Specialized Disinfection Systems for Niche Environments
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The present disclosure relates to specialized disinfection systems adapted for use in unique operational environments, such as high-security facilities, disaster relief scenarios, extreme weather conditions, areas with limited access to clean water, and high-altitude environments.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed a disinfection tip for medical connectors, but it lacked adaptations for specific, challenging environments. The present inventive concept addresses this limitation by providing specialized disinfection systems that cater to these niche markets, ensuring effective disinfection and sterilization in a variety of situations.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new claims disclose a system for disinfecting medical connectors in high-security facilities, comprising a disinfection cap with a secure authentication mechanism. Another embodiment is a method for sterilizing IV connectors in disaster relief scenarios, utilizing a portable disinfection device with a solar-powered UV light source. Additionally, a disinfection apparatus for use in extreme weather conditions features a waterproof housing and a heating element to maintain a suitable temperature range. Furthermore, a system for disinfecting medical connectors in areas with limited access to clean water incorporates a waterless disinfectant and a mechanical wiper, while a method for disinfecting medical connectors in high-altitude environments employs a pressure-resistant chamber.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel adaptations for specific operational environments, such as secure authentication mechanisms, solar-powered UV light sources, waterproof housings, heating elements, waterless disinfectants, mechanical wipers, and pressure-resistant chambers. These specialized features provide an inventive step beyond the original patent's general disinfection tip design.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments could include disinfection systems integrated into medical devices, wearable disinfection devices, or disinfection systems utilizing alternative energy sources. Variations could also include adjustable disinfection protocols, real-time monitoring, or integration with existing medical infrastructure.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including healthcare, disaster relief, and environmental monitoring. Target markets may include hospitals, medical device manufacturers, disaster relief organizations, and government agencies. The specialized disinfection systems could also be used in niche applications, such as military operations, space exploration, or remote research stations.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61M39/16 |
| A | A61 | A61M5/3007 |
| A | A61 | A61M2205/0205 |
| A | A61 | A61M2205/0222 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical device disinfection technologies, specifically focusing on medical connector sterilization systems, requiring expertise in microbiology, medical device engineering, and infection control protocols
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with advanced technical training, familiar with sterilization techniques, medical connector interfaces, and environmental adaptation strategies for medical equipment
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the source patent's fundamental disinfection tip design provides a foundational framework that can be readily adapted to specialized environmental contexts. The core mechanical and functional principles of medical connector disinfection remain consistent across the disclosed variations. The PTD's adaptations represent predictable engineering modifications that address specific operational constraints while maintaining the original patent's core disinfection methodology.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,753 |
|---|---|
| Title | Disinfecting syringe tip |
| Assignee(s) | Becton, Dickinson and Company |