PORCELAIN MORTAR AND PESTLE WITH LIQUID CO2 CRYOGENIC COOLING SYSTEM FOR NUTRIENT PRESERVATION

Abstract

This invention introduces a porcelain mortar and pestle system integrated with a liquid CO2 cooling mechanism for preserving nutrients during grinding. The system maintains a cryogenic environment, preventing heat-induced degradation of bioactive compounds. It offers a cost-effective, eco-friendly solution for academic and research settings, enhancing nutrient preservation and supporting applications in food science, pharmacology, and botanical studies.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a laboratory apparatus specifically designed for cryogenic grinding. It combines a porcelain mortar and pestle with a liquid CO2 cooling system to maintain a low-temperature environment during grinding. This setup helps preserve nutrients and bioactive compounds in plant materials, making it ideal for research in food science, plant biology, and pharmaceutical applications.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Conventional grinding methods using mortar and pestle generate heat due to friction, leading to nutrient loss and degradation of bioactive compounds in sensitive materials. This limitation poses challenges in fields such as phytochemistry, food science, and pharmacology, where the integrity of plant nutrients and compounds is critical. Traditional grinding approaches, even with mechanical devices, do not have active cooling systems, which can result in the loss of essential compounds.
Cryogenic grinding techniques, such as those using liquid nitrogen, have been developed to address this issue. However, these systems are often costly, complex, and challenging to operate, especially in small laboratories or educational settings. This invention offers a low-cost alternative by integrating a cryogenic cooling system using liquid CO2 with a porcelain mortar and pestle, allowing for effective grinding while preserving the sample's nutrient profile.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention.
This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.
The invention introduces a porcelain mortar and pestle integrated with a liquid CO2 cryogenic cooling system. Designed to maintain a low-temperature grinding environment, it prevents heat-induced degradation of nutrients and bioactive compounds in plant materials. The system is cost-effective, easy to operate, and suitable for academic and research institutions focused on botanical studies, food science, and pharmacology.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
FIGURE 1: SHOWS THE PORCELAIN MORTAR WITH INTEGRATED TEFLON (PTFE) TUBING FOR LIQUID CO2 CIRCULATION.
The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a"," "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes" and/or "including," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", "third", and the like in the present invention are used for the purpose of description only, and are not to be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defining "first" and "second" may include at least one of the features, either explicitly or implicitly.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
The porcelain mortar and pestle with liquid CO2 cooling offers a cost-effective solution for nutrient preservation during grinding. Its components and functionality are as follows:
1. Mortar Structure: The mortar is constructed from high-quality porcelain, known for its affordability, durability, and thermal insulation properties. Embedded within the mortar is a network of Teflon (PTFE) tubes that circulate liquid CO2. This setup ensures that the grinding environment remains cryogenic, thereby minimizing nutrient loss from heat.
2. Pestle Design: The pestle, also made of porcelain, is ergonomically designed to provide comfortable handling. It complements the cooling system by generating minimal friction, thereby reducing heat production. The pestle's design also ensures efficient grinding of plant materials, facilitating nutrient preservation.
3. Liquid CO2 Cooling System: A reservoir supplies liquid CO2 to the Teflon tubing within the mortar. During grinding, the CO2 absorbs heat, maintaining a low temperature that prevents nutrient degradation. The tubing, being chemically inert and cryogenically stable, ensures effective cooling without material compromise.
4. Safety Vents: Safety vents are incorporated into the mortar to release excess CO2 gas, ensuring safe operation by preventing pressure buildup. These vents make the system reliable and safe for extended use in laboratories and educational institutions.
5. Applications and Benefits: The invention is especially beneficial for educational institutions, small-scale research laboratories, and industries that require nutrient preservation in plant material samples. It provides an affordable, safe, and effective grinding method while reducing the operational costs associated with conventional cryogenic systems. The porcelain and Teflon materials make the device durable and suitable for regular use, supporting various applications in scientific research, food processing, and pharmaceutical development.
, Claims:1. A porcelain mortar and pestle system integrated with a liquid CO2 cooling mechanism for nutrient preservation during grinding.
2. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the mortar is made of porcelain and includes embedded Teflon (PTFE) tubing for circulating liquid CO2.
3. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the pestle is designed for ergonomic use, minimizing friction and supporting nutrient preservation.
4. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the liquid CO2 cooling system maintains a cryogenic environment to prevent heat-induced degradation of bioactive compounds.
5. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein safety vents are incorporated into the mortar to release excess CO2 gas, ensuring safe operation.
6. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein it provides a cost-effective and durable solution for preserving nutrients during grinding, suitable for use in educational and research institutions.
7. A method for grinding plant materials in a cryogenic environment using the system as claimed in Claim 1, thereby preserving nutrients and bioactive compounds.
8. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the Teflon (PTFE) tubing is chemically inert and compatible with cryogenic temperatures, ensuring effective cooling without material degradation.
9. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein it is particularly applicable in laboratories for food science, pharmacology, and botanical studies, enabling nutrient retention in sensitive plant materials.

10. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the use of porcelain and Teflon materials provides a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative to traditional cryogenic grinding methods.

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