Abstract: The present disclosure provides a multilayered polymeric film for covering an agricultural structure or greenhouse, wherein the film contains adjacent layers that are capable of delamination from one another.

Abstract: A photovoltaic greenhouse includes a house structure having upstanding walls and a roof thereover to enclose a greenhouse space therein, and at least one thin-film solar cell module mounted on the roof for converting solar energy within a pre-selected light band of sunlight into electricity, wherein light not absorbed by the thin-film solar cell module passes through and enters the greenhouse space, which can be utilized by plants or crops for photosynthesis. The thin-film solar cell module has high transmittance of light in the wavelength intervals, for example, 400-450 nm and 640-700 nm, required by the cultured plants or crops inside the greenhouse space for photosynthesis.

Abstract: Disclosed is method for preparing ripe persimmon directly on a persimmon tree, comprising the steps of preparing a sealing cover (S1); providing an ethylene generator for generating ethylene gas in the sealing cover (S2); receiving each persimmon, which is dangled on the tree, with the sealing cover in which the ethylene generator is provided (S3); aging the persimmons for a desired period of time in the sealing cover and thus forming the ripe persimmon (S4); and removing the sealing cover and then cleaning the ripe persimmons (S5). Therefore, the ripe persimmons having a good taste and freshness can be simply and efficiently manufactured.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for growing algae for sequestering carbon dioxide and then harvesting the algae includes a container for a suspension of algae in a liquid and a bioreactor having a translucent channel in fluid communication with the container to absorb CO2 and grow the algae. A monitor determines the growth of the algae in the channel. A separator separates the grown algae from the suspension and an extractor extracts biomaterials from the grown algae.

Abstract: A bioactive filter is provided which comprises a transparent canister having gas permeable membranes as entry and exit ports. A source of carbon dioxide in gaseous form is allowed to enter the entry membrane and pass through a solution contained in the canister which supports a live colony of algae. The algae carries out photosynthesis thereby altering the carbon dioxide to oxygen and sugar. The oxygen is released through the exit port.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dehumidifying or drying air entering a greenhouse while it is being cooled are disclosed. Air to be cooled is drawn through a cooling medium, and the systems and methods make use of heat extracted from the hot air before entering the cooling mechanism for use in heating the cooled air exiting the cooling mechanism. This reinsertion of the extracted heat into the exiting air allows for humidity control while maintaining a lower temperature compared to the temperature of the air as it entered the cooling mechanism. Different embodiments according to the present invention comprise closed-loop, energy neutral air drying systems that do not utilize external energy or materials to dry the air. This provides an energy efficient air drying system that allows for greenhouse operation with reduced operating costs.

Abstract: An insulation system for installation between a floor and a roof of a greenhouse includes an insulation module with insulating panels shiftable between an open position and a closed position for controlling air flow and heat flow in the greenhouse.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for protecting bio-reactor housing from solar radiation, by applying UV-protective material to an outer surface of a plastic wall of the bio-reactor housing to protect from solar radiation. The housing includes a wall formed of plastic that defines the outer surface. In this manner, the effective life of the housing is extended and the overall cost of generation of photosynthetic biomass is decreased, improving system performance and cost-effectiveness.

Abstract: There is provided a greenhouse windbreak mechanism which is less prone to collapse of cultivation greenhouses, even when the greenhouse windbreak mechanism is constructed along with the cultivation greenhouses such as plastic greenhouses with relatively-lower strength and is subjected to storm winds or strong monsoons. There are provided a windbreak fence which surrounds one or more cultivation greenhouses and is annularly placed to be erected with a larger height than that of the cultivation greenhouses, a ventilation portion which is formed, at an upper portion of the windbreak fence, to have a predetermined longitudinal width from the upper end of the windbreak fence and includes a plurality of through holes which are dispersedly placed; and a plurality of baffle plates which form a plurality of through holes in its entire surface or partially for passing strong winds therethrough when they are laterally placed above the cultivation greenhouses.

Abstract: A structure to grow plants including a fence, a fabric attached to the fence to form a fence-fabric combination shaped as a pillar with an enclosed area, and a growing material filled in the enclosed area, and a method for creating a structure to grow plants by providing a fencing material and a fabric, attaching the fabric to the fencing material to form a fence-fabric combination, shaping the fence-fabric combination into a pillar with an enclosed area, and filling the enclosed area with a growing material.

Abstract: A greenhouse plant cultivation control system includes a plurality of solar cell modules providing light of different wavelengths to each of a plurality of areas in which plants are cultivated, and a movement of a plant to an area in which light of a wavelength required for the plant is provided is determined according to a type of the plant and a growth stage of the plant.

Abstract: Greenhouse system may comprise an illumination, a sensor, and a controller. The illumination and controller are arranged to vary the intensity and the spectral distribution of the light emitted by the illumination. The emitted light may be pulsed light, the pulse characteristics being variable by the controller in dependency of the output of the sensor. The controller is arranged to interpret the relevant variables measured by the sensor and to assess the actual and/or expected growth of the relevant plants, and to control the intensity and/or the spectral distribution of the light emitted by the illumination. Some sensors may be provided for measuring the intensity and/or spectral distribution of the actual light in the greenhouse, other sensors for measuring plant dimensions of the relevant plants or plant groups. The illumination may comprise a heat collector which can be connected to heating or air conditioning inside or outside the greenhouse.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sequestering CO2 using algae comprises a plurality of vertically suspended bioreactors, each bioreactor being translucent and including a flow channel formed by a plurality of baffles. A culture tank contains a suspension of water and at least one algae and includes a plurality of gas jets for introducing a CO2-containing gas into the suspension. The culture tank is in fluid communication with an inlet in each channel for flowing the suspension through the channel in the presence of light. A pump pumps the suspension into the channel inlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multilayer films made of fluoro polymers, which have properties that make them suitable for use in the agricultural field, especially as greenhouse covering films. According to a first aspect, the invention relates to multilayer fluorinated films comprising at least three layers, including a layer A made of a first vinylidene fluoride copolymer with a crystallization temperature TcA, and a layer B made of a second vinylidene fluoride copolymer with a crystallization temperature TcB, TcA being greater than TcB, layers A and B being alternating, layer A being placed to the exterior and layer B between two layers A. Another subject of the invention relates to the use of the film according to the invention as an agricultural covering material, especially as a greenhouse covering.

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, said 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 said white layer, and said at least one black layer comprises polyester and a black opacifying agent.

Abstract: The present invention comprises greenhouse comprising a frame provided with columns and with parallel, equally spaced girders supported by said columns, as well as a roof supported by said columns and with at least one wall, said greenhouse comprising a screen device along the roof, which screen device comprises a number of screens, a screen (1) being connected, via first connecting means, to a girder on a first longitudinal side and being connected, via second connecting means, to a front bar (2) extending parallel to the girders on a second longitudinal side opposite said first longitudinal side, which front bar is movable in a direction transversely to its longitudinal direction between an open position and a closed position, said second connecting means comprising a lace element (3) connected to the screen near a longitudinal edge of the screen and a lace chamber (4) associated with the front bar, which lace chamber extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of the front bar, in which lace element is

Abstract: The invention provides a lighting system (100, 200, 300) for controlling the growth of plants, the system comprising; an array of solid state/semiconductor light sources (101, 201, 301) adapted to emit light of a predetermined wavelength or wavelength range; and a cooling arrangement(102, 202, 302) comprising a pipe (103, 203, 303) having at least one inlet opening for receiving a gaseous cooling medium and a plurality of outlet openings (105, 205, 305) for releasing said gaseous cooling medium from said cooling arrangement, the cooling arrangement being in mechanical and thermal contact with said light sources. The invention also provides a method for controlling the growth of a plant in a greenhouse of growth chamber. The invention allows promoting the photosynthesis of a plant by modifying the conditions (light intensity, temperature, CO2 concentration) locally around the plant.

Abstract: A lighting system for preventing a plant disease damage is provided with an ultraviolet light source which emits ultraviolet ray including UV-B in a wavelength region of 255 to 340 nm, a visible light source which emits visible light, and controllers which control a lighting of the ultraviolet light source and the visible light source. The controller controls the lighting of the ultraviolet light source so that a horizontal irradiance on a canopy surface of a plant is 50 ?W/cm2 or less during a predetermined daytime period. The controller controls the lighting of the visible light source so that a horizontal illuminance on a canopy surface of a plant is 10 lux or less during a predetermined nighttime period. The lighting system promotes a component change of the plant effectively by a stimulation by the UV-B irradiation and the prolonged irradiation time of the visible light which is associated with a vegetative growth, so that a nutritional component of the plant can stably be increased.

Abstract: Platforms, watering systems, greenhouses with watering systems, and methods of watering plants.

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: A photobioreactor comprising a receptacle with a first and a second outer side surface, wherein the receptacle is formed from a flexible, fluid-tight and transparent material, and wherein the receptacle is disposed in a rack provided with elongated, substantially vertical, support elements arranged in at least one horizontal row, whereby the support elements abut, in an alternating and supporting manner, against the first and the second outer side surfaces of the receptacle.

Abstract: The present invention provides photobioreactors, solar energy gathering systems, and methods for thermal control of a culture medium containing a prototrophic organism in a photobioreactor, that allow temperature control in a cost effective manner, reducing the energy required for temperature control of a culture medium containing phototrophic microorganisms in a photobioreactor.

Abstract: A film sheet for area-focusing of sunlight and a greenhouse provided with the same are provided. A film sheet includes i) a film having a rectangular shape, and ii) a plurality of prism assemblies formed on one surface of the film to extend in one direction. At least one prism assembly of the plurality of prism assemblies includes i) at least one first prism unit including a plurality of first prisms with slanted angles that are substantially the same as each other, and ii) at least one second prism unit neighboring the first prism unit and including a plurality of second prisms with slanted angles that are substantially the same as each other. The width of the first prism unit is substantially the same as the width of the second prism unit and a slanted angle of one first prism among the plurality of first prisms is different from a slanted angle of one second prism among the plurality of second prisms, and light entering the prism assembly is configured to be area-focused.

Abstract: A solar greenhouse structure includes a plurality of supporting frames, a light-permitting roof supported by at least one supporting frame, and at least one solar panel disposed below the roof and near the bottom surface thereof. The instant disclosure uses thinner solar panels, where the supporting frames can be less rigid, in lowering the solar greenhouse cost.

Abstract: A method is provided which can efficiently remove conidia and microbe or the like of a phytopathogen from air and does not cause generation of ozone originated from discharge or so, thereby preventing occurrence of a plant disease without damaging a plant. There are also provided a flying organism removing apparatus and a plant protecting apparatus which can adequately capture flyable organisms, such as spores of a phytopathogen and/or small vermin, by applying an electrostatic field to the flyable organisms. An electrostatic field generated by dielectric polarization is applied to flyable organisms.

Abstract: The invention concerns a propagator with a skeletal structure consisting of floor (5), roof (3), side (1) and door elements (1?) which can each be separately and variably joined together and each have a light- and airtight covering (7) and guides (9) for stabilization and also connecting elements (11, 17). The covering (7) consists of several layers and has a highly reflective inner layer. The stabilizing elements are made of round steel tubes. The connectors are flaps (11) which are connected to one another with hook-and-loop fastenings (13). A further connector element is a three-arm connector (17) for connecting side elements (1, 1?) to one another. The invention also involves a flange for connecting an interior compartment to an exterior framework, with a threaded connector (23) which can be guided precisely through an opening (21) in the border between the interior and the outside, and a threaded ring (25) which works together with the thread on the connector (23) to form the flange.

Abstract: Disclosed are: a lighting environment control facility capable of controlling light to be irradiated on cultivated crops to an optimum condition for the growth of the crops, thereby activating a natural defense of the crops against pests; a pest control method capable of determining whether or not to control pests of cultivated crops and controlling the pests on the basis of the determination; and an intensive cultivation method. The facility is used for pesticide-free cultivation, and includes a crop cultivation house which is formed of a light transmissive material and in which crops are cultivated, and a lighting control unit that controls the light to be irradiated upon the crops in the crop cultivation house.

Abstract: Described herein is an indoor greenhouse that includes a rack unit, an outer layer that surrounds the rack unit and defines a greenhouse interior, at least one light surrounded by a light enclosure, a cooling system, and a ventilation system all disposed in the greenhouse interior. The ventilation system includes a fan, a filter and at least one duct that cooperate to exhaust air out of the exhaust vent opening. The rack unit includes a top, a bottom, and an intermediate portion extending therebetween. The outer layer includes a top, a bottom, and an intermediate portion extending therebetween that correspond to the similar portions of the rack unit. The outer layer also has intake and exhaust vent and light cooling openings defined therein. The cooling system includes at least one duct that cooperates with the light enclosure to define an air path between the intake and exhaust light cooling openings.

Abstract: A device would be desirable if it reflected directional light, and if it could stimulate the phenomena of horticulture efficiently in a place where sunlight may not be readily available. Then it could be possible to harvest desirable crops in any season. Given that the climate is right and plants are properly fed with both micro and primary nutrients; this device would propagate the best growth in green photosynthetic plants by simulating a band of magnetic frequencies that enhance the photoperiodism states. This device will use wavelengths approaching the UV and IR spectrum but will stay within the bounds of beneficial frequencies. Desired growth being: biomass gain, yield, and the metabolic integrity of the plant. The device ought to aid in biomass gain by achieving desirable light cycles, color band ratios and aid in air circulation in the vicinity of the plants (in turn affecting respiration and transpiration).

Abstract: A photovoltaic greenhouse includes a house structure having upstanding walls and a roof thereover to enclose a greenhouse space therein, and at least one thin-film solar cell module mounted on the roof for converting solar energy within a pre-selected light band of sunlight into electricity, wherein light not absorbed by the thin-film solar cell module passes through and enters the greenhouse space, which can be utilized by plants or crops for photosynthesis. The thin-film solar cell module has high transmittance of light in the wavelength intervals, for example, 400-450 nm and 640-700 nm, required by the cultured plants or crops inside the greenhouse space for photosynthesis.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for growing plants in a growing room includes a hanging member having a substantially planar configuration, oriented vertically. At least one carriage is disposed on the hanging member to support growing plants. A nutrient delivery system has a conduit to deliver nutrients to the hanging member and to recycle any unused nutrients.

Abstract: A plant pillow for protecting a seed or plant from cold. The plant pillow includes an upper pyramid, a base for supporting that pyramid, and a bladder for holding water. The pyramid forms a greenhouse that uses solar energy to heat water in the bladder. When the bladder is placed around a seed or plant the bladder transfers heat from the solar heated water to the ground to protect the seen or plant against cold. The sides of the pyramid are attached to the base via flexible transitions that allow the sides to be lowered to allow access inside the pyramid. A filler inside the pyramid allows water to be added to the bladder.

Abstract: A solar module for greenhouse includes a plurality of non-light transmitting solar panels, installed at the top of a greenhouse and arranged vertically and horizontally to form a roof tilted in a particular light receiving direction. A planting area for growing plants is formed inside of the greenhouse and the roof separates the planting area from outside air. Thus, an integrated structure of solar panels and greenhouse is formed to save the construction expense for solar panels and greenhouse and to increase the efficiency for solar panels to receive sun radiation.

Abstract: The invention proposes numerous aspects for improving greenhouses which may lead to durable improvement of the worldwide climate system.

Abstract: A floor for a cultivation area such as a greenhouse. An accommodating hole is excavated in the ground and a flexible holder for liquid such as water is placed therein. The top of said holder is provided with a supporting plate. By varying the level of the supporting plate, the level of the greenhouse floor is varied. The water can contain heat. Optionally there can be a further holder which, for example, contains liquid with different properties, such as a different temperature. A number of such holders can be incorporated in a greenhouse floor.

Abstract: A solar greenhouse structure includes a plurality of supporting frames, a light-permitting roof supported by at least one supporting frame, and at least one solar panel disposed below the roof and near the bottom surface thereof. The instant disclosure uses thinner solar panels, where the supporting frames can be less rigid, in lowering the solar greenhouse cost.

Abstract: A photovoltaic greenhouse includes a house structure having upstanding walls and a roof thereover to enclose a greenhouse space therein, and at least one thin-film solar cell module mounted on the roof for converting solar energy within a pre-selected light band of sunlight into electricity, wherein light not absorbed by the thin-film solar cell module passes through and enters the greenhouse space, which can be utilized by plants or crops for photosynthesis. The thin-film solar cell module has high transmittance of light in the wavelength intervals, for example, 400-450 nm and 640-700 nm, required by the cultured plants or crops inside the greenhouse space for photosynthesis.

Abstract: A method for controlling a greenhouse, which can adaptively control a greenhouse depending on the kind of crop growing in greenhouse provided. System for controlling a greenhouse may comprise a greenhouse environment control information distribution device and a greenhouse control device.

Abstract: A movable greenhouse and track system may include a track configured to be anchored to a first plot of farming land and a second plot of farming land. The movable greenhouse and track system may further include a greenhouse is capable of being anchored to the track and an anchoring member. The greenhouse may include a series of hoops forming an interior area; a member attached to the hoops for keeping the interior area of the greenhouse a certain temperature different than a temperature from an area exterior to the greenhouse; and a member for facilitating movement of the greenhouse along the tunnel of the track. The interior area of the greenhouse may include the first plot of farming land. After a predetermined time, the member for facilitating movement allows the greenhouse to be moved from the first plot of farming land to the second plot of farming land.

Abstract: Described herein is an indoor greenhouse that includes a rack unit, an outer layer that surrounds the rack unit and defines a greenhouse interior, at least one light surrounded by a light enclosure, a cooling system, and a ventilation system all disposed in the greenhouse interior. The ventilation system includes a fan, a filter and at least one duct that cooperate to exhaust air out of the exhaust vent opening. The rack unit includes a top, a bottom, and an intermediate portion extending therebetween. The outer layer includes a top, a bottom, and an intermediate portion extending therebetween that correspond to the similar portions of the rack unit. The outer layer also has intake and exhaust vent and light cooling openings defined therein. The cooling system includes at least one duct that cooperates with the light enclosure to define an air path between the intake and exhaust light cooling openings.

Abstract: The invention proposes numerous aspects for improving greenhouses which may lead to durable improvement of the worldwide climate system.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a plant growth system wherein light sources are located close to plants so as to efficiently ensure a sufficient amount of light for the plants to grow and simultaneously ensure air flow, thereby providing a favorable growth environment for the plants. In a plant growth chamber, there are provided multiple shelf parts for irradiating the plants with light for the growth, a cover surrounding the light sources wherein multiple ventilation bores are formed on a plant-facing face of a transparent light-permeable wall, an air inlet that opens in the space within the cover for sucking the air in the space, and a circulation channel that cools down the air sucked through the air inlet and blows out the sucked air into the plant growth chamber.

Abstract: To provide an enclosure structure for a building, which can maintain a high power generation efficiency without formation of irregularities on the surface of the enclosure such as a roof, nor application of an external force to solar battery modules, and which can form a lightweight enclosure capable of photovoltaic generation. An enclosure structure for a building, comprising an outer film material made of a light transmitting material and arranged on the outer surface side of the building, an inner film material arranged along inside of the outer film material, an intermediate film material disposed between the outer film material and the inner film material, an air supply means for supplying air to the space between the outer film material and the inner film material, and solar battery modules 7 provided on the inner surface of the intermediate film material.

Abstract: A plant growing environment control terminal (P) comprises an image data receiving section (1a) for receiving image data on the image of a plant from a plant growing facility (Q), an image display section (1b) for displaying the plant image according to the received image data, a growing environment data receiving section (1c) for receiving growing environment data, and a growing environment data transmitting section (1f) for transmitting the received growing environment data to the plant growing facility (Q). The end user can grow the plant in his (her) own way while checking the growth progress on the image even from a remote place. Therefore, a plant growing environment control terminal (P) effectively producing generally called healing effect is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, apparatus, and system to conserve resources, particularly rain water, by providing for water storage within building walls and other structural components. The building water storage allows reuse of water at that location that in the past has generally flowed to storm drains as runoff. Besides allowing reuse, another advantageous effect is that the structure may become a well insulated unit.

Abstract: This invention relates to multilayer films and structures such as greenhouses and agricultural tunnels covered in such films.

Abstract: Greenhouse (1) comprising a roof structure (4), at least one row of multiple supporting columns (2a-2f) supporting at least a part of the roof structure (4), and a cultivation gutter (50a-50g) extending within the greenhouse (1) in the direction of the row and supported by successive supporting columns (2a-2f) in the row, wherein the cultivation gutter (50a-50g) has a centre line extending in the longitudinal direction of the cultivation gutter (50a-50g) and extending through the successive supporting columns (2a-2f).

Abstract: A method is provided which can efficiently remove conidia and microbe or the like of a phytopathogen from air and does not cause generation of ozone originated from discharge or so, thereby preventing occurrence of a plant disease without damaging a plant. There are also provided a flying organism removing apparatus and a plant protecting apparatus which can adequately capture flyable organisms, such as spores of a phytopathogen and/or small vermin, by applying an electrostatic field to the flyable organisms. An electrostatic field generated by dielectric polarization is applied to flyable organisms.

Abstract: Greenhouse construction consisting of a number of rooves with supporting members, such as longitudinal beams, ridges and gutters. These supporting members are provided with rails for moving a carriage or the like over them. The rails and supporting members provide each other with structural strength so that a relatively slim construction with no or hardly any restriction in the light level in the greenhouse construction occurs.

Abstract: An apparatus and system are disclosed for a self-regulating greenhouse. The apparatus includes a horizontal air pathway disposed within a growing bed, and a vertical air pathway extending upward from the horizontal air pathway through the growing bed to an air intake apparatus positioned adjacent the roof. The system includes the apparatus and a structure comprising walls and a roof formed of at least a first transparent sheet coupled with a rotatable arm and an adjacent second transparent sheet coupled with an extending arm such that when the extending arm lifts the second transparent sheet an opening is formed in the roof between the first and second transparent sheets to allow a flow of air between an interior of the structure and an exterior of the structure. The system also includes an external surface of formed of a transparent membrane allowing sunlight to enter the structure.