Cold Therapy-Compression Therapy Solutions for Animal Health and Agriculture
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept leverages the core technology of the original patent to develop novel applications and use cases for cold therapy-compression therapy in animal health and agriculture, addressing unmet needs in livestock care, dairy production, equine health, poultry welfare, and swine reproduction.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed an integrated cold therapy-compression therapy assembly for human medical treatment. However, the agricultural and animal health industries face unique challenges in treating injuries, enhancing production, and improving welfare. Current solutions often lack effectiveness, convenience, and targeted treatment. The inventive concept bridges this gap by adapting the core technology to address specific needs in animal health and agriculture.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises a family of integrated cold therapy-compression therapy assemblies and associated treatment protocols tailored for various animal health and agricultural applications. For example, the system for treating athletic injuries in livestock features a specialized hoof treatment pad and microprocessor-controlled cooling system. The method for enhancing dairy cow milk production involves applying the assembly to the udder and controlling temperature and pressure using a microprocessor. Other embodiments include a wearable device for treating equine tendonitis, a system for reducing stress in poultry, and a method for improving swine reproduction rates.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel applications and use cases for cold therapy-compression therapy in animal health and agriculture, which were not contemplated in the original patent. The inventive concept's adaptations for specific animal health and agricultural needs, such as specialized treatment pads, microprocessor-controlled systems, and targeted treatment protocols, constitute a non-obvious and innovative expansion of the original technology.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include variations in treatment pad design, cooling system configurations, and microprocessor-controlled algorithms tailored for different animal species or agricultural applications. Other variations could involve integrating sensors, data analytics, or AI-powered decision support systems to optimize treatment outcomes and improve animal welfare.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the animal health and agricultural industries, with target markets including livestock producers, dairy farmers, equine owners, poultry operators, and swine breeders. The solutions offered by this inventive concept can improve animal welfare, enhance productivity, and reduce costs, making them attractive to a wide range of customers.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61H9/0092 |
| A | A61 | A61F7/0085 |
| A | A61 | A61F2007/0042 |
| A | A61 | A61F2007/0056 |
| A | A61 | A61H2201/0207 |
| A | A61 | A61H2201/0214 |
| A | A61 | A61H2201/0242 |
| A | A61 | A61H2201/5023 |
| A | A61 | A61H2201/5071 |
| A | A61 | A61H2205/102 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical device design and therapeutic systems, specifically cold therapy and compression therapy technologies with a focus on integrated medical treatment assemblies for biological systems
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with expertise in thermal and mechanical therapy systems, familiar with microprocessor-controlled medical devices, and experienced in adapting therapeutic technologies across different biological contexts
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the core technological principles of the source patent's integrated cold therapy-compression assembly can be readily adapted to different biological systems by modifying treatment pads, control algorithms, and application protocols. The fundamental technological components - microprocessor control, fluid circulation, temperature management - remain consistent across different applications. The variations disclosed represent predictable extensions of the original technological framework into new domain-specific contexts.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,491 |
|---|---|
| Title | Integrated cold therapy-compression therapy assembly and associated treatment protocols |
| Assignee(s) | Breg, Inc. |