Abstract: A spirulina based dietary supplement manufacturing device, comprising a cuboidal housing 101 with a chamber 102 for spirulina growth, where water is transferred from a tank to the chamber 102 via a suction unit 104, a turbine stirrer 105 agitates the water to mix nutrients, an AI-based imaging unit 106 monitors spirulina growth and water levels in synchronization with a level sensor to control water intake, a temperature sensor and Peltier unit 107 regulate the chamber’s temperature for optimal growth, a motorized cylindrical mesh roller 108 and articulated link 109 remove spirulina from the chamber 102 into a receptacle 111, which then pumps it into a storage 115 unit with a semi-permeable net 116 to drain water, a frame 117 with mesh 118 applies pressure to remove excess water, robotic arm 120 scrape the spirulina for further processing, the spirulina is pressed into noodles, dried with a heating element and blower, ground into powder with a motorized blade, and impurities are detected by hyperspectral imaging, triggering an alert for quality control.
Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a spirulina based dietary supplement manufacturing device that ensures optimal growth conditions for spirulina by regulating essential factors, such as water levels, temperature, and nutrient distribution to promote healthy and consistent algae development.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Spirulina, a blue-green algae, has gained widespread attention as a potent dietary supplement due to its nutritional profile and numerous health benefits. Rich in proteins, essential amino acids, vitamins such as B vitamins, vitamin K), minerals including iron, magnesium, and potassium), and antioxidants like beta-carotene, spirulina is often regarded as a superfood. Its high protein content, approximately 60-70% by weight, makes it a valuable plant-based protein source, particularly for vegetarians, vegans, or those with protein deficiencies. Spirulina is also known for its immune-boosting properties, supporting the body in defending against infections and inflammation. This help improves energy levels, detoxify the body by eliminating heavy metals, and support heart health by reducing cholesterol levels and promoting healthy blood pressure. The antioxidant content helps combat oxidative stress, contributing to anti-aging effects and enhanced skin health. Spirulina-based supplements are easily accessible and are consumed in powder, tablet, or capsule form, making them convenient for people with busy lifestyles. As a sustainable, plant-based supplement, spirulina provides a natural, nutrient-dense option to enhance overall well-being, improve metabolism, and promote long-term health. The increasing demand for natural, eco-friendly alternatives in the supplement industry further highlights spirulina’s importance in modern nutrition.
[0003] Traditional methods of making dietary supplements from spirulina typically involve harvesting, drying, and grinding the algae into powder or forming it into tablets or capsules. The first step in the process is cultivating spirulina in controlled freshwater environments, followed by harvesting the algae. Afterward, the spirulina is washed, dried (often using spray drying or sun-drying), and then ground into powder, which is further processed into capsules or tablets. While these methods preserve most of the nutritional content, they do have notable drawbacks. Sun-drying, for example, lead to nutrient loss, particularly sensitive vitamins and antioxidants, due to prolonged exposure to heat and light. The drying process itself also lead to the destruction of some of spirulina's delicate enzymes and proteins, reducing its overall effectiveness. Traditional methods involve chemical additives or preservatives to enhance shelf life, which undermine the purity of the supplement. The quality of spirulina varies depending on cultivation conditions and processing methods, leading to inconsistencies in the final product. The extraction and refinement processes is labor-intensive and costly, making spirulina supplements less accessible for some consumers. These drawbacks highlight the need for more efficient, and sustainable production methods to improve both the nutritional value and availability of spirulina-based supplements.
[0004] CN104116093A discloses about an invention that relates to a spirulina tablet which is made from spirulina powder or a spirulina extractive and pharmaceutic adjuvant. The invention further provides a preparation method of the spirulina tablet. Through reasonable regulation of a preparation process, on the basis of preserving more active ingredients, and with a reasonable preparation formula, multiple experimental studies prove that the spirulina tablet disclosed by the invention has the characteristics of simple process, high content of active ingredients, stable product quality, good taste and the like, and is suitable for large-scale industrialized production.
[0005] CN1833661A discloses about an invention that has a chewing spirulina tablet is prepared from spirulina and two or more of dextrin, microcrystalline cellulose, mannitol, xylitol, aspartame, glycyrrhizin, essence powder, superfine silica gel powder, and magnesium stearate through mixing, granulating by use of alcohol solution containing polyvitone K30, drying and die pressing.
[0006] Conventionally, many methods are available for carrying out manufacturing spirulina based dietary supplement. However, the cited invention lacks in adequately addressing the optimal conditions for the growth and harvesting of spirulina, which lead to variations in the active ingredient content. The reliance on traditional processing techniques result in the degradation of sensitive nutrients, reducing the bioavailability of the supplement and there is potential lack of flexibility in the product forms offered, thus limiting consumer choices and convenience.
[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of efficiently optimizing the cultivation, processing, and final formulation of spirulina-based dietary supplements while ensuring high-quality, consistent, and bioactive end products. The developed device should aid in real-time monitoring and control of environmental factors such as water quality, temperature, and nutrient levels, which are crucial for maximizing the growth and nutritional value of spirulina, thus minimizing nutrient loss and enhance production efficiency.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.
[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of ensuring optimal growth conditions for spirulina by controlling key factors such as water levels, temperature and nutrient mixing.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of automatically harvesting spirulina from the water body and reducing manual labor and improving efficiency in the collection process.
[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of continuously monitoring and adjusting parameters to maintain a stable and warm temperature range for ensuring consistent spirulina growth.
[0012] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of ensuring that nutrients are effectively mixed in the water used for spirulina growth in view of promoting healthy and algae development.
[0013] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable efficiently drying spirulina for ensuring uniform drying to preserve its nutritional value.
[0014] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detect and address any impurities present in the spirulina powder during processing, ensuring the final product meets quality standards
[0015] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of controlling water levels for ensuring that the algae has sufficient water for optimal growth while preventing over or under-watering.
[0016] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The present invention relates to a spirulina based dietary supplement manufacturing device that harvesting spirulina in automated manner for minimizing the need for manual labor while enhancing the efficiency and consistency of the collection process for ensuring a continuous and reliable supply of spirulina.
[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a spirulina based dietary supplement manufacturing device, comprises of a cuboidal housing with a chamber for growing spirulina, where water is transferred from a tank into the chamber via a pipe and suction unit. A turbine stirrer in the tank agitates the water to mix added nutrients, promoting spirulina growth. An AI-based imaging unit, integrated with a processor and synchronized with a level sensor, monitors the spirulina’s growth and water levels, triggering the suction unit to add water when needed. A temperature sensor and a Peltier unit maintain a consistent temperature in the chamber for ensuring optimal growing conditions. A motorized cylindrical mesh roller is attached to an articulated L-shaped link is used to harvest spirulina and transfer it into a receptacle, which is then connected to a pump and storage. The storage is equipped with a semi-permeable net and a mesh frame, using a robotic arm to scrape the spirulina for further processing. The spirulina is pressed into noodles using a hydraulic pusher and iris holes, then dried in a pot with a heating element and blower. The noodles are ground into powder in a hollow section with a motorized blade. A hyperspectral imaging sensor detects impurities in the powder, triggering alerts if necessary.
[0019] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a spirulina based dietary supplement manufacturing device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0022] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.
[0023] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.
[0024] The present invention relates to a spirulina based dietary supplement manufacturing device for continuously monitoring and maintaining stable environmental parameters, such as temperature and nutrient mixing, to guarantee the ideal growth conditions for spirulina and ensure the production of high-quality algae.
[0025] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a spirulina based dietary supplement manufacturing device is illustrated, comprising a cuboidal housing 101 having a chamber 102 for storing spirulina for growth, a pipe 103 connected with chamber 102, configured with a suction unit 104, a turbine stirrer 105 installed in the tank, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 106 installed in the housing 101, a Peltier unit 107 incorporated with the chamber 102, a motorised cylindrical mesh roller 108 attached on the chamber 102 by means of an articulated L-shaped link 109, a semi-circular flap 110 is attached with a receptacle 111 by means of a hinge 112, a conduit 113 configured with a pump 114, connecting the receptacle 111 with a storage 115 on the housing 101, a semi-permeable net 116 as a bottom surface, a rectangular frame 117 configured with a mesh 118 installed with the storage 115 by means of a pair of articulated L-shaped bars 119, a robotic arm 120 arranged on the storage 115 equipped with a scrapping plate 121, a cylindrical vertical tube 122 with a hinged lid 123, having a plurality of iris holes 124 at a bottom surface and a hydraulic pusher 125 underneath the lid 123, a pot 126 installed in the housing 101 by means of a sliding unit 127, pot is provided with an articulate telescopic pole 128 having a clamp 129 at an end, a heating element 130 within the pot, a blower 131 is provided in the pot and a hollow section 132 having a motorised blade 133.
[0026] The device disclosed herein includes a cuboidal housing 101 which serves as the core structure to house various components involved in spirulina cultivation. The housing 101 is developed to provide an enclosed environment that maintain the optimal conditions required for spirulina growth. Within this housing 101, there is a chamber 102 which is developed to allow the spirulina algae to flourish under controlled conditions such as water level, temperature, and nutrient supply.
[0027] The chamber 102 is connected to a pipe 103 equipped with a suction unit 104 that transfer water from a water tank within the housing 101 into the growth chamber 102. The water tank serves as the primary reservoir for water that is used to nourish and sustain the spirulina. This ensures that the chamber 102 consistently receives the required amount of water which is vital for spirulina's photosynthetic processes and overall growth. When the water level in the chamber 102 falls below the threshold needed for optimal spirulina growth, the suction unit 104 is triggered to draw water from the tank and pump it into the chamber 102. This process ensures a constant water supply without the need for manual intervention. The water transferred into the chamber 102 not only serves to hydrate the spirulina but also helps in the distribution of nutrients that are essential for its development. The pipe 103 ensures that these nutrients which are dissolved in the water are evenly spread throughout the chamber 102, thereby promoting consistent and healthy growth of the spirulina algae.
[0028] A turbine stirrer 105 installed in the water tank for spirulina cultivation process by agitating the water within the tank to ensure the thorough mixing of nutrients that are added to the water. The stirrer 105 consists of a set of paddles powered by a motor to create a rotating or swirling motion in the water which helps evenly distribute both the water and any nutrients or supplements that are introduced into the tank. Spirulina, like many algae, requires specific nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and trace minerals to thrive, and these nutrients are typically dissolved into the water. The turbine stirrer 105 ensures that these nutrients are not concentrated in one part of the tank but are instead evenly mixed throughout the entire water volume for facilitating uniform nutrient absorption by the spirulina. The constant agitation also serves to prevent the settling of suspended particles and ensures that the spirulina remains in constant motion within the tank, which is vital for promoting the algae's growth and preventing the formation of stagnant zones in the water.
[0029] An artificial intelligence (AI)-based imaging unit 106 is installed within the housing 101 for monitoring the growth and development of spirulina in real-time. The imaging unit 106 is integrated with a processor that is responsible for recording, processing, and analyzing images captured by the imaging unit 106 in the vicinity of the housing 101. The AI-based imaging unit 106 uses computer vision protocols to interpret the visual data and assess various parameters related to the spirulina’s health and growth. By continuously monitoring the spirulina's appearance, the AI imaging unit 106 detect signs of adequate growth, changes in biomass density, or any potential issues such as the presence of contaminants or uneven growth patterns.
[0030] The imaging unit 106 is synchronized with a level sensor embedded in the chamber 102 in view of allowing for a dual functionality by detecting both the growth progress of the spirulina and the water level in the chamber 102. The level sensor is specifically developed to track the amount of water in the chamber 102, and provides real-time feedback on whether the water level is above or below a designated threshold. The feedback is then relayed to the AI imaging unit 106, which processes the data and evaluates whether the conditions in the chamber 102 are optimal for spirulina growth. If the AI imaging unit 106 detects that the spirulina has reached a specific growth stage or if the water level has fallen below the optimal threshold, the microcontroller actuates the suction unit 104 for transferring water from the water tank into the growth chamber 102 in view of ensuring that the water level is maintained at an optimal height for spirulina growth.
[0031] A temperature sensor is embedded in the growth chamber 102 for ensuring the optimal temperature conditions required for the healthy growth of spirulina algae. Spirulina thrives in warm environments, typically within a temperature range of 95 to 98°F (35 to 37°C). Maintaining this specific temperature range is critical as deviations from this range negatively affect the growth rate of spirulina or even cause it to stop growing altogether. The temperature sensor continuously monitors the chamber's internal temperature and sends real-time data to the microcontroller which processes the information.
[0032] When the temperature deviates from the desired range, the microcontroller activates a Peltier unit 107 incorporated into the chamber 102. The Peltier unit 107 is a thermoelectric cooler developed to either heat or cool the chamber 102 depending on the need. This unit works on the principle of the Peltier effect which is the transfer of heat when an electric current passes through two different conductors or semiconductors. The Peltier unit 107 typically has two sides one side absorbs heat, and the other side releases it. By reversing the current flow, the unit either cool down or heat up the chamber 102, depending on the temperature conditions sensed by the sensor.
[0033] If the temperature in the chamber 102 is too low, the Peltier unit 107 is activated to generate heat and increase the temperature to the desired range in view of ensuring that the spirulina remains in a warm and optimal growing environment. Conversely, if the chamber 102 becomes too warm and exceeds the upper limit of the acceptable temperature range, the Peltier unit 107 function in reverse, drawing heat away from the chamber 102 and cooling it down. This ability to control the chamber's temperature in both directions makes the Peltier unit 107 a highly efficient and versatile solution for maintaining the ideal conditions for spirulina growth. Spirulina is highly sensitive to changes in temperature, and even small variations impact its growth and productivity. Therefore, the constant monitoring and regulation of the chamber 102 temperature help optimize the algae's photosynthesis and metabolic processes for promoting higher yields of quality spirulina.
[0034] A motorized cylindrical mesh roller 108 is installed on the chamber 102 for harvesting and removal of the spirulina from the growth chamber 102. Spirulina, as it grows, forms dense mats or clumps that need to be periodically removed from the chamber 102 to ensure continued growth and to prepare it for the next stages of processing. Herein, the meshed roller 108 rotates within the chamber 102 for effectively scraping and collecting the spirulina that has grown on the surfaces of the chamber 102. This is essential for maintaining the health of the spirulina and ensuring an efficient harvesting process.
[0035] The roller 108 is connected to the chamber 102 via an articulated L-shaped link 109 which control the movement and scraping action of the roller 108. The L-shaped link 109 is attached to the roller 108 at one end and to the chamber 102 at the other for allowing the roller 108 to rotate in a controlled manner within the chamber 102. This ensures that the spirulina is scraped off the walls and other surfaces of the chamber 102 as the roller 108 moves for gently agitating the spirulina without damaging it. The L-shaped link 109 also helps in maintaining the precise angle and rotation speed of the roller 108 to optimize the removal of spirulina without disturbing the overall environment of the growth chamber 102.
[0036] As the roller 108 rotates, it picks up the spirulina from the chamber 102 walls, moving it towards a semi-circular flap 110 that is hinge 112 to a receptacle 111. The flap 110 acts as a guide for the spirulina by directing the spirulina into the receptacle 111 for collection. The semi-circular flap 110 moves in coordination with the roller 108 for ensuring that the spirulina is efficiently funneled into the receptacle 111 without spilling or wasting any of the biomass. The hinge 112 allows flap 110 allows to open and close in a way that maximizes the collection efficiency for ensuring that all the spirulina harvested by the roller 108 is transferred into the receptacle 111. Once the spirulina is transferred into the receptacle 111, the hinged flap 110 ensures that this is securely held in place while preventing it from escaping or spilling out.
[0037] Once the spirulina is scraped off the growth chamber 102 by the motorized mesh roller 108 and collected into the receptacle 111, it needs to be transferred efficiently to the next stage of the process. This transfer is accomplished through a conduit 113 and pump 114. The conduit 113 is developed to channel the spirulina from the receptacle 111 to a designated storage 115 within the housing 101. The pump 114, connected to this conduit 113, is responsible for creating the necessary flow of spirulina for ensuring that it moves smoothly and without obstruction through the conduit 113 into the storage 115. The pump 114 is controlled by the microcontroller to adjust the flow rate of the spirulina for optimizing the transfer process.
[0038] Once the spirulina reaches the storage 115, a semi-permeable net 116 at the bottom of the storage 115 allows water to pass through it for enabling efficient separation of water from the spirulina biomass. Spirulina, when collected, often retains a significant amount of water and this net 116 helps facilitate the removal of excess water as the spirulina settles in the storage 115. The mesh allows only water to escape in view of preventing the spirulina from being lost in the process for reducing the volume of water that needs to be processed and for preparing the spirulina for the subsequent stages such as drying and further processing into powder.
[0039] To further aid in the removal of water and to compress the spirulina for more efficient processing, a rectangular frame 117 with mesh 118 is installed within the storage 115. The frame 117 is equipped with a pair of articulated L-shaped bars 119 which function to press down onto the spirulina. The bars 119 are placed so that they apply uniform pressure across the surface of the spirulina within the storage 115. As the frame 117 presses down, this squeezes out more water from the spirulina biomass. The mesh 118 of the frame 117 acts as a filtration surface for allowing the liquid to pass through while the spirulina remains on top. The pressure exerted by the frame 117 is developed to compact the spirulina for aiding in the efficient separation of water and reducing the overall moisture content before it moves on to the next phase of the production process.
[0040] A robotic arm 120 is equipped with a scraping plate 121 that is installed on the storage 115 to collect the spirulina after the spirulina is compressed by the rectangular frame 117. The scraping plate 121 is a flat surface that moves across the storage 115 for carefully scraping the spirulina from the mesh surface and ensuring that as much spirulina as possible is collected. This scraping action minimizes human intervention and improves the consistency of the scraping process, and speeds up the harvesting cycle. Once the spirulina is scraped off the mesh 118, it is directed to the next phase of processing.
[0041] A cylindrical vertical tube 122 with a hinged lid 123 installed inside the housing 101 that process the spirulina into noodles. The tube 122 is carved with a plurality of iris holes located at the bottom surface for shaping the spirulina as it passes through the tube 122. A hydraulic pusher is installed beneath the lid 123 applies pressure to the spirulina, thus forcing it through the iris holes in the tube 122. As the spirulina is pushed through these holes, it takes on a noodle-like shape in view of creating uniform strands that are then dispensed into the next processing phase. The use of iris holes allows for controlled extrusion in view of ensuring that the spirulina is shaped consistently into uniform noodle sizes, which is important for the drying process that follows.
[0042] Once the spirulina is extruded into noodle form, the noodles are dispensed into a pot that is installed within the housing 101. The pot is developed to receive the noodles and facilitate their uniform drying. The pot is mounted on a sliding unit, which enables it to move back and forth as needed during the drying process. The sliding unit allows the pot to adjust its position for ensuring that the noodles are evenly exposed to drying conditions. The pot is equipped with an articulating telescopic pole that is fitted with a clamp at the end. The pole, by adjusting its length and position, ensures that the noodles are spread out evenly inside the pot. The clamp helps to catch the noodles as they are dispensed for ensuring that they are evenly distributed within the pot for optimal drying.
[0043] The sliding unit, combined with the telescopic pole and clamp, ensures that the noodles are evenly spread out and exposed to uniform drying conditions. The consistent spreading is essential for achieving uniform moisture content across all the noodles for preventing over-drying or uneven texture. This helps maintain the quality and integrity of the spirulina noodles which is later dried into a stable and usable form for dietary supplement production.
[0044] To aid in the drying process, the pot is equipped with a heating element that helps to generate heat within the enclosed space. The heating element ensures that the temperature within the pot is maintained at an ideal level for drying the spirulina noodles. The heat generated by the element accelerates the evaporation of moisture from the noodles and gradually drying them into a more concentrated and stable form. The heating element is controlled by the microcontroller to maintain the right balance of temperature for preventing the spirulina from overheating which cause degradation of its nutritional value.
[0045] In addition to the heating element, the pot is also equipped with a blower, which is placed to circulate air within the pot. The blower helps to expedite the drying process by creating airflow that accelerates moisture evaporation and ensures that the heat is evenly distributed throughout the pot. By circulating air, the blower prevents the noodles from clumping together and ensures that the moisture is drawn out uniformly from all parts of the noodles.
[0046] A hollow section with a motorized blade is located within the housing 101 for transforming the dried spirulina noodles into a powdered form which is a crucial in the production of dietary supplements. After the spirulina is processed into noodles and dried in the previous stages, the spirulina needs to be ground into a fine powder to facilitate its inclusion in various supplement formulations, such as tablets, capsules, or powder-based products. The hollow section is specifically developed to house a motorized blade for grinding the dried spirulina noodles effectively. The hollow design of the section allows the spirulina noodles to be fed directly into the grinding area where the motorized blade is housed. The motorized blade is driven by a powerful motor, which is calibrated to rotate at high speeds for enabling it to break down the solid noodle structure into smaller particles. The rotation of the blade ensures that the spirulina noodles are chopped, shredded, and ground into fine particles for gradually turning them into a uniform powder.
[0047] The grinding process takes place within the enclosed hollow section to ensure that the spirulina is contained and to avoid any mess or loss of material. The hollow section is optimized for efficient grinding, where the motorized blade cuts through the spirulina noodles in a way that minimizes the amount of heat generated. This is crucial because excessive heat potentially degrade the nutritional content of the spirulina, particularly its delicate proteins, enzymes, and vitamins. By carefully controlling the motor's speed and power, the grinding operation is carried out with minimal risk of heat-induced damage to the spirulina's valuable nutrients.
[0048] A hyperspectral imaging sensor is embedded in the hollow section for determining the purity and quality of the spirulina powder produced during the grinding process. This sensor is developed to detect and identify potential impurities present in the powdered spirulina, such as foreign particles, contaminants, or other substances that compromise the nutritional quality or safety of the final product.
[0049] The hyperspectral imaging sensor operates by capturing images across a wide range of the electromagnetic spectrum which includes visible light as well as infrared and ultraviolet wavelengths for capturing detailed information across multiple bands. This allows the sensor to differentiate materials based on their unique spectral signatures, which are essentially the ways different substances absorb and reflect light at various wavelengths. By analyzing the reflected or emitted light from the spirulina powder, the hyperspectral imaging sensor accurately determine the composition of the powder and identify any foreign elements or impurities that have inadvertently been mixed in during the production process.
[0050] When the grinding process produces spirulina powder, the hyperspectral imaging sensor continuously monitors the material within the hollow section and distinguish between the spectral signatures of spirulina and those of contaminants allows it to detect even minute traces of unwanted substances. Impurities, such as dirt, non-organic particles, or unground spirulina clumps reflect or absorb light differently from the spirulina powder itself, thus making them detectable by the hyperspectral sensor.
[0051] Once the hyperspectral sensor identifies an impurity or deviation from the expected spectral signature, it triggers the microcontroller that processes the data from the hyperspectral sensor and determines whether the impurity levels are above a threshold deemed acceptable for the production process. If the impurity is detected in quantities exceeding the permissible limit, the microcontroller sends an alert to a connected computing unit. The alert includes important data, such as the location and type of impurity detected, the level of contamination, and any corrective actions that need to be taken. This alert ensures that any quality control issues are immediately communicated to operators or technicians, allowing them to take swift action to rectify the problem, such as discarding the contaminated batch of spirulina powder, adjusting the grinding process, or improving the filtration and sieving steps. The wireless communication unit facilitates real-time monitoring and feedback, which is crucial for maintaining consistency and quality in large-scale spirulina production.
[0052] Lastly, a battery (not shown in figure) is associated with the device to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrodes named as a cathode and an anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the device.
[0053] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the cuboidal housing 101 equipped with chamber 102 for storing spirulina for growth as disclosed in the proposed invention. Initially, the water is transferred from the water tank into the growth chamber 102 through the pipe 103 and suction unit 104, while the turbine stirrer 105 agitates the water to evenly mix nutrients. The AI-based imaging unit 106, synchronized with the level sensor, monitors spirulina growth and water levels in the chamber 102 for ensuring that the pipe 103 adds water when necessary. The temperature sensor continuously tracks the chamber's temperature, activating the Peltier unit 107 to maintain optimal range for spirulina growth. Once ready for harvesting, the motorized mesh roller 108, connected via articulated L-shaped link 109, removes the spirulina from the chamber 102 and transfers it to the receptacle 111. The spirulina is then pumped into the storage 115 where the semi-permeable net 116 drains excess water, and the frame 117 with mesh 118 applies pressure to further remove water. The robotic arm 120 equipped with the scraping plate 121 transfers the spirulina for further processing. The spirulina is then pressed into noodles through the cylindrical vertical tube 122 with iris holes and the hydraulic pusher. These noodles are dispensed into the drying pot, where the telescopic pole and clamp ensure even spreading, while the heating element and blower expedite the drying process. Then, the dried spirulina noodles are ground into powder by the motorized blade in the hollow section and the hyperspectral imaging sensor detects impurities in the powder, triggering alert if contaminants are detected.
[0054] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A spirulina based dietary supplement manufacturing device, comprising:
i) a cuboidal housing 101 having a chamber 102 for storing spirulina for growth, wherein a pipe 103 connected with chamber 102, configured with a suction unit 104, transfers water from a water tank in said housing 101, into said chamber 102;
ii) a turbine stirrer 105 installed in said tank to agitate said water to mix nutrients added to said tank, to supplement growth of said spirulina;
iii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 106, installed in said housing 101 and integrated with a processor for recording and processing images in a vicinity of said housing 101, in synchronisation with a level sensor embedded in said chamber 102 to detect growth of spirulina and a water level in said chamber 102 to determine a required water level and trigger a microcontroller to actuate said suction unit 104 to transfer water into said chamber 102 if said detected level is below a threshold water level;
iv) a temperature sensor embedded in said chamber 102 to detected a temperature of said chamber 102 to actuate a Peltier unit 107 incorporated with said chamber 102 to maintain temperature of said chamber 102 within a predetermined temperature range to optimize growth of said spirulina;
v) a motorised cylindrical mesh roller 108 attached on said chamber 102 by means of an articulated L-shaped link 109, to remove spirulina from said chamber 102, wherein a semi-circular flap 110 is attached with a receptacle 111 by means of a hinge 112, wherein said roller 108 is scraped by said link 109 to transfer said spirulina into said receptacle 111;
vi) a conduit 113 configured with a pump 114, connecting said receptacle 111 with a storage 115 on said housing 101, to transfer said spirulina to said storage 115, wherein said storage 115 is provided with a semi-permeable net 116 as a bottom surface, to enable a passage of water from said spirulina and a rectangular frame 117 configured with a mesh 118 installed with said storage 115 by means of a pair of articulated L-shaped bars 119, to press onto said spirulina and squeeze out water;
vii) a cylindrical vertical tube 122 with a hinged lid 123, having a plurality of iris holes at a bottom surface and a hydraulic pusher underneath said lid 123, to press said spirulina via said iris holes to make noodles, wherein said noodles are dispensed on to a pot installed in said housing 101 by means of a sliding unit, said pot is provided with an articulate telescopic pole having a clamp at an end to spread said noodles and a heating element within said pot to dry said noodles; and
viii) a hollow section having a motorised blade, provided within said housing 101, to grind said noodles into a powder form.
2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a blower is provided in said pot to expedite drying of said noodles.
3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a hyperspectral imaging sensor embedded in said section to detect presence of impurities in said powder to trigger said microcontroller to actuate a wireless communication unit in said housing 101 to push an alert to a computing unit connected with said wireless communication unit regarding impurities in said powder.
4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sliding unit reciprocates said pot and said pole and clamp ensure an evenly spread noodles to ensure uniform drying.
| # | Name | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 202421095234-STATEMENT OF UNDERTAKING (FORM 3) [03-12-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-12-03 |
| 2 | 202421095234-REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION (FORM-18) [03-12-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-12-03 |
| 3 | 202421095234-REQUEST FOR EARLY PUBLICATION(FORM-9) [03-12-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-12-03 |
| 4 | 202421095234-PROOF OF RIGHT [03-12-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-12-03 |
| 5 | 202421095234-POWER OF AUTHORITY [03-12-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-12-03 |
| 6 | 202421095234-FORM-9 [03-12-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-12-03 |
| 7 | 202421095234-FORM FOR SMALL ENTITY(FORM-28) [03-12-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-12-03 |
| 8 | 202421095234-FORM 18 [03-12-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-12-03 |
| 9 | 202421095234-FORM 1 [03-12-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-12-03 |
| 10 | 202421095234-FIGURE OF ABSTRACT [03-12-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-12-03 |
| 11 | 202421095234-EVIDENCE FOR REGISTRATION UNDER SSI(FORM-28) [03-12-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-12-03 |
| 12 | 202421095234-EVIDENCE FOR REGISTRATION UNDER SSI [03-12-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-12-03 |
| 13 | 202421095234-EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION(S) [03-12-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-12-03 |
| 14 | 202421095234-DRAWINGS [03-12-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-12-03 |
| 15 | 202421095234-DECLARATION OF INVENTORSHIP (FORM 5) [03-12-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-12-03 |
| 16 | 202421095234-COMPLETE SPECIFICATION [03-12-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-12-03 |
| 17 | Abstract.jpg | 2024-12-28 |
| 18 | 202421095234-FORM-26 [03-06-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-06-03 |