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 .
Response to Amendment
The amendment filed July 23rd, 2026 has been entered. Claims 1-7, 10-19, and 21-24 remain pending in the application. The amendments to the claims have overcome each and every claim objection and double patenting rejection previously cited in the Non-Final rejection mailed April 28th, 2026. However, the amendment has raised other issues detailed below.
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s arguments with respect to claims 1 and 12 have been considered but are moot because the new ground of rejection does not rely on any reference applied in the prior rejection of record for any teaching or matter specifically challenged in the argument.
Further, the Applicant recites “Claims 2, 16, 17 and 20 stand provisionally rejected on the grounds of non-statutory double patenting as allegedly being unpatentable over claims of co-pending Application Serial No. 19/095,565. In response to the foregoing, applicants have submitted herewith a Terminal Disclaimer. Withdrawal of this rejection is therefore in order.” on Pg. 9 (as numbered by Applicant of the remarks, however, the Examiner would like to note that no terminal disclaimer has been received. The amendments to the claims have overcome the double patenting rejections of the Non-Final rejection mailed April 28th, 2026 and no terminal disclaimer is required at this time.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112(b)
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 19, 21-22 and 24 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 19 recites the limitation "the receiver" in line 4. There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. The Examiner recommends changing, “the receiver " in line 4 of claim 19 to “a receiver”.
Claim 21 recites the limitation "the plurality of thermocouple sensors" in line 2. There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. The Examiner recommends changing, “the plurality of thermocouple sensors" in line 2 of claim 19 to “the multiple thermocouple sensors” which is given sufficient antecedent basis in claim 12 from which claim 21 depends. For purposes of examination, the Examiner will interpret the plurality of thermocouple sensors and the multiple thermocouple sensors to be the same components.
Claim 24 recites the limitation "the compressed refrigerant cooling system" in line 1. There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. The Examiner recommends changing, “the compressed refrigerant cooling system " in line 1 of claim 24 to “the cooling system” which is given proper antecedent basis in claim 12 from which claim 24 depends. For purposes of examination, the Examiner will interpret the compressed refrigerant cooling system and the cooling system to be the same components.
Claim 22 is also rejected by virtue of its dependency on claim 21.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112(d)
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(d):
(d) REFERENCE IN DEPENDENT FORMS.—Subject to subsection (e), a claim in dependent form shall contain a reference to a claim previously set forth and then specify a further limitation of the subject matter claimed. A claim in dependent form shall be construed to incorporate by reference all the limitations of the claim to which it refers.
The following is a quotation of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, fourth paragraph:
Subject to the following paragraph [i.e., the fifth paragraph of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112], a claim in dependent form shall contain a reference to a claim previously set forth and then specify a further limitation of the subject matter claimed. A claim in dependent form shall be construed to incorporate by reference all the limitations of the claim to which it refers.
Claim 2 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(d) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, 4th paragraph, as being of improper dependent form for failing to further limit the subject matter of the claim upon which it depends, or for failing to include all the limitations of the claim upon which it depends. Lines 2-3 of claim 2 recite, “at least one stepper motor needle valve operatively coupled to the controller” which does not further limit the claim as claim 1 already includes said limitation. Applicant may cancel the claim(s), amend the claim(s) to place the claim(s) in proper dependent form, rewrite the claim(s) in independent form, or present a sufficient showing that the dependent claim(s) complies with the statutory requirements.
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 (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
The following is a quotation of 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.
Claims 1-3, 6-7, and 11 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Bhatia (US Patent No. 7,342,787), hereinafter Bhatia in view of Wada et al. (US Patent No. 11,473,821), hereinafter Wada, Goth et al. (US Patent No. 6,923,014), hereinafter Goth, and Langer et al. (US 20240401857), hereinafter Langer.
Regarding claim 1, Bhatia discloses a cooling apparatus (Fig. 4c, heat dispersal unit 403b; Col. 4, lines 15-16, FIGS. 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d illustrate embodiments of remote vapor compression systems) comprising:
a compressor (Fig. 4c, compressor 221);
a condenser connected downstream of the compressor (Fig. 4c of Bhatia depicts condenser 231 disposed downstream of the compressor 221);
at least one puck assembly including an evaporator and a thermoelectric module (Fig. 4c, evaporator 225, TEM 457, thermo conductive plate 403, heat pipe 107; Col. 4, lines 31-37, In some embodiments, as seen in FIGS. 4c and 4d, a TEM (e.g., TEM 457 and/or TEM 459) may be used. In some embodiments, a TEM 457 may be used between a thermo conductive plate 403 and the evaporator 225 (e.g., the cool side of the TEM 457 may be in thermal contact with the thermo conductive plate 403 and the warm side of the TEM 457 may be in thermal contact with the evaporator 225));
at least one expansion valve, the at least one expansion valve being configured to control flow of refrigerant to the evaporator (Fig. 4c, expansion valve 227; Col. 4, lines 26-27, before traveling through an expansion valve 227 to arrive back at the evaporator 225);
and a heat source (Fig. 4c, a heat source 405).
However, Bhatia does not disclose the cooling apparatus comprising:
a receiver; and
the condenser connected between the compressor and the receiver.
Wada teaches the cooling apparatus (Fig. 2; Col. 2, lines 48-50, FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a refrigerant circuit in the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the first embodiment) comprising:
a receiver (Fig. 2, high-pressure receiver 204); and
the condenser connected between the compressor and the receiver (Fig. 2 of Wada depicts the outdoor heat exchanger 203, which functions as the condenser in the cooling mode, to be connected between the compressor 201 and the high-pressure receiver 204).
Bhatia fails to teach the cooling apparatus comprising a receiver; and the condenser connected between the compressor and the receiver, however Wada teaches that it is a known method in the art of vapor compression cycles to include the cooling apparatus comprising a receiver; and the condenser connected between the compressor and the receiver. This is strong evidence that modifying Bhatia as claimed would produce predictable results (i.e. ensuring only liquid phase refrigerant reaches the expansion valve to improve overall system efficiencies). Accordingly, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art prior to the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Bhatia by Wada and arrive at the claimed invention since all claimed elements were known in the art and one having ordinary skill in the art could have combined the elements as claimed by known methods with no changes in their respective functions and the combination would have yielded the predictable result of ensuring only liquid phase refrigerant reaches the expansion valve to improve overall system efficiencies.
However, Bhatia as modified does not disclose the expansion valve to be at least one stepper motor needle valve operatively coupled to the controller.
Goth teaches the expansion valve to be at least one stepper motor needle valve operatively coupled to the controller (Fig. 1, cooling system 100, expansion valve 114, expansion valve 116, controller 120; Col. 1-2, lines 67 and 1-9, A controller 120 provides control signals to expansion valve 114 and expansion valve 116 to control refrigerant flow and pressure drop across each expansion valve. In an exemplary embodiment, expansion valves 114 and 116 includes a stepper motor the responds to control signals from controller 120. The stepper motor opens or closes an orifice in the expansion valve to regulate refrigerant flow and pressure drop. Controller 120 executes a computer program to control the expansion valves 114 and 116).
Bhatia as modified fails to teach the expansion valve to be at least one stepper motor needle valve operatively coupled to the controller, however Goth teaches that it is a known method in the art of vapor compression systems to include the expansion valve to be at least one stepper motor needle valve operatively coupled to the controller. This is strong evidence that modifying Bhatia as modified as claimed would produce predictable results (i.e. obtaining desired superheat values to improve overall system efficiencies (Goth, Col. 2, lines 35-34)). Accordingly, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art prior to the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Bhatia as modified by Goth and arrive at the claimed invention since all claimed elements were known in the art and one having ordinary skill in the art could have combined the elements as claimed by known methods with no changes in their respective functions and the combination would have yielded the predictable result of obtaining desired superheat values to improve overall system efficiencies (Goth, Col. 2, lines 35-34).
Further, Bhatia as modified does not disclose the cooling apparatus comprising:
a controller operatively coupled to the at least one puck assembly;
multiple thermocouple sensors in communication with the controller through a sensor network harness;
pressure gauge sensors at various locations in the cooling apparatus;
wherein the controller is configured to:
receive and monitor temperatures and pressures of the multiple thermocouple sensors and the pressure gauge sensors; and
adjust a speed of the compressor, the at least one stepper motor needle valve and the thermoelectric module to provide cooling of the heat source based on the received and monitored temperatures and pressures.
Langer teaches the cooling apparatus comprising:
a controller operatively coupled to the at least one puck assembly (Fig. 12, cooling system 100, control device 112, thermoelectric converter 202, gas cooler 103; Pg. 16, paragraphs 173-174, Preferably, the cooling system 100 has a control device 112 (see FIG. 12) which is designed to detect the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant at the respective components of the refrigeration circuit 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107. For this purpose, corresponding sensors (each identified by T,p) can be provided on the respective portions of the line system 104. Furthermore, the control device 112 can detect a motor output in order to control the compressor according to the detected pressure and/or temperature data. The control device 112 can be connected to the sensors by corresponding control lines. Furthermore, a power of the thermoelectric converter 202 can be controlled in order to regulate a temperature of the heat transfer medium. Advantageously, a conveying capacity of the transport device 205, 206 can also be adjusted in order to control the flow of the corresponding heat transfer media);
multiple thermocouple sensors in communication with the controller through a sensor network harness (Fig. 12, sensors T,p; Pg. 16, paragraphs 173, Preferably, the cooling system 100 has a control device 112 (see FIG. 12) which is designed to detect the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant at the respective components of the refrigeration circuit 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107. For this purpose, corresponding sensors (each identified by T,p) can be provided on the respective portions of the line system 104; Further, the connection lines of Fig. 12 that connect the control device 112 to other system components including the sensos T,p at least imply a sensor network harness since it has been held in considering the disclosure of a reference, it is proper to take into account not only specific teachings of the reference but also the inferences which one skilled in the art would reasonably be expected to draw therefrom (MPEP 2144.01));
pressure gauge sensors at various locations in the cooling apparatus (Fig. 12, sensors T,p; Pg. 16, paragraphs 173, Preferably, the cooling system 100 has a control device 112 (see FIG. 12) which is designed to detect the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant at the respective components of the refrigeration circuit 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107. For this purpose, corresponding sensors (each identified by T,p) can be provided on the respective portions of the line system 104);
wherein the controller is configured to:
receive and monitor temperatures and pressures of the multiple thermocouple sensors and the pressure gauge sensors (Pg. 16, paragraphs 173, Preferably, the cooling system 100 has a control device 112 (see FIG. 12) which is designed to detect the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant at the respective components of the refrigeration circuit 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107. For this purpose, corresponding sensors (each identified by T,p) can be provided on the respective portions of the line system 104); and
adjust a speed of the compressor, the at least one stepper motor needle valve and the thermoelectric module to provide cooling of the heat source based on the received and monitored temperatures and pressures (Pg. 16, paragraphs 170 and 173-174, A compression performance, or compression work, of the compressor 102 can be adjusted by changing the rotational speed of a compressor motor 118 (see FIG. 12). In particular, the compressor performance can be controlled depending on the pressure and temperature. An expansion valve 107, which can regulate the high pressure in the refrigeration circuit, can be provided in the refrigeration circuit. By means of the expansion valve 107, the refrigerant can be expanded and thus relaxed from a high pressure to a lower pressure. The refrigeration circuit can further comprise a liquid separator 121 which is designed to separate a liquid phase of the refrigerant from a gas phase of the refrigerant between the evaporator 101 and the compressor 102. Accordingly, the refrigerant can be present at the compressor 102 in a pure gas phase in order to prevent liquid impacts at the compressor 102… Preferably, the cooling system 100 has a control device 112 (see FIG. 12) which is designed to detect the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant at the respective components of the refrigeration circuit 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107. For this purpose, corresponding sensors (each identified by T,p) can be provided on the respective portions of the line system 104. Furthermore, the control device 112 can detect a motor output in order to control the compressor according to the detected pressure and/or temperature data. The control device 112 can be connected to the sensors by corresponding control lines. Furthermore, a power of the thermoelectric converter 202 can be controlled in order to regulate a temperature of the heat transfer medium. Advantageously, a conveying capacity of the transport device 205, 206 can also be adjusted in order to control the flow of the corresponding heat transfer media; Further, the connection between the expansion valve 107, the thermoelectric convertor 202, and the control device 112 in combination with the teachings of using the control device 112 to control system operations based on the temperature and pressure sensors at least imply control of the at least one stepper motor needle valve and the thermoelectric module to provide cooling of the heat source based on the received and monitored temperatures and pressures since it has been held in considering the disclosure of a reference, it is proper to take into account not only specific teachings of the reference but also the inferences which one skilled in the art would reasonably be expected to draw therefrom (MPEP 2144.01)).
Bhatia as modified fails to teach the cooling apparatus comprising: a controller operatively coupled to the at least one puck assembly; multiple thermocouple sensors in communication with the controller through a sensor network harness; pressure gauge sensors at various locations in the cooling apparatus; wherein the controller is configured to: receive and monitor temperatures and pressures of the multiple thermocouple sensors and the pressure gauge sensors; and adjust a speed of the compressor, the at least one stepper motor needle valve and the thermoelectric module to provide cooling of the heat source based on the received and monitored temperatures and pressures, however Langer teaches that it is a known method in the art of hybrid vapor compression thermoelectric systems to include the cooling apparatus comprising: a controller operatively coupled to the at least one puck assembly; multiple thermocouple sensors in communication with the controller through a sensor network harness; pressure gauge sensors at various locations in the cooling apparatus; wherein the controller is configured to: receive and monitor temperatures and pressures of the multiple thermocouple sensors and the pressure gauge sensors; and adjust a speed of the compressor, the at least one stepper motor needle valve and the thermoelectric module to provide cooling of the heat source based on the received and monitored temperatures and pressures. This is strong evidence that modifying Bhatia as modified as claimed would produce predictable results (i.e. providing improved system control based on real-time sensor date to improve overall system efficiencies). Accordingly, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art prior to the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Bhatia as modified by Langer and arrive at the claimed invention since all claimed elements were known in the art and one having ordinary skill in the art could have combined the elements as claimed by known methods with no changes in their respective functions and the combination would have yielded the predictable result of providing improved system control based on real-time sensor date to improve overall system efficiencies.
Regarding claim 2, Bhatia as modified discloses the apparatus of claim 1 (see the combination of references used in the rejection of claim 1 above), further comprising:
at least one stepper motor needle valve operatively coupled to the controller (Bhatia, Fig. 4c, expansion valve 227; Goth, Fig. 1, cooling system 100, expansion valve 114, expansion valve 116, controller 120; Col. 1-2, lines 67 and 1-9, A controller 120 provides control signals to expansion valve 114 and expansion valve 116 to control refrigerant flow and pressure drop across each expansion valve. In an exemplary embodiment, expansion valves 114 and 116 includes a stepper motor the responds to control signals from controller 120. The stepper motor opens or closes an orifice in the expansion valve to regulate refrigerant flow and pressure drop. Controller 120 executes a computer program to control the expansion valves 114 and 116). Further, the limitations of claim 2 are the result of the modification of references used in the rejection of claim 1 above.
Regarding claim 3, Bhatia as modified discloses the apparatus of claim 1 (see the combination of references used in the rejection of claim 1 above), wherein the thermoelectric module of the at least one puck assembly is further connected to the heat source (Bhatia, Fig. 4c, evaporator 225, TEM 457, thermo conductive plate 403, heat pipe 107; Col. 4, lines 31-37, In some embodiments, as seen in FIGS. 4c and 4d, a TEM (e.g., TEM 457 and/or TEM 459) may be used. In some embodiments, a TEM 457 may be used between a thermo conductive plate 403 and the evaporator 225 (e.g., the cool side of the TEM 457 may be in thermal contact with the thermo conductive plate 403 and the warm side of the TEM 457 may be in thermal contact with the evaporator 225)).
Regarding claim 6, Bhatia as modified discloses the apparatus of claim 1 (see the combination of references used in the rejection of claim 1 above).
However, Bhatia as modified does not disclose wherein the controller is further connected to at least one of the compressor, the condenser, and the receiver.
Langer teaches wherein the controller is further connected the condenser (Fig. 12, cooling system 100, control device 112, gas cooler 103, ventilator 206; Pg. 16, paragraph 170, Cooled air can be supplied to the gas cooler 103 by means of a ventilator 205, and waste heat from the thermoelectric converters 202 can be dissipated by means of a further ventilator 206; Pg. 16, paragraph 174, Furthermore, a power of the thermoelectric converter 202 can be controlled in order to regulate a temperature of the heat transfer medium. Advantageously, a conveying capacity of the transport device 205, 206 can also be adjusted in order to control the flow of the corresponding heat transfer media).
Therefore, it would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the cooling apparatus of Bhatia as modified wherein the controller is further connected the condenser as taught by Langer. One of ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to make this modification to provide control of the thermal exchange within the condenser based on real-time sensor data to improve overall system efficiencies (Langer, Pg. 16, paragraphs 170 and 173-174).
Regarding claim 7, Bhatia as modified discloses the apparatus of claim 1 (see the combination of references used in the rejection of claim 1 above), wherein the controller is integrated into an electronic device and managed via the electronic device (Langer, Fig. 12, control device 112; Pg. 16, paragraphs 173-174, Preferably, the cooling system 100 has a control device 112 (see FIG. 12) which is designed to detect the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant at the respective components of the refrigeration circuit 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107. For this purpose, corresponding sensors (each identified by T,p) can be provided on the respective portions of the line system 104. Furthermore, the control device 112 can detect a motor output in order to control the compressor according to the detected pressure and/or temperature data. The control device 112 can be connected to the sensors by corresponding control lines. Furthermore, a power of the thermoelectric converter 202 can be controlled in order to regulate a temperature of the heat transfer medium. Advantageously, a conveying capacity of the transport device 205, 206 can also be adjusted in order to control the flow of the corresponding heat transfer media Further, the teachings of Langer at least imply the controller is integrated into an electronic device and managed via the electronic device since it has been held in considering the disclosure of a reference, it is proper to take into account not only specific teachings of the reference but also the inferences which one skilled in the art would reasonably be expected to draw therefrom (MPEP 2144.01)). Further, the limitations of claim 7 are the result of the modification of references used in the rejection of claim 1 above.
Regarding claim 11, Bhatia as modified discloses the apparatus of claim 1 (see the combination of references used in the rejection of claim 1 above).
However, Bhatia as modified does not disclose wherein the condenser further comprises a fan assembly.
Langer teaches wherein the condenser further comprises a fan assembly (Fig. 12, gas cooler 103, ventilator 206).
Bhatia as modified fails to teach wherein the condenser further comprises a fan assembly, however Langer teaches that it is a known method in the art of hybrid vapor compression thermoelectric systems to include wherein the condenser further comprises a fan assembly. This is strong evidence that modifying Bhatia as modified as claimed would produce predictable results (i.e. removing heat from the system to improve overall system efficiencies). Accordingly, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art prior to the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Bhatia as modified by Langer and arrive at the claimed invention since all claimed elements were known in the art and one having ordinary skill in the art could have combined the elements as claimed by known methods with no changes in their respective functions and the combination would have yielded the predictable result of removing heat from the system to improve overall system efficiencies.
Claims 4-5 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Bhatia as modified by Wada, Goth, and Langer as applied to claim 3 and 1 above, respectively, and further in view of Whiteley et al. (WO 2025099453), hereinafter Whiteley.
Regarding claim 4, Bhatia as modified discloses the apparatus of claim 3 (see the combination of references used in the rejection of claim 3 above).
However, Bhatia as modified does not explicitly disclose wherein the thermoelectric module and the heat source are separated by a thermally conductive epoxy or a thermally conductive paste.
Whiteley teaches the use of thermal interface material which includes a thermally conductive paste can be used to increase thermal conductivity between either side of a thermoelectric module and a device in thermal communication with the thermoelectric module (Fig. 2a, device 1, heat sink 61, thermal interface material 55, cooling component 41, thermal interface material 50; Pg. 13, lines 3-8, A thermal interface material (or TIM) refers to any material that is inserted between two components in order to enhance the thermal coupling between them. In one embodiment, the heat extraction system comprises a heat sink. It may be a thermal paste, a thermal adhesive, a thermally conductive pad, a thermal tape, a phase-change material, etc. In one instance, the first thermal interface material may include graphene. Other thermal interface materials (e.g. Graphite) could also be used).
Therefore, it would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the cooling apparatus of Bhatia as modified to include wherein the thermoelectric module and the heat source are separated by a thermally conductive epoxy or a thermally conductive paste as taught by Whitely. One of ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to make this modification in order to enhance the thermal coupling between two components (Whiteley, Pg. 13, lines 3-4).
Regarding claim 5, Bhatia as modified discloses the apparatus of claim 1 (see the combination of references used in the rejection of claim 1 above).
However, Bhatia as modified does not explicitly disclose wherein the evaporator and the thermoelectric module are separated by one of a thermally conductive epoxy or a thermally conductive paste.
Whiteley teaches the use of thermal interface material which includes a thermally conductive paste can be used to increase thermal conductivity between either side of a thermoelectric module and a device in thermal communication with the thermoelectric module (Fig. 2a, device 1, heat sink 61, thermal interface material 55, cooling component 41, thermal interface material 50; Pg. 13, lines 3-8, A thermal interface material (or TIM) refers to any material that is inserted between two components in order to enhance the thermal coupling between them. In one embodiment, the heat extraction system comprises a heat sink. It may be a thermal paste, a thermal adhesive, a thermally conductive pad, a thermal tape, a phase-change material, etc. In one instance, the first thermal interface material may include graphene. Other thermal interface materials (e.g. Graphite) could also be used).
Therefore, it would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the cooling apparatus of Bhatia as modified to include wherein the evaporator and the thermoelectric module are separated by one of a thermally conductive epoxy or a thermally conductive paste as taught by Whitely. One of ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to make this modification in order to enhance the thermal coupling between two components (Whiteley, Pg. 13, lines 3-4).
Claim 10 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Bhatia as modified by Wada, Goth, and Langer as applied to claim 1 above, and further in view of Travers (US 20150068235), hereinafter Travers.
Regarding claim 10, Bhatia as modified discloses the apparatus of claim 1 (see the combination of references used in the rejection of claim 1 above).
However, Bhatia as modified does not disclose wherein the controller receives readings from at least one atmospheric sensor over an atmospheric sensor harness, monitors ambient air conditions and further controls the system to guard against creation of condensation at areas being cooled.
Travers teaches wherein the controller receives readings from at least one atmospheric sensor over an atmospheric sensor harness, monitors ambient air conditions and further controls the system to guard against creation of condensation at areas being cooled (Fig. 1, refrigerated enclosure 12, inside temperature/humidity (Dewpoint) sensor unit 18, ambient air temperature/humidity (Dewpoint) sensor unit 20, controller 22; Pg. 2, paragraph 18, There is an inside temperature/humidity (dew point) sensor unit 18 inside enclosure 12 and an outside or ambient air temperature/humidity (dew point) sensor unit 20 outside of enclosure 12. Controller 22 is responsive to both inside and ambient sensor units 18 and 20 to control the operation of conventional refrigerator unit 14 and auxiliary ambient air refrigerator unit 16. There may also be a humidifier 24 that may be controlled by controller 22 to keep the humidity within enclosure 12 within a desired range. Controller 22 responds to the sensor units and the indicated dew points of the enclosure and the ambient air and enables the auxiliary refrigerator unit to provide cool ambient air to the enclosure when the temperature inside the enclosure is above a first predetermined temperature, the ambient temperature is less than the temperature inside the enclosure by a predetermined differential temperature and the dew point of the ambient air is matched to the dew point range of the air in the enclosure. Controller 22 also responds to the sensor units 18 and 20 to enable the conventional refrigeration unit when the temperature is at above a second predetermined temperature that is higher than the first predetermined temperature. The dew point range may include a minimum humidity dew point for the enclosure, in which case the auxiliary refrigeration unit will not be enabled if the dew point of the air inside the enclosure is below that minimum dew point and the dew point of the ambient air is not higher than the dew point of the air inside the enclosure. The dew point range may include a maximum humidity dew point and the auxiliary refrigeration unit in that case will not be enabled if the dew point of the air inside the enclosure is above that maximum dew point and the dew point of the ambient air is not lower than the dew point of the air inside the enclosure. Sensor units 18 and 20 may include a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor from which controller 22 calculates the dew point. Or the temperature humidity sensors 18 and 20 may actually include a dew point meter to directly provide the dew point to controller 22; Further, the teachings of Travers at least imply wherein the controller further controls the system to guard against creation of condensation at areas being cooled since it has been held in considering the disclosure of a reference, it is proper to take into account not only specific teachings of the reference but also the inferences which one skilled in the art would reasonably be expected to draw therefrom (MPEP 2144.01)).
Bhatia as modified fails to teach wherein the controller receives readings from at least one atmospheric sensor over an atmospheric sensor harness, monitors ambient air conditions and further controls the system to guard against creation of condensation at areas being cooled, however Travers teaches that it is a known method in the art of vapor compression systems to include wherein the controller receives readings from at least one atmospheric sensor over an atmospheric sensor harness, monitors ambient air conditions and further controls the system to guard against creation of condensation at areas being cooled. This is strong evidence that modifying Bhatia as modified as claimed would produce predictable results (i.e. to ensure a humidity range is not violated to improve overall system efficiencies (Travers, Pg. 2, paragraph 18)). Accordingly, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art prior to the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Bhatia as modified by Travers and arrive at the claimed invention since all claimed elements were known in the art and one having ordinary skill in the art could have combined the elements as claimed by known methods with no changes in their respective functions and the combination would have yielded the predictable result of to ensure a humidity range is not violated to improve overall system efficiencies (Travers, Pg. 2, paragraph 18).
Further, the combination of references used in the rejection of claim 10 result in wherein the controller further controls the speed of the compressor, the at least one stepper motor needle valve and the thermoelectric module to guard against creation of condensation at areas being cooled.
Claims 12-14, 16, 19, and 21-23 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Bhatia (US Patent No. 7,342,787), hereinafter Bhatia in view of Goth et al. (US Patent No. 6,923,014), hereinafter Goth, and Langer et al. (US 20240401857), hereinafter Langer.
Regarding claim 12, Bhatia discloses a method for cooling a heat source via a cooling system having a compressor, a condenser, at least one puck assembly including an evaporator and a thermoelectric module, the at least one puck assembly being connected to a heat source (Fig. 4c, heat dispersal unit 403b, compressor 221, condenser 231, evaporator 225, TEM 457, thermo conductive plate 403, heat pipe 107; Col. 4, lines 15-16 and 31-37, FIGS. 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d illustrate embodiments of remote vapor compression systems… In some embodiments, as seen in FIGS. 4c and 4d, a TEM (e.g., TEM 457 and/or TEM 459) may be used. In some embodiments, a TEM 457 may be used between a thermo conductive plate 403 and the evaporator 225 (e.g., the cool side of the TEM 457 may be in thermal contact with the thermo conductive plate 403 and the warm side of the TEM 457 may be in thermal contact with the evaporator 225)), the method comprising:
compressing a refrigerant via the compressor (Col. 4, lines 23-25, The vapor compression medium may travel through heat pipe 451 and be compressed in compressor 221);
transferring the compressed refrigerant from the compressor to the condenser (Col. 4, lines 23-26, The vapor compression medium may travel through heat pipe 451 and be compressed in compressor 221, cooled in condenser 231 (aided by heat sink 233));
cooling the compressed refrigerant via the condenser (Col. 4, lines 25-26, cooled in condenser 231 (aided by heat sink 233));
transferring the cooled and compressed refrigerant from the condenser to the evaporator of the at least one puck assembly (Col. 4, lines 26-27, before traveling through an expansion valve 227 to arrive back at the evaporator 225);
cooling the evaporator via the transferred cooled and compressed refrigerant (Col. 4, lines 20-23, For example, the evaporator 225 may absorb heat from a thermo conductive plate 403 in which the medium from the heat pipe 107 may flow through to dissipate heat);
applying a signal to the thermoelectric module and absorbing, by the evaporator, heat generated by the thermoelectric module to cool the thermoelectric module (Col. 4, lines 31-37, In some embodiments, as seen in FIGS. 4c and 4d, a TEM (e.g., TEM 457 and/or TEM 459) may be used. In some embodiments, a TEM 457 may be used between a thermo conductive plate 403 and the evaporator 225 (e.g., the cool side of the TEM 457 may be in thermal contact with the thermo conductive plate 403 and the warm side of the TEM 457 may be in thermal contact with the evaporator 225)); and
transferring refrigerant including the heat generated from the thermoelectric module to the compressor (Col. 4, lines 23-25, The vapor compression medium may travel through heat pipe 451 and be compressed in compressor 221);
controlling, by at least one expansion valve, flow of the transferred cooled and compressed refrigerant to the evaporator (Fig. 4c, expansion valve 227; Col. 4, lines 26-27, before traveling through an expansion valve 227 to arrive back at the evaporator 225).
However, Bhatia as modified does not disclose the expansion valve to be at least one stepper motor needle valve operatively coupled to the controller.
Goth teaches the expansion valve to be at least one stepper motor needle valve operatively coupled to the controller (Fig. 1, cooling system 100, expansion valve 114, expansion valve 116, controller 120; Col. 1-2, lines 67 and 1-9, A controller 120 provides control signals to expansion valve 114 and expansion valve 116 to control refrigerant flow and pressure drop across each expansion valve. In an exemplary embodiment, expansion valves 114 and 116 includes a stepper motor the responds to control signals from controller 120. The stepper motor opens or closes an orifice in the expansion valve to regulate refrigerant flow and pressure drop. Controller 120 executes a computer program to control the expansion valves 114 and 116).
Bhatia as modified fails to teach the expansion valve to be at least one stepper motor needle valve operatively coupled to the controller, however Goth teaches that it is a known method in the art of vapor compression systems to include the expansion valve to be at least one stepper motor needle valve operatively coupled to the controller. This is strong evidence that modifying Bhatia as modified as claimed would produce predictable results (i.e. obtaining desired superheat values to improve overall system efficiencies (Goth, Col. 2, lines 35-34)). Accordingly, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art prior to the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Bhatia as modified by Goth and arrive at the claimed invention since all claimed elements were known in the art and one having ordinary skill in the art could have combined the elements as claimed by known methods with no changes in their respective functions and the combination would have yielded the predictable result of obtaining desired superheat values to improve overall system efficiencies (Goth, Col. 2, lines 35-34).
Further, Bhatia as modified does not disclose the cooling system comprising:
a controller operatively coupled to the at least one puck assembly;
sensing, by multiple thermocouple sensors in communication with the controller through a sensor network harness, temperatures;
sensing, by pressure gauge sensors at various locations in the cooling apparatus, pressure;
receiving and monitoring, by the controller, temperatures and pressures of the multiple thermocouple sensors and the pressure gauge sensors; and
adjusting a speed of the compressor, the at least one stepper motor needle valve and the thermoelectric module to provide cooling of the heat source based on the received and monitored temperatures and pressures.
Langer teaches the cooling system comprising:
a controller operatively coupled to the at least one puck assembly (Fig. 12, cooling system 100, control device 112, thermoelectric converter 202, gas cooler 103; Pg. 16, paragraphs 173-174, Preferably, the cooling system 100 has a control device 112 (see FIG. 12) which is designed to detect the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant at the respective components of the refrigeration circuit 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107. For this purpose, corresponding sensors (each identified by T,p) can be provided on the respective portions of the line system 104. Furthermore, the control device 112 can detect a motor output in order to control the compressor according to the detected pressure and/or temperature data. The control device 112 can be connected to the sensors by corresponding control lines. Furthermore, a power of the thermoelectric converter 202 can be controlled in order to regulate a temperature of the heat transfer medium. Advantageously, a conveying capacity of the transport device 205, 206 can also be adjusted in order to control the flow of the corresponding heat transfer media);
sensing, by multiple thermocouple sensors in communication with the controller through a sensor network harness, temperatures (Fig. 12, sensors T,p; Pg. 16, paragraphs 173, Preferably, the cooling system 100 has a control device 112 (see FIG. 12) which is designed to detect the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant at the respective components of the refrigeration circuit 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107. For this purpose, corresponding sensors (each identified by T,p) can be provided on the respective portions of the line system 104; Further, the connection lines of Fig. 12 that connect the control device 112 to other system components including the sensos T,p at least imply a sensor network harness since it has been held in considering the disclosure of a reference, it is proper to take into account not only specific teachings of the reference but also the inferences which one skilled in the art would reasonably be expected to draw therefrom (MPEP 2144.01));
sensing, by pressure gauge sensors at various locations in the cooling apparatus, pressure (Fig. 12, sensors T,p; Pg. 16, paragraphs 173, Preferably, the cooling system 100 has a control device 112 (see FIG. 12) which is designed to detect the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant at the respective components of the refrigeration circuit 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107. For this purpose, corresponding sensors (each identified by T,p) can be provided on the respective portions of the line system 104);
receiving and monitoring, by the controller, temperatures and pressures of the multiple thermocouple sensors and the pressure gauge sensors (Pg. 16, paragraphs 173, Preferably, the cooling system 100 has a control device 112 (see FIG. 12) which is designed to detect the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant at the respective components of the refrigeration circuit 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107. For this purpose, corresponding sensors (each identified by T,p) can be provided on the respective portions of the line system 104); and
adjusting a speed of the compressor, the at least one stepper motor needle valve and the thermoelectric module to provide cooling of the heat source based on the received and monitored temperatures and pressures (Pg. 16, paragraphs 170 and 173-174, A compression performance, or compression work, of the compressor 102 can be adjusted by changing the rotational speed of a compressor motor 118 (see FIG. 12). In particular, the compressor performance can be controlled depending on the pressure and temperature. An expansion valve 107, which can regulate the high pressure in the refrigeration circuit, can be provided in the refrigeration circuit. By means of the expansion valve 107, the refrigerant can be expanded and thus relaxed from a high pressure to a lower pressure. The refrigeration circuit can further comprise a liquid separator 121 which is designed to separate a liquid phase of the refrigerant from a gas phase of the refrigerant between the evaporator 101 and the compressor 102. Accordingly, the refrigerant can be present at the compressor 102 in a pure gas phase in order to prevent liquid impacts at the compressor 102… Preferably, the cooling system 100 has a control device 112 (see FIG. 12) which is designed to detect the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant at the respective components of the refrigeration circuit 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107. For this purpose, corresponding sensors (each identified by T,p) can be provided on the respective portions of the line system 104. Furthermore, the control device 112 can detect a motor output in order to control the compressor according to the detected pressure and/or temperature data. The control device 112 can be connected to the sensors by corresponding control lines. Furthermore, a power of the thermoelectric converter 202 can be controlled in order to regulate a temperature of the heat transfer medium. Advantageously, a conveying capacity of the transport device 205, 206 can also be adjusted in order to control the flow of the corresponding heat transfer media; Further, the connection between the expansion valve 107, the thermoelectric convertor 202, and the control device 112 in combination with the teachings of using the control device 112 to control system operations based on the temperature and pressure sensors at least imply control of the at least one stepper motor needle valve and the thermoelectric module to provide cooling of the heat source based on the received and monitored temperatures and pressures since it has been held in considering the disclosure of a reference, it is proper to take into account not only specific teachings of the reference but also the inferences which one skilled in the art would reasonably be expected to draw therefrom (MPEP 2144.01)).
Bhatia as modified fails to teach the cooling system comprising: a controller operatively coupled to the at least one puck assembly; sensing, by multiple thermocouple sensors in communication with the controller through a sensor network harness, temperatures; sensing, by pressure gauge sensors at various locations in the cooling apparatus, pressure; receiving and monitoring, by the controller, temperatures and pressures of the multiple thermocouple sensors and the pressure gauge sensors; and adjusting a speed of the compressor, the at least one stepper motor needle valve and the thermoelectric module to provide cooling of the heat source based on the received and monitored temperatures and pressures, however Langer teaches that it is a known method in the art of hybrid vapor compression thermoelectric systems to include the cooling system comprising: a controller operatively coupled to the at least one puck assembly; sensing, by multiple thermocouple sensors in communication with the controller through a sensor network harness, temperatures; sensing, by pressure gauge sensors at various locations in the cooling apparatus, pressure; receiving and monitoring, by the controller, temperatures and pressures of the multiple thermocouple sensors and the pressure gauge sensors; and adjusting a speed of the compressor, the at least one stepper motor needle valve and the thermoelectric module to provide cooling of the heat source based on the received and monitored temperatures and pressures. This is strong evidence that modifying Bhatia as modified as claimed would produce predictable results (i.e. providing improved system control based on real-time sensor date to improve overall system efficiencies). Accordingly, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art prior to the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Bhatia as modified by Langer and arrive at the claimed invention since all claimed elements were known in the art and one having ordinary skill in the art could have combined the elements as claimed by known methods with no changes in their respective functions and the combination would have yielded the predictable result of providing improved system control based on real-time sensor date to improve overall system efficiencies.
Regarding claim 16, Bhatia as modified discloses the method of claim 12 (see the combination of references used in the rejection of claim 12 above), further comprising:
transferring the cooled and compressed refrigerant to the at least one expansion valve prior to transferring the cooled and compressed refrigerant to the evaporator of the at least one puck assembly (Bhatia, Col. 4, lines 20-27, For example, the evaporator 225 may absorb heat from a thermo conductive plate 403 in which the medium from the heat pipe 107 may flow through to dissipate heat. The vapor compression medium may travel through heat pipe 451 and be compressed in compressor 221, cooled in condenser 231 (aided by heat sink 233), before traveling through an expansion valve 227 to arrive back at the evaporator 225); and
lowering a pressure of the cooled and compressed refrigerant via the at least one stepper motor needle valve (Further, the teachings of Bhatia at least imply lowering a pressure of the cooled and compressed refrigerant via the at least one stepper motor needle valve as this is the main function of an expansion valve in a vapor compression system since it has been held in considering the disclosure of a reference, it is proper to take into account not only specific teachings of the reference but also the inferences which one skilled in the art would reasonably be expected to draw therefrom (MPEP 2144.01)). Further, the limitations of claim 16 are the result of the modification of references used in the rejection of claim 12 above.
Regarding claim 19, Bhatia as modified discloses the method of claim 12 (see the combination of references used in the rejection of claim 12 above).
However, Bhatia as modified does not disclose wherein the controller further comprises:
at least one sensor harness attached to the compressor, the condenser, the receiver, and the at least one puck assembly.
Langer teaches wherein the controller further comprises:
at least one sensor harness attached to the compressor, the condenser, the receiver, and the at least one puck assembly (Fig. 12, cooling system 100, control device 112, gas cooler 103, ventilator 206, thermoelectric converters 202; Pg. 16, paragraphs 170 and 173-175, A compression performance, or compression work, of the compressor 102 can be adjusted by changing the rotational speed of a compressor motor 118 (see FIG. 12). In particular, the compressor performance can be controlled depending on the pressure and temperature. An expansion valve 107, which can regulate the high pressure in the refrigeration circuit, can be provided in the refrigeration circuit. By means of the expansion valve 107, the refrigerant can be expanded and thus relaxed from a high pressure to a lower pressure. The refrigeration circuit can further comprise a liquid separator 121 which is designed to separate a liquid phase of the refrigerant from a gas phase of the refrigerant between the evaporator 101 and the compressor 102. Accordingly, the refrigerant can be present at the compressor 102 in a pure gas phase in order to prevent liquid impacts at the compressor 102… Preferably, the cooling system 100 has a control device 112 (see FIG. 12) which is designed to detect the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant at the respective components of the refrigeration circuit 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107. For this purpose, corresponding sensors (each identified by T,p) can be provided on the respective portions of the line system 104. Furthermore, the control device 112 can detect a motor output in order to control the compressor according to the detected pressure and/or temperature data. The control device 112 can be connected to the sensors by corresponding control lines. Furthermore, a power of the thermoelectric converter 202 can be controlled in order to regulate a temperature of the heat transfer medium. Advantageously, a conveying capacity of the transport device 205, 206 can also be adjusted in order to control the flow of the corresponding heat transfer media. The performance of the thermoelectric converters 202 can be controlled using a type-specific characteristic curve of the thermoelectric converters (see FIG. 13). In particular, the control device can adjust the performance of the thermoelectric converters on the basis of the type of thermoelectric converter used, the heat sinks used, and, in particular, also on the basis of the ambient temperature, in order to set an optimum temperature of the refrigerant in the gas cooler 103, in particular at the outlet of the gas cooler 103).
Therefore, it would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the cooling apparatus of Bhatia as modified wherein the controller further comprises: at least one sensor harness attached to the compressor, the condenser, the receiver, and the at least one puck assembly as taught by Langer. One of ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to make this modification to provide control of the thermal exchange within the system based on real-time sensor data to improve overall system efficiencies (Langer, Pg. 16, paragraphs 170 and 173-174).
Regarding claim 21, Bhatia as modified discloses the method of claim 12 (see the combination of references used in the rejection of claim 12 above),
wherein the plurality of thermocouple sensors are configured to obtain a measured reading of a level of heat from the heat source; and
wherein the controller obtains the measured reading of the level of heat from the multiple thermocouple sensors, compares the measured reading to an ideal variable, and controls the cooling system in response to results of the comparison (Langer, Fig. 12, sensors T,p; Pg. 16, paragraphs 173-174, Preferably, the cooling system 100 has a control device 112 (see FIG. 12) which is designed to detect the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant at the respective components of the refrigeration circuit 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107. For this purpose, corresponding sensors (each identified by T,p) can be provided on the respective portions of the line system 104. Furthermore, the control device 112 can detect a motor output in order to control the compressor according to the detected pressure and/or temperature data. The control device 112 can be connected to the sensors by corresponding control lines. Furthermore, a power of the thermoelectric converter 202 can be controlled in order to regulate a temperature of the heat transfer medium. Advantageously, a conveying capacity of the transport device 205, 206 can also be adjusted in order to control the flow of the corresponding heat transfer media; Further, the teachings of Langer at least imply wherein the controller obtains the measured reading of the level of heat from the multiple thermocouple sensors, compares the measured reading to an ideal variable, and controls the cooling system in response to results of the comparison since it has been held in considering the disclosure of a reference, it is proper to take into account not only specific teachings of the reference but also the inferences which one skilled in the art would reasonably be expected to draw therefrom (MPEP 2144.01)). Further, the limitations of claim 21 are the result of the modification of references used in the rejection of claim 12 above.
Regarding claim 22, Bhatia as modified discloses the method of claim 21 (see the combination of references used in the rejection of claim 21 above), wherein the controller obtains a measured reading from one puck assembly at a time (Langer, Pg. 16, paragraph 174-175, Furthermore, a power of the thermoelectric converter 202 can be controlled in order to regulate a temperature of the heat transfer medium. Advantageously, a conveying capacity of the transport device 205, 206 can also be adjusted in order to control the flow of the corresponding heat transfer media. The performance of the thermoelectric converters 202 can be controlled using a type-specific characteristic curve of the thermoelectric converters (see FIG. 13). In particular, the control device can adjust the performance of the thermoelectric converters on the basis of the type of thermoelectric converter used, the heat sinks used, and, in particular, also on the basis of the ambient temperature, in order to set an optimum temperature of the refrigerant in the gas cooler 103, in particular at the outlet of the gas cooler 103; Further, the limitations of claim 22 are implied as only one puck assembly is disclosed in the prior art of record since it has been held in considering the disclosure of a reference, it is proper to take into account not only specific teachings of the reference but also the inferences which one skilled in the art would reasonably be expected to draw therefrom (MPEP 2144.01)). Moreover, the limitations of claim 21 are the result of the modification of references used in the rejection of claim 12 above.
Regarding claim 23, Bhatia as modified discloses the method of claim 12 (see the combination of references used in the rejection of claim 12 above), wherein the pressure gauge sensors are configured to obtain a measured reading of refrigerant pressure,
wherein the controller compares the measured pressure reading to an ideal variable, and controls the cooling system in response to results of the comparison (Langer, Fig. 12, sensors T,p; Pg. 16, paragraphs 173-174, Preferably, the cooling system 100 has a control device 112 (see FIG. 12) which is designed to detect the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant at the respective components of the refrigeration circuit 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107. For this purpose, corresponding sensors (each identified by T,p) can be provided on the respective portions of the line system 104. Furthermore, the control device 112 can detect a motor output in order to control the compressor according to the detected pressure and/or temperature data. The control device 112 can be connected to the sensors by corresponding control lines. Furthermore, a power of the thermoelectric converter 202 can be controlled in order to regulate a temperature of the heat transfer medium. Advantageously, a conveying capacity of the transport device 205, 206 can also be adjusted in order to control the flow of the corresponding heat transfer media; Further, the teachings of Langer at least imply wherein the controller compares the measured pressure reading to an ideal variable, and controls the cooling system in response to results of the comparison since it has been held in considering the disclosure of a reference, it is proper to take into account not only specific teachings of the reference but also the inferences which one skilled in the art would reasonably be expected to draw therefrom (MPEP 2144.01)). Further, the limitations of claim 23 are the result of the modification of references used in the rejection of claim 12 above.
Claims 15 and 18 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Bhatia as modified by Goth and Langer as applied to claim 12 above, and further in view of Wada et al. (US Patent No. 11,473,821), hereinafter Wada.
Regarding claim 15, Bhatia as modified discloses the method of claim 12 (see the combination of references used in the rejection of claim 12 above).
However, Bhatia as modified does not disclose further comprising:
transferring the cooled and compressed refrigerant to a receiver prior to transferring the cooled and compressed refrigerant to the evaporator of the at least one puck assembly.
Wada teaches further comprising:
transferring the cooled and compressed refrigerant to a receiver prior to transferring the cooled and compressed refrigerant to the evaporator (Fig. 2, high-pressure receiver 204; Col. 6-7, lines 66-67 and 1-2, The condensed refrigerant passes through pipe 221, high-pressure receiver 204, and outdoor expansion valve 206, and then passes through refrigerant pipe S0y so as to be delivered to indoor unit 40).
Bhatia as modified fails to teach further comprising: transferring the cooled and compressed refrigerant to a receiver prior to transferring the cooled and compressed refrigerant to the evaporator of the at least one puck assembly, however Wada teaches that it is a known method in the art of vapor compression cycles to include the cooling apparatus comprising further comprising: transferring the cooled and compressed refrigerant to a receiver prior to transferring the cooled and compressed refrigerant to the evaporator. This is strong evidence that modifying Bhatia as modified as claimed would produce predictable results (i.e. ensuring only liquid phase refrigerant reaches the expansion valve to improve overall system efficiencies). Accordingly, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art prior to the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Bhatia as modified by Wada and arrive at the claimed invention since all claimed elements were known in the art and one having ordinary skill in the art could have combined the elements as claimed by known methods with no changes in their respective functions and the combination would have yielded the predictable result of ensuring only liquid phase refrigerant reaches the expansion valve to improve overall system efficiencies.
Regarding claim 18, Bhatia as modified discloses the method of claim 12 (see the combination of references used in the rejection of claim 12 above), further comprising:
transferring the refrigerant from the at least one puck assembly to the compressor (Bhatia, Col. 4, lines 20-27, For example, the evaporator 225 may absorb heat from a thermo conductive plate 403 in which the medium from the heat pipe 107 may flow through to dissipate heat. The vapor compression medium may travel through heat pipe 451 and be compressed in compressor 221, cooled in condenser 231 (aided by heat sink 233), before traveling through an expansion valve 227 to arrive back at the evaporator 225)
However, Bhatia as modified does not disclose a collection manifold disposed between the at least one puck assembly and the compressor used for the transfer of refrigerant.
Wada teaches a collection manifold disposed between the at least one puck assembly and the compressor used for the transfer of refrigerant (Fig. 2, pipe 231, pipe 80x; Col. 6, lines 1-4, The other end of refrigerant pipe 80x is connected through pipe 231 on the indoor unit 40 side to port Pla on one side of indoor heat exchanger 207a and port Plb on one side of indoor heat exchanger 207b).
Bhatia as modified fails to teach a collection manifold disposed between the at least one puck assembly and the compressor used for the transfer of refrigerant, however Wada teaches that it is a known method in the art of vapor compression systems to include a collection manifold disposed between the at least one puck assembly and the compressor used for the transfer of refrigerant. This is strong evidence that modifying Bhatia as modified as claimed would produce predictable results (i.e. connecting multiple evaporator assemblies into a single vapor compression cycle to allow for cooling at different temperatures). Accordingly, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art prior to the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Bhatia as modified by Wada and arrive at the claimed invention since all claimed elements were known in the art and one having ordinary skill in the art could have combined the elements as claimed by known methods with no changes in their respective functions and the combination would have yielded the predictable result of connecting multiple evaporator assemblies into a single vapor compression cycle to allow for cooling at different temperatures.
Claim 17 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Bhatia as modified by Goth and Langer as applied to claim 16 above, and further in view of Wada et al. (US Patent No. 11,473,821), hereinafter Wada.
Regarding claim 17, Bhatia as modified discloses the method of claim 16 (see the combination of references used in the rejection of claim 16 above).
However, Bhatia as modified does not disclose further comprising:
transferring the cooled and compressed refrigerant to a receiver prior to transferring the cooled and compressed refrigerant to the at least one stepper motor needle valve.
Wada teaches further comprising:
transferring the cooled and compressed refrigerant to a receiver prior to transferring the cooled and compressed refrigerant to the at least one stepper motor needle valve (Fig. 2, high-pressure receiver 204; Col. 6-7, lines 66-67 and 1-2, The condensed refrigerant passes through pipe 221, high-pressure receiver 204, and outdoor expansion valve 206, and then passes through refrigerant pipe S0y so as to be delivered to indoor unit 40).
Bhatia as modified fails to teach further comprising: transferring the cooled and compressed refrigerant to a receiver prior to transferring the cooled and compressed refrigerant to the at least one stepper motor needle valve, however Wada teaches that it is a known method in the art of vapor compression cycles to include the cooling apparatus comprising further comprising: transferring the cooled and compressed refrigerant to a receiver prior to transferring the cooled and compressed refrigerant to the at least one stepper motor needle valve. This is strong evidence that modifying Bhatia as modified as claimed would produce predictable results (i.e. ensuring only liquid phase refrigerant reaches the expansion valve to improve overall system efficiencies). Accordingly, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art prior to the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Bhatia as modified by Wada and arrive at the claimed invention since all claimed elements were known in the art and one having ordinary skill in the art could have combined the elements as claimed by known methods with no changes in their respective functions and the combination would have yielded the predictable result of ensuring only liquid phase refrigerant reaches the expansion valve to improve overall system efficiencies.
Claim 24 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Bhatia as modified by Goth and Langer as applied to claim 12 above, and further in view of Travers (US 20150068235), hereinafter Travers.
Regarding claim 24, Bhatia as modified discloses the method of claim 12 (see the combination of references used in the rejection of claim 12 above).
However, Bhatia as modified does not disclose wherein the compressed refrigerant cooling system further comprises:
at least one atmospheric sensor;
wherein the atmospheric sensor is configured to obtain a measured reading of a dew point of the ambient environment; and
wherein the controller obtains the measured reading of the dew point from the atmospheric sensor, compares the measured reading of the dew point to an ideal variable, and controls the cooling system in response to results of the comparison.
Travers teaches wherein the compressed refrigerant cooling system further comprises:
at least one atmospheric sensor (Fig. 1, refrigerated enclosure 12, inside temperature/humidity (Dewpoint) sensor unit 18, ambient air temperature/humidity (Dewpoint) sensor unit 20, controller 22);
wherein the atmospheric sensor is configured to obtain a measured reading of a dew point of the ambient environment; and
wherein the controller obtains the measured reading of the dew point from the atmospheric sensor, compares the measured reading of the dew point to an ideal variable, and controls the cooling system in response to results of the comparison (Pg. 2, paragraph 18, There is an inside temperature/humidity (dew point) sensor unit 18 inside enclosure 12 and an outside or ambient air temperature/humidity (dew point) sensor unit 20 outside of enclosure 12. Controller 22 is responsive to both inside and ambient sensor units 18 and 20 to control the operation of conventional refrigerator unit 14 and auxiliary ambient air refrigerator unit 16. There may also be a humidifier 24 that may be controlled by controller 22 to keep the humidity within enclosure 12 within a desired range. Controller 22 responds to the sensor units and the indicated dew points of the enclosure and the ambient air and enables the auxiliary refrigerator unit to provide cool ambient air to the enclosure when the temperature inside the enclosure is above a first predetermined temperature, the ambient temperature is less than the temperature inside the enclosure by a predetermined differential temperature and the dew point of the ambient air is matched to the dew point range of the air in the enclosure. Controller 22 also responds to the sensor units 18 and 20 to enable the conventional refrigeration unit when the temperature is at above a second predetermined temperature that is higher than the first predetermined temperature. The dew point range may include a minimum humidity dew point for the enclosure, in which case the auxiliary refrigeration unit will not be enabled if the dew point of the air inside the enclosure is below that minimum dew point and the dew point of the ambient air is not higher than the dew point of the air inside the enclosure. The dew point range may include a maximum humidity dew point and the auxiliary refrigeration unit in that case will not be enabled if the dew point of the air inside the enclosure is above that maximum dew point and the dew point of the ambient air is not lower than the dew point of the air inside the enclosure. Sensor units 18 and 20 may include a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor from which controller 22 calculates the dew point. Or the temperature humidity sensors 18 and 20 may actually include a dew point meter to directly provide the dew point to controller 22).
Bhatia as modified fails to teach wherein the compressed refrigerant cooling system further comprises: at least one atmospheric sensor; wherein the atmospheric sensor is configured to obtain a measured reading of a dew point of the ambient environment; and wherein the controller obtains the measured reading of the dew point from the atmospheric sensor, compares the measured reading of the dew point to an ideal variable, and controls the cooling system in response to results of the comparison, however Travers teaches that it is a known method in the art of vapor compression systems to include wherein the compressed refrigerant cooling system further comprises: at least one atmospheric sensor; wherein the atmospheric sensor is configured to obtain a measured reading of a dew point of the ambient environment; and wherein the controller obtains the measured reading of the dew point from the atmospheric sensor, compares the measured reading of the dew point to an ideal variable, and controls the cooling system in response to results of the comparison. This is strong evidence that modifying Bhatia as modified as claimed would produce predictable results (i.e. to ensure a humidity range is not violated to improve overall system efficiencies (Travers, Pg. 2, paragraph 18)). Accordingly, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art prior to the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Bhatia as modified by Travers and arrive at the claimed invention since all claimed elements were known in the art and one having ordinary skill in the art could have combined the elements as claimed by known methods with no changes in their respective functions and the combination would have yielded the predictable result of to ensure a humidity range is not violated to improve overall system efficiencies (Travers, Pg. 2, paragraph 18).
Conclusion
Applicant's amendment necessitated the new ground(s) of rejection presented in this Office action. Accordingly, THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. See MPEP § 706.07(a). Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any nonprovisional extension fee (37 CFR 1.17(a)) pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the mailing date of this final action.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to DEVON T MOORE whose telephone number is 571-272-6555. The examiner can normally be reached M-F, 7:30-5.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Frantz Jules can be reached at 571-272-6681. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/DEVON MOORE/Examiner, Art Unit 3763 September 16th, 2026
/FRANTZ F JULES/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 3763
