Specialized Supraglottic Airway Devices for Niche Environments

Publication ID: 24-11857709_0004_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Specialized Supraglottic Airway Devices for Niche Environments,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857709_0004_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857709_0004_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. 11,857,709.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

The present inventive concept discloses a series of supraglottic airway devices tailored to specific, high-stress operational environments, including high-altitude rescue, disaster relief, high-security, extreme weather conditions, and emergency response scenarios.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent for a supraglottic airway device, while effective in general medical settings, falls short in addressing the unique challenges posed by specialized operational environments. These environments often require airway devices that can withstand extreme conditions, ensure secure connections, and provide additional features for patient safety and medical professional protection.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The new inventive concept comprises a range of supraglottic airway devices, each adapted to a specific niche environment. For high-altitude rescue, the device features a breathing tube that can withstand extreme pressure changes and a coupler assembly with a locking mechanism to prevent accidental disconnection in high-wind conditions. In disaster relief scenarios, the device incorporates a self-cleaning filter and a side port for suctioning patient discharges, with a detachable coupler assembly for easy replacement in the field. For high-security environments, the device includes an encrypted locking mechanism and a pressure sensor for monitoring airway pressure, with a remote monitoring station for real-time tracking of patient vital signs. In extreme weather conditions, the device features a breathing tube with a thermal insulation layer and a coupler assembly with a heating element to prevent freezing in cold temperatures. Finally, the portable supraglottic airway kit for emergency responders includes a compact device with a pre-attached coupler assembly and a storage container with a sterilization compartment for storing and sterilizing the device.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce a range of novel features and adaptations that address the specific challenges of niche operational environments, including extreme pressure resistance, self-cleaning filters, encrypted locking mechanisms, thermal insulation, and portable kits. These features, combined with the core supraglottic airway device design, provide a non-obvious and innovative solution for medical professionals operating in high-stress environments.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include variations in material selection, device geometry, and component integration to further optimize performance in specific environments. Additionally, the core design could be adapted for use in other specialized settings, such as search and rescue operations or remote medical facilities.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The specialized supraglottic airway devices disclosed in this inventive concept have significant commercial potential in various industries, including emergency medical services, disaster relief organizations, high-security facilities, and extreme weather response teams. The market for these devices is expected to grow as the demand for specialized medical equipment increases in response to emerging challenges and threats.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61M16/0409
A A61 A61M16/0445
A A61 A61M16/0463
A A61 A61M16/0816
A A61 A61M16/0833
A A61 A61M16/0858
A A61 A61M16/105
A A61 A61M39/06
A A61 A61M16/0434
A A61 A61M16/0683
A A61 A61M16/1055
A A61 A61M2205/583

Field of Art

Medical device engineering, specifically supraglottic airway devices and respiratory intervention technologies, requiring expertise in biomedical engineering, medical device design, and emergency medical equipment adaptation

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with advanced degree, 5-10 years experience in respiratory medical technologies, familiar with device modification techniques, materials science, and emergency medical equipment requirements

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the source patent's fundamental supraglottic airway device design provides a robust technical foundation for environment-specific adaptations. The core structural elements of the original device can be systematically modified using known engineering techniques to address specialized operational requirements. The variations disclosed represent predictable extensions of existing medical device design principles applied to niche environmental challenges.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Elongate breathing tube with outer and inner walls from source patent
PTD Variation
Adding thermal insulation layer for extreme weather performance
Obviousness Reasoning
Material modification is a standard design approach for environmental adaptation, using known thermal engineering principles to enhance device functionality in predictable manner
Source Patent Element
Coupler assembly with cylindrical male ends from source patent
PTD Variation
Incorporating encrypted locking mechanism for high-security environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Adding security features through mechanical or electronic locking is a routine design modification for specialized medical equipment, representing a predictable solution to access control requirements
Source Patent Element
Inflatable cuff and pilot balloon from source patent
PTD Variation
Integrating pressure sensor for remote monitoring of airway conditions
Obviousness Reasoning
Augmenting existing pressure-related components with electronic monitoring is a standard approach in medical device evolution, using known sensor integration techniques
Source Patent Element
Contaminant-blocking air pass filter from source patent
PTD Variation
Developing self-cleaning filter for disaster relief scenarios
Obviousness Reasoning
Enhancing filtration capabilities through advanced material or mechanical self-cleaning mechanisms represents a predictable technological progression for medical device filters
Source Patent Element
Basic supraglottic airway device structure
PTD Variation
Creating portable kit with sterilization compartment for emergency responders
Obviousness Reasoning
Developing integrated storage and sterilization solutions is a logical extension of medical device design, addressing practical deployment challenges through standard engineering problem-solving
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857709, the disclosed technical variations represent obvious modifications to the fundamental supraglottic airway device design, which would be readily conceived by a person having ordinary skill in the art. The environment-specific adaptations emerge from routine engineering approaches to extending medical device functionality, thereby rendering potential claims covering similar technological implementations obvious and unpatentable.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,709
TitleSupraglottic airway device