CA2055283A1 - Cultivating apparatus - Google Patents

Cultivating apparatus

Info

Publication number
CA2055283A1
CA2055283A1 CA 2055283 CA2055283A CA2055283A1 CA 2055283 A1 CA2055283 A1 CA 2055283A1 CA 2055283 CA2055283 CA 2055283 CA 2055283 A CA2055283 A CA 2055283A CA 2055283 A1 CA2055283 A1 CA 2055283A1
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
sowing
cultivating apparatus
pans
members
pairs
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
CA 2055283
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Jung C. Chen
Ying T. Chen
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of CA2055283A1 publication Critical patent/CA2055283A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Abstract

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A cultivating apparatus includes a supporting frame having a top, a bottom and two opposite sides and a plurality of pairs of coaxial wheel members where each of the pairs of coaxial wheel members are respectively mounted to the opposite sides. A driving device is connected to the wheel members to drive the wheel members to rotate. Two opposite endless elongated conveying members are trained on the wheel members respectively on the opposite sides. Each of the two conveying members moves alternatingly upwards and downwards between the top and the bottom and extends in a certain length in a lower horizontal position adjacent to the bottom. A plurality of sowing pans are movably and removably mounted between the two conveying members at intervals. The sowing pans are arranged in terraced rows between the top and the bottom and a horizontal row adjacent to the bottom.

Description

2~5~

CULTIVATING APPARATUS

This invention relates to a cultivating system, more particularly to an improved cultivating apparatus which comprises a conveyor to hold and shift a plurality of sowing pans.

Some solution-culture plants, such as vegetables, are cultivated and protected in greenhouses. In this way, the vegetables are prevented from being damaged by pests without using insecticides. These vegetables are popular because they are nonpoisonous and sanitary.
The solution-culture sowing pans are generally arranged in a single layer or in a multi-layer wherein an upper sowing pan does not cover a lower sowing pan so that the plants can obtain sufficient light for photosynthesis. Therefore, the maximum sowing pan space is limited by the available floor area.
On the other hand, some sowing pans are fixedly stacked in a multi-layer arrangement wherein the sowing pans overlap one another so as to utilize the floor area sufficiently. However, there are drawbacks to this arrangement: a lower sowing pan ordinarily cannot obtain sufficient light for photosynthesis.
Furthermore, the lower sowing pan usually receives excess water and fertilizer dropped from an upper --2-- ~55~3 sowing pan, thereby increasing the chance that plants cultivated thereat rot Because the sowing pans are fixedly stacked, there must be many passageways for people to place and remove plants from the sowing pans.
Thus, such an arrangement utilizes much space and is not economical.

Therefore, a feature of this invention is to provide an improved cultivating apparatus with a moving mechanism to move a plurality of sowing pans so that the sowing pans can be interchanged from a lower position to an upper position or vice versa for sufficient exposure to light: for photosynthesis or for receiving care such as watering, fertilizing, etc.
Another feature of this; invention is to provide a three-dimensional cultivating apparatus with a plurality of sowing pans mechanically movable to a desired location so that the passageways needed for workmen to handle plants in the sowing pans can be minimized and the space required is reduced.
Accordingly, a cultivating apparatus of this invention includes a supporting frame having a top, a bottom and two opposite sides and a plurality of pairs of coaxial wheel members where each of the pairs of coaxial wheel members are respectively mounted to the opposite sides. A driving means is connected to the wheel members to rotate the wheel members. Two I

opposite endless elongated conveying members are trained on the wheel members respectively on the opposite sides. Each of the two conveying members moves alternatingly upwards and downwards between the top and the bottom and extends a certain length in a lower horizontal position adjacent to the bottom.
A plurality of sowing pans are movably and removably mounted between the two conveying members at intervals. The sowing pans are arranged in terraced I rows between the top and the bottom and a horizontal row adjacent to the bottom.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:
Figure 1 is a schematic view of a cultivating apparatus of this invention.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the cultivating apparatus of this invention with the enclosing cover I thereof being removed.
Figure 3 is a schematic side view of this cultivating apparatus in Figure 2.
Figure 4 is an assembled schematic view of a sowing pan of this invention.
Figures 5 and 6 show the sowing pan is hung on a sprocket chain.

Figure 7 is a schematic view showing a plant cultivated in gravel members provided in the sowing pan.
Figure 8 is a schematic view showing a solution-culture plant cultivated in the sowing pan of this invention.

Referring to Figures 1 to 3, a preferred embodiment of the cultivating apparatus of this invention includes a supporting frame (10) and an enclosing cover (20) installed on the supporting frame (10) to form a greenhouse (15) provided with a door t21). The supporting frame (10) includes a pair of opposite horizontal upper bars (14), a pair of opposite horizontal lower bars (16), and two pairs of opposite vertical bars (17) respectively connected to the horizontal lower bars (16~. One horizontal upper bar ~14) and one horizontal lower bar (16) define a first side (60) of the supporting frame (10). The other horizontal upper bar (14) and the other horizontal lower bar (16) define an opposite second side (60l) of the supporting frame (10). Three pairs of first coaxial sprocket wheels (31) are respectively mounted on the horizontal upper bars t14). Two pairs of second coaxial sprocket wheels (32) are respectively mounted on the horizontal lower bars (16). Two pairs of third coaxial sprocket wheels (33) are respectively mounted on the vertical bars (17). The first, second, and third sprocket wheels (31, 32, 33) located on each of the first and second sides (60, 60') are arranged in an upward and downward alternating relationship. A
driving means (50) includes a motor (51) and a transmitting gear unit (52) connected to the motor (51) and to one of the first sprocket wheels ~31). Two opposite endless sprocket chains (34) are respectively trained on the first, second and third sprocket wheels (31, 32, 33). Each of the two sprocket chains (34) moves alternatingly upwards and downwards in a wavy fashion between the horizontal upper and lower bars (14, 16) and extends a certain horizontal length below the horizontal lower bar (16). A plurality ox sowing pans ~40) are movably and removably mounted between the two sprocket chains (34) at intervals. The sowing pans (40) are arranged in terraced rows (35) between the horizontal upper and lower bars (14, 16) and a horizontal row (36~ below the horizontal lower bar (16).
Two elongated U-shaped support members (37) are respectively connected to the horizontal lower bars (16) to provide guide rails for receiving the sprocket chains (34) so that the sprocket chains (34) can be kept substantially straight when they are moved under the horizontal lower bars (16). A spraying device (70) is located below the horizontal row (36) of the sowing pans (40) to spray liquids, including water and fertilizer, upwards onto the horizontal row (36) of the sowing pans (40). A controlling means (600) is connected to the driving means So and to the spraying device ~70) to control the movement of the sprocket chains (34) and the operation of the spraying device (70), respectively.
Referring to figure 4, each of the sowing pans (40) is substantially rectangular and has two opposite transverse end plates (42) and three interconnected gridiron modules (42') forming a U-shaped channel between the end plates (42). Each of the gridiron modules (42') has two opposite longitudinal flank portions (43) and a base portion (44) welded to the two flank portions (43). Each of the flank portions (43) has two ends respectively welded with two connecting plates (431). Each of the connecting plates (431) has three screw holes (aye) formed thereon. The connecting plates (431) of each of the gridiron modules (42') are screwed to the connecting plates (431) of an adjacent one of the gridiron modules (42') by means of screws (45) and nuts. Each of the end plats (42) has screw holes to be screwed to the connecting plates of one of the gridiron modules (42') by means of screws and nuts. Additional gridiron modules (42') can be provided in order to increase the length of the sowing pan (40). Each of the end plates ~42) has a hanging I

cord (41) attached thereto.
Referring to Figures 5 and 6, each of the sprocket chains (34) has a plurality of pairs of chain pins (341) radially extending therefrom, a plurality of pairs of cylindrical members (381) respectively sleeved on the chain pins (34), and a plurality of pan mounting units t38). Each of the pan mounting units (38) includes a triangle plate (382) attached to one of pairs of the chain pins (341). Each of the triangle plates (382) has a tapered end carrying a hanging pin (383). The hanging cords (41) of the sowing pans (40) are respectively and removably hung on the hanging pins (383).
Referring to Figure 7, each of the sowing pans (40) has a corrugated gridiron (90) therein to define rows of grooves (90'). Each of the grooves (90') receives a root retaining medium such as gravel. Plants are cultivated on the gravel. Referring to Figures 2 and 3 again, each of the plants on the terraced rows (35) of the sowing pans (40) can obtain sufficient light when the sprocket chains (34) are actuated by the controlling means (600) to circulate at a desired speed. The spraying device (70) is simultaneously actuated by the controlling means (600) to upwardly spray liquids onto the horizontal row (36) OX the sowing pans (4 0). The sowing pans (4 0) on the horizontal row (36) are moved upward to the terraced I

rows ~35) after the water and fertilizer sprayed thereon stop dripping. This prevents the lower sowing pans (40) from receiving water or fertilizer drippings from the upper sowing pans (40). Therefore, all of the plants which are cultivated in the cultivating apparatus of this invention can obtain sufficient light and the proper balance of water and fertilizer.
Since the sprocket chains (34) can move the sowing pans (40) to a desired location, a workman who enters the greenhouse (15) by the door (21) may work on every sowing pan (40) without changing positions. Therefore, the passageways needed for the workman to work as in prior arts can be eliminated, and the space required is reduced.
The cultivating apparatus of this invention can further include a netted sun-shield member provided on the greenhouse (15) to cultivate plants which should be cultivated in a darker environment. Furthermore, referring to Figure 8, the sowing pan (40) may be lined with a liquid proof plastic sheet (80) to retain a nutrient solution Luke) so as to cultivate a solution-culture plant therein.
While the present invention has been described in connection with what is considered the must practical and preferred embodiment, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment, but is intended to cover various arrangements included _ 9__ 2~s~3 within the spirit and scope of the broadest interpretations and equivalent arrangements.

Claims (11)

1. a cultivating apparatus comprising:
a supporting frame having a top, a bottom, and two opposite sides;
a plurality of pairs of coaxial wheel members, each of said pairs of said coaxial wheel members being respectively mounted to said opposite sides;
means for driving said wheel members to rotate;
two opposite endless elongated conveying members trained on said wheel members respectively on said opposite sides, each of said two conveying members moving alternatingly upwards and downwards between said top and said bottom and extending in a certain length in a lower horizontal position adjacent to said bottom;
and a plurality of sowing pans movably and removably mounted between said two conveying members at intervals, said sowing pans being arranged in terraced rows between said top and said bottom and a horizontal row adjacent to said bottom.
2. A cultivating apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said pairs of said wheel members include pairs of upper wheel members mounted adjacent to said top and pairs of lower wheel members mounted adjacent to said bottom, said upper and lower wheel members of each of said opposite sides being arranged in an upward and downward alternating relationship, said two conveying members being trained on said upper and lower wheel members and extending alternatingly upwards and downwards between said top and said bottom in a wavy fashion.
3. A cultivating apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said wheel members are sprocket wheels and said conveying members are sprocket chains.
4. A cultivating apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, further comprising a spraying device located adjacent to said bottom for spraying liquids onto said horizontal row of said sowing pans.
5. A cultivating apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, further comprising a controlling means which is connected to said driving means to control the movement of said two conveying members.
6. A cultivating apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said supporting frame includes an enclosing cover installed thereon to form a greenhouse.
7. A cultivating apparatus as claimed in Claim 6, wherein said greenhouse further includes a netted sun-shield member provided thereon.
8. A cultivating apparatus as claimed in Claim 3, wherein each of said sprocket chains has a plurality of pairs of chain pins radially extending therefrom, and a plurality of pan mounting units, each of said pan mounting units including a triangle plate attached to one of said pairs of chain pins, each of said triangle plates having a tapered end carrying a hanging pin, each of said sowing pans having two opposite ends each of which is hung on one of said hanging pins.
9. A cultivating apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein each of said sowing pans has a corrugated gridiron therein to define rows of grooves, each of said grooves receiving a root retaining medium.
10. A cultivating apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein each of said sowing pans is substantially rectangular and has two opposite transverse end plates and a plurality of interconnected gridiron modules forming a U-shaped channel between said transverse end plates, each of said gridiron modules having two opposite longitudinal flank portions and a base portion interconnecting said flank portions.
11. A cultivating apparatus as claimed in Claim 10, wherein each of said flank portions of said gridiron modules has two ends respectively provided with two connecting plates, each of said connecting plates having a screw hole formed thereon, said connecting plates of each of said gridiron modules being screwed to said connecting plates of an adjacent one of said gridiron modules, each of said transverse end plates having screw holes to be screwed to said connecting plates of one of said gridiron module.
CA 2055283 1991-07-16 1991-11-12 Cultivating apparatus Abandoned CA2055283A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US73062991A 1991-07-16 1991-07-16
US07/730,629 1991-07-16

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2055283A1 true CA2055283A1 (en) 1993-01-17

Family

ID=24936128

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA 2055283 Abandoned CA2055283A1 (en) 1991-07-16 1991-11-12 Cultivating apparatus

Country Status (1)

Country Link
CA (1) CA2055283A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN115281015A (en) * 2022-06-30 2022-11-04 中国农业科学院都市农业研究所 Automatic drenching container inner chain type culture tank

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN115281015A (en) * 2022-06-30 2022-11-04 中国农业科学院都市农业研究所 Automatic drenching container inner chain type culture tank

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