Abstract: An automatic sprouter apparatus is disclosed which comprises a housing having an interior divided into a plant compartment and a water compartment. The plant compartment has a porous horizontal divider adapted to allow plants to rest thereon and water to drain therethrough. The water compartment is divided into an upper space having a floor, a water reservoir containing water positioned below the hardware space and a mixing area interposed between water reservoir and hardware space with the floor forming the top of the mixing area. The floor has a plurality of holes therethrough which provides gaseous communication between the mixing area and the hardware space. The sides and the bottom of the mixing area are formed of a screen. A mist generator is mounted to the floor and has a motor with a shaft extending downwardly therefrom. A hollow tapered shaft, open at both upper and lower ends, is mounted on the shaft and extends downwardly therefrom through the mixing area and into the water reservoir.

Abstract: A bean sprout culture box with a sprinkling device has a water tray, at least one culture case, a sprinkling case, a hollow sprinkler pivotally mounted in the sprinkling case and an inlet valve. The sprinkling case has multiple drain holes defined in the bottom of the sprinkling case. The hollow sprinkler has a chamber defined in the bottom of the sprinkler and multiple posts extending down from the sprinkler at the end opposite from the chamber. With such a bean sprout culture box, the sprinkling device can automatically sprinkle by the effect of gravity on the water, and electricity is not needed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for treating seed (5) with a fluid, in particular water, involving the use of a fluid-containing gas, whereby seed is brought into contact with a gas having a controlled fluid content and the seed is kept in contact with the gas over a defined period whilst direct contact between the seed and the fluid in liquid form is substantially precluded.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for promoting by light irradiation the germination of seeds and the growth of plants generated by the seeds. The seeds to be treated are irradiated with radiation that is a simulation of the solar visible spectrum. The radiation may have a wavelength range from about 400 to about 700 nm. The irradiating light may be pulsed, for example at a frequency from about 10 to 150 pulses per minute, each pulses having a duration from 0.1 to 0.9 seconds and the intervals between pulses having a duration about from 0.1 to 6.0 seconds. The seeds may be cooled while irradiating them, such as to maintain the seeds at temperatures not exceeding 35° C. Cooling the seeds may be carried out by means of a stream of gas.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to germinate and dry grain, such as oats, wheat, barley, etc. in only one apparatus under optimum conditions automatically and on an industrial scale in a short period of time. The apparatus comprises a rotatable drum having a plurality of drain holes pierced through a surface thereof and an insulating cover covering the drum for preventing heat within the drum from radiating or escaping. The apparatus also includes a sprayer for spraying water on the grain and treating structure connected to the sprayer for heating, purifying, and increasing the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water, while circulating the water to be supplied to the sprayer. A blower is also provided for heating, purifying, and blowing air into the drum. The apparatus makes it possible to produce germinated grain automatically by using electronic control devices and to produce large quantities of germinated grain in a short period of time without having to move grain from one place to another.

Abstract: An apparatus for growing beansprouts, comprising a plurality of containers (1, 2) for growing the sprouts therein mounted vertically one above the other extended above one end of a water tank (4) whereby the containers comprise movable plates (9, 10) to stabilize the seed bed, and movable bases (5, 6, 7, 8) at the bottom of each container, enabling its movable base to move from a position of closing the bottom to a position of opening the bottom, thereby allowing sprouts grown within the container to fall into the tank: where the tank having a means to convey the sprouts received from the containers end of the tank to the other end of the tank.

Abstract: A method of cultivating bean sprouts includes the steps of germinating seeds of bean sprouts in a cultivating container so that bean sprouts grow and turning the cultivating container upside down together with the bean sprouts in the middle of cultivation so that the bean sprouts grow in an upside-down state. The cultivating container has a cylindrical or conical shape, or an elliptical section such that the container has an inner circumference with a gentle curvature.

Abstract: A method of clearing fungal spores from seed by immersing the seed in an aqueous solution including dissolved inert gas and sonicating the seed at a frequency preferably of between about 15 kHz and about 30 kHz and an energy density of between about 1 watt/cm2 and about 10 watts/cm2 for a period of between 0.1 minute and about 15 minutes.

Abstract: A sprout cultivation box with an automatic water regulating and balancing device provides a precise-controlled, automatic, and complete cultivation environment for performing continually the soakage, sprouting, and cultivating processes of beans or seeds within the box, and for saving the water resources as well as the cost at no price of the quality and production. The present invention comprise a reinforce box capable for duplicate stacking, a permeable elastic cover, a carrier plate with a plurality of tiny compartments for anchoring beans, an elastic engaging means for rapidly connecting and disconnecting the permeable elastic cover from the box, and the water-feeding device for precisely and automatically regulating the water circulation inside the sprout cultivation box.

Abstract: A method of producing enzymes in which plant seeds are subjected to a softening process and a germination process in an aqueous environment and wherein a substance is added to the aqueous environment at least before and during the softening process, the substance selected from the group consisting of liposomes and niosomes and mixtures thereof, the substance containing a germination enhancing factor, the substance relatively easily and rapidly permeating a biomembrane and the germination enhancing factor enhancing the germination process.

Abstract: An automatic sprinkling device for a bean sprout culture box assembly including a base box and a stacked culture boxes. The device includes a pump mounted on the base box which pumps water from the base box to the top culture box. The device includes a pump actuating circuit that actuates the pump, a transistor having a base and a collector, and a relay having a first end connected to the collector of the transistor and a second end connected to the pump. A microprocessor having an output is connected to the base of the transistor. A data setting unit is connected to an input of the microprocessor and arranged to input data into the microprocessor. A display unit is connected to the output of the microprocessor and displays data generated by the data setting unit. A memory device is connected to the microprocessor and is arranged to store data set by the data setting unit.

Abstract: A system for germinating livestock feed grains and growing sprouts therefrom using a plant nutritive effluent from a manure treatment process includes a germination tray conveyor having an endless sequence of trays thereon, a grain deposit station at one end of the conveyor, a sprout offload station at an opposite end of the conveyor, and a plurality of effluent spray stations spaced between the grain deposit station and the offload station. Grain is deposited in a tray at the deposit station, solenoid spray valves are opened at timed intervals, and the trays are advanced to the next station in a timed sequence to allow the grains to germinate and the sprouts to mature by the time each tray reaches the offload station.

Abstract: Disclosed is a structure for efficiently culturing edible sprouts which mainly includes a plurality of all-stage sprouts culturing units each formed from a pressure-adjustable pressure cover member, a bean/seed support member, a growth frame and a sprouts culturing box, and a water-saving feeding/draining system that enables cultivation of edible sprouts completely in the same sprouts culturing boxes throughout all culturing stages, including the soaking of beans/seeds, the accelerating of germination, and the culturing of sprouts. The pressure cover member enables production of thicker sprouts within shortened time, and the water-saving feeding/draining system provides accurately and timely supply and drain of water to and from the sprouts culturing boxes and automatically regulates and balances recycling water level in the sprouts culturing boxes, and therefore enables mass production of sprouts with stable and good quality.

Abstract: A bean sprout culture box assembly includes a water carrying plate defining an overflow port in one side wall thereof. A transparent box is supported on the water carrying plate and includes four side walls and a bottom portion. A plurality of vent holes are defined in each of the side walls of the transparent box, and a plurality of draining holes are defined in the bottom portion of the transparent box. A net plate is received in the transparent box and is supported on the bottom portion thereof, and a plurality of meshes are defined in the net plate and communicate with the draining holes. A transparent hood is mounted on an upper portion of the transparent box, and a plurality of vent ports are defined in the transparent hood.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the germination of seed by immersing the seed in an aqueous solution including dissolved inert gas and sonicating the seed at a frequency preferably of between about 15 kHz and about 30 kHz and an energy density of between about 1 watt/cm.sup.2 and about 10 watts/cm.sup.2 for a period of between 1 minute and about 15 minutes. The sonicated seed exhibits enhanced germination by a reduction in the time required for germination, an increase in the percentage of total seeds that germinate, and an increase in the percentage of seeds that germinate at reduced temperatures. Plants grown from the treated seeds exhibit improved characteristics.

Abstract: A hydroponic cultivation receptacle comprising a tray 22 having a board 22a to place seeds of small vegetables like sprouts has plural drainage holes 23 on the board 22a and upper rims of said drainage holes 23 to form protrusion 24 so as to retain a little amount of water to dip lower part of the seeds placed on the board 22a. Accordingly, water remained to the height of protrusion 24 retains enough water to keep lower part of the seeds by surface tension while most water provided inside tray 22 drained from the drainage holes 23. Protrusion 24 prevents the seeds from moving from the place they are uniformly placed and the problem of moving of the seeds when water is poured is also solved.

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: A nursery device is able to provide excellent drainage effect to incubate spear therein. The device features that a beveled bottom face provided therewith enables to direct water therein to flow from one end to another and eventually the water will flow out via a drainage hole defined in the beveled bottom face and openings defined in a bottom edge of the device.

Abstract: A method for growing and preserving nutrients in plant material, particularly wheatgrass, which produces a nutritional supplement for humans and non-human animals having optimally high enzyme, mineral, and trace mineral contents, as well as a minimum protein content of forty percent. The method includes growing the plants in the field, as well as in greenhouses, hydroponically and airponically, or in a lightweight growth medium such as a mixture of sawdust and vermiculite, so that nutrients available to the plants during growth can be controlled. Plants are also watered frequently during growth with commercially available fertilizers or other specially prepared electrolyte nutrient solutions. Both the upper plant tissue and the plant roots can be harvested, and juiced or pressed to separate the plants tissue liquid from the fibrous portion of the plant by use of extractors that will not allow the temperature of the plant juice to exceed 90.degree. Fahrenheit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hydroponic apparatus for culturing edible sprouts mainly including a top cover, a growth lattice, a shoot lattice, a movable flat cutting means, a first net fixing lattice, a movable net, a second net fixing lattice, and a bottom tray for collecting water, each sequentially superposed on one another from top to bottom. When the sprout crop has grown sufficiently, the top cover is placed onto the growth lattice, and the flat cutting means is first inserted into the hydroponic means between the shoot lattice and the first net fixing lattice to cut off the root portions of the sprouts. Then, the movable net, the first and second net fixing lattices, and the bottom tray with the cut root portions are removed and the rest of the culturing is turned upside down. The flat cutting means is then inserted into the slits formed on the top cover to cut off the top portions of the sprouts. The remaining middle portion of the sprouts can be then washed clean and be packed for use later.

Abstract: A plant propagation system and method are provided for promoting the growth of plant tissue into small plantlets. The plant propagation system includes sealed, semipermeable membrane vessels for completely enclosing plant material therein. The sealed vessels generally are translucent and permeable to gases and liquids while remaining impermeable to biological contaminates. Plant tissue originally extracted from a parent plant can be placed within the sealed vessels and grown heterotrophically. Once the plant material has developed the capability to photosynthesize, the sealed vessels can be transferred to a greenhouse environment for photoautotrophic growth. Once in a greenhouse environment, the sealed vessels are supported in trays and exposed to light, gases, water and a liquid nutrient solution for optimizing growth. A central controller can be included in order to automate the system for controlling the flow of fluids in and out of the vessel support trays while also monitoring system conditions.

Abstract: A molded plastic sheet has many rectangular sprout growing trays joined together at top peripheral flanges. Each tray has drainage holes and a bottom sloping to the holes. A sheet of many trays may grow sprouts in preproportioned amounts. The flanges are divided by partially cut through lines for separation after growing. A transparent clamshell container receives the tray and holds it in place by the flange when closed The container has a front portion and a rear portion joined by a hinge, with rectangular perimeters which snap sealingly together. The lower part of the container holds the tray. It is sealed water tight. Above that part, one or more ventilation passages are provided in the container sides so that the sprouts may continue to grow while on retail display. A hanging tab is provided on the container top with an easy opening adjacent flap.

Abstract: A plant propagation system and method are provided for promoting the growth of plant tissue into small plantlets. The plant propagation system includes sealed, semipermeable membrane vessels for completely enclosing plant material therein. The sealed vessels generally are translucent and permeable to gases and liquids while remaining impermeable to biological contaminates. Plant tissue originally extracted from a parent plant can be placed within the sealed vessels and grown heterotrophically. Once the plant material has developed the capability to photosynthesize, the sealed vessels can be transferred to a greenhouse environment for photoautotrophic growth. Once in a greenhouse environment, the sealed vessels are supported in trays and exposed to light, gases, water and a liquid nutrient solution for optimizing growth. A central controller can be included in order to automate the system for controlling the flow of fluids in and out of the vessel support trays while also monitoring system conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for dispensing a fertilizer in a pond. The apparatus includes a flotation structure which is generally surrounded by a porous material, such as a net sack. An opening is provided in the flotation structure through which fertilizer is dumped to deposit the fertilizer in the net sack wherein it is dissolved by water flowing through the net sack at the bottom of the flotation structure.

Abstract: A bedding apparatus includes a culture mechanism for accommodating a cultured tissue together with a nutrient solution for culturing the tissue; a selecting mechanism selects cultured tissues on the basis of color and magnitude, and the selected culture tissues are bedded one-by-one on a nutrient medium. A density detecting mechanism detects the density of the cultured tissues and responsive thereto a feeding mechanism selective feeds nutrient solution or pure water to the cultured tissues.

Abstract: A device (10) for germinating seeds (S) is described. The device includes tubes (30) inside the container mounted on a base (31). The seeds are soaked in a solution (A) and then the spent solution (A1) is removed and the seeds are aerated through fluid outlet (22) with cover (23) and cover (12) open, such that air flows through the tubes (30) to the seeds through perforations (30a) in the tubes. The tubes are then removed and the device is carried to the place where the seeds are to be planted.

Abstract: A solar greenhouse includes walls and a roof which together with a floor form a closed chamber. Windows are provided to permit the entry of light into a major part of the chamber where growth will occur while restricting light to a minor portion thereof where germination of seeds occurs. Racks for stacked growing trays are provided; preferably the upper part of the chamber is used for germination. The greenhouse further includes apparatus for accumulating solar energy in the form of electrical energy so as to drive irrigation pumps and fans and also in the form of thermal energy to assist in maintaining desired temperatures in the chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus for the growing of sprouts includes a variable volume expandable chamber for containing a mass of the growing sprouts. Means for restraining expansion of the chamber as the sprouts grow and expand are provided to thereby cause compressive forces to develop in the mass of growing sprouts to promote generally thick, short sprout growth. The apparatus also includes means for fully immersing the compressed sprouts periodically for selected intervals of time in water to supply moisture to the sprouts and prevent overheating of same.

Abstract: The seedling breeding apparatus according to the present invention comprises a culture box including a nutrient medium support, a removable sterilizable germ-entrance preventive joint connected at one end to the culture box, a gas feeding system and a nutrient medium solution feeding system, both being connected to the culture box through the germ entrance-preventive joint. Therefore, the culture box and the germ entrance-preventive joint can be separated from the feeding systems and sterilized and hence sterilization is easy.

Abstract: A system for cultivating and harvesting bean sprouts includes an enclosed container having a door movable between open and closed positions for excluding external light from the interior of the container when the door is in a closed position. A plurality of bean sprout support elements, each of the elements defining an open mesh screen for supporting beans and bean sprouts growing from the beans, are removably stacked within the container in vertical, spaced apart relationship with each other. A cultivating fluid is circulated within the container and over and around the beans and bean sprouts. The bean sprouts are harvested by positioning the bean sprout support elements onto conveyor elements which cause the support elements and bean sprouts to be passed over serving elements which separate fine roots and chaff from the bean sprouts, and the bean sprouts are collected for later use.

Abstract: In a method of growing bean sprouts, a plurality of bean sprouts beds are placed in layers upward and downward and the bean sprouts are arranged in the said bean sprouts beds in the order of their sizes of growth so that bean sprouts more largely grown are arranged in upper bed whereby growing and picking the bean sprouts in succession are possible in the limited area. An apparatus for growing bean sprouts comprises a top water reservoir, a measuring container, a water spray container, a planting container and a bottom water reservoir, all of the elements being arranged in layers from top to bottom, wherein the top water reservoir has a timer hole for controlling the flow rate of water flowing therethrough and the measuring containers supplies water to the water spray container at a certain time interval, and the planting container forms a plurality of bean sprouts beds in layers upward and downward.

Abstract: A device (10) for germinating seeds (S) is described. The device includes tubes (30) inside the container mounted on a base (31). The seeds are soaked in a solution (A) and then the spent solution (A1) is removed and the seeds are aerated through fluid outlet (22) with cover (23) and cover (12) open, such that air flows through the tubes (30) to the seeds through perforations (30a) in the tubes. The tubes are then removed and the device is carried to the place where the seeds are to be planted.

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: A tubular membrane plant growth unit is described. The unit includes a tubular pipe with an opening in its wall. A tubular porous member is situated inside of the pipe. The member and pipe are arranged to provide a space between them for a seed to be positioned so that the stem of the plant grows outwardly through the opening and the roots of the plant grow in the space between the member and pipe. The unit is useful for hydroponic growth of the plant.

Abstract: A method for hydroponics comprises submerging the lower region of a bulb and its hair roots for a selected period of time and for another selected period of time, lifting the bulb out of the water to expose to air the lower region of the bulb and an upper portion only for the hair roots of the bulb.An aquatic float comprises a vessel having a floatable coaster in juxtaposition thereto, means temporarily securing the coaster to the vessel and a seed or bulb bed means disposed at least at one end of the vessel, the seedbed means including a plurality of passages through the walls of the vessel.

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 germination floor system for a malt plant having a plurality of pivotally mounted tray assemblies movable between a horizontal position for supporting grain during germination and an approximate upright orientation to provide access beneath the floor for cleaning. The tray assemblies are capable of being manually movable to the cleaning position or, alternatively, may be fitted with a pneumatic cylinder and/or spring devices to facilitate movement. In the vertical cleaning position, the individual tray assemblies are fixed in position to prevent injury to personnel beneath the structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an industrial device for germinating cereals, and/or leguminous plants, comprising an elongate cylindrical drum (10) mounted to be able to rotate about its axis, means (12,13,14) for driving this drum in rotation, means (31,32) for introducing the seeds to be treated into the drum and distributing them therein, means (33) for sprinkling seeds to be treated with an appropriate fluid over the entire length of the drum, and means (16,17) for blowing hot air into the drum.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for growing sprouts from seeds. The seeds are washed and placed in a tumbler where water and air are circulated while they are periodically tumbled. The incubated seeds are rinsed to remove hulls and ungerminated seeds and wrapped. Some seeds such as alfalfa seeds are placed in a dark room after rinsing where they are moisturized and aerated. Then they are moisturized and aerated under indirect natural light and/or grow lights until they begin to mature. They are next wrapped in a transparent cover while damp and are placed under growing lights and/or indirect natural light for final growth.

Abstract: A sprouting vegetable cultivation apparatus which includes a rotary drum for growing a sprouting vegetable, a pipe-shape guide positioned at the center of rotation of the rotary drum and having an opening formed along a longitudinal direction thereof, and a water spray pipe arranged inside the pipe-shape guide for spraying water into the rotary drum through the opening. The rotary drum includes a plurality of partition plates extending on its interior in the longitudinal direction. In addition, at least one perforated board can be provided on an inner surface of the rotary drum at an interval spaced therefrom.

Abstract: A floating bed useful for hydroponically germinating seeds of a plant and growing the germinated sprouts thereon. The floating bed is floatable by itself on water and includes a pad formed of a hydrophobic material such as foamed polystyrene and provided with one or more through holes. The through holes have a size so that it can continually retain water therein by capillary attraction during the float of the bed on water. The seeds are placed on the pad and the floating bed is floated on the surface of water to allow the seeds to germinate and the germinated sprouts to grow with the roots thereof passing through the through holes.

Abstract: The present method and apparatus can be applied to cultivation of young seedlings of Welsh onion economically in a mass production way utilizing the growing progresses of this vegetable, during which seed coats can be scraped and removed by the flange of each mesh of a screen sheet or screen film when a stalk stretches itself at the knee part uprightly. Young seedlings of Welsh onion are supplied as material for hors-d'oeuvre, soup and Japanese "sushi".

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydroponic culture method for animal food, regrouping semi-automatically and in a single device, five germinating operations, on superimposed trays, namely, propagating the seeds on the trays, soaking said seed directly on said trays, programmed irrigating of the seeds and roots, heating by way of electrical elements incorporated in the trays, and if necessary injecting nutrient solutions by quantity-controlling pumps.The invention further relates to the device usable for carrying out said method.

Abstract: A device for propagating beansprouts or other plants has a container for the beansprouts. One side of the container is substantially covered by a supporting plate which may be in the form of a disc perforated with many tiny holes. A shaft is carried by the supporting plate and extends within a center tube mounted within a water tank. The tube is preferably triangular and has three faces provided with a plurality of spaced-apart holes. The spacing between adjacent holes is greater towards the bottom of the tube. A plurality of small resilient stoppers are lodged within the respective holes in the tube. The growing strength of the beansprouts pushes the supporting plate (upwardly in a preferred embodiment). The shaft, which is carried by the plate, moves within the tube.

Abstract: A bean sprouter having a base with a fresh water reservoir and a collection chamber for waste water used to wash the sprouts. The sprouts are grown in a container that sits on the base. A timer-motor drives a pump which draws water from the reservoir into the growing container so as to maintain a moist atmosphere for growing and provide moisture for washing the sprouts. The timer is set to run the motor for brief periods at selected intervals.

Abstract: A hydroponic device includes a hollow housing which defines a substantially closed lower chamber for receiving a liquid nutrient solution and a top open-ended upper chamber for receiving an inert filler material and the desired vegetation which are separated by a partition wall. At least one nutrient supply pipe is coupled to the partition wall and extends downwardly into the lower chamber. The supply pipe has a throughput bore extending therethrough to establish fluid communication between the upper chamber and the lower chamber, whereby the nutrient solution may be fed in a continuous cycle from the lower chamber to the upper chamber and back again.

Abstract: This invention relates to a rotatable seed sprouter adapted to container water and seed which can be manipulated by mere rotation of the sprouter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sprouting bean refinement apparatus including a vibration frame with its bottom plate composed of a perforated screen, a vibrator for providing vibration to the vibration frame, and a cleaning mechanism contacted with the perforated screen so that relative sliding motion is generated between the cleaning mechanism and the perforated screen to remove deposits on the top side of the perforated screen.

Abstract: A container for sprouting seeds hydroponically without water build-up causing root rot. The container includes a bottom portion joined to side walls, a bendable seed-holding tray and a conventional cover. The bottom portion has ribs for supporting the tray for limited free angulation to different nonhorizontal positions, and the side walls have channels to allow water run-off.

Abstract: A bean sprouter for convenient sprouting of beans, seeds, and the like for food preparation, the sprouter is constructed with a cannister having a water collection area in the bottom; a perforated container for beans to be sprouted that is supportable in the cannister above the water collector area, the container including a disposable filter paper casing for the beans; a top with a water inlet dish perforated to distribute water poured into the inlet dish over the bean container; a ventilation system; and an indicator device with a support base that rests on the beans in the bean container, and a vertical flag which is projectable through the top and is elevated as the beans in the container expand.