Abstract: A rotational sprouter system, is disclosed including: a chamber comprising an opening; a porous end cap that is configured to engage the opening of the chamber; a reservoir; wherein the chamber and the porous end cap are at least partially submerged in the reservoir such that an interior of the chamber is in communication with the reservoir via the porous end cap; and wherein the porous end cap is adapted to engage a drive mechanism that is configured to rotate the chamber and the porous end cap while the chamber and the porous end cap are at least partially submerged in the reservoir.

Abstract: An apparatus for cultivating plants may include a cabinet having a cultivation space; a machine compartment separated from the cultivation space and that accommodates a compressor and a condenser; at least one bed disposed in the cultivation space and on which at least one seed package including nutrient solution and seeds is seated; at least one light assembly that radiates light toward the at least one bed; and a water tank disposed in the cultivation space, positioned in front of the machine compartment, and that stores water to be supplied to the at least one bed. The water tank may be inserted into and withdrawn out of the cultivation space.

Abstract: Automatic germination equipment for oat grains includes a plurality of germination accelerating tank bodies each of which is of a hollow structure, a first direction and a second direction are self-defined in each germination accelerating tank body, a plurality of leaching layers are fixedly arranged in each germination accelerating tank body in the first direction, and the leaching layers are fixedly installed on an inner side surface of the germination accelerating tank body; and a reciprocating switch valve device which includes a bottom valve and a rotating lead screw fixedly connected to the bottom valve, the bottom valve is fixedly connected to an outer side surface of the germination accelerating tank body in the first direction, and one end of the rotating lead screw away from the bottom valve passes through the leaching layers in the second direction and extends towards the interior of the germination accelerating tank body.

Abstract: A vertically-stacked growing system includes vertical beams and horizontal shelves respectively arranged on different vertical levels, Each horizontal shelf has a length and a width, and includes horizontal structural supports coupled to at least some of the vertical beams, decking coupled to the horizontal structural supports, and multiple walls to form a shallow pond when the horizontal shelf contains a plant nutrient water culture, thereby constituting a growing layer of the growing system. The walls include two side walls along the length and two end walls along the width. Each horizontal shelf further includes a loading and/or unloading apparatus to facilitate loading and/or unloading of a plurality of rafts into and/or out of the shallow pond, via the two end walls, wherein respective rafts of the plurality of rafts include a plurality of germinated plants.

Abstract: A vertical tier growing system for growing plants (8). The system includes at least one vertically tiered shelf section (1) secured to and movable along a floor track. Each section (1) has its own means to direct nutrient fluid and light to plants (8) growing on said section (1).

Abstract: The present invention relates to agriculture, and particularly relates to a process for obtaining a root mass from plant seeds which are subjected to particular conditions of germination in hydroponic culture, and once germinated, placed in conditions that favor the development of its root system. The root mass thus obtained can have multiple industrial applications such as material alternative to wood for thermal and acoustic insulation and fire-resistant construction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuous automated growing of plants utilizes a vertical array of plant supporting arms extending radially from a central axis. Each arm has a plurality of pot receptacles which receive the plant seedling and liquid nutrients and water. The potting arms are rotated beneath grow lamps and pollinating arms. The frequency of feeding is increased as the plants grow. CO2 enriched air may also be provided. Once the plants are ready to harvest, they are manually exchanged for new seedlings and packaged.

Abstract: A symbiotic aquaponic growth system is a system for growing plants. An aquaculture reservoir holds water and aquatic animals. Water and waste is transported to a filtering germination tray that serves to hold germinating seeds as well as to filter solid waste from the water. Plants are supported in a tubular growing member that rotates due to water flowing from the filtering germination tray onto the tubular growing member. The aquaculture reservoir, the filtering germination tray, and the tubular growing member are contained within an enclosure that may be closed via a lid and a shuttered door. Water is transported from the aquaculture reservoir to the filtering germination tray through a fluid distribution assembly. Water and nutrients are provided to plants in the tubular growing member by dipping the plant roots into the aquaculture reservoir as well by the water falling onto the plant roots from the filtering germination tray.

Abstract: A modular hydroponic growth system and method for applying the system having a central nutrient solution and nutrient reservoir that feeds nutrient solution and nutrients to one or more growth modules. A wall of the growth module is adapted to be removed to allow unimpeded access along a side of the box whereby trays may be inserted and removed without raising the bottom of the tray higher than required to clear an interior bottom surface of a cultivation chamber growth module. An additional germination compartment of the growth module supports simultaneous germination of seeds while another growth compartment of a same box supports growth in a second vessel, whereby ambient light is received by plants in the second vessel. An optional light filter screen provides varying filtering of the second vessel by selectively positioning a unified screen having two or more sections of varying strengths of light.

Abstract: To provide an accelerated aging seed testing kit system, a single sheet of plastic or other suitable formable sheet material is pressed into the shape of a compartment base having recesses for mounting a seed holder. A seed holder that includes a seed support and a seed support holder is formed. The seed support holder is formed of a single sheet of plastic having radially extending tabs that fit into the recesses of the container to support the seed support above the bottom of the test kit. A bypass channel for addition of an aqueous solution used in the prescribed test condition is provided in the seed holder. A lid is formed out of one piece of plastic having a bendable tab to serve as a port and the openings and connecting points of the lid and seed holder are positioned so they can only fit together in one orientation having the port above the bypass channel.

Abstract: A saturated cold germination test kit includes a compartment base, a lid and a holder for an oxygen scavenger. The base is water and airtight and includes a liquid gas exchange control trough around its perimeter. It is sized to house a high moisture holding seed planting surface pack at the bottom so seeds can be placed on top of the surface to imbibe and initiate pre-germination mechanisms. The lid has an edge that fits into a trough that houses a gas barrier liquid in the base to form an airtight seal and has an attachable compartment for an oxygen scavenger so the kit may be placed together in an airtight configuration with the oxygen scavenger inside to provide an anaerobic atmosphere for performing the saturated cold germination test in a cool location.

Abstract: A method for treating plant seed is provided comprising contacting them with a first surface of semi-permeable membrane having first and second surfaces, the second surface being in direct contact with a solution of predetermined osmotic potential, whereby the seeds abstract water from the solution through the membrane, wherein the seed and semi-permeable membrane are constantly or periodically caused to move relative to each other such as to constantly or periodically reorient the seed with respect to the first surface such that the transfer of water occurs evenly over substantially the entire surface area of the seed. For seed priming the osmotic pressure and the period for which the seeds are maintained in contact with the membrane are sufficient to allow pre-germinative metabolic processes to take place within the seeds up to a level limited to that immediately preceding radicle emergence. Methods for germinating seed and inducing desiccation tolerance in seed are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method to provide accelerated germination of seed sprouts specifically mung beans. The seed sprouts are placed in a closed vessel, soaked and then have air blown through a layer of seeds and showered at predetermined intervals. The method comprises forming a layer of seeds on a screen in an enclosed vessel, soaking the seeds with water plus additives, then humidified air is blown through the layer of seeds, and water plus additives are sprayed at intervals while the air is being blown through the vessel. Temperature of the vessel is controlled during the operation by heating both air and water sprayed onto the seeds.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method provide accelerated germination of seed sprouts specifically mung beans. The seed sprouts are placed in a closed vessel, soaked and then have air blown through a layer of seeds and showered at predetermined intervals. The method comprises forming a layer of seeds on a screen in an enclosed vessel, soaking the seeds with water plus additives, then humidified air is blown through the layer of seeds, and water plus additives are sprayed at intervals while the air is being blown through the vessel. Temperature of the vessel is controlled during the operation by heating both air and water sprayed onto the seeds.

Abstract: A device for cultivating bean sprouts comprises at least one cultivating container, a bubble generating pump, a control unit which controls the bubble generating pump, a timer, an electric heater, and a temperature sensor. Also, the device further comprises a U-shaped tube for supplying the water in a water reservoir tank to a water-ascending pipe which is disposed in the center of the cultivating container. An air conduit injects air bubbles into the water ascending pipe which terminates in a T-shaped rotable injection pipe disposed at the top end of the of the water-ascending pipe. Spaced-apart sieve plates are disposed on the top and the bottom of the cultivating container for housing and treating the beam sprouts which can be automatically irrigated.

Abstract: Preparing a foodstuff for human or animal consumption by sowing seeds of at least one quick-germinating plant of a type such as to produce strong root systems in peat which is allowed to lie in a layer having a thickness in the range of from 40 to 200 mm for a vegetation period of from 10 to 21 days, there being at least 900 Kg of seeds per hectare of the layer and recovering the germinated seeds and the peat as the foodstuff.

Abstract: A plurality of perforated individual seed germinating and sprout growing bags are suspended from sets of portable racks which are placed on circular tray structures. The tray structures are supported in spaced vertical relationship by an upright mast located within an enclosed housing and adapted to rotate about its longitudinal axis. The rack sets of each tray structure are arranged about the longitudinal axis of the mast to form circular tiers. Periodically, filtered and anti-bacterially treated irrigation water is supplied to each bag at a fast enough rate to thoroughly mix the seeds located therein. Water draining from the bags is collected in a storage tank and subsequently recycled after first being filtered and purified. Once the seeds have sprouted, artificial light is provided so that substantially all the sprouts in each bag receive a uniform amount of growing light.

Abstract: A new hydroponically oriented apparatus for the sprouting of legume plants such as alfalfa, green beans, wheat and the like is disclosed. A unique process for sprouting of the legumes from seed, which includes the step of mineralizing the sprouts is also disclosed.

Abstract: The temperature and wetness of alfalfa seeds are varied during specified time periods to bring about germination in 48 hours. After germination, the alfalfa sprouts are exposed for 192 hours to an environment of regulated and varying temperature, humidity and light intensity to produce maximum growth and nutritional value. Thereby, alfalfa sprouts, high in nutritional value and suitable for human consumption, can be grown from seeds during a 240 hour period.

Abstract: A device for producing sprouts consisting of a receptacle for containing the growing sprouts having a drain therein and a water reservoir method above the first receptacle. The water reservoir is filled at a slow regulated rate and is automatically emptied into the first receptacle at regular intervals. Heater means raises the reservoir water to the desired temperature and the entire assembly is contained within an insulated housing for maintaining a nearly constant temperature and providing a dark environment.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a seed supporting screen mounted a predetermined distance above a water reservoir in which an aerator grid is immersed to provide a circulating flow of moisture droplets and moisture laden air around and through the screen to provide a maximum supply of the nitrogen in ordinary air to the seed roots exposed to the moisture laden air. The air coming up from the grid agitates and aerates a surface layer of the water supply. A regulatable preset thermostatically controlled heater is provided. The seed support screen is mounted in predetermined spaced relation above the level of the water in the reservoir below the screen. The method disclosed includes maintaining the water at a desired temperature while air is forced through the aerator grid introducing an even distribution of air bubbles into the water. The bubbles rise to the surface and break to thus continuously bathe the seed with an abundant supply of moisture droplets and moisture laden air for substantially accelerating growth.

Abstract: A self-irrigating display rack is provided for potted plants, which comprises a tier of display dishes supported on a reservoir base. The display dishes are mounted in vertically spaced coaxial positions on an upright central tubular member which, in turn, is supported on the base. A pipeline extends upwardly through the interior of the tubular member from the lower end to the upper end thereof coaxially with the tubular member. A pump is mounted in the reservoir base for circulating irrigating water from the reservoir up through the pipeline to the top of the central tubular member. The water from the pipeline is returned to the reservoir through the tubular member. The tubular member is provided with a first set of openings located over each of the dishes, and with a second set of openings located at a predetermined level in each dish.

Abstract: There is disclosed a device for hydroponic growth of plants which includes an elongated chamber having an inlet door, an outlet door, and an interior designed to support vertically spaced trays which are arranged to be advanced one tray-length each day from the inlet door toward the outlet door. The trays are illuminated with light adapted to promote photosynthesis after advancing three tray-lengths through the chamber. The chamber is at least seven tray-lengths long and is provided with sprays above the top row of trays. The trays have corrugated bottoms with drain holes in the lowermost portion of each corrugation.

Abstract: Apparatus providing a controlled environment for intensive cultivation of vegetable matter, e.g. bean sprouts is disclosed. A valve regulates the supply of water from a reservoir to a water-spray inlet in the roof of a cultivation chamber having an air vent and a water drainage outlet. A timing device, operatively connected to a valve actuating mechanism, opens the valve for a predetermined length of time at predetermined intervals. The water supplied to the spray inlet is heated by a thermostatically controlled heater. The chamber may be thermally insulated and its interior may be heated by a thermostatically controlled heater.