Direct water interface percolation manifolds and methods pertaining thereto

Abstract

A system for direct water interface percolation of botanical substances includes a body, a hydration interface manifold, and a reservoir. Some systems include a dispersion manifold. Either the hydration interface manifold or the dispersion manifold contacts the botanical substance. The body includes an exit portion opposite an inlet portion and a major axis between the inlet and exit portions. The body includes a brew chamber between the inlet and exit portions for the botanical substance. The hydration interface manifold is proximal to the inlet portion and at least partially within the body, the hydration interface manifold includes a perforated exit. The reservoir is proximal to, and in fluid communication with, the hydration interface manifold, the reservoir having a plurality of apertures. The dispersion manifold, if present, is positioned within the body, the dispersion manifold is movable along the major axis to share the boundary with the botanical substance.

Description

DIRECT WATER INTEREACE PERCOLATION MANIFOLDS AND METHODS PERTAINING THERETOCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 703,573, filed October 4, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates generally to a flow control system having an adjustable hydration interface for contact with a botanical substance therein.BACKGROUND

[0003] Many useful chemical species may be obtained by performing an extraction on botanical substances, but different botanical substances may require different extraction conditions to obtain desired chemical species. One example of a botanical substance is a coffee bean that is ground and an extraction is performed to obtain a coffee or espresso beverage. Proper extraction is crucial for achieving a well-balanced and flavorful espresso or coffee beverage.

[0004] Channeling during the extraction can significantly impact the quality of the final product. Channeling in coffee, particularly in espresso, is not desired because it leads to uneven extraction, which can result in an extraction that lacks balance and flavor. Channeling occurs when water finds a path of least resistance through the coffee grounds, causing some areas to be overextracted while others remain under-extracted. The result is a coffee beverage with muddied flavors, often tasting weak, sour, or bitter.

[0005] One factor that reduces channeling is even coffee grounds distribution in the coffee or espresso maker device that performs the extraction. If the grounds are not level in these devices, water will flow through the lower areas, causing channeling. Another factor that can cause channeling is overfilling or underfilling the device with water. Yet another factor that can cause channeling is uneven, insufficient, or excessive pressure from the coffee or espresso maker device on the ground coffee during the extraction.

[0006] Therefore, further contributions in this area of technology are needed for new extraction systems and techniques.1116342-2SUMMARY

[0007] According to an embodiment, a system for extracting a botanical substance, the system comprising: a body including an inlet portion and an exit portion opposite the inlet portion thereby forming a major axis between the inlet portion and the exit portion, the body further comprises a brew chamber between the inlet portion and the exit portion, the brew chamber configured to receive and retain the botanical substance therein; and a hydration interface manifold proximal to the inlet portion and at least partially within the body, the hydration interface manifold having a perforated exit that shares a boundary with the botanical substance in the brew chamber, the hydration interface manifold being movable along the major axis to maintain the boundary.

[0008] In the same or a different embodiment, further comprising a reservoir proximal to, and in fluid communication with, the hydration interface manifold, the reservoir having a plurality of apertures.

[0009] In the same or a different embodiment, wherein the reservoir is configured to receive an extraction solvent therein.

[0010] In the same or a different embodiment, wherein the extraction solvent comprises water.

[0011] In one embodiment, further comprising: a plurality of protrusions sized for receipt and assembly with a plurality of protrusion receivers to form a flow controllable seal, wherein one or more of the plurality of receivers include a hole, wherein the plurality of protrusions are on one of the reservoir or the hydration interface manifold and the plurality of protrusion receivers are on the other of the reservoir or the hydration interface manifold, and the reservoir is rotatable about the major axis such that an alignment of the plurality of protrusions with the plurality of receivers is controllable.

[0012] In the same or a different embodiment, wherein the reservoir includes the plurality of protrusion receivers, and the hydration interface manifold includes the plurality of protrusions.

[0013] In the same or a different embodiment, further comprising: a dispersion plate that includes the plurality of protrusions assembled with the hydration interface manifold, the dispersion plate including a plurality of holes.

[0014] In the same or a different embodiment, further comprising: a filtration member proximal to the exit portion of the body.2116342-2

[0015] In the same or a different embodiment, wherein the filtration member includes a plate comprising one or more apertures through a thickness dimension of the plate, wherein the filtration member has a greatest number of apertures or holes as compared to the number of apertures or holes in the dispersion plate and the reservoir.

[0016] In the same or a different embodiment, wherein the brew chamber comprises a botanical substance.

[0017] In the same or a different embodiment, wherein the botanical substance includes any of coffee, tea, cascara, carob, dandelion, chamomile, hibiscus, licorice, and / or chicory.

[0018] According to an embodiment, a method of extracting a botanical substance comprising: adding the botanical substance to a brew chamber of an extraction system, the extraction system comprising a body comprising an inlet portion and an exit portion opposite the inlet portion thereby forming a major axis between the inlet portion and the exit portion, the body includes the brew chamber between the inlet portion and the exit portion; a hydration interface manifold proximal to the inlet portion and at least partially within the body, the hydration interface manifold including a perforated exit; a reservoir proximal to, and in fluid communication with, the hydration interface manifold; optionally a dispersion manifold positioned within the body, the dispersion manifold includes a bottom plate having a plurality of apertures; one of the hydration interface manifold or the dispersion manifold, if present, being in at least partial direct contact with the botanical substance; and prewetting the botanical substance with a first portion of an extraction solvent, thereby producing a prewetted botanical substance; contacting the prewetted botanical substance with one of the hydration interface manifold or the dispersion manifold, if present; adding a second portion of the extraction solvent to the reservoir; allowing the extraction solvent to pass through the perforated exit into the prewetted botanical substance, thereby producing an extraction liquor; and collecting the extraction liquor.

[0019] In the same or a different embodiment, wherein the botanical substance includes any of coffee, tea, cascara, carob, dandelion, chamomile, hibiscus, licorice, and / or chicory.

[0020] In the same or a different embodiment, wherein the extraction solvent comprises water.

[0021] In the same or a different embodiment, wherein the extraction solvent is maintained at a temperature from 0 °C to 100 °C.3116342-2

[0022] In the same or a different embodiment, further comprising: a plurality of protrusions sized for receipt and assembly with a plurality of protrusion receivers to form a flow controllable seal, wherein one or more of the plurality of receivers include a hole, wherein the plurality of protrusions are on one of the reservoir or the hydration interface manifold and the plurality of protrusion receivers are on the other of the reservoir or the hydration interface manifold, and said method further comprising rotating the reservoir about the major axis such that an alignment of the plurality of protrusions with the plurality of receivers controls a flow rate from the hydration interface manifold.

[0023] In the same or a different embodiment, wherein the extraction solvent passes from the reservoir, through the hydration interface’s perforated exit, into the prewetted botanical substance at a flow rate from 0.25 liters per hour (LPH) to 20 LPH.

[0024] In the same or a different embodiment, wherein the brew chamber has a bed depth from 10% to 225% of a width of the hydration interface manifold.

[0025] In the same or a different embodiment, further comprising: preprocessing the botanical substance to have an average particle size from 40 micrometers (pm) to 1500 pm.

[0026] In the same or a different embodiment, wherein the first portion of the extraction solvent comprises a weight from 25% to 150% of the weight of the botanical substance.

[0027] In the same or a different embodiment, wherein the contacting the prewetted botanical substance includes the dispersion manifold contacting the prewetted botanical substance; and further comprising adding another portion of the extraction solvent to the dispersion manifold before the step of adding the second portion of the extraction solvent to the reservoir.

[0028] According to an embodiment, a system for extracting a botanical substance, the system comprising: a body comprising an inlet portion and an exit portion opposite the inlet portion thereby forming a major axis between the inlet portion and the exit portion, the body includes a brew chamber between the inlet portion and the exit portion, the brew chamber configured to receive the botanical substance; a hydration interface manifold proximal to the inlet portion and at least partially within the body, the hydration interface manifold including a perforated exit; a reservoir proximal to, and in fluid communication with, the hydration interface manifold, the reservoir having a plurality of apertures; and a dispersion manifold positioned within the body, the dispersion manifold includes a bottom plate having a plurality of apertures, the dispersion manifold4116342-2is movable along the major axis to share a boundary with the botanical substance in the brew chamber.

[0029] In the same or a different embodiment, further comprising: a plurality of protrusions sized for receipt and assembly with a plurality of protrusion receivers to form a flow controllable seal, wherein one or more of the plurality of receivers include a hole, wherein the plurality of protrusions are on one of the reservoir or the hydration interface manifold and the plurality of protrusion receivers are on the other of the reservoir or the hydration interface manifold, and the reservoir is rotatable about the major axis such that an alignment of the plurality of protrusions with the plurality of receivers is controllable.

[0030] In the same or a different embodiment, wherein the plurality of receivers have a convex shape relative to the inlet portion, the plurality of protrusions have a conical shape such that a concave surface of the protrusion receivers is complementary to the conical shape of the protrusions.

[0031] In the same or a different embodiment, wherein the hole in each of the plurality of receivers has a unique diameter relative to the remaining holes in the plurality of receivers.

[0032] In the same or a different embodiment, wherein one of the plurality of receivers does not include a hole.

[0033] In the same or a different embodiment, wherein the reservoir includes the plurality of protrusion receivers, and the hydration interface manifold includes the plurality of protrusions.

[0034] In the same or a different embodiment, further comprising: a dispersion plate that includes the plurality of protrusions assembled with the hydration interface manifold, the dispersion plate including a plurality of holes.

[0035] In the same or a different embodiment, further comprising: a filtration member proximal to the exit portion of the body.

[0036] In the same or a different embodiment, wherein the filtration member includes a plate comprising one or more apertures through a thickness dimension of the plate, wherein the filtration member has a greatest number of apertures or holes as compared to the number of apertures or holes in the dispersion plate and the reservoir.

[0037] In the same or a different embodiment, wherein the reservoir comprises an extraction solvent.5116342-2

[0038] In the same or a different embodiment, wherein the extraction solvent comprises water.

[0039] In the same or a different embodiment, wherein the brew chamber comprises a botanical substance.

[0040] In the same or a different embodiment, wherein the botanical substance includes one or more of coffee, tea, cascara, carob, dandelion, chamomile, hibiscus, licorice, and / or chicory.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] The concepts described herein are illustrative by way of example and not by way of limitation in the accompanying figures. For simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements illustrated in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Where considered appropriate, references labels have been repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

[0042] FIG. l is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a direct water interface percolation system of the present disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a direct water interface percolation system of the present disclosure.

[0044] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a first embodiment of a flow control system of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of a flow control system of the present disclosure.

[0046] FIG. 5 is a side view of the flow control system of FIG. 4 in an assembled configuration.

[0047] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view the flow control system of FIG. 4.

[0048] FIG. 7 is a top view of a reservoir of the flow control system of FIG. 4.

[0049] FIG. 8 is a cross-section view of the reservoir of FIG. 7.

[0050] FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the reservoir of FIG. 7.

[0051] FIG. 10 is a partial exploded view of the reservoir of FIG. 7.

[0052] FIG. 11 is a top view of a dispersion plate assembled with a hydration manifold of the flow control system of FIG. 4.6116342-2

[0053] FIG. 12 is a side view of the dispersion plate assembled with the hydration manifold of FIG. 11.

[0054] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the dispersion plate assembled with the hydration manifold of FIG. 12.

[0055] FIG. 14 is a top view of the dispersion plate of FIG. 12.

[0056] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the dispersion plate of FIG. 14.

[0057] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a dispersion manifold of the flow control system of FIG. 4.

[0058] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the dispersion manifold of FIG. 16.

[0059] FIG. 18 is a filtration member of the flow control system of FIG. 4.

[0060] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a flow control system of the present disclosure.

[0061] FIG. 20 is a side view of a reservoir of the flow control system of FIG. 19.

[0062] FIG. 21 is a top view of the reservoir of FIG. 20.

[0063] FIG. 22 is a bottom view of the reservoir of FIG. 20.

[0064] FIG. 23 is a side view of a hydration manifold of the flow control system of FIG.19.

[0065] FIG. 24 is a top view of the hydration manifold of FIG. 23.

[0066] FIG. 25 is cross-sectional view of the hydration manifold of FIG. 23.

[0067] FIG. 26 is a top view of a dispersion plate of the flow control system of FIG. 19.

[0068] FIG. 27 is a side view of the dispersion plate of FIG. 26.

[0069] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a dispersion manifold of the flow control system of FIG. 19.

[0070] FIG. 29 is a side view of a body having a brew chamber of the flow control system of FIG. 19.

[0071] FIG. 30 is top view of the brew chamber in the body of FIG. 29.

[0072] FIG. 31 is a filtration member of the flow control system of FIG. 19.

[0073] FIG. 32 is an exploded view of a fourth embodiment of a flow control system of the present disclosure.

[0074] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the flow control system of FIG. 32 in an assembled configuration.7116342-2

[0075] FIG. 34 is a bottom perspective view of a cap of the flow control system of FIG. 32.

[0076] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a dispersion manifold of the flow control system of FIG. 32.

[0077] FIG. 36 is perspective view of a filtration member of the flow control system of FIG. 32.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0078] Although the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described herein in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the concepts of the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives consistent with the present disclosure and the appended claims.

[0079] References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an illustrative embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may or may not necessarily include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. It should be further appreciated that although reference to a “preferred” component or feature may indicate the desirability of a particular component or feature with respect to an embodiment, the disclosure is not so limiting with respect to other embodiments, which may omit such a component or feature. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to implement such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. Additionally, it should be appreciated that items included in a list in the form of “at least one of A, B, and C” can mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (B and C); (A and C); or (A, B, and C). Similarly, items listed in the form of “at least one of A, B, or C” can mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (B and C); (A and C); or (A, B, and C). Further, with respect to the claims, the use of words and phrases such as “a,” “an,” “at least one,” and / or “at least one portion” should not be interpreted so as to be limiting to only one such8116342-2element unless specifically stated to the contrary, and the use of phrases such as “at least a portion” and / or “a portion” should be interpreted as encompassing both embodiments including only a portion of such element and embodiments including the entirety of such element unless specifically stated to the contrary.

[0080] In the drawings, some structural or method features may be shown in specific arrangements and / or orderings. However, it should be appreciated that such specific arrangements and / or orderings may not be required. Moreover, it should also be understood that the arrangements shown herein and or described are merely an example of a variety of possible arrangements and therefore are not limited to the ones discussed or described. Rather, in some embodiments, such features may be arranged in a different manner and / or order than shown in the illustrative figures unless indicated to the contrary. Additionally, the inclusion of a structural or method feature in a particular figure is not meant to imply that such feature is required in all embodiments and, in some embodiments, may not be included or may be combined with other features.

[0081] As described herein, the system may be a stand-alone extraction system, or the system may be added to already existing extraction equipment. For example, a customer may purchase and install an embodiment of the system described herein without modifying any already existing equipment. However, another customer may purchase and install an embodiment of the system described herein with the intent to modify a pre-existing extraction system with the system described herein.

[0082] Referring now to FIG. 1, in the illustrative embodiment, a system 100 for botanical extraction includes a body 2 and a hydration interface manifold 4. The body 2 includes an inlet portion 6 and an exit portion 8 opposite the inlet portion 6. As a result, the body 2 has a major axis 10 that spans between the inlet portion 6 and the exit portion 8. A brew chamber 12 is formed between the inlet portion 6 and the exit portion 8.

[0083] At least partially within the body 2, the hydration interface manifold 4 is ordinarily proximal to the inlet portion 6. However, the hydration interface manifold 4 may freely move within the body 2 along the major axis 10. The hydration interface manifold 4 includes an exit portion 14 having a plurality of perforations. The exit portion 14 of the hydration interface manifold 4 shares a boundary with the brew chamber 12 when, for example, a botanical substance is within the brew chamber 12. This boundary is movable along the major axis 10 as the exit9116342-2portion 14 of the hydration interface manifold 4 moves relative to the body 2. In ordinary operation, the hydration interface manifold 4 will maintain contact with the botanical substance in the brew chamber 12 regardless of the location of the inlet portion 6.

[0084] In some embodiments, the botanical substance may be selected from any of coffee, tea, cascara, carob, dandelion, chamomile, hibiscus, licorice, chicory, and a combination of two or more thereof. In some embodiments, the botanical substance may be any aqueously extractable botanical. In some embodiments, the botanical substance may be processed before being added to the brew chamber 12. In some embodiments, this processing may include grinding the botanical substance such that it has a grind from very fine to very course. As used herein, a very fine grind is defined as low as 40 micrometers (pm). As used herein, a very course grind is defined as 1500 pm. In embodiments, the grind may be from 40 to 1500 pm, from 40 pm to 1400 pm, from 40 pm to 1300 pm, from 40 to 1200 pm, from 40 pm to 1100 pm, from 40 pm to 1000 pm, from 40 pm to 900 pm, from 40 pm to 800 pm, from 40 pm to 700 pm, from 40 pm to 600 pm, from 40 pm to 500 pm, from 40 pm to 400 pm, from 40 pm to 300 pm, from 300 pm to 1500 pm, from 400 pm to 1500 pm, from 500 pm to 1500 pm, from 600 pm to 1500 pm, from 700 pm to 1500 pm, from 800 pm to 1500 pm, from 900 pm to 1500 pm, from 1000 pm to 1500 pm, from 1100 pm to 1500 pm, from 1200 pm to 1500 pm, from 1300 pm to 1500 pm, or even from 1400 pm to 1500 pm.

[0085] The system 100 may include an extraction solvent source. For instance, the system 100 may include a reservoir 16 for holding an extraction solvent. In some embodiments, the extraction solvent source may simply be a pitcher of solvent that may be poured over the hydration interface manifold 4, a pumping system connected to a hose that can be emptied over the hydration interface manifold 4, or as noted above, the reservoir 16 can be situated proximal to the hydration interface manifold 4. In some embodiments, the extraction solvent may be either an aqueous or organic-based extraction solvent. In some embodiments, the extraction solvent may include any of an alcoholic solvent, a hydrocarbon-based solvent, an aryl-based solvent, and a combination of two or more thereof. In some embodiments, the extraction solvent may include any of methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, butanol, pentane, hexane, heptane, octane, benzene, toluene, and a combination of two or more thereof. In some embodiments, the extraction solvent may include water. In some embodiments, the extraction solvent may include water with one or more substances dissolved therein. In some embodiments, the one or more substances dissolved therein10116342-2may include salts, sugars, or a combination of salts and sugars. In some embodiments, the extraction solvent may include any of distilled water, reverse osmosis water, ultra-pure water, and / or de-ionized distilled water.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 1, extraction solvent from the solvent reservoir 16 may pass through the exit portion 14 of the hydration interface manifold 4 into the boundary and through the brew chamber 12. The exit portion 14 includes the plurality of perforations that allow the extraction solvent to flow into the brew chamber 12. As the extraction solvent passes through the botanical substance in the brew chamber 12, desired components of the botanical substance are taken up by the extraction solvent, thereby creating extraction liquor 18, which may be collected from the exit portion 8 of the body 2.

[0087] In embodiments, the extraction solvent may have a temperature from just above the freezing point of the solvent to just below the boiling point of the solvent. For instance, when the extraction solvent is water, the extraction solvent may have a temperature from 0 °C to 100 °C, from 0 °C to 95 °C, from 0 °C to 90 °C, from 0 °C to 85 °C, from 0 °C to 80 °C, from 0 °C to 75 °C, , from 0 °C to 70 °C, from 0 °C to 65 °C, from 0 °C to 60 °C, from 0 °C to 55 °C, from 0 °C to 50 °C, from 0 °C to 45 °C, from 0 °C to 40 °C, from 0 °C to 35 °C, from 0 °C to 30 °C, from 0 °C to 25 °C, from 0 °C to 20 °C, from 0 °C to 15 °C, from 0 °C to 10 °C, from 0 °C to 5 °C, from 5 °C to 100 °C, from 0 °C to 5 °C, from 5 °C to 95 °C, from 10 °C to 100 °C, from 15 °C to 100 °C, from 20 °C to 100 °C, from 25 °C to 100 °C, from 30 °C to 100 °C, from 35 °C to 100 °C, from 40 °C to 100 °C, from 45 °C to 100 °C, from 50 °C to 100 °C, from 55 °C to 100 °C, from 60 °C to 100 °C, from 65 °C to 100 °C, from 70 °C to 100 °C, from 75 °C to 100 °C, from 80 °C to 100 °C, from 85 °C to 100 °C, from 90 °C to 100 °C, or even from 95 °C to 100 °C.

[0088] In embodiments, the height of the botanical substance in the brew chamber (i.e., the bed depth of the brew chamber) may be from 10% to 225% of a width of the hydration interface manifold. For instance, the bed depth of the brew chamber may be from 50% to 120%, from 50% to 115%, from 50% to 110%, from 50% to 105%, from 50% to 100%, from 50% to 95%, from 50% to 90%, from 50% to 85%, from 50% to 80%, from 50% to 75%, from 50% to 70%, from 50% to 65%, from 50% to 60%, from 50% to 55%, from 55% to 120%, from 60% to 120%, from 65% to 120%, from 70% to 120%, from 75% to 120%, from 80% to 120%, from 85% to 120%, from 90% to 120%, from 95% to 120%, from 100% to 120%, from 105% to 120%, from 110% to 120%, or even from 115% to 120% of the width of the hydration interface manifold.11116342-2

[0089] Referring now to FIG. 2, a system 200 is similar to system 100 and includes the same reference numbers unless noted otherwise. The system 200 for botanical extraction includes a body 2 and a hydration interface manifold 4. The body 2 is sized to receive the hydration interface manifold 4 therein. The hydration interface manifold 4 is sized to receive the reservoir 16 therein. The hydration interface manifold 4 includes an outer surface 18 having a plurality of shell threads 30 that extend along a portion of the outer surface 18. The system 200 includes a lock nut 20 having an inner surface 32 that includes a plurality of locking threads 34 wherein the plurality of shell threads 30 are sized and configured to mate with the plurality of locking threads 34 to connect the hydration interface manifold 4 to the lock nut 20. Therefore, as the user rotates the hydration interface manifold 4 relative to the lock nut 20, movement along the set of complementary threads causes movement of the hydration interface manifold 4 to move along the major axis 10. The threaded engagement of the plurality of shell threads 32 and the plurality of locking threads 36 allows for fine control of the nature of the contact between the hydration interface manifold 4 and the botanical substances in the brew chamber 12. Although not illustrated, the hydration interface manifold 4 may be positioned further away from exit portion 8

[0090] In the same or a different embodiment, the body 2 may include a filtration member 22 proximal to the exit portion 8. The filtration member 22 may, for example, include a solid structure comprising one or more apertures through a thickness dimension of the solid structure. In some embodiments, the apertures may have a diameter or width that is less than the size of the processed botanical substance and may be a plate with a defined pattern of apertures having a defined hole sizing. In other embodiments, the apertures may have a diameter or width that is larger than the size of the processed botanical substance and may be a plate with a defined pattern of apertures having a defined hole sizing. In those embodiments that include apertures having a diameter or width larger than the size of the processed botanical substance, the pre-infusion of the extraction solvent to the process botanical substance keeps these particles together so the particles do not flow through the apertures. In some embodiments (not shown), the filtration member 22 may include the solid structure, as described above, as well as an additional filtration material.

[0091] Referring now to FIG. 3, a system 300 is similar to the system 200 unless noted otherwise. The system 300 includes a flow control regulator. For example, the reservoir 16 includes a bottom surface 26 having one or more apertures 24 for fluid flow therethrough. The hydration interface manifold 4 having a perforated exit 28 with one or more apertures (not12116342-2illustrated) at the exit portion 14. The flow of extraction solvent from the hydration interface manifold 4 may then be controlled by rotating the reservoir 16 about the major axis 10 such that an alignment of the one or more apertures 24 of the bottom surface 26 and the one or more apertures of the perforated exit 28 allows for a greater or lesser flow of the extraction solvent through the hydration interface manifold 4.

[0092] FIGS. 4-18 illustrate a flow control system 400 that is similar to the system 300 unless noted otherwise. The system 400 includes a body 402, a hydration manifold 404, a reservoir 416, a lock nut 420, a filtration member 422, a dispersion plate 426, and a dispersion manifold 428. In some embodiments, the system 400 does not include the dispersion manifold 428. Optionally the system 400 includes a cap 430 assembled with the reservoir 416. Optionally the system 400 includes a feed cone 432 assembled with the body 402 and the filtration member 422.

[0093] FIGS. 19-27 illustrate a flow control system 600 that is similar to the system 400 unless noted otherwise. Therefore similar reference numbers and element names will be used to describe both systems 400 and 600. Similar to the system 400, the system 600 includes a body 602, a hydration manifold 604, a reservoir 616, a filtration member 622, a dispersion plate 626, and a dispersion manifold 628. In some embodiments, the system 600 does not include the dispersion manifold 628. Optionally the system 600 includes a cap 630 assembled with the reservoir 616. Optionally the system 600 includes a collection container 680 assembled with the body 602 and the filtration member 622 wherein the collection container 680 is sized to receive and store the extraction liquor.

[0094] The body 402 includes a substantially cylindrical wall 435 that defines a passageway 440 that extends between an inlet portion 436 and an exit portion 438. As a result, the body 402 has a major axis 410 that spans along the length of the passageway 440 between the inlet portion 436 and the exit portion 438. The passageway 440 has a diameter that is sized to receive a portion of the hydration manifold 404 therein and also receive the dispersion manifold 428 therein. The dispersion manifold 428 is positioned below the hydration manifold 404 within the passageway 440 as measured relative to the major axis 410. The passageway 440 also forms a brew chamber 442 between the dispersion manifold 428 and the exit portion 438. In some embodiments, the dispersion manifold 428 is not assembled with the body 402 therefore the brew chamber 442 is positioned between the hydration manifold 404 and the exit portion 438.13116342-2

[0095] In FIG. 18, the filtration member 422 is illustrated and is similar to the filtration member 22 as described previously. The filtration member 422 includes a plurality of apertures 424 previously discussed with the filtration member 22. The filtration member 422 is assembled with the exit portion 438 of the body 402 and the feed cone 432. The feed cone 432 includes an opening 433 to allow the extraction liquor to flow therethrough.

[0096] In FIGS. 11-13, the hydration manifold 404 is sized to receive the reservoir 416 therein. The hydration manifold 404 includes a substantially cylindrical wall 450 that defines a passageway 452 that extends between an inlet portion 454 and an exit portion 456. The passageway 452 has a diameter and a length that correspond to an outer diameter and length of the reservoir 416 such that the hydration manifold 404 receives the reservoir 416 in the passageway 452 to assemble these parts together. The exit portion 456 of the hydration manifold 404 is in close contact with an exit portion 498 and a bottom surface 500 of the reservoir 416. This close contact enables interaction between a plurality of protrusions 480 on the dispersion plate 426 and a plurality of protrusion receivers 501 on the bottom surface of the reservoir 416 to control a flow rate and / or provide a seal between the hydration manifold 404 and the reservoir 416. The flow controllable seal may be gravity pressure between the reservoir 416 and the hydration manifold 404 due to the interaction of the protrusions 480 in the protrusion receivers 501. In other embodiments, the flow controllable seal may additionally include a gasket or alternatively the seal may only be a gasket without the protrusions 480 and the protrusion receivers 501. In other embodiments, the plurality of protrusions 480 may be on the bottom surface of the reservoir 416 and the plurality of protrusion receivers 501 are on the dispersion plate 426 or some combination of protrusions 480 and receivers 501 on both elements.

[0097] The exit portion 456 of the hydration manifold 404 is also sized to receive and retain the dispersion plate 426 therein. In other embodiments, the dispersion plate 426 is monolithic with the exit portion 456 of the hydration manifold 404 such that the dispersion plate 426 is not a separate element. The dispersion plate 426 includes a plurality of protrusions 480 and a plurality of apertures 490. The number of protrusions 480 is one less than the number of protrusion receivers 501 on the reservoir 416. In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusions 480 are arranged at a single radial length 482 from the major axis 410. In the illustrated embodiment, there are five of the protrusions 480 arranged at 60 degree increments relative to the major axis 410 at a single radial length 482 which results in the protrusions 480 arranged in a circumference14116342-2484. In other embodiments, there may be more or fewer of the protrusions 480. Additionally, the protrusions 480 may be arranged at a different degree increment relative to the major axis 410. The protrusions 480 have a convex surface or raised profile relative to the flat dispersion plate 426 such that the protrusions 480 extend towards the reservoir 416 when the reservoir 416 is assembled with the hydration manifold 404. The dispersion plate 426 includes a flat portion 427 that represents an area on the dispersion plate 426 that is flat and does not contain one of the protrusions 480. The flat portion 427 is arranged at the same radial length as the single radial length 482.

[0098] The cylindrical wall 450 of the hydration manifold 404 includes an outer surface 418 having a plurality of flow markers 462 that are arranged around the circumference of the cylindrical wall 450. The flow markers 462 are arranged such that one of the flow markers 462 aligns with one of the protrusions 480. In the illustrated embodiment, there are five flow markers 462 that correspond to the five protrusions 480 wherein each of the protrusions 462 is aligned with the radial length 482 that is extended to the outer surface 418. Stated another way, if the radial length 482 is extended to the outer surface 418 closest to the corresponding protrusion 480 then one of the flow markers 462 is positioned at that location on the outer surface 418. The alignment of the protrusions 480 with the flow markers 462 is important for a desired flow rate of the extraction solvent as described further below. Other embodiments can include a greater or lesser number of flow markers 462 and protrusions 480.

[0099] The outer surface 418 of the hydration manifold 404 includes a plurality of shell threads 460 that extend along a bottom portion of the outer surface 418 as measured relative to the major axis 410. The plurality of shell threads 460 are configured to mate with a plurality of locking threads 470 on the lock nut 420 to attach the hydration manifold 404 to the lock nut 420.

[0100] The lock nut 420 has an inner surface 472 that includes the plurality of locking threads 470. As the user rotates the hydration manifold 404 relative to the lock nut 420, movement along the set of complementary threads causes movement of the hydration manifold 404 along the major axis 410. The threaded engagement of the plurality of shell threads 460 and the plurality of locking threads 470 allows for fine control of the position of the hydration manifold 404 relative to the dispersion manifold 428. In embodiments in which the dispersion manifold 428 is not present, the threaded engagement allows for fine control of the nature of the contact between the hydration manifold 404 and the botanical substances in the brew chamber 442.15116342-2

[0101] FIGS. 7-10 illustrate the reservoir 416 that includes a substantially cylindrical wall 492 that defines a passageway 494 that extends between an inlet portion 496 and an exit portion 498. The cylindrical wall 492 of the reservoir 416 includes an outer surface 510 having a selector marker 512. When the reservoir 416 is assembled with the hydration manifold 404, the selector marker 512 is positioned next to one the flow markers 462 on the hydration manifold 404 to select a flow setting through one of the holes 502 in the protrusion receiver 501 on the bottom surface of the reservoir 416 and provide a seal between the hydration manifold 404 and the reservoir 416 for the remaining protrusion receivers 501 that are assembled with the protrusions 480. As such, the fluid flow is through only one of the holes 502 in the protrusion receiver 501 that is selected by the alignment of the selector marker 512 and the flow marker 462. Operator selection of flow control is accomplished by lifting the reservoir 416 and rotating the reservoir 416 to position the reservoir 416 relative to the hydration manifold 404 and the fixed position of the protrusions 480 on the dispersion plate 426 in the hydration manifold 404. The rotation and / or setting of the reservoir 416 may be performed at the start or during the extraction period.

[0102] The exit portion 498 includes a bottom surface 500 having a plurality of protrusion receivers 501 wherein all but one of the protrusion receivers 501 includes a hole 502 at the center thereof. As such, there is one protrusion receiver 501 that does not include a hole 502 and that protrusion receiver 501 blocks or prevents the extraction solvent from passing through the reservoir 416 when all of the protrusions 480 are assembled with the remaining protrusion receivers 501. In the illustrated embodiment the protrusion receiver that does not include a hole is designated as protrusion receiver 503. The plurality of protrusion receivers 501 have a convex shape relative to the inlet portion 496. The protrusion receivers 501 are sized and arranged to align with and receive the plurality of protrusions 480 on the dispersion plate 426 that is assembled with the hydration manifold 404. In one embodiment, the protrusions 480 may be substantially conical in shape while the protrusion receivers 501 may be substantially bowl shaped, such that a concave surface of the protrusion receivers 501 is complementary to the conical shape of the protrusions 480. The holes 502 may be located at or near the center of the bowl shape of the protrusion receivers 501. The plurality of protrusions 480 on the dispersion plate 426 extend towards and engage the protrusion receivers 480 to block the flow of extraction solvent through the corresponding hole 502 in the protrusion receiver 480.16116342-2

[0103] Each of the holes 502 has a unique size and diameter that regulates the amount and rate of flow of extraction solvent through the holes 502 and the reservoir 416. For example, in one embodiment, there are five of the holes 502 wherein the diameter of the holes 502 are 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 millimeters. The plurality protrusion receivers 501 and holes 502 align with the plurality of protrusions 480 on the dispersion plate 426 as determined by the alignment of the selector marker 512 on the reservoir 416 with one of the flow markers 462 on hydration manifold 404 to control and meter the fluid flow through the selected one of the holes 502 and the plurality of apertures 490. The flow of extraction solvent from the hydration interface manifold 404 may then be controlled by rotating the reservoir 416 about the major axis 410 such that alignment of the flat portion 427 on the dispersion plate 426 and the one hole 502 while the remaining holes 502 are blocked by the protrusions 480 allows for a greater or lesser flow of the extraction solvent through the hydration interface manifold 404. Such rotation-based flow control settings may be accomplished at the start of or during the extraction period. This embodiment provides a simple water delivery system that allows the operator to regulate the water flow rates without complicated valving or other methods of control.

[0104] The dispersion manifold 428 includes a bottom plate 530 having a plurality of apertures or holes 532 thereon. The bottom plate 530 has a diameter that corresponds to the diameter of the passageway 440 of the body 402. In the illustrated embodiment, the dispersion manifold 428 includes a substantially cylindrical wall 431 that spans around the bottom plate 530 to define a passageway 536 that receives the extraction solvent therein. In other embodiments, the dispersion manifold 428 does not include the cylindrical wall 431 and alternatively a gasket or other type of seal is assembled with the bottom plate 530. In this alternative embodiment, the gasket or seal is assembled with the bottom plate 530 to form the dispersion manifold 428.

[0105] The dispersion manifold 428 maintains or holds the extraction solvent therein and allows the extraction solvent to flow through the botanical substance and extract the extraction liquor more evenly. This avoids or minimizes formation of channels in the botanical substance as the extraction solvent flows through. The dispersion manifold 428 and the extraction solvent placed therein speeds up the extraction process since the dispersion manifold 428 functions as a first reservoir and then additional extraction solvent is added to the reservoir 416. The bottom plate 530 has a thickness that corresponds to a size of the apertures or holes 532. A thicker bottom plate 530 allows for larger sized apertures or holes 532. A thinner bottom plate 530 allows for17116342-2smaller sized apertures or holes 532. The bottom plate 530 of the dispersion manifold 428 rides or rests against the botanical substance placed in the in the brew chamber 442 to maintain contact between the bottom plate 530 and the prewetted botanical substance to reduce the surface tension and enable the extraction solvent to flow more easily through the botanical substance in the brew chamber 442.

[0106] The number of holes in each of the dispersion plate 426, dispersion manifold 428, and the filtration member 422 is important to achieve a desired flow rate of the extraction solvent through the botanical substance wherein the desired flow rate reduces and / or eliminates channeling of the botanical substance and improves flavor of the extracted liquor. For example in one embodiment, the plurality of apertures 490 include 335 apertures or holes in the dispersion plate 426. In this embodiment, the diameter of the apertures 490 is approximately 0.3 millimeters. The plurality of apertures or holes 532 include 250 apertures or holes in the dispersion manifold 428. In this embodiment, the diameter of the apertures 532 is approximately 0.5 millimeters. The plurality of apertures 424 include 3000 apertures or holes in the fdtration member 422. In this embodiment, the diameter of the apertures 424 is approximately 0.3 millimeters. In other embodiments, there may be more or less of the apertures 490, 532, and / or 424. In other embodiments, the diameter size of the apertures 490, 532, and / or 424 may be larger or smaller. Reduced channeling was discovered when the dispersion plate 426 had a greater number of holes having a smaller diameter as compared to the holes in the dispersion manifold 428. Reduced channeling was discovered when the dispersion manifold 428 had fewer or less holes having a larger diameter as compared to holes in the fdtration member 422. The fdtration member 422 had the greatest number of holes as compared to the dispersion plate 426 and the dispersion manifold 428. Moreover, the number and diameter of holes in each of the dispersion plate 426, dispersion manifold 428, and the fdtration member 422 affects the flow rate of the extraction solvent through the holes for each.

[0107] In some embodiments, the system disclosed herein may be used in a method for extracting a botanical substance. In an exemplary embodiment, the method may include adding the botanical substance to the brew chamber of an extraction system. The botanical substance may be prewetted with a first portion of the extraction solvent that is added to the brew chamber, thereby producing a prewetted botanical substance. In an alternative embodiment, the method may include adding the botanical substance to a container and prewetting the botanical substance with the first18116342-2portion of the extraction solvent also added to the container thereby producing the prewetted botanical substance. Then the prewetted botanical substance is added to the brew chamber of the extraction system. The hydration interface manifold may be lowered to be in contact with the prewetted botanical substance, such that the boundary described above is formed. A second portion of the extraction solvent can be added to the reservoir of the hydration interface manifold, and this solvent can be allowed to pass through the bottom of the hydration interface manifold into the prewetted botanical substance, thereby producing an extraction liquor. This extraction liquor can then be collected for future use.

[0108] In some embodiments, the prewetting of the botanical substance may be performed using a first portion of the extraction solvent that weighs from 25% to 150% of the weight of the botanical substance. For example, the first portion of the extraction solvent may weight from 50% to 140%, from 50% to 130%, from 50% to 120%, from 50% to 110%, from 50% to 100%, from 50% to 90%, from 50% to 80%, from 50% to 70%, from 70% to 150%, from 80% to 150%, from 90% to 150%, from 100% to 150%, from 110% to 150%, from 120% to 150%, from 130% to 150%, or even from 140% to 150% of the weight of the botanical substance.

[0109] In some embodiments, the flow rate of the extraction solvent into the botanical substance may be from 0.25 liter per hour (LPH) to 20 LPH, from 0.25 LPH to 19 LPH, from 0.25 LPH to 18 LPH, from 0.25 LPH to 17 LPH, from 0.25 LPH to 16 LPH, from 0.25 LPH to 15 LPH, from 0.25 LPH to 14 LPH, from 0.25 LPH to 13 LPH, from 0.25 LPH to 12 LPH, from 0.25 LPH to 11 LPH, from 0.25 LPH to 10 LPH, from 0.25 LPH to 9 LPH, from 0.25 LPH to 8 LPH, from 0.25 LPH to 7 LPH, from 0.25 LPH to 6 LPH, from 0.25 LPH to 5 LPH, from 0.25 LPH to 4 LPH, from 0.25 LPH to 3 LPH, from 0.25 LPH to 2 LPH, from 2 LPH to 20 LPH, from 3 LPH to 20 LPH, from 4 LPH to 20 LPH, from 5 LPH to 20 LPH, from 6 LPH to 20 LPH, from 7 LPH to 20 LPH, from 8 LPH to 20 LPH, from 9 LPH to 20 LPH, from 10 LPH to 20 LPH, from 11 LPH to 20 LPH, from 12 LPH to 20 LPH, from 13 LPH to 20 LPH, from 14 LPH to 20 LPH, from 15 LPH to 20 LPH, from 16 LPH to 20 LPH, from 17 LPH to 20 LPH, from 18 LPH to 20 LPH, or even from 19 LPH to 20 LPH.

[0110] The system 400 may be used in a method for extracting a botanical substance. The method includes adding the botanical substance to the brew chamber 442 of the body 402. The botanical substance may be prewetted with a first portion of the extraction solvent that is added to the brew chamber 442, thereby producing a prewetted botanical substance. Alternatively, the19116342-2botanical substance and the first portion of the extraction solvent may be mixed in a container to produce the prewetted botanical substance. The prewetted botanical substance is then added to the brew chamber 442. The dispersion manifold 428 is lowered to be in contact with the prewetted botanical substance in the passageway 440 of the body 402. The method does not require the user to press or push downward on the dispersion manifold 428 to tamp the prewetted botanical substance. A second portion of the extraction solvent is added to the dispersion manifold 428. The extraction solvent is allowed to pass through the bottom of the dispersion manifold 428 into the prewetted botanical substance and through the filtration member 422 thereby producing an extraction liquor that is collected through the feed cone 432. The hydration manifold 404 assembled with the lock nut 420 is assembled with the body 402. The reservoir 416 is then inserted into the hydration manifold 404 to assemble the protrusion receivers 480 with the plurality of protrusions 480 on the dispersion plate 426. The reservoir 416 can be lifted and rotated relative to the hydration manifold 404 to align the 512 with one of the flow markers 462 to select a desired flow rate of a third portion of the extraction solvent that is added to the reservoir 416. If a low or slow flow rate of the third portion of the extraction solvent is desired then the smallest hole 502 is aligned with the flat portion 427 on the dispersion plate 426 and the remaining holes 502 and protrusion receivers 503 are assembled with the protrusions 480 to block flow therethrough. If the highest flow rate of the third portion of the extraction solvent is desired then the largest hole 502 is aligned with the flat portion 427 on the dispersion plate 426 and the remaining holes 502 and protrusion receivers 503 are assembled with the protrusions 480 to block flow therethrough. If no flow of the third portion of the extraction solvent is desired, then the protrusion receiver 503 that does not include a hole is aligned with the flat portion 427 and all of the holes 502 on the remaining protrusion receivers 503 are assembled with the protrusions 480 to block flow therethrough. A higher or lower flow of the extraction solvent through the hydration interface manifold 404, the dispersion manifold 428, and the prewetted botanical substance in the passageway 440 of the body 402 is determined based on the flow rate of the third portion of the extraction solvent. The cap 430 may be assembled with the reservoir 416 to cover the extraction solvent therein.[0U1] FIGS. 32-36 illustrate a flow control system 700 that can be assembled with a collection assembly 800 for collecting the extraction liquor. The system 700 includes a body 702,20116342-2a filtration member 722, a dispersion or hydration interface manifold 728, and a cap 730 assembled with the body 702.

[0112] The body 702 includes a substantially cylindrical wall 735 that defines a passageway 740 that extends between an inlet portion 736 and an exit portion 738. As a result, the body 702 has a major axis 810 that spans along the length of the passageway 740 between the inlet portion 736 and the exit portion 738. The passageway 740 has a diameter that is sized to receive the dispersion or hydration interface manifold 728 and the filtration member 722 therein. The dispersion manifold 428 is positioned on top of the botanical substance within the passageway 440 as measured relative to the major axis 810. The passageway 740 also forms a brew chamber 742 between the dispersion or hydration interface manifold 728 and the exit portion 738.

[0113] In FIG. 36, the filtration member 722 is illustrated and is similar to the filtration members as described previously. The filtration member 722 includes a plurality of apertures 724. The filtration member 722 is assembled with the exit portion 738 of the body 702. The exit portion 738 of the body 702 is further assembled with the collection assembly 800 in the illustrated embodiment but may be assembled with other types of collection containers or systems in other embodiments.

[0114] The cap 730 may be assembled with the inlet portion 736 of the body 702 to cover the extraction solvent therein. The cap 730 may include a plurality of attachment mechanisms 733 wherein the attachment mechanisms 733 are configured to rest against and / or engage the cylindrical wall 735 of the body 702.

[0115] The dispersion or hydration interface manifold 728 includes a bottom plate 830 having a plurality of apertures or holes 832 therein to form a perforated exit. The bottom plate 830 has a diameter that corresponds to the diameter of the passageway 740 of the body 702. The dispersion or hydration interface manifold 728 includes a substantially cylindrical wall 835 that spans around the bottom plate 830 to define a passageway 836 that receives the extraction solvent therein. The dispersion or hydration interface manifold 728 maintains or holds the extraction solvent therein and allows the extraction solvent to flow through the botanical substance and extract the extraction liquor more evenly. This avoids or minimizes formation of channels in the botanical substance as the extraction solvent flows through. The bottom plate 830 has a thickness that corresponds to a size of the apertures or holes 832. A thicker bottom plate 830 allows for larger sized apertures or holes 832. A thinner bottom plate 830 allows for smaller sized apertures21116342-2or holes 832. The bottom plate 830 of the dispersion or hydration interface manifold 728 rides or rests against the botanical substance placed in the in the brew chamber 742 to maintain contact between the bottom plate 830 and the botanical substance to reduce the surface tension and enable the extraction solvent to flow more easily through the botanical substance in the brew chamber 742.

[0116] Various aspects of the present application are contemplated. According to one aspect a system for extracting a botanical substance, the system comprising: a body including an inlet portion and an exit portion opposite the inlet portion thereby forming a major axis between the inlet portion and the exit portion, the body further comprises a brew chamber between the inlet portion and the exit portion, the brew chamber configured to receive and retain the botanical substance therein; and a hydration interface manifold proximal to the inlet portion and at least partially within the body, the hydration interface manifold having a perforated exit that shares a boundary with the botanical substance in the brew chamber, the hydration interface manifold being movable along the major axis to maintain the boundary.

[0117] In one embodiment, further comprising a reservoir proximal to, and in fluid communication with, the hydration interface manifold, the reservoir having a plurality of apertures.

[0118] In one embodiment, wherein the reservoir is configured to receive an extraction solvent therein.

[0119] In one embodiment, wherein the extraction solvent comprises water.

[0120] In one embodiment, further comprising: a plurality of protrusions sized for receipt and assembly with a plurality of protrusion receivers to form a flow controllable seal, wherein one or more of the plurality of receivers include a hole, wherein the plurality of protrusions are on one of the reservoir or the hydration interface manifold and the plurality of protrusion receivers are on the other of the reservoir or the hydration interface manifold, and the reservoir is rotatable about the major axis such that an alignment of the plurality of protrusions with the plurality of receivers is controllable.

[0121] In one embodiment, wherein the reservoir includes the plurality of protrusion receivers, and the hydration interface manifold includes the plurality of protrusions.

[0122] In one embodiment, further comprising: a dispersion plate that includes the plurality of protrusions assembled with the hydration interface manifold, the dispersion plate including a plurality of holes.22116342-2

[0123] In one embodiment, further comprising: a filtration member proximal to the exit portion of the body.

[0124] In one embodiment, wherein the filtration member includes a plate comprising one or more apertures through a thickness dimension of the plate, wherein the filtration member has a greatest number of apertures or holes as compared to the number of apertures or holes in the dispersion plate and the reservoir.

[0125] In one embodiment, wherein the brew chamber comprises a botanical substance.

[0126] In one embodiment, wherein the botanical substance includes any of coffee, tea, cascara, carob, dandelion, chamomile, hibiscus, licorice, and / or chicory.

[0127] According to another aspect, a method of extracting a botanical substance comprising: adding the botanical substance and a first portion of an extraction solvent to a brew chamber of an extraction system to produce a prewetted botanical substance, the extraction system comprising a body comprising an inlet portion and an exit portion opposite the inlet portion thereby forming a major axis between the inlet portion and the exit portion, the body includes the brew chamber between the inlet portion and the exit portion; a hydration interface manifold proximal to the inlet portion and at least partially within the body, the hydration interface manifold including a perforated exit; a reservoir proximal to, and in fluid communication with, the hydration interface manifold; optionally a dispersion manifold positioned within the body, the dispersion manifold includes a bottom plate having a plurality of apertures; one of the hydration interface manifold or the dispersion manifold, if present, being in at least partial direct contact with the botanical substance; and contacting the prewetted botanical substance with one of the hydration interface manifold or the dispersion manifold, if present; adding a second portion of the extraction solvent to the reservoir; allowing the extraction solvent to pass through the perforated exit into the prewetted botanical substance, thereby producing an extraction liquor; and collecting the extraction liquor.

[0128] In one embodiment, wherein the botanical substance includes any of coffee, tea, cascara, carob, dandelion, chamomile, hibiscus, licorice, and / or chicory.

[0129] In one embodiment, wherein the extraction solvent comprises water.

[0130] In one embodiment, wherein the extraction solvent is maintained at a temperature from 0 °C to 20 °C.23116342-2

[0131] In one embodiment, further comprising: a plurality of protrusions sized for receipt and assembly with a plurality of protrusion receivers to form a flow controllable seal, wherein one or more of the plurality of receivers include a hole, wherein the plurality of protrusions are on one of the reservoir or the hydration interface manifold and the plurality of protrusion receivers are on the other of the reservoir or the hydration interface manifold, and said method further comprising rotating the reservoir about the major axis such that an alignment of the plurality of protrusions with the plurality of receivers controls a flow rate from the hydration interface manifold.

[0132] In one embodiment, wherein the extraction solvent passes from the reservoir, through the hydration interface’s perforated exit, into the prewetted botanical substance at a flow rate from 0.25 liters per hour (LPH) to 20 LPH.

[0133] In one embodiment, wherein the brew chamber has a bed depth from 10% to 225% of a width of the hydration interface manifold.

[0134] In one embodiment, further comprising: preprocessing the botanical substance to have an average particle size from 40 micrometers (pm) to 1500 pm.

[0135] In one embodiment, wherein the first portion of the extraction solvent comprises a weight from 25% to 150% of the weight of the botanical substance.

[0136] In one embodiment, wherein the contacting the prewetted botanical substance includes the dispersion manifold contacting the prewetted botanical substance; and further comprising adding another portion of the extraction solvent to the dispersion manifold before the step of adding the second portion of the extraction solvent to the reservoir.

[0137] In one embodiment, wherein the adding the botanical substance and the first portion of the extraction solvent to the brew chamber includes mixing the botanical substance and the first portion of the extraction solvent in the brew chamber to produce the prewetted botanical substance.

[0138] According to another aspect, a system for extracting a botanical substance, the system comprising: a body comprising an inlet portion and an exit portion opposite the inlet portion thereby forming a major axis between the inlet portion and the exit portion, the body includes a brew chamber between the inlet portion and the exit portion, the brew chamber configured to receive the botanical substance; a hydration interface manifold proximal to the inlet portion and at least partially within the body, the hydration interface manifold including a perforated exit; a reservoir proximal to, and in fluid communication with, the hydration interface manifold, the reservoir having a plurality of apertures; and a dispersion manifold positioned within the body, the24116342-2dispersion manifold includes a bottom plate having a plurality of apertures, the dispersion manifold is movable along the major axis to share a boundary with the botanical substance in the brew chamber.

[0139] In one embodiment, further comprising: a plurality of protrusions sized for receipt and assembly with a plurality of protrusion receivers to form a flow controllable seal, wherein one or more of the plurality of receivers include a hole, wherein the plurality of protrusions are on one of the reservoir or the hydration interface manifold and the plurality of protrusion receivers are on the other of the reservoir or the hydration interface manifold, and the reservoir is rotatable about the major axis such that an alignment of the plurality of protrusions with the plurality of receivers is controllable.

[0140] In one embodiment, wherein the plurality of receivers have a convex shape relative to the inlet portion, the plurality of protrusions have a conical shape such that a concave surface of the protrusion receivers is complementary to the conical shape of the protrusions.

[0141] In one embodiment, wherein the hole in each of the plurality of receivers has a unique diameter relative to the remaining holes in the plurality of receivers.

[0142] In one embodiment, wherein one of the plurality of receivers does not include a hole.

[0143] In one embodiment, wherein the reservoir includes the plurality of protrusion receivers, and the hydration interface manifold includes the plurality of protrusions.

[0144] In one embodiment, further comprising: a dispersion plate that includes the plurality of protrusions assembled with the hydration interface manifold, the dispersion plate including a plurality of holes.

[0145] In one embodiment, further comprising: a fdtration member proximal to the exit portion of the body.

[0146] In one embodiment, wherein the filtration member includes a plate comprising one or more apertures through a thickness dimension of the plate, wherein the filtration member has a greatest number of apertures or holes as compared to the number of apertures or holes in the dispersion plate and the reservoir.

[0147] In one embodiment, wherein the reservoir comprises an extraction solvent.

[0148] In one embodiment, wherein the extraction solvent comprises water.

[0149] In one embodiment, wherein the brew chamber comprises a botanical substance.25116342-2

[0150] In one embodiment, wherein the botanical substance includes one or more of coffee, tea, cascara, carob, dandelion, chamomile, hibiscus, licorice, and / or chicory.

[0151] While embodiments have been disclosed hereinabove, the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Instead, this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.26116342-2

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A system for extracting a botanical substance, the system comprising: a body including an inlet portion and an exit portion opposite the inlet portion thereby forming a major axis between the inlet portion and the exit portion, the body further comprises a brew chamber between the inlet portion and the exit portion, the brew chamber configured to receive and retain the botanical substance therein; and a hydration interface manifold proximal to the inlet portion and at least partially within the body, the hydration interface manifold having a perforated exit that shares a boundary with the botanical substance in the brew chamber, the hydration interface manifold being movable along the major axis to maintain the boundary.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a reservoir proximal to, and in fluid communication with, the hydration interface manifold, the reservoir having a plurality of apertures.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the reservoir is configured to receive an extraction solvent therein.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the extraction solvent comprises water.

5. The system of claim 2, further comprising: a plurality of protrusions sized for receipt and assembly with a plurality of protrusion receivers to form a flow controllable seal, wherein one or more of the plurality of receivers include a hole, wherein the plurality of protrusions are on one of the reservoir or the hydration interface manifold and the plurality of protrusion receivers are on the other of the reservoir or the hydration interface manifold, and the reservoir is rotatable about the major axis such that an alignment of the plurality of protrusions with the plurality of receivers is controllable.27116342-26. The system of claim 5, wherein the reservoir includes the plurality of protrusion receivers, and the hydration interface manifold includes the plurality of protrusions.

7. The system of claim 6, further comprising: a dispersion plate that includes the plurality of protrusions assembled with the hydration interface manifold, the dispersion plate including a plurality of holes.

8. The system of claim 7, further comprising: a filtration member proximal to the exit portion of the body.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the filtration member includes a plate comprising one or more apertures through a thickness dimension of the plate, wherein the filtration member has a greatest number of apertures or holes as compared to the number of apertures or holes in the dispersion plate and the reservoir.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the brew chamber comprises a botanical substance.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the botanical substance includes any of coffee, tea, cascara, carob, dandelion, chamomile, hibiscus, licorice, and / or chicory.

12. A method of extracting a botanical substance comprising: adding the botanical substance and a first portion of an extraction solvent to a brew chamber of an extraction system to produce a prewetted botanical substance, the extraction system comprising a body comprising an inlet portion and an exit portion opposite the inlet portion thereby forming a major axis between the inlet portion and the exit portion, the body includes the brew chamber between the inlet portion and the exit portion; a hydration interface manifold proximal to the inlet portion and at least partially within the body, the hydration interface manifold including a perforated exit; a reservoir proximal to, and in fluid communication with, the hydration interface manifold;28116342-2optionally a dispersion manifold positioned within the body, the dispersion manifold includes a bottom plate having a plurality of apertures; one of the hydration interface manifold or the dispersion manifold, if present, being in at least partial direct contact with the botanical substance; and contacting the prewetted botanical substance with one of the hydration interface manifold or the dispersion manifold, if present; adding a second portion of the extraction solvent to the reservoir; allowing the extraction solvent to pass through the perforated exit into the prewetted botanical substance, thereby producing an extraction liquor; and collecting the extraction liquor.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the botanical substance includes any of coffee, tea, cascara, carob, dandelion, chamomile, hibiscus, licorice, and / or chicory.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the extraction solvent comprises water.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the extraction solvent is maintained at a temperature from 0 °C to 100 °C.

16. The method of claim 12, further comprising: a plurality of protrusions sized for receipt and assembly with a plurality of protrusion receivers to form a flow controllable seal, wherein one or more of the plurality of receivers include a hole, wherein the plurality of protrusions are on one of the reservoir or the hydration interface manifold and the plurality of protrusion receivers are on the other of the reservoir or the hydration interface manifold, and said method further comprising rotating the reservoir about the major axis such that an alignment of the plurality of protrusions with the plurality of receivers controls a flow rate from the hydration interface manifold.29116342-217. The method of claim 12, wherein the extraction solvent passes from the reservoir, through the hydration interface’s perforated exit, into the prewetted botanical substance at a flow rate from 0.25 liters per hour (LPH) to 20 LPH.

18. The method of claim 12, wherein the brew chamber has a bed depth from 10% to 225% of a width of the hydration interface manifold.

19. The method of claim 12, further comprising: preprocessing the botanical substance to have an average particle size from 40 micrometers (pm) to 1500 pm.

20. The method of claim 12, wherein the first portion of the extraction solvent comprises a weight from 25% to 150% of the weight of the botanical substance.

21. The method of claim 12, wherein the contacting the prewetted botanical substance includes the dispersion manifold contacting the prewetted botanical substance; and further comprising adding another portion of the extraction solvent to the dispersion manifold before the step of adding the second portion of the extraction solvent to the reservoir.

22. The method of claim 12, wherein the adding the botanical substance and the first portion of the extraction solvent to the brew chamber includes mixing the botanical substance and the first portion of the extraction solvent in the brew chamber to produce the prewetted botanical substance.

23. A system for extracting a botanical substance, the system comprising: a body comprising an inlet portion and an exit portion opposite the inlet portion thereby forming a major axis between the inlet portion and the exit portion, the body includes a brew chamber between the inlet portion and the exit portion, the brew chamber configured to receive the botanical substance; a hydration interface manifold proximal to the inlet portion and at least partially within the body, the hydration interface manifold including a perforated exit;30116342-2a reservoir proximal to, and in fluid communication with, the hydration interface manifold, the reservoir having a plurality of apertures; and a dispersion manifold positioned within the body, the dispersion manifold includes a bottom plate having a plurality of apertures, the dispersion manifold is movable along the major axis to share a boundary with the botanical substance in the brew chamber.

24. The system of claim 23, further comprising: a plurality of protrusions sized for receipt and assembly with a plurality of protrusion receivers to form a flow controllable seal, wherein one or more of the plurality of receivers include a hole, wherein the plurality of protrusions are on one of the reservoir or the hydration interface manifold and the plurality of protrusion receivers are on the other of the reservoir or the hydration interface manifold, and the reservoir is rotatable about the major axis such that an alignment of the plurality of protrusions with the plurality of receivers is controllable.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein the plurality of receivers have a convex shape relative to the inlet portion, the plurality of protrusions have a conical shape such that a concave surface of the protrusion receivers is complementary to the conical shape of the protrusions.

26. The system of claim 24, wherein the hole in each of the plurality of receivers has a unique diameter relative to the remaining holes in the plurality of receivers.

27. The system of claim 24, wherein one of the plurality of receivers does not include a hole.

28. The system of claim 24, wherein the reservoir includes the plurality of protrusion receivers, and the hydration interface manifold includes the plurality of protrusions.

29. The system of claim 24, further comprising: a dispersion plate that includes the plurality of protrusions assembled with the hydration interface manifold, the dispersion plate including a plurality of holes.

30. The system of claim 29, further comprising:31116342-2a filtration member proximal to the exit portion of the body.

31. The system of claim 30, wherein the filtration member includes a plate comprising one or more apertures through a thickness dimension of the plate, wherein the filtration member has a greatest number of apertures or holes as compared to the number of apertures or holes in the dispersion plate and the reservoir.

32. The system of claim 23, wherein the reservoir comprises an extraction solvent.

33. The system of claim 32, wherein the extraction solvent comprises water.

34. The system of claim 23, wherein the brew chamber comprises a botanical substance.

35. The system of claim 34, wherein the botanical substance includes one or more of coffee, tea, cascara, carob, dandelion, chamomile, hibiscus, licorice, and / or chicory.32116342-2

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