PRODUCTS

Technical Field

[0001] This application generally relates to the field of methods of manufacturing hashish-based consumer products

Background

[0002] With stage-wise legalization of cannabis-based consumer products in Canada and eventually in various other areas in the world, advancements in extraction technology, industrial scale production and accessibility to a wide variety of forms have accelerated in order to fulfill emerging demands.

[0003] Hashish (or hash) is a concentrated derivative of the dried resin glands, known as trichomes, of mature and unpollinated female cannabis plants. Hash contains the same active ingredients as marijuana - including cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol and others - although at higher concentrations than the un-sifted buds or leaves from which dried marijuana is made, which is tantamount to higher potency. The trichomes may be removed from the plant material by mechanical or chemical means.

[0004] Current methods of producing hashish products cannot quickly ensure the quality or grade of the product as it is being processed. Current testing methodologies involve off-line measurements, where a sample from the hashish being processed is removed from the production line and sent for content analysis. Such analysis is often conducted by a third party at an off-site location remote from the processing site, and results from the analysis can take up to three days to be delivered. While the results are being produced and delivered, the batch of hashish from which the sample was taken must be stored, requiring storage space and creating delays in the processing of the cannabis material and shipping out to be sold. A returned analysis result indicating a problem with the hashish being produced may result in the product being discarded after incurring the cost of storage, and late detection of a problem with the process or raw materials being used. Not performing such analysis can lead to a lack of consistency in the cannabis product, which can be off-putting to a user and can result in reduced consumer trust. In some cases, omitting such analysis is not allowable under local regulatory requirements and can result in product not meeting those regulatory requirements. [0005] Considering the above, it would be highly desirable to be provided with a system or method that would at least partially alleviate the disadvantages of the existing technologies and afford hashish manufacturing having improved characteristics.

Summary

[0006] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key aspects or essential aspects of the claimed subject matter.

[0007] Spectroscopy techniques such as infrared (IR) adsorption and Raman spectroscopy can be used to detect and quantify cannabinoids and other compounds found in hashish during manufacturing processes. Integrating such spectroscopic measurement processes in-line, at-line, or on-line with manufacturing avoids the potential for contamination and delays in production caused by stopping the production line to obtain and test a sample. Signals (such as images) can be captured as each product passes below a detector (such as a camera) on a production line (such as a conveyor or pipes), and a quality measure of each product can then be determined from the captured signals. Control of subsequent handling of each product can include controlling a sorting station to route product to different destinations for processing at least based on the determined quality measure.

[0008] Currently, third party quality assays with validated methods are often used to ensure the quality of a product prior to release. This validation process takes a great deal of time, e.g., of up to three days to return results. In the meantime, the hashish manufacturer is unaware of the quality of the product just produced and thus holds release of the product and delays the production process. Introducing in-line, at- line, or on-line spectroscopic monitoring would provide initial feedback as to whether the production run in progress is successful and allow the manufacturer to discard suspect products immediately.

[0009] As embodied and broadly described herein, the present disclosure relates to a system comprising a production line for manufacturing a hashish product, and a spectroscopy unit operatively coupled with the production line and configured to capture electromagnetic radiation of the hashish product, detect, from the captured electromagnetic radiation, a characteristic of an electromagnetic pattern in the hashish product indicative of a target molecule content of the hashish product, the target molecule content being associated with a quality marker of the hashish product, and provide a response as to the quality marker based on the detection. [0010] As embodied and broadly described herein, the present disclosure relates to a system comprising a detection unit operatively configured to capture electromagnetic radiation of a hashish product, detect, from the captured electromagnetic radiation, a characteristic of an electromagnetic pattern in the hashish product indicative of a target molecule content of the hashish product, the target molecule content being associated with a quality marker of the hashish product, and provide a response as to the quality marker based on the detection.

[0011] As embodied and broadly described herein, the present disclosure relates to a system comprising a detector to capture electromagnetic radiation of a hashish product, a processor operatively coupled to the detector and configured to process the captured electromagnetic radiation to determine a characteristic of an electromagnetic pattern of the hashish product indicative of a target molecule content associated with a quality marker of the hashish product, and a controller operatively coupled to the radiation processor and configured to control subsequent handling of the hashish product based on the determined characteristic of the electromagnetic pattern.

[0012] As embodied and broadly described herein, the present disclosure relates to a system comprising a detector to capture electromagnetic radiation of a hashish product; a processor operatively coupled to the detector and configured to process the captured electromagnetic radiation to determine a characteristic of an electromagnetic pattern of the hashish product indicative of a target molecule content associated with a quality marker of the hashish product; and a controller operatively coupled to the processor and configured to control subsequent handling of the hashish product based on the determined characteristic of the electromagnetic pattern.

[0013] Implementations can include one or more of the following features:

• the quality marker of the hashish product includes an organoleptic attribute of the hashish product or a potency of the hashish product.

• the electromagnetic radiation is in the infrared spectrum of the hashish product and the characteristic of the electromagnetic pattern is an absorption at a predetermined infrared wavelength. the predetermined infrared wavelength is associated with an electromagnetic absorption behavior of the target molecule, the target molecule being a phytochemical or water. • the phytochemical is one of a cannabinoid, a cannabis terpene, a cannabis flavonoid, a cannabis wax, a cannabis lipid, a cannabis carotenoid, hashishene, chlorophyll A, or chlorophyll B.

• the cannabinoid is selected from THC, CBD, and CBN.

• the cannabinoid is THCa, CBDa, A8-THC, THCV, CBDV, CBC, CBGa, or A10-THC.

• the electromagnetic radiation is obtained with a monochromatic light and the characteristic of the electromagnetic pattern is a shift in energy of the monochromatic light after exposure to the hashish product.

• the shift in energy is associated with a shift in energy of the monochromatic light behavior of the target molecule, the target molecule being a phytochemical or water.

• the spectroscopy unit comprises a camera.

• the camera is in-line with the production line of the hashish product.

• the camera is on-line with the production line of the hashish product.

• the camera is at-line with the production line of the hashish product, the hashish product being conveyed from the production line to the camera through an automated conveyor.

• the camera is a charged-coupled device (CCD) camera.

• the spectroscopy unit is configured to detect a characteristic of an electromagnetic pattern in the hashish product indicative of at least one second target molecule content of the hashish product.

• the target molecule includes two or more target molecules.

[0014] “Spectroscopy” refers to measurement techniques in which a sample is directly irradiated with electromagnetic radiation of differing types, and the resulting generated spectrum is detected and analyzed.

[0015] The hashish product of the present disclosure is formed from isolated cannabis trichomes. As used herein, the term “hashish product” encompasses a cohesive mass of isolated cannabis trichomes. [0016] As used herein, the term “cannabis trichomes” or “trichomes” generally refers to crystal-shaped outgrowths or appendages (also called resin glands) on cannabis plants typically covering the leaves and buds. Trichomes produce hundreds of known cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids that make cannabis strains potent, unique, and effective.

[0017] As used herein, the term “cannabis plant(s)”, encompasses wild type Cannabis (including but not limited to the species species Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica and Cannabis ruderalis) and also variants thereof, including cannabis chemovars (or “strains”) that naturally contain different amounts of the individual cannabinoids. For example, some Cannabis strains have been bred to produce minimal levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the principal psychoactive constituent responsible for the high associated with it and other strains have been selectively bred to produce high levels of THC and other psychoactive cannabinoids. Cannabis plants produce a unique family of terpeno -phenolic compounds called cannabinoids, which produce the “high” one experiences from consuming marijuana. There are 483 identifiable chemical constituents known to exist in the cannabis plant, and at least 85 different cannabinoids have been isolated from the plant. The two cannabinoids usually produced in greatest abundance are cannabidiol (CBD) and/or THC, but only THC is psychoactive. Cannabis plants can be categorized by their chemical phenotype or “chemotype,” based on the overall amount of THC produced, and on the ratio of THC to CBD. Although overall cannabinoid production is influenced by environmental factors, the THC/CBD ratio is genetically determined and remains fixed throughout the life of a plant. Nondrug plants produce relatively low levels of THC and high levels of CBD, while drug plants produce high levels of THC and low levels of CBD.

[0018] As used herein, the term “isolated cannabis trichomes” refers to trichomes that have been separated from cannabis plant material plant using any method known in the art. For example and without wishing to be limiting in any manner, the isolated cannabis trichomes may be obtained by a chemical separation method or may be separated by manual processes like dry sifting or by water extraction methods. Such methods are known in the art, and as such will not be further described here. Because of inherent limitations to existing separation methods, some plant matter or other foreign matter can be present in isolated cannabis trichomes.

[0019] As used herein, the term “target molecule” refers to molecules found with a hashish product that are of interest to a user. Target molecules in the hashish product detected by the spectroscopy techniques discussed herein can be indicators of the contents of the hashish product and thus indicate the quality of the product. Example target molecules are discussed below.

[0020] As used herein, the term “quality marker” refers to markers detected within a hashish product indicating the quality of the hashish product. The quality marker is associated with the target molecules detected in the hashish product, e.g., the presence or absence, number or density, and/or distribution of these target molecules. Quality markers can also include an organoleptic attribute of the hashish product, such as the texture, density, viscosity and/or elasticity of the hashish product. Such quality marker traits can be associated with rheology measurements.

[0021] As used herein, the term “cannabinoid” generally refers to any chemical compound that acts upon a cannabinoid receptor such as CB1 and CB2. A cannabinoid may include endocannabinoids (produced naturally by humans and animals), phytocannabinoids (found in cannabis and some other plants), and synthetic cannabinoids (manufactured artificially, for example cannabinoids produced in yeast, for example as described in WO WO2018/148848). Examples of suitable phytocannabinoids include, but are not limited to, cannabichromanon (CBCN), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabichromevarin (CBCV), cannabicitran (CBT), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabicyclovarin (CBLV), cannabidiol (CBD, defined below), cannabidiol monomethylether (CBDM), cannabidiol-C4 (CBD-C4), cannabidiorcol (CBD-C1), cannabidiphorol (CBDP), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabielsoin (CBE), cannabifiiran (CBF), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabigerol monomethylether (CBGM), cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), cannabigerovarin (CBGV), cannabinodiol (CBND), cannabinodivarin (CBVD), cannabinol (CBN), cannabinol methylether (CBNM), cannabinol propyl variant (CBNV), cannabinol-C2 (CBN-C2), cannabinol-C4 (CBN-C4), cannabiorcol (CBN-C1), cannabiripsol (CBR), cannabitriol (CBO), cannabitriolvarin (CBTV), cannabivarin (CBV), dehydrocannabifiiran (DCBF), A7-cis-iso tetrahydrocannabivarin, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, defined below), A9-tetrahydrocannabionolic acid B (THCA-B), A9-tetrahydrocannabiorcol (THC-C1), tetrahydrocannabivarinic acid (THCVA), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), ethoxy-cannabitriolvarin (CBTVE), trihydroxy- A9-tetrahydrocannabinol (triOH-THC), 10-ethoxy-9hydroxy- Aba- tetrahydrocannabinol, 8,9-dihydroxy-A6a-tetrahydrocannabinol, 10-oxo-A6a-tetrahydrocannabionol (OTHC), 3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-7-hydroxy-a-a-2-trimethyl-9-n-propyl-2, 6-methano-2H-l-benzoxocin-5- methanol (OH-iso-HHCV), A6a,10a-tetrahydrocannabinol (A6a,10a-THC), A8-tetrahydrocannabivarin (A8-THCV), A9-tetrahydrocannabiphorol (A9-THCP), A9-tetrahydrocannabutol (A9-THCB), derivatives of any thereof, and combinations thereof. Further examples of suitable cannabinoids are discussed in at least WO2017/190249 and U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. US2014/0271940, which are each incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

[0022] Cannabidiol (CBD) means one or more of the following compounds: A2 -cannabidiol, A5- cannabidiol (2-(6-isopropenyl-3 -methyl-5 -cyclohexen-l-yl)-5 -pentyl -1,3 -benzenediol) ; A4-cannabidiol (2- (6-isopropenyl-3-methyl-4-cyclohexen-l-yl)-5-pentyl-l,3-benz enediol); A3 -cannabidiol (2-(6-isopropenyl- 3 -methyl-3 -cyclohexen-l-yl)-5 -pentyl -1,3 -benzenediol) ; A3 ,7-cannabidiol (2-(6-isopropenyl-3 - methylenecyclohex-l-yl)-5-pentyl-l,3-benzenediol); A2 -cannabidiol (2-(6-isopropenyl-3 -methyl -2- cyclohexen-l-yl)-5-pentyl-l,3-benzenediol); Al -cannabidiol (2-(6-isopropenyl-3-methyl-l-cyclohexen-l- yl)-5-pentyl-l,3-benzenediol); and A6 -cannabidiol (2-(6-isopropenyl-3-methyl-6-cyclohexen-l-yl)-5- pentyl-l,3-benzenediol). In a preferred embodiment, and unless otherwise stated, CBD means A2- cannabidiol.

[0023] Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) means one or more of the following compounds: A8- tetrahydrocannabinol (A8-THC), A9-cis-tetrahydrocannabinol (cis-THC), A9-tetrahydrocannabinol (A9- THC), A9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid A (THCA-A), AlO-tetrahydrocannabinol (A10-THC), A9- tetrahydrocannabinol-C4 (THC-C4), A9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid-C4 (THCA-C4), synhexyl (n-hexyl- A3THC). In a preferred embodiment, and unless otherwise stated, THC means one or more of the following compounds: A9-tetrahydrocannabinol and A8-tetrahydrocannabinol.

[0024] Examples of suitable synthetic cannabinoids include, but are not limited to, naphthoylindoles, naphthylmethylindoles, naphthoylpyrroles, naphthylmethylindenes, phenylacetylindoles, cyclohexylphenols, tetramethylcyclopropylindoles, adamantoylindoles, indazole carboxamides, quinolinyl esters, and combinations thereof.

[0025] A cannabinoid may be in an acid form or a non-acid form, the latter also being referred to as the decarboxylated form since the non-acid form can be generated by decarboxylating the acid form. Within the context of the present disclosure, where reference is made to a specific cannabinoid, the cannabinoid can be in its acid, its non-acid form, or be a mixture of both acid and non-acid forms.

[0026] The hashish product being characterized in the present disclosure may contain one or more cannabinoid(s) . The one or more cannabinoid(s) may originate from the cannabis extract, from an additional component, or both. In some embodiments, the hashish product of the present disclosure contains one or more cannabinoid(s) in an amount sufficient for the user to experience a desired effect when consuming the hashish product. In some embodiments, the hashish product of the present disclosure may include one or more cannabinoid(s), such as THC, CBD, CBN, or any combinations thereof, in similar or different amounts. In one embodiment, the hashish product of the present disclosure contains the one or more cannabinoid(s) in an amount (the “cannabinoid content”) sufficient for the user to experience a desired effect when consuming the product. For example, the hashish product may comprise from about 5 wt.% to about 90 wt.% cannabinoid, for example up to about 60 wt.%, or up to about 50 wt.%, or up to about 40 wt.%, or up to about 30 wt.%.

[0027] As used herein, the term “terpene” generally refers to a class of chemical components comprised of the fundamental building block of isoprene, which can be linked to form linear structures or rings. Terpenes may include hemiterpenes (single isoprenoid unit), monoterpenes (two units), sesquiterpenes (three units), diterpenes (four units), sesterterpenes (five units), triterpenes (six units), and so on. At least some terpenes are expected to interact with, and potentiate the activity of, cannabinoids. Any suitable terpene may be used in the hashish product of the present invention. For example, terpenes originating from cannabis plant may be used, including but not limited to aromadendrene, bergamottin, bergamotol, bisabolene, borneol, 4-3-carene, caryophyllene, cineole/eucalyptol, p-cymene, dihydroj asmone, elemene, famesene, fenchol, geranylacetate, guaiol, humulene, isopulegol, limonene, linalool, menthone, menthol, menthofuran, myrcene, nerylacetate, neomenthylacetate, ocimene, perillylalcohol, phellandrene, pinene, pulegone, sabinene, terpinene, terpineol, 4-terpineol, terpinolene, and derivatives thereof. Additional examples of terpenes include nerolidol, phytol, geraniol, alpha-bisabolol, thymol, genipin, astragaloside, asiaticoside, camphene, beta-amyrin, thujone, citronellol, 1,8-cineole, cycloartenol, hashishene, and derivatives thereof. Further examples of terpenes are discussed in US Patent Application Pub. No. US2016/0250270, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0028] The hashish product of the present disclosure may contain one or more terpene(s). The one or more terpene(s) may originate from the hashish extract, from an additional component, or both. In some embodiments, the hashish product of the present disclosure may include the one or more terpene(s) in an amount (the “terpene content”) sufficient for the user to experience a desired entourage effect when consuming the product. For example, the hashish product may comprise from about 0.5 wt.% to about 15 wt.% terpene, for example up to about 15 wt.%, or up to about 10 wt.%, or up to about 5 wt.%, or up to about 4 wt.%, or up to about 3 wt.%, or up to about 2 wt.%, or up to about 1 wt.%. Hashishene is a class of terpenes found in hashish after mechanical processing. These terpenes can be target molecules during spectroscopy analysis as their presence in sufficient quantity can be a quality marker of particular interest in hashish. Hashishene may be responsible for the typical desirable “hashish flavour” that results from the degradation of a single terpene.

[0029] The term “flavonoid” as used herein refers to a group of phytonutrients comprising a polyphenolic structure. Flavonoids are found in diverse types of plants and are responsible for a wide range of functions, including imparting pigment to petals, leaves, and fruit. Any suitable flavonoid may be used in the hashish product of the present invention. For example, flavonoids originating from a cannabis plant may be used, including but not limited to: apigenin, cannflavin A, cannflavin B, cannflavin C, chrysoeril, cosmosiin, flavocannabiside, homoorientin, kaempferol, luteolin, myricetin, orientin, quercetin, vitexin, and isovitexin.

[0030] Possible advantages of the methods and techniques described herein can include increased speed and efficiency of the production line.

[0031] The contents of a related application titled Use of Spectroscopy in Manufacturing Cannabis-Based Consumer Products filed in the United States on October 19, 2020 by HEXO Operations Inc. are incorporated herein by reference.

[0032] All features of exemplary embodiments which are described in this disclosure and are not mutually exclusive can be combined with one another. Elements of one embodiment can be utilized in the other embodiments without further mention. Other aspects and features will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying Figures.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0033] A detailed description of specific exemplary embodiments is provided herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0034] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the components of a hashish quality detection unit.

[0035] FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating a production system using the hashish quality detection unit of FIG. 1.

[0036] FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating a second production system using the hashish quality detection unit of FIG. 1. [0037] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method of detecting a characteristic of a hashish sample using the production systems of FIGS. 2A and 2B.

[0038] FIG. 4 is a representative IR adsorption spectroscopy graph.

[0039] FIG. 5 is a representative Raman spectroscopy graph.

[0040] FIGS. 6A and 6B are top view diagrams illustrating possible configurations for the production systems of FIGS. 2A and 2B.

[0041] In the drawings, exemplary embodiments are illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood that the description and drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating certain embodiments and are an aid for understanding.

Detailed Description

[0042] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the invention is provided below along with accompanying figures that illustrate the principles of the invention. The invention is described in connection with such embodiments, but the invention is not limited to any embodiment. The scope of the invention is limited only by the claims. Numerous specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. These details are provided for the purpose of nonlimiting examples and the invention may be practiced according to the claims without some or all of these specific details. For the purpose of clarity, technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention has not been described in detail so that the invention is not unnecessarily obscured.

[0043] Spectroscopy techniques such as IR adsorption and Raman spectroscopy can be used to detect and quantify cannabinoids and other compounds found in hashish during manufacturing processes. Integrating such spectroscopic measurement processes in-line, at-line, or on-line with manufacturing avoids the potential for contamination and delays in production caused by stopping the production line to obtain and test a sample. Signals (such as images) can be captured as each product passes below a detector (such as a camera) on a production line (such as a conveyor or pipes), and a quality measure of each product can then be determined from the captured signals. Control of subsequent handling of each product can include controlling a sorting station to route product to different destinations for processing at least based on the determined quality measure. Device overview

[0044] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example hashish quality detection unit 100 or apparatus that can be used to measure the contents or quality of a hashish product being manufactured. The quality detection unit 100 includes a detector 102, a processor 104, an illumination source 106, and a controller 108 that are interconnected. One or more fdters 112 can be operatively connected to the detector 102, to filter electromagnetic radiation incident on the detector 102. The components of the quality detection unit 100 are configured for various types of spectroscopic analysis.

[0045] FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration where the quality detection unit 100 is implemented as part of production system 200 that includes a production line 202. The example system 200 includes a quality detection unit 100 as shown in FIG. 1. The quality detection unit 100 is located such that it can measure a product sample 212, e.g., a sample of a hashish product being processed. The product sample 212 is carried past the quality control unit 100 on a conveyor belt 214 that carries the product sample 212 on its top surface in the example shown, although other arrangements are also possible.

[0046] A trigger 216 is located near the conveyor belt 214 and before the detector 102 relative to a direction of movement of the conveyor belt shown by arrow 218, such that the product sample 212 trips the trigger 216 as it is moved past the trigger 216 on the conveyor belt 214. The trigger 216 is functionally connected to the detector 102 and to the processor 104 and controller 108 within the quality detection unit 100. Depending on relative locations of the detector 102 and the trigger 216, the controller 108 can direct the detector 102 to capture data (e.g., an image) of the product sample 212 when the trigger 216 is tripped, or after a certain time delay based on the relative locations and the speed of the conveyor belt 214. Other data capture control mechanisms by the controller 108 based on a trip signal from the trigger 216 for instance are also possible. In some embodiments, the trigger 216 is an optical trigger. In general, the trigger 216 can be any type of sensor that detects the arrival of a product sample 212 at a location that it can be detected by the detector 102.

[0047] The quality detection unit 100 and the trigger 216 are functionally connected to a production controller 220. The production controller 220 can communicate with the controller 108 of the quality detection unit 100, or in some instances the production controller 220 and the controller 108 are the same unit. [0048] The production controller 220 is functionally connected to a user station console 222 and to a server 224. In some embodiments, the server 224 includes a database 226 that is also functionally connected to the production controller 220. In some embodiments, a remote user system 230 is functionally connected to the server 224. Data to and from the quality detection unit and other transfers (e.g., software updates) can be transmitted between the remote user system 230 through the server 224 to the production controller and/or the controller 108, and/or can be transmitted from the user station console 222.

[0049] In operation, as the product sample 212 is moved along by the conveyor belt 214, the trigger 216 is tripped by the product sample 212. The trigger 216 signals the controller 108 and/or the detector 102 that the product sample 212 is in the detection field or approaching the detector 102. As the product sample 212 gets within range of the detector 102, data is captured (e.g., electromagnetic radiation in the form of an image, or a spectrum). In some embodiments, multiple signals are captured.

[0050] Using various techniques discussed below, the processor 104 detects a characteristic in the captured electromagnetic data that is indicative of the target molecule content that is, in turn, indicative of a quality of the product sample 212. In some embodiments, the characteristics are determined by the processor 104 and is then used to estimate the quality of the product sample 212. An indicator of the target molecule content or of the quality of the product can be passed on to the production controller 220 and can generate a control signal. Each indicator or control signal based thereon, can be provided to a grader 232 connected to the production controller 220 for sorting purposes.

[0051] The proximity of the detector 102 to the product sample 212 can affect the quality of captured spectroscopy data. In general, the distance between the detector 102 and the conveyor belt 214 is an implementation-specific detail that may depend, for example, on the sensitivity of the detector 102 and the speed with which it can adapt to different distances to a product sample 212 target.

[0052] The detector 102 can be implemented in hardware depending on the specific spectroscopic technique being used in the quality detection unit 100. The detector 102 can be configured to detect electromagnetic radiation at different wavelengths. For example, the detector 102 can be a camera configured to detect visible light. The detector 102 can be an array detector such as charge -coupled device. In some embodiments, the detector 102 can be a monochromator. The detector 102 can be a spectrograph or an interferometer. In some embodiments, the detector 102 can include other components suitable for spectroscopy as is known in the art, such as filters 112 including a longpass filter, a notch filter, a bandpass filter, etc. [0053] In some embodiments, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag (not shown) storing information related to an identifier of the product sample 212 is attached to the item or a label or to a container containing the item and the detector 102 or the processor 104 includes an RFID device. The RFID device can then be used to store information relating to content and/or quality of the product sample 212 on the RFID tag. This information can also or instead be transmitted to the server 224 for storage in the database 226. The detector 102, the processor 104, the controller 108, or another component, can also read the item identifier from the RFID tag and transmit the identifier to the server 224 so that the image(s) or spectra and/or information relating to content / quality can be associated with the individual item in the database 226. Information records in the database 226 associated with individual items can be used to provide any of various levels of detail, from individual information to information aggregated across subsets of items or entire harvests, for example.

[0054] The detector 102 itself, the controller 108, or another component, can provide a date and/or time which can similarly be associated with each data capture. Location, date, and time are all associated with each data capture, and can be used, for example, for regulatory purposes. Location, date, and time information can also or instead be used to look at productivity at various times.

[0055] Each product sample 212 can also or instead be assigned a lot and bin number by the grader 232, and the lot and bin number may also be communicated to the server 224 and/or other components, such as a sorting system which sorts items by lot and bin numbers.

[0056] The data captured, identifiers, quality, location, date, time, lot number, and bin number are all examples of content that can be stored in the database 226. These types of content, or any subset of one or more thereof, can be stored in the database 226, and can potentially be used to sort, separate, or aggregate the stored content. One can also or instead access the database 226 to compile statistics on any of various metrics. Average quality, quality distribution, harvest counts, etc., for an entire harvest or production run, harvest area, time period, etc., for instance, can be extracted from the database 226 or determined from data extracted from the database, depending on information that is stored in the database. Such information can be useful for production monitoring, and/or regulatory purposes, for example.

[0057] The data in the database 226 can be accessed by the remote user system 230 on the internet. In some embodiments, the remote user system 230 can send instructions to the controller 108 and/or to the production controller 220. [0058] The user station console 222 can allow a user or other qualified technician on-site to enter pertinent botanical or manufacturing data from sampled items, which can then be sent to and stored in the database 226. The data can include growth conditions of a cannabis plant lot or batch associated with the product sample 212 or processing conditions of a product sample 212, for example, which can provide continuous calibration data for the detector 102 and the processor 104. For example, if the cannabinoid concentration of a sampled item is determined by another system or device (not shown) and entered into the database 226 by a user using the user station console 222, then the sampled item can be placed on the conveyor belt 214 and passed into the detection field of the detector 102 as a calibration item, to confirm that data capture and content detection are operating properly. Adjustments to the detector 102 and/or the processor 104 can be made if there is any discrepancy between a determination as made by the processor 104 (or production controller 220) and the expected determination based on external testing. The user is also able to view results and reports from the user station console 222. The calibration data can be stored, for example, in the database 226. Automated reporting, to transmit data from the database 226 to an external component such as a regulatory agency, for example, is also possible.

[0059] FIG. 2B is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration where the quality detection unit 100 is implemented as part of production system 250 that includes a production line 252. Unlike the production system 200 of FIG. 2A, the production system 250 using the production line 252 is configured for fluid flow, where the product samples 212 are in flowable form.

[0060] The example production system 250 is similar to the production system 200 of FIG. 2A with like elements given the same reference numbers and operating in a similar fashion. However, the system 250 includes a quality detection unit 100 configured to measure a flowable product sample 212, e.g., a sample of a flowable hashish product being processed. The product sample 212 is carried past the quality control unit 100 in a pipe 264. In the configuration shown, a window 268 is fixed in the side of the pipe 264 that allows signals into and out of the interior of the pipe 264. The window 258 can be transparent, although other arrangements are also possible such as the entirety of the pipe 264 being transparent. A trigger 269 located near the pipe 264 is functionally connected to the detector 102 and to the processor 104 within the quality detection unit 100. In some embodiments, the trigger can be a timer, or can be controlled by a user directly e.g., a user at the user station console 222.

[0061] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method 300 that includes capturing, at 302, electromagnetic radiation from a hashish product and detecting, at 304, from the captured radiation, a characteristic of the pattern of the electromagnetic radiation indicative of a target molecule content of the sample product. This characteristic of the pattern in the electromagnetic radiation can be an absorption peak or energy shift, for example. If detected, the characteristic in the pattern of the electromagnetic radiation is indicative of a target molecule content of the hashish product being sampled. The target molecule content is associated with a quality marker of the hashish material. A response is then provided based on the detection as to the quality marker of the hashish sampled, at step 306, e.g., a numerical value of the cannabinoid content within the sampled hashish product, a signal that the hashish content indicated by the detected characteristic is within an acceptable range, a signal that the detected water within the sampled hashish product is below an acceptable threshold, etc. The example method 300 can be repeated for multiple product samples, as indicated by arrow 308.

[0062] Variations of the example method 300 are possible. For instance, the data capture that occurs at step 302 and characteristic detection at step 304 can be ongoing and need not be performed in the exact sequence shown. Characteristic detection for one data capture at step 304 need not necessarily be completed before the next signal is captured at step 302, for example. Also, at 306, there can be a single threshold or range for an embodiment to distinguish between lower/higher quality products, or multiple thresholds for distinguishing between more than two quality grades or two or more specific compounds within the hashish sample that are used when providing a response as to the quality marker of the hashish product.

[0063] Still other various ways of performing method operations, and at least some variations of the example method 300 are possible. The capturing step at 302, for example, can involve capturing an infrared image with a camera that has been modified to remove an infrared filter, and has possibly been further modified to include a visible light filter. The characteristic detection at step 304 can include training vision detection software to detect the characteristic.

[0064] Other operations can also be performed, such as illuminating the product, with one or more of visible, infrared, and ultraviolet spectral components. Subsequent handling of the product can be controlled based on the radiation characteristic detection at step 304. Grading or screening of the product as a lower or higher yield/quality product, allowing or blocking entry of the product, and/or other subsequent handling operations can be controlled or performed in subsequent steps.

[0065] The detector 102 can be implemented in various ways. For example, the detector 102 can be a visible spectrum camera designed to capture images in the visible spectrum, or a specialized camera that is designed to capture signals in the infrared spectrum or the ultraviolet spectrum. Many cameras that are intended to capture images in the visible spectrum include an infrared filter that blocks infrared wavelengths, and such a camera that has been modified to remove the infrared filter can be used as the detector 102. In modifying such a camera, a visible light filter that blocks visible light and/or a filter that passes only infrared wavelengths can be added to improve infrared image quality. A visible spectrum camera can similarly be modified to capture ultraviolet images by adding a visible light filter and/or a filter that passes only ultraviolet wavelengths, for example. The detector 102 can be a charged-coupled device (CCD). Alternatively, the detector 102 can be a detector configured to directly capture electromagnetic radiation other than visible light. For example, the detector 102 can be a spectrograph, or an interferometer.

[0066] Although FIG. 1 shows a single detector 102, multiple detectors can be included in the quality detection unit 100. For example, characteristics of color distortions might be more prominent in the visible spectrum, infrared, or ultraviolet images. Multiple types of data capture devices can be used and can be captured by multiple detectors. Multiple illumination sources 106 can likewise be included in the quality detection unit 100. Alternatively, multiple quality detection units 100 can be used in a production system 200 or production system 250, where each quality detection unit 100 has differing capabilities and is configured to detect different types of electromagnetic radiation and identify different target molecules.

[0067] Another possible implementation to allow for multiple data capture types can involve a single detector 102 with a switchable light filter. Such a switchable filter can be located on or in the detector 102, as a separate component between the e.g., camera and an imaging target, on or in the illumination source 106, or as a separate component between the imaging light source and the imaging target, for example, where the illumination source provides broadband light in multiple spectra. For example, a switchable filter can include a visible spectrum filter, an infrared spectrum filter, and an ultraviolet spectrum filter, with different combinations of filters being moved into and out of a light path depending on the type of image to be captured. Filtering can be used in an imaging light path between the detector 102 and an imaging target and/or in an illumination light path between the illumination source 106 and the imaging target, to enable the detector 102 to capture signals of different types.

[0068] The processor 104 can be implemented using an element that executes software stored in one or more non-transitory memory devices (not shown), such as a solid-state memory device or a memory device that uses movable and/or even removable storage media. Microprocessors, Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), and Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs) are examples of processing devices that can be used to execute software. In general, the processor 104 can be implemented using hardware, firmware, one or more processing devices that execute software, or some combination thereof. The detector 102 and the processor 104 can be parts of the same machine system in one possible implementation.

[0069] The illumination source 106 can be, for example, an incandescent light that provides both visible and infrared spectral components. Depending on the spectroscopy target (e.g., the specific hashish product) and/or the operating environment of the quality detection unit 100, the illumination source 106 might not be provided. For example, the quality detection unit 100 might be implemented in an operating environment where sufficient illumination is provided by other light sources. In an embodiment, the illumination source 106 is a camera flash that is controlled by the detector 102 to illuminate an imaging target each time a signal is to be captured or possibly only under certain operating conditions. In some embodiments, the illumination source 106 can be a broadband light source with a switchable filter. In some embodiments, the illumination source 106 can be a monochromatic light source, e.g., a laser. The illumination source can also include various optics as is known in the art, e.g., diffraction gratings, prisms, lenses, etc.

[0070] In some embodiments, the controller 108 controls data capture implemented by the detector 102, and the controller can also or instead control the illumination source 106 and/or switchable filtering. The controller 108 can also be operatively coupled to the detector 102 and/or the illumination source 106 in some embodiments.

[0071] Based on a determination of properties, any of various actions can be taken, and the production controller 220 can be involved in those actions. For instance, the production controller 220 can also control a sorting station in communication with the grader 232 or other parts of the production line 202 or production line 252. In some embodiments, the production controller 220 can provide outputs to an external component, for example. Thus, the quality detection unit 100 can include a production controller 220 and also communicate with an external controller.

[0072] The quality detection unit 100 can be self-powered by a power source such as a battery. In some embodiments, such as in a processing plant implementation, external power might be available.

[0073] In operation, the detector 102 captures a signal from the product sample 212 (e.g., the hashish), and the processor 104 is coupled to the detector 102 to detect, from the captured signal, characteristics of the hashish imaged by the detector 102, e.g., the product sample 212 within view of the detector 102. As noted above, the detector 102 can include a camera to capture a visible spectrum image of the product, an infrared detector to capture an infrared spectrum signal of the product, and/or an ultraviolet detector to capture an ultraviolet spectrum signal of the product.

[0074] Another possible multiple -image embodiment involves capturing multiple signals of different types, at substantially the same time and/or in rapid succession, using multiple detectors, multiple illumination sources, and/or multiple light filters. Registration of images taken at substantially the same time, especially if taken with a single camera, would be straightforward. Image processing by the processor 104, such as subtraction of different types of images from each other, could increase the contrast of pattern characteristics for detection (e.g., reduce noise). Other types of image processing, such as image filtering, “image math” instead of or in addition to image subtraction, and/or spatial frequency transformations (e.g., Fourier domain filtering), can be performed by the processor 104.

[0075] Thus, the processor 104 can receive multiple signals captured by the detector 102 and detect a characteristic of a pattern based on those signals. The signals can be processed separately by the processor 104 for detection of the same or different characteristics of the same or different patterns, or used together (e.g., using image subtraction and/or other signal processing) for characteristic detections.

Spectroscopy techniques for analyzing hashish

[0076] Spectroscopy makes use of the interaction between matter (such as a hashish product) and electromagnetic radiation as a function of the wavelength or frequency of the radiation to detect particular target molecules within the matter. Spectroscopy techniques can be absorption-based or emission-based. Absorption occurs when energy from the radiative source (e.g., the illumination source 106) is absorbed by the matter (e.g., the product sample 212). Absorption is generally determined by measuring the fraction of energy transmitted through the matter, with absorption decreasing the transmitted portion.

[0077] Cannabinoids are compounds found in cannabis and thus in hashish. The most notable cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) among the over 100 other cannabinoids that have been isolated from cannabis (e.g., cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), etc.). Every cannabinoid has a unique spectrum, or “fingerprint”, with specific absorbance peaks from their different chemical compositions. Accordingly, THC, CBD, CBG, CBN, THCa, CBDa, A8-THC, THCV, CBDV, CBC, CBGa, A 10-THC, etc., are all detectible by measuring the absorbance pattern characteristic of each molecule. Many other compounds also occur within hashish that are important to its overall quality and resulting effects. These include water, organic compounds and phytochemicals such as terpenes (e.g., hashishene), chlorophyll A, chlorophyll B, cannabis carotenoid (e.g., beta-carotene), cannabis flavonoids, cannabis waxes, cannabis lipids, etc. These substances can each be a target molecule that is of interest for a user. Using a set of standards and samples, a calibration curve can be generated allowing the quantification of each cannabinoid or other molecule (e.g., the %w/w content).

[0078] Compounds other than cannabinoids can be quality markers for hashish products, for example, water and residual plant matter. High water content can lead to molding of the hashish product, while higher (non-trichome) plant matter is indicative of a lower grade hashish. The finer sifted material, which has less plant matter, is more enriched in isolated trichomes and will compress into a more flavorful product. Thus, the quality detection unit 100 can be configured to detect the presence or relative abundance of water or residual plant matter.

[0079] The quality detection unit 100 can be configured to use IR absorption spectroscopy for analyzing hashish, e.g., to identify and quantify the cannabinoids and other target molecules within a sample that contribute to the overall quality of the hashish product. IR spectroscopy uses infrared light covering a range of wavelengths of interest be directed onto the sample. These wavelengths of interest (specific to the target molecules) are scanned using a monochromator as part of the detector 102. The resulting spectrum can be analyzed to determine the presence of the target molecule(s), including phytochemicals or water content. FIG. 4 is a graph showing a representative IR measurement of two target molecules within a hashish product.

[0080] In some embodiments, the quality detection unit 100 can be configured to use Raman spectroscopy instead of IR absorption spectroscopy. The quality detection unit 100 using Raman spectroscopy or scattering is similar to one based on based on IR absorption.

[0081] Raman scattering is an inelastic scattering process in which the light scattered by a molecule within a sample (e.g., a cannabinoid) emerges having an energy level that is slightly different (more or less) than the incident light (e.g., from the illumination source 106). This energy difference is generally dependent on the chemical structure of the molecules involved in the scattering process; different molecular vibrations within a sample translate into bigger or smaller shifts in frequency for any Raman scattered light, and because this vibrational information is specific to the chemical bonds and symmetry of the molecules, the frequency shifts translate into a specific molecular structure. Thus, Raman spectroscopy can provide optical fingerprints by which molecules can be identified, for example THC, CBD, CBG, CBN, terpenes, chlorophyll A, chlorophyll B, beta-carotene, etc. [0082] FIG. 5 shows example Raman spectrographs with peaks at different Raman shifts, indicating that specific target molecules are present in the samples tested. Optimally, a frequency shift is chosen which is particular to the target molecule and does not coincide with any of the Raman shifts of other molecules that may be found in the sample.

[0083] For Raman spectroscopy, the illumination source 106 can be a laser or an LED source that provides the incident light for the molecules to scatter from within the product sample 212. For example, a 1064 nm laser may used, although other wavelengths are also possible, e.g., 975 nm or 1030 nm.

[0084] For detecting hashish-related target molecules with Raman spectroscopy, various types of detectors 102 can be used. For example, a germanium photodiode detector that is sensitive in the spectral fingerprint region of organic molecules may be used in the quality detection unit 100.

[0085] The production systems 200, 250 shown in FIG. 2 can be implemented in a production system for testing the contents and quality of hashish being manufactured in a number of ways.

[0086] FIG. 6A shows a production line 602 with the quality detection unit 100 configured for in-line measurement of the hashish products 634 as they pass the quality detection unit 100. The products 634 (or product stream in the case of hashish in liquid form) are being processed at multiple stations, including an upstream production station 640 that is upstream of the quality detection unit 100 and a downstream production station 642 downstream of the quality detection unit 100 as they are conveyed past on the conveyor belt 614 or pipe 664 in the direction of travel 618. In the in-line system shown, the quality detection unit 100 is in series with the rest of the production line 602 such that all the products 634 (or all product flow) being processed is within range of the quality detection unit 100.

[0087] In an in-line configuration, the trigger 616 works with the controller (e.g., the controller 108 and/or the production controller 220 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B) to take spectroscopic data of all of the products 634 as they pass, or only some of the products as they pass. That is, only a subset of the products 634 are subjected to illumination by the illumination source 106 within the quality detection unit 100 such that electromagnetic radiation 636 is detected from at particular product sample 612. The triggering can occur at different time periods. For example, every minute, every 30 minutes, every hour, at the beginning, middle, and end of a batch run, etc. [0088] FIG. 6B shows a production line 602 with the quality detection unit 100 configured for on-line measurement of the hashish products 634 as they pass the quality detection unit 100. As in FIG. 6A, the products 634 are processed at an upstream production station and a downstream production station 642 they are conveyed past on the conveyor belt or pipe. In the on-line measurement configuration, the quality detection unit 100 makes spectroscopic measurements in a secondary loop 638 that diverts some sample material (e.g., product samples 612) fortesting from the remainder ofthe products 634, e.g., in parallel with the rest of the production line 602. Such sampled material can be discarded or rejoined with the remaining products in the production line 602.

[0089] As in the in-line system of FIG. 6A, only a subset of the products 634 are subjected to illumination by the illumination source 106 within the quality detection unit 100 such that electromagnetic radiation 636 is detected from at particular product sample 612. Samples to be scanned can be diverted to the secondary loop 638. This detection can occur at different time periods. For example, every minute, every 30 minutes, every hour, at the beginning, middle, and end of a batch run, etc.

[0090] Both the production configurations shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B provide real-time quality analysis of the production run.

[0091] In FIGS. 6A and 6B, while an upstream production station 640 and a downstream production station 642 are shown, multiple stations upstream or downstream within the production line 602 are possible, or only stations upstream or downstream of the quality detection unit are also possible. Other variations are also possible, for example where multiple quality detector units can be integrated within one production line.

[0092] At-line measurements using the spectroscopic techniques described can also occur. These at-line measurement are measurements in which a sample is transferred from the production line to a quality detection unit 100 that is in physical proximity to the production line 602. An off-line measurement occurs when a sample is removed from the production line and analyzed at a different location, in contrast to what the systems described herein permit.

Hashish product grading

[0093] FIGS. 2A and 2B relate to example implementations as part of an automated production line 202 or production line 252. Different actions can then be taken depending on the response of the quality detection unit 100. The response can be provided by various indicators, such as a speaker to provide different audible indicators for different qualities, lights to provide different visual indicators for different qualities, and/or a monitor or other type of display screen to provide more detailed information as to quality and content of the sampled product.

[0094] The controller 108 of the quality detection unit 100 (or the production controller 220) determines a response based on a characteristic of the sample product from the electromagnetic signal captured from the hashish sample. This electromagnetic pattern can be indicative of the content of the hashish product. The content of the hashish product can be determined in various ways. For example, the electromagnetic radiation detected by the detector 102 can yield a shift in energy of the incident light (e.g., monochromatic light from the illumination source 106). If that shift in energy is beyond a range or beyond a threshold (determined and calibrated for various target molecules that are of interest), then the quality detection unit 100 provides a response about the associated compound. Alternatively, the electromagnetic radiation detected by the detector 102 can yield an absorption of energy at particular wavelengths relative to the incident light (e.g., IR light from the illumination source 106). If that absorption dip is beyond a threshold (determined and calibrated for various target molecules), then the quality detection unit 100 provides a response about the associated compound.

[0095] Based on this analysis, the response determined by the controller 108 (or the production controller 220) can include an indication of the content of the hashish product, including the presence and amount of various cannabinoids, other organic compounds, water, etc.

[0096] In some embodiments, subsequent handling of the product is controlled by a grader 232 (indicated in FIG. 2A and 2B) based on the response of the quality detection unit. Such subsequent handling can include one or more of the following, for example: grading of the product, screening out lower quality products by flagging them to diverting them from the remainder of the production line. The grader 232 can be separate from the other components of the production system 200 or can be integrated with one or both of the production controller 220 and the processor 104.

[0097] The grader 232 can use the response concerning the contents of a product sample 612 (or equivalently product sample 212) to make a determination as to the quality of the product sample. If one or more thresholds are met (for example, the THC content is found to be within a specific band of concentration or water content is found to exceed a threshold amount), then that product is assigned a rating. The rating can be that the product sample 612 (and by extension, the other products 634 associated with the tested product sample 612) is graded A, graded B, or designated as unacceptable, for instance.

[0098] In some embodiments, the grader 232 can be in communication with an additional production line camera downstream of the quality detection unit. If the grader 232 determines that there is a problem with a specific product sample 212, the production line camera can be configured to take (additional) signals of the product sample 212, for further assessment.

[0099] Having the ability to sort by grade allows for an objective individual assessment of each item so that they can be individually graded by quality type. This level of assessment and grading, on an individual level, can help to readily and aptly determine the fate of a production batch - such as classifying an entire batch as being unsuitable for sale without need for storing the batch; lower quality items can be sold as such while maintaining customer trust and expectations of the “grade A” products sold.

[0100] In some embodiments multiple data captures are possible, and more than one attribute of a product can be determined by processing such data captures. In a multiple -signal implementation, the processor 104 can detect a characteristic of a pattern indicative of the presence of a first cannabinoid of a product from a captured visible spectrum image, a second characteristic of a signal indicative of a different cannabinoid from a captured infrared spectrum signal, and/or a characteristic of a pattern indicative of water content from a captured ultraviolet spectrum signal. The same or different patterns can be used in visible spectrum, infrared spectrum, and/or ultraviolet spectrum images. The same or a different pattern can be prominent in visible spectrum images and a characteristic such as color can be detected by the processor 104 in those images. Different spectra and/or pattern characteristics might be prominent in different signals of the same type, and that multiple signals, such as multiple infrared signals from different angles for instance, can be captured by the detector 102 (or multiple detectors) and subjected to detection by the processor 104. In some embodiments, the patterns can be spikes or dips in signals detected.

[0101] In general, the techniques disclosed herein can be applied in visible spectrum imaging, infrared imaging, or ultraviolet spectrum imaging, or multiple types of imaging can be used in some embodiments in determining cannabinoid contents and/or other attributes.

[0102] Various signal processing techniques can be used, as is known in the art. For example, a captured image of one type can be subtracted from a captured image of another type, for instance, to facilitate detection of features or attributes of interest in the resultant processed image. [0103] In addition, although described primarily in the context of methods and systems, other implementations are also contemplated, as instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, in the case of pattern detection, image processing, and/or control features for example.

Other embodiments

[0104] A number of embodiments of the invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0105] In the implementation using IR spectroscopy, if there is only one predetermined target molecule in a sample, it would not be necessary to extract the full absorption spectrum of the sample. Rather, the quality detection unit 100 detects the absence of scattered light at a frequency corresponding to one of the dips in transmission associated with the molecule’s different vibrational states.

[0106] Alternatively, the detection of electromagnetic radiation from the product sample 212 is simulated by infrared Fourier Transform spectroscopy, which allows for all frequencies to be collected simultaneously in a large range.

[0107] Characterization of hashish products can also be implemented in a mobile phone or other handheld device. For example, a mobile phone software application can use a built-in camera (with no IR filter and possibly modified to filter out visible light if infrared imaging is used) to detect quality. This type of implementation might be useful not only in a production environment, but also for consumers to determine quality prior to purchase. A mobile phone software application can communicate with a server or other component of the manufacturing processor, distributor, or retailer system, through an HTML website for example, which can verify a consumer’s subscription, perform image analysis, and send results back to the phone.

[0108] Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

[0109] Other examples of implementations will become apparent to the reader in view of the teachings of the present description and as such, will not be further described here.

[0110] Note that titles or subtitles may be used throughout the present disclosure for convenience of a reader, but in no way these should limit the scope of the invention. Moreover, certain theories may be proposed and disclosed herein; however, in no way they, whether they are right or wrong, should limit the scope of the invention so long as the invention is practiced according to the present disclosure without regard for any particular theory or scheme of action.

[0111] All references cited throughout the specification are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

[0112] Reference throughout the specification to “some embodiments”, and so forth, means that a particular element (e.g., feature, structure, and/or characteristic) described in connection with the invention is included in at least one embodiment described herein, and may or may not be present in other embodiments. In addition, it is to be understood that the described inventive features may be combined in any suitable manner in the various embodiments.

[0113] It will be understood by those of skill in the art that throughout the present specification, the term “a” used before a term encompasses embodiments containing one or more to what the term refers. It will also be understood by those of skill in the art that throughout the present specification, the term “comprising”, which is synonymous with “including,” “containing,” or “characterized by,” is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, un-recited elements or method steps.

[0114] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. In the case of conflict, the present document, including definitions will control.

[0115] As used in the present disclosure, the terms “around”, “about” or “approximately” shall generally mean within the error margin generally accepted in the art. Hence, numerical quantities given herein generally include such error margin such that the terms “around”, “about” or “approximately” can be inferred if not expressly stated.

[0116] Although various embodiments of the disclosure have been described and illustrated, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the present description that numerous modifications and variations can be made. The scope of the invention is defined more particularly in the appended claims.