U.S. patent application number 16/519935 was filed with the patent office on 2020-06-11 for modular grow chamber constructions and related growing systems and methods.
The applicant listed for this patent is Timothy E. Joseph. Invention is credited to Timothy E. Joseph.
Application Number | 20200178477 16/519935 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 70736137 |
Filed Date | 2020-06-11 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200178477 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Joseph; Timothy E. |
June 11, 2020 |
MODULAR GROW CHAMBER CONSTRUCTIONS AND RELATED GROWING SYSTEMS AND
METHODS
Abstract
Growing systems may include a number of modular growing chambers
with integrated support columns that eliminate the need for an
external support frame and which provide a simple way to remove
chambers from a stack for harvesting. Pins provided on the support
columns ensure alignment and provide for easy removal of a lower
chamber by first supporting the stack and slightly lowering it
relative to the stack. The chambers may be provided with one or
more removable access panels that provide access to the interior of
the chambers for harvesting from the plant section inside. The
chamber structure supports harvesting processes that permit
harvesting of chambers in sequence by sequentially accessing the
interior of successive chambers and harvesting a production portion
from the plant section inside. Plant production can be made
continuous and perpetual by sequentially harvesting from successive
chambers and repeating the process after a plant section in a first
chamber has regenerated another production portion. The chambers
may include one or more plant guides for guiding growth of the
plant sections within each chamber.
Inventors: |
Joseph; Timothy E.; (Las
Vegas, NV) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Joseph; Timothy E. |
Las Vegas |
NV |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
70736137 |
Appl. No.: |
16/519935 |
Filed: |
July 23, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16213951 |
Dec 7, 2018 |
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16519935 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01G 9/028 20130101;
A01G 2009/003 20130101; A01G 22/25 20180201; A01G 9/023
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A01G 9/02 20060101
A01G009/02; A01G 22/25 20060101 A01G022/25 |
Claims
1. A method for managing production from a plant comprising:
providing a plurality of grow chambers in a stacked arrangement,
each grow chamber adapted to support a controlled growth
environment, separate from the other chambers, for a respective
section of the plant; each grow chamber defining a grow chamber
path to permit a respective section of the plant to extend through
the chamber; the grow chamber path of each of the stacked chambers
defining a stack grow path extending within the stack of grow
chambers; each grow chamber having at least one access panel to
permit access to an interior space thereof; growing a first
production portion in a first one of the grow chambers; growing a
second production portion in a second one of the grow chambers;
when the first production portion reaches a first desired maturity
level, removing the first chamber access panel and accessing the
interior space of the first one of the grow chambers to harvest the
first production portion; replacing the first access panel; when
the second production portion reaches a desired maturity level,
removing the second chamber access panel and harvesting the second
production portion; and replacing the access panel of the second
one of the grow chambers.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising growing a first
additional production portion in the first one of the grow chambers
after harvesting the first production portion from the first one of
the grow chambers.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising growing a second
additional production portion in the second one of the grow
chambers after harvesting the second production portion from the
second one of the grow chambers.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of growing a
third production portion in a third one of the grow chambers and,
when the third production portion reaches a third desired maturity
level, removing the third chamber access panel and harvesting the
third production portion.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of replacing
the third chamber access panel and continuing to grow an additional
third production portion in the third one of the grow chambers.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of installing
the first and second chambers around the plant prior to harvesting
production from the plant.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of growing a
fourth production portion in the second one of the grow
chambers.
8. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of
maintaining a controlled growth environment within each of the
chambers as the plant grows to create the production portions.
9. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of
controlling the growth environment after replacing the grow chamber
access panels.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the production is a tuber, and
wherein the desired maturity for each chamber corresponds with a
desired tuber size.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein each grow chamber includes a
floor that separates the grow chamber from an adjacent chamber.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of
controlling the environment in at least one of the chamber interior
spaces by controlling at least one of: air circulation, liquid
circulation, and nutrient distribution within the at least one
chamber.
13. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of
supporting the plant section in at least one chamber using a plant
interface on the chamber.
14. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of
constructing the second chamber around a shoot section of the plant
and subsequently changing the shoot section to a root section of
the plant.
15. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of providing
a floor for at least one of the chambers.
16. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of providing
a plurality of floor panels to form a floor on at least one of the
chambers, wherein at least one of the floor panels includes a
recess to permit passage of the plant into an interior space of the
chamber.
17. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of
assembling a floor on at least one of the chambers using a
plurality of floor panels.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of
providing at least one recess in at least one of the floor panels
to permit passage of the plant through the floor.
19. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of providing
a floor on at least one of the chambers, and supporting the plant
section with the floor.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of
providing a floor on at least one of the chambers, the floor also
forming a ceiling on an adjacent one of the chambers.
21. A method for managing production from a plant comprising:
providing a plurality of grow chambers in a stacked arrangement, at
least two of the stacked grow chambers each defining an enclosed
interior space adapted to support a controlled growth environment,
separate from the other chambers, for a respective section of the
plant; each of the at least two grow chambers including a floor
having at least one plant interface to permit the plant to extend
through the floor; each grow chamber having at least one access
panel to permit access to the interior space; growing a first
production portion in a first one of the at least two grow
chambers; supporting a section of the plant in the first grow
chamber; growing a second production portion in a second one of the
at least two grow chambers; when the first production portion
reaches a first desired maturity level, removing the first chamber
access panel and accessing the interior space of the first one of
the grow chambers to harvest the first production portion;
replacing the first access panel; when the second production
portion reaches a desired maturity level, removing the second
chamber access panel and harvesting the second production portion;
and replacing the access panel of the second one of the grow
chambers.
22. A method for managing production from a plant comprising:
providing a plurality of grow chambers in a stacked arrangement, at
least two of the stacked grow chambers each defining an enclosed
interior space adapted to support a controlled growth environment,
separate from the other chambers, for a respective section of the
plant; each of the at least two grow chambers including a floor
having at least one plant interface to permit the plant to extend
through the floor; each grow chamber having at least one access
panel to permit access to the interior space; growing a first
production portion in a first one of the at least two grow
chambers; supporting a first section of the plant in the first grow
chamber; growing a second production portion in a second one of the
at least two grow chambers; supporting a second section of the
plant in the second grow chamber; when the first production portion
reaches a first desired maturity level, removing the first chamber
access panel and accessing the interior space of the first one of
the grow chambers to harvest the first production portion;
replacing the first access panel; when the second production
portion reaches a desired maturity level, removing the second
chamber access panel and harvesting the second production portion;
and replacing the access panel of the second one of the grow
chambers.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM AND RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 16/213,951, filed Dec. 7, 2018, titled MODULAR
GROW CHAMBER CONSTRUCTIONS AND RELATED GROWING SYSTEMS AND METHODS,
the disclosure and subject matter of which is incorporated herein
by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The disclosure relates to construction of grow chambers for
growing plants. The disclosure further relates to systems and
methods for growing plants, including systems for growing of plants
that employ a number of grow chambers in a stacked arrangement and
including methods of using such systems to control and enhance
plant growth. The disclosure further relates to apparatus and
systems for automating the operation of growing systems, including
automated components for shifting, lowering, removing or other
manipulating of one or more grow chambers in a grow chamber
stack.
[0003] Recent solutions have addressed challenges in the art to
make emerging farming technologies more feasible for mainstream use
and production of crops and for adaptation on a wide, commercial
scale. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,848,545 and 10,076,090 to
Joseph, et al., the subject matter of which is incorporated herein
in its entirety, disclose stacked farming systems and processes
which utilize stackable grow chamber systems for controlling the
growth of different sections of a single plant. The stack of
chambers may surround one or more growing plants, each plant
extending within the stack of chambers and having a respective
section in each of one or more of the stacked chambers, with each
growing chamber surrounding a corresponding portion of the plant,
such as a root mass, plant produce, plant stalk, plant canopy, etc.
The grow chambers may be selectively added or removed during plant
growth, with little to no disruption to the plant, such that
different sections of the growing plant may be influenced
differently by respective surrounding grow chambers and the unique
environment that is created and controlled independently from the
other chambers and respective plant sections housed therein. The
grow chamber configurations may thus be utilized to manage and
control plant growth, productivity, harvesting and prolong the
productive life of the plant, thus enabling unique growing and
harvesting methods and processes, providing growing systems that
are efficient and productive such that the costs associated with
operation are justified by the output produced. Such systems
provide for increased control and management of plant growth and
increase the production (yield), improve the product assortment
available from plants, and increase the useful productive life of
plants. There are continued challenges in the art to make known
growing apparatus, systems and processes more suitable for
mainstream and widescale production, transport and use and reduce
manufacturing and crop production cost.
[0004] There is thus a need in the relevant art for solutions that
address the aforementioned challenges and others in the art.
SUMMARY
[0005] The present disclosure provides improvements to known grow
chamber systems and related methods, including improvements that
reduce manufacturing costs, improve transportability of grow
chambers and grow chamber systems, provide ease of construction,
cleaning, storing and use, and that enhance operation and
automation. Additionally, site build-out costs may be reduced,
since traditional infrastructure components such as lifts,
catwalks, racks, frames or the like can be eliminated or reduced in
number by the use of stacked grow system architectures that
incorporate aspects of the disclosure.
[0006] According to one aspect, grow chamber constructions may
incorporate standardized parts that are easy and inexpensive to
manufacture and transport and which may be quickly assembled into a
grow chamber stack whereby each grow chamber provides a controlled
environment for a respective section of a single plant or a number
of plants extending through the grow chamber stack. Each chamber
may include a grow chamber frame supported on at least two, and
preferably four support columns. The chamber frame may define a
floor space that may support a number of standardized floor panels,
each having at least one plant interface through which the plant
may extend such that the floor panels and the chamber may be
installed around the plant section without disturbing the plant.
The plant interface may engage or abut the plant stalk without
damaging it and may create a barrier to keep the plant section
substantially isolated within the chamber. The chamber frame may
also define a ceiling or lid space for each chamber that may
support a number of standardized or customized ceiling or lid
panels, which may have the same configuration as the floor panels
and may be installed around the plant section without disturbing
the plant. Front, back and side panels may be secured to the
chamber frame to define an interior space, the environment of which
may be controlled, independently of other chambers in the stack, to
influence growth of the plant section extending within the grow
chamber. The chamber frame and support column construction permit
removal of the front, back and side panels without removing the
chamber from the stack, thereby allowing maintenance, inspection
and servicing of the interior chamber space and plant section
therein. Each support column may include an interface which permits
any chamber in the stack, or a portion of the stack, to be lifted,
lowered and/or supported in a vertical position, allowing removal
of one or more chambers for harvesting.
[0007] According to another aspect, the support columns, not only
may support and/or be integral with the chamber frame components,
but may also function as sub-frame components in the chamber stack
to permit grow chambers to be stacked upon one another without the
need for an external support frame for the overall stack. The
support columns may include alignment pins and recesses such that
an alignment pin of one support column may be received in a recess
of an adjacent support column for an associated chamber. The
alignment pins also provide for efficient removal of chambers from
the stack in a harvesting operation as a chamber only needs to be
moved a small distance to remove the alignment pins from the
recesses of an adjacent chamber and to permit severing of the plant
section contained in the chamber and removal of the chamber from
the stack.
[0008] According to another aspect, the chamber construction
supports grow chamber systems and processes for constructing the
chamber and a chamber stack as the plant grows and without
disturbing plant growth. In a growing process, an additional
chamber maybe added to a base or an existing grow chamber stack by
constructing the new grow chamber on a plant section not under any
chamber's control. As an example, this process can be used to
modify plant sections from a canopy or light receiving section to a
root or crop productive section. Thus, sections of the plant can be
enclosed by additional chambers and their growth modified.
[0009] According to another aspect, the chamber construction and
chamber systems support processes for harvesting successive
sections of the plant by easy removal of a desired chamber from the
stack.
[0010] According to another aspect, a harvesting device may
automate or assist manual processes for cutting plant sections and
raising, lowering and removal of one or more chambers from the
chamber stack for harvesting.
[0011] According to an aspect of the disclosure, processes for
harvesting may include the steps of providing a plurality of grow
chambers in a stacked arrangement, each grow chamber having an
interior space adapted to provide a controlled growth environment
for a respective section of the plant; each grow chamber defining a
grow chamber path to permit a respective section of the plant to
extend through the chamber; the grow chamber path of each of the
stacked chambers defining a stack grow path extending within the
stack of grow chambers; each grow chamber having at least one
access panel to permit access to the interior space; growing a
first production portion in a first one of the grow chambers;
growing a second production portion in a second one of the grow
chambers; when the first production portion reaches a first desired
maturity level, removing the first chamber access panel and
accessing the interior space of the first one of the grow chambers
to harvest the first production portion; replacing the first access
panel; when the second production portion reaches a desired
maturity level, removing the second chamber access panel and
harvesting the second production portion; and replacing the access
panel of the second one of the grow chambers.
[0012] According to one implementation, modular chambers in a grow
chamber stack may include removable access panels to permit access
to the interior of the grow chamber while the grow chamber remains
in place in the grow chamber stack. According to one
implementation, growing processes utilizing the modular grow
chambers may provide for the sequential harvesting of sections of
the plant by sequential access of the interior of chambers in the
stack using the access panel and without removing the chambers from
the stack. A process for harvesting from the chamber stack may
include steps of accessing the interior of the chambers
sequentially, and sequentially harvesting respective production
portions from sections of the plant as the crop on each plant
section reaches a desired maturity. In this manner, the overall
production of the plant is harvested in stages or production
portions, thereby permitting the production of the plant to be
supplied in stages or production portions over time, rather than
requiring the entire production of the plant to be harvested in a
single exercise, often destroying the plant and replanting a new
plant, as is done with traditional methods.
[0013] According to another aspect, the growing process enabled by
modular grow chambers may provide for perpetual production from a
single plant. A process for harvesting from the chamber stack may
include steps of accessing the interior of the chambers
sequentially, and sequentially harvesting from sections of the
plant as each section reaches maturity. For example, after
accessing a first (top) chamber and harvesting from the plant
section therein, the access panel may be replaced to restore the
growth environment within the chamber. A new crop is allowed to
mature in this top plant section. The remainder of the plant
sections are harvested in stages over a period of time that may
permit the top section of the plant to develop another mature crop.
Thus, the production of the plant may be harvested continuously in
stages, allowing a single plant to provide a perpetual supply of
crop in stages or portions over time.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The above and other attendant advantages and features of the
invention will be apparent from the following detailed description
together with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference
numerals represent like elements throughout. It will be understood
that the description and embodiments are intended as illustrative
examples and are not intended to be limiting to the scope of
invention, which is set forth in the claims appended hereto. The
drawings show example implementations according to respective
aspects of the disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an example grow
system including a base, plant canopy support assembly and a stack
of modular grow chambers, with the stack partially exploded to show
additional details.
[0016] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an example grow
chamber used in the system of FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the grow chamber of FIG. 2
in an assembled state.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an assembled grow chamber
frame and vertical supports.
[0019] FIGS. 5 and 6 are perspectives 6 showing an example grow
chamber support column.
[0020] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective of an example upper grow
chamber frame.
[0021] FIG. 8 is a perspective of an example grow chamber front
panel.
[0022] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective of an example grow chamber
intake side panel.
[0023] FIG. 10 is a perspective of an assembled exhaust side
panel.
[0024] FIG. 11 is another perspective of the assembled exhaust side
panel of FIG. 10.
[0025] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective of a modular floor/lid
panel and plant interfaces.
[0026] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective of a base used in the
system of FIG. 1.
[0027] FIGS. 14.1 and 14.2 illustrate an example growing process,
including steps and corresponding schematic configurations of the
growing system of FIG. 1.
[0028] FIG. 15 is a perspective of a portable shifting device
suitable for use with the system of FIG. 1 and for implementing the
growing process of FIGS. 14.1 and 14.2.
[0029] FIG. 16 is a top view of the shifting device of FIG. 15.
[0030] FIG. 17 is a perspective of the chamber shifting device of
FIG. 15 situated around a grow chamber stack having first and
second grow chambers.
[0031] FIG. 18 is a perspective showing the shifting device of FIG.
15 with shifting carriages engaging the shifting interfaces of a
second chamber in the stack.
[0032] FIG. 19 is a perspective showing details of shifting
carriages of the shifting device of FIG. 15.
[0033] FIG. 20 is a perspective showing the shifting device of FIG.
15 with shifting carriages the second chamber.
[0034] FIG. 21 is a perspective showing the shifting device of FIG.
15 engaging a first chamber in the stack while supporting the
second chamber.
[0035] FIG. 22 is a perspective showing the shifting device
shifting the first chamber in the stack.
[0036] FIG. 23 is a perspective showing the shifting device
shifting the first chamber in the stack and deployment of a roller
sled for supporting the bottom of the first chamber.
[0037] FIG. 24 is a perspective showing the shifting device
shifting the first chamber to permit the roller sled to be placed
beneath the bottom of the first chamber.
[0038] FIG. 25 is a perspective showing the shifting device
lowering the first chamber onto the roller sled.
[0039] FIG. 26 is a perspective showing the shifting device with
the first chamber being rolled onto a chamber receiving carriage on
the shifting device.
[0040] FIG. 27 is a cutaway perspective showing details of a
shifting carriage, a chamber rolling sled and chamber receiving
carriage of the shifting device of FIG. 15
[0041] FIG. 28 is a cutaway perspective showing details of a
chamber rolling sled and receiving carriage of the shifting device
of FIG. 15 showing interaction with a base.
[0042] FIG. 29 is a perspective showing details of a plant section
cutting mechanism of the shifting device of FIG. 15.
[0043] FIG. 30 is a perspective showing details of a shifting
device locking bar interacting with a lift interface on a
chamber.
[0044] FIG. 31 is a side cutaway view showing details of a shifting
carriage drive mechanism and locking mechanism.
[0045] FIGS. 32 and 33 are perspectives showing a second example
grow system.
[0046] FIG. 34 is an exploded perspective showing construction of a
grow chamber used in the system of FIGS. 32 and 33.
[0047] FIG. 35 is a perspective of a lower chamber frame component
used in construction of the grow chambers used in the system of
FIGS. 32 and 33.
[0048] FIG. 36 is a detailed perspective of a fastening
configuration for the frame component of FIG. 35.
[0049] FIGS. 37 and 38 are exploded perspective views of a support
column for the grow chambers used in the system of FIGS. 32 and
33.
[0050] FIG. 39 is a detailed view showing the fastening details of
the frame component of FIG. 35 and the support column of FIGS. 37
and 38.
[0051] FIG. 40 is a perspective of a floor panel used in the grow
chambers of the system of FIGS. 32 and 33.
[0052] FIG. 41 is a perspective of an assembled grow chamber used
in the system of FIGS. 32 and 33.
[0053] FIG. 42 is an exploded perspective of a base suitable for
use in the system of FIGS. 32 and 33.
[0054] FIGS. 43 and 44 are perspective views of a telescoping
external support for supporting a grow chamber stack.
[0055] FIG. 45 is a perspective of a shifting device that may be
used to elevate or lower a chamber in the system of FIGS. 32 and
33.
[0056] FIG. 46 illustrates an alternative example growing process,
including steps and corresponding schematic configurations of a
modular growing system with grow chamber access panels that may be
used to harvest plant production in stages and perpetually without
moving grow chambers in the stack.
[0057] FIG. 47 is an exploded pictorial view of an example modular
grow chamber with access panels suitable for implementing processes
according to aspects of the disclosure, including the process of
FIG. 46.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0058] FIGS. 1-13 illustrate details of an example growing system
10, and constituent parts according to aspects of the disclosure.
The grow system 10 may include the major components of a base 100
and a number of (in this case five) grow chambers including a first
chamber 200.1, second chamber 200.2, third chamber 200.3, fourth
chamber 200.4 and fifth chamber 200.5 in a stacked arrangement.
FIG. 1 shows the stack in a partially exploded view to reveal some
of the details of the interior of the first and second chambers,
which will be further explained herein. A canopy support 300 may
comprise a number of (in this case four) canopy support sections
302.1, 302.2, 302.3 and 302.4, which may be fastened to an upper
chamber 200.5 with threaded fasteners to surround a plant canopy or
shoot section (not shown) extending from the lid of the upper
chamber 200.5. The canopy support sections may be constructed as a
grid or framework from common materials and may provide support to
the plant canopy/shoot section while permitting the circulation of
air. As will be described, an upper frame of each chamber may have
holes provided thereon to support the canopy support 300.
[0059] Referring additionally to FIGS. 2 and 3, each grow chamber
200 may be comprised generally of a grow chamber frame 210, which
includes at least two, and in this case four, support columns
220.1, 220.2, 220.3 and 220.4. The support columns 220 support and
are interconnected with a lower chamber subframe 230 and an upper
chamber subframe 240. A front panel 250 and a rear panel 260 may be
removably secured to a front and back of the chamber frame 210,
respectively. An intake side panel 270 and an exhaust side panel
280 may be removable secured to respective sides of the chamber
frame 210 and may include devices for enhancing or causing
circulation of air within the chamber, as will be explained. A
chamber floor 290 may be formed from a number of (in this case,
six) standardized floor panels 292 each having one or more (in this
case three) plant interface recesses 294 defined in a side thereof
for receiving a plant interface 296, which may engage or abut the
plant and may have characteristics of a reslient seal or gasket or
include bristles to keep the inner chamber environment controlled
independent of other chambers, as will be explained.
[0060] With additional reference to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, illustrates
further details of the constituent components of chamber frame 210
and related structure. Support columns 220 may include a solid main
body 221 which may be of a square or other cross-section (i.e.,
circular, rectangular or any cross-section). A square
cross-sectional main body is shown. An upper frame adapter
interface 222 is defined on the support column 220 for receiving an
upper frame adapter 246. The upper frame adapter interface 222 may
include a shoulder 226 formed on the support column 220 for
supporting a collar 247 on the upper frame adapter 246. The collar
247 may be shaped complementarily to the upper frame adapter
interface 222. An upper frame support plate 248 may extend from the
collar 247 to support the upper frame 240. The collar 247 may be
retained in place by one or more quick connect fasteners 222.1
which may be a spring-biased pin that retracts into the support
column 220 and snap into a respective receiving hole 246.1 defined
on collar 246 when the receiving hole 246.1 is aligned with the
pin. A lower frame adapter interface 223 may be defined on a lower
portion of the support column 220 for receiving a lower frame
adapter 236. The lower frame adapter interface 223 may include a
shoulder 227 formed on the support column 220 for supporting a
collar 237 on the lower frame adapter 236. The collar may be shaped
complementarily to the lower frame adapter interface 223. A lower
frame support plate 238 may extend from the collar 237 to support
the lower frame 230. An interface 228 may be defined in the support
column 220 as an elongated slot that extends through the main body
of the support column 220 for receiving one or more components of a
shifting/lowering/supporting device, as will be described in more
detail.
[0061] FIG. 7 illustrates an example upper chamber frame 240. The
upper chamber frame 240 may be constructed of a number of elongated
frame side members 242, which may have an L-shaped cross-section,
joined by a like number of frame joining members, in this case four
corner members 241. The corner members 241 may be secured on the
underside of the frame members 242, which may include mitered
corners to provide for a smooth upper surface to facilitate easy
installation of the upper frame and securing to the upper frame
support plates 248 of the frame adapters 246 (FIGS. 4-6). Referring
additionally to FIG. 2, in order to provide a smooth surface and
substantially continuous surface on the upper frame of the chamber,
upper frame spacer strips 243, which are of the same thickness as
the upper frame support plates 248 may be provided to extend
between adjacent upper support plates 248. Moreover, tapered,
recessed fasteners, such as flathead or tapered screws may be used
to secure the frame components. Thus, a very smooth and continuous
upper surface may be provided on each chamber to facilitate
effective sealing between chambers as well as smooth operation when
a chamber is removed from the chamber stack as will be
described.
[0062] FIG. 8 is an example construction for a front chamber panel
250. The panel may include a hinge 252 which enables the front
panel to be pivotably mounted on the chamber frame 210 to enable
access to the interior of the chamber. One or more sealing elements
254, such as a gasket and/or a raised portion, which may provide a
friction fit, may be provided to ensure effective sealing between
the front panel and the chamber frame 210. Such sealing elements
may also be provided on the other panels, such as rear panel 260
and side panels 270 and 280.
[0063] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of an example intake panel 270.
The intake panel 270 may include a generally flat sheet member or
main body 271 having one or more ventilation passages or ports 273
defined therein. A retaining ridge 274 may be fastened to an
interior side of the intake panel 270 and may interface with and
engage an upper edge of one a front lower frame member 231 (see
FIGS. 2 and 4), which may allow the intake panel 270 to pivot
slightly thereabout to permit the panel to rest in a slightly open
orientation for access to the chamber interior. A sealing element
276 may also be fastened to an upper area of the interior surface
of the panel 270 to provide a sealing engagement with the upper
frame 240 (FIG. 4). Side members 272 may reinforce the strength of
the panel and be provided with sealing edges or surfaces to engage
or interface with surfaces on respective support columns 220.1 and
220.2 (FIG. 2). One or more vaned cowlings 278 may influence the
flow of air or other fluid through the chamber intake panel and may
direct incoming air to flow in a radially outward direction
relative to the cowling, thus enhancing the distribution and flow
of air within the chamber interior.
[0064] FIGS. 10 and 11 are perspective views of a side exhaust
panel 280. The side exhaust panel 280 may have a similar
construction to the intake panel 270. A generally flat main body
281 may have a number of exhaust ports 283 formed therein, with
respective exhaust fans 288 mounted there on to force air out of
the chamber interior. A retaining ridge 284 may engage one of the
chamber lower frame members and permit slight pivoting of the
exhaust panel 280. Side members 282 provide strength and a sealing
surface to engage or interface with surfaces on the respective
support columns 220.3 and 220.4. A sealing element 286 may be
provided on the interior surface of the exhaust panel 280.
[0065] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a floor panel and plant
interfaces for constructing the floor of the grow chamber. Floor
panel may be of a generally geometric shape and formed by injection
molding with a plastic material, such as a high strength
thermoplastic, stainless steel that is cut into the desired
geometric shape or other acceptable materials & fabrication
methods. The floor panel 292 may include a number of semi-circular
or other shaped recesses 294 which each may receive and retain
therein a plant interface 296. Interfaces may be a full circle in
shape (as in FIG. 2) with a single radial slit to permit sealing
around the plant stalk while conforming to the floor design &
functionality. Plant interfaces 296 may function to provide a seal
around a plant stalk to prevent the passage of light into the
chamber interior and/or to isolate the chamber interior and a plant
section from other chambers and plant sections, such that the
environment within the chamber and surrounding the specific plant
section may be controlled separately and independently from other
chamber interiors and respective sections of the same plant.
Additionally, these plant interfaces act to help support the plants
in the grow stack. Interface may be formed from an elastomeric
material that includes an outer retaining channel 297 for
frictionally engaging a respective recess 294. One or more slits
298 may be formed within the interface 296 to permit the interface
to engage and/or otherwise interface with the plant stalk.
Alternatively, or in combination, the interface may include
bristles or other features to provide a substantial sealing
engagement with the plant stalk. A number of flow channels 293 may
be formed in an upper surface of the floor panel 292 and may
communicate with one or more passages 295 which permit the flow of
liquid within the chamber through the chamber floor to a chamber
below or to a base which collects and recirculates liquids in the
system. In the illustrated implementation, each pair of floor
panels 292 define three grow passages extending through the chamber
floor. Thus, the six floor panels define nine grow passages, each
of which may accommodate a single plant, with each chamber in a
chamber stack controlling a respective growth environment for one
section of each of the nine plants growing in the chamber stack.
Similarly, such panels may be used to form a lid or ceiling on one
or more chambers. As will be recognized by those of ordinary skill,
the present disclosure provides for a widely adaptable floor and
lid configuration where any number of plant interfaces, in any
size, shape and pattern, may be provided to support different crop
types.
[0066] In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, the floor
panels may be of a standardized and customizable, modular
construction. That is, the floor panels 292 may be of identical
shape and may fully occupy a floor space defined in the lower
chamber frame 230. Referring back to FIG. 2, owing to the position
of the support columns 220, the lower chamber frame 230 defines a
floor space, bounded by the upright walls of the lower chamber
members, which may have an L-shaped cross-section. The floor space
is such that it may be completely occupied by floor panels of a
standardized shape, such as a rectangular shape. Similarly, the
upper chamber frame 240 may define a ceiling or lid space for
supporting ceiling or lid panels (not shown) on one or more of the
chambers. The ceiling panels may be of a standardized shape as are
the floor panels 292 and may be identical in shape (i.e.,
interchangeable with) the floor panels such that only a single
shape panel needs to be manufactured to permit users to configure
chambers with floors and ceilings or lids as needed in a given
stacked chamber system. For example, a lid may be constructed on an
upper most chamber in a stack to shield the chamber interior from
light. The orientation of the support columns 220 is outside of the
square floor (and ceiling) space. Thus, the floor and ceiling or
lid panels need not be formed with cutouts or discontinuities in
order to fit within the floor space. Not only does this eliminate
the need for non-standard shaped floor panels, but it provides for
ease of installation, cleaning and maintenance of the chamber
interior.
[0067] As will be recognized, according to aspects of the
disclosure, the grow chamber construction permits a grow chamber to
be constructed around one or more growing plant stalks without
disturbing the growth of the plant(s). Specifically, the chamber
construction permits an operator to first construct the upper and
lower frame assemblies 240 and 230, and then secure them to the
upper and lower portions of the support columns 220 using the upper
and lower frame adapters. The frame assembly can be placed on top
of a first chamber within which the one or more plants are growing
and the alignment projections (229, FIGS. 5 and 6) of the first
chamber. The floor panels 292 may then be set in place within the
lower frame floor space with the recesses 294 and plant interfaces
296 being placed around respective plant stalks. The front, back
and side panels, with intake and exhaust features that provide for
venting and/or circulation, may then be installed on the chamber
frame and a lid, or additional chamber, may be installed on top of
the (second) chamber to form an enclosed and controlled environment
in the second chamber for respective sections of the plant(s). As
will be recognized, the construction of each chamber in a chamber
stack may thus be done to create additional controlled growth
sections of existing plants and without disturbing, removing or
harming the plant(s). This, in turn, enables the addition of grow
chambers to the stack with virtually no disturbance to the plants
and while the plants continue to grow.
[0068] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of an example base according to
an aspect of the disclosure. As will be recognized, owing to one of
the advantage of the present disclosure, the modular components
utilized in construction of the upper chambers 200 (FIG. 1)
including the chamber frame 210 and support columns 220 may also be
utilized to construct a base 100. Instead of floor panels, a basin
or tray 120 may be supported within the chamber frame 210 on the
upper frame 240. Support columns 220 may be provided with
adjustable pedestals 150 which support the base 100, and thus,
ultimately, the entire stack of chambers, on a floor surface. A
number of side panels 110 may be provided for aesthetic
purposes.
[0069] FIGS. 14.1 and 14.2 illustrate an example growing process
that may be facilitated by the above-described chamber
constructions. Configurations of the system 10 (FIG. 1)
corresponding to particular process steps are shown to the left of
the example steps. At step 1402, the base ("Base") and first
chamber ("C1") are constructed in place on a surface. Plant growth
is initiated, for example, by the placement of a potato start,
which may constitute a first section of the plant at a first
maturity level in the first chamber. As will be recognized, while a
single plant is being referenced for purposes of simplicity in this
example, the chambers may support multiple plants (i.e., such as
the nine plant interfaces described in the examples with regard to
FIGS. 1-13). At step 1406, when the first section of the plant
reaches a second maturity level, which may coincide with the potato
start forming a stalk or canopy, which may constitute a second
plant section, a second chamber ("C2") may be constructed around a
second section of the plant. As described above, such construction
of the second chamber may occur without disruption to the growth of
the plant growing in the first chamber. The second plant section
may be modified prior to construction of the second chamber, such
as by removal of some or all of the leaves growing on the plant
stalk in order to modify the second section from a stalk/canopy
portion to a root mass/productive portion. The second chamber in
this case may include a lid to shield the productive plant section
from light and to enclose the plant section.
[0070] At step 1408, when the plant reaches a third maturity level,
a third chamber may be constructed around a third section of the
plant. This may include a modification of a stalk portion of the
plant as was done for the second chamber above. Similarly, at step
1410, when the plant reaches a fourth maturity level, a fourth
chamber may be constructed around a fourth plant section. As will
be recognized, in this manner, sections of the plant may be
modified with the addition of respective chambers, with each
productive plant section having a different maturity level of the
crop/produce, with the most mature productive section of the plant
being in the first chamber.
[0071] In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, the grow
chamber constructions disclosed herein not only eliminate the need
for an external frame, and associated complexities, to support the
chamber stack, but also support efficient and simple removal of
chambers as part of a harvesting process. Referring particularly to
FIG. 14.2, at step 1420 during a harvesting step, the chambers
above the first chamber, that is, the second, third and fourth
chambers, are supported via the support interfaces on the support
columns on the second chamber. This may be done with a stationary
support, schematically represented to the left of step 1420, or
with a shifting device, as will be described herein. Removal of the
first chamber may then occur by either or both of steps 1422 and
1424, both represented by dotted lines in the process to indicate
they are optional and may be performed together or alternatively.
At step 1422, the portion of the stack constituted by the second,
third and fourth chambers (C2, C3 and C4) may be elevated with an
external lift, as indicated by the arrows. In addition, or
alternatively, at step 1424, the first chamber may simply be
shifted a sufficient distance to disengage the alignment
projections/connecting pins (229 in FIGS. 5 and 6) to permit
removal of the first chamber, with or without the base. Lowering of
the first chamber and base may occur by virtue of
collapsible/extendable mounting features on the base, which permit
the base and first chamber to lower a slight distance relative to
the supported second, third and fourth chambers, so that the
alignment projections clear the recesses of the support columns of
the second chamber. At step 1426, the first plant section may be
severed from the rest of the plant using acutting device. At step
1428, the first chamber may be removed and the crop harvested from
that chamber's stacked production layer of the plant housed within
the first chamber. After harvesting, the remaining chambers C2, C3
and C4 may be lowered onto the base, and another chamber added to
the top of the stack to initiate modification of yet another
section of the plant from a stalk into a productive section (root
mass). As will be recognized, the process provides continued
harvesting of crop from successive sections of a single plant. In
addition, multiple productive levels of the plant may be developed
under a single plant canopy and thus drawing from the same energy
source. In this manner, productivity of the plant for a given
energy input may be increased.
[0072] According to an aspect of the disclosure, chamber shifting
devices which facilitate performance of one or more of the steps
described above may be provided. FIGS. 15-31 illustrate a portable
shifting device 500 that may be utilized with a number of grow
chamber stacks that may be located in a large scale grow operation.
Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, shifting device 500 may have a
generally U-shaped configuration when viewed from the top, with a
pair of opposed side frames 520 and 530 connected by a rear
cross-member 540 and a rear chamber removal carriage 545 pivotably
connected to the cross-member 540. Each side member 520, 530
includes two pairs of shifting carriages 550 for releasably
engaging respective shifting interfaces (228 in FIGS. 5 and 6) on
the support columns 220 (FIG. 2) on respective chambers in the
chamber stack. Shifting carriages 550.1, 550.2, 550.3 and 550.4
engage respective shifting interfaces on a second chamber (not
shown in FIG. 15) and shifting carriages 560.1, 560.2, 560.3 and
560.4 engage respective shifting interfaces on a first chamber in
the chamber stack (not shown in FIG. 15). A pair of lead screws
555.1, 555.2, 555.3 and 555.4, on each side member, each actuated
by a servo motor 557, provide for actuation of the shifting
carriages 560. Moreover, as will be explained, each shifting
carriage 550 may be provided with a locking mechanism and driving
mechanism to permit independent movement and locking of the two
shifting carriages on each lead screw relative to one another. A
pair of guide rods 558 extend on each side of each lead screw 557
and are fixed to the side members and extend through a journal in
each shifting carriage to provide for lateral support and guidance
thereof. A cutting mechanism 590 (FIG. 16) is mounted for
reciprocating movement on cutting mechanism in a direction parallel
to the ground to travel in a space between grow chambers, from the
front of the chambers to the back, to sever plant sections, as will
be explained.
[0073] FIG. 17 illustrates a shifting device 500 disposed in
position around a grow chamber stack having a first grow chamber
200.1 and second grow chamber 200.2. The shifting device may be
transported into position on caster or wheel elements disposed
beneath the side frames and or cross member. In FIG. 17, the
shifting carriages 550 and 560 are not yet deployed into engagement
with the shifting interfaces on the chambers.
[0074] FIG. 18 shows the shifting device 500 in position around a
pair of grow chambers with the chamber receiving carriage 545
deployed to a horizontal position. Pivoting may occur by manual
operation, or by appropriate automated controls and motors. FIG. 18
also shows the upper shifting carriages 550 in a chamber-engaging
position with the guide rods 553 extended inward towards the second
chamber. Referring additionally to FIG. 19, each shifting carriage
550, 560 includes a gripping block 552 having a recess 554 defined
therein and shaped to receive the width of a supporting column on
the chamber. A locking bar 556 may be actuated by a handle 551
through an appropriate linkage, as will be explained and may extend
through the shifting interface in a respective support column (not
shown in FIG. 19) and into a receiving slot 557 in the gripping
block 552. In this manner, a respective support column (228, FIGS.
5 and 6) may be securely locked in place on each shifting carriage
prior to shifting the chamber. Each shifting carriage 550, 560
includes a pair of guide rods 553 which provide vertical support to
the gripping block 552 and allow it to move horizontally relative
to a shifting carriage base 561 (FIG. 19), which selectively
engages a respective lead screw. Horizontal movement of the
gripping block 552 relative to the shifting carriage base 561 may
be done manually or may be done with controlled motorized
components that act upon the guide rods 553 and/or the gripping
block 552.
[0075] FIG. 20 shows the shifting device 500 with the shifting
carriages 550 in a position in which the second chamber 200.2 is
lifted from the first chamber 200.1. As will be recognized, there
may be additional chambers (i.e., third chamber, fourth chamber)
above the second chamber and those chambers would also be lifted
into an elevated position above the first chamber. In this
position, the cutting mechanism 590 may travel through the space
between the first chamber and the second chamber to sever the plant
section(s) in the first chamber from those in the second chamber.
Operation of the cutting mechanism 590 will be explained below.
[0076] FIG. 21 shows the shifting device 500 with shifting
carriages 560 in a position in which they engage the first chamber
in preparation for shifting the first chamber to permit removal
thereof. FIG. 22 shows the first chamber being lifted by the
shifting carriages 560 to create a space between the first chamber
and the base 100. Referring additionally to FIG. 23, removal of the
first chamber may be facilitated by a roller sled 547 deployed from
the chamber removal carriage 545. A chamber receiving frame 548 may
be supported with a number of linkages 549 on the chamber removal
carriage 545. The chamber receiving frame 548 may be pivoted to an
elevated position shown in FIG. 23, in which it is elevated to the
same height as the top of the base 100. Roller sled 547 may then be
manually rolled from the chamber receiving frame 548 onto the upper
frame of the base. FIG. 24 shows the roller sled 547 in position
beneath the first chamber and supported on the upper frame of the
base 100. Further details are shown in FIG. 28, in which a portion
of the shifting device 500 and the first and second chambers have
been omitted to show the position of roller sled 547 on the base
100. After the roller sled has been put in position beneath the
first chamber, the lower shifting carriages are actuated to lower
the first chamber 200.1 onto the roller sled 547. The handles on
the shifting carriages are actuated to disengage the locking bar
from the shifting interfaces of the support columns, and the
shifting carriages are retracted from engagement with the first
chamber support columns, as shown in FIG. 25. The first chamber
200.1 may then be rolled onto the chamber receiving frame 548 using
the roller sled 547 to the position shown in FIG. 26. The first
chamber may be subsequently lifted from the chamber receiving frame
548 and removed for further processing/harvesting steps for the
plant section (crop) contained therein.
[0077] FIG. 29 illustrates details of a cutting mechanism 590,
which may include a cutting band or wire 591 which extends around a
rotating drive motor 592. At an opposite end is a pulley or other
element (not shown) to keep the band or wire 591 in tension. Band
or wire 591 may travel in a single direction, or it may reciprocate
to effectuate severing of the plant section in a chamber below the
cutting mechanism 591. Motor 592 and the opposite end pulley may
each be mounted on a cutting mechanism carriage 593 which may be
slidably secured to a guide rod 594 extending from the front to the
back of the shifting mechanism frame on each side thereof. The
cutting mechanism carriages 593 may be moved from the front to the
back of the shifting mechanism frame with motorized components or
with a manually operated linkage that allows an operator to move
the assembly along the guide rods 594 and in the space between
chambers when severing of a plant section is desired.
[0078] FIG. 30 illustrates details of a linkage between the
shifting carriage handle 551 and the locking bar 556. The linkage
may include a camming extension 558 extending from the shaft of the
handle and being pivotably connected to a yoke 559 extending from
the locking bar 556. Rotation of the handle 551 causes movement of
the extension 558 and corresponding sliding movement of the locking
bar 556 within the shifting carriage gripping block 552.
[0079] FIG. 31 is a cross section of a shifting carriage 550
showing internal components for driving and locking the shifting
carriage. With regard to the locking mechanism, the guide rods 558
may be provided with friction-enhancing features, such as locking
teeth 563 formed in or extending along a side of the guide rod 558.
A pair of locking grips 564 have mating teeth 565 formed thereon
for engaging the locking teeth 563 of the guide rods and may be
mounted for reciprocal movement within journal or housing elements
566. Linkages 567 connect the locking grips 564 to a crank 568
which may be moved by a motor (not shown) controlled by a control
system. These components provide for selective locking an unlocking
of the shifting carriage to the guide rods 558. With regard to the
locking mechanism, a conical half-nut assembly 570, with two
tapered or conical elements that may be biased outward by a spring
may be selectively moved upward in FIG. 31 into locking engagement
with a conical surface on a locking block 572 secured to the
shifting carriage housing. Upward or downward movement of the
shifting carriage may be facilitated by an outer actuating tube 574
that surrounds the lead screw and may be moved upward by a camming
surface on the crank 568 such that rotation of the crank results in
upward movement of the actuating tube 547 (as well as actuation of
the locking grips 564. Due to the taper/conical surfaces in the
half-nut halves and in the locking block, the two halves may be
forced together upon upward movement until they engage the lead
screw and act as a single drive nut. The shifting carriage thus
operates in this mode as though it were permanently attached to the
lead screw, raising and lowering with no further action upon the
half-nut assembly required. When it is desired to disengage the
half-nut (i.e., to hold the associated chamber in place) the
rotation of the crank in a locking direction may cause the locking
grips 564 to engage the locking teeth on the guide rods and, at the
same time, the lead screw may be reversed to allow the locking grip
teeth to engage the guide rods. In addition, the actuator crank
causes a lowering of the actuating tube 574 and the continued
rotation of the lead screw may cause the half nut assembly to lower
and disengage from the lead screw. The half-nut assembly thus
provides selective engagement and disengagement of the shifting
carriage with the lead screw 555 and is coordinated with actuation
of the locking grips 564 such that the shifting carriage may be
unlocked from the guide rods 558 and engaged with the lead screw
555 simultaneously or in a single operation. Alternatively, the
locking mechanism and shifting mechanism may be actuated by
separate actuators, each under appropriate control by a respective
control system, to coordinate their operation. The dimensions of
the half-nut may be selected to ensure that the half-nut can
completely disconnect while also staying within the lower section
of the locking block conical surface to ensure the half nut
assembly remains centered at all times.
[0080] The above configuration provides for a single lead screw to
raise and lower two or more shifting carriages mounted thereon
independent of one another. Thus, the shifting carriages 550.1 and
560.1 (FIG. 15) can be moved independent of one another using the
lead screw motion and appropriate controls for the driving and
locking mechanisms in each shifting carriage.
[0081] FIGS. 32-45 illustrate a second example grow chamber system
according to aspects of the disclosure and which may be used to
perform the process described above relative to FIGS. 14.1 and
14.2. Referring particularly to FIGS. 32 and 33, grow chamber
system 1000 may include a base or chamber 1100 and a number of
modular grow chambers (five are shown) 1200.1, 1200.2, 1200.3,
1200.4 and 1200.5. A top framework 1300 may be provided on a top
one of the chambers 1200.5 and may include an energy source 1310
suspended therefrom as well as a number of support members 1320
fastened to the corners of the upper chamber 1200.5 and extending
above the upper chamber. In addition, other supporting structure
may be provided, such as the gridwork shown in the system in FIG.
1. A shifting device 1500, which may be a scissor-type shifting
device, maybe disposed beneath the base 1100. Base 1100 may have
telescoping support members 1110 (partially illustrated, see FIGS.
43 and 44 for full illustrations) secured to support columns at the
corners of the base 1110. Rollers or casters 1112 may be mounted on
the bottom of each corner support column.
[0082] A second example modular chamber construction is illustrated
in the exploded view in FIG. 34 and in the assembled view in FIG.
41. A lower frame 1230 is defined by a number (in this case four)
channel members 1232 each of which is secured to a lower portion of
the corner support columns 1220.1, 1220.2, 1220.3 and 1220.4. The
lower frame members 1232 and corner support columns 1220 define a
floor space, which supports a number of floor panels, including
inner floor panels 1293 and end floor panels 1292, which have a
cutout 1294 to fit around the corner support columns 1220. A number
of floor support cross members 1233 may extend between two of the
lower frame members 1232 and in a direction transverse to the major
dimension of the floor panels to provide additional support
thereto. A front panel 1250, rear panel 1260, right side panel 1270
and left side panel 1280 may be secured to respective lower frame
members 1232 and to the corner support columns 1220 using threaded
fasteners or other fastening devices, such as quick connect
fasteners. FIG. 34 also illustrates an upper and lower nutrient
distribution framework 1210 and 1215, which may include conduits
for distributing nutrients to a number of spray nozzles within the
chamber.
[0083] FIGS. 35 and 36 illustrate details of a lower frame member
1232 and an example connecting feature for releasably securing the
lower frame members 1232 to the support columns 1220. Frame member
1232 may be a generally L-shaped angled member having a
horizontally extending floor support member with a vertically
extending fastening tab 1240 extending from each end thereof. A
vertical wall 1235 may extend between and be fastened to the
fastening tabs 1240 with threaded fasteners 1243, welding or other
fastening features. Fastening tabs 1240 include a number (in this
case two) of fastening channels or hooks 1242 extending in a
downward direction to engage and receive fastening pins on the
support columns as will be explained. As will be recognized, the
horizontal member 1234 may be formed from a stamping operation in
which fastening tabs are formed and then bent at a 90-degree angle
to the orientation shown in FIG. 35.
[0084] FIGS. 37-39 illustrate details of the corner support columns
1220 and how they are fastened to the lower frame members 1232.
Support columns 1220 may include a rounded outer corner 1221
extending to a panel shoulder 1222 for providing a flush mount of
the front, back or side panels. Each support column 1220 may
include a pair of locking levers 1226, which are mounted on pivot
pins 1227 and may pivot (swing) from a stored position, in which
they are secured in a spring biased clip 1228 to a locking position
(shown in FIG. 39) in which the end of the locking levers 1226
engages the fastening tabs 1240 of the lower frame members 1232 to
secure the position of the lower frame members and the engagement
of locking pins 1229 in the respective channels of the fastening
tabs 1240, thus securing the frame member 1232 to the support
columns 1220. In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, an
alignment pin 1225 is provided in a recess or aperture 1224 in the
top of the support column 1220 for engaging an adjacent recess in
the support column of an adjacent (upper) chamber.
[0085] In contrast to the modular chamber construction described
above with regard to FIGS. 1-13, in this example the construction
utilizes only a lower frame defining a floor space and utilizing
the support columns to interconnect the lower frame constituent
members.
[0086] The lower frame connections include a high strength quick
connect feature, which enhances the structural strength provided by
the lower chamber frame and support columns such that an upper
chamber frame (as in the system of FIGS. 1-13) may be eliminated or
optional. This configuration also provides enhanced access to the
chamber interior. Moreover, the corner support columns are disposed
inward compared to the implementation of FIGS. 1-13, and thus
partially occupy the chamber interior and provide a smooth outer
perimeter of the grow chamber to enhance cleaning and
appearance.
[0087] FIG. 42 is an exploded view of a base 1100 and a shifting
device 1500. As will be recognized, the lower frame 1230,
cross-members 1233, support columns 1220 and front, back and side
panels 1250, 1260, 1270 and 1280 may be constructed similarly to
the chamber construction described above with regard to FIGS.
32-40. However, a solid floor panel 1190 may be utilized instead of
the floor panels 1292, 1293 (FIGS. 34 and 41) in order to provide a
smooth surface on the underside of the chamber for interfacing with
a lift assembly. Moreover, a drip tray 1180 may be secured to the
top of the base 1100 to collect liquids that may drip from the
chamber stack above.
[0088] Referring additionally to FIG. 45, shifting device 1500 may
be a scissor-type shifting assembly with an outer frame 1510 and an
inner frame 1520 pivotally connected to one another. Inner frame
1510 and outer frame 1520 may have floor roller elements 1530 to
engage a floor surface. Inner frame 1510 and outer frame 1520 may
also include chamber floor engaging rollers 1540, which may engage
the floor 1190 of the chamber 1100. A pair of reinforcing bars 1160
may extend across the chamber floor and between two of the lower
frame members 1230 to provide structural strength to the base and
to prevent deformation during shifting by the shifting device. The
reinforcing bars 1160 may be spaced in such a manner that they also
function as guides for the chamber floor engaging rollers 1540. An
actuator 1580, which may be a motor driven lead screw to push and
pull upper cross members of the inner and outer frame apart or
together to adjust the height of the shifting device 1500.
[0089] FIGS. 43 and 44 illustrate details of a
telescoping/adjustable support 1110 that may be quickly and
securely fastened to each of the corner support columns 1220 in
order to maintain the vertical position of a portion of the chamber
stack, as in step 1420 of the process described relative to FIGS.
14.1 and 14.2. Each support 1110 may include a bracket 1112 which
is shaped to engage the outer surface of the support columns 1220
on a selected chamber. Quick-release pins 1114 with handles 1116
may be used to engage holes on the support columns 1220 to thereby
fasten the supports 1110 to respective ones of the four support
columns on a given chamber. In this manner, the selected chamber
and the chambers above it may be supported in a vertical position.
Then, the chambers beneath the supported stack may be lowered using
the shifting device 1500 a sufficient distance that the alignment
pins in the support columns are clear from the recesses in the
support columns above them, and removal of the chamber, after
severing the plant section as needed, may occur as in step 1424 in
the process of FIGS. 14.1 and 14.2.
[0090] According to an aspect of the disclosure, the modular grow
chamber systems may enable processes for harvesting plant
production in phases or plant production portions over time.
Referring to FIG. 46, there is shown an alternative example growing
process, including steps and corresponding schematic configurations
of a modular growing system with grow chamber access panels that
may be used to harvest plant production in stages and perpetually
without moving grow chambers in the stack. Each grow chamber (C1,
C2, C3, for example) may be provided with a removable access panel
that permits access to the chamber interior and the crop or
production portion therein, without requiring the chamber to be
removed from the stack. Thus, as shown throughout the process
illustrated in FIG. 46, the chambers C1, C2 and C3 remain in place
in the grow chamber stack and maintain a controlled growth
environment around sections of the plant housed therein. It will be
recognized from the present disclosure that, while a single plant
is shown extending within the grow chamber stack in the example in
FIG. 46, there may be multiple plant stalks extending upward
through the chamber stack, each extending through corresponding
passages or plant interfaces in the chamber floors and lids, in the
case where multiple plant passages or interfaces are provided (for
example, FIGS. 33 and 34 shows nine plant passages or interfaces in
the chamber floor).
[0091] Example steps in growing processes according to aspects of
the disclosure may proceed as follows: At 4602, when the production
portion in chamber C1 reaches a desired maturity level, one or more
access panels for C1 are removed to provide access to the
production portion contained therein. The pictorial representation
in FIG. 46 to the left of step 4602 illustrates chamber C1 having
an access panel removed (the access panel C1 is depicted beneath
the chamber stack). The access panels may be provided with
removable fasteners and/or a friction fit seal within a recess of
the chamber sidewall(s), as well as handles to permit gripping for
removal. The first production portion is harvested from the
interior of chamber C1, i.e., by manual or automated picking. At
4604, the access panel(s) on chamber C1 are replaced and growth of
another production portion on the plant section housed in chamber
C1 may begin (or continue, in the case where some crop may have
been left on that section due to being unripe or not yet at the
desired maturity level). At 4606, after a period of time has
passed, which may be a number of days or weeks, for example, the
plant production portion that is disposed in chamber C2 may reach a
desired maturity level. When the second production portion in
chamber C2 reaches the desired maturity level, the access panel(s)
on chamber C2 are removed and the second production portion is
harvested from the interior of chamber C2. At 4608, after the
second production portion is harvested from the second plant
section housed within chamber C2, the access panel(s) on chamber C2
are replaced to re-establish the controlled growth environment
within C2 and to permit the associated plant section to continue to
grow and develop a new production portion thereon. At 4610, when a
third production portion housed within chamber C3 reaches a desired
maturity level, the access panel(s) on chamber C3 are removed and a
third production portion of the plant is harvested from the plant
section housed in chamber C3. At 4612, the access panel(s) on
chamber C3 are replaced to re-establish the controlled growth
environment therein. At 4614, after additional time has passed when
the new production portion in chamber C1 has reached a desired
maturity level, the process may return to step 4602, where the
access panel(s) on chamber C2 are removed and the production
portion, which constitutes a fourth production portion, may be
harvested from chamber C1.
[0092] As will be recognized, the above described process provides
for a regulation of the crop production in which production
portions from the single plant may be "spread out" over time. This
permits a steady supply of fresh crop production to be generated
over a larger period of time than would be possible by harvesting
the entire plant production in a single phase. In addition, the
plant production can take place perpetually without destruction of
the plant. In other words, the number of chambers and harvesting
intervals can be selected such that the time to harvest all
production portions (i.e., all chambers in a stack) may coincide
with the time needed for a plant section to produce product (i.e.,
fruit or vegetables, etc.). In this manner, the production in the
first-harvested chamber will regenerate by the time the other plant
sections are harvested. Thus, portions of the production can be
produced continuously and perpetually from a single plant.
[0093] As will further be recognized, the above described process
may be particularly suitable for producing a steady supply of
potato tubers of a desired size. More particularly, each grow
chamber may be adapted to grow a production portion of potato
tubers. When the tubers in one grow chamber reach a desired size,
they may be harvested and used to produce new potato plants in
additional grow chambers, grow stacks, outdoor soil farms, for
example. Similarly, when the tubers in a second grow chamber reach
the desired size, they may be harvested to begin a new production
in a second additional grow chamber or grow chamber stack. In this
manner, newly grown potato tubers, that is, first generation potato
tubers, may be produced in phases and in steady supply over time to
enable the start of new potato plants in additional grow chamber
stacks and overall expansion of the crop production.
[0094] FIG. 47 is an exploded pictorial view of an example modular
grow chamber having removable access panels according to an aspect
of the disclosure. An upper chamber 4700 may include a first
removable access panel 4710 and a second removable access panel
4720 located on opposite sides of the upper chamber 4700. According
to aspects of the disclosure, a third access panel 4730 and a
fourth access panel 4740, which may house exhaust fans or inlet
ports, may also be configured to be removable from the grow chamber
frame. A lower chamber 4800 may similarly include a first and
second access panel 4810 and 4820, and a third and fourth access
panel 4820 and 4840. According to aspects of the disclosure, the
access panels may be attached with releasable fasteners that enable
quick release of the access panels. Such fasteners may include but
are not limited to, threaded fasteners, bayonet-type fasteners,
hook-an-loop fasteners, or friction fit and elastic fasteners which
provide for releasably retaining the access panels in place and
provide for sealing of the internal growth environment of the grow
chambers.
[0095] It should be understood that implementation of other
variations and modifications of the invention in its various
aspects may be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art, and that the invention is not limited by the specific
embodiments described herein. It is therefore contemplated to
cover, by the present invention any and all modifications,
variations or equivalents.
* * * * *