WO2019183734A1 - Apparatus for hydroponic growth of plants - Google Patents

Abstract

There is disclosed an apparatus and method for hydroponic growth of plants. The apparatus includes a tray capable of collecting liquid and a belt having plant support holes. In use, the support holes each support a plant, and the belt moves the plants through the tray of liquid as the plant grows. The apparatus may also include lights positioned above the plants to promote growth of the plants.

Description

APPARATUS FOR HYDROPONIC GROWTH OF PLANTS

BENEFIT OF EARLIER APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from US provisional applications 62/649,749, filed March 29, 2018 and 62/712,667, filed July 31, 2018.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to agriculture, and in particular to hydroponic plant growing systems.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Hydroponic plant growing is a method of maturing plants in a soil free environment. Plants are grown by nourishment and/or watering through an applied solution, without planting in a fixed position in the ground.

Flat Hydroponic Systems

[0004] Some hydroponic systems are flat. In such systems, plants are in set rows, sometimes floating in water, and can move freely along extended spaces. Such operations are often located in greenhouses to extend the growing season. They are also typically substantial in size which enables them to compete with smaller conventional farms in terms of production volume. Deficiencies of the prior art flat hydroponic systems include:

(i) Inefficient use of space, requiring such systems be in rural areas, requiring more heating, lighting, and labour for a larger facility; and

(ii) Inefficient use of water, requiring more water and thereby increasing the weight of the system, making such system difficult to move and install, especially above ground level.

Stacked Hydroponic Systems

[0005] Some hydroponic operations are stacked. Plants are arranged in rows, with water flowing underneath the plant to wet the roots, and planters stacked on top of one another. These systems use artificial lights rather than sunlight to grow the plants and are often set up in warehouses. A stacked hydroponic system can be built in any climate and in any location, while maintaining a constant growing environment. Deficiencies of the prior art stacked hydroponic systems include: (i) Inefficient use of labour, due to plants being static such that in order to reach a plant, a harvester must go to the plant's batch in the system, and remove the batch or each individual plant.

(ii) Inefficient use of space, and difficult and unsafe operation, due to some plants being stacked high off the ground (approximately 6 feet or higher). Accessing the higher plant locations to plant, move or harvest the plants is difficult and unsafe. Many operators simply do not plant higher than they can reach, while others attempt to use a scissor lift or ladders. Only planting as high as harvesters can reach reduces efficiency of space, while the use of ladders or fork lifts presents safety concerns and reduces the efficiency of space of a stacked system.

(iii) Inefficient use of space and light, due to plants being static from seedling to maturity. Small plants are allocated the same amount of space and light required for mature plants.

Vertical Drip Hydroponic Systems

[0006] Some hydroponic systems rely on a vertical positioning of the grow tray, or tower. These systems are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or similar materials, and have a slit in the side for plants to grow upward. The plant growth material is cut to fit in the vertical grow tray. Seeds are planted in the grow material, and water drips down from the top by the use of a pump that circulates the water. The benefit of vertical drip systems is that, relative to the above discussed hydroponic systems, little water is required, and these systems are able to use space more efficiently than flat hydroponic systems. Deficiencies of the prior art vertical drip systems include:

(i) Inefficient use of time and labour, due to the grow trays needing to be disassembled in order to plant seeds or harvest mature plants.

(ii) The grow trays can be 10 to 20 feet tall. Therefore, they require either a large working space next to the plants, or for the harvester to transport the tower to another location in order to harvest and then re-plant. This in an inefficient use of space and labour.

(iii) This system requires a lot of maintenance, for example the growth medium is where the roots expand and it must be cleaned periodically in order to keep the system running smoothly.

(iv) These systems can be used in a greenhouse environment or in a warehouse environment. However, if the system is installed without access to natural light, plants are under the same light source from seedling to full maturity. The intent is to fully light a plant until it is fully matured. However, a seedling does not require the same amount of light as a mature plant.

(v) The initial investment for these systems is often times very high. That can be problematic in a low margin business.

Start-Up Costs

[0007] There are many different hydroponic systems that can be used at home. There are also many different commercial hydroponic systems that can be purchased as complete systems. Complete commercial hydroponic systems are often prohibitively expensive, compounding the expenses of additional space and labour, discussed above.

SUMMARY

[0008] In accordance with a broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for hydroponic growth of plants comprising: a support platform with a first side and a second side opposite the first side; a conveyor positioned across a top of the support platform, the conveyor having a length extending from the first side to the second side, the conveyor having a plurality of plant support holes therethrough along its length, each plant support hole configured to support a plant root structure therein and to support the plant with its roots positioned in the support platform under the conveyor and its foliage above the conveyor; and a driver for the conveyor to move the conveyor in a direction from the first side to the second side, the movement of the conveyor by the driver causing the plant support holes to move from the first side to the second side.

[0009] In accordance with another broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for hydroponic growth of plants comprising: a support platform with a first side and a second side opposite the first side; a first conveyor extending from the first side to the second side, the first conveyor configured to create a drive movement in a first direction from the first side to the second side across the support platform; a second conveyor situated beside the first conveyor, the second conveyor configured to cause a drive movement in a second direction opposite to the first direction, from the second side to the first side; a first light source positioned above the first conveyor, the first light source extending along an axis from the first side to the second side, the first light source being lower at the first side than at the second side; and a second light positioned above the second conveyor, the second light source extending along an axis from the first side to the second side, the second light source being lower at the second side than at the first side. [0010] In accordance with yet another broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for growing plants, comprising: placing a first plant on a first conveyor of a plurality of conveyors at a first end of the plurality of conveyors, and a second plant on a second conveyor of the plurality of conveyors at a second end opposite the first end; driving the first conveyor to thereby move the first plant along a distance defined by movement of the first conveyor, and the second conveyor to thereby move the second plant along a distance defined by the movement of the second conveyor; watering and illuminating the first plant while the first conveyor moves the first plant, and the second plant while the second conveyor moves the second plant; and harvesting the first plant at the second end, and the second plant at the first end.

[0011] It is to be understood that other aspects of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein various embodiments of the invention are shown and described by way of illustration. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other and different embodiments and its several details are capable of modification in various other respects, all within the present invention. Furthermore, the various embodiments described may be combined, mutatis mutandis, with other embodiments described herein. Accordingly the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Referring to the drawings, several aspects of the present invention are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in detail in the figures, wherein:

Fig. l is a side, top perspective view of an embodiment of a hydroponic apparatus;

Fig. 2a is a top plan view of an embodiment of a hydroponic apparatus with multiple belts and plants therein;

Fig. 2b is an end, top perspective, partly cut-away view of a plurality of belts with the belts cut away after the roller/driver;

Fig. 3 is a cross-section elevation view of the apparatus of Fig. 2a along line I-I of Fig. 2a;

Fig. 4 is a cross section side elevation view of a tray;

Figs. 5a and 5b are bottom-up views of two embodiments of plant support spaces in belts;

Fig. 5c is a top plan view of an embodiment of a belt with flexible belt material in use; Figs. 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d are views of a plant growth fixture configured for controlled plant watering;

Fig. 7 is a top plan view of conveyor belts illustrating an embodiment of a lighting configuration;

Fig. 8 is a side elevation view of Fig. 7;

Fig. 9a is a side perspective view of a stacked apparatus with a robotic arm;

Fig. 9b is a perspective view of another stacked apparatus; and Fig. 10 is a schematic view of a germination system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0013] The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to represent the only embodiments contemplated by the inventor. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a comprehensive understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.

[0014] This invention relates to the growth of plants while seeking efficiencies in the use of lights, electricity, space, water, resources, etc. These plants can be used for consumption or otherwise. This automated solution may increase the yield per square foot by relying on efficient positioning and movement of the plants.

[0015] Various embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein address some of the problems faced by the aforementioned prior art hydroponic technologies.

[0016] With reference to the Figs., in one embodiment, the apparatus 100 includes a conveyor 120 mounted above a support platform 110. The conveyor 120 is configured to support movement of a plant 102 along the support platform from one end 112 of the support platform to the other 114. In use, at one end 112, a young plant, herein termed a“seedling”, may be positioned on the conveyor 120 and the plant 102 may be moveable, as driven by the conveyor, towards the other end 114. At the end 114, the plant can be removed from the conveyer, the plant having grown while moving along the support platform. The conveyor, either alone or in combination with a growth fixture, holds the plant and allows it to grow while being moved along the support platform. As such, the apparatus may operate with sources of light and water to support plant growth. In one embodiment, the conveyor 120 is configured to hold the plant 102, while water is provided thereto. In embodiments, the conveyor holds the plant such that (a) its roots are positioned to access a supply of growth liquid 304 in the support platform 110 below the conveyor and/or (b) the plant is exposed to a light source that is closer to the conveyor, and thereby the plant, at the first end than at the end 114. Embodiments such as these and others are described herein after.

[0017] In the illustrated embodiments except Fig. 9b, the support platform is a structure formed as a tray and, so, hereinafter the support platform is generally referred to as a tray 110. However, it is to be understood the support platform may take various forms. A support platform configured as a tray 110 is configured for liquid handling. For example, tray 110 is liquid tight except at possible drains and therefor is configured to handle plant growth liquid such as for example a flow or a depth of plant growth liquid 304. Sometimes the tray is configured to hold or direct liquid over a large area and sometimes the tray is segmented into troughs or occasional gutters, as it described herein below.

[0018] It is to be understood the conveyor may take various forms such as a one or more of a belt, chain drive, springs, ropes, pushers, roller-type conveyors where things are moved by a driver or manually by pushing, floating reservoirs with conveyance paths, etc.. Effectively the conveyor moves or supports movement of the plants through a conveyance path over the support platform while the plant grows. The conveyor is configured to move the plant from one side of the support platform to an opposite side of the support platform and the conveyor is configured to achiveve this movement over a period of time that is a growth period for the plants being moved.

[0019] In the illustrated embodiments except Fig. 10, the conveyor is configured as a belt and, so, hereinafter the conveyor is often referred to as a belt 120. However, it is to be understood the conveyor may take various forms as noted above. As the belt 120 slowly moves, the plant 102 carried by the belt grows. The belt moves the plant 102 from one end of the tray to the opposite end of the tray. Based on the direction of travel, each belt has an initial end 1 l3a, for belt 120 of Fig. 1 its initial end is at end 112 (also referred to as the "starting end"), and a finishing end 1 l3b, which for belt 120 of Fig. 1 is at side 114 of the tray. The speed at which the belt 120 moves from end 112 to end 114 is selected according to the growth characteristics of the plant to be grown, where the initial state of the young plant at the initial end is considered, the desired final growth state at the finishing side 114 is considered and the time taken to grow the plant from the initial state to the desired final growth state is considered to determine a desired growth period, such that the time taken to move a plant from the starting end to the finishing end matches a desired growth period for the plant. This may be from a week to a plurality of months. Assuming a plant seedling is introduced on the starting end, a faster moving belt 120 will yield at the finishing end a less mature plant and a slower belt 120 will yield a more mature plant 102. Once the belt 120 moves the plant 102 to the mature side 114 of the tray, the mature plant 102" may be harvested. The plant 102 need not be removed from the belt 120 or tray 110 midway as it grows. Once the plants 102 are installed on the belt 120, a row of plants 102 in various stages of growth is created, each plant 102 is moved by the belt from one side of the tray to the other, from seedling 102' to maturity 102". Seedlings 102' may be placed on the belt one at a time or in small numbers, at the starting side 112. Once a first seedling 102' has moved length L, being the distance between the centre of two plants 102 at maturity, from the starting end, a second seedling 102' may be placed on the belt at the starting end 112.

[0020] In one embodiment, there is more than one belt as shown in Fig.s 2a & 2b. Belts l20i, l20ii, l20iii, 120h (sometimes neutrally referred to as belt 120) may be positioned substantially parallel with each other and closely positioned alongside each other. Each belt 120 has a width Wb selected to support at least one plant 102 and to retain the belt's structural integrity.

[0021] Where there is a plurality of belts l20i - 120h, their directions of movement may alternate. For example, each belt may be configured to move in the opposite direction of the belt adjacent thereto: one belt l20i moving in one direction l24i (i.e., first side 112 to second side 114) and the adjacent belt l20ii moving in an opposite direction l24ii (i.e., second side 114 to first side 112). This means that starting side 1 l3ai on belt l20i is adjacent finishing side 1 l3bii of the belt adjacent thereto and starting side 1 l3aii on belt l20ii is adjacent finishing side 1 l3bi of the belt l20i. Furthermore, a third belt l20iii on the other side of belt l20ii may move in a direction l24iii, which is opposite to direction l24ii but the same as direction l24i. Thus, seedlings 102' on adjacent belts can be started on opposite ends and move past each other by their respective belts as they grow.

[0022] This allows for more efficient use of space. As will be appreciated, mature plants 102” have a greater foliage diameter Dm than seedlings 102'. If adjacent belts 120 move in the same direction, the plants at maturity could contact and perhaps crowd each other, preventing each other from accessing adequate light, while seedlings would have more light and space than they need.

[0023] As noted, when adjacent belts move in opposite directions, the first belt's finishing end 1 l3bi is beside the second belt's starting end H3bii. A mature plant 102" on the first belt l20i may be adjacent to a seedling 102' on the second belt l20ii. Plants on both belts will be approximately the same size and maturity at midway point 213 between the ends of the parallel belts 120. The apparatus may be configured such that belts 120 are spaced apart a distance B, such that plants 102 at the midway point 213 on adjacent belts l20i, 120U substantially do not contact each other or prevent each other from accessing adequate light. However, even though belts remain spaced distance B, mature plants 102" on first belt l20i have sufficient space because there is only a seedling on the adjacent second belt 120U. In other words, mature plants 102" on a first belt may have a maximum circumference that extends beyond the boundary defined by the edge 128 of the second belt 120U. This does not affect the growth of the seedling 102' of the second belt 120U, since the seedling requires less light than a mature plant 102". This promotes efficient use of space compared to an embodiment where parallel, adjacent belts 120 move in a common direction.

[0024] In one embodiment, each belt 120 has a plurality of plant support holes 126 (or "holes") along the belt’s length between the side edges 128. Each hole 126 is a cutout or aperture that extends through the belt and is wide enough to accommodate passage therethrough of at least one upright plant’s stem and root ball. The holes 126 may be circular (Fig. 2b), square (Fig. 6c), or other shapes. While each belt may include a plurality of plant holes along its length from side 112 to side 114, in one embodiment such as shown in Fig. 1, the belt may have a plurality of plant support holes 126 positioned side by side across the width Wb, while in other embodiments such as Fig. 2b each belt only accommodates a single plant support hole 126 across the width. While a belt that includes a plurality of plant support holes 126 positioned side by side across the width Wb, it has a set side by side spacing of plants such that the spacing must be sufficient to minimize mature plant crowding. However, embodiments such as those of Fig. s 2a and 2b, where each belt only accommodates a single plant support hole 126 across the width, make the best use of space for each plant. In particular, in Fig. 2a and 2b, a mature plant at its finishing end (i.e. 1 l3bii) will only have a seedling on each side thereof, providing sufficient space for healthy growth. Plus, along the length of the belt, while there are a plurality of plant support holes 126, the plant next to the mature plant at its finishing end may be younger and therefore plant to plant crowding along the length of the belt is also mitigated.

[0025] In one embodiment, a hydroponic apparatus 100 may include lighting 130 above the upper surface of the tray 110 and the belts 120. The lighting 130 is thereby above the plants 102 being grown on the belts 120. In one embodiment, these lights 130 may be elongate and mounted to extend with their long axis substantially parallel to the direction of travel, which defines the length or the long axis, of the belts 120. In such an embodiment, lights 130 may be mounted to be closer to the belt 120 at one end 112 of the belt than the other end 114 of the belt 120. If the belt 120 has a starting end 1 l3a defined as where the belt 120 starts moving over the tray 110 and where in use it accepts a seedling 102', and a finishing end 1 l3b, where the belt passes from over top of the tray 110, the lights 130 may be mounted closer to the starting end H3a than to the finishing end H3b. Thus, the lights 103 may be adjusted to be just above the probable height of the plant 102 at various stages of growth from seedling 102' to maturity 102". In such an embodiment, the lights may be sloped as shown or stepped. The lights 130 may be equal to or narrower than Wb such that they fit within the width Wb of a belt, such that even if there are taller plants 102 on adjacent belts 120, the lights 130 can be positioned close to the belt 120 above which it is installed and may actually be lower than the mature plants on adjacent belts. Additionally, lights 130, such as type or numbers, may be selected for intensity or spectrum to supply the minimum requirement for each plant 102 at each level of growth. The plants 102 may, therefore, be provided the appropriate amount of light 130 they require at each stage of growth. The lighting 130 for the plants may be made out of elongate fixtures such as strip LEDs with their length substantially parallel to the length of the belt above which they are mounted. Slanted lighting 130 advantageously makes more efficient use of light and electricity. Where lights 130 are suspended at a constant distance above the belts, they may need to be brighter to deliver light to the seedlings, which are further away from the lights than the mature plants, thereby wasting light. Lighting may be adjustable for example along support structures 131 during the life of the plant during the germination process. When seeds are planted, they may not require light immediately, allowing for the installation of lighting that can match the requirements of the seeds and seedlings over time.

[0026] The hydroponic tray 110 may be segmented into troughs 310, also called channels, for each row of plants 102. The troughs 310 may be aligned beneath the length of each belt 120, below the openings 126 therein. The long side edges 328 of the troughs are raised such that a liquid containing space is defined between long side edges 328 and the ends of the tray 110. Raised side edges 328 between the troughs may be aligned under the side edges of the belts 120. The troughs 310 direct the growth liquid under the belt openings 126, where the plant roots are positioned, and thereby reduce the volume of liquid 304 needed in the tray 110, causing the liquid 304 to be focused where it is accessed by plants 102 and reducing the weight of the whole system 110. Furthermore, any leak will only affect operations in one trough 310, rather than the whole tray 110.

[0027] With a moving belt 120, the younger plants 102 are introduced at a first side 112 and as they grow they are delivered to an opposite second side 114 of the growth tray 110. This allows easy access to older plants 102, which may improve labour efficiency in the planting and harvesting of plants.

[0028] The various components of the apparatus 110, including the tray 110, belts 120, lights 130, etc, can be installed in custom sizes and to custom heights very easily. In one embodiment, components can also be made of adjustably sizeable according to methods known in the art, or be swapped out with different sized components (such as belts 120) to allow the apparatus 110 to be modified according to different plants and the needs of the space in which the apparatus 110 is installed.

[0029] Plant growth liquid 304 can be distributed to the plants 102 in various ways such as by drip or centralized supply. The system can include a plant growth liquid recycle, if desired. Plant growth liquid 304 can take many forms, for example, water or nutrient solutions of various compositions.

Further Details on Various Embodiments

[0030] Fig. 1 shows a side perspective view of the apparatus according to one possible embodiment. The apparatus includes a growth tray 110, one or more conveyor belts 120 with an upper belt surface extending over an open, upper part of the tray 110 and lighting 130 above the belt's 120 upper belt surface. Conveyor belts 120 are each a continuous loop with the lower belt return passing under the tray. Each belt may be configured to move in direction 124 from side to side relative to the tray 110. For example, as shown conveyor belt 120 can move from a starting side 113a on side 112 of the tray to a finishing side 1 l3b on side 114 of the tray. A seedling 102' may be planted in a grow space hole 126 (also referred to as "hole") on the belt 120 on the starting side. Over the course of the plant's growth period, a driver 122 may move belt 120, and thereby the plant 102 from side 1 12 to side 114. The driver may take various forms such as an installed or removable driven roller, wheel, motor, puller, pusher, or gear, which may depend on the type of conveyor.

[0031] At each end of the tray 110 there may be a rollers for accommodating rotation of the belts 120. The belt(s) 120 may be engaged and moved on rollers 123 by driver 122. The belts 120 may be made out of a thin, flexible material, such as a pool liner-like material. The belts 120 may be opaque, rather than transparent or translucent, to prevent roots' exposure to light. The belts 120 may be under tension. That tension need not be sufficient to hold the weight of the plants, since the belts may be supported and as noted, the belt 120 has holes 126 sized such that the plants root ball resides below the belt in the tray and in some embodiments may be supported on and drag along the tray.

[0032] As illustrated in Fig. 3, in one embodiment, plant fixtures, such as pots, boxes, cups, etc are used to hold root ball/growth medium of the plant. In Fig. 3, fixtures are cups 426 (also called "net cups") are used to hold the root ball of the seedling 102' and the cups 426 are installed on the belt 120 so the lip 426a of each cup 426 catches on the belt 120 around each hole 126 and the receptacle 426b of the cup passes down through the hole. In one embodiment, the receptacle size substantially matches and has a snug fit in the hole 126. For example, if the receptacle's outer diameter D just below the lip is two-inches, then the diameter of the round holes 126 for the plant cup should also be about two inches.

[0033] The depth of the cup can be approximately equal to or less than the distance between the bottom of tray 110 and the belt 120. The space between the belt 120 and the bottom of the trough may be selected such that the cup rests on the bottom of the trough or it may be configured to support the plant growth material spaced from the bottom of the trough. In one embodiment, the depth of the cup is selected such that any root ball in the cup will be positioned in the growth liquid of the tray 110. In another embodiment, the depth of the cup is selected such that any root ball in the cup will spaced from both the bottom of the tray and the growth liquid therein.

[0034] Fixtures may be made of a material selected to allow fluid communication between the plant's roots and the growth liquid in the tray 110, such as peat, sponge, tulle, net, or web material. Fixtures may also be made of an impermeable material, possibly with holes or conduits drilled therethrough, or wicks to allow fluid communication from outside to inside the cup.

[0035] The growth medium 103 (not to be confused with the growth liquid) may be introduced to support the growth of the plant and receive the roots. The growth medium can be nutrient-loaded, provide physical support, or can shield the plant roots. The growth medium can be placed around a seedling prior to placement into the hydroponic apparatus. The growth medium may be a component of the material forming the plant cup. The growth medium may itself define the fixture and may be installed directly into the belt 120, without using a cup, if the grow material is sturdy enough to retain form and rigidity over the grow cycle.

[0036] There may be air movement over the plants to support healthy growth. Thus, the apparatus may include a fan 132 installed above the belt 120 to promote air circulation. It may be a fan of any type, plants in adjacent troughs may alternate from mature to seedling which creates space for sufficient movement of air between the plants.

[0037] The tray 110 is filled with hydroponic plant growth liquid. As noted, the growth liquid may be water or may also contain nutrients. Nutrients may be in the growth medium, the liquid, neither, or both.

[0038] There are various ways to apply the plant growth liquid to the plants such as by drip, direct application, or centralized provision and flow. For example, as shown in Figs. 2a and 4, the liquid may be provided to the tray 110 or to the troughs at one or few points 204 and may flow past the plants' roots. For example, the plant growth liquid may be dispensed at one side and they may flow under the plants and the belts 120, and be evacuated (drained, pumped out, etc.) at the other end of the tray 110. There may be a mechanism for evacuation that serves the entire tray such as a drain 202 or an evacuation mechanism, such as drain 402, for each trough. To facilitate operations, drain 202, 402 may direct the liquid to another tray or back to a reservoir. In one embodiment, the tray 110 includes a liquid flow inducer such as a weir, a slight (about 0.5%) grade towards drain 202, 402 to allow the flow of the fluids in the tray 110. Fig. 4 is a cross section side elevation view of tray 110. This Fig. 4 illustrates the flow of liquid 304 through a trough of the tray. While the belts 120 may move in alternating directions above the same tray 110 or troughs, liquid may flow all in one direction, or may alternate in direction for each trough.

[0039] In one embodiment of the present invention, liquid may be introduced into the tray 110 by a drip method, as shown in Figs. 4. In such an embodiment, nutrients can be piped in through a series of pipes and tubing 447, couplings and dispensers 448, the liquid is distributed, such as by spraying or dripping, onto the grow material for the plants. As a result, the plants may also be raised a distance H above the base of the trough 310 and possibly above the water level, allowing the waste or draining liquids to be removed through the possible drains 402 without interacting with other plants. The pipes, couplings and dispensers may be fixed along the trough. Alternately, the couplings may be moveable along the long axis of the trough 310, such as along the direction 124 the belt 120 moves, as determined by its drive roller 122, so that each dispenser can move with a plant 102 as it is moved by the belt 120.

[0040] Liquid may be distributed to plants using a spray-type hydroponic (sometimes called aero- ponic) system. In such an embodiment, dispensers 202 may be configured to distribute the liquid by misting the growth material and roots of the plants. This mechanism may be installed above the belts 120, or below the belts 120 in the trough or tray 110.

[0041] The lighting 130 may be installed in a way that allows the emitted light to be directly above the plant 102 as it matures, for example, in a stepped or an angled fashion as demonstrated in Fig. 1. This may ensure a minimal loss of light between the light source 130 and the plant 102.

[0042] Fig. 7 is a top view of conveyor belts 120 illustrating an example of a lighting configuration. Gradually, additional, larger, or brighter lights 130 may be installed above the belt 120 towards finishing end H3b where the more mature plants are located. For example, as shown in Fig. 7, the starting ends H3ai, H3aii of belts l20i, l20ii may each respectively have one light fixture l30ai, l30aii while finishing ends H3bi, H3bii of belts l20i, l20ii may each have more than one, such as three, light fixtures l30bi, l30bii, respectively. This would ensure that the entirety of each plant is saturated with light at its stage of growth. This will also reduce unnecessary lighting structures and wasted light. Each light 130 may include a strip of light emitting diodes (LEDs). A thinner the lighting structure will allow a more efficient installation and use of vertical space.

[0043] Fig. 8 is the side view of Fig. 7, an embodiment with multiple belts moving in opposite directions. In such an embodiment, where the lights are stepped or sloped from being lower at the starting end and higher at the finishing end, the lights above the plurality of belts crisscross from the side view as shown. For example, if the belts l20i, l20ii alternate in driven direction, their respective lights l30i, l30ii may each be sloped to match the height of the plants as they move from side to side over the tray. This means that lights l30i will slope in one direction while lights l30ii will slope in an opposite direction. In other words, a light l30i above belt l20i that moves in a first direction may slope upwardly from the start end to the finish end and an adjacent light l30ii above belt l20ii that moves in the opposite direction may slope in the opposite direction because its starting end is opposite to the starting end of belt 120L

[0044] As noted above, there may be raised side walls 312 in a tray 110 extending between ends 112, 114 that create troughs 310 therebetween. Thus, the base of the system may be a tray 110 that is larger, for example up to 4 feet wide and 8 feet long and it is segmented into a plurality of individual troughs along the long axis of the apparatus between ends 112, 114. Walls 312 may be integral with the tray 110 or may be a separate component installed thereon. Walls 312 may be secured directly onto the support surface held up by the frame of the shelf. Walls 312 may run parallel to each other, extending from side 112 to side 114. Walls 312 may allow for fluids to enter and exit the tray 110. Where there is a common dispenser 202 for introduction of plant growth liquid to all troughs, there may be routing at an end of the tray 110 to allow distribution of liquid to each trough 310 and the same may be true where there is a common drain. The height of the walls may be substantially the same as the height from the base of the tray 110 to the belt 120. This would prevent moisture from permeating the supporting base material.

[0045] As noted, the belts support and move the plants along the tray. In one illustrated embodiment (Fig. 3), the belts 120 may each run in tracks 331 and 335: top tracks 331 stabilize and support the belt from sagging into the tray and maintain the smooth movement of the belt, and bottom tracks 335 keep the belt 120 from sagging below. [0046] The upper tracks 331 extend continuously or intermittently across the top of the tray along the sides 128 of each belt. In one embodiment, tracks 331 may be mounted on and extend parallel to the walls 312.

[0047] The arrangement of walls 312 and belts 120 may reduce the needs for tracks for the belts 120, thus reducing possible friction and problems. For example, the belt 120 may rest on the sides of the trough, which may prevent sagging of the belt 120. In such an embodiment, width Wb of the belt 120 and the width Wt of the trough may be selected such that the belt is able to rest on the walls.

[0048] As noted, a driver 122 drives the belts 120 to move in a loop around the tray. If there is more than one belt 120, it is recommended to have the opportunity to let the belts 120 rotate independently. With reference to Fig.s 2b and 9b, there may be outer sleeves 123 that support belt 120 thereon but act like bearings and slip over the roller 122. The outer sleeves may rotate independently using bearings to keep the friction low. The mechanized rotation of the inner sleeve may apply a tensioning pressure to the belt 120. On the opposite end of the same belt 120, it overlaps with another idler outer sleeve. The outer sleeves may move independently, allowing the belt l20ii to rotate freely from belts l20i, l20iii directly next to it.

[0049] The driver 122 may be at the end of the apparatus that drives a series belts. In one embodiment, there may be gears and controls that allowing different rates of movement. The belts, such as belts l20i, l20iii moving in one direction may be driven by driver 122 at one end 112 of the apparatus, while the belts l20ii moving in the other direction may be driven by another driver at the other end of the apparatus.

[0050] Fasteners or stoppers 125 may be used to keep the bearing-supported rollers in place and to prevent shifting. Some drives may have drive teeth 127 that engage gear holes in edges of the belt to avoid slipping.

[0051] The rollers and sleeves may be individually configured for each belt 120, such that each individual grow belt 120 may be taken off line without impeding the operation of adjacent belts 120. This is also useful where the tray 110 is segmented into troughs. In such an embodiment, each trough can have a belt 120 driven by its own drive. Thus operations in each trough can be selected independently of other, adjacent troughs. Thus, if there is a problem in one trough, a leak for example, that trough and belt 120 can be shut down without effecting the other troughs of the tray 110.

[0052] The apparatus is intended to mature a plant, for example, during the movement from side 112 to side 114, or vice versa. To continuously grow a plant with, for example, a one month maturation rate, the belt 120 need only complete six rotations per year. This means the belt 120 and roller need not be under high tension, and the driver need not move quickly.

[0053] In one embodiment, the apparatus allows for adjustable spacing of components. For example, the side walls of a tray 110 and the width of the troughs may be adjusted. While a trough of one width may be useful for one plant, a smaller second width may be sufficient for a smaller plant. By providing moveable side walls and troughs, the physical distance between side walls, within a trough and trough- to-trough may be selected to make more efficient use of space and to adjust plant density.

[0054] Figs. 5a-5c show options for adjustable spacing of plant holes 126 wherein a belt l20a is configured to have variable plant hole 126 spacing along the length of belt as it moves across the tray. Such a belt l20a permits variability in spacing of holes 126 and, for example, for larger spacing G2 between holes 126 and thereby between the plants. The belt may be configured such that larger spacings G2 occur in belt 120 at the finishing end H3b, as the plants mature and need more space. Seedlings 102' may be closer together Gl, while mature plants 102" may have more space G2 therebetween to accommodate the greater size Dm of more mature plants. This allows for variable density of plants, and therefore more efficient use of space over a belt with fixed spacing for holes 126. Belt l20a may include a biasing element 528 between holes 126. Two possible belt l20a configurations for the variable plant hole spacing are illustrated herein: one using springs 528' (as illustrated in Fig. 5a) and another using stretchable material 528" (as illustrated in Fig. 5b).

[0055] Figs. 5a and 5b each show a bottom up view of two plant support spaces 126 in belts l20a. The plant support holes 126 are cut in flexible but rigid (non- stretchy) belt material sections 529 and the sections are connected by the biasing element: springs 528' and/or stretchy material 528". In an alternate embodiment, only springs 528' or stretchy material 528" are used, rather than both. The rigid material and the stretchy material may be opaque, or non-translucent, to prevent light transmission to the roots and growth media. The stretchy material can be used alone or in combination with springs.

[0056] Each grow space 126 may be cut from the rigid material relative to the rest of the belt 120 so that the belt remains stable and in place over tray 110 and about the holes 126 and the plants supported therein. Specifically, rigid (non-stretchy) belt material sections 529 may also limit stretch of grow hole 126 and belt 120 to maintain upright plant positioning.

[0057] Using a belt as shown in Figs. 5a and 5b, the driver may be located and to drive the belt from the finishing end that contains the mature plants. When the motor begins to rotate, the most mature plant in the plant support hole closest to end 1 l3b would be the first to move. At that point, the springs or stretchy material connecting the most mature plant to the second most mature plant may stretch to near capacity. The length of the springs or stretchy material and resulting space between the grow spaces may be limited by the tension strength and length of the spring or stretchy material between the two grow spaces.

[0058] As the driver pulls the conveyor belt 120, each spring or section of stretchy material along the conveyor belt 120 may be impacted less and less due to the gradual reduction in force of tension upon each spring or section. The result may be each spring or stretchy material may extend less and less. This would cause the smallest plants to be closest together. The result may increase the quantity of grow spaces on the top of the belt 120 without impacting the quality of the plants or their maturity.

[0059] Figs 6a - 6d show a plant fixture 600 that is configured for controlled plant watering with a tubing 647 and dispenser 648 system. The fixture is a form of cup that includes a rim 626a and a receptacle 626b. Although it is square, it could be other shapes. The fixture includes a hole 626c through a side wall of receptacle 626b that cooperates with dispenser 648. In particular, a plurality of dispensers 648 are installed alongside the conveyor belt 620 on which the fixture is to be used. Each dispenser is flexible and has a range of motion arrow F that allows it to flex out of the way when fixture moves along belt 620 and then flex into hole 626c when fixture becomes aligned with the dispenser. Rim 626a may include a lip for support in a plant growth hole 626 of the belt.

[0060] Belt 620 may move the fixtures along the length of an apparatus from a starting side 1 l3a to a finishing side of the belt, according to its direction of travel. The driver for the belt may be selected to move in a plurality of steps, such that there are periods of movement and periods of stops. In such an embodiment, the dispensers may be aligned to snap into place in a hole 626c and remain in place during a stop phase. Plant growth liquid may then be efficiently injected to the fixture while the fixture is stopped.

[0061] The fixture and watering system may permit a very controlled watering regime. In one embodiment, for example, each dispenser 648 has a flow regulator 649.

[0062] Further, in one embodiment shown in Fig. 6d, fixture 600 can be provided with a growth and water handling insert for beneficially supporting growth of a plant 102. The insert may include a plant growth material 690 such as in the form of a substrate mat for root growth. The insert may further include a riser 692 with a platform and lower legs extending therefrom. Riser 692 is positioned in the bottom of the receptacle and while plant and items such as material 690 are supported on the platform, the legs create an air pocket and reservoir below riser 692 where reserve liquid 304 can reside. The plant’s roots can grow through material 690 and the platform to reach the liquid, but the material 690 is supported from soaking in the water, which assist plant growth. In particular, plant growth liquid from dispenser 648 can wick across material 690 and any excess fills the lower reservoir and is accessible to the plant’s roots. But an air gap 305 may remain between material 690 and liquid 304. In one embodiment, the insert may further include a lid 693 over substrate material 690 that limits evaporation but has a hole through which the plant’s stem/foliage grows and receives light.

[0063] The receptacle may contain water and as such, there may be no requirement for a tray, drains, etc. other than to control spills.

[0064] While only one plant is shown in the illustrated fixture 600, such a fixture may be useful for the growth of more than one plant such that it takes the form of a flat, such as is shown in Fig. 9b (middle level) and Fig. 10.

[0065] The starting end to finishing end length of the tray 110 can be adjusted to meet the size of the space in which the system is being installed. In one embodiment, there is a space (for example, approximately 4 ft (1.2 m)) on each end of the system, from the end of the roller and belt 120 to the confining limiter, such as a wall or fence.

[0066] The tray 110 and its frame can be made out of various materials. In one embodiment, the frame, tray 110, or both are constructed using angle iron and metal for its durability and mould resistance. A liner is placed over the metal construction. The frame may be fastened to a vertical supporting structure, which can also be made of angle iron. The frame may be fastened to the vertical support using an adjustable system, such as a bolt.

[0067] Figs. 9a and 9b show embodiments of a stacked apparatus 900. Due to the compact and lightweight nature of the system, a number of apparatus may be stacked one upon the other. This allows the growth of many plants on a single tower. With a stackable module 900, systems may be lightweight and can be installed in many different scenarios and environments. This would allow each stacked tray 110 or shelf to be adjustable for various plants when needed. When stacked, drains can readily be directed to supply a tray below and the underside of an upper apparatus 906 can act as the support for lights and fans.

[0068] While manual placement of seedlings and manual harvesting is easy, the apparatus facilitates mechanization. There may be for example, be a mechanized apparatus, for example robotic arm 943, at each end to introduce and harvest plants to/from the belts. The robotic arms may be installed on elevator systems such as gear system 944, or that the system utilizes large robotic arms. If the robotic arm is on an elevator, the height of the system is not a concern for accessing the plants. The robotic arm may have specific locking points in reference to each rack 906 its tray 110. The robotic arm may therefore be able to transplant seedlings and harvest at each tray 110.

[0069] Racks may be adjustable in height, such height being selected depending on the height of a given plant at the finishing side.

[0070] Fig. 9b show alternate embodiments of support platforms/conveyors on the middle and highest levels. On these levels, conveyors are used that support the plants above the conveyor. There are no plant growth holes and the plants do not have roots below the conveyor, specifically the conveyors are illustrated as solid belts. On these levels, the plants are contained in single or multi plant growth fixtures such as pots or buckets (highest level) or flats (middle level). The plant growth fixtures are supported on and moved by the conveyors. In Fig. 9b, each conveyor does support plants and is configured to move in an opposite direction to the conveyors on its two sides to spread out foliage and to gain benefit from dispersed foliage density. Also in Fig. 9b, the middle and upper levels have trays with only occasional gutters. In this regard, a gutter is positioned alongside and running parallel to each conveyors and the gutter is positioned to align with drains, such as holes or syphons, in the plant growth fixtures carried on the conveyor and/or under watering supply lines, to collect drainage or leaks. The gutters lead to a collection drain.

[0071] The apparatus may include a higher density plant growing system such as a germination system. As shown in Fig. 9b middle level and Fig. 10, higher density plant growing system may use a large flat-type growth fixtures. The system of Fig. 10 has a large liquid reservoir 1210, which may be large enough to contain the water required. Since the reservoir has a large footprint, it may not be required to be as deep or cumbersome as other tank based reservoirs.

[0072] For higher density plant growing systems, a plurality of plants, seeds or cuttings may be planted in large flats. Such a system may also be useful growing up seedlings or for multi-harvest plants such as lettuce, where the plant can be grown while being conveyed along one length of the apparatus, clipped when it reaches the other side and then sent back on an adjacent conveyed path to grow again. The flats may be moved in rows in alternating directions through conveyed paths by conveyors such as by belts, chain drives or floating and pushing, while receiving plant growth liquid via a watering system or from the reservoir and while being illuminated, as for example, by a lighting system supported above 906 the conveyed paths. The lighting system includes a light source (i) positioned close to the conveyor/reservoir, and specifically the plant grow material or foliage, at a starting end of the conveyed route and (ii) that has an increased distance from the conveyors/reservoir with increased distance along the conveyed path from the starting end.

[0073] In Fig. 10, the germinating plants may start in a seeding station, which may or may not be located in the reservoir depending on space. There may be a seeding station at each side of the system to serve the conveyance paths starting from each side. The germination flats 1282 may float in the water and be pushed along. Clips may be used to secure the flats together so they move as a train in sequence. Alternately, there may be a mechanized driver that move the flats along the reservoir. Space may be limited, so a configuration may be required to ensure there are enough trays in the water, including managing the space between each tray. Since the intent is to germinate enough seeds to fill other shelves in the apparatus, calculations may be required to ensure proper spacing and/or sufficient number of seedlings germinating required to fulfill the demand of the growing shelves.

[0074] The seeding station for the germinating system may use an individual seeding machine 1280, equipped with one or more hoses 1279 connected to various individual seed hoppers. The system may seed and grow multiple types of plants. The grow material 1281 may be configured in a grid-like fashion. This may allow the computer system to track the location of each plant type. This may allow clear, mathematical, logical movement of plants in the transplanting and harvesting further down the production line: The computer will be configured to identify and track plants for accurate harvesting. Once the right seeding has taken place, the seeding station may move the germination tray into the reservoir 1283 and water 1204.

[0075] During the transition from the germination stage in the reservoir to being moved into the belts 120 for growth. The germination tray may be moved out of the reservoir by a mechanical system. It may come to rest on a flat surface intended for temporary holding of the germination tray. At this point, the germination tray may contain grow material with seedlings. Each seedling may be moved from the germination tray. If the grow material is soft, then a net cup may be required. A robotic hand may pull a net cup from a net cup dispenser, or it may be a complete mechanism to dispense the net cups. Once an individual net cup has been dispensed, the robotic hand may grab an individual seedling and place it in the individual net cup. After the seedling has be moved to the net cup, it can be moved by the robot to the grow space that is available on the grow shelves above. Alternatively, if the grow material is rigid and a net cup is not required, the robot may make the transfer directly from the germination tray to the grow space on the shelves above. Once this process is complete, the germination tray may be moved off the flat surface to allow room for the next germination tray. [0076] The system may be installed under a shelving system in place. The lighting may be installed just under the bottom of the shelves. Similar to lighting for the rest of the apparatus, lighting may come from LED strips or other sources. The germination trays may float in the water in the reservoir. As the germination tray moves in either direction, the grow material may contain seed, which may in turn become seedlings.

[0077] Potential applications of the present invention include:

(i) Installation in a shipping container.

(ii) Installation in a warehouse.

(iii) Installation in a greenhouse.

(iv) Installation on a rooftop.

Clauses

[0078] Clause 1. An apparatus for hydroponic growth of plants comprising: a support platform with a first side and a second side opposite the first side; a conveyor positioned across a top of the support platform, the conveyor having a length extending from the first side to the second side, the conveyor having a plurality of plant support holes therethrough along its length, each plant support hole configured to support a plant root structure therein and to support the plant with its roots positioned in the support platform under the conveyor and its foliage above the conveyor; and a driver for the conveyor to move the conveyor in a direction from the first side to the second side, the movement of the conveyor by the driver causing the plant support holes to move from the first side to the second side.

[0079] Clause 2. The apparatus of any one or more of clauses 1-25, further comprising a speed of the driver being selected such that the time it takes for a first plant support hole to go from the first side to the second side is a growth period.

[0080] Clause 3. The apparatus of any one or more of clauses 1-25, further comprising a second conveyor with a second plurality of plant support holes extending from the first side to the second side, alongside and substantially parallel with and driven to move from the first side to the second side across the support platform; and a second conveyor situated beside the conveyor that moves in an opposite direction, from the second side to the first side.

[0081] Clause 4. The apparatus of any one or more of clauses 1-25, further comprising a plurality of lights; and wherein, for each of the conveyors, one or more lights of the plurality of lights are positioned above each conveyor, the one or more lights extending from the first side to the second side.

[0082] Clause 5. The apparatus of any one or more of clauses 1-25, wherein the one or more lights are lower at either the first side or the second side.

[0083] Clause 6. The apparatus of any one or more of clauses 1-25, further comprising a light positioned above the top of the support platform extending from the first side to the second side.

[0084] Clause 7. The apparatus of any one or more of clauses 1-25, wherein the light is lower at the first side than the second side.

[0085] Clause 8. The apparatus of any one or more of clauses 1-25, wherein the light is a strip light.

[0086] Clause 9. The apparatus of any one or more of clauses 1-25, wherein the support platform is sectioned into troughs, each trough having a first side wall and a second side wall, the first side wall and the second side wall each extending in a substantially parallel configuration between the first side and the second side of the support platform, and the conveyor's width extending from the first side wall to the second side wall.

[0087] Clause 10. The apparatus of any one or more of clauses 1-25, wherein the troughs are narrower than the conveyor, and the conveyor is supported on the first side wall.

[0088] Clause 11. The apparatus of any one or more of clauses 1-25, further comprising a cup with a receptacle portion, an opening to the receptacle, and a rim around the opening; the cup removably positioned in each plant support hole with the receptacle below and the rim above.

[0089] Clause 12. The apparatus of any one or more of clauses 1-25, wherein the conveyor further comprises a biasing element between two adjacent support holes, allowing the conveyor to resiliently increase in length between the two adjacent support holes according to the conveyor's tension between the two adjacent support holes.

[0090] Clause 13. The apparatus of any one or more of clauses 1-25, wherein the biasing element is one or both of a stretchable material or a spring.

[0091] Clause 14. The apparatus of any one or more of clauses 1-25, wherein a width of the conveyor accommodates one plant support hole.

[0092] Clause 15. The apparatus of any one or more of clauses 1-25, wherein the plant support holes are arranged in a line extending along the conveyor's length. [0093] Clause 16. The apparatus of any one or more of clauses 1-25, wherein the conveyor is solid over the support platform except where the plant support holes are located.

[0094] Clause 17. The apparatus of any one or more of clauses 1-25, further comprising a space between the conveyor and a floor of the support platform, the plant's roots being positioned below the conveyor.

[0095] Clause 18. The apparatus of any one or more of clauses 1-25, wherein the plant support holes move with the conveyor relative to the support platform.

[0096] Clause 19. The apparatus of any one or more of clauses 1-25, further comprising a dispenser for dispensing water directly into to the plant cup, the dispenser installed alongside the conveyor.

[0097] Clause 20. An apparatus for hydroponic growth of plants comprising: a support platform with a first side and a second side opposite the first side; a first conveyor extending from the first side to the second side, the first conveyor configured to create a drive movement in a first direction from the first side to the second side across the support platform; a second conveyor situated beside the first conveyor, the second conveyor configured to cause a drive movement in a second direction opposite to the first direction, from the second side to the first side; a first light source positioned above the first conveyor, the first light source extending along an axis from the first side to the second side, the first light source being lower at the first side than at the second side; and a second light positioned above the second conveyor, the second light source extending along an axis from the first side to the second side, the second light source being lower at the second side than at the first side.

[0098] Clause 21. A method for growing plants, comprising: placing a first plant on a first conveyor of a plurality of conveyors at a first end of the plurality of conveyors, and a second plant on a second conveyor of the plurality of conveyors at a second end opposite the first end; driving the first conveyor to thereby move the first plant along a distance defined by movement of the first conveyor, and the second conveyor to thereby move the second plant along a distance defined by the movement of the second conveyor; watering and illuminating the first plant while the first conveyor moves the first plant, and the second plant while the second conveyor moves the second plant; and harvesting the first plant at the second end, and the second plant at the first end.

[0099] Clause 22. The method of any one or more of clauses 1-25, wherein illuminating includes operating a light positioned above the conveyor.

[0100] Clause 23. The method of any one or more of clauses 1-25, wherein illuminating further comprises positioning the light to be lower at the first end than the second end. [0101] Clause 24. The method of any one or more of clauses 1-25, wherein driving further comprises selecting a speed for the conveyor's movement relative to the support platform according to the plant's desired maturity from placing to harvesting.

[0102] Clause 25. The method of any one or more of clauses 1-25, wherein the first conveyor includes a hole, the hole being configured to support the first plant's foliage above the hole while the first plant's roots are positioned under the first conveyor; and wherein placing further includes placing the first plant in the first conveyor's hole.

[0103] The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. While various embodiments are described an illustrated individually, it is to be understood that the described elements of the individual embodiments can be combined in various ways. Various modifications to those embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular, such as by use of the article "a" or "an" is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless specifically so stated, but rather "one or more". All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various embodiments described throughout the disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are intended to be encompassed by the elements of the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 USC 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase "means for" or "step for".

Claims

1. An apparatus for hydroponic growth of plants comprising: a support platform with a first side and a second side opposite the first side; a conveyor positioned across a top of the support platform, the conveyor having a length extending from the first side to the second side, the conveyor having a plurality of plant support holes therethrough along its length, each plant support hole configured to support a plant root structure therein and to support the plant with its roots positioned in the support platform under the conveyor and its foliage above the conveyor; and a driver for the conveyor to move the conveyor in a direction from the first side to the second side, the movement of the conveyor by the driver causing the plant support holes to move from the first side to the second side.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a speed of the driver being selected such that the time it takes for a first plant support hole to go from the first side to the second side is a growth period.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second conveyor with a second plurality of plant support holes extending from the first side to the second side, alongside and substantially parallel with and driven to move from the first side to the second side across the support platform; and a second conveyor situated beside the conveyor that moves in an opposite direction, from the second side to the first side.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a plurality of lights; and wherein, for each of the conveyors, one or more lights of the plurality of lights are positioned above each conveyor, the one or more lights extending from the first side to the second side.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the one or more lights are lower at either the first side or the second side.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a light positioned above the top of the support platform extending from the first side to the second side.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the light is lower at the first side than the second side.

8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the light is a strip light.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support platform is sectioned into troughs, each trough having a first side wall and a second side wall, the first side wall and the second side wall each extending in a substantially parallel configuration between the first side and the second side of the support platform, and the conveyor's width extending from the first side wall to the second side wall.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the troughs are narrower than the conveyor, and the conveyor is supported on the first side wall.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a cup with a receptacle portion, an opening to the receptacle, and a rim around the opening; the cup removably positioned in each plant support hole with the receptacle below and the rim above.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the conveyor further comprises a biasing element between two adjacent support holes, allowing the conveyor to resiliently increase in length between the two adjacent support holes according to the conveyor's tension between the two adjacent support holes.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the biasing element is one or both of a stretchable material or a spring.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a width of the conveyor accommodates one plant support hole.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plant support holes are arranged in a line extending along the conveyor's length.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the conveyor is solid over the support platform except where the plant support holes are located.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a space between the conveyor and a floor of the support platform, the plant's roots being positioned below the conveyor.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plant support holes move with the conveyor relative to the support platform.

19. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a dispenser for dispensing water directly into to the plant cup, the dispenser installed alongside the conveyor.

20. An apparatus for hydroponic growth of plants comprising:

a support platform with a first side and a second side opposite the first side;

a first conveyor extending from the first side to the second side, the first conveyor configured to create a drive movement in a first direction from the first side to the second side across the support platform; a second conveyor situated beside the first conveyor, the second conveyor configured to cause a drive movement in a second direction opposite to the first direction, from the second side to the first side;

a first light source positioned above the first conveyor, the first light source extending along an axis from the first side to the second side, the first light source being lower at the first side than at the second side; and

a second light positioned above the second conveyor, the second light source extending along an axis from the first side to the second side, the second light source being lower at the second side than at the first side.

21. A method for growing plants, comprising:

placing

a first plant on a first conveyor of a plurality of conveyors at a first end of the plurality of conveyors, and

a second plant on a second conveyor of the plurality of conveyors at a second end opposite the first end;

driving the first conveyor to thereby move the first plant along a distance defined by movement of the first conveyor, and

the second conveyor to thereby move the second plant along a distance defined by the movement of the second conveyor;

watering and illuminating the first plant while the first conveyor moves the first plant, and

the second plant while the second conveyor moves the second plant; and

harvesting

the first plant at the second end, and

the second plant at the first end.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein illuminating includes operating a light positioned above the conveyor.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein illuminating further comprises positioning the light to be lower at the first end than the second end.

24. The method of claim 21, wherein driving further comprises selecting a speed for the conveyor's movement relative to the support platform according to the plant's desired maturity from placing to harvesting.

25. The method of claim 21, wherein the first conveyor includes a hole, the hole being configured to support the first plant's foliage above the hole while the first plant's roots are positioned under the first conveyor; and wherein placing further includes placing the first plant in the first conveyor's hole.