Abstract: Mechanisms that facilitate location and alignment of grow towers for one or more processing operations. In one implementation, the alignment mechanism comprises a track including an alignment feature and one or more engagement actuators. The alignment feature is configured to engage features of a track-contacting face of a grow tower. The engagement actuators press the grow tower against the track, causing the alignment feature to engage the grow tower and align it along the track to facilitate processing operations.

Abstract: A thermal protection system includes an electrical circuit and a thermal switch. The electrical circuit transmits an electrical signal between a charge source and a charge receiver during a charging process. The thermal switch is placed in-line with the electrical circuit. The thermal switch opens above a threshold temperature to block transmission of the electrical signal. Blocking the transmission of the electrical signal causes the charging process to stop. In further examples, the charge source includes and electric vehicle charging system and the charge receiver includes an electric vehicle. In further examples, the electrical signal is required for compliance with one or more electric vehicle charging standards implemented by the electric vehicle charging system and the electric vehicle.

Abstract: A plant plug holding unit is provided, the plant plug holding unit including at least one plant plug holder. The plant plug holding unit, which is configured to be inserted into a cut-out in a hydroponic tower face plate, includes an edge member that encircles the unit and is sealed to the rear surface of the front tower face. Each individual plant plug holder of the plant plug holding unit includes (i) a base member configured to support a plant plug and which extends rearward from the edge member and into the hydroponic tower cavity; (ii) a top shroud member that inhibits leakage as well as plug erosion; (iii) a pair of side members that maintain the position of the plant plug within the plug holder; and (iv) a plurality of open regions configured to promote water drainage from the plant plug.

Abstract: A plant plug holding unit is provided, the plant plug holding unit including at least one plant plug holder. The plant plug holding unit, which is configured to be inserted into a cut-out in a hydroponic tower face plate, includes an edge member that encircles the unit and is sealed to the rear surface of the front tower face. Each individual plant plug holder of the plant plug holding unit includes (i) a base member configured to support a plant plug and which extends rearward from the edge member and into the hydroponic tower cavity; (ii) a top shroud member that inhibits leakage as well as plug erosion; (iii) a pair of side members that maintain the position of the plant plug within the plug holder; and (iv) a plurality of open regions configured to promote water drainage from the plant plug.

Abstract: A charging system for an electric vehicle is described. The charging system for an electric vehicle can have a power supply, a charging cable, a connector, and a cooling system. The charging cable can have a coolant conduit routed through the charging cable. The charging cable can also have a coolant return path formed within the charging cable jacket. The cooling system can pump coolant through the coolant conduit and coolant return path to remove heat from the charging cable during a charging process.

Abstract: A hinged hydroponic tower utilizing an integrated, single-piece hinge member, thereby allowing the tower face plate to move relative to the tower body. In addition to the hinge, the tower utilizes an integrated fastener to hold the face plate in the closed position. A V-shaped groove may be included on either side of the tower, the grooves increasing the efficiency of delivering water and nutrients to the plants via the narrowed rear cavity wall. The V-shaped grooves may also be used as an alignment aid when coupling planters, harvesters, or other equipment to the tower.

Abstract: A hinged hydroponic tower is provided which utilizes an integrated, single-piece hinge member, thereby allowing the tower face plate to move relative to the tower body. In addition to the hinge, the tower utilizes an integrated fastener to hold the face plate in the closed position. A V-shaped groove may be included on either side of the tower, the grooves increasing the efficiency of delivering water and nutrients to the plants via the narrowed rear cavity wall. The V-shaped grooves may also be used as an alignment aid when coupling planters, harvesters, or other equipment to the tower.

Abstract: A plant plug holding unit is provided, the plant plug holding unit including at least one plant plug holder. The plant plug holding unit, which is configured to be inserted into a cut-out in a hydroponic tower face plate, includes an edge member that encircles the unit and is sealed to the rear surface of the front tower face. Each individual plant plug holder of the plant plug holding unit includes (i) a base member configured to support a plant plug and which extends rearward from the edge member and into the hydroponic tower cavity; (ii) a top shroud member that inhibits leakage as well as plug erosion; (iii) a pair of side members that maintain the position of the plant plug within the plug holder; and (iv) a plurality of open regions configured to promote water drainage from the plant plug.

Abstract: A thermal protection system includes an electrical circuit and a thermal switch. The electrical circuit transmits an electrical signal between a charge source and a charge receiver during a charging process. The thermal switch is placed in-line with the electrical circuit. The thermal switch opens above a threshold temperature to block transmission of the electrical signal. Blocking the transmission of the electrical signal causes the charging process to stop. In further examples, the charge source includes and electric vehicle charging system and the charge receiver includes an electric vehicle. In further examples, the electrical signal is required for compliance with one or more electric vehicle charging standards implemented by the electric vehicle charging system and the electric vehicle.