Sustainable Fermentation Tech: Multi-Industry Environmental Solution

Publication ID: 24-11856969_0007_PTD

Published: October 26, 2025

Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Sustainable Fermentation Tech: Multi-Industry Environmental Solution,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11856969_0007_PTD, Published October 26, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11856969_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. 11,856,969.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent addressed the production of solidified fermented animal feed for dairy cows. However, the limitations of this technology lie in its restricted application to a single industry. This invention overcomes this limitation by exploring new use cases for the core technology, tackling pressing environmental issues in various fields.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The novelty of this invention lies in the unexpected application of the solidified fermented animal feed technology to environmental sustainability, demonstrating a non-obvious extension of the original patent's concepts. The inventive step is the recognition of the potential for this technology to address diverse environmental challenges.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include varying the type of dairy product, microorganism, or calcium source used in the fermentation process. Additionally, the composition could be tailored to specific environmental applications, such as using different ratios of ingredients or incorporating additional components to enhance its effectiveness.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The invention has significant commercial potential in various industries, including agriculture, environmental remediation, and aquaculture. The target market includes companies and organizations seeking sustainable solutions for environmental challenges, as well as governments and regulatory bodies looking to implement eco-friendly practices.

CPC Classifications

Section	Class	Group
A	A23	A23K20/105
A	A23	A23K10/20
C	C07	C07C59/08
C	C07	C07B2200/13

Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)

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Field of Art

Agricultural biotechnology and food processing, specifically focused on fermented dairy products, animal feed production, and crystalline calcium compound formulations with expertise in microbial fermentation and material science

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A professional with advanced degrees in food science, microbiology, or chemical engineering, possessing knowledge of fermentation processes, dairy product chemistry, and material characterization techniques including X-ray powder diffraction

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the source patent's crystalline calcium lactate fermentation technology provides a foundational framework for exploring alternative applications beyond animal feed. The PTD's environmental sustainability variations represent predictable extensions of the original technological principles, leveraging known fermentation techniques and material properties to address soil and agricultural challenges.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element

Crystalline calcium lactate production through fermentation of dairy products with lactic acid-producing microorganisms

PTD Variation

Application of fermented composition to soil fertility and erosion management

Obviousness Reasoning

Predictable application of known material properties to solve related agricultural problems, representing a standard design choice for a PHOSITA familiar with agricultural biotechnology

Source Patent Element

Fermentation process involving dairy products and ammonia

PTD Variation

Utilizing fermented composition for water quality enhancement in aquaculture

Obviousness Reasoning

Logical extension of existing fermentation technology to adjacent environmental management domains, utilizing well-understood microbial transformation principles

Source Patent Element

Calcium-facilitated crystalline solid formation in fermented dairy products

PTD Variation

Converting agricultural waste into stabilized environmental management compositions

Obviousness Reasoning

Routine adaptation of material transformation techniques to waste management, representing an obvious solution within the technical capabilities of a skilled practitioner

Source Patent Element

X-ray powder diffraction characterization of crystalline calcium lactate structures

PTD Variation

Modifying crystalline composition ratios for targeted environmental applications

Obviousness Reasoning

Standard material science approach of adjusting compositional parameters to achieve specific performance characteristics, well within ordinary skill in the art

Source Patent Element

Fermentation of dairy products with lactic acid-producing microorganisms

PTD Variation

Exploring alternative microorganism and calcium source combinations for environmental uses

Obviousness Reasoning

Routine experimentation with known biological and chemical components to optimize performance, representing a predictable innovation path for a PHOSITA

35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11856969, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the environmental applications and compositional variations disclosed herein to be obvious extensions of the prior art, lacking the requisite non-obviousness for patent protection. The claimed innovations represent predictable combinations of known fermentation techniques, material science principles, and environmental management strategies.

Original Patent Information

Patent Number	US 11,856,969
Title	Compositions and methods for solidified fermented animal feed
Assignee(s)	PACKERLAND WHEY PRODUCTS INC.