A device for the mechanical preparation of seedling cartridges

852,114. Germinating appliances. VYZKUMNY USTAV ZEMEDELSKYCH STROJU PRAHA. March 6, 1957 [March 7, 1956], No. 7444/57. Class 6(2). Apparatus for germinating seeds and inserting the seedlings into cartridges comprises the combination of a germination apparatus, a flotation apparatus for floating the seedlings on water, a lifting apparatus for removing the seedlings from the water to carrier members, a selecting apparatus for withdrawing unsuitable plants and a planting apparatus for planting the seedlings in cartridges. Seeds are densely sown in a layer of sand or soil 3 carried by a perforated member 2 in a casing 1. Fluorescent tubes 4 and an electric resistance heater 5 are mounted in the casing and controlled by switches 6, 7. The upper space 9 of the apparatus is ventilated by means of a blower 10, air being fed through opening 13 and out through opening 12, the air passing through a heater 15 in which is mounted an air humidifier. The lower space 18 is ventilated through openings 21, 22 by a blower 19 the air passing through a cooler 24. The air temperature of the apparatus is controlled by means of thermostats 25, 29 with temperature feelers 26, 30 placed in the upper and lower spaces respectively. A water atomiser waters the plants from above and irrigation means are provided for watering the material 3 from below. In a modification, the member 2 may be replaced by an endless perforated band which extends outside the casing 1 and receives material from a hopper to form a bottom layer and seeds from a hopper and finally a layer of material from a further hopper to cover the seeds. In a further modification sand or soil is placed in containers which are submerged in water and seed is spread on the water. The water is then strained away leaving the seed spread evenly in the sand or soil. The seedlings are washed free of soil or sand and are floated away in a tank of water, the water being kept in movement by means of water fits. The plants are collected at a lifting position and are raised by means of compressed air nozzles which deposit the plants. Specification 852,113 is referred to.