Abstract: A method together with enabling apparatuses is disclosed for the rapid controlled growth of vegetable and similar crops in a hydroponic system. The method includes control of light, minimization of exposure to pathogens, control of temperature of ambient air and the water in the system, nutrients, pH and other growth factors such as transfer between ponds as well as specially designed floating flats and related devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for cultivating plants may include a cabinet forming a space in which plants may be cultivated; a door connected to the cabinet to open or close the space; at least one bed disposed in the space; at least one seed package separably seated on the at least one bed and having a medium including seeds of plants and nutrient solution; and a light assembly to radiate light to the at least one seed package disposed on the at least one bed. The at least one bed may include an upper bed on which the at least one seed package may be seated and a bottom bed on which the upper bed may be seated and that forms a water collecting portion that stores water, and the at least one seed package may be supplied with the water stored in the water collecting portion.

Abstract: To provide a method for producing a calcium carbonate block for medical use which is useful as a bone substitute or a bone substitute raw material needed in medical care, which is a method for producing a calcium carbonate block that satisfies the following desired properties: 1) the calcium carbonate block has excellent mechanical strength; 2) the calcium carbonate block can be produced by a simplified production method; 3) the calcium carbonate block contains no impurity; and 4) the calcium carbonate block has high reactivity. A method for producing a calcium carbonate block, comprising a step of shaping a water-containing calcium hydroxide block and a carbonation step of immersing the calcium hydroxide block in a carbonate ion-containing aqueous solution.

Abstract: A system (100) for producing a plant (35), the system having an indoor environment, a plurality of plant holders (1) for growing and transporting a plant therein, a controller (105) for at least controlling temperature and humidity in the indoor environment. The plant holder has a semi-permeable foil (20) defining a non-planar boundary of an interior space and an exterior space, a reservoir (2), having an amount of liquid for feeding the plant. The reservoir (2) and the semi-permeable foil (20) are arranged to allow the plant to grow in the interior space. The semi-permeable foil (20) has permeation of water vapor.

Abstract: A hydroponic plant cultivation apparatus includes a reservoir with an opening. A plurality of planting modules can be stacked above the opening. Each module includes at least one planting port, a module conduit aperture, a top end, and a bottom end configured to releasably engage the opening or the top end of another module. A conduit fluidly communicable with the reservoir is receivable through the module conduit apertures. A fluid distributor is engageable with a top end of the conduit. A fluid contained in the reservoir is selectively circulatable from the reservoir through the conduit to the fluid distributor, where the fluid is redirected down the interior of the modules and back to the reservoir when the modules are stacked above the opening in the reservoir, the conduit is received in the module conduit apertures and fluidly communicated with the reservoir, and the fluid distributor is engaged with the conduit.

Abstract: A hydroponic plant cultivation apparatus includes a reservoir with an opening. A plurality of planting modules can be stacked above the opening. Each planting module includes at least one planting port, a module conduit aperture, a top end, and a bottom end configured to releasably engage the top end. A conduit fluidly communicable with the reservoir is receivable through the module conduit apertures. A fluid distributor is engageable with a top end of the conduit. A fluid contained in the reservoir is selectively circulatable from the reservoir through the conduit to the fluid distributor, where the fluid is redirected down the interior of the planting modules and back to the reservoir when the planting modules are stacked above the opening in the reservoir, the conduit is received in the module conduit apertures and fluidly communicated with the reservoir, and the fluid distributor is engaged with the conduit.

Abstract: The invention provides a lighting system comprising (i) a lighting device comprising a plurality of light sources for application in a horticulture production facility, wherein the light sources are configured to illuminate with horticulture light crops, wherein the lighting system further comprises (ii) a control unit configured to control the light intensity of local light at a location, wherein the local light is the sum of the horticulture light and light at the location originating from an optional other light source, and wherein the control unit is configured to prevent a change in the photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) of the local light at the location of on average more than 50 ?mol/sec/m2 over a predetermined period of time selected from the range of equal to or smaller than 5 minutes by controlling the contribution of the horticulture light to the local light.

Abstract: A hydroponic plant cultivation apparatus including a reservoir having a base defining a first portion of the reservoir and a cover defining a second portion of the reservoir. An upper opening is defined in the cover. A planting column with a hollow interior is positioned above the upper opening. At least one planting port is defined in the planting column. A conduit can pass through the hollow interior of the planting column, the conduit fluidly communicated with the reservoir. A fluid distributor is positioned atop the planting column, the fluid distributor in fluid communication with the conduit. Fluid is selectively circulated from the reservoir through the conduit in the planting column to the fluid distributor, where the fluid is redirected down the hollow interior of the planting column and back to the reservoir. A hydroponic plant cultivation apparatus including a reservoir positioned on a plurality of rollers.

Abstract: A method and container for developing seedlings includes germinating the seeds and air pruning the seedlings to a depth of about 3 inches.

Abstract: A carrier for growing crops, such as lettuce, is disclosed. The carrier floats on water in a pond, and includes at least one floating beam and a carrier connectable to the floating beam, and a number of growth locations for the crops where holders for the crops or roots of the crops extend into the water.

Abstract: A grow box comprises a box body and a cover which are matched with each other; a planting unit arranged on the grow box for planting plants; a nutrient solution supply unit comprising a nutrient solution storage chamber and an atomizer, and the nutrient solution is supplied to the roots of the plants under the condition that the plants lack nutrient solution, wherein the nutrient solution storage chamber is constructed as a part of box body space which is separated from the box body by a partition plate. The present invention further discloses a plant grower using the same grow box with a supporting device. In addition, various sensors are arranged in the grow box and the plant grower to perform automatic induction without the need of manual operation, so that the pleasure and the simplicity of planting are enhanced.

Abstract: A modular gardening system characterized by a rain collection system, one or more planters, a water distribution system, a growing medium, and an optional bench suitable for plant growth. The water distribution system is capable of collecting, storing, and distributing water to the plants. The modular gardening system further comprises water retention baskets with a wicking system. The method of modular gardening utilizes the modular gardening system and determines the proper plant species, growing medium, and habitat requirements while adjusting the modular gardening system for the proper application.

Abstract: A method and container for developing seedlings includes germinating the seeds and air pruning the seedlings to a depth of about 3 inches.

Abstract: A water purification apparatus comprising an injection molded floating non-toxic, biodegradable, and recyclable polymer planar structures that are easily stackable, shippable, and connectable to as many companion units as the user desires; such apparatus further comprising many receiving structures made to accommodate plants without inhibiting them so that the user may create a film of plants over a toxic body of liquid for bioremediation purposes.

Abstract: A plant cultivation container includes a container body having: a plant cultivation space with an opening for planting a plant formed in a front face thereof; and a water reservoir portion for pooling plant cultivation water formed in a lower portion of the plant cultivation space, in which container a water-absorbing plant cultivation flooring material is mounted in the plant cultivation space so that a part of the plant cultivation flooring material is positioned inside the water reservoir portion. One of right and left walls of the container body disposed at right and left ends, respectively, of a front face of the container body is provided with an engaging portion, and the other of the right and left walls is provided with an engaged portion engageable with the engaging portion of another container body, such that a relative angle between two adjacent container bodies is changeable.

Abstract: The system employs a two piece gully assembly to implement an NFT system. The system has a square-U shaped base with a flat lid that can be fastened to the base. One of the advantages of the assembly is in shipping where the bases and lids can be easily nested for transport. When compared to prior art gullies, the shipping volume of the present assembly is effectively minimized. In fact, ten gullies of the present assembly can be shipped in the same volume as a single prior art gully.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for growing plants (P) hydroponically includes a plant substrate material (52, 54, 56) comprising activated carbon and/or carbonized fibers with or without additional, non-carbonated, non-activated cellulosic fibers. The activated carbon and/or carbonized fibers with or without the additional, non-carbonated, non-activated cellulosic fibers are usable in bulk or manufactured into slabs (56) or other configurations by any of a variety of non-woven, woven, molding, or other techniques. The activated carbon and/or carbonized fibers are made from cellulosic or synthetic carbon fibers, for example, bamboo fibers.

Abstract: A plant culture apparatus includes: a culture container including a transparent surrounding wall, a top opening, and a cover to close the top opening; a liquid culture medium disposed inside the culture container and having a liquid surface distal from the cover; a plant support fixed inside the culture container; a plant supported by the plant support; and a solid culture medium disposed within the culture container above the liquid surface. The solid culture medium is dissolvable in the liquid culture medium when the liquid culture medium is caused to contact the solid culture medium.

Abstract: Systems for harvesting biological samples are provided that can include a first multi-well plate configured to support the growth of individual biological material within one or more of first wells of the first plate; and a second multi-well plate configured to couple with the first plate. Methods for harvesting biological samples are provided that can include providing first and second complimentary multi-well plates; growing individual biological material within the first plate; separating the individual biological material into first and second portions; and providing at least some of the second portion of the individual biological material into the second wells while maintaining at least some of the first portion within the first wells. Complimentary multi-well plates configured to couple in a stacked configuration are provided that can include a top plate having one or more open-bottomed wells and a bottom plate comprising one or more close-bottomed wells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a support for holding floating plant species cultures, said support being configured to be held by at least two independent supporting elements (10). The support comprises a planar lattice structure (1) having at least one housing (2-3) configured to house at least one seed, plant, part of a plant and/or combinations thereof, and at least two anchoring elements (5-6) for the anchoring to the independent supporting elements (10) configured to compensate the moments and forces generated by the portion of the plant projecting from the water level with respect to the point of intersection of said portion with the plane defined by the structure (1), until a growth stage in which the plant survives and reproduces on its own upon proliferation of the roots and/or rhizomes thereof, and to transmit said moments and forces to the independent supporting elements (10).

Abstract: This invention provides a system and methods for providing liquid to a plant or a seed that can germinate into a plant. The system includes: a liquid delivery device; an actuator; a vessel; and a vessel support; wherein the actuator is operable to cause the liquid delivery device to deliver the liquid to the plant or seed only when the vessel is brought into proximity with the vessel support.

Abstract: An auto-irrigation apparatus is provided. A control panel and a water-level indicator light are inserted in a side of an irrigating case. A water pump, a cell box, and a control circuit are inserted in the irrigating case. The control panel, water-level indicator light, cell box, and water pump are coupled to the control circuit. A solar panel is embedded in each of two cover panels. Each of the two cover panels are mounted on opposite sides of the irrigating case. The embedded solar panels are coupled to the cell box. A water conduit adapter is connected to an outlet of the water pump. A planter box is placed in the irrigating case above a built-in water reservoir so that the water conduit adapter passes through an aperture in the planter box. Then, the water conduit adapter is connected to a spray pipe positioned above the planter box.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a buoyant plant habitat for removing excess nutrients and other pollutants from a body of water and thereby remediating the water. The buoyant plant habitat may be used to remediate any suitable body of water, including ponds and lakes (both natural and manmade), streams and rivers, and stormwater, wastewater or drainage ponds. The buoyant plant habitat comprises a rigid, non-biodegradable grid structure into which a plurality of aquatic plants is placed. As the plants grow, they take up excess nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorous) and other pollutants from the water. From time to time, the top portions of the plants are removed by cutting. This cutting of the permanently removes the excess nutrients that have been taken up and stored by the cut portion of the plants. The cut plant matter may then be composted or otherwise disposed of.

Abstract: A hydroponics plant growing assembly (10) that is comprised of a plant-root expansion structure (12), a moisture retaining upper pad (26), a moisture retaining lower pad (48), a structure and pads sleeve (62) and a structure and pads retaining enclosure (72). The upper and lower pads (26,48) are dimensioned to be placed respectively over and under the structure (12). The sleeve (62) is dimensioned to be placed over the structure and the pads to prevent mineralized water that is poured into the upper pad (26) from spilling over the sides of the upper pad (26) and the structure (12). The enclosure (72) includes a plurality of trays (76) that are each dimensioned to receive and secure the expansion structure (12) with the attached upper and lower pads (26,48).

Abstract: Embodiments of a fluid transfer device are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting plant foliage includes a base assembly that is placed in a growing medium. A plurality of support members are attached to the base assembly and extend radially away from a plant center and vertically. Additional linear extension segments are detachably-attached, as desired, to an upper end of any support member to provide increased vertical height. Additional radius extension segments are similarly detachably-attached to the upper end of any support member to provide increased radial displacement. The linear extension segments can be attached to the upper portion of other extension segments or the upper portion of other radius extension segments. The radius extension segments can be similarly attached. Plant ties that do not over tighten the plants and which permit easy attachment and removal are disclosed. A telescopically extensible top segment that prevents injury to a user is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for growing living organisms having at least one growing unit adapted to receive at least one living organism, a source of fluid, a conduit operably connecting the source of fluid and the growing unit in fluid supplying relation, and at least one system for supplying the requirements by which the living organism can grow in the growing unit.

Abstract: An insert assembly is used in combination with a planter container for creating a false bottom therein. The assembly essentially comprises a support platform for supporting a soil-bound plant, an optional spacer member for supporting the support platform, and an optional moisture-receiving tray for collecting and retaining excess moisture emanating from the support platform and the spacer member via the soil. The platform comprises a peripheral support surface that engages either the container or the spacer member for supporting the support platform at the chosen false bottom level in the planter container. Support ribs are integrally formed to the platform to increase its load bearing potential. The spacer member may be utilized as an optional structure to adjust for variable container dimensions and the moisture-receiving tray may be installed at the user's election to maintain a moisture source in inferior adjacency to the support platform.

Abstract: A system comprising cultivating tables as well as an irrigation device for supplying a liquid medium to cultivation products being cultivated on the cultivating tables, a special feature being the fact that each cultivating table comprises an inlet and an outlet for the medium, with the inlet and/or the outlet comprising a coupling for detachably connecting adjacent cultivating tables.

Abstract: A resin cultivating base serves as seedling beds for vegetation which are planted and are partially immersed in a river, lake, marsh, pond or waterway. The resin cultivating base is a three-dimensional structure constituted by long and short filaments of thermoplastic resin. The long and short filaments are curled or looped at random, and contacted, entwined and gathered, thereby forming a low density portion and a high density portion. Vegetables planted on the low density portion of the resin cultivating base suck nutritious salt such as phosphor and nitride. Microorganisms living in the resin cultivating base decompose organisms in the water, thereby purifying the water.

Abstract: The present invention provides a false bottom insert assembly for use in combination with an oversized planter container. The assembly essentially comprises a support platform for supporting a soil-bound plant, an optional spacer member for supporting the support platform, and an optional moisture-receiving tray for collecting and retaining excess moisture emanating from the support platform and the spacer member via the soil. The platform comprises a peripheral support surface that engages either the container or the spacer member for supporting the support platform at the chosen false bottom level in the planter container. Support ribs are integrally formed to the platform to increase its load bearing potential. The spacer member may be utilized as an optional structure to adjust for variable container dimensions and the moisture-receiving tray may be installed at the user's election to maintain a moisture source in inferior adjacency to the support platform.

Abstract: An apparatus for growing a plant is disclosed. A planting system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A floatable plant cultivation device includes a plurality of hollow floatable parts and each floatable part has a pot engaged with a first passage in a center of the floatable part. The pot receives a plant therein. The multiple floatable parts are connected with each other by a plurality of connection members. Each connection member includes several engaging ends which are engaged with second passages defined in different floatable parts.

Abstract: A water-retaining support for plants comprising a hydrogel-forming polymer (A) having a calcium ion absorption of 0-100 mg per 1 g of the dry weight thereof, having a chlorine ion content of 0.07-7 mmol per 1 g of the dry weight thereof and having a water absorption magnification in ion-exchanger water at 25° C. of 1.0×101 to 1.0×102; or a plant body-growing water-retaining material comprising a molded product of a mixture of such a polymer (A) and a plant body-growing support (B). The water-retaining support for plants and the plant body-growing water-retaining material are those which have an excellent water-retaining property and they substantially do not cause inhibition of root generation or inhibition of root elongation.

Abstract: A growth medium for plants or mushrooms, the medium comprising sugar care mill mud and non sphagnum-peat material selected from the group consisting of a non-sphagnum-peat and coconut fibre.

Abstract: A rotary plant growing apparatus has an open-ended cylindrical drum which rotates about a horizontal axis on a support stand. A lamp is positioned at the axis of the drum. Holes in the drum hold plant pots, with the plants facing the light and the bottom of the pots extending radially outward from the drum. A tray under the drum holds a pool of water and is spaced from the drum such that the lower part of the pots contacts the water as the drum rotates, watering the plants. The apparatus is particularly suitable for hydroponic gardening.

Abstract: A growing medium which consists of a self supporting block formed from sphagnum material bound together by a binding material dispersed through the sphagnum material; the binding material is a compatible adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water cultivation technology of a plant, including: cultivation in an isolated manner, and achieving an air exposure and oxygen solution effect automatically. The present invention relates to a water cultivation system of a plant, including a plurality of cultivation boxes arranged in a separate and isolated manner. Each of the cultivation boxes has a hollow inner portion provided with a plurality of spaced support ribs each having a top face. The top face of each of the support ribs has a height greater than that a bottom face of the cultivation box, with a determined distance being defined between the top face of each of the support ribs and the bottom face of the cultivation box.

Abstract: An apparatus which includes a growing container in which plants are hydroponically grown on a support medium is disclosed. The growing container includes a plurality of openings in which seals are installed. The seals include holes through which the plants grow. When seeds are planted, a hollow tube is placed through the seal hole to maintain the seed in position. After the seed germinates, it grows through the tube. As continued growth expands the plant's stem to the size of the tube, the tube breaks apart and does not constrain future plant growth. Moreover, as the plant grows further, the seal hole expands to accommodate the plant stem. The seal surrounds and contacts the plant stem to reduce evaporation of nutrient solution from the growing container and to keep insects and contamination out of the growing container. A holding container is positioned above the growing container and coupled to the growing container through a manifold arrangement.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to effectively absorb and remove CO2 in an exhaust gas generated during an industrial process for reducing an amount of exhausting CO2 into the atmospheric air. The exhaust gas containing CO2 is blown into the agglomerate of solid particles containing CaO and/or Ca(OH)2 to contact CO2 to the agglomerate for fixing CO2 in the exhaust gas as CaCO3, thereby to reduce the CO2 concentration in the exhaust gas. Preferably, the solid particles contain water, and more preferably, the solid particles contain surface adhesive water.

Abstract: A water-retaining support for a plant exhibiting a water-retaining ability comparable to that of a polyacrylic acid-type hydrogel without inhibition of root origination or root elongation. The water-retaining support for a plant includes a hydrogel-forming polymer having a calcium ion absorption of less than 50 mg per 1 g of its dry weight and having a water absorption magnification in ion-exchange water (at 25° C.) of 100 or more. When the water-retaining support is used, a plant may be supplied with sufficient water without suffering from a deficiency of calcium ions.

Abstract: A plant culture vessel includes a vessel body capable of housing therein a plant mount for mounting thereon a plant to be cultured and a culture medium for culturing the plant, and a top lid detachably attached to the vessel body. A support portion is provided on a peripheral wall of the vessel body in the form of a reduced-diameter portion projecting to the inside of the vessel body. The culture medium is housed in a space downwardly of the plant mount as supported on the support portion. A vertical communicating portion is provided between an outer edge of the plant mount and an inner peripheral wall portion of the vessel body for allowing vertical insertion of an instrument including a culture medium replacing instrument therethrough to the space downwardly of the plant mount.

Abstract: A gravity independent photosynthetic growing system (10) is provided for use in providing an environment conducive to growing plant materials under unusual conditions, such as are encountered in space or in locales isolated from sunlight. The growing system (10) includes a stationary core assembly (26), a rotating drum assembly (28) which is rotated by a motive assembly (30), an enclosing assembly (32), a growth requirements assembly (34) and a control assembly (35). Illumination lamps (42) situated in the central core (20) provide photosynthetic radiation which is transmitted through light transmissive sector walls (52) to be reflected inward from a surrounding cylindrical reflector (64) into growth sectors (50) within which the plants are grown. The growth sectors are adapted to receive seed mats (178), hard shell growth cases (204) and growth bags (188) which provide purchase for the plants.

Abstract: Methods and systems for alleviating the environmental and health hazards associated with environmental contamination by metals are provided. Contained living or non-viable biomasses of metal-accumulating plant seedlings deplete the metal elements and compounds in metal-containing aqueous solutions. Concomitantly, the contained biomasses of plant seedlings accumulate the metal elements and compounds. The energy and nutrient stores of the seeds from which the seedlings develop are exploited to minimize the costs of remediating the metal-containing aqueous solutions.

Abstract: A new vessel for large scale plant tissue culture with a compartmentalized reservoir and corresponding media but without regular closure to close the vessel, so that the plant tissues cultured with the vessel are under a normal ecological air environment. Instead of the regular closure, a layer of sterile powder material is dusted on the top of the media and on a special circumferential fold on the wall of the vessel, until all the media, the fold, and the plant tissues are buried. Thus a continuous powder buried from wall to wall is formed against microbes from getting into the vessel. Since the normal ecological air environment provides a natural light, variable and normal humidity, air current, and enough CO.sub.2, etc., the plantlets cultured from the new vessel harden themselves while they are gradually growing out of the powder layer, just like seedlings gradually growing out of soil in nature.

Abstract: Aeroponic plant growing apparatus which includes an elongate vertically oriented plant chamber having a plurality of plant receiving apertures through its side wall. Stationed at the top of the chamber are one or more spray nozzles through which nutrient solution is sprayed into the chamber, thereby wetting the roots of the plants stationed in the apertures. The apparatus includes structure by which fresh atmospheric air is inducted into the chamber and stagnant air is exhausted during the spraying of the plant roots. In a preferred alternative the motive energy for this air induction into the plant chamber is provided by the spray nozzle(s) and an air induction manifold cooperates with the spray nozzle(s) to establish a low pressure Venturi zone therebetween.

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.

Abstract: A hydroponics plant growth system basically consists of a circular nutrient supply module, a circular plant prop module, a pump positioned in the supply module to circulate liquid nutrient upwardly into the prop module, and a distributor unit to convey the liquid nutrient from the pump to the prop module and contact it with plant roots. An elongated tube supports the prop module concentrically upon the supply module and provides internal space for the distributor unit. The prop module is a bowl shaped vessel having a bottom, a top joined by an integral side ring, and a capped collar that upturns from the vessel top. Baskets to hold plants extend through openings in the vessel top in a way the plant roots continually receive some nutrient without being immersed therein. A plurality of prop modules can be supported in a vertical column on one supply module so the system can conserve horizontal space and fully utilize vertical space.

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.

Abstract: In a plant cultivating apparatus for cultivating plants by using an artificial light source, partition walls having a high light reflectance are arranged in a cultivation area to divide the cultivation area into small spaces and in each small space a light-reflecting plate is arranged, and the distance between an artificial light source and a plant is narrowed to irradiate the plant with a light having a low illuminance. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, there is provided a plant cultivating apparatus comprising sets of pallets which have plants placed therein and are arranged in rows in a growing chamber where environmental conditions which are artificially controlled and which are moved in a direction radial to the row direction in accordance with the growth of plants, wherein all the peripheral surface of the growing chamber are covered with a reflecting plate having a high light reflectance.