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 .
Response to Amendment/Arguments
Applicant's amendment filed on 7/8/2026 has been entered.
Claims 1, 3-7, 9, 12-14, and 16 have been amended.
Claim 8 has been cancelled.
Claims 2, 10-11, and 15 are as previously presented.
Claims 1-7 and 9-16 are still pending in this application, with claims 1, 12-14, and 16 being independent.
This amendment overcomes the 4/9/2026 rejections under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) of claims 12 and 16. This amendment overcomes the 4/9/2026 rejections under 35 U.S.C. 103 of claims 2-7, 10-11, and 13-15. New/updated 103 rejections have been presented below.
The apparatus claims are directed towards a PCB/circuit of an induction heating apparatus [claims 14-15 not explicitly reciting any PCB/circuit limitations]. Applicant’s arguments seem to be directed towards an intended use of the apparatus [i.e., the PCB for use in a manufacturing method, the PCB configured so as allow connection to different rated voltages; p. 8 “As an initial matter, a core of the present invention lies in enabling induction heating apparatuses for different rated voltages (e.g., 220 V and 110 V) to be manufactured through a single, common PCB process.”], and since a recitation of the intended use of the claimed invention must result in a structural difference between the claimed invention and the prior art in order to patentably distinguish the claimed invention from the prior art, Applicant’s arguments regarding the respective 102/103 rejections of the independent claims in view of Shoji and Youngho are not persuasive [p. 9: “A critical point is that the jumper element (and the inductor element) is not a wiring pattern integrally formed on the PCB, but a discrete component coupled to the PCB.”], and maintains the prior art, in combination, discloses the limitations of the instant claims, the claims describing known modifications to make to circuits of induction heating apparatuses. In this case, substituting Shoji’s a wire/short connection between two nodes with an open connection, thereby allowing conventional discrete components to be coupled therebetween, would be an obvious modification to make to a PHOSITA, e.g., as development board, to test different connecting elements, such as different wires/switches, or to provide adjustability (MPEP 2144.04(V.)(D.)). If the prior art structure is capable of performing the intended use, then it meets the claim; i.e., the prior art also suggests a method of manufacturing an inducting heating apparatus using the PCB of Shoji, Britton, and Youngho, e.g., unused developmental boards repurposed and used in production.
Applicant’s arguments regarding amended claim 13 are not persuasive [p. 9: “Claim 13 is therefore additionally amended to recite "wherein no capacitor is connected in parallel with the first capacitor and the second capacitor," providing a further clear point of distinction over Shoji..”], as presented in the new 103 rejection below [i.e., an obvious design choice to try with a reasonable expectation of success, e.g., in view of MPEP 2144.04(II.)(A.) and evidenced by Youngho].
Applicant’s arguments regarding amended claim 16 are not persuasive [p. 9: “…Youngho, Britton, and Kornrumpf do not cure these defects.”], as presented in the new 103 rejection below.
Claim Interpretation
The claims are directed towards an induction cooking apparatus [paras. 1-4], wherein the written description describes a method of manufacturing the apparatus such that the apparatus is capable of adapting to different household/domestic rated voltages used in different countries [paras. 5-7: “Since different rated voltages are used for each country, the specifications of heating coils are set to correspond to the rated voltage when manufacturing induction heating apparatuses… One aspect of the disclosure provides a method of manufacturing an induction heating apparatus capable of adapting to a rated voltage without changing a circuit configuration. One aspect of the disclosure provides an induction heating apparatus capable of adapting to a rated voltage without changing a circuit configuration.”], wherein the written description clearly redefines claim terms [para. 56: “The terms, such as “~ part”, “~ device”, “~block”, “~member”,”~ module”, and the like may refer to a unit for processing at least one function or act. For example, the terms may refer to at least process processed by at least one hardware, such as field-programmable gate array (FPGA)/ application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), software stored in memories, or processors.”]:
“node” is used by the claims to indicate an electrical coupling portion [i.e., a portion of a circuit for connecting electrical components, e.g., pins of electrical components, mounting holes/vias of circuit boards; fig. 4; para. 90: “The resonant circuit 2 may include a first node N1, a second node N2, a third node N3, and a fourth node N4.”]
“power supply module” is used by the claims to indicate a conventional power supply [i.e., connection to an AC power supply (e.g., a domestic grid supply of a rated voltage of either 100V-120V or 220V-240V) and components for converting the AC power (e.g., a rectifier); fig. 4; paras. 74-78: “Referring to FIG. 4, a resonant circuit 2 may include a power supply module 20. The power supply module 20 may include a power supply ES and a rectifier 210. The power supply ES is an AC power supply ES, and may provide a power supply ES corresponding to a rated voltage. For example, the power supply ES may be an alternating current (AC) power supply having a first rated voltage, or an AC power supply having a second rated voltage. In this case, the first rated voltage and the second rated voltage are different from each other, and satisfy a condition that the first rated voltage is less than the second rated voltage. For example, the first rated voltage may correspond to a range of 100V to 120V, and the second rated voltage may correspond to a range of 220V to 240V, but examples of the first rated voltage and the second rated voltage are not limited thereto.”]
“bypass part” is used by the claims to indicate two portions of the circuit that are configured to
allow coupling of conventional electrical components thereto (i.e., to each portion), specifically including therebetween (i.e., between the two portions) [i.e., two nodes/terminals of the circuit; para. 94: “The first, second, or third bypass part B1, B2, or B3 may refer to a part electrically separating two nodes on a circuit board.” or
allow maintaining electrical separation therebetween [para. 118: “In addition, when it is intended to manufacture the first induction heating apparatus (110V in operation 1000), the manufacturer may not couple any element to the second bypass part B2. Accordingly, the first node N1 and the second node N2 may be electrically separated from each other.”]
and the conventional practice of electrically connecting two nodes/terminals of a circuit; para. 112: “Since the resonant circuit 2 according to an embodiment includes the first bypass part B1, the second bypass part B2, and the third bypass part B3, the manufacturer of the induction heating apparatus 1 may manufacture the induction heating apparatus 1 satisfying different rated voltage conditions by coupling appropriate electronic elements to the first bypass part B1, the second bypass part B2, and the third bypass part B3. Notably, the manufacturer can manufacture the induction heating apparatus 1 without changing the underlying circuitry of the resonant circuit 2.”]
Regarding the bypass part allowing the coupling of appropriate electronic elements without changing the underlying circuitry, the applicant is advised that it has been held by the courts that the mere fact that a given structure is integral does not preclude its consisting of various elements, and that constructing a formerly integral structure in various portions involves only routine skill in the art. See MPEP 2144.04(V.)(C.). In this case, e.g., a PHOSITA it would consider it desirable to be able to replace damaged components.
“switching element” is used by the claims to indicate conventional semiconductor switches [fig. 4; para. 84: “The first switching element SW1 and the second switching element SW2 may be implemented as a three-terminal semiconductor device switch having a fast response speed so as to be turned on/off at a high speed. For example, the first switching element SW1 and the second switching element SW2 may be provided as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET), an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) or a thyristor.”].
“inductor element” is used by the claims to indicate an inductor [i.e., an element having inductance; fig. 6; para. 117: “In this case, the inductor element L may refer to an element having inductance.”]
“jumper element” is used by the claims to indicate a conventional electrical connection [i.e., electrically conductive wire/trace/cable; para. 117: “The jumper element J may refer to an element for electrically connecting nodes at both ends of the bypass part. For example, the jumper element J can include a conductive wire and/or conductive jumper cable. The conductive wire and/or conductive jumper cable can include, for example, a metal, a metal alloy, a nonmetal conductive material (e.g., graphite), or a combination thereof.”]
“visual indicator” is used by the claims to indicate conventional markings [i.e., symbols arranged on a surface for guiding the manufacturing process, e.g., to indicate to a person assembling the circuit which components should be attached; fig. 9; paras. 146-156: “FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of a printed circuit board on which a resonant circuit is formed according to an embodiment…The visual indicators ID1 and ID2 may include letters, figures, symbols, numbers, or a combination thereof…The present disclosure may prevent mistakes in designing the resonant circuit 2 when the manufacturer of the induction heating apparatus 1 is a person rather than a machine.”]
“voltage detector” is used by the claims to indicate a conventional voltage sensor [para. 165: “Any component (e.g., a voltage sensor) capable of detecting an input voltage may be employed as the voltage detector VD without limitation. In addition, the location of the voltage detector VD may be provided without limitation as long as it is a location capable of detecting the input voltage.”]
Claim Objections
Claim 12 is objected to because of the following informalities: In order to avoid any possible antecedent issues, “an inductor element coupled to the first bypass part of the PCB and connecting first terminal and the first node” should be “an inductor element coupled to the first bypass part of the PCB and connecting the first terminal and the first node”. Appropriate correction is required.
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.
Claims 1-7, 9-10, and 13 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Shoji (JP 2020053137 A) in view of Britton (US 20100155106 A1) and Youngho (KR 20210060952 A).
Regarding claim 1,
Shoji discloses:
An induction heating apparatus [electromagnetic induction heating device 100; para. 0008: “To achieve the above objectives, the electromagnetic induction heating device of the present invention comprises a heating coil for inductively heating an object to be heated…”; see annotated fig. 1 below] comprising:
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a [fig. 1; para. 0010: “Figure 1 shows the power control characteristics of the electromagnetic induction heating device.”] including:
a first node [see fig. 1 showing a right hand end of inductor 41 (i.e., a pin of the inductor) as a first node electrically connected to switching element 5a and switching element 5b], a second node [see fig. 1 showing an upper end of switching element 5a (i.e., a pin of the semiconductor switch) as a second node electrically connected to diode 6a], a third node [see fig. 1 showing a third node electrically connected to diode 6a, diode 6b, and heating coil 11], and a fourth node [see fig. 1 showing a right end of heating coil 11 as a fourth node electrically connected by wire to capacitor 13a, and capacitor 13b];
a power supply module having a first terminal and a second terminal [see fig. 1 showing rectifier circuit 2 as the power supply module, the rectifier circuit 2 having a first terminal and a second terminal, wherein the first terminal is coupled to a chopper inductor 41; para. 0012];
a first bypass part formed between the first terminal and the first node , the first terminal and the first node being electrically separated from each other by the first bypass part [see fig. 1 showing the first terminal and the first node, wherein the first terminal and the first node are each configured to allow for electrical connections, and thus allows for selective coupling or omission of electrical components therebetween];
a second bypass part formed between the first node and the second node, the first node and the second node being electrically separated from each other by the second bypass part [see fig. 1 showing the first node and the second node, wherein the first node and the second node are each configured to allow for electrical connections, and thus allows for selective coupling or omission of electrical components therebetween];
a third bypass part formed between the first node and the third node, the first node and the third node being electrically separated from each other by the third bypass part [see fig. 1 showing the first node and the third node, wherein the first node and the third node are each configured to allow for electrical connections, and thus allows for selective coupling or omission of electrical components therebetween];
a first switching element connected to the second node and the third node [switching element 5a];
a second switching element connected to the third node and the second terminal [switching element 5b]; and
a heating coil connected between the third node and the fourth node [heating coil 11],
wherein according to a rated voltage of the power supply module [the rated voltage of a commercial AC power source; para. 0008: “…rectifying the AC voltage of a commercial AC power source…”],
one of an inductor element and a first jumper element is configured to be coupled to the first bypass part [see fig. 1 showing inductor 41 and wire electrically connecting the first terminal and the first node], and
a second jumper element [i.e., wire/trace] is configured to be coupled to
the third bypass part [see fig. 1, showing the first node electrically connected to the third node by wire/trace, i.e., a parallel connection of the switching elements 5a/5b (relative to the power supply].
Shoji, in the embodiment of the heating device of figure 1, similar to the arrangement shown in instant figures 6 and 13, discloses the switching elements arranged in a parallel connection. Shoji also discloses an alternative example in figures 5 and 11, similar to the arrangement shown in instant figures 7 and 14, wherein the switching elements are arranged in a series connection.
Examiner notes that it has been held that the fact that an inventor has recognized another advantage which would flow naturally from following the suggestion of the prior art cannot be the basis for patentability when the differences would otherwise be obvious. See MPEP 2134(II.).
However, although Shoji describes a conventional circuit comprising known semiconductor components and the conventional practice of converting a commercial AC power supply, Shoji does not explicitly disclose wherein the circuit is manufactured on a printed circuit board (PCB); and Shoji does not disclose the apparatus of figure 1 is capable of adapting to different household/domestic rated voltages, specifically, Shoji does not disclose, wherein according to the rated voltage of the power supply module the second jumper element is configured to be connected to one selected from the second bypass part and the third bypass part.
Britton, in the same field of endeavor, teaches the conventional practice of forming circuits on a PCB [paras. 0002-5: “Aspects of the present disclosure relate to printed circuit boards and testing of the same. More particularly, aspects may involve a method and apparatus for intentionally differentiating a portion of a printed circuit board to create an optical indicator on the board when a component may be missing or improperly mounted on the board… Printed circuit boards, for example, may include anywhere from a few surface-mounted components to tens of thousands of such components on a single board. Further, as the demand for smaller and smaller computing devices has increased, surface-mounted components on printed circuit boards have begun to decrease in size beyond that of normal human vision.”].
Youngho, in the same field of endeavor, teaches a power conversion device comprising conventional switches [switches S1-1, S1-2, S2-1, S2-2 of switching circuit 140; fig. 6] capable of supplying stable power to a load regardless of different magnitudes of AC voltage supplied [para. 0001; para. 0040: “…For example, the input power (10) may be an AC power of 120[Vrms], an AC power of 240 [Vrms]…”] according to a measurement of the input voltage [para. 0073: “Meanwhile, the power conversion device (100) may further include a voltage sensor (160) connected to the output terminal of the input power source (10) to measure the voltage of the input power source (10). The voltage sensor (160) can provide a measured value (Vin) to the control unit (150), and the control unit (150) can control the switching circuit (140) according to the measured value (Vin).”].
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the invention, to modify the induction heating apparatus of Shoji by
forming the circuit on a PCB, since Britton teaches this allows mass production, wherein tens of thousands of components may be mounted on a single board [paras. 0002-5]; and
including structure for adapting to different supplied rated voltages, specifically according to a measurement of the rated voltage the power supply module, as taught by Youngho, since this would supply stable power to the heating coil.
Regarding the limitation requiring the second jumper element be configured to be connected to one selected from the second bypass part and the third bypass part:
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time the invention was made to provide means for adjusting the connection arrangement of the switching elements, since it has been held that the provision of adjustability, where needed, involves only ordinary skill in the art. See MPEP 2144.04(V.)(D.). In this case, since Shoji discloses the need for both a parallel and a series connection, a PHOSITA would have been motivated to incorporate conventional electrical components enabling either arrangement, thus the inclusion of a second jumper element connected to the second bypass part would have been obvious.
Regarding limitations to the arrangement/placement of conventional circuit components (e.g., inductors, diodes, capacitors, switches, etc.), in view of Shoji evidencing that these components yield predictable results at least in an inductive heating process, since it has been held by the courts that a change in shape or configuration, without any criticality in operation of the device, is nothing more than one of numerous shapes that one of ordinary skill in the art will find obvious to provide based on the suitability for the intended final application. See MPEP 2144.04(VI.)(C.). In this case, selecting the arrangement of any capacitors, inductors, switches, jumpers, diodes, relative to an inductive heating coil and the corresponding switching element driver, would have been an obvious matter of design choice as necessitated by the specific requirements of a given application, e.g., according to the desired heat response of the heating coil, according to supplied voltages, according to the parameters of electrical components in the circuit.
Regarding claim 2, Shoji in view of Britton and Youngho discloses the induction heating apparatus of claim 1.
Shoji as modified by Britton and Youngho discloses:
wherein the rated voltage is a first rated voltage or a second rated voltage, and the first rated voltage is lower than the second rated voltage [Youngho discloses a first rated voltage of 120V and a second rated voltage of 240V; para. 0079: “More specifically, the input power (10) may be an AC voltage of a first size or an AC voltage of a second size that is twice the first size. For example, the input power supply (10) may be an AC voltage of 120[Vrms] or an AC voltage of 240[Vrms].”].
Regarding claim 3, Shoji in view of Britton and Youngho discloses the induction heating apparatus of claim 2.
Shoji as modified by Britton and Youngho discloses:
wherein in response to the rated voltage being the first rated voltage, the inductor element is configured to be coupled to the first bypass part of the PCB, and the second jumper element is configured to be coupled to the third bypass part of the PCB from between the first node and the third node [i.e., a parallel arrangement of switching elements, see Shoji fig. 1].
In this case, selecting a particular arrangement of switching elements according to a supplied rated voltage would have flown naturally to one of ordinary skill in the art as necessitated by the specific requirements of a given application, e.g., according to the desired heat response of the heating coil, according to the parameters of electrical components in the circuit.
Regarding claim 4, Shoji in view of Britton and Youngho discloses the induction heating apparatus of claim 2.
Shoji as modified by Britton and Youngho discloses:
wherein in response to the rated voltage being the second rated voltage, the first jumper element is configured to be coupled to the first bypass part of the PCB, and the second jumper element is configured to be coupled to the second bypass part of the PCB from between the first node and the second node [i.e., a series arrangement of switching elements, see Shoji fig. 5, wherein a wire/trace connects the upper pin of switching element 5a (i.e., the second node) to the output of the rectifier (i.e., the first terminal)].
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In this case, selecting a particular arrangement of switching elements according to a supplied rated voltage would have flown naturally to one of ordinary skill in the art as necessitated by the specific requirements of a given application, e.g., according to the desired heat response of the heating coil, according to the parameters of electrical components in the circuit.
Regarding Shoji’s chopper inductor 41, Examiner notes that it has been held by the courts that the omission of an element if the function of the element is not desired requires only ordinary skill in the art. See MPEP 2144.04(II.)(A.).
Regarding claim 5, Shoji in view of Britton and Youngho discloses the induction heating apparatus of claim 1.
Shoji as modified by Britton and Youngho discloses:
wherein the PCB further includes:
a first capacitor connected between the second node and the fourth node [Shoji, fig. 1: capacitor 13a]; and
a second capacitor connected to the fourth node and the second terminal [Shoji, fig. 1: capacitor 13b].
Regarding claim 6, Shoji in view of Britton and Youngho discloses the induction heating apparatus of claim 5.
Shoji as modified by Britton and Youngho discloses:
wherein the PCB selectively includes a third capacitor configured to connect the second node to the second terminal according to the rated voltage of the power supply module [see Shoji figs. 1, 5: smoothing capacitor 44].
In this case, selecting a third capacitor according to a supplied rated voltage would have flown naturally to one of ordinary skill in the art as necessitated by the specific requirements of a given application, e.g., according to the desired heat response of the heating coil, according to the parameters of electrical components in the circuit (e.g., according to the effects of a smoothing capacitor; Shoji para. 0008).
Regarding claim 7, Shoji in view of Britton and Youngho discloses the induction heating apparatus of claim 6.
Shoji as modified by Britton and Youngho discloses:
wherein in response to the rated voltage being the first rated voltage, the PCB includes the third capacitor, and in response to the rated voltage being the second rated voltage greater than the first rated voltage, the PCB excludes the third capacitor.
In this case, selecting a particular arrangement of capacitors according to a supplied rated voltage would have flown naturally to one of ordinary skill in the art as necessitated by the specific requirements of a given application, e.g., according to the desired heat response of the heating coil, according to the parameters of electrical components in the circuit.
Regarding Shoji’s smoothing capacitor 44 as the third capacitor excluded from the circuit configuration, it has been held by the courts that the omission of an element if the function of the element is not desired requires only ordinary skill in the art. See MPEP 2144.04(II.)(A.).
Regarding claim 9, Shoji in view of Britton and Youngho discloses the induction heating apparatus of claim 1.
Shoji as modified by Britton and Youngho, specifically Britton discloses:
wherein the PCB includes at least one visual indicator for guiding a method of manufacturing the induction heating apparatus corresponding to the rated voltage [para. 0020: “To assist in the detection of a missing component on the PCB 100, the visible color or non-visible differentiation indicator 110 may be applied to the PCB 100 underneath the expected placement of the surface-mounted components of the PCB such that the indicator be noticeable when the component is missing.”].
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the invention, to include at least one visual indicator, since Britton teaches assists in the detection of a missing component [para. 0020].
Regarding claim 10, Shoji in view of Britton and Youngho discloses the induction heating apparatus of claim 1.
Shoji further discloses:
wherein the power supply module includes a rectifier connected to an alternating current (AC) power supply [fig. 1: rectifier circuit 2], and
a direct current (DC) voltage rectified by the rectifier is applied to the first terminal [para. 0012: “This rectifier circuit 2 outputs a rectified DC voltage obtained by rectifying the commercial AC voltage.”].
Regarding claim 13,
Shoji discloses:
An induction heating apparatus [electromagnetic induction heating device 100; para. 0008: “To achieve the above objectives, the electromagnetic induction heating device of the present invention comprises a heating coil for inductively heating an object to be heated…”; see annotated fig. 1 above] comprising:
a first node [see fig. 1 showing a right hand end of inductor 41 (i.e., a pin of the inductor) as a first node electrically connected to switching element 5a and switching element 5b], a second node [see fig. 1 showing an upper end of switching element 5a (i.e., a pin of the semiconductor switch) as a second node electrically connected to diode 6a], a third node [see fig. 1 showing a third node electrically connected to diode 6a, diode 6b, and heating coil 11], and a fourth node [see fig. 1 showing a right end of heating coil 11 as a fourth node electrically connected by wire to capacitor 13a, and capacitor 13b];
a power supply module having a first terminal and a second terminal [see fig. 1 showing rectifier circuit 2 as the power supply module, the rectifier circuit 2 having a first terminal and a second terminal, wherein the first terminal is coupled to a chopper inductor 41; para. 0012];
a first bypass part formed between the first terminal and the first node, the first terminal and the first node being electrically separated from each other by the first bypass part [see fig. 1 showing the first terminal and the first node, wherein the first terminal and the first node are each configured to allow for electrical connections, and thus allows for selective coupling or omission of electrical components therebetween];
a second bypass part formed between the first node and the second node, the first node and the second node being electrically separated from each other by the second bypass part [see fig. 1 showing the first node and the second node, wherein the first node and the second node are each configured to allow for electrical connections, and thus allows for selective coupling or omission of electrical components therebetween];
a third bypass part formed between the first node and the third node, the first node and the third node being electrically separated from each other by the third bypass part [see fig. 1 showing the first node and the third node, wherein the first node and the third node are each configured to allow for electrical connections, and thus allows for selective coupling or omission of electrical components therebetween];
a first switching element connected to the second node and the third node [switching element 5a];
a second switching element connected to the third node and the second terminal [switching element 5b];
a first capacitor connected to the second node and the fourth node [fig. 1: capacitor 13a]; and
a second capacitor connected to the fourth node and the second terminal [fig. 1: capacitor 13b];
a first jumper element coupled to the second bypass part [see fig. 1, showing a wire/trace connecting the first terminal to the first node, via chopper inductor 41];
Regarding Shoji’s chopper inductor 41, Examiner notes that it has been held by the courts that the omission of an element if the function of the element is not desired requires only ordinary skill in the art. See MPEP 2144.04(II.)(A.).
a heating coil connected between the third node and the fourth node [heating coil 11],
wherein no capacitor is connected in parallel with the first capacitor and the second capacitor [In this case, it would be obvious to omit Shoji’s chopper 44, since that it has been held by the courts that the omission of an element if the function of the element is not desired requires only ordinary skill in the art. See MPEP 2144.04(II.)(A.)].
Shoji, in the embodiment of the heating device of figure 1, similar to the arrangement shown in instant figures 6 and 13, discloses the switching elements arranged in a parallel connection. Shoji also discloses an alternative example in figures 5 and 11, similar to the arrangement shown in instant figures 7 and 14, wherein the switching elements are arranged in a series connection.
Examiner notes that it has been held that the fact that an inventor has recognized another advantage which would flow naturally from following the suggestion of the prior art cannot be the basis for patentability when the differences would otherwise be obvious. See MPEP 2134(II.).
However, although Shoji describes a conventional circuit comprising known semiconductor components and a jumper element connecting the first terminal to an upper portion of switching element 5a [see fig. 5 above], Shoji does not explicitly disclose wherein the circuit is manufactured on a printed circuit board (PCB) and a second jumper element connecting the first node to the second node.
Britton, in the same field of endeavor, teaches the conventional practice of forming circuits on a PCB [paras. 0002-5: “Aspects of the present disclosure relate to printed circuit boards and testing of the same. More particularly, aspects may involve a method and apparatus for intentionally differentiating a portion of a printed circuit board to create an optical indicator on the board when a component may be missing or improperly mounted on the board… Printed circuit boards, for example, may include anywhere from a few surface-mounted components to tens of thousands of such components on a single board. Further, as the demand for smaller and smaller computing devices has increased, surface-mounted components on printed circuit boards have begun to decrease in size beyond that of normal human vision.”].
Youngho, in the same field of endeavor, teaches that a power conversion device may be modified such that its components may be added, changed, or deleted, as required by the given application [para. 0038: “Referring to FIG. 2, a power conversion device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a rectifier circuit (110), a voltage distribution circuit (120), a DC link capacitor (C<sub>DC</sub>), a switching circuit (140), and a control unit (150). The power conversion device (100) illustrated in FIG. 2 is according to one embodiment, and its components are not limited to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, and some components may be added, changed, or deleted as needed.”].
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the invention, to modify the induction heating apparatus of Shoji by forming the circuit on a PCB, since Britton teaches this allows mass production, wherein tens of thousands of components may be mounted on a single board [paras. 0002-5]; and since, in view of Shoji teaching both parallel and series arrangements for the switching elements, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the invention, to modify the induction heating apparatus of Shoji by including a second jumper element connecting the first node to the second node, since selecting the arrangement of any capacitors [e.g., wherein no capacitor is connected in parallel with the first capacitor and the second capacitor], inductors, switches, jumpers, diodes, relative to an inductive heating coil and the corresponding switching element driver, would have been an obvious matter of design choice as necessitated by the specific requirements of a given application, e.g., according to the desired heat response of the heating coil, according to supplied voltages, according to the parameters of electrical components in the circuit.
Claim 11 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Shoji (JP 2020053137 A) in view of Britton (US 20100155106 A1) and Youngho (KR 20210060952 A) as applied to claim 1 above, and further in view of Kornrumpf (US 3697716 A).
Regarding claim 11, Shoji in view of Britton and Youngho discloses the induction heating apparatus of claim 1.
However, Shoji as modified by Britton and Youngho does not explicitly disclose:
wherein the second terminal is connected to a ground node.
Kornrumpf, in the same field of endeavor, teaches a terminal of a rectifier connected to ground [figs. 4, 7: rectifier 13].
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the invention, to modify the induction heating apparatus of Shoji, Britton and Youngho such that the second terminal is connected to a ground node, since Kornrumpf teaches this improves user safety [col. 7, lines 41-50: “The extremely practical effect of providing a continuous ground of high integrity by using the power distribution system neutral, and positioning the induction heating coil in the inverter circuit to connect directly to the grounded neutral, is that there is less danger of electrical leakage current through the user to ground. Further, high frequency leakage is minimized since the high frequency system ground is common to the direct voltage ground.”].
Claims 12 and 16 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Shoji (JP 2020053137 A) in view of Britton (US 20100155106 A1).
Regarding claim 12,
Shoji discloses:
An induction heating apparatus [electromagnetic induction heating device 100; para. 0008: “To achieve the above objectives, the electromagnetic induction heating device of the present invention comprises a heating coil for inductively heating an object to be heated…”; see annotated fig. 1 above] comprising:
a first node [see fig. 1 showing a right hand end of inductor 41 (i.e., a pin of the inductor) as a first node electrically connected to switching element 5a and switching element 5b], a second node [see fig. 1 showing an upper end of switching element 5a (i.e., a pin of the semiconductor switch) as a second node electrically connected to diode 6a], a third node [see fig. 1 showing a third node electrically connected to diode 6a, diode 6b, and heating coil 11], and a fourth node [see fig. 1 showing a right end of heating coil 11 as a fourth node electrically connected by wire to capacitor 13a, and capacitor 13b];
a power supply module having a first terminal and a second terminal [see fig. 1 showing rectifier circuit 2 as the power supply module, the rectifier circuit 2 having a first terminal and a second terminal, wherein the first terminal is coupled to a chopper inductor 41; para. 0012];
a first bypass part formed between the first terminal and the first node , the first terminal and the first node being electrically separated from each other by the first bypass part [see fig. 1 showing the first terminal and the first node, wherein the first terminal and the first node are each configured to allow for electrical connections, and thus allows for selective coupling or omission of electrical components therebetween];
a second bypass part formed between the first node and the second node, the first node and the second node being electrically separated from each other by the second bypass part [see fig. 1 showing the first node and the second node, wherein the first node and the second node are each configured to allow for electrical connections, and thus allows for selective coupling or omission of electrical components therebetween];
a third bypass part formed between the first node and the third node, the first node and the third node being electrically separated from each other by the third bypass part [see fig. 1 showing the first node and the third node, wherein the first node and the third node are each configured to allow for electrical connections, and thus allows for selective coupling or omission of electrical components therebetween];
a first switching element connected to the second node and the third node [switching element 5a];
a second switching element connected to the third node and the second terminal [switching element 5b];
a first capacitor connected to the second node and the fourth node [fig. 1: capacitor 13a];
a second capacitor connected to the fourth node and the second terminal [fig. 1: capacitor 13b]; and
a third capacitor connected to the second node and the second terminal [fig. 1 smoothing capacitor 44];
an inductor element coupled to the first bypass part[inductor 41];
a jumper element coupled to the third bypass part o[see fig. 1 showing wire electrically connecting the first node to the third node];
a heating coil connected between the third node and the fourth node [heating coil 11].
However, although Shoji describes a conventional circuit comprising known semiconductor components, Shoji does not explicitly disclose:
wherein the circuit is manufactured on a printed circuit board (PCB).
Britton, in the same field of endeavor, teaches the conventional practice of forming circuits on a PCB [paras. 0002-5: “Aspects of the present disclosure relate to printed circuit boards and testing of the same. More particularly, aspects may involve a method and apparatus for intentionally differentiating a portion of a printed circuit board to create an optical indicator on the board when a component may be missing or improperly mounted on the board… Printed circuit boards, for example, may include anywhere from a few surface-mounted components to tens of thousands of such components on a single board. Further, as the demand for smaller and smaller computing devices has increased, surface-mounted components on printed circuit boards have begun to decrease in size beyond that of normal human vision.”].
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the invention, to form the circuit on a PCB, since Britton teaches this allows mass production, wherein tens of thousands of components may be mounted on a single board [paras. 0002-5].
Regarding claim 16,
Shoji discloses:
[electromagnetic induction heating device 100; para. 0008: “To achieve the above objectives, the electromagnetic induction heating device of the present invention comprises a heating coil for inductively heating an object to be heated…”; see annotated fig. 1 above] comprising:
a first node [see fig. 1 showing a right hand end of inductor 41 (i.e., a pin of the inductor) as a first node electrically connected to switching element 5a and switching element 5b], a second node [see fig. 1 showing an upper end of switching element 5a (i.e., a pin of the semiconductor switch) as a second node electrically connected to diode 6a], a third node [see fig. 1 showing a third node electrically connected to diode 6a, diode 6b, and heating coil 11], and a fourth node [see fig. 1 showing a right end of heating coil 11 as a fourth node electrically connected by wire to capacitor 13a, and capacitor 13b];
a power supply module having a first terminal and a second terminal [see fig. 1 showing rectifier circuit 2 as the power supply module, the rectifier circuit 2 having a first terminal and a second terminal, wherein the first terminal is coupled to a chopper inductor 41; para. 0012];
a first bypass part formed between the first terminal and the first node, the first terminal and the first node being electrically separated from each other by the first bypass part [see fig. 1 showing the first terminal and the first node, wherein the first terminal and the first node are each configured to allow for electrical connections, and thus allows for selective coupling or omission of electrical components therebetween];
a second bypass part formed between the first node and the second node, the first node and the second node being electrically separated from each other by the second bypass part [see fig. 1 showing the first node and the second node, wherein the first node and the second node are each configured to allow for electrical connections, and thus allows for selective coupling or omission of electrical components therebetween]; and
a third bypass part formed between the first node and the third node, the first node and the third node being electrically separated from each other by the third bypass part [see fig. 1 showing the first node and the third node, wherein the first node and the third node are each configured to allow for electrical connections, and thus allows for selective coupling or omission of electrical components therebetween],
wherein a heating coil is configured to be connected between the third node and the fourth node [heating coil 11].
However, although Shoji describes a conventional circuit comprising known semiconductor components, Shoji does not explicitly disclose:
wherein the circuit is manufactured on a printed circuit board (PCB).
Britton, in the same field of endeavor, teaches the conventional practice of forming circuits on a PCB [paras. 0002-5: “Aspects of the present disclosure relate to printed circuit boards and testing of the same. More particularly, aspects may involve a method and apparatus for intentionally differentiating a portion of a printed circuit board to create an optical indicator on the board when a component may be missing or improperly mounted on the board… Printed circuit boards, for example, may include anywhere from a few surface-mounted components to tens of thousands of such components on a single board. Further, as the demand for smaller and smaller computing devices has increased, surface-mounted components on printed circuit boards have begun to decrease in size beyond that of normal human vision.”].
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the invention, to form the circuit on a PCB, since Britton teaches this allows mass production, wherein tens of thousands of components may be mounted on a single board [paras. 0002-5].
Claims 14-15 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Shoji (JP 2020053137 A) in view of Youngho (KR 20210060952 A).
Regarding claim 14,
Shoji teaches:
An induction heating apparatus [electromagnetic induction heating device 100; para. 0008: “To achieve the above objectives, the electromagnetic induction heating device of the present invention comprises a heating coil for inductively heating an object to be heated…”; see annotated fig. 1 above] comprising:
a first node [see fig. 1 showing a right hand end of inductor 41 (i.e., a pin of the inductor) as a first node electrically connected to switching element 5a and switching element 5b], a second node [see fig. 1 showing an upper end of switching element 5a (i.e., a pin of the semiconductor switch) as a second node electrically connected to diode 6a], a third node [see fig. 1 showing a third node electrically connected to diode 6a, diode 6b, and heating coil 11], and a fourth node [see fig. 1 showing a right end of heating coil 11 as a fourth node electrically connected by wire to capacitor 13a, and capacitor 13b];
a power supply module having a first terminal and a second terminal, the power supply module comprising a rectifier configured to rectify an alternating current (AC) power [see fig. 1 showing rectifier circuit 2 as the power supply module, the rectifier circuit 2 having a first terminal and a second terminal, wherein the first terminal is coupled to a chopper inductor 41; para. 0012];
an inductor element connected to the first terminal and the first node [inductor 41];
a first switching element connected to the second node and the third node [switching element 5a];
a second switching element connected to the third node and the second terminal [switching element 5b];
a heating coil connected between the third node and the fourth node [heating coil 11];
a first capacitor connected to the second node and the fourth node [fig. 1: capacitor 13a];
a second capacitor connected to the fourth node and the second terminal [fig. 1: capacitor 13b];
a third capacitor connected to the second node and the second terminal [fig. 1 smoothing capacitor 44];
Shoji, in the embodiment of the heating device of figure 1, similar to the arrangement shown in instant figures 6 and 13, discloses the switching elements arranged in a parallel connection. Shoji also discloses an alternative example in figures 5 and 11, similar to the arrangement shown in instant figures 7 and 14, wherein the switching elements are arranged in a series connection.
Examiner notes that it has been held that the fact that an inventor has recognized another advantage which would flow naturally from following the suggestion of the prior art cannot be the basis for patentability when the differences would otherwise be obvious. See MPEP 2134(II.).
[in this case, providing switches between the nodes of a circuit, wherein the switches allow for, at least, the series/parallel connections of Shoji, wherein through the selected state of the switches naturally flows a supplied voltage to be either simultaneously supplied (in the parallel connection) or divided (in the series connection]
However, although Shoji describes the conventional practice of converting a commercial AC power supply, Shoji does not disclose the apparatus of figure 1 is capable of adapting to different household/domestic rated voltages. Specifically, Shoji does not explicitly disclose:
a first switch selectively connecting the first node to the second node;
a second switch selectively connecting the first node to the third node;
a voltage detector configured to detect an output voltage of the power supply module; and
a controller configured to control the first switch and the second switch based on a magnitude of the voltage detected by the voltage detector
characterized in that the first switch and the second switch part are positioned such that: when the first switch is closed and the second switch is open, the first node is shorted to the second node while all electrical connections between the first node and the third node are through the first switch; and when the second switch is closed and the first switch is open, the first node is shorted to the third node.
Youngho, in the same field of endeavor, teaches a power conversion device comprising conventional switches [switches S1-1, S1-2, S2-1, S2-2 of switching circuit 140; fig. 6] capable of supplying stable power to a load regardless of different magnitudes of AC voltage supplied [para. 0001; para. 0040: “…For example, the input power (10) may be an AC power of 120[Vrms], an AC power of 240 [Vrms]…”] according to a measurement of the input voltage by a voltage detector received by a controller [para. 0073: “Meanwhile, the power conversion device (100) may further include a voltage sensor (160) connected to the output terminal of the input power source (10) to measure the voltage of the input power source (10). The voltage sensor (160) can provide a measured value (Vin) to the control unit (150), and the control unit (150) can control the switching circuit (140) according to the measured value (Vin).”].
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the invention, to modify the induction heating apparatus of Shoji by including structure for adapting to different supplied rated voltages, specifically according to a measurement of the rated voltage the power supply module, as taught by Youngho, since this would supply stable power to the heating coil.
Regarding the limitation requiring a first switch selectively connecting the first node to the second node and a second switch selectively connecting the first node to the third node, characterized in that the first switch and the second switch part are positioned such that: when the first switch is closed and the second switch is open, the first node is shorted to the second node while all electrical connections between the first node and the third node are through the first switch; and when the second switch is closed and the first switch is open, the first node is shorted to the third node:
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time the invention was made to provide means for adjusting the connection arrangement of the switching elements, since it has been held that the provision of adjustability, where needed, involves only ordinary skill in the art. See MPEP 2144.04(V.)(D.). In this case, since Shoji discloses the need for both a parallel and a series connection, a PHOSITA would have been motivated to incorporate conventional electrical components enabling either arrangement, thus the inclusion of a second jumper element connected to the second bypass part would have been obvious.
Regarding limitations to the arrangement/placement of conventional circuit components (e.g., inductors, diodes, capacitors, switches, etc.), in view of Shoji evidencing that these components yield predictable results at least in an inductive heating process, since it has been held by the courts that a change in shape or configuration, without any criticality in operation of the device, is nothing more than one of numerous shapes that one of ordinary skill in the art will find obvious to provide based on the suitability for the intended final application. See MPEP 2144.04(VI.)(C.). In this case, selecting the arrangement of any capacitors, inductors, switches, jumpers, diodes, relative to an inductive heating coil and the corresponding switching element driver, would have been an obvious matter of design choice as necessitated by the specific requirements of a given application, e.g., according to the desired heat response of the heating coil, according to supplied voltages, according to the parameters of electrical components in the circuit.
Regarding claim 15, Shoji in view of Youngho discloses the induction heating apparatus of claim 14.
Shoji as modified by Youngho discloses:
wherein the controller is configured to:
open the first switch and close the second switch based on the magnitude of the voltage detected by the voltage detector being smaller than a reference value; and
close the first switch and open the second switch based on the magnitude of the voltage detected by the voltage detector being greater than the reference value.
In this case, in view of Youngho teaching controlling the switches according to the measurements of the voltage sensor, selecting a particular threshold value as the reference value would have been an obvious matter of design choice according to the requirements of the given application, e.g., according to desired tolerances, according to desired heating response, according to parameters of electrical components.
Conclusion
THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any nonprovisional extension fee (37 CFR 1.17(a)) pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the mailing date of this final action.
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/THEODORE J EVANGELISTA/Examiner, Art Unit 3761 /EDWARD F LANDRUM/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 3761
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