AGITATOR FOR SOLVENTLESS EXTRACTION OF CANNABIS ESSENTIAL OILS

Abstract

A method for extracting cannabis essential oils. A housing is provided for containing trichome bearing material from a cannabis plant, the housing having a sealable opening. A rotatable impeller is disposed in the housing. A container is connected to the housing for collecting essential oils. The process for extracting cannabis essential oils includes the steps of introducing trichome bearing material from the cannabis plant into the housing, introducing water into the housing via an opening therein, and agitating the water and the trichome bearing material to separate and extract essential oils therefrom.

Claims

1. A process for extracting cannabis essential oils by using an agitation apparatus, the steps comprising: a) introducing trichome bearing material from a cannabis plant into a housing of an agitation apparatus in which is disposed a mixing vessel; b) introducing water into the mixing vessel via an opening therein; c) agitating the trichome bearing material and the water; d) providing a remote start, digital timer control and variable drive control for controlling functions of one or more of an electrical component components associated with the apparatus; and e) activating a rotatable impeller by means of an electrical motor operatively connected to the impeller and to the remote start, digital timer control and variable drive control.

2. The process for extracting cannabis essential oils in accordance with claim 1, the steps further comprising: f) opening a lid disposed at an upper portion of the housing for allowing cannabis trichome bearing material to be introduced to the mixing vessel.

3. The process for extracting cannabis essential oils in accordance with claim 1, the steps further comprising: f) monitoring extraction operations as they occur by using a camera operatively connected to the remote start, digital timer control and variable drive control.

4. The process for extracting cannabis essential oils in accordance with claim 1, the steps further comprising: f) introducing vibration to, and increasing agitation of, the contents in the mixing vessel with the use of an ultrasonic generator operatively connected to the remote start, digital timer control and variable drive control.

5. The process for extracting cannabis essential oils in accordance with claim 1, the steps further comprising: f) sanitizing the mixing vessel after an extraction cycle by using a sanitary pump operatively connected to the remote start, digital timer control and variable drive control.

6. The process for extracting cannabis essential oils in accordance with claim 1, the steps further comprising: f) continuously monitoring the temperature of the contents of the mixing vessel by using a temperature gauge proximate the mixing vessel and operatively connected to the remote start, digital timer control and variable drive control.

7. The process for extracting cannabis essential oils in accordance with claim 6, the steps further comprising: g) changing the temperature of the contents of the mixing vessel pursuant to temperature readings of the temperature gauge by using a heater/chiller unit operatively connected to the remote start, digital timer control and variable drive control and to the temperature gauge.

8. The process for extracting cannabis essential oils in accordance with claim 1, the steps further comprising: f) monitoring the quantity of trichome bearing material and water introduced into the mixing vessel by using four piezo-electric load cells operatively connected to the remote start, digital timer control and variable drive control and proximate the mixing vessel.

9. The process for extracting cannabis essential oils in accordance with claim 1, the steps further comprising: f) introducing ice into the mixing vessel via an opening therein.

10. The process for extracting cannabis essential oils in accordance with claim 1, the steps further comprising: f) using a heater/chill unit to change the temperature of the water prior to introducing the water into the mixing vessel via an opening therein.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] A complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, when considered in conjunction with the subsequent detailed description, in which:

[0032] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an apparatus for solventless extraction of cannabis essential oils in accordance with the present invention;

[0033] FIG. 2 is a schematic, front, cut-away view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

[0034] FIG. 3 is an exploded, schematic view of components that comprise the apparatus of the present invention;

[0035] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the components shown in FIG. 3 connected to one another;

[0036] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the inventive apparatus with flow meter;

[0037] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the front and top views of an impeller for use with the inventive apparatus;

[0038] FIG. 7 is a schematic, cut-away view of the inventive apparatus with insulation;

[0039] FIG. 7A is a schematic view of an alternate embodiment of the inventive apparatus;

[0040] FIG. 8 is a schematic, cut-away view of the inventive apparatus with dimpled jacket cooling system;

[0041] FIG. 9 is a schematic, partially cut-away view of the inventive apparatus with a load cell;

[0042] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a port hole hatch for use with the inventive apparatus;

[0043] FIG. 11 is a schematic view of the inventive apparatus with a remote view camera;

[0044] FIG. 12 is a schematic view of the inventive apparatus with a thermocouple;

[0045] FIG. 13 is a schematic, partially cut-away view of the inventive apparatus with an ultrasonic frequency generator; and

[0046] FIG. 14 is a flow chart of operations in accordance with the present invention.

[0047] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0048] Although the following detailed description contains specific details for the purposes of illustration, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that variations and alterations to the following details are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention described below are set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon, the claimed invention.

[0049] A method and apparatus is provided for extracting cannabis essential oils. A housing is provided for containing trichome bearing material from a cannabis plant, the housing having a sealable opening. A container is connected to the housing for collecting essential oils. The process for extracting cannabis essential oils includes the steps of introducing trichome bearing material from the cannabis plant into the housing, introducing water into the housing via an opening therein, and agitating the water and the trichome bearing material to separate and extract essential oils therefrom.

[0050] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there are shown schematic views of an apparatus 10 for solventless extraction of cannabis essential oils in accordance with the present invention.

[0051] A substantially cubical, hollow housing 12 (hereinafter “agitator” or “mixing vessel”) having an opening 14 at the top thereof and a closeable lid 16 is supported by a four-legged structure 18 to provide space between the lower surface 20 of housing 12 and a surface on which apparatus 10 rests. Housing 12 in the preferred embodiment is substantially cubical in shape, but it should be understood that any geometric shape can be used as a housing without departing from the scope of the invention. An output tube or pipe 22 is inserted in a lower portion 24 of housing 12.

[0052] Positioned beneath lower surface 20 of housing 12 in the space between lower surface 20 of housing 12 and a surface on which apparatus 10 rests is a removable collection vessel 26 for receiving extracted essential oils, not shown.

[0053] Referring still to FIG. 2, there is shown a schematic, front, cut-away view of inventive apparatus 10. A frustoconical mixing vessel 13 is disposed in housing 12. An optional sight glass 31 or series thereof can be installed in housing 12 and mixing vessel 13 so an operator, not shown, can view extraction operations as they are performed.

[0054] A lower portion 32 of mixing vessel 13 is tapered downwardly. At the lower extremity 34 of mixing vessel 13 and contained therein is disposed an impeller 36 and associated electrical motor 38 for actuation thereof. Impeller 36, in the preferred embodiment, is a Model MCI, manufactured by the Magic City Machinery Company, although other suitable impellers can be used, as is well known in the art. An output aperture 40 is formed at lower extremity 34 of mixing vessel 13. Disposed beneath output aperture 40 and supported by housing 12 is collection vessel 26.

[0055] Referring now also to FIG. 3, optionally, a remote start, digital timer control and variable drive control 42 can be operatively connected to electrical motor 38 (FIG. 2) to control operation thereof. Digital timer control and variable drive control 42, in the preferred embodiment, is a Model No. Logo, manufactured by the Siemens Company, although other suitable digital timer and variable drive controls can be used, as is well known in the art. A camera 44 under direction of remote start, digital timer control, and variable drive control 42 can also be installed to monitor progress of agitation of the contents of mixing vessel 13. Camera 44, in the preferred embodiment, is a Model No. VS 101, manufactured by the Heidenhain Company, although other suitable cameras can be used, as is well known in the art. When automated with the foregoing elements, apparatus 10 can be one of several such devices in a facility that can operate simultaneously.

[0056] Operatively connected to opening 14 is an overhead ice and water dispenser unit 15, comprising a water supply 15′ and biomass supply 15″ that provides reverse osmosis ice and water, when needed, to regulate temperature, inter alia, of the contents of mixing vessel 13.

[0057] Referring now also to FIG. 4, optionally, one or more sanitary pumps 46 can be installed in operative relation to mixing vessel 13 via a two-way fill valve 47′ for sanitization thereof between operative cycles. Sanitary pumps 46, in the preferred embodiment, are Model MCP, manufactured by the Magic City Machinery Company, although other suitable sanitary pumps can be used, as is well known in the art. Sanitary pumps 46 are part of a system that includes a vibratory sifter 47 and a stand-by reservoir 47″ operatively connected thereto for receiving filtered liquid, not shown.

[0058] Referring now to FIG. 5, a flow meter 49 is disposed at the upper portion of mixing vessel 13. Flow meter 49, in the preferred embodiment, is a Model HFT, manufactured by the Dwyer Company, although other suitable flow meters can be used, as is well known in the art.

[0059] Referring now also to FIG. 6, the front and top views of impeller 36 are illustrated.

[0060] Referring now also to FIG. 7, suitable insulation 37 is placed around mixing vessel 13 inside housing 12.

[0061] Referring now also to FIG. 7A, there is shown an alternative embodiment of the invention, in which housing 12 is unitary, the lower portion thereof 26′ covering collection vessel 26 (FIG. 1) and impeller 36 (FIG. 2). Digital timer control and variable drive control 42 is mounted on the front of apparatus 10.

[0062] Referring now to FIG. 8, a suitable temperature gauge and control 48 proximate and operatively connected to mixing vessel 13 can be installed to monitor the temperature of the contents of mixing vessel 13 before, during, and/or after an extraction cycle. Temperature gauge and control 48, in the preferred embodiment, is a Model No. RTD-6, manufactured by the Dwyer Company, although other suitable temperature gauge and controls can be used, as is well known in the art. A heating/chiller unit, which is part of a dimpled jacket cooling system 50 with ultrasonic frequency generator 46, can be controlled by remote start, digital timer control and variable drive control 42 in response to continuous temperature readings of temperature gauge 48.

[0063] Referring now also to FIG. 9, one or more piezo-electric load cells 52 can also be installed in legs 18 supporting mixing vessel 13 to monitor the quantity of trichome and/or water introduced thereinto. Load cells 52, in the preferred embodiment, are Model LC302-1k, manufactured by the Omega Company, although other suitable load cells can be used, as is well known in the art. Load cells 52 are also under the control of remote start, digital timer control and variable drive control 42, if desired.

[0064] Referring now also to FIG. 10, a perspective view of a port hole hatch 51 is shown.

[0065] Referring now also to FIG. 11, a remote view camera 44 can be attached to lid 16 of apparatus 10 so the cannabis essential oil extraction process within mixing vessel 13 can be observed at a remote location. Remote view camera 44, in the preferred embodiment, is a Model No. VS-101, manufactured by the Heidenhain Company, although other suitable cameras can be used, as is well known in the art.

[0066] Referring now also to FIG. 12, a thermocouple can be operatively connected to mixing vessel 13 to monitor temperature of the cannabis essential oil extraction process therein. Thermocouple, in the preferred embodiment, is a Model No. RTD-6, manufactured by the Dwyer Company, although other suitable thermocouples can be used, as is well known in the art.

[0067] Referring now also to FIG. 13, optionally, ultrasonic frequency generator 46 is operatively connected to mixing vessel 13 to impart ultrasonic vibrations thereto in order to help facilitate agitation of the contents thereof. Ultrasonic generator 46, in the preferred embodiment, is a Model No. SweepSonik 3, manufactured by the Blackstone-NEY UltraSonics Company, although other suitable ultrasonic generators can be used, as is well known in the art. In some embodiments, ultrasonic generator 46 can be used in conjunction with impeller 36 or, instead of impeller 36, to accomplish the required agitation of the contents of mixing vessel 13.

[0068] Referring now also to FIG. 14, there is shown a flow chart of operations 100 in accordance with the invention. In operation, lid 16 is opened or removed, allowing cannabis trichome bearing material, not shown, to be introduced to mixing vessel 13 in housing 12. Reverse osmosis water is first introduced to fill approximately half of the capacity of mixing vessel 13, step 102. The water is left in mixing vessel 13 to acclimate until the temperature thereof has reached approximately 32 degrees Fahrenheit. The use of a heater/chiller unit can be employed to change the temperature of the water prior to introducing the water into the mixing vessel or within the mixing vessel. The use of ice can also be employed to change the temperature of the water prior to introducing the water into the mixing vessel or within the mixing vessel.

[0069] Biomass is then introduced into the agitator 12, step 104. Both water and trichome bearing material can also be controlled by remote start, digital timer control and variable drive control 42. The biomass can be placed in a 220-micron filter bag, not shown, with a heavy-duty zipper, to improve the quality of the cold water trichome separations. An operator, not shown, has the option of directly introducing material into the machine 10. This semi-automatic procedure is known as running the material “raw.”

[0070] Additional water is added to a fill line over the biomass, step 106.

[0071] Once the material is introduced into the ice-cold water, a wash mode is initiated, step 108, at which point impeller 36 is activated for a predetermined time to vigorously agitate the cannabis trichomes and water, step 110, at which time the resin glands, which are denser than the water, separate from the plant material. Essential oils are extracted by gravity feed to collection vessel 26, the contents of which may be removed or drained.

[0072] The wash mode and duration of cycle are selected and the machine is started from the control panel, step 108. Machine cycles are fully customizable, depending on an operator's preference and the characteristics of the starting material. The system can be dialed in for the perfect amount of agitation for maximum yield.

[0073] Once the cycle is complete, the sanitary pump and sifter are turned on, step 112. The drain valve is opened to allow the flow of water to the top of the vibratory sifter.

[0074] Once the water and resin gland mixtures are introduced into the vibratory sifter, they begin to be filtered through a series of stainless-steel screens, step 114, with precise micron ratings via high frequency vibrations in order to separate the different grades.

[0075] Catch cans are then emptied and labeled into special trays for the freeze dryer, step 116. Freeze drying, also known as lyophilization or cryodesiccation, is a low temperature dehydration process that involves freezing the product, lowering pressure, then removing the ice by sublimation. After the product has come out of the freeze dryer, it is ready for sale or consumption.

[0076] Optionally, a rosining procedure can be performed, step 118, for removing any leftover particulate from the resin glands. Rosin is a solventless extract that uses heat and pressure to force the compounds within the trichome gland out of the cannabis plant, where all of the THCA, other cannabinoids, and terpenes are located.

[0077] All references throughout this application, for example patent documents including issued or granted patents or equivalents; patent application publications; and non-patent literature documents or other source material; are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties, as though individually incorporated by reference, to the extent each reference is at least partially not inconsistent with the disclosure in this application (for example, a reference that is partially inconsistent is incorporated by reference except for the partially inconsistent portion of the reference).

[0078] The terms and expressions which have been employed herein are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention claimed. Thus, it should be understood that although the present invention has been specifically disclosed by preferred embodiments, exemplary embodiments and optional features, modification and variation of the concepts herein disclosed may be resorted to by those skilled in the art, and that such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims. The specific embodiments provided herein are examples of useful embodiments of the present invention and it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be carried out using a great number of variations of the devices, device components, and method steps set forth in the present description. As will be obvious to one of skill in the art, methods and devices useful for the present methods can include a great number of optional composition and processing elements and steps.

[0079] Whenever a range is given in the specification, for example, a temperature range, a time range, or a composition or concentration range, all intermediate ranges and subranges, as well as all individual values included in the ranges given are intended to be included in the disclosure. It will be understood that any subranges or individual values in a range or subrange that are included in the description herein can be excluded from the claims herein.

[0080] All patents and publications mentioned in the specification are indicative of the levels of skill of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. References cited herein are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety to indicate the state of the art as of their publication or filing date and it is intended that this information can be employed herein, if needed, to exclude specific embodiments that are in the prior art. For example, when compositions of matter are claimed, it should be understood that compounds known and available in the art prior to Applicant's invention, including compounds for which an enabling disclosure is provided in the references cited herein, are not intended to be included in any composition of matter claims herein.

[0081] As used herein, “comprising” is synonymous with “including,” “containing,” or “characterized by,” and is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. As used herein, “consisting of” excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim element. As used herein, “consisting essentially of” does not exclude materials or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claim. In each instance herein any of the terms “comprising”, “consisting essentially of,” and “consisting of” may be replaced with either of the other two terms. The invention illustratively described herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element or elements, limitation or limitations which is not specifically disclosed herein.

[0082] One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that starting materials, biological materials, reagents, synthetic methods, purification methods, analytical methods, assay methods, and biological methods other than those specifically exemplified can be employed in the practice of the invention without resort to undue experimentation. All art-known functional equivalents, of any such materials and methods are intended to be included in this invention. The terms and expressions which have been employed are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention that in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention claimed. Thus, it should be understood that although the present invention has been specifically disclosed by preferred embodiments and optional features, modification and variation of the concepts herein disclosed may be resorted to by those skilled in the art, and that such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0083] Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention.

[0084] Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims.