Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Adaptive Mixing Apparatus for Diverse Environments

Publication ID: 24-11856977_0004_PTD
Published: October 26, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Adaptive Mixing Apparatus for Diverse Environments,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11856977_0004_PTD, Published October 26, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11856977_0004_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. 11,856,977.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed a mixing apparatus for mixing an additive with food while the food is falling. However, it did not address the need for specialized variations of the mixing apparatus to cater to specific, niche environments. The present invention solves this problem by introducing adaptive designs and components that enable the mixing apparatus to operate effectively in diverse and challenging environments.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce novel and non-obvious adaptations of the original mixing apparatus to specific, niche environments. The inventive step lies in the design of specialized enclosures and components that enable the mixing apparatus to operate effectively in diverse and challenging environments.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Other embodiments of the adaptive mixing apparatus could include designs for use in space exploration, remote or isolated locations, or other unique operational environments. Variations of the invention could also include different types of additives or foods, or alternative mixing mechanisms.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The adaptive mixing apparatus has significant commercial potential in various industries, including food manufacturing, disaster relief, space exploration, and underwater exploration. The invention's ability to adapt to specific, niche environments enables it to cater to a wide range of markets and applications.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A23 A23P20/18
A A23 A23G3/0095
A A23 A23G3/26
A A23 A23L7/109
A A23 A23P20/13
A A47 A47J31/401
A A47 A47J31/402
A A47 A47J31/404
A A47 A47J31/465
A A47 A47J31/54
A A61 A61J3/005
B B01 B01F25/721
B B01 B01F33/813
B B01 B01F35/7548
B B01 B01J2/12
B B05 B05B13/025
B B05 B05B13/0257
A A23 A23V2002/00
B B05 B05C3/00
B B05 B05C3/08
B B05 B05D3/12
B B67 B67D1/0016

Field of Art

Food processing and preparation technologies, specifically apparatus for mixing additives with food during a falling motion, with expertise in mechanical design, food handling, and environmental adaptation techniques

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A mechanical engineer or food processing technologist with advanced degree, experience in industrial food preparation systems, understanding of thermal and mechanical transfer principles, and knowledge of equipment design for diverse environmental conditions

Obviousness Rationale

A person of ordinary skill would recognize that the source patent's fundamental mixing mechanism can be readily adapted to different environmental contexts by applying standard engineering modifications. The core principle of mixing an additive with falling food remains consistent across the disclosed variations. The adaptations represent predictable engineering solutions using known techniques of enclosure design, pressure management, and environmental compensation.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Mixing apparatus with multiple hoppers and falling food mixing mechanism
PTD Variation
High-security food production enclosure with controlled mixing environment
Obviousness Reasoning
Applying standard containment and security design principles to the existing mixing mechanism represents a predictable design variation achievable through routine engineering modifications
Source Patent Element
Supply device for delivering additive during food falling motion
PTD Variation
Disaster relief portable mixing system with rapid deployment capabilities
Obviousness Reasoning
Modifying the existing mixing apparatus for portability and rapid deployment represents a straightforward adaptation using known mechanical engineering techniques
Source Patent Element
Mixing mechanism that operates during food falling trajectory
PTD Variation
High-altitude and pressure-resistant food preparation apparatus
Obviousness Reasoning
Adapting the mixing mechanism to function under different pressure conditions is a predictable engineering solution using known pressure compensation techniques
Source Patent Element
Spray device for delivering additive to falling food
PTD Variation
Underwater food preparation system with buoyancy control
Obviousness Reasoning
Extending the mixing mechanism to function in aquatic environments represents a logical engineering adaptation using standard fluid dynamics and containment principles
Source Patent Element
Temperature-independent food mixing process
PTD Variation
Extreme weather food preparation system with temperature regulation
Obviousness Reasoning
Implementing temperature control mechanisms represents a standard engineering approach to expanding operational environments for food processing equipment
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11856977, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the disclosed variations of the mixing apparatus to be obvious extensions of the fundamental mixing mechanism, representing predictable engineering adaptations that do not rise to the level of non-obvious innovation. The variations demonstrate routine application of known technical principles to expand the operational context of the original food mixing apparatus.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,856,977
TitleMixing apparatus for mixing an additive with food while the food is falling
Assignee(s)AJINOMOTO CO., INC., MAYEKAWA MFG. CO., LTD.