Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Advanced RF Heating System for Sterilization Technology

Publication ID: 24-11856976_0001_PTD
Published: October 26, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Advanced RF Heating System for Sterilization Technology,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11856976_0001_PTD, Published October 26, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11856976_0001_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. 11,856,976.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent (Contact members for packaged articles heated with radio frequency energy) introduced a groundbreaking method for sterilizing or pasteurizing packaged articles using radio frequency energy. However, it had limitations in terms of temperature regulation, article cooling, and adaptability to different article types. The present invention addresses these limitations by incorporating advanced thermal regulation, cooling systems, and control mechanisms to enhance the overall heating process.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The novelty of the present invention lies in the integration of advanced thermal regulation, cooling systems, and control mechanisms, which collectively provide a more efficient, safe, and adaptable RF heating system. The inventive step is the combination of these features, which overcome the limitations of the original patent and provide a significant improvement in the field of RF heating for packaged articles.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the invention could include modifications to the conveyance system, such as using different types of conveyors or adding additional thermal regulation zones. Variations could also include the use of different RF energy frequencies or the integration of additional sensors to monitor article temperature and humidity.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced RF heating system has significant commercial potential in industries such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices, where efficient and reliable sterilization and pasteurization are critical. The invention's adaptability to different article types and its improved safety features make it an attractive solution for companies seeking to improve their manufacturing processes.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A23 A23L3/01
A A23 A23L3/003
A A23 A23L3/065
B B65 B65G35/00
B B65 B65G37/00
H H05 H05B6/48
H H05 H05B6/54
H H05 H05B6/60
H H05 H05B6/62
H H05 H05B6/68
H H05 H05B6/782
H H05 H05B6/80
A A23 A23V2002/00
A A47 A47J37/045
H H05 H05B6/46
H H05 H05B2206/045

Field of Art

Food processing and packaging technologies involving thermal treatment, specifically radio frequency (RF) energy-based heating systems for sterilization and pasteurization of packaged articles

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A skilled practitioner with expertise in food processing engineering, RF energy applications, thermal regulation technologies, and industrial conveyor system design, typically holding a bachelor's or master's degree in food science, chemical engineering, or related technical discipline

Obviousness Rationale

A person having ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable engineering modifications to the source patent's RF heating system. The additional features like thermal regulation zones, cooling systems, and temperature monitoring represent standard design improvements that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to optimize RF heating processes for packaged articles.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Conveyance system for transporting packaged articles through RF heating zone
PTD Variation
Adding multiple thermal regulation zones before and after RF heating, incorporating temperature sensors and cooling systems
Obviousness Reasoning
Thermal conditioning of articles before and after RF heating is a known technique for improving process consistency and product quality, representing a predictable engineering solution
Source Patent Element
RF energy application for heating packaged articles
PTD Variation
Using multiple RF energy generators to provide more precise and controlled heating
Obviousness Reasoning
Distributed RF energy generation is a standard technique for achieving uniform heating, representing a finite identified solution for improving thermal treatment processes
Source Patent Element
Basic conveyance system for transporting articles
PTD Variation
Integrating a cleaning and sanitization system for the conveyance mechanism
Obviousness Reasoning
Implementing sanitation systems is a routine design choice in food processing equipment to maintain hygiene standards, representing a known technique in the art
Source Patent Element
RF heating process for packaged articles
PTD Variation
Adding a control system to dynamically adjust RF energy output based on specific article characteristics
Obviousness Reasoning
Adaptive process control is a standard engineering approach for optimizing thermal treatment, representing a predictable application of control theory to RF heating systems
Source Patent Element
Basic RF heating methodology
PTD Variation
Incorporating liquid contact zones with enhanced thermal regulation capabilities
Obviousness Reasoning
Introducing intermediate thermal conditioning zones is a known technique for improving heating uniformity and process control, representing a finite set of design improvements
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11856976, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the technical variations disclosed herein to be obvious extensions of the prior art. The incremental improvements in thermal regulation, energy control, and process monitoring represent predictable engineering solutions that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to optimize RF heating systems for packaged articles.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,856,976
TitleContact members for packaged articles heated with radio frequency energy