Particles for Industrial and Environmental Applications
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The present inventive concept expands the application of embolic particles to new industries, including environmental remediation, agricultural pest control, industrial pipeline maintenance, water conservation, and food safety assurance.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed embolic particles for medical purposes, such as occluding vascular defects. However, these particles have untapped potential for addressing various industrial and environmental challenges. The present inventive concept addresses the limitation of the original patent by adapting the embolic particles for use in these new fields.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept involves using embolic particles, similar to those described in the original patent, but with modified properties and delivery mechanisms tailored to specific industrial and environmental applications. For instance, the particles can be designed to occlude and contain oil spills in marine ecosystems, block nutrient pathways to prevent pest growth in agricultural settings, or repair pipeline defects in industrial infrastructure. The particles can be delivered through microcatheters, micro-irrigation systems, or other specialized devices.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel applications and use cases for the embolic particles, which were not anticipated by the original patent. The inventive step lies in recognizing the potential of these particles to address diverse industrial and environmental challenges, and adapting their design and delivery to meet the specific needs of these fields.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include using different materials or shapes for the embolic particles, or developing new delivery mechanisms, such as drones or autonomous underwater vehicles, to expand their reach and versatility.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential across various industries, including environmental remediation, agriculture, industrial maintenance, water conservation, and food safety. The target market includes companies, governments, and organizations seeking innovative solutions to address pressing environmental and industrial challenges.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61L24/06 |
| A | A61 | A61L24/001 |
| C | C08 | C08F222/385 |
| A | A61 | A61L2430/36 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Biomedical engineering and materials science, specifically focused on injectable particle systems for medical and industrial applications, with expertise in polymer chemistry, microcatheter delivery systems, and particle design
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A skilled practitioner with advanced degrees in chemical engineering or biomedical engineering, experienced in polymer synthesis, medical device design, and understanding of particle transformation mechanisms
Obviousness Rationale
A person of ordinary skill would recognize that the fundamental particle design from the source patent enables broad application across multiple domains by simply adapting delivery mechanisms and targeting specific containment or occlusion challenges. The core technological innovation of size-transformable particles with microcatheter compatibility provides a versatile platform that can be readily extended to industrial and environmental contexts. The PTD demonstrates predictable variations that leverage the existing particle technology's inherent adaptability.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,694 |
|---|---|
| Title | Particles |
| Assignee(s) | MicroVention, Inc. |