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 .
Claim Status
Claims 1-12 are pending. Claim 11 is amended. Claims 1-10 are previously presented. Claim 12 is new.
Response to Arguments
Applicant's arguments filed 5/26/2026 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive.
In response to arguments on page 10 of the remarks that primary reference FUKADA does not disclose the recitation “at predefined intervals, generate a first voltage”, it is noted that that the instant specification discloses the “predefined intervals are… daily intervals”, such that the first voltage is produced, e.g., “each morning” (see page 16, lines 4-13). Similarly, FUKADA discloses the generation of the first voltage is dependent on the output power of the solar battery, and it is therefore maintained that FUKADA teaches said recitation within the broadest reasonable interpretation and in light of the specification.
In response to arguments on page 11 of the remarks that, in primary reference FUKADA, the control ECU is also the charge regulator, and it is improper to consider that a same module is arranged to apply power to its own terminals, it is respectfully submitted that Applicant has mischaracterized the interpretation of FUKADA relied upon in the rejection. In particular, the diode D1 as shown in Figures 1 & 5 of FUKADA is the claimed “charge regulator”, and the claimed “first power supply component” comprises at least elements 4 and 5 as shown in Figures 1 & 5, said elements applying power (at least during startup/activation) to the “switching module” comprising element 7 in Figure 1 or element 33 in Figure 5. It is therefore submitted that FUKADA teaches the “charge regulator”, “first power supply component”, and “switching module” within the broadest reasonable interpretation as described in the rejection.
In response to arguments on page 11 of the remarks that primary reference FUKADA does not disclose “the predefined duration comprises a full duration for which the first voltage is maintained” as recited in new claim 12, it is respectfully submitted that in the case where the waiting time (i.e., the timer) expires and the output voltage is smaller than the threshold value, the “first voltage” from the “first power supply component” will not continue to be maintained as disclosed in paragraphs 0066-0067 of FUKADA, and at least this condition reads on the recitation of claim 12. It is therefore submitted that FUKADA teaches the recitation of claim 12 within the broadest reasonable interpretation of the claim language.
Drawings
The drawings were received on 5/26/2026. These drawings are acceptable.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
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 the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action:
A person shall be entitled to a patent unless –
(a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale, or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
Claim(s) 1-4, 6-7, and 12 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by FUKADA (US Pub. No. 2013/0082645; cited in previous office action).
Regarding claim 1, FUKADA discloses an electric circuit arranged to be connected to at least one photovoltaic panel (3, Figs. 1 & 5), to at least one main battery (12, Figs. 1 & 5) and to a charge regulator (D1, Figs. 1 & 5), and comprising:
a first power supply component (comprising 4 and/or 5, Figs. 1 & 5) arranged to, at predefined intervals (it is noted that the instant specification discloses the “predefined intervals are… daily intervals”, see page 16, lines 4-5; ¶ 0044: a threshold-value current at which the contacts are connected (the relay is on) is set in the relay circuit constituting the power detection unit 4; the intervals are predefined based on the disclose threshold value, and can be interpreted as “daily intervals” such as when the photovoltaic panel output is sufficient to activate the first power supply component), generate a first voltage (¶ 0045: if the contacts in the power detection unit 4 are connected, the control power is supplied to the control ECU 10 and the control ECU 10 is activated (Step S03); the disclosure of “the control power is supplied” implies a voltage) from a photovoltaic energy which is produced by the at least one photovoltaic panel (¶ 0029: power detection unit 4 has a configuration in which the contacts are closed when power (current) equal to or greater than a predetermined value is supplied from the solar battery 3; ¶ 0048: power detection unit 4 is connected between the solar battery 3 and the charging control system 7, and detects the power output from the solar battery 3. The power detection unit 4 is operated when the power output from the solar battery 3 becomes equal to or greater than the predetermined value, and the power for activating the charging control system 7 is supplied. In this case, when the output power equal to or greater than the predetermined value is supplied from the solar battery 3 to the power detection unit 4, the power detection unit 4 is operated and the power for activation is supplied to the charging control system 7, thereby appropriately activating the charging control system 7);
a switching module (comprising at least 7 in Fig. 1; also shown as 33 in Figure 5) arranged to, when the first power supply component generates the first voltage, be powered by said first voltage (¶ 0045: see above) and apply, to the terminals of the at least one main battery and of the charge regulator, for a predefined duration (¶ 0064: If the start-up control of the control ECU 34 is executed, "timer (internal variable)" in the control ECU 34 is set to "0" (Step S23). The variable "timer" is used so as to prevent the output of the disconnection signal to the power relay unit 22 at the beginning of the start-up of the charging control system 33; ¶ 0066: When it is determined that the value of "timer" is greater than "timer1", the process progresses to Step S28. When it is determined that the value of "timer" is not greater than "timer1", the output of the disconnection signal is set to be off (Step S31); ¶ 0067: In Step S28, it is determined by the control ECU 34 whether or not the output power from the solar battery 3 is equal to or smaller than the threshold value. When it is determined that the output power from the solar battery 3 is equal to or smaller than the threshold value, the start-up control of the charging control system 7 is executed (Step S29), and the disconnection signal of the power relay unit 22 is on (Step S30). When it is determined that the output power of the solar battery 3 is not equal to or smaller than the threshold value, the processing of Step S31 is executed; ¶ 0071: If the charging control system 33 is activated, the above-described control is executed. Specifically, the control ECU 34 embedded in the charging control system 33 measures the output power from the solar battery 3, and determines whether or not the output power is equal to or smaller than the threshold value. When it is determined that the output power from the solar battery 3 is equal to or smaller than the threshold value, the control ECU 34 turns on (outputs) the disconnection signal to the power relay unit 22. Accordingly, since the contacts are opened in the power relay unit 22, and the contacts of the power supply unit 6 are opened, the supply of the control power to the charging control system 33 is stopped, such that charging of the batteries 12 and 13 is stopped and the operation of the entire charging control system 33 is stopped), a power supply voltage produced from the photovoltaic energy (¶ 0032: first DC-DC converter 8 is a portion which receives the output voltage of the solar battery 3 as an input, and steps up or down the output voltage to the voltage of the (lead battery) 12. Specifically, the first DC-DC converter 8 steps down the output voltage of the solar battery 3 from 42 V to 14 V, and supplies a charging current to the battery 12. A diode D1 for preventing the reverse flow of the current is connected between the first DC-DC converter 8 and the battery 12; ¶ 0065: Next, in the control ECU 34, the output power of the solar battery 3 is input and the power is measured (Step S24). The output voltage of the solar battery 3 is converted to the voltage of each of the batteries 12 and 13 in each of the DC-DC converters 8 and 9 (Step S25), and charging of the batteries 12 and 13 starts. "+1" is added to the value of "timer" (Step S26), and it is determined in the control ECU 34 whether or not the value of "timer" is greater than "timer 1" which is a fixed value (waiting time) (timer>timer1) (Step S27)).
Regarding claim 2, FUKADA discloses the first power supply component being powered by an input voltage produced by the at least one photovoltaic panel, the first power supply component being arranged to generate the first voltage when the input voltage is greater than a minimum threshold voltage of the first power supply component (¶ 0029, 0044-0048).
Regarding claim 3, FUKADA discloses the switching module comprises: a second power supply component arranged to be powered by the first voltage and to produce a second voltage (6, Fig 5; ¶ 0069-0070); a timer relay comprising a switch (22, Fig. 5) and arranged to be powered by the second voltage and to, when the second voltage moves from a zero value to a non-zero value, close the switch for the predefined duration to apply the power supply voltage at the terminals of the at least one main battery and of the charge regulator, then reopen the switch following the predefined duration (¶ 0063-0071).
Regarding claim 4, FUKADA discloses the power supply voltage being the first voltage (¶ 0031, 0071).
Regarding claim 6, FUKADA discloses an equipment comprising a casing and an electric circuit according to claim 1, the electric circuit being positioned in the casing (¶ 0026).
Regarding claim 7, FUKADA discloses a power supply device comprising at least one main battery (12, Figs. 1 & 5), a charge regulator (D1, Figs. 1 & 5), and an electric circuit according to claim 1.
Regarding claim 12, FUKADA discloses the predefined duration comprises a full duration for which the first voltage is maintained (¶ 0066-0067).
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.
The factual inquiries for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows:
1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art.
2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue.
3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.
4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness.
Claim(s) 8 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over FUKADA.
Regarding claim 8, FUKADA discloses the power supply device as applied to claim 7, but fails to disclose the at least one main battery is a lithium battery.
Official notice was taken that lithium batteries were an old and known expedient in the art, and these features are taken to be admitted prior art because applicant either failed to traverse the examiner’s assertion of official notice or applicant’s traverse is not adequate.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to include the main battery is a lithium battery, since selection of a lithium battery would have been an obvious design choice for a skilled artisan, given the known benefits over other battery chemistries, e.g., in terms of cycle life, efficiency, and specific energy (power-to-weight ratio).
Claim(s) 9-10 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over FUKADA as applied to claims 1-4, 6-7, and 12 above, and further in view of ZHANG (US Pub. No. 2020/0227924; cited in previous office action).
Regarding claim 9, FUKADA discloses the electric circuit as applied to claim 1, and further discloses at least one battery (12, Figs. 1 & 5) positioned in a cabinet (¶ 0026), wherein a charge regulator is also positioned (D1, Figs. 1 & 5), and which is connected to at least one photovoltaic panel (3, Figs. 1 & 5), and integrating the electric circuit according to claim 1 in the cabinet, by connecting the electric circuit to the at least one photovoltaic panel, to the at least one main battery and to the charge regulator (¶ 0026-0027).
FUKADA fails to disclose a method for replacing at least one original battery, comprising the steps of: removing the at least one original battery from the cabinet; and replacing the at least one original battery with at least one main battery.
ZHANG discloses a method for replacing at least one original battery, comprising the steps of: removing the at least one original battery from the cabinet; and replacing the at least one original battery with at least one main battery (¶ 0027, 0031).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to include the method for replacing at least one original battery with at least one main battery in order to provide a replacement battery that can provide significant advantages over the original battery, such as improvements in lifespan, efficiency, weight, and performance.
Regarding claim 10, FUKADA as modified by ZHANG teaches the at least one original battery is a lead battery and the at least one main battery is a lithium battery (ZHANG, ¶ 0027, 0031).
Claim(s) 11 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over FUKADA as applied to claims 1-4, 6-7, and 12 above, and further in view of KUHN (US Pub. No. 2003/0151221; cited in previous office action).
Regarding claim 11, FUKADA discloses the electric circuit as applied to claim 2, and further discloses a power supply method, implemented in the electric circuit according to claim 2, wherein the switching module comprises:
a second power supply component arranged to be powered by the first voltage and to produce a second voltage (6, Fig 5; ¶ 0069-0070);
a timer relay comprising a switch (22, Fig. 5) and arranged to be powered by the second voltage and to, when the second voltage moves from a zero value to a non-zero value, close the switch for the predefined duration to apply the power supply voltage at the terminals of the at least one main battery and of the charge regulator, then reopen the switch following the predefined duration (¶ 0063-0071),
the method comprising the steps of: [energizing] a coil of the timer relay; if the input voltage is greater than the minimum threshold voltage of the first power supply component, [de-energizing] the coil and thus closing the switch of the timer relay; applying the power supply voltage to the terminals of the at least one main battery and of the charge regulator; counting the predefined duration by a time delay component; and when the time delay component has counted the predefined duration, opening the switch of the timer relay (¶ 0063-0071).
FUKADA fails to disclose energizing the coil closes the switch of the timer relay.
However, one of ordinary skill would recognize the relay could be either “normally open/off” or “normally closed/on” and provide the same functionality. For example, KUHN discloses energizing the coil closes the switch of the relay (¶ 0032). It would be obvious to apply the energizing of the coil to close the relay as disclosed in KUHN to the timer relay of FUKADA.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to include energizing the coil closes the switch of the timer relay in order to provide a desired energy efficiency and operational logic based on the specific application’s required default state.
Allowable Subject Matter
Claim 5 is objected to as being dependent upon a rejected base claim, but would be allowable if rewritten in independent form including all of the limitations of the base claim and any intervening claims.
The following is a statement of reasons for the indication of allowable subject matter: Regarding claim 5, the prior art teaches the electric circuit as applied to claim 3 but fails to disclose “a secondary battery and a third power supply component, the secondary battery being arranged to be charged by the first power supply component and therefore by the photovoltaic energy, the switch of the timer relay being mounted between the secondary battery and the third power supply component, the third power supply component being arranged to be powered by a secondary voltage at the terminals of the secondary battery when the switch is closed, the third power supply component thus being arranged to produce a third voltage which is the power supply voltage”. It would not have been obvious to modify the prior art to arrive at the claimed invention.
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 MANUEL HERNANDEZ whose telephone number is (571)270-7916. The examiner can normally be reached Monday-Friday 9a-5p ET.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Drew Dunn can be reached at (571) 272-2312. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/Manuel Hernandez/Examiner, Art Unit 2859 6/25/2026
/DREW A DUNN/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2859
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