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 .
Election/Restrictions
Applicant’s election without traverse of Species V in the reply filed on 12/17/2025 is acknowledged.
Claims 3 and 14-15 are withdrawn from further consideration pursuant to 37 CFR 1.142(b) as being drawn to a nonelected Species I-IV and VI-XV, there being no allowable generic or linking claim. Election was made without traverse in the reply filed on 12/17/2025.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action:
A person shall be entitled to a patent unless –
(a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale, or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
Claim(s) 1, 6-9, 11, 17, 19-20, and 22 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Pizzi et al. [U.S. Pub. No. 2018/0097055].
Regarding Claim 1, Pizzi et al. shows a semiconductor die (Figs. 1-12), comprising:
a semiconductor substrate (6);
a transmitter or receiver circuit (4, Paragraph [0029]) in the semiconductor substrate (see Figs. 2-12);
a multi-layer stack (L1-L4, 24, 26) on the semiconductor substrate (see Figs. 2-12), the multi-layer stack including a plurality of metallization layers (M3, M4) separated from one another by an interlayer dielectric (13, Paragraphs [0034], [0062]);
a transformer (2) in the multi-layer stack and electrically coupled to the transmitter or receiver circuit (see Figs. 1-12, Paragraph [0029]), the transformer including a first winding (2b) formed in a first metallization layer (M4) of the plurality of metallization layers (see Figs. 2-12) and a second winding (2a) formed in a second metallization layer (M3) of the plurality of metallization layers (see Figs. 2-12), the first winding and the second winding being inductively coupled to one another (see Figs. 2-12, elements 2b, 2a inductively coupled to one another, Paragraphs [0021], [0029]); and
a magnetic material (27, 28) in the multi-layer stack (L1-L4, 24, 26) and adjacent to at least part of the transformer (2, see Figs. 1-12).
Regarding Claim 6, Pizzi et al. shows the magnetic material (27, 28) overlaps a lower one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 2-12, element 27 overlaps a lower one of elements 2b, 2a).
Regarding Claim 7, Pizzi et al. shows the magnetic material (27, 28) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed below the lower one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 2-12, element 27 is part of a layer of elements L1-L4, 24, 26 disposed below the lower one of elements 2b, 2a).
Regarding Claim 8, Pizzi et al. shows the magnetic material (27, 28) overlaps an upper one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 2-12, element 28 overlaps an upper one of elements 2b, 2a).
Regarding Claim 9, Pizzi et al. shows the magnetic material (27, 28) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above the upper one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 2-12, element 28 is part of a layer of elements L1-L4, 24, 26 disposed above the upper one of elements 2b, 2a).
Regarding Claim 11, Pizzi et al. shows the magnetic material (27, 28) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed below a lower one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 2-12, element 27 is part of a layer of elements L1-L4, 24, 26 disposed below the lower one of elements 2b, 2a), and overlaps the lower one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 2-12, element 27 overlaps a lower one of elements 2b, 2a); and
the magnetic material (27, 28) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above an upper one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 2-12, element 28 is part of a layer of elements L1-L4, 24, 26 disposed above the upper one of elements 2b, 2a), and overlaps the upper one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 2-12, element 28 overlaps an upper one of elements 2b, 2a).
Regarding Claim 17, Pizzi et al. shows an electronic system (Figs. 1-12), comprising:
an inductive power coupler (Paragraph [0021], see Figs. 1-12) formed in a multi-layer stack (L1-L4, 24, 26) of a semiconductor die (1, Paragraphs [0021], [0024], [0028]) and configured to transfer power (Paragraphs [0022], [0028], [0041]) from a power transmitter (TX) to a power receiver (RX) over a galvanic isolation barrier (13, Paragraphs [0022], [0026], [0028], [0034], [0041]),
wherein the inductive power coupler (see Figs. 1-12) includes a transformer (2) that comprises:
a first winding (2b) electrically coupled to the power transmitter (TX, Paragraph [0023]) and formed in a first metallization layer (M4) of the multi-layer stack (see Figs. 2-12); and
a second winding (2a) electrically coupled to the power receiver (RX, Paragraph [0023]) and formed in a second metallization layer (M3) of the multi-layer stack (see Figs. 2-12),
wherein the first winding and the second winding are inductively coupled to one another (see Figs. 2-12, elements 2b, 2a inductively coupled to one another, Paragraphs [0021], [0029]),
wherein a magnetic material (27, 28) in the multi-layer stack (L1-L4, 24, 26) is adjacent to at least part of the transformer (2, see Figs. 1-12).
Regarding Claim 19, Pizzi et al. shows the magnetic material (27, 28) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed below a lower one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 2-12, element 27 is part of a layer of elements L1-L4, 24, 26 disposed below the lower one of elements 2b, 2a) and overlaps the lower one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 2-12, element 27 overlaps a lower one of elements 2b, 2a).
Regarding Claim 20, Pizzi et al. shows the magnetic material (27, 28) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above an upper one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 2-12, element 28 is part of a layer of elements L1-L4, 24, 26 disposed above the upper one of elements 2b, 2a) and overlaps the upper one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 2-12, element 28 overlaps an upper one of elements 2b, 2a).
Regarding Claim 22, Pizzi et al. shows the magnetic material (27, 28) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed below a lower one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 2-12, element 27 is part of a layer of elements L1-L4, 24, 26 disposed below the lower one of elements 2b, 2a), and overlaps the lower one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 2-12, element 27 overlaps a lower one of elements 2b, 2a); and
the magnetic material (27, 28) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above an upper one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 2-12, element 28 is part of a layer of elements L1-L4, 24, 26 disposed above the upper one of elements 2b, 2a), and overlaps the upper one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 2-12, element 28 overlaps an upper one of elements 2b, 2a).
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
Claim(s) 2, 4, 6-11, 13, 16, and 18-22 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Pizzi et al. in view of Ito et al. [U.S. Patent No. 5,420,558].
Regarding Claims 2 and 18, Pizzi et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not show the magnetic material is part of a guard ring that laterally surrounds at least part of the transformer.
Ito et al. shows a transformer (Figs. 18A-18C) teaching and suggesting the magnetic material is part of a guard ring (71) that laterally surrounds at least part of the transformer (see Figs. 18A-18C).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material is part of a guard ring that laterally surrounds at least part of the transformer as taught by Ito et al. for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. to reduce leakage flux to achieve a coil coupling factor of about 0.99 or more where conversion efficiency of the transformer is very high (Col. 24, Lines 60-65).
Regarding Claim 4, Ito et al. shows the first winding (32) comprises a pair of first coils (see Figs. 18A-18C, element 32 have at least a pair of first coils); the second winding (34) comprises a pair of second coils (see Figs. 18A-18C, element 34 have at least a pair of second coils); and the magnetic material of the guard ring (71) laterally surrounds the pair of first coils and the pair of second coils with or without interruption (see Figs. 18A-18C).
Regarding Claim 6, Pizzi et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above.
In addition, Ito et al. shows (Figs. 17A-17B) the magnetic material (61, 62) overlaps a lower one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 17A-17B, element 61 overlaps a lower one of elements 32, 34).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material overlaps a lower one of the first and the second windings as taught by Ito et al. for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. to reduce leakage flux to achieve an increase in the intensity of the magnetic field (Col. 24, Lines 1-15).
Regarding Claim 7, Ito et al. shows the magnetic material (61, 62) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed below the lower one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 17A-17B, element 61 is part of a layer of multi-layer stack disposed below the lower one of elements 32, 34).
Regarding Claim 8, Pizzi et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above.
In addition, Ito et al. shows (Figs. 17A-17B) shows the magnetic material (61, 62) overlaps an upper one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 17A-17B, element 62 overlaps an upper one of elements 32, 34).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material overlaps an upper one of the first and the second windings as taught by Ito et al. for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. to reduce leakage flux to achieve an increase in the intensity of the magnetic field (Col. 24, Lines 1-15).
Regarding Claim 9, Ito et al. shows the magnetic material (61, 62) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above the upper one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 17A-17B, element 62 is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above the upper one of elements 32, 34).
Regarding Claims 10 and 21, Pizzi et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not show the magnetic material is part of an intermediary layer of the multi-layer stack interposed between the first and the second windings.
Ito et al. shows a transformer (Fig. 8) teaching and suggesting the magnetic material (9) is part of an intermediary layer of the multi-layer stack interposed between the first and the second windings (see Fig. 8, element 9 is part of an intermediary layer of the multi-layer stack interposed between elements 3, 4).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material is part of an intermediary layer of the multi-layer stack interposed between the first and the second windings as taught by Ito et al. for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. to reduce leakage flux to achieve an increase in the intensity of the magnetic field (Col. 7, Lines 36-45).
Regarding Claims 11 and 22, Pizzi et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above.
Ito et al. shows (Figs. 17A-17B) the magnetic material (61, 62) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed below a lower one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 17A-17B, element 61 is part of a layer of multi-layer stack disposed below the lower one of elements 32, 34), and overlaps the lower one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 17A-17B, element 61 overlaps a lower one of elements 32, 34); and
the magnetic material (61, 62) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above an upper one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 17A-17B, element 62 is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above the upper one of elements 32, 34), and overlaps the upper one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 17A-17B, element 62 overlaps an upper one of elements 32, 34).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed below a lower one of the first and the second windings, and overlaps the lower one of the first and the second windings; and the magnetic material is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above an upper one of the first and the second windings, and overlaps the upper one of the first and the second windings as taught by Ito et al. for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. to reduce leakage flux to achieve an increase in the intensity of the magnetic field (Col. 24, Lines 1-15).
Regarding Claim 13 (as rejected under 102(a)(1) by Pizzi et al. above), Pizzi et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not show the magnetic material is part of a guard ring that laterally surrounds at least part of the transformer.
Ito et al. shows a transformer (Figs. 18A-18C) teaching and suggesting the magnetic material is part of a guard ring (71) that laterally surrounds at least part of the transformer (see Figs. 18A-18C).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material is part of a guard ring that laterally surrounds at least part of the transformer as taught by Ito et al. for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. to reduce leakage flux to achieve a coil coupling factor of about 0.99 or more where conversion efficiency of the transformer is very high (Col. 24, Lines 60-65).
Regarding Claim 16, Pizzi et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not show the magnetic material is interposed between the first winding and the second winding.
Ito et al. shows a transformer (Fig. 8) teaching and suggesting the magnetic material (9) is interposed between the first winding and the second winding (see Fig. 8, element 9 is interposed between elements 3, 4).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material is interposed between the first winding and the second winding as taught by Ito et al. for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. to reduce leakage flux to achieve an increase in the intensity of the magnetic field (Col. 7, Lines 36-45).
Regarding Claim 19, Pizzi et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above.
Ito et al. shows (Figs. 17A-17B) the magnetic material (61, 62) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed below a lower one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 17A-17B, element 61 is part of a layer of multi-layer stack disposed below the lower one of elements 32, 34) and overlaps the lower one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 17A-17B, element 61 overlaps a lower one of elements 32, 34).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed below a lower one of the first and the second windings and overlaps the lower one of the first and the second windings as taught by Ito et al. for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. to reduce leakage flux to achieve an increase in the intensity of the magnetic field (Col. 24, Lines 1-15).
Regarding Claim 20, Pizzi et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above.
Ito et al. shows (Figs. 17A-17B) the magnetic material (61, 62) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above an upper one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 17A-17B, element 62 is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above the upper one of elements 32, 34) and overlaps the upper one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 17A-17B, element 62 overlaps an upper one of elements 32, 34).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above an upper one of the first and the second windings and overlaps the upper one of the first and the second windings as taught by Ito et al. for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. to reduce leakage flux to achieve an increase in the intensity of the magnetic field (Col. 24, Lines 1-15).
Claim(s) 2, 4, 6-9, 11, 13, 18-20, and 22 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Pizzi et al. in view of Kuether et al. [U.S. Patent No. 5,852,866].
Regarding Claims 2 and 18, Pizzi et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not show the magnetic material is part of a guard ring that laterally surrounds at least part of the transformer.
Kuether et al. shows a transformer (Fig. 4 with teachings from Figs. 1-2e) teaching and suggesting the magnetic material is part of a guard ring (7) that laterally surrounds at least part of the transformer (see Fig. 4 with teachings from Figs. 1-2e).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material is part of a guard ring that laterally surrounds at least part of the transformer as taught by Kuether et al. for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. to increase the coil inductance and guide the magnetic flux (Abstract).
Regarding Claim 4, Kuether et al. shows the first winding (21) comprises a pair of first coils (see Fig. 4); the second winding (22) comprises a pair of second coils (see Fig. 4); and the magnetic material of the guard ring (7) laterally surrounds the pair of first coils and the pair of second coils with or without interruption (see Fig. 4 with teachings from Figs. 1-2e).
Regarding Claim 6, Pizzi et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above.
In addition, Kuether et al. shows (Fig. 4 with teachings from Figs. 1-2e) the magnetic material (6, 8) overlaps a lower one of the first and the second windings (see Fig. 4 with teachings from Figs. 1-2e, element 8 overlaps a lower one of elements 21, 22).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material overlaps a lower one of the first and the second windings as taught by Kuether et al. for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. to increase the coil inductance and guide the magnetic flux (Abstract).
Regarding Claim 7, Kuether et al. shows the magnetic material (6, 8) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed below the lower one of the first and the second windings (see Fig. 4 with teachings from Figs. 1-2e, element 8 is part of a layer of multi-layer stack disposed below the lower one of elements 21, 22).
Regarding Claim 8, Pizzi et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above.
In addition, Kuether et al. shows (Fig. 4 with teachings from Figs. 1-2e) shows the magnetic material (6, 8) overlaps an upper one of the first and the second windings (see Fig. 4 with teachings from Figs. 1-2e, element 6 overlaps an upper one of elements 21, 22).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material overlaps an upper one of the first and the second windings as taught by Kuether et al. for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. to increase the coil inductance and guide the magnetic flux (Abstract).
Regarding Claim 9, Kuether et al. shows the magnetic material (6, 8) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above the upper one of the first and the second windings (see Fig. 4 with teachings from Figs. 1-2e, element 6 is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above the upper one of elements 21, 22).
Regarding Claims 11 and 22, Pizzi et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above.
Kuether et al. shows (Fig. 4 with teachings from Figs. 1-2e) the magnetic material (6, 8) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed below a lower one of the first and the second windings (see Fig. 4 with teachings from Figs. 1-2e, element 8 is part of a layer of multi-layer stack disposed below the lower one of elements 21, 22), and overlaps the lower one of the first and the second windings (see Fig. 4 with teachings from Figs. 1-2e, element 8 overlaps a lower one of elements 21, 22); and
the magnetic material (6, 8) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above an upper one of the first and the second windings (see Fig. 4 with teachings from Figs. 1-2e, element 6 is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above the upper one of elements 21, 22), and overlaps the upper one of the first and the second windings (see Fig. 4 with teachings from Figs. 1-2e, element 6 overlaps an upper one of elements 21, 22).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed below a lower one of the first and the second windings, and overlaps the lower one of the first and the second windings; and the magnetic material is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above an upper one of the first and the second windings, and overlaps the upper one of the first and the second windings as taught by Kuether et al. for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. to increase the coil inductance and guide the magnetic flux (Abstract).
Regarding Claim 13, Pizzi et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not show the magnetic material is part of a guard ring that laterally surrounds at least part of the transformer.
Kuether et al. shows a transformer (Fig. 4 with teachings from Figs. 1-2e) teaching and suggesting the magnetic material is part of a guard ring (7) that laterally surrounds at least part of the transformer (see Fig. 4 with teachings from Figs. 1-2e).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material is part of a guard ring that laterally surrounds at least part of the transformer as taught by Kuether et al. for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. to increase the coil inductance and guide the magnetic flux (Abstract).
Regarding Claim 19, Pizzi et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above.
Kuether et al. shows (Fig. 4 with teachings from Figs. 1-2e) the magnetic material (6, 8) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed below a lower one of the first and the second windings (see Fig. 4 with teachings from Figs. 1-2e, element 8 is part of a layer of multi-layer stack disposed below the lower one of elements 21, 22) and overlaps the lower one of the first and the second windings (see Fig. 4 with teachings from Figs. 1-2e, element 8 overlaps a lower one of elements 21, 22).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed below a lower one of the first and the second windings and overlaps the lower one of the first and the second windings as taught by Kuether et al. for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. to increase the coil inductance and guide the magnetic flux (Abstract).
Regarding Claim 20, Pizzi et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above.
Kuether et al. shows (Fig. 4 with teachings from Figs. 1-2e) the magnetic material (6, 8) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above an upper one of the first and the second windings (see Fig. 4 with teachings from Figs. 1-2e, element 6 is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above the upper one of elements 21, 22) and overlaps the upper one of the first and the second windings (see Fig. 4 with teachings from Figs. 1-2e, element 6 overlaps an upper one of elements 21, 22).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above an upper one of the first and the second windings and overlaps the upper one of the first and the second windings as taught by Kuether et al. for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. to increase the coil inductance and guide the magnetic flux (Abstract).
Claim(s) 2, 5-9, 11, 13, 18-20, and 22 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Pizzi et al. in view of Matz [DE 102008049756].
Regarding Claims 2 and 18, Pizzi et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not show the magnetic material is part of a guard ring that laterally surrounds at least part of the transformer.
Matz shows a transformer (Figs. 2-3C) teaching and suggesting the magnetic material is part of a guard ring (elements 6, 9 at element G2) that laterally surrounds at least part of the transformer (see Figs. 2-3C).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material is part of a guard ring that laterally surrounds at least part of the transformer as taught by Matz for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. to increase coupling characteristics and prevention of locally increased flux density with consequent magnetic saturation and magnetic losses (see English translation).
Regarding Claim 5, Matz shows the magnetic material of the guard ring (elements 6, 9 at element G2) follows a curvature of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 3B-3C, elements 6, 9 at element G2 follow a curvature of elements 7 of the transformer).
Regarding Claim 6, Pizzi et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above.
In addition, Matz shows (Figs. 2-3C) the magnetic material (element 4 at L1, L2, L10, L11) overlaps a lower one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 2-3C, element 4 at L1, L2 overlaps a lower one of elements 7).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material overlaps a lower one of the first and the second windings as taught by Matz for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. to increase coupling characteristics and prevention of locally increased flux density with consequent magnetic saturation and magnetic losses (see English translation).
Regarding Claim 7, Matz shows the magnetic material (element 4 at L1, L2, L10, L11) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed below the lower one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 2-3C, element 4 at L1, L2 is part of a layer of multi-layer stack disposed below the lower one of elements 7).
Regarding Claim 8, Pizzi et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above.
In addition, Matz shows (Figs. 2-3C) shows the magnetic material (element 4 at L1, L2, L10, L11) overlaps an upper one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 2-3C, element 4 at L10, L11 overlaps an upper one of elements 7).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material overlaps an upper one of the first and the second windings as taught by Matz for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. to increase coupling characteristics and prevention of locally increased flux density with consequent magnetic saturation and magnetic losses (see English translation).
Regarding Claim 9, Matz shows the magnetic material (element 4 at L1, L2, L10, L11) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above the upper one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 2-3C, element 4 at L10, L11 is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above the upper one of elements 7).
Regarding Claims 11 and 22, Pizzi et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above.
Matz shows (Figs. 2-3C) the magnetic material (element 4 at L1, L2, L10, L11) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed below a lower one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 2-3C, element 4 at L1, L2 is part of a layer of multi-layer stack disposed below the lower one of elements 7), and overlaps the lower one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 2-3C, element 4 at L1, L2 overlaps a lower one of elements 7); and
the magnetic material (element 4 at L1, L2, L10, L11) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above an upper one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 2-3C, element 4 at L10, L11 is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above the upper one of elements 7), and overlaps the upper one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 2-3C, element 4 at L10, L11 overlaps an upper one of elements 7).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed below a lower one of the first and the second windings, and overlaps the lower one of the first and the second windings; and the magnetic material is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above an upper one of the first and the second windings, and overlaps the upper one of the first and the second windings as taught by Matz for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. to increase coupling characteristics and prevention of locally increased flux density with consequent magnetic saturation and magnetic losses (see English translation).
Regarding Claim 13, Pizzi et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not show the magnetic material is part of a guard ring that laterally surrounds at least part of the transformer.
Matz shows a transformer (Figs. 2-3C) teaching and suggesting the magnetic material is part of a guard ring (elements 6, 9 at element G2) that laterally surrounds at least part of the transformer (see Figs. 2-3C).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material is part of a guard ring that laterally surrounds at least part of the transformer as taught by Matz for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. to increase coupling characteristics and prevention of locally increased flux density with consequent magnetic saturation and magnetic losses (see English translation).
Regarding Claim 19, Pizzi et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above.
Matz shows (Figs. 2-3C) the magnetic material (element 4 at L1, L2, L10, L11) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed below a lower one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 2-3C, element 4 at L1, L2 is part of a layer of multi-layer stack disposed below the lower one of elements 7) and overlaps the lower one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 2-3C, element 4 at L1, L2 overlaps a lower one of elements 7).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed below a lower one of the first and the second windings and overlaps the lower one of the first and the second windings as taught by Matz for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. to increase coupling characteristics and prevention of locally increased flux density with consequent magnetic saturation and magnetic losses (see English translation).
Regarding Claim 20, Pizzi et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above.
Matz shows (Figs. 2-3C) the magnetic material (element 4 at L1, L2, L10, L11) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above an upper one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 2-3C, element 4 at L10, L11 is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above the upper one of elements 7) and overlaps the upper one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 2-3C, element 4 at L10, L11 overlaps an upper one of elements 7).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above an upper one of the first and the second windings and overlaps the upper one of the first and the second windings as taught by Matz for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. to increase coupling characteristics and prevention of locally increased flux density with consequent magnetic saturation and magnetic losses (see English translation).
Claim(s) 2, 5-9, 11, 13, 18-20, and 22 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Pizzi et al. in view of Xue et al. [CN 106409480].
Regarding Claims 2 and 18, Pizzi et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not show the magnetic material is part of a guard ring that laterally surrounds at least part of the transformer.
Xue et al. shows a transformer (Figs. 1-2) teaching and suggesting the magnetic material is part of a guard ring (8) that laterally surrounds at least part of the transformer (see Figs. 1-2).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material is part of a guard ring that laterally surrounds at least part of the transformer as taught by Xue et al. for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. to maximize power density and very low inductance and eddy current losses which reduces electromagnetic interference to improve quality (Abstract).
Regarding Claim 5, Xue et al. shows the magnetic material of the guard ring (8) follows a curvature of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 1-2, element 8 follows a curvature of elements 6, 7 of the transformer).
Regarding Claim 6, Pizzi et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above.
In addition, Xue et al. shows (Figs. 1-2) the magnetic material (lower portion and upper portion of element 1) overlaps a lower one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 1-2, lower portion of element 1 overlaps a lower one of elements 6, 7).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material overlaps a lower one of the first and the second windings as taught by Xue et al. for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. to maximize power density and very low inductance and eddy current losses which reduces electromagnetic interference to improve quality (Abstract).
Regarding Claim 7, Xue et al. shows the magnetic material (lower portion and upper portion of element 1) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed below the lower one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 1-2, lower portion of element 1 is part of a layer of multi-layer stack disposed below the lower one of elements 6, 7).
Regarding Claim 8, Pizzi et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above.
In addition, Xue et al. shows (Figs. 1-2) shows the magnetic material (lower portion and upper portion of element 1) overlaps an upper one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 1-2, upper portion of element 1 overlaps an upper one of elements 6, 7).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material overlaps an upper one of the first and the second windings as taught by Xue et al. for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. to maximize power density and very low inductance and eddy current losses which reduces electromagnetic interference to improve quality (Abstract).
Regarding Claim 9, Xue et al. shows the magnetic material (lower portion and upper portion of element 1) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above the upper one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 1-2, upper portion of element 1 is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above the upper one of elements 6, 7).
Regarding Claims 11 and 22, Pizzi et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above.
Xue et al. shows (Figs. 1-2) the magnetic material (lower portion and upper portion of element 1) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed below a lower one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 1-2, lower portion of element 1 is part of a layer of multi-layer stack disposed below the lower one of elements 6, 7), and overlaps the lower one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 1-2, lower portion of element 1 overlaps a lower one of elements 6, 7); and
the magnetic material (lower portion and upper portion of element 1) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above an upper one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 1-2, upper portion of element 1 is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above the upper one of elements 6, 7), and overlaps the upper one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 1-2, upper portion of element 1 overlaps an upper one of elements 6, 7).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed below a lower one of the first and the second windings, and overlaps the lower one of the first and the second windings; and the magnetic material is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above an upper one of the first and the second windings, and overlaps the upper one of the first and the second windings as taught by Xue et al. for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. to maximize power density and very low inductance and eddy current losses which reduces electromagnetic interference to improve quality (Abstract).
Regarding Claim 13, Pizzi et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not show the magnetic material is part of a guard ring that laterally surrounds at least part of the transformer.
Xue et al. shows a transformer (Figs. 1-2) teaching and suggesting the magnetic material is part of a guard ring (8) that laterally surrounds at least part of the transformer (see Figs. 1-2).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material is part of a guard ring that laterally surrounds at least part of the transformer as taught by Xue et al. for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. to maximize power density and very low inductance and eddy current losses which reduces electromagnetic interference to improve quality (Abstract).
Regarding Claim 19, Pizzi et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above.
Xue et al. shows (Figs. 1-2) the magnetic material (lower portion and upper portion of element 1) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed below a lower one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 1-2, lower portion of element 1 is part of a layer of multi-layer stack disposed below the lower one of elements 6, 7) and overlaps the lower one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 1-2, lower portion of element 1 overlaps a lower one of elements 6, 7).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed below a lower one of the first and the second windings and overlaps the lower one of the first and the second windings as taught by Xue et al. for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. to maximize power density and very low inductance and eddy current losses which reduces electromagnetic interference to improve quality (Abstract).
Regarding Claim 20, Pizzi et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above.
Xue et al. shows (Figs. 1-2) the magnetic material (lower portion and upper portion of element 1) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above an upper one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 1-2, upper portion of element 1 is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above the upper one of elements 6, 7) and overlaps the upper one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 1-2, upper portion of element 1 overlaps an upper one of elements 6, 7).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above an upper one of the first and the second windings and overlaps the upper one of the first and the second windings as taught by Xue et al. for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. to maximize power density and very low inductance and eddy current losses which reduces electromagnetic interference to improve quality (Abstract).
Claim(s) 2, 6-13, 16, and 18-22 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Pizzi et al. in view of Gardner [U.S. Pub. No. 2002/0008605].
Regarding Claims 2 and 18, Pizzi et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not show the magnetic material is part of a guard ring that laterally surrounds at least part of the transformer.
Gardner shows a transformer (Figs. 11-12) teaching and suggesting the magnetic material is part of a guard ring (elements 304, 312, 320 combined form a guard ring at regions 1184, 1186) that laterally surrounds at least part of the transformer (see Figs. 11-12, elements 304, 312, 320 combined form a guard ring at regions 1184, 1186 that laterally surrounds at least part of the transformer, Paragraph [0113]).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material is part of a guard ring that laterally surrounds at least part of the transformer as taught by Gardner for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. to increase inductance and prevent straying of magnetic flux (Paragraphs [0112], [0114]).
Regarding Claim 6, Pizzi et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above.
In addition, Gardner shows (Figs. 11-12) the magnetic material (304, 320) overlaps a lower one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 11-12, element 304 overlaps a lower one of elements 308, 316).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material overlaps a lower one of the first and the second windings as taught by Gardner for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. to increase inductance and prevent straying of magnetic flux (Paragraphs [0112], [0114]).
Regarding Claim 7, Gardner shows the magnetic material (304, 320) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed below the lower one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 11-12, element 304 is part of a layer of multi-layer stack disposed below the lower one of elements 308, 316).
Regarding Claim 8, Pizzi et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above.
In addition, Gardner shows (Figs. 11-12) shows the magnetic material (304, 320) overlaps an upper one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 11-12, element 320 overlaps an upper one of elements 308, 316).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material overlaps an upper one of the first and the second windings as taught by Gardner for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. to increase inductance and prevent straying of magnetic flux (Paragraphs [0112], [0114]).
Regarding Claim 9, Gardner shows the magnetic material (304, 320) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above the upper one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 11-12, element 320 is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above the upper one of elements 308, 316).
Regarding Claims 10 and 21, Pizzi et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not show the magnetic material is part of an intermediary layer of the multi-layer stack interposed between the first and the second windings.
Gardner shows a transformer (Figs. 11-12) teaching and suggesting the magnetic material (312) is part of an intermediary layer of the multi-layer stack interposed between the first and the second windings (see Figs. 11-12, element 312 is part of an intermediary layer of the multi-layer stack interposed between elements 308, 316).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material is part of an intermediary layer of the multi-layer stack interposed between the first and the second windings as taught by Gardner for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. to increase inductance and prevent straying of magnetic flux (Paragraphs [0112], [0114]).
Regarding Claims 11 and 22, Pizzi et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above.
Gardner shows (Figs. 11-12) the magnetic material (304, 320) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed below a lower one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 11-12, element 304 is part of a layer of multi-layer stack disposed below the lower one of elements 308, 316), and overlaps the lower one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 11-12, element 304 overlaps a lower one of elements 308, 316); and
the magnetic material (304, 320) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above an upper one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 11-12, element 320 is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above the upper one of elements 308, 316), and overlaps the upper one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 11-12, element 320 overlaps an upper one of elements 308, 316).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed below a lower one of the first and the second windings, and overlaps the lower one of the first and the second windings; and the magnetic material is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above an upper one of the first and the second windings, and overlaps the upper one of the first and the second windings as taught by Gardner for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. to increase inductance and prevent straying of magnetic flux (Paragraphs [0112], [0114]).
Regarding Claim 12, Pizzi et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not show the magnetic material is part of an intermediary layer of the multi-layer stack interposed between the first and the second windings.
Gardner shows the magnetic material (312) is part of an intermediary layer of the multi-layer stack interposed between the first and the second windings (see Figs. 11-12, element 312 is part of an intermediary layer of the multi-layer stack interposed between elements 308, 316).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material is part of an intermediary layer of the multi-layer stack interposed between the first and the second windings as taught by Gardner for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. to increase inductance and prevent straying of magnetic flux (Paragraphs [0112], [0114]).
Regarding Claim 13, Pizzi et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not show the magnetic material is part of a guard ring that laterally surrounds at least part of the transformer.
Gardner shows a transformer (Figs. 11-12) teaching and suggesting the magnetic material is part of a guard ring (elements 304, 312, 320 combined form a guard ring at regions 1184, 1186) that laterally surrounds at least part of the transformer (see Figs. 11-12, elements 304, 312, 320 combined form a guard ring at regions 1184, 1186 that laterally surrounds at least part of the transformer, Paragraph [0113]).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material is part of a guard ring that laterally surrounds at least part of the transformer as taught by Gardner for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. to increase inductance and prevent straying of magnetic flux (Paragraphs [0112], [0114]).
Regarding Claim 16, Pizzi et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not show the magnetic material is interposed between the first winding and the second winding.
Gardner shows a transformer (Figs. 11-12) teaching and suggesting the magnetic material (312) is interposed between the first winding and the second winding (see Figs. 11-12, element 312 is interposed between elements 308, 316).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material is interposed between the first winding and the second winding as taught by Gardner for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. to increase inductance and prevent straying of magnetic flux (Paragraphs [0112], [0114]).
Regarding Claim 19, Pizzi et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above.
Gardner shows (Figs. 11-12) the magnetic material (304, 320) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed below a lower one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 11-12, element 304 is part of a layer of multi-layer stack disposed below the lower one of elements 308, 316) and overlaps the lower one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 11-12, element 304 overlaps a lower one of elements 308, 316).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed below a lower one of the first and the second windings and overlaps the lower one of the first and the second windings as taught by Gardner for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. to increase inductance and prevent straying of magnetic flux (Paragraphs [0112], [0114]).
Regarding Claim 20, Pizzi et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above.
Gardner shows (Figs. 11-12) the magnetic material (304, 320) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above an upper one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 11-12, element 320 is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above the upper one of elements 308, 316) and overlaps the upper one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 11-12, element 320 overlaps an upper one of elements 308, 316).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above an upper one of the first and the second windings and overlaps the upper one of the first and the second windings as taught by Gardner for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. to reduce leakage flux to increase inductance and prevent straying of magnetic flux (Paragraphs [0112], [0114]).
Claim(s) 4 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Pizzi et al. in view of Matz OR Pizzi et al. in view of Xue et al. OR Pizzi et al. in view of Gardner as applied to claims 1-2 above, and further in view of Ito et al. [U.S. Patent No. 5,420,558].
Regarding Claim 4, Pizzi et al. in view of Matz OR Pizzi et al. in view of Xue et al. OR Pizzi et al. in view of Gardner shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not show the first winding comprises a pair of first coils; the second winding comprises a pair of second coils; and the magnetic material of the guard ring laterally surrounds the pair of first coils and the pair of second coils with or without interruption.
Ito et al. shows the first winding (32) comprises a pair of first coils (see Figs. 18A-18C, element 32 have at least a pair of first coils); the second winding (34) comprises a pair of second coils (see Figs. 18A-18C, element 34 have at least a pair of second coils); and the magnetic material of the guard ring (71) laterally surrounds the pair of first coils and the pair of second coils with or without interruption (see Figs. 18A-18C).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the first winding comprises a pair of first coils; the second winding comprises a pair of second coils; and the magnetic material of the guard ring laterally surrounds the pair of first coils and the pair of second coils with or without interruption as taught by Ito et al. for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. in view of Matz OR Pizzi et al. in view of Xue et al. OR Pizzi et al. in view of Gardner to reduce leakage flux to achieve a coil coupling factor of about 0.99 or more where conversion efficiency of the transformer is very high (Col. 24, Lines 60-65).
Claim(s) 5 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Pizzi et al. in view of Ito et al. OR Pizzi et al. in view of Kuether et al. OR Pizzi et al. in view of Gardner as applied to claims 1-2 above, and further in view of Matz [DE 102008049756].
Regarding Claim 5, Pizzi et al. in view of Ito et al. OR Pizzi et al. in view of Kuether et al. OR Pizzi et al. in view of Gardner shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not show the magnetic material of the guard ring follows a curvature of the first and the second windings.
Matz shows the magnetic material of the guard ring (elements 6, 9 at element G2) follows a curvature of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 3B-3C, elements 6, 9 at element G2 follow a curvature of elements 7 of the transformer).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material of the guard ring follows a curvature of the first and the second windings as taught by Matz for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. in view of Ito et al. OR Pizzi et al. in view of Kuether et al. OR Pizzi et al. in view of Gardner to increase coupling characteristics and prevention of locally increased flux density with consequent magnetic saturation and magnetic losses (see English translation).
Claim(s) 5 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Pizzi et al. in view of Ito et al. OR Pizzi et al. in view of Kuether et al. OR Pizzi et al. in view of Gardner as applied to claims 1-2 above, and further in view of Xue et al. [CN 106409480].
Regarding Claim 5, Pizzi et al. in view of Ito et al. OR Pizzi et al. in view of Kuether et al. OR Pizzi et al. in view of Gardner shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not show the magnetic material of the guard ring follows a curvature of the first and the second windings.
Xue et al. shows the magnetic material of the guard ring (8) follows a curvature of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 1-2, element 8 follows a curvature of elements 6, 7 of the transformer).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material of the guard ring follows a curvature of the first and the second windings as taught by Xue et al. for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. in view of Ito et al. OR Pizzi et al. in view of Kuether et al. OR Pizzi et al. in view of Gardner to maximize power density and very low inductance and eddy current losses which reduces electromagnetic interference to improve quality (Abstract).
Claim(s) 12 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Pizzi et al. in view of Ito et al. OR Pizzi et al. in view of Kuether et al. OR Pizzi et al. in view of Matz OR Pizzi et al. in view of Xue et al. as applied to claim 11 above, and further in view of Gardner [U.S. Pub. No. 2002/0008605].
Regarding Claim 12, Pizzi et al. in view of Ito et al. OR Pizzi et al. in view of Kuether et al. OR Pizzi et al. in view of Matz OR Pizzi et al. in view of Xue et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not show the magnetic material is part of an intermediary layer of the multi-layer stack interposed between the first and the second windings.
Gardner shows a transformer (Figs. 11-12) teaching and suggesting the magnetic material (312) is part of an intermediary layer of the multi-layer stack interposed between the first and the second windings (see Figs. 11-12, element 312 is part of an intermediary layer of the multi-layer stack interposed between elements 308, 316).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material is part of an intermediary layer of the multi-layer stack interposed between the first and the second windings as taught by Gardner for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. in view of Ito et al. OR Pizzi et al. in view of Kuether et al. OR Pizzi et al. in view of Matz OR Pizzi et al. in view of Xue et al. to increase inductance and prevent straying of magnetic flux (Paragraphs [0112], [0114]).
Claim(s) 17, 19-20, and 22 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Pizzi et al. [U.S. Pub. No. 2018/0097055] in view of Palumbo et al. [U.S. Pub. No. 2017/0278841].
Regarding Claim 17, Pizzi et al. shows an electronic system (Figs. 1-12), comprising:
an inductive power coupler (Paragraph [0021], see Figs. 1-12) formed in a multi-layer stack (L1-L4, 24, 26) of a semiconductor die (1, Paragraphs [0021], [0024], [0028]) and configured to transfer power (Paragraphs [0022], [0028], [0041]) from a power transmitter (TX) to a power receiver (RX) over a galvanic isolation barrier (13, Paragraphs [0022], [0026], [0028], [0034], [0041]),
wherein the inductive power coupler (see Figs. 1-12) includes a transformer (2) that comprises:
a first winding (2b) electrically coupled to the power transmitter (TX, Paragraph [0023]) and formed in a first metallization layer (M4) of the multi-layer stack (see Figs. 2-12); and
a second winding (2a) electrically coupled to the power receiver (RX, Paragraph [0023]) and formed in a second metallization layer (M3) of the multi-layer stack (see Figs. 2-12),
wherein the first winding and the second winding are inductively coupled to one another (see Figs. 2-12, elements 2b, 2a inductively coupled to one another, Paragraphs [0021], [0029]),
wherein a magnetic material (27, 28) in the multi-layer stack (L1-L4, 24, 26) is adjacent to at least part of the transformer (2, see Figs. 1-12).
Furthermore, Palumbo et al. clearly teaches an inductive power coupler (Paragraph [0016], see Figs. 1-12) formed in a multi-layer stack (see Fig. 2) of a semiconductor die (1, Paragraphs [0016], [0019], [0020]) and configured to transfer power (Paragraphs [0020]) from a power transmitter (TX) to a power receiver (RX) over a galvanic isolation barrier (13, Paragraph [0026], see also Paragraph [0019]).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have a semiconductor die as taught by Palumbo et al. for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. to have a compact design obtaining advantages in improvement performance, size, and design flexibility such as high density that will enable a reduction in costs (Paragraphs [0007]).
Regarding Claim 19, Pizzi et al. shows the magnetic material (27, 28) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed below a lower one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 2-12, element 27 is part of a layer of elements L1-L4, 24, 26 disposed below the lower one of elements 2b, 2a) and overlaps the lower one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 2-12, element 27 overlaps a lower one of elements 2b, 2a).
Regarding Claim 20, Pizzi et al. shows the magnetic material (27, 28) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above an upper one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 2-12, element 28 is part of a layer of elements L1-L4, 24, 26 disposed above the upper one of elements 2b, 2a) and overlaps the upper one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 2-12, element 28 overlaps an upper one of elements 2b, 2a).
Regarding Claim 22, Pizzi et al. shows the magnetic material (27, 28) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed below a lower one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 2-12, element 27 is part of a layer of elements L1-L4, 24, 26 disposed below the lower one of elements 2b, 2a), and overlaps the lower one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 2-12, element 27 overlaps a lower one of elements 2b, 2a); and
the magnetic material (27, 28) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above an upper one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 2-12, element 28 is part of a layer of elements L1-L4, 24, 26 disposed above the upper one of elements 2b, 2a), and overlaps the upper one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 2-12, element 28 overlaps an upper one of elements 2b, 2a).
Claim(s) 18-22 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Pizzi et al. in view of Palumbo et al. as applied to claim 17 above, and further in view of Ito et al. [U.S. Patent No. 5,420,558].
Regarding Claim 18, Pizzi et al. in view of Palumbo et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not show the magnetic material is part of a guard ring that laterally surrounds at least part of the transformer.
Ito et al. shows a transformer (Figs. 18A-18C) teaching and suggesting the magnetic material is part of a guard ring (71) that laterally surrounds at least part of the transformer (see Figs. 18A-18C).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material is part of a guard ring that laterally surrounds at least part of the transformer as taught by Ito et al. for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. in view of Palumbo et al. to reduce leakage flux to achieve a coil coupling factor of about 0.99 or more where conversion efficiency of the transformer is very high (Col. 24, Lines 60-65).
Regarding Claim 19, Pizzi et al. in view of Palumbo et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above.
Ito et al. shows (Figs. 17A-17B) the magnetic material (61, 62) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed below a lower one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 17A-17B, element 61 is part of a layer of multi-layer stack disposed below the lower one of elements 32, 34) and overlaps the lower one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 17A-17B, element 61 overlaps a lower one of elements 32, 34).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed below a lower one of the first and the second windings and overlaps the lower one of the first and the second windings as taught by Ito et al. for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. in view of Palumbo et al. to reduce leakage flux to achieve an increase in the intensity of the magnetic field (Col. 24, Lines 1-15).
Regarding Claim 20, Pizzi et al. in view of Palumbo et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above.
Ito et al. shows (Figs. 17A-17B) the magnetic material (61, 62) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above an upper one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 17A-17B, element 62 is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above the upper one of elements 32, 34) and overlaps the upper one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 17A-17B, element 62 overlaps an upper one of elements 32, 34).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above an upper one of the first and the second windings and overlaps the upper one of the first and the second windings as taught by Ito et al. for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. in view of Palumbo et al. to reduce leakage flux to achieve an increase in the intensity of the magnetic field (Col. 24, Lines 1-15).
Regarding Claim 21, Pizzi et al. in view of Palumbo et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not show the magnetic material is part of an intermediary layer of the multi-layer stack interposed between the first and the second windings.
Ito et al. shows a transformer (Fig. 8) teaching and suggesting the magnetic material (9) is part of an intermediary layer of the multi-layer stack interposed between the first and the second windings (see Fig. 8, element 9 is part of an intermediary layer of the multi-layer stack interposed between elements 3, 4).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material is part of an intermediary layer of the multi-layer stack interposed between the first and the second windings as taught by Ito et al. for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. in view of Palumbo et al. to reduce leakage flux to achieve an increase in the intensity of the magnetic field (Col. 7, Lines 36-45).
Regarding Claim 22, Pizzi et al. in view of Palumbo et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above.
Ito et al. shows (Figs. 17A-17B) the magnetic material (61, 62) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed below a lower one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 17A-17B, element 61 is part of a layer of multi-layer stack disposed below the lower one of elements 32, 34), and overlaps the lower one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 17A-17B, element 61 overlaps a lower one of elements 32, 34); and
the magnetic material (61, 62) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above an upper one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 17A-17B, element 62 is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above the upper one of elements 32, 34), and overlaps the upper one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 17A-17B, element 62 overlaps an upper one of elements 32, 34).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed below a lower one of the first and the second windings, and overlaps the lower one of the first and the second windings; and the magnetic material is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above an upper one of the first and the second windings, and overlaps the upper one of the first and the second windings as taught by Ito et al. for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. in view of Palumbo et al. to reduce leakage flux to achieve an increase in the intensity of the magnetic field (Col. 24, Lines 1-15).
Claim(s) 18-20 and 22 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Pizzi et al. in view of Palumbo et al. as applied to claim 17 above, and further in view of Kuether et al. [U.S. Patent No. 5,852,866].
Regarding Claim 18, Pizzi et al. in view of Palumbo et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not show the magnetic material is part of a guard ring that laterally surrounds at least part of the transformer.
Kuether et al. shows a transformer (Fig. 4 with teachings from Figs. 1-2e) teaching and suggesting the magnetic material is part of a guard ring (7) that laterally surrounds at least part of the transformer (see Fig. 4 with teachings from Figs. 1-2e).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material is part of a guard ring that laterally surrounds at least part of the transformer as taught by Kuether et al. for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. in view of Palumbo et al. to increase the coil inductance and guide the magnetic flux (Abstract).
Regarding Claim 19, Pizzi et al. in view of Palumbo et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above.
Kuether et al. shows (Fig. 4 with teachings from Figs. 1-2e) the magnetic material (6, 8) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed below a lower one of the first and the second windings (see Fig. 4 with teachings from Figs. 1-2e, element 8 is part of a layer of multi-layer stack disposed below the lower one of elements 21, 22) and overlaps the lower one of the first and the second windings (see Fig. 4 with teachings from Figs. 1-2e, element 8 overlaps a lower one of elements 21, 22).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed below a lower one of the first and the second windings and overlaps the lower one of the first and the second windings as taught by Kuether et al. for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. in view of Palumbo et al. to increase the coil inductance and guide the magnetic flux (Abstract).
Regarding Claim 20, Pizzi et al. in view of Palumbo et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above.
Kuether et al. shows (Fig. 4 with teachings from Figs. 1-2e) the magnetic material (6, 8) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above an upper one of the first and the second windings (see Fig. 4 with teachings from Figs. 1-2e, element 6 is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above the upper one of elements 21, 22) and overlaps the upper one of the first and the second windings (see Fig. 4 with teachings from Figs. 1-2e, element 6 overlaps an upper one of elements 21, 22).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above an upper one of the first and the second windings and overlaps the upper one of the first and the second windings as taught by Kuether et al. for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. in view of Palumbo et al. to increase the coil inductance and guide the magnetic flux (Abstract).
Regarding Claim 22, Pizzi et al. in view of Palumbo et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above.
Kuether et al. shows (Fig. 4 with teachings from Figs. 1-2e) the magnetic material (6, 8) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed below a lower one of the first and the second windings (see Fig. 4 with teachings from Figs. 1-2e, element 8 is part of a layer of multi-layer stack disposed below the lower one of elements 21, 22), and overlaps the lower one of the first and the second windings (see Fig. 4 with teachings from Figs. 1-2e, element 8 overlaps a lower one of elements 21, 22); and
the magnetic material (6, 8) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above an upper one of the first and the second windings (see Fig. 4 with teachings from Figs. 1-2e, element 6 is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above the upper one of elements 21, 22), and overlaps the upper one of the first and the second windings (see Fig. 4 with teachings from Figs. 1-2e, element 6 overlaps an upper one of elements 21, 22).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed below a lower one of the first and the second windings, and overlaps the lower one of the first and the second windings; and the magnetic material is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above an upper one of the first and the second windings, and overlaps the upper one of the first and the second windings as taught by Kuether et al. for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. in view of Palumbo et al. to increase the coil inductance and guide the magnetic flux (Abstract).
Claim(s) 18-20 and 22 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Pizzi et al. in view of Palumbo et al. as applied to claim 17 above, and further in view of Matz [DE 102008049756].
Regarding Claim 18, Pizzi et al. in view of Palumbo et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not show the magnetic material is part of a guard ring that laterally surrounds at least part of the transformer.
Matz shows a transformer (Figs. 2-3C) teaching and suggesting the magnetic material is part of a guard ring (elements 6, 9 at element G2) that laterally surrounds at least part of the transformer (see Figs. 2-3C).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material is part of a guard ring that laterally surrounds at least part of the transformer as taught by Matz for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. in view of Palumbo et al. to increase coupling characteristics and prevention of locally increased flux density with consequent magnetic saturation and magnetic losses (see English translation).
Regarding Claim 19, Pizzi et al. in view of Palumbo et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above.
Matz shows (Figs. 2-3C) the magnetic material (element 4 at L1, L2, L10, L11) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed below a lower one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 2-3C, element 4 at L1, L2 is part of a layer of multi-layer stack disposed below the lower one of elements 7) and overlaps the lower one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 2-3C, element 4 at L1, L2 overlaps a lower one of elements 7).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed below a lower one of the first and the second windings and overlaps the lower one of the first and the second windings as taught by Matz for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. in view of Palumbo et al. to increase coupling characteristics and prevention of locally increased flux density with consequent magnetic saturation and magnetic losses (see English translation).
Regarding Claim 20, Pizzi et al. in view of Palumbo et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above.
Matz shows (Figs. 2-3C) the magnetic material (element 4 at L1, L2, L10, L11) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above an upper one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 2-3C, element 4 at L10, L11 is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above the upper one of elements 7) and overlaps the upper one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 2-3C, element 4 at L10, L11 overlaps an upper one of elements 7).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above an upper one of the first and the second windings and overlaps the upper one of the first and the second windings as taught by Matz for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. in view of Palumbo et al. to increase coupling characteristics and prevention of locally increased flux density with consequent magnetic saturation and magnetic losses (see English translation).
Regarding Claim 22, Pizzi et al. in view of Palumbo et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above.
Matz shows (Figs. 2-3C) the magnetic material (element 4 at L1, L2, L10, L11) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed below a lower one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 2-3C, element 4 at L1, L2 is part of a layer of multi-layer stack disposed below the lower one of elements 7), and overlaps the lower one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 2-3C, element 4 at L1, L2 overlaps a lower one of elements 7); and
the magnetic material (element 4 at L1, L2, L10, L11) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above an upper one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 2-3C, element 4 at L10, L11 is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above the upper one of elements 7), and overlaps the upper one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 2-3C, element 4 at L10, L11 overlaps an upper one of elements 7).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed below a lower one of the first and the second windings, and overlaps the lower one of the first and the second windings; and the magnetic material is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above an upper one of the first and the second windings, and overlaps the upper one of the first and the second windings as taught by Matz for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. in view of Palumbo et al. to increase coupling characteristics and prevention of locally increased flux density with consequent magnetic saturation and magnetic losses (see English translation).
Claim(s) 18-20 and 22 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Pizzi et al. in view of Palumbo et al. as applied to claim 17 above, and further in view of Xue et al. [CN 106409480].
Regarding Claim 18, Pizzi et al. in view of Palumbo et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not show the magnetic material is part of a guard ring that laterally surrounds at least part of the transformer.
Xue et al. shows a transformer (Figs. 1-2) teaching and suggesting the magnetic material is part of a guard ring (8) that laterally surrounds at least part of the transformer (see Figs. 1-2).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material is part of a guard ring that laterally surrounds at least part of the transformer as taught by Xue et al. for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. in view of Palumbo et al. to maximize power density and very low inductance and eddy current losses which reduces electromagnetic interference to improve quality (Abstract).
Regarding Claim 19, Pizzi et al. in view of Palumbo et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above.
Xue et al. shows (Figs. 1-2) the magnetic material (lower portion and upper portion of element 1) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed below a lower one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 1-2, lower portion of element 1 is part of a layer of multi-layer stack disposed below the lower one of elements 6, 7) and overlaps the lower one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 1-2, lower portion of element 1 overlaps a lower one of elements 6, 7).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed below a lower one of the first and the second windings and overlaps the lower one of the first and the second windings as taught by Xue et al. for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. in view of Palumbo et al. to maximize power density and very low inductance and eddy current losses which reduces electromagnetic interference to improve quality (Abstract).
Regarding Claim 20, Pizzi et al. in view of Palumbo et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above.
Xue et al. shows (Figs. 1-2) the magnetic material (lower portion and upper portion of element 1) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above an upper one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 1-2, upper portion of element 1 is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above the upper one of elements 6, 7) and overlaps the upper one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 1-2, upper portion of element 1 overlaps an upper one of elements 6, 7).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above an upper one of the first and the second windings and overlaps the upper one of the first and the second windings as taught by Xue et al. for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. in view of Palumbo et al. to maximize power density and very low inductance and eddy current losses which reduces electromagnetic interference to improve quality (Abstract).
Regarding Claim 22, Pizzi et al. in view of Palumbo et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above.
Xue et al. shows (Figs. 1-2) the magnetic material (lower portion and upper portion of element 1) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed below a lower one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 1-2, lower portion of element 1 is part of a layer of multi-layer stack disposed below the lower one of elements 6, 7), and overlaps the lower one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 1-2, lower portion of element 1 overlaps a lower one of elements 6, 7); and
the magnetic material (lower portion and upper portion of element 1) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above an upper one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 1-2, upper portion of element 1 is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above the upper one of elements 6, 7), and overlaps the upper one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 1-2, upper portion of element 1 overlaps an upper one of elements 6, 7).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed below a lower one of the first and the second windings, and overlaps the lower one of the first and the second windings; and the magnetic material is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above an upper one of the first and the second windings, and overlaps the upper one of the first and the second windings as taught by Xue et al. for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. in view of Palumbo et al. to maximize power density and very low inductance and eddy current losses which reduces electromagnetic interference to improve quality (Abstract).
Claim(s) 18-22 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Pizzi et al. in view of Palumbo et al. as applied to claim 17 above, and further in view of Gardner [U.S. Pub. No. 2002/0008605].
Regarding Claim 18, Pizzi et al. in view of Palumbo et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not show the magnetic material is part of a guard ring that laterally surrounds at least part of the transformer.
Gardner shows a transformer (Figs. 11-12) teaching and suggesting the magnetic material is part of a guard ring (elements 304, 312, 320 combined form a guard ring at regions 1184, 1186) that laterally surrounds at least part of the transformer (see Figs. 11-12, elements 304, 312, 320 combined form a guard ring at regions 1184, 1186 that laterally surrounds at least part of the transformer, Paragraph [0113]).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material is part of a guard ring that laterally surrounds at least part of the transformer as taught by Gardner for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. in view of Palumbo et al. to increase inductance and prevent straying of magnetic flux (Paragraphs [0112], [0114]).
Regarding Claim 19, Pizzi et al. in view of Palumbo et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above.
Gardner shows (Figs. 11-12) the magnetic material (304, 320) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed below a lower one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 11-12, element 304 is part of a layer of multi-layer stack disposed below the lower one of elements 308, 316) and overlaps the lower one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 11-12, element 304 overlaps a lower one of elements 308, 316).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed below a lower one of the first and the second windings and overlaps the lower one of the first and the second windings as taught by Gardner for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. in view of Palumbo et al. to increase inductance and prevent straying of magnetic flux (Paragraphs [0112], [0114]).
Regarding Claim 20, Pizzi et al. in view of Palumbo et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above.
Gardner shows (Figs. 11-12) the magnetic material (304, 320) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above an upper one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 11-12, element 320 is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above the upper one of elements 308, 316) and overlaps the upper one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 11-12, element 320 overlaps an upper one of elements 308, 316).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above an upper one of the first and the second windings and overlaps the upper one of the first and the second windings as taught by Gardner for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. in view of Palumbo et al. to reduce leakage flux to increase inductance and prevent straying of magnetic flux (Paragraphs [0112], [0114]).
Regarding Claim 21, Pizzi et al. in view of Palumbo et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not show the magnetic material is part of an intermediary layer of the multi-layer stack interposed between the first and the second windings.
Gardner shows a transformer (Figs. 11-12) teaching and suggesting the magnetic material (312) is part of an intermediary layer of the multi-layer stack interposed between the first and the second windings (see Figs. 11-12, element 312 is part of an intermediary layer of the multi-layer stack interposed between elements 308, 316).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material is part of an intermediary layer of the multi-layer stack interposed between the first and the second windings as taught by Gardner for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. in view of Palumbo et al. to increase inductance and prevent straying of magnetic flux (Paragraphs [0112], [0114]).
Regarding Claim 22, Pizzi et al. in view of Palumbo et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above.
Gardner shows (Figs. 11-12) the magnetic material (304, 320) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed below a lower one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 11-12, element 304 is part of a layer of multi-layer stack disposed below the lower one of elements 308, 316), and overlaps the lower one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 11-12, element 304 overlaps a lower one of elements 308, 316); and
the magnetic material (304, 320) is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above an upper one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 11-12, element 320 is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above the upper one of elements 308, 316), and overlaps the upper one of the first and the second windings (see Figs. 11-12, element 320 overlaps an upper one of elements 308, 316).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the magnetic material is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed below a lower one of the first and the second windings, and overlaps the lower one of the first and the second windings; and the magnetic material is part of a layer of the multi-layer stack disposed above an upper one of the first and the second windings, and overlaps the upper one of the first and the second windings as taught by Gardner for the device as disclosed by Pizzi et al. in view of Palumbo et al. to increase inductance and prevent straying of magnetic flux (Paragraphs [0112], [0114]).
Conclusion
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/TSZFUNG J CHAN/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2837