Adaptable Nerve Probe Assemblies for Specialized Environments
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept discloses adaptable nerve probe assemblies designed for specific, narrow markets or unique operational environments, such as high-security needs, disaster relief, extreme weather conditions, search and rescue operations, and remote or isolated areas.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed an adjustable nerve probe assembly for electrically stimulating tissue and/or recording stimulated tissue activity. However, the original design had limitations in adapting to specialized environments, which restricted its use in various critical applications. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing adaptable nerve probe assemblies that can operate effectively in high-security environments, disaster relief operations, extreme weather conditions, search and rescue operations, and remote or isolated areas.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The adaptable nerve probe assemblies comprise an electrical probe including an electrode disposed on or about an end thereof for electrically stimulating tissue or recording stimulated tissue activity. The electrical probe is adapted to operate in specific environments, such as high-security environments with enhanced encryption and access controls, disaster relief operations, extreme weather conditions, search and rescue operations, and remote or isolated areas. The assemblies may include features such as enhanced encryption, ruggedized designs, and autonomous operation to ensure effective performance in these environments.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel adaptations to the original nerve probe assembly, enabling it to operate in specialized environments. The inventive step lies in the adaptation of the electrical probe to withstand and operate effectively in these unique environments, providing a solution that is not obvious from the original patent.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the adaptable nerve probe assemblies may include variations in electrode design, probe materials, and operating frequencies to further enhance their performance in specific environments. Additionally, the assemblies may be integrated with other medical devices or sensors to provide a more comprehensive solution for various applications.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The adaptable nerve probe assemblies have significant commercial potential in various industries, including healthcare, disaster relief, search and rescue, and defense. The target market includes medical professionals, emergency responders, and military personnel who require specialized medical equipment for their operations.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Biomedical engineering, specifically medical electrical probes for neural stimulation and tissue recording, requiring expertise in electrical engineering, medical device design, and surgical instrumentation
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer with advanced degree, 3-5 years experience in medical device design, familiar with electrical stimulation techniques, surgical probe technologies, and environmental adaptation of medical instruments
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that adapting the core nerve probe assembly to specialized environments represents predictable engineering variations that leverage the fundamental design disclosed in the source patent. The base electrical probe technology remains consistent, with modifications primarily addressing operational context rather than fundamental technological innovation. These adaptations would be considered routine design modifications within the skill set of an ordinary practitioner in medical device engineering.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,780 |
|---|---|
| Title | Adjustable nerve probe assembly |
| Assignee(s) | ROCWorks, LLC |