Abstract: An object sensor and method using pulsed laser range imaging technology is adapted for controlling an agricultural spraying system. A single laser sensor employs a continuously scanned pulsed laser transmitter and optical receiver to determine the presence or absence of foliage in predetermined spray zones to selectively control spraying only in those spray zones where foliage has been sensed. Range and distance data are also collected and stored in a microprocessor for use in determining the appropriate zones requiring spraying.

Abstract: A curtain system includes two portions of a curtain each mounted on a common guide. Each portion is dimensioned to cover a predetermined area so that the portions may be deployed alternatively. One of the portions is selectively engageable with a drive cable to allow deployment of one or the other portion by the cable.

Abstract: A radiant heating system for a greenhouse utilizing radiator tubing formed from substantially gas impermeable plastic material. The system includes a radiator tube disposed overhead and formed from light transmitting material so that sunlight projecting into the greenhouse will be substantially transmitted to the plants grown thereunder and a second radiator tube disposed proximate the greenhouse floor and formed of similar plastic material. The radiated tubes are interconnected at one of their ends and a burner communicates through a manifold connected to the other ends of the radiator tubes to transmit a heated effluent through the tubes. Valve means and exhaust means are associated with the manifold.

Abstract: An improved greenhouse comprising a plurality of walls, a light-transmitting roof panel; and an optical system located inside the greenhouse is described. The optical system comprises a plurality of rows of elongate spaced optical panels generally adjacent and extending transversely across the light-transmitting roof panel. Each panel comprises a thin backing portion forming first and second concave, opposite sides, a first light reflecting means including light-reflecting surfaces attached to the first side of the backing and a second light reflecting means including light-reflecting surfaces attached to the second side of the backing such that the light-reflecting surfaces face generally oppositely.Also disclosed is an improved method of growing plants utilizing such a greenhouse construction.

Abstract: Spraying equipment for plants growing in parallel rows comprises a main horizontal air duct and several secondary ducts extending therefrom in downward direction between the rows of plants. Each duct is provided with air outlets directed towards the plants, which are alternately opened and closed by valves so as to eject the air in pulses. One spray nozzle each is positioned in the center of each air outlet serving to eject into the pulsating air stream a jet of spraying fluid which is thereby carried onto the plants covering these from top to bottom. The equipment is attached to the front or rear of a tractor which carries a supply of spraying fluid and a pump serving to supply the material to each nozzle through piping. A blower is positioned in the main duct supplying air under pressure to the secondary ducts and to the air outlets.

Abstract: A hydroponic farming system has seed germination, seedling growth, plant picking, cool storage/shipping and equipment cleaning areas arranged to follow the flow of the plant processing cycle. Plants are started from blocks of seed cubes arranged on wheeled trolley germination tables having tiered and sloped top surfaces across which water and nutrient solution are flowed from headers supplied successively by spaced overhead lines, to collection channels discharged to subsurface returns The cubes of sprouted seedlings are then separate and transferred to wheeled trolley growing tables, where nutrient from overhead lines is distributed from lateral weirs, through longitudinal inclined trays, and lateral footers to subsurface returns. The trays of the growing tables have central depressions and include covers with downwardly extending flanges to prevent spraying of the tray sides.

Abstract: A combination wheel shield and ladder for an agricultural vehicle such as a sprayer includes a deformable plastic body with a profile designed to control the path of deflection and to return the body to original shape after deflection. The shield is mounted on a steel framework also designed to help control deflection and assure return to the original shape. A bail limits maximum shield deflection and increases the strength of the framework. A ladder is incorporated into a plastic wheel shield extension A combination handle-step structure located above the wheel and special platform structure located on the drop axle provide convenient access to the operator's station for all adjusted positions of the drop axle.

Abstract: A house plant hospital comprises a closed container in which a potted plant may be positioned and covered by a hingedly-attached lid. A plurality of lights are mounted within the container, while the plant may be occasionally rotated by being positioned upon a "lazy susan" support. In an alternative embodiment, provision is made for supporting several layers of plants and a water spray system is also provided. Additionally, fertilizer and pesticides may be sprayed over the plants while they are retained within the container. The closed container positionable over the plants operates to retain heat provided by the artificial light source so as to prevent the plants from being damaged in a cold environment.

Abstract: A clean environment enclosure assembly (10) prevents contaminants from reaching unfinished products during the manufacturing process. The clean environment enclosure assembly (10) includes a plurality of frames (16) which are secured to each other using various shaped brackets (60, 62, 64) to form a structural frame. Sheets of plastic (22) extend across each of the plurality of frames (16) to complete the housing (14). The sheets of plastic (22) are secured to side members (18) of the frames (16) by elongated caps (24) which run the length of the side members (18). The caps (24) have two arms (30, 32) which engage the two substantially parallel side walls (42) of the side members (18) wherein detents (38,40) of the two arms (30, 32) engage indents (44, 46) of the parallel side walls (42) preventing the cap (24) from freely disengaging the side member (18). The sheets of plastic (22) are sandwiched between the cap (24) and the side members (18).

Abstract: A crop spraying system adapted for attachment to an implement frame pulled by a traction vehicle employs a spray nozzle for each crop row in combination with a photo detector arrangement for sensing the presence of weeds or other unwanted plants extending above the crop height. Following detection of a weed in a crop row, a controller momentarily turns on a spray nozzle covering that row after a selected time interval depending upon traction vehicle speed and detector-spray nozzle spacing for applying a herbicide to the detected weed. Operating in the near infrared (IR) band, the crop spraying system allows for selected spraying of oversized, unwanted plants in the crop row in reducing herbicide usage, and thus cost, and minimizing the environmental impact of such chemicals. One embodiment employs an IR beam bending reflector arrangement to detect not only weeds extending above the crop height, but also weeds extending laterally beyond the crop row into the inter-row space.

Abstract: A solar structure, and more particularly a greenhouse, comprising a framework formed from frame members (20, 20a) and a flexible cover (26) having portions (28) of varying optical density along its length, and wound between a pair of opposed spooled 24 mounted on respective sides of the framework such that the cover is wound from one spool to the opposed spool. The cover is constrained to move over rollers (22) extending longitudinally of the framework, and the edges of the cover are received to move within slots formed in the edges of the frame members.

Abstract: A greenhouse for providing improved growth and environmental control for growing plants comprising a frame defining a structure having a given length and width forming a bounded, interior region for receiving plants; a flexible cover positionable over the frame for providing a roof enclosure for the structure; an elongate roller substantially extending along the length of the structure secured to a lengthwise edge of the cover; and a power source coupled to the roller for travel therewith operable for rotatably driving the roller about its longitudinal axis to retract or extend the cover relative to the frame. A water distribution system for the greenhouse is also disclosed. The water distribution system includes a distribution conduit with spaced-apart spray nozzles positioned adjacent the top interior of the greenhouse. A power drive system oscillates the conduit through a defined arc to distribute water downwardly to plants growing in the greenhouse.

Abstract: A method of attaining horticulture growth in a modular self contained growth chamber formed of insulated panels having a grated sub-floor. The method includes growing algae in an algae tank below the sub-floor; and providing stacked trays having mesh bottoms to hold a nutrient enriched gel. Providing a broad spectrum of light on the south wall; irrigating mist in a timed sequence with the provision of light and maintaining the chamber at a constant 68 to 78 degree Fahrenheit temperature with high humidity. Power is provided by a photovoltaic panel permitting installation in remote locations. The growth chamber and system provides high yields with little space and in locations not normally conducive to efficient growing.

Abstract: In a composting process, a heat conductive ventilation hood overlying a compost pile undergoing active composting. The hood is shaped so that process air emanating from the pile contacts the undersurface of the hood while ambient outside cool air is caused to traverse the upper surface of the hood. As a result of this heat exchange arrangement process air is dehumidified while concomitantly the ambient air is heated. The hood is pitched to cause condensate to run down its surface and not to drip. Warmed ambient air is used to heat the composting facility and dehumidified process air and condensate is reused in the composting process.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a plastic-covered, gutter-connected sheltering horticultural structure constructed of a framework and flexible cover sheet material. The structure is constructed with a number of gutters with arched roof trusses connected at their ends between side walls of a consecutive pair of the gutters. Anchor means are provided to join each of the gutters for engagement to longitudinal edges of flexible covering sheet material and maintaining the sheet material in a tensioned state over the roof trusses. A plurality of fastening means are spaced at intervals along the length of the gutters to maintain the anchor means spaced apart from the gutters to provide unobstructed passages between the anchor means and the gutters.

Abstract: A radiant heating system for a greenhouse utilizing radiator tubing formed from substantially gas impermeable plastic material. The system includes a radiator tube disposed overhead and formed from light transmitting material so that sunlight projecting into the greenhouse will be substantially transmitted to the plants grown thereunder and a second radiator tube disposed proximate the greenhouse floor and formed of similar plastic material. The radiated tubes are interconnected at one of their ends and a burner communicates through a manifold connected to the other ends of the radiator tubes to transmit a heated effluent through the tubes. Valve means and exhaust means are associated with the manifold.

Abstract: A nursery cultivating assembly is carried on a modified zero turning radius tractor and includes a cultivating device, a spraying device, and a tank assembly operably interconnected thereon, while providing for trees to be planted closer together.

Abstract: A method of plant cultivaton and growth acceleration includes enclosing the plants within a reflective chamber, controlling the CO.sub.2 concentration within said chamber so as to be at least 200 ppm, and irradiating the plants substantially omnidirectionally with a light intensity of approximately 3000 lux, while stably regulating the ambient temperature, relative humidity and nutrient supply.

Abstract: An elongate polymeric spray shield adapted to be connected to a support frame moved over plants growing in spaced rows from the earth to temporarily enclose the plants. The spray shield has opposite arcuate side wall portions along its axis and nozzle anchor portions along each of the side wall portions that are recessed inwardly of the spray shield from the side wall portions along which they are positioned. Each nozzzle anchor portion has a generally planar anchor part having a generally centered through opening adapted to receive a liquid outlet nozzle assembly with the axis of a nozzle in the assembly oriented at a right angle to the surfaces of the anchor part and the outlet end of the nozzle adjacent the inner surface of the side wall portion oriented at a predetermined relationship relative to the side wall portions to direct spray from the nozzle in a desired pattern.

Abstract: An agricultural spray is controlled by an apparatus having a sensor (15) for determining the irradiance in the red and near infrared wavebands of the electromagnetic spectrum and a plurality of sensors (13) for determining the radiance of a target area to be sprayed in the red and near infrared wavebands. A controller (14) which controls the individual sprays (12) of the agricultural spray compares the measurements taken by the sensors (15 and 13) and compares the ratio of these values (reflectance) to determine if the spray for the particular target area should be turned on or turned off. The determination may be made by simply looking up tables of reflectance values or by carrying out the calculations of non-linear decision algorithms.

Abstract: A building structure for plant nursery or like buildings including a pair of side frame assemblies, each defined by an elongated gutter member supported at an elevated attitude by a plurality of upstanding supports. Brackets are disposed between the supports and the gutter member, the brackets including opposite side flanges disposed adjacent opposite sides of the gutter member to stiffen same. Straps span the gutter and connect the sides thereof together to resist splaying and thus deflection of the gutter under wind loading. The building structure includes a roof frame formed of a plurality of arcuate roof frame members which are supported in opposite sockets secured to the side flanges of the brackets.

Abstract: An aliphatic polyurethane film is utilized as the primary glazing material for greenhouses and other heat-gain enclosures such as pool covers and sun rooms. The film is preferably a thermoplastic aliphatic polyurethane film having good abrasion resistance, low temperature flexibility, ultraviolet resistance, and strength characteristics. Lightweight portable greenhouses and modular high-performance greenhouses are made possible by the system.

Abstract: A computer program simulates the growth pattern of plants grown in a controlled environment such as a greenhouse. The program produces planting and harvesting schedules, a schedule of predicted yields, and a schedule of greenhouse space utilization, which permit the planning of a controlled growing environment which is capable of producing continuous predictable yields of agricultural product over predetermined time periods. This result is useful in producing commercially viable agricultural production during the times of year when field grown agricultural production is unavailable.

Abstract: A solar greenhouse includes walls and a roof which together with a floor form a closed chamber. Windows are provided to permit the entry of light into a major part of the chamber where growth will occur while restricting light to a minor portion thereof where germination of seeds occurs. Racks for stacked growing trays are provided; preferably the upper part of the chamber is used for germination. The greenhouse further includes apparatus for accumulating solar energy in the form of electrical energy so as to drive irrigation pumps and fans and also in the form of thermal energy to assist in maintaining desired temperatures in the chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided comprising a housing for growing plants under controlled conditions. The housing is defined by a base, walls and a cap. Electrical sockets are mounted in the housing, and fluorescent lamps are electrically connected to the sockets. Supports connected to the wall in spaced-apart relation to the sockets are releasably engageable with the fluorescent lamps for support thereof. A typical wall is formed with a recess having a given length in a first direction. The support is made of a flexible material and is formed with a stem, clips extending from one side of the stem for embracing and supporting the fluorescent light, and a head extending from another side of the stem and engageable in the recess. Arms lead away from the head and wall at first locations adjacent to and on either side of the stem and towards the wall at second locations farther from and on either side of the stem. Feet are respectively at distal ends of the arms and engageable in the recess.

Abstract: A spot sprayer for tall weeds in short crops is provided and consists of a housing affixed to a mechanized spray rig, a tank containing a liquid herbicide therein carried on the housing, a pump connected to the tank, a discharge tube extending from the pump, a spray nozzle at the distal end of the discharge tube and a mechanism carried on the housing for sensing the tall weeds in the short crops, so as to allow the pump to transfer a predetermined amount of the liquid herbicide from the tank through the discharge tube and exit the spray nozzle to only spray the tall weeds and kill them.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and a method for the planting out of the plants wherein the plants to be planted out are fitted into pieces of substrate. Said pieces of substrate are located in compartments formed between blocks fitted onto strips. Usually these strips are located adjacent and each second strip is shifted lengthwise over the length of a block, being equal to the length of a compartment so that a chess-board-pattern develops in plan view. For the planting out, the strips are separated and subsequently supplied to a pushing element which pushes the pieces of substrate including the plants in a transverse direction out of the strip and into bigger containers. To use only a single directional movement the strips are inclined relative to the bigger containers. To compensate for this inclination the pieces of substrate are slightly rotated during the movement.

Abstract: A sealing and fastening system secures a pair of adjoining panels to a frame structure of a greenhouse. The system includes a coupling having a generally "H" shape and forming a pair of transversely spaced pockets, one edge of each panel being disposed in a corresponding pocket. A fastener operatively engages the coupling and has a wrap adapted to be disposed about a member of the frame structure to secure the coupling to the frame structure.

Abstract: A solar greenhouse includes a peripheral wall structure defining a partially enclosed area having an open side through which plants can be placed inside for admitting light into the greenhouse, and a roof over the wall structure. The roof is removable from over the peripheral wall structure to provide for the easy installation, removal, or rearranging the plants. The inside surfaces of the wall structure and roof are light reflecting to reflect light entering the greenhouse through the open side toward the plants inside the greenhouse. The greenhouse also includes a floor which is a separate component from the peripheral wall structure. The exposed surface of the floor can also be light reflecting. The inclination of the roof relative to the horizontal can be changed to adjust the angle of light reflection of the roof.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus in which a depending vacuum housing (10) is attached to as vacuum header (12) and includes a lower open end (16) spaced above the ground line. A sensing means (32) is located at the bottom of the housing to locate a plant to be saved raised off the ground by the vacuum. A pair of vacuum air control flaps (44) close off a pair of air slots (34) or coact with each other to close off the housing to the vacuum. When a plant is identified and located the vacuum is shut off by the flaps (44) and a cutter device (60) with blades (63) cuts across the row ahead of the saved plant to create a clear area. After the cutter has created the clear area the cutter halts and within a predetermined time the vacuum is turned on again by opening the flaps to raise the next incoming plant to be saved.

Abstract: A greenhouse for providing improved growth and environmental control for growing plants comprising a frame defining a structure having a given length and width forming a bounded, interior region for receiving plants; a flexible cover positionable over the frame for providing a roof enclosure for the structure; an elongate roller substantially extending along the length of the structure secured to a lengthwise edge of the cover; and a power source coupled to the roller for travel therewith operable for rotatably driving the roller about its longitudinal axis to retract or extend the cover relative to the frame.

Abstract: A living thing nurturing device for nurturing plants which absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen and funguses or fish produce oxygen and produce carbon dioxide comprises a first air-tight receptacle for the nurturing plants and a second air-tight receptacle for nurturing the funguses or fish. Air in the first air-tight receptacle containing a sufficient amount of oxygen is supplied into the second air-tight receptacle and air in the second air-tight receptacle containing a sufficient amount of carbon dioxide is supplied into the first air-tight receptacle. A water tank is installed in the first air-tight receptacle and the temperature of water contained in the water tank is controlled at a value a little lower than the temperature suitable for nurturing the plants, and air containing a sufficient amount of carbon dioxide emitted from the second air-tight receptacle is supplied through the water tank into the first air-tight receptacle.

Abstract: A modular self contained efficient horticulture growth chamber. Insulated panels form a sealed chamber having a grated sub-floor. An algae tank grows algae below the sub-floor. Trays are adjustably stacked and have mesh bottoms holding nutrient enriched gel. A broad spectrum light source is positioned on the south wall. A flow controlled irrigation misting system is timed in sequence with the light source. The chamber maintains a constant 68 to 78 degree Fahrenheit temperature with high humidity. Power is provided by a photovoltaic panel permitting installation in remote locations. The growth chamber and system provides high yields with little space and in locations not normally conducive to efficient growing.

Abstract: Many people have indoor plants in their homes, often of a variety of species. Each plant species requires specific climatic conditions for luxuriant growth. Such requirements include the correct amount of light, water, heat, air and nutrients. All these factors are important in the plants' biological processes of photosynthesis, respiration and transpiration.Currently most people simply guess when a plant needs watering and fertilization. Some commercial products are available on the market to measure soil humidity, air temperature and light. These devices do not provide an integrated electronic plant husbandry system as proposed by this invention.

Abstract: A cross-flow spraying method comprising creating an air stream by a fan, spraying a crop with a spray liquid injected into the air stream and passing the spray airborne by the air stream across the crop, receiving some at least of airborne overspray in a suction hood located at the lee side of the crop and recirculating the spray liquid. The air outlet from the suction hood may be redirected to the inlet side of the fan, or the suction hood may have its own exhaust fan, and surfaces which precipitate the spray liquid. By utilizing suction as well as pressure, the leaves of vegetation flutter and become more fully covered with the spray liquid. Loss of liquid due to overspray is reduced.

Abstract: This spray boom is provided with nozzles delivering spray under a shield that confines the spray to a downward-rearward direction. The boom is mounted on a conventional tractor with a freedom to swing upward and to the rear on accidental contact with an obstruction. The boom can also be elevated for transport. The outer section of the boom is yieldable and can swing back separately on contact with a tree trunk, and this outer section is also provided with a resilient whip extension to lay down grass and weeds between trees.

Abstract: A spray shield unit adapted to be mounted on the head of a sprayer where the head has a spinner thereon rotatable about an axis for spraying liquid generally radially outwardly with respect to said axis. The spray shield unit comprises a hub having an opening therein for receiving the head of the sprayer, and a generally planer circular shield member mounted on the hub generally coaxial with the hub and projecting radially outwardly from the hub for shieldling spray emitted by the spinner from the wind. The shield member is rotatable on the hub generally on the central axis of the hub opening whereby when the spray shield unit is mounted on the head of the sprayer and when the sprayer is held with the spinner axis generally horizontal, the shield member may be rolled on the ground to maintain the head of the sprayer in the hub opening a fixed vertical distance from the ground to provide a uniform distribution of spray onto the ground.

Abstract: Weights in the form of water-filled flexible tubes are attached onto the pressure supported roof membrane of a building. The weights contour the membrane from a single dome into smaller elongated domes. The decreased radii of curvature of the smaller domes substantially reduce both the stress within the membrane and tension exerted by the membrane on the building walls.

Abstract: A method and structure for environmental control of plant growth in greenhouse conditions. The structure comprises a translucent stressed fabric shell on a base, the shell and base enclosing a predetermined space within which to grow horticultural plants, the shell and base sealing the environment within the space against external environmental air conditions. Temperature, humidity carbon dioxide are monitored and controlled within the space by a microprocessor programmed to provide optimum temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide conditions within the space. The structure and method are ideally suited to nutrient film techniques, wherein nutrient being fed to the plant roots is monitored and controlled by the microprocessor.

Abstract: A discharge apparatus (1f) for treatment media has cabin-like discharge units (3f) bounding in each case a passage (4f), which are in each case provided with at least one discharge device (10f) for the treatment medium, at least one air-carrying back suction device (17f) for the treatment medium not absorbed by the plants (2f) and a compressed air device (13f) for producing both a turbulence air flow (65) and air curtains. The back suction device (17f) can operate directly or indirectly in circuit with the compressed air device (13f). Thereby benefits are achieved for operating and processing with low consumption of treatment medium despite high velocity of operation.

Abstract: A method and structure for improved natural lighting for plant growth, particularly for mass production of horticultural crops in environmental conditions where normal solar lighting may be inadequate for horticultural production within a greenhouse structure. The structure comprises a translucent shell on a base, the shell and base enclosing a predetermined space within which plants are to be grown. A reflective surface is situated adjacent major portions of the base, outside the shell and preferably below the level of the base, to reflect solar radiation into the space through the shell. The structure may also be provided with other features tending to increase the exposure of solar radiation to the plants.

Abstract: A control system for providing uniform spraying of plants and for spraying only areas containing plants. A plurality of plant sensors each detect the presence or absence of plants in a narrow field of view and cause spray nozzles to provide a spray solution to only areas containing plants. A ground speed sensor causes the volume of spray solution to be adjusted to provide a predetermined density of coverage of plants irrespective of the ground speed of a sprayer.

Abstract: A crop conditioner having treatment chamber with front and rear ends adapted to enclose a longitudinal portion of a windrow laying on the ground over which the crop conditioner travels. A plurality of steam outlet nozzles within the chamber near the front end thereof directs steam to the crop.

Abstract: A machine for training plants to be supported between two lifting wires positioned one to each side of a row of such plants. The machine includes a head comprising first and second lifting means for raising from ground level the aforesaid lifting wires and plant vegetation to be supported therebetween, first and second guide means positioned behind the lifting means in the intended direction of travel of the machine for guiding and drawing together the raised lifting wires, and connection means positioned behind the guiding means in the intended direction of travel of the machine for interconnecting the raised lifting wires. The arrangement is such that, in operation of the machine, the said first lifting means and said first guide means are positioned on one side of said row of plants and said second lifting means and said second guide means are positioned on the other side of said row of plants.

Abstract: A heat exchanger according to the present invention comprises a housing for containing an upper and a lower layer of fluid, means for preventing intermixing of the two fluid, and heat transfer means for enhancing the transfer of heat between the layers. Specifically, the heat exchanger means is in form of a plurality of elongated cylinders extending into both layers, each of said cylinders containing a convective fluid. Preferably, the convective fluid is a liquid; and the preferred liquid includes water. Where the fluid in each of said upper and lower layers is a gas, the preferred orientation of the cylinders is vertical. The hotter fluid should be beneath the cooler fluid so that heat from the hotter fluid is first transferred to the liquid in the lower ends of each cylinder. The buoyancy of the heated liquid sets up convection currents which carry the heated liquid upwardly in the vertical cylinders where the heat is given up to the cooler fluid.

Abstract: The hothouse for cultivation according to the present invention relates especially to a hothouse for cultivation enclosed with transparent members, wherein reflexion plates are provided on the northern side for reflecting the sunlight toward the soil surface inside the hothouse, and also to a hothouse enclosed with transparent members, wherein the hothouse comprises a shutter which can be opened and closed freely, and is switchable between two types of hothouses which are a hothouse composed only of the transparent members and a double hothouse comprising a heat insulation space between the shutter completely closed and the transparent members, so that the heat of the sunlight received by the hothouse for cultivation is most effectively used and kept in the hothouse.

Abstract: An improved translucent self-supporting enclosure for building structures, consisting of a plurality of strip panels (2; 11) having a wall portion (3) and end flanges (4; 13) converging towards the inside of the panels (2, 11), as well as a split assembly profile (5; 14) engaging with elastic preloading the opposing and flanges (4; 13) of two adjacent strip panels (2; 11), in which, in the assembly profiles (5) for enclosures with a flat enclosure, there are provided grooved seats (8) for accommodating respectively an engaging tongue (10) provided in the ends of additional strip panels (2a) for forming a double-wall self-supporting enclosure, while for the construction of self-supporting enclosures with a curved surface the strip panels (11) are pre-constructed so as to be curved, and tubular profiles (14), also pre-curved, are provided as split assembly profiles (14).

Abstract: The present invention comprises essentially two parallel and aligned ranks of compound plates (1) which are pivoting and rotating around preferably vertical cylindrical bearings (2), the plates being rectangular in plane view but having a profile which may be rectilinear, polygonal or arcuated, the plates (1) being placed two by two in face to face relationship and at uniform spacements so as to fully cover the gap (or partially cover the gap), each rank of plates being controlled or coordinated by one rack device or by combined levers which similtaneously actuate the plates to turn at 0.degree. or 180.degree. in each rank; rotation at 0.degree. being possible as the plates are in face to face relationship causing closure of the gap and touching themselves by their upper ends, that is closing the coverage and fully covering the area; rotation at 90.degree. being possible as the plates are parallel to the longitudinal direction of the rank, forming two vertivcal walls of plates (1); and rotation at 190.degree.

Abstract: A nurturing device for effectively nurturing living organisms such as plants, fish, etc. in desert areas of tropical regions by use of unused second-hand containers and a solar ray collecting device. The device comprises a plurality of containers and a solar ray collecting device. The solar rays collected by use of the solar ray collecting device are guided into the containers respectively through optical conductor cables for the purpose of nurturing living organisms therein.

Abstract: A method and system for purification of water for plants in a greenhouse structure. The method comprises condensing water vapor in the air in the greenhouse on the greenhouse walls, collecting the condensed water at the base of the walls and passing the collected water to the roots of the plants. To accomplish this method the system comprises a water supply for water to be purified, a mist generator for the air in the greenhouse from the water supply means and a heat source to generate heat in the greenhouse for vaporization of the mist. Cooling means are provided for the walls to cause water vapor in the air in the greenhouse to condense on the interior surfaces of the walls. The condensed water is collected and carried by conduit means to a nutrient solution reservoir for admixture with nutrient to be supplied to the roots of the plant.