Expanding Decontamination Capabilities to New Industries

Publication ID: 24-11857688_0002_PTD

Published: October 28, 2025

Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Expanding Decontamination Capabilities to New Industries,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857688_0002_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857688_0002_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. 11,857,688.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

This inventive concept leverages the core technology of the original patent to develop innovative decontamination solutions for various industries beyond healthcare, including food processing, breweries, veterinary clinics, data centers, and cleanrooms.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent addressed the pressing issue of surface decontamination in healthcare facilities. However, the need for effective decontamination solutions extends to other industries where contamination poses significant risks. This inventive concept tackles the limitations of the original patent by applying the UVC light-based decontamination technology to new applications, providing a solution to the widespread problem of contamination in diverse industries.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The new claims introduce a range of decontamination systems and methods tailored to specific industries. For instance, the system for decontaminating surfaces in a food processing facility (Claim 1) involves operating the decontamination apparatus during non-production hours to minimize disruption. Similarly, the method for reducing bacterial contamination in a brewery (Claim 2) involves positioning the decontamination apparatus in a brewing area and repeating the emission of UVC light at predetermined intervals. These industry-specific solutions demonstrate the versatility and adaptability of the core decontamination technology.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce a novel application of the original patent's technology to diverse industries, providing a non-obvious solution to the problem of contamination in these fields. The inventive step lies in recognizing the potential for UVC light-based decontamination to address contamination challenges beyond healthcare, and developing tailored solutions for each industry.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include integrating the decontamination technology with existing industrial equipment, such as conveyor belts or ventilation systems. Variations could also involve adapting the technology for use in other industries, such as hospitality or education, where contamination poses a risk.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The expanded decontamination capabilities offered by this inventive concept have significant commercial potential in various industries. The target market includes food processing facilities, breweries, veterinary clinics, data centers, cleanrooms, and other industries where contamination poses a risk. By providing effective decontamination solutions, this technology can help reduce costs, improve efficiency, and enhance overall safety in these industries.

CPC Classifications

Section	Class	Group
A	A61	A61L2/10
A	A61	A61L2/24
A	A61	A61L2202/14
A	A61	A61L2202/16
A	A61	A61L2202/25

Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)

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Field of Art

Ultraviolet decontamination technologies with a focus on surface sterilization across medical, industrial, and environmental applications. Requires expertise in photobiology, microbial inactivation, optical engineering, and sensor-based control systems

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A professional with advanced degree in engineering, microbiology, or applied physics, possessing knowledge of UV light disinfection principles, industrial sterilization techniques, and automated control systems for environmental decontamination

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the core UVC decontamination technology disclosed in the source patent represents a generalizable approach to surface sterilization that can be readily adapted across multiple industrial contexts. The fundamental mechanism of UV light-based contaminant reduction remains consistent, with variations primarily involving sensor configuration, operational timing, and specific environmental positioning. The PTD demonstrates predictable extensions of the original patent's core technological principles through industry-specific implementations.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element

UVC light emission with sensor-based occupancy detection and controlled operational modes

PTD Variation

Adapting decontamination apparatus to operate during non-production or non-operational hours in food processing, data centers, and cleanroom environments

Obviousness Reasoning

A PHOSITA would recognize that timing-based operational strategies represent a known technique for minimizing disruption while maintaining consistent decontamination protocols

Source Patent Element

Apparatus with configurable sensor systems for detecting room occupancy

PTD Variation

Extending sensor configurations to different industrial environments like veterinary clinics and breweries

Obviousness Reasoning

Sensor adaptation represents a predictable design choice for implementing safety and operational constraints in diverse technical contexts

Source Patent Element

Base unit capable of emitting UVC light at specific intensities for surface decontamination

PTD Variation

Repositioning the base unit to target specific industry-specific surfaces like brewing equipment or data center infrastructure

Obviousness Reasoning

Equipment repositioning constitutes a routine engineering modification with foreseeable results in surface sterilization applications

Source Patent Element

Controller configured to manage light emission based on environmental conditions

PTD Variation

Implementing interval-based light emission strategies in cleanrooms and brewing environments

Obviousness Reasoning

Interval-based exposure represents a known technique for managing systematic decontamination across different technical domains

Source Patent Element

UVC light intensity calibrated for log reduction of contaminants

PTD Variation

Applying consistent decontamination principles across food processing, veterinary, and data center environments

Obviousness Reasoning

Transferring established sterilization principles between domains represents a standard engineering approach with predictable scientific outcomes

35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 103, the variations disclosed herein would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time of invention, as they represent straightforward extensions of the foundational decontamination technology disclosed in US Patent 11857688, applying known techniques to achieve predictable results across diverse industrial contexts through routine engineering modifications.

Original Patent Information

Patent Number	US 11,857,688
Title	Object decontamination apparatus and method
Assignee(s)	DIVERSEY, INC.