WO2017045058A1

WO2017045058A1 - Gravity driven conveyor

Info

Publication number: WO2017045058A1
Application number: PCT/CA2015/050920
Authority: WO
Inventors: Roland POIRIER
Original assignee: Poirier Roland
Priority date: 2015-09-18
Filing date: 2015-09-18
Publication date: 2017-03-23
Also published as: CA3001208A1

Abstract

An apparatus for moving material that increases in unit weight over time from a first end toward a second end, comprising a base, a web and a web-mover. The base extends between the first and second ends. The web is supported by the base and extends between the first end and an intermediate point at a first inclined angle and between the intermediate point and the second end at a second declined angle, for bearing the material thereon. The web-mover urges the web, with material deposited thereon at an initial point proximate to the first end, toward the second end over time. The increased unit weight of the material between the intermediate point and the second end relative to the between the first end and the intermediate point facilitates urging the web from the first end toward the second end.

Description

GRAVITY DRIVEN CONVEYOR

RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable. TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to plant growing systems and in particular to an unpowered movable web plant growing apparatus.

INTRODUCTION

Farmed poultry, livestock and/or dairy animals (collectively referred to herein as

"livestock") each consume a prodigious amount of vegetable matter throughout the animal's growth and production life cycle. Originally, the animals were fed by allowing them to graze in rangelands, pastures and grasslands. In such systems, the primary food resource for these livestock is grass. Even now such grazing systems supply approximately 9% of the world's beef production and occupy about 60% of the world's available pastureland.

However, grazing or foraging systems are inherently inefficient in terms of both land use and provision of nutrients to the livestock. The rapid industrialization of society and the growth in the human population, resulting in less available pastureland and an increased demand for livestock production, have mandated more efficient livestock feeding systems integrated with crop production.

Mixed-farming systems may involve more efficient land-use by supplementing, or replacing, the grazing on pasture land with feed residues (materials left in an agricultural field after a crop has been harvested, such as stalks, stubbles, leaves and seed pods) and process residues (in which the feed residues and other residues such as husks, seeds, bagasse, molasses and roots are processed into a usable feed resource) that are fed to the animal in a feeding trough as fodder. Such feeding troughs containing feed and/or process residues may be made available in the pasture or in the animal's stall or pen.

As the demand for more efficient integration between livestock and crop production increases, the livestock may be prepared or fattened for market and/or dairy production by further supplementing their pasture diet with a concentrated diet of grain, such as barley and/or corn, soy and other supplements. These foodstuffs constitute a high- starch / high-energy food that reduces the time to fatten livestock and increases dairy cattle yield. The dedication of agricultural fields to grain production is seen as a more efficient use of the land than as mere pastureland, which may reduce the amount of land needed to support the energy requirements of a given size of herd.

Still greater efficiency can and has been achieved by industrial production of livestock in substantially land-less environments, such as stalls, pens and feedlots in very high stocking densities. The livestock feed is brought from off-site to the herd, and may be supplemented by veterinary drugs, growth hormones, feed additives and nutraceuticals, in increasing dosages.

However, modern consumer sensitivities tend to look upon such industrial approaches with less favour, with the result that mixed-farming systems continue to represent, by far, the largest category of livestock farming in the world.

While the introduction of grain into the animal's diet represents an increase in efficiency in terms of both time to maturity and yield of livestock, the production of grain for use in livestock feeding remains a relatively inefficient process. The grain is typically sown outdoors in fields, and allowed to grow to maturity in situ, before being harvested at the end of a lengthy growing season. Large amounts of equipment, with concomitant energy demands are typically involved in the planting and harvesting cycles. In between, the crop is at the mercy of the elements. Some of these risks, such as drought, weed incursion and insect damage may be mitigated by still further expensive (in terms of capital equipment and energy costs) processing, such as by irrigation systems and application of fertilizers, weed control products and insecticides, but will not be completely eliminated. As a result, in some seasons, the grain yield achieved may be quite low, resulting in a high purchase price that the livestock farmer will pay, with a concomitant increase in the price to a consumer of the meat or dairy output of the livestock.

Some incremental efficiencies in terms of grain production have been obtained through hydroponic production of fodder. For example, United States Patent Application No. 2009/0235583 filed 15 March, 2007 by Terrence Dean Colless and Flavio Raccenallo and assigned to Fodder Solutions Pty Ltd. ("Fodder Solutions") and entitled

"Transportable Fodder Production Unit", which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein, discloses a transportable fodder production unit comprising an insulated container wherein said insulated container contains a racking system, an irrigation system, a lighting system and a thermal control system, said racking system having a plurality of shelves extending from the rear of the container to the front of the container, said shelves being of sufficient width to receive at least one fodder growing tray and of sufficient depth to receive a predetermined number of rows of trays to cycle through the container in a growing period whereby seeded trays can be loaded onto the rear of the shelves and trays with mats of grown fodder can be removed from the front of the shelves, said trays being urged forward by an operator as the fodder progresses through the growing period and wherein the irrigation system comprises a plurality of spray heads positioned in the racking system for periodically spraying each tray with a predetermined volume of water, the lighting system maintains a predetermined illumination and the thermal control unit maintains the temperature within a

predetermined temperature range.

Such systems shorten and move the growing cycle of the fodder indoors into a much more benign and controllable environment conducive to growth, such as an insulated cargo container. The fodder is grown in trays that are periodically moved the length of the container along one of a series of racks or shelves. Typically, the fodder material is seeded in a new tray at one end and pushed along the rack each time a new tray is seeded, usually daily, until it emerges at the far end of the container and is harvested, a number of days later. Upon harvesting, the matted sprout material is removed from its tray and dumped, whole or mixed, into the feed trough of the livestock. It is claimed that the inclusion of the entirety of the plant system into the animal's diet provides additional nutrients that are not available from fully mature grain stalks and further increase the nutrient yield of the hydroponic product.

Efficiencies are obtained in terms of land use because the trays are stacked on shelves vertically within the container and in terms of time because the fodder is harvested when it reaches a sprout condition, rather than waiting for the crop to reach full maturity, while minimizing the risk that the crop will be spoiled by adverse natural environmental conditions. In some example embodiments, a growing cycle of 6 or 7 days has been found to be adequate.

While efficiencies in terms of land and energy use have been achieved, there remain considerable challenges. The Fodder Solutions system involves an expensive insulated container that is retrofitted to accommodate a large shelving system therewith, as well as a series of over 100 trays to rest on the shelves. Expensive and complicated irrigation, lighting, heating and/or other elements are deployed above each rack at one or more points along the container, with their attendant timing, control, power and water supply and drainage systems.

Each day, considerable manual labour is involved to move the trays progressively along the shelving unit, to harvest the sprout mat at the far end, to return the trays to the near end and to re-seed the freed-up trays and re-insert them at the near end.

Further, the growing environment is strictly controlled. In the Fodder Solutions system, the container is configured to provide watering and light across the entire container and for each shelf therein, under computer control, in order to control humidity. Heaters and air conditioners are installed and used to precisely maintain the ambient temperature within the container and also to heat the water to a specific temperature. All of these aspects increase the capital and energy budgets for fodder production. Moreover, while it is claimed that, at least in Australia, where the Fodder Solutions system was developed, the container may be situated outdoors, experiments in less temperate environments suggest that this may not always be the case, in which case a building is sometimes provided, with attendant additional cost, to enclose the container.

Still further, despite careful attempts at controlling moisture, light, temperature and humidity, mould conditions often develop within the container. To combat these conditions, the manufacturer has recommended application of chlorine in the irrigation system. In addition to the additional effort and cost this entails, the effect of the application of chlorine on the fodder yield and on the overall health of the livestock consuming it is not yet known.

Some of the challenges associated with the Fodder Solutions system have been addressed by the Nutra-Culture™ automated feeder device developed by the inventor of the present disclosure. The Nutra-Culture™ device comprises a plurality of substantially vertically aligned planar polygonal structures. Each vertex of each polygon is coupled by a corresponding spoke to a central hub lying within the plane of the polygon.

Consecutive polygons are positioned in spaced-apart orientation, substantially normally to the plane of each polygon and coupled and separated by a plurality of shelf brackets extending between corresponding vertices of each polygon and parallel to a central axis extending between corresponding hubs of the polygon. The polygons are oriented such that the central axis is substantially horizontal. The hubs are supported by a mount and configured to be rotatable about the central axis. The shelf brackets are rotatable at their point of coupling to their corresponding polygon vertex so that as the polygon is rotated, the shelf brackets maintain a substantially horizontal orientation. Thus, the Nutra-Culture™ device resembles a Ferris-wheel type structure, with the shelf brackets forming seats that remain in a substantially horizontal orientation while the wheel is rotated about the central axis. In some example embodiments, the polygon is an octagon, providing for eight shelf brackets. In some example embodiments, the shelf brackets each comprise a stacked structure to support more than one shelf each. Each shelf bracket supports a planting tray in which sprout material is planted and allowed to grow.

In some example embodiments, an initial shelf position is identified as a loading and off- loading position, at which a planting tray comprising seeds, and in some example embodiments, growing material, may be loaded and at which previously inserted trays now containing matted sprout material suitable for use may be off-loaded for harvest. On successive cycles, which may in some example embodiments comprise 24 hour cycles, the hub is rotated so that the most recently planted tray is moved to another position and the most mature tray is brought into position to be harvested and replaced by a newly planted tray. In some example embodiments, the hub is rotated by a pulley system. Because of the load to be borne, the mechanized pulley system is driven by a motor for a brief period each cycle period to rotate the hub one position.

As compared to the Fodder Solutions device, the Nutra-Culture™ device retains the benefit of a reduced footprint in a controlled environment. The Ferris-wheel structure reduces still further the footprint for a given crop output. Moreover, the use of a container and the complicated racking structure is avoided. Because shelves are movable from one position to another, the use of multiple levels of dedicated irrigation and, potentially, lighting and/or heating elements may be avoided, as the hub may be rotated to expose each shelf in turn to a single and/or common irrigation and/or lighting and/or heating element. Furthermore, the manual labour involved in moving the shelves from an initial loading position to a final harvesting position is greatly reduced. As a result, the Nutra-Culture™ device may be appropriate for use in developing nations, where there is an increasing concern about the availability and quality of arable land, and where this is not easily compensated for by the application of chemicals or the application of energy and/or industrial processes.

Even so, there may be environments, where even the limited application of power used to drive the rotation of the Nutra-Culture™ device may prove an impediment to the deployment of such fodder growth devices. Accordingly it would be useful to devise a fodder growth device having reduced power demands or that is substantially

un powered.

Furthermore, the Nutra-Culture™ device continues to employ trays to contain the sprout material, which adds to the capital cost of the device, as well as increases the weight of the load that is to be rotationally driven. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described by reference to the following figures, in which identical reference numerals in different figures indicate identical elements and in which: FIGURE 1 is an elevational view of an example embodiment of a movable web apparatus in which the web forms a loop around the pulleys in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGURE 2 is an elevational view of an example embodiment of a movable web apparatus in which the web is taken up on the pulleys in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGURE 3 is an elevational view of the example embodiment of the apparatus according to the embodiment of Figure 1 , with one or more of any one or more of a depositor and/or a growth processor deployed thereon in accordance with an example

embodiment of the present disclosure; FIGURE 4 is an elevational view of the example embodiment of the apparatus according to the embodiment of Figure 1 , surrounded by an enclosure and cover in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGURE 5 is an elevational view of an example embodiment in which a plurality of the apparata according to the embodiment of Figure 1 , are disposed in mutual vertical relation in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGURE 6 is an elevational view of an example embodiment in which a plurality of the apparata according to the embodiment of Figure 1 , are disposed in mutual horizontal relation in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGURE 7 is an elevational view of the example embodiment of the apparatus according to the embodiment of Figure 1 , with an initial length of material being introduced thereon at a first end thereof; FIGURE 8 is an elevational view of the example embodiment of the apparatus according to the embodiment of Figure 1 , with an additional length of material being introduced thereon at a first end thereof and previously introduced lengths of material being shown on and along the web toward a second end thereof. In the present disclosure, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. In some instances, detailed descriptions of well-known devices and methods are omitted so as not to obscure the description of the present disclosure with unnecessary detail.

Accordingly, the system and method components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

Any feature or action shown in dashed outline may in some example embodiments be considered as optional.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure discloses an apparatus for longitudinally moving material that increases in unit weight over time, such as grain sprouts, from a first end toward a second end. The apparatus comprises an elongate base extending between the first and second ends. A web is supported by the base and extends longitudinally along the base between the first end and the second end. The web extends at a first inclined angle between the first end and an intermediate point and at a second declined angle between the intermediate point and the second end.

The material is deposited on the web at an initial point on the web proximate to the first end. A web-mover urges the web with the deposited material thereon from the initial point toward the second end over time, providing opportunity to deposit more material at the initial point. Over time, the material increases in unit weight, such as by growth of plant material, such that the unit weight of the material on the web increases progressively as it moves from the first end to toward the second end whereupon it may be off-loaded, such as by harvest. The increased unit weight of the material along the second declined angle between the intermediate point and the second end relative to the unit weight of the material along the first inclined angle between the first end and the intermediate point provides a mechanical advantage that can urge the web with material deposited thereon upward along the first inclined angle toward the intermediate point. This facilitates urging the web from the first end toward the second end, reducing or substantially eliminating use of the web-mover.

In accordance with a first broad aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure there is provided an apparatus for longitudinally moving material that increases in unit weight over time from a first end toward a second end. The apparatus comprises an elongate base, a web and a web-mover. The base extends between the first and second ends. The web is supported by the base and extends longitudinally therealong between the first end and an intermediate point at a first inclined angle and between the intermediate point and the second end at a second declined angle, for bearing the material thereon. The web-mover urges the web, with material deposited thereon at an initial point proximate to the first end, toward the second end over time. An increased unit weight of the material between the intermediate point and the second end relative to between the first end and the intermediate point facilitates urging the web from the first end toward the second end.

The first inclined angle can exceed the second declined angle. A first platform supported by the base and supporting a portion of the web thereon can extend between the first end and the intermediate point at the first inclined angle. A second platform supported by the base and supporting a portion of the web thereon can extend between the intermediate point and the second end at the second declined angle. The first platform can have a length that is greater than a length of the second platform.

The web-mover can comprise a first pulley at the first end and a second pulley at the second end supporting the web thereon. The second pulley can be larger than the first pulley. The web-mover can comprise a third pulley at the intermediate point for supporting the web thereon.

The web can be formed as a loop around the first and second pulleys. The first pulley can take up a portion of the web that extends beyond the first end and the second pulley can take up a portion of the web that extends beyond the second end. A crank can rotate the first pulley and a crank can rotate the second pulley. The web-mover can be periodically activated.

The web can be moisture-permeable. The web can be air-permeable.

A depositor can deposit material on the web at the initial point. The depositor can be adapted to deposit material along a length of the web proximate to the initial point. The depositor can be longitudinally moveable to deposit material along the length of the web. The depositor can be supported by the base above the initial point. The depositor can comprise a seed hopper. The depositor can comprise a growing medium dispenser. The depositor can be periodically activated or by sensor.

A growth processor can facilitate an increase in unit weight of the material deposited on the web over time. The growth processor can be supported by the base above or below the web. The growth processor can comprise an irrigation sub-system for applying moisture to the material. The growth processor can comprise a radiation sub-system for applying radiation to the material. The radiation can be selected from a group consisting of heat, light and any combination of these. The growth processor can be periodically activated or by sensor.

The base can support a second web disposed substantially vertically above the first web, for bearing material thereon. The first end of the first web can be adapted such that the initial point of the first web extends beyond the first end of the second web away from the second end.

The base can support a second web disposed substantially horizontally beside the first web, for bearing material thereon. The base can be wheel-mounted.

A enclosure can surround the base, web and web-mover. The enclosure can comprise at least one side wall. The enclosure can comprise at least one end door. The apparatus can comprise a cover.

DESCRIPTION The present disclosure provides an example embodiment of an unpowered movable web apparatus. Figure 1 is an elevational view of the apparatus, shown generally at 100, which comprises a base 1 10, a web 120 and a web-mover 135 comprising first and second pulleys 1 30, 140.

The base 1 1 0 extends along a longitudinal axis from a first end 1 1 1 , through an intermediate point 1 12 to a second end 1 13. In some example embodiments, the base 1 10 has a rectangular cross-section, having a length between the first end 1 1 1 and the second end 1 13 of substantially 39 feet, and having a width of substantially 8 feet. In some example embodiments, the length of the base 1 10 is 38' 1 0 5/8" and the width is 96 3/8". In some example embodiments, the intermediate point 1 12 is positioned closer to the second end 1 13 than the first end 1 1 1 . In some example embodiments, the ratio of the distance between the first end 1 1 1 and the intermediate point 1 12 to the distance between the intermediate point 1 12 and the second end 1 13 is approximately 2:1 .

The base 1 10 comprises a pair of platforms 1 14, 1 15 that support the web 120 from below. In some example embodiments, the first platform 1 14 and the second platform 1 15 are connected at the intermediate point 1 12. In some example embodiments, the first and second platforms 1 14, 1 15 may be formed of aluminum planking. Aluminum combines features of strength, low weight and heat conduction. In addition, such aluminum structures can be easily collapsed and relatively impervious to deterioration in adverse high moisture conditions. In some example embodiments, aspects of the base 1 10 and/or the first and second platforms 1 14, 1 1 5 may be formed of wood.

The first platform 1 14 extends between the first end 1 1 1 and the intermediate point 1 12. The intermediate point 1 12 is raised relative to the first end 1 1 1 , such that the angle relative to the horizontal formed by the first platform 1 14 at the first end 1 1 1 defines a first inclined angle□.

In some example embodiments the first platform 1 14 is substantially planar. In some example embodiments (not shown), the first platform 1 14 forms a substantially continuously curving contour.

The first pulley 130 is positioned beyond and beside or below the first platform 1 14 at the first end 1 1 1 .

In some example embodiments, the first platform 1 14 is close to ground level at the first end 1 1 1 . In some example embodiments, the first platform 1 14 is raised sufficiently at the first end 1 1 1 to accommodate the first pulley 130 without ground contact.

In some example embodiments, the first platform 1 14 is about 7 feet above ground level at the intermediate point 1 12. In some example embodiments, the height of the first platform 1 14 is 78" at the intermediate point 1 12. In some example embodiments, the height of the first platform 1 14 is 86 3/8" at the intermediate point 1 12.

In some example embodiments, the angle□ is about 14°.

In some example embodiments, the first platform 1 14 and the second platform 1 15 are sized to collectively accommodate a quantity of material that is defined by a number (N) of time intervals during which the material is deposited on the apparatus 100 as described herein. The duration (D) of the time interval corresponds to a period of time between material deposit. The number (N) of time intervals corresponds to the number of material deposits that can be accommodated on the apparatus 100 at any one time. Thereafter, as one material deposit is off-loaded, another material deposit can be made.

In some example embodiments, the material is plant material that has a growth cycle or whole or partial time to maturity that corresponds to the product of the time interval duration (D) and the number (N) of intervals. In some example embodiments, the time interval duration (D) is substantially 24 hours and the number (N) of intervals is 5.

In some example embodiments, the length of the first platform 1 14 accommodates a sub-set (N1 ) of the number of intervals and the length of the second platform 1 15 accommodates all or a pat of the remaining number (N2) of intervals. In some example embodiments, N1 exceeds N2.

In some example embodiments, a length / is adopted to represent an amount of material deposited during a time interval duration (D). In some example embodiments, the length / is substantially 8 feet. Thus, by way of non-limiting example, if N=5, N1 =3, D= 24 hours and / = 8 feet, the first platform 1 14 may be substantially about 24 feet. In some example embodiments, the first platform 1 14 has a length of 288 1/8".

The second platform 1 15 extends between the intermediate point 1 12 and the second end 1 13. The intermediate point 1 12 is raised relative to the second end 1 13, such that the angle relative to the horizontal formed by the second platform 1 15 at the

intermediate point 1 12 defines a second declined angle□.

In some example embodiments the second platform 1 15 is substantially planar. In some example embodiments (not shown), the second platform 1 15 forms a substantially continuously curving contour.

The second pulley 150 is positioned beyond and beside or below the second platform 1 15 at the second end 1 13. In some example embodiments, the second platform 1 15 at the intermediate point 1 12 is at substantially the same height as the first platform 1 14 at the intermediate point 1 12.

In some example embodiments, the height of the second platform 1 15 is about 6 feet above ground level at the second end 1 13. In some example embodiments, the second platform 1 15 is raised sufficiently at the second end 1 13 to accommodate the second pulley 140 without ground contact. In some example embodiments, the second platform 1 15 is slightly less than substantially about 72 ¾" above ground level at the second end 1 1 3.

In some example embodiments, the angle□ exceeds the angle□. In some example embodiments, the angle□ is about 6°.

In some example embodiments, by way of non-limiting example, if N=5, N2 = 2, D= 24 hours and / = 8 feet, the second platform 1 15 may be substantially 16 feet in length.

In some example embodiments, the length of the second platform 1 15 may

accommodate a length between (N2-1 ) and N2, in order that some or all of a material deposit (chronologically the earliest material deposit) may overhang the second end 1 13 to facilitate off-loading thereof. In some example embodiments, the length of the second platform 1 15 may correspond to a length of substantially (N2 - 0.5). In some example embodiments, by way of non-limiting example, if N=5, N2 =2, D = 24 hours and / = 8 feet, the second platform 1 15 may be substantially 12 feet in length and the earliest material deposit may overhang the second end 1 13 by substantially 4 feet. In some example embodiments, the second platform 1 15 may be substantially 128 3/8" in length.

The base 1 1 0 further comprises an elongate structure 1 1 6 extending longitudinally along and below the first and second platforms 1 14, 1 15 to support them. In some example embodiments, the first and second platforms 1 14, 1 15 share a common structure 1 16. In some example embodiments (not shown), each of the first and second platforms 1 14, 1 15 may have separate structures 1 1 6. In some example embodiments (not shown), such separate structures 1 16 may be removably coupled together below the intermediate point 1 12. In some example embodiments, the structure 1 16 may be formed of aluminum decking. In some example embodiments, the structure 1 16 may be formed of wood.

In some example embodiments, the base 1 1 0 further comprises one or more sets of wheels 1 17 on which the structure 1 16 may be mounted to make the apparatus 100 wheel-mounted. In some example embodiments, one or more of the sets of wheels 1 17 may be oriented such that the axles thereof are substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the base 1 10. In some example embodiments, one or more of the sets of wheels 1 17 may be retractable, whether or not under bias. In some example embodiments, one or more of the sets of wheels 1 17 may be swivel-mounted to facilitate manoeuvring of the base 1 10. In some example embodiments, one or more of the sets of wheels 1 17 lie substantially below the first end 1 1 1 or the second end 1 13 or both may be swivel- mounted. In some example embodiments, one or more of the sets of wheels 1 17 lying substantially below the intermediate point 1 12 may be configured such that their axis of rotation is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the apparatus 100. In some example embodiments, one or more of the sets of wheels 1 17 may be substantially 10" in diameter. In some example embodiments, one or more of the sets of wheels 1 17 may be substantially 18" in diameter.

The sets of wheels 1 1 7 may facilitate moving the structure 1 16 periodically, for example, inside a building (not shown) during the winter or at night or during periods of inclement weather conditions so as to shelter the material introduced onto the web 120 from such conditions and/or outside during the summer or during the day or otherwise to replace the application of artificial irrigation, heating and/or lighting with natural irrigation, heating and/or lighting during benevolent weather conditions.

In some example embodiments, the structure 1 1 6 may comprise, at or proximate to the second end 1 13, an off-loading platform 1 1 8 to support material previously deposited on the apparatus 100 that extends beyond the second end 1 13 as such material is offloaded from the apparatus 100. In some example embodiments, the structure 1 16 and/or the off-loading platform 1 18 may comprise at least one cutting element 1 1 9 mounted substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal axis at and/or proximate to (in some example embodiments before or beyond) the second end 1 13. Such cutting element 1 19 may be suitable for cutting the material deposited on the apparatus 100 that extends beyond the second end 1 13 to facilitating off-loading the material from the apparatus 100. In some example embodiments, the cutting element 1 19 comprises a cutting blade that is mounted above or through the off-loading platform 1 18 such that the weight of the material being off-loaded forces the material against the cutting blade to be cut thereby. In some example embodiments the cutting element 1 1 9 is mounted above the apparatus 1 00 and movable downward to cut the material in guillotine fashion. In some example embodiments, the cutting element 1 19 is a stationary blade. In some example embodiments, the cutting element is a cutting disk rotatable about an axis whether unpowered or powered. The web 120 comprises a fabric or felt that overlays and is supported by the first and second platforms 1 14, 1 15 and is moveable by the web-mover 135 therealong. The web 120 supports material that increases in unit weight over time, such as plant growth material and any growing medium associated therewith, that is deposited thereon at an initial point (not shown) proximate to the first end 1 1 1 and moves it along the first platform 1 14 and the second platform 1 15 as the web 120 moves therealong, thus dispensing with the use of expensive and heavy trays.

In some example embodiments, a third pulley 150 may be positioned between and/or beyond the proximate ends of the first and second platforms 1 14, 1 15 at the

intermediate point 1 12 to support travel of the web 120 across the transition between such ends of the first and second platform 1 14, 1 15 across the intermediate point 1 12.

In some example embodiments, the web 120 has a continuous width of substantially 7 feet. In some example embodiments, the web 120 has a width of 82". In some example embodiments, the web 120 may be moisture and/or air permeable, allowing for drainage and reducing the likelihood of mould formation in the plant growth material.

In some example embodiments, the web 120 may be composed of multiple layers of material. In some example embodiments, a bottom layer may be formed of a non- tearing PVC coated nylon or polyester fabric formed as a belt that is welded at its seams for ease of installation, and a top layer is secured thereon that may be formed of a dimpled, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) membrane, such as is commonly used as a moisture barrier and/or foundation wrap. In some example embodiments, the bottom layer may comprise the Airform™ product manufactured by the Monolithic Dome Institute company of Italy, Texas, while the top layer may comprise the Platon™ foundation wrap manufactured by the Armtec Limited Partner Corp. of Concord, Ontario Canada.

In some example embodiments, as shown in Figure 1 , the web 120 may form a closed loop that overlays the first and second platforms 1 14, 1 1 5 and around the first and second pulleys 1 30, 140.

In some example embodiments, a fourth idler pulley 160 may be positioned between the second pulley 140 and the third pulley 150 and proximate to the third pulley 150 to support travel of the web 120 from the underside of the second pulley 140 and below the third pulley 150.

In some example embodiments, a fifth idler pulley 170 may be positioned between the third pulley 150 and the first pulley 130 and proximate to the third pulley 150 to support travel of the web 120 from below the third pulley to the underside of the first pulley 130.

Thus, the web 120 may be urged longitudinally by the web-mover 1 35 or by the mechanical advantage created by the increase in unit weight over time of the material, as discussed herein, from the initial position proximate to the first end 1 1 1 , upward along the first platform 1 14 to the intermediate point 1 12, downward along the second platform 1 15 to the second point 1 1 3, around the second pulley 140, through the structure 1 16 and underneath the second platform 1 15, over the fourth idler pulley 160, past the third pulley 150 and over the fifth idler pulley 170 and underneath the first platform 1 14 to and around the first pulley 130 and back to the initial point.

The fourth and fifth idler pulleys 160, 170 tend to equalize the tension along the web 120. Additionally, re-directing the web 120 back over the fourth and fifth idler pulleys 160, 170 toward the bottom of the first and second platforms 1 14, 1 15 creates space below the web 120 and within the structure 1 16 that may be used for equipment storage and/or to accommodate one or more components of a material depositor 180, including without limitation, a supply auger (not shown), one or more components of a growth processor 195 as discussed below, including by way of non-limiting example, an irrigation sub-system 185 (including without limitation, tubing, circulators and/or pumps), a radiation sub-system 190 (including without limitation a heater for radiantly heating the web 120 through the structure 1 16) as discussed below, and/or for other components ancillary thereto, including without limitation, batteries, timers, sensors and the like. In some example embodiments, the length of the web 120 may be substantially two multiples of a length, designated / in Figure 1 , of material that may be introduced, such as by seeding, at any one time. In some example embodiments, the multiple may be at least the number (N) of time intervals after introduction that the material is ready for offloading such as by harvesting. In some example embodiments, the multiple may be 5 and the time interval duration (D) may be substantially 24 hours. In such example embodiments, the length of the web 120 may be substantially about 80 feet.

In some example embodiments, the web-mover 135 is activated, such as by rotating the second pulley 140 by the crank 141 , to urge the web 120 toward the second end 1 13 from the first end 1 1 1 . Once the web 120 has been moved to a desired position, the web-mover 135 may be deactivated, halting movement of the web 120.

In some example embodiments, the web-mover 135 may be activated periodically to urge the web 120 toward the second end 1 13 from the first end 1 1 1 . In some example embodiments, the web-mover 135 may be activated daily. In some example

embodiments, the web-mover 135 is activated manually. In some example embodiments, the web-mover 1 35 is activated automatically, such as by a timer (not shown).

In some example embodiments, such as when little or no material has been deposited onto the web 120, the movement of the web 120 may be driven primarily or solely by the web-mover 135. In some example embodiments, the crank 141 may be driven manually or under mechanized power.

In some example embodiments, especially when a steady-state situation has been established, in which material has been deposited substantially across the portion of the web 120 lying between the first end 1 1 1 and the second end 1 13, the increase in unit weight over time of the material will be manifested in a difference in unit weight of the material lying between the intermediate point 1 12 and the second point 1 13 and the unit weight of the material lying between the first point 1 1 1 and the intermediate point 1 12.

In some example embodiments, this difference will be sufficient to urge the web 120 toward the second point 1 13 from the first point 1 1 1 without activating the web-mover 135, or in some example embodiments, only activating the web-mover 135 to initiate rotation of the first and second pulleys 130, 140, or in some example embodiments, to reduce the load borne by the web-mover 135.

Turning now to Figure 2, a further example embodiment is shown in which the web 120 has a length that exceeds and may in some example embodiments be at least twice the combined length of the first and second platforms 214, 21 5, with any additional web fabric that extends beyond the first end 1 1 1 being rolled and taken up on the first pulley 130, such as by rotation of a crank 231 thereon, manually or under power, and any additional web fabric that extends beyond the second end 1 12 being rolled and taken up on the second pulley 140, such as by rotation of the crank 141 manually or under mechanized power.

In such example embodiment, an initial configuration may be established where the additional fabric is rolled up on the first pulley 230 by crank 231 . After an initial length / of material is introduced on the web 120 proximate to the first end 1 1 1 and an additional length / of material is to be introduced on the web 120, the web 120 is urged from the first end 1 1 1 to the second end 1 13, with the additional web fabric extending beyond the second end 1 13 being progressively rolled up on the second pulley 140 by crank 141 . Once the initial length of material has progressed to the second end 1 13 to be unloaded, such as by harvesting sprouted fodder or silage, the web 120 may be unrolled from the second pulley 140 and taken up onto the first pulley 1 30 by rotation of crank 231 to return to the initial configuration.

In some example embodiments, rather than unrolling the unloaded web 120 from the second pulley 140 and taking it up on the first pulley 230, the unloaded web 120, with the additional web fabric already taken up on the second pulley 140 may be considered a second initial configuration whereupon a second initial length / of material may be introduced onto the web 120 proximate to the second end 1 13, so that when additional material is to be introduced onto the web 120, the web 120 is urged from the second end 1 13 to the first end 1 1 1 , with the additional web fabric extending beyond the first end 1 1 1 now being progressively rolled up on the first pulley 230 by rotation of crank 231 . Once the second initial introduction of material has progressed to the first end 1 1 1 to be unloaded, such as by harvesting, the web 120 has reverted to the first initial position.

In such example embodiment, because the web 120 is being introduced alternatively from the first end 1 1 1 and then the second end 1 13, the positioning of the intermediate point 1 12 may be substantially midway between the first and second ends 1 1 1 , 1 13 and the length and angles□,□ of the first and second platforms 1 14, 1 15 may be

substantially the same.

A further example embodiment is shown in Figure 3, in which the apparatus 100 may comprise a material depositor 180 mounted above the initial point proximate to the first end 1 1 1 for introducing, over an initial length / of the first platform 1 14 proximate thereto, material that increases in unit weight over time, such as plant growth material. In some example embodiments, the length / may be substantially about 8 feet. In some example embodiments, the depositor 180 may extend over substantially all of this length / of the first platform 1 14 proximate to the first end 1 1 1 . In some example embodiments, the depositor 180 may be periodically activated to dispense material onto the web 120 along only a transverse line at the initial point while the web 120 is moved longitudinally until material is introduced along the length / of the web 120. Once the length / of the web 120 has had material introduced thereon, the depositor 1 80 may be deactivated. In some example embodiments, the depositor is a gravity flow device with a quantifiable flow rate. In such an example embodiment, instead of periodically activating and thereafter deactivating the depositor 180, a measured quantity of material can be introduced, such as, by way of non-limiting example, by activation, for a predetermined length of time of a supply auger (not shown) into the depositor 180 at the time that the material is to begin to be dispensed and dispensing will continue until such time as the depositor 180 is emptied. In some example embodiments, where the material is a sprouting seed that may benefit from pre-soaking, the seed can be combined with water or other liquid in the depositor 180 to effect such pre-soaking, prior to being dispensed.

In some example embodiments, the depositor 180 may be activated periodically to deposit material onto the length / of the web 120. In some example embodiments, the depositor 180 and/or the supply auger (not shown) is activated daily. In some example embodiments, the depositor 180 and/or the supply auger (not shown) is activated manually. In some example embodiments, the depositor 180 and/or the supply auger (not shown) is activated automatically, such as by a timer (not shown). In some example embodiments, the length of time that the depositor 180 and/or the supply auger (not shown) is activated may vary depending upon the size, weight and other characteristics of the material being deposited.

In some example embodiments, the depositor 180 may comprise a seed hopper 181 for depositing plant growth material onto the length / of the web 120. In some example embodiments, the plant growth material may in some example embodiments be a sprouting seed. In some example embodiments, the plant growth material may be barley. In some example embodiments, the plant growth material may be hull-less human variety barley that has a growing cycle, that in some example embodiments corresponds to a 5-day growing cycle (N = 5, D = 24 hours). Those having ordinary skill in this art will appreciate that other varieties of plant growth material may have, benefit from and/or tolerate a growing cycle of having shorter or longer values of N and/or D. In some example embodiments, the plant growth material may be introduced onto a growing medium that is positioned on the web 120. In some example embodiments, the growing medium may be soil. In some hydroponic example embodiments, no growing medium may be employed. Indeed, if the plant growth material is to be provided as fodder to livestock, the use of a growing medium such as soil may substantially render the harvested material unpalatable to the animal.

In some example embodiments, the depositor 180 may comprise a growing medium dispenser 182 positioned proximate to the seed hopper 181 for introducing such growing medium. In some example embodiments, the growing medium dispenser 182 may dispense the growing medium onto the length / of the web 120 before or after the seed hopper 181 deposits plant growth material thereon.

In some example embodiments, the depositor 180 may be positioned substantially about 2" above the web 120.

In some example embodiments, the depositor 180 may be supported on and by the structure 1 1 6. In some example embodiments, the apparatus 100 may comprise at least one growth processor 195 for facilitating an increase in unit weight of the material over time.

In some example embodiments, such growth processor 195 may comprise an irrigation sub-system 185 mounted above the web 120. Each irrigation sub-system 1 85 may be positioned to provide irrigation by the application of moisture to material disposed on part or all of the web 120 lying above the first and second platforms 1 14, 1 1 5. In some example embodiments, multiple irrigation sub-systems 185 may be spaced apart above the first and second platforms 1 14, 1 15. In some example embodiments, the irrigation sub-systems 185 may be spaced apart by a distance substantially corresponding to the length /.

In some example embodiments, the irrigation sub-systems 185 may be activated periodically to direct a mist, spray and/or stream of moisture toward the web 120 and any plant growth material introduced thereon. In some example embodiments, the irrigation sub-system 185 is activated daily. In some example embodiments, the irrigation sub-system 185 is activated between substantially 4 and 8 times per day. In some example embodiments, the irrigation subsystem 185 is activated manually. In some example embodiments, the irrigation sub-system 185 is activated automatically, such as by a timer (not shown).

In some example embodiments, the irrigation sub-system 1 85 may be activated by a humidity and/or moisture sensor when the humidity and/or the moisture of the web 120 and/or the plant grown material deposited thereon, falls below a pre-determined threshold. In some example embodiments, the irrigation sub-systems 185 may direct such mist, spray and/or stream to a portion of the web 120 located substantially directly below it. In some example embodiments, spacing between irrigation sub-systems 185 may be increased by allowing the irrigation sub-systems 185 to direct such mist, spray and/or stream along an arc extending along the longitudinal axis of the base 1 1 0. In some example embodiments, the irrigation sub-systems 1 85 may be positioned substantially 4" above the web 120.

In some example embodiments, the irrigation sub-systems 185 may be supported on and by the structure 1 16.

In some example embodiments, the processor 195 may comprise a radiation sub- system 190. In some example embodiments, the radiation sub-system 190 may be mounted within the structure 1 1 6. Such a radiation sub-system may radiate heat through the aluminum decking of the structure 1 1 6 and/or the first and second platforms 1 14, 1 15 to warm part or all of the web 120 lying above the first and second platforms 1 14, 1 15 and to the material deposited thereon.

In some example embodiments, the radiation sub-system 190 may be mounted above the web 120, and positioned to provide heat and/or light radiation to part or all of the web 120 lying above the first and second platforms 1 14, 1 15 and to the material deposited thereon. In some example embodiments, the radiation sub-system 190 may comprise one or more lights or arrays of lights. In some example embodiments, the radiation sub-system 190 may comprise one or more heaters or arrays of heaters. In some example embodiments, the radiation sub-system 190 may be supported on and by the structure 1 16.

In some example embodiments, the radiation sub-system 190 may be activated periodically to heat and/or light radiation. In some example embodiments the radiation sub-system 190 is activated daily. In some example embodiments, the radiation subsystem 190 is activated manually. In some example embodiments, the radiation sub- system 190 is activated automatically, such as by a timer (not shown).

In some example embodiments, the radiation sub-system 190 may be thermostatically activated when an ambient temperature falls below a pre-determined threshold.

A further example embodiment is shown in Figure 4, in which the apparatus 100 comprises a surrounding enclosure 410. The enclosure 410 comprises side walls 41 1 and first and second end door sets 412, 413 and a cover 420.

The side walls 41 1 extend along the longitudinal axis of the base 1 10, along each side. In some example embodiments, one or more of the side walls 41 1 may comprise one or more side doors 414. The side doors 414 provide access to the structure 1 16 for maintenance or other purposes. In some example embodiments the side doors 414 are outward-opening. In some example embodiments, the structure 1 16 may comprise a floor 415 extending between respective portions of the side walls 41 1 to define one or more cabinets under the structure 1 16 that may provide additional storage of material such as plant growth material and/or growing medium, and replacement components such as webs 120, pulleys 130, 140 and/or sets of wheels 1 17. In some example embodiments, the cabinets may be fitted with one or more shelves (not shown).

The first end door set 412 connects the side walls 41 1 at the first end 1 1 1 to secure and to protect the first pulley 130 from exposure, opening to provide access to the first pulley 130. In some example embodiments, the first end door set 412 comprises a pair of inward-facing doors that open outward. In some example embodiments, the upper contour of the first end door set 412 is shaped to mate with the contour of the cover 420 at the first end 1 1 1 .

In some example embodiments, the first door set 412 encloses a set of steps (not shown) at the first end 1 1 1 to facilitate access by a worker (not shown) to reach the material to be deposited, over the first pulley 130.

The second door set 413 connects the side walls 41 1 at the second end 1 13 to secure and to protect the second pulley 130 from exposure, opening to provide access to the second pulley 140 and to facilitate off-loading, including by way of harvest, of the material from the second end 1 13. In some example embodiments, the second end door set 413 comprises a pair of inward-facing doors that open outward. In some example embodiments, the upper contour of the second end door set 413 is shaped to mate with the contour of the cover 420 at the second end 1 13.

In some example embodiments, the second door set 413 encloses a set of steps (not shown) at the second end 1 13 to facilitate access by a worker (not shown) to reach the material to be off-loaded, such as by harvest, from on top of the second pulley 140. In some example embodiments, the second door set 413 further comprises a bottom landing or step 415 for such purpose. In some example embodiments, the landing 415 is hinged and opens outward and downwardly once the second door set 413 is opened. In some example embodiments, the landing 415 comprises a set of steps (not shown) thereon.

The cover 420 rests on and overhangs the side walls 41 1 to protect the web 120 from exposure. In some example embodiments, the cover 420 is formed of a plurality of hinged or removable components that open upwardly or are removable from above. In some example embodiments, one component extends over the second platform 1 15. In some example embodiments a pair of mutually hinged components extend over the first platform 1 14. Turning now to Figure 5, there is shown a further example embodiment in which the apparatus 500 comprises a plurality of webs 120a, 120b supported by platforms 1 14, 1 15 and pulleys 130, 140, 150 that are disposed substantially vertically one above the other.

In some example embodiments (not shown), each lower web (designated 120a) is provided with its own depositor 180, and/or growth processor 195, which may be mounted under the structure 1 16 supporting the next-upper web (designated 120b).

In some example embodiments, as shown in Figure 5, the stacked webs 120a, 120b are of different length, with the first end 1 1 1 of each first platform 1 14 longitudinally offset such that the initial point proximate to the first end 1 1 1 a of a lower platform 1 14a extends beyond the first end 1 1 1 b of the next upper platform 1 14b in a direction away from the second end 1 13. In this way, the stacked webs 120 can share a common depositor 180 that is longitudinally movable to facilitate introduction of material at the first end 1 1 1 a, 1 1 1 b of each web 120a, 120b.

In some example embodiments, the stacked webs 120 share common irrigation sub- systems 185, taking advantage of the water-permeable nature of the uppermost web 120b employed, so that moisture deposited on the uppermost web 120b drip through the plant growth material and/or growing medium introduced thereon, the return portion of the uppermost web 120b and down onto the next lower web 120a below to irrigate the plant growth material and/or growing medium introduced thereon. In such example embodiments, the use of side walls 41 1 , end door sets 412, 413 and cover 420 facilitate retention of moisture that reduces irrigation demands.

In some example embodiments, the stacked webs 120 share common radiation subsystems 190, especially when the radiation sub-systems 190 radiate heat as opposed to light. In such example embodiments, the use of side walls 41 1 , end door sets 412, 413 and cover 420 facilitate the conservation of the radiated heat energy.

In some example embodiments, radiation assemblies 190 that radiate light may be provided for each stacked web 120. In such example embodiments, such radiation assemblies may be secured to the structure 1 16b below an upper platform 1 14b, 1 15b to provide light radiation to a lower web 120a.

Turning now to Figure 6, there is shown a further example embodiment in which the apparatus 600 comprises a plurality of webs 120 supported by platforms 1 14, 1 15 and pulleys 130, 140, 150 that are disposed horizontally beside one another, in some example embodiments parallel to each other in a direction substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the base 1 10.

In some example embodiments, the webs 120 may share common pulleys 130, 140, 150, especially if the material introduced on different webs 120 is the same and has a common cycle. In some example embodiments, the pulleys 1 30, 140 may be driven concurrently. In some example embodiments, the pulleys 130, 140 may be separately driven. In some example embodiments, the pulleys 130, 140 may be selectively coupled to a driving mechanism that drives one or more of the pulleys 130, 140.

In some example embodiments, the parallel webs 120 share a common depositor 180 and/or growth processor 195. The vertically-stacked webs 120 of the example embodiment of Figure 5 and/or horizontally-stacked webs 120 of the example embodiment of Figure 6 may be suitable, for example, in large farming operations whereby the daily nutritional demands of a herd or part thereof is met by a single web 120, and each of the plurality of webs 120 in stacked disposition provides plant growth material for different days for the herd. Turning now to Figure 7, there is shown, in operation, an initial configuration of a completely unloaded / empty web 120, onto which material that increases in unit weight over time is deposited over an initial length / of the web 120 proximate to the first end 1 1 1 . In the example embodiment shown, the material 700 comprises plant growth material 701 in the form of barley seed deposited by the seed hopper 181 when activated and a growing medium 702 deposited by the growing medium dispensed 82 when activated that collectively comprise the depositor 180. In some example embodiments, the material 700 is introduced along a transverse line along a longitudinal initial point on the web 120 by the depositor 180. The length / of the web 120 is populated with material (designated 700a) by progressively moving the web 120 so that the depositor 180 passes over all of the length / of the web 120 while activated. The web 120 may be moved, by way of non-limiting example, by manually turning the crank 141 to urge the web 120 along its longitudinal path since in this initial configuration, there is no difference in unit weight of the material between the

intermediate point 1 12 and the second end 1 13 relative to the material between the first end 1 1 1 and the intermediate point 1 12.

Once the initial length / of material (designated 700a) has been introduced onto the web 120, the web-mover 135 and the depositor 180 may be deactivated for the balance of the cycle, which in some example embodiments, may constitute 24 hours.

Alternatively, during the balance of the cycle, the web-mover 135 may be activated, such as by turning the crank 141 , to urge the web 120 such that the length / of material 700a is exposed to a growth processor 1 95 such as the irrigation sub-system 1 85 for irrigation and/or to the radiation sub-system 190 for application of heat and/or light energy.

Upon the expiry of the cycle, the web-mover 135 is activated, such as by turning the crank 141 , to urge the web 120, such that none of the length / of material 700a lies beneath the depositor 1 80. Rather, a second length / of the web 120 may have material (designated 700b as seen on Figure 8) deposited thereon by thereafter activating the depositor 180 (and as in the example embodiment shown, the web-mover 135, urging the web 120 along its longitudinal path so that the second length / of the web 120 lies below the depositor 180). In some example embodiments, the second length of material 700b is adjacent to the initial length of material 700a so that when the material 700a, 700b grows, it forms a substantially continuous mat of material 700. In some example embodiments, the second length of material 700b is separated from the initial length of material 700a, such that the material 700a, 700b grows as two separate mats, thus dispensing with cutting (as by cutting element 1 19) or tearing a continuous mat of material 700 at the second end.

Once again, once the second length / of material 700b has been introduced onto the web 120, the depositor 180 and the web-mover 1 35 (unless the mechanical advantage is employed) are deactivated for the balance of the second cycle and/or alternatively the mechanical advantage is employed and/or the web-mover 135 is activated to urge the web 120 to move the second length / of material 700b to be exposed to the growth processor 195 such as the irrigation sub-system 185 for irrigation and/or to the radiation sub-system 190 for application of heat and/or light energy. As a result of the passage of time and the application of moisture through irrigation and of heat and/or light energy, the plant growth material begins to sprout and increase in unit weight as it moves, cycle by cycle, upward along the first platform 1 14 from the first end 1 1 1 toward and past the intermediate point 1 12 and downward along the second platform 1 15 from the intermediate point 1 12 toward the second end 1 1 3. As discussed previously, this increased weight will create, at least in a steady-state configuration, a mechanical advantage that can displace activation of the web-mover 135 or can reduce the load borne by the web-mover 135 when urging the web 120 toward the second end 1 13.

Turning now to Figure 8, there is shown such a steady-state configuration in which a number of cycles has passed, with successive deposits of lengths / of material 700a, 700b, ... 700i (each with successively less unit weight) having been deposited along the web 120 upwardly from the first end 1 1 1 along the first platform 1 14 toward the intermediate point 1 12 and downwardly from the intermediate point 1 12 along the second platform 1 15 towards the second point 1 13. It may be seen that the weight of older material 700a, 700b ... along the second platform 1 15 is greater than the weight of the newer material 700i, 700j ... along the first platform 1 14. This weight difference provides a mechanical advantage that tends to cause the web 120 to be urged along from the first end 1 1 1 toward the second end 1 13, so that the newest length / of material 700j deposited thereon is urged upwardly along the first platform 1 14 even if the web-mover 135 is not activated, or facilitating urging of the web 120 from the first end 1 1 1 toward the second end 1 13 by reducing the load to be borne by the web-mover 135 when activated.

The initial length / of material 700a is positioned proximate to and even overhanging the second pulley 140 and may be off-loaded, such as by harvesting, such as by ripping and/or cutting transversely the continuous mat or simply allowing the separated mat to fall into a collector at the second end 1 13.

The off-loading of the material 700a at the second end 1 13, coupled with the mechanical advantage provided by the difference in unit weight along the first platform 1 14 and the second platform 1 15 opens up space at the first end 1 1 1 for a further length / of web 120 on which new material 700j may be introduced by the material introduction sub-system 180, so that in a steady-state, a substantially unpowered (or reduced power)

continuously operating system for growing plant growth material for fodder purposes is provided. Those having ordinary skill in this art will appreciate that other types of plant growth material may be utilized on the apparatus 100 with similar results, with, in some example embodiments, appropriate adjustments to the dimensions, angle(s), cycle times and the like described herein. For example, numerous types of sprouts are routinely grown for human consumption, including bean sprout and alfalfa sprouts.

Further, other plant growth material may be propagated from seed, including grass seed and vegetable, flower and/or tree seedlings.

Further, those having ordinary skill in this art will appreciate that the material that increases in unit weight over time may comprise material other than plant growth material. For example, in many mechanical and/or chemical processes, progressive layers of material are added over time such as during painting or lacquering material substrates and/or filling containers.

The terms "including" and "comprising" are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean "including, but not limited to". The terms "example" and "exemplary" are used simply to identify instances for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention to the stated instances. In particular, the term "exemplary" should not be interpreted to denote or confer any laudatory, beneficial or other quality to the expression with which it is used, whether in terms of design, performance or otherwise. The terms "couple" and "communicate" in any form are intended to mean either a direct connection or indirect connection through some interface, device, intermediate component or connection, whether electrically, mechanically, chemically, or otherwise.

Directional terms such as "upward", "downward", "left" and "right" are used to refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made unless otherwise stated.

Similarly, words such as "inward" and "outward" are used to refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the device, area or volume or designated parts thereof. Moreover, all dimensions described herein are intended solely to be by way of example for purposes of illustrating certain embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure to any embodiments that may depart from such dimensions as may be specified.

References in the singular form include the plural and vice versa, unless otherwise noted.

As used herein, relational terms, such as "first" and "second", and numbering devices such as "a", "b" and the like, may be used solely to distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element, without necessarily requiring or implying any physical or logical relationship or order between such entities or elements.

All statements herein reciting principles, aspects and embodiments of the disclosure, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future, i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure.

Thus, for example, it will be appreciated that block diagrams reproduced herein can represent conceptual views of illustrative components embodying the principles of the technology.

The purpose of the Abstract is to enable the relevant patent office or the public generally, and specifically, persons of ordinary skill in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to quickly determine from a cursory inspection, the nature of the technical disclosure. The Abstract is neither intended to define the scope of this disclosure, which is measured by its claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of this disclosure in any way.

The structure, manufacture and use of the presently disclosed embodiments have been discussed above. While example embodiments are disclosed, this is not intended to be limiting the scope of the presently described embodiments. It should be appreciated, however that the present disclosure, which is described by the claims and not by the implementation details provided, which can be modified by omitting, adding or replacing elements with equivalent functional elements, provides many applicable inventive concepts that may be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the disclosure, and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. Rather, the general principles set forth herein are considered to be merely illustrative of the scope of the present disclosure.

In particular, features from one or more of the above-described embodiments may be selected to create alternative embodiments comprised of a sub-combination of features that may not be explicitly described above. In addition, features from one or more of the above-described embodiments may be selected and combined to create alternative embodiments comprised of a combination of features that may not be explicitly described above. Features suitable for such combinations and sub-combinations would be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art upon review of the present application as a whole. The subject matter described herein and in the recited claims intends to cover and embrace all suitable changes in technology.

Further, the various elements or components may be combined or integrated in another system or certain features may be omitted, or not implemented. Also, techniques, systems, subsystems and methods described and illustrated in the various

embodiments as discrete or separate may be combined or integrated with other systems, modules, techniques, or methods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Other examples of changes, substitutions, and alterations are easily ascertainable and could be made without departing from the scope disclosed herein.

It will be apparent that various modifications and variations covering alternatives, modifications and equivalents will be apparent to persons having ordinary skill in the relevant art upon reference to this disclosure and the practice of the embodiments disclosed therein and may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein, without departing from the present disclosure, as defined by the appended claims.

Accordingly the specification and the embodiments disclosed therein are to be considered examples only, with a true scope and spirit of the disclosure being disclosed by the following numbered claims:

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1 . An apparatus for longitudinally moving material that increases in unit weight over time from a first end toward a second end, comprising: an elongate base extending between the first and second ends; a web supported by the base and extending longitudinally therealong between the first end and an intermediate point at a first inclined angle and between the intermediate point and the second end at a second declined angle, for bearing the material thereon; a web-mover for urging the web, with material deposited thereon at an initial point proximate to the first end, toward the second end over time; wherein an increased unit weight of the material between the intermediate point and the second end relative to between the first end and the intermediate point facilitates urging the web from the first end toward the second end.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the first inclined angle exceeds the second declined angle.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a first platform

extending between the first end and the intermediate point at the first inclined angle, supported by the base and supporting a portion of the web thereon.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a second platform

extending between the intermediate point and the second end at the second declined angle, supported by the base and supporting a portion of the web thereon.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the first platform has a length that is greater than a length of the second platform.

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 through 5, wherein the web- mover comprises a first pulley at the first end and a second pulley at the second end supporting the web thereon.

7. The apparatus according to any claim 6, wherein the second pulley is larger than the first pulley.

8. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the web-mover comprises a third pulley at the intermediate point for supporting the web thereon.

9. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the web is formed as a loop around the first and second pulleys.

10. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the first pulley takes up a portion of the web that extends beyond the first end and the second pulley takes up a portion of the web that extends beyond the second end.

1 1 . The apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a crank for rotating the first pulley.

12. The apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a crank for rotating the second pulley.

13. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the web-mover is periodically

activated.

14. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 through 13, wherein the web is moisture-permeable.

15. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 through 14, wherein the web is air-permeable.

16. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 through 15, further comprising a depositor for depositing material on the web at the initial point.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the depositor is adapted to deposit material along a length of the web proximate to the initial point.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the depositor is longitudinally

moveable to deposit material along the length of the web.

19. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the depositor is supported by the base above the initial point.

20. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the depositor comprises a seed hopper.

21 . The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the depositor comprises a growing medium dispenser.

22. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the depositor is periodically

activated.

23. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the depositor is activated by

sensor.

24. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 through 23, further comprising a growth processor for facilitating an increase in unit weight of the material deposited on the web over time.

25. The apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the growth processor is supported by the base above the web.

26. The apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the growth processor is supported by the base below the web.

27. The apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the growth processor comprises an irrigation sub-system for applying moisture to the material.

28. The apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the growth processor comprises a radiation sub-system for applying radiation to the material.

29. The apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the radiation is selected from a group consisting of heat, light and any combination of these.

30. The apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the growth processor is

periodically activated.

31 . The apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the growth processor is activated by sensor.

32. The apparatus according to claim 31 , wherein the sensor is selected from a group consisting of a humidity sensor, moisture sensor, thermostat and any combination of any of these.

33. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 through 32, wherein the base supports a second web disposed substantially vertically above the first web, for bearing material thereon.

34. The apparatus according to claim 33, wherein the first end of the first web is adapted such that the initial point of the first web extends beyond the first end of the second web away from the second end.

35. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 through 34, wherein the base supports a second web disposed substantially horizontally beside the first web, for bearing material thereon.

36. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 through 35, wherein the base is wheel-mounted.

37. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 through 36, further comprising an enclosure surrounding the base, web and web-mover.

38. The apparatus according to claim 37, wherein the enclosure comprises at least one side wall.

39. The apparatus according to claim 37, wherein the enclosure comprises at least one end door.

40. The apparatus according to claim 37, wherein the enclosure comprises a cover.