Abstract: A playhouse assembly for constructing a dome-shaped housing. The playhouse assembly includes one or more contoured upper wall elements that connect to one another to form an upper wall of a dome-shaped structure, resembling an igloo. A transparent dome-shaped window is secured to the top of the upper wall in order to form the peak of the dome-shaped structure. Each upper wall element includes one or more rods extending from a lower edge thereof, wherein the rods can be inserted into a lower wall formed by snow. In some embodiments of the playhouse assembly, one or more lower wall elements are included, wherein each of the lower wall elements connect to one another to form the lower wall of the structure, rather than using snow to form the lower wall thereof. Further, a ring-shaped template is provided in order to guide a user when constructing the lower wall.

Abstract: The air emission device for growing plants includes a plurality of air emission units for respectively emitting an air flow onto the new leaves growing on a tip of a stem of each plant that has one stem. The transpiration effect on the leaves and suctioning of water and nutrition from the roots of the plants can be promoted. Thus, wilting of leaves can be prevented and the tip burn due to insufficient calcium can be avoided. Provision of the air emission units are effectively arranged to evenly or uniformly supply air onto the new leaves of the each plant.

Abstract: In an example, a network is described with a plurality of data sources. Each data source may provide a feature, such as a data type that the data source collects or generates. A data aggregator may be connected to the network, and configured to collect, classify, and merge features as appropriate. The data aggregator includes a discriminator for classifying features, a merger, unmerger, converter, and evaluator. Features are provided to one or more expert systems configured to control one or more systems based on the features. Feedback to the data aggregator is used to evaluate the success of a merge. When a merge is found to be unhelpful, features may be unmerged.

Abstract: A method and system for continuous automated growing of plants utilizes production lines each comprising a number of growth sections, each growth section comprising multiple horizontal transport levels, each level of each section having a source of light and liquid nutrient, and plant growing trays which move horizontally into, along and out of each transport level; whereby each subsequent growth section has a greater length than the previous section to receive a greater number of growing trays than the previous section so that as plants grow, the number of plants per growing tray is decreased but the number of plants per growth section remains constant. A group of plants is thereby broken out into an ever greater number of trays as it proceeds through the growing sections from germination to harvest, with the ability to simultaneously start the growth cycle for additional crops.

Abstract: Plants are grown in adjacent rows of trays that are rotated within a pool of a nutrient solution. The roots of the plants are at least partly immersed in the nutrient solution. Each row includes a gap wide enough to receive a single tray from an adjacent row. Using three rows, the plants are planted only in one of the rows, and later the rotation is used to space the planted trays one tray apart. Each tray is a parallelepipedal block with apertures for supporting respective plants. The long sides of the blocks have protrusions for preventing adhesion of the blocks. Airlift pumping circulates the nutrient solution past the roots and maintains at least 80% dissolved oxygen saturation in the nutrient solution. A screen of parallel inflatable tubes provides adjustable shade above the pool.

Abstract: Processing units and electrical power generation are integrated with a botanical environment to form a closed loop system whereby the outputs of one component serve as the inputs of another. Additionally, humans can be added to the system while maintaining the closed loop nature. Heat generated by the electrical power generation and processing units aids in the growth of botanicals and in the conversion of waste organic materials into both fertilizer and fuel for the electrical power generation. Additionally, carbon dioxide output by the electrical power generation is consumed by the botanicals, which, in turn, output oxygen consumed by the electrical power generation. Water is obtained by passing the exhaust of the electrical power generation across condenser coils, and is utilized for adiabatic cooling, as well as a heat transfer medium. Water is also consumed by the botanicals, aiding their growth.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and associated methods for more efficiently managing factors critical to the efficient production of beneficial plant life. The apparatus in one embodiment is a cylinder filled with a plant growth medium. The cylinder receives seedlings by the use of baskets that are inserted into the external surface of the cylinder. The seedlings are irrigated by fluids received along the axis of the cylinder. The axis of the cylinder is oriented perpendicular to the force of gravity (parallel to the earth's surface) and rotates along the cylinder axis.

Abstract: A shading device for a greenhouse includes a shading element and at least one lighting element, wherein the shading element comprises an outer side and an inner side. The shading element is formed from interwoven electrically conductive first thread elements and electrically insulating second thread elements. The first and/or second thread elements each may be adapted for reflecting an ambient light. The lighting element(s) may be arranged at the inner side of the shading element and connected with the first thread elements, and the lighting element(s) may be driven by an electrical current, conducted by the first thread elements, resulting in the emission of an artificial light, which may illuminate a plant growing in the greenhouse.

Abstract: Energy-efficient gasification-based multi-generation apparatus, facilities, or systems, and methods of modifying existing gasification-based multi-generation apparatus and the various conventional thermal coupling arrangements, are provided. An exemplary gasification-based multi-generation apparatus includes a gasification system configured to generate raw syngas feed from a carbon-based feedstock, and an acid gas removal system configured to remove acidic contaminants from the raw syngas feed to thereby provide a treated syngas feed. The gasification system includes a gasification reactor, a syngas fluid cooler reactor, and a soot ash removal unit comprising a soot quench column, a soot separator, a soot filter, a soot scrubber, and a gasification system energy management system having a conventional set of heat exchanger unit and an added set of heat exchanger units to enhance energy efficiency.

Abstract: To produce food, plants rely on three main ingredients, sun energy, water, and carbon dioxide, the cost of which is zero. To address the food and energy security concerns, two mysteries are resolved for the first time: i)—Photosynthetic efficiency is known to be very low, the scientific full accounting for all the losses is lacking; ii)—Fanning is known to be profitable, yet accounting for the zero cost of solar energy is not understood. This inventor resolved them by the derivation of a simple mathematical law, AgriPAL, comprising explicitly, a new solar gain factor >200× which offset the low efficiency of ˜0.005. In the absence of the sun, the newly found solar gain goes to 1. Since SanSSoil enables harnessing the third dimension, the sky is the limit. Water saving of >100 is realized through the controlled enclosed environment.

Abstract: A system and method for a patch-like, self-contained substance infusion device which can be attached to a skin surface via an adhesive contact surface. A push button activation assembly can then be used to remove an interlock, allowing a disk or Belleville spring assembly to apply an essentially even and constant pressure to the contents of a fluid reservoir assembly. This allows the release of one or more spring-loaded patient needles into the skin surface, and establishes a fluid communication path between the patient needles and the pressurized fluid reservoir contents thereby delivering an infusion into the skin. The push button activation assembly further allows the release of one or more improved safety mechanisms after use.

Abstract: A high-rise building (1) is described, which comprises a building structure (2) with floor structures (3), a double-skin façade comprising a first skin (5) and a second skin (6). The high-rise building also comprises at least one conveying system (7, 7?, 7?) arranged between the skins (5, 6) of the double-skin façade and arranged for moving trays (8) vertically between the skins (5, 6) between a starting position (9, 9?, 9?) and an end position (10, 10?, 10?). The conveying system (7, 7?, 7?) comprises essentially horizontal track portions (14) each having a length axis (15), track connecting means (18) which connect the track portions (14), and conveying means for movement of the trays (8) along the length axis (15) of the track portions (14) and along the track connecting means (19).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a passive solar greenhouse for controlling the greenhouse's interior environment and maximizing photosynthetic metabolism within the plants grown therein through regulation of sunlight, temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide levels and methods optimizing plant growth conditions by using passive solar greenhouse of the present invention. Generally the greenhouse has a sloped glazed face which faces substantially true south in the Northern hemisphere and substantially true north in the Southern hemisphere with a predetermined slope angle designed to maximize incident solar radiation (insolation) and increase the interior temperature during the colder months of the year while reducing overheating during the warmer months of the year.

Abstract: A growth chamber carousel is provided which may be used to grow plants in a chamber. The chamber includes an artificial light source, a plurality of plant supports, a supporting structure configured to rotate the plant supports between two positions, the first position being closer to the artificial light source than the second, and a divider separating the chamber into a light region containing the artificial light source and one of the plant supports in the first position and a dark region containing the other plant support in the second position. The divider is moveable between a first divider position in which the divider prevents movement of the plant supports and a second divider position in which the divider does not prevent movement of the plant supports.

Abstract: An irrigation system for hanging plants in a hanging plant carousel system that includes a frame and a measuring assembly. The frame is fixedly coupled to a substantially stationary structure, such as the building or a portion of a truss system supporting the carousel system. The measuring assembly includes a movable arm, a sensor and a controller. The movable arm has a contact surface with a measuring start and end point, which extends into the path of the basket hook coupled to the cable of the carousel system. The movable arm is displaceable by at least one of the basket hook or a plant pot structure coupled thereto. The sensor coupled to the movable arm and is configured to provide data from which the weight of a plant pot structure can be determined. The controller is configured to control a watering system to provide water to the plant pot structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the first time a biological system which provides the dual function of killing termites and other wood damaging insects while also producing a by-product substance having the capability of repairing damage by termites and other insects to wood and related cellulosic products. The present invention, a biological system, toxic to termites, is provided which produces a means by which damage caused by termites is repaired, said means comprising a by-product produced by a modification of the bacteria of the genus Gluconacetobacter. Preferably, the biological system is in the form of toxic bait.

Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of an irrigation system may include a carriage that may move along a predetermined path in a reciprocal manner. The carriage may support one or more exit ports that may be fed nutrient supply by a pressurized delivery arrangement. One or more plant stands may be configured and arranged to straddle the carriage as it moves along the predetermined path. The one or more plant stands may form a chamber into which plant roots may extend, and into which the one or more exit ports may discharge their nutrient supply. The one or more plant stands may include side panels and a cap to reduce infiltration of light and contaminants and to enhance the plant root/nutrient supply interface and absorption rates. The carriage and/or the plant stand(s) may include friction reducing elements that facilitate transverse movement. The carriage and/or the plant stand(s) may be supported by framework.

Abstract: An improved method to produce artificial light for plant cultivation, an illumination device with a semiconductor light emission solution and device suited for plant cultivation in a greenhouse and/or dark growth chamber environment are described. The best mode is considered to be a lighting device with LEDs that produces an emission spectrum similar to the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) spectrum in a dark growth chamber. The methods and arrangements allow more precise spectral tuning of the emission spectrum for lights used in plant (310, 311) cultivation. Therefore unexpected improvements in the photomorphogenetic control of plant growth, and further improvements in plant production, especially in dark growth chambers, such as basements, are realized.

Abstract: A device is provided which ensures uniform irradiation of plants with infrared radiation along with ultraviolet and/or visible radiation and requires a small number of infrared emitters relative to the cultivation area. The infrared emitters are designed for temperatures of 800° C. to 1800° C. Each has a cylindrical emitter tube having a length of 50 mm to 500 mm. The emitter tubes extend parallel to one another in an emitter zone located above the culture plane. The infrared emitter occupation density relative to the area of the culture plane is between 0.2 m?2 and 1.0 m?2. Irradiation regions of adjacent infrared emitters on the culture plane overlap such that average irradiance on the culture plane is between 10 watt/m2 and 100 watt/m2 with a variation range of a maximum of 50%. A reflector facing a structural space is assigned to a top side of the emitter tube.

Abstract: The invention provides an interface (20) for converting a desired physiological plant response into control instructions for at least one lighting system (4,5) which has an adjustable lighting property, said interface (20) comprising: a receiver for receiving a desired physiological plant response; a processor functionally coupled to said receiver for converting said desired physiological plant response into said control instructions, and a transmitter (7), functionally coupled to said processor for transmitting said control instructions to said at least one lighting system (4,5) wherein said desired physiological plant response is defined as a set point in a multi-dimensional horticulture action space.

Abstract: A system and method for a patch-like, self-contained substance infusion device (700) which can be attached to a skin surface via an adhesive contact surface. A push button (780) activation assembly can then be used to remove an interlock (730), allowing a disk or Belleville spring (735) assembly to apply an essentially even and constant pressure to the contents of a fluid reservoir assembly (710). This allows the release of one or more spring-loaded patient needles (760) into the skin surface, and establishes a fluid communication path between the patient needles (760) and the pressurized fluid reservoir contents thereby delivering an infusion into the skin. The push button (780) activation assembly further allows the release of one or more improved safety mechanisms (794) after use.

Abstract: This disclosure is for an automated canopy greenhouse having a motor driven canopy that is pulled over curved arch supports. The greenhouse has a generally rectangular base framework to which the arches are attached, the outside of the structure having the general shape of a cylinder cut lengthwise and resting on its flat side. A canopy or tarp is wound around a drum positioned near the bottom of one of the long sides. A shuttle bar is attached to two trolleys each of which ride on an arch at each end of the greenhouse. The trolleys are motor driven. One end of the canopy is attached to the shuttle bar and closes or opens the greenhouse as the trolleys and shuttle bar are moved. Inside the drum there is a torsion spring that is preloaded to balance the load of the canopy and associated hardware as the canopy is being raised or lowered. Successive greenhouse units may be attached to a first greenhouse unit that has the motor, and tarps on the successive units may be closed or opened using the same motor.

Abstract: Methods and systems for collecting, purifying, and/or extracting ethanol produced during anaerobic metabolism by aquatic plants is provided. The system includes a cell containing water and an aquatic plant, an ethanol extraction assembly in fluid communication with the cell for removing ethanol from the water. Ethanol is released by the aquatic plant by initiating an anaerobic process in the plant such as by regulating the photosynthesis inducing light that reaches the aquatic plant.

Abstract: A plant-cultivating method is provided which comprises a red light irradiation step (A) and a blue light irradiation step (B), wherein the step (A) and the step (B) are independently carried out for a predetermined period of time under cultivation conditions such that the temperature in a cultivation atmosphere at the step (A) is lower than that at the step (B). Preferably, the temperatures in a cultivation atmosphere at the step (A) and the step (B) are in the ranges of 12° C. to 19° C. and 20° C. to 25° C., respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling lighting in a plant factory are disclosed. The apparatus includes a weight calculation unit, a height calculation unit, a light information extraction unit, and a distance control unit. The weight calculation unit calculates the weight of at least one crop being cultivated based on a sensing result received from a weight sensor disposed in a crop cultivation bed. The height calculation unit calculates the height of the crop based on information about the growth of the crop corresponding to the weight of the crop. The light information extraction unit extracts information about artificial light corresponding to the height of the crop based on the information about the growth of the crop. The distance control unit controls the height of an artificial lighting device based on the information about artificial light.

Abstract: A pick-up and delivery system including a pick-up assembly and a delivery assembly. The pick-up assembly includes a robotic arm, a pick-up device rotatably mounted on the robotic arm, and a first vacuum pressure supply port operably connected to the pick-up device. The delivery assembly includes an insertion device and a second vacuum pressure supply port. The insertion device may include an insertion member and a release assistance rod arranged inside the insertion member. The release assistance rod is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position. When the release assistance rod is in the extended position, a proximal end extends beyond an end of the insertion member. Further aspects are directed towards methods for grasping and releasing an object with a pick-up and delivery system.

Abstract: A semi-automated crop production system featuring a growing module with grids of cells for growing plants and a lighting and airflow fixture positioned above each cell. The lighting and airflow fixtures feature a fan disposed in a housing, a light emitting diode (LED) assembly board comprising LEDs disposed below the fan; a light diffuser disposed below the LED assembly board, and an adjustable airflow nozzle extending downwardly from the fan and protruding through the LED assembly board and the light diffuser. The adjustable airflow nozzle provides directed airflow downwardly toward a bottom area of the housing. The growing module and lighting and airflow fixtures are housed in a shell. The growing module may be slidably attached to the interior wall of the shell via mounting components.

Abstract: A plant air purifying enclosure, or “PAPE,” contained within an unconditioned space, either within or outside a building, containing therein a plant air purifier, which is used to purify air using plants and microbes growing therein. The PAPE enclosure itself receives poor indoor quality air from within structure where the PAPE is located or from a structure close by along with thermal energy which keeps the plant air purifier enclosure at a suitable temperature for the plants and air cleaning microbes within the air purifier. Poor air enters the enclosure, is purified by the plants and microbes, and returns in purified form back to the habitable space from which it was taken. This lowers the amount of outside air needed for ventilation purposes and so lessens a building's overall energy consumption while providing efficiently for naturally purified air.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed which may be used to grow plants in a chamber. In one embodiment, the chamber includes an artificial light source, a plurality of plant supports, a supporting structure configured to rotate the plant supports between two positions, the first position being closer to the artificial light source than the second, and a divider separating the chamber into a light region containing the artificial light source and one of the plant supports in the first position and a dark region containing the other plant support in the second position, wherein the divider is moveable between a first divider position in which the divider prevents movement of the plant supports and a second divider position in which the divider does not prevent movement of the plant supports. Methods of growing plants in a chamber on a moveable member are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a greenhouse system. An exemplary greenhouse system comprises at least one plant culture. At least part of a glazing of the greenhouse system comprises at least one functional layer that is adapted to the plant culture.

Abstract: The invention refers to a greenhouse screen comprising strips of film material that are interconnected by a yarn system by means of hosiery, knitting, warp-knitting or weaving process to form a continuous product. At least some of the strips comprise a film material in the form of a multilayer polyester film having a thickness less than 60 ?m and comprising at least two layers, wherein at least one layer is white and at least one layer is black, the at least one white layer comprises polyester and a white pigment in an amount between 5 and 50 weight-% based on the total weight of the white layer, and the at least one black layer comprises polyester and a black opacifying agent.

Abstract: A greenhouse comprises a body, a lid, an actuator, a temperature sensor and a controller. The body has a front wall, a back wall and two opposite lateral walls. The actuator is connected to the body and is in contact with the lid. The temperature sensor is connected to the controller and is located so as to read a temperature inside the body. The controller is electrically connected to the actuator and is electrically connected to the sensor so as to receive a temperature signal from the sensor. The controller is both operative to activate the actuator so as to open the lid when the temperature sensor reads a first temperature inside the body and to activate the actuator so as to close the lid when the temperature sensor reads a second temperature inside the body.

Abstract: A method for improving the sensitivity of an assay to determine the pathogenicity of a plant root pathogen using a soil amendment is presented. The method involves growing the plant root in the presence of a soil amendment after exposure of the plant root to the pathogen. A method of breeding plants is also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a sheet-like light collector device comprising a light receiving side and a light exit side, and a plurality of curved structures of light guiding material comprising an organic dye configured to absorb at least part of the light of a light source and to convert at least part of the absorbed light into converted light in the visible wavelength range. Each curved structure has a convex curved part at the light receiving side, a concave part at the light exit side, and a light exit edge part at the light exit side. Each curved structure has a curvature and light guide thickness configured to facilitate transport of incoupled light and the visible converted light in the direction of the light exit edge part to provide device light escaping from the light exit edge part.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus to simplify an air supply path without damaging the merit of conventional culture apparatus. The apparatus is a culture apparatus which includes a row of a plurality of box-shaped containers for plant cultivation, and a row of lower stage containers arranged in the lower portion of the row, holding the upper stage container spaced as high as the height after growth of the plants to be cultivated. In each container, a support, a blocking film stretched between front and rear, right and left supports of the container are provided. In the one end of the rows of the containers, an air conditioner is arranged, and in another end, a turnaround chamber is provided.

Abstract: According to the present invention, provided is a system for irradiating a target object selectively with specific circularly polarized light, comprising a polarization-state control member that controls the polarization state of light to thereby generate circularly polarized light; and a circularly polarized light-reflecting member, wherein the circularly polarized light-reflecting member is disposed at a position on which the circularly polarized light emitted from the polarization-state control member can be incident; the circularly polarized light-reflecting member generates reflected light that selectively comprises circularly polarized light of the same sense as the incident circularly polarized light from the polarization-state control member; and the circularly polarized light-reflecting member is disposed such that the target object can be irradiated with at least a part of the reflected light.

Abstract: The present invention provide a light-scattering fluororesin film for agricultural applications which can be used as a covering material for an agricultural house or the like, is excellent in uniformity of color or the like of crops cultivated, can reduce the occurrence of leaf scorch, seedling blight or the like, and can cultivate the crops at high productivity. Specifically, the invention provides a light-scattering fluororesin film for agricultural applications that gives a ratio of scattered light with a scattering angle of 5.5 to 10° being 5% or higher relative to the total transmitted light.

Abstract: A process for the production of useful materials to sustain manned space missions on Mars, as well as the kit of materials and apparatus for implementing the same, is described. Said process uses as raw feedstock only natural resources available in-situ, namely Mars atmosphere and regolith. The kit allows to implement the process of the invention by providing all materials and apparatus that will be used on the Martian soil.

Abstract: An energy-saving type plant cultivation system is provided, which includes: a first power source for generating first electric power from solar or wind energy; a plant cultivation device electrically connected to the first power source for receiving the first electric power, and having a plurality of layers of cultivation plates and further having at least a transparent sidewall to facilitate a monitoring staff to observe growth of the plants; a second power source electrically connected to the plant cultivation device so as to supply second electric power to the plant cultivation device; and a power storage unit electrically connected to the first power source, the plant cultivation device and the second power source so as to receive and store the first electric power or the second electric power and supply third electric power to the plant cultivation device if the first electric power or the second electric power is not sufficient.

Abstract: There are provided a device for fixing biomass-based solar heat and carbon dioxide gas with a similarity to containerized culture having high crop productivity, which is capable of fixing carbon dioxide gas highly efficiently, while being compact and easily managed, and a house equipped with the fixing device having an energy circulation system. The fixing device for biomass-based solar heat and carbon dioxide gas is configured to include an air intake unit which takes air into a box, a mesh-like air and water flow-through unit laid in the bottom of the box that is configured to be open to the atmosphere, a water reservoir tray on which the box is mounted, and cultivation soil which is held inside the box. Further, in the house relating to the present invention, the fixing device for biomass-based solar heat and carbon dioxide gas is arranged in an area that gets a lot of sunshine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting CO2 from air comprising an anion exchange material formed in a matrix exposed to a flow of the air, and for delivering that extracted CO2 to controlled environments. The present invention contemplates the extraction of CO2 from air using conventional extraction methods or by using one of the extraction methods disclosed; e.g., humidity swing or electro dialysis. The present invention also provides delivery of the CO2 to greenhouses where increased levels of CO2 will improve conditions for growth. Alternatively, the CO2 is fed to an algae culture.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to cross-functional architectural greenhouse glass, greenhouses including cross-functional architectural greenhouse glass, and/or associated methods. Certain example embodiments involve combining sensor, functional coating, glass patterning, and/or glass composition selection technologies to produce flat or bent substrates suitable for use in such example applications. It advantageously becomes possible in certain example instances to give growers more control over their individual greenhouses (including portions thereof), while also switching from a more qualitative, to a more quantitative, growing operational approach.

Abstract: An autonomously controlled greenhouse cultivation system includes a fuel cell module, an environment detection and control module, and environment set-up devices. The fuel cell module includes input terminals and output terminals. After fuel and air are received through the input terminals, the output terminals supply, respectively, various environmental products, including electrical power, thermal energy, carbon dioxide, and water, which are fed to the environment detection and control module that controls the output of these environmental products and includes detection units and control units to detect and effect feedback control of illumination, temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide concentration, and water level.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed towards methods, systems and apparatuses for preventing plastic out-gassing in plant tunnels. The methods, systems and apparatuses utilize various sensors and elements to maintain a proper plant growth environment while minimizing the outgassing.

Abstract: A solar greenhouse which may be modular, free-standing or erected against an adjacent structure such as the wall of a building, having s a frame including structural members such as extruded aluminum channels which support a glazing system of transparent or translucent panels. The transparent or translucent panels preferably are opaque to the transmission of infra red light rejected from the solar collector louvers and the interior of the solar greenhouse. Positioned within the solar greenhouse enclosure below the glazed roof or top are a plurality of rotatable solar collector louvers which may be individually positioned or preferably are rotated in unison by a drive system which may be manually controlled or controlled by a software program in a computer or microchip. The louvers are effectively flat plate solar collectors. Water is circulated through the tubular axle of the louvers and is heated by solar radiation when the louvers are in their solar collection positions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an apparatus and method for managing the growth of crops by individually monitoring the growth state of crops produced in a greenhouse or plant factory. The crop growth management apparatus includes a weight measurement unit configured to measure the weight of a crop that is being grown using the tension of a support string connected to the crop, a crop growth and development management unit configured to determine whether or not the growth and development state of the crop or the weight of the crop is proper based on the measured weight of the crop, and an environment control unit configured to locally control a crop cultivation environment based on a result of the determination regarding whether or not the growth and development state of the crop or the weight of the crop is proper.

Abstract: A combined greenhouse has a foundation bed, an outer wall assembly, a temperature control assembly, a roof and a plant bed. The foundation bed has multiple stands and a reinforcing device. The outer wall assembly is mounted on the foundation bed and has four walls and an outer frame. Each wall has a base frame and a transparent device. The outer frame is mounted outside the wall that is mounted on the front stand of the foundation bed. The temperature control assembly is mounted in the foundation bed and has a ventilating device, a water-wall device and an air-sucking device. The roof is mounted on the outer wall assembly and has multiple roof mounts. The plant bed is mounted on the reinforcing device and each has two end frames, at least one linking frame, a baseboard, a plant net and multiple resisting boards.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container for propagating growth of seedlings, having a main body comprising a base, a central wall extending vertically from the base. A first wall section and a second wall section are arranged to the main body. The first wall section and the second wall section are hingeably connected to the main body. The base, the central wall, the wall sections forms in the closed condition at least two cells being open at top. The base comprises a sup-porting structure at the lower part of the main body, wherein the main body is provided with supporting means for holding an irrigation mat. The present invention also relates to a tray designed for receive and carry one or more of said containers, a greenhouse including the tray and one or more of the mentioned containers, and a method for propagating growth of seedlings.

Abstract: A span type greenhouse has structural units installed parallel to one another over an entire length of a bay defined under a span. The ratio of a distance between a top of the greenhouse and a horizontal straight line passing through top ends of side posts over the bay width is less than 1/5. This greenhouse also has central double opening windows. In a transverse profile of the greenhouse, and angle formed between a straight line tangential to an arch segment in a transverse plane of the greenhouse at a side lintel, and a straight line intersecting a hinge axis and the end of a closed side window in the transverse plane of the greenhouse is non-zero in the direction of a concave side of the greenhouse profile, this break in slope procuring a slope for the closed window that is at least 15°.

Abstract: There is disclosed a dome and lighting apparatus for a mini greenhouse. In an aspect, the dome has one or more grooves or channels adapted to receive a lighting module. In an embodiment, the one or more channels are positioned laterally or longitudinally on the top surface of a dome, such that one or more lighting modules may be received thereon to evenly light the entirety of the mini greenhouse under the dome. A groove or channel may be suitably shaped to accommodate a lighting element. The groove or channel may further include shoulders on either side to accommodate a reflector for the lighting element, which may be suitably angled to direct the light downwardly into the mini greenhouse. By aligning respective grooves or channels of two domes placed side-by-side, a lighting module may be received over both domes within the aligned grooves or channels.