Office Action 1: Notice of Allowance (2024-08-26)

CLAIMS:
What is claimed is:

1\. An airflow system for an appliance, the airflow system comprising:a recirculating airflow path that is disposed within a cabinet and that extends through a heat exchange area;
an open-loop airflow path that directs secondary air from an inlet disposed within an exterior panel of the cabinet, through the heat exchange area, and to an outlet disposed within a bottom wall of the cabinet; and
an airflow seal extending downward from a lower edge of the cabinet, proximate the inlet, and to a position below supporting feet of the cabinet, the airflow seal defining a convection barrier that separates a high-pressure region proximate the outlet from a low-pressure region proximate the inlet.

2\. The airflow system of claim 1, wherein the airflow seal extends around the lower edge of the cabinet and defines an airflow outlet for directing a flow of the secondary air from the outlet to an area proximate a rear panel of the cabinet.

3\. The airflow system of claim 1, wherein the airflow seal is configured to engage a floor surface below the cabinet.

4\. The airflow system of claim 1, wherein the airflow seal extends along the lower edge of at least a front panel and one side panel of the cabinet.

5\. The airflow system of claim 1, wherein the airflow seal is an elastomeric flap.

6\. The airflow system of claim 1, wherein the airflow seal is a block that is attached to the bottom wall of the cabinet.

7\. The airflow system of claim 1, wherein the inlet is positioned within a front panel of the cabinet.

8\. An appliance comprising:a blower that delivers process air through a primary airflow path that is disposed within a cabinet;
an open-loop airflow path having an inlet positioned within an exterior panel of the cabinet and an outlet positioned within a bottom wall of the cabinet, wherein a secondary blower moves a secondary flow of air from the inlet, through the open-loop airflow path and to the outlet, the open-loop airflow path in thermal communication with the primary airflow path; and
an airflow seal extending downward from a lower edge of the exterior panel, below the inlet, the airflow seal separating a low-pressure region proximate the inlet from a high-pressure region proximate the outlet to block convection between the outlet and the inlet.

9\. The appliance of claim 8, wherein the open-loop airflow path is thermally coupled with the primary airflow path within a heat exchanger.

10\. The appliance of claim 8, wherein the airflow seal is configured to engage a floor surface below the cabinet.

11\. The appliance of claim 8, wherein the exterior panel includes at least one of a front panel and a side panel of the cabinet, and wherein the airflow seal extends along an entirety of the lower edge of the exterior panel.

12\. The appliance of claim 8, wherein the airflow seal is an elastomeric flap.

13\. The appliance of claim 8, wherein the airflow seal is a block that is attached to the bottom wall of the cabinet.

14\. The appliance of claim 8, wherein the airflow seal extends around the lower edge and defines an airflow outlet for directing the secondary flow of air from the outlet to an area proximate a rear panel of the cabinet.

15\. The appliance of claim 8, wherein the inlet is positioned within a front panel of the cabinet.

16\. An airflow system for an appliance, the airflow system comprising:an outer cabinet having a recirculating airflow path contained therein;
an open-loop airflow path in thermal communication with the recirculating airflow path and extending from an inlet proximate an exterior panel of the outer cabinet to an outlet disposed proximate a bottom wall of the outer cabinet, wherein the inlet defines a low-pressure region within an area proximate the exterior panel of the outer cabinet, and wherein the outlet defines a high-pressure region within an area beneath the bottom wall of the outer cabinet; and
a convection barrier that is attached to the outer cabinet along a portion of a lower edge proximate the inlet, the convection barrier blocking convection between the low-pressure region and the high-pressure region.

17\. The airflow system of claim 16, wherein the inlet is positioned within a front panel of the outer cabinet.

18\. The airflow system of claim 16, wherein the outlet is disposed within the bottom wall of the outer cabinet.

19\. The airflow system of claim 16, wherein the convection barrier extends along the lower edge below at least a front panel and one side panel of the outer cabinet.

20\. The airflow system of claim 16, wherein the convection barrier extends around the lower edge and defines an airflow outlet for directing a flow of air from the outlet to an area proximate a rear panel of the outer cabinet.

OFFICE 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 .
Reasons for Allowance
The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance: the independently claimed appliance with all the claim features including an open loop airflow path directing, positioned, or in thermal communication with the other claimed structure and function is not found in the prior art either singly or in combination.
Any comments considered necessary by applicant must be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee and, to avoid processing delays, should preferably accompany the issue fee.  Such submissions should be clearly labeled “Comments on Statement of Reasons for Allowance.”
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. Other prior art references cited with this action may teach one or more claim features, but do not rise to a level of anticipation, obviousness, and/or double patenting such that a rejection would be proper or reasonable under current Office practice and procedures.  References A, B, P, cited with this action, are patent publications from the same inventive entity as the current application. References C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, N, O, cited with this action teach appliance devices.



CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US20240133113A1: Claims:
An airflow system for an appliance, the airflow system comprising: a recirculating airflow path that is disposed within a cabinet and that extends through a heat exchange area; an open-loop airflow path that directs secondary air from an inlet disposed within an exterior panel of the cabinet, through the heat exchange area, and to an outlet disposed within a bottom wall of the cabinet; and an airflow seal extending downward from a lower edge of the cabinet, proximate the inlet, and to a position below supporting feet of the cabinet, the airflow seal defining a convection barrier that separates a high-pressure region proximate the outlet from a low-pressure region proximate the inlet.
a recirculating airflow path that is disposed within a cabinet and that extends through a heat exchange area;
an open-loop airflow path that directs secondary air from an inlet disposed within an exterior panel of the cabinet, through the heat exchange area, and to an outlet disposed within a bottom wall of the cabinet; and
an airflow seal extending downward from a lower edge of the cabinet, proximate the inlet, and to a position below supporting feet of the cabinet, the airflow seal defining a convection barrier that separates a high-pressure region proximate the outlet from a low-pressure region proximate the inlet.
The airflow system of claim 1 , wherein the airflow seal extends around the lower edge of the cabinet and defines an airflow outlet for directing a flow of the secondary air from the outlet to an area proximate a rear panel of the cabinet.
The airflow system of claim 1 , wherein the airflow seal is configured to engage a floor surface below the cabinet.
The airflow system of claim 1 , wherein the airflow seal extends along the lower edge of at least a front panel and one side panel of the cabinet.
The airflow system of claim 1 , wherein the airflow seal is an elastomeric flap.
The airflow system of claim 1 , wherein the airflow seal is a block that is attached to the bottom wall of the cabinet.
The airflow system of claim 1 , wherein the inlet is positioned within a front panel of the cabinet.
An appliance comprising: a blower that delivers process air through a primary airflow path that is disposed within a cabinet; an open-loop airflow path having an inlet positioned within an exterior panel of the cabinet and an outlet positioned within a bottom wall of the cabinet, wherein a secondary blower moves a secondary flow of air from the inlet, through the open-loop airflow path and to the outlet, the open-loop airflow path in thermal communication with the primary airflow path; and an airflow seal extending downward from a lower edge of the exterior panel, below the inlet, the airflow seal separating a low-pressure region proximate the inlet from a high-pressure region proximate the outlet to block convection between the outlet and the inlet.
a blower that delivers process air through a primary airflow path that is disposed within a cabinet;
an open-loop airflow path having an inlet positioned within an exterior panel of the cabinet and an outlet positioned within a bottom wall of the cabinet, wherein a secondary blower moves a secondary flow of air from the inlet, through the open-loop airflow path and to the outlet, the open-loop airflow path in thermal communication with the primary airflow path; and
an airflow seal extending downward from a lower edge of the exterior panel, below the inlet, the airflow seal separating a low-pressure region proximate the inlet from a high-pressure region proximate the outlet to block convection between the outlet and the inlet.
The appliance of claim 8 , wherein the open-loop airflow path is thermally coupled with the primary airflow path within a heat exchanger.
The appliance of claim 8 , wherein the airflow seal is configured to engage a floor surface below the cabinet.
The appliance of claim 8 , wherein the exterior panel includes at least one of a front panel and a side panel of the cabinet, and wherein the airflow seal extends along an entirety of the lower edge of the exterior panel.
The appliance of claim 8 , wherein the airflow seal is an elastomeric flap.
The appliance of claim 8 , wherein the airflow seal is a block that is attached to the bottom wall of the cabinet.
The appliance of claim 8 , wherein the airflow seal extends around the lower edge and defines an airflow outlet for directing the secondary flow of air from the outlet to an area proximate a rear panel of the cabinet.
The appliance of claim 8 , wherein the inlet is positioned within a front panel of the cabinet.
An airflow system for an appliance, the airflow system comprising: an outer cabinet having a recirculating airflow path contained therein; an open-loop airflow path in thermal communication with the recirculating airflow path and extending from an inlet proximate an exterior panel of the outer cabinet to an outlet disposed proximate a bottom wall of the outer cabinet, wherein the inlet defines a low-pressure region within an area proximate the exterior panel of the outer cabinet, and wherein the outlet defines a high-pressure region within an area beneath the bottom wall of the outer cabinet; and a convection barrier that is attached to the outer cabinet along a portion of a lower edge proximate the inlet, the convection barrier blocking convection between the low-pressure region and the high-pressure region.
an outer cabinet having a recirculating airflow path contained therein;
an open-loop airflow path in thermal communication with the recirculating airflow path and extending from an inlet proximate an exterior panel of the outer cabinet to an outlet disposed proximate a bottom wall of the outer cabinet, wherein the inlet defines a low-pressure region within an area proximate the exterior panel of the outer cabinet, and wherein the outlet defines a high-pressure region within an area beneath the bottom wall of the outer cabinet; and
a convection barrier that is attached to the outer cabinet along a portion of a lower edge proximate the inlet, the convection barrier blocking convection between the low-pressure region and the high-pressure region.
The airflow system of claim 16 , wherein the inlet is positioned within a front panel of the outer cabinet.
The airflow system of claim 16 , wherein the outlet is disposed within the bottom wall of the outer cabinet.
The airflow system of claim 16 , wherein the convection barrier extends along the lower edge below at least a front panel and one side panel of the outer cabinet.
The airflow system of claim 16 , wherein the convection barrier extends around the lower edge and defines an airflow outlet for directing a flow of air from the outlet to an area proximate a rear panel of the outer cabinet.
Ref US11891749B2: Claims:
A drying appliance comprising: a cabinet with a processing chamber operably disposed therein; a blower that delivers process air through an airflow path, the airflow path including the processing chamber; a condensing airflow path having an inlet positioned within a front panel of the cabinet and an outlet positioned within a bottom panel of the cabinet, wherein a condensing blower moves condensing air from the inlet to the outlet; and an airflow seal extending downward from a front edge of the cabinet, the airflow seal separating a low-pressure region proximate the inlet from a high-pressure region proximate the outlet to block convection between the outlet and the inlet.
a cabinet with a processing chamber operably disposed therein;
a blower that delivers process air through an airflow path, the airflow path including the processing chamber;
a condensing airflow path having an inlet positioned within a front panel of the cabinet and an outlet positioned within a bottom panel of the cabinet, wherein a condensing blower moves condensing air from the inlet to the outlet; and
an airflow seal extending downward from a front edge of the cabinet, the airflow seal separating a low-pressure region proximate the inlet from a high-pressure region proximate the outlet to block convection between the outlet and the inlet.
The drying appliance of claim 1 , wherein the airflow seal is configured to engage a floor surface below the cabinet.
The drying appliance of claim 2 , wherein the airflow seal extends along an entirety of the front edge of the front panel.
The drying appliance of claim 3 , wherein the airflow seal is an elastomeric flap.
The drying appliance of claim 3 , wherein the airflow seal is a block that is attached to the bottom panel of the cabinet.
The drying appliance of claim 5 , wherein the airflow seal extends at least partially along lower side edges of the cabinet.
The drying appliance of claim 6 , wherein the airflow seal extends around a lower edge of the cabinet and defines an airflow outlet for directing condensing air from the outlet to an area proximate a rear panel of the cabinet.
A condensing dryer comprising: a cabinet with a processing chamber operably disposed therein; a recirculating airflow path disposed within the cabinet and extending through the processing chamber and a dehumidification area; a condensing airflow path that directs condensing air from an inlet disposed within a front panel of the cabinet, through the dehumidification area and to an outlet disposed within a bottom panel of the cabinet; and an airflow seal extending downward from a front edge of the cabinet and to a position below supporting feet of the cabinet, the airflow seal defining a convection barrier that separates a high-pressure region proximate the outlet from a low-pressure region proximate the inlet.
a recirculating airflow path disposed within the cabinet and extending through the processing chamber and a dehumidification area;
a condensing airflow path that directs condensing air from an inlet disposed within a front panel of the cabinet, through the dehumidification area and to an outlet disposed within a bottom panel of the cabinet; and
an airflow seal extending downward from a front edge of the cabinet and to a position below supporting feet of the cabinet, the airflow seal defining a convection barrier that separates a high-pressure region proximate the outlet from a low-pressure region proximate the inlet.
The condensing dryer of claim 8 , wherein the airflow seal is configured to engage a floor surface below the cabinet.
The condensing dryer of claim 8 , wherein the airflow seal extends along an entirety of the front edge of the front panel.
The condensing dryer of claim 8 , wherein the airflow seal is an elastomeric flap.
The condensing dryer of claim 8 , wherein the airflow seal is a block that is attached to a bottom wall of the cabinet and extends at least partially along lower side edges of the cabinet.
The condensing dryer of claim 12 , wherein the airflow seal extends around a lower edge of the cabinet and defines an airflow outlet for directing condensing air from the outlet to an area proximate a rear panel of the cabinet.
An airflow system for a laundry appliance, the airflow system comprising: an outer cabinet having a recirculating airflow path contained therein; a condensing airflow path in thermal communication with the recirculating airflow path and extending from an inlet proximate a front panel of the outer cabinet to an outlet proximate a bottom panel of the outer cabinet, wherein the inlet defines a low-pressure region within an area in front of the front panel of the outer cabinet and the outlet defines a high-pressure region within an area beneath the outer cabinet; a convection barrier that is attached to the outer cabinet along a lower front edge, the convection barrier blocking convection between the low-pressure region and the high-pressure region.
an outer cabinet having a recirculating airflow path contained therein;
a condensing airflow path in thermal communication with the recirculating airflow path and extending from an inlet proximate a front panel of the outer cabinet to an outlet proximate a bottom panel of the outer cabinet, wherein the inlet defines a low-pressure region within an area in front of the front panel of the outer cabinet and the outlet defines a high-pressure region within an area beneath the outer cabinet;
a convection barrier that is attached to the outer cabinet along a lower front edge, the convection barrier blocking convection between the low-pressure region and the high-pressure region.
The airflow system of claim 14 , wherein the inlet is positioned within the front panel of the cabinet and the outlet is positioned within the bottom panel.
The airflow system of claim 15 , wherein the convection barrier is an airflow seal is configured to engage a floor surface below the outer cabinet.
The airflow system of claim 16 , wherein the airflow seal extends along an entirety of the lower front edge of the front panel.
The airflow system of claim 17 , wherein the airflow seal is an elastomeric flap.
The airflow system of claim 17 , wherein the airflow seal is a block that is attached to a bottom wall of the outer cabinet.
The airflow system of claim 16 , wherein the airflow seal extends around a lower edge of the cabinet and defines an airflow outlet for directing condensing air from the outlet to an area proximate a rear panel of the cabinet.
Ref US9200838B2: Claims:
A combo washer dryer, comprising: a drum to receive objects to be dried; a heater and a fan to generate hot air; an condensing device to provide a space to receive the drum, the condensing device comprising a hot air inlet and a hot air outlet, wherein an outer circumference of the condensing device heat exchanges with external air through natural convection and air introduced through the hot air inlet is condensed at an inner circumference of the condensing device; a duct to guide the hot air to the hot air inlet; a filter assembly to filter the hot air discharged through the hot air outlet to the duct; and a filter cleaning device to supply cleaning water to the filter assembly, wherein the filter cleaning device comprises: a water supply hose to supply wash water to the tub; and a branch hose that diverges from the water supply hose to supply cleaning water to the filter assembly.
a drum to receive objects to be dried;
a heater and a fan to generate hot air;
an condensing device to provide a space to receive the drum, the condensing device comprising a hot air inlet and a hot air outlet, wherein an outer circumference of the condensing device heat exchanges with external air through natural convection and air introduced through the hot air inlet is condensed at an inner circumference of the condensing device;
a duct to guide the hot air to the hot air inlet;
a filter assembly to filter the hot air discharged through the hot air outlet to the duct; and
a filter cleaning device to supply cleaning water to the filter assembly, wherein the filter cleaning device comprises:
a water supply hose to supply wash water to the tub; and
a branch hose that diverges from the water supply hose to supply cleaning water to the filter assembly.
The combo washer dryer according to claim 1 , wherein the condensing device comprises a tub to receive the drum, and wherein the tub is configured such that an outer circumference of the tub heat exchanges with external air through natural convection and air introduced into the tub through the hot air inlet is condensed at an inner circumference of the tub.
The combo washer dryer according to claim 2 , wherein the hot air outlet is provided at an upper circumference of the tub such that the hot air outlet protrudes at a position spaced from a perpendicular line passing through a central axis formed in a longitudinal direction of the tub by a predetermined distance, wherein the duct is located above the tub to guide air having passed through the filter assembly to the hot air inlet, and wherein a fan is provided in the duct, the fan driving air having passed through the filter assembly such that the air is introduced to a center of rotation and is then discharged in a radial direction.
The combo washer dryer according to claim 3 , wherein the filter assembly comprises: a filter housing provided between the hot air outlet and the duct; a filter to filter air introduced into the filter housing; and a cleaning water dispersion device provided at the filter housing to disperse cleaning water supplied from the branch hose over the filter.
a filter housing provided between the hot air outlet and the duct;
a filter to filter air introduced into the filter housing; and
a cleaning water dispersion device provided at the filter housing to disperse cleaning water supplied from the branch hose over the filter.
The combo washer dryer according to claim 4 , wherein the cleaning water dispersion device comprises a collision face provided at the filter housing, and wherein the branch hose supplies cleaning water to the collision face.
The combo washer dryer according to claim 5 , wherein the collision face is integrally provided at or on the filter housing.
The combo washer dryer according to claim 6 , wherein the collision face comprises a bar shaped rib.
The combo washer dryer according to claim 6 , wherein the bar shaped rib is formed at a central portion of the filter.
The combo washer dryer according to claim 4 , wherein the water supply hose supplies wash water to the tub via a detergent box that stores detergent, and wherein the branch hose is connected to the hot air outlet to supply cleaning water to the filter assembly.
The combo washer dryer according to claim 4 , wherein the branch hose supplies the cleaning water to a side opposite to a side of the filter facing the tub.
The combo washer dryer according to claim 4 , wherein the cleaning water dispersion device comprises an injection body to inject the cleaning water supplied from the filter cleaning device to the filter.
The combo washer dryer according to claim 11 , wherein the injection body injects the cleaning water from a side of the filter onto the filter.
The combo washer dryer according to claim 11 , wherein the injection body comprises a shower nozzle.
The combo washer dryer according to claim 1 , wherein the hot air inlet, the hot air outlet, the filter assembly, and the duct are arranged such that hot air supplied through the hot air inlet is circulated via the drum, the tub, the hot air outlet, the filter, and the duct.
The combo washer dryer according to claim 1 , further comprising a valve to control opening and closing of the branch hose.
The combo washer dryer according to claim 15 , wherein the valve is provided at a connection between the water supply hose and the branch hose.
The combo washer dryer according to claim 15 , wherein the valve supplies cleaning water to the filter assembly when wash water is supplied to the tub through the water supply hose.
The combo washer dryer according to claim 1 , wherein the branch hose supplies cleaning water to the filter assembly in at least one selected from a washing cycle or a rinsing cycle.
The combo washer dryer according to claim 1 , wherein the branch hose supplies cleaning water to the filter assembly during rotation of the drum.
A combo washer dryer, comprising: a drum to receive objects to be dried; a heater and a fan to generate hot air; an condensing device to provide a space to receive the drum, the condensing device comprising a hot air inlet and a hot air outlet, wherein an outer circumference of the condensing device heat exchanges with external air through natural convection and air introduced through the hot air inlet being condensed at an inner circumference of the condensing device; a duct to guide the hot air to the hot air inlet; a filter assembly to filter the hot air discharged from the hot air outlet to the duct; and a filter cleaning device to supply cleaning water to the filter assembly when wash water is supplied to the condensing device.
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