Adaptive Sterilization Systems for Niche Environments

Publication ID: 24-11857690_0009_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Adaptive Sterilization Systems for Niche Environments,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857690_0009_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857690_0009_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

A specialized sterilization method and system for aseptic filler chambers, tailored to meet the unique demands of high-security facilities, disaster relief, extreme weather conditions, high-altitude environments, and areas with limited access to clean water.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed a method for sterilizing the interior of an aseptic filler chamber. However, this method may not be suitable for specific, narrow markets or unique operational environments. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by adapting the sterilization method and system to cater to the distinct requirements of these niche environments.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept comprises a sterilizer containing a sterilizing agent selected from hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid, and a transfer device configured to transfer the sterilizing agent to the chamber. In high-security facilities, the system ensures secure sterilization. For areas prone to natural disasters, the sterilizer operates in low-power mode, and the cleaning liquid is selected from aseptic water and a sterilizing solution. In extreme cold weather conditions, a heating element heats the sterilizing agent above 50°C, and a temperature control device maintains the temperature within a predetermined range. In high-altitude environments, the sterilizer operates at low air pressure, and the cleaning liquid is selected from aseptic water and a sterilizing solution. In areas with limited access to clean water, a water recycling device recycles the cleaning liquid.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new inventive concept's novelty lies in its adaptation of the original patent's sterilization method and system to address the specific challenges of niche environments. The inventive step is the selection and combination of components and operating conditions tailored to each environment, ensuring effective sterilization while meeting the unique demands of each market.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments could include using different sterilizing agents, modifying the transfer device for specific chamber geometries, or integrating additional sensors for real-time monitoring. Variations could also involve adapting the system for other types of containers or products.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and disaster relief. Target markets include high-security facilities, areas prone to natural disasters, regions with extreme weather conditions, high-altitude environments, and areas with limited access to clean water.

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 focused on chamber sterilization methods for food and beverage packaging equipment. Requires expertise in chemical sterilization techniques, environmental adaptation of sterilization systems, and industrial process engineering

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A professional with advanced degree in chemical engineering or food processing technology, with 5-7 years experience in aseptic filling systems, familiar with sterilization chemistry, equipment design, and environmental adaptation strategies

Obviousness Rationale

A person skilled in the art would recognize that adapting sterilization methods to specific environmental conditions represents a predictable variation of known sterilization techniques. The core sterilization principles from the source patent remain unchanged, with modifications representing routine engineering adaptations to address specific operational constraints. The PTD's variations demonstrate standard problem-solving approaches within the technical domain of aseptic processing systems.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Sterilization method using hydrogen peroxide or peracetic acid
PTD Variation
Adapting sterilizing agent concentration and delivery for high-security or disaster relief environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Modifying chemical concentrations and delivery mechanisms represents a known technique for tailoring sterilization processes to specific environmental requirements
Source Patent Element
Heated aseptic air blown into chamber during sterilization
PTD Variation
Adding temperature control device to maintain sterilizing agent temperature above 50°C in cold environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Temperature modification of sterilization processes is a predictable engineering solution for maintaining consistent sterilization effectiveness across different environmental conditions
Source Patent Element
Aseptic water as cleaning liquid
PTD Variation
Implementing water recycling device for areas with limited water access
Obviousness Reasoning
Water conservation and recycling techniques are well-known in industrial processing, representing an obvious extension of existing sterilization methodologies
Source Patent Element
Aseptic filler chamber sterilization method
PTD Variation
Adapting system to operate at low air pressure for high-altitude environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Adjusting equipment performance for altitude variations is a standard engineering practice with predictable problem-solving approaches
Source Patent Element
Basic sterilization transfer device configuration
PTD Variation
Modifying transfer device geometry for specific chamber configurations
Obviousness Reasoning
Geometric adaptations of industrial equipment represent routine design modifications within the skill set of an ordinary practitioner
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857690's disclosure of aseptic filler chamber sterilization methods, the present publication demonstrates that variations addressing specific environmental constraints would be obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art. The technical modifications represent predictable engineering solutions that do not rise to the level of non-obvious innovation, thereby establishing prior art that would render subsequent similar claims obvious and unpatentable.

Original Patent Information

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