Environmental and Agricultural Monitoring Systems using Implantable Sensors and Detachable Pusher Members

Publication ID: 24-11857196_0002_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Environmental and Agricultural Monitoring Systems using Implantable Sensors and Detachable Pusher Members,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857196_0002_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857196_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. 11,857,196.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

The present inventive concept relates to novel applications of implantable sensors and detachable pusher members for monitoring environmental pollutants, tracking marine life migration patterns, controlling agricultural pests, monitoring soil moisture levels, and detecting wildfires.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent, 'Implant delivery system', primarily focused on delivering implant devices to a target site or location within the body of a patient. However, this inventive concept addresses the limitations of the original patent by exploring new applications and use cases for the core technology. Specifically, it tackles the problems of environmental pollution, inefficient agricultural practices, and inadequate natural resource management by proposing innovative monitoring systems.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept comprises a network of implantable sensors configured to detect specific parameters such as pollutants, pest populations, soil moisture levels, or temperature and humidity levels. These sensors are detachably coupled to a pusher member using a stretch-resistant tether, allowing for precise placement and detachment at predetermined locations. A heater element disposed near the distal end of the pusher member facilitates detachment of the sensors from the pusher member. This enables efficient and targeted monitoring, reducing the need for manual intervention and promoting more accurate data collection.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The novelty of this inventive concept lies in the adaptation of the original implant delivery system technology to entirely new industries and applications. The inventive step involves the integration of implantable sensors, detachable pusher members, and heater elements to create a comprehensive monitoring system for environmental and agricultural applications.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include variations in sensor types, pusher member designs, and detachment mechanisms. For instance, sensors could be designed to detect different parameters, such as water quality or air pollution. Pusher members could be modified to accommodate different types of sensors or to operate in various environments. Detachment mechanisms could be replaced with alternative methods, such as mechanical or chemical release systems.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including environmental monitoring, agriculture, and natural resource management. The market for such monitoring systems is substantial, with growing demand for efficient and accurate data collection solutions. Potential customers include government agencies, research institutions, and private companies involved in environmental conservation, agricultural production, and natural resource management.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61B17/12113
A A61 A61B17/12022
A A61 A61B17/12154
A A61 A61B90/39
A A61 A61F2/01
A A61 A61F2/95
A A61 A61B2017/12068
A A61 A61F2/011
A A61 A61F2002/9505
A A61 A61F2002/9511
A A61 A61F2250/0071

Field of Art

Medical device delivery systems, implantable sensor technologies, and minimally invasive medical instrumentation, with expertise in mechanical design, electrical integration, and biomedical engineering

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with advanced degree, 3-5 years experience in implantable device technologies, familiar with thermal detachment mechanisms, sensor integration, and minimally invasive delivery techniques

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the fundamental thermal detachment mechanism and implant delivery system from US 11857196 could be readily adapted to alternative monitoring applications by substituting medical implants with environmental sensors. The core technological principles of detachable tethered devices with thermal release mechanisms remain consistent across different domains, suggesting predictable engineering extensions.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Pusher member with detachable implant connected via tether and thermal release mechanism
PTD Variation
Replacing medical implants with environmental monitoring sensors for tracking marine life, soil conditions, and wildfire detection
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable engineering adaptation applying known delivery system principles to alternative sensor deployment scenarios with minimal technical modification
Source Patent Element
Resistance-type heating element mounted over tether for controlled detachment
PTD Variation
Using identical thermal detachment mechanism to release sensors at predetermined environmental monitoring locations
Obviousness Reasoning
Known technique of thermal decoupling applied across different technological domains with expected consistent performance
Source Patent Element
Elongated pusher member connectable to an implant
PTD Variation
Modifying pusher geometry to accommodate different sensor types and environmental monitoring requirements
Obviousness Reasoning
Design choice involving routine mechanical engineering adaptation with predictable functional outcomes
Source Patent Element
Electrical wire connections for controlling heating element
PTD Variation
Implementing similar electrical control systems for sensor detachment in environmental monitoring contexts
Obviousness Reasoning
Straightforward electrical engineering translation of existing control mechanism to new application domain
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US 11857196, a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art would find the environmental monitoring system variations disclosed herein to be obvious extensions of the source patent's implant delivery technology. The fundamental thermal detachment mechanism, tethered sensor deployment, and electrical control systems represent predictable engineering adaptations that do not rise to the level of non-obvious invention.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,196
TitleImplant delivery system
Assignee(s)MicroVention, Inc.