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 Status
Claims 1, 4-13, and 16-19 are under examination.
Claims 2-3, and 14-15 are canceled.
The text of those sections of Title 35, U.S. Code not included in this action can be found in a prior Office action.
Withdrawn Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
The amendment(s) to the claim(s) filed March 18th, 2026 is acknowledged and the previous rejection(s) are withdrawn.
New Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(d):
(d) REFERENCE IN DEPENDENT FORMS.—Subject to subsection (e), a claim in dependent form shall contain a reference to a claim previously set forth and then specify a further limitation of the subject matter claimed. A claim in dependent form shall be construed to incorporate by reference all the limitations of the claim to which it refers.
The following is a quotation of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, fourth paragraph:
Subject to the following paragraph [i.e., the fifth paragraph of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112], a claim in dependent form shall contain a reference to a claim previously set forth and then specify a further limitation of the subject matter claimed. A claim in dependent form shall be construed to incorporate by reference all the limitations of the claim to which it refers.
Claims 18-19 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(d) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, 4th paragraph, as being of improper dependent form for failing to further limit the subject matter of the claim upon which it depends, or for failing to include all the limitations of the claim upon which it depends.
Claims 18-19 that depend from claims 1 and 17 do not further limit the subject matter of the claim upon which it depends.
Applicant may cancel the claim(s), amend the claim(s) to place the claim(s) in proper dependent form, rewrite the claim(s) in independent form, or present a sufficient showing that the dependent claim(s) complies with the statutory requirements.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
Claims 1, 4-12, and 16-19 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Cheng et al. (CN111916814A as cited in IDS and using Machine Translation as English version), hereinafter Cheng, in view of Rathmann et al. (U.S. PGPub US 2020/0122301 A1), hereinafter Rathmann, in view of Li et al. (CN111933990 (A) and using machine translation as English version), hereinafter Li, in view of Tan et al. (CN102376982(B) using Machine Translation as English version), hereinafter Tan.
Regarding claims 1 and 4-7, Cheng discloses an apparatus for manufacturing a battery cell, the apparatus comprising: a carrier (i.e., conveying device, Fig. 1, ref. 200, [0017]) transporting a battery cell to a worktable (e.g., conveying to the trimming, double folding equipment, etc., Fig. 1, [0017]),
wherein the carrier (i.e., conveying device) includes: a first plate (i.e., first clamping plate, Fig. 4, ref. 2978) and a second plate (i.e., second clamping plate, Fig. 4, ref. 2979, [0033]). Cheng further discloses the power output direction of the second driving source (i.e., clamping member, Fig. 4, ref. 2977) is opposite to the power output direction of the first driving source (i.e., clamping member, Fig. 4, ref. 2976), so that the first clamping plate (Fig. 4, ref. 2978) and the second clamping plate (Fig. 4, ref. 2979) approach or move away from each other to loosen or clamp the battery cell ([0033], [0035]), thus reading on “pressing one surface of the battery cell” and further reading on “pressing the other surface of the battery cell opposite to the one surface” so as to clamp the battery cell. Moreover, since Cheng discloses clamping member(s) (Fig. 4, refs. 2976 and 2977, [0035]) that drive the first and second clamping plates to approach or move away from each other to loosen or clamp the battery cell ([0033], [0035]) this at least provides pressing the first plate and the second plate in a direction in which the first plate and the second plate face each other so as to clamp the battery cell.
Cheng further discloses a position alignment part (i.e., calibration assembly with scale and alignment bar, [0042]), whereby the scale is connected to the first clamping block (i.e., at least first plate) and the alignment bar is connected to the second clamping block (i.e., at least second plate) ([0041]-[0042]), which at least reads on “formed in at least one of the first plate and the second plate” such that the position alignment part is at least formed in at least one of the first clamping block (i.e., at least first plate) and/or second clamping block (i.e., second plate) so as to be connected. Cheng further discloses when the first clamping block abuts against a second clamping block, the alignment bar corresponds to the 0 scale line on the scale ([0042]), which at least reads on “aligning a position of at least one of the first plate and the second plate with respect to the worktable” such that the clamping adjust mechanism (ref. 297), the trimming device (ref. 800), the double folding device (ref. 900) and the heat sealing mechanism (ref. 110) are sequentially arranged along the extending direction of the connecting guide rail (ref. 201a), so that the battery cells can be sequentially transported to the trimming device (ref. 800), the double folding device (ref. 900) (i.e., worktable), etc., ([0044]).
Since Cheng discloses the first plate and the second plate face each other as discussed above, this at least provides the first plate and the second plate face each other in a first direction (i.e., first direction is at least clamping direction such as X-direction as discussed in [0036]-[0037], See Annotated Fig. 3).
Cheng further discloses the direction in which the clamping adjustment mechanism (Fig. 4, ref. 297) clamps the cell is the first direction, the direction in which the clamping and positioning mechanism (ref. 204) clamps the cell is the second direction, the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, and the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to the extension direction of the connecting guiding rail (Fig. 4, ref. 201a), etc. ([0033]). Cheng further discloses the direction in which the clamping adjustment mechanism (Fig. 3, ref. 297) clamps the battery cell is the X-axis direction, and the direction in which the clamping and positioning mechanism (Fig. 3, ref. 204) clamps the battery cell is the Y-axis direction ([0036]-[0037]), which at least provides that the Y-axis is at least a second direction (See Annotated Fig. 3).
Cheng further discloses in [0071] the electric core is vacuum-packaged by the vacuum packaging equipment ref. 300; and then the vacuum-encapsulated electric core is transported to the cutting mechanism ref. 400 by the conveying device ref. 20; and then, the burrs of the vacuum-encapsulated electric core are cut off by the cutting mechanism ref. 400, etc., and then the battery cell after removing the burrs is transported to the fine sealing mechanism ref. 500, etc., (also see [0007], [0020], [0033], [0044], [0061]), such that the skilled artisan would appreciate that this at least provides said battery cell includes a casing having a body portion accommodating an electrode assembly therein (i.e., at least electric core), so as to be vacuum packaged, etc., and lacking any further distinction thereof.
Cheng further discloses when the cell slides with the clamping positioning mechanism relative to the connecting guide rail to the position corresponding to the trimming equipment, the first hemming mechanism and the second hemming mechanism can perform hemming operations on both sides of the battery cell at the same time, which improves the efficiency of the hemming processing of the battery core, and at the same time ensures accuracy of the two sides of the battery cell ([0010]), which at least provides a portion of the casing of the battery cell protrudes in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction outward of the first plate and the second plate (i.e., at least perpendicular to said first direction of clamping) so as to be able to perform a first and second hemming operation, etc., on both sides of the battery at the same time.
Cheng further discloses in [0044] the heat-sealing mechanism ref. 1100 is used for sealing and ironing the corners of the double-folded battery cells, etc., which at least provides a sealing portion extending from the body portion (i.e., at least sealed corners of said electric core, etc., as disclosed in [0071], also see [0004], [0046], [0049]), such that said sealing portion at least extend from the said body portion (i.e., at least battery core is at least a body portion, [0010], [0052], [0061]) and sealing part (i.e., at least heat sealing component, Figs. 13-15, ref. 330, [0057]), such that body and/or sealing portion(s) are broad in scope, and lacking any further distinction thereof.
Cheng further discloses the first hemming mechanism (Figs. 3 and 5, ref. 950) includes a first bending assembly (Fig. 5, ref. 952) and a second bending assembly (Fig. 5, ref. 954), the first bending assembly (Fig. 5, ref. 952) and the second bending assembly (Fig. 5, ref. 954) are arranged side by side a folding device (i.e., at least bending device, refs. 952 and 954, [0022], See Annotated Fig. 5), which at least provides a folding device configured to bend the at least portion of a sealing portion of the battery cell (i.e., at least bending device(s)) is disposed side by side with the carrier (i.e., at least conveying device, ref. 200 as discussed above in claim 1) in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, such that the component (ref. 952) is used to bend the first side of the cell to 90°, and the second bending component (ref. 954) is used to bend the first side of the cell to 180° to fold the first of the cell twice edge processing, etc. ([0022]), thereby providing that said folding device (i.e., at least bending device(s)) is for bending the at least portion of the casing of the battery cell (e.g., at least first side of cell) which protrudes in the second direction (i.e., at least Y-direction), such that the portion of the casing (i.e., at least first side of cell) at least extends outward of the first and the second plates so as to bend the first side of the cell, for example.
Since Cheng discloses that said folding device (i.e., at least bending device(s)) is for bending the at least portion of the casing of the battery cell (e.g., at least first side of cell) which protrudes in the second direction (i.e., at least Y-direction), such that the portion of the casing (i.e., at least first side of cell) at least extends outward of the first and the second plates so as to bend the first side of the cell, for example, as discussed above, and Cheng further discloses in [0044] the fine sealing mechanism ref. 500 is used to perform fine sealing on the battery cells with cut off burrs, etc., the skilled artisan would appreciate that this at least provides the portion of the sealing portion protrudes in a second direction perpendicular direction, beyond edges of the first plate and the second plate (i.e., at least first side of cell), such that said portion(s)at least extends outward of the first and the second plates so as to bend the first side of the cell, cut, seal, etc., for example.
Cheng further discloses in [0053] the pressing plate (ref. 3285) includes a pressing plate body (ref. 328d) and an elastic pad (ref. 328e), the pressing plate body (ref. 328d) is connected to the first guide post (ref. 3283), and the elastic pad (ref. 328e) is arranged on the side of the pressing plate body (ref. 328d) away from the first guiding post (ref. 3283), so that the portion where the pressing plate (ref. 3285) abuts on the battery cell has better elasticity and cushioning, which reduces the probability of the pressing plate (ref. 3285) crushing the battery cell, whereby the elastic cushion layer 328e is an elastic adhesive layer ([0053]), thus reading on “at least one buffer pad being direct contact with the battery cell” such that an elastic cushion layer is at least a buffer pad.
Furthermore, since Cheng discloses the folding device, which is identical and/or substantially identical to that claimed, properties and/or functions such as configured to bend the at least portion of the sealing portion of the battery cell are presumed inherent (MPEP 2112.01, I.), lacking any further structural distinction thereof.
However, with regards to claim 1, Cheng is silent as to the position alignment part includes: a first alignment recess formed in one side surface of the first plate, and a second alignment recess formed in another side surface of the first plate that is opposite to the one surface of the first plate. Furthermore, with regards to claim 1, Cheng is silent as to a first alignment member having an end portion inserted into the first alignment recess; a second alignment member having an end portion inserted into the second alignment recess. Furthermore, with regards to claim 1, Cheng appears silent as to the carrier is adjusted with the first alignment member. Furthermore, Cheng is silent as to a buffer pad disposed on a top surface of the first plate facing the battery cell or a bottom surface of the second plate. Furthermore, with regards to claim 1, Cheng is silent as to the carrier further includes a protection member disposed between the first plate and the second plate. Furthermore, with regards to claim 1, Cheng is silent as to the protection member has a length in the second direction greater than a length of the first plate and the second plate in the second direction, is configured to collide with the folding device to prevent the folding device from colliding with the battery cell, and is disposed outward of the buffer pad. Furthermore, with regards to claim 4, Cheng is silent as to the first alignment recess and the second alignment recess are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first plate and the second plate face each other. Furthermore, with regards to claim 5, Cheng is silent as to the end portion of the first alignment member and the end portion of the second alignment member have different shapes. Furthermore, with regards to claim 6, Cheng is silent as to the end portion of the first alignment member includes two first inclined surfaces in contact with each other to form a first angle, the first alignment recess includes two second inclined surfaces in contact with each other to form the first angle, and the two first inclined surfaces are in contact with the two second inclined surfaces, respectively. Furthermore, with regards to claim 7, Cheng is silent as to the end portion of the second alignment member includes a curved surface.
Rathmann teaches a clamping system for the flexible production of lithium-ion batteries (Title), whereby the clamping system includes a base plate, a pressure plate, at least two clamping elements and a receiving region for receiving the stack between the base plate and the pressure plate (Abstract, [0009]). With regards to claim 1, Rathmann further teaches a first alignment recess (Figs. 1-2, ref. 9) formed in one side surface of the first plate (e.g., Fig. 2, ref. 3); and a second alignment recess (Figs. 1-2, ref. 9) formed in another side surface of the first plate (e.g., Fig. 2, ref. 3) that is opposite to the one surface of the first plate (See Annotated Fig. 1, [0036]). With regards to claim 1, Rathmann further teaches in correspondence with those of the base plate, recess (Figs. 1-2, ref. 9) are formed as U-shaped sections, whereby recesses (Figs. 1-2, ref. 9) are used for affixing stack fasteners, for example, tapes ([0037], also see [0025], ), which at least provides a first alignment member having an end portion inserted into the first alignment recess; and a second alignment member having an end portion inserted into the second alignment recess, such that the skilled artisan would appreciate that stack fasteners (e.g., tapes) provided in recesses (i.e., at least provided in first and/or second alignment recesses) as discussed above are at least first and second alignment member(s) having end portion(s) so as to fix said stack, lacking any further structural distinction thereof as to said alignment member(s) and/or end portion(s) as claimed.
With regards to claim 4, Rathmann further teaches the first alignment recess (Figs. 1-2, ref. 9) and the second alignment recess (Figs. 1-2, ref. 9) are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the direction (See Annotated Fig. 1) in which the first plate (e.g., Fig. 2, ref. 3) and the second plate (e.g., Fig. 2, ref. 4, [0035]) face each other (i.e., face each other in clamping vertical direction). Rathmann further teaches recesses (Figs. 1-2, ref. 9) in edge regions of the short sides may be used as a reference and as points of application for positioning the clamping system in the manufacturing apparatuses ([0035]).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to have modified Cheng with the teachings of Rathmann, whereby the position alignment part and first and second plates as disclosed by Cheng further include the first and second alignment recesses and first and second alignment members as taught by Rathmann so as to be used as a reference and as points of application for positioning the clamping system in the manufacturing apparatuses.
With regards to claim 1, Cheng appears silent as to the carrier is adjusted with the first alignment member. Furthermore, Cheng is silent as to a buffer pad disposed on a top surface of the first plate facing the battery cell or a bottom surface of the second plate. Furthermore, with regards to claim 1, Cheng is silent as to the carrier further includes a protection member disposed between the first plate and the second plate. Furthermore, with regards to claim 1, Cheng is silent as to the protection member has a length in the second direction greater than a length of the first plate and the second plate in the second direction, is configured to collide with the folding device to prevent the folding device from colliding with the battery cell, and is disposed outward of the buffer pad. Furthermore, with regards to claim 5, Cheng is silent as to the end portion of the first alignment member and the end portion of the second alignment member have different shapes. Furthermore, with regards to claim 6, Cheng is silent as to the end portion of the first alignment member includes two first inclined surfaces in contact with each other to form a first angle, the first alignment recess includes two second inclined surfaces in contact with each other to form the first angle, and the two first inclined surfaces are in contact with the two second inclined surfaces, respectively. Furthermore, with regards to claim 7, Cheng is silent as to the end portion of the second alignment member includes a curved surface.
Rathmann further teaches in [0035] recesses ref. 9 are formed as U-shaped sections, whereby alternatively, the recesses may also have a different shape, such as polygonal, rectangular, etc., which at least provides said recesses include, for example, V-shaped (i.e., at least polygonal) recesses, such that the skilled artisan would appreciate that said V-shaped (i.e., at least polygonal) recesses provide the first alignment recess includes two second inclined surfaces in contact with each other to form the first angle so as to be V-shaped.
Li teaches a square aluminum shell battery notching, covering and edge folding mechanism (Title). Li further teaches, with regards to claim 6, the end portion of the first alignment member includes two first inclined surfaces in contact with each other to form a first angle (i.e., positioning member ref. 132a at least has two first inclined surface in contact with each other to form a first angle so as to be V-shaped, as denoted in Annotated Fig. 5 and discussed in [0039], [0059]), the first alignment recess includes two second inclined surfaces in contact with each other to form the first angle (i.e., at least slide seat ref. 1314 is a first alignment recess that includes two second inclined surface in contact with each other to form the first angle so to be a V-shaped groove as denoted in Annotated Fig. 5 and discussed in [0039], [0059]). Li further teaches in [0059] the positioning member ref. 132a and the slide seat ref. 1314 are engaged with each other in a V-shaped groove, etc., which at least provides the two first inclined surfaces are in contact with the two second inclined surfaces, respectively. Li further teaches in [0059] the end of the positioning member ref. 132a is a V-shaped block, that is, inclined surface are formed on both sides thereof, and the edges where the two inclined surface intersect are used for centering to achieve a positioning effect, which at least provides the carrier is adjusted with the first alignment member, lacking any further distinction thereof as to said first alignment member and/or carrier.
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to have modified the combined teachings of Cheng and Rathmann with the teachings of Li, whereby the apparatus including the first and second alignment member(s) and first and second alignment recesses as taught by the combined teachings of Cheng and Rathmann further includes the end portion of the first alignment member includes two first inclined surfaces in contact with each other to form a first angle, the first alignment recess includes two second inclined surfaces in contact with each other to form the first angle, and the two first inclined surfaces are in contact with the two second inclined surfaces as taught by Li so that where the two inclined surface intersect are used for centering to achieve a positioning effect.
With regards to claim 5, although the combined teachings of Cheng and Rathmann and Li are silent as to the end portion of the first alignment member and the end portion of the second alignment member have different shapes, and with regards to claim 7, although the combined teachings of Cheng and Rathmann and Li are silent as to the end portion of the second alignment member includes a curved surface, since Rathmann further teaches the recesses may also have a different shape, such as polygonal, rectangular, etc., and Li teaches alignment member(s) that contact said recess(s), the skilled artisan would appreciate that changes in shape are matter of obvious engineering choice, absent persuasive evidence that the particular configuration of said claimed shapes is critical and/or provides unexpected results (MPEP 2144.04, IV., B.) so as to center, thereby achieving a positioning effect.
Furthermore, Cheng is silent as to a buffer pad disposed on a top surface of the first plate facing the battery cell or a bottom surface of the second plate. Furthermore, with regards to claim 1, Cheng is silent as to the carrier further includes a protection member disposed between the first plate and the second plate. Furthermore, with regards to claim 1, Cheng is silent as to the protection member has a length in the second direction greater than a length of the first plate and the second plate in the second direction, is configured to collide with the folding device to prevent the folding device from colliding with the battery cell, and is disposed outward of the buffer pad.
Tan teaches a turnover fixture, power battery assembling method and equipment (Title). Tan further teaches in [0046] referring to Figs. 1-5, a turnover fixture works with a battery cell ref. 2 includes a fixture base plate ref. 1 and an upper cover 7 connected by a connecting mechanism, whereby a buffer mechanism for positioning and protecting the battery cell ref. 2 is also provided between the fixture base plate ref. 1 and the upper cover ref. 7, whereby the buffer mechanism has telescopic properties, which can prevent the battery cell ref. 2 from being pinched by the rigid connection of the turnover jig, and at the same time, the elastic force generated when its telescopics can press and position the battery cell ref. 2, such that the buffer mechanism can be a flexible material pad, etc., and for example, as disclosed in [0047] the buffer mechanism is an elastic soft pad ref. 12 disposed on the side of the upper cover ref. 7 facing the clamp base plate ref. 1, that is the soft pad ref. 12 is made of a material that is prone to compression deformation, etc., (also see [0009], [0025], [0031], [0046], [0053], Figs. 1-5), which at least provides a buffer pad disposed on a top surface of the first plate facing the battery cell or a bottom surface of the second plate.
Tan further teaches in a protection member disposed between the first plate and the second plate (i.e., at least as shown in Annotated Fig. 1, also see Fig. 3), and lacking any further structural distinction thereof.
Tan further teaches in [0008] of course, to make the horizontal limit of the battery cell more stable, the buffer mechanism can be set in a groove that matches the cross-section of the battery cell, or a groove that matches the cross-section of the battery cell can be set on the buffer mechanism, or a horizontal limit mechanism for the battery cell can be added to the base plate or top cover of the fixture, etc., which at least provides the protection member has a length in the second direction greater than a length of the first plate and the second plate in the second direction, and is disposed outward of the buffer pad so that the buffer mechanism (i.e., at least buffer pad as discussed above) can be set in a groove that matches the cross-section of the battery cell, etc., and so as to provide a horizontal limit mechanism for the battery cell can be added to the base plate or top cover of the fixture, etc., and lacking any further distinction thereof (also see Annotated Fig. 1, also see Fig. 3).
Tan further teaches in [0007] a buffer mechanism for positioning and protecting the battery cell is also provided between the base plate and the top cover of the clamp, whereby the buffer mechanism has telescopic properties, which can prevent the battery cell from being damaged by the rigid connection of the turnover jig, and at the same time, the elastic force generated when it telescopically extends and retracts can press and position the battery cell.
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to have modified the combined teachings of Cheng and Rathmann and Li with the teachings of Tan, whereby the apparatus including the first and second plates, carrier, etc., as disclosed by the combined teachings of Cheng and Rathmann and Li further includes a buffer pad disposed on a top surface of the first plate facing the battery cell or a bottom surface of the second plate, a protection member disposed between the first plate and the second plate, a protection member has a length in the second direction greater than a length of the first plate and the second plate in the second direction, and is disposed outward of the buffer pad as taught by Tan so as to prevent the battery cell from being damaged by the rigid connection of the turnover jig, and at the same time, the elastic force generated when it telescopically extends and retracts can press and position the battery cell.
Since the combined teachings of Cheng and Rathmann and Li and Tan disclose the apparatus with the protection member(s) that is identical and/or substantially identical to the product as claimed, the properties and/or functions such as is configured to collide with the folding device to prevent the folding device from colliding with the battery cell, are presumed inherent (MPEP 2112.01, I.).
In any event, the Examiner notes MPEP 2115: "Expressions relating the apparatus to contents thereof during an intended operation are of no significance in determining patentability of the apparatus claim." Ex parte Thibault, 164 USPQ 666, 667 (Bd. App. 1969). Furthermore, "[i]nclusion of material or article worked upon by a structure being claimed does not impart patentability to the claims." In re Young, and the limitations relating to how the claimed apparatus works on the “the battery cell” (i.e., the material worked upon) do not distinguish the claims from the prior art. Therefore, the limitation “a carrier transporting a battery cell to a worktable”, “a folding device configured to bend the at least portion of a sealing portion of the battery cell”, etc., does not provide additional structure to the apparatus, such that material or article worked upon (i.e., battery cell) by a structure being claimed does not impart patentability to the claims.
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Regarding claims 8-11, Cheng discloses the apparatus including the clamping member and first and second plates as discussed above in claim 1.
However, with regards to claim 8, Cheng is silent as to the clamping member includes: a guide shaft extending from the first plate and penetrating through the second plate; and an elastic member connected to the guide shaft and pressing the second plate toward the first plate. Furthermore, with regards to claim 9, Cheng is silent as to the clamping member further includes a friction reducing member disposed between the second plate and the guide shaft. Furthermore, with regards to claim 10, Cheng is silent as to an outer surface of the friction reducing member is coupled to the second plate, and an inner surface of the friction reducing member is in contact with the guide shaft. Furthermore, with regards to claim 11, Cheng is silent as to the clamping member further includes a stopper disposed at an end portion of the guide shaft, and the elastic member is disposed between the stopper and the second plate.
The combined teachings of Cheng and Rathmann and Li and Tan disclose the apparatus as discussed above in claim 1. Rathmann further teaches a clamping system for the flexible production of lithium-ion batteries (Title), whereby the clamping system includes a base plate, a pressure plate, at least two clamping elements and a receiving region for receiving the stack between the base plate and the pressure plate (Abstract, [0009]). With regards to claim 8, Rathmann further teaches a guide shaft extending from the first plate (e.g., Fig. 5, ref. 3) and penetrating through the second plate (e.g., Fig. 5, ref. 4, [0039]-[0040]); and an elastic member (e.g., plate spring, Fig. 5, ref. 10) connected to the guide shaft and pressing the second plate toward the first plate (See Annotated Fig. 5), such that a spring is at least an elastic member so as to contract as shown in Fig. 5 (i.e., See images from left to right).
With regards to claim 9, Rathmann further teaches bushings (Fig. 4, ref. 8) that enables a guided automated insertion of the screws ([0039]), whereby the bushing (Fig. 4, ref. 8) is disposed between the second plate and the guide shaft (See Annotated Figs. 4-5), thus reading on “a friction reducing member disposed between the second plate and the guide shaft” such that a bushing is at least a friction reducing member as evidenced by the instant specification (See [0053]).
With regards to claim 10, Rathmann further teaches an outer surface of the friction reducing member (i.e., bushing, Fig. 4, ref. 8) is coupled to the second plate (Fig. 4, ref. 4), and an inner surface of the friction reducing member is in contact with the guide shaft (See Annotated Figs. 4-5).
With regards to claim 11, Rathmann further teaches in the through holes each engage screws as parts of the clamping element (Figs. 4-5, refs. 5-5a), whereby in the head region of the through holes of the pressure plate (ref. 4), a plate spring (ref. 10) is also arranged in each case ([0040], See Annotated Fig. 5), thus reading on “the clamping member further includes a stopper disposed at an end portion of the guide shaft, and the elastic member is disposed between the stopper and the second plate” such that the stopper is at least a top portion of the clamping element (Figs. 4-5, refs 5 and 5a).
Rathmann further teaches the bushings (Figs. 4-5, ref. 8) may be used to protect the stack of sensitive electrode foils to be fixed in position between the two plates (Figs. 4-5, refs. 3-4) ([0039]). Rathmann further teaches the plate spring (Fig. 5, ref. 10) can serve to avoid an excessive force acting on the electrode foils to be arranged therebetween and to observe a predefined distance between the plates (Figs. 4-5, refs. 3-4) ([0040]).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to have modified the combined teachings of Cheng and Rathmann and Li and Tan further with the teachings of Rathmann, whereby the clamping member as disclosed by the combined teachings of Cheng and Rathmann and Li and Tan further includes the guide shaft, elastic member, friction reducing member, stopper, etc., as taught by Rathmann so as to protect the stack of sensitive electrode foils, as well as avoid an excessive force acting on the electrode foils to be arranged therebetween.
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Regarding claim 12, Cheng discloses the battery cell and first and second plates as discussed above claim 1. Cheng further discloses the pressing plate (ref. 3285) includes a pressing plate body (ref. 328d) and an elastic pad (ref. 328e), the pressing plate body (ref. 328d) is connected to the first guide post (ref. 3283), and the elastic pad (ref. 328e) is arranged on the side of the pressing plate body (ref. 328d) away from the first guiding post (ref. 3283), so that the portion where the pressing plate (ref. 3285) abuts on the battery cell has better elasticity and cushioning, which reduces the probability of the pressing plate (ref. 3285) crushing the battery cell, whereby the elastic cushion layer 328e is an elastic adhesive layer ([0053]), thus reading on “the buffer pad is disposed to be in contact with the battery cell” such that an elastic cushion layer is at least a buffer pad.
However, Cheng is silent as to the buffer pad is disposed in at least one of a space between the first plate and the battery cell and between the second plate and the battery cell and a space, wherein the buffer pad is disposed to be in contact with the battery cell.
The combined teachings of Cheng and Rathmann and Li and Tan disclose the apparatus as discussed above in claim 1. Tan further teaches in [0046] referring to Figs. 1-5, a turnover fixture works with a battery cell ref. 2 includes a fixture base plate ref. 1 and an upper cover 7 connected by a connecting mechanism, whereby a buffer mechanism for positioning and protecting the battery cell ref. 2 is also provided between the fixture base plate ref. 1 and the upper cover ref. 7, whereby the buffer mechanism has telescopic properties, which can prevent the battery cell ref. 2 from being pinched by the rigid connection of the turnover jig, and at the same time, the elastic force generated when its telescopics can press and position the battery cell ref. 2, such that the buffer mechanism can be a flexible material pad, etc., and for example, as disclosed in [0047] the buffer mechanism is an elastic soft pad ref. 12 disposed on the side of the upper cover ref. 7 facing the clamp base plate ref. 1, that is the soft pad ref. 12 is made of a material that is prone to compression deformation, etc., (also see [0009], [0025], [0031], [0046], [0053], Figs. 1-5), which at least provides a buffer pad disposed on a top surface of the first plate facing the battery cell or a bottom surface of the second plate.
Tan further teaches in [0007] a buffer mechanism for positioning and protecting the battery cell is also provided between the base plate and the top cover of the clamp, whereby the buffer mechanism has telescopic properties, which can prevent the battery cell from being damaged by the rigid connection of the turnover jig, and at the same time, the elastic force generated when it telescopically extends and retracts can press and position the battery cell.
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to have modified the combined teachings of Cheng and Rathmann and Li with the teachings of Tan, whereby the apparatus including the first and second plates, carrier, etc., as disclosed by the combined teachings of Cheng and Rathmann and Li further includes buffer pad is disposed in at least one of a space between the first plate and the battery cell and between the second plate and the battery cell and a space, wherein the buffer pad is disposed to be in contact with the battery cell as taught by Tan so as to prevent the battery cell from being damaged by the rigid connection of the turnover jig, and at the same time, the elastic force generated when it telescopically extends and retracts can press and position the battery cell.
Regarding claim 16, Cheng discloses the apparatus including the carrier, the first and second plates and the folding device (i.e., bending assembly(s)) as discussed above in claim 14.
However, Cheng is silent as to the protection member is disposed on at least one side of the battery cell.
The combined teachings of Cheng and Rathmann and Li and Tan disclose the apparatus as discussed above in claim 14. The combined teachings of Cheng and Rathmann and Li and Tan disclose the apparatus including the protection member disposed between the first plate and the second plate as discussed above in claim 1.
Tan further teaches the protection member is disposed on at least one side of the battery cell (See Annotated Fig. 3 above in claim 1).
Tan further teaches in [0007] a buffer mechanism for positioning and protecting the battery cell is also provided between the base plate and the top cover of the clamp, whereby the buffer mechanism has telescopic properties, which can prevent the battery cell from being damaged by the rigid connection of the turnover jig, and at the same time, the elastic force generated when it telescopically extends and retracts can press and position the battery cell.
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to have modified the combined teachings of Cheng and Rathmann and Li and Tan further with the teachings of Tan, whereby the apparatus including the first and second plates as disclosed by the combined teachings of Cheng and Rathmann and Li and Tan further includes the protection member is disposed on at least one side of the battery cell as taught by Tan so as to prevent the battery cell from being damaged by the rigid connection of the turnover jig, and at the same time, the elastic force generated when it telescopically extends and retracts can press and position the battery cell.
Regarding claim 17, Cheng discloses an apparatus for manufacturing a battery cell having a body part (i.e., battery core, [0010], [0052], [0061]) and sealing part (i.e., at least heat sealing component, Figs. 13-15, ref. 330, [0057]).
Cheng further discloses in [0044] the heat-sealing mechanism ref. 1100 is used for sealing and ironing the corners of the double-folded battery cells, etc., which at least provides a sealing portion extending from the body portion (i.e., at least sealed corners of said electric core, etc., as disclosed in [0071], also see [0004], [0046], [0049]), such that said sealing portion at least extend from the said body portion (i.e., at least battery core is at least a body portion, [0010], [0052], [0061]) and sealing part (i.e., at least heat sealing component, Figs. 13-15, ref. 330, [0057]), such that body and/or sealing portion(s) are broad in scope, and lacking any further distinction thereof.
Cheng further discloses the apparatus comprising:
a carrier (i.e., conveying device, Fig. 1, ref. 200, [0017]) for transporting a battery cell from a first worktable to a second worktable (See Annotated Fig. 1 below, for example, conveying from ref. 600 voltage measuring mechanism to clamping adjustment mechanism ref. 297, trimming device ref. 800, etc., Fig. 1, [0017], [0044]),
wherein the carrier (i.e., conveying device) includes:
a first plate (i.e., first clamping plate, Fig. 4, ref. 2978) and a second plate (i.e., second clamping plate, Fig. 4, ref. 2979, [0033]).
Cheng further discloses the power output direction of the second driving source (i.e., clamping member, Fig. 4, ref. 2977) is opposite to the power output direction of the first driving source (i.e., clamping member, Fig. 4, ref. 2976), so that the first clamping plate (Fig. 4, ref. 2978) and the second clamping plate (Fig. 4, ref. 2979) approach or move away from each other to loosen or clamp the battery cell ([0033], [0035]), thus reading on “pressing the first plate and the second plate against each other for securely fixing the battery cell inside the carrier” so as to clamp the battery cell.
Cheng further discloses a position alignment part (i.e., calibration assembly with scale and alignment bar, [0042]), whereby the scale is connected to the first clamping block (i.e., at least first plate) and the alignment bar is connected to the second clamping block (i.e., at least second plate) ([0041]-[0042]), which at least reads on “formed in at least one of the first plate and the second plate” such that the position alignment part is at least formed in at least one of the first clamping block (i.e., at least first plate) and/or second clamping block (i.e., second plate) so as to be connected.
Cheng further discloses when the first clamping block abuts against a second clamping block, the alignment bar corresponds to the 0 scale line on the scale ([0042]), which at least reads on “aligning a position of at least one of the first plate and the second plate with respect to the second worktable” such that the clamping adjust mechanism (ref. 297), the trimming device (ref. 800), the double folding device (ref. 900) and the heat sealing mechanism (ref. 110) are sequentially arranged along the extending direction of the connecting guide rail (ref. 201a), so that the battery cells can be sequentially transported to the trimming device (ref. 800), the double folding device (ref. 900) (i.e., worktable), etc., ([0044]).
Cheng further discloses the first hemming mechanism (Figs. 3 and 5, ref. 950) includes a first bending assembly (Fig. 5, ref. 952) and a second bending assembly (Fig. 5, ref. 954), the first bending assembly (Fig. 5, ref. 952) and the second bending assembly (Fig. 5, ref. 954) are arranged side by side a folding device (i.e., at least bending device, refs. 952 and 954, [0022], See Annotated Fig. 5), which at least provides said folding device (i.e., at least bending device(s)) is disposed side by side with the carrier (i.e., at least conveying device, ref. 200 as discussed above in claim 1) in the second direction (i.e., at least Y-direction as shown in Annotated Fig. 3 above in claim 2), such that the component (ref. 952) is used to bend the first side of the cell to 90°, and the second bending component (ref. 954) is used to bend the first side of the cell to 180° to fold the first of the cell twice edge processing, etc. ([0022]), thereby providing that said folding device (i.e., at least bending device(s)) is for bending the at least portion of the casing of the battery cell (e.g., at least first side of cell) which protrudes in the second direction (i.e., at least Y-direction), such that the portion of the casing (i.e., at least first side of cell) at least extends outward of the first and the second plates so as to bend the first side of the cell, for example.
Since Cheng discloses that said folding device (i.e., at least bending device(s)) is for bending the at least portion of the casing of the battery cell (e.g., at least first side of cell) which protrudes in the second direction (i.e., at least Y-direction), such that the portion of the casing (i.e., at least first side of cell) at least extends outward of the first and the second plates so as to bend the first side of the cell, for example, as discussed above, and Cheng further discloses in [0044] the fine sealing mechanism ref. 500 is used to perform fine sealing on the battery cells with cut off burrs, etc., the skilled artisan would appreciate that this at least provides the portion of the sealing portion protrudes in a second direction perpendicular direction, beyond edges of the first plate and the second plate (i.e., at least first side of cell), such that said portion(s)at least extends outward of the first and the second plates so as to bend the first side of the cell, cut, seal, etc., for example.
Cheng further discloses in [0053] the pressing plate (ref. 3285) includes a pressing plate body (ref. 328d) and an elastic pad (ref. 328e), the pressing plate body (ref. 328d) is connected to the first guide post (ref. 3283), and the elastic pad (ref. 328e) is arranged on the side of the pressing plate body (ref. 328d) away from the first guiding post (ref. 3283), so that the portion where the pressing plate (ref. 3285) abuts on the battery cell has better elasticity and cushioning, which reduces the probability of the pressing plate (ref. 3285) crushing the battery cell, whereby the elastic cushion layer 328e is an elastic adhesive layer ([0053]), thus reading on “at least one buffer pad being direct contact with the battery cell” such that an elastic cushion layer is at least a buffer pad.
However, Cheng is silent as to at least one buffer pad attached to at least one of the first plate and the second plate. Furthermore, Cheng is silent as to the carrier with the at least one buffer pad being direct contact with the battery cell. Furthermore, Cheng is silent as to the position alignment part includes: a first alignment recess formed in one side surface of the first plate; and a second alignment recess formed in another side surface of the first plate that is opposite to the one surface of the first plate. Furthermore Cheng is silent as to a first alignment member having an end portion inserted into the first alignment recess; and a second alignment member having an end portion inserted into the second alignment recess. Furthermore, Cheng is silent as to a buffer pad disposed on a top surface of the first plate facing the battery cell or a bottom surface of the second plate. Furthermore, with regards to claim 1, Cheng is silent as to the carrier further includes a protection member disposed between the first plate and the second plate. Furthermore, with regards to claim 1, Cheng is silent as to the protection member has a length in the second direction greater than a length of the first plate and the second plate in the second direction, is configured to collide with the folding device to prevent the folding device from colliding with the battery cell, and is disposed outward of the buffer pad.
Rathmann teaches a clamping system for the flexible production of lithium-ion batteries (Title), whereby the clamping system includes a base plate, a pressure plate, at least two clamping elements and a receiving region for receiving the stack between the base plate and the pressure plate (Abstract, [0009]). Rathmann further teaches a first alignment recess (Figs. 1-2, ref. 9) formed in one side surface of the first plate (e.g., Fig. 2, ref. 3); and a second alignment recess (Figs. 1-2, ref. 9) formed in another side surface of the first plate (e.g., Fig. 2, ref. 3) that is opposite to the one surface of the first plate (See Annotated Fig. 1 above in claim 1, [0036]). Rathmann further teaches in correspondence with those of the base plate, recess (Figs. 1-2, ref. 9) are formed as U-shaped sections, whereby recesses (Figs. 1-2, ref. 9) are used for affixing stack fasteners, for example, tapes ([0037], also see [0025], ), which at least provides a first alignment member having an end portion inserted into the first alignment recess; and a second alignment member having an end portion inserted into the second alignment recess, such that the skilled artisan would appreciate that stack fasteners (e.g., tapes) provided in recesses (i.e., at least provided in first and/or second alignment recesses) as discussed above are at least first and second alignment member(s) having end portion(s) so as to fix said stack, lacking any further structural distinction thereof as to said alignment member(s) as claimed. Rathmann further teaches recesses (Figs. 1-2, ref. 9) in edge regions of the short sides may be used as a reference and as points of application for positioning the clamping system in the manufacturing apparatuses ([0035]).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to have modified Cheng with the teachings of Rathmann, whereby the position alignment part and first and second plates as disclosed by Cheng further include the first and second alignment recesses and first and second alignment members as taught by Rathmann so as to be used as a reference and as points of application for positioning the clamping system in the manufacturing apparatuses.
However, Cheng is silent as to at least one buffer pad attached to at least one of the first plate and the second plate. Furthermore, Cheng is silent as to the carrier with the at least one buffer pad being direct contact with the battery cell. Furthermore, Cheng is silent as to a buffer pad disposed on a top surface of the first plate facing the battery cell or a bottom surface of the second plate. Furthermore, with regards to claim 1, Cheng is silent as to the carrier further includes a protection member disposed between the first plate and the second plate. Furthermore, with regards to claim 1, Cheng is silent as to the protection member has a length in the second direction greater than a length of the first plate and the second plate in the second direction, is configured to collide with the folding device to prevent the folding device from colliding with the battery cell, and is disposed outward of the buffer pad.
Li teaches a square aluminum shell battery notching, covering and edge folding mechanism (Title). Li further teaches in [0039] and [0059] a positioning member ref. 132a that at least has two first inclined surface in contact with each other to form a first angle so as to be V-shaped, as denoted in Annotated Fig. 5 above in claim 1. Li further teaches in [0059] the positioning member ref. 132a and the slide seat ref. 1314 are engaged with each other in a V-shaped groove, etc., which at least provides the two first inclined surfaces are in contact with the two second inclined surfaces, respectively. Li further teaches in [0059] the end of the positioning member ref. 132a is a V-shaped block, that is, inclined surface are formed on both sides thereof, and the edges where the two inclined surface intersect are used for centering to achieve a positioning effect, which at least provides a carrier is adjusted with the first alignment member, lacking any further distinction thereof as to said first alignment member and/or carrier.
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to have modified the combined teachings of Cheng and Rathmann with the teachings of Li, whereby the apparatus including the first and second alignment member(s) and first and second alignment recesses as taught by the combined teachings of Cheng and Rathmann further includes the end portion of the first alignment member includes two first inclined surfaces in contact with each other to form a first angle, the first alignment recess includes two second inclined surfaces in contact with each other to form the first angle, and the two first inclined surfaces are in contact with the two second inclined surfaces as taught by Li so that where the two inclined surface intersect are used for centering to achieve a positioning effect.
However, Cheng is silent as to at least one buffer pad attached to at least one of the first plate and the second plate. Furthermore, Cheng is silent as to the carrier with the at least one buffer pad being direct contact with the battery cell. Furthermore, Cheng is silent as to a buffer pad disposed on a top surface of the first plate facing the battery cell or a bottom surface of the second plate. Furthermore, with regards to claim 1, Cheng is silent as to the carrier further includes a protection member disposed between the first plate and the second plate. Furthermore, with regards to claim 1, Cheng is silent as to the protection member has a length in the second direction greater than a length of the first plate and the second plate in the second direction, is configured to collide with the folding device to prevent the folding device from colliding with the battery cell, and is disposed outward of the buffer pad.
Tan teaches a turnover fixture, power battery assembling method and equipment (Title). Tan further teaches in [0046] referring to Figs. 1-5, a turnover fixture works with a battery cell ref. 2 includes a fixture base plate ref. 1 and an upper cover 7 connected by a connecting mechanism, whereby a buffer mechanism for positioning and protecting the battery cell ref. 2 is also provided between the fixture base plate ref. 1 and the upper cover ref. 7, whereby the buffer mechanism has telescopic properties, which can prevent the battery cell ref. 2 from being pinched by the rigid connection of the turnover jig, and at the same time, the elastic force generated when its telescopics can press and position the battery cell ref. 2, such that the buffer mechanism can be a flexible material pad, etc., and for example, as disclosed in [0047] the buffer mechanism is an elastic soft pad ref. 12 disposed on the side of the upper cover ref. 7 facing the clamp base plate ref. 1, that is the soft pad ref. 12 is made of a material that is prone to compression deformation, etc., (also see [0009], [0025], [0031], [0046], [0053], Figs. 1-5), which at least provides a buffer pad disposed on a top surface of the first plate facing the battery cell or a bottom surface of the second plate, and further provides at least one buffer pad attached to at least one of the first plate and the second plate, and at least one buffer pad being direct contact with the battery cell, etc., and lacking any further distinction thereof.
Tan further teaches in a protection member disposed between the first plate and the second plate (i.e., at least as shown in Annotated Fig. 1 above in claim 1, also see Fig. 3), and lacking any further structural distinction thereof.
Tan further teaches in [0008] of course, to make the horizontal limit of the battery cell more stable, the buffer mechanism can be set in a groove that matches the cross-section of the battery cell, or a groove that matches the cross-section of the battery cell can be set on the buffer mechanism, or a horizontal limit mechanism for the battery cell can be added to the base plate or top cover of the fixture, etc., which at least provides the protection member has a length in the second direction greater than a length of the first plate and the second plate in the second direction, and is disposed outward of the buffer pad so that the buffer mechanism (i.e., at least buffer pad as discussed above) can be set in a groove that matches the cross-section of the battery cell, etc., and so as to provide a horizontal limit mechanism for the battery cell can be added to the base plate or top cover of the fixture, etc., and lacking any further distinction thereof (also see Annotated Fig. 1 above in claim 1, also see Fig. 3).
Tan further teaches in [0007] a buffer mechanism for positioning and protecting the battery cell is also provided between the base plate and the top cover of the clamp, whereby the buffer mechanism has telescopic properties, which can prevent the battery cell from being damaged by the rigid connection of the turnover jig, and at the same time, the elastic force generated when it telescopically extends and retracts can press and position the battery cell.
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to have modified the combined teachings of Cheng and Rathmann and Li with the teachings of Tan, whereby the apparatus including the first and second plates, carrier, etc., as disclosed by the combined teachings of Cheng and Rathmann and Li further includes a buffer pad disposed on a top surface of the first plate facing the battery cell or a bottom surface of the second plate, at least one buffer pad attached to at least one of the first plate and the second plate, and at least one buffer pad being direct contact with the battery cell, a protection member disposed between the first plate and the second plate, a protection member has a length in the second direction greater than a length of the first plate and the second plate in the second direction, and is disposed outward of the buffer pad as taught by Tan so as to prevent the battery cell from being damaged by the rigid connection of the turnover jig, and at the same time, the elastic force generated when it telescopically extends and retracts can press and position the battery cell.
Since the combined teachings of Cheng and Rathmann and Li and Tan disclose the apparatus with the protection member(s) that is identical and/or substantially identical to the product as claimed, the properties and/or functions such as is configured to collide with the folding device to prevent the folding device from colliding with the battery cell, are presumed inherent (MPEP 2112.01, I.).
In any event, the Examiner notes MPEP 2115: "Expressions relating the apparatus to contents thereof during an intended operation are of no significance in determining patentability of the apparatus claim." Ex parte Thibault, 164 USPQ 666, 667 (Bd. App. 1969). Furthermore, "[i]nclusion of material or article worked upon by a structure being claimed does not impart patentability to the claims." In re Young, and the limitations relating to how the claimed apparatus works on the “the battery cell” (i.e., the material worked upon) do not distinguish the claims from the prior art. Therefore, the limitation “a carrier transporting a battery cell to a worktable”, etc., does not provide additional structure to the apparatus, such that material or article worked upon (i.e., battery cell) by a structure being claimed does not impart patentability to the claims.
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Annotated Figure 1 (Cheng)
Regarding claim 18, Cheng discloses the apparatus as discussed above in claim 1. However, Cheng is silent as to a length of the cell protection member in the second direction is greater than a length of the first plate and the second plate in the second direction.
The combined teachings of Cheng and Rathmann and Li and Tan disclose the apparatus with the protection member(s) as discussed above in claim 1. Tan further teaches to a length of the cell protection member in the second direction is greater than a length of the first plate and the second plate in the second direction (See Annotated Fig. 1 above in claim 1).
Tan further teaches in [0007] a buffer mechanism for positioning and protecting the battery cell is also provided between the base plate and the top cover of the clamp, whereby the buffer mechanism has telescopic properties, which can prevent the battery cell from being damaged by the rigid connection of the turnover jig, and at the same time, the elastic force generated when it telescopically extends and retracts can press and position the battery cell.
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to have modified the combined teachings of Cheng and Rathmann and Li with the teachings of Tan, whereby the apparatus including the first and second plates as disclosed by the combined teachings of Cheng and Rathmann and Li further includes a length of the cell protection member in the second direction is greater than a length of the first plate and the second plate in the second direction as taught by Tan so as to prevent the battery cell from being damaged by the rigid connection of the turnover jig, and at the same time, the elastic force generated when it telescopically extends and retracts can press and position the battery cell.
Regarding claim 19, Cheng discloses the apparatus as discussed above in claim 17. However, Cheng is silent as to a length of the cell protection member in the second direction is greater than a length of the first plate and the second plate in the second direction.
The combined teachings of Cheng and Rathmann and Li and Tan disclose the apparatus with the protection member(s) as discussed above in claim 17. Tan further teaches to a length of the cell protection member in the second direction is greater than a length of the first plate and the second plate in the second direction (See Annotated Fig. 1 above in claim 1).
Tan further teaches in [0007] a buffer mechanism for positioning and protecting the battery cell is also provided between the base plate and the top cover of the clamp, whereby the buffer mechanism has telescopic properties, which can prevent the battery cell from being damaged by the rigid connection of the turnover jig, and at the same time, the elastic force generated when it telescopically extends and retracts can press and position the battery cell.
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to have modified the combined teachings of Cheng and Rathmann and Li with the teachings of Tan, whereby the apparatus including the first and second plates as disclosed by the combined teachings of Cheng and Rathmann and Li further includes a length of the cell protection member in the second direction is greater than a length of the first plate and the second plate in the second direction as taught by Tan so as to prevent the battery cell from being damaged by the rigid connection of the turnover jig, and at the same time, the elastic force generated when it telescopically extends and retracts can press and position the battery cell.
Claim 13 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Cheng and Rathmann and Li and Tan as applied to claim 12 above, and further in view of Matsumura et al. (U.S. PGPub US 2021/0043964 A1), hereinafter Matsumura.
Regarding claim 13, Cheng discloses the first and second plate as discussed above in claim 1. Cheng discloses the buffer pad as discussed above in claim 12.
However, Cheng is silent as to the buffer pad includes a foam sponge.
The combined teachings of Cheng and Rathmann and Li and Tan disclose the apparatus as discussed above in claim 12. Matsumura teaches a uniform pressure battery packaging apparatus (Title), whereby a pressure chamber is supported by metal plates (such as pressure equalization plate) used to give uniform pressure to the battery (Abstract), whereby the pressure chamber may include an elastic foam, etc. ([0036]). Matsumura further teaches an elastic foam such as rubber or polymer foam, or sponge ([0036]). Matsumura further teaches a purpose of the pressure chamber is to apply uniform pressure to a pressure plate (ref. 504) that preserves the integrity of the battery, etc. ([0040]).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to have modified the combined teachings of Cheng and Rathmann and Li and Tan with the teachings of Matsumura, whereby the apparatus including the buffer pad as disclosed by the combined teachings of Cheng and Rathmann and Li and Tan further includes the elastic foam such as a polymer foam or sponge as taught by Matsumura so as to apply uniform pressure to a pressure plate, thereby preserving the integrity of the battery.
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s arguments with respect to claim(s) 1, 4-12, and 16-19 rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 in view of Cheng and Rathmann and Li and Tan have been considered but are moot because the new ground of rejection does not rely on any reference applied in the prior rejection of record for any teaching or matter specifically challenged in the argument.
Therefore, in light of the amendments to the claims, a new grounds of rejection 35 U.S.C. 103 is made in view of Cheng and Rathmann and Li and Tan for claims 1, 4-12, and 16-19. See the current 35 U.S.C. 103 rejection above for the claims that depend therefrom.
As to applicants’ arguments Page 13, “But the elastic soft pad 12 of Tan however does not have "a length in the second direction greater than a length of the first plate and the second plate in the second direction". Indeed, as seen in FIGS. 1, 3, and 5 of Tan, the elastic soft pad 12 does not extend beyond the base plate 1 or the upper cover 7. As such, that elastic soft pad 12 cannot possibly have a length greater than the length of the base plate 1 and the upper cover 7. As seen from FIG. 4 of Tan, the battery cell 2 extends beyond the elastic soft pad 12. As such, the elastic soft pad 12 of Tan cannot prevent a folding device from colliding with the battery cell. Additionally, the elastic soft pad 12 of Tan is "disposed on the side of the upper cover 7 facing the claim base plate 1" and presses on the battery cell 2. See paragraph [0047] of Tan. That position and function of Tan's elastic soft pad 12 is similar to those of the present buffer pad. Indeed, the elastic soft pad 12 of Tan better corresponds to the buffer pad of the present invention than the protection member. Tan does not disclose a structure that corresponds to the claimed protection member.”, the examiner asserts that the current 35 U.S.C. 103 rejection of record does not rely on said features to meet the argued claim limitation, and therefore directs applicant to the new grounds of rejection 35 U.S.C. 103 for said limitations.
See the current 35 U.S.C. 103 rejection for the claims that depend therefrom.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. Luo et al. (U.S. PGPub US 2011/0214401 A1) discloses an apparatus for manufacturing pole-piece pockets (Title), whereby as disclosed in [0043] As shown in FIG. 7, the film clamping and drawing assembly ref. 8 comprises a fixed installation plate ref. 801, a sensor assembly ref. 802, stoppers ref. 803, clamping cylinders ref. 804, mechanical clamps ref. 805 and a film clamping and drawing servo-motor ref. 806.
Applicant's amendment necessitated the new ground(s) of rejection presented in this Office action. Accordingly, THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. See MPEP § 706.07(a). Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any extension fee pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the date of this final action.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to JOSHUA PATRICK MCCLURE whose telephone number is (571)272-2742. The examiner can normally be reached Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm.
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/JOSHUA P MCCLURE/Examiner, Art Unit 1727
/BARBARA L GILLIAM/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 1727
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