Patent Publication Number: US-2016223256-A1

Title: Plant Matter Dryer

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/611,579, filed Feb. 2, 2015, which in turn is a continuation of to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/609,050, filed Jan. 29, 2015. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to the drying of plant matter and more particularly to an appliance for drying and/or decarboxylation of plant matter. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Various plants are often dried to preserve flavor and to extend the useful life of the plant. For example, certain herbs, although flavorful when freshly picked, will only last for a few days. As such plants do not grow well during the colder months, in many climates it is desired to dry these plants for storage and use during colder months. Therefore, there is a need to preserve these plants for use after the growing season concludes. Many plants such as basil, oregano, onion, sage, thyme, are preserved by drying the plant and storing the dried leaves in jars or other air-tight containers. 
     An example of such plant matter is herbs. Often, herbs are used in food, flavoring, medicines, aromatic compounds, etc. For some such applications, it is necessary to decarboxylate the herbs to produce substances that produce the desired effect. For example, green tea has theanine (amino acid). Through the decarboxylation of theanine, gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) is produced and it is believed that gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) is a primary neurotransmitter inhibitor when synthesized by the brain. 
     Likewise, in areas of the world in which  cannabis  is legal for medicinal use and/or use as a euphoric, this plant is often consumed, transported, and sold, in a dry form, typically consumed by smoking the dried flower buds and leaves. One way to dry  cannabis  plants is to hang the plants upside down in a warm dry area for many days or weeks. Since the  cannabis  plants contain moisture, care must be taken to vent the area to prevent mold and other growth and contamination. When selling such plant matter, the purchaser wants the product to be as dry as possible since the price paid is usually based on weight and extra moisture results in higher weighing material and the purchaser paying for the extra moisture. 
     When  cannabis  is consumed, transported, and sold as an eatable, the final product is consumed after mixing and/or cooking in/with a food product, producing cookies, brownies, cakes, etc.  Cannabis  as grown and harvested typically has very little THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol). The THC typically provides many of the medicinal and euphoric elements of the plant. Such  Cannabis  has abundant THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid) which has anti-inflammatory and neuro-protective effects, but lacks some of the desired medicinal and euphoric elements. To convert the THCA to THC, a carbon atom need be removed from the THCA. In order to release this carbon atom, the  cannabis  needs to be decarboxylated. This is achieved by heating  cannabis  to a specific temperature for sufficient time so that the THCA releases the carbon atom and the THCA converts to THC. Note that it is important to control the temperature of the decarboxylation of  cannabis  so as not to vaporize other important compounds such as cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Since cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids have boiling points above 245 degrees (F.), it is important to decarboxylate at a temperature below 245 degrees (F.), e.g., at 240 degrees (F.). 
     In the past, creating a dry environment to effectively dry plant matter required special rooms with dehumidification and, sometimes, heat. This is often difficult in warm, humid climates and warmth plus moisture often promotes growth of mold and fungus. 
     It is desired that the plant matter be free of germs, bacteria, and mold/spores, especially when consumed by eating. This is difficult to accomplish in existing drying systems. Further, when the  cannabis  plants are watered with reclaimed water that is not potable because of possible contamination, residual amounts of the reclaimed water reside on the  cannabis  leaves and seed pods, further contributing to health concerns. 
     What is needed is a drying device that will effectively dry and/or decarboxylate plant matter while reducing or eliminating mold, bacteria and other pathogens. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An electronic device for drying and/or decarboxylation of plant matter includes an enclosure with an internal ultraviolet lamp for disinfecting the plant matter. A heating element creates an internal temperature to reduce humidity and/or to decarboxylate the plant matter. An optional fan circulates air within the device and/or exchanges air with outside air, thereby drying the plant matter. Precautions are included to reduce emission of ultraviolet light to outside of the enclosure. 
     In one embodiment, a plant matter drying system has an enclosure, with a base portion and a door portion. The door portion is hingedly connected to the base portion and has an open position for access to an inside area of the enclosure and a closed position preventing access to the inside area of the enclosure. A shelf within the base portion supports a portion of plant matter. A heating element within the base portion provides heat to the portion of plant matter when supplied with an electrical current. A optional forced air flow system circulates air within the plant matter drying system, the air flowing over the portion of plant matter and the air flowing around the heating element. When present, the forced air flow system includes a fan that operates when supplied with electrical current. An ultraviolet lamp within the enclosure emits ultraviolet light when supplied with electrical current; the ultraviolet light is directed towards the portion of plant matter. A first timer electrically connected to the heating element and, when present, to the fan. The first timer is configured to provide electrical current to operate the heating element and fan, when present, for a first time period. A second timer is electrically connected the ultraviolet lamp and is configured to provide electrical current to operate the ultraviolet lamp for a second time period. 
     In another embodiment, a plant matter drying system has an enclosure with a base portion and a door portion. The door portion is connected to the base portion by, for example, hinges, providing an open position for access to an inside area of the enclosure and a closed position preventing access to the inside area of the enclosure. A first shelf within the base portion supports a portion of plant matter and a second shelf within the base portion has a grill for enabling air through there through. The second shelf forms a gap between the first shelf and the second shelf and also forms a cavity between the second shelf and a floor of the base portion. An ultraviolet lamp is mounted within the enclosure for emitting ultraviolet light directed towards the portion of plant matter. An interlock system disables flow of an electrical current to the ultraviolet lamp when the door portion is not in the closed position. A heating element is within the base portion, providing heat to the portion of plant matter and an optional fan circulates air within the plant matter drying system. When present, the fan pulls air from the grill and sends the air through the heating element and back onto the plant matter. A device provides electrical current to operate the optional fan and the heating element for a first time period and provides the electrical current to operate the ultraviolet lamp for a second time period. 
     In another embodiment, a plant matter drying system has an enclosure with a base portion and a door portion. The door portion is interfaced to the base portion and has an open position for access to an inside area of the enclosure and a closed position preventing access to the inside area of the enclosure. A first shelf and a second shelf are within the base portion. The second shelf has a grill for enabling air through there through and the second shelf forms a gap between the first shelf and the second shelf. The second shelf forms a cavity between the second shelf and a floor of the base portion. An ultraviolet lamp is mounted within the enclosure for emitting ultraviolet light. An interlock is provided for disabling the ultraviolet lamp when the door portion is not in the closed position. A heating element is disposed within the enclosure and, in some embodiments, a fan is positioned below the grill, drawing air from the grill and circulating air within the plant matter drying system. A device provides for operating the fan, when present, and the heating element for a first time period and for operating the ultraviolet lamp for a second time period. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention can be best understood by those having ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary plant matter drying system. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a second perspective view of the exemplary plant matter drying system. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a cut-away view of the exemplary plant matter drying system. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a schematic view of the exemplary plant matter drying system. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a second schematic view of the exemplary plant matter drying system. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a third schematic view of the exemplary plant matter drying system. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a schematic view of a controller of the exemplary plant matter drying system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in all figures. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 , perspective views of an exemplary plant drying system  10  with the door portion  11  shown in an open position ( FIG. 1 ) and the door portion  11  shown in a closed position ( FIG. 2 ). The plant drying system  10  dries, decarboxylates, and/or disinfects plant matter  99  using heat, a germicidal ultraviolet light, and/or air flow. The plant drying system  10  has at least two modes of operation. A first mode of operation (decarboxylates mode) decarboxylates the plant matter  99  by providing heat of preferably between 240 and 245 degrees Fahrenheit (F) to the plant matter  99  for a shorter duration of preferably between 50 and 70 minutes, for example 60 minutes. A second mode of operation dries the plant matter  99  by providing a lower heat for a longer duration. This lower heat is typically between 100 and 145 degrees Fahrenheit (F) and the duration is typically between 30 minutes and twenty hours, preferably between 113 and 118 degrees Fahrenheit (F) and between twelve hours and sixteen hours, and more preferably 114 degrees Fahrenheit (F) for 13 hours. 
     In the first mode (decarboxylation mode), decarboxylation occurs due to the higher temperatures through a chemical reaction that removes a carboxyl group and releases carbon dioxide CO 2 . For example, in certain plant matter  99 , Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) decarboxylates, yielding the psychoactive compound Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). In this mode, the ultraviolet lamp  24  is operated (emits ultraviolet light) for a period of time typically less than the full decarboxylation time cycle to limit blocking of the release of chlorophyll. For example, the ultraviolet lamp  24  operates for several minutes, between seven and nine minutes, and preferably eight minutes, at any time during the first mode, preferably at the beginning of the decarboxylation cycle. The ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet lamp  24  is directed at the plant matter  99 , thereby sanitizing the plant matter  99 , killing many, most, or all pathogens present in the plant matter  99 . 
     In the second mode (drying mode), drying occurs due to the lower temperatures for a longer period of time. In this mode, the ultraviolet lamp  24  is operated (emits ultraviolet light) for a preprogrammed amount of time, up to the amount of time duration of the drying cycle (e.g., up to twenty hours) but preferably less than the full drying period, for example, eight minutes. It is preferred to operate the ultraviolet lamp  24  for several minutes (e.g., 15-30 minutes, preferably eight minutes) at any time during the second mode. The ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet lamp  24  is directed at the plant matter  99 , thereby sanitizing the plant matter  99 , killing many, most, or all pathogens present in the plant matter  99 . 
     The plant drying system  10  has an enclosure that includes a base portion  43  and a door portion  11  that is attached to the base portion  43  such that the door portion is configured to open (open position) for placement and removal of the plant matter  99  into/from the plant drying system  10 . The ultraviolet lamp  24  (e.g., any germicidal ultraviolet lamps as known in the industry) is mounted inside the base portion  43 , preferably directed at an area where the plant matter  99  will be placed during operation of the plant drying system  10 . The ultraviolet lamp emits ultraviolet light in one or more wavelengths of radiation for the destruction of pathogens, germs, mold, spores, etc. Ultraviolet light (400 nm to 100 nm) is categorized into three basic ranges: UVA from 400 nm to 320 nm, UVB from 230 nm to 280 nm, and UVC from 280 nm to 100 nm. Although there is no limitation of the wavelengths of ultraviolet light emitted by the ultraviolet lamp(s)  24 , typically UVC light in the range of 280 nm to 100 nm is preferred, because UVC has been shown to be effective in destroying pathogens, as well as UVB in the range of 230 nm to 280 nm, with 254 nm having the highest efficacy in destroying certain pathogens. 
     The plant matter  99  is placed upon a shelf  20 , preferably in a container  98  that enables easy removal of the plant matter  99  after drying and/or decarboxylating. The ultraviolet lamp  24  emits ultraviolet light onto the plant matter  99  as the plant matter  99  sits on a shelf  20 , thereby disinfecting the plant matter  99 . In some embodiments, the shelf  20 , inner walls  26  of the base portion  43  and/or ceiling of the base portion  43  have mirrored surfaces (e.g. chromed) facing toward the location where the plant matter  99  is placed during drying/decarboxylating. When present, the mirrored surfaces intensify the ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet lamp  24  and provide ultraviolet light at many different angles to reach within layers of the plant matter  99 . 
     In the exemplary plant drying system  10 , a sub-floor  16  is positioned beneath the shelf  20 . When the door  11  is closed, there is a gap between a forward edge of the shelf  20  and the door  11 . As will be discussed, this gap provides for air flow from an area above the shelf  20  to an area between the shelf and the sub-floor  16 . The sub-floor  16  is occluded by a front wall  15 , while a grill  85  with optional filter media enables flow of air from between the shelf  20  and sub-floor  16  to a space between the sub-floor  16  and the floor of the base portion  43 . When present, the fan  81 , in this example, is mounted to the sub-floor  16  and/or to the floor of the base portion  43  by, for example, stand-offs  83 , and the fan  81  operates to draw air in from between the sub-floor  16  and the shelf  20 , pushing the air through orifices  29  into a gap between inner walls  26  and the walls of the base portion  43 . In some embodiment, a filter media covers the orifices  29 , for example, a Hepa filter media. The air within the gap between inner walls  26  and the walls of the base portion  43  is heated by one or more heating elements  80  before being directed back towards the plant matter  99  through vents  28  in the inner walls  26 . 
     The door portion  11  preferably has a mechanism for opening the door portion  11 , such as a handle  9 , though in some embodiments, the door portion  11  is opened by any way known in the industry. In some embodiments, the door portion  11  includes a window  13  (as shown), permitting sight of the plant matter  99  while the plant matter  99  is within the plant drying system  10 . It is known that certain ultraviolet light is harmful to the eyes and, therefore, the window  13 , when present, blocks the harmful ultraviolet light. In some embodiments, the inside surface of the door portion  11  is coated or metalized (e.g., chromed) to better reflect the ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet lamp  24  onto the plant matter  99 . 
     Since certain ultraviolet light is harmful to the eyes, an interlock system is provided to assure that the ultraviolet lamp  24  is not operational while the door portion  11  is open. Although many interlock systems are known, the exemplary plant drying system  10  has a magnet  73  and magnetic switch  72  such that, when the door portion  11  is closed, the magnet  73  is in the vicinity of the magnetic switch  72 , thereby changing the conductance of the magnetic switch  72  (e.g., closing the magnetic switch  72 ) to signal the plant drying system  10 , enabling operation of the ultraviolet lamp  24 . When the door portion  11  is opened, the magnet  73  leaves the vicinity of the magnetic switch  72 , thereby changing the conductance of the magnetic switch  72  (e.g., opening the magnetic switch  72 ) to signal the plant drying system  10 , disabling operation of the ultraviolet lamp  24 . 
     Although the examples show one particular plant drying system  10 , other configurations of plant drying systems  10  having different placement of components and different air-flow channels and directions are fully anticipated, having similar drying and decarboxylating modes of operation. 
     In some embodiments, switches  60 / 61 , an indicator  62 , and/or a display  106  are provided on an outside surface of the base portion  43  such as the front surface of the base portion  43 . Operation of the switches  60 / 61 , the indicator  62 , and/or the display  106  is described with  FIGS. 4-7 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4-6 , schematic views of the exemplary plant matter drying system are shown. Power is provided to the plant drying system  10  in any way known in the industry, for example, as shown, through a power jack  90 , one side to ground and the other is connected to the heating element(s)  80 , the optional fan  81 , the ultraviolet lamp  24 , the indicator  62  (an LED in this example), and other circuitry (e.g. timers  87 ) as needed. 
     Although many user interfaces with the same or different configurations and operation of switches  61 / 60 , keypads  108 , displays  106 , and/or indicators  62  are anticipated. 
     The exemplary user interface shown in  FIG. 4  has a first mode switch  61  (decarboxylation cycle) and a second mode switch  60  (drying cycle). When the first mode switch  61  (decarboxylation cycle) is pressed (making contact in this example), the timer  87  starts a decarboxylation cycle sequence. During the decarboxylation cycle sequence, the timer  87  energizes a first relay  89  providing electrical current to the thermostat  91  and the fan  81  and the timer  87  energizes a second relay  93 , providing electrical current to the ultraviolet lamp  24  and the indicator  62 . The thermostat  91  is positioned within the base portion  43 , within the air flow. The thermostat  91  monitors air temperature within the base portion  43  and provides electrical current to the heating element(s)  80  when the air temperature is below a preset temperature, e.g., when the air temperature is between 240-245 degrees F. during decarboxylation. In this example, the timer  87  operates the optional fan  81  and heating element(s)  80 /thermostat  91  during the entire cycle (e.g. 50 to 70 minutes), optionally circulating air and moving heated air over the plant matter  99 . The ultraviolet lamp  24  and indicator  62  (optional) are controlled by the timer  87  through a second relay  93  and operate for, in some embodiments, a different amount of time during the decarboxylate cycle, as discussed prior, typically from seven to nine minutes. When the lesser amount of time interval expires (e.g. seven to nine minutes), the timer  87  de-energizes the second relay  93 , preventing flow of electrical current through the ultraviolet lamp  24  and the indicator  62 . When the decarboxylate cycle time interval expires (e.g. 50 to 70 minutes), the timer  87  de-energizes the first relay  89 , preventing flow of electrical current through the heating element(s)  80 , and the optional fan  81  thereby ending the decarboxylate cycle. 
     When the second mode switch  60  (drying cycle) is pressed (making contact in this example), the timer  87  starts a drying cycle sequence. During the drying cycle sequence, the timer  87  energizes a first relay  89  providing electrical current to the thermostat  91  and, when present, the fan  81 ; and the timer  87  energizes a second relay  93 , providing electrical current to the ultraviolet lamp  24  and the optional indicator  62 . The thermostat  91  is preferably positioned within the enclosure  42 . The thermostat  91  monitors air temperature within the enclosure  42  and provides electrical current to the heating element(s)  80  when the air temperature is below a preset temperature, during drying, for example, when the air temperature is below 103 to 118 degrees F. In this example, the timer  87  operates the heating element(s)  80 /thermostat  91  and the fan  81  when present during the entire cycle (e.g. seven to nine hours), providing heated air around the plant matter  99 . The ultraviolet lamp  24  and indicator  62  (optional) are controlled by the timer  87  through a second relay  93  and operate for a predetermined amount of time during the drying cycle, as discussed prior, for example, any amount of time from seven minutes up to the entire drying cycle time (e.g. 13 hour drying cycle). When the predetermined amount of time interval expires (e.g. after seven minutes), the timer  87  de-energizes the second relay  93 , preventing flow of electrical current through the ultraviolet lamp  24  and the optional indicator  62 . When the drying cycle time interval expires (e.g. thirteen hours), the timer  87  de-energizes the first relay  89 , preventing flow of electrical current through the heating element(s)  80 , and the fan  81  thereby ending the drying cycle. 
     If at any instance, the door portion  11  is opened while the second relay  93  is providing electrical current to the ultraviolet lamp  24 , the magnetic switch  72  signals the circuit (e.g., through the timer  87 ) and the second relay  93  to de-energize the (stop flow of electrical current) through the ultraviolet lamp  24 , thereby ceasing any emission of ultraviolet light until the door portion  11  is closed, as a safety measure. In some embodiments, the magnetic switch  72  (e.g. reed relay) is electrically interfaced in series with the ultraviolet lamp  24  to assure no electrical current flows through the ultraviolet lamp  24  while the door portion  11  is open. 
     There are many timers known in the industry including electro-mechanical timers (bi-metallic, etc.), clock-movement timers, and semiconductor timers, along with many circuit configurations to achieve the same operational results; all are anticipated here within. Exemplary timers are exemplified by the industry standard  555 / 556  timer. In some cases, the power output of such a timer is sufficient to operate the heating element(s)  80 , the optional fan  81 , and/or the ultraviolet lamp  24  without the use of the relays  89 / 83 . In some exemplary systems, the relays  89 / 93  are semiconductor relays, power transistors, or power FETs, as known in the industry. In some embodiments, the timer  87  is implemented by a processor as it is known to implement discrete logic with processing elements and software and visa versa. 
     Since, during the drying cycle, the air in the plant drying system  10  is heated by the heating element  80  to a temperature above ambient, for example, 113 F to 118 F, as air is circulated, moisture is removed from the plant matter  99 . In some embodiments, the moist air is exhausted from the plant drying system  10  through the vents  45 . Preferably, the vents  45  are positioned such that minimal ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet lamp  24  exit through the vents  45 . 
     The plant drying system  10  shown in  FIG. 5  has a single operation switch  60  and this embodiment of the plant drying system  10  is configured to operate in a single mode, either a fixed decarboxylation cycle or a fixed drying cycle. In this embodiment, separate timers  87 A/ 87 B operate each subset of the timing intervals. In embodiments in which the plant drying system  10  is configured for decarboxylation, when the single operation switch  60  (decarboxylation cycle) is operated (making contact in this example), both timers  87 A/ 87 B starts the decarboxylation cycle sequence. During the decarboxylation cycle sequence, the first timer  87 A energizes a first relay  89  providing electrical current to the thermostat  91  and to the optional fan  81  and the second timer  87 B energizes a second relay  93 , providing electrical current to the ultraviolet lamp  24  and the indicator  62 . The thermostat  91  is positioned within the enclosure  42 . The thermostat  91  monitors air temperature within the enclosure  42  and provides electrical current to the heating element(s)  80  when the air temperature is below a preset temperature, for example, when the air temperature is below 240-245 degrees F. Once the temperature within the enclosure  42  reaches the decarboxylation temperature (e.g. between 240 F and 245 F), the thermostat  91  stops flow of electrical current through the heating element(s)  80 . In this example, the first timer  87 A operates the heating element(s)  80 /thermostat  91  and, when present, the fan  81  during the entire cycle (e.g. 50 to 70 minutes), providing heated air over the plant matter  99 . The ultraviolet lamp  24  and indicator  62  (optional) are controlled by the second timer  87 B through a second relay  93  and operate, preferably, for a lesser amount of time during the decarboxylate cycle, as discussed prior, typically from seven to nine minutes. When the lesser amount of time interval expires (e.g. eight minutes), the second timer  87 B de-energizes the second relay  93 , preventing flow of electrical current through the ultraviolet lamp  24  and the indicator  62 . When the decarboxylate cycle time interval expires (e.g. 50 to 70 minutes), the first timer  87 A de-energizes the first relay  89 , preventing flow of electrical current through the heating element(s)  80 , and the fan  81  thereby ending the decarboxylate cycle. 
     In plant drying systems configured for drying, operation of the single operation switch  60  (making contact in this example) initiates a drying cycle. During the drying cycle sequence, the first timer  87 A energizes a first relay  89  providing electrical current to the thermostat  91  and the optional fan  81 ; and the second timer  87 B energizes a second relay  93 , providing electrical current to the ultraviolet lamp  24  and the indicator  62 . The thermostat  91  is positioned within the enclosure  42 . The thermostat  91  monitors air temperature within the enclosure  42  and provides electrical current to the heating element(s)  80  when the air temperature is below a preset temperature, during drying, for example, when the air temperature is below 114 degrees F. In this example, the timer  87  operates the heating element(s)  80 /thermostat  91  and the fan  81  when present during the entire cycle (e.g. thirteen hours), providing heated air to the plant matter  99 . The ultraviolet lamp  24  and indicator  62  (optional) are controlled by the second timer  87 B through a second relay  93  and operate for a predetermined amount of time during the drying cycle, as discussed prior, for example, for eight minutes, though in some embodiments, up to the entire drying cycle time (e.g. thirteen hours). When the predetermined amount of time interval expires (e.g. eight minutes), the second timer  87 B de-energizes the second relay  93 , preventing flow of electrical current through the ultraviolet lamp  24  and the indicator  62 . When the drying cycle time interval expires (e.g. thirteen hours), the first timer  87 A de-energizes the first relay  89 , preventing flow of electrical current through the heating element(s)  80 , and the fan  81  thereby ending the drying cycle. 
     The plant drying system  10  shown in  FIG. 6  has a controller  100  (e.g., a processor, microcontroller) that implements the user interface and timing functions. In this, the controller  100  includes software that initiates the decarboxylating cycles or the drying cycles based upon inputs from, for example, a keypad  108  or any other known user interface (e.g., touch screens, mice, and/or switches). In this embodiment, additional user interface options are available when more robust user interface displays  106  and keypads  108  are included. For example, with the prior discussed single or two switches  60 / 61  operation, the timing intervals were predetermined, for example, one hour for decarboxylating with the ultraviolet lamp operating for eight minutes. It is anticipated that, for different types of plant matter  99 , different intervals are desired. In such, through a user interface using, for example, a display  106  and a keypad  108 , or the like, a user interface is presented in which the user has facilities to enter the type of plant matter  99 , or facilities to change timing and/or temperature values (e.g., decarboxylating for 75 minutes at 230 degrees F.). 
     In the example plant drying system  10  shown in  FIG. 6 , the controller  100  is interfaced to three relays  89 / 93 / 103 , a first relay  89  controlling electrical current flow through the ultraviolet lamp  24 , a second relay  93  controlling electrical current flow through the heating element(s)  80 , and a third relay  103  controlling electrical current flow through the fan  81 . Being that the controller  100  is more robust than simple timers  87 / 87 A/ 87 B, it is anticipated that the controller  100  not only switch electrical current to the heating element(s)  80 , the ultraviolet lamp(s)  24  and the optional fan  81 , but that the controller  100  vary the amount of electrical current flow to these devices, for example, through power transistors, FETs, etc. in place of one or more of the relays  89 / 93 / 103 . In this way, additional features are provided through the user interface elements (keypad  108  and display  106 ) for customization for the air flow, heating speed, and ultraviolet emissions (depending upon the capabilities of the heating element(s)  80 , ultraviolet lamps  24 , and optional fan(s)  81 ). 
     In the example plant drying system  10  shown in  FIG. 6 , the magnetic switch  72  (interlock) is interfaced to the controller  100 . Upon opening of the door portion  11 , the magnetic switch  72  signals the controller  100 , which controls the first relay  89  to stop flow of electrical current through the ultraviolet lamp(s)  24 . In an alternate embodiment, the magnetic switch  72  is in series with the ultraviolet lamps  24  and, when the door portion  11  is open, the loss of magnetic field opens the magnetic switch  72 , thereby preventing flow of electrical current through the ultraviolet lamp(s)  24 . 
     In the example plant drying system  10  shown in  FIG. 6 , a temperature sensing device  91 A (e.g., thermistor, thermal diode, thermostat) is interfaced to the controller  100 . The temperature sensing device  91 A is mounted in the air flow to monitor the temperature of the air around the plant matter  99 , and provides a signal to the controller  100  that is proportional to the temperature of the air around the plant matter  99 . The controller  100  uses this signal (representing the temperature) to control the operation of the second relay  93 , and consequently, the heating element(s)  80 . Once the temperature is within the desired range (e.g., between 240 F and 245 F during decarboxylating or between 113 F and 118 F during drying), the controller reduces electrical current to the heating element(s)  80  to maintain the proper temperature range. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , a schematic view of an exemplary controller  100  as used within the plant drying system  10  is shown. The exemplary controller  100  represents a typical processor system as used with the plant drying system  10 , though it is known in the industry to utilize logic in place of processors  170  and vice versa. This exemplary controller  100  is shown in its simplest form. Different architectures are known that accomplish similar results in a similar fashion and the plant drying system  10  is not limited in any way to any particular system architecture or implementation. In this exemplary controller  100 , a processor  170  executes or runs programs from a random access memory  175 . The programs are generally stored within a persistent memory  174  and loaded into the random access memory  175  when needed. The processor  170  is any processor, typically a microcontroller processor. The persistent memory  174 , random access memory  175  interfaces through, for example, a memory bus  172 . The random access memory  175  is any memory  175  suitable for connection and operation with the selected processor  170 , such as SRAM, DRAM, SDRAM, RDRAM, DDR, DDR-2, etc. The persistent memory  174  is any type, configuration, capacity of memory  174  suitable for persistently storing data, for example, flash memory, read only memory, battery-backed memory, magnetic memory, etc. In some exemplary controllers  100 , the persistent memory  174  is removable, in the form of a memory card of appropriate format such as SD (secure digital) cards, micro SD cards, compact flash, etc. 
     Also connected to the processor  170  is a system bus  182  for connecting to peripheral subsystems such as output drivers  184  and input ports  192 . For example, the magnetic switch  72 , a keypad  108 , and the temperature sensor  91 A are interfaced to input ports  192 . The output drivers  184  receive commands from the processor  170  and control the indication devices  62 , an optional display  106 , and the relays  89 / 93 / 103  (or power driving devices). 
     In general, some portion of the memory  174  is used to store programs, executable code, and data such as timing intervals and temperature ranges. 
     The peripherals and sensors shown are examples and other devices are known in the industry such as speakers, buzzers, USB interfaces, Bluetooth transceivers, Wi-Fi transceivers, image sensors, etc., the likes of which are not shown for brevity and clarity reasons. 
     Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above such that they perform in substantially the same manner in substantially the same way for achieving substantially the same result. 
     It is believed that the system and method of the present invention and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.