Adaptive Additive Mixing Technology: Multi-Industry Solution
Legal Citation
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent addressed the need for efficient mixing of additives with food during manufacturing. However, this invention recognizes that similar challenges exist in other industries, where precise control over additive application is crucial. By adapting the core technology to new use cases, this invention solves the problem of inefficient or ineffective additive application in diverse fields.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel applications of the original patent's core technology, demonstrating an inventive step in adapting the mixing apparatus to diverse industries. The specific configurations and operational modes for each industry constitute a non-obvious extension of the original invention.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include modifying the hopper design for specific material types, integrating sensors to monitor additive application, or incorporating additional processing steps to enhance material properties. Variations could also involve using different types of additives or adjusting the apparatus for batch or continuous processing.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The adaptive mixing apparatus has significant commercial potential in various industries, including agriculture, textiles, mechanical engineering, medical devices, and construction materials. The invention can improve product quality, reduce waste, and increase efficiency in these sectors, offering a competitive advantage to manufacturers and suppliers.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Food processing, material coating, and industrial mixing technologies involving multi-stage additive application systems, with expertise in mechanical design, fluid dynamics, and precision material handling
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
An engineer with advanced mechanical engineering or food science degree, experienced in industrial mixing equipment design, familiar with coating and processing techniques across multiple industries, capable of adapting core mechanical principles to diverse application contexts
Obviousness Rationale
The PTD demonstrates a straightforward technological translation of the source patent's core mixing apparatus principles by systematically replacing food processing with alternative materials and contexts. A PHOSITA would recognize the fundamental mechanical design elements are universally applicable across industries, with minimal substantive modifications required to adapt the core mixing mechanism to different substrates and coating objectives.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,856,977 |
|---|---|
| Title | Mixing apparatus for mixing an additive with food while the food is falling |
| Assignee(s) | AJINOMOTO CO., INC., MAYEKAWA MFG. CO., LTD. |