FR2723323A1 - Extn. of ingredient from solid plant, animal or mineral - Google Patents

Abstract

A process and installation are claimed for the extraction of an ingredient from a plant, animal or mineral material. Water is placed in a reservoir (1) and heated and pulverised to form a mist of fine particles. The mist is drawn through a container (2) of solid particles, from which the desired ingredient is extracted. The water particles are then condensed (3) and collected (4). Circulation is carried out by a fan (5) which returns any non-condensed particles to the water reservoir.

Description

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  The present invention relates to a beverage for health, a perfume or a nutritional additive which comprises, as an effective ingredient, an ingredient extracted from a plant material, from an animal material or from a mineral material. A certain material of a certain type among a plant material, an animal material or mineral material, comprises some ingredients particularly effective for human health, to give taste to food and for perfumes. However, many of these materials cannot be directly supplied as food or nutritional additive, although it is possible to provide them in edible form, this is a drawback in many cases. For this reason, efforts have so far been made to extract such ingredients using

  different extraction methods.

  For example, Korean ginseng is made either by extracting the ingredient by boiling for a long period of time at an elevated temperature in water, or extracting the actual ingredient is performed by a distillation process or a process for extracting a solution. However, there was the problem that an ingredient included in a material cannot be effectively removed by conventional extraction methods. Thus, various plant materials, animal materials or mineral materials which are useful for maintaining human health, for improving taste or as an effective ingredient in perfumes, contain an ingredient which will be destroyed at a high temperature, or a very small amount of an active ingredient which cannot be used using

common analysis techniques.

  Therefore, in the case of an extraction of an ingredient by boiling Korean ginseng, or in the case of an extraction of an ingredient using a boiling process, the extraction of the material who can't

  supporting a high temperature is impossible.

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  And, since an exact analysis of the ingredient is necessary for the process of extracting a solution, for example, the extraction of very small amounts of an unknown material contained in Korean ginseng and other materials is impossible. For this reason, despite the knowledge that certain types of effective matter are useful for preserving human health, for adding taste to food and for giving a pleasant odor to perfume, the state of the art is such that actual use of these materials cannot be performed. The present invention has been accomplished in

  with regard to this state of the art.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a technique for making a beverage for health, a nutritional additive and / or a perfume containing a very small amount of an effective ingredient by extraction of various useful materials of the effective ingredient, which could not be extracted using the conventional technique. Another objective of the present invention is to provide a beverage for health, a nutritional additive, and / or a perfume containing the extracted ingredient. The manufacturing apparatus includes: a small particle spray production tank, comprising means for heating a water supply to a predetermined temperature and means for spraying and atomizing the water; an extraction device connected to the production tank by spraying fine particles, which extraction device retaining a layer of raw material for adhering an effective ingredient of raw material to the fine particles sprayed when the fine particles sprayed pass through the layer raw material; a condensing device connected to the extraction device for liquefying the fine pulverized particles which have passed through and an effective ingredient is extracted from the layer of raw material a reserve tank in which the liquefied water in the

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  condensing device is evacuated; a blower provided in a path between the reserve tank and the tank for producing fine particles by spraying to decompress the layer of raw material inside the extraction device; and cooling means for cooling the condensing device and the reserve tank. The method for producing the product of the present invention comprises the following steps: (a) a process for producing fine particles sprayed with water in a production tank by spraying fine particles, comprising a heating device for heating the tank water at a predetermined temperature and means for spraying water; (b) a process for aspirating and extracting the effective ingredient from within a raw material on the surface of the raw material by decompressing the layer of raw material formed by crushed parts such as plant material, animal material or mineral material, filled with the fine particle sprayed into the extraction device; (c) a process for retaining the effective ingredient sucked in and extracted from the surface of the raw material, to the fine sprayed particle, by passing the fine sprayed particle through the layer of raw material, transmitting the fine sprayed particle together with a flow of air flowing between each device at the raw material layer being in a decompressed condition; (d) a process for liquefying the fine pulverized particle which results therefrom and contains the effective ingredient by transmitting it to a cooled condenser; (e) a process for obtaining a finished product by discharging the liquefied water to the condensing device and containing an effective ingredient of various raw materials in the reserve tank; and

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  (f) a process for sending the fine sprayed particle which has not been liquefied to the condensing device to the production tank by spraying

fine particles.

  The beverage for health, the flavor or fragrance enhancer is made using: (a) a process for generating a small sprayed particle of water in a spray tank producing small particles, comprising a a heater for heating a water tank to a predetermined temperature and means for spraying water; (b) a process for aspirating and extracting the effective ingredient from within a raw material on the surface of the raw material by decompressing the layer of raw material formed by crushed parts such as plant material, animal or mineral matter filled with the small particle sprayed into the extraction device; (c) a process for retaining the actual ingredient which has been sucked in and extracted from the surface of the raw material to the small sprayed particle by passing the fine or small sprayed particle through the layer of raw material by transferring the small particle sprayed together with a flow of air flowing between each device to the raw material layer being in a decompressed condition; (d) a process for liquefying the small sprayed particle by transferring the small sprayed particle containing the active ingredient to a cooled condenser; (e) a process for bringing the fine sprayed particle which has not been liquefied in the condensing device to the production tank by spraying fine particles; and thus containing a very small amount of active ingredients whose analysis and detection were not impossible using conventional techniques, and therefore to create a very beverage

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  useful for preserving human health, an additive

nutritional or fragrance.

  The invention will be better understood and other aims, characteristics, details and advantages thereof

  will appear more clearly during the description

  Explanatory which will follow made with reference to the attached schematic drawings given solely by way of example illustrating an embodiment of the invention and in which: - Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a structure of a production apparatus and a manufacturing process therefor; - Figure 2 is a perspective view of a production apparatus according to the present invention; - Figure 3 is a front view of a production apparatus in accordance with the present invention; - Figure 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of an outer cylinder of an extraction device according to the present invention; - Figures 5 (a), (b) and (c) are perspective views showing the structure of the internal cylinder of an extraction device according to the present invention; - Figure 6 is a top view of the production apparatus according to the present invention; and - Figure 7 is a top view of a cooling device according to a preferred embodiment of the

present invention.

  Hereinafter will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a structure of a first embodiment of the production device, and in the drawing, the reference number 1 is a production tank for spraying small particles, the reference number 2 is a extraction device for extracting an effective ingredient from a raw material by a small sprayed particle of water, sent by the production tank by spraying

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  fine particles, the reference number 3 is a condensing device for liquefying the small sprayed particle maintaining the effective ingredient inside the raw material transferred from the extraction device 2, the reference number 4 is a reservoir reserve for discharging the liquefied water in the condensing device 3 and containing the effective ingredient extracted from the raw material, from the condensing device 3, and the reference number 5 is a blower or a fan provided between the reserve tank 4 and the production tank by spraying small particles to establish an air flow in the closed path and to establish a state of decompression at the extraction device 2. As shown in the drawing, each device such as the tank for production by spraying fine particles 1 and the extraction device 2 is respectively connected by a cone tube nexion, so as to form a circulation path around the production tank by spraying fine particles 1, and it is established in such a way that the small sprayed particle circulates together with the air flow thanks to the operation of the blower

  in this traffic lane or route.

  Referring now to Figures 2, 3 and 6, reference numeral 1 designates a reservoir for producing fine particles by spraying, supported on a base B and comprising a water reservoir preferably made of stainless steel. The size of the water tank is not particularly limited, and generally depends on the amount of raw material used and the desired speed of extraction of the effective ingredient. The reservoir 1 includes a viewing opening 1a which makes it possible to view the level of water in the reservoir. Means (not shown) are provided in association with the production tank by spraying fine particles 1 to generate small particles rather sprayed so as to create a mist. Appropriate means include an ultrasonic wave generator device comprising a

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  or several sets (depending on the size of the tank) of vibrators provided at the bottom of the water tank 1, each vibrator being capable of spraying water and creating a mist. Conventional ultrasonic wave generators which are used in household ultrasonic humidifiers are suitable. Centrifugal atomization can also be used. A device for heating any suitable means (not shown) is also provided in association with the production tank by spraying small particles 1 to maintain the water temperature therein at a predetermined temperature. The heater is connected to a gauge 14 and a switch 17 on the base B. The gauge 14 allows the operator to specify the desired water temperature, and the switch 17 activates the heater. Reference number 2 is an extraction device to be described in more detail below, and is in communication with the production tank by spraying small particles 1, via the pipe P. The extraction device 2 performs a drainage by means of a flexible plastic pipe d connected to a discharge water tank 12 (FIG. 3). Preferably, the discharge water tank 12 has the shape of a drawer in the base of the device to facilitate emptying. The reference symbol P2 is a conduit establishing communication between the extraction device 2 and the condensing device 3, described in more detail below. The condensing device 3 is carried by the base B and is preferably equipped with a

  cover 13 (Figure 6) having a plurality of openings.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the external appearance of the external cylinder which constitutes the main element of the extraction device 2, and it comprises a first external cylinder 2a and a second external cylinder 2b, both constructed so to be removably connected to each other. The two cylinders are preferably made of stainless steel. A detector

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  temperature (not shown) to detect the temperature during the extraction operation can be fixed to the bottom side of the second external cylinder 2b. A hinged locking mechanism C1 connects the cylinder 2a to the cylinder 2b so that the raw material can be easily loaded and unloaded. Figure 4 shows the extraction device 2 in its open, unlocked position. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the inner cylinder which is housed in the outer cylinder 2 of Figure 4. Figure 5 (a) shows the inner cylinder 2c which has a shape and size suitable for insertion into the aforementioned outer cylinder 2, and includes at its bottom a portion of net to retain the raw material which has been crushed into small pieces. Figure 5 (b) shows a guide plate 2d for insertion into the inner cylinder 2c, and, as shown in Figure 5 (c), it is constructed so as to share the crushed pieces S of the material raw such as soy beans, malts or Korean ginseng inside the inner cylinder 2c. The presence of this guide plate 2d allows the small pulverized particles to pass easily and gently through the crushed pieces S of raw material, as will be described below. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other shapes can be used for the plaque.

  guide, such as a spiral-shaped plate.

  Figure 7 is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the interior of the cooling chamber. The pipe P2 of the extraction device 2 communicates with a pipe 3a, which preferably extends in a downward spiral in the internal diameter of the chamber 3, as shown. Other configurations of the conduit 3a in the chamber 3 are possible, the conduit 3a being vertically positioned in the chamber 3, for example. At the bottom of the cooling chamber 3, the conduit 3a ends in a

  opening 8 of chamber 3, allowing the fluid therein

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  ci to communicate with the reserve tank 4, which is removably connected to the bottom of the chamber, as shown in Figures 2, 3 and 6. Preferably, the conduit 3a is cooled with water, simply by filling the empty in room 3, with cold water. Other liquids can be used to cool the line 3a, comprising oil or ethylene glycol. Also at the bottom of the cooling chamber 3 is a second opening 9 which allows communication between the reserve tank 4 and the blower 5 via the tube P4, which extends

  upward through chamber 3, as shown.

  Fan or blower 5 is supported on base B and should be large enough to create a

  decompression and ensure flow through the system.

  The decompression should be in the range of about 5 to 500 mm H20. A vacuum cleaner for household cleaning

  conventional has proven to be effective.

  The operation of the apparatus will now be described, on the basis of the construction given above, and also a preferred embodiment of the method of manufacturing

beverage will be described.

  First of all, raw material, which includes herbs, vegetables, algae, cereals, meat, fish, shellfish, soy beans, etc. is crushed to a size close to grains of rice, by any suitable means, and is filled in the internal cylinder 2c shown in Figure 5 (a). Once filled, the net is placed on the raw material so as to keep it so

stable in the internal cylinder 2c.

  Successively, the internal cylinder 2c is inserted into

  the outer cylinder 2, as shown in Figure 4.

  The small particle spray production tank is filled with a sufficient amount of water (as seen through the opening 1a) so that a mist can be produced. The water can be kept at the same level, continuously, or can be added discontinuously. The temperature gauge 14 is established at the

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  desired temperature, and the heater is activated by the switch 17 so as to heat the water to an appropriate temperature such as the temperature in the

  extraction device 2 either at one level (generally

  below 100 C) which does not destroy the actual ingredients of the raw material. For example, in the case of soy beans, the water temperature is preferably heated to about 85 C, so that the temperature of the water, when it reaches the extraction device is between 60 -70 C, preferably

around 65 C.

  When the temperature of the water in the water tank of the production tank for spraying small particles 1 reaches the desired level, the device generating ultrasonic waves or the like and the blower are put into operation by the switch 16. The time delay or positioning device 15 is established at the time of the desired execution and also activated by the switch 16. The blower 5 causes a flow of air circulating in the closed circulation path formed by the production tank by spraying of small particles 1, the extraction device 2, the condensation device 3, the reserve tank 4, and the blower 5, as by the pipes connecting these respective devices. The small sprayed or atomized particles or the water mist generated by the production tank by spraying small particles 1 thus reach through the pipe P together with the air flow and reach the extraction device 2. The temperature in the extraction device 2 can be measured by a temperature detector to ensure that the appropriate temperature is reached therein. As noted above, the temperature in the water tank of the small particle spray production tank i is controlled in response to the

  temperature in the extraction device 2.

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  As described above, the air flow is caused to circulate between each device under the effect of the blower 3, but since the extraction device 2 is filled with crushed particles S of raw material, the raw material creates resistance to air flow thereby creating a decompressed space inside the device

extraction 2.

  When the state of decompression is reached, a known ingredient and an unknown ingredient inside the raw material are extracted on the surface of the crushed pieces or pieces S of the raw material, and are then captured by the fine particles pulverized from water passing through them. Since the temperature inside the extraction device and more particularly the temperature inside the internal cylinder 2c is maintained within the desired range, the ingredients contained in the raw material are extracted in small particles sprayed without being destroyed

by heat.

  The small atomized or sprayed particles containing the effective ingredient of the raw material then flow to the conduit 3a of the cooling chamber 3 through the connection pipe P2 together with the air flow from the blower 5. The chamber coolant 3 is filled with coolant, preferably water, at a temperature sufficient to cause condensation of the small particles sprayed into the conduit 3a. The small liquefied or condensed particles are drained through the opening 8 in the reserve tank 4. The reserve tank 4 is preferably removably connected in a leaktight manner to the chamber 3 so as to keep the product therein in a sanitary condition. The cooling chamber / duct assembly described above provides a production speed two or three times higher than a

air cooled.

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  The small sprayed particles which are not liquefied in the condensing device 3 are sucked towards the blower 5 through the connection pipe P4 together with the air flow, and are recycled in the production tank by spraying small particles 1. The recycled portion can be optionally preheated by means such as a straightening plate or a spiral shape, so as not to lower the temperature of

water in tank 1.

  As described above, the pulverized fine particles circulate in the traffic lane so that the effective ingredient of the raw material such as soy beans is captured in the pulverized fine particles, and a beverage for health, a nutritional additive or a perfume containing the effective ingredient of soy beans is obtained by liquefaction of these fine pulverized particles. In the case where the soy beans constitute the raw material, a complete cycle takes approximately 26 minutes, and thus the time positioner 16 is established accordingly. Preferably, the cooling water in the condensing device 3 is changed at each cycle. Alternatively, a continuous flow of cooling water can be used to

cool the duct 3a.

  As noted above, the raw material can be crushed to about the size of a grain of rice. However, the concentration of the actual ingredient in the final product can be controlled by varying the size of the raw material. For example, if the raw material is crushed into fine pieces, a final product with a high concentration of effective ingredient can be obtained. However, in such a case the speed of the final product which has been produced decreases. As the size of the raw material increases, the concentration of effective ingredient in the final product decreases and the production speed increases. Similarly, the use of the guide plate 2b increases the yield of final product.

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  about 20% per hour, but the ingredient concentration

  effective in the final product decreases.

  The final product is a colorless, transparent and clear liquid, containing a known material and an unknown active material which has not been analyzed or

more extract.

  The beverage for health obtained from the raw material has a notable effectiveness, and numerous examples of activation of human cells have been brought as results of consumption after meals, of the final product diluted by adding 5 cc to 180 cc of water. The resulting beverage has a vague odor and a weak taste of the raw material, such as the taste of soy beans when drunk by adding the same to mineral water or

similar.

  In the embodiment described above, although soy beans have been mentioned as the raw material, the present invention is not so limited and it is possible to produce entirely new beverages using various materials known to contribute to human health in ancient times. The present invention makes it possible to obtain a beverage for health which is particularly effective and new for preserving human health, by extraction of an ingredient of various materials, which could not previously be extracted, thanks to the

  structure and operation as described above.

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Claims (13)

R E V E N D I C A T IONS   1. Apparatus for extracting an ingredient from a raw material selected from the group formed by plants, animals and minerals, characterized in that it comprises: a water tank (1) comprising means for producing by spraying small particles, means for heating the water in this tank to a predetermined temperature, and means for spraying this water; extraction means (2) in fluid communication with the means for producing by spraying small particles, said extraction means containing said raw material; condensing means (3) in fluid communication with said extraction means; a reserve tank (4) in fluid communication with said condensing means; and blower means (5) in fluid communication with said condensing means and with said means for   spray production of small particles.   2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that a closed circulation path is established between the means for producing by spraying small particles, the aforementioned extraction means, the aforementioned condensation means and the aforesaid blower means, and wherein the air flow is produced by said blower means. 3. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the aforementioned extraction means comprise an external cylinder comprising a first external cylinder in fluid communication with said means for producing by spraying small particles and a second external cylinder in fluid communication with the above-mentioned condensing means, and an internal cylinder contained at 2723323   the interior of said outer cylinder, said inner cylinder   receiving the aforementioned raw material.   4. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the liquid-cooled duct is cooled by water contained in the above-mentioned condensing means and surrounding said conduit.   5. Method for extracting an ingredient from the group selected from plants, animals or minerals, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: a. heating water to a predetermined temperature; b. spraying said heated water into fine particles; vs. contacting said ingredient in the compression state with said heated and sprayed water particles; d. cooling the resulting water particles in a conduit; and   e. collect the resulting cooled water.   6. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that   that the aforementioned predetermined temperature is 85 C.   7. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that the temperature of the water coming into contact with said ingredient is 60-70 C.   8. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that the liquid cooling step liquefies a portion of said water.   9. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that a portion of the above-mentioned water is not liquefied in the cooling step, and said portion not liquefied   is recycled to the heating stage.   10. Beverage for health produced according to the process according to claim 5.   11. Nutritional additive produced according to the process according to claim 5.   12. Perfume produced according to the process according to the claim 5. 16 2723323   13. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that the above-mentioned condensing means (3)   include a liquid-cooled conduit.