DETAILED ACTION
This office action is set to be a second non-final action, thus replacing the non-final action posted on 12/5/2025. A new ground(s) of rejections have been made, therefore, the office action posted on 12/5/2025 is withdrawn.
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 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, 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.
Claims 1-20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Boger (DE 102008007608 A1), in view of Wiedenhoefer (US 2024/0118035 A1).
Claim 1: Boger discloses a heat exchanger assembly for a motor vehicle (FIGs.1-3) comprising:
an inflow side (paragraph [8]: second medium air flows over outer surface of pipes from one side inflow side of the heat exchanger);
an outflow side (paragraph [8]: second medium air flows over outer surface of pipes to other side outflow side of the heat exchanger); and
a plurality of helically extending heat exchanger tubes (paragraph [32]: rows of tubes 34 are twisted about their longitudinal axis form helical structures) through which a heat exchanger fluid (paragraph [9]: first medium heat exchanger medium) flows, wherein a medium (paragraph [8]: second medium like air) flows along a throughflow direction from the inflow side (paragraph [8]: second medium air flows over outer surface of pipes from one side inflow side of the heat exchanger) to the outflow side (paragraph [8]: second medium air flows over outer surface of pipes to other side outflow side of the heat exchanger),
wherein the plurality of helically extending heat exchanger tubes (paragraph [32]: rows of tubes 34 are twisted about their longitudinal axis form helical structures) define respective helix axes (annotated FIG.5a; to clarify, axes are arbitrary therefore each tube can have desired axis) extending transversely with respect to the throughflow direction of the heat exchanger assembly (FIG.5a),
[AltContent: arrow][AltContent: textbox (helix axis)][AltContent: ][AltContent: connector][AltContent: connector][AltContent: connector]
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Boger discloses the claimed limitations in claim 1, but fails to disclose wherein one helically extending heat exchanger tube of the plurality of helically extending heat exchanger tubes loops around another helically extending heat exchanger tube of the plurality of helically extending heat exchanger tubes at uniform intervals along the respective helix axes, and wherein the plurality of helically extending heat exchanger tubes.
However, Wiedenhoefer teaches one helically extending heat exchanger tube (helically extended tube 18) of the plurality of helically extending heat exchanger tubes loops around another helically extending heat exchanger tube of the plurality of helically extending heat exchanger tubes (tubes 18 sued as helically extending heat exchanger tubes; paragraph [38]: heat exchanger 10 includes manifolds and multiple tube bundle 16 which each bundle has 3 tubes 18 loops around another helically extending heat exchanger tube; see FIG.1) at uniform intervals along the respective helix axes (to clarify, axes arbitrary can be drawn along vertical axes of tubes uniform intervals), and wherein the plurality of helically extending heat exchanger tubes (tubes 18) for the purpose of increasing performance and providing the improved heat transfer characteristics of multi-pass heat exchanger (paragraph [3]).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention was made to modify the invention of Boger to include one helically extending heat exchanger tube of the plurality of helically extending heat exchanger tubes loops around another helically extending heat exchanger tube of the plurality of helically extending heat exchanger tubes at uniform intervals along the respective helix axes, and wherein the plurality of helically extending heat exchanger tubes as taught by Wiedenhoefer in order to increase performance and to provide the improved heat transfer characteristics of multi-pass heat exchanger.
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Claim 2: Boger as modified discloses the apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one heat exchanger fin (39) extends transversely with respect to the helix axes (tubes are spaced in tube axis direction; see annotated FIG.6; to clarify axes can be drawn along desired geometry).
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Claim 3: Boger as modified discloses the apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least two heat exchanger tubes (Wiedenhoefer, helically extended tube 18) of the plurality of helically extending heat exchanger tubes (Wiedenhoefer, tubes 18) are configured and arranged relative to one another (Wiedenhoefer, see FIG.1), so as to define a common helix axis (Wiedenhoefer, axis is arbitrary it can be drawn one common axis vertically as for all the tubes; tubes 18 sued as helically extending heat exchanger tubes; paragraph [38]; see FIG.1).
Claim 4: Boger as modified discloses the apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the respective helix axes (Wiedenhoefer, axes are arbitrary) extend parallel to one another and are spaced from one another (Wiedenhoefer, axes are arbitrary drawn parallel to each other) such that the at least two heat exchanger tubes loop around one another at uniform intervals along the helix (Wiedenhoefer, tubes 18).
Claim 5: Boger as modified discloses the apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of helically extending heat exchanger tubes (Wiedenhoefer, tubes 18) are connected in series or in parallel.
Claim 6: Boger as modified discloses the apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the respective helix axes of the plurality of helically extending heat exchanger tubes (Wiedenhoefer, tubes 18) are at least partially curved (Wiedenhoefer, see FIG.1).
Claim 7: Boger as modified discloses the apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one helically extending heat exchanger tube (34) of the plurality of helically extending heat exchanger tubes (34) includes at least one flow-manipulating directing element arranged inside (multi chamber tubes 47 include manipulating directing element inside its internal volume; see FIG.7s).
Claim 8: Boger as modified discloses the apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the at least one flow-manipulating directing element (multi chamber tubes include manipulating directing element inside its internal volume; see FIG.7s) consists of a radially inwardly and rectilinearly extending rib (channel ribs 52), a radially inwardly extending pin, or a helically extending rib.
Claim 9: Boger as modified discloses the apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one helically extending heat exchanger tube of the plurality of helically extending heat exchanger tubes includes (Wiedenhoefer, tubes 18) has a circular, elliptical or oval cross-sectional area (paragraph [35]: pipe cross sections for so called multi chamber pipes with circular, oval and rectangular cross sections).
Claim 10: Boger as modified discloses the apparatus as claimed in claim 1, which is produced at least in part by additive manufacturing (paragraph [35]: tubes are manufactured by extrusion, it is also possible to manufacture other methods like brazed or welded; in product-by-process claim, “once a product appearing to be substantially identical is found and a 35 U.S.C. 103 rejection [is] made, the burden shifts to the applicant to show an unobvious difference” MPEP 2113. This rejection under 35 U.S.C. 103 is proper because the "even though product-by-process claims are limited by and defined by the process, determination of patentability is based on the product itself. The patentability of a product does not depend on its method of production. If the product in the product-by-process claim is the same as or obvious from a product of the prior art, the claim is unpatentable even though the prior product was made by a different process." In re Thorpe, 777 F.2d 695, 698, 227 USPQ 964, 966 (Fed. Cir. 1985) (citations omitted). The combination of previous references meets the structural limitations put forth in Claim 10, wherein the final product existing after fabrication is compared to prior art for the purposes of patentability. The limitations regarding “additive manufacturing” are drawn to method of production and not the structural aspects of the instant invention).
Claim 11: Boger discloses a heat exchanger assembly for a motor vehicle (FIGs.1-3) comprising:
an inflow side (paragraph [8]: second medium air flows over outer surface of pipes from one side inflow side of the heat exchanger);
an outflow side (paragraph [8]: second medium air flows over outer surface of pipes to other side outflow side of the heat exchanger); and
a plurality of helically extending heat exchanger tubes (paragraph [32]: rows of tubes 34 are twisted about their longitudinal axis form helical structures) through which a heat exchanger fluid (paragraph [9]: first medium heat exchanger medium) flows, the plurality of helically extending heat exchanger tubes (34) positioned between the inflow side and the outflow side (second medium air flows over outer surface of pipes to other side outflow side of the heat exchanger),
a medium (paragraph [8]: second medium like air) flows along a throughflow direction past the plurality of helically extending heat exchanger tubes (34) from the inflow side (second medium air flows over outer surface of pipes from one side inflow side of the heat exchanger) to the outflow side (second medium air flows over outer surface of pipes to other side outflow side of the heat exchanger),
wherein the plurality of helically extending heat exchanger tubes (34) define respective helix axes (annotated FIG.5a) extending transversely with respect to the throughflow direction of the heat exchanger assembly (FIG.5a),
Boger discloses the claimed limitations in claim 11, but fails to disclose the respective helix axes extend parallel to one another and are spaced from one another such that one helically extending heat exchanger tube of the plurality of helically extending heat exchanger tubes loops around another helically extending heat exchanger tube of the plurality of helically extending heat exchanger tubes at uniform intervals along the respective helix axes.
However, Wiedenhoefer teaches the respective helix axes extend parallel to one another and are spaced from one another (to clarify, axes arbitrary can be drawn along vertical axes of tubes uniform intervals) such that one helically extending heat exchanger tube of the plurality of helically extending heat exchanger tubes loops around another helically extending heat exchanger tube of the plurality of helically extending heat exchanger tubes (tubes 18 sued as helically extending heat exchanger tubes; paragraph [38]: heat exchanger 10 includes manifolds and multiple tube bundle 16 which each bundle has 3 tubes 18 loops around another helically extending heat exchanger tube; see FIG.1) at uniform intervals along the respective helix axes (to clarify, axes arbitrary can be drawn along vertical axes of tubes uniform intervals) for the purpose of increasing performance and providing the improved heat transfer characteristics of multi-pass heat exchanger (paragraph [3]).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention was made to modify the invention of Boger to include the respective helix axes extend parallel to one another and are spaced from one another such that one helically extending heat exchanger tube of the plurality of helically extending heat exchanger tubes loops around another helically extending heat exchanger tube of the plurality of helically extending heat exchanger tubes at uniform intervals along the respective helix axes as taught by Wiedenhoefer in order to increase performance and to provide the improved heat transfer characteristics of multi-pass heat exchanger.
Further, Boger discloses the claimed limitations in claim 11, except for wherein the plurality of helically extending heat exchanger tubes are additively manufactured.
in product-by-process claim, “once a product appearing to be substantially identical is found and a 35 U.S.C. 103 rejection [is] made, the burden shifts to the applicant to show an unobvious difference” MPEP 2113. This rejection under 35 U.S.C. 103 is proper because the "even though product-by-process claims are limited by and defined by the process, determination of patentability is based on the product itself. The patentability of a product does not depend on its method of production. If the product in the product-by-process claim is the same as or obvious from a product of the prior art, the claim is unpatentable even though the prior product was made by a different process." In re Thorpe, 777 F.2d 695, 698, 227 USPQ 964, 966 (Fed. Cir. 1985) (citations omitted). The combination of previous references meets the structural limitations put forth in Claim 11, wherein the final product existing after fabrication is compared to prior art for the purposes of patentability. The limitations regarding “additive manufacturing” are drawn to method of production and not the structural aspects of the instant invention
Claim 12: Boger as modified discloses the apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein at least one heat exchanger fin (39) extends transversely (to clarify, the assembly is joined tube-fin heat exchanger which is well known, corrugated fins are arranged between tubes) with respect to the helix axis (annotated FIG.6).
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Claim 13: Boger as modified discloses the apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the plurality of helically extending heat exchanger tubes (Wiedenhoefer, tubes 18) are connected in series or in parallel.
Claim 14: Boger as modified discloses the apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the respective helix axes of the plurality of helically extending heat exchanger tubes (Wiedenhoefer, tubes 18) are at least partially curved (Wiedenhoefer, see FIG.1).
Claim 15: Boger as modified discloses the apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein one helix axis of the respective helix axes (annotated FIG.5a) is at least partially curved (to clarify, axes are arbitrary and can be defined and set and drawn to be curved or straight line).
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Claim 16: Boger as modified discloses the apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein the one helix axis includes multiple arches (to clarify, as shown in annotated FIG.5a in claim 15 the arbitrary axis has multiple arches).
Claim 17: Boger as modified discloses the apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein each helically extending heat exchanger tube (34) of the plurality of helically extending heat exchanger tubes (34) includes at least one flow-manipulating directing element arranged inside (multi chamber tubes 47 include manipulating directing element inside its internal volume; see FIG.7s).
Claim 18: Boger as modified discloses the apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein the at least one flow-manipulating directing element (multi chamber tubes 47 include manipulating directing element inside its internal volume; see FIG.7s) consists of a radially inwardly and rectilinearly extending rib (ribs 52), a radially inwardly extending pin, or a helically extending rib.
Claim 19: Boger as modified discloses the apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein each helically extending heat exchanger tube (34) of the plurality of helically extending heat exchanger tubes (34) has a circular, elliptical or oval cross-sectional area (paragraph [35]: pipe cross sections for so called multi chamber pipes with circular, oval and rectangular cross sections).
Claim 20: Boger discloses a heat exchanger assembly for a motor vehicle (FIGs.1-3) comprising:
an inflow side (paragraph [8]: second medium air flows over outer surface of pipes from one side inflow side of the heat exchanger);
an outflow side (paragraph [8]: second medium air flows over outer surface of pipes to other side outflow side of the heat exchanger); and
a plurality of helically extending heat exchanger tubes through which a heat exchanger fluid (paragraph [9]: first medium heat exchanger medium) flows,
the plurality of helically extending heat exchanger tubes (paragraph [32]: rows of tubes 34 are twisted about their longitudinal axis form helical structures) positioned between the inflow side (second medium air flows over outer surface of pipes from one side inflow side of the heat exchanger) and the outflow side (second medium air flows over outer surface of pipes to other side outflow side of the heat exchanger), a medium (paragraph [8]: second medium like air) flows along a throughflow direction past the plurality of helically extending heat exchanger tubes (34) from the inflow side (second medium air flows over outer surface of pipes from one side inflow side of the heat exchanger) to the outflow side (second medium air flows over outer surface of pipes to other side outflow side of the heat exchanger),
Boger discloses the claimed limitations in claim 20, but fails to disclose wherein the plurality of helically extending heat exchanger tubes define respective helix axes extending transversely with respect to the throughflow direction of the heat exchanger assembly, the respective helix axes extend parallel to one another and are spaced from one another such that one helically extending heat exchanger tube of the plurality of helically extending heat exchanger tubes loops around two adjacent helically extending heat exchanger tubes of the plurality of helically extending heat exchanger tubes at uniform intervals along the respective helix axes.
However, Wiedenhoefer teaches the plurality of helically extending heat exchanger tubes define respective helix axes (to clarify, axes arbitrary can be drawn along vertical axes of tubes uniform intervals) extending transversely with respect to the throughflow direction of the heat exchanger assembly, the respective helix axes extend parallel to one another and are spaced from one another (to clarify, axes are arbitrary drawn parallel to each other) such that one helically extending heat exchanger tube of the plurality of helically extending heat exchanger tubes loops around two adjacent helically extending heat exchanger tubes of the plurality of helically extending heat exchanger tubes (tubes 18 sued as helically extending heat exchanger tubes; paragraph [38]: heat exchanger 10 includes manifolds and multiple tube bundle 16 which each bundle has 3 tubes 18 loops around another helically extending heat exchanger tube; see FIG.1) at uniform intervals along the respective helix axes (to clarify, axes arbitrary can be drawn along vertical axes of each tube uniform intervals)
Response to Arguments
Applicant's arguments filed on 4/6/2026 with respect to all the claims under Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103 have been fully considered, and they are moot. This is second non-final, therefore, a new ground of rejections have been made and a new reference is used.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure which is relevant to heat exchanger:
Kirkham (US 2019/0217409 A1).
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to KAMRAN TAVAKOLDAVANI whose telephone number is (313)446-6612. The examiner can normally be reached on M-F 8:00 am to 5:00 pm EST.
Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice.
If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Len Tran can be reached on (571) 272-1184. 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.
/KAMRAN TAVAKOLDAVANI/Examiner, Art Unit 3763
/LEN TRAN/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 3763
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