A laboratory feed funnel

Abstract

This patent discloses an experimental feeding funnel, comprising: an inlet, a central feeding channel, and an outlet; the inlet is located at the upper end of the experimental feeding funnel; the outlet is located at the lower end of the experimental feeding funnel; the central feeding channel is a Venturi tube structure; the inner diameter of the central feeding channel is smaller than the inner diameters of the inlet and outlet; the inner diameter of the outlet is less than or equal to the inner diameter of the inlet; the outlet of the experimental feeding funnel is fitted onto the mouth of a suitable container for direct or indirect heating experiments for feeding. The experimental feeding funnel provided by this patent is easy to disassemble and clean, meeting both the experimental research needs of natural fragrance raw material extraction and the requirements of large-scale production. It solves the problems of clogging and inability to properly feed large-particle natural fragrance raw materials. The yield of finished fragrance products for tobacco extraction using this experimental feeding funnel is high, reducing waste of natural fragrance raw materials and environmental pollution.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of extraction technology of natural flavorings for tobacco, and specifically relates to an experimental feeding funnel. Background Technology

[0002] The extraction of natural flavorings for tobacco products is a crucial step in the tobacco industry, determining the aroma quality and consumer experience. With technological advancements and rising consumer demands, higher requirements are being placed on extraction technologies for natural flavorings, particularly in terms of extraction efficiency, aroma preservation, and ease of operation. Existing extraction technologies for natural flavorings include traditional processes and modern techniques. Traditional processes commonly employ methods such as steam distillation, cold milling, and pressing, while modern techniques frequently utilize methods such as supercritical carbon dioxide extraction and subcritical extraction. Solvent extraction remains the most prevalent method, typically requiring contact between the flavoring raw material and solvents or steam to extract the aroma components. However, during operation, both the addition of solvents and natural flavorings often present challenges such as inconvenient feeding, potential splashing, and difficulty in controlling the feeding rate. These problems not only affect extraction efficiency but can also lead to raw material waste and environmental pollution. Therefore, using a funnel to add natural flavorings or solvents to conventional reaction vessels such as round-bottom flasks prevents spillage and significantly reduces raw material waste.

[0003] Currently, the funnels used for adding natural flavorings or solvents have a relatively large upper tray, with a diameter of about 10-12 cm, while the lower conduit is significantly narrower, with a diameter of about 2-3 cm at the lower end. This design is primarily suited for placing the funnel inside the mouth of a round-bottom flask, thus indirectly preventing overflow or spillage. When adding liquid solvents and small-particle natural flavoring ingredients, such as fennel seeds, dill seeds, fenugreek seeds, and black pepper seeds, there is no problem with clogging the funnel. However, when adding larger-particle natural flavoring ingredients, such as dried dates, dried figs, clove buds, and dried plums, large particles or chunks of natural flavoring ingredients can cause blockage at the lower end of the funnel, making it difficult to properly feed the material into the round-bottom flask or other conventional reaction vessels. The main reason is that the diameter of the lower conduit in conventional funnels is too small, causing large-particle natural flavoring materials to get stuck, or their particle size is too large to fall into the round-bottom flask. Previous methods to solve the problem of feeding such large-particle natural flavoring materials involved pre-treatment, which involved pulverizing the natural flavoring materials into small particles before adding them to the round-bottom flask or other conventional reaction vessels. However, this pre-treatment method of pulverizing natural flavoring materials is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and when dealing with natural flavoring materials with high sugar content, they tend to clump together, resulting in extremely unsatisfactory pulverization results.

[0004] Patent document CN217350747U discloses a fragrance and flavor dispensing funnel device. See [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 1 This involves adding a rotating shaft and a loosening rod to the funnel body. Rotating the loosening rod while adding fragrance to the funnel allows the fragrance to flow smoothly and prevents accumulation. However, this still doesn't solve the problem of directly adding large-particle-size natural fragrances into round-bottom flasks or other conventional reaction vessels without pretreatment. Therefore, it is necessary to design an experimental feed funnel suitable for round-bottom flasks or other conventional reaction vessels, one that is easy to disassemble and clean, meeting both the experimental research needs of natural fragrance raw material extraction and the requirements of large-scale production. The aim is to solve the existing problems of clogging and improper feeding of large-particle-size natural fragrance raw materials, thereby reducing waste and environmental pollution. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this patent is to ensure that, during the extraction of natural flavorings for tobacco, when natural flavorings of different particle sizes are added to the reaction vessel using an experimental funnel, the natural flavorings will not clog the funnel, allowing for normal feeding. Furthermore, no pretreatment of the natural flavorings is required. The experimental funnel is easy to disassemble and clean, preventing waste of natural flavoring raw materials.

[0006] To solve the above technical problems:

[0007] This patent provides an experimental feeding funnel, including: a feeding port, an intermediate feeding channel, and a discharging port;

[0008] The feed inlet is located at the upper end of the experimental feed funnel; the discharge outlet is located at the lower end of the experimental feed funnel; the middle feed channel is a Venturi tube structure.

[0009] The inner diameter of the intermediate feed channel is smaller than the inner diameters of the feed inlet and the discharge outlet; the inner diameter of the discharge outlet is less than or equal to the inner diameter of the feed inlet.

[0010] The outlet of the experimental feed funnel is fitted onto the mouth of a reaction vessel that can be directly or indirectly heated for feeding.

[0011] Furthermore, the ratio of the inner diameter of the feed inlet to the inner diameter of the intermediate feed channel is 1.5~2.0:1, 2.0~2.5:1, or 2.5~3.0:1.

[0012] Furthermore, the inner diameter of the feed inlet is smaller than the outer diameter of the mouth of the reaction vessel that can be used for direct or indirect heating experiments;

[0013] Reaction vessels capable of conducting heating experiments directly or indirectly include round-bottom flasks, flat-bottom flasks, Erlenmeyer flasks, or test tubes.

[0014] Furthermore, the experimental feed funnel is integrally molded from an elastic material or integrally molded using a two-color injection molding method; the elastic material includes one or more combinations of plastic, silicone, or rubber.

[0015] Furthermore, the plastics include one or more combinations of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TEPP), thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPU), polyamide plastic (PA), melamine plastic (MF), and carbonate (PC).

[0016] Furthermore, the rubber includes one or more combinations of natural rubber (NR), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), butadiene rubber (BR), isoprene rubber (IR), chloroprene rubber (CR), nitrile rubber (NBR), ethylene propylene rubber (EPM / EPDM), butyl rubber (IIR), fluororubber (FKM), silicone rubber (Q), polyurethane rubber (PU), polysulfide rubber (PS), chlorohydrin rubber, and acrylate rubber (ACM).

[0017] Furthermore, the wall thickness of the experimental feed funnel is 1.6~1.8 mm, 1.8~2.0 mm, 2.0~2.2 mm, 2.0~2.2 mm, 2.2~2.5 mm, or 2.5~3.0 mm.

[0018] Furthermore, the height of the feed funnel used in the experiment was 7~7.5 cm, 7.5~8.0 cm, 8.0~8.5 cm, 8.5~9.0 cm, 9~9.5 cm, 9.5~10.0 cm, 10.0~11.0 cm, 11.0~12.0 cm, or 12.0~13.0 cm.

[0019] Compared with existing technologies, this patent has the following beneficial effects:

[0020] 1. The experimental funnel for round-bottom flasks provided by this utility model has a maximum circumferential inner diameter to minimum circumferential inner diameter ratio of 1.5~3.0:1. The funnel is integrally molded from an elastic material or integrally molded by two-color injection molding. The elastic material includes one or more combinations of plastic, silicone or rubber. The wall thickness of the funnel is 1.6~3.0 mm. The height of the funnel is 7~13 cm.

[0021] 2. The funnel has a simple structure and is easy to operate. It can be placed outside the mouth of a round-bottom flask, which can effectively increase the inner diameter of the outlet and overcome the shortcomings of previous large-particle natural fragrance raw materials that could not be discharged.

[0022] 3. This type of funnel is an external funnel that can be adapted to the mouth of round-bottom flasks of different capacities. It has the advantages of being easy and quick to disassemble and clean, which can meet both the experimental research needs of natural fragrance raw material extraction and the requirements of large-scale production.

[0023] 4. Extraction experiments using this type of funnel showed high yields of flavoring substances. Specifically, the yields of fig extract were 10.6±5%, jujube extract was 15.3±5%, and hot coffee tincture was 985±5%. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The above description of the present invention and the following detailed embodiments will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the drawings are merely examples of the claimed technical solutions.

[0025] Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the funnel in the patent document with publication number CN217350747U.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a side view of the experimental funnel in the first implementation method;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a top view of the experimental funnel in the first implementation method;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the usage status of the experimental funnel in the first implementation method;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a side view of the experimental funnel in the second embodiment;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a top view of the experimental funnel in the second embodiment;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the usage status of the experimental funnel in the second implementation method.

[0032] The reference numerals in the attached figures are explained as follows:

[0033] Funnels: 100, 200;

[0034] Feed inlets: 110, 210;

[0035] Intermediate feed channels: 120, 220;

[0036] Discharge ports: 130, 230;

[0037] Round-bottom flasks: 500, 600;

[0038] Compatible bottle openings: 510, 610;

[0039] Reaction flasks: 520, 620;

[0040] Heating mantle: 700;

[0041] Contact surface: 710;

[0042] Switch: 720. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The detailed features and advantages of this patent are described below in the specific embodiments. The content is sufficient to enable any person skilled in the art to understand the technical content of this patent and implement it accordingly. Based on the specification, claims and drawings disclosed in this specification, a person skilled in the art can easily understand the related objectives and advantages of this patent.

[0044] It should be noted that in this specification, similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0045] It should be understood that although terms such as "both ends," "middle," "upper," "lower," "inner," and "outer" may be used in this patent to describe various types of information, these information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish information of the same type from one another. Without departing from the scope of this patent, first information may also be referred to as second information, and similarly, second information may also be referred to as first information. Thus, a feature defined as "both ends," "middle," "inner," or "outer" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this patent, "multiple combinations" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0046] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this patent clearer, the embodiments of this patent will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the experimental methods described in the embodiments of this patent are conventional methods, and the materials and reagents used in the following embodiments are commercially available unless otherwise specified.

[0047] like Figure 2-4The present invention provides an experimental feeding funnel suitable for round-bottom flasks, comprising: a feed inlet 110, a central feed channel 120, and a discharge outlet 130. The feed inlet 110 is located at the upper end of the funnel 100, i.e., the end furthest from the reaction vessel 500, and is used to receive raw materials; the discharge outlet 130 is located at the lower end of the funnel 100, i.e., the end closest to the reaction vessel 500; the central feed channel 120 connects the feed inlet 110 and the discharge outlet 130, and the central feed channel 120 is a Venturi tube structure; the funnel 100 presents a circular cup shape that is large at both ends, small in the middle, and has a transitional aperture.

[0048] Specifically, the inner diameter of the outlet 130 of the funnel 100 is the same as the inner diameter of the inlet 110, and the inner diameter of the intermediate feed channel 120 is smaller than the inner diameters of both the inlet 110 and the outlet 130.

[0049] Specifically, the funnel 100 can be designed as an axisymmetric structure or have no fixed shape; the axisymmetric structure can be a left-right symmetrical structure or a top-bottom symmetrical structure. When the suitable reaction vessel is a round-bottom flask 500, it is preferable to design the funnel 100 as an axisymmetric structure; when the suitable reaction vessel is another reaction vessel that can directly or indirectly carry out heating experiments, such as a flat-bottom flask, Erlenmeyer flask, or test tube, the funnel 100 may also have no fixed shape.

[0050] Specifically, the round-bottom flask 500 includes an adapter flask mouth 510 and a reaction vessel body 520; the outlet 130 of the funnel 100 is located outside the upper end of the adapter flask mouth 510, or outside the upper end of the mouth of other reaction vessels that can directly or indirectly carry out heating experiments; other reaction vessels that can directly or indirectly carry out heating experiments are flat-bottom flasks, Erlenmeyer flasks, or test tubes, etc.

[0051] Specifically, the minimum circumferential inner diameter of the intermediate feed channel 120 of the funnel 100 is smaller than the circumferential outer diameter of the mouth of the adaptable bottle 510 of the round-bottom flask 500 or other reaction vessels capable of direct or indirect heating experiments; preferably, the minimum inner diameter of the intermediate feed channel 120 of the funnel 100 is 38.5~39.0 mm, 39.0~39.5 mm or 39.5~40.0 mm, the circumferential outer diameter of the mouth of the adaptable bottle 510 of the round-bottom flask 500 or other reaction vessels capable of direct or indirect heating experiments is 38~39 mm, 39~40 mm or 40~40.5 mm, the capacity of the round-bottom flask 500 is 5000 mL, and the outer diameter of the adaptable bottle 510 of the round-bottom flask 500 is 38~39 mm or 39~40 mm. Preferably, the minimum inner diameter of the intermediate feed channel 120 of the funnel 100 is 27.0~27.5 mm, 27.5~28.0 mm, 28.0~28.5 mm or 28.5~29.0 mm, the circumferential outer diameter of the mouth of the adaptable bottle mouth 510 of the round-bottom flask 500 or other reaction vessel capable of direct or indirect heating experiments is 24~25 mm, 25~26 mm, 26~27 mm, 27~28 mm, 28~29 mm or 29~30 mm, the capacity of the round-bottom flask 500 is 3000 mL, and the outer diameter of the adaptable bottle mouth 510 of the round-bottom flask 500 is 24~25 mm, 25~26 mm, 26~27 mm, 27~28 mm or 28~29 mm.

[0052] Specifically, the maximum circumferential inner diameter of the inlet 110 and outlet 130 of the funnel 100 is 1.5 to 2.0 times, 2.0 to 2.5 times, and 2.5 to 3.0 times the minimum circumferential inner diameter of the intermediate feed channel 120, respectively. That is, the ratio of the maximum circumferential inner diameter of the inlet 110 and outlet 130 of the funnel 100 to the minimum circumferential inner diameter of the intermediate feed channel 120 is 1.5 to 3.0:1.

[0053] Specifically, the funnel 100 has a uniform overall thickness, meaning that the wall thickness of the funnel 100's maximum circumferential outer diameter is 1.6~1.8 mm, 1.8~2.0 mm, 2.0~2.2 mm, 2.2~2.5 mm, or 2.5~3.0 mm thicker than the wall thickness of the funnel 100's minimum circumferential outer diameter is 1.6~1.8 mm, 1.8~2.0 mm, 2.0~2.2 mm, 2.0~2.2 mm, 2.2~2.5 mm, or 2.5~3.0 mm thicker than the wall thickness of the funnel 100's minimum circumferential inner diameter.

[0054] Specifically, the height of funnel 100 is 9~9.5 cm, 9.5~10.0 cm, 10.0~10.5 cm, 10.5~11.0 cm, 11.0~12.0 cm, or 12.0~13.0 cm.

[0055] In one embodiment, the inlet 110, intermediate feed channel 120, and outlet 130 of the funnel 100 are integrally formed, and all three are made of elastic material. In another embodiment, the inlet 110, intermediate feed channel 120, and outlet 130 of the funnel 100 are integrally formed by two-color injection molding, and all three are also made of elastic material. Specifically, the elastic material includes one or more combinations of plastic, silicone, or rubber; the plastic includes one or more combinations of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TEPP), thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPU), polyamide plastic (PA), melamine plastic (MF), and carbonated material (PC); preferably, the plastic is PET. The rubber includes one or more combinations of natural rubber (NR), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), butadiene rubber (BR), isoprene rubber (IR), chloroprene rubber (CR), nitrile rubber (NBR), ethylene propylene rubber (EPM / EPDM), butyl rubber (IIR), fluororubber (FKM), silicone rubber (Q), polyurethane rubber (PU), polysulfide rubber (PS), chlorohydrin rubber, and acrylate rubber (ACM); preferably, the rubber is styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) and / or butadiene rubber (BR).

[0056] One-piece molding process refers to the molding process of an entire part in one mold at a time, resulting in a funnel 100 made of only one material; two-color injection molding one-piece molding process is a technology that combines two plastics, or two different materials, or two different colors of plastics into one piece during the injection molding process, resulting in a two-color or two-material funnel 100.

[0057] When using funnel 100, the outlet 130 of funnel 100 is fitted onto the fitting mouth 510 of round-bottom flask 500. Natural flavoring raw materials and extraction solvent are poured into the inlet 110 of funnel 100. The natural flavoring raw materials and extraction solvent flow through the central feed channel 120, outlet 130, and fitting mouth 510 into the reaction vessel 520 of round-bottom flask 500. During the extraction of natural flavorings for tobacco, the reaction vessel 520 is connected to the contact surface 710 of heating mantle 700. Heating is initiated by turning on the switch 720 of heating mantle 700. After a series of conventional processes such as filtration and concentration, natural flavorings for tobacco are obtained.

[0058] like Figure 5-7 Another embodiment of this patent provides a feed funnel for experimental use in a round-bottom flask, comprising: a feed inlet 210, a central feed channel 220, and a discharge outlet 230. The feed inlet 210 is located at the upper end of the funnel 200, i.e., the end furthest from the reaction vessel 500, and is used to receive raw materials; the discharge outlet 230 is located at the lower end of the funnel 200, i.e., the end closest to the reaction vessel 500; the central feed channel 220 connects the feed inlet 210 and the discharge outlet 230, and the central feed channel 220 has a Venturi tube structure; the funnel 200 presents a circular cup shape that is large at both ends, small in the middle, and has a transitional aperture.

[0059] Specifically, the inner diameter of the outlet 230 of the funnel 200 is smaller than the inner diameter of the inlet 210, and the inner diameter of the intermediate feed channel 220 is smaller than the inner diameters of both the inlet 210 and the outlet 230.

[0060] Specifically, the funnel 200 can be designed as a bilaterally symmetrical structure or it can have no fixed shape; when the suitable reaction vessel is a round-bottom flask 600, it is preferred that the funnel 200 be designed as a bilaterally symmetrical structure; when the suitable reaction vessel is another reaction vessel that can directly or indirectly carry out heating experiments, such as a flat-bottom flask, a triangular flask, or a test tube, the funnel 200 can also have no fixed shape.

[0061] Specifically, the round-bottom flask 600 includes an adapter flask mouth 610 and a reaction vessel body 620; the outlet 230 of the funnel 200 is located outside the upper end of the adapter flask mouth 610, or outside the upper end of the mouth of other reaction vessels that can directly or indirectly carry out heating experiments; other reaction vessels that can directly or indirectly carry out heating experiments are flat-bottom flasks, Erlenmeyer flasks, or test tubes, etc.

[0062] Specifically, the minimum circumferential inner diameter of the intermediate feed channel 220 of the funnel 200 is smaller than the circumferential outer diameter of the mouth of the adaptable bottle 610 of the round-bottom flask 600 or other reaction vessels capable of direct or indirect heating experiments; preferably, the minimum inner diameter of the intermediate feed channel 220 of the funnel 200 is 38.5~39.0 mm, 39.0~39.5 mm or 39.5~40.0 mm, the circumferential outer diameter of the mouth of the adaptable bottle 610 of the round-bottom flask 600 or other reaction vessels capable of direct or indirect heating experiments is 38~39 mm, 39~40 mm or 40~40.5 mm, the capacity of the round-bottom flask 600 is 5000 mL, and the outer diameter of the adaptable bottle 610 of the round-bottom flask 600 is 38~39 mm or 39~40 mm. Preferably, the minimum inner diameter of the intermediate feed channel 220 of the funnel 200 is 27.0~27.5 mm, 27.5~28.0 mm, 28.0~28.5 mm or 28.5~29.0 mm, the circumferential outer diameter of the mouth of the adaptable bottle mouth 610 of the round-bottom flask 600 or other reaction vessel capable of direct or indirect heating experiments is 24~25 mm, 25~26 mm, 26~27 mm, 27~28 mm, 28~29 mm or 29~30 mm, the capacity of the round-bottom flask 600 is 3000 mL, and the outer diameter of the adaptable bottle mouth 610 of the round-bottom flask 600 is 24~25 mm, 25~26 mm, 26~27 mm, 27~28 mm or 28~29 mm.

[0063] Specifically, the maximum circumferential inner diameter of the inlet 210 and outlet 230 of the funnel 200 is 1.5 to 2.0 times, 2.0 to 2.5 times, and 2.5 to 3.0 times the minimum circumferential inner diameter of the intermediate feed channel 220, respectively. That is, the ratio of the maximum circumferential inner diameter of the inlet 110 and outlet 230 of the funnel 100 to the minimum circumferential inner diameter of the intermediate feed channel 220 is 1.5 to 3.0:1.

[0064] Specifically, the funnel 200 has a uniform overall thickness, meaning that the wall thickness of the funnel 200's maximum circumferential outer diameter is 1.6~1.8 mm, 1.8~2.0 mm, 2.0~2.2 mm, 2.2~2.5 mm, or 2.5~3.0 mm thicker than the wall thickness of the funnel 200's minimum circumferential outer diameter is 1.6~1.8 mm, 1.8~2.0 mm, 2.0~2.2 mm, 2.0~2.2 mm, 2.2~2.5 mm, or 2.5~3.0 mm thicker than the wall thickness of the funnel 200's minimum circumferential inner diameter.

[0065] Specifically, the height of funnel 200 is 7~7.5 cm, 7.5~8.0 cm, 8.0~8.5 cm, 8.5~9.0 cm, 9~9.5 cm, or 9.5~10.0 cm.

[0066] In one embodiment, the inlet 210, intermediate feed channel 220, and outlet 230 of the funnel 200 are integrally formed, and all three are made of elastic materials. In another embodiment, the inlet 210, intermediate feed channel 220, and outlet 230 of the funnel 200 are integrally formed by two-color injection molding, and all three are also made of elastic materials. Specifically, the elastic material includes one or more combinations of plastics, silicone, or rubber; the plastic includes one or more combinations of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TEPP), thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPU), polyamide plastic (PA), melamine plastic (MF), and carbonated material (PC); preferably, the plastic is PET. The rubber includes one or more combinations of natural rubber (NR), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), butadiene rubber (BR), isoprene rubber (IR), chloroprene rubber (CR), nitrile rubber (NBR), ethylene propylene rubber (EPM / EPDM), butyl rubber (IIR), fluororubber (FKM), silicone rubber (Q), polyurethane rubber (PU), polysulfide rubber (PS), chlorohydrin rubber, and acrylate rubber (ACM); preferably, the rubber is styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) and / or butadiene rubber (BR).

[0067] One-piece molding process refers to the molding process of an entire part in one mold at a time, resulting in a funnel 200 made of only one material; two-color injection molding one-piece molding process is a technology that combines two plastics, or two different materials, or two different colors of plastics into one piece during the injection molding process, resulting in a two-color or two-material funnel 200.

[0068] When using funnel 200, the outlet 230 of funnel 200 is fitted over the fitting mouth 610 of round-bottom flask 600. Natural flavoring raw materials and extraction solvent are poured into the inlet 210 of funnel 200. The natural flavoring raw materials and extraction solvent then flow through the central feed channel 220, outlet 230, and fitting mouth 610 into the reaction vessel 620 of round-bottom flask 600. During the extraction of natural flavorings for tobacco, the reaction vessel 620 is connected to the contact surface 710 of heating mantle 700. Heating is initiated by turning on the switch 720 of heating mantle 700. After a series of conventional processes such as filtration and concentration, natural flavorings for tobacco are obtained.

[0069] Test Example 1

[0070] The following are the specific steps for using the experimental feed funnel provided in the first embodiment of this patent to feed natural flavorings for tobacco and to extract fig extract:

[0071] (1) The minimum inner diameter of the middle outlet of the funnel 100 is 39.5 mm, the maximum circumferential inner diameter of the inlet 110 of the funnel 100 is 100 mm, the material of the funnel 100 is styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) integrally molded, the thickness of the funnel 100 is 1.8 mm, and the height of the funnel 200 is 12 cm.

[0072] (2) Place the funnel 100 on the fitting mouth 510 of a 5000 mL round bottom flask 500 (available in the market).

[0073] (3) Weigh 200 g of dried figs (available in the market) and 3000 g of 70% ethanol (available in the market). Add the dried figs and 70% ethanol to the feed inlet 110 of the funnel 100. The dried figs and 70% ethanol enter the reaction vessel 520 of the 5000 mL round bottom flask 500 through the feed channel 120, the discharge port 130 and the fitting bottle mouth 510.

[0074] (4) Place the 5000 mL round bottom flask 500 on the contact surface 710 of the electric heating mantle 700 (available on the market), and turn on the switch 720 to heat the solution in the 5000 mL round bottom flask 500 until it boils.

[0075] (5) After reflux extraction for 4 hours, the mixture was allowed to stand for 12 hours, and then filtered through a conventional 0.8 μm ceramic membrane and concentrated by a rotary evaporator to obtain fig extract. The obtained fig extract was a brown fluid paste. The relative density and refractive index were determined by a densitometer (DMA4500 / Abbemat 300). The relative density of the fig extract was 1.23 and the refractive index was 1.43. The yield of the fig extract was calculated or measured by the yield formula (yield (%) = (actual yield / raw material weight) × 100%), which was 10.6 ± 5%.

[0076] Test Example 2

[0077] The following are the specific steps for feeding natural tobacco flavorings and extracting jujube extract using the experimental feed funnel provided in the first embodiment of this patent:

[0078] (1) The minimum inner diameter of the intermediate feed channel 120 of the funnel 100 is 39.5 mm, the maximum circumferential inner diameter of the feed port 110 of the funnel 100 is 110 mm, the material of the funnel 100 is butadiene rubber (BR) integrally molded, the thickness of the funnel 100 is 2.0 mm, and the height of the funnel 100 is 12 cm.

[0079] (2) Place the funnel 100 on the fitting mouth 510 of the 5000 mL round bottom flask 500 (available in the market).

[0080] (3) Add the pitted dried red dates and purified water to the feed inlet 110 of the funnel 100. The pitted dried red dates and purified water enter the reaction vessel 520 of the 5000 mL round bottom flask 500 through the feed channel 120, the discharge port 130 and the fitting bottle mouth 510.

[0081] (4) Place the 5000 mL round bottom flask 500 on the contact surface 710 of the electric heating mantle 700 (available on the market), and turn on the switch 720 to heat the solution in the 5000 mL round bottom flask 500 until it boils.

[0082] (5) After reflux extraction for 3 hours, let stand for 4 hours, then filter with a 0.8 μm ceramic membrane and concentrate by rotary evaporator to obtain jujube extract. The obtained jujube extract is a black fluid paste. The relative density and refractive index were measured by densitometer and refractometer. The relative density of the jujube extract was 1.31 and the refractive index was 1.51. The yield of jujube extract was calculated to be 15.3 ± 5% by the yield formula (same as test example 1).

[0083] Test Example 3

[0084] The experimental feeding funnel provided in the second embodiment of this patent is used for feeding natural flavorings for tobacco and for extracting hot coffee tincture. The specific steps are as follows:

[0085] (1) The minimum circumferential inner diameter of the middle discharge channel of the funnel 200 is 28.5 mm, the maximum circumferential inner diameter of the feed inlet of the funnel 200 is 84 mm, the material of the funnel 200 is butadiene rubber (BR) integral molding, the thickness of the funnel 200 is 2.0 mm, and the height of the funnel 200 is 10 cm.

[0086] (2) Place the funnel 200 on the fitting mouth 510 of the 5000 mL round bottom flask 600 (available in the market).

[0087] (3) Weigh 200g of heavily roasted coffee cherries (available in the market) and 2000g of 60% ethanol (available in the market or obtained by dilution with 70% ethanol). The above heavily roasted coffee cherries and 60% ethanol are fed into the reaction vessel 620 of a 3000 mL round bottom flask 600 through the feed channel 220, the discharge port 230 and the fitting bottle mouth 610.

[0088] (4) Place the 3000 mL round-bottom flask on an electric heating mantle (available in the market) and heat it until the solution in the 3000 mL round-bottom flask boils. Place the 3000 mL round-bottom flask 600 on the contact surface 710 of the electric heating mantle 700 (available in the market), and turn on the switch 720 to heat it until the solution in the 5000 mL round-bottom flask 600 boils.

[0089] (5) After reflux extraction for 2 hours, let stand for 6 hours, and then perform routine filtration (same as test example 1) to obtain hot coffee tincture. The obtained hot coffee tincture is a brownish-red liquid. The relative density and refractive index of the brownish-red liquid were measured by a densitometer. The relative density of the brownish-red liquid was 0.89 and the refractive index was 1.23. The yield of the hot coffee tincture was calculated by the yield formula (same as test example 1) to be 985±5%. Here, the hot coffee tincture is the liquid obtained directly after filtration.

[0090] Therefore, it can be concluded that the experimental feeding funnel provided by this utility model has the following advantages over the prior art:

[0091] 1. The experimental funnel for round-bottom flasks provided by this utility model has a maximum circumferential inner diameter to minimum circumferential inner diameter ratio of 1.5~3.0:1. The funnel is integrally molded from an elastic material or integrally molded by two-color injection molding. The elastic material includes one or more combinations of plastic, silicone or rubber. The wall thickness of the funnel is 1.6~3.0 mm. The height of the funnel is 7~13 cm.

[0092] 2. The funnel has a simple structure and is easy to operate. It can be placed outside the mouth of a round-bottom flask, which can effectively increase the inner diameter of the outlet and overcome the shortcomings of previous large-particle natural fragrance raw materials that could not be discharged.

[0093] 3. This type of funnel is an external funnel that can be adapted to the mouth of round-bottom flasks of different capacities. It has the advantages of being easy and quick to disassemble and clean, which can meet both the experimental research needs of natural fragrance raw material extraction and the requirements of large-scale production.

[0094] 4. Extraction experiments using this type of funnel showed high yields of flavoring substances. Specifically, the yields of fig extract were 10.6±5%, jujube extract was 15.3±5%, and hot coffee tincture was 985±5%.

[0095] The terminology and expressions used herein are for descriptive purposes only, and this invention should not be limited to these terms and expressions. The use of these terms and expressions does not mean the exclusion of any illustrative and descriptive equivalent features (or parts thereof), and it should be recognized that various modifications that may exist should also be included within the scope of the claims. Other modifications, variations, and substitutions may also exist. Accordingly, the claims should be considered to cover all such equivalents.

[0096] Similarly, it should be noted that although the present invention has been described with reference to the specific embodiments described above, those skilled in the art should recognize that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present invention, and various equivalent changes or substitutions can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, any changes or modifications to the above embodiments within the scope of the essential spirit of the present invention will fall within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A feed funnel for experiments, characterized in that, The experimental feeding funnel includes: a feeding port, an intermediate feeding channel, and a discharging port; The feed inlet is located at the upper end of the experimental feed funnel; the discharge outlet is located at the lower end of the experimental feed funnel; the intermediate feed channel is a Venturi tube structure. The inner diameter of the intermediate feeding channel is smaller than the inner diameters of the feeding port and the discharging port; the inner diameter of the discharging port is less than or equal to the inner diameter of the feeding port. The outlet of the experimental feed funnel is fitted onto the mouth of a suitable container for feeding materials into a reaction vessel capable of direct or indirect heating experiments.

2. The experimental feed funnel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ratio of the inner diameter of the feed inlet to the inner diameter of the intermediate feed channel is 1.5~2.0:1, 2.0~2.5:1, or 2.5~3.0:

1.

3. The experimental feed funnel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner diameter of the feed inlet is smaller than the outer diameter of the mouth of the reaction vessel that can be used for direct or indirect heating experiments. The reaction vessel capable of directly or indirectly conducting heating experiments is a round-bottom flask, a flat-bottom flask, an Erlenmeyer flask, or a test tube.

4. The experimental feed funnel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The experimental feed funnel is integrally molded from an elastic material or integrally molded using a two-color injection molding method; the elastic material includes plastic, silicone, or rubber.

5. The experimental feed funnel according to claim 4, characterized in that, The plastic includes one of polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, thermoplastic polyester elastomer, polyurethane thermoplastic elastomer, polyamide plastic, melamine plastic and carbonate; The rubber includes one of the following: natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, cis-butadiene rubber, isoprene rubber, chloroprene rubber, nitrile rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, butyl rubber, fluororubber, silicone rubber, polyurethane rubber, polysulfide rubber, chlorohydrin rubber, and acrylate rubber.

6. The experimental feed funnel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wall thickness of the feed funnel used in the experiment is 1.6~1.8 mm, 1.8~2.0 mm, 2.0~2.2 mm, 2.2~2.5 mm or 2.5~3.0 mm.

7. The experimental feed funnel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The height of the feed funnel used in the experiment is 7~7.5 cm, 7.5~8.0 cm, 8.0~8.5 cm, 8.5~9.0 cm, 9.0~9.5 cm, 9.5~10.0 cm, 10.0~11.0 cm, 11.0~12.0 cm, or 12.0~13.0 cm.

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