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 .
Continued Examination Under 37 CFR 1.114
A request for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, including the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e), was filed in this application after final rejection. Since this application is eligible for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, and the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e) has been timely paid, the finality of the previous Office action has been withdrawn pursuant to 37 CFR 1.114. Applicant's submission filed on 7/21/2026 has been entered.
Remarks
Claims 1 and 11 has been amended. Claim 2 has been canceled. Claims 3-10 and 12-13 are as previously presented. Claims 14 and 15 are newly added. Claims 11-12 and 15 are withdrawn from consideration. Claims 1, 2-10 and 13-14 are currently examined.
NOTE: claim 15 was newly added and depends upon a withdrawn claim and is drawn to election by original presentation and thus claim 15 is withdrawn from consideration.
Status of Objections and Rejections
The rejection as set forth within the previous office action has been modified as necessitated by the applicants amendments.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
The factual inquiries for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows:
1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art.
2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue.
3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.
4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness.
This application currently names joint inventors. In considering patentability of the claims the examiner presumes that the subject matter of the various claims was commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the claimed invention(s) absent any evidence to the contrary. Applicant is advised of the obligation under 37 CFR 1.56 to point out the inventor and effective filing dates of each claim that was not commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the later invention in order for the examiner to consider the applicability of 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) for any potential 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) prior art against the later invention.
Claims 1 and 14 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Andreas-Schott (US 2011/0217617), and further in view of Ishida (US 2018/0040907).
As to claim 1, Andreas-Schott discloses a fuel cell stack (figure 2 #200 fuel cell system, [0025], discussed throughout), having fuel cells which are stacked in a stacking direction and each of which has a plate-shaped form and extends in a first transverse direction and a second transverse direction, orthogonal to the first, as viewed orthogonally in relation to the stacking direction, wherein, in the stacking direction (figure 2, the fuel cells are #202, [0033], the stacking direction is the direction in which the fuel cells are stack, discussed throughout), and end plates at both ends of the stack in the stacking direction (figures 2 and 3 #224 and #226, first sheet and second sheet, [0031], discussed throughout), wherein, on the side of the stack, belt receptacles are mounted on the end plates, the belt receptacles extending from the side of the end plates in a direction orthogonal to the stacking direction (figures 2 and 3 #218 - #220, the fasteners and the ridge members, [0027]-[0028], discussed throughout), and wherein belts are mounted over the belt receptacles such that they clamp the stack (figures 2 and 3, #223 and #210, [0027], [0030], discussed throughout), and wherein at least one belt receptacle is displaceable in the stacking direction (figures 2 and 3 discussed throughout, claim does state amount of effort it takes to be moved thus it can be with time and tools).
Andreas-Schott is silent to wherein, the fuel cells have a stack of the following: an anode-side bipolar half-plate with a fuel channel structure for conducting a fuel, an anode-side gas diffusion layer, a membrane-electrode unit, having an electrolyte membrane and electrode layers which are arranged on either side of said electrolyte membrane in the stacking direction and form an anode and a cathode for an electrochemical reaction of the fuel with an oxidizing agent, a cathode-side gas diffusion layer, a cathode-side bipolar half-plate with an oxidizing agent channel structure for conducting the oxidizing agent.
Ishida discloses a fuel cell stack ([0008], discussed throughout), wherein the fuel cells have a stack of the following: an anode-side bipolar half-plate with a fuel channel structure for conducting a fuel (figures 3, 8 and 9, the anode side of the metal separator #33, wherein the anode is #42, discussed throughout), an anode-side gas diffusion layer (figures 3, 8 and 9 #42b, [0035], discussed throughout), a membrane-electrode unit (figures 3, 8 and 9 #40, 42a and 44a, [0035]-[0037], discussed throughout), having an electrolyte membrane (figures 3, 8 and 9 #40, [0036], discussed throughout) and electrode layers which are arranged on either side of said electrolyte membrane in the stacking direction and form an anode and a cathode for an electrochemical reaction of the fuel with an oxidizing agent (figures 3, 8 and 9 #42a for the anode and #44a for the cathode, [0035]-[0037], discussed throughout), a cathode-side gas diffusion layer (figures 3, 8 and 9 #44b, [0035]-[0037], discussed throughout), a cathode-side bipolar half-plate with an oxidizing agent channel structure for conducting the oxidizing agent (figures 3, 8 and 9 the cathode side of the second metal separator #30, discussed throughout). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill within the art the time of the effective filling date of the invention to use the stacking structure from Ishida within Andreas-Schott because leaking of the reactant and the coolant is prevented ([0006], Ishida).
As to claim 14, modified Andreas-Schott discloses wherein, the belt clamps the stack only on respective sides of the end plats (figures 2 and 3, discussed throughout).
Claims 1, 3-6 and 10 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Steinbroner (US 2006/0093890), and further in view of Ishida (US 2018/0040907).
As to claim 1, Steinbroner discloses a fuel cell stack (figures 6, 10 and 10-13 #16 are the fuel cells, discussed throughout), having fuel cells which are stacked in a stacking direction and each of which has a plate-shaped form and extends in a first transverse direction and a second transverse direction, orthogonal to the first, as viewed orthogonally in relation to the stacking direction, wherein, in the stacking direction (figures 6, 10 and 10-13 #16 are the fuel cells, discussed throughout), and end plates at both ends of the stack in the stacking direction (figures 6, 10 and 10-13 #12 and #14, discussed throughout), wherein, on the side of the stack, belt receptacles are mounted on the end plates, the belt receptacles extending from the side of the end plates in a direction orthogonal to the stacking direction (figures 6, 10 and 10-13 #120, #146 and/or #148, discussed throughout), and wherein belts are mounted over the belt receptacles such that they clamp the stack (figures 6, 10 and 10-13 #112, discussed throughout), and wherein at least one belt receptacle is displaceable in the stacking direction (figures 6, 10 and 10-13 #120, #146 and #148, discussed throughout, claim does state amount of effort it takes to be moved thus it can be with time and tools).
Steinbroner is silent to wherein, the fuel cells have a stack of the following: an anode-side bipolar half-plate with a fuel channel structure for conducting a fuel, an anode-side gas diffusion layer, a membrane-electrode unit, having an electrolyte membrane and electrode layers which are arranged on either side of said electrolyte membrane in the stacking direction and form an anode and a cathode for an electrochemical reaction of the fuel with an oxidizing agent, a cathode-side gas diffusion layer, a cathode-side bipolar half-plate with an oxidizing agent channel structure for conducting the oxidizing agent.
Ishida discloses a fuel cell stack ([0008], discussed throughout), wherein the fuel cells have a stack of the following: an anode-side bipolar half-plate with a fuel channel structure for conducting a fuel (figures 3, 8 and 9, the anode side of the metal separator #33, wherein the anode is #42, discussed throughout), an anode-side gas diffusion layer (figures 3, 8 and 9 #42b, [0035], discussed throughout), a membrane-electrode unit (figures 3, 8 and 9 #40, 42a and 44a, [0035]-[0037], discussed throughout), having an electrolyte membrane (figures 3, 8 and 9 #40, [0036], discussed throughout) and electrode layers which are arranged on either side of said electrolyte membrane in the stacking direction and form an anode and a cathode for an electrochemical reaction of the fuel with an oxidizing agent (figures 3, 8 and 9 #42a for the anode and #44a for the cathode, [0035]-[0037], discussed throughout), a cathode-side gas diffusion layer (figures 3, 8 and 9 #44b, [0035]-[0037], discussed throughout), a cathode-side bipolar half-plate with an oxidizing agent channel structure for conducting the oxidizing agent (figures 3, 8 and 9 the cathode side of the second metal separator #30, discussed throughout). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill within the art the time of the effective filling date of the invention to use the stacking structure from Ishida within Steinbroner because leaking of the reactant and the coolant is prevented ([0006], Ishida).
As to claim 3, modified Steinbroner discloses wherein, the belt receptacles have a circular shape, or an ellipsoidal shape, or a semicircular shape (figures 6, 10 and 10-13 #120, #146 and #148, discussed throughout). Should it be considered that the shape is not semicircle it would have been obvious to change the shape of the belt receptacles as a mere change in shape barring any criticality and unexpected results (See MPEP 2144.04).
As to claim 4, modified Steinbroner discloses wherein, the belt is guided over a belt receptacle on a first end plate and over a belt receptacle on a second end plate such that the belt borders more than 50%, more than 60%, or more than 70%, of the lateral surface of the fuel cell stack in a lateral plan view of a side surface of the fuel cell stack (figure 6). Additionally, would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill within the art at the time of the effective filling date of the invention to increase the width of the belts as a mere change in shape baring and criticality or unexpected results (see MPEP 2144.04).
As to claim 5, modified Steinbroner discloses wherein, the belt receptacles all have the same shape (figures 6, 10 and 10-13 #120, #146 and #148, thus the claim limitation is meet).
As to claim 6, modified Steinbroner is silent to wherein, the belt receptacles have different shapes. it would have been obvious to change the shape of the belt receptacles as a mere change in shape barring any criticality and unexpected results (See MPEP 2144.04).
As to claim 10, modified Steinbroner discloses wherein, multiple belt pairs are mounted and the belts in pairs have different properties (figure 11, the belts on the ends have a different shape and would have a different length because of the belt receptacles and thus have different properties).
As to claim 13, modified Steinbroner discloses wherein, the upper extent of the belt receptacle is disposed below an upper surface of a respective end plate (figures 6, 8 and 10-13).
Claims 7-8 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over modified Steinbroner as applied to claim 1 above, and further in view of Gagliardo (US 2018/0198141).
As to claim 7, modified Steinbroner is wherein, the end plates consist of the same material as the bipolar plates. Gagliardo discloses a fuel cell ([0003]) wherein the end plates and the bipolar plates are made of stainless steel ([0003]). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill within the art at the time of the effective filling date of the invention to use the end plate material and bipolar plate material from Gagliardo within modified Steinbroner as a mere combing prior art elements according to known methods to obtain predictable results (see MPEP 2143 I).
As to claim 8, modified Steinbroner discloses wherein, in the case of each fuel cell, the intermediate region of the anode-side bipolar half-plate and/or the intermediate region of the cathode-side bipolar half-plate has a projection protruding in the stacking direction (figures 3, 8 and 9, Ishida, the portions making the coolant passages can be considered a projection protruding in the stacking direction).
Modified Steinbroner is silent to wherein the end plates consist of electrically conductive material. Gagliardo discloses a fuel cell ([0003]) wherein the end plates are made of stainless steel ([0003]). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill within the art at the time of the effective filling date of the invention to use the end plate material from Gagliardo within modified Steinbroner as a mere combing prior art elements according to known methods to obtain predictable results (see MPEP 2143 I).
Claim 9 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over modified Steinbroner as applied to claim 1 above, and further in view of Ophardt (US 2017/0110750).
As to claim 9, modified Steinbroner is silent to wherein, the end plates consist of an electrically non-conductive material. Ophardt discloses a fuel cell (abstract) wherein the end plates are made of an electrically non-conductive material ([0061]). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill within the art at the time of the effective filling date of the invention to use the end plate material from Ophardt within modified Steinbroner as a mere combing prior art elements according to known methods to obtain predictable results (see MPEP 2143 I).
Response to Arguments
Applicant's arguments filed 7/13/2026 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive.
The applicant argues that Steinbroner is silent to wherein the belt receptacles are on the side of the end plates in a direction orthogonal to the stacking direction. The examiner respectfully disagrees as seen within figure 6, 8 and 10-13.
The applicant argues that Streinbroner is silent to wherein the belts are mounted over the belt receptacles such that they clamp the stack. The examiner respectfully disagrees. This is seen in figures 6, 8 and 10-13 of Streinbroner.
The applicant points that the belts of Streinbroner wrap around the stack as oppose to the instant wherein the belts are only over the belt receptacles. The examiner agrees that there are difference between the prior art and the instant invention. While the examiner is required to read the limitation in view of the instant specification the examiner cannot read limitations from the instant specification in the instant claims. Thus, the applicant is arguing limitations not claimed. Therefore the examiner maintains the rejection.
The argued limitation can best be seen in newly added claim 14 in which new are is being used to address the newly added claim. Please see newly added rejection above.
Contact Information
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to BRIAN R OHARA whose telephone number is (571)272-0728. The examiner can normally be reached 7:30 AM-3:30 PM EST M-F.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Miriam Stagg can be reached at 571-270-5256. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/BRIAN R OHARA/Examiner, Art Unit 1724
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