Patent Publication Number: US-9844740-B2

Title: Extraction devices, systems, and methods

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 15/181,345, filed Jun. 13, 2016, set to issue as U.S. Pat. No. 9,669,328 on Jun. 6, 2017, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/090,426, filed Apr. 4, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,655,937, which is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/794,665, filed Jul. 8, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,327,210, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/080,889, filed Nov. 17, 2014. The contents of each of these applications are incorporated herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Man has been extracting valuable compounds from plants throughout human time. These extracts range from medicine to poisons, perfumes to flavorings and many others. In today&#39;s modern economy, plant extracts are still highly sought and valuable commodities. 
     One of the main extraction methods existing today is solvent-based extraction in which the plant material containing the extractable compounds is bathed or washed in a solvent. The solvent uptakes the extractable compounds from the plant material and combines the plant material in a solution with the solvent. The compound solution is then purified to remove the solvent and recover the desired extracted compound(s). Often, the purification process involves heating the solution to “boil off” or volatilize the solvent from the solution, leaving the extracted compound(s) behind. Such extraction methods usually use a solvent having a lower boiling point than that of the products so that the solvent can be boiled off without removing or damaging the extracted compound(s). 
     Typically, the solvents used in such extraction processes are hydrocarbon-based or an alcohol, both of which have low boiling points, but can be explosive or flammable when volatilized. The explosive and flammable nature of the hydrocarbon-based extract processes has led to many injuries and significant property damage as users try to perform these extraction processes. 
     Additionally, because the hydrocarbon solvents are easy to boil away, the solvents are oftentimes lost as a vapor to the atmosphere during the extraction and purification processes. The loss of the solvent makes the processes expensive to perform because additional solvent must be added for each new extraction process, which requires a large solvent supply. 
     Some of the main solvent-based plant extract processes include those used to extract essential oils, Napetalactone (the main component of catnip) and various pharmaceutical compounds. Also, the rise of medical marijuana and the legalization of cannabis and cannabis-based products has made cannabis plant extracts a legal and marketable pharmaceutical and recreational commodity. One of the major extracts desired from cannabis plants is hash oil. Hash oil is concentrated cannabinoids that are extracted from the cannabis plant. The main psychoactive component of marijuana is a cannabinoid called tetrahydrocannabinol, better known as THC. Cannabinoids are a class of compounds that act on the cannabinoid receptors of the brain. The interaction of the cannabinoids with the receptors is what causes a user to experience mood-enhancing effects. Marijuana contains a variety of cannabinoids, THC and cannabidiol (CBD) being the major constituents, among many others. 
     The process of extracting hash oil from cannabis plant material often involves running butane, a hydrocarbon-based solvent, through the plant material or soaking the plant material in butane to wash out the cannabinoids. The cannabinoid-rich solvent solution is then purified, often by heating it, which volatilizes the butane and leaves behind the cannabinoid extract. During the volatilization process, the butane solvent is converted into a gaseous form that is then highly flammable and potentially explosive, which presents a significant danger to personal safety and to any surrounding property. 
     Currently, to assist with recovery of the solvent from the solvent-extract solution, many cannabinoid extract producers use a pump, often a refrigerant recovery pump, to move the vapors from the extract container to a solvent storage container. The pump compresses the gaseous solvent vapors back into a liquid phase. Often these pumps have a mechanical pumping means, are electrically powered and are generally not food safe. Further, the use of such pumps can be dangerous as the pumps are not designed to handle a flammable hydrocarbon. Solvent vapors can leak from the pump and mix with the surrounding environment where they risk being sparked from either the operation of the pump itself or from other external sources. Additionally, any extract process using the recovered solvent risk being contaminated by pump lubricants or adverse chemical reactions with the pump construction. 
     Therefore, there exists a need for solvent-based extraction processes that can be performed safely without endangering operators and property. Additionally, there exists a need for a clean solvent conservation process to reduce the cost and increase the efficiency of the extraction process. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is an example extraction device in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 1B  is a variation of the example extraction device shown in  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 2A  is another example extraction device according to aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 2B  is a variation of the example extraction device shown in  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 3  is still another example extraction device according to aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is yet another example extraction device according to aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is yet another example extraction device according to aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is still another example extraction device according to aspects of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     SUMMARY 
     The disclosed extraction device has three chambers, the first is a solvent reservoir; the second is an extraction chamber, which holds the material containing the desired extractable material; and the third is a collection reservoir. Solvent flows from the solvent reservoir into the extraction chamber where the solvent is exposed to and washes through the material, dissolving and carrying away the extractables from the plant material. The solvent-extractables mixture is then collected in the collection reservoir. 
     The extraction process conducted in the extraction device can be powered by a thermal gradient/heat engine using the phase changing properties of the solvent. In the device disclosed herein, the solvent is maintained in a low-energy, liquid state in the solvent-reservoir. The solvent flows from the solvent reservoir through the extraction chamber that houses the plant material. The contact of the solvent with the plant material extracts compounds/products from the plant material. The solvent-extract solution flows into the collection reservoir which is then warmed to a temperature at which the solvent enters a gaseous phase which causes the gaseous solvent to be released from the extracted compounds. 
     By heating the collection reservoir to a temperature that volatilizes the solvent, the solvent transforms to a gaseous phase and separates from the solvent-extract solution leaving the extract behind. The remaining extract solution may then be further refined if desired. As the collection reservoir is heated, the gaseous solvent is drawn through a solvent return channel into the solvent reservoir, which can be chilled either continuously or at specific times during the extraction process, such as when the gaseous solvent is released into the return. The gaseous solvent is pulled up the return channel due to the thermal gradient that is created between the chilled solvent reservoir and the heated collection tank. 
     In the gaseous state, the solvent expands, which creates a pressure in the collection tank that forces the gaseous solvent through the solvent return channel. The solvent return channel terminates in the chilled solvent reservoir where the gaseous solvent condenses into a liquid at the chilled temperature. The condensation of the gaseous solvent reduces the volume of the solvent and thus generates a partial negative pressure which further draws gaseous solvent from the collection reservoir. The condensed solvent may then be recirculated through the device, or collected and stored for use in later extraction processes. 
     To extract oils, plant material is placed in the extraction chamber. Solvent is then allowed to flow from the solvent storage chamber through a valve and into the extraction chamber where the solvent washes over the plant material, extracting oils from the material as it percolates through. The oil-solvent solution flows from the extraction chamber into the collection chamber through a separate valve. In the collection chamber, the solvent is separated from the extracted oils and is then returned to the storage chamber through a solvent return. The process is entirely sealed within the extraction device and is driven by gravity and the thermal gradient created by heating and/or chilling the various chambers. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Extraction Devices 
     The disclosed extraction devices allow users to extract compounds from plant material using a solvent. The process occurs in a sealed, closed-cycle environment, which allows the user to recover the solvent and limits the likelihood of contamination of the final product. Plant material is placed within an extraction chamber, which is then sealed within the device. The solvent is released from the solvent chamber into the extraction chamber where it is left to extract compounds from the plant material. After the extraction process is completed, the solvent, which now carries the extracted compounds in solution, is drained into a collection reservoir. The collection reservoir is heated to volatilize the solvent, which separates the solvent from the extracted compounds. 
     As the collection reservoir is heated, the solvent reservoir of the solvent chamber can also be chilled, which creates a temperature gradient between the solvent reservoir and the collection reservoir. Due to the temperature gradient between the collection reservoir and the solvent reservoir, solvent vapors are drawn through a solvent return that connects the collection reservoir and the solvent reservoir. The solvent vapors re-condense in the chilled solvent reservoir due to the low temperature. The recovered liquid solvent may then be stored for later extractions or may be reused in a continuous extraction or solvent purification process. The closed nature of this process helps to maintain the purity of the solvent and the extracted compounds. 
     If a user desires, the solvent may be allowed to run through the plant material continuously. By chilling solvent reservoir and heating the collection reservoir, the solvent may be recirculated through the device in a continuous manner while running through the material and extracting compounds. The compounds concentrate in the collection reservoir since the solvent is constantly volatilized within the heated collection reservoir. Once the user determines the extraction process is completed, the solvent can be collected in the solvent reservoir and stored for later uses, if desired. 
       FIG. 1A  is a side profile view of an example extraction device  100 . The device  100  is composed of three vertically stacked chambers: a solvent chamber  110 , an extraction chamber  130  and a collection chamber  150 . The chambers are linked by connectors  120  and  140 , with a solvent return  180  linking the solvent chamber  110  with the collection chamber  150 . 
     The solvent chamber  110  features an enclosed solvent reservoir  112  that is surrounded by an outer wall  114  separated from the solvent reservoir  112  by a gap  113 . The outer wall  114  wraps around the shared base  115 , upon which the solvent reservoir  112  is also centered and disposed. The shared base  115  may feature a drain  117  through which the user may drain or dispense contents from the gap, as desired. 
     The gap  113  allows the solvent reservoir  112  to be surrounded by a fluid bath (not shown) contained between the outer wall  114  and the exterior surface of the solvent reservoir  112 . The fluid bath allows a user to adjust and/or regulate the temperature of the solvent reservoir  112  and thus the contents stored within. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1A , a solvent is stored within the solvent reservoir  112  and is maintained or is cooled to a cool, low energy state by a surrounding cooling bath. Although not shown in  FIG. 1A , the solvent reservoir  112  can be raised by spacers to allow the cooling bath to contact its bottom surface and expose greater surface area of the solvent reservoir  112  to the cooling bath. 
     The cooling bath can be contained in the gap  113  of the extraction device  100  shown in  FIG. 1A  The cooling bath can be composed of a mixture of dry ice (solid state CO2) pellets and ethyl-alcohol (ethanol). This combination maintains the solvent reservoir at a temperature ranging from approximately −17° C. to −78° C., which is sufficient to maintain the solvent in a liquid phase. In an example, the solvent is butane, which has a boiling point ranging from −1° C. to 1° C. Additionally, maintaining the solvent reservoir at such a low temperature creates a large temperature differential between the solvent reservoir and the collection reservoir that drives the heat engine powering the device by re-condensing the returning gaseous solvent back into a liquid. Other suitable cooling bath mixtures may be used, as long as the bath maintains the solvent reservoir below the solvent boiling point. It is also desirable to maintain the solvent reservoir at as low a temperature as possible as the efficiency of the system is driven, in part, by the magnitude of the temperature gradient that exists between the chilled solvent reservoir, and the heated collection reservoir. 
     The side walls of the solvent reservoir  112 , the outer wall  114  and the base  115  are constructed of food grade stainless steel, but also may be constructed of other suitable medical and/or food grade materials in other examples. Other such suitable materials include those that are non-reactive with the chosen solvent and those having thermal conductivity. The thermal conductivity allows the solvent reservoir  112 , and the contents held within, to be thermally adjusted by the surrounding bath, a high thermal conductivity hastening the transfer of thermal energy from the surrounding fluid bath to the solvent reservoir  112  and contents within. Further, each part, the solvent reservoir  112 , outer wall  114  and the base  115 , may be constructed of the same or different materials. 
     Any impurities in the solvent affect the properties of the solvent and may reduce its capacity to extract compounds and/or reduce the thermal capacity, thereby decreasing device and process efficiency. Additionally, any impurities in the solvent may be transferred into the extracted compounds where they may reduce the efficacy, change the quality or cause harm to users of the final product and/or require additional or costly post-extraction processes to remove the entrapped impurities. To further aid in the avoidance of potential impurities, medical and/or food grade materials and design techniques are used throughout the device. 
     A safety vent, not shown in the figures, may be disposed atop the solvent reservoir  112 . The safety vent allows built-up, gaseous solvent to be safely removed from the solvent reservoir  112  to reduce the risk of system over-pressure incidents. The vent extends from the upper surface of the solvent reservoir  112  to at least the upper plane of the outer tank  114  to ensure that if the solvent reservoir  112  is submerged in a cooling bath, the outlet of the vent remains open and unblocked. The safety vent is a pipe attached to the solvent reservoir  112  and in fluid communication with the tank interior. Positioned within the safety vent is a diaphragm calibrated to a pre-set pressure. If the interior pressure of the solvent reservoir  112  exceeds the pre-set pressure, the diaphragm opens, venting stored solvent vapors and decreasing the internal pressure of the solvent reservoir  112 . Once the internal pressure has fallen to a safe level, below the diaphragm pre-set trigger pressure, the diaphragm closes and reseals the solvent reservoir  112 . 
     The one-way nature of the safety vent prevents any outside gas from entering the device. Such contamination could decrease the efficiency of the device and/or contaminate the product. A view port  118  is disposed on the upper surface of the solvent reservoir  112 , as shown in FIG. The view port  118  is constructed of a transparent material set into a metal housing. The view port  118  is releasably mounted to a protrusion from the solvent reservoir  112  by a threaded connection, but may be permanently affixed in other examples. A seal may be disposed between the view port  118  and the solvent reservoir  112  to prevent solvent vapors from leaking out of the solvent reservoir  112  and to prevent contamination of the solvent by the outside environment. The view port  118 , if releasably connected, may be removed when access to the interior of the solvent reservoir  112  interior is necessary, such as for cleaning and maintenance purposes. Alternatively, the view port  118  may extend through a side wall of the solvent reservoir  112  and the outer wall  114 . Further, the view port  118  may feature a light to illuminate the interior of the solvent reservoir  112 , which could include LED lighting, for example. The lighting source may be located on an interior side of view port  118  where it is exposed to the interior of the solvent reservoir  112 . Alternatively, the lighting source may be located in a manner that isolates the source from the interior of the device  100  and/or the exterior environment surrounding the device TOO. 
     The interior of the solvent reservoir  112  can feature markings to assist a user in measuring the quantity and/or quality of the interior contents. The markings can be viewable to a user through the view port  118 . In other embodiments of the device  100 , the interior markings may be absent as desired or required by the user, use and/or design of the device  100 . Also, a temperature gauge, like a thermometer, and/or a pressure gauge can also be included to measure the respective temperature and/or pressure in the solvent reservoir or any other chamber or reservoir described herein. 
     A solvent inlet  116  extends from the surface of the solvent reservoir  112  and is the entry point for contents, such as a solvent, to be introduced into the solvent reservoir  112 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 1A , the solvent inlet  116  is a valve to which an external solvent source can be connected. Opening the solvent inlet  116  allows the solvent to flow from the external source into the solvent reservoir  112 . The user can assess and observe the fill progress through the view port  118 . Once the desired fill level is achieved, the solvent inlet  116  is closed and the external solvent source disconnected. 
     Alternatively, the solvent inlet  116  can be a spring-loaded inlet valve, similar to those found in butane lighters and refillable air cylinders. An external solvent source (not shown) containing the solvent or other substance to be introduced into the solvent reservoir  112  is connected to the solvent inlet using an appropriate connector. The solvent then flows through the solvent inlet  116  and collects within the solvent reservoir  112 . Once the solvent reservoir is filled to a level desired by a user, the external solvent source is disconnected, at which time the solvent inlet  116  is sealed by the internal spring. Using such a valve minimizes or prevents contaminants from the external environment from entering the device  100  through the solvent inlet  116 . 
     Contamination of the device  100  by the external environment can adversely affect the solvent and/or the product. 
     The solvent return  180  connects to the solvent reservoir  112  via an inlet  186 . The connection between the solvent return  180  and the solvent reservoir  112  can be releasable or permanent. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1A , the connection is a permanent weld affixing the solvent return  180  to the solvent chamber  110 . 
     The other end of the solvent return  180  is welded to the top of a sanitary cap  146 . In the example shown in  FIG. 1A , the solvent return  180  is a rigid structure running between the solvent chamber  110  and the top of fitting  146 , allowing fluid communication between the solvent reservoir  112  and the collection reservoir  152 . A rigid solvent return  180  can provide structural support and elevate the solvent chamber  110  when the device  100  is assembled. 
     The solvent chamber  110  is connected to the extraction chamber  130  via a connector  120 . The connector  120  features a valve  122  to regulate the flow of the solvent as it exits the solvent chamber  110 . The valve  122  is affixed to a threaded extension extending from the shared base  115 . Alternatively, the valve  122  can be connected using a compression fitting or directly welded to the shared base  115 . The valve  122  could also be removable and can, in some example include a sanitary fitting connection and/or a quick release connection, if desired. The extension is in fluid communication with the solvent reservoir  112 . The valve  122  can be controlled manually by a user or electronically controlled by a user or controller. The valve  122  may be variably controlled so that the rate of solvent flowing through it may be varied by a user or other control means. Additionally, there may be a view port disposed about the connector  120  or valve  122  that allows a user to observe the flow of solvent from the solvent chamber  110 . 
     The connector  120  is further affixed to a sanitary cap  124 . The sanitary cap  124  is a flat disk, having a chamfered circumference and has a threaded extension to which the valve  122  of the connector  120  is secured. Alternatively, the valve  122  can be connected using a compression fitting or directly welded to the sanitary cap  124 . A seal can be disposed on the side opposite the threaded extension and interfaces with a mating surface of a top sanitary ferrule  134  of the extraction chamber  130 . The top sanitary ferrule  134  of the extraction chamber  130  and the sanitary cap  124  of the connector  120  are joined by a sanitary connection such as a single pin- or multiple-pin hinged clamp or a threaded high-pressure clamp. The sanitary connector affixes and compresses the chamfered perimeters of the sanitary cap  124  and the top sanitary ferrule  134  of the extraction chamber  130  to form a seal. Other suitable releasable connections may be used to join the chambers  110  and  130 , such as threaded connections. 
     The extraction chamber  130  of the device  100  as shown in  FIG. 1  includes the top sanitary ferrule  134  discussed above, a plant material chamber  132 , a bottom sanitary ferrule  136 , an outer wall  138  spaced a distance  139  about the plant material chamber  132 , a circular base  137  and a drain  158 . The plant material chamber  132  is disposed between the top sanitary ferrule  134  and the bottom sanitary ferrule  136 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1A , the plant material chamber  132  is constructed of food-grade stainless steel, as are the other components of the extraction chamber  130 . The plant material chamber  132  can feature view ports to allow a user to observe the extraction process. As with the solvent chamber, the plant material chamber can also include a thermometer or other temperature gauge and a pressure gauge to measure the temperature and the pressure of the plant material chamber. 
     Alternatively, the plant material chamber  132  can be constructed of glass. The transparent nature of a glass plant material chamber  132  allows a user to observe the extraction process. The chamber  132  may also be constructed of other suitable transparent material. Such suitable materials include those that do not adversely react with the solvent, extract and/or plant materials. 
     The top sanitary ferrule  134  and bottom sanitary ferrule  136  of the extraction chamber  130  are constructed of food-grade stainless steel and are disposed atop and below the plant material chamber  132 . The top sanitary ferrule  134  is affixed to or can be an integrated part of the plant material chamber  132 . The bottom sanitary ferrule  136  is affixed to the base of and is in fluid communication with the plant material chamber  132 . Both the top sanitary ferrule  134  and bottom sanitary ferrule  136  can have an open geometry. That is, the inner diameters of the top and bottom sanitary ferrule  134 ,  136  are substantially the same dimensions as the inner diameter of the plant material chamber  132 . This allows the user easier access to the interior of the plant material chamber  132 . 
     In the example embodiment in which the plant material chamber  132  is constructed of glass, the plant material chamber  132  is a glass tube, the top and bottom sanitary ferrules  134 ,  136  providing the top and base for the chamber  132 . The top sanitary ferrule  134  and bottom sanitary ferrule  136  can have an interior lip on which seals can be disposed. The upper and lower circumference of the glass plant material chamber  132  rests on the seals respectively. Alternatively, the top  134  and bottom  136  may feature seals about their interior surface, the seals contacting the outer periphery of the glass plant material chamber  132 , preventing the interior of the chamber from external environmental intrusion. 
     In the glass plant material chamber embodiment, a support structure can extend between the top sanitary ferrule  134  and the bottom sanitary ferrule  136 , locking the two pieces together with the glass plant material chamber in between. The support structure can be composed of threaded rods with nuts disposed on either side of the top sanitary ferrule  134  and the bottom sanitary ferrule  136 . The user tightens the nuts about the top sanitary ferrule  134  and bottom sanitary ferrule  136  to constrain the glass plant material chamber between them. 
     The outer wall  138  is separated from the plant material chamber  132  by a gap distance  139  about the periphery of the plant material chamber  132 . The circular base  137  is connected to the outer wall  138  and disposed about the perimeter of the plant material chamber  132  to form a tank as defined by the gap  139 . The gap  139  can be filled with a temperature regulating bath, such as a cooling bath as described above in regards to the solvent chamber, or by a heating/warming bath and can be selectively heated/cooled to help control the temperature gradient between the solvent chamber and the collection chamber. For example, a user can fill the gap  139  surrounding the plant material with a warming bath after the extraction process within the plant material chamber  132  is complete. By warming the chamber  132 , any remaining solvent within the chamber  132  can be volatilized and then recovered and used for future extraction processes. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1A , the gap  139  is filled with a pre-warmed fluid or mixture after the extraction process is completed. The temperature of the fluid or mixture can be pre-selected by the user to optimize solvent recovery. Once the solvent has been sufficiently 
     Recovered, the surrounding bath can be drained through a drain  135 . If a steady high temperature bath is required, the drain  135  can be partially open to drain away cooler fluid as the gap  139  is replenished with hot fluid. Alternative methods of heating the plant material chamber  132  can be used, such as resistive heating elements, thermoelectric heaters and other heating sources. As with the temperature bath discussed above, the heating sources can be temperature controlled to achieve a desired temperature within the plant material chamber  132 , if necessary or desired. 
     The bottom sanitary ferrule  136  is attached to the connector  140  in a manner similar to the top sanitary ferrule  134  connection to the connector  120 . The connector  140  is affixed to a top sanitary cap  144  to which the bottom sanitary ferrule  136  of the extraction chamber  130  is connected by a sanitary connection. The top sanitary cap  144  features a seal disposed about the inner perimeter of the cap  144  and contacts a surface of the bottom sanitary ferrule  136 , such that when the sanitary connection, such as a single pin-hinged clamp, is engaged, the chamfered bottom sanitary ferrule  136  and chamfered top sanitary cap  144  compress the seal. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1A , the seal on the top sanitary cap  144  features a mesh filter disposed across the inner diameter of the top sanitary cap  144 . The filter prevents plant material from the plant material chamber  132  from traveling through the connector  140 . 
     The connector  140  has a top sanitary cap  144 , discussed previously, a bottom sanitary cap  146  and a valve  142 . The valve  142  is attached to a threaded extension of the top sanitary cap  144 . Alternatively, the valve  142  can be connected using a compression fitting or directly welded to the top sanitary cap  144 . The valve  142  could also be removable and can, in some example include a sanitary fitting connection and/or a quick release connection, if desired. The threaded extension of the top sanitary cap  144  is in fluid communication with the interior of the plant material chamber  132 . The valve  142  can be manually controlled by a user or can be electronically controlled by a user or controller. Additionally, there may be a view port disposed about the connector  140  or valve  142  that allows a user to observe the flow of solvent-extract solution from the extraction chamber  130 . The bottom sanitary cap  146  is connected to the valve  142  in a similar manner as the top sanitary cap  144 . The bottom sanitary cap  146  includes a threaded extension to which the valve  142  is affixed and the threaded extension is in fluid communication with the collection chamber  150 . Alternatively, the valve  142  can be connected using a compression fitting or directly welded to the bottom sanitary cap  146 . 
     The collection chamber  150  shown in  FIG. 1A  features a collection reservoir  152 , an outer wall  154 , a sanitary ferrule  156 , a base  160 , spacers  162 , a pressure indicator  170  and a solvent return outlet  184 . The collection reservoir  152  is a tank of a similar construction as the solvent reservoir  112 . The collection reservoir  152  collects the solvent-extract solution from the extraction chamber  130 . The collection reservoir  152  is elevated from the base  160  by spacers  162  although in alternative examples the collection reservoir  152  sits directly on the base  160 . In the example shown in  FIG. 1A , a fluid bath is disposed about the reservoir  152  and is contained by the outer wall  154 . The spacers  162  allow the bath to contact more surface area of the collection reservoir  152 . 
     The sanitary ferrule  156  is connected to a top plate  157  of the collection reservoir  152 , as shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 1A . The sanitary ferrule  156  can be removably connected, such as by a threaded connection or other removable attachment options, to the top plate  157 . The top plate  157  can also be removably connected to the collection reservoir  152  or permanently attached by welding or other permanent attachment options. Alternatively, the sanitary ferrule  156  can be integrated with the top plate  157  to form a single piece that is removably attached to the collection reservoir  152 . The sanitary ferrule  156  is in fluid communication with the collection reservoir  152  of the collection chamber  150 . Further, a view port can be disposed on the sanitary ferrule  156 , top plate  157  or in any other location such that a user may observe the contents of the reservoir  152 . 
     A drain outlet  158  is disposed on the outer wall  154  and is in fluid communication with the gap surrounding the collection reservoir  152 . The fluid bath surrounding the collection reservoir  152  can be drained through the drain outlet  158  after the extraction process is completed. 
     A pressure indicator  170  is in fluid communication with the interior of the collection reservoir  152  and allows a user to observe and monitor the interior pressure. The pressure indicator can indicate a positive pressure, a negative pressure or combination thereof. The pressure indicator  170  is disposed on a sidewall of the reservoir  152  but may be disposed elsewhere as required or desired. 
     The solvent return  180  is connected to the outlet  184  and is disposed on the sanitary ferrule  156  of the collection reservoir  152 . The solvent return  180  is in fluid communication with the collection reservoir  152  when the sanitary ferrule  156  is in place and allows gaseous solvent to travel from the collection reservoir  152  to the solvent reservoir  112 . The solvent return  180  may be permanently or releasably connected to the sanitary ferrule  156 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1A , the solvent return  180  is welded to the sanitary ferrule  156 . 
     The solvent return  180  is a food-grade stainless steel conduit that fluidly links the collection chamber  150  with the solvent storage chamber  110 . The solvent return  180  provides the path for the gaseous solvent to return to the solvent chamber and re-condense to its liquid form, thus providing a fully-sealed extraction system. The solvent return  180  has a valve  182  to regulate the flow of gaseous solvent from the collection reservoir  152  to the solvent reservoir  112 . The valve  182  is in-line with the solvent return  180  and is connected via releasable threaded connections. In the embodiment of  FIG. 1A , the solvent return  180  is welded to the solvent storage chamber  110  and the sanitary ferrule  156  of the collection reservoir  152 . While the valve is disposed in the solvent return  180 , the solvent chamber  110  and the sanitary ferrule  156  of the collection reservoir  152  are effectively a single unit linked by a rigid form of the solvent return  180 . By separating the solvent return  180  at the valve  182 , the two sections, the solvent chamber  110  and the sanitary ferrule  156  may be disjoined from one another. The rigid solvent return  180  provides structural support for the vertically stacked chambers and a rigid, parallel return path to fully seal the extraction system. 
     Alternatively, in example devices that are self-supporting or are supported externally, the solvent return  180  can be a flexible or semi-rigid connection. Such connections can include a hose, flexible piping, high pressure flexible line or other suitable connection option. 
     A purge valve  188  is included on the solvent return  180 . The purge valve  188  is disposed on the solvent return  180  such that it is in fluid communication with the interior of the collection reservoir  152 , regardless of the position of the valve  182  on the solvent return  180 . The purge valve  188  allows the user to purge or decrease the amount of oxygen within the device  100  before starting an extraction process and/or loading the solvent. When using a combustible or flammable solvent, the purging of oxygen from the system assists in lowering the risk of solvent ignition. The valve  188  may be a one- or two-way valve or may be actuated by a user or other control means. The purge of oxygen or other atmosphere within the device may be accomplished by introducing a secondary, inert gas that displaces the existing gas within the device  100  through the valve  188 . Alternatively, a vacuum can be created within the device, the evacuated air being drawn through the valve  188  by a mechanical means. By creating a vacuum or low pressure within the device, the amount of oxygen within the device is preferably below the level required for ignition and/or combustion of the solvent. 
     Additionally, the purge valve  188  can act as a pressure relief valve for the collection reservoir  152 . The purge valve  188  is in fluid communication with the interior of the collection reservoir  152 , opening the purge valve  188  can vent stored pressure from within the interior of the collection reservoir  152  as necessary. 
       FIG. 1B  is an alternative embodiment of the device  100  of  FIG. 1A  The device  100 , as shown in  FIG. 1B , includes a view port  145  disposed on the bottom sanitary cap  146  of the connector  140 . The view port  145  allows the user to view the interior of the collection reservoir  152 . A light source, such as LEDs, can be disposed about the interior, or exterior, of the view port  145  and light the interior of the collection reservoir  152  for improved user viewing. The collection reservoir  152  can feature internal markings similar to those of the solvent reservoir  112 , assisting the user in measuring the filled volume of the collection reservoir  152  through the view port  145 . 
       FIG. 2A  is another embodiment of the extraction device  200  that is composed of three different sections, a solvent chamber  210 , an extraction chamber  230  and a collection chamber  250 , which are connected by connectors,  220  and  240 , and a return  280 . The solvent chamber  210  includes a solvent reservoir  212  surrounded by an outer wall  214  and separated by a gap. The outer wall  214  and solvent reservoir  212  are attached to a shared base  215 . The shared base  215  includes a drain  217  through which the contents of the gap  213  can be drained. 
     The solvent reservoir  212  has a removable cap,  218   a  or  218   b  that a user can remove for improved access to the interior of the reservoir  212 . Alternatively, the solvent reservoir  212  is not required to have a cap and can be completely enclosed, which may be desirable to prevent contamination of the solvent by an external environment. 
     The gap  213  allows the solvent reservoir  212  to be surrounded by a fluid bath. As discussed with the previous embodiments, the fluid bath is a cold bath that can be composed of many different materials and mixtures. The low temperature of the solvent chamber  210  and the heated collection chamber  230  create a temperature gradient that drives the solvent recovery process. 
     Additionally, a splashguard  219  is included about the inner periphery of the outer wall. The splashguard  219  is affixed to the outer wall  214  and extends over the gap and partially covers the periphery of the solvent reservoir  212 . Alternatively, the splashguard  219  can be a removable element that interfaces with the outer wall  214  for support. 
     The solvent reservoir  212 , the outer wall  214  and the base  215  are made of food-grade stainless steel, a non-reactive material that will not contaminate the solvent or finished product. Alternative materials can be used for the construction of the various components to preserve the quality of the extract and solvent. 
     The solvent reservoir  212  includes a view port,  218   a  or  218   b , through which the user can observe the interior of the reservoir  212 . As previously discussed, the view port,  218   a  or  218   b , include a transparent top portion through which the user can observe the interior of the solvent reservoir  212 . Additionally, lights, such as LEDs, can be disposed about the interior periphery, or exterior, of the view port  218   a  or  218   b  to assist the user with observations. 
     In the example device  200  shown in  FIG. 2A , either of the elements  218   a  and  218   b  can be a cap and/or a view port. That is,  218   a  can be a view port and  218   b  can be a solid cap, or vice versa. Alternatively, both  218   a  and  218   b  can be view ports, with one or both removably connected to the solvent reservoir  212 . 
     A pressure gauge  211  and a solvent inlet  216  are in fluid communication with the interior of the solvent reservoir  212 . The pressure gauge  211  allows the user to determine an interior pressure of the reservoir  212 . The user can respond to pressure indications as necessary, such as by venting stored pressure within the solvent reservoir  212  to prevent an over-pressurization event which could lead to catastrophic failure of the device. The interior pressure of the solvent reservoir  212  can be vented through the solvent inlet  216  by actuation of the valve. The actuation of the valve can be done by a user or remotely by a manual or automatic actuator. Additionally, the pressure gauge can be configured to automatically actuate the valve at a given pressure to prevent an undue accumulation of pressure or volatilized solvent. 
     Solvent from the solvent reservoir  212  flows into the extraction chamber  230  through the connector  220 . The connector  220  includes a sanitary valve  222  that is disposed between and in fluid communication with the solvent chamber  210  and the extraction chamber  230 . The sanitary valve is held between the two chambers using a compression fitting. Alternatively, the sanitary valve  222  can be directly welded to one or both of the solvent chamber  210  and the extraction chamber  230 . 
     The connector  220  further includes a sanitary cap  224  to which the valve  222  is also connected. The sanitary cap  224  and the sanitary ferrule  234  form a sanitary connection between the connector  220  and the extraction chamber  230  when a compression clamp, such as a single pin-hinged clamp is locked about the chamfered circumference of the two pieces  224  and  234 . 
     A solvent return  228  is also included on the sanitary cap  224 . The solvent return is in fluid communication with the plant material chamber  232  of the extraction chamber  230  and the solvent reservoir  212 . As the remaining solvent within the plant material chamber  232  is volatilized after the extraction process, the solvent vapors travel through the solvent return  228  and recondenses in the chilled solvent reservoir  212 . The solvent return  228  enters the solvent reservoir  212  and extends past the level of the solvent within. In doing so, the solvent within the reservoir  212  cannot travel back down the return  228  and into the extraction chamber  230 . A valve  226  is disposed on the solvent return  228  to allow the user to regulate the flow of the volatilized solvent from the extraction chamber  230 . 
     The extraction chamber  230  includes a plant material chamber  232 , an outer wall  238 , a circular base  237 , a top sanitary ferrule  234  and a bottom sanitary ferrule  236 . As discussed previously, the components of the extraction chamber  230  are constructed from food-grade stainless steel using food-grade manufacturing techniques and processes. 
     The plant material chamber  232  is topped with a removable or integrated top sanitary ferrule  234  that is a portion of the sanitary connection between the extraction chamber  230  and connector  220 . The top sanitary ferrule  234  has an open diameter approximately equal to that of the inner diameter of the plant material chamber  232  to allow the user easier access to the interior of the plant material chamber  232 . The extract containing plant material is placed in the plant material chamber  232 . 
     A circular base  237  is disposed about the periphery of the plant material chamber  232  and spaces the outer wall  238  a distance  239  from the said periphery. The circular base  237  provides the base for the tank formed by the outer wall  238  and gap  239 . The gap  239  can be filled with a temperature bath, preferably a warm or hot water bath, after the extraction process is completed. The temperature bath heats the plant material chamber  232 , which volatilizes the remaining solvent that then flows through the solvent return  228  back into the solvent reservoir  212 . 
     The outer wall  238  includes openings  233   a  and  233   b  through which the temperature bath can be added and circulated about the plant material chamber  232 . The temperature bath can flow in through the opening  233   a , filling the gap  239  from the bottom up. At the top, the temperature bath flows out through the opening  233   b , which allows for a steady replenishment of pre-heated temperature bath to be circulated about the plant material chamber  232 . The temperature bath exiting the opening  233   b  is at a lower temperature, as it has transferred thermal energy to the plant material chamber  232 , then the pre-heated temperature bath entering the gap  239  through the opening  233   a . The temperature bath circulating within the gap  239  can have a pre-selected and/or controllable temperature, which can be controllable by a user or electronic controller, in order to achieve maximal efficiency of solvent recovery. 
     The bottom sanitary ferrule  236  can be attached or integrated to the base of the plant material chamber  232 . The bottom sanitary ferrule  236  interfaces with a sanitary cap  244  of the connector  240  to form a sanitary connection between the extraction chamber  230  and the connector  240 . 
     The base of the plant material chamber  232  and/or the sanitary ferrule  236  can include a filter that prevents plant material from entering the connector  240  but allows the extract-rich solvent solution to pass through. Additionally, the filter can be a filter that removes or limits the amount of undesirable compounds that pass from the extraction chamber  230  into the collection chamber  250 . 
     The connector  240  includes a sanitary valve  242  disposed between a sanitary cap  244  and a bottom sanitary cap  246 . The connector  240  facilitates and regulates fluid communication between the extraction chamber  230  and the collection chamber  250 . 
     The collection chamber  250  includes a collection reservoir  252 , an outer tank  254  and a shared top  257 . A sanitary ferrule  256  is affixed or integrated with the shared top  257 . The sanitary ferrule  256  interfaces with the lower sanitary cap  246  of the connector  240  to form a sanitary connection between the extraction chamber and the connector  240 . 
     The collection reservoir  252  is affixed or integrated with the shared top  257 . This arrangement allows the suspension of the collection reservoir  252  within the outer tank  254 . The outer tank  254  is filled with a temperature bath that surrounds the collection reservoir  252  and assists with the separation of the extract from the solvent and the recovery of the solvent. Preferably, the temperature bath is a warm or hot water bath that transfers sufficient thermal energy into the solvent-extract solution within the collection reservoir  252  to volatilize the solvent. Volatilizing the solvent separates the solvent from the solvent-extract solution and the solvent vapors rise through the solvent return  280  to be recovered in the solvent reservoir  212 . 
     The outer tank  254  includes an inlet  258   a  through which the temperature bath can be introduced into the outer tank  254 . The inlet  258   a  can also function as a drain to drain the bath contained by the outer tank  254  after a refinement or extraction process is completed. 
     The outer tank  254  includes an outlet  258   b , through which the temperature bath exits the outer tank  254  as additional temperature bath is introduced though the inlet  258   a . As newly heated temperature bath is introduced through the inlet  258   a , temperature bath can be displaced through the outlet  258   b . The outlet  258   b  can be connected to the inlet  233   a  of the outer wall  238  of the extraction chamber  230 . In this arrangement, the temperature bath is circulated about the collection reservoir  252  before being displace to circulate about the plant material chamber  232 . 
     The collection reservoir  252  includes an inclined floor  253  that can be added to or integrated with the reservoir  252 . The inclined floor  253  directs the extract solution to the outlet  255  through which the extract solution can be removed from the collection reservoir  252 . 
     Alternatively, the collection reservoir  252  can be constructed to have a sloping floor itself. Such a design removes the need for an inclined floor  253  within the reservoir  252 . The inclined floor  253  or the alternative embodiment of a collection chamber with an integrated slopped floor can have an adjustable incline in some examples that can be adjusted manually or automatically. 
     A pressure gauge  270  is in fluid communication with the interior of the collection reservoir  252  and indicates the stored pressure to a user. The pressure indicator  270  can indicate a positive pressure, a negative pressure or a combination thereof. As the solvent-extract solution is heated and the solvent is vaporized, the pressure within the solvent reservoir  252  rises if the solvent vapors are constrained. The pressure gauge allows the user to measure the interior pressure of the reservoir  252  so that the user can take appropriate safety action should the internal pressure of the collection chamber approach a critical level. Venting the constrained pressure can prevent catastrophic failure of the device  200 . 
     A solvent return  280  fluidly connects the collection reservoir  252  and the solvent reservoir  212 . The return  280  assists the recovery of the solvent after the extraction process is completed. As the solvent within the collection reservoir  252  is heated and volatilized, the volatilized solvent flows up the return  280  and into the chilled solvent reservoir  212  where it recondenses back into liquid solvent. The return  280  includes a sanitary ferrule  284  extending from the collection reservoir  252  a length of conduit  283  and a sanitary valve  282 . The length of conduit  283  is connected to the sanitary ferrule  284  by a sanitary connection and extends vertically to the valve  282 , which is connected by a sanitary connection  288 . 
     The sanitary valve  282  regulates and controls the flow of volatilized solvent from the collection reservoir  252  to the solvent reservoir  212 . The return  280  extends from the sanitary valve  282  and into the solvent reservoir  212  with an outlet  286  located above the level of the solvent. As the vapors flow through the outlet  286  and recondense into liquid solvent, the elevated position of the outlet  286  prevents liquid solvent from flowing back down the return  280 . 
     The vertical nature of the solvent return  280  shrinks the overall footprint of the device  200 . 
       FIG. 2B  is an embodiment of an extraction device  200  similar to the device of  FIG. 2A  with some modifications and additions. 
     The solvent chamber  210  of the device  200  of  FIG. 2B  has a single view port  218  through which the user can observe and monitor the interior of the solvent reservoir  212 . 
     The return  280  of the device  200  of  FIG. 2B  is similar in nature to the solvent return  180  of the device  100  of  FIGS. 1A and 1B . The return  280  is in fluid communication with the collection chamber  250  through the sanitary ferrule  284 . The return  280  includes a sanitary valve  282  disposed along its length. The sanitary valve  282  regulates and controls the flow of the volatilized solvent from the collection reservoir  252  into the solvent reservoir  212 . The return  280  terminates at the top of the solvent reservoir  212  at an outlet  286 . 
     An oxygen purge element  285 , like that of  188  of  FIGS. 1A and 1B , is connected to and in fluid communication with the collection reservoir  252 . The oxygen purge element  285  assists the user in purging the device of oxygen and other unwanted gases prior to an extraction process occurring. 
     The return  280  also features an outlet and valve  287 . The outlet and valve  287  allows access to the device  200  interior from the outside. Evacuation of or creation of a vacuum within the device  200  can be done through the outlet and valve  287 . A vacuum pump, a venturi pump or other evacuation device can be connected to the outlet and valve  287  to evacuate or create a vacuum within the device  200 . 
       FIG. 3  shows a second embodiment of the extraction device. The device  300  of  FIG. 3  is designed for larger, commercial extraction batches although it can also accommodate smaller batches, as desired. The device  300  generally functions similarly to the devices  100  shown in  FIGS. 1A-1B  with the addition of a condensing coil  315  to the solvent chamber  310 . After an extraction has been performed, the user heats the collection reservoir  352  which volatilizes the solvent, separating it from the extracts. The gaseous solvent travels through the solvent return  380  and into the condensing coil  315 . The condensing coil  315  sits in the outer tank  314  to which a cold bath has been added. As the gaseous solvent flows through the cool condensing coil  315  it recondenses into a liquid phase that flows into the solvent reservoir  312 . The condensing coil  315  provides increased surface area for the thermal energy transfer from the gaseous solvent to the surrounding cool bath. 
     The condensing coil  315  of the device of  FIG. 3  is disposed in the solvent chamber  310 . The condensing coil  315  is connected to and located above the solvent reservoir  312  and connected to the solvent return  380  at the inlet  386 . Alternatively, the condensing coil  315  can be located anywhere along the solvent return pathway and/or the recovery pathway and it need not be located in the solvent chamber in these examples. The condensing coil  315  is constructed of material having a high thermal conductivity, such as a metal or other suitable material. It is desirable that the coil is highly thermally conductive to more quickly and efficiently condense the returning gaseous solvent back into a liquid phase. 
     The outer tank  314  of the solvent chamber  310  extends vertically past the solvent reservoir  312  and around condensing coil  315 , which completely submerges the condensing coil  315  in the surrounding cold bath. Gaseous solvent, from the heated collection reservoir  352 , enters the condensing coil  315  from the return  380  through the inlet  386 . In the condensing coil  315 , thermal energy from the gaseous solvent is transferred to the surrounding cool bath. The large surface area of the condensing coil  315 , in contact with the cool bath, increases the conductive heat transfer which speeds condensation of the gaseous solvent vapor into liquid solvent. The condensed solvent then flows through the remainder of the condensing coil  315  where it discharges into the solvent reservoir  312 . 
     A solvent inlet  316  is connected to the solvent reservoir  312  of the extraction device  300  of  FIG. 3 . The solvent inlet  316  is functionally similar to the solvent inlet  116  of the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1A-1B . However, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the solvent inlet  316  rises higher from the top surface of the solvent reservoir  312  to ensure that it rises above the level of the cold bath contained within the outer tank  314 . Additionally, the solvent inlet  316  may function as a valve to release gas that may be trapped within the device  300 . 
     The solvent reservoir  312  of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3  is constructed in a similar manner and geometry as the solvent reservoir  112  of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1A-1B . As detailed above, the solvent reservoir  312  has thin walls that allow for rapid thermal energy transfer across their cross-section, the rapid flow of thermal energy ensuring that the solvent contained within the solvent reservoir  312  maintains a sufficiently low energy state such that the solvent is kept in a liquid phase. Alternatively, the walls of the solvent reservoir can be thick enough to prevent or significantly slow thermal transfer across them. The thicker walls could be 1″-2″ thick, for example to store a desired amount of thermal energy within the walls that provides a buffer to thermal transfer. For example, the cooling thermal energy can be stored within the walls and would absorb heat at a commensurate rate to the amount of cooling thermal energy within the walls to prevent thermal transfer. 
     A view port  319  is disposed on the solvent reservoir  312 , extending through the outer tank  314  to the exterior of the device  300 . The view port  319  is similar to the view port  118  of the device  100  of  FIGS. 1A and 1B . The view port  319  is constructed of a transparent material set into a metal housing and can include lighting elements, such as LEDs, used to illuminate the interior of the solvent reservoir  312 . A user can observe the interior of the solvent reservoir  312  through the view port  319  to assess the amount of solvent within the tank and monitor the solvent recovery process. 
     The outer tank  314  of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3  is constructed in a similar manner, geometry and materials as the outer tank  114  detailed in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1A-1B . The sidewalls of the outer tank  314  are necessarily higher than the tank  114 , in order to contain the cold bath around not only the solvent reservoir  312  but the condensing coil  315  as well. 
     The cold bath contained within the outer tank  314  should be of a sufficiently low temperature to recondense the returning gaseous solvent. The solvent used in the embodiment of  FIG. 3  is butane, which has a boiling point of −1° C. The surrounding bath needs to be able to chill the gaseous solvent in solvent reservoir  312  and condensing coil  315  to a temperature at least below the solvent boiling point in order to recondense the solvent into a liquid phase. The dry ice and ethanol bath used in the embodiment of  FIG. 3  has a temperature of approximately −78° C. This significant temperature difference from the boiling point assists in recondensing the majority of the gaseous solvent to a liquid solvent. Additionally, the large temperature variation between the solvent reservoir  312  and the collection reservoir  352  helps drive the recycling of the solvent from the collection reservoir  352  and back into the solvent reservoir  312 . 
     Alternatively, a bath of dry ice pellets, ethanol and ethylene glycol may be used. This alternate bath has a similar temperature but the temperature may be controlled by varying the ratio of ethylene glycol and ethanol. The addition of the ethylene glycol raises the temperature of the bath but still maintains it at a level to recondense the gaseous solvent to its liquid state. The alternate bath also has the added benefit of maintaining its low temperature for a longer period of time. The ethylene glycol has a freezing point of −13° C., which is higher than that of the dry ice. The ethylene glycol and ethanol form a gel-like substance when mixed with the dry ice, this gel-like substance can maintain a lower bath temperature for a longer period of time than the ethanol and dry ice bath. The cold bath increases the temperature differential between the collection tank and the solvent tank, which improves the overall efficiency of the extraction process. 
     The solvent storage chamber  310  is connected to the extraction chamber  330  via a connector  320 . The connector  220  has a valve  322  and a transparent section  324  disposed therein. The valve  322  functions similarly to the valve  122  of the embodiment detailed in  FIGS. 1A-1B , controlling and regulating the flow of the solvent from the solvent reservoir  312  into the extraction chamber  330 . The addition of the transparent section  324  to the connector  320  allows a user to view the flow of solvent from the solvent reservoir  312  through the connector  320 . A user viewing the flow can determine if a greater or lesser flow rate is desirable and can adjust the valve  322 , manually or electronically, as needed. The solvent storage chamber  310  and the extraction chamber  330  may be permanently or releasably connected to the connector  320 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , both chambers  310  and  330  are releasably connected to the connector  320  using a sanitary connection. 
     The extraction chamber  330 , as shown in the embodiment detailed in  FIG. 3 , features the plant material chamber  332  having a top  334  and a bottom  336 . The plant material chamber  332  is surrounded by an outer tank or jacket  333  that contains a warm or hot bath or heat source. Alternatively, the outer tank or jacket  333  can include a cooling or cold bath or other cooling source, such as a combined solution of liquid nitrogen, dry ice, and cold water. Whether a warm/heat source or a cooling source is placed within the jacket  333  can depend on the progress of the extraction process and/or the recovery process. It may be beneficial to heat the plant material chamber  332  at times and to cool it at times to facilitate the extraction and/or the solvent recovery process. The jacket  333  may be a second flexible or rigid tank that surrounds the plant material chamber  332  or both may be integrated into a single unit. As shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , the plant material chamber  332  features a double-wall construction, similar to that found on insulated double-wall coolers. The inner walls of the chamber  332  house the plant material and the outer walls form the jacket  333 . In this manner, the chamber  332  is attached and disposed in the center of the surrounding jacket  333 . 
     A source of a warm/hot bath is connected to the jacket  333  through ports  335  and  337 . The source of the warm/hot bath may be controlled to an exact temperature, a temperature range, or just generally warm/hot, depending on the temperature gradient that is desired. The warm/hot bath, typically heated water, flows from a source (not shown) through port  337 , where it rises and surrounds the chamber  332  before exiting through port  335 . In the embodiment shown, the chamber  332  is constructed from a material capable of rapid thermal energy transfer across the sidewalls of the chamber  332 . The rapid thermal energy transfer allows the heat from the surrounding warm/hot bath to penetrate the chamber walls and warm the material and solvent/solvent-extract solution contained. 
     The plant material stored within the plant material chamber  332  is warmed to assist in recovery of the solvent trapped within the plant material after the extraction process has completed. By encircling the chamber  332  with the hot/warm jacket  333 , the temperature of the material in the chamber  332  can be raised sufficiently high, after the extraction process, to volatilize remaining solvent. This gaseous solvent can then be recovered for later use and/or storage. 
     The plant material chamber  332 , as shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , has solid sidewalls. View ports  339   a  and  339   b  are disposed about the periphery of the plant material chamber  332  to allow the user to view and observe the interior of the plant material chamber  332 . The view ports  339   a  and  339   b  extend from the chamber  332  through the surrounding bath and jacket  333 . The view port  339   a  is located at an upper portion of the plant material chamber  332  and the view port  339   b  is located at a lower portion. 
     The view ports  339   a  and  339   b  allow the device  300  user to monitor and observe the majority of the interior of the plant material chamber  332 . Additionally, as in the solvent reservoir  312 , the plant material chamber may feature internal markings indicating the quantity of plant material, solvent and/or other material stored within the plant material chamber  332 . Further, additional view ports may be installed on the plant material chamber  332  as necessary or as desired. The view ports  339   a ,  339   b  and/or additional view ports may feature integrated light sources, such as LEDs or other suitable lighting devices that illuminate the plant material chamber  332  interior. Alternatively, the plant material chamber  332  may be constructed of a thermally conductive transparent material that would allow a user to view the internal contents of the plant material chamber  332  through the surrounding hot/warm bath in the jacket  333 . 
     The top  334  and/or bottom  336  of the plant material chamber  332  may be releasably or permanently affixed to the chamber  332 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the top  334  and/or bottom  336  is releasably affixed to the plant material chamber  332  using a sanitary connection such as a hinged clamp. In the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , a user may access the interior of the plant material chamber  332  through the top  334  and/or the bottom  336 , both of which are open ring-like structures. The extraction chamber  330  may be removed from the device  300 , the top  334  or bottom  336  may then be removed from the chamber  332  to allow a user greater access to the interior of the chamber  332 . Access to the chamber is required for the user to place the material containing the extractable compound(s) within it. The plant material chamber  332  with the top  334  and bottom  336  in place are sealed and house the material, solvent, and solvent-extract solution. Alternatively, instead of having a removable top  334  or bottom  336 , a sealable access may be disposed on one or both surfaces. The access provides a way for a user to access the interior of the plant material chamber  332 , such as by an access door, for example. 
     The plant material chamber  332  or the bottom  336  can include a filter that prevents solid material housed within the extraction chamber  332  from passing through the connector  340  and entering the collection reservoir  352 . Alternatively, the filter may be disposed in an intervening structure between the extraction chamber  330  and the collection chamber  350 . The filter could include a mesh screen, a paper filter or a semi-permeable membrane through with the solvent-extract solution may pass. 
     The extraction chamber  330  is connected to the collection chamber  350  via a connector  340 . The extraction chamber  330  may be permanently or releasably connected to the connector  340 . The connector  340  has a valve  342  and a transparent section  344  disposed therein. The valve  342  functions similarly to the valve  122  of the embodiments detailed in  FIGS. 1A-1B , regulating and controlling the flow of the solvent-extract solution from the plant material chamber  332  into the collection chamber  350 . The addition of the transparent section  344  to the connector  340  allows a user to view the flow of the solvent-extract solution from the plant material chamber  332  through the connector  340 . A user viewing the flow can determine if a greater or lesser flow rate is desirable and can adjust the valve  342 , manually or electronically, as needed. The extraction chamber  330  and the collection chamber  350  may be permanently or releasably connected to the connector  340 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , both chambers  330  and  350  are releasably connected to the connector  340  by a sanitary connection. 
     The collection chamber  350  of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3  has a collection reservoir  352 , a hot/warm bath jacket  354  having ports  353  and  355 , an access  357 , the access having a view port, and a solvent return outlet  384 . 
     As with the collection reservoir  152  of the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1A-1B , the collection reservoir  352  of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3  is constructed having similar geometry and material properties. As with the previous embodiment, the collection reservoir  352  is surrounded by a hot bath. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the collection reservoir  352  is surrounded by a jacket  354 , which contains the hot bath around the reservoir  352 . The jacket  354  and the reservoir  352  are a single unit, constructed as a double-wall vessel, similar in manner to that found in insulated double-wall coolers. The inner walls of the unit form the reservoir  352  and the outer walls form the jacket  354 . The space between the walls houses the hot/warm bath. The jacket  354  features ports  353  and  355 , through which the hot/warm bath is introduced, discharged and/or recirculated. The ports  353  and  355  are connected to a hot/warm bath source that heats a medium. In this embodiment, the medium is water that is then pumped or fed through one of the ports. 
     The heated medium fills the space between the jacket  354  and the collection reservoir  352 . The heated medium may be sealed in the jacket  354  until the extraction is done, then drained through a port. Alternatively, the heated medium can be continuously introduced through a port and discharged continuously through the other port, ensuring that a fresh supply of heated medium surrounds the collection reservoir  352  and ensuring the collection reservoir  352  and the solvent-extract solution stored within is kept at an ideal temperature or range of temperatures. The source of the hot/warm bath may be connected to the discharge port such that the hot/warm bath is constantly recirculating through the jacket  354 , returning to the source to be reheated and recirculated. This is the method used in the embodiment as shown in  FIG. 3 , which may include an internal heater disposed within the jacket  354  that further heats or maintains the temperature of the surrounding hot/warm bath, as necessary. 
     In another embodiment, the heated medium may be pumped into the jacket  354  and left there, a separate heater disposed within the jacket maintaining the desired temperature of the medium. In another embodiment, the jacket  354  may be filled with a medium that may be heated by an internal or external source. The jacket can be filled with the heated medium prior to or during an extraction cycle. Once the extraction cycle(s) is completed, the medium is allowed to cool and is then reheated during the next extraction cycle(s). The medium may be sealed within the jacket  354  permanently and heated as necessary, or may be replaceable or replenished as needed through port(s) disposed on the jacket that allow for changing the medium or adding additional medium. A cooling medium can be used in place of the heating medium discussed here to help facilitate any part of the extraction process and the solvent recovery process. The cooling medium can be any fluid, solid, or semi-fluid/solid including gases, salts and other combination solutions. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the connector  340  extends through the top surface of the collection reservoir  352 . The connector  340  extends into the interior of the collection reservoir  352 , with the end of the connector  340  located at a point below the outlet  384 . The extension of the connector  340  helps to prevent solvent-extract solution from being drawn through the outlet  384  and helps prevent solvent vapor from traveling into the plant material chamber  332 . Since the system is sealed, as the solvent is dispensed from the solvent reservoir  312 , the return  380  can act as a siphon if the valve  382  is open. The siphon effect could potentially draw the solvent-extract solution through the outlet  384  and up the return  380 . Also, the solvent vapor is light-weight and has a tendency to rise to the top of the reservoir  352 . By terminating the connector  340  below the outlet  384 , solvent vapor is less likely to travel back through the connector  340 . This is especially true when the level of the solvent-extract solution is above the termination point of the connector  340 . This forms a liquid barrier to the solvent vapors traveling back through the connector  340  and up the various sections and connections of the device  300 . 
     The access  357  of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3  allows a user to access the contents of the collection reservoir  352 . The access  357  is sealed by a cap that prevents contaminants from entering the solvent-extract or extract solution stored within the collection reservoir  352 . Other suitable releasable options for sealing the access  357  exist and may be used. The cap sealing the access  357  may also feature a view port to allow the user to observe and/or monitor the contents and activity within the reservoir  352 . Further, this view port may feature the lighting feature as discussed above to further enhance a user&#39;s view into the reservoir. Additionally, the interior of the collection reservoir  352  may feature markings or indications to indicate the fill level or other features of the solution or materials within the collection reservoir  352 . 
     A pressure indicator, such as the pressure gauge  170  of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1A-1B , may be disposed on the collection chamber  350  although it is not shown in  FIG. 3 . The indicator may be disposed on the upper surface of the reservoir  352  or on the cap that seals the access  357 . Alternatively, the indicator may be disposed on the jacket  354  may be in fluid communication with the collection reservoir  352  in order to sense and display the internal pressure of the device  300 . Further embodiments include an electronic pressure sensor that transmits and indicates a pressure on a display located externally of the device. 
     The solvent return  380  is a path for the solvent vapors to travel from the reservoir  352  to the condensing coil  315 . As the solvent extract solution is heated in the reservoir tank  352 , the solvent volatilizes into a gaseous phase. In the gaseous phase, the solvent can flow through the outlet  384 , through the return  380  and into the condensing coil  315  through the inlet  386 . The return  380  has a valve  382  and a transparent section  383  disposed therein. The valve  382  regulates the flow of solvent vapors through the return  380 . The valve  382  may be controlled manually or electronically by a user or a controller. The transparent section  383  allows a user to observe the flow of the solvent vapors through the return  380 , which may be desirable or necessary in order to determine the regulation of the vapor through the valve  382 . 
     The solvent return may also include an oxygen purge element. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the purge is a valve  388  disposed on the return  380 . The valve  388  allows the user to purge or decrease the amount of oxygen within the device  300  before starting an extraction process and/or loading the solvent. When using a combustible or flammable solvent, the purging of oxygen from the system assists in lowering the risk of solvent ignition. The valve  388  may be a one-way valve or may be actuated by a user or other control means. The purge of oxygen or other atmosphere within the device may be accomplished by introducing a secondary, inert gas that displaces the existing gas within the device  300  through the valve  388 . Alternatively, a vacuum can be created within the device, the evacuated air being drawn through the valve  388  by a mechanical means. By creating a vacuum or low pressure within the device, the amount of oxygen within the device is preferably below the level required for ignition and/or combustion of the solvent. 
     Additionally, the return  380  as shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 3  also includes a support  387  that contacts the base/ground  360 . The support  387  is a stand that stabilizes the return  380 . The return  380  may be connected to sections of the device to provide additional stability and structure to the device as necessary. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the return  380  is connected to the solvent storage chamber  310  to assist with stabilizing that section. The return  380  of this embodiment is therefore made of a structural material such as metallic pipe or other suitable material that can withstand the forces required to provide support to the device  300 . 
     The embodiment of the device  300  of  FIG. 3  may be scaled larger or smaller as necessary depending on the size of the extraction batches a user intends to run. All the sections can be made requisitely smaller or larger depending on the anticipated user needs. The materials used for constructing the device  300  should be at least non-reactive with the solvent, plant material and the extracted compounds. Preferably, the materials used are of food and/or medical grade quality, but other suitable materials can be used. Additionally, sanitary connections are preferably used throughout the device  300  for all releasable connections. However, other suitable releasable connections can be used, such as threaded connections. 
     The chambers  310 ,  330  and  350 , the connectors  320  and  340  and the return  380  of the device  300  of  FIG. 3  are releasably connected using various releasable fittings and connection means. This allows the various sections to be removed, stored, serviced, replaced, sold separately, maintained and cleaned individually as necessary. 
     A pump may be used to extract, move and recompress the gaseous solvent from the collection reservoir  352  into the solvent reservoir  312 . The pump would need to be suitable for moving the gaseous solvent, i.e., fire rated to minimize the potential for explosions and food safe so as to not contaminate the recovered solvent. For example, the extraction systems can include a hydrocarbon-rated pump that does not exceed 100 psi and can be placed in-line with the return and/or could access any of the device chamber(s) to aid in the extraction process. The pump could be added to the disclosed system or could replace the return  380  and minimize or eliminate the need for the baths and the condensing coil  315 . 
     The pump creates low pressure in the collection reservoir causing the solvent to boil off from the solvent-extract solution due to the low vapor pressure within the collection reservoir  352 . The gaseous solvent would then be pumped into the solvent reservoir  312  under pressure. The increased pressure would cause the gaseous solvent to recondense into a liquid phase. Alternatively, the cold bath about the solvent reservoir  312  could be used to assist in the recondensing of the gaseous solvent, lessening the pressure required from the pump. A hot/warm bath may also be utilized to assist with the separation of the solvent from the solvent-extract solution. 
       FIG. 4  is a further embodiment of an extraction device  400 , the device  400  including a refinement chamber  460  disposed between the extraction chamber  430  and the collection chamber  450 . 
     The device  400  includes a solvent chamber  410 , a connector  420 , an extraction chamber  430 , a connector  440 , a refinement chamber  460 , a collection chamber  450  and a solvent return  480 . The device  400  of  FIG. 4  is substantially the device  200  of  FIG. 2A  with the addition of the refinement chamber  460 . 
     A solvent chamber  410  includes a solvent reservoir  412 , an outer wall  414  spaced a distance  413  from the reservoir  412 , a shared base  415  and a view port  418 . Optionally, the solvent chamber can include a pressure gauge  411  and a solvent inlet (not shown). The pressure gauge  411  can indicate a positive pressure, a negative pressure or a combination thereof. 
     The solvent reservoir  412  contains the liquid solvent and is surrounded by an outer wall  414  spaced a gap  413  away. The gap  413  can be filled with a temperature bath to heat or preferably cool the solvent reservoir  412  to assist with the recovery of the solvent used during the extraction process. A drain  417  is included on the shared base  415  to assist with draining the temperature bath from between the outer wall  414  and the solvent reservoir  412 . 
     The solvent reservoir is connected to and in fluid communication with the connector  420 . The connector  420  includes a sanitary valve  422  and a sanitary cap  424 . As in the device  200  of  FIG. 2A , a solvent return  228  can be affixed to the sanitary cap  424 . The solvent return allowing fluid communication between the solvent reservoir  412  and the plant material chamber  432 . 
     The extraction chamber  430  includes a plant material chamber  432 , surrounded by an outer wall  438  set a distance  439  from the chamber  432  and a shared base  437 . The plant material chamber  432  includes an affixed or integrated top sanitary ferrule  434 . The sanitary ferrule  434  interfaces with the sanitary cap  424  to form a sanitary connection when the chamfered circumferences of each are compressed using a clamp such as a single pin-hinged clamp. 
     The gap  439  between the outer wall  438  and the plant material chamber  432  can be filled with a temperature bath. Preferably the gap  439  is filled with a hot or warm water bath after the extraction is complete. The heating of the solvent-ladened plant material within the plant material chamber  432  volatilizes the entrapped solvent so that it may be recovered for later extraction processes. A drain outlet  435  is included to drain the temperature bath from the gap  439 . 
     A bottom sanitary ferrule  436  is affixed or integrated to the shared base  437 . The bottom sanitary ferrule  436  can include a filter designed to exclude or prevent plant material from the plant material chamber  432  from traveling through the remainder of the device  400 . 
     A connector  440  connects and facilitates fluid communication between the extraction chamber  430  and the refinement chamber  460 . The connector  440  includes a sanitary valve  442 , a top sanitary cap  444  and a bottom sanitary cap  446 . The top sanitary cap  444  interfaces with the bottom sanitary ferrule  436  to form a sanitary connection that can be clamped together about the periphery of the chamfered circumferences of the pieces  444  and  436 . 
     The bottom sanitary cap  446  of the connector  440  interfaces with the top sanitary ferrule  466  of the refinement chamber  460 . As discussed above, the interfacing of the sanitary cap  440  and sanitary ferrule  446  forms a sanitary connection linking the connector  440  and the refinement chamber  460 . 
     The refinement chamber  460  includes a refinement reservoir  462 , an outer wall  464  spaced a distance  463  about the reservoir  462 , a top  465  and a base  467 , and bottom sanitary ferrule  468 . 
     The gap  463  is preferably filled with a cold temperature bath. The extract-rich solvent solution is transferred from the extraction chamber  430  through the connector  440  and into the refinement chamber  460 . The cold refinement chamber solidifies impurities such as waxes that were extracted from the plant material, the solidified impurities can then be filtered from the extract. The cold temperature can also thicken the heavier or denser extracted oils, which may not be desirable in the final product. These thickened oils can also be filtered from the extract solution. Additionally, the extract-rich solvent solution can sit in residence for a set amount of time within the refinement reservoir  462 . The residence time within the reservoir  462  can allow impurities to settle out from the solution, the refined solution can then be transferred into the collection chamber  450 . 
     A filter can be placed within the bottom sanitary ferrule  468 . The filter can be designed to remove solids, such as waxes, and/or filter heavier oil components from the extract-rich solvent solution. The waxes and/or oils can be recovered from the filter and used in other commercial products or processes. 
     Once the extract-rich solvent solution is sufficiently refined in the refinement chamber  460 , the solution is transferred into the collection chamber  450  through the sanitary ferrule  456  disposed atop the collection reservoir  452 . 
     The collection chamber  450  includes a collection reservoir  452 , an outer tank  454  and an extract outlet  455 . A hot or warm temperature bath is constrained about the collection reservoir  452  by the outer tank  454 , heating the extract-rich solvent solution within the reservoir  452 . The solvent is volatilized and travels through the solvent return  480  into the solvent reservoir  412  where it recondenses into liquid solvent that can be used for other extractions. 
     An inclined floor  453  can be included in the collection reservoir  452  to assist with the collection of the extract through the outlet  455 . The inclined floor  453  can be placed in or integrated with the collection reservoir  452 . Alternatively, the collection reservoir  452  can be constructed with a sloped base. 
     A drain outlet  458  is disposed on the outer tank  454  to assist with draining the enclosed temperature bath. 
     A pressure indicator  470 , similar to the pressure indicator  170  of  FIGS. 1A and 1B , is in fluid communication with the interior of the collection reservoir  452 . The pressure indicator  470  allows a user to observe and monitor the interior pressure of the collection reservoir  452 . 
     The solvent return  480  is connected to the collection reservoir  452  at an inlet  484 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , the solvent return  480  is substantially the same as the solvent return  280  of  FIG. 2A . The solvent return  480  includes a conduit extension piece  483  that is inserted in the return  480 , lengthening the return  480  to account for the addition of the refinement chamber  460 . The conduit extension piece  483  is connected to the main conduit  485  using a sanitary connection  487 . 
     The various connections,  487  and  488 , along the length of the solvent return  480  are accomplished using suitable sanitary connections. The use of sanitary connections throughout the device  400  assists in ensuring the purity of the extract. 
     The solvent return  480  includes a sanitary valve  482  that is used to control and regulate the flow of the volatilized solvent through the return  480 . 
     The solvent return includes an outlet  486  that terminates in the solvent reservoir  412 . The outlet  486  is positioned above the level of the liquid solvent within the reservoir  412 . As the volatilized solvent exits the outlet  486 , it is re-condensed into liquid solvent. The elevated position of the outlet assists in preventing liquid solvent from flowing back down the return  480 .  FIGS. 5 and 6  show additional embodiments of the disclosed extraction devices. Similar to the examples discussed above, the extraction devices  500 ,  600  include three chambers—a solvent chamber  510  connected via a connector  520  to an extraction chamber  530 , which is connected via a connector  540  to a collection chamber  550 . A solvent reservoir  512  stores or houses solvent, which can be either or both of liquid and gaseous solvent depending on the type of solvent used, the progression of the extraction process  590 , and/or the recovery of the solvent  592 . 
     The extraction chamber  530  has a plant material chamber  532  in which the plant material is housed and within which the plant material is exposed to the solvent and the extraction of the plant material occurs. The collection chamber  550  has a collection reservoir  552  into which the plant extracts are released from the plant material chamber  532 . 
     A solvent return  580  provides a fluid flow pathway  592  for fluid, gaseous, or otherwise released solvent to return to the solvent chamber  510 . The extraction device  500  functions similarly to the previously discussed embodiments of the disclosed extraction devices to remove the oils, waxes, and other extracts from the plant material. The solvent returns  580 ,  680 , however, are different from the above example extraction devices. The above devices generally have a return, that could include one or multiple return lines that are either or both of rigid and partially rigid returns and that extend between the collection chamber and the solvent chamber. As discussed above in some other embodiments, some returns can be flexible, either in part or entirely, and that flexible return could be a flexible tube or hose. In  FIGS. 5 and 6 , however, the extraction devices  500 ,  600  have a solvent return flow pathway  592  that includes a solvent return and optionally incorporates other portions of the extraction device  500 ,  600  along its flow pathway  592  before the released solvent reaches the solvent chamber. 
     The return pathway  592  is the path along which the released solvent travels after it separates from the plant material extracts in the collection chamber  550  so it can travel back to the solvent chamber  510 . The released solvent is the solvent, in any form or phase, that separates from the plant extracts. The separation of the released solvent from the plant extracts can occur through any desired means, including, but not limited to temperature control of any portion of the extraction devices  500 ,  600  that could affect a phase change and/or pressure change that causes the released solvent to travel further along the fluid flow return pathway  592  towards the solvent chamber. In each of the examples shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the fluid flow return pathway  592  includes the solvent returns  580 ,  680 . Additionally, the fluid flow return pathway  592  also includes a flow path along at least some portion of the flow pathway  592  traveling back through one or more components of the devices  500 ,  600 , such as the connector  540 , the extraction chamber  530 , and/or the connector  520 . Essentially, the fluid flow return pathway  592  “reverses” at least some portion of the pathway  590  of the extraction process  590 . 
     Specifically, the solvent return pathway  592  includes a flow of the released solvent directly exiting from the collection chamber  550  or traveling back through one or more components, such as the connectors  520 ,  540  and/or the extraction chamber  530  of the extraction devices  500 ,  600  and then into the solvent return  580 ,  680 . Use of the term solvent return pathway  592  includes the flow of the gaseous solvent back through any device component(s) and through the solvent return  580 ,  680  where it is then recovered in the solvent chamber  510 . Cooling of the gaseous solvent to cause it to condense to its fluid form can occur at any portion of or along the entire solvent return pathway  592  and/or can occur by cooling the solvent chamber  510  with a cold bath in the outer tank  514  or any other means of cooling the solvent. Other types of solvent transform from a fluid or supercritical fluid or other supercritical state phase to a phase that effects the extraction of the extracts from the plant material and can be recaptured in the solvent chamber for another extraction or for another use. 
     The embodiments shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6  show a solvent return pathway  592  in which the solvent return itself can have multiple, series and/or parallel flow options that are optionally controllable by one or more fluid flow control valves. In some examples, the solvent return pathway  592  extends along only one option at a time and in other examples the solvent return pathway  592  can simultaneously flow through multiple parallel pathways or through multiple pathways with serial input ports to the solvent return. Here, parallel does not require that the return pathways have a similar or identical path spaced apart from each other or that they are physically located next to each other. Parallel means that the pathways start and end at the same location, regardless of the contour, shape, length, and location of each pathway between the start and end point. 
     Also, the solvent return and/or the solvent return pathway can be either external or internal to the other device components like the plant material chamber, the collection chamber, and any connectors and valves regulating fluid flow in the device. The external solvent return(s) and solvent return pathway(s) exit one or more of the device components and provide fluid communication back to the solvent chamber during the recovery process. In some examples, multiple solvent returns and solvent return pathways can extend from the same device component, such as the collection chamber, the plant material chamber, and any connectors valves or other components, as desired. In any of the examples with multiple solvent return pathways and/or multiple solvent returns, the multiple return pathways and multiple returns can converge at a single intersection point that is then inlet to the solvent chamber. Alternatively, the multiple solvent return pathways and/or multiple solvent returns can converge into any one or more common inlets that feed into the solvent chamber. 
     The internal solvent return(s) and solvent return pathway(s) can be physically located in part or in whole within the components of the device. For example, a solvent return could physically be located within the internal portions of the device components to allow for fluid communication between the collection chamber and the solvent chamber. In this example, such an internal solvent return could also have a fluid flow control valve open, manually or automatically, when the extraction process is completed to allow the recovery process to begin. The solvent return(s) and/or solvent return pathway(s) can also be partially external and partially internal in other examples. 
     The referenced input ports extend between various device components like the collection chamber  550 , the connector  540 , the plant material chamber  530 , the connection  520  and the solvent chamber  510 . In still other examples, the solvent return pathway  592  includes the solvent return  580  extending only between the solvent chamber  510  and the extraction chamber  530 , for example, or between the solvent chamber  510  and either of the connectors  520  or  540 . The solvent return and/or any solvent pathway can extend between any component that is not the solvent chamber and the solvent chamber. This might include various refinement chambers, additional valves and connectors that extend from any of the components, and any other non-solvent chamber component. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the solvent return is configurable between any known or newly developed chamber or other device component and the solvent chamber. 
     Similar to the devices discussed above, the extraction devices  500 ,  600  shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6  have connectors  520 ,  540  that can be sanitary connectors, in some examples, or any other suitable connector and each of the chambers  510 ,  530 ,  550  can be temperature controlled by the thermal regulating sleeve(s) and/or a reservoir surrounding the chamber designed to house a cold or hot bath or other cold or heat source. Control of the extraction process  590  and the solvent recovery process  592  can be even further refined by regulating the temperature of one or more of the chambers, the connectors, and the solvent returns  580 ,  680  using any suitable means of cooling or heating including, but not limited to cold and hot baths, applying external gas, liquid, or fluid cold and/or hot sources, etc. Also discussed above, the solvent return  580  can attach to the solvent reservoir  512  at its top surface or from its bottom and/or side surface(s) and can interface with the solvent reservoir  512  as either flush with solvent reservoir surface to which it is attached or it can extend into the interior space of the solvent reservoir  512  any suitable length. 
     Specifically, in  FIG. 5  the solvent return  580  is a rigid, semi-rigid, and/or flexible tube or pipe, or any combination of these options that extends from one or more of the collection chamber  550 , the connector  540 , the extraction chamber  530 , and the connector  520 . The solvent return  580  can extend between any one or more of these device  500  components  520 ,  530 ,  540 ,  550  positioned below the solvent chamber  510  in the vertically stacked configuration or further down the extraction pathway  590  in a horizontal or hybrid vertical and horizontal configuration. In some examples, the solvent return  580  is connected between a single component, such as the connector  540  or the extraction chamber  530 , and the solvent chamber  510 . In those examples, the solvent return pathway  592  retraces its extraction process  590  through one or more device components before it exits into the solvent return  580 . As in the examples discussed above, the solvent return  580  can extend between the collection chamber  550  and the solvent chamber  510  through a collection chamber port  583 . The solvent return  580  can include one or more valves  582 ,  588  that can control the fluid flow through the solvent return  580  and can have the capability to selectively purge excess pressurized gas from the solvent return  580 . A purge valve in this example can automatically or manually release or regulate pressure within the closed-loop system of the extraction device  500 . 
     When the solvent return extends between the connector  540  and the solvent chamber  510 , the gaseous solvent is released from the collection chamber  550  back through the connector  540  at which point the gaseous or fluid solvent exits the connector  540  through the connector port  581  into the solvent return  580  to travel back to the solvent chamber  510 . Similarly, the gaseous solvent could exit the collection chamber  550  and travel back through the connector  540  and could then continue traveling into the extraction chamber  530  or the connector  520  at which point it exits the extraction chamber  530  through the extraction chamber port  585  or the connector  520  through the connector port  587 , respectively, into the solvent return  580 . For example, the solvent return pathway  592  could include the solvent return  580 , two exit ports  581 ,  583 , and two valves  582 ,  588 . Gaseous solvent could flow from one or both of the collection chamber  550  and the connector  540  into the solvent return  580  through their respective exit ports  583 ,  581 . In this context, a “port” is considered any interface or opening between any of the device chambers and/or connectors and the solvent return, including a physical rigid or flexible port, like the tubes or pipes shown in  FIG. 5 , or other type of mechanical attachment point or interface. 
     A fluid flow control valve  582  can intersect both exit ports  581  and  583 , in some examples, and controls the volume of gaseous solvent, if any, that exits each of the connector  540  and the collection chamber  550 . Optionally, the fluid flow control valve  582  can also allow gaseous solvent to enter the solvent return  580  from either or both of the collection chamber  550  or the connector  540  depending on various ambient conditions, such as pressure, temperature, and other factors. Any of these ambient features can be detected by sensors and received by a central controller if the system is electronic, as discussed above in other example configurations. Similarly, the extraction chamber  530  can also have an exit port  585  with a fluid flow control valve  584  and the connector  520  can have an exit port  587 . 
     Each of the exit ports  583 ,  585 ,  587  are connected to the solvent return  580 . The fluid flow control valve  582  regulates the volume of fluid flowing from the plant material chamber in a similar manner to the fluid flow control valves  582 ,  588  positioned elsewhere in-line with the solvent return  580 . It will be understood that in discussing the fluid control valves, the fluid controlled can be a liquid, a gas or combinations thereof, with the valve controlling and/or regulating the flow of the fluid through the valve structure. Further, the exit ports  581 ,  583 ,  585 ,  587  can be either an exit port that recirculates fluids and/or an outlet that only permits fluids to exit there through. Additionally or alternatively, the exit ports  581 ,  583 ,  585 ,  587  can also be inlets that allow fluids and gases to enter their respective device components. 
     In further embodiments, recirculation of the solvent, solvent-extract solution between various chambers and elements of the extraction device  500  can be allowed by configuring various fluid flow control valves. In these embodiments, the solvent or solvent-extract solution can be routed through the solvent return  580  to flow from one chamber into another, such as from the fluid control valve  542  and into the fluid control valve  522  to recirculate the solution through the plant material chamber. 
     As mentioned above, some example devices, such as the extraction device  500  shown in  FIG. 5 , have exit ports  583 ,  581 ,  585 ,  587  extending from each of the collection chamber  550 , the connector  540 , the extraction chamber  530 , and the connector  520 , respectively. Once the extraction process  590  is complete, any of the chambers  510 ,  530 ,  550 , the connectors  520 ,  540 , and the solvent return  580  can be cooled and/or heated to finely regulate the thermodynamic properties of the recapture process  592  of the solvent released from the extracts. Because the device  500  provides such fine control over the temperature gradient necessary to cause a phase change in a gaseous solvent, for example, the heating and or cooling can occur either further away from the plant extracts collected in the collection chamber  550  or can occur with a shorter exposure time to the plant extracts or both, which helps maintain the purity and integrity of the extracts. 
     Additionally, the extraction device  500  can include additional chambers and devices, such as a refinement chamber, a valve, filter element and/or other extraction device  500  components in fluid communication with the extraction pathway  590 . Alternate solvent return pathways can be formed, linking the additional chambers, or outlets from the additional chambers, to the solvent return  580  as part of the solvent return pathway  592 . Flow control devices, such as flow control valves can be included on the alternate pathways to regulate the flow of returning solvent. 
       FIG. 6  shows another new configuration of the disclosed extraction devices. Similar to the device shown in  FIG. 5 , the device of  FIG. 6  has a solvent return  680  that extends between one or more of the collection chamber  550 , the connector  540 , the extraction chamber  530 , and the connector  520  and the solvent chamber  510 . The solvent return  680 , however, includes multiple, parallel solvent return pathway lines  681 ,  683 ,  685 ,  687 . The first return pathway line  681  extends from the collection chamber  550  to the solvent chamber  510  in the same manner discussed above in several examples. The pathway line  681  includes an in-line fluid flow control valve  682  that regulates the flow of released solvent that exits the collection chamber  550  into the pathway line  681 . Again, similar to the flow control elements of  FIG. 5 , the flow can be a port that recirculates fluids and it can be an outlet that permits the fluids to exit. 
     A second return pathway line  683  extends from the connector  540  to the solvent chamber  510  and includes an in-line fluid flow control valve  684  that regulates the flow of the gaseous solvent through the second return pathway line  683 . A third return pathway line  685  extends from the extraction chamber  530  to the solvent chamber  510  and includes an in-line fluid flow control valve  686  that regulates the flow of the gaseous solvent through the second return pathway line  685 . A fourth return pathway line  687  extends from the connector  520  to the solvent chamber  510  and includes an in-line fluid flow control valve  688  that regulates the flow of the gaseous solvent through the second return pathway line  687 . The valves  682 ,  684 ,  686 ,  688  can be independently controlled, in some examples, and/or can be coordinated with each other in other examples. In the example with coordinated valves  682 ,  684 ,  686 ,  688 , the valves  682 ,  684 ,  686 ,  688  each release a volume of gaseous solvent based on ambient conditions and/or on various ambient features measured manually or by one or more sensors. 
     For example, after the extraction process  590  is complete and before the solvent recovery process  592  begins, pressure and temperature are measured in the collection chamber  550 . If both values are found to be in a desirable range, then valve  682  opens either manually or automatically and the gaseous solvent enters the first return pathway line  681  to be recovered into the solvent chamber  510 . However, if one or both values of the measured pressure and temperature are found to be outside of the desirable range, then the valve  682  is opened along with one or more of the other valves  684 ,  686 ,  688 , which opens respective one or more of the parallel return pathway lines  683 ,  685 ,  687 . If more than one parallel return pathway lines are opened at the same time, they may be coordinated to remain open the same amount of time or one or more could remain open for a longer period of time than the other(s). 
     In the example device  600  shown in  FIG. 6 , each of the return pathway lines  681 ,  683 ,  685 ,  687  connect to the solvent chamber  510  and attach to a top surface of the solvent reservoir  512 . Any one or more of the return pathway lines  681 ,  683 ,  685 ,  687  can also connect to the solvent chamber  510  by entering the solvent chamber  510  through the bottom surface of the solvent reservoir  512  and/or any side surface. In configuration in which one or more of the return pathway lines enters the solvent reservoir  512  from its top surface it can enter and have a configuration that is flush with the top surface or could extend into the interior space of the solvent reservoir  512 . If one or more of the return pathway lines enters the bottom surface of the solvent reservoir  512 , it must cause the gaseous solvent to either be released into the solvent reservoir  512  at a position above the volume of any liquid solvent stored within the solvent reservoir  512  and/or must be forced into the solvent reservoir  512  with enough force to cause the gaseous solvent to penetrate the liquid solvent, which can be accomplished by any suitable means. 
     As with any of the other examples discussed above, in order to prevent plant material from the plant material chamber  532  from entering the collection chamber  550 , a filter element can be included in the extraction chamber  530  or the connector  540 . The filter can be a metal or plastic mesh or grid filter, a paper filter, or other suitable filter element. Additionally, the filter element can be selected or treated to assist with removal of unwanted compounds or elements from the extract containing solvent solution as the solution is passed over the filter. These filters are also selectively removable and replaceable, as needed. For example, the filter could be removed after the extraction process  590  is completed and before the solvent recapture begins so that the undesirable compounds are prevented from entering the collection chamber and the fluid flow of the released solvent, however, does not travel back through the filter along the fluid flow pathway. Such a configuration avoids a filter becoming clogged or otherwise slowing or preventing desirable fluid flow along the solvent return pathway if it flows back through the connector  540  and/or other device components upstream in the extraction process  590  of the collection chamber  550 . 
     In alternative embodiments, the filter element(s) can be used to extract desirable compounds. The filter element(s) can be treated or configured, such as electrostatically charged, to attract or entrap desired compounds, for example. Additionally, the filter element can be an active filtration element, such as a centrifugal separator or other filter that takes used fluid flow characteristics to separate or filter fluid streams, such as a product stream. 
     In any of the previously discussed embodiments, multiple solvent pathways can extend from one or more chambers and/or connectors of the extraction device, including multiple solvent pathways from a single chamber and/or connector. The solvent pathway lines can be rigid or flexible or some combination of both options. Further, any one or more of the multiple solvent return pathways can be used for active solvent return, passive solvent return or some combination of both types in either the alternative or in simultaneous use as both an active and passive system. Control of the solvent through the various multiple solvent return pathways can be controlled using a system of valves or other flow control elements. A single solvent return pathway can include a combination of rigid and flexible solvent return pathway lines and/or a combination of active and passive solvent return methods. 
     Extraction Process 
     The devices  100  and  200 , disclosed above, are designed to perform closed-system plant extraction process and are discussed now using the device shown in  FIG. 1  as an example. Plant material is placed in the device, which is then sealed. The extraction and recovery processes are then run, resulting in end products of recovered solvent and extracted plant compounds. 
     Prior to operating the device  100  or adding solvent to the solvent reservoir  112 , any oxygen within the device  100  should be minimized or removed. This can be done by pulling a vacuum within the device through an external port such as valve  188 . A user can check the pressure gauge  170  to observe when the device  100  has been evacuated. The devices can also include a vacuum gauge, not shown, in some examples to measure the vacuum level within the device. Alternative oxygen removal options can be used, such as the use of oxygen scavenging, chemicals or sacrificial oxygen removal elements disposed within the device  100 . 
     The solvent is disposed within the solvent reservoir  112 , where it is maintained in a liquid phase due to the vapor pressure created by the solvent. Alternatively, the reservoir  112  may be chilled to assist in keeping the solvent in a liquid phase. Solvent is then released from the solvent reservoir  112  by the valve  120 , the solvent then flows into the extraction chamber  132 . 
     In the extraction chamber  132 , the solvent contacts the material having extractable compound(s). The solvent flows over the material picking up and washing away the extractable compound(s), the solvent and extractables forming a solvent-extract solution. The residence time of the solvent on the material may be adjusted by varying the entry and exit flow rates of the valves  120  and  140  leading into and out of the extraction chamber  132 . 
     The solvent-extract solution enters the collection reservoir  152  through the valve  140 . Once the extraction is completed, the collection reservoir  152  is surrounded by a hot bath that heats the solvent-extract solution within the reservoir. It is desirable that the temperature of the bath is high enough to volatilize the solvent relatively easily, but low enough so as to not affect the extract(s). 
     Alternatively, during the extraction process, the collection reservoir  152  can be heated and the solvent reservoir  112  cooled. The solvent is dispensed from the solvent reservoir  112  and flows through the plant material in the plant material chamber  132 . The solvent-extract solution then flows into the collection reservoir  152  where the solvent volatilizes. The gaseous solvent travels through the solvent return  180  and recondenses in the solvent reservoir  112 . From there, the solvent may be recirculated through the extraction device  100  repeatedly. This alternative process performs a continuous recirculating extraction loop across the contained material. 
     As the solvent is heated by the hot bath, it undergoes a phase change from a liquid to a gas. In the gaseous phase, the solvent can flow through the outlet  184 , up the solvent return  180 , into the inlet  186  and finally recondenses in the cold solvent reservoir  112 . The recycling of the solvent conserves the solvent for repeated cycles during the extraction process or for later use. By relying on the phase change properties of the solvent, no pumps or other mechanisms are required to move solvent through the device although a food-safe pump could be included as discussed above. As discussed above, a pump, rated for the solvent used and made of food safe materials, could be added to the device  100  to assist with and/or move the solvent from the collection reservoir  152  to the solvent reservoir  112 . 
     Since the solvent is driven off of the solvent-extract solution due to heating of the solution within the collection reservoir  152 , the remaining extract is left partially or completely purified. Once the extraction process is completed and all of the solvent-extract solution has collected in the collection reservoir  152 , the hot bath is maintained to further volatilize the solvent. The solvent vapors are drawn up the solvent return  180 , leaving behind purified product in the collection reservoir  152 . The product may need further refining which can be performed by various means. 
     Extraction of Cannabinoids 
     The device may be used to extract cannabinoids from marijuana plant material to form an oil or extract solution rich in cannabinoids, for example. The extraction process described below uses the device embodiment as shown in  FIG. 2 , however, it is understood that the process can be performed using other embodiments of the device as described herein. Other plant materials can be used with the disclosed extraction devices as well. 
     A user first removes or minimizes any oxygen within the device  200  or solvent reservoir  212  by evacuating the device  200  or solvent reservoir  212 . The device  200  or solvent reservoir  212  can be evacuated by a vacuum or venturi pump that is connected to an external valve of the device, such as valves  285  or  287 . Oxygen and other gases should be removed from the device  200  or solvent reservoir  212  for safety and efficiency. The removal of the oxygen will reduce the likelihood of combustion or explosion of the butane as the device  200  or solvent reservoir  212  is filled. Remaining oxygen and other gasses will also displace the butane as it is introduced to the device, which can cause the device  200  or solvent reservoir  212  to fill improperly or inefficiently. 
     The user then adds solvent to the solvent reservoir  212  of the solvent chamber  210 . For the process described here, the solvent used is butane, preferably a food-grade, refined version of n-butane or isobutane. 
     To load the plant material into the plant material chamber  232 , the user unclamps the sanitary connections between the sanitary cap  224  and top sanitary ferrule  234  and the bottom sanitary ferrule  236  and sanitary cap  244 . The extraction chamber  230  can then be removed from the device  200 . With the inner cavity of the plant material chamber  232  exposed, the user begins loading the material inside. The use of an extraction process allows cannabinoids to be obtained from parts of the plant often discarded such as the leaves and stems as well as the traditional buds. The plant material is packed into the plant material chamber  232  and the extraction chamber  230  is remounted into the device  200 . The extraction chamber  230  is secured within the device  200  by clamping the sanitary cap  224  and top sanitary ferrule  234  and clamping the bottom sanitary ferrule  236  and sanitary cap  244 . When clamping the bottom sanitary ferrule  236  and sanitary cap  244 , the filter gasket can be inserted either between the two or within the plant material chamber  232 . 
     Once the extraction chamber  230  is replaced within the device  200 , the device  200  will need to be evacuated to remove oxygen. If the device  200  was previously evacuated before adding the solvent, the removal of the extraction chamber  230  will have exposed the interior of the device  200  to oxygen once again. The device  200  can be evacuated through one of the external valves, such as valve  285  or  287 , by connecting a vacuum pump, venturi pump, or other suitable evacuation device. Once the device  200  has been suitably evacuated, this can be confirmed by the pressure indicator  270 , the extraction process can begin. 
     To initiate the extraction process, the valve  220  is opened to allow the butane to flow from the solvent reservoir  212  and into the plant material chamber  232 . Once the butane has flowed from the solvent reservoir  212  and into the plant material chamber  232 , the valve  222  is left open to account for liquid expansion of the butane solvent. The butane then sits on the plant material extracting the cannabinoids. After a set amount of time or once the user observes the extraction process is complete through a view port, the solvent-extract solution is released from the plant material chamber  232  through the valve  240  and into the collection reservoir  252 . 
     Once the extraction process has been completed and most of the solvent-extract solution has drained into the collection reservoir  252 , the valve  222  is closed and a hot/warm bath is applied to the plant material chamber  232  using the jacket  233 . A bath source is connected to the inlet  237  and the outlet  235 . The source could be simply a hot water tap or a water heating and recirculation unit. If using a hot water tap, the tap is connected via a line to the inlet  237  and the outlet is connected to a line that runs to a drain. If using a heating/recirculating unit, the inlet and outlet are run to the unit so that the hot/warm bath may be continuously heated and distributed through the jacket  233 . The hot/warm bath about the plant material chamber  232  volatilizes remaining solvent so that it may be recovered through the collection reservoir  252 . 
     The hot/warm bath source is connected to jacket  254  of the collection chamber  250 . The source of the bath may be the same or different than the source of the bath used in the extraction chamber. It may be desirable for the bath surrounding the collection chamber  250  to be a higher temperature than the temperature of the bath surrounding the extraction section in order to volatilize the butane faster and/or more efficiently. 
     Alternatively, the baths of the extraction chamber  230  and the collection chamber  250  may share the same source, a heating/recirculating unit, the source heating water to a temperature desired for the collection chamber  250 . The bath has an initial temperature when it enters the jacket  254  of the collection chamber  250  through the inlet  258   a . The water then fills and surrounds the reservoir  252 , imparting thermal energy to the reservoir  252  and the chamber  250 . The water finally exits the port  258   b  at a second temperature. The upper jacket outlet  258   b  of the collection chamber  250  is connected to the jacket inlet  233   a  of the extraction chamber  230 . The bath could flow from the jacket of the collection chamber  250  into the jacket of the extraction chamber  230  at the second temperature. The bath then circulates through the gap  239  of the extraction chamber  230 , imparting thermal energy to the extraction chamber  230 , the plant material chamber  232  and the enclosed plant material, before exiting through port  233   b . After exiting port  233   b , the bath can be returned to a heating/recirculation unit, where the water is reheated and again pumped through the jackets  254  and gap  239 . Alternatively, the bath can be discarded after exiting port  233   b , with new, heated bath fluid introduced through the inlet  258   a.    
     Once a user has observed or believes the majority of the trapped solvent in the plant material chamber has been volatilized and has flowed into the collection reservoir  252 , the valve  222  is closed. The solvent-extract solution, now in the collection reservoir  252 , is warmed by the surrounding hot/warm bath contained in the jacket  254 . As the solution heats, the butane boils and undergoes a phase change into a gaseous state. The butane gas then flows to the outlet sanitary ferrule  284  and into the solvent return  280 , through which it rises. The gas exits the solvent return  280  through the outlet  286 , directly into the solvent reservoir  212 , to be recovered. Alternatively, the solvent can return through a condensing coil  315 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , to be cooled for recovery. As the gas flows through the coil, the surrounding cold bath, contained by the outer tank  214 , causes the butane gas to condense back into a liquid phase. The mostly liquid butane re-enters the solvent reservoir  212 , where it can then be held for later extraction use or fed back through the device  200 . 
     The extraction process using the device  200  may be a circulatory process in which the butane flows through the cascaded sections as a liquid and returns to the top as a gas where it recondenses back into a liquid. Such a process conserves the butane solvent and allows for the recovery of it for use in later extractions or for other purposes. 
     As the hot/warm bath is being applied to the solvent-extract solution in the reservoir  252 , the user is chilling the solvent reservoir  212  and condensing coil  315 . The solvent reservoir  212  and condensing coil  315  are chilled by a surrounding cold bath composed of liquid alcohol and dry ice pellets. This cooling of the solvent reservoir  212  and condensing coil  315  assists in drawing the gaseous solvent through the solvent return  280  so that it may be condensed and stored within the solvent reservoir  212 . 
     The extract remaining in the collection reservoir  252  is rich in cannabinoid extracts and may be further refined externally or internally of the device as necessary or desired. External refinement may include placing the solution under a vacuum to further remove any remaining butane. Other refinement techniques exist and are known and may be used to refine the extracted material. 
     Other plant material may be used to extract other desired compounds, such as but not limited to, essential oils. 
     Additionally, to perform the extraction, other solvents or combinations of solvents may be used, such as other hydrocarbons, refrigerants such as R-134a, carbon dioxide, and alcohols, as long as they are in ratios that do not exceed the operational pressure specifications of the device as set forth by the manufacturer. The selected solvent should extract the desired compounds from the material and have a boiling point below that of the extracted material so that the solvent may be separated by heating the resulting solvent-extract solution. The properties of the selected solvent determine the temperature gradient required to cycle the solvent through the device. The temperature gradient sets the temperatures of the cool and hot/warm baths. 
     Purification of Butane 
     The device may also be used to refine butane to a higher purity without the plant material present. The butane is disposed in the device as in the other examples, in the solvent storage tank. The butane is then dispersed through the plant material chamber  230  and into the collection reservoir  252  even though no plant material extraction occurs during the butane purification process. Alternatively, a direct connection between the solvent storage chamber  210  and the collection chamber  250  may be used in this case, thus bypassing the need to insert the extraction chamber  230  into the device  200 . Once the butane has collected in the collection reservoir  252 , it is heated and volatilized by the surrounding hot/warm bath. Simultaneously, the user chills the solvent storage chamber  210  using a cold bath. The now gaseous butane flows from the collection reservoir  252 , through the return  280  and into the solvent storage section  210 . As the gaseous solvent contacts the now-chilled solvent storage chamber  210 , it begins to condense in the coil  215 . The resulting purified liquid solvent is then captured in the solvent storage tank  212 . 
     Butane, as with many substances, has a specific boiling point. In the case of butane, the boiling point is a range of −2° C. Having such a narrow boiling point, it is possible, through careful temperature control of the bath surrounding the collection reservoir  252 , to hold the butane at the critical boiling temperature, thus ensuring that the emanating gaseous vapors are predominately gaseous butane. By circulating the butane through the device repeatedly, the butane refines and becomes purer. The remaining materials left in the collection reservoir  252  after the purification has completed are miscellaneous hydrocarbons and other pollutants that were left in the butane during the manufacturing process. The user is left with high-purity liquid butane in the inner tank  212 . This purified butane can then be used to run extraction processes or can be sold commercially 
     Any equivalent(s) or other comparable means of accomplishing the same function can be substituted or added into any one or more components of the devices disclosed above. 
     The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be used for realizing the invention in diverse forms thereof.