US20170303485A1 - Three dimensional vegetation growing systems - Google Patents
Three dimensional vegetation growing systems Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20170303485A1 US20170303485A1 US15/647,638 US201715647638A US2017303485A1 US 20170303485 A1 US20170303485 A1 US 20170303485A1 US 201715647638 A US201715647638 A US 201715647638A US 2017303485 A1 US2017303485 A1 US 2017303485A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- vegetation
- tower
- planter
- dimensional
- vegetation growing
- 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
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
- A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
- A01G9/24—Devices or systems for heating, ventilating, regulating temperature, illuminating, or watering, in greenhouses, forcing-frames, or the like
- A01G9/249—Lighting means
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
- A01G31/00—Soilless cultivation, e.g. hydroponics
- A01G31/02—Special apparatus therefor
- A01G31/04—Hydroponic culture on conveyors
- A01G31/047—Hydroponic culture on conveyors with containers inside rotating drums or rotating around a horizontal axis, e.g. carousels
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
- A01G31/00—Soilless cultivation, e.g. hydroponics
- A01G31/02—Special apparatus therefor
- A01G31/04—Hydroponic culture on conveyors
- A01G31/045—Hydroponic culture on conveyors with containers guided along a rail
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
- A01G7/00—Botany in general
- A01G7/04—Electric or magnetic or acoustic treatment of plants for promoting growth
- A01G7/045—Electric or magnetic or acoustic treatment of plants for promoting growth with electric lighting
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
- Y02P60/00—Technologies relating to agriculture, livestock or agroalimentary industries
- Y02P60/20—Reduction of greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions in agriculture, e.g. CO2
- Y02P60/21—Dinitrogen oxide [N2O], e.g. using aquaponics, hydroponics or efficiency measures
-
- Y02P60/216—
Definitions
- Illustrative embodiments of the disclosure generally relate to three-dimensional vegetation growing systems. More particularly, illustrative embodiments of the disclosure generally relate to three-dimensional vegetation growing systems which expose vegetation to nutrients, liquids and light.
- Illustrative embodiments of the disclosure are generally directed to three-dimensional vegetation growing systems for rotatably exposing vegetation to nutrients, liquids and light.
- the three-dimensional vegetation growing system may include a system housing configured to form an enclosed hydroponic growing environment; at least one light source in the system housing, the at least one light source configured to emit light; a distribution portion in the system housing, the distribution portion configured to discharge a vegetation growth sustaining liquid; and at least one conveyor device in the system housing, the at least one conveyor device disposed in proximity to the distribution portion, the at least one conveyor device configured to support vegetation and rotate the vegetation in the system housing as the vegetation receives the vegetation growth sustaining liquid from the distribution portion and the light from the at least one light source.
- the three-dimensional vegetation growing systems may include a liquid reservoir; at least one planter tray assembly including an assembly frame; at least one planter tray carried by the assembly frame, the at least one planter tray configured to support vegetation and having a plurality of tray openings; a plurality of discharge nozzles in proximity to the at least one planter tray, the plurality of discharge nozzles disposed in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir; and at least one pump disposed in fluid communication with and between the liquid reservoir and the plurality of discharge nozzles.
- the three-dimensional vegetation growing systems may include a system housing having a system housing interior; at least one light source in the system housing interior of the system housing; at least one planter tower in the system housing interior in light-receiving proximity to the at least one light source, the at least one planter tower having: a tower shell disposed for rotation; a plurality of liquid dispensing openings in the tower shell; a tower conduit in the tower shell, the tower conduit stationary relative to the tower shell; and a plurality of fluid discharge nozzles communicating with the tower conduit; and a tower rotation motor drivingly engaging the tower shell of the at least one planter tower for rotation.
- FIG. 1A is a detailed upper angle perspective view of an exemplary three-dimensional vegetation growing system
- FIG. 1B is an exploded perspective view of the exemplary three-dimensional vegetation growing system illustrated in FIG. 1A ;
- FIG. 2A is a top sectional view of the exemplary three-dimensional vegetation growing system illustrated in FIG. 1A ;
- FIG. 2B is a side sectional view of the exemplary three-dimensional vegetation growing system illustrated in FIG. 1A ;
- FIG. 3 is a front sectional view of the exemplary three-dimensional vegetation growing system in FIG. 1A ;
- FIG. 4 is a partially schematic side view of an exemplary distribution portion of the three-dimensional vegetation growing system illustrated in FIG. 1A as the distribution portion emits a fine spray in typical operation of the three-dimensional vegetation growing system;
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative illustrative embodiment of the three-dimensional vegetation growing systems, with a pair of vegetation growing towers of the system illustrated in section;
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary vegetation growing tower of the illustrative three-dimensional vegetation growing system illustrated in FIG. 5 ;
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary light fixture of the illustrative three-dimensional vegetation growing system illustrated in FIG. 5 ;
- FIG. 8 is a side view of a light fixture suspended between a pair of vegetation growing towers according to the illustrative three-dimensional vegetation growing system illustrated in FIG. 5 ;
- FIG. 9 is a side view of another alternative illustrative embodiment of the three-dimensional vegetation growing systems.
- FIG. 10 is a sectional view, taken along section lines 10 - 10 in FIG. 9 , of a typical tower assembly of the illustrative three-dimensional vegetation growing system illustrated in FIG. 9 ;
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an exemplary liquid dispensing tower of the tower assembly according to the illustrative three-dimensional vegetation growing system illustrated in FIG. 9 ;
- FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view of an exemplary liquid dispensing tower according to the illustrative three-dimensional vegetation growing system illustrated in FIG. 9 .
- the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims.
- an illustrative embodiment of the three-dimensional vegetation growing systems is generally indicated by reference numeral 100 .
- the system 100 provides an enclosed hydroponic environment 103 ( FIG. 1A ) for growing vegetation such as at least one plant (not shown).
- the hydroponic growing environment 103 may be configured to rotatably expose the vegetation to a vegetation growth-sustaining liquid which may be discharged as a fine spray 136 ( FIG. 4 ).
- the vegetation growth-sustaining liquid may include at least one nutrient.
- At least one light source may include at least one illumination portion 106 ( FIG. 1B ) which provides a uniform emission of light to the vegetation during rotation.
- hydroponics involves growing plants, herbage and other vegetation with a growth medium such as a mineral nutrient solution diluted in water.
- a growth medium such as a mineral nutrient solution diluted in water.
- soil is not used as the growth medium with hydroponics. This soil-free method enables vertical, horizontal and mobile growth along with other nontraditional means of harvesting plants.
- terrestrial plants may be grown with their roots in the mineral nutrient solution only or in an inert medium such as perlite, gravel, mineral wool or the like.
- Illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure form a self-enclosed hydroponic growing environment 103 which may recycle nutrients and liquids while also inhibiting common detriments to plant growth.
- the system 100 may serve to uniformly expose the vegetation to nutrients, liquids and light from multiple directions while the vegetation rotates on at least one conveyer device 120 .
- the conveyer device 120 may carry the vegetation along a helical growing path while the nutrients, liquids and light are simultaneously applied to the vegetation.
- the conveyor device 120 may have a corkscrew configuration in some embodiments.
- the nutrients, liquids and light may be dispersed and oriented to contact the vegetation from various directional planes such as length, width, height, depth and breadth, for example and without limitation.
- the uniform distribution of the nutrients, liquids and light applied to the vegetation may facilitate precise and regular control of the enclosed hydroponic environment 103 . After application to the vegetation, surplus portions of the nutrients and liquids may be collected and re-circulated for subsequent application to the vegetation.
- a more versatile hydroponic growth medium may compact and conform inside at least one conveyer device 120 that forms a substrate for growing and rotating the vegetation.
- Non-limiting examples of hydroponic growth media which are suitable for the purpose include organic or inorganic fiber materials; wheat chaff or any chaff from harvesting a product such as oats, barley, etc.; rice hull or other hull material; hay such as grass, alfalfa, etc.; hydroton (fired clay pellets); rock wool; oak leaves; composted soil material; perlite; pumice stone; fired brick chip; hydro gel; sand; gravel of various sizes; or any combination thereof.
- the vegetation While attached to the conveyor device 120 , the vegetation may be traversed in a helical, three-dimensional growth pathway. Consequently, the perpetual rotation provided by the conveyer device 120 may enable the vegetation to receive uniform quantities of nutrients, liquids and lighting during the helical rotation. Additionally, the nutrients and liquids may be conserved by collection and recirculation for multiple applications to the vegetation.
- Another recyclable advantage may include emission of the light from at least one illumination portion 106 , which may be fluorescent and may be solar powered in some embodiment
- the three-dimensional vegetation growing system 100 for rotatably exposing plants to nutrients, liquids and light on a conveyor may include:
- system housing 102 configured to form an enclosed hydroponic growing environment 103 , the system housing 102 comprising an outer housing surface 108 configured to form a protective barrier, the system housing 102 further comprising an inner housing surface 104 ( FIG. 1A ), the inner housing surface 104 comprising at least one illumination portion 106 configured to emit a light;
- a distribution portion 116 disposed inside the system housing 102 , the distribution portion 116 configured to emit or discharge a vegetation growth sustaining liquid having at least one nutrient as a generally fine spray 136 ( FIG. 4 );
- the at least one conveyor device 120 disposed inside the system housing 120 in proximity to the distribution portion 116 , the at least one conveyor device 120 configured to support and carry vegetation which may include at least one plant, the at least one conveyor device 120 may further be configured to rotate in a generally helical path and enable the vegetation to receive the light and vegetation growth-sustaining liquid from the distribution portion 116 .
- system housing 102 may include a transport container having a generally rectangular shape.
- system housing 102 may be configured to regulate the temperature of the enclosed hydroponic growing environment 103 .
- the outer surface 108 of the system housing 102 may protect the plant or plants against weather elements, insects, heat, cold and disease.
- the illumination portion 106 may include at least one fluorescent light.
- the distribution portion 116 may include an atomizer 128 ( FIG. 4 ) configured to convert the vegetation growth sustaining liquid into the fine spray 136 , the atomizer 128 may include a piezoelectric atomizer.
- the distribution portion 116 may include a distribution conduit 117 such as a pipe which is configured to carry the vegetation growth sustaining liquid from the atomizer 128 and dispense the vegetation growth sustaining liquid onto the vegetation.
- a distribution conduit 117 such as a pipe which is configured to carry the vegetation growth sustaining liquid from the atomizer 128 and dispense the vegetation growth sustaining liquid onto the vegetation.
- the distribution portion 116 may include at least one aperture 118 in the distribution conduit 117 , the at least one aperture 118 configured to discharge the vegetation growth sustaining liquid onto the vegetation.
- the distribution portion 116 may include a return conduit 130 ( FIG. 4 ) which communicates with the distribution conduit 117 and is configured to collect and recycle an excess or surplus portion of the vegetation growth sustaining liquid back to the atomizer 128 for reapplication to the vegetation.
- the fine spray 136 may include a fog, mist and/or cloud.
- the vegetation growth sustaining liquid may include water.
- the nutrient in the vegetation growth sustaining liquid may include nitrogen, potassium and/or phosphorous.
- the at least one conveyor device 120 may be configured to carry the vegetation between a first housing end 112 and a second housing end 114 ( FIG. 1A ) of the system housing 102 .
- the at least one conveyor device 120 may include an inner conveyor section 122 , the inner conveyor section 122 may include a hydroponic growth medium configured to help support the vegetation, the hydroponic growth medium may include organic or inorganic fiber materials; wheat chaff or any chaff from harvesting a product such as oats, barley, etc.; rice hull or other hull material; hay such as grass, alfalfa, etc.; hydroton (fired clay pellets); rock wool; oak leaves; composted soil material; perlite; pumice stone; fired brick chip; hydro gel; sand; gravel of various sizes; or any combination thereof.
- a hydroponic growth medium may include organic or inorganic fiber materials; wheat chaff or any chaff from harvesting a product such as oats, barley, etc.; rice hull or other hull material; hay such as grass, alfalfa, etc.; hydroton (fired clay pellets); rock wool; oak leaves; composted soil material; perlite;
- the at least one conveyor device 120 may include an outer conveyor section 124 which extends from the inner conveyor section 122 and is configured to project the vegetation.
- a generally helical travel path of the vegetation may be configured to enable generally uniform application of the light, nutrient and/or liquid to the vegetation.
- system 100 may include at least one conveyor drive system 126 configured to actuate rotation of the at least one conveyor device 120 .
- FIG. 1A illustrates an illustrative embodiment of the three-dimensional vegetation growing system 100 for exposing vegetation which may include at least one plant to a vegetation growth sustaining liquid having one or more nutrients and one or more liquids and to light as the vegetation grows on a conveyor device 120 which may carry the vegetation along a spiral or helical travel path.
- the system 100 may include a system housing 102 that forms a protective shell or barrier over the components of the system 100 .
- the system housing 102 may include a standard or conventional cargo container having a substantially rigid, rectangular shape.
- the system housing 102 may form a self-contained, enclosed hydroponic environment 103 for growing the vegetation (not shown).
- the system housing 102 may include an outer housing surface 108 which may be at least partially insulated to protect the enclosed hydroponic environment 103 against excessive heat.
- the system housing 102 may further include inner housing surfaces 104 ( FIG. 1A ).
- At least one light source may be provided in the system housing 102 .
- the light source may include at least one illumination portion 106 on the inner housing surfaces 104 .
- the at least one illumination portion 106 supplies light to the vegetation.
- the illumination portion 106 may be oriented to emit the light at an optimal direction and intensity onto the vegetation.
- multiple illumination portions 106 may be provided on the respective inner housing surfaces 104 of the system housing 102 .
- At least one of the illumination portions 106 may include, for example and without limitation, a fluorescent light.
- At least one of the illumination portions 106 may be powered by at least one of a solar panel, an external electrical source and an internal battery.
- the system housing 102 may also include a first housing end 112 and a second housing end 114 between which the vegetation traverses in typical application of the system 100 , which will be hereinafter described.
- a distribution portion 116 may be provided in the system housing 102 for distributing or applying the vegetation growth sustaining liquid onto the vegetation.
- the distribution portion 116 may be configured to apply a generally uniform distribution of the vegetation growth sustaining liquid onto the plant as a fine spray or mist 136 ( FIG. 4 ).
- the distribution portion 116 may include a distribution conduit 117 that extends from the first housing end 112 to the second housing end 114 of the system housing 102 such that the fine spray 136 is fully applied to the vegetation with an even distribution.
- the nutrient in the vegetation growth sustaining liquid may include nitrogen, potassium, phosphorous, micronutrients or any combination thereof, for example and without limitation.
- the vegetation growth sustaining liquid may include water, a liquid growth solution, air or any combination thereof, for example and without limitation.
- atomized water may be discharged from the distribution conduit 117 against the vegetation in a fine spray 136 ( FIG. 4 ). Surplus portions of the vegetation growth sustaining liquid may be collected from the vegetation and recycled for reuse.
- At least one conveyor device 120 may be provided in the system housing 102 .
- the conveyor device 120 may be configured to carry the vegetation along a generally helical or spiral travel path.
- the conveyor device 120 may support the vegetation for transport during growth from germination to fully-grown vegetation which is ready for harvesting.
- a conveyor device support frame 121 may be provided in the system housing 102 to support the conveyor device 120 in the system housing 102 .
- the conveyor device support frame 121 may have any structure or design which is deemed suitable for the purpose to those skilled in the art.
- the conveyor device 120 may include a generally elongated inner conveyor section 122 .
- a generally elongated outer conveyor section 124 may extend from the inner conveyor section 122 .
- At least one conveyor drive system 126 may drivingly engage the conveyor device 120 for rotation according to the knowledge of those skilled in the art.
- a pair of conveyor drive systems 126 may drivingly engage the respective inner conveyor section 122 and outer conveyor section 124 of the conveyor device 120 , as illustrated in FIG. 1B .
- a growth medium (not illustrated) may be provided in the inner conveyor section 122 of the conveyor device 120 .
- the vegetation may have roots (not illustrated) which anchor into the growth medium.
- the vegetation may remain anchored into the conveyor device 120 , typically rotating in the helical path formed by the conveyor device 120 from the first housing end 112 to the second housing end 114 of the system housing 102 as the vegetation grows outwardly and extends from the inner conveyor section 122 into the outer conveyor section 124 .
- the conveyor device 120 may be aligned through the system housing 102 in series, parallel or combinations thereof.
- at least one housing support portion 110 may elevate and support the system housing 102 and the internal components, including the conveyor device 120 , of the system 100 .
- the housing support portion 110 may include legs that retractably or hingedly extend from each corner of the outer housing surface 108 .
- the housing support portion 110 may be selectively detachable form the system housing 102 according to the knowledge of those skilled in the art.
- FIG. 3 illustrates eight conveyor devices 120 which are disposed parallel to and rotate around a central distribution portion 116 .
- Each conveyor device 120 may rotate independently or in conjunction with the other conveyor devices 120 .
- the vegetation may follow the typically helical path taken by the corresponding conveyor device 120 which supports the vegetation.
- a typically helical path of each conveyor device 120 may enable the vegetation to receive a uniform, three-dimensional exposure to the light and the vegetation growth sustaining liquid which is dispensed from the distribution portion 116 .
- the travel path for the vegetation may, however, be a simple 360° rotation at a predetermined angular velocity rather than a helical or spiral travel path.
- At least a portion of the travel path followed by at least one conveyor device 120 may include an undulating travel path having alternating upward and downward portions and a return portion which loops back to the undulating portion.
- at least one conveyor device 120 may include a generally annular polyvinyl chloride tubing. In other embodiments, any number, shape or size for the at least one conveyor device 120 may, however, be utilized.
- FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary distribution portion 116 which is suitable for distributing the vegetation growth sustaining liquid as a generally fine spray 136 over the vegetation (not illustrated) as the vegetation is rotated on the conveyor device 120 ( FIG. 1B ).
- the distribution portion 116 may be stationary or rotatable along an axis.
- the vegetation growth sustaining liquid may be introduced into the distribution portion 116 through an inlet (not shown) in the distribution portion 116 .
- the distribution portion 116 may include an atomizer 128 which converts the vegetation growth sustaining liquid into a fine spray 136 such as a fog, mist or cloud.
- a fan 134 may be provided in the atomizer 128 to force the fine spray 136 through the distribution portion 116 .
- a meter 132 may be positioned along the distribution portion 116 to monitor the pressure of the vegetation growth sustaining liquid as it flows from the atomizer 128 .
- the atomizer 128 may include a pressure differential that forces the vegetation growth sustaining liquid through an atomizer nozzle (not shown) and onto the vegetation on the conveyor device 120 . Any known form of fine spray 136 dispersion which is known by those skilled in the art may, however, be utilized.
- the atomizer 128 may include a piezoelectric atomizer known by those skilled in the art.
- the distribution portion 116 may include a distribution conduit 117 which is configured to discharge the vegetation growth sustaining liquid onto the vegetation as the vegetation travels on the conveyor device 120 along the travel path.
- the distribution conduit 117 may be disposed in liquid communication with the atomizer 128 .
- the distribution conduit 117 may extend adjacent and parallel to a longitudinal axis of the conveyor device 120 and may be positioned in proximity to the vegetation on the conveyor device 120 .
- the distribution conduit 117 may include a generally annular polyvinyl chloride tubing. In other embodiments, the distribution conduit 117 may be manufactured from various materials and have various shapes.
- the distribution conduit 117 may further include at least one aperture 118 through which the vegetation growth sustaining liquid may be discharged as a fine spray 136 onto the vegetation.
- a return conduit 130 may establish communication between the distribution conduit 117 and the atomizer 128 .
- the return conduit 130 may collect and distribute excess or surplus portions of the vegetation growth sustaining liquid back to the atomizer 128 for recycling and reuse.
- a funnel (not shown) may capture the excess portions of the vegetation growth sustaining liquid for distribution into the return conduit 130 .
- the system 100 may provide numerous advantages to growing plants and other vegetation.
- the system 100 may be portable and disassemble for shipping.
- the system 100 may also enable year-round growth of vegetation due to the self-enclosed climate control capabilities of the system housing 102 .
- the types of vegetation grown in the system 100 may also be changed periodically with no concern for soil analysis and conditions, since the growth medium is portable and easily changed in the hydroponic format. Further, use of the nutrients and liquids in the vegetation growth sustaining liquid may be optimized due to the return conduit 130 and the uniform distribution effected through the fine spray 136 .
- the system 200 may include a liquid reservoir 201 .
- the liquid reservoir 201 may contain a supply of vegetation growth sustaining liquid which may include at least one nutrient.
- a reservoir outlet conduit 202 may be disposed in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir 201 .
- a manifold 203 may communicate with the reservoir outlet conduit 202 .
- the manifold 203 may include a pair of parallel manifold conduits 204 .
- a pair of liquid pumps 205 may be provided in the respective manifold conduits 204 .
- An assembly inlet conduit 208 may communicate with the manifold conduits 204 of the manifold 203 .
- a backflow container 228 may communicate with the assembly inlet conduit 208 through a backflow conduit 229 .
- a pressure relief valve 210 may be provided in the assembly inlet conduit 208 between the manifold conduits 204 of the manifold 203 .
- a surplus liquid conduit 216 may communicate with the pressure relief valve 210 .
- a liquid return container 222 may communicate with the surplus liquid conduit 216 .
- a reservoir inlet conduit 224 may establish communication between the liquid return conduit 222 and the liquid reservoir 201 .
- a liquid return conduit 220 may communicate with the liquid return container 222 for purposes which will be hereinafter described.
- At least one assembly branch conduit 212 may extend from the assembly inlet conduit 208 .
- At least one planter tray assembly 234 may be disposed in fluid communication with the assembly inlet conduit 208 through the corresponding assembly branch conduit 212 .
- at least two planter tray assemblies 234 may be disposed in a stacked configuration to form a vegetation growing tower 244 , as illustrated.
- each planter tray assembly 234 may include an assembly frame 235 which may be aluminum.
- the assembly frames 235 of multiple stacked planter tray assemblies 234 may be mounted on multiple vertical assembly mount members 241 .
- the assembly frame 235 may have a pair of base frame members 236 .
- Frame arms 237 may extend upwardly from the respective base frame members 236 .
- a planter tray support 238 may be supported by the frame arms 237 .
- At least one planter tray 240 may be supported by the assembly frame 235 .
- a pair of sloped planter trays 240 may be hinged to the planter tray support 238 at a pair of tray hinges 242 . Accordingly, each planter tray 240 may be selectively raised to access the interior components of the planter tray assembly 234 .
- Each planter tray 240 may have a grid construction which supports the growth of plants or other vegetation (not illustrated) and has multiple planter tray openings 248 .
- Each planter tray 240 may be fabricated of or coated with a hydroponic growth medium.
- hydroponic growth media which are suitable materials of construction for the planter trays 240 include organic or inorganic fiber materials; wheat chaff or any chaff from harvesting a product such as oats, barley, etc.; rice hull or other hull material; hay such as grass, alfalfa, etc.; hydroton (fired clay pellets); rock wool; oak leaves; composted soil material; perlite; pumice stone; fired brick chip; hydro gel; sand; gravel of various sizes; or any combination thereof.
- the planter trays 234 may be selectively detachable with respect to the assembly frame 235 according to the knowledge of those skilled in the art.
- Frame end panels 239 may be provided on opposite ends of the assembly frame 235 to maintain moisture within the planter tray assembly 234 and provide moisture to the roots of plants or other vegetation growing on the planter trays 240 , as will be hereinafter described.
- An elongated gutter 243 may extend along the bottom of the lowermost planter tray assembly 234 in each vegetation growing tower 244 for purposes which will be hereinafter described.
- the liquid return conduit 220 may establish fluid communication between the gutter 243 and the liquid return container 222 for purposes which will be hereinafter described.
- a planter tray distribution conduit 246 may communicate with the assembly branch conduit 212 of each vegetation growing tower 244 .
- the planter tray distribution conduit 246 may be supported in a vertical position in the vegetation growing tower 244 according to the knowledge of those skilled in the art.
- a check valve 247 may be provided in the planter tray distribution conduit 246 to prevent backflow of vegetation growth sustaining liquid.
- Multiple discharge conduits 250 may be disposed in fluid communication with the planter tray distribution conduit 246 .
- the discharge conduits 250 may extend horizontally within the respective planter tray assemblies 234 in each vegetation growing tower 244 .
- Multiple, spaced-apart discharge nozzles 251 may communicate with each discharge conduit 250 .
- the discharge nozzles 251 may be oriented toward the interior surfaces of the planter trays 240 in the planter tray assembly 234 .
- At least one light fixture 260 may be positioned adjacent to each vegetation growing tower 244 in the system 200 .
- a light fixture 260 may be positioned between each adjacent pair of the vegetation growing towers 244 .
- Fixture suspension cables 274 may suspend the light fixture 260 from a roof or other suitable support structure (not illustrated).
- the light fixture 260 may include at least one light fixture frame 261 having a pair of spaced-apart end frame members 262 . Multiple connecting frame members 263 may extend between the end frame members 262 .
- Light ballast boxes 268 may be supported by one or more of the light fixture frames 261 .
- the end frame members 262 may be fitted with at least one pair of light sockets (not illustrated) which are electrically connected to the light ballast boxes 268 .
- At least one light source 266 may engage and extend between the light sockets in the respective end frame members 262 .
- the light source 266 may include at least one source of ultraviolet light.
- Ratcheting fixture hangers 270 may engage the fixture suspension cables 274 to facilitate selective raising and lowering of the light fixture frames 261 .
- plants or other vegetation are attached to the planter trays 240 according to the knowledge of those skilled in the art.
- the roots of the plants or vegetation may extend through planter tray openings 248 in each planter tray 240 and are exposed to the interior of the planter tray assembly 234 .
- a supply of vegetation growth sustaining liquid which may include at least one nutrient is placed in the liquid reservoir 201 ( FIG. 5 ).
- One or both of the pumps 205 in the manifold 203 may be operated to pump the vegetation growth sustaining liquid from the liquid reservoir 201 through the reservoir outlet conduit 202 , one or both of the manifold conduits 204 , the assembly inlet conduit 208 and the assembly branch conduit 212 of each planter tray assembly 234 .
- Backflow of the vegetation growth sustaining liquid from the assembly inlet conduit 208 may be collected through the backflow conduit 229 into the backflow container 228 .
- the vegetation growth sustaining liquid flows from the assembly branch conduit 212 through the planter tray distribution conduit 246 and the discharge conduits 250 in the respective planter tray assemblies 234 of each vegetation growing tower 244 .
- the vegetation growth sustaining liquid is discharged from each discharge conduit 250 through the discharge nozzles 251 and onto the interior surfaces of the respective planter trays 240 of each planter tray assembly 234 . Accordingly, the vegetation growth sustaining liquid is applied to the roots of the vegetation to sustain metabolism and growth of the vegetation.
- the light fixtures 260 are operated to emit light from the light sources 266 ( FIG. 7 ) onto the vegetation to promote photosynthesis in the vegetation.
- the vegetation growth sustaining liquid may drip into the gutter 243 at the bottom of the vegetation growing tower 244 .
- the liquid return conduit 220 may distribute the growth sustaining liquid collected in the gutter 243 to the liquid return container 222 .
- the growth sustaining liquid may be pumped from the liquid return container 222 into the liquid reservoir 201 through the reservoir inlet conduit 224 .
- the planter trays 240 may be selectively detached from the assembly frame 235 of each planter tray assembly 234 to facilitate removal of the vegetation from the planter trays 240 .
- the planter trays 240 may be pivoted to an open position at the respective tray hinges 242 to facilitate access to the interior components of each planter tray assembly 234 for cleaning, maintenance and/or replacement purposes.
- the system 300 may include a system housing 301 having a system housing interior 302 .
- at least one access door 304 may be provided in the system housing 301 to facilitate access to the system housing interior 302 and its contents.
- at least one light source 342 may be provided in the housing interior 302 .
- the light sources 342 may be connected to a suitable electrical source (not illustrated) to emit light which supports the growth of vegetation in the system housing interior 302 .
- the light sources 342 may include at least one source of ultraviolet light.
- a tower assembly 306 may be provided in the system housing interior 302 .
- the tower assembly 306 may include a tower assembly base 307 .
- the tower assembly base 307 may be generally elongated and elliptical with an outer base wall 308 , an inner base wall 309 which is spaced-apart from the outer base wall 308 and a base interior 310 between the outer base wall 308 and the inner base wall 309 .
- At least one planter tower 320 is provided in the system housing interior 302 in light-receiving proximity to the at least one light source 342 .
- the planter tower 320 may extend upwardly from the tower assembly base 307 .
- multiple planter towers 320 may extend from the tower assembly base 307 in spaced-apart relationship to each other.
- a tower assembly cap 316 may be provided in the system housing interior 302 .
- the tower assembly cap 316 may be attached to the system housing 301 according to the knowledge of those skilled in the art.
- the planter towers 320 may be mounted between the tower assembly base 307 and the tower assembly cap 316 .
- each planter tower 320 may be mounted for selective multi-positional capability along and between the tower assembly base 307 and the tower assembly cap 316 according to the knowledge of those skilled in the art.
- each planter tower 320 may include a generally elongated, cylindrical tower shell 321 having a shell lower end 322 and a shell upper end 324 .
- the tower shell 321 may be adapted to rotate on a bearing 323 which may be situated on or between the outer base wall 308 and the inner base wall 309 of the tower assembly base 307 .
- Multiple liquid dispensing openings 325 may extend through the tower shell 321 in a selected size, pattern and spacing.
- each planter tower 320 may be fabricated of or coated with a hydroponic growth medium.
- hydroponic growth media which are suitable materials of construction for the tower shell 321 include organic or inorganic fiber materials; wheat chaff or any chaff from harvesting a product such as oats, barley, etc.; rice hull or other hull material; hay such as grass, alfalfa, etc.; hydroton (fired clay pellets); rock wool; oak leaves; composted soil material; perlite; pumice stone; fired brick chip; hydro gel; sand; gravel of various sizes; or any combination thereof.
- a tower conduit 328 may extend within and along the tower shell 321 .
- the tower conduit 328 may be generally concentric with the tower shell 321 .
- a fluid inlet conduit 338 ( FIG. 9 ) is disposed in fluid communication with the tower conduit 328 .
- the fluid inlet conduit 338 communicates with a pump and supply mechanism (not illustrated) for a vegetation growth sustaining liquid.
- At least one fluid discharge nozzle 330 is disposed in fluid communication with the tower conduit 328 .
- multiple fluid discharge nozzles 330 may be provided along the tower conduit 328 at a selective spacing with respect to each other.
- the fluid discharge nozzles 330 may be oriented in various directions away from the tower conduit 328 to facilitate discharge of the vegetation growth sustaining liquid under pressure through the liquid dispensing openings 325 in the tower shell 321 .
- a tower rotation motor 334 drivingly engages the tower shell 321 of each planter tower 320 for rotation of the tower shell 321 .
- each tower rotation motor 334 may directly engage each corresponding tower shell 321 through a drive shaft 336 .
- the tower rotation motor 334 may drivingly engage the tower shell 321 for rotation through a drive belt 335 . Accordingly, as the vegetation growth sustaining liquid is discharged from the fluid discharge nozzles 330 ( FIG. 12 ) on the tower conduit 328 , the tower rotation motor 334 rotates the tower shell 321 .
- the discharged vegetation growth sustaining liquid is discharged through the liquid dispensing openings 325 as the liquid dispensing openings 325 periodically align or register with the fluid discharge nozzles 330 .
- the base interior 310 of the tower assembly base 307 may accommodate the tower rotation motors 334 , fluid inlet conduits 338 , pumps, reservoirs and/or other structure associated with operation of the three-dimensional growing system 300 as well as selective positioning of the planter towers 320 along the tower assembly base 307 .
- the roots of plants or other vegetation are attached to the tower shell 321 of each planter tower 320 according to the knowledge of those skilled in the art.
- the three-dimensional vegetation growing system 300 may be particularly suitable for growing basil.
- Light is emitted from the light sources 342 ( FIG. 11 ) in the system housing 301 and strikes the vegetation.
- each tower rotation motor 334 is operated to rotate the tower shell 321 of each corresponding planter tower 320 , a supply of vegetation growth sustaining liquid which may include at least one nutrient is pumped through the fluid inlet conduit 338 ( FIG. 9 ) and the tower conduit 328 ( FIG. 12 ) of the planter tower 320 .
- the vegetation growth sustaining liquid is discharged from the fluid discharge nozzles 330 through the liquid dispensing openings 325 of the rotating tower shell 321 and onto the roots of the vegetation 346 . Accordingly, the vegetation growth sustaining liquid sustains metabolism and growth of the vegetation.
- the planter towers 320 of the tower assembly 306 in the system housing interior 302 and the vegetation growing on the planter towers 320 may be accessed through the access door 304 ( FIG. 10 ). It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that rotation of the tower shells 321 of the respective planter towers 320 may facilitate uniform exposure of the vegetation to the light emitted from the light sources 342 with reduction of the overall consumption of power and generation of heat in the system housing interior 302 .
Landscapes
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
- Botany (AREA)
- Ecology (AREA)
- Forests & Forestry (AREA)
- Hydroponics (AREA)
- Cultivation Receptacles Or Flower-Pots, Or Pots For Seedlings (AREA)
Abstract
Three-dimensional vegetation growing systems provide an enclosed hydroponic environment for growing plants. The system serves to uniformly expose the plants to nutrients, liquids, and light from multiple directions while the plant rotates. In some embodiments, the three-dimensional vegetation growing systems may include a system housing configured to form an enclosed hydroponic growing environment; at least one light source in the system housing, the at least one light source configured to emit light; a distribution portion in the system housing, the distribution portion configured to discharge a vegetation growth sustaining liquid; and at least one conveyor device in the system housing, the at least one conveyor device disposed in proximity to the distribution portion, the at least one conveyor device configured to support vegetation and rotate the vegetation in the system housing as the vegetation receives the vegetation growth sustaining liquid from the distribution portion and the light from the at least one light source. Other embodiments of the three-dimensional vegetation growing systems are also disclosed.
Description
- This application is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/662,169, filed Mar. 18, 2015, entitled “THREE DIMENSIONAL VEGETATION GROWING SYSTEMS” which application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 61/968,316, filed Mar. 20, 2014 and entitled “THREE DIMENSIONAL GROWING SYSTEM”, which application are incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
- Illustrative embodiments of the disclosure generally relate to three-dimensional vegetation growing systems. More particularly, illustrative embodiments of the disclosure generally relate to three-dimensional vegetation growing systems which expose vegetation to nutrients, liquids and light.
- Illustrative embodiments of the disclosure are generally directed to three-dimensional vegetation growing systems for rotatably exposing vegetation to nutrients, liquids and light. In some embodiments, the three-dimensional vegetation growing system may include a system housing configured to form an enclosed hydroponic growing environment; at least one light source in the system housing, the at least one light source configured to emit light; a distribution portion in the system housing, the distribution portion configured to discharge a vegetation growth sustaining liquid; and at least one conveyor device in the system housing, the at least one conveyor device disposed in proximity to the distribution portion, the at least one conveyor device configured to support vegetation and rotate the vegetation in the system housing as the vegetation receives the vegetation growth sustaining liquid from the distribution portion and the light from the at least one light source.
- In some embodiments, the three-dimensional vegetation growing systems may include a liquid reservoir; at least one planter tray assembly including an assembly frame; at least one planter tray carried by the assembly frame, the at least one planter tray configured to support vegetation and having a plurality of tray openings; a plurality of discharge nozzles in proximity to the at least one planter tray, the plurality of discharge nozzles disposed in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir; and at least one pump disposed in fluid communication with and between the liquid reservoir and the plurality of discharge nozzles.
- In some embodiments, the three-dimensional vegetation growing systems may include a system housing having a system housing interior; at least one light source in the system housing interior of the system housing; at least one planter tower in the system housing interior in light-receiving proximity to the at least one light source, the at least one planter tower having: a tower shell disposed for rotation; a plurality of liquid dispensing openings in the tower shell; a tower conduit in the tower shell, the tower conduit stationary relative to the tower shell; and a plurality of fluid discharge nozzles communicating with the tower conduit; and a tower rotation motor drivingly engaging the tower shell of the at least one planter tower for rotation.
- Illustrative embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1A is a detailed upper angle perspective view of an exemplary three-dimensional vegetation growing system; -
FIG. 1B is an exploded perspective view of the exemplary three-dimensional vegetation growing system illustrated inFIG. 1A ; -
FIG. 2A is a top sectional view of the exemplary three-dimensional vegetation growing system illustrated inFIG. 1A ; -
FIG. 2B is a side sectional view of the exemplary three-dimensional vegetation growing system illustrated inFIG. 1A ; -
FIG. 3 is a front sectional view of the exemplary three-dimensional vegetation growing system inFIG. 1A ; -
FIG. 4 is a partially schematic side view of an exemplary distribution portion of the three-dimensional vegetation growing system illustrated inFIG. 1A as the distribution portion emits a fine spray in typical operation of the three-dimensional vegetation growing system; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative illustrative embodiment of the three-dimensional vegetation growing systems, with a pair of vegetation growing towers of the system illustrated in section; -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary vegetation growing tower of the illustrative three-dimensional vegetation growing system illustrated inFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary light fixture of the illustrative three-dimensional vegetation growing system illustrated inFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 8 is a side view of a light fixture suspended between a pair of vegetation growing towers according to the illustrative three-dimensional vegetation growing system illustrated inFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 9 is a side view of another alternative illustrative embodiment of the three-dimensional vegetation growing systems; -
FIG. 10 is a sectional view, taken along section lines 10-10 inFIG. 9 , of a typical tower assembly of the illustrative three-dimensional vegetation growing system illustrated inFIG. 9 ; -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an exemplary liquid dispensing tower of the tower assembly according to the illustrative three-dimensional vegetation growing system illustrated inFIG. 9 ; and -
FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view of an exemplary liquid dispensing tower according to the illustrative three-dimensional vegetation growing system illustrated inFIG. 9 . - Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.
- The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in
FIG. 1 . Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are, therefore, not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. - Referring initially to
FIGS. 1A-4 of the drawings, an illustrative embodiment of the three-dimensional vegetation growing systems, hereinafter system, is generally indicated byreference numeral 100. Thesystem 100 provides an enclosed hydroponic environment 103 (FIG. 1A ) for growing vegetation such as at least one plant (not shown). The hydroponic growingenvironment 103 may be configured to rotatably expose the vegetation to a vegetation growth-sustaining liquid which may be discharged as a fine spray 136 (FIG. 4 ). The vegetation growth-sustaining liquid may include at least one nutrient. At least one light source may include at least one illumination portion 106 (FIG. 1B ) which provides a uniform emission of light to the vegetation during rotation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that hydroponics involves growing plants, herbage and other vegetation with a growth medium such as a mineral nutrient solution diluted in water. Generally, soil is not used as the growth medium with hydroponics. This soil-free method enables vertical, horizontal and mobile growth along with other nontraditional means of harvesting plants. It is also known in the art that terrestrial plants may be grown with their roots in the mineral nutrient solution only or in an inert medium such as perlite, gravel, mineral wool or the like. Illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure form a self-enclosed hydroponic growingenvironment 103 which may recycle nutrients and liquids while also inhibiting common detriments to plant growth. - In some embodiments, the
system 100 may serve to uniformly expose the vegetation to nutrients, liquids and light from multiple directions while the vegetation rotates on at least oneconveyer device 120. Theconveyer device 120 may carry the vegetation along a helical growing path while the nutrients, liquids and light are simultaneously applied to the vegetation. To this end, theconveyor device 120 may have a corkscrew configuration in some embodiments. The nutrients, liquids and light may be dispersed and oriented to contact the vegetation from various directional planes such as length, width, height, depth and breadth, for example and without limitation. The uniform distribution of the nutrients, liquids and light applied to the vegetation may facilitate precise and regular control of the enclosedhydroponic environment 103. After application to the vegetation, surplus portions of the nutrients and liquids may be collected and re-circulated for subsequent application to the vegetation. - Those skilled in the art will recognize that multidirectional reception of nutrients, liquids and light by the vegetation is especially effective for a hydroponic system since the vegetation does not require vertical anchoring to a stationary growth medium such as soil. Rather, a more versatile hydroponic growth medium may compact and conform inside at least one
conveyer device 120 that forms a substrate for growing and rotating the vegetation. Non-limiting examples of hydroponic growth media which are suitable for the purpose include organic or inorganic fiber materials; wheat chaff or any chaff from harvesting a product such as oats, barley, etc.; rice hull or other hull material; hay such as grass, alfalfa, etc.; hydroton (fired clay pellets); rock wool; oak leaves; composted soil material; perlite; pumice stone; fired brick chip; hydro gel; sand; gravel of various sizes; or any combination thereof. While attached to theconveyor device 120, the vegetation may be traversed in a helical, three-dimensional growth pathway. Consequently, the perpetual rotation provided by theconveyer device 120 may enable the vegetation to receive uniform quantities of nutrients, liquids and lighting during the helical rotation. Additionally, the nutrients and liquids may be conserved by collection and recirculation for multiple applications to the vegetation. Another recyclable advantage may include emission of the light from at least oneillumination portion 106, which may be fluorescent and may be solar powered in some embodiments. - In some embodiments, the three-dimensional
vegetation growing system 100 for rotatably exposing plants to nutrients, liquids and light on a conveyor may include: - a
system housing 102 configured to form an enclosedhydroponic growing environment 103, thesystem housing 102 comprising anouter housing surface 108 configured to form a protective barrier, thesystem housing 102 further comprising an inner housing surface 104 (FIG. 1A ), theinner housing surface 104 comprising at least oneillumination portion 106 configured to emit a light; - a
distribution portion 116 disposed inside thesystem housing 102, thedistribution portion 116 configured to emit or discharge a vegetation growth sustaining liquid having at least one nutrient as a generally fine spray 136 (FIG. 4 ); and - at least one
conveyor device 120 disposed inside thesystem housing 120 in proximity to thedistribution portion 116, the at least oneconveyor device 120 configured to support and carry vegetation which may include at least one plant, the at least oneconveyor device 120 may further be configured to rotate in a generally helical path and enable the vegetation to receive the light and vegetation growth-sustaining liquid from thedistribution portion 116. - In a second aspect, the
system housing 102 may include a transport container having a generally rectangular shape. - In another aspect, the
system housing 102 may be configured to regulate the temperature of the enclosedhydroponic growing environment 103. - In another aspect, the
outer surface 108 of thesystem housing 102 may protect the plant or plants against weather elements, insects, heat, cold and disease. - In another aspect, the
illumination portion 106 may include at least one fluorescent light. - In another aspect, the
distribution portion 116 may include an atomizer 128 (FIG. 4 ) configured to convert the vegetation growth sustaining liquid into thefine spray 136, theatomizer 128 may include a piezoelectric atomizer. - In another aspect, the
distribution portion 116 may include adistribution conduit 117 such as a pipe which is configured to carry the vegetation growth sustaining liquid from theatomizer 128 and dispense the vegetation growth sustaining liquid onto the vegetation. - In another aspect, the
distribution portion 116 may include at least oneaperture 118 in thedistribution conduit 117, the at least oneaperture 118 configured to discharge the vegetation growth sustaining liquid onto the vegetation. - In another aspect, the
distribution portion 116 may include a return conduit 130 (FIG. 4 ) which communicates with thedistribution conduit 117 and is configured to collect and recycle an excess or surplus portion of the vegetation growth sustaining liquid back to theatomizer 128 for reapplication to the vegetation. - In another aspect, the
fine spray 136 may include a fog, mist and/or cloud. - In another aspect, the vegetation growth sustaining liquid may include water.
- In another aspect, the nutrient in the vegetation growth sustaining liquid may include nitrogen, potassium and/or phosphorous.
- In another aspect, the at least one
conveyor device 120 may be configured to carry the vegetation between afirst housing end 112 and a second housing end 114 (FIG. 1A ) of thesystem housing 102. - In another aspect, the at least one
conveyor device 120 may include aninner conveyor section 122, theinner conveyor section 122 may include a hydroponic growth medium configured to help support the vegetation, the hydroponic growth medium may include organic or inorganic fiber materials; wheat chaff or any chaff from harvesting a product such as oats, barley, etc.; rice hull or other hull material; hay such as grass, alfalfa, etc.; hydroton (fired clay pellets); rock wool; oak leaves; composted soil material; perlite; pumice stone; fired brick chip; hydro gel; sand; gravel of various sizes; or any combination thereof. - In another aspect, the at least one
conveyor device 120 may include anouter conveyor section 124 which extends from theinner conveyor section 122 and is configured to project the vegetation. - In another aspect, a generally helical travel path of the vegetation may be configured to enable generally uniform application of the light, nutrient and/or liquid to the vegetation.
- In another aspect, the
system 100 may include at least oneconveyor drive system 126 configured to actuate rotation of the at least oneconveyor device 120. -
FIG. 1A illustrates an illustrative embodiment of the three-dimensionalvegetation growing system 100 for exposing vegetation which may include at least one plant to a vegetation growth sustaining liquid having one or more nutrients and one or more liquids and to light as the vegetation grows on aconveyor device 120 which may carry the vegetation along a spiral or helical travel path. Thesystem 100 may include asystem housing 102 that forms a protective shell or barrier over the components of thesystem 100. In some embodiments, thesystem housing 102 may include a standard or conventional cargo container having a substantially rigid, rectangular shape. Thesystem housing 102 may form a self-contained, enclosedhydroponic environment 103 for growing the vegetation (not shown). - The
system housing 102 may include anouter housing surface 108 which may be at least partially insulated to protect the enclosedhydroponic environment 103 against excessive heat. In some embodiments, thesystem housing 102 may further include inner housing surfaces 104 (FIG. 1A ). At least one light source may be provided in thesystem housing 102. In some embodiments, the light source may include at least oneillumination portion 106 on the inner housing surfaces 104. The at least oneillumination portion 106 supplies light to the vegetation. Theillumination portion 106 may be oriented to emit the light at an optimal direction and intensity onto the vegetation. In some embodiments,multiple illumination portions 106 may be provided on the respectiveinner housing surfaces 104 of thesystem housing 102. At least one of theillumination portions 106 may include, for example and without limitation, a fluorescent light. In some embodiments, at least one of theillumination portions 106 may be powered by at least one of a solar panel, an external electrical source and an internal battery. Thesystem housing 102 may also include afirst housing end 112 and asecond housing end 114 between which the vegetation traverses in typical application of thesystem 100, which will be hereinafter described. - As illustrated in
FIG. 1B , adistribution portion 116 may be provided in thesystem housing 102 for distributing or applying the vegetation growth sustaining liquid onto the vegetation. In some embodiments, thedistribution portion 116 may be configured to apply a generally uniform distribution of the vegetation growth sustaining liquid onto the plant as a fine spray or mist 136 (FIG. 4 ). Thedistribution portion 116 may include adistribution conduit 117 that extends from thefirst housing end 112 to thesecond housing end 114 of thesystem housing 102 such that thefine spray 136 is fully applied to the vegetation with an even distribution. The nutrient in the vegetation growth sustaining liquid may include nitrogen, potassium, phosphorous, micronutrients or any combination thereof, for example and without limitation. The vegetation growth sustaining liquid may include water, a liquid growth solution, air or any combination thereof, for example and without limitation. In some embodiments, atomized water may be discharged from thedistribution conduit 117 against the vegetation in a fine spray 136 (FIG. 4 ). Surplus portions of the vegetation growth sustaining liquid may be collected from the vegetation and recycled for reuse. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 1B, 2A and 2B , at least oneconveyor device 120 may be provided in thesystem housing 102. In some embodiments, theconveyor device 120 may be configured to carry the vegetation along a generally helical or spiral travel path. In some applications of thesystem 100, theconveyor device 120 may support the vegetation for transport during growth from germination to fully-grown vegetation which is ready for harvesting. A conveyordevice support frame 121 may be provided in thesystem housing 102 to support theconveyor device 120 in thesystem housing 102. The conveyordevice support frame 121 may have any structure or design which is deemed suitable for the purpose to those skilled in the art. - As illustrated in
FIG. 1B , theconveyor device 120 may include a generally elongatedinner conveyor section 122. A generally elongatedouter conveyor section 124 may extend from theinner conveyor section 122. At least oneconveyor drive system 126 may drivingly engage theconveyor device 120 for rotation according to the knowledge of those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, a pair ofconveyor drive systems 126 may drivingly engage the respectiveinner conveyor section 122 andouter conveyor section 124 of theconveyor device 120, as illustrated inFIG. 1B . In some applications of thesystem 100, a growth medium (not illustrated) may be provided in theinner conveyor section 122 of theconveyor device 120. The vegetation may have roots (not illustrated) which anchor into the growth medium. The vegetation may remain anchored into theconveyor device 120, typically rotating in the helical path formed by theconveyor device 120 from thefirst housing end 112 to thesecond housing end 114 of thesystem housing 102 as the vegetation grows outwardly and extends from theinner conveyor section 122 into theouter conveyor section 124. Theconveyor device 120 may be aligned through thesystem housing 102 in series, parallel or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, at least onehousing support portion 110 may elevate and support thesystem housing 102 and the internal components, including theconveyor device 120, of thesystem 100. Thehousing support portion 110 may include legs that retractably or hingedly extend from each corner of theouter housing surface 108. In some embodiments, thehousing support portion 110 may be selectively detachable form thesystem housing 102 according to the knowledge of those skilled in the art. -
FIG. 3 illustrates eightconveyor devices 120 which are disposed parallel to and rotate around acentral distribution portion 116. Eachconveyor device 120 may rotate independently or in conjunction with theother conveyor devices 120. In any case, the vegetation may follow the typically helical path taken by the correspondingconveyor device 120 which supports the vegetation. A typically helical path of eachconveyor device 120 may enable the vegetation to receive a uniform, three-dimensional exposure to the light and the vegetation growth sustaining liquid which is dispensed from thedistribution portion 116. In some embodiments, the travel path for the vegetation may, however, be a simple 360° rotation at a predetermined angular velocity rather than a helical or spiral travel path. In some alternative embodiments, at least a portion of the travel path followed by at least oneconveyor device 120 may include an undulating travel path having alternating upward and downward portions and a return portion which loops back to the undulating portion. In some embodiments, at least oneconveyor device 120 may include a generally annular polyvinyl chloride tubing. In other embodiments, any number, shape or size for the at least oneconveyor device 120 may, however, be utilized. -
FIG. 4 illustrates anexemplary distribution portion 116 which is suitable for distributing the vegetation growth sustaining liquid as a generallyfine spray 136 over the vegetation (not illustrated) as the vegetation is rotated on the conveyor device 120 (FIG. 1B ). Thedistribution portion 116 may be stationary or rotatable along an axis. The vegetation growth sustaining liquid may be introduced into thedistribution portion 116 through an inlet (not shown) in thedistribution portion 116. As further illustrated inFIG. 4 , in some embodiments, thedistribution portion 116 may include anatomizer 128 which converts the vegetation growth sustaining liquid into afine spray 136 such as a fog, mist or cloud. Afan 134 may be provided in theatomizer 128 to force thefine spray 136 through thedistribution portion 116. Ameter 132 may be positioned along thedistribution portion 116 to monitor the pressure of the vegetation growth sustaining liquid as it flows from theatomizer 128. Theatomizer 128 may include a pressure differential that forces the vegetation growth sustaining liquid through an atomizer nozzle (not shown) and onto the vegetation on theconveyor device 120. Any known form offine spray 136 dispersion which is known by those skilled in the art may, however, be utilized. In some embodiments, theatomizer 128 may include a piezoelectric atomizer known by those skilled in the art. - As further illustrated in
FIG. 4 , in some embodiments, thedistribution portion 116 may include adistribution conduit 117 which is configured to discharge the vegetation growth sustaining liquid onto the vegetation as the vegetation travels on theconveyor device 120 along the travel path. Thedistribution conduit 117 may be disposed in liquid communication with theatomizer 128. Thedistribution conduit 117 may extend adjacent and parallel to a longitudinal axis of theconveyor device 120 and may be positioned in proximity to the vegetation on theconveyor device 120. In some embodiments, thedistribution conduit 117 may include a generally annular polyvinyl chloride tubing. In other embodiments, thedistribution conduit 117 may be manufactured from various materials and have various shapes. Thedistribution conduit 117 may further include at least oneaperture 118 through which the vegetation growth sustaining liquid may be discharged as afine spray 136 onto the vegetation. In some embodiments, areturn conduit 130 may establish communication between thedistribution conduit 117 and theatomizer 128. Thereturn conduit 130 may collect and distribute excess or surplus portions of the vegetation growth sustaining liquid back to theatomizer 128 for recycling and reuse. In some embodiments, a funnel (not shown) may capture the excess portions of the vegetation growth sustaining liquid for distribution into thereturn conduit 130. - The
system 100 may provide numerous advantages to growing plants and other vegetation. Thesystem 100 may be portable and disassemble for shipping. Thesystem 100 may also enable year-round growth of vegetation due to the self-enclosed climate control capabilities of thesystem housing 102. The types of vegetation grown in thesystem 100 may also be changed periodically with no concern for soil analysis and conditions, since the growth medium is portable and easily changed in the hydroponic format. Further, use of the nutrients and liquids in the vegetation growth sustaining liquid may be optimized due to thereturn conduit 130 and the uniform distribution effected through thefine spray 136. - Referring next to
FIGS. 5-8 of the drawings, an alternative illustrative embodiment of the three-dimensional vegetation growing systems is generally indicated byreference numeral 200. Thesystem 200 may include aliquid reservoir 201. Theliquid reservoir 201 may contain a supply of vegetation growth sustaining liquid which may include at least one nutrient. Areservoir outlet conduit 202 may be disposed in fluid communication with theliquid reservoir 201. A manifold 203 may communicate with thereservoir outlet conduit 202. The manifold 203 may include a pair of parallelmanifold conduits 204. A pair ofliquid pumps 205 may be provided in therespective manifold conduits 204. Anassembly inlet conduit 208 may communicate with themanifold conduits 204 of themanifold 203. Abackflow container 228 may communicate with theassembly inlet conduit 208 through abackflow conduit 229. - A
pressure relief valve 210 may be provided in theassembly inlet conduit 208 between themanifold conduits 204 of themanifold 203. A surplusliquid conduit 216 may communicate with thepressure relief valve 210. Aliquid return container 222 may communicate with the surplusliquid conduit 216. Areservoir inlet conduit 224 may establish communication between theliquid return conduit 222 and theliquid reservoir 201. Aliquid return conduit 220 may communicate with theliquid return container 222 for purposes which will be hereinafter described. - At least one
assembly branch conduit 212, fitted with a branchconduit inlet valve 213, may extend from theassembly inlet conduit 208. At least oneplanter tray assembly 234 may be disposed in fluid communication with theassembly inlet conduit 208 through the correspondingassembly branch conduit 212. In some embodiments, at least twoplanter tray assemblies 234 may be disposed in a stacked configuration to form avegetation growing tower 244, as illustrated. As illustrated inFIGS. 5 and 6 , eachplanter tray assembly 234 may include anassembly frame 235 which may be aluminum. As illustrated inFIG. 5 , in some embodiments, the assembly frames 235 of multiple stackedplanter tray assemblies 234 may be mounted on multiple verticalassembly mount members 241. Theassembly frame 235 may have a pair ofbase frame members 236.Frame arms 237 may extend upwardly from the respectivebase frame members 236. Aplanter tray support 238 may be supported by theframe arms 237. At least oneplanter tray 240 may be supported by theassembly frame 235. In some embodiments, a pair of slopedplanter trays 240 may be hinged to theplanter tray support 238 at a pair of tray hinges 242. Accordingly, eachplanter tray 240 may be selectively raised to access the interior components of theplanter tray assembly 234. Eachplanter tray 240 may have a grid construction which supports the growth of plants or other vegetation (not illustrated) and has multipleplanter tray openings 248. Eachplanter tray 240 may be fabricated of or coated with a hydroponic growth medium. Non-limiting examples of hydroponic growth media which are suitable materials of construction for theplanter trays 240 include organic or inorganic fiber materials; wheat chaff or any chaff from harvesting a product such as oats, barley, etc.; rice hull or other hull material; hay such as grass, alfalfa, etc.; hydroton (fired clay pellets); rock wool; oak leaves; composted soil material; perlite; pumice stone; fired brick chip; hydro gel; sand; gravel of various sizes; or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, theplanter trays 234 may be selectively detachable with respect to theassembly frame 235 according to the knowledge of those skilled in the art.Frame end panels 239 may be provided on opposite ends of theassembly frame 235 to maintain moisture within theplanter tray assembly 234 and provide moisture to the roots of plants or other vegetation growing on theplanter trays 240, as will be hereinafter described. Anelongated gutter 243 may extend along the bottom of the lowermostplanter tray assembly 234 in eachvegetation growing tower 244 for purposes which will be hereinafter described. Theliquid return conduit 220 may establish fluid communication between thegutter 243 and theliquid return container 222 for purposes which will be hereinafter described. - As further illustrated in
FIG. 5 , a plantertray distribution conduit 246 may communicate with theassembly branch conduit 212 of eachvegetation growing tower 244. The plantertray distribution conduit 246 may be supported in a vertical position in thevegetation growing tower 244 according to the knowledge of those skilled in the art. Acheck valve 247 may be provided in the plantertray distribution conduit 246 to prevent backflow of vegetation growth sustaining liquid.Multiple discharge conduits 250 may be disposed in fluid communication with the plantertray distribution conduit 246. Thedischarge conduits 250 may extend horizontally within the respectiveplanter tray assemblies 234 in eachvegetation growing tower 244. Multiple, spaced-apartdischarge nozzles 251 may communicate with eachdischarge conduit 250. The discharge nozzles 251 may be oriented toward the interior surfaces of theplanter trays 240 in theplanter tray assembly 234. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 7 and 8 , at least onelight fixture 260 may be positioned adjacent to eachvegetation growing tower 244 in thesystem 200. In some embodiments, alight fixture 260 may be positioned between each adjacent pair of thevegetation growing towers 244.Fixture suspension cables 274 may suspend thelight fixture 260 from a roof or other suitable support structure (not illustrated). As illustrated inFIG. 7 , thelight fixture 260 may include at least onelight fixture frame 261 having a pair of spaced-apartend frame members 262. Multiple connectingframe members 263 may extend between theend frame members 262.Light ballast boxes 268 may be supported by one or more of the light fixture frames 261. Theend frame members 262 may be fitted with at least one pair of light sockets (not illustrated) which are electrically connected to thelight ballast boxes 268. At least onelight source 266 may engage and extend between the light sockets in the respectiveend frame members 262. In some embodiments, thelight source 266 may include at least one source of ultraviolet light. Ratchetingfixture hangers 270 may engage thefixture suspension cables 274 to facilitate selective raising and lowering of the light fixture frames 261. - In typical application, plants or other vegetation (not illustrated) are attached to the
planter trays 240 according to the knowledge of those skilled in the art. The roots of the plants or vegetation may extend throughplanter tray openings 248 in eachplanter tray 240 and are exposed to the interior of theplanter tray assembly 234. A supply of vegetation growth sustaining liquid which may include at least one nutrient is placed in the liquid reservoir 201 (FIG. 5 ). One or both of thepumps 205 in the manifold 203 may be operated to pump the vegetation growth sustaining liquid from theliquid reservoir 201 through thereservoir outlet conduit 202, one or both of themanifold conduits 204, theassembly inlet conduit 208 and theassembly branch conduit 212 of eachplanter tray assembly 234. Backflow of the vegetation growth sustaining liquid from theassembly inlet conduit 208 may be collected through thebackflow conduit 229 into thebackflow container 228. - The vegetation growth sustaining liquid flows from the
assembly branch conduit 212 through the plantertray distribution conduit 246 and thedischarge conduits 250 in the respectiveplanter tray assemblies 234 of eachvegetation growing tower 244. The vegetation growth sustaining liquid is discharged from eachdischarge conduit 250 through thedischarge nozzles 251 and onto the interior surfaces of therespective planter trays 240 of eachplanter tray assembly 234. Accordingly, the vegetation growth sustaining liquid is applied to the roots of the vegetation to sustain metabolism and growth of the vegetation. Thelight fixtures 260 are operated to emit light from the light sources 266 (FIG. 7 ) onto the vegetation to promote photosynthesis in the vegetation. - After it is discharged from the
discharge nozzles 251 onto theplanter trays 240, the vegetation growth sustaining liquid may drip into thegutter 243 at the bottom of thevegetation growing tower 244. Theliquid return conduit 220 may distribute the growth sustaining liquid collected in thegutter 243 to theliquid return container 222. The growth sustaining liquid may be pumped from theliquid return container 222 into theliquid reservoir 201 through thereservoir inlet conduit 224. In some embodiments, theplanter trays 240 may be selectively detached from theassembly frame 235 of eachplanter tray assembly 234 to facilitate removal of the vegetation from theplanter trays 240. Theplanter trays 240 may be pivoted to an open position at the respective tray hinges 242 to facilitate access to the interior components of eachplanter tray assembly 234 for cleaning, maintenance and/or replacement purposes. - Referring next to
FIGS. 9-12 of the drawings, another alternative illustrative embodiment of the three-dimensional vegetation growing system is generally indicated byreference numeral 300. Thesystem 300 may include asystem housing 301 having asystem housing interior 302. As illustrated inFIG. 10 , at least oneaccess door 304 may be provided in thesystem housing 301 to facilitate access to thesystem housing interior 302 and its contents. As illustrated inFIG. 11 , at least onelight source 342 may be provided in thehousing interior 302. Thelight sources 342 may be connected to a suitable electrical source (not illustrated) to emit light which supports the growth of vegetation in thesystem housing interior 302. In some embodiments, thelight sources 342 may include at least one source of ultraviolet light. Atower assembly 306 may be provided in thesystem housing interior 302. As illustrated inFIGS. 9 and 10 , in some embodiments, thetower assembly 306 may include atower assembly base 307. As illustrated inFIG. 10 , in some embodiments, thetower assembly base 307 may be generally elongated and elliptical with anouter base wall 308, an inner base wall 309 which is spaced-apart from theouter base wall 308 and a base interior 310 between theouter base wall 308 and the inner base wall 309. - At least one
planter tower 320 is provided in thesystem housing interior 302 in light-receiving proximity to the at least onelight source 342. Theplanter tower 320 may extend upwardly from thetower assembly base 307. In some embodiments,multiple planter towers 320 may extend from thetower assembly base 307 in spaced-apart relationship to each other. As illustrated inFIG. 9 , in some embodiments, atower assembly cap 316 may be provided in thesystem housing interior 302. Thetower assembly cap 316 may be attached to thesystem housing 301 according to the knowledge of those skilled in the art. The planter towers 320 may be mounted between thetower assembly base 307 and thetower assembly cap 316. In some embodiments, the planter towers 320 may be mounted for selective multi-positional capability along and between thetower assembly base 307 and thetower assembly cap 316 according to the knowledge of those skilled in the art. As illustrated inFIG. 12 , eachplanter tower 320 may include a generally elongated,cylindrical tower shell 321 having a shelllower end 322 and a shellupper end 324. Thetower shell 321 may be adapted to rotate on abearing 323 which may be situated on or between theouter base wall 308 and the inner base wall 309 of thetower assembly base 307. Multipleliquid dispensing openings 325 may extend through thetower shell 321 in a selected size, pattern and spacing. Thetower shell 321 of eachplanter tower 320 may be fabricated of or coated with a hydroponic growth medium. Non-limiting examples of hydroponic growth media which are suitable materials of construction for thetower shell 321 include organic or inorganic fiber materials; wheat chaff or any chaff from harvesting a product such as oats, barley, etc.; rice hull or other hull material; hay such as grass, alfalfa, etc.; hydroton (fired clay pellets); rock wool; oak leaves; composted soil material; perlite; pumice stone; fired brick chip; hydro gel; sand; gravel of various sizes; or any combination thereof. - As further illustrated in
FIG. 12 , atower conduit 328 may extend within and along thetower shell 321. In some embodiments, thetower conduit 328 may be generally concentric with thetower shell 321. A fluid inlet conduit 338 (FIG. 9 ) is disposed in fluid communication with thetower conduit 328. Thefluid inlet conduit 338 communicates with a pump and supply mechanism (not illustrated) for a vegetation growth sustaining liquid. At least onefluid discharge nozzle 330 is disposed in fluid communication with thetower conduit 328. In some embodiments, multiplefluid discharge nozzles 330 may be provided along thetower conduit 328 at a selective spacing with respect to each other. Thefluid discharge nozzles 330 may be oriented in various directions away from thetower conduit 328 to facilitate discharge of the vegetation growth sustaining liquid under pressure through theliquid dispensing openings 325 in thetower shell 321. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 9 and 11 , atower rotation motor 334 drivingly engages thetower shell 321 of eachplanter tower 320 for rotation of thetower shell 321. As illustrated inFIG. 9 , in some embodiments, eachtower rotation motor 334 may directly engage eachcorresponding tower shell 321 through adrive shaft 336. As illustrated inFIG. 11 , in other embodiments, thetower rotation motor 334 may drivingly engage thetower shell 321 for rotation through adrive belt 335. Accordingly, as the vegetation growth sustaining liquid is discharged from the fluid discharge nozzles 330 (FIG. 12 ) on thetower conduit 328, thetower rotation motor 334 rotates thetower shell 321. The discharged vegetation growth sustaining liquid is discharged through theliquid dispensing openings 325 as theliquid dispensing openings 325 periodically align or register with thefluid discharge nozzles 330. Thebase interior 310 of thetower assembly base 307 may accommodate thetower rotation motors 334,fluid inlet conduits 338, pumps, reservoirs and/or other structure associated with operation of the three-dimensional growingsystem 300 as well as selective positioning of the planter towers 320 along thetower assembly base 307. - In typical application of the three-dimensional
vegetation growing system 300, the roots of plants or other vegetation (not illustrated) are attached to thetower shell 321 of eachplanter tower 320 according to the knowledge of those skilled in the art. The three-dimensionalvegetation growing system 300 may be particularly suitable for growing basil. Light is emitted from the light sources 342 (FIG. 11 ) in thesystem housing 301 and strikes the vegetation. As eachtower rotation motor 334 is operated to rotate thetower shell 321 of eachcorresponding planter tower 320, a supply of vegetation growth sustaining liquid which may include at least one nutrient is pumped through the fluid inlet conduit 338 (FIG. 9 ) and the tower conduit 328 (FIG. 12 ) of theplanter tower 320. The vegetation growth sustaining liquid is discharged from thefluid discharge nozzles 330 through theliquid dispensing openings 325 of therotating tower shell 321 and onto the roots of the vegetation 346. Accordingly, the vegetation growth sustaining liquid sustains metabolism and growth of the vegetation. As illustrated inFIG. 10 , the planter towers 320 of thetower assembly 306 in thesystem housing interior 302 and the vegetation growing on the planter towers 320 may be accessed through the access door 304 (FIG. 10 ). It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that rotation of thetower shells 321 of the respective planter towers 320 may facilitate uniform exposure of the vegetation to the light emitted from thelight sources 342 with reduction of the overall consumption of power and generation of heat in thesystem housing interior 302. - Because many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.
Claims (8)
1. A three-dimensional vegetation growing system for rotatably exposing vegetation to nutrients, liquids and light, the three-dimensional vegetation growing system comprising:
a liquid reservoir;
at least one planter tray assembly including:
an assembly frame;
at least one planter tray carried by the assembly frame, the at least one planter tray configured to support vegetation and having a plurality of tray openings;
a plurality of discharge nozzles in proximity to the at least one planter tray, the plurality of discharge nozzles disposed in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir; and
at least one pump disposed in fluid communication with and between the liquid reservoir and the plurality of discharge nozzles.
2. The three-dimensional vegetation growing system of claim 1 wherein the at least one planter tray assembly comprises a plurality of planter tray assemblies, and further comprising at least one vegetation growing tower including at least two of the plurality of planter tray assemblies in a stacked configuration.
3. The three-dimensional vegetation growing system of claim 2 further comprising a gutter at a bottom of the at least one vegetation growing tower, the gutter disposed in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir.
4. The three-dimensional vegetation growing system of claim 3 further comprising a liquid return container disposed in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir and the gutter.
5. The three-dimensional vegetation growing system of claim 2 further comprising at least one light fixture adjacent to the at least one vegetation growing tower.
6. The three-dimensional vegetation growing system of claim 2 further comprising a plurality of assembly mount members, and wherein the plurality of planter tray assemblies are mounted on the plurality of assembly mount members in the stacked configuration.
7. The three-dimensional vegetation growing system of claim 2 further comprising planter tray distribution conduit disposed in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir and a plurality of discharge conduits disposed in fluid communication with the planter tray distribution conduit and extending within the plurality of planter tray assemblies, respectively, and wherein the plurality of discharge nozzles is disposed in fluid communication with and arranged along each of the plurality of discharge conduits.
8. The three-dimensional vegetation growing system of claim 1 wherein the at least one planter tray has a grid construction.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/647,638 US20170303485A1 (en) | 2014-03-20 | 2017-07-12 | Three dimensional vegetation growing systems |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201461968316P | 2014-03-20 | 2014-03-20 | |
US14/662,169 US9730400B2 (en) | 2014-03-20 | 2015-03-18 | Three dimensional vegetation growing systems |
US15/647,638 US20170303485A1 (en) | 2014-03-20 | 2017-07-12 | Three dimensional vegetation growing systems |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/662,169 Division US9730400B2 (en) | 2014-03-20 | 2015-03-18 | Three dimensional vegetation growing systems |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20170303485A1 true US20170303485A1 (en) | 2017-10-26 |
Family
ID=54145476
Family Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/662,169 Expired - Fee Related US9730400B2 (en) | 2014-03-20 | 2015-03-18 | Three dimensional vegetation growing systems |
US15/647,638 Abandoned US20170303485A1 (en) | 2014-03-20 | 2017-07-12 | Three dimensional vegetation growing systems |
US15/647,585 Abandoned US20170303484A1 (en) | 2014-03-20 | 2017-07-12 | Three dimensional vegetation growing systems |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/662,169 Expired - Fee Related US9730400B2 (en) | 2014-03-20 | 2015-03-18 | Three dimensional vegetation growing systems |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/647,585 Abandoned US20170303484A1 (en) | 2014-03-20 | 2017-07-12 | Three dimensional vegetation growing systems |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (3) | US9730400B2 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2015231321A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2941746A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2015143105A2 (en) |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11089741B2 (en) | 2018-03-21 | 2021-08-17 | Mjnn Llc | Vertical grow tower conveyance system for controlled environment agriculture |
US11570958B2 (en) | 2019-09-20 | 2023-02-07 | Mjnn Llc | Catch mechanism facilitating loading of vertical grow towers onto grow lines in a vertical farm system |
KR20230040726A (en) * | 2021-09-16 | 2023-03-23 | 김성철 | Device for hydroponics |
US11700804B2 (en) | 2018-10-30 | 2023-07-18 | Mjnn Llc | Production facility layout for automated controlled environment agriculture |
US11832569B2 (en) | 2018-10-30 | 2023-12-05 | Mjnn Llc | Grow tower processing for controlled environment agriculture system |
US11856902B2 (en) | 2019-09-20 | 2024-01-02 | Mjnn Llc | Production facility layouts for automated controlled environment agriculture |
US11944049B2 (en) | 2019-09-20 | 2024-04-02 | Mjnn Llc | Vertical grow tower conveyance system for controlled environment agriculture including tower shuttle |
US12089545B1 (en) | 2020-09-25 | 2024-09-17 | Mjnn Llc | Grow towers with overlapping funnels for automated agriculture production |
Families Citing this family (26)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20160165808A1 (en) * | 2014-12-11 | 2016-06-16 | Nicholas G. Brusatore | Method and Apparatus for Growing Plants |
US9961844B2 (en) * | 2015-10-16 | 2018-05-08 | Clayton D. Cleveland | Symbiotic aquaponic growth system |
CA3005952A1 (en) * | 2015-11-23 | 2017-06-01 | M. Stolze Holding B.V. | Device for the treatment of substrate bodies with plants |
BR112019006823A2 (en) * | 2016-10-07 | 2019-07-09 | Hydro Grow Llc | plant cultivation apparatus and method |
USD821194S1 (en) | 2017-03-10 | 2018-06-26 | Johannes Cornelious VAN WINGERDEN | Produce bowl |
USD830664S1 (en) | 2017-03-30 | 2018-10-09 | Johannes Cornelious VAN WINGERDEN | Engagement device for a hydroponic growing system |
USD839783S1 (en) | 2017-04-27 | 2019-02-05 | Johannes Cornelious VAN WINGERDEN | Growing trough |
USD831178S1 (en) | 2017-05-12 | 2018-10-16 | Johannes Cornelious VAN WINGERDEN | Gutter |
US10368507B2 (en) | 2017-07-26 | 2019-08-06 | Johannes Cornelious VAN WINGERDEN | Hydroponic growing system |
US10004187B1 (en) | 2017-07-26 | 2018-06-26 | Johannes Cornelious VAN WINGERDEN | Hydroponic growing system |
US10485192B2 (en) | 2017-07-26 | 2019-11-26 | Johannes Cornelious VAN WINGERDEN | Hydroponic growing system |
US10051799B1 (en) * | 2017-07-26 | 2018-08-21 | Johannes Cornelious VAN WINGERDEN | Gutter for a hydroponic growing system |
US10201134B1 (en) | 2017-07-26 | 2019-02-12 | Johannes Cornelious VAN WINGERDEN | Hydroponic growing system |
US10080335B1 (en) | 2017-10-02 | 2018-09-25 | Johannes Cornelious VAN WINGERDEN | Apparatus, system and method for a grow ring for produce |
US11297777B2 (en) | 2018-05-01 | 2022-04-12 | John H. Oberthier | Apparatus and methods for growing organic matter |
US11477951B2 (en) | 2018-05-02 | 2022-10-25 | Kenneth Dale Speetjens | Energy capture device and system |
US10993382B2 (en) | 2018-06-18 | 2021-05-04 | Stephen Kee | Modular greenhouse assembly |
US11206774B2 (en) * | 2018-08-02 | 2021-12-28 | Pod Farms, LLC | Vertical hydroponic growing system and method |
US11903351B2 (en) | 2018-08-02 | 2024-02-20 | Pod Farms, LLC | Grow cups for hydroponic growing systems |
EP3937615A4 (en) * | 2019-04-16 | 2022-12-21 | Bace Australia Pty Ltd | Hydroponic apparatus |
WO2020220115A1 (en) | 2019-04-30 | 2020-11-05 | AVA Technologies Inc. | Gardening apparatus |
WO2021081187A1 (en) * | 2019-10-22 | 2021-04-29 | Fonseca Dos Reis Joao Luis Pinto | High density plant growth systems and methods |
WO2021119823A1 (en) * | 2019-12-20 | 2021-06-24 | 2225615 Alberta Ltd. | Modular plant growth system |
USD932345S1 (en) | 2020-01-10 | 2021-10-05 | AVA Technologies Inc. | Plant pod |
USD932346S1 (en) | 2020-01-10 | 2021-10-05 | AVA Technologies Inc. | Planter |
WO2022061467A1 (en) | 2020-09-24 | 2022-03-31 | Cyclofields Indoor Farming Technology Inc. | Closed loop vertical disengageable aeroponic growing system |
Family Cites Families (24)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4255896A (en) | 1979-06-12 | 1981-03-17 | Carl Vincent P | Hydroponic growing apparatus |
US4379375A (en) | 1981-03-19 | 1983-04-12 | Whittaker Corporation | Hydroponic growing system and method |
JPS60227610A (en) * | 1984-04-25 | 1985-11-12 | 株式会社 大生機械 | Culture apparatus of bud vegetable |
IL88105A0 (en) | 1988-10-20 | 1989-06-30 | Shira Aeroponics 1984 Ltd | System for germination,propagation and growing plants in ultrasonic-fog conditions |
US5617673A (en) * | 1993-11-17 | 1997-04-08 | Takashima; Yasukazu | Gravity independent photosynthetic growing system |
NL9400284A (en) | 1994-02-22 | 1995-10-02 | Damsigt Bv | Transport system for potted plants. |
IT1292766B1 (en) | 1997-06-11 | 1999-02-11 | Consulagri Srl | MODULAR MODULAR STRUCTURE FOR AEROPONIC CULTIVATIONS |
US5937575A (en) | 1998-10-27 | 1999-08-17 | The United States Of America,As Represented By The Secretary Of Agriculture | Aeroponic growth system with nutrient fog stabilization |
US6243987B1 (en) | 1999-09-01 | 2001-06-12 | Organitech Ltd. | Self contained fully automated robotic crop production facility |
AUPR303801A0 (en) | 2001-02-09 | 2001-03-08 | A & B Hydroponics International Pty Ltd | A hydroponic apparatus |
CA2343254C (en) * | 2001-04-05 | 2002-03-26 | Ted Marchildon | Rotary plant growing apparatus |
US20020162275A1 (en) | 2001-05-04 | 2002-11-07 | Robinson Alfred Jack | Hydroponic apparatus and method |
DE10152645A1 (en) * | 2001-10-16 | 2003-04-30 | Angel Castillo | Germination device for sprouts |
CA2466644A1 (en) * | 2003-05-12 | 2004-11-12 | Eric Bourgoin | Orbital hydroponic or aeroponic agricultural unit |
US7134240B1 (en) * | 2003-10-16 | 2006-11-14 | Lincoln Neal | Rock-a-bye rotary sprouter and sanitizer |
US7559173B2 (en) | 2005-03-07 | 2009-07-14 | Terrasphere Systems Llc | Method and apparatus for growing plants in carousels |
US7730663B2 (en) | 2007-12-26 | 2010-06-08 | Angelo Souvlos | Rotary plant growing apparatus |
US7823328B2 (en) | 2009-02-27 | 2010-11-02 | Zack Allen Walhovd | Aeroponic plant growing system |
US8484890B2 (en) | 2009-09-11 | 2013-07-16 | Airgrown Ip, Inc. | Apparatus for aeroponically growing and developing plants |
WO2011061634A2 (en) | 2009-11-21 | 2011-05-26 | Glen Pettibone | Modular vertical farm cell |
US8505238B2 (en) | 2011-05-25 | 2013-08-13 | Terry Luebbers | Vertical aeroponic plant growing system |
WO2013044343A1 (en) | 2011-09-30 | 2013-04-04 | STOREY, Elizabeth, A. | Structure for growing plants in rotatable modules |
US9010018B2 (en) * | 2012-03-27 | 2015-04-21 | Dow Agrosciences Llc | Growth chamber carousel |
ES2765100T3 (en) | 2012-06-29 | 2020-06-05 | Freight Farms Inc | System and method to generate a production of high-performance plants in any environment |
-
2015
- 2015-03-18 US US14/662,169 patent/US9730400B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2015-03-19 AU AU2015231321A patent/AU2015231321A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2015-03-19 CA CA2941746A patent/CA2941746A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2015-03-19 WO PCT/US2015/021384 patent/WO2015143105A2/en active Application Filing
-
2017
- 2017-07-12 US US15/647,638 patent/US20170303485A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2017-07-12 US US15/647,585 patent/US20170303484A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11089741B2 (en) | 2018-03-21 | 2021-08-17 | Mjnn Llc | Vertical grow tower conveyance system for controlled environment agriculture |
US11612112B2 (en) | 2018-03-21 | 2023-03-28 | Mjnn Llc | Vertical grow tower conveyance system for controlled environment agriculture |
US11690326B2 (en) | 2018-03-21 | 2023-07-04 | Mjnn Llc | Vertical grow tower conveyance system for controlled environment agriculture |
US11700804B2 (en) | 2018-10-30 | 2023-07-18 | Mjnn Llc | Production facility layout for automated controlled environment agriculture |
US11832569B2 (en) | 2018-10-30 | 2023-12-05 | Mjnn Llc | Grow tower processing for controlled environment agriculture system |
US11570958B2 (en) | 2019-09-20 | 2023-02-07 | Mjnn Llc | Catch mechanism facilitating loading of vertical grow towers onto grow lines in a vertical farm system |
US11856902B2 (en) | 2019-09-20 | 2024-01-02 | Mjnn Llc | Production facility layouts for automated controlled environment agriculture |
US11944049B2 (en) | 2019-09-20 | 2024-04-02 | Mjnn Llc | Vertical grow tower conveyance system for controlled environment agriculture including tower shuttle |
US12089545B1 (en) | 2020-09-25 | 2024-09-17 | Mjnn Llc | Grow towers with overlapping funnels for automated agriculture production |
KR20230040726A (en) * | 2021-09-16 | 2023-03-23 | 김성철 | Device for hydroponics |
KR102677725B1 (en) * | 2021-09-16 | 2024-06-24 | 김성철 | Device for hydroponics |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US9730400B2 (en) | 2017-08-15 |
WO2015143105A3 (en) | 2015-11-19 |
US20170303484A1 (en) | 2017-10-26 |
CA2941746A1 (en) | 2015-09-24 |
WO2015143105A2 (en) | 2015-09-24 |
AU2015231321A1 (en) | 2016-10-06 |
US20150305261A1 (en) | 2015-10-29 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US9730400B2 (en) | Three dimensional vegetation growing systems | |
US10477786B1 (en) | Two-stage aeroponic growing system and method | |
EP3500088B1 (en) | Modular farm with carousel system | |
US8484890B2 (en) | Apparatus for aeroponically growing and developing plants | |
EP3270684B1 (en) | A system for indoor cultivation of plants with simulated natural lighting conditions | |
US10842084B2 (en) | Vertical growing tower for automated horticulture and agriculture | |
US10136594B2 (en) | Aeroponic growing system and method | |
EP3155896B1 (en) | Stackable modular rotatable gardening system | |
US20200329654A1 (en) | System and method for vertical farming | |
CN102638969A (en) | Apparatus for aeroponically growing and developing plants | |
KR101403594B1 (en) | Astreetlight having multi-function | |
CN102387700A (en) | Apparatus for growing plants | |
CN205233026U (en) | Agricultural irrigation device | |
CN104254240A (en) | Method and assembly for growing plants | |
KR20190121545A (en) | A Spray Height adjustable Driving Type Sprayer | |
WO2022179436A1 (en) | Multifunctional indoor plant planting system | |
US9108206B1 (en) | Water control system for sprinkler nozzle | |
CN220617123U (en) | Automatic change conveyer belt structure of frame is planted to aeroponics | |
KR20120117088A (en) | A plant resources production system using a monorail type | |
WO2021014308A1 (en) | Growing module and vertical farm comprising a plurality of growing modules | |
CN105494041B (en) | A kind of energy-saving type mobile formula water-fertilizer integral spray irrigation system | |
WO2009133219A1 (en) | Ecological module for producing hydroponic greenfeed | |
CN106035000A (en) | Large electric metering pesticide-applying sprinkling machine | |
CN107646664A (en) | A kind of aerosol growing structures for soilless culture | |
CN209345874U (en) | A kind of spraying device for hillside orchard |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |