Abstract: A growing device (mini-greenhouse) comprising a dome for growing crops therein and a light module operably installed on an exterior of the dome for projecting a light beam onto the crops. The dome comprises one or more openings/cutouts therein poisoned at locations that match the locations of corresponding lights of the light module such that the path of the light beam is unobstructed by the material of the dome. The light module is configured to dissipate the heat generated by the lights away from the dome, whereby the base portion of the light which includes the necessary circuitry is contained within the light module and the light beam projected in the dome is either reflected by a protruding reflector that penetrates the dome or a flat reflector that projects the light through the opening. The light module may include vents and/or fans for dissipating the heat into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A system for lighting a plant comprising a dome/cage defining a volume that receives, surrounds and covers the plant. A plurality of light sources are supported by the dome/cage and distributed vertically from a bottom to a top and around the dome/cage to illuminate the plant evenly. The system is adapted to control the light sources to project light in the dark, extend ambient light hours, increase an intensity of an existing light; and modify a spectrum of the existing light in accordance with growth requirements specific to a given plant growing in a specific environment. A solar panel may be connected to the lights directly or through a battery for operating the system as a standalone unit. A control unit may be provided to receive a user input setting a lighting program, to allow the system to control operation of the lights using the set program.

Abstract: Technologies for intelligent transfer of products include an autonomous transfer vehicle to receive a retail product, navigate to a predetermined location, and unload the retail product. The retail product may include grocery products or fresh food. The predetermined location may be associated with a delivery vehicle. The predetermined location may be a hyperlocal aggregation facility. The autonomous transfer vehicle may be a shopping cart with a vision system and an electric motor system. The autonomous transfer vehicle may be a drone. Products from multiple autonomous transfer vehicles may be aggregated at the hyperlocal aggregation facility for delivery by a single delivery vehicle. An efficient delivery route may be determined for multiple aggregated products. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A growing device (mini-greenhouse) comprising a dome for growing crops therein and a light module operably installed on an exterior of the dome for projecting a light beam onto the crops. The dome comprises one or more openings/cutouts therein poisoned at locations that match the locations of corresponding lights of the light module such that the path of the light beam is unobstructed by the material of the dome. The light module is configured to dissipate the heat generated by the lights away from the dome, whereby the base portion of the light which includes the necessary circuitry is contained within the light module and the light beam projected in the dome is either reflected by a protruding reflector that penetrates the dome or a flat reflector that projects the light through the opening. The light module may include vents and/or fans for dissipating the heat into the atmosphere.

Abstract: In one series of embodiments there is provided a bracing member for a plant support frame. In embodiments the bracing member comprises a body portion defining a perimeter; an opening provided within the body portion which is sized and dimensioned to receive a plant there through; and a plurality of radially oriented circumferential holes extending through the body portion. The holes being sized to accept a cooperating fastener for securing a support rod to the bracing member for forming the plant support frame. The different bracing members of a plant support frame are dimensioned for storage in a flat concentric arrangement whereby the circumferential holes of an inner bracing member align with the circumferential holes of an outer bracing member for receiving a locking pin there through for securing different bracing members together.

Abstract: A growing device (mini-greenhouse) comprising a dome for growing crops therein and a light module operably installed on an exterior of the dome for projecting a light beam onto the crops. The dome comprises one or more openings/cutouts therein poisoned at locations that match the locations of corresponding lights of the light module such that the path of the light beam is unobstructed by the material of the dome. The light module is configured to dissipate the heat generated by the lights away from the dome, whereby the base portion of the light which includes the necessary circuitry is contained within the light module and the light beam projected in the dome is either reflected by a protruding reflector that penetrates the dome or a flat reflector that projects the light through the opening. The light module may include vents and/or fans for dissipating the heat into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A growing device (mini-greenhouse) comprising a dome for growing crops therein and a light module operably installed on an exterior of the dome for projecting a light beam onto the crops. The dome comprises one or more openings/cutouts therein poisoned at locations that match the locations of corresponding lights of the light module such that the path of the light beam is unobstructed by the material of the dome. The light module is configured to dissipate the heat generated by the lights away from the dome, whereby the base portion of the light which includes the necessary circuitry is contained within the light module and the light beam projected in the dome is either reflected by a protruding reflector that penetrates the dome or a flat reflector that projects the light through the opening. The light module may include vents and/or fans for dissipating the heat into the atmosphere.

Abstract: In embodiments there is disclosed a modular pole for horticultural and agricultural use, pole sections and connector pins for use to assemble the pole, and methods for assembling the pole. In embodiments a connector pin is inserted into end sockets in opposed pole section ends and in embodiments the ends are held onto the connector pin by a fastener which may comprise a clip or a threaded sleeve.

Abstract: In one series of embodiments there is provided a bracing member for a plant support frame. In embodiments the bracing member comprises a body portion defining a perimeter; an opening provided within the body portion which is sized and dimensioned to receive a plant there through; and a plurality of radially oriented circumferential holes extending through the body portion. The holes being sized to accept a cooperating fastener for securing a support rod to the bracing member for forming the plant support frame. The different bracing members of a plant support frame are dimensioned for storage in a flat concentric arrangement whereby the circumferential holes of an inner bracing member align with the circumferential holes of an outer bracing member for receiving a locking pin there through for securing different bracing members together.

Abstract: A bracing member for a plant support frame. In embodiments the bracing member comprises a body portion defining a perimeter; an opening provided within the body portion which is sized and dimensioned to receive a plant there through; and a plurality of radically oriented circumferential holes extending through the body portion. The holes being sized to accept a cooperating fastener for securing a support rod to the bracing member for forming the plant support frame. The different bracing members of a plant support frame are dimensioned for storage in a flat concentric arrangement whereby the circumferential holes of an inner bracing member align with the circumferential holes of an outer bracing member for receiving a locking pin there through for securing different bracing members together.

Abstract: In embodiments there is disclosed a modular pole for horticultural and agricultural use, pole sections and connector pins for use to assemble the pole, and methods for assembling the pole. In embodiments a connector pin is inserted into end sockets in opposed pole section ends and in embodiments the ends are held onto the connector pin by a fastener which may comprise a clip or a threaded sleeve.

Abstract: In embodiments there is disclosed a modular pole for horticultural and agricultural use, pole sections and connector pins for use to assemble the pole, and methods for assembling the pole. In embodiments a connector pin is inserted into end sockets in opposed pole section ends and in embodiments the ends are held onto the connector pin by a fastener which may comprise a clip or a threaded sleeve.