Patents by Inventor Nathaniel R. Storey

Nathaniel R. Storey has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20240023501
    Abstract: A controlled environment agriculture system including multiple environmental grow zones through which plants and/or lighting or other equipment that influence environmental equipment are cycled during the growth phase of farm production. In one implementation, the system includes multiple grow zones through which plants are cycled during the growth phase of farm production. The system may include a first environmentally-controlled growing chamber, a second environmentally-controlled growing chamber, and one or more interfaces to allow a conveyance mechanism to transfer grow containers between the chambers. Each growth chamber may include environmental control systems, and associated sensors, for regulating at least one environmental condition, such as air temperature, airflow speed, relative air humidity, and ambient carbon dioxide gas content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2021
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Applicant: MJNN LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Keith James, Michael Ryan Baldwin, Alan Colbrie Schoen, Nathaniel R. Storey, Gage Goodspeed Coffin, Michael Peter Flynn, Paul Bryan Kreiner
  • Publication number: 20240016100
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are provided for controlling a ratio of carbon dioxide to oxygen in a grow space by removing O2 from the grow space, and, in some cases, adding supplemental CO2 to the grow space to achieve a desired ratio of CO2 to O2. Various approaches include filtering out oxygen or reacting O2 with a reactant to produce O2-reduced air; and removing air from the grow space, removing nitrogen from the removed air, and (a) separating out CO2 and returning the nitrogen and the CO2 to the grow space, or (b) adding supplemental CO2 and the nitrogen to the grow space. Another approach removes air from the grow space, separates out gasses including N2 and CO2, and returns the N2 or the CO2 to the grow space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2021
    Publication date: January 18, 2024
    Applicant: MJNN LLC
    Inventor: Nathaniel R. Storey
  • Publication number: 20230397536
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to apparatuses for plant harvesting. More specifically, apparatuses for harvesting vertically grown fruit (620), plants, or vegetables are described herein. In one embodiment a harvesting system includes a grow line (100, 102) and one or more grow towers (150) coupled to and moveable along the grow line (100, 102). A plurality of platforms (306) are disposed adjacent to the grow towers (150) and include one or more robots (302) disposed on the platforms (306).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2021
    Publication date: December 14, 2023
    Applicant: MJNN LLC
    Inventors: Damon SMITH, Kevin GRAUBERGER, Aunders HALLSTEN, Nathaniel R. STOREY, Lucas WOODBURY, Paul KREINER
  • Publication number: 20230389494
    Abstract: Facility layouts and configurations for an automated crop production system for controlled environment agriculture. In particular implementations the core of the facility comprises a controlled growth environment and a central processing system. The controlled growth environment includes systems for exposing crops housed in modules, such as grow towers, to Controlled environmental conditions. The central processing system may include various stations and functionality both for preparing crop-bearing modules to be inserted in the controlled growth environment, for harvesting crops from the crop-bearing modules after they have been extracted from the controlled growth environment, and for cleaning or washing crop-hearing modules for re-use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2023
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Applicant: MJNN LLC
    Inventors: Gage Goodspeed Coffin, Michael Peter Flynn, Brice Leon Klein, Alexandre Le Roux, Nathaniel R. Storey, Tamara Tahir Hasoon, Merritt Jonathan Jenkins, Maria Alexandria Malone, Matthew James Matera, Kelly Catherine Casie LaBuff, Alan Colbrie Schoen
  • Patent number: 11832569
    Abstract: An automated crop production system for controlled environment agriculture that includes a horizontal-to-vertical grow tower interface between a vertical grow structure that includes vertical grow towers and associated conveyance mechanisms for moving the vertical grow towers through a controlled environment, and a processing system that performs one or more processing operations—such as harvesting, cleaning and/or transplanting—on the grow towers in a substantially horizontal orientation. The present disclosure also describes an automated crop production system for controlled environment agriculture that selectively routes grow towers through various processing stages of an automated crop production system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: MJNN LLC
    Inventors: Gage Goodspeed Coffin, Michael Peter Flynn, Brice Leon Klein, Alexandre Le Roux, Nathaniel R. Storey, Tamara Tahir Hasoon, Merritt Jonathan Jenkins, Maria Alexandria Malone, Matthew James Matera, Anna Olson, Nadav Sahar Hendel
  • Publication number: 20230337592
    Abstract: A hydroponic plant production apparatus comprising: a hollow grow tube with a slot formed in the front face of the grow tube, and a matrix media insert composed of two halves, where the media is insertable into the grow tube, allowing plants to be inserted and grown between the two halves of the matrix media insert in the grow tube is provided. Methods for use of a hollow grow tube with a slot formed in the front face of the grow tube, and a matrix media insert composed of two halves, where the media is insertable into the grow tube, allowing plants to be inserted and grown between the two halves of the matrix media insert in the grow tube are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2023
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Applicant: University of Wyoming
    Inventor: Nathaniel R. Storey
  • Publication number: 20230225258
    Abstract: A crop production system (100) for a controlled plant growing environment is provided. A subassembly comprises a guide portion that includes passive guides (104, 504, 904, 1004) radiating outward from a central portion (102, 502, 520, 911). Each passive guide may be separated from two adjacent passive guides by respective angles. Each passive guide has a first end proximal to the central portion and a second end distal to the central portion. Each passive guide is configured to guide plant growth modules (210). The plant growth modules are movable between the first end and the second end of each passive guide. An active guide (406, 907, 1007) causes the plant growth modules to travel in a first direction along the passive guides as the active guide is moved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2021
    Publication date: July 20, 2023
    Applicant: MJNN LLC
    Inventor: Nathaniel R. Storey
  • Patent number: 11700804
    Abstract: Facility layouts and configurations for an automated crop production system for controlled environment agriculture. In particular implementations, the core of the facility comprises a controlled growth environment and a central processing system. The controlled growth environment includes systems for exposing crops housed in modules, such as grow towers, to controlled environmental conditions. The central processing system may include various stations and functionality both for preparing crop-bearing modules to be inserted in the controlled growth environment for harvesting crops from the crop-bearing modules after they have been extracted from the controlled growth environment, and for cleaning or washing crop-hearing modules for re-use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: MJNN LLC
    Inventors: Gage Goodspeed Coffin, Michael Peter Flynn, Brice Leon Klein, Alexandre Le Roux, Nathaniel R. Storey, Tamara Tahir Hasoon, Merritt Jonathan Jenkins, Maria Alexandria Malone, Matthew James Matera, Kelly Catherine Casie LaBuff, Alan Colbrie Schoen
  • Patent number: 11690326
    Abstract: A vertical farming structure having vertical grow towers and associated conveyance mechanisms for moving the vertical grow towers through a controlled environment, while being exposed to controlled lighting, airflow, humidity and nutritional support. The present disclosure describes a reciprocating cam mechanism that provides a cost-efficient mechanism for conveying vertical grow towers in the controlled environment. The reciprocating cam mechanism can be arranged to increase the spacing of the grow towers as they are conveyed through the controlled environment to index the crops growing on the towers. The present disclosure also describes an irrigation system that provides aqueous nutrient solution to the grow towers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Inventors: Gage Goodspeed Coffin, Michael Peter Flynn, Brice Leon Klein, Alexandre Le Roux, Timothy Michael Murcko, Nathaniel R. Storey
  • Patent number: 11684021
    Abstract: A hydroponic plant production apparatus comprising: a hollow grow tube with a slot formed in the front face of the grow tube, and a matrix media insert composed of two halves, where the media is insertable into the grow tube, allowing plants to be inserted and grown between the two halves of the matrix media insert in the grow tube. Methods for use of a hollow grow tube with a slot formed in the front face of the grow tube, and a matrix media insert composed of two halves, where the media is insertable into the grow tube, allowing plants to be inserted and grown between the two halves of the matrix media insert in the grow tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: University of Wyoming
    Inventor: Nathaniel R. Storey
  • Patent number: 11612112
    Abstract: A vertical farming structure having vertical grow towers and associated conveyance mechanisms for moving the vertical grow towers through a controlled environment, while being exposed to controlled lighting, airflow, humidity and nutritional support. The present disclosure describes a reciprocating cam mechanism that provides a cost-efficient mechanism for conveying vertical grow towers in the controlled environment. The reciprocating cam mechanism can be arranged to increase the spacing of the grow towers as they are conveyed through the controlled environment to index the crops growing on the towers. The present disclosure also describes an irrigation system that provides aqueous nutrient solution to the grow towers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: MJNN LLC
    Inventors: Gage Goodspeed Coffin, Michael Peter Flynn, Brice Leon Klein, Alexandre Le Roux, Timothy Michael Murcko, Nathaniel R. Storey
  • Publication number: 20230090123
    Abstract: A vertical hydroponic plant production apparatus for allowing vertical hydroponic greenhouse crop production is provided. The apparatus comprises a hollow grow tube having a front face, a back face, an open first end, and an open second end. A slot is formed in the front face of the grow tube with the slot having a width equal to only a portion of a width of the front face. A media material is insertable into the grow tube. The slot allows the front face to expand outward during insertion of the media material and biased inward against the media material once the media material is inserted. The grow tube is positionable in either a horizontal position, vertical position, or any position between the horizontal position and the vertical position allowing inclined, multi-angled crop production and multi-storied conveyor style crop production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2022
    Publication date: March 23, 2023
    Applicant: University of Wyoming
    Inventor: Nathaniel R. Storey
  • Patent number: 11510375
    Abstract: A vertical hydroponic plant production apparatus for allowing vertical hydroponic greenhouse crop production is provided. The apparatus comprises a hollow grow tube having a front face, a back face, an open first end, and an open second end. A slot is formed in the front face of the grow tube with the slot having a width equal to only a portion of a width of the front face. A media material is insertable into the grow tube. The slot allows the front face to expand outward during insertion of the media material and biased inward against the media material once the media material is inserted. The grow tube is positionable in either a horizontal position, vertical position, or any position between the horizontal position and the vertical position allowing inclined, multi-angled crop production and multi-storied conveyor style crop production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: University of Wyoming
    Inventor: Nathaniel R. Storey
  • Patent number: 11464181
    Abstract: A hydroponic produce display apparatus for in-store and market display of plants is provided. The hydroponic produce display apparatus comprises a basin for holding a volume of liquid with an opening formed in the basin. A hydroponic container is provided having a first end and a second end with the first end of the hydroponic container cooperates with the opening in the basin and the plants growing within the hydroponic containers. An irrigation mechanism moves liquid from the basin to the second end of the hydroponic container wherein harvested hydroponic containers are exchanged with harvested containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: University of Wyoming
    Inventor: Nathaniel R. Storey
  • Patent number: 11388869
    Abstract: A modular hydroponic cultivation and transport system for the cultivation and transport of organisms, including but not limited to, various forms of plants and fungi in hydroponic towers, is provided. Further, apparatuses for the cultivation and transport of organisms grown in hydroponic towers, are provided. Methods for the cultivation and transport of organisms using the transport system and apparatuses described herein are also provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: University of Wyoming
    Inventor: Nathaniel R. Storey
  • Patent number: 11277976
    Abstract: A greenwall cladding system for the growth of organisms such as plants and fungi on the side of structures, such as internal and external walls of buildings, is provided. Methods for the production of organisms on a greenwall cladding system, such as plants and fungi are also provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING
    Inventor: Nathaniel R. Storey
  • Publication number: 20220039340
    Abstract: A crop production system for a controlled plant growing environment is provided. A first assembly comprises a first sub-assembly that itself comprises a first plurality of arms radiating outward from a central portion, wherein each arm is separated from two adjacent arms of the first plurality of arms by respective angles, each arm has a first end proximal to the central portion and a second end distal to the central portion, and each arm is configured to support a plurality of plant growth modules. The plurality of plant growth modules may be moved in a first direction miming from the first end to the second end of each arm of the first plurality of arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Publication date: February 10, 2022
    Applicant: MJNN LLC
    Inventor: Nathaniel R. Storey
  • Publication number: 20220007601
    Abstract: Facility layouts and configurations for an automated crop production system for controlled environment agriculture. In particular implementations, the core of the facility comprises a controlled growth environment and a central processing system. The controlled growth environment includes systems for exposing crops housed in modules, such as grow towers, to controlled environmental conditions. The central processing system may include various stations and functionality both for preparing crop-bearing modules to he inserted in the controlled growth environment for harvesting crops from the crop-bearing modules after they have been extracted from the controlled growth environment, and for cleaning or washing crop-hearing modules for re-use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Publication date: January 13, 2022
    Applicant: MJNN LLC
    Inventors: Gage Goodspeed Coffin, Michael Peter Flynn, Brice Leon Klein, Alexandre Le Roux, Nathaniel R. Storey, Tamara Tahir Hasoon, Merritt Jonathan Jenkins, Maria Alexandria Malone, Matthew James Matera, Kelly Catherine Casie LaBuff, Alan Colbrie Schoen
  • Publication number: 20220000043
    Abstract: An automated crop production system for controlled environment agriculture that includes a horizontal-to-vertical grow tower interface between a vertical grow structure that includes vertical grow towers and associated conveyance mechanisms for moving the vertical grow towers through a controlled environment, and a processing system that performs one or more processing operations—such as harvesting, cleaning and/or transplanting—on the grow towers in a substantially horizontal orientation. The present disclosure also describes an automated crop production system for controlled environment agriculture that selectively routes grow towers through various processing stages of an automated crop production system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Applicant: MJNN LLC
    Inventors: Gage Goodspeed Coffin, Michael Peter Flynn, Brice Leon Klein, Alexandre Le Roux, Nathaniel R. Storey, Tamara Tahir Hasoon, Merritt Jonathan Jenkins, Maria Alexandria Malone, Matthew James Matera, Anna Olson, Nadav Sahar Hendel
  • Publication number: 20210337742
    Abstract: A vertical farming structure having vertical grow towers and associated conveyance mechanisms for moving the vertical grow towers through a controlled environment, while being exposed to controlled lighting, airflow, humidity and nutritional support. The present disclosure describes a reciprocating cam mechanism that provides a cost-efficient mechanism for conveying vertical grow towers in the controlled environment. The reciprocating cam mechanism can be arranged to increase the spacing of the grow towers as they are conveyed through the controlled environment to index the crops growing on the towers. The present disclosure also describes an irrigation system that provides aqueous nutrient solution to the grow towers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Applicant: MJNN LLC
    Inventors: Gage Goodspeed Coffin, Michael Peter Flynn, Brice Leon Klein, Alexandre Le Roux, Timothy Michael Murcko, Nathaniel R. Storey