Advanced Specimen Lockbox System for High-Risk Environments

Publication ID: 24-11857017_0004_PTD
Published: October 27, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Advanced Specimen Lockbox System for High-Risk Environments,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857017_0004_PTD, Published October 27, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857017_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. 11,857,017.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent, 'Intelligent laboratory lockbox system,' provided a solution for the safe handling of specimens in laboratories. However, the existing system had limitations in addressing specific challenges in unique operational environments. The present invention adapts the original concept to cater to these niche markets, offering specialized variations that overcome the constraints of the original system.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The novelty of the present invention lies in the adaptation of the original intelligent laboratory lockbox system to address specific challenges in various operational environments. The inventive step is the incorporation of specialized components and features that enable the system to operate effectively in these unique environments, thereby providing a tailored solution for each niche market.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the invention could include the integration of advanced sensors for monitoring specimen conditions, the use of artificial intelligence for predictive maintenance, or the development of customized software applications for specific operational environments. Variations of the invention could also involve the use of different materials or designs for the vault unit, communication module, or power backup system, depending on the specific requirements of each niche market.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The invention has significant commercial potential in various industries, including disaster relief, environmental monitoring, high-security facilities, remote field research, and high-containment laboratories. The specialized laboratory lockbox systems can provide a competitive advantage to organizations operating in these niches, enabling them to ensure the safe handling and transportation of specimens in challenging environments.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A42 A42B1/225
G G06 G06Q10/0633
G G06 G06Q10/0832
G G06 G06Q10/0833
Y Y10 Y10T24/32

Field of Art

Laboratory specimen management systems, focusing on secure storage, tracking, and environmental monitoring technologies with expertise in IoT, sensor integration, and secure communication protocols

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A professional with advanced engineering or computer science background, experience in laboratory information systems, knowledge of sensor technologies, communication protocols, and specimen management workflows

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the source patent's intelligent lockbox system provides a fundamental framework for specimen tracking and environmental monitoring that can be readily adapted to specialized environments. The core technical elements of temperature sensing, communication modules, and secure storage are universally applicable across different operational contexts. The variations disclosed in the PTD represent predictable extensions of the source patent's core technological concepts by applying known engineering techniques to specific use case scenarios.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Temperature sensing and monitoring of vault unit internal conditions
PTD Variation
Adding specialized temperature control modules for extreme weather or high-containment environments
Obviousness Reasoning
A PHOSITA would recognize that temperature monitoring is a fundamental requirement across laboratory environments, and adapting sensor technologies to specific conditions represents a routine design optimization
Source Patent Element
Communication module for reporting specimen status to remote devices
PTD Variation
Implementing satellite or specialized communication protocols for disaster relief or remote research scenarios
Obviousness Reasoning
Selecting appropriate communication technologies based on operational environment is a predictable engineering solution within the known state of telecommunications and tracking systems
Source Patent Element
Secure vault unit with electronic tracking capabilities
PTD Variation
Integrating biometric authentication, GPS tracking, and surveillance modules
Obviousness Reasoning
Enhancing security through additional authentication and tracking mechanisms represents a logical progression of the source patent's core secure storage concept
Source Patent Element
Electronic health record integration for specimen tracking
PTD Variation
Developing specialized reporting interfaces for disaster relief, research, and high-security facilities
Obviousness Reasoning
Customizing data reporting interfaces for specific institutional requirements is a standard practice in information system design
Source Patent Element
Power management and backup systems for vault unit
PTD Variation
Creating portable, battery-powered units with extended operational capabilities
Obviousness Reasoning
Adapting power systems to support diverse operational environments is a predictable engineering solution using known battery and power management technologies
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857017 and the disclosed variations, a person of ordinary skill in the art would find the proposed laboratory lockbox system configurations obvious and lacking inventive step. The systematic adaptation of core specimen tracking and environmental monitoring technologies to specialized use cases represents a predictable application of known engineering principles, thereby rendering potential patent claims obvious and anticipated by the prior art.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,017
TitleIntelligent laboratory lockbox system
Assignee(s)CERNER INNOVATION, INC.