Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Response to Amendment
Applicant's arguments filed August 11, 2026, have been fully considered but they are not persuasive. Based on applicant’s amendments the rejection below has been updated to address the amendments.
Applicant argues that Pellenc fails to disclose the amended limitation requiring the first and second arms to form an arc-shape having an inner radius substantially the same as the battery cell terminal and thereby leaving the top or bottom most part of the battery-cell terminal uncovered. Applicant further argues that Pellenc is specifically designed to contact the top-most or bottom-most terminal surface and that modifying Pellenc to leave such surface uncovered would destroy Pellenc’s principle of operation.
The argument is not persuasive because it treats electrical contact with the top-most or bottom-most surface as requiring complete coverage of that surface. The pending claim does not require the connector to avoid contact with the top-most or bottom-most surface altogether. Rather, claim 1 requires the geometry to leave the top or bottom most part of the terminal uncovered. Pellenc’s ring-shaped contact can electrically contact a terminal surface while simultaneously leaving another portion of that same terminal surface uncovered.
In particular, Pellenc expressly describes the electrical contact as ring-shaped ([0109]). A ring-shaped contact inherently includes a central opening. Consequently, when the ring-shaped contact engages the corresponding terminal, the annular portion can contact the terminal while the terminal portion corresponding to the central opening remains uncovered. Pellenc therefore does not need to be modified to eliminate electrical contact with the terminal surface in order to satisfy the amended limitation.
Applicant’s reliance upon Pellenc’s discussion of reducing or eliminating an air gap likewise does not establish a structural distinction. Pellenc’s reduction of an air gap concerns obtaining reliable electrical contact between the conductive contact portion and the corresponding terminal surface; it does not require that the conductive contact cover every portion of that terminal surface. An annular/ring-shaped contact may establish direct electrical contact around its contact region while leaving the region corresponding to its central opening uncovered. Accordingly, Pellenc’s disclosed purpose is fully compatible with the claimed arrangement.
Applicant additionally argues that its connector permits rotation about the battery terminal and permits installation or removal without interrupting electrical contact. These alleged advantages do not distinguish the claimed apparatus unless corresponding structural limitations are recited in the claim. Claim 1 does not expressly require rotation while maintaining electrical connection, installation or removal of battery while another electrical connection is maintained, or any particular degree or location of uncovered terminal surface beyond the presently recited structural relationship.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
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, 4-20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Pellenc in view of Latour et al. (US 20190157728 A1), hereinafter Latour.
Regarding claim 1, Pellenc teaches:
A magnetic battery cell connector comprising ([0028]):
A body having a first arm and a second arm that diverge away from one another ([0076-0077], Fig. 1, interconnecting device 20, electrically conductive strip 22);
An electrical pathway ([0064], [0076-0077], Fig. 1, interconnecting device 20, electrically conductive strip 22);
An electrical contact ([0077], Fig. 1, contact area 300):
Located proximate a terminal end of one of the first arm and the second arm ([0077], Fig. 1,contact area 30);
Electrically connected to the electrical pathway ([0077], Fig. 1, interconnecting device 20, electrically conductive strip 22, contact area 30);
Adapted to allow electricity to pass from a battery cell terminal to the first electrical pathway ([0077], Fig. 1, interconnecting device 20, electrically conductive strip 22, contact area 30);
A magnet at least partially seated in the electrical contact ([0078], Fig. 1, interconnecting device 20, electrically conductive strip 22, contact area 30, magnet 32);
The magnet being adapted to magnetically releasably secure the first body to the battery cell ([0078], Fig. 1, interconnecting device 20, electrically conductive strip 22, contact area 30, magnet 32).
Pellenc further teaches the first and second arms form an arc-shape ([0076-0077], [0109], Fig. 1, interconnecting device 20, electrically conductive strip 22). Specifically, Pellenc teaches a ring-shaped connector which satisfies the claimed arc-shaped (Fig. 1, [0109]). Thus, the portions extending from the connector toward and around the terminal constitute first and second arcuate arm portions.
Pellenc further teaches an inner radius of the arc shape is substantially the same as a battery end cap of a battery cell ([0076-0077], [0109], Fig. 1, interconnecting device 20, electrically conductive strip 22). Specifically, Pellenc teaches a ring-shaped connector that fits the battery end cap of the battery cell (Fig. 1, [0109]). The ring-shaped electrical contact is dimensioned to correspond to and engage the battery terminal. Accordingly, the inner arcuate surface of the ring-shaped contact necessarily has a radius corresponding substantially to the radius of the terminal with which it engages. Pellenc’s figures likewise illustrate contact area 30 surrounding a central region rather than forming a solid plate covering the entirety of the battery terminal. Thus, although Pellenc establishes electrical contact at the top-most or bottom most terminal surface, the ring-shaped geometry leaves at least a portion of that terminal surface uncovered. The claim does not require the entire top-most or bottom-most surface be uncovered but rather recites leaving the “top or bottom most part” of the terminal uncovered.
Regarding claim 4, Pellenc teaches:
The electrical contact is cup-shaped, and the magnet is at least partially seated in the electrical contact ([0079], cup 42, magnet 32).
Regarding claim 5, Pellenc teaches:
The magnetic battery cell connector Comprising a first contact plate at the end of the first arm and the magnet is disposed on the first contact plate ([0077-0078], Fig. 1, interconnecting device 20, electrically conductive strip 22, contact area 30, magnet 32).
Regarding claim 6, Pellenc teaches:
The magnetic battery cell connector comprising a second contact plate at the end of the second arm ([0077-0078], Fig. 1, interconnecting device 20, electrically conductive strip 22, contact area 30).
Regarding claim 7, Pellenc teaches the limitation of claim 1, as stated above. Pellenc fails to teach that the body comprises a printed circuit board (PCB). Latour teaches a battery module that includes a printed circuit board (PCB) ([0043-0045]). Pellenc and Latour are considered analogous art to the claimed invention because they are in the same field of batteries. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the current invention to modify battery assembly of Pellenc to include the PCB arrangement taught by Latour because incorporating a PCB into the battery module would provide improved electrical control, monitoring, communication, and battery management functions within the battery assembly.
Regarding claim 8, Pellenc teaches the limitation of claim 1, as stated above. Pellenc further teaches the body is a ring-shape ([0109]). Pellenc fails to teach that the first and second arms form one of a u-shape or a V-shape. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the current invention to modify the ring-shaped connector of Pellenc to instead have a U-shape or V-shape because the particular shape of the connector is a matter of design choice that depends on factors such as manufacturability, assembly configuration, spatial constrains, and desired engagement with corresponding battery components. Modifying the connector geometry from a ring shape to a U-shape or V-shape would have been a predictable variation while maintaining the same intended function of mechanically and/or electrically connecting the battery components.
Regarding claim 9, Pellenc teaches the limitation of claim 1, as stated above. Pellenc further teaches the electrical contact comprises a through-hole ([0109], Fig. 1, interconnecting device 20, electrically conductive strip 22, contact area 30, magnet 32). Specifically, Pellenc teaches a ring-shaped electrical contact. A ring-shaped electrical contact necessarily includes a central opening extending through the contact, thereby teaching the claimed through hole.
Regarding claim 10, Pellenc teaches the limitation of claim 9, as stated above. Pellenc further teaches the magnet is seated at least partially within the through-hole ([0109], [0113], Fig. 1, interconnecting device 20, electrically conductive strip 22, contact area 30, magnet 32, openings 62). Specifically, Pellenc discloses that openings 62 are dimensioned to receive the magnet associated with the contact areas. Thus, the magnet is positioned within the central opening of the ring-shaped electrical contact, i.e., seated at least partially within the through hole.
Regarding claim 11, Pellenc teaches:
The magnet and the electrical contact comprise a unitary structure ([0077-0078], Fig. 1, interconnecting device 20, electrically conductive strip 22, contact area 30, magnet 32).
Regarding claim 12, Pellenc teaches:
The electrical contact is a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact ([0106]):
The second electrical contact being electrically connected to the electrical pathway ([0106]);
The second electrical contact being adapted to allow electricity to pass from a battery cell terminal to the electrical pathway ([0106], [0077-0078], Fig. 1, interconnecting device 20, electrically conductive strip 22, contact area 30).
Regarding claim 13, Pellenc teaches:
The magnet is a first magnet, and further comprising a second magnet at least partially seated in the second electrical contact ([0078], Fig. 1, interconnecting device 20, electrically conductive strip 22, contact area 30, magnet 32);
The second magnet being adapted to magnetically releasably secure the body to a battery cell ([0078], Fig. 1, interconnecting device 20, electrically conductive strip 22, contact area 30, magnet 32).
Regarding claim 14, Pellenc teaches the limitation of claim 13, as stated above. Pellenc further teaches the second electrical contact is a through-hole ([0109], Fig. 1, interconnecting device 20, electrically conductive strip 22, contact area 30, magnet 32). Specifically, Pellenc teaches a ring-shaped electrical contact. A ring-shaped electrical contact necessarily includes a central opening extending through the contact, thereby teaching the claimed through hole.
Regarding claim 15, Pellenc teaches the limitation of claim 14, as stated above. Pellenc further teaches the second magnet is seated at least partially within the through-hole ([0109], [0113], Fig. 1, interconnecting device 20, electrically conductive strip 22, contact area 30, magnet 32, openings 62). Specifically, Pellenc discloses that openings 62 are dimensioned to receive the magnet associated with the contact areas. Thus, the magnet is positioned within the central opening of the ring-shaped electrical contact, i.e., seated at least partially within the through hole.
Regarding claim 16, Pellenc teaches:
The second magnet and the second electrical contact comprise a unitary structure ([0077-0078], Fig. 1, interconnecting device 20, electrically conductive strip 22, contact area 30, magnet 32).
Regarding claim 17, Pellenc teaches:
The magnetic battery cell connector further comprises an electrical connection to an electronic module ([0055], [0106], Fig. 7 interconnecting device 20, electrically conductive strip 22).
Regarding claim 18, Pellenc teaches the limitation of claim 17, as stated above. Pellenc fails to teach the electronic module comprises an integrated circuit. Latour teaches the electronic module comprises an integrated circuit ([0043]). Pellenc and Latour are considered analogous art to the claimed invention because they are in the same field of batteries. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the current invention to incorporate the integrated circuit taught by Latour into the electronic module of Pellenc in order to improve battery control and management capabilities.
Regarding claim 19, Pellenc and Latour teach the limitation of claim 18, as stated above. Pellenc fails to teach the electronic module further comprises an embedded voltage sensor. Latour teaches the electronic module further comprises an embedded voltage sensor (Abstract). Pellenc and Latour are considered analogous art to the claimed invention because they are in the same field of batteries. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the current invention to incorporate the embedded voltage sensor taught by Latour into the electronic module of Pellenc in order to provide voltage monitoring and improve battery management and diagnostic functionality.
Regarding claim 20, Pellenc and Latour teach the limitation of claim 18, as stated above. Pellenc fails to teach the electronic module further comprises a communication module (Abstract). Pellenc and Latour are considered analogous art to the claimed invention because they are in the same field of batteries. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the current invention to incorporate the communication module of Pellenc in order to enable communication of battery status, operational data, and diagnostic information.
Conclusion
THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any nonprovisional extension fee (37 CFR 1.17(a)) pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the mailing date of this final action.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to Tamara Orduna whose telephone number is (571)431-1457. The examiner can normally be reached Mon-Fri 8:00-5:00 EST.
Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice.
If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Jennifer Dieterle can be reached at (571) 270-7872. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
Information regarding the status of published or unpublished applications may be obtained from Patent Center. Unpublished application information in Patent Center is available to registered users. To file and manage patent submissions in Patent Center, visit: https://patentcenter.uspto.gov. Visit https://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/patent-center for more information about Patent Center and https://www.uspto.gov/patents/docx for information about filing in DOCX format. For additional questions, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000.
/TAMARA ORDUNA/Examiner, Art Unit 1776
/Jennifer Dieterle/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 1776
Prosecution Insights