Environmental and Biological Monitoring System using Stapling Technology
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept leverages the core stapling technology from the original surgical stapling device patent to create novel systems and methods for monitoring environmental pollution, wildlife populations, soil quality, water quality, and food safety.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent's surgical stapling device was designed for medical applications, but its core technology has untapped potential in other fields. Traditional monitoring methods in environmental and biological fields often rely on manual sampling, which can be time-consuming, expensive, and prone to errors. This inventive concept addresses these limitations by adapting the stapling technology to collect and analyze samples in various industries.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept encompasses a range of systems and methods that utilize the stapling device to collect and analyze samples in different environments. For instance, the system for monitoring environmental pollution uses a network of sensors and the stapling device to collect and analyze pollution samples. Similarly, the method for monitoring wildlife populations employs the stapling device to collect and analyze biological samples. The device for monitoring soil quality combines the stapling device with a sensor to detect nutrient levels, while the system for monitoring water quality uses the stapling device with a sensor to detect contaminants. The method for monitoring food safety utilizes the stapling device to collect and analyze food samples. These systems and methods leverage the stapling technology's precision, efficiency, and reliability to provide accurate and timely data.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a significant departure from the original patent's medical focus, applying the stapling technology to entirely new industries and use cases. The inventive step lies in the recognition of the core technology's potential in these fields and the adaptation of the stapling device to address specific challenges in environmental and biological monitoring.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include modifications to the stapling device's design, materials, or operation to better suit specific monitoring applications. Variations could also involve integrating the stapling device with other technologies, such as drones, autonomous vehicles, or IoT sensors, to enhance monitoring capabilities.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including environmental consulting, wildlife conservation, agriculture, water treatment, and food processing. The market for monitoring systems and methods is growing rapidly, driven by increasing concerns about environmental sustainability, public health, and food safety. The adapted stapling technology could provide a competitive edge in these markets, offering a more efficient, accurate, and cost-effective solution for monitoring and analysis.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B17/072 |
| A | A61 | A61B90/03 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/07271 |
| A | A61 | A61B2090/038 |
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,185 |
|---|---|
| Title | Surgical stapling device with shipping cap |
| Assignee(s) | Covidien LP |