Enhanced Sterilization System for Aseptic Filler Chambers

Publication ID: 24-11857690_0001_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Enhanced Sterilization System for Aseptic Filler Chambers,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857690_0001_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857690_0001_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. 11,857,690.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

An advanced sterilization system for aseptic filler chambers, providing improved efficiency, safety, and adaptability in various container filling applications.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent for sterilizing the interior of an aseptic filler chamber has limitations in terms of sterilization efficiency, adaptability to different container types, and maintenance requirements. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing novel sterilization methods, integrated sensors, and modular designs to ensure enhanced sterilization performance, reduced downtime, and increased flexibility.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The enhanced sterilization system comprises a sterilizer that can utilize ozone gas, UV light, or a combination of steam and dry heat to achieve a higher level of sterilization. The system is equipped with sensors to detect residual sterilant and adjust the concentration of ozone gas based on the type of container to be filled. The sterilizer is integrated with a heating element to rapidly heat the sterilant to an optimal temperature and a circulation pump to ensure uniform distribution within the chamber. The modular design enables easy replacement or upgrade of the sterilizer, and a real-time monitoring system tracks the sterilization process. The system also features a cleaning mechanism to remove residual sterilant from the chamber.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce novel sterilization methods, integrated sensors, and modular designs that are not present in the original patent. The use of ozone gas, UV light, and combined steam and dry heat sterilization, as well as the integration of sensors and modular components, provide a significant improvement over the existing patent.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the enhanced sterilization system could include the use of other sterilization agents, such as chlorine dioxide or vaporized hydrogen peroxide, or the integration of additional sensors to monitor temperature, humidity, or other environmental factors. The system could also be adapted for use in other applications, such as sterilizing medical equipment or food processing equipment.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced sterilization system has significant commercial potential in the food and beverage industry, particularly in applications involving aseptic filling of containers with sensitive products. The system's improved efficiency, safety, and adaptability make it an attractive solution for manufacturers seeking to minimize downtime, reduce maintenance costs, and ensure high-quality products.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61L2/208
A A61 A61L2/06
A A61 A61L2/18
A A61 A61L2202/15
A A61 A61L2202/23

Field of Art

Aseptic processing and sterilization technologies, specifically focusing on methods for sterilizing chambers in food and beverage packaging equipment. Requires expertise in microbiology, chemical sterilization techniques, and industrial equipment design

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A professional with advanced degree in chemical engineering, microbiology, or food science, with 5-7 years experience in industrial sterilization systems, familiar with multiple sterilization technologies and equipment design principles

Obviousness Rationale

A person skilled in the art would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of the source patent's core sterilization methodology. The fundamental approach of chamber sterilization remains consistent, with the PTD introducing incremental technological improvements that would be apparent to an experienced practitioner. The modifications represent logical combinations of known sterilization techniques and control technologies within the aseptic processing domain.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid sterilization methods
PTD Variation
Introduction of ozone gas and UV light sterilization techniques
Obviousness Reasoning
Multiple chemical and energy-based sterilization methods are well-known in the art, and a PHOSITA would recognize ozone and UV as predictable alternative sterilization approaches with established efficacy
Source Patent Element
Basic sterilization chamber with manual operation
PTD Variation
Integrated sensor systems and real-time monitoring capabilities
Obviousness Reasoning
Automated control and monitoring represent a standard technological progression in industrial equipment, using known sensor and control technologies to enhance existing sterilization processes
Source Patent Element
Static sterilization approach
PTD Variation
Circulation pump for ensuring uniform sterilant distribution
Obviousness Reasoning
Uniform distribution is a known challenge in sterilization, and implementing a circulation mechanism represents an obvious solution using standard fluid dynamics engineering principles
Source Patent Element
Single sterilization agent approach
PTD Variation
Combined steam and dry heat sterilization method
Obviousness Reasoning
Combining multiple sterilization techniques is a known strategy for improving microbial elimination, representing a predictable optimization within standard sterilization engineering practices
Source Patent Element
Fixed sterilization equipment design
PTD Variation
Modular sterilizer with easy replacement and upgrade capabilities
Obviousness Reasoning
Modular design is a standard engineering approach for improving maintenance, repairability, and technological adaptability in industrial equipment
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857690 and the comprehensive technical disclosure herein, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed sterilization system variations obvious and anticipated, as the modifications represent predictable technological extensions employing known techniques in aseptic processing and sterilization technologies.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,690
TitleMethod for sterilizing interior of aseptic filler chamber
Assignee(s)NIPPON TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE CORPORATION