CONCENTRATE FILLING SYSTEM
An injection system is provided. An injection pump is coupled to a fluid reservoir operable to create a flow of fluid. The injection pump can include an outlet through which the fluid is dispensed. A conduit is coupled with the injection pump. The conduit forms a channel operable to permit the fluid to flow therethrough. The channel extends linearly along a longitudinal axis.
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This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/128,837, filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Mar. 30, 2023, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/882,265, filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Aug. 5, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
TECHNICAL FIELDThe present disclosure relates generally to systems and techniques for filling concentrate jars.
BACKGROUNDSince the legalization of hemp and related products in the USA many formants of consumption have arisen. Vaporization, edibles, and topicals are all delivery methods for ingestion. The creation of hemp and related concentrates have created a market for high potency products that can either be pyrolyzed or ingested which are particularly popular for medical and chronic pain patients. This market demand has created a supply chain struggling to supply products due to the difficult and often hard-to-package concentrate product that is sold by the gram.
Concentrates derived from hemp and related plants are separated into 3 varieties: 1) “Diamonds with sauce”—this material is a crystallized concentrate with a terpene layer; 2) Shatter—this material is dried while wet to form a “brown sugar brittle” style of material; 3) Batter—this material look and flows like dense cookie batter. All these materials are difficult to package either due to a solid and/or liquid component or uneven grain size.
In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the disclosure can be obtained, a more particular description of the principles briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understand that these drawings depict only exemplary embodiments of the disclosure and are not, therefore, to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the principles herein are described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
Various embodiments of the disclosure are discussed in detail below. While specific implementations are discussed, it should be understood that this is done for illustration purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configurations may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be outlined in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or can be learned by practice of the herein disclosed principles. It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among the different figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. The description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein.
The concentrate filling system 10 includes a load cell 300. The load cell 300 can be operable to be zeroed using a container 800. Container 800 can be filled by the injection pump 500 in a systematic way so that a density of the particles that are within the container 800 can be measured. The conveyor 400 can also be coupled to base 700. The injection pump 500 can be coupled to the oil reservoir 100. In other examples, the injection pump 500 can be coupled directly to the base 700. The oil reservoir 100 is also fluidically coupled with the injection pump 500 such that fluid can flow from the oil reservoir 100 to the injection pump 500 and thereby be dispensed from the injection pump 500 into the container 800.
The solid loader 600 can also be coupled to the base 700. By having all of the components coupled to the base 700, the concentrate filling system 10 can be designed to be installed within an existing facility on a tabletop.
In at least one example, the concentrate filling system 10 can be designed and assembled prior to shipping. In another example, the load cell 300 can be separated and packaged together with, but physically not assembled with the other components of the concentrate filling system 10. Additionally, the controller 200 can be arranged to be mounted directly to the base 700 as shown. In other examples, the controller 200 can be mounted on a stand and/or located on the back side of the base 700.
The controller 200 is operable upon receiving indicative of a predetermined weight of the container, fluid, and particles the controller is operable to send a control signal to the conveyor and the injection pump to stop dispensing of particles and fluid. Additionally, controller 200 is operable to receive data indicative of the height of the particles and cause the solid loader to dispense solid particles once the height of the particles is below a predetermined amount.
The load cell 300 is operable to move in response to one or more signals from the controller and take additional measurements and send additional measurement data to the controller, which is operable to determine a density of a mixture in the container. In at least one example the movement of the load cell 300 is a series of four strokes.
As illustrated in
Additionally, the controller 200 can be programmed to provide different signals to adjust the vibration of the conveyor 400. In one example, the controller 200 can be programmed to adjust the vibrational frequency of the conveyor 400, so that the conveyer can vibrate at different frequencies. In another example, a separate controller can be used to adjust the vibrational frequency of the conveyor 400. In one example, the vibrational frequency can be set at a single frequency. In another example, the vibrational frequency can change during the filling of the container 800. For example, the vibrational frequency can start off at a higher frequency and transition to a lower frequency as the container 800 is filled. The adjustment of the vibrational frequency can be made in response to data received from the load cell indicating the weight of the particles in the container. In other examples, two different sizes of particles can be loaded into separate solid loaders 600 and fed into separate conveyors 400. The separate conveyors 400 can be controlled through different vibrational frequencies and with different shares. In one example, each solid loader 600 would be operated separately until the desired amount of the first particle size was reached. Then the second solid loader would be operated with the respective conveyor 400 until the second particle weight was reached. In some examples, only particles can be filled into the containers 800, and in other examples, both particles and liquid can be filled into the containers 800.
Furthermore, the conveyor 400 can be coated with different types of coatings to allow the particles to more easily slide along the trough 410. In other examples, a separate layer such as a wax paper can be installed inside the trough 410 to facilitate the movement of particles along the trough 410 and/or to maintain cleanliness and/or sterility of the system 10.
As illustrated, the solid loader 600 assembly includes a range finder that points down at the trough 410. The range finder is to automatically actuate the movement the rotational loader to load more or less solid particulates. The controller 200 is operable to receive data indicative of the height of the particles and cause the solid loader 600 to dispense solid particles once the height of the particles is below a predetermined amount. For example, the predetermined amount for the height can be three times the average size of the particles. In other examples, the predetermined amount for the height can be five times the average size of the particles. When too many particles are dispensed, the conveyor 400 might load more than the desired amount. Furthermore, if too many particles are in the conveyor 400, the share might back up and become clogged.
The solid loader 600 includes a barrel 630 that has a conical dispensing end 632 and cylindrical receiving end 638, whereby particles are loaded into the cylindrical receiving end 638 and dispensed through the conical dispensing end 632. The conical dispensing end 632 can be coupled to the cylindrical receiving end 638 by a tapered portion 636. The tapered portion can be shaped like a funnel. In at least one example, the barrel 630 is removeable from the solid loader 600.
In at least one example, the solid loader 600 includes an adjustment apparatus 650 operable to control an angle (θ) of the barrel centerline 680 relative to the conveyor 400. As illustrated, the adjustment apparatus 650 can be in the form of a plurality of screws that adjust an angle of the barrel 630 at two different points along its axis. In other examples, the adjustment apparatus 650 can take the form of powered adjustment devices that adjust the angle. The adjustment of the angle can be controlled by the controller when the power adjustment is provided. In at least one example, the barrel 630 can be made from a polymer material.
The barrel 630 can be rotated by a stepper motor 620 to control the speed and amount dispensed therefrom. The stepper motor 620 can be coupled to a base plate 610 that in turn is coupled to the solid loader 600.
As seen in
The solid loader 600 can also include a height sensor 670 that is coupled to a mounting bracket 672 that is coupled a plurality of suspension members 640, which are coupled to the solid loader 600. As illustrated the suspension members 640 can be coupled together by coupling members 642, 647. An upright suspension member 648, extends and joins to horizontal suspension member 646 at coupling member 647. The horizontal suspension member 646 joins to perpendicular member 643 at coupling member 642. Additionally the perpendicular member 643 can be coupled to cross member 645 that is coupled to the frame 656 of the solid loader 600. A downward member 641 can extend downwardly from the height sensor 670.
The solid loader 600 includes a plurality of legs 662, 664, 66 that are operable to be coupled to base 70. A first leg 662 includes a coupling collar 661 that allows it to be removable from a mounting member on the base 700. A second leg 666 also includes a mounting collar 667 that allows it to be coupled to the base 700.
While the above example shows implementation with a single oil reservoir 100, controller 200, solid loader 600, conveyor 400, container 800, load cell 300, and injection pump 500, the present technology can be implemented with a plurality of oil reservoirs, controllers, solid loaders, conveyors, containers, load cells, and/or injection pumps. In at least one example, a plurality of solid loaders is implemented whereby each of the solid loaders are operable to receive particles through a receiving end and dispense particles through a dispensing end, and the respective solid loaders receive particles of different sizes. This can allow for a desired filling of the container. In most implementations, a single container can be implemented such that the plurality of solid loaders dispenses into a respective conveyer that in turn dispenses the particles into the container. In other implementations, a single conveyer can be used. In the implementation with separate conveyers, the separate conveyers allow for controlling the dispensing of the desired weight of the respective different sizes of particles.
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
In at least one example, the barrel 630 can be rotated by the stepper motor 620 to control speed and amount of the particles dispensed therefrom. The stepper motor 620 can be in communication with the controller 200 to rotate the barrel 630 to dispense the particles in dependence upon a detected weight at the load cell 300. In at least one example, the stepper motor 620 can rotate the barrel 630 to dispense the particles in dependence upon a detected amount of particles in the trough 410 of the conveyor 400.
In at least one example, the barrel 630 can be removeable from the solid loader 600 so that the barrel 630 can be easily cleaned. Accordingly, the concentrate filling system assembly 10 can be operated within tight regulations (e.g., good manufacturing practice regulations). Similarly, in at least one example, the trough 410 can be covered with a removable component (e.g., parchment paper) so that the particles only interact with the clean, replaceable component.
In at least one example, as illustrated in
The controller 200 can be operable to receive data from the range finders 464 indicative of the height of the particles at the plurality of points along the longitudinal axis X-X of the conveyor 400. The controller 200 can then determine corresponding amounts and/or weight of the particles at each of the points along the longitudinal axis X-X of the conveyor 400. The controller 200 can then cause the conveyor 400 to dispense the particles into the container 800 based on the amounts and/or the weight of the particles as the particles approach the distal end 424 of the conveyor 400 (e.g., trough 410).
With the information regarding the height, which can indicate amount and/or weight, of the particles along the trough 410 of the conveyor 400, the controller 200 can more accurately determine how much to move the particles along the conveyor 400 (e.g., by vibrating the conveyor 400). The controller 200 can also determine how much weight and/or how many of the particles are moving along the conveyor 400 and may enter the container 800. For example, if one section of the conveyor 400 includes a large cluster of particles, the controller 200 may determine to not move the particles as far along to control the amount of particles that are received by the container 800.
Referring to
At block 4202, a solid loader can be caused to dispense particles through a dispensing end onto a conveyor.
At block 4204, the conveyor can receive the dispensed particles at a proximal end and further dispenses the particles at a distal end into a container received by a load cell.
At block 4206, a controller can receive data from the load cell indicative of a weight of particles and/or fluid.
At block 4208, a control signal can be sent to the conveyor to adjust dispensing of the particles and/or a control signal can be sent to an injection pump to dispense fluid into the container.
At block 4210, upon receiving indicative of a predetermined weight of the container, fluid, and particles, a control signal can be sent to the conveyor and/or the injection pump to stop dispensing of the particles and/or the fluid.
An example for implementing the controller can include a computing device architecture. The components of the computing device architecture are in electrical communication with each other using a connection, such as a bus. The example computing device architecture includes a processing unit (CPU, microprocessor, and/or processor) 710 and a computing device connection that couples various computing device components including the computing device memory, such as read only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM), to the processor.
The computing device architecture can include a cache of high-speed memory connected directly with, in close proximity to, or integrated as part of the processor. The computing device architecture can copy data from the memory and/or the storage device to the cache for quick access by the processor. In this way, the cache can provide a performance boost that avoids processor delays while waiting for data. These and other modules can control or be configured to control the processor to perform various actions. Other computing device memory may be available for use as well. The memory can include multiple different types of memory with different performance characteristics. The processor can include any general purpose processor and a hardware or software service (e.g., service 1, service 2, and service 3) stored in storage device and configured to control the processor as well as a special-purpose processor where software instructions are incorporated into the processor design. The processor may be a self-contained system, containing multiple cores or processors, a bus, memory controller, cache, etc. A multi-core processor may be symmetric or asymmetric.
To enable user interaction with the computing device architecture, an input device can represent any number of input mechanisms, such as a microphone for speech, a touch-sensitive screen for gesture or graphical input, keyboard, mouse, motion input, speech and so forth. An output device can also be one or more of a number of output mechanisms known to those of skill in the art, such as a display, projector, television, speaker device. In some instances, multimodal computing devices can enable a user to provide multiple types of input to communicate with the computing device architecture. The communication interface can generally govern and manage the user input and computing device output. There is no restriction on operating on any particular hardware arrangement and therefore the basic features here may easily be substituted for improved hardware or firmware arrangements as they are developed.
Storage device is a non-volatile memory and can be a hard disk or other types of computer readable media which can store data that are accessible by a computer, such as magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, solid state memory devices, digital versatile disks, cartridges, random access memories (RAMs), read only memory (ROM), and hybrids thereof. The storage device can include service, service, and service for controlling the processor. Other hardware or software modules are contemplated. The storage device can be connected to the computing device connection. In one aspect, a hardware module that performs a particular function can include the software component stored in a computer-readable medium in connection with the necessary hardware components, such as the processor, connection, output device, and so forth, to carry out the function.
The term “computer-readable medium” includes, but is not limited to, portable or non-portable storage devices, optical storage devices, and various other mediums capable of storing, containing, or carrying instruction(s) and/or data. A computer-readable medium may include a non-transitory medium in which data can be stored and that does not include carrier waves and/or transitory electronic signals propagating wirelessly or over wired connections. Examples of a non-transitory medium may include, but are not limited to, a magnetic disk or tape, optical storage media such as compact disk (CD) or digital versatile disk (DVD), flash memory, memory or memory devices. A computer-readable medium may have stored thereon code and/or machine-executable instructions that may represent a procedure, a function, a subprogram, a program, a routine, a subroutine, a module, a software package, a class, or any combination of instructions, data structures, or program statements. A code segment may be coupled to another code segment or a hardware circuit by passing and/or receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or memory contents. Information, arguments, parameters, data, etc. may be passed, forwarded, or transmitted via any suitable means including memory sharing, message passing, token passing, network transmission, or the like.
In some embodiments the computer-readable storage devices, mediums, and memories can include a cable or wireless signal containing a bit stream and the like. However, when mentioned, non-transitory computer-readable storage media expressly exclude media such as energy, carrier signals, electromagnetic waves, and signals per se.
Specific details are provided in the description above to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments and examples provided herein. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For clarity of explanation, in some instances the present technology may be presented as including individual functional blocks comprising devices, device components, steps or routines in a method embodied in software, or combinations of hardware and software. Additional components may be used other than those shown in the figures and/or described herein. For example, circuits, systems, networks, processes, and other components may be shown as components in block diagram form in order not to obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques may be shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments.
Individual embodiments may be described above as a process or method which is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a data flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. A process is terminated when its operations are completed, but could have additional steps not included in a figure. A process may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a process corresponds to a function, its termination can correspond to a return of the function to the calling function or the main function.
Processes and methods according to the above-described examples can be implemented using computer-executable instructions that are stored or otherwise available from computer-readable media. Such instructions can include, for example, instructions and data which cause or otherwise configure a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or a processing device to perform a certain function or group of functions. Portions of computer resources used can be accessible over a network. The computer executable instructions may be, for example, binaries, intermediate format instructions such as assembly language, firmware, source code. Examples of computer-readable media that may be used to store instructions, information used, and/or information created during methods according to described examples include magnetic or optical disks, flash memory, USB devices provided with non-volatile memory, networked storage devices, and so on.
Devices implementing processes and methods according to these disclosures can include hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or any combination thereof, and can take any of a variety of form factors. When implemented in software, firmware, middleware, or microcode, the program code or code segments to perform the necessary tasks (e.g., a computer-program product) may be stored in a computer-readable or machine-readable medium. A processor(s) may perform the necessary tasks. Typical examples of form factors include laptops, smart phones, mobile phones, tablet devices or other small form factor personal computers, personal digital assistants, rackmount devices, standalone devices, and so on. Functionality described herein also can be embodied in peripherals or add-in cards. Such functionality can also be implemented on a circuit board among different chips or different processes executing in a single device, by way of further example.
The instructions, media for conveying such instructions, computing resources for executing them, and other structures for supporting such computing resources are example means for providing the functions described in the disclosure.
The injection system 4300 can include an injection pump 500 (e.g., the injection pump 500 as described above) that is coupled to the fluid reservoir 100 (e.g., the fluid reservoir 100 as described above). The injection pump 500 can be operable to create a flow of the fluid. The injection pump 100 includes an outlet 4301 through which the fluid is dispensed from the injection pump 500.
The fluid then flows from the injection pump 500 into a conduit 4316. The conduit 4316 forms a channel 4320 operable to permit the fluid to flow therethrough. The channel 4320 can be formed by conduit walls 4321 of the conduit 4316. The conduit 4316 is directly coupled with the outlet 4301 of the injection pump 100 such that the fluid flows directly from the outlet 4301 of the injection pump 500 into the channel 4320 of the conduit 4316.
As illustrated in
In at least one example, the injection system 4300 also includes a tip 4310 that is operable to dispense the fluid into the container 800. The tip 4310 can be coupled with the conduit 4316 such that the fluid can flow from the conduit 4316 directly into the tip 4310. The fluid can then flow out of the tip 4310 to be dispensed into the container 800. As illustrated in
In at least one example, as illustrated in
In at least one example, while the tip channel 4314 and the tip 4310 extend along the longitudinal axis X-X, the tip walls 4311 can taper towards the exit opening 4312. For example, the tip 4310 can have substantially a conical or a frustoconical shape (not considering the exit opening 4312). In some examples, the tip 4310 can have substantially a pyramidal shape. In some examples, the tip walls 4311 can taper at a taper angle 4309 in relation to the longitudinal axis X-X. While
In at least one example, the tip walls 4311 can taper at the taper angle 4309A in relation to the longitudinal axis X-X that is greater than about 135 degrees. In some examples, the taper angle 4309A can be equal to or less than about 180 degrees. In some examples, the taper angle 4309A can be between about 135 degrees and about 180 degrees. In some examples, the taper angle 4309A can be between about 145 degrees and about 180 degrees. In some examples, the taper angle 4309A can be between about 155 degrees and about 180 degrees. In some examples, the taper angle 4309A can be between about 165 degrees and about 180 degrees. In some examples, the taper angle 4309A can be between about 175 degrees and about 180 degrees. Accordingly, the linear pathway provided by the conduit 4316 and the tip 4310 does not contract at a steep angle (e.g., between 135 degrees and 90 degrees). By having a gradual taper of the tip 4310 with the taper angle 4309A, the injection system 500 can be depressurized. If the taper angle 4309A was steeper, the injection system 500 can be pressurized and cause separation. For example, with a stepper taper angle 4309A, the fluid would be pushed against the taper walls 4311 which creates pressure on the fluid as the fluid slides down the taper walls 4311 towards the exit opening 4312. The pressure on the fluid can cause the fluid to separate, and at least a portion of the solid(s) may remain on the taper walls 4311 while the liquid(s) may flow out of the exit opening 4312 to be disposed into the container 800. This can affect the concentration of the fluid and cause the fluid that is received in the container 800 to be undeliverable and unusable due to regulation criteria.
In some examples, the tip walls 4311 may not taper, and extend substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis X-X (e.g., a taper angle 4309A of about 180 degrees). Accordingly, the tip walls 4311 may continue in parallel with the conduit walls 4321.
In at least one example, at least a portion of the tip 4310 can be made of plastic. For example, at least a portion of the tip 4310 can be made of low density polyethylene and/or polypropylene. In at least one example, the tip 4310 can be operable to be cut to form the exit opening 4312 through which the fluid is dispensed. By being able to cut the tip 4310, the desired size and/or shape of the exit opening 4312 can be formed. For example, as shown in
With such an exit angle 4312A for the exit opening 4312, the fluid can flow easily out of the exit opening 4312 to be received in the container 800. Additionally, in some examples, the fluid may need to be scraped into the container 800. With such an exit angle 4312A, the fluid can be easily scraped into the container 800 while preventing excess dripping of the fluid. For example, the container 800 may be raised to the exit opening 4312 of the tip 4310 for dispensing of the fluid into the container 800. Once the injection pump 500 finishes pumping the desired amount of fluid, the fluid at the exit opening 4312 of the tip 4310 can be scraped off and deposited into the container 800. The amount of the fluid that is dispensed and received in the container 800 is as desired.
In at least one example, the tip 4310 being at least partially made of plastic allows the tip 4310 to be cut to obtain the desired size and shape of the exit opening 4312. For example, if the exit opening 4312 is too large, the fluid may drip out of the tip 4310. If the exit opening 4312 is too small, the fluid may not flow out of the tip 4310 via the exit opening 4312, which can lead to pressure buildup and subsequently separation of the fluid. Accordingly, the tip 4310 is a variable size nozzle that can be cut and manipulated as fit for the fluid, the container 800, and/or the injection pump 500.
In at least one example, the tip 4310 can be detachably coupled with the conduit 4316. Accordingly, the tip 4310 can be replaceable which can improve ease of maintenance. In some examples, the tip 4310 being detachably coupled can assist with ensuring that the exit opening 4312 is the desired and appropriate size. For example, if the exit opening 4312 that is cut is not as desired, the tip 4310 can be detached and discarded, and a new tip 4310 can be attached to the conduit 4316.
In some examples, the injection pump 500 can be coupled with the controller 200 such that the controller 200 can control the amount of the fluid that is dispensed from the injection pump 500 and received in the container 800. The injection pump 500 can be operable to dispense a predetermined amount of the fluid into the container 800. For example, the injection system 4300 can be operable to dispense a predetermined amount of a total of 1 gram of the fluid into the container 800. The controller 200 can set the injection pump 500 to dispense a first amount which can be substantially equal to the predetermined amount of 1 gram. In some examples, the first amount can be performed by one piston stroke. However, the injection pump 500 and/or the fluid may cause the amount of fluid dispensed from the injection pump 500 of the first amount to be substantially equal to the predetermined amount (e.g., 1 gram) but not equal. For example, the consistency of the fluid and/or bubbles in the fluid may lead to the first amount to be less than (e.g., 5%, 10%, 18%, etc. less than) the predetermined amount. The container 800 can then be set on the load cell 300 which can measure the first amount of the fluid in the container 800. The controller 200 can receive the measurement of the first amount of the fluid in the container 800 and determine a second amount of the fluid to be dispensed into the container 800. The second amount of the fluid can be based on a difference between the first amount of fluid in the container and the predetermined amount. In some examples, the second amount of the fluid can be 0 grams. In some examples, the second amount of the fluid can be the 5%, 10%, 18%, etc. amount of the predetermined amount (e.g., 1 gram) to make up for the amount of the first amount being less than the predetermined amount. The controller 200 can then set the injection pump 500 to dispense the second amount of the fluid into the container 800 so that the container 800 contains the entirety of the predetermined amount (e.g., 1 gram) of the fluid. The controller 200 can determine the settings for the injection pump 500 via the type of fluid, type of injection pump 500, and/or other criteria so that the injection pump 500 dispenses the second amount of the fluid to have the container 800 receive the predetermined amount of the fluid.
Referring to
At block 4402, a fluid is pumped, via an injection pump, out of an outlet of the injection pump into a conduit. The conduit extends linearly along a longitudinal axis.
At block 4404, the fluid flows through the conduit to be dispensed into a container.
In at least one example, a tip can be detachably coupled with the conduit. The tip can extend linearly along the longitudinal axis. In at least one example, the tip can be cut to form an exit opening through which the fluid is dispensed. The exit opening can extend at an exit angle that is greater than 90 degrees in relation to the longitudinal axis. In some examples, the tip can be replaced with a second tip if the fluid does not flow out of the tip as desired.
In at least one example, the container can be lifted to receive the fluid (e.g., from the conduit and/or from the tip). The fluid can be scraped into the container.
In at least one example, a first amount of the fluid can be dispensed into the container. The injection pump can be operable to pump the fluid such that the first amount is substantially equal to a predetermined amount. The amount of the fluid in the container can be measured. A second amount of the fluid can be determined based on a difference between the first amount of the fluid in the container and the predetermined amount. The second amount of the fluid can be dispensed into the container so that the container contains the predetermined amount of the fluid.
In at least one example, the tip can include taper walls that taper towards an exit opening. The tip walls can taper at a taper angle in relation to the longitudinal axis that is greater than 135 degrees.
While examples of the present inventive concept have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such examples are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the disclosure. It should be understood that various alternatives to the examples of the disclosure described herein can be employed in practicing the disclosure. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the disclosure and that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby.
Illustrative examples of the disclosure include:
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- Aspect 1: An concentrate filling system comprising: a solid loader operable to receive particles and dispense particles through a dispensing end; a conveyor operable to receive the dispensed particles at a proximal end and further dispense particles at a distal end; a load cell operable to receive a container, wherein the container receives the dispensed particles from the conveyor; an injection pump coupled to a fluid reservoir designed to dispense fluids into the container; a controller having one or more microprocessors, the controller operable to receive data from the load cell indicative of a weight of the particles and/or fluid and send a control signal to the conveyor to adjust the dispensing of the particles and send a control signal to the injection pump; wherein upon receiving indicative of a predetermined weight of the container, fluid, and particles the controller is operable to send a control signal to the conveyor and the injection pump to stop dispensing of particles and fluid.
- Aspect 2: The concentrate filling system of Aspect 1, wherein the solid loader is operable to deliver large amounts of solid particles are dispensed and the conveyor is operable to vibrate to evenly dispense a small and accurate amount of particles.
- Aspect 3: The concentrate filling system of Aspect 1, wherein the solid loader is operable to deliver amounts of solid particles on order of between 0.1 grams and 1 gram.
- Aspect 4: The concentrate filling system of Aspect 1, wherein the solid loader includes a range finder that can detect a height of the particles in the conveyor.
- Aspect 5: The concentrate filling system of Aspect 4, wherein the controller is operable to receive data indicative of the height of the particles and cause the solid loader to dispense solid particles once the height of the particles is below a predetermined amount.
- Aspect 6: The concentrate filling system of Aspect 1, wherein the solid loader includes a plurality of range finders that can detect a height of the particles in the conveyor.
- Aspect 7: The concentrate filling system of Aspect 6, wherein the plurality of range finders are positioned to measure the height of the particles in the conveyor at a corresponding plurality of points along a longitudinal axis of the conveyor.
- Aspect 8: The concentrate filling system of Aspect 7, wherein the controller is operable to: receive data from the plurality of range finders indicative of the height of the particles at the plurality of points along the longitudinal axis of the conveyor; determine corresponding amounts and/or weight of the particles at each of the points along the longitudinal axis of the conveyor; and cause the conveyor to dispense the particles into the container based on the amounts and/or the weight of the particles as the particles approach the distal end of the conveyor.
- Aspect 9: The concentrate filling system of Aspect 6, wherein the plurality of range finders includes optical sensors.
- Aspect 10: The concentrate filling system of Aspect 1, wherein the solid loader includes a barrel that has a conical dispensing end, wherein an interior of the conical dispensing end includes a spline, wherein when the barrel is rotated, the particles translate towards the conical dispensing end.
- Aspect 11: The concentrate filling system of Aspect 1, wherein the solid loader includes a barrel that has a conical dispensing end and cylindrical receiving end, whereby particles are loaded into the cylindrical receiving end.
- Aspect 12: The concentrate filling system of Aspect 11, wherein the barrel is removeable from the solid loader.
- Aspect 13: The concentrate filling system of Aspect 12, further comprising an adjustment apparatus operable to control an angle of the barrel relative to the conveyor.
- Aspect 14: The concentrate filling system of Aspect 11, wherein the barrel is made from a polymer material.
- Aspect 15: The concentrate filling system of Aspect 11, wherein the barrel is rotated by a stepper motor to control speed and amount dispensed therefrom.
- Aspect 16: The concentrate filling system of Aspect 11, wherein the barrel is rotated by a stepper motor to control speed and amount dispensed therefrom, wherein the stepper motor is in communication with the controller to rotate the barrel to dispense the particles in dependence upon a detected weight at the load cell.
- Aspect 17: The concentrate filling system of Aspect 1, wherein the conveyor can be configured with a rod designed to break up and disperse large clumps or particles.
- Aspect 18: The concentrate filling system of Aspect 1, wherein the conveyor is operable to vibrate thereby causing particles inside the conveyor to travel down a length to a dispensing port and into a container.
- Aspect 19: The concentrate filling system of Aspect 18, further comprising a vibrational controller that is operable to change a vibrational frequency of the conveyor so that the conveyor can vibrate at different frequencies.
- Aspect 20: The concentrate filling system of Aspect 18, wherein the vibrational controller is integrated with the controller and adjusts a vibrational frequency in dependence upon a detected weight at the load cell.
- Aspect 21: The concentrate filling system of Aspect 1, wherein the load cell can be configured with different attachment dies designed to properly seat different containers on the load cell.
- Aspect 22: The concentrate filling system of Aspect 1, further comprising a plurality of feet that are operable to be adjusted thereby leveling the load cell.
- Aspect 23: The concentrate filling system of Aspect 1, wherein the load cell is operable to move in response to one or more signals from the controller and take additional measurements as fluid is dispensed from the injection pump and send additional measurement data to the controller, which is operable to determine a density of a mixture in the container.
- Aspect 24: The concentrate filling system of Aspect 14, wherein the movement of the load cell is a series of four strokes.
- Aspect 25: A concentrate filling system comprising: a plurality solid loaders operable to receive particles and dispense particles through a dispensing end, wherein each solid loader receives particles of a different size; a plurality of conveyors operable to receive the dispensed particles, from a respective one of the plurality of solid loaders, at a proximal end and further dispense particles at a distal end; a load cell operable to receive a container, wherein the container receives the dispensed particles from the conveyor; a controller having one or more microprocessors, the controller operable to receive data from the load cell indicative of the weight of the particles and send a control signal to the conveyor to adjust the dispensing of the particles; wherein upon receiving indicative of a predetermined weight of the container and particles the controller is operable to send a control signal to the conveyor to stop dispensing of particles.
- Aspect 26: A method comprising: causing a solid loader to dispense particles through a dispensing end onto a conveyor; receiving, by the conveyor, the dispensed particles at a proximal end and further dispense the particles at a distal end into a container received by a load cell; receiving, by a controller, data from the load cell indicative of a weight of particles and/or fluid; sending a control signal to the conveyor to adjust dispensing of the particles and/or send a control signal to an injection pump to dispense fluid into the container; sending, upon receiving indicative of a predetermined weight of the container, fluid, and particles, a control signal to the conveyor and/or the injection pump to stop dispensing of the particles and/or the fluid.
- Aspect 27: The method of Aspect 26, wherein the conveyor is operable to dispense the particles into the container by vibrating to evenly dispense a small and accurate amount of particles.
- Aspect 28: The method of Aspect 26, further comprising: detecting, by a plurality of range finders, a height of the particles in the conveyor.
- Aspect 29: The method of Aspect 28, wherein the plurality of range finders are positioned to measure the height of the particles in the conveyor at a corresponding plurality of points along a longitudinal axis of the conveyor.
- Aspect 30: The method of Aspect 29, further comprising: receiving, by the controller, data from the plurality of range finders indicative of the height of the particles at the plurality of points along the longitudinal axis of the conveyor; determining, by the controller, corresponding amounts and/or weight of the particles at each of the points along the longitudinal axis of the conveyor; and dispensing, by the conveyor, the particles into the container based on the amounts and/or the weight of the particles as the particles approach the distal end of the conveyor.
- Aspect 31: The method of Aspect 26, wherein the solid loader includes a barrel operable to store and dispense the particles into the conveyor, wherein the method further comprises: rotating the barrel to dispense the particles in dependence upon a detected weight at the load cell.
Claims
1. An injection system comprising:
- an injection pump coupled to a fluid reservoir operable to create a flow of fluid, the injection pump including an outlet through which the fluid is dispensed;
- a conduit coupled with the injection pump, the conduit forming a channel operable to permit the fluid to flow therethrough,
- wherein the channel extends linearly along a longitudinal axis.
2. The injection system of claim 1, wherein the conduit is directly coupled with the outlet of the injection pump.
3. The injection system of claim 1, wherein the channel does not include a turn.
4. The injection system of claim 1, further comprising a tip coupled with the conduit such that the fluid flows out of the tip to be dispensed into a container.
5. The injection system of claim 4, wherein the tip is detachably coupled with the conduit.
6. The injection system of claim 4, wherein at least a portion of the tip is made of plastic.
7. The injection system of claim 4, wherein the tip is operable to be cut to form an exit opening through which the fluid is dispensed.
8. The injection system of claim 7, wherein the exit opening extends at an exit angle that is greater than 90 degrees in relation to the longitudinal axis.
9. The injection system of claim 4, wherein the tip extends linearly along the longitudinal axis.
10. The injection system of claim 4, wherein the tip includes tip walls that taper towards an exit opening.
11. The injection system of claim 10, wherein the tip walls taper at a taper angle in relation to the longitudinal axis that is greater than 135 degrees.
12. The injection system of claim 4, wherein the tip has substantially a conical shape or a frustoconical shape.
13. A method comprising:
- pumping, via an injection pump, a fluid out of an outlet of the injection pump into a conduit;
- flowing the fluid through the conduit to be dispensed into a container,
- wherein the conduit extends linearly along a longitudinal axis.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising:
- detachably coupling a tip with the conduit, wherein the tip extends linearly along the longitudinal axis.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:
- cutting the tip to form an exit opening through which the fluid is dispensed.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the exit opening extends at an exit angle that is greater than 90 degrees in relation to the longitudinal axis.
17. The method of claim 14, further comprising:
- replacing the tip with a second tip if the fluid does not flow out of the tip as desired.
18. The method of claim 13, further comprising:
- lifting the container to receive the fluid; and
- scraping the fluid into the container.
19. The method of claim 13, further comprising:
- dispensing a first amount of the fluid into the container, wherein the injection pump is operable to pump the fluid such the first amount is substantially equal to a predetermined amount;
- measuring the amount of fluid in the container;
- determining a second amount of the fluid based on a difference between the first amount of fluid in the container and the predetermined amount;
- dispensing the second amount of the fluid into the container so that the container contains the predetermined amount of the fluid.
20. The method of claim 13, wherein the tip includes tip walls that taper towards an exit opening, wherein the tip walls taper at a taper angle in relation to the longitudinal axis that is greater than 135 degrees.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 7, 2023
Publication Date: Feb 29, 2024
Applicant: Clear IP Corporation (Stafford, TX)
Inventor: Jeff WU (Stafford, TX)
Application Number: 18/503,624