Abstract: An automated crop production system for controlled environment agriculture that includes a horizontal-to-vertical grow tower interface between a vertical grow structure that includes vertical grow towers and associated conveyance mechanisms for moving the vertical grow towers through a controlled environment, and a processing system that performs one or more processing operations—such as harvesting, cleaning and/or transplanting—on the grow towers in a substantially horizontal orientation. The present disclosure also describes an automated crop production system for controlled environment agriculture that selectively routes grow towers through various processing stages of an automated crop production system.

Abstract: A planter includes a wall and a rim formed at an open end portion of the wall. A set of holes is formed through the wall and is disposed on a surface beneath the rim. The surface beneath the rim includes a shape to obscure a view of the hole below the rim.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for a sensor carrier, and intelligent track infrastructure for the navigation and operation of the sensor carrier are described. The sensor carrier is an autonomous robot navigating a track. The carrier holds cameras and other sensors to receive horticultural images and telemetry for plants in a grow operation. The carrier reads embedded signals in the track including Radio Frequency Identifier (RFID) tags, embedded positioning magnets, and drilled hole patterns for a beam breaking system to determine navigation and operation. For tracks placed at sharp angles, a transfer station with wall guards to prevent the carrier from falling enable safe transfers from different track segments. Additional features include an emergency stop (e-stop) switch and power management for autonomous sensor carriers.

Abstract: A paneling structure for configuring landscaping designs, living wall designs, and green wall designs. The paneling structure includes a panel structure and a planter structure that is affixed to the panel structure. The planter structure has a container like structure with sidewalls. One of the planter sidewalls include male protrusion members which engage with female members provided as openings along the front face of the panel structure to mount the planter to the panel. The panel structure further includes perimeter side edges being lined with male and female members. The male members of the panel structure engage with the female member of other panel structures to form a wall panel. An irrigation assembly may also be implemented into the paneling structure.

Abstract: A vertical farming structure having vertical grow towers and associated conveyance mechanisms for moving the vertical grow towers through a controlled environment, while being exposed to controlled lighting, airflow, humidity and nutritional support. The present disclosure describes a reciprocating cam mechanism that provides a cost-efficient mechanism for conveying vertical grow towers in the controlled environment. The reciprocating cam mechanism can be arranged to increase the spacing of the grow towers as they are conveyed through the controlled environment to index the crops growing on the towers. The present disclosure also describes an irrigation system that provides aqueous nutrient solution to the grow towers.

Abstract: The described technology relates to a water culture block, which can be stacked in multiple stages along a wall surface, and a water culture device having the same. The water culture block can include a block body including side plates each having an opening, and a bottom plate connected to the side plates to form a receiving space, and at least one overflow tube having a hollow portion and configured to pass through the bottom plate to communicate an inside of the block body with an outside thereof. The water culture block can also include a water tray body formed at an upper portion of the block body and having a through hole for providing a fluid to the receiving space, and a pipe in communication with the through hole and coupled to the water tray body to support the water tray body on the bottom plate.

Abstract: A method for controlling a balanced state of an assembly line grow pod is provided. A group of sensors including a pressure sensor and a weight sensor is arranged at a plurality of different locations of an assembly line grow pod. A first set of data indicative of weight of fluid supplied to plants supported in an assembly line grow pod is generated. A second set of data indicative of weight of plants grown is generated. Based on the first set of data and the second set of data, a weight disparity at a selected location of the assembly line grow pod is determined. Upon determination that the weight disparity exceeds a predetermined threshold, the balanced state of the assembly line grow pod is maintained by moving ballast water to reduce the weight disparity.

Abstract: A modularly constructed column element is proposed for the vertical cultivation of plants which are nourished by wetting the roots with an aqueous nutrient solution, the individual parts of said column element being able to be stacked in a space-saving manner and transported, assembled, disassembled and cleaned very easily. The modular structure of the column element includes a lid part, a base part and at least one wall ring between the lid part and the base part. The wall ring is composed of a plurality of ring segments, in which the planting openings are formed, in which plants can be positioned such that their roots grow into the interior of the column element. The lid part is arranged on the end side on the uppermost wall ring and the base part is arranged on the end side on the lowermost wall ring.

Abstract: A greenwall cladding system for the growth of organisms such as plants and fungi on the side of structures, such as internal and external walls of buildings, is provided. Methods for the production of organisms on a greenwall cladding system, such as plants and fungi are also provided herein.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hydroculture pot that can store an optimum amount of water at which a water level is appropriate for a depth of roots. A soil culture pot, having a supply and drainage hole that enables supplying and draining of water in a bottom portion, is used and a partitioning wall, vertically partitioning an interior of the pot main body in a watertight manner to store an optimum amount of water at which a water level is appropriate for a depth of roots of a spider plant, is disposed at an inner circumferential surface of a pot main body. An interior of the pot main body is filled with hydroculture soil and the optimum amount of water is stored in the pot main body so that the water level appropriate for the depth of roots of spider plant planted in the pot main body is a maximum level.

Abstract: A modular aeroponic growing column has an elongated first body, a fluid receiving cap, a fluid draining base cap, and a plurality of growing receptacles. The elongated first body includes a fluid receiving end, an opposite fluid draining end, an interior receiving space extending between the fluid receiving end and the fluid draining end, and a plurality of growing receptacle receiving openings positioned on the first body. The plurality of growing receptacles is positioned in the growing receptacle receiving openings.

Abstract: A double walled holder is provided. The double-walled holder provides a floor and walls capable of attachment of various hooks to the walls of the holder. The double-walled holder has an interior cavity to receive an insert. The double-walled holder holds images and momentoes as well as receiving an insert capable of holding a plant.

Abstract: The object of the present invention to provide an improved plant watering system which can be easily hooked up and provides a regulated flow of water to any type of plant. It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved watering apparatus, which can be easily hooked up to any type of irrigation system available, and keep the planter and/or plant hanger from corrosion and wear by keeping the water in a flexible hose threaded through the wood post and/or steel tubing structure. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved watering apparatus, which is simple and inexpensive in construction, which can be used indoor or outdoor for growing and displaying plants.

Abstract: Provided is a hangable container including a shell with a bottom portion and a top rim spaced from the bottom portion, the shell having an inner and an outer surface and defining a basin of the container. The container also including a hollow stem extending from the inner surface of the shell and having a first end associated with the bottom portion and a second, free end, remote from the bottom portion formed with an articulation member; and a catch provided at an inner portion of the hollow stem adjacent the first end, the catch being configured for engagement with an articulation member of a corresponding container.

Abstract: A modular planter assembly having plural U-shaped planting containers including plural male open ends, drain holes in a bottom portion thereof and an underneath male drain channel, plural connectors having U-shaped cavities at each end and an underneath drain cavity with seal means disposed therein. The male open ends are secured within the U-shaped cavities and the drain channels are secured within the drain cavity of the connectors. Plural U-shaped end caps having U-shaped cavities with an underneath drain cavity with seal members disposed therein. Opposite male ends are secured within the end cap cavities and the male drain channel is secured within the drain cavity of the end caps forming a single planter assembly with a continuous drain channel to a drain adapter in the end caps to release excess water there from. Plural U-shaped brackets disposed about the containers to support and attach to an elevated wall structure.

Abstract: Wire pot hangers are presented including: a wire form including a number of bends, a planar base portion sized and formed to support a pot, a lateral portion extending inwardly from the planar base portion to a centered balance point of the planar base portion, a vertical portion extending upwardly from the lateral portion, the vertical portion configured for extending through a central hole of the pot, and a hook portion formed along an upper end of the vertical portion, the hook portion sized to pass through the central hole of the pot. In some embodiments, the hook portion includes: a hook extending through an arc having a radius; a hook extension extending from the hook toward the planar base portion, where the hook extension is offset from the vertical portion by the radius, and a hook connector extending from the hook extension toward the vertical portion.

Abstract: A hanging pot water indicator having a hollow tubular spring housing, a dust protector on the upper end of the tubular housing, the dust protector having a fastening collar fitting around the upper end of the tubular housing, a hollow tubular sliding sleeve, having an interior diameter greater than the exterior diameter of the tubular housing, and being telescopically slidable in respect thereof, a lower flared portion on the lower end of the sleeve, an opening in the dust protector, a coiled extension spring within the tubular housing and the sleeve, an upper wire extension portion extending from the upper end of the spring passing through the opening in the dust protector, and defining an upper hook, and a lower wire extension extending from the lower end of the spring, and formed to define a hook.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for growing and distributing living food crops to an intended recipient prior to harvesting that includes the utilization of a production unit to grow the food crops and a transportation cart to efficiently deliver the production units. This method prevents critical losses of nutritional content resulting from extended periods of non-consumption subsequent to harvesting. Additionally, the foods created and distributed by this method have increased aesthetic appeal to the consumer and enhanced natural taste. The novel method includes planting and growing the desired food crops in production units, transporting the production units, using a novel transportation cart, to an intended recipient once the crop reaches a predetermined ripeness, and mounting the production units at a recipient desired location. The food crops remain in the production units until ready for use, purchase, or consumption, at which point the food crops are harvested.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a foldable planter or holder. The planter or holder of the present invention includes one or more foldable compartments defined by an array of panels. Each compartment includes one or more upright panels to form an upright core; one or more movable panels to form a trough used for planting or storing belongings; and one or more fold lines, wherein at least one fold line is between the one or more upright panels and the one or more movable panels. In an embodiment, each panel is attached to at least one adjacent panel along a fold line. When the planter or holder is not in use, the movable panel pair folds at a fold line between the upright panel and the movable panel.

Abstract: A container for transporting and displaying cut flowers comprising six elements. A material of the apparatus is substantially deformable and dishwasher safe. A base, top and sides are constructed to hold cut flowers and water and the top has at least a first and a second affixing element equidistant from each other on opposite ends of the perimeter. A bottom member suspends below the base. A carrying element has an adjustable functional length with a first and second functional end, a first and second actual end that can extend beyond each functional end, and a first and second attachable elements between the respective first and second actual end and the corresponding nearest functional end to each, the attachable element able to be removably attached at various lengths to the respective first and second affixing element for transport and attachment to a suspending element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hanging planter for growing plants upside down. Because the planter has a flat bottom, plants may be grown in the planter right side up. At a convenient time the planter may be turned to hang upside down.

Abstract: A container holder for removably suspending a container, such as a flower pot, to a vertical structure. The container holder comprises a vertical structure securing member configured to frictionally engage the vertical structure and a container supporting member configured to support therein the container, the container supporting member being connected to the vertical structure securing member. In use, the weight of the supported container ensures the frictional securing of the container holder to the vertical structure.

Abstract: A hanging basket cover including a body having a first, open end and an opposing second end, and at least two flexible arms transversely extending from the first end of the body. The arms are movable between a rest position and a flexed position, where a hanging basket is inserted in the first end of the body and against the flexible arms causing the flexible arms to move to the flexed position for allowing the hanging basket to move into the body until the flexible arms extend over a top edge of the hanging basket to secure the body to the hanging basket.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a hanging gardening and watering apparatus comprising: a set of trellises pivotally connected to each other and to opposing sides in a vertical scissor arrangement allowing for the frame to expand and contract varying the volume occupied by the frame; a fertilizing system carried by the frame and disposed at the top of the frame; a set of compartments included in the fertilizing system for holding additives taken from the group consisting of: fertilizer, weed killer, pre-emergent, fragrance and any combination thereof; and, a tube for directing water from a water supply to siphon additives from selected compartments so that the water and additive are mixed in the water stream and directed to a delivery system so that the mixture is delivered to plants disposed in the frame.

Abstract: A system for watering plants including a pot having a plant therein, a line carrying a hook, a watering activation switch connected to a watering system, and a pot weighing system comprising a movable arm assembly interacting with a weight switch. The pot does not move the movable arm assembly when the plant needs to be watered, whereby the movable arm assembly interacts with the weight switch to allow watering of the plant and the hook engages the plant watering activation switch to thereby activate the watering system to provide water to the plant. The pot moves the movable arm assembly when the plant does not need to be watered, whereby the movable arm assembly interacts with the weight switch to prevent activation of the watering system to prevent water from being provided to the plant.

Abstract: A solar-powered light includes a body having an opening formed through the center from an upper side of the body to a bottom side of the body, at least one solar panel on the upper side of the body, and at least one light source on the bottom side of the body.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a modular horticultural growing system, creating a multitude of benefits through the utilization vertical growing capability and methodology. These benefits include increased growing densities, maximization of growing efficiencies, minimization of water usage, retention of nutrients, reduction of nutrient discharge into surface and ground water, increased growing capacity within existing capital infrastructure and space, reduction of energy and material inputs, cooling and beautification of structures and living spaces, increased local food production, synergistic effects throughout entire product, manufacturing, and production value chain, and many other benefits. The present invention allows individuals, especially those living in impoverished or densely populated urban areas, to grow a greater fraction of their food requirements.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying a plant is described. The apparatus includes a first substantially horizontal member that engages a first surface of a structure at a first vertical position. A second substantially horizontal member engages a second surface of the structure at a second vertical position that is lower than the first vertical position. The first surface is opposite to the second surface. A frame is coupled to the second substantially horizontal member and is shaped to support a pot containing the plant. The weight of the supported plant urges the first substantially horizontal member against the first surface of the structure and urges the second substantially horizontal member against the second surface of the structure, thereby securing the apparatus to the structure.

Abstract: A planter capable of being hung from an elevated support includes an open-topped container for containing dirt or potting soil placed therein and a plurality of suspension elements, or cords, which are disposed about and are attached to or act upon the container for suspending the container from an elevated support. The suspension elements extend upwardly from the peripheral edge of the container top and are joined together at a common point disposed above the container for suspension of the planter from the elevated support. In addition, a spacer member is arranged and spaced above the top of the container and cooperates with the suspension elements for preventing the suspension cords from converging toward one another for a distance above the container which corresponds with the spaced distance between the container top and the spacer member.

Abstract: A planter having a body (1) suitable for receiving a volume of plant growth medium and the root structure of a plant (2), the planter having a lower opening (4), a retainer (6) which can removably engage the lower opening to reduce the effective size of the lower opening, and a reservoir (9) suitable for holding a body of fluid (10) such that the fluid can gradually move from the reservoir into the planter's body to water and/or nourish a plant when planted within the planter, the planter being formed such that when it is in use it can be secured in an elevated disposition with the root structure of a plant contained within the body and a stem and/or foliage of the plant passing through the lower opening (4) and through the retainer (6) such that the plant is oriented in a downwards disposition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hanging planter for growing plants upside down. Because the planter has a flat bottom, plants may be grown in the planter right side up. At a convenient time the planter may be turned to hang upside down.

Abstract: A hanging basket for plants, flowers, etc. is provided which may be moved from a collapsed position to an extended position. When in the extended position, the hanging basket may support plants, flowers or the like therein. When collapsed, the basket occupies very little space for shipping and storage purposes.

Abstract: A horticulture and floriculture device that typically includes a track system, a plurality of hanging basket receiving hooks, and at least one motor assembly is provided. The track system receives and carries a moveable chain system and typically includes a plurality of track segments that have a chain carrying portion and an upper portion. The track segments are interconnected with one another to create a travel path. The moveable chain system includes a series of interconnected chain links having an aperture wherein the chain links include horizontally oriented and vertically oriented chain links.

Abstract: An apparatus for hanging of decorative or utilitarian articles such as potted plants is provided. The apparatus has a c-channel track defining an inner channel and a rolling-bearing element sized to roll therealong. A hanger is attached to the rolling-bearing element for hanging decorative or utilitarian articles. The arrangement allows for articles to positioned anywhere along the track.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a foldable planter. The planter of the present invention includes one or more foldable compartments defined by an array of panels. Each compartment includes one or more upright panels to form an upright core; one or more movable panels to form a trough used for planting; and one or more fold lines, wherein at least one fold line between the one or more upright panels and the one or more movable panels. In an embodiment, each panel is attached to at least one adjacent panel along a fold line. When the planter is not in use, the movable panel pair folds at a fold line between the upright panel and the movable panel.

Abstract: A tent pole anchor apparatus that includes a barrel member and a cover disposed on the barrel member. The barrel member and cover together form an internal chamber that is filled with water so as to provide a significant weight for anchoring the barrel member. The barrel member has at least one drain to enable liquid to be removed from the barrel member. At least one of the barrel member and cover has a passage for receiving an adjustment strap that interconnects the barrel member with the tent pole.

Abstract: A flower belt comprises a belt member and a plurality of belt attachments. The belt member comprises a durable, flexible elongated body with an adjustable securing means designed to securely affix around a tree trunk. The belt member further comprises a hook attachment means which enables the securing and removably receiving the plurality of belt attachments. The hook attachment comprises hooks outwardly disposed for suspending the belt attachments.

Abstract: A plant pot for growing plants in an inverted orientation is provided. The plant pot comprises a soil chamber for retaining soil, and an open end for filling the soil chamber. An end cover releasably couples to the open end to retain the soil. A base end opposes the open end and comprises an aperture through which a plant is planted. An aperture cover releasably couples to the aperture and comprises an adjustable opening. The adjustable opening encircles the stem of the plant and enlarges as the stem grows.

Abstract: A container system providing ideal watering and aeration conditions for growing plants comprises a tray having a bottom surface. An insert with an upper surface and a lower surface is placed in the tray forming an upper space above the insert for the addition of a growth medium, and a lower space below the insert forming a water reservoir. One or more perforated baskets extending from the lower surface of the insert and into the water reservoir draw water from the reservoir and into the growth medium. At least one aperture in the insert is coupled to a perforated post to provide air circulation to the growth medium. A port may be provided through the insert enabling an inverted water vessel to be coupled to the port to provide water to the water reservoir. The various components may be provided in the form of a kit assembled by a user.

Abstract: A hanging planter assembly includes a support strap adapted to be secured to a vertically extending member and a container supported on the support strap.

Abstract: Planter systems allow for the raising, lowering, holding, locking and releasing of a planter on a vertical support structure. The planter assembly may include a carriage, to which one or more planters is attached. Guides such as cables, rollers, sliders, bristles, gaskets, carpet and registration pins maintain space between the vertical support and planter assembly and facilitate raising and lowering. A tether guided over a pulley may be retracted or extended by winding it around or unwinding it from a winch, cleat or windlass to causes the planter assembly to rise or descend. When raised to a locking height, the planter assembly causes a mechanical locking mechanism associated with the planter assembly to move into a locking position, securing the planter assembly to the vertical support. Further raising releases the locking mechanism. Attachable items such as banners, flags, hangers and the like may be coupled to the carriage.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to mechanics, and more specifically, to a potting system. In one embodiment, the invention includes a potting system including one or more bands; and one or more pots configured to suspend from the one or more bands. In a further embodiment, the one or more pots configured to suspend from the one or more bands includes one or more pots configured to link with adjacent pots.

Abstract: A hanging flowerpot structure includes a flowerpot body which has an engaging seat at one side wall and an engaging post at an opposing side wall. Through engagement of the engaging seats and the engaging posts of a plurality of flowerpot bodies, the flowerpot bodies can be connected steady. A hook lug of a rear wall of the flowerpot body is used to hook a wall. An automatic watering hose is engaged in engaging recesses of the two side walls of the flowerpot body to guide water into the flowerpot body. The excess water is drained from a drain hole of a bottom of the flowerpot body to the lower flowerpot body to save water. The present invention is convenient for use and stable in configuration.

Abstract: A small and compact, easy-to-use soil moisture management device is disclosed that is economical to produce, efficient to use, has a scientific measurement system and is easy for the user to read the moisture needs of a plant in a hanging container. The device includes a housing that is attached at one end to hardware for supporting the device and a hanging basket that contains a plant in soil and moisture in varying amounts in the soil. The device also includes a moving member that is biased by a spring against the gravitational pull on the hanging basket, plant, soil and moisture. The spring and a portion of the moving member is contained in the housing. The moving member also contains visual indicators of the position of the moving member against the bias provided by the spring to indicate the amount of moisture in the soil.

Abstract: A handing garden planter apparatus includes a backing having a top portion adapted to hang from a vertical surface, a plurality of planter pockets vertically aligned and integral with the backing, each planter pocket of the plurality of planter pockets defining an interior space adapted to house soil and plant matter therein, a drainage trough integral with the backing, the drainage tough being positioned below the plurality of planter pockets, and an integrated drainage system. The integrated drainage system is adapted to allow excess water to drain from the plurality of planter pockets to the drainage trough.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for hanging a load from awnings, ceilings or wall brackets, for example a planter or other item to be suspended but selectively lowered. The load is suspended from a cord that is constantly urged to a wound up position on a spool held above the load. The load can be lowered by overcoming the winding force. Optionally, the load can be fixed over a range of lowered positions. In one example, a wedge clamps the cord in any of a range of extended lengths to set different heights of the load. Optionally, the spool can be enclosed. The planter easily and in a controlled manner can be lowered against the winding force with relatively little manual pulling force on the planter. But also, the planter can easily and in a controlled manner by assisted when raised by relatively little manual lifting force.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for growing plants in a growing room includes a hanging member having a substantially planar configuration, oriented vertically. At least one carriage is disposed on the hanging member to support growing plants. A nutrient delivery system has a conduit to deliver nutrients to the hanging member and to recycle any unused nutrients.

Abstract: The modular germinating apparatus provides a plurality of rods, each with an extendable insert whereby total length of the rod and insert is adjustable, the adjusted length selectively maintained by dual, outward pressed lock pins. Rods are positioned as chosen both horizontally and vertically between given objects, such as window sills. A plurality of planters with planter inserts is hung as chosen from the rods with extendable inserts, thereby providing for germinating a multitude of plants simultaneously, with great space efficiency. Each insert provides a plurality of individual compartments, each compartment having drain holes for draining excess liquids from the compartments to the planter below, thereby maintaining optimal germinating environments.

Abstract: One embodiment of a dual purpose Planting System allows for the growth of plants in an upright position and also allows for the growth of inverted or upside down plants. One embodiment of a dual purpose Planting System allows for the growth of plants in an upright position until after the plants have reached early maturity or maturity and begin to suffer the effects of gravity as a result of sheer size, legginess or vegetable growth. At this point the much larger, stronger plants—when inverted—will have greater access to sunlight or other light sources (and therefore the process of photosynthesis) as a result of the sheer size of the plant in relation to the planter and its position between the sun and the larger plant.

Abstract: A hanging planter for watering and growing transplanted plants either upwardly or downwardly includes lay-flat flexible tubing which is hung or supported in an upright position, the lay-flat flexible tubing serving as a container for the plants. A lay-flat flexible tube is sealed so as to create an upper watertight chamber above separated from a lower well-drained soil chamber, into which a plant is planted or transplanted. Water flow from the upper chamber to the lower chamber is controlled by a water flow restriction element.