U.S. patent application number 15/653139 was filed with the patent office on 2017-11-02 for lighting device, assembly and method for growing horticulture indoors.
The applicant listed for this patent is Edward Leonard Haggarty. Invention is credited to Edward Leonard Haggarty.
Application Number | 20170311554 15/653139 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56285750 |
Filed Date | 2017-11-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170311554 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Haggarty; Edward Leonard |
November 2, 2017 |
LIGHTING DEVICE, ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR GROWING HORTICULTURE
INDOORS
Abstract
A lighting device and assembly which incorporating an
independently powered array of at least two types of LED lights
that each give off specific wavelengths of light for growing
plants. The assembly includes at least two of the lighting devices
in conjunction with at least one high intensity bulb commonly used
for indoor horticulture, where the assembly is adjustable for
dimensional changes in the subject plants as they grow. A timing
method for applying specific durations of each type of light which
effectively simulate sunrise, daylight and sunset by allowing the
plant to awaken naturally, absorb more light during the day and
prepare for sleep at night, giving the plant more rest--all leading
to more healthy plant growth.
Inventors: |
Haggarty; Edward Leonard;
(Lakewood, WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Haggarty; Edward Leonard |
Lakewood |
WA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56285750 |
Appl. No.: |
15/653139 |
Filed: |
July 18, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14828465 |
Aug 17, 2015 |
9736994 |
|
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15653139 |
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62038860 |
Aug 19, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21Y 2115/10 20160801;
Y02B 20/40 20130101; H05B 47/19 20200101; Y02B 20/42 20130101; F21S
8/061 20130101; H05B 45/10 20200101; Y02P 60/14 20151101; Y02P
60/149 20151101; F21Y 2113/13 20160801; A01G 7/045 20130101; H05B
35/00 20130101; H05B 45/20 20200101; H05B 47/16 20200101 |
International
Class: |
A01G 7/04 20060101
A01G007/04; H05B 37/02 20060101 H05B037/02; H05B 33/08 20060101
H05B033/08 |
Claims
1. A lighting device comprising: an integrated housing; at least
two sliding attached hanging mounts; at least one power source
connected to at least one circuit board positioned inside the
housing; at least two LEDs embedded within the circuit board; at
least one bulb and one lens coupled to each of the at least two
LEDs; at least one LED light in the 630-690 nm range and one LED
light in the 700-760 nm range; and independent power for each type
of LED.
2. The lighting device as in claim 1 wherein the housing is
comprised of conductive materials made of at least one of:
aluminum, titanium, metal alloy, ceramic, carbon fiber, fiberglass
or plant-based material.
3. The lighting device as in claim 1 wherein the housing is
comprised of elongated fins which have a thickness of less than 25%
of the height of the housing and extend approximately the whole
length of the lighting device and extend outwardly from the middle
of the housing.
4. The lighting device as in claim 1 wherein at least two power
sources are used to power at least two separate LEDs.
5. The lighting device as in claim 1 which has a row of at least 14
LED lights wherein the LEDs are of alternating types, either LED in
the 630-690 nm range or LED in the 700-760 nm range.
6. The lighting device as in claim 1 wherein the shape is generally
scalable such that any number of LEDs could be supported.
7. The lighting device as in claim 1 wherein the LED lights may be
substituted by any one of the following light sources: high
pressure sodium, induction, ceramic metal halide, metal halide,
digital, plasma, and fluorescent.
8. A lighting device assembly comprising: at least one high
intensity light; at least one lighting device comprising at least
one LED light in the 630-690 nm range; at least one LED light in
the 700-760 nm range; and at least two sliding hanging mounts; said
lighting device positioned on one side of the high intensity light;
and at least two angled member at each opposite side of the high
intensity light attaching at a first end to one of the said sliding
hanging mounts of the lighting device and at a second end to at
least one horizontal member which is fixed to the high intensity
light; wherein the attachment of the angled member to the sliding
hanging mount has the freedom of motion to tilt, swivel and rotate
about the point of connection.
9. The lighting device assembly of claim 8 further comprising at
least one non-permanent attachment of at least one horizontal
member to the high intensity light by at least one of the
following: magnets, pins, bolts, or screws.
10. The lighting device assembly of claim 8 further comprising a
removable connection to an adjustable cable, cord, or rope on the
upper side of the high intensity light such that the high intensity
light may be raised or lowered throughout a grow cycle.
11. A method of adjusting a lighting device assembly of claim 10
further comprising: attaching a cable, cord or rope to a fixed
object above the lighting device assembly; vertically adjusting the
cable, cord or rope according to the height of the plant as the
plant grows; maintaining approximately similar distance between
lights and plant as the plant grows vertically; and adjusting each
of the lighting devices about the x, y or z axis about the mounting
points so that the lights are aimed directly at the plant as it
grows vertically.
12. The method described in claim 11 further comprising a step of
attaching and adjusting a series of cables, cords or ropes to each
lighting device assembly capable of moving horizontally as well as
vertically in order to adjust for any asymmetrical plant growth
horizontally.
13. A grow light device for simulating day and night cycles
comprising: a hood; at least one HID Bulb; at least one circuit
board; at least one LED light in the 630-690 nm range and at least
one LED light in the 700-760 nm range; a first power source
powering said at least one LED light in the 630-690 nm range and a
second power source powering said at least one LED light in the
700-760 nm range; at least one bulb and one lens coupled to each of
said at least one LED light in the 630-690 nm range and at least
one LED light in the 700-760 nm range; and a computerized timing
device which controls the power and duration of said first and
second power source wherein the 630-690 nm range LED light is used
to simulate sunrise, the HID Bulb is used to simulate daytime, and
the 700-760 nm range LED light is used to simulate the sunset.
14. The grow light device as in claim 13 wherein the hood is
rectangular shaped.
15. The grow light device as in claim 13 wherein the computerized
timing device is wireless.
16. The grow light device as in claim 13 wherein the device has at
least 14 LED lights and the LEDs are of alternating types, either
LED in the 630-690 range or LED in the 700-760 range.
17. The grow light device of claim 13 wherein the HID Bulb is
capable of being turned on in conjunction with said at least one
LED light in the 630-690 nm range to simulate the transition from
sunrise to day.
18. The grow light device of claim 13 wherein the HID Bulb is
capable of being turned on in conjunction with said at least one
LED light in the 700-760 nm range to simulate the transition from
day to sunset.
19. The grow light device of claim 13 wherein said computerized
timing device is capable of simulating seasons by controlling daily
light and night durations typical of a season.
20. The grow light device of claim 13 wherein said computerized
timing device is capable of simulating past seasons by controlling
the daily light and night durations.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of application Ser. No.
14/828,465, filed 17 Aug. 2015, which claims priority to U.S.
Provisional Application No. 62/038,860 filed Aug. 19, 2014. The
contents of all of which are incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] This disclosure relates generally to the field of lighting
systems used for plant growth, particularly indoor
horticulture.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Photoperiodism is a quality of most plants that controls a
plant's response to changes in light. Diurnal, or day and night,
changes in light are cues to the plant to undertake certain
responses, and in many plants the length of day or night is itself
a cue. These responses include germination of seeds, start of
flowering, and smaller, more granular changes like nighttime
processes that plants undertake when not actively
photosynthesizing.
[0004] Indoor horticulture has been able to reproduce and, in some
cases, enhance natural processes to permit plants to be grown
without natural sunlight, or, in some cases, with supplemental
light in addition to natural sunlight. Current methods of providing
horticultural lighting are similar to those used in other lighting
applications, usually involving a single incandescent bulb or
multiple LED chips to provide a varying spectrum of light and
employing a simple analog on-off switch. None of the current
methods include offset timing for different spectra. Such methods
do not adequately simulate natural sunrise and sunset conditions
that some plants require to switch between daytime and nighttime
activities. Such methods also do not allow enhanced photoperiodic
responses that can be obtained by offset timing for specific
spectra.
[0005] Plants use a photosensitive pigment to detect light. One of
these, phytochrome detects light in the red and far red spectrum
and affects plant signals to "wake" or "sleep." Different important
biological processes occur in plants during these times. In
addition to the time of day, many plants track the length of days
with phytochrome and related systems. This allows, for example, a
plant to know when the days are getting shorter in the fall,
signaling the best time to convert from producing vegetative
tissues to producing flowering tissues.
[0006] Reference to, and discussion of, the foregoing background is
not presented as prior art and is respectfully submitted that none
of the above-indicated patents and patent applications disclose,
teach, suggest, show, or otherwise render obvious, either singly or
when considered in combination, the invention described and claimed
herein.
[0007] For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a lighting
system that provides offset timing for different light sources and
spectra.
SUMMARY
[0008] The disclosure presented herein relates to lighting for
plant growth; particularly lighting used for indoor horticulture.
The apparatus, system and method described herein uses a
combination of different types of lighting devices connected to a
system that when performed per a specific method, replicates the
effects of sunrise and sunset by providing certain wavelengths of
light at certain times. In some embodiments, the sunrise/sunset
response of the plants is actually sped up or enhanced by providing
measured doses of spectra that affect plant photoperiodism.
[0009] Preceding and following embodiments and descriptions are for
illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope
of this disclosure. Other aspects and advantages of this disclosure
will become apparent from the following detailed description.
[0010] Certain terminology and derivations thereof may be used in
the following description for convenience in reference only, and
will not be limiting. For example, words such as "upward,"
"downward," "left," and "right" would refer to directions in the
drawings to which reference is made unless otherwise stated.
Similarly, words such as "inward" and "outward" would refer to
directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center
of a device or area and designated parts thereof. References in the
singular tense include the plural, and vice versa, unless otherwise
noted.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in
detail below with reference to the following drawings. These and
other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure
will become better understood with regard to the following
description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings. The
drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of
selected embodiments and not all possible implementations and are
not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Also,
the drawings included herein are considered by the applicant to be
informal.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a top view of an embodiment of a grow light
device.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a side view of an embodiment of one lens of a grow
light device.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a cut-away view of a grow light device and
connection to systems.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a section view of an embodiment of a grow light
device.
[0016] FIG. 5. is a detailed side view of a LED light and
attachment.
[0017] FIG. 6. is an isometric view of an embodiment of a grow
light device assembly.
[0018] FIG. 7. is a graphical representation of one method over
time.
[0019] FIG. 8. is a bottom view of an embodiment of the grow light
device assembly.
[0020] FIG. 9A. is a process flow for a computer-controlled system
of one or more grow light devices.
[0021] FIG. 9B. is a process flow for a wireless
computer-controlled system of one or more grow light devices.
DEFINITIONS
[0022] Grow Light Device: An elongated apparatus which contains,
powers and arranges at least one LEDs; is mountable and designed to
dissipate heat.
[0023] High Intensity Discharge Lamp or "HID Lamp": one of several
common types of light-emitting bulbs; the most common of which are
high pressure sodium, induction, ceramic metal halide, metal
halide, digital, plasma, and fluorescent.
[0024] Photoperiodism: the response of a plant to changes in the
length of daylight. A plant that responds to length of daylight is
called "photoperiodic".
[0025] LEDs: a plurality (2 or more) of LED lights embedded onto a
printed circuit board, including all electronic elements commonly
used on such an array.
[0026] Hood: a generally convex unit in which the bulb or other
lighting devices are placed, and which causes light from the bulb
to be directed by reflection off the internal surface.
[0027] Far Red: the wavelength electromagnetic radiation in the
700-760 nm range, preferably 730 nm.
[0028] Red: the wavelength of electromagnetic radiation in the
630-690 nm range, preferably 660 nm.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] In the Summary above and in this Detailed Description, and
the claims below, and in the accompanying drawings, reference is
made to particular features (including method steps) of the
invention. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the
invention in this specification includes all possible combinations
of such particular features. For example, where a particular
feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or
embodiment of the invention, or a particular claim, that feature
can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with
and/or in the context of other particular aspects and embodiments
of the invention, and in the invention generally.
[0030] The term "comprises" and grammatical equivalents thereof are
used herein to mean that other components, ingredients, steps,
among others, are optionally present. For example, an article
"comprising" (or "which comprises") components A, B and C can
consist of (i.e., contain only) components A, B and C, or can
contain not only components A, B, and C but also contain one or
more other components.
[0031] Where reference is made herein to a method comprising two or
more defined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any
order or simultaneously (except where the context excludes that
possibility), and the method can include one or more other steps
which are carried out before any of the defined steps, between two
of the defined steps, or after all the defined steps (except where
the context excludes that possibility).
[0032] The term "at least" followed by a number is used herein to
denote the start of a range beginning with that number (which may
be a range having an upper limit or no upper limit, depending on
the variable being defined). For example, "at least 1" means 1 or
more than 1. The term "at most" followed by a number (which may be
a range having 1 or 0 as its lower limit, or a range having no
lower limit, depending upon the variable being defined). For
example, "at most 4" means 4 or less than 4, and "at most 40%"
means 40% or less than 40%. When, in this specification, a range is
given as "(a first number) to (a second number)" or "(a first
number)-(a second number)," this means a range whose limit is the
second number. For example, 25 to 100 mm means a range whose lower
limit is 25 mm and upper limit is 100 mm.
[0033] FIG. 1 shows a preferred version of the grow light device 1
together with two separate power supplies 3. Alternate embodiments
may be constructed and powered using just a single power supply. As
for the grow light device itself, the shape, size, proportions, and
number of components are generally scalable such that any number of
lights could be support in such a way so long as the power
source(s) can supply enough power. In the preferred embodiment
shown in FIG. 1, is a single row of 14 (fourteen) light bulbs 40
are configured along the centerline of the housing 42 of the grow
light device. The bulbs are lit by light emitting diodes (LEDs)
which are located in the center of the bulbs. In this preferred
embodiment, two alternating types of LEDs are used, as shown in
FIG. 1 where a red wavelength LED 2 is positioned adjacent to a far
red wavelength LED 6 where the next bulb in the row would be a red
LED 2 followed by a far-red LED 6 and so on. An alternative
embodiment is accomplished by configuring two or more rows of bulbs
and LEDs, may be accomplished by having a larger housing, more
power and more bulbs. On either side of the bulbs 40 in the
preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1 are length-wise fins 5 which
protrude from the center of and run the length of the housing 42.
The fins 5 are preferably metallic and are integral with the
housing 42. The fins 5 provide an air path to cool the housing 42
(also shown well on FIG. 4) and are configured such that they are
relatively thin when compared to the body of the housing. As shown
in FIG. 4 there can be many fins (in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4
there are 12 fins). The thickness of each fin is no more than 25%
the thickness of the housing height. Other methods for cooling may
be used instead of these metallic fins such as fan-cooled. Attached
to each end of the grow light device 1 is an end cap 4. Each end
cap secures wiring, and provides support for power cords 45.
[0034] As used herein for purposes of the present disclosure, the
term "LED" should be understood to include any electroluminescent
diode or other type of carrier injection/junction-based system that
is capable of generating radiation in response to an electric
signal. Thus, the term LED includes, but is not limited to, various
semiconductor-based structures that emit light in response to
current, light emitting polymers, organic light emitting diodes
(OLEDs), electroluminescent strips, and the like. In particular,
the term LED refers to light emitting diodes of all types
(including semi-conductor and organic light emitting diodes) that
may be configured to generate radiation in one or more of the
infrared spectrum, ultraviolet spectrum, and various portions of
the visible spectrum (generally including radiation wavelengths
from approximately 400 nanometers to approximately 800 nanometers).
Some examples of LEDs include, but are not limited to, various
types of infrared LEDs, ultraviolet LEDs, red LEDs, blue LEDs,
green LEDs, yellow LEDs, amber LEDs, orange LEDs, and white LEDs
(discussed further below). It also should be appreciated that LEDs
may be configured and/or controlled to generate radiation having
various bandwidths (e.g., full widths at half maximum, or FWHM) for
a given spectrum (e.g., narrow bandwidth, broad bandwidth), and a
variety of dominant wavelengths within a given general color
categorization.
[0035] As used herein for purposes of the present disclosure, the
term "HID lamp" should be understood to include, but not be limited
to, any non-LED based lamp that has performance characteristics
similar to the group of lamps known as mercury, metal halide, and
high pressure sodium. The term HID lamp specifically includes, but
is not limited to, inductive discharge lamps that operate using the
principal of induction.
[0036] An alternative embodiment of the LED grow light device would
have all of the LEDs be of either red (630-690 nm) or of all far
red (700-760 nm). Yet another embodiment as opposed to a linear
grow light device, but for the housing to be in the shape of a
circle where the LEDs alternate red then far red, red then far red,
etc. Also, with the circular grow light device embodiment, another
embodiment where all LEDs in the circular embodiment are all far
red or are all red.
[0037] FIG. 2 shows a top view and side view of the lens which
covers each LED bulb in the grow light device. As shown, there is a
base 47 which is made up of preferably metallic materials, but
could be made of composite, plastic polymer or other common
materials for electrical attachment. Attached to the base 47 is the
clear plastic lens 9. The lens 9 is parabolic in shape. Other
embodiments of the lens 9 are full 180 degree hemispheres to allow
maximum light exposure. Having a parabolic shape as in the
preferred embodiment allows for more directed light while allowing
for an appropriately wide bath of light. The lens 9 is secured to
the base 47 by two simple screw fasteners. The base 47 is fixed to
the grow light device circuit board 301, as shown in FIG. 3. Also
shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 is the LED bulb 49 which is positioned
directly in the center of the base 47.
[0038] A preferred embodiment of the power distribution of the grow
light device is shown in FIG. 3. Two independent sources 311A and
311B may be used to power two or more separate LED bulbs 49. The
power for both LED lights, 311 may be controlled by a wireless
controller 312. The wireless controller receives basic signals such
as power on or power off for each grow light power source 311A or
311B and then transmits power from one of two power sources 3 to
one or more of the grow light device power sources.
[0039] An important embodiment of having two or more power
distributions is that each power source may power one specific type
of LED independently. In this embodiment, the power source 311A
powers only those LEDs which are far red wavelengths and require a
specific amps, wattage and voltage. Whereas the power source 311B
in the same embodiment powers only the red wavelengths which
require a different amperage, wattage and voltage. Other
embodiments may have three or more power sources for three or more
independent LEDs.
[0040] FIG. 4 shows a side profile of the grow light device. There
are at least two adjustable hanging mounts 421 which are positioned
within the housing of the grow light device and on the opposite
side as the bulbs. The mounts are adjustable because the housing 42
allows for sliding translation along the length of the grow light
device. The adjustable hanging mounts 421, as discussed below are
preferably configured to receive a fastener of an angled arm as
part of a grow light assembly (See FIG. 6). The grow light device
housing 42 is made of highly conductive metallic material,
preferably aluminum, titanium or a composite of similar quality.
However, other embodiments may be made from ceramic, composite,
carbon fiber, among other fibrous plant-based materials. The design
of the fins 5 of the grow light device are directed away from the
source of energy, the LEDs 49, so that the path of heat energy
flows along the ribs and away from the sensitive components of the
LEDs 49 and the wiring, circuit board 301 and grow light device
generally. Alternative embodiments of the grow light device use
other light sources than LEDs which may also be used in the grow
light device including but not limited to digital, plasma, high
pressure sodium, induction, ceramic metal halide, metal halide, and
fluorescent lighting. Also shown is a generally parabolic
(alternatively semi-circular/hemispherical) lens 9 that covers at
least one LED 49. The lens 9 is secured onto the base 47 which
provides magnification and amplification of the light. Each lens 9
in the grow light device magnifies the range of LED coming from the
grow light device and provides a wide swath of light (preferably
180 degrees of light) to the plant. The base 47 is made up of
reflective material or in some embodiments has a reflective or
metallic surface or adhesive. The reflective surface 47A is on the
side of the base 47 that the LED 49 protrudes from.
[0041] FIG. 6 shows the structure and attachment of the grow light
device to the larger, grow light assembly 600. The overall assembly
is made up of at least two grow light devices 1 positioned around
two opposite ends of a main HID light structure 626. There are
horizontal members 601 and angled members 603 which suspend the
grow light device 1 beyond the edge of the main HID light structure
626. A preferred embodiment allows the grow light devices 1 on
either side to tilt, rotate or swivel about a lower attachment end
628 and upper attachment end 630 of each of at least four angled
arms. The lower attachment points 628 are located on at least two
locations along the back of the grow light device where two angled
members 603 per grow light device are connected on one end to at
least two grow light device adjustable hanging mounts 421 and the
other side to one of the horizontal members 601 by conventional
means of connection such as pin, screw, or joint. Each of the
horizontal members 601 are held in place to the HID light structure
626 preferably by non-permanent connection, as shown in FIG. 6, at
least one large magnet 625 per horizontal member 601 holds it in
place. Other embodiments have permanent fastening means common in
the art such as screws, pins, weld, or joints. The horizontal
members 601 span across the HID light structure 626 for growing the
horticulture. The main HID light structure 626 secures and provides
power to at least one HID bulb in a manner consistent with the
prior art. However, the preferred embodiment requires separate
power sources for at least each of the two grow light devices 1 and
the main HID light 626.
[0042] FIG. 7 shows the grow light assembly 600 and the method 770
of adjusting the height and position of the grow light assembly
relative to the height and size of the plant. As shown on the left,
the grow light assembly may be hung within a specified distance 701
from the plant 750 so that the plant receives an optimal amount of
all three lights (HID light and at least two grow lights). While
the entire grow light assembly 600 travels predominately along a
cable 701 along the z-axis, the two or more grow light devices 1
are each adjustable about both the z-axis through their connection
to the main HID light structure but also are rotatable about the
y-axis at their connection points with the angled arms. As the
plant 752 grows, in the center picture, the grow light assembly
translates upward along the z-axis with a smaller cable 703.
Alternatively, the cable 701 could simply be shortened or partially
used. On the far right, the plant 754 is still growing and the
assembly 600 continues to translate upward along the z-axis and a
shorter still cable 705 is used. Alternative embodiments would use
either longer cables 701 or 703. it can be shown the cables and the
grow light assembly are adaptable and preferably move with the
plant's growth while maintaining a specified or desirable height
above the plant. Similarly, the opposing grow light devices may be
adjusted in the y-axis to assure precision exposure relative to the
plant's height.
[0043] FIG. 8 shows a bottom-up view of one embodiment of the grow
light device assembly. The outermost structure is the Hood 808,
with a single HID Bulb 814 in the middle flanked by two grow light
devices 810 with LEDs. All three are affixed to a Hood so that the
light from each is generally directed the same way. The embodiment
shown in FIG. 8 has two rows of nine LED lights. The LED lights are
alternating in the kind of spectrum they put out. One of the LEDs
provides far red spectrum light preferably 660 nm (alternative
embodiments may range from 630 nm-690 nm); the other provides red
spectrum light preferably 730 nm (alternative embodiments may range
from 700 nm-760 nm). Looking at FIG. 8, LED lights 820 and 822
would have the same spectrum of light (either red or far red) and
LED lights 821 and 823 would have the opposite spectrum of light as
820 and 822 (either red or far red).
[0044] One embodiment of the hood 808 is a generally square or
rectangular shape when viewed from the top and trapezoidal from the
side, with the larger end towards the bottom. The HID Bulb 814 and
LEDs are attached within the interior portion of the hood, which is
open on the bottom and closed on the top. The interior of the hood
is exposed metal or it is coated or covered with a reflective
substance common in the art. The hood 808 is preferably constructed
of a lightweight conducting metal which will dissipate heat into
the environment, however other materials such as carbon fiber, or
fiberglass, plastic, ceramic, or other materials might be possible
in other embodiments.
[0045] In another embodiment, the hood 808 may be a different
shape, such as hyperboloid or paraboloid. In another embodiment,
the LEDs are attached to the Grow Light Device, but are not inside
the convexity of the hood, or are themselves placed in separate
hoods.
[0046] In another embodiment, The LEDs will be of two varieties,
producing either red or far red light. Beyond the color
distinction, the LEDs may be substantially similar, though there is
no requirement that the two be identical. In this preferred
embodiment, however, the LEDs are almost indistinguishable from one
another until they are turned on. Embodiments described herein may
apply to either color LEDs.
[0047] One embodiment of the LEDs has at least one row of LED
lights which are embedded in a circuit board. The LED lights are
arranged approximately centrally in the housing protruding from one
face of the housing. The LED lights used in the preferred
embodiment are generally "high powered" at preferably 3-watts each,
though in some embodiments the lights may be of lower wattage, but
should be more than 1-watt and may be more than 3 watts, but would
be unnecessary. In the preferred embodiment, the circuit board is
attached on one side to an amount of lightweight conducting metal
which will dissipate heat into the environment, however other
materials such as carbon fiber, or fiberglass, plastic, ceramic, or
other materials might be possible in other embodiments.
[0048] In a preferred embodiment, this side of the grow light
device includes the back side of the attachment point of the HID
bulb, and is the attachment point for wiring, including control and
power supply wiring. In another embodiment, wiring is directed to
another part of the hood, such as the middle. In another embodiment
power for the separate lights (HID and LED) may attach at different
points on the hood.
[0049] The electrical and power systems which control the LED and
HID lights is shown in FIG. 3. There are two separate sources of
power, one to the Red light LED and one to the Far Red LED. Other
embodiments can have more than two power sources, depending on the
size and requirements for the bulbs being used. The preferred
embodiment allows multiple independent power sources, varying
degrees of lumens, watts and overall power to each set of LED
bulbs. Other embodiments, as are shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, show a
computerized timing device which controls the power and duration of
each of the independent power sources.
[0050] A computerized wireless communication system 950 (see FIG.
9B) communicates wirelessly to more than one computerized control
system 957 which controls all grow lights (including HID light and
LED grow lights) in a grow light assembly 600. The computer 951,
using a common wireless host module 953 and wireless repeater 955
sends software signals to each computerized control system 957
found in FIG. 9A. A wireless slave module 901 or a training device
903 sends at least one signal to a microcontroller 905 which
controls all the lights within the assembly 600. The wireless slave
module 901 receives wireless signals from a computer 951 according
to a specific software program which is programmed to a specific
timing method described later. As shown in FIG. 9A, the
microprocessor sends signals to both a ballast controller 907 and
at least one LED controller (LED controller A 925 and LED
controller B 913 in FIG. 9A). The ballast controller 907 allows
variability to the current and voltage flowing through from the
microprocessor to the HID light 911 because these lights are such
high wattage (typically over 1000 W), a ballast 909 is common. The
LED Controllers A and B control the timing and voltage to at least
two LED bars 921 and 915, like the grow light device 1. In other
embodiments, three or more LED bars per LED controllers are set up,
such that the third LED bars (923 and 917 as shown in FIG. 9A) may
be positioned and wired in parallel to the other two. The LED
Controller 925 or 913 will receive the signals and dispense power
from the microcontroller 905 based on specific timing per the
software provided wirelessly to the wireless slave module 901.
[0051] The term "controller" or "microcontroller" is used herein
generally to describe various apparatus relating to the operation
of one or more light sources. A controller can be implemented in
numerous ways (e.g., such as with dedicated hardware) to perform
various functions discussed herein. A "processor" is one example of
a controller which employs one or more microprocessors that may be
programmed using software (e.g., microcode) to perform various
functions discussed herein. A controller may be implemented with or
without employing a processor, and also may be implemented as a
combination of dedicated hardware to perform some functions and a
processor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and
associated circuitry) to perform other functions. Examples of
controller components that may be employed in various embodiments
of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to,
conventional microprocessors, application specific integrated
circuits (ASICs), and field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).
[0052] In various implementations, a processor or controller may be
associated with one or more storage media (generically referred to
herein as "memory," e.g., volatile and non-volatile computer memory
such as RAM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM, floppy disks, compact disks,
optical disks, magnetic tape, etc.). In some implementations, the
storage media may be encoded with one or more programs that, when
executed on one or more processors and/or controllers, perform at
least some of the functions discussed herein. Various storage media
may be fixed within a processor or controller or may be
transportable, such that the one or more programs stored thereon
can be loaded into a processor or controller so as to implement
various aspects of the present invention discussed herein. The
terms "program" or "computer program" are used herein in a generic
sense to refer to any type of computer code (e.g., software or
microcode) that can be employed to program one or more processors
or controllers.
[0053] The preferred method of use for the grow light assembly 600
involves careful timing and input into either a manual (physically
turning a power switch on or off, or plugging or unplugging power)
or computerized system 900 and 957 (as described above). The
specific nanometer ranges used for the lullaby method are critical,
and are as follows: Sunrise (red light) LEDs give off light that is
preferably exactly 660 nanometers (nm) but other embodiments may
use a range of anywhere between 630 nm to 690 nm; Sunset (far red
light) LEDs give off light that is preferably exactly 730 nm, but
other embodiments may use a range of anywhere between 700 nm to 760
nm.
[0054] The timing of turning lights on is what makes up the
preferred method for using the grow light assembly 600. The steps
are: [0055] 1) Preferably 15 minutes before HID light, turn on
Sunrise (red light) LEDs; As little as 8 minutes and as many as 20
minutes may be given. [0056] 2) Preferably 5 minutes of overlap
where both Sunrise LEDs and HID (main light) are both on; as little
as one minute and as many as 30 minutes may be given for overlap.
[0057] 3) HID (main) Grow light may remain on to the user's desired
length based upon specific grow cycle, but preferably 12 hours.
[0058] 4) Preferably 5 minutes of overlap where both Sunrise LEDs
and HID (main light) are both on; as little as one minute and as
many as 30 minutes may be given for overlap. [0059] 5) Preferably
15 minutes before HID light, turn on Sunset (far-red light) LEDs;
As little as 8 minutes and as many as 20 minutes may be given.
[0060] Timing; most growers induce the flowering cycle with a 12
hours on/12 off lighting pattern. Using the aforementioned method
however, allows a grower to light plants up to 14 hours because the
plants sleep very quickly after the second light effect
(sunset/far-red) is completed. Without the second light effect, a
plant would take up to 2 hours to sleep. This is because when a
plant goes from total light (HID "on") to complete darkness (HID
"off") it enters a state of shock and the pores of the plant are
not able to close very well. Conversely, in the morning, if the
plant is gently awakened by a natural sunrise (red light) it will
more completely and quickly be prepared to begin photosynthesis
from full sun (HID light).
[0061] Computerized Timing; the computer timed embodiment (See FIG.
9A-9B) will control different growing cycles based on the type or
strain of plant being grown. This allows the grower to emulate the
most favorable growing conditions from anywhere in the world based
on what plant or strain of plant they are growing. Meaning, if the
grower knew the precise environmental lighting conditions for that
grow season based on a farmer's almanac resource, then a grower
could theoretically create a very similar lighting environment to a
specific location in Afghanistan in 1978 and create a strain of
plant that would emulate that of the plant from the past. The
computerized aspect of this exists in the embodiment portrayed in
FIGS. 9A and 9B. For example, one embodiment of the computer
system, in order to simulate the season of Afghanistan 1978, the
lighting would be programmed into a software or other readable
medium such that the computer/device 951 could read and transmit at
least daily light/night durations and wavelengths to the wireless
host module 953 and wireless repeater 955 in order to communicate
to the computer control system 957 to receive signals into the
wireless slave module 901 and finally to the microcontroller 905
which controls how much of which type of light gets applied to the
plant. In addition, the moisture and soil environment would also be
simulated, but soil and moisture simulation that is well known in
the art may be used effectively in combination with the true
lighting conditions for simulations like Afghanistan 1978.
[0062] While preferred and alternate embodiments have been
illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made
without departing from the spirit and scope of the LIGHTING DEVICE,
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GROWING HORTICULTURE INDOORS. Accordingly,
the scope of the LIGHTING DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GROWING
HORTICULTURE INDOORS is not limited by the disclosure of these
preferred and alternate embodiments. Instead, the scope of the
LIGHTING DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GROWING HORTICULTURE INDOORS
should be determined entirely by reference to the claims. Insofar
as the description above and the accompanying drawings (if any)
disclose any additional subject matter that is not within the scope
of the claims below, the inventions are not dedicated to the public
and Applicant hereby reserves the right to file one or more
applications to claim such additional inventions.
[0063] The reader's attention is directed to all papers and
documents which are filed concurrently with this specification and
which are open to public inspection with this specification, and
the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated
herein by reference.
[0064] All the features disclosed in this specification (including
any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by
alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar
purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly
stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example of a
generic series of equivalent or similar features.
[0065] Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state "means
for" performing a specified function, or "step for" performing a
specific function is not to be interpreted as a "means" or "step"
clause as specified in 35. U.S.C. .sctn.112 6. In particular, the
use of "step of" in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the
provisions of U.S.C. .sctn.112 6.
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