FR2770084A1 - Portable and heated seed sprouter - Google Patents

Abstract

Producing sprouting seeds for consumption by placing in a jar which is fitted in a chamber. The chamber having a black surface to absorb solar heat to give a greenhouse effect. The seeds to be sprouted are placed inside a glass or plastic jar (1) with a perforated lid. The jar fits inside a chamber (2) set at an angle on a stand (5) so that the lid is pointing down and there is a gap between the jar and the chamber walls. The chamber is designed to allow air to be circulated and rinsing water to be removed; it is made from an insulating material such as wood or plastic, and can be made to contain more than one jar, while the jars can have perforated lids at both ends, with air and water passing freely between them. The chamber can be heated by having a black surface to absorb solar heat, a part glass surface with a cover to give a greenhouse effect, or by electricity.

Description

PORTABLE APPARATUS. HEATING. ALLOWING TO
PERFORM GERMINATION OF SEEDS.

Technical area
The present invention relates to a portable, heating, seed germination, multifunction, fixed, transportable or portable apparatus, which may also include heating and / or insulation and / or aeration and / or humidification means.

Such equipment can be used in many technical sectors such as for example:
the food industry when using the principle of
invention on a large scale;
- catering in the case of use for daily production
fresh and collective;
- household or household appliances in the event of use
individual and family;
- the medical field in the case of use for therapeutic purposes;
- the field of education as an educational, pedagogical element,
- or even as a food reserve for camping equipment
during raids, for example in the high mountains, maritime races, etc.

Prior techniques and problems to be solved
Sprouted seeds have exceptional nutritional qualities, but despite this, their consumption is limited today for the simple reason that production is scarce and when they are found on the market, their expiration date (DLV) is very short because it is a living and fresh food.

 As a result, regular consumers produce their sprouted seeds themselves using sprouts.

There are two models of germinators known as trays, one in earth, the other in plastic, which have several disadvantages, namely:
- difficult journeys
- breakable (sprout in the ground)
- transparent (plastic germoir)
- too small
- sometimes insufficient ventilation, risk of rotting germinated seeds
- poor water flow
- must be placed on a perfectly horizontal and stable plane
- sometimes too wet or too dry
- mold development (germoir in soil)
- rapid fouling of drainage grooves and difficult cleaning (plastic seed box)
- because of the difficulty of moving them, they remain constantly near a water point for rinsing the seeds, that is to say near the sink in most cases, which is sometimes very bulky and risky in this place very frequented by several people for other functions (dishes, washing vegetables ...)
- around a sink, the temperature rarely and constantly reaches the ideal temperature for germination (20/25 "C)
- handling certain germinated seeds during germination (soaking in a container of water to separate the non-germinated seeds and the envelopes) is very difficult with its models and risks damaging the germs.

 For all the reasons mentioned above, a large number of consumer-producers use the technique of the inverted glass jar, with a gauze (cheesecloth) fixed on the opening with an elastic. Simply place the jar overturned on a dish rack inclined at 45 "on a sink and cover it with a towel. The jar is a germination chamber. This technique is very widespread because it is economical, it can produce large quantities of germinated seeds according to the number and volume of the jars, it facilitates rinsing and handling which are essential to obtain quality germs; rinsing, draining and total immersion of the seeds in a large volume of water to separate the envelopes from seeds and remove the ungerminated seeds.

However, this very common technique still has several drawbacks which the invention proposes to resolve:
- the jars are placed on a sink, which limits the useful space of the latter
- the danger of overturning and breaking the glass jars is all the more important since the sink is a place frequented by many people and that it is a space reserved for other functions (dishes, washing vegetables. ..)
- the ideal germination temperature is rarely reached or maintained at this location
- moving the jars is risky, awkward and sometimes impossible because of draining
- darkness is not always sufficient
- the gauze which retains the seeds in the jar and allows drainage and ventilation must be changed very often for hygienic reasons
- the storage of jars covered with a towel on a sink is not very aesthetic in a kitchen.

Brief description of the invention
The invention aims to solve the aforementioned problems and relates to a new type of apparatus which makes it possible to ensure optimum germination of seeds designed in the manner of a greenhouse and which makes it possible to provide ventilation, humidity, temperature and darkness determined, depending on the nature of said seeds, to reveal their germinative power.

In general, the apparatus according to the invention comprises a chamber, designated in the following description by the term jar or jar tube, inside which the seeds are arranged, and which is closed by at least one removable cover comprising orifices for ensuring the aeration and the flow of water, said apparatus being characterized in that:
the jar containing the seeds is placed inside an enclosure mounted inclined on a support, so that the perforated cover is located in the lower part;
the jar is held inside the enclosure so that a space remains between the internal walls of said enclosure and the entire periphery of the jar
said enclosure being furthermore designed to ensure air circulation and evacuate the rinsing water, means for recovering said water, integrated inside the enclosure or arranged outside the latter, being by elsewhere planned.

 Optionally, the jar or tube constituting the chamber can be closed by two removable covers having orifices making it possible to provide ventilation, the flow of water and watering.

 According to a preferred embodiment, the internal chamber of the enclosure is designed to receive a plurality of jars, preferably cylindrical, made of glass or plastic, which are placed next to each other or superimposed, the flow d air or water can be made freely between two successive jars.

 In addition, the apparatus according to the invention may include removable special covers allowing manipulation to be carried out without removing the germinated seeds from the germination chamber of the jar tube.

 According to another embodiment, the external enclosure is an insulating enclosure which can be based on any suitable material, such as wood, plastic.

 This enclosure is preferably associated with heating means, solar, electric, the ventilation can be adjustable.

 Furthermore, means making it possible to deliver a jet of rainwater inside the germination chamber, can also be provided, which allows an optimal temperature without dehydration.

 The ventilation can also be adjusted manually or automatically.

 Finally, thanks to the presence of the enclosure, the ideal germination temperature (20 to 25 "C) can be obtained easily and kept longer.

As said previously, additional heating systems can be associated with the installation, such means being able to consist of the following elements, taken separately or possibly in combination, namely:
- absorption of solar heat using a black coating
for the exterior of the enclosure;
- greenhouse effect by adapting a glass on one side protected by a shutter
- electrical resistors placed under the water recovery tank and / or
around the germination chamber
- power supply by all appropriate means such as batteries,
connections to a 12 V supply, or even to the 200 sector
Volts
adaptation of an inner wall of conductive metal which can be
heated, for example by a gas burner, a petrol heater or
any other way.

 Additional means such as a thermometer for indicating the interior temperature can also be provided.

 Optionally, the installation can be programmed to allow, by coupling with a thermostat, a hygrometer, a clock, a timer and other means, to raise and maintain the temperature for the time necessary for the germination of a seed predetermined or to avoid dehydration during the period of time between two rinses.

 Optionally, additional programming means can allow the apparatus to perform functions other than the germination of seeds, for example using the latter as a dryer, incubator, warming dish, cooker and the like.

Brief description of the drawings
The appended drawings schematically illustrate different variants of installations carried out in accordance with the invention, as well as the structure of the germination jars:
- Figure 1 is a schematic elevational view in section illustrating a simplified embodiment in which the rise in temperature inside the enclosure is obtained by absorption of sunlight or exposure to a heat source (fireplace, stove, radiator ...);
- Figure 2 illustrates a variant of Figure 1 in which an insulator is integrated in the external enclosure;
- Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment according to which the heating inside the enclosure is obtained by greenhouse effect, a recovery system at the drainage level being provided inside the enclosure;
- Figure 4 illustrates a variant of Figure 3 in which the enclosure comprises an insulating material;
- Figure 5 illustrates an installation according to the invention using as heating means electrical resistances, and which comprises a sprinkler system with a pump;
- Figure 6 illustrates, in section, the structure of glass jars usable in an installation according to the invention;
- Figures 7,8 and 9 are views respectively in elevation, in section, and at the end of a type of jar usable on an installation according to the invention;
- Figures 10,11 and 12 illustrate another embodiment of a jar according to the invention;
- Figures 13,14,15 illustrate a particular form of jar for the implementation of the apparatus according to the invention.

Ways to realize the invention
FIG. 1 illustrates the principle of an apparatus in accordance with the invention allowing the germination of seeds, said apparatus being portable and the rise in temperature inside the enclosure being obtained by absorption of solar rays or near exposure 'a heat source (fireplace, stove, radiators, etc.).

 In this embodiment, the apparatus essentially comprises a first germination chamber constituted by at least one jar (1), for example made of glass or of synthetic material, chamber disposed inside an enclosure (2). The enclosure (2) is, in this case, made of wood. This enclosure has one end closed by a flap (3) articulated around a hinge (3 ') and comprising closing means (4).

 The enclosure, and consequently the germination chamber (1), is mounted on a foot or support (5) so that it is kept inclined, the orifices that the lid of the jar (1) comprises. low.

 The jar (1) is, as can be seen from this FIG. 1, held inside the internal chamber of the enclosure (2) so that a free space remains all around the periphery of said jar. The aeration and drainage of the draining water is obtained by means of a conduit (6) provided in the lower part of the enclosure.

 In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, a reserve (10) for the dripping water is provided in the lower corner. Such a reserve is not essential and possibly, The orifice (6) could be provided at this angle.

 The outer coating of the enclosure (2), at least on the parts of the box (7) exposed to the sun is black in color to absorb the heat from the sun's rays.

 The device can be moved by means of a handle (8) fixed on the upper part of the box.

 Figure 2 illustrates the structure of an apparatus of the same type as Figure 1, except that the enclosure (2) is made of synthetic material with a thermal insulator inside the molded shell.

 In this variant, a thermal insulator (18) is placed inside a molded shell (19) made of synthetic material, which makes it possible to reduce the weight of the device by increasing these thermal capacities. A seal (17) between the cover and the base prevents hot air leaks, retained in the upper part of the enclosure (2).

 The drip water is retained inside the device in a tank (10), which facilitates movement and increases the humidity.

 Aeration holes (9) extend into the germination chamber (2) opposite the openings of the jars (1) to prevent the drip water retained in the tank (10) from flowing through said holes (9) during movement of the device.

 Figure 3 illustrates the principle of an installation according to the invention using a solar heating system by greenhouse effect)) on the wall of the enclosure exposed to the sun (12). Holes (13) drilled in the lower part of this wall (12) allow cold air to enter the space between the wall (12) and a glass plate (14), and return, heated, in the germination chamber (2) by orifices (15) drilled in the upper part of the wall (12). A flap (16) is tinted with black on its outer face (7), which allows moderate heating by absorption of the sun's rays when the sun is too hot to use the greenhouse effect)) (12,13,14, 15).

 In this variant, the box is pierced with a single orifice (6) for the dripping water, which is recovered by a tank (10) fixed on the base (5) outside the device. In this kind of tank (10), an absorbent sponge (11) prevents excess water and is easy to access to be wrung out when handling the germinated seeds.

 In this variant, the ventilation holes (9) are drilled in the upper part of the bottom of the box, opposite the openings of the jars (1).

 FIG. 4 illustrates a variant of the installation illustrated by FIG. 3.

 In this variant, the flap (16) is replaced by a skylight system whose opening and closing are actuated manually with a thumb wheel (20), this system has the advantage of orienting the flaps of the clearing system. -goes at a different angle depending on the height of the sun (latitude, season, time).

 In this variant, a thermometer probe (21) is fixed on the inner and lower part of the cover (3), another probe is fixed on the outside on the face of the cover not exposed to the sun (22), these two probes are connected to a display screen (23) on the cover, which makes it possible to quickly control the interior temperature, to prevent overheating and, depending on the difference in exterior and interior temperature, to adjust the heating means.

 In this variant, inside the cover (3) and in its upper part, a hygrometric probe (24) connected to a display screen (25), makes it possible to control the humidity inside the appliance. and rinse the seeds if necessary.

 Figure 5 illustrates a variant of the installation comprising an electric resistance heating system and a sprinkler system with a pump. The outer enclosure is made of synthetic material with a thermal insulator placed inside a molded shell and an insulated thermally conductive coating.

 In this variant, certain interior surfaces of the germination chamber (2) are equipped with a thermally conductive coating (ceramic or other) (26,29,33) heated with electrical resistors (27,30,34) and protected by an insulating material (28,31,35). These heating plates are arranged under the tank (10) and on the walls (12,32).

 In this variant, electrical energy can be supplied in different ways: the mains (220 V), the batteries (12V), the batteries.

 In another variant, the thermally conductive coating (26) located under the tank (10) and / or (33) on the wall (32) can be heated either by the combustion of gas in a combustion chamber by means of a gas refill, either by burning gasoline in a combustion chamber using a heater, or by any other means that can be adapted.

 In this variant, a tube connecting the bottom of the tank (10) to an interchangeable filter (36), itself connected to a mini pump (37), which propels a small jet of water inside the tube (38 ), which is extended in the cover by the joint connection (39) and vaporizes the interior of the germination chamber (2) by the nozzle (40) placed opposite and in the middle of the upper opening of the germination chamber (1), see the model of the jar tube (lbis) in Figures 10,11 and 12.

 In a variant of the device made of synthetic material, electrical energy can be supplied by photovoltaic cells placed on the face exposed to the sun (7) and by batteries and / or a battery connection (12V) to power the motor. of the mini pump (37), a motor for opening and closing the louvered shutters (16), a motor for opening / closing the ventilation openings (9) and a mini fan.

 In this variant, the indoor (21) and outdoor (22) temperature sensors are connected to a thermostat connected to a programmer, the humidity sensor (24), a clock and a timer are also connected to the programmer on which the temperature, the humidity level and the duration of a program can be selected.

 When the appliance is started up, the humidity level is sufficient since the seeds have just been soaked and rinsed in the germination jars (1). By introducing them into the device, germination chamber (2), the drainage begins, the aeration is on a medium opening, the device is exposed to the sun.

If the heat is lower than the programmed temperature:
the openwork shutter motor triggers opening (or
resistances begin to heat depending on the model).

If the humidity level becomes insufficient:
the motor of the mini pump sends a series of small jets.

If the heat exceeds the programmed temperature with a sufficient humidity level:
the shutter motor triggers the closing of the latter
the motor of the ventilation shutter triggers the maximum opening and
mini fan operation.

 This is an example of programming, if we take into account the external atmospheric conditions, there are a large number of possible programs, this is not the subject of this patent.

 FIG. 6 illustrates a type of glass jar, with a special cover made of synthetic material, which can be used on an installation according to the invention.

 The shape, volume and material of which the jars are made can be multiple. In order to allow the superimposition of these jars, and this while providing a space between them and with the walls of the chamber (2), a bulge (41) is provided in the center of the perforated cover.

 The covers can be screwed or fitted onto the jar.

 Figures 7,8 and 9 show a type of glass jar usable for the implementation of the invention.

 In this variant, the cover is designed so that it can be fitted to glass jars available on the market and is easy to maintain.

This cover is made up of two parts:
that which is screwed on the jar (42) and which is formed of three parts
prominent which serve to maintain a space between the lid of the jar
and the base of the lower jar on which it is superimposed, in the same way
that in Figure 6, this part is hollow, metallic and stainless;
the crimped stainless steel screen (43), which is placed between the opening of the
jar and the screwing part (42).

 Figures 10, 11 and 12 illustrate another embodiment of a jar in which the seeds are arranged, jar (1) which, in the present case, is in the form of a tube (lbis), each end of which is , either threaded or designed so that it can quickly change the cover of synthetic or other material.

Such a tube can be associated with three different covers, namely:
a full cover (44) which can be screwed or otherwise mounted at the end of the tube (Ibis), thus allowing it to be used as a jar for soaking the seeds;
a cover pierced with small holes (45) which can be screwed or fixed on the second end of the tube (Ibis) allowing said tube to be used to drain the seeds by reversing the tube and;
a cover pierced with large holes (46) screwed or fixed to the tube (1) in place of the cover with small holes (45), which makes it possible to fill the tube (1a) as before, but also shake it to create a swirl in order to separate the envelopes from the seeds, then invert the tube as before after having drained the germinated seeds and evacuate the envelopes and the non-germinated seeds.

These three covers are reinforced by an extra thickness and are pierced with a hole in the center (48), which is positioned in the axis of the nozzle (40) located inside the germination chamber (2) on the cover. (3), when the tube (2bis) is placed inside the germination apparatus. This process allows rinsing
sprouts automatically without opening the device.

There can be several variants of this kind of cover with holes for
diameters and different shapes.

In this variant, during germination in the apparatus, the covers to
small holes (45) and large holes (46) will be screwed or fixed on the lower end
of the tube (ibis) according to the size of the seed.

On the upper end of the tube, it is possible to screw, either the other
cover with holes (45) or (46) to obtain maximum ventilation in the tube,
or the full cover (44) for maximum humidity in the tube.

Figures 13, 14 and 15 illustrate another variant of a cover intended for
equip a germination jar.

In this variant, the cover (49) is composed of two parts
assemblies:
(49a): one is screwed or fixed on the tube (ibis), it is pierced with an orifice in its center (50) which is the female part of the assembly, and with an orifice (51) whose contours follow the perimeter of the lid on an arc of a little less than 1/3 and the level of the water contained by the tube (ibis) in a horizontal position filled to about 4/5. The thread or no screw of the cover (49a) and of the tube (ibis) must be designed so as to have the opening (51) of a cover screwed or fixed at one end opposite the opening (51) d '' another cover screwed or fixed at the other end
(49b): the second part fits into the first (49a) by a nozzle in its center (52), male part of the assembly, with a diameter equal to or slightly less than that of the female part (50) so that you can turn in it.

The end of this nozzle would be of a slightly larger diameter (53) so as to keep the two parts assembled.

This part has an orifice on less than a third (54) like the (51) of
the part (49a) but smaller.

 On another third, it is full (55).

 On another 1/3, it is pierced with holes of different diameters (56).

 These holes are small near the horizontal formed by the level of the water contained in the tube (1a) filled to about 4/5, and large near the perimeter of the cover on a line parallel to the small holes.

 The two parts of the cover (49a and 49b) are reinforced by an extra thickness which divides the surface of the cover into three 1/3 as on the covers (44,45,46) of Figures 10,11 and 12. On the part (49b ), these reinforcement bands also serve as manual sockets to perform the rotations.

 A system will be adapted to lock the part (49b) in one of the three positions, and to prevent it from accidentally rotating during handling.

 In this variant, it is possible to carry out several manipulations without removing the germinated seeds from the tube-jar (Ibis) and with a minimum quantity of water.

 With a cover (49) in the closed position, that is to say, the part (55) of the part (49b) opposite the part (51) of the part (49a), screwed or fixed to the lower end of the tube (1a) in vertical position, this tube becomes a jar and can be used for soaking seeds.

 With a second cover (49) in the closed position as before, screwed or fixed to the other end of the jar tube (Ibis), we can hold it filled with water in the horizontal position with one hand at each end, and rotate on itself while tilting it to the right and to the left, which has the effect of untangling the germinated seeds inside, accelerating the separation of the husks from the seeds and bringing the heavier seeds, not germinated.

 The tube-jar (Ibis) in the same position, between the hands, horizontally, it is turned on itself so as to position the part (51) of the part (49a) of the covers upwards, then we rotate the part (49b) of one of the covers so as to position the part (56) opposite the (51) to evacuate the envelopes that float on the surface of the water, then we do the same operation on the other cover, so by tilting the tube (1a) to the right and left and making it rotate on itself, you can easily remove the maximum number of envelopes with a minimum amount of water.

 Still in the same position, the jar tube (1a) is pivoted on itself so as to position the part (51) of the part (49a) of the covers downwards, then the jar tube is tilted by one side or the other so as to collect the non-germinated seeds near a cover, then slowly turn the part (49b) to position the part (54) opposite the part (51) of the part (49a) , thus the water escapes by taking away the seeds not germinated.

 This process simplifies all the manipulations which require a lot of time and water, especially with small seeds (alfalfa, sesame, fenugreek, etc.).

In another variant, the part (49b) would be divided into three parts, including:
a third would be full,
a third would have holes with small holes,
a third would have holes with large holes.

 The number of variants is multiple, depending on the size of the seed and its behavior during germination.

Compared to previous solutions, the apparatuses in accordance with the invention have very numerous advantages among which we can cite:
first of all, as the germination chamber proper is arranged inside an enclosure, this arrangement makes it possible to remedy many drawbacks such as:
safety of glass jars,
the aesthetics of the germination apparatus and,
the possibility of germinating several varieties of seed at the same time
time or continuously produce in multiple jars with a
minimum space requirement
moreover, since the apparatus can be moved, this allows:
free up the useful space around the water point (sink),
move the germination machine to a heat source
(exposure to the sun, near a fireplace, a stove, a
radiator),
produce and transport fresh, quality food
easily and anywhere without risk of damaging the
germination in progress (picnic, hiking, travel, place of
work, mountain races, crossing the oceans ...);
finally, such an apparatus optimizes the parameters essential for germination by the fact that the humidity is higher and the dehydration slowed down.

 In the embodiments according to which a reservoir is introduced internally

Claims (9)

 1 / Portable, heating apparatus allowing seeds to be germinated, comprising a chamber (1), constituted by a jar or jar tube, inside which the seeds are arranged, and which is closed by at least one removable cover comprising orifices to ensure the aeration and the flow of water, characterized in that  the jar (1) containing the seeds is placed inside an enclosure (2) mounted inclined on a support (5), so that the perforated cover is located in the lower part;  the jar (1) is held inside the enclosure (2) so that a space remains between the internal walls of said enclosure (2) and the entire periphery of the jar (1);  said enclosure (2) is designed to ensure air circulation and evacuate the rinsing water, recovery means (10) of said water, integrated inside the enclosure or arranged outside this last, being otherwise provided.  2 / Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the jar or jar tube constituting the chamber is closed by two removable covers having orifices for ventilation, the flow of water and sprinkling.  3 / Apparatus according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the internal chamber of the enclosure (2) is designed to receive a plurality of jars (1), preferably cylindrical, made of glass or plastic, placed next to each other or superimposed, the flow of air or water can be done freely between two successive jars.  4 / Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the enclosure (1) is an insulating enclosure made of wood, plastic ...  5 / Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the enclosure (1) is associated with heating means.  6 / Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises means (40) for delivering a jet of rainwater inside the germination chamber.  7 / Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the ventilation is adjustable manually or automatically.  heated.  - adaptation of an inner wall of conductive metal which can be  - power supply by all appropriate means  and / or around the germination chamber (1)  - electrical resistors placed under the water recovery tank (10)  - greenhouse effect by adapting a glass on one side protected by a shutter  for the exterior of the enclosure (2);  - absorption of solar heat using a black coating  8 / Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the additional heating means consist of the following elements, taken separately or possibly in combination:  9 / Installation according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises programming means allowing, by coupling with a thermostat, to raise and maintain the temperature for the time necessary for the germination of a sheath predetermined or to avoid dehydration during the period of time between two rinses.