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 .
Drawings
The drawings were received on 12/22/2022. These drawings are accepted.
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) 1-2, 12-13, and 17 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Cheon et al. (US 2005/0277020 A1, hereafter Cheon).
With regard to claim 1, Cheon teaches a battery comprising:
a battery cell (electrode assembly 25) [0035]; and
an electric connection element (positive collector plate 70) placed above the battery cell and electrically connected to the battery cell, wherein the electric connection element is provided with an annular protrusion portion (protrusions forming top portion of plate adjacent to injection openings 75 seen in fig. 1 and fig. 5) so that a release space (gap between protrusions and electrode assembly 25) is defined between the annular protrusion portion and the battery cell [0048-0052, fig. 1, fig. 5].
With regard to claim 2, Cheon teaches the electric connection element (positive collector plate 70) is recessed towards a direction away from the battery cell (spaces protrusions forming top portion of plate adjacent to injection openings 75 seen in fig. 1 and fig. 5) so that the release space (gap between protrusions and electrode assembly 25) is defined between the annular protrusion portion and the battery cell [0048-0052, fig. 1, fig. 5].
With regard to claim 12 Cheon teaches a battery module (small battery) comprising a battery [0005-0006] and teaches the battery comprises a battery cell (electrode assembly 25) [0035]; and
an electric connection element (positive collector plate 70) placed above the battery cell and electrically connected to the battery cell, wherein the electric connection element is provided with an annular protrusion portion (protrusions forming top portion of plate adjacent to injection openings 75 seen in fig. 1 and fig. 5) so that a release space (gap between protrusions and electrode assembly 25) is defined between the annular protrusion portion and the battery cell [0048-0052, fig. 1, fig. 5].
With regard to claim 13 Cheon teaches a battery pack (large battery) comprising a group (several or tens) of battery modules [0005-0006, 0014] and teaches the battery comprises a battery cell (electrode assembly 25) [0035]; and
an electric connection element (positive collector plate 70) placed above the battery cell and electrically connected to the battery cell, wherein the electric connection element is provided with an annular protrusion portion (protrusions forming top portion of plate adjacent to injection openings 75 seen in fig. 1 and fig. 5) so that a release space (gap between protrusions and electrode assembly 25) is defined between the annular protrusion portion and the battery cell [0048-0052, fig. 1, fig. 5].
With regard to claim 17, Cheon teaches the electric connection element (positive collector plate 70) is recessed towards a direction away from the battery cell (spaces protrusions forming top portion of plate adjacent to injection openings 75 seen in fig. 1 and fig. 5) so that the release space (gap between protrusions and electrode assembly 25) is defined between the annular protrusion portion and the battery cell [0048-0052, fig. 1, fig. 5].
Claim(s) 1-2 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Ou (CN-207134386-U, hereafter Ou).
With regard to claim 1, Ou teaches a battery comprising:
a battery cell (electric core 400) [pg. 3 paragraph 7, fig. 1]; and
an electric connection element (second connecting part 330) placed above the battery cell and electrically connected to the battery cell, wherein the electric connection element is provided with an annular protrusion portion (second connecting part 330 protruding above first collector body 320) so that a release space (cavity 130) is defined between the annular protrusion portion and the battery cell [pg. 3 paragraph 7, fig. 1-4].
With regard to claim 2, Ou teaches the electric connection element (second connecting part 330) is recessed towards a direction away from the battery cell (radially outward) to form the annular protrusion portion so that the release space (cavity 130) is defined between the annular protrusion portion and the battery cell [pg. 3 paragraph 7, fig. 1-4].
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.
The factual inquiries for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows:
1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art.
2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue.
3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.
4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness.
This application currently names joint inventors. In considering patentability of the claims the examiner presumes that the subject matter of the various claims was commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the claimed invention(s) absent any evidence to the contrary. Applicant is advised of the obligation under 37 CFR 1.56 to point out the inventor and effective filing dates of each claim that was not commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the later invention in order for the examiner to consider the applicability of 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) for any potential 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) prior art against the later invention.
Claim(s) 3, 5-10, and 15-16 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Ou as applied to claims 1-2 above and further in view of Min et al. (US 2022/0271405 A1, hereafter Min).
With regard to claim 3, Ou teaches a cover (cover 220 including raised central portion) in contact with and supported by the annular protrusion portion of the electric connection element (second connecting part 330 protruding above first collector body 320) [pg. 3 paragraph 7, fig. 1-4] but does not explicitly teach the details of the terminal pole post or lower plastic element. However, in the same field of endeavor, Min teaches the use of an electrode terminal (50) with a pole post and lower plastic element (inner surface 54b of gasket) made of plastic (polymers including polyethylene) sleeved on and supported by an outer periphery of the terminal pole post (central post of terminal 50) and supported by [0117-0121, fig. 5-6a]. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time the invention was made to use the terminal and plastic element arrangement of Min with the battery of Ou for the benefit of a terminal that is easy to rivet and has low resistance and a sealing material with insulation and elasticity [0119-0120, 0123].
With regard to claims 5-6, Ou teaches a cover (cover 220 including raised central portion) in contact with and supported by the annular protrusion portion of the electric connection element (second connecting part 330 protruding above first collector body 320) [pg. 3 paragraph 7, fig. 1-4] but does not explicitly teach the details of the terminal pole post or lower plastic element. However, in the same field of endeavor, Min teaches the use of an electrode terminal (50) with a pole post comprising a pole post portion (body portion 50a) and pole plate portion (outer flange 50b, claim 6) and lower plastic element (inner surface 54b of gasket) sleeved on and supported by an outer periphery of the terminal pole post (central post of terminal 50) [0117-0121, fig. 5-6a]. Min further teaches an annular avoidance groove (central groove around terminal 50) lap-jointed (overlapping grooves in the vertical direction) on the pole plate portion (claim 6) and teaches the lower plastic element is horizontally placed on the terminal pole post (overlaps in a vertical direction) [0117-0121, fig. 5-6a]. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time the invention was made to use the terminal and plastic element arrangement of Min with the battery of Ou for the benefit of a terminal that is easy to rivet and has low resistance and a sealing material with insulation and elasticity [0119-0120, 0123]. When combined with Ou the lower plastic element (surface 52b of gasket) of Min would be horizontally placed on the annular protrusion portion (second connecting part 330 protruding above first collector body 320) [Ou pg. 3 paragraph 7, fig. 1-4] since the structure supports the cover/terminal of Ou.
With regard to claim 7, Ou teaches the electric connection element (second connecting part 330) is recessed towards a direction away from the battery cell (radially outward) to form the annular protrusion portion so that the release space (cavity 130) is defined between the annular protrusion portion and the battery cell [pg. 3 paragraph 7, fig. 1-4]. Ou further teaches a housing (housing 100) wherein the battery cell (electric core 400) and electric connection element are disposed inside the housing and a top cover (cover body 220) and sealing ring (sealing device 500) are disposed on the housing [pg. 3 paragraph 7, fig. 1-4]. Ou does not teach the details of the terminal pole post or lower plastic element. However, in the same field of endeavor, Min teaches the use of an electrode terminal (50) that passes through a through hole in a cover (opening in bottom 52) with a pole post and lower plastic element (inner surface 54b of gasket) made of plastic (polymers including polyethylene) sleeved on and supported by an outer periphery of the terminal pole post (central post of terminal 50) [0117-0121, fig. 5-6a]. Min further teaches a sealing ring (central area of gasket 54 between inner surface 54b and outer surface 54a) sleeved on the terminal pole post and which would be sandwiched among the terminal pole post, peripheral wall of the though hole, lower plastic element (inner surface 54b) and an inner wall of the top cover [0149, fig. 5-6a]. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time the invention was made to use the terminal and plastic element arrangement of Min with the battery of Ou for the benefit of a terminal that is easy to rivet and has low resistance and a sealing material with insulation and elasticity [0119-0120, 0123].
With regards to claims 8-9, Ou teaches a cover (cover 220 including raised central portion) in contact with and supported by the annular protrusion portion of the electric connection element (second connecting part 330 protruding above first collector body 320) [pg. 3 paragraph 7, fig. 1-4] but does not explicitly teach the details of the terminal pole post or lower plastic element. However, in the same field of endeavor, Min teaches a terminal pole post with a first positioning protrusion (inner flange portion 50c) and a sealing ring provided with a first positioning groove recessed toward an inner wall of a top cover (part of gasket 54 with recess corresponding to inner flange portion 50c) [0117-0121, 0140, 0149, fig. 5-6a]. Min further teaches the inner wall of the top cover is provided with a second positioning protrusion (inner end of bottom 52) formed at a side of the sealing ring toward the inner wall (outside central portion of gasket 54) and a second positioning groove (central groove of gasket 544 corresponding to inner end of 52) [0117-0121, 0140, 0149, fig. 5-6a]. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time the invention was made to use the terminal and plastic element arrangement of Min with the battery of Ou for the benefit of a terminal that is easy to rivet and has low resistance and a sealing material with insulation and elasticity [0119-0120, 0123].
PNG
media_image1.png
377
999
media_image1.png
Greyscale
With regard to claim 10, Ou teaches the electric connection element (second connecting part 330) is recessed towards a direction away from the battery cell (radially outward) to form the annular protrusion portion so that the release space (cavity 130) is defined between the annular protrusion portion and the battery cell [pg. 3 paragraph 7, fig. 1-4]. Ou further teaches a housing (housing 100) wherein the battery cell (electric core 400) and electric connection element are disposed inside the housing and a top cover (cover body 220) and sealing ring (sealing device 500) are disposed on the housing [pg. 3 paragraph 7, fig. 1-4]. Ou does not teach the details of the terminal pole post or upper plastic element. However, in the same field of endeavor, Min teaches the use of an electrode terminal (50) that passes through a through hole in a cover (opening in bottom 52) with a pole post and upper plastic element (outer surface 54a of gasket) made of plastic (polymers including polyethylene) disposed outside of the top cover (which would be above when combined with Ou) wherein the terminal pole post is capable of passing through the upper plastic element (as seen in fig. 5-6a) and being bent and flanged (outer flange portion 50b) outward to abut against the upper plastic element [0117-0121, 0140, fig. 5-6a]. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time the invention was made to use the terminal and plastic element arrangement of Min with the battery of Ou for the benefit of a terminal that is easy to rivet and has low resistance and a sealing material with insulation and elasticity [0119-0120, 0123].
With regard to claim 15, Ou teaches the electric connection element (second connecting part 330) is recessed towards a direction away from the battery cell (radially outward) to form the annular protrusion portion so that the release space (cavity 130) is defined between the annular protrusion portion and the battery cell [pg. 3 paragraph 7, fig. 1-4]. Ou further teaches a housing (housing 100) wherein the battery cell (electric core 400) and electric connection element are disposed inside the housing and a top cover (cover body 220) and sealing ring (sealing device 500) are disposed on the housing [pg. 3 paragraph 7, fig. 1-4]. Ou does not teach the details of the terminal pole post or lower plastic element. However, in the same field of endeavor, Min teaches the use of an electrode terminal (50) that passes through a through hole in a cover (opening in bottom 52) with a pole post and lower plastic element (inner surface 54b of gasket) made of plastic (polymers including polyethylene) sleeved on and supported by an outer periphery of the terminal pole post (central post of terminal 50) [0117-0121, fig. 5-6a]. Min further teaches a sealing ring (central area of gasket 54 between inner surface 54b and outer surface 54a) sleeved on the terminal pole post and which would be sandwiched among the terminal pole post, peripheral wall of the though hole, lower plastic element (inner surface 54b) and an inner wall of the top cover [0149, fig. 5-6a]. Min further teaches a sealing ring (central area of gasket 54 between inner surface 54b and outer surface 54a) sleeved on the terminal pole post and which would be sandwiched among the terminal pole post, peripheral wall of the though hole, lower plastic element (inner surface 54b) and an inner wall of the top cover [0149, fig. 5-6a]. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time the invention was made to use the terminal and plastic element arrangement of Min with the battery of Ou for the benefit of a terminal that is easy to rivet and has low resistance and a sealing material with insulation and elasticity [0119-0120, 0123].
With regard to claim 16, Ou teaches the electric connection element (second connecting part 330) is recessed towards a direction away from the battery cell (radially outward) to form the annular protrusion portion so that the release space (cavity 130) is defined between the annular protrusion portion and the battery cell [pg. 3 paragraph 7, fig. 1-4]. Ou further teaches a housing (housing 100) wherein the battery cell (electric core 400) and electric connection element are disposed inside the housing and a top cover (cover body 220) and sealing ring (sealing device 500) are disposed on the housing [pg. 3 paragraph 7, fig. 1-4]. Ou does not teach the details of the terminal pole post or lower plastic element. However, in the same field of endeavor, Min teaches the use of an electrode terminal (50) with a pole post comprising a pole post portion (body portion 50a) and pole plate portion (outer flange 50b) that passes through a through hole in a cover (opening in bottom 52) with a pole post and lower plastic element (inner surface 54b of gasket) made of plastic (polymers including polyethylene) sleeved on and supported by an outer periphery of the terminal pole post (central post of terminal 50) [0117-0121, fig. 5-6a]. Min further teaches a sealing ring (central area of gasket 54 between inner surface 54b and outer surface 54a) sleeved on the terminal pole post and which would be sandwiched among the terminal pole post, peripheral wall of the though hole, lower plastic element (inner surface 54b) and an inner wall of the top cover [0149, fig. 5-6a]. Min further teaches a sealing ring (central area of gasket 54 between inner surface 54b and outer surface 54a) sleeved on the terminal pole post and which would be sandwiched among the terminal pole post, peripheral wall of the though hole, lower plastic element (inner surface 54b) and an inner wall of the top cover [0149, fig. 5-6a]. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time the invention was made to use the terminal and plastic element arrangement of Min with the battery of Ou for the benefit of a terminal that is easy to rivet and has low resistance and a sealing material with insulation and elasticity [0119-0120, 0123].
Claim(s) 4 and 14 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Ou and Min as applied to claims 3, 5-10, and 15-16 above and further in view of Fang (US 2022/0149421 A1, hereafter Fang).
With regard to claim 4, modified Ou does not teach a connection slot or plug-in protrusion. However, in the same field of endeavor, Fang teaches the use of a terminal with a connection slot (groove 182) and an electric connection element (collector 140) with a corresponding plug in protrusion (protrusion 181) that is inserted into the connection slot [0089]. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time the invention was made to use the protrusion and slot of Fang with the terminal and electric connection element of modified Ou for the benefit of facilitating the welding of the components [Fang 0089].
With regard to claim 14, Ou teaches the electric connection element (second connecting part 330) is recessed towards a direction away from the battery cell (radially outward) to form the annular protrusion portion so that the release space (cavity 130) is defined between the annular protrusion portion and the battery cell [pg. 3 paragraph 7, fig. 1-4]. Ou further teaches a housing (housing 100) wherein the battery cell (electric core 400) and electric connection element are disposed inside the housing and a top cover (cover body 220) and sealing ring (sealing device 500) are disposed on the housing [pg. 3 paragraph 7, fig. 1-4]. Ou does not teach the details of the terminal pole post or lower plastic element. However, in the same field of endeavor, Min teaches the use of an electrode terminal (50) that passes through a through hole in a cover (opening in bottom 52) with a pole post and lower plastic element (inner surface 54b of gasket) made of plastic (polymers including polyethylene) sleeved on and supported by an outer periphery of the terminal pole post (central post of terminal 50) [0117-0121, fig. 5-6a]. Min further teaches a sealing ring (central area of gasket 54 between inner surface 54b and outer surface 54a) sleeved on the terminal pole post and which would be sandwiched among the terminal pole post, peripheral wall of the though hole, lower plastic element (inner surface 54b) and an inner wall of the top cover [0149, fig. 5-6a]. Min further teaches a sealing ring (central area of gasket 54 between inner surface 54b and outer surface 54a) sleeved on the terminal pole post and which would be sandwiched among the terminal pole post, peripheral wall of the though hole, lower plastic element (inner surface 54b) and an inner wall of the top cover [0149, fig. 5-6a]. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time the invention was made to use the terminal and plastic element arrangement of Min with the battery of Ou for the benefit of a terminal that is easy to rivet and has low resistance and a sealing material with insulation and elasticity [0119-0120, 0123].
Modified Ou does not teach a connection slot or plug-in protrusion. However, in the same field of endeavor, Fang teaches the use of a terminal with a connection slot (groove 182) and an electric connection element (collector 140) with a corresponding plug in protrusion (protrusion 181) that is inserted into the connection slot [0089]. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time the invention was made to use the protrusion and slot of Fang with the terminal and electric connection element of modified Ou for the benefit of facilitating the welding of the components [Fang 0089].
Claim(s) 11 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Ou and Min as applied to claims 3, 5-10, and 15-16 above and further in view of Kim (US 2010/0227212 A1, hereafter Kim).
With regard to claim 11, modified Ou does not explicitly teach an additional protrusion and corresponding groove on the lower surface of the plastic element and top cover. However, in the same field of endeavor, Kim teaches the use of a protrusion on a top cover (cap plate) and corresponding groove on a lower surface of an insulator [0009]. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to use the groove and protrusion of Kim with the plastic element and top cover of modified Ou for the benefit of preventing mis-alignment during assembly [Kim 0009].
Claim(s) 12-13 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Ou as applied to claims 1-2 above and further in view of Kim (US 2010/0227212 A1, hereafter Kim).
With regard to claims 12-13, Ou teaches a battery cell (electric core 400) [pg. 3 paragraph 7, fig. 1]; and
an electric connection element (second connecting part 330) placed above the battery cell and electrically connected to the battery cell, wherein the electric connection element is provided with an annular protrusion portion (second connecting part 330 protruding above first collector body 320) so that a release space (cavity 130) is defined between the annular protrusion portion and the battery cell [pg. 3 paragraph 7, fig. 1-4]. Ou does not teach a battery module or group of battery modules, however in the same field of endeavor, Kim teaches the use of battery modules that may be used in groups to form power supplies [0004]. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to use the group module arrangement of Kim with the battery of Ou for the benefit of being able to supply high voltage power to components including motors [Kim 0004].
Claim(s) 18 and 20 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Ou and Kim as applied to claims 12-13 above, and further in view of Min.
With regard to claim 18, Ou teaches the electric connection element (second connecting part 330) is recessed towards a direction away from the battery cell (radially outward) to form the annular protrusion portion so that the release space (cavity 130) is defined between the annular protrusion portion and the battery cell [pg. 3 paragraph 7, fig. 1-4]. Ou teaches a cover (cover 220 including raised central portion) in contact with and supported by the annular protrusion portion of the electric connection element (second connecting part 330 protruding above first collector body 320) [pg. 3 paragraph 7, fig. 1-4] but does not explicitly teach the details of the terminal pole post or lower plastic element.
However, in the same field of endeavor, Min teaches the use of an electrode terminal (50) with a pole post and lower plastic element (inner surface 54b of gasket) made of plastic (polymers including polyethylene) sleeved on and supported by an outer periphery of the terminal pole post (central post of terminal 50) and supported by [0117-0121, fig. 5-6a]. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time the invention was made to use the terminal and plastic element arrangement of Min with the battery of Ou for the benefit of a terminal that is easy to rivet and has low resistance and a sealing material with insulation and elasticity [0119-0120, 0123].
With regard to claim 20, Ou teaches the electric connection element (second connecting part 330) is recessed towards a direction away from the battery cell (radially outward) to form the annular protrusion portion so that the release space (cavity 130) is defined between the annular protrusion portion and the battery cell [pg. 3 paragraph 7, fig. 1-4]. Ou teaches a cover (cover 220 including raised central portion) in contact with and supported by the annular protrusion portion of the electric connection element (second connecting part 330 protruding above first collector body 320) [pg. 3 paragraph 7, fig. 1-4] but does not explicitly teach the details of the terminal pole post or lower plastic element.
However, in the same field of endeavor, Min teaches the use of an electrode terminal (50) with a pole post comprising a pole post portion (body portion 50a) and pole plate portion (outer flange 50b) and lower plastic element (inner surface 54b of gasket) sleeved on and supported by an outer periphery of the terminal pole post (central post of terminal 50) [0117-0121, fig. 5-6a]. Min further teaches an annular avoidance groove (central groove around terminal 50) lap-jointed (overlapping grooves in the vertical direction) on the pole plate portion and teaches the lower plastic element is horizontally placed on the terminal pole post (overlaps in a vertical direction) [0117-0121, fig. 5-6a]. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time the invention was made to use the terminal and plastic element arrangement of Min with the battery of Ou for the benefit of a terminal that is easy to rivet and has low resistance and a sealing material with insulation and elasticity [0119-0120, 0123]. When combined with Ou the lower plastic element (surface 52b of gasket) of Min would be horizontally placed on the annular protrusion portion (second connecting part 330 protruding above first collector body 320) [Ou pg. 3 paragraph 7, fig. 1-4] since the structure supports the cover/terminal of Ou.
Claim(s) 19 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Ou, Kim, and Min as applied to claims 18 and 20 above, and further in view of Fang.
With regard to claim 19, Ou teaches the electric connection element (second connecting part 330) is recessed towards a direction away from the battery cell (radially outward) to form the annular protrusion portion so that the release space (cavity 130) is defined between the annular protrusion portion and the battery cell [pg. 3 paragraph 7, fig. 1-4]. Ou teaches a cover (cover 220 including raised central portion) in contact with and supported by the annular protrusion portion of the electric connection element (second connecting part 330 protruding above first collector body 320) [pg. 3 paragraph 7, fig. 1-4] but does not explicitly teach the details of the terminal pole post or lower plastic element.
However, in the same field of endeavor, Min teaches the use of an electrode terminal (50) with a pole post and lower plastic element (inner surface 54b of gasket) made of plastic (polymers including polyethylene) sleeved on and supported by an outer periphery of the terminal pole post (central post of terminal 50) and supported by [0117-0121, fig. 5-6a]. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time the invention was made to use the terminal and plastic element arrangement of Min with the battery of Ou for the benefit of a terminal that is easy to rivet and has low resistance and a sealing material with insulation and elasticity [0119-0120, 0123].
Modified Ou does not teach a connection slot or plug-in protrusion. However, in the same field of endeavor, Fang teaches the use of a terminal with a connection slot (groove 182) and an electric connection element (collector 140) with a corresponding plug in protrusion (protrusion 181) that is inserted into the connection slot [0089]. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time the invention was made to use the protrusion and slot of Fang with the terminal and electric connection element of modified Ou for the benefit of facilitating the welding of the components [Fang 0089].
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to BRENT C THOMAS whose telephone number is (571)270-7737. The examiner can normally be reached Flexible schedule, typical hours 11-7 M-F.
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, Miriam Stagg can be reached at (571)270-5256. 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.
/BRENT C THOMAS/Examiner, Art Unit 1724
/MIRIAM STAGG/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 1724
Prosecution Insights