Ultraviolet Light Decontamination for Diverse Industries

Publication ID: 24-11857688_0007_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Ultraviolet Light Decontamination for Diverse Industries,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857688_0007_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857688_0007_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 expands the original patent's ultraviolet light decontamination technology to new industries, including food processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, veterinary clinics, gyms, and daycare facilities, providing a robust and efficient solution for surface decontamination.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent addressed the need for effective decontamination methods in healthcare facilities. However, the limitations of the original patent did not consider the broader applicability of this technology to other industries. This inventive concept solves the problem of inadequate surface decontamination in various industries, ensuring a safer environment for workers, customers, and animals.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The new inventive concept incorporates the core technology of the original patent, adapting it to the unique requirements of each industry. For instance, in food processing facilities, sensors detect the presence or absence of food products on conveyor belts, triggering the UVC light source to activate when no products are present. Similarly, in veterinary clinics, sensors detect the presence or absence of animals in treatment areas, ensuring safe and efficient decontamination. The controller and sensors work in tandem to optimize the decontamination process, minimizing downtime and ensuring effective surface decontamination.

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 surface decontamination. The inventive step lies in the adaptation of the technology to address the specific challenges and requirements of each industry, resulting in a robust and efficient decontamination system.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of this inventive concept could include integrating the UVC light source with existing facility infrastructure, such as HVAC systems or automated cleaning systems. Variations could also involve using different types of sensors or adjusting the intensity and duration of the UVC light source to accommodate specific industry requirements.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

This inventive concept has significant commercial potential, as it addresses a critical need for effective surface decontamination in various industries. The target markets include food processing facilities, pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, veterinary clinics, gyms, and daycare facilities, with potential for expansion into other industries. The inventive concept offers a competitive advantage by providing a robust, efficient, and adaptable decontamination solution.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61L2/10
A A61 A61L2/24
A A61 A61L2202/14
A A61 A61L2202/16
A A61 A61L2202/25

Field of Art

Ultraviolet light decontamination systems, specifically involving sensor-controlled disinfection technologies for various environmental surfaces across healthcare, industrial, and commercial settings

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A professional with expertise in photobiology, sensor technologies, and environmental disinfection methods, typically holding a degree in engineering, microbiology, or related technical disciplines, with working knowledge of UV light sterilization principles and safety protocols

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the core UV decontamination technology from the source patent can be readily adapted to different industrial environments by modifying sensor configurations and control logic. The fundamental principles of UV light decontamination remain consistent across various settings, with sensor-based activation being a predictable design approach. The variations disclosed represent straightforward extensions of the original patent's core technological concept.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Sensor-based detection of room occupancy to control UVC light emission
PTD Variation
Adapting sensor detection to specific industrial environments like food processing conveyor belts or veterinary treatment areas
Obviousness Reasoning
Modifying sensor detection logic represents a predictable design variation that a PHOSITA would find obvious, as the fundamental sensing mechanism remains unchanged
Source Patent Element
Controller configured to activate/deactivate UVC light source based on sensor inputs
PTD Variation
Extending controller logic to different industrial contexts with specific occupancy or product presence detection
Obviousness Reasoning
Applying consistent control system principles across different environments is a known technique for technology adaptation
Source Patent Element
UVC light source capable of surface decontamination
PTD Variation
Implementing the UVC light source in diverse settings like pharmaceutical manufacturing, gyms, and daycare facilities
Obviousness Reasoning
Transferring a proven decontamination technology to new environments represents an obvious technological extension with predictable results
Source Patent Element
Redundant occupant sensing system for safety
PTD Variation
Implementing multi-sensor detection in different industrial contexts to ensure safe UV light activation
Obviousness Reasoning
Applying consistent safety principles across different environments is a standard engineering approach
Source Patent Element
Configurable UVC light intensity and emission parameters
PTD Variation
Adjusting UV light parameters to suit specific surface and environmental requirements
Obviousness Reasoning
Calibrating technological parameters for specific use cases represents a routine design optimization process
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857688, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the disclosed variations in ultraviolet decontamination technologies across diverse industrial environments to be obvious extensions of the prior art, representing predictable technological adaptations that do not rise to the level of non-obvious innovation.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,688
TitleObject decontamination apparatus and method
Assignee(s)DIVERSEY, INC.