Adaptable Fluid Treatment Systems for Diverse Industries
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A novel approach to repurposing extracorporeal blood treatment technology for applications beyond medical use, enabling efficient fluid management in various industries such as agriculture, industrial processes, groundwater treatment, and aquarium maintenance.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent for extracorporeal blood treatment apparatuses has limitations in its applicability to other industries. This inventive concept addresses the need for adaptable fluid treatment systems that can be applied to diverse industries, solving the problem of inefficient fluid management and enabling sustainable practices.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept leverages the core technology of the original patent, comprising a blood treatment device, a blood warmer, and an extracorporeal blood circuit, and adapts it for use in various industries. The system can be configured to monitor and control agricultural irrigation, optimize water usage in industrial processes, treat contaminated groundwater, monitor and control water quality in aquariums, and treat industrial wastewater. The control unit and sensors work in tandem to detect and respond to changes in fluid conditions, ensuring efficient and sustainable fluid management.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a non-obvious and novel application of the original patent's technology, extending its use beyond medical applications to address specific problems in diverse industries. The inventive step lies in the adaptation of the extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus for use in these new applications, providing a unique solution for efficient fluid management.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include modifications to the control unit, sensor types, and fluid circuit configurations to accommodate specific industry requirements. Variations could also involve integrating additional components, such as pumps or valves, to enhance system performance.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The adaptable fluid treatment systems have significant commercial potential in various industries, including agriculture, industrial processes, environmental remediation, and aquarium maintenance. The market demand for efficient and sustainable fluid management solutions is growing, and this inventive concept is poised to capitalize on this trend.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61M1/369 |
| A | A61 | A61M1/3623 |
| A | A61 | A61M1/3626 |
| A | A61 | A61M1/3627 |
| A | A61 | A61M1/3643 |
| A | A61 | A61M39/28 |
| A | A61 | A61M2205/3344 |
| A | A61 | A61M2205/36 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical and industrial fluid management systems, focusing on extracorporeal fluid treatment, circuit design, sensor integration, and control systems with expertise in fluid flow manipulation, sensor-based monitoring, and adaptive control technologies
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A professional engineer with advanced degrees in biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, or fluid systems design, possessing comprehensive knowledge of fluid circuit design, sensor technologies, control systems, and cross-industry adaptations of medical technologies
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the core technological principles of the extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus are fundamentally transferable across fluid management domains, with the core components (fluid circuit, sensors, control unit) being adaptable to various industrial applications. The technical infrastructure of the source patent provides a robust framework for fluid monitoring and control that can be systematically modified for different environmental contexts. The variations presented demonstrate predictable engineering adaptations that leverage existing technological principles.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,715 |
|---|---|
| Title | Extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus |
| Assignee(s) | Gambro Lundia AB |