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 Objections
Claims 2-12 are objected to because of the following informalities: [In claim 2, the limitation, "an outdoor air circulation inlet configured to pass the outdoor into an outdoor air circulation flow path" should read as ‘-- an outdoor air circulation inlet configured to pass the outdoor air into an outdoor air circulation flow path --’. Appropriate correction is required.
Claim Interpretation
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(f):
(f) Element in Claim for a Combination. – An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof.
The following is a quotation of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph:
An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof.
The claims in this application are given their broadest reasonable interpretation using the plain meaning of the claim language in light of the specification as it would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The broadest reasonable interpretation of a claim element (also commonly referred to as a claim limitation) is limited by the description in the specification when 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is invoked.
As explained in MPEP § 2181, subsection I, claim limitations that meet the following three-prong test will be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph:
(A) the claim limitation uses the term “means” or “step” or a term used as a substitute for “means” that is a generic placeholder (also called a nonce term or a non-structural term having no specific structural meaning) for performing the claimed function;
(B) the term “means” or “step” or the generic placeholder is modified by functional language, typically, but not always linked by the transition word “for” (e.g., “means for”) or another linking word or phrase, such as “configured to” or “so that”; and
(C) the term “means” or “step” or the generic placeholder is not modified by sufficient structure, material, or acts for performing the claimed function.
Use of the word “means” (or “step”) in a claim with functional language creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. The presumption that the claim limitation is interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is rebutted when the claim limitation recites sufficient structure, material, or acts to entirely perform the recited function.
Absence of the word “means” (or “step”) in a claim creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is not to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. The presumption that the claim limitation is not interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is rebutted when the claim limitation recites function without reciting sufficient structure, material or acts to entirely perform the recited function.
Claim limitations in this application that use the word “means” (or “step”) are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, except as otherwise indicated in an Office action. Conversely, claim limitations in this application that do not use the word “means” (or “step”) are not being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, except as otherwise indicated in an Office action.
This application includes one or more claim limitations that do not use the word “means,” but are nonetheless being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, because the claim limitation(s) uses a generic placeholder that is coupled with functional language without reciting sufficient structure to perform the recited function and the generic placeholder is not preceded by a structural modifier. Such claim limitation(s) is/are: "an expansion device" in claim 1.
Because this/these claim limitation(s) is/are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, it/they is/are being interpreted to cover the corresponding structure described in the specification as performing the claimed function, and equivalents thereof.
If applicant does not intend to have this/these limitation(s) interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, applicant may: (1) amend the claim limitation(s) to avoid it/them being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph (e.g., by reciting sufficient structure to perform the claimed function); or (2) present a sufficient showing that the claim limitation(s) recite(s) sufficient structure to perform the claimed function so as to avoid it/them being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph.
The “expansion device” is sufficiently described in the specification as an expansion valve (see paragraph 65, specification).
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
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, 2 and 15 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Hwang (KR 20230008576 A).
In regards to claim 1, Hwang teaches an air conditioner (air conditioner 1, see fig. 3 and abstract) comprising: a housing (main body 10, see figs. 1-3 and paragraph 24) comprising:
an outdoor air inlet (outside air inlet 51, 52, fig. 3) configured to draw in outdoor air (paragraph 31); an indoor air inlet (indoor air inlets 31, 32, fig. 3 and paragraph 40) configured to draw in indoor air (paragraph 40); and an outlet (outlets 21, 41, see fig. 3 and paragraph 46) configured to discharge air introduced into the outdoor air inlet and the indoor air inlet (air introduced through 51 and 31 is discharged through outlets 21, 41, see figs. 3-7); a blower fan (blowers 25, 45, see fig. 3) in the housing (see fig. 3) and configured to generate an air flow (see figs. 3-7 and paragraph 49); a total heat exchanger (heat exchanger 60, figs. 3-7) in the housing (see fig. 3) and configured to exchange heat between the outdoor air drawn through the outdoor air inlet and the indoor air drawn through the indoor air inlet (see heat exchange between outdoor air and indoor air at HX 60, figs. 4-7 and paragraphs 49-51); a compressor (72) in the housing (see fig. 3) and configured to compress a refrigerant (see paragraph 35); a condenser (73) configured to condense the refrigerant as compressed by the compressor (see fig. 3 and paragraphs 31-32); an expansion device (74) configured to expand the refrigerant as condensed in the condenser (see paragraph 35); and an evaporator (71) configured to evaporate the refrigerant as discharged from the expansion device (see paragraph 35),
wherein the outlet comprises:
a first outlet (outlet 21, see figs. 3-7) configured to discharge the outdoor air, which passes through the total heat exchanger and the evaporator, into an indoors (outlet 21 discharging outdoor air to the indoors, see fig. 4); and
a second outlet (outlet 41, see fig. 3-7) configured to discharge the indoor air, which passes through the condenser, to the outdoors (outlet 41 discharging indoor air to the outdoors, see fig. 4).
In regards to claim 2, Hwang teaches the limitations of claim 1 and further discloses that the outdoor air inlet (outside air inlet 51, 52, figs. 3-7) comprises: an outdoor air ventilation inlet (52) configured to pass the outdoor air (air introduced through inlet 52) into an outdoor air ventilation flow path (air flow path indicated by solid line, see fig. 6) discharged to the first outlet (through first outlet 21, see figs. 6-7); and an outdoor air circulation inlet (51) configured to pass the outdoor air (air from outdoor through 51, 51a, see fig. 5) into an outdoor air circulation flow path (air flow path indicated by dotted line, see fig. 5) discharged to the second outlet (through second outlet 41, see figs. 5-7), and wherein the outdoor air circulation inlet is spaced apart from the outdoor air ventilation inlet (outdoor air inlets 51 and 52 space apart from each other, see figs. 3-7).
In regards to claim 15, Hwang as modified teaches the limitations of claim 1 and further discloses a partition (11, 12) disposed between the first outlet (21) and the second outlet (41) and configured to prevent mixing of air in the housing (HX 60 does not allow mixing of airflow streams, see paragraph 27, 49 and figs. 3-7).
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) 3-9 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Hwang as applied to claim 2 above and further in view of Lee (US 2012/0216982 A1).
In regards to claim 3, Hwang teaches the limitations of claim 2 and further discloses that the outdoor air ventilation flow path (air flow path indicated by solid line, see fig. 6) comprises a first space (S4) formed upstream of the total heat exchanger (S4 upstream of HX 60, fig. 6), and a second space (S1) formed downstream of the total heat exchanger (S1 downstream of HX 60, see fig. 6), wherein the outdoor air ventilation inlet (air flow path indicated by solid line, see fig. 6) comprises:
a first outdoor air ventilation inlet (52) configured to draw in the outdoor air into the first space (providing outdoor air through inlet 52 into first space S4, figs. 4, 6); and the outdoor air ventilation flow path configured to draw in the outdoor air into the second space (providing outdoor air through inlet 52 into second space S1, figs. 4, 6).
However, Hwang does not explicitly teach a second outdoor inlet for space downstream of the heat exchanger.
Lee discloses a first outdoor air ventilation inlet (12) configured to draw in the outdoor air into the first space (space 10 upstream of total HX 50, fig. 1); and a second outdoor air ventilation inlet (air inlet through duct 60 and via filter 62 into blower 25, fig. 1) configured to draw in the outdoor air into the second space (pinto space 20 downstream of the total heat exchanger 50, fig. 1 and paragraphs 6 and 55).
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified the outdoor air ventilation inlet of the air conditioner of Hwang by providing a second outdoor air ventilation inlet configured to draw in the outdoor air into the second space downstream of the total heat exchanger based on the teachings of Lee in order to conserve energy by introducing outdoor air through the bypass passage to the supply air blower when the outdoor air temperature is lower than the indoor air temperature (see paragraph 6, Lee).
In regards to claim 4, Hwang as modified teaches the limitations of claim 3 and further discloses a first outdoor air ventilation inlet damper (damper 52a, see fig. 4) configured to open and close the first outdoor air ventilation inlet (see paragraphs 33, 36-42 and 58). Lee teaches the second outdoor air ventilation inlet (see fig. 1, Lee) and a filter on the second air ventilation passage (62, fig. 1, Lee), which are configured to allow air to flow through second outdoor air ventilation passage (see fig. 1, Lee).
Hwang does not explicitly teach a second damper for the outdoor air ventilation inlet.
However, Hwang plurality of dampers (dampers 581a, 32a, 31a) for each of the outdoor and indoor air flow inlets (see figs. 3-7, Hwang).
Based on the additional teachings of Hwang, it would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified the outdoor air ventilation inlet of the air conditioner of Hwang by providing a second outdoor air ventilation inlet damper for the second outdoor air ventilation inlet to open and close the second outdoor air ventilation inlet based on the need to supply fresh air only when necessary.
In regards to claim 5, Hwang as modified teaches the limitations of claim 4 and further discloses that the blower fan (blowers 25, 45, see fig. 3) comprises: a first blower fan (blower 25) configured to generate an air flow to discharge the outdoor air, which is drawn into the outdoor air ventilation inlet (outdoor air entering through inlet 52, see fig. 4), to the first outlet (21); and a second blower fan (blower 45) configured to generate an air flow to discharge the outdoor air, which is drawn into the outdoor air circulation inlet (outdoor air entering through inlet 51, see fig. 5), to the second outlet (outlet 41).
In regards to claim 6, Hwang as modified teaches the limitations of claim 5 and further discloses that the outlet (outlets 21, 41, see fig. 3 and paragraph 46) is further configured to discharge the indoor air (indoor air through inlet 32, see fig. 4), which is drawn into the indoor air inlet (32) and passes through the total heat exchanger (as indicated by dotted line passing through HX 60, fig. 4), to the outdoors (via outlet 41 to the outdoors, see fig. 4 and paragraph 38-39).
However, Hwang does not explicitly teach an outlet to discharge indoor air passing through the total heat exchanger, to the outdoors.
Lee teaches an outlet (42) configured to discharge the indoor air (indoor air at opening 32, fig. 1), which is drawn into the indoor air inlet (into chamber 30, see fig. 1) and passes through the total heat exchanger (through total heat exchanger 50, 55, see fig. 1), to the outdoors (to the outdoor area via opening 42, see figs. 1-2 and paragraphs 5-6, 15).
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified the outlet of the air conditioner of Hwang by providing a third outlet configured to discharge the indoor air, which is drawn into the indoor air inlet and passes through the total heat exchanger, to the outdoors based on the teachings of Lee in order to remove excess humidity and heat by exhausting a portion of the return air to the outdoors to avoid uncomfortably humid indoor environment for comfort of the occupants of the indoor space.
In regards to claim 7, Hwang as modified teaches the limitations of claim 6 and further discloses that the indoor air inlet (indoor air inlets 31, 32, fig. 3 and paragraph 40) comprises: an indoor air circulation inlet (inlet 31) configured to pass the indoor air (indoor air entering through inlet 31, fig. 5) into an indoor air circulation flow path discharged to the first outlet (to the indoor space through first indoor outlet 21, see fig. 5); and an indoor air ventilation inlet (indoor air inlet 32) configured to pass the indoor air (indoor air entering through inlet 32, fig. 4) into an indoor air ventilation flow path discharged to the outlet (indoor air entering through inlet 32 is discharged through outlet 41), and wherein the indoor air ventilation inlet is spaced apart from the indoor air circulation inlet (indoor air inlets 31 and 32 are spaced apart from each other, see figs. 3-7). In addition, Lee teaches an outlet (42) configured to discharge the indoor air (indoor air at opening 32, fig. 1), which is drawn into the indoor air inlet (into chamber 30, see fig. 1) and passes through the total heat exchanger (through total heat exchanger 50, 55, see fig. 1), to the outdoors (to the outdoor area via opening 42, see figs. 1-2 and paragraphs 5-6, 15).
In regards to claim 8, Hwang as modified teaches the limitations of claim 7 except a blower fan to discharge air to the third outlet.
However, Lee teaches an additional blower fan (45) configured to generate an air flow to discharge the indoor air (indoor air at opening 32, see figs. 1-2), which is drawn into the indoor air ventilation inlet (indoor air entering chamber 30, see figs. 1-2), to the third outlet (via fan 45 and outdoor air exhaust opening 42, see figs. 1-2).
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified the blower fan of the air conditioner of Hwang by providing a third blower fan configured to generate an air flow to discharge the indoor air, which is drawn into the indoor air ventilation inlet, to the third outlet based on the teachings of Lee in order to efficiently, effectively and quickly remove excess humidity and heat by periodically exhausting a portion of the return air to the outdoors with the help of a dedicated blower based on the comfort of the occupants of the indoor space.
In regards to claim 9, Hwang as modified teaches the limitations of claim 8 and further discloses an indoor air circulation inlet damper (dampers 31a) configured to open and close the indoor air circulation inlet (open inlet 31 by opening damper 31a, see figs. 3-7); and an indoor air ventilation inlet damper (damper 32a) configured to open and close the indoor air ventilation inlet (open inlet 32 by opening damper 32a, see figs. 3-7).
Claim(s) 10 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Hwang in view of Lee as applied to claim 9 above and further in view of Spalink (US 2006/0111816 A1).
In regards to claim 10, Hwang as modified teaches the limitations of claim 9 and further discloses a processor (control unit 100) electrically connected to the first outdoor air ventilation inlet damper, the indoor air ventilation inlet damper, the first blower fan, and the second/third blower fan (see control unit 100 connected to the plurality of dampers and blower fans, fig. 3 and paragraphs 36-42).
However, Hwang does not explicitly teach a differential pressure sensor configured to measure an outdoor air pressure and an indoor air pressure; and the processor electrically connected to the differential pressure sensor.
Spalink teaches a differential pressure sensor (sensors to obtain pressure differential, see paragraph 38) configured to measure an outdoor air pressure and an indoor air pressure (pressure differential between outside wall surface and inside of the compartment, paragraph 38); and a processor (processor 138, memory 139, fig. 1A) electrically connected to the differential pressure sensor (sensors connected to processor through module 123, see figs. 1-2 and paragraphs 38, 55).
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified the air conditioner of Hwang as modified by providing a differential pressure sensor configured to measure an outdoor air pressure and an indoor air pressure; and a processor electrically connected to the differential pressure sensor as taught by Spalink in order to allow the air conditioner to establish a positive or negative pressure differential between the outside and inside of the housing of the air conditioner to improve efficiency of the air conditioning operations.
Claim(s) 11-12 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Hwang in view of Lee and Spalink as applied to claim 10 above and further in view of Shyu (US 5228306A).
In regards to claim 11, Hwang as modified teaches the limitations of claim 10 and further discloses a processor (control unit 100) configured to close the first outdoor air ventilation inlet damper (damper 52a closed, see fig. 5) and control a blower fan (fan 25) to exhaust air (see operation of fan 45 to exhaust air, fig. 5). In addition, Spalink discloses a processor (processor 138, memory 139, figs. 1) configured to: obtain information related to the outdoor air pressure and the indoor air pressure from the differential pressure sensor (sensors to measure pressure values and determine pressure differential, see paragraph 38, and obtain predetermined pressure differential between indoor and outdoor spaces, see paragraphs 12, 30; and fig. 2), and the processor configured to control damper position (paragraphs 40) and increase the exhaust fan speed (see paragraphs 81, 88-89) to create a negative interior pressure (see paragraphs 88-89 and 55-56).
However, Hwang does not explicitly teach damper closure and fan speed increase based on outdoor pressure greater than indoor pressure.
Shyu discloses a processor (controller 60) configured to: obtain information (pressure) related to the outdoor air pressure (via outdoor pressure sensor 61) and the indoor air pressure (via indoor pressure sensor 64) from the differential pressure sensor (via pressure sensors 61, 64), and based on the outdoor air pressure being greater than the indoor air pressure (reducing interior air pressure below atmospheric pressure, see fig. 4), control the first outdoor air ventilation inlet damper to close at least a portion of the first outdoor air ventilation inlet (exhaust mode operation, wherein the exhaust fan 31 is operated and the outdoor air ventilation inlet damper 12c is closed, see col. 5, lines 1-17) and control the third exhaust blower fan (fan 31, fig. 1) to increase a rotation speed thereof (exhaust fan 31 operated to exhaust air through vent 11 and reduce interior pressure, see fig. 1 and col. 4, lines 5-15; wherein the air-exchange process including the exhausting of air by fan 31 is performed at higher speed, see col. 6, lines 14-26).
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have reprogrammed the controller of Hwang as modified to obtain information related to the outdoor air pressure and the indoor air pressure from the differential pressure sensor, and based on the outdoor air pressure being greater than the indoor air pressure, control the first outdoor air ventilation inlet damper to close at least a portion of the first outdoor air ventilation inlet and control the third blower fan to increase a rotation speed based on the teachings of Spalink and Shyu in order to maintain negative pressure within the interior space to prevent toxic gasses and refrigerant from leaving the housing enclosure of the air conditioner into the occupant spaces.
In regards to claim 12, Hwang as modified teaches the limitations of claim 10 and further discloses a processor (control unit 100) configured to close the first outdoor air ventilation inlet damper (damper 52a closed, see fig. 5) and control a blower fan (fan 25) to exhaust air (see operation of fan 45 to exhaust air, fig. 5). In addition, Spalink discloses a processor (processor 138, memory 139, figs. 1) configured to: obtain information related to the outdoor air pressure and the indoor air pressure from the differential pressure sensor (sensors to measure pressure values and determine pressure differential, see paragraph 38, and obtain predetermined pressure differential between indoor and outdoor spaces, see paragraphs 12, 30; and fig. 2), and the processor configured to control damper position (paragraphs 40) and increase the exhaust fan speed (see paragraphs 81, 88-89) to create a negative interior pressure (see paragraphs 88-89 and 55-56).
However, Hwang does not explicitly teach damper closure and fan speed increase based on indoor pressure greater than outdoor pressure.
Shyu discloses a processor (controller 60) configured to: obtain information (pressure) related to the outdoor air pressure (via outdoor pressure sensor 61) and the indoor air pressure (via indoor pressure sensor 64) from the differential pressure sensor (via pressure sensors 61, 64), and based on the indoor air pressure being greater than the outdoor air pressure (interior pressure above atmospheric pressures, see figs. 2-3), control the indoor air ventilation inlet damper to close at least a portion of the first outdoor air ventilation inlet (exhaust mode operation, wherein the indoor air ventilation inlet damper 83 is closed, see col. 5, lines 1-17) and control the first blower fan (fan 24, fig. 1) supplying air to the indoor space, to increase a rotation speed thereof (speed of airflow as indicated by the size of the indoor airflow 23A, fig. 1).
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have reprogrammed the controller of Hwang as modified to obtain information of the outdoor air pressure and the indoor air pressure from the differential pressure sensor, and based on the indoor air pressure being greater than the outdoor air pressure, control the indoor air ventilation inlet damper to close at least a portion of the indoor air ventilation inlet and control the first blower fan to increase a rotation speed based on the teachings of Spalink and Shyu in order to protect occupants of the interior spaces from low outdoor temperature and to maintain efficiency of the air conditioner by prevent extremely low temperature air from entering the air conditioned spaces.
Claim(s) 13-14 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Hwang in view of Lee as applied to claim 1 above and further in view of Kamio (US 5638695 A).
In regards to claim 13, Hwang as modified teaches the limitations of claim 1 and further discloses that the housing (housing 10, 10a, 41 with plurality of partition walls 11-16, see paragraph 47) comprises an upper housing (housing 10a, 10b with partition walls 11, 12and 14, see fig. 3) and a lower housing (lower housing 10, 15, 16, see fig. 3) removably coupled to the upper housing (bulkhead 15 and housing part 41, placed on the housing 10, see paragraphs 26, 30 and fig. 3), and wherein the compressor (72), the expansion device (74), and the evaporator (71) are disposed in the lower housing (see figs. 1-3 and 10).
However, Hwang does not explicitly teach that the condenser is disposed withing the lower housing.
Kamio discloses an air conditioner (1) comprising a housing (2) with a removable partition plate (20, 120, see col. 7, lines 34-45), wherein compressor (12), condenser (condenser 7, 107) and capillary (13) are disposed in the lower housing below the partition plate (compressor 12, capillary 13, and condensers 7, 107 below partition plates, see figs. 1 and 8-14).
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified the housing of the air conditioner of Hwang as modified by providing a removable partition within the housing of Hwang and provide the condenser and capillary tube within the lower housing based on the teachings of Kamio in order to provide the refrigerant carrying components of the air conditioner away from the airflow circuit and towards the bottom of the housing to reduce interaction between airflow and refrigerant in case of a leak.
In regards to claim 14, Hwang as modified teaches the limitations of claim 13 and further discloses that the total heat exchanger (HX 60) is in the upper housing (HX 60 above the partition plate 14 and in contact with the upper housing plate 12, see fig. 3).
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to MERAJ A SHAIKH whose telephone number is (571)272-3027. The examiner can normally be reached on M-R 9:00-1:00 pm.
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, Jianying Atkisson can be reached on 571-270-7740. 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 a USPTO Customer Service Representative or access to the automated information system, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000.
/MERAJ A SHAIKH/Examiner, Art Unit 3763
/JIANYING C ATKISSON/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 3763