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 .
Claim Objections
The objections to the Claims 1-9, 26-40 are withdrawn in view of the amendments to the Claims 1, 26, 32 and 37.
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 1, 26 and 37 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.
The term “large” in claim 1, 2 is a relative term which renders the claim indefinite. The term “large” is not defined by the claim, the specification does not provide a standard for ascertaining the requisite degree, and one of ordinary skill in the art would not be reasonably apprised of the scope of the invention. There are no parameter, quantitative information or specification information in the Claims or Specifications to provide what the “large” may be, the Specification lacks quantitative or specification information as to what dimension or measurement of the hydraulic diameter needs to be for the diameter to be considered “large” and the distinct feature or characteristic for the “large” relative to other features and structures of the cold plate.
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.
Claims 1-3, 5, 8-9, 26-28, 30, 33-40 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Edmunds et al. (US 2022/0110225 - hereinafter, "Edmunds") in view of TANG et al. (US 2024/0384951 - hereinafter, "Tang") in view of CAMPBELL et al. (US 2015/0359139 - hereinafter, "Campbell").
With respect to Claim 1, Edmunds teaches (in Figure 4B and 12A-12C)
A cold plate assembly (see Figure 12A-12C) comprising:
a cold plate (1200) comprising a thermally conductive material (in paragraph [0009], “In a preferred example, the second cooling circulatory arrangement can comprise cold plates, which can be thermally coupled to specific electronic devices of the plurality of electronic devices” and in paragraph [0044]-[0049]), having a first surface (bottom surface of the cold plate (1200), in paragraph [0228], “Preferably, the surface arranged to provide a thermal interface to an electronic device (such as the second electronic device) to which the cold plate is coupled is a bottom surface of the cold plate housing (for instance the underside, not shown, of the cold plate housing 1210 in FIG. 12A)”) attachable to a heat generating electronic component (electronic device, in paragraph [0228], “Preferably, the surface arranged to provide a thermal interface to an electronic device (such as the second electronic device)) of a data processing system (in paragraph [0014]), and having a second surface (see Figure 12C, top surface of base plate (1245) of cold plate (1200) where the array of extended fins (1245) are located) opposed to the first surface (bottom surface of the cold plate (1200)) and configured with an array of extended fins (1240) separated by intervening microchannels (see Figure 12B-12C, the array of extended fins (1240) form microchannels between each extended fins), the array of extended fins (1240) having exterior surfaces (exterior surfaces of each extended fins (1240)) and the intervening microchannels (see Figure 12B-12C, the array of extended fins (1240) form microchannels between each extended fins) having surfaces (see Figure 12C, the intervening microchannels share exterior surfaces of the array of extended fins (1240) and also has a surface of the lid (1250) and a surface of the base plate (1245)) that are exposed to a facility-grade cooling liquid (mains water supply, in paragraph [0207], “In the example of FIG. 4B, the second cooling circulatory arrangement can be provided with lower temperature second liquid coolant by a facility level provision. In particular, the second liquid coolant is water, and fed from the mains water supply 490 at a facility level. The higher temperature second liquid coolant received from the electronic module can be passed to the mains drainage 495 at the facility level”), the array of extended fins (1240) supporting use of facility-grade cooling liquid (mains water supply) and providing heat transfer directly to the facility-grade cooling liquid (mains water supply) without requiring a secondary coolant loop (see Figure 4B, in paragraph [0058]); and
an encapsulating lid (1250, see Figure 12C) attachable to the second surface (see Figure 12C, top surface of base plate (1245) of cold plate (1200) where the array of extended fins (1245) are located) encompassing at least the array of extended fins (1240) to form a liquid cooling cavity (1235) and comprising an intake port (1225a) and an exhaust port (1225b) for coupling to a cooling liquid supply (in paragraph [0058]).
Edmunds fails to specifically teach or suggest exterior surfaces that are coated with at least one of a hydrophobic, a non-conductive, and an anti- corrosive surface treatment and without causing corrosion or clogging due to cooling liquid particulates, wherein a geometry of each fin within the array of extended fins is designed to maintain large hydraulic diameters with greater than 800- micron flow spaces.
Tang, however, teaches (in paragraph [0008]-[0011], [0013], [0017]-[0018] and [0064])
exterior surfaces (surface of array of fins (13)) that are coated (14) with at least one of a hydrophobic (in paragraph [0064], “The heat exchanger 100 includes a matrix 100-1 and a hydrophobic coating layer 14 coated at least part of the surface of the matrix 100-1, the matrix 100-1 is a matrix of at least one of the collecting pipe 11, the heat exchanger tube 12 and the fin 13”), a non-conductive (low surface energy silane material, in paragraph [0035], “the hydrophobic coating layer includes a low surface energy silane material and corrosion inhibiting particles dispersed in the low surface energy silane material”), and an anti- corrosive (corrosion inhibiting particles, in paragraph [0035], “the hydrophobic coating layer includes a low surface energy silane material and corrosion inhibiting particles dispersed in the low surface energy silane material” and in paragraph [0037]) surface treatment (in paragraph [0031], “In the related art of anticorrosion treatment for a metal surface, a anticorrosion coating layer on the metal surface may be a chemical conversion film formed by a reaction of a chemical reagent with a metal, a coating layer formed by depositing ions on the metal surface by means of electroplating, physical vapor deposition (PVD), etc., or a coating layer formed by applying a coating material to a surface of the metal by dip-coating, spray-coating or other means”) and without causing corrosion (in paragraph [0035], “the hydrophobic coating layer includes a low surface energy silane material and corrosion inhibiting particles dispersed in the low surface energy silane material”) or clogging due to cooling liquid particulates or chemical contaminants.
It would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time before effective filing date of the claimed invention, to combine the teachings of Tang with Edmunds, such that an array of fins having exterior surfaces that are coated with at least one of a hydrophobic, a non-conductive, and an anti- corrosive surface treatment and without causing corrosion or clogging due to cooling liquid particulates as taught by Tang since doing so would improve the corrosion resistance of Edmunds’ array of extended fins. (in paragraph [0035]-[0036])
With respect to the limitation requiring wherein a geometry of each fin within the array of extended fins is designed to maintain large hydraulic diameters with greater than 800- micron flow spaces.
Campbell, however, teaches (in paragraph [0040]) wherein a geometry of each fin (a finned or pinned array structure) within the array of extended fins (fin, in paragraph [0040], “To date, liquid-cooled cold plates with fin channel gaps, for instance, 1.5 mm or greater have been used”) is designed to maintain large hydraulic diameters with greater than 800- micron flow spaces (fin channel gaps, in paragraph [0040], “To date, liquid-cooled cold plates with fin channel gaps, for instance, 1.5 mm or greater have been used”).
It would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time before effective filing date of the claimed invention, to combine the teachings of Campbell with Edmunds, such that a geometry of each fin within an array of fins is designed to maintain large hydraulic diameters with greater than 800- micron flow spaces as taught by Campbell since doing so would avoid risk of channel clogging due to particulate contamination, with the related issues of lower thermal performance due to ineffective channels, and a lower liquid flow rate due to a higher cold plate pressure drop. (in paragraph [0040])
with respect to Claim 2, Edmunds as modified by Tang as modified by Campbell teaches the limitations of Claim 1 as per above, Edmunds further teaches (in Figure 4B and 12A-12C)
wherein the coating (14 as taught in Claim 1 as per above by Tang) on the array of extended fins (1240) is both non-conductive and anti-corrosive (as taught in Claim 1 as per above by Tang, in paragraph [0035], “the hydrophobic coating layer includes a low surface energy silane material and corrosion inhibiting particles dispersed in the low surface energy silane material”, the coating is hydrophobic and non-conductive and anti-corrosive).
with respect to Claim 3, Edmunds as modified by Tang as modified by Campbell teaches the limitations of Claim 1 as per above, Edmunds further teaches (in Figure 4B and 12A-12C)
wherein the array of extended fins (1240) are further coated by a hydrophobic layer (14 as taught in Claim 1 as per above by Tang) to prevent scaling and sedimentation due to dissolved calcium carbonate in the cooling liquid (water).
With respect to Claim 5, Edmunds as modified by Tang as modified by Campbell teaches all the limitations of Claim 1 as per above, but fails to specifically teach or suggest the limitations of Claim 5.
Campbell, however, teaches (in paragraph [0040]) wherein an array of fins (a finned or pinned array structure, in paragraph [0040]) are spaced apart at least 800-microns (in paragraph [0040], “To date, liquid-cooled cold plates with fin channel gaps, for instance, 1.5 mm or greater have been used”) to facilitate passage of the cooling liquid particulates.
It would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time before effective filing date of the claimed invention, to combine the teachings of Campbell with Edmunds, such that an array of fins are spaced apart at least 800-microns to facilitate passage of the cooling liquid particulates as taught by Campbell since doing so would avoid risk of channel clogging due to particulate contamination, with the related issues of lower thermal performance due to ineffective channels, and a lower liquid flow rate due to a higher cold plate pressure drop. (in paragraph [0040])
with respect to Claim 8, Edmunds as modified by Tang as modified by Campbell teaches the limitations of Claim 1 as per above, Edmunds further teaches (in Figure 4B and 12A-12C)
wherein the array of extended fins (1240) are coated using physical vapor deposition (PVD) (as taught in Claim 1 as per above by Tang, in paragraph [0031], “In the related art of anticorrosion treatment for a metal surface, a anticorrosion coating layer on the metal surface may be a chemical conversion film formed by a reaction of a chemical reagent with a metal, a coating layer formed by depositing ions on the metal surface by means of electroplating, physical vapor deposition (PVD), etc., or a coating layer formed by applying a coating material to a surface of the metal by dip-coating, spray-coating or other means”) to provide the non-conductive treatment and the anti-corrosive surface treatment (as taught in Claim 1 as per above by Tang, in paragraph [0035], “the hydrophobic coating layer includes a low surface energy silane material and corrosion inhibiting particles dispersed in the low surface energy silane material”, the coating is hydrophobic and non-conductive and anti-corrosive).
with respect to Claim 9, Edmunds as modified by Tang as modified by Campbell teaches the limitations of Claim 1 as per above, Edmunds further teaches (in Figure 4B and 12A-12C)
wherein the array of extended fins (1240) are coated, via PVD (as taught in Claim 1 as per above by Tang, in paragraph [0031], “In the related art of anticorrosion treatment for a metal surface, a anticorrosion coating layer on the metal surface may be a chemical conversion film formed by a reaction of a chemical reagent with a metal, a coating layer formed by depositing ions on the metal surface by means of electroplating, physical vapor deposition (PVD), etc., or a coating layer formed by applying a coating material to a surface of the metal by dip-coating, spray-coating or other means”), with one or more ceramics from among a group comprising Zirconium Nitride (as taught in Claim 1 as per above by Tang, in paragraph [0013]) and Titanium Nitride.
With respect to Claim 26, Edmunds teaches (in Figure 4B and 12A-12C)
A liquid cooling system (see Figure 4B) comprising:
a cold plate assembly (see Figure 12A-12C) comprising:
a cold plate (1200) comprising a thermally conductive material (in paragraph [0009], “In a preferred example, the second cooling circulatory arrangement can comprise cold plates, which can be thermally coupled to specific electronic devices of the plurality of electronic devices” and in paragraph [0044]-[0049]), having a first surface (bottom surface of the cold plate (1200), in paragraph [0228], “Preferably, the surface arranged to provide a thermal interface to an electronic device (such as the second electronic device) attachable to a heat generating electronic component (electronic device, in paragraph [0228], “Preferably, the surface arranged to provide a thermal interface to an electronic device (such as the second electronic device)) of an information processing system (in paragraph [0014]), and having a second surface (see Figure 12C, top surface of base plate (1245) of cold plate (1200) where the array of extended fins (1240) are located) opposed to the first surface (bottom surface of the cold plate (1200)) and configured with an array of extended fins (1240) separated by intervening microchannels (see Figure 12B-12C, the array of extended fins (1240) form microchannels between each extended fins), the array of extended fins (1240) having exterior surfaces (exterior surfaces of each extended fins (1240)) and the intervening microchannels (see Figure 12B-12C, the array of extended fins (1240) form microchannels between each extended fins) having surfaces (see Figure 12C, the intervening microchannels share exterior surfaces of the array of extended fins (1240) and also has a surface of the lid (1250) and a surface of the base plate (1245)) that are exposed to a facility-grade cooling liquid (mains water supply, in paragraph [0207], “In the example of FIG. 4B, the second cooling circulatory arrangement can be provided with lower temperature second liquid coolant by a facility level provision. In particular, the second liquid coolant is water, and fed from the mains water supply 490 at a facility level. The higher temperature second liquid coolant received from the electronic module can be passed to the mains drainage 495 at the facility level”), the array of extended fins (1240) supporting use of the facility-grade cooling liquid (mains water supply) and providing heat transfer directly to the facility-grade cooling liquid (mains water supply) without requiring a secondary coolant loop (see Figure 4B, in paragraph [0058]); and
an encapsulating lid (1250) attachable to a perimeter of the second surface (see Figure 12C, top surface of base plate (1245) of cold plate (1200) where the array of extended fins (1245) are located) encompassing at least the array of extended fins (1240) to form a liquid cooling cavity (1235) and comprising an intake port (1225a) and an exhaust port (1225b) for coupling to a cooling liquid supply (in paragraph [0058]); and
an open-loop liquid distribution system (in paragraph [0019], “In alternative cases, the second cooling circulatory arrangement can describe an open loop, in which liquid coolant is received, flowed around the described pathway, and then passed to a drain. For instance, after passing through the heat exchanger the second liquid coolant in the second cooling circulatory arrangement is then either cooled (by passing through a cooling system before passing back to the electronic module), or is replenished (for example, where the second liquid coolant is part of a facility wide coolant supply, such as a facility water supply)”) sealably connected to and in fluid communication between the intake port (1225a) of the cold plate (1200) and a cooling liquid source (facility level supply, in paragraph [0023], “In other words, the second cooling circulatory arrangement is an open loop, and the second liquid coolant is fed from a facility level supply, and constantly replenished. For instance, the second liquid coolant supply may be a water supply, from which water is received (as the second liquid coolant), circulated through the second cooling circulatory arrangement, and then allowed to exit the second cooling circulatory arrangement to facility drainage.”) to receive unheated facility liquid (cool water) and between the exhaust port (1225b) of the cold plate (1200) and a cooling liquid (water) return to exhaust heated facility liquid (heated water) to the cooling liquid return (facility drainage, in paragraph [0023], “In other words, the second cooling circulatory arrangement is an open loop, and the second liquid coolant is fed from a facility level supply, and constantly replenished. For instance, the second liquid coolant supply may be a water supply, from which water is received (as the second liquid coolant), circulated through the second cooling circulatory arrangement, and then allowed to exit the second cooling circulatory arrangement to facility drainage.”).
Edmunds fails to specifically teach or suggest exterior surfaces that are coated with at least one of a hydrophobic, a non-conductive, and an anti- corrosive surface treatment and without causing corrosion or clogging due to cooling liquid particulates, wherein a geometry of each fin within the array of extended fins is designed to maintain large hydraulic diameters with greater than 800- micron flow spaces.
Tang, however, teaches (in paragraph [0008]-[0011] , [0013], [0017]-[0018] and [0064])
exterior surfaces (surface of array of fins (13)) that are coated (14) with at least one of a hydrophobic (in paragraph [0064], “The heat exchanger 100 includes a matrix 100-1 and a hydrophobic coating layer 14 coated at least part of the surface of the matrix 100-1, the matrix 100-1 is a matrix of at least one of the collecting pipe 11, the heat exchanger tube 12 and the fin 13”), a non-conductive (low surface energy silane material, in paragraph [0035], “the hydrophobic coating layer includes a low surface energy silane material and corrosion inhibiting particles dispersed in the low surface energy silane material”), and an anti- corrosive (corrosion inhibiting particles, in paragraph [0035], “the hydrophobic coating layer includes a low surface energy silane material and corrosion inhibiting particles dispersed in the low surface energy silane material” and in paragraph [0037]) surface treatment (in paragraph [0031], “In the related art of anticorrosion treatment for a metal surface, a anticorrosion coating layer on the metal surface may be a chemical conversion film formed by a reaction of a chemical reagent with a metal, a coating layer formed by depositing ions on the metal surface by means of electroplating, physical vapor deposition (PVD), etc., or a coating layer formed by applying a coating material to a surface of the metal by dip-coating, spray-coating or other means”) and without causing corrosion (in paragraph [0035], “the hydrophobic coating layer includes a low surface energy silane material and corrosion inhibiting particles dispersed in the low surface energy silane material”) or clogging due to cooling liquid particulates or chemical contaminants.
It would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time before effective filing date of the claimed invention, to combine the teachings of Tang with Edmunds, such that an exterior surfaces that are coated with at least one of a hydrophobic, a non-conductive, and an anti- corrosive surface treatment and without causing corrosion or clogging due to cooling liquid particulates as taught by Tang since doing so would improve the corrosion resistance of Edmunds’ array of extended fins. (in paragraph [0035]-[0036])
With respect to the limitation requiring wherein a geometry of each fin within the array of extended fins is designed to maintain large hydraulic diameters with greater than 800- micron flow spaces.
Campbell, however, teaches (in paragraph [0040]) wherein a geometry of each fin (a finned or pinned array structure) within the array of extended fins (fin, in paragraph [0040], “To date, liquid-cooled cold plates with fin channel gaps, for instance, 1.5 mm or greater have been used”) is designed to maintain large hydraulic diameters with greater than 800- micron flow spaces (fin channel gaps, in paragraph [0040], “To date, liquid-cooled cold plates with fin channel gaps, for instance, 1.5 mm or greater have been used”).
It would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time before effective filing date of the claimed invention, to combine the teachings of Campbell with Edmunds, such that a geometry of each fin within an array of fins is designed to maintain large hydraulic diameters with greater than 800- micron flow spaces as taught by Campbell since doing so would avoid risk of channel clogging due to particulate contamination, with the related issues of lower thermal performance due to ineffective channels, and a lower liquid flow rate due to a higher cold plate pressure drop. (in paragraph [0040])
with respect to Claim 27, Edmunds as modified by Tang as modified by Campbell teaches the limitations of Claim 26 as per above, Edmunds further teaches (in Figure 4B and 12A-12C)
wherein the array of extended fins (1240) are non-conductive, anti-corrosive (NCAC) extended fins (as taught in Claim 26 as per above by Tang, in paragraph [0035], “the hydrophobic coating layer includes a low surface energy silane material and corrosion inhibiting particles dispersed in the low surface energy silane material”) having exterior surfaces (surface of array of fins (13), as taught in Claim 26 as per above by Tang) that are coated with a surface treatment that is both non-conductive and anti-corrosive (as taught in Claim 26 as per above by Tang, in paragraph [0035], “the hydrophobic coating layer includes a low surface energy silane material and corrosion inhibiting particles dispersed in the low surface energy silane material”, the coating is hydrophobic and non-conductive and anti-corrosive).
with respect to Claim 28, Edmunds as modified by Tang as modified by Campbell teaches the limitations of Claim 26 as per above, Edmunds further teaches (in Figure 4B and 12A-12C)
wherein the array of extended fins (1240) are further coated by a hydrophobic layer (14 as taught in Claim 26 as per above by Tang) to prevent scaling and sedimentation due to dissolved calcium carbonate in the facility liquid (water).
With respect to Claim 30, Edmunds as modified by Tang as modified by Campbell teaches all the limitations of Claim 26 as per above, but fails to specifically teach or suggest the limitations of 30.
Campbell, however, teaches (in paragraph [0040]) wherein an array of fins (a finned or pinned array structure, in paragraph [0040]) are spaced apart at least 800-microns (in paragraph [0040], “To date, liquid-cooled cold plates with fin channel gaps, for instance, 1.5 mm or greater have been used”) to facilitate passage of the cooling liquid particulates.
It would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time before effective filing date of the claimed invention, to combine the teachings of Campbell with Edmunds, such that an array of fins are spaced apart at least 800-microns to facilitate passage of the cooling liquid particulates as taught by Campbell since doing so would avoid risk of channel clogging due to particulate contamination, with the related issues of lower thermal performance due to ineffective channels, and a lower liquid flow rate due to a higher cold plate pressure drop. (in paragraph [0040])
with respect to Claim 33, Edmunds as modified by Tang as modified by Campbell teaches the limitations of Claim 26 as per above, Edmunds further teaches (in Figure 4B and 12A-12C)
wherein the array of extended fins (1240) are coated using physical vapor deposition (PVD) (as taught in Claim 26 as per above by Tang, in paragraph [0031], “In the related art of anticorrosion treatment for a metal surface, a anticorrosion coating layer on the metal surface may be a chemical conversion film formed by a reaction of a chemical reagent with a metal, a coating layer formed by depositing ions on the metal surface by means of electroplating, physical vapor deposition (PVD), etc., or a coating layer formed by applying a coating material to a surface of the metal by dip-coating, spray-coating or other means”) to provide the non-conductive treatment and the anti-corrosive surface treatment (as taught in Claim 26 as per above by Tang, in paragraph [0035], “the hydrophobic coating layer includes a low surface energy silane material and corrosion inhibiting particles dispersed in the low surface energy silane material”, the coating is hydrophobic and non-conductive and anti-corrosive).
with respect to Claim 34, Edmunds as modified by Tang as modified by Campbell teaches the limitations of Claim 33 as per above, Edmunds further teaches (in Figure 4B and 12A-12C)
wherein the array of extended fins (1240) are coated, via PVD (as taught in Claim 26 as per above by Tang, in paragraph [0031], “In the related art of anticorrosion treatment for a metal surface, a anticorrosion coating layer on the metal surface may be a chemical conversion film formed by a reaction of a chemical reagent with a metal, a coating layer formed by depositing ions on the metal surface by means of electroplating, physical vapor deposition (PVD), etc., or a coating layer formed by applying a coating material to a surface of the metal by dip-coating, spray-coating or other means”), with one or more ceramics from among a group comprising Zirconium Nitride (as taught in Claim 26 as per above by Tang, in paragraph [0013]) and Titanium Nitride.
with respect to Claim 35, Edmunds as modified by Tang as modified by Campbell teaches the limitations of Claim 26 as per above, Edmunds further teaches (in Figure 4B and 12A-12C)
further comprising at least one electrically actuated valve (valves, in paragraph [0249], “As will be understood by the person skilled in the art, various other components may be included within the cooling loop (such as switches, valves, manifolds, or additional pumps). Additional cold plate assemblies may also be comprised within the cooling loop, as described below. The described cooling loop is provided for illustrative purposes, and is not considered to be limiting”) in fluid communication between the open-loop distribution system (in paragraph [0019], “In alternative cases, the second cooling circulatory arrangement can describe an open loop, in which liquid coolant is received, flowed around the described pathway, and then passed to a drain. For instance, after passing through the heat exchanger the second liquid coolant in the second cooling circulatory arrangement is then either cooled (by passing through a cooling system before passing back to the electronic module), or is replenished (for example, where the second liquid coolant is part of a facility wide coolant supply, such as a facility water supply)”) and the cold plate assembly (see Figure 12A-12C) to regulate fluid flow through the liquid cooling cavity.
with respect to Claim 36, Edmunds as modified by Tang as modified by Campbell teaches the limitations of Claim 26 as per above, Edmunds further teaches (in Figure 4B and 12A-12C)
wherein the heat generating electronic component (electronic device, in paragraph [0014]) comprises an integrated circuit module.
With respect to Claim 37, Edmunds teaches (in Figure 4B and 12A-12C)
An information processing system (in paragraph [0014]) comprising:
a heat generating electronic component (electronic device, in paragraph [0228], “Preferably, the surface arranged to provide a thermal interface to an electronic device (such as the second electronic device)); and
a cold plate assembly (see Figure 12A-12C) attached to the heat generating electronic component (electronic device) via a first surface (bottom surface of the cold plate (1200), in paragraph [0228], “Preferably, the surface arranged to provide a thermal interface to an electronic device (such as the second electronic device) of a cold plate (1200) comprising an opposed second surface (see Figure 12C, top surface of base plate (1245) of cold plate (1200) where the array of extended fins (1245) are located) configured with an array of extended fins (1240) separated by intervening microchannels (see Figure 12B-12C, the array of extended fins (1240) form microchannels between each extended fins), the array of extended fins (1240) having exterior surfaces (exterior surfaces of each extended fins (1240)) and the intervening microchannels (see Figure 12B-12C, the array of extended fins (1240) form microchannels between each extended fins) having surfaces (see Figure 12C, the intervening microchannels share exterior surfaces of the array of extended fins (1240) and also has a surface of the lid (1250) and a surface of the base plate (1245)), that are exposed to a facility-grade cooling liquid (mains water supply, in paragraph [0207], “In the example of FIG. 4B, the second cooling circulatory arrangement can be provided with lower temperature second liquid coolant by a facility level provision. In particular, the second liquid coolant is water, and fed from the mains water supply 490 at a facility level. The higher temperature second liquid coolant received from the electronic module can be passed to the mains drainage 495 at the facility level”), the array of extended fins (1240) supporting use of the facility-grade cooling liquid (mains water supply) and providing heat transfer directly to the facility-grade cooling liquid (mains water supply) without requiring a secondary coolant loop (see Figure 4B, in paragraph [0058]).
Edmunds fails to specifically teach or suggest exterior surfaces that are coated with at least one of a hydrophobic, a non-conductive, and an anti- corrosive surface treatment and without causing corrosion or clogging due to cooling liquid particulates or chemical contaminants, wherein a geometry of each fin within the array of extended fins is designed to maintain large hydraulic diameters with greater than 800- micron flow spaces.
Tang, however, teaches (in paragraph [0008]-[0011] , [0013], [0017]-[0018] and [0064])
exterior surfaces (surface of array of fins (13)) that are coated (14) with at least one of a hydrophobic (in paragraph [0064], “The heat exchanger 100 includes a matrix 100-1 and a hydrophobic coating layer 14 coated at least part of the surface of the matrix 100-1, the matrix 100-1 is a matrix of at least one of the collecting pipe 11, the heat exchanger tube 12 and the fin 13”), a non-conductive (low surface energy silane material, in paragraph [0035], “the hydrophobic coating layer includes a low surface energy silane material and corrosion inhibiting particles dispersed in the low surface energy silane material”), and an anti- corrosive (corrosion inhibiting particles, in paragraph [0035], “the hydrophobic coating layer includes a low surface energy silane material and corrosion inhibiting particles dispersed in the low surface energy silane material” and in paragraph [0037]) surface treatment (in paragraph [0031], “In the related art of anticorrosion treatment for a metal surface, a anticorrosion coating layer on the metal surface may be a chemical conversion film formed by a reaction of a chemical reagent with a metal, a coating layer formed by depositing ions on the metal surface by means of electroplating, physical vapor deposition (PVD), etc., or a coating layer formed by applying a coating material to a surface of the metal by dip-coating, spray-coating or other means”) and without causing corrosion (in paragraph [0035], “the hydrophobic coating layer includes a low surface energy silane material and corrosion inhibiting particles dispersed in the low surface energy silane material”) or clogging due to cooling liquid particulates or chemical contaminants.
It would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time before effective filing date of the claimed invention, to combine the teachings of Tang with Edmunds, such that an array of fins having exterior surfaces that are coated with at least one of a hydrophobic, a non-conductive, and an anti- corrosive surface treatment and without causing corrosion or clogging due to cooling liquid particulates or chemical contaminants as taught by Tang since doing so would improve the corrosion resistance of Edmunds’ array of extended fins. (in paragraph [0035]-[0036])
With respect to the limitation requiring wherein a geometry of each fin within the array of extended fins is designed to maintain large hydraulic diameters with greater than 800- micron flow spaces.
Campbell, however, teaches (in paragraph [0040]) wherein a geometry of each fin (a finned or pinned array structure) within the array of extended fins (fin, in paragraph [0040], “To date, liquid-cooled cold plates with fin channel gaps, for instance, 1.5 mm or greater have been used”) is designed to maintain large hydraulic diameters with greater than 800- micron flow spaces (fin channel gaps, in paragraph [0040], “To date, liquid-cooled cold plates with fin channel gaps, for instance, 1.5 mm or greater have been used”).
It would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time before effective filing date of the claimed invention, to combine the teachings of Campbell with Edmunds, such that a geometry of each fin within an array of fins is designed to maintain large hydraulic diameters with greater than 800- micron flow spaces as taught by Campbell since doing so would avoid risk of channel clogging due to particulate contamination, with the related issues of lower thermal performance due to ineffective channels, and a lower liquid flow rate due to a higher cold plate pressure drop. (in paragraph [0040])
with respect to Claim 38, Edmunds as modified by Tang as modified by Campbell teaches the limitations of Claim 37 as per above, Edmunds further teaches (in Figure 4B and 12A-12C)
wherein the cold plate assembly (see Figure 12A-12C) further comprises: an encapsulating lid (1250) attachable to the second surface (see Figure 12C, top surface of base plate (1245) of cold plate (1200) where the array of extended fins (1245) are located) encompassing at least the array of extended fins (1240) to form a liquid cooling cavity (1235) and comprising an intake port (1225a) and an exhaust port (1225b) for coupling to a cooling liquid supply (mains water supply).
with respect to Claim 39, Edmunds as modified by Tang as modified by Campbell teaches the limitations of Claim 37 as per above, Edmunds further teaches (in Figure 4B and 12A-12C)
wherein the cold plate (1200) comprises a thermally conductive material (in paragraph [0009], “In a preferred example, the second cooling circulatory arrangement can comprise cold plates, which can be thermally coupled to specific electronic devices of the plurality of electronic devices” and in paragraph [0044]-[0049]) and the coating on the array of extended fins (1240) is both non-conductive and anti-corrosive (as taught in Claim 37 as per above by Tang, in paragraph [0035], “the hydrophobic coating layer includes a low surface energy silane material and corrosion inhibiting particles dispersed in the low surface energy silane material”, the coating is hydrophobic and non-conductive and anti-corrosive).
with respect to Claim 40, Edmunds as modified by Tang as modified by Campbell teaches the limitations of Claim 39 as per above, Edmunds further teaches (in Figure 4B and 12A-12C)
wherein the array of extended fins (1240) is further coated by a hydrophobic layer (14 as taught in Claim 37 as per above by Tang) to prevent scaling and sedimentation due to dissolved calcium carbonate in the cooling liquid (water).
Claims 4 and 29 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Edmunds in view of Tang in view of Campbell in view of Nie et al. (US 2024/0130077 - hereinafter, "Nie").
With respect to Claim 4 and Claim 29, Edmunds as modified by Tang as modified by Campbell teaches all the limitations of Claim 1 and Claim 26 as per above, Edmunds further teaches (in Figure 4B and 12A-12C)
the first surface (bottom surface of the cold plate (1200), in paragraph [0228], “Preferably, the surface arranged to provide a thermal interface to an electronic device (such as the second electronic device) is a heat receiving surface, and the second surface (see Figure 12C, top surface of base plate (1245) of cold plate (1200) where the array of extended fins (1245) are located) is a heat transfer surface.
Edmunds fails to specifically teach or suggest wherein the thermally conductive material of the cold plate comprises copper.
Nie, however, teaches (in paragraph [0031]) wherein a thermally conductive material of a cold plate comprises copper (in paragraph [0031], “The cold plate can be composed of, for example, copper or other metals having a high thermal conductivity”).
It would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time before effective filing date of the claimed invention, to combine the teachings of Nie with Edmunds, such that a thermally conductive material of a cold plate comprises copper as taught by Nie since doing so would ensure Edmunds’ cold plate have high thermal conductivity. (in paragraph [0031])
Claims 6 and 31 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Edmunds in view of Tang in view of Campbell in view of Gohara (US 2014/0376184 - hereinafter, "Gohara").
With respect to Claim 6 and Claim 31, Edmunds as modified by Tang as modified by Campbell teaches all the limitations of Claim 1 and Claim 26 as per above, Edmunds further teaches (in Figure 4B and 12A-12C)
wherein the intake port (1225a), exhaust port (1225b), and volumetric space of the liquid cooling cavity (1235).
Edmunds fails to specifically teach or suggest a flow velocity of at least 0.7 m/s of liquid impinging the array of extended fins to prevent sedimentation.
Gohara, however, teaches (in paragraph [0080]-[0081] and in Figure 8a-8b)
a flow velocity of at least 0.7 m/s of liquid (in paragraph [0080], “The numerical values (0.000 to 1.000) shown in these diagrams indicate the flow velocities (unit: m/s) of the coolants. For comparison, the maximum flow velocity is set at 1.000 m/s for the both coolants”) impinging the array of extended fins to prevent sedimentation
It would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time before effective filing date of the claimed invention, to combine the teachings of Gohara with Edmunds, such that a flow velocity of at least 0.7 m/s of liquid impinging the array of extended fins to prevent sedimentation as taught by Gohara since doing so would ensure Edmunds’ cold plate’s cooling performance is substantially uniform between the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet, leading to a reduction in pressure loss. (in paragraph [0081])
The Examiner notes such a modification would have involved a mere
change in the size of a component or in this situation a change in flow velocity. A
change in size is generally recognized as being within the level of ordinary skill in the
art. MPEP 2144.04 (IV)(A).
Response to Arguments
Applicant's arguments filed 08/30/2026 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive.
With respect to Applicant’s remarks to independent Claim 1, 26 and 37
“As a threshold matter, independent claims 1, 26, and 37, as amended, each now recite "wherein a geometry of each fin within the array of extended fins is designed to maintain large hydraulic diameters with greater than 800-micron flow spaces." Campbell does not teach or suggest the claimed configuration. The rejection, as presented in the Office Action, rests on a single sentence of Campbell [0040] observing that liquid-cooled cold plates having fin channel gaps of "1.5 mm or greater have been used." Read in context, that sentence describes the preexisting state of the art from which Campbell proposes to depart. The sentence is not the configuration that Campbell discloses or proposes. Paragraph [0040] further explains that, in order to improve thermal performance, "there is a desire to use a finned or pinned array structure that has very small hydraulic cross-sectional flow areas," and that there is accordingly "interest in further reducing the channel spacing, that is, the hydraulic cross-sectional flow area to, for instance, 0.3 mm or below." Campbell expressly recognizes that this reduction "will introduce greater risk of channel clogging due to particulate contamination." Id… (present remarks page 10-12) the Examiner respectfully disagrees
The Applicant appears to be arguing the limitations of the Claim “wherein a geometry of each fin within the array of extended fins is designed to maintain large hydraulic diameters with greater than 800-micron flow spaces” with respect to “designed to maintain large hydraulic diameters with greater than 800-micron flow spaces”, the Examiner notes the claim limitations subject matter “greater than 800-micron flow spaces” can be in the broadest reasonable interpretation be interpreted as the channel width due to the term “flow spaces” and the Examiner notes “800-micron” is a unit of length or distance not a unit of cross-sectional area, Claim does not recite “wherein a geometry of each fin within the array of extended fins is designed to maintain large hydraulic diameters with greater than 800-micron2 cross-sectional area of each fin”, the Examiner notes that Applicant’s argument appears to be further limiting than the limitations as claimed in claim 1, 26 and 37.
Conclusion
Applicant's amendment necessitated the new ground(s) of rejection presented in this Office action. Accordingly, THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. See MPEP § 706.07(a). 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.
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/S.N./Examiner, Art Unit 2841
/Jayprakash N Gandhi/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2841
