Abstract: An apparatus for growing and harvesting a tangled mass composed of sprouted seed grain includes a plurality of overlying immobile, substantially planar surfaces having a length. Each surface is configured to receive a layer of seed grain that is permitted to grow for a predetermined period of time on each surface, the layer of seed grain becoming a continuous tangled mass of sprouted seed grain. An extraction device removes the mass from each surface. A cleaning device removes debris from each surface prior to each surface receiving a subsequent layer of seed grain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for sterilizing the soil for growing Korean ginseng by using an electron beam, which eliminates fungi harmful to ginseng's growth and development, and also relates to a system including: a conveyor which transfers the soil for growing Korean ginseng; a soil supplier which loads a predetermined amount of soil onto the conveyor to a predetermined height; an electron beam irradiator which applies electron beam to the soil for growing Korean ginseng being transferred by the conveyor to eliminate fungi contained in the soil for growing Korean ginseng; and an antagonistic rhizobacteria supplier which adds antagonistic rhizobacteria to the sterilized soil.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of plant breeding and concerns a method for determining the point at which a plant starts to flower. More specifically, the invention concerns a method for determining the start of flowering on an individual plant basis by measuring the reproductive structures of plants from digital images of these structures and deducing the start of flowering from the measurements and average growth rates. The invention also concerns apparatus for determining the start of flowering in plants, particularly in a high-throughput manner.

Abstract: A continuous-loop conveyor, towering upon vertical framework, which allows potted perennial plants and other plants to be transported throughout all stages of maturity in a manner which substantially multiplies yield per acre, allows production to proceed in both natural and artificial light, allows production and harvesting to be automated, and allows production to proceed in conditions which are favorable to plants but unfavorable to humans. The entire apparatus can be constructed of lightweight, cost-effective materials, which afford mass-production and mass-array into vast automatic growing operations.

Abstract: A multi-sided, rotating plant holder, including a hollow shell structure. Orifices are positioned along at least one side of that shell structure for accessing and replacing plants within that shell structure. The plants positioned in the hollow shell structure may include plugs for ease of placement and replacement in and out of the orifices. A growth medium contained within that shell structure secures the plants within the plant holder, and holds water and nutrients for absorption by the plants. The plant holder includes an upper base element that is rotatable upon a lower base element to allow for rotation to sunlight or artificial light.

Abstract: A plant container includes a container body having a conduit extending between an inlet connection and an outlet connection. A float valve assembly is in communication with the conduit within the container body for automatically controlling fluid entry into the container body from the conduit. A soil retention element is arranged in the container body above the float valve assembly. A method of using the self-watering plant container includes adding soil to an interior volume of the container body above the soil retention element, planting at least one seed in the soil, and connecting a water supply to an inlet connection of the conduit.

Abstract: A high-rise building (1) is described, which comprises a building structure (2) with floor structures (3), a double-skin facade comprising a first skin (5) and a second skin (6). The high-rise building also comprises at least one conveying system (7, 7?, 7?) arranged between the skins (5, 6) of the double-skin facade and arranged for moving trays (8) vertically between the skins (5, 6) between a starting position (9, 9?, 9?) and an end position (10, 10?, 10?). The conveying system (7, 7?, 7?) comprises essentially horizontal track portions (14) each having a length axis (15), track connecting means (18) which connect the track portions (14), and conveying means for movement of the trays (8) along the length axis (15) of the track portions (14) and along the track connecting means (19).

Abstract: A rotating stand includes a turner casing base and a turner casing top rotatably coupled with the turner casing base. A motor drive assembly is coupled with the turner casing base, wherein the motor drive assembly is configured to rotate the turner casing top relative to the turner casing base. A motor controller is coupled with the turner casing base, wherein the motor controller is configured to cause the motor drive assembly to rotate the turner casing top relative to the turner casing base using alternating clockwise and counter-clockwise rotational motions.

Abstract: A plant air purifying enclosure, or “PAPE,” contained within an unconditioned space, either within or outside a building, containing therein a plant air purifier, which is used to purify air using plants and microbes growing therein. The PAPE enclosure itself receives poor indoor quality air from within structure where the PAPE is located or from a structure close by along with thermal energy which keeps the plant air purifier enclosure at a suitable temperature for the plants and air cleaning microbes within the air purifier. Poor air enters the enclosure, is purified by the plants and microbes, and returns in purified form back to the habitable space from which it was taken. This lowers the amount of outside air needed for ventilation purposes and so lessens a building's overall energy consumption while providing efficiently for naturally purified air.

Abstract: An automated gravimetric screening system and method controls soil moisture in a plurality of potted plants to perform water deficit experiments in a greenhouse using a stationary support platform and pot design that maintains the plants in a static location during the testing. By weighing and re-watering the pots from beneath the platform, the present system and method permits an upper gantry to capture high resolution images, temperature data, or other sensor data to quantify the plant stress level or plant canopy characteristics during the experiment.

Abstract: An onsite integrated production factory having an electrolytic plant, an ethanol plant, a vegetable plant, a culturing plant, and a power generation unit. The onsite integrated production facility is arranged so that fresh water, sulfuric acid or caustic soda produced by and received from the electrolytic plant is used in the ethanol plant to produce and output oxalic acid, sodium oxalate, fuel bioethanol. The oxalic acid or sodium oxalate produced in and received from the ethanol plant is used for removing calcium contained in the sea water in the electrolytic plant. The vegetable plant produces vegetables for generation and outputting of oxygen by receiving the carbon dioxide generated during the fermentation process in the ethanol plant and fresh water from the electrolytic plant. The culturing plant has a fishery farm or reef for using the oxygen generated in the vegetable plant.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automaton useful in cultivating or phenotyping a plurality of plants in a controlled environment, including a plate on which a plurality of movable cultivation substrate holders is placed, said movable holders being capable of consecutively taking every possible position on the surface of said plate. The invention also relates to a facility useful in cultivating or phenotyping a plurality of plants in a controlled environment, particularly including said automaton, and further to a method useful in cultivating or phenotyping a plurality of plants in a controlled environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for sterilizing the soil for growing Korean ginseng by using an electron beam, which eliminates fungi harmful to ginseng's growth and development, and also relates to a system including: a conveyor which transfers the soil for growing Korean ginseng; a soil supplier which loads a predetermined amount of soil onto the conveyor to a predetermined height; an electron beam irradiator which applies electron beam to the soil for growing Korean ginseng being transferred by the conveyor to eliminate fungi contained in the soil for growing Korean ginseng; and an antagonistic rhizobacteria supplier which adds antagonistic rhizobacteria to the sterilized soil.

Abstract: An apparatus (6) for the cultivation of plants (10) is provided, the apparatus (6) comprising a track assembly (7,8,9,10); a plurality of support assemblies (5,6) mounted to the track assembly (7,8,9,10) so as to be moveable therealong; each support assembly comprising a receptacle for one or more plants (10), wherein the receptacle is removable from the apparatus. A growing room (2), such as a glasshouse or the like, comprising such an apparatus (6) is also provided.

Abstract: A plant-growing apparatus has a plurality of rotatable plant-growing modules which can be moved between two positions, separated vertically or horizontally. Each module comprises a cylindrical structure for holding plant-growing containers in which the plants grow radially inwardly of the cylindrical structure toward a light source. The apparatus has module support means for supporting each module and rotating it in a substantially horizontal position. The apparatus has module moving means, for example sprocket driven chains, for conveying the modules between the two positions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conveying system for moving containers (14), the conveying system (4) comprising an inclined track (8) and a conveying device (24), where the track (8) has an container inlet (11) at the bottom (12) and an container outlet (15) at the top (16) and where the conveying device (24) is arranged to travel down (R) the track (8) and comprises a container moving unit (54) which after passage below a container (14) moves the container (14) one step up (L) the track (8), the conveying device (24) thus moving one container (14) at a time one step up (L) the track (8) during the downward (R) travel of the conveying device (24). The invention also relates to a tower structure (2) comprising a container conveying system (4), and a method for conveying containers (14) with a conveying system (4).

Abstract: A container for plants includes an integral structure having a bottom wall, a side wall extending upward to an edge forming an open top, and an elongated member extending downward from an opening in the bottom wall for attachment of the container to the soil of a garden. In one version, the elongated member is removably attached to the container, and a plug is provided for the opening, so that the container can be placed on a flat surface for displaying a plant that is later placed in a garden area in the container with the elongated member extending into the soil.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to an improved plant breeding system. More particularly, this invention relates to a method for automated, high throughput analysis of plant phenotype and plant genotype in a breeding program.

Abstract: Methods and associated apparatus for automatically growing agricultural crops vertically and/or in a continuous fashion throughout each year (Vertical Farm) in combination with contiguous and co-located production of biofuel, food, biomass for the purpose of carbon sequestering (carbon credits), and biomass electric power generation. A process that incorporates vast arrays of continuous-loop conveyors, towering upon vertical framework, which allow potted plants to be transported throughout all stages of maturity in a manner which substantially multiplies yield per acre, allows production to proceed in both natural and artificial light, allows production and harvesting to be automated, and allows production to proceed in conditions which are highly favorable to plants but unfavorable to humans. The entire apparatus can be constructed of lightweight, cost-effective materials which afford mass-production and mass-array into vast automatic growing operations.

Abstract: A continuous-loop conveyor, towering upon vertical framework, which allows potted perennial plants and other plants to be transported throughout all stages of maturity in a manner which substantially multiplies yield per acre, allows production to proceed in both natural and artificial light, allows production and harvesting to be automated, and allows production to proceed in conditions which are favorable to plants but unfavorable to humans. The entire apparatus can be constructed of lightweight, cost-effective materials, which afford mass-production and mass-array into vast automatic growing operations.

Abstract: A continuous loop plant growing system includes a channel having a moving floor, a growing medium contained in the channel, at least one plant, at least one light, and at least one chopper. The moving floor transports the growing medium around a continuous loop dividable into a planting zone, a growing zone, a harvesting zone, and a decomposing zone.

Abstract: A method for restoring aquatic marsh vegetation in situ on an open body of water, including the steps of (A) floating on the body of water at least one buoyant system which comprises at least one flotation apparatus connected to a matrix, sized and configured to support the vegetation, and water-contacting means for raising and lowering the matrix relative to the surface of the water, (B) suspending marsh vegetation within the matrix, and (C) periodically and repetitively raising and lowering the matrix relative to the surface of the water by action of the water-contacting means so that a varying level of water is provided to at least a portion of a root region of the vegetation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for growing plants in a rotatable, horizontal, drum-like configuration, wherein plants grow inwards towards a centrally located light source, includes plant receiving hollow members each having a recessed slot facing the light source with a plurality of apertures at the base thereof for receiving plant holders and defining, with the outer walls of the hollow member, reservoirs on each side thereof for holding water when the plants are generally inverted.

Abstract: A floral arrangement assembly according to the present invention embodiments provides protection and maintenance of a floral arrangement during display, transport and/or shipping. The floral arrangement assembly includes a floral retaining structure, a base to secure the floral retaining structure and a cover. The floral retaining structure includes a floral holding material secured to a platform via a suitable adhesive. A plurality of prongs may further be secured to the platform and utilized to engage the floral holding material. The floral retaining structure may further include a plate secured to the assembly base with the platform secured to the plate via a plurality of ties. Alternatively, the floral retaining structure may be secured directly to the assembly base via the plurality of ties. The floral arrangement assembly may be placed within a water proof bag or other containers, where optional cooling and absorption materials may be placed underneath the assembly.

Abstract: Plant supporting apparatuses designed to hang a planter and plant at a variety of desired locations without lines for external electrical or water supply. Power is provided by solar cells. This construction allows the placement of plants almost anywhere and provides desired routine maintenance automatically. The apparatuses rotate the plant to grow uniformly even though incident light is non-uniform. There are two main assemblies which rotate relative to each other. A pump transfers liquids from a reservoir to a dispensing outlet onto a planter. The pump may be configured to move within the reservoir to stir the water, fertilizer or other liquids being fed to the planter. A planter is also shown which has solar cells and other parts mounted thereon. A control system is used to control operation and ambient light and reservoir liquid level are sensed.

Abstract: A flowerpot 1 made of plastic, in particular in a deep-drawn embodiment having a bottom 7 that is provided with holes and hollow layer regions of the bottom 7 on the bottom side for connecting the holes to the environment on the bottom side is designed so that the holes 12, 13 are arranged at least partially in the bottom areas 8, 9, 10, 11 which sit without any spacers for distancing on a supporting surface and have channels 14, 15 in the form of a bottom channeling crisscrossing through the lower area in at least two directions and leading out to the edges. These channels ensure drainage of the flowerpot at the bottom and optionally watering of the pot without providing feet or edge webs on the bottom that would be susceptible entanglement when being shifted on working surfaces or in conveyance with the help of conveyor belts and which can lead to deformation and resilient recoil movements when work is done by machine, in particular when the pots are being placed on a substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flower pot (1) made of deep drawn plastic material and provided for a hanging flower pot wherein a suspension part (2) comprises a plurality of strands (5) that are linked via hook clips (3) with the pot rim (4) that has an outer continuous contour. The aim of the invention is to provide a flower pot that, in accordance with the special technical conditions during the deep drawing, is provided with a fixation of the seat (7) of the hook clips (3), while maintaining a good distribution of suspension loads between the pot and the hook clips and safeguarding an appealing yet easy to handle shape. To achieve this aim, the pot rim (4) has tapered sections extending inwards towards a wall contiguous with the bottom. These tapered sections form a seat (7) for the hook clips (3).

Abstract: A helical plant growing system for efficiently growing various types of plants. The helical plant growing system generally includes a reservoir, a support column including a passageway, wherein the support column is fluidly connected to the reservoir. A pump is fluidly connected between the reservoir and the support column. A plant bed extends outwardly from the support column opposite the reservoir, wherein the plant bed is comprised of a helical configuration.

Abstract: A floating habitat designed to be renewably buoyant, self-sustaining and optionally specialized for waterfowl nesting. The first embodiment comprises one or more flotation units, a source of compressed air, and a means for connecting the source of compressed air to the flotation units. Each flotation unit comprises an individual supply hose, an inflatable bladder, a relief valve, a diffusing manifold, bottom mesh, top mesh, and buoyant growth medium. An alternative embodiment comprises a self-compensating buoyancy system. In the waterfowl nesting embodiment, the floating habitat includes one or more waterfowl nesting structures and construction material selected to optimize the nesting habitat. The floating habitat can be comprised of scrap pieces or layers of polyester mesh material. The floating habitats can be combined to provide safe habitat for juvenile waterfowl, encourage colony nesting, or allow a variety of waterfowl or shore bird species to enjoy suitable habitat on the same floating habitat.

Abstract: A transportable fodder production unit (1) comprising an insulated container (4) wherein said insulated container (4) contains a racking system (7), an irrigation system (11), a lighting system (15) and a thermal control system (6), said racking system (7) having a plurality of shelves (8) extending from the rear of the container (4) to the front of the container (4), said shelves (8) being of sufficient width to receive at least one fodder growing tray (10) and of sufficient depth to receive a predetermined number of rows of trays (10) to cycle through the container (4) in a growing period whereby seeded trays (10) can be loaded onto the rear of the shelves (8) and trays (10) with mats of grown fodder can be removed from the front of the shelves (8), said trays (10) being urged forward by an operator as the fodder progresses through the growing period and wherein the irrigation system (11) comprises a plurality of spray heads (9) positioned in the racking system (7) for periodically spraying each tray (10) w

Abstract: A rotary plant growing apparatus has a cylindrical structure rotatably mounted on a support base. The cylindrical structure consists of a plurality of baskets in which plants may be grown and rotates around a rotational axis such that the baskets are at least partially immersed in nutrient reservoir containing a liquid nutrient for nourishing the plants. A light source extending at least partially through the cylindrical structure provides light for growth of plants. The baskets are securely and removably attached to rims of the cylindrical structures by pins extending therefrom and which have heads which retaining the pins in apertures therefore on the rims. A motor and gear arrangement provides rotation of the cylindrical structure.

Abstract: A method for restoring aquatic marsh vegetation in situ on an open body of water, including the steps of (A) floating on the body of water at least one buoyant system which comprises at least one flotation apparatus connected to a matrix, sized and configured to support the vegetation, and water-contacting means for raising and lowering the matrix relative to the surface of the water, (B) suspending marsh vegetation within the matrix, and (C) periodically and repetitively raising and lowering the matrix relative to the surface of the water by action of the water-contacting means so that a varying level of water is provided to at least a portion of a root region of the vegetation.

Abstract: A system and method for rotating multiple plants through light on a continual basis and feeding plants while they are rotated. This system is able to provide the plants with food and water at levels inputted into its control panel. The water which runs through the system can be re-circulated and used by the plants. The system aerates the water in the re-circulation chamber before it is put back onto the plants. This system also has the capabilities to test the pH and nutrient level of the growing media which can include but is not limited to one or more of the following: spun rock, clay pellets, soil, or any other hydroponic growing media.

Abstract: A flower box assembly comprising an inner box and an inner box holder, the inner box having a bottom wall and at least one closed sidewall, such that it is at least partly fillable with water, the inner box holder having at least one sidewall and an open lower side and upper side, the inner box being provided with means with the aid of which the inner box is detachably connectible with the inner box holder, while, preferably, the inner box holder and the inner box are so designed that onto an assembly of an inner box holder and an inner box, a second inner box holder is placeable in inverted position, the downwardly directed upper side of the second inner box holder engaging an upper side of the inner box, or the upper side of the first inner box holder.

Abstract: A buoyant planter and its use. In one embodiment, the invention is a buoyant planter comprising: a nonwoven matrix body comprising fibers; a plurality of buoyant foam units integrated into said nonwoven matrix to produce a buoyant mass, said buoyant foam units being comprised of an expanded, cured polymer resin that envelopes a portion of said fibers to produce foamed zones; and a hydrophilic growth medium that is supported by said nonwoven matrix body. In another embodiment, the invention is a buoyant planter comprising: a nonwoven matrix body comprising fibers; a plurality of substantially vertical capillary channels within said nonwoven matrix body, each of said substantially vertical capillary channels having an upper end; and a grass sod disposed on said nonwoven matrix body and in communication with said upper ends.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus which is designed to hold a plurality of cultivation beds for mushrooms or other agricultural products, each rotating on two different axes. The three disclosed embodiments operate according to different configurations but all provide similar functionality for the apparatus, enabling the frames holding the cultivation beds to rotate in two different circular motions independently or in congruence. The overall design of the preferred embodiments of the apparatus resemble that of an elaborate Ferris wheel and includes a central wheel assembly, and a number of secondary wheel assemblies each holding a plurality of cultivation beds which are positioned on the perimeter of the central wheel assembly. The first rotating motion is around the axis of the central wheel and the second is of each secondary rotating mechanism around its axis.

Abstract: A floatable plant cultivation system that comprises a plurality of buoyant bases secured together and float on a water surface. One or more of the bases includes means for supporting one or more plants. The bases have side edges that abut one another and are secured together. In a preferred embodiment, the bases are rectangular mats fabricated from a closed-cell foam plastic material. Each of the bases has at least one side edge wherein a plurality of indentations are spaced apart along the side edge forming a plurality of protrusions and each indentation is positioned between consecutively spaced protrusions. The side edges of respective bases are joined together such that the protrusions on one base are positioned in mating relationship with the indentations of another base. In addition, or alternatively, the bases can be secured together by clips.

Abstract: This invention is a robot that enables efficient care of plants within the home or office environment via sensor readings and actuators which influence the environment accordingly. Several of these robots may be active at the same time, which leads to opportunities for cooperation and competition among these autonomous agents.

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

Abstract: A tree root ball wrapping apparatus (100) includes a circular platform (109, 113) for supporting a separable, open-frame, root-containment structure (103, 105, 107) having an inverted conical shape. A group of pivot joints (201, 203, 205, 207) are located at an upper section of the root-containment structure for separating the root-containment structure into half sections. In practice, the group of pivot joints can be opened during tree transplantation for providing removal of a root ball from the wrapping apparatus by opening the sections at the group of pivot joints for easily facilitating removal of the wrapping apparatus (100) from within a transplantation hole.

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

Abstract: A stackable deep-drawn plastic container has an at least slightly conical wall and a bottom connected to the conical wall. The wall has a rim area remote from the bottom. The rim area has a first ledge and a second ledge located below the first ledge. It also has an intermediate support area having a first end connected to the first ledge and a second end connected to the second ledge. A stacking spacing of the deep-drawn plastic container when stacked in a stack is determined by the first and second ledges. The first and second ledges in a plan view onto the rim area overlap at least partially. The intermediate support area has a first width at the first ledge that is smaller than a width at the second ledge. The intermediate support area has a wave shape at least at one of the first and second ends.

Abstract: A drainage tray suitable for use with plant pots is configured to collect and drain away excess plant treating fluids, such as water, fertilizer and the like, that drain from the plant pot. The drainage tray has a base member with a bottom having a side wall extending generally vertically from its periphery to form a reservoir with a generally open top and closed bottom. A drainage orifice in the base member connects to a tubular member, such as a hose, to drain the excess fluids from the reservoir to a suitable disposal site away from the area of the potted plant. Support members and stabilizer members are used to facilitate use of the drainage tray. The drainage tray prevents the accumulation of fluid near a potted plant that can damage or stain the deck, floor, sidewalk or other support surface and/or cause persons to slip and fall.

Abstract: A planting assembly (10) including a flexible trough member (12) which may selectively form a plurality of members which may be then selectively interconnected in any desired manner.

Abstract: A portable gardening station comprising a bed for containing a growing medium. The bed has a base comprising a shoulder, a trough, and a raised center portion, wherein the trough is lower than the shoulder and raised center portion. The underside of the bed is reinforced with structural ribs to provide sufficient rigidity so that the base does not deflect under the weight of the growing medium. The gardening station has a perforated growing medium baseplate which is supported by the shoulder and raised center portion of the base. The baseplate is operative to support the growing medium and to allow water to drain from the growing medium through the baseplate and into the trough. The trough has a drain to allow water from the growing medium to exit the gardening station. The gardening station is supported by a structural assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus suitable for use in conjunction with a container in which one or more plants is growing and having associated with it a device for receiving an enquiry signal and automatically responding by transmitting an unique identifier signal the apparatus comprising

Abstract: The present invention relates to multi-barrel plant inoculation gun for a rapid large-scale plant and virus inoculation comprising (a) liquid container for inoculum solution (27); (b) compressed-gas source; (c) at least one compressed gas fast-discharge-container (28) having a gas inlet (34) connected to the compressed-gas source, and a gas outlet connected to a gas fast-discharge-valve; (29) (d) plurality of jet-injection units (35) each comprised of a body (20) having a liquid inlet (24) connected to the liquid container (27), gas inlet (23) connected to the gas fast-discharge (29) and a jet-outlet (21) internally connected to the liquid and gas inlets, (e) control unit for triggering-on the fast-discharge-valve; (f) chassis for positioning and supporting said elements.

Abstract: Packaging for cut flowers comprises: a rectangular crate (1) with sloping side walls which are provided close to their top walls with a channel (5, 6, 7) that projects outwards and is open at the top, the base of which channel serves to support a foldable rectangular protective tube (2). In order to be able to nest a number of crates (1) deeply into one another without risk of binding, a shoulder (9) is arranged between the top edge of the sloping side walls of the crate and the base (7) or the bottom end of the inner flange (6) of the channel (5, 6, 7) open at the top. Said shoulder can also serve as support for a rectangular presentation collar.

Abstract: An isolated artificial cultivating room includes a number of cultivating frames each having a number of vertically spaced growth plates for plants. A cultivating device is provided for each cultivating frame and movable under automatic control for supplying water, fertilizer, pesticide, and sunlight to the plants on each growth plate. Growth of the plants is not affected by natural environment and damage to the plants by bugs is reduced. Production and quality of the plants can be planned and assured.

Abstract: The growing room includes a closed loop track suspended above the floor and extending throughout the room. A plurality of racks are movably supported on the track by a motorized mover system. The racks include a frame for supporting a plurality of growing sheets for supporting and growing the plants. The growing sheets are made of a translucent material and include a plurality of growing cells formed by affixing a plurality of lengths of membrane material to the sheet at predetermined locations. The growing cells are gas permeable, liquid impermeable, and translucent.