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 .
This Office Action is in response to papers filed on 10/31/2025. Amendments made to the claims and the Applicant's remarks have been entered and considered.
Claims 1, 7, 15 have been amended.
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s arguments, see Remarks, filed 10/31/2025, with respect to the objection to the drawings and the rejection under 35 USC 112 have been fully considered and are persuasive. The objection to the drawings and the rejection under 35 USC 112 have been withdrawn. The rejection of claim(s) 1-4 under 35 USC 102 in view of Ha (KR 20200082285 A) has been withdrawn.
Regarding claims 1-6, newly applied Nagayama et al. (US 2012/0062057 A1) in view of Iyer et al. (US 2021/0170890 A1) show the claimed features.
The Applicant's remaining arguments filed 10/31/2025 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive.
Regarding claims 7-20, the Applicant argued that Kobayashi fails to disclose an engine casing on a longitudinal end of the generator housing. The alleged engine casing is Kobayashi's reference 2. But it is not on a longitudinal end of the generator housing.
This argument is not persuasive because Kobayashi (EP 416468 A) shows cylindrical frame 2 that extends the entire length of the motor to form a housing and is closed by end plates 2a, 2b. (FIG. col.4:41-47, FIG. 1).
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) 1-6 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Nagayama et al. (US 2012/0062057 A1, hereinafter Nagayama) in view of Iyer et al. (US 2021/0170890 A1, hereinafter Iyer).
As to claim 1, Nagayama shows (FIG. 1, 8):
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An airflow system for a machine comprising a machine housing 418 comprising one or more outer channels 417c, the one or more outer channels 417c configured to create an outer airflow current across one or more outer surfaces of a stator 211 arranged within the housing 418, the outer airflow current flowing in a direction coaxial with an axis of rotation of a rotor 407 within the housing 418,
wherein the one or more outer channels 417c are raised from an external surface of the housing 418 to accommodate the stator 211, wherein each of the one or more outer channels 417c has a raised region having an inner diameter IDb on an inner radial surface of the machine housing 418 with respect to a longitudinal axis of the machine housing 418, wherein a front portion 204 of the machine housing 418 has an inner diameter 204ID on the inner radial surface of the machine housing 418 with respect to the longitudinal axis, wherein a rear portion 203 of the machine housing 418 has an inner diameter 203ID on the inner radial surface of the machine housing 418 with respect to the longitudinal axis, wherein the stator 211 has an outer diameter 211OD with respect to the longitudinal axis, wherein the outer diameter 211OD of the stator 211 is greater than the inner diameters 204ID, 203ID of the front portion 204 and rear portion 203 of the housing 418, and wherein the outer diameter 211OD of the stator 211 is less than the inner diameter IDb of the raised region (para [0042],[0043], frame 418 para [0058]).
Nagayama does not show the machine is a generator.
Iyer shows a machine that can be operated as a generator or a traction motor (para [0044]:1-5).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the machine of Nagayama to be a generator as taught by Iyer, for the advantageous benefit of using the machine for regenerative braking when an electric vehicle is being driven as taught by Iyer (para [0044]:1-5).
As to claim 2/1, Nagayama in view of Iyer was discussed above with respect to claim 1, and Nagayama further shows (FIG. 1, 8) an endbell casing 204 comprising a first outer channel 204a of the one or more outer channels 417c.
As to claim 3/2/1, Nagayama in view of Iyer was discussed above with respect to claim 2, and Nagayama further shows (FIG. 1, 8) an engine casing 418 comprising a second outer channel 417c of the one or more outer channels 417c (multiple ventilation passages made at periodic positions at outer circumference of motor para [0058]).
As to claim 4/3/2/1, Nagayama in view of Iyer was discussed above with respect to claim 3, and Nagayama further shows (FIG. 1) wherein the first outer channel 204a is coupled to the second outer channel 417c creating a continuous outer channel between the endbell casing 204 and the engine casing 418 (it is implied that air passes through the passages 204a is coupled to the passages 417c).
As to claim 5/3/2/1, Nagayama in view of Iyer was discussed above with respect to claim 3, and Nagayama further shows (FIG. 1, 8) a channel baffle 211b configured to couple the first outer channel 204a to the second outer channel 417c, the channel baffle 211b enclosing the outer channel 417c between the endbell casing 204 and the engine casing 418,
wherein the airflow flows through the first 204a and second 417c outer channels in the direction coaxial with the axis of rotation of a rotor 407.
As to claim 6/1, Nagayama in view of Iyer was discussed above with respect to claim 1, and Nagayama further shows (FIG. 1, 8) a stator lamination stack 211 comprising one or external more panels 211a, wherein a first panel 211a of the one or more panels 211a is configured to receive a bypass baffle 211b (core holders 211a para [0043]).
Claim(s) 7-20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Kobayashi (EP 416468 A) in view of Ha (KR 20200082285 A).
As to claim 7, Kobayashi shows (FIG. 1, 2):
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A machine housing 2, 2a, 2b comprising:
an endbell casing 2a comprising an endbell casing interface 2aP extending from the endbell casing 2a to partially create a first outer channel 20; and
an engine casing 2 on a longitudinal end of the housing 2, 2a, 2b comprising an engine casing interface 2Z extending from the engine casing 2 to partially create a second outer channel 30; and
a channel baffle 31 configured to couple the endbell casing interface 2aP to the engine casing interface 2Z, the channel baffle 31 enclosing an outer channel 30 between the endbell casing 2a and the engine casing 2 (the port 20 is in a radial extension 2aP of the plate 2a, and the bar 31 attaches to the frame 2 at 2Z, the interfaces are where the bar 31 attaches to the frame 2 and the plate 2a; col.5:22 to col.6:11).
Kobayashi does not show the machine is a generator.
Ha describes a machine functioning as a generator (para[0003]).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the machine of Kobayashi to be a generator as taught by Ha, for the advantageous benefit of converting mechanical energy into electrical energy as taught by Huan (para[0003]).
As to claim 8/7, Kobayashi in view of Ha was discussed above with respect to claim 7, and Kobayashi further shows (FIG. 1, 2) wherein the channel baffle 31 comprises one or more baffle mounting features to secure the channel baffle to the endbell casing 2a and the engine casing 2 (the channel bar 31 has edges fixed to the frame 2) .
As to claim 9/7, Kobayashi in view of Ha was discussed above with respect to claim 7, and Kobayashi further shows (FIG. 1, 2) wherein the channel baffle 31 is aligned with a stator lamination stack 3 housed within the enclosure 2, 2a, 2b, the outer channel 30 to traverse an external portion of the stator lamination stack 3 (stator core 3 of iron sheets col.4:47-50).
As to claim 10/7, Kobayashi in view of Ha was discussed above with respect to claim 7, and Kobayashi further shows (FIG. 1, 2) wherein the channel baffle 31 comprises one or more baffle mounting features to secure the channel baffle 31 to the stator lamination stack 3 (the channel bar 31 has edges fastened to the stack 3 via the frame 2) .
As to claim 11/10/7, Kobayashi in view of Ha was discussed above with respect to claim 10, and Kobayashi further shows (FIG. 1, 2) wherein the one or more baffle mounting features comprises one or more of a snap-fit joint or fastener, a hook, a stud, a press-fit joint, or a fastener (channel bar 31 is fastened col.5:44-46).
As to claim 12/7, Kobayashi in view of Ha was discussed above with respect to claim 7, and Kobayashi further shows (FIG. 1, 2) wherein the channel baffle 31 is constructed of a material including one or more of a metal or a plastic (FIG. 2 shows a metal cross-section of bar 31).
As to claim 13/7, Kobayashi in view of Ha was discussed above with respect to claim 7, and Kobayashi further shows (FIG. 1, 2 as modified) wherein the generator is configured to be driven by an engine (shaft 12 has an extension that is capable of being driven by an engine).
As to claim 15, Kobayashi shows (FIG. 1, 2) A channel baffle 31 for a machine housing 2, 2a, 2b, the channel baffle 31 comprising a first end and a second end, the first end connected to an endbell casing 2a comprising a first outer channel 20, and the second end connected to an engine casing 2 on a longitudinal end of the housing 2, 2a, 2b comprising a second outer channel 30 to complete an outer channel 20,30,
wherein the channel baffle 31 is configured to couple the first outer channel 20 of the endbell casing 2a to the second outer channel 30 of the engine casing 2, the channel baffle 31 enclosing the outer channel 30 between the endbell casing 2a and the engine casing 2, and
wherein the channel baffle 31 is in contact with a stator 1 or a stator lamination stack of the machine (the bar 31 is fastened to the frame 2 which is fastened to the end 2a; the bar 31 is fastened to the frame 2 which is part of the stator 1 that comprises the frame 2 col.4:43-44).
Kobayashi does not show the machine is a generator.
Ha describes a machine functioning as a generator (para[0003]).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the machine of Kobayashi to be a generator as taught by Ha, for the advantageous benefit of converting mechanical energy into electrical energy as taught by Huan (para[0003]).
As to claim 16/15, Kobayashi in view of Ha was discussed above with respect to claim 15, and Kobayashi further shows (FIG. 1, 2) one or more baffle mounting features to secure the channel baffle 31 to the endbell casing 2a and the engine casing 2 (the channel bar 31 has edges fastened to the frame 2) .
As to claim 17/15, Kobayashi in view of Ha was discussed above with respect to claim 15, and Kobayashi further shows (FIG. 1, 2 as modified) wherein the channel baffle 31 is aligned with a stator lamination stack 3 housed within the generator housing 2, the outer channel 30 to traverse an external portion of the stator lamination stack 3 (stator core 3 of iron sheets col.4:47-50).
As to claim 18/15, Kobayashi in view of Ha was discussed above with respect to claim 15, and Kobayashi further shows (FIG. 1, 2) wherein the channel baffle 31 comprises one or more baffle mounting features to secure the channel baffle 31 to the stator lamination stack 3 (the channel bar 31 has edges fastened to the stack 3 via the frame 2).
As to claim 19/18/15, Kobayashi in view of Ha was discussed above with respect to claim 18, and Kobayashi further shows (FIG. 1, 2) wherein the one or more baffle mounting features comprises one or more of a snap-fit joint or fastener, a hook, a stud, a press-fit joint, or a fastener (channel bar 31 is fastened col.5:44-46).
As to claim 20/15, Kobayashi in view of Ha was discussed above with respect to claim 15, and Kobayashi further shows (FIG. 1, 2) wherein the channel baffle 31 is constructed of a material including one or more of a metal or a plastic (FIG. 2 shows a metal cross-section of bar 31).
Claim 14 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Kobayashi (EP 416468 A) in view of Ha (KR 20200082285 A) and Jochman (US 2014/0028029 A1).
As to claim 14/7, Kobayashi in view of Ha was discussed above with respect to claim 7 except for
wherein the generator is configured to provide an electrical output to a welder.
Jochman describes a welder driven by a generator set (para[0032]).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the machine of Kobayashi in view of Ha to have the generator is configured to provide an electrical output to a welder as taught by Jochman, for the advantageous benefit of converting power from the generator to another useful form as taught by Jochman (para[0003]).
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure: Kobayashi (EP 416468 A) shows multiple embodiments which read on the claimed invention.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to ROBERT E MATES whose telephone number is (571)270-5293. The examiner can normally be reached M to F 12:00pm to 8pm.
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/ROBERT E MATES/Examiner, Art Unit 2834
/TULSIDAS C PATEL/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2834