Abstract:
A tincture and oil preparation apparatus that facilitates an automated method of manufacturing an herbal oil or tincture. The tincture and oil preparation apparatus includes a first container and a second container wherein the second container is suspendedly mounted within the first container. The first container includes a heating element, a control panel and a display screen. The control panel provides the ability to input cooking parameters for manufacturing of tinctures or oils. The cooking parameters include agitator speed, time and temperature. A lid having an electric motor and an agitator integrated therewith is operable to seal the first container and the agitator extends downward into the second container. The agitator is operable in a first speed category and a second speed category. The second container further includes mounting tabs operable to provide the suspended mounting of the second container within the first container.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to tincture apparatus, more specifically but not by way of limitation, a tincture and herbal oil preparation apparatus that is operable to automate the tincture manufacturing process wherein the apparatus includes a first and second container and a plurality of automation features that facilitates the method of use. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Tinctures and herbal oils have been utilized for centuries. As is known in the art, tinctures are liquid extracts manufactured from herbs and the liquid is typically ingested orally by a user. Tinctures are typically alcohol extractions but other substances can be utilized during the extraction process such as but not limited to vegetable glycerin. Those individuals who prefer natural medicines and therapies traditionally utilize tinctures because their oral ingestion promotes quick entry into the blood stream. 
     The general method of preparation of a conventional tincture is a manual and time-consuming process. Typically herbs are placed into a container and an extracting liquid of typically forty percent or greater ethanol content is added to the container. The container is typically left idle at room temperature for several weeks wherein during that time period the container is periodically shaken so as to maximize extraction. 
     One problem with conventional methods of tincture is the amount of manufacturing time. As noted herein, basic tincture preparation can extend over a couple of weeks. Additionally, during the tincture manufacturing process, the material must be agitated in order to promote an improved extraction. Utilizing basic implements does not promote a timely and efficient manufacture of herbal tinctures. Further, without the ability to control the temperature of the tincture vessel, conventional tincture manufacturing is not as effective. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for a tincture preparation apparatus that is operable to provide automation of the tincture preparation process wherein the apparatus automates steps such as but not limited to agitation and temperature control. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is the object of the present invention to provide a tincture preparation apparatus that facilities an automated process of preparing herbal tinctures and the like. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a tincture preparation apparatus that includes a first outer container and further includes a second container disposed within the interior volume of the first outer container that is operable to receive herbs and extracting liquid. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide a tincture preparation apparatus that automates the preparation of herbal tinctures that includes a lid releasably secured to the first outer container wherein the lid includes an electric motor and an agitator wherein the agitator extends downward into the interior volume of the second container when the lid is secured to the tincture preparation apparatus. 
     An additional object of the present invention is to provide an automated tincture preparation apparatus that further includes the necessary electronics and elements so as to provide temperature control of the interior volume of the second container. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide an automated tincture preparation apparatus operable to facilitate an improved method of preparing tincture that further includes an overflow sensor mounted to the lid thereof. 
     An alternative object of the present invention is to provide an automated tincture preparation apparatus that further includes a thermometer operable to measure the temperature of the mixture within the interior volume of the second container. 
     Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide an automated tincture preparation apparatus that is operable to provide automated agitation of the mixture disposed within the interior volume of the second container. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus operable to facilitate the automated preparation of an herbal tincture that includes a central processing unit and graphical interface that is operable to provide a means to control time, temperature and agitation schedule. 
     To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention, limited only by the scope of the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the internal container of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the top assembly of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 4  is a flow chart of a preferred method of oil infusion and tincture preparation of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 5  is a flow chart of a preferred method of extracted oil preparation of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to the drawings submitted herewith, wherein various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein through the views and figures like elements are referenced with identical reference numerals, there is illustrated a tincture preparation apparatus  100  constructed according to the principles of the present invention. 
     An embodiment of the present invention is discussed herein with reference to the figures submitted herewith. Those skilled in the art will understand that the detailed description herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes and that it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that alternative embodiments are plausible. By way of example but not by way of limitation, those having skill in the art in light of the present teachings of the present invention will recognize a plurality of alternate and suitable approaches dependent upon the needs of the particular application to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond that of the particular implementation choices in the embodiment described herein. Various modifications and embodiments are within the scope of the present invention. 
     It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials, uses and applications described herein, as these may vary. Furthermore, it is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
     References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “exemplary embodiments”, and the like may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure or characteristic. 
     Referring in particular to  FIG. 3  herein, the tincture preparation apparatus  100  further includes a first container  10  that is manufactured from a suitable material such as but not limited to metal. The first container  10  includes an outer wall  12  formed with a bottom  14  that are integrally formed to create an interior volume. While the first container  10  is illustrated herein as having a single wall forming a generally annular shaped container, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the first container  10  could be formed utilizing more than one wall and further be provided in a plurality of different shapes. Integrally formed into the wall  12  of the first container  10  is a display screen  15 . The display screen  15  is a conventional LCD or similar screen and functions to provide a user information such as but not limited to time and temperature data. 
     A control panel  20  is secured to wall  12  below the display screen  15  and functions to provide a user input interface. The control panel  20  consists of a plurality of selector switches  22  that facilitate the parameter selection to be controlled and set by a user. As is illustrated, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the control panel  20  include the parameters of temperature, time and mixing speed. While these parameters are listed and illustrated herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the control panel  15  could include additional selector switches  22  operable to provide user input for additional parameters. A control interface  30  is mounted to wall  12  and consists of a first button  31  and second button  32 . The control interface  30  functions to adjust the selected parameter in either a positive or negative direction. By way of example but not limitation, a user would select the selector switch  22  for temperature and subsequently engage either first button  31  or second button  32  so as to adjust the temperature to the desired setting wherein the setting is displayed on the display screen  15 . While not particularly illustrated herein, the tincture preparation apparatus  100  includes a conventional central processing unit that includes the necessary electronics to store, receive, transmit and manipulate data. The central processing unit is operably coupled to the control interface  30 , control panel  20  and display screen  15 . Further included in the first container  10  is a heating element  35 . The heating element  35  is a conventional heating element and is integrally formed into the bottom  14  of the first container  10 . The integral forming of the heating element  35  is desirable so as to inhibit any liquid coming in contact therewith. 
     The tincture preparation apparatus  100  further includes a lid  40  that is operable to cover the opening of the first container  10 . The lid  40  includes an upper handle  42  that is formed proximate the top  41  and is operable to provide a user interface to engage the lid  40  during placing or removing the lid  40 . The lid  40  is manufactured from a suitable durable material such as but not limited to metal and it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the lid  40  could be formed in various different shapes. Located on opposing sides of the tincture preparation apparatus  100  are locking handles  45 . The locking handles  45  function to releasably secure the lid  40  to first container  10 . The locking handles  45  utilize conventional fastening techniques and are manufactured from a heat resistant material such as but not limited to silicone rubber. 
     Referring in particular to  FIG. 1 , the second container  50  is illustrated therein. The second container  50  is manufactured from a durable thermally conductive material such as but not limited to metal. The second container  50  includes a wall  52  integrally formed with a bottom  54  forming interior volume  56  and opening  58 . The second container  50  is manufactured in size so as to be insertable into the interior volume of the first container  10 . While no illustrated herein, subsequent insertion of the second container  50  into the first container  10 , a void exists therebetween. The void is important as it allows for more precise control of the internal temperature of the second container  50 . As the heating element is activated during use of the tincture preparation apparatus  100  the void intermediate the first container  10  and second container  12  is heated and functions to provide a consistent thermal layer surrounding the second container  50 . As relatively low temperatures are needed during the manufacture of tinctures, the void provides a technique to deliver a lower consistent temperature that surroundably encircles the second container  50 . The second container  50  further includes mounting tabs  60 ,  61  formed with upper edge  59 . The mounting tabs  60 , 61  are semi-circular in shape and are required to suspendedly mount the second container  50  within the first container  10  so as to create the aforementioned void. The mounting tabs  60 , 61  further function as a user interface for a user to place and/or remove the second container  50  within the interior volume of the first container  10 . Further included proximate the upper edge  59  is a spout  65 . Spout  65  is formed with upper edge  59  utilizing suitable techniques and is operable to provide assistance in the pouring of contents from the second container  50 . 
     Referring in particular to  FIG. 2  here, the lid  40  is illustrated therein. The lid  40  includes an electric motor  70  that is operable to drive an agitator  75 . The electric motor  70  is a conventional electric motor and is operable coupled to the central processing unit of the tincture preparation apparatus  100 . The agitator  75  extends downward from the lid  40  and includes blade  77  that is at least partially submersed into the contents placed within the interior volume  56  of the second container  50  ensuing lid  40  being placed on the first container  10 . The agitator  75  is operational in varying different rotational speeds depending upon the mixing speed input by the user. The blade  77  includes mixing members  78  that are formed and spaced such that they do not damage any solid material placed within the interior volume  56  of the second container  50  but merely agitate so as to promote the extraction process facilitated by the method of the tincture preparation apparatus  100 . Mounted to the lid  40  on the internal surface  39  thereof is an overflow sensor  80 . The overflow sensor  80  is a transistor style switch that is operable to detect any liquid overflow that may occur from the second container  50 . The overflow sensor  80  is coupled to the central processing unit and in the event of a liquid overflow will transmit a signal to the central processing unit so as to shut down the tincture preparation apparatus  100 . 
     Referring in particular to  FIG. 4 , a method of oil infusion and tincture preparation is outlined therein. In step  402 , the tincture preparation apparatus  100  is provided to a user. Step  403  comprises of placing the desired contents within the interior volume  56  of the second container  50 . In step  405 , the user places the second container  50  into the first container  10 . Step  407 , the lid  40  is secured utilizing the locking handles  45 . In step  409 , the user will engage the control panel  20  so as to input the speed of the agitator  75 . It is provided in the present invention that the user can enter speeds of the agitator  75  that are either a consistent rotation at various speeds or intermittent rotations. By way of example but not limitation, an intermittent rotation would be rotating for one minute every ten minutes. In step  411 , the user will input the amount of time desired for execution of the method. While no particular time intervals are required, good results have been achieved by utilizing time increments that are provided in one-hour increments. One hour increments facilitate improved mixing of contents creating an improved final product. Step  413 , the user will input the desired temperature of the tincture preparation apparatus  100 . As oil preparation is improved at low temperatures, it is desired within the scope of the present invention that the temperature range of the tincture preparation apparatus  100  is 100 to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. In step  415 , the user will start the process by engaging the on/off switch  26 . Step  417 , the tincture preparation apparatus  100  executes the programmed parameters of the method. In step  419 , upon completion of the programmed method the user will remove the second container  50  from the first container  10 . Step  421 , the user will strain the contents within the second container  50  into a vessel for storage. 
     Referring in particular to  FIG. 5  herein, a preferred method of utilizing the tincture preparation apparatus  100  to prepare extracted oil preparation is as follows. In step  502 , a user is provided with the tincture preparation apparatus  100 . Step  504 , a user will place an herb and a solvent within the interior volume  56  of the second container  50 . In step  506 , the user will place the second container  50  within the interior volume of the first container  10 . Step  508 , the user will secure the lid  40  utilizing the locking handles  45 . In step  510 , the user will engage the operating panel  20  and input the speed of the agitator  75 . As previously discussed herein the agitator  75  speed can be consistent or intermittent rotations. The intermittent rotations are an important selection as it is desired during the tincture manufacturing process to agitate the contents within the second container  50  only occasionally. Step  512 , the user will input the time period for the tincture preparation apparatus  100  to execute the method. In step  514 , a temperature between the range of 100 to 250 degrees Fahrenheit is entered by the user. Step  516  the user will initiate the process by engaging the on/off switch  26 . In step  518 , the tincture preparation apparatus  100  will operate for the programmed cycle. Step  520 , the user will remove the second container  50  from the first container  10 . In step  522 , the user will strain the tincture into an additional vessel. Step  524 , the user will return the strained tincture into the interior volume  56  of the second container  50 . In step  526 , the user will replace the second container  50  into the first container  10 . Step  528 , the user will input a temperature that is sufficient to bring the solvent based tincture to a boil so as to boil off any remaining solvent. In step  530 , the tincture preparation apparatus  100  will boil any solvent stored contained within the tincture mixture. Step  532 , the user will reduce the temperature so as to be below the boiling point of the solvent forming a part of the tincture mixture. In step  534 , the lower temperature is maintained until a desired consistency of the fully extracted oil is reached. Step  536 , the second container  50  is removed from the first container  10 . In step  538 , the contents are poured from the second container  50  into a storage vessel. 
     While not particularly illustrated or discussed herein, it is noted that the tincture preparation apparatus  100  is powered by conventional AC power and would include the obvious elements of a power supply and an electrical cord. 
     In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.