Prosecution Insights
Last updated: April 19, 2026
Application No. 18/641,966

MOTOR

Non-Final OA §103
Filed
Apr 22, 2024
Examiner
ALMAWRI, MAGED M
Art Unit
2834
Tech Center
2800 — Semiconductors & Electrical Systems
Assignee
Nidec Corporation
OA Round
1 (Non-Final)
74%
Grant Probability
Favorable
1-2
OA Rounds
2y 10m
To Grant
98%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 74% — above average
74%
Career Allow Rate
398 granted / 538 resolved
+6.0% vs TC avg
Strong +24% interview lift
Without
With
+24.0%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
2y 10m
Avg Prosecution
45 currently pending
Career history
583
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
0.7%
-39.3% vs TC avg
§103
65.2%
+25.2% vs TC avg
§102
9.7%
-30.3% vs TC avg
§112
20.8%
-19.2% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 538 resolved cases

Office Action

§103
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 . Information Disclosure Statement The information disclosure statement (IDS) submitted on 04-22-2024 is in compliance with the provisions of 37 CFR 1.97. Accordingly, the information disclosure statement is being considered by the examiner. Priority Receipt is acknowledged of certified copies of papers required by 37 CFR 1.55. Acknowledgment is made of applicant’s claim for foreign priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 (a)-(d). Inventorship This application currently names joint inventors. In considering patentability of the claims under pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 103(a), the examiner presumes that the subject matter of the various claims was commonly owned at the time any inventions covered therein were made absent any evidence to the contrary. Applicant is advised of the obligation under 37 CFR 1.56 to point out the inventor and invention dates of each claim that was not commonly owned at the time a later invention was made in order for the examiner to consider the applicability of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 103(c) and potential pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(e), (f) or (g) prior art under pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 103(a). 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 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 of this title, 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 set forth in Graham v. John Deere Co., 383 U.S. 1, 148 USPQ 459 (1966), that are applied 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 1,2,6,7,9,14 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Holmqvist (US PG PUB 20240039348 hereinafter “Holmqvist”) in view of Kouda (US Patent 12653473 hereinafter “Kouda”). Re-claim 1, Holmqvist discloses a motor (100) comprising: a rotor (102) rotatable about a central axis (axis of shaft 104) extending in an axial direction (113); a stator (134, with 110) including a stator core (134) of a magnetic body () in which a electromagnets portion (110) is located; a bracket (210, housing holds stator) including a stator holder (108) in a tubular shape (108 is tubular) extending in the axial direction and surrounding the central axis (surrounding 113), the stator holder (108) holding the stator core (110,134); and a heat dissipation portion (128) extending in one axial direction from the coil [electromagnet portion] portion (110), being separate from the bracket (separate from housing 210), and held by the stator holder (108); wherein the heat dissipation portion (108)includes: an annular portion (128 is annular, around 108, see fig.1) that has an annular shape surrounding the stator holder (108) and is located on a radially outer surface of the stator holder (see fig.1); Holmqvist fails to explicitly show the magnetic body in which a coil portion is located, the annular portion is that has an annular shape; and an extension extending radially outward from the annular portion. However, Kouda teaches the magnetic body in which a coil portion (70) is located, the annular portion is that has an annular shape (412a is annular, see fig.10); and an extension (43,44) extending radially outward (see fig.2) from the annular portion (from 412a). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one with ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the invention to modify the device of Holmqvist wherein the magnetic body in which a coil portion is located, the annular portion is that has an annular shape; and an extension extending radially outward from the annular portion as suggested by Kouda to provide cooling for heating electromagnetics and provide more efficient device (Kouda, P[0091]). PNG media_image1.png 679 801 media_image1.png Greyscale PNG media_image2.png 571 461 media_image2.png Greyscale PNG media_image3.png 633 869 media_image3.png Greyscale PNG media_image4.png 625 1140 media_image4.png Greyscale Re-claim 2, Holmqvist as modified discloses the motor according to claim 1. However, Holmqvist fails to explicitly teachoH wherein the extension includes a plurality of extensions arranged side by side in the circumferential direction. However, Kouda teaches wherein the extension (44) includes a plurality of extensions (442) arranged side by side (see fig.2, 44 next to each other circumferentially) in the circumferential direction (around shaft, or around axis ax). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one with ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the invention to modify the device of Holmqvist wherein the extension includes a plurality of extensions arranged side by side in the circumferential direction as suggested by Kouda to provide cooling for heating electromagnetics and provide more efficient device (Kouda, P[0091]). Re-claim 6, Holmqvist as modified discloses the motor according to claim 1. Holmqvist fails to explicitly teach wherein a material of at least the annular portion of the heat dissipation portion is aluminum or an aluminum alloy. However, Kouda teaches teach wherein a material of at least the annular portion of the heat dissipation portion is aluminum or an aluminum alloy (P[0140],40 includes 44 which are made of aluminum, and all of stator base see P[0081], heat dissipation member made of aluminum). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one with ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the invention to modify the device of Holmqvist wherein a material of at least the annular portion of the heat dissipation portion is as suggested by Kouda to provide better heat dissipation and cooling for heating electromagnetics and provide more efficient device having good thermal conductivity stator (Kouda, P[0091,0081,0107]). Re-claim 7, Holmqvist as modified discloses the motor according to claim 1. Holmqvist fails to explicitly teach the extension includes: a distal end portion expanding in a direction perpendicular to a radial direction at a radially outer end portion of the extension; and a connector that extends in the radial direction and connects the distal end portion to the annular portion. However, Kouda teaches teach the extension (44) includes: a distal end portion (442) expanding in a direction perpendicular to a radial direction at a radially outer end portion of the extension (44); and a connector (43) that extends in the radial direction and connects the distal end portion4342) to the annular portion (see fig.2 from Kouda). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one with ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the invention to modify the device of Holmqvist wherein the extension includes: a distal end portion expanding in a direction perpendicular to a radial direction at a radially outer end portion of the extension; and a connector that extends in the radial direction and connects the distal end portion to the annular portion as suggested by Kouda to provide better heat dissipation and cooling for heating electromagnetics and provide more efficient device having good thermal conductivity stator (Kouda, P[0091,0081,0107]). Re-claim 9, Holmqvist as modified discloses the motor according to claim 1. Holmqvist fails to explicitly teach wherein the extension has a minimum axial width larger than a width of the extension in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction and the radial direction. However, Kouda teaches wherein the extension has a minimum axial width (annotated fig.2) larger than a width of the extension (annotated fig.2) in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction and the radial direction (annotated fig.2). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one with ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the invention to modify the device of Holmqvist wherein the extension has a minimum axial width larger than a width of the extension in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction and the radial direction as suggested by Kouda to provide better heat dissipation and cooling for heating electromagnetics and provide more efficient device having good thermal conductivity stator (Kouda, P[0091,0081,0107]). Re-claim 14, Holmqvist as modified discloses the motor according to claim 1, wherein the rotor includes a magnet (111) opposing the stator (108) in the radial direction; and the stator is located radially inward of the magnet (111). Allowable Subject Matter Claim 3,4,5,8,10-13 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: Re-claim 3, recites “inter alia”, “ 1. A motor comprising: a rotor rotatable about a central axis extending in an axial direction; a stator including a stator core of a magnetic body in which a coil portion is located; a bracket including a stator holder in a tubular shape extending in the axial direction and surrounding the central axis, the stator holder holding the stator core; and a heat dissipation portion extending in one axial direction from the coil portion, being separate from the bracket, and held by the stator holder; wherein the heat dissipation portion includes: an annular portion that has an annular shape surrounding the stator holder and is located on a radially outer surface of the stator holder; and an extension extending radially outward from the annular portion. 2. The motor according to claim 1, wherein the extension includes a plurality of extensions arranged side by side in the circumferential direction. 3. The motor according to claim 2, wherein the bracket further includes an attachment portion to attach the motor to an external predetermined portion; and the extension extends in another axial direction from the attachment portion, and between attachment portions including the attachment portion and being adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction as viewed from the axial direction. 3. The motor according to claim 2, wherein the bracket further includes an attachment portion to attach the motor to an external predetermined portion; and the extension extends in another axial direction from the attachment portion, and between attachment portions including the attachment portion and being adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction as viewed from the axial direction.” PNG media_image5.png 335 540 media_image5.png Greyscale PNG media_image6.png 390 1093 media_image6.png Greyscale The prior art of record ,ip.com npl and patent search, ai search references fail to teach alone or combined the combination of limitation of claims 3, 2 and 1. Combination of limitations of claims 3,2 and 1 are unique and trying to add another prior art for claim 3 is not combinable. Re-claim 5, recites “inter alia”, “ 1. A motor comprising: a rotor rotatable about a central axis extending in an axial direction; a stator including a stator core of a magnetic body in which a coil portion is located; a bracket including a stator holder in a tubular shape extending in the axial direction and surrounding the central axis, the stator holder holding the stator core; and a heat dissipation portion extending in one axial direction from the coil portion, being separate from the bracket, and held by the stator holder; wherein the heat dissipation portion includes: an annular portion that has an annular shape surrounding the stator holder and is located on a radially outer surface of the stator holder; and an extension extending radially outward from the annular portion. 2. The motor according to claim 1, wherein the extension includes a plurality of extensions arranged side by side in the circumferential direction. 3. The motor according to claim 2, wherein the bracket further includes an attachment portion to attach the motor to an external predetermined portion; and the extension extends in another axial direction from the attachment portion, and between attachment portions including the attachment portion and being adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction as viewed from the axial direction. 5. The motor according to claim 2, wherein the extension is located between coil portions including the coil potion and adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction as viewed in the axial direction; and at least a portion of one axial end portion of each of the coil portions is exposed to an outside of the motor.” The prior art of record ,ip.com npl and patent search, ai search references fail to teach alone or combined the combination of limitation of claims 5, 2 and 1. Combination of limitations of claims 5,2 and 1 are unique and trying to add another prior art for claim 5 is not combinable. Re-claim 8, recites “inter alia”, “ 1. A motor comprising: a rotor rotatable about a central axis extending in an axial direction; a stator including a stator core of a magnetic body in which a coil portion is located; a bracket including a stator holder in a tubular shape extending in the axial direction and surrounding the central axis, the stator holder holding the stator core; and a heat dissipation portion extending in one axial direction from the coil portion, being separate from the bracket, and held by the stator holder; wherein the heat dissipation portion includes: an annular portion that has an annular shape surrounding the stator holder and is located on a radially outer surface of the stator holder; and an extension extending radially outward from the annular portion. 7. The motor according to claim 1, wherein the extension includes: a distal end portion expanding in a direction perpendicular to a radial direction at a radially outer end portion of the extension; and a connector that extends in the radial direction and connects the distal end portion to the annular portion. 8. The motor according to claim 7, wherein the heat dissipation portion further includes a recess recessed in one axial direction at another axial end portion of the heat dissipation portion; and the recess is configured to accommodate one axial end portion of the coil portion.” The prior art of record ,ip.com npl and patent search, ai search references fail to teach alone or combined the combination of limitation of claims 8, 7 and 1. Combination of limitations of claims 8,7, and 1 are unique and trying to add another prior art for claim 8 is not combinable. Re-claim 10, recites “inter alia”, “ 1. A motor comprising: a rotor rotatable about a central axis extending in an axial direction; a stator including a stator core of a magnetic body in which a coil portion is located; a bracket including a stator holder in a tubular shape extending in the axial direction and surrounding the central axis, the stator holder holding the stator core; and a heat dissipation portion extending in one axial direction from the coil portion, being separate from the bracket, and held by the stator holder; wherein the heat dissipation portion includes: an annular portion that has an annular shape surrounding the stator holder and is located on a radially outer surface of the stator holder; and an extension extending radially outward from the annular portion. 10. The motor according to claim 1, further comprising a heat conductor located between the coil portion and the extension in the axial direction and in contact with the coil portion and the extension.” The prior art of record ,ip.com npl and patent search, ai search references fail to teach alone or combined the combination of limitation of claims 10 and 1. Combination of limitations of claims 10 and 1 are unique and trying to add another prior art for claim 10 is not combinable. Claims 11-13 are objected to based on dependency from rejected claim 10. Conclusion The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure in PTO892. Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to MAGED M ALMAWRI whose telephone number is (313)446-6565. The examiner can normally be reached on Monday - Thursday. If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Christopher M. Koehler can be reached on 5712723560. 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. /MAGED M ALMAWRI/Primary Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2834
Read full office action

Prosecution Timeline

Apr 22, 2024
Application Filed
Feb 10, 2026
Non-Final Rejection — §103 (current)

Precedent Cases

Applications granted by this same examiner with similar technology

Patent 12603540
A ROTARY ELECTRIC MACHINE, WITH FLUID DISTRIBUTION CHAMBER BETWEEN STATOR AND HOUSING
2y 5m to grant Granted Apr 14, 2026
Patent 12597828
PERMANENT MAGNET GENERATOR WITH STATOR TEETH MADE OF SHEETS WITH ORIENTED GRAINS FOR ON-BOARD VEHICLE CHARGING
2y 5m to grant Granted Apr 07, 2026
Patent 12597817
ROTOR AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING ROTOR
2y 5m to grant Granted Apr 07, 2026
Patent 12592624
VIBRATION ACTUATOR WITH MOVABLE BODY AND FIXING BODY HAVING MAGNETIC CYLINDRICAL BODY OUTSIDE COIL WITH LENGTH
2y 5m to grant Granted Mar 31, 2026
Patent 12587080
A Transducer for Producing Vibrational Movement
2y 5m to grant Granted Mar 24, 2026
Study what changed to get past this examiner. Based on 5 most recent grants.

AI Strategy Recommendation

Get an AI-powered prosecution strategy using examiner precedents, rejection analysis, and claim mapping.
Powered by AI — typically takes 5-10 seconds

Prosecution Projections

1-2
Expected OA Rounds
74%
Grant Probability
98%
With Interview (+24.0%)
2y 10m
Median Time to Grant
Low
PTA Risk
Based on 538 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allow rate.

Sign in with your work email

Enter your email to receive a magic link. No password needed.

Personal email addresses (Gmail, Yahoo, etc.) are not accepted.

Free tier: 3 strategy analyses per month