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 .
Response to Arguments
This Office Action is in response to the amendment filed on July 6, 2026. As directed by the amendment, Claims 14, 15, 20, 21, and 24-32 have been amended. Claims 18-19 have been canceled. Claims 14-17 and 20-32 are pending in the instant application.
Regarding the Office Action mailed April 6, 2026:
Objections to the drawings have been fully resolved and are withdrawn.
Objections to the specification have been fully resolved and are withdrawn.
Objections to the claims have been fully resolved and are withdrawn.
Rejections under 35 USC 112(b) have been fully resolved and are withdrawn.
Applicant’s arguments regarding the 35 USC 103 rejections have been fully considered but they are not persuasive.
Regarding the prior art, Applicant argues that Maletich does not teach about the second subset of Hall sensors, additional alignment position, and magnet and does not teach about these components being utilized to determine that the air filter unit is installed in place on the blower unit. Applicant argues that Maletich merely determines the type of filtering media involved (Remarks: Pages 18-21).
Examiner respectfully disagrees with this argument. As discussed in the previous Office Action regarding now canceled Claims 18 and 19, though Maletich does not explicitly teach the second subset of Hall sensors, additional alignment position, and magnet, Maletich does teach that multiple magnets can be used as a “code” or combination that indicates the type of filter involved (Maletich: paragraph 0145). One of ordinary skill in the art would be capable of adding additional components for the purposes of developing these different “codes” for the different types of filters. It should be noted that the claim limitation of “when the air filter unit is installed in place onto the blower unit” does not have any further details outside of merely having the air filter unit being connected to the interface and having the sensors aligned with the magnets. In other words, there is nothing in the claim limitation that details a determination of whether or not the air filter unit is installed in place via a controller or similar or whether or not the air filter unit is installed correctly. It should also be noted that since Maletich already detects the type of filter involved, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that such a detection would also inherently detect that the filter unit has been installed in place. The device of Maletich cannot determine the type of filter involved without detecting that the filter unit is there to begin with.
Even if Applicant was to further argue that Maletich does not make that determination, the Maletich does teach the device is capable of making that determination. Maletich teaches the controller is capable of determining why components of the device is not functioning based on a filter element not installed properly and a filter element inserted incorrectly (Maletich: paragraph 0069). Maletich also teaches using a predetermined threshold to determine when the removable filter media is absent or incorrectly installed (Maletich: paragraph 0072). Maletich further teaches a calibration sequence to determine at what time if and what type of filter has been installed (Maletich: paragraph 0080). Maletich moreover teaches the use of sensor inputs to determine filter usage, airflow, and servicing needs (Maletich: paragraph 0139). There is already a motivation from Maletich to check whether or not the filter unit is correctly installed. As discussed in the previous Office Action regarding Claim 31, Keel details the use of a magnet and hall element to determine whether or not the filters are mounted correctly (Keel: paragraph 0006). Thus, it is obvious to utilize these sensors to determine whether or not the filter is installed properly on the device. Applicant has not shown how the additional sensors, magnets, and alignment positions provide any significant differences to the operation of the device. Applicant has also not shown how determining the presence or absence of a filter unit via these sensors is non-obvious in light of the prior art.
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.
Claims 14-17, 20-23, and 28-30 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Huh (US 2016/0001102 A1) in view of Maletich et al. (US 2018/0154297 A1).
Regarding Claim 14, Huh discloses an air filter device (50, Fig 1) for an electric breathing apparatus (apparatus of Fig 1), comprising: a blower unit (51 with the blower, Fig 1) configured to include a housing (51, Fig 1) in which an electric blower (blower for supplying purified air filtered by 53, paragraph 0009) is disposed; and an air filter unit (53, Fig 1) configured to releasably connect to the blower unit (53 is detachably installed in installation space 51a, paragraph 0009), the air filter unit including a casing (casing of 53, Fig 1) that includes a filter mesh side (53 includes particle removal filter, paragraph 0010; side of 53 facing towards 51a, Fig 1) configured to face towards the blower unit when the blower unit is connected to the air filter unit, wherein the housing of the blower unit includes: an interface (51a, Fig 1) configured to face towards the air filter unit when the blower unit is connected to the air filter unit (51a faces towards 53, Fig 1). Huh also discloses a control unit for detecting and controlling a type and a load rate of the filter unit 53 mounted and installed in the installation space 51a of the body 51 (paragraph 0057) and utilizing an RFID tag and RFID reader to transmit information on the type, serial number, and manufacturing date of the filter unit 53 to the control unit (paragraph 0069).
Huh fails to disclose a first subset of Hall sensors in the interface, the first subset of Hall sensors comprises N Hall sensors spaced from each other, wherein N is an integer which is equal to or greater than 2,wherein the casing of the air filter unit also includes N alignment positions configured to align with the N Hall sensors respectively when the air filter unit is connected to the housing of the blower unit, wherein the casing of the air filter unit also includes 1 ~ N magnetic counterparts selectively disposed at the N alignment positions, and the 1 ~ N magnetic counterparts are configured to be arranged at the N alignment positions in a manner matching with an operating mode of the blower unit with respect to the air filter unit, wherein the housing of the blower unit also includes a second subset of Hall sensors in the interface, wherein the second subset of Hall sensors includes at least one Hall sensor, wherein the casing of the air filter unit also includes at least one additional alignment position in the filter mesh side, wherein the at least one additional alignment position is configured to align with the second subset of Hall sensors, respectively, when the air filter unit is installed in place onto the blower unit, and wherein one additional magnetic counterpart is disposed at each of the at least one additional alignment position.
However, Maletich, reasonably pertinent to the problem of identifying filter types, teaches an air purifying system (Abstract) including a first subset of reed switches in the interface (reed switches embedded in the air purifying system 104, paragraph 0145), the first subset of reed switches comprises N reed switches spaced from each other (reed switches are generally mounted on a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) and assembled into the air purifier unit, determination is based on the reed switches of the air purifier unit that have been activated by the magnet(s) on the filter frame assembly, paragraph 0145; reed switches are arranged in relation to the arrangement of magnets), wherein N is an integer which is equal to or greater than 2 (reed switches means at least 2), wherein the casing of the air filter unit also includes N alignment positions configured to align with the N reed switches respectively when the air filter unit is connected to the housing of the blower unit (magnets are generally assembled (e.g., by the manufacturer) into the frame of the filters, “code” that includes a combination of the number of magnets and their respective placement on the filter frame assembly may also be used to determine the type of filter that has been installed in the air purifier unit, paragraph 0145; alignment positions are the locations where the magnets would be placed, Fig 13), wherein the casing of the air filter unit also includes 1 - N magnetic counterparts selectively disposed at the N alignment positions (magnets are generally assembled (e.g., by the manufacturer) into the frame of the filters, “code” that includes a combination of the number of magnets and their respective placement on the filter frame assembly may also be used to determine the type of filter that has been installed in the air purifier unit, paragraph 0145; magnets shown to be in specific positions, Fig 13), and the 1 - N magnetic counterparts are configured to be arranged at the N alignment positions in a manner matching with an operating mode of the blower unit with respect to the air filter unit (air purifying system 104 is configured to determine the type of filtering media and/or air purifying component that has been inserted (e.g., Carbon, HEPA, combination-powered electrostatic etc.) into the air purifying system 104, paragraph 0145; the sensor is configured to sense the one or more magnets to determine the type of the air purifying component that has been received, paragraph 0144; controller is configured to select the mode of operation from the plurality of modes of operation of the air purifier mechanism in response to the detected type of air purifying component detected by the sensor, paragraph 0142; the fan will operate at a certain mode based on the type of filter involved) since this is a known, alternative way to determine the filter type and to optimize the operation of the device (paragraph 0142).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to replace the RFID tag and reader with reed switches on the interface and magnets on the filter, as taught by Maletich, since this is a known, alternative way to determine the filter type and to optimize the operation of the device (Maletich: paragraph 0142).
The current Huh-Maletich combination fails to teach the use of Hall sensors; wherein the housing of the blower unit also includes a second subset of Hall sensors in the interface, wherein the second subset of Hall sensors includes at least one Hall sensor, wherein the casing of the air filter unit also includes at least one additional alignment position in the filter mesh side, wherein the at least one additional alignment position is configured to align with the second subset of Hall sensors, respectively, when the air filter unit is installed in place onto the blower unit, and wherein one additional magnetic counterpart is disposed at each of the at least one additional alignment position.
However, Maletich further teaches the use of Hall sensors (a hall or magnetically actuated sensor/switch embedded in the air purifying system 104, paragraph 0146) since these are sensors that are also known to be activated by magnets and fulfill similar purposes to the reed switches.
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to replace the reed switches with Hall sensors, as taught by Maletich, since these are sensors that are also known to be activated by magnets and fulfill similar purposes to the reed switches.
The current Huh-Maletich combination fails to explicitly teach wherein the housing of the blower unit also includes a second subset of Hall sensors in the interface, wherein the second subset of Hall sensors includes at least one Hall sensor, wherein the casing of the air filter unit also includes at least one additional alignment position in the filter mesh side, wherein the at least one additional alignment position is configured to align with the second subset of Hall sensors, respectively, when the air filter unit is installed in place onto the blower unit, and wherein one additional magnetic counterpart is disposed at each of the at least one additional alignment position.
However, Maletich further teaches a HEPA filter may have a magnet placed in a certain location of its frame assembly, while the carbon filter may have a magnet placed in another/different location of its frame assembly, and a “code” that includes a combination of the number of magnets and their respective placement on the filter frame assembly may also be used to determine the type of filter that has been installed in the air purifier unit (paragraph 0145).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to utilize a second set of Hall sensors with magnetic counterparts, as taught by Maletich, since having additional sensors and magnetic counterparts would be known to label or identify a type of filter. Additionally, one of ordinary skill in the art would be capable of adding additional sets of Hall sensors and magnetic counterparts since it would be a mere duplication of parts. See MPEP 2144.04, Section VI, sub-section B. Having these additional sets of sensors and magnetic counterparts would merely add additional ways or combinations of components that would be used to identify various types of filters. It would also not affect the operation of the device in any way. Applicant has not shown how adding these additional sets would drastically change the operation of the device. It should be noted that the claim limitation of “when the air filter unit is installed in place onto the blower unit” does not have any further details outside of merely having the air filter unit being connected to the interface and having the sensors aligned with the magnets.
Though the current Huh-Maletich combination does not explicitly teach that the alignment position is on the filter mesh side, Maletich does teach that the locations of magnets in the frame assembly can be placed on various and different locations (Maletich: paragraph 0145). Additionally, one of ordinary skill in the art would be capable of relocating the magnets onto the inner filter mesh side of the filter casing and relocate the corresponding sensors to be on the opposite side on the installation space since this would be a mere rearrangement of parts. See MPEP 2144.04, Section VI, sub-section C. Having the components rearranged in this manner would not affect the operation of the device as it would merely be a design choice.
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to relocate the magnets to be on the inner filter mesh side of the filter and to relocate the Hall sensors to be on the inside portion of the interface or installation space, as taught by Maletich, since it is known to relocate magnets and sensors to various and different locations depending on filter type (Maletich: paragraph 0145) and since it would merely be a design choice.
Regarding Claim 15, Huh-Maletich combination teaches the 1 ~ N magnetic counterparts are configured to be selectively arranged at the N alignment positions in one of 2N- 1 manners (Maletich: “code” that includes a combination of the number of magnets and their respective placement on the filter frame assembly may also be used to determine the type of filter that has been installed in the air purifier unit, paragraph 0145; one of the combinations would fulfill one of the manners involved).
Regarding Claim 16, Huh-Maletich combination teaches the N Hall sensors are disposed in the housing of the blower unit in such a way that the N Hall sensors are invisible from an outside of the housing of the blower unit (Huh: 54 is a filter cover that would cover filter and internal components, Figs 1-2; Maletich: reed switches embedded in the air purifying system 104, paragraph 0145; a hall or magnetically actuated sensor/switch embedded in the air purifying system 104, paragraph 0146), and the 1 ~ N magnetic counterparts are disposed in the casing of the air filter unit in such a way that the 1 ~ N magnetic counterparts are invisible from an outside of the casing of the air filter unit (Huh: 54 is a filter cover that would cover filter and internal components, Figs 1-2; Maletich: magnetic material embedded within each of the different types of air purifying components, paragraph 0143; magnets covered up by labels or stickers, Fig 13). It is noted that the second subset of Hall sensors, the at least one additional alignment position, and the one additional magnet counterpart are absent from this claim.
Regarding Claim 17, Huh-Maletich combination teaches the N Hall sensors are disposed in the housing of the blower unit in such a way that the N Hall sensors are invisible from an outside of the housing of the blower unit (Huh: 54 is a filter cover that would cover filter and internal components, Figs 1-2; Maletich: reed switches embedded in the air purifying system 104, paragraph 0145; a hall or magnetically actuated sensor/switch embedded in the air purifying system 104, paragraph 0146), and the 1 ~ N magnetic counterparts are disposed in the casing of the air filter unit in such a way that the 1 ~ N magnetic counterparts are invisible from an outside of the casing of the air filter unit (Huh: 54 is a filter cover that would cover filter and internal components, Figs 1-2; Maletich: magnetic material embedded within each of the different types of air purifying components, paragraph 0143; magnets covered up by labels or stickers, Fig 13). It is noted that the second subset of Hall sensors, the at least one additional alignment position, and the one additional magnet counterpart are absent from this claim.
Regarding Claim 20, Huh-Maletich combination teaches the housing of the blower unit is configured to include a first annular edge formed around the interface (Huh: 51a shown to have annular or curved edges, Figs 1 and 3), the casing of the air filter unit is configured to include a second annular edge formed around the filter mesh side (Huh: casing of 53 shown to have annular or curved edges that fit into 51a, Figs 1 and 3), the first annular edge and the second annular edge are configured to be in complete contact with each other when the air filter unit is installed in place onto the blower unit (Huh: curved edges of 51a would contact the curved edges of 53, Figs 1 and 3).
Regarding Claim 21, Huh-Maletich combination teaches the housing of the blower unit is configured to include a first annular edge formed around the interface (Huh: 51a shown to have annular or curved edges, Figs 1 and 3), the casing of the air filter unit is configured to include a second annular edge formed around the filter mesh side (Huh: casing of 53 shown to have annular or curved edges that fit into 51a, Figs 1 and 3), the first annular edge and the second annular edge are configured to be in complete contact with each other when the air filter unit is installed in place onto the blower unit (Huh: curved edges of 51a would contact the curved edges of 53, Figs 1 and 3).
Regarding Claim 22, the current Huh-Maletich combination does not explicitly teach the first subset of or the second subset of Hall sensors is located in a region surrounded by the first annular edge, and the N alignment positions or the at least one additional alignment position is located in a region surrounded by the second annular edge.
However, Maletich further teaches a HEPA filter may have a magnet placed in a certain location of its frame assembly, while the carbon filter may have a magnet placed in another/different location of its frame assembly, and a “code” that includes a combination of the number of magnets and their respective placement on the filter frame assembly may also be used to determine the type of filter that has been installed in the air purifier unit (paragraph 0145). Maletich teaches that these magnets and sensors are capable of being placed on different locations on the frame assembly of the filter and that the different arrangements would be used as a “code”. Additionally, one of ordinary skill in the art would be capable of relocating the Hall sensors of Maletich to be surrounded by the curved edge of 51a of Huh and the alignment positions of the magnets of Maletich to be surrounded by the curved edge of 53 of Huh as this would be a mere rearrangement of parts. See MPEP 2144.04, Section VI, sub-section C. Having the components rearranged in this manner would not affect the operation of the device as it would merely be a design choice.
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to relocate the Hall sensors and magnets to be surrounded by the annular edges of the interface and filter unit, as taught by Maletich, since it is known to relocate magnets and sensors to various and different locations depending on filter type (Maletich: paragraph 0145) and since it would merely be a design choice. Applicant has yet to show that relocating the sensors and magnets to be surrounded by the annular edges would provide an unexpected, non-obvious result.
Regarding Claim 23, the current Huh-Maletich combination does not explicitly teach the first subset of or the second subset of Hall sensors is located in a region surrounded by the first annular edge, and the N alignment positions or the at least one additional alignment position is located in a region surrounded by the second annular edge.
However, Maletich further teaches a HEPA filter may have a magnet placed in a certain location of its frame assembly, while the carbon filter may have a magnet placed in another/different location of its frame assembly, and a “code” that includes a combination of the number of magnets and their respective placement on the filter frame assembly may also be used to determine the type of filter that has been installed in the air purifier unit (paragraph 0145). Maletich teaches that these magnets and sensors are capable of being placed on different locations on the frame assembly of the filter and that the different arrangements would be used as a “code”. Additionally, one of ordinary skill in the art would be capable of relocating the Hall sensors of Maletich to be surrounded by the curved edge of 51a of Huh and the alignment positions of the magnets of Maletich to be surrounded by the curved edge of 53 of Huh as this would be a mere rearrangement of parts. See MPEP 2144.04, Section VI, sub-section C. Having the components rearranged in this manner would not affect the operation of the device as it would merely be a design choice.
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to relocate the Hall sensors and magnets to be surrounded by the annular edges of the interface and filter unit, as taught by Maletich, since it is known to relocate magnets and sensors to various and different locations depending on filter type (Maletich: paragraph 0145) and since it would merely be a design choice. Applicant has yet to show that relocating the sensors and magnets to be surrounded by the annular edges would provide an unexpected, non-obvious result.
Regarding Claim 28, Huh discloses an air filter device (50, Fig 1) for an electric breathing apparatus (apparatus of Fig 1), comprising: a blower unit (51 with the blower, Fig 1) configured to include a housing (51, Fig 1) in which an electric blower (blower for supplying purified air filtered by 53, paragraph 0009) is disposed; and an air filter unit (53, Fig 1) configured to be releasably connectable to the blower unit (53 is detachably installed in installation space 51a, paragraph 0009), the housing of the blower unit including an interface (51a, Fig 1) configured to face towards the air filter unit when the blower unit is connected to the air filter unit (51a faces towards 53, Fig 1), the air filter unit including a casing (casing of 53, Fig 1), the casing including a filter mesh side (53 includes particle removal filter, paragraph 0010; side of 53 facing towards 51a, Fig 1) configured to face towards the blower unit when the blower unit is connected to the air filter unit. Huh also discloses a control unit for detecting and controlling a type and a load rate of the filter unit 53 mounted and installed in the installation space 51a of the body 51 (paragraph 0057) and utilizing an RFID tag and RFID reader to transmit information on the type, serial number, and manufacturing date of the filter unit 53 to the control unit (paragraph 0069).
Huh fails to disclose wherein the housing of the blower unit also includes a first subset of proximity switches in the interface, the first subset of proximity switches comprises N proximity switches spaced from each other, wherein N is an integer which is equal to or greater than 2, wherein the casing of the air filter unit also includes N alignment positions configured to align with the N proximity switches respectively when the air filter unit is connected to the housing of the blower unit, wherein the air filter unit includes 1 ~ N counterparts selectively disposed at the N alignment positions, and the 1 ~ N counterparts are configured to be arranged at the N alignment positions in a manner matching with an operating mode of the blower unit with respect to the air filter unit, wherein the housing of the blower unit also includes a second subset of proximity switches in the interface, wherein the second subset of proximity switches includes at least one proximity switch, wherein the casing of the air filter unit also includes at least one additional alignment position in the filter mesh side, wherein the at least one additional alignment position is configured to align with the second subset of proximity switches, respectively, when the air filter unit is installed in place onto the blower unit, and wherein one additional counterpart is disposed at each of the at least one additional alignment position.
However, Maletich, reasonably pertinent to the problem of identifying filter types, teaches an air purifying system (Abstract) including the housing of the blower unit also includes a first subset of proximity switches in the interface (reed switches embedded in the air purifying system 104, paragraph 0145), the first subset of proximity switches comprises N proximity switches spaced from each other (reed switches are generally mounted on a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) and assembled into the air purifier unit, determination is based on the reed switches of the air purifier unit that have been activated by the magnet(s) on the filter frame assembly, paragraph 0145; reed switches are arranged in relation to the arrangement of magnets), wherein N is an integer which is equal to or greater than 2 (reed switches means at least 2), wherein the casing of the air filter unit also includes N alignment positions configured to align with the N proximity switches respectively when the air filter unit is connected to the housing of the blower unit (magnets are generally assembled (e.g., by the manufacturer) into the frame of the filters, “code” that includes a combination of the number of magnets and their respective placement on the filter frame assembly may also be used to determine the type of filter that has been installed in the air purifier unit, paragraph 0145; alignment positions are the locations where the magnets would be placed, Fig 13), wherein the air filter unit includes 1 - N counterparts selectively disposed at the N alignment positions (magnets are generally assembled (e.g., by the manufacturer) into the frame of the filters, “code” that includes a combination of the number of magnets and their respective placement on the filter frame assembly may also be used to determine the type of filter that has been installed in the air purifier unit, paragraph 0145; magnets shown to be in specific positions, Fig 13), and the 1 - N counterparts are configured to be arranged at the N alignment positions in a manner matching with an operating mode of the blower unit with respect to the air filter unit (air purifying system 104 is configured to determine the type of filtering media and/or air purifying component that has been inserted (e.g., Carbon, HEPA, combination-powered electrostatic etc.) into the air purifying system 104, paragraph 0145; the sensor is configured to sense the one or more magnets to determine the type of the air purifying component that has been received, paragraph 0144; controller is configured to select the mode of operation from the plurality of modes of operation of the air purifier mechanism in response to the detected type of air purifying component detected by the sensor, paragraph 0142; the fan will operate at a certain mode based on the type of filter involved) since this is a known, alternative way to determine the filter type and to optimize the operation of the device (paragraph 0142).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to replace the RFID tag and reader with reed switches on the interface and magnets on the filter, as taught by Maletich, since this is a known, alternative way to determine the filter type and to optimize the operation of the device (Maletich: paragraph 0142). It is noted that Applicant has not claimed the proximity switches to be Hall sensors.
The current Huh-Maletich combination fails to explicitly teach wherein the housing of the blower unit also includes a second subset of proximity switches in the interface, wherein the second subset of proximity switches includes at least one proximity switch, wherein the casing of the air filter unit also includes at least one additional alignment position in the filter mesh side, wherein the at least one additional alignment position is configured to align with the second subset of proximity switches, respectively, when the air filter unit is installed in place onto the blower unit, and wherein one additional counterpart is disposed at each of the at least one additional alignment position.
However, Maletich further teaches a HEPA filter may have a magnet placed in a certain location of its frame assembly, while the carbon filter may have a magnet placed in another/different location of its frame assembly, and a “code” that includes a combination of the number of magnets and their respective placement on the filter frame assembly may also be used to determine the type of filter that has been installed in the air purifier unit (paragraph 0145).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to utilize a second set of reed switches with magnetic counterparts, as taught by Maletich, since having additional switches and magnetic counterparts would be known to label or identify a type of filter. Additionally, one of ordinary skill in the art would be capable of adding additional sets of reed switches and magnetic counterparts since it would be a mere duplication of parts. See MPEP 2144.04, Section VI, sub-section B. Having these additional sets of switches and magnetic counterparts would merely add additional ways or combinations of components that would be used to identify various types of filters. It would also not affect the operation of the device in any way. Applicant has not shown how adding these additional sets would drastically change the operation of the device. It should be noted that the claim limitation of “when the air filter unit is installed in place onto the blower unit” does not have any further details outside of merely having the air filter unit being connected to the interface and having the switches aligned with the magnets.
Though the current Huh-Maletich combination does not explicitly teach that the alignment position is on the filter mesh side, Maletich does teach that the locations of magnets in the frame assembly can be placed on various and different locations (Maletich: paragraph 0145). Additionally, one of ordinary skill in the art would be capable of relocating the magnets onto the inner filter mesh side of the filter casing and relocate the corresponding sensors to be on the opposite side on the installation space since this would be a mere rearrangement of parts. See MPEP 2144.04, Section VI, sub-section C. Having the components rearranged in this manner would not affect the operation of the device as it would merely be a design choice.
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to relocate the magnets to be on the inner filter mesh side of the filter and to relocate the switches to be on the inside portion of the interface or installation space, as taught by Maletich, since it is known to relocate magnets and sensors to various and different locations depending on filter type (Maletich: paragraph 0145) and since it would merely be a design choice.
Regarding Claim 29, Huh discloses an electric breathing apparatus (apparatus of Fig 1) comprising: an air filter device (50, Fig 1) comprising: a blower unit (51 with the blower, Fig 1) configured to include a housing (51, Fig 1) in which an electric blower (blower for supplying purified air filtered by 53, paragraph 0009) is disposed; and an air filter unit (53, Fig 1) configured to releasably connect to the blower unit (53 is detachably installed in installation space 51a, paragraph 0009), the air filter unit including a casing (casing of 53, Fig 1) that includes a filter mesh side (53 includes particle removal filter, paragraph 0010; side of 53 facing towards 51a, Fig 1) configured to face towards the blower unit when the blower unit is connected to the air filter unit, a breathing mask (20, Fig 1); and a connecting hose (30, Fig 1) configured to be connected between the breathing mask and the air filter device (30 is connected between 20 and 50, Fig 1), wherein the housing of the blower unit includes: an interface (51a, Fig 1) configured to face towards the air filter unit when the blower unit is connected to the air filter unit (51a faces towards 53, Fig 1). Huh also discloses a control unit for detecting and controlling a type and a load rate of the filter unit 53 mounted and installed in the installation space 51a of the body 51 (paragraph 0057) and utilizing an RFID tag and RFID reader to transmit information on the type, serial number, and manufacturing date of the filter unit 53 to the control unit (paragraph 0069).
Huh fails to disclose a first subset of Hall sensors in the interface, the first subset of Hall sensors comprises N Hall sensors spaced from each other, wherein N is an integer which is equal to or greater than 2, wherein the casing of the air filter unit also includes N alignment positions configured to align with the N Hall sensors respectively when the air filter unit is connected to the housing of the blower unit, wherein the casing of the air filter unit also includes 1 - N magnetic counterparts selectively disposed at the N alignment positions, and the 1 - N magnetic counterparts are configured to be arranged at the N alignment positions in a manner matching with an operating mode of the blower unit with respect to the air filter unit, wherein the housing of the blower unit also includes a second subset of Hall sensors in the interface, wherein the second subset of Hall sensors includes at least one Hall sensor, wherein the casing of the air filter unit also includes at least one additional alignment position in the filter mesh side, wherein the at least one additional alignment position is configured to align with the second subset of Hall sensors, respectively, when the air filter unit is installed in place onto the blower unit, and wherein one additional magnetic counterpart is disposed at each of the at least one additional alignment position.
However, Maletich, reasonably pertinent to the problem of identifying filter types, teaches an air purifying system (Abstract) including a first subset of reed switches in the interface (reed switches embedded in the air purifying system 104, paragraph 0145), the first subset of reed switches comprises N reed switches spaced from each other (reed switches are generally mounted on a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) and assembled into the air purifier unit, determination is based on the reed switches of the air purifier unit that have been activated by the magnet(s) on the filter frame assembly, paragraph 0145; reed switches are arranged in relation to the arrangement of magnets), wherein N is an integer which is equal to or greater than 2 (reed switches means at least 2), wherein the casing of the air filter unit also includes N alignment positions configured to align with the N reed switches respectively when the air filter unit is connected to the housing of the blower unit (magnets are generally assembled (e.g., by the manufacturer) into the frame of the filters, “code” that includes a combination of the number of magnets and their respective placement on the filter frame assembly may also be used to determine the type of filter that has been installed in the air purifier unit, paragraph 0145; alignment positions are the locations where the magnets would be placed, Fig 13), and wherein the casing of the air filter unit also includes 1 - N magnetic counterparts selectively disposed at the N alignment positions (magnets are generally assembled (e.g., by the manufacturer) into the frame of the filters, “code” that includes a combination of the number of magnets and their respective placement on the filter frame assembly may also be used to determine the type of filter that has been installed in the air purifier unit, paragraph 0145; magnets shown to be in specific positions, Fig 13), and the 1 - N magnetic counterparts are configured to be arranged at the N alignment positions in a manner matching with an operating mode of the blower unit with respect to the air filter unit (air purifying system 104 is configured to determine the type of filtering media and/or air purifying component that has been inserted (e.g., Carbon, HEPA, combination-powered electrostatic etc.) into the air purifying system 104, paragraph 0145; the sensor is configured to sense the one or more magnets to determine the type of the air purifying component that has been received, paragraph 0144; controller is configured to select the mode of operation from the plurality of modes of operation of the air purifier mechanism in response to the detected type of air purifying component detected by the sensor, paragraph 0142; the fan will operate at a certain mode based on the type of filter involved) since this is a known, alternative way to determine the filter type and to optimize the operation of the device (paragraph 0142).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to replace the RFID tag and reader with reed switches on the interface and magnets on the filter, as taught by Maletich, since this is a known, alternative way to determine the filter type and to optimize the operation of the device (Maletich: paragraph 0142).
The current Huh-Maletich combination fails to teach the use of Hall sensors.
However, Maletich further teaches the use of Hall sensors (a hall or magnetically actuated sensor/switch embedded in the air purifying system 104, paragraph 0146) since these are sensors that are also known to be activated by magnets and fulfill similar purposes to the reed switches.
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to replace the reed switches with Hall sensors, as taught by Maletich, since these are sensors that are also known to be activated by magnets and fulfill similar purposes to the reed switches.
The current Huh-Maletich combination fails to explicitly teach wherein the housing of the blower unit also includes a second subset of Hall sensors in the interface, wherein the second subset of Hall sensors includes at least one Hall sensor, wherein the casing of the air filter unit also includes at least one additional alignment position in the filter mesh side, wherein the at least one additional alignment position is configured to align with the second subset of Hall sensors, respectively, when the air filter unit is installed in place onto the blower unit, and wherein one additional magnetic counterpart is disposed at each of the at least one additional alignment position.
However, Maletich further teaches a HEPA filter may have a magnet placed in a certain location of its frame assembly, while the carbon filter may have a magnet placed in another/different location of its frame assembly, and a “code” that includes a combination of the number of magnets and their respective placement on the filter frame assembly may also be used to determine the type of filter that has been installed in the air purifier unit (paragraph 0145).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to utilize a second set of Hall sensors with magnetic counterparts, as taught by Maletich, since having additional sensors and magnetic counterparts would be known to label or identify a type of filter. Additionally, one of ordinary skill in the art would be capable of adding additional sets of Hall sensors and magnetic counterparts since it would be a mere duplication of parts. See MPEP 2144.04, Section VI, sub-section B. Having these additional sets of sensors and magnetic counterparts would merely add additional ways or combinations of components that would be used to identify various types of filters. It would also not affect the operation of the device in any way. Applicant has not shown how adding these additional sets would drastically change the operation of the device. It should be noted that the claim limitation of “when the air filter unit is installed in place onto the blower unit” does not have any further details outside of merely having the air filter unit being connected to the interface and having the sensors aligned with the magnets.
Though the current Huh-Maletich combination does not explicitly teach that the alignment position is on the filter mesh side, Maletich does teach that the locations of magnets in the frame assembly can be placed on various and different locations (Maletich: paragraph 0145). Additionally, one of ordinary skill in the art would be capable of relocating the magnets onto the inner filter mesh side of the filter casing and relocate the corresponding sensors to be on the opposite side on the installation space since this would be a mere rearrangement of parts. See MPEP 2144.04, Section VI, sub-section C. Having the components rearranged in this manner would not affect the operation of the device as it would merely be a design choice.
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to relocate the magnets to be on the inner filter mesh side of the filter and to relocate the Hall sensors to be on the inside portion of the interface or installation space, as taught by Maletich, since it is known to relocate magnets and sensors to various and different locations depending on filter type (Maletich: paragraph 0145) and since it would merely be a design choice.
Regarding Claim 30, Huh-Maletich combination teaches the N Hall sensors are configured to detect a number of the 1 - N magnetic counterparts that are presented at the N alignment positions or a layout of the 1 - N magnetic counterparts arranged at the N alignment positions; the blower unit further includes a central control unit (Huh: a control unit for detecting and controlling a type and a load rate of the filter unit 53 mounted and installed in the installation space 51a of the body 51, paragraph 0057; Maletich: controller is configured to select the mode of operation from the plurality of modes of operation of the air purifier mechanism in response to the detected type of air purifying component detected by the sensor, paragraph 0142) configured to: compare the detected result with pre-stored magnetic counterpart cases or layouts to determine a model or a type of the air filter unit (Maletich: air purifying system 104 is configured to determine the type of filtering media and/or air purifying component that has been inserted (e.g., Carbon, HEPA, combination-powered electrostatic etc.) into the air purifying system 104, “code” that includes a combination of the number of magnets and their respective placement on the filter frame assembly may also be used to determine the type of filter that has been installed in the air purifier unit, paragraph 0145), and reset an operating mode of the blower unit depending on the determined model or the determined type of the air filter unit (Maletich: controller is configured to select the mode of operation from the plurality of modes of operation of the air purifier mechanism in response to the detected type of air purifying component detected by the sensor, paragraph 0142; operating mode of blower or fan would reset to change the mode of operation based on the type of filter detected). It is noted that the second subset of Hall sensors, the at least one additional alignment position, and the one additional magnet counterpart are absent from this claim.
Claims 24-27 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Huh (US 2016/0001102 A1) and Maletich et al. (US 2018/0154297 A1) as applied to Claims 20 and 21, and in further view of Bilger et al. (US 2009/0266361 A1).
Regarding Claim 24, Huh-Maletich combination teaches the claimed invention of Claim 20. Huh-Maletich combination also teaches a connector port (Huh: connector port of 50 that connects to 30, Fig 1) configured to be connectable to a joint of a connecting hose (Huh: 30, Fig 1) of the electric breathing apparatus (Huh: 30 is connected to connector port of 50, Fig 1).
Huh-Maletich combination fails to teach the connector port being releasably connectable; the connector port is provided with a third subset of Hall sensors comprising at least one Hall sensor, wherein the joint is configured to include at least one second additional alignment position configured to be aligned with the third subset of Hall sensors respectively when the joint is installed in place to the connector port, and wherein one second additional magnetic counterpart is provided respectively at each of the at least one second additional alignment position of the joint.
However, Bilger, of the same field of endeavor, teaches a powered air purifying respiratory system (Abstract) including the connector port being releasably connectable (300 shown to releasably connect to 124, Figs 1-3; delivery hose 300 includes a first connector 320 for connection to an outlet 124 of a scroll housing 120, paragraph 0033); the connector port is provided with a third subset of Hall sensors comprising at least one Hall sensor (sensor 196 positioned within or in the vicinity of outlet 124 to be in the vicinity of an attached connector 320 to sense the configuration of the hose 300 and the connected respiratory inlet covering, sensor 196 can, for example, be in the form of a ratiometric Hall Effect sensor/circuit to sense the polarity of a magnet 326, paragraph 0043), wherein the joint is configured to include at least one second additional alignment position (alignment position where 326 is positioned on 320, Fig 3) configured to be aligned with the third subset of Hall sensors respectively when the joint is installed in place to the connector port (sensor 196 positioned within or in the vicinity of outlet 124 to be in the vicinity of an attached connector 320 to sense the configuration of the hose 300 and the connected respiratory inlet covering, paragraph 0043), and wherein one second additional magnetic counterpart is provided respectively at each of the at least one second additional alignment position of the joint (magnet 326 positioned on or within connector 320 of delivery hose 300, paragraph 0043) since a removable hose allows for easier assembly and replacement, to allow sensing of the presence and absence of the magnet, and allow for certain operating points to be selected (paragraph 0043) like sounding an alarm when the delivery hose is not connected or detected (paragraph 0062).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to make the connector port releasably connectable and add a Hall sensor and magnet to the connector port and hose, as taught by Bilger, since a removable hose allows for easier assembly and replacement, to allow sensing of the presence and absence of the magnet, and allow for certain operating points to be selected (Bilger: paragraph 0043) like sounding an alarm when the delivery hose is not connected or detected (Bilger: paragraph 0062). Having these additional sensors would ensure proper operation of the device and ensure the connection of the hose to the rest of the device is fitted properly.
Regarding Claim 25, Huh-Maletich combination teaches the claimed invention of Claim 21. Huh-Maletich combination also teaches a connector port (Huh: connector port of 50 that connects to 30, Fig 1) configured to be connectable to a joint of a connecting hose (Huh: 30, Fig 1) of the electric breathing apparatus (Huh: 30 is connected to connector port of 50, Fig 1).
Huh-Maletich combination fails to teach the connector port being releasably connectable; the connector port is provided with a third subset of Hall sensors comprising at least one Hall sensor, wherein the joint is configured to include at least one second additional alignment position configured to be aligned with the third subset of Hall sensors respectively when the joint is installed in place to the connector port, and wherein one second additional magnetic counterpart is provided respectively at each of the at least one second additional alignment position of the joint.
However, Bilger, of the same field of endeavor, teaches a powered air purifying respiratory system (Abstract) including the connector port being releasably connectable (300 shown to releasably connect to 124, Figs 1-3; delivery hose 300 includes a first connector 320 for connection to an outlet 124 of a scroll housing 120, paragraph 0033); the connector port is provided with a third subset of Hall sensors comprising at least one Hall sensor (sensor 196 positioned within or in the vicinity of outlet 124 to be in the vicinity of an attached connector 320 to sense the configuration of the hose 300 and the connected respiratory inlet covering, sensor 196 can, for example, be in the form of a ratiometric Hall Effect sensor/circuit to sense the polarity of a magnet 326, paragraph 0043), wherein the joint is configured to include at least one second additional alignment position (alignment position where 326 is positioned on 320, Fig 3) configured to be aligned with the third subset of Hall sensors respectively when the joint is installed in place to the connector port (sensor 196 positioned within or in the vicinity of outlet 124 to be in the vicinity of an attached connector 320 to sense the configuration of the hose 300 and the connected respiratory inlet covering, paragraph 0043), and wherein one second additional magnetic counterpart is provided respectively at each of the at least one second additional alignment position of the joint (magnet 326 positioned on or within connector 320 of delivery hose 300, paragraph 0043) since a removable hose allows for easier assembly and replacement, to allow sensing of the presence and absence of the magnet, and allow for certain operating points to be selected (paragraph 0043) like sounding an alarm when the delivery hose is not connected or detected (paragraph 0062).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to make the connector port releasably connectable and add a Hall sensor and magnet to the connector port and hose, as taught by Bilger, since a removable hose allows for easier assembly and replacement, to allow sensing of the presence and absence of the magnet, and allow for certain operating points to be selected (Bilger: paragraph 0043) like sounding an alarm when the delivery hose is not connected or detected (Bilger: paragraph 0062). Having these additional sensors would ensure proper operation of the device and ensure the connection of the hose to the rest of the device is fitted properly.
Regarding Claim 26, Huh-Maletich-Bilger combination teaches at least one magnetic counterpart of the 1~N magnetic counterparts, the additional magnetic counterpart, and the second additional magnet counterpart comprises a sheet made of a permanent magnet material (Maletich: magnetic material, paragraph 0143; the magnets are depicted as rectangular sheets, Fig 13; Bilger: magnet 326, paragraph 0043; permanent magnets are known to be the most common forms of magnets and none of the magnets disclosed require an outside electrical power source).
Regarding Claim 27, Huh-Maletich-Bilger combination teaches at least one magnetic counterpart of the 1~N magnetic counterparts, the additional magnetic counterpart, and the second additional magnet counterpart comprises a sheet made of a permanent magnet material (Maletich: magnetic material, paragraph 0143; the magnets are depicted as rectangular sheets, Fig 13; Bilger: magnet 326, paragraph 0043; permanent magnets are known to be the most common forms of magnets and none of the magnets disclosed require an outside electrical power source).
Claims 31-32 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Huh (US 2016/0001102 A1) and Maletich et al. (US 2018/0154297 A1) as applied to Claim 30, and in further view of Keel (US 2014/0026526 A1).
Regarding Claim 31, Huh-Maletich combination teaches the claimed invention of Claim 30. Huh-Maletich combination also teaches determining the type of filter that has been installed through sensors (Maletich: paragraph 0145) and being capable of determining a filter element/component of the air purifying system 104 is not installed properly in the air purifying system 104, a filter element/component of the air purifying system 104 is inserted incorrectly in the air purifying system 104 (Maletich: paragraph 0069). Huh-Maletich combination further teaches controller 106 may also be configured to produce/generate an alarm in response to the determination that the one or more components of the air purifying system are not functioning in accordance with the predetermined criteria (Maletich: paragraph 0073). Huh-Maletich combination fails to explicitly teach the central control unit is further configured to, after the air filter unit is connected to the blower unit and before the model or the type of the air filter unit is determined, monitor the second subset of Hall sensors of the blower unit to determine whether or the second subset of Hall sensors is aligned with the additional magnetic counterpart at the additional alignment position of the air filter unit so as to further determine whether the air filter unit has been installed in place onto the blower unit.
However, Keel, of the same field of endeavor, teaches a device for filtering contaminated air (Abstract) including using the Hall sensors and magnetic counterparts to determine whether the air filter unit has been installed in place onto the blower unit (a magnet, and a hall element, which can be switched by the magnet, is provided on the filter housing, the electromotor of the intake fan can also only be switched on when all filters are mounted correctly, paragraph 0006) to ensure the filter is mounted correctly and prevent the filter housing and intake fan from being contaminated (paragraph 0006).
Therefore, 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 controller to utilize the Hall sensors and magnets to detect whether or not the filter is installed properly and prevent the blower from running when the filter is not installed properly, as taught by Keel, to ensure the filter is mounted correctly and prevent the filter housing and intake fan from being contaminated (Keel: paragraph 0006).
Regarding Claim 32, Huh-Maletich-Keel combination teaches the central control unit is further configured to send out an alarm (Maletich: controller configured to determine a cause into why one or more components of the air purifying system are not functioning in accordance with the predetermined criteria, determining a filter element/component of the air purifying system 104 is not installed properly in the air purifying system 104, a filter element/component of the air purifying system 104 is inserted incorrectly in the air purifying system 104, paragraph 0069; controller 106 may also be configured to produce/generate an alarm in response to the determination that the one or more components of the air purifying system are not functioning in accordance with the predetermined criteria, paragraph 0073) or deactivate the blower unit if the air filter unit is not installed in place onto the blower unit (Keel: a magnet, and a hall element, which can be switched by the magnet, is provided on the filter housing, the electromotor of the intake fan can also only be switched on when all filters are mounted correctly, paragraph 0006; fan or blower does not turn on unless the filter is mounted correctly).
Conclusion
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 BRIAN THAI-BINH KHONG whose telephone number is (571)272-1857. The examiner can normally be reached Monday to Thursday 9:00 am-6:00 pm.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Kendra Carter can be reached at (571) 272-9034. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/BRIAN T KHONG/ Examiner, Art Unit 3785
/PAIGE KATHLEEN BUGG/ Primary Examiner, Art Unit 3785
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