GB464853A - Process and apparatus for producing the germination of seeds - Google Patents

Abstract

464,853. Germinating seeds. BOUILLON, C. G. V. July 18, 1935, No. 20511. Void. Convention date, July 21, 1934. [Class 58] To cause seeds to germinate after being suitably soaked they are introduced in suc cessive layers at appropriate intervals of time into a vertica container 1 provided with an opening 2 in the side near the bottom adapted to be closed by a hinged door 3, and with a cover 11 at the top carrying a pipe 12 that can be connected to a conduit 14 delivering ai saturated with moisture. The container 1 is provided witl an air jacket 15, the cover also being air jacketed. A water sea is provided between the cove and the container. A brace member 20 holds the cover in position against the pressure of air pumped through the conduit. Inspection holes 22 covered by a glass plate, sample extracting devices and a temperature indicating device 23 with thermostat, thermometer and signal are fitted. A perforated sheet metal slide 6 moves in guides across the container above the opening 2 and an adjustable false bottom 9 is arranged below the opening. In operation, layers of seeds previously soaked are introduced on successive days into the column, the door 3 being left open and air forced through the seeds from the conduit 14, the current being controlled by a thermostat; when the germ of the bottom layer has developed sufficiently the cover is opened, the door 3 closed, and the slide 6 removed, thus permitting the seeds to fall on to the false bottom. The slide is then replaced and another layer of seeds supplied to the top of the column and the cover replaced. The door 3 is opened and the seeds between the false bottom and the perforated slide removed. Perforated plates may be interposed between successive layers of seeds. A rotary cylindrical extractor may be used for the removal of the germinated seeds. Soaking vats for the seeds may be arranged round the upper end of the container.