Bench Or Elevated Bed, Hotbed Patents (Class 47/18)
  • Patent number: 11925154
    Abstract: A system for plant cultivation includes decks having an upper face and a lower face, the decks disposed in a vertical array, each deck having sides connected at corners, each corner extending outward beyond the sides to form a protuberance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: CGIP, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Robert Tinsley, Frederick Ellingsworth Morgan, Douglas Allen Drew
  • Patent number: 11406067
    Abstract: A cultivation floor system has a floor on which plant containers are to be placed. The system includes a watertight basin and a water-permeable structure in the basin, which structure has a permeable top cloth which forms the top side of the floor on which plant containers are placed. The structure includes one or more water-retaining layers. A watering installation supplies water so that water is available for the plants in the plant containers. A perforated film is placed between the permeable top cloth on the one hand and the one or more water-retaining layers on the other hand, which perforated film is made of impermeable film material which is provided with distributed perforations in such a manner that the film reduces the free evaporation surface for water from the one or more water-retaining layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: ERFGOED NEDERLAND B.V.
    Inventor: Hugo Willem Lambertus Paans
  • Patent number: 11197432
    Abstract: A tray system for use in horticultural or agricultural operations comprising a ducting assembly for de-stratification and a drainage system for consolidating excess water and nutrients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Integrated Hydro Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Leigh Michael Zalusky, Gregory Lewis Panella
  • Patent number: 11122749
    Abstract: An incubator is disclosed. In one aspect, the incubator includes a housing, a reservoir disposed in the housing, and a vaporizer disposed in the housing so as to receive liquid collected in the reservoir. In certain embodiments the incubator includes a tray supported by the housing and disposed above at least a portion of the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: M2 Labs
    Inventors: Kimberly Villaflores, Kyle Robinson
  • Patent number: 10993383
    Abstract: A plant grow tray system comprising a plurality of trays comprising at least one upper tray and at least one bottom tray is provided. The upper tray is placed inside the bottom tray with upper tray supports between the upper tray and the bottom tray creating a space between the trays. The upper tray and the bottom tray comprise a sealing mechanism to seal the upper tray to the bottom tray. The upper tray has a corrugated profile with crest and trough portions, air holes on the corrugated surface, a drain basin, drain flange, and drain pipe. The bottom tray has an air-flow modifier, air flange, and a drain hole. The system is designed to allow air to be ducted or exhausted from the space between the upper tray and the bottom tray enabling the delivery of conditioned, fresh, or recirculated air directly to a plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Inventors: Jason George Petrovffsky, Pierre Christopher Meister
  • Patent number: 10893648
    Abstract: A cultivation floor system with a floor includes a watertight basin with a watertight groundsheet, a water-permeable structure in the basin, and a permeable top sheet which lies substantially horizontally over the water-permeable structure and forms the top side of the floor on which plant containers are optionally placed. The basin has a water-barrier structure which protrudes above the floor and delimits the compartment which is present on the floor. The water-barrier structure includes a horizontal beam with a top side, a water-barrier profile with a bottom side, and fastening means which fasten the water-barrier profile to the horizontal beam. The top side of the beam is substantially level with the top side of the floor formed by the permeable top sheet. The bottom side of the water-barrier profile is pulled onto the top side of the horizontal beam while clamping the watertight groundsheet and the permeable top sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: ERFGOED NEDERLAND B.V.
    Inventor: Hugo Willem Lambertus Paans
  • Patent number: 10531618
    Abstract: A plant incubator apparatus and method of growing plants includes a sloped lower plant housing. The lower plant housing has multiple lower depressions and a lower locking periphery. An upper plant housing is coplanar to the lower plant housing, and has multiple upper depressions that receive a plant growing medium. The depressions are in communication to enable flow of liquid and air. An upper locking periphery detachably mates with the lower locking periphery to form a slot for air circulation. A light guard fits over the upper plant housing to block light from striking a plant from at least one direction. A valve assembly is at the drainage end of the lower plant housing. The valve assembly is in communication with the upper depressions of the upper plant housing to indicate liquid levels and drain excess liquid. A liquid regulation device having a timer automatically controls drainage of liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Inventor: Aaron Marshall
  • Patent number: 10492379
    Abstract: A modular planting system which includes: an outer planter box having at least one side and being completely open at a top and open at a bottom of the outer planter box; an inner planter box having at least one side and a porous bottom and being completely open at a top of the inner planter box, the inner planter box being sized to fit within the outer planter box; wherein the outer planter box and inner planter box comprise a first module of the modular planting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Inventor: Scott R. Meyer
  • Patent number: 10470384
    Abstract: An agricultural apparatus (1) that provides a system of vessels (2) arranged vertically for growing plants that allows crops to be grown in confined areas and in geographic areas where crops cannot normally be grown on various planet surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Inventor: Donald J. Avery
  • Patent number: 10470379
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for large scale, high throughput phenotyping of items including plants to derive environment/genetics correlations based on controlled variation of environment. Spatial and temporal resolution is improved by an integrated system that can use space efficiently yet concurrently process a large number of replicates but in varying environments. This is accomplished by using an array of miniature greenhouses, each in communication with one or more generators or regulators of an environmental factor that can be independently supplied and controlled to each miniature greenhouse. The controller also controls acquisition of data from each greenhouse as well as processing of that data into phenomic/genomic correlations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Liang Dong, Huawei Jiang, Maneesha Aluru
  • Patent number: 10064344
    Abstract: A modular planting system which includes: an outer planter box having at least one side and being completely open at a top and open at a bottom of the outer planter box; an inner planter box having at least one side and a porous bottom and being completely open at a top of the inner planter box, the inner planter box being sized to fit within the outer planter box such that when the inner planter box is inserted within the outer planter box, a top edge of the at least one side of the inner planter box is at least at a same height as a top edge of the at least one side of the outer planter box; wherein the outer planter box and inner planter box comprise a first module of the modular planting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Inventor: Scott R. Meyer
  • Patent number: 10010033
    Abstract: The hydroponic device contains support members, at least a frame member placed on the support members; a cover member placed on the support members covering the frame member. The frame member contains a base element and a number of extension elements. The base element is for the installation of an absorbing piece where seeds are placed. Each extension element has at least a through slot where a positioning pin of the base element or a previous extension element is slidably embedded. The base element and the extension elements are as such collapsible and expandable along a lateral direction on the support members so as to provide room of growth for the seeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Inventor: Sheng-Hsiung Cheng
  • Patent number: 9986693
    Abstract: Plant surface structure, comprising plastic base elements, each base element having a deck carried by a series of pillar elements, wherein at least a number of the pillar elements have an open top end in said deck, wherein at least a membrane is placed over said deck and is provided with slits or cut-outs or water permeable elements, such that they open into at least some of the open top ends of pillars, wherein a growing medium is provided on the membrane and a growing medium is provided in said pillars, the growing medium in said pillars preferably being in fluid contact with the growing medium on said membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Permavoid Limited
    Inventors: Carolus Hermanus van Raam, Andrew Bryan Shuttleworth, Paul David Culleton
  • Patent number: 9493058
    Abstract: A sunroof drain device includes a drain portion that includes a bottom wall, a first side wall that rises up in the height direction of the vehicle from an edge end of the bottom wall that is positioned on a side near the opening, and a second side wall that rises up higher than the first side wall in the height direction of the vehicle from an edge end of the bottom wall that is positioned on a side away from the opening. The sunroof drain device also includes a sawtooth-shaped portion that is provided protruding upward in the height direction of the vehicle on the bottom wall so as to extend along the boundary portion, with a surface that is on the side away from the opening being more gradually inclined than a surface that is on the side near the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignees: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kiyozumi Fukami, Yuya Aoki, Shohei Kobata, Akira Matsuura, Sumio Sakaguchi, Toshihisa Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9173352
    Abstract: A modular enclosure both permits gardening and accommodates secure storage. The modular enclosure includes a raised gardening bed capable of accommodating a pot, a container or a box which can be used to grow a plant or fungus without requiring a user to bend over to access the pot, the container or the box. The secure storage mechanically coupled to the raised gardening bed requires a physical test for the user to access the secure storage. A drip edge immediately adjacent to the raised gardening bed permits water to drain from the raised gardening bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Inventor: Tony Ray Moreland
  • Patent number: 8756859
    Abstract: A stackable elevated planter has a rectangular or oval body that holds potting soil. Two or four legs sockets are attached to and extend away from the bottom of the planter body to define a rectangle. Legs are provided such that each leg has one end sized to fit within one of the leg sockets. The legs have a length less that the length of the rectangle and an average width which is less than one fourth of the width of the rectangle such that the four legs can be laid next to one another within the planter body and a similar second planter will fit within that planter. The body of the second planter may be positioned over the four legs such that the leg sockets of the second planter body extend beyond the four legs and the leg sockets of the second planter may rest on the top surface of the base of the first planter. An optional shelf that fits within the planter body for storage and is attached to the legs when the planter is assembled may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Adams Mfg. Corp.
    Inventor: William E. Adams
  • Patent number: 8453380
    Abstract: A horticulture and floriculture device that typically includes a track system, a plurality of hanging basket receiving hooks, and at least one motor assembly is provided. The track system receives and carries a moveable chain system and typically includes a plurality of track segments that have a chain carrying portion and an upper portion. The track segments are interconnected with one another to create a travel path. The moveable chain system includes a series of interconnected chain links having an aperture wherein the chain links include horizontally oriented and vertically oriented chain links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Formflex Automation USA, Ltd.
    Inventors: Bryan Helder, Johan ten Veen, Leo Gerardus van Adrichem, Arie Pieter Nicolaas Barendregt
  • Patent number: 8359786
    Abstract: A method for buffering containers (3, 74, 140) with plants includes: providing a buffer space (1) for buffering containers in a greenhouse; providing containers with plants; supplying and disposing a number of containers in a row (10-13, 107-110) in a first direction (21, 111); buffering the row of disposed containers by gripping, lifting and displacing the row through the buffer space in a second direction (39, 113) which differs from the first direction, and by setting down the row in the buffer space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Visser 'S-Gravendeel Holding B.V.
    Inventor: Anthony Visser
  • Patent number: 8359787
    Abstract: A buffering device for temporarily storing containers with plants in a buffer space includes a supply device for supplying containers, a disposer for disposing a number of supplied containers in a row extending in a first direction, a distributor provided with at least one controllable gripper for gripping a row of containers, wherein the distributor is movable substantially in a second direction which differs from the first direction, and is movable above the disposer. In turn the gripper includes opposing pivot arms arranged opposite to one another relative to an intended row of containers to be gripped, and further includes a pivot driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Visser 'S-Gravendeel Holding B.V.
    Inventor: Anthony Visser
  • Patent number: 8181387
    Abstract: Disclosed is a rack for growing plants, including mounting means and a plurality of shelve means spaced vertically. Each of the plurality of shelve means is configured to slide generally horizontally in and out of said mounting means and includes a carrier element; and at least substantially planar light emitting element disposed under the carrier element and formed by at least one OLED. Positions of each of the plurality of shelve means are interchangeable relative to the mounting means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Loebl, Joseph Hendrik Anna Maria Jacobs, Wolfgang Otto Budde
  • Patent number: 8132385
    Abstract: Benchtop panels are formed with spaced apart longitudinal edge webs and intermediate webs and spaced apart transverse edge webs and intermediate webs forming a grid with parallel top and bottom surfaces. At least one pair of longitudinal and transverse intermediate webs are closely spaced to allow subdividing the panel into plural panels by severing portions of a panel at a point between the closely spaced webs. Longitudinal bottom surface flanges provide for ease of mounting panels on a frame or table at spaced apart frame members. A connector with spaced apart legs and a connecting tab may be inserted in openings formed in gussets of adjacent panels to secure panels to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Southwest Agri-Plastic, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul D. Phillips, Michael A. McGregor, Victor A. Sahm
  • Publication number: 20120054061
    Abstract: A process and system for growing produce decouples farming from the unpredictability of the external environment by moving the farm into a highly-controlled enclosed environment in which all variables are optimized to grow produce of exceptional quality in a consistent, predictable manner, while minimizing or eliminating deleterious environmental impacts. A filtered, positive-pressure environment greatly reduces particulate contamination and pest infiltration from the outside. Seedlings are planted in containers of an organic soil mix engineered to deliver optimal amounts of water, nutrients, fiber and organic matter. The containers advance along a production line, in the process being given controlled exposure to light of predetermined intensity and wavelength, optimized to produce a desired growth pattern. Water is given at regular intervals in amounts calculated to produce optimal growth without waste.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Philip E. FOK, Ken Stutzman
  • Patent number: 7594355
    Abstract: A mobile apparatus for irrigating container-grown plants suitable for use as a nursery irrigation system has a remote water storage tank, which utilizes the same overhead pipe to deliver and remove the water to a plant tray to base of the plant without contacting the leaves of the plant under an automatically controlled system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Midwest GROmaster, Inc.
    Inventor: Finn Aagaard
  • Publication number: 20090235580
    Abstract: A planter is accessible to a practitioner who occupies a wheelchair. This planter may be readily assembled from pieces that can be supplied to consumers in the form of a kit. The planter includes structures for illuminating, irrigating, and warming plants grown in the planter, as well as draining structures for removing excess water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventor: Terry N. Garrett
  • Patent number: 7533491
    Abstract: A garden bed assembly and extensions therefor is disclosed. The garden bed assembly includes at least one raised garden starter module containing suitable planting soil or other growing media for plants and may be extended using one or more extender modules, such as straight extender modules and/or corner extender modules. The assembly as disclosed herein includes one or more modules defining the planter. The front section of the starter module and the straight extender module may include a rotatable upper portion to provide convenient access to the plants. Each module section may have a substantially imperforate lower portion and a perforate upper portion prohibiting unwanted creatures such as gophers, rabbits and other animals from gaining access to the growing plants in the garden bed assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Modular Merchants, Inc.
    Inventors: Lisa R. Singer, Steven A. Singer
  • Publication number: 20090077876
    Abstract: An expandable plant growing frame is disclosed. The expandable growing frame includes a unique tubular joiner that works with standard tubing to allow the frame to grow to accommodate growth of a nursery. The tubular joiner can be shipped and assembled using locally available plastic tubing. The tubular joiners are usable to create an expandable table for purposes including but not limited to growing tables, display tables and dining tables. A tray is disclosed that rests on the tubular frame and allows for an expandable planting table. Elongated pots are also disclosed that provide the equivalent volume as more standard sized round pots. The elongated pots can interconnect to making it easier to carry a number of pots. The pots nest within the tray to increase the quantity of plants that are grown at one time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: Morteza Eghbal, Sabrina D. Golfo
  • Publication number: 20080000152
    Abstract: The present invention involves a horticultural growing rack used for growing plants. The horticultural growing rack offers a variety of benefits to a plant grower. The horticultural growing rack can be modified to create various sizes of racks. The rack can also hold various attachments such as a light bar, ballast bar, and tray holders. This rack can be easily shipped and stored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventors: Levi Shouse, William Reck
  • Publication number: 20070271840
    Abstract: A planting board system is provided for use in performing germination testing or planting within the flat of a seed type. The planting board system includes a housing, a lower panel disposed in the housing, said lower panel having a plurality of apertures disposed within the lower panel in a predetermined, spaced apart relationship and an upper panel disposed within the housing, the upper panel at least partially overlapping the lower panel and being moveable within the housing relative to the lower panel between first and second positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventor: Eugene Amberson
  • Patent number: 7263799
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: E. Van Zanten Holding B.V.
    Inventor: Evert Van Zanten
  • Patent number: 7228657
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Controlled Environments Limited
    Inventors: David Brault, Alex Turkewitsch, Ron Giercke, Steve Schram, Wayne Zimmerman, Yvon Normandin
  • Patent number: 7051476
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: Donald R. Craul
  • Patent number: 7036270
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Inventor: Mary K. Shepherd
  • Patent number: 6854209
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Rijnplant B.V.
    Inventors: Frederik Pius Van Horssen, Harry Geerlings
  • Publication number: 20040098908
    Abstract: An elevated cultivation method and elevated cultivation bed (20), using a medium for plant cultivation (15) involving water purification cake (11) and EM ceramic powder (13), and irrigation with activated water obtained after water purification treatment and treatment to reduce the fineness of clusters of water molecules. The cultivation bed (20) does not have any drainage ports. In the elevated cultivation bed (20), a nonwoven fabric sheet 27 which is a protective sheet and a plastic sheet (26) which is nonpermeable sheet are laid on the inside surface of a box-shaped frame (24) comprised of a wire mesh. A plant cultivation medium (15) is filled inside of the box-shaped frame (24). An elevated table (22) of the cultivation bed (20) is an assembled structure comprised of L-angle members (21) fastened by nuts and bolts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventors: Masayuki Miyajima, Hiroyuki Miyajima
  • Patent number: 6622423
    Abstract: This invention provides a tray liner that is insertable into a mushroom-growing tray. This invention provides a tray liner that provides protection to the mushroom-growing tray by eliminating direct contact of the growing medium or compost with the trays' interior wood The tray liner has a rectangular base member with a periphery of upstanding sidewalls joined to the base portion. There is a notch section located at each corner of the rectangular base member that accommodates an upstanding corner frame member located at each corner of the wooden mushroom growing tray. The notch section has a contiguous wall that is joined with the periphery of upstanding sidewalls and the base member. An alternative embodiment is to provide a replaceable mushroom growing tray liner that comprises a plurality of sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Inventor: Victor Riccardi
  • Patent number: 6412216
    Abstract: A tray (2) includes a framework comprising first and second elongate side members (4, 6) and first and second end members (8, 10). The members (4, 6, 8, 10) support a rectangular floor of the tray, defined by a metal mesh (12a) or grid arrangement (12b ). A sheet (14) of woven fabric material is arranged to define a multiplicity of elongate channels (16). The sheet (14) is supported at its ends by cords (18) which releasably engage end members (8, 10). End member (8) includes a tensioning arrangement (20) for adjusting the tension in the cords. In use, the channels (16) are filled with compost and plants are grown therein. A tray (2a) may be situated in a greenhouse with other trays (2). It may be removed from the greenhouse using a carriage device which can move underneath tray (2a), lower it and then drive it out of the greenhouse by causing it to pass under adjacent trays (2b and 2c). Other trays may be moved in a similar manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventor: Samuel James Harrison
  • Patent number: 6279263
    Abstract: An isolated artificial cultivating room includes a number of cultivating frames each having a number of vertically spaced growth plates for plants. A cultivating device is provided for each cultivating frame and movable under automatic control for supplying water, fertilizer, pesticide, and sunlight to the plants on each growth plate. Growth of the plants is not affected by natural environment and damage to the plants by bugs is reduced. Production and quality of the plants can be planned and assured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventor: Chieh-Chou Lai
  • Patent number: 6138403
    Abstract: A wire bench tray is disclosed for use in a greenhouse environment, such tray moving over support roller pipes and having an upper surface and a lower structure defining a plurality of channels with openings therein in which to receive heating and/or irrigation tubing passing therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Inventor: J. Pike Bartlett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5987812
    Abstract: A plant stand system 10 for growing plants from seedlings and for growing and storing indoor plants includes a frame assembly 12 having first and second T-shaped support assemblies 14, 16, first and second generally L-shaped light arms 64, 66, and at least one pair of tray brackets 84 secured to the T-shaped support assemblies 14, 16. The plant stand system 10 further includes at least one plant tray 94, and a plurality of flexible chain members 96, and at least one light fixture 104 connected to the flexible members 96. The light fixture 104 and tray 94 is easily adjustable and access to the plant tray 94 is convenient from all sides of the plant stand 10 system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Stem Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger D. Knell
  • Patent number: 5983564
    Abstract: A growing station having a growing tray on a watering bench, the tray adapted to expose a pumping compartment within the lowermost portion of the watering bench, the tray also adapted to filter and collect water that has been sprayed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventor: Steven Vincent Stragnola
  • Patent number: 5974733
    Abstract: A conveying method and a conveyor for carrying out the method is disclosed for manually moving plant stock around in a greenhouse. The method utilizes an elongated rectangular conveyor with rounded corners and handholds at each end and having the proper mix of rigid and pliable characteristics to allow pulling the conveyor from one bench across an aisle bridged by a stationary conveyor to an adjacent bench or along the length of a bench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Willow Run Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles K. Gyory
  • Patent number: 5675929
    Abstract: A culture method of growing plants or plant seedlings on a culture medium provided on a support substrate which is comprised of an upper layer made of small stone and activated charcoal integrally solidified by synthetic resin in such a manner as to maintain water permeability therein and a lower layer in the form of a water permeable reinforcement layer integrally formed with the upper layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Yukinosan
    Inventors: Cho Sontea, Sumio Takigawa, Ryoichi Ueda
  • Patent number: 5673511
    Abstract: A self-watering tray for supporting and displaying a plurality of potted plants which can be watered from a water reservoir in the bottom of the tray, the tray comprising a plurality of wall sections which define spaced openings in the tray, each wall section being provided with a support located above the reservoir for supporting the potted plant at or above the water, and being laterally open to the adjacent wall sections below the supports to provide a continuous reservoir channel below the supports and pots, through which water can circulate for watering plants by capillary action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Holtkamp Greenhouses, Inc.
    Inventor: Reinhold Holtkamp, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5611172
    Abstract: An apparatus for the efficient treatment of a live plant is provided. In particular, the apparatus can be used to treat a live plant before being packaged in a sealed container in which the plant can live without any of the care or maintenance that live plants normally require. The apparatus comprises a substantially sealed pressure vessel, a vacuum system, and a root treatment system. The substantially sealed pressure vessel receives the container having the rooting medium and the roots of the live plant maintained therein. The container also has a runoff opening therein. The vacuum system, which is connected to the pressure vessel, draws air through the pressure vessel and live plant and thereby removes a predetermined amount of fluid from the rooting medium via the runoff opening. The root treatment system then adds a predetermined amount of a root treatment solution to the rooting medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Agripak, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Dugan, Daniel R. Rupnow, Brian J. Sroub
  • Patent number: 5581936
    Abstract: A plant propagation tray includes a substantially rectangular tray having a perforated bottom formed with a plurality of substantially parallel spaced apart raised inverted V structures or ridges which extend across substantially the entire bottom of the tray from one side of the tray to an opposite parallel side of the tray. According to one embodiment, the tray is provided with side walls for use alone or in a flat. According to another embodiment, the tray is free of side walls and is used in conjunction with a flat, a greenhouse bench, or a container having side walls. The horizontal distance between the ridges is preferably substantially equal to the vertical height of the soil which will be placed on the tray and the vertical height of the ridges is preferably approximately 15-40% of the vertical height of the soil which will be placed on the tray. The trays can be made to accommodate many different sized plants. The trays can be inexpensively manufactured from vacuum-formed thermoplastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Inventor: Carlo Belgiorno
  • Patent number: 5535542
    Abstract: A container (1) made for instance of ceramic, terracotta, or plastic material, is capable of supporting conventional vessels (4) by means of a plate (3) which is provided with openings. The vessels have a top peripheral border (5) which protrudes with respect to the peripheral border of the container so that the vessels are raised from the bottom of the container. Water is placed at the bottom of the container, some strips of felt (9) or similar absorbing material is inserted into the vessel and reaches the bottom of the container so that water is transferred to the soil by capillary action and also by evaporation. The containers consist of three compartments; the upper compartment corresponding to the vessel which contains the soil (7), the lower compartment (6) containing the water, and an intermediate compartment (24) forming an air chamber. The walls (the container (1), the plate (3), and the vessel(s) [4]) form the air chamber (24) and act as an evaporation barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Inventors: Terry L. Gardner, Remigio Perazzolo, Peter J. Grillo, Earnest L. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5533299
    Abstract: The non-circulating hydroponic kit incorporates a water impervious container capable of holding a variable depth of nutrient solution and a solid container lid with a plurality of apertures through which a multitude of root-impervious tubes or frusto-conical containers can be inserted and supported. The lid stops visible light from entering the plant holding container by fitting over the container, and the reusable tubes can be of a multitude of lengths. Preferred lengths are from 5 to 9 inches long. The tubes have open tops and a plurality of apertures in the side walls, preferably 1/4 to 1/2 inches in diameter. The tube may have a plurality of vertical foils extending inward from the side wall and downward to the lower end to deter roots from spiraling around the side walls. Nutrient solution is placed in the container and the tubes are filled with a particulate growing medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: University of Hawaii
    Inventor: Bernard A. Kratky
  • Patent number: 5507116
    Abstract: An air pruning plant growth system comprising an air-pruning tray having a plurality of plant growth cells with upper elliptical openings within an upper plane, lower elliptical openings with diameters larger than the diameters of the upper elliptical openings within a lower plane spaced from and parallel to the upper plane, continuous, upwardly tapering, side walls joining the upper and lower opening, and a continuous, horizontal bottom wall joining the cells; and a support tray having an air permeable floor and upwardly extending tray side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: New Century Technology
    Inventor: Jianhua Gao
  • Patent number: 5481825
    Abstract: A tray for carrying a plurality of plant pots includes a base plate and a plurality of container sections. The container sections are provided in the base plate for receiving pots therein. Each of the container sections has an open top end, a peripheral wall and a bottom wall. Retainer members are disposed on the peripheral wall of each of the container sections and are operable to resiliently apply pressing forces to the side wall of a pot received within the container section so as to fixedly hold the pot in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Kaneya Sangyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Matsuo Aoyama
  • Patent number: RE44055
    Abstract: A garden bed assembly and extensions therefor is disclosed. The garden bed assembly includes at least one raised garden starter module containing suitable planting soil or other growing media for plants and may be extended using one or more extender modules, such as straight extender modules and/or corner extender modules. The assembly as disclosed herein includes one or more modules defining the planter. The front section of the starter module and the straight extender module may include a rotatable upper portion to provide convenient access to the plants. Each module section may have a substantially imperforate lower portion and a perforate upper portion prohibiting unwanted creatures such as gophers, rabbits and other animals from gaining access to the growing plants in the garden bed assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Modular Merchants, Inc.
    Inventors: Lisa R. Singer, Steven A. Singer