Electrical Stimulation Modulation for Non-Medical Applications
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept applies the core technology of electrical stimulation modulation to various non-medical fields, including agricultural pest control, crop yield optimization, livestock stress management, environmental remediation, and oil extraction enhancement.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent focuses on medical devices that deliver electrical stimulation therapy. However, the technology's potential extends beyond medical applications. The inventive concept addresses the limitation of the original patent by exploring new industries and use cases, where electrical stimulation modulation can provide innovative solutions.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept involves adapting the electrical stimulation modulation technology to generate electrical pulses that interact with plants, livestock, and contaminated soil. In agricultural pest control, the system delivers pulses to a plant via electrodes, deterring pests. For crop yield optimization, real-time plant physiological signals guide the pulse generation. In livestock stress management, the wearable device monitors and controls stress levels using electrical pulses. Environmental remediation involves using electrical pulses to stimulate microbial activity in contaminated soil. Finally, electrical stimulation modulation enhances oil extraction from oil-bearing plants.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The inventive concept's novelty lies in its application to non-medical fields, where the core technology's adaptability and flexibility are leveraged to address specific problems. The inventive step resides in the recognition of the technology's broader potential and its innovative application to these new industries.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include varying the electrode design, pulse frequencies, and signal processing algorithms to suit specific applications. Variations could also involve integrating sensors, machine learning algorithms, or IoT connectivity to enhance the systems' performance and efficiency.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including agriculture, environmental remediation, and energy. The market demand for innovative solutions in these areas is substantial, and the inventive concept's adaptability and flexibility make it an attractive solution for companies seeking to improve their operations and sustainability.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Biomedical engineering and electrical stimulation systems, with expertise in signal processing, electrode design, and physiological signal analysis across biological systems
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A skilled practitioner with advanced degree in biomedical engineering or electrical engineering, capable of adapting electrical stimulation technologies across different biological contexts, understanding signal processing techniques, and recognizing transferable technological principles
Obviousness Rationale
The source patent's core technology of generating electrical stimulation pulses based on physiological signals provides a fundamental framework that a skilled practitioner would readily recognize as adaptable to multiple biological systems beyond medical applications. The PTD demonstrates predictable variations by applying identical signal processing and pulse generation principles to different biological contexts like plants and livestock. A PHOSITA would understand that the core technological mechanism of sensing physiological signals and generating targeted electrical pulses represents a generalizable approach applicable across diverse biological domains.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,790 |
|---|---|
| Title | Electrical stimulation modulation |
| Assignee(s) | Medtronic, Inc. |