CTNF 18/918,826 CTNF 87285 Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status 07-03-aia AIA 15-10-aia The present application, filed 05/12/2022, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA. Double Patenting 08-33 AIA The nonstatutory double patenting rejection is based on a judicially created doctrine grounded in public policy (a policy reflected in the statute) so as to prevent the unjustified or improper timewise extension of the “right to exclude” granted by a patent and to prevent possible harassment by multiple assignees. A nonstatutory double patenting rejection is appropriate where the conflicting claims are not identical, but at least one examined application claim is not patentably distinct from the reference claim(s) because the examined application claim is either anticipated by, or would have been obvious over, the reference claim(s). See, e.g., In re Berg , 140 F.3d 1428, 46 USPQ2d 1226 (Fed. Cir. 1998); In re Goodman , 11 F.3d 1046, 29 USPQ2d 2010 (Fed. Cir. 1993); In re Longi , 759 F.2d 887, 225 USPQ 645 (Fed. Cir. 1985); In re Van Ornum , 686 F.2d 937, 214 USPQ 761 (CCPA 1982); In re Vogel , 422 F.2d 438, 164 USPQ 619 (CCPA 1970); In re Thorington , 418 F.2d 528, 163 USPQ 644 (CCPA 1969). A timely filed terminal disclaimer in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(c) or 1.321(d) may be used to overcome an actual or provisional rejection based on nonstatutory double patenting provided the reference application or patent either is shown to be commonly owned with the examined application, or claims an invention made as a result of activities undertaken within the scope of a joint research agreement. See MPEP § 717.02 for applications subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA as explained in MPEP § 2159. See MPEP § 2146 et seq. for applications not subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA. A terminal disclaimer must be signed in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(b). The filing of a terminal disclaimer by itself is not a complete reply to a nonstatutory double patenting (NSDP) rejection. A complete reply requires that the terminal disclaimer be accompanied by a reply requesting reconsideration of the prior Office action. Even where the NSDP rejection is provisional the reply must be complete. See MPEP § 804, subsection I.B.1. For a reply to a non-final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.111(a). For a reply to final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.113(c). A request for reconsideration while not provided for in 37 CFR 1.113(c) may be filed after final for consideration. See MPEP §§ 706.07(e) and 714.13. The USPTO Internet website contains terminal disclaimer forms which may be used. Please visit www.uspto.gov/patent/patents-forms. The actual filing date of the application in which the form is filed determines what form (e.g., PTO/SB/25, PTO/SB/26, PTO/AIA/25, or PTO/AIA/26) should be used. A web-based eTerminal Disclaimer may be filled out completely online using web-screens. An eTerminal Disclaimer that meets all requirements is auto-processed and approved immediately upon submission. For more information about eTerminal Disclaimers, refer to www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/applying-online/eterminal-disclaimer. 08-34 AIA Claim s 1-23 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim s 1-23 of U.S. Patent No. 12,150,236 . Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because the claims recite a module having a power input terminal, a power output terminal, a power stage and a metal clip . Instant Application 18/918,826 Conflicting US Patent 12,150,236 1. A power module, comprising: a power input terminal; a power output terminal at a same side of the power module as the power input terminal; a first power stage configured to receive an input voltage from the power input terminal and output a phase current at a switch node of the first power stage, the first power stage including an inductor that comprises a conductor extending through a magnetic core, the conductor having a first end which is electrically connected to the switch node and a second end opposite the first end; and a first metal clip electrically connecting the second end of the conductor to the power output terminal such that power is delivered to and from the power module at the same side of the power module. 1. A voltage regulator module, comprising: a power input terminal; a power output terminal at a same side of the voltage regulator module as the power input terminal; a first power stage configured to receive an input voltage from the power input terminal and output a phase current at a switch node of the first power stage, the first power stage including an inductor having a vertical conductor embedded in a magnetic core, the vertical conductor having a first end which is electrically connected to the switch node and a second end opposite the first end; and a first metal clip which electrically connects the second end of the vertical conductor to the power output terminal such that power is delivered to and from the voltage regulator module at the same side of the voltage regulator module. 2. The power module of claim 1, wherein power switches of the first power stage are attached to or embedded in a substrate and electrically connected in series at the switch node, and wherein a metal conductor of the substrate electrically connects the switch node to the first end of the conductor of the inductor. 2. The voltage regulator module of claim 1, wherein power switches of the first power stage are attached to or embedded in a substrate and electrically connected in series at the switch node, and wherein a metal conductor of the substrate electrically connects the switch node to the first end of the vertical conductor of the inductor. 3. The power module of claim 2, wherein the power switches of the first power stage include a first power MOSFET die having a drain terminal electrically connected to the power input terminal of the power module and a source terminal electrically connected to the switch node, and a second power MOSFET die having a drain terminal electrically connected to the switch node and a source terminal electrically connected to a ground terminal of the power module, and wherein the metal conductor electrically connects the source terminal of the first power MOSFET die and the drain terminal of the second power MOSFET die to the first end of the conductor of the inductor. 3. The voltage regulator module of claim 2, wherein the power switches of the first power stage include a first power MOSFET die having a drain terminal electrically connected to the power input terminal of the voltage regulator module and a source terminal electrically connected to the switch node, and a second power MOSFET die having a drain terminal electrically connected to the switch node and a source terminal electrically connected to a ground terminal of the voltage regulator module, and wherein the metal conductor electrically connects the source terminal of the first power MOSFET die and the drain terminal of the second power MOSFET die to the first end of the vertical conductor of the inductor. 4. The power module of claim 3, wherein the first power MOSFET die and the second power MOSFET die are both vertical devices, wherein both the drain terminal of the first power MOSFET die and the source terminal of the second power MOSFET die face away from the inductor, and wherein both the source terminal of the first power MOSFET die and the drain terminal of the second power MOSFET die face towards the inductor. 4. The voltage regulator module of claim 3, wherein the first power MOSFET die and the second power MOSFET die are both vertical devices, wherein both the drain terminal of the first power MOSFET die and the source terminal of the second power MOSFET die face away from the inductor, and wherein both the source terminal of the first power MOSFET die and the drain terminal of the second power MOSFET die face towards the inductor. 5. The power module of claim 3, further comprising one or more input capacitors attached to or embedded in the substrate in proximity to the drain terminal of the first power MOSFET die. 5. The voltage regulator module of claim 3, further comprising one or more input capacitors attached to or embedded in the substrate in proximity to the drain terminal of the first power MOSFET die. 6. The power module of claim 1, further comprising: a second power stage configured to receive the input voltage from the power input terminal and output a phase current at a switch node of the second power stage, wherein the second power stage includes an inductor that comprises a conductor extending through the same or different magnetic core as the conductor of the inductor of the first power stage, wherein the conductor of the inductor of the second power stage has a first end which is electrically connected to the switch node of the second power stage and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the first metal clip electrically connects the second end of the conductor of the second inductor to the power output terminal such that the phase currents output by the first and second power stages are combined by the first metal clip. 6. The voltage regulator module of claim 1, further comprising: a second power stage configured to receive the input voltage from the power input terminal and output a phase current at a switch node of the second power stage, wherein the second power stage includes an inductor having a vertical conductor embedded in the same or different magnetic core as the vertical conductor of the inductor of the first power stage, wherein the vertical conductor of the inductor of the second power stage has a first end which is electrically connected to the switch node of the second power stage and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the first metal clip electrically connects the second end of the vertical conductor of the second inductor to the power output terminal such that the phase currents output by the first and second power stages are combined by the first metal clip. 7. The power module of claim 1, wherein the first metal clip covers the first power stage and forms an electromagnetic shield for the inductor and power switches of the first power stage. 7. The voltage regulator module of claim 1, wherein the first metal clip covers the first power stage and forms an electromagnetic shield for the inductor and power switches of the first power stage. 8. The power module of claim 1, further comprising: a second metal clip electrically connected to the power input terminal, wherein the second metal clip extends away from the power input terminal. 8. The voltage regulator module of claim 1, further comprising: a second metal clip electrically connected to the power input terminal, wherein the second metal clip extends away from the power input terminal. 9. The power module of claim 8, wherein the second metal clip covers the first power stage and forms an electromagnetic shield for the inductor and power switches of the first power stage. 9. The voltage regulator module of claim 8, wherein the second metal clip covers the power stage and forms an electromagnetic shield for the inductor and power switches of the power stage. 10. The power module of claim 1, further comprising: a second metal clip electrically connected to a ground terminal of the power module, wherein the second metal clip extends away from the ground terminal. 10. The voltage regulator module of claim 1, further comprising: a second metal clip electrically connected to a ground terminal of the voltage regulator module, wherein the second metal clip extends away from the ground terminal. 11. The power module of claim 10, wherein the second metal clip covers the first power stage and forms an electromagnetic shield for the inductor and power switches of the first power stage. 11. The voltage regulator module of claim 10, wherein the second metal clip covers the power stage and forms an electromagnetic shield for the inductor and power switches of the power stage. 12. The power module of claim 1, further comprising: a heat sink in thermal contact with the first metal clip at a side of the first metal clip that faces away from the first power stage. 12. The voltage regulator module of claim 1, further comprising: a heat sink in thermal contact with the first metal clip at a side of the first metal clip that faces away from the first power stage. 13. The power module of claim 1, wherein the first metal clip comprises: a first part connected to the second end of the conductor of the inductor and covering a first side of the magnetic core that faces away from the switch node; and a second part electrically connecting the first part to the power output terminal and covering a first side face of the magnetic core, wherein the second part of the first metal clip is connected to the power output terminal. 13. The voltage regulator module of claim 1, wherein the first metal clip comprises: a first part connected to the second end of the vertical conductor of the inductor and covering a first side of the magnetic core that faces away from the switch node; and a second part electrically connecting the first part to the power output terminal and covering a first side face of the magnetic core, wherein the second part of the first metal clip is connected to the power output terminal. 14. The power module of claim 13, wherein the first metal clip comprises: a third part extending from an opposite end of the first part as the second part and covering a second side face of the magnetic core opposite the first side face. 14. The voltage regulator module of claim 13, wherein the first metal clip comprises: a third part extending from an opposite end of the first part as the second part and covering a second side face of the magnetic core opposite the first side face. 15. The power module of claim 1, wherein the first metal clip has a U-shape and covers a first side of the magnetic core that faces away from the switch node, a first side face of the magnetic core, and a second side face of the magnetic core opposite the first side face. 15. The voltage regulator module of claim 1, wherein the first metal clip has a U-shape and covers a first side of the magnetic core that faces away from the switch node, a first side face of the magnetic core, and a second side face of the magnetic core opposite the first side face. 16. The power module of claim 1, wherein the first metal clip comprises a planar part connected to the second end of the conductor of the inductor and covering a first side of the magnetic core that faces away from the switch node, the power module further comprising: a heat sink in thermal contact with a side of the planar part of the first metal clip that faces way from the first side of the magnetic core. 16. The voltage regulator module of claim 1, wherein the first metal clip comprises a planar part connected to the second end of the vertical conductor of the inductor and covering a first side of the magnetic core that faces away from the switch node, the voltage regulator module further comprising: a heat sink in thermal contact with a side of the planar part of the first metal clip that faces way from the first side of the magnetic core. 17. The power module of claim 1, wherein the conductor of the inductor has a cylindrical or cuboidal shape with a longitudinal axis that extends between the switch node and the first metal clip. 17. The voltage regulator module of claim 1, wherein the vertical conductor of the inductor has a cylindrical or cuboidal shape with a longitudinal axis that extends between the switch node and the first metal clip. 18. The power module of claim 1, wherein the switch node is interposed between the inductor and at least one power switch of the first power stage, and the at least one power switch is interposed between the switch node and the side of the power module at which the power input terminal and the power output terminal are disposed. 18. The voltage regulator module of claim 1, wherein the switch node is interposed between the inductor and at least one power switch of the first power stage, and the at least one power switch is interposed between the switch node and the side of the voltage regulator module at which the power input terminal and the power output terminal are disposed. 19. The power module of claim 1, wherein the first metal clip has an opening sized and shaped to receive the second end of the conductor of the inductor. 19. The voltage regulator module of claim 1, wherein the first metal clip has an opening sized and shaped to receive the second end of the vertical conductor of the inductor. 20. The power module of claim 19, wherein the second end of the conductor of the inductor is secured in the opening in the first metal clip by solder or an electrically conductive adhesive. 20. The voltage regulator module of claim 19, wherein the second end of the vertical conductor of the inductor is secured in the opening in the first metal clip by solder or an electrically conductive adhesive. 21. An electronic assembly, comprising: a circuit board; a processor substrate mounted to the circuit board; a processor mounted to the processor substrate; and a power module mounted to the circuit board and configured to provide power to the processor, wherein the power module comprises: a power input terminal attached to a first side of the circuit board; a power output terminal attached to the same first side of the circuit board as the power input terminal; a first power stage configured to receive an input voltage from the power input terminal and output a phase current at a switch node of the first power stage, the first power stage including an inductor that comprises a conductor extending through a magnetic core, the conductor having a first end which is electrically connected to the switch node, and a second end opposite the first end; and a first metal clip electrically connecting the second end of the conductor to the power output terminal such that power is delivered to and from the power module at the same first side of the circuit board. 21. An electronic assembly, comprising: a circuit board; a processor substrate mounted to the circuit board; a processor mounted to the processor substrate; and a voltage regulator module mounted to the circuit board and configured to provide power to the processor, wherein the voltage regulator module comprises: a power input terminal attached to a first side of the circuit board; a power output terminal attached to the same first side of the circuit board as the power input terminal; a first power stage configured to receive an input voltage from the power input terminal and output a phase current at a switch node of the first power stage, the first power stage including an inductor having a vertical conductor embedded in a magnetic core, the vertical conductor having a first end which is electrically connected to the switch node, and a second end opposite the first end; and a first metal clip which connects the second end of the vertical conductor to the power output terminal such that power is delivered to and from the voltage regulator module at the same first side of the circuit board. 22. The electronic assembly of claim 21, wherein power switches of the first power stage are embedded in or mounted to a separate substrate, and wherein the power input terminal and the power output terminal of the power module are disposed at a same side of the separate substrate which faces the circuit board. 22. The electronic assembly of claim 21, wherein power switches of the first power stage are embedded in or mounted to a separate substrate, wherein the power input terminal and the power output terminal of the voltage regulator module are disposed at a same side of the separate substrate which faces the circuit board. 23. The electronic assembly of claim 21, wherein the power module and the processor substrate are mounted on opposite sides of the circuit board, and wherein the power module and the processor substrate at least partly vertically overlap one another. 23. The electronic assembly of claim 21, wherein the voltage regulator module and the processor substrate are mounted on opposite sides of the circuit board, and wherein the voltage regulator module and the processor substrate at least partly vertically overlap one another. Conclusion Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to LAKAISHA JACKSON whose telephone number is (571)270-3111. The examiner can normally be reached M-F 8:00-5:00. 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, MONICA LEWIS can be reached at 571-272-1838. 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. /LAKAISHA JACKSON/Examiner, Art Unit 2838 Application/Control Number: 18/918,826 Page 2 Art Unit: 2838 Application/Control Number: 18/918,826 Page 3 Art Unit: 2838 Application/Control Number: 18/918,826 Page 4 Art Unit: 2838 Application/Control Number: 18/918,826 Page 5 Art Unit: 2838 Application/Control Number: 18/918,826 Page 6 Art Unit: 2838 Application/Control Number: 18/918,826 Page 7 Art Unit: 2838 Application/Control Number: 18/918,826 Page 8 Art Unit: 2838 Application/Control Number: 18/918,826 Page 9 Art Unit: 2838 Application/Control Number: 18/918,826 Page 10 Art Unit: 2838 Application/Control Number: 18/918,826 Page 11 Art Unit: 2838 Application/Control Number: 18/918,826 Page 12 Art Unit: 2838 Application/Control Number: 18/918,826 Page 13 Art Unit: 2838 Application/Control Number: 18/918,826 Page 14 Art Unit: 2838 Application/Control Number: 18/918,826 Page 15 Art Unit: 2838 Application/Control Number: 18/918,826 Page 16 Art Unit: 2838 Application/Control Number: 18/918,826 Page 17 Art Unit: 2838 Application/Control Number: 18/918,826 Page 18 Art Unit: 2838 Application/Control Number: 18/918,826 Page 19 Art Unit: 2838 Application/Control Number: 18/918,826 Page 20 Art Unit: 2838 Application/Control Number: 18/918,826 Page 21 Art Unit: 2838 Application/Control Number: 18/918,826 Page 22 Art Unit: 2838 Application/Control Number: 18/918,826 Page 23 Art Unit: 2838
Prosecution Insights