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 .
Priority
Receipt is acknowledged of certified copies of papers required by 37 CFR 1.55.
The claim to priority filled on 06/07/2023 acknowledged in the instant application.
Information Disclosure Statement
The information disclosure statement (IDS) submitted on 06/07/2023 in compliance with the provisions of 37 CFR 1. 97. Accordingly, the information disclosure statement has been considered by the examiner.
Claim Objections
Claims 10 and 15 are objected to because of the following informalities:
Claim 10 recites the limitation “deliverable power,” in last line. Suggest changing “deliverable power,” to “deliverable power.” to obviate this objection. Appropriate correction is required.
Claim 15 recites the limitation “-receiving” in 8th to the last line. Suggest changing “-receiving” to “receiving” to obviate this objection. Appropriate correction is required.
Claim 15 recites the limitation “- powering” in 6th to the last line. Suggest changing “- powering” to “powering” to obviate this objection. Appropriate correction is required.
Claim Interpretations - 35 USC § 112
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(f):
(f) Element in Claim for a Combination. – An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof.
The following is a quotation of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph:
An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof.
The claims in this application are given their broadest reasonable interpretation using the plain meaning of the claim language in light of the specification as it would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The broadest reasonable interpretation of a claim element (also commonly referred to as a claim limitation) is limited by the description in the specification when 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is invoked.
As explained in MPEP § 2181, subsection I, claim limitations that meet the following three-prong test will be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph:
(A) the claim limitation uses the term "means" or "step" or a term used as a substitute for "means" that is a generic placeholder (also called a nonce term or a non-structural term having no specific structural meaning) for performing the claimed function;
(B) the term "means" or "step" or the generic placeholder is modified by functional language, typically, but not always linked by the transition word "for" (e.g., "means for") or another linking word or phrase, such as "configured to" or "so that"; and
(C) the term "means" or "step" or the generic placeholder is not modified by sufficient structure, material, or acts for performing the claimed function.
Use of the word "means" (or "step") in a claim with functional language creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. The presumption that the claim limitation is interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is rebutted when the claim limitation recites sufficient structure, material, or acts to entirely perform the recited function.
Absence of the word "means" (or "step") in a claim creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is not to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. The presumption that the claim limitation is not interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre- AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is rebutted when the claim limitation recites function without reciting sufficient structure, material or acts to entirely perform the recited function.
Claim limitations in this application that use the word "means" (or "step") are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, except as otherwise indicated in an Office action. Conversely, claim limitations in this application that do not use the word "means" (or "step") are not being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, except as otherwise indicated in an Office action.
Claim limitation “a power unit… configured to power” has/have been interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, because it uses/they use a generic placeholder “unit” coupled with functional language “configured to power” and without reciting sufficient structure to achieve the function. Furthermore, the generic placeholder is not preceded by a structural modifier.
Since the claim limitation(s) invokes 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, Claim 1 has/have been interpreted to cover the corresponding structure described in the specification that achieves the claimed function, and equivalents thereof. A review of the specification shows that the following appears to be the corresponding structure described in the specification for the 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph limitation: Under Spec. page 13 line 22, Fig. 1: a power unit 6.
If applicant wishes to provide further explanation or dispute the examiner’s interpretation of the corresponding structure, applicant must identify the corresponding structure with reference to the specification by page and line number, and to the drawing, if any, by reference characters in response to this Office action.
If applicant does not intend to have the claim limitation(s) treated under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, applicant may amend the claim(s) so that it/they will clearly not invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, or present a sufficient showing that the claim recites/recite sufficient structure, material, or acts for performing the claimed function to preclude application of 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(b):
(b) CONCLUSION—the specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor regards as the invention.
Claims 8-10 and 15-16 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) second paragraph, as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor, or for pre-AIA the applicant regards as the invention.
Claim 8 recites the limitation “the lower one” in line 4. There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Appropriate correction/ clarification is required.
Claim 8 recites the limitation “the higher one” in line 6. There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Appropriate correction/ clarification is required.
Claim 9 recites the limitation “the respective delivered averaged power” in line 4. There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Appropriate correction/ clarification is required.
Claim 10 recites the limitation “the respective delivered first power” in line 3. There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Appropriate correction/ clarification is required.
Claim 10 recites the limitation “the respective delivered second power” in line 3. There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Appropriate correction/ clarification is required.
Claim 15 recites the limitation “a user” in 8th to the last line renders the claim indefinite because it is unclear what the relation between this “a user” and a user mentioned in claim 1 line 8 are? Appropriate correction/ clarification is required.
Claim 15 recites the limitation “a said respective powering scheme” in 5th to the last line renders the claim indefinite because it is unclear what the relation between this “a said respective powering scheme” and a respective powering scheme mentioned in claim 1 line 17 are? Appropriate correction/ clarification is required.
Claim 16 recites the limitation “the first and second time periods” in line 25. There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Appropriate correction/ clarification is required.
Claim 16 recites the limitation “the first and second induction coils” in line 27. There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Appropriate correction/ clarification is required.
Claim 16 recites the limitation “the respective powering scheme” in 4th to the last line. There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Appropriate correction/ clarification is required.
The rest of the claims are also been rejected because each claim depends on a rejected claim.
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 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 1-16 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a) (1)/ 102(a) (2) as being anticipated by Aldana Arjol et al. (US 2011/0163086 A1).
Regarding Independent Claim 1, Aldana Arjol et al. disclose Induction cooking hob (an induction cooktop, [0033], Fig 1) comprising a cooking zone (having a heating zone 10, [0032], Fig 1) for heating a cooking vessel (cooking utensil element 20, [0032], Fig 1);
wherein the cooking zone comprises a first induction coil (heating element 12a. [0032], Fig 1) and a second induction coil (heating element 12b. [0032], Fig 1), the first induction coil and the second induction coil being configured to heat the cooking vessel alone or in collaboration with one another (details see [0030-0031], Figs 5-6);
wherein the induction cooking hob further comprises a power unit (comprises a power supply unit for generating a heating current for operating the heating elements, [0021]) operatively connected to and configured to power the first induction coil and the second induction coil and a control interface (user interface 22, [0032], Fig 1) configured to receive a requested power from a user (The power level can be selected by the user by way of a user interface, [0003]; the user can select a power level for operating, [0034]), the requested power defining and/or being indicative about power to be delivered to the cooking vessel when placed in the cooking zone (see Fig 1);
wherein the power unit is configured to power the first induction coil and the
second induction coil such that the first induction coil delivers, in use, a first power
ranging between a first minimum deliverable power and a first maximum deliverable power and the second induction coil delivers, in use, a second power ranging between a second minimum deliverable power and a second maximum deliverable power (a range of heating powers between the minimum heating power of an inductor during continuous operation and the maximum heating power of said inductor during continuous operation, [0038]; cooktop from a total of 18 possible power levels by way of the user interface, [0034]);
wherein the power unit is configured to power the first induction coil and the
second induction coil according to a respective powering scheme chosen from a set of
powering schemes (During operation of the cooktop the user can select
a power level for operating the cooktop, [0034]);
wherein the power unit is configured to choose the respective powering scheme as a function of the requested power and the first minimum deliverable power, the second minimum deliverable power, the first maximum deliverable power and the second maximum deliverable power (a range of heating powers between the minimum heating power of an inductor during continuous operation and the maximum heating power of said inductor during continuous operation, [0038]; inductors 12a, 12b are operated at their minimum power in different phases Pl, P2, [0044]; the maximum frequency of the inverters 14a, 14b is reached, the control unit 18 finally switches to a fourth operating mode, [0046]).
Claim 2, wherein the power unit comprises a first generator connected to and configured to power the first induction coil and a second generator connected to and configured to power the second induction coil (the heating elements 12a, 12b are inductors, which are supplied by power supply units, [0033], Fig 1);
wherein the first generator comprises a first inverter and the second generator comprises a second inverter (one of the heating elements 12a, 12b and one of the inverters 14a, 14b can be opened or closed, [0033]);
wherein the power unit is configured to apply a first gate drive signal to the first inverter and to apply a second gate drive signal to the second inverter (control unit 18 actuates both the inverters 14a, 14b and the switching unit 16 by way of appropriate signal lines, [0033], Fig 1) so that the first gate drive signal and the second gate drive signal vary in dependence on the respective powering scheme chosen from the set of powering schemes (which are connected to corresponding interfaces of the control unit 18, [0033], Fig 1).
Claim 3, wherein the first minimum deliverable power is smaller than or equals the second minimum deliverable power and the first maximum deliverable power is larger than the second minimum deliverable power and equals or is smaller than the second maximum deliverable power (the user can select a power level for operating the cooktop from a total of 18 possible power levels by way of the user interface 22, [0034], clearly, Aldana Arjol et al. is capable of arrange “the first minimum deliverable power is smaller than or equals the second minimum deliverable power and the first maximum deliverable power is larger than the second minimum deliverable power and equals or is smaller than the second maximum deliverable power” as claimed).
Claim 4, wherein the power unit is configured to power the first induction coil and the second induction coil according to a first said powering scheme if the requested power is lower than the first minimum deliverable power and the second minimum deliverable power (the user can select a power level for operating the cooktop from a total of 18 possible power levels by way of the user interface 22, [0034], clearly, “the power unit” of Aldana Arjol et al. is capable of “configured to power the first induction coil and the second induction coil according to a first said powering scheme if the requested power is lower than the first minimum deliverable power and the second minimum deliverable power” as claimed).
Claim 5, wherein the power unit is configured to power, in use, the first induction coil at the first minimum deliverable power for a first time period and the second induction coil at the second minimum deliverable power for a second time period distinct from the first time period during execution of the first said powering scheme, the first time period and the second time period being chosen so that the delivered overall power corresponds to the requested power (the user can select a power level for operating the cooktop from a total of 18 possible power levels by way of the user interface 22, [0034], clearly, “the power unit” of Aldana Arjol et al. is capable of “configured to power, in use, the first induction coil at the first minimum deliverable power for a first time period and the second induction coil at the second minimum deliverable power for a second time period distinct from the first time period during execution of the first said powering scheme, the first time period and the second time period being chosen so that the delivered overall power corresponds to the requested power” as claimed).
Claim 6, wherein the power unit is configured to power the first induction coil and the second induction coil according to a second said powering scheme if the requested power is larger than the first maximum deliverable power and the second maximum deliverable power (the user can select a power level for operating the cooktop from a total of 18 possible power levels by way of the user interface 22, [0034], clearly, “the power unit” of Aldana Arjol et al. is capable of “configured to power the first induction coil and the second induction coil according to a second said powering scheme if the requested power is larger than the first maximum deliverable power and the second maximum deliverable power” as claimed).
Claim 7, wherein the power unit is configured to feed during execution of the second said powering scheme a first power signal to the first induction coil f.B-and a second power signal to the second induction coil, wherein a period of the second power signal is kept at a fixed difference with respect to a period of the first power signal (the user can select a power level for operating the cooktop from a total of 18 possible power levels by way of the user interface 22, [0034], clearly, “the power unit” of Aldana Arjol et al. is capable of “configured to feed during execution of the second said powering scheme a first power signal to the first induction coil f.B-and a second power signal to the second induction coil, wherein a period of the second power signal is kept at a fixed difference with respect to a period of the first power signal” as claimed).
Claim 8, wherein the power unit is configured to power the first induction coil and the second induction coil according to a third said powering scheme and/or a fourth said powering scheme and/or a fifth said powering scheme if the requested power is larger than the lower one of the first minimum deliverable power and the second minimum deliverable power and lower than the higher one of the first maximum deliverable power and the second maximum deliverable power (the user can select a power level for operating the cooktop from a total of 18 possible power levels by way of the user interface 22, [0034], clearly, “the power unit” of Aldana Arjol et al. is capable of “configured to power the first induction coil and the second induction coil according to a third said powering scheme and/or a fourth said powering scheme and/or a fifth said powering scheme if the requested power is larger than the lower one of the first minimum deliverable power and the second minimum deliverable power and lower than the higher one of the first maximum deliverable power and the second maximum deliverable power” as claimed).
Claim 9, wherein the power unit is configured to power during execution of the third said powering scheme the first induction coil for a first time period and the second induction coil for a second time period distinct from the first time period and such that the respective delivered averaged power equals the requested power (the user can select a power level for operating the cooktop from a total of 18 possible power levels by way of the user interface 22, [0034], clearly, “the power unit” of Aldana Arjol et al. is capable of “configured to power during execution of the third said powering scheme the first induction coil for a first time period and the second induction coil for a second time period distinct from the first time period and such that the respective delivered averaged power equals the requested power” as claimed).
Claim 10, wherein the power unit is configured to power the first induction coil and the second induction coil such that the respective delivered first power by the first induction coil and the respective delivered second power by the second induction coil equals the requested power and/or the first time period and the second time period equal one another, if the requested power is larger than the first minimum deliverable power and the second minimum deliverable power and is smaller than the first maximum deliverable power and the second maximum deliverable power (the user can select a power level for operating the cooktop from a total of 18 possible power levels by way of the user interface 22, [0034], clearly, “the power unit” of Aldana Arjol et al. is capable of “configured to power the first induction coil and the second induction coil such that the respective delivered first power by the first induction coil and the respective delivered second power by the second induction coil equals the requested power and/or the first time period and the second time period equal one another, if the requested power is larger than the first minimum deliverable power and the second minimum deliverable power and is smaller than the first maximum deliverable power and the second maximum deliverable power” as claimed).
Claim 11, wherein the power unit is configured to power the first induction coil and the second induction coil according to the third said powering scheme or the fourth said powering scheme if the requested power ranges between the first minimum deliverable power and the second minimum deliverable power; and/or
the power unit is configured to power the first induction coil and the second induction coil according to the third said powering scheme or the fifth said powering scheme if the requested power ranges between the first maximum deliverable power and the second maximum deliverable power (the user can select a power level for operating the cooktop from a total of 18 possible power levels by way of the user interface 22, [0034], clearly, “the power unit” of Aldana Arjol et al. is capable of “configured to power the first induction coil and the second induction coil according to the third said powering scheme or the fifth said powering scheme if the requested power ranges between the first maximum deliverable power and the second maximum deliverable power” as claimed).
Claim 12, wherein the power unit is configured to power during the-execution of the fourth said powering scheme, only if the first induction coil if the first minimum deliverable power is smaller than the requested power and only the second induction coil if the second minimum deliverable power is smaller than the requested power (the user can select a power level for operating the cooktop from a total of 18 possible power levels by way of the user interface 22, [0034], clearly, “the power unit” of Aldana Arjol et al. is capable of “configured to power during the-execution of the fourth said powering scheme, only if the first induction coil if the first minimum deliverable power is smaller than the requested power and only the second induction coil if the second minimum deliverable power is smaller than the requested power” as claimed).
Claim 13, wherein the power unit is configured to power during execution of the fifth said powering scheme, only the first induction coil if the second maximum deliverable power is smaller than the requested power and only the second induction coil if the first maximum deliverable power is smaller than the requested power (the user can select a power level for operating the cooktop from a total of 18 possible power levels by way of the user interface 22, [0034], clearly, “the power unit” of Aldana Arjol et al. is capable of “configured to power during execution of the fifth said powering scheme, only the first induction coil if the second maximum deliverable power is smaller than the requested power and only the second induction coil if the first maximum deliverable power is smaller than the requested power” as claimed).
Claim 14, wherein the first induction coil and the second induction coil are coaxial and/or are bifilar and/or are D-shaped (12a and 12b are coaxial, see Fig 1).
Claim 15, Method for controlling the induction cooking hob according to claim 1; the method comprising:
-receiving the requested power from a user (power level can be selected by the user by way of a user interface, [0003]);
- powering the first induction coil and the second induction coil, during which the power unit powers the first induction coil and the second induction coil according to a said respective powering scheme (During operation of the cooktop the user can select a power level for operating the cooktop, [0034]) chosen as a function of the requested power and the first minimum deliverable power, the second minimum deliverable power, the first maximum deliverable power and the second maximum deliverable power (a range of heating powers between the minimum heating power of an inductor during continuous operation and the maximum heating power of said inductor during continuous operation, [0038]; cooktop from a total of 18 possible power levels by way of the user interface, [0034]).
Regarding Independent Claim 16, Aldana Arjol et al. disclose Induction cooking hob (an induction cooktop, [0033], Fig 1) comprising:
a cooking zone (having a heating zone 10, [0032], Fig 1) for heating a cooking vessel, the cooking zone comprising a first induction coil (heating element 12a. [0032], Fig 1) and a second induction coil (heating element 12b. [0032], Fig 1), the first induction coil and the second induction coil being configured to heat the cooking vessel alone or in collaboration with one another (details see [0030-0031], Figs 5-6);
a control interface (user interface 22, [0032], Fig 1) configured to receive a requested power from a user (The power level can be selected by the user by way of a user interface, [0003]; the user can select a power level for operating, [0034]), the requested power defining and/or being indicative about power to be delivered to the cooking vessel when placed in the cooking zone (see Fig 1); and
a power unit (comprises a power supply unit for generating a heating current for operating the heating elements, [0021]) comprising a first generator operatively connected to and configured to power the first induction coil at a first power within a first range from a first minimum deliverable power up to a first maximum deliverable power, and a second generator operatively connected to and configured to power the second induction coil within a second range from a second minimum deliverable power up to a second maximum deliverable power (the heating elements 12a, 12b are inductors, which are supplied by power supply units, [0033], Fig 1; a range of heating powers between the minimum heating power of an inductor during continuous operation and the maximum heating power of said inductor during continuous operation, [0038]; cooktop from a total of 18 possible power levels by way of the user interface, [0034]), wherein the first minimum deliverable power is less than or equal to the second minimum deliverable power, the first maximum deliverable power is less than or equal to the second maximum deliverable power, and the first maximum deliverable power is greater than the second minimum deliverable power (the user can select a power level for operating the cooktop from a total of 18 possible power levels by way of the user interface 22, [0034], clearly, Aldana Arjol et al. is capable of arrange “the first minimum deliverable power is less than or equal to the second minimum deliverable power, the first maximum deliverable power is less than or equal to the second maximum deliverable power, and the first maximum deliverable power is greater than the second minimum deliverable power” as claimed);
wherein the power unit is configured to power the first induction coil and the second induction coil according to:
a first powering scheme selected from among a set of predetermined powering schemes (During operation of the cooktop the user can select a power level for operating the cooktop, [0034]), if the requested power is lower than the first minimum deliverable power, wherein in the first powering scheme the power unit is configured to power the first induction coil at the first minimum deliverable power for a first time period of a first duty cycle and to power the second induction coil at the second minimum deliverable power for a second time period of the first duty cycle, distinct from the first time period, wherein the first and second time periods are selected so that their sum is less than a total time period of the duty cycle and that a combined overall power delivered by both the first and second induction coils during the duty cycle corresponds to the requested power (the user can select a power level for operating the cooktop from a total of 18 possible power levels by way of the user interface 22, [0034], clearly, “the power unit” of Aldana Arjol et al. is capable of “if the requested power is lower than the first minimum deliverable power, wherein in the first powering scheme the power unit is configured to power the first induction coil at the first minimum deliverable power for a first time period of a first duty cycle and to power the second induction coil at the second minimum deliverable power for a second time period of the first duty cycle, distinct from the first time period, wherein the first and second time periods are selected so that their sum is less than a total time period of the duty cycle and that a combined overall power delivered by both the first and second induction coils during the duty cycle corresponds to the requested power” as claimed);
a second powering scheme, selected from among the set of predetermined power schemes (During operation of the cooktop the user can select a power level for operating the cooktop, [0034]), if the requested power is larger than the second maximum deliverable power, wherein in the second powering scheme the power unit is configured to feed a first power signal to the first induction coil for a first time period of a second duty cycle and to feed a second power signal to the second induction coil for a second time period of the second duty cycle, wherein the second time period of the second duty cycle is kept at a fixed difference with respect to the first time period of the second duty cycle (the user can select a power level for operating the cooktop from a total of 18 possible power levels by way of the user interface 22, [0034], clearly, “the power unit” of Aldana Arjol et al. is capable of “if the requested power is larger than the second maximum deliverable power, wherein in the second powering scheme the power unit is configured to feed a first power signal to the first induction coil for a first time period of a second duty cycle and to feed a second power signal to the second induction coil for a second time period of the second duty cycle, wherein the second time period of the second duty cycle is kept at a fixed difference with respect to the first time period of the second duty cycle” as claimed); and
a third powering scheme, selected from among the set of predetermined power schemes (During operation of the cooktop the user can select a power level for operating the cooktop, [0034]), if the requested power is larger than the first minimum deliverable power and lower than the second maximum deliverable power, wherein in the third powering scheme the power unit is configured to power the first induction coil for a first time period of a third duty cycle and to power the second induction coil for a second time period of the third duty cycle, distinct from the first time period of the third duty cycle, such that an average of power delivered by both the first induction coil and the second induction coil equals the requested power (the user can select a power level for operating the cooktop from a total of 18 possible power levels by way of the user interface 22, [0034], clearly, “the power unit” of Aldana Arjol et al. is capable of “if the requested power is larger than the first minimum deliverable power and lower than the second maximum deliverable power, wherein in the third powering scheme the power unit is configured to power the first induction coil for a first time period of a third duty cycle and to power the second induction coil for a second time period of the third duty cycle, distinct from the first time period of the third duty cycle, such that an average of power delivered by both the first induction coil and the second induction coil equals the requested power” as claimed);
wherein the power unit is configured to choose the respective powering scheme as a function of the requested power and the first minimum deliverable power, the second minimum deliverable power, the first maximum deliverable power and the second maximum deliverable power (a range of heating powers between the minimum heating power of an inductor during continuous operation and the maximum heating power of said inductor during continuous operation, [0038]; inductors 12a, 12b are operated at their minimum power in different phases Pl, P2, [0044]; the maximum frequency of the inverters 14a, 14b is reached, the control unit 18 finally switches to a fourth operating mode, [0046]).
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. Applicant is advised to refer to the Notice of References Cited for pertinent prior art.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to KUANGYUE CHEN whose telephone number is 571/272-8224. The examiner can normally be reached on M-F 9:00-5:00 EST.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, supervisor Ibrahime Abraham can be reached on 571/270-5569, supervisor Steven Crabb can be reached on 571/270-5095, or supervisor Edward Landrum can be reached on 571/272-5567. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571/273-8300.
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/KUANGYUE CHEN/
Examiner, Art Unit 3761
/ELIZABETH M KERR/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 3761
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