U.S. patent application number 15/711242 was filed with the patent office on 2018-08-09 for apparatus and method for infusing and dispensing oils.
This patent application is currently assigned to Levo Oil Infusion, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Levo Oil Infusion, LLC. Invention is credited to Christina Spencer Bellman, Joseph Alexander Scaglione.
Application Number | 20180220836 15/711242 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60082989 |
Filed Date | 2018-08-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180220836 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bellman; Christina Spencer ;
et al. |
August 9, 2018 |
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR INFUSING AND DISPENSING OILS
Abstract
The present invention pertains in general to an apparatus and
method for the infusing, agitation and dispensation of oils in a
controlled manner to produce a desired potency of an infusion while
remaining below an identified maximum temperature threshold.
Inventors: |
Bellman; Christina Spencer;
(Denver, CO) ; Scaglione; Joseph Alexander;
(Denver, CO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Levo Oil Infusion, LLC |
Denver |
CO |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Levo Oil Infusion, LLC
Denver
CO
|
Family ID: |
60082989 |
Appl. No.: |
15/711242 |
Filed: |
September 21, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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15428765 |
Feb 9, 2017 |
9795246 |
|
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15711242 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47J 31/20 20130101;
B01F 15/0276 20130101; A23D 9/04 20130101; B01F 13/0854 20130101;
B01D 35/027 20130101; B01D 35/18 20130101; B01F 15/00175 20130101;
B67D 3/0061 20130101; A47J 31/41 20130101; A23D 9/02 20130101; B01D
35/1573 20130101; A23D 9/007 20130101; B01D 29/92 20130101; B01F
15/00396 20130101; B01F 13/0818 20130101; B01F 7/00041
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47J 31/41 20060101
A47J031/41; A23D 9/04 20060101 A23D009/04; B01F 15/00 20060101
B01F015/00; B01D 35/027 20060101 B01D035/027; B67D 3/00 20060101
B67D003/00; B01D 35/18 20060101 B01D035/18; B01F 15/02 20060101
B01F015/02; B01D 29/92 20060101 B01D029/92; B01D 35/157 20060101
B01D035/157 |
Claims
1. A method for creating an infusion comprising: placing infusion
material into a permeable container; placing said permeable
container into a chamber; filling said chamber with an oil-based
solvent; infusing said solvent with said infusion material; said
step of infusing further comprising churning said solvent and
heating said solvent for a predetermined length of time;
terminating said infusing step; and dispensing said solvent,
wherein said solvent comprises an oil-based solvent.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein said heating said solvent
comprises heating said solvent to a temperature no greater than
100.degree. C.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein churning said solvent further
comprises limiting a rotational speed of an agitator component to
between 70 revolutions per minute ("RPM") and 90 RPM.
4. (canceled)
5. The method of claim 1 wherein said solvent comprises a solvent
selected from the group consisting of: butter, animal fat, and
plant based oils.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein said infusion material is
contained within a prepackaged unit.
7. The method of claim 51 wherein said step of dispensing said
solvent comprises actuating a gravity-fed drain device, wherein
said step of actuating a gravity-fed drain device changes said
gravity-fed drain device from a closed-state to an open-state.
8. The method of claim 7 wherein said step of actuating a
gravity-fed drain device comprises actuating a pivoting lever,
wherein actuating said pivoting lever to a closed-state comprises
the pivoting lever pressing against a deformable tube, deforming
said tube to restrict a pathway through said deformable tube, and
wherein actuating said pivoting lever to an open-state comprises
said pivoting lever moving away from said deformable tube thereby
allowing the pathway to rebound to allow said solvent to flow
through said pathway of said deformable tube.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Divisional Application of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/428,765, entitled "Apparatus and Method for
Infusing and Dispensing Oils", filed Feb. 9, 2017, currently
pending, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 62/401,369 filed Sep. 29, 2016.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention pertains in general to an apparatus
and method for the infusing, agitation, and dispensation of oils in
a controlled manner to produce a desired potency of an infusion
while remaining below an identified maximum temperature
threshold.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The infusing of liquids, water-based and oil-based alike is
a conventional practice in many fields including homeopathic
medicine, culinary cuisine, skincare, aromatherapy, beauty,
alternative wellness and production of beverages. The infusing of
oil with infusing material to impart a flavor or chemical
characteristic is often accomplished through the immersion of
infusing material in a solvent over a period of time. Infusing that
occurs over extended periods often occurs at room temperature or in
a refrigerated environment. The infusing may alternatively occur at
high temperatures in a pot or pan for immediate use in cooking.
[0004] Infusing is the process of extracting chemical compounds,
nutrients, or flavors from plant based infusing material in a
solvent such as water, oil or alcohol, by allowing the plant based
infusing material to remain suspended in the solvent over time (a
process often called steeping). An infusion is also the name for
the resultant liquid produced from an infusion process.
[0005] The practice of infusing commonly surrounds the use of
botanicals or other plant matter that are volatile and dissolve
readily, or release their active ingredients easily in a solvent.
Examples of botanicals include, but are not limited to, dried
herbs, seeds, flowers or berries.
[0006] Steeping, a method of infusing, involves bringing a liquid
to a boil (or other desired temperature) prior to incorporation
with the botanicals. The incorporated mixture is then allowed to
soak in the liquid for a period of time. The liquid may then be
strained or the herbs otherwise removed from the liquid. Unless the
infusion is to be consumed immediately, it may then be bottled and
stored for future use. It will be appreciated that such infusions
can be useful in either standalone use or as an ingredient in
recipe or formula.
[0007] The length of time the herbs are left in a liquid depends on
the purpose for which the infusion is being prepared and the
potency of the infusion desired. The length of time for steeping
also depends upon ingredients used in the infusion. Some infusing
processes may require minutes while others require days, weeks or
longer. Typically, the infusing of fats or oil-based solvents
require much longer than other solvents.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention surrounds a method and apparatus for
infusing of liquids though heating, agitation and, dispensation of
oils in a controlled manner to produce a desired potency of
infusion. Embodiments of the present invention as disclosed provide
an infusing method and apparatus for infusing of solvents;
particularly oils. Certain embodiments provide a faster infusing
process, safer infusing of solvents or more complete use of
infusing material than existing solutions.
[0009] Typically, infusing of solvents with an infusing material
surround the use of steeping devices made of metal, plastic or
paper configured to provide an enclosed compartment with permeable
walls. Such steeping devices are typically filled and placed in a
volume of water for infusing. The permeable walls allow the passage
of the water to permit the infusing of the solvent to a desired
level. Such technologies are typically configured for the infusing
of liquids, such as water, for beverages and do not allow for
proper infusing for oil-based solvents. Due to higher viscosity,
oil-based solvents cannot flow through permeable walls configured
for the flow of water or water-based solvents. Furthermore,
oil-based solvents commonly require additional heat to reduce the
viscosity of the oil-based solvent. Adding heat may also be used to
reduce the time needed for infusing.
[0010] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide: a
heating element for solvent heating, a permeable container with
permeable surface configured to allow the flow of oil-based
solvents, and an agitator component to create flow of the oil-based
solvent through the infusing chamber.
[0011] Certain embodiments of the present invention have a
permeable container that is removably affixed to an infusion
chamber. Benefits of a removably affixed permeable container
include ease of use for filling of a permeable container with
infusing material and removal of the permeable container for
cleaning.
[0012] Some embodiments of an external surface of a permeable
container are removably affixed to an internal surface of an
infusion chamber using a magnetic connection. Certain embodiments
of a magnetic connection use a magnet and a ferromagnetic material,
while other embodiments use a plurality of magnets.
[0013] It will be appreciated that the viscosity of oil-based
solvents decreases as the solvent temperature increases. It is
advantageous elevate the temperature of an oil-based solvent to
increase the potential flow of such an oil-based solvent through a
permeable surface. It will be appreciated that oils may include,
but are not limited to: butter, animal fat, or plant based
oils.
[0014] Some proposed solutions for infusing oil-based solvents with
a infusing material use a sealed container in combination with a
heater element and an agitator. In such solutions, the agitator--of
a gear-driven or shaft-driven type--is affixed to a cap and the
agitator extending downward into the sealed container. Existing
methods aim to provide an accelerated and controllable infusing
process due to the added heat and agitation. The user adds
oil-based solvent and infusing material to the container where they
are heated by the heater element. The agitator churns the infusing
material and the oil-based solvent, which pulverizes and circulates
the infusing material within the oil-based solvent. This
pulverization of the infusing material creates infusing material
particulate. Where such methods fail surround problems in
dispensing the oil-based solvent and filtering infusing material
particulate from the infused oil-based solvent. When a user removes
the lid, the agitator that extends from the base of the cap into
the sealed container drips infused solvent when removed from the
infusing container. To dispense the infusing material and infusing
material particulate from the resultant infusion, the user pours
the heated infusion through a straining device into a second
container. This increases cleanup efforts and increases the risk of
injury resulting from spilled infusion. Furthermore, such existing
methods use agitators with blades, which cause the pulverization of
the infusing material and creates infusing material particulate.
Sometimes the infusing material particulate is too small to remove
from the infusion with a straining device. This results in an
unsightly and undesirably cloudy or dirty infusion.
[0015] Other infusing apparatuses have an agitator extending
downward from a cap into an sealed container with a gear driven or
shaft driven agitator mounted to the bottom of the sealed
container. However, residual oil-based solvent and infusing
material may adhere to the agitator of the infusing apparatus.
Residual oil-based solvent and infusing material causes difficulty
in cleanup of the apparatus and may contaminate future
infusions.
[0016] Other devices for the production of infused beverages such
as U.S. Pat. No. 4,516,484 ("the '484 Patent") to De Ponti and U.S.
Pat. No. 6,4222,133 ("the '133 Patent") to Frank, both herein
incorporated in full by reference. However, such solutions for
infusing of oil-based solvents are only intended for use with water
based liquids. The '484 Patent relies on building pressure based on
the boiling point of water under pressure. The use of oil-based
solvent in such an apparatus as disclosed in the '484 Patent may
create a hazardous scenario potentially resulting in a fire and
burn hazard to the user or those surrounding. The '133 Patent is
not suited for use with oil-based solvents. The use of a filtering
screen with small enough apertures to allow the flow-through of
oil-based solvents would filter out infusing material particulate,
resulting in a cloudy or dirty infusion. Furthermore, neither the
'133 and the '484 Patent fail to provide full infusing potential as
the infusing material is not agitated in relation to the
solvent.
[0017] Embodiments of the present invention surround an infusing
apparatus that include the use of an infusing chamber with an
agitator component on an interior surface of the infusing chamber,
a power supply, a computing device, a permeable compartment, a
heating element, and a gravity based drain device. Such embodiments
allow for infusing of a solvent with infusing material while
limiting pulverization of the infusing material within the solvent.
Furthermore, the agitator component is configured such that it does
not prevent the removal of the infusing chamber from the infusing
apparatus. This mitigates clean-up effort after an infusion is
processed. In certain embodiments, the agitator component is a
magnetically driven agitator. The magnetically driven agitator
provides churning from the bottom of the infusing chamber. A
magnetically driven agitator component also addresses some
previously discussed problems associated with gear or shaft driven
agitators. It may be desired in certain embodiments to limit the
rotational speed of the agitator component to be below 200
rotations per minute (RPM), while in other embodiments it may be
desired for the agitator component to be between 70 and 90 RPM. The
limitation of rotational speed of the agitator component serves to
prevent cavitation and other modes which may result in the aeration
of the solvent. While it is preferred that the agitator component
spins at a rate which does not create aeration of the solvent, it
will be appreciated that the RPM of the agitator component may be
adjusted infinitely within the capabilities of the agitator
component. The use of a permeable compartment allows for the flow
of solvents without the pulverization of the infusing materials,
limiting the amount of particulate deposited into the solvent.
Certain embodiments of the heating element provide constant control
to maintain elevated temperatures of the solvent but not in excess
of 100.degree. C. (212.degree. F.). By limiting the temperature of
the solvent to 100.degree. C. (212.degree. F.), this greatly
reduces the risk of injury due to contact with heated solvents,
particularly oil-based solvents. Additionally, certain solvents
such as butter and Flaxseed oil have material properties having a
boiling point slightly above 100.degree. C. (212.degree. F.). In
maintaining the temperature of the solvent to 100.degree. C.
(212.degree. F.) or less, this prevents the boiling and aeration
due to boiling of the solvent. Additional benefits of limiting
maximum infusing process temperature to a predetermined temperature
surround the use of temperature sensitive infusing material.
Certain infusing materials or solvents used in an infusing process
have a temperature threshold at which their chemical structure
changes. Examples of such chemical structure changes include, but
are not limited to, denaturation, unwanted enzymatic reactions or,
unwanted hydrolytic reactions. Setting the infusing process to a
particular temperature reduces unwanted changes in chemical
compound of those infusing materials and solvents. A gravity-fed
drain device allows for dispensing of the solvent after the
infusing process without the need to pick up, tip over or otherwise
handle or manipulate the infusing chamber. The gravity-fed drain
device limits the risk of injury due to contact with heated solvent
and reduces cleanup efforts. Other advantages of a gravity fed
drain device include the mitigation of solvent aeration when the
solvent is dispensed from the infusing apparatus. Aeration is
undesirable because it induces cloudiness of the infused solvent.
Furthermore, aeration of a solvent intended for human consumption
may accelerate spoilage of the solvent due to the air entrained in
the solvent. Some problems associated with air entrainment include
lipid oxidation and potential microorganism growth. As such, the
prevention of aeration within the solvent improves shelf-life,
quality and safety of solvents intended for consumption.
[0018] It will be appreciated that certain embodiments of the
invention may utilize prepackaged units configured to hold infusing
material. It will be appreciated that units as used in the infusing
process may allow the through-flow of a solvent while the infusing
material remains captive within the unit. It will be appreciated
that a prepackaged unit may include, but is not limited to, a pod,
cup, or other container with permeability allowing the flow-through
of a solvent. Such prepackaged units may be prefilled by a user or
third party for use in the infusing of a solvent with a desired
infusing material. Furthermore, such prepackaged units may be
configured to fit within a permeable compartment. In certain
embodiments where a prepackaged unit is configured to fit within a
permeable compartment, the permeable compartment may be used to
hold such a prepackaged unit in place allowing solvent to flow
through a permeable membrane of the prepackaged unit. It will be
appreciated that such prepackaged units may be reusable or
disposable in nature. It will be further appreciated that a
disposable or reusable prepackaged unit may be constructed of
biodegradable material.
[0019] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a
modular functionality so a user may remove components like the
agitator component, permeable compartment, infusing chamber and/or
the gravity-fed drain for ease of cleaning. Certain embodiments of
the invention use materials including, but not limited to
Polyethylene (PE), copolyesters, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
(ABS), Melamine, Nylon, Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PS),
Silicone, Glass, Ceramic, Stainless Steel or any other materials
appreciated to be appropriate for cleaning in a dishwasher
appliance.
[0020] These and other advantages will be apparent from the
disclosure of the inventions contained herein. The above-described
embodiments, objectives, and configurations are neither complete
nor exhaustive. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the
invention are possible using, alone or in combination, one or more
of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
Further, this Summary is neither intended nor should be construed
as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present
invention. The present invention is set forth in various levels of
detail in this Summary, as well as in the attached drawings in the
detailed description below, and no limitation as to the scope of
the present invention is intended to either the inclusion or
non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this Summary.
Additional aspects of the present invention will become more
readily apparent from the detailed description, particularly when
taken together with the drawings and the exemplary claims provided
herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0021] FIG. 1A--Perspective view of certain embodiments of a front
of an infusing apparatus
[0022] FIG. 1B--Perspective overhead view of certain embodiments of
an infusing apparatus in an open configuration
[0023] FIG. 2--Perspective overhead view of certain embodiments of
an infusing apparatus in an open configuration
[0024] FIG. 3A--Side view of certain embodiments of an infusing
apparatus
[0025] FIG. 3B--Perspective Cross-sectional view of certain
embodiments of an infusing apparatus
[0026] FIG. 4A--Side view of certain embodiments of an infusing
apparatus
[0027] FIG. 4B--Front Cross-sectional view of certain embodiments
of an infusing apparatus
[0028] FIG. 5--Certain embodiments of a temperature control
loop
[0029] FIG. 6A--Transparent perspective view of certain embodiments
of an infusion chamber
[0030] FIG. 6B--Perspective view of an infusing apparatus showing a
drain device and actuating mechanism
[0031] FIG. 7A--Exploded view of certain embodiments of a
gravity-fed drain device
[0032] FIG. 7B--Assembled view of certain embodiments of a
gravity-fed drain device
[0033] FIG. 8--Perspective cross-sectional view of certain
embodiments of an infusing apparatus
[0034] FIG. 9A--Perspective view of certain embodiments of a
closure mechanism in a closed-state
[0035] FIG. 9B--Perspective view of certain embodiments of a
closure mechanism in an open-state
[0036] FIG. 10--Perspective transparent view of an infusion
chamber
[0037] FIG. 11--Embodiments of a method for infusing a solvent
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0038] Certain embodiments of an infusing apparatus 100, seen in
FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, are configured for the infusing of solvents,
including oil-based solvents. Such embodiments comprise a user
interface panel 610, a hinged lid 105, and a dispensing area 112
for draining solvent after an infusing process. Certain
embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1B further comprise a lid-release
mechanism 108 and an infusing chamber 110. It will be appreciated
that in certain embodiments a user interface panel 610 comprises a
printed circuit board (PCB), central processing unit (CPU), or
other computing device to provide control, sensing, and programming
capabilities to the infusing apparatus 100.
[0039] Certain embodiments, as seen in FIG. 2, comprise an infusing
chamber 110, an agitator component 120, and a gravity-fed drain
device. In such embodiments, the infusing chamber 110 is configured
as a shell form to receive a volume of solvent for the infusing
process. The agitator component 120, disposed on a bottom surface
140 of the infusing chamber 110 provides churning through
rotational movement about an axis 135. The gravity-fed drain device
of the infusing apparatus 100 is configured to allow the
dispensation of a solvent held within the infusing apparatus 100
without the need to pick up, tip over or otherwise manipulate the
infusing apparatus 100.
[0040] In certain embodiments of an infusing apparatus 100
comprising an agitator component 200, referencing FIG. 3A and FIG.
3B, the agitator component 200 further comprises a magnetically
actuated agitator. The magnetically actuated agitator comprises a
agitator component 200 having magnetic characteristics. The
agitator component 200 is spun using a rotating magnetic field
proximal to the agitator component 200. In certain embodiments, the
agitator component 200 rests on the internal bottom surface 140 of
the infusing chamber 110 while a rotating magnetic field component
210 rests on an external side of a bottom surface 140 of the
infusing chamber 110. Such an agitator component 200, is configured
to mix and induce a rotational flow of solvent without the
pulverization of the infusing material. Furthermore, such an
agitator component 200 may be coated with a chemically inert
coating, such as a polymer or ceramic material. It will be
appreciated to those skilled in the art that an agitator component
200 may be spun using a rotating magnet in close proximity to the
agitator component as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,350,534 ("the
'534 Patent") to Rosinger, herein incorporated by reference.
Alternatively, it will be further appreciated by those skilled in
the art that a agitator component 200 may be spun using a
stationary electromagnet with a rotating electromagnetic field as
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 1,242,493 ("the '493 Patent") to
Stringham, herein incorporated by reference.
[0041] Certain embodiments of the present invention, as shown in
FIG. 3A and 3B further comprise a heater component 220 to provide
heat to a solvent held by an infusing chamber. The heater component
220 serves to provide thermal energy to a solvent during the
infusing process. It will be appreciated that such a heater
component 220 may provide heat directly to a solvent held within
the infusing chamber 110. It will be further appreciated that
alternative forms of such a heater component 220, as seen in FIG.
4A and FIG. 4B, may provide heat to the solvent 230 indirectly by
providing heating energy external to the infusing chamber 110. In
certain embodiments, the heater component 220 is external to the
infusing chamber 110 in close proximity to or in contact with the
bottom external surface 240 of the infusing chamber 110. In such
embodiments the heater component 220 applies heat energy to the
infusing chamber 110 which transfers through infusing chamber 110
to the solvent 230 by way of conduction, convection, and/or
radiation.
[0042] Certain embodiments, as seen in FIG. 2, comprise a
temperature measuring device 150 that measures the temperature of a
solvent held within the infusing chamber 110. It will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art, that the measurement of
temperature may be output to a temperature controller such as a
thermostat. In certain embodiments, a temperature controller 300,
as seen in FIG. 5, receives temperature input 350 in the form of an
electrical signal from the temperature measuring device 150 shown
in FIG. 2. The temperature input 350 by the temperature controller
300 to determine the error 310 between the temperature input 350
and the desired set-point 320. The temperature controller 300 then
performs control calculations 330 to determine the electrical
output to control the heater output 340. It will be appreciated
that a device maintaining the temperature of a solvent 230 may
comprise a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller,
thermostat or other temperature control devices known to those
known in the art. It will be appreciated that a PID controller in
such embodiments continuously calculates an error value as the
difference between a desired set point temperatures and a desired
temperature. The PID controller then attempts to minimize the error
value over time by adjustment of the power supplied to the heater
component.
[0043] It will be appreciated that a temperature measuring device
150, as seen in FIG. 2 may comprise different forms including but
not limited to an infrared thermometer, a thermistor, a
thermocouple or other temperature measuring devices known to those
skilled in the art.
[0044] Certain embodiments, as seen in FIG. 6A, comprise a
gravity-fed drain device 130. In certain embodiments, a gravity-fed
drain device 130 is connected to a bottom surface 140 of the
infusing chamber 110 and interfaces with an aperture 400 through
the bottom surface 140 of the infusing chamber 110. Such an
aperture 400 is held closed by the gravity-fed drain device 130,
preventing the passage of solvent held within an infusing chamber
110. If desired, a user may actuate the gravity-fed drain device
130 it to an open-state, to dispense a solvent held within the
infusing chamber 110. It will be appreciated that any state that
allows the passage of any amount of solvent through a gravity-fed
drain device 130 is considered an open-state. It will be also
appreciated that any state that prevents the passage of a solvent
through a gravity-fed drain device 130 is considered a
closed-state. It will be further appreciated that the actuation of
the gravity-fed drain device 130 may be a mechanically actuated or
electro-mechanically actuated depending on the nature of the
actuation mechanism. It will be appreciated that in other
embodiments, a gravity-fed drain device 130 is not limited to use
in conjunction with an aperture 400 in the bottom surface 140 of an
infusing chamber 110. It will be further appreciated that a
gravity-fed drain device 130 generally provides dispensing
functionality through an aperture located below the surface level
of a liquid.
[0045] In certain embodiments, a gravity-fed drain device 130, seen
in FIG. 6B, is mechanically actuated and comprises an actuation
mechanism 410 comprising a push-button 420 connected to the
gravity-fed drain device 130 through a series of mechanical
linkages. The push-button 420 extends through an external surface
430 of an infusing apparatus 100. The bottom of the push-button 420
is attached to a first distal end 441 of a rigid linkage 440, which
is directed toward a pivoting linkage 450. A second distal end 442
of the rigid linkage 440 is affixed to a first distal end 451 of a
pivoting linkage 450. A second distal end 452 of the pivoting
linkage 450, is on opposite side of a pivot point 460, which
disposed between the first distal end 451 and the second distal end
452 of the pivoting linkage 450. The pivot point 460 of the
pivoting linkage 450 is constrained by a rod feature 461 extending
which affixes to a planar surface 410 of the infusing apparatus
100. When the first distal end 451 of the pivoting linkage 450
traverses in a first direction, the second distal end 452 of the
pivoting linkage 450 traverses in a second direction. When the
second distal end 452 of the pivoting linkage 450, having
connection to a gravity-fed drain device 130, traverses in a second
direction, the gravity-fed drain device 130 actuates to an
open-state.
[0046] In certain embodiments, a gravity-fed drain device 130, seen
in FIG. 7A, comprises a cylindrical form 500 having a plurality of
supports 510 extending radially inward from the circumference of
the cylindrical form 500 toward the central axis 520 of the
cylindrical form. The supports 510 meet centrally, where they affix
to a first distal end 531 of a push-rod 530 extending vertically
upward from the supports 510. A second distal end 532 of the
push-rod 530 is affixed to an aperture seal 540. The aperture seal
540, disposed substantially perpendicular to the push-rod 530,
comprises a form configured to mate with an aperture 400, as seen
in FIG. 6A, and extends through the bottom surface of an infusing
chamber 110. This creates a seal between the aperture seal 540 and
the aperture 400 to prevent the passage of solvent through the
aperture 400. Referring now to FIG. 7A and 7B, a collapsible
cylindrical device 550 extends between the cylindrical form 500 of
the gravity-fed drain device 130 and the perimeter of the aperture
400 in FIG. 6A to form a seal. When the seal between the aperture
400 and the aperture seal 540, is released, solvent is permitted to
flow through the aperture 400. The solvent may then flow through
the collapsible cylindrical device 550, once again referencing FIG.
7B, and through the cylindrical form 500.
[0047] It will be appreciated that, the actuation of a
electromechanically actuated gravity-fed drain device 130, shown in
FIG. 8, may be performed with an electric actuator 600 such as a
linear actuator, stepper motor, servo motor or other electrically
actuated device known to those skilled in the art. Certain
embodiments, as seen in FIG. 8, comprise an electric actuator 600
with a closure mechanism 705 to a gravity-fed drain device 130 such
that when the electric actuator 600 is actuated, it actuates the
gravity-fed drain device 130 into an open-state. In certain
embodiments, control of the electric actuator 600 is located on a
user interface panel 610, seen in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, located on
an external surface of the infusing apparatus 100.
[0048] Certain embodiments of a gravity-fed drain device 130, as
seen in FIG. 8, comprise a tube 700 having a first distal end 710
configured to interface with an aperture 400 on bottom surface 140
of an infusing chamber 110 creating a seal. Such tube 700 has a
second distal end 720 which is directed toward a dispensing area
112 for the dispensing of an infused oil. The tube 700, has a
pathway 730 from the first distal end 710 to the second distal end
720 for the flow of infused solvent. In certain embodiments a tube
700, as shown in FIG. 8, comprises elastic or semi-elastic material
properties such that the tube may be deformed by an applied force
and rebound to original or substantially original form upon the
removal of such an applied force. In certain embodiments, the tube
700 may be deformed by lateral deflection thereby constricting or
closing the pathway.
[0049] In certain embodiments of a gravity-fed drain device, as
shown in FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B, a closure mechanism 705 comprises a
pivoting lever 750 and a spring 740. It will be appreciated that a
spring 740 as disclosed, has a first end connected to said pivoting
lever 750 and a second end affixed to a static element 741 to
provide tensile force to said closure mechanism 705. In some
embodiments, the spring 740 and pivoting lever 750 are configured
to rest in a closed- state, shown in FIG. 9A such that the pathway
730 of the tube 700 is deformed to restrict the flow of liquid. In
such an embodiment, when force is applied, the pivoting lever 750
is drawn away from the tube 700 allowing the pathway 730 to rebound
and allow the flow of liquid in an open-state shown in FIG. 9B.
[0050] In certain embodiments, a gravity-fed drain device 130, as
shown in FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B, that comprises a tube 700, a pivoting
lever 750 and a spring 740, further comprises an electric actuator
600. An electric actuator 600 in such embodiments applies a force
to the pivoting lever 750 to draw the pivoting lever 750 toward or
away from the tube 700. It will be appreciated that in certain
embodiments, as shown in FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B, the electric actuator
provides rotational motion to a cam element 760. It will be
appreciated to those skilled in the art that a cam element 760 is a
rotating or sliding piece in a mechanical linkage use in
transforming rotary motion into linear motion, or vice versa. In
such embodiments as shown in FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B, the cam element
760 comprises a plate cam form to translate rotational motion from
the electric actuator 600 to linear motion and apply force to a
surface of a push plate 765. The push plate 765 is affixed to the
pivoting lever 750, as such a force applied to the push plate 765
acts to apply force to the pivoting lever 765. It will be
appreciated to those skilled in the art that the embodiment of a
closure mechanism 705 shown in FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B rests in a
closed-state (FIG. 9A) due to residual tension applied by the
spring 740. Such an embodiment changes to an open-state (FIG. 9B)
when a force is applied through the actuation of the electric
actuator 600.
[0051] Certain embodiments of a closure mechanism 750 further
comprises a contact switch 770, shown in FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B. Such
a contact switch 770 has electrical connection to a user interface
panel 610, seen in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B. In such an embodiment, once
again referencing FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B, when a cam element 760
applies a force to a surface of the push plate 765, the pivoting
lever 750 is drawn toward the tube 700. When the pivoting lever 750
reaches a predetermined position, a surface of the push plate 765
contacts the contact switch 770, which sends an electrical signal
back to the user interface panel 610, seen in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B.
Such a signal indicates a status change of a pivoting lever 750,
shown in FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B, such as a closed-state (FIG. 9A) or
an open-state (FIG. 9B).
[0052] Certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 10, comprise a
permeable container 620 that may be placed into an infusing chamber
110. The permeable container 620 is configured to hold infusing
material such that when placed into the infusing chamber 110,
solvent held within the infusing chamber is able to flow through
the walls of the permeable container 620. In certain embodiments,
the permeable container is disposed away from a central axis 630 of
the infusing chamber 110. The flow of solvent held within the
infusing chamber 110, when churned by an agitator component 120
located at a central axis 630, is higher when offset from the
central axis 630. It will be appreciated that infusing material as
discussed herein may refer to loose infusing material or infusing
material prepackaged in forms able to be deposited within the
infusing chamber 110 or alternatively within a permeable container
620.
[0053] Certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 10, comprise a
permeable container 620 having a cap 625. Such a permeable
container 620 may be removably affixed to the interior of the
infusing chamber 110. In such embodiments, the permeable container
620 further comprises a first magnetic fixation element 780 affixed
to the exterior of the permeable container. A second magnetic
fixation element 790 is affixed to the exterior of the infusing
chamber 110. It will be appreciated that removable fixation is
achieved when the first magnetic fixation element 780 and the
second magnetic fixation element 790 are brought in proximity to
each other. It will be further appreciated that magnetic removable
fixation may be achieved with a magnet element and a ferromagnetic
element, or a plurality of magnets.
[0054] Certain embodiments of a method of infusing a solvent, shown
in FIG. 11, as discussed herein comprises the placing of infusing
material. This step involves the placing of infusing material into
a permeable container 620, seen in FIG. 2. The step of installing
1010, as shown in FIG. 11, involves the installation of the
permeable container 620, seen in FIG. 2, within an infusing chamber
110 of an infusing apparatus 100. The step of filling 1020, shown
in FIG. 11, involves adding a solvent for infusing to the infusing
chamber 110 shown in FIG. 2. The infusion step 1030, shown in FIG.
11, involves the infusing apparatus 100 set to an infusing mode by
user input through a user interface panel 610, seen in FIG. 1A. The
infusing step 1030, shown in FIG. 11, involves churning 1040 and
heating 1050 steps. The churning step 1040, churns the solvent
through the spinning of an agitator component 200 as seen in FIG.
2. In certain embodiments, the spinning of the agitator component
200, is maintained between 50 and 150 RPM while in other
embodiments the rotational speed of the agitator component 200 is
maintained between 70 and 90 RPM. Furthermore, during the heating
1050, the infusing apparatus 100, shown in FIG. 3B, heats the
solvent using a heater component 220 and maintains the solvent at a
consistent set-point temperature. In some embodiments, the heating
1050, seen in FIG. 11, maintains a solvent temperature below the
boiling point of the solvent. After a predetermined time, the step
of terminating 1060 the infusing 1030 step is executed. The
predetermined time of infusion is based upon variables such as the
infusing material and solvent used in addition to the user's
preference surrounding the potency of resulting infusion. The
predetermined time may span only minutes, or may extend beyond
several hours. Then the step of dispensing 1070 is then performed
by activating a dispensing 1070 step through the user interface
panel 610 seen in FIG. 1A. When activating the dispensing 1070
step, shown in FIG. 11, infusion flows through an aperture 400,
shown in FIG. 8 through a gravity-fed drain device 130 and into a
dispensing area 112.
[0055] Several alternative embodiments and examples have been
described and illustrated herein. A person of ordinary skill in the
art would appreciate the features of the individual embodiments,
and the possible combinations and variations of the components. A
person of ordinary skill in the art would further appreciate that
any of the embodiments could be provided in any combination with
the other embodiments disclosed herein. It is understood that the
invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing
from the spirit or central characteristics thereof. The present
examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all
respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is
not to be limited to the details given herein.
[0056] The terms "first," "second," "top," "bottom," etc., as used
herein, are intended for illustrative purposes only and do not
limit the embodiments in any way. Additionally, the term
"plurality," as used herein, indicates any number greater than one,
either disjunctively or conjunctively, as necessary, up to an
infinite number. Further, "Providing" an article or apparatus, as
used herein, refers broadly to making the article available or
accessible for future actions to be performed on the article, and
does not connote that the party providing the article has
manufactured, produced, or supplied the article or that the party
providing the article has ownership or control of the article.
Accordingly, while specific embodiments have been illustrated and
described, numerous modifications come to mind without
significantly departing from the spirit of the invention and the
scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the
accompanying Claims.
* * * * *