Abstract
An apparatus (100, 700, 8001, 802, 803) for growing biomass, wherein the apparatus comprises: at least one plate (110, 210, 310, 410, 710) comprising at least two plate sections (120, 220, 320, 331, 332, 333, 420, 421, 422) configured to be movable between an opened position and a closed position. In the closed position the at least two plate sections jointly form a first surface for receiving and holding a growth medium for growing biomass and in the opened position the at least two plate sections are pivoted away from the closed position such that the growth medium is slidably released from the at least one plate. The at least one plate is movably supported on at least one first railing (150, 750), wherein the apparatus further comprises a first drive mechanism (715) for independently moving each of the at least one plate along the at least one first railing; and the at least two plate sections are pivotable about a first axis (251) and a second axis (252) respectively.
Claims
1-15. (canceled)
16. An apparatus for growing biomass, wherein the apparatus comprises: at least one plate comprising at least two plate sections configured to be movable between an opened position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position the at least two plate sections jointly form a first surface for receiving and holding a growth medium for growing biomass and wherein in the opened position the at least two plate sections are pivoted away from the closed position such that the growth medium is slidably released from the at least one plate; wherein the at least one plate is movably supported on at least one first railing, wherein the apparatus further comprises a first drive mechanism for independently moving each of the at least one plate along the at least one first railing; and wherein the at least two plate sections are pivotable about a first axis and a second axis respectively.
17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the at least one plate further comprises borders arranged along at least a portion of a perimeter of the first surface.
18. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the first axis and the second axis are colinear.
19. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein one or more of said at least one plate further comprises a respective thermoregulating device arranged along at least a portion of the perimeter of the first surface, wherein the thermoregulating device is one of a refrigerant conduit, a cooling coil, a water pipe, and a heating coil.
20. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the first drive mechanism comprises at least one chain adapted to engage at least one edge of the at least one plate, and wherein the first drive mechanism further comprises motor driven sprockets for moving the at least one chain back and forth along the at least one first railing.
21. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the at least one plate is attached to the at least one first railing via at least one third railing oriented perpendicular to the at least one first railing such that the at least one plate and the at least one third railing are movable together along the at least one first railing, wherein the at least one plate is movably supported on the at least one third railing for movement along the at least one third railing, and wherein the apparatus further comprises a third drive mechanism for moving the at least one plate along the at least one third railing.
22. The apparatus according to claim 16, comprising a plurality of plates movably supported on respective first railings and movable by the first drive mechanism wherein each of the first railings are configured to be positioned one above the other and above the at least one second railing.
23. A device for separating a growth medium, wherein the device comprises: at least one grid comprising at least two grid sections movable between an opened position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position the at least two grid sections jointly form a second surface, wherein said at least two grid sections comprise a meshing having a plurality of mesh openings for receiving and separating the growth medium, wherein in the opened position the at least two grid sections are pivoted about a third and a fourth axis respectively and away from the closed position such that separated growth medium falls off the at least one grid, and wherein the at least one grid is movably supported on at least one second railing; and a second drive mechanism for independently moving each of the at least one grid along the at least one second railing.
24. The device according to claim 23, wherein the device comprises a plurality of said at least one grid wherein the grids are positioned elevated from one another to form part of a multi-layered grid assembly.
25. The device according to claim 23, wherein each of the grids of the multi-layered grid assembly are provided with differently sized mesh openings.
26. The device according to claim 23, wherein the at least one second railing comprises a separate channel for support of each grid, and wherein the second drive mechanism is configured to move each grid independently along the separate channel.
27. The device according to claim 23, wherein the multi-layered grid assembly comprises at its bottom a container comprising at least two container sections pivotable between an opened position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position the at least two container sections jointly form a third surface receiving and holding the separated growth medium, wherein in the opened position the at least two container sections are pivoted away from the closed position such that separated growth medium is slidably released from the container.
28. The device according to claim 23, wherein the second drive mechanism comprises at least one chain adapted to engage at least one edge of the at least one grid, wherein the second drive mechanism comprises motor driven sprockets for moving the at least one chain back and forth along the at least one second railing.
29. The device according to claim 23, wherein the at least one grid is attached to the at least one second railing via at least one fourth railing oriented perpendicular to the at least one second railing such that the at least one grid and the at least one fourth railing are movable along the at least one second railing, wherein the at least one grid is movably supported on the at least one fourth railing for movement along the at least one fourth railing, and wherein the apparatus further comprises a fourth drive mechanism for moving the at least one grid along the at least one fourth railing.
30. An arrangement comprising the apparatus according to claim 16 and a device for separating a growth medium, wherein the device comprises: at least one grid comprising at least two grid sections movable between an opened position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position the at least two grid sections jointly form a second surface, wherein said at least two grid sections comprise a meshing having a plurality of mesh openings for receiving and separating the growth medium, wherein in the opened position the at least two grid sections are pivoted about a third and a fourth axis respectively and away from the closed position such that separated growth medium falls off the at least one grid, and wherein the at least one grid is movably supported on at least one second railing; and a second drive mechanism for independently moving each of the at least one grid along the at least one second railing, wherein the at least one first railing is positioned above the at least one second railing such that the at least one plate and the at least one grid are movable to a discharging position in which the at least one plate and the at least one grid are superimposed.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] The above, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present inventive concept, will be better understood through the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of the present inventive concept, with reference to the appended drawings, wherein:
[0031] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a top view of an apparatus for growing biomass;
[0032] FIGS. 2a-2b schematically illustrate perspective views of different configurations of a plate of an apparatus for growing biomass;
[0033] FIG. 2c schematically illustrates a perspective view of a grid of an apparatus for growing biomass;
[0034] FIGS. 3a-3d schematically illustrate side views of different pivoting configurations of the plate sections of a plate of an apparatus for growing biomass;
[0035] FIGS. 4a-4c schematically illustrate top views of different configurations of pivoting axis of the plate and grid of an apparatus for growing biomass;
[0036] FIG. 5a schematically illustrates a perspective view of a multi-layered grid assembly;
[0037] FIG. 5b schematically illustrates a side view the multi-layer grid assembly;
[0038] FIG. 6 schematically illustrates an exploded view of a multi-layer grid assembly;
[0039] FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a side view of an alternative configuration of apparatus for growing biomass;
[0040] FIG. 8 schematically illustrates a top view of an arrangement of apparatus for growing biomass.
[0041] The figures are not necessarily to scale, and generally only show parts that are necessary in order to elucidate the inventive concept, wherein other parts may be omitted or merely suggested.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0042] FIG. 1 illustrates an apparatus 100 for growing biomass according to a first embodiment. The apparatus 100 comprises a plate 110 movably supported on a first railing 150 and being composed of two plate sections 120. The first railing 150 is characterized by two rails supporting opposite edges of the longer dimension of the plate 110. The plate 110 is shown in FIG. 1 in a closed position enabling the two plate sections 120 to jointly form the first surface of the plate 110. FIG. 1 further shows the plate 110 positioned at a loading position 171 at which the plate 110 is ready to receive and hold a growth medium (not shown) on its first surface. FIG. 1 further depicts the movement 190 the plate 110 follows along the first railing 150 to progress to and from a discharging position 172. The movement 190 of the plate 110 is enabled by the first drive mechanism (not shown in FIG. 1 but detailed later in the description). The apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 further comprises a grid 130 movably supported on a second railing positioned under the first railing 150 and encompassing similar characteristics as the first railing 150 supporting the plate 110. The second railing is therefore not visible in FIG. 1 as the first railing 150 and the plate 110 supported thereon are elevated directly above the second railing. The grid 130 is further shown in FIG. 1 having two grid sections 140 jointly forming the second surface of the grid 130 and formed of a meshing 141 enabling the separation function of the grid 130. FIG. 1 depicts the grid 130 being positioned at the discharging position 172 at which the grid 130 is ready to receive the growth medium and the biomass grown thereon. The movement of the grid 130 along the second railing is in the same direction as the movement 190 of the plate 110 and is enabled by a second drive mechanism (not shown but described later in the description). It is embodied that the movement 190 of the plate 110 and the movement of the grid are independent from one another as they are enabled by different drive mechanisms. FIG. 1 further illustrates a third railing 160 formed of two rails similarly as the first railing 150 and adapted to movably support the plate 110. The third railing 160 is shown oriented perpendicularly to the first railing 150 permitting the movement 191 of the plate 110 away from the first railing 150. It is further embodied that the movement 191 of the plate 110 along the third railing 160 is enabled by the first drive mechanism. Furthermore, FIG. 1 illustrates a fourth railing 170 characterized similarly as the third railing 160 but for movably supporting the grid 130 and enabling the movement 192 of said grid 130 away from the second railing in a perpendicular direction by means of the second drive mechanism. FIG. 1 further shows a fifth railing 180 elongating in a parallel direction as the first railing 150 and enabling the movement 193 of the plate 110 along its tow rails. Although not visible in the top view illustrated in FIG. 1, The apparatus 100 further comprises a sixth railing characterized similarly as the fifth railing 180 but for movably supporting the grid 130 and enabling its movement parallel to the movement 193. It is envisioned that the connection between the first railing 150 and the third railing 160, and the connection between the third railing 160 and the fourth railing 170 do not hinder the capacity of the plate 110 to securely hold the growth medium. It is additionally embodied that the third railing 160 may be attached to the plate 110 and movable along the first railing 150 according to movement 190. For such embodied configuration, the use of the fifth railing 180 is not required. Similarly, it is additionally embodied that that the fourth railing 170 may be attached to the grid 130 and movable along the second railing. For such embodied configuration, the use of the sixth railing is not required.
[0043] Referring now to FIG. 2a, there is shown a perspective view of a plate 210 in a closed position. FIG. 2a illustrates the plate 210 having two plate sections 220 jointly forming the first surface said plate 210. FIG. 2a further shows borders 225 arrange along the perimeter of the plate 210, more specifically along at least a portion of the perimeter of each plate sections 220. The borders 225 elongate in an upward direction perpendicular to the first surface formed by the two plate sections 220 and may preferably have a height ranging from 0.5 cm to 10 cm. The plate 210 comprises a thermoregulating device 226 in the form of a heating coil arranged along at least a portion of the perimeter of the first surface of the plate 210. FIG. 2a further illustrates the first axis 251 and the second axis 252 elongating along the longer dimensioned edges of the plate 210, about which the two plate sections 220 may pivot to transition between the closed position and the opened position. The two plate sections 220 are further shown joining in the center of the plate 220 at the junction line 227. It is additionally embodied that the two plate sections 220 jointly forming the first surface may be releasably connected together at the junction line 227 by means of any suitable mechanism or electro-mechanism (not shown). It is further embodied that the two plate sections 220 may at least partially overlap one another (not shown) to jointly form the first surface of the plate 210. It is additionally embodied that for a case in which the dimensions of the plate 210 are significantly large and the weight of the growth medium (not shown) by the first surface of the plate 210 is considerably heavy, a support mechanism (not shown) may be arranged beneath each of the two plate sections 220 to increase the retention capacity of the plate 210. It will further be appreciated that such support mechanism may be formed of a thermo-conductive material permitting its participation in the regulation of the temperature of the plate 210 enabled by the thermoregulating device 226. FIG. 2b shows a perspective view of another configuration of the plate 210 in a closed position. The plate 210 shown in FIG. 2b comprises three plate sections 220 joined together at two junction lines 227 to form the first surface of the plate 210. FIG. 2b further depicts a border 225 and a thermoregulating device 226 arranged along the perimeter of the plate 210. FIG. 2c illustrates a perspective view of a grid 230 in a closed position. The grid 230 comprises two grid sections 240 jointly forming the second surface of the grid 230 and joining at the junction line 228. FIG. 2c shows the two grid sections 240 being formed of a meshing 241 comprising linked threads of metallic or plastic material enabling the second surface formed by the two grid sections 240 to be covered by mesh openings 245. The mesh openings 245 are shown in FIG. 2c having similar dimensions across the second surface and which allows particles of a specific granulometric dimension to pass therethrough. FIG. 2c further illustrates the third axis 254 and the fourth axis 255 elongating along the longer dimensioned edges of the grid 230, about which the two grid sections 240 may pivot to transition between the closed position and the opened position.
[0044] Referring now to FIG. 3a, there is shown a side view of a plate 310 in a closed position. The side view of FIG. 3a shows the smaller dimensioned edge of the plate 310 similarly dimensioned as the plate 210 of FIG. 2a. FIG. 3a depicts the plate 310 having two plate sections 320 joined at their inner edge to enable the closed position of the plate 310. The dotted lines shown in FIG. 3a illustrate the trajectory followed by the two plate sections 320 when pivoting to the opened position. FIG. 3b illustrates a side view of the plate 310 in an opened position, i.e. after pivoting of the two plate sections 320. The two plate sections 320 shown in FIG. 3b form respective angles 321, 322 with the plane 323 formed by the first surface of plate 310 in a closed position shown here in dotted lines. The respective angles 321, 322 formed by each plate sections 320 in the opened position may preferably range from 0.5° to 89.5°. IT will additionally be embodied that the respective angles 321, 322 may have different values. The plate 310 shown in the opened position in FIG. 3b permits the growth medium (not shown) to be slidably released as depicted by the arrow. FIG. 3c illustrates a side view of the plate 310 in a differently configured opened position. FIG. 3c shows the two plate sections 320 pivoted about the co-linear first axis and second axis 350 and forming respective angles 321, 322 with the plane 323. The respective angles 321, 322 formed by each plate sections 320 in the opened position may preferably range from 0.5° to 89.5°. It will additionally be embodied that the respective angles 321, 322 may have different values. The plate 310 shown in the opened position in FIG. 3c permits the growth medium (not shown) to be slidably released as depicted by the arrows. FIG. 3d illustrates a side view of the plate 310 in a closed position having three plate sections 331, 332, 333. FIG. 3d depicts in dotted lines the respective pivoting trajectories of the three plate sections 331, 332, 333, wherein the pivoting trajectories of the first and third plate sections 331, 333 is shown as a downward pivoting trajectory forming the angles 321 and 322 respectively with the closed position configuration of the plate 310. The pivoting trajectory of the second plate section 332 is shown in FIG. 3d forming the angle 324 with the plate of the closed position configuration of the plate 310. It will be appreciated that the different pivoting configuration of the plate 310 illustrated in FIGS. 3a to 3d may apply similarly to the at least one grid of the apparatus for growing biomass and its at least two grid sections.
[0045] Referring now to FIG. 4a, there is shown a top view of a plate 410 in the closed position comprising a first plate section 421 and a second plate section 422 along with alternative configurations of first and second axis about which the first and second plate sections 421, 422 may pivot to transition between the closed position and the opened position. FIG. 4a shows axis A, B and E as alternatives about which the first plate section 421 may pivot, and axis C, D and E as alternatives about which the second plate section 422 may pivot. It is additionally embodied that the first and second axis may be co-linear as illustrated by axis B in FIG. 4a. Moreover, FIG. 4a illustrates a top view of a grid 430 in the closed position comprising a first grid section 441 and a second grid section 442 along with alternative configurations of third and fourth axis about which the first and second grid sections 441, 442 may pivot to transition between the closed position and the opened position. Similarly, as for the plate 410, FIG. 4a shows axis A′, B′ and E′ as alternatives about which the first grid section 441 may pivot, and axis C′, D′ and E′ as alternatives about which the second grid section 442 may pivot. It is additionally embodied that the third and fourth axis may be co-linear as illustrated by axis B′. FIG. 4b illustrates a top view of a plate 410 in the closed position comprising two plate sections 420 wherein the junction line of the two plate sections 420 is positioned along the diagonal of the plate 420. FIG. 4b illustrates the first and second axis being co-linear, i.e. axis F, and about which the two plate sections 420 may pivot to transition between the closed position and the opened position. Similarly, FIG. 4b illustrates a top view of a grid 430 in the closed position showing co-linear third and fourth axis, i.e. axis F′, about which the two grid sections 440 may pivot to transition between the closed and opened positions. FIG. 4c illustrates a top view of a plate 410 in the closed position comprising a plurality of plate sections. The plate sections illustrated in FIG. 4c each comprise co-linear first and second axis, i.e. axis G, H, I, J, K, L about which each plate section of the plate 410 may pivot to transition between the closed position and the opened position. FIG. 4c similarly illustrates a top view a top view of a grid 410 in the closed position comprising a plurality of grid sections being pivotable about co-linear third and fourth axis G′, H′, I′, J′, K′, L′ to transition between the opened and the closed position.
[0046] Referring now to FIG. 5a, there is shown a perspective view of a multi-layered grid assembly 500. The multi-layered grid assembly 500 is shown comprising a plurality of grids, i.e. a first grid 531, a second grid 532, a third grid 533 and a third grid 534 elevated from one another. Each grid 531, 532, 533, 534 is shown in FIG. 5a comprising two grid sections 540 jointly forming the second surface of each grids 531, 532, 533, 534 and formed of respective meshing 541, 542, 542, 544. FIG. 5a further illustrates the meshing 541 having the largest dimension of mesh opening and the meshing 544 having the smallest dimension of mesh openings. The mesh openings of the meshing 542 of the second grid 532 are shown having smaller dimensions than the mesh openings of the meshing 541 of the first grid 531, but larger than the dimensions of the mesh openings of the meshing 543 of the third grid 533. Similarly, the mesh openings of the meshing 543 of the third grid 533 are shown in FIG. 5a having larger dimensions than the mesh openings of the meshing 544 of the fourth grid 534. FIG. 5a therefore illustrates a gradual diminution of dimensions of mesh openings from the first grid 531 to the fourth grid 534 of the multi-layered grid assembly 500. Additionally, FIG. 5a depicts the third axis’ 561 and the fourth axis’ 562 elongating along the longer edges of the respective grids 531, 532, 533, 534 about which the two grid sections 540 of each grid 531, 532, 533, 534 may pivot to transition between the closed position and the opened position. Moreover, FIG. 5a shows the direction 550 of the independent movement of each grid 531, 532, 533, 534 enabled by the second drive mechanism (not shown). FIG. 5b illustrates a side view the multi-layer grid assembly 500 in which each grid 531, 532, 533, 534 is shown in a closed position. The side view of FIG. 5b shows the smaller dimensioned edge each grid 531, 532, 533, 534 and their respective grid sections 540. FIG. 5b further illustrates the elevation 570 of each grid 531, 532, 533, 534 one above the other and equally distanced. The pivoting trajectory of the two grid sections of the lower-positioned grid 534 is further depicted by the dotted line. It will be additionally embodied that the grids 531, 532, 533, 534 have similar dimensions.
[0047] Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown an exploded view of a multi-layer grid assembly 600 comprising three grids 630 each comprising two grid sections and respective meshing. Similarly characterized as for the multi-layered grid assembly 500 of FIG. 5a, the dimensions of mesh openings of the meshing of each grid 630 gradually reduces from the uppermost elevated grid to the lowest grid. FIG. 6 further illustrates a container 635 in the closed position and comprising two container sections 620 jointly forming a third surface 640. The two container sections 620 may pivotable between an open position and a closed position, as depicted by the pivoting trajectory shown in dotted lines in FIG. 6. It is additionally embodied that the container 635 may comprise dimensions similar to the dimensions of the three grids 630 of the multi-layer grid assembly 600.
[0048] Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown a side view of an alternative configuration of apparatus 700. FIG. 7 shows the apparatus 700 comprising a plurality of plates 710 movably supported on respective first railings 750 wherein each of the first railings 750 is positioned one above the other and above the second railing 780. The movement 790 of the plurality of plates 710 is shown in FIG. 7 enabled by the first drive mechanism 715 which comprises a plurality of chains 760 engaging the longer dimensioned edge of each plate 710 and arranged around each respective first railings 750 supporting each plate 710. FIG. 7 further depicts the first drive mechanism 715 comprising motor driven sprockets 770 for moving each chain 760 individually along each respective first railing 750, enabling the movement 790 of each plate 710. FIG. 7 further shows the second railing 780 aligned below the plurality of first railings 750 and comprising a separate channel 781 for supporting each grid 730. Similarly to the first drive mechanism 715, the second drive mechanism 716 is shown comprising a plurality of chains 761 engaging the longer dimensioned edge of each grid 730. FIG. 7 further shows the second drive mechanism comprising motor driven sprockets 771 for moving each chain 761 individually along the separate channel, enabling the movement 791 of each grid 730. It will be additionally embodied that the plurality of grids 730 form a multi-layer grid assembly.
[0049] Referring now to FIG. 8 there is shown a top view of an arrangement of apparatus for growing biomass. The arrangement 800 is illustrated in FIG. 8 comprises three apparatus 801, 802, 803 comprising plates, grids, first and second railing, first and second drive mechanism subjected to similar characterization as the apparatus described in previous FIGS. . The plate of the first apparatus 801 is shown positioned at the loading position 871 and the grid of the first apparatus 801 is shown at the discharging position. Moreover, the plate of the second apparatus 802 is show positioned between the loading position 871 and the discharging position 872 and the plate of the third apparatus is shown positioned at the discharging position 872 superimposed above the grid of the third apparatus 803. Although shown constantly at the discharging position in FIG. 8, it is embodied that the grids of each apparatus 801, 802, 803 of the arrangement of apparatus 800 are movable between the loading position 871 and the discharging position 872.
[0050] As is readily appreciated by the person skilled in the art, many modifications and variations may be devised given the above description of the principles of the inventive concept. It is intended that all such modifications and variations be considered as within the scope of the inventive concept, as it is defined in the appended patent claims.
