PORTABLE APPARATUS FOR GROWING VEGETATION
A cabinet for growing plants has a divider. The divider hermetically separates a plant space of the cabinet from a control space of the cabinet. The divider has a plant side, a control side, and electro-magnetic radiation (EMR) emitters, mounted on the plant side of the divider. The EMR emitters are adapted to EMR frequencies primarily at or near visible light. There is a vent in the divider. A fan pulls air through the vent. A microprocessor controls the fan and the EMR emitters.
This application is a divisional of and Applicant claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §§ 120 and 121 of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/004,699 filed on Jun. 11, 2018, which application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/517,603 filed on Jun. 9, 2017, the disclosures of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the InventionThe present disclosure relates to exemplary embodiments of a portable apparatus for growing vegetation, and more particularly, to a portable apparatus for growing vegetation indoors.
2. Description of the Related ArtVarious plants are grown indoors. Various grow lights, and timing for grow lights can be particularly useful in producing varieties that have desired qualities. Some of these qualities can be medicinally useful, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,630,507 for Cannabinoids As Antioxidants And Neuroprotectants, to Hampson, et al., Oct. 7, 2003, Assigned to: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services (Washington, D.C.), the Abstract of which teaches: “Cannabinoids have been found to have antioxidant properties, unrelated to NMDA receptor antagonism. This new found property makes cannabinoids usefulin the treatment and prophylaxis of wide variety of oxidation associated diseases, such as ischemic, age-related, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The cannabinoids are found to have particular application as neuroprotectants, for example in limiting neurological damage following ischemic insults, such as stroke and trauma, or in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and HIV dementia. Nonpsychoactive cannabinoids, such as cannabidoil, are particularly advantageous to use becausethey avoid toxicity that is encountered with psychoactive cannabinoids at high doses useful in the method of the present invention. A particular disclosed class of cannabinoids useful as neuroprotective antioxidants is formula (I) wherein the R group is independently selected from the group consisting of H, CH3, and COCH3. ##ctSTR1##”
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention provides a programmable indoor environment, that can be installed and employed in any space including but not limited to installed in a cabinet or in a refrigerator, even an old or non-functional refrigerator, or can be sold installed a cabinet of various exterior styles. The cabinet is preferably of a standard cabinet size.
A barrier divides a compartment into a growing space or plant space, and an exhaust space. The barrier further comprises: means for moving air, a filter, Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), and a programmable computer for regulating the timing and frequencies emitted by the LEDs.
The LEDs emit various frequencies of electro-magnetic radiation (EMR or radiation) at or near the visible frequencies of light, including infra-red and ultra-violet. For many plants, modules of white LEDs are satisfactory, and may be chosen by the user. For specific plant varieties that have characteristics such as producing substances, such as the neuroprotective antioxidants described in the Hampson, et al Patent, the timing and frequencies of such emissions can be particularly helpful in achieving the desired characteristics and products in the plant. LEDs emitting specialized frequencies may be sold in modules that easily plug into the barrier.
These LED modules are mounted on mounts similar to mounts for fluorescent light tubes. These LED tubes are easily changed, to change the frequencies or colors emitted.
These LED tubes are easily changed even by some persons who are handicapped by diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis, or by the disabling ailments described in Hampson, et al. The LED tubes can be changed by a person in a wheelchair.
There is literature and ongoing research by others into what colors, temperatures, CO2 concentrations, and timings produce the best yields of desired products from various varieties. The changeability of the LEDs and programmability of emission timings makes this device particularly responsive to new discoveries and grow methods.
The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can provide for a portable apparatus for growing vegetation indoors. The apparatus can give users the ability to grow any form of plants or vegetation in any indoor space including but not limited to the applicable housing device described herein. The apparatus can provide various illumination in various time cycles and color spectrums as well as growth stage specific time control, filtration and ventilation of heat and odor. The apparatus can also control the circulation of fresh air. The apparatus can be manually controlled or automated by use of electronic internal controls which can be programmed and or controlled wirelessly by way of Bluetooth, WIFI, Alexa and Nest. The apparatus can also give users the ability to control other devices related to the growth and cultivation of vegetation wirelessly. Exemplary embodiments of the methods and systems will now be described with reference to the figures.
As shown in
The upper chamber can have a fan or series of fans for the purposes of maintaining fresh air flow, filtering air to remove impurities and odor, and for ventilating heat. Fans can be of various sizes and air flows, and in some exemplary embodiments, can have air flow of 60-80 cfm. Brainbox 100 can have one or more fan 108 for the purposes of maintaining 24-hour circulation of fresh air, maintaining of negative pressure and for filtering odor. The upper chamber can also have one or more secondary fans 109, for the purposes of filtering odor and ventilating excess heat, as demonstrated in
As indicated
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
The lights are grow lights that allow the vegetation or plants in the apparatus or space below the brainbox 100 to grow. The lights 111 can be wirelessly controlled, timed and or dimmed by switch 105 as described in paragraph 0004. The lights 111 can be of different intensities and colors to provide ideal color spectrums for various plant types and growth stages. The lights 111 can be provided on an extrusion style light bar or tube which can be easily removed or replaced by the user, depending on the vegetation in the apparatus. The lights 111 can be removed and replaced by a user, depending on the vegetation being grown. For example: adjusting color spectrum and light intensity. The extrusion or tube can be connected to a power source or sources provided in the upper chamber of the brainbox 100 and mounted to the ceiling of the lower chamber using any type of mechanism, such as but not limited to fluorescent light style powered tombstone style receptacles 112. Individual PCB light engines or single PCB light engine and optional vertical lighting protrusions 113 can extend downward from the brainbox 100 for the purpose of providing side lighting when brainbox is employed outside of housing apparatus 300 as illustrated in figure E
The lights 111 can be controlled by an automation timer with choice of on/off cycles determined by a user via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Alexa, or Nest using a software application. Various light cycle choices can be provided, such as 18 hours on and 6 hours off in a 24-hour cycle, 20 hours on and 4 hours off in a 24-hour cycle, and 12 hours on and 12 hours off in a 24-hour cycle. The light cycle choices are not restricted and can be changed or customized by the user, via software application.
As shown in
An exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 300 that can receive the brainbox 100 is shown in
The apparatus 300 can have a brainbox receptor 203, which can include “lock in” slides to receive the brainbox 100. An exhaust port 204 can be provided on a top and rear portion to align with the ventilation slot of the brainbox 100. Circulation fans 205 can be provided for circulation of air within the apparatus 300. Rails or rollers 206 can be provided along the height of the apparatus on the side walls every few inches to provide multiple options to slide in partitions or shelves carrying the vegetation and/or plants.
As shown in
The side walls of the apparatus 300 can have or accept panels of odor absorbing materials, such as but not limited to carbon or cedar.
In some exemplary embodiments, apparatus 300 can have a rear chamber 207 through which cooler ambient air is drawn in and moved throughout the grow space or spaces by way of circulation fans 205 as demonstrated in
In some exemplary embodiments, the housing apparatus 300 can have either a single door or double door 449
On the bottom of the apparatus 300, as shown in
A second exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 300 is provided in
A separation panel 308 can have lights and can have a control panel or display (preferably LCD) and a pull-out work shelf (
In some exemplary embodiments, housing apparatus 300 can have a water fogging system for the purpose of adding humidity to the environment inside the apparatus 300. Fogging system can be wirelessly controlled by switch 105 located in the Brainbox 100 or another location according to humidity level parameters established by user.
In some exemplary embodiments, housing apparatus can have wire rack style 330 or solid 335 movable shelves
In some exemplary embodiments, apparatus 300 can accommodate a removable herb drying and curing chamber 350 as seen in
A removable drying and curing chamber 350 can be provided and received by apparatus 300
In some exemplary embodiments, housing apparatus 300 can be divided into two chambers by s separating partition 320. Separating partition 320 can have a pull out drawer that can have a retractable lid for the purpose of creating a shelf to be used as a work station. In some exemplary embodiments, the drawer can be lined with cedar or any other material that which can provide the same odor and moisture absorbing capability. In some exemplary embodiments, drawer can have fans and gate valves to control air flow and remove humidity for the purpose of drying and curing harvested vegetation. Fans and valves can be wirelessly controlled by a switch 105 located in the Brainbox 100 or another location.
A reservoir system 400 can be provided as shown in
In some exemplary embodiments, additional LED lighting can be provided and accommodated by reservoir system 400. Additional lighting can be wirelessly controlled by a switch 105 located in the Brainbox 100 or another location.
In some exemplary embodiments, reservoir apparatus 400 can include a lower drainage basin 430 and upper planting tray 431 as shown in
Removable planting pots can be made of but not limited to plastic material. Removable planting pots can be of various sizes as necessary to fit symmetrically into upper tray of reservoir apparatus 400 in various combinations.
In some exemplary embodiments, Reservoir apparatus 400 can include a removable pump which can be wirelessly controlled by a switch 105 located in the Brainbox 100 or another location. Pump can attach to tubular manifold system for purpose of distributing water and nutrients from lower drainage basin 430 to planting pots 440.
In some exemplary embodiments, the upper tray 431 can have exterior wall with mounting holes for a lighting system as described above. Light engines can be provided and constructed to be inserted within the upper tray 431, which can be used for providing various lighting cycles and spectrums, as described above for plant growth. In some exemplary embodiments, a pumping system having a pump with a misting nozzle for providing and auto feeding and humidifying system that can be inserted into a box section in the upper tray 30, which can be the same size as for the planting pots. The pumping system can be used for providing water and nutrients to the plants pots.
The upper tray, lower tray and planting pots are not restricted to any size, shape or dimension. In some exemplary embodiments, the upper tray 431 can be sized narrower at a bottom portion than at a top portion to fit inside the lower tray 430.
The apparatus and brainbox can have various shapes and configurations, and are not limited to any shape or configuration, Various materials can be used for the construction of the apparatus and brainbox. Various lights can be used for various cycles, intensities and spectrums, which can be based on the vegetation growing inside the apparatus, the lights can be removable and provided in various locations, such as vertically, horizontally and in individual chambers. Various logos, graphics or production information can be provided on the apparatus or brainbox. Various components can be provided together, or individually. For example, the brainbox, apparatus and reservoir system can each be provided separately, or together as one system.
In some exemplary embodiments, individually packaged nutrient formulas can be provided for the purpose of feeding plants nutrient formulas that are specifically engineered for the particular type of plant being grown and at a particular stage of growth. In some exemplary embodiments, nutrient formulas can be provided inside a disposable squeeze pack 510 or syringe 520 or any other vehicle which would provide the necessary storage and dispensary capabilities. (
In some exemplary embodiments, blocks of soil 501 (
In some exemplary embodiments, soil blocks can be made of material that will dissolve over time when combined with water.
In some exemplary embodiments, printed, online and video format instructional tutorials can be provided. Instructional tutorials can contain but are not limited to content such as basic herb and garnish production, fruit and fruiting vegetable production, advanced fruit and vegetable production, basic hemp, ruderalis and cannabis production, advanced growth techniques, advanced plant training techniques, advanced cannabis production techniques, and cyclical endless harvest growth. In some exemplary embodiments, instructional tutorials can be combined with and work in tandem with automation software application described above.
The foregoing merely illustrates the principles of the disclosure. Various modifications and alterations to the described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise numerous systems, arrangements, manufacture and methods which, although not explicitly show or described herein, embody the principals of the disclosure and are thus within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.
Claims
1. A cabinet for growing plants, said cabinet comprising: a housing;
- said housing having: a front; a top; a rear; two sides; a bottom; a reflective interior surface; and an air-tight sealed door on the front;
- said air-tight sealed door having a reflective interior door surface;
- said reflective interior surface having: an interior top; an interior rear; two interior sides; and an interior bottom;
- lights on: the interior rear; the two interior sides; and the reflective interior door surface;
- an exhaust port;
- an air intake port near the bottom; and
- a plurality of mounting rails spaced along the interior sides.
2. A cabinet according to claim 1, in which:
- the interior rear comprises a partition;
- a duct is formed between the partition and the rear of the housing in fluid communication with the air intake port and an air circulation vent; and
- a circulation fan is disposed in the housing;
- wherein the circulation fan is adapted to draw air in through the air intake port, pass the air through the duct and dissipate the air through the air circulation vent to an interior of the housing.
3. A cabinet according to claim 1 in which the air tight sealed door comprises two separate doors, which are joinable;
- an upper door of the two separate doors has a bottom surface;
- a bottom groove is on the bottom surface;
- a lower door of the two separate doors has a top surface;
- a top groove is on the top surface; and
- a door unifier is slidably mounted in the top groove and the bottom groove.
4. A cabinet according to claim 1, further comprising:
- a divider, said divider hermetically separating a plant space of the cabinet from a control space of the cabinet;
- said divider having a plant side and a control side;
- a plurality of electro-magnetic radiation emitters, mounted on the plant side of the divider;
- said electro-magnetic radiation emitters emitting electro-magnetic radiation primarily at or near visible light;
- a vent in the divider; and
- a microprocessor controlling said electro-magnetic radiation emitters.
5. A cabinet according to claim 1, further comprising:
- a divider, said divider hermetically separating a plant space of the cabinet from a control space of the cabinet;
- said divider having a plant side and a control side;
- a plurality of electro-magnetic radiation emitters comprising light emitting diodes mounted on the plant side of the divider;
- said electro-magnetic radiation emitters emitting electro-magnetic radiation primarily at or near visible light;
- a vent in the divider;
- a circulation fan disposed in the housing and adapted to draw air through the vent;
- a microprocessor controlling said circulation fan and said electro-magnetic radiation emitters;
- wherein the microprocessor controls the time, duration, and frequency of the emissions of the electro-magnetic radiation emitters;
- a thermometer disposed on the plant side and connected to the microprocessor;
- heat emitting elements adapted to emit heat into the plant space to raise a temperature to a programmed temperature;
- wherein the microprocessor is responsive to the thermometer by controlling the circulation fan and the heat emitting elements;
- a CO2 concentration sensor;
- a CO2 emitter;
- a pressurized CO2 supply canister, supplying CO2 to the CO2 emitter;
- wherein the microprocessor is responsive to a CO2 concentration, which is less than a programmed CO2 concentration, by releasing CO2 from the CO2 emitter until the CO2 concentration is at the programmed CO2 concentration; and
- a humidity sensor disposed in the plant space;
6. A method of growing a plant in a container of soil, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a horizontal hermetically sealed barrier within a cabinet;
- opening a door, thereby causing one or more door switches to activate a green light emitting diode to illuminate an interior of the cabinet and to deactivate a plurality of light emitting diode grow lights;
- placing the container and plant and soil inside the cabinet;
- closing the door to seal the cabinet, thereby causing the one or more door switches to activate the plurality of light emitting diode grow lights and to deactivate the green light emitting diode;
- drawing air in through an air intake port duct with a circulation fan and dissipating the air through one or more air circulation vents to one or more chambers in the interior of the cabinet;
- exhausting the air to an outside of the cabinet;
- using a microprocessor to control the light emitting diode grow lights;
- illuminating the interior of the cabinet with visible light, infrared, or ultraviolet light from the plurality of light emitting diode grow lights according to a schedule programmed into the microprocessor to simulate seasons of the year;
- monitoring a progress of the plant by opening the door, causing the one or more door switches to activate the green light emitting diode to illuminate the interior of the cabinet with the green light emitting diode, but thereby not disturbing the simulated seasons because plants are generally insensitive to green light.
7. The method according to claim 6 further comprising the steps of:
- opening a prepackaged nutrient package;
- adding nutrients from the prepackaged nutrient package to a reservoir of water to provide a nutrient solution;
- sensing temperature, humidity, CO2 concentration; and soil moisture;
- communicating said sensing to the microprocessor;
- controlling heating elements and the circulation fan with the microprocessor to control temperature;
- controlling an injection of water vapor into the cabinet with the microprocessor to control humidity;
- controlling an injection of CO2 into the cabinet with the microprocessor to control CO2 concentration;
- controlling an injection of the nutrient solution into the soil with the microprocessor to control soil moisture.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 21, 2021
Publication Date: Nov 18, 2021
Inventors: Craig ADAMS (East Meadow, NY), David OROLOGIO (Mineola, NY)
Application Number: 17/352,610