Coordinated Trigeminal and Vagal Nerve Stimulation for Industrial Applications
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept applies the core technology of coordinated trigeminal and vagal nerve stimulation to novel industrial applications, enhancing efficiency, reducing waste, and improving yields in agriculture, oil recovery, pollution reduction, and wastewater treatment.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent focused on preventing and treating bleeding in humans. However, the underlying technology has broader potential. The inventive concept addresses the limitations of the original patent by exploring new industrial applications, where coordinated trigeminal and vagal nerve stimulation can be used to improve processes, reduce waste, and increase efficiency.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises systems and methods for applying coordinated trigeminal and vagal nerve stimulation to various industrial applications. In agriculture, the stimulation enhances photosynthesis and nutrient uptake, leading to improved crop yields. In oil recovery, the stimulation enhances oil degradation and increases oil flow. In pollution reduction, the stimulation optimizes biodegradation of pollutants. In wastewater treatment, the stimulation enhances biodegradation of organic matter and reduces sludge production. The systems and methods utilize plant-mounted or downhole apparatuses with at least two electrodes and a controller that coordinates stimulation of the trigeminal and vagal nerve pathways.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a novel application of coordinated trigeminal and vagal nerve stimulation to industrial processes, which is non-obvious and distinct from the original patent's focus on human bleeding prevention and treatment.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include different apparatus designs, electrode configurations, and stimulation protocols tailored to specific industrial applications. Variations may also include combining coordinated trigeminal and vagal nerve stimulation with other technologies, such as precision agriculture or advanced bioreactor systems.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including agriculture, oil and gas, environmental remediation, and wastewater treatment. The market for these applications is substantial, with potential for widespread adoption and revenue growth.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Bioelectrical stimulation systems, specifically nerve stimulation technologies with applications in medical, biological, and industrial process control
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
An interdisciplinary expert with advanced degrees in bioengineering, electrical engineering, or neuroscience, possessing knowledge of electrical stimulation techniques, neural pathway modulation, and cross-domain technology transfer
Obviousness Rationale
The PTD extends the source patent's core concept of coordinated nerve stimulation by applying the fundamental electrical stimulation methodology to alternative domains. A PHOSITA would recognize that the underlying neural stimulation mechanism is fundamentally transferable across biological systems, with predictable modulation effects. The technical approach of using coordinated electrode-based stimulation remains consistent, merely shifting the target system from human physiology to industrial biological processes.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,788 |
|---|---|
| Title | Methods and apparatuses for reducing bleeding via coordinated trigeminal and vagal nerve stimulation |
| Assignee(s) | THE FEINSTEIN INSTITUTES FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH |