Speed sprouting apparatus and method.

; ioVéP

The invention relates to the germination of seeds and particularly to a method and apparatus for the hydroponic cultivation of shoots or seedlings in a controlled environment.

Various types of apparatus and methods are ..... | 5 has been used for germination and cultivation of vegetables, grasses and other plants in hydroponic way, i.e. without the use of soil. Such apparater.benytter usually large tray or 'containers in which seeds in the beginning placed and periodically thereafter humidified to facilitate germination and growth. A 10 stationary, rectangular frame structure is generally disposed for supporting the boards in vertical stacks. Examples of such structures are shown in US Patents 2,169,701 (Lund), 2,725,673 (Perlin) and 3,991,514 (Finck), British Patent 473,012, 15 1,176,753 and 1,374,076 and DE-OS 2602 788. When all of these patents employ relatively large containers for germination of seeds and the cultivation of seedlings, involves' later packing. of the seedlings in convenient brukerstørrelseskvantiteter for distributing a time consuming, costly additional operation.

20 Spiringsbrettene- and their corresponding true frame in some cases has been placed inside the enclosure houses the air in the house is kept at constant temperature by either heating or cooling. Examples of such heated house is shown in the aforementioned US Patent 2,169,701, 25 years 2,725,673 and 3,991,514, GB-PS 473 012 and DE-OS 2,602,788.

Artificial light sources have been used to facilitate plant growth once they have germinated. In DE-OS 2602788 is artificial light sources placed vertically along the inner surface of the housing wall, while the light sources according to US-PS 3,991,514 30 is disposed horizontally along the inner surface of the housing wall. A shortage arising from placing lyskil where only the house's interior walls., Is that the light is not uniformly distributed throughout the house, so the longer one plant is located from the walls, the less light will plant 35 receiving. Another type of lighting installation is shown in U.S. Patent 2,169,701 where light sources are disposed along the housing roof. Placing the lamps in this place does, however, only plants in the upper tray of board stack to receive light.

2 In some appliances for hydroponic cultivation of plants is irrigation water recycled. Attempts have been made to filter the recycled water to remove contaminants, such as seed hulls, fragments of roots, fungal or mold .....

ø spores. In apparatuses according to US Patent 3,991,514 and British Patent

1374076 is a filter disposed in the water line between the nozzles used to deliver water to the growing plants and the pump used to pump water to the nozzles. Simply filtering irrigation water has not obstructed 10 growth of fungi or mildew in the hot, moisture-saturated environment in which plants typically grown hydroponically. Often, fungicides and other chemicals added to the water to control fungal problems in a satisfactory manner. For an example, US Patent 3,991,514 the addition of a 15 fungicide known as alkyldimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride to water to reduce the growth of fungi within the chamber walls. 1

Another type of apparatus for germination of seeds is shown in U.S. Patent No. 3,768,201 (Yoo) which a single container is under shock-20 tet in a larger chamber. The larger chamber also serves as .lagringsbeholder for water used to periodically spray the seeds and seedlings to be found in the less Be- not hold. A heating coil is located in the bottom portion of the larger container to heat it in the stored water.

25 Artificial light sources are also disposed along the roof of the larger chamber to shine down on the plants located in the container to promote the photosynthesis of the germinated seeds.

/

The present invention relates to a novel method and apparatus for germination of different types of seeds 30 for human consumption. In its basic form, the apparatus comprises a plurality of partially translucent, horizontally disposed, circular shelf structures are vertically spaced along the height of a vertically upstanding mast or pole which is located inside an enclosed housing. Masten and hyllekon- 35 structures are supported for rotation about the mast axis. Set of portable racks or shelves, which are arranged in rows about a center corresponding to the mast vertical axis, is supported by each bracket structure .. A number of three perforated or apertured, upwardly open containers in the form of transparent, flexible plastic bags used for storage and cultivation of sprouts are removably be inserted in each of the stand the sets of inclined orientation relative 5 to a horizontal plane. The bags are placed around each rail set so that in each row is in circular rings which are arranged concentrically around the mast vertical axis. Construction of apparatus with circular shelving each wear a circular row of shelves, minimizes the floor space 10 that is needed to produce a given quantity of sprouts. Utilization of individual bags carried by racks, enables hydroponically germination of seeds and cultivation of seedlings in the same containers in which the seedlings are distributed to consumers. Thus minimized the work required 15 to produce and pack sprouts so that the seedlings advantageously setf able to be produced and distributed with less cost. In the known spiringsapparater, spiers seeds in very large board, and after cultivation must spi clean repacked in individual containers for distribution to 20 customers.

Elongated lamps are arranged radially relative to the mast at a height of each shelf structure for directing light both up and down on the bags which is situated closest above and closest below the lamps. The partially transparent 25. shelving and the transparent bags makes it possible for the artificial light reaching the 'all germinated in all containers such that they will develop a uniform green color.

Conditioned air is circulated in the house to keep 30 temperature and the relative humidity in the house at approximately constant levels to provide optimal spirings- and growing conditions for the seeds and seedlings. The circulating air is also treated with fluorescent lamps to eliminate any air with resulting bacteria or fungi.

35 When the bags and their corresponding bracket structure rotates about the mast axis, the water of a dispensing pipe located above each shelf construction, automatically injected into each of the bags at periodic intervals 4 at a rate which is sufficient to completely mix or swirled the in bags located seeds. About-swirl of seeds minimizes the likelihood that bacteria and fungus will form in bags and contaminate spiers. "T Ø Construction of bracket structures with circular shape and rotation thereof about the mast provides the benefits that a uniform volume of water fills each bag and also that a uniform amount of light reaching each bag.

The water running off from the bags, drops 10 the inclined underlying shelf construction, flows toward a shelf construction opening which is situated near the mast, and then dropped down the mast to a collecting tank which is disposed proximate the bottom. From the collecting tank water is pumped to a remote storage tank for subsequent recirculation.

15 water received in the storage tank, is pumped continuously through a sand filter and then a charcoal filter to remove particulate material, and then transmitted via a germicidal lamp which expose water to ultraviolet light to kill with water resulted in bacteria and fungi. Collection 20 of irrigation and continuous treatment of this to kill bacteria and fungi, set substantially all water able to be reused and minimizes thereby advantageously the water volume required to germinate a given amount of seeds ·.

26 The method and apparatus provided according to the invention is characterized in the patent claims presented characterizing features.

The invention will be further described below in connection with exemplary embodiments with reference to the 30 accompanying drawings in which fig.lviser a partially sectioned side view of a typical embodiment of the invention. 2 is a cross sectional view along line 2-2 in FIG. 1 showing especially a shelf structure, Fig. 3 is an enlarged, exploded, partial, isometric view of hyllekonstruk-35 concentration in FIG. 2, Fig. 4 is an enlarged side view of a typical embodiment of the support rack of the invention, FIG.

5 is a greatly enlarged, partial side view and FIG.

6 is an enlarged partial perspective view of a

'In

5 part of the typical embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 4 showing in particular the manner in which the containers are suspended. an inner frame part, Fig. 7 shows a schematic view of a typical embodiment of the invention showing five special system of supply, recirculation and purification of liquid, and further air circulation system in the house, and FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial isometric view of a portion of FIG. 1 with parts cut away, showing especially the mast drive mechanism.

10 Referring initially referred to FIG. 1 and 7, comprises a frøspiringsapparat invention in principle a housing 20 enclosing a plurality of vertically spaced trays structures 22 mounted on a vertically-standing mast 24 which is supported to rotate about its 15 longitudinal axis. Referring additionally to FIG. 3-6, each occupies board structure 22 a plurality of wedge or circle segment-shaped rack set 26 which in turn carries a plurality of perforated, upwardly open, frøspirende containers in form of bags 28 irrigation water is supplied intermittently to the bags 20:28 by means of a supply and recirculation system 30, and to promote photosynthesis, artificial light applied to seedlings or shoots after they have germinated. The used water running off from the bags 28, collected in a remote storage tank 32 and is thence koantinuerlig pumped 25 through a cleaning system 34 for removing particulates, bacteria, fungi and other impurities from the water.

To bring the seeds to germinate, the bags 28 in the beginning placed on a tripod sets 26 and then placed seeds in bags. Stands 26 are then placed 30 ί housing 20. The temperature and the relative humidity of the air in the housing 20 is kept at constant levels to facilitate the germination of seeds and growth of seedlings. While mast 24 and fold structures 22 rotates, the bags 28 periodically fed with purified irrigation water. After the seeds have germinated, 35 are artificial light directed towards these. When the seedlings have reached a sufficient size, is removed tripod sets 26 from the housing 20 and the bags 28 are removed from the rack sets 26 and sealed. The packaged sprouts are now essentially ready for distributions' 6 ling of consumers.

Referring now particularly to FIG. 1 and 2, housing 20 is constructed of, · a unitary frame structure 36 which is composed of four vertical columns 38 which are together-g together by means of horizontally disposed upper cross members 40 interconnecting the upper end portions of the columns, and lower cross members 41 which vertically connects intermediate portions of the corner posts 38 to form the frame 36 in a substantially square shape. The frame 36 also contains three additional, vertiklat spaced pillar portions 4:02> 44 and 46 extending upwardly from a floor F for interconnecting the upper and lower cross members 40, respectively. 41 by the housing 20 frontside 48. A floor contact end surface block 50 is attached to the bottom of each corner column 38 and the vertical column members 42, 44 and 46. The fastener 15 devices, such as bolts 52, extending through vertical openings in each block 50 and is in engagement with the floor F for secure anchoring of the housing 20.

The sides, back and top of the frame 36 are covered by respective panels 54, 56 and 58, while the frame 36 the front 20 covered by a plate 60 having an opening 62. The opening 62 is' covered by upper and lower sliding doors 64 and 66 which rides on horizontal rails 68 mounted on the front plate 60.

\! Housing 20 bottom is closed by a sloping floor pan 70 as whole laughing from right to left in FIG. 1. A utløpstrau or 25 overflow 72 extends laterally from gulvpannens 70 left end as shown in FIG. 1 and 2. In order to support the floor-pan 70 and to further stiffen the frame 36, extending two struts 74 longitudinally directly under the floor 70 for connecting the lower front and rear cross members 41. Two side 30 transversely extending tverravstivere 76 extends below the floor 70 at right angles to the longitudinal tverravstivere 74 for connecting the other two lower cross members 41. the portions of the corner posts 38 that extend below the lower cross members 41 serve as leg housing 20 and is connected to the 35 lower cross members 41 by diagonal members 78.

For, to simplify the design and to minimize the costs of producing the housing frame 36, it is preferable that all structural components of the housing part 7 consists of the same type of construction elements. Although not essential, it is preferred that tubes of square or rectangular cross section is used to build the housing frame 36, so that the panels 54 to 60 have flat surfaces to rest against 5 when mounted on the frame 36. Other types of structural elements, such as angles or channels, can also be used.

The mast 24 is in FIG. 1, 3 and 8 are shown to be constructed of a flat, elongated, cylindrical tubular member 10 disposed vertically at the center of the housing 20 and is supported for rotation about its longitudinal axis. As best shown in FIG.

8, a circular, flat pressure plate 80 coaxially fitted over mast 24 lower end portion. Triangular junction plates 82 are also disposed around the mast 24 and the circumferential welded to 15. Both the master and the pressure plate 80 upper surface to stiffen the two parts together. From the storage or the print plate 80 extending mast 24 both down almost to the level for a flat floor plate 83, and through an opening provided in the floor-pan 70, and up to the top of housing 20 as shown in FIG.

20 l. The mast 24 is vertically supported by a plurality of pulley-wheel 84 which rolls against the pressure plate 80 lower surface.

The pulley wheels 84 are stored on axles in the U-shaped festebra-brackets 86 which in turn is bolted to floor plate 80. The pulley wheels 84 are centered around the mast 24 such that their 25 lines of contact with the pressure plate 80 lower surface is tangential to a theoretical circle concentric with mast 24. mast 24 lower end portion is held in place radially by means of a · number of horizontally disposed bottom rolls 90 stored on shafts to rest against the periphery 30 of the portion of the mast 24 which extends under the pressure plate 80. Similarly, way, the mast 24 upper end portion radially in position by a plurality of top rollers 92 which are stored at the housing frame 36 upper portion to rest against the periphery of the mast 24, the upper end portion, as shown in FIG. 1.

35 to rotate the mast 24 about its longitudinal axis, is an annular, the first sprocket 94 bolted to the circular pressure plate 80 to extend around the circumference thereof. The first sprocket 94 is horizontally aligned with a second, in 8 smaller sprocket 96 which is fastkilt.på a vertical intermediate. shaft 98. The intermediate shaft 98 is anti-friction bearings to an upstanding, rectangular perimeter frame 100 by use of bearing members 102 which are attached to each end of j 5 intermediate shaft 98 and bolted to the frame 100. The frame 100 is in turn rigidly attached to the floor plate 83 using by any suitable method, for example. by welding. A first chain 104 interconnecting the first and second sprockets 94, respectively.

96. A third chain wheel 106 is mounted on the shaft 98 in a 10 height during the second sprocket 96 and is connected by a second chain 108 operatively connected to a fourth sprocket 110 which is mounted on a driven output shaft which extends vertically up from an electrical motor 112. By dimensioning the first and third sprockets 94, respectively. 106 larger than 15 the second and fourth sprockets 96 respectively. 110, set the mast 24 is capable to rotate at a speed lower than the rotational speed of. The electric motor 112 output shaft. The mast 24 is rotated preferably at a rate of approximately 8 rpm. minute.

20 As shown in FIG. 1, the tray structure 22 mounted on and equally spaced along the height of the mast 24 to rotate therewith. Although ten fold structures 22 shown, the particular number of tray structures that are used may be varied to fit the housing 20 height. As shown in FIG.

25 February and 3, each tray structure 22 with a central circular hub 114 which encloses the mast 24. Eight equally åd-. separated oak laminated plywood slices 116 extending outwardly from the hub 114 circumferentially to cut a circular edge flange 118 and thereby dividing the circular shape formed by each brettkon-30 structure 22, the eight individual wedge or circle segment-shaped regions. Oak laminated plywood slices 116 and flange 118 has a rectangular cross-section and has greater height than width. A lattice segment 120 extends below adjacent oak laminated plywood slices 116 to cut oak laminated plywood slices and flange 118 along their lower edge portions 35, thus to serve as a floor for each brettkon-structure 22. oak laminated plywood slices 116 and flange 118 extending consequently upwardly beyond the upper surface of their associated grid segment 120. the radially inner corner of each grating 9 segment 120 has been cut away leaving a wedge-shaped opening 121 near the mast 24. each grid segment 120 has j also. "larger, triangular opening 122 and two exterior Be- 'lying substantially rectangular openings .124. As ... ; 5 the result of these three openings is almost the entire area of ​​each grid segment 120 open. As best shown in FIG. 3, the oak laminated plywood slices 116 are not horizontally arranged, but rises rather than upward as they extend radially outwardly from the hub 114, so that the grid segments 120 does not lie 10 flat, but instead also is inclined upwardly as it extends radially outwardly from the hub 114.

Each circular hub portion 114 has an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the mast 24 to allow hub parts to be inserted slidably above the mast 24 to vertically an-15 present interconnected. When the length of each hub 114 is larger than the depth of oak laminated plywood slices 116, are adjacent in the fold structures 22 spaced a uniform vertical distance above each other. Once the bosses 114 are engaged over the mast 24 in concern or contiguous relationship, clamped 20 bosses 114 to each other between a lower collar 126, .like are attached to the mast 24, the lower end portion at a height somewhat above the housing 20, the floor pan 70, and a internally threaded upper krage.128 which engages with the threaded upper end portion of the mast 24. in order to ensure that all boards structures 25 22 simultaneously rotates with the same speed together with the mast 24, all the central hubs 114 in the tray structure 22 locked to each other. This is achieved by providing a V-shaped notch 129 at the upper edge portion of each hub portion 114 for receiving a correspondingly shaped lower edge portion 30130 of the next, upwardly adjacent, central hub 114, as shown in FIG. 1 and 8.

As best shown in FIG. 3, a circle segment shaped cover plate 131 which is formed of transparent or translucent material positioned over each, substantially to 35 corresponding shaped segment 120. Each plate 131 is held in place by two angularly adjacent oak laminated plywood slices 116 and the corresponding portion of the circular flange 118. the plates 131 are preferably formed of a tough, clear, translucent or 10 shiny material, such as perspex, fiberglass or • * tempered glass. in

Each circular fold structure 22 supports'> a plurality of segment-shaped the holders or stands set 26 1:05 each mounted around a center corresponding to mast 24 longitudinal axis to form a circular row of holders or stands on each board structure 22. Each rack set 26 is shaped and sized to overlie one plate 131 and is held in place in this position of the portions of the 10 angularly adjacent oak laminated plywood slices 116 and the circular flange 118 which surrounds and extends above the upper surface of each plate 131. in this manner, all the rack set 26 forming each row, located in the same radial distance from the mast 24 longitudinal center, so the circular range 15 formed by the rail sets 26, occupying substantially the entire surface of each board structure 22. 1

For ease of handling in each rail set 26 composed of an inner 'section 134 and an outer section 136.

Referring also to FIG. 4 and j6, each inner rack 20 section 134 are shown to be formed by two upstanding trådsideram-mer 138. shifted relative to each other a distance corresponding to the angle separating adjacent oak laminated plywood slices 116 of each board structure 22. Each side frame 138 is formed of elongate, horizontally disposed top member 140 25 whose ends are joined to the upper end portion of short, vertically disposed column members 142 and 143. A second elongate, horizontally disposed upper intermediate portion 144 is located vertically below the top section 140 and also connects the two columnar parts 142 and 143. A first base member 146 is rigidly attached to the lower end 30 of the first søyledel 142 and extends horizontally toward the second søyledel 143. A second bottom portion 148 extends similarly-way from the other søyledel 143 horizontally direction of the first søyledel 142. A first diagonaldel 150 extends diagonally up 35 across from the end of the first bottom portion 146 opposite the first søyledel 142 for cutting the upper intermediate portion 144. a place located substantially centrally along the length thereof.

A second diagonaldel 152 likewise extends diagonally upward from the 11 end of the second bottom part 148 opposite to the second søyledel 143 for cutting the upper intermediate part 144 in the same place where it is joined to the first diagonal. ; Part 150. The. first and second diagonal portions 150 respectively. 1.52 - j 5 thus forms a downwardly open V-shape.

Top portions 140.av the two side frames 138 are connected by a series of horizontally disposed curved crossbars · 154. The intermediate side frame members 156 are also interconnected by means of a number of arcuate transverse 10 rods 156 each of which is located vertically under a corresponding upper cross bar 154 to form seed of vertically spaced crossbars. The arcuate crossbars 154 and 156 is shaped to define radial segments of circles concentrically disposed around the mast 24, the longitudinal axis when the inner 15 rack sections 134 are located on board the structures 22. The transverse bars 154 and 156 increases gradually in length to the increasing diameter of each exterior separated circle the partially defines.

Pairs of spaced upstanding pillars 157 20 connects the lower cross bars 156 and their corresponding upper crossbars 154 and then extends upwardly to a height above the upper crossbars. Given two pairs of bars 157 connecting the radially inner cross bar sets 156 and 154, the number of columns 157 with one pair for every 25 radially outwardly successive set of transverse rods so that the distance separating adjacent pairs of columns 157, remains substantially constant through all sets of crossbars. '

As shown in FIG. 3, each outer rack 30 section 136 so constructed that it is substantially a continuation of the inner rail section 134. More specifically, each rack ytterseksjon 136 also includes two vertical side frames 158 which are disposed relative to each other in the same angle as separating the side frames 138 of the inner section 35 134. Each side frame 158 further comprises an elongate, horizontally disposed top member 160 whose ends are joined to the upper end portion of the first and second columnar portions 162 respectively.

163. Each side frame 158 likewise contains also a long 12 \ stretched horizontally disposed, upper intermediate 164 located. vertically above the top portion 160. A first base member 166 barcodes 1 increases radially outwardly from the lower end of the first søyledel 162, while a second base portion 168 extending radially in 6 inwardly from the lower end of the second søyledel 163. A first diagonaldel 170 also rises diagonally upward from the end of the first bottom portion 166 located opposite to the first søyledel 162, for connection to the upper intermediate portion 164 in a central location along its length, while a 2 October diagonaldel 172 rises diagonally upward from the end of the second base member 168 opposite to the other søyledel 162, to cut the upper intermediate part 164 at the same place where it is connected to the first diagonaldel 170 ..

The outer frame sections 136 further contains 10 curved upper crossbars 174 which unites side-frame header parts 160 and curved lower crossbars 176 that joins side frames the upper and middle parts 164 to form vertically spaced sets of crossbars. The cross bars 174, 176 are also radially spaced relative to one another to define 20 circular segments which are concentrically arranged around a center which is defined by the theoretical intersection of the two siderammers 158 top part 160. This center also corresponds to the mast 24, the longitudinal axis when outer rail parts 136 are positioned on tray structures 22.

35 Pairs of spaced pillars 177 connect the corresponding upper and lower crossbars 174 and 176 and then rises to a height of the upper crossbars 174. Number of pairs of pillars 177 that are disposed along the radially inner cross bar sets 174 and 176, is one greater than the number of pairs of pillars 156 that are disposed along the radially outermost crossbar sets 154 and 156 in the inner frame section 134. as with the inner frame section 134, further increases the plurality of pairs of columns 177 with one pair for each consecutive radially externally located sets of crossbars so that the .avstand As differing 35 laughing pairs of columns 177 of adjacent pairs, remains substantially constant through all sets of crossbars.

From the foregoing description of the inner rail sections 134 and outer frame sections 136, it can be seen that 13 when the two rail sections arranged in pairs and placed on tray structures 22 to form circular arrays of the shelves, defines the corresponding arcuate cross bar set 154; 156 and 174, 176 concentric circular rings on the mast - j 5:24 longitudinal axis.

All structural components of the inner sections 134 and ytterseksjonene 136 is preferably constructed of a circular metal rod material to minimize the conditions of manufacture, cost and weight of each of said frame sections.

10 Other types of construction materials and other cross-section in forms may also be used, such as square or round tube. It is also preferred that each of the inner sections 134 and ytterseksjonene 136 is coated or painted with a water-impermeable, fungal and mildew-resistance-15 skilled coatings such natural or synthetic rubber, plastic or other similar materials. Obviously could also second frame structures and frame forms are used instead of those described above to achieve the purpose of supporting the seed containers compact and in a manner which will be further described 20 below.

Referring now particularly to FIG. 4-6, is stativpar 26 shown supporting a plurality frødyrkende be retained, stays in the form of bags 28. Each bag 28 is formed by two substantially rectangular plates or sheets 178 of the flex-25 belt, translucent material which has been united along their side and bottom edges to form seams 179 respectively. 180, but is open at its top 185. Each bag 28 has, however, an integrally formed channel 181 extending horizontally along an upper end portion of the one plate, and one in 30 integrally formed kilestrimmel 182 which extends horizontally along the opposite disc 178 to be received in and interlock with the channel 180 to close the bag 28, for example, after the bags are removed from the rack pairs 26 when the seedlings are ready for consumption. At least the lower portions of each 35 bag 28 comprises perforations or piercings 183 which is sufficiently large to permit passage of irriga-sjohsvann but sufficiently small to prevent the passage of seeds. The perforations 183 also allow air to circulate through the bags 14, 28 even when the peak 185 has been closed. The lower corners 184 and 186 of each bag 28 is rounded rather than being sharp, so that the seeds not be captured therein.

It is preferable that the plates 178 is formed of five clear plastic material, so that light is directed toward the bags 28, can reach the seedlings as soon as the seeds have germinated. Nevertheless, other materials such as fabric woven from natural or synthetic fibers, also be used. Furthermore, the flexible bags 28 may also be replaced by rigid through-10 perforated, upwardly open containers formed from such. clear plastic material.

Although the bags 28 are rectangular in shape, they • also be provided in other forms, eg. triangular or cylindrical. The particular form is used, however, should not catch lb seed at any place, nor prevent the circulation of irrigation water supplied to the bags.

The bags 28 mounted on stativpar 26 by simply pressing the upper edge portion of the bags down over the jagged or sharp, upper tip portions of a pair of columns 157 20 in the inner sections 134 or columns 177 in the outer sections 136 in the manner shown FIG. 6. The bags 28 are preferably suspended from the frame sections 134 and 136 so that the two columns 157, respectively. 177 each pierce one of the two plates 178 of each bag at a location near one of the bag side seams 25 179. Ideally placed side seam 179 located between the pairs of columns 157 or 177 (FIG. 6). The suspension of the bags 28 in stativpar 26 in this manner allows the bags 28 to tilt downwardly from the rack sections 134 and 136, so that the bag's lower corner 184 serves as a pocket into which non-30 germinated seeds have a tendency to accumulate, but not captured. As can be appreciated from the foregoing description of the structure of the rack sections 134 and 136, the bags 28, when racks are arranged around a folding structure 22 to form a circular row, also disposed in circular rings 35 concentrically around the mast 24 lerigdeakse.

To help the seedlings or shoots of their photo-synthesis process, two spaced apart, parallel, artificial light sources 188 and 190 disposed horizontally over each 15 fold structure 22. The light sources 188 and 190 are constructed of elongated, rigid affixed supporting arms 192 respectively. 194, the fixed ends are mounted to the housing frame vertical portion 44 respectively.

46 and whose free ends are directed generally toward the mast 24 g so that the arms 192 and 194 are substantially radially relative to the mast 24. The light sources 188 and 190 include, also house 196 for enclosing the transformers (not shown) and for supporting fluorescent lamps or tubes 198 horizontally outside from each side and longitudinally along the arms 192 and 194 length. The arms 192 and 194 are preferably constructed of the same firkantrørmateriale used fo.r construction of the housing frame 36, but they may also be constructed of other building components, such as rectangular ducts, channels or I-beams.

15 It will be appreciated that the structure of hyllekonstruksjo- tions 22 of generally open grid segments 120 that are covered by transparent or translucent plates 131, allows fluorescent light from the light sources 108 and 190 to track both down on the bags 28 carried by the almost 20 underlying frame number and upwardly through the nearest overlying tray structure 22 to reach the bags 28 carried by the closest overlying frame number. Fluo-rescereride light will thus reach substantially all the seedlings contained in each bag 28 so that they are allowed. 25 to develop uniform to a green color. By placing the fluorescent lamps 198 substantially radially relative to the mast 24 and rotating the folds 22 about the mast axis, is further only two light sources 188 and 190 required by each board structure 22 to provide a sufficient degree of 30 light spiers contained in all bags 28 in each rack number.

To provide optimal spirings- and growing conditions, operates a circulation system air having the selected temperature and relative humidity through the housing 20. Luftsirkula-35 tion system, which is best shown in FIG. 1 and 7, includes a horizontal channel 200 which is disposed over 'and extends along the rear edge of the housing top plate 58. As shown in FIG. 7 is an inlet opening 202 arranged in the right 16 portion of the channel 200 to allow the inflow of air from the interior of housing 20. The opposite end portion of the channel 200 is in fluid flow connection with a vertical passage 204 which extends downwardly along the left, 6 rear corner of housing 20, as shown in FIG. 2. The vertical channel 204 has a downwardly directed outlet 206 which is located at a height slightly above the housing floor pan 70. Air flowing through the outlet 206 must therefore flow around brettkonstruk-tions 22 and rise up through the housing 20 to reach the 10 horizontal channel inlet 202. Although channels 200 and 204 are shown having rectangular cross section, other cross-sectional shapes, such as round or square cross section, also be used.

As shown schematically in FIG. 7, a fan 208 15 disposed in the channel 200 a small distance downstream of the inlet opening 202 to force air to flow through the channels 200 and 204. Electrical resistance heating elements 210, is disposed near the fan 208 to heat the flowing air when desired. A number of water nozzles 212 are disposed on the-20 power to the resistance heating elements 210 for selective control of the relative humidity of the air in chamber 20. This is accomplished by allowing the water in a fine mist flow from the nozzles 212 into the adjacent air stream. As also shown in fig.'7 is further a plurality of fluorescent lamps 214 25 arranged inside the horizontal channel 200 portion close to the vertical channel 204. The light emitted from the lamps 214 kills airborne bacteria and fungi that can circulate through the housing 20 .

It can be seen that not only luftsirkulasjonssytemet 30 ensures that the temperature and the relative humidity in the housing 20 is maintained at levels for optimal germination of seeds og.dyrking of sprouts, but also ensures that the air is kept at a pressure above atmospheric pressure so that dust, bacteria and other · impurities that may be floating in the ambient air, do not come into 35 in the housing 20 even when the doors 64 and 66 open.

Air circulation system also serves to evaporation ningsavkjøle air flowing through the housing 20. This is achieved by first opening a drain valve 216 in an opening 218 17 which is located at the end of the horizontal channel 200 near inlet opening 202 and lukke'en recirculation valve 219 which is located between the fan 208 and kanalinnløpsåpnin- gene 202, so that air leaving the housing 20 flows out re- '~, 5 through said opening 218. Then, opening an ytterluftventil 220 in an opening 222 which is located downstream of the fan 208, for to allow air to flow into the passage 200. air flowing in through the opening 222, is sprayed with a fine mist of cold water from the nozzles 212, so that this water brin-10 GE to evaporate and thus reduces the temperature of this air before the flowing into ichuset 20.

In addition to lighting and luftsirkulasjonssyste-mer invention encompasses a irrigasjonsvann- or vekstvæsketilførsels- and recirculation system 30 for the period-15 counter supplying the seeds and then the seedlings, a substantially .ensartet volume of purified water for proper germination of seeds and growth of seedlings. As best shown in FIG. 2, 3 and 7, extends a water inlet line 224 through the side plate 54 to intersect a vertical disposed manifold 226> 20 located in housing 20. At a height of each brettkonstruk- board 22 is a dispensing or distributing pipe 228 cantilevered horizontally from housing frame upright portion 42 to extend vertically inward toward the mast 24. the water flows into each by-delingsrør 228 at a location between ends thereof through 1:25 conduit 230 which also are fluidumstrømningskommunikasjon with the distributor pipe 226. a flow control shut-off valve 232 is located in conduit 230 at a location in the immediate vicinity of the vertical pipe 226, so that water can be selectively supplied to one manifold 228 at a time.

30 A series of downwardly directed nozzles 234 are located along the underside of each manifold 228, the position of each of the nozzles 234 corresponding to the location of the concentric rings formed of the bags 28 in each row. When each tray structure 22 rotates about the mast 24, flows so-35, the water flows downwardly through the orifices 234, into the upwardly open bag 28. To provide each bag 28 with a substantially uniform volume of water decreases the nozzles 234 from the end of the distribution pipe 228 located near rammekonstruk-; 18 General's vertical portion 42, gradually in size towards the free end of the distribution pipe near the mast 24 by an amount corresponding to the reduction in the number of bags 28 in each of the progressively smaller, circular rings of bags. The nozzles 234 are - .....; 5, however, dimensioned sufficiently large to ensure that water will flow down into the bags 28 with a sufficient velocity to mix thoroughly the seeds in the bag.

It has been found that the support of the bags 28 on stativpar 26 so that the tilting and periodically thereafter the filling 10 tion of each of the bags 28 with purified water1 at a rate sufficient to agitate the seeds, by any reason minimizes the likelihood that bacteria and fungi to form in bags and contaminate spiers.

Before the present embodiment the bags 28 cone 15 constructed with square or sharp bottom corners 184 and 186.

Seeds were often caught in these corners, and thus was not

, In

mixed with the other by means of irrigation water. As a result arose often fungal and bacteria in these corners and contaminated then quickly the rest of the seeds and seedlings.

, 20 In order to prevent this from happening, the rail sets 26, ca. 1 day after de'opprinnelig was placed in the housing 20 removed so that a flow of high pressure water could be directed into the corners 184 and 186 to ensure that all the seeds were sufficiently fluidized. Thereafter rail sets 26 set back on the 25 place in the housing 20. It has been found that this time-consuming, costly, manual operation could be eliminated by providing the bags 28 with rounded lower corners 184 and 186, so that the seed is no longer gets stuck in the corners . Rounded corners 184 and 186 allows the irrigation water to 30 circulate more freely and completely through the bags, so that the seeds are completely mixed exclusively by means of water supplied by means of distribution pipes 228.

Since each underlying grid segment 120 is obliquely set against the shaft 24, the water that flows out of the bags 28, 35 through the perforations 183, flow along the upper surface of the cover plates 131 inward toward the mast 24 and then downwardly through the grid segment opening 121. The water eventually reaches the feet to house inclined floor pan 70 and then flows * 19 out through the discharge chute -72 and into an open collecting tank or sump 236 which is located on the floor F near the left side ", (the housing 20 as shown in FIG. 1 and 2, a sump pump; 238. is located in the collecting tank 236 to pump the used - j 5 water through a line. 240 and into the upper part of the open storage tank 32 in which water is kept until it is again necessary to irrigate the seeds and seedlings (Fig. 7).

The invention also comprises a system 34 for the group in continuous cleaning of the water stored in the tank 32 and 10 then either to return the water to the top of tank 32, or alternatively direct the water piped to the housing 20. An outlet conduit 242 connects the inlet side of a pump 244 with tank 32 bottom portion. A conduit 246 connects pump 244 outlet side to the inlet side of a sand filter 248, are eyelets 15-ner the larger particles in the water. A conduit 250 connects the sand filter 248 outlet side to the inlet sides of kullfil- tere 252 and 253 to remove the smaller particles in the water. The sand filter 248 also has a conduit 254 and a valve 256 which is in fluid flow connection with the pump outlet 20. conduit 246 and also with the filter outlet line 250, through which pipes water from tank 32 is pumped maintenance backwashing of the sand filter 248. Before backflushing occurs, valve 258 in conduit 246 first closes and a valve 260 in the sand filter discharge conduit 262 opens.

25 exit lines 264 and 266 from kullfiltrenes 252 and 253 outlet ports are interconnected to form a single conduit 268 which leads to the inlet side of a bactericidal lamp 270.

A backwash line 272 connects sandfilte-30 the outlet conduit 250 with kullfiltrenes 264 and 266 discharge wires 264 respectively. 266. For pressurized carbon filters 252 and 253 have a normally closed valve 234 in conduit 272 and a normally closed valve 276 in a vent line 278 first opens, and normally open valves 280 and 282 in the pipes 250 35 respectively. 268 må'lukkes. Switchover of these four valves allowing water to flow into the kullfiltrenes 252 and 253 discharge sides through lines 264, respectively. 266, and then flow out through conduit 250 and thence through discharge line 278.

20

The germicidal lamp 270 comprises an ultraviolet light source is encased in a cylindrical quartz tube; 284 which in turn is supported in a correspondingly shaped; the outer housing 286 so that it is between them formed a thin, ring- <5 shaped passage 288 through which the filtered water from the tank 32 passes. By the time the water reaches the germicidal lamp 270, the sand filter 248 and charcoal filters 252 and 253 remove particulate contaminants so that the ultraviolet light can effectively pass through the water 10 to kill microbes and bacteria.

Purified water leaves the germicidal lamp 270 through an outlet line 290 which then branches to a tank return line 292 and husinnløpsledningen 224. When water is not supplied to the housing 20, a valve 296 in husinnløpsled-15 solution 224 closed and valve 298 to tank return line 292 is open so that- the purified water thus permitted to return to the tank 32. Alternatively, when the periodic irrigation of the seeds and seedlings growing in the bags 28, the valve 296 is opened and the valve 298 is then closed. It can be seen that before 20 water led to the housing 20 from the tank 32, passing it one last time through filtreringssysternet 240.

Replacement Water is supplied automatically to the tank 32 to replace the water that is either been absorbed. the seeds or seedlings or lost by evaporation from 25 collecting tank 236 or storage tank 32. As shown in FIG. 7, this is achieved using a float valve 300 which is located in the tank 32 to sense when the water has fallen below a predetermined level and then send a signal to an automatic flow control valve 302 which is located in a 30 water replacement conduit 304. The conduit 304 has its inlet connected to a tiiførselskilde to drain water from the supply source into the top of tank 32.

Water stored in and flows through the tank 32, kept at a constant predetermined temperature using 35 a heater 306 which is located in the tank 32 and is controlled by a thermostat (not shown). It is preferred that water in tank 32 is heated to about 70 °.

* 21 "

For the germination of seeds by the use of the above described apparatus, the bags 28 first mounted on stativpar,

26 in that the upper edge portions of each bag are pressed down in

of the upper end portions of the pointed frame columns 157 and 5177, so that one of the bag side seams 179 located between the two columns 157 or 177. When the bag is suspended with this orientation is said seam 179 against the arcuate crossbars 154 and 156 in the inner frame section 134 or the crossbars 174 and 176 in the outer frame section 136. the bags 28 October consequently clear so that their outer bottom corner 184 will be below the inner bottom corner 186. Then a number stativpar 26 disposed on each tray structure 22 to form a circular row of shelves which are located concentrically around the mast 24 longitudinal axis. The bags 28 which are 15 mounted on rail pairs 26, are correspondingly disposed in concentric rings around the mast 24 longitudinal axis.

After the rail sets 26 have been placed on board structures 22, the irrigation water periodically supplied from the competent manifold 228 into the bags 28 when j 20 fold structures 22 is rotated about the mast 24 longitudinal axis.

It is preferred that the irrigation or watering process occurs once every eight hours. Water is supplied to the one board structure 22 at a time, so that it flows down into the bags 28 with sufficient velocity to mix thoroughly the seeds 25 located in the bags. Irrigation water leaving the bags 28 through the perforations 183, falls down on the inclined fold plates 131 and then flows toward ma-, ten 24, through brettkonstruksjbnsåpningene 121 down the sloping floor pan 70 and then finally out through 30 the overflow 72 and into the collecting tank 236.

From the collecting tank 236 is the used irrigation water is pumped to storage tank 32 by sump pump 238.

The water stored in the storage tank 32 is continuously driven through the purification circuit 34 for filtering and treating water 3b antibacterial to minimize the possibility that bacteria and fungi will form on the seeds or seedlings. If the water in the storage tank 32 drops below a predetermined level, replacement water is automatically supplied to the tank, ¥ 22 • and if water in the tank 32 falls below a predetermined temperature, is automatically heated by the electrical motstandsviklinger 306.

After the seeds have germinated, the growth light from only-5 ladder lamps directed at the bags 28. When brettkonstruk- tion plates 131 is translucent, when light until each bag 28 from light sources which are located above and below each tray structure 22 so that all seeds of each bag 28 can be fed a sufficient amount of growth light.

10 In order to provide an optimal spirings- and growth situation, circulating conditioned air continuously through the housing 20. The air is maintained at a constant temperature of about

80 ° and at a constant relative humidity of about 90%. Air * borne bacteria and fungi is further exposed to fluorescent light 15 from the source 214 to minimize the likelihood that the seed. and sprouts will become contaminated in this way. The air in the housing 20 is also set at a pressure above atmospheric pressure to prevent dust, bacteria and other impurities from entering the.

housing 20.

"20 When the seedlings have grown to a sufficient sizes see removed tripod sets 26 from folding structures 22, bags 28 lifted from the rack pairs 26 and then the top 185 of the bags closed to prevent the seedlings from falling out. The seedlings are now ready for distribution and consumption. The entire 25 growth process from the time when the rail sets 26 at first placed in the housing 20 and then finally removed, it takes approximately Three days. During this time remains the seed and the later sprout in the same bag 28 in which the later distributed and sold f, so that no repackaging needed and the degree to which 30 seedlings must be handled, thus minimized.

85 in *