System and method for cannabis flower infusion

Abstract

System and method for infusing cannabis flower with one or more terpenes, THC, CBD, or any combination thereof. Embodiments include tumbling cannabis flower in a rotating treatment vessel, such as in a closed-loop system, while exposing the cannabis flower to an atomized liquid comprising one or more terpenes, THC distillate, or CBD distillate.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CANNABIS FLOWER INFUSIONCross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 725,933, filed on November 27, 2024, the entire contents of which is specifically incorporated by reference herein.Field of the Disclosure

[0002] This disclosure relates to cannabis flower infusion.Summary

[0003] The present disclosure includes a system and method for infusing cannabis flower with one or more terpenes, THC, CBD, or any combination thereof. One embodiment of the disclosure is a closed-loop system for cannabis flower infusion, comprising: a treatment vessel comprising an interior volume for containing cannabis flower and configured to rotate about an axis; a two-fluid atomizing nozzle configured to disperse an atomized liquid into the interior volume of the treatment vessel; a liquid reservoir in fluid communication with the atomizing nozzle; and an air compressor configured to draw air originating from the interior volume of the treatment vessel and to deliver compressed air to the atomizing nozzle.

[0004] A further embodiment of the disclosure is a method for infusing cannabis flower with one or more terpenes, THC, CBD, or any combination thereof, which comprises tumbling the cannabis flower within a rotating treatment vessel while exposing the cannabis flower to an atomized liquid comprising one or more terpenes, a THC distillate, a CBD distillate, or any combination thereof.

[0005] In contrast to open-air application of terpenes, for example, the system and method of the disclosure involve application of terpenes or distillates to cannabis flower contained in the controlled environment of a treatment vessel. The disclosed system may be configured such that terpenes and distillates are not released into the ambient atmosphere during the infusion process. The system may operate such that positive pressure from the two-fluid atomizing nozzle isoffset by negative pressure of gas withdrawn from the treatment vessel, thus resulting in a net zero pressure differential.

[0006] Embodiments of the disclosure can provide uniform distribution of terpenes, THC, or CBD, on the cannabis flower and maximize terpene, THC and CBD use within the controlled and enclosed system. Embodiments of the disclosure offer significant advantages over open-air application, such as minimizing waste and reducing time, labor and cleanup. Embodiments provide a safer alternative to open-air application, including protecting employees from health risks and reducing product exposure to environmental contaminants.

[0007] More embodiments and features are included in the detailed description that follows and will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described in the description, including in the figures and claims.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] The accompanying figures constitute a part of this disclosure. The figures serve to provide a further understanding of certain exemplary embodiments. The disclosure and claims are not limited to embodiments illustrated in the figures.

[0009] FIG. 1 A is a top view of an exemplary treatment vessel and a cabinet that contains additional components of a system according to some embodiments.

[0010] FIG. 1 B is a perspective view of the exemplary treatment vessel and cabinet.

[0011] FIG. 1 C is a front view of the exemplary treatment vessel and cabinet.

[0012] FIG. 1 D is a side view of the exemplary treatment vessel and cabinet.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a P&ID schematic of an embodiment of a system of the disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of an atomizing nozzle mounted to the lid of a treatment vessel according to some embodiments.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of an atomizing nozzle according to some embodiments.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a front view of a heating nozzle and liquid reservoir of the disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a P&ID schematic of an embodiment of a system of the disclosure that includes a heating nozzle.Detailed Description

[0018] Various additional embodiments of the disclosure will now be explained in greater detail. Both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not restrictive of this disclosure or of the claims. Any discussion of certain embodiments or features, including those depicted in the figures, serves to illustrate certain exemplary aspects of the disclosure. The disclosure and claims are not limited to the embodiments specifically discussed herein or illustrated in the figures.

[0019] An embodiment of the disclosure includes a closed-loop system for cannabis flower infusion, comprising: a treatment vessel comprising an interior volume for containing cannabis flower and configured to rotate about an axis; a two-fluid atomizing nozzle configured to disperse an atomized liquid into the interior volume of the treatment vessel; a liquid reservoir in fluid communication with the atomizing nozzle; and an air compressor configured to draw air originating from the interior volume of the treatment vessel and to deliver compressed air to the atomizing nozzle.

[0020] The treatment vessel comprises an interior volume for containing cannabis flower. The vessel is configured such that an atomized liquid comprising one or more terpenes, THC distillate, CBD distillate, or combination thereof, dispersed by the atomizing nozzle can contact a mass of cannabis flower disposed in the vessel. The vessel is configured to rotate about an axis so that it may tumble the cannabis flower being exposed to the atomized liquid. Possible materials of construction for the treatment vessel include, for example, plastic, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, anodized aluminum or anodized aluminum alloy, and stainless steel.

[0021] The terms “tumble” and “tumbling” as used herein refer to the physical movement, relative to the treatment vessel, of all or a portion of cannabis flower within the vessel in response to the vessel’s rotation. Tumbling can include, butdoes not require, all or a portion of the cannabis flower becoming airborne within the tumbler when the vessel is rotating. Tumbling can include the shifting of some portion of cannabis flower relative to another portion of cannabis flower in the vessel. The cannabis flower may tumble in the vessel simply due to the force of gravity as the vessel rotates, but the system of the disclosure does not exclude the possibility of additional components or moving parts to assist in physically agitating the plant material within the vessel’s interior. For example, embodiments include mounting one or more blades to the interior surface of the treatment vessel to facilitate desired movement and distribution of the cannabis flower within the vessel. Tumbling can result in the mixing of cannabis flower such that the mass of product becomes homogenously infused with terpenes, THC or CBD.

[0022] In some embodiments, the treatment vessel is a rotatable drum having a length extending between two opposite ends and having a cross-section along its length, the length and cross-section together defining the interior surface and volume of the drum. Such a vessel could comprise a circular cross-section along at least a portion of its length. For example, the vessel could be cylindrical in shape. In other embodiments, the vessel could comprise a circular cross-section that varies in radius along at least a portion of the length of the vessel. The vessel may have any other appropriate shape or cross-section such as spherical, elliptical, oval or oblong shapes or cross-sections, or shapes or cross-sections comprising angles and vertices in addition to or as an alternative to curves. For example, the vessel could include a conical or truncated conical shape.

[0023] FIG. 1A is a top view of an exemplary treatment vessel 100 and a cabinet 110 that contains additional components of a system according to some embodiments. FIGs. 1 B, 1 C and 1 D are perspective, front, and side views of the exemplary treatment vessel and cabinet. The treatment vessel 100 includes a main body 120 and lid 130. Lid 130 includes a fixture 140 for mounting the two- fluid atomizing nozzle such that the atomizing nozzle will disperse an atomized liquid into the interior volume of the vessel. The interior of the vessel may have any appropriate volume, such as from 0.5 to 300 gallons (1.9 liters to 1 ,136 liters), for example from 10 to 100 gallons (37.9 liters to 379 liters).

[0024] The treatment vessel illustrated in FIGs. 1A-1 D is configured to rotate about longitudinal axis that is located in the center of the cross-section of the vessel and extends in a direction normal to the cross-section along the vessel length. FIG. 1 D illustrates the vessel positioned at an angle such that its axis of rotation is not perpendicular to the direction of gravity. The vessel could alternatively be positioned such that its axis of rotation is horizontal. The system may further comprise a means for rotating the treatment vessel about its axis. As one example, the means for rotating the vessel about its axis can be a motor connected to the vessel by a shaft via a coupler on the base of the vessel opposite the lid.

[0025] The system of the disclosure includes a two-fluid atomizing nozzle configured to disperse an atomized liquid into the interior volume of the treatment vessel. As discussed previously, the two-fluid nozzle in some embodiments may be mounted to a lid of the treatment vessel. The nozzle may comprise two separate inlets: one inlet for compressed air received from an air compressor and another inlet for a liquid comprising one or more terpenes, THC distillate, CBD distillate, or combination thereof, received from the liquid reservoir. The liquid and air streams mix and form an atomized spray that is then dispersed into the treatment vessel. The inlets of the atomizing nozzle may connect to the liquid reservoir and air compressor, or any components placed in between, using appropriate tubing (such as polyurethane tubing) to accommodate the flow of liquid and compressed gas to the nozzle.

[0026] The atomized liquid may be dispersed into the interior volume of the treatment vessel at any appropriate flow rate, such as at a flow rate of from 10 to 200 g / min, from 20 to 100 g / min, or from 30 to 80 g / min.

[0027] The air compressor in the system of the disclosure is configured to draw air originating from the interior volume of the treatment vessel and to deliver compressed air to a first inlet of the atomizing nozzle. In some embodiments, additional system components may be disposed in an airflow path between the treatment vessel and air compressor, such as a particulate filter, an oil mist filter, or a dryer. In further embodiments, additional system components may bedisposed in an airflow path between the air compressor and first inlet of the atomizing nozzle, such as an air cooler or an air dryer.

[0028] A “closed-loop” system as discussed herein refers to the positive pressure from the two-fluid atomizing nozzle being offset by the negative pressure of gas being withdrawn from the treatment vessel, thus resulting in a net zero pressure differential. The closed-loop system may operate without loss of terpenes, THC, or CBD to the outside environment, and without discharging or receiving any flow stream to or from the environment outside of the system components.

[0029] The liquid reservoir in the system of the disclosure is a container configured to hold a liquid comprising one or more terpenes, THC distillate, CBD distillate, or any combination thereof, for delivery to the atomizing nozzle. In some embodiments, the system can be configured such that a portion of the compressed air from the air compressor provides pressure to generate a flow of the liquid from the liquid reservoir to the atomizing nozzle.

[0030] The liquid reservoir may be in the form or, for example, a bottle or other appropriate structure for containing the liquid. The “one or more terpenes, a THC distillate, a CBD distillate, or any combination thereof” in the liquid includes, for instance, any one of the following:(i) one or more terpenes;(ii) a THC distillate;(iii) a CBD distillate;(iv) one or more terpenes and a THC distillate;(v) one or more terpenes and a CBD distillate;(vi) one or more terpenes, a THC distillate and a CBD distillate; and(vii) a THC distillate and a CBD distillate.

[0031] The liquid may contain the one or more terpenes, THC distillate, or CBD distillate in any appropriate proportions, such as from 1-99 wt% of the one or more terpenes to 99-1 wt% of a THC or CBD distillate. The liquid may comprise water, ethanol, and other solvents or other components in addition to the one or more terpenes, THC distillate, or CBD distillate.

[0032] Exemplary terpenes for infusion into the cannabis flower include, for example, one or more of terpinolene, alpha phellandrene, beta ocimene, carene,limonene, gamma terpinene, alpha pinene, alpha terpinene, beta pinene, fenchol, camphene, alpha terpineol, alpha humulene, beta caryophyllene, linalool, caryophyllene oxide, myrcene, beta-myrcene, delta-3 carene, ocimene, d- limonene, p-cymene, eucalyptol, gamma-terpinene, (-)-isopulegol, geraniol, cisnerolidol, trans-nerolidol, (-)-alpha-bisabolol, borneol, humulene, phytol, sabinene and valencene. In some embodiments, one or more of the terpenes have been extracted from Cannabis sativa L. In other embodiments, one or more of the terpenes have been extracted from plants other than Cannabis sativa L.

[0033] “THC” as used herein refers to tetrahydrocannabinol. “CBD” as used herein refers to cannabidiol. Distillates of THC and CBD are concentrated products that have been purified through distillation. The distillate is a refined, potent extract of THC or CBD purified to reduce or remove impurities, plant matter, and other compounds.

[0034] FIG. 2 is a P&ID schematic of an embodiment of a closed-loop system of the disclosure. One or more components illustrated in FIG. 2 besides the treatment vessel may be contained within the cabinet 110 illustrated in FIGs. 1A- 1 D. In FIG. 2, treatment vessel 205 is rotated by motor 210. Two fluid atomizing nozzle 215 is mounted on treatment vessel 205 and is configured to disperse an atomized liquid into the interior volume of the vessel. Liquid reservoir 220 (containing one or more terpenes in this instance) provides a source of liquid comprising one or more terpenes to a first inlet of the atomizing nozzle 215. Air compressor 225 delivers compressed air through an airflow path to a second inlet of the atomizing nozzle 215. Air compressor 225 also draws air originating from the interior volume of treatment vessel 205 through an airflow path between the two components.

[0035] Air filter 230 and oil mist filter 235 remove particulates and terpenes, respectively, in the airflow path between treatment vessel 205 and air compressor 225. Oil mist filter 235 separates volatilized terpenes and may condense them back into a liquid state in which they can be easily recovered and optionally returned to the terpene liquid reservoir or otherwise recycled for use in the system. Terpenes may be recovered in this manner at room temperature or at reduced temperatures through use of a cooler to improve recovery yield.

[0036] Dryer / fi Iter 240 dries the air in the flow path leading to compressor 225. Cooler 245 and air dryer 250 cool and dry air in the airflow path between air compressor 225 and two-fluid nozzle 215. As shown in FIG. 2, diverter valve 255 may direct a portion of compressed gas to terpene reservoir 220 to generate a flow of the terpene liquid to the atomizing nozzle 215. When the treatment cycle is completed, the diverter valve 255 may be closed such that the system only includes a flow of air to clear the lines in the system.

[0037] FIG. 3 provides a sectional view of an atomizing nozzle mounted to a lid of a treatment vessel according to some embodiments of the disclosure. The figure illustrates lid 305 with the atomizing nozzle outlet 310 configured to disperse an atomized liquid into the interior volume of a treatment vessel. The atomizing nozzle also includes first and second inlets 315 and 320 for inputs of compressed air and terpene liquid.

[0038] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of an atomizing nozzle according to some embodiments of the disclosure. Liquid originating from the liquid reservoir enters nozzle inlet 420, while compressed air enters nozzle inlet 415. These mix in nozzle component 410 and spray in an atomized form from the outlet of the nozzle into the treatment vessel. Concurrently, air is pulled out of the treatment vessel through component 425, as an example of a "closed loop" system.Positive pressure from nozzle outlet is offset by the negative pressure, or vacuum, of gas withdrawn from the treatment vessel through component 425. This makes the pressure differential across these parts zero.

[0039] The system of the disclosure may further comprise a heating nozzle disposed in a flow path between the liquid reservoir and two-fluid atomizing nozzle. The heating nozzle can also be referred to herein as a heated nozzle. The heating nozzle may be heated and employed to increase the temperature of the fluid before the fluid is introduced into the atomizing nozzle. The fluid, such as a highly viscous THC or CDB distillate, may be heated in this manner to reduce its viscosity such that the fliud can be more efficiently atomized. The nozzle may be heated, for example, through conduction with the use of a heating element. A thermocouple may be employed to monitor and control the temperature of the heating element and / or nozzle to a desired set point, such as from 15 °C to 200°C. Exemplary materials of construction for the heating nozzle include those with a high coefficient of heat transfer, such as aluminum, copper, brass and titanium.

[0040] FIG. 5 is a front view of a heating nozzle and fluid reservoir in an exemplary embodiment. Heating nozzle 505 is attached to liquid reservoir 510 that contains liquid comprising the one or more terpenes, THC distillate, CBD distillate, or combination thereof. The heating nozzle comprises liquid pressure inlet 515, vacuum outlet 520, and air pressure inlet 525. Heating element 530 provides conductive heating to the nozzle. Thermocouple 535 can be used to monitor temperature and control the temperature of heating element 530.

[0041] FIG. 6 is a P&ID schematic of an embodiment of a system of the disclosure that includes a heating nozzle. One or more components illustrated in FIG. 6 besides the treatment vessel may be contained within the cabinet 110 illustrated in FIGs. 1A-1 D. In FIG. 6, treatment vessel 605 is rotated by motor 610. Two fluid atomizing nozzle 615 is mounted on treatment vessel 605 and is configured to disperse an atomized liquid into the interior volume of the vessel. Liquid reservoir 620 (containing one or more terpenes, THC distillate, CBD distillate, or a combination thereof) provides the liquid to heating nozzle 675. The heated liquid is then introduced to a first inlet of the two fluid nozzle 615. Air compressor 635 delivers compressed air through an airflow path to a second inlet of the atomizing nozzle 615. Air compressor 635 also draws air originating from the interior volume of treatment vessel 605 through an airflow path between the two components.

[0042] Oil mist filter 625 may capture one or more of terpenes, THC and CBD in the airflow path between treatment vessel 605 and air compressor 635. Oil mist filter 625 may separate the volatilized terpenes, THC or CBD and may condense them back into a liquid state in which they can be easily recovered and optionally returned to the liquid reservoir or otherwise recycled for use in the system. The terpenes, THC or CBD may be recovered in this manner at room temperature or at reduced temperatures through use of a cooler to improve recovery yield.

[0043] Dryer / fi Iter 630 dries the air in the flow path leading to compressor 635. Cooler 640 and air dryers 645, 650 cool and dry air in the airflow path between air compressor 635 and two-fluid nozzle 615. As shown in FIG. 6, diverter valves665, 670 may direct a portion of compressed gas to heated nozzle 675 to generate a flow of the liquid to the atomizing nozzle 615. WYE 655 is a plumbing component with two inlets ports for receiving flow from diverter valve 665 or diverter valve 670, and one outlet port for flow to the heating nozzle 675. When the treatment cycle is completed, the diverter valves may be closed such that the system only includes a flow of air to clear the lines in the system. Temperature sensor 660 may monitor the temperature of the heating nozzle, and a temperature sensor 665 may also be provided to measure ambient temperature.

[0044] A further embodiment of the disclosure is a method for infusing cannabis flower with one or more terpenes, THC, CBD, or any combination thereof, which comprises tumbling the cannabis flower within a rotating treatment vessel while exposing the cannabis flower to an atomized liquid comprising one or more terpenes, a THC distillate, a CBD distillate, or any combination thereof.

[0045] The method may include, for example, placing cannabis flower in the treatment vessel of a closed-loop system of the disclosure; drawing air from the interior of the treatment vessel to an air compressor; delivering compressed air from the air compressor to a first inlet of the two- fluid atomizing nozzle; delivering a liquid comprising one or more terpenes, a THC distillate, a CBD distillate, or any combination thereof, to a second inlet of the two-fluid atomizing nozzle; atomizing the liquid and dispersing the atomized liquid into the treatment vessel; and rotating the treatment vessel to tumble the cannabis flower while exposing the cannabis flower to the atomized liquid.

[0046] Some embodiments include infusing the cannabis flower with one or more terpenes. Further embodiments include infusing the cannabis flower with THC, CBD, or a combination thereof.

[0047] Additional embodiments of the disclosure comprise heating the liquid, such as a liquid comprising THC distillate, CBD distillate, or combination thereof, before atomizing the liquid. This may comprise, for example, heating the liquid to atemperature of from 15 °C to 140 °C. Such heating can provide the ability to more efficiently atomize and spray otherwise highly viscous fluids into the treatment vessel.

[0048] The cannabis flower may be homogenized cannabis flower, for example.In some embodiments, the cannabis flower is hemp flower that contains 0.3 wt% or less tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). In other embodiments, the cannabis flower contains more than 0.3 wt% THC.

[0049] The treatment vessel can be filled with any appropriate amount of cannabis flower. In some embodiments, up to one-quarter (25%) of the interior volume of the vessel is filled with the product. Additional embodiments include filling up to one-half (50%) or up to three-quarters (75%) of the interior volume of the vessel with the product. It would be understood that the volume of bulk product itself will include voids, cavities or other spaces between pieces of flower, which are not taken into account in determining the filling level of the vessel. In some embodiments, the weight of cannabis flower treated is from 5 lbs. to 100 lbs. (2.27 kg to 45.4 kg), such as from 10 lbs. to 50 lbs (4.54 kg to 22.7 kg).

[0050] Methods of the disclosure include rotating the vessel at any appropriate speed, such as at a speed of from 1 rpm to 100 rpm, such as from 5 rpm to 70 rpm, or from 10 rpm to 50 rpm, where “rpm” is revolutions per minute. Methods of the disclosure may include tumbling the cannabis flower within the rotating treatment vessel, while exposing the cannabis flower to the atomized liquid, for any appropriate duration to infuse the cannabis flower with the one or more terpenes, THC, CBD, or combination thereof. Some embodiments include treating the cannabis flower for a duration of from 1 minute to 120 minutes, such as from 1 minute to 30 minutes, or from 5 minutes to 20 minutes.

[0051] In some embodiments, the atomized liquid has a droplet size ranging from 100 microns to 5000 microns, such as from 260 microns to 4300 microns. The amount of terpenes, THC or CBD infused into the cannabis flower can be adjusted by modifying process parameters such as the mass of atomized liquid dispersed into the treatment vessel and composition of the liquid. Some embodiments include infusing the cannabis flower with one or more terpenes in an amount of from 1 % to 10%, or from 1 % to 5%, of the original weight of thecannabis flower before treatment. For example, methods of the disclosure can include infusing 0.1 lbs. to 1 lb. (0.045 kg to 0.454 kg) of terpenes into a mass of 10 lbs. (4.54 kg) of cannabis flower, or 0.1 lbs. to 0.5 lbs. (0.045 kg to 0.227 kg) of terpenes into a mass of 10 lbs. (4.54 kg) of cannabis flower.ExamplesExample 1

[0052] This experiment investigates the effects of high-dose terpene application on a product within a closed loop system of the disclosure.

[0053] A total of 10 lbs. (4.54 kg) of cannabis flower product were placed in a treatment vessel with an approximate interior volume of 35 gallons (132.5 liters). A terpene liquid solution used consisted of Abstrax Orange Apricot and Marshmallow terpenes. For the high dosing condition, 230 grams of the terpene solution were atomized into the vessel. The vessel was rotated and sprayed for a duration of 8 minutes to ensure thorough distribution of the terpenes.

[0054] The experiment aimed to assess the impact of this high-dose application on the product’s characteristics, including its aroma, flavor profile, and overall quality.Example 2

[0055] This experiment investigates the effects of high-dose distillate application on a product within a closed loop system of the disclosure.

[0056] A total of 10 lbs. (4.54 kg) of cannabis flower product were placed in a treatment vessel with an approximate interior volume of 35 gallons (132.5 liters). A CBD distillate solution used consisted of Mile High Labs CBD Extract. For the high dosing condition, 481 mL of the distillate was atomized into the vessel. The vessel was rotated and sprayed for a duration of 8 minutes to ensure thorough distribution of the distillate.

[0057] The experiment aimed to assess the impact of this high-dose application on the product’s characteristics, including its CBD concentration (by mass), aroma, flavor profile, and overall quality.Example 3

[0058] A total of 2,885 g of hemp (sample name 0709A) was placed in a treatment vessel of the disclosure. Before treatment, the product contained 8.84 wt% CBD.A CBD distillate solution used contained 55.5 wt% CBD. The treatment vessel was rotated as the atomized CBD distillate was sprayed onto the vessel contents. First, 200 mL of distillate was infused to produce sample name 0709B. Next, an additional 200 mL of distillate (for a total of 400 mL of distillate) was infused to produce sample name 0709C. Results are illustrated in Table 1.Table 1

[0059] These results yielded about a 92% infusion efficiency, by averaging the actual CBD potency vs. the expected (calculated) potency.Exemplary embodiments

[0060] The following clauses provide additional embodiments of the disclosure.

[0061] Clause 1A. A closed-loop system for infusing cannabis flower with one or more terpenes, comprising: a treatment vessel comprising an interior volume for containing cannabis flower and configured to rotate about an axis, a two-fluid atomizing nozzle configured to disperse an atomized liquid into the interior volume of the treatment vessel; a terpene liquid reservoir in fluid communication with the atomizing nozzle; and an air compressor configured to draw air originating from the interior volume of the treatment vessel and to deliver compressed air to the atomizing nozzle.

[0062] Clause 2A. The system of clause 1A, which further comprises one or more of a particulate filter, an oil mist filter, or a dryer disposed in an airflow path between the treatment vessel and air compressor.

[0063] Clause 3A. The system of any one of clauses 1A to 2A, which further comprises one or more of an air cooler and an air dryer disposed in an airflow path between the air compressor and the atomizing nozzle.

[0064] Clause 4A. The system of any one of clauses 1A to 3A, wherein the treatment vessel is a rotatable drum having a length extending between two opposite ends and having a cross-section along its length, the length and crosssection together defining the interior volume of the drum.

[0065] Clause 5A. The system of clause 4A, wherein the treatment vessel comprises a circular cross-section along at least a portion of its length.

[0066] Clause 6A. The system of any one of clauses 1A to 5A, wherein the treatment vessel comprises one or more blades mounted to its interior surface.

[0067] Clause 7A. The system of any one of clauses 1A to 6A, wherein the treatment vessel is positioned at an angle such that its axis of rotation is not perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

[0068] Clause 8A. The system of any one of clauses 1A to 7A, wherein the treatment vessel comprises a main body and a lid.

[0069] Clause 9A. The system of clause 8A, wherein the two fluid atomizing nozzle is mounted to the lid.

[0070] Clause 10A. A method for infusing cannabis flower with one or more terpenes, which comprises tumbling the cannabis flower within a rotating treatment vessel while exposing the cannabis flower to an atomized liquid comprising one or more terpenes.

[0071] Clause 11 A. A method for infusing cannabis flower with one or more terpenes, which comprises: placing cannabis flower in the treatment vessel of a closed-loop system of any one of clauses 1A to 9A; drawing air from the interior of the treatment vessel to an air compressor; delivering compressed air from the air compressor to a first inlet of the two- fluid atomizing nozzle; delivering a terpene liquid comprising one or more terpenes to a second inlet of the two-fluid atomizing nozzle; dispersing an atomized terpene liquid into the treatment vessel; androtating the treatment vessel to tumble the cannabis flower while exposing the cannabis flower to the atomized terpene liquid.

[0072] Clause 12A. The method of any one of clauses 10A to 11A, wherein the cannabis flower is homogenized cannabis flower.

[0073] Clause 13A. The method of any one of clauses 10A to 12A, wherein the cannabis flower is hemp flower that contains 0.3 wt% or less tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

[0074] Clause 14A. The method of any one of clauses 10A to 13A, wherein the one or more terpenes include one or more of terpinolene, alpha phellandrene, beta ocimene, carene, limonene, gamma terpinene, alpha pinene, alpha terpinene, beta pinene, fenchol, camphene, alpha terpineol, alpha humulene, beta caryophyllene, linalool, caryophyllene oxide, myrcene, beta-myrcene, delta-3 carene, ocimene, d-limonene, p-cymene, eucalyptol, gamma-terpinene, (-)- isopulegol, geraniol, cis-nerolidol, trans-nerolidol, (-)-alpha-bisabolol, borneol, humulene, phytol, sabinene and valencene.

[0075] Clause 15A. The method of any one of clauses 10A to 14A, which comprises rotating the treatment vessel at a speed of from 10 rpm to 50 rpm.

[0076] Clause 16A. The method of any one of clauses 10A to 15A, which comprises tumbling the cannabis flower within the rotating treatment vessel, while exposing the cannabis flower to the atomized terpene liquid, for a time of from 1 minute to 30 minutes.

[0077] Clause 17A. The method of any one of clauses 10A to 16A, which comprises infusing the cannabis flower with the one or more terpenes in an amount of from 1 % to 10% of the original weight of the cannabis flower before treatment.

[0078] Clause 18A. The method of any one of clauses 11A to 17A, which further comprises filtering particulates and / or one or more terpenes in an airflow path between the treatment vessel and air compressor.

[0079] Clause 19A. The method of any one of clauses 11A to 18A, which comprises filtering one or more terpenes in an airflow path between the treatment vessel and air compressor, and recovering the filtered terpenes and returning the terpenes to the terpene liquid reservoir.

[0080] Clause 20A. The method of any one of clauses 11A to 19A, which further comprises drying the air in an airflow path between the treatment vessel and air compressor and / or in an airflow path between the air compressor and the atomizing nozzle.

[0081] Clause 21 A. The method of any one of clauses 11A to 20A, which further comprises cooling the air in an airflow path between the air compressor and the atomizing nozzle.

[0082] Clause 22A. The method of any one of clauses 11A to 21 A, wherein a portion of the compressed air from the air compressor provides pressure to generate a flow of the terpene liquid to the atomizing nozzle.

[0083] Clause 1 B. A closed-loop system for cannabis flower infusion, comprising: a treatment vessel comprising an interior volume for containing cannabis flower and configured to rotate about an axis; a two-fluid atomizing nozzle configured to disperse an atomized liquid into the interior volume of the treatment vessel; a liquid reservoir in fluid communication with the atomizing nozzle; and an air compressor configured to draw air originating from the interior volume of the treatment vessel and to deliver compressed air to the atomizing nozzle.

[0084] Clause 2B. The system of clause 1 B, which further comprises one or more of a particulate filter, an oil mist filter, or a dryer disposed in an airflow path between the treatment vessel and air compressor.

[0085] Clause 3B. The system of any one of clauses 1 B to 2B, which further comprises one or more of an air cooler and an air dryer disposed in an airflow path between the air compressor and the atomizing nozzle.

[0086] Clause 4B. The system of any one of clauses 1 B to 3B, wherein the treatment vessel is a rotatable drum having a length extending between two opposite ends and having a cross-section along its length, the length and crosssection together defining the interior surface and volume of the drum.

[0087] Clause 5B. The system of any one of clauses 1 B to 4B, wherein the treatment vessel comprises one or more blades mounted to its interior surface.

[0088] Clause 6B. The system of any one of clauses 1 B to 5B, which further comprises a heating nozzle disposed in a flow path between the liquid reservoir and two-fluid atomizing nozzle.

[0089] Clause 7B. The system of any one of clauses 1 B to 6B, wherein the liquid reservoir comprises a liquid comprising one or more terpenes, a THC distillate, a CBD distillate, or any combination thereof.

[0090] Clause 8B. The system of any one of clauses 1 B to 7B, wherein the liquid reservoir comprises one or more terpenes.

[0091] Clause 9B. A method for infusing cannabis flower with one or more terpenes, THC, CBD, or any combination thereof, which comprises tumbling the cannabis flower within a rotating treatment vessel while exposing the cannabis flower to an atomized liquid comprising one or more terpenes, a THC distillate, a CBD distillate, or any combination thereof.

[0092] Clause 10B. The method of clause 9B, which comprises: placing cannabis flower in the treatment vessel of a closed-loop system of any one of clauses 1 B to 8B; drawing air from the interior of the treatment vessel to an air compressor; delivering compressed air from the air compressor to a first inlet of the two- fluid atomizing nozzle; delivering a liquid comprising one or more terpenes, a THC distillate, a CBD distillate, or any combination thereof, to a second inlet of the two-fluid atomizing nozzle; atomizing the liquid and dispersing the atomized liquid into the treatment vessel; and rotating the treatment vessel to tumble the cannabis flower while exposing the cannabis flower to the atomized liquid.

[0093] Clause 11 B. The method of any one of clauses 9B to 10B, wherein the cannabis flower is homogenized cannabis flower.

[0094] Clause 12B. The method of any one of clauses 9B to 11 B, which comprises infusing the cannabis flower with one or more terpenes.

[0095] Clause 13B. The method of clause 12B, wherein the one or more terpenes include one or more of terpinolene, alpha phellandrene, beta ocimene, carene,limonene, gamma terpinene, alpha pinene, alpha terpinene, beta pinene, fenchol, camphene, alpha terpineol, alpha humulene, beta caryophyllene, linalool, caryophyllene oxide, myrcene, beta-myrcene, delta-3 carene, ocimene, d- limonene, p-cymene, eucalyptol, gamma-terpinene, (-)-isopulegol, geraniol, cisnerolidol, trans-nerolidol, (-)-alpha-bisabolol, borneol, humulene, phytol, sabinene and valencene.

[0096] Clause 14B. The method of any one of clauses 9B to 13B, which comprises infusing the cannabis flower with THC, CBD, or a combination thereof.

[0097] Clause 15B. The method of any one of clauses 9B to 14B, which comprises rotating the treatment vessel at a speed of from 10 rpm to 50 rpm to tumble the cannabis flower while exposing the cannabis flower to the atomized liquid.

[0098] Clause 16B. The method of any one of clauses 9B to 15B, which comprises tumbling the cannabis flower within the rotating treatment vessel, while exposing the cannabis flower to the atomized liquid, for a time of from 1 minute to 30 minutes.

[0099] Clause 17B. The method of any one of clauses 10B to 16B, wherein a portion of the compressed air from the air compressor provides pressure to generate a flow of the liquid to the atomizing nozzle.

[0100] Clause 18B. The method of clause 17B, which comprises heating the THC distillate, CBD distillate, or combination thereof before atomizing the THC distillate, CBD distillate, or combination thereof.

[0101] Clause 19B. The method of clause 18B, which comprises heating the THC distillate, CBD distillate, or combination thereof to a temperature of from 15 °C to 140 °C.

[0102] Although specific embodiments were described herein, the scope of the technology is not limited to those embodiments. One skilled in the art will recognize other aspects, examples or improvements that are within the scope and spirit of the present technology. Therefore, the specific embodiments are disclosed only as illustrative examples according to the disclosure.

Claims

We claim:1 . A closed-loop system for cannabis flower infusion, comprising: a treatment vessel comprising an interior volume for containing cannabis flower and configured to rotate about an axis; a two-fluid atomizing nozzle configured to disperse an atomized liquid into the interior volume of the treatment vessel; a liquid reservoir in fluid communication with the atomizing nozzle; and an air compressor configured to draw air originating from the interior volume of the treatment vessel and to deliver compressed air to the atomizing nozzle.

2. The system of claim 1 , which further comprises one or more of a particulate filter, an oil mist filter, or a dryer disposed in an airflow path between the treatment vessel and air compressor.

3. The system of claim 1 , which further comprises one or more of an air cooler and an air dryer disposed in an airflow path between the air compressor and the atomizing nozzle.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the treatment vessel is a rotatable drum having a length extending between two opposite ends and having a cross-section along its length, the length and cross-section together defining the interior surface and volume of the drum.

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the treatment vessel comprises one or more blades mounted to its interior surface.

6. The system of claim 1 , which further comprises a heating nozzle disposed in a flow path between the liquid reservoir and two-fluid atomizing nozzle.

7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the liquid reservoir comprises a liquid comprising one or more terpenes, a THC distillate, a CBD distillate, or any combination thereof.

8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the liquid reservoir comprises one or more terpenes.

9. A method for infusing cannabis flower with one or more terpenes, THC, CBD, or any combination thereof, which comprises tumbling the cannabis flowerwithin a rotating treatment vessel while exposing the cannabis flower to an atomized liquid comprising one or more terpenes, a THC distillate, a CBD distillate, or any combination thereof.

10. The method of claim 9, which comprises: placing cannabis flower in the treatment vessel of a closed-loop system of claim 1 ; drawing air from the interior of the treatment vessel to an air compressor; delivering compressed air from the air compressor to a first inlet of the two- fluid atomizing nozzle; delivering a liquid comprising one or more terpenes, a THC distillate, a CBD distillate, or any combination thereof, to a second inlet of the two-fluid atomizing nozzle; atomizing the liquid and dispersing the atomized liquid into the treatment vessel; and rotating the treatment vessel to tumble the cannabis flower while exposing the cannabis flower to the atomized liquid.11 . The method of claim 9, wherein the cannabis flower is homogenized cannabis flower.

12. The method of claim 9, which comprises infusing the cannabis flower with one or more terpenes.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the one or more terpenes include one or more of terpinolene, alpha phellandrene, beta ocimene, carene, limonene, gamma terpinene, alpha pinene, alpha terpinene, beta pinene, fenchol, camphene, alpha terpineol, alpha humulene, beta caryophyllene, linalool, caryophyllene oxide, myrcene, beta-myrcene, delta-3 carene, ocimene, d- limonene, p-cymene, eucalyptol, gamma-terpinene, (-)-isopulegol, geraniol, cisnerolidol, trans-nerolidol, (-)-alpha-bisabolol, borneol, humulene, phytol, sabinene and valencene.

14. The method of claim 9, which comprises infusing the cannabis flower with THC, CBD, or a combination thereof.

15. The method of claim 9, which comprises rotating the treatment vessel at a speed of from 10 rpm to 50 rpm to tumble the cannabis flower while exposing the cannabis flower to the atomized liquid.

16. The method of claim 9, which comprises tumbling the cannabis flower within the rotating treatment vessel, while exposing the cannabis flower to the atomized liquid, for a time of from 1 minute to 30 minutes.

17. The method of claim 10, wherein a portion of the compressed air from the air compressor provides pressure to generate a flow of the liquid to the atomizing nozzle.

18. The method of claim 17, which comprises heating the THC distillate, CBD distillate, or combination thereof before atomizing the THC distillate, CBD distillate, or combination thereof.

19. The method of claim 18, which comprises heating the THC distillate, CBD distillate, or combination thereof to a temperature of from 15 °C to 140 °C.

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