Abstract
The LED grow-light system includes one or more grow-light canopies with linear LED light bars to provide upward and/or downward lighting in a central illumination area. The LED grow-light system or grow-light canopies are preferably constructed using T-slot interconnects that lock into T-channels of the T-slot bars and/or T-slot light bars and the LED grow-light systems are housed in a controlled modular grow-light containers that include sky-light structures and/or light tubes that allow the controlled modular grow containers to be stacked or placed next to each other and minimize the footprint for growing plants.
Claims
1. A LED grow-light system comprising: a) a top light canopy with top linear LED light bars for providing downward lighting into a central illumination area; b) a bottom light canopy with bottom linear LED light bars for providing upward lighting into the central illumination area, wherein the illumination area is configured to illuminate top and bottom portions of foliage from vegetation.
2. The LED grow-light system of claim 1, wherein the top light canopy or bottom light canopy move up and down to modulate the central illumination area.
3. The LED grow-light system of claim 1, wherein LEDs within the top linear LED light bars or bottom LED light bars are spatially modulated.
4. The LED grow-light system of claim 1, wherein separations between a portion of the top linear LED light bars or bottom LED light bars are spatially modulated.
5. The LED grow-light system of claim 2, further comprising stepper motors for automatically moving the top light canopy or the bottom light canopy up and down.
6. The LED grow-light system of claim 5, further comprising a control module for automatically controlling the stepper motors in response to control commands.
7. The LED grow-light system of claim 6, further comprising sensors for providing environmental data to the control module, wherein the environmental data is used to generate the control commands.
8. A LED grow-light system comprising: a) a top light canopy with top linear LED light bars for providing downward lighting into a central illumination area; b) a bottom light canopy with bottom linear LED light bars for providing upward lighting into the central illumination area, wherein the central illumination area is configured to illuminate top and bottom portions of foliage from vegetation on a grow bed, and wherein the top light canopy and/or bottom light canopy move up and down relative to the grow bed.
9. The LED grow-light system of claim 8, wherein separations between a portion of the top linear LED light bars or bottom LED light bars are adjustable.
10. The LED grow-light system of claim 8, wherein LEDs within the top linear LED light bars or bottom LED light bars are spatially modulated to provide greater light output near ends of the top linear LED light bars or bottom linear LED light bars.
11. The LED grow-light system of claim 8, further comprising stepper motors for automatically moving the top light canopy or bottom light canopy up and down.
12. The LED grow-light system of claim 11, further comprising a control module for automatically controlling the stepper motors in response to control commands.
13. The LED grow-light system of claim 12, further comprising sensors for providing environmental data to the control module, wherein the environmental data is used to generate the control commands.
14. A LED grow-light system comprising: a) a top light canopy with top linear LED light bars for providing downward lighting into a central illumination area; b) a bottom light canopy with bottom linear LED light bars for providing upward lighting into the central illumination area, wherein the central illumination area is configured to illuminate top and bottom portions of foliage from vegetation on a grow bed, and wherein the top light canopy and/or bottom light canopy move up and down relative to the grow bed.
15. The LED grow-light system of claim 14, further comprising a control module for receiving the control commands.
16. The LED grew-light system of claim 15. wherein the control module includes a micro-processor for executing a grow-light protocol or program and controlling light emitted from the top light canopy and the bottom light canopy in accordance with the grow-light protocol or program.
17. The LED grow-light system of claim 14, wherein LEDs within the top linear LED light bars or bottom LED light bars are spatially modulated.
18. The LED grow-light system of claim 14, wherein separations between a portion of the top linear LED lights bars or bottom LED light bars are spatially modulated.
19. The LED grow-light system of claim 14, further comprising stepper motors for automatically moving the top light canopy or the bottom light canopy up and down in response to control commands.
20. The LED grow-light system of claim 14, further comprising sensors for providing environmental data to the control module, wherein the environmental data is used to generate the control commands.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] FIG. 1A shows a schematic representation of a grow-light canopy with linear LED light bars.
[0030] FIG. 1B illustrates a linear LED light bar with spatially modulated LEDs, or arrays of LEDs, located along a light emitting surface of the linear LED light bar, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention.
[0031] FIG. 1C. illustrates a linear LED light bar with physically modulated LEDs, or arrays of LEDs, located along a light emitting surface of the linear LED light bar, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention.
[0032] FIG. 1D shows a schematic representation of light density emitted from light emitting surfaces of modulated linear LED light bars
[0033] FIG. 1E shows a schematic representation of a grow-light canopy with linear LED light bars that are modulated through parallel separation, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention.
[0034] FIGS. 2A-B show schematic representations of LED grow-light systems with linear LED light bars that move up and down relative to a grow-light bed, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention.
[0035] FIGS. 3A-B show graphical representations of evenly distributed light density over the grow-light bed afforded from an LED grow-light system of the present invention and prior art LED grow-light systems, respectively.
[0036] FIGS. 4A-B illustrate a LED grow-light system with a LED grow-light canopy that moves up and down relative to a grow bed using stepper motors, which are attached to the LED grow-light canopy, and move up and down along the canopy support pole structure, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention.
[0037] FIG. 5A shows a schematic representation of a control module for controlling positioning of a LED grow-light canopy relative to a grow bed, and to implement a grow-light protocol or program, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention.
[0038] FIG. 5B illustrates a LED grow-light system with a control module, sensors, and a movable LED grow-light canopy, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention.
[0039] FIG. 6A shows a schematic representation of a dual-layer LED grow-light system with a control module to control the position of the canopies, and/or the LED light bars, relative to the grow bed, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention.
[0040] FIG. 6B illustrates a dual-layer LED grow-light, system with top and bottom LED grow-light canopies that are positioned relative to a grow bed using stepper motors, that are attached to the LED grow-light canopies, which move up and down along the canopy support pole structure, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention.
[0041] FIGS. 7A-B show schematic representations of a T-slot interconnect for securing to a T-slot bar, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention.
[0042] FIGS. 8A-B illustrate representations of a T-slot interconnect for orthogonally connecting two T-slot bars with opposed and elongated interlock tabs that secure within T-channels of the T-slot bars, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention.
[0043] FIGS. 9A-D shows detailed engineering drawings of a T-slot interconnect with a support structure attached to a body portion of the T-slot interconnect, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention.
[0044] FIGS. 10A-C illustrate T-slot interconnects used to form T-slot bar structures and securing T-slot light bars to the T-slot bar structures, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention.
[0045] FIGS. 11A-B illustrates a series of skylights installed a modular grow container, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention.
[0046] FIGS. 11C-D illustrates light tubes on the wall plane of a modular grow container, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention.
[0047] FIG. 12A illustrates two modular grow container in a stacked configuration, with skylights installed on the roof surface, and light tubes with a bent design installed on the wall plane of a modular growing container.
[0048] FIG. 12B illustrates a cross-section of a modular grow container in a stacked configuration with LED Grow-light canopies inside.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0049] Referring to FIG. 1A, a LED grow-light system can include a LED grow-light canopy 100 with any number of LED light bars 101, 103 and 105. The LED light bars 101, 103 and 105 are preferably linear elongated LED light bars that are arranged to be parallel with respect to each other in a parallel or elongated direction, as indicated by the arrow 106.
[0050] Each of the LED light bars 101, 103 and 105 include LEDs or arrays of LEDs 111/111′/111″, 113/113′/113″, and 115/115′/115″, respectively. The separation between adjacent and sequential LEDs or arrays of LEDs 111/111′/111″, 113/113′/113″, and 115/115′/115″ is uniform, as indicated by the arrow D.sub.1 and D.sub.2. Also, the parallel separations of distances between adjacent LED light bars is also usually uniform, as indicated by the arrow S.sub.1 and S.sub.2. The light canopy 100 described and illustrated in FIG. 1A will exhibit die off in light density, and/or intensity, around the outside edges 102/102′ and 104/104′ of the LED grow-light canopy 100 and around edges of any grow bed of comparable size positioned below the LED grow-light canopy 100.
[0051] FIG. 1B illustrates a linear LED light bar 125 with spatially modulated LEDs, or arrays of LEDs, 131, 133, 135, and 137 that are located along a light emitting surface 126 of the linear LED light bar 127. The spatially modulated LEDs, or arrays of LEDs, 131, 133, 115 and 137 are arranged such that distances D.sub.3, D.sub.4, D.sub.5 and D.sub.6 between adjacent LEDs are sequentially reduced from the center of portions C.sub.1 of the light emitting surface 126 to the two end portions E.sub.1 and E.sub.2 of the light emitting surfaces 126 or LED light bar. Using light bars with the spatially modulated LEDs, or arrays of LEDs, 131, 133, 115 and 137 to form a LED grow-light canopy increase light density and/or light intensity emitted around edges of the LED grow-light, while keeping the LED grow-light canopy footprint sized to match a grow bed of the same or similar size. In further embodiments, groups of LEDs or arrays of LED's 123 can be grouped to form LED arrays of various sizes.
[0052] FIG. 1C. illustrates a linear LED light bar 125′ with physically modulated LEDs, or arrays of LEDs, or grouping of LEDs 141, 143 and 145, located along a light emitting surface 146 of the linear LED light bar 125′. In accordance with this embodiment of the invention, the form factor or size of the LEDs, or arrays of LEDs, or grouping of LEDs, are larger near end regions E.sub.3 and E.sub.4 than the center region C.sub.2. The LED groupings 141, 143 and 145 are arranged such that distances D.sub.8 and D.sub.9 between adjacent LEDs are sequentially reduced from the center portions C.sub.2 of the light emitting surface 146 to the two end portions E.sub.3 and E.sub.4 of the light emitting surfaces 146 on the LED light bar 125′.
[0053] Referring now to FIG. 1D, whether LED light bars have spatially modulated LEDs, or arrays of LEDs, such as described with reference to FIG. 1B, or physically modulated or sized arrays of LEDs, such as described with respect to FIG. 1D, the LED light bars 146′ and 146″ used to form a grow-light canopy of the present invention preferably exhibit a gradient distribution of lighting, as indicated by the shading 141′, 143′, and 145′, in the linear or elongated directions, indicated by the arrows 148 and 148′. The gradient distribution of light, as indicated by the shading 141′, 143′, and 145′, exhibited by the LED light bars 146′ and 146″, in the directions 148 and 148′, preferably corresponds to increase of light density or light intensity (luminous flux and luminous intensity) of 5%-25% or more as measured from the central portions of the linear LED light bars 146′ and 146″ to each end portion of the LED light bars 146′ and 146″.
[0054] Referring to FIG. 1E, while modulated linear LED light bars 151, 153, 155 and 157, described above with respect to FIGS. 1B-C, reduces die-off of light density, or light intensity, at/or near end edges 154 and 154′ of a grow box positioned under or below a LED grow-light canopy 152 formed from the modulated linear LED light bars, parallel edges 156 and 156′ of the grow box can still experience die-off light density and/or light intensity. In order to address the die-off in light density or light intensity at/or near parallel or outer edges of the grow box, the parallel separation, or distances S.sub.4, S.sub.3, S.sub.4′, between adjacent linear LED light bars are modulated such that the separation, or distances S.sub.4, S.sub.3, S.sub.4′, decrease from a center portions C.sub.3 of the LED grow-light canopy to outer side portions of parallel edges 156 and 156′ of the LED grow-light canopy 152,
[0055] FIGS. 2A shows a schematic representation of a LED grow-light system 200. The LED grow-light system 200 includes a grow-light canopy 201. The grow-light canopy includes linear LED light bars 203, 205, 207 and 209. The LED light bars 203, 205, 207 and 209 can include modulated LEDs, or arrays or LED, and/or be spatially modulated with respect to each other laterality on the grow-light canopy 201, such as described above with reference to FIG. 1E.
[0056] Preferably, the grow-light canopy 201 and/or the LED light bars 203, 205, 207 and 209 move up and down, as indicated by the arrow 211. In a lowered position 202, the LED light bars 203′, 205′, 207′ and 209′ can emit greater intensity of light onto the grow bed 231. Preferably, the light canopy 201 and/or the LED light bars 203, 205, 207 and 209 move up and down by stepper motors 221 and 223 that are attached to the grow-light canopy 201 as well as attached to vertical pole structures 225 and 227 supporting the grow-light canopy 201 over the grow bed 231.
[0057] Still referring to FIG. 2A, the LED grow system 200 also includes sensors 241, 243, 245, 247, 249 and 251 for providing environmental data. The sensors 241, 243, 245, 247, 249 and 251 can include, but are not limited to, light sensor, moisture sensor and temperature sensor. The environmental data generated by the sensor can be used to determine a desired or preferred position of the light canopy 201 relative to the grow bed 231 and/or can be used to implement an automated grow-light protocols or programs suitable for the vegetation being cultivated.
[0058] Referring to FIG. 2B, in an alternative embodiment of the invention, a LED grow-light system 200′ includes a grow-light canopy 201′ with LED light bars 203′, 205′, 207′ and 209′, wherein a portion of the LED light bars 203′ and 209′ move up and down, as indicated by the arrow 211′ to the lowered position 202′ with lowered LED light bars 203″ and 209″. In this way, the relative heights of LED light bars 203′, 205′, 207′ and 209′ can be modulated relative to the grow bed 231′. As mentioned previously, the LED grow system 200′ can include any number of sensors 241′, 243′, 245′, 247′, 249′ and 251′, which are used to instruct and control positions of the LED light bars 203′, 205′, 207′ and 209′ relative to the grow bed 231′, and used to implement an automated grow-light protocol or program suitable for the vegetation being cultivated.
[0059] FIG. 3A shows a graphical representation 301 of an evenly distributed light density, or light intensity 311, over the area of a grow-light bed. The axis 315 corresponds to light density, or light intensity, at/or near end edges 154/154′ (FIG. 1E) of a grow box 231/231′ (similar to FIG. 2A-2B) positioned under, or below, a LED grow-light canopy 152 (FIG. 1E) formed from modulated linear LED light bars. Axis 313 corresponds to parallel edges 156/156′ (FIG. 1E) of a grow box 231/231′ (similar to FIG. 2A-2B) positioned under, or below, a LED grow-light canopy 152 (FIG. 1E) formed from modulated linear LED light bars.
[0060] FIG. 3B shows a graphical representation 351 of an unevenly distributed light density and/or light intensity 361 over the area of a grow-light bed. The axis 365 corresponds to light density, or light intensity, at/or near end edges 154/154′ (FIG. 1E) of a grow box 231/231′ (similar to FIG. 2A-2B) positioned under, or below, a LED grow-light canopy 152 (FIG. 1E) formed from unmodulated linear LED light bars. Axis 363 corresponds to parallel edges 156/156′ (FIG. 1E) of a grow box 231/231′ (similar to FIG. 2A-2B) positioned under or below a LED grow-light canopy 152 (FIG. 1E) formed from unmodulated linear LED light bars.
[0061] Comparing FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, the light density, and light intensity, near end edges 154/154′ (FIG. 1E) of a grow box 231/231′ (similar to FIG. 2A-2B) positioned under or below a LED grow-light canopy 152 (FIG. 1E) is more evenly distributed with modulated linear LED light bars than with unmodulated LED light bars.
[0062] Referring to FIGS. 4A-B, a LED grow-light system 400/400′ includes a grow-light canopy 411 with any number of LED light bars 441 that move up and down relative to a grow bed 403. The grow-light, system 400 has a support structure 401 that include vertical poles 431, 433, and 435. The grow-light canopy 411 preferably moves up and down relative to the grow bed 441 using stepper motors 421, 423 and 425, that are attached to the grow-light canopy 411, which moves up and down along vertical poles 431, 433, and 435. In accordance with the embodiments of the invention, the grow-light canopy 411 will automatically move vertically to accommodate the growth of vegetation 405, 405′, and 405″ being cultivated.
[0063] FIG. 5A shows a schematic representation of control module 501, which controls the positioning of a LED grow-light canopy 510, with linear LED light bars 509 and 511, relative to a grow bed (not shown) and implementing grow-light protocols or programs. The control module 501 includes a micro-processor with memory 507 for storing data and running grow-light protocols or programs. The control module is coupled to sensor 515, to receive environmental data, and a radio receiver 508, to receive input instructions 516. In operation, an output interface 503 instructs stepper motors 505 to move the LED grow-light canopy 510 in accordance with grow-light protocols or programs, and input instructions 516 received by the radio receiver 508 and the environmental data provided by the sensors 515.
[0064] FIG. 5B is a schematic illustration of a LED grow-light system 525 in accordance with the embodiments of the invention. The LED grow-light system 525 includes a support structure 511 for supporting a grow-light canopy 531 over a grow bed 529 with plants 561 and 563 thereon. The grow-light canopy 531 includes linear LED light bars 541, 543, 545 and 547 that are configured to move up and down a portion of the support structure 511, as indicated by the arrow 533, via stepper motors 521, 523, 525 or any other suitable mechanism including, but not limited to, chain, pulley and wheel-type mechanisms. The LED grow-light system 525 can also include a number of environmental sensors 513, 515, 517 and 519 for detecting lighting conditions, temperature conditions and/or moisture conditions. The environmental sensors 513, 515, 517 and 519 are preferably in communication with a control module 501′, directly or through a wireless network, to provide growing condition feedback used to modify the operational parameters of the LED grow-light system 525. The control module 501′ includes all of the necessary components to control the position of the grow-light canopy 531 relative to the grow bed 529 and/or the plants 561/563 thereon, as well as operating the lighting (illumination times/intensities/colors) provided by the grow-light canopy 531. The control module can include an antenna structure 502 for receiving remote control commands 555 from a wireless remote control device 553, such as a cell phone, and/or receiving input data or command instructions over a network via a networked remote computer 551 to run grow-light protocols and programs, and execute the command instructions. In yet further embodiments of the invention, the LED grow-light system 525 grow-light canopy 531 also includes additional motors or mechanisms 537 and 539 for modulating the lateral spacing of adjacent LED light bars 541, 543, 545, and 547 in the directions indicated by the arrows 540 on the grow-light canopy 531.
[0065] FIG. 6A illustrates a dual-layer LED grow-light, system 600 in accordance with the embodiments of this invention. The dual-layer grow-light system 600 includes a top light canopy 601 and a bottom light canopy 603. Each of the light canopies 601 and 603 include sets of light bars 611/611′ and 613/613′, respectively. Each of the light bars, 611/611′ and 613/613′, include LEDs, or combinations of LED arrays, to provide lighting with color temperatures and light intensities suitable for the application at hand. Lighting color temperatures and intensities emitted by the arrays of LEDs, or combinations of LED arrays, can be adjusted and controlled through a control module 610 (described in FIG. 5A-5B), which operates in response to sensor feedback and lighting protocols or programs running on a micro-processor.
[0066] In continued reference to FIG. 6A, the top light canopy 601 is preferably larger than the bottom light canopy 603 and a grow bed (not shown). The light bars 611/611′ on the top light canopy 601 provide downward lighting, as indicated by the arrows 615, and the light bars 613/613′ on the bottom light canopy 603 provide upward lighting, as indicated by the arrows 617. In operation, the dual-layer LED grow-light, system 600 combines downward lighting 615 above the foliage, and upward lighting 617, under the foliage, into a central illumination area 619 between the top light canopy 601 and the bottom light canopy 603.
[0067] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the distances W.sub.10 and W.sub.11 between the light bars 611/611′ and 613/613′ are adjustable, and the distance H.sub.1 between the top light canopy 601 and bottom light canopy 603 are also adjustable. For example, the light canopies 601 and 603, and/or the light bars 611/611′ and 613/613′, are coupled to one or more stepper motors, or any other suitable mechanism, that is capable of adjusting W.sub.10, W.sub.11 and/or H.sub.1 in accordance with the lighting needs of the vegetation 605 being cultivated. In addition, the positioning of W.sub.10, W.sub.11 and H.sub.1 can be adjusted manually.
[0068] Referring to FIG. 6B, a LED grow-light system 620 includes a top light canopy 621 and bottom light canopy 623 with any number of LED light bars 629 that move up and down relative to grow bed 625. The grow-light system 620 has a canopy support structure 627 that includes vertical poles 624, 626, and 628. The top light canopy 621 and bottom light canopy 623 preferably moves up and down relative to the grow bed 625 using stepper motors 631/631′, 633/633′, and 635/635′, which are attached to grow-light canopies 621 and 623 that move up and down along vertical poles 624, 626, and 628. In accordance with the embodiments of the invention, the grow-light canopy 621 and 623 can move, automatically or manually, to accommodate growth of vegetation 645/645′/645″ being cultivated. Furthermore, grow bed 625 can also move up and down using stepper motors (similar to 631/631′, 633/633′, and 635/635 or any suitable mechanism) automatically, or manually, along vertical poles 624, 626, and 628 to accommodate growth of vegetation 645/645′/645″ being cultivated within the central illumination area 622.
[0069] The system utilizes a T-slot interconnects. A T-slot interconnect 703 includes body portion 704 and two orthogonally elongated and opposed interlock tabs 705 and 709 positioned on opposed sides of the body portion 704. In operation one of the elongated interconnect tabs 709 is fitted into a T-slot channel 719 of a T-slot bar 701 and the body portion 704 is turned, as indicated by the arrow 712, such that the elongated interconnect tab 709 is locked within the T-channel 719 of the T-slot bar 701.
[0070] In other operations, the two orthogonally elongated interlock tabs 705 and 709 of a T-slot interconnect 703 or 803 are placed into orthogonally positioned T-channels 819 and 819′ of two orthogonally positioned T-slot bars 801 and 801′ (FIG. 8A). Then the interconnect 703 or 703 is rotated through the body portion 704 using a extended clip, hook, harnesses or other structure 711 or 711 and thereby secure the of two orthogonally positioned T-slot bars 801 and 801′ in their positions.
[0071] Alternatively, after the elongated interconnect tabs 709 is fitted into a T-slot channel 719 and secured therein, the remaining elongated interconnect tab 705 is placed into a T-channel 819′ of a second T-slot bar, such as 801′ (FIG. 8A) and the second T-slot bar 801 is rotated such the remaining elongated interconnect tab is locked or secured within the T-channel 819′ of the second T-slot bar 801′. The structure 711/811 attached to the body portion 704 the T-slot interconnect 703/803 cab be used for supporting or securing wiring or cables.
[0072] Regardless, of how the T-slot interconnects are rotated relative to a T-channel of a T-slot bar, FIG. 8B illustrates how to build a T-bar structure 850 using T-slot bars and the T-slot interconnects of the present invention. In operation elongated interlock tabs 705 and 709 (FIGS. 7A-B) of T-slot interconnects 861 and 861′ are places within T-channels 852, 854′/856′ of orthogonally positioned T-slot bars 851 and 853′/855′. The T-slot interconnects 861 and 861′ are then turned, such the elongated interlock tabs 705 and 709 turn within the T-channels 852, 854′ and 856′ and are secured therein to form the T-slot bar structure 850.
[0073] Alternatively, one of the elongated interlock tabs from each of the T-slot interconnects 861 and 861′ are place within a T-channel 852 of a T-slot bar 851 and secured therein by turning the T-slot interconnects 861 and 861′. Then the remaining elongated interlock tabs from each of the T-slot interconnects 861 and 861′ are positioned withing T-channels 854 and 856 of the T-slot bars 853 and 855 and the T-slot bars 853 and 855 are rotated as indicated by the arrows 857 and 857′ to secure the remaining elongated interlock tabs from each of the T-slot interconnects 861 and 861′ within the T-channels 854 and 856 of the T-slot bars 853 and 855 to form the T-slot bar structure 850.
[0074] FIGS. 9A-D shows detailed engineering drawings of a T-slot interconnect 900 with support structures 905 and 907 attached to a body portion 903 of the T-slot interconnect 900 for securing or holding wires and/or cables in clip portions 909, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention. The T-slot interconnect 900 has two opposed and orthogonally elongated interlock tabs 902 and 904 that are fitted into T-channels of T-slot bars and/or T-slot light bars. The opposed and orthogonally elongated interlock tabs 902 and 904 preferably have opposed curved edges 911 and 911′ that allow the T-slot interconnect 900 to be preferentially turned or rotated in one rotational direction 912 with T-channels of T-slot bars and/or T-slot light bars to secure the T-slot bars and/or T-slot light bars together through the T-slot interconnect 900, as described in detail above. The support structures 905 and 907 can act as handles to leverage or assist turning or rotating the opposed and orthogonally elongated interlock tabs 902 and 904 within T-slot channels and can hold or secure wiring or cables in a clip portion 909.
[0075] FIG. 10A shows a view of a T-bar structure 1000 with a T-slot interconnect 1011 (900; FIGS. 9A-D) with an elongated interlock tab secured within a T-channel 1003 of a T-slot light bar 1001 and with support structure securing and holding a cable 1013 for powering the T-slot light bar 1001. The T-slot bar structure 1000 also has a T-slot interconnect 1011 with elongated interlock tab secured within T-channel 1003 of the T-slot light bar 1001 and a T-channel of a T-slot bar 1005 for securing the T-slot light bar 1001 to the T-slot bar 1005 of the T-slot bar structure 1000.
[0076] FIG. 10B shows a view of a T-slot bar structure 1025 formed from multiple T-slot light bars 1033, 1033′ and 1033″. The T-slot bar structure 1025 includes an LED driver 1035 that is secured in positioned through two T-slot interconnects 1031 and 1031′ with elongated interlock tabs secured within T-channels of the T-slot light bars 1033 and 1033′. The T-bar structure 1025 also includes a T-slot interconnects 1032 and 1032′ secured within T-channels of the T-slot light bars 1033″ and 1034 for holding or supporting power cables, such as the power cable 1043.
[0077] FIG. 10C shows a view of a T-slot bar structure 1075 formed from T-slot light bars 1085 and 1085′ and a T-slot bar 1082. The T-slot light bars 1085 and 1085′ are secured to the T-slot bar 1082 via T-slot interconnects 1081 and 1081′ (900; FIGS. 9A-D). Again, the T-slot interconnects 1081 and 1081′ are secured within T-channels of the T-slot light bars 1085 and 1085′ and/or T-slot bar 1082 by elongated interlock tabs, as described above.
[0078] In further embodiments of the invention, one of the elongated interlock tabs 705 or 709 (FIGS. 7A-B) of the T-slot interconnect 703 is replaced by a loop structure, a hook structure or bracket structure 711 for mounting for attaching the T-slot interconnect 703, and any T-slot bar attached thereto, to a wall, ceiling or other support structure. In still further embodiments of the invention the body portion 704 of the T-slot interconnect 703 is formed from two hexagonally shaped parts or portions that are capable of being rotated independently and with respect to each other using, for example, a wrench, to secure the one or more of the interconnect tabs 705 and 709 within T-channels of T-slot bars or T-slot light bars.
[0079] FIGS. 11A-6B illustrate a LED grow-light system 1600 with a grow container 1605 and panel skylights 1601, 1602, 1603, and 1604 installed on the roof or top surfaces of the grow container 1605. The container1605 houses a grow-light system 400 (FIG.4A), 525 (FIG. 5B) and/or 600/620 FIGS. 6A-B. A control module, such as shown in, and described with respect to, FIG. 5A and that monitors ambient light that enters through the panel skylights 1601, 1602, 1603, and 1604 and adjust light output and positions of the light bars within the light canopies of the grow light systems 400, 425 and/or 600/620 housed within the container 1605 to optimize grow conditions. The light canopies of the grow light systems 400, 425 and/or 600/620 are preferably constructed using T-bar interconnects, such as the T-bar interconnects 900 described with respect to FIGS. 9A-D.
[0080] Referring to FIGS. 11C-6D, the grow-light system 1610 is illustrated with grow container 1613 showing light tubes 1612 and 613 that are installed on wall surfaces of the grow container 1613. The light tubes 1612 and 1613 can be bent and/or are bendable and can include lens covers, wave guides and/or have reflective interior surfaces to help direct light into the grow container 1613. As described above the grow container 1613 can include control module, such as shown in, and described with respect to, FIG. 5A that monitors ambient light that enters through light tubes 1612 and 1613 and adjust light output and positions of the light bars within the light canopies of the grow light systems 400, 425 and/or 600/620 housed within the container 1605 to optimize grow conditions. The light canopies of the grow light systems 400, 425 and/or 600/620 are preferably constructed using T-bar interconnects, such as the T-bar interconnects 900 described with respect to FIGS. 9A-D
[0081] FIGS. 12A-B illustrates the LED grow-light system 1700 configured with two stacked modular growing containers 1701 and 1705 in accordance with the embodiments of the invention. The grow container 1701 has bend light tubes on side walls, such as described above with reference to FIGS. 11C-D. The grow container 1705 includes panel skylight features 1706 and 1707 installed on top surfaces, such as those described above with reference to FIGS. 11A-B. Using combinations of sky light configurations allows multiple modular grow containers 1710 and 7120, be stacked and/or placed next to each other while allowing light to enter into each of the modular grow containers 1710 and 7120, as indicated by the arrows 708, 709 and 709′.
[0082] The grow light system 1700 of the present invention can include any number of grow-light systems 710, 710′, 710″ and 710″′ with grow-light canopies, such as those described throughout the specification, including dual (upper and lower) grow-light canopies that are housed within the modular grow containers 1701 and 1705, as shown. Details of the grow light systems with grow-light canopy systems 710, 710′, 710″ and 710″′ are described above with reference to FIGS. 4A-B, FIG. 5B and FIGS. 6A-B.
[0083] The present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments incorporating details to facilitate the understanding of the principles of construction and operation of the invention. As such, references herein to specific embodiments and details thereof are not intended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications can be made in the embodiments chosen for illustration without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the grow bed can also be configured to move up and down automatically. Moreover, multiple layers of grow-light canopies, with downward or upward illumination, and/or grow beds can be utilized when suitable for the application at hand.
