Abstract: A method of growing plants includes providing a plant growing apparatus that includes a vertical stack plant assembly including plant pot holders for pots, a movable light array adjustable to allow effective light for the plants, and an outer shell assembly including at least one of a wall, a floor, a ceiling creating a grow room. Potted plants are placed in the grow room, and light, water, and nutrients are provided to the plants, where the light is provided by the movable light array, water is provided by a watering system, and nutrients are provided by a nutrient delivery system. A plant growing apparatus includes a vertical stack plant assembly including plant pot holders for pots, a movable light array adjustable to allow effective light for the plants, and an outer shell assembly including at least one of a wall, a floor, and a ceiling creating a grow room.

Abstract: A solid surface product having a thickness of 3 cm or greater is provided which is substantially free from warping, has a homogeneous surface appearance, and is substantially free from entrapped air bubbles or voids. The solid surface material includes from about 25 to about 95 wt %, i.e. weight percent, of a polymer resin and from about 0 to about 70 wt % of a filler. A method for producing the solid surface material is also provided and includes forming a mixture of from about 25 to about 95 wt % of a polymer resin and from about 0 to about 70 wt % of a filler; casting the mixture into an open mold to a thickness of 3 cm or greater; applying a vacuum to the molded mixture to release entrapped gases therein; and curing the molded mixture to produce a thick solid surface material.

Abstract: A solid surface material which exhibits a pearlescent visual appearance and method of making it are provided. The solid surface material includes a polymer resin, optionally, a filler, and oriented anisotropic pigment particles dispersed substantially throughout the polymer resin to provide the pearlescent visual appearance. The solid surface material is made by forming a mixture of polymer resin, optional filler, and anisotropic pigment particles; dispersing the pigment particles substantially throughout the mixture; casting the mixture into an open mold; applying a vacuum to the molded mixture to release entrapped gases therein to cause the pigment particles to become oriented in the mixture; and curing the molded mixture to produce the solid surface material.