US4337594A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Mushroom casing composition and process
Assignee: WEST FOODS Inc
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Filing: 1980-04-18
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Granted: 1982-07-06
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Expires: 2000-04-18
Abstract
Abstract In the cultivation of mushrooms from an underlying bed containing mushroom spores, novel compositions and processes are provided for a casing layer which is placed over the compost layer containing spawning mycelium. A hydrophilic, thermosetting prepolymer resin is mixed in with a casing substrate, preferably Canadian peat, other optional additives and sufficient amount of water to form a slurry, and the mixture is allowed to cure to a spongy block. The cured material is then pulverized and deposited as a casing layer over the compost layer. Because of the high water retention qualities of this material, watering the mushroom beds is reduced by a factor of three or more, thereby reducing operation and production costs, as also the incidence and severity of disease and displeasing blemishes.
Inventors
- 👤 William A. Hanacek
- 👤 James E. Kahl
- 👤 Angus B. MacKenzie
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 14:29
CPC Classifications
A; A01; A01G; A01G18/00; A01G18/60; A01G18/62; A01G18/20
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 19
Claim 1
Independent Claim
79 words
A process for the preparation of a relatively nutrient-free casing layer useful in the cultivation of mushrooms, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a mold; (b) forming an aqueous slurry of a relatively nutrient free casing substrate, a foam forming, hydrophilic, synthetic, organic prepolymer resin, and a buffering agent; (c) filling said mold with said slurry and curing said slurry to a thermosetting, spongy block; (d) removing said cured block from said mold; and (e) pulverizing said cured block.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
79 words
A process for the preparation of a relatively nutrient-free casing layer useful in the cultivation of mushrooms, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a mold; (b) forming an aqueous slurry of a relatively nutrient free casing substrate, a foam forming, hydrophilic, synthetic, organic prepolymer resin, and a buffering agent; (c) filling said mold with said slurry and curing said slurry to a thermosetting, spongy block; (d) removing said cured block from said mold; and (e) pulverizing said cured block.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
A process in accordance with claim 1, wherein said casing substrate is Canadian peat.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
A composition for use as a casing layer in the cultivation of mushrooms produced by the process of claim 2.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
A process in accordance with claim 2, wherein the slurry of step (b) also includes a polysaccharide or polyethylene oxide.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
A process in accordance with claim 4, wherein said polysaccharide is guar gum.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
A composition for use as a casing layer in the cultivation of mushrooms produced by the process of claims 4 or 5.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
A process in accordance with claim 5, wherein said buffering agent is selected from a group consisting of Dolomite, quick lime, slaked lime and calcium hydroxide.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
A process in accordance with claim 7, wherein said water and prepolymer resin are in a ratio of about 1 to 1.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
A process in accordance with claim 1, wherein said mold is in the form of a continuous sheet.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
A process in accordance with claim 9, wherein said sheet is a polyethylene sheet.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
20 words
A process in accordance with claim 1, wherein said mold is open at one end and closed at the other.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
20 words
A process in accordance with claim 1, wherein a resin release agent is applied to the surface of said mold.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
20 words
A composition for use as a casing layer in the cultivation of mushrooms produced by the process of claim 1.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
19 words
A process according to claim 1 and wherein said casing substrate is a mixture of Canadian peat and Vermiculite.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
20 words
A composition for use as a casing layer in the cultivation of mushrooms produced by the process of claim 14.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
92 words
A process according to claim 1 and wherein: (i) the casing substrate is selected from the group consisting of Canadian peat, spagnum peat, loam, soil, straw, sand, Vermiculite, perlite, and styrofoam; (ii) the prepolymer resin is selected from the group consisting of polyisocyanates, polyurethanes, polyamides and polyols; (iii) the slurry of step (b) further includes an additive selected from the group consisting of ethylene oxide polymers, carbohydrates and polysaccharides; and (iv) the ratio of casing substrate to resin by weight in the slurry is in the range of about 9:1 to 6:4.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
17 words
A process in accordance with claim 16, wherein said cured block is pulverized by extrusion through apertures.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
20 words
A composition for use as a casing layer in the cultivation of mushrooms produced by the process of claim 16.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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Cited
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1985-07-05 | 1986-01-04 | 1986-07-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-07-05 | 1990-01-04 | 1990-07-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-07-05 | 1994-01-04 | 1994-07-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |