RF Energy Sanitization: Advanced Sterilization Tech

Publication ID: 24-11856976_0002_PTD

Published: October 26, 2025

Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “RF Energy Sanitization: Advanced Sterilization Tech,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11856976_0002_PTD, Published October 26, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11856976_0002_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 focused on using RF energy for heating packaged articles. However, there is a growing need for effective sanitizing and sterilizing methods in various industries. The present invention addresses this limitation by applying the core technology of the original patent to new applications, providing a more efficient, rapid, and targeted approach to sanitizing and sterilizing.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce novel applications and use cases for RF energy, which were not considered in the original patent. The inventive step lies in adapting the core technology to address specific sanitizing and sterilizing challenges in different industries, providing a unique solution that combines the benefits of RF energy with the requirements of each application.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the invention could include varying the RF energy frequency, adjusting the chamber design, or incorporating additional components to enhance the sanitizing or sterilizing effect. Variations could also involve integrating the RF energy system with existing processes or equipment in the target industries.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The invention has significant commercial potential in various industries, including agriculture, healthcare, life sciences, and environmental remediation. The market for sanitizing and sterilizing solutions is growing, driven by increasing concerns about contamination, infection control, and environmental sustainability. The invention's advantages in terms of speed, efficiency, and targeted effectiveness position it for widespread adoption and market success.

CPC Classifications

Section	Class	Group
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

Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)

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Field of Art

Radio frequency energy systems for thermal processing, with expertise in electromagnetic energy application, thermal regulation, and industrial/medical sterilization technologies

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

An engineer with advanced degree in electrical or mechanical engineering, specialized knowledge of RF energy principles, thermal transfer mechanisms, and experience designing energy-based processing systems for various industries

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the core RF energy heating principles disclosed in US 11856976 are broadly applicable across multiple domains, with predictable thermal transfer and sterilization outcomes. The PTD's variations represent straightforward adaptations of known RF energy techniques to solve specific industry-specific challenges. The fundamental mechanism of using controlled electromagnetic radiation to achieve thermal sanitization remains consistent across the disclosed applications.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element

Radio frequency energy heating process for packaged articles

PTD Variation

Agricultural tool sanitization using RF energy chamber

Obviousness Reasoning

Predictable extension of existing RF heating technique to a new substrate, using known temperature control principles

Source Patent Element

Thermal regulation zones in RF energy processing

PTD Variation

Temperature control system for preventing overheating during medical instrument sterilization

Obviousness Reasoning

Known temperature management technique applied to a different domain with minimal inventive complexity

Source Patent Element

Conveyance system for moving articles through RF energy zone

PTD Variation

Sample holder for biological sample thawing using RF energy

Obviousness Reasoning

Routine adaptation of existing RF energy transport and heating methodology to a new application with expected results

Source Patent Element

RF energy frequency range of 300 kHz to 300 MHz

PTD Variation

Contaminated soil treatment using targeted RF energy frequencies

Obviousness Reasoning

Obvious selection of known RF energy parameters to address specific material heating requirements

Source Patent Element

Process for heating packaged articles using electromagnetic radiation

PTD Variation

Medical implant surface microbial reduction method

Obviousness Reasoning

Straightforward application of established RF energy principles to achieve thermal sanitization in a different context

35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US 11856976, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the variations disclosed herein to be obvious extensions of known radio frequency energy heating techniques. The PTD demonstrates that the core principles of electromagnetic thermal processing are readily adaptable across multiple technical domains, rendering subsequent claims involving similar methodological approaches unpatentable under standard obviousness analysis.

Original Patent Information

Patent Number	US 11,856,976
Title	Contact members for packaged articles heated with radio frequency energy