Advanced Circulatory Support Systems for Non-Medical Applications
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept applies the core technology of blood pumps to entirely new industries, including agricultural irrigation, oil extraction, environmental remediation, industrial processing, and fuel efficiency in vehicles, enabling innovative solutions for circulatory support in these fields.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed blood pumps for cardiac assist devices and mechanical circulatory support. However, these pumps were limited to medical applications. This inventive concept addresses the need for circulatory support systems in non-medical industries, where existing solutions are often inadequate or non-existent.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new claims describe systems and methods for providing circulatory support in various non-medical applications. For example, in agricultural irrigation, a pump is sized for delivery to a treatment location within the plant's root system, enhancing water and nutrient delivery. In oil extraction, a pump directs fluid radially outward within the reservoir, increasing extraction efficiency. Similarly, in environmental remediation, a pump provides circulatory support to a contaminated fluid, facilitating cleanup. In industrial processing, a pump supports process fluids within a processing unit, improving efficiency and yield. In fuel efficiency, a pump enhances fluid circulation within a vehicle's engine, reducing energy consumption.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims are novel and non-obvious because they apply the core technology of blood pumps to entirely new industries, requiring significant modifications and adaptations to the original design. The inventive step lies in recognizing the potential of circulatory support systems in non-medical applications and developing innovative solutions to address specific challenges in these fields.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include different pump designs, materials, and sizes tailored to specific industries or applications. Variations could also include integrating sensors, monitoring systems, or automation to optimize performance and efficiency.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including agriculture, oil and gas, environmental services, industrial processing, and automotive. The market for circulatory support systems in these industries is substantial, with potential applications in areas such as precision agriculture, enhanced oil recovery, and sustainable industrial processes.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Mechanical circulatory support systems and fluid transfer technologies, with expertise in pump design, fluid dynamics, and medical/industrial device engineering
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A mechanical engineer with advanced degree and 5-7 years experience in fluid transfer systems, familiar with medical device design, pump mechanics, and cross-industry technology adaptation
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize the fundamental fluid transfer principles in the source patent's blood pump design are directly transferable to other circulatory support applications. The core mechanical concepts of radial fluid movement, percutaneous delivery, and adaptive structural elements are universally applicable across different fluid systems. The PTD merely extends these established pump design principles to alternative industrial contexts using predictable engineering modifications.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,777 |
|---|---|
| Title | Blood pumps |
| Assignee(s) | Procyrion, Inc. |