Published Technical Disclosure Archive

RF Energy Sterilization: Advanced Packaging Technology

Publication ID: 24-11856976_0008_PTD
Published: October 26, 2025
Category:Synergistic Combinations

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “RF Energy Sterilization: Advanced Packaging Technology,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11856976_0008_PTD, Published October 26, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11856976_0008_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 method for sterilizing or pasteurizing packaged articles using RF energy. However, this method had limitations in terms of real-time monitoring, optimization, and integration with other technologies. The present invention addresses these limitations by incorporating synergistic combinations of distinct technologies to create a more powerful system.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce novel synergistic combinations of RF heating with blockchain, IoT, AI, and nanomaterials, which are not obvious from the original patent. The inventive step lies in the integration of these distinct technologies to create a more powerful, adaptive, and connected system for sterilizing and pasteurizing packaged articles.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the invention could include varying the type of RF energy used, incorporating additional sensors or data analytics tools, or utilizing different nanomaterials for thermal interfaces. Variations could also include integrating the system with existing supply chain management systems or using different machine learning algorithms for optimization.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The invention has significant commercial potential in industries such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices, where efficient and effective sterilization or pasteurization of packaged articles is critical. The system's ability to integrate with existing infrastructure and provide real-time monitoring and optimization makes it an attractive solution for companies seeking to improve their processes and reduce costs.

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, thermal processing systems, and advanced manufacturing with expertise in electromagnetic energy applications, sensor integration, and process optimization

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A professional with advanced engineering or food science degree, experienced in RF heating technologies, familiar with IoT sensor networks, machine learning applications in industrial processes, and understanding of thermal transfer mechanisms

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that integrating blockchain, IoT, and AI technologies into RF heating systems represents a predictable extension of existing process control methodologies. The fundamental RF heating mechanism remains consistent with the source patent, while the proposed technological enhancements represent standard engineering approaches to improving monitoring, tracking, and optimization of industrial thermal processing systems. These variations demonstrate incremental improvements using well-established technological integration strategies that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
RF energy heating process for packaged articles with thermal regulation zones
PTD Variation
Adding IoT sensor networks and machine learning algorithms to monitor and optimize temperature control
Obviousness Reasoning
Integrating real-time monitoring and adaptive control represents a known technique for improving industrial process efficiency, using predictable technological extensions
Source Patent Element
Conveyance system for transporting articles through heating zones
PTD Variation
Implementing blockchain-based tracking for monitoring article movement and thermal processing parameters
Obviousness Reasoning
Supply chain tracking and data logging are standard practices in advanced manufacturing, representing a straightforward technological enhancement with predictable implementation
Source Patent Element
Radio frequency energy application for heating packaged articles
PTD Variation
Incorporating nanomaterial-based thermal interfaces to enhance heat transfer efficiency
Obviousness Reasoning
Material science approaches to improving thermal transfer are well-established, and nanomaterial enhancements represent a predictable optimization strategy for existing thermal processing technologies
Source Patent Element
Thermal processing system for packaged articles
PTD Variation
Adding AI-powered predictive maintenance and remote monitoring capabilities
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictive maintenance and remote monitoring are standard industrial control techniques, representing a logical and obvious extension of existing process control methodologies
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11856976 and the disclosed technological variations, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the proposed system modifications obvious and lacking inventive step. The integration of blockchain, IoT, AI, and nanomaterial technologies into RF heating processes represents predictable engineering extensions that do not rise to the level of non-obvious innovation, thereby rendering potential claims in this domain unpatentable under 35 U.S.C. Section 103.

Original Patent Information

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