Adaptable Humidification Technology for Diverse Industries
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept expands the core technology of the original integrated humidifier chamber and lid patent to new applications, including water purification, surface decontamination, food preservation, plant disease treatment, and greenhouse climate control.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent focused on providing respiratory assistance to patients. However, the limitations of this technology lie in its restricted scope, neglecting the potential for humidification to address various challenges across different industries. This new inventive concept tackles this limitation by adapting the core technology to tackle diverse problems, such as contaminated water, surface decontamination, food spoilage, plant diseases, and optimal greenhouse conditions.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises an integrated humidifier chamber and lid adapted for use with various units, including water purification, surface decontamination, food preservation, plant disease treatment, and greenhouse climate control systems. The humidifier chamber and lid are designed to regulate temperature and humidity levels, ensuring optimal performance in each application. For instance, in water purification, the controlled atmosphere facilitates efficient removal of contaminants. In surface decontamination, the directed controlled atmosphere accelerates the decontamination process. Similarly, in food preservation, the regulated humidity and temperature levels prevent spoilage, while in plant disease treatment, the controlled atmosphere aids in disease eradication. In greenhouse climate control, the system optimizes plant growth by maintaining ideal humidity and temperature conditions.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The novelty of this inventive concept lies in its adaptability to diverse industries, extending the original patent's scope beyond respiratory assistance. The inventive step is the recognition of the potential for humidification technology to address a wide range of challenges, coupled with the innovative design of the integrated humidifier chamber and lid to accommodate these new applications.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include variations in humidifier chamber design, lid materials, and control systems to cater to specific industry requirements. Additionally, the inventive concept could be integrated with existing systems or used as a standalone unit, depending on the application.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
This inventive concept has significant commercial potential across multiple industries, including water treatment, healthcare, food processing, agriculture, and greenhouse production. The market demand for efficient and adaptable humidification technology is substantial, with potential customers including water treatment plants, hospitals, food manufacturers, agricultural companies, and greenhouse operators.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61M16/16 |
| A | A61 | A61M16/0816 |
| A | A61 | A61M16/10 |
| A | A61 | A61M16/109 |
| A | A61 | A61M16/1075 |
| A | A61 | A61M39/1055 |
| A | A61 | A61M16/0066 |
| A | A61 | A61M2039/1022 |
| A | A61 | A61M2039/1033 |
| A | A61 | A61M2205/36 |
| A | A61 | A61M2205/362 |
| A | A61 | A61M2205/3653 |
| A | A61 | A61M2205/502 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical and industrial humidification systems, respiratory assistance technologies, environmental control systems with a focus on temperature and humidity regulation across multiple domains
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A skilled practitioner with expertise in thermal fluid systems, medical device engineering, and environmental control technologies, possessing knowledge of heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and system integration techniques
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize the fundamental design principles of the integrated humidification system are readily transferable across different technical domains. The core technological elements of temperature and humidity control, fluid pathway management, and modular system integration provide a clear framework for adapting the original respiratory assistance technology to alternative applications. The systematic approach of regulating environmental conditions through controlled fluid pathways represents a generalizable engineering solution applicable to diverse technological challenges.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,729 |
|---|---|
| Title | Integrated humidifier chamber and lid |
| Assignee(s) | Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited |