Prosecution Insights
Last updated: July 17, 2026
Application No. 18/880,197

HEAT EXCHANGER AND REFRIGERATION CYCLE APPARATUS

Non-Final OA §103§112
Filed
Dec 30, 2024
Priority
Aug 22, 2022 — nonprovisional of PCTJP2022031523
Examiner
DELEON, DARIO ANTONIO
Art Unit
Tech Center
Assignee
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
OA Round
1 (Non-Final)
63%
Grant Probability
Moderate
1-2
OA Rounds
1y 2m
Est. Remaining
97%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 63% of resolved cases
63%
Career Allowance Rate
125 granted / 199 resolved
+2.8% vs TC avg
Strong +34% interview lift
Without
With
+34.1%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
2y 8m
Avg Prosecution
32 currently pending
Career history
244
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
0.2%
-39.8% vs TC avg
§103
92.3%
+52.3% vs TC avg
§102
1.5%
-38.5% vs TC avg
§112
5.7%
-34.3% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 199 resolved cases

Office Action

§103 §112
DETAILED ACTION Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . Information Disclosure Statement The information disclosure statement (IDS) submitted on 05/13/2026 was filed after the mailing date of the published application on 12/29/2025. The submission is in compliance with the provisions of 37 CFR 1.97. Accordingly, the information disclosure statement is being considered by the examiner. Specification The lengthy specification has not been checked to the extent necessary to determine the presence of all possible minor errors. Applicant’s cooperation is requested in correcting any errors of which applicant may become aware in the specification. Claim Interpretation The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(f): (f) Element in Claim for a Combination. – An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof. The following is a quotation of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph: An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof. The claims in this application are given their broadest reasonable interpretation using the plain meaning of the claim language in light of the specification as it would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The broadest reasonable interpretation of a claim element (also commonly referred to as a claim limitation) is limited by the description in the specification when 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is invoked. As explained in MPEP § 2181, subsection I, claim limitations that meet the following three-prong test will be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph: (A) the claim limitation uses the term “means” or “step” or a term used as a substitute for “means” that is a generic placeholder (also called a nonce term or a non-structural term having no specific structural meaning) for performing the claimed function; (B) the term “means” or “step” or the generic placeholder is modified by functional language, typically, but not always linked by the transition word “for” (e.g., “means for”) or another linking word or phrase, such as “configured to” or “so that”; and (C) the term “means” or “step” or the generic placeholder is not modified by sufficient structure, material, or acts for performing the claimed function. Use of the word “means” (or “step”) in a claim with functional language creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. The presumption that the claim limitation is interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is rebutted when the claim limitation recites sufficient structure, material, or acts to entirely perform the recited function. Absence of the word “means” (or “step”) in a claim creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is not to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. The presumption that the claim limitation is not interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is rebutted when the claim limitation recites function without reciting sufficient structure, material or acts to entirely perform the recited function. Claim limitations in this application that use the word “means” (or “step”) are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, except as otherwise indicated in an Office action. Conversely, claim limitations in this application that do not use the word “means” (or “step”) are not being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, except as otherwise indicated in an Office action. This application includes one or more claim limitations that do not use the word “means,” but are nonetheless being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, because the claim limitation(s) uses a generic placeholder that is coupled with functional language without reciting sufficient structure to perform the recited function and the generic placeholder is not preceded by a structural modifier. Such claim limitation(s) is/are: “a air sending device” in claim 11. A review of the specification shows that the following appears to be the corresponding structure described in the specification for the 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph limitations: The outdoor air-sending devices 9 are, for example, centrifugal fans, such as sirocco fans and turbo fans, cross-flow fans, diagonal-flow fans, or propeller fans, as described in paragraph 0048 of the published application. Because this/these claim limitation(s) is/are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, it/they is/are being interpreted to cover the corresponding structure described in the specification as performing the claimed function, and equivalents thereof. If applicant does not intend to have this/these limitation(s) interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, applicant may: (1) amend the claim limitation(s) to avoid it/them being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph (e.g., by reciting sufficient structure to perform the claimed function); or (2) present a sufficient showing that the claim limitation(s) recite(s) sufficient structure to perform the claimed function so as to avoid it/them being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112 The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(b): (b) CONCLUSION. —The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor regards as the invention. The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph: The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the applicant regards as his invention. Claims 2 and 8 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 2 recite “wherein when the heat exchanger serves as a condenser”. However, it is unclear what the metes and bounds of the claim are. It is unclear to the Examiner how the heat exchanger serving as a condenser relate to the heat exchanger serving as a condenser, as recited in claim 1. Clarity is advised. Claim 2 recite “refrigerant flows from the first refrigerant distributor into the one end portion of each of the plurality of first flat tubes”. However, it is unclear what the metes and bounds of the claim are. It is unclear to the Examiner how the refrigerant flowing from the first refrigerant distributor relate to the heat exchanger in a direction in which refrigerant flows, as recited in claim 1. Clarity is advised. Claim 8 recite “wherein when the second heat exchanger serves as a condenser”. However, it is unclear what the metes and bounds of the claim are. It is unclear to the Examiner how the second heat exchanger serving as a condenser relate to the heat exchanger serving as a condenser, as recited in claim 1. Clarity is advised. Claim 8 recite “refrigerant flows from the third refrigerant distributor into the one end portion of each of the plurality of second flat tubes”. However, it is unclear what the metes and bounds of the claim are. It is unclear to the Examiner refrigerant that flows from the third refrigerant distributor relate to the refrigerant recitation in claim 1. Clarity is advised. 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 non-obviousness. Claims 1-3, 5 and 8-11 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Matsui et al (US 20210222893 A1, hereinafter Matsui) in view of Wang (US 20240384938 A1, hereinafter Wang), Akizuki et al (US 20200200439 A1, hereinafter Akizuki) and Zhang et al (US 20230280113 A1, hereinafter Zhang). Regarding claim 1, Matsui teaches a heat exchanger (outdoor heat exchanger 3) comprising: a heat exchanger (outdoor heat exchanger 3); and a second heat exchanger (right heat exchanger 3, figure 6), the heat exchanger including a first heat exchange body (heat exchange body 20) that has a plurality of first flat tubes (flat tubes 21) arranged and spaced from each other in a first direction (X axis direction, as shown on figure 6) and each of which tube axis extends in a second direction (in an Y axis, figure 6) that intersects the first direction (as shown on figure 6), a first refrigerant distributor (left refrigerant distributor 24, figure 6) into which one end portion of each of the plurality of first flat tubes is inserted (paragraph 0029) and a second refrigerant distributor (right refrigerant distributor 24, figure 6) into which another end portion of each of the plurality of first flat tubes is inserted (paragraph 0029), the first refrigerant distributor (refrigerant distributor 24, figure 6) having a first outer tube (outer pipe 24b, figure 6) that extends in the first direction (X axis direction, as shown on figure 6) and into which the one end portion of each of the plurality of first flat tubes is inserted (as shown on figure 6), a first inner tube (inner pipe 24a) that extends in the first direction (figure 5), is located inside the first outer tube (figure 5), and has a plurality of first refrigerant outflow holes (refrigerant holes 24c) arranged and spaced from each other in the first direction (figure 5), the second refrigerant distributor (right refrigerant distributor 24, figure 6) having a second outer tube (outer pipe 24b, figure 6) that extends in the first direction (X axis direction, as shown on figure 6) and into which the other end portion of each of the plurality of first flat tubes is inserted (paragraph 0029), a second inner tube (inner pipe 24a) that extends in the first direction (figure 5), is located inside the second outer tube (figure 5), and has a plurality of second refrigerant outflow holes (refrigerant holes 24c) arranged and spaced from each other in the first direction (figure 5), the heat exchanger (outdoor heat exchanger 3) being connected in series (figure 6) to the second heat exchanger (right heat exchanger 3, figure 6), which serves as a condenser (paragraph 0038), the second heat exchanger being located upstream of the heat exchanger in a direction in which refrigerant flows (as shown on figure 6). Matsui teaches the invention as described above but fail to teach a first partition plate joined to an internal wall of the first outer tube in a state in which the first inner tube passes through a plate thickness, and a second partition plate joined to an internal wall of the second outer tube in a state in which the second inner tube passes through a plate thickness. However, Wang teaches a first partition plate (partition plate 83, figure 32) joined to an internal wall of the first outer tube (outlet tube section 82, as shown on figure 32) in a state in which the first inner tube passes (pipe 101) through a plate thickness (figure 32), and a second partition plate (additional partition plate 83, figure 32) joined to an internal wall of the second outer tube (additional outlet tube section 82, as shown on figure 32) in a state in which the second inner tube (pipe 102) passes through a plate thickness (figure 32). Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person skilled in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to modify the heat exchanger in the teachings of Matsui to include the limitations of wherein a part or all a first partition plate joined to an internal wall of the first outer tube in a state in which the first inner tube passes through a plate thickness, and a second partition plate joined to an internal wall of the second outer tube in a state in which the second inner tube passes through a plate thickness in view of the teachings of Wang in order to yield the predictable result of separating the inlet tube sections from each other. Matsui et al, as modified, teaches the invention as described above but fail to teach the second heat exchanger including a second heat exchange body that has a plurality of second flat tubes arranged and spaced from each other in a third direction and each of which tube axis extends in the second direction, which intersects the third direction, a third refrigerant distributor into which one end portion of each of the plurality of second flat tubes is inserted, and a fourth refrigerant distributor into which another end portion of each of the plurality of second flat tubes is inserted, the third refrigerant distributor having a third outer tube that extends in the third direction and into which the one end portion of each of the plurality of second flat tubes is inserted, the fourth refrigerant distributor having a fourth outer tube that extends in the third direction and into which the other end portion of each of the plurality of second flat tubes is inserted, a fourth inner tube that extends in the third direction, is located inside the fourth outer tube, and has a plurality of fourth refrigerant outflow holes arranged and spaced from each other in the third direction. However, Akizuki teaches the second heat exchanger (heat exchangers 3a/3b) including a second heat exchange body (figure 2) that has a plurality of second flat tubes (flat tubes 15, figure 3) arranged and spaced from each other in a third direction (X axis, figure 3), and each of which tube axis extends in the second direction (Y axis, figure 3), which intersects the third direction (figure 3), a third refrigerant distributor (pipe 14, figures 2-4) into which one end portion of each of the plurality of second flat tubes is inserted (as shown on figures 2-4), and a fourth refrigerant distributor (pipe 14) into which another end portion of each of the plurality of second flat tubes is inserted (figures 2-4), the third refrigerant distributor (pipe 14, figures 2-4) having a third outer tube (outer pipe 14b) that extends in the third direction (X axis, figure 3) and into which the one end portion of each of the plurality of second flat tubes is inserted (as shown on figures 2-4), the fourth refrigerant distributor (pipe 14) having a fourth outer tube (outer pipe 14b) that extends in the third direction (X axis, figure 3) and into which the other end portion of each of the plurality of second flat tubes is inserted (as shown on figures 2-4), a fourth inner tube (inner pipe 14a) that extends in the third direction (X axis, figure 3), is located inside the fourth outer tube (figure 3), and has a plurality of fourth refrigerant outflow holes (holes 14a1) arranged and spaced from each other in the third direction (X axis, figure 3). Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person skilled in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to modify the heat exchanger in the teachings of Matsui et al as previously modified above to include the limitations of wherein a part or all the second heat exchanger including a second heat exchange body that has a plurality of second flat tubes arranged and spaced from each other in a third direction and each of which tube axis extends in the second direction, which intersects the third direction, a third refrigerant distributor into which one end portion of each of the plurality of second flat tubes is inserted, and a fourth refrigerant distributor into which another end portion of each of the plurality of second flat tubes is inserted, the third refrigerant distributor having a third outer tube that extends in the third direction and into which the one end portion of each of the plurality of second flat tubes is inserted, the fourth refrigerant di10-11stributor having a fourth outer tube that extends in the third direction and into which the other end portion of each of the plurality of second flat tubes is inserted, a fourth inner tube that extends in the third direction, is located inside the fourth outer tube, and has a plurality of fourth refrigerant outflow holes arranged and spaced from each other in the third direction in view of the teachings of Akizuki in order to yield the predictable result of allowing series refrigerant flow path is formed in which refrigerant flows in series through each set of the air heat exchangers. The combined teachings teach the invention as described above but fail to teach a fourth partition plate joined to an internal wall of the fourth outer tube in a state in which the fourth inner tube passes through a plate thickness, when the heat exchanger serves as a condenser. However, Zhang teaches a fourth partition plate (end cap 15, figure 2) joined to an internal wall (figure 2) of the fourth outer tube (header 1) in a state in which the fourth inner tube (connecting tube 3) passes through a plate thickness (as shown on figure 2), when the heat exchanger (heat exchanger 100) serves as a condenser (paragraph 0035). Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person skilled in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to modify the heat exchanger in the teachings of Matsui et al as previously modified above to include the limitations of wherein a part or all a fourth partition plate joined to an internal wall of the fourth outer tube in a state in which the fourth inner tube passes through a plate thickness, when the heat exchanger serves as a condenser in view of the teachings of Zhang in order to yield the predictable result of inputting the heat exchange medium to the heat exchanger. Regarding claim 2, Matsui et al as modified, teaches wherein when the heat exchanger (outdoor heat exchanger 3 of Matsui) serves as a condenser (paragraph 0038 of Matsui), refrigerant flows from the first refrigerant distributor (left refrigerant distributor 24, figure 6 of Matsui) into the one end portion of each of the plurality of first flat tubes (flat tubes 21, as shown on figure 6 of Matsui), flows through inside the plurality of first flat tubes (as also shown on figure 6 of Matsui), and flows out from the other end portion of each of the plurality of first flat tubes (from the right side heat exchanger 3 distributors 24, figure 6 of Matsui) into the second refrigerant distributor (as shown on figure 6 of Matsui). Regarding claim 3, Matsui et al as modified, teaches wherein the refrigerant that flows from the first refrigerant distributor (through the refrigerant distributor 24, paragraph 0037 of Matsui) into the one end portion of each of the plurality of first flat tubes (gasified refrigerant flows out through the first header 23, paragraph 0037 of Matsui, also interpreted as passing through tubes 21 before exiting through header 23) is in a two- phase gas-liquid state (a two-phase gas-liquid state, paragraph 0037 of Matsui). Regarding claim 5, Matsui et al as modified, teaches wherein the plurality of first flat tubes (flat tubes 21 of Matsui) has a leeward first flat tube (left side of tubes 21, figure 3 of Matsui) that is located leeward in a direction (left portion, figure 3 of Matsui) in which air flows (as shown on figure 3 of Matsui) and has the one end portion of each of the plurality of first flat tubes (as shown on figure 5 of Matsui), and a windward first flat tube (right side of tubes 21, figure 3 of Matsui) that is located windward in the direction in which air flows (as shown on figure 3 of Matsui) and has the other end portion of each of the plurality of first flat tubes (as shown on figure 3 of Matsui), and an end portion of the leeward first flat tube that is opposite the one end portion and an end portion of the windward first flat tube that is opposite the other end portion are connected to each other through a first reverse header (via turnaround header, as shown on figure 3 of Matsui). Regarding claim 8, Matsui et al as modified, teaches wherein when the second heat exchanger serves as a condenser (right side heat exchanger 3 functions as a condenser, paragraph 0038 and as shown on figure 6 of Matsui), refrigerant flows from the third refrigerant distributor (header 23 of Matsui) into the one end portion of each of the plurality of second flat tubes (one end of tubes 21, figure 6 of Matsui), flows through inside the plurality of second flat tubes (as shown on figure 6 of Matsui), and flows out from the other end portion of each of the plurality of second flat tubes (as shown on figure 6 of Matsui) into the fourth refrigerant distributor (refrigerant distributor 24 of Matsui). Regarding claim 9, Matsui et al as modified, teaches wherein the refrigerant that flows from the third refrigerant distributor (header 23 of Matsui) into the one end portion of each of the plurality of second flat tubes (flat tubes 21 of Matsui) is in a gas state (the refrigerant that has flowed into the outdoor heat exchanger 3 causes heat exchange to be performed with air on the wind generated by the fan 4, and is thereby evaporated and gasified. The gasified refrigerant flows out through the first header 23, paragraph 0037 of Matsui). Regarding claim 10, Matsui et al as modified, teaches wherein the plurality of second flat tubes (flat tubes 21 of right side heat exchanger 3, as shown on figure 6 of Matsui) has a leeward second flat tube (left side of tubes 21, figure 3 of Matsui) that is located leeward in a direction (left portion, figure 6 of Matsui) in which air flows (as shown on figure 6 of Matsui) and has the one end portion of each of the plurality of second flat tubes (as shown on figure 6 of Matsui), and a windward second flat tube (right side of tubes 21 of right side heat exchanger 3, figure 6 of Matsui) that is located windward in the direction in which air flows (as shown on figure 6 of Matsui) and has the other end portion of each of the plurality of second flat tubes (as shown on figure 6 of Matsui), and an end portion of the leeward second flat tube that is opposite the one end portion and an end portion of the windward second flat tube that is opposite the other end portion are connected to each other through a second reverse header (via turnaround header, as shown on figure 3 of Matsui). Regarding claim 11, Matsui et al as modified, teaches a refrigeration cycle apparatus (air-conditioning apparatus 100 of Matsui) comprising an outdoor unit (outdoor unit 10 of Matsui), wherein the outdoor unit is provided with the heat exchanger of claim 1 (outdoor heat exchanger 3 of Matsui), the second heat exchanger of claim 1 (right side heat exchanger 3, figure 6 of Matsui), a refrigerant pipe (bent portions 30/31, figure 6 of Matsui) through which the heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are connected to each other (as shown on figure 6 of Matsui), a housing (housing 9 of Matsui) that is box-shaped (as shown on figure 2 of Matsui) and houses the heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger inside (as shown on figure 2 of Matsui), and an air-sending device (fan 4 of Matsui) located at a upper portion of the housing (as shown on figure 2 of Matsui) and configured to form a flow of air by being driven to rotate and blow out the air that passes through the heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger upward from an upper face of the housing (as described in paragraph 0026 of Matsui), and the heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are located along a part or all of four side faces of the housing (as shown on figure 2 of Matsui). Further, it is understood, claim 11 includes an intended use recitation, for example “…configured to...”. The applicant is reminded that a recitation with respect to the manner which a claimed apparatus is intended to be does not differentiate the claimed apparatus from a prior art apparatus satisfying the structural limitations of the claims, as is the case here. While features of an apparatus may be recited either structurally or functionally, the claims are directed to an apparatus must be distinguished from the prior art in terms of structure rather than function. Claim 4 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Matsui as modified by Wang, Akizuki and Zhang, as applied to claim 1 above, and in further view of Kanagala et al (US 20220221203 A1, hereinafter Kanagala). Regarding claim 4, Matsui et al as modified, teaches the invention as described above but fail to teach wherein a part or all of specifications of the first refrigerant distributor differ from a part or all of specifications of the second refrigerant distributor, and the specifications of the first refrigerant distributor and the specifications of the second refrigerant distributor are defined according to an uniformity state of distribution of the refrigerant in the first refrigerant distributor and the second refrigerant distributor when the heat exchanger serves as a condenser and pressure loss caused in the first refrigerant distributor and the second refrigerant distributor when the heat exchanger serves as an evaporator. However, Kanagala teaches wherein a part or all of specifications of the first refrigerant distributor (apertures of distributor tube 612, paragraph 0063) differ from a part or all of specifications of the second refrigerant distributor (paragraphs 0060 and 0063), and the specifications of the first refrigerant distributor and the specifications of the second refrigerant distributor are defined according to an uniformity state of distribution of the refrigerant in the first refrigerant distributor and the second refrigerant distributor (first and second diameter, paragraph 0063) when the heat exchanger serves as a condenser (indoor coil 112 acting as a condenser, paragraph 0055) and pressure loss caused in the first refrigerant distributor and the second refrigerant distributor when the heat exchanger serves as an evaporator (a person of ordinary skill in the art would determine that an evaporator experiences a low-pressure or pressure loss as it absorbs heat). Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person skilled in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to modify the heat exchanger in the teachings of Matsui et al as previously modified above to include the limitations of wherein a part or all wherein a part or all of specifications of the first refrigerant distributor differ from a part or all of specifications of the second refrigerant distributor, and the specifications of the first refrigerant distributor and the specifications of the second refrigerant distributor are defined according to an uniformity state of distribution of the refrigerant in the first refrigerant distributor and the second refrigerant distributor when the heat exchanger serves as a condenser and pressure loss caused in the first refrigerant distributor and the second refrigerant distributor when the heat exchanger serves as an evaporator in view of the teachings of Kanagala in order to yield the predictable result of enabling the air system to provide a full-load efficiency comparable to existing air systems while also providing increased part-load efficiency. Conclusion The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. Maema et al (US 20230288145 A1) discloses a similar a heat exchanger includes a plurality of flat heat transfer tubes, and a header in which an insertion space is formed, wherein a plurality of first flow channels and a plurality of second flow channels are formed in each of the flat heat transfer tubes. Zhang et al (US 20220214113 A1) discloses a similar heat exchanger that includes a first header, a second header, heat exchange tubes, and an end cap. Each of the heat exchange tubes has an end connected to the first header and another end connected to the second header. Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to DARIO DELEON whose telephone number is (571)272-8687. The examiner can normally be reached Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:00pm. 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, Jerry Daryl Fletcher can be reached at 571-270-5054. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300. Information regarding the status of published or unpublished applications may be obtained from Patent Center. Unpublished application information in Patent Center is available to registered users. To file and manage patent submissions in Patent Center, visit: https://patentcenter.uspto.gov. Visit https://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/patent-center for more information about Patent Center and https://www.uspto.gov/patents/docx for information about filing in DOCX format. For additional questions, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000. /DARIO ANTONIO DELEON/Examiner, Art Unit 3763 /FRANTZ F JULES/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 3763
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Prosecution Timeline

Dec 30, 2024
Application Filed
Jun 26, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §103, §112 (current)

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Prosecution Projections

1-2
Expected OA Rounds
63%
Grant Probability
97%
With Interview (+34.1%)
2y 8m (~1y 2m remaining)
Median Time to Grant
Low
PTA Risk
Based on 199 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allowance rate.

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