Abstract: Ozone is applied to the interior of a mushroom house through use of an ozone generator which preferably communicates with an air conditioner so that the ozone flows from the ozone generator through the air conditioner and into the mushroom house. The ozone is applied during various stages of a mushroom growing process.

Abstract: There is provided a greenhouse wherein a light transmissive substrate that maintains or increases light transmittance at visible wavelengths and has an insulation effect is used to reduce the running costs considerably as well as increase the yield of plants. In the greenhouse according to the present invention, a light transmissive substrate that has a visible light transmittance of 86% or more and solar radiation transmittance of 78% or less is used as the material for covering the greenhouse.

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 conservatory apparatus includes an inner trellis and an outer wall surrounding the inner trellis. The inner trellis and the outer wall are interposed by a convection space. A top trellis is provided at the top end of the outer wall. One or more shading layer is provided at the top end of an inner side of the inner trellis. A water wall is provided at one end of the inner trellis. A plurality of air ventilation equipment is provided at another end of the outer wall opposite to the water wall. A lower mask is provided in the inner trellis outside the water wall, and an upper mask is provided at one end outside the convection space above the lower mask. A temperature control device is provided in the inner trellis, and a monitor and control device is provided outside the conservatory to control the upper mask, lower mask and the like.

Abstract: An artificial lighting environment is provided. The environment includes an enclosure having an internal growth chamber for containing plants. The enclosure includes an outer surface exposed to an external environment and an inner surface that is exposed to the internal growth chamber and that provides diffuse reflection. A light source illuminates the internal growth chamber, and the inner surface affects light from the light source incident on the inner surface so as to provide substantially uniform and diffuse illumination to plants in the internal growth chamber. This environment provides minimal contamination to the plants contained in the enclosure.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for exchanging heat between a liquid-containing medium and a gas comprises a medium inlet and a medium outlet and a flat heat exchanger mat, wherein the mat comprises a number of parallel, equidistant capillaries of heat-conducting material and wires of heat-conducting material which are attached in heat-conducting contact to the capillaries, extend in transverse direction relative thereto and have a mutual distance in the order of magnitude of the diameter of the wires, wherein gas can flow along the wires for heat exchange between this gas and the medium flowing through the capillaries, and wherein the gas flows along the mat and at least a substantial part of the gas is prevented from flowing through the mat, and the gas flows in longitudinal direction of the wires.

Abstract: A greenhouse comprising a growing section and a climate control system adjacent to the growing section. The climate control system controls the environment within said growing section by flowing ambient air from outside the greenhouse into the growing section, re-circulating air from the growing section back into the growing section, or a combination thereof. A method for controlling the temperature within a greenhouse growing section, comprises flowing air into the growing section from outside the greenhouse to reduce the temperature in the growing section. Warm air is flowed into the growing section to increase the temperature in the growing section, air within the growing section is re-circulated when the temperature therein is at the desired level.

Abstract: A system for transplant production comprises: at least one air conditioner installed in a completely light shielding closed structure surrounded by a thermally insulated wall, for controlling temperature and humidity of air in the closed structure; at least one box-shaped culturing module disposed in an internal space of the closed structure, having a front face opening which is opened to the internal space of the closed structure; a plurality of transplant production shelves arranged vertically in a multi-layer in the culturing module to form a transplant production space between upper and lower transplant production shelves; a plurality of plug trays for holding a plant growing medium mounted on each transplant production shelf; a sub-irrigation unit capable of irrigation from a bottom of the plug trays mounted on each transplant production shelf; an artificial lighting unit provided on a back of each transplant production shelf for irradiating light to the lower plug trays; and at least one air fan fixed t

Abstract: A low shelter swimming pool roof system is provided. The system can include, over a portion (P?) at least of its length, juxtaposed roof elements (I?) and juxtaposed roof elements (I). The distance that delimits the external chord of each of the longitudinal edges (220a?) and (220b?) of the roof elements (I?) resting on the support edge (S) of the pool and connected by two roof arcs (210?) can be shorter than the distance which delimits the internal chord of the two longitudinal edges (220a) and (220b) the roof elements (I) of the other portion (P) resting on the support edge (S) of the pool and connected by two roof bows (210). Such an arrangement enables the first portion (P?) of roof elements (I?) to be nested in the second portion (P) of relatively larger roof elements (I) thereby partially exposing the pool over a length corresponding to the displacement of the mobile portion (P?) of roof elements (I?).

Abstract: The invention provides a plant base comprising a base section with a seat for a plant pot, in which a tail section extends in a horizontal direction from the rear of the base section. A groove/protuberance combination is provided at the front of the base section and the rear of the tail section that is able to be accommodated in the groove of another corresponding plant base. The groove and the protuberance each has a support surface that is lower or higher than the support surface of the groove, such that when the protuberance of the plant base has been taken up in the groove of the other plant base, one of the two plant bases is lifted from the substrate at the location of the engaging protuberance and groove. Thus, the invention provides a plant base that continuously retains the same orientation during transport over a conveyor belt, with successive plant bases kept a sufficient distance apart.

Abstract: A self-climbing stage lighting system having a self-climbing apparatus and a light bar is disclosed. The self-climbing apparatus is hung from cables that extend approximately vertically from a fixed endpoint. The self-climbing apparatus includes an elongated support member and a linear actuator that drives travels sheaves along a portion support member. Responsive to the travel sheaves being driven in a first direction, the self-climbing apparatus climbs cables. Responsive to the travel sheaves being driven in the direction opposite the first direction, the self-climbing apparatus descends the cables.

Abstract: There is provided a transparent plastic film roof for a building, comprising two transparent plastic films, which are fixed to edge rafters extending from a ridgepole to a ridge plate and are formed in a bag-like structure for serving as a building roof, wherein warm air is supplied from an air supply port into the bag-like structure to maintain the bag-like structure in a tensioned state, and air in the bag-like structure is discharged from an air discharge port. There is also provided a multi-ridge building, wherein a liquid passing pipe is disposed in the same direction as long film-clamping assemblies in the vicinity of a valley portion of the multi-ridge roof formed by the two transparent plastic films, and wherein the liquid passing pipe is configured to pass warm water or warm antifreezing fluid therethrough.

Abstract: A greenhouse has an exterior curtain wall structure formed by spaced tubular posts carrying external transparent panels and bottom non-transparent wall panels below a sill with the panels spanning the posts. A plurality of elongate benches is located within the interior at spaced positions along one side wall with the width of the benches being equal to the post spacing to form a modular construction. Each bench has associated with it a respective air handling system for conditioning including a duct which is located partly under the respective bench and a fan in a fan housing at the side wall. From the fan a vertical duct section extends to a flexible tube extending over the bench. An alley is arranged along the opposite wall containing electrical controls mounted in cabinets forming panels for mounting in the span between posts. Air dehumidification, fogging, heating and cooling are provided in the duct under the bench.

Abstract: A greenhouse has an exterior curtain wall structure formed by spaced tubular posts carrying external transparent panels and bottom non-transparent wall panels below a sill with the panels spanning the posts. A plurality of elongate benches is located within the interior at spaced positions along one side wall with the width of the benches being equal to the post spacing to form an expandable construction. Each bench has associated with it a respective air handling system for conditioning including a duct which is located partly under the respective bench and a fan in a fan housing at the side wall. From the fan a vertical duct section extends to a flexible tube extending over the bench. Air dehumidification, fogging, heating and cooling are provided in the duct under the bench. An alley is arranged along the opposite wall containing electrical controls mounted in cabinets forming panels for mounting in the span between posts.

Abstract: A light element with a translucent surface includes an energy converter, wherein the translucent surface is so formed as to direct only that portion of the radiation onto the energy converter that impinges on the translucent surface. The energy converter may be a solar cell, a fluid line or a light guide. The light element is particularly suited for illuminating interior spaces with diffuse light.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ventilation system that allows air to circulate in a building but excludes pests such as birds, insects, moths and flies to enter the building. The ventilation system includes at least one vent comprising an aperture in the roof of the building and at least one fabric member adapted to be attached to the roof inside the building, below the vent(s) and between the vent(s) and the interior of the building. The present invention also relates to a building including the ventilation system, a truss arrangement that may form part of the ventilation system and a retaining rail for use in the ventilation system. The system of the invention has particular, but not exclusive, application to greenhouses and animal shelters.

Abstract: A plant bench device used in a greenhouse or nursery structure can reduce its horizontal width in order to create space for aisles in the structure. Two plant bench tables are supported by suitable support structure in the greenhouse or nursery structure. The tables are supported so as to be movable between a first position in which the two bench tables can be used for the greenhouse or nursery operations, and a second position in which the two plant bench tables are at least partially superposed. This allows more effective utilization of the available space in the greenhouse or nursery structure by creating aisles when the tables are moved to the second position.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a thermoplastic polymer composition useful in greenhouse films to enhance plant growth or in general bio-mass production. Further aspects of the invention are a process for enhancing plant growth in greenhouses by incorporating a photoactive additive together with light stabilizers into the greenhouse film and the use of the condensation product of dialkylamino benzaldehyde and barbituric acid together with light stabilizers as a plant growth enhancing additive in polymeric greenhouse films.

Abstract: A greenhouse comprising two roof halves (4, 4?) together forming a roof (3) of V-shaped cross-section, which can be moved between a closed position and an open position, a special feature of said greenhouse being the fact that the roof (4, 4?) can be moved independently of each other both in upward and in downward direction relative to the closed position within certain limits.

Abstract: Greenhouse (1) provided with a roof element (2) having a multiplicity of transverse ribs (12, 13, 14, 15) or pyramids uniformly distributed over the roof element. The roof element can be constructed double-walled as a hollow-core sheet from transparent plastic and can comprise a base sheet with the rib-shaped or pyramid-shaped roof surfaces fixed thereon. The light yield in a horticultural greenhouse can be increased by the roof elements.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for aerobic treatment of waste, such as animal or human waste. The method includes the continual introduction of microalgae. The high amounts of oxygen produced by the microalgae satisfies the biochemical oxygen demand in the treatment process and also allows oxidation of undesirable contaminants. Delivery of the microalgae at a desired rate is achieved by incorporation of a series of electrical and mechanical devices housed within a greenhouse type structure which optimizes growth conditions for the microalgae, and also allows the system to be automated.

Abstract: A device for enhancing growth of plants and vegetables has a body adapted to placed on a surface accessible for sunlight, the body having photo-transforming qualities which convert UV light for plants and vegetables into growth enhancing light so as to promote photosynthesis and therefore to enhance growth of plants and vegetables, and means for delivering the growth-enhancing light to plants or vegetables.

Abstract: An account is given of a system for and a method of making the growth/thriving conditions for grass more favorable in connection with grass pitches, e.g. football pitches. A lighting unit having a rectangular peripheral shape and thin, disc-like form is dimensioned to correspond to the pitch that is to be lit artificially, and may comprise extra devices for additional functions that may improve the growth/thriving of the grass, such as watering/ventilation. The lighting unit (16) is arranged to be moveable in the vertical direction by means of a hoisting arrangement comprising masts (10) (or stand roofs), wires (20) and powered hoisting apparatuses.

Abstract: In a method for growing plants in a glasshouse and for moving said plants, and also propagation system, substantially the entire surface area of the glasshouse is used for propagating plants on a first, low bearer. Benches or second bearers are movable over the plants, and with a robot, plants can be moved from the first, low level to a second, higher level on the second bearer of the mobile benches. The mobile containers can be removed from the glasshouses in order to perform treatments on the plants.

Abstract: A roll-up cover system includes a tarpaulin (30) having a fixed edge (30-1) and a free edge (30-2) secured to a winding shaft (31), in which the tarpaulin is of the double-membrane inflatable type (30a, 30b) and all or part of the unwinding of the tarpaulin is carried out by inflating the tarpaulin, the inflating pressure occurring in the tarpaulin unwinding the tarpaulin or contributing to the unwinding force. The roll-up cover system has particular application to horticultural greenhouses.

Abstract: A greenhouse on a support structure on posts with a hanging foil roof that can be opened, wherein the foil covering that forms the roof remains completely below the support structure formed by lattice girders in every position by being suspended form the rails on the underside of, and longitudinally to, the lattice girders is movable between the open and the closed position.

Abstract: This invention is aimed at reducing the use of water, eliminating the use of pesticides, reducing the nitrate content of vegetables at harvest time, reducing the seasonal effects on farming thus allowing year round agriculture (change), also reducing the influence on the cultivation behaviors, and allowing seeding and harvest everyday.

Abstract: This invention relates to a greenhouse climate control system for controlling the air exchange rate, temperature, and relative humidity (RH) level in a greenhouse. The system has at least one air processing unit that obtains return air from the greenhouse, processes the air, and returns the processed air as supply air back into the greenhouse. Return air is obtained from a location in the greenhouse above the canopy of a crop grown in the greenhouse, and supply air is returned to the greenhouse through perforated distribution tubes located in the vicinity of the crops.

Abstract: A sheet structure includes a pair of corrugated sheets formed in a zigzag pattern, the pair comprising an upper sheet and a lower sheet. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the pair of corrugated sheets further includes a flat portion disposed at selected intervals between individual zigzags. The flat portions of the upper sheet are aligned with corresponding flat portions of the lower sheet so as to maintain the upper and lower sheets in a double wall configuration.

Abstract: A knock-down greenhouse that without difficulty can be assembled or disassembled. The greenhouse structure includes a rectangular enclosure having an angled roof, all of whose walls are defined by interlocked modules. Each module consists of a transparent pane mounted on a frame whose branches are profiled to facilitate interlocking. Adjacent modules are interlocked at the junctions of their contiguous branches by a coupling rail that engages these branches.

Abstract: A low profile commercial greenhouse is provided which is adapted for growing plants, as well as methods for using same. The low profile commercial greenhouse includes a housing having an upper end, a lower end, and a plant retaining space, wherein the plant retaining space has a height sufficient to provide a predetermined amount of spatial clearance between the upper end of the housing and an upper end of living items growing therein to permit circulation of air and other fluids about at least a portion of the living items. The housing of the low profile commercial greenhouse may be provided with a lid or door therein for accessing the plant retaining space, and one or more apertures may be formed in the housing for modifying the atmosphere contained therein. The low profile commercial greenhouse may be provided with a conveyor disposed therein for conveying items within the plant retaining space of the, housing such that the items are provided with more uniform exposure to light.

Abstract: A greenhouse comprising two roof halves (4, 4′) together forming a roof (3) of V-shaped cross-section, which can be moved between a closed position and an open position, a special feature of said greenhouse being the fact that the roof (4, 4′) can be moved independently of each other both in upward and in downward direction relative to the closed position within certain limits.

Abstract: Market garden greenhouse system in which plant products can be cultivated, which market garden greenhouse is substantially not provided with ventilating openings, wherein the market garden greenhouse comprises: heat regulating means for regulating the beat in the greenhouse, which heat originates substantially from the solar energy which comes into contact with the market garden greenhouse; and/or a heating system, and/or air humidity regulating means for regulating the air humidity in the greenhouse.

Abstract: A system for remote monitoring of plants is provided. The system includes (a) at least one sensor positioned on, or in proximity to, a plant, the at least one sensor being for collecting data pertaining to at least one plant related parameter; (b) at least one user client being for receiving and optionally processing the data from the at least one sensor to thereby determine a state of the plant; and (c) a communication network being for communicating the data from the at least one sensor to the at least one user client.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatuses for controlling thermal energy utilizing a foamed glass article are described. A foamed glass article can be provided as a thermal energy control medium. The foamed glass article (i.e., thermal energy control medium) can be integrated into an object, such as walls of a building, walls of a fireplace, a ceiling, floor, door and/or lid of a container and so forth, to assist in maintaining thermal energy within the object, including an environment associated with the object.

Abstract: A greenhouse on a support structure on posts with a hanging foil roof that can be opened, wherein the foil covering that forms the roof remains completely below the support structure formed by lattice girders in every position by being suspended form the rails on the underside of, and longitudinally to, the lattice girders is movable between the open and the closed position.

Abstract: A synthetic resin molded material characterized in that a thin film made of an oxide of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Si, Zr, Ti, Ta, Hf, Mo, W, Nb, Sn, In, Al and Zn, is formed by a dry method on a synthetic resin substrate having hydrophobicity, and a method for its production.

Abstract: An environmentally friendly system (10) and corresponding method are provided for the conditioning of an indoor space (50), particularly of a greenhouse (60), in terms of the temperature, the humidity and sterility thereof. Air is forced into the indoor space (50) via a cloud of drops to form an air-water mixture, thereby conditioning the airstream as desired. The mixture then passes through a diffuser arrangement (30) to remove much of the water entrained by the airstream, and the resulting flow is provided to the indoor space (50). The degree of conditioning may be controlled by adjusting the delivery pressure and the form and density of water drops in the cloud, and the water drops optionally contain an evaporable biocide. Preferably, the system maintains a positive air pressure throughout the defined indoor space (50).

Abstract: A portable, wheeled greenhouse includes a chassis that can be wheeled, having upper and lower end portions. The upper end portion includes a tub-like reservoir with side walls and a bottom wall. One or more racks are supported upon the combination of wheeled chassis and tub and above the bottom of the tub so that each rack is sized and shaped to support and suspend a plurality of potted plants above the bottom, yet close enough to the bottom of the tub so that any water that is optionally contained within the tub contacts the supported pots and waters them via wick action. A translucent or transparent canopy fits about the combination of tub and chassis, the canopy can include a support frame with a cover.

Abstract: A greenhouse has a frame of standard PVC tubes and PVC fittings. A rectangular base frame supports a plurality of vertical tubes, which, in turn, support a rectangular gable-type roof frame. Some of the tube-to-fitting couplings are friction-fit connections, some are glued connections and others are quick connect/disconnect connections for rapid assembly and disassembly of the greenhouse. A poly cover includes a center portion which extends from the base frame over the vertical tubes and the gabled roof frame and is coupled thereto by quick-connect/disconnect retainers, and a pair of end portions are releasably connected to respective ends of the center portion by double-pull zippers having box and pin connectors for variable, regulated ventilation and complete removal of the end portions.

Abstract: A greenhouse includes a frame structure (1), an outer transparent covering layer (2), and a transparent inner layer (7). A transparent insulating sheet-like material is located between the inner and outer layers in close proximity to the inner layer (8). The insulating sheet-like material has a cellular structure (4, 5) with the axis of its cells generally oriented normal to the plane thereof material so as to transmit incident light therethrough. The insulation material helps to retain heat within the structure while avoiding detrimental effects, such as loss of light transmissivity. The creation of an air gap on one side between the transparent insulation and one of the glazings allows for control of moisture and snow buildup.

Abstract: A low profile commercial greenhouse is provided which is adapted for growing plants, as well as methods for using same. The low profile commercial greenhouse includes a housing having an upper end, a lower end, and a plant retaining space, wherein the plant retaining space has a height sufficient to provide a predetermined amount of spatial clearance between the upper end of the housing and an upper end of living items growing therein to permit circulation of air and other fluids about at least a portion of the living items. The housing of the low profile commercial greenhouse may be provided with a lid or door therein for accessing the plant retaining space, and one or more apertures may be formed in the housing for modifying the atmosphere contained therein. The low profile commercial greenhouse may be provided with a conveyor disposed therein for conveying items within the plant retaining space of the housing such that the items are provided with more uniform exposure to light.

Abstract: A self-contained hydroponic growing enclosure and method for the fabrication of animal feed grass from seed is described. The enclosure is a self-contained enclosure which is insulated and which can be transported or assembled on site and which is independent of outside climatic conditions. Seed is stored in an isolated portion of the enclosure and fed to germination tanks in predetermined quantities where the seeds are germinated for a predetermined period of time. The tanks are then drained of their iodine-treated water and the germinated seeds are placed in predetermined quantities onto trays which are placed at an inlet end of a racking system. Trays are removed with grown grass at a harvest outlet end of the racking system in the same sequence as they are placed at the inlet end, so that there is a continuous daily supply of feed grass. Light walls are provided on opposed sides of the racking system to illuminate the beds.

Abstract: Method for growing plants in a glasshouse and for moving said plants, and also propagation system. According to the invention, substantially the entire surface area of the glasshouse is used for propagating plants on a first, low bearer. Benches or second bearers are movable over the plants, and by means of a robot plants can be moved from the first, low level to a second, higher level on the second bearer of the mobile benches. The mobile containers can be removed from the glasshouses in order to perform treatments on the plants.

Abstract: An artificial lighting apparatus for young plants that includes at least one electric track and a plurality of lamps. The lamps are detachably mounted on the electric track. Each of the lamps includes a box and a plurality of light emitting diodes mounted on the box. The electric track supplies the lamps with power to light the light emitting diodes. The driver provides the controlling capability on light quantity, quality, frequency and duty ratio.

Abstract: Plastic bags are continuously formed and filled with sand, soil and gravel to fabricate flexible soft bricks of various shapes and configurations which may be laid on the ground to stabilize sand for growing vegetation or to prevent soil depletion due to water erosion or to grow vegetation in them. Protective housings made of plastic membrane material may be erected in dry or desert regions for growing trees and vegetation. The lower portion of the housing may be located below ground into a trench. Self operating knives are located in the housing to sever the plastic membrane material when the tree grown in the housing has reached a predetermined maturity. Tree planting bullets are provided to facilitate forestation by airplane to land inaccessible regions. The tree seedling is located in supported in an embryonic sack located in a depression formed in the rear portion of the bullet head.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for combating fungi in plants (24) that are kept in a closed nutrition system, particularly plants maintained under greenhouse cultivation, by adding Cu ions to a circulating plant nutrient solution (2). The nutrient solution concentration is measured continuously by monitoring its conductivity and maintained at a constant value by controlled addition of nutrients. Free Cu ions are released into the nutrient solution by at least one electrode pair (5) composed of a Cu anode (3) and a cathode (4), disposed in the nutrient solution. The release of free Cu ions is regulated by an associated control unit (6), depending on the requirements of the system, such that the Cu ion binding threshold of the nutrient solution is exceeded, and the nutrient solution delivered to the plants has a free Cu ion concentration of 0.1 to 0.8 ppm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a roll-up cover system, comprising a tarpaulin (30) having a fixed edge (30-1) and a free edge (30-2) secured to a winding shaft (31), in which the tarpaulin is of the double-membrane inflatable type (30a, 30b) and all or part of the unwinding of the tarpaulin is carried out by inflating the tarpaulin, the inflating pressure occurring in the tarpaulin unwinding the tarpaulin or contributing to the unwinding force. Application particularly to horticultural greenhouses.

Abstract: A portable, minature greenhouse. The greenhouse is modular, having vertically stackable sections. The base section has a floor, wheels, and insulated upright walls having reflective interior surfaces. Subsequent sections have transparent walls. Optionally, at least one wall is slidably mounted to the greenhouse. An opaque, insulated lid covers the top section. The lid has openings enabling passage of air. The base and subsequent sections have slots formed in their walls for receiving slats placed therein in spaced apart relation. The slats form shelves of selectively variable width. The greenhouse has at least one light and reflective hood mounted in the lid, a timer disposed to control the light, a water supply conduit, forced air ventilation, an air filter which in alternative embodiments has an activated carbon element or a HEPA element, and an air ionizer.

Abstract: A sliding glass door system includes a conventional sliding glass door, fixed glass door, and a sliding screen door in combination with a sliding glass door display case. All are mounted on the outside wall of a house to slide parallel to each other in the manner of conventional sliding glass door systems. The sliding glass door display case has a frame commensurate in size to the frame of the sliding glass door and has a dish-shaped body which extends outwardly in cantilever fashion from its frame. Shelves are provided within the body in order to display items placed on them through the sliding glass door and/or the fixed glass door. The sliding glass door display case is especially suited for use as a personal sliding glass door greenhouse.