Patent Publication Number: US-11382448-B1

Title: Plant mixture processing systems

Description:
The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/238,198, filed Apr. 22, 2021. The present application is based on and claims priority from this application, the disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure describes systems (including apparatuses and/or methods) that generally relate to the technical field of plant mixture processing, and specifically relate to the technical field of extracting “milk” from a plant mixture. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In the United States, store-bought nut and grain milks are a big industry valued at over two billion dollars. Almond milk, the most popular type of store-bought nut milk, constitutes a 64% share of the nut milk market. Other exemplary types of plant milk include, but are not limited to, other types of nut milk (e.g. milks made from cashews, hazelnuts, walnuts, macadamias, and pistachios), seed milks (e.g. milks made from coffee beans, flax, hemp, chia, and sunflower), grain milks (e.g. milks made from rice, oats, and  quinoa ), leaf milks (e.g. milks made from tea), legume milks (e.g. milks made from soybeans, peas, and peanuts), fruit milks (e.g. milks made from coconut and berries (such as blackberries and raspberries)), vegetable milks (e.g. milks made from tiger nuts, celery, beets, carrots, and tomatoes), and other fluid derived from plant-based materials. Plant-based milks may also be referred to as “non-dairy milks” or just “milks.” 
     Frankly, store-bought milks are just not the same as fresh milks. For example, store-bought milks generally contain excessive water. They also most often contain additives such as vegetable oil, preservatives, and/or gum thickeners that can upset some stomachs and impart distinct aftertastes to the milks. Settling and separation are also problems seen with store-bought milks. By federal regulation, all alternative milks in containers are pasteurized by raising the temperature briefly to 280 degrees Fahrenheit (280° F.), which can reduce valuable natural vitamins. Because pasteurization can reduce the vitamin-content of the milks, it is often necessary to add nutrients to compensate for the reduction of natural vitamins, which may increase the cost. Pasteurization also cooks the milk and degrades the taste as compared to fresh milk. Store-bought organic milks may be chemical free, but sell at about double the cost of non-organic milks and may have other problems such as settling, separation, and the problems associated with pasteurization. 
     Fresh, homemade milks bear little resemblance to store-bought products. Fresh, homemade milks can be organic and are naturally more nutritious, cost-effective, and better tasting because they are fresh and do not contain oil, preservatives, and after-taste causing gum thickeners. Further, fresh, homemade milks are not subject to pasteurization, which can also alter the taste slightly. 
     Almonds are perhaps the most challenging nut to process into milk. In comparison, cashews, which are softer nuts, are easy to process into milk. It is difficult to grind almonds finely without soaking because the seed cover or peel is resistant to grinding. Soaking helps alleviate this problem, but takes about twelve (12) hours or more and can help catalyze a microbe bloom that reduces the shelf life of the resulting almond milk. 
     The process of making plant milk (such as almond milk) by hand can be time-consuming, messy, and expensive. For example, a common way to make almond milk uses a blender and a nut bag filter (also referred to as a “nut bag”). Almonds, water, and optional other ingredients are blended in a blender. The mixture is then poured into the nut bag. Pressure (hand squeezing and/or wringing) is applied to remove the milk from the pulp. Put another way, squeezing or wringing the full nut bag causes the milk to be expressed from the nut bag, but the pulp remains in the nut bag. Hand compression can be time-consuming because it always feels like there is liquid left for removal. The leftover pulp remaining in a nut bag is very messy. The quantity of leftover pulp may be excessive and add to the cost of the milk. Both the blender and the nut bag must be cleaned, but nut bags cannot go in a dishwasher. Cleaning the nut bag by hand is time-consuming. Common sense sanitation also requires that the nut bag be regularly replaced (which adds to the cost of the milk). 
     A chinois filter is a cone-shaped metal strainer with a fine mesh that is traditionally used for straining stocks, sauces, and soups. Using a chinois filter to strain plant milk is faster than using a nut bag. Still, because there is no effective way to compress the nut mixture, using the chinois sieve requires excessive time for the nut mixture to leak through. This time encourages microbe bloom that results in premature spoilage of the nut milk. The cone shape also makes full compression difficult, which means that not all the milk will be separated from the pulp. In addition, the results vary because of the inconsistencies of the mesh found on this type of filter. For example, a chinois filter can let bigger, unwanted grains of pulp through the mesh because of hole-size variance. The cleaning of the chinois filter can be time-consuming because the pores in the mesh attract and hold particles of the almond mixture which harden over time, making thorough cleaning difficult. 
     A French press for coffee and a tea diffuser are widely available consumer products. They are, however, not designed to handle a typical almond mixture and clog immediately upon use. They are too small for making approximately 0.95 liters (approximately 1.00 quart) and are not designed to hold up under the heavier pressure necessary to make plant milk. 
     There are many nut milk makers now manufactured for home-use. The existing almond nut milk makers have drawbacks. Unfortunately, all existing nut milk makers for home-use require an abundance of time to produce a few liters/quarts of almond milk not including excessive preparation and cleanup time. Many recommend soaking almonds for softening, which takes additional time. Conventional nut milk makers for home-use can have somewhat complex electronics, and blinking lights to show operation and requisite safety lock functions that can be awkward. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 10,349,771 to Andoni Monforte Duart (the “Duart reference”) is directed to a device for beverage production. The Duart reference contains the description of a device for producing beverages that is compatible with any handheld domestic blender. The Duart device enables beverage production either by crushing a solid element (e.g. tiger nuts) from which the juice is extracted and at the same time filtering the same, or enabling mixing a solid element with a liquid one at the same time that it is being filtered. The Duart device includes at least one filtering beaker, a pestle for inserting into the filtering beaker, and structure for holding the filtering beaker. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 1,412,029 to Galdi et al. is directed to a wine press. This wine press and its modern day successors (e.g. traditional presses and bladder presses) operate on similar principles. Fruit and other ingredients (in some cases, pre-blended) are put into a cylindrical container (e.g. a mesh basket or slotted shell) and then downward pressure is applied. The pressure squeezes the mixture. While the pulp remains in the cylindrical container, juice exits the cylindrical container through the holes in the mesh basket or the slots in the shell. Gravity causes the juices to flow downward into a trough. The juices exit the trough (e.g. through a discharge spout) and flow into a collection container. 
     The following patents and publications provide examples of other types of methods, apparatuses, and systems for producing beverages from plant products:
         U.S. Pat. No. 5,656,321 to Berger et al. describes almond milk preparation process and products obtained;   U.S. Pat. No. 10,334,986 to Gross et al. describes a method and device for making nut butter and nut milk;   U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0199129 to Glucksman et al. describes an infusion beverage brewing system;   U.S. Pat. No. 6,135,019 to Chou describes a filter assembly for a blender; and   U.S. Pat. No. 7,430,957 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0068847 (both to Sands) describe a blender and juicer system.       

     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure describes systems (including apparatuses and/or methods) that generally relate to the technical field of plant mixture processing, and specifically relate to the technical field of extracting “milk” from a plant mixture. Preferably the plant mixture processing system described herein processes plant mixture in a home setting into a high-quality, fresh, and/or best-tasting milk that does not include undesired additives (e.g. preservatives or gum thickeners) and/or has relatively little settling over time. 
     A processing system for processing plant mixture into milk and pulp preferably includes a filter, a plunger mechanism, and a pulp catcher. 
     The filter preferably includes a filter wall and a filter floor. The filter wall preferably has a filter wall rim. The filter wall preferably has filter holes defined therein. The filter floor preferably has filter holes defined therein. The filter wall and the filter floor preferably define a filter chamber. 
     The plunger mechanism preferably includes a plunger shaft, an actuator, and a plunger head. The plunger shaft preferably has an actuator end and a plunger head end. The actuator is preferably at the actuator end of the plunger shaft. The actuator preferably controls raising, lowering, and/or rotating movement of the plunger mechanism. The plunger head is preferably at the plunger head end of the plunger shaft. The plunger head is preferably insertable into the filter chamber. The plunger head preferably has an upper surface, a lower surface, and an outer annular surface. The lower surface preferably has a first part of a connector. 
     The pulp catcher preferably has a body and a second part of a connector. The body of the pulp catcher is preferably positioned in said filter chamber at least near the filter floor. The second part of the connector is interconnectable with the first part of the connector when the plunger head is lowered within the filter chamber. 
     In at least some preferred processing systems the filter holes are at least 50,000 photochemically etched filter holes. 
     In at least some preferred processing systems, lowering the plunger mechanism expresses milk through the filter holes. Preferably, lowering the plunger mechanism extracts the milk from the plant mixture. 
     At least some preferred processing systems further include a filter lid. The filter lid preferably has an upper lid surface with a lid wall. A centrally located stabilizing collar preferably extends through the upper lid surface. The plunger shaft is preferably slidably positioned through the stabilizing collar. The filter lid is preferably selectively associated with the filter wall rim. 
     In at least some preferred processing systems, the lower surface of the plunger head has at least one clearing blade. Each clearing blade preferably has at least one shaving edge. Preferably the at least one shaving edge clears pulp from the filter wall surrounding the filter chamber when the plunger mechanism is rotated. 
     In at least some preferred processing systems, at least one annular gasket surrounds the outer annular surface of the plunger head to form a gasketed plunger head. The filter chamber may be pressurized as the plunger head is lowered within the filter chamber. 
     At least some preferred processing systems further include a ring funnel. The ring funnel preferably has an upper funnel opening and a lower funnel opening. The filter is preferably positioned at least partially within the ring funnel with the filter floor between the upper funnel opening and the lower funnel opening. The ring funnel preferably directs milk exiting through the lower funnel opening into a container. 
     At least some preferred processing systems form the pulp into a pulp cake between the plunger head and the pulp catcher. This may happen when the first part of the connector interconnects with the second part of the connector. This may happen when at least the majority of milk has been expressed through the filter holes. 
     Objectives, features, combinations, and advantages described and implied herein will be more readily understood upon consideration of the following detailed description of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The subject matter described herein is also particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of this specification. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings illustrate various exemplary plant mixture processing systems, components of various exemplary plant mixture processing systems, and/or provide teachings by which the various exemplary plant mixture processing systems are more readily understood. 
         FIG. 1  is a flow diagram showing the steps and components used to obtain milk and pulp from ingredients by using a blender and a plant mixture processing system. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of a preferred exemplary plant mixture processing system. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the preferred exemplary plant mixture processing system. 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary filter positioned at least partially within an exemplary ring funnel, the ring funnel positioned at least substantially above an exemplary container (not shown), and an exemplary plunger mechanism in a raised position prior to compression of plant mixture. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the filter positioned at least partially within the ring funnel, the ring funnel positioned at least substantially above the container, and the plunger mechanism partway through compression of the plant mixture. 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the filter positioned at least partially within the ring funnel, the ring funnel positioned at least substantially above the container (not shown), the plunger mechanism in a lowered position after compression of the plant mixture, and the plunger mechanism in a locked relationship with an exemplary pulp catcher. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the plunger mechanism in a locked relationship with the pulp catcher, the plunger mechanism and pulp catcher removed from the filter, and pulp retained between a lower surface of an exemplary plunger head and an upper surface of the pulp catcher. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view showing the removal of the pulp from the pulp catcher using a knife. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view showing the removal of the pulp from the pulp catcher using a shake or tap method. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an exemplary double-gasketed plunger head in a locked relationship with an exemplary pulp catcher, the double-gasketed plunger head having two clearing blades extending from its lower surface. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of two exemplary gaskets having a T-shaped cross-section. 
         FIG. 12  is a bottom view of an exemplary plunger head having four clearing blades extending from its lower surface, the clearing blades also shown in phantom to represent a slight rotation. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an exemplary clearing blade having a straight edge in the process of clearing pulp from the filter holes. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of an exemplary clearing blade having a curved edge in the process of clearing pulp from the filter holes. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of an exemplary pulp catcher. 
         FIG. 16  is a bottom plan view of the exemplary pulp catcher of  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional exploded view of an adjustable pulp catcher showing a female “ball” spaced from a male “stem” (together referred to as a ball stem). 
         FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view of the adjustable pulp catcher of  FIG. 17  with the ball stem in an elevated configuration. 
         FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view of the adjustable pulp catcher of  FIG. 17  with the ball stem in a lowered configuration. 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of an exemplary ring funnel. 
         FIG. 21  is a top view of an exemplary filter positioned within the exemplary ring funnel of  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 22  is a side view of an exemplary alternative motorized plant mixture processing system. 
         FIG. 23  is an exploded view of an exemplary alternative simplified plant mixture processing system. 
     
    
    
     The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features or components herein may be shown in somewhat schematic form and some details of conventional elements may not be shown or described in the interest of clarity and conciseness. The drawing figures are hereby incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , disclosed herein are steps and components used to separate milk  80  and pulp  90  from a plant mixture  70  (blended ingredients  50 ,  52 ,  54 ) by using a blender  60  and a plant mixture processing system  100  (also referred to as a “processing system  100 ”). Ingredients  50 ,  52 ,  54  are loaded in a loading step  40  into a blender  60  where they are blended in a blending step  42  to create a plant mixture  70 . The plant mixture  70  is then transferred to the processing system  100  (which preferably includes a filter  110 , a plunger mechanism  120  (having at least one clearing blade  140  (although clearing blade  140  is shown and described throughout this document, it could be replaced with the alternate clearing blade  140 ′ ( FIG. 14 )), and a pulp catcher  170 ). The processing system  100  then processes the plant mixture  70  in a processing step  44  (which includes extracting) to separate milk  80  from pulp  90 . The processing step  44  preferably has a homogenizing-like effect that prevents separation. (Traditional homogenization is usually associated with fats or oils. If fat or oil were present in the plant mixture, then there would be a homogenization-like effect. If fat or oil were not present in the plant mixture, then, technically, there would not be a homogenization-like effect, but the plant mixture could still be processed by the processing system  100 .) The milk  80  may be stored in a storing step  46  in a container  250 . The pulp  90  may be removed (cleaned) in a cleaning step  48  from the processing system  100  and held in a pulp holder  92 . At a high level of abstraction, therefore, preferred processing systems  100  described herein process milk  80  from a blended plant mixture  70 . 
     As disclosed herein and as shown in  FIGS. 1-9  (with additional details shown in  FIGS. 10-21 ), an exemplary plant mixture processing system  100  preferably includes a filter  110 , a plunger mechanism  120  (having at least one clearing blade  140 ), and a pulp catcher  170 . The processing systems  100  also preferably include or use a ring funnel  200 . The processing systems  100  may also use components such as a blender  60  and a container  250 . As shown, the ring funnel  200  is preferably positioned so as to direct milk  80  exiting the filter  110  into the container  250 . The filter  110  has a filter wall  112  ( FIG. 2 ) and a filter floor  114  ( FIG. 21 ), both of which have filter holes  116  therein. The plunger mechanism  120  ( FIGS. 4-7 ) preferably has a plunger shaft  122  with an actuator  124  (shown as a rotatable knob) at an actuator end and a plunger head  130  (the lower surface of which preferably has at least one clearing blade  140  and a first part of a connector  160  at a plunger head end. A filter lid  150  designed to fit in the filter wall rim  115  (the top of the filter  110 ) may be centered on the shaft  122 . The filter lid  150  is shown as movably (e.g. slideably ( FIGS. 4-6 )) positioned on the plunger shaft  122  between the actuator  124  and the plunger head  130 . A pulp catcher  170  (having an associated second part of a connector  162  (e.g. a ball stem)) is positioned within the filter  110  on the floor  114 . 
       FIGS. 4-8  show an example of the plant mixture processing system  100  during the processing step  44 , the container  250  receiving milk  80  in the storing step  46 , and the pulp  90  being removed (cleaned) in the cleaning step  48  from the processing system  100  and held in a pulp holder  92 . More specifically,  FIG. 4  shows the exemplary plunger mechanism  120  in a raised position prior to compression of the plant mixture  70 .  FIG. 5  shows the exemplary plunger mechanism  120  partway through compression of the plant mixture  70  with milk flowing from filter holes  116  in the filter wall  112  (directed by the ring funnel  200 ) and filter holes  116  in the filter floor  114  into the container  250 .  FIG. 6  shows the exemplary plunger mechanism  120  in a lowered position after compression of the plant mixture  70 , and the exemplary plunger mechanism  120  in a secured relationship with an exemplary pulp catcher  170  (the first part of the connector  160  being interconnected with (latched to) the second part of the connector  162 ).  FIG. 7  shows the removed plunger mechanism  120  with pulp  90  retained between the lower surface of the exemplary plunger head  130  and the upper surface of the pulp catcher  170 .  FIG. 8  shows the removal of the pulp  90  by being removed (e.g. using a remover such as a knife  190 ) from the pulp catcher  170  and onto a pulp holder  92  (shown as a plate). 
     Preferred processing systems  100  may have at least one of the following advantages over known prior art systems:
         Preferred processing systems  100  preferably produce a product (e.g. milk  80 ) that has a better taste than the product produced by prior art.   Preferred processing systems  100  preferably produce a product (e.g. milk  80 ) that has a better texture (e.g. smooth with little or no graininess) than the product produced by prior art.   Preferred processing systems  100  preferably produce a product (e.g. milk  80 ) that has a better consistency and viscosity (not too thick and not too thin) than the product produced by prior art. (Preferably, the ingredients  50 ,  52 ,  54  can be varied for thicker or thinner milk by adjusting, for example, the specific ingredients or the ingredient ratios.)   Preferred processing systems  100  preferably produce a product (e.g. milk  80 ) that has less separation than the product produced by prior art and, therefore, may allow for resulting milk  80  to have a longer period that it is considered “fresh.”   Preferred processing systems  100  preferably can be used to salvage valuable pulp  90  that has been condensed into a pulp cake  90 ′ because it can be used, for example, in baking, in cosmetics, or as animal feed.   Preferred processing systems  100  preferably produce a more consistent product (e.g. milk  80  or mole (which can be thought of as a specific type of milk)) than prior art in that, once a recipe has been determined that produces a desired product, following that same recipe produces similar products.   Preferred processing systems  100  are preferably more efficient than prior art.   Preferred processing systems  100  are preferably faster than prior art.   Preferred processing systems  100  are preferably easier to clean than prior art. Reasons for this easy cleanability may include, for example, the lack of cumbersome parts, the absence of electronics (for manual models), and/or the use of dishwasher safe components.   Preferred processing systems  100  are preferably versatile in that they can be used (or adapted or customized to be used) for a multitude of processing needs. For example, processing systems  100  described herein may be used to process many types of plant materials to make many types of products (e.g. milks, butters, jams, and jellies). For jams and jellies, for example, a fruit mixture may be processed using the processing system prior to adding some of the ingredients (e.g. sugar and pectin) and cooking.   Preferred processing systems  100  are preferably pressurized.   Preferred processing systems  100  preferably require only a manual plunger mechanism  120  to create pressure to force the plant mixture  70  through the filter  110 . Although some processing systems  100 ′ may be automated, manual processing systems  100  do not require motors or electricity.   Preferred processing systems  100  may be compact for easy storage (e.g. approximately 20.32 cm (approximately 8.00 inches) in diameter and approximately 29.21 cm (approximately 11.50 inches) in height). The relatively small size also allows components to be placed in a dishwasher.   Preferred processing systems  100  preferably have a simple construction.   Preferred processing systems  100  are preferably constructed from relatively lightweight and durable materials (e.g. food grade sterilizable metals and/or plastics).   Preferred processing systems  100  preferably are easy to operate and/or the methods of operation are intuitive. This makes production of the milk  80  relatively easy.       

     Further preferred objects and advantages of our invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
     Exemplary processing systems  100  may be better understood with reference to the drawings, but these processing systems  100  are not intended to be of a limiting nature. The same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings and description in this document to refer to the same or like parts. Some reference numbers (e.g. reference numbers ending with a prime symbol (′) or double prime symbol (″)) refer to specific variations that could be substituted for the variations shown in other figures. Unless otherwise specified, all the variations may be referred to jointly by the general reference number (without the prime or double prime). The shown shapes and relative dimensions are preferred, but are not meant to be limiting unless specifically claimed, in which case they may limit the scope of that particular claim. 
     Before describing the plant mixture processing systems  100  and the figures, some of the terminology should be clarified. Please note that the terms and phrases may have additional definitions and/or examples throughout the specification. Where otherwise not specifically defined, words, phrases, and acronyms are given their ordinary meaning in the art. The following paragraphs provide basic parameters for interpreting terms and phrases used herein.
         The phrase “plant mixture processing systems” (also referred to as “processing systems”) is meant to include apparatuses (“plant mixture processors,” “plant mixture processing devices,” “plant mixture milkers,” and/or “plant mixture milking devices”) and/or methods (“plant mixture processing,” “plant mixture processing methods,” “plant mixture milking,” and/or “plant mixture milking methods”) for processing milk  80  from a plant mixture  70 . The phrase “processing” may also be referred to as “extracting,” “milking,” and/or “producing a homogenization-like effect.”   The term “milk” and the phrases “non-dairy milk” and “plant-based milk” are meant to describe the substance obtained after a plant mixture  70  has been processed using the processing systems  100 . Other types of milk (e.g. milk from animals such as cows or goats) will be specifically designated as such.   The terms “processing” and “milking” are meant to describe extracting milk  80  from a plant mixture  70  using the processing systems  100 . Preferably, milk  80  that has been “processed” or “milked” from plant mixture  70  using the processing systems  100  described herein do not separate as quickly as milk  80  obtained using other systems. Accordingly, the processing step  44  may have a homogenization-like effect on the produced milk  80 .   The term “plant” and phrase “plant material” are meant to include “milkable” plants, portions of plants, and/or plant components including, but not limited to, nuts (e.g. almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, walnuts, macadamias, and pistachios), seeds (e.g. coffee beans, flax, hemp, chia, and sunflower), grains (rice, oats, and  quinoa ), leaves (e.g. tea), legumes (e.g. soybeans, peas, and peanuts), fruit (e.g. coconut and berries (such as blackberries and raspberries)), vegetables (e.g. tiger nuts, celery, beets, carrots, and tomatoes). Almonds are used as an exemplary plant material throughout this document.   The phrases “plant mixture” (or a specific type of mixture such as “almond mixture”) and “blended plant mixture” are meant to mean the post-blending, but pre-processing (pre-milking) of a mixture of ingredients including plant material  50 , fluid  52  (e.g. water), and optional additional ingredients  54  (e.g. sweeteners). (Before blending, the different ingredients may be referred to generally and jointly as “ingredients.”) Put another way, the plant mixture  70  has already been blended, but has not been “milked.” Because the plant mixture  70  has not yet been milked, it still includes pulp  90 . For example, in its simplest form, plant mixture  70  includes blended ingredients such as plant material  50  and fluid  52 . An exemplary almond milk recipe uses an approximately 4:1 ratio of water (e.g. 0.84 liters (3.50 cups) to almonds (e.g. 0.18 liters (0.75 cups)), which may be used with a 2.89 liter (approximately 2.00 quart or 64.00 ounce) blender  60  without causing leaking due to overfill during the blending process). This recipe can be varied to obtain different quantities, milk texture, and viscosity. For example, reducing the amount of water will result in a thicker, cream-like almond cream for coffee. Using ingredients for mole (which can be thought of as a specific type of milk) produces a completely different product. Different plant materials  50  and/or different types of products (e.g. milk  80 ) may require different ratios and/or recipes.   The term “extracting” (and variations thereof) includes the process of expressing fluids from a plant mixture  70  through a filter.   The phrase “homogenization-like effect” (and variations thereof) can be understood in comparison to the traditional homogenization of cow milk. In non-homogenized cow milk, milk fat particles (fat droplets) rise to the surface to create a layer of cream. In homogenized cow milk, fat droplets (milk fat globules) are emulsified (reduced to small particles and distributed uniformly through the rest of the fluid) using a high-pressure procedure (e.g. forcing milk at a high pressure (e.g. 20,000+ psi) through small holes). The traditional homogenizing process results in the small particles of milk fat being suspended in the remaining fluid to create a more uniform product. In addition, the homogenized cow milk resists dividing into its component parts (which is also known as separating or settling). The processing step  44  performed by the processing systems  100  (and possibly the blending step  42 ) preferably has a homogenization-like effect on milks  80  derived from plant mixtures  70 . One theory about how this homogenization-like effect is produced is the pressure (e.g. 10.0 psi) applied by the plunger mechanism  120  to the plant mixture  70  within the filter  110 . Other theories include the use of the powerful blender  60 , the size of the filter holes  116 , or the adjustment of temperature. The homogenization-like effect could be due to any one of or a combination of some or all of these factors. Experimental use has shown that while almond milk produced by known competitors&#39; “milkers” or “melkers” show signs of division (separating or settling) within 24 hours. In comparison, the almond milk produced by the processing system  100  described herein didn&#39;t begin to show signs of division (separating or settling) for at least 24 hours.   The term “associated” is defined to mean integral or original, retrofitted, attached, connected (including functionally connected), positioned near, and/or accessible by. For example, a pulp catcher  170  positioned within the filter  110  on the filter floor  114  may be considered to be “associated” with the filter floor  114  even though it is not “attached” to the filter floor  114 . Another example is the ring funnel “associated” with the container is shown as a removable and replaceable ring funnel that may be associated with the mouth of the container. However, the ring funnel may also be, for example, built into the container or attached to the container via a conduit (e.g. a hose).   It should be noted that the dimensions and capacities disclosed herein may be adapted and scaled. For example, although the shown filter  110  is designed to process approximately 0.95 liters (approximately 1.00 quart), it can be scaled to process different volumes by adjusting the dimensions and the quantities of holes  116 . Another example is that the shown container  250  holds approximately 2.89 liters (approximately 2.00 quarts) of milk, but it could be modified to hold more or less milk (e.g. approximately 0.95 to 3.79 liters (approximately 1.00 to 4.00 quarts)).   It should be noted that relative terms are meant to help in the understanding of the technology and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. Similarly, unless specifically stated otherwise, the terms “first” and “second” are meant solely for purposes of designation and not for order or limitation. For example, the “first part of the connector  160 ” has no order relationship with the “second part of the connector  162 .”   It should be noted that some terms used in this specification are meant to be relative. For example, the term “top” is meant to be relative to the term “bottom.” The term “front” is meant to be relative to the term “back,” and the term “side” is meant to describe a “face” or “view” that connects the “front” and the “back.” Rotation of the system or component that would change the designation might change the terminology, but not the concept.   Terms such as “preferred” (and variations thereof (including preferably)), “may,” “might,” “can,” and “could” are used to indicate alternatives and optional features and only should be construed as a limitation if specifically included in the claims. For example, the phrase “filter holes  116  are preferably concentrated in the lower portion of the wall  112  and/or in the floor  114 ” indicates that this concentration is optional and the holes could be, for example, evenly distributed on the wall and floor. It should be noted that the various components, features, steps, and/or embodiments thereof are all “preferred” whether or not it is specifically indicated. Claims not including a specific limitation should not be construed to include that limitation.   Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “exemplary” is meant to indicate an example, representation, and/or illustration of a type. The term “exemplary” does not necessarily mean the best or most desired of the type. For example, an “exemplary blender being a VITAMIX® blender” is just one example of a blender, but other blenders could be just as desirable.   It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the term “or” is used in its nonexclusive form (e.g. “A or B” includes, but is not limited to, A, B, A and B, or any combination thereof). It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, “and/or” is used similarly (e.g. “A and/or B” includes, but is not limited to, A, B, A and B, or any combination thereof).   It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the terms “includes,” “has,” and “contains” (and variations of these terms) mean “comprises” (e.g. a device that “includes,” “has,” or “contains” A and B, comprises A and B, but optionally may contain C or additional components other than A and B).   It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” refer to one or more than one, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Similarly, unless specifically limited, the use of singular language (e.g. “component,” “module,” or “step”) may include plurals (e.g. “components,” “modules,” or “steps”), unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
 
Components
       

     The plant mixture processing systems  100  described herein preferably include components such as a filter  110 , a plunger mechanism  120  (that includes at least one clearing blade  140 ), and a pulp catcher  170 . The processing systems  100  also preferably include or use a ring funnel  200 . The processing systems  100  may also use components such as a blender  60 , a container  250 , and a remover  190  (e.g. knife). Some of the components (e.g. the blender  60 , the container  250 , and the remover  190 ) are components that consumers may own or purchase for other purposes and, therefore, could be sold separately from components such as the filter  110 , the pulp catcher  170 , and the plunger mechanism  120 . Put another way, some components may be replaced with alternative similarly functional components (e.g. the container  250  could be a container owned by the user rather than the specifically provided container). On the other hand, an appliance company could sell components (e.g. the filter  110 , the pulp catcher  170 , and the plunger mechanism  120 ) in combination with their blenders  60 . The processing systems  100  are preferably made from suitable food grade materials (e.g. stainless steel or suitable plastic materials). 
     Blender 
     An exemplary blender  60  preferably has a capacity of approximately 2.89 liters (approximately 2.00 quarts). An exemplary blender  60  preferably operates at 2 hp and 20,000 RPM. Such a high-powered blender has sufficient power to grind and pulverize plant material  50  (including almonds) and simultaneously blend it with fluid  52  and optional additional ingredients  54 . 
     One exemplary blender  60  is the VITAMIX® blender manufactured by Vita-Mix Corporation. U.S. Pat. No. 3,368,800 to Barnard and U.S. Pat. No. 9,084,512 to Boozer provide background on some of the VITAMIX® blenders. Philips and Breville corporations have also introduced equally high-powered blenders. 
     Technically, any blender  60  may be used to blend ingredients  50 ,  52 ,  54  into a plant mixture  70 . High-powered blenders, however, tend to produce better milk  80 . Low-powered blenders tend to produce milk similar to skim milk or store-bought almond milk. 
     Filter 
     The filter  110  has a peripheral or annular filter wall  112  ( FIG. 2  and  FIG. 13 ) and a filter floor  114  ( FIG. 2  and  FIG. 21 ), both of which have filter holes  116  therein. The peripheral or annular filter wall  112  and filter floor  114  define a filter chamber  111 . The top of the filter wall  112  is the filter wall rim  115 . The filter holes  116  are preferably concentrated in the lower portion of the wall  112  and/or in the floor  114 . Put another way, there may be more filter holes  116  per square centimeter (square inch) in the lower portion of the wall  112  and/or in the floor  114  than there are in the upper portion of the wall  112 . 
     The filter  110  is preferably cylindrical and defines an interior filter chamber  111  that may receive the plant mixture  70 . An associable filter lid  150  may be provided that mates with the filter wall rim  115  of the filter  110  (the upper edge of the filter wall  112 ). The filter  110  (in conjunction with other components) is used to process plant mixture  70  into milk  80  and pulp  90 . 
     An exemplary filter  110  is able to process 0.95 liters (approximately 1.00 quart) of milk  80 . Such an exemplary filter  110  has a diameter of approximately 7.62 cm (approximately 3.00 inches) and a height of approximately 25.40 cm (approximately 10.00 inches). The wall  112  and floor  114  of this exemplary filter  110  preferably have about 80,000 to 100,000 filter holes  116  with a diameter of approximately 0.35 mm (approximately 13.78 mils). Prototype filters and microscopic photography were used to estimate the filter hole  116  size needed for the filter  110  and it was assumed that approximately 10% of the almond mixture particles will have difficultly passing through the filter holes  116  by particle size documentation. 
     The filter  110  can be customized for accommodating different desired products (e.g. thicker or thinner milk  80 ), different plant material  50  or other ingredients (e.g. nuts, grains, fruits, teas/coffee), different quantities (e.g. processing more milk  80 ) and many different applications (e.g. milks, sauces, jams, jellies). These customizations may include changes to the shape, size, quantity, and/or distribution of the filter holes (e.g. fewer larger holes or additional smaller holes). The filter hole size may be determined based on the particle size (produced by the blender  60  in a predetermined grind time (e.g. two minutes)) desired to be produced for a particular recipe. 
     The customizations may also include modifications to the dimensions (e.g. diameter and/or height) of the filter  110 . For example, the filter can be scaled to have a greater capacity (e.g. approximately 2.89 liters (approximately 2.00 quarts)) by increasing the diameter to approximately 15.24 cm (approximately 6.00 inches) (keeping the height of approximately 25.40 cm (approximately 10.00 inches)). The wall and floor of such a doubled-capacity filter may preferably have an increased number of filter holes (e.g. about 160,000 to 200,000 filter holes). Another example of a filter that is scaled to an even greater capacity (e.g. 4.79 liters (approximately 4.00 quarts)) has a diameter of approximately 30.48 cm (approximately 12.00 inches) (keeping the height of approximately 25.40 cm (approximately 10.00 inches)). The wall and floor of this quadrupled-capacity filter may preferably have an increased number of filter holes (e.g. about 320,000 to 400,000 filter holes). 
     The filter  110  may be a stainless steel filter that has a smooth interior surface. The filter  110  may be fabricated and/or manufactured by processes that facilitate the clean, smooth, and accurate production of the filter wall  112  and the filter floor  114  with filter holes  116  therein. An exemplary process that would be suitable is photochemical etching. Photochemical etching has advantages including producing a smooth, easy to clean surface and consistently accurate filter holes  116 . 
     Plunger Mechanism 
     The plunger mechanism  120  (in combination with at least the filter  110  and the pulp catcher  170 ) is engineered to separate and condense a predetermined amount of pulp  90  from a plant mixture  70  and retain the pulp  90  (as a pulp cake  90 ′) for later removal. 
     As set forth, the plunger mechanism  120  ( FIGS. 4-7 ) preferably has a plunger shaft  122  with an actuator  124  at an actuator end and a plunger head  130  at a plunger head end distal from the actuator end. A filter lid  150  is movably positioned between the actuator  124  and the plunger head  130 . The plunger mechanism  120  is designed to be associated (e.g. inserted into) with the filter  110 . The actuator  124  can be used to raise the plunger head  130  ( FIG. 4 ), lower the plunger head  130  ( FIGS. 5-6 ), and/or rotate the plunger head  130  ( FIGS. 12-14 ). 
     As shown, the filter lid  150  is designed to mate with the peripheral or annular filter wall rim  115  (mouth) of the filter  110 . For example, if the filter  110  is cylindrical (circular in cross-section), the filter lid  150  would be at least substantially circular in cross-section. Centrally located within the circumference of the filter lid  150  there is an opening that is shown as a stabilizing elongated collar  152  (shown as a tube with a smooth inner diameter in  FIGS. 4-6 ) through which the plunger shaft  122  is preferably slidably positioned. As shown, a lid wall  154  preferably projects substantially downward from the rim of the upper lid surface  156  of the filter lid  150 . The lid wall  154  may be tapered inwardly for easier insertion into the filter  110 . 
     The filter lid  150  is preferably movably (e.g. slidably or screwably) positioned between the actuator  124  and the plunger head  130 . The plunger mechanism  120  is associable with the filter  110  such that the filter lid  150  mates with the top of the filter  110  (the filter wall rim  115 ), the plunger head  130  is positioned within the filter  110  (below the filter lid  150 ), and the actuator  124  is positioned outside the filter  110  (above the filter lid  150 ). The stabilizing elongated collar  152  of the filter lid  150  preferably centers the plunger shaft  122  (and thus the plunger mechanism  120 ) so that the shaft&#39;s movements are essentially along the longitudinal axis of the filter  110 . Put another way, the plunger mechanism  120  is positioned such that the filter lid  150 , when mated with the mouth of the filter  110 , centers the plunger shaft  122 . 
     The plunger shaft  122  is shown as an elongated cylinder having a smooth outer diameter. As mentioned, the plunger shaft  122  is preferably positioned through a stabilizing elongated collar  152  (shown as a tube with a smooth inner diameter) that is centrally located in the filter lid  150 . The plunger shaft  122  is preferably able to move up/down and rotatably within the stabilizing elongated collar  152 . In the case of a smooth plunger shaft  122 , the up/down and rotating movements are unrestricted and smooth. (An alternative plunger shaft could have a threaded outer diameter, if it was used in conjunction with an interior-threaded stabilizing elongated collar. If the plunger shaft is threaded (e.g. plunger shaft  122 ′ in  FIG. 22 ), the up/down and rotating movements are restricted (orderly) as it moves along the threading. In such a case, the filter lid  150  would have a securing mechanism to prevent the filter lid  150  from rising. 
     The actuator  124  is associated with an actuator end of the plunger shaft  122 . The actuator  124  can be used to control the raising/lowering of the plunger mechanism  120  and the rotation of the plunger mechanism  120 . Put another way, the actuator  124  can be used to raise the plunger head  130  ( FIG. 4 ), lower the plunger head  130  ( FIGS. 5-6 ), and/or rotate the plunger head  130  ( FIG. 12-14 ). When the actuator  124  is raised/lowered, the rising/lowering movement is transferred through the shaft  122  to raise/lower the plunger head  130  (and its at least substantially downward-projecting first part of a connector  160 ) within the filter chamber  111  until the first part of a connector  160  latches to the second part of a connector  162 . When the actuator  124  is turned/rotated, the rotating movement is transferred through the shaft  122  to rotate the plunger head  130  (and its downward-projecting clearing blade(s)  140 ) within the filter chamber  111  to clear pulp particles from the annular filter wall  112 . An example of a combination movement is when the actuator  124  is both turned and lowered, the rotating/lowering movement is transferred through the shaft  122  to the plunger head  130  such that the downward-projecting clearing blades  140  rotate as the plunger head  130  descends. 
     The actuator  124  is shown as a knob having a plurality (shown as four) of lobes that allow a user to grip and turn the actuator  124 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , if a processing system  100  has four evenly spaced clearing blades  140 , turning the actuator  124  a quarter turn (90 degrees) would clear (e.g. by using the clearing blades  140  to shave (which includes scraping, cutting, and/or wiping) the inner surface of the filter chamber  111  (the filter wall  112  of the filter  110 )) the full interior circumference (360 degrees) of the filter  110  below the plunger head  130 . If fewer clearing blades were used, the user would have to turn the actuator  124  farther to clear the full interior circumference of the filter  110  below the plunger head  130 . If there were a single clearing blade, for example, a full (360 degrees) rotation would be necessary to clear the full interior circumference of the filter  110  below the plunger head  130 . If more clearing blades were used, the user would not have to turn the actuator  124  as far to clear the full interior circumference of the filter  110  below the plunger head  130 . As shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , as the clearing blades  140 ,  140 ′ rotate, they clear the filter holes  116  of the filter  110  below the plunger head  130  such that the milk  80  can pass therethrough. Depending on the orientation and shaving edge(s)  142  of the clearing blades  140 , the rotation of the actuator/head/blades could be clockwise, counterclockwise, and/or in both directions. The location (right/left) and quantity (one/two) of the shaving edge(s)  142  would depend on the direction of the rotation. For example, if the rotation were in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions, both edges of the clearing blades  140  would be shaving edge(s)  142 . Although shown as a knob, the actuator  124  could be an alternative type of actuator such as a lever mechanism (similar to the handle of a manual coffee grinder). 
     The plunger head  130  is shown in  FIGS. 4-7  and in detail in  FIGS. 10-14 . The plunger head  130  has an upper surface  130   a , a lower surface  130   b , and an outer annular surface  130   c . As shown, the plunger head end of the plunger shaft  122  is associated with the center of the upper surface of the plunger head  130 . As also shown, the lower surface of the plunger head  130  preferably has an associated at least one clearing blade  140  (shown in  FIG. 11  as four clearing blades  140 ) along its perimeter and the first part of a centrally located connector  160 . Finally, the outer annular surface of the lower surface of the plunger head  130  preferably has at least one annular gasket  132  associated therewith. As will be discussed, the gasketed plunger head  130  pressurizes the plant mixture in the filter chamber  111  of the filter  110  in a manner similar to that by which the plunger piston pressurizes contents of the barrel of a syringe. 
     Each flexible clearing blade  140  (which includes alternative clearing blades  140 ′ with a curved edge  142 ′) is designed to clear the filter holes  116  of built-up pulp  90  by shaving off larger pulp particles and keeping the pulp particles within the filter  110  and wiping or clearing the filter holes  116  to allow additional expression of the milk  80  as the pulp  90  is compressed. Put another way, the clearing blades  140  unblock or unclog the filter holes  116  that have been clogged by pulp  90  to facilitate or allow the passage of milk  80  through the filter holes  116 . When the actuator  124  is turned, the plunger head  130  rotates and the clearing blades  140  are conveyed at least partially around the inner annular surface of the filter  110  ( FIG. 11 ). As they are being conveyed, the clearing blades  140  preferably press against the inner surface of the filter  110  effectively shaving (which includes scraping, cutting, and/or wiping) the inner surface of the filter  110  to remove excess pulp  90  from the filter holes  116 .  FIGS. 13-14  graphically show exemplary clearing blades  140 ,  140 ′ with a clearing blade shaving edge(s)  142 ,  142 ′ being used to clear the pulp  90  from the interior surface of the filter  110 . As shown, the area (between the dashed line clearing blade  140  and the solid line clearing blade  140 ) that the clearing blade  140  has passed is shown as being free from pulp  90 , whereas the area (to the right of the solid line clearing blade  140 ) that the clearing blade  140  has not yet passed is shown as having pulp  90  thereon. 
     The shown clearing blades  140  are meant to be exemplary in that there could be variations to the design. The following are preferred characteristics of exemplary clearing blades  140 :
         The clearing blade shaving edge  142 , together with the cutting or slicing movement of the clearing blades  140 , clears the filter holes  116  of built-up pulp  90  to allow milk  80  to pass therethrough.   Each clearing blades  140  has two edges, at least one of which is preferably a shaving edge(s)  142  (for shaving, scraping, cutting, and/or wiping the pulp  90  from the interior surface of plunger head  130  the filter  110 ). The shaving edge  142  is preferably sufficiently sharp to shave, scrape, cut, and/or wipe the pulp  90  from the interior surface of the filter  110 , but preferably not so sharp as to be dangerous.   The shown shaving edge  142  is shown as angled (as opposed to the other shown clearing blade edge that is shown as vertical). Having the shaving edge  142  be angled may make the shaving more effective. The “vertical” clearing blade edge would be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the filter  110  when the plunger mechanism  120  is positioned within the filter  110 . When the plunger mechanism  120  is positioned within the filter  110 , the clearing blades  140  (specifically the outer diameter of the clearing blade  140 , including the angled shaving edge  142 ) are flush (and preferably even have some outward pressure) with the inner diameter of the filter  110 . As mentioned, if the rotation were in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions, both edges of the clearing blades  140  would be shaving edge(s)  142  that would be at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the filter  110 .   In most figures, the shaving edges are shown as straight (e.g. shaving edge  142  in  FIG. 13 ), but they could be curved (e.g. shaving edge  142 ′ in  FIG. 14 ).   The clearing blades  140  may be positioned so that, before being inserted into the filter  110 , at least part of the respective outer surfaces (e.g. the shaving edge(s)  142 ) are beyond the circumference of the inner diameter of the filter  110 . If there are four evenly spaced clearing blades  140 , the distance (before being inserted into the filter  110 ) between at least part of the outer surfaces (e.g. the shaving edge(s)  142 ) of opposed pairs clearing blades  140  is just slightly greater than the diameter of the inner surface of the filter  110 . When the plunger head  130  is inserted into the filter  110 , the clearing blades  140  (which are at least slightly flexible) compress inward, but push outward (attempting to return to their pre-compressed state) so that the at least part of the outer surfaces (e.g. the shaving edge(s)  142 ) press against the interior surface of the annular filter wall  112 . When rotated, the outward pressure helps with the shaving, scraping, cutting, and/or wiping that clears the pulp  90  from the filter holes  116 .   The clearing blades  140  may have an at least substantially inward angle or bend in them such that the tip of each clearing blade  140  angles inward. This causes the tips to be within the circumference of the inner diameter of the filter  110 . The tips may then be easily inserted into the mouth of the filter  110  and guide the plunger head  130  into the filter  110 . The positioning of the tips, as well as the angle or bend, therefore, facilitates easier insertion of the clearing blades  140  and plunger head  130  into the filter  110 .   The clearing blades  140  preferably are elongate. The clearing blades  140  may be approximately the same length as the parts of the connectors  160 ,  162 . (The first part of the connector  160 , the second part of the connector  162 , and the clearing blades  140  may have a length of between 1.27 cm (approximately 0.50 inches) and 3.18 cm (approximately 1.50 inches). These dimensions may be adjusted based on factors including, but not limited to, the dimensions of other components, the intended recipe, the desired amount of pulp, the desired “wetness” of the pulp, and the material from which the components are constructed.)       

     In addition to the peripherally located clearing blades  140 , the lower surface of the plunger head  130  preferably includes an associated, centrally located first part of a connector  160  (e.g. a socket latch and/or flexible catch) that automatically interconnects with (latches to) the second part of a connector  162  (e.g. a ball stem) associated with the pulp catcher  170 . The exemplary first part of the connector  160  is shown as having a plurality of inwardly angled or hooked connector segments  160   a ,  160   b  (see  FIGS. 6 and 11 ). Although shown as two connector segments  160   a ,  160   b , an alternative first part of the connector could have more connector segments (e.g. there are three connector segments  160 ′ shown in  FIG. 22 ). Further, another alternative first part of the connector could have a single connector segment (e.g. a tube). The plurality of connector segments  160   a ,  160   b  are preferably made of a semi-rigid material that bends and then returns to its original shape. The plurality of connector segments  160   a ,  160   b  are preferably shaped (angled or hooked) and spaced such that the opening formed therebetween is smaller than the enlarged upper part (ball) of the second part of the connector  162 . When the plunger head  130  and first part of the connector  160  are lowered onto the second part of the connector  162  (the engagement point), the upper part (ball) of the second part of the connector  162  forces the plurality of connector segments  160   a ,  160   b  apart. Once past the enlarged upper part (ball) of the second part of the connector  162 , the plurality of connector segments  160   a ,  160   b  at least substantially return to their original shape (although they may be held slightly apart by the lower part (stem) of the second part of the connector  162 ) trapping the enlarged upper part (ball) of the second part of the connector  162  therebetween. This effectively interconnects (latches) the first part of the connector  160  to the second part of the connector  162 . The first part of the connector  160  will be discussed again along with the second part of the connector  162  herein. 
     The plunger head  130  (shown in detail in  FIG. 9 ) preferably has at least one gasket  132  (shown in detail in  FIG. 10 ) along its outer perimeter for compressing the plant mixture  70  in the filter  110 . The gasketed plunger head  130  pressurizes the plant mixture in the filter  110  in a manner similar to how the plunger piston pressurizes contents of the barrel of a syringe. The gaskets  132  may also help stabilize the plunger head  130 . 
     The shown exemplary gasketed plunger head  130  has at least one annular groove  134 . Each annular groove  134  is designed to mate with a respective gasket  132 . The annular grooves  134  hold the gaskets  132  in position. This configuration also allows the gaskets  132  to be removable and/or replaceable. Having removable and/or replaceable gaskets  132  would allow a new gasket to be used if the original was worn or if a different type of gasket was preferable for a particular application. Alternatively, the gaskets could be at least essentially permanent (difficult or impossible to remove without causing damage to the plunger head  130 ). 
     The shown gasketed plunger head  130  has two gaskets  132 . Alternatively, one or more additional gaskets could be added. In addition, an alternative gasketed plunger head could have a single gasket. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , gaskets  132  may be flexible annular T-shaped sealing gaskets that are T-shaped in cross-section. The top of the “T”  132   a  forms the inner diameter of a gasket  132  and fits tightly within and around the annular grooves  134 . The perpendicular support leg of the “T”  132   b  annularly protrudes or extends beyond outer diameter of the plunger head  130 . This protruding support leg of the “T”  132   b  mates with or drags along the inner annular wall of the filter  110  as the plunger head  130  descends within the filter  110 . Put another way, the gasket(s)  132  function as a squeegee by controlling the flow of the fluid by pushing the fluid down ahead of the gasket(s)  132  and preventing fluid from upward past the gasket(s)  132 . The protruding support leg of the “T”  132   b  acts as a seal or barrier preventing plant mixture  70  from escaping past the gasketed plunger head  130 . Because the plant mixture  70  cannot get past the gasketed plunger head  130 , the gasketed plunger head  130  pushes (applies pressure to) the plant mixture  70 . With nowhere else to escape to, the plant mixture  70  is forced through the filter holes  116  in the wall  112  or the floor  114  of the filter  110 . 
     The plunger head  130 , connector segments  160   a ,  160   b , and clearing blades  140  may be made from semi-rigid plastic (e.g. polypropylene or polyethelene). The at least one gasket  132  may be made from a softer and more flexible material such as silicone or rubber. 
     Pulp Catcher 
     Preferred processing systems  100  are able to condense valuable pulp  90  into an easily useable form that can be frozen, dried, used in baking, cosmetics, or as animal feed. Plant pulp  90  (e.g. almond pulp) is a resource rich in vitamins, protein, and fiber. The processing systems  100  are preferably engineered to simultaneously express the milk  80  while separately compressing the pulp  90  into a cake-like form ( FIG. 8  shows an exemplary pulp cake  90 ′ that maintains it form, and  FIG. 9  shows an exemplary pulp cake  90 ″ that crumbles) when the plunger head  130  reaches a predetermined bottom (interconnecting the first part of the connector  160  associated with the plunger head  130  with the second part of the connector  162  associated with a pulp catcher  170 ) based on a recipe (known ingredients) with measured amounts (known quantities) that have been blended for a predetermined grind time. 
     The pulp catcher  170  is shown positioned within the filter  110  on the filter floor  114  in  FIGS. 4-6 . The pulp catcher  170  is shown in more detail in  FIGS. 7-9  and  FIGS. 15-16 . An alternative adjustable pulp catcher  170 ′ is also shown in  FIGS. 17-19 . 
     The pulp catcher  170  preferably fits loosely in the filter  110  so it can be installed prior to adding the almond mixture to the filter  110  and then be removed by the plunger mechanism  120  (because the first part of the connector  160  is interconnected with (latches to) the second part of the connector  162 ). 
     The shown exemplary pulp catcher  170  includes a body  172  (shown as a circular disk to fit within a cylindrical filter  110 ) and an associated (e.g. integral or removable and/or replaceable) centrally-located second part of the connector  162  (e.g. a ball stem) on the top surface of the body  172 . The pulp catcher  170  (in conjunction with the plunger head  130  and clearing blades  140 ) holds the pulp  90  (preferably as the pulp cake  90 ′) until the plunger mechanism  120  and pulp catcher  170  are lifted out and the pulp  90  is removed for other use. The pulp catcher  170  (and particularly the second part of the connector  162  when used in combination with the first part of the connector  160 ) helps to determine the amount of pulp  90  that will be retained. 
     The pulp catcher body  172  preferably has a plurality of openings  174  defined therein. The openings  174  are preferably of a suitable size to allow the milk  80  to pass through to the floor filter holes  116 . An annular rim  176  (which may stiffen the body  172 ) may project downward from the annular edge of the body  172 . The bottom surface of the body  172  may also include at least one spacer bump  178 . The annular rim  176  and/or the spacer bump(s)  178  may assist in holding the pulp catcher body  172  off (above and spaced from) the filter floor  114  so the floor filter holes  116  remain unobstructed (remain free from pulp and unclogged) and, therefore, available to process the mixture  70 . The annular rim  176  and/or the spacer bump(s)  178  may help distribute the pressure (physical force against the filter floor  114 ) applied by the descending plunger head  130 . The annular rim  176  and/or the spacer bump(s)  178  may help prevent the deformation of the filter floor  114 . The annular rim  176  and/or the spacer bump(s)  178  may aid in keeping the second part of the connector  162  upright when inserting the pulp catcher  170  into the filter  110  prior to adding the mixture for processing. 
     The second part of the connector  162  is shown as having an enlarged upper part (ball) with a narrower lower part (stem). At least part of the upper part (ball) has a diameter that is longer than the diameter of the lower part (stem). This preferably creates an overhang between the upper part (ball) and the lower part (stem) that can be “grabbed” by the connector segments  160   a ,  160   b  of the first part of the connector  160 . The shown upper part (ball) is pointed to help divide the connector segments  160   a ,  160   b . The second part of the connector  162  of the pulp catcher  170  may have a pre-set or predetermined height for the particular plant mixture  70  to be filtered so that the leftover pulp  90  is captured and made into a pulp cake  90 ′. Put another way, the height of the second part of the connector  162  is the approximate distance needed between the upper surface of the pulp catcher body  172  and the lower surface of the plunger head  130  to create a pulp cake  90 ′ of a particular consistency (e.g. not runny) for a particular quantity of a particular recipe of plant mixture  70 . 
     Alternatively, the second part of the connector  162  may be adjustable so that different mixtures and/or different quantities can be processed.  FIGS. 17-19  show an alternative embodiment of the pulp catcher  170 ′ with an adjustable second part of the connector  162 ′ (e.g. an adjustable ball stem). The shown adjustable ball stem has two interconnecting subcomponents: a post  164 ′ and a cap  166 ′. The shown post  164 ′ (having an exterior annular surface that is at least partially threaded) and cap  166 ′ (having a cavity with an interior annular surface that is at least partially threaded) are screwably interconnected such that they could have different heights. For example,  FIG. 18  shows an exemplary “tall” height and  FIG. 19  shows an exemplary “short” height. The adjustable second part of the connector  162 ′ is height adjustable for different processing requirements. For example, processing seeds from raspberries produces a larger amount of pulp as compared to the amount of pulp produced in processing almond milk. It would be advantageous, therefore, to have an adjustable second part of the connector  162 ′ that preferably allows lesser/greater space between the upper surface of the body  172 ′ of the pulp catcher  170 ′ and the lower surface of the plunger head  130 . There may be a small ridge seal at the base of the post  164 ′ to keep liquid and food particles out of the space between the post  164 ′ and the cap  166 ′. 
     The plunger head  130  interconnects with (latches onto) the pulp catcher  170 . More specifically, the first part of the connector  160  (associated with the plunger head  130 ) automatically interconnects with (latches onto) the second part of the connector  162  (associated with the pulp catcher  170 ) when a predetermined bottom is reached. This automatic interconnection occurs when the plurality of connector segments  160   a ,  160   b  are forced apart by the introduction therebetween of the upper part (ball) of the second part of the connector  162 . The upper part (ball) of the second part of the connector  162  forces the plurality of connector segments  160   a ,  160   b  apart. Once past the enlarged upper part (ball) of the second part of the connector  162 , the plurality of connector segments  160   a ,  160   b  at least substantially return to their original shape (although they may be held slightly apart by the lower part (stem) of the second part of the connector  162 ) trapping the enlarged upper part (ball) of the second part of the connector  162  therebetween. This effectively interconnects (latches) the plunger head  130  to the pulp catcher  170 . 
     Ring Funnel 
     An exemplary ring funnel  200  is shown in  FIGS. 2-6  and  FIGS. 20-21 . The ring funnel  200  has an upper funnel opening  222  and a lower funnel opening  224 . The ring funnel  200  is preferably positioned so as to functionally direct milk  80  exiting the filter  110  into the container  250 . Put another way, the filter  110  preferably is connected functionally to the ring funnel  200  in that milk  80  from the filter  110  is gathered and guided by the ring funnel  200 , and the ring funnel  200  is functionally connected to the container  250  in that the milk  80  gathered and guided by the ring funnel  200  flows to the container  250 . Exemplary flow of the milk  80  is shown in  FIG. 5  as balloon arrows. For example, milk  80  that has been expressed from the filter  110  may be pushed toward the inner diameter of the ring funnel  200 . Some of the milk  80  may come in contact with the inner diameter of the ring funnel  200  and begin to flow downward. Gravity may cause some of the milk  80  to begin to flow downward. The milk  80  is then shown as flowing downward, through the annular channel  210  defined between the outer diameter of the filter  110  (outer surface of the wall  112 ) and the inner diameter of the ring funnel  200 , and into the container  250 . 
     The shown exemplary filter  110  is shown as having a wider “gathering” upper ring funnel section and a narrower “guiding” lower ring funnel section. The actual shape and width of the sections could be adjusted including having the “gathering” and “guiding” ring funnel sections having the same shape (e.g. both tubular or both conical) and/or diameter. 
     As shown, the filter  110  is at least partially positioned within the ring funnel  200 , and the ring funnel  200  is at least partially positioned within the container  250 . The annular wall of the ring funnel  200  extends at least partially around the lower portion of the filter  110 . While the shown filter ring funnel  200  extends around the approximately lower half of the filter  110 , the ring funnel  200  could extend around the entire filter  110 . 
     When the filter  110  is positioned within the ring funnel  200 , the bottom supports  206  (filter stops) support the filter  110  and centering supports  208  (alignment guides) center the filter  110  to create an annular channel  210  (e.g. an annular gap of approximately 6.35 mm (approximately 0.25 inches) that is defined between the inside of the ring funnel  200  and the outside of the filter  110 ). 
     The ring funnel  200  may perform at least some of the following functions: filter support, funnel/container interface, milk gathering, milk guiding, and splash guard. The ring funnel  200  may perform each of these functions alone or a plurality of these functions in combination (simultaneously). 
     The ring funnel  200  provides filter support using, for example, bottom supports  206  (filter stops) and/or centering supports  208  (alignment guides). Bottom supports  206  support the filter floor  114  from the bottom. Put another way, the filter floor  114  rests on the shelves provided by the bottom supports  206 . Centering supports  208  support the annular filter wall  112 . The inwardly projecting centering supports  208  hold the filter wall  112  in a spaced relationship with the interior surface(s) of the ring funnel  200 . The centering supports, therefore, create an annular channel  210  between the outer surface of the filter wall  112  and the interior surface of the ring funnel  200 . 
     The ring funnel  200  has filter stops and alignment guides, and directs the milk  80  extracted from the filter  110  into the container  250  through an approximately 6.35 mm (approximately 0.25 inches) annular channel  210  between the inside of the ring funnel  200  and the outside of the filter  110 . The ring funnel  200  can be raised high enough up above the filter  110  to direct all the milk, including milk that might squirt though one of the filter holes  116 , into the container  250 . 
     The funnel/container interface may be accomplished in many ways. As shown, the mouth (upper annular rim) of the container  250  interacts with the outer surface of the ring funnel  200  (shown as the outer surface of the wider “gathering” upper ring funnel section). Alternatively, there could be clips or other mechanisms to facilitate or assist with the funnel/container interface. 
     The ring funnel  200  gathers at least some of the milk  80  (which is represented as with balloon arrows in  FIG. 5 ) as it is expressed from the annular wall  112  of filter  110 . A wider “gathering” upper ring funnel section of the shown exemplary filter  110  is shown gathering at least some of the milk  80  as it is expressed from the filter wall  112 . 
     The ring funnel  200  guides at least some of the milk  80  into the container  250 . A narrower “guiding” lower ring funnel section of the shown exemplary filter  110  is shown guiding at least some of the milk  80  as it is expressed from the filter wall  112 . 
     As shown, the filter  110  may be at least partially positioned within the ring funnel  200 . The annular wall of the ring funnel  200 , therefore, may prevent splashing (incidental squirts) during processing step  44 . The ring funnel  200  may be even taller than the filter wall  112  to direct all the milk, including milk that might be expelled though one of the filter holes  116  in the top of the filter  110 . 
     While the ring funnel  200  may be needed to allow the nut milk product to pass into the container  250 , the exact shape and size could be modified to accommodate larger and/or smaller filters  110  and/or containers  250 . In addition, the ring funnel  200  could be made integral with the filters  110  and/or containers  250 . 
     Container 
     The shown exemplary container  250  preferably makes the processing systems  100  organized, stable, easy, and fast. The shown container  250  may be a 2.89 liters (approximately 2.00 quarts) container that is designed to resemble a classic milk can. Different designs may be used. The container  250  may be scaled up or down in size as needed depending on the quantity of milk  80  being processed. For example, the container  250  may be scaled to hold anywhere from approximately 0.95 to 3.79 liters (approximately 1.00 to 4.00 quarts). The container  250  may have a pour spout, a lid, and/or a cap. 
     The container may be the container supplied with a plant mixture processing system. Alternatively, the container may be a container supplied by the user. (If the container is supplied by the user, some adjustments (retrofitting) to the ring funnel may be necessary.) 
     Alternatives and Variations 
     Many of the variations for the processing systems  100  described herein are discussed along with their functional equivalent. The following is just a few of the alternatives and variations that could be used interchangeably. 
     The connectors  160 ,  162  are meant to be exemplary. For example, although a first part of a connector  160  is shown as a socket latch and/or flexible catch with connector segments  160   a ,  160   b  and a second part of a connector  162  is shown as a ball stem, the opposite could be true. Specifically, the first part of the connector could be a ball stem and the second part of the connector could be a socket latch and/or flexible catch with connector segments. Alternative connectors (e.g. magnets, hooks/loops, “snaps,” and other two-part connectors known or yet to be discovered) could also replace the shown connectors  160 ,  162 . 
       FIG. 22  shows an alternative processing system  100 ′ that includes an alternative filter  110 ′ and an alternative plunger mechanism  120 ′. The plunger mechanism  120 ′ is shown with an alternative at least partially threaded shaft  122 ′, an alternative plunger head  130 ′ (similar to plunger head  130 , but with alternative connector segments  160 ′), and an alternative filter lid  150 ′. This processing system  100 ′ is shown as being motorized (e.g. using a motor  300  such as a linear actuator  300  that is preferably associated with a gear reduction device, either or both of which may be battery operated). The motor  300  is shown positioned within a housing  310  and having at least one activator or switch  302 . Mechanical structure (e.g. clips and/or posts) may be used to hold the motor  300  in place. The bottom of the housing  310  is or includes the filter lid  150 ′ that includes a first part of a lid securer  320  (shown as at least one post). The annular filter wall rim  115 ′ (the top of the filter  110 ′) includes a second part of a lid securer  330  (shown as keyhole slots or L-shaped notches). The first part of a lid securer  320  and the second part of a lid securer  330  interact to secure the filter lid  150 ′ to the filter  110 ′. The motor  300  functions much like a user manipulating the actuator  124 . Specifically, the motor  300  provides the power behind the rotating/lowering movement of the plunger head  130 ′ and/or clearing blades  140 . If the motor  300  is a linear actuator, it may use gear reduction to increase the power and slow the downward speed of the plunger head  130 ′. When activated, motor  300  drives the plunger head  130  to a predetermined point so the connector segments  160 ′ interconnect (latch) with the corresponding connector segment structure (not shown) of the pulp catcher (not shown). As the motor  300  rotates the at least partially threaded shaft  122 ′, the plunger head  130  and clearing blades  140  clear the filter holes  116 . Alternatively the plunger head  130  does not rotate during this motorized process to reduce wear of the plunger gaskets  132 . Upward retrieval motion may be activated by one of the at least one activators or switches  302 . Preferably, there is a safety switch (which may be one of the at least one activators or switches  302 ) that stops the motion if the resistance of the circuit is too high. A resistance and/or mechanical sensor may be used to automatically stop the rotating and/or lowering motion. 
       FIG. 23  shows an alternative simplified plant mixture processing system  500  that may be sized to fit on a countertop or similar surface. The simplified plant mixture processing system  500  preferably includes a food grade container  502  (container  502 ), a fine chinois mesh filter  504  (chinois filter  504 ), a stretch silicone cover  510  (stretch cover  510 ), and a mortar  520  (having a mortar handle  522  and a pressure surface  524 ). The container  502  is shown as a bucket that can hold the finished milk. The stretch cover  510  preferably has an outer annular filter engager  512  (shown as an annular downward flange) and a central passage  514  through which the mortar handle  522  may be positioned. The stretch cover  510  is used to pressurize the chinois filter  504 . The mortar  520  further pressurizes the chinois filter  504 , which effectively forces the milk from the plant mixture  70  through the chinois filter  504  into the container  502 . In operation, a blender  60  is used to blend the plant mixture  70 . The chinois filter  504  is positioned within the container  502  so that the mouth of the chinois filter  504  is within (although it may be above) the mouth of the container  502 . The blended plant mixture  70  is loaded into the chinois filter  504 . The mortar  520  (and particularly the pressure surface  524 ) is then placed on top of the blended plant mixture  70 . The stretch cover  510  is secured to the container  502  (the annular filter engager  512  gripping the mouth of the container  502 ) with the mortar handle  522  extending through the central passage  514 . (Alternatively, the stretch cover  510  could be secured to the container  502  and then the pressure surface  524  could be forced through the cover&#39;s central passage  514 .) Pushing down on the blended plant mixture  70  with the mortar  520  forces the milk from the plant mixture  70  through the chinois filter  504  into the container  502 . The pulp  90  is trapped within the chinois filter  504 . This simplified plant mixture processing system  500  shows the advantage of pressurization of the plant mixture  70  through a chinois filter  504  which speeds the process of creating extracted milk. 
     The materials from which the components of the processing systems discussed herein are constructed may be adapted to accommodate the intended use of the components. Exemplary components (e.g. the shaft  122 , the actuator  124 , the pulp catcher  170 , the ring funnel  200 , and/or the container  250 ) may be made from metals such as, for example, stainless steel. Exemplary components (e.g. the actuator  124 , the plunger head  130 , the gaskets  132 , the clearing blades  140  the pulp catcher  170 , the ring funnel  200 , and/or the container  250 ) may be made from plastics such as, for example, a semi-rigid plastic (e.g. polypropylene or polyethylene). Some components may be made of alternative materials such as rubber (e.g. the gaskets  132 , the clearing blades  140 ), silicone (e.g. the gaskets  132 , the clearing blades  140 ), glass or ceramics (e.g. the ring funnel  200  and/or the container  250 ). The materials from which the components are made are intended to be suitable for the intended use of the components. For example, materials being exposed to food are preferably food grade and National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) approved for food safety. Another example is that materials are preferably dishwasher safe (i.e. sanitation and high temperature resistant). Yet another example is that materials are preferably free from harmful chemicals (e.g. BPA). 
     This processing system descried herein can be made larger or smaller as needed. For example, to filter up to approximately one gallon of plant mixture  70 , components (e.g. the filter  110 , plunger mechanism  120 , ring funnel  200 , and container  250 ) of a processing system may be enlarged. A container  250  could be larger and still accept the ring funnel  200  and the filter  110 . The filter  110  alone could be modified with cuts in the bottom annular rim (e.g. the annular bottom edge of the wall  112  and/or the perimeter of the floor  114 ) of the filter  110  that would allow the milk  80  to pass through so it could be used in a large bowl without the benefit of a ring funnel  200  or specifically designed container  250 . 
     Obtaining Milk from Plant Material 
     This method for using the plant mixture processing system  100  to obtain milk  80  from plant material  70  is meant to be exemplary. It is also meant to further the understanding of how the processing system  100  functions. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , disclosed herein are steps and components used to separate milk  80  and pulp  90  from a plant mixture  70  (blended ingredients  50 ,  52 ,  54 ) by using a blender  60  and a plant mixture processing system  100  (also referred to as a “processing system  100 ”). Put another way,  FIG. 1  shows a generalized preferred processing system  100  that can be used to process milk  80  from a blended plant mixture  70 . Ingredients  50 ,  52 ,  54  are loaded in the loading step  40  into a blender  60  where they are blended in the blending step  42  to create a plant mixture  70 . The plant mixture  70  is then transferred to the processing system  100  (which preferably includes a filter  110 , a plunger mechanism  120  (having at least one clearing blade  140 ), and a pulp catcher  170 ). The processing system  100  then processes the plant mixture  70  in the processing step  44  (which includes extracting and preferably has a homogenizing-like effect on the resulting milk  80 ) to separate milk  80  from pulp  90 . The milk  80  may be stored (using the storing step  46 ) in a container  250 . The pulp  90  may be removed (cleaned) (using the removing/cleaning step  48 ) from the processing system  100  and held in a pulp holder  92 . 
     In a preparation step (not shown), prior to adding the almond mixture to the filter  110 , a pulp catcher  170  may be placed into the bottom of the filter  110  with the second part of the connector  162  facing up. As shown in  FIG. 4 , in this position, the connector  162  will be ready to mate with the first part of a connector  160  when the plunger mechanism  120  reaches the end of its cycle. If the second part of the connector  162  is adjustable, it could be adjusted based on the intended recipe. 
     In another preparation step ( FIGS. 2 and 3 ), the ring funnel  200  may be inserted into the container  250 , and then the filter  110 , and then the filter  110  may be inserted into the ring funnel  200 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , in this configuration, the filter  110  is above and at least partially within the ring funnel  200 , and the ring funnel  200  is above and at least partially within the container  250 . 
     In yet another preparation step (not shown), ingredients can be prepared and measured per a recipe. For example, fluid can be chilled (e.g. lowering the temperature using ice and/or refrigeration) or heated. Chilling, for example, can change and/or improve the texture of the final product. The ingredients can also be measured into their appropriate amounts per a recipe. 
     Other optional preparation steps (not shown) could include cleaning any components that require cleaning, and gathering any additional items (e.g. a knife  190 , a plate (pulp holder  92 ), and/or a blender). 
     The loading step  40  includes inserting ingredients (plant material  50 , fluid  52 , and optional additional ingredients  54 ) into a variable speed blender  60  for blending step  42 . For an exemplary blending almond milk, the blending may begin with a slow speed and increase to a fast speed in order to grind the ingredients  50 ,  52 ,  54  (e.g. ¾ Cup almonds and 3½ cups water) for a predetermined time (e.g. two minutes). The resulting almond mixture is poured into the filter  110  slowly and steadily. 
       FIG. 4  shows the filter  110  positioned within the ring funnel  200  with the filter stops  206  and filter alignment guides  208  aligning and holding the filter  110 . The filter  110  is shown as at least partially filled with plant mixture  70  prior to pressurizing the filter  110  with the plunger head  130 . The plunger mechanism  120  is shown as being positioned so that the plunger head  130  is within the filter  110 , the filter lid  150  is associated with the annular filter wall rim  115 , and the actuator  124  is above the upper lid surface  156  of the filter lid  150 . 
       FIG. 5  shows the actuator  124  lowering in the filter  110 . As set forth, the gasket-sealed plunger mechanism  120  preferably pressurizes the filter  110  and forces the plant mixture  70  through the filter holes  116  of the filter  110 . When the gaskets  132  interact with the smooth interior inner surface of the wall  112  of the filter  110 , the filter chamber  111  (the inside of the filter  110 ) is sealed for pressurizing the plant mixture  70  within the filter  110 . Initially, because the shaft  122  of  FIG. 5  does not have external threading, the plunger mechanism  120  can be pushed down quickly (and without mandatory rotation required in processing systems  100 ′ having a threaded plunger shaft  122 ′ as shown in  FIG. 22 ). Once the plunger mechanism  120  makes contact with the plant mixture  70 , however, pressure is preferably applied slowly and steadily. The lower the plunger mechanism  120  is pushed down, the harder it will get to apply pressure. Between the position of the plunger head  130  shown in  FIG. 5  and the position of the plunger head  130  shown in  FIG. 6 , the actuator  124  can be rotated to rotate the clearing blades  140  ( FIGS. 12-14 ) creating a rotating/lowering movement (theoretically, the rotating and lowering may be performed at least substantially simultaneously or they may be done alternatingly) and shaving particles of pulp  90  that are clogging the filter holes  116  and thereby make it easier to continue the downward progress. The user may rotate the actuator  124  to clear the clogged filter holes  116  whenever the downward movement becomes difficult. The processing process is dynamic. The lower filter holes  116  in the filter  110  naturally receive more pulp  90  and are more likely to clog partially which reduces the particle size expressed. This rotating/lowering process is repeated until the bottom of the actuator  124  the second part of the connector  162  of the pulp catcher  170  interconnects with (latches onto) the first part of the connector  160  of the plunger head  130 . The processing step  44  takes approximately 1.0 to 3.0 minutes (and usually about 1.5 minutes) to complete. 
       FIG. 5  also shows the direction of the flow of the milk  80  through the filter holes  116  of the filter  110 , through the ring funnel  200 , and ultimately, the milk  80  within the container  250 . It should be noted that milk  80  expressed from the higher filter holes  116  may “squirt” or “spray” outward (shown as balloon arrows) to the interior walls of the ring funnel  200 . This milk  80  joins milk  80  expressed from the lower filter holes  116  as it travels (shown as balloon arrows) between the annular channel  210  defined between the outer diameter of the filter  110  and the inner diameter of the ring funnel  200 . Finally, this milk  80  joins the milk  80  expressed from the filter holes  116  of the filter floor  114  as it enters (shown as balloon arrows) the container  250 . 
       FIG. 6  shows the final position of the first part of the connector  160  located on the plunger head  130  interconnected (latched) to the second part of the connector  162  located on the pulp catcher  170 . The pulp  90  that remains did not exit through the filter holes  116  and remains within the filter  110 . Put another way, the relatively large particles of pulp  90  are captured at the bottom of the filter  110  between the bottom surface of the plunger head  130  and the top surface of the pulp catcher  170 . The clearing blades  140  also help to retain the pulp  90 . The plurality of connector segments  160   a ,  160   b  of the first part of the connector  160  are made to open when the first part of the connector  160  makes contact with the second part of the connector  162  of the pulp catcher  170  and latch onto the second part of the connector  162  when the plunger head  130  is pushed down to the engagement point. Alternative connectors  160 ,  162  could interact differently, but provide the same basic function. The lower surface of the actuator  124  may contact with the upper lid surface  156  of the filter lid  150  to indicate the process is complete. When the pulp catcher  170  is interconnected (latched) with the plunger mechanism  120 , the plunger mechanism  120  is ready for the removal and retrieval of pulp  90 . 
     Next, the filter  110  is removed by holding it with one hand while the filter lid  150  is loosened and the plunger mechanism  120  is pulled out steadily.  FIG. 7  shows the plunger mechanism  120  (with the pulp  90  secured therein) removed from the filter  110  for retrieval of the pulp cake  90 ′,  90 ″. The pulp catcher  170  is on the bottom and is interconnected (latched) to the plunger head  130 . The pulp catcher  170  may be removed by separating the connector parts  160 ,  162 . Depending on the type of the connector used, this may be accomplished by sliding, prying, and/or pulling the second part of the connector  162  away from the first part of the connector  160 . Separating the connector parts  160 ,  162  facilitates the removal of the pulp cake  90 ′ from pulp catcher  170  (and the bottom of the plunger head  130 , if necessary). As shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , removal of the pulp cake  90 ′,  90 ″ may be accomplished, for example, by using a remover  190  (e.g. a knife as shown in  FIG. 8 ) or tapping ( FIG. 9 ) the pulp catcher  170  (e.g. tapping with a finger or tapping the pulp catcher  170  on the pulp holder  92 ). When the pulp  90  is removed, it may be done carefully so that it forms a relatively solid unit (the pulp cake  90 ′ of  FIG. 8 ) or may be quickly removed in pieces or chunks (pulp cake  90 ″ of  FIG. 9 ). As the pulp cake  90 ′,  90 ″ can be used for a variety of purposes (e.g. baking, in cosmetics, or as animal feed), it is valuable. Disposal of pulp  90 , however, is common because of the difficulty, mess, and time commitment associated with separating and saving the pulp when producing milk with known competitors&#39; “milkers” or “melkers.” The processing systems  100  (including the pulp catcher  170  and the plunger mechanism  120 ) described herein, work well for the purpose of removing the valuable pulp easily, without significant mess, and in a fraction of the time compared to other devices such as those that require the manual cleaning a nut bag or removing the pulp  90  from the bottom of a container  250 . 
     Miscellaneous: 
     It is to be understood that the inventions, examples, and embodiments described herein are not limited to particularly exemplified materials, methods, and/or structures. It is to be understood that the inventions, examples, and embodiments described herein are to be considered preferred inventions, examples, and embodiments whether specifically identified as such or not. The shown inventions, examples, and embodiments are preferred, but are not meant to be limiting unless specifically claimed, in which case they may limit the scope of that particular claim. 
     It is to be understood that for methods or procedures disclosed herein that include one or more steps, actions, and/or functions for achieving the described actions and results, the methods&#39; steps, actions, and/or functions may be interchanged with one another without departing from the scope of the present invention. In other words, unless a specific order of steps, actions, and/or functions is required for proper or operative operation of the methods or procedures, the order and/or use of specific steps, actions, and/or functions may be modified without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     All references cited herein, whether supra or infra, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     The terms and expressions that have been employed in the foregoing specification are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and are not intended to exclude equivalents of the features shown and described. While the above is a complete description of selected embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to practice the invention using various alternatives, modifications, adaptations, variations, and/or combinations and their equivalents. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement that is calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiment shown. It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention that, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.