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and the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e) has been timely paid, the finality of the previous Office action has been withdrawn pursuant to 37 CFR 1.114.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 02/03/2026 has been entered.
Status of the Claims
Claims 1-5 and 7-21 are currently pending and are subject to this office action. Claims 1, 4, 7 are amended. Claim 6 is canceled. Claims 17-21 are newly added. This office action is in response to Applicant’s amendment filed on 02/03/2026.
Response to Amendments
Examiner acknowledges Applicant’s response filed on 01/06/2026 containing amendments and remarks to the claims.
In response to Applicant’s amendments filed 01/06/2026 , the Examiner withdraws the objection to claim 4 for minor informalities.
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s arguments, on pages 6-11, filed 01/06/2026, with respect to the rejection of claim 1 under 35 U.S.C. 102(a) have been fully considered and are persuasive. The Applicant has amended claim 1 to include a limitation that was not previously presented, specifically, “wherein the at least two first heating portions are linear and extend entirely within a first plane, wherein the at least one second heating portion includes a linear portion that extends entirely within a second plane, and wherein the first plane and the second plane are spaced apart and are both parallel to the vaporization surface”. However, upon further consideration, a new ground(s) of rejection is made in view of Zhou (CN 110301674 A), previously cited.
The following are modified rejections based on Applicant’s amendments to the claims.
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.
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 1-5 and 7-21 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Yang (CN 110279162 A, as cited in IDS dated 04/24/2024 and hereinafter citations referring to English language equivalent US 20210030073 A1), and further in view of Zhou (CN 110301674 A, hereinafter citations referring to English language equivalent US 20220071290 A1).
PNG
media_image1.png
241
244
media_image1.png
Greyscale
With regard to Claim 1, Yang, directed to a vaporization device and method thereof, teaches (i) a cartridge comprising a heating component, wherein e-liquid can permeate into the pores of the heating component [0145], meeting the claim limitation of a liquid absorbing element. The heating element includes a bottom surface (Fig. 7J: #6s3) and a top surface (Fig. 7J: #6s4), wherein the e-liquid is in contact with the heating component (Fig. 7J: #6) through a heating component top cap right above the top surface (Fig. 7J: #6s4, [0098]), and a vaporization chamber is aligned with the bottom surface (Fig. 7J: #6s3, [0114]). (ii) The heating assembly transmits e-liquid from the top surface (Fig. 7J: #6s4) through the heating component (Fig. 7J: #6) towards the vaporization chamber [0069].
(iii) The heating component (Fig. 7J: #6) further comprises a heating circuit (Fig. 7J: #61) on its bottom surface and is disposed between two conductive components (Fig. 7J: #6p). (iv) The heating circuit (Fig. 7J: #61) comprises a first section (Fig. 7J: #61a) and third section (Fig. 7J: #61c), meeting the claim limitation of at least two first heating portions. The heating circuit further includes (Fig. 7J: #61) a second section (Fig. 7J: 61b, 0121]) connected along a single path between the first and third section (Fig.7J: #61a & #61c), meeting the claim limitation of at least one second heating portion connected in series to the at least two first heating portions.
(iv) The first section (Fig. 7J: #61a) and third sections (Fig. 7J: #61c) extend from and are arranged on a front side of the bottom surface (Fig. 7J: #6s3, [0170]). (v) The second section (Fig. 7J: #61b) is connected between the first section (Fig. 7J: #61a) and the third section (Fig. 7J: #61c), which extend from the bottom surface (Fig. 7J: #6s3) and the top surface (Fig. 7J: #6s4). Figure 7J shows where the second section (Fig. 7: #61b) extends towards the top surface (Fig. 7J: #6s4), while between the top surface (Fig. 7J: #6s4) and the bottom surface (Fig. 7J: #6s4). (vi) Yang teaches wherein a portion of the heating circuit (Fig. 7J: #61) may be disposed inside the heating component (Fig. 7J: #6, [0176]). One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that this could apply to the linear second heating section (Fig. 7J: #61b), corresponding to a second plane. Yang teaches all the limitations of the claims as set forth above, however Yang is silent to:
wherein the at least two first heating portions are linear and extend entirely within a first plane
wherein the first plane and the second plane are spaced apart and are both a parallel to the vaporization surface
PNG
media_image2.png
342
327
media_image2.png
Greyscale
Zhou, directed to an electronic atomization device, teaches (i) a heating part (Fig. 3: #23) with segments (Fig. 3: "A" and "C"), corresponding to the first two heating portions of the claimed invention. A plane defined by the heating part (Fig. 5: #23) is flush with an atomization face [0046]. (ii) Zhou teaches wherein the heater plane may be flush with the atomization surface or embedded within a porous ceramic matrix [0046-0047], defining parallel planes relative to the vaporization surface. One of ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to combine the heating structure of Yang with the heater portion positioned at different depths with the planar heater configuration of Zhou to provide uniform heating and improved durability [0044].
Therefore, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art to modify the heating portions of Yang to wherein the at least two first heating portions are linear and extend entirely within a first plane and wherein the first plane and the second plane are spaced apart and are both a parallel to the vaporization surface because both Yang and Zhou are directed to improving uniform heating in heating bodies, Zhou teaches a heating part defining a plane flush with an atomization surface to provide uniform heating and improved durability [0044] and this merely involves combining prior art elements according to known heating methods to yield predictable results.
PNG
media_image1.png
241
244
media_image1.png
Greyscale
With regard to Claim 2, Yang teaches wherein the bottom surface (Fig. 7J: #6s3) is a flat, two-dimensional surface.
With regard to Claim 3, Yang teaches (i) a first section (Fig. 7J: #61a) and a third section (Fig. 7J: #61c), meeting the claim limitation of the at least two first heating portions. (ii) Figure 7J illustrates wherein the first section (Fig. 7J: #61a) is connected to a first conductive component on the left (Fig. 7J: #6p) and the third section (Fig. 7J: #61c) is connected a second conductive component on the right (Fig. 7J: #6p). (iii) The second section (Fig. 7I: #61b) is disposed between the first and third sections (Fig. 7J: #61a & #61c) in a single back-to-back connection.
PNG
media_image3.png
214
246
media_image3.png
Greyscale
PNG
media_image1.png
241
244
media_image1.png
Greyscale
With regard to Claim 4, Yang teaches (i) where in some embodiments, the heating circuit (Fig. 7J: #61) may have more sections [0121]. A person of ordinary skill in the art would find it obvious to modify the second section (Fig. 7J: #61b) to include multiple sections in between the first section (Fig. 7J: #61a) and a third section (Fig. 7J: #61c) in a single path as shown in Figure 7J to increase the heating efficiency of the heating circuit [0121], such that there are two second heating portions arranged between the two first heating sections (Fig. 7J: #61a & #61c).
(ii) The heating circuit (Fig. 7J: #61) is separated into different temperature sections, comprising two first heating sub-sections (Fig. 7E: #61t3) and a second heating sub-section (Fig. 7E: #61t4), meeting the claim limitation of wherein each of the at least two second heating portions comprises at least two first heating sub-portions and a second heating sub-portion. (iii) The two first heating sub-sections (Fig. 7E: #61t3) are connected to the ends of the first section (Fig. 7J: #61a), the third section (Fig. 7J: #61c), and the second heating sub-section (Fig. 7E: #61t4), meeting the claim limitation of wherein two ends of each of the first heating sub-portions are respectively connected to the at least two first heating portions and the second heating sub-portion
(iv) Yang further teaches wherein a portion of the heating circuit (Fig. 7J: #61) may be disposed inside the heating component (Fig. 7J: #6, [0176]). A person of ordinary skill in the art would find it obvious to modify the arrangement of the second heating sub-sections to be in a second plane within the heating component to increase the thermal contact area between the heating circuit and heating component to improve heating efficiency [0121].
PNG
media_image1.png
241
244
media_image1.png
Greyscale
With regard to Claim 5, Yang teaches wherein the first and third sections (Fig. 7J: #61a & #61c) are arranged on and each comprise an end contacting the bottom surface (Fig. 7J: #6s3, [0170]).
PNG
media_image3.png
214
246
media_image3.png
Greyscale
With regard to Claim 7, Yang teaches wherein (i) the heating circuit forms each section in linear paths (Fig. 7E).
PNG
media_image4.png
135
249
media_image4.png
Greyscale
With regard to Claim 8, Yang teaches (i) wherein a heating component top cap (Fig. 6E: #405) comprises through holes (Fig. 6E: #4h1 & #4h2). A person of ordinary skill in the art would find it obvious to combine the heating component with the through holes of the heating component top cap because vaporizable material may be in contact with the heating component through the through holes on the heating component top cap [0038]. Modifying the holes to be directly on the heating component is a simple alternative without changing the function of the holes. (ii) The two through holes (Fig. 6E: #4h1 & #4h2) comprise a space between them along the length of the heating component top cap (Fig. 6E: #405).
PNG
media_image5.png
281
286
media_image5.png
Greyscale
With regard to Claim 9, Yang teaches (i) wherein the heating circuit (Fig. 7G: #61) may include a metal material [0124], wherein the heating circuit can be a flat structure (Fig. 7G). (ii) The heating circuit (Fig. 7G: #61) is electrically connected to the two conductive components (Fig. 7G: #6p, [0123]), where the conductive components (Fig. 7G: #6p) are at the side end of the heating circuit (Fig. 7G: #61).
With regard to Claim 10, Yang teaches a heating circuit (Fig. 7G: #61) that is curved multiple times in between the first section (Fig. 7G: #61a), second section (Fig. 7G: #61b), and the third section (Fig. 7G: #61c), meeting the claim limitation of wherein the heating element is bent a plurality of times to form the at least two first heating portions and the second heating portion. Modified Yang teaches all the limitations of the claims as set forth above, however modified Yang is silent to:
Wherein the heating element comprises a metal wire
PNG
media_image6.png
314
300
media_image6.png
Greyscale
Zhou, directed to an electronic atomization device and atomization assembly, teaches a heating body (Fig. 3: #20) made entirely of metal [0043]. Heating wires of the net-like heating part (Fig. 3: #23) of the heating body (Fig. 3: #20, [0070]) are made of metal [0044]. A person of ordinary skill in the art would be motivated to include a metal wire in the heating element to increase toughness and lower the risk of failure through defects and cracking in the device [0044].
Therefore, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill to modify the heating element of modified Yang to comprise a metal wire because both Yang and Zhou are directed to lowering the risk of heating components being destroyed in aerosol generating devices. Zhou teaches a heating wire of a net-like heating part made of metal to increase toughness and lower the risk of failure through defects and cracking [0044] and this merely involves applying a known material to a heating component of a known aerosol generating device ready for improvement to yield predictable results.
PNG
media_image3.png
214
246
media_image3.png
Greyscale
With regard to Claim 11, Yang teaches a bent heating circuit (Fig. 7E: #61) with more than one bent angle. Although Yang does not disclose a specific numerical value for the bending angle, a person of ordinary skill in the art would find it obvious to select a bending angle within a range of 10° to 170° based on routine design choice of spatial constraints of the heating component (Fig. 7E: #6). Additionally, the range of the claim covers nearly any non-straight configuration and since Yang teaches a bend, it would be obvious that the angle of the heating circuit of Yang is within the claimed range.
With regard to Claim 12, modified Yang teaches all the limitations of the claims as set forth above, however modified Yang is silent to:
Wherein the connector comprises an electrode plate and at least one support sheet
The electrode plate being electrically connected to an end of the heating element
The electrode plate being configured to electrically connect the heating element to an external power supply
The support sheet being connected to the electrode plate to support the electrode plate
Wherein the at least one support sheet is embedded in the liquid absorbing element
Wherein the electrode plate is at least partially exposed to the liquid absorbing element
PNG
media_image6.png
314
300
media_image6.png
Greyscale
Zhou teaches (i) an electrode wire (Fig. 3: #30), relating to the connector of the claimed invention, in connection with a first soldering part (Fig. 3: #231) and a first fixing portion (Fig. 3: #21) in the shape of a rectangular sheet [0059]. (ii) The first soldering part (Fig. 3: #231) is connected to an end of the heating body (Fig. 3: #20). (iii) The first soldering part (Fig. 3: #231) electrically connects with positive and negative terminals of a power source [0048]. (iv) The first fixing portion (Fig. 3: #21) is connected to the first soldering part (Fig. 3: #231, [0048]) and supports the positioning of the first soldering part (Fig. 3: #231) with respect to a porous ceramic matrix (Fig. 3: #10).
Zhou further teaches (v) wherein the first fixing portion (Fig. 3: #21) is locked into a first embedding groove (Fig. 3: #121) of the porous ceramic matrix [0048]. (vi) When the first fixing portion is locked into the embedding groove, the first soldering part (Fig. 3: #231) rests on top of the porous ceramic matrix (Fig. 3: #10).
Therefore, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art to modify the connector of modified Yang to comprises an electrode plate and a support sheet; the electrode plate being electrically connected to an end of the heating element and configured to electrically connect the heating element to an external power supply; the support sheet is connected to the electrode plate to support the electrode plate; wherein the support sheet is embedded in the liquid absorbing element; and wherein the electrode plate is at least partially exposed to the liquid absorbing element because both Yang and Zhou are directed to heating components being fixed into components comprising absorbent ceramic material. Zhou teaches a fixing portion and soldering part to fix the heating body into the porous ceramic matrix and receive material [0040] and this merely involves the use of a known support technique to improve similar heating components of aerosol generating devices in the same way.
With regard to Claim 13, modified Yang teaches all the limitations of the claims as set forth above, however modified Yang is silent to:
Wherein the at least one support sheet comprises at least two support sheets
Wherein the at least two support sheets are respectively connected to two opposite ends of the electrode plate
Wherein a through groove is formed on each support sheet of the at least two support sheets, and the liquid absorbing element partially permeates into the through groove
PNG
media_image6.png
314
300
media_image6.png
Greyscale
Zhou teaches (i) a heating body comprising a first fixing portion (Fig. 3: #21a) and second fixing portion (Fig. 3: #22a) in the shape of rectangular sheets [0059], meeting the claim limitation of at least two support sheets. (ii) The ends of the first and second fixing portions (Fig. 3: #21 & #22) are connected with first and second soldering parts (Fig. 3: #231 & #232), which electrically connect with positive and negative terminals of a power source [0048]. (iii) The first and second fixing portions (Fig. 3: #21 & 22) each comprise fixing holes (Fig. 3: #210 & #220) used to receive a material of the porous ceramic matrix [0048]. A person of ordinary skill in the art would be motivated to include support sheets and a through groove with the connector of modified Yang to fix the heating body into the porous ceramic matrix and receive material [0040].
Therefore, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art to modify the connector of modified Yang to comprise at least two support sheets respectively connected to two opposite ends of the electrode plate; wherein a through groove is formed on each of the support sheets, and the liquid absorbing element partially permeates into the groove because both Yang and Zhou are directed to heating components being fixed into components comprising ceramic material. Zhou teaches two fixing portions and two soldering parts to fix the heating body into the porous ceramic matrix and receive material [0040] and this merely involves the use of a known support technique to improve similar heating components of aerosol generating devices in the same way.
PNG
media_image7.png
544
391
media_image7.png
Greyscale
With regard to Claim 14, Yang teaches a cartridge (Fig. 1A: #100A) comprising a cartridge housing (Fig. 1A: #3) and a metal cartridge base (Fig. 1A: #11). The cartridge further includes the heating element (Fig. 1A: #6).
PNG
media_image8.png
498
384
media_image8.png
Greyscale
With regard to Claim 15, Yang teaches (i) a vaporization device (Fig. 9A: #100), wherein the cartridge (Fig. 9A: #100A) may store a vaporizable liquid that comes in contact with the heating component to generate aerosol [0038]. (ii) The vaporization device further comprises a body (Fig. 9A: #100B) comprising a power supply component [0045] to supply power to parts of the heating element [0203].
With regard to Claim 16, Yang teaches a heating circuit with bent angles. Modified Yang teaches all the limitations of the claims as set forth above, however modified Yang is silent to:
Wherein the bending angle of the heating element ranges from 80° to 100°
PNG
media_image6.png
314
300
media_image6.png
Greyscale
Zhou teaches a heating body (Fig. 5: #20) with right angle bends. A person of ordinary skill in the art to modify the bending angle of the heating element to include a bend angle between 80° and 100° as the angle of Zhou is within the claimed range. It would be a routine design choice to be within the range to enable uniform heating and prolong the life of the heating body [0042].
Therefore, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill to modify the heating element of modified Yang to wherein the bending angle of the heating element ranges from 80° to 100° because both Yang and Zhou are directed to avoiding risks of failure in bent heating elements of an aerosol generating device. Zhou teaches a heating body with right angle bends to enable uniform heating and prolong the life of the heating body [0042] and this merely involves applying a known bending angle to a heating element of a known aerosol generating device ready for improvement to yield predictable results.
PNG
media_image3.png
214
246
media_image3.png
Greyscale
With regard to Claim 17, Yang teaches wherein (i) the heating circuit is separated into different temperature sections (Fig. 7E: #61t3 and 61t4), meeting the claim limitation of wherein each of the at least two second heating portions comprises at least two first heating sub-portions and a second heating sub-portion. (ii) Yang further teaches that a portion of the heating circuit (Fig. 7E: #61) may extend into the heating component (Fig. 7: #6), perpendicular to the horizontal surface of the bottom surface (Fig 7E: #6s3) of the heating component (Fig. 7E: #6, [0176]). Modified Yang teaches all the limitations of the claims as set forth above, however modified Yang is silent to:
Wherein the first and second heating sub-portions of the at least two second heating portions are each linear
PNG
media_image6.png
314
300
media_image6.png
Greyscale
Zhou teaches a heating body comprising linear heater segments arranged along a heater path (Fig. 2: #23). One of ordinary skill in the art would have found it obvious to modify the heater segments of Yang to include linear segments to provide uniform heating and improved durability [0044] of the heating wire.
Therefore, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art to modify the first and second heating sub-portions of the at least two second heating portions of modified Yang to wherein each are linear because both Yang and Zhou are directed to improving uniform heating in heating bodies. Zho teaches a heating body with linear segments to provide uniform heating and improved durability [0044] and this merely involves combining prior art elements according to known heating methods to yield predictable results.
PNG
media_image1.png
241
244
media_image1.png
Greyscale
With regard to Claim 18, Yang teaches wherein the consecutively arranged first heating sections (Fig. 7J: #61a & #61c), connected to the connectors (Fig. 7J: #6p), extend in separate directions, where the first direction may not be parallel to the second direction [0174].
PNG
media_image3.png
214
246
media_image3.png
Greyscale
PNG
media_image9.png
260
255
media_image9.png
Greyscale
With regard to Claim 19, Yang teaches wherein (i) one of the first heating sections (Fig. 7G: #61a) may be disposed on a bottom surface (Fig. 7G: #6s3, [0176]) of the heating component, meeting the claim limitation of the vaporization surface. (ii) In some embodiments, the heating circuit (Fig. 7G: #61) may have more sections [0121]. A person of ordinary skill in the art would find it obvious to modify the heating circuit to include another second heating sections (Fig. 7G: #61b) in between the first section (Fig. 7G: #61a) and a third section (Fig. 7G: #61c) to increase heating efficiency of the circuit [0121].
Each of the second heating sections (Fig. 7G: #61b), which can extend into the heating component [0176], would include two first heating sub-sections (Fig. 7E: #61t3). One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that if the first heating sub-sections (Fig. 7E: #61t3) extend into the heating component (Fig. 7G: #6), they extend in different non-parallel directions to the horizontal bottom surface (Fig. 7G: #6s3). (iii) The first heating sub-section (Fig. 7E: #61t3) of the first second heating section (Fig. 7G: #61b) is connected to one of the first heating sections (Fig. 7G: #61a) since the first heating section (Fig. 7G: #61a) is connected to the first second heating section (Fig. 7G: #61b, [0118]). (iv) Each of the second heating sections (Fig. 7G: #61b) would also include second heating sub-sections (Fig. 7E: #61t4), meeting the claim limitation of the second heating sub-portion. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that if the second heating sub-sections (Fig. 7E: #61t4) extend into the heating component (Fig. 7G: #6), they would be non-parallel to the direction of one of the first heating sections (Fig. 7G: #61a) disposed on a bottom surface (Fig. 7G: #6s3, [0176]). (v) The second heating sub-sections (Fig. 7E: #61t4) extend in different non-parallel directions, adjacent to the first heating sub-section (Fig. 7E: #61t3, [0116-0117]). Modified Yang teaches all the limitations of the claims as set forth above, however modified Yang is silent to:
wherein a first of the first heating sub-portions of a first of the at least two second heating portions extends orthogonal to the vaporization surface
wherein the second heating sub-portion of the first of the at least two second heating portion extends orthogonal to the first direction and orthogonal to the first of the at least two first heating sub-portions of the first of the at least two second heating portions
PNG
media_image6.png
314
300
media_image6.png
Greyscale
Zhou teaches a heating body (Fig. 3: #23) having sections that are arranged in rectangular paths, teaching orthogonal heater segments. One of ordinary skill in the art would have found it obvious to modify the non-parallel sub-section geometry of Yang to adopt the orthogonal orientation taught by Zhou to prolong service life of the heating body and enable uniform atomization [0042].
Therefore, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art to modify the first and second heating sub-portions of Yang to wherein a first of the first heating sub-portions of a first of the at least two second heating portions extends orthogonal to the vaporization surface and wherein the second heating sub-portion of the first of the at least two second heating portion extends orthogonal to the first direction and orthogonal to the first of the at least two first heating sub-portions of the first of the at least two second heating portions because both Yang and Zhou are directed to improving uniform heating in heating bodies. Zhou teaches a heating body with orthogonal heating segments to prolong service life of the heating body and enable unform atomization [0042] and this merely involves combining prior art elements according to known heating techniques to yield predictable results.
PNG
media_image3.png
214
246
media_image3.png
Greyscale
PNG
media_image9.png
260
255
media_image9.png
Greyscale
With regard to Claim 20, modified Yang teaches where (i) in some embodiments, the heating circuit (Fig. 7G: #61) may have more sections, including an additional second heating section (Fig. 7G: #61b, [0121]). Each of the second sections (Fig. 7G: #61b) would include two first heating sub-sections (Fig. 7E: #61t3) and a second heating sub-section (Fig. 7E: #61t4). The second first heating sub-section (Fig. 7E: #61t3) is disposed adjacent to the second heating sub-section (Fig. 7E: #61t4) and extends in different directions along the heating path towards the second first heating section (Fig. 7G: #61c).
(ii) Yang further teaches wherein the second heating section (Fig. 7G: #61b) comprising the sub-sections and the second first heating section (Fig 7G: #61c) may or may not be parallel [0116-0117]. The two first heating sub-sections (Fig. 7E: #61t3) extend in substantially similar directions along the heating circuit. (iii) The second first heating sub-section (Fig. 7E: #61t3) of the second heating section (Fig. 7G: #61b) connects to the second heating sub-section (Fig. 7E: #61t4) of the second heating section (Fig. 7G: #61b) to the second first heating section (Fig. 7G: #61c). Modified Yang teaches all the limitations of the claims as set forth above, however modified Yang is silent to:
wherein a second of the at least two first heating sub-portions of the at least two second heating portions extends orthogonal to the second heating sub-portion of the first of the at least two second heating portions and orthogonal to a second of the at least two first heating portions
wherein the first and second of the at least two first heating sub-portions of the first of the at least two second heating portions are parallel to one another
PNG
media_image6.png
314
300
media_image6.png
Greyscale
Zhou teaches a heating body (Fig. 3: #23) having sections that are arranged in rectangular paths, teaching segments that extend orthogonally relative to other segments and parallel relative to opposing segments. One of ordinary skill in the art would have found it obvious to modify the sub-section geometry of Yang to adopt the rectangularly shaped heating body of Zhou with orthogonal and parallel sections to prolong service life of the heating body and enable unform atomization [0042].
Therefore, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art to modify the first and second heating sub-portions of Yang to wherein a second of the at least two first heating sub-portions of the at least two second heating portions extends orthogonal to the second heating sub-portion of the first of the at least two second heating portions and orthogonal to a second of the at least two first heating portions and wherein the first and second of the at least two first heating sub-portions of the first of the at least two second heating portions are parallel to one another because both Yang and Zhou are directed to improving uniform heating in heating bodies. Zhou teaches a heating body with orthogonal and parallel heating segments to prolong service life of the heating body and enable unform atomization [0042] and this merely involves combining prior art elements according to known heating techniques to yield predictable results.
PNG
media_image3.png
214
246
media_image3.png
Greyscale
PNG
media_image9.png
260
255
media_image9.png
Greyscale
With regard to Claim 21, Yang teaches wherein (i) the two first heating portions (Fig. 7G: #61a & #61c) may be parallel to one another [0116]. (ii) Modified Yang teaches wherein the heating circuit (Fig. 7G: #61) may have more sections [0121], including an additional second heating section (Fig. 7G: #61b). Each of the second sections (Fig. 7G: #61b) would include two first heating sub-sections (Fig. 7E: #61t3) and a second heating sub-section (Fig. 7E: #61t4). Each second heating section (Fig. 7G: #61b), comprising second heating sub-sections (Fig. 7E: #61t4), occurs sequentially along the heating path formed by the heating body. The two first heating sub-sections (Fig. 7E: #61t3) and the second heating sub-portions (Fig. 7E: #61t4) extend in different non-parallel directions [0116-0117].
(iii) When multiple second heating sections are included [0121], one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that in this heating structure, the straight heating segments determine the spacing between the bending portions of the heating circuit. Thus, alternating second heating sub-sections (Fig. 7E: #61t4) occur along the heating circuit and are separated by segments extending between the two first heating portions (Fig. 7G: #61a and #61c). Modified Yang teaches all the limitations of the claims as set forth above, however modified Yang is silent to:
wherein the second heating sub-portions of the at least two second heating portions are parallel to one another and orthogonal to the at least two first heating portion
PNG
media_image6.png
314
300
media_image6.png
Greyscale
Zhou teaches a heating body (Fig. 3: #23) having sections that are arranged in rectangular paths, teaching segments that extend orthogonally relative to other segments and parallel relative to opposing segments. One of ordinary skill in the art would have found it obvious to modify the sub-section geometry of Yang to adopt the rectangularly shaped heating body of Zhou with orthogonal and parallel sections taught to prolong service life of the heating body and enable unform atomization [0042].
Therefore, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art to modify the first and second heating sub-portions of Yang to wherein the second heating sub-portions of the at least two second heating portions are parallel to one another and orthogonal to the at least two first heating portion because both Yang and Zhou are directed to improving uniform heating in heating bodies. Zhou teaches a heating body with orthogonal and parallel heating segments to prolong service life of the heating body and enable unform atomization [0042] and this merely involves combining prior art elements according to known heating techniques to yield predictable results.
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to OLUWATOSIN O DIYAN whose telephone number is (571)270-0789. The examiner can normally be reached Monday-Thursday 8:30 am - 6 pm.
Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice.
If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Philip Louie can be reached at 571-270-1241. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
Information regarding the status of published or unpublished applications may be obtained from Patent Center. Unpublished application information in Patent Center is available to registered users. To file and manage patent submissions in Patent Center, visit: https://patentcenter.uspto.gov. Visit https://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/patent-center for more information about Patent Center and https://www.uspto.gov/patents/docx for information about filing in DOCX format. For additional questions, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000.
/O.O.D./Examiner, Art Unit 1755 /PHILIP Y LOUIE/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 1755