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 .
Claim Status
This Office action is responsive to amendments and remarks filed on 2/6/2026.
Claims 1, 15 and 27 have been amended.
Claims 1-35 are currently pending.
Response to Amendment
In light of the amendment the objection to the drawings is withdrawn.
In light of the amendment the objection to the specification is withdrawn.
In light of the amendment the objection to the claims is withdrawn.
In light of the amendment the rejection to the claims under 35 USC §102 is withdrawn. A new grounds of rejection under 35 USC §103 that was necessitated by the amendment are detailed below.
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s arguments with respect to claims 1-35 have been considered but are moot because the new ground of rejection does not rely on any reference applied in the prior rejection of record for any teaching or matter specifically challenged in the argument.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
The text of those sections of Title 35, U.S. Code not included in this action can be found in a prior Office action.
Claims 1-12, 14-25, and 27-35 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over US 4879190 A, LUNDSGAARD in view of US 20200006718 A1, IMAI provided in the IDS dated 6/2/2026.
Regarding claim 1. LUNDSGAARD [col 3 lines 20-25] discloses an all-solid-state battery, called a cell (32) comprising:
[col 3 line 21] an electrode assembly including
[col 3 line 22] a laminate comprising
[col 3 line 24] a solid electrolyte layer called a polymer electrolyte, and
[col 3 lines 52-53] a negative electrode layer and
a positive electrode layer called “first and second cathode strips” (18, 20) stacked with the [col 3 line 24] solid electrolyte layer (14 and 16) interposed therebetween, and
[col 4 lines 26-27] an insulating member called a mandrel (35),
Figures 4, 5, and 6A and B depict the laminate being wound around the insulating member in such a manner that one surface of the negative electrode layer or the positive electrode layer is parallel to a central axis of the insulating member in a stacking direction thereof;
Figure 6 C depicts a negative terminal (52) called a flat negative electrode surface that is connected to the negative electrode layer; and
a positive terminal (46) called a cylindrical head, connected to the positive electrode layer, wherein
the negative terminal (52) is disposed on one surface of the electrode assembly in a central axis direction of the central axis of the insulating member, and
the positive terminal (46) is disposed on the other surface of the electrode assembly in the central axis direction.
LUNDSGAARD does not disclose the solid electrolyte layer comprises a ceramic based solid electrolyte.
IMAI [title] discloses An All-Solid State Secondary Battery And Manufacturing Method Therefor where
IMAI [0068] discloses the solid electrolyte layer comprises a ceramic based solid electrolyte in form of various metal oxides. Particularly,
IMAI [0081] discloses the use of LLZO, NASICON and other ceramics.
IMAI [0028] further discloses “the all-solid state secondary battery of the present invention is capable of preventing the breakage (cracking) of the battery exterior body by effectively suppressing the expansion of the battery caused by the precipitated metal on the surface of the negative electrode collector. In addition, even in a case where cracks are generated, the propagation of the cracks can be prevented”
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to have used the ceramic material disclosed by IMAI in the solid-state battery disclosed by LUNDSGAARD in order to suppress the expansion of the battery and prevent breakage.
Regarding claim 2. Modified LUNDSGAARD discloses the all-solid-state battery of claim 1, wherein figure 6C depicts a shape of the electrode assembly in the central axis direction is circular.
Regarding claim 3. Modified LUNDSGAARD discloses the all-solid-state battery of claim 1, wherein figure 6C depicts in the annotated figure below
at least a portion of the negative electrode layer is led out to the one surface of the electrode assembly in the central axis direction, and
at least a portion of the positive electrode layer is led out to the other surface of the electrode assembly in the central axis direction.
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Regarding claim 4. Modified LUNDSGAARD discloses the all-solid-state battery, called the cell (32), of claim 1, wherein included figures 3-6B depict that
the negative electrode layer (34’) includes a negative electrode current collector which is comprised of “A layer of conducting polymer (52) that is applied to form a flat negative electrode surface”, and this also meets the limitation of,
“a negative active material stacked with the negative electrode current collector interposed therebetween”, and
the positive electrode layer (33’) includes
a positive electrode current collector, called a cathode current conductor strip (24), and
a positive active material called the cell laminate (10) stacked with the positive electrode current collector (24) interposed therebetween.
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Regarding claim 5. Modified LUNDSGAARD discloses the all-solid-state battery of claim 1, wherein figure 6B depicted above shows the laminate is disposed in such a manner that the negative electrode layer (34’) is in contact with the insulating member (35).
Regarding claim 6. Modified LUNDSGAARD discloses the all-solid-state battery of claim 1, wherein figure 6B depicted above shows the laminate is disposed in such a manner that the positive electrode layer called “first and second cathode strips” (18, 20) is in contact with the insulating member (35).
Regarding claim 7. Modified LUNDSGAARD discloses the all-solid-state battery of claim 1, wherein the laminate is disposed in such a manner that the solid electrolyte layer (14 and 16) is in contact with the insulating member (35).
Regarding claim 8. Modified LUNDSGAARD discloses the all-solid-state battery of claim 1, wherein the electrode assembly is provided with the solid electrolyte layer (14 and 16) disposed on an outermost portion thereof as shown in figures 1 and 2 depicted below.
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Regarding claim 9. Modified LUNDSGAARD discloses the all-solid-state battery of claim 1, wherein a surface to which the negative electrode layer (34’) and the negative terminal (52) are connected has a spiral shape as depicted in figures 3 to 6C.
Regarding claim 10. Modified LUNDSGAARD discloses the all-solid-state battery of claim 1, wherein a surface to which the positive electrode layer called “first and second cathode strips” (18, 20) and the positive terminal (46) called a cylindrical head are connected and has a spiral shape as depicted in figures 3 to 6C.
Regarding claim 11. Modified LUNDSGAARD discloses the all-solid-state battery of claim 1, wherein in the annotated figure 6C depicted below shows
a percentage of an average distance t between the positive electrode layer “first and second cathode strips” (18, 20) and the negative terminal (52), with respect to an average distance T between an interfacial surface of the electrode assembly in contact with the negative terminal and an interfacial surface of the electrode assembly in contact with the positive terminal, is in a range of 1% or more and 30% or less.
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Regarding claim 12. Modified LUNDSGAARD discloses the all-solid-state battery of claim 1, wherein
a portion of the negative terminal is disposed on the one surface of the electrode assembly in the central axis direction,
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and the other portion of the negative terminal is disposed extending on a surface of the electrode assembly, perpendicular to the central axis direction,
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and a portion of the positive terminal is disposed on the other surface of the electrode assembly in the central axis direction,
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and the other portion of the negative terminal is disposed extending on a surface of the electrode assembly perpendicular to the central axis direction.
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Regarding claim 14. Modified LUNDSGAARD discloses the all-solid-state battery of claim 1, further comprising:
a case called a jacket (54) clearly depicted in annotated figure 6C, disposed to surround the electrode assembly in a first direction and a second direction, wherein
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a direction perpendicular to the central axis direction is defined as the first direction and a direction perpendicular to the central axis direction and the first direction is defined as the second direction.
Regarding claim 15. LUNDSGAARD [col 3 lines 20-25] discloses an all-solid-state battery, called a cell (32) comprising:
[col 3 line 21] an electrode assembly including:
[col 3 line 22] a laminate comprising
[col 3 line 24] a solid electrolyte layer called a polymer electrolyte, and
a negative electrode layer and
a positive electrode layer called “first and second cathode strips” (18, 20) stacked with the [col 3 line 24] solid electrolyte layer (14 and 16) interposed therebetween, and
[col 4 lines 26-27] an insulating member called a mandrel (35), wherein
Figures 4, 5, and 6A and B depict the laminate is wound around the insulating member such that a surface of the negative electrode layer or the positive electrode layer in a stacking direction thereof is parallel to a central axis of the insulating member, and
Annotated figure 6C depicted below shows at least a portion of the negative electrode layer is exposed to one surface of the electrode assembly in a central axis direction of the central axis of the insulating member,
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Annotated figure 6C depicted below shows at least a portion of the positive electrode layer is exposed to the other surface, opposite to the one surface, of the electrode assembly in the central axis direction.
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LUNDSGAARD does not disclose the solid electrolyte layer comprises a ceramic based solid electrolyte.
IMAI [title] discloses An All-Solid State Secondary Battery And Manufacturing Method Therefor where
IMAI [0068] discloses the solid electrolyte layer comprises a ceramic based solid electrolyte in form of various metal oxides. Particularly,
IMAI [0081] discloses the use of LLZO, NASICON and other ceramics.
IMAI [0028] further discloses “the all-solid state secondary battery of the present invention is capable of preventing the breakage (cracking) of the battery exterior body by effectively suppressing the expansion of the battery caused by the precipitated metal on the surface of the negative electrode collector. In addition, even in a case where cracks are generated, the propagation of the cracks can be prevented”
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to have used the ceramic material disclosed by IMAI in the solid state battery disclosed by LUNDSGAARD in order to suppress the expansion of the battery and prevent breakage.
Regarding claim 16. Modified LUNDSGAARD discloses the all-solid-state battery of claim 15, wherein figure 3 depicts a shape of the electrode assembly in the central axis direction is circular.
Regarding claim 17. Modified LUNDSGAARD discloses the all-solid-state battery of claim 15, wherein included figures 3-6B depict that
the negative electrode layer (34’) includes
a negative electrode current collector which is comprised of “A layer of conducting polymer (52) that is applied to form a flat negative electrode surface”, and this also meets the limitation of,
“a negative active material stacked with the negative electrode current collector interposed therebetween”, and
the positive electrode layer (33’) includes
a positive electrode current collector, called a cathode current conductor strip (24), and
a positive active material called the cell laminate (10) stacked with the positive electrode current collector (24) interposed therebetween.
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Regarding claim 18. Modified LUNDSGAARD discloses the all-solid-state battery of claim 15, wherein figure 6B depicted above shows the laminate is disposed in such a manner that the negative electrode layer (34’) is in contact with the insulating member (35).
Regarding claim 19. Modified LUNDSGAARD discloses the all-solid-state battery of claim 15, wherein figure 6B depicted above shows the laminate is disposed in such a manner that the positive electrode layer called “first and second cathode strips” (18, 20) is in contact with the insulating member (35).
Regarding claim 20. Modified LUNDSGAARD discloses the all-solid-state battery of claim 15, wherein the laminate is disposed in such a manner that the solid electrolyte layer (14 and 16) is in contact with the insulating member (35).
Regarding claim 21. Modified LUNDSGAARD discloses the all-solid-state battery of claim 15, wherein the electrode assembly is provided with the solid electrolyte layer (14 and 16) disposed on an outermost portion thereof as shown in figures 1 and 2 depicted below.
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Regarding claim 22. Modified LUNDSGAARD discloses the all-solid-state battery of claim 15, further comprising a negative terminal (52) connected to the negative electrode layer (34’), wherein a surface to which the negative electrode layer and the negative terminal are connected has a spiral shape as depicted in figures 3 to 6C.
Regarding claim 23. Modified LUNDSGAARD discloses the all-solid-state battery of claim 22, further comprising
a positive terminal (46) called a cylindrical head connected to the positive electrode layer called “first and second cathode strips” (18, 20), wherein
a surface to which the positive electrode layer called “first and second cathode strips” (18, 20) depicted in figure4 shown below and the positive terminal (46) (figure 6C) called a cylindrical head are connected has a spiral shape.
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Regarding claim 24. Modified LUNDSGAARD discloses the all-solid-state battery of claim 23, wherein in the annotated figure 6C depicted below shows
a percentage of an average distance t between the negative electrode layer “first and second cathode strips” (18, 20) and the negative terminal (52), with respect to an average distance T between an interfacial surface of the electrode assembly in contact with the negative terminal and an interfacial surface of the electrode assembly in contact with the positive terminal, is in a range of 1% or more and 30% or less.
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Regarding claim 25. Modified LUNDSGAARD discloses the all-solid-state battery of claim 23, wherein
a portion of the negative terminal is disposed on the one surface of the electrode assembly in the central axis direction,
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and the other portion of the negative terminal is disposed extending on a surface of the electrode assembly, perpendicular to the central axis direction,
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and
a portion of the positive terminal is disposed on the other surface of the electrode assembly in the central axis direction,
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and the other portion of the negative terminal is disposed extending on a surface of the electrode assembly perpendicular to the central axis direction.
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Regarding claim 27. LUNDSGAARD [col 3 lines 20-25] discloses the all-solid-state battery, called a cell (32) comprising:
[col 3 line 21] an electrode assembly including:
[col 3 line 22] a laminate comprising
[col 3 line 24] a solid electrolyte layer called a polymer electrolyte, and
[col 3 lines 52-53] a negative electrode layer and
a positive electrode layer called “first and second cathode strips” (18, 20) stacked with the [col 3 line 24] solid electrolyte layer (14 and 16) interposed therebetween, and
[col 3 line 21] an insulating member called a mandrel (35), wherein
Figures 4, 5, and 6A and B depict the laminate is wound around the insulating member such that a surface of the negative electrode layer or the positive electrode layer in a stacking direction thereof is parallel to a central axis of the insulating member,
Figure 6 C depicts a negative terminal (52) called a flat negative electrode surface that is connected to the negative electrode layer (34’); and
a positive terminal (46) called a cylindrical head, connected to the positive electrode layer, wherein
the negative electrode layer (34’) includes
a negative electrode current collector which is comprised of “A layer of conducting polymer (52) that is applied to form a flat negative electrode surface”, and this also meets the limitation of,
“a negative active material stacked with the negative electrode current collector interposed therebetween”, and
the positive electrode layer (33’) includes
a positive electrode current collector, called a cathode current conductor strip (24), and
a positive active material called the cell laminate (10) stacked with the positive electrode current collector (24) interposed therebetween.
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LUNDSGAARD does not disclose the solid electrolyte layer comprises a ceramic based solid electrolyte.
IMAI [title] discloses An All-Solid State Secondary Battery And Manufacturing Method Therefor where
IMAI [0068] discloses the solid electrolyte layer comprises a ceramic based solid electrolyte in form of various metal oxides. Particularly,
IMAI [0081] discloses the use of LLZO, NASICON and other ceramics.
IMAI [0028] further discloses “the all-solid state secondary battery of the present invention is capable of preventing the breakage (cracking) of the battery exterior body by effectively suppressing the expansion of the battery caused by the precipitated metal on the surface of the negative electrode collector. In addition, even in a case where cracks are generated, the propagation of the cracks can be prevented”
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to have used the ceramic material disclosed by IMAI in the solid-state battery disclosed by LUNDSGAARD in order to suppress the expansion of the battery and prevent breakage.
Regarding claim 28. Modified LUNDSGAARD discloses the all-solid-state battery of claim 27, wherein figure 6C a shape of the electrode assembly in a central axis direction of the central axis of the insulating member is circular.
Regarding claim 29. Modified LUNDSGAARD discloses the all-solid-state battery of claim 27, wherein figure 6C depicts in the annotated figure below
at least a portion of the negative electrode layer is led out to one surface of the electrode assembly in a central axis direction of the central axis of the insulating member, and
at least a portion of the positive electrode layer is led out to the other surface of the electrode assembly in the central axis direction.
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Regarding claim 30. Modified LUNDSGAARD discloses the all-solid-state battery of claim 27, wherein figure 6B depicted below shows the laminate is disposed in such a manner that the negative electrode layer (34’) is in contact with the insulating member (35).
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Regarding claim 31. Modified LUNDSGAARD discloses the all-solid-state battery of claim 27, wherein figure 6B depicted above shows the laminate is disposed in such a manner that the positive electrode layer called “first and second cathode strips” (18, 20) is in contact with the insulating member (35).
Regarding claim 32. Modified LUNDSGAARD discloses the all-solid-state battery of claim 27, wherein the laminate is disposed in such a manner that the solid electrolyte layer(14 and 16) is in contact with the insulating member (35).
Regarding claim 33. Modified LUNDSGAARD discloses the all-solid-state battery of claim 27, wherein the electrode assembly is provided with the solid electrolyte layer (14 and 16) disposed on an outermost portion thereof as shown in figures 1 and 2 depicted below.
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Regarding claims 34 and 35. Modified LUNDSGAARD discloses the all-solid-state battery of claim 27, wherein
a surface to which the negative electrode layer (34’) and the negative terminal (52) are connected has a spiral shape as depicted in figures 3 to 6C in claim 34 and,
a surface to which the positive electrode layer called “first and second cathode strips” (18, 20) and the positive terminal (46) called a cylindrical head are connected and has a spiral shape as also depicted in figures 3 to 6C in claim 35.
Claims 13 and 26 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over US 4879190 A, LUNDSGAARD in view of US 20200006718 A1, IMAI provided in the IDS dated 6/2/2026 as applied to claims 1 and 15 above, and further in view of US 20040131934 A1, SUGNAUX et al.
Regarding claims 13 and 26. LUNDSGAARD modified by IMAI discloses the all-solid-state battery of claim 1 and 15.
Modified LUNDSGAARD discloses a mandrel comprised of nylon but does not disclose the insulating member includes an oxide, a nitride, or a compound thereof of a metal and/or non-metal compound.
SUGNAUX [title] discloses An Electrochemical Cell where
SUGNAUX [0058] discloses the insulating member includes an SiO2.
SUGNAUX [0058] also discloses that this “serves as a porous separator to prevent direct contact and short circuiting of the positive and negative electrodes said separator preferably being selected from an insulating ceramic material, more preferably Al2O3, SiO2, silanized silica, ZrO2, Ta2O5 or LiLa0.35Ti0.55O3.
[0059] The porous separator may additionally comprise a curable organic binder, preferably an organic binder of the type defined hereinabove."
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date to have used SiO2 or any of the disclosed ceramic materials as a porous separator and insulating material disclosed by SUGNAUX in order to prevent direct contact and the short circuiting of the positive and negative electrodes disclosed by modified LUNDSGAARD. These ceramics being well known in the art and widely used at the time of the effective filing date.
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 LAWRENCE LA RAIA III whose telephone number is (703)756-5441. The examiner can normally be reached Mon-Thur 6:00am-4:00pm.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Barbara Gilliam can be reached at (571) 272-1330. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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LAWRENCE LA RAIA III
Examiner
Art Unit 1727
/L.L./Examiner, Art Unit 1727
/BARBARA L GILLIAM/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 1727
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