Botanical Processing Module

The disclosure provides a botanical processing module, comprising a housing, wherein the housing comprises a plurality of surfaces, wherein there is an internal cavity defined between the plurality of surfaces; a first inlet disposed on a top surface of the housing; a second inlet disposed on a first side surface of the housing, wherein the first side surface is orthogonal to the top surface; a first outlet disposed on the first side surface; a controller, wherein the controller comprises a processor; a memory; and a network interface; a first heating chamber; and a liquid composition analyzer; wherein the first heating chamber and the liquid composition analyzer are disposed within the internal cavity of the housing, wherein the liquid composition analyzer is communicatively coupled to the processor of the controller.

BACKGROUND

Current tools exist for separate processes of grinding, shredding, packing, heating, and analyzing certain plant matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Throughout this disclosure, a reference numeral followed by an alphabetical character refers to a specific instance of an element and the reference numeral alone refers to the element generically or collectively. Thus, as an example (not shown in the drawings), widget “la” refers to an instance of a widget class, which may be referred to collectively as widgets “1” and any one of which may be referred to generically as a widget “1”. In the figures and the description, like numerals are intended to represent like elements.

The terms “couple” or “couples,” as used herein, are intended to mean either an indirect or direct connection. Thus, if a first device couples to a second device, that connection may be through a direct connection, or through an indirect electrical connection or a shaft coupling via other devices and connections.

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for a botanical processing module. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for physically altering a deposited sample of designated material through an automated process with the botanical processing module.

FIG. 1illustrates a botanical processing module100. The botanical processing module100may be configured to change the physical state of a designated material deposited therein. In certain embodiments, the botanical processing module100may further be configured to change the chemical state of the designated material. In certain embodiments, the botanical processing module100may operate automatically once given user input. Without limitations, the botanical processing module100may be any suitable size, height, and/or shape. As illustrated, the botanical processing module100may comprise a square or rectangular cross-sectional shape. In embodiments, the dimensions, such as height, width, and/or length may be any suitable value. The botanical processing module100may comprise any suitable material, including, but not limited to, metals, nonmetals, polymers, ceramics, composites, and/or combinations thereof.

The botanical processing module100may comprise a housing105. In embodiments, the housing105may comprise a plurality of surfaces110. In particular embodiments, for a given surface, the adjacent surfaces may be orthogonal to said given surface. In other embodiments, for a given surface, the adjacent surfaces may be disposed at an angle relative to said given surface. The housing105may comprise one or more openings extending through the thickness of a surface110of the housing105. The one or more openings may be functional as either an inlet or an outlet. These one or more openings may be coupled to external equipment through piping and/or conduit. In certain embodiments, there may be a first inlet115disposed about a top surface110aof the housing105. The first inlet115may be any suitable size and/or shape. The first inlet115may be configured to allow a material to pass from the exterior of the housing105of the botanical processing module100to the interior of the housing105. As illustrated, a funnel120may be disposed about the first inlet115. In embodiments, the funnel120may be disposed at least partially through or may be coupled to the first inlet115. In alternate embodiments, the funnel120may be disposed at a distance from the first inlet115and coupled to the first inlet115via conduit. The funnel120may be configured to contain a designated material and to allow said designated material to travel downwards from a top end125to a bottom end130of the funnel120via gravity. In embodiments, the designated material may be any suitable material. Without limitations, the designated material may be a portion of plant matter belonging to the Cannabaceae family. Both the top end125and the bottom end130may be actuable to open or close, thereby sealing the interior of the funnel120from the external environment.

In embodiments, there may be a first outlet135disposed on a first side surface110bof the housing105. While illustrated on first side surface110b, first outlet135may be disposed about any of the plurality of surfaces110. The first outlet135may be any suitable size and/or shape. The first outlet135may be capable of allowing material to pass from the interior of the housing105to the exterior of the housing105. As illustrated, the first outlet135may be coupled to external equipment and/or tooling via conduit140a.

In embodiments, there may be a second inlet145disposed on the first side surface110bof the housing105. While illustrated on first side surface110b, second inlet145may be disposed about any of the plurality of surfaces110. The second inlet145may be any suitable size and/or shape. The second inlet145may be capable of allowing material to pass from the exterior of the housing105to the interior of the housing105. As illustrated, the second inlet145may be coupled to external equipment and/or tooling via conduit140b.

In embodiments, there may be a second outlet150disposed on a second side surface110cof the housing105. In embodiments, the second side surface110cmay be orthogonal to both the top surface110aand the first side surface110b. While illustrated on second side surface110c, second outlet150may be disposed about any of the plurality of surfaces110. The second outlet150may be any suitable size and/or shape. The second outlet150may be capable of allowing material to pass from the interior of the housing105to the exterior of the housing105. As illustrated, the second outlet150may comprise an internal ledge155. During operations, material may be deposited from the interior of the housing105to the internal ledge155to be accessible by an operator.

In embodiments, there may be a third inlet160disposed on the second side surface110cof the housing105. While illustrated on second side surface110c, third inlet160may be disposed about any of the plurality of surfaces110. The third inlet160may be any suitable size and/or shape. The third inlet160may be capable of allowing material to pass from the exterior of the housing105to the interior of the housing105. In embodiments, the third inlet160may be configured to function like a printer tray and receive wrap paper, or a similar paper product. The third inlet160may receive and contain any suitable amount of wrap paper. During operations, the botanical processing module100may manipulate the wrap paper within the housing105through such means as rolling, folding, bending, and any combination thereof.

In embodiments, there may be a third outlet165disposed on the top surface110aof the housing105. While illustrated on top surface110a, third outlet165may be disposed about any of the plurality of surfaces110. The third outlet165may be any suitable size and/or shape. The third outlet165may be configured to vent fumes and/or gases from the interior of the housing105to the external environment. During operations, the third outlet165may be actuated to either open or close in order to vent potential fumes and/or gases by a controller170. The controller170may be disposed within and/or communicatively coupled to the botanical processing module100. In embodiments, the controller170may be communicatively coupled to a common network175and/or to an external server180.

The common network175may facilitate communication between the botanical processing module100and various external components (for example, the server180). This disclosure contemplates the common network175being any suitable network operable to facilitate communication. Common network175may include any interconnecting system capable of transmitting audio, video, signals, data, messages, or any combination of the preceding. Common network175may include all or a portion of a public switched telephone network (PSTN), a public or private data network, a local area network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN), a local, regional, or global communication or computer network, such as the Internet, a wireline or wireless network, an enterprise intranet, or any other suitable communication link, including combinations thereof, operable to facilitate communication between the components. In embodiments, the common network175may be accessed using a network interface (for example, network interface211onFIG. 2). The network interface may be a networking device that is configured to enable wired and/or wireless communications between the common network175and other network devices, systems, or domain(s). For example, the network interface may be configured to send and receive data to the common network175, the botanical processing module100, and any combinations thereof. The network interface may be configured to use any suitable type of communication protocol as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art.

The external server180is generally a suitable server (e.g., including a physical server and/or virtual server) operable to store data185and/or provide access to application(s)190or other services with restricted access. The data185may be data to be viewed or accessed by a preapproved user. The application190may be any suitable application which may be employed to review and/or access the data185. The external server180may be accessed using the example controller170, the common network175, and/or any other suitable device.

FIG. 2is a diagram illustrating an example controller170, according to aspects of the present disclosure. A processor or central processing unit (CPU)201of the controller170is communicatively coupled to a memory controller hub or north bridge202. The processor201may include, for example a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any other digital or analog circuitry configured to interpret and/or execute program instructions and/or process data. Processor201may be configured to interpret and/or execute program instructions or other data retrieved and stored in any memory such as memory203or hard drive207. Program instructions or other data may constitute portions of a software or application for carrying out one or more methods described herein. Memory203may include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), solid state memory, or disk-based memory. Each memory module may include any system, device or apparatus configured to retain program instructions and/or data for a period of time (e.g., computer-readable non-transitory media). For example, instructions from a software or application may be retrieved and stored in memory203for execution by processor201.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made toFIG. 2without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example,FIG. 2shows a particular configuration of components of controller170. However, any suitable configurations of components may be used. For example, components of controller170may be implemented either as physical or logical components. Furthermore, in some embodiments, functionality associated with components of controller170may be implemented in special purpose circuits or components. In other embodiments, functionality associated with components of controller170may be implemented in configurable general-purpose circuit or components. For example, components of controller170may be implemented by configured computer program instructions.

Memory controller hub (MCH)202may include a memory controller for directing information to or from various system memory components within the controller170, such as memory203, storage element206, and hard drive207. The memory controller hub202may be coupled to memory203and a graphics processing unit (GPU)204. Memory controller hub202may also be coupled to an I/O controller hub (ICH) or south bridge205. I/O controller hub205is coupled to storage elements of the controller170, including a storage element206, which may comprise a flash ROM that includes a basic input/output system (BIOS) of the computer system. I/O controller hub205is also coupled to the hard drive207of the controller170. I/O controller hub205may also be coupled to a Super I/O chip208, which is itself coupled to several of the I/O ports of the computer system, including keyboard209and mouse210.

In embodiments, the controller170may further comprise a network interface211. The network interface211is configured to enable wired and/or wireless communications. The network interface211is configured to communicate data between the botanical processing module100and other network devices, systems, or domain(s). For example, the network interface211may comprise a WIFI interface, a local area network (LAN) interface, a wide area network (WAN) interface, a modem, a switch, or a router. The processor201of the botanical processing module100is configured to send and receive data using the network interface211. The network interface211may be configured to use any suitable type of communication protocol as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art.

In certain embodiments, the controller170may contain a set of instructions that when executed cause the processor201to perform certain actions. In any embodiment, the controller may include a non-transitory computer readable medium that stores one or more instructions where the one or more instructions when executed cause the processor to perform certain actions. As used herein, an controller may include any instrumentality or aggregate of instrumentalities operable to compute, classify, process, transmit, receive, retrieve, originate, switch, store, display, manifest, detect, record, reproduce, handle, or utilize any form of information, intelligence, or data for business, scientific, control, or other purposes. For example, a controller may be a computer terminal, a network storage device, or any other suitable device and may vary in size, shape, performance, functionality, and price. The controller may include random access memory (RAM), one or more processing resources such as a central processing unit (CPU) or hardware or software control logic, read only memory (ROM), and/or other types of nonvolatile memory. Additional components of the controller may include one or more disk drives, one or more network ports for communication with external devices as well as various input and output (I/O) devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a video display. In embodiments, an operator may operate the controller170via a display disposed on the second side surface110c(referring toFIG. 1). The controller170may also include one or more buses operable to transmit communications between the various hardware components. In embodiments, the botanical processing module100may comprise a power supply (not shown). In alternate embodiments, the botanical processing module100may be coupled to an external power supply by any suitable means.

The present disclosure may provide examples of a system and method for processing designated material and communicating analyses of that designated material over a decentralized computing network. The decentralized computing network may include a plurality of computing systems that act as nodes. Each node may access a distributed ledger over the decentralized computing network. The distributed ledger may be a database or consensus of replicated, shared, and synchronized digital data geographically spread across multiple nodes that is independently updated. In examples, the distributed ledger may utilize blockchain technology and protocols. In one or more embodiments, the controller170of the botanical processing module100may operate as a node within a decentralized computing network.

FIG. 3illustrates an example of a decentralized computing network300. Decentralized computing network300may include a plurality of nodes305. Each node305may be operated by an individual, company, and/or other entity. Each node305may include a processor, a memory unit, a network interface, and a bus. The memory unit may be volatile and/or non-volatile. Further hardware and/or software may be used by each node305. Additionally, any suitable input and output (I/O) devices may be implemented. Without limitation, each node305may be any suitable computing device. Concerning the present disclosure, computer-readable storage mediums may be utilized. Decentralized computing network300may connect the plurality of nodes305by any form or medium of digital data communication such as a communication network (for example, common network175inFIG. 1). Without limitation, a communication network may include a local area network (“LAN”), a metropolitan area network (“MAN”), a wide area network (“WAN”), peer-to-peer networks (structured, unstructured, and/or hybrid models), grid computing infrastructures, the Internet, and/or combinations thereof.

In examples, decentralized computing network300may utilize blockchain technology and protocols for the distributed ledger. However, not all distributed ledgers may necessarily employ blockchain technology to successfully provide secure and valid achievement of distributed consensus. Without limitation, a blockchain may be one type of data structure considered to be a distributed ledger. A blockchain may be a continuously growing list of records. In examples, the records may be represented as blocks. Each block may include transaction data, a hash pointer, a timestamp, and/or combinations thereof. These blocks may be linked and secured using cryptographic measures. Cryptographic measures may include any suitable mathematical algorithm. In examples, a hash function may be used as the cryptographic measure, wherein the hash function is a mathematical algorithm that takes a data input and generates a fixed output (e.g, a bit string with a fixed length). Hash functions may have pre-image resistance, wherein it may be infeasible to invert without using a brute-force method of trying to compare hashed values of random inputs. Hash functions may be collision resistant, wherein it may be infeasible for two given inputs to produce the same output. In examples, a hash function may be designed to be a one-way function.

The methodology behind blockchain may promote a decentralized network over a peer-to-peer network rather than a central computing system. In examples, each of the plurality of nodes305may own a full copy of the distributed ledger. When a transaction occurs in the distributed ledger, each of the plurality of nodes305may verify the status of the distributed ledger (i.e., with the addition of a new block). A consensus among the plurality of nodes305may be required to verify the status of the distributed ledger. Any suitable protocol may be used to reach consensus. Without limitation, suitable protocols may be proof of work, proof of stake, proof of authority, and/or combinations thereof. In examples, this may occur automatically and/or continuously. Once consensus has been reached, the distributed ledger may be updated (i.e., the addition of a block).

In examples, digital signatures may be used in the blockchain. In examples, a public and private key may be created using an algorithm and may be related to each other. The public key may be distributed to the plurality of nodes305. The private key may be kept by an individual node305to digitally sign any transaction occurring in the distributed ledger. The receiving party of a transaction that has been signed may verify the data within the transaction by using the public key. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that any known digital signature systems may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

FIG. 4illustrates an example of a blockchain400. There may be a plurality of blocks405within blockchain400. In examples, a first block410may represent the first data transactions within the distributed ledger. The first block410may include any suitable size of data. A hash function may be used to generate an output value (e.g., a “hash”) from the first data transactions. For each subsequent block405added to blockchain400, the input to the hash function of the new block may include the previous block's hash and the data transactions represented by the new block. This may produce a system wherein the plurality of blocks405are linked, in sequential order, by the previous block's output value of the hash function. The linked blocks405may allow the plurality of nodes305(referring toFIG. 3) to follow the blockchain400backwards, from progression, in order to observe and verify data transactions. In examples, any suitable data mining technique may be used to verify and/or create the addition of a block in blockchain400.

FIG. 5illustrates a cross-sectional view of the botanical processing module100. The housing105of the botanical processing module100may define an internal cavity500between the plurality of surfaces110. In embodiments, there may be any suitable equipment disposed within the housing105in the internal cavity500configured to physically and/or chemically change a designated material. Without limitations, such equipment may include funnels, pathways, piping, conduit, grinders, screens, filters, rollers, cutters, blades, pulleys, belts, plates, teeth and/or protrusions, and/or combinations thereof. The equipment may be coupled together by any suitable means and/or any suitable fasteners. In embodiments, there may be a motor503disposed within the housing105, wherein operation of the motor503actuates at least some of the equipment. The motor503may be any suitable electric motor configured to convert electricity into mechanical energy.

In one or more embodiments, there may be means for physically altering the state of the designated material entering into the botanical processing module100. Such means may include a grinder505. In alternate embodiments, the grinder505may be replaced with or work concurrently with a shredder, cutters, blades, and any combination thereof. As illustrated, the grinder505may be disposed adjacent to or near the first inlet115. In embodiments, the grinder505may be positioned so that the designated material that may pass through the first inlet115may be deposited into or onto the grinder505. In alternate embodiments, the designated material may travel through conduit coupling the first inlet115to the grinder505. The grinder505may be configured to reduce the designated material into smaller portions through shearing said designated material once actuated.

As illustrated, the grinder505may be coupled to a first heating chamber510and a means for packing515. Without limitations, the motor503may be coupled to and actuated to operate the grinder505and the means for packing515. There may be a first valve507disposed between the grinder505and the means for packing515. There may further be a second valve508disposed between the grinder505and the first heating chamber510. During operations, actuation of the first valve507and the second valve508may determine which pathway the reduced designated material may take (for example, introduction into either the means for packing or the first heating chamber510). In embodiments, the first heating chamber510may be any suitable size and/or shape.

The first heating chamber510may be coupled to the grinder505directly or through conduit. In embodiments, the first heating chamber510may be configured to apply heat to the reduced designated material. Without limitations, the first heating chamber510may comprise a heating element configured to raise the temperature within the first heating chamber510to about 550° C. In embodiments, the first heating chamber510may be sealable in relation to the internal cavity500. In one or more embodiments, the designated material may bypass the grinder505when introduced into the botanical processing module100and travel straight to the first heating chamber510. In these embodiments, a third valve512may be actuated in order to open a pathway from the first inlet115to the first heating chamber510. The third valve512may be closed in a first position, wherein the designated material would be directed to the grinder505. The third valve512may be actuated to open in a second position, wherein the designated material would be directed to the first heating chamber510.

The first heating chamber510may be coupled to a first containment chamber535. The first heating chamber510may be coupled to the first containment chamber535directly or through conduit. As illustrated, there may be a fourth valve537disposed downstream from the first heating chamber510, wherein actuation of the fourth valve537may introduce the reduced designated material into the first containment chamber535after being heated within the first heating chamber510. In embodiments, the first containment chamber535may be configured to introduce a fluid from an external source to the botanical processing module100to interact with the heated, reduced designated material. In embodiments, the second inlet145may be coupled to the first containment chamber535. There may be a fifth valve538disposed between the second inlet145and the first containment chamber535, wherein actuation of the fifth valve538may introduce a fluid into the first containment chamber535. The second inlet145may be configured to provide liquid carbon dioxide to flow into the first containment chamber535. In embodiments, the liquid carbon dioxide may be in a supercritical state. In embodiments, the first containment chamber535may be capable of being pressurized to a designated pressure. Without limitations, during operations, the first containment chamber535may be pressurized so as to allow the liquid carbon dioxide to maintain its state of matter.

As illustrated, the first containment chamber535may be coupled to a separator540. In embodiments, the separator540may be a pressure vessel configured to separate a fluid into gaseous and liquid components. The first containment chamber535may be coupled to the separator540directly or through conduit. As illustrated, the first outlet135may be coupled to the separator540. In embodiments, as the separator540operates, the products of the operation of the separator540may be transported out of the botanical processing module100through the first outlet135.

In one or more embodiments, the first heating chamber510may be coupled to a second containment chamber545. The first heating chamber510may be coupled to the second containment chamber545directly or through conduit. In one or more embodiments, the fourth valve537may be a three-way valve configured to open and/or close pathways from the first heating chamber510to the first containment chamber535and the second containment chamber545. In embodiments, the second containment chamber545may be configured to introduce a fluid from an external source to the botanical processing module100to interact with the heated, reduced designated material. In embodiments, the second inlet145may be coupled to the second containment chamber545. Further, the fifth valve538may be a three-way valve configured to open and/or close pathways from the second inlet145to the first containment chamber535and the second containment chamber545. The second inlet145may be configured to provide a fluid to flow into the second containment chamber545. Without limitations, the fluid may be ethanol, butane, pentane, hexane, isopropyl alcohol, acetone, or any other hydrocarbon/alcohol solvent.

As illustrated, the second containment chamber545may be coupled to a second heating chamber550. The second containment chamber545may be coupled to the second heating chamber550directly or through conduit. As illustrated, the first outlet135may be coupled to the second heating chamber. In embodiments, the product of the operation of the second heating chamber550may be transported out of the botanical processing module100through the first outlet135. In embodiments, the second heating chamber550may be any suitable size and/or shape. In embodiments, the second heating chamber550may be configured to apply heat to the mixture of the reduced designated material and the fluid provided through the second inlet145. Without limitations, the second heating chamber550may comprise a heating element configured to raise the temperature within the second heating chamber550to any suitable value. Without limitations, such a temperature may be to about 200° C., about 250° C., about 300° C., about 550° C., or about 400° C. The second heating chamber550may increase the temperature in order to cause a portion of the fluid present in the mixture to evaporate. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the second heating chamber550may be configured to increase the temperature to the point of vaporization for the designated fluid introduced through the second inlet145. In embodiments, the evaporated fumes or gases may exit the botanical processing module100through the first outlet135along with the remaining fluid from the mixture. In alternate embodiments, the evaporated fumes or gases may exit the botanical processing module100through the third outlet165(referring toFIG. 1) while the remaining fluid from the mixture may exit through the first outlet135.

The botanical processing module100may further comprise a liquid composition analyzer555. The liquid composition analyzer555may be any suitable device capable of performing liquid chromatography on a sample of fluid in order to identify the composition of the fluid. Without limitations, any method of chromatography may be utilized by the liquid composition analyzer555. As illustrated, the liquid composition analyzer555may be fluidly coupled downstream of the second heating chamber550and the separator540. A sixth valve557may be disposed upstream of the liquid composition analyzer555, wherein the sixth valve557may be closed in a first position and open in a second position. Actuation of the sixth valve557from a first position to a second position may at least partially open a fluid pathway to the liquid composition analyzer555from either the second heating chamber550or the separator540. In embodiments, the liquid composition analyzer555may be configured to separate, identify, and quantify each component in a mixture. The liquid composition analyzer555may be further configured to transmit signals to the controller170(referring toFIG. 1) to communicate that information, wherein the controller170may receive these signals then subsequently transmit that information as separate signals to the common network175(referring toFIG. 1).

With reference back to the grinder505, the grinder505may be coupled to the means for packing515. In embodiments, the means for packing515may comprise a conveyor belt520, a secondary funnel525, and one or more rollers530. In one or more embodiments, the secondary funnel525may be coupled to the grinder505via conduit. The conveyor belt520may be disposed within the internal cavity500so as to connect the third inlet160(referring toFIG. 1) to the second outlet150(referring toFIG. 1). The one or more rollers530may be disposed along a portion of the conveyor belt520between the secondary funnel525and the second outlet150. In embodiments, the conveyor belt520may be configured to transport the wrap paper from the third inlet160to the second outlet150. The secondary funnel525may be configured to dispense reduced designated material from the grinder505onto at least a portion of each unit of wrap paper as it is transported on the conveyor belt520. The one or more rollers530may be configured to roll each one of the wrap papers with reduced designated material disposed thereon into generally cylindrical shapes. In embodiments, the conveyor belt520may deposit individually rolled wrap papers containing reduced designated material onto the internal ledge155(referring toFIG. 1) of the second outlet150.

FIG. 6illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the botanical processing module100. The embodiment illustrated inFIG. 6may comprise each component previously described inFIG. 5with differences present in the means for packing515. As such, the means for packing515illustrated inFIG. 6may be used in conjunction with the botanical processing module100ofFIG. 5. In the present embodiment, the means for packing515may comprise a packer container600, a packing rod605, and the conveyor belt520. In this embodiment, the packer container600may be coupled to the grinder505via conduit. The packer container600may be configured to contain the reduced designated material for a period of time. The packer container600may be actuated to dispense a portion of the reduced designated material disposed within the packer container600. The packer rod605may be disposed adjacent to the packer container600and aligned so that the dispensed portion of reduced designated material is within the path of motion of the packer rod605. The conveyor belt520may be disposed within the internal cavity500so as to connect the third inlet160(referring toFIG. 1) to the second outlet150(referring toFIG. 1). The conveyor520may be similarly configured to transport materials from the third inlet160to the second outlet150. In the present embodiment, the third inlet160may receive and contain pre-rolled wrap papers, wherein the pre-rolled wrap papers are in a cylindrical shape. The conveyor520may comprise partitions (not shown) so as to orient the pre-rolled wrap papers in a certain configuration. In embodiments, the packer rod605may be actuated to move linearly and force the dispensed portion of reduced designated material into one of the pre-rolled wrap papers once the one of the pre-rolled wrap papers is in-line with the path of motion of the packer rod605. In embodiments, the conveyor belt520may deposit each pre-rolled wrap paper containing reduced designated material onto the internal ledge155(referring toFIG. 1) of the second outlet150.

During operations, with reference to the figures, an operator may dispose designated material into the botanical processing module100through the first inlet115. Any suitable amount or volume of designated material may be disposed into the botanical processing module100. Once the operator disposes the designated material into the botanical processing module100, the operator may choose any suitable operation to be performed via the controller170. In embodiments, the controller170may instruct the botanical processing module100to prepare rolled wrap papers comprising a portion of reduced designated material and/or produce a desired by-product to be collected from the first outlet135. In certain embodiments, the controller170may control the dispensation of reduced designated material from the grinder505into individual wrap papers and/or pre-rolled wrap papers. In these embodiments, the controller170may control the speed of the conveyor belt520and the timing and location of wrap papers disposed on the conveyor belt520in relation to either the secondary funnel525or the packing rod605. In embodiments, the controller170may instruct the first heating chamber510to increase the temperature to a designated value for a period of time. Without limitations, such a period of time may be anywhere from about 5 minutes to about 5 hours. In similar embodiments, the controller170may instruct the second heating chamber550to increase the temperature to a designated value for a period of time, wherein the period of time may be similar to the period of time used for the first heating chamber510.

In embodiments, the botanical processing module100may apply a solvent and/or liquid carbon dioxide to the designated material through the second inlet145. This may occur after the process of grinding and/or shredding the designated material with the grinder505. The solvent and/or liquid carbon dioxide may surround, encompass, pass through, and/or combinations thereof the reduced designated material for a suitable amount of time to produce a mixture. In these embodiments, the mixture may undergo a further process through either the separator540or the second heating chamber550then may flow out of the botanical processing module100through the first outlet135. In embodiments, the mixture may be disposed in an external container for further processing.

FIG. 7is a flow diagram illustrating an example method700of the botanical processing module100ofFIGS. 1-6. The method700may be implemented using the botanical processing module100. The method700may begin at step705where an operator may dispose or introduce designated material into the botanical processing module100. Any suitable amount or volume of designated material may be disposed into the botanical processing module100. The designated material may be disposed in the funnel120wherein the funnel120may be partially disposed through the first inlet115.

At step710, the operator may input a designation into the controller170of which process to perform. The operator may be provided with a choice of either directing the designated material to the first heating chamber510or to the means for packing515. The operator may further select whether the designated material should be introduced into the grinder505before introduction into the first heating chamber510. Once a determination has been made, the processor201of the controller170may instruct the bottom end130of the funnel120to open, thereby allowing the designated material to exit the funnel and pass through the first inlet115via gravity. If the operator selects that the designated material should not pass through the grinder505before being introduced into the first heating chamber510, the processor201may instruct the third valve512to actuate to an open position to allow the designated material to bypass the grinder505and flow to the first heating chamber510. If the operator selects that the designated material should pass through the grinder505before being introduced into the first heating chamber510or if the operator selects that the designated material should be directed to the means for packing515, the designated material may be introduced into the grinder505.

At step715, the processor201may instruct the grinder505to actuate to reduce the designated material into smaller portions through shearing said designated material. The processor201may instruct the grinder505to operate for any period of time. After the period of time has elapsed, the processor201may instruct the grinder505to stop operating.

In response to the operator determining that the botanical processing module100is to direct the designated material to the first heating chamber510, the method700may proceed to step720. In response to the operator determining that the botanical processing module100is to direct the designated material to the means for packing515, the method700may proceed to step725.

At step720, the processor201may instruct the second valve508to open in order to direct the reduced designated material to be introduced into the first heating chamber510. Once the reduced designated material is disposed within the first heating chamber510, the processor201may instruct the first heating chamber510to actuate to increase the temperature within the first heating chamber510to a certain temperature for a period of time.

At step730, the operator may input a designation into the controller170of which process to perform. The operator may be provided with a choice of either directing the reduced designated material to the first containment chamber535or to the second containment chamber545after being heated by the first heating chamber510. If the operator selects to direct the reduced designated material to the first containment chamber535, the processor201may instruct the fourth valve537to actuate to allow the reduced designated material to be introduced into the first containment chamber535at a step735. If the operator selects to direct the reduced designated material to the second containment chamber545, the processor201may instruct the fourth valve537to actuate to allow the reduced designated material to be introduced into the second containment chamber545at a step740.

At step735, the processor201may instruct the fifth valve538to actuate to introduce a fluid from an external source through the second inlet145into the first containment chamber535once the heated, reduced designated material is within the first containment chamber535. The processor201may further instruct the first containment chamber535to pressurize or increase the internal pressure up to a certain value.

At step745, the mixture of the heated, reduced designated material with the fluid from the external source may flow from the first containment chamber535to the separator540. The processor201may instruct the separator540to actuate to separate the mixture of the heated, reduced designated material with the fluid into gaseous and liquid components. Once the mixture has been separated, the method700may proceed to step750.

At step740, the processor201may instruct the fifth valve538to actuate to introduce a fluid from an external source through the second inlet145into the second containment chamber545once the heated, reduced designated material is within the second containment chamber545. The processor201may further instruct the second containment chamber545to pressurize or increase the internal pressure up to a certain value.

At step755, the mixture of the heated, reduced designated material with the fluid from the external source may flow from the second containment chamber545to the second heating chamber550. The processor201may instruct the second heating chamber550to actuate to increase the temperature within the second heating chamber550to a certain temperature for a period of time in order to cause a portion of the fluid present in the mixture to evaporate. In embodiments, the portion of the fluid that evaporates may exit the botanical processing module100through the first outlet135with the remaining portions of the mixture and/or through the third outlet165. The method700may then proceed to step750.

At step750, a sample of the fluid from either step745or step755may be directed to the liquid composition analyzer555. The processor201may instruct the sixth valve557to actuate to divert the sample from the flow to the first outlet135. The sample may be introduced into the liquid composition analyzer555, wherein the processor201may instruct the liquid composition analyzer555to actuate to identify the composition of the sample, and subsequently that of the fluid from either of step745or step755. In embodiments, the liquid composition analyzer555may be actuated to transmit the resulting information to the processor201. The processor201may be configured to receive the information from the liquid composition analyzer555. While the liquid composition analyzer555is operating, the fluids from the separator540and/or the second heating chamber550may be flowing out of the botanical processing module100through the first outlet135.

At step760, the processor201may transmit signals to the common network175while the processor201is communicatively coupled to the common network175. In embodiments, the network interface211of the controller170may have established a connection between the controller170and the common network175in order for communication to occur between the two. In one or more embodiments, the common network175may be a decentralized computing network300, wherein the controller170may act as one of a plurality of nodes305. In these embodiments, the decentralized computing network300may be configured to store information, data, and/or parameters concerning the operation of one or more botanical processing modules100. The decentralized computing network300may be a private network wherein access to each node305, as an operator, requires pre-authorization (for example, through log-in credentials).

A plurality of the one or more botanical processing modules100may be configured to transmit signals over the decentralized computing network300. For example, the resultant composition of the fluid analyzed by the liquid composition analyzer555may be broadcast from the controller170of one of the one of more botanical processing modules100to the decentralized computing network300. An operator operating a separate computing system acting as a node305may be configured to parse through the decentralized computing network300using blockchain protocols in order to access that information. Further, the operator may be able to monitor any suitable maintenance parameters of each of the one or more botanical processing modules100communicatively connected over the decentralized computing network300. In other embodiments, the operator may be able to transmit signals to a specific one of the one or more botanical processing modules100to instruct the processor201of that botanical processing module100to actuate certain components during operation. The method700may then conclude after step760.

With reference back to step725, the processor201may instruct the first valve507to open in order to direct the reduced designated material to be introduced into the means for packing515. Once the reduced designated material is introduced into the means for packing515, the processor201may instruct the conveyor belt520to actuate to transport the wrap paper from the third inlet160to the second outlet150. While the conveyor belt520is operating, the processor201may actuate either the one or more rollers530or the packer rod605depending on the embodiment of the means for packing515. The conveyor belt520may then deposit individually rolled wrap papers containing reduced designated material onto the internal ledge155of the second outlet150. The method700may then conclude after step760.