Patents Assigned to Speedling Incorporated
  • Plant growing and handling method
    Patent number: 4930253
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Assignee: Speedling Incorporated
    Inventor: George K. Todd, Sr.
  • Plant growing and handling system
    Patent number: 4793096
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1988
    Assignee: Speedling Incorporated
    Inventor: George K. Todd, Sr.