Utilizing Light Or Sound Patents (Class 47/58.1LS)
  • Publication number: 20150143745
    Abstract: Methods for manipulating yield and generation time of plants, especially short day plants such as soybean are provided. The methods comprise manipulating external signals such as long day conditions, short day conditions, growth medium, and nutrient supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Daniel J. Ovadya, Bala Karunanandaa, Karen Gabbert, Qin Zeng
  • Publication number: 20150128488
    Abstract: The invention provides a lighting device (100) with light emitting diodes (10) configured to generate light (11) having a wavelength selected from the range of 400-475 nm, wherein the lighting device (100) comprises at least two light emitting parts (100a, 100b). The first light emitting part (100a) comprises a first subset (10a) of light emitting diodes (10), and is configured to provide a first light (111a) having the first spectral light distribution substantially in the range of 400-475 nm. The second light emitting part (100b) comprises a second subset (10b) of light emitting diodes (10) and comprising a light conversion element (20) configured to convert at least part of the light (11) generated from the second subset (10b) of the plurality of light emitting diodes (10) into the second light (111b), with the second spectral light distribution substantially in the range of 625-800 nm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Lars Christian Casper, Cristina Tanase, Rifat Ata Mustafa Hikmet, Celine Catherine Sarah Nicole, Esther Maria Van Echtelt
  • Publication number: 20150128489
    Abstract: In a plant growing system, a first light source irradiates a plant with light having a peak wavelength in a range from 380 to 560 nm and a peak wavelength in a range from 560 to 680 nm and a second light source irradiates the plant with far-red light having a peak wavelength in a range from 685 to 780 nm. Further, a control unit controls the first and the second light source to perform respective irradiation operations and a time setting unit sets a first and a second time zone in which the control unit controls the first and the second light source to perform the respective irradiation operations. The first time zone ranges from a first predetermined time before sunset to a second predetermined time after sunset, and the second time zone starts after the first light source completes its irradiation operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Makoto YAMADA, Masaki ISHIWATA, Shinichi AOKI, Kyohei NAKAMURA
  • Publication number: 20150128490
    Abstract: An improved method to produce artificial light for plant cultivation, an illumination device with a semiconductor light emission solution and device suited for plant cultivation in a greenhouse and/or dark growth chamber environment are described. The best mode is considered to be a lighting device with LEDs that produces an emission spectrum similar to the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) spectrum in a dark growth chamber. The methods and arrangements allow more precise spectral tuning of the emission spectrum for lights used in plant (310, 311) cultivation. Therefore unexpected improvements in the photomorphogenetic control of plant growth, and further improvements in plant production, especially in dark growth chambers, such as basements, are realized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Lars AIKALA, Ilkka KIVIMAKI
  • Publication number: 20150121753
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for selective photomorphogenesis of plants by directly illuminating the plant stem or other plant structures using various wavelengths of light and various light sources. The methods and apparatus disclosed can be used in commercial agriculture, plant breeding research programs, genetically engineered plant research and development programs or anytime a plant grower desires to maximize the volumetric efficiency or reduced the height of a plant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Thomas JENNER
  • Patent number: 9021739
    Abstract: A plant cultivation apparatus including: a guide rail disposed above a cultivation bed and extending along the length direction of the cultivation bed; a movable unit configured to move along the guide rail; an arm unit having a first end that is coupled to the movable unit, and a second end that is telescopically extendable from the movable unit toward the cultivation bed; and a UV radiation unit coupled to the second end of the arm unit and configured to irradiate the cultivation bed with a set amount of UV light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Seoul Viosys Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong Hyeon Koo, Young Hwan Son, Seong Min Lee, Jae Seon Yi, Kil Sun Yoo, Jung Youl Park
  • Publication number: 20150101246
    Abstract: The present invention provides an illumination apparatus for plant cultivation, including a unit configured to change light in any wavelength region of 300 nm or higher and 600 nm or lower (wavelengths of 452 nm to 474 nm, for example) to light in the wavelength region having dominantly a right-circularly polarized light component. The illumination apparatus of the present invention enables irradiation with light that is capable of giving a specific effect in plant cultivation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshihisa USAMI, Mitsuyoshi ICHIHASHI
  • Patent number: 9003703
    Abstract: The invention provides a nontoxic photoluminescent adjuvant delivered to targeted crops, plants and seeds to assist spray operations in low light or dark light operations. These crops and plants include: not for human consumption crops, turf grass, ornamental flowers, seeds, shrubs and bushes. Spray operations are delivered to the foliar, crown and soil parts and seeds of a crop or plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Floratine Products Group, Inc
    Inventors: Kevin Cavanaugh, Timothy B. Cartwright
  • Publication number: 20150089867
    Abstract: A grow system is disclosed herein. The grow system can include a grow device that can include a light system including a plurality of light sources, a light position controller, and a processor. The processor can receive information relating to a plant to be grown by the grow system and can, based on that information, identify an operation program that specifies lighting and positioning of the illumination system. Using the operation program, the processor can generate one or several control signals to control the operation of the light system and the light position system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Jack Abbott, Peter A. Zeidler, Alex Bodell
  • Publication number: 20150089866
    Abstract: A grow system is disclosed herein. The grow system can include a grow device that can include a light system including a plurality of light sources, a light position controller, and a processor. The processor can receive information relating to a plant to be grown by the grow system and can, based on that information, identify an operation program that specifies lighting and positioning of the illumination system. Using the operation program, the processor can generate one or several control signals to control the operation of the light system and the light position system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Jack Abbott, Peter A. Zeidler, Alex Bodell
  • Patent number: 8950109
    Abstract: A method of applying acoustic wave to rice seeds for increasing yield comprises the following steps: (1) Process rice seeds by winnowing and/or wet separation; (2) Soak the rice seeds for 10 to 12 hours and pre-process by acoustic wave irradiation in power density from 0.25 to 25 w/L; (3) Use acoustic wave frequency from 10 khz to 2000 khz for acoustic wave processing; (4) Take out the rice seeds processed by the acoustic wave from soaking liquid and keep the rice seeds stationary until they excrete convex white flakes. A device for applying acoustic wave to rice seeds for increasing yield comprises a container (1) for holding rice seeds and soaking liquid, and also a dasher (2); at least one ultrasonic transducer (3) for generating acoustic wave is disposed on sides or bottom of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Guangzhou Newpower Ultrasonic Electronic
    Inventors: Zhuosheng Yan, Zhuoli Yan, Jinxuan Yan, Xiangru Tang, Guoxi Li, Zhizhong Yang
  • Patent number: 8935880
    Abstract: Methods for manipulating yield and generation time of plants, especially short day plants such as soybean are provided. The methods comprise manipulating external signals such as long day conditions, short day conditions, growth medium, and nutrient supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventors: Daniel J. Ovadya, Bala Karunanandaa, Karen Gabbert, Qin Zeng
  • Publication number: 20140373442
    Abstract: The invention relates to the cultivation of insect (840) pollinated plants (710, 711) in a greenhouse (700, 701 and 802) environment. In more particular, the invention relates to a lighting device and a method of illumination designed to enhance insect pollination in plants, such as the tomato. The best mode of the invention is considered to be the use of a LED (101, 102, 103 and 104) lighting device having emission peaks (401, 402, 403, 410 and 510) matching the photosynthetic relative absorption peaks of green plants, and the relative reflectance peaks of flowers of plants being cultivated and the relative sensitivity peaks of the insect's vision being used in the pollination. The inventive lighting device and method reduces insect mortality and increases pollination efficiency, photosynthetic growth and thereby increases the productivity of plant cultivation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Lars AIKALA, Ilkka KIVIMAKI, Titta KOTILAINEN
  • Publication number: 20140366440
    Abstract: A shoot of a plant is cultivated under the presence of glutathione, so that the shoot is rooted. It is possible to cultivate the shoot under the presence of glutathione by use of a rooting medium including glutathione or by contacting a solution including glutathione with the shoot. Oxidized glutathione is preferably used as glutathione. By promoting rooting of the shoot of the plant, a rooting rate of the shoot of the plant is improved. This improves productivity of a clone seedling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Kenichi Ogawa, Etsuko Matsunaga, Naoki Negishi, Masatoshi Ohishi, Humiki Kawai, Toshiaki Tanabe, Akiyoshi Kawaoka
  • Publication number: 20140366439
    Abstract: Nanoparticles (NPs) may be used to transform the energy of harmful or less useful wavelengths into beneficial and more useful wavelengths of light for a multitude of purposes including, for example, promotion of photosynthesis, enhancing germination timing, enhancing bloom timing. In one embodiment, a greenhouse structure may include nanoparticles embedded in a glass or plastic panel, or may include nanoparticles disposed on a surface of such a panel, to alter the wavelength of available light to a desired wavelength in order to alter an event associated with plant life contained within the greenhouse structure. In another embodiment, nanoparticles may be applied directly to a part of a plant structure (e.g., leaves, stems, etc.) to alter a characteristic of light before receipt of the light by the plant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Martin Ben-Dayan, William D. Bickmore
  • Publication number: 20140352211
    Abstract: A luminaire system, apparatus, and method of using thereof, is disclosed for optimizing plant growth in a controlled farming environment. Different types of plants have different light requirements, and different inputs to controlled farming environment have different costs. For example, there may be certain times of day where, if power is not used, a cost savings is realized. Thus, the present invention provides a luminaire system for these controlled farming environments that receives light requirement information for the different types of plants, and in turn, adjusts the luminaire light source (110) via a luminaire light interface (106) to based on the light requirement information. The light requirement information may include spectrum in formation for the type of spectrum required or needed by the plants, power cost or savings information, or light quantity information representing the maximum amount of light to be provided to the plants in the controlled environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventor: Matthew LIOTTA
  • Publication number: 20140345195
    Abstract: Disclosed is a wavelength-conversion material, and methods for its use, that includes an organic fluorescent dye and a polymeric matrix, wherein the organic fluorescent dye is solubilized in the polymeric matrix, and wherein the polymeric matrix is capable of absorbing light comprising a wavelength of 500 to 700 nm and emitting the absorbed light at a wavelength of greater than 550 to 800 nm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: Saudi Basic Industries Corporation
    Inventors: Suresh Velate, Pradeep Jeevaji Nadkarni, M. Meerakani Sait, Vinod Kumar Vasudevan, Sankaran Nedumbamana
  • Publication number: 20140331555
    Abstract: Methods for promoting plant growth based on novel photosafening treatment regimes with glycopyranosides including glycopyranosylglycopyranosides, and aryl-a-D-glycopyranosides, and more specifically, with one or more compounds comprising terminal mannosyl-triose, optionally in the presence of light enhanced by one or more light reflecting and/or refracting members such as silicon-based substrates. Furthermore, chemical synthesis processes for the above compounds are disclosed for general application to plants. Silicate microbeads of the like are distributed over the ground or substrate in which roots of a plant are supported and planted, beneath and around a plant in a manner that light is refracted or reflected toward the phylloplane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventor: Arthur M. Nonomura
  • Publication number: 20140325712
    Abstract: In order to develop a technique for increasing an amino acid content and to provide a technique for easily producing a plant having an increased amino acid content, an amino acid content in a plant is increased by an amino acid content promoting agent, a composition containing the amino acid content promoting agent, a kit including an amino acid content promoting agent, or a kit including a composition containing the amino acid content promoting agent, and a plant having an increased amino acid content is produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Kenichi Ogawa, Kenji Henmi, Aya Iwasaki
  • Patent number: 8850743
    Abstract: A lighting fixture for facilitating plant growth and a light emitting component. The fixture comprises a single light emission source LED device which provides at least two emission peaks in the wavelength range of 300-800 nm and at least one of the emission peaks has Full Width of Half Maximum (FWHM) at least 50 nm or higher. The emission peaks of the LED match well with a plant photosynthesis response spectrum and is therefore particularly suitable for high efficiency artificial lighting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Valoya Oy
    Inventor: Lars Aikala
  • Publication number: 20140259905
    Abstract: Methods for manipulating yield and generation time of short day plants grown in a field environment are provided. The methods comprise manipulating external signals such as photoperiod in order to increase the per plant seed yield. Also provided are methods for synchronizing the flowering times of plants in different maturity groups.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Monsanto Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel J. Ovadya, Kyle Smith, Sheilah Oltmans-Deardorff, Rockny Perez
  • Publication number: 20140250778
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide systems for optimizing organism growth, destruction or repair, by controlling the duty cycle, wavelength band and frequency of photon bursts to an organism, through the high frequency modulation of photons in an individual color spectrum to the organism, where the photon modulation is based upon the specific needs of the organism. Devices for the optimization of organism growth, destruction or repair through the high frequency modulation of photons of individual color spectrum to the organism are also provided. Further provided are methods for the optimization of organism growth, destruction or repair through the use of high frequency modulation of photons of individual color spectrums.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Xiant Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jon Daren Suntych
  • Publication number: 20140250781
    Abstract: A method of growing a plant or its propagule is described. The method includes: (i) powering a light source with input power to generate an incident light; (ii) illuminating, for a period of time, a growth area of the plant/propagule with the incident light having a spectral profile defined by a first (i.e., between about 400 nm and about 470 nm), a second (i.e., between about 526 nm and about 570 nm) and a third (i.e., between about 626 nm and about 700 nm) set of wavelengths; (iii) achieving, using the incident light, a final harvest index that is greater than that achieved if the growth area of the plant/propagule had been illuminated by another incident light with same amount of input power for substantially same period of time, and another incident light includes the first and the third set of wavelengths, but not the second set of wavelengths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventor: John Goeschl
  • Patent number: 8826589
    Abstract: A method of growing a plant or its propagule is described. The method includes: (i) powering a light source with input power to generate an incident light; (ii) illuminating, for a period of time, a growth area of the plant/propagule with the incident light having a spectral profile defined by a first (i.e., between about 400 nm and about 470 nm), a second (i.e., between about 526 nm and about 570 nm) and a third (i.e., between about 626 nm and about 700 nm) set of wavelengths; (iii) achieving, using the incident light, a dry weight that is greater than that achieved if the growth area of the plant/propagule had been illuminated by another incident light with same amount of input power for substantially same period of time, and another incident light includes the first and the third set of wavelengths, but not the second set of wavelengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: BlueSky Grow Lights, LLC
    Inventor: John Goeschl
  • Publication number: 20140215918
    Abstract: A plant-cultivating method is provided which comprises a step (A) of irradiating a plant with a red light and a step (B) of irradiating a plant with a blue light, and a step (C) of irradiating a plant with a light predominantly comprised of far-red light wherein the step (A), the step (B) and the step (C) are independently and separately carried out for a predetermined period of time. The light irradiated at each of the steps (A), (B) and (C) has at least 60%, based on the total emission intensity of the light, of an emission intensity ratio of red light, blue light or far-red light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: SHOWA DENKO K.K.
    Inventors: Ryouichi TAKEUCHI, Hironori ARA
  • Publication number: 20140215915
    Abstract: A plant-cultivating method is provided which comprises a red light irradiation step (A) and a blue light irradiation step (B), wherein the step (A) and the step (B) are independently carried out for a predetermined period of time under cultivation conditions such that the temperature in a cultivation atmosphere at the step (A) is lower than that at the step (B). Preferably, the temperatures in a cultivation atmosphere at the step (A) and the step (B) are in the ranges of 12° C. to 19° C. and 20° C. to 25° C., respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: SHOWA DENKO K.K.
    Inventor: Hiroshi SUZUKI
  • Publication number: 20140215910
    Abstract: A plant-cultivating method is provided which comprises a red light irradiation step (A) and a blue light irradiation step (B), wherein the step (A) and the step (B) are independently carried out for a predetermined period of time under cultivation conditions such that the humidity in a cultivation atmosphere at the step (A) is higher than that at the step (B). Preferably the humidities in a cultivation atmosphere at the step (A) and the step (B) are in the ranges of 60%-90% and 40%-60%, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: SHOWA DENKO K.K.
    Inventor: Hiroshi SUZUKI
  • Publication number: 20140215913
    Abstract: A plant-cultivating method is provided wherein a red light irradiation step (A) and a blue light irradiation step (B) are independently carried out for a predetermined time period, and far-red light is additionally irradiated concurrently with red light at step (A) or with blue light at step (B), or, with red light and blue light at step (A) and step (B), respectively. When far-red light is irradiated concurrently with red light at step (A), the emission intensity of red light is larger than that of far-red light, and an emission intensity ratio of red light to the total lights at step (A) is at least 50%. When far-red light is irradiated concurrently with blue light at step (B), the emission intensity of blue light is larger than that of far-red light, and an emission intensity ratio of blue light to the total lights at step (B) is at least 50%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: SHOWA DENKO K.K.
    Inventors: Ryouichi TAKEUCHI, Hironori ARA
  • Publication number: 20140215912
    Abstract: A plant-cultivating method is provided which comprises a red light irradiation step (A) and a blue light irradiation step (B), wherein the step (A) and the step (B) are independently carried out for a predetermined period of time under cultivation conditions such that a fertilizer is used at each of the step (A) and the step (B), of which at least the fertilizer used at the step (B) is applied in the form of a nutritious liquid containing fertilizer ingredients and further an increased amount of dissolved oxygen, which nutritious liquid is prepared by adding oxygen therein. Preferably, a nutritious liquid is applied at each of the step (A) and the step (B), and the nutritious liquid applied at the step (B) contains dissolved oxygen at a content higher than that in the nutritious liquid applied at the step (A).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: SHOWA DENKO K.K.
    Inventors: Ryouichi TAKEUCHI, Hironori ARA
  • Publication number: 20140215911
    Abstract: A plant-cultivating method is provided which comprises a red light irradiation step (A) and a blue light irradiation step (B), wherein the step (A) and the step (B) are independently carried out for a predetermined period of time under cultivation conditions such that amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium as fertilizer ingredients as used at the step (B) are smaller than amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium as fertilizer ingredients, respectively, as used at the step (A). Preferably, fertilizer ingredients are applied in amounts such that a growth medium at the step (B) contains 10-15 me/L of nitrogen, 1-4 me/L of phosphorus and 2-6 me/L of potassium, and a growth medium at the step (A) contains 15-20 me/L of nitrogen, 3-6 me/L of phosphorus and 6-9 me/L of potassium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: SHOWA DENKO K.K.
    Inventor: Hiroshi SUZUKI
  • Publication number: 20140215906
    Abstract: A plant-cultivating method is provided which comprises a step (A) of irradiating a plant with a red light and a step (B) of irradiating a plant with a blue light, wherein the step (A) and the step (B) are independently carried out for a predetermined period of time under cultivation conditions such that a fertilizer is used for each of the step (A) and the step (B), of which at least the fertilizer used for the step (A) is applied in the form of a nutritious liquid containing fertilizer ingredients and further carbon dioxide added therein. Preferably, a nutritious liquid is applied at each of the step (A) and the step (B), and the nutritious liquid applied at the step (A) contains carbon dioxide at a concentration higher than that in the nutritious liquid applied at the step (B).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: SHOWA DENKO K.K.
    Inventors: Ryouichi TAKEUCHI, Hironori ARA
  • Publication number: 20140215914
    Abstract: A plant-cultivating method is provided which comprises a red light irradiation step (A) and a blue light irradiation step (B), wherein the step (A) and the step (B) are independently carried out for a predetermined period of time under cultivation conditions such that the concentration of carbon dioxide in a cultivation atmosphere at the step (B) is higher than that at the step (A). Preferably the concentrations of carbon dioxide at the step (B) and the step (A) are 1000-2500 ppm and 700-1500 ppm, respectively. The concentration of carbon dioxide at the step (B) is preferably at least 200 ppm higher than that at the step (A).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: SHOWA DENKO K.K.
    Inventor: Ryouichi TAKEUCHI
  • Publication number: 20140215916
    Abstract: A plant cultivation method is provided, including: a sequence of irradiating a plant with sunlight; a sequence of irradiating the plant with red light; and a sequence of irradiating the plant with blue light, in which the sequences are performed independently within a certain period of time. A plant cultivation apparatus is also provided, including: a region in which a plant is irradiated with sunlight; a light irradiation unit that irradiates the plant with artificial light including red light and/or blue light; and a control unit that controls the light irradiation unit to independently perform a step of irradiating a plant with red light and a step of irradiating the plant with blue light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: SHOWA DENKO K.K.
    Inventors: Hironori ARA, Hiroshi SUZUKI, Ryouichi TAKEUCHI
  • Publication number: 20140215917
    Abstract: Provided is a plant cultivation lamp used in a plant cultivation method including a step of independently performing a sequence of irradiating a plant with red light and a sequence of irradiating the plant with blue light within a certain period of time, including: a light irradiation unit that includes one or more red light emitting elements that emit red light and one or more blue light emitting elements that emit blue light; and a control unit that controls the light irradiation unit to independently turn on and off the red light emitting elements and the blue light emitting elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: SHOWA DENKO K.K.
    Inventors: Hiroshi SUZUKI, Ryouichi TAKEUCHI, Hironori ARA
  • Publication number: 20140165462
    Abstract: As a plant cultivation method by an artificial light irradiation which is convenient, highly energy efficient, and excellent in growth promoting effect, a plant cultivation method which promotes the plant growth by conducting a step S1 for irradiating a red illuminative light to a plant and a step S2 for irradiating a blue illuminative light to the plant separately and independently of each other within a certain time period. In this plant cultivation method, an extremely remarkable plant growth promoting effect can be obtained by a method as simple as an alternate irradiation with a red illuminative light and a blue illuminative light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicants: YAMAGUCHI UNIVERSITY, SHOWA DENKO K.K.
    Inventors: Masayoshi Shigyo, Hiroshi Suzuki, Naoki Yamauchi, Hironori Ara, Akihiro Shimokawa, Misato Matsumoto, Yuki Tonooka
  • Patent number: 8739465
    Abstract: A method of growing a plant or its propagule is described. The method includes: (i) powering a light source with input power to generate an incident light; (ii) illuminating, for a period of time, a growth area of the plant/propagule with the incident light having a spectral profile defined by a first (i.e., between about 400 nm and about 470 nm), a second (i.e., between about 526 nm and about 570 nm) and a third (i.e., between about 626 nm and about 700 nm) set of wavelengths; (iii) achieving, using the incident light, a final harvest index that is greater than that achieved if the growth area of the plant/propagule had been illuminated by another incident light with same amount of input power for substantially same period of time, and another incident light includes the first and the third set of wavelengths, but not the second set of wavelengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Bluesky Grow Lights, LLC
    Inventor: John Goeschl
  • Publication number: 20140123554
    Abstract: A physical method for maintaining the freshness of vegetables and fruits via the technology of the optical signal and optical signal generator are disclosed. By adopting the computer programmable pulsed scanning signal generator, it controls the light-emitting device mounted with red, green and blue light sources group to generate optical signal with pulsed or pulsed periodical scanning combined spectrum. The optical signal irradiates the fresh-cut fruits and vegetables preserved in the storage assembly at room temperature or at controlled temperature and humidity. By regulating the optical signal with periodical pulsed spectrum or pulsed scanning spectrum or periodical pulsed scanning combined spectrum, the irradiated vegetables and fruits obtain photon energy needed in light reactions of photosynthesis from the lighting environment of artificial optical signal which is in bright and dark periodic variation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventors: Yu Chen, Xin Chen, Jing Li Chen
  • Publication number: 20140090293
    Abstract: Agribusiness like most markets is very competitive. In particular, agricultural products that have a short shelf life create an added pressure to sell and ship more quickly. By using mirrors and other reflective material, the cost of production is reduced, while improving the quality and quantity of plant production. This process of using mirrors and reflective material improves plant growth and production beyond other indoor or outdoor growing systems. This process may be the most efficient system by growing plants in a sterile, pesticide-free, and easily accessible facility, significantly reducing labor costs. By controlling every facet of the growing process, commercial production can occur in virtually any kind of outdoor weather conditions, while making best use of land and natural resources, potentially affecting agribusiness globally. Because this process has national and global consequences, the use of mirrors and reflective material for plant production needs to be patented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventor: Brian Edgar Walker
  • Publication number: 20140069002
    Abstract: A system for enabling controlled plant growth of plants in containers includes linear tracks spaced apart from each other by intervening supporting plates. Each track includes an array of blue and red LEDs affixed to heat sink that can slide along the track to be positioned in a desired arrangement to the container beneath it. A controller for the LEDs is positioned between every other pair of tracks to control adjacent arrays of LEDs. The controller controls the LEDs to provide light to the plants in the containers of desired intensity and wavelength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Xeralux, Inc.
    Inventor: Xeralux, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8656638
    Abstract: Compounds and methods that release 1-methylcyclopropene, 1-trifluoromethylcyclopropene, and other substituted cyclopropenes are disclosed. The compounds are of the class of chemical analogue of 2-oxa-bicyclo[2.1.0]penta-3-one useful as vessels for molecular plant ethylene receptor inhibitors. The compounds and methods overcome present limitations for storage, transportation, and application of the cyclopropene containing compounds by using light, including sunlight, and/or heat as the primary release trigger. Additional products released include innocuous gases and value added aryl-group compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventors: Cheryl D. Stevenson, John Perrin Davis
  • Publication number: 20140041295
    Abstract: The present invention provides a circular polarization illumination device which can irradiate right-circularly polarized light at a large light amount from a light source of right-circularly polarized light with a high efficiency and can irradiate left-circularly polarized light at a large light amount from a light source of left-circularly polarized light with a high efficiency, and a plant growth regulation method that can efficiently regulate the promotion or inhibition of the growth of plants by using the circular polarization illumination device. Moreover, the illumination device includes a light-emitting light source, a reflective polarizing plate, reirradiation unit, and circular polarization conversion unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihisa USAMI, Mitsuyoshi ICHIHASHI, Yohsuke TAKEUCHI
  • Publication number: 20140041296
    Abstract: The present invention provides an illuminating device that makes it possible to reduce the number of members for regulating a polarization state and can irradiate light having natural color shades without decreasing energy efficiency of light irradiation, and a plant growth regulation method using the illuminating device. The illuminating device of the present invention includes a light-emitting light source and a polarization state regulation member that regulates a polarization state of the light-emitting light source, in which the polarization state of a wavelength region of a portion of emission wavelengths is changed to circular polarization, and a degree of circular polarization of light in a wavelength band for regulation among the light rays to be irradiated is 0.3 or higher. In a preferable embodiment, a width of at least one wavelength band for regulation of the polarization state regulation member is from 60 nm to 250 nm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuyoshi ICHIHASHI, Yoshihisa USAMI, Wataru MAJIMA
  • Patent number: 8615925
    Abstract: A light guiding film including: a light entrance portion which allows incident light from a light source to enter; a wavelength converting portion which absorbs the incident light and converts the wavelength of the incident light to a wavelength utilizable for growth of a plant; and a light exit portion which allows the light with the converted wavelength to exit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshihisa Usami
  • Publication number: 20130326945
    Abstract: A method of growing a plant or its propagule is described. The method includes: (i) powering a light source with input power to generate an incident light; (ii) illuminating, for a period of time, a growth area of the plant/propagule with the incident light having a spectral profile defined by a first (i.e., between about 400 nm and about 470 nm), a second (i.e., between about 526 nm and about 570 nm) and a third (i.e., between about 626 nm and about 700 nm) set of wavelengths; (iii) achieving, using the incident light, a dry weight that is greater than that achieved if the growth area of the plant/propagule had been illuminated by another incident light with same amount of input power for substantially same period of time, and another incident light includes the first and the third set of wavelengths, but not the second set of wavelengths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: BlueSky Grow Lights, LLC
    Inventor: John Goeschl
  • Publication number: 20130326946
    Abstract: A method of growing a plant or its propagule is described. The method includes: (i) powering a light source with input power to generate an incident light; (ii) illuminating, for a period of time, a growth area of the plant/propagule with the incident light having a spectral profile defined by a first (i.e., between about 400 nm and about 470 nm), a second (i.e., between about 526 nm and about 570 nm) and a third (i.e., between about 626 nm and about 700 nm) set of wavelengths; (iii) achieving, using the incident light, a final harvest index that is greater than that achieved if the growth area of the plant/propagule had been illuminated by another incident light with same amount of input power for substantially same period of time, and another incident light includes the first and the third set of wavelengths, but not the second set of wavelengths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: BLUESKY GROW LIGHTS, LLC
    Inventor: John Goeschl
  • Publication number: 20130326947
    Abstract: A method of growing a plant or its propagule is described. The method includes: (i) powering a light source with input power to generate an incident light; (ii) illuminating, for a period of time, a growth area of the plant/propagule with the incident light having a spectral profile defined by a first (i.e., between about 400 nm and about 470 nm), a second (i.e., between about 526 nm and about 570 nm) and a third (i.e., between about 626 nm and about 700 nm) set of wavelengths; (iii) achieving, using the incident light, a photosynthetic productivity that is greater than that achieved if the growth area of the plant/propagule had been illuminated by another incident light with same amount of input power for substantially same period of time, and another incident light includes the first and the third set of wavelengths, but not the second set of wavelengths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: BLUESKY GROW LIGHTS, LLC
    Inventor: John Goeschl
  • Publication number: 20130326948
    Abstract: A diffuse light reflector is disclosed for use in lighting fixtures including luminaires, light boxes, displays, signage, daylighting applications, and the like. The reflector includes a light reflective nonwoven, a polymer layer that enhances reflectivity, and an opaque blackout layer. The reflector can be laminated to coil steel or aluminum and can be formed in metal coil or sheet forming operations. The polymer layer can be easily cleaned of machine oils from the metal forming operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: WhiteOptics, LLC
    Inventor: Eric William Hearn TEATHER
  • Publication number: 20130318869
    Abstract: A lighting fixture for facilitating plant growth and a light emitting component. The fixture comprises a single light emission source LED device which provides at least two emission peaks in the wavelength range of 300-800 nm and at least one of the emission peaks has Full Width of Half Maximum (FWHM) at least 50 nm or higher. The emission peaks of the LED match well with a plant photosynthesis response spectrum and is therefore particularly suitable for high efficiency artificial lighting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: VALOYA OY
    Inventor: Lars AIKALA
  • Publication number: 20130298459
    Abstract: The system of the indention is applied to sunless enclosed spaces suitable for agricultural use. A growing zone is seeded with a particular crop variety. The crop growth is optimized by receipt of a specific light emissions. A light emitting computer comprising an array of light emitting devices, a microprocessor, a radio frequency receiver and a storage device is disposed optimally over the growing zone to bath the zone uniformly in the specific light emission for optimal growth. A radio frequency identification tag is placed within the growing zone to electrically define the growth zone for the light emitting computer. The RFID tags emit a crop variety specific radio frequency that is received by the radio frequency receiver. The appropriate light emission profile related to the radio frequency is retrieved from a digital look-up table. The emitting computer then emits the light emission profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventor: Jeff Bucove
  • Publication number: 20130283683
    Abstract: Method and lighting device for providing artificial light optimally to plants is achieved effectively by moving both the lighting device (2, 3 and 4) and its emission pattern to maximize incident light on the plants (5, 6 and 7) being cultivated. The horticultural lighting device illuminates plants so that the lighting device is moved vertically and at least one light emitter (3 and 4) and/or reflector (2) is rotated to maximize light exposure from the lighting device on the plants (5, 6 and 7). In the best mode the movable and rotatable lighting device is used to grow very high plants. The lighting device (2, 3 and 4) is moved by a motor programmed to change the position of the lighting device and the orientation of the emission pattern in accordance with the growth cycle of the plants in the greenhouse (350) to maximize incident flux on the plants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: Valoya Oy
    Inventors: Rabbe RINGBOM, Ilkka KIVIMAKI