A01G9/143

Intelligent track and navigation for sensor carrier

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

ATMOSPHERIC WATER GENERATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS

An atmospheric water generation system comprises water vapor consolidation systems configured to increase the relative humidity of a controlled air stream prior to condensing water from the controlled air stream. The water vapor consolidation system comprises a fluid-desiccant flow system configured to decrease the temperature of the desiccant to encourage water vapor to be absorbed by the desiccant from an atmospheric air flow. The desiccant flow is then heated to encourage water vapor evaporation from the desiccant flow into a controlled air stream that circulates within the system. The humidity of the controlled air stream is thereby increased above the relative humidity of the atmospheric air to facilitate condensation of the water vapor into usable liquid water.

Device enabling rotation and movement for a tray of plants
11343974 · 2022-05-31 · ·

A device having a hopper and a reservoir is provided enabling a tray of plants positioned in the hopper to move alone a Z-axis, and rotate about a Y-axis such that the tray of plants may enter the reservoir at a fixed positioned. The reservoir may be filled with a liquid solution indented to give a benefit to the plants. Handles connected to the hopper are biased in a top position via a pair of biasing member. The handles enable a user to operate the device by allowing the rotation and movement of the hopper during use.

A LOGISTIC SYSTEM FOR MANAGING AND DISPLACING MATERIALS IN VERTICAL MODULAR SHELVES AND VERTICAL MODULAR FARMS
20230271777 · 2023-08-31 · ·

A logistic system for managing and displacing materials comprises a first series of shelves (23) and a second series of shelves (24); the first series of shelves (23) is arranged in front of the second series of shelves (24), and a central aisle (25) is obtained between the shelves; each shelf is made up of a first pair of uprights (21, 22) facing towards the central aisle and a second pair of uprights (26, 27) facing towards the opposite side. The uprights of each shelf are retained by structural cross members. At the lower portion thereof, the uprights have a recess (35) which enables a carriage (20) equipped with toothed wheels (31) to pass the shelves during the sliding on the ground. The carriage is provided with a lifting system (36), activated by motor organs located inside the carriage (20).

ROTATIONAL SYSTEM FOR HYDROPONIC EQUIPMENT
20230270062 · 2023-08-31 ·

It relates to a straightforward system, which can be used in any greenhouse, as it is not linked to the greenhouse, and which can maximise the area of crop plants per hectare. For this purpose, the invention proposes a system that is supported by struts (1) with a horizontal shaft (3) on which a support mechanism (4) for pairs of supports (5) of the hydroponic crop in question swings, so that they can adopt a position in which they are aligned horizontally, and another position in which they are aligned vertically, so that this position allows access to the plants for harvesting their fruit and therefore not having to leave unused spaces when the plants are aligned horizontally.

Method and apparatus for controlling distributed farming modules
11737399 · 2023-08-29 · ·

The present invention relates to an indoor farming management system comprising at least one sensor; a central processing unit arranged in signal communication with the at least one sensor; a device adapted to operate between an operative state and a non-operative state; the central processing unit is operable to control at least one indoor environmental parameter of a farming system based on data received from the sensor; the central processing unit further operable to send a control signal to the device to operate the device between the operative state and the non-operative state.

MOBILE HORTICULTURE WORKSTATION

A mobile, self-powered, horticultural processing unit capable of facilitating the processing of a large number of plants, is disclosed. In particular a modular unit with a multi-level configuration and a compact footprint capable of performing a variety of different horticultural operations is the subject of present embodiments. The unit may utilize a wheel and suspension assembly attached to a hydraulic lift and towing hardware which permits the unit to be towed as a trailer. The unit may comprise a plurality of conveying platforms which permit access by a forklift, as to allow many plants to be input and removed from the unit at once. The unit may assist in the fully or partially automated pruning, canning, fertilizing, treating, and spacing of plants potted in individual containers. Collectively, the cost and labor involved with growing and maintaining plants in the field may be greatly reduced.

FARMING SYSTEM METHODS AND DEVICES
20230263107 · 2023-08-24 · ·

A load handling device for operating in a farming system, and an associated method of using the farming system to produce a crop are provided. The floor of the farming system includes a network of tracks based on a grid system. The load handling device includes: a first set of wheels, and a second set of wheels; and a support for receiving a growing tray, wherein the support pad can be raised and or lowered in a vertical direction to lift and lower a received growing tray. The method includes: preparing growing trays; depositing a growing tray in a growing booth; retrieving a growing tray from a growing booth; arranging growing trays in growing aisles according to life-cycle phase of the crop; controlling the environment using a hood; harvesting a crop; and/or transferring a harvested crop from the farming system to an integrated second system.

STEREO-SPATIO-TEMPORAL CROP CONDITION MEASUREMENTS FOR PLANT GROWTH AND HEALTH OPTIMIZATION

A mobile platform includes at least one first sensor mounted at a first position on the mobile platform and at least one second sensor mounted at a second position on the mobile platform, where the first position is offset from the second position. The at least one first sensor is configured to capture first data measurements of plants in the growing area. The at least one second sensor is configured to capture second data measurements of the plants in the growing area. Each of the first and second data measurements is associated with a three-dimensional position within the growing area and a time. The first and second sensors are configured to generate at least one common type of data measurement such that at least some of the first and second data measurements represent stereo-spatio-temporal data measurements of the plants in the growing area.

AGRICULTURAL ROBOT FOR A VERTICAL FARMING UNIT
20220143847 · 2022-05-12 ·

An agricultural robot is disclosed, the agricultural robot comprising a chassis comprising a plurality of ground-engaging mechanisms for propelling the robot in a direction of travel; a supply module mounted on the chassis and comprising a fluid providing unit, a power providing unit, a supply interface operatively connected to the fluid providing unit and to the power providing unit and for providing at least one of fluid and power; and a controller for operating the plurality of ground-engaging mechanisms and the supply interface.