JP6805219B2 - Rotational molding vertical cultivation equipment and system - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure is intended for rotomoulding devices and systems used in vertical farming applications.

The indoor cultivated habitat has multiple functions such as plant support, nutrient delivery, and pest barrier formation. The indoor growing environment should also not block light to the plants. Indoor cultivated habitats usually also provide drainage channels to control the flow of liquids that are given to the plants in excess of their immediate availability.

The vertical growing environment, or growing system, also requires that it provide physical support that allows these systems to have a multi-layered structure of the plant. These multiple layers also typically require the use of artificial light. The growth system needs to support artificial light and a power supply that powers the light source.

For small-scale operations or single-layer structures, PVC pipes and aluminum drains have generally been used in the industry to create the enclosures that characterize most of the concrete growth systems. These structures are designed to allow nutrient solutions to flow through pipes / drains. Plants are supported by pipe walls or secondary media (often styrofoam or plastic). The pipe wall or secondary medium allows the roots to hang into the body of the pipe / drain and suck up nutrients. This type of structure requires a large number of holes and a large number of pipes / drains. This structural process requires a great deal of manpower and is best described as a work of art when it comes to installation. These types of systems are built in the field rather than assembled.

Typical structures for large-scale operations may involve the construction of large ponds that are regularly replenished with additional nutrient solutions. In this case, the perimeter of the pond (generally cement) provides structural support for the nutrient solution. Styrofoam "rafts" float on the surface of the water, allowing the plant to extend its roots into the nutrient solution through the holes in the styrofoam.

None of the methods for these structures can be effectively adapted for use in large-scale vertical cultivation. Vertical cultivation requires a large number of layers / stages of growing plants and structures in order to hold the plants at vertical intervals. It may be feasible for small-scale operations, but above all, each opening for a plant generally has to be made individually, which requires a tremendous amount of effort to assemble a conventional assembly.

All that is needed is a mass-produced device / system that provides many of the functions required for a vertical growing system in one unit. Ideally, the equipment / system should be low cost, lightweight and simple to assemble. Ideally, the equipment / system is suitable for construction in the field. Ideally, the device / system should be easy to clean. Ideally, the equipment / system can be easily transported to a vertical cultivation structure site where the equipment / system is easily assembled. These and other purposes are achieved by this disclosure.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a rotomized casing that defines (i) the "inside" where the plant may be positioned / may be located and (ii) the "outside" that at least partially defines the perimeter of the interior. A growing system with a body is provided. The housing generally comprises stacking elements that allow one housing to be stacked on top of another. The disclosed growth system also generally includes (i) means for delivering the liquid to the housing, (ii) means for draining the liquid from the housing, and (iii) growing plants in the housing. Provide means to promote and support plants.

The disclosed growth system may further include means for containing the liquid in the housing below the plane of the plant, such means passing through means for draining the liquid in normal operation. Except in some cases, the liquid may extend all around the rotomized housing so that it does not leave the housing. Normal operation generally includes all operations in which the volume of water in the rotomoulding enclosure is less than the volume bounded by the rotomoulding enclosure and the plane on which the plant grows.

The rotomoulding housing may advantageously have a double wall design. The double wall design may completely enclose at least one hollow cavity that is essentially sealed from the surrounding environment.

The means for delivering the liquid into the housing may have a hollow space defined by the outer surface of the rotomoulding housing. The means for draining the liquid into the housing may have a hollow space defined by the outer surface of the rotomoulding housing. The wall thickness of the rotomoulding housing may exceed 0.1 inches.

The means for supporting the plant may have the form of one or more shelves formed in the housing. In other embodiments, the means for supporting the plant may have a stepped form molded into the housing. In a further embodiment, the means for supporting the plant may be in the form of protrusions formed in the housing. Furthermore, the means for supporting the plant may have the form of a plurality of elements molded into the housing. In embodiments, the means for supporting the plant comprises at least one element attached to the housing. The at least one element may be attached with an adhesive. The at least one element may be optionally (or additionally) mounted by sliding into a groove or channel in the housing. The attached element may have a lower coefficient of friction than the housing. The at least one element may be attached with a mechanical fastener. In a further embodiment, the means supporting the plant may dispose the plant within the internal portion of the housing, and the plant may grow at least partially within the interior of the housing. Good.

The stacking element may include a male convex portion on one housing and a female concave portion on the joined housing. The stacking element may include a peg protruding from one housing and a female hole in the joined housing. In an embodiment, the stacking element extends along more than about 50% of one edge of the housing. The stacking element may include at least one mechanism formed by removing the material from the housing. The at least one mechanism is formed by removing material from the housing, is configured to allow pegs from the joined housing to extend and pass through, and defines sizing holes.

The stacking element may include a hook and mesh (Velcro®) element. The stacking element may further include a mechanical fastener that secures the two housings together.

The means for delivering the liquid to the housing may have a hollow area formed by the outer wall of the housing. The hollow area may have a hole extending from the outside of the housing to the inside of the housing. The means for delivering the liquid may include piping elements. The piping element may be spin welded in place in the housing. The piping element may include a pipe suitable for delivering the liquid. The piping element may also include means for connecting to a liquid transport system. The piping element may also include means for altering the output of the means for delivering the liquid. The modification may be designed to essentially create a laminar flow from the means of transport. The modification may be designed to create a turbulent flow from the means of transport. The modification may be designed to generate a spray from the transport means. The spray may be fine enough to be defined as atomization.

The piping element may include a flange that is spun welded into a hollow area formed by the outer wall of the housing. The piping element may further include additional piping components attached to the flange.

The means for delivering the liquid are (i) a hollow area formed by the outer wall of the housing, (ii) a pipe extending through the hollow area, and (iii) an input end of the pipe. A pipe fitting to be connected and (iv) a nozzle connected to the output end of the pipe may be provided. The pipe may occupy an area that exceeds half the cross-sectional area of the hollow area. The pipe may be cemented in place within the hollow area. The hollow area may be sealed around the pipe so that the water / nutrient solution does not flow through the hollow area in the area defined by the outside of the pipe and the inside of the hollow area.

The means for delivering the liquid extend through (i) a hollow area formed by the outer wall of the housing, (ii) a flange spin welded into the hollow area, and (iii) the hollow area. , A pipe mechanically attached to the flange, (iv) a pipe fitting connected to the input end of the pipe, and (v) a nozzle connected to the output end of the pipe may be provided.

The means for delivering the liquid extend through (i) a hollow area formed by the outer wall of the housing, (ii) a flange spin welded into the hollow area, and (iii) the hollow area. It may be provided with a pipe mechanically attached to the flange, (iv) a pipe fitting connected to the input end of the flange, and (v) a nozzle connected to the output end of the pipe.

The means for draining the liquid from the housing may include a hollow area formed by the outer wall of the housing. The hollow area may have a hole extending from the outside of the housing to the inside of the housing. The means for draining the liquid may include a piping element. The piping element may be spin welded in place in the housing. The piping element may include a pipe suitable for transporting the liquid. The piping element may include means for connecting to a liquid drainage system. In embodiments, the piping element comprises a flange that is spun welded into a hollow area formed by the outer wall of the housing. The piping element may further include additional piping components attached to the flange.

The means for delivering the liquid are (i) a hollow area formed by the outer wall of the housing, (ii) a pipe extending through the hollow area, and (iii) the output end of the pipe. It may be provided with a connecting pipe fitting.

The disclosed growth system may further include screening means to prevent large objects from entering the pipe. A trap may be provided to prevent backflow of gas into the pipe.

The disclosed growth system may further include means for supporting the lamp. The means for supporting the lamp may include at least one shelf in the shape of being joined to at least one surface of the lamp. The means for supporting the lamp may include at least one recess in the rvft shaped to join the mechanical connector. The mechanical connector may be molded in the lamp. The mechanical connector may extend through a hole or slot in the lamp. The mechanical connector may have a screw, barbed fitting, or extended fitting form.

The means for supporting the lamp may be sized to allow at least 181 degrees of light and may include a hollow area located in the housing for mounting the lamp. The means for supporting the lamp may further include an electrical connection to the lamp.

The disclosed growth system may have at least one surface of the housing in a shape that reflects and shines light energy on the plant targeted by at least one lamp, from the at least one lamp. The amount of light energy delivered to the plant of interest by the at least one lamp is increased by the presence of the surface. The at least one surface may be substantially flat or substantially curved. The at least one surface may exhibit more than 30% reflectivity. The at least one surface may be colored differently from the rest of the housing. The at least one surface may be painted to achieve the different colors.

The at least one surface is further (i) a substantially planar surface substantially parallel to the axis of the lightning and (ii) said substantially along the entire length of the lamp. The substantially flat surface and (iii) said substantially between 1 and 5 times the size of the lamp as measured on an axis perpendicular to the axis of the lightning in which the substantially flat surface is parallel. May have a flat surface and the substantially flat surface having (iv) more than 30% light reflectivity. The light reflectivity may include all white light or may be due to wavelengths of 400-500 nm or 600-700 nm.

The housing may be provided with at least one strengthening mechanism such as a hole or a pylon. The at least one strengthening mechanism may also be used as a drain. The at least one reinforcing mechanism may also be used as a stacking element for positioning or fixing one housing to another.

The growth system may have a plurality of holes. The plurality of holes may be positioned in the housing, and drainage is performed to a common collecting means. The collecting means may consist of a drain. The growth system may have two sets of holes. The two sets of holes may define two parallel rows, each draining to its own common collection means. The common collecting means may be extended to collect the liquid drained from the plurality of housings.

The growth system may further include structural elements that allow the housing to be moved by a forklift or pallet jack. The structural element may have at least a pair of cavities of a size and shape that match the fork of a forklift or pallet jack. The housing is advantageously designed to allow tight packing during transport. Tight packaging is characterized as nesting in which one enclosure is at least partially contained within an adjacent enclosure. The tight packaging of the housing may be realized by stacking the housings in a direction different from the orientation used during operation.

The means for delivering the liquid and the means for draining the liquid disclosed herein may share at least one element. The at least one common element may be a hollow area or a pipe through which a liquid flows. The at least one common element may include nozzle flaps through which the liquid flows over during drainage and through which the liquid flows during liquid transport. The pressure from the transport pump may be mechanically readjusted by the components of the common element to achieve different functions.

The at least one element further comprises (i) a hollow area or pipe, (ii) a hinged nozzle flap contained within the hollow area or pipe, and (iii) a surface on which the nozzle flap is seated. (Iv) It may be provided with at least a part of the nozzle flap, which is an orifice that allows liquid to flow through the nozzle flap. The growth system may further include a flexible gasket set between the hinged nozzle flap and the surface. The portion of the nozzle flap, which is an orifice, may advantageously extend (eg, upward) beyond the seating plane of the nozzle flap. The extension beyond the seating plane may be at least 5 mm. At least a part of the nozzle flap, which is the orifice, may form a plurality of orifices. The orifice may be sized to atomize the liquid extruded from the orifice.

The rotary molded housing may have a single wall design.

The two housings may be molded in the same mold cavity and separated from each other. The growth tray may be molded in the same mold cavity and separated from the housing. The growth tray may be formed so as to have a plurality of recesses. The plurality of recesses may be cut at a height at which the growth tray will have a plurality of openings. The number of the plurality of openings may exceed 30. The opening may have a projected area of 2 to 20 square inches on a plane on which the seeds are placed.

The means for draining the liquid from the housing may have a hole in the housing that allows the liquid to flow into the at least one hollow cavity inside the double wall housing.

The growth system may be made entirely or partially from PET, polyethylene (PE), high density PE (HDPE), and / or polypropylene (PP).

The disclosed growth system may be advantageously constructed such that the weight of the enclosure is lifted by one person. The housing may weigh less than 50 pounds. In an alternative implementation, the weight of the housing is designed to be lifted by two people. In such an alternative embodiment, the housing weighs less than 100 pounds.

The liquid drained from at least one housing may be directed to a housing located below.

The disclosed growth system may further include at least one growth tray in which the plant grows on the medium. The growth tray can advantageously be slid out of at least one opening in the housing without tilting the growth tray more than 5 degrees from the horizontal position. The at least one opening is generally sufficiently high so that a fully grown plant can exit the housing without contacting the housing. The plurality of growth trays can generally fit within the housing at the same time. At least one of the growth trays is generally not directly removable from the housing without interfering with the plants and roots of the other growth trays or with the housing. One location in the housing may be large enough to allow the growth tray to be removed without the leaves of the grown height plant coming into contact with the housing. The height of the grown plant may be on the order of at least about 4 inches.

The plurality of growth trays may be three trays. One location in the housing from which the tray can be effectively removed may be substantially in the center of the housing when viewed from the loading and unloading direction. The three trays may be loaded and unloaded by first removing the central tray, then one of the side trays, and then the remaining one.

According to the present disclosure, a plurality of stacked housings can generally be lifted and moved at one time by a forklift. Preferably, at least six stacked housings can be lifted and moved at once with a forklift. Preferably, a stack of enclosures extending up to 30 feet in height can be lifted and moved at once with a forklift.

The lamp may be located in a hollow cavity defined by the double-walled rotary molded enclosure according to the present disclosure. The second connecting element may be integrated between the two stacked housings, and the connecting element may include a mechanical element that joins the stacked elements in the housing. The means for supporting the lamp may be located within the connecting element. The means for supporting the lamp may have a shelf of one connecting element and a flat surface for a screw to be attached to another connecting part. The means for supporting the lamp may have a shelf-like object of one connecting element and a recess for a barbed connector attached to another connecting portion.

The additional features, functions and advantages of the disclosed growth system will become apparent in the following detailed description, especially by reading in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

The following drawings are referenced to assist one of ordinary skill in the art in creating and using the devices, systems and methods of the present disclosure.
The schematic diagram of the rotary molding vertical cultivation tank which concerns on this disclosure is shown. The schematic diagram of the rotary molding vertical cultivation tank which concerns on this disclosure is shown. The schematic diagram of the rotary molding vertical cultivation tank which concerns on this disclosure is shown. The schematic diagram of the rotary molding vertical cultivation tank which concerns on this disclosure is shown. The schematic diagram of the rotary molding vertical cultivation tank which concerns on this disclosure is shown. The schematic diagram of the rotary molding vertical cultivation tank which concerns on this disclosure is shown. The schematic diagram of the rotary molding vertical cultivation tank which concerns on this disclosure is shown. The schematic diagram of the rotary molding vertical cultivation tank which concerns on this disclosure is shown. A schematic view of the nozzle assembly according to the present disclosure is shown. A schematic view of the nozzle assembly according to the present disclosure is shown. The schematic diagram of the rotary molding vertical cultivation tank which concerns on this disclosure is shown. A schematic diagram showing the mechanism of the light source according to the present disclosure is shown. The schematic diagram of the rotary molding vertical cultivation tank which concerns on this disclosure is shown. The schematic diagram of the rotary molding vertical cultivation tank which concerns on this disclosure is shown. The schematic diagram of the mold of the rotary molding vertical cultivation tank which concerns on this disclosure is shown. The schematic diagram of the rotary molding vertical cultivation tank which concerns on this disclosure is shown. The schematic diagram of the rotary molding vertical cultivation tank assembly which concerns on this disclosure is shown. The schematic diagram of the rotary molding vertical cultivation tank assembly which concerns on this disclosure is shown. The schematic diagram of the rotary molding vertical cultivation tank assembly which concerns on this disclosure is shown. The schematic diagram of the rotary molding vertical cultivation tank assembly which concerns on this disclosure is shown. The schematic diagram of the rotary molding vertical cultivation tank assembly which concerns on this disclosure is shown. The schematic diagram of the rotary molding vertical cultivation tank which concerns on this disclosure is shown.

According to the present disclosure, a rotary molded vertical cultivation tank (rvft) and related systems are provided that incorporate and / or deal with many functions desired for vertical cultivation in a single high efficiency and effective design.

As used herein, "rotomolding" is a method of manufacturing plastic components, and "rotomolded" is a method of manufacturing plastic components. A component or assembly made in whole or in part using technology. Rotation molding is used to make children's toy homes and large plastic components such as slides and kayaks. The double-walled structure of the rotomed components can provide strength and other features.

According to the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 1, the vertical assembly 10 comprises one or more rvft 12. The rvft12 further has one or more structural / structural mechanisms that function to support the plants that grow there. The disclosed structures and / or structural mechanisms may directly support the plant, or such structural / structural functions function to support one or more secondary devices that support the plant. You may. The secondary device used in plant support may have the form of a growth tray containing and / or supporting the medium on which the plant grows. As a method of supporting the growth tray, there is a shelf 14 or other structural mechanism formed in the side of the rvft or otherwise supported by the rvft. In the mounting example, the shelves (or series of shelves) can be formed as steps, protrusions, or a series of small shelves. These shelves are generally formed to support the opposite side of the rectangular growth tray, but can also be formed to support three or four sides of the rectangular unit / tray. .. For example, shelves can be formed or characterized to support any number of sides of a polygonal growth tray with any number of sides.

As mentioned above, the shelves may have one or more separating elements attached to the rvft 12. The separating element can have a lower coefficient of friction with respect to the material used to form the rvft 12 so that the growing tray or other plant support device can easily move along the support means.

The rvft 12 generally comprises one or more structures 16 containing and / or distributing the nutrient solution in order to deliver the nutrient solution to the plant. In embodiments of the present disclosure, transport of the nutrient solution may advantageously be accomplished by one or more sidewalls defining an internal volume or region that is suitable for containing and spreading the fluid. The internal volume / region advantageously extends to the plane in which the plant is supported, in order to effectively deliver the nutrient solution to the desired location and to prevent the liquid from spilling or sprinkling out of the rvft. You may.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the internal volume / region 18 may be defined within the rvft side wall 20 along the entire perimeter of the rvft structure or along a portion of the rvft structure, as shown in FIG. The internal volume / region 18 is advantageously sized and positioned so that the liquid can be received and contained within the rvft 12 for efficient storage and transport purposes.

The disclosed structure of rvft12 has a side wall 20 containing a liquid along the two sides 20 of rvft12, as shown in FIG. This allows multiple rvfts to be incorporated along the direction in which the liquid is not contained, allowing the liquid flowing into one rvft to also contribute to the nutrients of adjacent plants. This structure may benefit from either the entire circumference of the rvft being constructed or the barriers constructed at both ends of the plurality of rvfts that are linearly constructed / arranged. FIG. 3 further shows rvft 12 with at least three side walls.

A suitable structure has an internal volume / region 18 defined by a side wall to completely contain the liquid within each rvft 12, i.e. to distribute the liquid to all of the internal volumes / regions of interest. Achieve. This implementation generally extends the fluid carrier internal volume / region 18 within the side wall 20 along the entire perimeter of the rvft 12, i.e. all four (4) of the disclosed rectangular implementations of the rvft 12 according to the present disclosure. Defined along and within the side 20.

The disclosed rvft 12 advantageously delivers the nutrient solution into the internal volume / region defined by rvft and is subsequently supported by the growth tray from the internal volume / region 18, eg, on the growth tray. It has a structure for delivery to existing plants / plant roots. In an embodiment, the inlet to the internal volume / region 18 may have a hollow space / opening 22 formed in rvft 12, but is inserted into the formed hollow space to fill most of the hollow space. A suitable piping fitting may also be provided (see FIG. 1). This tubing fitting may include a fitting that attaches to a nutrient solution transport source.

Additional piping elements may be associated with the present disclosure, such as internal pipes that are located entirely or partially within the internal volume / region 18 to carry the nutrient solution to the desired location. Can be mentioned. In such implementations, internally positioned pipes may provide a more controlled flow of nutrient solution within rvft12. In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, one or more output devices may be provided that alter and / or control the flow of the nutrient solution as it exits the internal volume / region 18, eg, turbulence. Even laminar or spray flows are created from it. The output device can take the form of a nozzle that acts to alter the outflow and atomize the nutrient solution.

A spray stream is well known to those skilled in the art as a stream in which the spray or mist can exit the orifice to produce a mist of common liquid particles in the atmosphere.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a hollow internal volume / region 24 is formed in the side wall 20 of the rvft. In such an implementation, the outer wall of the double wall structure rvft defines an internal volume / region that contains and transports the nutrient solution according to the present disclosure.

The disclosed rvft 12 may be provided with a structure and / or mechanism for facilitating the discharge of the nutrient solution, that is, for flowing the nutrient solution out of the rvft. In embodiments, hollow spaces 26 may be formed in rvft 12 for this purpose. This hollow space can also include pipe fittings consisting of pipe elements typical of drain structures. The drainage mechanism exits into a larger stream containing structures and / or mechanisms that screen for entry of large substances into the drain, downwardly sloping pipes, traps, and / or nutrient solutions drained from multiple rvft12s. It can be equipped with a pipe that extends to store the nutrient solution to go.

The disclosed rvft 12 generally comprises a mechanism by which a large number of rvft 12s can be stacked on top of another rvft to form a vertical stack of at least two rvfts. The disclosed stacking mechanism can be molded such that the rvft is stacked directly on top of another rvft, or the intervening "connecting" element can be mounted between the two rvft 12. In general, the materials and shapes of rvft are such that these stacking mechanisms allow multiple rvfts to be stacked in a single vertical stack, eg, 20 rvfts can be located in one vertical stack. Designed to support weights that are much heavier than their own.

The rvft12 generally has a mechanism for holding an electric light source. These light retention mechanisms allow the bulb or luminaire to be fixed directly to the rvft 12 using fasteners, or such bulb / luminaire to be snapped directly in place. Can be. The light retention mechanism may also have a shape that beneficially directs the light energy produced by the light bulb or electrical lighting equipment to increase the amount and / or properties of the light energy that hits the plant.

The rvft 12 generally has a reinforcing element molded into the body of the rvft. These strengthening elements can include "pylons" or through holes. These reinforcing elements may advantageously define an area in which the plastic is formed perpendicular to the plane to aid in its reinforcement. The structure of these pylon or holes is well known to those skilled in the art of constructing rotomolded components. Within rvft12, these enhancements can be utilized and / or function for a variety of purposes. For example, they can be used as holes through which plants extend their roots into nutrient solutions. They can be used as drains through which the nutrient solution exits. They can also be used as hollow spaces through which the nutrient solution is delivered into the rvft12.

With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, a large number of holes 102 formed in the rvft assembly 100 of the present disclosure are schematically shown. In particular, with reference to FIG. 6, it is shown that the arch 104 is formed in the rvft 100 for strength. In this embodiment, the hole 102 is also used as a drain and is represented to drain into a number of drains along the length of rvft. In FIG. 6, the two rows of holes 102 are shown to drain into each of the two drains 106. FIG. 7 shows a plurality of holes 102, which are arranged in a row as described above. The drainage ditch 106 is positioned close to the hole 102 so that the hole 102 drains at least partially into the drainage ditch 106. Further, the drainage ditch 106 may correspond to a plurality of rvft 100s.

In a preferred embodiment, the transport of the nutrient solution and the discharge of the nutrient solution can share a physical element. It may include a single tubing element for alternating inflows and outflows of nutrient solutions to rvft 12, 100. A pump can be used to pump the nutrient solution into the piping element and flow it into rvft 12, 100. The pump can be shut off and gravity can drain the nutrient solution from rvft 12, 100. Alternatively, a pump can be used to extract the nutrient solution from rvft 12, 100 at a rate faster than gravity. Piping elements can include mechanisms that incorporate both drainage and flow modification elements. Depending on the presence or absence of pressure from the nutrient solution transport pump, the mechanical elements can be moved to different positions to change the function between the drainage function and the flow changing function.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 8, assembly 150 comprises at least two rvft 152s located relative to each other and at least one light source 154. The light source 154 may be arranged at a position corresponding to the opening of the rvft 152. At least two rvft 152s may be stacked on adjacent rvft 152s. The rvft 152 may further include a check valve 200 that can facilitate at least partial drainage of the rvft 152. The check valve 200 may rotate at least partially so that the liquid can be discharged once the predetermined pressure threshold is reached.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the rvft 12, 100, 152 may include at least one check valve (eg, nozzle assembly) 200, which further comprises a nozzle. It has a portion 202 and a nozzle flap portion 204. The nozzle portion 202 may be substantially flush with the nozzle flap portion 204, or may extend above the plane of the nozzle flap portion 204 by a certain distance. As a result, the nozzle portion 202 can be sprayed into the air even when the rvft 12, 100, and 152 are in a state where the liquid is collected. The nozzle portion may have a plurality of orifices 206.

When the pipe is pressurized, the fluid (indicated by the arrow) pushes the nozzle flap 204 to the "closed" position. This allows the fluid to apply pressure to the nozzle flap 204 and the fluid is pushed out through the orifices (or a plurality of orifices) in the nozzle portion 202. In the implementation example, the fluid is atomized by the nozzle portion 202 to become a spray.

As shown in FIG. 10, with the pump off, the nozzle flap 204 rotates by its own weight or by the weight of the fluid collected in the rvft 12, 100, 152 above. As a result, water can be drained from rvft 12, 100, 152 and flow out to the drainage pipe.

In an embodiment, the nozzle flap 204 is sized to always rotate downward under its own weight when a fluid under a particular pressure (eg, less than 5 psi) does not exert an upward force on the bottom of the nozzle flap 204. ing.

In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the rvft 300 further has a hole 304 that can be drilled in one wall 302 of the housing of the rvft 300 to feed the interior space between the walls 302 of the rvft 300. Allows the solution to drain. This generally moves the nutrient solution to a darker space. This is to protect the nutrient solution from light as the walls of rvft are generally opaque. Less light energy interacting with the nutrient solution slows the growth rate of algae that grow on the nutrient solution.

In a preferred embodiment, the electric light source is an LED lamp. The structure for holding the LED lamp may include shelves, grooves, holes and / or recesses on which the mechanical elements of the LED lamp can be placed or mounted. In particular, as shown in FIG. 12, the LED holding structure 400 may have a contour 402 that matches the outer peripheral section of the LED lamp 404. In that example, the LED lamp may be extended so that it is fully supported by the rvft when it is set to the rvft.

In a preferred embodiment, the rvft further comprises a mechanical element 406 that guides and / or guides the light energy from the LED lamp, more than the light that would hit the plant if these elements were not incorporated. Also allows a lot of light energy to hit the target plant by the LED lamp. These mechanical elements may have a flat or curved surface with sufficiently high reflectivity (generally greater than 30%) to increase the total amount of light energy delivered to the plant. In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the mechanical element 406 defines light (indicated by a dashed arrow) in a suitable direction.

This reflectivity can be adjusted to be effective for a particular wavelength. For example, reflectivity may be achieved by using a blue paint, so that it has high reflectivity in the blue region of 400-500 nm, but less reflectivity outside this region. Having effective reflectivity at a particular wavelength allows the delivered light energy to give the plant additional functionality and allows the plant to grow in a particular direction and in a particular way. For example, blue light can extend the length of the epicotyl of a plant, so directing stronger blue light to the edge of the growing area encourages the epicotyl of the plant at the edge to be longer. The rvft may be made more effective by improving its competitiveness over light energy over other plants within the rvft.

The LED lamp mounting mechanism 400 may include barbed or threaded elements that are joined to the recesses or threaded inserts that are molded into the rvft. In embodiments, the thorn shape is molded into a plastic "end cap" that includes the tip of an LED lamp. This barbed shape joins into the recesses of the rvft and effectively attaches the lamp to the rvft.

A preferred embodiment of the disclosed rvft comprises an expansion connector that is placed through a hole in the LED lamp and in a recess in the rvft or in the hole. Once the expansion connector is fitted, the expansion element secures the LED lamp to the rvft by generally turning the screw to unfold the plastic or rubber element at the tip of the screw.

In a preferred embodiment, the rvft 12, 100, 152 have male pegs and female recesses so that the rvft can be located and supported above the other rvft as designed. These pegs and recesses may be reinforced by mechanical fasteners such as bolts. The mechanical fasteners further secure the rvfts together.

In other embodiments, a second component, known as the link, may be located between the two rvft 12, 100, 152. These connections may have pegs that extend in two directions so that they are located in the recesses of both rvft that are detachably positioned together. These pegs and recesses may be reinforced by mechanical fasteners such as bolts. The mechanical fasteners further secure the rvfts together. The use of connecting parts is generally preferred as it allows the bottom area of rvft 12, 100, 152 to be smaller within the mold and delivery means. When no pegs are used for rvft12, 100, 152, the height of rvft12, 100, 152 is lowered by at least the size of the pegs.

In another preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the assembly 500 depicts a plurality of rvft 12, 100, 152, with the second level or higher rvft 12, 100, 152 in the lower position. It is designed to drain water to rvft 12, 100, 152. Drainage may be carried out by connecting or disconnecting methods 502, including the use of pipes, hoses and tubes, among others. This allows variable stacking and allows the same piping connection to be used for each of rvft12, 100, 152. The rvft is generally sized so that sufficient volume / nutrient solution can flow from the above rvft 12, 100, 152 to the rvft, and may be, for example, up to approximately 20 in number.

In another preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the plant is supported by a growth tray 604 positioned in relation to rvft602. The growth tray 604 can be formed at the same time as rvft602. This helps ensure that the growth trays 604 and rvft602 are the same size, are made of the same material, and that they are continuously joined at all temperatures. In a particular implementation example, the single wall rvft602 may be utilized. It is generally less strong than double wall rvft, but provides sufficient strength in many applications.

The growth tray 604 may have a generally flat surface with a series of recesses. In the manufacturing process, a part of these recesses (or the whole recess) can be removed by a secondary operation such as punching, laser cutting, or band saw cutting. The resulting hole may serve as a hole through which the plant extends its roots and reaches within the section of rvft602 where the nutrient solution is present.

As shown in FIG. 15, another method of constructing the single wall rvft602 and the growth tray 604 is to construct two molds at a time. This means that for rvft602, a larger mold is generally required than when growth trays 604 and rvft602 are simultaneously made in the same mold, but much more growth trays 604 can be formed than rvft602. It has additional properties, which are desirable as they can accommodate growth trays 604 that break or disappear during work.

In another preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, assembly 700 comprises a plurality of growth trays 704A-C located within at least one rvft702. For example, when the three trays 704 are located in the rvft702 in the orientation shown in FIG. 16, the trays 704A to C may be mounted one by one. FIG. 16 shows how the stacking mechanism 706 (represented as a large mechanical structure in each corner) can prevent the trays 704A-C from sliding out directly from the rvft702. It is advantageous to have a stacking mechanism 706 extending in this direction, as it helps to minimize the overall bottom area of the machine without reducing the growing area.

The stacking mechanism 706 generally needs to be sufficiently sized to support a large number of rvft 702s stacked on top of other rvfts. While this large size must be achieved, the increase in the overall circumference of the rvft702 reduces the proportion of the area used for cultivation and reduces the overall effectiveness of the cultivation adopting the rvft702. Efficiency is optimized as long as the stacking elements can fit in a small area along the perimeter of the growing area.

By the time the growth trays 704A to C are removed, the leaves are growing above the flat surface and the roots are growing below. Roots are leaves because they can contain substances that can contaminate the leaves, which can be a health hazard, reduce the marketability of the crop, or require costly cleaning processes. It is advantageous to prevent contact with.

For this reason, in general, the tray 704B is removed first, followed by sliding the tray 704C to the left (to the position where the tray 704B is gone). Similarly, slide the tray 704A to the right to remove it. As a result of this design, the stacking mechanism 706 can be made very large in the non-mounting plane, which can significantly increase the strength and thus reduce the overall bottom area.

In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 17-21, rvft12, 100, 152, 702 is a connector that allows a plurality of rvft12, 100, 152, 702 to be moved at once by utilizing a forklift. And a stacking mechanism may be provided. This embodiment also eliminates the use of ladders, elevators, or other devices that allow electrical and plumbing connections to be made by a single person standing on the ground, which is more time consuming and somewhat threatens personal safety. it can.

A person on the ground can now connect all rvft 12, 100, 152, 702 within reach (up to three rvft at a time) by extending his arm from the ground. Subsequently, a forklift may be used to lift these rvft 12, 100, 152, 702 and place them on an adjacent rvft set to repeat this process.

In FIGS. 19-21, the outer arc 802 represents the nutrient solution supply line and the central arc 804 represents the nutrient solution drainage line. A curved inner arc 806 adjacent to the nutrient solution supply / drainage line represents an electrical connection for LED light.

Note that the stacks of rvft12, 100, 152, 702 may be constructed without the use of ladders or elevators. Elevators or ladders may be used when mounting plants on rvft 12, 100, 152, 702 and for other routine tasks such as cleaning. However, for vertical cultivation structures, neither ladders nor elevators are commonly used.

In a preferred embodiment, the LEDs are located within rvft 12, 100, 152, 702. This requires the rvft to have a generally transparent surface (typically greater than 50% transmission) in order for the LED to deliver the light energy of the LED through a transparent surface. The LED light source is installed during molding and the conductors that supply electricity are routed through the walls of the rvft or the rvft mold, over the connectors or over the conductors themselves.

In a preferred embodiment, the rvft 12, 100, 152, 702 have cavities that are sized and positioned to match the size and shape of a typical pallet. This makes it possible to move rvft 12, 100, 152, 702 with typical forklifts and pallet jacks.

In a preferred embodiment, rvft12, 100, 152, 702 can be stacked for delivery more compactly than the stacking size used during operation. This may include stacking upside down on top of other rvft. Nesting rvft may be included such that one rvft fits at least partially within the other rvft. The nesting method is particularly effective when a junction is used to connect the two rvfts. A suitable stack may be in a different orientation than typical in operation, for example, the rvft may be stacked "upside down" on top of another rvft.

The word plane is used to describe the surface on which plants grow, but those skilled in the art will recognize that this plane is not a mathematical plane. As a plant grows, it always creates depressions in its growth medium. For this reason, whenever the term flat is used to describe a place of habitat, it is either "generally flat," even "curved," undulating, or even roughly conical. The term plane can be replaced with a generally spherical part.

In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22, any one of the rvft 12, 100, 152, 702 described above further comprises a light source 902 located close to the saucer 904. May be good.

Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to its embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to such embodiments. Rather, various modifications, enhancements, and / or improvements may be made without departing from the gist or scope of the present disclosure.

Claims (16)

A rotomically molded casing that defines (i) an interior that is configured and dimensioned to position plants, (ii) an exterior that at least partially defines the perimeter of the interior, and (iii) a double-walled structure. Equipped with a body
The rotomoulding housing comprises (i) one or more support structures located within the rotomolded housing, at least partially, facilitating plant support within the rotomolded case. ii) One or more sized structures configured to facilitate stacking of at least two of the rotomoulding housings and the joining housing by engaging with a cooperating structural mechanism associated with the joining housing. It comprises a mechanism and (iii) at least one containing element for containing a liquid within said interior of the rotomolded case .
Wherein said double wall structure of the rotary molded housing, growing system that defines at least one hollow cavity therethrough and is sealed from the external environment liquid is delivered. The growth system according to claim 1, further
Growth system comprising constructed from the inside of the front Symbol rotomolding housing to allow drainage of the liquid, the sized drainage mechanism. The growth system according to claim 1 .
In normal operation, the growth system except the liquid if so without exiting the rotational molding housing, said containing element extending around the rotational molding housing through the drainage mechanism. The growth system according to claim 2.
The drainage mechanism, growth system at least partially defined by the hollow cavity defined by the double wall construction of the rotary molded housing. The growth system according to claim 1.
The rotomould housing is a growth system that defines a wall having a thickness of at least 0.1 inches. The growth system according to claim 1.
The one or more support structures are a growth system including a shelf-like object formed in the rotary molding housing. The growth system according to claim 1.
The one or more support structures are growth systems that are stepwise molded in the rotary molding housing. The growth system according to claim 1.
The one or more support structures are a growth system including protrusions formed in the rotary molding housing. The growth system according to claim 1.
The one or more support structures are a growth system including a plurality of support elements molded in the rotary molding housing. The growth system according to claim 1.
The one or more support structures are growth systems that include at least one support element attached to the rotomould housing. The growth system according to claim 10 .
The at least one support element is a growth system that is adhesively attached to the rotomolded housing. The growth system according to claim 10 .
A growth system in which the at least one support element is attached to the rotomoulding case by sliding into a groove or channel formed in the rotomoulding case. The growth system according to claim 10 .
The at least one support element is a growth system characterized by a friction coefficient less than or equal to the friction coefficient of the rotomolded housing. The growth system according to claim 10 .
The at least one support element is a growth system attached to the rotomoulding housing with mechanical fasteners. The growth system according to claim 1.
The one or more structural mechanisms include a male convex portion formed in the rotary molding housing, and the male convex portion meshes with a cooperating female concave portion formed in the joint housing. A suitable growth system. The growth system according to claim 1.
The one or more structural mechanisms include pegs protruding from the rotomould housing, the pegs being adapted to mesh with cooperating female openings formed in the joined housing.

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