HK1115509A

HK1115509A - Method and apparatus for growing plants

Info

Publication number: HK1115509A
Application number: HK08105948.4A
Authority: HK
Inventors: N．G．布鲁塞托尔
Original assignee: 泰乐斯费尔体系有限公司
Priority date: 2005-03-07
Filing date: 2006-03-07
Publication date: 2008-12-05

Description

Method and apparatus for growing plants

N.g. brussel

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for creating ideal cultivation conditions in a controlled setting with a precise controlled combination of light, water, nutrients, gravity, centrifugal force and temperature, resulting in the maximum possible plant growth and harvest.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention provides an efficient system that can grow a variety of commercially advantageous crops in a simple, compact and automated facility. In a preferred embodiment, the volume of crop that can be grown in a given space is increased by a factor of 4 compared to conventional methods. The present invention establishes a highly controlled environment suitable for significantly enhancing plant growth where previously it was not feasible due to economic or environmental constraints. Environmentally, the present invention uses significantly less water than conventional methods and avoids the problems associated with nutrient solution and growth medium handling. The present invention can be used to cultivate a variety of crops including leafy vegetables, green vegetables, herbs, medicinal plants, fruits and berries.

The invention provides a rotating sphere, wherein a plurality of rows of plants are arranged in the rotating sphere and grow towards a light source in the center of each sphere. The precision nutrition providing system promotes rapid and efficient plant growth. Carousel (carousel) contains a plurality of spheres in two vertical columns, which rotate while providing interconnection to a nutrient supply system. The carousel is positioned alongside the adjacent belts used for planting and harvesting.

In operation, seeds or seedlings are propagated on the spheres and can be managed by a predetermined germination schedule including nutrient application, inspection and testing, quality control and, if desired, intermediate treatments (thinning, culling, pollination, pest control). The mature crop is harvested, maintained after harvesting (e.g., cleaned), and the spheres are prepared for the next production cycle.

The invention provides a method for cultivating plants, which comprises the following steps:

(a) providing an array of spheres of seeds or seedlings, radially facing the center of the spheres;

(b) providing a growth-promoting light source, the light source being located substantially in the center of the array of spheres;

(c) maintaining a substantially equal weight distribution in the growing crop by rotating the array of spheres about its horizontal axis about the light source while simultaneously delivering water optionally containing plant nutrients at predetermined intervals, amounts and rates for all seeds or seedlings; and

(d) the light source is adjusted during the growth and non-growth of the plant.

The rotation rate and interval, and optionally the delivery rate of water containing plant nutrients, are preferably selected to provide optimal growth of the plant towards the light source.

In a preferred embodiment, the array comprises a plurality of arcuate ribs arranged on a circumferential line passing through the horizontal axis of the sphere, the ribs being loaded with spaced seeds or seedlings in growth medium, and upon rotation, water, optionally containing plant nutrients, is delivered to the interior of the ribs to contact the growth medium loaded by each rib.

In another embodiment, the array comprises seeds or seedlings in growth medium on a plurality of spaced porous needles arranged along a circumferential line passing through the horizontal axis of the sphere, directed towards the center of the sphere array, and rotating while delivering water, optionally containing plant nutrients, through the porous needles to the growth medium.

The present invention also provides an apparatus for growing plants, comprising:

(a) an array of spheres of seeds or seedlings, radially facing the centre of the array of spheres, preferably along a circumferential line passing through the horizontal axis of the array;

(b) a growth-promoting light source located substantially in the center of the array of spheres, operable during a growing or non-growing period of the plant;

(c) a means for rotating the array of spheres about the light source on a horizontal axis;

(d) means for simultaneously delivering water, optionally containing plant nutrients, to the seeds or seedlings at predetermined intervals, amounts and rates to maintain approximately equal weight distribution in the rotating plant growing towards the light source.

Other means are preferably used to adjust the rotation rate and interval, the amount and rate of delivery of water optionally containing plant nutrients, to achieve optimal plant growth to the light source.

In a preferred embodiment, the array comprises a plurality of arcuate ribs arranged on a circumferential line passing through the horizontal axis of the sphere, the ribs being loaded with spaced seeds or seedlings in a growth medium, and means for delivering water, optionally containing plant nutrients, to the interior of the ribs while rotating to contact the growth medium loaded by each rib.

In another embodiment, the array comprises seeds or seedlings in a growth medium on a plurality of spaced porous needles arranged along a circumferential line passing through the horizontal axis of the sphere, directed towards the centre of the sphere array, and means for delivering water, optionally containing plant nutrients, through said porous needles to the growth medium while rotating.

Drawings

The following drawings illustrate preferred embodiments and are not meant to limit the invention in any way. All known functional equivalents of the components or elements disclosed or shown herein are also within the scope and spirit of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a carousel arrangement of rotatable spheres;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the carousel of FIG. 1 from the water intake side, showing the spheres in the drive position;

FIG. 2A is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 2 showing a drive wheel and coupling arrangement;

FIG. 2B is a side view, partially in section, showing the power input and distribution as a set of five electrical bearing assemblies;

FIG. 3 is the same as FIG. 2, but from the power input side, showing the ball rotated to a feed/discharge position;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view, partially in section, of one of the spheres of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the bearing assembly on the water intake side of the ball;

FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of the ball power supply side bearing assembly;

FIG. 4D is an elevational view, partially in section, of the bearing assembly shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C on either side of a sphere having needles therein aligned along a radial line from the center of the sphere;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a growth sphere of the present invention showing a young plant in growth medium on a needle for delivering a growth-promoting substance to the plant;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the growth medium lid shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a side view, in partial cross-section, of the delivery needle shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view, partially in section, of an alternative embodiment of a growth vessel and delivery needle of the present invention;

FIGS. 9 and 10 are detailed side and end views of a drive mechanism for rotating the spheres shown in FIG. 1 interlocked with one another;

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the drive shaft and sprocket hub assembly shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 for moving the spheres between the drive position and the loading/unloading position;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a quarter sphere of a fully grown plant that can be harvested;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a workstation for performing the method of the present invention using the sphere of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a flow chart of a process flow of the workstation shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment using an open frame sphere and plant-bearing arcuate ribs mounted thereon;

FIG. 16 is a detailed partial view of the ball shown in FIG. 15;

FIGS. 17A-C illustrate features of the arcuate ribs used in FIG. 15, and FIGS. 17B and C are partial cross-sectional views;

FIG. 18 is a partial exploded view of a rib and plant holder;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a plant in the plant container used with the rib of FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing two open frame spheres engaged with each other by their associated ribs when rotated;

FIG. 21 is a side elevational view showing the rotating water supply manifold in the open frame sphere for delivering water to the arcuate ribs;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the water supply branch pipe shown in FIG. 21 from the input side;

FIG. 23 is a side elevational view of the pollination device, which takes the form of an arcuate feather rod mounted inside a sphere;

fig. 24A and B are exploded views of another embodiment of device arcuate ribs in an open frame sphere.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1-12 show one embodiment using closed spheres, while fig. 15-19 show another embodiment using open frame spheres. Both embodiments have the same elements and the basic features shown in fig. 1-12 can be readily adapted to the open frame spheres shown in fig. 15-19. Fig. 13 and 14 are common to both embodiments.

Referring to the drawings, figures 1, 2A and 3 show a carousel having ten spheres 10 assembled for serial rotation by lower and upper shafts 15 and 15 ', the lower and upper shafts 15 and 15 ' being carried by frame members 16 and 16 ' and a base member 17, sprockets 13 and connectors 12 being interconnected and supporting the spheres 10 by a water inlet bearing assembly 11 located on the water inlet side (figure 2) of the carousel and a power input bearing assembly 14 located on the power input side (figure 3) of the carousel. Sprocket 13 is mounted on drive shafts 15 and 15 'by sprocket hub 18 and notches 13' of sprocket 13 engage bearings 11 and 14 (fig. 2A). As shown on the side of fig. 2, shaft 15 'is adjustably mounted to frame members 16 and 16' for rotation by tightening bracket 140, bearing 141 and slot 142 (fig. 11). The shafts 15 and 15' are rotatable by means of a clutched motor (not shown) to rotate all the balls at once from the drive position to the discharge/feed position, at which time the drive wheel 90 is disengaged from the lowermost ball (fig. 3 and 9-10). In both positions, the teeth 26 on each ball continue to engage each other and rotate together; in the discharge position, the ball can be conveniently rotated together manually when the drive wheel 90 is disengaged.

In the drive position (fig. 2), the teeth 26 disposed around the circumference of each sphere 10 mesh with each other and the spheres are rotated individually (fig. 9 and 10) by means of a gear 90 which meshes with the teeth 26 of the lowermost sphere 10. The drive wheel 90 is carried by a shaft 91 (fig. 9) which is supported for rotation by sealed bearings (not shown) on the frame members 16 and 16'. A variable speed motor 93 rotates the shaft 91 and drive wheel 90 at a desired speed and may be equipped with brake and launch clutches, or the shaft 91 may be moved laterally to disengage the teeth 26 and gear 90.

As shown in fig. 4A-D, the ball segment or quarter ball 31 has an arcuate end 35, an end mounting flange 33 and a raised arcuate rib 32, all of which mate with one another when assembled to form a circular hole; there is also a flange and a double strand of abutment ribs 32 at each end of the ball 10, which are clamped to each other. The longitudinal or ribbed tube 28 is connected to a branch 41 (fig. 4B and D) positioned along the outer surface of each quarter sphere 31 in equally divided portions so as to be able to deliver water and plant nutrients simultaneously to the needles 34 (fig. 4A). Instead of the handle shown in fig. 4A, an open hand hole may be used to attach and detach the quarter sphere 31. The holes in the wall of the sphere generally help to circulate the air and dissipate the generated heat.

Fig. 4-D shows the water bearing assembly 11 and the electrical bearing assembly (fig. 2 and 3) in detail. The hollow shaft 73 and mounting flange 75 rotate with each ball. On the water inlet side (fig. 4B), bolts 75' secure the ball flange 33 to the water supply branch pipe 40 and the mounting flange 75. Five-piece water mains 41 (fig. 4B and D), one for each quarter sphere 31, communicates with the chamber 62 formed by the flange 75 and the mains ring 40 and distributes the water from the hose 46, the part 87 and the tube 85 to the individual tubes 28 which feed the needles 34. In fig. 17A-C, water is input to a four finger manifold 41 which distributes the water to the interior of the arcuate ribs 210 via tubes 28 and connections 216 as described in more detail below.

The outer link 12 on the shaft 73 (fig. 4B and C) is connected to the outer spherical bearing 64 and the inner link 12 is connected to the conical guide plate 68 (the recess 13 'guiding the sprocket 13, as shown in fig. 2A) and encloses the inner spherical bearing 68'. The central spherical bearing 61 engages with the recess 13' for serial rotation of the spheres. The cover plate 65 is connected to the outer bearing 64 by the outer connecting member 12.

In fig. 4B, threaded tube 85 is connected to water swivel 87, which feeds through flexible hose 46. Threaded pipe 85 delivers water to chamber 62 and rotates with flange 75, also delivering water to the outlet side of member 87; the input side of the member 87 is connected to the hose 46 and is rotated in place.

In fig. 4C, on the electrical input side, the conduit 79 contains electrical wiring 80 to power the light source 24 and is carried on the end plate 65 by an opposing lock nut 82. A stop ring 77 secures the bearing in place in both components. The flange 33 is bolted to the flange 75 by bolts 75'.

Fig. 2B shows schematically how a set of 5 spheres 10 in a carousel can be powered. A flexible power cable 154 is connected to one electrical bearing assembly 14 and the remaining 4 bearing assemblies 14 are in turn powered by power cord 152. A similar arrangement is used to power the bearing assemblies 14 of the other five spheres in the rotating conveyor. The same type of arrangement is used on the opposite side of the carousel to supply the balls 10 with water. The flexible water hose 46 is connected to a water swivel 87 (fig. 4B) of one of the water bearing assemblies 11 (fig. 2), and the remaining 4 bearing assemblies are interconnected to a hose line or hose 152 in turn to receive water supply in a manner substantially similar to that shown in fig. 2B. The other 5 spheres also received the water supply in sequence in the same manner.

The needles 34 extend from the inner wall of each quadrant 31 in a spaced array such that each needle 34 is directed towards the centre of the sphere containing the light source, as indicated by reference numeral 24 (figure 4).

As shown in more detail in fig. 7, each needle 34 has an externally threaded portion at its base which extends through an opening in the wall of the quarter sphere 31 and is held in place by a pair of opposed nuts 72. Each needle has an internally threaded bore 70 in which is screwed a barbed part 74, 76 which is connected to the tube 28 on the outside of the quarter sphere 31. Water from tube 28 flows through the cross-members 74, 76, the internal bore 70, and out through the opening 38 of the needle 34.

As shown in the simplified cross-sectional detail of fig. 5 and 6, the four quarter spheres 31 meet at a double rib 32, clamped to each other with, for example, U-shaped springs 57, to form the spheres 10. Each needle 34 is mounted on the inner wall 56 of each quarter sphere 31 as shown in figure 7. In the embodiment shown, mineral wool blocks 52 with cut-out portions to hold peat disks (pucks) 50 are pressed onto each needle and secured by a cover 55 and a press-fit rubber washer 59. A slot 60 (fig. 6) in the cover 55 allows the plant 54 to grow towards the light source 24 in the centre of the globe 10, with its roots extending into the disc 50 and mineral wool 52.

Longer needles with spray heads may also be used at intervals in the spheroid plant. The needles may be connected to a water dispersion system to spray the interior of the sphere at selected intervals and durations. Spraying may be desirable when cultivating plants that require a high humidity environment.

FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the growth medium shown in FIG. 5. Hollow circular container 84 has a tapered bottom 83 that forms an inclined inner bottom plate 83' that receives needle 34 centrally as shown. A disc 81 is mounted on the top end of the needle 34 to hold the peat disc 50 against the cover 86, preferably within a ring 88 on the underside of the cover 86. The plants 54 grow in the disk 50 through a central opening in the lid 86, with their roots entering the free space in the container 84, as shown. Water and nutrients are delivered through the needles 34 and enter the free space 84' through the openings 38 simultaneously in all the containers 84 in a given rotary sphere 10. Once the roots and the disc 50 are saturated, the water feed system may be reversed in order to remove excess water which leaks out towards the opening 38' of the ground of the needle 34, while air and/or oxygen is sucked into the disc 50 to promote plant growth. The rotation of the ball 10 causes excess water to collect at the bottom 83 'of the container 84 to be removed through the opening 38'.

The embodiment of fig. 8 is not limited to use with a rotating sphere as described herein. It can also be used in other conventional hydroponic systems, and has the advantage of avoiding or preventing over-irrigation and root rot. The rows (banks) of containers 84 may be connected to a conventional water feed system so that water and nutrients fill the interior of the containers 84 at selected intervals through the needles 43, contact the exposed plant roots, and saturate the peat disks 50. When saturation is reached, excess water is drawn from the bottom of the container 84 through the opening 38' by reversing the water feed system to avoid over-watering, and air is drawn into the peat 50 to promote plant growth.

The container 84 may be filled with mineral soil and/or peat to provide a growth medium of similar quality to field soil. The soil and/or peat may be an identified organic material for growing organic crops. The container 84 may be made of a thermoplastic for reuse with new or renewed media 50. The walls of the container 84 may be porous to allow air to pass through rather than water.

Growth medium 52 (FIG. 5) and growth vessel 84 (FIG. 8) may be 3-4 inches in diameter or square and 3-4 inches high. Seeds (which may be in a porous rubber or plastic seed carrier) are pressed into the growth medium 50. Previously cultivated seedlings can be planted in growth medium in a similar manner. When the seed germinates, the roots stretch into the medium 50 and receive water and nutrients through the openings 38 in the needles 34.

Fig. 15-21 show a preferred embodiment using an open frame sphere made up of a pair of circular bands 200, 202, spacer bars 204 and lateral struts 205 connected to the rotating flange 75 (fig. 4B and 21). Four or eight arcuate ribs 210 are carried in each quarter sphere by bands 200 and 202 through mounting slots 201 and 203 which receive side edges 220 (fig. 17B) of ribs 210 and retaining elements 205. The ribs have a hollow interior 218 and are configured to lie along a circumferential line of the sphere passing through the horizontal axis of the sphere, as shown. Each rib 210 is provided with a water feature 216 (e.g., Ericson compression features well known in the art) that is connected to the tube 28 to deliver water and plant nutrients to the interior 218 of each rib (fig. 17, 18 and 21). The tapered elements 214 extend from the outer or concave surface of the rib into the rib interior 218 to facilitate water dispersion as the rib in the sphere rotates about its horizontal axis.

The conical member 214 may also have an opening (not shown) at its top end to facilitate gas exchange during plant growth. Air exchange also occurs in the growth medium 310. The horizontal plane in the interior of the rib 210 preferably does not exceed the height of the tapered element 214 to avoid leakage when having a tip hole. As the ribs 210 rotate, water entering the interior thereof can tumble and slosh around, often contacting the growth medium 310 extending into each rib throughout the entire rotation cycle. Thus, when the rib is in the six o 'clock position, water will collect in the center of the rib and then be able to tip and spread with the help of the conical element 214, while when the rib is rotated to the 12 o' clock position, water will collect at the ends of the rib. The dispersion then reverses as the rib returns to the 6 o' clock position. This movement of water in the ribs also acts as a water piston, aiding in the exchange of gas through the growth medium and the top opening of element 214. It is preferred to flood the ribs at intervals so that the growing plant can take up water for part of the growth cycle (e.g. 1 hour for basil) and then re-flood the water preferably before the plant dries out.

The ball rotation is performed in the same manner as in figures 1, 2, 9 and 10 except that the ribs 210, instead of teeth 26, are themselves engaged with the drive wheel 90 and with each other so that all the balls in the carousel rotate about their horizontal axis. This is shown in fig. 20, where adjacent rotating spheres engage each other at 230.

Each rib 210 is provided with a series of spaced openings 212 that face radially toward the center of the open frame sphere (fig. 15). Preferably equally spaced, each opening 212 accommodates a plant stand, as shown in fig. 18 and 19. The support has an upper portion 302 with a central opening 301 therein through which plants 312 grow which grow in a growth medium 310 radially towards the central light source 24. The medium 310 is preferably a readily available disk of peat briquettes that can be packed into an open mesh fabric or net.

Growth medium 310 is inserted into the bottom 304 of the scaffold until it is flush with the inside of the top 302. Seeds or seedlings can be easily inserted into the medium through the opening 301 as shown. Located below the upper portion of the plant stand is a resilient snap ring or washer 306 and below it is a locking ring 308 which passes through a correspondingly shaped opening 212 in the rib 210 in one direction and locks into place when rotated 90 degrees as shown.

As shown in fig. 19, the growth medium extends into the rib interior 218 and beyond the bottom 304 of the scaffold. Such exposure is preferred to ensure good contact with water present in the rib interior 218. The amount of water or water and plant nutrients is selected for maximum plant growth. As the ball rotates, water collects at the ends as each rib reaches its highest vertical position. Then as the sphere rotates through a full 360 degrees it begins to flow and contact the exposed growth medium 310; tapered element 214 helps to disperse the water to maximize contact with growth medium 310.

Fig. 21 and 22 show a water supply manifold (fig. 22) having threaded openings 85 "extending through the mounting flange 75 (fig. 4B) to which the struts 206 are secured by bolts 234. The branch pipe 240 is connected to the pipe 85 on the input side by a threaded end 85' screwed into the opening 85 ". Water is supplied from the hose 46 through the swivel member 87, the pipe 85 to the inside of the branch pipe 240, and flows out from the pipe 28, which pipe 28 is connected to each rib 210 through the member 216.

FIGS. 24A and B show another embodiment of mounting a rib 210 as a sphere, with or without bands 200 and 202 and spacers 204 and 206, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. Each rib 210 has an extension 292 with an opening 294 near each end. The extensions 292 are inserted into corresponding radial slots 290 around the edge of the modified mounting plate 75'; a quick release latch 291 passes through the opening 294 and the slot 290 to ensure that each rib is rotated in place and plants are grown.

It has been found that the energy required to germinate the seeds into seedlings is reduced, and a preferred embodiment is to inoculate a series of ribs side by side before assembling into a sphere; the seeds germinate rapidly under artificial light and after germination are packed into spheres as described.

FIG. 23 shows a pollination device that can be used to advantage to pollinate growing plants, such as strawberries and the like. The invention enables plants requiring pollination to grow without relying on natural pollination, such as bees and the like. In one aspect, pollination can be promoted within the ball by installing a device that gently contacts the flowering crop in the ball so that pollen can be removed and distributed to other flowers to achieve cross-pollination. This provides rapid and improved growth. In the illustrated embodiment, feather duster 280, carried by a flexible cord 281, is mounted on block 284, and block 284 is in turn mounted on holder 79 of light source 24. The feather assembly 280 is contoured to the internal curve of the sphere and is positioned to sweep gently across the growing plant to extract pollen and redistribute it within the sphere. Other similar tools may also be installed for steady rotation periodically or relative to the growing plant.

Generally, plants are known to respond to gravity, light, and nutrients. The gravitational response dominates, meaning that the plant is naturally resistant to gravitational growth, even if it is to grow away from the light source. Thus, the inverted plant will turn over and grow away from the gravity source, even though it is also the light source. According to the invention, by adjusting the rotation speed of the sphere, the gravitational reaction is neutralized to establish microgravity that causes the rotating plant to grow towards the central light source. Rotating the sphere at a selected rate in effect lures the plants to grow towards the light source, regardless of their position in the sphere, or they rotate about their central horizontal axis. The rotation rate may be determined empirically and may be between 1 and 10 revolutions per minute (rpm), preferably between 1 and 5rpm, depending on the crop being grown. Thus, stunted, or flattened, or scattered growth in a normally straight growing plant can be corrected by increasing the rpm until the plant resumes its normal growth pattern. Strawberries were found to grow more productively at 0.25rpm with the supplementary pollination as shown in FIG. 23.

The speed of rotation of the spheres, nutrient watering, air supply, temperature, air circulation, light source and light and dark periods can be selected to achieve optimum plant growth as shown in the examples.

Watering all plants simultaneously in the sphere ensures a near equal or uniform weight distribution in the growing plants. This enables the rotational speeds described herein to be achieved and prevents imbalances that may adversely affect the operation of the carousel shown in fig. 1. For example, uneven weight distribution can lead to uneven bearing wear, drive motor overheating and failure, stressing connecting parts, seams, and joints, and similar problems leading to equipment breakage and failure. Since all plants receive substantially the same light, nutrients and rotation speed within the sphere, the weight gain due to plant growth is also evenly distributed, thus maintaining a smooth balanced rotation.

For example, the water dispersion system in fig. 4A operates under pressure such that water reaches all the needles in the sphere at approximately the same time and delivers substantially the same amount of water to each plant, thereby maintaining weight distribution and balance throughout the sphere. If a more precise water release is required for certain growth conditions, for example when using high rotational speeds, a simple pressure relief valve can be installed at the base of each needle. This ensures that all needles release water at the same time when a threshold water pressure is reached.

Different crops can be grown in different spheroids but growth rate and crop weight need to be taken into account to maintain an even weight distribution and balance. Two different crops having different growth rates and/or crop weights can be grown in one sphere without imbalance by growing similar crops in opposite quarters of the sphere. For example, loose leaf lettuce can grow in the quadrants 1 and 3, while long leaf lettuce can grow in the quadrants 2 and 4. Light source 24 transmits growth-promoting UV light at selected intervals to plants growing inside the sphere. The light source 24 is typically mounted in the center of each sphere, at the end of a conduit 79 (fig. 4C), and is powered by power transmission wires 80. The light source may also extend along the horizontal axis of the sphere. The light source may be one or more fluorescent tubes in the center of the globe, a Light Emitting Diode (LED), a high pressure sodium lamp, other metal halide lamp, or one or more conventional light bulbs.

Figure 13 shows a typical plant for growing plants according to the invention, in which carousel conveyors are shown at 108, each containing 10 spheres 10, arranged in 5 rows. Tank 103 contains water and plant nutrients, which are delivered to the spheres as described. The electrical cabinet 104 and console 102 are used to select and adjust the speed of rotation of the spheres and the feed rate of water and nutrients in a given carousel.

The conveyor belt 106 is used to move the ball segments 31 or ribs 210 from the loading station to the harvesting area and back. Fig. 12 shows a part 31 of a mature lettuce plant 100 with harvesting. Figure 13 shows the portion 31 of figure 12 removed from the sphere, moved to the rear on a conveyor 106 to harvest the plant, packaged and transported to a refrigerated storage area. FIG. 14 shows a process flow for a representative plant as shown in FIG. 13.

In another embodiment, the interior of the sealed sphere may be at a pressure above atmospheric pressure. The selected gas may be carbon dioxide or oxygen, preferably fresh water and plant nutrient batch is delivered to the growth medium without recirculation. Oxygen added to water stimulates root growth, while carbon dioxide aeration enhances plant growth and eliminates mites and insects that may penetrate the sphere, thereby eliminating the need for insecticides. In an open frame sphere as shown in fig. 15, the plant atmosphere or atmosphere within the smaller housing of the carousel can be conveniently controlled using known methods or systems such as those used in clean rooms.

Ocimum basilicum grown from seeds and safflower seeds grown from seedlings are plants that can be grown with high yield according to the present invention. The invention is particularly suitable for cultivating loose-leaf green vegetables, tomatoes, fruits and berries. The following is a list of representative crops that can be cultivated according to the present invention:

vanilla

Aloe (Aloe Vera)

Artemisia (Artemisia) -Artemisia annua (Artemisia annua)

Basil-arartat basil-green ball basil-sweet salad basil-thailand basil

Coriander-saint coriander

Echinacea-Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)

Eucalyptus-Eucalyptus globulus-Eucalyptus mentha

Funnel flower (Funnel)

Golden Buddha flower (Golden seal)

Herb of Manyflower Melissa

Pheasant flying in water

oregano-Greek oregano-Italian oregano-Mexico oregano

Red pepper-vegetable pepper (Capsicum annuum)

parsley-Aphrodite parsley-Italian parsley-plain parsley

Peppermint

Chili pepper-Havana pepper-Mexico pepper-Tabasco pepper-Chinese pepper (ScotchBonnet) -cayenne pepper

Salvia-Extrakta Sage-Garden Salvia

Hypericum perforatum L.var.japonica

Yucca-Small Yucca (Yucca glauca)

Vegetable product

Bean-yellow wax hyacinth bean-kidney bean (Tender Green)

broccoli-De Cicco

Cauliflower-snow ball

Lettuce-fat leaf head lettuce (Butterhead) -scattered leaf lettuce-red Oak scattered leaf lettuce (Oak leaf Red) -long leaf lettuce

spinach-mustard-New Zealand

Pepper-Calwonder-Golden Calwonder-Sweet Chocalate-

Jamaica yellow

tomato-Roman-sweet-

pea-Mammoth melting-oregon sweet pea

Berries

Blueberry-wild and cultivated

Strawberry-all of

Red berry

Blackberry

Fructus Rubi Corchorifolii Immaturus

Each sphere is preferably 48 inches in diameter, with 4 equally symmetrical sections if closed, or 4 or 8 arcuate ribs on each quarter of the sphere if open. However, the spheres can be made in any size. For development purposes, 48 inches provides ease of use and ensures that the plant does not need to be stretched as much to obtain a light source. The quarter spheres and the arched ribs are preferably made of uv-resistant ABS plastic.

Light emitting diodes are preferred as light sources because they allow remote control of the spectrum within the sphere to accommodate and control specific stages of plant growth and development. LEDs consume about 25% less energy than fluorescent lamps. This makes it possible to use solar energy in remote areas.

The heat generated in the sphere (typically operating at room temperature) can be controlled by regulating the temperature within the plant enclosure, or by using the open frame spheres described herein, or by providing air circulation openings in the sphere walls, increasing circulation with or without fans, and/or venting the internal air through a water supply manifold system.

Preferably, needle 34 has an overall length of about 4.5 inches (about 3.5 inches from the inner wall of the sphere) and a diameter of 3/8 inches. The size of the needles may be varied according to the needs of the plant to be cultivated, or may be made by injection molding of thermoplastic. The number of needles may vary according to the needs of the plant species. Typically when planted in 48 inch spheres, each quarter sphere 31 is divided into 4 columns of 6 needles each, using 24 needles (96 needles per sphere) spaced equally so that the plants do not have to compete for light.

Water and nutrients are mixed in tanks connected to each carousel. The cans can be fed simultaneously through the needles for each line to which each sphere on each carousel is connected.

The ability to enclose the entire system and each sphere minimizes or eliminates product loss due to rodents or insects. Crops are less likely to be exposed to viruses than on the ground. The controlled environment allows plants to grow in a sterile environment that reduces bacteria and pests without the need for the use of poisons or other insecticides or fungicides. For fruits and vegetables needing pollination, the ball body can be pollinated by self. This is achieved as shown in figure 23 or by simply rotating the sphere (pollen can fall down and land on other plants). Bees are not required.

In one aspect, the present invention increases the amount of growth space for a given footprint (footprint). For example, for a 12,000 square foot workstation as shown in FIG. 13, the actual footprint of the carousel is 6,000 square feet. This corresponds to 50,000 square feet of horizontal growth space.

The water is treated through a reversible osmosis tank for recycling the fertilizer. No soil depletion occurs and no rotation is required.

The present invention is particularly useful for providing a local source of fresh vegetables with a low capital total. The transportation cost is reduced as much as possible, and the ball body is not limited by regions or growing seasons: any place where a water source and a power supply are available is suitable. The growth cycle can be accelerated to grow plants to meet daily food needs, as well as special requirements of specific needs (e.g., nutrition companies). Can overcome the requirement of world hunger on site, and can cultivate high-quality seedlings on site or on site for afforestation. Also meets the need for organic cultivation products, not only for food, but also for non-food products, such as cosmetics and the like.

The present invention also provides environmental advantages such as reduced petroleum usage to transport the product to market, energy savings, reduced and eliminated nutrient contamination, eliminated use of toxic pesticides and fertilizers, controlled and reduced water usage, and reuse of waste or unused facilities.

Examples

The invention will now be illustrated by means of several examples, without intending to limit or restrict the invention in any way.

Fertilizer compositions-examples 1 to 7

Veg A: 1.5% nitrogen, 2.6% soluble potash derived from calcium nitrate and potassium nitrate in water.

Veg B: nitrogen 1.5%, nitric acid nitrogen 0.5%, phosphate 0.5%, soluble potash 5% aqueous solution derived from potassium nitrate, phosphoric acid and potash sulfate.

Examples 1-7 (except example 5) used the same nutrient mixture (sometimes referred to as fertilizer) made by mixing 30ml of Veg a and 30ml of Veg B in 8 liters of fresh water. In example 5(Sweet Wormwood), 45ml of Veg A and 30ml of Veg B were added to 8 liters of fresh water to provide additional nitrogen to the plants.

The spheres were rotated at 1rpm in all examples.

Extrusion experiments for nutrient pH and ppm

The extrusion experiments mentioned in the examples are experiments for determining the salt ppm (parts per million) of the nutrient and the pH level in the rocky mass. The experiment was performed by gently "squeezing" the block without damaging the root material. After squeezing, the liquid in the block drips and is collected in a clean container. The collected liquid was tested for pH and ppm levels. If the pH level is raised, the plant is growing, changing the ppm level in the patch as the plant absorbs water and nutrients at different rates. When a nutrient mix is prepared, nutrient salts are added to fresh water (ppm-0), ppm levels increase and pH levels decrease. The pH is adjusted to a level suitable for the plant to be cultivated. When plants use nutrients, ppm levels fall and pH levels rise. By adjusting the pH and ppm levels in the deblocking, the nutrient mix can be adjusted to provide a balanced root zone environment. Too strong a nutrient mixture can lead to root burning. If the nutrient mixture is too weak, it may result in slow plant growth and nutrient deficiencies.

Examples 1-7 were carried out using closed sphere carousels as shown in fig. 1-12, and examples 8-10 were carried out using open frame spheres as shown in fig. 15-23 (mounted on the same carousel as shown in fig. 1-12, using the same supports, drives, connecting members and bearings, with open frame spheres replacing the closed spheres).

Example 1 Artemisia annua

All water is taken from the reverse osmosis water purification system

All water was treated with 2ml/L food grade hydrogen peroxide, left for 20 minutes and then mixed with fertilizer.

Planting

Day 1-fertilizer and water were mixed at a dilution rate of 389ppm and the solution was adjusted to ph 5.8. Rehydrate from the bottom with fresh water only, adjusting the pH to 5.8. The peat disc should be wet but not completely wet through. Once the peat disc did not wet to the touch, it was rehydrated with the same solution on day 1.

Transplanting into a ball

On day 5, the peat disks were inserted into 3 "rockwell blocks and secured to the needles with snap rings. 100ppm of a fertilizer mixture pH5.8 was used.

In the sphere

The pH was maintained at 5.8 on days 6-7 at 100ppm fertilizer. Water was supplied at a rate of 1 gallon per day.

The pH was maintained at 5.8 at 200ppm fertilizer on days 8-12.

The pH was maintained at 5.8 at 400ppm fertilizer on days 13-15. Water was supplied at a rate of 1.5 gallons per day.

The pH was maintained at 5.8 at 600ppm fertilizer on days 16-22.

The pH was maintained at 5.8 at 800ppm fertilizer on days 23-26. Water was supplied at a rate of 2 gallons per day.

The pH was maintained at 5.8 at 100ppm fertilizer on days 27-30.

Only fresh water was used to rinse off the salts from the plants on days 31-34.

Harvesting plants on day 35

Example 2-Butter Crunch lettuce

All water is taken from the reverse osmosis water purification system

Planting

Transplanting into a ball

On day 5, the peat disks were inserted into 3 "rockwell blocks and secured to the needles with snap rings. 100ppm of a fertilizer mixture pH6.3 was used.

In the sphere

The pH was maintained at 5.9 at 150ppm fertilizer on days 6-10. Water was supplied at a rate of 1 gallon per day.

The pH was maintained at 5.9 at 250ppm fertilizer on days 11-15. Water was supplied at a rate of 1 gallon per day.

The pH was maintained at 5.9 at 300ppm fertilizer on days 16-18. Water was supplied at a rate of 1 gallon per day.

The pH was maintained at 5.9 at 450ppm fertilizer on days 19-24. Water was supplied at a rate of 1 gallon per day.

The pH was maintained at 5.9 at 550ppm fertilizer on days 25-30. Water was supplied at a rate of 1 gallon per day.

The pH was maintained at 5.9 at 650ppm fertilizer on days 31-40. Water was supplied at a rate of 1 gallon per day.

The pH was maintained at 5.9 at 720ppm fertilizer on days 41-50. Water was supplied at a rate of 1 gallon per day.

Rinsing with fresh water of pH5.8 at 51-55 days; and (5) harvesting the plants.

Example 3 Green leaf lettuce

All water is taken from the reverse osmosis water purification system

Planting

Transplanting into a ball

In the sphere

The pH was maintained at 5.9 at 300ppm fertilizer on days 11-15. Water was supplied at a rate of 1 gallon per day.

The pH was maintained at 5.9 at 400ppm fertilizer on days 16-20. Water was supplied at a rate of 1 gallon per day.

The pH was maintained at 5.9 at 500ppm fertilizer on days 21-24. Water was supplied at a rate of 1.5 gallons per day.

The pH was maintained at 5.9 at 550ppm fertilizer on days 25-30. Water was supplied at a rate of 2 gallons per day.

The pH was maintained at 5.9 at 600ppm fertilizer on days 31-40. Water was supplied at a rate of 2 gallons per day.

Fresh water with pH of 5.8 is washed for the 41 th to 45 th days; and (5) harvesting the plants.

Example 4 Long leaf lettuce

All water is taken from the reverse osmosis water purification system

Planting

Transplanting into a ball

On day 8, the peat disks were inserted into 3 "rockwell blocks and secured to the needles with snap rings. 100ppm of a fertilizer mixture pH5.5 was used.

In the sphere

On days 9-10, 100ppm of fertilizer at pH5.5 was used. Plants were watered twice daily.

On day 11, 200ppm of fertilizer at pH5.5 was used.

On days 12-20, fertilizer was reduced to 180ppm, pH was adjusted to 5.8, and on day 13, plants were rinsed with fresh water at pH 5.8.

On day 21, 200ppm of fertilizer at pH5.5 was used.

On days 22-29, 210ppm of fertilizer at pH5.5 was used.

On days 30-39, 250ppm of fertilizer at pH6.2 was used. Increase to three times daily watering.

On days 40-41, 280ppm of fertilizer at pH5.5 was used.

Days 42-45, the fresh water washes the plants.

Day 46: the lettuce leaves with the density of 96 winter season are harvested. Beautiful green leaves with good texture and aroma.

Example 5 safflower

All water is taken from the reverse osmosis water purification system

Planting

Transplanting into a ball

In the sphere

The pH was maintained at 5.8 at 200ppm fertilizer on days 8-12.

The pH was maintained at 5.8 at 600ppm fertilizer on days 13-15.

The pH was maintained at 5.8 at 800ppm fertilizer on days 16-22.

Days 23-29 were the same as days 16-22, but the water was increased to 2 gallons per day.

The pH was maintained at 5.8 at day 30-93 at 120ppm fertilizer.

Fresh water with pH4.5 is used for rinsing plants at 94-97 days.

Plants were harvested on day 98.

Example 6 spinach

All water is taken from the reverse osmosis water purification system

Planting

Transplanting into a ball

On day 9, the peat disks were inserted into 3 "rockwell blocks and secured to the needles with snap rings. 100ppm of a fertilizer mixture pH5.5 was used.

In the sphere

The pH was maintained at 6.2 at 100ppm fertilizer on days 10-13. Water was supplied at a rate of 1 gallon per day.

The pH was maintained at 6.2 at 110ppm fertilizer on days 14-16. Water was supplied at a rate of 1 gallon per day.

The pH was maintained at 6.2 at 130ppm fertilizer on days 17-29. Water was supplied at a rate of 1 gallon per day.

The pH was maintained at 6.2 at 200ppm fertilizer on days 30-32. Water was supplied at a rate of 1 gallon per day.

The pH was maintained at 6.2 at 250ppm fertilizer on days 33-36. Water was supplied at a rate of 1 gallon per day.

The pH was maintained at 6.2 at 220ppm fertilizer on days 37-42. Water was supplied at a rate of 1 gallon per day.

Fresh water with pH of 6.2 is used for washing the day 43-48; and (5) harvesting the plants.

Example 6 Ocimum basilicum

All water is taken from the reverse osmosis water purification system

Planting

Transplanting into a ball

On day 9, the peat disks were inserted into 3 "rockwell blocks and secured to the needles with snap rings. 100ppm of a fertilizer mixture pH5.8 was used.

In the sphere

The pH was maintained at 5.8 at 200ppm fertilizer on days 8-12.

The pH was maintained at 5.8 at 600ppm fertilizer on days 16-22.

The pH was maintained at 5.8 at 1000ppm fertilizer on days 27-30.

Fresh water on days 31-34 washes the salt on the plants.

Plants were collected on day 35.

Examples 8 to 10 (FIGS. 1 to 3 and 15 to 23)

In these examples, the material obtained from GroTek Manufacturing, Inc.284-505-^thstreet, Langley, b.c. v1m 2Y2, GroTek complete feed procedure by Canada. General information can be obtained from the web site of GroTek:http://www.GroTek.net/default.aspand (4) obtaining.

The mixing profile of the feed sequence may be derived fromhttp://www.GroTek.net/products/complete.aspAnd (4) obtaining.

The feed program components used in these procedures were as follows:

1. fertilizer

Rooting solution for Germination-GroTek kit Start 1-2-1 (these numbers refer to the fraction of N-P-K or N-P-K in each formulation)

The formulation of the Tek 123 fertilizer from GroTek is as follows; other formulations are available from the manufacturer.

Growth of

Flower blooming

Tek.123 Grow 1 4-0-6	Tek.123 Grow 1 4-0-6
Tek.123 Grow 1 4-0-6	Tek.123 Grow 1 4-0-6	Tek.123 Micro 2 3-0-2	Tek.123 Micro 2 3-0-2
Tek.123 Bloom 3 0-6-5	Tek.123 Bloom 3 0-6-5	Tek.123 Micro 2 3-0-2	Tek.123 Micro 2 3-0-2

2. Supplement composition

Growth of	Flower blooming
Growth of	Flower blooming	Bud Fuel 0-0-2	Bud Fuel 0-0-2
Monster Grow 20-40-0	Vita Max 1-1-2	Bud Fuel 0-0-2	Bud Fuel 0-0-2
Monster Grow 20-40-0	Vita Max 1-1-2	Organic Fusion Grow 1-0-2	Monster Bloom 0-50-30
Rage 1-0-0	Blossom Blaster 0-39-25	Organic Fusion Grow 1-0-2	Monster Bloom 0-50-30
Rage 1-0-0	Blossom Blaster 0-39-25	LXR Gold 0-1-0	Organic Fusion Bloom 0-1-2
	Heavy Bud 0-1-2	LXR Gold 0-1-0	Organic Fusion Bloom 0-1-2
	Heavy Bud 0-1-2		Rage 1-0-0
	LXR Gold 0-1-1		Rage 1-0-0
	LXR Gold 0-1-1		Formula 10-2-4

3. Conditioning agent

Growth of	Flower blooming
Growth of	Flower blooming	Hydrozyme	Hydrozyme
Final Flush	MM2000	Hydrozyme	Hydrozyme
Final Flush	MM2000		Final Flush

According tohttp://www.GroTek.net/products/charts/complete.aspAvailable manufacturers recommend compost, supplements and conditioners.

Examples 8-10 follow the manufacturer's feed procedure protocol. Example 9 (basil) was repeated, with the mixture of supplements changed as shown.

GroTek fertilizer formula:

TEk.123 Grow 1

total nitrogen 4%

3.7% nitric acid nitrogen

0.3% of ammoniacal nitrogen

Soluble potash 6%

Magnesium (Mg) 0.5%

Mixed at 15 ml/gallon

TEK.123Micro 2

3.0 percent of total nitrogen

2.8% nitric acid nitrogen

0.2% of ammoniacal nitrogen

2.0 percent of soluble potash

3.0 percent of calcium (Ca)

0.2 percent of iron (Fe)

0.2% chelated Mn

0.02% of boron (B)

Mixing at 10 ml/gallon

TEK.123Bloom 3

The obtained phosphoric acid is 6.0 percent

Soluble potash 5.0%

Magnesium (Mg) 0.5%

3.0 percent of sulfur (S)

Mixing at 5 ml/gallon

Example 8 Sesamum indicum

All water is taken from the reverse osmosis water purification system

-flushing with fresh water for 12 hours during the weekly change of fertiliser.

Carbon dioxide was set at 1500ppm/24 hours/day for the first 16 days and 1200ppm/16 hours/day for the 25 days inside the sphere. Carbon dioxide flows only when the light is on.

Seed germination GroTek kit Start fertilizer was used. For growth, a complete GroTek feed procedure for GroTek was used.

Planting

Transplanting into a ball

Day 16-12 plants were packed on each rib. This was repeated 32 times for each sphere to be used. Connected with a water pipe and filled with a 400-watt high-pressure sodium lamp. The ambient temperature was adjusted so that the temperature at 10 "height above the bulb was 76F during the day and 68F at night. The photoperiod was localized for 14 hours. A 1350GPM high pressure rate pump was used at all watering times listed.

In the sphere

Mix week 1 water and nutrients on days 1-7 and dilute to 300 ppm. The ppm was increased to a maximum of 450ppm by week 1. The pH was adjusted to 6.1 and timed to allow the pump to run for the first 0.5 seconds. The system was closed and then operated once after 36 hours at a rate of 0.12 seconds. The pump was then allowed to run for 0.13 seconds per hour during the day and three times at night for 0.1 second each.

Mix water and nutrients from week 2 on days 8-15 and dilute to 450 ppm. The ppm was increased up to 600ppm by week 2. The pH was adjusted to 6.2 and timed to allow the pump to operate for 0.13 seconds per hour during the day and three times at night for 0.1 seconds each.

Mix week 3 water and nutrients on days 16-21 and dilute to 600 ppm. The ppm was increased to a maximum of 720ppm by week 2. The pH was adjusted to 6.4 and timed to allow the pump to operate for 0.19 seconds per hour during the day and 0.19 seconds per 140 minutes during the night.

Mix week 3 water and nutrients on days 22-24 and dilute to 720 ppm. The pH was adjusted to 6.4. No micronutrients were added on day 23. The pump was timed to operate for 1.20 seconds per hour during the day and 0.19 seconds per 140 minutes during the night.

Day 25-The Final Flush fertilizer rinse solution from GroTek was mixed at a rate of 10ml per 5 liters of water. The pH was adjusted to 6.2 and the pump was timed to operate for 1.10 seconds per hour during the day and 0.19 seconds per 140 minutes during the night.

Harvesting

The plants were cut 2.5 "off the top of the peat disk container and allowed to grow again. The day 7 feeding schedule for the beginning 7 days is restarted, after which the regular feeding schedule is continued.

Example 9 herba Ocimi

All water is taken from the reverse osmosis water purification system

-flushing with fresh water for 12 hours during the weekly change of fertiliser.

Planting

Transplanting into a ball

Day 16-hydration of 192 peat disks on each sphere to be transplanted. A peat disk is inserted into a peat disk container. 6 plants were inserted into the mechanical medium, starting from the water injection end of each rib. One plant is filled in the first hole, and an opening is reserved between every two plants. Each opening is filled with a peat disc container from a freshly hydrated peat disc. This is referred to as m 1. This step was repeated 16 times for each sphere used. Alternatively, 6 freshly hydrated peat disks placed in a peat disk container were inserted into the mechanical medium, starting from the end of the ribs where the water was injected. Leaving an opening therebetween. Inserting a plant into the opening. This is referred to as m 2. The media was mounted on a sphere frame, alternating m1 and m2 patterns. Connected with a water pipe and filled with a 1000-watt high-pressure sodium lamp. The ambient temperature was adjusted so that the temperature at 10 "height above the bulb was 80F during the day and 68F at night. The photoperiod was localized for 16 hours. A 1350GPM high pressure rate pump was used at all watering times listed.

In the sphere

Mix week 1 water and nutrients on days 1-7 and dilute to 389 ppm. The ppm was increased to 500ppm over 7 days. The pH was maintained at 6.2 and the pump was timed to operate 0.13 seconds per hour during the day and three times at night for 0.1 seconds each.

Mix water and nutrients from week 2 on days 8-15 and dilute to 500 ppm. The ppm was increased to a maximum of 800ppm over 7 days. The pH was maintained at 6.4 and the pump was timed to operate for 0.18 seconds per hour during the day and three times at night for 0.15 seconds each.

Mix week 3 water and nutrients on days 16-21 and dilute to 800 ppm. The ppm was increased to a maximum of 880ppm over 7 days. The pH was maintained at 6.4 and the pump was timed to operate for 0.19 seconds per hour during the day and 0.19 seconds per 140 minutes during the night.

Mix week 3 water and nutrients on days 22-24 and dilute to 850 ppm. No micronutrients were added on day 23. The pump was timed to operate for 1.20 seconds per hour during the day and 0.19 seconds per 140 minutes during the night.

Example 9 following the GroTek protocol, the Monster Grow supplement was added at week 1, two tek.123 fertilizer mixtures were added at the first 16 days, and then the but Fuel supplement was added for the remaining time. Example 9 was repeated, changing the GroTek protocol, including starting with Monster Grow supplement for 5 days, followed by Bud Fuel supplement for the next 3 days, and then returning Monster Grow for the next 5 days. On day 13, the supplement was changed again to Bun Fuel for 3 days, then changed back to Monster Grow for the last 4 days. Example 9 crop yield for the second round was 7.4 pounds of fresh basil harvested within 20 days, with an average weight of 25.25g per plant, while the first round was 6.7 pounds of basil harvested after 25 days, with an average weight of 21g per plant.

Example 10 Red Oak Leaf lettuce

All water is taken from the reverse osmosis water purification system

-flushing with fresh water for 12 hours during the weekly change of fertiliser.

Planting

Transplanting into a ball

In the sphere

Mix week 1 water and nutrients on days 1-7 and dilute to 300 ppm. The ppm was increased to 500ppm over one week. The pH was adjusted to 5.8 timed to allow the pump to operate for the first 0.5 seconds, the system was sealed, and then the pump was operated once after 36 hours for 0.12 seconds. The pump was allowed to run for 0.13 seconds per hour during the day and three times at night for 0.1 seconds each.

Mix water and nutrients from week 2 on days 8-15 and dilute to 560 ppm. The ppm was increased over one week to a maximum of 600 ppm. The pH was adjusted to 5.9 and timed to allow the pump to operate for 0.18 seconds per hour during the day and three times at night for 0.15 seconds each. Timed, the pump was allowed to run for 0.15 seconds per hour during the day and 0.13 seconds per 140 minutes during the night.

Mix week 3 water and nutrients on days 16-21 and dilute to 620 ppm. The ppm was increased over one week to a maximum of 800 ppm. The pH was adjusted to 5.9 and timed to allow the pump to operate for 0.19 seconds per hour during the day and 0.19 seconds per 140 minutes during the night.

Mix week 3 water and nutrients on days 22-23 and dilute to 800 ppm. No micronutrients were added on day 23. The pump was timed to operate for 1.20 seconds per hour during the day and 0.19 seconds per 140 minutes during the night.

Day 24 water only. The pH was adjusted to 5.8 and timed so that the pump was operated for 1.20 seconds per hour during the day and 0.00 second at night.

Day 25-The Final Flush fertilizer rinse solution from GroTek was mixed at a rate of 10ml per 5 liters of water. The pH was adjusted to 5.8 and the pump was timed to operate for 1.10 seconds per hour during the day and 0.19 seconds per 140 minutes during the night.

Summary examples 8 to 10

Crops	Date of harvest	Yield of
Crops	Date of harvest	Yield of	Basil herb	Within the sphere for 25 days	6.7 pounds
Sesame seed dish	Within the sphere for 25 days	5 pounds	Basil herb	Within the sphere for 25 days	6.7 pounds
Sesame seed dish	Within the sphere for 25 days	5 pounds	Red Leaf lettuce	Within the sphere for 25 days	24 pounds

While the invention has been described as having a preferred sequence, range, steps, materials, structure, composition, features and/or design, it is to be understood that the invention is capable of further modification, uses and/or adaptations following in general the principles of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains and as may be applied to the central features hereinbefore set forth and as follows in the scope of the invention and the appended claims.

The applicant notes that the original claims 1-30, and the international search report on 5/8/2007 and the written comments only refer to claims 1-27 in disagreement.

The applicant has also noticed that there are differences between the original claims 1-27 and those mentioned in the written opinions.

The novel claims 1-30 are directed to substantially a continuous horizontal array of carousels, said arrays each comprising a series of elements having a concave interior and a convex exterior, said convex exterior of the array being adapted to intermesh with the convex exterior of the continuous array. The method of claim 31 directed to sealed growth containers placed inside a rotatable sphere, each container having a centrally placed needle extending into said free space from its bottom and at approximately equal intervals, said container and the needle therein pointing towards the center of the sphere.

The new claims 1-31 differ from the prior art documents mentioned in international search reports and written opinions.

1. A method of growing plants comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a continuous horizontal array of carousels, said arrays each comprising a series of elements having a concave interior and a convex exterior, said concave interior being loaded with plants grown toward a growth-promoting light source in the center of the array, said light source being adjustable during periods of plant growth and non-growth, said array having convex outer surfaces adapted to intermesh with the convex outer surfaces of the continuous array;

(b) rotating one of said arrays such that all of the intermeshing arrays in the carousel rotate together at the same speed; and

(c) the arrays in the carousel are moved together from a drive position wherein the one array rotates to a discharge/loading position in which the one array does not rotate.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein all plants in the array are watered simultaneously as the arrays rotate in the carousel to maintain an even weight distribution in each array for smooth balanced rotation.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the rotation rate and interval, and optionally the delivery rate of water containing plant nutrients, are selected to optimize plant growth towards the light source.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the elements are a plurality of spaced arcuate ribs that intermesh with spaced arcuate ribs in the continuous array.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the element is a spherical portion.

6. A method according to claim 4, wherein water is delivered to the interior of the ribs to contact the plants carried by each rib when rotated.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein the plants are on a plurality of spaced porous needles, the needles being directed towards the center of the array, wherein when rotated, water is delivered to the plants through the porous needles.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the light source is a light emitting diode.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the water is delivered to the plants without recirculation.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the plant being cultivated is selected from the group consisting of loose leaf vegetables, green vegetables, fruits and berries.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the plant is selected from the group consisting of basil, safflower, arugula, artemisia, lettuce and spinach.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein pollen from a flowering plant is removed and distributed to other flowers in the array of spheres.

13. A method of growing plants comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a continuous horizontal array of vertical carousels, said arrays each comprising a series of elements having a concave interior and a convex exterior, said concave interior being loaded with plants grown toward a growth-promoting light source in the center of the array, said light source being adjustable during periods of plant growth and non-growth, said array having convex outer surfaces adapted to intermesh with the convex outer surfaces of the continuous array;

(b) rotating one of said arrays such that all of the intermeshing arrays in the carousel rotate together at the same speed;

(c) simultaneously watering all plants in the array as the array in the carousel rotates to maintain an even weight distribution in each array for smooth balanced rotation; and

(d) the arrays in the carousel are moved together from a drive position wherein the one array rotates to a discharge/loading position in which the one array does not rotate.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the rotation rate and interval, and optionally the delivery rate of water containing plant nutrients, are selected to optimize plant growth towards the light source.

15. The method of claim 11 wherein the elements are a plurality of spaced arcuate ribs that intermesh with spaced arcuate ribs in the continuous array.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the element is a spherical portion.

17. A device for growing plants comprising:

(a) a continuous horizontal array of carousels, said arrays each comprising a series of elements having a concave interior and a convex exterior, said concave interior being loaded with plants grown toward a growth-promoting light source in the center of the array, said light source being adjustable during periods of plant growth and non-growth, said array having convex outer surfaces adapted to intermesh with the convex outer surfaces of the continuous array;

(b) means for rotating one of said arrays so that all of the intermeshing arrays in the carousel rotate together at the same speed; and

(c) means for moving the carousel arrays together from a drive position, wherein said means for rotating one array is coupled to a discharge/loading position in which said means is disengaged.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein the element is a spherical portion.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said portions have intermeshing gear teeth.

20. The device of claim 17 wherein said elements are a plurality of spaced arcuate ribs which intermesh with spaced arcuate ribs in a continuous array.

21. Apparatus as claimed in claim 11, including watering all plants in the arrays simultaneously as the arrays rotate in the carousel to maintain an even weight distribution in each array to smoothly balance the rotating means.

22. Apparatus according to claim 20, including means for delivering water to the interior of said ribs to contact the plants carried by each rib when rotated.

23. A device for growing plants comprising:

(a) a continuous horizontal array of vertical carousels, said arrays each comprising a series of elements having a concave interior and a convex exterior, said concave interior being loaded with plants grown toward a growth-promoting light source in the center of the array, said light source being adjustable during periods of plant growth and non-growth, said array having convex outer surfaces adapted to intermesh with the convex outer surfaces of the continuous array;

(b) means for rotating one of said arrays so that all of the intermeshing arrays in the carousel rotate together at the same speed;

(c) means for simultaneously watering all plants in the array as the array in the carousel rotates to maintain an even weight distribution in each array, thereby smoothly balancing the rotation; and

(d) means for moving the carousel arrays together from a drive position, wherein said means for rotating one array is coupled to a discharge/loading position in which said means is disengaged.

24. The device of claim 23 wherein said elements are a plurality of spaced arcuate ribs which intermesh with spaced arcuate ribs in a continuous array.

25. Apparatus according to claim 24, including means for delivering water to the interior of the ribs to contact the plants carried by each rib when rotated.

26. The device of claim 23, wherein the element is a spherical portion.

27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein said portions have intermeshing gear teeth.

28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the light source is a light emitting diode.

29. Apparatus as claimed in claim 27, including means for taking pollen from a flowering plant and spreading it to other flowers in the array.

30. Apparatus as claimed in claim 23, including means for taking pollen from a flowering plant and spreading it to other flowers in the array.

31. A method of growing plants in a controlled atmosphere comprising:

(a) providing a sealed growth container having a growth medium containing plant seeds or seedlings on an upper portion and a free space below the upper portion into which plant roots can enter, said container having a centrally located needle extending into said free space from a bottom portion thereof and supporting said growth medium in the upper portion of said container;

(b) placing a plurality of said growth vessels inside a rotatable sphere at approximately equal intervals, said vessels and needles therein pointing towards the center of the sphere;

(c) providing a growth-promoting light source centrally located within the sphere;

(c) rotating the sphere while saturating the growth medium with water, plant nutrients and/or selected gases through the needle into the free space of the vessel;

(d) after saturation, removing excess water and nutrients simultaneously, the rotation rate and interval, and the delivery rate of water, optionally containing plant nutrients, being selected to optimize plant growth towards said light source; and

(e) the light source is adjusted during growth and non-growth of the plant.

Claims

1. A method of growing plants comprising the steps of:

(c) maintaining a substantially equal weight distribution in plants growing towards said light source by rotating said array of spheres about its horizontal axis about the light source while simultaneously delivering water optionally containing plant nutrients at predetermined intervals, amounts and rates for all of said seeds or seedlings; and

(d) the light source is adjusted during growth and non-growth of the plant.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the seeds or seedlings are spaced along a circumferential line passing through a horizontal axis of the sphere.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the array comprises a plurality of arcuate ribs arranged on a circumferential line passing through the horizontal axis of the sphere, the ribs being loaded with spaced seeds or seedlings in a growth medium, wherein upon rotation water optionally containing plant nutrients is delivered to the interior of the ribs in contact with the growth medium carried by each rib.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the rotation rate and interval, and optionally the delivery rate of water containing plant nutrients, are selected to optimize plant growth towards the light source.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the array comprises seeds or seedlings in a growth medium, the seeds or seedlings being on a plurality of spaced porous needles arranged along a circumferential line passing through the horizontal axis of the sphere, the needles being directed towards the centre of the array of spheres, wherein water, optionally containing plant nutrients, is delivered to the growth medium through the porous needles when rotated.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the rotation rate and interval, and optionally the delivery rate of water containing plant nutrients, are selected to optimize plant growth towards the light source.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the light source is a light emitting diode.

9. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein water, which may optionally contain plant nutrients, is transferred to the seeds or seedlings without recirculation.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the root enzyme is added to water.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein pollen from a flowering plant is removed and distributed to other flowers in the array of spheres.

14. A method of growing plants comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a sphere of seeds or seedlings, said sphere comprising a plurality of arcuate hollow ribs arranged on a circumferential line passing through a horizontal axis of the sphere, said ribs having spaced openings facing radially toward the center of the open frame sphere;

(c) providing a seed or seedling within a growth medium mounted in the opening of the rib such that the growth medium extends into the hollow interior of the rib with the plant growing radially facing the center of the sphere;

(d) maintaining a substantially equal weight distribution in the growing plant by rotating said array of spheres about its horizontal axis about a light source while simultaneously delivering water optionally containing plant nutrients at predetermined intervals, amounts and rates to all of said seeds or seedlings; and

(f) the light source is adjusted during growth and non-growth of the plant.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the rotation rate and interval, and optionally the delivery rate of water containing plant nutrients, are selected to optimize plant growth towards the light source.

16. A device for growing plants comprising:

(a) a spheroid array of seeds or seedlings oriented radially toward the center of the spheroid array;

(b) the growth promoting light source is generally arranged in the center of the sphere array and can be controlled in the growing or non-growing period of plants;

(c) a means for rotating the array of spheres about the light source on a horizontal axis; and

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein additional means are used to adjust the rotation rate and interval of the means, the amount and rate of delivery of water optionally containing plant nutrients, to achieve optimal plant growth to the light source.

18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the seeds or seedlings are spaced along a circumferential line passing through the horizontal axis of the sphere.

19. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the array comprises a plurality of arcuate ribs arranged on a circumferential line passing through the horizontal axis of the sphere, said ribs being loaded with spaced seeds or seedlings in a growth medium, and means for delivering water, optionally containing plant nutrients, to the interior of said ribs, in contact with the growth medium carried by each rib, when rotated.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein additional means are used to adjust the rotation rate and interval of the means, the amount and rate of delivery of water optionally containing plant nutrients, to achieve optimal plant growth to the light source.

21. The device of claim 16, wherein the array comprises seeds or seedlings in a growth medium, said seeds or seedlings being on a plurality of spaced porous needles arranged along a circumferential line passing through the horizontal axis of the sphere, said needles being directed towards the centre of the sphere, and means for delivering water, optionally containing plant nutrients, to the growth medium through said porous needles when rotated.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein additional means are used to adjust the rotation rate and interval of the means, the amount and rate of delivery of water optionally containing plant nutrients, to achieve optimal plant growth to the light source.

23. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the light source is a light emitting diode.

24. Apparatus as claimed in claim 16, including means for taking pollen from a flowering plant in a spherical array and spreading it to other flowering plants to effect cross-pollination.

25. Apparatus according to claim 16, wherein there are a plurality of said arrays of spheres in a vertical carousel, and means for varying the vertical position of each sphere for feeding and discharging.

26. Apparatus according to claim 19, wherein there are a plurality of said arrays of spheres in a vertical carousel, and means for varying the vertical position of each sphere for feeding and discharging.

27. Apparatus according to claim 21, wherein there are a plurality of said arrays of spheres in a vertical carousel, and means for varying the vertical position of each sphere for feeding and discharging.

28. A device for growing plants comprising:

(a) a sphere comprising a plurality of arcuate hollow ribs arranged on a circumferential line passing through the horizontal axis of the sphere, said ribs having spaced openings facing radially toward the center of the open frame sphere, seeds or seedlings being installed in growth medium in said rib openings such that growth medium extends into the hollow interiors of said ribs and plants grow radially toward the center of the sphere;

(d) means for simultaneously delivering water, optionally containing plant nutrients, to the interior of the ribs, contacting the growth medium at predetermined intervals, amounts and rates to maintain approximately equal weight distribution in the rotating plant growing towards the light source.

29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein additional means are used to adjust the rotation rate and interval of the means, the amount and rate of delivery of water optionally containing plant nutrients, to achieve optimal plant growth to the light source.

30. A method of growing plants in a controlled atmosphere comprising:

(e) the light source is adjusted during growth and non-growth of the plant.