Abstract: A feed container for storing hardened livestock feed is disclosed. The feed container has a storage area defined by a bottom wall and a sidewall for retaining animal feed within the storage area when the feed is in a solid phase and the feed container is in a non-upward resting position or is on its sidewall. Also disclosed is a method for utilizing a feed container, having said storage area for retaining animal feed within the storage area when the feed is in a solid phase and the feed container is in a non-upward resting position or is on its sidewall.

Abstract: A vertical farming spraying system including a robotic mobile sprayer with a base and driving members. The robotic mobile sprayer includes a first cylindrical element connected to a first pump and a second cylindrical element connected to a second pump. A first mechanical support is mounted on the base, supporting a humidity sensor and a humidifier sprayer connected to the first pump; and a second mechanical support is mounted on the base, supporting a disinfection sensor and a disinfection sprayer connected to the second pump. A control unit controls operation of the driving members and mechanical supports, and of the pumps through the respective sensors via a flow control sensor. The vertical farming spraying system further includes a vertically oriented elongated cylindrical support encircled by a spiral path, designed to guide the robotic mobile sprayer from the base to the top for humidification and disinfection operations.

Abstract: A vertical farming spraying system including a robotic mobile sprayer with a base and driving members. The robotic mobile sprayer includes a first cylindrical element connected to a first pump and a second cylindrical element connected to a second pump. A first mechanical support is mounted on the base, supporting a humidity sensor and a humidifier sprayer connected to the first pump; and a second mechanical support is mounted on the base, supporting a disinfection sensor and a disinfection sprayer connected to the second pump. A control unit controls operation of the driving members and mechanical supports, and of the pumps through the respective sensors via a flow control sensor. The vertical farming spraying system further includes a vertically oriented elongated cylindrical support encircled by a spiral path, designed to guide the robotic mobile sprayer from the base to the top for humidification and disinfection operations.

Abstract: Examples provide a system for watering plants on a rack. Sensor data is analyzed to generate a status of a plant on a rack and updated water instructions are generated. A robotic device moves the selected plant rack to a watering zone. A release of water onto the selected plant rack within the watering zone is detected and a set of rotational maneuvers is initiated to enable equal water distribution across the selected plant rack. The selected plant rack is then return to the original, assigned location based on a cessation of water emissions being detected.

Abstract: A plant-growing tray comprises a plurality of cells, each cell for containing in use a substrate for a plant or a cylindrical stabilised medium for propagating a plant. Each cell is formed from injection-moulded plastic and comprises a cell base and eight inclined side walls extending upwardly from the cell base, and each cell comprises four corner side walls having a corner wall gradient, and four stepped side walls which comprise an upper portion having an upper gradient, a lower portion having a lower gradient, and a step having a step gradient. The step is positioned between the upper portion and the lower portion, and the step gradient is less steep than the gradients of the upper portion and the lower portion of the side wall. Each cell comprises a pair of ribs on each of the four stepped walls, the ribs extending upwards from the cell base.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coherent propagation growth substrate product (1) formed of man-made vitreous fibres (MMVF), the product (1) having two opposed top and bottom surfaces and at least one cavity (2) which is open at the top surface and which extends from the top surface towards the bottom surface, wherein a superabsorbent polymer (3) is provided in the cavity (2).

Abstract: A flexible bioprocess bag comprising a number of flexible panels which are sealed to each other such that when the bag is filled they form at least a bottom of the bag and a side surface of the bag, wherein one of the flexible panels is called a bottom panel and when the bag is filled said bottom panel will constitute the bottom of the bag and parts of the side surface of the bag, said parts of the side surface being bent side parts of the bottom panel.

Abstract: A tessellated ceramic apparatus for plant growth is set forth devised to support germination and plant growth upon an exterior surface. Water moves under osmotic pressure from a water storage volume disposed in osmotic communication with the ceramic, through the ceramic to become available water at the exterior surface. A graduated cross-section regulates water flow from a water storage volume through to the exterior surface along a pressure gradient exerted by the water head. Plant growth is facilitated within a plurality of tessellated indentations disposed upon the exterior surface and growth may be restricted from areas of the exterior surface by application of gloss, glaze, sealants and/or other surface features that may blend design elements to augment and support a living design.

Abstract: Glycan Composites and methods for rendering glycan composites for the treatment of photosynthetic organisms, including the steps of formulating branched glycan deglycosylates into coordination complex compositions resulting in water-borne availability; stability during storage; applying a suitable volume of the resulting mixture to one or more photosynthetic organisms; delivery to photosynthetic organisms; metabolically based growth of crops; enhanced qualities and increased quantities of crops; and systems and compositions for the same.

Abstract: A plant-growing container (500) can include a lower portion (506) and a wall (502) extending upwardly from the lower portion (506). The wall (502) can include a first aperture (512). The plant-growing container (500) can further include an orifice (510) formed by an upper portion (504) of the wall (502) and configured to receive a removable seed receptacle. The plant-growing container (500) can further include a reservoir provided by a lower portion (506) of the wall (502). The container (500) can be configured to be removably inserted into a port of a module of a plant-growing system, wherein the reservoir can be configured to receive a first volume of fluid from a fluid that is circulated through the plant-growing system.

Abstract: To achieve a structure that prevents water from spilling from a receiving tray when the receiving tray is pulled out from a pot stand. A receiving tray for a pot stand is adapted to receive drained water from a pot stand that includes an upper surface part having a hole and an opening. The receiving tray includes a main body that is movable with respect to the opening in a predetermined direction X, and a plurality of wave suppressing members that extend in a width direction Y on a bottom surface of the main body and are arranged at an interval in the predetermined direction X. The plurality of wave suppressing members include first wave suppressing members and a second wave suppressing member 32 that extends from a side wall surface of the main body in a gap between the first wave suppressing members in the predetermined direction X.

Abstract: Foldable plant pot with removable hooking for the configuration of vertical gardens that is manufactured from a foldable flat square structure manipulated by folds and cuts to obtain a conical reservoir with angular shapes. It has a hooking system that allows them to be suspended in vertical structures, preferably of the mesh type, thanks to the pressure generated by the folds of the material and which also allow it to come off when this pressure is reduced so that it can be placed elsewhere. When the plant is moved, it is not affected as its root remains intact in the conical reservoir and the stem is secured by a support ring which prevents it from dropping in the event of sudden movements. In the same way, it has containment flaps that partially close the conical reservoir and prevent the substrate from being extracted by external agents such as sudden movements, winds, birds, etc.

Abstract: The invention relates to a completely or partially compostable turf (202, 300) the turf being a completely or partially compostable artificial turf or a hybrid turf (202) comprising a completely or partially compostable hybrid turf support, the turf comprising a decomposition inhibitor, the decomposition inhibitor in the turf being adapted to lose its functionality or leave the turf until a defined period of time has elapsed.

Abstract: A system for growing plants and monitoring the growth of plants, comprising a gardening system and a server. The gardening system comprises a frame that defines a housing for receiving a tray of plants. The gardening system also has a lighting subsystem and watering subsystem to provide light and water to the plants. Sensors and cameras of the gardening system may capture data corresponding to the conditions of the gardening system and health of the plant. Based on the captured data, the server may use machine learning to determine optimal plant growing thresholds, and may send a control command to a controller of the gardening system to change one or more conditions of the gardening system. The plants grown by the system may be nutritious, and the bioavailability of the nutrients of the plants may be increased.

Abstract: This invention discloses a modular aeroponics assembly. The assembly comprises base section and a planter section atop the base section. The planter section comprises modular drawers which hold planter pods. The base section comprises a reservoir configured to hold water and nutrients. A plurality of full complete modular drawer assemblies are stacked one top the other to form a single rack assembly. A plurality of such single rack assemblies are stacked side by side to form a multi-rack assembly. Planter pods, which hold plants, are aligned along an axis which is angularly displaced, operatively outwards, about a vertical axis. Noise dampeners are provided just adjacent to each corresponding planter pod. Use of incline geometry, in conjunction with noise dampeners, substantially eliminates noise, wastage, and inefficiencies caused due to water falling upon water and/or water hitting solid.

Abstract: An indoor gardening appliance includes a liner defining a grow chamber and a grow module rotatably mounted within the grow chamber for receiving a plurality of plant pods. A grow module is provided for receiving pods within apertures of the grow module, which includes locking tabs configured for slidably engaging with slots, which are defined in each pod. The grow module and the pods have complementary tapered interfaces that form a seal when the locking tabs are slidably engaged with the slots.

Abstract: A hydroponic grow assembly including an assembly base and at least one plant structure removably connectable to the assembly base to form a plant wall for growing plants. The plant structure includes a plurality of plant wells opened to a root chamber and the base includes a bottom structure enclosed by a perimeter wall to form an inner cavity of a reservoir tank to supply water to the root chamber of the plant structure. The bottom structure includes a support feature within the inner cavity of the reservoir tank to support the at least one plant structure in an upright position to form the plant wall of the assembly.

Abstract: A frame including at least two hangers and at least two vertical members, each of the vertical members attached to at least one of the hangers on a first side of the vertical members, and a bottom attached to a second side of the each of the vertical members.

Abstract: A flexible bioprocess bag comprising a number of flexible panels which are sealed to each other such that when the bag is filled they form at least a bottom of the bag and a side surface of the bag, wherein one of the flexible panels is called a bottom panel and when the bag is filled said bottom panel will constitute the bottom of the bag and parts of the side surface of the bag, said parts of the side surface being bent side parts of the bottom panel.

Abstract: Proximity triggered water fountains may have proximity sensors configured to detect target(s), a processing unit communicably coupled to proximity sensors configured to transfer data related to the target(s) to the processing unit, nozzles and nozzle controllers, and collectors configured to receive water projected from the nozzles. The nozzle controllers may be controlled based on data received from the sensors. The nozzle controllers may be coupled to the nozzles of a water circulation system configured to adjust a water projection angle from the nozzles with respect to the ground. The water circulation system may use tank(s), pump(s), and supply and return line(s), with the nozzles, tank(s), pump(s), and supply and return line(s), being in fluid communication. The nozzles and collectors may be displaced a horizontal distance from each other such that outlets of the nozzles are not vertically above the collectors.

Abstract: A tessellated ceramic apparatus for plant growth is set forth devised to support germination and plant growth upon an exterior surface. Water moves under osmotic pressure from a water storage volume disposed in osmotic communication with the ceramic, through the ceramic to become available water at the exterior surface. A graduated cross-section regulates water flow from a water storage volume through to the exterior surface along a pressure gradient exerted by the water head. Plant growth is facilitated within a plurality of tessellated indentations disposed upon the exterior surface and growth may be restricted from areas of the exterior surface by application of gloss, glaze, sealants and/or other surface features that may blend design elements to augment and support a living design.

Abstract: A plant pot comprising a first reservoir, in which the first reservoir has a base and at least one first side wall extending upwardly from an outer periphery of the base. The plant pot further comprising at least one second side wall formed in the first reservoir extending upwardly from the base. The at least one second side wall forming a second reservoir in the first reservoir, and wherein the second reservoir is integrally formed from the base of the first reservoir.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for growing plants out of seeds on a water surface. The system has a buoyant plate with a number of passages extending between the top surface and the parallel bottom surface. The plate floats on a water surface. A container is arranged in each passage and a growing seed is arranged in each container.

Abstract: A plant tray having a bottom and a sidewall. The bottom has at least one prominence rising from the inner surface of the bottom. The at least two prominences have at least one elevated drainage opening that is elevated above the inner surface of the bottom. A planting is made with at least one plant that is grown in soil in the plant tray and has air pruned roots at the at least one elevated drainage opening. The medium, such as soil, is watered to allow water to initially reside in the inner surface of the bottom to a level limited by the at least one elevated drainage opening.

Abstract: A horticultural container includes a tag slot for receiving a display tag. The tag slot has an inner wall and an outer wall spaced widthwise from one another, and one of the inner or outer walls has at least two curved peaks separated by a valley and extending into the slot towards the other of the inner or outer wall to hold the tag against the other of the inner or outer wall. The peaks provide a radius that reduces cracking of the tag and increases longevity thereof, and reduces tag sagging, collapsing, or curling.

Abstract: The pot for culturing an epiphyte is integrally injection molded from a transparent plastic. The pot has a bottom, a lower edge, an upper edge and a sidewall extending between the lower edge and the upper edge. The sidewall of the pot is provided with an outwardly protruding lip at the level of the upper edge. A cross section through the sidewall of the pot, tangent to the lower face of the lip, has a substantially hexagonal or octagonal shape. Consequently, the pot, at least at the top, is hexagonal or octagonal, thus allowing more pots to be positioned per unit area compared to a round shape having the same diameter as the diameter of the circumscribed circle of the hexagonal or octagonal shape.

Abstract: A plant cultivation device and a plant cultivation method are disclosed. The plant cultivation device includes: a holder including at least one plant cultivation layer; a lighting unit disposed in the at least one plant cultivation layer to allow light emitted from the lighting unit to irradiate a plant cultivated in the plant cultivation layer; an illuminance detecting unit configured to detect an illuminance in the plant cultivation layer to obtain an illuminance measurement; and a control unit configured to obtain the illuminance measurement and adjust a lighting intensity of the lighting unit according to the illuminance measurement.

Abstract: A microgreens grower includes: a chamber; a seed support disposed above the chamber, the seed support having a structure which is configured to prevent seeds of a predetermined size from falling through, but is permeable to water; a mist generator disposed below the seed support and in communication with a water reservoir; at least one grow light disposed above the seed support; and an electronic controller operable to selectively provide electrical power to the mist generator and the at least one grow light.

Abstract: A molded pot is provided with imperfections manufactured by manufacturing mold tooling with imperfections by obtaining a handmade pot. The handmade pot is scanned to obtain geometric data. The geometric data is converted to mold tooling geometric data. Mold tooling is manufactured from the mold tooling geometric data. The handmade pot is obtained with imperfections. The handmade pot is scanned to obtain the geometric data of the handmade pot with the imperfections. The geometric data is converted to mold tooling geometric data with the imperfections. The mold tooling is manufactured with imperfections. A pot is molded with imperfections from the mold tooling.

Abstract: A pot with a base is pivotally connected to, and supported upon a saucer. A cam surface is provided between the saucer and the pot so that rotation of the pot in a first rotary direction relative to the saucer extends the pot from the saucer, and rotation of the pot in a second rotary direction relative to the saucer retracts the pot to the saucer.

Abstract: A lid and strainer basket assembly for use in a recirculating system of a swimming pool installation including a swimming pool and a deck, the recirculating system having a skimmer device extending downwardly from an opening proximate to the deck and coupled to a pump for recirculating the water in the swimming pool, the lid and strainer basket assembly including a removable lid closing the opening, a strainer basket in the skimmer device for collecting debris from the water, and an assembly of straps coupling the removable lid to the strainer basket, the straps being both sufficiently flexible and slacked between the lid and the strainer basket to enable the lid to be removed from the opening and tipped to one side to enable visual inspection of the strainer basket in the skimmer device without interference from the straps and without disturbing the strainer basket.

Abstract: A tessellated ceramic apparatus for plant growth is set forth devised to support germination and plant growth upon an exterior surface. Water moves under osmotic pressure from a water storage volume disposed in osmotic communication with the ceramic, through the ceramic to become available water at the exterior surface. A graduated cross-section regulates water flow from a water storage volume through to the exterior surface along a pressure gradient exerted by the water head. Plant growth is facilitated within a plurality of tessellated indentations disposed upon the exterior surface and growth may be restricted from areas of the exterior surface by application of gloss, glaze, sealants and/or other surface features that may blend design elements to augment and support a living design.

Abstract: A method is proposed for remotely growing plants in a planting zone that is divided into multiple planting areas. Via an electronic device that communicates with a remote automated planting sub-system in the planting zone, a user may select desired planting area(s) and desired type(s) of plant precursors on the electronic device, and remotely cause the remote automated planting sub-system to plant the selected type(s) of plant precursors into the selected planting area(s).

Abstract: Glycan Composites and methods for rendering glycan composites for the treatment of photosynthetic organisms, including the steps of formulating branched glycan deglycosylates into coordination complex compositions resulting in water-borne availability; stability during storage; applying a suitable volume of the resulting mixture to one or more photosynthetic organisms; delivery to photosynthetic organisms; metabolically based growth of crops; enhanced qualities and increased quantities of crops; and systems and compositions for the same.

Abstract: An air-root-pruning container for growing a plant and a unitary flat including a plurality of the containers. The air-root-pruning container includes a base and a sidewall upwardly extending from the base. The sidewall includes inwardly projecting ribs, each rib extending in an upward direction along the sidewall, and each rib having a first side and a second side. The sidewall further includes ledges extending from the first side of each rib, ledges extending from the second side of each rib, and holes through the sidewall, each hole being positioned adjacent a location where one of the ledges extends from one of the ribs. For each rib, each of the ledges extending from the first side of the rib extend from the rib at a location that is vertically offset from a location where each of the ledges extending from the second side of the rib extend from the rib.

Abstract: A hydroponic tower including a cavity defining a front tower surface and a rear inside surface, and further including a plant plug holder inserted within a cut-out defined in the front tower surface. The plant plug holder includes an edge member that encircles the cut-out, and a base member that supports a plant plug and extends rearward from the edge member and into the cavity of the tower. The plug holder further includes a rear shroud top member and a pair of side members that maintain the position of the plant plug within the plug holder such that the plant plug contacts the rear inside surface of the cavity when inserted into the plug holder.

Abstract: A plant plug holding unit is provided, the plant plug holding unit including at least one plant plug holder. The plant plug holding unit, which is configured to be inserted into a cut-out in a hydroponic tower face plate, includes an edge member that encircles the unit and is sealed to the rear surface of the front tower face. Each individual plant plug holder of the plant plug holding unit includes (i) a base member configured to support a plant plug and which extends rearward from the edge member and into the hydroponic tower cavity; (ii) a top shroud member that inhibits leakage as well as plug erosion; (iii) a pair of side members that maintain the position of the plant plug within the plug holder; and (iv) a plurality of open regions configured to promote water drainage from the plant plug.

Abstract: A plant container has a base and a sidewall upwardly extending from the base. The sidewall includes stepped sidewall sections that each include a plurality of generally vertical sidewall panels having successively larger cross-sectional dimensions with distance from the base and horizontal ledges extending between an upper edge of an adjacent lower one of the sidewall panels and a lower edge of an adjacent upper one of the sidewall panels. The sidewall further includes a plurality of ribs, where each rib is formed between two of the stepped sidewall sections and extends inwardly across the ledges of the two stepped sidewall sections. Each rib has two legs that extend apart to form an outwardly-directed open channel. Holes are formed in the sidewall for air root pruning, where each hole is formed directly between a ledge and a leg of one of the ribs.

Abstract: A dual-sided hydroponic tower utilizing separate body and face components coupled together with temporary fasteners. The tower includes a tower body that defines two vertical cavities. Attached to each vertical cavity is a tower face, each tower face including a plurality of plant container compatible cut-outs. By utilizing separate body and face components, the end user is able to easily switch tower face plates in order to adapt the tower to different plant container configurations. The multi-piece tower design also simplifies tower construction as well as tower maintenance between planting cycles.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for a container for a plant includes a body having a vertical axis, an open top, a base, a sidewall extending upward from the base, holes in the base and legs extending downward from the base. The holes comprise elongated slots and apertures that intersect each other.

Abstract: A plant tray having a bottom and a sidewall. The bottom has at least one prominence rising from the inner surface of the bottom. The at least two prominences have at least one elevated drainage opening that is elevated above the inner surface of the bottom. A planting is made with at least one plant that is grown in soil in the plant tray and has air pruned roots at the at least one elevated drainage opening. The medium, such as soil, is watered to allow water to initially reside in the inner surface of the bottom to a level limited by the at least one elevated drainage opening.

Abstract: The potted plant system of the present invention uses the space between the inner and outer pots as a reservoir for water. The water reservoir acts passively to transport water into the spoil of the inner pot which is subsequently used by the potted house plant. The reservoir is filled by over watering the inner pot and allowing the excess water to pass through the apertures within the inner pot. Passive transport of water from the reservoir to the soil occurs as the water saturation of the soil decreases. As a result, the soil and the potted plant remain hydrated for longer period of time as the reservoir continuously replenishes the water. The water within the reservoir can be drained through a quick connect sliding valve located on the outer pot. The quick connect sliding valve is either placed above another water receptacle or is fitted with a hose that transports the water to a drain.

Abstract: A pot for a plant may include a container having an axis that is vertical, a base, a sidewall extending upward from the base, an interior, an exterior, drain holes extending from the interior to the exterior and an interior bottom. The container may be configured to receive and be stacked with a second container inside of the container. In one example, the legs of the second container may be configured to extend through the drain holes of the container beyond the interior bottom of the container. In another example, the legs of the second container may be visible from the exterior of the first container.

Abstract: The present teachings provide for a horticulture tray including a growing cell. The growing cell can include a first end, a second end, and a sidewall. The first end can define a first aperture. The second end can be opposite to the first end. The sidewall can define a plurality of arcuate shaped chambers that can extend longitudinally between the first and second ends. Each arcuate shaped chamber can define a plant supporting portion proximate to and spaced apart from the second end. Each arcuate shaped chamber can continuously taper from the first end to the plant supporting portion at a first rate and can continuously taper from the plant supporting portion to the second end at a second rate. The second rate can be greater than the first rate.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an automated planter apparatus may include a reservoir container having a base with a sidewall coupled to and extending away from the base. A reservoir cavity may be disposed within the reservoir container and may be formed and bounded by the sidewall and base. A support lid may be configured to extend over and cover all or portions of the reservoir cavity. One or more receptacles may be disposed within the support lid, and each receptacle may be in fluid communication with the reservoir cavity. One or more pumps may be in fluid communication with the reservoir cavity and each receptacle. A plant container may be removably coupled within a receptacle. A processing unit may be in electrical communication with each pump and be configured to activate and control each pump.

Abstract: A rain water collection system for a blue roof system that includes a tray assembly comprising a container, a water absorbing layer located in said interior region of the container, ballast members and a cover plate. The water absorbing layer is supported on a first set of support surfaces to locate the water absorbing layer above the bottom wall of the container to provide a water collecting space into which will flow excess water that exceeds the water absorbing capacity of the water absorbing layer. The sidewalls of the container have openings therethrough to facilitate the passage of over flow water from the container and the introduction of air therethrough into the interior region. The upstanding columns have openings to facilitate the passage of air therethrough into the interior region of the container.

Abstract: Plant cultivation materials, which have the liquid retentivity and the liquid transitivity, which provide the best environment for plants respiration, which comprises polyesters, natural pulps and/or synthetic pulps such as polyolefin pulps, from which plants can absorb the amount of the elements necessary for the plant growth as much as plants want whenever plants want, and which provide the cultivation environment to accelerate the plant growth, and the plant cultivation methods by using the materials can be provided.

Abstract: A modular plant container includes a top having a plurality of inflow openings for receiving fluid. A bottom has a plurality of outflow openings for allowing the fluid to exit. A structure between the top and the bottom includes openings that allow light to reach a plant within the modular plant container. The structure forms a plurality of fluid paths. Each fluid path extends from one of the inflow openings in the top an associated outflow opening in the bottom. Each fluid path has a gap sized to allow a diverter. The diverter when present, divert fluid to a target location within the modular plant container.

Abstract: A growing tray system for growing soilless plants and sod utilizing trays for growing plants and sod without soil wherein the trays are easily stackable, movable, and are contoured with shapes such that roots may grow downward around the contoured shapes promoting interwoven geometric root structures.

Abstract: A floral display comprising a frame for securing water retaining florist foam in a decorative shape that may be hung for display. The floral display frame provides for simple securing of the foam and allows access to the foam for complete floral coverage.