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 .
Double Patenting
The nonstatutory double patenting rejection is based on a judicially created doctrine grounded in public policy (a policy reflected in the statute) so as to prevent the unjustified or improper timewise extension of the “right to exclude” granted by a patent and to prevent possible harassment by multiple assignees. A nonstatutory double patenting rejection is appropriate where the conflicting claims are not identical, but at least one examined application claim is not patentably distinct from the reference claim(s) because the examined application claim is either anticipated by, or would have been obvious over, the reference claim(s). See, e.g., In re Berg, 140 F.3d 1428, 46 USPQ2d 1226 (Fed. Cir. 1998); In re Goodman, 11 F.3d 1046, 29 USPQ2d 2010 (Fed. Cir. 1993); In re Longi, 759 F.2d 887, 225 USPQ 645 (Fed. Cir. 1985); In re Van Ornum, 686 F.2d 937, 214 USPQ 761 (CCPA 1982); In re Vogel, 422 F.2d 438, 164 USPQ 619 (CCPA 1970); In re Thorington, 418 F.2d 528, 163 USPQ 644 (CCPA 1969).
A timely filed terminal disclaimer in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(c) or 1.321(d) may be used to overcome an actual or provisional rejection based on nonstatutory double patenting provided the reference application or patent either is shown to be commonly owned with the examined application, or claims an invention made as a result of activities undertaken within the scope of a joint research agreement. See MPEP § 717.02 for applications subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA as explained in MPEP § 2159. See MPEP § 2146 et seq. for applications not subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . A terminal disclaimer must be signed in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(b).
The filing of a terminal disclaimer by itself is not a complete reply to a nonstatutory double patenting (NSDP) rejection. A complete reply requires that the terminal disclaimer be accompanied by a reply requesting reconsideration of the prior Office action. Even where the NSDP rejection is provisional the reply must be complete. See MPEP § 804, subsection I.B.1. For a reply to a non-final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.111(a). For a reply to final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.113(c). A request for reconsideration while not provided for in 37 CFR 1.113(c) may be filed after final for consideration. See MPEP §§ 706.07(e) and 714.13.
The USPTO Internet website contains terminal disclaimer forms which may be used. Please visit www.uspto.gov/patent/patents-forms. The actual filing date of the application in which the form is filed determines what form (e.g., PTO/SB/25, PTO/SB/26, PTO/AIA /25, or PTO/AIA /26) should be used. A web-based eTerminal Disclaimer may be filled out completely online using web-screens. An eTerminal Disclaimer that meets all requirements is auto-processed and approved immediately upon submission. For more information about eTerminal Disclaimers, refer to www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/applying-online/eterminal-disclaimer.
Claims 21 – 40 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1 – 20 of U.S. Patent No. 11658516. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because claims of the instant application are covered by the reference claims.
Current Application: 18/134,692
US Patent 11658516
Claim 21:
A charger, comprising:
an enclosure having a wall at least partially encompassing a cavity,
wherein the wall is configured to prevent communication of radio frequency (RF) signals through the wall;
a RF transmitter configured to generate an RF charge signal within the cavity, the RF charge signal configured to wirelessly charge a device within the cavity; and
a switchable antenna coupled to the enclosure and configured to selectively pass an RF communication signal from the device through the enclosure, wherein the switchable antenna includes an antenna switch in the wall.
Claim 1:
An RF device charger, comprising:
an enclosure having at least one wall encompassing a cavity,
wherein the at least one wall encompassing the cavity is configured to prevent communication of RF signals through the at least one wall;
a RF transmitter configured to generate an RF charge signal within the cavity at a first frequency, the RF charge signal configured to wirelessly charge a device within the cavity; and a switch coupled to the at least one wall and configured to pass an RF communication signal through the at least one wall at a second frequency that is different from the RF charge signal first frequency, and reject communication of the RF charge signal through the at least one wall to prevent the RF charge signal from emanating from the enclosure.
Claim 22:
The charger of claim 21, wherein the switchable antenna is configured to selectively pass the RF communication signal through the enclosure as a function of a transmission state of the RF transmitter.
Claim 2:
The RF device charger of claim 1, wherein the switch is configured to selectively pass the RF communication signal through the at least one wall as a function of a transmission state of the RF transmitter.
Claim 23:
The charger of claim 21,
wherein the RF transmitter is configured to generate the RF charge signal and control the switchable antenna to prevent communication of the RF communication signal through the switchable antenna in a first mode, and wherein the RF transmitter is configured to not generate the RF charge signal and control the switchable antenna to permit communication of the RF communication signal through the switchable antenna in a second mode
Claim 3:
The RF device charger of claim 1,
wherein the enclosure has a first state where the RF transmitter is configured to generate the RF charge signal and the switch prevents communication of the RF communication signal through the switch, and a second state where the RF transmitter is not configured to generate the RF charge signal and the switch permits communication of the RF communication signal through the switch.
Claim 24:
The charger of claim 21, wherein the RF charge signal has a first frequency and the RF communication signal has a different second frequency.
Claim 4:
The RF device charger of claim 1, wherein the enclosure has a third state where the RF transmitter is configured to generate the RF charge signal and the switch permits communication of the RF communication signal through the switch, wherein the switch prevents communication of the RF charge signal through the switch.
Claim 25:
The charger of claim 21, wherein the switchable antenna extends through the wall of the enclosure.
Claim 5:
The RF device charger of claim 4, wherein the switch is a switchable antenna.
Claim 26:
The charger of claim 25, wherein the switchable antenna comprises a first antenna and a second antenna.
Claim 6:
The RF device charger of claim 5, wherein the switch comprises a first antenna and a second antenna configured to be selectively coupled to each other.
Claim 27:
The charger of claim 26, wherein the first antenna is exposed to the cavity and the second antenna is exposed to outside the enclosure.
Claim 7:
The RF device charger of claim 6, wherein the first antenna is exposed to inside the cavity and the second antenna is exposed to outside the enclosure.
Claim 28:
The charger of claim 26, wherein the first antenna and the second antenna are impedance matched and configured to be selectively coupled to each other.
Claim 8:
The RF device charger of claim 6, wherein the first antenna and the second antenna are impedance matched.
Claim 29:
The charger of claim 26, wherein the first antenna and the second antenna are passive.
Claim 9:
The RF device charger of claim 6, wherein the first antenna and the second antenna are passive.
Claim 30:
The charger of claim 21, wherein the enclosure includes a lid and a switch configured to detect when the lid is closed, wherein the RF transmitter is configured to generate the RF charge signal when the lid is closed.
claim 10:
The RF device charger of claim 1, wherein the enclosure is comprised of a metal material.
Claim 31:
A system, comprising:
a device configured to generate an RF communication signal;
an enclosure having a wall at least partially encompassing a cavity receiving the devices wherein the wall is configured to prevent communication of radio frequency (RF) signals through the wall;
a RF transmitter configured to generate an RF charge signal within the cavity, the RF charge signal configured to wirelessly charge the device within the cavity; and
a switchable antenna coupled to the enclosure and configured to selectively pass the RF communication signal from the device through the enclosure, wherein the switchable antenna includes an antenna switch in the wall.
An RF device charger, comprising:
an enclosure having at least one wall encompassing a cavity,
wherein the at least one wall encompassing the cavity is configured to prevent communication of RF signals through the at least one wall;
a RF transmitter configured to generate an RF charge signal within the cavity at a first frequency, the RF charge signal configured to wirelessly charge a device within the cavity; and a switch coupled to the at least one wall and configured to pass an RF communication signal through the at least one wall at a second frequency that is different from the RF charge signal first frequency, and reject communication of the RF charge signal through the at least one wall to prevent the RF charge signal from emanating from the enclosure.
Claim 32:
A method of RF charging a device in a charger, comprising an enclosure having a wall at least partially encompassing a cavity, wherein the wall is configured to prevent communication of radio frequency (RF) signals through the wall, a RF transmitter configured to generate an RF charge signal within the cavity, the RF charge signal configured to wirelessly charge a device within the cavity, and a switchable antenna coupled to the enclosure and configured to selectively pass an RF communication signal from the device through the enclosure, comprising the steps of: selectively allowing communication of the RF communication signal through the switchable antenna during a first time period; and RF charging the device in the enclosure during a second time period that is different than the first time period.
Claim 11:
A method of RF charging a device in an RF device charger, comprising: an enclosure having at least one wall encompassing a cavity, wherein the at least one wall encompassing the cavity is configured to prevent communication of RF signals through the at least one wall; a RF transmitter configured to generate an RF charge signal within the cavity at a first frequency, the RF charge signal configured to wirelessly charge a device within the cavity; and a switch coupled to the at least one wall and configured to pass an RF communication signal through the at least one wall at a second frequency that is different from the RF charge signal first frequency, and reject communication of the RF charge signal through the at least one wall to prevent the RF charge signal from emanating from the enclosure; comprising the steps of: placing the device in the enclosure; and RF charging the device in the enclosure, wherein the switch passes the RF communication signal through the at least one wall at the second frequency that is different from the RF charge signal first frequency, and rejects communication of the RF charge signal through the at least one wall to prevent the RF charge signal from emanating from the enclosure.
Claim 33:
The method of claim 32, wherein the switchable antenna selectively passes the RF communication signal through the enclosure as a function of a transmission state of the RF transmitter.
Claim 12:
The method of claim 11, wherein the switch selectively passes the RF communication signal through the at least one wall as a function of a transmission state of the RF transmitter.
Claim 34:
The method of claim 32, wherein the RF transmitter generates the RF charge signal and controls the switchable antenna to prevent communication of the RF communication signal through the switchable antenna in a first mode, and wherein the RF transmitter does not generate the RF charge signal and controls the switchable antenna to permit communication of the RF communication signal through the switchable antenna in a second mode.
Claim 13:
The method of claim 11, wherein the enclosure has a first state where the RF transmitter is configured to generate the RF charge signal and the switch prevents communication of the RF communication signal through the switch, and a second state where the RF transmitter is not configured to generate the RF charge signal and the switch permits communication of the RF communication signal through the switch.
Claim 35:
The method of claim 32, wherein the RF charge signal has a first frequency and the RF communication signal has a different second frequency.
Claim 14:
The method of claim 11, wherein the enclosure has a third state where the RF transmitter is configured to generate the RF charge signal and the switch permits communication of the RF communication signal through the switch, wherein the switch prevents communication of the RF charge signal through the switch.
Claim 36:
The method of claim 32, wherein the switchable antenna extends through the wall of the enclosure.
Claim 15:
The method of claim 14, wherein the switch is a switchable antenna.
Claim 37:
The method of claim 36, wherein the switchable antenna comprises a first antenna and a second antenna selectively coupled to each other.
Claim 16:
The method of claim 15, wherein the switch comprises a first antenna and a second antenna configured to be selectively coupled to each other.
Claim 38:
The method of claim 37, wherein the first antenna is exposed to the cavity and the second antenna is exposed to outside the enclosure.
Claim 17:
The method of claim 16, wherein the first antenna is exposed to inside the cavity and the second antenna is exposed to outside the enclosure.
Claim 18:
The method of claim 16, wherein the first antenna and the second antenna are impedance matched.
Claim 39:
The method of claim 32, wherein the enclosure includes a lid and a switch detecting when the lid is closed, further comprising: detecting when the lid is closed; determining if the device is in the cavity when the lid is closed; and RF charging the device when the device is detected in the cavity.
Claim 19:
The method of claim 16, wherein the first antenna and the second antenna are passive.
Claim 40:
The method of claim 39, wherein the device is determined to be in the cavity by the RF transmitter sending the charge signal for a predetermined time period and receiving a response signal within another predetermined time period.
Claim 20:
The method of claim 16, wherein the enclosure is comprised of a metal material
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.
Claims 21-28, 30 – 36 and 38 - 40 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Manova-Elssibony (US 20150171658) in view of view of Clevenger (WO 2009151732) in further view of Kanasugi (US 20120194125).
Regarding claim 21, Manova-Elssibony teaches a charger (figures 1A-1B charging device 101, Figure 2A charging device 20),
comprising: an enclosure having a wall at least partially encompassing a cavity, wherein the wall is configured to prevent communication of radio frequency (RF) signals through the wall (Figure 1A and paragraph [0049] discloses wherein the enclosure, housing 100, defines an inner cavity 102)
a RF transmitter configured to generate an RF charge signal within the cavity (figures 1A-1B item 110 [0047] discloses an RF transmitter configured to generate and RF charge signal) , the RF charge signal configured to wirelessly charge a device within the cavity ([0004] discloses wherein RF wireless charging techniques known as RF energy harvesting is used to charge a device. Paragraph [0029] discloses charging a device within a cavity or a closed space by RF charging. Paragraph [0042] discloses wireless charging based on RF transmitting or RF energy harvesting. Paragraph [0052] discloses wherein the device 190 is charged by the RF wireless charging).
The Manova-Elssibony system teaches a wireless charging device housed within a case or housing structure and receives wireless charging via an antenna, but does not explicitly teach a switchable antenna coupled to the enclosure, wherein the switchable antenna includes an antenna switch in the wall and configured to selectively pass an RF communication signal through the enclosure.
Clevanger teaches a switchable antenna coupled to the enclosure and configured to pass an RF communication signal and wherein the switchable antenna includes an antenna switch in the wall (paragraph [0018] discloses wherein, a switchable antenna device switched to selectively receive wireless data communication signals from or transmit wireless data communication signals to the wirelessly networked device in a first operation mode (a first time period), and switched to transmit the RF power signals for powering a wirelessly networked device in a second operation mode (as second time period). Paragraph [0021] discloses wherein communication is prevented or data can be put on hold while the battery at the wireless device is charging).
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 charging system of the Manova-Elssibony reference with the antenna system of the Clevanger reference so that proper communication between the charging device and mobile device within the case body.
The suggestion/motivation for combination can be found in the Clevenger reference in paragraph [0034] wherein communication between the charging device and mobile device is taught.
Manova-Elssibony in view of Clevanger does not explicitly teach communication from the device through the enclosure.
Kanasugi teaches an antenna configured to pass an RF communication signal from the device through the enclosure (disclosed in paragraph [0058] wherein a communication signal emitted from the mobile phone 100 housed inside the console box 1 is transmitted to the outside of the housing).
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 charging system of the Manova-Elssibony and Clevanger reference with the charging system of the Kanasugi reference so that communication may pass thorough the exterior of the charging device
The suggestion/motivation for combination can be found in the Kanasugi reference in [0014] wherein communication to the outside of the housing is taught.
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Manova-Elssibony Figure 1B shows a charging device item 101 with a housing item 100 with RF transmitters 110 and 120 to provide charge and communication to electronic device 190
Regarding claim 22, Manova-Elssibony teaches the charger of claim 21, but does not explicitly teach wherein the switchable antenna is configured to selectively pass the RF communication signal through the enclosure as a function of a transmission state of the RF.
Clevenger teaches wherein the switchable antenna is configured to selectively pass the RF communication signal through the enclosure as a function of a transmission state of the RF (paragraph [0018] discloses wherein, a switchable antenna device switched to selectively receive wireless data communication signals from or transmit wireless data communication signals to the wirelessly networked device in a first operation mode (a first time period), and switched to transmit the RF power signals for powering a wirelessly networked device in a second operation mode (as second time period). Paragraph [0021] discloses wherein communication is prevented or data can be put on hold while the battery at the wireless device is charging).
The Manova-Elssibony system teaches a wireless charging device housed within a case or housing structure and receives wireless charging via an antenna, but does not explicitly teach a switchable antenna coupled to the enclosure and configured to selectively pass an RF communication signal through the enclosure.
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 charging system of the Manova-Elssibony reference with the antenna system of the Clevenger reference so that proper communication between the charging device and mobile device within the case body.
The suggestion/motivation for combination can be found in the Clevenger reference in paragraph [0034] wherein communication between the charging device and mobile device is taught.
Regarding claim 23, Manova-Elssibony teaches the charger of claim 21, but does not explicitly teach wherein the RF transmitter is configured to generate the RF charge signal and control the switchable antenna to prevent communication of the RF communication signal through the switchable antenna in a first mode, and wherein the RF transmitter is configured to not generate the RF charge signal and control the switchable antenna to permit communication of the RF communication signal through the switchable antenna in a second mode.
Clevenger teach wherein the RF transmitter is configured to generate the RF charge signal and control the switchable antenna to prevent communication of the RF communication signal through the switchable antenna in a first mode, and wherein the RF transmitter is configured to not generate the RF charge signal and control the switchable antenna to permit communication of the RF communication signal through the switchable antenna in a second mode (paragraph [0018] discloses wherein, a switchable antenna device switched to receive wireless data communication signals from or transmit wireless data communication signals to the wirelessly networked device in a first operation mode, and switched to transmit the RF power signals for powering a wirelessly networked device in a second operation mode. Paragraph [0021] discloses wherein communication is prevented or data can be put on hold while the battery at the wireless device is charging).
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 charging system of the Manova-Elssibony reference with the charging system of the Clevenger reference so that the charging may be maintained at a proper level.
The suggestion/motivation for combination can be found in the Clevenger reference in [0019] wherein charging is maintained at a proper level.
Regarding claim 24, Manova-Elssibony teaches the charger of claim 21, wherein the RF charge signal has a first frequency and the RF communication signal has a different second frequency (paragraphs [0056] – [0058] discloses wherein several frequencies are used by the RF charging and communication).
Regarding claim 25, Manova-Elssibony and Clevenger teach the charger of claim 21, but does not explicitly teach wherein the switchable antenna extends through a wall of the enclosure.
Kanasugi teaches wherein the switchable antenna extends through a wall of the enclosure (figure 2 item 16 defined in paragraph [0045] as a coaxial cable which extends through the wall of the enclosure).
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 charging system of the Manova-Elssibony and Clevenger reference with the charging system of the Kanasugi reference so that communication may pass thorough the exterior of the charging device
The suggestion/motivation for combination can be found in the Kanasugi reference in [0014] wherein communication to the outside of the housing is taught.
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Kanasugi Figure 2 shows wherein an antenna extends through wall
Regarding claim 26, Manova-Elssibony and Clevenger teachthe charger of claim 25, but does not explicitly teach wherein the switchable antenna comprises a first antenna and a second antenna.
Kanasugi teaches wherein the switchable antenna comprises a first antenna and a second antenna (figures 2 and 3 show a first antenna 17a with pattern 21 and a second antenna 17b with pattern 22).
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 charging system of the Manova-Elssibony and Clevenger reference with the charging system of the Kanasugi reference so that communication may pass thorough the exterior of the charging device
The suggestion/motivation for combination can be found in the Kanasugi reference in [0014] wherein communication to the outside of the housing is taught.
Regarding claim 27, Manova-Elssibony and Clevenger teaches the charger of claim 26, but does not explicitly teach wherein the first antenna is exposed to the cavity and the second antenna is exposed to outside the enclosure.
Kanasugi teaches wherein the first antenna is exposed to the cavity and the second antenna is exposed to outside the enclosure (figure 4 shows an internal antenna 17 exposed to the cavity and an external antenna 18 exposed to the outside of the enclosure).
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 charging system of the Manova-Elssibony and Clevenger reference with the charging system of the Kanasugi reference so that communication may pass thorough the exterior of the charging device
The suggestion/motivation for combination can be found in the Kanasugi reference in [0014] wherein communication to the outside of the housing is taught.
Regarding claim 28, Manova-Elssibony teaches the charger of claim 26, wherein the first antenna and the second antenna are impedance matched and configured to be selectively coupled to each other.
Kanasugi teaches wherein the first antenna and the second antenna are impedance matched and configured to be selectively coupled to each other (paragraphs [0049] and [0046] wherein the first and second antennas are impedance matched).
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 charging system of the Manova-Elssibony and Clevenger reference with the charging system of the Kanasugi reference so that communication may pass thorough the exterior of the charging device
The suggestion/motivation for combination can be found in the Kanasugi reference in [0014] wherein communication to the outside of the housing is taught.
Regarding claim 30, Manova-Elssibony teaches the charger of claim 21, wherein the enclosure includes a lid and a switch configured to detect when the lid is closed, wherein the RF transmitter is configured to generate the RF charge signal when the lid is closed (Figure 1A item 170 and paragraphs [0015] and [0049] defines a lid as a removeable lid. Paragraph [0024] discloses wherein the antennas are connected to a switching unit to operate the antennas. Paragraph [0061] wherein a sensor detects when the lid is closed and communicates with the switches, via a control unit to generate the RF transmitter when the lid is closed and to stop generation with the lid is open).
Regarding claim 31, Manova-Elssibony teaches a system (figures 1A-1B charging device 101, Figure 2A charging device 20),
comprising: a device configured to generate an RF communication signal (paragraph [0088] teaches wherein an RF communication or data signal is generated by the charging device);
an enclosure having a wall at least partially encompassing a cavity receiving the device, wherein the wall is configured to prevent communication of radio frequency (RF) signal through the wall (Figure 1A and paragraph [0049] discloses wherein the enclosure, housing 100, defines an inner cavity 102);
a RF transmitter configured to generate an RF charge signal within the cavity (figures 1A-1B item 110 [0047] discloses an RF transmitter configured to generate and RF charge signal), the RF charge signal configured to wirelessly charge the device within the cavity ([0004] discloses wherein RF wireless charging techniques known as RF energy harvesting is used to charge a device. Paragraph [0029] discloses charging a device within a cavity or a closed space by RF charging. Paragraph [0042] discloses wireless charging based on RF transmitting or RF energy harvesting. Paragraph [0052] discloses wherein the device 190 is charged by the RF wireless charging).
The Manova-Elssibony system teaches a wireless charging device housed within a case or housing structure and receives wireless charging via an antenna, but does not explicitly teach a switchable antenna coupled to the enclosure and configured to selectively pass an RF communication signal through the enclosure.
Clevanger teaches a switchable antenna coupled to the enclosure and configured to pass an RF communication signal wherein the switchable antenna includes an antenna switch in the wall (paragraph [0018] discloses wherein, a switchable antenna device switched to selectively receive wireless data communication signals from or transmit wireless data communication signals to the wirelessly networked device in a first operation mode (a first time period), and switched to transmit the RF power signals for powering a wirelessly networked device in a second operation mode (as second time period). Paragraph [0021] discloses wherein communication is prevented or data can be put on hold while the battery at the wireless device is charging).
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 charging system of the Manova-Elssibony reference with the antenna system of the Clevanger reference so that proper communication between the charging device and mobile device within the case body.
The suggestion/motivation for combination can be found in the Clevenger reference in paragraph [0034] wherein communication between the charging device and mobile device is taught.
Manova-Elssibony in view of Clevenger do not explicitly teach communication from the device through the enclosure.
Kanasugi teaches an antenna configured to pass an RF communication signal from the device through the enclosure (disclosed in paragraph [0058] wherein a communication signal emitted from the mobile phone 100 housed inside the console box 1 is transmitted to the outside of the housing).
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 charging system of the Manova-Elssibony and Clevenger reference with the charging system of the Kanasugi reference so that communication may pass thorough the exterior of the charging device
The suggestion/motivation for combination can be found in the Kanasugi reference in [0014] wherein communication to the outside of the housing is taught.
Regarding claim 32, Manova-Elssibony teaches a method of RF charging a device in a charger (figures 1A-1B charging device 101, Figure 2A charging device 20),
comprising an enclosure having a wall at least partially encompassing a cavity, wherein the wall is configured to prevent communication of radio frequency (RF) signals through the wall (Figure 1A and paragraph [0049] discloses wherein the enclosure, housing 100, defines an inner cavity 102),
a RF transmitter configured to generate an RF charge signal within the cavity (figures 1A-1B item 110 [0047] discloses an RF transmitter configured to generate and RF charge signal), the RF charge signal configured to wirelessly charge a device within the cavity ([0004] discloses wherein RF wireless charging techniques known as RF energy harvesting is used to charge a device. Paragraph [0029] discloses charging a device within a cavity or a closed space by RF charging. Paragraph [0042] discloses wireless charging based on RF transmitting or RF energy harvesting. Paragraph [0052] discloses wherein the device 190 is charged by the RF wireless charging).
The Manova-Elssibony system teaches a wireless charging device housed within a case or housing structure and receives wireless charging via an antenna, but does not explicitly teach a switchable antenna coupled to the enclosure and configured to selectively pass an RF communication signal through the enclosure.
Clevanger teaches a switchable antenna coupled to the enclosure and configured to pass an RF communication signal (paragraph [0018] discloses wherein, a switchable antenna device switched to selectively receive wireless data communication signals from or transmit wireless data communication signals to the wirelessly networked device in a first operation mode (a first time period), and switched to transmit the RF power signals for powering a wirelessly networked device in a second operation mode (as second time period). Paragraph [0021] discloses wherein communication is prevented or data can be put on hold while the battery at the wireless device is charging).
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 charging system of the Manova-Elssibony reference with the antenna system of the Clevanger reference so that proper communication between the charging device and mobile device within the case body.
The suggestion/motivation for combination can be found in the Clevenger reference in paragraph [0034] wherein communication between the charging device and mobile device is taught.
Manova-Elssibony does not explicitly teach comprising the steps of: selectively allowing communication of the RF communication signal through the switchable antenna during a first time period; and RF charging the device in the enclosure during a second time period that is different than the first time period.
Clevanger teaches comprising the steps of: selectively allowing communication of the RF communication signal through the switchable antenna during a first time period; and RF charging the device in the enclosure during a second time period that is different than the first time period (paragraph [0018] discloses wherein, a switchable antenna device switched to receive wireless data communication signals from or transmit wireless data communication signals to the wirelessly networked device in a first operation mode (a first time period), and switched to transmit the RF power signals for powering a wirelessly networked device in a second operation mode (as second time period). Paragraph [0021] discloses wherein communication is prevented or data can be put on hold while the battery at the wireless device is charging).
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 charging system of the Manova-Elssibony reference with the charging system of the Clevenger reference so that the charging may be maintained at a proper level.
The suggestion/motivation for combination can be found in the Clevenger reference in [0019] wherein charging is maintained at a proper level.
Manova-Elssibony in view of Clevenger does not explicitly teach communication from the device through the enclosure.
Kanasugi teaches an antenna configured to pass an RF communication signal from the device through the enclosure (disclosed in paragraph [0058] wherein a communication signal emitted from the mobile phone 100 housed inside the console box 1 is transmitted to the outside of the housing).
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 charging system of the Manova-Elssibony and Clevanger reference with the charging system of the Kanasugi reference so that communication may pass thorough the exterior of the charging device
The suggestion/motivation for combination can be found in the Kanasugi reference in [0014] wherein communication to the outside of the housing is taught.
Regarding claim 33, Manova-Elssibony teaches the method of claim 32, but does not explicitly teach teach wherein the switchable antenna selectively passes the RF communication signal through the enclosure as a function of a transmission state of the RF transmitter
Regarding claim 34, Manova-Elssibony teaches the method of claim 32, but does not explicitly teach wherein the RF transmitter generates the RF charge signal and controls the switchable antenna to prevent communication of the RF communication signal through the switchable antenna in a first mode, and wherein the RF transmitter does not generate the RF charge signal and controls the switchable antenna to permit communication of the RF communication signal through the switchable antenna in a second mode.
Clevenger teaches wherein the RF transmitter generates the RF charge signal and controls the switchable antenna to prevent communication of the RF communication signal through the switchable antenna in a first mode, and wherein the RF transmitter does not generate the RF charge signal and controls the switchable antenna to permit communication of the RF communication signal through the switchable antenna in a second mode (paragraph [0018] discloses wherein, a switchable antenna device switched to receive wireless data communication signals from or transmit wireless data communication signals to the wirelessly networked device in a first operation mode (a first time period), and switched to transmit the RF power signals for powering a wirelessly networked device in a second operation mode (as second time period). Paragraph [0021] discloses wherein communication is prevented or data can be put on hold while the battery at the wireless device is charging).
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 charging system of the Manova-Elssibony and Clevenger reference with the charging system of the Clevenger reference so that the charging may be maintained at a proper level.
The suggestion/motivation for combination can be found in the Clevenger reference in [0019] wherein charging is maintained at a proper level.
Regarding claim 35, Manova-Elssibony teaches the method of claim 32, wherein the RF charge signal has a first frequency and the RF communication signal has a different second frequency (paragraphs [0056] – [0058] discloses wherein several frequencies are used by the RF charging and communication).
Regarding claim 36, Manova-Elssibony and Clevenger teach the method of claim 32, but does not explicitly teach wherein the switchable antenna extends through a wall of the enclosure.
Kanasugi teaches wherein the switchable antenna extends through a wall of the enclosure (figure 2 item 16 defined in paragraph [0045] as a coaxial cable which extends through the wall of the enclosure).
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 charging system of the Manova-Elssibony and Clevenger reference with the charging system of the Kanasugi reference so that communication may pass thorough the exterior of the charging device
The suggestion/motivation for combination can be found in the Kanasugi reference in [0014] wherein communication to the outside of the housing is taught.
Regarding claim 38, Manova-Elssibony and Adam teach the method of claim 37, but does not explicitly teach wherein the first antenna is exposed to the cavity and the second antenna is exposed to outside the enclosure.
Kanasugi teaches wherein the first antenna is exposed to the cavity and the second antenna is exposed to outside the enclosure (figure 4 shows an internal antenna 17 exposed to the cavity and an external antenna 18 exposed to the outside of the enclosure).
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 charging system of the Manova-Elssibony and Clevenger reference with the charging system of the Kanasugi reference so that communication may pass thorough the exterior of the charging device
The suggestion/motivation for combination can be found in the Kanasugi reference in [0014] wherein communication to the outside of the housing is taught.
Regarding claim 39, Manova-Elssibony teaches the method of claim 32, wherein the enclosure includes a lid and a switch detecting when the lid is closed, further comprising: detecting when the lid is closed; determining if the device is in the cavity when the lid is closed; and RF charging the device when the device is detected in the cavity (Figure 1A item 170 and paragraphs [0015] and [0049] defines a lid as a removeable lid. Paragraph [0024] discloses wherein the antennas are connected to a switching unit to operate the antennas. Paragraph [0061] wherein a sensor detects when the lid is closed and communicates with the switches, via a control unit to generate the RF transmitter when the lid is closed and to stop generation with the lid is open).
Regarding claim 40, Manova-Elssibony teaches the method of claim 39, wherein the device is determined to be in the cavity by the RF transmitter sending the charge signal for a predetermined time period and receiving a response signal within another predetermined time period (paragraph [0098] teaches wherein the device is detected and charged in the cavity during predetermined time periods).
Claims 29 and 37 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Manova-Elssibony (US 20150171658) in view of Clevenger (WO 2009151732) and in further view of Kanasugi (US 20120194125) as applied to claim 26 and in further view of Jiang (US 10651670).
Regarding claim 29, Manova-Elssibony, Clevenger and Kanasugi teaches the charger of claim 26, but does not explicitly teach wherein the first antenna and the second antenna are passive.
Jiang teaches wherein the first antenna and the second antenna are passive (defined in column 5 lines 4 – 29 wherein passive RF components are used).
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 charging system of the Manova-Elssibony, Clevenger and Kanasugi references with the charging system of the Jiang reference to allow for a robust antenna which would communicate and charge multiple devices.
The suggestion/motivation for combination can be found in the Jiang reference in Abstract wherein charging multiple devices is taught.
Regarding claim 37, Manova-Elssibony, Clevenger and Kanasugi teach the method of claim 36, wherein the switchable antenna comprises a first antenna and a second antenna selectively coupled to each other.
Jiang teaches wherein the switchable antenna comprises a first antenna and a second antenna selectively coupled to each other (defined in column 11 lines 34 – 43 wherein the first antenna and second antenna are selectively coupled to each other).
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 charging system of the Manova-Elssibony, Clevenger and Kanasugi references with the charging system of the Jiang reference to allow for a robust antenna which would communicate and charge multiple devices.
The suggestion/motivation for combination can be found in the Jiang reference in Abstract wherein charging multiple devices is taught.
Response to Arguments
Applicant's arguments filed 08/31/2026 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive. As disclosed above in claims 21 – 40, Manova-Elssibony, Clevenger and Kanasugi disclose the claimed system. The Clevenger reference states a switchable antenna within a housing to selectively switch between wireless charging and wireless communication. The Kanasugi reference states an antenna within a housing, which reasonably reads on the limitation as disclosed in claim 1. For these reasons, the argument is not persuasive.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.
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ALEXIS BOATENG PACHECO
Primary Examiner
Art Unit 2859
/ALEXIS B PACHECO/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2859
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