Lateral Retractor System for Diverse Industrial Applications

Publication ID: 24-11857173_0002_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Lateral Retractor System for Diverse Industrial Applications,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857173_0002_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857173_0002_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. 11,857,173.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept leverages the core technology of the original lateral retractor system to address various challenges in new industries, including robotic harvesting, wind turbine inspection, industrial machinery cleaning, search and rescue operations, and aircraft inspection.

Background and Problem Solved

The original lateral retractor system was designed for lateral spine surgical procedures, but its limitations in terms of adaptability, versatility, and robustness hindered its application to other fields. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by adapting the core technology to tackle distinct problems in diverse industries.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept comprises a lateral retractor system adapted for navigating through dense foliage, narrow spaces, rubble, and debris, depending on the specific application. The system is equipped with a robotic arm, camera, cleaning head, sensor array, or other attachments tailored to the target industry. The retractor system's pivotable armatures, gears, and retractable blades are modified to accommodate the unique demands of each industry.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new inventive concept introduces a paradigm shift by applying the lateral retractor system to entirely new fields, overcoming the limitations of the original patent. The inventive step lies in the creative adaptation of the core technology to address distinct challenges in various industries, resulting in novel and non-obvious solutions.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include modifying the retractor system for underwater exploration, adapting the system for use in confined spaces, or integrating the system with autonomous vehicles. These variations would ensure broad conceptual coverage and further expand the inventive concept's applicability.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including agriculture, renewable energy, manufacturing, emergency response, and aerospace. The market demand for efficient, adaptable, and robust solutions in these fields is substantial, and the inventive concept is poised to capitalize on these opportunities.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61B17/0206
A A61 A61B17/025
A A61 A61B17/7079
A A61 A61B2017/00477
A A61 A61B2017/0256

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,173
TitleLateral retractor system and methods of use
Assignee(s)Zimmer Biomet Spine, Inc.