Published Technical Disclosure Archive

RF Energy Sterilization: Advanced Heating Innovation

Publication ID: 24-11856976_0006_PTD
Published: October 26, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “RF Energy Sterilization: Advanced Heating Innovation,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11856976_0006_PTD, Published October 26, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11856976_0006_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 disclosed a process for sterilizing or pasteurizing packaged articles using RF energy. However, it had limitations in terms of heating efficiency, uniformity, and adaptability to varying article types and quantities. The new invention addresses these limitations by incorporating advanced features and designs to enhance the overall RF heating process.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new invention's dynamic adjustments, real-time monitoring, and optimized component designs provide a significant improvement over the original patent, offering increased efficiency, safety, and throughput. The inventive step lies in the integration of these advanced features to create a more adaptable and effective RF heating system.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the invention may include using different types of conveyance systems, such as rotary or vibrating conveyors, or incorporating additional sensors and monitoring systems to further optimize the RF heating process. Variations may also include using the invention for heating articles other than packaged goods, such as medical devices or food products.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The invention has significant commercial potential in the food processing, pharmaceutical, and medical device industries, where efficient and safe sterilization or pasteurization of packaged articles is critical. The market for RF heating systems is growing, driven by increasing demand for efficient and sustainable processing technologies.

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 radio frequency (RF) heating systems, with expertise in thermal processing, conveyance systems, and electromagnetic energy applications for sterilization and pasteurization

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

An engineer with advanced degree in food engineering or mechanical engineering, experienced in RF heating technologies, familiar with industrial food processing equipment, and knowledgeable about electromagnetic energy transfer principles

Obviousness Rationale

A person having ordinary skill would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable engineering improvements to the source patent's RF heating system, utilizing known techniques of dynamic energy adjustment, sensor integration, and process optimization that are standard design approaches in thermal processing technologies.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Conveyance system for transporting packaged articles through RF heating zone
PTD Variation
Variable speed conveyance system with automated article alignment mechanism
Obviousness Reasoning
Adjusting conveyance speed and alignment are routine design modifications to optimize throughput and heating uniformity, representing a predictable variation within standard engineering practice
Source Patent Element
RF energy heating process for packaged articles
PTD Variation
Multi-frequency RF energy output to accommodate varying article sizes and compositions
Obviousness Reasoning
Adapting RF frequency parameters to different material properties is a known technique for improving energy transfer efficiency, representing an obvious solution to variable heating requirements
Source Patent Element
Basic RF heating method for packaged articles
PTD Variation
Real-time temperature monitoring with dynamic RF energy output adjustment
Obviousness Reasoning
Implementing closed-loop feedback control is a standard engineering approach for process optimization, providing predictable results in thermal processing systems
Source Patent Element
RF heating process for packaged articles
PTD Variation
Pre-treating articles with chemical additives to enhance RF energy absorption
Obviousness Reasoning
Modifying material properties to improve energy transfer is a well-known technique in electromagnetic processing, representing an obvious enhancement to existing heating methodologies
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 variations disclosed herein to be obvious extensions of the prior art, representing routine engineering modifications that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner without requiring inventive insight. The disclosed improvements in RF heating system design, including dynamic energy adjustment, multi-frequency output, and real-time monitoring, constitute predictable variations that do not rise to the level of non-obvious innovation.

Original Patent Information

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