Adaptable Dispenser Actuator Assembly for Diverse Industries
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A versatile dispenser actuator assembly that can be applied to various industries beyond its original purpose, including agriculture, emergency response, medicine, and retail, to dispense a wide range of materials.
Background and Problem Solved
The original dispenser actuator assembly was designed specifically for crushing glass ampoules containing flowable materials. However, its limited scope restricted its potential applications. The new inventive concept addresses this limitation by adapting the core technology to cater to diverse industries, solving the problem of restricted use cases.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The adaptable dispenser actuator assembly consists of a base member, first and second actuator arms, and a flex plate. The assembly can be mounted on various platforms, such as tractors, medical devices, or retail store fixtures, to dispense different materials, including agricultural chemicals, medications, fire-suppressing agents, or fragrances. The actuator arms are designed to crush glass ampoules of varying sizes, and the flex plate provides a secure connection between the base member and the actuator arms. The assembly's modular design enables easy customization for specific industries and applications.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept's novelty lies in its adaptability to diverse industries, which is not obvious from the original patent's design. The inventive step is the recognition of the core technology's potential beyond its original purpose, combined with the innovative application of the dispenser actuator assembly to new use cases.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the adaptable dispenser actuator assembly could include different materials, such as stainless steel or aluminum, for the base member and actuator arms. Variations could also include modifications to the flex plate's design or the addition of sensors to monitor the dispensing process.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The adaptable dispenser actuator assembly has significant commercial potential in various industries, including agriculture, emergency response, medicine, and retail. The assembly's versatility and customizability make it an attractive solution for companies seeking to dispense a wide range of materials efficiently and effectively.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61M35/003 |
| A | A61 | A61J1/065 |
| A | A61 | A61M2209/04 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical and industrial dispensing systems, specifically focusing on actuator assemblies for crushing glass ampoules to release contained materials across multiple application domains
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A mechanical engineer or technical specialist with expertise in fluid dispensing mechanisms, familiar with modular design principles, material science, and cross-industry adaptations of precision dispensing technologies
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize the fundamental design of the source patent's dispenser actuator assembly as fundamentally adaptable to multiple industrial contexts. The core mechanical principles of crushing a glass ampoule using articulated arms and a base member are universally applicable across different material dispensing scenarios. The variations proposed in the PTD represent predictable extensions of the original mechanical concept by applying known engineering design techniques to new use cases.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,747 |
|---|---|
| Title | Dispenser actuator assembly |
| Assignee(s) | James Alexander Corporation |