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 .
Status of the Claims
In the communication filed on 04/05/2023 claims 1-16 are pending. Claims 1, 3-4, 6, 8, 10, 12-13, and 15 are amended. Claim 1 is independent.
Specification
The title of the invention is not descriptive. A new title is required that is clearly indicative of the invention to which the claims are directed.
The following title is suggested: “A Battery Exchanging Holding Device”.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action:
A person shall be entitled to a patent unless –
(a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale, or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
(a)(2) the claimed invention was described in a patent issued under section 151, or in an application for patent published or deemed published under section 122(b), in which the patent or application, as the case may be, names another inventor and was effectively filed before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
Claims 1-2, 4-5, 12, and 15-16 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) and 102(a)(2) as being anticipated by Chen et al. (USPGPN 20160068075; identified in the Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) dated 10/29/2025).
With respect to independent claim 1, Chen teaches a holding apparatus (Fig. 2A; ¶[70]; a two-way distribution, charging, and vending system 110) that holds an electric device (Fig. 2A; portable electric energy storage device 120) including a first electric terminal (Fig. 2D; electrical coupling assembly 240).
Chen teaches a holding portion configured to hold the electric device (Fig. 2A; charging module 112 configured to hold the portable electric energy storage device 120).
Chen teaches a second electric terminal configured to be connected to the first electric terminal of the electric device held by the holding portion (Figs. 2A and 2D-2E; ¶[77-79]; a locking hub and electrical contact assembly 250 which is configured to be connected to the electrical coupling assembly 240 when the portable electric energy storage device 120 is received by the charging module 112).
Chen teaches a drive portion configured to move the second electric terminal in a direction toward the first electric terminal and/or move the second electric terminal in a direction away from the first electric terminal (Fig. 3C; ¶[87]; an actuator 340 is configured to move the locking hub and electrical contact assembly 250 in a direction towards and/or away from the electrical coupling assembly 240).
Chen teaches wherein the holding portion is formed with a shape of a bottomed tube including a bottom portion and a tubular portion (Fig. 3A; ¶[85]; the charging module 112 is formed with a shape of a bottom tube including a base 304 (i.e., a bottom portion) and surface features 308 (i.e., a tubular portion)).
Chen teaches the holding portion includes a first member that includes the bottom portion and a second member that is attached to the first member and that includes the tubular portion which surrounds an outer periphery of the electric device held in the holding portion (See annotated Fig. 3C below. The charging module 112 includes a first member that includes the base 304 and the second member is attached to the first member and includes the surface features 308 which surrounds an outer periphery (not illustrated in the annotated Fig. 3C below) of the portable electric energy storage device 120 held in the charging module 112).
Chen teaches the second electric terminal and the drive portion are attached to the first member and are supported by the first member (See annotated Fig. 3C below. The locking hub and electrical contact assembly 250 and the actuator 340 are attached to and supported by the first member).
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With respect to claim 2, Chen teaches the invention as discussed above in claim 1. Further, Chen teaches the second electric terminal and the drive portion are arranged so as to be within a range of a projection of an outer edge of the first member (Figs. 3C-3D; the assembly 250 and the actuator 340 are arranged to being within a range of a projection of an outer edge of the first member).
With respect to claim 4, Chen teaches the invention as discussed above in claim 1. Further, Chen teaches the first member includes an extending portion that is provided extending from a surface of the bottom portion that is opposite to a surface thereof that faces toward the second member; and the second electric terminal and the drive portion are attached to the extending portion (Figs. 3A and 3C; one of ordinary skill understands that the first member is integrated with an extending portion that is provided extending from a surface of the base 304 that is opposite to a surface thereof that faces toward the second member (i.e., a surface extension which permits assembly 250 to be properly seated in the bottom surface); and the assembly 250 and the actuator 340 are attached to that extending portion).
With respect to claim 5, Chen teaches the invention as discussed above in claim 4. Further, Chen teaches the extending portion is arranged so as to be within a range of a projection of an outer edge of the first member (Fig. 3C; it is understood by one of ordinary skill that the extending portion would be within a range of projection of an outer edge of the first member (i.e., an outer ring or an arm extending from first member to) in order to allow for the assembly 250 to be seated in the bottom surface in a fixed manner).
With respect to claim 12, Chen teaches the invention as discussed above in claim 1. Further, Chen teaches the first member includes, in the bottom portion, a communication path configured to allow an inside and an outside of the holding portion to communicate with each other (Fig. 3E; ¶[90]; the electrical interface 360 situated in the bottom portion provides for the bidirectional flow of signals between the charging module 112 and the distribution system controller 114 (i.e., inside and outside of the holding portion)).
With respect to claim 15, Chen teaches the invention as discussed above in claim 1. Further, Chen teaches an electronic circuit that is electrically connected to an electronic device installed in the holding portion, wherein the electronic circuit is attached to the first member and supported by the first member (Fig. 3E; the electrical interface 360 functions as an electronic device because it provides bidirectional flow of signals between the charging module 112 and the controller 114 thereby forming an electronic circuit. It is attached to the first member and supported by the first member).
With respect to claim 16, Chen teaches the invention as discussed above in claim 15. Further, Chen teaches the electronic circuit is arranged so as to be within a range of a projection of an outer edge of the first member (Fig. 3E; the electrical interface 360 is arranged so as to be withing a range of projection of an outer edge of the first member).
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
The factual inquiries for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows:
1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art.
2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue.
3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.
4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness.
This application currently names joint inventors. In considering patentability of the claims the examiner presumes that the subject matter of the various claims was commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the claimed invention(s) absent any evidence to the contrary. Applicant is advised of the obligation under 37 CFR 1.56 to point out the inventor and effective filing dates of each claim that was not commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the later invention in order for the examiner to consider the applicability of 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) for any potential 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) prior art against the later invention.
Claim 3 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Chen et al. (USPGPN 20160068075) and further in view of Etsunagi et al. (USPGPN 20190393627; identified in the IDS dated 04/05/2023).
With respect to claim 3, Chen teaches the invention as discussed above in claim 2. Further, Chen teaches the drive portion includes a drive force transmission mechanism configured to mechanically connect the actuator and the second electric terminal, and the actuator and the drive force transmission mechanism are arranged so as to be within the range of the projection of the outer edge of the first member (Fig. 3C; the linking member 342 physically couples the actuator 340 and the assembly 250, which these are arranged to being within the range of the projection of the outer edge of the first member).
However, Chen fails to explicitly teach an electric machine configured to receive a supply of electric power and generate drive force.
Etsunagi teaches an electric machine configured to receive a supply of electric power and generate drive force (¶[46] last sentence; the connection control part 350 includes a motor which one of ordinary skill understands receives a supply of electric power and generates a driving force).
Therefore, it would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art to have adapted Etsunagi’s motor to Chen’s two-way distribution, charging, and vending system in order to have the ability to operate the actuator using a motor. The advantage of this being well known that motor operation of an actuator provides the force necessary for efficient and precise control thereby improving operation (see Etsunagi ¶[46]).
Claims 6-9 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Chen et al. (USPGPN 20160068075) and further in view of Kuramochi et al. (Japanese Patent JP-2019193325-A; identified in the IDS dated 04/05/2023).
With respect to claim 6, Chen teaches the invention as discussed above in claim 1. However, Chen fails to explicitly teach the limitations of claim 6.
Kuramochi teaches an abutment portion configured to move integrally with the second electric terminal and a connection detecting portion configured to detect that the first electric terminal and the second electric terminal are connected, based on abutting against the abutment portion when the first electric terminal and the second electric terminal are connected (Figs. 4 and 6; ¶[24]; when terminals 32 and 12 abut the contact portions 17, 37 come in contact causing a contact sensor 38 to detect if there is a connection between the terminals).
Therefore, it would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art to have adapted Kuramochi’s connector detection method to Chen’s two-way distribution, charging, and vending system in order to have a feedback mechanism for when the terminals/connectors make or break a connection. The advantage of this being that the system would know when to initiate charging control of the battery (see Kuramochi ¶[24]).
With respect to claim 7, Chen teaches the invention as discussed above in claim 6. Further, Chen teaches the connection apparatus is arranged so as to be within a range of a projection of an outer edge of the first member (Fig. 3C; the assembly 250 which these are arranged to being within the range of the projection of the outer edge of the first member).
However, Chen fails to explicitly teach the connection detection portion.
Kuramochi teaches the connection detection portion (Figs. 4 and 6; contact sensor 38).
Therefore, it would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art to have adapted Kuramochi’s connector detection method to Chen’s two-way distribution, charging, and vending system in order to have a feedback mechanism for when the terminals/connectors make or break a connection. The advantage of this being that the system would know when to initiate charging control of the battery (see Kuramochi ¶[24]).
With respect to claim 8, Chen teaches the invention as discussed above in claim 1. However, Chen fails to explicitly teach the limitations of claim 8.
Kuramochi teaches an abutment portion configured to move integrally with the second electric terminal; and a disconnection detecting portion configured to detect that the first electric terminal and the second electric terminal are disconnected, based on abutting against the abutment portion when the first electric terminal and the second electric terminal are disconnected (Figs. 4 and 6; ¶[24]; when terminals 32 and 12 abut the contact portions 17, 37 come in contact causing a contact sensor 38 to detect if there is a disconnection between the terminals).
Therefore, it would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art to have adapted Kuramochi’s connector detection method to Chen’s two-way distribution, charging, and vending system in order to have a feedback mechanism for when the terminals/connectors make or break a connection. The advantage of this being that the system would know when to initiate charging control of the battery (see Kuramochi ¶[24]).
With respect to claim 9, Chen teaches the invention as discussed above in claim 8. Further, Chen teaches the disconnection apparatus is arranged so as to be within a range of a projection of an outer edge of the first member (Fig. 3C; the assembly 250 which these are arranged to being within the range of the projection of the outer edge of the first member).
However, Chen fails to explicitly teach the disconnection detecting portion.
Kuramochi teaches the disconnection detecting portion (Figs. 4 and 6; contact sensor 38).
Therefore, it would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art to have adapted Kuramochi’s connector detection method to Chen’s two-way distribution, charging, and vending system in order to have a feedback mechanism for when the terminals/connectors make or break a connection. The advantage of this being that the system would know when to initiate charging control of the battery (see Kuramochi ¶[24]).
Claims 10-11 and 13-14 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Chen et al. (USPGPN 20160068075) and further in view of Tsuboi (Japanese Patent JP-2000341868-A; identified in the IDS dated 12/03/2024).
With respect to claim 10, Chen teaches the invention as discussed above in claim 1. Further, Chen teaches the electric device includes a recessed portion formed to be recessed in the bottom surface (Figs. 2D and 3C; the portable electric energy storage device 120 includes a recessed portion (i.e., the recessed area containing assembly 240) formed to be recessed in the bottom surface as illustrated in Fig. 3C).
However, Chen fails to explicitly teach the holding portion includes a holding detection portion disposed on a surface, of the holding portion, that faces toward a bottom surface of the electric device, the holding detection portion being configured to detect that the electric device is held inside the holding portion, based on abutting against the bottom surface; the holding detection portion is arranged at a position that causes the holding detection portion to abut against the bottom surface when the electric device is held inside the holding portion while facing in a first direction, and also that causes the holding detection portion to be inserted into the recessed portion when the electric device is held inside the holding portion while facing in a second direction that is different from the first direction; and the holding detection portion does not abut against the bottom surface when the electric device is held inside the holding portion while facing in the second direction.
Tsuboi teaches the holding portion includes a holding detection portion disposed on a surface, of the holding portion, that faces toward a bottom surface of the electric device, the holding detection portion being configured to detect that the electric device is held inside the holding portion, based on abutting against the bottom surface (Fig. 13; ¶[15, 38]; a limit switch 56 disposed on a surface of the slot 4 wherein via linking arms faces the bottom of battery 2 and is configured to detect the battery 2 being inserted into the slot 4 based on abutting against the slots bottom surface).
Tsuboi teaches the holding detection portion is arranged at a position that causes the holding detection portion to abut against the bottom surface when the electric device is held inside the holding portion while facing in a first direction (Fig. 13; when the battery 2 is pressed against the linking arms (i.e., a first direction) the limit switch 56 (via the linking arms) abuts against the bottom surface).
Tsuboi teaches the holding detection portion does not abut against the bottom surface when the electric device is held inside the holding portion while facing in the second direction (Fig. 13; when the battery 2 is moved away from the linking arms (i.e., a second direction) the limit switch 56 does not abut against the bottom surface).
Chen discloses the claimed invention except for also that causes the holding detection portion to be inserted into the recessed portion when the electric device is held inside the holding portion while facing in a second direction that is different from the first direction. It would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art at the time the invention was made to place the holding detection portion in a manner in which it displaces into or out of the recessed portion of the electric device when the electric device is moved into or out of holding portion, since it has been held that choosing from a finite number of identified, predictable solutions, with a reasonable expectation of success is obvious. The advantage to this modification being a user could easily insert the battery into the holding apparatus (see ¶[07] of Tsuboi) by adapting a holding detection portion into the recessed region.
With respect to claim 11, Chen teaches the invention as discussed above in claim 10. Further, Chen teaches the holding portion apparatus is arranged so as to be within a range of a projection of an outer edge of the first member (Fig. 3C; the assembly 250 which these are arranged to being within the range of the projection of the outer edge of the first member).
However, Chen fails to explicitly teach the holding detection portion.
Tsuboi teaches the holding detection portion (Fig. 13; limit switch 56).
Therefore, it would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art to have adapted Tsuboi’s holding detection portion (i.e., limit switch) to Chen’s two-way distribution, charging, and vending system in order to have a feedback mechanism for when the battery is inserted into the holding device. The advantage to this modification being a user could easily insert the battery into the holding apparatus (see ¶[07] of Tsuboi) by adapting a holding detection portion into the recessed region.
With respect to claim 13, Chen teaches the invention as discussed above in claim 12. However, Chen fails to explicitly teach a blowing portion configured to facilitate a flow of air between the inside and the outside of the holding portion, wherein: the blowing portion is attached to a position corresponding to the communication path on a surface of the bottom portion that is opposite to a surface thereof that faces toward the second member, and the blowing portion is supported by the first member.
Tsuboi teaches a blowing portion configured to facilitate a flow of air between the inside and the outside of the holding portion (Fig. 5; fan 8 is configured to facilitate a flow of air between the inside and the outside of the holding portion).
Chen discloses the claimed invention except for the blowing portion is attached to a position corresponding to the communication path on a surface of the bottom portion that is opposite to a surface thereof that faces toward the second member, and the blowing portion is supported by the first member. It would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art at the time the invention was made to place the fan disclosed by Tsuboi in Chen’s system by fixing the fan to the bottom portion in a position corresponding to the communication path opposite of the second member, since it has been held that choosing from a finite number of identified, predictable solutions, with a reasonable expectation of success is obvious. The advantage to this modification being adding a fan allows for ventilating the interior of the battery holder apparatus (see ¶[12] of Tsuboi) thus cooling down components and improving efficiency.
With respect to claim 14, Chen teaches the invention as discussed above in claim 13. Further, Chen teaches the apparatus is arranged so as to be within a range of a projection of an outer edge of the first member ((Fig. 3C; the assembly 250 which these are arranged to being within the range of the projection of the outer edge of the first member)).
However, Chen fails to explicitly teach the blowing portion.
Tsuboi teaches the blowing portion (Fig. 5; fan 8).
Therefore, it would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art to have adapted Tsuboi’s fan to Chen’s two-way distribution, charging, and vending system in order to have a cooling mechanism for when the battery is inserted into the holding device for charging. The advantage to this modification being adding a fan allows for ventilating the interior of the battery holder apparatus (see ¶[12] of Tsuboi) thus cooling down components and improving efficiency.
Relevant Prior Art
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.
The following identified in the Information Disclosure Statements (IDS) and/or Office Actions made by Foreign Offices and/or the USPTO were found to be the closest to the examined application however these were not relied upon for citation purposes:
Tsuboi (USPN 6498457) teaches a battery exchange apparatus having a structure which allows for a battery to be easily taken in or out of the battery exchange apparatus.
Qin et al. (USPGPN 20190372365) teaches a multi-port charger with a cooling fan integrated into the apparatus.
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to Frank A Silva whose telephone number is (703)756-1698. The examiner can normally be reached Monday - Friday 09:30 am -06:30 pm ET.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Drew Dunn can be reached at 571-272-2312. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/FRANK ALEXIS SILVA/Examiner, Art Unit 2859
/DREW A DUNN/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2859