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 .
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s arguments with respect to claims 1-20 have been considered but are moot because the new ground of rejection does apply to the new grounds of rejection including Zhou (US 6.956,728).
Applicant has added the limitation of “each of the three contactors is configured to selectively connect or disconnect a corresponding phase of the three phases independently of the other two contractors of the contractor assembly” to independent claims 1, 8, and 15. Even though the Yu’s contactors “switch together in a group” (Applicant’s remarks of 5/22/26, p. 10). each of the contactors operates independently of the other two contractors of the contractor assembly because each of the contactors connect or disconnect a corresponding phase of the three phases at different times. Yu’s time sequence switch 3 controls timing of actuation of the contactors. Likewise in Zhou (Assigned either to the same party or a related party), the contactors 12A-12C are actuated at different times and Zhou at col. 2, line 23 discloses this as independent connection/disconnection of each contactor have the other two contactors even though there is a controller that is controlling the connection/disconnection of each contactor.
Double Patenting
The nonstatutory double patenting rejection is based on a judicially created doctrine grounded in public policy (a policy reflected in the statute) so as to prevent the unjustified or improper timewise extension of the “right to exclude” granted by a patent and to prevent possible harassment by multiple assignees. A nonstatutory double patenting rejection is appropriate where the conflicting claims are not identical, but at least one examined application claim is not patentably distinct from the reference claim(s) because the examined application claim is either anticipated by, or would have been obvious over, the reference claim(s). See, e.g., In re Berg, 140 F.3d 1428, 46 USPQ2d 1226 (Fed. Cir. 1998); In re Goodman, 11 F.3d 1046, 29 USPQ2d 2010 (Fed. Cir. 1993); In re Longi, 759 F.2d 887, 225 USPQ 645 (Fed. Cir. 1985); In re Van Ornum, 686 F.2d 937, 214 USPQ 761 (CCPA 1982); In re Vogel, 422 F.2d 438, 164 USPQ 619 (CCPA 1970); In re Thorington, 418 F.2d 528, 163 USPQ 644 (CCPA 1969).
A timely filed terminal disclaimer in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(c) or 1.321(d) may be used to overcome an actual or provisional rejection based on nonstatutory double patenting provided the reference application or patent either is shown to be commonly owned with the examined application, or claims an invention made as a result of activities undertaken within the scope of a joint research agreement. See MPEP § 717.02 for applications subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA as explained in MPEP § 2159. See MPEP § 2146 et seq. for applications not subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . A terminal disclaimer must be signed in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(b).
The filing of a terminal disclaimer by itself is not a complete reply to a nonstatutory double patenting (NSDP) rejection. A complete reply requires that the terminal disclaimer be accompanied by a reply requesting reconsideration of the prior Office action. Even where the NSDP rejection is provisional the reply must be complete. See MPEP § 804, subsection I.B.1. For a reply to a non-final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.111(a). For a reply to final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.113(c). A request for reconsideration while not provided for in 37 CFR 1.113(c) may be filed after final for consideration. See MPEP §§ 706.07(e) and 714.13.
The USPTO Internet website contains terminal disclaimer forms which may be used. Please visit www.uspto.gov/patent/patents-forms. The actual filing date of the application in which the form is filed determines what form (e.g., PTO/SB/25, PTO/SB/26, PTO/AIA /25, or PTO/AIA /26) should be used. A web-based eTerminal Disclaimer may be filled out completely online using web-screens. An eTerminal Disclaimer that meets all requirements is auto-processed and approved immediately upon submission. For more information about eTerminal Disclaimers, refer to www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/applying-online/eterminal-disclaimer.
Claims 1-7 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1-6 of U.S. Patent No. 11,799,272, Yu (CN 205862207) and Zhou (US 6.956,728).
Application No, 18/461,338
Patent No. 11,799,272
1. A panelboard assembly, comprising:
a plurality of subpanel assemblies electrically connected to a three-phase power supply from a main breaker assembly,
wherein each of the subpanel assemblies comprises:
a contactor assembly electrically connected to the three-phase power supply, the contactor assembly including three contactors respectively associated with the three phases of the three-phase power supply, wherein each of the three contactors is configured to selectively connect or disconnect a corresponding phase of the three phases independently of the other two contractors of the contractor assembly; and
a branch breaker assembly electrically connected to a load side of the contactor assembly and configured to be electrically connected to a group of loads,
the branch breaker assembly including a plurality of branch circuit breakers, and each of the plurality of branch circuit breakers is configured to switch on or off an electrical connection to a respective one or more loads in the group of loads,
wherein the contactor assembly is configured to connect or disconnect electrical power to the branch breaker assembly and to the group of loads all at once; and
three power distribution blocks (PDBs) respectively electrically connected to the three circuit breakers of the three-phase power supply,
wherein the three PDBs are respectively associated with the three phases of the three-phase power supply,
wherein each PDB of the three PDBs is disposed downstream of a respective one of the three circuit breakers that is electrically connected to that PDB, wherein the three PDBs are disposed upstream of the contactor assembly of each of the plurality of subpanel assemblies,
wherein each of the three PDBs is configured to receive the electrical power through a single bus and distribute the received the electrical power to the contactor assembly of each of the plurality of subpanel assemblies via separate buses, and wherein the contactor assembly of each of the plurality of subpanel assemblies receives the three phases of the three-phase power supply from the three power distribution points, respectively.
2. The panelboard assembly of claim 1, further comprising an enclosure enclosing the plurality of subpanel assemblies.
3. The panelboard assembly of claim 1, wherein the contactor assembly of at least one of the plurality of subpanel assemblies is switched on and off through a photoresistor.
4. The panelboard assembly of claim 1, further comprising a branch panel dead front covering at least a portion of each of the branch breaker assembly, wherein the branch panel dead front further includes one or more slots providing access to at least one of the branch breaker assembly.
5. The panelboard assembly of claim 1, the main breaker assembly configured to switch on or off an electrical connection to the three-phase power supply.
6. The panelboard assembly of claim 5, further comprising a main panel dead front covering at least a portion of the main breaker assembly, wherein the main panel dead front further includes one or more slots providing access to the main breaker assembly.
7. The panelboard assembly of claim 1, further comprising a mounting board, wherein the plurality of subpanel assemblies are mounted on the mounting board.
1. A panelboard assembly for use in environments in which combustible or ignitable materials are present comprising:
a main breaker assembly configured to be electrically connected to a three-phase power supply;
a first subpanel assembly comprising:
a first contactor assembly electrically connected to a load side of the main breaker assembly; and
a first branch breaker assembly electrically connected to a load side of the first contactor assembly and configured to be electrically connected to a first group of loads,
the first branch breaker assembly including a plurality of first branch circuit breakers, and each of the plurality of first branch circuit breakers is configured to switch on or off an electrical connection to a respective one or more loads in the first group of loads,
wherein the first contactor assembly is configured to connect or disconnect power to the first branch breaker assembly and to the first group of loads all at once;
a second subpanel assembly electrically connected in parallel to the first subpanel assembly and comprising:
a second contactor assembly electrically connected to the load side of the main breaker assembly; and
a second branch breaker assembly electrically connected to a load side of the second contractor assembly and configured to be electrically connected to a second group of loads,
the second branch breaker assembly including a plurality of second branch circuit breakers, and each of the plurality of second branch circuit breakers is configured to switch on or off an electrical connection to a respective one or more loads in the second group of loads,
wherein the second contactor assembly is configured to connect or disconnect power to the second branch breaker assembly and to the second group of loads all at once; and
a first power distribution block (PDB),
a second PDB, and
a third PDB each electrically connected to the main breaker assembly, the first contactor assembly, and the second contactor assembly,
wherein each of the first PDB, the second PDB, and the third PDB is associated with a phase of the three-phase power supply,
wherein each of the first PDB, the second PDB, and the third PDB is disposed downstream of the main breaker assembly and upstream of both the first contactor assembly and the second contactor assembly,
wherein each of the first PDB, the second PDB, and the third PDB is configured to receive single phase electrical power through a single bus and distribute the received single phase electrical power to the first contactor assembly and the second contactor assembly via separate buses.
2. The panelboard assembly of claim 1, further comprising an enclosure enclosing the main breaker assembly, the first subpanel assembly, and the second subpanel assembly.
3. The panelboard assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first contactor assembly or the second contactor assembly is switched on and off through a photoresistor.
4. The panelboard assembly of claim 1, further comprising a branch panel dead front covering at least a portion of the first branch breaker assembly and at least a portion of the second branch breaker assembly, wherein the branch panel dead front further includes one or more slots providing access to at least one of the first branch breaker assembly or the second branch breaker assembly.
5. The panelboard assembly of claim 1, further comprising a main panel dead front covering at least a portion of the main breaker assembly, wherein the main panel dead front further includes one or more slots providing access to the main breaker assembly.
6. The panelboard assembly of claim 1, further comprising a mounting board, wherein the main breaker assembly, the first subpanel assembly, and the second subpanel assembly are mounted on the mounting board.
Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because Claim 1 of the instant application adds “three circuit breakers” of the main circuit breaker and “selectively connect or disconnect a corresponding phase of the three phases independently of the other two contractors of the contractor assembly.” Yu teaches “three circuit breakers” (see fig. 4, three breakers of 1) of the main circuit breaker (1). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the invention of claim 1 of U.S. Patent No. 11,799,272 with three breakers of Yu for the purpose of having an independent breaker for each of the three phases. Zhou teaches each of the three contactors (12A-12C) is configured to selectively connect or disconnect a corresponding phase (col. 1, l. 21) of the three phases (col. 1, l. 22) independently (col. 2, l. 23) of the other two contractors of the contractor assembly. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the invention of claim 1 of U.S. Patent No. 11,799,272 by substituting the contactor assembly of Zhou for the purpose of having “a modular electromagnetic contactor assembly having multiple contactors that can be independently controlled (col. 2. L. 23) such that contact erosion is minimized” (col. 1, ll. 21-24)..
Claims 8-14 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1-6 of U.S. Patent No. 11,799,272, Yu (CN 205862207) and Zhou (US 6.956,728).
Application No, 18/461,338
Patent No. 11,799,272
8. A panelboard assembly, comprising:
a main breaker assembly configured to be electrically connected to a three-phase power supply;
a plurality of subpanel assemblies electrically connected to the three-phase power supply through three circuit breakers of the main breaker assembly, wherein the three circuit breakers are respectively associated with three phases of the three-phase power supply,
each of the subpanel assemblies comprises:
a contactor assembly electrically connected to the three-phase power supply, the contactor assembly including three contactors respectively associated with the three phases of the three-phase power supply, wherein each of the three contactors is configured to selectively connect or disconnect a corresponding phase of the three phases independently of the other two contractors of the contractor assembly; and
a branch breaker assembly electrically connected to a load side of the contactor assembly and configured to be electrically connected to a group of loads, the branch breaker assembly including a plurality of branch circuit breakers and each of the plurality of branch circuit breakers is configured to switch on or off an electrical connection to a respective one or more loads in the group of loads; and
a first set of three power distribution blocks (PDBs) respectively electrically connected to the three circuit breakers of the main breaker assembly, wherein the first set of three PDBs are respectively associated with the three phases of the three-phase power supply, wherein each PDB of the first set of three PDBs is disposed downstream of a respective one of the three circuit breakers that is electrically connected to that PDB, wherein the first set of three PDBs are disposed upstream of the contactor assembly of each of the plurality of subpanel assemblies, wherein each of the first set of three PDBs is configured to receive electrical power through a single bus and distribute the received electrical power to the contactor assembly of each of the plurality of subpanel assemblies via separate buses, and wherein the contactor assembly of each of the plurality of subpanel assemblies receives the three phases of the three-phase power supply from the first set of three PDBs, respectively.
12. The panelboard assembly of claim 8, wherein the main breaker assembly is configured to switch on or off an electrical connection to the three-phase power supply.
9. The panelboard assembly of claim 8, further comprising an enclosure enclosing the plurality of subpanel assemblies.
10. The panelboard assembly of claim 8, wherein the contactor assembly of at least one of the plurality of subpanel assemblies is switched on and off through a photoresistor.
11. The panelboard assembly of claim 8, further comprising a branch panel dead front covering at least a portion of each of the branch breaker assembly, wherein the branch panel dead front further includes one or more slots providing access to at least one of the branch breaker assemblies.
13. The panelboard assembly of claim 12, further comprising a main panel dead front covering at least a portion of the main breaker assembly, wherein the main panel dead front further includes one or more slots providing access to the main breaker assembly.
14. The panelboard assembly of claim 8, further comprising a mounting board, wherein the plurality of subpanel assemblies are mounted on the mounting board.
1. A panelboard assembly for use in environments in which combustible or ignitable materials are present comprising:
a main breaker assembly configured to be electrically connected to a three-phase power supply;
a first subpanel assembly comprising:
a first contactor assembly electrically connected to a load side of the main breaker assembly; and
a first branch breaker assembly electrically connected to a load side of the first contactor assembly and configured to be electrically connected to a first group of loads,
the first branch breaker assembly including a plurality of first branch circuit breakers, and each of the plurality of first branch circuit breakers is configured to switch on or off an electrical connection to a respective one or more loads in the first group of loads,
wherein the first contactor assembly is configured to connect or disconnect power to the first branch breaker assembly and to the first group of loads all at once;
a second subpanel assembly electrically connected in parallel to the first subpanel assembly and comprising:
a second contactor assembly electrically connected to the load side of the main breaker assembly; and
a second branch breaker assembly electrically connected to a load side of the second contractor assembly and configured to be electrically connected to a second group of loads,
the second branch breaker assembly including a plurality of second branch circuit breakers, and each of the plurality of second branch circuit breakers is configured to switch on or off an electrical connection to a respective one or more loads in the second group of loads,
wherein the second contactor assembly is configured to connect or disconnect power to the second branch breaker assembly and to the second group of loads all at once; and
a first power distribution block (PDB),
a second PDB, and
a third PDB each electrically connected to the main breaker assembly, the first contactor assembly, and the second contactor assembly,
wherein each of the first PDB, the second PDB, and the third PDB is associated with a phase of the three-phase power supply,
wherein each of the first PDB, the second PDB, and the third PDB is disposed downstream of the main breaker assembly and upstream of both the first contactor assembly and the second contactor assembly,
wherein each of the first PDB, the second PDB, and the third PDB is configured to receive single phase electrical power through a single bus and distribute the received single phase electrical power to the first contactor assembly and the second contactor assembly via separate buses.
2. The panelboard assembly of claim 1, further comprising an enclosure enclosing the main breaker assembly, the first subpanel assembly, and the second subpanel assembly.
3. The panelboard assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first contactor assembly or the second contactor assembly is switched on and off through a photoresistor.
4. The panelboard assembly of claim 1, further comprising a branch panel dead front covering at least a portion of the first branch breaker assembly and at least a portion of the second branch breaker assembly, wherein the branch panel dead front further includes one or more slots providing access to at least one of the first branch breaker assembly or the second branch breaker assembly.
5. The panelboard assembly of claim 1, further comprising a main panel dead front covering at least a portion of the main breaker assembly, wherein the main panel dead front further includes one or more slots providing access to the main breaker assembly.
6. The panelboard assembly of claim 1, further comprising a mounting board, wherein the main breaker assembly, the first subpanel assembly, and the second subpanel assembly are mounted on the mounting board.
Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because instant invention lacks the first and second contactors and “selectively connect or disconnect a corresponding phase of the three phases independently of the other two contractors of the contractor assembly” of claim 8 of Patent No. 11,799,272. It would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art at the time the invention was made to omit the contactors if the contactor is not critical to the claimed invention, since it has been held that omission of an element and its function in a combination where the remaining elements perform the same functions as before involves only routine skill in the art. In re Karlson, 136 USPQ 184. Claim 8 of the instant application adds “three circuit breakers” of the main circuit breaker. Yu teaches “three circuit breakers” (see fig. 4, three breakers of 1) of the main circuit breaker (1). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the invention of claim 1 of U.S. Patent No. 11,799,272 with three breakers of Xu for the purpose of having an independent breaker for each of the three phases. Zhou teaches each of the three contactors (12A-12C) is configured to selectively connect or disconnect a corresponding phase (col. 1, l. 21) of the three phases (col. 1, l. 22) independently (col. 2, l. 23) of the other two contractors of the contractor assembly. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the invention of claim 1 of U.S. Patent No. 11,799,272 by substituting the contactor assembly of Zhou for the purpose of having “a modular electromagnetic contactor assembly having multiple contactors that can be independently controlled (col. 2. L. 23) such that contact erosion is minimized” (col. 1, ll. 21-24)..
Claims 15-20 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 7-12 of U.S. Patent No. 11,799,272, Yu (CN 205862207) and Zhou (US 6.956,728).
Application No, 18/461,338
Patent No. 11,799,272
15. A panelboard assembly, comprising: a plurality of subpanel assemblies electrically connected to a three-phase power supply through three circuit breakers of a main breaker assembly, wherein the three circuit breakers are respectively associated with three phases of the three-phase power supply,
each of the subpanel assemblies comprises:
a contactor assembly electrically connected to the three-phase power supply, the contactor assembly including three contactors respectively associated with the three phases of the three-phase power supply, wherein each of the three contactors is configured to selectively connect or disconnect a corresponding phase of the three phases independently of the other two contractors of the contractor assembly; and
a branch breaker assembly electrically connected to the contactor assembly and configured to be electrically connected to a group of loads, the branch breaker assembly including a plurality of branch circuit breakers, and each of the plurality of branch circuit breakers is configured to switch on or off an electrical connection to a respective one or more loads in the group of loads;
an enclosure enclosing the plurality of subpanel assemblies; and
three power distribution blocks (PDBs) respectively electrically connected to the three circuit breakers of the main breaker assembly,
wherein the three PDBs are respectively associated with the three phases of the three-phase power supply,
wherein each PDB of the three PDBs is disposed downstream of a respective one of the three circuit breakers that is electrically connected to that PDB, wherein the three PDBs are disposed upstream of the contactor assembly of each of the plurality of subpanel assemblies,
wherein each of the three PDBs is configured to receive electrical power through a single bus and distribute the received electrical power to the contactor assembly of each of the plurality of subpanel assemblies via separate buses, and wherein the contactor assembly of each of the plurality of subpanel assemblies receives the three phases of the three-phase power supply from the three PDBs, respectively.
16. The panelboard assembly of claim 15, wherein the contactor assembly of at least one of the plurality of subpanel assemblies is switched on and off through a photoresistor.
17. The panelboard assembly of claim 15, further comprising a branch panel dead front covering at least a portion of each of the branch breaker assembly, wherein the branch panel dead front further includes one or more slots providing access to at least one of the branch breaker assembly.
18. The panelboard assembly of claim 15, further comprising the main breaker assembly electrically connected to the plurality of subpanel assemblies, wherein the main breaker assembly is configured to switch on or off an electrical connection to the three-phase power supply.
19. The panelboard assembly of claim 18, further comprising a main panel dead front covering at least a portion of the main breaker assembly, wherein the main panel dead front further includes one or more slots providing access to the main breaker assembly.
20. The panelboard assembly of claim 15, further comprising a mounting board, wherein the plurality of subpanel assemblies are mounted on the mounting board.
7. A panelboard assembly for use in environments in which combustible or ignitable materials are present comprising:
a first subpanel assembly comprising:
a first contactor assembly configured to be electrically connected to a three-phase power supply; and
a first branch breaker assembly electrically connected to a load side of the first contactor assembly and configured to be electrically connected to a first group of loads,
the first branch breaker assembly including a plurality of first branch circuit breakers, and
each of the plurality of first branch circuit breakers is configured to switch on or off an electrical connection to a respective one or more loads in the first group of loads,
wherein the first contactor assembly is configured to connect or disconnect power to the first branch breaker assembly and to the first group of loads all at once; a second subpanel assembly electrically connected in parallel to the first subpanel assembly,
the second subpanel assembly comprising:
a second contactor assembly configured to be electrically connected to the three-phase power supply; and
a second branch breaker assembly electrically connected to a load side of the second contactor assembly and configured to be electrically connected to a second group of loads,
the second branch breaker assembly including a plurality of second branch circuit breakers, and
each of the plurality of second branch circuit breakers is configured to switch on or off an electrical connection to a respective one or more loads in the second group of loads,
wherein the second contactor assembly is configured to connect or disconnect power to the second branch breaker assembly and to the second group of loads all at once;
an enclosure enclosing the first subpanel assembly and the second subpanel assembly; and
a first power distribution block (PDB),
a second PDB, and a third PDB
each electrically connected to a main breaker assembly, the first contactor assembly, and the second contactor assembly,
wherein each of the first PDB, the second PDB, and the third PDB is associated with a phase of the three-phase power supply,
wherein each of the first PDB, the second PDB, and the third PDB is disposed downstream of the main breaker assembly and upstream of both the first contactor assembly and the second contactor assembly,
wherein each of the first PDB, the second PDB, and the third PDB is configured to receive single phase electrical power through a single bus and distribute the received single phase electrical power to the first contactor assembly and the second contactor assembly via separate buses.
11. The panelboard assembly of claim 7, wherein at least one of the first contactor assembly or the second contactor assembly is switched on and off through a photoresistor.
12. The panelboard assembly of claim 7, further comprising a branch panel dead front covering at least a portion of the first branch breaker assembly and at least a portion of the second branch breaker assembly, wherein the branch panel dead front further includes one or more slots providing access to at least one of the first branch breaker assembly or the second branch breaker assembly.
8. The panelboard assembly of claim 7, wherein the main breaker assembly is electrically connected to the first subpanel assembly and the second subpanel assembly, the main breaker assembly configured to switch on or off an electrical connection to the three-phase power supply.
9. The panelboard assembly of claim 8, further comprising a main panel dead front covering at least a portion of the main breaker assembly, wherein the main panel dead front further includes one or more slots providing access to the main breaker assembly.
10. The panelboard assembly of claim 7, further comprising a mounting board, wherein the first subpanel assembly and the second subpanel assembly are mounted on the mounting board.
Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because instant invention lacks the first and second contactors and “selectively connect or disconnect a corresponding phase of the three phases independently of the other two contractors of the contractor assembly” of claim 15 of Patent No. 11,799,272. It would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art at the time the invention was made to omit the contactors if the contactor is not critical to the claimed invention, since it has been held that omission of an element and its function in a combination where the remaining elements perform the same functions as before involves only routine skill in the art. In re Karlson, 136 USPQ 184. Claim 15 of the instant application adds “three circuit breakers” of the main circuit breaker. Yu teaches “three circuit breakers” (see fig. 4, three breakers of 1) of the main circuit breaker (1). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the invention of claim 7 of U.S. Patent No. 11,799,272 with three breakers of Xu for the purpose of having an independent breaker for each of the three phases. Zhou teaches each of the three contactors (12A-12C) is configured to selectively connect or disconnect a corresponding phase (col. 1, l. 21) of the three phases (col. 1, l. 22) independently (col. 2, l. 23) of the other two contractors of the contractor assembly. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the invention of claim 7 of U.S. Patent No. 11,799,272 by substituting the contactor assembly of Zhou for the purpose of having “a modular electromagnetic contactor assembly having multiple contactors that can be independently controlled (col. 2. L. 23) such that contact erosion is minimized” (col. 1, ll. 21-24).
Claim Objections
Claims 8-14 are objected to because of the following informalities:
Claim 8, line 18 has been amended to require “a first set of three power distribution blocks (PDBs).” Are there any other PDBs being claimed to require that there is a “first” set?
Appropriate correction is required.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
Claims 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 9, 12, 14, 15, 18, and 20 are rejected under AIA 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Yu (CN 205862207), Zhou (US 6.956,728) and Michael (US 7,830,043).
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With respect to Claim 1, Yu teaches a panelboard assembly (fig. 1, fig. 1 is a single line diagram that simplifies a multi-phase system by using a single line to represent all phases), comprising: a plurality of subpanel assemblies (fig. 1, each assembly is 6 with three 9s) electrically connected to a three-phase power supply (¶[0009]) through three circuit breakers (see fig. 4, 1 has three circuit breakers) of a main breaker assembly (fig. 1, 1), wherein the three circuit breakers are respectively associated with three phases (¶[0028]) of the three-phase power supply, each of the subpanel assemblies comprises: a contactor assembly (fig. 4, 6 is shown with three sets of terminals for the three phases) electrically connected to the three-phase power supply; the contactor assembly including three contactors (see fig. 4, 6 has three sets of terminals associated with each phase) respectively associated with the three phases of the three-phase power supply, wherein each of the three contactors is configured to selectively connect or disconnect its corresponding phase (each 6 selectively connects/disconnects the associated phase); and a branch breaker assembly (fig. 1, each group of three 9s connected to a respective 6) electrically connected to a load side (fig. 1, downstream side of 6) of the contactor assembly and configured to be electrically connected to a group of loads (fig. 1, to the right of each 9; ¶[0004], LED display screens, “configured to” does not positively claim the group of loads), the branch breaker assembly including a plurality of branch circuit breakers (fig, 1, each 9), and each of the plurality of branch circuit breakers is configured to switch on or off an electrical connection (purpose of a circuit breaker is to make or break an electrical connection) to a respective one or more loads in the group of loads, wherein the contactor assembly is configured to connect or disconnect electrical power to the branch breaker assembly and to the group of loads all at once (fig. 1, opening or closing of each 6), three power distribution points (points of fig. 1, where power from splits off to respective 6) respectively electrically connected to (see fig. 1) the three circuit breakers of the main breaker assembly, wherein the three power distribution points are respectively associated with (see fig. 1, since fig. 1 is a single line drawing, fig. 1 only show one of the power distribution points) three phases (¶[0028]) of the three-phase power supply, wherein each power distribution point (only one is shown because fig. 1 is a single line drawing) of the three power distribution points (points of fig. 1, where power from splits off to respective 6) is disposed downstream (fig. 1, downstream of 1) of a respective one (fig. 4, each breaker of 1) of the three circuit breakers that is electrically connected to that power distribution point, wherein the three power distribution points are disposed upstream (fig. 1, upstream of 6) of the contactor assembly of each of the plurality of subpanel assemblies, wherein each of the three power distribution points is configured to receive the electrical power through a single bus (see fig. 1) and distribute the received electrical power to the contactor assembly of each of the plurality of subpanel assemblies via separate buses (see fig. 1), and wherein the contactor assembly of each of the plurality of subpanel assemblies receives (see annotated fig. 4 above) the three phases of the three-phase power supply from the three power distribution points, respectively. Yu further teaches each of the three contactors is configured to selectively connect or disconnect a corresponding phase of the three phases independently (¶[0029], 3 moves each of coils of 6 at different times than others of the coils of 6) of the other two contractors of the contractor assembly. Yu fails to specifically disclose each of the three contractors is configured to selectively connect or disconnect a corresponding phase of the three phases independently of the other two contractors of the contractor assembly, and the three power distribution points are three power distribution blocks (PDBs). Zhou teaches each of the three contactors (12A-12C) is configured to selectively connect or disconnect a corresponding phase (col. 1, l. 21) of the three phases (col. 1, l. 22) independently (col. 2, l. 23) of the other two contractors of the contractor assembly. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to substitute the contactor assembly of Zhou for the purpose of having “a modular electromagnetic contactor assembly having multiple contactors that can be independently controlled (col. 2. L. 23) such that contact erosion is minimized” (col. 1, ll. 21-24). Michael teaches three power distribution blocks (PDBs) (fig. 3, 380a,380c,380e) respectively associated with the three phases (col. 6, l. 26) of the three-phase power supply (col. 6, l. 23). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to substitute the PDBs of Michael for the power distribution points of Yu for the purpose enabling splitting of electrical power through a removeable connection to enable easier installation and maintenance of the panelboard assembly.
With respect to Claim 8, Yu teaches a panelboard assembly (fig. 1, fig. 1 is a single line diagram that simplifies a multi-phase system by using a single line to represent all phases), comprising: a main breaker assembly (1) configured to be electrically connected to a three-phase power supply (¶[0009]); a plurality of subpanel assemblies (fig. 1, each assembly is 6 with three 9s) electrically connected to the three-phase power supply through three circuit breakers (see fig. 4, 1 has three circuit breakers) of the main breaker assembly, wherein the three circuit breakers are respectively associated with three phases (¶[0028]) of the three-phase power supply, each of the subpanel assemblies comprises: a contactor assembly electrically connected to the three-phase power supply, the contactor assembly including three contactors (see fig. 4, 6 has three sets of terminals associated with each phase) respectively associated with the three phases of the three-phase power supply, wherein each of the three contactors is configured to selectively connect or disconnect its corresponding phase (each 6 selectively connects/disconnects the associated phase); a branch breaker assembly (fig. 1, each group of three 9s connected to a respective 6) electrically connected to a load side (fig. 1, downstream side of 6) of the contactor assembly and configured to be electrically connected to a group of loads (fig. 1, to the right of each 9; ¶[0004], LED display screens, “configured to” does not positively claim the group of loads), the branch breaker assembly including a plurality of branch circuit breakers (fig, 1, each 9), and each of the plurality of branch circuit breakers is configured to switch on or off an electrical connection (purpose of a circuit breaker is to make or break an electrical connection) to a respective one or more loads in the group of loads, a first set of three power distribution points (points of fig. 1, where power from splits off to respective 6) respectively electrically connected (see fig. 1, since fig. 1 is a single line drawing, fig. 1 only show one of the power distribution points) to the three circuit breakers of the main breaker assembly, wherein the first set of three power distribution points are respectively associated with the three phases of the three-phase power supply, wherein each power distribution point (only one is shown because fig. 1 is a single line drawing) of the first set of three power distribution points is disposed downstream (fig. 1, downstream of 1) of a respective one (fig. 4, each breaker of 1) of the three circuit breakers that is electrically connected to that power distribution point, and wherein the first set of three power distribution points are disposed upstream (fig. 1, upstream of 6) of the contactor assembly of each of the plurality of subpanel assemblies, wherein each of the first set of three power distribution points is configured to receive electrical power through a single bus (see fig. 1) and distribute the received electrical power to the branch breaker assembly of each of the plurality of subpanel assemblies via separate buses (see fig. 1), and wherein the contactor assembly of each of the plurality of subpanel assemblies receives the three phases of the three-phase power supply from the first set of three power distribution points (see annotated fig. 4 above), respectively. Yu further teaches each of the three contactors is configured to selectively connect or disconnect a corresponding phase of the three phases independently (¶[0029], 3 moves each of coils of 6 at different times than others of the coils of 6) of the other two contractors of the contractor assembly. Yu fails to specifically disclose each of the three contractors is configured to selectively connect or disconnect a corresponding phase of the three phases independently of the other two contractors of the contractor assembly, and the three power distribution points are three power distribution blocks (PDBs). Zhou teaches each of the three contactors (12A-12C) is configured to selectively connect or disconnect a corresponding phase (col. 1, l. 21) of the three phases (col. 1, l. 22) independently (col. 2, l. 23) of the other two contractors of the contractor assembly. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to substitute the contactor assembly of Zhou for the purpose of having “a modular electromagnetic contactor assembly having multiple contactors that can be independently controlled (col. 2. L. 23) such that contact erosion is minimized” (col. 1, ll. 21-24). Michael teaches three power distribution blocks (PDBs) (fig. 3, 380a,380c,380e) respectively associated with the three phases (col. 6, l. 26) of the three-phase power supply (col. 6, l. 23). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to substitute the PDBs of Michael for the power distribution points of Yu for the purpose enabling splitting of electrical power through a removeable connection to enable easier installation and maintenance of the panelboard assembly.
With respect to Claim 15, Yu teaches a panelboard assembly (fig. 1, fig. 1 is a single line diagram that simplifies a multi-phase system by using a single line to represent all phases), comprising: a plurality of subpanel assemblies (fig. 1, each assembly is 6 with three 9s) electrically connected to a three-phase power supply (¶[0009]) through three circuit breakers (see fig. 4, 1 has three circuit breakers) of a main breaker assembly (fig. 1, 1), wherein the three circuit breakers are respectively associated with three phases (¶[0028]) of the three-phase power supply, each of the subpanel assemblies comprises: a contactor assembly electrically connected to the three-phase power supply, the contactor assembly including three contactors (see fig. 4, 6 has three sets of terminals associated with each phase) respectively associated with the three phases of the three-phase power supply, wherein each of the three contactors is configured to selectively connect or disconnect its corresponding phase; and a branch breaker assembly (fig. 1, each group of three 9s connected to a respective 6) electrically connected to the contactor assembly and configured to be electrically connected to a group of loads (fig. 1, to the right of each 9; ¶[0004], LED display screens, “configured to” does not positively claim the group of loads), the branch breaker assembly including a plurality of branch circuit breakers (fig, 1, each 9), and each of the plurality of branch circuit breakers is configured to switch on or off an electrical connection (purpose of a circuit breaker is to make or break an electrical connection) to a respective one or more loads in the group of loads; an enclosure (fig. 3, 18) enclosing the plurality of subpanel assemblies; three power distribution points (points of fig. 1, where power from splits off to respective 6) respectively electrically connected to the three circuit breakers of the main breaker assembly, wherein the three power distribution points are respectively associated (see fig. 1, since fig. 1 is a single line drawing, fig. 1 only show one of the power distribution points) with the three phases of the three-phase power supply, wherein each power distribution point (only one is shown because fig. 1 is a single line drawing) of the three power distribution points is disposed downstream (fig. 1, downstream of 1) of a respective one of the three circuit breakers that is electrically connected to that power distribution point, wherein the three power distribution points are disposed upstream (fig. 1, upstream of 6) of the contactor assembly of each of the plurality of subpanel assemblies, wherein each of the three power distribution points is configured to receive electrical power through a single bus (see fig. 1) and distribute the received electrical power to the contactor assembly of each of the plurality of subpanel assemblies via separate buses (see fig. 1), and wherein the contactor assembly of each of the plurality of subpanel assemblies receives the three phases of the three-phase power supply from the three power distribution points (see annotated fig. 4 above), respectively. Yu further teaches each of the three contactors is configured to selectively connect or disconnect a corresponding phase of the three phases independently (¶[0029], 3 moves each of coils of 6 at different times than others of the coils of 6) of the other two contractors of the contractor assembly. Yu fails to specifically disclose each of the three contractors is configured to selectively connect or disconnect a corresponding phase of the three phases independently of the other two contractors of the contractor assembly, and the three power distribution points are three power distribution blocks (PDBs). Zhou teaches each of the three contactors (12A-12C) is configured to selectively connect or disconnect a corresponding phase (col. 1, l. 21) of the three phases (col. 1, l. 22) independently (col. 2, l. 23) of the other two contractors of the contractor assembly. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to substitute the contactor assembly of Zhou for the purpose of having “a modular electromagnetic contactor assembly having multiple contactors that can be independently controlled (col. 2. L. 23) such that contact erosion is minimized” (col. 1, ll. 21-24). Michael teaches three power distribution blocks (PDBs) (fig. 3, 380a,380c,380e) respectively associated with the three phases (col. 6, l. 26) of the three-phase power supply (col. 6, l. 23). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to substitute the PDBs of Michael for the power distribution points of Yu for the purpose enabling splitting of electrical power through a removeable connection to enable easier installation and maintenance of the panelboard assembly.
With respect to Claims 2, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 18, and 20, Yu further teaches an enclosure (fig. 3, 18) enclosing the plurality of subpanel assemblies (claims 2 and 9), the main breaker assembly configured to switch on or off an electrical connection (purpose of a circuit breaker is to make or break an electrical connection) to the three-phase power supply (claim 5), a mounting board (fig. 4, back side of 18), wherein the plurality of subpanel assemblies are mounted on (see fig. 4) the mounting board (claims 7, 14, and 20), the main breaker assembly is electrically connected (see fig. 1) to the plurality of subpanel assemblies, the main breaker assembly configured to switch on or off an electrical connection (purpose of a circuit breaker is to make or break an electrical connection) to the three-phase power supply (claim 12) and the main breaker assembly (1) electrically connected to the plurality of subpanel assemblies, wherein the main breaker assembly is configured to switch on or off an electrical connection (purpose of a circuit breaker is to make or break an electrical connection) to the three-phase power supply (claim 18).
Claims 3, 10, and 16 are rejected under AIA 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Yu (CN 205862207), Zhou (US 6.956,728), Michael (US 7,830,043) and Guasco (US 3,402,326).
Yu discloses the claimed invention including a contactor (fig. 4, 6 is shown with three sets of terminals for the three phases) that switched on and off at least one of the plurality of subpanel assemblies. Yu, Zhou and Michael fail to disclose the contactor of at least one of the plurality of subpanel assemblies is switched on and off through a photoresistor. Guasco teaches a contactor assembly (I) is switched on and off through a photoresistor (R1). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the assembly of Yu, Zhou and Michael with the photoresistor of Guasco for the purpose of “detecting insulation faults in electrical apparatus” (col. 1, 1. 29) and providing an automatic shutoff of the branch circuits. (The photoresistor is the means that the contactor is switched on and off which switches on and off the at least one of the plurality of subpanel assemblies).
Claims 4, 6, 11, 13, 17, and 19 are rejected under AIA 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Yu (CN 205862207), Zhou (US 6.956,728), Michael (US 7,830,043) and Stendardo (US 6,229,692).
Yu, Zhou and Michael disclose the claimed invention except for a branch panel dead front covering (claims 4, 11, and 17) and a main panel dead front covering (claims 6, 13, and 19). Stendardo teaches a branch panel dead front covering (fig. 2, 22) at least a portion of the each branch breaker assembly (col. 2, l. 43, row passing left 24 of fig. 2, row passing right 24 of fig. 2), wherein the branch panel dead front further includes one or more slots (24s) providing access to the branch breaker assembly (claims 4, 11, and 17) and a main panel dead front covering (fig. 2, 22) at least a portion of the main breaker assembly, wherein the main panel dead front further includes one or more slots (fig. 2, opening covered by 26) providing access to the main breaker assembly (fig. 6, 74) (claims 6, 13, and 19). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the assembly of Yu, Zhou and Michael with the dead front covering of Stendardo for the purpose of providing access to the handles of the main and branch breaker assemblies to turn the breakers on and off.
Claims 7, 12, and 20 are rejected under AIA 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Yu (CN 205862207), Zhou (US 6.956,728), Michael (US 7,830,043) and Hideta (JP H10-70803).
Alternately, Yu and Michael disclose the claimed invention except for a mounting board. Hideta a mounting board (13), wherein the first plurality of subpanel assemblies (fig. 4, 8 and 10 on left, 8 and 10 on right) are mounted on (see fig. 1) the mounting board (claims 7 and 20), It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the assembly of Yu, Zhou and Michael with the mounting board of Hideta for the purpose of a modular unit for electrically interconnecting the main breaker assembly, the first subpanel assembly, and the second subpanel assembly.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. CN 207475955 (fig. 2) discloses single-phase contactors in a three-phase system. US 7,0573,311, 7,196,434, 7,224,557, and 7,317,264 have similar disclosures to US 6,943,654.
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RJH 5/29/2026
/ROBERT J HOFFBERG/
Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2835
Prosecution Insights