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 Interpretation
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(f):
(f) Element in Claim for a Combination. – An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof.
The following is a quotation of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph:
An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof.
The claims in this application are given their broadest reasonable interpretation using the plain meaning of the claim language in light of the specification as it would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The broadest reasonable interpretation of a claim element (also commonly referred to as a claim limitation) is limited by the description in the specification when 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is invoked.
As explained in MPEP § 2181, subsection I, claim limitations that meet the following three-prong test will be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph:
(A) the claim limitation uses the term “means” or “step” or a term used as a substitute for “means” that is a generic placeholder (also called a nonce term or a non-structural term having no specific structural meaning) for performing the claimed function;
(B) the term “means” or “step” or the generic placeholder is modified by functional language, typically, but not always linked by the transition word “for” (e.g., “means for”) or another linking word or phrase, such as “configured to” or “so that”; and
(C) the term “means” or “step” or the generic placeholder is not modified by sufficient structure, material, or acts for performing the claimed function.
Use of the word “means” (or “step”) in a claim with functional language creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. The presumption that the claim limitation is interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is rebutted when the claim limitation recites sufficient structure, material, or acts to entirely perform the recited function.
Absence of the word “means” (or “step”) in a claim creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is not to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. The presumption that the claim limitation is not interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is rebutted when the claim limitation recites function without reciting sufficient structure, material or acts to entirely perform the recited function.
Claim limitations in this application that use the word “means” (or “step”) are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, except as otherwise indicated in an Office action. Conversely, claim limitations in this application that do not use the word “means” (or “step”) are not being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, except as otherwise indicated in an Office action.
This application includes one or more claim limitations that do not use the word “means,” but are nonetheless being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, because the claim limitation(s) uses a generic placeholder that is coupled with functional language without reciting sufficient structure to perform the recited function and the generic placeholder is not preceded by a structural modifier. Such claim limitation(s) is/are: "a cooling system" in claim 4, and 10-15 and "a control system" in claims 7, 19 and 20.
Because this/these claim limitation(s) is/are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, it/they is/are being interpreted to cover the corresponding structure described in the specification as performing the claimed function, and equivalents thereof.
If applicant does not intend to have this/these limitation(s) interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, applicant may: (1) amend the claim limitation(s) to avoid it/them being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph (e.g., by reciting sufficient structure to perform the claimed function); or (2) present a sufficient showing that the claim limitation(s) recite(s) sufficient structure to perform the claimed function so as to avoid it/them being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph.
The “cooling system” is described in the disclosure as a cooling fluid/air in heat exchange relationship (see claim 5 and paragraph 24).
The “control system” is described in the disclosure as a controller (see paragraph 34).
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
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.
Claim(s) 1-7 and 21 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Pham (US 2016/0061505 A1) and in view of Kopko (US 2011/0083454 A1) and further in view of the publication of Ross and Robert hereinafter referred to as NPL1 and Cools (US 2019/0113263 A1).
In regards to claim 1, Pham teaches a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system (HVAC system, see paragraph 33), comprising: an electrical enclosure (20) comprising a compressor variable speed drive (VSD) (variable frequency drive VFD 22, where frequency is proportional and related to speed) and a condenser fan control (VFD 22 with control module 25 connected to fan 13, fig. 1B) disposed within the electrical enclosure (see figs. 1), wherein the compressor VSD is configured to control operation of a compressor motor of the HVAC system (VFD 22 controls compressor 10, see paragraph 37), and the condenser fan control is configured to control operation of a condenser fan motor of the HVAC system (VFD 22 with control module 25 controls condenser fan 13, see figs. 1 and paragraph 38), and a converter section disposed within the electrical enclosure (section within enclosure that contains converter circuit; Also see converter circuit with rectifier within enclosure, see paragraph 39), wherein the converter section comprises a rectifier (rectifier, see paragraph 39) and a direct current (DC) link (AC-DC link, see paragraph 39), and the converter section is configured to direct power to the compressor VSD and the condenser fan VSD (VFD includes power converting section to convert voltage, see paragraph 39, function of the rectifier, AC-DC converter, and IGBT transistors, includes converting and adjusting power from the power supply, see paragraph 39); and wherein the compressor VSD (VFD 22) comprises a first inverter section (inverter drive, see paragraph 36) configured to receive first power from the converter section (see VFD 22 receiving power from source 18, figs. 1-3 and paragraphs 36-39), and a inverting power for the condenser fan configured to receive second power from the converter section (see inverter, paragraph 36 and converter to invert DC current back to AC current, paragraph 39, where power from the power source 18 is inverted for compressor and fan, see paragraph 36-39).
However, Pham does not explicitly teach a separate drive for condenser fan.
Kopko teaches an HVAC system (HVAC system, see fig 4), comprising: a compressor variable speed drive (VSD) (variable speed drive VSD for compressor, see paragraph 42) and a condenser fan VSD (VSD 38 for condenser fan motor 36, see fig. 4 and paragraphs 31-32) disposed within the controls (see fig. 4), wherein the compressor VSD is configured to control operation of a compressor motor of the HVAC system (see paragraph 42), and the condenser fan VSD is configured to control operation of a condenser fan motor of the HVAC system (VSD 38 controls condenser fan 32, see fig. 4 and paragraphs 31-32).
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified the enclosure of the HVAC system of Pham by providing an additional condenser fan VSD that is configured to control operation of a condenser fan motor of the HVAC system based on the teachings of Kopko to the enclosure of Pham in order to independently control the condenser fan power supply and to improve production efficiency by building modular controls for each of the fan and compressor motors; improve appearance of the air conditioner control box by keeping electrical components associated with different parts of the HVAC system, separate and organized and provide better access for maintenance purposes.
In addition, Pham further discloses a converter section disposed within the electrical enclosure (section within enclosure that contains converter circuit), wherein the converter section comprises a rectifier (rectifier, see paragraph 39) and a direct current (DC) link (AC-DC link, see paragraph 39), and the converter section is configured to direct power to the compressor VSD and the condenser fan VSD (VFD includes power converting section to convert voltage, see paragraph 39, function of the rectifier, AC-DC converter, and IGBT transistors, includes converting and adjusting power from the power supply, see paragraph 39; therefore, the converter section of the VFD/VSD is configured to direct adjusted power to the VFD/VSD to supply to the compressor and the fan and the compressor and fan VFDs/VSDs, see paragraphs 36-37; Also see applicants disclosure paragraphs 39-40, for an explanation of adjusting power supply with rectifier and DC component within the VSD; In addition, see below annotated figure from NPL1 of most common VFD/VSD circuits, which are configured to direct power to the end of the VSD/VFD circuit for compressor/fan motors, where the VSD circuits include an inverters).
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Therefore, it would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified the enclosure of the HVAC system of Pham as modified by providing a converter section disposed within the electrical enclosure, wherein the converter section comprises a rectifier and a direct current (DC) link, and the converter section is configured to direct power to the compressor VSD and the condenser fan VSD based on the combined teachings of Pham, Kopko and NPL1 in order to allow a consistent and stable flow of adjusted frequency, amplitude, current and/or voltage for each of the VSD drives of the compressor and the condenser fan.
However, Pham does no teach a second inverter section.
Cools teaches first inverter for controlling the first VSD of the compressor and a second invert for controlling the second VSD of the condenser fan (see abstract and paragraphs 38-39), wherein the converter section is configured to receive electrical power form a power supply (see paragraph 37), the compressor VSD comprises a first inverter section, the condenser fan VSD comprises a second inverter section, and the converter section is configured to supply the electrical power to both the first inverter section and the second inverter section (see paragraphs 37-39 and abstract).
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified power converter with the enclosure of the HVAC system of Pham as modified by providing a converter disposed within the electrical enclosure; a first inverter of the compressor VSD; and a second inverter of the condenser fan VSD, wherein the first inverter and the second inverter are each electrically coupled to the converter and the inverts controlling the first and second VSDs of the compressor and the condenser fan, respectively, wherein the converter section is configured to receive electrical power form a power supply, the compressor VSD comprises a first inverter section, the condenser fan VSD comprises a second inverter section, and the converter section is configured to supply the electrical power to both the first inverter section and the second inverter section based on the teachings of Cools in order to prevent the malfunction of one device such as the compressor from affecting the whole system and independently control the condenser fan power supply (see paragraph 7, Cools).
In regards to claim 2, Pham as modified teaches the limitations of claim 1 and further teaches that the compressor motor, wherein the compressor motor is electrically coupled to a compressor of the HVAC system (electric motor of compressor 10, see paragraph 37), and the compressor VSD is configured to control operation of the compressor motor to operate the compressor (VFD 22 delivers voltage to compressor motor, see paragraphs 37-38).
In regards to claim 3, Pham as modified teaches the limitations of claim 1 and further teaches that the condenser fan motor (1136), wherein the condenser fan motor is electrically coupled to a condenser fan of the HVAC system (see paragraph 74), and the condenser fan control is configured to control operation of the condenser fan motor to operate the condenser fan (see control module 25 controlling the condenser fan motor, paragraph 74). In addition, Kopko teaches that the condenser fan VSD is configured to control operation of the condenser fan motor to operate the condenser fan (VSD 38 controls condenser fan 32, see fig. 4 and paragraphs 31-32).
In regards to claim 4, Pham as modified teaches the limitations of claim 1 and further teaches that the electrical enclosure comprises a cooling system disposed therein, and the cooling system is configured to provide cooling to both the compressor VSD and the condenser fan VSD (evaporator piping passing through enclosure 20 to cool the VFD 22, see paragraphs 40-41; wherein the enclosure includes compressor and fan VSDs).
In regards to claim 5, Pham as modified teaches the limitations of claim 4 and further teaches that the cooling system is configured to place a cooling fluid (fluid in evaporator piping) in a heat exchange relationship with both the compressor VSD and the condenser fan VSD to absorb heat from and cool both the compressor VSD and the condenser fan VSD (evaporator piping or cold plate 15 to cool VFD 22 by heat exchange, see paragraphs 40-41; wherein the enclosure includes compressor and fan VSDs).
In regards to claim 6, Pham as modified teaches the limitations of claim 5 and further teaches that the compressor VSD and the condenser fan VSD are disposed within a common section of the electrical enclosure (enclosure 20 includes VFD 22 and control module 25 within the enclosure, see figs. 1) and the cooling system is configured to direct the cooling fluid (fluid in evaporator piping) to the common section of the electrical enclosure to place the cooling fluid in the heat exchange relationship with both the compressor VSD and the condenser fan VSD (evaporator piping or cold plate 15 to cool VFD 22 by heat exchange, see paragraphs 40-41; wherein the enclosure includes compressor and fan VSDs).
In regards to claim 7, Pham as modified teaches the limitations of claim 1 and further teaches a control system (control modules 100, 25) coupled to the electrical enclosure (see figs. 1), wherein the control system is configured to:
output a control signal to operate the compressor VSD, the condenser fan VSD, or both (see paragraph 37);
receive a user input (receiving system off period data from a user, see paragraph 64); and
output the control signal based on the user input (output to the compressor device CCH based on user input, see paragraph 65).
In regards to claim 21, Pham as modified teaches the limitations of claim 1 and further discloses a refrigerant circuit (heat pump system 5, see figs. 1);
a compressor (compressor 10) disposed along the refrigerant circuit and configured to pressurize a refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit (see figs. 1 and paragraphs 33-35); the compressor motor (compressor stator 42 and rotor 44, see fig. 4 and paragraph 43), wherein the compressor motor is configured to drive operation of the compressor to pressurize the refrigerant (rotor drives the compressor, see paragraph 43), and wherein the compressor VSD is electrically coupled to the compressor motor (see figs. 1-4 and paragraph 36, compressor VFD coupled to the compressor motor via wires); a condenser (condenser 12) disposed along the refrigerant circuit (see figs. 1), wherein the condenser comprises a condenser fan (fan 13) configured to force an air flow across the condenser to cool the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit (see figs. 1 and paragraphs 34, 38); and the condenser fan motor (at least motor 1136, see paragraphs 74), wherein the condenser fan motor is configured to drive operation of the condenser fan to force the air flow across the condenser to cool the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit (see paragraphs 74-75), and wherein the condenser fan control is electrically coupled to the condenser fan motor (control module 100, 104 connected to the condenser fan motor 1136, see figs. 15 and paragraphs 74-75), wherein the compressor, the compressor motor, the condenser fan, and the condenser fan motor are positioned external to the electrical enclosure (see figs. 1-5 and 15, where compressor and compressor 10 are external to enclosure 20 and condenser fan 13 and condenser motor 1136 are external to control modules 100, 104 of the enclosure). In addition, Kopko teaches a condenser fan (34), a condenser fan motor (36) and a condenser fan VSD (VSD drive 38 for condenser fan motor 36, see figs. 3-4), wherein the condenser fan VSD is electrically coupled to the condenser fan motor (see figs. 3-4 and paragraphs 31-32 and 42).
Claim(s) 10-12, 14, 15 and 22 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Pham (US 2016/0061505 A1) and in view of Kopko (US 2011/0083454 A1) and further in view of the publication of Ross and Robert hereinafter referred to as NPL1 and Shen (CN 107560128 A).
In regards to claim 10, Pham teaches a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system (HVAC system, see paragraph 33), comprising: an electrical enclosure (20) configured to enclose electrical components (at least VFD 22 and control module 25) of the HVAC system to shield the electrical components from an ambient environment (see figs. 1); a compressor variable speed drive (VSD) disposed within the electrical enclosure (variable frequency drive VFD 22 within 20, where frequency is proportional and related to speed), wherein the compressor VSD is configured to operate a compressor motor of the HVAC system (VFD 22 delivers voltage to compressor motor, see paragraphs 37-38); a condenser fan control disposed within the electrical enclosure (VFD 22 with control module 25, within enclosure 20, and connected to fan 13, fig. 1B), wherein the condenser fan control is configured to operate a condenser fan motor of the HVAC system (see control module 25 controlling the condenser fan motor, paragraph 74); and
a single cooling system (fluid in evaporator piping) disposed within the electrical enclosure (cold plate 15 within enclosure 20, see paragraph 40), wherein the single cooling system is configured to place a cooling fluid in a heat exchange relationship with both the compressor VSD and the condenser fan control and to reject heat from both the compressor VSD and the condenser fan control (evaporator piping passing through enclosure 20 to cool the VFD 22, see paragraphs 40-41; and evaporator piping or cold plate 15 to cool VFD 22 by heat exchange, see paragraphs 40-41); and
a converter disposed within the electrical enclosure (converter circuit with rectifier within enclosure, see paragraph 39); a first inverter of the compressor VSD (inverter, paragraph 36); and a inverting power for the condenser fan (power from the power source 18 is inverted for compressor and fan, see paragraph 36-39), wherein the inverter and the converter (converter to invert DC current back to AC current, paragraph 39) are electrically coupled to the converter and are configured to receive power from the converter (VFD inverter receives power from converter, see paragraphs 36-39).
However, Pham does not explicitly teach a separate drive for condenser fan.
Kopko teaches an HVAC system (HVAC system, see fig 4), comprising: a compressor variable speed drive (VSD) (variable speed drive VSD for compressor, see paragraph 42) and a condenser fan VSD (VSD 38 for condenser fan motor 36, see fig. 4 and paragraphs 31-32) disposed within the controls (see fig. 4), wherein the compressor VSD is configured to control operation of a compressor motor of the HVAC system (see paragraph 42), and the condenser fan VSD is configured to control operation of a condenser fan motor of the HVAC system (VSD 38 controls condenser fan 32, see fig. 4 and paragraphs 31-32).
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified the enclosure of the HVAC system of Pham by providing an additional condenser fan VSD that is configured to control operation of a condenser fan motor of the HVAC system based on the teachings of Kopko to the enclosure of Pham in order to independently control the condenser fan power supply; to prevent the malfunction of one device such as the compressor from affecting the whole system; and to improve appearance of the air conditioner control box by separating and organizing electrical components associated with different parts of HVAC system and provide better access for maintenance purposes.
In addition, Pham further discloses a converter section disposed within the electrical enclosure (section within enclosure that contains converter circuit), wherein the converter section comprises a rectifier (rectifier, see paragraph 39) and a direct current (DC) link (AC-DC link, see paragraph 39), and the converter section is configured to direct power to the compressor VSD and the condenser fan VSD (VFD includes power converting section to convert voltage, see paragraph 39, function of the rectifier, AC-DC converter, and IGBT transistors, includes converting and adjusting power from the power supply, see paragraph 39; therefore, the converter section of the VFD/VSD is configured to direct adjusted power to the VFD/VSD to supply to the compressor and the fan and the compressor and fan VFDs/VSDs, see paragraphs 36-37; Also see applicants disclosure paragraphs 39-40, for an explanation of adjusting power supply with rectifier and DC component within the VSD; In addition, see below annotated figure from NPL1 of most common VFD/VSD circuits, which are configured to direct power to the end of the VSD/VFD circuit for compressor/fan motors, where the VSD circuits include an inverters).
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Therefore, it would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified the enclosure of the HVAC system of Pham as modified by providing a converter section disposed within the electrical enclosure, wherein the converter section comprises a rectifier and a direct current (DC) link, and the converter section is configured to direct power to the compressor VSD and the condenser fan VSD because each VSD/VFD circuit includes an inverter and each of the inverter of each of the VSD/VFD would also be within the electrical enclosure based on the combined teachings of Pham, Kopko and NPL1 in order to allow a consistent and stable flow of adjusted frequency, amplitude, current and/or voltage for each of the VSD drives of the compressor and the condenser fan.
However, Pham is silent about a second inverter.
Shen teaches a converter (converter, see page 2, paragraph 6); a first inverter of the compressor VSD (compressor VFD inverter at 42, see page 4, paragraph 5); and a second inverter of the fan VSD (condenser fan motor VFD inverter at 43, see page 4, paragraph 5), wherein the first inverter and the second inverter are each electrically coupled to the converter and are configured to receive power from the converter (rectifier circuit of the converter is connected to both the compressor and fan inverters, see page 4, paragraph 5 – page 5, paragraph 2).
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified enclosure of the HVAC system of Pham by providing a converter disposed within the electrical enclosure; a first inverter of the compressor VSD; and a second inverter of the condenser fan VSD, wherein the first inverter and the second inverter are each electrically coupled to the converter and are configured to receive power from the converter based on the teachings of Shen in order to improve production efficiency and appearance of the air conditioner control box by keeping electrical components associated with different parts of the HVAC system, separate and organized (see page 2, paragraphs 1-2, Shen).
In regards to claim 11, Pham as modified teaches the limitations of claim 10 and further teaches that the compressor VSD is configured to operate the compressor motor to drive operation of a compressor of the HVAC system (VFD 22 delivers voltage to compressor motor, see paragraphs 37-38), and the condenser fan VSD is configured to operate the condenser fan motor to drive operation of a condenser fan of the HVAC system (see control module 25 controlling the condenser fan motor, paragraph 74).
In regards to claim 12, Pham as modified teaches the limitations of claim 10 and further teaches that the compressor motor (compressor motor) and the condenser fan motor (condenser fan motor), wherein the compressor motor and the condenser fan motor are positioned external to the electrical enclosure (see compressor 10 and condenser fan 13 outside the enclosure 20, see figs. 1).
In regards to claim 14, Pham as modified teaches the limitations of claim 10 and further discloses that the converter is a component of the compressor VSD (section within enclosure that contains converter circuit with rectifier, see paragraph 39).
In regards to claim 15, Pham as modified teaches the limitations of claim 10 and further teaches power circuitry (at least power 18 and circuitry connecting the VFD and control module) configured to electrically couple a power source (18) to the compressor VSD and to the condenser fan VSD (see paragraph 37-39), wherein the power circuitry extends from the power source to the electrical enclosure (see figs. 1).
In regards to claim 22, Pham as modified teaches the limitations of claim 10 and further discloses a refrigerant circuit (heat pump system 5, see figs. 1);
a compressor (compressor 10) disposed along the refrigerant circuit and configured to pressurize a refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit (see figs. 1 and paragraphs 33-35); the compressor motor (compressor stator 42 and rotor 44, see fig. 4 and paragraph 43), wherein the compressor motor is configured to drive operation of the compressor to pressurize the refrigerant (rotor drives the compressor, see paragraph 43), and wherein the compressor VSD is electrically coupled to the compressor motor (see figs. 1-4 and paragraph 36, compressor VFD coupled to the compressor motor via wires);
a condenser (condenser 12) disposed along the refrigerant circuit (see figs. 1), wherein the condenser comprises a condenser fan (fan 13) configured to force air of the ambient environment across the condenser to cool the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit (see figs. 1 and paragraphs 34, 38); and the condenser fan motor (at least motor 1136, see paragraphs 74), wherein the condenser fan motor is configured to drive operation of the condenser fan to force the air of the ambient environment across the condenser to cool the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit (see paragraphs 74-75), and wherein the condenser fan control is electrically coupled to the condenser fan motor (control module 100, 104 connected to the condenser fan motor 1136, see figs. 15 and paragraphs 74-75), wherein the compressor, the compressor motor, the condenser fan, and the condenser fan motor are positioned external to the electrical enclosure (see figs. 1-5 and 15, where compressor and compressor 10 are external to enclosure 20 and condenser fan 13 and condenser motor 1136 are external to control modules 100, 104 of the enclosure). In addition, Kopko teaches a condenser fan (34), a condenser fan motor (36) and a condenser fan VSD (VSD drive 38 for condenser fan motor 36, see figs. 3-4), wherein the condenser fan VSD is electrically coupled to the condenser fan motor (see figs. 3-4 and paragraphs 31-32 and 42).
Claim(s) 16, 19, 20, 23 and 24 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Pham (US 2016/0061505 A1) and in view of Kopko (US 2011/0083454 A1) and further in view of the publication of Ross and Robert hereinafter referred to as NPL1 and Cools (US 2019/0113263 A1).
In regards to claim 16, Pham teaches a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system (HVAC system, see paragraph 33), comprising:
a refrigerant circuit (5, see figs. 1); a compressor (10) disposed along the refrigerant circuit and configured to pressurize a refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit (see figs. 1 and paragraphs 34-35); a condenser (12) disposed along the refrigerant circuit (see figs. 1), wherein the condenser comprises a condenser fan (fan 13) configured to force an air flow across the condenser to cool the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit (see figs. 1 and paragraphs 34-35); a main drive line electrical enclosure (enclosure of controller 25, enclosure 20, enclosure of VFD 22), wherein the compressor and the condenser are positioned external to the main drive line electrical enclosure (see figs. 1); a compressor variable speed drive (VSD) disposed within the main drive line electrical enclosure (variable frequency drive VFD 22 within 20, where frequency is proportional and related to speed), wherein the compressor VSD is configured to operate a compressor motor to drive operation of the compressor to pressurize the refrigerant (VFD 22 delivers voltage to compressor motor, see paragraphs 37-38); a condenser fan control disposed within the main drive line electrical enclosure (VFD 22 with control module 25, within enclosure 20, and connected to fan 13, fig. 1B), wherein the condenser fan control is configured to operate a condenser fan motor to drive operation of the condenser fan to force the air flow across the condenser (see control module 25 controlling the condenser fan motor, paragraph 74), wherein a converter section disposed within the electrical enclosure (section within enclosure that contains converter circuit), wherein the converter section comprises a rectifier (rectifier, see paragraph 39) and a direct current (DC) link (AC-DC link, see paragraph 39).
However, Pham does not explicitly teach a separate drive for condenser fan.
Kopko teaches an HVAC system (HVAC system, see fig 4), comprising: a compressor variable speed drive (VSD) (variable speed drive VSD for compressor, see paragraph 42) and a condenser fan VSD (VSD 38 for condenser fan motor 36, see fig. 4 and paragraphs 31-32) disposed within the controls (see fig. 4), wherein the compressor VSD is configured to control operation of a compressor motor of the HVAC system (see paragraph 42), and the condenser fan VSD is configured to control operation of a condenser fan motor of the HVAC system (VSD 38 controls condenser fan 32, see fig. 4 and paragraphs 31-32).
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified the enclosure of the HVAC system of Pham by providing an additional condenser fan VSD that is configured to control operation of a condenser fan motor of the HVAC system based on the teachings of Kopko to the enclosure of Pham in order to independently control the condenser fan power supply and to improve production efficiency; improve appearance of the air conditioner control box by keeping electrical components associated with different parts of the HVAC system, separate and organized and provide better access for maintenance purposes.
In addition, Pham further discloses a converter section disposed within the electrical enclosure (section within enclosure that contains converter circuit), wherein the converter section is configured to receive electrical power form a power supply (18, paragraph 39); a first inverter of the compressor VSD (inverter, paragraph 36); and a inverting power for the condenser fan configured to receive second power from the converter section (see inverter, paragraph 36 and converter to invert DC current back to AC current, paragraph 39, where power from the power source 18 is inverted for compressor and fan, see paragraph 36-39); wherein the converter section comprises a rectifier (rectifier, see paragraph 39) and a direct current (DC) link (AC-DC link, see paragraph 39), and the converter section is configured to direct power to the compressor VSD and the condenser fan VSD (VFD includes power converting section to convert voltage, see paragraph 39, function of the rectifier, AC-DC converter, and IGBT transistors, includes converting and adjusting power from the power supply, see paragraph 39; therefore, the converter section of the VFD/VSD is configured to direct adjusted power to the VFD/VSD to supply to the compressor and the fan and the compressor and fan VFDs/VSDs, see paragraphs 36-37; Also see applicants disclosure paragraphs 39-40, for an explanation of adjusting power supply with rectifier and DC component within the VSD; In addition, see below annotated figure from NPL1 of most common VFD/VSD circuits, which are configured to direct power to the end of the VSD/VFD circuit for compressor/fan motors, where the VSD circuits include an inverters).
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Therefore, it would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified the enclosure of the HVAC system of Pham as modified by providing a converter section disposed within the electrical enclosure, wherein the converter section comprises a rectifier and a direct current (DC) link, and the converter section is configured to direct power to the compressor VSD and the condenser fan VSD because each VSD/VFD circuit includes an inverter and each of the inverter of each of the VSD/VFD would also be within the electrical enclosure based on the combined teachings of Pham, Kopko and NPL1 in order to allow a consistent and stable flow of adjusted frequency, amplitude, current and/or voltage for each of the VSD drives of the compressor and the condenser fan.
However, Pham is silent about a second inverter.
Cools teaches first inverter for controlling the first VSD of the compressor and a second invert for controlling the second VSD of the condenser fan (see abstract and paragraphs 38-39), wherein the converter section is configured to receive electrical power form a power supply (see paragraph 37), the compressor VSD comprises a first inverter section, the condenser fan VSD comprises a second inverter section, and the converter section is configured to supply the electrical power to both the first inverter section and the second inverter section (see paragraphs 37-39 and abstract).
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified power converter with the enclosure of the HVAC system of Pham as modified by providing a converter disposed within the electrical enclosure; a first inverter of the compressor VSD; and a second inverter of the condenser fan VSD, wherein the first inverter and the second inverter are each electrically coupled to the converter and the inverts controlling the first and second VSDs of the compressor and the condenser fan, respectively, wherein the converter section is configured to receive electrical power form a power supply, the compressor VSD comprises a first inverter section, the condenser fan VSD comprises a second inverter section, and the converter section is configured to supply the electrical power to both the first inverter section and the second inverter section based on the teachings of Cools in order to independently control the condenser fan power supply and to prevent the malfunction of one device such as the compressor from affecting the whole system (see paragraph 7, Cools).
In regards to claim 19, Pham as modified teaches the limitations of claim 16 and further discloses a control system (control modules 100, 25) communicatively coupled to the compressor VSD and to the condenser VSD (see figs. 1 and 5), wherein the control system is configured to receive a user input indicating of a target operating parameter of the HVAC system (receiving system off period data from a user, see paragraph 64, where the off period belongs to air conditioning operation, see paragraph 63); and
configured to output a control signal to operate the compressor VSD, the condenser fan VSD, or both (see paragraph 37) base on the user input (output to the compressor device CCH based on user input, see paragraph 65).
In regards to claim 20, Pham as modified teaches the limitations of claim 19 and further discloses that the control system (control modules 100, 25) is disposed external to the main drive line electrical enclosure (control module independent and external to the control module 25, see paragraph 48).
In regards to claim 23, Pham as modified teaches the limitations of claim 16 and further discloses a single cooling system (fluid in evaporator piping) disposed within the main drive electrical enclosure (cold plate 15 within enclosure 20, see paragraph 40), wherein the single cooling system is configured to place a cooling fluid in a heat exchange relationship with both the compressor VSD and the condenser fan control and to reject heat from both the compressor VSD and the condenser fan control (evaporator piping passing through enclosure 20 to cool the VFD 22, see paragraphs 40-41; and evaporator piping or cold plate 15 to cool VFD 22 by heat exchange, see paragraphs 40-41).
In regards to claim 24, Pham as modified teaches the limitations of claim 23 and further discloses that the compressor VSD and the condenser fan VSD are disposed within a common section of the main drive line electrical enclosure (enclosure 20 includes VFD 22 and control module 25 within the enclosure, see figs. 1) and the cooling system is configured to direct the cooling fluid (fluid in evaporator piping) to the common section of the main drive line electrical enclosure to place the cooling fluid in the heat exchange relationship with both the compressor VSD and the condenser fan VSD (evaporator piping or cold plate 15 to cool VFD 22 by heat exchange, see paragraphs 40-41; wherein the enclosure includes compressor and fan VSDs).
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s arguments, see pages 3-16 of Remarks, filed 7/13/2026, with respect to the rejection(s) of claim(s) 1 under 35 USC 103 over Pham in view of Kopko and NPL1 have been fully considered and are persuasive in regards to the newly filed amendment. Therefore, the rejection has been withdrawn. However, upon further consideration, a new ground(s) of rejection is made in view of Pham in view of Kopko and NPL1 and Cools.
Applicant's arguments filed 7/13/2026 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive. In response to applicant's argument, "none of the primary and secondary references suggest the prescribed modification as presented in the above rejections and rational underpinning and motivation to combine the references are subjective," examiner maintains the rejection of claims and points out that the motivation to combine the references does not need to be explicitly present within the references used for rejecting the claims (see MPEP 2143-G and 2143.01) and the MPEP also does not object the use of rational objective reasoning of a person of skill in the art to combine the teachings of Pham, Kopko, NPL1 and Cools references (see MPEP 2143). In response to applicant's arguments against the references individually, one cannot show nonobviousness by attacking references individually where the rejections are based on combinations of references. See In re Keller, 642 F.2d 413, 208 USPQ 871 (CCPA 1981); In re Merck & Co., 800 F.2d 1091, 231 USPQ 375 (Fed. Cir. 1986).
In response to applicant's argument, "deficiencies discussed within the arguments… suggest that claim is not rejected with articulated reasoning with rational underpinning," examiner maintains the rejection of claims 1, 10 and 16 and states that applicant has not clearly pointed out which claimed limitations are not taught by the prior art references individually or as a combination. In addition, applicant’s unacceptance of the motivation and rational reasoning for combining the references is not proof of absence of articulated reasoning with rational underpinning. In response to applicant's arguments against the references individually, one cannot show nonobviousness by attacking references individually where the rejections are based on combinations of references. See In re Keller, 642 F.2d 413, 208 USPQ 871 (CCPA 1981); In re Merck & Co., 800 F.2d 1091, 231 USPQ 375 (Fed. Cir. 1986).
In response to applicant's argument, "hypothetical combination of Pham in view of Kopko and NPL1 and Cools lacks articulated reasoning with rational underpinning because of applicant's argument regarding Pham, Kopko and NPL1" examiner maintains the rejection of claim 1 and points out that the arguments regarding Pham, Kopko and NPL1 have been addressed and the new rejection of claim 1 is based on the combination of Pham in view of Kopko, NPL1 and Cools. In response to applicant's arguments against the references individually, one cannot show nonobviousness by attacking references individually where the rejections are based on combinations of references. See In re Keller, 642 F.2d 413, 208 USPQ 871 (CCPA 1981); In re Merck & Co., 800 F.2d 1091, 231 USPQ 375 (Fed. Cir. 1986).
In response to applicant's argument, "justification for modifying claim 9 is the exact same as a justification relied upon for modification of Pham in view of Kopko" examiner maintains the rejection of claim 1 and points out that the motivation for combining Pham in view of Kopko is different from the motivation for combining Pham in view of Kopko and NPL1 and Cools. In addition, the motivation to combine the teachings of Cools and Pham in view of Kopko and NPL1 are found in the Cools reference (paragraph 7, Cools). Therefore, applicant’s above argument is not found persuasive. In response to applicant's arguments against the references individually, one cannot show nonobviousness by attacking references individually where the rejections are based on combinations of references. See In re Keller, 642 F.2d 413, 208 USPQ 871 (CCPA 1981); In re Merck & Co., 800 F.2d 1091, 231 USPQ 375 (Fed. Cir. 1986).
In response to applicant's argument, "recitation of single for "a" cooling system overcomes the rejection of claim 10 over Pham in view of Kopko, NPL1 and Shen" examiner maintains the rejection of claim 10 and points out that applicant has provided no reasoning for why the newly introduced term “single cooling system” as a replacement for “a cooling system” reads over the rejection of claim 10. A mere conclusory statement that recitation of claim 10 is patentably distinct over Pham in view of Kopko, NPL1 and Shen is not sufficient to overcome the rejection of claim 10. In response to applicant's arguments against the references individually, one cannot show nonobviousness by attacking references individually where the rejections are based on combinations of references. See In re Keller, 642 F.2d 413, 208 USPQ 871 (CCPA 1981); In re Merck & Co., 800 F.2d 1091, 231 USPQ 375 (Fed. Cir. 1986).
In response to applicant's argument, "evaporating piping of Pham would not heat exchange with motor drive 38 of Kopko" examiner maintains the rejection of claim 10 and points out that applicant has ignored the combination of Pham in view of Kopko and NPL1 and Shen, which would allow the evaporating piping to heat exchange with the enclosure 20 of Pham just as taught by Pham and with the heat generating drive 38 placed within the enclosure. Hence the combination requires the heat exchange between evaporating piping and the enclosure with all the components of the enclosure. Therefore, applicant’s above argument is not found persuasive. In response to applicant's arguments against the references individually, one cannot show nonobviousness by attacking references individually where the rejections are based on combinations of references. See In re Keller, 642 F.2d 413, 208 USPQ 871 (CCPA 1981); In re Merck & Co., 800 F.2d 1091, 231 USPQ 375 (Fed. Cir. 1986).
In response to applicant's argument, "Cools teaches a second inverter but the second inverter is for a fan used for cooling compressor, therefore Cools does not cure the deficiencies of Pham, Kopko and NPL1 with respect to the rejection of claim 16" examiner maintains the rejection of claim 16 and points out that applicant has not pointed out which claim element is not taught by the references individually or as a combination. In addition, examiner points out that Kopko discloses a condenser fan variable speed/frequency drive (VSD 38), where each VSD/VFD includes a rectifier, AC-DC link and inverter (as evidenced in NPL1) and one of skill in the art would be motivated to combine the teachings of Kopko, NPL1 and Cools with Pham to teach the convert section, AC-DC links, and first and second invert sections for the advantage as presented in the rejection of claim 16 (see above rejection of claim 16). In response to applicant's arguments against the references individually, one cannot show nonobviousness by attacking references individually where the rejections are based on combinations of references. See In re Keller, 642 F.2d 413, 208 USPQ 871 (CCPA 1981); In re Merck & Co., 800 F.2d 1091, 231 USPQ 375 (Fed. Cir. 1986).
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 MERAJ A SHAIKH whose telephone number is (571)272-3027. The examiner can normally be reached on M-R 9:00-1:00 pm.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Jianying Atkisson can be reached on 571-270-7740. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/MERAJ A SHAIKH/Examiner, Art Unit 3763
/JIANYING C ATKISSON/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 3763
