CTFR 17/876,612 CTFR 82866 DETAILED ACTION Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status 07-03-aia AIA 15-10-aia The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA. Response to Amendment Acknowledgement is made of amendment filed on 04/30/2026 in which claims 1, 11-13 have been amended. By this amendment, claims 1-16 are still pending in the application. Claim Objections 07-29-01 AIA Claim 1 is objected to because of the following informalities: in claim 1, the limitations of, “and a second terminal coupled to the second input of the first multiplexer and the first input of the second multiplexer” should and would read for examinations purpose --and a second terminal coupled to the second input of the first multiplexer and to the first input of the second multiplexer --. Appropriate correction is required. Drawings The drawings are still objected to under 37 CFR 1.83(a). The drawings must show every feature of the invention specified in the claims. Therefore, the underlined limitations of, “a first terminal coupled to the first input of the first multiplexer and to the first input of the second ADC ” must be shown or the feature(s) canceled from the claim(s). No new matter should be entered. It is noted that the (-) input of the first ADC 360A is named by applicant as “first input of the first ADC” and similarly the (-) input of the second ADC 360B is named by applicant as “first input of the second ADC” as per the previous clause of claim 1 and thus applicants need to be consistent. Therefore, the underlined limitations of, “a first terminal coupled to the first input of the first multiplexer and to the first input of the second ADC ” must read -- a first terminal coupled to the first input of the first multiplexer and to the first second input of the second ADC --. No new matter should be entered. Similarly, the limitations of, “…and the output of the first ADC coupled to the first measurement output;” and the limitations of, “…and the output of the second ADC coupled to the second measurement output;” as recited in claim 12, must be shown or the feature(s) canceled from the claim(s). Furthermore, in claim 12, based on the clause “…the first input of the first ADC coupled to the first battery terminal” and as shown in applicant’s annotated Fig. 3, the limitations of, “a first multiplexer having first and second inputs and an output, the first input of the first multiplexer coupled to the second battery terminal, the second input of the first multiplexer coupled to the bus bar terminal, and the output of the first multiplexer coupled to the second input of the first ADC” are not shown in the annotated Fig. 3 and for sake of consistencies, the limitations should read --a first multiplexer having first and second inputs and an output, the first input of the first multiplexer coupled to the second first battery terminal, the second input of the first multiplexer coupled to the bus bar terminal, and the output of the first multiplexer coupled to the second first input of the first ADC--and the clause “and a second multiplexer having first and second inputs and an output, the first input of the second multiplexer coupled to the bus bar terminal, and the output of the second multiplexer coupled to the second input of the second ADC” are not shown in the annotated Fig. 3 of applicants and for sake of consistencies, the limitations should read --and a second multiplexer having first and second inputs and an output, the first input of the second multiplexer coupled to the bus bar terminal, and the output of the second multiplexer coupled to the second first input of the second ADC-- 06-22 Corrected drawing sheets in compliance with 37 CFR 1.121(d) are required in reply to the Office action to avoid abandonment of the application. Any amended replacement drawing sheet should include all of the figures appearing on the immediate prior version of the sheet, even if only one figure is being amended. The figure or figure number of an amended drawing should not be labeled as “amended.” If a drawing figure is to be canceled, the appropriate figure must be removed from the replacement sheet, and where necessary, the remaining figures must be renumbered and appropriate changes made to the brief description of the several views of the drawings for consistency. Additional replacement sheets may be necessary to show the renumbering of the remaining figures. Each drawing sheet submitted after the filing date of an application must be labeled in the top margin as either “Replacement Sheet” or “New Sheet” pursuant to 37 CFR 1.121(d). If the changes are not accepted by the examiner, the applicant will be notified and informed of any required corrective action in the next Office action. The objection to the drawings will not be held in abeyance. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112 07-30-01 AIA The following is a quotation of the first paragraph of 35 U.S.C. 112(a): (a) IN GENERAL.—The specification shall contain a written description of the invention, and of the manner and process of making and using it, in such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains, or with which it is most nearly connected, to make and use the same, and shall set forth the best mode contemplated by the inventor or joint inventor of carrying out the invention. The following is a quotation of the first paragraph of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112: The specification shall contain a written description of the invention, and of the manner and process of making and using it, in such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains, or with which it is most nearly connected, to make and use the same, and shall set forth the best mode contemplated by the inventor of carrying out his invention. Claims 1-16 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(a) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA), first paragraph, as failing to comply with the written description requirement. The claim(s) contains subject matter which was not described in the specification in such a way as to reasonably convey to one skilled in the relevant art that the inventor or a joint inventor, or for applications subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, the inventor(s), at the time the application was filed, had possession of the claimed invention. In claim 1, the underlined limitations of, “a first terminal coupled to the first input of the first multiplexer and to the first input of the second ADC ” must read -- a first terminal coupled to the first input of the first multiplexer and to the first second input of the second ADC —based on applicant’s annotated Fig. 3 in remarks filed on 04/30/2026. In claim 12, the limitations of, “…and the output of the first ADC coupled to the first measurement output;” and the limitations of, “…and the output of the second ADC coupled to the second measurement output;” are not shown at least in Fig. 3. Amended claim 12 recites: The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the monitor circuit includes: a first analog-to-digital converter (ADC) having first and second inputs and an output, the first input of the first ADC coupled to the first battery terminal , and the output of the first ADC coupled to the first measurement output ; a second ADC having first and second inputs and an output, the first input of the second ADC coupled to the second battery terminal, and the output of the second ADC coupled to the second measurement output ; a first multiplexer having first and second inputs and an output, the first input of the first multiplexer coupled to the second battery terminal , the second input of the first multiplexer coupled to the bus bar terminal, and the output of the first multiplexer coupled to the second input of the first ADC ; and a second multiplexer having first and second inputs and an output, the first input of the second multiplexer coupled to the bus bar terminal, and the output of the second multiplexer coupled to the second input of the second ADC. It is unclear how the limitations in italics are achieved or met based on the bold face clause above as defined by applicants in their own annotated Fig. 3 which is further annotated by examiner to show the inconsistencies between the claim languages and the drawings. Claims 2-10 depend either directly or indirectly from claim 1 and thus are also rejected for the same reasons. Claims 13-16 either directly or indirectly from claim 12 and thus are also rejected for the same reasons. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112 07-30-02 AIA The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(b): (b) CONCLUSION.—The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor regards as the invention. The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA), second paragraph: The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the applicant regards as his invention. 07-34-01 Claims 1-16 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA), second paragraph, as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor (or for applications subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, the applicant), regards as the invention. In claim 1, it is unclear how the underlined limitations of, “a first terminal coupled to the first input of the first multiplexer and to the first input of the second ADC ” are performed or achieved based on applicants own annotation of Fig. 3. In claim 12, it is also unclear how the limitations of, “… and the output of the first ADC coupled to the first measurement output ; a second ADC having first and second inputs and an output, the first input of the second ADC coupled to the second battery terminal, and the output of the second ADC coupled to the second measurement output ; a first multiplexer having first and second inputs and an output, the first input of the first multiplexer coupled to the second battery terminal , the second input of the first multiplexer coupled to the bus bar terminal, and the output of the first multiplexer coupled to the second input of the first ADC ; and a second multiplexer having first and second inputs and an output, the first input of the second multiplexer coupled to the bus bar terminal, and the output of the second multiplexer coupled to the second input of the second ADC” are achieved or performed as it seems to be inconsistent and contradictory to applicants annotated Fig. 3, as shown below. PNG media_image1.png 649 867 media_image1.png Greyscale Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102 07-06 AIA 15-10-15 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. 07-07-aia AIA 07-07 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 – 07-08-aia AIA (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. 07-15 AIA Claim (s) 11 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102( a)(1 ) as being anticipated by An US 2020/0355747 A1 . Regarding claim 11: An at least discloses and shows in Fig. 7: An apparatus (battery management apparatus; see Fig. 7) comprising: a monitor circuit (110) having a first battery terminal (11a) , a second battery terminal (11b) , a bus bar terminal (bus var 20 has terminals, see Figs. 6-7)(S1 is connected to positive terminal of bus bar 20 if switch 123 is closed and Switch 124” is opened and S1 is connected to negative terminal of bus bar 20 if switch 123 is opened and switch 124” is closed; see [0066]-[0067]) , selection inputs (via measurement target changing unit 120/120”)(see Figs. 4-5 and 7 and [0055],[0062], [0093] and [0094]) , a first measurement output (as output at S1) , and a second measurement output (as output at S2) , the monitor circuit (110) configurable (see [0057]-[0061]) to, responsive to states of the selection inputs (depending of selection of measurement channels S 1 …S n+1 ) :provide a first signal at the first measurement output (first measurement line 121) indicative of a voltage difference between the first and second battery terminals (11a and 11b)(see Fig. 6) as a first battery voltage ; and provide a second signal (second measurement line 122) at the second measurement output indicative of a voltage difference between the second battery terminal and the bus bar terminal as a second battery voltage (see [0063]-[0064],[0070],[0076]-[0079],[0083],[0087])(note-when the second switch 123 is closed, on the second measurement line 122 is provided a second voltage that includes voltage of the bus bar 20 + the voltage of the battery 11; see Fig. 3) . PNG media_image2.png 649 867 media_image2.png Greyscale Response to Arguments Applicant representative argues that: An fails to disclose at least these claim elements, at least because in An, the voltage measured at measurement channel s1, with switch 123 turned on, is a voltage at bus bar 20. An does not disclose measuring the voltage difference between measurement channels s1, s2, ... sn as the cell voltage of the battery cells with switch 123 turned on - rather, the cell voltage measurements are made when switch 123 is turned off . Examiner respectfully disagrees, that as shown in Fig.3, the voltage measured at measurement channel s1, with switch 123 turned on, is not a voltage at bus bar 20, but rather it is a voltage of bus bar 20 + voltage of battery module 11, which provides a second battery voltage. When switch 123 is off and switch 124” is on(see Fig. 7) then the cell voltage measurements are made which provide a first battery voltage. Therefore rejections have been maintained where arguments were found not persuasive. New rejections under 112(a) and 112(b) have been made based on applicant’s representative contradictory interpretations of the drawings in his attempt to clarify the previous rejections made in the Non final office action. Conclusion 07-40 AIA 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 nonprovisional extension fee (37 CFR 1.17(a)) 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 mailing date of this final action. Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to M'BAYE DIAO whose telephone number is (571)272-6127. The examiner can normally be reached M-F; 10:00AM-6:30PM and OFF most of the time Friday when working IFP. Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice. If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, DREW A DUNN can be reached at 571-272-2312. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300. Information regarding the status of published or unpublished applications may be obtained from Patent Center. Unpublished application information in Patent Center is available to registered users. To file and manage patent submissions in Patent Center, visit: https://patentcenter.uspto.gov. Visit https://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/patent-center for more information about Patent Center and https://www.uspto.gov/patents/docx for information about filing in DOCX format. For additional questions, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000. M'BAYE DIAO Primary Examiner Art Unit 2859 /M BAYE DIAO/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2859 May 26, 2026 Application/Control Number: 17/876,612 Page 2 Art Unit: 2859 Application/Control Number: 17/876,612 Page 3 Art Unit: 2859 Application/Control Number: 17/876,612 Page 4 Art Unit: 2859 Application/Control Number: 17/876,612 Page 5 Art Unit: 2859 Application/Control Number: 17/876,612 Page 6 Art Unit: 2859 Application/Control Number: 17/876,612 Page 7 Art Unit: 2859 Application/Control Number: 17/876,612 Page 8 Art Unit: 2859 Application/Control Number: 17/876,612 Page 9 Art Unit: 2859 Application/Control Number: 17/876,612 Page 10 Art Unit: 2859 Application/Control Number: 17/876,612 Page 11 Art Unit: 2859
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