Abstract: A vessel which is comprised of a plurality of hollow structural members which are joined together by hollow fittings. The hollow members and fittings are filled with a material which sets after filling. An impermeable liner is received in the structure. The outside of the structure is wrapped with a thin film material to provide increased strength to the structure.

Abstract: A container includes a liner having longitudinal members compressively secured together by a first carrier film, at least one water-impermeable barrier film overlying the liner, a second carrier film overlying the barrier film to form a container; and some of the longitudinal members comprising specially extruded members, the specially extruded members comprising first and second members, one received within the other for the entire length thereof, the members joined together to function as an integral unit.

Abstract: A container for liquid comprises a liner having longitudinal members compressively secured together by a first carrier film. One water impermeable barrier film overlies the liner. A second carrier film overlies the barrier film to form a shell. Reinforcing members secure to the shell. A third carrier film secures the members to the shell to form the container. Valve introduces the liquid into the container and remove the liquid from the container.

Abstract: This invention relates to shelters which are readily adaptable in size and configuration to define an environment, preferably about plants, to control the amount of radiation, humidity, temperature and ventilation and to inhibit intrusion into the defined environment by deleterious vectors such as insects, unwanted microorganisms, weed seeds and the like.

Abstract: A shelter for the growth of plants and the like is provided which shelter is comprised of panels. The panels are formed of films which are adapted to control the transmission of energy into the shelter and further adapted to control the flow of fluids stream into and out of the shelter.

Abstract: A soil bed is spaced apart from a lagoon of saline water. The liquid vapor in equilibrium with the saline water permeates into the soilbed via diffuser tubes. At dusk the temperature of the soilbed decreases. The liquid vapor is entrapped in the soilbed and condenses. Additionally solar stills embodying flumes generate liquid vapor which is transported to the soilbed.

Abstract: A windbreak which is formed of a post secured to a frame and sheet material is secured to the frame. The frame is comprised of grooved rods which secure sheet material via tube-like strips. The post is comprised of a plurality of rods and a clamp secures the rods. The adjoining rods define channels and the clamp includes projections which extend into the channels. Fittings are secured to the upper ends of the rod of the post and the frame is secured to the fittings. Fittings are further secured to the frame by dowel-like members.

Abstract: An agricultural system with a controlled atmosphere. A plurality of articulated structural members with an arched configuration are secured in aligned, spaced-apart relationship by horizontal members to define a skeletal structure. Flexible sheet material is secured to the structure to define a controlled atmosphere. The system is adjustable between a fully enclosed mode and a fully open mode.

Abstract: A channel culture device for plant systems which comprises a plurality of longitudinal growing channels, for growing the primary plants, and service channels, which aid the growing channels. The channels alternate and fluids, water and air, pass laterally between the growing and service channels which enhance plant growth.

Abstract: An agricultural device which comprises three strata of soil air and water. The soil is retained on a permeable floor and spaced apart from the water. The floor is supported by hydrophilic columns which are received in the water. Water is transmitted through the hydrophilic columns, generally with air, and introduced into the soil. The columns may or may not extend into the soil.

Abstract: A channel culture array having a plurality of V-shaped channels in side-by-side relationship. The array is placed on a base over which a contaminated water, such as seawater, flows. The underside of the array defines in part a zone. The pure moisture in the vapor phase condenses in the zone, coalesces on the underside of the array and permeates into the soil in the channels. The portion of the array contacted by the seawater is liquid impermeable.

Abstract: A channel culture device for agricultural is disclosed. A plurality of elongated reservoir channels are provided adjacent growing channels. The reservoir channels which may be above or within the soil, provide metered amounts of water and nutrients to the growing channels through their walls. An exterior channel is provided which forms the perimeter of a soil bed. The exterior channel includes an inner flexible wall which absorbs the lateral pressure of the soil bed acting on it to prevent buckling of the exterior channel.

Abstract: A planter having a longitudinal inverted-V floor and inner and outer walls is disclosed. The lower portion of the inner walls are water permeable. The outer walls and lower portion of the floor define a reservoir containing hydrophilic fill. The inner walls and upper portion of the floor define a cavity containing soil. Plates seal the ends of the floor and wals. Water from the fill in the reservoir transfers to the soil in the cavity.

Abstract: A channel culture device of a type which provides multiple plant growth channels is made of a plurality of modules each having a horizontal base wall joining a pair of perforated side walls which extend upwardly and are inclined toward one another to define an interior channel of trapezoidal cross-section, having a relatively narrow opening at the top. A row of modules is placed end-to-end to define a storage channel, used primarily for moisture reserve. Placing a series of rows side-by-side in lateral abutment defines V-shaped plant growth channels between adjacent modules, and these are supplied with moisture through the perforated side walls. Various partitions may be placed within the modules to subdivide them into growth, storage, and drainage channels.

Abstract: A modular device for cultivating plants in channels containing isolated soil systems comprises longitudinally-folded sheets of material forming one or more center support members and a pair of edge support members. Each of the center supports has a series of alternately-inclined segments connected by upper and lower reverse bends parallel to its edges, while each of the edge supports has the form of a triangular prism or truss with one edge portion extending exteriorly of the prism. The edge supports are spaced apart on a surface in parallel relation, with their extended edges confronting, and the center support rests between them and on top of their extended edges. This forms a soil channel which may be extended longitudinally to any desired length by adding further similar structures end-to-end, and which may be subdivided laterally either by extending the inclined segments of the center support above the soil surface, or by adding partition panels.