Multi-Functional Grasper Technology for Diverse Applications

Publication ID: 24-11857214_0007_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Multi-Functional Grasper Technology for Diverse Applications,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857214_0007_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857214_0007_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. 11,857,214.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

The present inventive concept leverages the core technology of the original medical device patent to develop novel applications in wildlife monitoring, infrastructure inspection, search and rescue, underwater pipeline inspection, and agricultural harvesting.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent's medical device was limited to minimally invasive medical procedures. However, the innovative design of the tissue grasper and end effector can be adapted to tackle complex problems in various industries. The new inventive concept addresses the need for versatile, adaptable, and efficient solutions in these fields.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept revolves around the core technology of the tissue grasper, which is modified and integrated into various systems and devices to tackle specific challenges. For instance, in wildlife monitoring, the grasper is adapted to grasp and hold small animals, while the data tracking module records and analyzes data on the animals. Similarly, in infrastructure inspection, the grasper is used to grasp and hold infrastructure components, and sensors and cameras analyze the components. The robotic system for search and rescue operations utilizes the grasper to grasp and hold objects, guided by a navigation module. The underwater pipeline inspection device features a waterproof housing, and the agricultural harvesting system incorporates a processing module for sorting and packaging harvested crops.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce novel applications of the original medical device technology, which are non-obvious and unanticipated by the original patent. The inventive concept's versatility and adaptability to diverse industries demonstrate a significant departure from the original medical device's intended use.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include modifying the grasper's design for specific industries, integrating additional sensors or cameras, or developing specialized software for data analysis and processing. Variations could also involve adapting the grasper for use in other industries, such as environmental monitoring or disaster response.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including wildlife conservation, infrastructure management, search and rescue operations, underwater pipeline inspection, and agricultural harvesting. The market for these applications is substantial, with a growing need for efficient, adaptable, and innovative solutions.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61B17/295
A A61 A61B17/29
A A61 A61B18/1445
A A61 A61B17/068
A A61 A61B17/34
A A61 A61B18/085
A A61 A61B2017/2901
A A61 A61B2017/2926
A A61 A61B2017/320044
A A61 A61B2018/00595
A A61 A61B2018/1455
A A61 A61B2090/0817
A A61 A61B2217/005
A A61 A61B2217/007
A A61 A61B2218/002
A A61 A61B2218/007

Field of Art

Medical device engineering, specifically minimally invasive surgical instrumentation with articulating end effectors, encompassing robotic and mechanical grasping technologies across multiple domains

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or mechanical engineer with expertise in surgical instrument design, robotic manipulation, sensor integration, and cross-domain technology adaptation, holding advanced degrees and 5-10 years of professional experience

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize the fundamental grasping mechanism of the source patent as a versatile technological platform capable of adaptation across multiple technical domains. The core mechanical principles of tissue manipulation are readily transferable to other precision grasping applications by modifying the end effector design and integrating domain-specific sensors or control systems. The PTD demonstrates predictable variations that leverage the source patent's core technological insights through straightforward engineering modifications.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Articulating end effector with moveable first and second arms capable of grasping and manipulating objects
PTD Variation
Adapting the grasping mechanism for wildlife monitoring, infrastructure inspection, search and rescue, underwater pipeline inspection, and agricultural harvesting
Obviousness Reasoning
Known technique of repurposing mechanical grasping systems across domains, with predictable results achieved through standard sensor and housing modifications
Source Patent Element
Aperture design extending through arm thickness for potential sensor or instrumentation integration
PTD Variation
Integrating cameras, sensors, and data tracking modules into the grasping mechanism
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable engineering solution for adding functionality by utilizing existing structural features, representing a routine design modification for a PHOSITA
Source Patent Element
Minimally invasive medical device with precision manipulation capabilities
PTD Variation
Developing robotic systems for navigation through complex environments like debris, underwater spaces, or agricultural fields
Obviousness Reasoning
Obvious extension of precision control principles from surgical robotics to other navigation and manipulation contexts, representing a known technique of technological cross-pollination
Source Patent Element
Staple positioning and arm configuration for tissue management
PTD Variation
Adapting grasping mechanism for crop harvesting with integrated sorting and packaging modules
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable application of precision grasping technology to agricultural automation, representing a finite set of obvious engineering solutions
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857214, the present publication demonstrates that the claimed variations in multi-domain grasping technologies would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in medical device and robotic engineering at the time of invention, rendering subsequent claims involving similar technological adaptations anticipated and unpatentable.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,214
TitleMulti-functional medical device and related
Assignee(s)Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.