein the second circuit board contains the plurality of field communicator clips, as suggested by Windom ‘042, in the reusable power module, as taught by Robinson ‘018.
The combination of familiar elements is likely to be obvious when it does no more than yield predictable results. See KSR Int'l Co. v. Teleflex Inc., 550 U.S. 398, 415-421, 82 USPQ2d 1385, 1395-97 (2007) (see MPEP § 2143, A.).
Additionally, Robinson ‘018 does not disclose a pair of conical coil springs, wherein each conical coil spring, of the pair of conical coil springs, is spaced a part from a center of the first circuit board, and configured to contact a flat negative terminal of the primary battery, and wherein the pair of conical coil springs provides passive polarity protection by only allowing electrical contact with the primary battery in a single polarity orientation.
Windom ‘042 discloses a spring 137 placed on the charging system 138/switch contact plate 139 that is in electrical contact with a flat side of the rechargeable cell 135 (Fig. 4 & 5). Further, Windom’ 042 disclose a plurality of springs 172, wherein two of the plurality of springs 172 spaced apart from a center spring of the printed circuit board 133.
However, Windom ‘042 does not disclose that the spring 137 or the plurality of springs 172 provide passive polarity protection by only allowing electrical contact with the primary battery in a single polarity orientation.
Mogi ‘479 discloses a battery holder having two negative electrode terminals 5 for each battery cell 3 with a rib 6 between the electrode terminals 5 ([0008] & Fig. 3). Each negative electrode terminal is shaped like a coil spring and is designed to press against the negative end of the battery cell 3 with an appropriate load ([0002]). With the dual spring structure of the negative electrode terminals 5 shown in Fig. 3 and a rib 6 provided in the space between the pair of springs, insertion of the battery cells 3 with reverse polarity can be prevented ([0008]). This structure prevents damage to the device’s circuitry ([0009]).
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Therefore, a skilled artisan, prior to the effective filing date of the claimed invention, would have found it obvious to modify the reusable power module for the field device, as taught by Robinson ‘018, to include a dual spring structure on the charging system 138 of Windom ‘042, such that the dual spring structure contacting the flat negative end of the battery prevents damage to the device’s circuitry when the battery cell is inserted in the reverse polarity direction, as suggested by Mogi ‘479, because the protrusion in the center of the positive end of the battery does not contact the negative terminal springs spaced a part from each other with a rib or space therebetween.
Regarding claim 4, Robinson ‘018 teaches the reusable power module of claim 1, wherein Robinson ‘018 further discloses that the cover includes at least one feature that cooperates with a corresponding feature of the main body to retain the cover in the second configuration (the replaceable module 200 has the module cap 260 which is attached to the module outer shell 258, i.e., the module cap 260 and the module outer shell 258 each have a corresponding feature that allows for the attachment of one to the other, wherein the replaceable module is closed; [0029] & Figs. 4A & 4B).
Regarding claim 6, Robinson ‘018 teaches the reusable power module of claim 1, wherein Robinson ‘018 further discloses that the cover includes the plurality of field communicator clips (the service communication connectors 122, which are accessible without removing the module cap 260, serve as the plurality of field communicator connection clips; [0017] & Figs. 2 & 3).
Regarding claim 15, Robinson ‘018 discloses a field device (wireless measurement transmitter 100; [0016]) comprising: measurement circuitry (a measurement circuit assembly 108 including measurement circuitry 140; [0021]) operably coupled to at least one process variable sensor (wireless measurement transmitter 100 includes a measurement sensor 130, the measurement sensor 130 being able to sense an industrial process variable; [0021]) and configured to provide a digital indication (handheld service equipment 160, as shown FIG. 3, would provide the digital indication on the pictured screen; [0024]) relative to an electrical characteristic of the at least one process variable sensor (measurement sensor 130 of the wireless transmitter 100 senses the industrial process variable and provides an electrical signal representative of the process variable, via electrical contacts 136, to the measurement circuit assembly 108; [0021]);
a controller coupled to the measurement circuitry (measurement circuit assembly 108 includes an antenna 142 that provides wireless communication of control information to a control system, industrial control system 166, wherein stored settings 168 function to control the operation of the electronic measurement circuitry 140; [0021] & [0026]) and configured to generate process variable information based on the digital indication (industrial process control system 166 controls or monitors the industrial process 164, based on process data communicated to the control system through the wireless antenna 142, wherein process variable range settings are remotely adjustable by commands received from the control system based on the corresponding digital indication provided on the pictured screen of the handheld service equipment 160; [0025] & [0026] & Fig. 3);
process communication circuitry coupled to the controller (industrial process control system 166 controls or monitors the industrial process 164, based on process data communicated to the control system through the wireless antenna 142 coupled to the wireless measurement circuity 140 having converter circuit 162, wherein process variable range settings are remotely adjustable by commands received from the control system; [0025] & [0026] & Fig. 3), the process communication circuitry being configured to generate a process variable output based on the process variable information provided by the controller (electronic measurement circuity 140 includes a converter circuit 162 that receives an electrical output from the measurement sensor 130 that represents a process variable that is sensed from an industrial process 164, wherein the converter circuit 162 diagnoses a process state as a function of the process variable and the temperature, and the converter circuit 162 provides an output representative of the process state to a service communication circuit 172; [0025] & Fig. 3); and
a reusable power module operably coupled to the measurement circuity, the controller, and the power communication circuity (replaceable module 120 operably coupled to the electronic measurement circuitry 140 including the converter circuit 162 and the settings 168; [0017] & [0025] & [0026] & Fig. 3]), the reusable power module having:
a main body (replaceable modules 200 & 500, exemplary embodiments of replaceable module 120, include a module outer shell 258; [0027] – [0028] & Figs. 1B & 4B) defining a chamber, a cylindrical primary battery disposed in the chamber, the cylindrical primary battery having a first side with a positive terminal and a second side with a negative terminal (the replaceable module 200 houses a cylindrical primary battery 250 & 500 with a first side and a second side; [0029] - [0030] & Fig. 4B);
a cover operably coupled to the main body (module cap 260 serving as the cover coupled to the module outer shell 250; [0029] & Figs. 1B, 4A, & 4B), the cover having a first configuration relative to the main body wherein the main body is open and allows access to the primary battery (as shown in Fig. 4A, the cover is in a configuration where the module outer shell 258 is open and allows access to the primary battery 250; [0029]), the cover also having a second configuration wherein access to the primary battery is closed (as shown in Fig. 1B, the replaceable module 200 is in a closed configuration, where access to the battery is closed, because the module cap serving as the cover is coupled to the module outer shell);
a plurality of field communicator clips (service communication connectors 122; [0017] & Fig. 1B), wherein at least a portion of each of the plurality of field communicator clips extends outside a periphery of the cover when the cover is in the second configuration (when the replaceable module is closed, i.e., in the second configuration, the service communication connectors 122 protrude beyond the second cavity 106 and are accessible when the second cover 102C is removed; [0017] & Fig. 2);
a second circuit board mounted relative to the cover (printed wiring board 255 positioned above primary battery 250 in Fig. 4A, and when fully assembled, the printed wiring board 255 would be mounted relative to the module cap 260; Fig. 4A & 4B & [0027]); and at least three conductors (as shown in Fig. 3, there are three contacts 116 that plug into the module, wherein three lines of wiring extends through the module, a single wiring 170, a single wiring 178, and a common wiring for 170 and 178; [0016] & [0026] & Fig. 3), the at least three conductors including a conductor for power (the primary battery 150 in the replaceable module 120 is connected by wiring 178 to energize the electronic measurement circuitry 140; [0026]), a conductor for common (a conductor for common for connecting both the wiring 178 and the wiring 170; Fig. 3), and a conductor for communication (a conductor for communication for connecting the wiring 170 for service communications connected to communication circuit 172; [0025] & Fig. 3).
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Additionally, the printed wiring board 255 connects to the primary battery 250 via leads 251, and the printing wiring board 255 connects to the service communication connector 253 via leads 253 ([0027]).
Robinson ‘018 does not disclose a first circuit board mounted relative to the main body coupled to the second circuit board by the at least three conductors, wherein the second circuit board contains the plurality of field communicator clips.
Windom ‘042 discloses a rechargeable battery pack 100 that may include a rechargeable cell 135 ([0034]). The rechargeable cell 135 may be coupled to a printed circuit board 133, which may be coupled to the conductive power contacts 170, such as through springs 172 ([0034]). Additionally, the rechargeable battery pack 100 may include a charging system 138, which may be coupled to the charging port 175 as well as the rechargeable cell 135 (such as through spring 137) to facilitate the charging of the rechargeable cell 135 from the charging port 175 ([0034]). The charging system 138, corresponding to the first circuit board mounted relative to the main body, may also be coupled to the printed circuit board 133 through one or more wires 131 ([0034]). The charging system 138 may be configured to control aspects of charging of the rechargeable cell 135 ([0035]). The charging system 138 may also be coupled to a charging indicator light to display a charging status of the rechargeable battery pack 100 ([0036]).
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Therefore, prior to the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art, to provide a first circuit board mounted relative to the main body coupled to the second circuit board by the at least three conductors, wherein the first circuit board contains at least a spring and the second circuit board contains the plurality of field communicator clips, wherein the cell has a positive first side and a negative second side, as suggested by Windom ‘042, in the field device, as taught by Robinson ‘018.
The combination of familiar elements is likely to be obvious when it does no more than yield predictable results. See KSR Int'l Co. v. Teleflex Inc., 550 U.S. 398, 415-421, 82 USPQ2d 1385, 1395-97 (2007) (see MPEP § 2143, A.).
Additionally, Robinson ‘018 does not disclose a pair of conical coil springs, wherein each conical coil spring, of the pair of conical coil springs, is spaced a part from a center of the first circuit board, and configured to contact a flat negative terminal of the primary battery, and wherein the pair of conical coil springs provides passive polarity protection by only allowing electrical contact with the primary battery in a single polarity orientation.
Windom ‘042 discloses a spring 137 placed on the charging system 138/switch contact plate 139 that is in electrical contact with a flat side of the rechargeable cell 135 (Fig. 4 & 5). Further, Windom’ 042 disclose a plurality of springs 172, wherein two of the plurality of springs 172 spaced apart from a center spring of the printed circuit board 133.
However, Windom ‘042 does not disclose that the spring 137 or the plurality of springs 172 provide passive polarity protection by only allowing electrical contact with the primary battery in a single polarity orientation.
Mogi ‘479 discloses a battery holder having two negative electrode terminals 5 for each battery cell 3 with a rib 6 between the electrode terminals 5 ([0008] & Fig. 3). Each negative electrode terminal is shaped like a coil spring and is designed to press against the negative end of the battery cell 3 with an appropriate load ([0002]). With the dual spring structure of the negative electrode terminals 5 shown in Fig. 3 and a rib 6 provided in the space between the pair of springs, insertion of the battery cells 3 with reverse polarity can be prevented ([0008]). This structure prevents damage to the device’s circuitry ([0009]).
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Therefore, a skilled artisan, prior to the effective filing date of the claimed invention, would have found it obvious to modify the reusable power module for the field device, as taught by Robinson ‘018, to include a dual spring structure on the charging system 138 of Windom ‘042, such that the dual spring structure contacting the flat negative end of the battery prevents damage to the device’s circuitry when the battery cell is inserted in the reverse polarity direction, as suggested by Mogi ‘479, because the protrusion of the center of the positive end of the battery does not contact the negative terminal springs spaced a part from each other with a rib or space therebetween.
Regarding claim 17, Robinson ‘018 teaches the field device according to claim 15, wherein Robinson ‘018 further teaches that the process communication circuitry is wireless process communication circuitry (wireless antenna 142 communicates process data wirelessly to the industrial process control system 166, the process data received from the service communication circuit 172 based on the output representative of the process state from converter circuit 162; [0025]).
Claims 2 and 3 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over US 20120157018 A1 (Robinson ‘018) in view of US 20130343042 A1 (Windom ‘042) and JP H09149479 A (Mogi ‘479 – citing to the attached English translation), and further in view of US 20100062324 A1 (Ooyama ‘324).
Regarding claims 2 and 3, Robinson ‘018 teaches the reusable power module of claim 1, wherein the replaceable module 200 has the module cap 260 which is attached to the module outer shell 258 ([0029] of Robinson ‘018), but does not disclose that the cover is pivotably or slidably coupled to the main body.
Ooyama ‘324 discloses a battery receiving mechanism having a casing 10 including opening section 11, a cover 60 for opening and closing opening section 11, and a hinge 80 for connecting casing 10 to cover 60 ([0054]). The battery receiving mechanism is opened by sliding outer section 61 of cover 60 away from uneven section 14 of casing 10, wherein the cover 60 pivots or rotates around shaft 83 of hinge 80 to allow access to the batteries 1 (embodiment 1 in [0053] – [0063] & Figs. 1, 2, and 3). In order to completely close the cover, as shown in Fig. 1, protrusion section 64a provided in inner section 62 is engaged in small dent section 64b of outer section 61 and hook 61a provide din cover 60 is locked to collar section 13 of casing 10 ([0063]). The configuration of the battery receiving mechanism in embodiment 1 prevents the inner section 62 from being moved, and thus, the cover can be opened with a short stroke without rubbing the battery 1 ([0063] & abstract).
Therefore, prior to the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to modify the cover of the reusable power module, as taught by Robinson ‘018, to be pivotably or slidably coupled to the main body, to prevent rubbing of the battery, as suggested by Ooyama ‘324.
Claim 5 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over US 20120157018 A1 (Robinson ‘018) in view of US 20130343042 A1 (Windom ‘042) and JP H09149479 A (Mogi ‘479 – citing to the attached English translation), and further in view of US 20230103699 A1 (Huang ‘699 – with a 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) effective filing date of June 12, 2020).
Regarding claim 5, Robinson ‘018 teaches the reusable power module of claim 4, but does not disclose that the at least one feature includes a snap.
Huang ‘699 discloses a battery shell 10 with a second housing 13 ([0102]), corresponding to the cover, whereby the second housing 13 includes a snap buckle 133 that is snap-fitted into the bucket hole 112 of the first housing 11 to couple the second housing 13 and first housing 11 together ([0105]). Advantageously, the snap buckle 133 is stopped by the wall of the bucket hole 112 to restrict the guiding portion 132 from sliding along the guiding groove 111, so as to fix the first housing 11 and the second housing 13 ([0105]). Therefore, prior to the effective filing date of the claimed invention, one of ordinary skill in the art, would have found it obvious to utilize a snap buckle as the at least one feature including a snap, to fix the cover and the main body together, as suggested by Huang ‘699, in the reusable power module as taught by Robinson ‘018.
Claims 8, 9, and 10 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over US 20120157018 A1 (Robinson ‘018) in view of US 20130343042 A1 (Windom ‘042) and JP H09149479 A (Mogi ‘479 – citing to the attached English translation), and further in view of US 20170207429 A1 (Wang ‘249).
Regarding claims 8 and 9, Robinson ‘018 teaches the reusable power module of claim 1, wherein the replaceable module includes a primary battery ([0011] of Robinson ‘018), but not does disclose that the primary battery is a D-cell battery.
Wang ‘429 discloses that a battery-operated device may be configured to house standard D battery cells 46 as shown in FIG. 3 ([0042]). Wang ‘429 further discloses that D cells are considered standard battery cells that are widely available ([0010]). Therefore, prior to the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art, in seeking to utilize a widely available battery, to configure the chamber to house a D-cell battery disposed in the main body, as suggested by Wang ‘429, in the reusable power module, as taught by Robinson ‘018.
Regarding claim 10, Robinson ‘018 teaches the reusable power module of claim 9, further disclosing that the battery 20 utilized in the battery-operated device may be any suitable battery for generating electrical energy, such as one or more lithium ion or lithium polymer electrochemical battery cells ([0031] of Wang ‘429).
Claim 16 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over US 20120157018 A1 (Robinson ‘018) in view of US 20130343042 A1 (Windom ‘042) and JP H09149479 A (Mogi ‘479 – citing to the attached English translation), and further in view of US 20080048613 A1 (Baron ‘613).
Regarding claim 16, Robinson ‘018 teaches the field device of claim 15, wherein the replaceable module includes a primary battery ([0011] of Robinson ‘018), but not does disclose that the primary battery is a lithium D-cell primary battery.
Baron ‘613 disclose a battery block with at least one battery cell and that be used in an electrical system. The battery cell of the battery block may be lithium sulfuryl chloride double D cells or lithium manganese dioxide single D cells. As such, prior to the effective filing date of the claimed invention, a person of ordinary skill in the art would have found it obvious to incorporate a lithium manganese dioxide single D cell as suggested by Baron ‘613 in the main body of the replaceable module as taught by Robinson ‘018, because the simple substitution of one known element for another is likely to be obvious when predictable results are achieved. See KSR International Co. v. Teleflex Inc., 550 U.S. __,__, 82 USPQ2d 1385, 1395 – 97 (2007) (see MPEP § 2143, B.).
Claims 18 and 19 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over US 20120157018 A1 (Robinson ‘018) in view of US 20130343042 A1 (Windom ‘042) and JP H09149479 A (Mogi ‘479 – citing to the attached English translation), and further in view of US 20180287107 A1 (Takayanagi ‘107).
Regarding claims 18 and 19, Robinson ‘018 teaches the field device of claim 15, wherein the replaceable module 200 has the module cap 260 which is attached to the module outer shell 258 ([0029] of Robinson ‘018), but does not disclose that the cover is pivotably or slidably coupled to the main body.
Takayanagi ‘107 discloses a battery spacer 2 including a storage case 4 having a bottomed cylindrical shape in which a battery 3 is stored, and a lid part 8 which closes an opening 6 of the storage case 4 ([0032] & Fig. 2). The lid body 52 is coupled with the storage case 4 via a hinge 60, and is able to open and close the opening 6 of the storage case 4 ([0045] & Fig. 2).
Therefore, prior to the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to modify the cover of the reusable power module, as taught by Robinson ‘018, to be pivotably or slidably coupled to the main body, as suggested by Takayanagi ‘107, to be able to open and close the reusable power module.
Claims 24 and 25 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over US 20120157018 A1 (Robinson ‘018) in view of US 20130343042 A1 (Windom ‘042) and JP H09149479 A (Mogi ‘479 – citing to the attached English translation), and further in view of US 20210098846 A1 (Min ‘846).
Regarding claim 24, Robinson ‘018 teaches the reusable power module of claim 1, but does not explicitly disclose a first shroud configured to protect the first circuit board from contact and a second shroud configured to protect the second circuit board from contact.
Min ‘846 discloses a battery module comprising a flexible printed circuit board with a protective cover so as to cover the flexible printed circuit board in the module case (abstract). Therefore, prior to the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to incorporate a protective cover (i.e., a shroud), to protect each of the first and second circuit board, as suggested by Min ‘846, in the reusable power module, as taught by Robinson ‘018.
Regarding claim 25, Robinson ‘018 teaches the reusable power module of claim 24, wherein the pair of coil springs bias a second end of the battery against the second shroud (each negative electrode terminal is shaped like a coil spring and is designed to press against the negative end of the battery cell 3 with an appropriate load; [0002] of Mogi ‘479).
Response to Arguments
Applicant's arguments filed on June 24, 2026, have been fully considered.
Applicant asserts that the use of a pair of coil springs spaced a part from a center of the first circuit board, and configured to contact a flat negative terminal of the primary battery, and wherein the pair of coil springs provides passive polarity protection by only allowing electrical contact with the primary battery in a single polarity orientation is substantially different than the springs in Windom ‘042. However, Applicant’s assertion is unpersuasive in view of JP H09149479 A (Mogi ‘479 – citing to the attached English translation).
Further, Applicant’s arguments directed to Zurcher are moot, because Zurcher is no longer relied on in this Office action.
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to TAYLOR H KRONE whose telephone number is (571)270-5064. The examiner can normally be reached Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM EST.
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/TAYLOR HARRISON KRONE/Examiner, Art Unit 1725
/JONATHAN CREPEAU/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 1725
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