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 .
Election/Restrictions
Applicant’s election of Species I in the reply filed on 04/17/2026 is acknowledged. Because applicant did not distinctly and specifically point out the supposed errors in the restriction requirement, the election has been treated as an election without traverse (MPEP § 818.01(a)).
Claims 4, 10, and 15-17 are withdrawn from further consideration pursuant to 37 CFR 1.142(b) as being drawn to a nonelected Species II-XIV, there being no allowable generic or linking claim. Election was made without traverse in the reply filed on 04/17/2026.
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.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph:
The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the applicant regards as his invention.
Claim 14 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), 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 applications subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, the applicant), regards as the invention.
Claim 14 recites “the first core portion is provided on the attachment surface with the outer shape of the first core portion fitted to the recess portion and the projection portion” is indefinite and unclear. Based on applicant’s figures (Fig. 3), the first core portion is fitted to the projection portion. Therefore, it is unclear how “the first core portion” is “fitted” to both “the recess portion and the projection portion”. As best understood, the examiner will interpret that when the first core portion overlaps the recess portion and the projection portion then the first core portion fits to the recess portion and the projection portion.
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.
Claim(s) 1-2, 6, 8-9, and 18-19 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Sugawara et al. [JP 6593834 B1] in view of Kobayashi et al. [JP 2020-167194].
Regarding Claim 1, Sugawara et al. shows a coil device (Figs. 10-16 with teachings from Figs. 1-9) comprising:
a coil body (2, 21) including a core (2) and at least one coil (22 or 23) formed by winding a conductive wire around the core (see Figs. 10-16, element 22 or 23 is formed by winding a conductive wire around element 2), the core (2) being formed by combining a plurality of core portions (3, 4); and
a housing (25) including an attachment surface (top surface) to which the coil body is fixed (see Figs. 10-16), wherein
the plurality of the core portions (3, 4) includes a first core portion (4) whose longitudinal direction is along a winding axis of the conductive wire (see Figs. 10-16, element 4 have a longitudinal direction is along a winding axis of element 22 or 23) and a second core portion (3) other than the first core portion (4, see Figs. 10-16), and
in the core (2), the first core portion (4) is provided on the attachment surface of the housing (see Figs. 10-16, element 4 is provided on the top surface of element 25 through element 22 or 23), the second core portion (3) is stacked on the first core portion (4, see Figs. 10-16), and combined surfaces where the core portions are combined with each other are parallel to the winding axis (see Figs. 10-16, combined surfaces where elements 3, 4 are combined with each other are parallel to the winding axis).
Moreover, Kobayashi et al. clearly shows (Fig. 8) teaching and suggesting the first core portion (31) is provided on the attachment surface of the housing (see Fig. 8, element 31 is provided on the top surface of element 60).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the first core portion is provided on the attachment surface of the housing as taught by Kobayashi et al. for the coil device as disclosed by Sugawara et al. to have the coil portion mounted on the housing to facilitate mechanical stability and reliability as well as heat transfer and dissipation (Abstract).
Regarding Claim 2, Kobayashi et al. shows a first heat-dissipation member (H) provided between the coil (13) and the attachment surface (top surface of element 60),
wherein the coil (13) is provided on the attachment surface (top surface of element 60) with the first heat-dissipation member (H) interposed between the coil and the attachment surface (see Fig. 8).
Regarding Claim 6, Kobayashi et al. shows a core hold member (63) to elastically press the core (30) toward the attachment surface (top surface of element 60, see Fig. 8, element 63 is a leaf spring portion that can elastically press element 30 toward top surface of element 60).
Regarding Claim 8, Kobayashi et al. shows a coil fixing portion (20, 21) with a shape along an outer shape of a winding portion (see Fig. 8, element 20, 21 have a shape along an outer shape of a winding portion of element 13) around which the conductive wire (13) is wound in the first core portion (31, see Fig. 8),
wherein the coil (13) is formed by winding the conductive wire (13) around the winding portion with the coil fixing portion (20, 21) interposed between the conductive wire and the winding portion (see Fig. 8).
Regarding Claim 9, Kobayashi et al. shows a positioning wall portion (22) to restrict movement of one of the core portions (31) in a direction perpendicular to a stacking direction of the plurality of the core portions stacked on the attachment surface (see Fig. 8, element 22 restrict movement of element 31 in a direction perpendicular to a stacking direction of elements 31, 35 stacked on top surface of element 60), the positioning wall portion (22) being provided in the coil fixing portion (21, see Fig. 8).
Regarding Claim 18, Sugawara et al. shows the conductive wire includes a flat wire (see English translation).
Regarding Claim 19, Sugawara et al. shows the flat wire (22, 23, 6 or 7) has an inner surface that faces the core (see Figs. 10-16, elements 22, 23, 6 or 7 has an inner surface that faces element 2) and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface (see Figs. 10-16, elements 22, 23, 6 or 7 has an outer surface opposite to the inner surface), and the coil is wound in such a manner that the outer surface of the flat wire is parallel to the attachment surface (see Figs. 10-16, element 22, 23, 6 or 7 is wound in such a manner that the outer surface of the flat wire is parallel to the top surface of element 25).
Claim(s) 1-2, 6, 8-9, and 18-19 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Kawasaki et al. [JP 2002-208521] in view of Kobayashi et al. [JP 2020-167194].
Regarding Claim 1, Kawasaki et al. shows a coil device (Figs. 1 and 5 with teachings from Figs. 2-4) comprising:
a coil body (2, 11, 12) including a core (11, 12) and at least one coil (2) formed by winding a conductive wire around the core (see Figs. 1 and 5, Paragraph [0025]), the core (11, 12) being formed by combining a plurality of core portions (11, 12); and
a housing (element 3, 7, 6 combined form a housing) including an attachment surface (top surface of element 3) to which the coil body is fixed (see Figs. 1 and 5), wherein
the plurality of the core portions (11, 12) includes a first core portion (12) whose longitudinal direction is along a winding axis of the conductive wire (see Figs. 1 and 5, element 12 have a longitudinal direction is along a winding axis of element 2) and a second core portion (11) other than the first core portion (12, see Figs. 1 and 5), and
in the core (11, 12), the first core portion (12) is provided on the attachment surface of the housing (see Figs. 1 and 5, element 12 is provided on the top surface of element 3 through elements 2, 5), the second core portion (11) is stacked on the first core portion (12, see Figs. 1 and 5), and combined surfaces where the core portions are combined with each other are parallel to the winding axis (see Figs. 1 and 5, combined surfaces where elements 11, 12 are combined with each other are parallel to the winding axis).
Moreover, Kobayashi et al. clearly shows (Fig. 8) teaching and suggesting a housing (60) including an attachment surface (top surface of element 60) to which the coil body is fixed (see Fig. 8), the first core portion (31) is provided on the attachment surface of the housing (see Fig. 8, element 31 is provided on the top surface of element 60).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have a housing including an attachment surface to which the coil body is fixed, the first core portion is provided on the attachment surface of the housing as taught by Kobayashi et al. for the coil device as disclosed by Kawasaki et al. to have the coil portion mounted on the housing to facilitate mechanical stability and reliability as well as heat transfer and dissipation (Abstract).
Regarding Claim 2, Kawasaki et al. shows a first heat-dissipation member (5) provided between the coil (2) and the attachment surface (top surface of element 3),
wherein the coil (2) is provided on the attachment surface (top surface of element 3) with the first heat-dissipation member (5) interposed between the coil and the attachment surface (see Figs. 1 and 5).
Kobayashi et al. shows a first heat-dissipation member (H) provided between the coil (13) and the attachment surface (top surface of element 60),
wherein the coil (13) is provided on the attachment surface (top surface of element 60) with the first heat-dissipation member (H) interposed between the coil and the attachment surface (see Fig. 8).
Regarding Claim 6, Kawasaki et al. shows a core hold member (4) to elastically press the core (11, 12) toward the attachment surface (top surface of element 3, see Fig. 1, element 4 is a leaf spring member that can elastically press element 11, 12 toward top surface of element 3).
Kobayashi et al. shows a core hold member (63) to elastically press the core (30) toward the attachment surface (top surface of element 60, see Fig. 8, element 63 is a leaf spring portion that can elastically press element 30 toward top surface of element 60).
Regarding Claim 8, Kobayashi et al. shows a coil fixing portion (20, 21) with a shape along an outer shape of a winding portion (see Fig. 8, element 20, 21 have a shape along an outer shape of a winding portion of element 13) around which the conductive wire (13) is wound in the first core portion (31, see Fig. 8),
wherein the coil (13) is formed by winding the conductive wire (13) around the winding portion with the coil fixing portion (20, 21) interposed between the conductive wire and the winding portion (see Fig. 8).
Regarding Claim 9, Kobayashi et al. shows a positioning wall portion (22) to restrict movement of one of the core portions (31) in a direction perpendicular to a stacking direction of the plurality of the core portions stacked on the attachment surface (see Fig. 8, element 22 restrict movement of element 31 in a direction perpendicular to a stacking direction of elements 31, 35 stacked on top surface of element 60), the positioning wall portion (22) being provided in the coil fixing portion (21, see Fig. 8).
Regarding Claim 18, Kawasaki et al. shows the conductive wire includes a flat wire (Paragraph [0025]).
Regarding Claim 19, Kawasaki et al. shows the flat wire (2) has an inner surface that faces the core (see Figs. 1-5, element 2 has an inner surface that faces element 11, 12) and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface (see Figs. 1-5, element 2 has an outer surface opposite to the inner surface), and the coil is wound in such a manner that the outer surface of the flat wire is parallel to the attachment surface (see Figs. 1-5, element 2 is wound in such a manner that the outer surface of the flat wire is parallel to the top surface of element 3).
Claim(s) 3 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Sugawara et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. OR Kawasaki et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. as applied to claims 1-2 above, and further in view of Serizawa [U.S. Pub. No. 2020/0321841].
Regarding Claim 3, Sugawara et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. OR Kawasaki et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not show a second heat-dissipation member provided between a portion of the first core portion other than the coil and the attachment surface, wherein the portion of the first core portion other than the coil is provided on the attachment surface with the second heat-dissipation member interposed between the portion of the first core portion other than the coil and the attachment surface.
Serizawa shows a device (Fig. 3) teaching and suggesting a second heat-dissipation member (13) provided between a portion of the first core portion (20) other than the coil (5) and the attachment surface (top surface of element 6), wherein the portion of the first core portion (20) other than the coil (5) is provided on the attachment surface (top surface of element 6) with the second heat-dissipation member (13) interposed between the portion of the first core portion other than the coil and the attachment surface (see Fig. 3).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have a second heat-dissipation member provided between a portion of the first core portion other than the coil and the attachment surface, wherein the portion of the first core portion other than the coil is provided on the attachment surface with the second heat-dissipation member interposed between the portion of the first core portion other than the coil and the attachment surface as taught by Serizawa for the coil device as disclosed by Sugawara et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. OR Kawasaki et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. to aid heat transfer to enhance cooling performance and heat transfer efficiency (Paragraph [0031]).
Claim(s) 5 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Sugawara et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. and Serizawa OR Kawasaki et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. and Serizawa as applied to claim 3 above, and further in view of Ozaki et al. [JP 2015-126107].
Regarding Claim 5, Sugawara et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. and Serizawa OR Kawasaki et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. and Serizawa shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not show a sheet member with a thickness depending on a distance between the combined surfaces where the core portions are combined with each other, wherein the plurality of the core portions is combined on the attachment surface with the sheet member interposed between the combined surfaces where the core portions are combined with each other.
Ozaki et al. shows a device (Figs. 1(a)-1(b)) teaching and suggesting a sheet member (14) with a thickness depending on a distance between the combined surfaces where the core portions are combined with each other (see Figs. 1(a)-1(b), element 14 have a thickness that depends on a distance between the combined surfaces of element 13 where elements 20, 30 are combined with each other), wherein the plurality of the core portions (20, 30) is combined on the attachment surface (top surface of element 11) with the sheet member (14) interposed between the combined surfaces where the core portions are combined with each other (see Figs. 1(a)-1(b)).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have a sheet member with a thickness depending on a distance between the combined surfaces where the core portions are combined with each other, wherein the plurality of the core portions is combined on the attachment surface with the sheet member interposed between the combined surfaces where the core portions are combined with each other as taught by Ozaki et al. for the coil device as disclosed by Sugawara et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. and Serizawa OR Kawasaki et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. and Serizawa to further have heat dissipated efficiently (Paragraph [0028]).
Claim(s) 5 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Sugawara et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. and Serizawa OR Kawasaki et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. and Serizawa as applied to claim 3 above, and further in view of Eom et al. [U.S. Patent No. 9,824,810].
Regarding Claim 5, Sugawara et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. and Serizawa OR Kawasaki et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. and Serizawa shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not show a sheet member with a thickness depending on a distance between the combined surfaces where the core portions are combined with each other, wherein the plurality of the core portions is combined on the attachment surface with the sheet member interposed between the combined surfaces where the core portions are combined with each other.
Eom et al. shows a device (Fig. 7) teaching and suggesting a sheet member (50) with a thickness depending on a distance between the combined surfaces where the core portions are combined with each other (see Fig. 7, element 50 have a thickness that depends on a distance between the combined surfaces of elements 12, 14 where elements 12, 14 are combined with each other).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have a sheet member with a thickness depending on a distance between the combined surfaces where the core portions are combined with each other as taught by Eom et al. for the coil device as disclosed by Sugawara et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. and Serizawa OR Kawasaki et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. and Serizawa to facilitate insulation distance to prevent unwanted connection (Col. 8, Lines 49-60).
The combination of Sugawara et al. in view of Kobayashi et al., Serizawa, Eom et al. OR Kawasaki et al. in view of Kobayashi et al., Serizawa, Eom et al. OR shows the plurality of the core portions (see Sugawara et al., Kobayashi et al. and/or Kawasaki et al.) is combined on the attachment surface (see Sugawara et al., Kobayashi et al. and/or Kawasaki et al.) with the sheet member (element 50 of Eom et al.) interposed between the combined surfaces where the core portions are combined with each other (see Fig. 7 of Eom et al.) to facilitate insulation distance to prevent unwanted connection (Col. 8, Lines 49-60).
Claim(s) 7, 11, and 13 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Sugawara et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. OR Kawasaki et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. as applied to claim 1 above, and further in view of Kobayashi et al. [U.S. Pub. No. 2012/0139684] (hereinafter as “Kobayashi ‘684”).
Regarding Claim 7, Sugawara et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. OR Kawasaki et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not show a case member including a wall surface portion that surrounds the coil body provided on the attachment surface, wherein the coil body is fixed to the attachment surface together with the case member.
Kobayashi ‘684 shows a device (Figs. 1-10) teaching and suggesting a case member (2) including a wall surface portion (21) that surrounds the coil body (3) provided on the attachment surface (top surface of element 11), wherein the coil body (3) is fixed to the attachment surface (top surface of element 11) together with the case member (2, see Figs. 1-10, element 3 is fixed to top surface of element 11 through element 2, Paragraph [0076]).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have a case member including a wall surface portion that surrounds the coil body provided on the attachment surface, wherein the coil body is fixed to the attachment surface together with the case member as taught by Kobayashi ‘684 for the coil device as disclosed by Sugawara et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. OR Kawasaki et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. to facilitate insulation and mechanical stability and reliability to prevent the coil body from displacement and protection from damage; and radiate heat (Paragraph [0050]).
Regarding Claim 11, Kobayashi ‘684 shows the coil (62) includes a terminal (61a, 61b) provided at an end portion of the conductive wire (see Figs. 1-10), and the case member (2) includes a hole portion through which the terminal passes (see Figs. 1-10, element 2 includes a hole portion through which element 61a, 61b passes).
Regarding Claim 13, Kobayashi ‘684 shows a coil fixing portion (52a, 52b) provided in the case member (2) and having a shape along an outer shape of a winding portion around which the conductive wire is wound in the first core portion (see Figs. 1-10, element 52a, 52b have a shape along an outer shape of a winding portion around which element 62 is wound in element 7a),
wherein the coil (62) is formed by winding the conductive wire (62) around the winding portion with the coil fixing portion (52a, 52b) interposed between the conductive wire (62) and the winding portion (see Figs. 1-10).
Claim(s) 12 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Sugawara et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. and Kobayashi ‘684 OR Kawasaki et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. and Kobayashi ‘684 as applied to claim 7 above, and further in view of Takahashi et al. [JP 2017-123733].
Regarding Claim 12, Sugawara et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. and Kobayashi ‘684 OR Kawasaki et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. and Kobayashi ‘684 shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not show a positioning recess portion provided in one of the housing and the case member; and a positioning projection portion provided in another of the housing and the case member and fitted into the positioning recess portion at an attachment position of the case member to the housing.
Takahashi et al. shows a device (Fig. 2) teaching and suggesting a positioning recess portion provided in one of the housing and the case member (element 41 have a positioning recess for element 35 as shown in Fig. 2); and a positioning projection portion (35) provided in another of the housing and the case member (element 33 have element 35) and fitted into the positioning recess portion at an attachment position of the case member to the housing (see Fig. 2, element 35 fitted into the position recess at one top surface of element 36 of element 41 to element 33).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have a positioning recess portion provided in one of the housing and the case member; and a positioning projection portion provided in another of the housing and the case member and fitted into the positioning recess portion at an attachment position of the case member to the housing as taught by Takahashi et al. for the coil device as disclosed by Sugawara et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. and Kobayashi ‘684 OR Kawasaki et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. and Kobayashi ‘684 to engage the case member to the housing to facilitate mechanical stability and reliability to have reduced in size of the device(Abstract, Advantage).
Claim(s) 7, 11, and 13 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Sugawara et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. OR Kawasaki et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. as applied to claim 1 above, and further in view of Kuroda [JP 2019-114622].
Regarding Claim 7, Sugawara et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. OR Kawasaki et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not show a case member including a wall surface portion that surrounds the coil body provided on the attachment surface, wherein the coil body is fixed to the attachment surface together with the case member.
Kuroda shows a device (Figs. 1-11) teaching and suggesting a case member (6) including a wall surface portion (element 6 have wall surface portion) that surrounds the coil body (see Figs. 1-11) provided on the attachment surface (top surface of element 4), wherein the coil body (see Figs. 1-11) is fixed to the attachment surface (top surface of element 4) together with the case member (6, see Figs. 1-11, coil body is fixed to top surface of element 4 through element 6).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have a case member including a wall surface portion that surrounds the coil body provided on the attachment surface, wherein the coil body is fixed to the attachment surface together with the case member as taught by Kuroda for the coil device as disclosed by Sugawara et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. OR Kawasaki et al. in view of Kobayashi ‘684 to facilitate insulation and mechanical stability and reliability to prevent the coil body from displacement and protection from damage; and improve vibration resistance (Abstract, Problem to be Solved).
Regarding Claim 11, Kuroda shows the coil (13) includes a terminal (10) provided at an end portion of the conductive wire (see Figs. 1-11), and the case member (6) includes a hole portion through which the terminal passes (see Figs. 1-11, element 6 includes a hole portion through which element 10 passes).
Regarding Claim 13, Kuroda shows a coil fixing portion (11) provided in the case member (6) and having a shape along an outer shape of a winding portion around which the conductive wire is wound in the first core portion (see Figs. 1-11, element 11 have a shape along an outer shape of a winding portion around which element 13 is wound in element 12),
wherein the coil (13) is formed by winding the conductive wire (13) around the winding portion with the coil fixing portion (11) interposed between the conductive wire (13) and the winding portion (see Figs. 1-11).
Claim(s) 12 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Sugawara et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. and Kuroda OR Kawasaki et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. and Kuroda as applied to claim 7 above, and further in view of Takahashi et al. [JP 2017-123733].
Regarding Claim 12, Sugawara et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. and Kuroda OR Kawasaki et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. and Kuroda shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not show a positioning recess portion provided in one of the housing and the case member; and a positioning projection portion provided in another of the housing and the case member and fitted into the positioning recess portion at an attachment position of the case member to the housing.
Takahashi et al. shows a device (Fig. 2) teaching and suggesting a positioning recess portion provided in one of the housing and the case member (element 41 have a positioning recess for element 35 as shown in Fig. 2); and a positioning projection portion (35) provided in another of the housing and the case member (element 33 have element 35) and fitted into the positioning recess portion at an attachment position of the case member to the housing (see Fig. 2, element 35 fitted into the position recess at one top surface of element 36 of element 41 to element 33).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have a positioning recess portion provided in one of the housing and the case member; and a positioning projection portion provided in another of the housing and the case member and fitted into the positioning recess portion at an attachment position of the case member to the housing as taught by Takahashi et al. for the coil device as disclosed by Sugawara et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. and Kuroda OR Kawasaki et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. and Kuroda to engage the case member to the housing to facilitate mechanical stability and reliability to have reduced in size of the device(Abstract, Advantage).
Claim(s) 7, 11, and 13 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Sugawara et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. OR Kawasaki et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. as applied to claim 1 above, and further in view of Inoue et al. [JP 2018-182218].
Regarding Claim 7, Sugawara et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. OR Kawasaki et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not show a case member including a wall surface portion that surrounds the coil body provided on the attachment surface, wherein the coil body is fixed to the attachment surface together with the case member.
Inoue et al. shows a device (Fig. 15 with teachings from Figs. 1-14) teaching and suggesting a case member (4C) including a wall surface portion (element 4C have a wall surface portion) that surrounds the coil body (15, 17, 23) provided on the attachment surface (top surface of element 11), wherein the coil body (15, 17, 23) is fixed to the attachment surface (top surface of element 11) together with the case member (4C, see Fig. 15, element 15, 17, 23 is fixed to top surface of element 11 together with element 4C).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have a case member including a wall surface portion that surrounds the coil body provided on the attachment surface, wherein the coil body is fixed to the attachment surface together with the case member as taught by Inoue et al. for the coil device as disclosed by Sugawara et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. OR Kawasaki et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. to facilitate insulation and mechanical stability and reliability to prevent the coil body from displacement and protection from damage; and reduces the mechanical load and possibility of damage to the electromagnetic apparatus, while fixing the position of the electromagnetic apparatus reliably since the spring unit presses to base, the electromagnetic apparatus arranged in the interior space in a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface (Abstract, Advantage, Paragraph [0008]).
Regarding Claim 11, Inoue et al. shows the coil (17) includes a terminal (22) provided at an end portion of the conductive wire (see Fig. 15), and the case member (4C) includes a hole portion through which the terminal passes (see Figs. 1-10, element 4C includes a hole portion at element 52 through which element 22 passes).
Regarding Claim 13, Inoue et al. shows a coil fixing portion (18) provided in the case member (4C) and having a shape along an outer shape of a winding portion around which the conductive wire is wound in the first core portion (see Fig. 15 and teachings from Figs. 1-14, element 18 have a shape along an outer shape of a winding portion around which element 17 is wound in element 32),
wherein the coil (17) is formed by winding the conductive wire (17) around the winding portion with the coil fixing portion (18) interposed between the conductive wire (17) and the winding portion (see Fig. 15 and teachings from Figs. 1-14).
Claim(s) 12 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Sugawara et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. and Inoue et al. OR Kawasaki et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. and Inoue et al. as applied to claim 7 above, and further in view of Takahashi et al. [JP 2017-123733].
Regarding Claim 12, Sugawara et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. and Inoue et al. OR Kawasaki et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. and Inoue et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not show a positioning recess portion provided in one of the housing and the case member; and a positioning projection portion provided in another of the housing and the case member and fitted into the positioning recess portion at an attachment position of the case member to the housing.
Takahashi et al. shows a device (Fig. 2) teaching and suggesting a positioning recess portion provided in one of the housing and the case member (element 41 have a positioning recess for element 35 as shown in Fig. 2); and a positioning projection portion (35) provided in another of the housing and the case member (element 33 have element 35) and fitted into the positioning recess portion at an attachment position of the case member to the housing (see Fig. 2, element 35 fitted into the position recess at one top surface of element 36 of element 41 to element 33).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have a positioning recess portion provided in one of the housing and the case member; and a positioning projection portion provided in another of the housing and the case member and fitted into the positioning recess portion at an attachment position of the case member to the housing as taught by Takahashi et al. for the coil device as disclosed by Sugawara et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. and Inoue et al. OR Kawasaki et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. and Inoue et al. to engage the case member to the housing to facilitate mechanical stability and reliability to have reduced in size of the device(Abstract, Advantage).
Claim(s) 14 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Sugawara et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. OR Kawasaki et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. as applied to claim 1 above, and further in view of Eom et al. [U.S. Pub. No. 2013/0314185] (hereinafter as “Eom ‘185”).
Regarding Claim 14, Sugawara et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. OR Kawasaki et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not show the attachment surface includes a recess portion and a projection portion with a shape along an outer shape of the first core portion including the coil, and the first core portion is provided on the attachment surface with the outer shape of the first core portion fitted to the recess portion and the projection portion.
Eom ‘185 shows the attachment surface (top surface of element 30) includes a recess portion (34) and a projection portion (35a or 35b) with a shape along an outer shape of the first core portion including the coil (see Fig. 3), and the first core portion (120) is provided on the attachment surface with the outer shape of the first core portion fitted to the recess portion and the projection portion (see Fig. 3, element 120 is provided on top surface of element 30 with the outer shape of element 120 fitted to element 34 and element 35a or 35b).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the attachment surface includes a recess portion and a projection portion with a shape along an outer shape of the first core portion including the coil, and the first core portion is provided on the attachment surface with the outer shape of the first core portion fitted to the recess portion and the projection portion as taught by Eom ‘185 for the coil device as disclosed by Sugawara et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. OR Kawasaki et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. to effectively dissipating heat generated (Paragraph [0010]).
Claim(s) 14 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Sugawara et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. OR Kawasaki et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. as applied to claim 1 above, and further in view of Nakajima et al. [U.S. Pub. No. 2018/0350514].
Regarding Claim 14, Sugawara et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. OR Kawasaki et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not show the attachment surface includes a recess portion and a projection portion with a shape along an outer shape of the first core portion including the coil, and the first core portion is provided on the attachment surface with the outer shape of the first core portion fitted to the recess portion and the projection portion.
Nakajima et al. shows (Figs. 10 and 25) the attachment surface (top surface of element 51) includes a recess portion (see Figs. 10 and 25) and a projection portion (see Figs. 10 and 25) with a shape along an outer shape of the first core portion including the coil (see Figs. 10 and 25), and the first core portion (24A) is provided on the attachment surface with the outer shape of the first core portion fitted to the recess portion and the projection portion (see Figs. 10 and 25, element 24A is provided on top surface of element 51 with the outer shape of element 24A fitted to the recess portion and the projection portion).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the attachment surface includes a recess portion and a projection portion with a shape along an outer shape of the first core portion including the coil, and the first core portion is provided on the attachment surface with the outer shape of the first core portion fitted to the recess portion and the projection portion as taught by Nakajima et al. for the coil device as disclosed by Sugawara et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. OR Kawasaki et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. to effectively radiate heat (Paragraph [0131]).
Claim(s) 14 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Sugawara et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. OR Kawasaki et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. as applied to claim 1 above, and further in view of Khan et al. [U.S. Patent No. 5,210,513].
Regarding Claim 14, Sugawara et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. OR Kawasaki et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not show the attachment surface includes a recess portion and a projection portion with a shape along an outer shape of the first core portion including the coil, and the first core portion is provided on the attachment surface with the outer shape of the first core portion fitted to the recess portion and the projection portion.
Khan et al. shows the attachment surface (top surface of element 12) includes a recess portion (see Figs. 1-2) and a projection portion (14) with a shape along an outer shape of the first core portion including the coil (see Figs. 1-2), and the first core portion (16) is provided on the attachment surface with the outer shape of the first core portion fitted to the recess portion and the projection portion (see Figs. 1-2, element 16 is provided on top surface of element 12 with the outer shape of element 16 fitted to the recess portion and element 14).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the attachment surface includes a recess portion and a projection portion with a shape along an outer shape of the first core portion including the coil, and the first core portion is provided on the attachment surface with the outer shape of the first core portion fitted to the recess portion and the projection portion as taught by Khan et al. for the coil device as disclosed by Sugawara et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. OR Kawasaki et al. in view of Kobayashi et al. to provide a good heat conductive path (Col. 1, Lines 32-41).
Conclusion
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/TSZFUNG J CHAN/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2837
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