Sterilization Method and System for Diverse Industries

Publication ID: 24-11857690_0002_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Sterilization Method and System for Diverse Industries,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857690_0002_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857690_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. 11,857,690.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

This inventive concept applies the core technology of sterilizing aseptic filler chambers to various industries, including medical instruments, laboratory workspaces, agricultural equipment, water treatment equipment, and food processing facilities, providing a versatile solution for ensuring sterility in diverse environments.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed a method for sterilizing the interior of an aseptic filler chamber before filling containers with food, drinks, or other contents. However, this technology has broader applications beyond the food and beverage industry. The new inventive concept addresses the need for effective sterilization methods in other industries where contamination poses significant risks to public health, safety, and product quality.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept comprises a sterilizing chamber and a transfer device for transferring objects or equipment into the chamber. The sterilizing chamber is sterilized by a sterilizer containing hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, or aseptic water before operation. The system can be adapted to various industries by modifying the transfer device, sterilizing chamber, and sterilizer composition to suit specific requirements. For instance, in medical instrument sterilization, the transfer device may be designed to handle delicate instruments, while in agricultural equipment sterilization, the sterilizing chamber may be enlarged to accommodate larger equipment.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new inventive concept introduces novel applications of the original patent's core technology, expanding its scope to diverse industries. The inventive step lies in the recognition of the potential for this technology to address sterilization needs beyond the food and beverage industry and the development of adapted systems for these new applications.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include using different sterilizer compositions, modifying the transfer device to accommodate various object sizes and shapes, or integrating the sterilizing chamber with existing equipment in the target industry. Variations may also involve adjusting the sterilization process parameters, such as temperature, pressure, or duration, to optimize performance for specific applications.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including medical instrument manufacturing, laboratory equipment suppliers, agricultural equipment manufacturers, water treatment facilities, and food processing companies. The market for sterilization solutions is substantial, driven by the need to ensure public health, safety, and product quality in these industries.

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

Sterilization technologies for industrial and medical environments, focusing on chamber-based decontamination methods with chemical sterilants, encompassing medical device processing, laboratory environments, food processing, and equipment sanitization

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A professional with expertise in chemical sterilization techniques, knowledge of microbiology, understanding of industrial sterilization protocols, and ability to adapt sterilization methods across different technical domains

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the core sterilization methodology disclosed in the source patent represents a generalizable approach applicable across multiple industrial contexts. The fundamental principles of using chemical sterilants in a controlled chamber environment are transferable, with minor adaptations to suit specific technical requirements. The variations proposed in the PTD represent predictable extensions of the original patent's core technological concept.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Sterilization method using hydrogen peroxide in an aseptic filler chamber
PTD Variation
Applying hydrogen peroxide sterilization to medical instrument processing chambers
Obviousness Reasoning
Known technique of hydrogen peroxide sterilization, predictable results in different controlled environments, standard cross-industry adaptation of proven sterilization methodology
Source Patent Element
Transfer device for moving objects into sterilization chamber
PTD Variation
Modifying transfer device geometry to accommodate different object sizes in agricultural or laboratory equipment
Obviousness Reasoning
Routine engineering design choice, predictable mechanical adaptation based on standard design principles, finite set of possible mechanical configurations
Source Patent Element
Sterilization using peracetic acid in chamber environment
PTD Variation
Applying peracetic acid sterilization to water treatment equipment processing chambers
Obviousness Reasoning
Established chemical sterilization technique, known effectiveness across different technical domains, predictable extension of existing sterilization methodology
Source Patent Element
Aseptic air blowing technique for chamber preparation
PTD Variation
Integrating aseptic air circulation methods in laboratory and food processing sterile environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Well-understood sterilization principle, standard technique for creating controlled sterile spaces, obvious technical adaptation
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857690, the present publication demonstrates that the claimed sterilization method variations would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time of invention, as the core technological principles represent predictable extensions of known chamber-based sterilization techniques across diverse industrial applications.

Original Patent Information

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