Abstract: An integrated, self supporting elevated gas delivery and light emitting system for crops. The system has a gas and light line that is made of an elongated, tubular body having a central, longitudinal lumen and a plurality of apertures extending from the lumen through the body. The lumen conveys a gas and the apertures emit gas from the lumen to the plant foliage. A plurality of light emitting diodes are fixedly coupled to an exterior surface of the tubular body. A conductor is fixedly coupled to the tubular body and conductively connected to the plurality of light emitting diodes.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method of enhancing the growth of crops using gaseous media with deprived Oxygen content. A plant growth apparatus is disclosed including a source of Nitrogen gas (N2); a source of Carbon Dioxide gas (CO2 gas); a compressor connected to the source of Nitrogen gas and to the source of CO2 gas; and one or more gas emitters connected to the compressor and adapted to be disposed near plants in a greenhouse or other enclosure. During use, the gas emitters emit a predetermined amount of Nitrogen gas and a predetermined amount of CO2 gas, in a mixture, to the plants, whereby a diffusion gradient is created in each plant moving Oxygen gas (O2) out of the plant and enhancing photosynthesis in the plant.

Abstract: A system, device and method for delivering CO2 or other gases to plants in fields, orchards, vineyards and the like. A stake with a windbreak structure and gaseous emitters on the upwind side creates a leeward wind eddy surrounding a plant, such as an orchards sapling. This establishes and maintains a gaseous microclimate beneficial to the plant. The device delivers CO2 gas to a plant in an agricultural field, orchard, grove, orchard of the like. The device includes an elongated base adapted to be adjustably placed on the ground a predetermined distance from the plant, upwind of the plant. A wind foil is adjustably connected to the base along its elongated length. The wind foil has a curvilinear geometry with a first face having a generally convex configuration, and a second face having a generally concave configuration. An emitter assembly is disposed on the second face of the wind foil. A gas supply conduit is communicatively connected to the emitter and adapted to be connected to a gas supply.

Abstract: A system for applying CO2 gas to improve Cannabis production. A multi-stage system is disclosed including upstream midstream, and downstream stages or subsystems. The upstream subsystem receives and stores gas, particularly CO2 gas. The midstream subsystem is communicatively connected to the upstream subsystem and to the downstream subsystem. It monitors the environment of the downstream subsystem, determines when and how to apply gas to pants growing in the downstream system, acquires gas stored in the upstream subsystem, and distributes it to the downstream system. It also has various monitoring, command and control, management, and reporting features. The downstream subsystem includes one or more plant growth areas or plots, gas distribution means, such as gas conduits, tubes or lines from the midstream subsystem, and the high efficiency, adjustable gas applicator, and various sensing and monitoring devices communicatively connected to the midstream subsystem.

Abstract: A multi-media irrigation device is disclosed. The multi-media device is a multi-channel emitter device for plant growth. It includes a substrate; a water channel disposed on the substrate, the water channel having a plurality of perforations; a gas channel disposed on the substrate, the gas channel having a plurality of perforations; and at least one further fluid channel disposed on the substrate and having a plurality of perforations. Also disclosed is an integrated, self supporting elevated gas delivery tube and LED light for crop foliage. Lastly, a system for delivery of CO2 gas to light-deprivation operation of cannabis production is disclosed.

Abstract: A system, device and method for delivering CO2 or other gases to plants in fields, orchards, vineyards and the like. A stake with a windbreak structure and gaseous emitters on the upwind side creates a leeward wind eddy surrounding a plant, such as an orchards sapling. This establishes and maintains a gaseous microclimate beneficial to the plant. The device delivers CO2 gas to a plant in an agricultural field, orchard, grove, orchard of the like. The device includes an elongated base adapted to be adjustably placed on the ground a predetermined distance from the plant, upwind of the plant. A wind foil is adjustably connected to the base along its elongated length. The wind foil has a curvilinear geometry with a first face having a generally convex configuration, and a second face having a generally concave configuration. An emitter assembly is disposed on the second face of the wind foil. A gas supply conduit is communicatively connected to the emitter and adapted to be connected to a gas supply.

Abstract: A system and method of optimizing Carbon Dioxide delivery to crops during high-temperature periods. The method of facilitating plant growth includes the steps of (a) determining the wilting temperature of a set of plants; (b) measuring the ambient temperature of the plants; (c) supplying CO2 gas to the plants when the ambient temperature reaches a predetermined temperature point prior to the wilting temperature of the set of plants; and (d) continuing to supply CO2 gas to the plants until the ambient temperature of the set of plants falls below the predetermined temperature point, and then discontinuing supplying CO2 gas to the plants. Temperature of the plants is measured by a temperature sensor continuously monitoring the ambient temperature of the plants. A CO2 gas applicator disposed near the plants supplies CO2. the CO2 gas applicator is connected to a controller that is connected to a CO2 gas source.

Abstract: A resource conservation method, including commodity market exchanges in furtherance thereof, is provided. Carbon dioxide is acquired from at least one carbon dioxide source for recycling the carbon dioxide. Valuable consideration is received for the acquisition of the carbon dioxide, with carbon dioxide provided, for valuable consideration, from a supply of the acquired carbon dioxide to growing plants for adsorption thereby in furtherance of photosynthesis. Water generally consumed by the growing plants is reduced and thus conserved, whereby financial incentives motivate carbon dioxide recycling and water conservation, thereby bringing arid land into productive use.

Abstract: A resource conservation method, including commodity market exchanges in furtherance thereof, is provided. Carbon dioxide is acquired from at least one carbon dioxide source for recycling the carbon dioxide. Valuable consideration is received for the acquisition of the carbon dioxide, with carbon dioxide provided, for valuable consideration, from a supply of the acquired carbon dioxide to growing plants for adsorption thereby in furtherance of photosynthesis. Water generally consumed by the growing plants is reduced and thus conserved, whereby financial incentives motivate carbon dioxide recycling and water conservation, thereby bringing arid land into productive use.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of recycling carbon dioxide for enhancing plant growth. The method advantageously uses a dual use irrigation system which is capable of separately distributing water and carbon dioxide gas to a tract of plants.

Abstract: The present invention involves utilization of carbon dioxide, CO.sub.2, gas produced from various natural and manmade sources. Where such gas is vented as a waste by-product into the atmosphere, it is a leading gaseous emission contributing to the Earth's atmospheric greenhouse effect and ultimately to devastating global warming. The present invention can include a method of transmission, distribution and utilization of CO.sub.2 gas. This aspect of the invention includes the transmission of CO.sub.2 gas through idled natural gas pipelines during summer months and delivery of the CO.sub.2 gas to field crops to increase crops' yields. This method will increase the seasonal utilization "load factor" of natural gas pipelines during "off peak" non-heating months, when natural gas is in low demand. Further, the invention can provide a distribution mechanism consisting of a series of trunk lines with gate valves linking to primary manifolds.

Abstract: A container and method for transporting finely divided coal in rail cars or other cargo hauling vehicles, the container having a generally flexible and substantially oxygen impermeable barrier defining an encapsulated cavity. A port, including a coupling adapted to substantially prevent exposing the finely divided coal to oxygen, is positioned in the container for passing a flowable material through the barrier. The container also including a cap for sealing the port, a one-way pressure activated valve positioned in the barrier preventing gases in the cavity, and a harness for supporting the barrier and defining the shape of the cavity. The method generally having the initial steps of removing most of the oxygen from the cavity of the container, and adjusting the shape of the cavity to conform to the type of rail car that is being used to haul the finely divided coal.

Abstract: A collapsible container for hauling certain bulk materials in freight vehicles. The container includes a generally flexible barrier that defines a collapsible cavity in which bulk materials may be controlled during transportation. The flexible barrier includes at least one port for passing material into and out of the cavity, as well as a cover for closing the port. To assist in the loading and unloading, the container includes a lifting member for engagement with a crane, a strap attached to the lifting member and the barrier, and a ring attached to the lower portion of the barrier. The strap provides support to the barrier as it is lifted and suspended during loading and unloading from a freight vehicle. The ring is provided to hold the container in place as it is inverted to discharge the materials from the cavity.

Abstract: A method of recycling carbon dioxide for enhancing plant growth. The method comprising the steps of collecting carbon dioxide-containing gas, depositing the carbon dioxide-containing gas into an underground void which is substantially free of methane, storing the carbon dioxide-containing gas in the underground void until it cools to a less than ambient daytime temperature, and distributing the stored carbon dioxide-containing gas to plants within a contiguous tract of plants under field conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of handling waste. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for economically transporting waste from one location to another, treating the waste to produce a biogas, and utilizing a portion of that biogas to enhance plant growth and/or as a fuel source. In another embodiment, the method involves loading waste into the a waste-carrying vessel and transported to a remote treatment facility, where it is unloaded. The waste is then anaerobically digested at the treatment facility and a portion of the biogas resulting from the anaerobic digestion is utilized to enhance the growth of vegetation. The portion of the biogas so used is desirably relatively rich in carbon dioxide. The remaining portion of the biogas, which is desirably relatively rich in methane, and relatively carbon dioxide-poor, may then be combusted as a fuel source.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nestable intermodal container for hauling materials. In one embodiment, this container includes a bottom wall; a plurality of sidewalls sloped generally outwardly from the bottom wall, the sidewalls and bottom wall defining an interior of the container, and the sidewalls having an upper perimeter defining an opening that is larger that the bottom wall; lifting members attached to at least two opposing sidewalls, each of the lifting members being adapted to engage a crane and a vertical wall of a rail car. The bottom wall, sidewalls and lifting members are desirably configured so that the container may be substantially received in another substantially similar container. In a method of the invention, a number of such containers can be used. These containers are filled at a collection site, transported to a processing site located remotely from the collection site for at least a distance on the back haul leg of a rail route and emptied at the processing site.

Abstract: A container and method for transporting finely divided coal in rail cars or other cargo hauling vehicles, the container having a generally flexible and substantially oxygen impermeable barrier defining an encapsulated cavity. A port, including a coupling adapted to substantially prevent exposing the finely divided coal to oxygen, is positioned in the container for passing a flowable material through the barrier. The container also including a cap for sealing the port, a one-way pressure activated valve positioned in the barrier preventing gases in the cavity, and a harness for supporting the barrier and defining the shape of the cavity. The method generally having the initial steps of removing most of the oxygen from the cavity of the container, and adjusting the shape of the cavity to conform to the type of rail car that is being used to haul the finely divided coal.

Abstract: A waste collection and separation apparatus having a plurality of reusable primary containers for receiving waste materials at the location of an individual user, a plurality of reusable secondary containers for aggregating a plurality of filled primary containers and a plurality reusable tertiary containers. The primary containers are flexible, sealable, substantially puncture resistant and have a volume of not more than 10 cubic feet. The secondary containers are flexible, sealable, and have an opening, lifting device and volume of between 10 and 750 cubic feet. The tertiary containers are flexible, substantially puncture resistant and have a lifting device and a volume of at least about 700 cubic feet.

Abstract: An economic and practical system for enhancing plant growth by delivering gaseous carbon dioxide to the plants. The vegetation is planted within an elongated trench preferably in an overstocked condition whereby the vegetation is permitted to grow sufficiently to define a closed canopy. The carbon dioxide-rich gas may be delivered to the trench by conduits beneath the level of the canopy. The trenches can include a floor and side walls which extend vertically upwardly and divergently from each other to restrict the flow of air beneath the canopy thereby minimizing the dilutive effects of the atmosphere. The trenches can also be oriented generally perpendicularly to the prevailing wind direction to minimize the tendency of the wind to carry off the carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A railroad car conversion apparatus for hauling a flowable material in an open-topped railroad car having a frame for holding a plurality of bladders, which may depend downwardly from the frame into the railroad car. The frame is adapted to fit on top of the sidewalls of a hopper car, and be readily attached or detached from the railcar. A plurality of bladders, which may be attached directly to this frame for removal therewith, are also attached in such a manner that they may be readily filled with or emptied of a fluid of a particulate, flowable material without requiring the removal of the frame. The conversion apparatus includes an elongate central beam having first and second ends, and a plurality of bladder-connecting devices for releasably attaching a plurality of material-receiving bladders to the central beam.