Device for impregnating and distributing oil and using method thereof

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method for impregnating an impregnated material with a solvent. Embodiments of the invention include heating and stirring the solvent while exposing the impregnated material to the solvent for a predetermined time. At the end of the impregnation process, a removable container may be used to dispense the solvent. Non-contact temperature measurement and non-contact presence sensing functions around the removable container allow the removable container to be placed into the cleaning machine when needed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method for impregnating, agitating and dispensing oils that is capable of producing a desired impregnation liquid concentration while remaining below a determined maximum temperature threshold and increasing the ease of use and cleanability of the equipment. Background Art

[0002] Infusing refers to the process of transferring compounds, nutrients or flavors from a plant-based material into a solvent (e.g., water, oil or alcohol) by allowing the plant-based material to remain suspended in a solvent for a predetermined time and at a predetermined temperature. The resulting liquid produced during the infusion process is often referred to as an "infusion." Infusion generally means using a plant-based substance that will quickly dissolve or easily release its active ingredients into a solvent. Examples of plant-based substances include, but are not limited to, dried herbs, seeds, flowers, cannabis or berries. Infusing solvents is a traditional practice in many fields, including homeopathic medicine, culinary arts, skin care, aromatherapy, cosmetology, alternative health care and beverage production.

[0003] The steeping process is often referred to as "steeping," and involves heating a liquid to a desired temperature (e.g., its boiling point or lower) prior to or concurrently with the introduction of the steeping material. In many cases, the steeping material comprises a plant-based material. The steeping material is steeped in the liquid for a predetermined time period depending on the purpose for which the steeping is being prepared, the steeping material, and the desired concentration of the steeping liquid. The length of time for steeping also depends on the ingredients used in the steeping liquid for the steeping material. Some steeping processes take a few minutes, while others take days or weeks. The steeping liquid is typically filtered to remove the spent steeping material. The steeping liquid may be consumed immediately or may be bottled and stored for future use. The steeping liquid is used in its native state or as an ingredient in a recipe or formulation.

[0004] Typically, the solvent is exposed to the impregnation material contained in an impregnation device made of metal, plastic or paper with permeable walls. Such an impregnation device is filled with material and then placed into the solvent for impregnation, wherein the permeable walls allow the solvent to pass through, thereby exposing the solvent to the impregnation material. Although this prior art impregnation technology is well suited for low viscosity fluids, it does not allow for effective incorporation of oil-based solvents. More specifically, oil-based solvents have a higher viscosity and therefore are generally unable to flow through permeable walls suitable for water or water-based solvents. Therefore, in order to facilitate impregnation, the oil-based impregnation process must generally be carried out at a higher temperature to reduce its viscosity. Heating is generally desirable because it can reduce processing time, but heating has disadvantages associated with safety issues related to increased fire exposure. In addition, excessive heat can denature or negatively affect the solvent or impregnation material.

[0005] As mentioned above, the impregnation chamber is usually associated with a heater element and an agitator. Some prior art devices include an agitator interconnected with the cover of the impregnation chamber, wherein a portion of the agitator extends into the impregnation chamber when the cover is closed. The agitator helps to speed up the impregnation process, especially when heated. The agitator further allows control of the impregnation process and improves the impregnation process so that it occurs in a more uniform manner. In operation, the user adds the oil-based solvent and the impregnation material to the impregnation chamber, which is then exposed to high temperature by the heater element. At the same time, the agitator stirs the liquid and the impregnation material, which helps to disperse the impregnation material into the oil-based solvent. The agitator can be configured to pulverize the material to increase its surface area, so that more of the material is exposed to the solvent, thereby improving the efficiency of the process. After the impregnation process is completed, the user removes the cover with the agitator connected thereto, which may expose the user to hot liquid because the hot liquid will inevitably drip from it.

[0006] The agitator helps speed up and control the impregnation process, especially when heated. In operation, the user adds the oil-based solvent and the plant-based material to the impregnation chamber, which is then exposed to high temperatures by the heater element. At the same time, the agitator stirs the liquid and the impregnation material, which helps disperse the impregnation material into the oil-based solvent.

[0007] Given the processes involved in solvent impregnation, which typically utilizes solvents such as heated oils, the safety and cleanliness of such processes are a concern for many.

[0008] A need has been identified for an impregnation device that enables a user to impregnate a solvent with an impregnation material, thereby providing controllability, consistent end product, repeatable results, and ease of cleaning. Summary of the invention

[0009] It is an aspect of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide an infusion device in which a user may place a solvent and an infusion material therein and in which the solvent is heated and stirred for a predetermined time prior to dispensing.

[0010] One aspect of certain embodiments of the present invention is to place the solvent in a removable container, such as a jug, wherein the jug is configured to function as an infusion chamber when infused with the solvent and as a dispenser when removed.

[0011] An aspect of some embodiments of the present invention is to provide an immersion device, wherein after immersion with solvent and dispensing of solvent, the removable container is configured to be placed in a cleaning machine or fully immersed in water without damaging the electronic components.

[0012] An aspect of certain embodiments is controlling a heating device of an impregnation apparatus, wherein the heating device is deactivated when the removable container is removed from the substrate.

[0013] One aspect of the present invention is to provide a temperature sensing function to detect the temperature of the solvent during the dipping process. In certain embodiments, the temperature sensing is achieved by a non-contact temperature sensor offset from the removable container.

[0014] One aspect of the present invention is to provide an immersion device, wherein a removable container configured to carry a solvent can be removed after the immersion process and placed in a cleaning machine for easy cleaning. In some embodiments, the removable container does not contain electronic components, sensors, or wires to prevent damage when placed in a cleaning machine for cleaning.

[0015] These and other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure of the invention contained herein. The above-described embodiments, objects, and configurations are neither complete nor exhaustive. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention may utilize one or more of the features listed above or described in detail below, alone or in combination. Furthermore, this Summary is neither intended nor should be construed as representing the full extent and scope of the present invention. The present invention is set forth in varying degrees of detail in this Summary and the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description, and the scope of the invention is not limited to the inclusion or exclusion of elements, components, and the like in this Summary. Other aspects of the present invention will become more apparent through the detailed description, particularly in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the claims provided herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 : An exploded perspective view of some embodiments of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 : A system view of certain embodiments of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 : An exploded perspective view of some embodiments of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4A : Side views of certain embodiments of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4B :like Figure 4A Cross-sectional views of certain embodiments of the present invention are shown.

[0021] Figure 5A :like Figure 4A Cross-sectional views of certain embodiments of the present invention are shown.

[0022] Figure 5B :like Figure 5A Detail views of certain embodiments of the invention are shown.

[0023] Figure 6 :like Figure 5A Front views of certain embodiments of the present invention are shown.

[0024] Fig. 7A : An exploded perspective view of some embodiments of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 7B : A top view of certain embodiments of the present invention including a removable container.

[0026] Figure 7C : Top view of certain embodiments of the present invention including a permeable container. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Certain embodiments of the present invention (e.g., Figures 1 to 3 The embodiment shown in the figure includes an apparatus 1000 for impregnating a solvent. The apparatus includes a base 1100 having a controller 2000 and a power source 2100. A removable container 1200 includes a bottom surface, a cover 1205, and a handle 1280, the bottom surface being configured to be removably connected to a top surface 1110 of the base. The top surface 1110 of the base includes a heat source 2200 interconnected with the power source 2100, wherein the heat source 1150 is configured to heat the removable container 1200 when the removable container is interconnected with the top surface 1110 of the base. Solvents discussed herein include, but are not limited to, water, oil, aqueous solutions, or mixtures thereof.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the top surface 1110 of the base includes a protrusion 1150 and the bottom 1220 of the removable container includes a groove 1250, wherein the groove 1250 is configured to receive the protrusion 1150 therein. The configuration of the groove 1250 and the protrusion 1150 is to ensure the correct placement of the removable container on the base. In addition, the interconnection of the groove 1250 and the protrusion 1150 provides a user with confirmation that the removable container 1200 is correctly positioned and interconnected with the base 1100. Although the embodiments disclosed and illustrated herein include a base having a protrusion and a removable container having a groove configured to receive the protrusion, embodiments of a base having a groove configured to receive a protrusion of a removable container or a base having a groove configured to receive the bottom 1220 of a removable container are also within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0029] Certain embodiments of the present invention (e.g., Figure 2 and FIG. 4A to FIG. 4BThe embodiment shown) includes an agitator 1300 interconnected with the inner bottom surface 1230 of the removable container, wherein the agitator 1300 is configured to circulate the solvent contained in the removable container during the impregnation process. The agitator 1300 of certain embodiments includes a magnetic agitator 1300 in which the motor 2500 is interconnected with the base 1100 and interconnected with the controller 2000 ( Figure 2 ), the motor 2500 is configured to magnetically drive the agitator 1300 placed in the removable container 1200. The agitator 1300 is configured to be removable for easy cleaning. The agitator motor 2400 driving the agitator 1300 is interconnected with the controller 2000, wherein the controller controls the speed of the motor 2400 for use during the dipping and stirring process.

[0030] In certain embodiments of the present invention (e.g., Figure 2 and FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B In the embodiment shown in the figure, the temperature sensor 2300 is configured to determine the temperature of the removable container 1200 and transmit the temperature to the controller 2000. When providing the temperature to the controller 2000, the controller 2000 can turn off, turn on, or modulate the power delivery to the heat source 2200 to heat the contents of the removable container to a desired or predetermined temperature. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor 2300 detects the temperature of the outer surface 1240 of the removable container 1200. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor 2300 includes a non-contact temperature sensor 2300 offset from the removable container 1200. The non-contact temperature sensor of some embodiments includes an infrared temperature sensor, while other embodiments including other non-contact temperature sensor technologies are also within the spirit and scope of the present invention. "Non-contact" as referred to herein means determining a physical characteristic of an object, such as the presence, temperature, or other physical characteristic of the object, without direct contact between the sensor and the object (in this case, the removable container).

[0031] In some embodiments (such as Figure 2 and FIG. 4A to FIG. 5A In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the temperature sensor 2300 is configured to read the temperature of the removable container upwardly offset from the bottom 1220 of the removable container. Reading the temperature at a portion offset from the bottom 1220 provides increased accuracy in reading the temperature of the removable container 1200 because the operation of the heat source 2200 there does not affect the temperature reading as much as at the bottom 1220 of the removable container. In addition, reading the temperature offset from the bottom 1220 of the removable container can mitigate temperature gradients affected by: the heat source 2200, the thermal mass of the base 1100, the thermal mass of the bottom 1220 of the removable container, or mitigate natural temperature gradients within the solvent that depend on depth.

[0032] In certain embodiments of the impregnation device (e.g., Figure 2 and Figure 5A In the embodiment shown in the figure, the presence sensor 2400 is interconnected with the controller 2000 and communicates the presence status of the removable container 1200 to the controller 2000. When the presence of the removable container 1200 is not detected, the controller 2000 sets the heat source 2200 to an off configuration in which the power supply 2100 to the heat source is cut off, thereby preventing fire or burn hazards. When the removable container 1200 is detected, the controller 2000 sets the heat source 2200 to a standby / on configuration in which power is provided to the heat source 2200 according to a desired or predetermined temperature. In some embodiments, the presence sensor 2400 includes a non-contact presence sensor and relies on light detection to determine the presence of the removable container 1200. In some embodiments, the presence sensor 2400 includes a light emitter and a light collector, wherein the light emitter shines light onto the removable container 1200, and the light collector is configured to determine the presence of the removable container 1200 based on the amount of light reflected back to and detected by the light collector. Although non-contact presence sensors and light-detecting presence sensors are disclosed herein, alternative embodiments of presence sensors including magnetic, weight-based, and current-sensing are also within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0033] In certain embodiments of the impregnation device (e.g., Figure 5A and Figure 6 In the embodiment shown in the figure, the base 1100 also includes a structure 1400 having a first member 1410 extending upward from the base. When the removable container is interconnected with the base 1100, the structure 1400 is configured to be radially offset from the removable container 1200. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor 2300 is interconnected with the structure 1400, wherein the temperature sensor 2300 is configured to read the temperature of the removable container 1200 upwardly offset from the bottom of the removable container 1220. In certain embodiments, the presence sensor 2400 is interconnected with the structure 1400, wherein the presence sensor 2400 is upwardly offset from the base 1100. In certain embodiments as shown, the presence sensor 2400 is located above the temperature sensor 2300. However, alternative embodiments in which the temperature sensor is located above the presence sensor or the temperature sensor and the presence sensor are located at similar heights relative to each other are also within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0034] In certain embodiments (e.g., Figure 5A-Figure 5BIn the embodiment shown in the figure, the temperature sensor 2300 is interconnected with the structure 1400, and the temperature sensor 2300 also includes a sleeve 2350, which is configured to shield the temperature sensor 2300 from detecting the temperature of other surrounding elements (such as the structure 1400 to which the temperature sensor is interconnected). The sleeve 2350 is configured to be opaque to infrared light and has a relatively low thermal conductivity. For these reasons, in some embodiments, the sleeve 2350 includes a steel or stainless steel composition. However, alternative materials or material combinations configured to block infrared radiation and provide low thermal conductivity are also within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0035] In certain embodiments (e.g., Figure 6 In the embodiment shown in the figure, the structure 1400 also includes a cross member 1420 extending from the first vertical member 1410 and extending radially inward from the first vertical member 1410. The height 1425 of the cross member is configured to be greater than the height 1225 of the removable container, wherein the removable container 1200 is configured to be interconnected with the base 1100 while being held below the cross member. In certain embodiments, the second vertical member 1430 is interconnected between the cross member 1420 and the base 1100, thereby forming an annular structure, which in certain embodiments is configured to surround the removable container 1200 when the removable container is interconnected with the base.

[0036] Certain embodiments of the present invention (e.g., 7A to 7CThe embodiment shown in the figure includes a permeable container 1500 configured to receive an impregnation material, wherein the permeable container 1500 is configured to be placed in a removable container 1200 for an impregnation solvent and sealed with a cover 1505 before the cover 1205 is placed on the removable container. In certain embodiments, the permeable container 1500 includes a hook 1510 configured to interconnect with a rim 1260 of the removable container and suspend the permeable container 1500 in the removable container 1200. The permeable container 1500 is removably interconnected with the removable container 1200. In certain embodiments, the permeable container 1500 includes a shape that matches or is similar to a shape of an interior surface of the removable container. In certain embodiments, the permeable container 1500 includes an arc shape, wherein an exterior feature 1520 of the permeable container is configured to nest with an interior surface 1270 of the removable container. In certain embodiments, the arcuate shape of the permeable container includes a maximum radius 1525 that is equal to or less than the inner radius 1275 of the removable container. In certain embodiments, the permeable container 1500 includes a portion of a semicircular elliptical or annular shape. Although embodiments of permeable containers including a removable container and an arcuate shape with a consistent radius are shown herein, alternative embodiments of removable containers and permeable containers including polygonal shapes, annular shapes, portions of annular shapes, complex arcuate shapes, and elliptical shapes are also within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The permeable container 1500 of the present invention is configured to nest with the inner surface 1270 of the removable container, whereby the permeable container 1500 is exposed to an increased solvent flow because the maximum flow of the solvent stirred within the removable container 1200 is close to the inner surface 1270 of the removable container. Therefore, embodiments including a permeable container 1500 configured to nest with the inner surface 1270 of the removable container are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0037] Certain embodiments of the present invention (e.g., Figure 2 and Figure 6 The embodiment shown in the figure includes a user interface 2600 and a display 2620, wherein the user interface 2600 includes at least one button 2610. The user interface 2600 is interconnected with the controller 2000, wherein a user can communicate with the controller 2000 to select a predetermined impregnation program based on the solvent and impregnation material used, or program in a custom impregnation program with variables, including but not limited to temperature and length of impregnation time.

[0038] Certain embodiments include a thermal indicator light 2700 interconnected with the controller 2000 , wherein the thermal indicator light 2700 alerts a user to the presence of a thermal component, such as a heated removable container 1200 or a heated heat source 2200 .

[0039] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is obvious that modifications and changes to these embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is clearly understood that such modifications and changes belong to the scope and spirit of the present invention. In addition, the invention described herein can be used in other embodiments and can be implemented or executed in various ways. In addition, it should be understood that the phrases and terms used herein are only for descriptive purposes and should not be considered as limiting. "Including," "comprising," or "adding" and variations thereof used herein refer to including the items listed below and their equivalents, as well as additional items.

Claims

1. A device for impregnating an impregnation material with a solvent, the device comprising: Pedestal; a controller, the controller comprising a power supply; a removable container having a bottom surface configured to removably interconnect with the top surface of the base; The top surface of the base includes a heat source connected to the power source, wherein the heat source is controlled by the controller; A temperature sensor is interconnected with the base, wherein the temperature sensor is configured to detect a temperature of the removable container and communicate the temperature of the removable container to the controller.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the temperature sensor is offset from the removable container. 3 . The device of claim 2 , wherein the temperature sensor is configured to read the temperature of the removable container at a height offset from a bottom of the removable container.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the base further comprises a structure having a first upright member extending upwardly from the base, the structure being configured to be offset from the removable container when the removable container and the base are interconnected.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the temperature sensor is interconnected to the structure, and wherein the temperature sensor comprises a non-contact temperature sensor.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the temperature sensor is radially inward toward the removable container.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the temperature sensor further comprises a sleeve, wherein the temperature sensor is configured to detect the temperature of the removable container through a hole of the sleeve.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a presence sensor, wherein the presence sensor of the container is interconnected with the controller; The presence sensor is configured to detect the presence or absence of a removable container and communicate the presence or absence of the removable container to the controller.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein: When the presence sensor detects the presence of the removable container, the controller configures the heat source to an on / standby configuration, and Wherein, when the presence sensor detects the absence of the removable container, the controller configures the heat source to an off configuration.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the presence sensor comprises a light emitter and a light collector, wherein the light collector measures the amount of light reflected back from the light emitter to determine the presence or absence of the removable container.

11. The device of claim 9, wherein the presence sensor comprises an infrared light collector.

12. The device of claim 8, further comprising an agitator interconnected with the bottom interior surface of the removable container.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein the stirrer comprises a stirring portion and a driving portion, wherein the stirring portion comprises a magnetic material, and the stirring portion comprises a magnet; The driving portion is connected to the interconnect.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a presence sensor, wherein the presence sensor of the container is interconnected with the controller; The presence sensor is configured to detect the presence or absence of a removable container and communicate the presence or absence of the removable container to the controller.

15. The device according to claim 11, wherein When the presence sensor detects the presence of the removable container, the controller configures the heat source to an on / standby configuration, and Wherein, when the presence sensor detects the absence of the removable container, the controller configures the heat source to an off configuration.

16. The device of claim 5, wherein the structure extends upwardly, wherein a height of the structure is greater than a height of the removable container.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the structure further comprises a cross member having a first end interconnected with the first vertical member, wherein the cross member extends radially inwardly; The cross member further comprises a height, wherein the height of the cross member is greater than the height of the removable container.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the structure further comprises a second vertical member; The second vertical member is connected to the base and extends upward; and The second end of the transverse member is connected to the second vertical member. The detachable container is configured to be interconnected with the base, wherein the detachable container is located between the first vertical member and the second vertical member and below the cross member.

19. The device of claim 18, further comprising a permeable container; The permeable container includes a hook configured to suspend the permeable container from an edge of the removable container within the removable container.

20. The device of claim 19, wherein the permeable container comprises a portion in the form of an annular ring, wherein an outer diameter of the permeable container is configured to nest within an inner diameter of the removable container.

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