APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR INFUSING OILS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention generally pertain to an apparatus for producing a solvent, such as vegetable oil, infused with the essence of another material, such as an herb. The infused oil produced by the contemplated apparatus may be used for medicinal purposes (internally or as a topical) or for human/animal consumption.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Infusing is the process of transferring chemical compounds, nutrients, or flavors from plant-based material into a solvent, such as water, oil, or alcohol, by allowing the plant-based material to remain suspended in a solvent for a predetermined time and at a predetermined temperature. The resultant liquid produced from the infusion process is often called an “infusion.” Infusing commonly connotes the use of plant-based matter that dissolve quickly or release their active ingredients easily into a solvent. Examples of plant-based matter include, but are not limited to, dried herbs, seeds, flowers, cannabis, or berries. Infusing solvents is a conventional practice in many fields including homeopathic medicine, the culinary arts, skincare, aromatherapy, beauty, alternative wellness, and beverage production.

As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, the infusion process is often referred to as “steeping,” a method that involves heating a liquid to a desired temperature, such as its boiling point, before the introduction of the plant-based material. The infusing material soaks in the liquid for a predetermined period of time dependent on the purpose for which the infusion is being prepared and the desired infusion potency. The length of time for steeping also depends upon ingredients used in the infusion. Some infusing processes may require minutes while others require days or weeks. The infusion is often strained to remove the spent plant-based material. The infusion may be consumed immediately or be bottled and stored for future use. Infusions are used in their native state or as an ingredient in a recipe or formula.

Typically, a solvent is exposed to infusing material contained in metal, plastic, or paper steeping device having permeable walls. Such steeping devices are filled with material then placed in the solvent for infusing, wherein the permeable walls allow for the passage of solvent and, thus, exposure to the infusing material. Although well-suited for fluids of low viscosity, this prior art steeping technology does not allow for proper fusion of oil-based solvents. More specifically, oil-based solvents are of higher viscosity and, thus often cannot flow through permeable walls suited for water or water-based solvents. Accordingly, to facilitate infusion, oil-based infusion processes commonly must be performed at increased temperatures to reduce their viscosity. Adding heat is also often desirable as it reduces processing time, but increased heat has drawbacks related to safety concerns associated with increase burn exposure.

As alluded to above, infusing chambers are often associated with a heater element and agitator. Some prior art are operatively interconnected to a lid of the infusing chamber, wherein a portion of the agitator extends into the infusing chamber when the lid is closed. The agitator helps accelerate and control the infusing process, especially when heat is also applied. In operation, the user adds oil-based solvent and often plant-based material to the infusing chamber which is then exposed to high temperatures by the heater element. Concurrently, the agitator churns the liquid and infusing material, which helps circulate the infusing material into the oil-based solvent. The agitator may be configured to pulverize material to increase its surface area, which exposes more of the material to the solvent and, thus, increases processes effectivity. After the infusing process is complete, the user removes the lid with the interconnected agitator, which may expose the user to hot liquid as it inevitably drips therefrom.

Another drawback with traditional agitator is that filtering material particulate from the infused solvent is often rendered difficult because the agitator creates an increased number of small particulates. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that small particulate matter results in an unsightly and undesirable cloudy or dirty end product. Users must strain heated infusion, which is a cleanup issue and increases the probability of burn injuries. Some agitators used in prior art devices operatively mount to the bottom of the infusing chamber, a structure similar to that commonly found in blenders. One drawback of these types of arrangements is that residual oil-based solvent and infusing material may adhere to agitator components and make it difficult to clean the infusing chamber and agitator. Such contamination may also adversely affect future infusion processes.

To address this in other drawbacks with infusing systems of the prior art, some embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus and method for infusing a solvent with a contained infusing material to produce an infusion of desired character and potency.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is one aspect of some embodiments of the present invention to provide an infusing apparatus that employs an infusing chamber with an agitator component located on an interior surface thereof. The contemplated apparatus also employs a power supply, a computing device, a permeable compartment for receipt of infusing material, heating element, and a gravity-based drain. The apparatus also employs a permeable container for holding infusion material and, thus, allows for infusion while limiting the pulverization of infusing material and dispersion of spent materials in the solvent. The agitator of this embodiment is designed to permit easy removal of the infusing chamber from the infusing apparatus, which facilitates cleaning. In some embodiments of the present invention, the agitator is magnetically driven and provides churning from the bottom of the infusing chamber, which also addresses the drawbacks discussed above associated with gear or shaft-driven agitators. It may be desired in some embodiments of the present invention to limit the rotational speed of the agitator component to be below 200 rotations per minute (RPM), while in other embodiments it may be desired for the agitator component to be between about 70 and 90 RPM. Rotational speed limitation helps prevent cavitation that may result in solvent aeration and a cloudy end-product. While it is preferred that the agitator spins at a rate that to prevent aeration, it will be appreciated agitator RPM may be selectively adjusted.

It is another aspect of some embodiments of the present invention to provide a permeable compartment for receiving infusing material. The permeable compartment allows for solvents to flow therethrough without significant material pulverization and dispersion into the infusion. That is, the permeable compartments prevent the infusing material from escaping into the infusing chamber.

It will be appreciated that some embodiments of the present invention may alternatively utilize prepackaged units configured to hold infusing material, e.g., plant-based material. The contemplated prepackaged unit may comprise a permeable pod, cup, or another container that allows solvent the past therethrough. The prepackaged units may be prefilled and sold ready-to-use or packaged by the user with a desired infusing material. In some embodiments, the prepackaged unit may be selectively openable such that a user may supplement the infusing material provided by a third party. In one example, prepackaged units are filled, sealed, and delivered to a state that allows the sale of cannabinoids. Here, the end-user or secondary in-state seller has the ability to selectively open the prepackaged unit and add material that is otherwise illegal in other states. As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, the prepackaged units may alternatively employ a temporary closure that is discarded in lieu of a permanent disclosure created by a secondary provider after the original infusing material mixture is modified. The prepackaged units may be configured to fit within a permeable compartment that is mounted in the infusing chamber. Alternatively, the prepackaged unit may be supported by a mount provided in the infusing chamber. It will be appreciated that the prepackaged units as contemplated herein may be reusable or disposable and may be constructed of biodegradable material.

The permeable compartment may be removably affixed to an inner surface of the infusing chamber. One benefit of removably affixing a compartment is an increased ease of filling with the plant-based material, for example. An ancillary benefit is that such a compartment can be removed for easy cleaning. The permeable compartment may be selectively affixed to the infusion chamber by way of one or more permanent or temporary magnets. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a combination of magnetic and ferromagnetic materials may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

Again, the viscosity oil-based solvents decrease as the solvent temperature increases. Thus, it is advantageous to elevate the temperature of oil-based solvents to increase the flow through the permeable surface provided by the container. As used herein, “oils” may include, but is not limited to butter, animal fat, or plant-based oils. The heating elements provided by some embodiments control and maintain elevated temperatures of the solvent but not in excess of 100° C. (212° F.). Limiting the temperature of the solvent to 100° C. (212° F.) greatly reduces the risk of injury from contact with heated solvents, particularly oil-based solvents. Additionally, certain solvents such as butter and Flaxseed oil have material properties having a boiling point slightly above 100° C. (212° F.). In maintaining the temperature of the solvent to 100° C. (212° F.) or less, boiling and aeration are avoided.

Limiting maximum infusing process temperature is identical when using some temperature-sensitive infusing materials. More specifically, some infusing materials or solvents have a temperature threshold at which their chemical structure changes. Examples of such chemical structure changes include, but are not limited to, denaturation, unwanted enzymatic reactions or, unwanted hydrolytic reactions. Setting the infusing process to a particular temperature reduces unwanted changes in chemical compound of those infusing materials and solvents. Still, other materials rely on exposure to heat of a predetermined temperature to effect a desired chemical change. More specifically, some materials, such as cannabinoids, benefit from a decarbonization or decarboxylation process wherein temperature is raised above about 220-240° F. Decarbonization or decarboxylation “cracks” the material to release the often-desired cannabidiol (CBD) and/or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) compounds into the solvent.

Some embodiments also provide a gravity-fed drain device that allows for solvent delivery after the infusing process is complete. The gravity-fed drain omits the need to pick up, tip, or otherwise handle or manipulate the infusing chamber or infusing apparatus. The gravity-fed drain device also limits the risk of injury due to contact with solvent and make cleanup easier. Other advantages of the gravity-fed drain device include aeration mitigation that can occur when solvent is dispensed from the infusing chamber. As mentioned briefly above, aeration is undesirable as it induces cloudiness into the finished product, which makes it appear cloudy or gray. Furthermore, solvent aeration is undesirable as the entrained air may accelerate spoilage. Some problems associated with air entrainment include lipid oxidation and potential microorganism growth. As such, aeration prevention within the solvent improves shelf life, quality and makes infused solvents safer for human consumption.

It is one aspect of some embodiments the present invention to provide an infusing apparatus that employees modular and removable components, such as the agitator component, permeable infusion material compartment, infusing chamber, and/or the gravity-fed drain for ease of cleaning. Some embodiments of the present invention of the invention use materials including, but not limited to Polyethylene (PE), copolyesters, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Melamine, Nylon, Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PS), Silicone, Glass, Ceramic, Stainless Steel or any other materials appreciated to be appropriate for cleaning in a dishwasher appliance.

It is one aspect of some embodiments of the present invention to provide a pod for receiving an infusing material, comprising: a permeable member having an open end; a cage configured to fit within the permeable member and generally maintain the permeable member in an expanded configuration, the cage having a plurality of openings and an upper portion with at least one inwardly-extending protrusion; and a clip having an upper surface and a lower surface configured to fit within the upper portion of the cage, wherein the lower surface engages the at least one protrusion to position a portion of the open end of the permeable member between the cage and the clip.

It is yet another aspect of some embodiments to provide an apparatus for infusing a solvent, comprising: a housing having an infusing chamber adapted to receive the solvent; a heating element associated with the infusing chamber; a drain associated with the infusing chamber; a removable pod interconnected to an inner surface of the infusing chamber, the pod adapted to a permeable member having an open end; a cage configured to fit within the permeable member and generally maintain the permeable pod in an expanded configuration, the cage having a plurality of openings and an upper portion with at least one inwardly-extending protrusion; a clip having a upper surface and a lower surface configured to fit within the upper portion of the cage, wherein the lower surface engages the at least one protrusion with a portion of the open end of the permeable member positioned therebetween; a cap with a portion configured to be inserted within the clip to close the permeable member; and a mount that selectively secures the pod to the infusing chamber.

It is still yet another aspect of some embodiments to provide a method of filling a pod with infusing material, comprising: providing a permeable member having an open end; inserting a cage within the permeable member; folding a top edge of the permeable member over an upper edge of the cage; and inserting a clip into the cage such that a lower edge of the clip is captured by the at least one protrusion, and wherein a portion of the permeable member is captured by the clip and the cage.

Further aspects of the present invention are provided in the following embodiments:

A pod for receiving an infusing material, comprising: a permeable member having an open end; a cage configured to fit within the permeable member and generally maintain the permeable member in an expanded configuration, the cage having a plurality of openings and an upper portion with at least one inwardly-extending protrusion; a clip having an upper surface and a lower surface configured to fit within the upper portion of the cage, wherein the lower surface engages the at least one protrusion to position a portion of the open end of the permeable member between the cage and the clip; and wherein the permeable member is a flexible bag made of mesh.

A pod for receiving an infusing material, comprising: a permeable member having an open end; a cage configured to fit within the permeable member and generally maintain the permeable member in an expanded configuration, the cage having a plurality of openings and an upper portion with at least one inwardly-extending protrusion; a clip having an upper surface and a lower surface configured to fit within the upper portion of the cage, wherein the lower surface engages the at least one protrusion to position a portion of the open end of the permeable member between the cage and the clip; wherein the cage is comprised of first portion and a second portion; and wherein the first portion and the second portion are separated by a non-permeable wall.

A pod for receiving an infusing material, comprising: a permeable member having an open end; a cage configured to fit within the permeable member and generally maintain the permeable member in an expanded configuration, the cage having a plurality of openings and an upper portion with at least one inwardly-extending protrusion; a clip having an upper surface and a lower surface configured to fit within the upper portion of the cage, wherein the lower surface engages the at least one protrusion to position a portion of the open end of the permeable member between the cage and the clip; and further comprising a cap with a portion configured to be inserted within the clip.

A pod for receiving an infusing material, comprising: a permeable member having an open end; a cage configured to fit within the permeable member and generally maintain the permeable member in an expanded configuration, the cage having a plurality of openings and an upper portion with at least one inwardly-extending protrusion; a clip having an upper surface and a lower surface configured to fit within the upper portion of the cage, wherein the lower surface engages the at least one protrusion to position a portion of the open end of the permeable member between the cage and the clip; further comprising a cap with a portion configured to be inserted within the clip; and wherein the cap is integrated into the clip, the cap being configured to move from an open to a closed position.

A solvent, comprising: a housing having an infusing chamber adapted to receive the solvent; a heating element associated with the infusing chamber; a drain associated with the infusing chamber; a removable pod interconnected to an inner surface of the infusing chamber, the pod adapted to a permeable member having an open end; a cage configured to fit within the permeable member and generally maintain the permeable pod in an expanded configuration, the cage having a plurality of openings and an upper portion with at least one inwardly-extending protrusion; a clip having a upper surface and a lower surface configured to fit within the upper portion of the cage, wherein the lower surface engages the at least one protrusion with a portion of the open end of the permeable member positioned therebetween; a cap with a portion configured to be inserted within the clip to close the permeable member; a mount that selectively secures the pod to the infusing chamber; and wherein the permeable member is a flexible bag made of mesh.

A solvent, comprising: a housing having an infusing chamber adapted to receive the solvent; a heating element associated with the infusing chamber; a drain associated with the infusing chamber; a removable pod interconnected to an inner surface of the infusing chamber, the pod adapted to a permeable member having an open end; a cage configured to fit within the permeable member and generally maintain the permeable pod in an expanded configuration, the cage having a plurality of openings and an upper portion with at least one inwardly-extending protrusion; a clip having a upper surface and a lower surface configured to fit within the upper portion of the cage, wherein the lower surface engages the at least one protrusion with a portion of the open end of the permeable member positioned therebetween; a cap with a portion configured to be inserted within the clip to close the permeable member; a mount that selectively secures the pod to the infusing chamber; wherein the permeable member is a flexible bag made of mesh; and wherein the mount comprises a ring with an internal diameter of a dimension greater than a maximum outer dimension of the permeable member, and a greater than maximum outer dimension of the cage, and less than a maximum outer dimension of the clip.

A solvent, comprising: a housing having an infusing chamber adapted to receive the solvent; a heating element associated with the infusing chamber; a drain associated with the infusing chamber; a removable pod interconnected to an inner surface of the infusing chamber, the pod adapted to a permeable member having an open end; a cage configured to fit within the permeable member and generally maintain the permeable pod in an expanded configuration, the cage having a plurality of openings and an upper portion with at least one inwardly-extending protrusion; a clip having a upper surface and a lower surface configured to fit within the upper portion of the cage, wherein the lower surface engages the at least one protrusion with a portion of the open end of the permeable member positioned therebetween; a cap with a portion configured to be inserted within the clip to close the permeable member; a mount that selectively secures the pod to the infusing chamber; wherein the permeable member is a flexible bag made of mesh; and wherein the mount is selectively interconnected to the infusing chamber.

A solvent, comprising: a housing having an infusing chamber adapted to receive the solvent; a heating element associated with the infusing chamber; a drain associated with the infusing chamber; a removable pod interconnected to an inner surface of the infusing chamber, the pod adapted to a permeable member having an open end; a cage configured to fit within the permeable member and generally maintain the permeable pod in an expanded configuration, the cage having a plurality of openings and an upper portion with at least one inwardly-extending protrusion; a clip having a upper surface and a lower surface configured to fit within the upper portion of the cage, wherein the lower surface engages the at least one protrusion with a portion of the open end of the permeable member positioned therebetween; a cap with a portion configured to be inserted within the clip to close the permeable member; a mount that selectively secures the pod to the infusing chamber; wherein the cage is comprised of first portion and a second portion; and wherein the first portion and the second portion are separated by a non-permeable wall.

A method of filling a pod with infusing material, comprising: providing a permeable member having an open end; inserting a cage within the permeable member; folding a top edge of the permeable member over an upper edge of the cage; and inserting a clip into the cage such that a lower edge of the clip is captured by the at least one protrusion, wherein a portion of the permeable member is captured by the clip and the cage; and wherein the pod further comprises a cap with a portion configured to be inserted within the clip to seal the permeable member.

A method of filling a pod with infusing material, comprising: providing a permeable member having an open end; inserting a cage within the permeable member; folding a top edge of the permeable member over an upper edge of the cage; and inserting a clip into the cage such that a lower edge of the clip is captured by the at least one protrusion, wherein a portion of the permeable member is captured by the clip and the cage; and wherein the cage is comprised of a first portion and a second portion, and wherein the first portion is filled with a first infusing material at one geographic location and the second portion is filled with a second infusing material at a second geographic location.

A method of filling a pod with infusing material, comprising: providing a permeable member having an open end; inserting a cage within the permeable member; folding a top edge of the permeable member over an upper edge of the cage; and inserting a clip into the cage such that a lower edge of the clip is captured by the at least one protrusion, wherein a portion of the permeable member is captured by the clip and the cage; and wherein the cage is comprised of a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is filled with a first infusing material at one geographic location and the second portion is filled with a second infusing material at a second geographic location; and wherein the second infusing material is illegal in the first geographic location.

The Summary of the Invention is neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present invention. That is, these and other aspects and advantages will be apparent from the disclosure of the invention(s) described herein. Further, the above-described embodiments, aspects, objectives, and configurations are neither complete nor exhaustive. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the invention are possible using, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described below. Moreover, references made herein to “the present invention” or aspects thereof should be understood to mean some embodiments of the present invention and should not necessarily be construed as limiting all embodiments to a particular description. The present invention is set forth in various levels of detail in the Summary of the Invention as well as in the attached drawings and the Detailed Description of the Invention and no limitation as to the scope of the present invention is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this Summary of the Invention.

Additional aspects of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the Detailed Description, particularly when taken together with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of these inventions.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an infusing apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective of the infusing apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the embodiment showing FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken from FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 illustrates the temperature control method employed by one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a transparent perspective view of an infusing chamber used by one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a gravity-fed drain device and actuating mechanism employed by some embodiments the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a gravity-fed drain device employed by some embodiments the present invention;

FIG. 9 is the gravity-fed drain device of FIG. 8 shown and assembled configuration;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken from FIG. 3;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a closure mechanism employed by the drain device of some embodiments of the present invention in a closed state;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the closure mechanism of FIG. 11 in an opened state;

FIG. 13 is a transparent perspective view of an infusing chamber employed by some embodiments the present invention;

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a pod for storing infusing material used by one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is the pod shown in FIG. 14 shown in a semi-assembled state;

FIG. 16 is a cage used in the pod shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a clip ring used by the pod show in FIG. 14;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a cap used to seal the pod shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view FIG. 19; and

FIG. 21 is a mount used to support the pod shown FIG. 14.

The following component list and associated numbering found in the drawings is provided to assist in the understanding of one embodiment of the present invention:

#
Component

100
Infusing apparatus

104
User interface

108
Lid

112
Dispensing area

116
Lid release mechanism

120
Infusing chamber

124
Agitator

128
Drain

132
Bottom surface

136
Magnetic field generator

140
Heater

160
Solvent

164
Temperature measuring device

168
Temperature controller

172
Temperature input

176
Error

180
Set point

184
Control calculations

188
Heater output

192
Aperture

200
Actuation mechanism

204
Button

208
Outer surface

212
Proximal end

216
Linkage

220
Pivot arm

224
Distal end

228
Proximal end

232
Distal end

236
Pivot point

240
Rod

244
Internal surface

248
Cylindrical portion

252
Supports

256
Central axis

260
Proximal end

264
Rod

268
Distal end

270
Seal

280
Resilient member

284
Actuator

288
Closure mechanism

292
Tube

296
Proximal end

300
Distal end

320
Closure mechanism

324
Lever

328
Spring

360
Cam

364
Plate

368
Contact switch

420
Permeable container

430
Central axis

435
Cap

440
First magnetic element

444
Second magnetic element

502
Pod

504
Bag

508
Cage

512
Openings

516
Bag clip

518
Upper edge

520
Lower ridge

524
Protrusion

528
Inner surface

532
Cap

536
Ring

540
Mount

560
Ring

564
Infusing material

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the invention or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-4 and 10 show an infusing apparatus 100 of one embodiment of the present invention configured to infuse solvents, including oil-based solvents, with the essence of another material. The infusing apparatus 100 comprises a user interface panel 104, a hinged lid 108 and a dispensing area 112 for providing solvent after the infusing process is complete. A lid release mechanism 116 may be used to open the lid 108 and provide access to an infusing chamber 120. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments of the present invention, the user interface panel 104 comprises a printed circuit board, central processing unit, or other computing devices to provide control, sensing, and programming capabilities. The infusing chamber 120 houses an agitator 124 and a gravity-fed drain device 120. The infusing chamber 120 is configured to receive solvent. The agitator 124 is disposed on a bottom surface 132 of the infusing chamber 120 and rotates to churn the solvent. The gravity-fed drain 128 of the infusing apparatus 100 is configured to allow solvent held within the infusing chamber 120 to be selectively dispensed without the need to pick up, tip, or otherwise manipulate the infusing apparatus 100.

The agitator 124 may be magnetically actuated and spun using a rotating magnetic field. In some embodiments, the agitator 124 rests on the bottom surface 132 of the infusing chamber 120 and a rotating magnetic field component 136 is located on an external bottom side of the infusing chamber 120. The agitator 124 is configured to mix and induce a rotational solvent flow within the infusing chamber without substantial pulverization of the infusing material. The agitator 124 may be coated with a chemically-inert coding, such as a polymer or ceramic material. The rotating magnet system used to impart rotation of the agitator of one embodiment of skill of the art may be similar to those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,350,534 to Rosinger, which is incorporated by reference herein. Alternatively, the agitator 124 may be spun using a stationary electromagnet with a rotating electromagnetic field as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 1,242,493 to Stringham, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

FIG. 10 shows a heater 140 that provides thermal energy to the solvent during the infusing process. Here, the heater 140 is external to the infusing chamber 120 and in close proximity to, or in contact with, the external bottom surface of the infusing chamber 120 and provides heat by conduction, convection, or radiation. The heater of one embodiment of the present invention works in concert with a temperature control a measuring device 164. The measuring device 164 is interconnected to the lid 108 such that it rests in the solvent when the lid is closed. FIG. 4 that shows the lid in an open position, and wherein the measuring device is disconnected from the lid. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that temperature measurement associated with a solvent may be output to a temperature controller such as a thermostat. In operation, the temperature controller 168 as seen in FIG. 5 receives a temperature input 172 in the form of an electrical signal from the temperature measuring device. The temperature input 172 from the temperature controller 168 determines any error 176 between the temperature input 172 and a desired set point 180. The temperature controller 160 then performs control calculations 184 to determine the proper electrical output to control the heater output 188. A device to maintain temperature of solvent may be comprised of a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller, thermostat, or other temperature control devices known to those in the art. It will be appreciated that a PID controller continuously calculates an error value as the difference between a desired set point temperatures and a desired temperature. The PID controller then attempts to minimize the error value over time by adjustment of the power supplied to the heater component. It will be appreciated that the temperature measuring device 164 may comprise different forms including but not limited to an infrared thermometer, a thermistor, a thermocouple, or other temperature measuring devices.

FIGS. 7-12 show a gravity-fed drain 128 employed by some embodiments of the present invention. The gravity-fed drain 128 generally provides dispensing functionality through an aperture located in the bottom surface 132 of the infusing chamber 120. The gravity-fed drain 128 interfaces with an aperture 192 and the bottom surface 132 of the infusing chamber 120. The aperture 192 is closed by the gravity-fed drain 128, thereby preventing the passage of solvent from the infusing chamber to the dispensing area. To dispense infused solvent, the gravity-fed drain 128 is actuated to an open state. Actuation of the gravity-fed drain 128 may be achieved mechanically or electro-mechanically.

In one embodiment, the gravity-fed drain 128 is mechanically actuated by actuation mechanism 200 comprised of a button 204 connected to the gravity-fed drain 128 through a series of mechanical linkages. The button 204 extends through an outer surface 208 of the infusing apparatus 100. The bottom of the button 204 is attached to a proximal end 212 of a linkage 216, which is directed toward a pivot arm 220. A distal end 232 of the pivot arm 220 is located opposite a pivot point 236 disposed between a proximal end 228 and the distal end 232 of the pivot arm 220. The pivot point 236 is constrained by a rod 240 that is interconnected to an internal surface 244 of the infusing apparatus 100. When the proximal end 228 of the pivot arm 220 traverses in a first direction, the distal end 232 of the pivot arm 220 traverses in a second direction. When the distal end 232 of the pivot arm 220, which is connected to the gravity-fed drain 128, traverses in the second direction, the gravity-fed drain 128 moves to an open state.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show the gravity-fed drain of one embodiment that comprises a cylindrical portion 248 having a plurality of supports 252 that extend radially inward from a circumference of the cylindrical portion 248 toward a central axis 256. The supports 252 meet centrally and interconnect to a proximal end 260 of a rod 264 that extends vertically upward from the support rods. A distal end 268 of the rod 264 is interconnected to an aperture seal 270 that selectively mates with the aperture in the bottom surface of the infusing chamber. When the seal between the aperture and aperture seal 270 is open, solvent is permitted to flow through the aperture, the resilient member 280, and the cylindrical member 248.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show alternative method of releasing solvent from the infusing chamber, which may be used in conjunction with the aperture seal described above. Here, an electric actuator 284 is provided that may be a linear actuator, a stepper motor, a servo motor, or other electrically-actuated device known. The electric actuator 284 operates a closure mechanism 288 of a gravity-fed drain 128, wherein when the electric actuator is actuated; the gravity-fed drain 128 is closed. Here, a tube 292 is provided having a proximal end 296 configured to interface with the aperture provided in the bottom of the infusing chamber. The tube has a distal end 300 directed towards the dispensing area. In some embodiments of the present invention, the tube 292 is comprise of an elastic or semi-elastic material which allows it to be deformed by lateral deflection to constrict or close a pathway leading from the infusing chamber to the dispensing area.

More specifically, the tube provided by some embodiments of the present invention is selectively closed by the closure mechanism 320 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. The closure mechanism 320 comprises a pivoting lever 324 that may be biased away from the tube 292 by a spring 328. The electric actuator 284 applies a force to a lever 324 to draw it toward the tube 292. That is, the electric actuator 284 provides rotational motion to a cam 360 that engages a plate 364 associated with the lever 324. The force applied to the plate 364 moves the lever 324 so that it pinches or closes the tube 292. In this fashion, flow of solvent from the infusing chamber can be selectively regulated or ceased. When force is removed from the lever through reverse actuation of the electric actuator 284, the lever 324 is moved away from the tube by the electric motor 284 assisted by the spring 364. Some embodiments provide a contact switch 368 which sends electric signal to the user interface to indicate a status change of the lever 324.

FIG. 13 shows a permeable container 420 that may be placed into an infusing chamber 120. The permeable container 420 holds infusing material and solvent within the infusing chamber 120 is able to flow through the walls the permeable container 420. In some embodiments, the permeable container 420 is located away from a central axis 430 of the infusing chamber 120. Solvent flow within the infusing chamber 120 is generated by the agitator 124 that is located at the central axis 430. This arrangement increases solvent flow through the infusing chamber and, thus, exposes more solvent to the infusing material, in the permeable container 420. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that infusing material as discussed herein may refer to loose material or prepackaged material deposited within the infusing chamber 120 or, preferably, within the permeable container 240. For example, a prepackaged permeable container may be placed within container 420. Using a permeable container, instead of simply placing infusing material within the infusing chamber addresses many of the issues of the prior art discussed above.

The permeable container 420 may have a cap 435. In addition, the permeable container 420 may be removably affixed to the interior of the infusing chamber 120 by a first magnetic element 440 interconnected to the exterior of the permeable container. A second magnetic element 444 interconnected to the exterior the infusing chamber 120. It will be appreciated that selective interconnection is achieved when the first magnetic element 440 and the second magnetic element 444 are brought in proximity to each other. It will also be appreciated that selective magnetic interconnection maybe achieved with a permanent or an electromagnets.

FIGS. 14-21 show a pod 502, which is alternative to the permeable container described above. The pod comprises a flexible, permeable bag 504, a cage 508 that maintains the shape of the bag, a bag clip 516 that secures the bag to the cage, and a cap 532 that seals the pod 502. The bag 504 is collapsible, which facilitates storage, and is also configured to selectively expand if needed to accept additional infusing material. Accordingly, the bag may be pleated. The bag's 504 expanded shape is at least partially maintained by the cage 508 inserted into the bag before receiving infusing material. Because the cage 508 has a plurality of openings 512, solvent can pass freely through the permeable bag 504 and the cage 508. The bag will facilitate solvent infusion when partially filled, for example, 25% filled or more.

The bag clip 516 interconnects the bag 504 to the cage 508, wherein an upper edge 518 of the bag 504 is positioned between a lower ridge 520 of the bag clip 516 and at least one protrusion 524 that extends from the upper, inner surface 528 of the cage. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other methods of interconnecting the bag clip 516, bag 504, and/or cage 508 may be employed without departing from the scope of the invention. A cap 532, which may have a ring 536 at its lower surface, is used to close the pod. The cage 508, bag clip 516, and cap 532 of one embodiment of the present invention are reusable.

The pod 502 is selectively inserted and maintained by a mount 540 selectively interconnected to an inside surface of the infusing chamber as in the embodiments described above. The mount 540 may be selectively interconnected to the inner surface of the infusing chamber with a magnet housing as shown in FIG. 21.

The cage shown in FIG. 16 has a plurality of openings 512 that allow solvent to pass therethrough. The openings can be of any size to facilitate the flow of solvent. In operation, the permeability of the bag, which may be made entirely or partially of a screen or mesh, will dictate exposure of the infusing material 564 placed in the pod. In some embodiments, the cage openings 512 are blocked with a permeable material or mesh wherein the bag is not necessarily required. In other embodiments, the size of the openings 512 may be selectively altered to make them larger, for example. Other embodiments of the cage 508 employ internal ridges or other means that allow for walls to be selectively provided to divide the cage into different zones for holding different types of plant-based material, for example. Further, portion(s) of the bag or cage may be constructed of a plant-based material that is effectively dissolved by the solvent material during the infusing process.

The cage of one embodiment possesses more than one compartment adapted to receive infusing material of differing forms, characteristics, etc. In this example, one or more compartments can be filled by different co-packers perhaps at different times. Filling of a pod contemplated by this embodiment is performed by a first co-packer that fills a first compartment with a first infusing material, i.e., an herb blend, and the second compartment is filled by a second co-packer with a second infusing material, i.e., cannabis. The cap used in this pod may comprise two sealable portions. Alternatively, the first co-packer seals the pod with a cap that is later removed and perhaps destroyed by the second co-packer who adds a final cap, which may only be removed upon destruction thereof. The cap of some embodiments can only be removed after installation by destroying a portion thereof, which may serve as a safety feature. That is, the caps of some embodiments can only be removed after installation by destroying a portion thereof, which serves as a safety feature.

FIGS. 19 and 20 show the cap 532 of one embodiment of the present invention. As briefly mentioned above, some embodiments the present invention contemplate a pod that is sealed with contained infusing material before delivery to the user. In this example, the cap is ultrasonically welded to the bag clip, which will be apparent upon review of FIG. 15. In other embodiments, however, the cap can be freely removed to open the pod such so that the end user can fill the bag with the desired mixture of plant-based materials or to augment pre-packaged infusing materials. In other embodiments, the top surface of the cap includes at least one aperture that is selectively sealed by a bio-friendly sealing element, such as a sticker seal. This embodiment contemplates situations wherein the pod is filled with infusing material in a first location, shipped to a second location, and subsequently filled with additional infusing material. The secondary infusing material is added by way of removing the sticker, augmenting the infusing material already in the pod, and then resealing the cap with the existing sticker or new closure device. The secondary closure device may include tamper resistant or tamper evident means.

With specific reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, in operation, the cage 508 is inserted into the bag 504, which prevents collapse of the bag 504 and provides a volume that receives infusing material 564. An upper edge 518 of the bag is folded into the cage, wherein the upper edge 518 extends adjacent to, or below a lower ridge 520 of the bag clip 516. Next, the bag clip 516 is inserted into the cage 508, wherein at least a portion of the bag 504 is positioned between an external surface of the bag clip at least one protrusion 524 provided by the cage 508. Further insertion of the bag clip 516 into the cage will eventually locate the lower ridge 520 of the bag clip 516 under at least one protrusion 524, thereby locking the bag clip 516 to the cage 508. The user or packager may then add material to the bag 504. If desired, the cap 532 is used to seal the pod 502 and, thus, may be made to snugly fit within the bag clip 516 to prevent contamination from entering the pod 502. This is also safety feature that prevents children from opening the pod 502. In one embodiment of the pod is disposable and is delivered to the user with a proprietary mixture of botanicals, herbs, spices, leaves, and other plant-based materials. The mixture of infusing material are optimized for infusion of particular volumes of product and sold in multipacks at commercial retailers. Finally, the pod 502 is inserted in the mount 540, which employs a ring 560 having a diameter less than a portion of the cage 508, bag clip 516, or cap 532. This dimensional arrangement maintains preferred location of the pod 502 within the infusing chamber. In one embodiment, the bag clip employs an outer ridge 570 that rests on the ring 560.

Components of the pod may be injection molded or made be additive manufacturing processes. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the pod may be configured in size and shape to be used in many infusing apparatus, not just the apparatus described herein. The pod does not absorb more than a negligible amount of solvent. However, in one embodiment, portions of the cage can be made of infusing material that will at least partially dissolve into particulates captured by the bag during the infusing process. The pod of one embodiment is temperature resistant up to 250° F. when immersed in oil without degradation for at least about 10 hours.

The bag of one embodiment is made of biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) mesh. For example, PLA mesh manufactured by Yamanaka Industry Co., Ltd., commonly known as Tearoad® Soilon®. Such material is capable of remaining in a heated vegetable oil bath for 10 hours, which make it ideal for the contemplated applications. The mesh may also be made of food grade stainless steel.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. It is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention, as set forth in the following claims. Further, it is to be understood that the invention(s) described herein is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the preceding description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR INFUSING OILS

Information

Publication Number

Date Filed

Date Published

Inventors

Original Assignees

CPC

International Classifications

Abstract

Description

Claims

Parent Case Info

Provisional Applications (1)