Patent Publication Number: US-2023144269-A1

Title: Climate control system for a mushroom growing appliance

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present subject matter relates generally to mushroom growing appliances, and more particularly to climate control systems for mushroom growing appliances. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Conventional growing appliances may include a cabinet defining a grow chamber for receiving herbs, plants, mushrooms, seedlings, fungi, or other plant material. These appliances may further include an environmental control system that maintains the grow chamber at a desired temperature or humidity. Certain growing appliances may also include artificial lighting systems that provide the light necessary for such plants to grow. However, conventional growing appliances have several drawbacks that prevent optimal grow environments for the items positioned therein. 
     For example, mushroom growing appliances are particularly susceptible to issues with mushroom spores. In this regard, during the cultivation of mushrooms, mushroom spores may be dropped or dislodged. These spores resemble fine dust particles that may cling to everything they touch including working components of the appliance. As these spores build up, they may cause issues with the operation of the mushroom growing appliance. For example, certain conventional mushroom growing appliances include a recirculation fan that is affected by the build-up of mushroom spores. In addition, conventional mushroom growing appliances fail to maintain desired humidity and gas concentrations for proper mushroom growth. For example, mushrooms may absorb oxygen from the air during growth and emit carbon dioxide, thereby resulting in elevated carbon dioxide levels. While fresh air might be added, this fresh air fan can dry out fruiting mushroom if not properly humidified. 
     Accordingly, an improved growing appliance that reduces the build-up of undesirable organic material and provides an improved growing environment is desired. More specifically, a mushroom growing appliance that has features for reducing the build-up of mushroom spores while maintaining desirable humidity levels for mushroom growth would be particularly beneficial. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, a mushroom growing appliance is provided including a cabinet, a grow chamber defined within the cabinet, a water reservoir positioned within the grow chamber for receiving water, a wicking filter positioned at least partially within the water reservoir for wicking the water into the wicking filter, and a recirculation fan positioned adjacent the wicking filter for selectively urging a flow of recirculation air through the wicking filter and back into the grow chamber. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, a climate control system for a mushroom growing appliance is provided. The mushroom growing appliance includes a grow chamber defined within a cabinet. The climate control system includes a water reservoir positioned within the grow chamber for receiving water, a wicking filter positioned at least partially within the water reservoir for wicking the water into the wicking filter, a recirculation fan positioned adjacent the wicking filter for selectively urging a flow of recirculation air through the wicking filter and back into the grow chamber, and a fresh air fan positioned adjacent the wicking filter for urging a flow of fresh air through the wicking filter and into the grow chamber. 
     These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures. 
         FIG.  1    provides a perspective view of a mushroom growing appliance with a door removed for clarity according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIG.  2    provides a perspective view of the exemplary mushroom growing appliance of  FIG.  1    with the door being moved toward an open position according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIG.  3    provides a perspective view of a climate control system of the exemplary mushroom growing appliance of  FIG.  1    according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIG.  4    provides a perspective view of the exemplary climate control system of  FIG.  3    with a wicking filter removed for clarity. 
         FIG.  5    provides a rear, perspective view of the exemplary mushroom growing appliance of  FIG.  1    according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIG.  6    provides a rear, perspective view of the exemplary mushroom growing appliance of  FIG.  1    with a rear panel of the cabinet removed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIG.  7    provides a front, perspective view of the exemplary mushroom growing appliance of  FIG.  1    with a rear chamber wall of the grow chamber removed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIG.  8    provides a side, schematic view of the exemplary mushroom growing appliance of  FIG.  1    along with the exemplary air flows within the grow chamber according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. 
     
    
    
     Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 
     As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). In addition, here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged. Such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
     Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “generally,” “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value, or the precision of the methods or machines for constructing or manufacturing the components and/or systems. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 10 percent margin, i.e., including values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. In this regard, for example, when used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction, e.g., “generally vertical” includes forming an angle of up to ten degrees in any direction, e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise, with the vertical direction V. 
     The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” In addition, references to “an embodiment” or “one embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may. Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “an embodiment” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Moreover, each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 
     Referring now to the figures, an exemplary mushroom growing appliance will be described in accordance with exemplary aspects of the present subject matter. According to exemplary embodiments, mushroom growing appliance  100  includes a cabinet  102  that is generally configured for containing and/or supporting various components of mushroom growing appliance  100  and which may also define one or more internal chambers or compartments of mushroom growing appliance  100 . In this regard, as used herein, the terms “cabinet,” “housing,” and the like are generally intended to refer to an outer frame or support structure for mushroom growing appliance  100 , e.g., including any suitable number, type, and configuration of support structures formed from any suitable materials, such as a system of elongated support members, a plurality of interconnected panels, or some combination thereof. It should be appreciated that cabinet  102  does not necessarily require an enclosure and may simply include open structure supporting various elements of mushroom growing appliance  100 . By contrast, cabinet  102  may enclose some or all portions of an interior of cabinet  102 . It should be appreciated that cabinet  102  may have any suitable size, shape, and configuration while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter. 
     As illustrated, mushroom growing appliance  100  generally defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T, each of which is mutually perpendicular, such that an orthogonal coordinate system is generally defined. Cabinet  102  generally extends between a top  104  and a bottom  106  along the vertical direction V, between a first side  108  (e.g., the left side when viewed from the front as in  FIG.  1   ) and a second side  110  (e.g., the right side when viewed from the front as in  FIG.  1   ) along the lateral direction L, and between a front  112  and a rear  114  along the transverse direction T. In general, terms such as “left,” “right,” “front,” “rear,” “top,” or “bottom” are used with reference to the perspective of a user accessing mushroom growing appliance  100 . 
     Referring again to  FIG.  1   , mushroom growing appliance  100  may include a control panel  120  that may represent a general-purpose Input/Output (“GPIO”) device or functional block for mushroom growing appliance  100 . In some embodiments, control panel  120  may include or be in operative communication with one or more user input devices  122 , such as one or more of a variety of digital, analog, electrical, mechanical, or electro-mechanical input devices including rotary dials, control knobs, push buttons, toggle switches, selector switches, and touch pads. Additionally, mushroom growing appliance  100  may include a display  124 , such as a digital or analog display device generally configured to provide visual feedback regarding the operation of mushroom growing appliance  100 . For example, display  124  may be provided on control panel  120  and may include one or more status lights, screens, or visible indicators. According to exemplary embodiments, user input devices  122  and display  124  may be integrated into a single device, e.g., including one or more of a touchscreen interface, a capacitive touch panel, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display panel (PDP), a cathode ray tube (CRT) display, or other informational or interactive displays. 
     Mushroom growing appliance  100  may further include or be in operative communication with a processing device or a controller  126  that may be generally configured to facilitate appliance operation. In this regard, control panel  120 , user input devices  122 , and display  124  may be in communication with controller  126  such that controller  126  may receive control inputs from user input devices  122 , may display information using display  124 , and may otherwise regulate operation of mushroom growing appliance  100 . For example, signals generated by controller  126  may operate mushroom growing appliance  100 , including any or all system components, subsystems, or interconnected devices, in response to the position of user input devices  122  and other control commands. Control panel  120  and other components of mushroom growing appliance  100  may be in communication with controller  126  via, for example, one or more signal lines or shared communication busses. In this manner, Input/Output (“I/O”) signals may be routed between controller  126  and various operational components of mushroom growing appliance  100 . 
     As used herein, the terms “processing device,” “computing device,” “controller,” or the like may generally refer to any suitable processing device, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor, a microcontroller, an integrated circuit, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a logic device, one or more central processing units (CPUs), a graphics processing units (GPUs), processing units performing other specialized calculations, semiconductor devices, etc. In addition, these “controllers” are not necessarily restricted to a single element but may include any suitable number, type, and configuration of processing devices integrated in any suitable manner to facilitate appliance operation. Alternatively, controller  126  may be constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog and/or digital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND/OR gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software. 
     Controller  126  may include, or be associated with, one or more memory elements or non-transitory computer-readable storage mediums, such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, EPROM, flash memory devices, magnetic disks, or other suitable memory devices (including combinations thereof). These memory devices may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. In addition, these memory devices can store information and/or data accessible by the one or more processors, including instructions that can be executed by the one or more processors. It should be appreciated that the instructions can be software written in any suitable programming language or can be implemented in hardware. 
     Additionally, or alternatively, the instructions can be executed logically and/or virtually using separate threads on one or more processors. 
     For example, controller  126  may be operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with an operating cycle of mushroom growing appliance  100 . In this regard, the instructions may be software or any set of instructions that when executed by the processing device, cause the processing device to perform operations, such as running one or more software applications, displaying a user interface, receiving user input, processing user input, etc. Moreover, it should be noted that controller  126  as disclosed herein is capable of and may be operable to perform any methods, method steps, or portions of methods as disclosed herein. For example, in some embodiments, methods disclosed herein may be embodied in programming instructions stored in the memory and executed by controller  126 . 
     The memory devices may also store data that can be retrieved, manipulated, created, or stored by the one or more processors or portions of controller  126 . The data can include, for instance, data to facilitate performance of methods described herein. The data can be stored locally (e.g., on controller  126 ) in one or more databases and/or may be split up so that the data is stored in multiple locations. In addition, or alternatively, the one or more database(s) can be connected to controller  126  through any suitable network(s), such as through a high bandwidth local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN). In this regard, for example, controller  126  may further include a communication module or interface that may be used to communicate with one or more other component(s) of mushroom growing appliance  100 , controller  126 , an external appliance controller, or any other suitable device, e.g., via any suitable communication lines or network(s) and using any suitable communication protocol. The communication interface can include any suitable components for interfacing with one or more network(s), including for example, transmitters, receivers, ports, controllers, antennas, or other suitable components. 
     Within cabinet  102  is a grow chamber  130  configured for the receipt of one or more mushrooms or mushroom growing material, e.g., spores, soil, mushroom pods, etc. Although mushroom growing appliance  100  is described herein as being used to grow mushrooms, it should be appreciated that mushroom growing appliance  100  and aspects of the present subject matter may be applied to grow other items as well. For example, mushroom growing appliance  100  may be used to grow plants, algae, other fungi, or other living organisms. In addition, it should be appreciated that mushroom growing appliance  100  is provided by way of example only, and the construction of mushroom growing appliance  100  may vary while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter. In this regard, the example embodiment shown in the figures is not intended to limit the present subject matter to any appliance configuration or component arrangement. 
     As best illustrated in  FIGS.  2  and  3   , grow chamber  130  is defined by a plurality of chamber walls, identified generally herein by reference numeral  132 . For example, grow chamber walls  132  include a top wall and a bottom wall which are spaced apart along the vertical direction V. In addition, a left sidewall and a right sidewall extend between the top wall and bottom wall and are spaced apart along the lateral direction L. A rear wall may additionally extend between the top wall and the bottom wall as well as between the left sidewall and the right sidewall. Collectively, chamber walls  132  may generally define an access opening  134  through which a user may access grow chamber  130 , e.g., to add, remove, or manipulate mushrooms growing therein. 
     Referring still to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , mushroom growing appliance  100  includes a door  136  (removed in  FIG.  1    for clarity) that is pivotally mounted to cabinet to permit selective access to grow chamber  130 . For example, door  136  is illustrated as being mounted to a top of cabinet and is movable between a closed position and an open position (e.g.,  FIG.  2    illustrates door  136  as it is being pivoted to the open position). A handle  138  is mounted to door  136  to assist a user with opening and closing door  136  in order to access grow chamber  130 . When door  136  is in the closed position, grow chamber  130  may be substantially sealed such that the growing environment therein may be regulated, e.g., to the desirable temperature, humidity, gas concentrations, etc. Door  136  may include a window  140 , constructed for example from acrylic glass panes, to provide for viewing the contents grow chamber  130 . 
     According to exemplary embodiments, mushroom growing appliance  100  may include additional features to facilitate regulation of a growing environment within grow chamber  130 . For example, as explained in more detail below, mushroom growing appliance  100  may include subsystems for regulating chamber lighting, temperatures, humidity, gas concentrations, etc. Although exemplary subsystems are described herein, it should be appreciated that these subsystems are described only for the purpose of explaining aspects of the present subject matter. The present subject matter is not intended to be limited to the subsystems described, the configuration of such subsystems, etc. 
     As illustrated, mushroom growing appliance  100  may include a light assembly  144  which is generally configured for providing light into grow chamber  130  to facilitate the growth of mushrooms (not shown). As shown, light assembly  144  may include a plurality of light sources (not labeled) stacked in an array and mounted a top chamber wall  132  of grow chamber. More specifically, light assembly  144  may include a plurality of light strips that extend along the lateral direction L within the top chamber wall  132 . Light assembly  144  may be mounted directly to top chamber wall  132  within grow chamber  130  or may alternatively be positioned behind top chamber wall  132  such that light is projected through a transparent window or light pipe into grow chamber  130 . The position, configuration, and type of light sources described herein are not intended to limit the scope of the present subject matter in any manner. 
     Light assembly  144  may include any suitable number, type, position, and configuration of electrical light source(s), using any suitable light technology and illuminating in any suitable color. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, light assembly  144  includes one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), which may each illuminate in a single color (e.g., white LEDs), or which may each illuminate in multiple colors (e.g., multi-color or RGB LEDs) depending on the control signal from a controller. However, it should be appreciated that according to alternative embodiments, light assembly  144  may include any other suitable traditional light bulbs or sources, such as halogen bulbs, fluorescent bulbs, incandescent bulbs, glow bars, a fiber light source, etc. 
     Referring now generally to  FIGS.  1  through  7   , mushroom growing appliance  100  further includes a climate control system  150  that is generally configured for regulating a grow environment or climate within grow chamber  130 . In general, climate control system  150  may regulate the temperature, humidity, gas concentrations, and other aspects of grow chamber  130  to facilitate mushroom growth. Climate control system  150  will be described in more detail below according to exemplary embodiments. However, it should be appreciated that the specific construction and operation of climate control system  150  described herein is not intended to be limiting in any manner. 
     According to exemplary embodiments the present subject matter, climate control system  150  may generally be configured for selectively humidifying or adding moisture to grow chamber  130 . In this regard, according to the illustrated embodiment, climate control system  150  may include a water reservoir  152  that is positioned within grow chamber  130  for receiving water (e.g., as identified generally by reference numeral  154  in  FIG.  8   ). According to the illustrated embodiment, mushroom growing appliance  100  may further include a water supply system  156  for selectively filling water reservoir  152  with water  154 . In this regard, for example, water supply system  156  may include a water storage tank  158  that is mounted to a side of cabinet  102  and which is fluidly coupled to water reservoir  152  through a water supply opening  160  that is defined through cabinet  102 . In general, water storage tank  158  is configured for replenishing water  154  in water reservoir  152  as it is used by climate control system  150 . Further details of water supply system  156  are omitted herein for brevity. However, it should be appreciated that water supply system  156  may include any suitable plumbing, valves, or flow regulating devices to facilitate proper filling of water  154  within water reservoir  152 . 
     Climate control system  150  may further include a wicking filter  170  that is positioned at least partially within water reservoir  152  for wicking water  154  stored in water reservoir  152  up into wicking filter  170 . In general, wicking filter may be any suitable device that is suitable for filtering air and/or wicking water from a water source. For example, according to an exemplary embodiment, wicking filter includes an internal wicking sponge surrounded by (or wrapped in) a prefilter. In this manner, as described in more detail below, the prefilter may be particularly suitable for filtering dust, mushroom spores, and other particulates floating in air passing therethrough. The internal wicking sponge may be a honeycomb shaped paper material particularly suited for wicking water  154  up into wicking filter  170 , e.g., to facilitate a humidification process as described herein. For example, according to exemplary embodiments, wicking filter  170  may be a Honeywell® Humidifier Wicking Filter. According to the illustrated embodiment, wicking filter  170  has the shape of a rectangular cuboid, which may be particularly suitable for facilitating the airflows described below. However, it should be appreciated that wicking filter  170  may have any suitable size, shape, and configuration while remaining within scope the present subject matter. 
     As best shown in  FIG.  4   , where wicking filter  170  is removed for clarity, climate control system  150  may further include a filter retention bracket  172  that is mounted to a rear chamber wall  132  for receiving and securing wicking filter  170 . More specifically, filter retention bracket  172  may include a plurality of retention flanges  174  that extend downward for receiving a top end of wicking filter  170  along the vertical direction V. In addition, as illustrated, filter retention bracket  172  may be mounted to rear chamber wall  132  by one or more alignments slots  176  and mechanical fasteners (not shown) such that it is slidable along the vertical direction. In this regard, in order to replace wicking filter  170 , a user may loosen the mechanical fasteners that secure filter retention bracket  172  to rear chamber wall  132 . The user may then slide filter retention bracket  172  upward along the vertical direction V and place a new or cleaned wicking filter  170  into water reservoir  152 . The user may then slide filter retention bracket  172  back onto wicking filter  170  and secure it with the mechanical fasteners such that retention flanges  174  secure the top end of wicking filter  170 . 
     Filter retention bracket  172  may further define a recirculation aperture (e.g., as identified by reference numeral  178  in  FIG.  8   ) through which a flow of air may pass. As shown, a recirculation fan  180  may be positioned adjacent the wicking filter  170  for selectively urging a flow of recirculation air (e.g., as identified generally by reference numeral  182  in  FIG.  8   ) through wicking filter  170 . More specifically, recirculation fan  180  may be mounted directly to filter retention bracket  172  over recirculation aperture  178 . In this manner, all air driven by recirculation fan  180  may pass from grow chamber  130 , through wicking filter  170 , through recirculation aperture  178 , and back into grow chamber  130 . More specifically, as shown, recirculation fan  180  may be positioned on top of wicking filter  170 , e.g., opposite water reservoir  152  such that the flow of recirculation air  182  is drawn up through an entire height of wicking filter  170  to extract more moisture from wicking filter  170  into the flow of recirculation air  182 . 
     Notably, as explained above, as mushrooms grow within grow chamber  130 , the mushrooms may give off carbon dioxide, resulting in elevated concentrations of carbon dioxide within grow chamber  130 . Climate control system  150  may further include features for regulating these levels of carbon dioxide. Specifically, referring now to  FIGS.  4  through  8   , climate control system  150  may include a fresh air fan  186  for urging a flow of fresh air (e.g., identified generally by reference numeral  188  in  FIG.  8   ) into grow chamber  130 . By selectively urging the flow of fresh air  188  into grow chamber  130 , fresh air fan  186  may decrease the concentration of carbon dioxide within grow chamber  130 . 
     Specifically, according to the illustrated embodiment, rear chamber wall  132  of grow chamber  130  may define an air intake  190  through which ambient air from outside of mushroom growing appliance  100  may enter grow chamber  130 . According to the illustrated embodiment, wicking filter  170  is seated directly over air intake  190  such that the flow of fresh air  188  entering grow chamber  130  is filtered as it passes into grow chamber  130 . Accordingly, air intake  190  may generally be positioned between filter retention bracket  172  and water reservoir  152  along the vertical direction V. In this manner, external contaminants may be removed to ensure a more controlled climate within grow chamber  130 . 
     According to the illustrated embodiment, fresh air fan  186  may be positioned over air intake  190 , e.g., between rear chamber wall  132  of grow chamber  130  and rear  114  of cabinet  102  (see, e.g.,  FIG.  7   , where rear chamber wall  132  is removed for clarity). Moreover, cabinet  102  may define a cabinet opening  192  directly adjacent air intake  190 . In addition, rear chamber wall  132  may include a plurality of restrictive baffles  194  that extend across air intake  190  to restrict the flow of fresh air  188  passing therethrough. In this manner, the flow of fresh air  188  is restricted sufficiently to prevent large amounts of air from being drawn in by recirculation fan  180 , while also permitting fresh air fan  186  to urge the flow of fresh air  188  from the outside into grow chamber  130 . 
     According to exemplary embodiments, climate control system  150  may further include one or more sensors for monitoring the environment or climate within grow chamber  130  and taking corrective action to adjust the climate as desired. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, climate control system  150  may further include a gas sensor  196  that is positioned within grow chamber  130  and is generally configured for measuring the concentration of carbon dioxide (or other gases) in grow chamber  130 . In this regard, controller  126  may generally be in operative communication with gas sensor  196  and may be used to monitor the concentration of carbon dioxide (or other gases) using gas sensor  196 . Controller  126  may be further configured to determine that the concentration of carbon dioxide has exceeded a predetermined carbon dioxide threshold and operate the fresh air fan  186  to supplement the grow chamber  130  with the flow of fresh air  188  as needed to adjust the undesirable gas concentration. 
     Similarly, climate control system  150  may include a humidity sensor  198  that is positioned within grow chamber  130  for measuring a chamber humidity within grow chamber  130 . Controller  126  may be in operative communication with humidity sensor  198  for monitoring the chamber humidity. The controller may be further configured to determine that the chamber humidity is below a predetermined humidity threshold (e.g., a desired committee for mushroom growth) and may operate the recirculation fan  180  to circulate the flow of recirculation air  182  within grow chamber  130 . In this manner, as the flow of recirculation air  182  is drawn up through wicking filter  170 , the flow of recirculation air  182  may extract moisture and become humidified before being discharged back into grow chamber  130 . 
     As explained above, aspects of the present subject matter are directed to a mushroom growing appliance and methods of operating the same to create an airflow path that can use the wicking/humidification media as both a filter and wick for both the recirculation and fresh air fan. The airflow may be achieved by placing two fans perpendicular to a block of wicking media in the base of a water reservoir. The wicking material can pull water up to the top where the recirculation fan can humidify the grow chamber and the fresh air fan can push air through the media to humidify and add fresh air to the unit. This method permits the chamber to keep high levels of humidity at all times and to reduce the accumulation of carbon dioxide in the mushroom growing appliance as this is a common byproduct in the mushroom growing process. In addition, the unit is kept clean by sucking fallen spores along with the airflow path into the wicking media that can easily be changed by the user as a consumable, acting as a filter for the recirculation side of the unit. In addition, the fresh air fan will push air through the media and any outside contaminants will also be caught in this same humidification media acting as a filter for the inlet side of the unit. 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention 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 include 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.