Electrical Signal Detection in Non-Biological Systems

Publication ID: 24-11857780_0002_PTD

Published: October 28, 2025

Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Electrical Signal Detection in Non-Biological Systems,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857780_0002_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857780_0002_PTD

This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,780.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

The present disclosure relates to adapting the adjustable nerve probe assembly technology for detecting electrical signals in non-biological systems, enabling innovative applications in environmental monitoring, agriculture, sports, and food safety.

Background and Problem Solved

The original adjustable nerve probe assembly was designed for electrical stimulation and recording of tissue activity. However, the core technology's versatility and adaptability were limited to biological systems. This inventive concept addresses the need for a similar technology in non-biological systems, where detecting electrical signals can provide valuable insights and enable novel applications.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The new claims describe systems and methods that utilize the adjustable nerve probe assembly in various non-biological contexts. For instance, Claim 1 describes a system for monitoring environmental pollutants, where the probe assembly detects electrical signals generated by microorganisms in response to pollutants. Similarly, Claim 2 outlines a method for detecting water contaminants by stimulating and recording microorganism activity. Claims 3-5 illustrate the probe assembly's integration into agricultural systems, wearable devices for athlete fatigue monitoring, and food spoilage detection systems, respectively. In each application, the adjustable nerve probe assembly is adapted to detect electrical signals generated by microorganisms, plants, or muscle tissue, providing valuable insights and enabling data-driven decision-making.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce a paradigm shift by applying the adjustable nerve probe assembly technology to non-biological systems, thereby creating new and non-obvious applications. The inventive step lies in recognizing the potential of this technology beyond biological systems and developing innovative solutions that address specific needs in environmental monitoring, agriculture, sports, and food safety.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include adapting the probe assembly for use in industrial process monitoring, detecting electrical signals in building materials, or integrating the technology into IoT devices. Variations of the claims could focus on specific industries, such as oil and gas, or explore the use of machine learning algorithms to enhance signal analysis and interpretation.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including environmental monitoring, agriculture, sports, and food safety. The market demand for innovative solutions in these areas is substantial, driven by growing concerns about sustainability, public health, and resource efficiency. The adaptable nature of the adjustable nerve probe assembly technology makes it an attractive solution for companies seeking to integrate electrical signal detection into their products and services.

Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)

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Field of Art

Biomedical engineering and electrical sensing technologies, with expertise in probe design, signal detection, and multi-electrode sensing systems across biological and environmental monitoring applications

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A skilled practitioner with advanced degree in electrical engineering, biomedical engineering, or related field, possessing knowledge of electrical signal detection, probe design, electrode configurations, and interdisciplinary sensor adaptation techniques

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the fundamental electrical signal detection principles embodied in the nerve probe assembly are readily transferable to non-biological systems by applying known signal detection and electrode configuration techniques. The core technological concept of stimulating and recording electrical signals remains consistent across biological and non-biological contexts, with minor adaptations to sensor interface and signal processing. The source patent's flexible probe design and multi-electrode configuration provide a clear technological foundation for exploring alternative signal detection applications.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element

Electrical probe with shapeable axial length and configurable electrodes for neural stimulation and recording

PTD Variation

Adapting probe for environmental pollutant detection using microorganism electrical signal monitoring

Obviousness Reasoning

Known technique of signal transduction applied to alternative detection context, representing a predictable extension of existing probe technology

Source Patent Element

Multiple electrode configurations including stimulation and recording electrodes

PTD Variation

Implementing concentric or side-by-side electrodes for detecting electrical signals in agricultural and athletic monitoring systems

Obviousness Reasoning

Directly applying existing multi-electrode design principles to alternative signal detection domains, representing a straightforward design adaptation

Source Patent Element

Electrical probe with tip electrode capable of tissue interaction

PTD Variation

Modifying probe tip for interfacing with microorganisms, plant tissues, and non-biological sensing environments

Obviousness Reasoning

Predictable modification of existing probe geometry to enable signal detection across different material interfaces, representing a routine engineering adaptation

Source Patent Element

Electrical stimulation and activity recording methodology

PTD Variation

Extending stimulation and recording techniques to food spoilage detection and water contaminant monitoring

Obviousness Reasoning

Applying known signal detection methodology to alternative sensing domains, representing a logical technological extension with expected results

Source Patent Element

Probe assembly with integrated processing capabilities

PTD Variation

Adding specialized processing units for analyzing detected signals in environmental, agricultural, and athletic monitoring contexts

Obviousness Reasoning

Implementing standard signal processing techniques known in the art, representing a predictable technological enhancement

35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857780, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the disclosed non-biological signal detection variations obvious, as the fundamental technological principles of electrical probe design, multi-electrode configuration, and signal stimulation/recording are directly transferable across diverse sensing domains. The published technical disclosure demonstrates that the claimed innovations represent routine engineering adaptations with predictable results, thereby rendering potential patent claims obvious under 35 U.S.C. Section 103.

Original Patent Information

Patent Number	US 11,857,780
Title	Adjustable nerve probe assembly
Assignee(s)	ROCWorks, LLC