Dual Lumen Catheter for Industrial and Environmental Applications
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept leverages the dual lumen catheter technology to enable novel applications in industrial and environmental monitoring, inspection, and maintenance.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent addressed the limitations of peripheral lung tumor sampling and ultrasound visualization. However, the same technology can be applied to other industries and fields, such as industrial pipeline inspection, aquaculture, wind turbine maintenance, oil and gas pipeline leak detection, and aircraft wing inspection, where the ability to integrate multiple tools and sensors through a single catheter can provide significant advantages.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The dual lumen catheter is adapted to receive an ultrasound probe and a secondary tool or sensor, such as a cleaning tool, sampling device, robotic inspection tool, or sensing device. The catheter's design allows for real-time imaging and simultaneous tool operation, enabling efficient and effective inspection, monitoring, and maintenance in various industrial and environmental settings.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel applications and use cases for the dual lumen catheter technology, which were not originally considered. The inventive step lies in recognizing the potential of the technology to be adapted to different industries and fields, and designing the catheter to accommodate the specific requirements of each application.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include variations in catheter material, size, and shape to accommodate different environments and tools. Additional sensors or tools could be integrated into the catheter to enhance its capabilities, such as temperature or pressure sensors, or manipulator arms for more complex tasks.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including industrial pipeline inspection, aquaculture, wind energy, oil and gas, and aerospace. The ability to integrate multiple tools and sensors through a single catheter can provide cost savings, increased efficiency, and improved safety, making it an attractive solution for companies operating in these sectors.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B8/445 |
| A | A61 | A61B1/00066 |
| A | A61 | A61B1/00135 |
| A | A61 | A61B1/00137 |
| A | A61 | A61B1/018 |
| A | A61 | A61B1/0125 |
| A | A61 | A61B1/2676 |
| A | A61 | A61B8/12 |
| A | A61 | A61B8/4494 |
| A | A61 | A61M25/0026 |
| A | A61 | A61M25/0136 |
| A | A61 | A61M2025/0037 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical and industrial imaging technologies, specifically endoscopic and diagnostic probe systems with multi-lumen catheter designs for visualization and intervention
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A skilled practitioner with expertise in medical device engineering, ultrasound imaging technologies, and catheter design, possessing knowledge of cross-industry probe and imaging system adaptations
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill would recognize the fundamental versatility of the dual-lumen catheter design disclosed in the source patent, understanding that its core technical principles could be readily adapted to alternative industrial and environmental inspection contexts. The source patent's core innovation of collateral probe insertion and simultaneous secondary lumen functionality provides a clear technological foundation for extending the concept beyond medical applications. A PHOSITA would naturally perceive the potential for translating this imaging and intervention approach across different technical domains by making predictable modifications to materials, sizing, and specific tool configurations.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,365 |
|---|---|
| Title | Dual lumen catheter |
| Assignee(s) | OLYMPUS MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORP. |