Inert Gas Discharge Nozzle for Agricultural Crop Drying and Food Preservation

Publication ID: 24-11857817_0002_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Inert Gas Discharge Nozzle for Agricultural Crop Drying and Food Preservation,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857817_0002_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857817_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. 11,857,817.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept applies the low-pressure drop acoustic suppressor nozzle technology to agricultural crop drying, food preservation, and industrial dehumidification, providing a controlled atmosphere for drying and preserving crops and food products, while reducing bacterial growth and moisture content.

Background and Problem Solved

Traditional methods for drying and preserving crops and food products often result in moisture damage, bacterial growth, and reduced shelf life. The original patent's low-pressure drop acoustic suppressor nozzle technology, initially designed for fire suppression systems, offers a solution to these problems by providing a controlled atmosphere for drying and preservation.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept utilizes the inert gas discharge nozzle with a low-pressure drop acoustic suppressor to create a controlled atmosphere for drying crops and preserving food products. The nozzle's design enables a precise control over the gas flow, pressure, and temperature, ensuring optimal conditions for drying and preservation. In agricultural crop drying, the nozzle can be integrated into drying systems to reduce moisture content and prevent spoilage. In food preservation, the nozzle can be used to create a controlled atmosphere for storing food products, reducing bacterial growth and extending shelf life.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce a novel application of the low-pressure drop acoustic suppressor nozzle technology to agricultural crop drying, food preservation, and industrial dehumidification, which was not considered in the original patent. The inventive step lies in adapting the nozzle's design to provide a controlled atmosphere for drying and preservation, addressing the specific problems in these industries.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include integrating the nozzle with existing drying and preservation systems, using different inert gases or gas mixtures, or modifying the nozzle's design to accommodate specific crop or food product requirements. Variations could also include using the nozzle in other industries, such as pharmaceuticals or textiles, where controlled atmospheres are crucial.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the agricultural, food processing, and industrial dehumidification industries. The market for controlled atmosphere drying and preservation systems is growing, driven by increasing demands for food safety and sustainability. The inventive concept offers a unique solution to these industries, providing a competitive advantage and opportunities for market expansion.

Field of Art

Fire suppression and gas flow control systems, with expertise in fluid dynamics, nozzle design, and controlled atmosphere technologies

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

An engineer with advanced degree in mechanical or chemical engineering, experienced in gas flow systems, nozzle design, and industrial process control, with knowledge of fluid dynamics and heat transfer principles

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the fundamental gas flow control principles of the low-pressure drop acoustic suppressor nozzle are readily adaptable to alternative industrial applications beyond fire suppression. The core technological innovation of precise gas flow and pressure management is universally applicable across different controlled atmosphere scenarios. The PTD demonstrates a straightforward extension of the source patent's core technological principles to agricultural and food preservation contexts.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Low-pressure drop acoustic suppressor nozzle with precise gas flow control
PTD Variation
Application to agricultural crop drying and food preservation environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Known technique of transferring gas flow control technologies between industrial domains, with predictable results of moisture reduction and atmosphere management
Source Patent Element
Multiple outlet configurations in second conduit
PTD Variation
Configuring outlets to distribute inert gas evenly across agricultural or food preservation spaces
Obviousness Reasoning
Routine engineering design choice to optimize gas distribution based on specific environmental requirements
Source Patent Element
Inert gas discharge system with pressure and flow rate control
PTD Variation
Using controlled gas atmosphere for bacterial growth reduction and product preservation
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable application of existing gas flow control technology to solve known problems in food preservation and agricultural processing
Source Patent Element
Nozzle configured for precise gas discharge within enclosed environments
PTD Variation
Adapting nozzle for controlled dehumidification and atmosphere management in industrial spaces
Obviousness Reasoning
Obvious extension of existing technological principles to solve related environmental control challenges
Source Patent Element
Gas flow ratio and pressure drop management
PTD Variation
Modifying gas mixture and flow characteristics for specific crop or food preservation requirements
Obviousness Reasoning
Routine optimization of existing technological parameters through predictable engineering modifications
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857817, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the variations disclosed in the Published Technical Disclosure to be obvious extensions of the source patent's core technological principles. The application of low-pressure drop acoustic suppressor nozzle technology to agricultural, food preservation, and industrial dehumidification contexts represents a predictable variation within the existing technological domain, rendering potential claims in these areas obvious and unpatentable.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,817
TitleLow pressure drop acoustic suppressor nozzle for inert gas discharge system
Assignee(s)Tyco Fire Products LP