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 .
Response to Amendment
Claims 1-3, 5, 7-12 and 14-20 still pending.
Claims 1-3, 11 and 18 are amended.
Claims 4 and 13 were cancelled.
Response to Arguments
Applicant's arguments regarding objection of drawings and claims 2, 5, 14 and 19, filed 2/4/2026 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive. Drawings fail to disclose “the second series resonant impedance connected in parallel with a fifth switching device (as recited in claim 1) and then further the second series resonant impedance being connected in parallel with the sixth switching device” (as recited in claim 2) or “the first series resonant impedance connected in parallel with the second bi-directional switch (as recited in claim 1) and further “the first series resonant impedance connected in parallel with the first bi-directional switch ” (for example as recited in claim 5). Further, there is no evidence in the drawings, specification or claims, as originally presented, that disclose “the second series resonant impedance connected in parallel with a fifth switching device and also connected in parallel with the sixth switching device” nor “the first series resonant impedance connected in parallel with the second bi-directional switch and further “the first series resonant impedance connected in parallel with the first bi-directional switch” in a single embodiment.
Applicant’s arguments, see remarks, filed 2/4/2026, with respect to rejection under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) for claim 1 have been fully considered and are persuasive. The rejection under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) for claim 1 has been withdrawn.
Drawings
The drawings were received on 8/15/2025. These drawings are acceptable but objected due to amended claims.
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 second series resonant impedance connected in parallel with a fifth switching device and connected in parallel with the sixth switching device” in a single embodiment (for example as recited in claim 2) or “the first series resonant impedance connected in parallel with a first bi-directional switching device and also connected in parallel with the second bi-directional switching device” (for example as recited in claim 5) must be shown or the features canceled from the claims. 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 § 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.
Claims 2, 5, 14 and 19 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.
Regarding claim 2, which is dependent of amended claim 1. Claim 1 recites the second series resonant impedance connected in parallel with a fifth switching device. Further, claim 2 recites the second series resonant impedance is connected in parallel with the sixth switching device. Specifications and drawings, as originally presented, provide descriptions for different embodiments of the AC/DC Converter (for example see Fig. 11to Fig. 12) but fails to provide a description disclosing a combination of said second series resonant impedance connected in parallel with a fifth switching device and simultaneously connected in parallel with the sixth switching device. Therefore claims 2 fail to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor regards as the invention.
Examiner suggest presenting the feature in an independent form without the combination or include as an dependent claim without being combined with the second series resonant impedance connected in parallel with the fifth switching device or clearly recite that the connection is an alternative unless applicant can provide evidence that the combination is supported by the original presentation.
For purpose of evaluation Examiner interprets that the claims 2 is directed to the alternative of having the second series resonant impedance in parallel with the sixth switching device.
Regarding claim 5, 14 and 19, wherein claim 5 is dependent of amended claim 1, claim 14 is dependent of claim 11 and 19 is dependent of claim 16. Claims 1, 11 and 16 recites the first series resonant impedance connected in parallel with a second switching device. Further, claims 5, 14 and 19 recites the “first series resonant impedance is connected in parallel with the first switching device”. Specifications and drawings, as originally presented, provide descriptions for different embodiments of the AC/DC Converter (for example see Fig. 10 and Fig. 12) but fails to provide a description disclosing a combination of said first series resonant impedance connected in parallel with a first switching device and also connected in parallel with the second switching device. Therefore claims 5, 14 and 19 fail to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor regards as the invention.
Examiner suggest presenting the feature in an independent form without the combination or include as an dependent claim without being combined with the first series resonant impedance connected in parallel with the second switching device or clearly recite that the connection is an alternative unless applicant can provide evidence that the combination is supported by the original presentation.
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 1, 3, 7-11, 15-18 and 20 are allowed.
Claims 2, 5, 14 and 19 would be allowable if rewritten or amended to overcome the rejection(s) under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), 2nd paragraph, set forth in this Office action.
The following is a statement of reasons for the indication of allowable subject matter:
[AltContent: arrow][AltContent: textbox (SDN)][AltContent: textbox (FDN)][AltContent: arrow]
PNG
media_image1.png
472
784
media_image1.png
Greyscale
Regarding claim 1, Leong discloses an apparatus comprising: a transformer (i.e., 916) (Fig. 16b) comprising a first primary winding (i.e., 218) (Fig. 16b) magnetically coupled to a secondary winding (i.e., 922) (Fig. 16b); a first series resonant impedance comprising a first resonant inductor (i.e., 226) (Fig. 16b), a first resonant capacitor (i.e., 228) (Fig. 16b), and the first primary winding (i.e., 218) (Fig. 16b) connected in series;
a first switching network connected between a first AC power node (i.e., Vin_ack) (Fig. 16b) and a second AC power node (i.e., 209) (Fig. 16b) , the first switching network comprising a first bi-directional switch (i.e., 230, 330) (Fig. 16b) connected in series with a second bi-directional switch (i.e., 234, 334) (Fig. 16b), wherein the first series resonant impedance is connected in parallel with the second bi-directional switch (i.e., 234) (Fig. 16b);
and a rectifier switch (i.e., 940) (Fig. 16b) connected between a first end of the secondary winding and a first DC node (i.e., FDN) (Fig. 16b), wherein a second end of the secondary winding is connected to a second DC node (i.e., SDN) (Fig. 16b),
wherein the first bi-directional switch (i.e., 230) (Fig. 2d) comprises a first switching device (i.e., 231) (Fig. 2d) connected in series with a second switching device (i.e., 232) (Fig. 2d) wherein a source of the first switching device (i.e., 231) (Fig. 2d) is connected to a source of the second switching device (i.e., 232) (Fig. 2d), and wherein the second bi-directional switch (i.e., 234) (Fig. 2d) comprises a third switching device (i.e., 235) (Fig. 2d) connected in series with a fourth switching device (i.e., 236) (Fig. 2d) wherein a source of the third switching device (i.e., 235) (Fig. 2d) is connected to a source of the fourth switching device (i.e., 236) (Fig. 2d), and wherein the second series resonant impedance (for example resonance at second side 922 ) (Fig. 16b) (Leong discloses a second side which inherently has a series of resonance impedance.
Leong, alone or in combination, fails to disclose “the predetermined voltage threshold greater than a DC output voltage times the turn ratio between the first primary winding and the secondary winding” in combination with the recited elements of claim 1.
Prior art Jang et. al., US Publication 20210057989 and Oh et. al., US Patent 10170974 are found to be the closest prior art.
However, none of the prior art, taken singly or in combination, teach “the predetermined voltage threshold greater than a DC output voltage times the turn ratio between the first primary winding and the secondary winding.”
Claims 3, 7-10 are allowed as being dependent of claim 1.
Regarding claim 11, Jang discloses an apparatus comprising a transformer (i.e., 313) (Fig. 9) comprising a first primary winding (i.e., for example see transformer 313) (Fig. 9) magnetically coupled to a secondary winding (i.e., for example see transformer 313) (Fig. 9); a first series resonant impedance (i.e., see transformer 313) (Fig. 9) comprising a first resonant inductor (i.e., L3) (Fig. 9), a first resonant capacitor (i.e., C21) (Fig. 9), and the first primary winding connected in series (i.e., see transformer 313) (Fig. 9); a first switching network connected between a first AC power node (i.e., FN) (Fig. 9) and a second AC power node (i.e., SN) (Fig. 9),
the first switching network comprising a first switch (i.e., M1) (Fig. 9) connected in series with a second switch (i.e., M2) (Fig. 9), wherein the first series resonant impedance is connected in parallel with the second switch (i.e., M2) (Fig. 9);
and a bus capacitor (i.e., 1u) (Fig. 9) connected in parallel with the second switching network (for example see Module 2),
wherein a second end of the secondary winding is connected to a second DC node,
Jang fail to disclose:
a rectifier switch connected between a first end of the secondary winding and a first DC node;
the first switching network comprising a first bi-directional switch connected in series with a second bi-directional switch, wherein the first series resonant impedance is connected in parallel with the second bi-directional switch; wherein the first bi-directional switch comprises a first switching device connected in series with a second switching device wherein a source of the first switching device is connected to a source of the second switching device, and wherein the second bi-directional switch comprises a third switching device connected in series with a fourth switching device wherein a source of the third switching device is connected to a source of the fourth switching device.
Leong, in the same field of endeavor, discloses a rectifier switch (i.e., 940) (Fig. 16b) connected between a first end of the secondary winding and a first DC node (i.e., DFN) (Fig. 16b) for providing the DC output, and a first bi-directional switch (i.e., 230) (Fig. 2d) comprises a first switching device (i.e., 231) (Fig. 2d) connected in series with a second switching device (i.e., 232) (Fig. 2d) wherein a source of the first switching device (i.e., 231) (Fig. 2d) is connected to a source of the second switching device (i.e., 232) (Fig. 2d), and wherein the second bi-directional switch (i.e., 234) (Fig. 2d) comprises a third switching device (i.e., 235) (Fig. 2d) connected in series with a fourth switching device (i.e., 236) (Fig. 2d) wherein a source of the third switching device (i.e., 235) (Fig. 2d) is connected to a source of the fourth switching device (i.e., 236) (Fig. 2d) for reducing switching stress.
Jang nor Leong, alone or in combination, fails to disclose “the predetermined voltage threshold greater than a DC output voltage times the turn ratio between the first primary winding and the secondary winding” in combination with the recited elements of claim 1.
Prior art Jang et. al., US Publication 20210057989 and Oh et. al., US Patent 10170974 are found to be the closest prior art.
However, none of the prior art, taken singly or in combination, teach “the predetermined voltage threshold greater than a DC output voltage times the turn ratio between the first primary winding and the secondary winding.”
Claim 15 is allowed as being dependent of claim 11.
Regarding claim 16, the prior art of record, as applied above, alone or in combination fail to disclose “when a magnitude of the AC voltage is greater than a predetermined voltage threshold, a fifth switching device and a sixth switching device are turned off and the first bidirectional switch and the second bidirectional switch are operated to transfer power from the AC voltage to the first DC node and the second DC node, and when the magnitude of the AC voltage is not greater than the predetermined voltage threshold, the first bidirectional switch and the second bidirectional switch are turned off, and the fifth switching device and the sixth switching device are operated to transfer power from the AC voltage to the first DC node and the second DC node” in combination with all the element as recited in claim.
Claims 17- 18 and 20 are allowed as being dependent of claim 16.
Conclusion
THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any nonprovisional extension fee (37 CFR 1.17(a)) pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the mailing date of this final action.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to YAHVEH COMAS TORRES whose telephone number is (571)272-4011. The examiner can normally be reached Mondays - Thursday 830am.
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, Thienvu V Tran can be reached on (571)270-1276. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
Information regarding the status of published or unpublished applications may be obtained from Patent Center. Unpublished application information in Patent Center is available to registered users. To file and manage patent submissions in Patent Center, visit: https://patentcenter.uspto.gov. Visit https://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/patent-center for more information about Patent Center and https://www.uspto.gov/patents/docx for information about filing in DOCX format. For additional questions, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000.
/YAHVEH COMAS TORRES/Examiner, Art Unit 2838
/THIENVU V TRAN/ Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2838