U.S. patent application number 16/605199 was filed with the patent office on 2020-02-06 for methods to reduce chlorophyll co-extraction through extraction of select essential oils and aromatic isolates.
The applicant listed for this patent is CAPNA IP CAPITAL, LLC. Invention is credited to Yevgeniy Galyuk.
Application Number | 20200038777 16/605199 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60157310 |
Filed Date | 2020-02-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200038777 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Galyuk; Yevgeniy |
February 6, 2020 |
Methods to Reduce Chlorophyll Co-Extraction Through Extraction of
Select Essential Oils and Aromatic Isolates
Abstract
A system, machine, and methods for selectively extracting
chemicals from plant material without co-extracting chlorophyll,
lipids and other undesirable constituents from plants, is described
here. Extraction uses super-cooled solvents, such as 100% ethanol.
The system and method provides plant extracts that are enriched in
active compounds, and depleted in chlorophyll.
Inventors: |
Galyuk; Yevgeniy; (Sherman
Oaks, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CAPNA IP CAPITAL, LLC |
Studio City |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
60157310 |
Appl. No.: |
16/605199 |
Filed: |
January 31, 2018 |
PCT Filed: |
January 31, 2018 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2018/016130 |
371 Date: |
October 14, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01D 11/0296 20130101;
B01D 11/0492 20130101; C11B 9/025 20130101; B01D 11/0292 20130101;
B01D 11/0288 20130101; B01D 11/0219 20130101; B01D 11/028 20130101;
F25B 7/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B01D 11/02 20060101
B01D011/02; C11B 9/02 20060101 C11B009/02; F25B 7/00 20060101
F25B007/00; B01D 11/04 20060101 B01D011/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 14, 2017 |
US |
15488341 |
Claims
1. A system comprising a solvent tank (1.A), an extraction tank
(1.H), a collection tank (1.I), and a plurality of fluid lines,
wherein the system is capable of extracting plant matter with a
solvent at an ultra-cold temperature, wherein this solvent is a
fluid that does not contain chemicals extracted from the plant
matter of the system, and wherein a solution is a solvent that
comprises chemicals extracted from the plant matter of the system,
wherein the system comprises: (i) An environment box (1.L) that is
capable of maintaining an ultra-cold temperature of structures,
solvents, and solutions that reside inside the environment box,
wherein the environment box surrounds and envelops the solvent tank
(1.A), the extraction tank (1.H), and the collection tank (1.I),
wherein the environment box comprises an upper surface, a lower
surface, and an interior region; (ii) Wherein the solvent tank
(1.A) is operably linked to the extraction tank (1.H) with a fluid
line; (iii) Wherein the system comprises a solvent flooding valve
(1.C) that resides in a fluid line that is operably linked with the
solvent tank (1.A) and the extraction tank (1.H), wherein opening
solvent flooding valve permits transfer of solvent from the solvent
tank (1.A) to the extraction tank (1.H); (iv) Wherein the
extraction tank (1.H) comprises an interior, an extraction tank
inlet (1.V), an extraction tank outlet (1.W), an extraction tank
upper region (1.BB), wherein opening of solvent flooding valve
(1.C) allows solvent from solvent tank (1.A) to pass through
solvent flooding valve (1.C) and through extraction tank inlet and
into extraction tank; (v) Wherein the extraction tank (1.H)
comprises a lid, door, or aperture that is capable of allowing
transfer of plant matter to interior of extraction tank; (vi)
Wherein a first fluid line leads from solvent tank to extraction
tank branching point (1.AA), and wherein a second fluid line leads
from extraction tank outlet (1.W) to said extraction tank branching
point, wherein the extraction tank branching point (1.AA) is
operably linked to extraction tank inlet (1.V), wherein the
extraction tank branching point is capable of directing solvent
obtained from solvent tank into extraction tank for extracting
plant matter with solvent, and wherein the extraction tank
branching point is capable of directing solution obtained from
collection tank outlet into extraction tank for extracting plant
matter by recirculating the solution obtained from collection tank
(1.I); (vii) Wherein the collection tank (1.I) comprising a
collection tank inlet (1.Y) and a collection tank outlet (1.Z),
wherein extraction tank outlet is operably linked to collection
tank inlet by a fluid line, wherein flow of solution from
extraction tank outlet to collection tank inlet is controllable by
in-line valve (1.E), wherein the collection tank outlet is operably
linked with a collection tank branching point that comprises a
first branch and a second branch, wherein first branch of
collection tank brandling point is operably linked by a fluid line
that is capable of transmitting solution from collection tank to
extraction tank, wherein flow of solution from extraction tank
outlet to collection tank inlet is controllable by a solution
return valve (1.D), wherein the second branch of collection tank
branching point is operably linked by a fluid line that is capable
of transmitting solution from collection tank (1.I) to evacuation
line (1.P), wherein flow of solution from extraction tank outlet to
evacuation line (1.P) is controllable by in-line valve (1.K) and,
wherein flow of solution from extraction tank outlet to evacuation
line (1.P) is configured for removing solution from environment box
and configured for transmitting solution to the evacuation tank
(1.R); (viii) Wherein regarding the solution return valve (1.D) and
the evacuation valve (1.K), the opening of solution return valve
(1.D) and closing evacuation valve (1.K) promotes or allows
recirculating of solution from collection tank to extraction tank
for the purpose of further extracting chemicals from plant matter;
and wherein closing solution return valve (1.D) and opening
evacuation valve (1.K) promotes or allows removal of solution from
all tanks and fluid lines in said environment box; (ix) Wherein the
system is capable of a first extraction of plant matter with
solvent to produce a first extract, followed by one or more
extractions of plant matter with solution that is recirculated from
collection tank to produce at least a second extract, which is
followed by a final extraction of plant matter with solvent to
produce a final extract, and wherein the collection tank (1.I) is
capable of receiving all of the first extract, the at least a
second extract, and the final extract, and wherein the collection
tank is capable of storing a mixture of the first extract, the
second extract, and the final extract.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the temperature in the environment
box is maintainable to be in a temperature anywhere in the range of
-60 degrees C. to -30 degrees C.
3. The system of claim 1 further comprising a vacuum pump (1.O) and
a plurality of vacuum lines, wherein flow of solvent from solvent
tank (1.A) to extraction tank (1.H), flow of solution from
extraction tank outlet to collection tank (1.I), and flow of
solution from collection tank outlet to evacuation line (1.P), are
each driven by vacuum from said vacuum pump.
4. The system of claim 1 further comprising a vacuum pump and a
plurality of vacuum lines, wherein flow of solvent from solvent
tank (1.A) to extraction tank (1.H), flow of solution from
extraction tank outlet to collection tank (1.I), and flow of
solution from collection tank outlet to evacuation line (1.P), are
each driven by vacuum from said vacuum pump, and wherein system
further comprises: (i) Vacuum valve (1.M) that controls suction of
vacuum from vacuum pump to upper region (1.BB) of extraction tank
(1.H); (ii) Vacuum valve (1.N) that controls suction of vacuum from
vacuum pump to upper region (1.CC) of collection tank (1.I); and
(iii) Vacuum valve (1.Q) that control suction of vacuum from vacuum
pump to evacuation tank (1.R).
5. The system of claim 1 further comprising a vacuum pump (1.O) and
a plurality of vacuum lines, wherein flow of solvent from solvent
tank (1.A) to extraction tank (1.H), flow of solution from
extraction tank outlet to collection tank (1.I), and flow of
solution from collection tank outlet to evacuation line (1.P), are
each driven by vacuum front said vacuum pump, and wherein flow of
solvent and flow of solution are not driven by any device other
than a vacuum pump, and wherein flow of solvent and flow of
solution are not driven by direct contact of solvent or solution
with any rotor, propellor, or hose subjected to peristaltic
forces.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the extraction tank (1.H)
comprises a tank liner and a false bottom, wherein the tank liner
is configured to receive and secure plant matter, wherein the tank
liner comprises a plurality of filtering apertures, optionally,
apertures of about 10 micrometers in diameter, and wherein the
false bottom is configured to secure the tank liner inside of
extraction tank and to facilitate extraction of plant matter.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein exterior surface of one or more
of solvent tank (1.A), extraction tank (1.H), and collection tank
(1.I) are covered at least in part by a cooling jacket, wherein the
cooling jacket is capable of receiving cold air or cold fluid from
a freezer.
8. The system of claim 1 further comprising an evacuation tank
(1.R), wherein the evacuation tank is outside of environment box
(1.L), and wherein evacuation line (1.P) is operably linked with
collection tank outlet and with evacuation tank (1.R), and wherein
evacuation tank is capable of receiving solution that is
transmitted from collection tank (1.I) via evacuation line (1.P) to
evacuation tank (1.R), and wherein evacuation line passes from
interior of environment box (1.L) to exterior of environment
box.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the extraction tank (1.H)
comprises an inverted cone structure (narrow side up, wide side
down), wherein the inverted cone structure is capable of supporting
a false bottom, and wherein the false bottom is configured for
supporting a tank liner, and wherein the inverted cone structure is
configured to receive and collect solution generated by extracting
plant matter with solvent, where solution falls from false bottom,
and is capable of funneling the solution to extraction tank
outlet.
10. The system of claim 1, further comprising a filter housing
(1.J), wherein the filter housing resides in the evacuation line
(1.P), wherein the evacuation line leads from collection tank
outlet (1.Z) to evacuation tank (1.R), wherein the filter housing
comprises a filter that is capable of removing particulate matter
from the solution.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the extraction tank comprises:
(i) Plant matter; (ii) Plant matter derived from a cannabis plant;
(iii) Plant matter derived from a cannabis plant and not any plant
matter derived from any other type of plant.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the solvent tank contains
ethanol that is at least 95% ethanol, ethanol that is at least 98%
ethanol, or 100% ethanol.
13. The system of claim 1, further comprising a cold air intake
rube (1.T) and a cold air intake valve (1.B), wherein the cold air
intake tube is substantially or completely located inside of the
environment box, and wherein the cold air intake tube has an
upper-end terminus and a lower-end terminus, wherein the lower-end
terminus is constitutively open to air inside of the environment
box, and wherein the lower-end terminus is positioned near interior
bottom of environmental box, and wherein the lower-end terminus is
capable of receiving cold air from interior of environment box, and
(i) Wherein the upper-end terminus is secured to upper surface of
environment box and is capable of directing passage of cold air
from interior of environmental box to fluid lines located at
exterior of environmental box, wherein cold air intake valve (1.B)
is located exterior of environment box, and the cold air intake
tube (1.T) is operably linked to a cold air intake valve (1.B), and
(ii) Wherein the cold air intake valve (1.B) is capable of being
closed in the situation where the solvent needs to be drawn out of
solvent tank (1.A) and into extraction tank (1.H) and when vacuum
from vacuum pump (1.O) is applied to top interior of extraction
tank (1.BB), and (iii) Wherein the cold air intake valve (1.I) is
capable of being opened in the situation where vacuum from vacuum
pump (1.O) is applied to collection tank (1.I) in order to draw
solution out of extraction tank outlet and to enter collection tank
inlet, wherein in the situation when cold air intake valve (1.B) is
open, and vacuum from vacuum pump (1.O) is applied to collection
tank (1.I), the open cold air intake valve (1.B) is capable of
acting as a vent to alleviate excess vacuum.
14. The system of claim 1 that comprises a plurality of solvent
tanks, wherein each of said solvent tanks is operably linked with a
corresponding solvent tank valve, wherein the system is configured
to draw solvent from only one at a time of the solvent tanks for
use in plant matter extraction, and wherein the system is
configured to switch from an initial solvent tank to a subsequent
solvent tank when the first solvent tank is emptied of solvent.
15. The system of claim 1 that includes at least one sight glass
that is located in-line of at least one fluid line.
16. A method for selectively extracting a chemical from plant
matter, wherein the extracting is accomplished by a system that
comprises a solvent tank, an extraction tank, a collection tank,
and fluid line capable of conveying solvent from solvent tank to
extraction tank for initial extraction of plant matter, a fluid
line capable of conveying a solution from extraction tank to
collection tank wherein "solution" is defined as a solvent that
contains chemicals extracted from plant matter, a fluid line
capable of recirculating solution from collection tank back to
extraction tank for further extraction of plant matter, and a fluid
line capable of transmitting solution from collection tank to an
evacuation line, wherein the system further comprises an extraction
tank inlet, extraction tank outlet, collection tank inlet, and
collection tank outlet, wherein the system further comprises fluid
line valves that comprises a solvent flooding valve (1.C), a
solution return valve (1.D), a solution collection valve (1.E), and
an excavation valve (1.K), and wherein system further comprises a
vacuum pump (1.O) that is operably linked to a plurality of vacuum
line valves, wherein the vacuum line valves comprise an extraction
tank vacuum valve (1.M), a collection tank vacuum valve (1.N), and
an evacuation tank vacuum valve (1.Q), wherein said fluid line
valves and vacuum line valves are capable of controlling the
selective transmission of solvent from the solvent tank to the
extraction tank, the selective transmission of solution from the
extraction tank to the collection tank, the selective transmission
of solution from the collection tank back to the extraction tank
for recirculation, and the selective transmission of solution from
the collection tank to the evacuation line (1.P), wherein the
extracting is accomplished by a cold solvent that is at a
temperature in the range of minus 60 degrees C. to minus 30 degrees
C., wherein the temperature is measurable by probing solvent that
resides in extraction tank, the method comprising: (i) The step of
introducing plant matter into the extraction tank; (ii) The step of
transmitting solvent from the solvent tank into the extraction
tank, resulting in a mixture of solvent and plant matter; (iii) The
step of allowing solvent to contact the plant matter that is in the
extraction tank; (iv) The step of allowing solvent to extract
chemicals from the plant matter resulting in the creating of the
solution; (v) Wherein agitation is either applied to or is not
applied to the mixture of solvent and plant matter; (vi) The step
of draining at least a portion of the solution in the extraction
tank and transmitting said at least a portion of the solution to
the collection tank to produce a solution residing in the
collection tank; (vii) The step of delivering at least a portion of
the solution residing in the collection tank back to the extraction
tank via a recirculating step; (viii) The step of allowing the
solution delivered via the recirculating step to contact and
further extract plant matter; (ix) The step of draining at least a
portion of the solution in the extraction tank from the immediately
previous step, and transmitting said at least a portion of the
solution to the collection tank; (x) The step of controlling said
fluid line valves and said vacuum line valves for allowing the
transmission of solvent from solvent tank to extraction tank,
followed by the step of controlling said fluid line valves and
vacuum line valves for allowing the transmission of solution from
extraction tank to collection tank, which is then followed by the
step of controlling said fluid line valves and vacuum line valves
for allowing the transmission and recirculation of solution from
the collection tank to the extraction tank, and eventually followed
by the step of controlling said fluid line valves and vacuum line
valves for allowing transmission of solution from the collection
tank to the evacuation line.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising a final extraction
step, wherein the final extraction step comprises transmitting
solvent from solvent tank (1.A) to extraction tank (1.H) and
allowing the solvent to extract any residual chemicals from the
plant matter, followed by transmission of solution to the
collection tank, and finally by transmission of solution from
collection tank to the evacuation line.
18. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of filling
solvent tank (1.A) with ethanol that is at least 90% ethanol, at
least 95% ethanol, or about 100% ethanol.
19. The method of claim 16, that excludes any agitation of the
mixture of solvent and plant matter, and wherein agitation is not
applied to the mixture of solvent and plant matter.
20. The method of claim 16, wherein transmissions of solvent and
solution are driven by a force originating from a mechanical
device, and where the only mechanical device that is used to drive
transmission of solvent and solution is the vacuum pump.
21. The method of claim 16 that is batchwise, wherein the batchwise
method comprises introducing plant matter into the extraction tank,
filling extraction tank with a volume of solvent, followed by
extraction of plant matter, and then followed by draining of at
least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%,
or about 100%, of the volume of solution from extraction tank to
produce a drained solution, wherein the drained solution is moved
from extraction tank to collection tank, which is followed by
transmission of at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least
80%, at least 90%, or about 100%, of solution from collection tank
back to extraction tank.
22. The method of claim 16 that is batchwise and not
continuous.
23. The method of claim 16 that is continuous, wherein the
continuous method comprises introducing plant matter into the
extraction tank, filling extraction tank with a volume of solvent,
followed by extraction of plant matter, which is then followed by a
period of time wherein solution from extraction tank outlet is
continuously circulated to inlet of extraction tank, to produce a
recirculation duration, and where volume of solvent that is
recirculated is equivalent to the volume of solvent, equivalent to
two times the volume of the solvent, equivalent to about three
times the volume of the solvent, equivalent to about four times the
volume of the solvent, equivalent to about five times the volume of
the solvent, or equivalent to greater than about five times the
volume of the solvent.
24. The method of claim 16, wherein solution is emptied from
collection tank and transmitted into the evacuation line where one
of the following conditions precedent has been satisfied: (i) After
performing the initial solvent extraction step and one or more
solution extraction steps; (ii) After performing the initial
solvent extraction step, and one or more solution extraction steps,
and the final solvent extraction step; (iii) After performing the
initial solvent extraction step and one or more solution extraction
steps, followed by emptying the collection tank, and then
performing the final solvent extraction step.
25. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of purging
solvent out of a solution produced by the steps of initial
extraction of plant matter with solvent to produce a solution,
followed by one or more steps of re-extraction of plant matter with
solution via one or more recirculation steps, and finally followed
by extracting the previously extracted plant matter with fresh
solvent to produce a final solution, wherein the final solution is
purged to remove at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least
80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% of solvent that is present in
the final solution.
26. A solution produced by the method of claim 16.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED CASES
[0001] This application claims the benefit of, and priority to,
U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/322,751 filed Apr.
14, 2016, and U.S. Ser. No. 15/488,341 filed Apr. 14,2017, the
content of which is incorporated herein by reference herein in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The disclosure relates to systems and methods for extracting
oil-containing substances such as plant matter and to oil
compositions prepared by those systems and methods.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] This present disclosure relates to ways of extracting and
concentrating cannabinoids and terpenes from plant substrates
including hemp, and particularly modifying the characteristics of
the solvent to by-pass undesired constituents of plants throughout
the extraction process.
[0004] Extraction of industrial hemp and cannabis can be done via
many methods, using a wide array of FDA-approved food grade
solvents. The most commonly used solvents are hydrocarbons such as
hexane, pentane, butane or propane. Lipid based solvents such as
canola oil, soybean oil, olive oil, flax seed oil, hemp oil are
also commonly used in hemp and cannabis extraction methods.
Supercritical carbon dioxide is also commonly used in cannabis
extraction, but the expensive machinery and the post-extraction
steps required to purify a supercritical fluid extraction (SFE)
extract of undesired plant lipids, makes SFE the least desirable
method for any commercial processor.
[0005] Several drawbacks of hydrocarbon extraction methods have
been recognized. The most prominent of these drawbacks is the
volatility of hydrocarbon solvents. The cost associated with
retrofitting a laboratory with explosion proof electronics,
ventilation fans, and the like, create enormous start-up costs.
Second, pure hydrocarbon solvents such as N-butane or N-hexane are
extremely difficult to obtain and therefore are hardly ever used
for cannabis extract production. The majority of extracts are
created with inferior, low quality butane that contains additives
and impurities.
[0006] Lipid-based extractions are safer and less hazardous to
health than hydrocarbon-based extractions, but separating the
cannabinoids or flavonoids from a lipid emulsion requires a more
thorough training in chemistry, as well as more expensive
distillation devices.
[0007] Various states and local governments are now legalizing
cannabis for medical and recreational use. This has created an
expanding market for DIY extractions which are obtained through low
quality, impure, hydrocarbons such as butane and propane. Unsafe
practices by DIY manufacturers have resulted in explosions and
fires resulting from use of hydrocarbon solvents such as butane and
propane.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0008] The present disclosure provides the following system. What
is provided is a system comprising a solvent tank (1.A), an
extraction tank (1.H), a collection tank (1.I), and a plurality of
fluid lines, wherein the system is capable of extracting plant
matter with a solvent at an ultra-cold temperature, wherein this
solvent is a fluid that does not contain chemicals extracted from
the plant matter of the system, and wherein a solution is a solvent
that comprises chemicals extracted from the plant matter of the
system, wherein the system comprises:
[0009] (i) An environment box (1.L) that is capable of maintaining
an ultra-cold temperature of structures, solvents, and solutions
that reside inside the environment box, wherein the environment box
surrounds and envelops the solvent tank (1.A), the extraction tank
(1.H), and the collection tank (1.I), wherein the environment box
comprises an upper surface, a lower surface, and an interior
region;
[0010] (ii) Wherein the solvent tank (1.A) is operably linked to
the extraction tank (1.H) with a fluid line;
[0011] (iii) Wherein the system comprises a solvent flooding valve
(1.C) that resides in a fluid line that is operably linked with the
solvent tank (1.A) and the extraction tank (1.H), wherein opening
solvent flooding valve permits transfer of solvent from the solvent
tank (1.A) to the extraction tank (1.H);
[0012] (iv) Wherein the extraction tank (1.H) comprises an
interior, an extraction tank inlet (1.V), an extraction tank outlet
(1.W), an extraction tank upper region (1.BB), wherein opening of
solvent flooding valve (1.C) allows solvent from solvent tank (1.A)
to pass through solvent flooding valve (1.C) and through extraction
tank inlet and into extraction tank;
[0013] (v) Wherein the extraction tank (1.H) comprises a lid, door,
or aperture that is capable of allowing transfer of plant matter to
interior of extraction tank;
[0014] (vi) Wherein a first fluid line leads from solvent tank to
extraction tank branching point (1.AA), and wherein a second fluid
line leads from extraction tank outlet (1.W) to said extraction
tank branching point, wherein the extraction tank branching point
(1.AA) is operably linked to extraction tank inlet (1.V), wherein
the extraction tank branching point is capable of directing solvent
obtained from solvent tank into extraction tank for extracting
plant matter with solvent, and wherein the extraction tank
branching point is capable of directing solution obtained from
collection tank outlet into extraction tank for extracting plant
matter by recirculating the solution obtained from collection tank
(1.I);
[0015] (vii) Wherein the collection tank (1.I) comprising a
collection tank inlet (1.Y) and a collection tank outlet (1.Z),
wherein extraction tank outlet is operably linked to collection
tank inlet by a fluid line, wherein flow of solution from
extraction tank outlet to collection tank inlet is controllable by
in-line valve (1.E), wherein the collection tank outlet is operably
linked with a collection tank branching point that comprises a
first branch and a second branch, wherein first branch of
collection tank branching point is operably finked by a fluid line
that is capable of transmitting solution from collection tank to
extraction tank, wherein flow of solution from extraction tank
outlet to collection tank inlet is controllable by a solution
return valve (1.D), wherein the second branch of collection tank
branching point is operably linked by a fluid line that is capable
of transmitting solution from collection tank (1.I) to evacuation
line (1.P), wherein flow of solution from extraction tank outlet to
evacuation line (1.P) is controllable by in-line valve (1.K) and,
wherein flow of solution from extraction tank outlet to evacuation
line (1.P) is configured for removing solution from environment box
and configured for transmitting solution to the evacuation tank
(1.R);
[0016] (viii) Wherein regarding the solution return valve (1.D) and
the evacuation valve (1.K), the opening of solution return valve
(1.D) and closing evacuation valve (1.K) promotes or allows
recirculating of solution from collection tank to extraction tank
for the purpose of further extracting chemicals from plant matter;
and wherein closing solution return valve (1.D) and opening
evacuation valve (1.K) promotes or allows removal of solution from
all tanks and fluid lines in said environment box;
[0017] (ix) Wherein the system is capable of a first extraction of
plant matter with solvent to produce a first extract, followed by
one or more extractions of plant matter with solution that is
recirculated from collection tank to produce at least a second
extract, which is followed by a final extraction of plant matter
with solvent to produce a final extract, and wherein the collection
tank (1.I) is capable of receiving all of the first extract, the at
least a second extract, and the final extract, and wherein the
collection tank is capable of storing a mixture of the first
extract, the second extract, and the final extract.
[0018] In a temperature embodiments, what is provided is the above
system wherein the temperature in the environment box is
maintainable in the range of -60 to -50, -60 to -45, -60 to -40,
-60 to -35, -60 to -30, -60 to -25, -60 to -20, or where the
temperature is maintainable in the range of -55 to -45, -55 to -40,
-55 to -35, -55 to -30, -55 to -25, or where the temperature is in
the range of -50 to -40, -50 to -35, -50 to -30, -50 to -25, -50 to
-20, or where the temperature is maintainable in the range of -45
to -40, -45 to -35, -45 to -30, -45 to -25, -45 to -20, or where
temperature is maintainable in the range of -40 to -30, -40 to -25,
-40 to -20, -40 to -15, and the like.
[0019] In vacuum embodiments, what is provided is the above system,
further comprising a vacuum pump (1.O) and a plurality of vacuum
lines, wherein flow of solvent from solvent tank (1.A) to
extraction tank (1.H), flow of solution from extraction tank outlet
to collection tank (1.I), and flow of solution from collection tank
outlet to evacuation line (1.P), are each driven by vacuum from
said vacuum pump.
[0020] In vacuum valve embodiments, what is embraced is the above
system, further comprising a vacuum pump and a plurality of vacuum
lines, wherein flow of solvent from solvent tank (1.A) to
extraction tank (1.H), flow of solution from extraction tank outlet
to collection tank (1.I), and flow of solution from collection tank
outlet to evacuation line (1.P), are each driven by vacuum from
said vacuum pump, and wherein system further comprises: (i) Vacuum
valve (1.M) that controls suction of vacuum from vacuum pump to
upper region (1.BB) of extraction tank (1.H); (ii) Vacuum valve
(1.N) that controls suction of vacuum from vacuum pump to upper
region (1.CC) of collection tank (1.I); and (iii) Vacuum valve
(1.Q) that control suction of vacuum from vacuum pump to evacuation
tank (1.R).
[0021] In vacuum pump embodiments, what is contemplated is the
above system, further comprising a vacuum pump (1.O) and a
plurality of vacuum lines, wherein flow of solvent from solvent
tank (1.A) to extraction tank (1.H). How of solution from
extraction tank outlet to collection tank (1.I), and flow of
solution from collection tank outlet to evacuation line (1.P), are
each driven by vacuum from said vacuum pump, and wherein flow of
solvent and flow of solution are not driven by any device other
than a vacuum pump, and wherein flow of solvent and flow of
solution are not driven by direct contact of solvent or solution
with any rotor, propeller, or hose subjected to peristaltic
forces.
[0022] In tank liner embodiments, the present disclosure embraces
the above system, wherein the extraction tank (1.H) comprises a
tank liner and a false bottom, wherein the tank liner is configured
to receive and secure plant matter, wherein the tank liner
comprises a plurality of filtering apertures, optionally, apertures
of about 10 micrometers in diameter, and wherein the false bottom
is configured to secure the tank liner inside of extraction tank
and to facilitate extraction of plant matter. Apertures can be
about 5 micrometers, about 10, about 15, about 20, about 25, about
30, about 35, about 40, about 50, about 60 about 70, about 80,
about 90, or about 100 micrometers in diameter, or any range
consisting of what is bracketed by any two of these numbers.
[0023] In cooling jacket embodiments, what is provided is the above
system, wherein exterior surface of one or more of solvent tank
(1.A), extraction tank (1.H), and collection tank (1.I) are covered
at least in part by a cooling jacket, wherein the cooling jacket is
capable of receiving cold air or cold fluid from a freezer.
[0024] In evacuation embodiments, what is provided is the above
system, that further comprising an evacuation tank (1.R), wherein
the evacuation tank is outside of environment box (1.L), and
wherein evacuation line (1.P) is operably linked with collection
tank outlet and with evacuation tank (1.R), and wherein evacuation
tank is capable of receiving solution that is transmitted from
collection tank (1.I) via evacuation line (1.P) to evacuation tank
(1.R), and wherein evacuation line passes from interior of
environment box (1.L) to exterior of environment box.
[0025] In tank liner and cone embodiments, what is provided is the
above system, wherein the extraction tank (1.H) comprises an
inverted cone structure (narrow side up, wide side down), wherein
the inverted cone structure is capable of supporting a false
bottom, and wherein the false bottom is configured for supporting a
tank liner, and wherein the inverted cone structure is configured
to receive and collect solution generated by extracting plant
matter with solvent, where solution falls from false bottom, and is
capable of tunneling the solution to extraction tank outlet.
[0026] In filter embodiments, what is provided is the above system,
further comprising a filter housing (1.J), wherein the filter
housing resides in the evacuation line (1.P), wherein the
evacuation line leads from collection tank outlet (1.Z) to
evacuation tank (1.R), wherein the filter housing comprises a
filter that is capable of removing particulate matter from the
solution.
[0027] In plant matter embodiments, it is understood that the
"plant matter" is the workpiece of the system of the present
disclosure. What is encompassed is the above system in combination
with the workpiece, where wherein the extraction tank comprises:
(i) Plant matter; (ii) Plant matter derived from a cannabis plant;
(iii) Plant matter derived from a cannabis plant and not any plant
matter derived from any other type of plant. Moreover, for all
embodiments that are described herein, what is provided are
embodiments where the workpiece is other than "plant matter," for
example, where the workpiece is a synthetic composition, where the
workpiece takes the form of bacteria or fungus, where the workpiece
takes the form of animal matter, and so on.
[0028] In solvent embodiments, the solvent tank contains ethanol
that is at least 95% ethanol, ethanol that is at least 98% ethanol,
or 100% ethanol.
[0029] In cold air intake embodiments, the present disclosure
provides a cold air intake tube (1.T) and a cold air intake valve
(1.B), wherein the cold air intake tube is substantially or
completely located inside of the environment box, and wherein the
cold air intake tube has an upper-end terminus and a lower-end
terminus, wherein the lower-end terminus is constitutively open to
air inside of the environment box, and wherein the lower-end
terminus is positioned near interior bottom of environmental box,
and wherein the lower-end terminus is capable of receiving cold air
from interior of environment box, and (i) Wherein the upper-end
terminus is secured to upper surface of environment box and is
capable of directing passage of cold air from interior of
environmental box to fluid lines located at exterior of
environmental box, wherein cold air intake valve (1.B) is located
exterior of environment box, and the cold air intake tube (1.T) is
operably linked to a cold air intake valve (1.B), and (ii) Wherein
the cold air intake valve (1.B) is capable of being closed in the
situation where the solvent needs to be drawn out of solvent tank
(1.A) and into extraction tank (1.H) and when vacuum from vacuum
pump (1.O) is applied to top interior of extraction tank (1.BB),
and (iii) Wherein the cold air intake valve (1.I) is capable of
being opened in the situation where vacuum from vacuum pump (1.O)
is applied to collection tank (1.I) in order to draw solution out
of extraction tank outlet and to enter collection tank inlet,
wherein in the situation when cold air intake valve (1.B) is open,
and vacuum from vacuum pump (1.O) is applied to collection tank
(1.I), the open cold air intake valve (1.B) is capable of acting as
a vent to alleviate excess vacuum.
[0030] In solvent tank embodiments, the present disclosure provides
a plurality of solvent tanks, wherein each of said solvent tanks is
operably linked with a corresponding solvent tank valve, wherein
the system is configured to draw solvent from only one at a time of
the solvent tanks for use in plant matter extraction, and wherein
the system is configured to switch from an initial solvent tank to
a subsequent solvent tank when the first solvent tank is emptied of
solvent.
[0031] In sight glass embodiments, the system includes at least one
sight glass that is located in-line of at least one fluid line.
[0032] In methods embodiments, the present disclosure provides the
following method, as well as compositions, extracts, solutions, and
purged solutions, provided by the following method. What is
encompassed is a method for selectively extracting a chemical from
plant matter, wherein the extracting is accomplished by a system
that comprises a solvent tank, an extraction tank, a collection
tank, and fluid line capable of conveying solvent from solvent tank
to extraction tank for initial extraction of plant matter, a fluid
line capable of conveying a solution from extraction tank to
collection tank wherein "solution" is defined as a solvent that
contains chemicals extracted from plant matter, a fluid line
capable of recirculating solution from collection tank back to
extraction tank for further extraction of plant matter, and a fluid
line capable of transmitting solution from collection tank to an
evacuation line, wherein the system further comprises an extraction
tank inlet, extraction tank outlet, collection tank inlet, and
collection tank outlet, wherein the system further comprises fluid
line valves that comprises a solvent flooding valve (1.C), a
solution return valve (1.D), a solution collection valve (1.E), and
an excavation valve (1.K), and wherein system further comprises a
vacuum pump (1.O) that is operably linked to a plurality of vacuum
line valves, wherein the vacuum line valves comprise an extraction
tank vacuum valve (1.M), a collection tank vacuum valve (1.N), and
an evacuation tank vacuum valve (1.Q), wherein said fluid line
valves and vacuum line valves are capable of controlling the
selective transmission of solvent from the solvent tank to the
extraction tank, the selective transmission of solution from the
extraction tank to the collection tank, the selective transmission
of solution from the collection tank back to the extraction tank
for recirculation, and the selective transmission of solution from
the collection tank to the evacuation line (1.P), wherein the
extracting is accomplished by a cold solvent that is at a
temperature in the range of minus 60 degrees C. to minus 30 degrees
C., wherein the temperature is measurable by probing solvent that
resides in extraction tank, the method comprising:
[0033] (i) The step of introducing plant matter into the extraction
tank;
[0034] (ii) The step of transmitting solvent from the solvent tank
into the extraction tank, resulting in a mixture of solvent and
plant matter;
[0035] (iii) The step of allowing solvent to contact the plant
matter that is in the extraction tank;
[0036] (iv) The step of allowing solvent to extract chemicals from
the plant matter resulting in the creating of the solution;
[0037] (v) Wherein agitation is either applied to or is not applied
to the mixture of solvent and plant matter;
[0038] (vi) The step of draining at least a portion of the solution
in the extraction tank and transmitting said at least a portion of
the solution to the collection tank to produce a solution residing
in the collection tank;
[0039] (vii) The step of delivering at least a portion of the
solution residing in the collection tank back to the extraction
tank via a recirculating step;
[0040] (viii) The step of allowing the solution delivered via the
recirculating step to contact and further extract plant matter;
[0041] (ix) The step of draining at least a portion of the solution
in the extraction tank from the immediately previous step, and
transmitting said at least a portion of the solution to the
collection tank;
[0042] (x) The step of controlling said fluid line valves and said
vacuum line valves for allowing the transmission of solvent from
solvent tank to extraction tank, followed by the step of
controlling said fluid line valves and vacuum line valves for
allowing the transmission of solution from extraction tank to
collection tank, which is then followed by the step of controlling
said fluid line valves and vacuum line valves for allowing the
transmission and recirculation of solution from the collection tank
to the extraction tank, and eventually followed by the step of
controlling said fluid line valves and vacuum line valves for
allowing transmission of solution from the collection tank to the
evacuation line.
[0043] In a final extraction method embodiment, what is provided is
the above method, further comprising a final extraction step,
wherein the final extraction step comprises transmitting solvent
from solvent tank (1.A) to extraction tank (1.H) and allowing the
solvent to extract any residual chemicals from the plant matter,
followed by transmission of solution to the collection tank, and
finally by transmission of solution from collection tank to the
evacuation line.
[0044] In solvent embodiments, what is provided is the above
method, further comprising the step of filling solvent tank (1.A)
with ethanol that is at least 90% ethanol, at least 95% ethanol, or
about 100% ethanol.
[0045] In agitation-free embodiments, what is provided is the above
method that excludes any agitation of the mixture of solvent and
plant matter, and wherein agitation is not applied to the mixture
of solvent and plant matter.
[0046] In vacuum-activated embodiments, what is provided is the
above method, wherein transmissions of solvent and solution are
driven by a force originating from a mechanical device, and where
the only mechanical device that is used to drive transmission of
solvent and solution is the vacuum pump.
[0047] In batchwise embodiments, what is provided is the above
method, that is batchwise, wherein the batchwise method comprises
introducing plant matter into the extraction tank, filling
extraction tank with a volume of solvent, followed by extraction of
plant matter, and then followed by draining of at least 50%, at
least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or about 100%,
of the volume of solution from extraction tank to produce a drained
solution, wherein the drained solution is moved from extraction
tank to collection tank, which is followed by transmission of at
least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%,
or about 100%, of solution from collection tank back to extraction
tank. Also provided is the above method that is batchwise and not
continuous.
[0048] In a contrasting continuous method, the present disclosure
also encompasses a continuous (non-batchwise) method, wherein the
continuous method comprises introducing plant matter into the
extraction tank, filling extraction tank with a volume of solvent,
followed by extraction of plant matter, which is then followed by a
period of time wherein solution from extraction tank outlet is
continuously circulated to inlet of extraction tank, to produce a
recirculation duration, and where volume of solvent that is
recirculated is equivalent to the volume of solvent, equivalent to
two times the volume of the solvent, equivalent to about three
times the volume of the solvent, equivalent to about four times the
volume of the solvent, equivalent to about five times the volume of
the solvent, or equivalent to greater than about five times the
volume of the solvent.
[0049] In embodiments where there are alternate times when
collection tank is emptied, what is provided is the above method,
wherein solution is emptied from collection tank and transmitted
into the evacuation line where one of the following conditions
precedent has been satisfied: (i) After performing the initial
solvent extraction step and one or more solution extraction steps;
(ii) After performing the initial solvent extraction step, and one
or more solution extraction steps, and the final solvent extraction
step; (iii) After performing the initial solvent extraction step
and one or more solution extraction steps, followed by emptying the
collection tank, and then performing the final solvent extraction
step.
[0050] In a purging embodiment, what is provided is the above
method, further comprising the step of purging solvent out of a
solution produced by the steps of initial extraction of plant
matter with solvent to produce a solution, followed by one or more
steps of re-extraction of plant matter with solution via one or
more recirculation steps, and finally followed by extracting the
previously extracted plant matter with fresh solvent to produce a
final solution, wherein the final solution is purged to remove at
least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%,
or at least 95% of solvent that is present in the final
solution.
[0051] In composition embodiments, what is provided is a solution,
purged solution, filtered solution, colorless solution,
de-colorized solution, produced by the above method. Also, provided
is a solution provided by the above method, to which a fragrance
has been added, to which a color or dye has been added, to which a
pharmaceutical agent has been added, and the like.
[0052] In embodiments, the present disclosure provides an improved
system comprising a modular ultra low, cascade type refrigeration
compressor system. What is also provided is the above system,
wherein the ultra-low refrigeration compressor unit circulates
Freon.RTM. through a coil which lines an insulated compartment,
further comprising at least a refrigerated compartment capable of
achieving temperatures between -1 degrees C. and -81 degrees C. The
refrigerant can be a Freon.RTM. compound, dichlorodifluoromethane
(Freon 12), trichlorofluoromethane (Freon 11),
chlorodifluoromethane (Freon 22), dichlorotetrafluoroethane (Freon
114), and trichlorotrifluoroethane (Freon 113).
[0053] What is also embraced is the above system, wherein the
refrigerated compartment houses a vessel in which plant material is
stored for extraction, and wherein the refrigerated compartment
houses a vessel which serves as an intermittent storage ballast for
extract rich solution, and the refrigerated compartment houses an
inline filter strainer assembly. Also contemplated is the above
system, wherein the filter housing assembly is in line with the
evacuation plumbing of the system, and wherein a 10 micron nylon,
polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or stainless steel material
filter bag is housed within the filter strainer assembly.
[0054] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides the above
system, wherein the refrigerated compartment houses at least four
solvent storage tanks. Also provided is the above system, wherein
the refrigerated compartment (Environment Box (1.L)) houses six
solvent storage tanks. Also provided is the above system, wherein
the solvent storage tanks hold 1 gallon, 2 gallons, 3 gallons, 4
gallons, 5 gallons, or 6 gallons.
[0055] Also embraced is the above system, wherein the refrigerated
compartment houses stainless steel plumbing and the plumbing
connects all of the vessels within the refrigerated compartment.
Also provided is the above system, wherein valves are positioned
onto the plumbing. Also contemplated, is the above system, wherein
the valves are positioned outside of the refrigerated compartment.
Also provided is the above system, wherein the plumbing inside the
refrigerated compartment allows for the transfer of solvent from
vessel to vessel. Also embraced is the above system, wherein the
transfer of fluid happens at ultra-low temperatures -1 degrees C.
to -81 degrees C.
[0056] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides the
above system, wherein the transfer of fluid happens via vacuum.
Also provided is the above system, further comprising a vacuum
pump, vacuum plumbing, and valving. Also provided is the above
system, which comprises of a vacuum pump and vacuum plumbing
positioned on the outside of the refrigerated compartment. Also
embraced is the above system, that further comprises a cold trap
container inside the refrigerated compartment, in line with the
plumbing connected to the vacuum pump.
[0057] In yet another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a
safer and more reliable extraction process, comprising, in
combination, a pre-processing step; a contacting step; a filtration
step; an evaporation step; a recovery step; and a purging step as
described whereby the resultory extract is substantially free of
any lipids and chlorophyll. Another aspect of the above safer and
more reliable extraction process, what is provided is that process
wherein the term solvent is defined to be 100% grain ethanol. Also
provided is that above process that includes a solvent recovery
step which can be accomplished via simple distillation or rotary
evaporator apparatus. Also provided is the above process, that
further includes a purging step under vacuum to remove remaining
solvent from the extract.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0058] FIG. 1 discloses a system, where the system includes
extraction tank, collection tank, various fluid lines, and
evacuation tank.
[0059] FIG. 2 discloses the same system as shown in FIG. 1, but
with additional structures that are exterior of environmental box,
where these additionally disclosed structures include vacuum pump
and several valves.
[0060] FIG. 3 discloses a variation of the system shown in FIG. 2,
where the variation occurs in the positioning of the vacuum line
and valve relating to vacuum pump and evacuation tank.
[0061] FIG. 4 discloses a variation of the system shown in FIG. 1
and FIG. 2.
[0062] FIG. 5 discloses a variation of the system shown in FIG. 1
and FIG. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0063] As used herein, including the appended claims, the singular
forms of words such as "a," "an," and "the" include their
corresponding plural references unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise. All references cited herein are incorporated by
reference to the same extent as if each individual patent, and
published patent application, as well as figures, drawings,
sequence listings, compact discs, and the like, was specifically
and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.
[0064] Meanings of Terms
[0065] The present disclosure provides a system that has structures
enclosed by a low temperature freezer, where the freezer maintains
low temperatures of devices within the freezer, such as solvent
tanks, extraction tank, collection tank, and fluid transmission
lines that connect these devices. The fluid transmission lines may
take the form of pipes, hoses, tubing, and the like. Also, the
system includes structures that reside outside of the freezer, such
as lines leading from a vacuum pump to extraction tank, to
collection tank, and to an evacuation tank. The evacuation tank is
preferably outside of the freezer. The terms "fluid line," "line,"
and "fluid transmission line," and the like are synonymous, unless
defined otherwise or indicated otherwise by the context.
[0066] "Derived" as in plant matter "derived" from a given plant,
refers to plant matter that is derived by one or more of
harvesting, chopping, drying, grinding, slicing, folding,
desiccating, and so on. Preferred methods of deriving are methods
that minimally damage the plant or that minimally release one or
more of oils, resins, aromatics, fat-soluble chemicals, and
water-soluble chemicals, from the plant.
[0067] A goal of the system is to extract plant matter at a
sub-zero temperature, where extraction is via a solvent such as
ethanol, and where the sub-zero temperature enables the selective
extraction of certain chemicals, but not of other chemicals, from
plant matter. The plant matter may be cannabis, and the chemicals
to be extracted are cannabinoids, and the chemicals to be left
behind and not extracted include chlorophyll. The freezer is named
"environment box." The "environment box" can take various forms,
where all of these forms are encompassed by this term, unless
expressly stated otherwise or dictated by the context. The
environment box can be an insulated box with a built-in
refrigeration unit. Alternatively, the environment box can be an
insulated box where the interior is cooled by a separate
refrigeration unit, for example, where the separate refrigeration
unit delivers cold air that is circulated throughout environment
box (or where a separate refrigeration unit delivers cold fluid via
pipeline, where pipeline is connected to a network of pipes,
serving as a heat exchanger, that reside in environment box).
[0068] In the present disclosure, the terms "extraction tank" and
"extraction vessel" refer to the same thing. Also, the terms
"collection tank" and "collection vessel" refer to the same thing.
The term "plant matter" and "plant material" refer to the same
thing, unless specified otherwise.
[0069] Table 1 provides a legend that identifies structures in the
figures. Where a structure is illustrated and identified in one
figure, and where a corresponding structure is illustrated (but not
identified) in another figure, the skilled artisan will be able to
compare the figures, and by referring to the legend will be able to
identify the corresponding structure in the other figure.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Legend Identifying Structures in the Figures
Table 1. Legend identifies structures in the figures 1.A Solvent
storage tank 1.B Cold air intake valve (airlock valve) 1.C Solvent
flooding valve 1.D Solution return valve 1.E Solution collection
valve 1.F Sight glass 1.G Ambient atmosphere sucking valve 1.H
Extraction tank 1.I Collection tank 1.J Inline filter housing 1.K
Evacuation valve 1.L Environment box 1.M Extraction tank vacuum
valve 1.N Collection tank vacuum valve 1.O Evacuation tank vacuum
pump 1.P Evactuation line 1.Q Vacuum valve 1.R Evacuation tank 1.S
Collection tank branching point 1.T Cold air intake tube 1.U Cold
air intake tube air inlet 1.V Extraction tank inlet 1.W Extraction
tank outlet 1.X Solvent tank valve 1.Y Collection tank inlet 1.Z
Collection tank outlet 1.AA Extraction tank inlet branching point
1.BB Extraction tank upper region that, when in use, comprises air
(or gas) and not any fluid 1.CC Collection tank upper region that,
when in use, comprises air (or gas) and not any fluid 1.DD
Cone-shaped portion of extraction tank. Cone-shaped portion may be
an integrated part of extraction tank, or it may be an "add-on"
that is attached to bottom of extraction tank 1.EE False bottom
[0070] Workpieces and Solvents
[0071] A preferred workpiece of the present disclosure takes the
form of plant matter. The plant substrate is preferably dry. Drying
methods are not crucial for the extraction process. Typically the
plant matter is gently ground to a particle size below 0.5
cm.sup.2. Mechanical grinding or chopping is not recommended as it
opens up cells anti undesired co-extracted chemicals can enter the
solution. Lignans, sugars, and chlorophyll are some of the
co-extracted chemicals found in machine ground plant material
extracts. The process for grinding, preferably non-mechanical
grinding, should be as gentle as possible. The present disclosure
provides an extract produced by processing plant matter by the
system and method of the present disclosure. Also, the present
disclosure provides composition comprising one or more refined
chemicals, as derived from and produced by processing plant matter
by the system and method of the present disclosure.
[0072] For extraction, 100% ethanol is preferred. Our data has
shown that at a ratio of 90% ethanol/10% water, a hydrosol begins
to form during the reduction phase (evaporation of ethanol from
oil). Although this is not a problem for the extraction process
itself, it is a problem for extract post processing. The water must
then be separated from the oil. Likewise, the water content in the
extract tends to trap some of the water soluble essentials such as
terpenes. This can be a problem for operators who intend to produce
a full spectrum extract and do not want to lose any essential oils
to post processing.
[0073] In exclusionary embodiments, the present system, method, and
compositions produced by the system, can exclude any system and
method where ethanol is not used for extracting, and can exclude
any system and method where ethanol is used for extracting but
where the ethanol is not 100% ethanol. Also the present system and
method can exclude any system and method, where a hydrosol is
formed.
[0074] Contact time is typically limited to how long it takes to
build ideal vacuum for collection procedure, and this is preferably
about 30 seconds. The recirculation procedure requires 5-7
recirculations of the solution over the plant material, this would
equate to 30 seconds.times.7 equals about 4 minutes of actual
contact time. But, since the solution is constantly poured over the
plant material, and about 20% of the ethanol introduced into the
material is actually retained in the material, the plant material
is constantly soaked in solution. Once that material is thoroughly
wetted through recirculation procedures, it is then rinsed with a
fresh batch of ethanol. The clean rinse volume is determined by the
operator based on the amount of material placed in the extraction
vessel. Usually that is 30% of ethanol to overall weight of
material based on a ratio of 1 gallon=1 pounds of plant
material.
[0075] Extraction preferably batchwise. In exclusionary
embodiments, the system and methods of the present disclosure can
exclude any extraction method, any system that performs an
extraction method, and any composition prepared by that system,
where extraction is by a process other than batchwise.
[0076] The time for extraction is only determined by the operator
and his familiarity with the system. A skilled extraction operator
can turn an extraction around in about 15-20 minutes. Turnaround
time is limited by how long it takes to get to an appropriate
amount of vacuum in a vessel to engage a strong flow. This can vary
with different vacuum pumps. A 8 cfm vacuum pump will take longer
to reach optimal vacuum than a 16 cfm vacuum pump.
[0077] Ideal vacuum for Hooding procedure: -20 inches of mercury
(inhg). Ideal vacuum for recirculation procedure: -20 inches of
mercury. Ideal vacuum for collection procedure: -28 inches of
mercury. Ideal vacuum for evacuation procedure: -28 inches of
mercury.
[0078] Plurality of Solvent Storage Tanks
[0079] System of the present disclosure can comprise one or more
solvent storage tanks, where each solvent storage tank is operably
linked with a corresponding solvent storage tank valve. In use,
only one solvent storage tank is used at a time, that is, for
providing solvent to Extraction Tank (1.H). Preferably, each
solvent storage tank holds six U.S. gallons. Preferably, system of
the present disclosure includes four solvent storage tanks, each
with a corresponding storage tank valve. In one aspect, all solvent
storage tanks are situated inside of Environment Box (1.L), thereby
ensuring that the solvent is kept at the same temperature as that
inside the environment box. For initiating delivery of solvent to
Extraction Tank (1.T) and for continuing delivery of solvent to
extraction tank, cold air intake valve (1.B) is closed, solvent
flooding valve (1.C) is opened, and vacuum from vacuum pump is
applied to Extraction Tank. In a preferred embodiment, vacuum
applied to Extraction Tank is minus 20 inches of mercury.
[0080] Cold air intake valve (1.B) is alternatively called, airlock
valve or gate valve.
[0081] In embodiments, the present disclosure provides a system
that comprises one solvent storage tank, two, three, four, five,
six, seven, eight, nine, or ten, and the like, solvent storage
tanks. The one or more solvent storage tanks of the present
disclosure are all housed inside of Environment Box (1.L). In
exclusionary embodiments, the present disclosure can exclude any
system, device, apparatus, or method, that comprises one or more
solvent storage tanks and where at least one of the solvent storage
tanks is not enclosed by an environment box. Regarding the present
disclosure, an environment box is an airtight enclosure, optionally
shaped like a box, that substantially prevents exchange of
environmental air with air inside of environment box, and
substantially reduces warming of objects, fluids, and plant matter
inside of environment box. This reduced warming is accomplished by
reducing transfer of heat originating from environmental air to air
inside of environment box. Environmental air refers, for example,
to room-temperature air that occurs in parts of the laboratory
where laboratory personnel conduct their work. "Environmental air"
is not the same as air inside of environment box. This definition
of air does not refer to molecules and atoms that constitute the
air, but instead refers to the location of the air.
[0082] Branching Points Residing at Extraction Tank Inlet and at
Collection Tank Outlet
[0083] Regarding flow of solution downstream of collection tank
outlet, the relative flow at collection tank branching point, that
is, towards the left branch or to the right branch, is controlled
by evacuation valve (1.K) and solution return valve (1.D). Closing
evacuation valve (1.K) and opening solution return valve (1.D)
allows or promotes recirculation of solution from collection tank
back to extraction tank. Regarding the flow of solvent and the flow
of solution through extraction tank inlet and into extraction tank
(1.H), the relative flow at extraction tank branching point, that
is, from solvent tank to extraction tank inlet or from collection
tank to extraction tank inlet, is controlled by solution flooding
valve (1.C) and solution return valve (1.D). In short, opening
solution flooding valve (1.C) and closing solution return valve
(1.D) promotes or allows transmission of solvent from solvent tank
into extraction tank. Conversely, closing solution flooding valve
(1.C) and opening solution return valve (1.D) promotes
recirculation of solution from collection tank into the extraction
tank, for the purpose of further extracting plant matter.
[0084] Alternative to Branching Point Structures
[0085] Instead of using the branching point structure, the present
disclosure provides system where extraction tank branching point
and extraction tank inlet is replaced by two extraction tank
inlets, where the first extraction tank inlet is dedicated to
receiving solvent from solvent tank, and the second extraction tank
inlet is dedicated to receiving solution from collection tank. Also
the present disclosure provides system where collection rank
branching tank and collection tank outlet is replaced by two
collection tank outlets, where first collection tank outlet is
dedicated to transmitting solution from collection tank back to
extraction tank (recirculating the solution), and the second
collection tank outlet is dedicated to transmitting solution from
collection tank to evacuation line. In exclusionary embodiments,
the present disclosure can exclude a system or device that
comprises a branching point.
[0086] Generally Regarding Valves
[0087] The valves shown in the figures include 3/4 inch compression
valves, 1/2 inch compression valves, and 1.5 inch sanitary
butterfly valves. For the sake of the PID, it may not be critical
to utilize any particular design of the valves. In a preferred
embodiment, all of the valves are hand powered. The system is
manual and requires an operator to perform the extraction. The
jacketed system built by the inventors is an automated system and
has pneumatic actuators on the valves. The actuators are powered by
compressed air, passed through a solenoid actuated by a PLC.
[0088] The valves act to either isolate or engage flow. The flow
can be of air, vacuum, or liquid. All valves are quarter turn
valves that either open or close. No metering is done by the valves
on these systems. The direction of flow is determined by the vacuum
being applied. If vacuum is applied to extraction vessel, opening a
valve on a wet line will draw solution or ethanol into that
extraction tank. Likewise, if vacuum is applied to collection
vessel, a valve will start or stop the flow of liquid to that
tank.
[0089] Preferred Uses Inside of Environment Box and Outside of
Environment box
[0090] In embodiments, the temperature of the internal cold
compartment of the environment box is displayed on a LCD screen on
the HMI of the compressors. This temperature reading is enough for
an operator to know that the machine is ready for operation.
Optionally, thermocouples can be placed into the various tanks and
plumbing to monitor the temperatures at every step. A system and
method that employs thermocouples is not preferred. The present
disclosure can exclude any system and method that employs
thermocouples, for example, to monitor the temperature of fluids
inside fluid lines and inside tanks or vessels.
[0091] If the overall temperature of the system is below -50C we
know that it is ready for operation. The typical temperature
setting on the system is -60C. Having the freezer compartment set
below -45C (ideal temperature for extraction) allows for cooling
compensation. Some of the wet plumbing must be externalized due to
the positioning of the valves. As we recirculate the solution
throughout the system, it tends to warm ever so slightly. We always
set the freezer component to a lower temperature to compensate for
that warming.
[0092] Referring to FIG. 1, illustrated is an inventive vessel--wet
plumbing and freezer compartment assembly which has produced
advantageous results. Super-cooling processes have driven these
advantageous results with this system. Solvent Storage Tank (1.A)
is operatively and communicatively linked to cold air intake valve
(1.B) via known lines to those skilled in the art as shown. Solvent
flooding valve (1.C) then runs via lines to the solution return
valve (1.D) as shown above Extraction Tank (1.H). Solution
collection valve (1.E) is then ported through sight glass (1.F) and
down to Extraction Tank (1.I) and is connected to inline filter
housing (1.J) along to evacuation valve (1.K).
[0093] FIG. 1 shows an inlet at the top of Extraction Tank (1.H).
Extraction tank inlet can receive solvent from solvent flooding
valve (1.C) is open (and solution return valve (1.D) is closed),
and it can receive solution when solution return valve (1.D) is
open (and solvent flooding valve (1.C) is closed). The term
"solvent" or "clean solvent" refer to solvent prior to exposure to
any plant material. The term "solution" refers to any solvent that
has been contacted with any plant material. Where any "solution" is
recirculated and used to extract a partially extracted plant
material, this "solution" is still called a "solution" and is not
called a "solvent."
[0094] The following explains what controls the proportion of
material passing through solvent flooding valve (1.C) versus
material passing through solution return valve (1.D). The plumbing
is arranged in such a way that two wet lines are connected to a
single port at the top of the lid. Once vacuum is built in the
Extraction Tank (1.H), valve (1.C) will open the flow of clean
ethanol from a Solvent Storage Tank. Likewise, valve (1.D) will
engage the flow of solution from the Collection Tank (1.I), back
into the Extraction Tank for what is called the "recirculation
procedure." The detailed arrangement of the plumbing allows a
single port to double as the flooding and recirculating channel.
These valves work independently of one another and are never used
to flood the Extraction Tank with BOTH, clean ethanol and solution
at the same time.
[0095] The following concerns the proportion of material passing
through valve (1.C) versus material passing through valve (1.D).
There is never a time when BOTH clean ethanol and solution are
delivered into the Extraction Tank at the same time. Clean ethanol
introduction and solution recirculation happen at different stages
of the extraction process. Clean solvent is introduced into the
Extraction tank as very FIRST step in the extraction process.
Afterwards, a recirculation of the solution over the plant material
is what allows maximum extraction efficiency. After a thorough
recirculation procedure, another clean batch of ethanol can be
introduced into the Extraction Tank to perform a "final cleanse" or
"final wash" of the plant substrate. This "final wash" frees up any
solution saturated in actives from the plant substrate.
[0096] Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a system and
method, where clean solvent, such as clean ethanol, is delivered as
an "initial batch" into an Extraction Tank as the very first step
in the extraction process, followed by one or more steps where
clean solvent is not delivered into the Extraction Tank but instead
there is a recirculation of solution (solution comprising
substances extracted from the plant matter) over the plant
material, and where this recirculation provides for maximum
extraction of chemicals from the plant matter. After the one or
more steps where there is recirculation of solution comprising
substances extracted from the plant matter, in some embodiments
there is not any further extraction using clean solvent, while in
other embodiments, there is a final extraction (final cleanse,
final wash) of the plant matter with a "final batch" of clean
solvent. The "initial batch" can be delivered all at once, or as
more than one consecutive smaller batches, or as two consecutive
smaller batches, or as three consecutive smaller batches, and so
on. The "final batch" can be delivered all at once, or as more than
one consecutive smaller batches, or as two consecutive smaller
batches, or as three consecutive smaller batches, and so on.
[0097] Introducing Plant Matter into the Extraction Tank
[0098] Extraction Tank has a lid. This lid is attached to
Extraction Tank via a hinge. The lid opens, allowing tank liner to
be inserted into Extraction Tank. Plant material can be top fed, or
it can be placed into the tank liner prior to inserting into
Extraction Tank. The tank liner is a combination of two polyester
materials: a rough, 70 US mesh outer shell, and a fine 508 US mesh
inner lining that acts as the filter. The tank liner can be
cylindrical, where it resembles in general form and function, a
cylindrical coffee filter that is placed into an extraction chamber
that has a cylindrical conformation. More familiar are conical
coffee filters with a conical extraction chamber, and the tank
liner of the present disclosure can also be conical, where it is
placed inside a chamber having a conical conformation. Whatever the
overall shape, the tank liner is porous, and optionally has both an
inner shell and an outer shell.
[0099] In the flooding procedure, super-cooled ethanol is drawn
from Solvent Tank by vacuum into Extraction Tank at a preferred
vacuum of minus 20 inches mercury. After passage of solvent (e.g.,
ethanol) or solution through extraction tank outlet, solvent or
solution can be dispersed over plant matter out of one aperture,
out of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 apertures, out of 10-20
apertures, out of 100-200 apertures, out of 200-1000 apertures, or
out of a plurality of apertures, or out of greater than 10
apertures, or greater than 100 apertures, or greater than 1000
apertures. System can be configured so that the solvent or the
solution is dispensed as a gushing fluid, as a dripping fluid, as a
spray, as a mist, or as any combination of the above, as any of the
above in a continuous manner or as any of the above in an
intermittent manner.
[0100] For each extraction step, that is, with either solvent or
with solution, available volume in Extraction Tank can be filled to
about 2%, about 4%, about 6%, about 8%, about 10%, about 15%, about
20%, about 30%, about 40%, about 50%, about 60%, about 70%, about
80%, about 90%, about 95%, about 100%, or to a volume that consists
of a range defined by any two of the above percent values.
[0101] For transfer of solution from Extraction Tank to Collection
Tank, preferred vacuum is minus 28 inches mercury. For
recirculating step, solution from Collection Tank is drawn to
Extraction Tank at a preferred vacuum of minus 20 inches mercury.
For filling Evacuation Tank, preferred vacuum is minus 28 inches
mercury. For the step of filling Evacuation Tank, solution can be
drawn from only Collection Tank (in the situation where solution
from Extraction Tank has already been transferred to Collection
Tank). Alternatively, for filling Evacuation Tank, solution can be
simultaneously drawn from both Extraction Tank via valve (1.E) to
Collection Tank, and finally to Evacuation Tank.
[0102] Regarding the false bottom that is used to support tank
liner, FIG. 1 shows a false bottom in the shape of a disc.
Alternatively, or in addition, false bottom can take the form of an
inverted cone (pointy side up, broad circular end down). False
bottom has apertures or perforations that are preferably 2
millimeters in diameter. The liner, which contains plant matter,
can reside directly on top of disc-shaped false bottom or directly
on top of inverted cone false bottom.
[0103] Branching Points in Flow Lines and Coordinated Opening and
Closing of Valves
[0104] This concerns the branching point at the outlet to
Collection Tank (1.I), and it concerns valve (1.D) and valve (1.K).
Direction of flow is controlled only by whichever direction vacuum
is applied. Transfer of solution from Collection Tank (1.I) to
Extraction Tank (1.H) is propelled by vacuum in Extraction Tank
(1.H) and by opening of valve (1.D). Here, this vacuum and valve
opening drives flow to the leftward direction at the branching
point. But if vacuum is applied at valve (1.K) and if valve (1.K)
is open, then flow is driven at the branching point to the
right.
[0105] In embodiments, the system and method of the present
disclosure is capable of simultaneously opening valve (1.D) and
closes valve (1.K). Also, the system and method of the present
disclosure is capable of simultaneously closing valve (1.D) and
opening valve (1.K). In some embodiments, the vacuum coming from
Extraction Tank (1.H) is continuous where opening of valve (1.D) is
the sole control that forces solution at the branching point to the
left. But in other embodiments, vacuum coming from Extraction Tank
(1.H) is turned on, or is increased, and where opening of valve
(1.D) allows solution at the branching point to travel to the left.
In exclusionary embodiments, the present invention can exclude any
system, method, or composition made by the system or method, that
does not include one or both of the above mechanisms that control
flow at the branching point.
[0106] Regarding valve (1.K) and vacuum applied downstream of valve
(1.K), in some embodiments vacuum is continuous and the sole
control that forces solution at the branching point to the right is
opening of valve (1.K). But in other embodiments, vacuum applied
downstream of valve (1.K) is turned on, or is increased, and where
opening of valve (1.K) allows solution at the branching point to
travel to the right. In exclusionary embodiments, the present
invention can exclude any system, method, or composition made by
the system or method, that does not include one or both of the
above mechanisms that control flow at the branching point.
[0107] Recirculating Solution from Collecting Tank Back to
Extraction Tank
[0108] This concerns use of Collection Tank (1.I) as an
"intermittent holding vessel that allows for closed loop
recirculation." In exclusionary embodiments, the present disclosure
can exclude any system, method, or products made with the system or
method, where the system or method does not have any "intermittent
holding vessel that allows for closed loop recirculation." In
detail, vacuum can be applied to Collection Tank (1.I) which draws
solution from Extraction Tank (1.H). The reverse of this flow can
be accomplished, by creating a vacuum in Extraction Tank (1.H)
which pulls or draws solution from Collection Tank (1.I). Flow from
Extraction Tank (1.H) to Collection Tank (1.I) is via the pipe (or
hose, conduit) that communicates from bottom (outlet) of Extraction
Tank (1.H) to top (inlet) Collection Tank (1.H). The reverse flow,
is via the pipe (hose, conduit) that communicates from bottom
(outlet) of Collection Tank (1.H) to top (inlet) of Extraction Tank
(1.H).
[0109] This concerns recirculation. Once the clean ethanol enters
Collection Tank (1.H) and contacts plant material, it immediately
becomes a "solution." Any time we refer to "recirculating" it must
be a recirculation of a solution and not of a clean solvent. The
solution stays chilled as it is housed in a controlled environment
which maintains a temp below -50 degrees C. The entire process
happens at these temperatures. Flooding of plant material with
solvent, recirculation of the solution over the plant material, and
filtration happen at a pre-determined temperature which allows us
to lock out water-soluble molecules.
[0110] In exclusionary embodiments, the present disclosure can
exclude any system, method, or compositions prepared by the system
or method, where there is not any recirculation with a solution
bearing compounds extracted from plant matter. Also, what can be
excluded is any system, method, or composition that is prepared,
where filtration is not at a temperature (or not at a
pre-determined temperature) that locks out water-soluble
molecules.
[0111] In exclusionary embodiments, the present disclosure can
exclude any system or method that uses a mechanism tor driving
fluids that operates other than by applying vacuum, for example,
the present disclosure can exclude any system or method that uses a
mechanism for driving fluids that is a centrifugal pump, rotary
vane pump, screw pump, peristaltic pump, and the like. Pumps
suitable for the present disclosure can include (or exclude)
centrifugal pump, twin screw pump, 3-spindle screw pump,
peristaltic pump rotary vane pump, valve pump. Pumps and valves are
available from, e.g., ITT Bornemann, Germany; SPXFLOW, Delavan,
Wis.; Flomatic Corp., Glens Falls, N.Y.; CLA-VAL, Costa Mesa,
Calif.; Fisher Scientific; Singer, Surrey, British Columbia).
[0112] Agitation and Stirring
[0113] This concerns agitation, as it applies to stirring, jets of
fluid, vibration, shaking, rocking, and the like, as it applies to
the Extraction Tank and contact of solvent with plant material in
the Extraction Tank. In exclusionary embodiments, the present
disclosure can exclude any system, apparatus, method, or
composition prepared by the system or method, that includes
agitation or that includes a device capable of subjecting a solvent
or solution to agitation.
[0114] By way of definition, the term "agitation" as it applies to
agitation of plant matter, of plant material, or of a mixture of
solvent and plant matter, the term "agitation" intentionally does
not take into account (and excludes) agitation caused by vibration
that is found throughout many buildings resulting from passage of
air through heating vents, resulting from nearby vehicular traffic,
and the like. Also, by way of definition, the term "agitation"
intentionally does not take into account and excludes any agitation
caused by dripping of solvent out of input valve and over any plant
matter residing in Extraction Tank, and excludes any agitation
caused by dripping of fluids from one fragment of plant material on
to another fragment of plant material.
[0115] Extracting Oils and Other Chemicals from Plant Matter
[0116] This concerns using a solvent for extracting plant material,
and where oils are extracted into the solvent. Where an oil is
extracted into a solvent to produce a solution that is rich in
active ingredients, such as active ingredients that comprise
cannabinoids, any oil, or any oily material, or any lipophilic
substances, in the solution can be removed by an ancillary device.
The ancillary device can be a rotary evaporator or a falling film
evaporator. Falling film evaporators, rotary evaporators,
distilling apparatus, and other separation equipment are available
from, e.g., Thermal Kinetics, Amherst, N.Y.; Hebeler Process
Solutions, Tonawanda, N.Y., Fischer Scientific, and Thomas
Scientific.
[0117] Steps in Methods of the Present Disclosure
[0118] FIG. 4 also shows the plumbing and how the prior arts
systems were improved, while FIG. 5 shows optimized systems for
select moieties, as discussed above. FIG. 4 shows control valves 1,
2, 3, 4 and 6 with gale valve 4, vacuum gauge 1D. In FIG. 5, the
vacuum pump is attached via plumbing to three vessels in the
system. Extraction vessel, collection vessel, and an external
evacuation vessel. In FIG 5. They're referred to as Material Pot
(extraction vessel), Collection Pot (collection vessel), and Vacuum
Vessel (evacuation vessel). Each one of these vessels has a vacuum
port that connects plumbing and a valve to the vacuum pump. The
evacuation vessel is external and allows us to evacuate the
solution from the system via vacuum assist. The evacuation vessel
is connected to valve 1.K from FIG. 1.
[0119] In FIG. 4, the horizontal fluid line shown at the very top
connects valve 1 to valve 2, and serves as the recirculation pipe
as well as the evacuation pipe. This line transmits from the
collection vessel to the extraction vessel. This line also serves
as the evacuation line, when steps are taken for evacuation. In
FIG. 1, that pipe line starts below the Collection Tank and splits
to the left and right. The branch to the left leads to valve 1.D,
and the branch to the right leads to valve 1.K.
[0120] In FIG. 4, the vacuum is always applied to the air space of
the tanks (the vacuum line does NOT connect into the wet
plumbing.)). The inventor's believe that at the temperatures at
which the system is operated, the ethanol actually has a negative
vapor pressure and is absorbing moisture from atmosphere. The
inventors do not typically sense any ethanol vapor being evacuated
from the vacuum pump.
[0121] In FIG. 5, the Material Pot does the same thing as
Extraction Vessel shown in FIG. 4. In FIG. 5, the Collection Pot
does the same thing as Collection Vessel that is shown in FIG.
4.
[0122] Vacuum Gauge and Advantage of Vacuum Assist
[0123] The abbreviation "VG" as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 means,
"vacuum gauge." Both the Extraction Vessel and the Collection
Vessel have a vacuum gauge to determine how much vacuum is in
either tank at any given time. The vacuum level is a visual cue to
the operator, as to when to open a valve and when to close the
valve. An advantage of using vacuum for driving flow of solvent and
of solutions through fluid lines and into and out of various tanks,
is that vacuum assist does not create flammable aerosols.
[0124] As discussed in Ser. No. 62/322,751, Step 3 of the present
invention includes for the necessary amount of contact time between
plant substrate and solvent to create a heavy yielding extract
solution. Contact time should be carried out at a temperature range
of -30 degrees C. to -50 degrees C.
[0125] Step 4 of the present invention includes a filtration step
to remove all plant material from the solvent. This step is carried
out at a temperature range of -30 degrees C. to -50 degrees C.
[0126] Step 5a of the present invention includes a process for
reduction of the concentrate solution by means of atmospheric
evaporation of the solvent.
[0127] Step 5b of the present invention includes a process for
recovery of the solvent from the concentrate solution.
[0128] Step 6a and 6b of the present invention include a process by
which a concentrate can be purged of solvent to produce a
nutraceutical in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0129] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of the method which includes the use
of an extraction apparatus in accordance with the present
disclosure.
[0130] Steps 1 and 2 include the pre-processing step of freezing
solvent and plant substrate to desired temperature between -30
degrees C. and -50 degrees C.
[0131] Step 3 of the present invention includes the pre-processing
step of chilling the extraction apparatus to a temperature between
-30 degrees C. and -50 degrees C. via cryo chiller.
[0132] Step 4 of the present disclosure requires the chilled
solvent to be added to pre-chilled Extraction Tank.
[0133] Step 5 of the present disclosure requires the chilled plant
substrate to be added to Extraction Tank.
[0134] Step 6 of the present disclosure includes allowing the
solvent to contact the plant substrate for a desired time between 1
minute and 60 minutes.
[0135] Step 7a of the present disclosure includes a solvent
evacuation step via positive pressure.
[0136] Step 7b of the present disclosure includes a solvent
evacuation step via negative pressure.
[0137] Step 8 of the present disclosure includes a process in which
the solvent and plant substrate are separated via inline
filtration.
[0138] Steps 1 and 2 of the flow chart represent a pre-processing
step which includes a method of chilling the solvent and plant
substrate to a desired temperature between -1 degrees C. and -50
degrees C., preferably in a range between -30 degrees C. and -50
degrees C., ideally in a range between -40 degrees C. and -45
degrees C. In one embodiment of the present invention, step 1 can
be carried out via ultra-low freezer set to preferred temperature.
In another embodiment of the present invention, step 1 can be
carried out via re-circulating cryo chiller connected to a holding
vessel filled with solvent.
[0139] Step 2 of a process of the present disclosure can be carried
out via ultra-low freezer wherein the plant substrate is stored in
the ultra-low freezer to achieve the desired temperature between
-40 degrees C. and -45 degrees C. Step 2 of FIG. 1 in the present
invention includes, the plant substrate is placed inside of a micro
mesh bag and inserted into the Extraction Tank of prior to step 3
of FIG. 1 of the provided method.
[0140] Step 3 of a process includes that the Extraction Tank is
stainless steel, aluminum, borosilicate, or ptfe. Step 3 of FIG. 1
includes that the Extraction Tank is set inside of a freezer able
to maintain the desired temperate of -50 degrees C. Step 3 of FIG.
1 includes the addition of chilled solvent to Extraction Tank. Step
3 of FIG. 1 includes a contact time between solvent and plant
substrate to allow desired solubles to enter the solvent and create
a solution rich in essential oils, cannabinoids and terpenes. Step
third includes that the desired contact time is between 1 minute
and 60 minutes, preferably between 3 and 10 minutes, ideally
between 2 and 5 minutes.
[0141] Step 4 includes a method for separating the cannabinoid rich
solution from plant substrate. Step 4, includes a Collection Tank
(1.I) is placed into the freezer in which Step 3 of was carried
out. Step 4 of includes that a strainer is placed onto the
Collection Tank and the plant substrate is placed into the strainer
to allow for a gravity assisted drain. The draining process must be
carried out in the preferred temperature range of -40 degrees C.
and -45 degrees C. to exclude the co-extraction of lipids and
chlorophyll during the Step of described. In another embodiment of
Step 4. the plant substrate held in a micron bag through Step 3. In
this embodiment the plant material is removed with the micron bag.
in another embodiment of Step 4 the micron bag filled with the
plant substrate is placed inside the strainer to allow the residual
solvent to drain into the Collection Tank (1.I) through gravity
assist. In another embodiment of Step 4, the collected cannabinoid
rich solution is then further filtered to remove small particles
via Buchner funnel and Erlenmeyer flask with vacuum assist. In this
embodiment of the filtration Step 4 ambient room temperature is
acceptable as the bulk of plant substrate has been removed via
strainer and micron bag.
[0142] Steps in Methods of the Present Disclosure (Further
Descriptions)
[0143] FIG. 1 shows the use of an extraction apparatus designed to
perform extraction in accordance with the present invention.
[0144] Steps 1 and 2 of the process represent a pre-process step in
which both the solvent and plant substrate are chilled to a desired
temperature between -1 degrees C. and -50 degrees C., preferably to
a temperature between -30 degrees C. and -50 degrees C., ideally to
a temperature range between -40 degrees C. and -45 degrees C. In
this embodiment of the aforementioned step, the use of an ultra-low
freezer is adequate. In another embodiment of Step 1 the solvent
can be chilled via jacketed Extraction Tank (1.H) and cryo chiller
assembly. This step requires a long period of time to achieve the
desire temperature of the solvent, and therefore it is recommended
that an ultra-low storage freezer is acquired to prevent a bottle
necking at Step 1 or 2.
[0145] Step 3 includes a jacketed Extraction Tank such as a
chemical reactor. In another embodiment of Step 3 of a jacketed
Collection Tank, such as a chemical reactor can be added to the
apparatus. In this embodiment, the jacketed Collection Tank allows
to create a re-circulating system to move chilled solvent from
Collection Tank back into the Extraction Tank. Re-circulating
chilled solvent over the plant substrate, has been recognized to
produce a richer concentration of desired essential oils,
cannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes in the solution concentrate.
In a third embodiment of Step 3 a jacketed holding vessel, such as
a chemical reactor, can be added to the apparatus assembly. In this
embodiment the holding vessel allows for mechanical feeding of the
solvent into the Extraction Tank, eliminating strenuous manual
labor of pouring solvent into the Extraction Tank by hand. In all
embodiments of Step 3 the vessels must be able to maintain a
desired temperature range of -40 degrees C. to -45 degrees C.
[0146] Step 4a includes a process in which the chilled solvent is
transferred into the Collection Tank (1.I). Step 1 of FIG. 4 allows
for the solvent to be chilled within the vessel via circulation of
cooling solution within the jacket walls of the vessel. Step 4b
includes a process in which the plant substrate is placed inside
the Extraction Tank of the apparatus. In one embodiment the plant
substrate can be loosely placed inside the Extraction Tank. In
another embodiment the Extraction Tank is lined with a micron mesh
screen bag prior to the introduction of the plant substrate into
the vessel. Lining the Extraction Tank with a micron screen bag
allows for immediate separation of solution concentrate and plant
substrate during the solution concentrate evacuation of Steps 6a
and 6b. This method also allows for the quick evacuation of plant
substrate from the Extraction Tank by simply removing the bag
filled with plant substrate out of the vessel.
[0147] Step 5 allows for contact time between chilled solvent and
chilled plant substrate. The contact period should be carried out
at the ideal temperature range between -40 degrees C. and degrees
-45 C. Contact time can be between 1 minute and 60 minutes,
preferably between 3 minutes and 10 minutes, ideally between 1
minute and 5 minutes.
[0148] Step 7 includes a process of inline separation of solution
concentrate and plant substrate. An embodiment Step 4b of FIG. 4
provides that plant substrate is placed within a micron mesh bag
prior to its introduction into the Extraction Tank. This embodiment
of Step 4b has been recognized as the most simple and cost
effective way of inline filtration. In another embodiment of Step
7, a solid stainless steel micron screen can be introduced via a
false bottom inside the Extraction Tank. In this embodiment of Step
7, the plant substrate sits atop the false bottom stainless micron
mesh as the solution concentrate is drawn through it and out of the
Extraction Tank. In a third embodiment of Step 7 a filter holder
can be introduced in line between the Extraction Tank and
Collection Tank into the apparatus assembly.
[0149] Step 8 of FIG. 4 includes the collection of solution
concentrate from the Extraction Tank into a jacketed Collection
Tank referenced in embodiments of Step 3.
[0150] Step 9a includes a process of recirculation of solution
concentrate back over the plant substrate to create a richer
concentration of desired constituents of the plant substrate.
Recirculation can be performed via mechanical solvent pump,
positive pressure in Collection Tank, or negative pressure within
Extraction Tank. The preferred method for recirculation is by
manipulating pressure within the vessels. Moving the solution
concentrate from vessel to vessel via negative pressure has proven
to be the most cost effective as vacuum pumps have a long life
expectancy and do not require much maintenance. Pressurizing the
vessels to move the solution concentrate has also been recognized
as effective, but the added expense of food grade nitrogen or
expensive moisture traps and filters for ambient air compressors
have proven to be burdensome. Mechanical solvent pumps have been
recognized as an effective means of moving the solvent and solution
concentrate, but the costs associated with such devices would deter
small operators from applying this method.
[0151] Step 9b includes a method for evacuating the solution
concentrate from the Collection Tank. As referenced in Step 9a,
moving the solvent or solution concentrate can be achieved via
positive or negative pressure within the vessels of the apparatus.
For evacuation, it is been discovered that a simple drain at the
bottom vessel is suitable for evacuation of the solution
concentrate. Positive pressure can be applied to the Collection
Tank to expedite the evacuation process.
[0152] Step 10 provides a method for separating the concentrate
from solvent via rotary evaporator, simple distillation, or
atmospheric evaporation. The preferred method is rotary evaporator
as this method allows for recovery of the solvent in its entirety.
The recovered solvent is put back into circulation for future
extraction, making this method one of the most cost effective for
any processor.
[0153] According to another embodiment of the system, other
features are taught. In another embodiment of the present
invention, a system comprising of jacketed reactor Extraction Tank,
jacketed reactor Collection Tank, plumbing, valves, hoses,
ultra-low circulating chiller, vacuum pump, liquid nitrogen holding
Dewar, pressure regulators, LN2 phase separator, pneumatic
actuators, electronic relay switches and air compressor.
[0154] In this embodiment, the system is scaled for larger
throughput, with vessels capable of holding up to 20 pounds (lbs.)
of plant material and up to 40 gallons of solvent.
[0155] In this embodiment of the present invention, an ultra-low
circulating chiller is attached to the jackets on the reactor
vessels.
[0156] The ultra-low recirculating chiller is set to the desired
temperature set point of -75 degrees C. and allowed time to chill
the internal chamber of the reactor vessels.
[0157] The vessels are interconnected via sanitary plumbing,
pneumatic actuated valves in a manner which allows for the transfer
of solvent into the Extraction Tank, and the recollection of the
extract rich solution produced during extraction back into the
Collection Tank.
[0158] In this embodiment, the Collection Tank acts as the solvent
storage vessels prior to commencing the extraction. During
extraction procedure, the Collection Tank acts as an intermittent
solution storage vessel during recirculation procedures.
[0159] Plant material is loaded into a mesh screen bag and placed
inside the Extraction Tank. Allowing time for the material to chill
to a desired temperature of below -35 degrees C. preferably below
-45 degrees C., ideally below -55 degrees C.
[0160] Solvent is placed inside the collection and allowed time to
chill to the necessary temperature range between -45 and -75
degrees C. It has been discovered that the ideal extraction
temperature is in the range of-45 C and -50 degrees C. system
parameters are always set to a lower temperature to compensate for
the heating of solvent and material during fluid transfers. The
solvent will typically gain 5 degrees during each fluid transfer. A
typical recirculation procedure requires the solvent to be moved up
to 5 times from Extraction Tank to Collection Tank and back. This
raises the overall temperature of the solvent in the system by up
to 25 degrees C.
[0161] Cryo Chiller Versus Other Cooling Machines
[0162] A cryo chiller is as an effective device to chill the
extraction apparatus by circulating a cooling solution throughout
the jackets of the vessel included in the apparatus assembly. Not
all of our systems employ a cryo chiller. Non-cryo chiller
embodiments employ refrigeration compressors to chill an insulated
box that houses all of the crucial components. Drawings for the
chiller powered system can be submitted. In exclusionary
embodiments, the present disclosure can exclude any system, method,
or compositions prepared by the system, where a cryo chiller was
used.
[0163] Advantages of Recirculation
[0164] The term "recirculation" refers to recirculating a
"solution" and does not refer to any recirculating of any
"solvent." The term "solution" refers to a solvent that contains
chemicals extracted from plant material. Plant matter is contacted
by super-cooled ethanol, that is enough for an extraction of the
essentials to take place. By recirculation, the system achieves a
super saturation of the solution, and ultimately the system and
method Hushes the remaining desired chemicals ("actives") from the
plant matter by a final cleansing rinse with dean solvent.
[0165] in another embodiment of the present invention, a solvent
transfer pump can be employed to move solvent from one vessel to
the next, or to recirculate the solution within the Extraction
Tank. Mechanical pumps have shown to be efficient but tend to
generate more heat the desired, therefore heating the solvent
during fluid transfers or recirculation. The method does not
predictably work as desired in that lipids and chlorophyll become
available to the solvent at temperatures above -40 degrees C.
[0166] Need to Maintain Low Temperature During Filtering
[0167] The inventors experimented with several methods of
extracting, draining and filtering. Using a Buchner funnel to
filter the solution of fine dust was one of the ways we tried doing
so. It became clear that even the slightest amount of plant dust in
the solution would "bleed green" or allow for the extraction of
chlorophyll at a room temperature filtration. In designing our
machine and system, we placed the filter housing and filter INSIDE
the freezer compartment. This prevents the fine plant dust from
reaching a temperature at which it can start seeping chlorophyll
into the extract rich solution during filtration.
[0168] Filters and Filter Assemblies
[0169] In a preferred embodiment filtering of particulates and dust
released from plant matter during extraction process is
accomplished by a "tank liner" that is inserted into the extraction
vessel. In this embodiment, no filter is needed in the fluid line
(pipeline) that connects extraction tank outlet to collection tank
inlet. However, a filter can be used in the fluid line that is in
addition to "tank liner" and a filter can be used in fluid line
where there the system does not include any "tank liner."
[0170] In alternative embodiments, filtering in the Extraction Tank
can accomplished with paper filter, plastic polymer filter such as
a Millipore.RTM. filter, micron mesh tank liner, or a cake of
diatomaceous earth (Celite.RTM.), where the filter is supported by
a false bottom. False bottom can be a disc with holes for allowing
fluid to pass through. Mesh filters such as Spectra/Meshs.RTM.
woven filters are available from, Thomas Scientific, Swedesboro,
N.J. and Utah Biodiesel Supply, Clinton, Utah.
[0171] Applied vacuum results in more effective draining and
filtering than gravity alone. In filtering embodiments, the present
disclosure provides filter taking the form of an "inverted cone"
where the cone is perforated and acts as a false bottom. This
"inverted cone" design increases the overall surface area, in
comparison to a disc-shaped false bottom. The increased surface
area provided by the "inverted cone" increases efficiency of
filtering and draining.
[0172] Extraction Tanks
[0173] In alternative embodiments, entire extraction tank can be
cone-shaped, or can be substantially cone-shaped, where extraction
of plant material occurs in one part of the cone-shaped extraction
tank, and where filter assembly occurs in a different part of the
cone-shaped extraction tank. In alternative embodiments, filter
assembly can be cone-shaped and can be housed within a
cylinder-shaped extraction tank. Alternatively, filter assembly can
be cone-shaped and can be in physical contact with cylinder-shaped
extraction tank, where cone-shaped filter assembly is not housed
inside of cylinder-shaped extraction tank. In other embodiments,
the term "extraction tank" can be used to refer to the sum of (tank
where extraction occurs) plus (filter assembly), even where filter
assembly is attached to and in direct physical contact with tank
where extraction occurs.
[0174] In exclusionary embodiments, the present disclosure can
exclude any device or system, where filtering uses a disc-shaped
false bottom or any filtering device that has a flat conformation,
such as a disc-shaped false bottom, square-shaped false bottom, or
rectangle-shaped false bottom.
[0175] In to, or as an alternative to, filter assembly in
Extraction Tank (1.H), the present disclosure can provide an
in-line filter that is downstream of Extraction Tank outlet and
upstream of collection valve (1.E). This in-line filter can have
pores that are about 2, about 4, about 6, about 8, about 10, about
15, about 20, about 30, about 40, about 50, about 60, about 70,
about 80, about 90, about 100, about 150, about 200, and so on,
micrometers in diameter, or any combination thereof. Also, in-line
filter can take the form of a series of different types of filters,
for example, where the first filter encountered by flowing solution
has largest pores, the last filter has the smallest pores, and a
middle filter has pores of an intermediate size.
[0176] Downstream of Collection Tank (1.I) and upstream of exit
valve (1.K) is evacuation line with an in-line filter housing
(1.J). Filter located inside of in-line filter housing collects any
particulate matter that was not retained by the filter in the
Extraction Tank (1.H). In-line filter preferably has pores that are
about 10 micrometers in diameter and. can have pores that are about
2, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 8, about 10, about 15, about
20, about 30, about 40, about 50, about 60, about 70, about 80,
about 90, about 100, and so on, micrometers in diameter, or any
combination thereof. The term "strainer" can be used instead of
"in-line filter." The skilled artisan will understand that if there
is a filter that is part of a system or apparatus, then there will
necessarily be some sort of housing or assembly that positions and
secures the filter.
[0177] Coordinating Vacuum Pumping with Air Locks
[0178] The direction of the flow is determined by which direction
vacuum is being applied from. Preferably, the exit valve (1.K) is
operably linked to and in communication with an external Evacuation
Tank (1.R). Preferably, this operable linking is via
polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tubing or silicon tubing. The
Evacuation Tank (1.R) is also operably linked to a vacuum pump that
creates a negative pressure. Once vacuum develops in the evacuation
tank, exit valve (1.K) is opened to engage the flow from Collection
Tank (1.I) into the Evacuation Tank (1.R). Likewise, exit valve
(1.K) can lie directly linked to an auto-feed valve of a rotary
evaporator. The negative pressure in the rotary evaporatory
("rotavap") will act as the driving force that sucks the solution
out of Collection Tank (1.I) and into the rotary evaporator for a
"direct feed" set up.
[0179] Operating the Cold Air intake Valve that is Located In-Line
with Cold Air Intake Tube
[0180] Cold air intake valve (1.B) is alternatively called, airlock
valve or gate valve. Cold air intake valve is operably liked with
upper-end terminus of cold air intake tube. Cold air intake tube
has upper-end terminus and lower-end terminus. The cold air intake
tube reaches to the very bottom of the Environment Box (ultra-low
temperature freezer chest) (1.L) that houses all of the components
pictured in FIG. 1. The temperature inside the Environment Box
(1.L) is typically between -60C and -75C. The cold air intake valve
(1.B) acts as an airlock. When cold air intake valve is in the OPEN
position, valve (1.C) acts as a vent for Extraction Tank (1.H).
When the cold air intake valve is CLOSED, valve (1.C) draws solvent
from a Solvent Storage Tank (1.A) inside the Environment Box. This
solvent is preferably ethanol.
[0181] Since we use vacuum for liquid transfers within the system,
each tank needs a vent to prevent an equilibrium of vacuum, which
ultimately stops the flow. The Extraction Tank needs to suck cold
air during this process to prevent the plant material from warming
too much. The Collection Tank (1.I) sucks ambient atmosphere (via
valve 1.G) because it never holds plant material, and the little
bit of warm air that enters that tank during recirculation
procedures does not influence the extraction process in any way. If
the cold air intake was not there, we would equalize vacuum in both
tanks during the collection of solution from the plant material. If
the extraction tank was vented to atmosphere, the draw of warm,
room temperature air, into the Extraction Tank would raise the
overall temperature inside the Extraction Tank (1.H). Where the
present system is used for extracting plant material that contains
chlorophyll, the raising of overall temperature inside of
Extraction Tank (1.H) leads to a release of chlorophyll into the
solution. This release of chlorophyll into the solution is NOT
desirable and thus it is the case that raising of the overall
temperature must be avoided.
[0182] Structures For Controlling Vacuum
[0183] FIG. 4 shows the same structures as in FIG. 1, except FIG. 4
additionally shows structures for controlling vacuum. What is shown
is Evacuation Tank (1.R), vacuum valve (1.M), vacuum valve (1.N),
vacuum pump (1.O), airlock valve (1.P), and vacuum valve (1.Q). A
vacuum flow line is operably linked with interior of Extraction
Tank (1.H), where Extraction Tank resides at proximal terminus of
vacuum flow line. The vacuum flow line is also operably linked with
a branching vacuum line that leads to vacuum pump. Moreover, the
vacuum flow line is operably linked with interior of Collection
Tank (1.I). The distal terminus of vacuum flow line is operably
linked with interior of Evacuation Tank (1.R). The physical contact
of vacuum flow line, in the sequence of physical contact from the
proximal terminus of vacuum flow line to the distal terminus of
vacuum flow line is as follows: Extraction Tank (1.H); Vacuum valve
(1.M); Branching line to vacuum pump; Branching line to Collection
Tank (1.I); Vacuum valve (1.Q); and Evacuation Tank (1.R).
Regarding the physical nature that allows operable linking of
vacuum flow line to Extraction Tank, Collection Tank, and
Evacuation Tank, the physical contact of vacuum flow line with
these tanks is preferably flush with the upper surface with each of
these tanks to avoid any splashing of drops or mist into the vacuum
flow line. Alternatively, vacuum flow line may extend for a small
distance into one or more of these tanks, for example, by a
distance of 1 millimeter (mm), 2 mm, 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, and so on.
In addition, splashing of drops or mist into vacuum flow line can
be prevented by a deflecting shield, by a cotton plug, and so on,
that covers point of operable linking of vacuum flow line with
interior of tanks.
[0184] Dewatering, Winterization, Charcoal
[0185] The systems, methods, and compositions provided by the
present disclosure can include a dewaterizing agent, such as a
porous solid, sodium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, and silica. Also,
the present disclosure can exclude any system, method, or
composition, that has a dewaterizing agent. The present disclosure
can include, or it can exclude, a winterizing step. Winterizing can
involve cooling an extract to precipitate, for example, waxes,
followed by removing the precipitate by filtering. The present
disclosure can include activated charcoal, and a method using
activated charcoal. Alternatively, any system or method using
activated charcoal can be excluded.
[0186] Machines for Shredding, Chopping, or Grinding Oil-Containing
Materials
[0187] The present disclosure can include shredder, metering bin,
pelletizer, cooler bin, crumbier, screen or screener, or hammer
mill (reduces particulate hemp to size in range of, for example,
1.0 micrometers (.mu.m) to 500 .mu.m, 1.0 .mu.m to 400 .mu.m, 1.0
.mu.m to 300 .mu.m, 1.0 .mu.m to 200 .mu.m, 1.0 .mu.m to 100 .mu.m,
1.0 .mu.m to 50 .mu.m, 1.0 .mu.m to 25 .mu.m, or to a size in the
range of, for example, 0.2 micrometers (.mu.m) to 500 .mu.m, 0.2
.mu.m to 400 .mu.m, 0.2 .mu.m to 300 .mu.m, 0.2 .mu.m to 200 .mu.m,
0.2 .mu.m to 100 .mu.m, 0.2 .mu.m to 50 .mu.m, 0.2 .mu.m to 25
.mu.m, or to a size in the range of, 2 micrometers (.mu.m) to 500
.mu.m, 2 .mu.m to 400 .mu.m, 2 .mu.m to 300 .mu.m, 2 .mu.m to 200
.mu.m, 2 .mu.m to 100 .mu.m, 2 .mu.m to 50 .mu.m, 2 .mu.m to 25
.mu.m, and the like). Also, the present disclosure can exclude one
or more these equipments.
[0188] Analysis of Chlorophyll and Waxes
[0189] Chlorophyll, as well as chlorophyll breakdown products, can
be detected and measured by way of a spectrophotometer,
spectropolarimeter. and high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC)
(see, e.g., Porra et al (1989) Biochim. Biophys. Acta. 975:384-394;
Roiser M H et al (2015) J. Agric. Food Chem. 63:1385-1392).
Chlorophyll can be measured using a chlorophyll meter (Minolta,
SPAD-502, Konica-Minolta, Tokyo, Japan). Chlorophyll content in
fresh hemp leaves is about 2.0 mg/grams chlorophyll a and about 1.5
mg/grams chlorophyll b (Y. Tang et al (2015) Heavy metal cadmium
tolerance on the growth characteristics of industrial hemp
(Cannabis sativa L.) in China. International Conference on Advances
in Energy, Environment and Chemical Engineering (AEECE-2015).
289-295).
[0190] Regarding wax content, hemp contains about 0.7 percent wax
(T. Humber and J. Mussig (2008) Composite Interfaces. 15:335-349;
A. B. Thomsen et al (March 2005) Hemp raw materials: The effect of
cultivar, growth conditions and pretreatment on the chemical
composition of the fibers. Riso National Laboratory, Roskilde,
Denmark. ISBN 87-550-3419-5 (30 pages)). Regarding wax content, the
present disclosure provides system, methods, and compositions
prepared by system and method, where wax content is reduced, and
where wax content is below 2% (w/w), below 1.5%, below 1.0%, below
0.8%, below 0.6%, below 0.4%, below 0.2%, below 0.1%, below 0.8%,
below 0.6%, below 0.4%, below 0.2%, and so on. These numbers are
based on determining amount of wax present in the prepared oil,
based on calculations that normalize the measured wax to 100 grams
of starting material (fresh hemp). The present disclosure provides
reduced wax content, as measurable by ratio of wax/chlorophyll
(wt/wt), where a prepared oil, an oil-enriched solution, or an
oil-enriched product, has a wax/chlorophyll ratio of less than 4
grams wax/grant chlorophyll, less than 3.5, less than 3.0, less
than 2.5, less than 2.0, Less than 1.5, less than 1.0, less than
0.8, less than 0.6, less than 0.4, less than 0.2, less than 0.1,
less than 0.08, less than 0.06, less than 0.04, less than 0.02, or
less than 0.01 grams wax/gram chlorophyll. These parameters may be
based on total chlorophyll, on chlorophyll a or on chlorophyll b.
The extent of wax reduction can be expressed by way of two
different parameters: (1) Wax in the processed oil-containing
substance/chlorophyll in the processed oil-containing substance; or
(2) Wax in the processed oil-containing substance/chlorophyll in
corresponding amount of starting material (e.g., fresh hemp).
[0191] The present disclosure can include compositions, and methods
for making compositions, where the composition has an optical
density (OD) of about 0.02, about 0.04, about 0.06, about 0.08,
about 0.10, about 0.2, about 0.3, about 0.4, about 0.5, about 0.6,
about 0.7, about 0.8, about 0.9, about 1.0, about 1.2, and so on.
Also, the present disclosure can exclude a composition and methods
that is characterizable by one of these ODs. Also, the present
disclosure can include compositions, and methods for making
compositions, where the composition has an OD of greater than (or
lesser than) 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, 0.10, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6,
0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.2, and so on. Also, the present disclosure
can exclude compositions and related methods, where the composition
is characterizable by one of these ODs. The OD of the compositions
of the present disclosure can be measured at, for example, 425 nm
(violet), 450 nm, 500 nm, 525 nm (green), 550 nm (yellow), 600 nm
(orange), 650 nm, 675 nm (red), 700 nm (red), and so on.
[0192] Reagents, chemicals, solvents, filters, and instrumentation
such as spectrophotometers, mixers, and rotary evaporators, are
available from, e.g., Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, Calif.; Life
Technologies, Carlsbad, Calif.; BD Biosciences, San Jose, Calif.;
HMD Millipore, Billerica, Mass.; Thomas Scientific, Swedesboro,
N.J. What is available are fluorescent dyes, radioactive isotopes,
electron-dense reagents, fluorettes (see, e.g., Rozinov and Nolan
(1998) Chem. Biol. 5:713-728).
[0193] Initial Physical State of Oil-Containing Material
[0194] Starting material for the compositions and methods of
present disclosure can be one or more of, whole hemp stalk, shive,
bast fiber, leaves, flower buds, whole hemp stalk harvested when
hemp plant was in flower and before seed had formed, whole hemp
stalk harvested after seed had formed. In embodiments, moisture of
starting material has an upper limit of 4% by weight, 6% by weight,
8% by weight, 10% by weight, 12% by weight, 14% by weight, 16% by
weight, 18% by weight, 20% by weight, 22% by weight, 24% by weight,
and so on. In embodiments, the present compositions and methods
include a composition that is less than (or where there is a step
that dries composition to be less than), 4% by weight, 6% by
weight, 8% by weight, 10% by weight, 12% by weight, 14% by weight,
16% by weight, 18% by weight, 20% by weight, 22% by weight, 24% by
weight, and so on.
[0195] Extraction Chambers
[0196] System and method of the present disclosure can include, or
alternatively exclude, baffles capable of collecting oils, convex
baffles, or concave baffles. Also, system and method can include,
or alternatively exclude, an extraction chamber with a upper end
(or top end) and a lower end (or bottom end), and where top end
comprises an aperture that is capable of allowing entry of solvent
into extraction chamber and where bottom end comprises an aperture
that is capable of draining (or capable of pumping out) or
extracted oil. In said embodiments, extraction chamber possesses a
region capable of holding oil-containing biological material, where
this region is situated in between inlet aperture (at top) and
outlet aperture (at bottom).
[0197] The system of the present disclosure provides one or more
pressure locks, where a pressure lock can reside at point in system
where oil-containing product leaves the laboratory (ambient
conditions) and enters extraction chamber or vessel. Pressure lock
has a first door or port that conveys oil-containing product from
ambient conditions into pressure lock, and a second door or port
that conveys oil-containing product from pressure lock to
extraction chamber or vessel. Also, the present disclosure has a
corresponding pressure lock, where oil-depleted product exits
extraction chamber or vessel, and returns to ambient conditions. In
exclusionary embodiments, the present disclosure can exclude
pressure locks.
[0198] Devices for Directing Solvent Towards Oil-Containing
Material
[0199] In embodiments, what can be included is a system where there
is only one aperture (or only one nozzle) that is used to direct a
jet or a mist of solvent to oil-containing biological materials.
This can also be excluded. Also, in embodiments, what can be
included is a system where there is a plurality of apertures (or a
plurality of nozzles) that is used to direct a jet or a mist of
solvent to oil-containing biological materials. This can also be
excluded. Additionally, what can be included is a system where
there is a plurality of apertures (or a plurality of nozzles) that
is used to direct a jet or a mist of solvent to oil-containing
biological materials, and where at least one aperture or nozzle
directs solvent in a first vector towards oil-containing materials
and where at least one aperture or nozzle directs solvent in a
second vector that points opposite the first vector, and where both
the first vector and the second vector point to the oil-containing
biological materials. Put another way. the first at least one
nozzle can point downwards and the second at least one nozzle can
point upwards, where the oil-containing materials are in between.
Also, the first at least one nozzle can point rightwards and the
second at least one nozzle can point leftwards, where the
oil-containing materials are in between. This can also be
excluded.
[0200] In embodiments, the method provides that liquid solvent be
admitted to extraction chamber at same temperature or,
alternatively, at lower temperature, as temperature used to
accomplish oil extraction. Temperature of liquid solvent when
admitted to extraction chamber can be at about 4 degrees C., about
8 degrees C., about 12 degrees C., about 16 degrees C., about 20
degrees C., about 24 degrees C., about 28 degrees C., and so on,
lower than temperature that is used to accomplish oil extraction.
In embodiments, the present disclosure can also exclude systems and
methods that do not meet one or more of these solvent admission
temperatures.
[0201] Supercritical Fluids and Subcritical Fluids
[0202] The following provides non-limiting guidance on solvents
that are encompassed by the present disclosure. Supercritical
fluids are substances at pressures and temperatures above their
critical values. Their solvent power is the highest for non-polar
or slightly polar components and decreases with increasing
molecular weight. They can easily be removed from the solutes by
mere expansion to ambient pressure. Carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) is
particularly advantageous for processing food materials.
Supercritical fluids are used for batch extractions of solids, for
multi-stage counter-current separation (fractionation) of liquids,
and for adsorptive and chromatographic separations (Brunner G
(2005) Supercritical fluids: technology and application to food
processing. J. Food Eng. 67:21-33). As stated by Poliakoff,
"Supercritical fluids are highly compressed gases which combine
properties of gases and liquids in an intriguing manner. Fluids
such as supercritical xenon, ethane and carbon dioxide offer a
range of unusual chemical possibilities in both synthetic and
analytical chemistry." Below critical parameters, two distinct
phases exist (liquid and vapor). As temperature rises, the liquid
expands and the two phases become less distinct, and what is formed
is a new supercritical phase (Simon Poliakoff (January 2001) An
Introduction to Supercritical Fluids, Univ. of Nottingham).
According to US2009/0053382 of Kawamura, "Once a specific
temperature and pressure (critical point) are exceeded, the
boundary between gas and liquid will dissipate, leaving a region
where the fluid is sustained in a state in which both phases are
blended together. Such a fluid is called a supercritical fluid.
Supercritical fluids have high density and have properties
somewhere between a gas and a liquid. Subcritical fluids are fluids
in a state in which the pressure and temperature are below the
critical point. Examples of the method for supplying the
high-temperature, high-pressure fluid include batch systems, in
which the fluid is supplied to a pressure vessel, and a set
processing time is maintained while the temperature and pressure
are increased. Alternatively, in a continuous system, the fluid is
made to flow for a set period of time in a pressure vessel from a
fluid-supply pathway to a fluid-discharge pathway provided to the
pressure vessel so that the fluid will be discharged from the
fluid-discharge pathway at an exit pressure that is higher than
atmospheric pressure." The system, methods, and compositions
produced by the current disclosure can encompass one or more of
supercritical fluids, near-critical fluids, subcritical fluids, and
critical fluids, and can exclude one or more of supercritical
fluids, near-critical fluids, subcritical fluids, and critical
fluids. In embodiments, the present disclosure provides solvent
that is carbon dioxide in its supercritical phase, and where plant
oils form micelles with the solvent during extraction.
[0203] Subcritical fluids are compressed fluids below their
critical temperatures, yet kept in their liquid slate and used
above their boiling points by applying pressure (A. Procter (ed.)
Alternatives to Conventional Food Processing, Volume 1, RSC
Publishing, page 97).
[0204] Regarding carbon dioxide, subcritical pressure and
temperature can be 55 bar and 25 degrees C., or 70 bar and 50
degrees C., or 60 bar and 30 degrees C., or 55 bar and 25 degrees
C., or 50 bar and 20 degrees C. Also, subcritical conditions can be
about 55 bar and about 25 degrees C., or about 70 bar and about 50
degrees C., or about 60 bar and about 30 degrees C., or about 55
bar and about 25 degrees C., or about 50 bar and about 20 degrees
C. In exclusionary embodiments, the present disclosure can exclude
system and methods that use these conditions, and compositions made
under these conditions.
[0205] Regarding carbon dioxide, supercritical pressure and
temperature can be 300 bar and 70 degrees C., or 180 bar and 55
degrees C. Also, supercritical conditions can be about 300 bar and
about 70 degrees C., or about 180 bar and about 55 degrees C. In
exclusionary embodiments, the present disclosure can exclude system
and methods that use these conditions, and compositions made under
these conditions.
[0206] Solvents for Extracting Oils
[0207] Solvents can be one or more of methyl alcohol, acetone,
methylethylketone, butrylcarbitol, petroleum ether, butane,
isobutane, propane, methane, ethane, butylene, hexane, sulfur
dioxide, carbon dioxide, CClF.sub.3, CFBr.sub.3, ammonia, nitrogen,
halogenated hydrocarbons. Also, one or more of these solvents can
be excluded. The present disclosure can include compositions
prepared by a method that uses dioxane, and it can include a method
that uses dioxane. Also, these can be excluded.
[0208] Co-solvents can be used, where co-solvent is about 5%, about
10%, about 20%, about 30%, about 40%, about 50%, about 60%, about
70%, about 80%, about 90% of the volume of the primary solvent. The
present disclosure can also exclude any method that uses a
co-solvent, or any composition prepared by a method that uses a
co-solvent. Ratio of solvent to oil-containing biological
substance, or ratio of [sum of solvent plus co-solvent] to
oil-containing biological substance, can be 1:1, 1:1.2, 1:1.4,
1:1.6, 1:1.8, 1:2.0, 1:2.5, 1:3, 1.3.5, 1:4, 1.4.5, 1.5, and so on
(ratio on per weight basis). Also, ratio can be 1:1, 1.2:1, 1.4:1,
1.6:1, 1.8:1, 2:1, 2.5:1, 3:1, 3.5:1, 4:1, 4.5:1, 5:1, and so on
(ratio on per weight basis). What can be excluded is any
compositions and related methods that uses a co-solvent. and what
can be excluded is compositions characterizable by any of these
ratios.
[0209] Also, ratio can be about 1:1, about 1:1.2, about 1:1.4,
about 1:1.6, about 1:1.8, about 1:2.0, about 1:2.5, about 1:3,
about 1.3.5,about 1:4, about 1.4.5, about 1.5, and soon (ratio on
per weight basis). Also, ratio can be about 1:1, about 1.2:1, about
1.4:1, about 1.6:1, about 1.8:1, about 2:1, about 2.5:1, about 3:1,
about 3.5:1, about 4:1, about 4.5:1, about 5:1, and so on (ratio on
per weight basis). Compositions and related methods characterizable
by any of these ratios can be excluded.
[0210] Amount of Chlorophyll with Respect to Amount of Cannabidiol
(CBD)
[0211] In embodiments, the present disclosure provides
compositions, intermediates, methods to generate compositions, and
equipment capable of generating compositions, with 0.01%, 0.02%,
0.05%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 10% chlorophyll by
weight, or with about 0.01%, about 0.02%, about 0.05%, about 0.1%,
about 0.2%, about 0.5%, about 1.0%, about 2%, about 4%, about 6%,
about 8%, about 10% chlorophyll by weight. Also, provided are
compositions, methods, and equipment capable of generating
compositions with greater than (or less than) 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.05%,
0.1%, 0.2%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 10% chlorophyll by weight.
In exclusionary embodiments, what is provided are compositions,
methods, and equipment that excludes compositions characterizable
by one or more of the above parameters.
[0212] In embodiments, the present disclosure provides
compositions, intermediates, methods to generate compositions, and
equipment capable of generating compositions, with about, 1%, 2%,
6%, 8%, 10%, 12%, 14%, 16%, 18%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%,
55%, 60%, cannabidiol (CBD) by weight. Also, the present disclosure
provides compositions, intermediates, methods to generate
compositions, and equipment capable of generating compositions,
with about greater than, 1%, 2%, 6%, 8%, 10%, 12%, 14%, 16%, 18%,
20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, cannabidiol (CBD) by
weight. Moreover, the present disclosure provides compositions,
intermediates, methods to generate compositions, and equipment
capable of generating compositions, with about lesser than, 1%, 2%,
6%, 8%, 10%, 12%, 14%, 16%, 18%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%,
55%, 60%, cannabidiol (CBD) by weight. In exclusionary embodiments,
what is provided are compositions, methods, and equipment that
excludes compositions characterizable by one or more of the above
parameters.
[0213] What is provided for each of the above inclusionary
embodiments, and for each of the above exclusionary embodiments, is
a composition where "by weight" is in terms of wet weight or
alternatively, in terms of dry weight where essentially ail solvent
and all moisture is removed.
[0214] In ratio embodiments, the present disclosure provides
compositions, methods, and equipment capable of making said
compositions, where the ratio (by weight) of
chlorophyll/cannabidiol (CBD) is about 0.0001, about 0.0002, about
0.0005, about 0.001, about 0.002, about 0.005, about 0.01, about
0.02, about 0.05, about 0.1, about 0.2, or about 0.05. Also
provided are compositions, methods, and equipment capable of making
said compositions, where the ratio (by weight) of
chlorophyll/cannabidiol (CBD) is above 0.0001, above 0.0002, above
0.0005, above 0.001, above 0.002, above 0.005, above 0.01, above
0.02, above 0.05, above 0.1, above 0.2, or above 0.05. Moreover,
what is provided is compositions, methods, and equipment capable of
making said compositions where the ratio (by weight) of
chlorophyll/cannabidiol (CBD) is under 0.0001, under 0.0002, under
0.0005, under 0.001, under 0.002, under 0.005, under 0.01, under
0.02, under 0.05, under 0.1, under 0.2, or under 0.05.
[0215] Freezers, Valves, Gauges, Pumps, Chillers, Thermometers,
Sight Glass
[0216] Freezers and ultra-low temperature freezers are available
from VWR (Visalia, Calif.) and from Fisher Scientific (South San
Francisco, Calif.). Freezers include -86.degree. Select.RTM.
Ultra-Low Freezer, and Premier.RTM. Solid Door Low Temp Freezer
-40.degree. C. (Nor-Lake, Inc., Hudson, Wis.). The skilled artisan
can modify freezers to include pipes or hoses for circulating cold
air out for cooling an extraction chamber or Extraction Tank, and
for returning cold air back to the freezer.
[0217] Filtration can be with lenticular filtration, plate and fram
filtration, membrane filters, strainers (G. W. Kent, Ypsilanti,
Mich.). Valves such as solenoid valves and conical fermenters dual
valve tap, spray rinse valve, goggle valve, vacuum distillation
valve, lift plug valve, changeover valve, disc bottom outlet valve,
globe valve, line blind valve, in-tank shut-off valve are available
(SchuF Chemieventile Vertriebs, Frankfurt, Germany; G. W. Kent,
Ypsilanti, Mich.; Midwest Suppliers. Mich., Louis Park, Minn.).
Gauges such as vacuum gauges are available (W. W. Grainger, Inc.,
Los Angeles, Calif.). Vacuum pumps, such as liquid ring vacuum
pump, dry screw vacuum pump, rotary vane vacuum pump, scroll vacuum
pump, diffusion vacuum pump, dry claw vacuum pump, PTFE diaphragm
vacuum pump; DuoSeal.RTM. high vacuum pump; Vacuubrand RZ2.5.RTM.
vacuum pump; are available (Busch Vacuum Pumps and Systems,
Virginia Beach, Va.; Thomas Scientific, Swedesboro, N.J.).
Recording thermometers are available (Thomas Scientific,
Swedesboro, N.J.). Automated control of temperatures, for use in
reactors, are available (M. Coughran (June 2008) Improve Batch
Reactor Temperature Control. Chemical Processing. Emerson Process
Management, Austin, Tex.).
[0218] Chillers, air compressors, Extraction Tanks, extractors that
use carbon dioxide, gas pumps, liquid pumps, temperature probes,
cooling jackets, for example, for cooling an Extraction Tank or
extraction chamber are available (MRX Xtractors, Inc. Canby, Oreg.;
Apeks, LLC, Johnstown, Ohio).
[0219] The sight glass of the present disclosure allows the
operator to have a visual gauge on the saturation of the solution.
Also, sight glass shows the operator how much ethanol is releasing
from the plant material during the collection and evacuation
process. The sight glass is an INLINE device that is of preferably
of glass, silicone, and stainless construction. As solvent passes
over plant material, it begins to absorb actives and becomes rich
in color. The sight glass allows the operator to understand at
which point the solution has stopped absorbing chemicals during the
extration process. Likewise, after the final rinse with clean
ethanol, an operator can determine whether he is still washing
color out of the plant material (color means that actives are still
being releasing).
[0220] Sight glass is available (Dixon Valve, Chesterton, Md.;
Abrisa Technologies, Santa Paulo, Calif.; L. J. Star, Inc.,
Twinsburg, Ohio). Sight glass is a visual observation window made
of robust glass, used to verify conditions in pipes, vessels, and
chemical reactors. The window resists high temperatures, caustic
chemicals and solvents, and h high pressure. Sight glass can be
made of thick borosilicate glass, quartz, sapphire (Abrisa
Technologies. Application Note: Sight Glass (November 2017) (2
pages)).
Exclusionary Embodiments
[0221] In embodiments, the present disclosure can exclude any
system, device, or method, that comprises more than one solvent
storage tank, that comprises more than one extraction tank, that
comprises more than one collection tank, that comprises less than
two solvent storage tanks, that comprises less than three solvent
storage tanks, and so on.
[0222] Also, what can be excluded is any system, device, or method,
where plant matter is extracted, and where the temperature of plant
matter extraction is at a temperature greater than minus 40 degrees
C., greater than minus 35 degrees C., greater than minus 30 degrees
C., greater than minus 25 degrees C., greater than minus 20 degrees
C., greater than minus 15 degrees C., greater than minus 10 degrees
C., greater than 0 degrees C., or greater than plus 10 degrees C.
Each of these exclusionary embodiments can be further defined,
where the relevant temperature cutoff point is relevant for the
entire extraction procedure (e.g., time that solvent is in contact
with plant matter), for about 95% of the extraction procedure, for
about 90%, for about 85%, for about 80%, for about 75%, for about
70%, for about 65%, for about 60%, for about 55%, for about 50%,
for about 45%, for about 40%, for about 35%, for about 30%, for
about 25%, for about 20%, for about 15%, and the like, of the
entire extraction procedure, or for under 95%, under 90%, under
85%, under 80%, under 75%, under 70%, under 65%, under 60%, under
55%, under 50%, under 45%, under 40%, under 35%, under 30%, under
25%, under 20%, under 15% of the entire extraction procedure, and
so on, or for over 95%, over 90%, over 85%, over 80%, over 75%,
over 70%, over 65%, over 60%, over 55%, over 50%, over 45%, over
40%, over 35%, over 30%, over 25%, over 20%, and the like, of the
entire extraction procedure.
[0223] In other words, the above designations serve as an algorithm
that can support a claim element reading, "wherein the method of
plant matter extraction excludes any method of plant matter
extraction, where plant matter is extracted at greater than minus
20 degrees C. for under 50% of the entire extraction
procedure."
[0224] In embodiments, the present disclosure can include, or
alternatively exclude, a system, method, or apparatus that
comprises a continuous extractor with a first-stage Extraction Tank
and a second-stage Extraction Tank. What can also be included, or
alternatively excluded, is a system, method, or apparatus that
comprises a first-stage Extraction Tank with a trap and a conduit
leading to an oil/solvent separator, where the trap and conduit
leads the mixture of oil and solvent to an oil/solvent separator,
and where this generator produces: (1) Separated oil; and (2)
Solvent that is substantially reduced in oil content. What can also
be excluded is system, method, or apparatus, where a solvent that
is substantially reduced in oil is transported to a reservoir where
the reservoir is capable of chilling gaseous solvent or,
alternatively, where the solvent that is substantially reduced in
oil is cooled by a chiller and then transported to a reservoir.
Regarding an apparatus or step where oil-containing biological
material is extracted, the present disclosure can encompass, or
alternatively exclude, an apparatus or method where liquid solvent
such as liquid butane is transported through a conduit, then
contacted to, sprayed on, or dripped on, an oil-containing
biological product that resides in an Extraction Tank. In one
embodiment, what can be encompassed or excluded, is a system or
method where Extraction Tank contains a conveyor that moves
oil-containing product from an inlet (inlet where oil-containing
product is placed into Extraction Tank) to an outlet (outlet where
extracted oil-containing product is removed from Extraction
Tank).
[0225] What can be included, or alternatively excluded, is system
or method where vaporized solvent is recycled and placed into a
reservoir, where reservoir chills the gaseous solvent to a
temperature resulting in change from gaseous state to a liquid
state.
[0226] In embodiments, the system and method encompasses only one
Extraction Tank (or encompasses only one extraction step), and
wherein what can be included, or alternatively excluded, is that
solvent placed into extraction chamber can be either pure solvent
that does not have any residual oil from biological product or
alternatively the solvent can take the form of recycled solvent
that has traces of residual oil from biological product (recycled
using an oil/solvent separator).
[0227] In an embodiment with a first-stage Extraction Tank and a
second-stage Extraction Tank, solvent placed into second-stage
extraction chamber can be either pure solvent that does not have
any residual oil from biological product or alternatively the
solvent can take the form of recycled solvent that has traces of
residual oil from biological product (recycled using an oil/solvent
separator). In an exclusionary embodiment, this system and method
can be excluded.
[0228] Also, in an embodiment with a first-stage Extraction Tank
and a second-stage Extraction Tank, solvent placed into first-stage
extraction chamber can be either pure solvent that does not have
any residual oil from biological product or alternatively the
solvent can take the form of recycled solvent that has traces of
residual oil from biological product (recycled using an oil/solvent
separator). In an exclusionary embodiment, this system and method
can be excluded.
[0229] The present invention is not to be limited by compositions,
reagents, methods, diagnostics, laboratory data, and the like, of
the present disclosure. Also, the present invention is not be
limited by any preferred embodiments that are disclosed herein.
[0230] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing
quantities of ingredients, properties such as molecular weight,
reaction conditions, and so forth used in the specification and
claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by
the term "about." Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary,
the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and
attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the
desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention.
At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application
of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each
numerical parameter should al least be construed in light of the
number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary
rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and
parameters setting forth the broad scope of the invention are
approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific
examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical
value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily
resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective
testing measurements.
[0231] The terms "a," "an," "the" and similar referents used in the
context of describing the invention (especially in the context of
the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the
singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or
clearly contradicted by context. Recitation of ranges of values
herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of
referring individually to each separate value falling within the
range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is
incorporated into the specification as if it were individually
recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in
any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise
clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples,
or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein is intended
merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a
limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No
language in the specification should be construed as indicating any
non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[0232] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the
invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations.
Each group member may be referred to and claimed individually or in
any combination with other members of the group or other elements
found herein. It is anticipated that one or more members of a group
may be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of
convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or
deletion occurs, the specification is deemed to contain the group
as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush
groups used in the appended claims.
[0233] Certain embodiments of this invention are described herein,
including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the
invention. Of course, variations on these described embodiments
will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon
reading the foregoing description. The inventor expects skilled
artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the
inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than
specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes
all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in
the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law.
Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all
possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless
otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly-contradicted by
context.
[0234] Specific embodiments disclosed herein may be further limited
in the claims using consisting of or consisting essentially of
language. When used in the claims, whether as tiled or added per
amendment, the transition term "consisting of" excludes any
element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claims. The
transition term "consisting essentially of" limits the scope of a
claim to the specified materials or steps and those that do not
materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s).
Embodiments of the invention so claimed are inherently or expressly
described and enabled herein.
[0235] As one skilled in the art would recognize as necessary or
best-suited for performance of the methods of the invention, a
computer system or machines of the invention include one or more
processors (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) a graphics
processing unit (GPU) or both), a main memory and a static memory,
which communicate with each other via a bus.
[0236] A processor may be provided by one or more processors
including, for example, one or more of a single core or multi-core
processor (e.g., AMD Phenom II X2, Intel Core Duo, AMD Phenom II
X4, Intel Core i5, Intel Core i& Extreme Edition 980X, or Intel
Xeon E7-2820).
[0237] An I/O mechanism may include a video display unit (e.g., a
liquid crystal display (LCD) or a cathode ray tube (CRT)), an
alphanumeric input device (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control
device (e.g., a mouse), a disk drive unit, a signal generation
device (e.g., a speaker), an accelerometer, a microphone, a
cellular radio frequency antenna, and a network interface device
(e.g., a network interface card (NIC), Wi-Fi card, cellular modem,
data jack. Ethernet port, modem jack, HDMI port, mini-HDMI port,
USB port), touchscreen (e.g., CRT, LCD, LED, AMOLED, Super AMOLED),
pointing device, trackpad, light (e.g., LED), light/image
projection device, or a combination thereof.
[0238] Memory according to the invention refers to a non-transitory
memory which is provided by one or more tangible devices which
preferably include one or more machine-readable medium on which is
stored one or more sets of instructions (e.g., software) embodying
any one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein.
The software may also reside, completely or at least partially,
within the main memory, processor, or both during execution thereof
by a computer within system, the main memory and the processor also
constituting machine-readable media. The software may further be
transmitted or received over a network via the network interface
device.
[0239] While the machine-readable medium can in an exemplary
embodiment be a single medium, the term "machine-readable medium"
should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g.,
a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and
servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term
"machine-readable medium" shall also be taken to include any medium
that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of
instructions for execution by the machine and that cause the
machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the
present invention. Memory may be, for example, one or more of a
hard disk drive, solid state drive (SSD), an optical disc, flash
memory, zip disk, tape drive, "cloud" storage location, or a
combination thereof. In certain embodiments, a device of the
invention includes a tangible, non-transitory computer readable
medium for memory. Exemplary devices for use as memory include
semiconductor memory devices, (e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, solid state
drive (SSD), and flash memory devices e.g., SD, micro SD, SDXC,
SDIO, SDHC cards); magnetic disks, (e.g., internal hard disks or
removable disks); and optical disks (e.g., CD and DVD disks).
[0240] Furthermore, numerous references have been made to patents
and printed publications throughout this specification. Each of the
above-cited references and printed publications are individually
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
[0241] In closing, it is to be understood that the embodiments of
the invention disclosed herein are illustrative of the principles
of the present invention. Other modifications that may be employed
are within the scope of the invention. Thus, by way of example, but
not of limitation, alternative configurations of the present
invention may be utilized in accordance with the teachings herein.
Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to that precisely
as shown and described.
* * * * *