Self-automated mushroom growing system
OwnerTony F. Davidsoninventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A self-automated mushroom growing apparatus and method for providing a continuous water and air supply for growing mushrooms on a small-scale. The apparatus is an enclosed, terrarium-like Grow Space including a porous Wicking Medium substrate, and an Air Diffuser rod situated within or below the porous Wicking Medium. An Air Diffuser is situated within the apparatus and is connected to an air supply to provide fresh air to the Grow Space. The porous Wicking Medium is saturated with water. The saturated Wicking Medium provides a continuous supply of water to a Cake Culture in contact with the Wicking Medium. The Air Supply mixes stale air that settles near the surface of the porous Wicking Medium.
Claims18
An apparatus for growing mushrooms from a cake culture, said apparatus comprising:
- a container having a lower segment and an upper segment defining a grow space;
- a wicking medium at least partially filling said lower segment;
- a cake culture positioned on said Wicking Medium;
- and
- an air diffuser positioned within said wicking medium below said surface of said wicking medium and connected to an air source, thereby supplying air into said grow space by diffusing air through said wicking medium.
A method for growing mushrooms from a cake culture, said method comprising the steps of:
- providing a container defining a grow space for said cake culture;
- providing a wicking medium positioned in a lower segment of said container;
- positioning a cake culture on said wicking medium;
- wicking moisture to said cake culture;
- supplying air into said grow space through an air diffuser positioned below said surface of said wicking medium;
- and
- controlling the relative humidity of said grow space by adjusting an exhaust valve disposed on said container, whereby air is vented from said grow space.
An apparatus for growing mushrooms from a cake culture, said apparatus comprising:
- a cake culture for colonizing mushrooms;
- a container means having a grow space containing a cake culture positioned on a wicking medium;
- a wicking means wicking moisture to said cake culture;
- an air diffuser means supplying air into said grow space through said wicking medium;
- and
- a control means varying the amount of air transferred into and out of said grow space.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.