Abstract: A decorative assembly for a floral grouping comprising a floral holding material and a sheet of material. The floral holding material is constructed of a material capable of receiving a portion of a floral grouping and supporting the floral grouping. The sheet of material is extended about a portion of the floral holding material and a crimped portion is formed in the sheet of material with the crimped portion cooperating to hold the sheet of material about the floral holding material to provide a decorative covering.

Abstract: A system for germinating livestock feed grains and growing sprouts therefrom using a plant nutritive effluent from a manure treatment process includes a germination tray conveyor having an endless sequence of trays thereon, a grain deposit station at one end of the conveyor, a sprout offload station at an opposite end of the conveyor, and a plurality of effluent spray stations spaced between the grain deposit station and the offload station. Grain is deposited in a tray at the deposit station, solenoid spray valves are opened at timed intervals, and the trays are advanced to the next station in a timed sequence to allow the grains to germinate and the sprouts to mature by the time each tray reaches the offload station.

Abstract: An integrated plant device is illustrated and described that has a multiplicity of compartments for storing plant propagating equipment, for storing gardening tools, and for storing plant flats. The compartmentalized plant device assembles into a transportable storage chest on wheels.

Abstract: A buoyant apparatus is provided for floating plants and other foliage in ponds. It is directed to a floating support or raft for one or more plant pots. Such materials are attractive to fish and other aquatic animals frequently present in such decorative ponds. In the floatable foliage pots herein the floating base or collar is protected so that it cannot be chewed, and ruined by aquatic animals. A mesh screen is adapted to cover exposed surfaces of the collar to prevent fish from biting it.

Abstract: A plurality of plant flats are supported on a movable plant flat support rack positioned adjacent an irrigation trough for movement between an upper position and a lower position; idler rollers on the support rack engage inclined tracks on opposite sides of the irrigation trough so that horizontal movement of the support rack results in vertical movement of the support between an upper position in which the flats are above the upper surface of the trough liquid and a lower position in which the bottom of the flats is immersed in the liquid in the trough. A portable dive assembly is connected to the plant flat for support effecting horizontal movement of the rolls.

Abstract: A new Rotating Tree Stand System for providing a rotating tree stand which also provides a plurality of electrical receptacles for electrically connecting a plurality of electrical ornaments. The inventive device includes a base, an upper member rotatably connected to the base, a tree support device secured to the upper member, an electric motor mechanically connected to the upper member for rotating the upper member, and a plurality of electrical receptacles within the base and the upper member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the cultivation of plants, comprising the following steps:a) placing root containers (2) containing a plant on a cultivation conveyor belt (4),b) allowing the plants (3) cultivated in the root containers to grow on said cultivation conveyor belt whilst the cultivation conveyor belt is stationary,c) using the cultivation conveyor belt to transport the root containers placed on the cultivation conveyor belt to a dispensing point (14), for example when the plants have grown sufficiently or have to be given an intermediate treatment.With this method it is advantageous if the cultivation conveyor belt (4) extends through a tray (1) having raised side walls (5) so that water can be supplied to the tray during step b) without said water flowing away of its own accord. The invention also relates to an installation for application of the method.

Abstract: A multistage plant culture method and apparatus for carrying out the method are disclosed. Culture beds constituted by rooting medium contained in culture containers and initially containing plant seedlings are moved, in order; from an uppermost level to a lowermost level after the plants have been grown at each level for a predetermined period. After cropping, the culture bed at the lowermost level is removed, and a new culture bed containing seedlings is placed at the vacant uppermost level. This sequence is repeated. The culture containers have a predetermined length and are supported on a plurality of support means arranged vertically at different heights. A culture container lift unit includes culture container holding means capable of movement towards or away from the culture containers, and also capable of holding the containers and moving them up or down to facilitate their movement between the different levels.

Abstract: A variable sized housing for protecting plants by utilizing water as a heat sink comprising a plurality of panels with coupling means for allowing the panels to construct a housing for surrounding a plant. Each panel has a hollow interior for allowing the storage of liquid therein thus providing insulation.

Abstract: A floating planter box comprises a polyhedral planar base member of a synthetic foam resin less dense than water. A pair of frame members sandwich the base member with one on the top and one on the bottom surface thereof. Side members surround the frames and base member and connect the frame members to hold the base member between the frames. The lower frame member has optional bracing members to strengthen that member. The planter displaces sufficient water to float the unit with the contained volume formed by the top surface and side members filled with soil and plants. An optional anchoring means hold the planter in place on a water surface.

Abstract: A floating island with a water-purifying effect of the present invention has a floating body and an agent container. The floating body includes a planter made of a foamed resin, soil contained in the planter and plants planted in the soil. A plurality of openings are provided in the bottom of the planter through which water is supplied to the soil in the planter and roots of the plants grow into water. The agent container stores an oxygen-generating agent therein, which is attached on the outside of the bottom of the planter.

Abstract: The growing room includes a closed loop track suspended above the floor and extending throughout the room. A plurality of racks are movably supported on the track by a motorized mover system. The racks include a frame for supporting a plurality of growing sheets for supporting and growing the plants. The growing sheets are made of a translucent material and include a plurality of growing cells formed by affixing a plurality of lengths of membrane material to the sheet at predetermined locations. The growing cells are gas permeable, liquid impermeable, and translucent.

Abstract: The assemblage consists of an in-ground assembly container 100 for plant propagation, formed of plastic strips 112 joined together to form, when compressed, a honeycomb configuration of container cells 110. Each cell is used to grow individual types of trees or plants. Walls of the cells are respectively embossed to enhance containment of potting soil. By combining the honeycomb container cells 110 with a pervious mat 120 and an impervious supporting liner 130, applied nutrients and water will not escape into the ground soil except by controlled pipe drainage 140. This combination will thus allow for total water and nutrient recirculation back through the system. The outlay includes a PVC liner 130, an optional drainage layer 120 and weed control fabric 122.

Abstract: An apparatus for growing plants includes a frame, a main carriage rotatably mounted to the frame and a drive mechanism for causing rotation of the main carriage at a preselected rate. A plurality of satellite carriages are rotatably mounted to the main carriage. A synchronization mechanism causes the satellite carriages to rotate at a rate having a preselected ratio relative to the rotation rate of the main carriage. Retainers for plants are mounted to each of the satellite carriages.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the cultivation of plants, comprising the following steps:a) placing root containers (2) containing a plant on a cultivation conveyor belt (4),b) allowing the plants (3) cultivated in the root containers to grow on said cultivation conveyor belt whilst the cultivation conveyor belt is stationary,c) using the cultivation conveyor belt to transport the root containers placed on the cultivation conveyor belt to a dispensing point (14), for example when the plants have grown sufficiently or have to be given an intermediate treatment.With this method it is advantageous if the cultivation conveyor belt (4) extends through a tray (1) having raised side walls (5) so that water can be supplied to the tray during step b) without said water flowing away of its own accord. The invention also relates to an installation for application of the method.

Abstract: A biomass management system using sunlight during the daytime for purifying water having impurities. The biomass management system of the present invention is adapted for use in an impoundment holding water which has an inlet for delivering impure water into the impoundment and an outlet for delivering purified water out of the impoundment. A first type of rooted bottom dwelling plant grows on the bottom of the impoundment and removes some of the impurities in the water. A plurality of elongated channels float on the surface of the water in the impoundment above the bottom dwelling plants. Each of the plurality of the elongated channels are secured in the impoundment in a substantially North-South orientation. Each of the plurality of elongate channels have a holding region with inwardly shaped sides. A second type of floating rootless plant grows in the holding region on the surface of the water in each of the channels and removes some of the impurities in the water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the propagation and growing of plants, and particularly concerns an apparatus for growing large numbers of plants in a small area, with optimized use of available and artificial light, and to reduce the effect of plants competing for light.

Abstract: The growing room includes a closed loop track suspended above the floor and extending throughout the room. A plurality of racks are movably supported on the track by a motorized mover system. The racks include a frame for supporting a plurality of growing sheets for supporting and growing the plants. The growing sheets are made of a translucent material and include a plurality of growing cells formed by affixing a plurality of lengths of membrane material to the sheet at predetermined locations. The growing cells are gas permeable, liquid impermeable, and translucent.

Abstract: A device for cultivating and harvesting growths (2,41) is disclosed where the growths (2,41) are cultivated in sectioned and/or flexible channels (1) which, when harvesting the growths (2,41) are led, by using a vehicle (4), past working stations (6) associated with the vehicle (4), where channels (1) are conveyed and elevated from the ground and relowered approximately to their starting position in conveying devices (3) running along the vehicle (4). The system is especially suited for harvesting strawberries.

Abstract: A water culture apparatus wherein air space sections are formed between plant containers and a nutrient solution when rafts are floated in a water culture tank filled with the nutrient solution. The plant containers are inserted in vertically oriented channels provided in the raft. The air space sections are formed in order that the plant containers do not get submerged in the nutrient solution. The plants are cultivated by: gradually moving the raft from one end to another end of the water culture tank, movement of the raft corresponding to a state of growth of the plants so that the plants supported by the plant containers reach the other end by the time the plants have grown as a result of having absorbed nutrients from the nutrient solution; and harvesting the plants when each of the rafts reaches the other end of the water culture tank.

Abstract: A system for automatically cultivating crops, according to the present invention, consists of a first structure for conveying seedlings in a first predetermined path to allow the seedlings to be treated under a first set of controlled growing conditions, a second structure for conveying the seedlings in a second predetermined path to allow the seedlings to be treated under a second set of controlled growing conditions, and structure for selectively diverting conveying seedlings on the first conveying structure onto the second conveying structure for conveyance by the second conveying structure.

Abstract: A high-density type cultivation equipment has an improved mechanism to transfer cultivation beds from one main rail track to the adjacent main rail track, in which transfer rail tracks 1 that connect ends of main rail tracks 3 consist of two pairs of parallel feed rollers 1' that are rotated in a common direction at an identical velocity, are arranged with a track gauge related to the distance between wheels which cross said main rail tracks with an angle declined from a right angle by a feed angle .alpha. at substantially the same height with said main rail tracks. The wheels 15 of cultivation beds B have the axles 15a thereof fixed in direction to be perpendicular to the central axes of the main rails. As means to drive said cultivation beds B along the main rail tracks 3 in a cyclic path, hook means 4 that detachably engage with structural members 10 of said cultivation beds B are provided to be driven in the direction parallel to the main rail tracks 3.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating waste water including a waste water basin and a number of wetland plants in floating containers adapted to float on the surface of waste water in the waste water basin such that the root systems of the wetland plants treat the waste water. The floating containers are constructed so that they retain soil and/or another particulate solid required to sustain and nourish the wetland plants and also so that they permit the root systems of the wetland plants to grow outwardly into the waste water to be treated. The root systems produce aerobic zones within the waster water in the waste water basin. The extent of the growth of the root systems is controlled, preferably by an adjustable platform associated with each floating container, so that the aerobic and anaerobic zones within the waste water basin are controlled and can be adjusted or varied as required.

Abstract: Apparatus for plant cell tissue culture including a plant growth enclosure having a bottom surface formed of a porous material, a buoyant element, separate from the plant growth enclosure and arranged to be placed thereunder in a body of liquid for supporting the plant growth enclosure, and spacer apparatus associated with at least one of the plant growth enclosure and the buoyant element for maintaining a predetermined separation between the buoyant element and the porous material.

Abstract: In a plant cultivating apparatus for cultivating plants by using an artificial light source, partition walls having a high light reflectance are arranged in a cultivation area to divide the cultivation area into small spaces and in each small space a light-reflecting plate is arranged, and the distance between an artificial light source and a plant is narrowed to irradiate the plant with a light having a low illuminance. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, there is provided a plant cultivating apparatus comprising sets of pallets which have plants placed therein and are arranged in rows in a growing chamber where environmental conditions which are artificially controlled and which are moved in a direction radial to the row direction in accordance with the growth of plants, wherein all the peripheral surface of the growing chamber are covered with a reflecting plate having a high light reflectance.

Abstract: A system for automatically cultivating crops, according to the present invention, consists of a first structure for conveying seedlings in a first predetermined path to allow the seedlings to be treated under a first set of controlled growing conditions, a second structure for conveying the seedlings in a second predetermined path to allow the seedlings to be treated under a second set of controlled growing conditions, and structure for selectively diverting conveying seedlings on the first conveying structure onto the second conveying structure for conveyance by the second conveying structure.

Abstract: A water culture apparatus wherein air space sections are formed between plant containers and a nutrient solution when rafts are floated in a water culture tank filled with the nutrient solution. The plant containers are inserted in vertically oriented channels provided in the raft. The air space sections are formed in order that the plant containers do not get submerged in the nutrient solution. The plants are cultivated by: gradually moving the raft from one end to another end of the water culture tank, movement of the raft corresponding to a state of growth of the plants so that the plants supported by the plant containers reach the other end by the time the plants have grown as a result of having absorbed nutrients from the nutrient solution; and harvesting the plants when each of the rafts reaches the other end of the water culture tank.

Abstract: A hydroponic farming system has seed germination, seedling growth, plant picking, cool storage/shipping and equipment cleaning areas arranged to follow the flow of the plant processing cycle. Plants are started from blocks of seed cubes arranged on wheeled trolley germination tables having tiered and sloped top surfaces across which water and nutrient solution are flowed from headers supplied successively by spaced overhead lines, to collection channels discharged to subsurface returns The cubes of sprouted seedlings are then separate and transferred to wheeled trolley growing tables, where nutrient from overhead lines is distributed from lateral weirs, through longitudinal inclined trays, and lateral footers to subsurface returns. The trays of the growing tables have central depressions and include covers with downwardly extending flanges to prevent spraying of the tray sides.

Abstract: An apparatus for promoting generation of exhaled organic compounds from trees comprised of a potted tree container, a pot stand means mounted on the bottom of the container, the pot stand means is comprised of a plurality of trees in pot trays arranged at intervals so that contact can be made between branched of adjacent trees. A water supply for supplying water to potted trees is provided and an illuminator is mounted in container with, apparatus for rotating all or a part of pot trays. An air suction port for sucking air into the potted tree container, and an air exhaust system for discharging air containing volatile organic compounds released by the potted trees into the interior of a room are provided. All or a part of trees are rotated while in contact with each other such that each tree is mechanically stimulated by an adjacent tree so that the stimulation from adjacent trees increases the amount of volatile organic compounds released from the trees.

Abstract: Particularly for use in wintertime, a plant rejuvenator is provided in the form of a wall-hung shelf that is internally covered with reflective material. Along the rear wall of the shelf, in front of the reflective material, is positioned an array of fluorescent lamps. Within the shelf, in front of the fluorescent lamps, is placed one or more potted plants; each plant positioned on an automatically rotating pot-base. Covering the front of the shelf is a partially transparent folding door. When closed, the door reflects some 90% of the light impinging upon it, but lets through the remaining 10%. A ventilation fan is arranged to maintain the temperature within the shelf at an optimum level. An automatic watering and feeding arrangement maintains the soil of each potted plant such as to promote effective plant growth. The light provided in intense enough to sustain a high degree of plant growth. The automatic rotation of the pots provides for even exposure to light.

Abstract: Plants are hydroponically grown in a cellular water table provided with divergent grow lines along which plants are moved in plant holders. The grow lines are arranged to provide spacing between adajcent rows of plants as plants mature. Within each grow line is a variable pitch screw arrangement which provides for increased spacing between adjacent plants in a grow line as the plants mature. Four-way spacing is provided for both the leaves of the plants and their roots as the plants are suspended over the cellular water table. Maintenance of the system is facilitated by a crawl space beneath the water table which allows access to removable bottom panels of the individual cells within the water table. Plants are cultivated and serviced from the top by a man carrier system. CO.sub.2 enriched air and/or pesticides are supplied directly to the undersides of the plants by a conduit system provided within each grow line.

Abstract: The apparatus is concerned with an economical and efficient means for getting plants (e.g., lettuces, strawberries, etc.) into and out of the hydroponic growing troughs. The many troughs are stacked together in a rack. The troughs need not be moved for access purposes, relative to the rack, for insertion and removal of plants. Instead, the plants are placed on a flexible strip of fabric e.g. cheesecloth. The cheesecloth is drawn into the trough, and the plants are placed thereupon one by one as the strip moves progressively into the trough. This arrangement reduces the need for access room, and permits a maximum utilization of space in the growing room. The fact that the troughs never move also simplifies the lighting, ventilation, water supply and drainage structures.

Abstract: Ultraviolet energy in the germicidal band is directed towards plants, particularly the grape vines on the vineyard trellis, providing a lethal exposure (irradiation) for the purpose of eradicating microorganisms, and stimulating host plant defense mechamisms.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for reducing the dissemination of aquatic organisms and decreasing the risk of diseases caused by fungi, such as Pythium and Phythophthora spp, in greenhouse plants grown hydroponically by Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) by treating the water to be used in the NFT with ultraviolet radiation at a wave length of 2537 .ANG. by passing the water in a zone of restricted width adjacent and exposed to the source of ultraviolet radiation and maintaining the temperature of the water in the range of 15.degree. C. to 26.degree. C. as it is passed at the zone. The apparatus includes an elongated cylindrical housing including a top cap and a bottom cap sealingly closing the cylindrical housing. A water inlet is located on the cylindrical housing near the bottom end cap and water outlet on the cylindrical housing near the top cap. An ultraviolet lamp in the form of an elongated cylindrical member extends concentrically within the housing and through the top cap and bottom cap.

Abstract: A hydroponic culture system comprising an angle panel having a plurality of holes for supporting plants with roots projecting through the holes, and a hydroponic solution feeding means comprising a hydroponic solution spraying means for supplying a hydroponic solution onto the roots of the plants and a hydroponic solution pumping means for supplying the hydroponic solution to the hydroponic solution spraying means, in which the hydroponic solution spraying mechanism is movable along the longitudinal direction of the angle panel, or the angle panel is disposed in a plant cultivation structure which is supplied with carbon dioxide through a duct for controlling the environment within the structure, or a plurality of angle panels are disposed in a plurality of rows and top edges of the adjacent angle panel rows are connected with canopies to form substantially triangular-sectioned spaces between the adjacent angle panel rows for enhanced lighting efficiency, thereby cultivating the plants systematically and almo

Abstract: Plants are hydroponically grown in a cellular water table provided with divergent grow lines along which plants are moved in plant holders. The grow lines are arranged to provide spacing between adjacent rows of plants as plants mature. Within each grow line is a variable pitch screw arrangement which provides for increased spacing between adjacent plants in a grow line as the plants mature. Four-way spacing is provided for both the leaves of the plants and their roots as the plants are suspended over the cellular water table. Maintenance of the system is faciliated by a crawl space beneath the water table which allows access to removable bottom panels of the individual cells within the water table. Plants are cultivated and serviced from the top by a man carrier system. CO.sub.2 enriched air and/or pesticides are supplied directly to the undersides of the plants by a conduit system provided within each grow line.

Abstract: A plant flat handling system for handling floatable plant flats employs a horizontally extending main channel which can be flooded from either a water tank or a nutrient containing tank with a plurality of branch channels extending outwardly from the main channel. Gate valve means between the branch channel and the main channel can be opened to permit the main channel to fill the branch channel or to drain the branch channel when the main channel is drained. Plural wires extend along the length of the branch channels and support floating plant flats when the branch channels are drained. Periodic flooding and draining of the branch channels is effected until plants in the flats have matured and can be harvested. Harvesting is effected by maintaining light pressure against the outermost plant flats in the branch channel to urge the body of plant flats toward a main work area overlying the main channel. A power conveyor extends downwardly into the branch channel and lifts the flats therefrom for harvesting.

Abstract: The process for the automated growing of a group of plants in an artificial medium which is solid, liquid or a mixture thereof, comprises sowing collectively seeds or planting young plants directly on a region of the artificial medium, with a small spacing therebetween, and displacing said region progressively as a function of the growth of the plants and increasing the area of said region in the longitudinal and transverse directions so that the spacing between the plants increases in these two directions in proportion to the development of the plants until they reach maturity.

Abstract: The device comprises a hermetically sealed chamber (1) whose interior space accommodates a perforated band (3) held to a drive drum (2). Part of the chamber (1) is made as a flexible tubing (4) one end of which is connected to the free end of the perforated band (3), and the other end is turned inside out and held perepherally in the chamber (1) to form a hermetically sealed space (11) along therewith. The interior space (11) of the chamber (1) is connected to the working agent and nutrient medium feeding systems (8,9).

Abstract: A trough which spirals in several turns in a plane about a vertical central axis has an arrangement of rails superimposed on it so the rails radiate from the vertical central axis and divide the trough into cells. Potted plants are placed in the cells, initially near the center, with spacing between them along the spiral. As the plants grow, either the trough or the arrangement of rails, or both, is turned about the central axis, so that the rails, engaging the pots, propel the potted plants outwards along the spiral, thus giving the plants more room. The plants can be watered by introducing water into the trough.

Abstract: An integrated hydroponic system including subsystems for support and movement of plants, controlling the atmosphere around the plants and nutrient distribution. The support and movement subsystem features diverging trough-in-trough construction where the interior trough is formed by discrete autoclavable plastic troughs which are slidably removable for sanitation purposes from supporting exterior troughs which in turn support nutrient distribution tubing and a rotatable variable pitch drive screw for moving individual plant holders along the troughs in graduated increments. The atmospheric control system features supply and exhaust ducts under the troughs which establish a blanket of air in the zone proximate to the trough where the temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide concentration are regulated. The nutrient distribution system involves recycling the thermally and component regulated dilute nutrient fluids from a reservoir to the plants and back into the reservoir.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for growing sprouts from seeds. The seeds are washed and placed in a tumbler where water and air are circulated while they are periodically tumbled. The incubated seeds are rinsed to remove hulls and ungerminated seeds and wrapped. Some seeds such as alfalfa seeds are placed in a dark room after rinsing where they are moisturized and aerated. Then they are moisturized and aerated under indirect natural light and/or grow lights until they begin to mature. They are next wrapped in a transparent cover while damp and are placed under growing lights and/or indirect natural light for final growth.

Abstract: Apparatus for carrying plants periodically to a watering station while ensuring that said plants are uniformly exposed to light. The apparatus includes at least one conveyor in the form of an endless cable disposed about a pair of spaced drums. One of the drums is driven by a motor to cause the cable to be circulated about the drums. The cable supports a plurality of plant hangers at spaced locations there along. Each hanger is arranged so that when a plant is suspended therefrom it is in a first orientation arranged to trip a sensor at the watering station to water the plant. The hanger is also arranged to automatically assume a second orientation when no plant is suspended therefrom. In the second orientation the hanger does not trip the sensor at the watering station. The cable is arranged to be driven at a slower speed during watering operations and at a higher speed during plant loading and unloading operations.

Abstract: A system for the automated cultivation of plants includes a plurality of guide rail pairs which support conveyor driven jigs carrying individual plants thereon. As the plants are driven by the conveyors, the driving elements or dogs on successive conveyors are increasingly spaced, so as to allow for the steady growth of the plants. The guide rails are arranged in a radial array to allow for increasing side-wise plant clearance, and are orificed as a means of providing the plants with air and nutrients.

Abstract: A hydroponic plant cultivation device is disclosed, wherein at least one rotating cultivation tower is arranged. The tower is formed by piling up a plurality of cultivation unit, each of which has a plurality of ports for allowing to receive and maintain a lower end of a plant to be cultivated, a nozzle for spraying a nutrient liquid therein, and a portion for accommodating a constant amount of the liquid to allow an overflow of any excess liquid to a lower cultivation unit. The nutrient liquid is measured on and adjusted in its concentration and pH and recycled between the tower and its supply source.

Abstract: Apparatus for carrying plants periodically to a watering station while ensuring that said plants are uniformly exposed to light. The apparatus includes at least one conveyor in the form of an endless cable disposed about a pair of spaced drums. One of the drums is driven by a motor to cause the cable to be circulated about the drums. The cable supports a plurality of plant hangers at spaced locations there along. Each hanger is arranged so that when a plant is suspended therefrom it is in a first orientation arranged to trip a sensor at the watering station to water the plant. The hanger is also arranged to automatically assume a second orientation when no plant is suspended therefrom. In the second orientation the hanger does not trip the sensor at the watering station. The cable is arranged to be driven at a slower speed during watering operations and at a higher speed during plant loading and unloading operations.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the generation of sprouts from material capable of sprouting, in particular for seeds, grains, leguminous fruits, as well as for the hydroponic planting of grasses for human consumption with at least one container receiving the material for sprouting and at least one dish filled with liquid, into which the sprouting container can dip via a lift drive mechanism. The sprouting container is formed as a sieve and is constructed for easy exchangeability by being disposed in a recess or opening of a support plate. The support plate rests on a side frame. The lift drive mechanism is disposed at the side frame and is effective between the support plate and the dish to provide for dipping the sprouting container into the dish and for separating the sprouting container from the dish.

Abstract: Plants are hydroponically grown on rafts that float on an aqueous nutrient medium. The rafts have arrays of openings that extend from their upper surface to their lower surface for receiving plant-containing collars that dip into the aqueous medium.To provide efficient plant thinning without plant destruction, a fraction of the openings of the array of each raft is filled directly with plant-containing collars and the remaining plant collars are placed in a grid that overlies the raft and has openings aligned with a fraction of the openings of the array.

Abstract: Plants are supported, positioned, and transported in a hydroponic growing system by notched spacer bars riding on wheeled rails and interlocking with external ribs on elongated troughs in which the plants are grown. The apparatus permits easy and efficient movement of large arrays of plants by one worker, while maintaining the troughs in precise parallel relation to one another. The apparatus also provides automatic locating of the troughs with individual liquid nutrient feed points and alignment with a spent nutrient collecting system. Plant spacing in troughs transferred from one growing stage to the next is increased by alternating filled troughs with empty troughs on the spacer bars and transferring alternate plants from a filled trough to an adjacent empty trough.

Abstract: An improved hydroponic growing system comprises, in combination, an elongated preferably rectangular hollow trough having substantially closed sidewalls and bottom and an open top defining a central space. The trough defines a pair of spaced tracks extending the length thereof in the space and an elongated flexible strip is slideably disposed in the tracks. The strip contains a plurality of spaced apertures extending vertically therethrough along the length thereof and in each aperture is disposed a plant growing cup having a hollow body defining a central space, an open top, a porous bottom and substantially closed or perforated sidewalls. The sidewalls bear outwardly extending peripheral supports so that the body of the cup extends down into the trough space and the cup is releasably held in position by the support bearing on the upper face of the strip.