Abstract: The present disclosure provides an advantageous pan jig for installing a pan relative to a frame. The disclosed pan jig semi-permanently engages the pan relative to a frame. Specifically, the disclosed apparatus and method of use advantageously facilitates formation and mounting of a drip pan for use with a system that facilitates aeroponic growing. The disclosed aeroponic growing system may include a plurality of drip pans.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to soilless growth media with light reflecting and light absorbing surfaces for indoor farming and methods of using the media to germinate seeds and develop plants. In some embodiments, the soilless growth media can be a fabric made from two webs that can be joined together with a tie-in yarn linking the light reflecting plant supporting surface web yarn and the light absorbing web base yarn together in the fabric. The soilless growth media in embodiments of the disclosure can be used to reduce evaporation from nutrient delivery systems and improve controlled environmental agriculture operating efficiency.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to apparatus and methods for monitoring plant development in aeroponic farming. The output from one or more sensors in the apparatus be used to modify the flow of one or more fluids to the developing plants.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an advantageous pan jig for installing a pan relative to a frame. The disclosed pan jig semi-permanently engages the pan relative to a frame. Specifically, the disclosed apparatus and method of use advantageously facilitates formation and mounting of a drip pan for use with a system that facilitates aeroponic growing. The disclosed aeroponic growing system may include a plurality of drip pans.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for cleaning a cloth or fabric that has been used for growing plants. The cloth or fabric may be separated from or mounted with respect to a tray or support during the cleaning operation. At least two opposed, rotating brushes engage the top and bottom surfaces of the cloth or fabric to abrade and clean those surfaces. In addition, spray units, e.g., high pressure fluid nozzles, may direct cleaning fluid against one or both surfaces of the cloth or fabric. Filtration and sterilization systems may also be associated with the cleaning operation.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to an improvement of an aeroponic system including a growth chamber and cloth support elements. The improvement generally includes a cloth supported by the cloth support elements. The cloth advantageously satisfies a wicking height parameter and an absorbance parameter so as to deliver advantageous aeroponic performance. The wicking height parameter is a measurement of an ability of the cloth or fabric to absorb moisture. The absorbance parameter is a measurement of moisture the cloth or fabric retains. Exemplary methods of aeroponic farming in an aeroponic system are also provided.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to an improvement of an aeroponic system including a growth chamber and cloth support elements. The improvement generally includes a cloth supported by the cloth support elements. The cloth advantageously satisfies a wicking height parameter and an absorbance parameter so as to deliver advantageous aeroponic performance. The wicking height parameter is a measurement of an ability of the cloth or fabric to absorb moisture. The absorbance parameter is a measurement of moisture the cloth or fabric retains. Exemplary methods of aeroponic farming in an aeroponic system are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for cleaning a cloth or fabric that has been used for growing plants. The cloth or fabric may be separated from or mounted with respect to a tray or support during the cleaning operation. At least two opposed, rotating brushes engage the top and bottom surfaces of the cloth or fabric to abrade and clean those surfaces. In addition, spray units, e.g., high pressure fluid nozzles, may direct cleaning fluid against one or both surfaces of the cloth or fabric. Filtration and sterilization systems may also be associated with the cleaning operation.

Abstract: A system and method of aeroponic farming includes depositing seeds in a flat containing micro-fleece cloth and placing the flat within a growth chamber. The upper side of the flat is subjected to light of the proper frequencies to promote growth in plants. A nutrient solution is sprayed onto the micro-fleece cloth and the developing root mass of the plants, while controlling temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide within the growth chamber. The plants are harvested resulting from the seeds at a desired stage of growth. The growth chambers can be stacked on each other and/or located side by side to save space within a facility, and to permit sharing the subsystems which control the nutrient solution, temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide for the growth chambers.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to an improvement of an aeroponic system including a growth chamber and cloth support elements. The improvement generally includes a cloth supported by the cloth support elements. The cloth advantageously satisfies a wicking height parameter and an absorbance parameter so as to deliver advantageous aeroponic performance. The wicking height parameter is a measurement of an ability of the cloth or fabric to absorb moisture. The absorbance parameter is a measurement of moisture the cloth or fabric retains. Exemplary methods of aeroponic farming in an aeroponic system are also provided.

Abstract: A system and method of aeroponic farming includes depositing seeds in a flat containing micro-fleece cloth and placing the flat within a growth chamber. The upper side of the flat is subjected to light of the proper frequencies to promote growth in plants. A nutrient solution is sprayed onto the micro-fleece cloth and the developing root mass of the plants, while controlling temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide within the growth chamber. The plants are harvested resulting from the seeds at a desired stage of growth. The growth chambers can be stacked on each other and/or located side by side to save space within a facility, and to permit sharing the subsystems which control the nutrient solution, temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide for the growth chambers.

Abstract: A system and method of aeroponic farming includes depositing seeds in a flat containing micro-fleece cloth and placing the flat within a growth chamber. The upper side of the flat is subjected to light of the proper frequencies to promote growth in plants. A nutrient solution is sprayed onto the micro-fleece cloth and the developing root mass of the plants, while controlling temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide within the growth chamber. The plants are harvested resulting from the seeds at a desired stage of growth. The growth chambers can be stacked on each other and/or located side by side to save space within a facility, and to permit sharing the subsystems which control the nutrient solution, temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide for the growth chambers.

Abstract: A system and method of aeroponic farming includes depositing seeds in a flat containing micro-fleece cloth and placing the flat within a growth chamber. The upper side of the flat is subjected to light of the proper frequencies to promote growth in plants. A nutrient solution is sprayed onto the micro-fleece cloth and the developing root mass of the plants, while controlling temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide within the growth chamber. The plants are harvested resulting from the seeds at a desired stage of growth. The growth chambers can be stacked on each other and/or located side by side to save space within a facility, and to permit sharing the subsystems which control the nutrient solution, temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide for the growth chambers.

Abstract: A milking unit support and detacher mechanism for supporting a milking unit when the milking unit is attached to a cow for milking. The milking unit support and detacher mechanism includes a milking unit support arm movable between a first position wherein the arm extends outwardly for supporting a milking unit when the milking unit is attached to a cow for milking. The milking unit support and detacher mechanism also includes means for supporting the milking unit support arm for movement between the first position and the second position, and means for retracting the milking unit and for moving the milking unit support arm from the second position to the first position, the retracting means including a flexible retracting member connected to the milking unit, and means for pulling on the flexible retracting member.