GB2519740A

GB2519740A - A seed drying and storing device

Info

Publication number: GB2519740A
Application number: GB1316304.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Aaron Colfer
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-09-13
Filing date: 2013-09-13
Publication date: 2015-05-06
Also published as: GB201316304D0

Abstract

A seed drying and storing device 10 comprises a housing part 20, a lid part (40, fig.2), a receptacle 23 for seeds 24 and a receptacle 26 for a desiccant 27, such as silica gel. The lid comprises a thread (42) for cooperating with corresponding formations 30 on the housing. The formations form a seal between the lid and housing thereby sealing the inside of the device from the surrounding atmosphere. The device comprises a humidity regulating part 60, movable from a first configuration in which air can flow from the seeds to the desiccant, transferring moisture to the desiccant and into a second configuration in which air cannot flow from the seeds to the desiccant. The humidity regulating part is movable by rotation through 180 degrees. A humidity desiccant indicator 90 is incorporated wherein when the humidity regulating part is in a first configuration, the indicator is in communication with the seeds, and when in the second position the indicator is not in communication with the seeds.

Description

A SEED DRYING AND STORING DEVICE

The invention relates to a seed drying and storing device.

An aim of the present invention is to provide an improved, or at least an alternative, seed drying and storing device.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a seed drying and storing device in accordance with Daim I. According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a seed drying and storing device in accordance with Claim 2.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of storing and drying seeds in accordance with Claim 16.

The method of storing and drying seeds in accordance with the invention may comprise one or more step(s) which conespond to one or more feature(s) of the seed drying and storing device in accordance with the invention.

Other optional and preferred features of the invention are set out in the dependent claims, and the description, both of which foflow below. It wifi be appreciated that the features of one independent claim can be combined in any complimentary manner, with one or more features of another independent claim, and/or the dependent claims, andlor with one or more features

of the description.

Various seed drying and storing devices in accordance with the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which, Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a seed drying and storing device in accordance with the invention, Figure 2 is an exploded version of the schematic perspective view of Figure 1, so as to provide abetter view of the parts of the seed drying and storing device, in a particular so as to show a humidity regulating part in a first configuration, Figure 3 is a further exploded version of the schematic perspective view of Figure 1, showing the humidity regulating part in a second configuration, Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of the seed drying and storing device, with a lid of the seed drying and storing device removed for clarity, and with desiccant arranged in a housing part of the seed drying and storing device, the humidity regulating part in the first configuration, Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of the seed drying and storing device of Figure 4.

except the humidity regulating part is in the second configuration, Figure 6 shows two schematic cross sections of the seed drying and storing device of Figure 5 as it would be if the lid is fitted, the first cross section below showing air flow when the humidity regulating part is in the first configuration, the second cross section above showing air flow when the humidity regulating part is in the second configuration, Figure 7 is a schematic cross section of a further seed drying and storing device comprising a plurality of receptacles for seed(s), and a plurality of humidity regulating parts, and Figure 8 is a schematic cross section of a still further seed drying and storing device comprising a plurality of receptacles for seed(s), and a plurality of humidity regulating parts, Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a seed drying and storing device 10 comprises a housing part 20, a lid part 40, and, a humidity regulating part 60.

Referring to the lower part of Figure 6, the housing part 20 comprises a (genera'ly or roughly horizontal) base 21, and a first (generally or roughly upright) wall 22, which together define a first receptacle 23, for seeds 24.

The housing part 20 also comprises a second wall 25, which is conveniently concentnc with the first wall 22. The base 21, first wall 22 and second wall 25 define a second receptacle 26, for a desiccant 27, such as a silica gel.

The housing part 20 is conveniently moulded from plastics.

The housing part 20 comprises a support 28, formed in the base 21. Alternatively, the housing part 20 can comprise a plurality of supports 28, for example three, formed in the base 21, the supports 28 being spaced apart equally, in the case of three supports 28 giving a tripod like effect.

Referring to Figures 2 and 6, the upper (and outer) surface of the free end, or thereabouts, or the second wall 26 of the housing part 20 comprises a formation or formations 30 such as a thread for cooperating with a corresponding formation or formations (described below) on the lid part 40.

Referring to Figures 1 to 3, and 6. the lid part 40 is made of a dear material such as acrylic or polycarbonate.

The seed drying and storing device 10 is designed so that the (inside) surface of the lower free end, or thereabouts, of the Ud part 40 coincides with the upper (and outer) surface of the free end, or thereabouts, or the second wall 26 of the housiiig part 20 Referring to Figure 2, the (inside) surface of the lower free end, or thereabouts, of the lid part comprises a formation or formations 42 such as a thread for cooperating with the correspondrng formation or formations 30 of the second wall 26 (described above) of the housing part 20. The formation or formations 30, 42 provide a seal between the lid and the housing, thereby sealing the inside of the seed drying and storing device 10 from the surrounding atmosphere. The formation or formations 30, 42 can be replaced by an alternative sealing means. Also, although the invention may not function as well, the formation or formations 30, 42 can be omitted. Even if the seed drying and storing device 10 is not airtight, any restriction on mixing of the air inside the seed drying and storing device 10 with air outside the seed drying and storing device may enable some of the benefits of the invention to be obtained.

Referring to Figure 6, depending from the inside surface of the lid part 40 isa protrusion 44.

The protrusion 44 is ring shaped. When the lid part 40 is alTanged on the housing part 20, the abutment 44 is concentric with the first wall 22, and the second wail 26, of the housing part 20. Alternatively, a plurality of discrete protrusions could be employed, spaced along a ring like path. An outer surface 46 of the ring shaped protrusion 44 is part of a fixing means for fixing the position of the humidity regulating part 60, as will be described bdow.

The protrusion 44 is not shown in Figures 1 to 3 for clarity, and it may be omitted without inhibiting the primary purpose of the seed drying and storing device 10.

Referring to Figures 2 and 6, the humidity regulating part 60 is made of a clear material such as acrylic or polycarbonate.

The humidity regulating part 60 comprises a tubular part 62, and a first flange 64, and a second flange 66, both flanges being transverse to the tubular part 62.

Referring to Figure 6, the humidity regulating part 60 also comprises a plate 67. which is conveniently in line with the first flange 64.

Still refelTing to Figure 6, between the first flange 64 and the second flange 66, the humidity regulating part 60 comprises one or more openings 68 in the tubular part 62, and a breathable member 70. such as wire mesh, arranged over the opening(s).

Still referring to Figure 6, towards the end of the tubular part 62 which is nearer the first flange 64 than the second flange 66, the tubular part 62 comprises one or more openings 72.

The seed drying and storing device 10 also comprises fixing means for fixing the position of the humidity regulating part 60. "Fixing the position" can mean fixing the position of the humidity regulating part 60 in all three degrees of freedom in the first andlor second configuration. The fixing means are, 1. The underside of the lid 40 and the upper free end of the first wafl 22 of the housing part 20, and 2. The outer surface 46 of the ring shaped protrusion 44 of the lid part 40 and the inside surface of the upper free end of the first wall 22 of the housing part 20. In another embodiment of the invention, not shown for conciseness, fixing the position" could also mean fixing the position of the humidity regulating part 60 in only two degrees of freedom, by providing only one of the two above mentioned fixing systems.

In use, seed(s) 24 is/are placed in the first receptacle 23, as shown in Figure 6.

The desiccant 27 is arranged in the second receptacle 26, as shown in Figures 4 to 6.

The humidity regulating part 60 sits on the wall (or walls) 22.

The lid part 40 is then fastened to the housing part 20.

After some time, variable dependent on the amount and type of desiccant, and the amount and type of seed(s) 24, the efficacy of the seal between the lid 40 and the housing 20, amongst other things, the seed(s) 24 dries.

An optimal dryness for seeds is about 15 % Relative Humidity (RH.). Once seed(s) have reached that dryness, the seed(s) 24 should not continue to be exposed to the silica gel desiccant 27 during storage as they will continue to dry, degrading, and eventually dying.

Therefore, at about 5 % Rdative Humidity (RH.) the humidity regulating part 60 is moved to cut off the air flow between the desiccant 27 and the seed(s) 24 as shown in the upper part of Figure 6.

The flanges 64, 66 of the humidity regulating part 60 are approximately horizontal in the first configuration prior to reaching optimum seed dryness. When the seeds reach (or approach) optimum seed dryness the humidity regulating part 60 is simply manually turned, preferably manually, but it is envisioned one can do so automaticafly. The humidity regulating part is designed to be turned through 180 degrees or thereabouts, in other words upside down. The humidity regulating part 60 is therefore approx horizontal in first config to approximately horizontal in the second configuration.

No adaptation of the humidity regulating part 60 is required prior to it being reconfigured in the second configuration, nor is adaptation of other parts of the seed drying and storing device 10. That is not to say the humidity regulating part 60 cannot be modified if desired.

To assist the user, and ensure more precision in the dryness of the seed(s) 24, the seed drying and storing device 10 also comprises a humidity indicating desiccant 90. The humidity indicating desiccant 90 can be a silica containing methyl violet which is orange when dryer and green when more hydrated. The humidity indicating desiccant 90 can be designed so that the colour change is triggered at a Relative Humidity other than 15%, for example to suit different seeds and/or user preferences.

Initially, prior to the seed(s) being dry, the humidity indicating desiccant 90 can be placed in one of two ocations. both of which are shown in the lower part of Figure 6. The first location is on top of the seed(s) 24. The advantage of this configuration is that the humidity indicating desiccant 90 is exposed to the same air conditions as the seed(s) 24. One disadvantage is that the humidity indicating desiccant 90 can be difficult to see. A further disadvantage is that the humidity indicating desiccant 90 is in contact with the seed(s) 24. The second location is on the plate 67. An advantage of this configuration is that the humidity indicating desiccant 90 is easier to see, through the lid 40. Another advantage of this configuration is that the humidity indicating desiccant 90 is not in contact with the seed(s) 24.

Once the seed(s) are suitably dry, and the humidity regulating part 60 has been moved from the configuration shown in the tower part of Figure 6 to the configuration shown in the upper part of Figure 6. the humidity indicating desiccant 90 can be placed in one of two locations.

i.e. on top of the seed(s) 24 or on (the other side of) the plate 67, both of which are shown in the upper part of Figure 6.

If the seed drying and storing device 10 is to be reused, the humidity regulating part 60 can be reconfigured to its original position denoted in the lower part of Figure 6

S

An advantage of the seed drying and storing device 10 is that seed(s) can be tried to an optimum level, so that they perform better when planted.

In another embodiment of the invention, a further seed drying and storing device 100 comprises a sing'e container or housing 120. The housing 120 holds desiccant 27, acting like the second receptacle 26 for the desiccant 27 described above in relation the previous embodiment of the invention.

The housing 120 houses a plurality of first receptacles 104 for seed(s) 24. The plurality of first receptacles i04 for seed(s) 24 sit loosely on the desiccant 27. The first receptacles i04 act like the first receptacle 23 for seed(s) 24 described above in relation the previous embodiment of the invention.

The seed drying and storing device 100 also comprises a plurality of humidity regulating parts 60.

The seed drying and storing device 100 also comprises a lid i40, analogous to lid 40 described above in relation the previous embodiment of the invention.

The humidity indicating desiccant 90 is not shown for conciseness, but the humidity indicating desiccant 90 can be placed in one of two thcations, i.e. on top of the seed(s) 24 or on the plate 67 of the humidity regulating part 60.

The seed drying and storing device 100 operates according to the same principles as the seed drying and storing device 10. In use, like in relation to the previous embodiment of the invention, at about 15 % Relative Humidity (RH.) the humidity regulating part 60 is turned upside down to cut off the air flow between the desiccant 27 and the seed(s) 24. Air flow is indicated by arrows. The two humidity regulating parts 60 in the centre of Figure 7 are shown in the sealed configuration.

An advantage of the seed drying and storing device 100 is multiple first receptacles 104 for seed(s) 24 can be arranged in a single container and be dehumidified independent'y from one another.

In another embodiment of the invention (not shown for conciseness), a further seed drying and storing device 200 is like seed drying and storing device 100 in many respects which need not be described.

In addition, a lid 240 of the seed drying and storing device 200 comprises a plurality of protrusions 244, like protrusions 44 described above. The modifications which applied to the protrusions 44 apply equally to the protrusions 244.

Also, the housing 220 of the seed drying and storing device 200 comprises a plurality of integral first receptacles 204 for seed(s) 24.

The seed drying and storing device 200 also comprises a plurality of humidity regulating parts 60.

Again, the humidity indicator is not shown for conciseness but the humidity indicating desiccant 90 can be placed on top of the seed(s) 24.

The seed drying and storing device 200 operates according to the same principles as the seed drying and storing device 100. In use, like in relation to the previous embodiment of the invention, at about 15 % Relative Humidity (RH.) the humidity regulating part 60 is turned upside down to cut off the air flow between the desiccant 27 and the seed(s) 24. Air flow is indicated by arrows.

In use, it will be appreciated that the position of the humidity regulating parts 60 can be fixed, by the predetermined positions of the plurality of integral first receptacles 204, and the plurality of protrusions 244.

It will be appreciated that the storing and drying device can be used in relation to objects other than seeds, and in such a case the term "seed drying and storing device" should be replaced by the term "drying and storing device for drying and storing an object", and any reference to "seeds" should be replaced by the term "object".

Aside from the connection between the formation or formations 30, 42, the seed drying and storing device 10 comprises no threaded connections.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A seed drying and storing device comprising a receptacle for seed(s), and a receptacle for a desiccant (such as silica gd), the seed drying and storing device also comprising a humidity regulating part, the humidity regulating part being movable from a first configuration in which air can flow from seed(s) to desiccant, transferring moisture from seed(s) to desiccant, into a second configuration in which air cannot flow from seed(s) to desiccant.
2. A seed drying and storing device comprising a seed(s) receptacle, and a desiccant receptacle, the seed drying and storing device also comprising a humidity regulating part, the humidity regulating part being movable from a first configuration in which air can flow from seed(s) to desiccant, transferring moisture from seed(s) to desiccant, into a second configuration in which air cannot flow from seed(s) to desiccant.
3. A seed drying and storing device according to any preceding daim, wherein the seed drying and storing device comprises a humidity regulating part which is designed to be reoriented from a first configuration to second configuration.
4. A seed drying and storing device according to any preceding claim, wherein the humidity regulating part is designed to be upturned, preferably through 180 degrees or thereabouts.
5. A seed drying and storing device according to any preceding claim, the humidity regirlating part does not change form through its use in the first and second configuration.
6. A seed drying and storing device according to any preceding claim, wherein the seed drying and storing device comprises a humidity indicator.
7. A seed drying and storing device according to Claim 6, wherein the humidity indicator is designed so that, in the first configuration of the humidity regubting part. the humidity indicator is in air communication with the seeds and the desiccant, and in the second configuration of the humidity regulating part, the humidity indicator is not in air communication with the seeds and/or the desiccant.
8. A seed drying and storing device according to any preceding claim, wherein the seed drying and storing device comprises a lid part.
9. A seed drying and storing device according to any preceding claim, wherein the seed drying and storing device comprises a housing part.
10. A seed drying and storing device according to Claim 8 and 9, wherein the lid part and housing part cooperate to keep the receptacle for seed(s), and receptacle for desiccant, separated from the atmosphere.
11. A seed drying and storing device according to any preceding claim, wherein the seed drying and storing device aho comprising means for fixing the position of the humidity regulating part, in two or three degrees of freedom in the first configuration andlor second configuration.
12. A seed drying and storing device according to any preceding claim, wherein the seed drying and storing device comprises a plurality of receptacles for seed(s).
13. A seed drying and storing device according to any preceding claim, wherein the seed drying and storing device comprises a plurality of humidity regulating parts.
14. A seed drying and storing device according to any preceding claim, wherein the seed drying and storing device comprises a fixing means for fixing the position of the humidity reguat ing part.
15. A seed drying and storing device substantially as described herein and/or with reference to any one or more of Figures 1 to 8 of the drawings.
16. A method of storing and drying seeds comprising the steps of, providing a seed drying and storing device in accordance with any one or more of Claims 1 to 15, the method also comprising the step of moving the humidity regulating part from a first configuration in which air can flow from seed(s) to desiccant, into a second configuration in which air cannot flow from seed(s) to desiccant.