Seed priming system

Abstract

A system (100, 200) is provided for priming seeds. In one embodiment, the system (100, 200) generally includes one or more priming vessels (108), each including a reaction chamber (108, 308) holding a priming liquid, and a coolant chamber (310) surrounding the priming chamber (108, 308, 310). The coolant chamber (310) is in fluid communication with a temperature regulating element. The priming system (100, 200) further includes a mixing unit suspended within an interior of the priming chamber (108, 308, 310). The mixing unit includes a connecting rod (304, 506) extending within the priming chamber (108, 308, 310). The connecting rod (304, 506) includes a distal end and a proximal end. The mixing unit further includes a mixing plate (314, 400, 502, 504) connected to the distal end of the connecting rod (304, 506) and submerged within the priming liquid. The mixing plate (314, 400, 502, 504) includes a plurality of conical holes (402), and, when oscillated, is configured to circulate the priming liquid within the priming chamber (108, 308, 310).

Description

BCS243005 FC NiK / mr 2025-09-251SEED PRIMING SYSTEMFIELD

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for wet priming seeds in a priming solution to better ensure both seed quality and, upon planting of the seeds, crop quality. Also disclosed are methods for wet priming seeds.BACKGROUND

[0002] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

[0003] In agriculture, and in crop production more specifically, seed priming is a process associated with germination efforts. The process may include active monitoring and management of temperature, seed moisture content, light, and other factors, as seeds are allowed to take up a limited quantity of water in a controlled set-up to facilitate germination at a later stage. During priming, seeds may undergo biochemical processes associated with initial stages of germination, but without the emergence of the radicle. A goal of seed priming is to control the advancement of the seeds to a uniform stage of pre-germination such that, after drying of the primed seeds, fast and uniform emergence of the seeds is enabled when planted. Seed priming is therefore essential for farmers and crop growers. Commercial seed priming often employs the drum priming method, which is a circular or barrel shaped drum where the seeds are placed in the center of the vessel and rotated under specific temperatures. Using a drum, for priming, generally relies on placement in a controlled environment room to control seed priming conditions. Limitations in the use of a controlled environment are that all drums are required to have the same conditions, temperature adjustments require changes to the room which takes additional time and can be difficult to maintain. In contrast, the seed priming system disclosed herein equipped with chilling capabilities provide a more responsive system, allowing for rapid adjustments to temperature and maintaining tighter temperature tolerances. This enhanced control extends to critical process parameters such as dissolved oxygen, pH, and mixing, which can be monitored and adjusted in real-time in the seed priming system. Consequently, the inability of drums to facilitate real-time monitoring and response capabilities can hinder optimalBCS243005 FC2 priming outcomes, particularly when adjustments are necessary before the completion of a run. Overall, while both systems serve the purpose of seed priming, the seed priming system offers superior control and efficiency, making it a preferable choice in commercial priming applications.SUMMARY

[0004] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

[0005] Example embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to systems for priming seeds. In one example embodiment, such a system generally includes one or more priming vessels, each including a reaction chamber holding a priming liquid, and a coolant chamber surrounding the priming chamber. The coolant chamber is in fluid communication with a temperature regulating element. The priming system further includes a mixing unit suspended within an interior of the priming chamber. The mixing unit includes a connecting rod extending within the priming chamber. The connecting rod includes a distal end and a proximal end. The mixing unit further includes a mixing plate connected to the connecting rod, preferably the mixing plate is connected to the distal end of the connecting rod, and submerged within the priming liquid. The mixing plate is configured to circulate the priming liquid within the priming chamber.. In one embodiment, the mixing plate includes a plurality of conical holes.

[0006] Example embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to methods for priming seeds. In one example embodiment, such a method generally includes filling a reaction chamber of a priming vessel with a priming liquid and providing a plurality of seeds for priming into the reaction chamber. The method further includes suspending within an interior of the reaction chamber a mixing unit including a connecting rod and a mixing plate. The method further includes oscillating the mixing plate while submerged within the priming liquid and to circulate the priming liquid with the reaction chamber.

[0007] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.BCS243005 FC3DRAWINGS

[0008] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and are not all possible implementations. The selected embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 1 shows a frontal view of an example priming system;

[0010] FIG. 2 shows a rear view of an example priming system;

[0011] FIG. 3 shows an example priming vessel;

[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example mixing plate;

[0013] FIG. 5 shows cross-sections of example mixing plates and corresponding flow patterns.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to accompanying drawings. The description and specific examples included herein are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0015] The priming system of the present disclosure includes one or more transparent, jacketed priming vessels, also known as double walled vessels. In these vessels seeds undergo wet priming treatment in priming liquid. The priming liquid may otherwise herein be referred to as, for example, priming fluid and priming solution.

[0016] In some embodiments, each vessel is connected to a chiller for example a Huber 007 Unichiller. The chiller enables the priming fluid to remain steadily at a desired temperature. This is achieved by measuring the temperature inside a reaction chamber of the vessel and, based on those measurements, regulating the temperature of the cooling fluid which is pumped within a coolant chamber surrounding the reaction chamber to chill the priming vessel as needed. For example, in one embodiment, the cooling fluid may be regulated at a temperature range from about 4°C and to about 35°C, from about 4°C to about 25°C, from about 10°C to about 25°C, of from about 10°C to about 20°C. More preferably the cooling fluid within the coolant chamber is regulated by the chiller to about 10°C. In other embodiments, the temperature can be constant during the process at any temperature between 1°C and 35°C and in another embodiment the temperature may be regulated to different levels during the priming depending on the requirements per seed priming phase.BCS243005 FC4

[0017] In some embodiments, the priming vessel cooling chamber may be a closed system where in the cooling fluid is continuously cycled from the chiller via a pump. In alternative embodiments, the cooling fluid may be added via a port contained within the outer vessel wall at the proximal end of the chamber and may be dispelled via a port at the distal end of the chamber. Connected pipes to these ports allow for the cooling liquid to be pumped to the chiller via and inline or otherwise fluidly connected pump. The pump may be a peristaltic pump, or any suitable pump.

[0018] The priming fluid and the seeds are mixed by means of a vibratory mixer. The vibratory mixer may include a drive unit, a connecting rod, and a mixing plate. In some embodiments, the drive unit of the vibratory mixer is located above the priming vessel and is connected to the mixing plate by the connecting rod. In some embodiments, the connecting rod may be hollow, enabling the passage of fluids into the reaction chamber. For example, a gas may be dispersed through the reaction chamber by means of the connecting rod. The vibratory mixer may also further be able to turn connecting rod and attached mixing plate in clockwise or counterclockwise fashion to further facilitate the mixing of the contents of the reaction chamber. The use of a vibratory mixer in this embodiment is not limiting and other substantially similar mixing methods may be employed. For example the use of a impeller style mixer or a magnetic stirrer with magnet drive.

[0019] The mixing plate is suspended within the reaction chamber and facilitates mixing of the contents of the reaction chamber. When connected to the drive unit by the connecting rod, the mixing plate may be powered to vibrate in a substantially vertical direction parallel to the height of the mixing vessel. A mixing intensity may be adjusted by adjusting a vibration amplitude of the mixing plate and / or an amount of power supplied to the mixing plate by the drive unit. In another embodiment the connecting rod can have multiple mixing plates attached to it to facilitate mixing the contents of the reaction chamber.

[0020] For purposes of measuring process parameters, some embodiments include a by-pass loop. The bypass loop is engaged by pumping seed-free priming solution from the reaction chamber into the by-pass loop containing the instruments that measure the parameters of interest, for example dissolved oxygen, pH, fluid density, and temperature. The measured values may be stored in a memory housed within the system or the memory may be part of a computing device electronically coupled to the system. In some embodiments, the measured values areBCS243005 FC5 compared to pre-set limits which may then signal some corrective action. For example, if a measured value exceeds a predefined upper or lower limit, an alarm or other notification may be raised that will warn or instruct an operator to take one or more corrective actions. In some embodiments, the corrective actions may be automated by the system to, for example, increase mixing intensity or adjust the temperature of the chilling unit.

[0021] For the purpose of using the system for priming of seeds, an operator may enter priming instructions for the system into the computing device electronically coupled to the system. Such instructions may contain, for example, a total priming duration, an amount and duration of applied red and / or blue light, an intensity of mixing, upper and lower boundaries of measured values such as temperature, a frequency of measuring parameters values, and the possibility to delay one or more alarms. The operator may also select priming instruction for specific seed varieties, and start the priming process after preparing the vessel with priming fluid and seeds.

[0022] In some embodiments, the present priming system may include two or more priming vessels, two or more chillers, two or more by-pass loops each including its own sensors. The priming system may further be coupled to a computer for system control and data recording and data storage. Priming vessel volume may be selected to accommodate specific needs and may differ from one priming system to another depending on operational requirements.

[0023] FIG. 1 shows a frontal view of an example priming system 100 for priming seeds according to the present disclosure. Example system 100 includes two vibratory mixers 102 and 106, each vibratory mixer 102 and 106 associated with a priming vessel and arranged to mix and / or agitate the contents of a reaction chamber housed within each priming vessel. In the example embodiment, system 100 includes two priming vessels 108 and 134. First priming vessel 108 houses a 90 liter reaction chamber and second priming vessel 134 houses an 11 liter reaction chamber. In other embodiments, example priming system 100 includes more or less than two priming vessels, each priming vessel housing a reaction chamber of any volume that enables example priming system 100 to function as described herein. For example, reaction chamber volumes may differ within a given priming system, as shown in FIG. 1, and may range in size from about 1 liter to about 10 liters, or from about 10 liters to about 100 liters, or from about 50 liters to about 500 liters. Example priming system 100 further includes a swing arm 104 generally for facilitating placement and suspension of a vibratory mixer into a reaction chamber,BCS243005 FC6 for example placement and suspension of vibratory mixer 106 into a reaction chamber 108. Swing arm 104 may further be used to adjust a vertical or a horizontal position of a mixing plate within a reaction chamber. The swing arm is configured to be extendable towards the reaction chamber and at least one vibratory mixer is attached to the swing arm. The swing arm is configured to linearly descend along its longitudinal axis a defined distance relative to the reaction chamber and linearly retract along its longitudinal axis. In yet other embodiments the swing arm may be disconnected from the vibratory mixer and replaced with a similar or another style of mixer.

[0024] In the example embodiment, priming vessels 108 and 134 are exposed to light through the presence of illuminating bars 132 comprising LED lights. LED bars 132 may be sized according to the size of a corresponding priming vessel, and may emit light of a desired wavelength. In the example embodiment, priming vessel 134 is exposed to red light while priming vessel 108 is exposed to blue light. To prevent unwanted interference from, for example, ambient light, or light from LED bars illuminating other priming vessels, example priming system 100 includes light blocking screens or partitions 136 and doors 124.

[0025] Under each priming vessel 108 and 134 is a valve assembly 130. Each valve assembly 130 is in fluid communication with a common central outlet 128 for draining fluid from the priming vessels. The valve assembly 130 and the common central outlet 128 are also configured to expel the primed seeds from the reaction chamber. In other embodiments, each valve assembly 130 is in fluid communication with separate outlets. In some embodiments, valve assembly 130 includes a pneumatic valve. In other embodiments a screen or another valve may be added between valve assembly 130 and the common central outlet 128 to prevent seeds and / or priming fluid from flowing into the outflow of the adjacent priming vessel. The pneumatic valve may be manual or automatic opened by the controller. Under priming vessels 108 and 134 of the priming system may further comprise a catch pan 126 for collecting fluid drained from one or each of priming vessels 108 and 134, thus preventing uncontrolled spillage and / or leakage from one or each of priming vessels 108 and 134. The valve assembly 120 may further comprise a temperature sensor.

[0026] In some embodiments, a seed catch receptacle prevents seed from entering the fluid receptacle and is attached below the pneumatic valve. For example, a mesh bag may be used in some embodiments as a seed catch receptacle. Fluid passing through the seed catchBCS243005 FC7 receptacle then enters the fluid receptacle and may further be directed to a recycling vessel / system or to a disposal vessel / system.

[0027] In some embodiments, the priming vessel may contain a strainer in the output port. This strainer would enable the retention of seeds while removing the priming solution enabling multiple priming treatments in a continuous batch process. Reducing turnaround time and down time for the priming vessel in times of high demand. Continuous batch processing provides another route to maintain critical priming parameters or address changes in the critical process parameters output for optimal priming outcomes.

[0028] Example priming system 100 further includes at least one pump assembly 138 configured to transfer fluids into a priming vessel. For example, pump assembly 138 may facilitate movement of a cooling fluid within a coolant chamber of priming vessel 134, in which the coolant chamber surrounds the reaction chamber and is configured to regulate the temperature of the reaction chamber. In some embodiments, pump assembly 138 may facilitate movement of other fluids to other components of example priming system 100, and in some embodiments may include a peristaltic pump. In yet other embodiments, the pump assembly or assemblies may be contained within other components of the example priming system. In one example the chiller contains a separate pump assembly (not shown) for movement of the cooling fluid within the collant chamber of the priming vessel 134,

[0029] Example priming system 100 further includes an electric cabinet 110. Electric cabinet 110 generally houses electrical components which may be required for operation of priming system 100 and further houses controls for an operator or user to operate priming system 100 as described herein. For example, electric cabinet 110 may include a main power switch 112, various control buttons 120, and may further include one or more touch screens 114 and 116 for displaying information relevant to example priming system 100. Relevant information may include current operating parameters, operator instructions, warnings, timers, etc. Touch screens 114 andl 16 may also be configured to receive instructions for an operator. Example priming system 100 further includes emergency indicators and an emergency stop mechanism 118.

[0030] The example priming system 100 includes a method for setting and modifying priming parameters comprising a control system for real-time and historical graphical outputs of critical priming parameters. For example, critical priming parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen, amplitude, and frequency. This embodiment creates real-time outputs which can enableBCS243005 FC8 prevention of seed loss and damaged seed through enabling the maintenance of priming parameters during the priming run. Additionally, historical priming parameter data collection enables root cause analysis for out-of-specification batches and continuous improvement for the priming protocols.

[0031] Example priming system 100 further includes various mechanical components 122 which may be required for operation of priming system 100 as described herein. For example, various components 122 may include various valves, pumps, hoses, connectors, reservoirs, and any other components that enable priming system 100 to function as described herein.

[0032] FIG. 2 shows a rear view of an example priming system 200 for priming seeds according to the present disclosure. Example priming system 200 includes a plurality of sensors for measuring operating parameters, for example parameters which may characterize conditions within one or more priming vessels. Example priming system 200 includes a dissolved oxygen sensor 202, a pH sensor 204, and a density sensor 206. Sensors 202, 204, and 206 may be communicatively coupled to a computing device configured to process, store, and display data collected from each of the sensors. Sensors 202, 204, and 206 may also be communicatively coupled to a controlling device configured to automatically adjust operating parameters based on information collected by sensors 202, 204, and 206. Sensors 202, 204, and 206 may be communicatively coupled to an alert or alarm system configured to alert an operator if operating parameters measured by sensors 202, 204, and 206 exceed or fall below predetermined values. For example, sensors 202, 204, and 206 may be communicatively coupled to components housed within electric cabinet 110 shown in FIG. 1. Sensors 202, 204, and 206 may also include their own means of displaying data or alerting an operator.

[0033] In some embodiments, sensors 202, 204, and 206 measure operating parameters of the priming solution by means of a bypass loop in fluid communication with a reaction chamber. In such embodiments, the bypass loop enables sensors 202, 204, 206, and any other sensors to collect data without requiring access to the reaction chamber. Priming solution may flow continuously through the bypass loop or flow through the bypass loop may be controlled by a valve or switch as required. The bypass loop may be connected via the ports in the top of the reaction vessel, or a tube that may descend and ascend into the reaction chamber through the lid assembly.BCS243005 FC9

[0034] In some embodiments, the method for priming seeds comprises introducing and circulating compressed air during the priming process. The introduction of compressed air helps to maintain the desired oxygen level. For example, in some embodiments, air can be introduced to the priming vessel through a pump and sending the air through an inlet port into the priming vessel. The pump may be a peristaltic pump, or any suitable pump. In other embodiments, compressed air can be introduced into the priming vessel through the connecting rod for dispersion throughout the vessel. For all embodiments, the compressed air can be added manually or as a response to changes to the dissolved oxygen reading.

[0035] Example priming system 200 further includes a chiller 210 thermally coupled to a compressor 208. Chiller 210 is fluidly coupled to at least one coolant chamber of a priming vessel and houses cooling fluid for regulating temperature within a reaction chamber of the priming vessel. For example, chiller 210 may be fluidly coupled to the coolant chamber of each of priming vessels 108 and 134 shown in FIG. 1. Chiller 210 is further configured to circulate cooling fluid within at least one coolant chamber, for example by pumping cooling fluid through a coolant input port of a coolant chamber and receiving warmed cooling fluid exiting the coolant chamber through a coolant output port.

[0036] Example priming system 200 further includes a sprayer 212. Sprayer 212 is configured to facilitate cleaning of, for example, reaction chambers of priming vessels between seed priming events. For example, sprayer 212 may facilitate cleaning of each of priming vessels 108 and 134 shown in FIG. 1. Sprayer 212 may be coupled to a water source or a reservoir of cleaning solution. In some embodiments, the sprayer is connected to the bypass loop in fluid communication with a reaction chamber. In such embodiments, the bypass loop enables priming fluid from the reaction chamber to be sprayed back into the chamber of otherwise sprayed outside of the priming system. The sprayer may further be used to provide assistance in expelling the remaining seeds within the priming chamber without inducing shock (temperature or chemical) to the seeds. Sprayer 212 may also be used to clean other components of priming system 200.

[0037] FIG. 3 shows an example priming vessel 300 for use with the priming system of the present disclosure. For example, example priming vessel 300 may correspond with either of priming vessels 108 or 134 shown in FIG. 1. Example priming vessel 300 includes a reaction chamber 308 surrounded by a coolant chamber 310. Reaction chamber 308 is configured toBCS243005 FC10 receive seeds for priming and a corresponding volume of priming solution sufficient for priming the seeds. Reaction chamber 308 may range in volume. For example, reaction chamber 308 may range in size from about 1 liter to about 10 liters, or from about 10 liters to about 100 liters, or from about 50 liters to about 500 liters.

[0038] An interior of reaction chamber 308 may be accessed through priming solution input port 318. Priming solution input port 318 is configured to receive priming solution for filling reaction chamber 308. The priming solution may be added from a priming fluid supply and delivery assembly (not shown) or priming preparation vessel that may be fluidly connected to the reaction chamber via the input port 318. Likewise, priming solution output port 312 is configured to drain priming solution from reaction chamber 308 after or between priming events. Priming solution output port 312 may include an interior screen or guard to prevent movement of seeds or other solids through output port 312. In some embodiments the screen or guard may be exterior to the reaction chamber to be used as a seed catch receptacle.

[0039] Example priming vessel 300 also includes a lid assembly 320 that is on the proximal end of the priming vessel. Lid assembly 320 is configured to be removable and when installed on the priming vessel 300 to provide a seal around the cooling chamber 310 and reaction chamber 308 and enclose the priming solution. The lid assembly 320 further comprises a series of ports 306, 316, 318 which may configured to be fluidly connected to the coolant chamber, the reaction chamber, and the bypass loop. The lid assembly 320 further comprises a port for passage of a connector rod 304. In some embodiments the lid may also include a vent for the release of gases from within the reaction chamber. In some embodiments the lid assembly 320 may further contain a hinge assembly and latches for opening and closing the lid assembly and securing to the priming vessel.

[0040] Example priming vessel 300 also includes coolant chamber 310 surrounding reaction chamber 308. Coolant chamber 310 is configured to regulate temperature within priming vessel 300, for example during seed priming events. Coolant chamber 310 receives cooling fluid through cooling input a port permanently connected to chamber 310 (not visible in fig 3), , and cooling fluid leaves coolant chamber 310 through cooling output port at the bottom of vessel coolant chamber 310 (not visible in fig 3). For example, the inlet and outlet ports may be fluidly coupled to chiller 210 shown if FIG. 2. In such embodiments, chiller 210 facilitatesBCS243005 FC11 circulation of cooling fluid through coolant chamber 310 and thereby maintain the temperature withing reaction chamber 308 within a predetermined range.

[0041] Example priming vessel 300 also includes motor 302. Motor 302 may be an oscillating motor and is further connected to connector rod 304. At the other end of connector rod 304 and suspended in an interior of reaction chamber 308 is mixing plate 314. When powered, motor 302 causes longitudinal oscillation of rod 304 and of mixing plate 314 within reaction chamber 308. In some embodiments, motor 302 oscillates mixing plate 314 at a frequency of between about 10 and 100 Hz, or between about 25 and 75 Hz, or between about 40 and 60 Hz. In some embodiments, motor 302 oscillates mixing plate 314 at a frequency of about 50 Hz. In some embodiments, motor 302 oscillates mixing plate 314 at a displacement amplitude of between about 1 and 10 mm, or about 2 and 5 mm. In some embodiments, motor 302 oscillates mixing plate 314 at a displacement amplitude of about 2.5 mm, or about 3 mm. Oscillation frequency and amplitude may be combined in any way which enables priming system 100 to function as described herein. For example, in some embodiments, motor 302 oscillates mixing plate 314 with a frequency of about 50 Hz and an amplitude of about 3 mm, and in other embodiments, a frequency of about 50 Hz and an amplitude of about 2.5 mm. The oscillating motion of mixing plate 314 causes agitation and mixing of the contents of reaction chamber 308.

[0042] In some embodiments, two or more mixing plates 314 may be stacked longitudinally within reaction chamber 308 and along rod 302. A distance between adjacent mixing plates may be expressed as a multiple of a diameter of the mixing plates. For example, in some embodiments, adjacent mixing plates 314 may be separated longitudinally along rod 302 by a distance 1 D, representing a distance approximately equal to a diameter of one of the adjacent mixing plates 314. In some embodiments, adjacent mixing plates 314 may be separated longitudinally along rod 302 by a distance of about 0.1 D, about 0.25 D, about 0.5 D, about 1 D, about 2 D, about 5 D, about 10 D, or any distance enabling priming system 100 to function as described herein.

[0043] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example mixing plate 400. Example mixing plate 400 may correspond to mixing plate 314 shown in FIG. 3. Mixing plate 400 includes a plurality of truncated conical holes 402 extending through the thickness of mixing plate 400. In the middle of mixing plate 400 is a solid region 404 enabling connection of mixing plate 400 to a connecting rod, for example connecting rod 304 shown in FIG. 3. When coupled to an oscillatingBCS243005 FC12 motor, for example motor 302 as shown in FIG. 3, and suspended in a liquid, liquid is pumped through the conical holes of mixing plate 400, generating a fluid flow according to the Bernoulli effect. The fluid flow generated by mixing plate 400 facilitates agitation or mixing of the liquid in which mixing plate is suspended.

[0044] Example mixing plate 400 is substantially circular, wherein the plurality of conical holes 402 are positioned along concentric rings around solid region 404. In other embodiments, mixing plate 400 may be any shape and may include conical holes in any position or configuration which enables priming system 100 to function as described herein. In other embodiments, mixing plate 400 may have any shape and may include holes that, although having a larger and smaller diameter, are not conical (i.e. not having a round diameter) but instead e.g. they are trapezoid or rectangular. Preferably, mixing plate 400 is substantially circular.

[0045] FIG. 5 shows cross-sections of example mixing plates 502 and 504. Example mixing plates 502 and 504 may each correspond to mixing plate 314 shown in FIG. 3 or mixing plate 400 shown in FIG. 4. Mixing plates 502 and 504 differ in the orientation of the conical holes extending through the thickness of each of mixing plates 502 and 504.

[0046] With respect to mixing plate 502, the bases 508 of the truncated conical holes faces away from connecting rod 506, and the truncated portions 510 of the conical holes face toward connecting rod 506. In this orientation, as mixing plate 502 oscillates during a seed priming or other mixing event, liquid is pumped through the conical holes, creating a flow according to the Bernoulli effect. A direction of flow resulting from oscillation of mixing plate 502 in a reaction chamber generally follows a pattern exemplified in corresponding flow diagram 512, in which fluid flows longitudinally upward along a central region of the reaction chamber and flows downward along a peripheral region, for example along the reaction chamber walls.

[0047] With respect to mixing plate 504, the bases 508 of the truncated conical holes faces toward connecting rod 506, and the truncated portions 510 of the conical holes face away connecting rod 506. In this orientation, as mixing plate 504 oscillates during a seed priming or other mixing event, a direction of flow may be illustrated in corresponding flow diagram 514, in which fluid flows longitudinally downward along a central region of the reaction chamber and flows upward along a peripheral region, for example along the reaction chamber walls.

[0048] In some embodiments, mixing plate 504 may between 25 and 250 mm in diameter. For example, mixing plate 504 may be about 50 mm, 100 mm, 150 mm, or 200 mm inBCS243005 FC13 diameter. In some embodiments, mixing plate 504 may be between 2 and 10 mm in thickness. For example, mixing plate 504 may be about 2 mm, 3 mm, 3.5 mm, 4 mm, 4.5 mm, 5 mm, 5.5 mm, 6 mm, 6.5 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, or 10 mm in thickness. In some embodiments, the bases 508 of the truncated conical holes of mixing plate 504 may be between 5 and 20 mm in diameter. For example, bases 508 may be about 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm, 15 mm, 16 mm, 17 mm, 18 mm, 19 mm, or 20 mm in diameter. In some embodiments, the truncated portions 510 of the truncated conical holes of mixing plate 504 may be between 2 and 12 mm in diameter. For example, truncated portions 510 may be about 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, or 12 mm in diameter. In some embodiments, mixing plate 504 may include bases 508 and truncated portions 510 of non- uniform diameter.

[0049] The seed priming system of the present disclosure provides a number of advantages over priming systems available at the time of filing. For example, embodiments of the present disclosure enable gentle mixing which helps maintain a desired oxygen content. The mixing may also prevent undesired evaporation which may change the available oxygen to the seeds or may alter the water potential of the priming solution. By contrast, mixing by means of bubbling according to other priming systems has disadvantages including altering the water potential over time due to the facilitation of water evaporation from the priming solution. The present priming system also provides a stable, pre-defined priming temperature for the seeds. The pre-defined temperature may be optimized to specifically to accommodate each of a variety of seeds. The present priming system also provides process monitoring and process alerts when measured parameters are outside pre-defined limits. Measured parameters may include pH, dissolved oxygen, density, temperature, and various mixing parameters. Measured parameters may be measured inline. The present priming system also enables separate, and time-controlled exposure of seeds to red and blue light conditions, such that interference of light conditions with neighboring processes is prevented or minimized. The present priming system, wherein there are at least two priming vessels, enables separate priming protocols to be performed independently on one or more varieties of seed.

[0050] The methods described herein can be used in connection with any species of plant and / or the seeds thereof. The methods are typically used in connection with seeds that are agronomically important. The seed may be a transgenic seed from which a transgenic plant canBCS243005 FC14 grow and incorporates a transgenic event that confers, for example, tolerance to a particular herbicide or combination of herbicides, increased disease resistance, enhanced tolerance to insects, drought, stress and / or enhanced yield. The seed may comprise a breeding trait, including for example, in one embodiment a disease tolerant breeding trait. In some instances, the seed includes at least one transgenic and breeding trait.

[0051] The process can be used for the priming of any suitable seed type, including, but not limited to, row crops, vegetables, and fruits. In some embodiments, one or more are selected from Amaranthaceae ( e.g , chard, spinach, sugar beet, quinoa ), Asteraceae ( e.g., artichoke, asters, chamomile, chicory, chrysanthemums, dahlias, daisies, echinacea, goldenrod, guayule, lettuce, marigolds, safflower, sunflowers, zinnias ), Brassicaceae ( e.g., arugula, broccoli, bok choy, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, canola, collard greens, daikon, garden cress, horseradish, kale, mustard, radish, rapeseed, rutabaga, turnip, wasabi, watercress, Arabidopsis thaliana ), Cucurbitaceae ( e.g., cantaloupe, cucumber, honeydew, melon, pumpkin, squash ( e.g., acorn squash, butternut squash, summer squash ), watermelon, zucchini ), Fabaceae ( e.g., alfalfa, beans, carob, clover, guar, lentils, mesquite, peas, peanuts, soybeans, tamarind, tragacanth, vetch ), Malvaceae ( e.g., cacao, cotton, durian, hibiscus, kenaf, kola, okra ), Poaceae ( e.g., bamboo, barley, corn, fonio, lawn grass ( e.g., Bahia grass, Bermudagrass, blue grass, Buffalograss, Centipede gras , Fescue, or Zoysia ), millet, oats, ornamental grasses, rice, rye, sorghum, sugar cane, triticale, wheat ), Polygonaceae ( e.g., buckwheat , Rosaceae ( e.g., almonds, apples, apricots, blackberry, blue berry, cherries, peaches, plums, quinces, raspberries, roses, strawberries ), Solanaceae ( e.g., bell peppers, chili peppers, eggplant, petunia, potato, tobacco, tomato ) and Vitaceae ( e.g., grape ).

[0052] Embodiments Embodiment 1 : A system for priming seeds, the system comprising a priming vessel comprising a reaction chamber holding a priming liquid and a coolant chamber surrounding the priming chamber, wherein the coolant chamber is in fluid communication with a temperature regulating element; and a mixing unit suspended within an interior of the priming chamber, wherein the mixing unit comprises a connecting rod extending within the priming chamber and comprising a distal end and a proximal end, and a mixing plate connected to the connecting rod, preferably the mixing plate is connected to the distal end of the connecting rod, andBCS243005 FC15 submerged within the priming liquid, the mixing plate comprising a plurality of holes, and wherein the mixing plate is configured to circulate the priming liquid within the priming chamber.Embodiment 2: The system of embodiment 1, wherein the mixing plate comprising a plurality of conical holes.Embodiment 3 : The system of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the connecting rod further comprising a gas injection port in fluid communication with a gas source and configured to disperse a gas from the gas source within the priming liquid.Embodiment 4: The system of any one embodiments of 1 to 3, further comprising a bypass loop in fluid communication with the reaction chamber and configured to circulate priming liquid through the bypass loop.Embodiment 5: The system of any one of embodiments 1 to 4, further comprising a plurality of sensors communicatively coupled to a computing device, wherein the computing device is configured to process, store, and display data collected from each of the sensors.Embodiment 6: The system of embodiment 5, wherein the plurality of sensors comprises a dissolved oxygen sensor, a pH sensor, and a density sensor.Embodiment 7: The system of embodiment 5 or 6, further comprising a bypass loop in fluid communication with the reaction chamber and configured to circulate priming liquid through the bypass loop, wherein the bypass loop comprises at least one sensor access port configured to enable data collection by at least one of the plurality of sensors.Embodiment 8: The system of any one of embodiments 5 to 7, wherein each of the plurality of sensors are communicatively coupled to a controlling device configured to automatically adjust operating parameters based on information collected by the sensors.Embodiment 9: The system of any one of embodiment 1 to 5, further comprising a sprayer fluidly coupled to one of a water source, a priming fluid source, and a reservoir of cleaning solution, wherein the sprayer is configured to facilitate cleaning of the reaction chamber between seed priming events.BCS243005 FC16Embodiment 10: The system of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the priming vessel further comprises a removable lid assembly configured to provide a seal around the coolant chamber and reaction chamber and further configured to enclose the priming liquid.Embodiment 11 : The system of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the priming vessel comprises a valve assembly in fluid communication with a common central outlet configured to drain fluid from the priming vessel.Embodiment 12: The system of any one of the preceding embodiments, further comprising a plurality of LED bars configured to emit light of a desired wavelength, wherein the plurality of LED bars are further configured to illuminate the interior of the priming vessel.Embodiment 13: A method for priming seeds, the method comprising: priming a priming vessel with a priming liquid; cooling a coolant chamber surrounding the priming chamber, wherein the coolant chamber is in fluid communication with a temperature regulating element; and mixing an interior of the priming chamber, wherein mixing comprises suspending a mixing unit within an interior of the priming chamber, wherein the mixing unit comprisesa connecting rod extending within the priming chamber and comprising a distal end and a proximal end; and a mixing plate connected the connecting rod, preferably the mixing plate is connected to the distal end of the connecting rod, and submerged within the priming liquid, the mixing plate comprising a plurality of conical holes, and wherein the mixing plate is configured to circulate the priming liquid within the priming chamber.Embodiment 14: The method of embodiment 13, wherein the mixing plate comprising a plurality of holes. Preferably the holes are conical.Embodiment 15: The method of embodiment 13 or 14, further comprising dispersing a gas within the priming liquid, wherein the gas is dispersed through a gas injection port within the connecting rod, wherein the gas injection port is in fluid communication with a gas source.Embodiment 16: The method of any one of embodiments 13 to 15, further comprising automatically adjusting at least one operating parameter based on information collected by at least one of a plurality of sensors.BCS243005 FC17Embodiment 17: The method of any one of embodiments 13 to 16, further comprising illuminating the interior of the priming vessel with a plurality of LED bars configured to emit light of a desired wavelength.Embodiment 18: The method of any one of embodiments 13 to 17, further comprising circulating the priming liquid through a bypass loop, wherein the bypass loop is in fluid communication with the reaction chamber.Embodiment 19: The method of embodiment 18, wherein the bypass loop comprises at least one sensor access port configured to enable data collection by at least one of a plurality of sensors.Embodiment 20: The method of embodiment 19, wherein the plurality of sensors comprises a dissolved oxygen sensor, a pH sensor, and a density sensor.Embodiment 21 : The method of embodiment 20, wherein each of the plurality of sensors are communicatively coupled to a controlling device configured to automatically adjust operating parameters based on information collected by the sensors.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the system for priming seeds comprising a priming vessel comprising a reaction chamber holding a priming liquid and a coolant chamber surrounding the priming chamber, wherein the coolant chamber is in fluid communication with a temperature regulating element; and a mixing unit suspended within an interior of the priming chamber, wherein the mixing unit comprises a connecting rod extending within the priming chamber and comprising a distal end and a proximal end, and a mixing plate connected to the connecting rod, preferably the mixing plate is connected to the distal end of the connecting rod, and submerged within the priming liquid, the mixing plate comprising a plurality of holes, and wherein the mixing plate is configured to circulate the priming liquid within the priming chamber; wherein preferably the mixing plate comprises a plurality of conical holes, and / or preferably the connecting rod further comprising a gas injection port in fluid communication with a gas source and configured to disperse a gas from the gas source within the priming liquid, and / or preferably further comprising a bypass loop in fluid communication with the reaction chamber and configured to circulate priming liquid through the bypass loop, and / orBCS243005 FC18 preferably further comprising a plurality of sensors communicatively coupled to a computing device, wherein the computing device is configured to process, store, and display data collected from each of the sensors, and / or preferably further comprising a sprayer fluidly coupled to one of a water source, a priming fluid source, and a reservoir of cleaning solution, wherein the sprayer is configured to facilitate cleaning of the reaction chamber between seed priming events, and / or preferably the priming vessel further comprises a removable lid assembly configured to provide a seal around the coolant chamber and reaction chamber and further configured to enclose the priming liquid, and / or preferably the priming vessel comprises a valve assembly in fluid communication with a common central outlet configured to drain fluid from the priming vessel, and / or preferably further comprising a plurality of LED bars configured to emit light of a desired wavelength, wherein the plurality of LED bars are further configured to illuminate the interior of the priming vessel. Regarding the plurality of sensors that are communicatively coupled to a computing device (and wherein the computing device is configured to process, store, and display data collected from each of the sensors), more preferably the plurality of sensors comprises a dissolved oxygen sensor, a pH sensor, and a density sensor, and / or more preferably the system further comprising a bypass loop in fluid communication with the reaction chamber and configured to circulate priming liquid through the bypass loop, wherein the bypass loop comprises at least one sensor access port configured to enable data collection by at least one of the plurality of sensors, and / or more preferably the plurality of sensors are communicatively coupled to a controlling device configured to automatically adjust operating parameters based on information collected by the sensors.

[0054] In another preferred embodiment, the method for priming seeds comprises priming a priming vessel with a priming liquid; cooling a coolant chamber surrounding the priming chamber, wherein the coolant chamber is in fluid communication with a temperature regulating element; and mixing an interior of the priming chamber, wherein mixing comprises suspending a mixing unit within an interior of the priming chamber, wherein the mixing unit comprises a connecting rod extending within the priming chamber and comprising a distal endBCS243005 FC19 and a proximal end; and a mixing plate connected to the connecting rod, preferably the mixing plate is connected to the distal end of the connecting rod, and submerged within the priming liquid, the mixing plate comprising a plurality of holes, preferably conical holes, and wherein the mixing plate is configured to circulate the priming liquid within the priming chamber, wherein preferably the mixing plate comprises a plurality of holes, preferably conical holes, and / or preferably the method further comprising dispersing a gas within the priming liquid, wherein the gas is dispersed through a gas injection port within the connecting rod, wherein the gas injection port is in fluid communication with a gas source and / or preferably the method further comprises automatically adjusting at least one operating parameter based on information collected by at least one of a plurality of sensors and / or preferably the method further comprises illuminating the interior of the priming vessel with a plurality of LED bars configured to emit light of a desired wavelength and / or preferably the method further comprises circulating the priming liquid through a bypass loop, wherein the bypass loop is in fluid communication with the reaction chamber and / or more preferably the bypass loop comprises at least one sensor access port configured to enable data collection by at least one of a plurality of sensors and / or more preferably the plurality of sensors comprises a dissolved oxygen sensor, a pH sensor, and a density sensor and / or even more preferably each of the plurality of sensors are communicatively coupled to a controlling device configured to automatically adjust operating parameters based on information collected by the sensors.

[0055] Further embodimentsFurther embodiment 1 : An apparatus for priming seeds comprising: a vessel; means for maintaining a controlled temperature within the vessel; means for mixing a priming liquid and seeds contained in the vessel; and means for monitoring at least one critical process parameter of the priming liquid, wherein i) the means for maintaining a controlled temperature within the vessel comprises any structure described herein and equivalents thereto that performs the function of controlling temperature; ii) the means for mixing comprises any structure described herein and equivalents thereto that performs the function of agitating or circulating the priming liquid; andBCS243005 FC20 iii) the means for monitoring comprises any structure described herein and equivalents thereto that performs the function of measuring dissolved oxygen, pH, density, temperature, or combinations thereof.Further embodiment 2: The apparatus of further embodiment 1, further comprising means for cleaning the vessel in situ without manual disassembly, the means for cleaning being coupled to a source of cleaning fluid and operable under automated control.Further embodiment 3 : The apparatus of further embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the means for mixing comprises a vibratory plate having a plurality of openings oriented to induce axial flow when oscillated.Further embodiment 4: The apparatus of further embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the means for maintaining includes a jacket defining a coolant chamber surrounding the vessel and a recirculating chiller fluidly coupled to the jacket.Further embodiment 5: A seed-priming control system comprising: a plurality of sensors configured to generate signals indicative of temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and fluid density within a reaction chamber; a memory storing recipe data defining target set-points for each sensed parameter; a processor in data communication with the sensors, the processor executing instructions to:(i) compare each sensed parameter with its corresponding target set-point;(ii) calculate an error value for each parameter; and(iii) issue control commands to at least one actuator selected from a coolant pump, a gas sparger, and a mixing motor so as to reduce the error value toward zero; and a communication interface configured to transmit real-time parameter values and receive updated recipe data.Further embodiment 6: The control system of further embodiment 5, wherein the processor further executes a machine-learning algorithm that updates at least one control gain based on historical batch performance metrics stored in the memory.BCS243005 FC21Further embodiment 7: The control system of further embodiment 5 or 6, wherein the communication interface employs an encrypted message-queuing telemetry transport (MQTT) protocol enabling remote monitoring via a cloud-based dashboard.Further embodiment 8: The control system of further embodiments 5 to 7, further comprising a user interface that displays a graphical real-time trend of each sensed parameter and provides selectable alarm thresholds for each parameter.Further embodiment 9: The control system of further embodiments 5 to 8, wherein the processor is configured to initiate an automated cleaning cycle upon completion of a priming program, the cleaning cycle comprising sequential detergent, rinse, and sanitizing phases controlled by the processor.Further embodiment 10: The seed-priming apparatus of further embodiment 1, further comprising the control system of further embodiment 5 operatively coupled to the means for maintaining, the means for mixing, and the means for monitoring.Further embodiment 11 : The apparatus of further embodiment 1, wherein the means for mixing comprises an impeller driven by a variable-speed motor capable of operating at 50-500 rpm.Further embodiment 12: The apparatus of further embodiment 1, wherein the means for monitoring comprises an inline optical density meter configured to infer total dissolved solids of the priming liquid.Further embodiment 13: The control system of further embodiment 5, further comprising a lightcontrol module that modulates emission intensity and wavelength of an LED array positioned adjacent the reaction chamber in accordance with the recipe data.Further embodiment 14: The apparatus of further embodiment 1, wherein the means for maintaining further comprises a thermoelectric module embedded in a wall of the vessel to enable rapid localized heating or cooling.Further embodiment 15: The apparatus of further embodiment 1, wherein the means for monitoring further comprises a load cell mounted beneath the vessel to measure gross mass and thereby determine liquid volume and seed uptake in real time.BCS243005 FC22

[0055] The above written description uses examples to describe embodiments of the disclosure, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

BCS243005 FC23CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A system for priming seeds, the system comprising: a priming vessel comprising: a reaction chamber holding a priming liquid; and a coolant chamber surrounding the priming chamber, wherein the coolant chamber is in fluid communication with a temperature regulating element; and a mixing unit suspended within an interior of the priming chamber, wherein the mixing unit comprises: a connecting rod extending within the priming chamber and comprising a distal end and a proximal end; and a mixing plate connected to the connecting rod, preferably the mixing plate is connected to the distal end of the connecting rod, and submerged within the priming liquid, the mixing plate comprising a plurality of holes, and wherein the mixing plate is configured to circulate the priming liquid within the priming chamber.

2. The system of Claim 1, wherein the mixing plate comprising a plurality of conical holes.

3. The system of Claim 1 or 2, wherein the connecting rod further comprising a gas injection port in fluid communication with a gas source and configured to disperse a gas from the gas source within the priming liquid.

4. The system of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a bypass loop in fluid communication with the reaction chamber and configured to circulate priming liquid through the bypass loop.

5. The system of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a plurality of sensors communicatively coupled to a computing device, wherein the computing device is configured to process, store, and display data collected from each of the sensors.

6. The system of Claim 5, wherein the plurality of sensors comprises a dissolved oxygen sensor, a pH sensor, and a density sensor.BCS243005 FC247. The system of Claim 5 or 6, further comprising a bypass loop in fluid communication with the reaction chamber and configured to circulate priming liquid through the bypass loop, wherein the bypass loop comprises at least one sensor access port configured to enable data collection by at least one of the plurality of sensors.

8. The system of any one of Claims 5 to 7, wherein each of the plurality of sensors are communicatively coupled to a controlling device configured to automatically adjust operating parameters based on information collected by the sensors.

9. The system of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a sprayer fluidly coupled to one of a water source, a priming fluid source, and a reservoir of cleaning solution, wherein the sprayer is configured to facilitate cleaning of the reaction chamber between seed priming events.

10. A method for priming seeds, the method comprising: priming a priming vessel with a priming liquid; cooling a coolant chamber surrounding the priming chamber, wherein the coolant chamber is in fluid communication with a temperature regulating element; and mixing an interior of the priming chamber, wherein mixing comprises suspending a mixing unit within an interior of the priming chamber, wherein the mixing unit comprises: a connecting rod extending within the priming chamber and comprising a distal end and a proximal end; and a mixing plate connected to the connecting rod, preferably the mixing plate is connected to the distal end of the connecting rod, and submerged within the priming liquid, the mixing plate comprising a plurality of holes, and wherein the mixing plate is configured to circulate the priming liquid within the priming chamber.

11. The method of Claim 10, wherein the mixing plate comprising a plurality of conical holes.

12. The method of Claim 10 or 11, further comprising dispersing a gas within the priming liquid, wherein the gas is dispersed through a gas injection port within the connecting rod, wherein the gas injection port is in fluid communication with a gas source.BCS243005 FC2513. The method of any one of claims 10 to 12, further comprising automatically adjusting at least one operating parameter based on information collected by at least one of a plurality of sensors.

14. The method of any one of claims 10 to 13, further comprising circulating the priming liquid through a bypass loop, wherein the bypass loop is in fluid communication with the reaction chamber.

15. The method of Claim 14, wherein the bypass loop comprises at least one sensor access port configured to enable data collection by at least one of a plurality of sensors.

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