Appeal No. 2006-2161
Application No. 10/248,326
Lake’s coolant flows from a heat exchanger through a
battery pack where it absorbs heat generated during the
energy storage and discharge cycles of the battery cells.
Lake, col. 23, l. 34-40. The coolant then collects in a
reservoir connected to the inlet of a pump. Lake, col. 23,
l. 40-41. The coolant is pumped from the reservoir through
the controller of the HVAC system of the automobile, where
it collects additional heat generated by the controller.
Lake, col. 23, l. 41-45. Finally, the coolant returns to
the heat exchanger where it transfers its accumulated heat
to the HVAC circuit used to manage the temperature of the
passenger compartment of the automobile. Lake, col. 24,
l. 4-6. The coolant flow cycle is continually repeated.
Lake, col. 24, l. 12-14. Heat from the battery pack is
transferred to the HVAC circuit to supplement heat energy
absorbed from other sources. Thus, the efficiency of the
vehicle’s heating system is improved. Lake, col. 24,
l. 54-67.
The examiner finds that Lake’s battery cooling system
comprises:
• a battery case;
• a plurality of battery cells housed within said
case, i.e., the battery pack;
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Last modified: November 3, 2007