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 .
Status of Claims and Other Notes
Claims 1–20 are pending.
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 paragraph numbers cited in this Office Action in reference to the instant application are referring to the paragraph numbering of the PG-Pub of the instant application. See US 2025/0125482 A1.
Priority
Receipt is acknowledged of certified copies of papers required by 37 CFR 1.55.
Information Disclosure Statement
The information disclosure statement (IDS) submitted on 30 April 2024 was filed before the mailing of a first Office Action on the merits. The submission complies with the provisions of 37 CFR 1.97. Accordingly, the information disclosure statement is being considered by the examiner.
Drawings
The drawings are objected to because:
The view numbers of FIGS. 1–4, 6–9, and 13 are not larger than the letters, numbers, and reference characters used in the drawing. The view numbers must be larger than the numbers used for reference characters. See 37 CFR 1.84 (u)(2).
Corrected drawing sheets in compliance with 37 CFR 1.121(d) are required in reply to the Office action to avoid abandonment of the application. Any amended replacement drawing sheet should include all of the figures appearing on the immediate prior version of the sheet, even if only one figure is being amended. The figure or figure number of an amended drawing should not be labeled as “amended.” If a drawing figure is to be canceled, the appropriate figure must be removed from the replacement sheet, and where necessary, the remaining figures must be renumbered and appropriate changes made to the brief description of the several views of the drawings for consistency. Additional replacement sheets may be necessary to show the renumbering of the remaining figures. Each drawing sheet submitted after the filing date of an application must be labeled in the top margin as either “Replacement Sheet” or “New Sheet” pursuant to 37 CFR 1.121(d). If the changes are not accepted by the examiner, the applicant will be notified and informed of any required corrective action in the next Office action. The objection to the drawings will not be held in abeyance.
Specification
The title of the invention is not descriptive. A new title is required that is clearly indicative of the invention to which the claims are directed.
The following title is suggested: BATTERY CELL INCLUDING FIRE EXSTINGUISHING SHEET INSIDE CASE AND ENERGY STORAGE MODULE INCLUDING THE SAME.
The disclosure is objected to because of the following informalities:
Reference character 124b is referred to as a positive plate in paragraph [0067]. Reference character 124b is used to designate a positive electrode plate. Reference character 124b should be referred to as a positive electrode plate in paragraph [0067].
Appropriate correction is required.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(b):
(b) CONCLUSION.—The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor regards as the invention.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph:
The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the applicant regards as his invention.
Claims 5, 8, and 13 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph, as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor (or for applications subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, the applicant), regards as the invention.
Claim 5 recites the limitation “wherein the first side tab is at each of both sides of the first electrode assembly.” It is unclear if a single first side tab is at both sides of the first electrode assembly or if “the first side tab” is at one side and additional “first side tab” is at an opposite side.
Claim 8 recites “wherein the extinguishing sheet is a plate and is stacked such that it faces at least one of the positive electrode plate, the negative electrode plate, or the separator.” It is unclear what the term “it” is referring to.
Claim 13 recites the limitation “wherein the first side tab is at each of both sides of the first electrode assembly.” It is unclear if a single first side tab is at both sides of the first electrode assembly or if “the first side tab” is at one side and additional “first side tab” is at an opposite side.
Claim 13 recites the limitation “wherein the second side tab is at each of both sides of the second electrode assembly.” It is unclear if a single second side tab is at both sides of the second electrode assembly or if “the second side tab” is at one side and additional “second side tab” is at an opposite side.
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.
(a)(2) the claimed invention was described in a patent issued under section 151, or in an application for patent published or deemed published under section 122(b), in which the patent or application, as the case may be, names another inventor and was effectively filed before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
Claims 1–20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Kang (KR 2023-0125743 A).
Regarding claim 1, Kang discloses a battery cell (100, [0038]) comprising:
an electrode assembly (120) comprising a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate (see battery cell, [0040]);
a case (200) accommodating the electrode assembly (120, [0041]);
a cap plate (400) sealing an opening in the case (200, [0045]);
an electrode terminal (311) electrically connected to the electrode assembly (120) and protruding outside of the cap plate (400, [0045]); and
an extinguishing sheet (500) inside the case (200) and configured to impede propagation of fire (FIG. 3, [0051]).
Regarding claim 2, Kang discloses all the claim limitations as set forth above and further discloses a battery cell:
wherein the extinguishing sheet (500) is inserted into the electrode assembly (120, [0081]).
Regarding claim 3, Kang discloses all the claim limitations as set forth above and further discloses a battery cell:
wherein the extinguishing sheet (500) is a panel (FIG. 5, [0059])
Regarding claim 4, Kang discloses all the claim limitations as set forth above and further discloses a battery cell, wherein the electrode assembly (120) comprises:
a first electrode assembly (110) comprising a first side tab (111) electrically connected to the electrode terminal (311, [0045]); and
a second electrode assembly (110) stacked on the first electrode assembly (110) and comprising a second side tab (111) electrically connected to the electrode terminal (311, [0045]),
wherein the extinguishing sheet (500) is arranged between the first electrode assembly (110) and the second electrode assembly (110, [0087]).
Regarding claim 5, Kang discloses all the claim limitations as set forth above and further discloses a battery cell:
wherein the first side tab (111, 112) is at each of both sides of the first electrode assembly (110) in a longitudinal direction (FIG. 2, [0046]).
Regarding claim 6, Kang discloses all the claim limitations as set forth above and further discloses a battery cell, wherein the electrode assembly (120) comprises:
a first electrode assembly (110) comprising a first multi-tab (111) electrically connected to the electrode terminal (311, [0089]); and
a second electrode assembly (110) on a side surface of the first electrode assembly (110) facing the first electrode assembly and comprising a second multi-tab (111) electrically connected to the electrode terminal (311, [0089]),
wherein the extinguishing sheet (500) is arranged between the first electrode assembly (110) and the second electrode assembly (110, [0087]).
Regarding claim 7, Kang discloses all the claim limitations as set forth above and further discloses a battery cell:
wherein the first multi-tab (111) and the second multi-tab (111) protrude toward the cap plate (400, [0086]).
Regarding claim 8, Kang discloses all the claim limitations as set forth above and further discloses a battery cell:
wherein, in the electrode assembly (120), the positive electrode plate, the negative electrode plate, and the separator are alternately stacked (FIG. 7, [0040]), and
wherein the extinguishing sheet (500) is a plate and is stacked such that it faces at least one of the positive electrode plate, the negative electrode plate, or the separator (FIG. 7, [0040]).
Regarding claim 9, Kang discloses all the claim limitations as set forth above and further discloses a battery cell:
wherein the extinguishing sheet (500) comprises at least one of a flame retardant, a nonflammable, or an insulating material (FIG. 4, [0065]).
Regarding claim 10, Kang discloses an energy storage module comprising a module case having a mounting space therein (see battery pack, [0109]); and a plurality of battery cells (1101, 1102) arranged inside the module case, each of the battery cells (100, [0110]) comprises:
an electrode assembly (120) comprising a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate (see battery cell, [0040]);
a case (200) accommodating the electrode assembly (120, [0041]);
a cap plate (400) sealing an opening in the case (200, [0045]);
an electrode terminal (311) electrically connected to the electrode assembly (120) and protruding outside of the cap plate (400, [0045]); and
an extinguishing sheet (500) inside the case (200) and configured to impede propagation of fire (FIG. 3, [0051]).
Regarding claim 11, Kang discloses all the claim limitations as set forth above and further discloses an energy storage module:
wherein the extinguishing sheet (500) is inserted into the electrode assembly (120, [0081]).
Regarding claim 12, Kang discloses all the claim limitations as set forth above and further discloses an energy storage module, wherein the electrode assembly (120) comprises:
a first electrode assembly (110) comprising a first side tab (111) electrically connected to the electrode terminal (311, [0045]); and
a second electrode assembly (110) stacked on the first electrode assembly (110) and comprising a second side tab (111) electrically connected to the electrode terminal (311, [0045]),
wherein the extinguishing sheet (500) is arranged between the first electrode assembly (110) and the second electrode assembly (110, [0087]).
Regarding claim 13, Kang discloses all the claim limitations as set forth above and further discloses an energy storage module:
wherein the first side tab (111, 112) is at each of both sides of the first electrode assembly (110) in a longitudinal direction (FIG. 2, [0046]), and.
wherein the second side tab (111, 112) is at each of both sides of the second electrode assembly (110) in a longitudinal direction (FIG. 2, [0046]).
Regarding claim 14, Kang discloses all the claim limitations as set forth above and further discloses an energy storage module, wherein the electrode assembly (120) comprises:
a first electrode assembly (110) comprising a first multi-tab (111) electrically connected to the electrode terminal (311, [0089]); and
a second electrode assembly (110) on a side surface of the first electrode assembly (110) facing the first electrode assembly and comprising a second multi-tab (111) electrically connected to the electrode terminal (311, [0089]),
wherein the extinguishing sheet (500) is arranged between the first electrode assembly (110) and the second electrode assembly (110, [0087]).
Regarding claim 15, Kang discloses all the claim limitations as set forth above and further discloses an energy storage module:
wherein the first multi-tab (111) and the second multi-tab (111) protrude toward the cap plate (400, [0086]).
Regarding claim 16, Kang discloses all the claim limitations as set forth above and further discloses an energy storage module:
wherein, in the electrode assembly (120), the positive electrode plate, the negative electrode plate, and the separator are alternately stacked (FIG. 7, [0040]), and
wherein the extinguishing sheet (500) is a plate and is stacked such that it faces at least one of the positive electrode plate, the negative electrode plate, or the separator (FIG. 7, [0040]).
Regarding claim 17, Kang discloses all the claim limitations as set forth above and further discloses an energy storage module:
wherein the extinguishing sheet (500) comprises at least one of a flame retardant, a nonflammable, or an insulating material (FIG. 4, [0065]).
Regarding claim 18, Kang discloses all the claim limitations as set forth above and further discloses an energy storage module:
wherein the extinguishing sheet (500) is a panel (FIG. 5, [0059])
Regarding claim 19, Kang discloses all the claim limitations as set forth above and further discloses an energy storage module:
wherein the extinguishing sheet (500) comprises an extinguishing agent (530, [0065]).
Regarding claim 20, Kang discloses all the claim limitations as set forth above and further discloses an energy storage module:
wherein the extinguishing agent (530) comprises at least one of fluorine carbon, fluorine chlorine carbon, fluorine bromine carbon, fluorine iodine carbon, or halogenated carbon (FIG. 5, [0065])
Claims 1–19 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Kim et al. (KR 10-2324507 B1, hereinafter Kim).
Regarding claim 1, Kim discloses a battery cell (1, [0042]) comprising:
an electrode assembly (10) comprising a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate (see battery cell, [0043]);
a case (21) accommodating the electrode assembly (10, [0040]);
a cap plate (25) sealing an opening in the case (21, [0064]);
an electrode terminal (6) electrically connected to the electrode assembly (10) and protruding outside of the cap plate (25, [0102]); and
an extinguishing sheet (30) inside the case (21) and configured to impede propagation of fire (FIG. 3, [0043]).
Regarding claim 2, Kim discloses all the claim limitations as set forth above and further discloses a battery cell:
wherein the extinguishing sheet (30) is inserted into the electrode assembly (10, [0124]).
Regarding claim 3, Kim discloses all the claim limitations as set forth above and further discloses a battery cell:
wherein the extinguishing sheet (30) is a panel (FIG. 3, [0124])
Regarding claim 4, Kim discloses all the claim limitations as set forth above and further discloses a battery cell, wherein the electrode assembly (10) comprises:
a first electrode assembly (11) comprising a first side tab (11) electrically connected to the electrode terminal (12, [0050]); and
a second electrode assembly (11) stacked on the first electrode assembly (11) and comprising a second side tab (12) electrically connected to the electrode terminal (6, [0050]),
wherein the extinguishing sheet (30) is arranged between the first electrode assembly (11) and the second electrode assembly (11, [0124]).
Regarding claim 5, Kim discloses all the claim limitations as set forth above and further discloses a battery cell:
wherein the first side tab (12, 13) is at each of both sides of the first electrode assembly (11) in a longitudinal direction (FIG. 3, [0049]).
Regarding claim 6, Kim discloses all the claim limitations as set forth above and further discloses a battery cell, wherein the electrode assembly (10) comprises:
a first electrode assembly (11) comprising a first multi-tab (12, FIG. 3) electrically connected to the electrode terminal (6, [0102]); and
a second electrode assembly (11) on a side surface of the first electrode assembly (11) facing the first electrode assembly and comprising a second multi-tab (12, FIG. 3) electrically connected to the electrode terminal (6, [0102]),
wherein the extinguishing sheet (30) is arranged between the first electrode assembly (11) and the second electrode assembly (11, [0124]).
Regarding claim 7, Kim discloses all the claim limitations as set forth above and further discloses a battery cell:
wherein the first multi-tab (12) and the second multi-tab (12) protrude toward the cap plate (25, [0049]).
Regarding claim 8, Kim discloses all the claim limitations as set forth above and further discloses a battery cell:
wherein, in the electrode assembly (10), the positive electrode plate, the negative electrode plate, and the separator are alternately stacked (FIG. 3, [0046]), and
wherein the extinguishing sheet (30) is a plate and is stacked such that it faces at least one of the positive electrode plate, the negative electrode plate, or the separator (FIG. 3, [0046]).
Regarding claim 9, Kim discloses all the claim limitations as set forth above and further discloses a battery cell:
wherein the extinguishing sheet (30) comprises at least one of a flame retardant, a nonflammable, or an insulating material (FIG. 4, [0043]).
Regarding claim 10, Kim discloses an energy storage module (9) comprising a module case having a mounting space therein (FIG. 13, [0146]); and a plurality of battery cells (1) arranged inside the module case, each of the battery cells (1, [0042]) comprising:
an electrode assembly (10) comprising a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate (see battery cell, [0043]);
a case (21) accommodating the electrode assembly (10, [0040]);
a cap plate (25) sealing an opening in the case (21, [0064]);
an electrode terminal (6) electrically connected to the electrode assembly (10) and protruding outside of the cap plate (25, [0102]); and
an extinguishing sheet (30) inside the case (21) and configured to impede propagation of fire (FIG. 3, [0043]).
Regarding claim 11, Kim discloses all the claim limitations as set forth above and further discloses an energy storage module:
wherein the extinguishing sheet (30) is inserted into the electrode assembly (10, [0124]).
Regarding claim 12, Kim discloses all the claim limitations as set forth above and further discloses an energy storage module, wherein the electrode assembly (10) comprises:
a first electrode assembly (11) comprising a first side tab (11) electrically connected to the electrode terminal (12, [0050]); and
a second electrode assembly (11) stacked on the first electrode assembly (11) and comprising a second side tab (12) electrically connected to the electrode terminal (6, [0050]),
wherein the extinguishing sheet (30) is arranged between the first electrode assembly (11) and the second electrode assembly (11, [0124]).
Regarding claim 13, Kim discloses all the claim limitations as set forth above and further discloses an energy storage module:
wherein the first side tab (12, 13) is at each of both sides of the first electrode assembly (11) in a longitudinal direction (FIG. 3, [0049]), and
wherein the second side tab (12, 13) is at each of both sides of the second electrode assembly (11) in a longitudinal direction (FIG. 3, [0049]).
Regarding claim 14, Kim discloses all the claim limitations as set forth above and further discloses an energy storage module, wherein the electrode assembly (10) comprises:
a first electrode assembly (11) comprising a first multi-tab (12, FIG. 3) electrically connected to the electrode terminal (6, [0102]); and
a second electrode assembly (11) on a side surface of the first electrode assembly (11) facing the first electrode assembly and comprising a second multi-tab (12, FIG. 3) electrically connected to the electrode terminal (6, [0102]),
wherein the extinguishing sheet (30) is arranged between the first electrode assembly (11) and the second electrode assembly (11, [0124]).
Regarding claim 15, Kim discloses all the claim limitations as set forth above and further discloses an energy storage module:
wherein the first multi-tab (12) and the second multi-tab (12) protrude toward the cap plate (25, [0049]).
Regarding claim 16, Kim discloses all the claim limitations as set forth above and further discloses an energy storage module:
wherein, in the electrode assembly (10), the positive electrode plate, the negative electrode plate, and the separator are alternately stacked (FIG. 3, [0046]), and
wherein the extinguishing sheet (30) is a plate and is stacked such that it faces at least one of the positive electrode plate, the negative electrode plate, or the separator (FIG. 3, [0046]).
Regarding claim 17, Kim discloses all the claim limitations as set forth above and further discloses an energy storage module:
wherein the extinguishing sheet (30) comprises at least one of a flame retardant, a nonflammable, or an insulating material (FIG. 4, [0043]).
Regarding claim 18, Kim discloses all the claim limitations as set forth above and further discloses an energy storage module:
wherein the extinguishing sheet (30) is a panel (FIG. 3, [0124])
Regarding claim 19, Kim discloses all the claim limitations as set forth above and further discloses an energy storage module:
wherein the extinguishing sheet (30) comprises an extinguishing agent (FIG. 4, [0043]).
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to Sean P Cullen, Ph.D. whose telephone number is (571)270-1251. The examiner can normally be reached Monday to Thursday 6:00 am to 4:00 pm CT, Friday 6:00 am to 12:00 pm CT.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Basia A Ridley can be reached at (571)272-1453. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/Sean P Cullen, Ph.D./Primary Examiner, Art Unit 1725
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