Flexible Ultraviolet Light Generation Systems for Diverse Applications

Publication ID: 24-11857689_0007_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Flexible Ultraviolet Light Generation Systems for Diverse Applications,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857689_0007_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857689_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. 11,857,689.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept leverages the core technology of flexible UV light generation systems to address critical challenges in agriculture, aquaculture, food safety, veterinary medicine, and indoor air quality.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed methods for producing flexible UV light generation sheets and systems, primarily focused on treating fluids or materials. However, the limitations of the original patent did not explore the vast potential of applying this technology to other industries and fields. The new inventive concept addresses this gap by adapting the core technology to tackle distinct problems in various sectors.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The new claims introduce a range of innovative applications for the flexible UV light generation systems. For instance, claim 1 describes a system for agricultural crop enhancement, where the UV light stimulates plant growth and increases crop yields. Claim 2 outlines a method for reducing waterborne pathogens in aquaculture by exposing aquatic organisms to UV light. Claims 3-5 detail UV light-based systems for enhancing food safety, treating animal wounds, and improving indoor air quality, respectively. These applications harness the flexible UV light generation technology to provide targeted solutions for specific industries.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce a novel and non-obvious expansion of the original patent's technology, as they apply the flexible UV light generation systems to entirely new fields and problems. The inventive step lies in recognizing the potential of this technology to address diverse challenges and adapting it to meet the specific needs of each industry.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include integrating the flexible UV light generation systems with existing infrastructure, such as agricultural greenhouses or aquaculture facilities. Variations could involve using different types of UV LEDs, modifying the UV diffuse reflective layer, or incorporating additional features, such as sensors or monitoring systems, to enhance the effectiveness of the technology.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential across multiple industries, including agriculture, aquaculture, food processing, veterinary medicine, and indoor air quality management. The target market includes companies and organizations seeking innovative solutions to improve crop yields, reduce waterborne pathogens, enhance food safety, and promote animal health and indoor air quality.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61L2/10
A A61 A61L2/088
H H01 H01L25/0753
H H01 H01L33/005
H H01 H01L33/60

Field of Art

Photonics and biomedical engineering, focusing on flexible UV light generation systems with applications in surface treatment, disinfection, and biological interactions

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A professional with expertise in LED technologies, optical engineering, and biomedical applications, possessing knowledge of UV light interactions with biological systems and flexible electronic design

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the fundamental UV light generation technology disclosed in the source patent provides a versatile platform for addressing diverse biological and environmental challenges. The flexible UV light generation sheet's core technical principles can be readily adapted to multiple application domains by leveraging known UV light interactions with biological systems. The PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of the source patent's core technology, utilizing standard engineering design choices and well-understood UV light effects.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Flexible circuit with multiple UV-LEDs and UV diffuse reflective layer
PTD Variation
Agricultural crop enhancement system using UV light to stimulate plant growth
Obviousness Reasoning
Known photobiological principles demonstrate UV light's role in plant metabolism, making application to crop stimulation a predictable design variation
Source Patent Element
UV transparent overlayer with potential photocatalyst coating
PTD Variation
Food safety treatment system for reducing microbial contamination
Obviousness Reasoning
UV light's established antimicrobial properties make its application to food safety a straightforward and predictable technological adaptation
Source Patent Element
Flexible UV light generation system with transmissive properties
PTD Variation
Indoor air quality improvement method for reducing airborne pathogens
Obviousness Reasoning
UV light's well-documented germicidal capabilities make its application to air purification an obvious technological extension
Source Patent Element
Flexible UV light generation sheet with configurable overlayer
PTD Variation
Veterinary wound treatment system for reducing bacterial infections
Obviousness Reasoning
UV light's known wound healing and antimicrobial properties make medical applications a predictable technological progression
Source Patent Element
UV diffuse reflective layer with flexible configuration
PTD Variation
Aquaculture pathogen reduction method using targeted UV exposure
Obviousness Reasoning
Existing knowledge of UV light's effectiveness in water treatment makes its application to aquaculture a logical and non-inventive design choice
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857689's disclosure of flexible UV light generation systems, the present publication demonstrates that a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed variations obvious and predictable extensions of existing UV light generation technologies. The systematic application of UV light generation principles to diverse biological and environmental domains represents a straightforward technological adaptation within the ordinary capabilities of skilled practitioners in photonics and biomedical engineering.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,689
TitleMethods for producing flexible ultraviolet light generation sheets and systems
Assignee(s)W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.