Abstract: Methods of protecting a crop from weed infestation, controlling weed growth, reducing fumigant dosage in crop protection, and reducing the growth of weeds by applying a polymer composite material with or without a biocide to soil, a crop, a vegetable, a weed, or combinations thereof are provided. In an aspect, the disclosure provides for a polymer composite material including a base polymer coated with: (1) a first barrier layer; (2) a second layer with our without a biocide; and (3) a third protective layer.

Abstract: A portable processing plant apparatus is transported to a location convenient to a freight supplier or like destination and then set up to receive gross agricultural commodities and discharge clean agricultural commodities into a clean commodity receptacle, such as a rail car. A batch of commodity from a farm location is received into a storage bin. The batch is conveyed in a stream through a gross scale, cleaning module, and net scale and into a receptacle, such as a rail car. A gap is created between the stream of one batch and the stream of the next, and a computer is operative to control flow of the commodity streams. The computer can store batch identity information, and record the source farm location of the commodity in each receptacle.

Abstract: The present invention is a grafted seedling producing apparatus 10 capable of rotating seedlings W in an alignment direction even if they are those having large leaves and thereafter halting the rotation to align them, or the apparatus 10 having loading portions 1, 2 which are provided with a seedling carry-in mechanism 11 for sequentially transporting a tray 7 of a large number of arranged seedlings W, a grip hand 12 for individually gripping stems of seedlings on the seedling carry-in mechanism 11, a cutter mechanism 23 for individually cutting the stems of seedlings gripped by the grip hand 12, an alignment guide 14 for aligning seedlings to be transported by the grip hand 12, a roller 17 for rotating the seedlings W to an alignment direction at the side of the seedling carry-in mechanism 11 from the alignment guide 14, and a transport mechanism 13 for moving the grip hand 12 to the alignment guide side; a retaining mechanism 15 provided with to a main alignment member 16 which regulates a direction to whi

Abstract: Method and apparatus for lifting sod, in which grass blades of the sod are inserted between one or more clamps. The clamps are closed to grip the grass blades and the clamps are then moved, with the sod suspended therefrom, to a desired location. The clamps can if desired also grip the thatch, and/or a portion of the soil, of the sod slab.

Abstract: An automated planter includes a locating device arranged to locate a propagation tray; at least one plant extraction device adapted to pull a plant out of a propagation tray located by the locating device; and a delivery assembly arranged to receive a plant extracted by the at least one plant extraction device and deliver the received plant to the ground. The planter lifts the plants out of their cells in the tray by inserting fingers, which are caused to converge to pinch the root ball. A plant transport includes two tracks, such that one can be loaded while the other is transporting plants to the delivery assembly.

Abstract: A system for transferring and transplanting plants from a plant supply tray includes a first table having a plurality of matrix openings for holding the plant supply tray, where one or more plants are removed from the tray via the matrix openings. The first table also includes an indexing frame that positions the plant supply tray such that the one or more plants from the plant supply tray are aligned with the plurality of matrix openings. The system also includes a second table that holds a plant receiving area, a supporting frame that holds and aligns the first and second tables relative to one another, and a plant removal mechanism for removing the one or more plants from the plant supply tray.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to an apparatus for filling trays with polymerized growth medium. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of filling a tray with polymerized growth medium using an apparatus of the present invention.

Abstract: A transplanting system including both methods and specific types of transplant apparatus such as propagule transplant trays(3, 4, 5, 6) addresses the need for the use of a propagule punch machine (8) on a variety of adolescent tray configurations (9, 11, 12, e.g.) and the increased operational efficiency that such enhanced operational capability affords. The system may involve at least one areally continuous propagule tray (3, 4, 5, 6) that is operationally compatible with a numerically significant number of adolescent plant trays. Other embodiments of the invention disclose punch pins (59) for use in a plant punch machine transplanter that are user-detachable and differentially designed so that plant punch elements of a certain design may be installed as part of the machine to customize the transplant process for a given species and transplant modality. The invention also provides for a consultable collection (such as printed documents or an electronic database, e.g.

Abstract: A plant cultivating device (A), comprising aluminum long square pipe trays (5) for storing plants (35) together with culture solution, a conveyor device (2) for feeding the trays (5) in order in lateral direction, and a lighting device (3), having a number of light-emitting diodes disposed thereon, located over the conveyor device (5), the lighting device (3) being disposed so as to be higher gradually from the upstream side to the downstream side of the conveyor device (2), wherein a funnel-shaped holder (30) holding the upper part of the plant (35) is provided on the upper surface of the tray (5), and a planting conveyor (6) and a harvesting conveyor (7) for supply and retrieval, a reflecting wall (8) provided between these conveyors and the conveyor device (2), and transfer bars (41) for transferring the trays (5) between the conveyor device (2) and the planting and harvesting conveyors (6,7) are installed on the upstream and downstream sides of the conveyor device (2).

Abstract: A growing system for plant seedlings that takes into consideration the varied requirements of the seedling; seedling and transplant environment; seedling cell (312) size; mechanical transplanter requirements; seedling leaf, stem and root development and coordinates all these requirements to increase transplanting yields may include larger containers that maximize yield and minimize damage. Aspects may eliminate left-over seedlings, reduce the number of manual steps, decrease labor, and increase transplant yields.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multi-barrel plant inoculation gun for a rapid large-scale plant and virus inoculation comprising (a) liquid container for inoculum solution (27); (b) compressed-gas source; (c) at least one compressed gas fast-discharge-container (28) having a gas inlet (34) connected to the compressed-gas source, and a gas outlet connected to a gas fast-discharge-valve; (29) (d) plurality of jet-injection units (35) each comprised of a body (20) having a liquid inlet (24) connected to the liquid container (27), gas inlet (23) connected to the gas fast-discharge (29) and a jet-outlet (21) internally connected to the liquid and gas inlets, (e) control unit for triggering-on the fast-discharge-valve; (f) chassis for positioning and supporting said elements.

Abstract: A transplanter is provided a single centralized pneumatic feeder which will feed anywhere from 2 to 10 or more rows of seedlings at one time. The centralized pneumatic feeder concept allows the transplanter to operate with low velocity movement and still plant large numbers of seedlings. The seedlings are initially in plant trays designed so that the seedlings can be extracted from the bottom of the trays. To simplify seedling transfer, the pneumatic feeder includes an impulse-type extraction system and a pneumatic seedling transfer system is employed. This new system is simple in concept and has only two moving parts per row. This concept makes the transplanter system extremely adaptable to almost any configuration, for example 2-10 or more rows, bare ground fields, mulch covered beds, and even other manufacturer's planters.

Abstract: A planting tray for discharging many sproutlings simultaneously onto a permanent growing bed. The tray comprises a peripheral rectangular frame which slidably supports a floor panel. A flexible web attaches to the front of the frame by a clamp, extends over the floor panel, around the rear edge of the floor panel, and extends along the bottom of the floor panel back to the front of the frame. When the free end of the web is pulled, the floor panel is ejected to the front of the frame in parbuckle fashion. The sproutlings are thereby discharged onto the growing bed. The floor panel preferably has a roller disposed along its rear edge to avoid binding on the web when the web is pulled. The frame has two cable handles.

Abstract: An automated system for providing a continuous yield of fresh agricultural produce, the system comprising (a) a housing including a three dimensional seeding and germination zone, a three dimensional planting and growth zone and a three dimensional zone for holding automatic seeding, planting and harvesting equipment; (b) a plurality of seeding shelves being arranged in substantially horizontal layers in the three dimensional seeding and germination zone, each of the seeding shelves including a two dimensional array of seeding locations, each of the locations being for accepting a seed and for supporting development of a seedling; (c) a plurality of planting shelves being arranged in substantially horizontal layers in the three dimensional planting and growth zone, each of the planting shelves including a two dimensional array of planting locations, each of the locations being for accepting a seedling and for supporting development of a mature plant; and (d) a i5 seeding, planting and harvesting robotic devic

Abstract: A method and device for improving mechanical transplanting of balled seedlings involves detection of balls with deficient seedlings, such as those with no seedlings or undersized seedlings, with a sensor through an aperture in a compartment holding the ball. Deficient balls are allowed to exit from the compartment through a shutter, and replacement balls are provided from a seedling supply. The replacement seedling supply includes a cassette having one row of cells for seedlings and the cassette is advanced, as necessary, by a geared shaft engaging the side of the cassette. Alternatively, replacement seedlings are provided from a cultivating tray.

Abstract: A vase includes a tire and one of the two sidewalls of the tire is cut into multiple partitions, a board connected to the other sidewall and, a frame fixedly connected to the partitions. The frame has a neck to be fixedly connected to the partitions by bolts, and a plurality lugs extend from the neck, wherein each lug is located between adjacent partitions. A plurality of plates are attached to the outside of the sidewall and are fixedly connected to the lugs by bolts. Soil is filled between the partitions, the board and the frame, and a plant is planted in the soil.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for automatically and evenly dispensing adequate amount of seeds into bedding compartments of a latticed and bottom-netted seed holder according to a ratio of volume expansion of seeds in the bedding compartment. The apparatus mainly includes a conveyor for forward moving latticed seed holders disposed thereon, a volume-based seed holder straddling the conveyor and having multiple fixed-volume through holes for accommodating seeds to be dispensed into the latticed seed holders, a seed feeding tank mounted on a rail rack over the volume-based seed holder for temporarily storing and dispensing seeds, and sweeping off extra seeds from the volume-based seed holder, and a seed storage for storing seeds to be supplied to the seed feeding tank. With the fixed-volume through holes on the volume-based seed holder, the amount of seeds in each bedding compartment of the latticed seed holder can be well controlled to avoid undesirable compression of seeds after they are soaked and expanded.

Abstract: A method and a device for picking up seedlings from a seedling tray is capable of picking up seedlings by accurately arranging seedling storage cells in opposition to seedling pushing rods irrespective of the transporting tilt of the seedling tray. In the method, the seedling tray formed with a plurality of seedling storage cells is positioned at a predetermined position by means of tray positioning rods, and the seedling pushing rods are inserted into respective seedling storage cells while maintaining the positioned condition. The device implementing the method includes the tray positioning rods for positioning the seedling tray at the predetermined position and the seedling pushing rods for performing an inserting operation for respective seedling storage cells while maintaining the positioned condition of the seedling tray by the tray positioning rods.

Abstract: A first outer container is formed with a side wall and a bottom wall. The bottom of the first container has a support structure or raised area to define a water reservoir in the bottom of the container. An overflow drain is provided in the container and preferably in the raised area to limit the depth of the water reservoir. A second inner container including a drain hole and having a live plant is placed in the first container at or above the water level in the first container. The water in the first container has a depth to inhibit excessive root growth from the drain hole of the second container. Roots which grow through the drain of the second inner container contact the standing water in the reservoir and die and rot at the point where the roots contact the water to limit growth in the first container. The water in the first container is particularly effective in controlling root growth from the inner container through the drain holes in the first outer container.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transplanting seedling from a first tray to a second tray. The apparatus includes a frame, a moveable carriage connected to the frame, and a conveyor system. In the preferred embodiment, a first conveyor is used to shuttle seedlings into the operative reaches of the apparatus and a second conveyor shuttles the transplanted seedlings out of the operative reaches of the apparatus. The carriage includes a gripper assembly comprised of a plurality of grippers slidably mounted to a guide rod system or track. A positioning mechanism is employed to move the carriage and associated gripper assembly. The grippers includes an upright support and a pair of pivotally connected spaced apart gripper fingers. The gripper fingers are separated by a separating member and can be easily detached from the carriage by a disconnect mechanism.

Abstract: Plantlets from a bare-root, cutting or tissue culture condition are automatically planted into a nursery container. The apparatus creates a continuous supply of V-shaped notches in planting substrate, into which plantlets are placed and then the substrate is closed about the roots, creating a "sandwich" or "book" effect. The resulting plug members with the substrate closed around the plants roots or stem are automatically transplanted into a nursery container for subsequent growing. Plantlets with small roots are quickly and efficiently placed in the substrate without injury or transplant shock. The apparatus is particularly useful for small plantlets or early stage germinants that have both roots and shoots (such as tissue culture material derived from either micropropagation or somatic embryogenesis) but it can also be used with rooted or unrooted cuttings, true or synthetic seed or naked embryos.

Abstract: An apparatus for transplanting seedling from a first ray to a second tray. The apparatus includes a frame, a moveable gantry connected to the frame, and a conveyor system. In the preferred embodiment, a first conveyor is used to shuttle seedlings into the operative reaches of the apparatus and a second conveyor shuttles the transplanted seedlings out of the operative reaches of the apparatus. The gantry includes a gripper assembly comprised of a plurality of grippers slidably mounted to a track. A positioning mechanism is employed to move the gantry and associated gripper assembly. The grippers includes an upright support and a pair of pivotally connected spaced apart gripper fingers. The gripper fingers are separated by a plunger mechanism preferably having a beveled surface for ease of insertion between the gripper fingers.

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 method for filling containers utilizing at least two filling members. The containers to be filled are placed in a receptacle and at least two filling members are placed over the containers with the apertures of the filling members corresponding to the openings of the containers to be filled. Particulate matter is then disposed on top of the filling members and passed through the apertures in the filling members filling the containers below. A scraper is used to push and/or pull the particulate matter off of one filling member onto the other filling member. The now clean filling member is removed and the containers which are now filled with particulate matter are removed as well. The particulate matter is then moved from the second filling member onto the first in order to fill the new containers under it. The second filling member now being cleared of particulate matter is removed and the containers under it which are now filled are then removed.

Abstract: The invention provides a seedling transportation apparatus of a simple structure wherein a new seedling tray can be supplied readily without immediately removing an emptied old seedling tray and does not interfere, when it is moved toward the downstream side in a transportation direction, with a transportation operation for a seedling. To this end, transportation of a seedling tray is performed not in an upright condition or in a curved or bent condition but in a horizontal condition.

Abstract: A field seedling planting machine for transplanting seedlings automatically from a tray in which they have been grown in a plurality of individual cells, and planting such seedlings in a prepared ground planting position in the field, the machine having a support for supporting trays for downward movement to an indexing mechanism and an eject mechanism for ejecting the seedlings and the attached roots mass plugs from the cells of the tray. A horizontal plant retainer conveyor receives the seedlings and plugs ejected from the trays and transports them sequentially to a transfer mechanism to a planting mechanism and in doing so reorients the seedlings so that they and the plugs are planted in a vertical position. As the seedlings are transferred a sensor detects the absence of foliage of a mature seedling and effects an adjustment of the conveyor speed to avoid irregular gaps between the planted seedlings.

Abstract: A plant potting machine includes a pot track for sequentially conveying plant pots along a potting path. A soil lift conveyor having a soil discharge chute lifting soil above the pot track and discharges the soil through the soil discharge chute and into those plant pots on the pot track positioned in the potting path therebelow, while a soil infeed conveyor conveys the soil from a source thereof to the soil lift conveyor. The soil flow rate between the infeed and lift conveyors is synchronized by a chain-and-sprocket synchronizer. Thus, a soil flow-control motor connected to the chain-and-sprocket synchronizer continuously drives the same so that the soil infeed and lift conveyors respectively feed and lift soil in a continuous synchronous manner to thereby effect control over the flow of soil from the soil source to the discharge chute.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transplanting seedling from a first ray to a second tray. The apparatus includes a frame, a moveable gantry connected to the frame, and a conveyor system. In the preferred embodiment, a first conveyor is used to shuttle seedlings into the operative reaches of the apparatus and a second conveyor shuttles the transplanted seedlings out of the operative reaches of the apparatus. The gantry includes a gripper assembly comprised of a plurality of grippers slidably mounted to a track. A positioning mechanism is employed to move the gantry and associated gripper assembly. The grippers includes an upright support and a pair of pivotally connected spaced apart gripper fingers. The gripper fingers are separated by a plunger mechanism preferably having a beveled surface for ease of insertion between the gripper fingers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for picking up and delivering a plug of substrate having a plant incorporated therein, wherein the plug is seized at least from the top side by means of a number of needles and is taken from a tray or a like device by at least a vertical movement, and the plug can be delivered by moving the needles out of the plug, with the needles being stuck into the plug substantially vertically such that the plug can thereby be seized, whereupon the needles are moved upward relative to the tray while taking along the plug from the tray, in such a manner that the needles move substantially parallel to each other relative to the plug, and to an apparatus for using such method.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in transplanting seedlings between propagation containers. More particularly the apparatus of this invention is intended to enable the transfer of seedlings from a chain of connected cells in which the seedlings have been grown for a period of time to a larger cell chain or other container. The apparatus includes a means to move said cells along a first and second predetermined path, and a first and second plant delivery path extending transversely to said first and second predetermined path. The apparatus includes a means lift seedlings from cells on said first path and to deliver them to cells moving along said second path into a prepared planting position.

Abstract: A seedlings transplanting machine, which includes a machine base having a platform at the top and a rail transversely disposed above platform and reciprocated longitudinally, a sliding frame placed on the platform and reciprocated along the rail to carry a seedling tray, a first transmission mechanism controlled to move the sliding frame along the rail, a second transmission mechanism controlled to reciprocate the rail longitudinally, a seedling drop unit controlled to draw seedlings away from the tray and then to plant the seedlings in the soil.

Abstract: A wand with a plurality of ports is provided with vacuum and vibration and with controls therefor. Seeds are drawn to the ports by the vacuum and are singulated by a seed covering a single port. The singulated seeds are each deposited in one of a plurality of plug trays by release of the vacuum and assisted by the vibration of the wand.

Abstract: Plant seedlings are transplanted from a germination tray to one or more maturation trays by penetrating the soil plug surrounding the plant and its root system in the seedling tray by means of a rotating spirally coiled shaft, withdrawing the seedling, soil plug and shaft as a unit from the germination tray, inserting the plant, soil plug and shaft unit into the maturation container, and penetrating the soil plug with a needle-like holding implement while rotating the coiled shaft in a reverse direction to withdraw the shaft from the plug and deposit the plug and plant within the maturation container. In the preferred embodiment, a plurality of such coiled shafts are provided on a traveling frame controlled by a microprocessor to enable mass transplantation of plural seedlings to be carried out on a rapid automated basis.

Abstract: A system for transplanting plants from a seedling tray to a plant tray includes a gripper head having gripper arms which are selectively movable between gripping and release positions. The gripper head moves in combination with a pusher assembly which pushes the plug out of the seedling tray. A frame mounts the gripper head and pusher assembly for movement relative to a seedling tray. The gripper head includes a number of unique features, ensuring that the gripper head gently grips the plant plug, such that the plant plug is not damaged. Further, the pusher assembly "sweeps" a plug out of the compartment such that the gripper head may grip it. In further embodiments, plural units may be used in combination to increase the speed of operation of the inventive system.

Abstract: A method is provided for filling seed trays particularly tobacco seed trays, with growing filler material whereby dry pockets are prevented from forming in the seed trays. The method includes partially filling an upright loading device with the filler material in a manner so that the surface plane of the filler material is at an inclined angle of repose with respect to horizontal. A leading edge of the filler material is established and maintained from the front end of the loading device. A seed tray is passed below the loading device so that the forward edge of the seed tray initially passes below the leading edge of the filler material so that the filler material cascades down into the individual pockets of the seed tray at a controlled rate. In practicing this method, the individual pockets of the seed tray are generally completely filled from the bottom up with the filler material before being conveyed under the bulk portion of the filler material, thereby minimizing the occurrence of dry pockets.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus capable of providing a continuous source of soil to a level working surface and a vertically and horizontally adjustable conveyor system that transports planting pots proximate to the level working surface, so that an operator may efficiently scoop soil from the level working surface into the pot. The conveyor system is also used to collect and recycle spilled soil via a soil return hopper and a soil return elevator.

Abstract: An apparatus for selecting seedlings and transferring the same. The apparatus comprises a feeding device for intermittently feeding a culture tray having a plurality of rows of rearing chambers to rear seedlings, sensor means for examining the quality of the seedlings, a pushing device for pushing upwardly seedlings having a good quality, a taking-out device for taking out the seedlings pushed upwardly from the rearing chambers, and a transferring device for receiving the seedlings taken out of the rearing chambers and transferring them to a delivery tray. With the above structure, the seedlings cultured in rearing chambers are automatically taken out, the quality of the seedlings are judged by the sensor means, and only good seedlings are automatically transferred to a delivery tray.

Abstract: The present invention entails a plant transfer system basically comprising a vacuum chamber that is operative to induce young potted plants to a receiving area or receptacle such as a pot or cavity within a plant tray. In the embodiment disclosed herein the plant transfer system has the capability of transferring a set of multi-plants simultaneously, and then to shift a supply tray to a subsequent position and then to transfer a second set of multi-plants. In addition, the plant transfer system of the present invention is specifically designed and adapted such that it can be utilized internally within a greenhouse.

Abstract: A computer controlled seedling transfer apparatus includes a pair of free-wheeling conveyors for supporting a commercial grower's seed flat and pot flat. Each conveyor includes an associated indexing mechanism for gripping the respective flat and translating the flat along the conveyor so that certain of the flat recesses are aligned with a transfer station between the flats. A seedling transfer mechanism is supported above the conveyors so that the mechanism can be moved transversely between the seed flat and pot flat. The seedling transfer mechanism includes extendable gripping fingers for gripping a seedling, removing it from the seed flat, transferring it to a specific pot flat recess and replanting the seedling. The indexing mechanisms for the two flats are computer controlled, as is the seedling transfer mechanism, to optimize the seedling transfer operation and to ensure that the pot flat is completely filled with seedlings.

Abstract: A plant tissue cutting and transplanting apparatus is provided with a supply system for plant receptacles which are covered by lids after plants that have been propagated and grown in a culture medium, a . supply system for lidded empty receptacles that contain the culture medium, a lid opening and closing head to open and close the lids of the receptacles that are supplied by these supply systems, a square cutter to cut a predetermined number of plants in the receptacles that contain plants, and a transplanting head that is provided with a transplanting device to transplant these plant fragments that have been cut by the cutter from the square portions of the cutter to the culture medium in the empty receptacles.

Abstract: The transplant head of the transplanter has an upper plate with four pinholes spaced at the corners of a square of a determined width. A lower plate is adjustably spaced beneath the upper plate and has four pinholes located at the corners of a square of a lesser width than the upper plate pinhole spacing. Four transplant pins extend between the upper and lower holes such that when the upper plate is brought closer to the lower plate by a pneumatically activated mechanical linkage, the pins converge within a seedling plug. Additional pins and pinholes provide for transplanting of an array of seedlings. A pneumatic actuator is connected to the lower plate and is adapted to elevate the transplant head with engaged plug. A carriage is driven by a pneumatic actuator to position a growth pot beneath the engaged plug. A computer controller causes the plug to be lowered into the soil of the growth pot after which the mechanical linkage may be activated to space the plates to disengage the pins from the plug.

Abstract: An improved planting device is provided in a planting machine being of the type having a conveyor carrying a plurality of flat plant trays therealong, with each tray having soil with a plurality of spaced apart planting holes therein. The improved planting device consists of a mechanism for transplanting by water pressure a plurality of root plugs of plants into the planting holes in the soil of each of the trays on the conveyor.

Abstract: A multiple use packaging and shipping container for plants includes two opposed vertical side trays separated by a horizontal floor. Flats of bedding plants placed on the horizontal floor extend into the two opposed vertical side trays, which hold the flats and prevent them from moving. The opposed vertical side trays will support several additional shipping and display containers, allowing them to be stacked, one on top of another, without crushing or damaging the plants. The sides may also include vertical top tabs and bottom slots for aligning and holding the shipping and display containers in position when they stacked one on top of the other. Once delivered, these containers may be displayed in the stacked configuration, or may be unstacked. Each side tray of the container may be separated from the floor and reconfigured into a customer carry-out tray.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and method for propagating, growing and handling plants. A tray is provided having a pluralilty of spaced apart elongated containers which are removably attached to one another. Each container has a plurality of planting compartments with adjacent planting compartments being separated by an air compartment each having an elongated opening which permits the movement of air into the root system of a plant located in an adjacent compartment. The air compartments also provide for vertical airflow to the leafy parts of the plants. The elongated containers are readily separated from one another and reassembled using automated apparatus. The automated apparatus removes the plants from the container for grading, transplanting and/or packaging.

Abstract: An automated system for growing plant material includes an first length of membrane material having a plurality of open growing chambers and a second length of membrane material having a plurality of growing chambers filled with the plant material. A media preparation unit mixes measured amounts of individual stock solutions for dispensing media into the open growing chambers by a fill unit. A fill check scanner unit determines that a sufficient amount of media has been dispensed within each growing chamber. A sterilization unit sterilizes the media filled open growing chambers which then pass to a cooling and storage unit for cooling and storing the media-filled open growing chambers until ready for planting with plant material. The second length of plant-filled growing chambers are housed in a plant culture room where the plant material is permitted to grow. A growth detection scanner determines the extent of growth of the plant material.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and a method for the planting out of the plants wherein the plants to be planted out are fitted into pieces of substrate. Said pieces of substrate are located in compartments formed between blocks fitted onto strips. Usually these strips are located adjacent and each second strip is shifted lengthwise over the length of a block, being equal to the length of a compartment so that a chess-board-pattern develops in plan view. For the planting out, the strips are separated and subsequently supplied to a pushing element which pushes the pieces of substrate including the plants in a transverse direction out of the strip and into bigger containers. To use only a single directional movement the strips are inclined relative to the bigger containers. To compensate for this inclination the pieces of substrate are slightly rotated during the movement.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method and an apparatus which utilizes a porous open cell structure in which seeds may germinate and plants root and be provided with appropriate nutrients and water until they are mature enough to be transplanted. At that time the entire porous open cell structure, which is in the form of a flat, may be cut into individual units, each individual unit containing one or more plants centered therein. Thus the separated individual units may then be transplanted into various receptacles including conventional individual plastic flats which are in the condition found in most greenhouses and purchased by individual buyers.

Abstract: Transplanting equipment comprises a line of individual plant pick-up devices, first support means for transversely moving a first row of containers into vertical alignment with the pick-up devices, control means for bringing the pick-up devices into a plant-supporting or plant-releasing mode as appropriate, horizontal drive means operative to bring the pick-up devices into vertical alignment with the containers of a second row having a different center-to-center spacing to the containers of the first row, second support means for transversely moving the second row of containers out of vertical alignment with the pick-up devices, and vertical drive means for moving the pick-up devices towards or away from the first and second support means to allow the support or release of plants by the pick-up devices as determined by the control means.

Abstract: An apparatus for the gripping of plants located in a container is disclosed. This apparatus comprises a pushing element, which pushes the ball of the plant upwardly from underneath, until the ball is released for a substantial part above the container. Then the ball is gripped by a number of gripping arms, movable in a horizontal direction, which transports the ball including the plant to its destination. To be able to push the ball upwards the continer comprises at location of each of the cavities for the balls a guiding channel for the pushing element. This channel has a cross-section of a star-like configuration, the number of points thereof coinciding with the number of points of the pushing element.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and a method for the planting out of plants wherein the plants to be planted out are fitted into pieces of substrate. Said pieces of substrate are located in compartments formed between blocks fitted onto strips. Usually these strips are located adjacent and each second strip is shifted lengthwise over the length of a block, being equal to the length of a compartment so that a chess-board-pattern develops in plan view. For the planting out, the strips are separated and subsequently supplied to a pushing element which pushes the pieces of substrate including the plants in a transverse direction out of the strip and into bigger containers. To use only a single directional movement the strips are inclined relative to the bigger containers. To compensate for this inclination the pieces of substrate are slightly rotated during the movement.