DETAILED ACTION
This Office Action is a response to Applicant's Amendment filed on 6/12/25. By virtue of this amendment, claims 1-20 are cancelled and claims 21-40 are newly added, thus, claims 21-40 are currently presented in the instant application.
Response to Amendment
Newly submitted claims 21-40 are directed to an invention that is independent or distinct from the invention originally claimed for the following reasons:
Claims 1-20, drawn to a light source configured to be mounted in an enclosure, the light source comprising: an attachment member configured to attach to a surface of the enclosure; a first heat-dissipating structure having a first surface coupled to the attachment member; a second heat-dissipating structure having a second surface coupled to the first heat- dissipating structure member; and a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted on the second heat-dissipating structure opposite to the first heat-dissipating structure, wherein the second heat-dissipating structure has a contact area with the first heat- dissipating structure that assures that a thermal resistance between the second heat-dissipating structure and the first heat-dissipating structure is less than a thermal resistance between the plurality of LEDs and the second heat-dissipating structure.
New claims 21-30, drawn to a light source for use with a fluorescent tube ballast, the light source comprising: a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs); a power adapter configured to receive input power via a plurality of pins adapted to connect to a fluorescent tube socket, wherein the power adapter comprises: a starter emulator circuit configured to present a load that mimics a gas discharge startup behavior of a fluorescent tube during a startup phase of the ballast; and a converter circuit configured to convert a subsequent maintenance-phase AC signal from the ballast into a DC voltage suitable for powering the LEDs.
New claims 31-40, drawn to a light source comprising: a plurality of LEDs mounted on a heat-dissipating substrate; first and second plug connectors configured to engage a fluorescent tube socket; a power adapter electrically coupled to the first and second plug connectors, the power adapter comprising: a first emulator circuit configured to simulate filament current draw between pins on one end of a fluorescent tube; a second emulator circuit configured to simulate filament current draw between pins on the other end of a fluorescent tube; and a rectifier and regulator circuit configured to receive a drive voltage from the ballast and produce regulated DC output to drive the LEDs.
Since applicant has received an action on the merits for the originally presented invention, this invention has been constructively elected by original presentation for prosecution on the merits. Accordingly, claims 21-40 withdrawn from consideration as being directed to a non-elected invention. See 37 CFR 1.142(b) and MPEP § 821.03.
Double Patenting
A rejection based on double patenting of the “same invention” type finds its support in the language of 35 U.S.C. 101 which states that “whoever invents or discovers any new and useful process... may obtain a patent therefor...” (Emphasis added). Thus, the term “same invention,” in this context, means an invention drawn to identical subject matter. See Miller v. Eagle Mfg. Co., 151 U.S. 186 (1894); In re Vogel, 422 F.2d 438, 164 USPQ 619 (CCPA 1970); In re Ockert, 245 F.2d 467, 114 USPQ 330 (CCPA 1957).
A statutory type (35 U.S.C. 101) double patenting rejection can be overcome by canceling or amending the claims that are directed to the same invention so they are no longer coextensive in scope. The filing of a terminal disclaimer cannot overcome a double patenting rejection based upon 35 U.S.C. 101.
Instant Application:18506,069.
A light source configured to be mounted in an enclosure, the light source comprising: an attachment member configured to attach to a surface of the enclosure; a first heat-dissipating structure having a first surface coupled to the attachment member; a second heat-dissipating structure having a second surface coupled to the first heat- dissipating structure member; and a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted on the second heat-dissipating structure opposite to the first heat-dissipating structure, wherein the second heat-dissipating structure has a contact area with the first heat- dissipating structure that assures that a thermal resistance between the second heat-dissipating structure and the first heat-dissipating structure is less than a thermal resistance between the plurality of LEDs and the second heat-dissipating structure.
2. The light source according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of LEDs are on separate traces on the surface of the second heat-dissipating structure, with the separate traces covering a portion of the surface of second heat-dissipating structure.
3. The light source according to claim 1, wherein the second heat-dissipating structure comprises metal and a surface coupled to the plurality of LEDs is in contact with air having an ambient temperature.
4. The light source according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of LEDs are distributed in respective positions on the second heat-dissipating structure, such that the surface presented by the second heat-dissipating structure is configured to dissipate heat generated by each the plurality of LEDs to surrounding air without using a finned heat radiator or being directly connected to an additional heat-radiating surface.
5. The light source according to claim 1, wherein the attachment member is an adhesive applied to the first surface of the first heat-dissipating structure and is configured to adhere to the surface of the disclosure.
6. The light source according to claim 1, wherein the attachment member is an adhesive is a magnetic member configured to magnetically attach to the surface of the enclosure.
7. The light source of claim 1, wherein the plurality of LEDs are configured to generate less than 2 watts per second of heat on any square inch of the second surface of the second heat- dissipating structure during operation of the plurality of LEDs.
8. The light source of claim 3, wherein the plurality of LEDs are each spaced a distance apart from each other sufficient to maintain an operating temperature of less than 75° C above the ambient temperature of the air during operation of the plurality of LEDs.
9. The light source of claim 1, wherein the plurality of LEDs are mounted directly on the second heat-dissipating structure.
10. The light source of claim 1, further comprising: first and second plug adapters configured to mate with a fluorescent tube connector of the enclosure; and a power adapter configured to convert power from a fluorescent tube ballast presented on the first and second plug adapters to DC power that powers the plurality of LEDs.
11. The light source of claim 10, wherein the fluorescent tube ballast is configured to provide power in a first mode that starts a conventional fluorescent tube of a predetermined type and switch to provide power in a second mode that powers the conventional tube in a maintenance phase of operation.
12. A light source comprising: an attachment member; a first heat-dissipating structure coupled to the attachment member; a second heat-dissipating structure coupled to the first heat-dissipating structure member on a side opposite the first heat-dissipating structure; and
a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted on the second heat-dissipating structure on a surface thereof that is opposite the first heat-dissipating structure, wherein the second heat-dissipating structure has a contact area with the first heat- dissipating structure that provides a thermal resistance between the second heat-dissipating structure and the first heat-dissipating structure that is less than a thermal resistance between the plurality of LEDs and the second heat-dissipating structure.
13. The light source according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of LEDs are on separate traces on the surface of the second heat-dissipating structure, with the separate traces covering a portion of the surface of second heat-dissipating structure.
14. The light source according to claim 12, wherein the second heat-dissipating structure comprises metal and the surface coupled to the plurality of LEDs is in contact with air having an ambient temperature, and wherein the plurality of LEDs are distributed in respective positions on the second heat- dissipating structure, such that the surface presented by the second heat-dissipating structure is configured to dissipate heat generated by each the plurality of LEDs to surrounding air without using a finned heat radiator or being directly connected to an additional heat-radiating surface.
15. The light source according to claim 12, wherein the attachment member is an adhesive applied to the first surface of the first heat-dissipating structure and is configured to adhere to the surface of the disclosure.
16.The light source according to claim 12, wherein the attachment member is an adhesive is a magnetic member configured to magnetically attach to the surface of the enclosure.
17. The light source of claim 12, wherein the plurality of LEDs are configured to generate less than 2 watts per second of heat on any square inch of the second surface of the second heat- dissipating structure during operation of the plurality of LEDs.
18. The light source of claim 12, wherein the plurality of LEDs are mounted directly on the surface of the second heat-dissipating structure.
19. The light source of claim 12, further comprising: first and second plug adapters configured to mate with a fluorescent tube connector of the enclosure; and a power adapter configured to convert power from a fluorescent tube ballast presented on the first and second plug adapters to DC power that powers the plurality of LEDs.
20. The light source of claim 19, wherein the fluorescent tube ballast is configured to provide power in a first mode that starts a conventional fluorescent tube of a predetermined type and switch to provide power in a second mode that powers the conventional tube in a maintenance phase of operation.
Patent No: 11,846,394.
1. A light source configured to be mounted in an enclosure, the light source comprising: an attachment member configured to attach to a surface of the enclosure; a first heat-dissipating structure having a first surface coupled to the attachment member; a second heat-dissipating structure having a second surface coupled to the first heat-dissipating structure member; and a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted on the second heat-dissipating structure opposite to the first heat-dissipating structure, wherein the second heat-dissipating structure has a contact area with the first heat-dissipating structure that assures that a thermal resistance between the second heat-dissipating structure and the first heat-dissipating structure is less than a thermal resistance between the plurality of LEDs and the second heat-dissipating structure.
2. The light source according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of LEDs are on separate traces on the surface of the second heat-dissipating structure, with the separate traces covering a portion of the surface of second heat-dissipating structure.
3. The light source according to claim 1, wherein the second heat-dissipating structure comprises metal and a surface coupled to the plurality of LEDs is in contact with air having an ambient temperature.
4. The light source according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of LEDs are distributed in respective positions on the second heat-dissipating structure, such that the surface presented by the second heat-dissipating structure is configured to dissipate heat generated by each the plurality of LEDs to surrounding air without using a finned heat radiator or being directly connected to an additional heat-radiating surface.
5. The light source of claim 3, wherein the plurality of LEDs are each spaced a distance apart from each other sufficient to maintain an operating temperature of less than 75° C. above the ambient temperature of the air during operation of the plurality of LEDs.
6. The light source according to claim 1, wherein the attachment member is an adhesive applied to the first surface of the first heat-dissipating structure and is configured to adhere to the surface of the disclosure.
7. The light source according to claim 1, wherein the attachment member is an adhesive is a magnetic member configured to magnetically attach to the surface of the enclosure.
8. The light source of claim 1, wherein the plurality of LEDs are configured to generate less than 2 watts per second of heat on any square inch of the second surface of the second heat-dissipating structure during operation of the plurality of LEDs.
9. The light source of claim 1, wherein the plurality of LEDs are mounted directly on the second heat-dissipating structure.
10. The light source of claim 1, further comprising: first and second plug adapters configured to mate with a fluorescent tube connector of the enclosure; and a power adapter configured to convert power from a fluorescent tube ballast presented on the first and second plug adapters to DC power that powers the plurality of LEDs.
11. The light source of claim 10, wherein the fluorescent tube ballast is configured to provide power in a first mode that starts a conventional fluorescent tube of a predetermined type and switch to provide power in a second mode that powers the conventional tube in a maintenance phase of operation.
12. A light source comprising: an attachment member; a first heat-dissipating structure coupled to the attachment member; a second heat-dissipating structure coupled to the first heat-dissipating structure member on a side opposite the first heat-dissipating structure; and a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted on the second heat-dissipating structure on a surface thereof that is opposite the first heat-dissipating structure, wherein the second heat-dissipating structure has a contact area with the first heat-dissipating structure that provides a thermal resistance between the second heat-dissipating structure and the first heat-dissipating structure that is less than a thermal resistance between the plurality of LEDs and the second heat-dissipating structure.
13. The light source according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of LEDs are on separate traces on the surface of the second heat-dissipating structure, with the separate traces covering a portion of the surface of second heat-dissipating structure.
14. The light source according to claim 12, wherein the second heat-dissipating structure comprises metal and the surface coupled to the plurality of LEDs is in contact with air having an ambient temperature, and wherein the plurality of LEDs are distributed in respective positions on the second heat-dissipating structure, such that the surface presented by the second heat-dissipating structure is configured to dissipate heat generated by each the plurality of LEDs to surrounding air without using a finned heat radiator or being directly connected to an additional heat-radiating surface.
15. The light source according to claim 12, wherein the attachment member is an adhesive applied to the first surface of the first heat-dissipating structure and is configured to adhere to the surface of the disclosure.
16. The light source according to claim 12, wherein the attachment member is an adhesive is a magnetic member configured to magnetically attach to the surface of the enclosure.
17. The light source of claim 12, wherein the plurality of LEDs are configured to generate less than 2 watts per second of heat on any square inch of the second surface of the second heat-dissipating structure during operation of the plurality of LEDs.
18. The light source of claim 12, wherein the plurality of LEDs are mounted directly on the surface of the second heat-dissipating structure.
19. The light source of claim 12, further comprising: first and second plug adapters configured to mate with a fluorescent tube connector of the enclosure; and a power adapter configured to convert power from a fluorescent tube ballast presented on the first and second plug adapters to DC power that powers the plurality of LEDs.
20. The light source of claim 19, wherein the fluorescent tube ballast is configured to provide power in a first mode that starts a conventional fluorescent tube of a predetermined type and switch to provide power in a second mode that powers the conventional tube in a maintenance phase of operation.
Claims 1-20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 101 as claiming the same invention as that of claims 1-20 of prior U.S. Patent No. 11,846,394. This is a statutory double patenting rejection.
All limitations of claim 1 of instant application are similar all limitations of claim 1 of Patent application above. The limitations of claim 1 of the instant application are same to compare with the limitation of claim 1 of the Patent application above.
Limitation of claim 2 of the instant application are same limitations of claim 3 of Patent application above.
Limitation of claim 3 of the instant application are same limitations of claim 3 of Patent application above.
Limitation of claim 4 of the instant application are same limitations of claim 3 of Patent application above.
Limitation of claim 5 of the instant application are same limitations of claim 3 of Patent application above.
Limitation of claim 6 of the instant application are same limitations of claim 3 of Patent application above.
Limitation of claim 7 of the instant application are same limitations of claim 3 of Patent application above.
Limitation of claim 8 of the instant application are same limitations of claim 3 of Patent application above.
Limitation of claim 9 of the instant application are same limitations of claim 3 of Patent application above.
Limitation of claim 10 of the instant application are same limitations of claim 3 of Patent application above.
Limitation of claim 11 of the instant application are same limitations of claim 3 of Patent application above.
All limitations of claim 12 of instant application are similar all limitations of claim 1 of Patent application above. The limitations of claim 1 of the instant application are same to compare with the limitation of claim 1 of the Patent application above.
Limitation of claim 13 of the instant application are same limitations of claim 3 of Patent application above.
Limitation of claim 14 of the instant application are same limitations of claim 3 of Patent application above.
Limitation of claim 15 of the instant application are same limitations of claim 3 of Patent application above.
Limitation of claim 16 of the instant application are same limitations of claim 3 of Patent application above.
Limitation of claim 17 of the instant application are same limitations of claim 3 of Patent application above.
Limitation of claim 18 of the instant application are same limitations of claim 3 of Patent application above.
Limitation of claim 19 of the instant application are same limitations of claim 3 of Patent application above.
Limitation of claim 20 of the instant application are same limitations of claim 3 of Patent application above.
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.
Citation of pertinent prior art
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicants' disclosure. See prior arts/references listed on the PTO-892 form attached.
Inquiry
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to MINH D. A whose telephone number is (571)272-1817. The examiner can normally be reached on 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Taningco Alexander H can be reached on 571-272-8048. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300. Information regarding the status of an application may be obtained from the Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR) system. Status information for published applications may be obtained from either Private PAIR or Public PAIR. Status information for unpublished applications is available through Private PAIR only. For more information about the PAIR system, see http://pair-direct.uspto.gov. Should you have questions on access to the Private PAIR system, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from USPTO Customer Service Representative or access to the automated information system, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000.
/Minh Tran/
Primary Examiner
Art Unit 2844