Abstract: A computer implemented system for a vertical farming system comprising at least a first crop growth module and operating in an environmentally-controlled growing chamber, the control system comprising sensors for measuring environmental growing conditions in the environmentally-controlled growing chamber over time to generate environmental condition data, a device configured for measuring a crop characteristic of a crop grown in the crop growth module of the environmentally-controlled growing chamber to generate crop growth data and a processing device comprising software modules for receiving the environmental condition data and the crop growth data; applying an algorithm to the environmental condition data and the crop growth data to generate an improved environmental growing condition and generating instructions for adjustment of the environmental growing conditions in or around the growth module in the environmentally-controlled growing chamber to the improved environmental growing condition.

Abstract: A seedling transplanting system is provided that utilizes a seedling feeder that is configured to fit between a tray of seedlings contained within a series of chain pots and a hydroponic trough. The feeder includes a ramp and a chute that direct the seedlings from the tray into the trough. A pair of guide surfaces, which form ramp sidewalls, help the seedlings to self-right as they are drawn into the hydroponic trough. A restraining jig aids in establishing and maintaining the relative positions of the seedling tray, feeder and trough during the transplanting process. A pulling tool simplifies the transplanting process by providing means for pulling a pair of media strips along with the captured chain pots into the hydroponic trough.

Abstract: A hydroponic plant display is that allows consumers to select and harvest fresh produce while shopping at their local market. The display system maintains the health and vitality of the produce until it is selected by the end consumer for harvesting. As such, the display system includes (i) a plant display, (ii) plant growth media that provides a suitable support system for each plant's root structure, and (iii) a moisture and nutrient transport system.

Abstract: A plant container is provided which is designed to be inserted within the slot of a hydroponic tower, where the hydroponic tower includes both a matrix media and a moisture and nutrient transport system (e.g., a wicking strip). The plant container includes (i) a plant cup configured to hold a plant's root structure along with a small portion of plant growth media; (ii) an insertion blade that insures that as the plant container is inserted into the hydroponic tower slot, the matrix media and the associated wicking strips are pushed to either side of the plant cup; and (iii) a handling member that aids container insertion and removal, and which may include an alignment surface that insures that the plant container is fully inserted and aligned during the insertion procedure.

Abstract: A plant container is provided which is designed to be inserted within a cut-out in a hydroponic tower. The plant container includes (i) a plant cup configured to hold a plant's root structure along with a small portion of plant growth media; (ii) a pair of side wings extending from the sides of the plant cup, the side wings helping to direct water and nutrients to the plant roots contained within the plant cup; (iii) at least one handling rail that aids plant container insertion and removal, and which may include an alignment surface that insures that the plant container is fully inserted and aligned during the insertion procedure; and (iv) a fastener configured to hold the plant container within the tower cut-out.

Abstract: A light trolley system for vertical-plane growing that maximizes the coverage area, quality of light, and useable growing area is provided. The light trolley system comprises a support structure and a first C rail secured to the support structure. The first C rail has a first end and a second end. A first brace is mounted to the first C rail and a first light trolley secured to the first brace. The first light trolley has at least one bar light mounted within a light manifold. The first brace supports and stabilizes the first light trolley. The combined first brace and first light trolley is moveable along the first C rail between the first end and the second end of the first C rail allowing the first light trolley to be moved to various locations increasing labor efficiency in the growing area.

Abstract: A lights integrated cooling system for providing environmental temperature controls for indoor growing environments is provided. The indoor growing environment has a predetermined target temperature. The system comprises a frame structure having top and bottom plumbing manifolds. A water cooled light bar is provided having first and second ends with the first end being fluidly connected to the top plumbing manifold and the second end being fluidly connect to the bottom plumbing manifold. A chiller is fluidly connected to the top plumbing manifold, the light bar and the bottom plumbing manifold. An amount of coolant circulates through the chiller, the top plumbing manifold, the light bar, and the bottom manifold. Heat from the light bar is transferred to the coolant thereby raising the temperature of the coolant. The chiller reduces the temperature of the coolant and the coolant leaving the chiller is chilled to a predetermined leaving water temperature.

Abstract: A lighting system for indoor farming for delivering high intensity light while reducing or eliminating heat loads in a growing environment is provided. The lighting system comprises a lighting housing having a first end, a second end, a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a third side between the first side and the second side, and a fourth side opposite the third side. A first LED board is mounted to the first side and a second LED board is mounted to the second side. A first shroud covers the first LED board and a second shroud covers the second LED board. A coolant passage is formed completely through the lighting housing. A coolant liquid is receivable through the coolant passage. The coolant liquid provides active cooling of the lighting housing from heat created by the first and second LED boards.

Abstract: A hydroponic plant display is provided that allows consumers to select and harvest fresh produce while shopping at their local market. The display system maintains the health and vitality of the produce until it is selected by the end consumer for harvesting. As such, the display system includes (i) a plant display, (ii) plant growth media that provides a suitable support system for each plant's root structure, and (iii) a moisture and nutrient transport system.

Abstract: A seedling transplanting system is provided that utilizes a seedling feeder that is configured to fit between a tray of seedlings contained within a series of chain pots and a hydroponic trough. The feeder includes a ramp and a chute that direct the seedlings from the tray into the trough. A pair of guide surfaces, which form ramp sidewalls, help the seedlings to self-right as they are drawn into the hydroponic trough. A restraining jig aids in establishing and maintaining the relative positions of the seedling tray, feeder and trough during the transplanting process. A pulling tool simplifies the transplanting process by providing means for pulling a pair of media strips along with the captured chain pots into the hydroponic trough.

Abstract: A lights integrated cooling system for providing environmental temperature controls for indoor growing environments is provided. The indoor growing environment has a predetermined target temperature. The system comprises a frame structure having top and bottom plumbing manifolds. A water cooled light bar is provided having first and second ends with the first end being fluidly connected to the top plumbing manifold and the second end being fluidly connect to the bottom plumbing manifold. A chiller is fluidly connected to the top plumbing manifold, the light bar and the bottom plumbing manifold. An amount of coolant circulates through the chiller, the top plumbing manifold, the light bar, and the bottom manifold. Heat from the light bar is transferred to the coolant thereby raising the temperature of the coolant. The chiller reduces the temperature of the coolant and the coolant leaving the chiller is chilled to a predetermined leaving water temperature.

Abstract: A light trolley system for vertical-plane growing that maximizes the coverage area, quality of light, and useable growing area is provided. The light trolley system comprises a support structure and a first C rail secured to the support structure. The first C rail has a first end and a second end. A first brace is mounted to the first C rail and a first light trolley secured to the first brace. The first light trolley has at least one bar light mounted within a light manifold. The first brace supports and stabilizes the first light trolley. The combined first brace and first light trolley is moveable along the first C rail between the first end and the second end of the first C rail allowing the first light trolley to be moved to various locations increasing labor efficiency in the growing area.

Abstract: A lighting system for indoor farming for delivering high intensity light while reducing or eliminating heat loads in a growing environment is provided. The lighting system comprises a lighting housing having a first end, a second end, a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a third side between the first side and the second side, and a fourth side opposite the third side. A first LED board is mounted to the first side and a second LED board is mounted to the second side. A first shroud covers the first LED board and a second shroud covers the second LED board. A coolant passage is formed completely through the lighting housing. A coolant liquid is receivable through the coolant passage. The coolant liquid provides active cooling, of the lighting housing from heat created by the first and second LED boards.