Patent Application
20220016863
The present disclosure relates generally to presses, such as rosin presses and related methods.
Rosin is a solid form of resin obtained from certain plants. Rosin can be produced with an extraction process that uses a combination of heat and pressure. This process can extract (e.g., vaporize, squeeze, etc.) volatile liquid terpene components, which can be collected as the rosin. The result can be semi-transparent and can vary in color from nearly clear to yellow to black.
Various organic materials can be used to create rosin. For example, rosin can be produced from pine or other conifers. Another material that can be used to produce rosin is Cannabis. Cannabis can have important uses across several different fields, such as the medical, culinary, and recreational fields. The Cannabis rosin can be used in a Cannabis product, such as an edible, smokable, or otherwise usable product.
Rosin presses are presses that can be used to produce rosin. Rosin presses can include a pressing mechanism and heating mechanism, which can operate together to produce the rosin. Rosin presses are advantageous because, for example, they can produce rosin without using solvents, which are inconvenient, messy, and/or can have negative health aspects. Current rosin presses, however, fail to reliably apply pressure and heat, which leads to an inefficient extraction process.
In one broad aspect, a rosin press apparatus configured to extract rosin from a plant material is provided, the rosin press apparatus comprising a press supported by a frame, a first press plate connected to the press, a second press plate connected to the frame, the press being configured to drive the first press plate toward the second press plate to apply pressure to a plant material positioned between the first and second press plates, a pressure sensor configured to provide an output signal indicative of a measured pressure within the rosin press apparatus. and a controller communicatively coupled to the pressure sensor, the controller configured to provide an output indicative of the measured pressure within the rosin press apparatus.
At least one of the first press plate and the second press plate can include a heating element communicatively coupled to the controller, the controller configured to control the output of the heating element to maintain a desired temperature. The rosin press apparatus can include a temperature sensor communicatively coupled to the controller, the temperature sensor configured to provide an output signal indicative of a temperature to which the plant material is exposed. The controller can include a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller configured to generate a control signal for control of the heating element based in part on the output signal of the temperature sensor. The temperature sensor can include a thermocouple.
The controller can be configured to supply power to the pressure sensor. The controller can include an alarm configured to be triggered by expiration of a timer.
The controller can be configured to determine a real-time indication of the pressure applied to the plant material based at least in part on the output signal of the pressure sensor. The controller can include a display, and providing an output indicative of the measured pressure within the rosin press apparatus can include displaying a real-time indication of the measured pressure. The display can be further configured to display a real-time indication of the temperature to which the plant material is exposed.
The rosin press apparatus can further include a hydraulic system configured to drive the press, where providing an output indicative of the measured pressure within the rosin press apparatus can include providing an indication of a pressure within a hydraulic tank of the hydraulic system.
In another broad aspect, a controller for use with a rosin press apparatus configured to extract rosin from a plant material is provided, the controller including a first input configured to receive a first output signal from a pressure sensor, the first output signal indicative of a pressure applied by press plates of the rosin press apparatus, a second input configured to receive a second output signal from a temperature sensor, the second output signal indicative of a temperature of a press plate of the rosin press apparatus, and a processing system configured to determine, at least partially on the basis of the first output signal, a measured pressure within the rosin press apparatus; and generate, at least partially on the basis of the second output signal, a control signal for controlling a heating element of the rosin press apparatus to maintain the temperature of the press plate of the rosin press apparatus at a desired temperature setpoint.
The controller can be configured to supply power to the pressure sensor. The controller can further include a display element, the display element configured to display a real-time indication of the measured pressure. Determining a measured pressure within the rosin press apparatus can include determining a pressure applied to a hydraulic fluid configured to drive a press of the rosin press apparatus. Determining a measured pressure within the rosin press apparatus can include determining a real-time indication of the material pressure applied to the plant material based at least in part on the output signal of the pressure sensor.
The controller can be configured to control a notification system to provide a notification to a user at the conclusion of a pressing process. The controller can be configured to trigger an external alarm at the conclusion of the pressing process.
The controller can include a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller used to generate the control signal for controlling a heating element of the rosin press apparatus. The controller can be configured to perform a calibration process to determine settings for the PID controller.
The drawings show illustrative embodiments, but do not depict all embodiments. Other embodiments may be used in addition to, or instead of, the illustrative embodiments. Details that may be apparent or unnecessary may be omitted for the purpose of saving space or for more effective illustrations. Some embodiments may be practiced with additional components or steps and/or without some or all components or steps provided in the illustrations. When different drawings contain the same numeral, that numeral refers to the same or similar components or steps.
Rosin presses can be used to extract rosin from organic material, such as Cannabis. Rosin presses work by applying pressure and heat to plant material (e.g. leaves, flowers). Pressure can be applied to the material by pressing the material between two plates. Heat can be applied to the material by heating the plates that press the plant material with a heating element. By applying heat and pressure, rosin can be extracted from the plant material and be easily collected. For purposes of presentation, the following description describes producing rosin from Cannabis, however the devices and methods described herein can be used to produce rosin from a wide variety of organic material.
To reduce or prevent waste, a rosin press seeks to efficiently extract rosin from the Cannabis (e.g., by extracting as much rosin as possible or practicable). To enhance such efficient operation, it is beneficial for the rosin press to be capable of applying a precise pressure and temperature to the Cannabis plant material for a specific period. In particular, it is advantageous for the rosin press to be capable of applying the precise pressure and temperature that results in the most rosin being extracted. Different combinations of pressure and temperature can result in different amounts of rosin extracted from the same variety of Cannabis, with some combinations resulting in more rosin than other combinations. Thus, if the rosin press applies a suboptimal pressure and temperature combination, the rosin press will be less efficient. By applying a precise pressure and temperature combination, a rosin press can extract more rosin more reliably that other rosin presses that do not apply precise pressure and temperature combinations.
Furthermore, to enhance the amount of rosin output, it can be beneficial for the rosin press to be adjustable to accommodate different pressure and temperature ranges. Not all varieties of Cannabis require the same pressure and temperature to release the maximum amount of rosin. For example, some varieties of Cannabis will require higher temperatures and pressures than other varieties to release the maximum amount of rosin. Other factors, such as the freshness of the plant material, the amount of the plant material used, and the surface area of the plant material can also affect the amount of pressure and temperature that needs to be applied to ensure the maximum amount of rosin is released. Thus, it can be advantageous for the rosin press to be adjustable, so the press can accommodate more varieties of Cannabis and other variables.
An example of a rosin press assembly is illustrated in
The frame 110 provides structural support for the rosin press assembly 100. The frame 110 can be made from several pieces connected together, such as interlocking pieces, as is described in more detail below. The pieces can be connected with male and female elements, such as tabs and slots. Certain embodiments will be disclosed below with tabs on certain pieces and slots on other pieces, but this is not to be interpreted as limiting. The present disclosure contemplates and includes implementations in which the tabs and slots are reversed, other male and female connection mechanisms, and non-gendered connection mechanisms.
The press plates 120 can be connected to the frame 110. In some embodiments, one press plate 120 can connect to the frame 110 near the top of the frame 110 and be oriented downwards. A second press plate 120 can be positioned below the first press plate 120 and be oriented upwards to face the first press plate 120. The second press plate 120 can be connected to the press system 140. The press system 140 can adjust the pressure applied by the press plates 120. The press system 140 can move one or both of the press plates 120 together. For example, the second press plate can be moved generally upward toward the first press plate. In some embodiments, the first press plate is held stationary relative to the frame 110. The press plates 120 can be used to press against and apply pressure to plant material. The press plates 120 can contain a heating element. The heating element can heat one or more of the plates, thereby heating the plant material on the plates 120, such as during a pressing operation. The press plates 120 can be made from aluminum or other material that is good at conducting heat.
The user interface 130 can connect to and be supported by a support plate 113. The user interface 130 can allow a user to enter inputs, make adjustments to the rosin press assembly 100, and/or receive data about the rosin press assembly 100. The user interface can comprise, for example, a display, touchscreen, gauge, buttons, switches, etc.
The control unit 160 can include various electronics components of the rosin press assembly 100. For example, the control unit 160 can include a microprocessor configured to control operation of the press 142, heating element, or other features. The control unit 160 can be connected to the frame 110 at the rear of the rosin press assembly 100.
In some embodiments, as described in greater detail below, at least a portion of the user interface and the control unit can be combined in a controller assembly which can include user interface and/or display elements in addition to control elements.
The frame 110 provides structural support for the rosin press assembly 100. Other components of the rosin press assembly 100 can be connected to and/or secured to the frame 110, such as by a removable connection (e.g., fasteners) or a permanent connection (e.g., welds). For example, the frame 110 can be configured to couple to and/or support the load from the press system 140. The press system 140 can connect to a base plate 115 of the frame 110.
The frame 110 can include one or more end plates 111. The end plates 111 can be positioned at the top and/or bottom of the frame 110.
The frame 110 can include one or more side plates 112, such as a first and second side plate. The side plates 112 can extend generally vertically along the y-axis or sides of the frame 110.
The frame 110 can include one or more support plates 113. The support plate 113 can extend along the y-axis and/or z-axis of the frame 110.
The frame 110 can include one or more cross plates 114. One or more cross plates 114 can extend generally horizontally along the x-axis and/or along the z-axis of the frame 110.
The frame 110 can include one or more base plates 115. One or more base plates 115 can extend generally horizontally along the x-axis and/or z-axis of the frame.
The frame 110 can include one or more intermediate plates 117. The intermediate plates 117 can extend generally horizontally along the x-axis of the frame 110. As shown in
The frame 110 can include one or more transverse plates 119. The transverse plates 119 can extend generally horizontally along the z-axis of the frame 110. At least one of the transverse plates 119 can be positioned between (e.g., about midway between) the side plates 112 in the x-axis direction.
The frame 110 can include one or more upper plates 121. The upper plate can connect to and/or support one of the press plates 120.
The plates can interconnect, such as with a physical connection that is configured to promote strength and rigidity. In some implementations, each plate 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 117, 119, and 121 can be connected to one or more of the other plates 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 117, 119, and 121. The plates (e.g., end plates 111, side plates 112, support plates 113, cross plates 114, and base plates 115) can be interlocked with each other. The plates 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 117, 119, and 121 can include tabs that engage with corresponding slots in mating plates. For example, the end plates 111, side plates 112, cross plates 114, and base plates 115 can include tabs 116 formed at the ends of the respective plates 111, 112, 113, 114, and 115, or along the edges of the plates 111, 112, 113, 114, and 115. In some embodiments, the tabs and slots engage with a friction fit.
As shown in
In the castellated region 123, or in other regions, the tabs 116 can form a peak-and-valley like shape at the ends of the plate 111, 112, 113, 114, and 115. The tabs 116 can form a peak 125 and the space between the tabs 116 can form a valley 127. The valley 127 on one plate 111, 112, 113, 114, and 115 can be used to mate with a peak 125 on a second plate 111, 112, 113, 114, and 115 and vice versa. For example, some of the tabs 116 on a side plate 112 can mate with some of the tabs 116 on a cross plate 114 by filling the space between the tabs 116 on the cross plate 114. The tabs 116 from one plate 111, 112, 113, 114, and 115 can fit with the tabs from a second plate 111, 112, 113, 114, and 115. In various embodiments, the tabs 116 from one plate 111, 112, 113, 114, and 115 can mate and hold together without the need for a weld. In some embodiments, a peak 125 from a plate 111, 112, 113, 114, and 115 mates with a valley 127 from a second plate 111, 112, 113, 114, and 115. In other embodiments, two or more peaks 125 from a plate 111, 112, 113, 114, and 115 mates with two or more valleys 127 from a second plate 111, 112, 113, 114, and 115. In various embodiments, any of the plates can have 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more tabs 116 which can be used to mate with the same number of tabs 116 from one or more plates 111, 112, 113, 114, and 115. As illustrated, the tabs can be stacked generally vertically (e.g., one above another).
As also illustrated in
The combination of interfacing tabs 116 and slots 118 can be used to create an interlocking structure within the frame 110. This interlocking structure can be formed with tabs 116 from multiple plates 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 117, 119, and 121 interacting with the tabs 116 and slots 118 from other plates 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 117, 119, and 121. For example, a base plate 115, four cross plates 114, two side plates 112, and two end plates 111 can form an interlocking structure near the top and bottom of the frame 110. The tabs 116 at the ends and edges of the end plates 111, side plates 112, cross plates 114, and base plate 115, can interlock with the tabs 116 and slots 118 of the end plates 111, side plates 112, cross plates 114, and base plate 115 that each plate 111, 112, 114, and 115 is connected to. The interlocking structure can be formed near the top of the frame 110, near the bottom of the frame 110, near the middle of the frame 110, or at multiple points along the frame 110.
In the embodiment of
The interlocking structure of the frame 110 can increase strength, rigidity, and/or efficiency of the rosin press assembly 100. The interlocking structure created in the frame 110 can inhibit or prevent the frame 110 from flexing when under the load applied by the press system, which can be hundreds or thousands of pounds or more. Flexing in the frame 110 can inhibit or prevent the press system 140 from applying an even pressure across the surface of the press plates 120. This uneven pressure could lead to a suboptimal and/or a different pressure being applied to the Cannabis, and thus lead to an inefficient or undesired result. The interlocking structure of the frame 110 can avoid this flexing. The interlocking structure increases the rigidity of the frame 110, which allows the frame 110 to maintain its shape when a load is being applied to the frame 110. This increase in rigidity can cause the frame 110 to handle the load applied to the frame 110 from the press system 140 without flexing. Accordingly, this increased rigidity formed by the interlocking structure can allow the press system 140 to apply an even pressure.
The end plates 201, side plates 202, support plates 203, cross plates 204, base plates 205, upper plates 206, front plates 207, and rear plates 208 can be interlocked with each other. The plates 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, and 208 can have tabs 216 and slots 218 formed into the plates. The tabs 216 can function in the same manner as tabs 116. The slots 218 can function in the same manner as slots 118. Thus, the slots 216 can mate with other tabs 218 or with slots 218 to form an interlocking structure. The frame 200 can have an interlocking structure near the top of the frame 200, near the bottom of the frame 200, near the middle of the frame 200, or at multiple locations along the frame 200.
In various embodiments, the release handle 146 can be operated to release pressure on the hydraulic fluid, thereby causing the press 142 to retract. For example, the release handle 146 can be operated by being rotated and/or unscrewed. In some embodiments, the release actuator 146 comprises a threaded shaft and a stop tab 148. The stop tab 148 can inhibit or prevent the release handle 146 from being fully unscrewed and/or separated from the rest of the rosin press assembly 100, which would be inconvenient and could lead to the release actuator 146 being lost. The stop tab 148 can contact (e.g., abut against) the flange 150 formed on the support plate 113. This contact between the flange 150 and the stop tab 148 can prevent the release handle 146 from being further unscrewed, because the release handle 146 will stop rotating once the stop tab 148 contacts the flange 150.
The press system 140 can be used to apply pressure to plant material, such as Cannabis. Increasing pressure of the press 142 by operating the handle 144 can cause the press 142 to extend. The extending press 142 will move the press plate 120 connected to the press 142 in the direction the press 142 is extending. The press 142 can move the first press plate 120 toward or into contact with the second press plate 120, thereby applying pressure to the plant material between the plates 120. The pressure within the press 142 can continue to be raised, which results in increased pressure being applied to the material between the press plates 120. The pressure sensor 152 can measure the pressure being exerted by the press 142 and output this data to a display, gauge, a CPU assembly 168, or another device.
In some embodiments, the pressure sensor may comprise a pressure transducer. In other embodiments, a force pressure sensor, or any other suitable type of pressure sensor, can be used. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor may be integrated into a hydraulic system or a pneumatic system. In some particular embodiments, a hydraulic tank or pneumatic tank may include a pressure port, and the pressure sensor used in conjunction with the existing pressure port. In other embodiments, however, the hydraulic or pneumatic system may not include a dedicated pressure port, and the system may need to be modified in order for the pressure sensor to be used, such as by drilling a hole in a hydraulic tank to allow the pressure sensor to be integrated into the system.
The press system 140 can be automated. For example, the press system 140 can include a motor, which can be used to automatically increase and decrease pressure within the press system 140 without the need for an operator to manually adjust the handle 144 or release handle 146. As will be described in more detail below, an operator can interact with the user interface 130 to issue automated commands for the motor.
In embodiments in which a rosin press assembly is configured to press a plant material between two press plates, the pressure applied to the material may be substantially independent of the applied temperature, and may be controlled independently of the temperature. The initial material pressure applied at the beginning of a pressing process may in some embodiments remain substantially constant over the duration of the pressing process. By precisely setting the initial pressure applied to the exerted on the hydraulic fluid within the press 142, or the initial material pressure applied, the reliability of the pressing process can be improved.
In several implementations, the sensor connection 162 can connect to a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor can be a thermocouple. The temperature sensor can be used to determine the temperature of the components of the rosin press assembly 100. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor can be used to determine the temperature of one or more of the press plates 120. The temperature sensor can be connected to one of the press plates 120, and can detect the temperature of the press plate 120. The detected temperature data can be outputted to the CPU assembly 168. In various embodiments, the assembly 100 contains two temperature sensors, such as two thermocouples 162. One thermocouple 162 can be used to measure the temperature of one press plate 120, while the other thermocouple can be used to measure the temperature of the other press plate 120. In some embodiments, a single temperature sensor (e.g., thermocouple) can be used to accurately measure the temperature of both press plates 120. For example, both press plates 120 can be pressed into contact with each other (e.g., abutted) and held for a period (e.g., at least about 1 minute), thereby reducing or eliminating any temperature variation between the plates 120 and allowing the single temperature sensor to measure the temperature of both press plates 120. Such use of a single temperature sensor can reduce cost, ease assembly, decrease the number of components that might fail or require maintenance, and/or simplify the electronics of the rosin press assembly 100.
The power switch 164 can be used to turn the electronics of the rosin press assembly 100 on or off. In some embodiments, the control unit 160 can contain additional power switches 164, which can be used to control the power of some subsystems of the rosin press assembly 100. For example, one power switch 164 can be used to control the power to the entire rosin press assembly 100, while a second power switch 164 can be used to control power to the user interface 130.
The power connector 166 can be used to connect the control unit 160 to an outside source of power, such as an electrical outlet. The outside source of power can be used to power the electronics of the rosin press assembly 100.
The CPU assembly 168 can be used to control the electrical components of the rosin press assembly 100. The CPU assembly 168 can contain a CPU and memory, which can be used to run programs and execute commands from the rosin press operator. These commands can be inputted into the system through the user interface 130. For example, the user interface 130 can be electrically connected to the CPU assembly 168. The user interface 130 can contain an input device, such as buttons, to enter commands and a screen to display information. In some embodiments, the user interface 130 can be a touch screen. By interacting with the user interface 130, a user can send commands to the CPU assembly 168 and have the CPU assembly 168 execute programs and/or send commands to components of the system. For example, an operator can send a command to the CPU assembly 168 to adjust the temperature of the press plates 120, which results in the CPU assembly 168 adjusting the heating element within the press plates 120. The CPU assembly 168 can be used to run programs and commands, such as to start a timer, turn on or off lights, operate the press, increase pressure, release pressure, start or stop a motor, perform calculations, etc. The CPU assembly 168 can also be used to display information to the operator. For example, the CPU assembly 168 can cause the user interface 130 to display the pressure information from the pressure sensor 152. The CPU assembly 168 can cause the user interface 130 to display other information, such as the time, a timer, results of a calculation, the temperature of the system, recommended pressures, recommended temperatures, recommended durations, and other information relating to the rosin press assembly 100. The CPU assembly 168 can be used for downloading files and programs from the internet, or for searching for information on the internet. The CPU assembly 168 can contain an Ethernet port, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other features to connect to the internet or a separate device. The CPU assembly 168 can also contain a USB port to download files from a USB compatible drive or computer.
The rosin press assembly 100 can extract rosin from plant material, such as Cannabis. The rosin press assembly 100 can extract rosin from Cannabis by pressing Cannabis plant material between two heated press plates 120. The press plates 120 can be pressed together by the press system 140. The press system 140 can move one or both of the press plates 120, and can cause both plates 120 to contact each other. For example, the press system 140 can move the first press plate 120 that is connected to the press 142 upwards to contact the second press plate 120 that is fixed the frame 110. The press system 140 can increase or decrease the pressure applied by the press plates 120 when the press plates 120 are pressed together.
The press plates 120 can be heated by a heating element, such as an electrical heating element. The heating element can comprise a wire that runs through the press plate 120. The heat generated by the wire can disperse into the press plate 120 and create a substantially uniform temperature within the press plate 120. In a variety of embodiments, the rosin press assembly 100 can use the temperature sensor (e.g., thermocouple) to measure the temperature of the press plates 120 and can adjust the heat output of the heating element to accommodate a range of temperatures.
Cannabis plant material can be placed on a press plate 120 directly or indirectly. For example, the Cannabis plant material can be placed within a bag that is placed on the press plate 120, or can be placed on a parchment paper that is placed on the press plate 120. With the Cannabis plant material placed on a press plate 120, the press system 140 can press the heated press plates 120 together to begin the rosin extraction process.
The rosin press assembly 100 can apply a variety of pressures and temperatures to Cannabis plant material. In some embodiments, the rosin press assembly 100 can apply specific press methods. In some press methods, a required gauge pressure of the press 142 can be calculated and applied to the Cannabis plant material. The pressure applied to the Cannabis plant material can be calculated by determining the size (e.g., surface area) of Cannabis plant material, the size (e.g., surface area) of the hydraulic ram within the press 142, and the size of the force exerted by the press 142.
In some implementations, to assist with determining the size of the Cannabis plant material, the Cannabis plant material can be placed within a bag. The bag can be a mesh bag, which can be used to help separate the rosin from the Cannabis plant material by filtering the rosin from the Cannabis plant material when the appropriate pressure and temperature is applied to the Cannabis plant material. The bag can be folded into a cylindrical shape of a known diameter, allowing for easy determination of the volume and/or surface area of Cannabis plant material being pressed. The surface area of the bag and/or press plate 120 can be determined, such as using a ruler or tape measure. The force exerted by the press can be measured by the pressure sensor 152. With this information, the amount of force applied to the Cannabis plant material can be calculated.
In some embodiments, the rosin press assembly 100 can contain a calculator to assist with calculating the force applied to the Cannabis material. An operator can interact with the calculator by interacting with the user interface. In various embodiments, the CPU assembly 168 can store recommended pressures, temperatures, and durations for different varieties and sizes of Cannabis. This stored information can be recalled by the operator and can be displayed or outputted to the user interface 130. In various embodiments, the calculator can store information about the rosin press assembly 100 (e.g. the surface area of the press plate 120) and can require that a user enter in information about the variety of Cannabis, the weight of Cannabis plant material, the size of the bags holding the Cannabis plant material, and the number of bags used. The calculator can use this information to determine a recommended pressure, temperature, and duration for the particular situation, and display that information to the operator. In some embodiments, after the user has entered in the information about the variety of Cannabis, the weight of Cannabis plant material, and the size of the bags holding the Cannabis plant material, the rosin press assembly 100 can automatically apply the recommended pressure and temperature to the Cannabis plant material for the recommended duration.
An example method of use of the rosin press assembly will now be described. The operator can power on the rosin press assembly 100 by connecting power to the rosin press assembly 100 through the power connector 166 and switching the power switch 164 to on. The operator can prepare the Cannabis material by weighing the Cannabis material, placing the Cannabis material in bags, and folding the bags (e.g., to form a generally cylindrical shape).
The operator can interact with the user interface 130 and enter in information about the Cannabis, including the variety of Cannabis, the weight of Cannabis, the size of bags, and the number of bags used, etc. With this information, the CPU assembly 168 can determine a recommended pressure to apply to the Cannabis, the recommended temperature of the press plates 120, and the duration that pressure and temperature should be applied to the Cannabis material. The CPU assembly 168 can output this determined information to the user interface 130 to display to the operator.
The operator can prepare the rosin press assembly 100 for rosin extraction. For example, the operator can interact with the user interface 130 to turn on the heating element within the press plates 120. With the heating element on, the operator can use the press 142 to press the press plates 120 together, so the temperature of the press plates 120 will be equalized. The temperature sensor can measure the temperature of the press plates 120 and display the temperature on the user interface 130. In some embodiments, the plates 120 are held together for a period (e.g., at least about: 30 seconds, 1 minutes, 2 minutes, etc.) or until a recommended temperature is reached. The operator can separate the press plates 120.
The user can place a collection material, such as parchment paper, on the press plates 120. The operator can place the folded bags of Cannabis plant material on the collection material. The operator can press the bags between the press plates 120 at the recommended pressure. The operator can increase pressure in the press 142 by using the handle 144, such as by pumping or depressing the handle 144. The operator can continue to increase the pressure until the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 152 reaches the recommended pressure. In some implementations, the operator can interact with the user interface 130 to start a timer. After a period (e.g., the timer has elapsed), the operator can release pressure by turning or otherwise actuating the release handle 146. The release of pressure can cause the plates 120 to separate or the user can separate the plates 120. The operator can remove the pressed Cannabis material and collect the expelled rosin.
Controller With Integrated Control Elements and Interface Elements
The controller 800 may include at least one display 810 which may be configured to provide a plurality of measurements and other operational indicia to a user, and may also include a control interface 830 allowing the user to control the settings of the controller 800. In some embodiments, the display 810 may comprise an LCD display, although other display types may also be used. In addition to these user interface elements, the controller 800 may include at least some of the components described previously with respect to a control unit 130, such that some embodiments of controllers include some or all of the features of the user interfaces such as user interface 130 described herein, in addition to some or all of the features of the control units such as control unit 160 described herein.
In the illustrated embodiment, the display 810 includes a primary display region 812 configured to display a first measurement. In the illustrated embodiment, the primary display region 812 may be configured to display a temperature reading indicative of the temperature at the press plates of the rosin press. This temperature reading may be provided, for example, via a thermocouple in electrical communication with the controller 800, as described elsewhere herein. The controller 800 may be suitable for use with a wide variety of thermocouple types, including K, E, J, N, and Pt100 thermocouple types. The particular type of thermocouple being used by controller 800 may be changed by a user via the control interface 830. By displaying the current temperature reading in the primary display region 812, a user can determine when the rosin press has reached a desired temperature for an extraction process, and can also monitor the temperature during the extraction process.
The controller 800 may be in electrical communication with a heating element in the rosin press, and may be configured to control the heating element to maintain the temperature of the rosin press at a desired temperature. In some embodiments, the controller 800 may comprise a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller, which may utilize feedback provided by the thermocouple or other temperature sensor to generate a control signal for continuous or periodic control of the heating element, in order to maintain the temperature at or near a desired temperature setpoint. The display 810 of the controller 800 may include an indicator 822 showing that the controller is outputting a control signal, such as a signal for controlling one or more heating elements of the rosin press assembly.
In some embodiments, a user may utilize the control interface 830 to set the temperature setpoint. In the illustrated embodiment, a user may toggle the controller to a second state, as shown in
The control interface 830 may in some embodiments be used to set the temperature setpoint directly to a desired value. In other embodiments, the temperature setpoint may be set indirectly, such as by selecting a predefined pressing process, which may include preset values for one or more parameters, such as temperature, time, and pressure. In other embodiments, as discussed above, information regarding the plant material to be used can be input by the user, and a suitable temperature setpoint and other parameters for the pressing process may be obtained or calculated.
The PID parameters used by the PID controller to control the heating elements may in some embodiments be determined by an auto-tuning process, in order to obtain precise control which maintains the temperature at or very close to the desired setpoint for the duration of the pressing process. In one embodiment, the autotuning process may include first setting the temperature value. Then, once the temperature of the heating equipment, visible in the first display region of the display 810, is close to room temperature, the autotuning process may be toggled using the control interface 830. The autotuning process may require the controller 800 to be left alone while the heating element is controlled, and the temperature is measured. At the conclusion of the autotuning process, the PID control parameters, including the proportional band, integration time, and differential time, may be determined and used for control during a pressing process. The control cycle time may also be set by the autotuning process, taking into account both the control accuracy as well as the lifetime of mechanical switches within the controller.
In certain embodiments, such as where desired PID parameters are already known, the control interface 830 may be used to manually input some or all of the proportional band, integration time, and differential time. A wide variety of other parameters may also be set. For example, an input shift adjustment can be used to compensate for errors in the thermocouple measurement. An input filter may be used to filter noise, but a large value for the input filter may result in a slower response speed.
Once the temperature setpoint has been set, the display may be toggled to another state, such as a state in which the temperature setpoint is not displayed. An alternate indicator, such as an indication that the current temperature is at or within a suitable range of the temperature setpoint, may be used in a different display state of the controller 800 to provide an indication to the user of the temperature setpoint without displaying the complete temperature setpoint itself. For example, the temperature shown in the primary display may flash intermittently when not at the temperature setpoint, and remain steady when at or sufficiently near the temperature setpoint, or vice versa. Alternately, a separate indicator, not shown in
In some embodiments, a user may utilize the controller 800 to adjust the applied pressure to a desired pressure setting. Because the controller 800 may be communicatively coupled to a pressure sensor, the controller 800 may be configured to, based on an output signal from the pressure sensor, determine the pressure exerted on the hydraulic fluid within the press, or a similar process pressure which can be measured and/or monitored via a pressure sensor. The controller may also, in some embodiments, determine the material pressure being applied to material positioned between the press plates or other contact surfaces of the rosin press assembly. As discussed above, these calculations may be specific to a given rosin press assembly, based on the dimensions and/or other parameters of the rosin press assembly, as well as the dimensions of the material under pressure. In some embodiments, a TLC7135cdw chip may be used to read the output signal from the pressure sensor and convert the hydraulic pressure.
This determination may include the reading of a voltage reading output as an output signal by a pressure sensor, which is then converted to a digital pressure reading by the controller 800. In some embodiments, as discussed elsewhere herein, the pressure reading may be a hydraulic fluid pressure reading measured by a pressure sensor exposed to the hydraulic fluid system of the rosin press assembly. The controller can implement digital calibration technology for accurate measurement. In some embodiments, the accuracy of the pressure reading may be +/−0.3%, and the accuracy of temperature readings may be within 0.1° C.
In some embodiments, the controller 800 may be programmed to operate in conjunction with one or more rosin press assembly models, so that the pressure calculation may be based at least in part on one or more stored algorithms, coefficients, or lookup tables. In some embodiments, such information may be input into the controller by a user, or a calibration process may be used to configure a controller for use with a given rosin press assembly.
An indication of the pressure, which may be either the measured pressure or a calculated pressure based upon the measured pressure, may be displayed in certain states of the controller 800, such as the second state shown in
In certain embodiments in which a press such as press 142 is controlled via a manual control, such as a joystick or a lever, the controller may be used to provide direct feedback to an operator regarding the current pressure exerted on the hydraulic fluid within a press. In contrast to the use of an analog gauge such as the pressure gauge 402 of
In some embodiments, the duration of a pressing process can be set, with the set duration being shown in the second display region 814. As discussed elsewhere herein, the duration of a pressing process can be set manually, or may be indirectly set by selecting from predetermined process parameters, or allowing the process parameters to be calculated based on information regarding the plant material being pressed. In some embodiments, an indicator 828 can be used to show whether the pressing process is ongoing, such as by causing the indicator 828 to flash. In some embodiments, the remaining duration of the process may be should in the second display region 814.
The controller 800 may also include or interface with an alarm or other notification system which triggers upon completion of the pressing process. In some embodiments, the controller 800 may include an integrated alarm or other noisemaking component, or any other suitable notification system, such as a light which illuminates at the conclusion of the pressing process. In other embodiments, the controller 800 may be configured to interface with an external alarm or other notification system. Such notification systems may be configured to trigger upon expiration of a timer. An indicator such as indicator 824 can be used to indicate that an internal alarm or other notification system is active, or that the controller 800 is configured to send an output signal to trigger an external alarm or other notification system.
The illustrated embodiment of display 810 includes the primary display region 812, along with the second display region 814 and the third display region 816, in addition to a number of additional indicators. However, it will be understood that this is merely one exemplary implementation. While the illustrated embodiment presents one example of how a display can be configured to display information including the information described above, other embodiments may utilize any other suitable display arrangements including any suitable number and shape of display regions.
For example, in some embodiments, a display may include distinct display regions which are configured to simultaneously display both the temperature setpoint and the pressure reading, rather than toggling between displaying the two in the same display region in different states of the controller. In other embodiments, the display may include one or more display screens which can be controlled to present information in any suitable fashion. Such a display screen may include one or more touch-sensitive regions which may also serve as control interface elements, in place of or in addition to physical control elements such as buttons, switches, dials, or other suitable physical control elements.
In some embodiments, the controller 800 may include an internal relay, and may also be configured to control an external relay such as an external solid state relay (SSR). In one particular embodiment, the internal relay may be rated at 3 A/250V, and at 5 A/30 VDC. In one embodiment, an external SSR may be rated at 12V 50 mA.
A variety of connections may be provided to facilitate the communicative coupling of the controller 800 with external components. In some embodiments, some or all of these connections may be exposed connection points, such as connection points on an exterior of a housing of the controller. In other embodiments, such as an embodiment in which the controller 800 is integrated with a particular embodiment of a given rosin press assembly, at least some of these connections may be hardwired and may be internal to a housing of the controller.
For example, the controller 800 can be communicatively coupled to a pressure sensor 152, where power can be supplied to the pressure sensor using a connection labeled as 8, and an output signal from the pressure sensor 152 can be received using a connection labeled as 11. In the illustrated embodiment, 5V power is supplied to the pressure sensor 152, and the output signal of the pressure sensor varies between roughly 0.5V and 4.5V. As discussed elsewhere herein, the pressure sensor may be a pressure transducer in fluid communication with a hydraulic or pneumatic system, or may be a force pressure sensor or any other suitable type of pressure sensor positioned in a suitable location. In some embodiments, an ADC may be used to digitize the output signal of the pressure sensor for further analysis by the controller 800.
In addition, one or more thermocouples 162 can be connected to the controller 800 via the connections labeled as 6 and 7. The junction of thermocouple 162 can be located adjacent one of the press plates of the rosin press assembly, and the thermocouple 162 can generate a voltage indicative of the temperature of the press plate, providing a measurement of the temperature to which the plant material is being exposed during a pressing process.
The controller 800 may be communicatively coupled with one or more heating elements in or on the press plates, or with intermediate control circuitry for controlling the heating elements, via the connections labeled as 3 and 4. The PID or other suitable control signal generated by the controller 800 in response to the measured temperature can be used to control the heating elements to maintain the press plates at the desired setpoint temperature. The controller 800 may also be communicatively coupled with an external alarm or other notification system via the connections labeled as 9 and 10, and may trigger the alarm or other notification system upon expiry of a timer, or another indication that the pressing process is complete.
The wiring schematic of
Terms of orientation used herein, such as “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “longitudinal,” “lateral,” and “end” are used in the context of the illustrated embodiments. These terms are to be understood in the context and orientation of how the rosin press assemblies are intended to be operated. Terms relating to circular shapes as used herein, such as diameter or radius, should be understood not to require perfect circular structures, but rather should be applied to any suitable structure with a cross-sectional region that can be measured from side-to-side. Terms relating to shapes generally, such as “circular” or “cylindrical” or “semi-circular” or “semi-cylindrical” or any related or similar terms, are not required to conform strictly to the mathematical definitions of circles or cylinders or other structures, but can encompass structures that are reasonably close approximations.
Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include or do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments.
Conjunctive language, such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.
The terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” as used herein represent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, in some embodiments, as the context may dictate, the terms “approximately”, “about”, and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than or equal to 10% of the stated amount. The term “generally” as used herein represents a value, amount, or characteristic that predominantly includes or tends toward a particular value, amount, or characteristic. As an example, in certain embodiments, as the context may dictate, the term “generally parallel” can refer to something that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 20 degrees and the term “generally perpendicular” can refer to something that departs from exactly perpendicular by less than or equal to 20 degrees.
Unless otherwise explicitly stated, articles such as “a” or “an” should generally be interpreted to include one or more described items. Accordingly, phrases such as “a device configured to” are intended to include one or more recited devices. Such one or more recited devices can also be collectively configured to carry out the stated recitations. For example, “a processor configured to carry out recitations A, B, and C” can include a first processor configured to carry out recitation A working in conjunction with a second processor configured to carry out recitations B and C.
The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth Likewise, the terms “some,” “certain,” and the like are synonymous and are used in an open-ended fashion. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list.
Overall, the language of the claims is to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims. The language of the claims is not to be limited to the non-exclusive embodiments and examples that are illustrated and described in this disclosure, or that are discussed during the prosecution of the application.
The technology of the present disclosure has been discussed in the context of certain embodiments and examples. The technology extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the embodiments and certain modifications and equivalents thereof. For example, although certain embodiments are disclosed in the context of a manually-operated press assembly, the technology can be applied to motorized presses too. Additionally, although certain embodiments have been disclosed with tabs on certain plates and slots on other plates, the configurations can be reversed so that the slot is on the certain plates and tabs are on the other plates. Any two or more of the components can be made from a single monolithic piece or from separate pieces connected together. Various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the invention. The scope of this disclosure should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described herein.
Certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as any subcombination or variation of any subcombination.
Moreover, while operations may be depicted in the drawings or described in the specification in a particular order, such operations need not be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, and all operations need not be performed, to achieve the desirable results. Other operations that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in the example methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the described operations. Further, the operations may be rearranged or reordered in other implementations. Also, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products. Additionally, other implementations are within the scope of this disclosure.
Some embodiments have been described in connection with the accompanying drawings. The figures are drawn to scale, but such scale is not limiting, since dimensions and proportions other than what are shown are contemplated and are within the scope of the disclosed invention. Distances, angles, etc. are merely illustrative and do not necessarily bear an exact relationship to actual dimensions and layout of the devices illustrated. Components can be added, removed, and/or rearranged. Further, the disclosure herein of any particular feature, aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element, or the like in connection with various embodiments can be used in all other embodiments set forth herein. Additionally, any methods described herein may be practiced using any device suitable for performing the recited steps.
In summary, various embodiments and examples of dispensing systems and related methods have been disclosed. Although the dispensing systems have been disclosed in the context of those embodiments and examples, the technology of this disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or other uses of the embodiments, as well as to certain modifications and equivalents thereof. This disclosure expressly contemplates that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for, one another. Thus, the scope of this disclosure should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/059,493, filed Jul. 31, 2020. This application also claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/905,679, filed Jun. 18, 2020, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/864,758, filed Jun. 21, 2019. The contents of each of these applications are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety and for all purposes.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63059493 | Jul 2020 | US | |
| 62864758 | Jun 2019 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 16905679 | Jun 2020 | US |
| Child | 17390736 | US |
