Rotary Germination System

Abstract

A rotary germination system comprising a chamber including an opening, a porous end cap engaging the opening of the chamber, and a water reservoir, wherein the chamber and the porous end cap are at least partially submerged in the water reservoir such that an interior of the chamber is in communication with the water reservoir through the porous end cap, and the porous end cap engages a drive mechanism that rotates the chamber and the porous end cap while the chamber and the porous end cap are at least partially submerged in the water reservoir.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 324,399, "Rotary Germination System," filed March 28, 2022, which is incorporated herein for all purposes. [Background technology]

[0002] Germination is the process of causing vegetable seeds to germinate in large quantities and be harvested as a food source. Germination at home is traditionally done in glass jars. Germination is relatively easy, but the sprouts will need to be rinsed and watered two to three times a day while they are growing. This highly manual process is inconvenient and, if not done correctly, can at the very least compromise crop growth and at worst increase the risk of fungal and bacterial infections. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] Conventionally, commercially available germination devices include a large drum that contains seeds and water, which can be activated to promote seed germination and growth. However, these commercially available germination devices suffer from the drawback that they are prone to mechanical failure and expensive to repair because they operate mechanically along multiple axes. Additionally, commercially available germination equipment is expensive to purchase, requires a lot of space, and the fully germinated sprouts must be wrapped in plastic and shipped to retailers in refrigerated trucks. During transportation, the buds can be damaged many times along the way. Also, the buds only have a shelf life of a few days. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0004] Embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in the following drawings.

[0005] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a rotary germination system.

[0006] [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 shows the rotary germination system in operation.

[0007] [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 shows another example of a rotary germination system.

[0008] [Figure 4] FIG. 1 shows the end caps and chambers.

[0009] [Diagram 5] FIG.

[0010] [Figure 6] FIG.

[0011] [Figure 7] FIG.

[0012] [Figure 8] An overhead view showing the base of the rotary germination system (without chamber or water reservoir).

[0013] [Figure 9] Diagram showing the water reservoir of the rotary germination system.

[0014] [Figure 10] Diagram showing the water reservoir of the rotary germination system.

[0015] [Figure 11] FIG. 2 shows a water reservoir connected to the base of the rotary germination system.

[0016] [Figure 12] 12A and 12B show the engagement between the end caps on the chambers of the rotary germination system and the drive mechanism.

[0017] [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows another example of a rotary germination system.

[0018] [Figure 14] FIG. 13 shows yet another example of a rotary germination system.

[0019] [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram illustrating a process for implementing a seed profile. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] The present invention may be embodied as a process, an apparatus, a system, a composition of matter, a computer program product in a computer readable storage medium, and / or a processor (e.g., a processor executing instructions stored in and / or provided by a memory coupled to the processor). These embodiments, or other forms that the invention may take, may be referred to herein as techniques. In general, the order of steps of disclosed processes may be varied within the scope of the invention. Unless otherwise specified, components such as processors or memories that are described as being configured to perform a role may be implemented as general components that are temporarily configured to perform that role at a given time, or as specific components that are manufactured to perform that role. As used herein, the term "processor" refers to one or more devices, circuits, and / or processing cores configured to process data, such as computer program instructions.

[0021] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate the principles of the invention. The present invention will be described in connection with embodiments but is not limited to any embodiment. The scope of the invention is limited only by the claims, and the invention encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. These details are provided for the purpose of example, and the present invention may be practiced according to the claims without some or all of these specific details. For the sake of clarity, technical matters well known in the art related to the present invention have not been described in detail to the extent that they do not obscure the present invention.

[0022] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a rotary germination system is described herein. First, the rotary germination system includes an opening. In various embodiments, the shape of the chamber is cylindrical or frusto-conical with one open end. And, the rotary germination system further includes a porous end cap configured to engage the opening of the chamber. The seeds to be germinated are placed into the chamber before engaging the open end of the chamber with a porous end cap. The rotary germination system also includes a water reservoir that can be filled with purified water (eg, manually or via a water pump). This source of purified water may then be a purified water reservoir that is part of the rotary germination system, or it may be a connection to the building's fresh water storage structure. A chamber connected to the porous end cap is at least partially submerged within the reservoir such that the interior of the chamber communicates with the reservoir through the porous end cap. In various embodiments, a "water reservoir" may be, for example, but not limited to, any tray, basin, dish, or bowl in which the chamber can be partially submerged in water. The holes in the porous end cap that engages the chamber are shaped and sized to allow water from the reservoir to flow in and out of the chamber (e.g., to hydrate the seeds contained therein), but not allow the seeds and sprouts growing from the seeds to pass through. The porous end cap is adapted to engage a drive mechanism configured to rotate the chamber engaged with the porous end cap while the chamber and the porous end cap are at least partially submerged in the reservoir.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a rotary germination system. The rotary germination system 100 also includes a removable chamber 102 . Additionally, the chamber 102 includes a single opening that can be covered with an end cap 116 . As will be explained below, the end cap 116 has holes that allow water and air to pass through. To begin the germination process, first, with the chamber 102 removed from the rotary germination system 100, seeds are placed into the chamber 102 by a user through the opening. This opening is then covered by the user with an end cap 116 and the covered chamber 102 is then engaged by the user to the drive mechanism 112 of the rotary germination system 100 . For example, the end cap 116 may be made, at least in part, from stainless steel and / or plastic. The type of seed placed in the chamber 102 can be detected by the rotary germination system 100 in a variety of ways. In a first example, a user can input the seed type via a user interface displayed by the electronic device 114 or a user interface displayed in an associated application running on a customer device that is wirelessly connected to the rotary germination system 100. In a second example, the type of seed can be detected by a scanner in the electronics 114 that scans a code or other identifier on the packaging in which the seeds were enclosed. In a third example, the type of seed can be detected by the electronics 114 based on images acquired from the seed (eg, from a camera pointed inside the chamber 102). In response to determining the type of seed contained within the chamber 102, the electronics 114 are configured to activate components within the rotary germination system 100 to modify the environment of the seed within or around the chamber 102 to promote seed germination and germination growth according to a seed profile corresponding to that seed type. In various embodiments, the electronics 114 includes a memory configured to store one or more types of seed profiles. Each seed profile includes computer code that, when executed by the processes of the electronics 114, controls the components of the rotary germination system 100 to carry out a sequence of seed development stages. For example, each seed development stage may include a duration for which a drive mechanism operates in a specified manner (such as rotating in a given direction at a specified number of revolutions per minute (RPM)) and / or a duration for which a set of target environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity) within chamber 102 are maintained during that stage.

[0024] And, during execution of a seed profile associated with the type of seed detected within the chamber 102, the electronics 114 are configured to release purified water from the purified water reservoir 110 to at least partially fill the water reservoir 104 in which the chamber 102 is partially submerged. The electronics 114 can operate the irrigation system to release purified water into the water reservoir 104 . The irrigation system includes a pump 108 configured to pump purified water from the purified water storage 110 to the reservoir 104 . FIG. 1 shows a cross-section of a reservoir 104 with a chamber 102 partially submerged therein, the reservoir 104 including a tray having a convex body in which the chamber 102 rests. When purified water is pumped into the reservoir 104 , at least a portion of the purified water is allowed to enter the chamber 102 through holes in an end cap 116 that covers the opening of the chamber 102 . Additionally, during execution of the selected seed profile, the electronics 114 is also configured to rotate the drive mechanism 112 via a motor (not shown in FIG. 1). And, because an end cap 116 of the chamber 102 is engaged with the drive mechanism 112 , rotational movement of the drive mechanism 112 causes the end cap 116 to rotate. The end cap 116 is connected to the opening of the chamber 102 so that when the end cap 116 rotates, the chamber 102 also rotates about its own axis, axis 118 . For example, the seed profile can indicate, for each seed development stage, the type of motion that the drive mechanism 112 should perform (e.g., clockwise rotation, counterclockwise rotation, and / or both), the duration of such rotational motion, the speed of such rotational motion, whether to pump purified water into the water reservoir 104, and / or whether to drain the water in the water reservoir 104 and chamber 102 from the water reservoir 104 by actuating the opening of a drain valve below the bottom of the water reservoir 104. As an alternative to using the drain valve to drain the water reservoir 104, the user may manually drain the water reservoir 104 by pouring the water out.

[0025] In a first example, during at least one seed development stage of a seed profile executed by the electronics 114, water may flow into the water reservoir 104 via the pump 108, at least a portion of the water may flow into the chamber 102 to hydrate the seeds, and the drive mechanism 112 may be actuated to rotate the chamber 102 about the axis 118 to agitate the seeds so that they are more completely covered in water. In a second example, during at least one seed development stage of a seed profile executed by the electronics 114, the drain valve 106 is opened and water from the reservoir 104 and the chamber 102 is drained from the reservoir 104 to remove moisture from the seeds. Because the chamber 102 is not parallel to the surface on which the rotary germination system 100 is installed, when the drain valve 106 is opened, water that flows into the chamber 102 through the end cap 116 flows out through the end cap 116 to the drain valve 106 by gravity, speeding up the drainage of water from the chamber 102. In other words, the angle θ 120 of the surface of the chamber 102 relative to the plane / face of the rotary germination system 100 is non-zero, tilting the chamber 102 relative to the surface on which the rotary germination system 100 is placed. For example, the angle θ120 of the surface of the chamber 102 relative to the plane / face of the rotary germination system 100 can be a non-zero value depending on the frusto-conical shape of the chamber 102 (e.g., the diameter of the chamber 102 at the opening / end cap 116 may be larger than the diameter at the closed end) or the angle of the water reservoir 104 in which the chamber 102 is placed. Water drained from the reservoir 104 can flow through a tube (not shown in FIG. 1) into a used water storage, sink, or drain. In a third example, during at least one seed development stage of a seed profile executed by the electronics 114, after water is drained from the water reservoir 104, the drive mechanism 112 is actuated to rotate the chamber 102 about the axis 118 to agitate and disperse the sprouts that have germinated from the seeds within the chamber 102, promoting air flow between the sprouts to promote growth and / or inhibit fungal / bacterial growth due to trapped moisture. At the end of running the seed profile / growth process, the user can remove the end caps 116 from the drive mechanism 112 and either harvest / remove the sprouts from the chamber 102 or place the chamber 102 with the sprouts directly into the refrigerator.

[0026] Execution of all seed development stages within a seed profile may take several days (eg, 2 to 7 days). For example, prior to storing the buds in chamber 102 in a refrigerator, the porous end caps 116 can be replaced with slightly breathable end caps to achieve ideal storage conditions within the refrigerator.

[0027] Below are illustrative examples of operations performed by the rotary germination system 100 for various seed types according to their respective seed profiles.

[0028] 1) Seed Profile: Broccoli, salad mix

[0029] Soak: Fill with water to 25% capacity, rotate slowly for 8 hours, drain.

[0030] Rinse: Twice a day for 5 days, raise the water level to 20% each day and rotate quickly back and forth for 3 minutes, then drain.

[0031] Holding: Rotate very slowly indefinitely between rinses.

[0032] Harvest day: Fill with water to the maximum and rotate quickly back and forth for 3 minutes, then drain.

[0033] 2) Seed Profile: Lentil

[0034] Soak: Fill 50% with water, rotate slowly for 8 hours, drain.

[0035] Rinse: Twice a day for three days, raise the water level to 30% each day and rotate quickly back and forth for three minutes, then drain.

[0036] Hold: Rotate very slowly and indefinitely between rinses

[0037] Harvest day: Fill with water to the maximum and rotate quickly back and forth for 3 minutes, then drain.

[0038] The electronics 114 include one or more sensors and a climate control / subsystem. Examples of sensors may include humidity, temperature, water level, cameras, airflow, and acceleration sensors. For example, at least some of the sensors can be located inside the chamber 102 and / or outside the chamber 102. In response to measurements from the sensors, environmental subsystems such as fans, heaters, and (e.g., ultraviolet (UV)) lights can be dynamically activated using a program to adjust the environment inside or outside the chamber 102 to match the sensor measurements to target environmental measurements specified for various seed development stages in the executed seed profile. In a first example, a fan may be activated to blow air into the chamber 102 to lower the internal temperature or reduce the internal humidity. In a second example, corresponding UV light can be activated to disinfect seeds before germination or stimulate sprout growth after germination. In a third example, if the humidity within the chamber 102 falls below a target value specified in the seed profile for the current seed development stage, the electronics 114 can initiate the release of additional water into the water reservoir 104 and rotation of the chamber 102 within the water reservoir 104. When an accelerometer reading exceeding a predetermined threshold is detected, the electronics 114 can send a warning (e.g., to an application running on the customer's device) indicating that the rotary germination system 100 is experiencing undesirable sliding / movement during operation.

[0039] A current sensor coupled to the drive mechanism 112 can be used to detect deviations in current that may indicate a problem / failure / stuckness in the drive mechanism 112 or associated motor.

[0040] Although not shown in FIG. 1, the rotary germination system 100 may include a disinfection module that is activated by the electronics 114 to release a disinfectant solution into the chamber 102 to disinfect the seeds at an early seed development stage in the seed profile (e.g., to clean the seeds before germination or after germination growth is completed). For example, the disinfected seeds may be pumped into the water reservoir 104 and then rinsed with purified water that is drained from the water reservoir 104 .

[0041] Although not shown in FIG. 1, the rotary germination system 100 includes a user interface (UI) that allows a user to control the rotary germination system 100 and obtain its status. The UI connects (e.g., via Wifi / Bluetooth / NFC / cellular) to an application on an optional customer device (such as a smartphone / tablet) allowing messages (e.g., alerts) to be sent from the rotary germination system 100 to the smartphone / tablet. The smartphone / tablet application can also be used to remotely control the rotary germination system 100, update firmware, and expose important information regarding the status of the rotary germination system 100. For example, the UI may include a dial or button that can initiate a process to automatically soak, rinse, and water the seeds or sprouts.

[0042] The UI of the rotary germination system 100 is configured to allow a user to input the type (and number) of seeds being germinated in the chamber 102. The UI of the rotary germination system 100 is configured to allow the user to stop the growing cycle at any time. The UI of the rotary germination system 100 is configured to allow a user to determine the current status of the rotary germination system 100 (eg, time remaining until crop is completed, water levels, errors, etc.). The UI of the rotary germination system 100 is configured to ensure an easy and convenient user experience. The UI of the rotary germination system 100 is configured to allow a user to connect a mobile device to the rotary germination system 100 to exercise control, receive alerts, and configure settings.

[0043] Removable components of the rotary germination system 100, such as the chamber 102, end caps 116, water reservoir 104, and purified water reservoir 110, are modularly replaceable with different instances of the same components. Additionally, the removable components of the rotary germination system 100 are made from machine washable materials (e.g., glass, plastic, and / or stainless steel).

[0044] The rotary germination system 100 is a countertop product that grows sprouted crops with minimal user intervention during the growing process. Safety, convenience and crop quality are the guiding principles of this rotary germination system 100. The user only needs to input the seed and water once (at the beginning of the process) and then does not need to intervene with the germinating crop until harvest.

[0045] The volume of the chamber 102 may be from 0.5 gallons to 1 gallon. The chamber 102 is at least 3 to 10 gallons in size to accommodate mature buds.

[0046] The dimensions of the rotary germination system 100 are 15 inches x 15 inches x 15 inches.

[0047] FIG. 2 shows an example of a rotary germination system in operation. The rotary germination system 100 of FIG. 1 can be implemented using an example rotary germination system 200 shown in FIG. The chamber 202 is partially filled with seeds before its opening is covered with an end cap 206 . The chamber 202 is then engaged to the drive mechanism of the rotary germination system 200 via the end cap 206 . The reservoir 204 is coupled to a base 214 to hold it in place. In the example of FIG. 2, water is already placed in the reservoir 204 and the chamber 202 is partially submerged. As shown in FIG. 2, the end cap 206 has radial slits that extend to the edge of the opening of the chamber 202 and is porous. In other examples, the holes in the end cap 206 may not be slits, the slits may not be radially arranged, and / or may also include a stir bar extending from the end cap 206 into the interior of the chamber 202. Because the end cap 206 is porous, purified water pumped by a pump 212 through a tube 210 from a purified water reservoir (not shown) into the reservoir 204 flows through the holes in the end cap 206 and into the chamber 202 . As a result, as long as the drain valve at the bottom of the water reservoir 204 (shown closed in the diagram of FIG. 2) is closed, water will be retained within the chamber 202, providing moisture to the seeds contained therein. A motor 208 connected to the drive mechanism (connected to the end cap 206) can be actuated by electronics (not shown) of the rotary germination system 200 to rotate the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is coupled to the end cap 206 (at the center of cap 206) and, when the motor 208 is activated, rotation of the drive mechanism is transmitted to rotation of both the end cap 206 and the chamber 202 (by friction of the seal between the opening of the chamber 202 and the end cap 206). Thus, the chamber 202 rotates about its axis within the reservoir 204 by the activated motor 208 and, in turn, by the drive mechanism. Alternatively, the drive mechanism (and subsequently the end cap 206 and chamber 202) can be manually rotatable, for example, by a crank, dial, or handle. Rotation of the chamber 202 allows the seed and water mixture (see FIG. 2) to sufficiently hydrate the seeds for successful germination. The rotational movement of the chamber 202 can break down seed masses that would not otherwise be completely covered in water. This effect can also be achieved by "fins" or other such features (not shown in FIG. 2) embedded in the interior walls of chamber 202. Depending on the various seed development stages of the seed profile (corresponding to the type of seed detected in the chamber 202) currently being run by the electronics of the rotary germination system 200, a drain valve at the bottom of the water reservoir 204 can be activated and opened to drain water from the water reservoir 204 and the chamber 202. And, this chamber 202 is inclined at a non-zero angle with respect to the plane on which the rotary germination system 200 is set. Thus, when the drain valve is actuated and opened, water is drained by gravity from the chamber 202 through the holes in the end cap 206 and travels downward through the drain valve (e.g., to a used water collection / storage receptacle or directly to a sink / drain). Regardless of whether the drain valve is open or closed, and regardless of whether there is water remaining in the water tank 204, the motor 208 can be operated to rotate the chamber 202 within the water tank 204. For example, after a period of time from draining the water from the water reservoir 204 by opening the drain valve, the seeds in the chamber 202 will germinate and produce shoots. During this stage of seed development, the motor 208 can be operated to rotate the chamber 202 in one or more directions to allow the sprouts therein to spread out and avoid forming clumps that would hinder healthy growth.

[0048] FIG. 3 shows another example of a rotary germination system. The rotary germination system 100 of FIG. 1 can be implemented using an example rotary germination system 300 shown in FIG. The rotary germination system 300 is similar to the rotary germination system 200 of FIG. 2, however, the rotary germination system 300 of FIG. 3 is shown from a different angle than the rotary germination system 200 of FIG. The chamber 302, placed within the water reservoir 304, is shown without seeds or water. An end cap 306 connected to the opening of the chamber 302 includes a stir bar that extends into the chamber 302 . The stirring bar in chamber 302 helps to break up clumps of seeds and / or sprouts growing within chamber 302, allowing for a better water cover around the seeds and improved airflow around the sprouts.

[0049] FIG. 4 shows an example of an end cap and chamber. The chamber 102 and end cap 116 of the rotary germination system 100 of FIG. 1 may be implemented with the example of the chamber 402 and end cap 406 of FIG. In the example of FIG. 4, chamber 402 is made of a transparent or translucent material, such as glass or plastic. And, although the shape of the chamber 402 is shown as frusto-conical, in other examples, the chamber 402 may be cylindrical. The outside of the chamber 402 near its opening is covered with a gasket 404 . For example, the gasket 404 is made of silicone or other compressible material. The end cap 406 is configured to engage the chamber 402 by at least partially covering the gasket 404 . The gasket 404 forms a seal between the end cap 406 and the chamber 402 such that the end cap 406 remains attached to the chamber 402 and also transfers rotational movement of the end cap 406 to the chamber 402. In other words, when the end cap 406 engages the chamber 402, the drive mechanism of the rotary germination system actively rotates the end cap 406, causing the chamber 402 to rotate as well. The end cap 406 in turn has a peg 408 in the center. The center of the end cap 406 is aligned with the central axis of the chamber 402, so that when the end cap 406 engages the drive mechanism (the pegs 408 slide into slots in the drive mechanism), rotation of the drive mechanism causes the end cap 406 and chamber 402 to rotate about the axis of the chamber 402. In the example of FIG. 4, the end cap 406 includes slits 412 extending radially from the center of the end cap 406 . The slits 412 extend to the edge of the opening of the chamber 402 so that when water is discharged from the water reservoir in which the chamber 402 is installed in the rotary germination system, water flows out from the interior of the chamber 402 (and does not remain inside the chamber 402). The holes in the end cap 406 are shown as slits 412 extending radially from the center of the end cap 406, but in other examples the holes in the end cap 406 may be of any shape and arrangement that allows only water to pass through and not seeds. And the end cap 406 also contains (six) stirring rods 410 that extend into the chamber 402 and also rotate with the end cap 406 to mix, stir and separate the seeds and sprouts within the chamber 402.

[0050] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an end cap. The example end cap shown in FIG. 5 is a view of end cap 406 of FIG. 4, but without the chamber that covered a portion of the stir bar.

[0051] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an end cap. The example end cap shown in FIG. 6 is an alternative view of end cap 406 of FIG. 4, but without the chamber that covered a portion of the stir bar. All the stir bars are part of the same molding material (eg, plastic). Therefore, the stir bar can be added or removed from the end cap as a single piece.

[0052] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an end cap. The example end cap shown in FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of end cap 406 of FIG.

[0053] FIG. 8 shows an overhead view of the base of the rotary germination system (without the chamber or water reservoir). In particular, the base 214 of the rotary germination system 200 of FIG. 2 can be implemented using the example base 800 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the base 800 includes features that mate with corresponding features on the reservoir (not shown in FIG. 8). Specifically, features of base 800 that mate with corresponding features on the reservoir include recesses 806 a and 806 b and raised stand 808 . As shown in FIG. 8, recess 806a, recess 806b, and raised stand 808 each include a recessed area into which a complementary feature on the bottom of the reservoir fits. This aligns the water tank with respect to the base 800 . Additionally, the base 800 includes a drain valve 802 that can be actuated open to drain water through a drain hole in the water tank that is aligned with the drain valve 802 . Additionally, the base 800 includes a slot 804 for the drive mechanism. Then, when the end of the chamber extending from the end cap is inserted into slot 804, rotation of the drive mechanism can be transmitted to the end cap and ultimately to the chamber to which the end cap is attached (e.g., containing seeds and water). Slot 804 may be circular with the slot accessible from the top down (as shown) or may be a closed circle accessible from the front (not shown). In either case, the end cap can be inserted and restrained therein, and rotation of the drive mechanism can be transmitted to the end cap and chamber combination.

[0054] FIG. 9 shows a water reservoir of the rotary germination system. In particular, the water reservoir 204 of the rotary germination system 200 of FIG. 2 can be implemented using the water reservoir example of FIG. FIG. 9 is a side view of the water tank. And, the bottom of the reservoir includes features that mate with corresponding features on the base of the rotary germination system. For example, features 902a and 902b mate with recesses 806a and 806b in the base shown in FIG. Additionally, feature 904 mates with and is inserted into raised stand 808 in the base shown in FIG. As described above, by aligning features on the bottom of the water reservoir with corresponding features on the base of the rotary germination system, the water reservoir can be securely connected to the base, thereby ensuring that water and the chamber are contained within the water reservoir. The water tank is designed so that when it is fitted to the base of the rotary germination system, the water tank is inclined relative to the surface on which the rotary germination system is installed. The slope allows the water in the tank to collect / flow to the side where the drain is located, making it easier for the water to drain from the tank (if the drain valve is open). The water reservoir 204 may be mounted in a sliding drawer that slides out from the front of the rotary germination system. Additionally, the reservoir 204 may include multiple components that are removable for each cleaning. If a sliding puller mechanism is employed, the end cap can be engaged with the drive mechanism by inserting a protrusion (such as a peg) on ​​the end cap into a closed circle / slot (such as slot 804 in FIG. 8) on the drive mechanism.

[0055] FIG. 10 shows a water reservoir of the rotary germination system. In particular, the water reservoir 204 of the rotary germination system 200 of FIG. 2 can be implemented using the water reservoir example of FIG. FIG. 10 shows a view of the bottom of the water tank. In addition to showing features that mate with corresponding features on the base of the rotary germination system shown in FIG. 9, FIG. 10 also shows drainage holes 1004 through which water can drain from the reservoir and into corresponding tubing leading to a used water reservoir or sink / drain.

[0056] FIG. 11 shows a water reservoir connected to the base of the rotary germination system. FIG. 11 shows an overhead view of the reservoir (without the chamber disposed within the reservoir) after the bottom exterior features of the reservoir mate with corresponding features of the base below. Then, once the reservoir is properly secured and aligned to the base below, a chamber covered with a corresponding end cap can be placed within the reservoir and the protruding peg on the end cap plugs into or otherwise engages the drive mechanism 1102 of the rotary germination system.

[0057] 12A and 12B show an example of the engagement between the end caps on the chambers of a rotary germination system and the drive mechanism. In FIG. 12A, a centrally located peg 1202 of a porous end cap that is secured to a seed-containing chamber is about to be inserted into a female receptacle 1204 of a motor-driven drive mechanism. The female receiver 1204 has a cavity that matches the shape and size of the peg 1202 so that the peg 1202 can slide into the cavity and engage with a drive mechanism. In the example of Figures 12A and 12B, the peg 1202 extending from the center of the end cap is shown to be square-shaped, but in an actual embodiment, the peg 1202 may be any shape and the female receptacle 1204 of the drive mechanism may be any correspondingly shaped cavity into which the peg 1202 may be inserted. In FIG. 12B, a peg 1202 in the center of the porous end cap is shown already inserted into a female receptacle 1204 in the motorized drive mechanism. The peg 1202 on the end cap is square and the female receptacle 1204 is shaped accordingly so that when the peg 1202 is inserted into the female receptacle 1204, the peg 1202 does not move relative to the female receptacle 1204, but rather moves with the drive mechanism, transmitting rotation to the chamber. Prior to executing a seed profile, the electronics that command the motor that operates the drive mechanism ensures that the opening of the female receptacle 1204 of the drive mechanism is oriented in a way that allows the peg 1202 to be inserted through the opening in the female receptacle 1204 (e.g., upward or perpendicular to the surface on which the rotary germination system is placed). Instead of inserting the peg 1202 into an open slot in the drive mechanism, the peg 1202 can be inserted into a closed circle in the drive mechanism to engage with the drive mechanism.

[0058] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of a rotary germination system. In the example of FIG. 13, the base of the system, including the motor, pump, tubing, used water storage / collection receptacle, and electronics (memory, processor, sensors, disinfection module, environmental subsystem, etc.) similar to those described above for the rotary germination system 100 of FIG. 1, is contained within a housing 1302. The rotary germination system 1300 then includes a water reservoir 1304 into which a chamber that is (partially) filled with seeds (not shown in FIG. 13) is inserted. Purified water can be pumped into the reservoir 1304 through tubing connecting the reservoir 1304 and purified water storage 1310 . For example, purified water reservoir 1310 includes a refillable container of water that fits into a corresponding cavity in housing 1302 . For example, the shape of the chamber may be cylindrical or frusto-conical with one opening. A user can place seeds into the chamber through the opening and then cover the opening with an end cap (not shown in FIG. 13, but the end cap can be, for example, similar to the examples described in FIGS. 4-7). And, the end cap may also include a circular / cylindrical peg extending from the center of the end cap that can be inserted (engaged) into a slot 1306 that is part of the drive mechanism. The end caps are porous, allowing air and water to flow into and out of the chamber. The capped end of the chamber is then engaged in slot 1306 and the body of the chamber is inserted into the water reservoir 1304 prior to running a seed profile corresponding to the type of seed detected in the chamber. During execution of a seed profile at least one seed development stage, purified water is pumped into the reservoir 1304, allowing the water to permeate into the chamber through the porous end cap and hydrate the seeds therein. The drive mechanism also operates to rotate the mating end caps of the chambers, which in turn rotates the attached chambers to promote the flow of water and air to the seeds. Also, while running a seed profile at another seed development stage, a drain valve located below the water reservoir 1304 is opened and the water in the water reservoir 1304 and the chamber flows down through a drain tube below the water reservoir 1304. The electronics of the rotary germination system 1300 can be programmably controlled to rotate the drive mechanism, release purified water into the water reservoir 1304, drain used water, and activate various environmental subsystems through a sequence of one or more seed development stages of an executed seed profile. After the final seed development stage, the chamber, now filled with sprouts that have germinated from the dried seeds originally placed in the chamber, can be removed from the housing 1302. In this way, the buds in the chamber are ready to be consumed. Button 1312 comprises a physical component that a user can use to, for example, initiate the execution of a seed profile that corresponds to the type of seed detected in the chamber. A status light 1314 displays different colors / types of light to indicate the current status associated with the execution of the seed profile. For example, if the rotary germination system 1300 is ready to receive a new batch of seeds, the status light 1314 will indicate a first color (e.g., green), if the rotary germination system 1300 is currently running a seed profile on the seeds contained in the chamber, the status light 1314 will indicate a second color (e.g., blue), and if a fault or other exception is detected in connection with the execution of the seed profile (e.g., if the drive mechanism is jammed, the purified water reservoir 1310 needs to be refilled, etc.), the status light 1314 will indicate a third color (e.g., red).

[0059] FIG. 14 shows yet another example of a rotary germination system. The rotary germination system 1400 is similar to the rotary germination system 100 of FIG. 1, except that the drive mechanism 1412 drives the rotation of the seed-containing chamber 1402 as a roller mounted flush to the side of the chamber 1402. In comparison, the rotary germination system 100 includes a drive mechanism 112 coupled to one end of the chamber 102 for driving the chamber 102 . In the example of FIG. 14, instead of engaging an end cap 1416 that covers the opening of the chamber 1402 , the drive mechanism 1412 includes a rotating roller that is mounted flush with the chamber 1402 . This drive mechanism 1412 is actuated by a motor and rotates around an axis. The drive mechanism 1412 is comprised of rollers with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the chamber 1402 . As the drive mechanism 1412 rotates, the chamber 1402 also rotates about its own axis 1418 since the drive mechanism 1412 is disposed flush with the chamber 1402 . Because the end cap 1416 does not need to engage with a slot-type female receptacle of the drive mechanism 1412 of the rotary germination system 1400, the end cap 1416 does not need to include a peg used for such type of engagement. For all other configurations, the end cap 1416 must contain holes to allow water and air to flow in and out of the reservoir 1404 into the chamber 1402 .

[0060] Except for the differences between the rotary germination system 100 and the rotary germination system 1400 described above, the water tank 1404, drain valve 1406, pump 1408, electronics 1414, purified water storage 1410, and angle θ 1420 of the rotary germination system 1400 can function similarly to the water tank 104, drain valve 106, pump 108, electronics 114, purified water storage 110, and angle θ 120 described for the rotary germination system 100.

[0061] FIG. 15 is a flow diagram illustrating a process for implementing a seed profile. And, the process 1500 is performed, at least in part, by a rotary germination system (eg, rotary germination system 100 of FIG. 1).

[0062] At 1502, a seed profile corresponding to the type of seed in a chamber of the rotary germination system is determined. The user can place the (dried) seeds to be germinated into a chamber which is inserted into the rotary germination system. The type of seed in the chamber can then be determined based on user input (e.g., input into a user interface physically located on the rotary germination system or input into a user interface displayed on an application running on a customer's device that is wirelessly connected to the rotary germination system), scanning (e.g., by a sensor physically located on the rotary germination system or a sensor that is part of the customer's device) of an identifier (e.g., a bar code, a Quick Response (QR) code) printed on the seed packaging, and / or analysis of an image of the seeds in the chamber. The rotary germination system includes a non-volatile memory configured to store seed profiles corresponding to various seed types. Each seed profile includes computer code that can be executed by the rotary germination system's processor to control components (e.g., water pumps, motors, drain valves, sensors, environmental subsystems) to implement a sequence of seed development stages to promote growth of sprouts from seeds placed within the chamber. The seed development stage has one or more target specifications, such as a direction to rotate the chamber, an amount of purified water to release into the water reservoir, whether to actively drain water from the water reservoir, a target duration for implementing the conditions of the seed development stage, and one or more target environmental measurements (e.g., humidity, temperature, water pH).

[0063] At 1504, a seed profile is executed and purified water is released into the reservoir. The chamber is then partially submerged in the reservoir and purified water flows into the chamber through a porous end cap at the opening of the chamber. The rotary germination system (specifically, the rotary germination system's processor) is configured to control components of the rotary germination system to execute (e.g., repetitively) a seed profile (e.g., for each seed development stage) by satisfying target conditions for the current seed development stage of the seed profile, including releasing purified water into the water reservoir (e.g., by a pump). The chamber containing the seeds within the water reservoir is covered with porous end caps that allow water (and air) to be transferred into (and out of) the chamber. Thus, by adding water to the water reservoir, water is supplied to the chamber, providing moisture to the seeds within the chamber.

[0064] At 1506, a drive mechanism is activated to rotate the chamber according to the seed profile. And, execution of this seed profile (of the current seed development stage) may include initiating rotation of the chamber according to a specified speed (e.g., a specified RPM) and / or direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise). The drive mechanism is also connected to a porous end cap which is connected to the chamber. This causes the chamber within the reservoir to rotate when the end cap is rotated by the drive mechanism. Rotating the chamber containing the seeds and water allows the seeds to be better hydrated, promoting an ideal humidity environment throughout the chamber, encouraging better sprout growth. The end cap includes a stirring bar that extends into the chamber, such stirring bar capable of breaking up any unwanted clumps of seeds or sprouts that may have formed within the chamber. And if these seeds and sprouts are in clumps, they can stunt the growth of the sprouts, so they need to be dispersed.

[0065] If the rotary germination system includes target environmental conditions (e.g., humidity, temperature, light), corresponding environmental sensors, and a control subsystem, the actual / current sensor feedback / measurements can be compared to the target conditions specified in the seed profile. If the actual / current sensor feedback / measurements deviate from the target conditions by more than a threshold, then the corresponding environmental control subsystems (fans, heaters, lights, etc.) can be activated to modify the environment in or around the chamber to match the target conditions.

[0066] At 1508, it is determined whether a fault is detected. If a failure of the rotary germination system is determined, control passes to 1510 . If not, that is, if a failure of the rotary germination system is not determined, control passes to 1512 . Then, if a current sensor measuring the current flowing through the drive mechanism measures a current value that deviates from the target current, a problem related to the drive mechanism (e.g., a blockage or misalignment between the chamber and the drive mechanism) may be detected. Additionally, if an accelerometer measuring the acceleration of the rotating germination system flowing through the drive mechanism measures an acceleration value that deviates from a target acceleration, a problem related to the drive mechanism (e.g., the rotating germination system is not placed on a stable / flat surface) may be detected. Other types of faults in at least some of the rotary germination system may be detected using other sensor related technologies.

[0067] At 1510, a repair technique corresponding to the type of fault detected is initiated. The repair techniques may include displaying a warning in the user interface or displaying some type of status light to the user to prompt the user to manually repair the problem.

[0068] At 1512, a decision is made whether to drain the water reservoir. If water is to be discharged from the water tank, control passes to 1514 . If not, ie, if the water is not to be drained from the reservoir, control returns to 1506 . Execution of the seed profile (of the current seed development stage) may include opening a drain valve connected to the water reservoir to drain water from the reservoir and chamber. This drain valve can then be opened for a period of time before being closed again (allowing for additional purified water to be added to the reservoir to hydrate the seeds / sprouts in the chamber).

[0069] At 1514, a valve connected to the water reservoir is opened, allowing water to drain from the reservoir.

[0070] At 1516, it is determined whether the seed profile has completed execution. And, if execution of this seed profile is completed, the process 1500 ends. If not, i.e., if the seed profile execution is not complete, control may return to 1504 to initiate the release of more purified water into the reservoir according to the (next) seed development stage of the seed profile. Once all seed development stages of the seed profile have been cycled, the execution of the seed profile is complete. Furthermore, after the seed profile has been run completely, the dry seeds placed into the chamber should be germinated (i.e., ready for consumption). Then, after execution of this seed profile is complete, the rotary germination system may display an indication (e.g., using a status light) prompting the user to remove the chamber filled with sprouts from the rotary germination system. A user can provide feedback on the grown sprouts via a user interface associated with the rotary germination system (e.g., whether the sprouts should be maintained in the rotary germination system for a longer period of time and / or whether some seeds have not germinated) and the executed seed profile is modified accordingly, such that the next execution of this seed profile will include the changes made in consideration of the user feedback.

[0071] As described herein, in various embodiments, the rotary germination system provides one or more of the following features:

[0072] 1. Automatic irrigation of sprout crops.

[0073] 2.Automatic control of airflow to the growth chamber.

[0074] 3. Automatic stirring of growing crops.

[0075] 4. Seed-specific profiles (if necessary) that tailor growth inputs to suit a particular seed.

[0076] 5.Minimal countertop footprint.

[0077] 6. Additional expansion of units with space-efficient use (e.g., the ability to chain or stack multiple instances of the rotary germination system).

[0078] 7. Climate control of growth chambers to maintain safety and crop quality.

[0079] 8. Pathogenic safety of crops.

[0080] 9. Adaptation to various climates.

[0081] Although the foregoing embodiments have been set forth for clarity of understanding, the invention is not limited to the details set forth above. There are many alternative ways of implementing the present invention. The embodiments do not limit the invention.

Claims

1. 1. A rotary germination system comprising a chamber including an opening, a porous end cap engaging the opening of the chamber, and a water reservoir, the chamber and the porous end cap are at least partially submerged within the reservoir such that an interior of the chamber communicates with the reservoir through the porous end cap; A rotary germination system, wherein the porous end cap engages a drive mechanism that rotates the chamber and the porous end cap while the chamber and the porous end cap are at least partially submerged in the water reservoir.

2. 10. The rotary germination system of claim 1, further comprising an irrigation system that releases purified water into the water reservoir.

3. 3. The rotary germination system of claim 2, wherein the irrigation system includes a pump that pumps the purified water from a purified water source through a tube and into the reservoir.

4. 2. The rotary germination system of claim 1, wherein said porous end cap includes holes extending to the edge of said chamber opening.

5. 2. The rotary germination system of claim 1, wherein the porous end cap includes a stirring bar that extends into the chamber when the porous end cap is engaged with the opening of the chamber.

6. 2. The rotary germination system of claim 1, wherein the shape of the chamber is cylindrical or frusto-conical.

7. 10. The rotary germination system of claim 1, further comprising a drain valve that opens to drain water from the water reservoir.

8. 10. The rotary germination system of claim 1, further comprising a sensor for detecting a jam associated with the drive mechanism.

9. Further comprising a processor; 10. The rotary germination system of claim 1, wherein the processor detects a seed type associated with a seed in the chamber and obtains a seed profile corresponding to the seed type.

10. a sensor for determining a measurement within the chamber; 10. The rotary germination system of claim 9, wherein the processor compares the measurements with target conditions specified in the seed profile and, in response to a determination that the measurements deviate from the target conditions by more than a threshold, controls an environmental subsystem to modify the environment within the chamber.

11. 11. The rotary germination system of claim 10, wherein the sensor comprises a temperature sensor.

12. 11. The rotary germination system of claim 10, wherein the sensor comprises a humidity sensor.

13. 11. The rotary germination system of claim 10, wherein the sensor comprises a water level sensor.

14. 12. The rotary germination system of claim 11, wherein the environmental subsystem includes a fan or a heater.

15. 11. The rotary germination system of claim 10, wherein the environmental subsystem includes an irrigation system.

16. 11. The rotary germination system of claim 10, wherein the environmental subsystem includes light.

17. 11. The rotary germination system of claim 10, wherein the seed profile dictates the speed at which the drive mechanism rotates the porous end cap and the chamber.

18. 10. The rotary germination system of claim 1, further comprising a status light that displays a light indicative of a current status of the rotary germination system.

19. 2. The rotary germination system of claim 1, wherein the chamber is inclined relative to a surface on which the rotary germination system is placed.

20. 10. The rotary germination system of claim 1, wherein said porous end caps comprise stainless steel.

Images