WO2022074668A1

WO2022074668A1 - Moving sheet aeroponics

Info

Publication number: WO2022074668A1
Application number: PCT/IN2021/050499
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gosakan Aravamudan
Original assignee: Gosakan Aravamudan
Priority date: 2020-10-07
Filing date: 2021-05-22
Publication date: 2022-04-14

Abstract

Described herein is an apparatus for growing plants. A framework supports a flexible continuous sheet 104 supporting live plants 202. Rotary guides 1001 supports said continuous sheet 104 positioned on the framework. The rotary guides are fixed in position in the framework guiding the continuous sheet to follow a closed fixed path along a multiplicity of turns. Thereby, the plants are guided and moved through a multiplicity of growing environments in a closed fixed path. The closed fixed path encompasses an internal misting cavity for roots of the plants 202. The plants 202 are positioned in plugs 101 on the continuous sheet 104. Internal misters 401 are positioned on the framework within the internal cavity spraying pressurized water based nutrient mix to the roots. A motor drives the rotary guides. A pump pressurizes water based nutrient mix to the misters. The apparatus for growing is automated using solenoid valves, controller(s), wiring, pressure switch, pressure regulators, pump and other active components.

Description

Title: MOVING SHEET AEROPONICS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS:

This application is a PCT application that claims priority to and the benefit of the provisional patent application titled "Vertical Aeroponics System", application number 202041043646 , filed with the Indian Patent Office on Oct 07,2020 and the provisional patent application titled "Aeroponics System with horizontal movement" application number 202141014411, filed with the Indian Patent Office on 30 March 2021. The specification of the above referenced patent application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention in general relates to an apparatus for growing plants, and specifically refers to a moving sheet vertical aeroponic plant growing system.

BACKGROUND

The Covid pandemic has exposed the vulnerability of the food system, and has reinforced the need to grow food locally. In order to grow food locally, at the point of consumption or near the point of consumption, and to be economically comparable to regular agriculture field production, the productivity of locally grown food must be high, planting density must be extremely high and the energy consumption must be low. There is an unmet need to increase the density of planting in orders of magnitude more than the productivity of existing agricultural and the currently available controlled environmental agriculture systems. A salad green or vegetable that is just harvested from the plant, and that is consumed immediately tastes fresh and delicious. The moment the root stock of the plant is cut and there is a delay in consumption, the leaves loses their freshness, crispness and taste. There is an unmet need to provide live fresh plants to customers in stores. Current agricultural system involve plantations in fields with transport taking time in the order of weeks or days over long distances.

With the given agricultural productivity per acre of land, by 20250 we will run out of agricultural land to feed the growing population. There is an urgent need to develop growing systems with increased productivity. In addition to the lack of sufficient arable land by 2050, we may run short on energy for agricultural activities. In parallel, there is a need to reduce the labour required for farming. There is an urgent need to bring in automation even in developing countries. We are running out of fresh water for farming operations, and we need to find a way to grow food even in desert like conditions through a highly productive version of controlled environment agriculture (CEA). For example, in the current 40 ft container farms, the number of plants grown (including seedlings) is about 4000 to 8000. We need to double or triple the number of plants grown to make CEA more economically viable. We need to provide people the ability to grow food indoors within the premises of their house. We need to reduce pollution and waste as a result of fertilizer application. Currently, wasted fertilizer runoff in fields equates to almost 40 to 60%. This runoff causes water pollution in rivers downstream. We need to reduce or eliminate pesticide application. We need to grow plants throughout the year, with multiple crop cycles.Plant tissue culture based propagation is essential for food security and propagation of rare plants. In the existing techniques of hardening the tissue culture plantlets, there is significant plant mortality in stage 3 and stage 4 of hardening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates the vertical rotary flexible sheet aeroponics system with two rotary guides.

FIG. IB illustrates the horizontal rotary flexible sheet aeroponics system with two rotary guides.

FIG. 2 illustrates the horizontal rotary flexible sheet aeroponics system with more than two rotary guides.

FIG. 3A illustrates a top view of the rotary guide with supporting pulleys.

FIG. 3B illustrates a frontal view of the rotary guide with supporting pulleys.

FIG. 4A illustrates in one embodiment, the horizontal interior positioning of the misters within the aeroponics system.

FIG. 4B illustrates in another embodiment, the vertical interior positioning of the misters within the aeroponics system.

FIG. 5A illustrates a removable plug of the aeroponics system.

FIG. 5B illustrates a plug integrated into the sheet of aeroponic system.

FIG. 5C illustrates a thick lightweight expanded flexible plastic foam sheet with angularly positioned holes 502 to hold the plant.

FIG. 6A illustrates the positioning of the LED lights between two facing sheets.

FIG. 6B illustrates the positioning of focus LED lights between two facing sheets.

FIG. 7A illustrates an automated method of inserting seeds into the plug holes.

FIG. 7B illustrates an automated method of harvesting. FIG. 8 illustrates an apparatus for growing live plants and dispensing fresh salad greens to a customer in a store.

FIG. 9 illustrates the automation system for multi-zonal controlled environment agriculture.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary rotary guide.

FIG. 11 illustrates a vertically moving sheet system with ties for supporting the plants from dislodging from the sheet when the belt moves. This is applicable when the plants are heavy and there is a risk of dislodging from the belt.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The moving sheet vertical aeroponics apparatus disclosed herein addresses the above unmet needs.

The aeroponics apparatus maybe operated indoors, in a greenhouse, or outdoors. Described herein is an apparatus for vertically growing plants. A rotary guides supports a continuous sheet positioned on the framework. The rotary guides are fixed in position in the framework guiding the continuous sheet to follow a closed fixed path along a multiplicity of turns. Thereby, the plants are guided through a multiplicity of growing environments in a closed fixed path. The closed fixed path encompasses an internal misting cavity for roots of the plants. The plants are positioned in plugs on the continuous sheet. Internal misters are positioned on the framework within the internal cavity to spray pressurized water based nutrient mix to the roots. A collection tank(s) positioned under the sheet receiving the excess water based nutrient mix. A motor drives the rotary guides. A pump pressurizes water based nutrient mix to the misters. The apparatus for growing plants contains electronics such as solenoid valve, controller, wiring, pressure switch, pressure regulators, pump and other active components. A water pressure accumulator tank is preferably included. The overflow water from the sheet is filtered through a fine filter and then stored in a nutrient solution reservoir.

The moving belt of the aeroponics systems disclosed herein allows significantly higher productivity than traditional agriculture.The moving belt of the aeroponics systems disclosed herein allows automation for both planting and harvesting. The moving belt of plants ensures that light is adequately supplied to the plant as the plant moves through different illumination zones. It also enables light sources to be placed very close to the plants, and this results in 30% space savings when compared to existing vertical farming systems.

In one aspect, the aeroponics system uses less than 5 to 10 % of the water normally used to grow plants in soil. In another aspect, the aeropincs system disclosed herein used 30 to 60% or less fertilizer than in land farming. In another aspect, the aeroponics system disclosed herein enables people to grow food indoors within the premises of their house or in a greenhouse. In another aspect, the aeroponics system disclosed herein enables live plant or salad dispensing in stores. In another aspect, the aeroponics system disclosed herein enables accelerated growth of stage 3 and stage 4 plantlets in plant tissue culture. The moving belt aeroponic unit disclosed successfully grows delicate tissue culture plantlets in stage 3 and stage 4. It reduces the mortality rate of tissue culture plantlets in stage 3 and stage 4 in the hardening stage. In another aspect, the aeroponics system disclosed herein substantially reduces or eliminates pesticide and herbicide application. In another aspect, the aeroponics system disclosed herein enables the growth of plants throughout the year, with multiple crop cycles.

In another aspect, in the aeroponics system disclosed herein, software intelligence and automation is applied to optimize plant growth.

The live plant dispenser disclosed herein allows the customer to either harvest the leaves directly from the unit, or allows them to pull the entire plants with its root off the unit. The roots are devoid of soil or media, or have very less media, for example less than a gram in weight for each plant. In the live plant dispenser disclosed herein, live plants with roots are on a moving belt. The belt may move vertically or horizontally. In the case that the live plant dispenser is used in a store, when a significant number of the plants are removed and gaps occur, parts of the belt may be replaced with new belts full of live plants. These new live belts of plants may be grown close by locally, and then transported to the store to replace the empty sections of the belt.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The presently disclosed subject matter now will be described more fully herein- after with reference to the accompanying Figures, in which some, but not all embodiments of the inventions are shown. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. The presently disclosed Subject matter may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Indeed, many modifications and other embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the presently disclosed subject matter pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated Figures. Therefore, it is to be understood that the presently disclosed subject matter is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Described herein is an apparatus for growing plants. FIG. 1A illustrates the vertical rotary flexible sheet aeroponics system with two rotary guides 1001 (not shown). FIG. IB illustrates a horizontal rotary flexible sheet aeroponics system with two rotary guides 1001. FIG. 2 illustrates a horizontal rotary flexible sheet aeroponics system with more than two rotary guides. FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary rotary guide. In the vertically moving belt system, the rotary guides 1001 are discs mounted on a central shaft that rotates the discs, and the moving sheet that rests on the discs move when the disc is rotated. A framework 102 supports a flexible continuous sheet 104 supporting live plants. Rotary guides support the continuous sheet 104 positioned on the framework. In the horizontally moving belt aeroponic system, the rotary guides are located on a framework guiding the continuous sheet to follow a closed fixed path along a multiplicity of turns. Thereby, the plants are guided through a multiplicity of growing environments in a closed fixed path, plants move on a horizontal path. The closed fixed path encompasses an internal misting cavity for roots of the plants. The plants are positioned in plugs 101 on the continuous sheet 104. Internal misters 401 are positioned on the framework 102 within the internal cavity to spray pressurized water based nutrient mix to the roots. FIG. 4A illustrates in one embodiment, the horizontal interior positioning of the misters 401 within the aeroponics system. FIG. 4B illustrates in another embodiment, the vertical interior positioning of the misters 401 within the aeroponics system. A collection tank 103 or a plurality of tanks are positioned under the sheet 104 for receiving the excess water based nutrient mix. A motor drives the rotary guides. A pump pressurizes water based nutrient mix to the misters 401. The apparatus for growing plants contains electronic and components such as solenoid valve, controller, wiring, pressure switch, pressure regulators, pump and other active components. A water pressure accumulator tank is preferably included. The overflow water from the sheet is filtered through a fine filter and then stored in a nutrient solution reservoir. The pump, for example in the pressure range 100 to 150 psi range, pumps the nutrient solution; and the misters 201 dispense fine droplets in the root zone, i.e. in the cavity between the sheets. pH and the electrical conductivity of the nutrient solution are monitored and regulated.

There are two embodiments of rotary guides 201. In a first embodiment, the rotary guides are discs that frictional ly engage the sheets and drive the movement. This is applicable to tough fiber reinforces plastic sheets. FIG. 3A illustrates a top view of the rotary guide 201 with supporting pulleys. FIG. 3B illustrates a frontal view of the rotary guide 201 with supporting pulleys. For more fragile sheets, such as polypropylene or polyethylene sheets, the rotary guides 201 are pulleys that hold a chord 301. The vertically hanging sheet is attached to the chord 301, and the chord 301 is pulled through circuitous paths using rotary guide 201 pulleys along different plant growing environments. To hold heavier plants, the rotary guide is preferably a sprocket, and the chain supports the moving sheet 104. The sprocket is connected to the frame to freely rotate via an internal bearing. Sheets may be easily attached for seeding and growth, and later detached from the chord 301 or chain to ship along with its living plants.

FIG. 2 illustrates the horizontal rotary flexible sheet aeroponics system with more than two rotary guides 201 and a multiplicity of growing zones through which the plant 202 is moved horizontally at different stages of its life. In an embodiment, different zones of the apparatus may have different nutrient compositions, pH, light intensity and frequency of misting. For example, in the zone A, when the seeds are just planted, darkness is maintained for germination. In zone B, when the seedlings emerge a low Electrolytic conductivity value of 1 pS/cm is maintained. In zone C, where the plant is in the early vegetative stage a higher EC of 1.5 is maintained, and a higher light intensity with 3 Red : 1 Blue LED lighting ratio is applied. In zone D, a higher EC of 2.0 and full spectrum LED lighting is applied.

Misters 401 are positioned in the interior of the aeroponics system. Misters 401, for example with nozzle sizes in the range 0.3mm to 0.4mm optimize the misting coverage in the entire root zone with about 50 micron size droplets. The sheet 104 is constructed of a high strength material that has sufficient tensile strength to carry the plants. For example, a fiber glass reinforced plastic sheet is used. Polyetheylene, polypropylene, thin stainless steel sheet (such as 0.3mm thick) or any other water resistant sheet with sufficient thickness and tensile strength may be used as the plant carrier. In another embodiment, the sheet 104 comprises two components, a first high strength belt or string that carries the plants, and a light blocking low strength sheet covering. The sheet 104 is preferably opaque. It may be intrinsically opaque or may be painted with a light blocking pigment. Transparency will allow the undesirable growth of algae within the aeroponics chamber. The roots need to be in a dark and cool environment.

The apparatus for growing plants further includes lighting fixtures that exposes the plants to a multiplicity of growing environments in terms of one or more of light intensities and varieties of light spectrum. The apparatus for growing plants further includes internal misters 401 connected to a multiplicity of nutrient sources exposing said plant's roots to a multiplicity of growing environment in terms of one or more of nutrition concentration and variety.

In one embodiment, rotary guides guide the belt on a vertical path. Consider the application where the plants are in a greenhouse, open field or indoors with overhead lighting. As the plants move vertically on the belt, and the only source of the light overhead is the sun or overhead lighting, the plants on all parts of the belt are exposed to light uniformly as the as plants move vertically and over time receive light equally. In another embodiment, rotary guides 201 guides the belt on a horizontal path. FIG. 6A illustrates the positioning of the LED lights between two facing sheets 104 laden with plants 202. The apparatus allows LED lights 601 to be placed very close to the plants 202. This enables the reduction in spacing between sheets 104 of plants 202. FIG. 6A illustrates one type of light orientation wherein LED 601 batten face substantially downwards, and the plants are exemplarily within 2 to 4 inches spacing from the LEDs 601. LED 601 light battens are substantially downward facing to encourage the plants to grow upwards. For example, 4 ft long 20W LED battens are hung facing downwards at a spacing of 1 ft, and angulary positioned at an angle of 15% against the horizontal. The lighting is angularly positioned to expose plants uniformly to light as the sheet containing the plants move across the light path over time.

In another embodiment, LED 601 spot lights are positioned at the top and sides of the apparatus focusing light in the narrow cavity between plants, preferably angled in the range 60 to 80 from the horizontal. FIG. 6B illustrates the positioning of focus LED 601 lights between two facing sheets 104. In this embodiment, the light source and source of heat is kept away from the plants 202, and this technique is particularly effect is seedling stage when the gap between the successive sheets laden with seedlings is about 2 to 4 inches.

Oxygenated nutrient solution may be supplied aeroponically, higher levels of oxygen in the nutrient solution improves nutrient absorption and accelerates plant growth. Oxygenation may be performed in a pressurized cavity that is close to the misting nozzles. This close positioning ensures that dissolved oxygen is retained and nutrients are sprayed at a high oxygenated level once the solenoid opens and releases nutrients to the misters. The oxygenation may be conducted by electrolysis inside the pressurized cavity. A method of cleaning and sterilizing the belt is described herein. A rotary brush cleans the inside of the belt after harvest, and an infrared light sterilizer is placed inside the aeroponic cavity, and the sheet is moved to uniformly sterilize the unit.

FIG. 5A illustrates a removable plug 501 of the aeroponics system. The plugs 501 may also be of a detachable type. The plugs 501 are made of one or a combination of the following: plastic foam (such as expanded polyethylene/polystyrene) or foamed rubber. Plugs 501 may be also be made of any inert non leaching thermoformed or injection molded plastic. For example, the plug 501 may take the shape of a plastic or rubber foam 301 with a substantially flat top portion, and a lower cavity portion. The substantially flat top portion helps in better plant support and the lower cavity allows the aeroponic spray to reach the roots in the uppermost region. There is a slit in the horizontally flat portion to allow the plant or seedling to be inserted into the plug, and to enable the removal of the plant 202 during harvest. FIG. 5B illustrates the embodiment wherein the plug 502 is integral to the sheet 104. Exemplarily, a a polypropylene sheet is thermoformed with narrow cylindrical protrusions, with the end of the protrusion having a circular cavity in active fluid communication with the misting. If the thickness of the surface of the aeroponic unit is substantial, plants can be inserted directly in the holes or a very small amount of growing medium, such as phenolic foam is pushed into the hole and the plant or seed is inserted into the hole. In another embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 5C, the sheet may be a thick lightweight expanded flexible plastic foam sheet with angularly positioned holes 502 to hold the plant. If the aeroponic unit is placed for example against a wall, a reflector may be placed at the rear of the aeroponic unit. The reflector covering the entire back area, rearing the lighting placed behind the sheet. The reflector unit ensures that light is reflected back and not wasted on absorption after a first bounce off the wall of the tower. It has been observed that the back reflector unit increases light intensity by more than 30 percent. The surface area requiring lighting is substantially lesser when compared to lighting a seedling bed, wherein light is wasted on striking the surface between the seedlings. In this case ,the light is positioned on top and is focused vertically below in a narrow beam. In this technique, the seedlings do not need to be transplanted, they are sown and the plant grows at the same position until harvest. Automated seeding machines may be positioned at a fixed height to continually insert seeds into the plugs as the sheet is progressed.

FIG. 7A illustrates an automated method of inserting seeds into the plug holes. Pnuematic vacuum 702 needles pick up seeds from a seed storage unit 704 and then using an actuator, for example an rotary actuator and piston (not shown in detail) 703, precisely position over the plug hole and release the seeds centrally in the plug holes.

Automated harvesting machines 701 may be positioned at a fixed height to continually harvest plants 202 as the sheet 104 is progressively moved. FIG. 7B illustrates an automated method of harvesting. A method of harvesting the belt is described herein. The belt is moved by a rotary drive and a first set of automated cutters cut out the top section above the plug, and a second set of automated cutters cut out the lower root section below the plug. Optionally, a plug pusher may be push out the decapitated parts of the plant from the plug. FIG. 7B illustrates the automated harvesting unit. One or more harvesters 701 are placed along the horizontal span of the sheet carrying the plants. As plants are arranged in rows, the harvesters 701 harvest a row, thereafter the sheet 104 moves and the second row of plants come into position for harvesting. The movement of the sheet may be manually driven, or may be automated such that the sheet moves a predetermined distance, and the harvester 701 is switched on, and one row of plants is harvested. The harvester 701 may be a rotary cutter or may be in the form of a "pullout" device that grabs the stem of the plant and removes it from the plug. In another embodiment, the harvester 701 may pull out the plant along with the plug from the sheet. As the plants are being harvested, seeds or seedlings may also be inserted into the plugs automatically.

In one embodiment, disclosed herein is a plant growth aeroponic plant accelerator system for stage 3 of tissue culture. The apparatus may be used for hardening stage 3 tissue culture plants. To maintain a high humidity for stage 3 tissue culture plants, the entire apparatus may be enclosed to maintain a level of humidity higher than 70%. During Tissue Culture Stage 3, roots are not fully formed, only the shoots have emerged in the tissue culture plantlets. The plantlets are placed onto the plugs in the aeroponic unit after removing any agar residue adhering to the tissue culture plantlet in stage 3. Optionally, a small amount of agar media may be placed in the root zone. The roots are formed in the agar and as they grow, they exit the agar media and enter the misting zone of the aeroponic unit.

In another embodiment, disclosed herein is a plant growth aeroponic plant accelerator system for stage 4 of tissue culture. During stage 4 roots are partially formed. The plantlets are placed onto the plugs without any agar around the roots. The roots further grow into the misting zone of the aeroponic unit. The apparatus may be used for hardening stage 4 tissue culture plants. To maintain a high humidity for stage 3 tissue culture plants, the entire apparatus may be enclosed to maintain a level of humidity higher than 50%. In the application of aeroponic units for tissue culture, especially after transplanting from test tubes, a plastic dome may be positioned covering the aeroponic unit to maintain a high humidity around the leaves of the plants. After transplanting from the test tubes, it is preferable to maintain the humidity around 80% and gradually decrease the humidity, increase the light intensity and harden the plants over a period of two to four weeks.

FIG. 9 illustrates the automation system for mulizonal controlled environment agriculture. Each zone in the apparatus may require a distinct set of nutrients, light quality, light intensity, light duration, spraying pattern, pH and humidity. Referto FIG. 2, for example, consider the case of growing Romaine lettuce. Just after seed planting, Zone A has a dark period of 2 days with minimal spray is required, with a low nutrient Electrolytic Conductivity value of 0.5 to 1.0. At the post germination Zone B, low light intensity with a long duration is preferred with a LED Red:Blue ratio of 2:1, and EC value of 0.8. In the 2 week seedling stage of Zone C, a higher LED Red: Blue of 4:1 is preferred, and EC value of 1.0. In the Zone D, 4 week plant stage, a full spectrum LED, and EC value of 1.0 is applied. Just prior to harvesting, in Zone D, a very low EC solution may be sprayed to reduce the nitrate content in the harvest. The classification of the zones, the light & nutrient inputs and the number of zones is dependent on the crop, and hence the above example is not meant to be restrictive.

The automation system comprises a pH, EC, and dissolved oxygen sensing system 901, with actuators and dosing pumps for adding nutrients, raising/lowering pH. Multiple tanks with varying nutrient mixers, solenoids, dirt filters, pumps, and lighting controls operate with varying outputs in different zones serving plants with different needs. For example, two regional control systems 902 and 903 are depicted in figure 9 that serve two different zones. Similarly a plurality of such controls may control a plurality of zones, typically 3 to 6 of such zones may exist.

FIG. 8 illustrates an apparatus for growing live plants and dispensing fresh salad greens to a customer in a store. A framework supports a flexible continuous sheet 104 supporting live plants 202. A rotary guide supports the continuous sheet 104 positioned on the framework. The rotary guides are fixed in position in the framework guiding the continuous sheet to follow a closed fixed path. The closed fixed path encompasses an internal misting cavity for roots of the plants. The plants are positioned in plugs on the continuous sheet. Internal misters are positioned on the framework within the internal cavity to spray pressurized water based nutrient mix to the roots. A collection tank positioned under the sheet receiving the excess water based nutrient mix. A motor drives the rotary guides. A pump pressurizes water based nutrient mix to the misters. A hand operated control 801 is provided to the customer for rotating the sheet laden with plants to bring the desired green to the required height for harvest by hand. Alternatively, an automated motorized drive button switch may also be used to advance the plants downwards or upwards for harvesting.

In one embodiment, rotary guides guide the sheet on a vertical path. Exemplarily, the height of the aeroponics tower is in range 4 ft to 30ft. In another embodiment, rotary guides guide the sheet on a horizontal path. The sheet is segmented and those selective segments where plants have been harvested have detachment means for removal. The detached sheets can be replaced with sheet segments filled with live plants. Segments of sheets are grown with plants in an aeroponic system in a farm or indoors, removed from the aeroponic systems, and transported, and installed on the apparatus for dispensing fresh salad greens from living plants. Sheets with plants on one side and hanging roots on the other may be folded with a wet medium in the middle between roots ef facing sheets to maintain humidity and to keep the plant alive during transport. These folded sheets with live plants are shipped to the store, the wet medium is then removed and the sheet of living plants with active plants is hung on the aeroponic system.

The apparatus may further include a harvest table 802 to support a plate or harvested leaves while the customer harvests the plants 202 from the sheet 104. The apparatus may further include a dust blocking cover 803 substantially covering substantially plants 202, except the area where the customer is harvesting the plant. An example of a dust blocking cover is a transparent acrylic or polycarbonate sheet. Disclosed herein is a method for growing live plants and dispensing fresh salad greens from the live plants to a customer in store. The customer is provided a rotary sheet laden with living plants. The plants are grown on the rotary sheet, with the plants roots aeroponically misted internally. The customer is provided with an actuator to move the rotary sheet with plants to a position whereby the plants are conveniently accessible for harvesting by the customer.

The harvested sections of the sheet are replaced with new sheets filled with living plants. The sheets are in segments and segments of the sheet deprived of plants by harvesting can be selectively replaced with new sheets laden with living plants. The sensors for monitoring plant growth in the apparatus include one or more of humidity, temperature, wind, light intensity, image, spectral imaging, pH and electrical conductivity sensors. Exemplarily, the plants grow on the apparatus include one or more of Spinach, Lettuce, Swiss chard, Rocket, Aragula. The apparatus for growing live plants and dispensing fresh salad greens preferably dispenses baby greens in the size typically in the leaf plus stalk height of than 4 inches.

FIG. 11 illustrates a vertically moving sheet system with ties 1101, 1002 for supporting the plants 202 from dislodging from the sheet 104 when the sheet moves. Ties 1101 may be used on the outside supporting the stem and leaves, and ties 1102 can also be set up inside supporting the roots and avoiding excessive movement of roots when the sheet moves vertically. This is applicable when the plants 202 are heavy and there is a risk of the plants dislodging from the sheet 104.

The foregoing examples have been provided merely for explanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting of the moving sheet aeroponics system disclosed herein. While the aeroponics system has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is understood that the words, which have been used herein, are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Furthermore, although the aeroponics system has been described herein with reference to particular means, materials, and embodiments, the aeroponics system is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein; rather, the design and functionality of the aeroponics system extends to all functionally equivalent methods, structures and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims. While partic- ular embodiments are disclosed, it will be understood by those skilled in the art, having the benefit of the teachings of this specification, that the aeroponics system disclosed herein is capable of modifications and other embodiments may be effected and changes may be made thereto, without departing from the scope and spirit of the aeroponics system disclosed herein.

Claims

CLAIMS An apparatus for growing plants, comprising: a framework; a flexible continuous sheet supporting said plants; rotary guides supporting said continuous sheet positioned on said framework, wherein said rotary guides located on said framework guide said continuous sheet to follow a closed fixed path along a multiplicity of turns, thereby guiding said plant through a multiplicity of growing environments, wherein said closed fixed path encompass an internal cavity for roots of said plants; said plants positioned in plugs on said continuous sheet; and internal misters positioned within said internal cavity to spray pressurized water based nutrient mix to said roots; a collection tank for receiving said water based nutrient mix post said spray; a motor driving said rotary drive; and a pump for pumping pressurized water based nutrient mix to said misters. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising lighting that exposes said plants to a multiplicity of growing environments in terms of one or more of light intensity and variety of light spectrum. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising internal misters connected to a multiplicity of nutrient sources exposing said plant's roots to a multiplicity of growing environment in terms of one or more of nutrition concentration and variety. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said flexible rotary guides guides the sheet on a vertical path. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said flexible rotary guides guides the sheet on a horizontal path. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said lighting is angularly positioned to expose said plants uniformly to light. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said plugs are an integral part of said sheet.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein automated seeding machines at a fixed height continually insert seeds into said plugs as said sheet is progressed.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein automated harvesting machines at a fixed height continually harvest said plants as said sheet is progressively moved.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said plant is stage 3 tissue culture plant, and wherein said apparatus is enclosed in a closed space with a level of humidity higher than 70%.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said plant is stage 4 tissue culture plant, and wherein said apparatus is enclosed in a closed space with a level of humidity higher than 50%.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an electrolytic oxygenation unit that is located within a pressurized cavity in-line with a mist spray system.

13. An apparatus for growing live plants and dispensing fresh salad greens from said live plants to a customer, comprising: a framework; a flexible continuous sheet supporting said plants; rotary guides supporting said continuous sheet positioned on said framework, wherein said rotary guides are fixed in position in said framework guiding said continuous sheet to follow a closed fixed path along a multiplicity of turns, thereby guiding said plant through a multiplicity of growing environments, wherein said closed fixed path encompass an internal cavity for roots of said plants; said plants positioned in plugs on said continuous sheet; and internal misters positioned on said framework within said internal cavity to spray pressurized water based nutrient mix to said roots; a collection tank for receiving said water based nutrient mix post said spray; a motor driving said rotary drive; and a pump for pumping pressurized water based nutrient mix to said misters. a hand operated control provided for rotating said sheet by said customer to bring the desired plant to the required height for harvest by hand. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said flexible rotary guides guides the belt on a vertical path. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said flexible rotary guides guides the belt on a horizontal path. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said sheet is segmented and those selective segments where plants have been harvested comprise detachment means for removal and replacement means for replacing with segments filled with live plants. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said segments of sheets are grown with plants in an aeroponic system in a farm or indoors, removed from said aeroponic systems, and transported, and installed on said apparatus for dispensing fresh salad greens from living plants. The apparatus of claim 31, further comprising a harvest table to support a plate or harvested leaves while the customer harvests. A method for growing live plants and dispensing fresh salad greens from said live plants to a customer, comprising: providing a rotary sheet laden with said living plants; growing plants on said rotary sheet with aeroponically internally misted roots; moving said rotary sheet with plants to a position wherein said plants are accessible for harvesting by said customer; and harvesting of said living plants by said customer. The method of claim 19, wherein harvested sections of said sheet are replaced with new sheets filled with living plants, wherein said sheets are in segments and segments of the sheet can be selectively replaced.

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