Abstract: An automated plant training system and related methods are designed to train medium to tall plants to grow in a height restricted space by adjusting the plant's direction of growth through the use of phototropism. The device can physically control the plant's main stem, branches and foliage from excessive vertical growth.

Abstract: A farming method may be shown and described. In an exemplary embodiment, plants may begin in a germination phase. Next, plants are brought to a nursery for a period of time before optionally being transplanted to one or more subsequent nurseries. Finally, plants are transplanted to a greenhouse where they may grow until they are ready for harvest. In an exemplary embodiment, the nursery phases may be vertical farms while the greenhouse phase may be a traditional, hydroponic, or other type of farm which may receive sunlight. AI may be implemented to optimize environmental conditions and robotics may be used to harvest the plants. Plants may be indexed to efficiently expedite plant growth and optimize the time and plant density/spacing in each phase.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in a hydroponic growing system is described. The apparatus include a frame of vertical members and horizontal members supporting horizontal tracks or guideways on which a set of growing vehicles are mounted. The growing vehicles each contain a number of growing trays in which plants or crops are accommodated whilst they grow. The apparatus is located within a high care facility within the hydroponic growing system.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an indoor gardening household appliance system is disclosed. The system includes a housing, having a front side and a plurality of enclosed sides, a front side opening, a rotatable tubular shaped wall within the housing that is concentric with the opening, a backplate in attachment with the back side of the rotatable tubular shaped wall, a plurality of drawers, and at least one stop engaging a grow drawer such that the grow drawer is retained within the interior compartment. The stop includes a locked configuration for retaining the drawers within the interior compartment and an unlocked configuration for allowing a drawer to move into and out of the interior compartment. The system further includes a locked configuration having grow drawers disposed about a top arc section of the opening, and an unlocked configuration having a grow drawer disposed within the bottommost arc section of the opening.

Abstract: An apparatus for cultivating plants may include a cabinet having an interior space, a door to open or close the interior space, at least one bed provided in the interior space and used to cultivate the plants, at least one light assembly to irradiate the at least one bed with light for photosynthesis, a water tank to store water to be supplied to the at least one bed, and a machine compartment provided at a lower portion of the cabinet, and separated from the interior space to communicate with an ambient surrounding, a compressor and a condenser being provided in the machine room to adjust a temperature of the interior space. The water tank may be provided inside the interior space spaced apart from the machine compartment.

Abstract: A hydroponic cultivation apparatus, a system and a method for facilitating hydroponic cultivation is disclosed. The hydroponic cultivation apparatus includes a reservoir, a plinth, a grow tray with a grow tray lid, and a docking with coupler. The reservoir, placed upon the plinth, is located at a higher position adjacent to the grow tray for optimizing liquid circulation from the reservoir to the grow tray and vice-versa using one or more pipes, a solenoid valve and a pump. The base further includes a dock coupled to the grow tray for providing an electrical connectivity to the grow tray and simultaneously allowing the liquid to flow through the grow tray without being leaked. Further, the apparatus is having a roof which is provided with sources of illumination for providing light required for plant growth.

Abstract: A gardening appliance includes a grow tower rotatably mounted within a liner and defining a root chamber. A mixing tank defines a water inlet, a nutrient inlet, and a mixture outlet. An overflow protection system is operably coupled to the mixing tank and includes a wastewater reservoir, an overflow port fluidly coupled to the mixing tank, an overflow conduit providing fluid communication between the overflow port and the wastewater reservoir, and a one-way overflow valve fluidly coupled to the overflow conduit to prevent liquid flow back into the mixing tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for cultivating plants includes a cabinet having a cultivation space, a temperature control device provided in the cabinet to adjust a temperature of the cultivation space, a door configured to open and close the cultivation space, a cultivation shelf provided in the cabinet and configured to seat a seed package, a lighting device provided in the cabinet to radiate light onto the cultivation shelf, and a water supply pipe provided in the cabinet to supply water to the cultivation shelf. The cultivation shelf includes a shelf tray that supports the seed package, a shelf base provided under the shelf tray to accommodate the water supplied from the water supply pipe, and a shutter provided to be openable on the seat. The water accommodated into the shelf base is introduced to the inside of the seat by passing through the shutter when the shutter is opened.

Abstract: System and methods for monitoring the growth of an aquatic plant culture and detecting real-time characteristics associated with the aquatic plant culture aquatic plants. The systems and methods may include a control unit configured to perform an analysis of at least one image of an aquatic plant culture. The analysis may include processing at least one collected image to determine at least one physical characteristic or state of an aquatic plant culture. Distribution systems and methods described may track and control the distribution of an aquatic plant culture based on information received from various sources. System and methods described may include a bioreactor having a plurality of vertically stacked modules designed to contain the aquatic plants and a liquid growth medium.

Abstract: An exemplary control unit may respond to electrical grid needs within a controlled environment agricultural system, which may include one or more power consuming and environment controlling systems. The control unit may identify criticality of and power consumption by the systems and may compare those with the current cost of power (capacity and energy). The control unit may analyze the cost of adjusting power to systems and the cost of powering those systems during a specified period of time. The analysis may account for the value of adjusting the electricity as well as tariffs and market mechanisms specific to the electricity market in a responsive manner. The cost of powering off or reducing power to those systems may be identified by considering the value of the associated crops, and the impact that the system has on the crops.

Abstract: A multi-piece hydroponic tower comprised of a tower body defining a tower cavity, where the tower cavity provides a passageway for a water/nutrient mix, and a tower face plate hingeably coupled to the tower body. The tower face plate is positionable relative to the tower body in a tower cavity closed position and a tower cavity open position. The tower face plate includes a plurality of plant container cut-outs configured to accept plant containers. A fastener temporarily latches tower face plate to the tower body when the tower face plate is in the tower cavity closed position.

Abstract: A modular commercial plant cloning system and method for stimulating root growth from a plant stem. The system includes a supporting frame, a light source, a fluid reservoir, and a cooling element. The supporting frame further includes a plurality of mounting points for securing a plant holding device tray at a desired height and spacing within the supporting frame below the light source. The plant holding device tray houses a plurality of plant holding devices that the plant stems are placed in during the cloning process. The lower end of the supporting frame includes the fluid reservoir, wherein the fluid reservoir further includes a cooling element therein. Additionally, the fluid delivery system helps transport fluid from the fluid reservoir to the sprayer nozzles which are configured to distribute fluid across the plant stems disposed within the plant holding device tray.

Abstract: An indoor gardening appliance includes a grow module rotatably mounted within a liner to at least partially define a first grow chamber and a second grow chamber. A climate control system includes an evaporator plenum housing an evaporator, a fan assembly for urging air through the evaporator plenum, recirculation ducts for independently circulating air through the first grow chamber and the second grow chamber, and ambient duct systems for independently circulating fresh ambient air through the first grow chamber and the second grow chamber. A system of dampers selectively opens or closes each respective recirculation duct and ambient duct system for independent climate control of the first grow chamber and the second grow chamber.

Abstract: A plant growing apparatus irradiates plants by switching white light from a white light source into light of a color of a specific wavelength by using a partition plate that partitions a light source placement space and a plant growing space. The plant growing apparatus includes: a white light source emitting white light and being provided to face plants to be grown; a light source placement space to place the white light source; and a plant growing space to place the plants to be grown; a housing facility blocking entry of external light; and a partition plate that extends in the housing facility in a horizontal direction, and includes a filter blocking at least one of temperature transfer and air circulation between the light source placement space and the plant growing space, and transmitting light of a specific wavelength in the white light from the white light source.

Abstract: A growing system and/or plant support structure may include one or more feet supporting at least one or more uprights, on which a plurality of plants and/or grow boards for growing plants may be positioned. A nutrient delivery system may be positioned between opposing uprights to provide nutrient supply to a root zone of plants, which nutrient delivery system may be positioned adjacent each opposing upright in an interior chamber of the plant support structure. A light system may be positioned between two adjacent plant support structures such that it simultaneously provides light to the exterior surface of the two plant support structures. A collapsible light may be positioned adjacent plants and plant support structures for improved access to the plants or plant support structures while allowing variable and controllable light distribution beneficial to control of adjacent plants and plant structures.

Abstract: A plant is in growth media having an aqueous solution having an electrolyte with a plurality of charged coloring agents therein. An electrochemical cell has a first electrode inserted into the growth media and a second electrode inserted into the plant with the first electrode being coupled to the second electrode to form a potential difference therebetween. The potential difference drives the plurality of charged coloring agents from the growth media into the plant to color the plant.

Abstract: Systems and methods for vertical farming that reduce the deployment cost, operational costs of human labor, and overall use of energy intensive processes, such as lighting, heating and cooling, and ventilation, while increasing crop quality and yield. This reduction is achieved through a hybrid system that alternates natural light, temperature, and ventilation sources with system-controlled lighting, temperature, and ventilation means. The system includes a germination module that allows seeds to germinal on a horizontal substrate, a growth module that provides optimal growth conditions to the germinated seed on the substrate in a vertical position, and a dosing module that controls the micronutrient mixture supplied to the growing plants.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plant cultivation device (1) having: a housing (2), a receiving drum (3) which is rotatably mounted on the housing (2) and comprises multiple plant receiving containers (5) for plants (6), a drive (8) for rotating the receiving drum (3) within the housing (2), and a robot device (10) with a mounting (11) for a first working head (12) for supplying the plants (6) into the plant receiving containers (5), comprising a first linear guide (13) for moving the mounting (11) for the first working head (12) along a first axis and comprising a second linear guide (14) for moving the first linear guide (13) together with the mounting (11) for the first working head (12) along a second axis.

Abstract: A hydration system for an indoor gardening appliance includes a pressurized water supply including a pump assembly for pressurizing an accumulator and an auxiliary nozzle in fluid communication with the pressurized water supply. An auxiliary valve assembly is operably coupled to the auxiliary nozzle for selectively directing an auxiliary flow of water from the accumulator onto the plant pods when power is lost to the gardening appliance.

Abstract: A plant cultivating apparatus includes a body that defines a cultivation chamber, a cultivation bed disposed on the cultivation chamber and configured to move relative to the body, a nutrient storage configured to store nutrient solution, a pipe configured to supply the nutrient solution to the cultivation bed, a bed checker configured to detect movement of the cultivation bed, a level checker configured to detect a level of nutrient solution in the cultivation bed, and a controller configured to receive a signal from the bed checker and the level checker and to adjust the nutrient solution supplied to the cultivation bed. The cultivation bed includes a signal connector that is disposed on one surface of the cultivation bed corresponding to the bed checker and the level checker and that is selectively connected to the bed checker and the level checker according to whether to move the cultivation bed.

Abstract: A fertilizer gradient energy system includes a membrane module. A membrane module may include a first section and a second section. The first and second sections may be separated by a semipermeable membrane. A load may be connected to the membrane module. The first section may be configured to receive a concentrated fertilizer solution. The second section may be configured to receive a freshwater feed solution. In embodiments, a semipermeable membrane may be configured to facilitate pressure retarded osmosis of the freshwater feed solution from the first section to the second section to increase a fluid pressure in the second section. The semipermeable membrane may include an anion exchange membrane. The membrane module may include a third section. A cation exchange membrane may separate the first and third section. Anion and cation exchange membranes may facilitate reverse electrodialysis. Methods of capturing energy via a membrane module are also disclosed.

Abstract: An indoor gardening appliance includes a liner defining a grow chamber, a grow module rotatably mounted within the grow chamber for receiving a plurality of plant pods, and a sealed system for regulating chamber temperature. A controller is configured for operating the sealed system to maintain the grow chamber at a grow temperature, obtaining a scheduled harvest time, determining a chill cycle including a predetermined chill time and a pre-harvest chill temperature based at least in part on the scheduled harvest time, and operating the sealed system to implement the chill cycle by regulating a chamber temperature to the pre-harvest chill temperature during the predetermined chill time.

Abstract: A floating wetland structure including a plurality of floating connected modules, each module having a frame that is at least partially hollow and a support structure adapted to support a plurality of containers for growing plants in the wetland.

Abstract: A plant grow unit (10) includes a body (12) that bounds an interior area (14). Access to the interior area is controlled by a door (18). The interior area houses a plurality of grow lights (50) which are selectively operated in response to at least one control circuit (96) to provide suitable illumination and radiation for growing selected plants. Shelves (46, 48) are selectively positionable for supporting plants thereon. A plurality of sensors and devices in the interior area are operated responsive to the control circuit to maintain desired conditions for plant growth within the interior area and to indicate detected conditions.

Abstract: A system for vertical hydroponic plant growing. The system, and associated apparatuses and methods, may include or use sprockets, a sprocket drive device that is connected to at least one sprocket among the sprockets, a first continuous loop chain that is mounted on the sprockets, a second continuous loop chain that is mounted on the sprockets, and trays. Each tray includes a first end and a second end that includes a drain hole. The trays are attached to the first continuous loop chain and to the second continuous loop chain. The system also includes a fluid-dispensing device that is configured to dispense a fluid into a tray that is moved by the chains to a position adjacent to the fluid-dispensing device. The chains are configured to longitudinally tilt a tray downward towards the drain hole while the tray is near the position adjacent to the fluid-dispensing device.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an apparatus for growing plants is provided. The apparatus may include an irrigation apparatus, an accommodating space for accommodating one or more seed mats, and a controller which is configured to control the irrigation apparatus by a program controller. The irrigation apparatus includes a water circuit system for feeding water to the seed mats. The water circuit system includes at least one inlet, a water tank, at least one water circuit pump and at least one outlet. The irrigation apparatus includes a sensor which is configured to determine a conductance of the fed water.

Abstract: Hydroponic apparatus has a rotary drum rotatably supported at one end from a bearing of a support stand and is accessibly open at an opposite open end by a removeable cover plate. A drive to rotates the rotary drum about the bearing. The rotary drum defines an annular watering tank therein and is configured for holding a plurality of plants within an interior thereof in use to be watered by the watering tank. An axial lamp is located within the drum to illuminate plants therein.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for providing a predetermined amount of fluid in an assembly line grow pod are provided. Some embodiments include an assembly line grow pod including a tray held by a cart supported on a track, the tray including at least one section. The assembly line grow pod further includes a fluid source and a watering station. The watering station includes a robot device having a movable arm and at least one peristaltic pump coupled to the arm, the peristaltic pump having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet fluidly coupled to the fluid source. A predetermined amount of fluid from the fluid source is delivered to the at least one section of the tray via movement of the movable arm of the robot device to align the outlet of the peristaltic pump with the at least one section and via ejection of the fluid from the outlet.

Abstract: A device for cultivating plants is provided, comprising a watering device, an illuminating device, one or more seed mats, and a control unit configured to control the watering device and the illuminating device by means of a program controller, wherein the program controller comprises watering data and illuminating data which is individually matched to the one or more seed mats.

Abstract: A plant treatment system configured to provide improved growth for hydroponically grown plants. The plant treatment system includes an air treatment apparatus that is configured to provide temperature controlled and sterilized air to the root ball of a plant. The air treatment apparatus includes an air pump operable to draw air in from the surroundings and move through the air treatment apparatus. The air treatment apparatus includes an air ionizer and a dehumidifier wherein the air from the air pump passes through both. A temperature control unit provides the ability to control the temperature of the air as the air exits the air treatment apparatus. The air treatment apparatus further includes an oxygen concentrator that is operable to provide an air flow exiting from the air treatment apparatus that has a higher oxygen concentration. A dosing unit to deliver liquid nutrients is further included.

Abstract: The modular hydroponic growing system comprises a collection of one or more independent growing units. Each of the independent growing units provides a controlled enclosed environment for growing plants. Each of the independent growing units monitors and controls the temperature and moisture levels in the controlled enclosed environment. Each of the independent growing units monitors and controls the level of nutrients provided to the growing plants. Each of the independent growing units is identical. Each of the independent growing units comprises a container, a lid, and a management system. The management system and the lid attach to the container. The lid provides access into the controlled enclosed environment. The lid encloses the controlled enclosed environment. The management system monitors and controls the temperature and moisture levels in the controlled enclosed environment. The management system monitors and controls the level of nutrients provided to the growing plants.

Abstract: An aeroponics system is provided which includes a rack with multiple shelves thereon and with a tray accommodated on each shelf. Light modules are located above each shelf. Each tray has a hood with openings therein leading into a hollow chamber and above a base which includes spray heads therein. Water from a reservoir upon the rack is pumped to each of the spray heads to provide a spray within the hollow chambers. Plant cuttings are placed passing through the openings in the hood so that lower portions of the cuttings can receive the spray (and nutrients added into the reservoir) for propagation of the plant cuttings.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for providing and operating a pump control module and one or more pumps in an assembly line grow pod are provided herein. Some embodiments include the assembly line grow pod having one or more pumps, a master controller with a plurality of bays and being communicatively coupled to the pumps, and a pump control module within one of the bays such that the pump control module is communicatively coupled to the master controller and the pumps. The pump control module is programmed to receive information regarding fluid within the assembly line grow pod, determine one or more control signals necessary to provide or pressurize the fluid, and provide the one or more control signals to the one or more pumps.

Abstract: An assembly line grow pod includes a track extending between a growing region and a sanitizing region, a cart movably engaged with the track, a sanitizer system that applies a sanitizer solution to the cart at the sanitizing region, the sanitizer system including a gray solution tank for storing sanitizer solution runoff collected from the sanitizing region, a watering system that provides water to plant matter on the cart at the growing region, the watering system including an untreated water tank for storing water runoff collected from the growing region, and a flowmeter fluidly coupled to at least one of the sanitizer system and the watering system.

Abstract: A shell with a controllable indoor climate. The shell may house plants, such as produce, for farming purposes. The shell may be made of scalable structurally insulated panels. Within the shell may be trays for facilitating the growth of the plants. Lighting, climate, and nutrients may be controlled for the proper growth of the plants.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing and sanitizing a plunger is presented. The apparatus first has an elongate body that has a first inner compartment and a door that is removably attached to said bod. Further, the apparatus has an illuminating element that is removably attached to an inside surface of the door and configured to sanitize said plunger when said plunger is located inside the inner compartment of said elongate body. The apparatus has a shelving unit separating the first inner compartment from a second inner compartment with a tray being removably coupled to the second inner compartment. The apparatus has a plurality of drain holes for draining liquid. To secure the door a first magnetic tab is located on the inside surface of the door and a second magnetic tab is located on a right side of the elongate body. The first magnetic tab is configured to mate with the second magnetic tab for securing the door in a closed configuration. The door has a door knob.

Abstract: A system and method to promote biological responses within incubated eggs using lighting devices within an incubation chamber. A light supporting device is installed within the incubation chamber in spaced relation to an incubation device housing a plurality of eggs. The light supporting device is positioned to direct light at pre-determined wavelengths into the interior cavity of the incubation device to irradiate the plurality of eggs to promote a biological response within the eggs.

Abstract: A plurality of trough extruders are supported upon a lift truck traveling in a circular travel path. The plurality of trough extruders continuously form one piece troughs as the lift truck travels its circular path. A lift mechanism progressively raises the extruders as the lift truck travels its circular path two form continuous one-piece helical water troughs for use in an agricultural growing structure.

Abstract: An intelligent web-enabled plant growing system controls environmental conditions inside it to grow sprouts, microgreens and plants from seeds placed in it without much intervention of humans through the growing process. Photographs of the sprouts, microgreens and plants are taken periodically by a camera. A computer then uploads the photographs to a server. The server runs artificial intelligence programs to determine the state of the growth and suggests back to the computer how to operate the controls for environment. A user application program on a remote computer or mobile device reports the state of the box, enables the user to buy seeds, enables the user to make own recipes, and enables multiple users to share their growing experience and custom recipes.

Abstract: An Internet of Thing (IoT) device includes a camera coupled to a processor; and a wireless transceiver coupled to the processor. Blockchain smart contracts can be used with the device to facilitate secure operation.

Abstract: A hydroponic plant grow cabinet including a housing. The housing has a main plant growing chamber and a pre-growing chamber for seeds/seedlings, main tank and auxiliary tanks for a nutrient solution and pH level regulating solutions, pumps and tubing, a light source, a ventilator, a controller, sensors, a display, a loudspeaker, a user input, a network communication device, a connection to an electric main, and connections to water mains and sewage.

Abstract: This invention is for tracking at least one plant. A method of this invention comprises: putting at least one seed or at least one stem in a corresponding at least one pot; positioning a corresponding at least one RFID tag with respect to the seed or stem in a manner, wherein the RFID tag comprises a strap; packaging a harvested material into a packaged product and attaching the RFID tag from the potted plant, or a product RFID tag that is associated with the plurality of tags to the packaged product; confirming a request for authorization by a RFID buy card; and after confirming ID information, transferring at least one product.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to systems and methods for emptying and/or cleaning a tray within in an assembly line grow pod. In one embodiment, a sanitizer component for cleaning a tray coupled to a cart in an assembly line grow pod is disclosed. The sanitizer component is coupled to a track such that the cart and the tray are received in the sanitizer component via the track. The sanitizer component comprises a first actuator arm positioned underneath the track and extendable through an opening in the track and an aperture at a bottom end of the cart to contact the tray such that the tray rotates in a first direction. The sanitizer component further includes an actuator motor coupled to the first actuator arm for extending the first actuator arm and a controller. The controller is communicatively connected to the actuator motor in the sanitizer component.

Abstract: Examples may include a method of cultivating cannabis plants. The method may include placing a first cannabis plant of a plurality of cannabis plants in a first tray of a plurality of trays. The method may also include placing a second cannabis plant of the plurality of cannabis plants in a second tray of the plurality of trays. The first tray may be at a first height. The second tray may be at a second height, and the first height may be different the second height. Furthermore, the method may include flowing a nutrient mixture from a reservoir to the plurality of cannabis plants. In addition, the method may include returning a portion of the nutrient mixture to the reservoir after flowing the nutrient mixture from the reservoir to the plurality of cannabis plants.

Abstract: A ecological vegetable preservation method and an ecological vegetable preservation and growing case. The method includes circularly supplying a nutrient solution to a vegetable in a thermal insulation case body, and regulating temperature, humidity and/or illumination in the thermal insulation case body, so that the vegetable in the thermal insulation case body stays in a growth-retarded state or a slow growth state. Application of the present method and ecological vegetable preservation and growing case allows the growth state of the vegetable to be controlled, thus ensuring to the greatest extent the freshness of the vegetable.

Abstract: A vegetable preservation and growing case includes a thermally-insulated case body. The thermally-insulated case is provided therein with at least one vegetable carrying box for use in vegetable growing or preservation. The vegetable carrying box bearing case and the thermally-insulated case body have a pluggable electrical connection and a pluggable water-path connection and allow for disassembly, thus effectively increasing the degree of use convenience.

Abstract: A system and method to promote biological responses within incubated eggs using lighting devices within an incubation chamber. A light supporting device is installed within the incubation chamber in spaced relation to an incubation device housing a plurality of eggs. The light supporting device is positioned to direct light at pre-determined wavelengths into the interior cavity of the incubation device to irradiate the plurality of eggs to promote a biological response within the eggs.

Abstract: A device for use in a security system includes a sensor, an image capture device, an action arm, and a processor in communication with the sensor, the image capture device, and the action arm. The processor is configured to receive data from the sensor and the image capture device and identify a target based on an analysis of the received data. The processor is also configured to determine, based on the analysis of the received data, that the target is a drone or other mechanical device. The processor is also configured to determine an action to take on the identified target. The processor is further configured to cause the action arm to perform the determined action on the target.

Abstract: A shell with a controllable indoor climate. The shell may house plants, such as produce, for farming purposes. The shell may be made of scalable structurally insulated panels. Within the shell may be trays for facilitating the growth of the plants. Lighting, climate, and nutrients may be controlled for the proper growth of the plants.

Abstract: A securable enclosure for growing controlled plants including walls forming an environmentally isolated interior and securable entrance to prevent unauthorized access. An environmental control system regulates environmental conditions in the enclosure's interior in order to control levels of potential contaminants such as dust, mold, pollen, insects and chemical pollutants. A control unit is positioned on the exterior of the enclosure allows control of the environmental conditions without the need for physical access to the interior.