SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COMBINING AND PACKAGING PLANT-BASED MATERIAL

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to plant material processing and more specifically to an apparatus, system, and method for combining and packaging at least two plant-based materials.

BACKGROUND

Currently, plant-based therapies are becoming more attractive for the treatment of multiple different ailments are afflictions. In naturalistic circles, holistic treatments, such as those based on the medicinal values of various plants, are gaining popularity due to a lack of harmful side-effects and adaptogenic properties. The use of plant-based medicines is an ancient practice. Although use of plant-based medicines has persisted through the centuries, the use and proper application has been underreported and colloquially measured and applied. Many applications involve rough measurements based on a size of the plant and amount grabbed by an individual (e.g., an “eye-ball” measurement equating to how much the individual thinks should be applied). The rough measurements can lead to incorrect dosages, especially when combining different plant-based materials.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods and apparatuses for combining and packaging at least two plant-based materials.

In a first embodiments, a device for preparing plant-based therapeutics is provided. The device includes at least two material canisters configured to receive a plant-based material. The device also includes a portion control section configured to receive a first plant-based material from a first of the at least two material canisters and a second plant-based material from a second of the at least two material canisters, in which the first plant-based material is different than the second plant-based material. The portion control section is configured to portion a first specified amount of the first plant-based material and a second specified amount of the second plant-based material to the guide. The device also includes a guide configured to receive and combine the first specified amount of the first plant-based material and the second specified amount of the second plant-based material from the portion control section. The device further includes a packaging section configured to receive the combined plant-based materials and encapsulate the combined plant-based material in a wrapping material.

In a second embodiment, a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising a plurality of instructions. The plurality of instructions, when executed by at least one processor, is configured to cause the at least one processor to: obtain, from two or more canisters, a plant-based material; measure a first plant-based material from a first canister of the two or more canisters and a second plant-based material from a second canister of the two or more canisters, wherein the first plant-based material is different than the second plant-based material; combine a first specified amount of the first plant-based material and a second specified amount of the second plant-based material; and encapsulate the combined plant-based material in a wrapping material.

In a third embodiment, a method by an automated preparation device for preparing plant-based therapeutics is provided. The method includes containing, by the automated preparation device, a first plant-based material in a first canister and a second plant-based material in a second canister, wherein the first plant-based material is different than the second plant-based material. The method also includes measuring a first specified amount of the first plant-based material and a second specified amount of the second plant-based material. The method also includes combining the first specified amount of the first plant-based material and the second specified amount of second plant-based material. The method further includes encapsulating the combined plant-based material in a wrapping material.

Other technical features may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.

Before undertaking the DETAILED DESCRIPTION below, it may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document. The term “couple” and its derivatives refer to any direct or indirect communication between two or more elements, whether or not those elements are in physical contact with one another. The terms “transmit,” “receive,” and “communicate,” as well as derivatives thereof, encompass both direct and indirect communication. The terms “include” and “comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation. The term “or” is inclusive, meaning and/or. The phrase “associated with,” as well as derivatives thereof, means to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, have a relationship to or with, or the like. The term “controller” means any device, system or part thereof that controls at least one operation. Such a controller may be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and software and/or firmware. The functionality associated with any particular controller may be centralized or distributed, whether locally or remotely. The phrase “at least one of,” when used with a list of items, means that different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used, and only one item in the list may be needed. For example, “at least one of: A, B, and C” includes any of the following combinations: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and A and B and C.

As used here, the phrase “configured (or set) to” may be interchangeably used with the phrases “suitable for,” “having the capacity to,” “designed to,” “adapted to,” “made to,” or “capable of” depending on the circumstances. The phrase “configured (or set) to” does not essentially mean “specifically designed in hardware to.” Rather, the phrase “configured to” may mean that a device can perform an operation together with another device or parts. For example, the phrase “processor configured (or set) to perform A, B, and C” may mean a generic-purpose processor (such as a CPU or application processor) that may perform the operations by executing one or more software programs stored in a memory device or a dedicated processor (such as an embedded processor) for performing the operations.

Moreover, various functions described below can be implemented or supported by one or more computer programs, each of which is formed from computer readable program code and embodied in a computer readable medium. The terms “application” and “program” refer to one or more computer programs, software components, sets of instructions, procedures, functions, objects, classes, instances, related data, or a portion thereof adapted for implementation in a suitable computer readable program code. The instructions may include any suitable type of code, such as source code, compiled code, interpreted code, executable code, static code, dynamic code, encrypted code, programming code, and the like, implemented using any suitable high-level, low-level, object-oriented, visual, compiled and/or interpreted programming language. The non-transitory computer readable medium embodied programming code may cause a processor when executing the programming code to perform functions, such as those described herein. The phrase “computer readable program code” includes any type of computer code, including source code, object code, and executable code. The phrase “computer readable medium” includes any type of medium capable of being accessed by a computer, such as read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), a hard disk drive, a compact disc (CD), a digital video disc (DVD), or any other type of memory. A “non-transitory” computer readable medium excludes wired, wireless, optical, or other communication links that transport transitory electrical or other signals. A non-transitory computer readable medium includes media where data can be permanently stored and media where data can be stored and later overwritten, such as a rewritable optical disc or an erasable memory device.

Definitions for other certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document. Those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that in many if not most instances, such definitions apply to prior as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts:

FIG. 1 illustrates a plant material combining and packaging device according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of the plant material combining and packaging device according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a portion control section according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a guide and packaging section according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a measurement device according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates a material canister according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates an input and measuring section according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a plunger according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 illustrates an isometric view of the plant material combining and packaging device according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 illustrates a process for combining and packaging at least two plant-based materials according to embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 11 illustrates a control circuit of a plant material combining and packaging device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 through FIG. 11, discussed below, and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present disclosure in this patent document are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented in any suitably arranged system or device.

Aspects, features, and advantages of the disclosure are readily apparent from the following detailed description, simply by illustrating a number of particular embodiments and implementations, including the best mode contemplated for carrying out the disclosure. The disclosure is also capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details can be modified in various obvious respects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive. The disclosure is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system, method, device, or apparatus for combining and packaging materials from one or more plant-based sources. Certain embodiments provide a device that includes at least two canisters. Each canister is configured to receive material from a plant-based source. Such material can include leaves, stems, seeds, oils, or the like. In certain embodiments, the plant can include one or more plants that provide a medicinal value, such as calendula, chamomile, plantain, hyssop, lavender, and cannabis. Each canister is configured to hold and grind a specified amount of material. Each canister is removably insertable into the device. When inserted, the material in each canister can be grinded, chopped, diced, or the like. The device is configured to receive and combine specified amounts of the materials from each canister. In certain embodiments, the device can weigh and portion respective amounts of the materials for combining. For example, the device can measure a weight of the material and portion respective amounts of the material based on any of: a percent basis, a ratio basis, a weight basis, or a volume basis. Certain embodiments provide that the combined materials are then delivered into the packaging area. In certain embodiments, the device includes a plunger that packs or compresses the combined materials into a packaging wrapper or container. In certain embodiments, the plunger is further configured to ensure that most (e.g., more than 95%) or all combined material is provided to the packaging wrapper or container, such as by scraping one or more sides of a chute (e.g., channel) between a weighing section (coupled to the canisters) and the packaging area. The device can encapsulate the material within the wrapper or container. For example, the device can enclose the wrapper around the combined materials. Thereafter, a door provides access to the wrapped combined materials such that an operator can retrieve the wrapped combined materials. Accordingly, certain embodiments of the present disclosure, as further illustrated by the figures herein, provide a system, method, device, and apparatus, for combining specified amounts of plant-based materials in a packaged assembly. Certain embodiments of the present disclosure are configured to provide consistent, reproducible amounts of each plant-based material in a packaged assembly. Certain embodiments of the present disclosure are configured to provide certainty and safety in the amounts of each plant-based material in a packaged assembly.

FIG. 1 illustrates a plant material combining and packaging device (MCP) according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiment of the MCP 100 shown in FIG. 1 is for illustration only. Other embodiments could be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In certain embodiments, the MCP 100 includes a measuring section 105 and a packaging section 110. The MCP 100 includes a housing 115. In certain embodiment, the housing 115 comprises a single housing configured to contain the measuring section 105 and the packaging section 115. In certain embodiments, the housing 115 comprises a first housing for the measuring section 105 and a second housing for the packaging section 110.

The MCP 100 includes a number of material canisters 120. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the MCP 100 includes two material canisters, namely, first material canister 120a and second material canister 120b. In certain examples, the MCP 100 includes more or few material canisters 120. For example, the MCP 100 can include a single material canister 120 or three or more material canisters 120. In certain embodiments, one or both of the material canisters 120 is removably inserted into the MCP 100. Each of the canisters 120 is configured to receive and hold a respective plant material. For example, the first material canister 120a can receive and hold a plant material from a first plant and the second canister 120b can receive and hold plant material from a second plant. The plants can include one or more plants that provide a medicinal value, such as calendula, chamomile, plantain, hyssop, lavender, and cannabis. The plant material can include one or more of: leaves, seeds, stems, petals, flowers, stems, flower buds, shake/trimmed leaves, oils, and the like. The material canisters 120 form a material input section. In certain embodiments, the material canisters 120 are configured to grind the plant material.

The MCP 100 includes a measurement section aligned with the material input section. For example, the measurement section can include scales 125 corresponding respectively to each of the material canisters 120 (when inserted). For example, the measurement section can include a first scale 125a corresponding to the first material canister 120a and a second scale 125b corresponding to the second material canister 120b. In certain embodiments, each scale 125 includes a balance pan 130 that is configured to: (i) receive the plant material from the respective material canister 120; and (ii) deliver the plant material to a transfer section. In certain embodiments, the balance pan 130 is rotatably coupled to the scale 125.

The measurement section is coupled to a packaging section by the transfer section. The transfer section includes a guide 135 configured to receive plant material from each of the scales 125 and deliver the plant material to the packaging section 110. In certain embodiments, the transfer section includes a plunger 140. The plunger 140 is configured to press some or all of the plant material into the packaging section 110. In certain embodiments, the plunger 140 is configured to remove excess or trace amounts of plant material from edge surfaces of the guide 135 and deliver the excess or trace amounts of plant material into the packaging section 110.

The packaging section 110 is configured to receive the plant material from the transfer section. For example, the packaging section 110 can receive the plant material from the guide 135, including the excess or trace amounts from the plunger 140. The packaging section 110 is configured to obtain wrapping material, such as from an attached cartridge or from an external source. For example, the MCP 100 can include a removable cartridge configured to hold wrapping material, such as rolling paper, cigarette tubes, or the like. The packaging section 110 can include a roller 145 configured to place and secure the plant material in the wrapping material. For example, the roller 145 can obtain rolling paper and wrap the rolling paper around the measured quantity of plant material.

In certain embodiments, the MCP 100 includes a controller, an input unit, or both. The controller can include one or more of: processors, memory, transmitters, receivers, and corresponding circuitry. The processor(s) is configured to control operations of the MCP 100, such as in response to inputs received from an operator via the input unit. In certain embodiments, the operator can enter specific amounts of plant material to be used from each of the material canisters 120. For example, the operator can use the input unit to enter amounts of material to be received from each of the material canisters 120 based on any of: a percent basis, a ratio basis, a weight basis, or a volume basis. The control unit can control the MCP 100 to select a specific quantity of each of the plant materials placed in the respective material canisters 120. For example, the processor can control the MCP 100 to obtain material from each of the material canisters 120 based on any of: a percent basis, a ratio basis, a weight basis, or a volume basis.

FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of the plant material combining and packaging device according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiment of the MCP 100 shown in FIG. 2 is for illustration only. Other embodiments could be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In certain embodiments, the MCP 100 includes a power source 205. The power source 205 can be an alternating current (AC) power source, such as an electrical plug and power supply. In certain embodiments, the power supply includes a power converter to convert AC electrical energy into direct current (DC) electrical energy for use by one or more components of the MCP 100. In certain embodiments, the power source 205 comprises a DC power source, such as a battery. In certain embodiments, the DC power source is coupled to a power inverter to convert the DC electrical energy into AC electrical energy for use by one or more components of the MCP 100.

In certain embodiments, the MCP 100 includes a control circuit 210. The control circuit 210 is electronically coupled to the power source 205. The control circuit 210 can include one or more processors configured to control operations of the MCP 100. The processor 315 may include one or more of processing circuitry, a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), or a communication processor (CP). The processing circuitry may include any suitable number(s) and type(s) of processors or other devices in any suitable arrangement. Example types of processing circuitry include microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, field programmable gate arrays, application specific integrated circuits, and discrete circuitry. The controller also can include one or more of: memory, transmitters, receivers, and corresponding circuitry. The processor(s) is configured to control operations of the MCP 100, such as in response to inputs received from an operator via an input unit. In certain embodiments, the control circuit 210 is configured to communicate with an external device via a wired or wireless communication medium. For example, the control circuit 210 can include a transceiver configured to communicate with an external device 215 via a short-range communication medium, such as a WI-FI, BLUETOOTH, ZIGBEE, near field communication (NFC), Global System for Mobile communication (GSM), 3G, 4G, 5G, WI-MAX, infrared, optic, or other standard of signal communication. In certain embodiments, the external device 215 is a smartphone, a tablet, smart-watch, other computing device, or an application included in one of a smartphone, a tablet, smart-watch, or other computing device. In certain embodiments, the operator can enter specific amounts of plant material to be used from each of the material canisters 120. For example, the operator can use the input unit to enter amounts of material to be receive from each of the material canisters 120 based on any of: a percent basis, a ratio basis, a weight basis, or a volume basis. The control circuit 210 can control the MCP 100 to select a specific quantity of each of the plant materials placed in the respective material canisters 120. For example, the control circuit 210 can control the MCP 100 to obtain material from each of the material canisters 120 based on any of: a percent basis, a ratio basis, a weight basis, or a volume basis.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the MCP 100 includes two removable material canisters 120. Each material canister 120 is configured grind the plant material contained therein. For example, each material canister 120 can include a grinding means configured to one or more of: grind, chop, cut, mince, crush, mill, grate, shred, or the like. The material canister 120 can release the ground material (i.e., plant material that has been grinded, chopped, cut, minced, crushed, shredded, or the like) via an opening, chute, or door on a bottom surface of the material canister 120. In certain embodiments, each of the removable canisters 120 is removably mechanically coupled to a gear axle. The gear axle can be coupled to a motor to drive the gears, which in turn drive the grinding means within the material canister 120.

The material canister 120 releases the ground material onto a corresponding scale 125. That is, the ground material is released onto a top surface of the balance pan 130. The balance pan 130 is rotatably coupled to the scale 125 via one or more pins 220 or gears. The balance pan 130 is configured to retain the ground material and rotate to release the ground material when an amount of ground material matches a specified or threshold amount. In an initial (i.e., “loading”) state, the balance pan 130 can be in an horizontal orientation. As the ground material is released onto the balance pan 130 and reaches the specified amount, the balance pan 130 rotates to an angled (i.e., “delivery”) state to release the ground material into the guide 135. In certain embodiments, the balance pan 130 includes lateral walls configured to form an interior volume. The balance pan 130 can be configured to rotate when a specified volume of the ground material is present within the interior volume. In certain embodiments, the balance pan 130 rotates when the ground material reaches a specified weight, such as in grams, milligrams, ounces, and the like. In certain embodiments, the balance pan 130 rotates when the ground material reaches a specified weight in relation to the other balance pan 130. For example, each balance pan 130 can rotate when a ratio between the ground material in each of the balance pans reaches a specified level such as 2:1 or a specified percentage, such as 35% to 65%. That is, the scales 125 and balance pans 130 can be controlled such that when the amount of the ground material in the first balance pan 130a is 35% of a specified final amount and the ground material in the second balance pan 130b is 65% of the specified final amount. Additionally, the scales 125 and balance pans 130 can be controlled such that when the amount of the ground material in the first balance pan 130a is twice the amount of the ground material in the second balance pan 130b. It will be understood that the disclosed ratios and percentages are for illustration only and other ratios or percentages could be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, the scales 125 and respective balance pans 130 are configured to use both a total weight and percentage amount or ratio amount. For example, an operator may specify that a final amount of plant material to be packaged is going to be 0.35 grams of plant material in which 40% is a first plant material and 60% is a second plant material. In such example, the scales 125 and respective balance pan 130 are configured to weigh each respective plant material and release ground material in the respective amounts such that the final amount of ground material that traverses into the packaging area 110 is 0.35 grams comprising 40% (i.e., 0.14 grams) of the first plant material and 60% (i.e., 0.21 grams) of the second plant material. In certain embodiments, the scales 125 and respective balance pan 130 are configured to use both a total weight and percentage by volume. Each of the balance pans 130 is dimensioned such that a lateral edge is disposed above an opening in the guide 135 when the balance pan 130 is in the angled position.

The guide 135 is configured to receive and combine the ground material. In certain embodiments, the guide 135 comprises a funnel. In certain embodiments, an arm extends from a perimeter of the funnel. A plunger 140 is coupled to the guide 135 via the arm. The plunger 140 is configured to press some or all of the plant material into the packaging section 110. In certain embodiments, the plunger 140 is configured to remove excess or trace amounts of plant material from edge surfaces of the guide 135 and deliver the excess or trace amounts of plant material into the packaging section 110. In certain embodiments, the guide 135 is configured to rotate or spin to facilitate combining or mixing of the different ground materials. The guide 135 directs the combined ground materials toward an opening (e.g., a channel feed) at a bottom of the guide 135 that is aligned with an opening in the roller 145.

FIG. 3 illustrates a portion control section according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiment of the portion control section 300 shown in FIG. 3 is for illustration only. Other embodiments could be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The portion control section 300 is configured to receive a first plant-based material from a first of the at least two material canisters 120 and a second plant-based material from a second of the at least two material canisters 120, wherein the first plant-based material is different than the second plant-based material. The portion control section 300 is configured to portion a first specified amount of the first plant-based material and a second specified amount of the second plant-based material and deliver the portioned amounts of plant material to the guide 135. Additionally, in certain embodiments, as shown in the example depicted in FIG. 3, each of the material canisters 120 can be removably attachable by connecting to an attachment means 305, which can be one or more of: a prong, a gear attachment, an electrical connection (such as a plug), or the like. For example, the MCP 100 can include an attachment means 305 configured as a rotary male prong and each canister 120 can include a female receiver configured to engage the rotary male prong to turn a grinding means in the canister 120. In certain embodiments, the male prong can be an electrically coupling configured to electrically couple to the canister 120 and electrically drive the grinding means in the canister 120.

The portion control section 300 includes two or more measurement devices 308. Each measurement device 308 can include a scale 125 and a balance pan 130. The balance pan 130 is configured to receive ground plant material from a corresponding canister 120. In certain embodiments, the balance pan 130 includes lateral walls on at least three edges to form an interior volume on a surface of the balance pan 130. The lateral walls are configured to retain the ground plant material on a top surface of the balance pan 130 when the balance pan 130 is in a horizontal (i.e., “holding”, or “initial”) position. The balance pan 130 is rotatably coupled to the scale 125 via one or more pins 220 or gears. In certain embodiments, the balance pan 130 is coupled to the scale 125 via one or more latches or via a locking receiver 310 and a locking pin 315. In certain embodiments, the balance pan 130 rotates under control of gears that cause the balance pan to rotate about the pins 220. In certain embodiments, the balance pan 130 is disposed such that when a specified amount of material is retained on the balance pan 130, the balance pan 130 rotates to release the material. In certain embodiments, the rotation point, namely the location of the one or more pins 220, is variable such that the balance pan 130 rotates at different amounts of the material being disposed on a top surface of the balance pan 130. In certain embodiments, the balance pan 130 is configured to always tip (namely, move or default to the delivery position) regardless of an amount of material being on the top surface of the balance pan 130 and the locking pin 315 is configured to retractably engage the locking receiver 310 to release the balance pan 130 to rotate when an amount of material on the surface of the balance pan 130 matches a specified amount of material. Accordingly, the balance pan 130 is configured to retain the ground material and rotate to release the ground material when an amount of ground material matches a specified amount. The scale 125 is configured to measure the amount of ground material 130 retained on the balance pan 130. In certain embodiments, the scale 135 is configured to release the ground material 130 from the balance pan 130 when the amount of ground material matches a specified or threshold amount. For example, the scale 135 can be configured to at least one of: actuate one or more gears to rotate the balance pan 130 to release the ground material into the guide 135; retract the locking pin 315 from the locking receiver 310 to release the balance pan 130 to rotate and release the ground material into the guide 135; or move a pivot point by moving the one or more pins 220 to cause the balance pan to release the ground material into the guide 135. The specified amount can be preset or received via an input means, such as via the input unit.

In an initial state, the balance pan 130 can be in an horizontal orientation. As the ground material is released onto the balance pan 130 and reaches the specified amount, the balance pan 130 rotates to an angled (i.e., “delivery”) state to release the ground material into the guide 135. The balance pan 130 can be configured to rotate when a specified volume of the ground material is present within the interior volume. In certain embodiments, the balance pan 130 rotates when the ground material reaches a specified weight, such as in grams, milligrams, ounces, and the like. In certain embodiments, the balance pan 130 rotates when the ground material reaches a specified weight in relation to the other balance pan 130. For example, each balance pan 130 can rotate when a ratio between the ground material in each of the balance pans reaches a specified level, such as 3:2, or a specified percentage, such as 25% to 75%. That is, the scales 125 and balance pans 130 can be controlled such that when the amount of the ground material in the first balance pan 130a is 25% of a specified final amount and the ground material in the second balance pan 130b is 75% of the specified final amount. Additionally, the scales 125 and balance pans 130 can be controlled such that when the amount of the ground material in the first balance pan 130a is one and one half the amount of the ground material in the second balance pan 130b. It will be understood that the disclosed ratios and percentages are for illustration only and other ratios or percentages could be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, the scales 125 and respective balance pan 130 are configured to use both a total weight and percentage amount or ratio amount. For example, an operator may specify that a final amount of plant material to be packaged is going to be 0.35 grams of plant material in which 20% is a first plant material and 80% is a second plant material. In such example, the scales 125 and respective balance pan 130 are configured to weigh each respective plant material and release ground material in the respective amounts such that the final amount of ground material that traverses into the packaging area 110 is 0.35 grams comprising 20% of the first plant material and 80% of the second plant material. In certain embodiments, the scales 125 and respective balance pan 130 are configured to use both a total weight and percentage by volume. Each of the balance pans 130 is dimensioned such that a lateral (i.e., dropping) edge 320 is disposed above an opening in the guide 135 when the balance pan 130 is in the angled position.

The guide 135 is configured to receive and combine the ground material such as by receiving and combining the first specified amount of the first plant-based material and the second specified amount of the second plant-based material. In certain embodiments, the guide 135 comprises a funnel. The guide 135 receives a first ground material from the first balance pan 130a and a second ground material from a second balance pan 130b. The guide 135 is dimensioned to cause the first ground material and second ground material to slide of flow toward each other and mix. In certain embodiments, the guide 135 is configured to rotate, shake, vibrate, or spin to facilitate combining or mixing of the different ground materials. For instance, a vibratory motor 420 is coupled to the base plate 505 to assist with movement of ground materials.

In certain embodiments, an arm 325 extends from a perimeter of the funnel. In certain embodiments, a plunger 140 is coupled to the guide 135 via the arm 325. The plunger 140 is configured to press some or all of the plant material into the packaging section 110. In certain embodiments, the plunger 140 is configured to remove excess or trace amounts of plant material by scraping edge surfaces of the guide 135 and deliver the excess or trace amounts of plant material into the packaging section 110. In certain embodiments, the plunger 140 is manually operated by the operator. In certain embodiments the plunger 140 is electronically operated, such as in response to the operator pressing a button on a surface or on an input unit. In certain embodiments, the plunger 140 is automatically operated, that is, without operator input, under control of a controller, such as control circuit 210. The guide 135 directs the combined ground materials toward an opening at a bottom of the guide that is aligned with an opening in the roller 145.

FIG. 4 illustrates a guide and packaging section according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiment of the guide 135 and packaging section 400 shown in FIG. 4 is for illustration only. Other embodiments could be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As noted herein above, the guide 135 is configured to: (i) receive and combine the first specified amount of the first plant-based material and the second specified amount of the second plant-based material from the portion control section 300; and (ii) deliver the combined plant-based materials to the packaging section 400. The packaging section 400 is configured to receive the combined plant-based materials and encapsulate the combined plant-based material in a wrapping material.

In certain embodiments, the ground plant-based material from each of the measurement devices 308 is delivered into the guide 135. In certain embodiments, the guide 135 includes sloped surfaces configured to direct the ground plant-based material towards a feed cavity 410 at a bottom of the guide 135. The feed cavity 410 is aligned with an opening in a top of the roller 145. The roller 145 receives the ground plant-based material and encases the ground plant-based material in a wrapping material. For example, an operator can manually place the wrapping material in the roller 145 or, in certain embodiments, the roller 145 can be configured to retrieve the wrapping material from a removable wrapping material cartridge in the MCP 100. In certain embodiments, a compaction motor assembly containing the vibratory motor 420 near the end of the plunger 140 to push and pack the ground plant-based material in the wrapping material towards the feed cavity 410 and through the channel feed 405 into the roller 145. In certain embodiments, the feed cavity 410 connected with the compaction motor assembly is configured to assist with compacting the ground plant-based material in the roller 145 to ensure that all, or substantially all (such as greater than 95%) of the specified final amount is encapsulated within the wrapping material by the roller 145. In certain embodiments, the roller 145 operates in response to an operator input, such as receive via input unit. In certain embodiments, the roller 145 operates automatically, that is without operator input, in response to signals received from a controller, such as the control circuit 210.

FIG. 5 illustrates a measurement device according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiment of the measurement device 308 shown in FIG. 5 is for illustration only. Other embodiments could be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In the example shown in FIG. 5, the MCP 100 includes two measurement devices 308; however, the MCP 100 can include more or fewer measurement devices 308. For example, the MCP 100 can be configured with a single measurement device 308, such as when the MCP 100 is configured to receive and package material from a single plant. In certain embodiments, the MCP 100 can include three or more measurement devices 308. For example, the MCP 100 can include four or more measurement devices 308 and at least two rollers 145 such that the MCP 100 can combine the plant materials respectively from the different input material canisters 120, provide to a respective one of the rollers 145, and output at least two rolled doses.

In certain embodiments, the measuring section 105 of the MCP 100 includes a base plate 505. Each measurement device 308 is coupled to the base plate 505 via a balance arm 510 and anchor 515. In certain embodiments, the measurement device 308 is rotatably coupled to the balance arm 510 and the balance arm 510 is rotatably coupled to the anchor 515.

Each measurement device 308 includes a scale 125 and a balance pan 130. Each measurement device 308 is configured to receive ground plant material from a corresponding material canister 120. In certain embodiments, each measurement device 308 measures the ground plant material independently. For example, a first measurement device 308a measures the ground material received from a first material canister 120a and a second measurement device 308b measures the ground material received from a second material canister 120b. In certain embodiments, each measurement device 308 is configured to release the ground plant material when an amount of ground plant material on the measurement device 308 reaches a specified or threshold amount. In certain embodiments, each measurement device 308 controls release of the ground plant material from the respective material canister 120. For example, each measurement device 308 can directly control a release on the material canister 120 to regulate how much and when the material canister 120 releases the ground material. In certain embodiments, each measurement device 308 can report the measurement to the control circuit 210, which communicates with each material canister 120 to regulate how much and when the material canister 120 releases the ground material and regulate when the balance pans 130 deliver the ground material to the guide 135. In certain embodiments, the measurement devices 308 are configured to coordinate measurement of the ground plant material, such as by jointly measuring the ground plant material. For example, in certain embodiments, each measurement device 308 can report a measurement to the control circuit 210, which communicates with each material canister 120 to regulate how much and when each material canister 120 releases its ground material and regulate when the balance pans 130 deliver the ground material to the guide 135.

The balance pan 130 is configured to receive ground plant material from a corresponding canister 120. In certain embodiments, the balance pan 130 includes lateral walls on at least three edges to form an interior volume on a surface of the balance pan 130. The lateral walls are configured to retain the ground plant material on a top surface of the balance pan 130 when the balance pan 130 is in a horizontal (i.e., “holding”, or “initial”) position. The balance pan 130 is rotatably coupled to the scale 125 via one or more pins 220 or gears. In certain embodiments, the balance pan 130 is coupled to the scale 125 via one or more latches or via a locking receiver 310 and a locking pin 315. In certain embodiments, the balance pan 130 rotates under control of gears that cause the balance pan 130 to rotate about the pins 220. In certain embodiments, the balance pan 130 is disposed such that when a specified amount of material is retained on the balance pan 130, the balance pan 130 rotates to release the material. In certain embodiments, the rotation point, namely the location of the one or more pins 220, is variable such that the balance pan 130 tips at different amounts of the material being disposed on a top surface of the balance pan 130. In certain embodiments, the balance pan 130 is configured to always tip regardless of an amount of material being on the top surface of the balance pan 130 and the locking pin 315 is configured to retractably engage the locking receiver 310 to release the balance pan 130 to rotate when an amount of material on the surface of the balance pan 130 matches a specified amount of material. Accordingly, the balance pan 130 is configured to retain the ground material and rotate to release the ground material when an amount of ground material matches a specified amount.

The scale 125 is configured to measure the amount of ground material retained on the balance pan 130. In certain embodiments, the scale 125 includes a frame structure 520 with an interface configured to couple to the balance arm 510. In certain embodiments, the scale 125 is configured to determine a weight or volume of ground material on the balance pan 130. In certain embodiments, the balance arm 510 is included with the scale 125 and the balance pan 130 as part of the measurement device 308 and configured to provide a measurement function. For example, in certain embodiments, as ground material is added to the balance pan 130, a weight of the ground material on the balance pan 130 causes the scale 125 to move downward and cause a moment or movement upon the balance arm, resulting in a measurement force or indication at the anchor 515. In certain embodiments, the scale 125 includes one or more optical sensors to measure a volume of ground material on the balance pan or measure an amount of detent of the balance arm 510. In certain embodiments, the scale 135 is configured to release the ground material 130 from the balance pan 130 when the amount of ground material matches a specified or threshold amount. For example, the scale 135 can be configured to at least one of: actuate one or more gears to rotate the balance pan 130 to release the ground material into the guide 135; retract the locking pin 315 from the locking receiver 310 to release the balance pan 130 to rotate and release the ground material into the guide 135; or move a pivot point by moving the one or more pins 220 to cause the balance pan to release the ground material into the guide 135. The specified amount can be preset or received via an input means, such as via the input unit.

In an initial state, the balance pan 130 can be in an horizontal orientation. As the ground material is released onto the balance pan 130 and reaches the specified amount, the balance pan 130 rotates to an angled state to release the ground material into the guide 135. The balance pan 130 can be configured to rotate when a specified volume of the ground material is present within the interior volume. In certain embodiments, the balance pan 130 rotates when the ground material reaches a specified weight, such as in grams, milligrams, ounces, and the like. In certain embodiments, the balance pan 130 rotates when the ground material reaches a specified weight in relation to the other balance pan 130. For example, each balance pan 130 can rotate when a ratio between the ground material in each of the balance pans reaches a specified level such as 3:2 or a specified percentage, such as 25% to 75%. That is, the scales 125 and balance pans 130 can be controlled such that when the amount of the ground material in the first balance pan 130a is 25% of a specified final amount and the ground material in the second balance pan 130b is 75% of the specified final amount. Additionally, the scales 125 and balance pans 130 can be controlled such that when the amount of the ground material in the first balance pan 130a is one and one half the amount of the ground material in the second balance pan 130b. It will be understood that the disclosed ratios and percentages are for illustration only and other ratios or percentages could be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, the scales 125 and respective balance pan 130 are configured to use both a total weight and percentage amount or ratio amount. For example, an operator may specify that a final amount of plant material to be packaged is going to be 0.35 grams of plant material in which 20% is a first plant material and 80% is a second plant material. In such example, the scales 125 and respective balance pan 130 are configured to weigh each respective plant material and release ground material in the respective amounts such that the final amount of ground material that traverses into the packaging area 110 is 0.35 grams comprising 20% (i.e., 0.07 grams) of the first plant material and 80% (i.e., 0.28 grams) of the second plant material. In certain embodiments, the scales 125 and respective balance pans 130 are configured to use both a total weight and percentage by volume. Each of the balance pans 130 is dimensioned such that a lateral edge 320 is disposed above an opening in the guide 135 when the balance pan 130 is in the angled position.

FIG. 6 illustrates a material canister according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiment of the material canister 120 shown in FIG. 6 is for illustration only. Other embodiments could be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Each canister 120 is removably attached to the MCP 100. The material canister 120 includes a multipart housing including a top portion 605, a middle portion 610, and a bottom portion 615. One or more of the portions can include grooves or grips configured to enable attachment and removal of the canister 120 from the MCP 100. The canister 120 includes an opening 620 on a top surface. The opening 620 is configured to receive plant material. In certain embodiments, the canister 120 includes a lid configured to cover the opening 120 and seal a top portion of the canister 120. In certain embodiments, the top portion 605 is removably coupled to the canister 120. For example, the top portion 605 can include a top surface such that, upon removal, an operator has access to insert the plant material into the canister 120 and, in response to placing and tightening (such as by rotation) the top portion 605 on the canister 120, an interior of the canister 120 is sealed or covered. The canister also includes a bottom opening disposed on a bottom surface 630 of the canister. In certain embodiments, the canister 120 includes a bottom door, such as a shutter-type door, configured to seal the bottom opening. In certain embodiments, the bottom portion 615 of the housing is rotatably to cause the door to transition from open to closed and vice versa. In certain embodiments, the bottom portion 615 includes a texture or plurality of grooves configured to assist in rotation of the bottom portion 615.

The canister 120 includes a grinding means 625, such as a blade or mill. The grinding means 625 is configured to grind, crush, pummel, chop, cut, mince, mill, grate, shred, or the like, the plant material placed in the canister 120. For example, a blade can spin at sufficient speed to cause the plant material to be one of: chopped, ground, minced, cut, shredded, grated, or the like. In certain embodiments, the inner walls 635 of the canister include a plurality of grooves or channels configured to guide plant material towards a bottom of the canister 120. In certain embodiments, the plurality of grooves or channels are further configured to assist in the grinding, crushing, pummeling, chopping, cutting, mincing, grating, shredding, or the like, of the plant material. In certain embodiments, the plurality of grooves or channels are configured to rotate to assist or provide the grinding means, such as including grinding, crushing, pummeling, chopping, cutting, mincing, grating, shredding, or the like.

FIG. 7 illustrates an input and measuring section according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiment of the material canisters 120 and measuring section 105 shown in FIG. 7 is for illustration only. Other embodiments could be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As shown in the example depicted in FIG. 7, each of the material canisters 120 is disposed in a location above a respective measurement device 308. That is, each canister 120 can be located such that one or more openings 705 on a bottom of the canister 120 are positioned to release ground plant materials onto a respective balance pan 130.

In certain embodiments, after plant material is placed in a material canister 120, such as by opening a top surface by twisting and removing the top portion 605, the grinding means 625 grinds the plant material. The grinding means 625 includes a shroud 710 configured to direct the plant-based material within a grinding chamber of the canister 120. The ground plant material is released through a bottom opening of the canister 120, such as by rotating the bottom portion 615 to open a door on a bottom surface of the canister 120. For example, a rotation of the bottom portion 615 can open a shutter-type door on a bottom interior surface of the canister 120. The ground plant material released by the canister 120 drops onto a top surface of the balance pan 130. The balance pan 130 can be initially in a horizontal (i.e., a “loading”) state. The scale 125 measures the weight or volume of the ground material on the balance pan 130. When an amount of ground material on the balance pan 130 matches a specified or threshold amount, the balance pan 130 rotates to an angled (i.e., “dropping” or “delivery”) state and release the ground material into the guide 135. Thereafter, the plunger 140 extends downward to: (i) scrap the lateral sides of the guide 135; and (ii) presses and compacts the ground plant materials into the roller 145 and corresponding wrapping material.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a plunger according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiment of the plunger 140 shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B is for illustration only. Other embodiments could be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In certain embodiments, the plunger 140 includes a piston 805, a feed cavity 410, and a vibratory motor 420. The piston 805 is mechanically coupled to a driving shaft 820. The driving shaft 820 is mechanically coupled to a drive gear 825. The piston 805 is secured by arm 325, which aligns the plunger 140 with an opening (i.e., channel feed) in the guide 135 and an opening in the roller 145. The piston 805 slides below the arm 325 and within the guide 135. In certain embodiments, the driving shaft 820 and drive gear 825 each include a plurality of teeth such that the first teeth of the drive gear 825 can engage the second teeth of the driving shaft 820. For example, in response to the drive gear 825 rotating clockwise, the drive gear 825 causes the driving shaft 820 to move downward, further driving the piston 805 downward. In response to the drive gear 825 rotating counterclockwise, the drive gear 825 causes the driving shaft 820 to move upward, further extracting the piston 805 upward from the guide 135. In certain embodiments, the drive gear 825 can operate in response to control signals from the control circuit 210. For example, the drive gear 825 can be coupled to a motor that operates in response to signals from the control circuit 210. In certain embodiments, the drive gear 825 operates in response to a manual input received from an operator, such as a manual crank or a motor that operates in response to a forward/reverse button depressed by an operator.

FIG. 9 illustrates an isometric view of the plant material combining and packaging device according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiment of the MCP 100 shown in FIG. 9 is for illustration only. Other embodiments could be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In the example shown in FIG. 9, the MCP 100 combines and packages plant-based material from multiple plant-based sources. Plant-based material is placed in respective material canisters 120. For example, an operator can place plant-based material in an interior grinding chamber 905 within the material canister 120. The interior grinding chamber 905 and/or shroud 710 can be supported by a grinding baseplate 910. The grinding means 625 can be driven by shaft 915 and grinding motor 920. The plant-based material is ground (i.e., one of: ground, crushed, pummeled, chopped, cut, minced, milled, grated, shredded, or the like) by the grinding means 625. The ground plant-based material traverses from the grinding chamber 905 through one or more openings 705 and fall onto a respective one of the balance pans 130. Each measuring device 308 measures an amount of ground plant-based material on its balance pan 130. When the amount of ground plant-based material matches a specified or threshold amount, the balance pan 130 rotates to release the ground plant-based material into the guide 135. The guide 135 can be configured as a funnel such that the guide 135 has a sloped circumferential inner surface with a channel feed at a center-bottom of the sloped circumferential inner surface. In certain embodiments, at an initial (e.g., “fill”) state, the plunger 140 is positioned and configured to block the channel feed. The channel feed is positioned to align with an opening 925 of the roller 145 when the roller is in a load position. The guide 140 is configured to combine the ground plant-based material received from each of the measuring devices 308. In certain embodiments, the sloped circumferential inner surface is configured to rotate or vibrate to further facilitate a mixing or combining of the two (or more) ground plant-based materials. The combined ground plant-based materials traverse towards and through the channel feed and fall into a top opening 925 of the roller 145. Prior to the combined plant-based materials being allowed to fall through the bottom opening, the roller 145 obtains a wrapping material. In certain embodiments, the roller 145 is configured to automatically obtain the wrapping material, such as by retrieving a sheet of wrapping material from a reloadable or replaceable cartridge of wrapping materials included in the MCP 100. In certain embodiments, an operator can place the wrapping material into the roller 145. After the combined ground plant-based material falls into the roller 145 can corresponding wrapping material, the plunger 140 is operated to scrape remaining amounts of ground material that may have adhered (i.e., “stuck”) onto the sloped circumferential inner surface or an inner surface of the channel feed. The plunger 140 further presses the ground plant-based material into the roller 145 and corresponding wrapping material. The roller 140 then operates to enclose the ground-plant based material within the wrapping material to form a rolled dose (e.g., a rolled cigarette). Thereafter, an operator can retrieve the rolled dose by opening one or more doors 930 on the packaging section 110. In certain embodiments, the roller 140 is configured to rotate outward through the doors 930 to facilitate easier access to the rolled dose by the operator.

FIG. 10 illustrates a process 1000 for combining and packaging at least two plant-based materials according to embodiments of the present disclosure. While the flow chart depicts a series of sequential steps, unless explicitly stated, no inference should be drawn from that sequence regarding specific order of performance, performance of steps or portions thereof serially rather than concurrently or in an overlapping manner, or performance of the steps depicted exclusively without the occurrence of intervening or intermediate steps. The process depicted in the example depicted is implemented by a plant material combining and packaging device, such as accomplished by processing circuitry in, MCP 100.

In operation 1005, plant-based material is obtained. For example, two or more plant-based materials from two or more different plants is obtained such as by an operator placing the respective plant-based materials into respective material canisters 120. That is, an operator can place a first material from a first plant in a first material canister 120a and a second material from a second plant, different than the first plant, in a second material canister 120b. Although two plants are illustrated by example, embodiments including one plant or three or more plants could be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In operation 1010, the plant-based materials are contained by an automated preparation device, such as MCP 100, containing a first plant-based material in a first canister and a second plant-based material in a second canister, wherein the first plant-based material is different than the second plant-based material. For example, after an operator places the respective plant-based materials in the respective material canisters 120, the operator can place the top portion 605 of the canister 120, which includes a cover configured to cover the grinding chamber 905 and keep the plant-based material within the grinding chamber 905 during a grinding operation.

In operation 1015, in certain embodiments, the plant-based material is ground. example, each material canister 120 can include a grinding means 625 configured to one or more of: grind, chop, cut, mince, crush, mill, grate, shred, or the like. Therefore, the automated preparation device is configured to receive and grind multiple different plant-based materials.

In operation 1020, the automated preparation device measures a first specified amount of the first plant-based material and a second specified amount of the second plant-based material. The automated preparation device can measure a weight of the material and portion respective amounts of the material based on any of: a percent basis, a ratio basis, a weight basis, or a volume basis.

In operation 1025, the first specified amount of the first plant-based material and the second specified amount of second plant-based material are combined. For example, the automated preparation device can include a mixing means, such as a guide, mixer, funnel, or the like, configured to combine, mix, or blend the different ground plant-based materials.

In operation 1030, the combined plant-based materials are packaged by encapsulating the combined plant-based material in a wrapping material. For example, the automated preparation device can include a packaging means, such as a roller 145, configured to wrap the combined plant-based materials in a wrapping material.

FIG. 11 illustrates a control circuit of a plant material combining and packaging device according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiment of the control circuit 1100 shown in FIG. 11 is for illustration only. Other embodiments could be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The control unit 1100 can be the same as, or similar to, control circuit 210.

The control circuit 1100 includes a housing 1105, a processor 1110, and a memory 1115. In certain embodiments, as shown in the example depicted in FIG. 11, the control circuit 1100 also can include a transceiver 1120. The transceiver 1120 includes a transmitter function and receiver function. In certain embodiments, the control circuit 1100 includes a transmitter, a receiver, or both. In certain embodiments, the transceiver 1120 is coupled to one or more antenna 1125. In certain embodiments, the transceiver 1120 is coupled to one or more input/output (I/O) ports. In certain embodiments, the control circuit 1100 includes one or more sensors 1130. In certain embodiments, the control circuit 1100 includes an input interface configured to receive a user input. The input interface can be one or more of a dial, a toggle switch, one or more buttons, a keypad, a display, touchscreen display, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the control circuit 1100 is a smartphone, a tablet, smart-watch, health-monitoring device, other computing device, or included in one of a smartphone, a tablet, smart-watch, health-monitoring device, other computing device.

In certain embodiments, the control circuit 1100 communicates with a control circuit 210 in the MCP 100 to control the operation of the MCP 100. In certain embodiments, the control circuit 1100 is configured to couple to the in the MCP 100 via a wired or wireless communication medium. For example, the control circuit 1100 is configured to control operation of the MCP 100, such as by controlling an operation of one or more of the grinding means 625, the canisters 120, the measurement devices 308, the balance pans 130, the guide 135, the plunger 140, the roller 145, or a combination thereof. For example, the processor 1110 can execute a plurality of programmed instructions or a plurality of instructions stored in a memory 1115. The processor 1110 is configured to control one or more of: a measurement, a ratio, a grinding, a degree of grinding, a mixing, a degree of mixing, a packaging, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the processor 1110 is configured to receive a signal from one or more sensors 1130 that are positioned and configured to detect and analyze the one or more of: a measurement, a ratio, a grinding, a degree of grinding, a mixing, a degree of mixing, a packaging, or a combination thereof.

The control circuit 110 includes a power source 1135 electrically coupled to the processor 1110 and transceiver 1120. The power source 1135 can be the same as the power source 205. The power source 1135 is configured to provide AC or DC power to the processor 1110 and transceiver 1120. In certain embodiments, the power source 1135 includes an independent power source, such as a battery, solar cell, or the like. In certain embodiments, the power source 1135 includes a wired or wireless coupling configured to receive power from an external power supply, such as via an electrical plug removable coupled to an electrical outlet. In certain embodiments, the power source 1135 includes a converter configured to convert AC electrical energy into DC electrical energy. In certain embodiments, the power source 1135 includes an inverter configured to change DC electrical energy into AC electrical energy. In certain embodiments, the power source 1135 is configured to output a first type of electrical energy to the transceiver 1120 and a second type of electrical energy to a different electronic component, such as a sensor, indicator, or display. For example, the power source 1135 can provide AC electrical energy to the transceiver 1120 and provide DC electrical energy to the processor 1110.

Although FIG. 11 illustrates one example of a control circuit 1100, various changes may be made to FIG. 1. For example, the control circuit 1100 could include any number of each component in any suitable arrangement. In general, computing and signal systems come in a wide variety of configurations, and FIG. 11 does not limit the scope of this disclosure to any particular configuration. Also, while FIG. 11 illustrates one operational environment in which various features disclosed in this patent document can be used, these features could be used in any other suitable system.

Software related implementations of the techniques described herein may include, but are not limited to, firmware, application specific software, or any other type of computer readable instructions that may be executed by one or more processors. Hardware related implementations of the techniques described herein may include, but are not limited to, integrated circuits (ICs), application specific ICs (ASICs), field programmable arrays (FPGAs), and/or programmable logic devices (PLDs). In some examples, the techniques described herein, and/or any system or constituent component described herein may be implemented with a processor executing computer readable instructions stored on one or more memory components.

Certain examples of the present disclosure were described above. It is, however, expressly noted that the present disclosure is not limited to those examples, but rather the intention is that additions and modifications to what was expressly described herein are also included within the scope of the disclosed examples. Moreover, it is to be understood that the features of the various examples described herein were not mutually exclusive and may exist in various combinations and permutations, even if such combinations or permutations were not made express herein, without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed examples. In fact, variations, modifications, and other implementations of what was described herein will occur to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and the scope of the disclosed examples. As such, the disclosed examples are not to be defined only by the preceding illustrative description.

Program aspects of the technology may be thought of as “products” or “articles of manufacture” typically in the form of executable code and/or associated data that is carried on or embodied in a type of non-transitory, machine readable medium. Storage type media include any or all of the tangible memory of the computers, processors or the like, or associated modules thereof, such as various semiconductor memories, tape drives, disk drives and the like, which may provide non-transitory storage at any time for the software programming. It is emphasized that the Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow a reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, various features are grouped together in a single example for streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed examples require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed example. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate example. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein,” respectively. Moreover, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and so forth, are used merely as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

The foregoing description of examples has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of this disclosure. It is intended that the scope of the present disclosure be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto. Future filed applications claiming priority to this application may claim the disclosed subject matter in a different manner and may generally include any set of one or more limitations as variously disclosed or otherwise demonstrated herein.

Although the present disclosure has been described with an exemplary embodiment, various changes and modifications may be suggested to one skilled in the art. It is intended that the present disclosure encompass such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims. None of the description in this application should be read as implying that any particular element, step, or function is an essential element that must be included in the claims scope.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COMBINING AND PACKAGING PLANT-BASED MATERIAL

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Provisional Applications (1)