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 .
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and the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e) has been timely paid, the finality of the previous Office action has been withdrawn pursuant to 37 CFR 1.114.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 04/15/2026 has been entered.
Claim Interpretation
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(f):
(f) Element in Claim for a Combination. – An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof.
The following is a quotation of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph:
An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof.
The claims in this application are given their broadest reasonable interpretation using the plain meaning of the claim language in light of the specification as it would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The broadest reasonable interpretation of a claim element (also commonly referred to as a claim limitation) is limited by the description in the specification when 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is invoked.
As explained in MPEP § 2181, subsection I, claim limitations that meet the following three-prong test will be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph:
(A) the claim limitation uses the term “means” or “step” or a term used as a substitute for “means” that is a generic placeholder (also called a nonce term or a non-structural term having no specific structural meaning) for performing the claimed function;
(B) the term “means” or “step” or the generic placeholder is modified by functional language, typically, but not always linked by the transition word “for” (e.g., “means for”) or another linking word or phrase, such as “configured to” or “so that”; and
(C) the term “means” or “step” or the generic placeholder is not modified by sufficient structure, material, or acts for performing the claimed function.
Use of the word “means” (or “step”) in a claim with functional language creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. The presumption that the claim limitation is interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is rebutted when the claim limitation recites sufficient structure, material, or acts to entirely perform the recited function.
Absence of the word “means” (or “step”) in a claim creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is not to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. The presumption that the claim limitation is not interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is rebutted when the claim limitation recites function without reciting sufficient structure, material or acts to entirely perform the recited function.
Claim limitations in this application that use the word “means” (or “step”) are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, except as otherwise indicated in an Office action. Conversely, claim limitations in this application that do not use the word “means” (or “step”) are not being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, except as otherwise indicated in an Office action.
This application includes one or more claim limitations that do not use the word “means,” but are nonetheless being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, because the claim limitation(s) uses a generic placeholder that is coupled with functional language without reciting sufficient structure to perform the recited function and the generic placeholder is not preceded by a structural modifier. Such claim limitation(s) is/are: "air transport mechanism… to allow airflow" in claim 1.
Because this/these claim limitation(s) is/are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, it/they is/are being interpreted to cover the corresponding structure described in the specification as performing the claimed function, and equivalents thereof.
If applicant does not intend to have this/these limitation(s) interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, applicant may: (1) amend the claim limitation(s) to avoid it/them being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph (e.g., by reciting sufficient structure to perform the claimed function); or (2) present a sufficient showing that the claim limitation(s) recite(s) sufficient structure to perform the claimed function so as to avoid it/them being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph.
The “air transport mechanism” is described in the original disclosure as a fan (see claim 16 and figs. 2-3).
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
The following is a quotation of the first paragraph of 35 U.S.C. 112(a):
(a) IN GENERAL.—The specification shall contain a written description of the invention, and of the manner and process of making and using it, in such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains, or with which it is most nearly connected, to make and use the same, and shall set forth the best mode contemplated by the inventor or joint inventor of carrying out the invention.
The following is a quotation of the first paragraph of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112:
The specification shall contain a written description of the invention, and of the manner and process of making and using it, in such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains, or with which it is most nearly connected, to make and use the same, and shall set forth the best mode contemplated by the inventor of carrying out his invention.
Claims 1 and 33 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(a) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), first paragraph, as failing to comply with the written description requirement. The claim(s) contains subject matter which was not described in the specification in such a way as to reasonably convey to one skilled in the relevant art that the inventor or a joint inventor, or for applications subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, the inventor(s), at the time the application was filed, had possession of the claimed invention. The limitation, "the controller stops the air… while operating the compressor after end of the first/secondary action" is not supported by applicant's original disclosure. The original disclosure does not contain a programmed step of the controller, where the controller operates the compressor after the end of first/secondary action, before the start of second/primary action or for a period, in which fan stops operating. On the other hand, the specification states (in paragraphs 101, 116) that “the compressor may stop operation during first, second, third and fourth stop control operations,” where the first and second stop control operations occur between the first/primary and second/secondary actions. 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.
Claim(s) 1, 5-9, 11-12, 14, 16, 19 and 33 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Ito (US 2016/0061475 A1) and in view of Eguchi (US 2015/0241076 A1) and further in view of Berner (JP 07275640 A) and Reuter (CA 2265067 A1).
In regards to claim 1, Ito teaches a humidity control unit (1, 100), comprising: an air passage (air passage B, 20, 21, see figs. 15, 1) through which a first space (indoor/outdoor space, see paragraphs 9, 115) which is a target space (air blown to indoor/outdoor space, see paragraph 115, and figs. 15, 1, which show clear/shaded arrows as airflow to the outdoor/indoor spaces through outlets 20a, 20b) and a second space (outdoor/indoor space through inlet/outlet 20a, 20b) communicate with each other (via passage B, 20, see figs. 15, 1);
a moisture absorber (7) arranged in the air passage (see figs. 15, 1) and configured to absorb moisture from air (see paragraph 44) and desorb the moisture to the air (see paragraph 41); a heat source (heat or moisture exchangers 4, 6, 7) arranged in the air passage (see figs. 15, 1) and configured to at least cool or heat the moisture absorber (by cooling or heating airflow passing through absorber 7, see paragraph 42); an air transport mechanism (fans 8a, 8b, fig. 15, reversable fan, paragraph 116) configured to allow the air in the air passage to flow in reverse directions (see forward and reverse direction airflow by a single fan, paragraph 116); and a controller (controller 60) configured to control the heat source (by compressor operation, see paragraph 37) and the air transport mechanism (by controlling fan 8, see paragraph 37), wherein
the controller performs a first action of allowing the heat source (heat exchangers 4, 6) to cool air from the second space (space outside opening 20a, 20b, see figs. 1, 15) taken into the air passage (air cooled by heat exchangers 4 or 6, see figs. 1, 15 and paragraphs 42, 118) and the moisture absorber (air cooled by heat exchangers 4 or 6 is passed through absorber 7, see figs. 1, 15 and paragraph 118) and allowing the air transport mechanism (fans 8, 8b) to transport the air in the air passage (enclosure B) from the second space to the first space (airflow shown by clear arrow, where air flows through inlet 20a and through absorber 7 to the space through outlet 20b, see fig. 1; and airflow shown by shaded arrow, where air flows through inlet 20b and through absorber 7 to the indoor space through outlet 20a, see fig. 15);
the controller alternately performs the first action, and a second action (single fan rotates in forward direction and reverse direction, see paragraph 116) of allowing the heat source to heat the moisture absorber (air heated by heat exchanger 4 passes through absorber 7, see fig. 15 and paragraph 118) and allowing the air transport mechanism (8, 8b) to transport the air in the first space to the second space (airflow shown by clear arrow, where air flows through inlet 20a and through absorber 7 to the indoor space through outlet 20b, see fig. 15),
the heat source has a refrigerant circuit (refrigerant flow path through heat exchangers 4, 6, expansion valve 5 and compressor 2, see fig. 1 and paragraph 28) including a compressor (compressor 2, see fig. 1), and the controller operates the compressor after the end of the first action and before the start of the second action (see figs. 1 and 15, where refrigerant flows through refrigerant circuit by operation of the compressor 2 in forward and reverse directions as shown by solid and dotted arrows and during the operation of the fans 8; Also see paragraphs 39, 42, 84, 28-29, for compressor operation during first mode, second and modified dehumidification modes).
However, Ito does not explicitly teach transporting regenerated/dehumidified air in air passage to the outdoor space.
Eguchi teaches a humidity control unit (10), comprising: an air passage (air passages through housing 11, see fig. 1) and a controller (controller 100) configured to perform a first action to control an air transport mechanism fan (fan 25) to transport air in the second outdoor space into first indoor space (air from outdoor via port 24 transported into the indoor space via port 22, see fig. 1); and a second action to control an air transport mechanism fan (fan 25) to transport air in the air passage (air within housing 11), which has regenerated the moisture absorber (heat exchanger 50), directly to the second outdoor space (air exhausted through exhaust port 21 by fan 25 from passage 11, fig. 1).
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have reprogrammed the controller of the humidity control unit of Ito by performing a first action of allowing the air from the second space taken into the air passage and the moisture absorber, and allowing the air transport mechanism to transport the air in the air passage from the second space to the first space and configured to perform a second action to control an air transport mechanism fan to transport air in the air passage, which has regenerated the moisture absorber, directly to the second outdoor space based on the teachings of Eguchi in order to extract air from the air passage to the outdoor space to prevent heated/cooled air from reentering the indoor space if heating or cooling respectively are not required by the indoor spaces.
Ito also does not explicitly teach that the air passage of the humidity control unit penetrates a wall such that the first space is indoor space and the second space is outdoor space.
However, Berner teaches a humidity control unit (10), comprising: an air passage (air passages 29 between inlet 14 and outlet of passage 29, see below annotated fig. 1) that penetrates a wall (wall 7) and comprises a first port (see first port in below annotated fig. 1) in a first space (24) which is a target space (dry air supplied to the enclosed space 24) and the first space being an indoor space (enclosed space 24) and a second port (14, 15) in a second space (19), wherein the second space being an outdoor space (outdoor space 19), the first port (see first port in below annotated fig. 1) and the second port (14) allowing the first space and the second space to communicate with each other (by air flowing from inlet 14 into the enclosed first indoor space 24 via passages 29, see fig. 1);
PNG
media_image1.png
616
542
media_image1.png
Greyscale
a moisture absorber (air dehumidifying matrix 3) arranged in the air passage (see figs. 1-2) and configured to absorb moisture from air (matrix 3 absorbs moisture from air, see page 4, paragraph 3) and desorb the moisture to the air (matrix 3 desorbs moisture to air, see page 4, paragraph 6); a heat source (air heating means 6) arranged in the air passage (see figs. 1-2) and configured to at least cool or heat the moisture absorber (by passing air heated by heater 6 over matrix 3, see figs. 1-2 and page 3, paragraph 6); an air transport mechanism (fan 4) configured to allow the air in the air passage to flow in reverse directions (see forward and reverse direction of airflow by fan 4, figs. 1-2); and a controller (controller 9) configured to control the heat source (by switching on and off air heating means 6, see claim 4) and the air transport mechanism (fan 4 controlled by control unit 9, see abstract; paragraph 1; page 3, paragraph 1 and page 4, paragraphs 9-12),
wherein the controller (control unit 9) performs a first action (see fig. 1) of allowing the air from the second space (outdoor space with outside air 19) taken into the air passage (outside air 19 supplied to the inside of the ducts A-D, see fig. 1) and the moisture absorber (dehumidifying matrix 3), and allowing the air transport mechanism (fan 4) to transport the air in the air passage from the second space (19) to the first space (to indoor space 24 via fresh air flap 16, see fig. 1 and paragraph 16), and in the first action (see fig. 1), the controller (control unit 9) controls the air transport mechanism (fan 4) to transport the air in the air passage (ducts A-D of dehumidifier 10), which is dehumidified by the moisture absorber (moisture absorbed by dehumidifying matrix 3), directly to the first space (via fresh air flap 16, see fig. 1 and paragraph 16).
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified the humidity control unit of Ito by positioning the humidity control unit on a wall separating indoor space from outdoor space such that the air passage penetrates the wall and first port of the unit is in the indoor space while the second port of the unit is in the outdoor space based on the teachings of Berner in order to allow smooth interaction between outdoor and indoor airflow to utilize the moisture content of the outdoor air for humidifying the indoor air and for drying indoor air by extracting moisture from indoor air by dry outdoor air. It would also have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have reprogrammed the controller of the humidity control unit of Ito as modified by performing a first action of allowing the air from the second space taken into the air passage and the moisture absorber, and allowing the air transport mechanism to transport the air in the air passage from the second space to the first space controlling the air transport mechanism to transport the air in the air passage, which is dehumidified by the moisture absorber to the first space based on the teachings of Berner in order to conserve energy by operating the air transport fan and dampers only when the humidity and temperature requirements of the indoor space necessitate.
Ito also does not explicitly teach a predetermined period between fan operations.
However, Reuter teaches a reversible fan (fan operated to supply air to the target space and operated in reverse to extract air from the target space, see page 12) and a programmable controller configured to stop the fan for a time delay (see 30 minutes delay, page 11) after the forward mode of supplying air to the target space and before the reverse operation of the fan (see forward and then reverse operation modes after time delay, pages 11-13).
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have reprogrammed the controller of Ito as modified to stop the air transport mechanism fan for a predetermined period while operating the compressor after the end of the first action and before the start of the second action based on the teachings of Reuter in order to prevent rapid fan on, off or reverse cycles (see page 11, Reuter) while having the refrigerant cycle ready for delivering moisture laden or dry air to the target space without creating large and sudden temperature and humidity swings within the target space.
In regards to claim 5, Ito as modified teaches the limitations of claim 3 except for a predetermined period between fan operations.
However, Reuter teaches a reversible fan (fan operated to supply air to the target space and operated in reverse to extract air from the target space, see page 12) and a programmable controller configured to stop the fan for a time delay (see 30 minutes delay, page 11) after the forward mode of supplying air to the target space and before the reverse operation of the fan (see forward and then reverse operation modes after time delay, pages 11-13) and a time delay (30 minutes, see page 14) after the fan reverse operation and before turning on the fan in forward mode to supply air to the target space (see time delay of 30 minutes after the reverse operation mode, page 14).
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have reprogrammed the controller of Ito as modified to stop the air transport mechanism fan for a predetermined period after the end of the second action and before the start of the first action based on the teachings of Reuter in order to prevent rapid fan on, off or reverse cycles (see pages 11 and 14, Reuter).
In regards to claim 6, Ito as modified further teaches that the controller performs a third action of allowing the heat source to heat the moisture absorber (moisture absorbing at absorber 7 increases the temperature, see process E to F, fig. 3 and paragraph 119; Also see heated air by heat exchanger 4 entering the absorber 7, fig. 1) and allowing the air transport mechanism (8, 8b) to transport the air in the second space to the first space (airflow through inlet 20b/20a and absorber 7 to the space through outlet 20a/20b, see paragraph 119, where the air is heated).
In regards to claim 7, Ito as modified further teaches that the controller alternately performs the third action, and a fourth action (see alternately repeating third and fourth operations, paragraph 120) of allowing the heat source to cool the moisture absorber (by switching four-way valve 3 to allow heat exchanger 4 to cool the absorber 7, see figs. 1-3 and paragraph 42) and allowing the air transport fan to transport air in the first space to the second space (airflow through inlet 20a and absorber 7 to the space through outlet 20b, see fig. 1; Also see airflow through inlet 20a passed to the outdoor space through outlet 20b, see fig. 15 and paragraphs 119, 41).
In regards to claim 8, Ito as modified teaches the limitations of claim 7 except for a predetermined period between fan operations.
However, Reuter teaches a reversible fan (fan operated to supply air to the target space and operated in reverse to extract air from the target space, see page 12) and a programmable controller configured to stop the fan for a time delay (see 30 minutes delay, page 11) after the forward mode of supplying air to the target space and before the reverse operation of the fan (see forward and then reverse operation modes after time delay, pages 11-13).
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have reprogrammed the controller of Ito as modified to stop the air transport mechanism fan for a predetermined period after the end of the first action and before the start of the second action based on the teachings of Reuter in order to prevent rapid fan on, off or reverse cycles (see page 11, Reuter).
In regards to claim 9, Ito as modified teaches the limitations of claim 7 except for a predetermined period between fan operations.
However, Reuter teaches a reversible fan (fan operated to supply air to the target space and operated in reverse to extract air from the target space, see page 12) and a programmable controller configured to stop the fan for a time delay (see 30 minutes delay, page 11) after the forward mode of supplying air to the target space and before the reverse operation of the fan (see forward and then reverse operation modes after time delay, pages 11-13) and a time delay (30 minutes, see page 14) after the fan reverse operation and before turning on the fan in forward mode to supply air to the target space (see time delay of 30 minutes after the reverse operation mode, page 14).
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have reprogrammed the controller of Ito as modified to stop the air transport mechanism fan for a predetermined period after the end of the second action and before the start of the first action based on the teachings of Reuter in order to prevent rapid fan on, off or reverse cycles (see pages 11 and 14, Reuter).
In regards to claim 11, Ito as modified teaches the limitations of claim 1 and further teaches that the heat source includes a heat exchange unit (at least heat and/ mass exchangers 4, 6, 7, see figs. 1 and 15) in which a heating medium flows (refrigerant through circuit A, see figs. 1, 15 and paragraphs 39-41).
In regards to claim 12, Ito as modified teaches the limitations of claim 11 and further teaches that the heat exchange unit includes: a first heat exchanger (heat exchanger 4) arranged closer to the first space than the moisture absorber (see HX 4 closer to inlet/outlet 20a than absorber 7, figs. 1 and 15) and configured to cool and heat the air (by switching of valve 3); and a second heat exchanger (heat exchanger 6) arranged closer to the second space [[(S2)]] than the moisture absorber (see HX 6 closer to inlet/outlet 20b than absorber 7, figs. 1 and 15) and configured to cool and heat the air (by switching of valve 3).
In regards to claim 14, Ito as modified teaches the limitations of claim 11 and further teaches a refrigerant circuit (circuit A) for circulating a refrigerant as the heating medium to perform a refrigeration cycle (see paragraphs 27, 9-10).
In regards to claim 16, Ito as modified teaches the limitations of claim 1 and further teaches that the air transport mechanism is a fan capable of rotating in a forward direction and a reverse direction (single fan rotatable in forward and reverse directions, see paragraph 116).
In regards to claim 19, Ito as modified teaches the limitations of claim 1 and further teaches a center of an opening (inlet/outlet 20a) to the first space in the air passage (see figs. 1 and 15) and a center of an opening (inlet/outlet 20b) to the second space in the air passage (see figs. 1 and 15) substantially coincide with each other in a direction of the air flowing in the air passage (both inlet/outlet 20a, 20b on the same side of the humidity control unit 100 and/or along the same flow path as air flowing through the passage, see figs. 15 and 1).
In regards to claim 33, Ito teaches a humidity control unit (1, 100), comprising: an air passage (air passage B, 20, 21, see figs. 15, 1) and comprises a first port (one of ports 20a or 20b) in a first space (indoor/outdoor space, see paragraphs 9, 115) which is a target space (air blown to indoor/outdoor space, see paragraph 115, and figs. 15, 1, which show clear/shaded arrows as airflow to the outdoor/indoor spaces through outlets 20a, 20b) and a second port (other one of ports 20a or 20b) in a second space (outdoor/indoor space through inlet/outlet 20a, 20b), the first port and the second port allowing the first and spaces to communicate with each other (via passage B, 20, see figs. 15, 1);
a moisture absorber (7) arranged in the air passage (see figs. 15, 1) and configured to absorb moisture from air (see paragraph 44) and desorb the moisture to the air (see paragraph 41); a heat source (heat or moisture exchangers 4, 6, 7) arranged in the air passage (see figs. 15, 1) and configured to at least cool or heat the moisture absorber (by cooling or heating airflow passing through absorber 7, see paragraph 42); an air transport mechanism (fans 8a, 8b, fig. 15, reversable fan, paragraph 116) configured to allow the air in the air passage to flow in reverse directions (see forward and reverse direction airflow by a single fan, paragraph 116); and a controller (controller 60) configured to control the heat source (by compressor operation, see paragraph 37) and the air transport mechanism (by controlling fan 8, see paragraph 37), wherein
the controller performs a primary and a secondary action (heat exchanger 4 or 6 functioning as a condenser or an evaporator, see figs. 1, 15; by passing air heated/cooled by heat exchangers 4 or 6 over moisture absorber desiccant block 7, see figs. 1, 15 and paragraphs 39-44);
the controller performs a primary action of allowing the heat source to heat (heat exchanger 4 or 6 functioning as a condenser, see figs. 1, 15) the moisture absorber (by passing air heated by heat exchangers 4 or 6 over moisture absorber desiccant block 7, see figs. 1, 15 and paragraphs 39-44) and allowing the air transport mechanism (fans 8) to transport the air in the second space to the first space (fans 8 transporting air from outside opening 20a or 20b to outside opening 20b or 20a, see figs. 1 and 15), and a secondary action of allowing the heat source to cool (heat exchanger 4 or 6 functioning as a evaporator, see figs. 1, 15) the moisture absorber (by passing air cooled by heat exchangers 4 or 6 over moisture absorber desiccant block 7, see figs. 1, 15 and paragraphs 39-44) and allowing the air transport mechanism (fans 8) to transport the air in the first space to the second space (fans 8 transporting air from outside opening 20a or 20b to outside opening 20b or 20a, see figs. 1 and 15), and in the secondary action (fourth operation, see paragraph 119 and fig. 15), the controller controls the air transport mechanism (fans 8) to transport the air in the air passage (enclosure B), which is dehumidified by the moisture absorber (desiccant block 7 see paragraphs 119, 43-45; and figs. 2-3, 15), directly to the second space (airflow shown by shaded arrow, where air flows through inlet 20b, and dehumidified by passing through absorber 7 to the indoor space through outlet 20a, see fig. 15),
the heat source has a refrigerant circuit (refrigerant flow path through heat exchangers 4, 6, expansion valve 5 and compressor 2, see fig. 1 and paragraph 28) including a compressor (compressor 2, see fig. 1), and the controller operates the compressor after the end of the secondary action and before the start of the primary action (see figs. 1 and 15, where refrigerant flows through refrigerant circuit by operation of the compressor 2 in forward and reverse directions as shown by solid and dotted arrows and during the operation of the fans 8; Also see paragraphs 39, 42, 84, 28-29, for compressor operation during first mode, second and modified dehumidification modes).
However, Ito does not explicitly teach transporting regenerated/dehumidified air in air passage to the outdoor space.
Eguchi teaches a humidity control unit (10), comprising: an air passage (air passages through housing 11, see fig. 1) and a controller (controller 100) configured to perform a first action to control an air transport mechanism fan (fan 25) to transport air in the second outdoor space into first indoor space (air from outdoor via port 24 transported into the indoor space via port 22, see fig. 1); and a second action to control an air transport mechanism fan (fan 25) to transport air in the air passage (air within housing 11), which has regenerated the moisture absorber (heat exchanger 50), directly to the second outdoor space (air exhausted through exhaust port 21 by fan 25 from passage 11, fig. 1).
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have reprogrammed the controller of the humidity control unit of Ito by performing a first action of allowing the air from the second space taken into the air passage and the moisture absorber, and allowing the air transport mechanism to transport the air in the air passage from the second space to the first space and configured to perform a second action to control an air transport mechanism fan to transport air in the air passage, which has regenerated the moisture absorber, directly to the second outdoor space based on the teachings of Eguchi in order to extract air from the air passage to the outdoor space to prevent heated/cooled air from reentering the indoor space if heating or cooling respectively are not required by the indoor spaces.
Ito also does not explicitly teach that the air passage of the humidity control unit penetrates a wall such that the first space is indoor space and the second space is outdoor space.
However, Berner teaches a humidity control unit (10), comprising: an air passage (air passages 29 between inlet 14 and outlet of passage 29, see below annotated fig. 1) that penetrates a wall (wall 7) and comprises a first port (see first port in below annotated fig. 1) in a first space (24) which is a target space (dry air supplied to the enclosed space 24) and the first space being an indoor space (enclosed space 24) and a second port (14, 15) in a second space (19), wherein the second space being an outdoor space (outdoor space 19), the first port (see first port in below annotated fig. 1) and the second port (14) allowing the first space and the second space to communicate with each other (by air flowing from inlet 14 into the enclosed first indoor space 24 via passages 29, see fig. 1);
PNG
media_image1.png
616
542
media_image1.png
Greyscale
a moisture absorber (air dehumidifying matrix 3) arranged in the air passage (see figs. 1-2) and configured to absorb moisture from air (matrix 3 absorbs moisture from air, see page 4, paragraph 3) and desorb the moisture to the air (matrix 3 desorbs moisture to air, see page 4, paragraph 6); a heat source (air heating means 6) arranged in the air passage (see figs. 1-2) and configured to at least cool or heat the moisture absorber (by passing air heated by heater 6 over matrix 3, see figs. 1-2 and page 3, paragraph 6); an air transport mechanism (fan 4) configured to allow the air in the air passage to flow in reverse directions (see forward and reverse direction of airflow by fan 4, figs. 1-2); and a controller (controller 9) configured to control the heat source (by switching on and off air heating means 6, see claim 4) and the air transport mechanism (fan 4 controlled by control unit 9, see abstract; paragraph 1; page 3, paragraph 1 and page 4, paragraphs 9-12), wherein the controller (control unit 9) performs a first action (see fig. 1) of allowing the air from the second space (outdoor space with outside air 19) taken into the air passage (outside air 19 supplied to the inside of the ducts A-D, see fig. 1) and the moisture absorber (dehumidifying matrix 3), and allowing the air transport mechanism (fan 4) to transport the air in the air passage from the second space (19) to the first space (to indoor space 24 via fresh air flap 16, see fig. 1 and paragraph 16), and in the first action (see fig. 1), the controller (control unit 9) controls the air transport mechanism (fan 4) to transport the air in the air passage (ducts A-D of dehumidifier 10), which is dehumidified by the moisture absorber (moisture absorbed by dehumidifying matrix 3), directly to the first space (via fresh air flap 16, see fig. 1 and paragraph 16).
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified the humidity control unit of Ito by positioning the humidity control unit on a wall separating indoor space from outdoor space such that the air passage penetrates the wall and first port of the unit is in the indoor space while the second port of the unit is in the outdoor space based on the teachings of Berner in order to allow smooth interaction between outdoor and indoor airflow to utilize the moisture content of the outdoor air for humidifying the indoor air and for drying indoor air by extracting moisture from indoor air by dry outdoor air. It would also have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have reprogrammed the controller of the humidity control unit of Ito as modified by performing first, second, third and/or fourth actions of allowing the air from the second space taken into the air passage and the moisture absorber, and allowing the air transport mechanism to transport the air in the air passage from the second space to the first space controlling the air transport mechanism to transport the air in the air passage, which is dehumidified by the moisture absorber to the first space based on the teachings of Berner in order to conserve energy by operating the air transport fan and dampers only when the humidity and temperature requirements of the indoor space necessitate.
Ito also does not explicitly teach a predetermined period between fan operations.
However, Reuter teaches a reversible fan (fan operated to supply air to the target space and operated in reverse to extract air from the target space, see page 12) and a programmable controller configured to stop the fan for a time delay (see 30 minutes delay, page 11) after the forward mode of supplying air to the target space and before the reverse operation of the fan (see forward and then reverse operation modes after time delay, pages 11-13).
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have reprogrammed the controller of Ito as modified to stop the air transport mechanism fan for a predetermined period while operating the compressor after the end of the secondary action and before the start of the primary action based on the teachings of Reuter in order to prevent rapid fan on, off or reverse cycles (see page 11, Reuter) while having the refrigerant cycle ready for delivering moisture laden or dry air to the target space without creating large and sudden temperature and humidity swings within the target space.
Claim(s) 15 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Ito in view of Eguchi and Berner and Reuter as applied to claims 14 above and further in view of Arai (JP 2010249485 A).
In regards to claim 15, Ito as modified teaches the limitations of claim 14 and further discloses an outdoor unit (outdoor chamber 30) having a compressor (compressor 2) connected to the refrigerant circuit (see figs. 1 and 15); however, does not explicitly teach an outdoor heat exchanger connected to the refrigerant circuit.
Arai teaches an outdoor unit (outdoor unit 300) having a compressor (compressor 1) connected to the refrigerant circuit (see figs. 11-13) and an outdoor heat exchanger (5c) connected to the refrigerant circuit (see figs. 11-13).
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have provided an outdoor unit with a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger as taught by Arai to the refrigerant circuit of the humidity control unit of Ito as modified in order to group the heat generating machines and heat exchangers within one housing and distance the heat generating machines from the indoor spaces.
Claim(s) 23 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Ito in view of Eguchi and Berner and Reuter as applied to claims 1 above and further in view of Ito (US 2013/0213079 A1) hereinafter referred as Ito079'.
In regards to claim 15, Ito as modified teaches the limitations of claim 1 except a plurality of humidity control units to control humidity of a space.
However, Ito079’ teaches a plurality of humidity control devices (plurality of humidity control devices 30, see paragraph 24) to control humidity of air in a room (see paragraph 27).
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have provided multiple humidity control units to control humidity of a space as taught by Ito079’ to the humidity control system of Ito as modified in order to assist one humidity control unit with another humidity control unit in achieving comfortable indoor space condition and to also utilize secondary or tertiary humidity control units in case of maintenance being performed on the primary humidity control unit.
Response to Arguments
Applicant's arguments filed 04/15/2026 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive. In response to applicant's argument, "none of the cited references teach that the compressor is operated while the fan is stopped (page 4 of Remarks)," examiner maintains the rejection of claims 1 and 33 while addressing the newly added limitations and points out that the above limitation is a new matter, which is not supported by applicant’s original disclosure. The referenced paragraphs of the specification (81, 92-116, specification), in the remarks (page 3), do not contain the above-mentioned limitation that compressor is operated while the fan is stopped between first/primary and second/secondary actions. In addition, Ito teaches circulation of refrigerant by operation of compressor (2) during forward and reverse operations of the fan (see figs. 1 and 15) and during plurality of modes, including first, second and dehumidification modes (see paragraphs 39, 42 and 84). Also see the above written description rejection of the new matter introduced via forementioned claimed limitations under 35 USC 112(a).
In response to applicant's arguments against the references individually, one cannot show nonobviousness by attacking references individually where the rejections are based on combinations of references. See In re Keller, 642 F.2d 413, 208 USPQ 871 (CCPA 1981); In re Merck & Co., 800 F.2d 1091, 231 USPQ 375 (Fed. Cir. 1986).
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to MERAJ A SHAIKH whose telephone number is (571)272-3027. The examiner can normally be reached on M-R 9:00-1:00 pm.
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, Jianying Atkisson can be reached on 571-270-7740. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
Information regarding the status of an application may be obtained from the Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR) system. Status information for published applications may be obtained from either Private PAIR or Public PAIR. Status information for unpublished applications is available through Private PAIR only. For more information about the PAIR system, see http://pair-direct.uspto.gov. Should you have questions on access to the Private PAIR system, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative or access to the automated information system, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000.
/MERAJ A SHAIKH/Examiner, Art Unit 3763
/JIANYING C ATKISSON/ Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 3763
Prosecution Insights