Intelligent Medical Device Washing Appliance Systems

Publication ID: 24-11857383_0003_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:Synergistic Combinations

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Intelligent Medical Device Washing Appliance Systems,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857383_0003_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857383_0003_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. 11,857,383.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

A synergistic system integrating advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, blockchain, and antimicrobial materials to optimize medical device washing, reduce waste, and improve healthcare efficiency.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed a washing appliance for medical devices, but it lacked the ability to adapt to diverse device types, usage histories, and contamination risks. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by incorporating cutting-edge technologies to create a more efficient, effective, and safe washing system.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The intelligent washing appliance system integrates an AI module to analyze device data and generate customized washing protocols. IoT-enabled sensors detect contaminants and trigger alerts, while machine learning algorithms optimize washing protocols. The system incorporates advanced antimicrobial materials to reduce bacterial growth and contamination. Additionally, a blockchain-based tracking system ensures transparent and secure device history tracking, enabling optimized washing protocols. The system can be further enhanced with robotic arm integration for automated device handling and inspection.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce the synergistic integration of AI, IoT, blockchain, and antimicrobial materials, which provides a non-obvious and innovative solution to the limitations of the original patent. The combination of these technologies enables a more efficient, effective, and safe washing system that was not anticipated by the original patent.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include integrating computer vision for device inspection, using natural language processing for user interface enhancement, or incorporating augmented reality for real-time washing protocol visualization. Variations could also include adapting the system for washing other types of medical devices or equipment.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The intelligent medical device washing appliance system has significant commercial potential in the healthcare industry, particularly in hospitals, clinics, and medical device manufacturers. The system's ability to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and enhance patient safety could lead to widespread adoption and generate significant revenue. The market for medical device washing appliances is expected to grow, driven by increasing demand for efficient and effective washing solutions.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61B90/70
A A61 A61B2090/701

Field of Art

Medical device processing and sterilization technologies, specifically focusing on washing and reprocessing medical instruments with complex lumens and specialized handling requirements

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or medical device processing specialist with expertise in sterilization technologies, IoT sensor systems, materials science, and knowledge of healthcare equipment reprocessing standards

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that integrating advanced digital technologies like AI, IoT, and blockchain into medical device washing represents a predictable evolution of existing washing appliance systems. The source patent establishes a foundational washing apparatus, and the PTD demonstrates straightforward technological augmentations that address known challenges in medical device reprocessing. These variations represent incremental improvements using well-understood technological integration strategies.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Washing appliance for medical devices with specific lumen processing capabilities
PTD Variation
Adding AI-driven protocol optimization based on device type and usage history
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable application of machine learning to customize existing washing processes, representing a known technique for improving technological systems
Source Patent Element
Washing methods for various medical devices including catheters and endoscopes
PTD Variation
Incorporating IoT sensors for real-time contamination detection and automated protocol adjustment
Obviousness Reasoning
Applying sensor technologies to enhance existing washing methodologies is a standard engineering design choice with foreseeable improvements in monitoring and processing
Source Patent Element
Reprocessing methodology for medical devices across different usage states
PTD Variation
Blockchain-based tracking system for comprehensive device history and washing protocol management
Obviousness Reasoning
Implementing distributed ledger technologies to track device processing represents an obvious extension of existing record-keeping and traceability requirements
Source Patent Element
Washing appliance with defined interior spaces for device processing
PTD Variation
Advanced antimicrobial surface coatings and materials to reduce bacterial contamination
Obviousness Reasoning
Incorporating antimicrobial materials is a known strategy in medical device processing, representing a predictable solution to contamination challenges
Source Patent Element
Methods for handling medical devices during washing processes
PTD Variation
Robotic arm integration for automated device handling and inspection
Obviousness Reasoning
Applying robotic automation to medical device processing is a standard engineering approach for improving precision and reducing human error
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. ยง 103, the variations disclosed in this publication would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time of invention, when considering the teachings of US Patent 11857383 in combination with known technological augmentation strategies. The incremental technological improvements represent predictable variations that would be readily conceived by a skilled practitioner seeking to enhance medical device washing and reprocessing methodologies.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,383
TitleWashing appliance and methods of using
Assignee(s)INNOVATIVE HEALTH