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 .
Specification
The disclosure is objected to because of the following informalities:
No part number for the current sense amplifier is present.
Appropriate correction is required.
Drawings
The drawings are objected to under 37 CFR 1.83(a). The drawings must show every feature of the invention specified in the claims. Therefore, the current sense amplifier in claims 7-10 must be shown or the feature(s) canceled from the claim(s).
No new matter should be entered.
Corrected drawing sheets in compliance with 37 CFR 1.121(d) are required in reply to the Office action to avoid abandonment of the application. Any amended replacement drawing sheet should include all of the figures appearing on the immediate prior version of the sheet, even if only one figure is being amended. The figure or figure number of an amended drawing should not be labeled as “amended.” If a drawing figure is to be canceled, the appropriate figure must be removed from the replacement sheet, and where necessary, the remaining figures must be renumbered and appropriate changes made to the brief description of the several views of the drawings for consistency. Additional replacement sheets may be necessary to show the renumbering of the remaining figures. Each drawing sheet submitted after the filing date of an application must be labeled in the top margin as either “Replacement Sheet” or “New Sheet” pursuant to 37 CFR 1.121(d). If the changes are not accepted by the examiner, the applicant will be notified and informed of any required corrective action in the next Office action. The objection to the drawings will not be held in abeyance.
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, 5-15, 17 and 18 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by McClure (US 5349282 A).
Independent claim 1, McClure teaches
A device (Figs. [1-2, 6-9, esp. 1, 2, 6]) comprising:
a battery charge controller (12) (Figs. [1, 2], charge controller-monitor) coupled to a battery (11) (Fig. [1], batteries);
a voltage regulator (104, inside of 20 of Fig. [1]) (Figs. [6-9], voltage regulator) coupled to the battery (11) (Figs. [1, 6-9], batteries, battery pack 10); and
a current sensing unit (39) (Fig. [2], current sense resistor) used by the battery charge controller (12) (Figs. [1, 2], charge controller-monitor) for sensing a charging current to the battery and by the voltage regulator (104, inside of 20 of Fig. [1]) (Figs. [6-9], voltage regulator) for sensing a discharging current from the battery (Col. [7], lines [1-14], the charge controller-monitor 12 measures a charging and discharging current of the battery 11 through the current sense resistor 39).
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Fig. 1 (McClure)
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Fig. 2 (McClure)
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Fig. 6 (McClure)
Dependent claim 2, McClure teaches
wherein the battery charge controller (12) (Figs. [1, 2], charge controller-monitor) uses the current sensing unit (39) (Fig. [2], current sense resistor) to sense the charging current when a first input of the battery charge controller is connected to a power adapter (Fig. 6; Col. [11], lines [5-12], the charge controller-monitor 12 is connected to a rectifier that changes the input source of AC to DC power).
Dependent claim 5, McClure teaches
wherein an output of the battery charge controller (12) (Figs. [1, 2], charge controller-monitor) is disabled when a first input of the battery charge controller is disconnected from a power adapter (inherent to this kind of battery charging system; see Col. [4], lines [23-48], the charge controller-monitor (12) would be disabled when the charger 20 for electrical power is disconnected).
Dependent claim 6, McClure teaches
wherein the current sensing unit (39) (Fig. [2], current sense resistor) is coupled between an output of the battery charge controller (12) (Figs. [1, 2], charge controller-monitor) and the battery (11) (Fig. [1], batteries; see Figs. [1, 2], the current sense resistor 39 is located in between the battery 11 and the main charge controller portion of the charge controller-monitor 12).
Dependent claim 7, McClure teaches
wherein the battery charge controller (12) (Figs. [1, 2], charge controller-monitor) has a current sense amplifier (75, 76) (Fig. [2], dual operational amplifier) coupled to the current sensing unit (39) (Fig. [2], current sense resistor) for sensing current flowing through the current sensing unit (See Col. [6], lines [54-68]; Col. [7], lines [1-14]).
Dependent claim 8, McClure teaches
wherein the current sense amplifier (75, 76) (Fig. [2], dual operational amplifier) has two inputs coupled to two terminals of the current sensing unit (39) (Fig. [2], current sense resistor), respectively (See Fig. [2]; Col. [6], lines [54-68], the dual amplifiers 75 and 76 are connected to the current sense resistor 39).
Dependent claim 11, McClure teaches
wherein the voltage regulator (104, inside of 20 of Fig. [1]) (Figs. [6-9], voltage regulator) senses a direction of the current flowing through the current sensing unit (39) (Fig. [2], current sense resistor; inherent to this kind of battery charging system with voltage regulator, Col. [2], lines [65-68]; Col. [3], lines [1-3]; Col. [5], lines [57-61]; Col. [12], lines [58-62]).
Dependent claim 12, McClure teaches
wherein the current sensing unit is a resistor (39) (Fig. [2], current sense resistor).
Independent claim 13, McClure teaches
A system (Figs. [1-2, 6-9]) comprising:
a battery charge controller (12) (Figs. [1, 2], charge controller-monitor) having a first input removably connected to a power adapter (Fig. 6; Col. [11], lines [5-12], a rectifier) and an output supplying DC current (Fig. 6; Col. [11], lines [5-12] , the input source of AC is transformed to DC power) to a battery (11) (Fig. [1], batteries);
a voltage regulator (104, inside of 20 of Fig. [1]) (Figs. [6-9], voltage regulator) having a second input coupled to the output (13, 14 and 38, 40) (Figs. [1, 6. 7], terminals) of the battery charge controller (12) (Figs. [1, 2], charge controller-monitor) and the battery (11) (Fig. [1], batteries); and
a current sensing unit (39) (Fig. [2], current sense resistor) coupled between the output (13, 14 and 38, 40) (Figs. [1, 6. 7], terminals) of the battery charge controller (12) (Figs. [1, 2], charge controller-monitor) and the battery (11) (Fig. [1], batteries),
the current sensing unit (39) (Fig. [2], current sense resistor) being used by the battery charge controller (12) (Figs. [1, 2], charge controller-monitor) for sensing a charging current to the battery and by the voltage regulator (104, inside of 20 of Fig. [1]) (Figs. [6-9], voltage regulator) for sensing a discharging current from the battery (Col. [7], lines [1-14], the charge controller-monitor 12 measures a charging and discharging current of the battery 11 through the current sense resistor 39).
Dependent claim 14, McClure teaches
wherein the current sensing unit (39) (Fig. [2], current sense resistor) is coupled between the output of the battery charge controller (12) (Figs. [1, 2], charge controller-monitor) and the battery (11) (Fig. [1], batteries; see Figs. [1, 2], the current sense resistor 39 is located in between the battery 11 and the main charge controller portion of the charge controller-monitor 12).
Dependent claim 15, McClure teaches
wherein the battery charge controller (12) (Figs. [1, 2], charge controller-monitor) uses the current sensing unit (39) (Fig. [2], current sense resistor) to sense the charging current when the first input of the battery charge controller is connected to the power adapter (Fig. 6; Col. [11], lines [5-12], the charge controller-monitor 12 is connected to a rectifier that changes the input source of AC to DC power).
Independent claim 17, McClure teaches
A method (Figs. [3-5], based upon the structure of Figs. [1, 2, 6-10, esp. 1, 2, 6]), comprising:
sensing a charging current to a battery (Col. [7], lines [1-7], the charge controller-monitor 12 measures a charging current of the battery 11 through the current sense resistor 39) on a current sensing unit (39) (Fig. [2], current sense resistor) by a battery charge controller (12) (Figs. [1, 2], charge controller-monitor); and
sensing a discharging current from the battery (Col. [7], lines [8-14], the charge controller-monitor 12 measures a discharging current of the battery 11 through the current sense resistor 39) on the current sensing unit (39) (Fig. [2], current sense resistor) by a voltage regulator (104, inside of 20 of Fig. [1]) (Figs. [6-9], voltage regulator).
Dependent claim 18, McClure teaches
wherein the battery charge controller (12) (Figs. [1, 2], charge controller-monitor) uses the current sensing unit (39) (Fig. [2], current sense resistor) to sense the charging current when an input of the battery charge controller is connected to a power adapter (Fig. 6; Col. [11], lines [5-12], the charge controller-monitor 12 is connected to a rectifier that changes the input source of AC to DC power).
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.
Claims 3, 16 and 19 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over McClure.
Dependent claim 3, McClure teaches
the voltage regulator (104) (Figs. [6-9], voltage regulator), the current sensing unit (39) (Fig. [2], current sense resistor), the battery charge controller (12) (Figs. [1, 2], charge controller-monitor), and a power adapter (Fig. 6; Col. [11], lines [5-12], a rectifier).
McClure fails to explicitly teach
wherein the voltage regulator uses the current sensing unit to sense the discharging current when a first input of the battery charge controller is disconnected from a power adapter.
However, it would have been obvious to PHOSITA before the effective filing date of the application to duplicate the current sensing processing circuit which is present in 12 of Fig. 1 in McClure’s battery charger system in which the battery charge controller uses the current sensing unit to sense the discharging current to also be used in 20 of Fig. 1, the function of the two circuits are the same although the two circuits are sharing a single current sensing unit when one circuit is disconnected to a power source, and mere duplication of parts has no patentable significance unless a new and unexpected result is produced (see MPEP 2144, In re Harza). Furthermore, one of ordinary skill in the art understands that by redundantly devolving the processing power previously performed by one processor to two processors, the longevity of each processor can be extended as they are not required to be used as often (i.e., less wear and tear), and also the complexity of the two processors can be reduced since they do not need to be used for both processing of charging and of discharging currents.
Dependent claim 16, McClure teaches
the voltage regulator (104) (Figs. [6-9], voltage regulator), the current sensing unit (39) (Fig. [2], current sense resistor), the battery charge controller (12) (Figs. [1, 2], charge controller-monitor), and a power adapter (Fig. 6; Col. [11], lines [5-12], a rectifier).
McClure fails to explicitly teach
wherein the voltage regulator uses the current sensing unit to sense the discharging current when the first input of the battery charge controller is disconnected from a power adapter.
However, it would have been obvious to PHOSITA before the effective filing date of the application to duplicate the current sensing processing circuit which is present in 12 of Fig. 1 in McClure’s battery charger system in which the battery charge controller uses the current sensing unit to sense the discharging current to also be used in 20 of Fig. 1, the function of the two circuits are the same although the two circuits are sharing a single current sensing unit when one circuit is disconnected to a power source, and mere duplication of parts has no patentable significance unless a new and unexpected result is produced (see MPEP 2144, In re Harza). Furthermore, one of ordinary skill in the art understands that by redundantly devolving the processing power previously performed by one processor to two processors, the longevity of each processor can be extended as they are not required to be used as often (i.e., less wear and tear), and also the complexity of the two processors can be reduced since they do not need to be used for both processing of charging and of discharging currents.
Dependent claim 19, McClure teaches
the voltage regulator (104) (Figs. [6-9], voltage regulator), the current sensing unit (39) (Fig. [2], current sense resistor), the battery charge controller (12) (Figs. [1, 2], charge controller-monitor), and a power adapter (Fig. 6; Col. [11], lines [5-12], a rectifier).
McClure fails to explicitly teach
wherein the voltage regulator uses the current sensing unit to sense the discharging current when an input of the battery charge controller is disconnected from a power adapter.
However, it would have been obvious to PHOSITA before the effective filing date of the application to duplicate the current sensing processing circuit which is present in 12 of Fig. 1 in McClure’s battery charger system in which the battery charge controller uses the current sensing unit to sense the discharging current to also be used in 20 of Fig. 1, the function of the two circuits are the same although the two circuits are sharing a single current sensing unit when one circuit is disconnected to a power source, and mere duplication of parts has no patentable significance unless a new and unexpected result is produced (see MPEP 2144, In re Harza). Furthermore, one of ordinary skill in the art understands that by redundantly devolving the processing power previously performed by one processor to two processors, the longevity of each processor can be extended as they are not required to be used as often (i.e., less wear and tear), and also the complexity of the two processors can be reduced since they do not need to be used for both processing of charging and of discharging currents.
Claims 4 and 20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over McClure in view of Larson et al. (US 5424898 A).
Dependent claim 4, McClure teaches
the voltage regulator (104, inside of 20 of Fig. [1]) (Figs. [6-9], voltage regulator), the current sensing unit (39) (Fig. [2], current sense resistor) and the battery charge controller (12) (Figs. [1, 2], charge controller-monitor) is connected to a power adapter (Fig. 6; Col. [11], lines [5-12], a rectifier).
McClure is silent to
wherein the voltage regulator stops using the current sensing unit when a first input of the system is connected to a power source.
Larson teaches
wherein the voltage regulator (32) (Fig. 1, voltage regulator) stops using the current sensing unit (42) (Fig. 1, current sensor and switch) when a first input of the system is connected to a power source (Fig. 1; Col. [9], lines [24-61] discloses the voltage regulator 32 is disabled and the current sensor and switch 42 is opened and so stopped when the system is received a certain level of power).
McClure and Larson are considered to be analogous to the claimed invention because they are in the same field of current sensing circuitry. Therefore, it would have been obvious to someone of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified McClure to incorporate the teachings of Larson and provide that the voltage regulator stops using the current sensing unit when the battery charge controller is connected to power, because the claimed invention supplements the battery charging system of McClure by connecting a method for the voltage regulator to stop using the current sensing unit which could be used for the selective connection between the current sensing unit and the battery charge controller (see Fig. [2] of McClure, where the method of Larson would be included to selectively connect the current sense resistor 39, which results in a predictable outcome that reduces the number of parts in the circuitry and prevents power loss, heat generation and unnecessary cost).
Dependent claim 20, McClure teaches
the voltage regulator (104, inside of 20 of Fig. [1]) (Figs. [6-9], voltage regulator), the current sensing unit (39) (Fig. [2], current sense resistor) and the battery charge controller (12) (Figs. [1, 2], charge controller-monitor) is connected to a power adapter (Fig. 6; Col. [11], lines [5-12], a rectifier).
McClure is silent to
wherein the voltage regulator stops using the current sensing unit when an input of the system is connected to a power source.
Larson teaches
wherein the voltage regulator (32) (Fig. 1, voltage regulator) stops using the current sensing unit (42) (Fig. 1, current sensor and switch) when an input of the system is connected to a power source (Fig. 1; Col. [9], lines [24-61] discloses the voltage regulator 32 is disabled and the current sensor and switch 42 is opened and so stopped when the system is received a certain level of power).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to someone of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified McClure to incorporate the teachings of Larson and provide that the voltage regulator stops using the current sensing unit when the battery charge controller is connected to power, because the claimed invention supplements the battery charging system of McClure by connecting a method for the voltage regulator to stop using the current sensing unit which could be used for the selective connection between the current sensing unit and the battery charge controller (see Fig. [2] of McClure, where the method of Larson would be included to selectively connect the current sense resistor 39, which results in a predictable outcome that reduces the number of parts in the circuitry and prevents power loss, heat generation and unnecessary cost).
Claims 9 and 10 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over McClure.
Dependent claim 9, McClure teaches
wherein the voltage regulator (104, inside of 20 of Fig. [1]) (Figs. [6-9], voltage regulator) has a current sense amplifier (75, 76) (Fig. [2], dual operational amplifier) coupled to the current sensing unit (39) (Fig. [2], current sense resistor) for sensing current flowing through the current sensing unit.
McClure fails to explicitly teach the placement of the current sense amplifier in the voltage regulator.
It would have been obvious to PHOSITA before the effective filing date of the application to rearrange the amplifier in McClure's charge controller-monitor to the voltage regulator as it is a simple design choice, applicant has not disclosed a critical reason for locating it there (see further Markush relationship between Claim 9 and Claim 7), and the function between the two would not have changed based on the location of the amplifier in either the charge controller-monitor or the voltage regulator (see MPEP 2144, In re Kuhle).
Dependent claim 10, McClure teaches
wherein the current sense amplifier (75, 76) (Fig. [2], dual operational amplifier) has two inputs coupled to two terminals of the current sensing unit (39) (Fig. [2], current sense resistor), respectively (See Fig. [2]; Col. [6], lines [54-68], the dual amplifiers 75 and 76 are connected to the current sense resistor 39).
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to Samuel S. Park whose telephone number is 571-270-3327. The examiner can normally be reached Monday-Thursday, 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM ET. Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice.
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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/SAMUEL S. PARK/
Examiner, Art Unit 2859
09/04/2026
/JOHN T TRISCHLER/ Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2859
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