Nidec Motor Corp. v. Zhongshan Broad Ocean Motor Co., Ltd.

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Nidec’s patent is directed to low-noise heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and includes a permanent magnet electric motor that turns a fan to move air through ductwork. An improved motor controller performs sinewave commutation instead of more conventional square-wave commutation. Commutation is the repeated sequencing of electrical currents applied to windings within the permanent magnet motor that causes the motor to rotate. Square-wave commutation involves abrupt changes in the voltage applied to a given winding as the sequence progresses, similar to repeatedly flipping a switch. Sinewave commutation involves more gradual and continuous oscillations in applied voltage, similar to sliding a dimmer switch between those states, resulting in less vibration and noise. The Patent Trial and Appeal Board conducted inter partes review. The Federal Circuit affirmed its determination that several claims are invalid as obvious over a combination of prior references, 35 U.S.C. 103. And that all of the challenged claims are unpatentable under 35 U.S.C. 102. View "Nidec Motor Corp. v. Zhongshan Broad Ocean Motor Co., Ltd." on Justia Law