throbber
UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`____________
`
`
`BEFORE THE PATENT TRIAL AND APPEAL BOARD
`
`____________
`
`
`AMERICAN NATIONAL MANUFACTURING INC.,
`Petitioner,
`
`v.
`
`SLEEP NUMBER CORPORATION
`f/k/a SELECT COMFORT CORPORATION,
`Patent Owner.
`____________
`
`Case No. IPR2019-00514
`Patent No. 5,904,172
`____________
`
`
`
`
`
`
`DECLARATION OF DR. JOHN ABRAHAM
`IN SUPPORT OF PATENT OWNER’S RESPONSE
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Sleep Number Corp.
`EXHIBIT 2041
`IPR2019-00514
`Page 1
`
`

`

`
`
`I, John Abraham, declare as follows:
`
`1.
`
`I am over the age of 21 years and am fully competent to make this
`
`Declaration. I make the following statements based on personal knowledge and, if
`
`called to testify to them, could and would do so.
`
`2.
`
`I have been retained on behalf of Sleep Number Corporation (“Sleep
`
`Number”). My fee is not contingent on the outcome of any matter or on any of the
`
`positions I have or will take in any matter. I have no financial interest in Sleep
`
`Number.
`
`3. My qualifications as an expert in the field of mechanical engineering
`
`are set forth in the paragraphs below and in my curriculum vitae, attached hereto as
`
`Appendix A.
`
`4.
`
`I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering with
`
`a minor in Mathematics from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities in 1997. In
`
`1999, I earned a Master of Science degree from the University of Minnesota – Twin
`
`Cities. In 2002, I earned a Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering in the area of
`
`Thermal Sciences also from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, with my
`
`thesis on “A comprehensive experimental, analytical, and numerical investigation of
`
`the modes of heat transfer in an electrically heated oven.”
`
`1
`
`Sleep Number Corp.
`EXHIBIT 2041
`IPR2019-00514
`Page 2
`
`

`

`
`
`5.
`
`In 2002, I joined the faculty of University of St. Thomas in St. Paul,
`
`Minnesota, as an Assistant Professor in the Engineering Department. In 2008, I
`
`became an Associate Professor at the University of St. Thomas in the Engineering
`
`Department. In 2013, I was promoted to a full professorship at the University of St.
`
`Thomas in the Engineering Department, where I currently teach in the area of
`
`thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics.
`
`6.
`
`I am an inventor on several issued U.S. Patents, including: U.S. Patent
`
`No. 8,484,974 “Dual-phase thermal electricity generator”; U.S. Patent No.
`
`7,559,485 “Variable orifice valve”; and U.S. Patent No. 8,118,225 “Vehicle Energy
`
`Absorption.”
`
`Background
`
`7.
`
`I am familiar with U.S. Patent No. 5,904,172 (“the ‘172 Patent”), U.S.
`
`Patent No. 9,737,154 (“the ‘154 Patent”), and U.S. Patent No. 8,769,747 (“the ‘747
`
`Patent”) (collectively, “Patents-at-Issue”).
`
`8.
`
`I am also familiar with the products of Petitioner American National
`
`Manufacturing, Inc. (“ANM”), Real-Party-in-Interest Sizewise Rentals, LLC
`
`(“Sizewise”), and Real-Party-in-Interest Dires, LLC (“Dires”). For example, I was
`
`retained by Sleep Number and served as an expert in the prior International Trade
`
`Commission (“ITC”) proceeding against ANM and Sizewise and involving the ‘172
`
`Patent: In the Matter of Certain Air Mattress Systems, Components Thereof, and
`
`2
`
`Sleep Number Corp.
`EXHIBIT 2041
`IPR2019-00514
`Page 3
`
`

`

`
`
`Methods of Using the Same, Inv. No. 337-TA-971 (“ITC Proceeding”). During the
`
`ITC Proceeding, I conducted inspections and analyses of ANM’s/Dires’ (ANM for
`
`short herein) and Sizewise’s physical products, as well as Versions 1.8 and 1.9 of
`
`ANM’s source code used in ANM’s products and one version of the source code
`
`used in the Platinum 5000/6000 products.
`
`9.
`
`I submitted an expert report and testified to the ITC as to my opinion
`
`that ANM’s and Sizewise’s air bed products infringed claims 2, 6, 9, 12, 16, 20, 22,
`
`23, and 24 of the ‘172 Patent. It is my understanding that the ITC ultimately found
`
`claims 12 and 16 of the ‘172 Patent to be both valid and infringed by ANM
`
`(specifically, the Gen 3 V1 and Gen 3 V2 products identified below) and Sizewise
`
`(specifically, the Platinum 5000/6000 products identified below).
`
`10. Additionally, I was retained by Sleep Number to conduct inspections
`
`and analyses of products in Sleep Number’s possession and inspections and analyses
`
`of products in ANM’s and Sizewise’s possession (specifically, at ANM’s counsel’s
`
`office in Dallas in December 2018 and Kansas City in February 2019) in the
`
`underlying district court cases: Sleep Number Corporation v. American National
`
`Manufacturing, Inc., No. 5:18-cv-00357AB(SPx) (C.D. Cal. 2018) and Sleep
`
`Number Corporation v. Sizewise Rentals, LLC, No. 5:18-cv-00356AB(SPx) (C.D.
`
`Cal.) (“District Court Cases”).
`
`3
`
`Sleep Number Corp.
`EXHIBIT 2041
`IPR2019-00514
`Page 4
`
`

`

`
`
`11. My inspection of ANM’s air controllers included an analysis of the
`
`mechanical structure of these air controllers in comparison to the claims of the
`
`Patents-at-Issue and to Sleep Number’s products. I understand that while ANM
`
`refers to its air controllers using different identifiers, Sleep Number referred to them
`
`in its Contentions as the Gen 3 Arco, Gen 3 Koge, and Gen X air controllers. I use
`
`Sleep Number’s identifiers herein for ease of reference. However, my analysis
`
`herein focuses on the Gen 3 Arco and Gen 3 Koge which, as explained below, I
`
`believe are similar to, and copies of, Sleep Number’s air controllers sold leading up
`
`to and during the same time period.
`
`12. My inspection of Sizewise’s air controllers included an analysis of the
`
`mechanical structure of these air controllers in comparison to the claims of the
`
`Patents-at-Issue and to Sleep Number’s products. I understand Sizewise claims to
`
`only sell a Platinum 6000 air controller, but I also understand from the ITC
`
`Proceeding that ANM imports the Platinum 5000 air controller and sells it to a
`
`company called Direct Supply. I understand based upon prior inspection that the
`
`Platinum 5000 and Platinum 6000 are substantially similar, and I understand Sleep
`
`Number thus accused the Platinum 5000 and Platinum 6000 air controller together
`
`in its Contentions. I use Sleep Number’s identifier of Platinum 5000/6000 herein
`
`for ease of reference.
`
`4
`
`Sleep Number Corp.
`EXHIBIT 2041
`IPR2019-00514
`Page 5
`
`

`

`
`
`13.
`
`It is my understanding that, in the District Court Cases, Sleep Number
`
`has accused various models of ANM’s and Sizewise’s consumer and medical air bed
`
`products sold with the air controllers identified above of infringing the Patents-at-
`
`Issue. It is my understanding that ANM petitioned the United States Patent and
`
`Trademark Office for IPR on each of the Patents-at-Issue. It is also my
`
`understanding that an IPR has been instituted on each patent.
`
`14.
`
`I understand that the ‘172 Patent expired in July 2017. As a result, all
`
`of my statements in this Declaration relate to the time period during the life, and pre-
`
`dating the expiration of, the ‘172 Patent.
`
`15.
`
`I have also reviewed redacted versions of the infringement contentions
`
`and claim charts with respect the Patents-at-Issue that Sleep Number submitted in
`
`the District Court Cases on January 25, 2019. I understand that the redacted portions
`
`contain reference to source code line numbers and variable and method names, but
`
`I understand those references have been redacted and are not being provided to the
`
`Board at this time.
`
`16.
`
`In my declaration, I rely on: Sleep Number’s Amended Disclosure of
`
`Asserted Claims and Infringement Contentions against ANM, which is Exhibit
`
`2070; Sleep Number’s Amended Disclosure of Asserted Claims and Infringement
`
`Contentions against Sizewise, which is Exhibit 2071; the ‘172 Patent claim chart
`
`against ANM, which is Exhibit 2072; the ‘172 Patent claim chart against Sizewise,
`
`5
`
`Sleep Number Corp.
`EXHIBIT 2041
`IPR2019-00514
`Page 6
`
`

`

`
`
`which is Exhibit 2073; the ‘154 Patent claim chart against ANM, which is Exhibit
`
`2074; and the ‘747 Patent claim chart against ANM, which is Exhibit 2075
`
`(collectively herein “Contentions”). I incorporate these Contentions by reference. I
`
`do not make any opinions as to infringement in this declaration, as I understand
`
`infringement is not at issue in this IPR proceeding.
`
`17.
`
`I have also inspected Sleep Number historical air controllers that I
`
`understand Sleep Number located and provided for inspection to ANM’s counsel in
`
`the District Court Cases. I understand that Sleep Number has disclosed in its
`
`Contentions which air controllers sold with its consumer air mattress systems
`
`practice the claims of the Patents-at-Issue.
`
`18.
`
`I have also inspected approximately two dozen other air controllers for
`
`adjustable air bed systems, which were sold by other competitors of Sleep Number.
`
`19.
`
`I have also reviewed a document produced by ANM in the District
`
`Court Cases with the bates number ANMI00133414–22, which I understand is
`
`Exhibit 2077, and a document produced by Sleep Number in the District Court Cases
`
`with a bates number SN_0021013–33, which I understand is Exhibit 2079.
`
`Sleep Number’s Air Controllers
`
`20.
`
`I have personally inspected a number of Sleep Number air mattress
`
`systems and air controllers. I have also reviewed a pump history timeline (Exhibit
`
`2079) that Sleep Number produced in the District Court Cases. I understand from
`
`6
`
`Sleep Number Corp.
`EXHIBIT 2041
`IPR2019-00514
`Page 7
`
`

`

`
`
`inspecting Sleep Number’s air controllers and reviewing Sleep Number’s
`
`Contentions that, of the air controllers identified in that document, the following air
`
`controllers practiced the ‘172 Patent before it expired: UFCS3 a/k/a Stealth, UFCS4
`
`a/k/a Stealth, 5000/6000 a/k/a Pegasus, FCS a/k/a Corolla (including the
`
`Performance FCS, Innovation FCS, & 2012/Current/Corolla Firmness Control
`
`System), Q10, ADAT, SleepIQ, and 360. I also understand from reviewing Sleep
`
`Number’s Contentions that, of the air controllers identified in Exhibit 2079, the
`
`following air controllers practiced or practice the ‘154 and ‘747 Patents: FCS a/k/a
`
`Corolla (including the Performance FCS, Innovation FCS, & 2012/Current/Corolla
`
`Firmness Control System), Q10, ADAT, SleepIQ, and 360.
`
`21.
`
`I have provided exemplar images and drawings of certain of these air
`
`controllers that I understand Sleep Number has sold from 2004 to the present below.
`
`Note that the pressure sensor port or tap is located on the enclosure in each product.
`
`7
`
`Sleep Number Corp.
`EXHIBIT 2041
`IPR2019-00514
`Page 8
`
`

`

`
`
`a.
`
`Sleep Number 5000 Air Controller.
`
`
`
`
`
`Pressure Sensor Tap on
`
`Enclosure/Manifold of Valve
`Enclosure Assembly
`
`
`(Images of 5000 manufactured August 2, 2006 per label)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`8
`
`Sleep Number Corp.
`EXHIBIT 2041
`IPR2019-00514
`Page 9
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`Pressure Sensor Tap on
`Enclosure/Manifold of Valve
`Enclosure Assembly
`
`(Drawing of 5000 from 2007 – Exhibit 2080)
`
`
`
`
`
`9
`
`Sleep Number Corp.
`EXHIBIT 2041
`IPR2019-00514
`Page 10
`
`

`

`
`
`b.
`
`Sleep Number Corolla Air Controller.
`
`
`
`Pressure Sensor Tap on
`Enclosure/Manifold of Valve
`Enclosure Assembly
`
`
`(Images of Corolla manufactured July 28, 2008 per label)
`
`
`
`
`
`10
`
`Sleep Number Corp.
`EXHIBIT 2041
`IPR2019-00514
`Page 11
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`(Drawings of Corolla from 2008 – Exhibit 2081)
`
`
`
`
`
`11
`
`Sleep Number Corp.
`EXHIBIT 2041
`IPR2019-00514
`Page 12
`
`

`

`
`
`c.
`
`Sleep Number Corolla Air Controller.
`
`
`
`
`
`Pressure Sensor Tap on
`Enclosure/Manifold of Valve
`Enclosure Assembly, which is
`connected to the tubing shown
`through a hole punched in the printed
`circuit board
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`(Images of Corolla manufactured December 31, 2012 per label)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`12
`
`Sleep Number Corp.
`EXHIBIT 2041
`IPR2019-00514
`Page 13
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`
`
`Pressure Sensor Tap on
`Enclosure/Manifold of Valve
`Enclosure Assembly
`
`
`
`
`
`(Drawing of Corolla from 2013 – Exhibit 2082)
`
`
`
`
`
`13
`
`Sleep Number Corp.
`EXHIBIT 2041
`IPR2019-00514
`Page 14
`
`

`

`
`
`d.
`
`Sleep Number ADAT Controller.
`
`Pressure Sensor Tap on
`Enclosure/Manifold of
`Valve Enclosure
`Assembly, which is
`connected to the tubing
`shown through a hole
`punched in the printed
`circuit board
`
`
`
`
`
`
`(Images of ADAT manufactured September 18, 2013 per label)
`
`
`
`(Drawing of ADAT used in ITC Proceeding – see also Exhibit 2083)
`
`
`
`14
`
`Sleep Number Corp.
`EXHIBIT 2041
`IPR2019-00514
`Page 15
`
`

`

`
`
`22. Based upon my physical review of the air controllers identified above,
`
`my review of the drawings included above, and the Declaration of Paul Mahoney
`
`(which I understand is Exhibit 2056), I understand that the internal aspects of the
`
`enclosure/manifold of the valve enclosure assembly included in these air controllers
`
`was substantially the same, i.e., that it did not change over time in its internal
`
`mechanical structure, throughout this time period. I also understand from reviewing
`
`the Declaration of George Edwards (which I understand is Exhibit 2054) that Sleep
`
`Number’s air controllers use a “Target system” source code/software.
`
`23. For exemplar purposes, I have referenced a claim chart of the ‘172
`
`Patent against Sleep Number’s ADAT air controller, which is Exhibit 2042.
`
`24. Based upon my analysis, and as described below, I believe that ANM
`
`sold air controllers in the time frame 2012 onward that were substantially similar to
`
`Sleep Number’s Pegasus air controller, which I understand was sold from 2004 to
`
`2008, and to Sleep Number’s Corolla air controller, which I understand was sold
`
`from 2008 onward.
`
`ANM’s Air Controllers
`
`25. As mentioned above, I have reviewed Exhibit 2077, which I understand
`
`shows the approximate time frames that ANM sold certain air controllers with its
`
`products. Looking at Exhibit 2077, I can see:
`
`15
`
`Sleep Number Corp.
`EXHIBIT 2041
`IPR2019-00514
`Page 16
`
`

`

`
`
`• that ANM sold the Gen 1 Blower air controller from January 1998 to
`
`December 2003;
`
`• that ANM sold the Gen 1 Pump air controller from April 2001 to December
`
`2003;
`
`• that ANM sold the Gen 2 V1 air controller from December 2003 to
`
`approximately the end of 2004;
`
`• that ANM sold the Gen 2 V2 air controller (which Sleep Number refers to as
`
`the Gen X) from the start of 2004 through the end of 2006;
`
`• that ANM sold the Gen 2 V3 air controller (which Sleep Number refers to as
`
`the Gen X) from the start of 2006 through the end of 2012;
`
`• that ANM sold the Gen 2 V4 air controller (which Sleep Number refers to as
`
`the Gen 3 Arco) from August 2012 through approximately December 2014;
`
`• that ANM sold the Gen 3 V1 air controller (which Sleep Number also refers
`
`to as the Gen 3 Arco) from June 25, 2014 to August 2016; and
`
`• that ANM sold the Gen 3 V2 air controller (which Sleep Number refers to as
`
`the Gen 3 Koge) from August 2016 onward.
`
`(See Ex. 2077.)
`
`26. ANM’s pumps changed considerably over time. First, ANM’s Gen 1
`
`Blower air controller and Gen 1 pump air controller did not include software or
`
`16
`
`Sleep Number Corp.
`EXHIBIT 2041
`IPR2019-00514
`Page 17
`
`

`

`
`
`pressure transducers. (See Ex. 2077 at ANMI00133415–16 (air controllers had “on
`
`demand controller that had no memory settings or pressure sensors”).)
`
`27. Next, ANM introduced basic software and the ability to sense the
`
`pressure. ANM’s Gen 2 V1 air controller, Gen 2 V2 air controller, and Gen 2 V3
`
`air controllers were all “direct drive controllers” meaning the user would have to
`
`press and hold the inflate button to inflate the air bladder and press and hold the
`
`deflate button to deflate the bladder. (See id. at ANMI00133416–19.) That is, the
`
`pressure would change “the entire time the [] button was held down” but would not
`
`otherwise make pressure adjustments. (Id.) These air controllers did not include or
`
`use a “target pressure.” (Compare id. at ANMI00133416–19 with id. at
`
`ANMI00133420–22.) Thus, the air controllers did not work with a remote control
`
`whereby the user could select a desire pressure setting that corresponds to a target
`
`pressure and have the air controller achieve that target pressure. (Compare id. at
`
`ANMI00133416–19 with id. at ANMI00133420–22.) In addition, these air
`
`controllers did not sense pressure from a port on the enclosure/manifold of the valve
`
`enclosure assembly. Rather, the Gen 2 V1 air controller used a Y-branch piece of
`
`tubing positioned between the manifold and the front of the air controller (id. at
`
`ANMI00133417) and the Gen 2 V2 and V3 air controllers sensed pressure from a
`
`port on a molded insert positioned between the manifold and the chambers (id. at
`
`ANMI00133418–19). Then, starting in 2012, ANM began to use a “Target system”
`
`17
`
`Sleep Number Corp.
`EXHIBIT 2041
`IPR2019-00514
`Page 18
`
`

`

`
`
`software and to sense pressure from a port on the enclosure/manifold of the valve
`
`enclosure assembly. (Id. at ANMI00133420–22.) Specifically, the Gen 2 V4 air
`
`controller, Gen 3 V1 air controller, and Gen 3 V2 air controller all use or used a
`
`“Target system” software. (Id.) Using such software, the air controllers worked
`
`with a remote control whereby the user could select a desired pressure setting that
`
`corresponds to a target pressure and have the air controller achieve that target
`
`pressure without any additional input from the user. (Id.) With the Gen 2 V4 air
`
`controller, ANM also “had new pressure sensor taps added to the front of the
`
`manifold.” (See id. at ANMI00133420.) As seen below, ANM included the pressure
`
`sensor taps on the enclosure/manifold in both the Gen 3 V1 and Gen 3 V2 air
`
`controllers as well. Additionally, I understand that the Gen 3 V1 air controller
`
`utilized the same Arco/Rimco manifold as the Gen 2 V4 air controller (but, as
`
`discussed below, the Gen 3 V1 air controller incorporated Sleep Number’s source
`
`code technology and thus implemented a new improved “Target system”) and that
`
`the Gen 3 V2 air controller utilized a new Koge manifold. I have included images of
`
`the outside and inside of these air controllers and their remote controls from Exhibit
`
`2077 at ANMI00133420–22 below, showing that they are substantially the same:
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`18
`
`Sleep Number Corp.
`EXHIBIT 2041
`IPR2019-00514
`Page 19
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`Pressure Sensor Tap on
`Enclosure/Manifold of Valve
`Enclosure Assembly
`
`Pressure Sensor Tap on
`Enclosure/Manifold of Valve
`Enclosure Assembly
`
`(Gen 2 V4 / Arco)
`
`(Gen 3 V1 / Arco)
`
`19
`
`
`
`
`
`Sleep Number Corp.
`EXHIBIT 2041
`IPR2019-00514
`Page 20
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`Pressure Sensor Tap on
`Enclosure/Manifold of Valve
`Enclosure Assembly
`
`(Gen 3 V2 / Koge)
`
`‘154 and ‘747 Patents Against ANM’s Products
`
`
`
`28.
`
`I have reviewed the Declaration of George Edwards that I understand
`
`is being submitted by Sleep Number contemporaneously with this declaration as
`
`Exhibit 2054. I understand that Dr. Edwards opines that certain versions of ANM’s
`
`source code reads on the non-mechanical method-related and system-related
`
`elements of the ‘154 and ‘747 Patents. I rely upon that opinion, and do not provide
`
`my own opinion on source code in this declaration.
`
`29.
`
`It is my opinion based upon the inspections I have conducted that
`
`ANM’s products sold with Gen 3 Arco and Gen 3 Koge air controllers read on the
`
`claimed mechanical-related elements of (i.e. structural components of) the ‘154 and
`
`‘747 Patents. For example, it is my opinion that ANM’s products sold with the Gen
`
`20
`
`Sleep Number Corp.
`EXHIBIT 2041
`IPR2019-00514
`Page 21
`
`

`

`
`
`3 Arco and Gen 3 Koge air controllers include an air bed with an adjustable air
`
`chamber connected via a tube to an enclosure/manifold of the valve enclosure
`
`assembly, which includes at least one valve and which is also connected to a pump.
`
`The products also include a pressure transducer connected to a port on the
`
`enclosure/manifold of the valve enclosure assembly, which allows for the sensing of
`
`pressure during pressure adjustments and for the determining of an actual pressure
`
`within the air chamber. These products also include at least one input device, e.g.,
`
`a remote, and a control device having at least one printed circuit board with a
`
`processor on it, which allows for the control logic necessary to implement the
`
`required methods or functions identified in the claims.
`
`30.
`
`It is also my opinion that the Contentions accurately explain how
`
`ANM’s products read on the ‘154 and ‘747 Patents.
`
`31. Therefore, based upon my review of the ‘154 and ‘747 Patents’ claims,
`
`the Declaration of George Edwards (and discussions with Dr. Edwards), and ANM’s
`
`products, it is my opinion that ANM’s products sold with Gen 3 Arco and Gen 3
`
`Koge air controllers each practice every element of the claims of the ‘154 and ‘747
`
`Patent that are disclosed in Sleep Number’s Contentions.
`
`32.
`
`It is also my opinion based upon inspecting Sleep Number’s air mattress
`
`systems and air controllers that ANM’s air mattress systems and air controllers are
`
`21
`
`Sleep Number Corp.
`EXHIBIT 2041
`IPR2019-00514
`Page 22
`
`

`

`
`
`similar to, and copy, Sleep Number’s. A more thorough comparison of the
`
`mechanical similarities is included below with respect to the ‘172 Patent.
`
`‘172 Patent Against ANM
`
`33.
`
`I have reviewed the Declaration of George Edwards that I understand
`
`is being submitted by Sleep Number contemporaneously with this declaration as
`
`Exhibit 2054. I understand that Dr. Edwards opines that ANM’s source code
`
`provides further evidence of similarity to, and copying of, Sleep Number’s products
`
`that practice the ‘172 Patent. I rely upon that opinion, and do not provide my own
`
`opinion on source code in this declaration.
`
`34.
`
`It is my opinion based upon the inspections that I have conducted that
`
`ANM’s products sold with Gen 3 Arco and Gen 3 Koge air controllers read on the
`
`mechanical or structurally related claimed elements of the ‘172 Patent. For ANM,
`
`this includes the products it sells to retailer Dires with Personal Comfort Bed
`
`branding, which is mentioned in the Contentions and which I opined on in the ITC
`
`Proceeding. I understand ANM manufactures its air controllers branded as Personal
`
`Comfort Bed air controllers and that they are functionally the same as ANM’s Instant
`
`Comfort air controllers.
`
`35.
`
`It is also my opinion that the Contentions (Exhibit 2072) accurately
`
`explain how ANM’s products read on the ‘172 Patent. I have included an annotated
`
`22
`
`Sleep Number Corp.
`EXHIBIT 2041
`IPR2019-00514
`Page 23
`
`

`

`
`
`image of these products from the Contentions below, followed by an annotated
`
`image of Sleep Number’s ADAT air controller:
`
`(Gen3 V1 / Arco)
`
`
`
`23
`
`Sleep Number Corp.
`EXHIBIT 2041
`IPR2019-00514
`Page 24
`
`

`

`
`
`(Gen 3 V2 / Koge)
`
`
`
`24
`
`Sleep Number Corp.
`EXHIBIT 2041
`IPR2019-00514
`Page 25
`
`

`

`
`
`(ADAT)
`
`
`
`36. Therefore, based upon my review of the ‘172 Patent’s claims, the
`
`Declaration of George Edwards (and discussions with Dr. Edwards), and ANM’s
`
`products, it is my opinion that ANM’s products sold with Gen 3 Arco and Gen 3
`
`Koge air controllers each practice every element of the claims of the ‘172 Patent that
`
`are disclosed in Sleep Number’s Contentions. This opinion is further supported by
`
`the ITC’s findings that these products infringed at least claims 12 and 16 of the ‘172
`
`Patent.
`
`37.
`
`It is also my opinion based upon inspecting Sleep Number’s air mattress
`
`systems and air controllers that ANM’s air mattress systems and air controllers are
`
`25
`
`Sleep Number Corp.
`EXHIBIT 2041
`IPR2019-00514
`Page 26
`
`

`

`
`
`similar to, and thus copy, Sleep Number’s. Both party’s air mattress systems sold
`
`since 2012 include an adjustable air mattress, hoses connecting the air bladders to
`
`an air controller, and an air controller consisting of a generally rectangular housing,
`
`with key
`
`internal components: a valve enclosure assembly having an
`
`enclosure/manifold that includes a substantially fluidly sealed air chamber at least
`
`partially created using a flexible seal compressively interposed between an enclosure
`
`portion and a rear cover portion of the enclosure; a port fluidly coupled to (and on)
`
`the enclosure/manifold of the valve enclosure assembly that is connected to a
`
`pressure sensor by a tube; two or more solenoids that are configured to actuate two
`
`or more valves, which are located at least partially within the enclosure/manifold
`
`and are in fluid communication with the air chamber and an air bladder of the
`
`adjustable air mattress; a processor operably connected to a printed circuit board;
`
`and pump for air movement that connects to the air chamber through an air inlet.
`
`ANM’s Change in Air Controllers
`
`38. As mentioned above, based upon reviewing Exhibit 2077 at
`
`ANMI00133414, I have learned the dates for when ANM sold its Gen 2 V4 air
`
`controller (August 2012 to December 2014), its Gen 3 V1 air controller (June 25,
`
`2014 to August 2016), and its Gen 3 V2 air controller (August 2016 onward).
`
`39. Each of these air controllers includes a valve enclosure assembly with
`
`an enclosure/manifold and pressure monitor means, including a port on the
`
`26
`
`Sleep Number Corp.
`EXHIBIT 2041
`IPR2019-00514
`Page 27
`
`

`

`
`
`enclosure/manifold of the valve enclosure assembly. This is similar to Sleep
`
`Number’s air controllers that were sold leading up to and during the same time
`
`period. In addition, each of these air controllers that included Versions 1.8, 1.97, or
`
`2.0 source code included a “Target system” source code, and I understand from Dr.
`
`Edwards that those versions of source code are similar to the source code in Sleep
`
`Number’s air controllers leading up to and during the same time period. More
`
`specifically, I understand that the Gen 3 V1 air controller utilized the same
`
`enclosure/manifold as the prior air controller but began to incorporate Sleep
`
`Number’s source code technology through implementation of Version 1.8.
`
`Therefore, ANM began to utilize a new improved “Target system” in mid-2014.
`
`40. However, prior to selling the Gen 3 Arco, I can see from Exhibit 2077
`
`at ANMI00133414 that ANM sold its Gen 2 V2 and Gen 2 V3 air controllers (which
`
`Sleep Number refers to as the Gen X) from approximately early 2004 through the
`
`end of 2012. As also discussed above, based upon my review, those controllers did
`
`not include a port on the enclosure/manifold of the valve enclosure assembly. In
`
`addition, based upon what I can see from Exhibit 2077, these controllers did not
`
`include “Target system” software. Therefore, it is my opinion that ANM modified
`
`its air controllers in the middle of 2012 to be more similar to Sleep Number’s air
`
`controllers. Thus, these air controllers are similar to what Sleep Number was selling
`
`leading up to and during 2012 that also read on the ‘172 Patent’s claims. For
`
`27
`
`Sleep Number Corp.
`EXHIBIT 2041
`IPR2019-00514
`Page 28
`
`

`

`
`
`example, as seen in Exhibit 2072 and in the photographs above, ANM modified its
`
`air controllers to include a port on the enclosure/manifold of the valve enclosure
`
`assembly.
`
`41. Additionally, it is also my opinion that, in August 2016, during the ITC
`
`Proceeding, ANM introduced the Gen 3 V2 air controller, which again included a
`
`valve enclosure assembly with an enclosure/manifold and with pressure monitor
`
`means, including a port fluidly coupled to (and on) the enclosure/manifold of the
`
`valve enclosure assembly. This was again similar to what Sleep Number was selling
`
`leading up and during 2016 and reads on the ‘172 Patent’s claims.
`
`‘172 Patent Against Sizewise
`
`42.
`
`I have reviewed the Contentions related to the ‘172 Patent against
`
`Sizewise (Exhibit 2073).
`
`43.
`
`It is my opinion based upon the inspections I have conducted that
`
`Sizewise’s products sold with Platinum 5000/6000 air controllers read on the
`
`claimed elements of the ‘172 Patent.
`
`44.
`
`It is also my opinion that the Contentions (Exhibit 2073) accurately
`
`explain how Sizewise’s products read on the ‘172 Patent. I have provided an
`
`annotated image of Sizewise’s air controller from the Contentions below, followed
`
`by an annotated image of Sleep Number’s ADAT air controller:
`
`28
`
`Sleep Number Corp.
`EXHIBIT 2041
`IPR2019-00514
`Page 29
`
`

`

`
`
`(Platinum 5000/6000)
`
`
`
`
`
`(ADAT)
`
`29
`
`Sleep Number Corp.
`EXHIBIT 2041
`IPR2019-00514
`Page 30
`
`

`

`
`
`45. Therefore, based upon my review of the ‘172 Patent’s claims, the
`
`Declaration of George Edwards (and discussion with Dr. Edwards), and Sizewise’s
`
`products, it is my opinion that Sizewise’s products sold with Platinum 5000/6000 air
`
`controllers each practice every element of the claims of the ‘172 Patent that are
`
`disclosed in Sleep Number’s Contentions. This opinion is further supported by the
`
`ITC’s findings that these products infringed at least claims 12 and 16 of the ‘172
`
`Patent.
`
`46.
`
`It is also my opinion based upon inspecting Sleep Number’s air mattress
`
`systems and air controllers that Sizewise’s air mattress systems and air controllers
`
`are similar to, and copy, Sleep Number’s. Both party’s air mattress systems sold
`
`since 2012 include an adjustable air mattress, hoses connecting the air bladders to
`
`an air controller, and an air controller consisting of a generally rectangular housing,
`
`with key
`
`internal components: a valve enclosure assembly having an
`
`enclosure/manifold that includes a substantially fluidly sealed air chamber at least
`
`partially created using a flexible seal compressively interposed between an enclosure
`
`portion and a rear cover portion of the enclosure; a port fluidly coupled to (and on)
`
`the enclosure/manifold of the valve enclosure assembly connected to a pressure
`
`sensor by a tube; two or more solenoids that are configured to actuate two or more
`
`valves, which are located at least partially within the enclosure/manifold and are in
`
`fluid communication with the air chamber and an air bladder of the adjustable air
`
`30
`
`Sleep Number Corp.
`EXHIBIT 2041
`IPR2019-00514
`Page 31
`
`

`

`
`
`mattress; a processor operably connected to a printed circuit board; and a pump for
`
`air movement that connects to the air chamber through an air inlet.
`
`‘172 Patent Against Other Competitor Products
`
`47. Additionally, in October 2018, I personally inspected (and assigned
`
`numbers for ease of reference to) approximately two dozen other air controllers for
`
`adjustable air bed systems, which were sold by other competitors of Sleep Number,
`
`for the purpose of determining whether any read on at least one claim of the ‘172
`
`Patent. I understand that ANM’s and Sizewise’s counsel and experts were also
`
`permitted to inspect these competitor air controllers in the District Court Cases in
`
`October–November 2018. I understand from personnel at Sleep Number that Sleep
`
`Number purchased these commercially-available competitor pumps, usually as a full
`
`mattress system including the air bladders.
`
`48. Based upon my inspection, I believe adjustable air beds sold with each
`
`of the competitor air controllers described below read on at least one claim of the
`
`‘172 Patent assuming the sale occurred during the lifetime of the ‘172 Patent. I
`
`prepared claim charts, with exemplar images, for these products with my explanation
`
`as to how they read on either or both of claims 12 and 16 of the ‘172 Patent, which
`
`I have attached as Exhibits 2043–2053. Again, although in present tense, my
`
`conclusions only relate to the time period during the life of the ‘172 Patent.
`
`31
`
`Sleep Number Corp.
`EXHIBIT 2041
`IPR2019-00514
`Page 32
`
`

`

`
`
`a.
`
`Dires (#20) – Exhibit 2043: I have examined an air controller
`
`with the brand name Personal Comfort Bed on the outside of the controller, which I
`
`concluded practices the ‘172 Patent. As discussed above, this is the same as an ANM
`
`air controller. Exemplar images are below. I also reviewed the following website
`
`demonstrating
`
`that
`
`this
`
`company
`
`sells
`
`adjustable
`
`air
`
`beds:
`
`https://www.personalcomfortbed.com. For my copying analysis, see the claim chart
`
`Exhibit 2043 with annotated images I took of this air controller.
`
`
`
`
`
`b.
`
`REST (#21) – Exhibit 2044: I examined an controller without a
`
`brand name on the outside of the controller but which I understand to be an Elements
`
`of Rest, Inc./Responsive Surface Technology LLC controller, which I concluded
`
`practices the ‘172 Patent. Exemplar images are below. I also reviewed the following
`
`website demonstrating
`
`that
`
`this
`
`company
`
`sells
`
`adjustable
`
`air beds:
`
`https://www.restperformance.com. For my copying analysis, see the claim ch

This document is available on Docket Alarm but you must sign up to view it.


Or .

Accessing this document will incur an additional charge of $.

After purchase, you can access this document again without charge.

Accept $ Charge
throbber

Still Working On It

This document is taking longer than usual to download. This can happen if we need to contact the court directly to obtain the document and their servers are running slowly.

Give it another minute or two to complete, and then try the refresh button.

throbber

A few More Minutes ... Still Working

It can take up to 5 minutes for us to download a document if the court servers are running slowly.

Thank you for your continued patience.

This document could not be displayed.

We could not find this document within its docket. Please go back to the docket page and check the link. If that does not work, go back to the docket and refresh it to pull the newest information.

Your account does not support viewing this document.

You need a Paid Account to view this document. Click here to change your account type.

Your account does not support viewing this document.

Set your membership status to view this document.

With a Docket Alarm membership, you'll get a whole lot more, including:

  • Up-to-date information for this case.
  • Email alerts whenever there is an update.
  • Full text search for other cases.
  • Get email alerts whenever a new case matches your search.

Become a Member

One Moment Please

The filing “” is large (MB) and is being downloaded.

Please refresh this page in a few minutes to see if the filing has been downloaded. The filing will also be emailed to you when the download completes.

Your document is on its way!

If you do not receive the document in five minutes, contact support at support@docketalarm.com.

Sealed Document

We are unable to display this document, it may be under a court ordered seal.

If you have proper credentials to access the file, you may proceed directly to the court's system using your government issued username and password.


Access Government Site

We are redirecting you
to a mobile optimized page.





Document Unreadable or Corrupt

Refresh this Document
Go to the Docket

We are unable to display this document.

Refresh this Document
Go to the Docket