Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Advanced Food Mixing Apparatus for Specialized Environments

Publication ID: 24-11856977_0009_PTD
Published: October 26, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Advanced Food Mixing Apparatus for Specialized Environments,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11856977_0009_PTD, Published October 26, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11856977_0009_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, the original invention did not address the challenges and requirements of specific, niche environments. The present invention addresses these limitations by providing specialized mixing apparatuses tailored to these unique operational environments.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The present invention's novelty lies in its adaptation of the original mixing apparatus to specific, niche environments, addressing the unique challenges and requirements of these environments. The inventive step resides in the specialized design elements, such as remote access and control, weather-resistant housing, temperature-controlled additive supply, power generation and water purification units, and compensation for low air pressure and low oxygen levels.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the invention may include variations in the design of the mixing apparatus, such as different hopper configurations, alternative additive supply devices, or modified control systems. Additionally, the invention could be adapted for use in other niche environments, such as space exploration or underwater operations.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The present invention has significant commercial potential in various industries, including food manufacturing, disaster relief, and high-security facilities. The specialized mixing apparatuses can provide unique solutions for specific markets, enabling companies to operate efficiently and effectively in challenging environments.

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 equipment, specifically mixing apparatus for applying additives to food during processing, with expertise in mechanical design, food handling systems, and industrial food preparation techniques

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A mechanical engineer or food processing technologist with advanced degree, 5-7 years industrial experience, familiar with food handling equipment design, additive application methods, and environmental adaptation of processing machinery

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the source patent's fundamental mixing apparatus design provides a versatile platform for environmental adaptation. The core mechanism of mixing additives during food falling can be readily modified for specialized contexts by applying standard engineering design principles and known techniques for equipment ruggedization and environmental compensation.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Multiple hoppers with separate tops for additive mixing during food falling
PTD Variation
Adapting hopper design for remote access and control in high-security facilities
Obviousness Reasoning
Modifying mechanical interfaces for remote operation is a predictable design variation using standard industrial control systems and known mechanical actuation techniques
Source Patent Element
Spray device for supplying additive to falling food
PTD Variation
Temperature-controlled additive supply for extreme environmental conditions
Obviousness Reasoning
Adding thermal management to existing spray mechanisms is a known technique for maintaining consistent fluid delivery across variable temperature ranges
Source Patent Element
Mixing apparatus with multiple interconnected tanks for additive storage
PTD Variation
Integrating power generation and water purification units with mixing apparatus
Obviousness Reasoning
Combining auxiliary systems with primary food processing equipment represents a standard engineering approach to creating self-contained, multi-functional industrial machinery
Source Patent Element
Food mixing method involving falling food and additive application
PTD Variation
Compensating for low air pressure and oxygen levels in high-altitude environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Adjusting mechanical and fluid dynamics for altitude variations is a predictable engineering solution using known fluid mechanics and pressure compensation techniques
Source Patent Element
Modular hopper design with rotatable attachments
PTD Variation
Weather-resistant housing protecting mixing apparatus from environmental elements
Obviousness Reasoning
Implementing protective enclosures and environmental sealing represents a standard design approach for industrial equipment adaptation
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11856977's fundamental mixing apparatus design, the present publication demonstrates that a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art would find the disclosed environmental adaptations and specialized implementations obvious through standard engineering modifications, thereby rendering potential claims to such variations unpatentable under 35 U.S.C. ยง 103 as obvious variations of the prior art.

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.