WO2023086649A1

WO2023086649A1 - Insertion/extraction ramp for use with hydroponic farming grow rafts

Info

Publication number: WO2023086649A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/049860
Authority: WO
Inventors: D. Robert RODRIGUEZ; Steven R. KAKOCZKI
Original assignee: Alternative Engineering, Inc.
Priority date: 2021-11-11
Filing date: 2022-11-14
Publication date: 2023-05-19

Abstract

An insertion and extraction ramp for use with grow rafts in hydroponic fanning which includes a ramp support extending across a floatation channel for supporting at least one grow raft. One or more pivot arms are configured under the ramp support for lifting and lowering an end of the ramp support. The ramp is raised and lowered for allowing insertion and extraction a grow rafts in rows, in a line, one-at-a-time into, and out of the floatation channel.

Description

INSERTION/EXTRACTION RAMP FOR USE WITH HYDROPONIC FARMING GROW RAFTS

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to hydroponics and more particularly to an apparatus and method for inserting and extracting grow rafts in a water channel during planting and harvest.

Background

[0002] Hydroponics is the technique of growing plants without soil hy using a water medium which consists of mineral nutrient. In many cases hydroponic systems are engineered as a highly space and resource efficient form of farming and represent a considerable source of industrially grown produce. However, one problem associated with hydroponic farming is in planting and harvesting crops. Hydroponics often uses a series of floating grow rafts arranged end-to-end that hold the growing plants in the water medium. The plants typically remain stationary for two-weeks’ at a time allowing the plant to mature and grow.

[0003] Although plants are grown in water, with minimal to no use of soil, the planting and removal of the plants from the water can be a cumbersome process. Each platform or “raft” used to hold the plant, and sometimes its soil, in the water channel, must be individually placed and/or removed by hand. An example of such a system is shown in the stacked shallow water culture grown system of U.S. Patent No. 11,116,156 to Volpe et al. where rafts are pick and placed which leads to excessive effort and time when inserting or removing rafts from the ponds. Consequently, new solutions are needed to increase the efficiency of the processes used in connection with the planting and harvesting of hydroponic crops. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An insertion and extraction ramp for use with grow rafts in hydroponic farming includes a ramp support configured across at an end of a floatation channel toward an end of the floatation channel for supporting at least one grow raft where a plurality of support rods extend from the ramp support for supporting the at least one grow raft. One or more pivot arms are configured under the ramp support having a key way for engaging with a support bar for lifting an end of the ramp support. The ramp support is raised and lowered by a motor so to insert and/or extract one or more grow rafts one-at-at-a-time into the floatation channel. In use, the floatation channel is configured to hold a plurality of grow rafts positioned directly adjacent to one another forming a line. The ramp support also includes a plurality of apertures for allowing water in the pond ramp to move therethrough.

Brief Description of the Figures

[0005] The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.

[0006] FIG. 1 is a prospective view of the water channel and the placement of plant rafts.

[0007] FIG. 2 is a magnified view of the insertion and extraction ramp used to insert and extract rafts from the channel.

[0008] FIG. 3 A a top view of the water channel shown in FIG. 1.

[0009] FIG. 3B is a side view of the water channel shown in FIG. 1. [0010] FIG 3C is a side cross-sectional view of the insertion and extraction ramp shown through section lines A-A in FIG. 3A.

[0011] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

Detailed Description

[0012] Before describing in detail embodiments that are in accordance with the present invention, it should be observed that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to an apparatus and method for the insertion and extraction of vegetable planting rafts using in hydroponic farming. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

[0013] In this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . .a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the water channel used in the placement and movement of grow rafts where the insertion/extraction ramps are shown in a lowered position. In hydroponic farming, a water channel or “pond” 101 is used to hydrate the plants for typically 10-14 days without soil before the plants are harvested. Grow lights are configured above the pond to stimulate growth. One or more plants are configured within a floatation or “grow” raft which floats in a pond. In the farming environment, a plurality of rafts 103 are typically aligned in a row and in this example, the rafts are arranged in two columns. The rafts 103 are loaded in a pond such as water channel 101 in a row configured in-line with one another so that the line of rafts, in the row, can be pushed within the water channel one-at-a-time or in seriatim. In this example, rafts are arranged in two columns where each column has twelve (12) rafts. The rafts are inserted into the water channel at an entry end 105 and removed from the “pond” or water channel at an exit end 107. The water channel has sides to contain water and is configured to be at least 6-inches or 15 -cm deep allowing rafts to easily move and float.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a magnified view of the insertion and extraction ramp used to insert and extract rafts from a pond or channel where the ramp shown in a raised position. As seen in both FIG. 1 and FIG 2, the insertion and extraction ramps operate by raising and/or lowering a ramp support member 109 using a pivot arm

111 that pivots at point 118 using a support bar 114. The pivot arm 111 includes a key way 116 so to allow it to engaged or latched with the support bar 114 when in a stowed position and not in use. The pivot arm 111 is positioned over ramp bars

112 that act as a frame for the ramp. In use, a motor located on the underside of the water channel, raises and/or lowers ramp support member 109 which tilts the ramp to some predetermined angle, allowing the raft(s) to slide and/or be inserted into the water channel at entry end 105. At exit end 107, the same process occurs allowing the raft to be extracted and exit the water channel 101. A plurality of support rods 113 are attached to the support member such as ramp bar 109. Ramp bar 109 and support rods 113 form a ramp for the raft allowing it to be inserted and extracted at each end of the line of rafts in the water channel housing 115. The ramp support member 109 further includes one or more holes or apertures allowing water to pass therethrough without resistance.

[0016] FIG. 3 A a top view of the water channel shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3B is a side view of the water channel shown in FIG. 1. FIG 3C is a side cross-sectional view of the insertion and extraction ramp shown through section lines A-A in FIG. 3A. Each of FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, and FIG. 3C, FIG. 3A illustrates a plurality of rafts 201, 202 arranged side-to-side in columns so they can be pushed in a linear fashion as new rafts are inserted, extracted and withdrawn from an end of the water channel. The rafts, 201, 202 at the entry end of the water channel, are supported by pivot arm 203. The pivot arm 203 uses a support arm 205 and a pivot arm mounting bracket 207 for raising and lowering the ramp. This motion allows the raft to be lifted clear of the pond sides, creating clear space 209 underneath the raft. This, in turn, allows additional rafts to be inserted, pushing the floating rafts along the floatation channel one-at-a-time. The raft at the end of the line slides upwardly on a similar ramp and exits the pond. Consequently, the insertion and extraction ramp as described herein allows for the rapid planting and harvesting of hydroponic crops without the need for persons, or pick and place machines, to individually insert or remove the ramps from the channel. Those skilled in the art will recognize that this system and process can also be vertically arranged to greatly increase volume.

[0017] Thus, the present invention is directed to an insertion and extraction ramp for use with grow rafts used in hydroponic farming. The ramp includes a ramp support configured across and toward an end of a floatation channel and is used for supporting the grow raft. A plurality of support rods extend from the ramp support for supporting the grow raft where one more pivot arm(s) are configured under the ramp support. The ramp support further includes at least one keyway used for engaging with the support bar for lifting an end of the ramp support. The ramp support is raised and lowered by a motor so to insert and/or extract one or more grow rafts in seriatim and/or one-at-a-time in a row into the floatation channel.

[0018] In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below.

Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present invention. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.

Claims

We claim:

1. An insertion and extraction ramp for use with grow rafts in hydroponic farming comprising: a ramp support extending across a floatation channel for supporting at least one grow raft; at least one pivot arm configured under the ramp support for lifting an end of the ramp support; and wherein the ramp support is raised and lowered by moving the ramp support so to insert and/or extract one or more grow rafts in seriatim into the floatation channel.

2. An insertion and extraction ramp as in claim 1, wherein the floatation channel is configured to hold water for floating the plurality of grow rafts.

3. An insertion and extraction ramp as in claim 1, wherein the channel is sized to hold a plurality of grow rafts positioned directly adjacent to one another forming a line.

4. An insertion and extraction ramp as in claim 1, wherein the ramp support is configured so to be at an end of a floatation channel.

5. An insertion and extraction ramp as in claim 1, wherein the ramp support includes a plurality of support rods for extending under a grow raft.

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6. An insertion and extraction ramp for use with grow rafts in hydroponic farming comprising: a ramp support extending across a floatation channel for supporting at least one grow raft; at least one pivot arm configured under the ramp support for lifting an end of the ramp support; a plurality of support rods extending from the ramp support for supporting the at least one grow raft; and wherein the ramp support is raised and lowered by moving the ramp support so to insert and/or extract one or more grow rafts in seriatim into the floatation channel.

7. An insertion and extraction ramp as in claim 6, wherein the floatation channel is configured to hold water for floating the plurality of grow rafts.

8. An insertion and extraction ramp as in claim 6, wherein the channel is sized to hold a plurality of grow rafts positioned directly adjacent to one another forming a line.

9. An insertion and extraction ramp as in claim 6, wherein the ramp support is configured so to be at an end of a floatation channel.

10. An insertion and extraction ramp as in claim 6, wherein the ramp support includes a plurality of apertures for allowing water in the pond ramp to move therethrough.

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11. An insertion and extraction ramp for use with grow rafts in hydroponic farming comprising: a ramp support configured across at an end of a floatation channel toward an end of the floatation channel for supporting at least one grow raft; a plurality of support rods extending from the ramp support for supporting the at least one grow raft; at least one pivot arm configured under the ramp support having a keyway for engaging with a support bar for lifting an end of the ramp support; and wherein the ramp support is raised and lowered by a motor so to insert and/or extract one or more grow rafts one-at-at-a-time into the floatation channel.

12. An insertion and extraction ramp as in claim 11, wherein the floatation channel is configured to hold water for floating the plurality of grow rafts.

13. An insertion and extraction ramp as in claim 11, wherein the channel is sized to hold a plurality of grow rafts positioned directly adjacent to one another forming a line.

14. An insertion and extraction ramp as in claim 11, wherein the ramp support includes a plurality of apertures for allowing water in the pond ramp to move therethrough.

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