Pressure-Regulating Vial Adaptors for Diverse Industrial Applications
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept leverages the core technology of pressure-regulating vial adaptors to expand into new industries, solving specific problems in greenhouse environmental control, agricultural crop optimization, aquarium water treatment, industrial air quality monitoring, and food processing facility cleaning.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent focused on medicinal vials, but the core technology has broader potential. In various industries, precise pressure regulation and controlled substance release are critical. The inventive concept addresses these unmet needs by adapting the pressure-regulating vial adaptor technology to tackle specific challenges in diverse fields.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The pressure-regulating vial adaptor is modified to accommodate different substances and operating conditions. In greenhouses, it stores plant growth-promoting substances and adjusts pressure based on environmental sensors. In agriculture, it regulates pressure and flow rate for optimal crop yields. In aquariums, it controls water-treatment chemical release. In industrial settings, it monitors and adjusts air quality. In food processing, it applies cleaning solutions with precision. The adaptor's modular design and sensor integration enable seamless adaptation to various industries.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a novel application of the pressure-regulating vial adaptor technology, expanding its scope beyond medicinal vials. The inventive step lies in the recognition of the core technology's broader potential and its adaptation to tackle specific problems in diverse industries.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include variations in adaptor design, sensor integration, and control systems to accommodate different substances, operating conditions, and industry-specific requirements. For example, the adaptor could be miniaturized for use in small-scale greenhouses or adapted for use with different types of containers.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including agriculture, aquaculture, industrial manufacturing, and food processing. The adaptable pressure-regulating vial adaptor technology can provide a competitive edge in these markets by offering precise control, increased efficiency, and improved outcomes.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61J1/22 |
| A | A61 | A61J1/2096 |
| A | A61 | A61J1/201 |
| A | A61 | A61J1/2075 |
| A | A61 | A61J1/2082 |
| Y | Y10 | Y10T137/9029 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical and industrial fluid containment systems, with expertise in pressure regulation, adaptor design, and multi-industry fluid transfer technologies. Typical practitioners would have advanced degrees in chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, or mechanical engineering with specialized knowledge in fluid dynamics and precision containment systems
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A skilled practitioner with comprehensive understanding of pressure-regulating mechanisms, container adaptation technologies, sensor integration, and cross-industry fluid transfer principles. Capable of recognizing modular design principles and applying technical solutions across different industrial contexts
Obviousness Rationale
The PTD demonstrates a straightforward extension of the source patent's core pressure-regulating vial adaptor technology by applying its fundamental design principles to alternative industrial contexts. A PHOSITA would recognize the modular nature of the original adaptor design and understand that its core pressure regulation mechanism could be readily adapted to different substances and environmental monitoring requirements. The technical principles of pressure control, sensor integration, and fluid transfer remain consistent across the disclosed applications, suggesting an obvious variation of the original invention.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,499 |
|---|---|
| Title | Pressure-regulating vial adaptors |
| Assignee(s) | ICU Medical, Inc. |