Versatile Tool Positioning Tech for Multi-Industry Innovation

Publication ID: 24-11856961_0007_PTD

Published: October 27, 2025

Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Versatile Tool Positioning Tech for Multi-Industry Innovation,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11856961_0007_PTD, Published October 27, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11856961_0007_PTD

This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,856,961.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent addressed the challenge of moving-along tool positioning for linearly conveyed articles in a specific industry. However, this limitation restricted its applicability to other sectors. The present invention overcomes this constraint by applying the core technology to various new fields, providing a versatile solution for industries facing similar challenges.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The novelty of the present invention lies in its adaptability to diverse industries, demonstrating a non-obvious expansion of the original patent's core technology. The inventive step resides in the recognition of the potential for this technology to be applied beyond its original scope, addressing specific challenges in new fields.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include modifications to the conveyor device, processing station, or positioning unit to accommodate specific industry requirements. Variations could involve integrating additional sensors, automation systems, or data analytics to further enhance the invention's performance and efficiency.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The invention has significant commercial potential in various industries, offering improved precision, efficiency, and cost savings. Target markets include agriculture, retail, textiles, logistics, and pharmaceuticals, with potential for expansion into other sectors as the technology continues to evolve.

CPC Classifications

Section	Class	Group
A	A22	A22C21/0069
A	A22	A22C21/0053

Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)

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Field of Art

Food processing and industrial automation, specifically focusing on conveyor systems and precision positioning of tools for processing articles, with expertise in mechanical engineering, automation design, and industrial equipment integration

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A mechanical engineer with 5-7 years of experience in industrial automation, familiar with conveyor system design, tool positioning mechanisms, and cross-industry adaptations of material handling technologies

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize the fundamental transferability of the source patent's precise tool positioning and conveyor system technology across multiple industrial domains. The core technical principles of linearly conveying articles and precisely aligning processing tools are universally applicable, with minor adaptations required for different industry-specific contexts. The disclosed variations represent predictable extensions of the original patent's core mechanical and automation concepts.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element

Conveyor device with receiving elements for holding articles and a processing station with positioning unit

PTD Variation

Adapting the conveyor system for agricultural produce processing with quality control tools

Obviousness Reasoning

A PHOSITA would recognize that the fundamental mechanical principles of article conveyance and tool positioning are transferable across industries, with predictable modifications to accommodate specific produce characteristics

Source Patent Element

Link guide system with work cycle guiding path and return guiding path

PTD Variation

Implementing similar positioning mechanisms in textile manufacturing for fabric cutting and alignment

Obviousness Reasoning

The geometric principles of precise tool positioning are consistent across different material handling scenarios, representing a known technique for adapting conveyor technologies

Source Patent Element

Cam track mechanism for tool positioning without steps

PTD Variation

Applying similar smooth positioning mechanisms in pharmaceutical manufacturing for product quality control

Obviousness Reasoning

Smooth positioning technologies are universally applicable, with a PHOSITA recognizing the value of precise, step-free tool alignment across different processing environments

Source Patent Element

Guiding wheel for positioning elements

PTD Variation

Utilizing similar wheel-based positioning systems in warehouse logistics for package sorting

Obviousness Reasoning

Wheel-based guidance is a standard mechanical solution for precise positioning, representing a finite and predictable design approach for material handling systems

35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 103, the variations disclosed herein would have been obvious to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art at the time of invention, based on the teachings of US Patent 11856961. The disclosed technical adaptations represent predictable extensions of known conveyor and positioning technologies, demonstrating no inventive step beyond the ordinary capabilities of a skilled practitioner in industrial automation and material handling systems.

Original Patent Information

Patent Number	US 11,856,961
Title	Apparatus and method for moving-along tool positioning as well as assembly and method for wishbone removal
Assignee(s)	Nordischer Maschinenbau Rud. Baader GMBH & Co. KG