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 without traverse of species IV, figures 4a and 4b, in the reply filed on 9/19/25 is acknowledged.
Claims 4, 6, 10, 12, 16 and 18 are withdrawn from further consideration pursuant to 37 CFR 1.142(b) as being drawn to a nonelected species, there being no allowable generic or linking claim. Election was made without traverse in the reply filed on 9/19/2025.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
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.
Claim(s) 1-3, 5, 7-9, 11, 13-15 and 17 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Preble (1,819,116).
Regarding claim 1, Preble shows A fluid channel assembly (fig 3) comprising: a first fluid passage (22, between 17 and 13) comprising a first fluid inlet (7) and a first fluid outlet (23), wherein the first fluid passage is configured to receive a first fluid at the first fluid inlet, and wherein the first fluid passage is configured to channel the first fluid through the first fluid outlet (fig 3), and a second fluid passage (11, 12) comprising a second fluid inlet (9) and a second fluid outlet (16, 26 or the same outlet as the first fluid passage 23), wherein the second fluid passage is configured to receive a second fluid at the second fluid inlet, and wherein the second fluid passage is configured to channel the second fluid through the second fluid outlet (fig 3), wherein the first fluid passage and the second fluid passage interface such that the second fluid is entrained in the first fluid through a formation of a low-pressure region in the first fluid (fig 3, a low pressure will form at an orifice exit. Also the term low pressure is a relative term and just has to mean the pressure is low compared to pressure someplace else), and wherein the first fluid passage is configured such that the first fluid passes through at least a portion of the first fluid passage in a form of a plurality of first fluid streams (jet streams form at 16 and at 26).
Regarding claim 2, wherein the first fluid passage is contained at least partially within the second fluid passage (fig 3).
Regarding claim 3, wherein the first fluid passage is configured such that the plurality of first fluid streams is formed by channeling the first fluid through a corresponding plurality of first nozzle structure apertures (26, 16).
Regarding claim 5, wherein the plurality of first nozzle structure apertures is arranged along a two-dimensional matrix (fig 3, 4, one can choose the top, bottom, left and right holes 16 which form a two dimensional matrix).
Regarding claim 7, wherein one of the plurality of first nozzle structure apertures is separated by another of the plurality of first nozzle structure apertures by a nozzle structure aperture gap (fig 3, 4, the apertures 16 are spaced by a gap as well as the apertures 26).
Regarding claim 8, Preble shows A fluid channel assembly (fig 3) comprising: a first fluid passage (22, between 17 and 13) comprising a first fluid inlet (7) and a first fluid outlet (23), wherein the first fluid passage is configured to receive a first fluid at the first fluid inlet, and wherein the first fluid passage is configured to channel the first fluid through the first fluid outlet (fig 3), and a second fluid passage (11, 12) comprising a second fluid inlet (9) and a second fluid outlet (16, 26 or the same outlet as the first fluid passage 23), wherein the second fluid passage is configured to receive a second fluid at the second fluid inlet, and wherein the second fluid passage is configured to channel the second fluid through the second fluid outlet (fig 3), wherein the first fluid passage and the second fluid passage interface such that the second fluid is entrained in the first fluid through a formation of a low-pressure region in the first fluid (fig 3, a low pressure will form at an orifice exit. Also the term low pressure is a relative term and just has to mean the pressure is low compared to pressure someplace else) and wherein, along a plane perpendicular to the second fluid outlet, a cross-sectional area of the second fluid passage is greater than or equal to 25 times a cross-sectional area of the first fluid passage. (The examiner notes that the claim does not state where in the passages the cross sectional areas are taken, just that they are a cross sectional areas of the first passage and the second passage. In a plane perpendicular to outlet 23 the cross-sectional area of the second fluid passage would be the largest cross section of the second passage that includes the annular section between 17 and 13. This cross sectional area is far greater than or equal to 25 times a cross-sectional area of the first fluid passage if the passage of a single outlet 26 or 16 is chosen as the cross sectional area of the first passage).
Regarding claim 9, wherein the first fluid passage is contained at least partially within the second fluid passage (fig 3)
Regarding claim 11, wherein the first fluid passage comprises a plurality of first nozzle structure apertures (16) and wherein the plurality of first nozzle structure apertures is arranged along a two-dimensional matrix (fig 3, 4, one can choose the top, bottom, left and right holes 16 which form a two dimensional matrix).
Regarding claim 13, Preble shows A fluid channel assembly (fig 3) comprising: a first fluid passage (22, between 17 and 13) comprising a first fluid inlet (7) and a first fluid outlet (23), wherein the first fluid passage is configured to receive a first fluid at the first fluid inlet, and wherein the first fluid passage is configured to channel the first fluid through the first fluid outlet (fig 3), and a second fluid passage (11, 12) comprising a second fluid inlet (9) and a second fluid outlet (16, 26 or the same outlet as the first fluid passage 23), wherein the second fluid passage is configured to receive a second fluid at the second fluid inlet, and wherein the second fluid passage is configured to channel the second fluid through the second fluid outlet (fig 3), wherein the first fluid passage and the second fluid passage interface such that the second fluid is entrained in the first fluid through a formation of a low-pressure region in the first fluid (fig 3, a low pressure will form at an orifice exit. Also the term low pressure is a relative term and just has to mean the pressure is low compared to pressure someplace else) and wherein the first fluid passage and the second fluid passage are arranged such that, under operational conditions, a ratio of a mass flow rate of the second fluid in the fluid channel assembly to a mass flow rate of a first fluid in the fluid channel assembly of greater than or equal to 25 is achieved (the examiner notes that this is a functional limitation that depends on how the device is used. When not in use this limitation is not possible. However, in use, one could connect a source of fluid to the second channel with a mass flow rate that is more than 25 times higher to the mass flow rate of the fluid source connected to the first channel).
Regarding claim 14, wherein the first fluid passage is configured such that a plurality of first fluid streams is channeled through the first fluid outlet to form of a plurality of first fluid streams (Via 16 and 26).
Regarding claim 15, wherein the first fluid passage is contained at least partially within the second fluid passage (fig 3)
Regarding claim 17, wherein the first fluid passage comprises a plurality of first nozzle structure apertures (16) and wherein the plurality of first nozzle structure apertures is arranged along a two-dimensional matrix (fig 3, 4, one can choose the top, bottom, left and right holes 16 which form a two dimensional matrix).
Claim(s) 1-3, 5, 7-9, 11, 13-15 and 17 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Fenton et al. (2009/0314500).
Regarding claim 1, Fenton et al. shows A fluid channel assembly (fig 1a) comprising: a first fluid passage (18) comprising a first fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet (19), wherein the first fluid passage is configured to receive a first fluid at the first fluid inlet, and wherein the first fluid passage is configured to channel the first fluid through the first fluid outlet (fig 1a), and a second fluid passage (26) comprising a second fluid inlet and a second fluid outlet (30 or the same outlet as the first fluid passage 19), wherein the second fluid passage is configured to receive a second fluid at the second fluid inlet, and wherein the second fluid passage is configured to channel the second fluid through the second fluid outlet (fig 1a), wherein the first fluid passage and the second fluid passage interface such that the second fluid is entrained in the first fluid through a formation of a low-pressure region in the first fluid (fig 1a, a low pressure will form at an orifice exit. Also the term low pressure is a relative term and just has to mean the pressure is low compared to pressure someplace else), and wherein the first fluid passage is configured such that the first fluid passes through at least a portion of the first fluid passage in a form of a plurality of first fluid streams (jet streams form at 30).
Regarding claim 2, wherein the first fluid passage is contained at least partially within the second fluid passage (fig 1a).
Regarding claim 3, wherein the first fluid passage is configured such that the plurality of first fluid streams is formed by channeling the first fluid through a corresponding plurality of first nozzle structure apertures (30).
Regarding claim 5, wherein the plurality of first nozzle structure apertures is arranged along a two-dimensional matrix (fig 1a, one can choose the top, bottom, holes 30 which form a two dimensional matrix).
Regarding claim 7, wherein one of the plurality of first nozzle structure apertures is separated by another of the plurality of first nozzle structure apertures by a nozzle structure aperture gap (fig 1a shows a space between nozzles 30).
Regarding claim 8, Fenton et al. shows A fluid channel assembly (fig 1a) comprising: a first fluid passage (18) comprising a first fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet (19), wherein the first fluid passage is configured to receive a first fluid at the first fluid inlet, and wherein the first fluid passage is configured to channel the first fluid through the first fluid outlet (fig 1a), and a second fluid passage (26) comprising a second fluid inlet and a second fluid outlet (30 or the same outlet as the first fluid passage 19), wherein the second fluid passage is configured to receive a second fluid at the second fluid inlet, and wherein the second fluid passage is configured to channel the second fluid through the second fluid outlet (fig 1a), wherein the first fluid passage and the second fluid passage interface such that the second fluid is entrained in the first fluid through a formation of a low-pressure region in the first fluid (fig 1a, a low pressure will form at an orifice exit. Also the term low pressure is a relative term and just has to mean the pressure is low compared to pressure someplace else) and wherein, along a plane perpendicular to the second fluid outlet, a cross-sectional area of the second fluid passage is greater than or equal to 25 times a cross-sectional area of the first fluid passage. (The examiner notes that the claim does not state where in the passages the cross sectional areas are taken, just that they are a cross sectional areas of the first passage and the second passage. In a plane perpendicular to outlet 19 the cross-sectional area of the second fluid passage would be the largest cross section of the second passage. This cross sectional area is far greater than or equal to 25 times a cross-sectional area of the first fluid passage if the passage of a single outlet 30 is chosen as the cross sectional area of the first passage).
Regarding claim 9, wherein the first fluid passage is contained at least partially within the second fluid passage (fig 1a)
Regarding claim 11, wherein the first fluid passage comprises a plurality of first nozzle structure apertures (30) and wherein the plurality of first nozzle structure apertures is arranged along a two-dimensional matrix (fig 1a, outlets 30 on the top and bottom form a two dimensional matrix).
Regarding claim 13, Fenton et al. shows A fluid channel assembly (fig 1a) comprising: a first fluid passage (18) comprising a first fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet (19), wherein the first fluid passage is configured to receive a first fluid at the first fluid inlet, and wherein the first fluid passage is configured to channel the first fluid through the first fluid outlet (fig 1a), and a second fluid passage (26) comprising a second fluid inlet and a second fluid outlet (30 or the same outlet as the first fluid passage 19), wherein the second fluid passage is configured to receive a second fluid at the second fluid inlet, and wherein the second fluid passage is configured to channel the second fluid through the second fluid outlet (fig 1a), wherein the first fluid passage and the second fluid passage interface such that the second fluid is entrained in the first fluid through a formation of a low-pressure region in the first fluid (fig 1a, a low pressure will form at an orifice exit. Also the term low pressure is a relative term and just has to mean the pressure is low compared to pressure someplace else) and wherein the first fluid passage and the second fluid passage are arranged such that, under operational conditions, a ratio of a mass flow rate of the second fluid in the fluid channel assembly to a mass flow rate of a first fluid in the fluid channel assembly of greater than or equal to 25 is achieved (the examiner notes that this is a functional limitation that depends on how the device is used. When not in use this limitation is not possible. However, in use, one could connect a source of fluid to the second channel with a mass flow rate that is more than 25 times higher to the mass flow rate of the fluid source connected to the first channel).
Regarding claim 14, wherein the first fluid passage is configured such that a plurality of first fluid streams is channeled through the first fluid outlet to form of a plurality of first fluid streams (Via 30).
Regarding claim 15, wherein the first fluid passage is contained at least partially within the second fluid passage (fig 1a)
Regarding claim 17, wherein the first fluid passage comprises a plurality of first nozzle structure apertures (30) and wherein the plurality of first nozzle structure apertures is arranged along a two-dimensional matrix (fig 1a, if the top and bottom outlets 30 were chosen, they form a two dimensional matrix).
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to JASON J BOECKMANN whose telephone number is (571)272-2708. The examiner can normally be reached M-F 9am to 5pm.
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/JASON J BOECKMANN/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 3752 11/18/2025