A controller for an air supplier of an assembly line grow pod is provided. The controller identifies a plant on one or more carts; determines an airflow rate based on an airflow recipe for the identified plant; controls an air supplier to output air through one or more outlet vents at the airflow rate; obtains an image of the plant; identifies a type of contaminants deposited directly on the plant based on the obtained image; and adjusts a power of the air output from the air supplier to remove the contaminants from the plant by the air based on the identified type of contaminants deposited directly on the plant.
A system for normalizing tank pressures includes a controller, a holding tank, a first reservoir, a first valve fluidly coupled to the first reservoir and communicatively coupled to the master controller, a distribution line fluidly coupling the holding tank to the first valve, a first sensor communicatively coupled to the controller, where the first sensor is configured to output signals corresponding to a fluid level within the first reservoir, and an instruction set that causes the processor to: receive signals from the first sensor, determine whether the fluid level within the first fluid reservoir is below a first threshold, generate a first signal to open the first valve when the fluid level is below the first threshold such that fluid from the holding tank fills the first reservoir, and generate a second signal to close the first valve when the fluid level is not below the first threshold.
A system for an assembly line grow pod (200) includes a germination hub (100) including a tank (112), a water source (120) in selective fluid communication with the tank (112), a pump (130) in selective fluid communication with the tank (112) and the water source (120), a pod line (102) in selective fluid communication with the germination hub (100), a seeder assembly (202) in selective fluid communication with the pod line (102), the seeder assembly (202) including a seeder tank (214), and a metering device (220) in selective fluid communication with the seeder tank (214), where the metering device (220) selectively releases seeds from the seeder tank (214), and a cart (305) positioned below the metering device (220).
A method for wetting seeds for an assembly line grow pod (200) includes positioning a first batch of seeds within a tank (112), directing water from a water source (120) to the tank (112) through a lower portion of the tank (112), wetting the first batch of seeds within the tank (112) with the water from the water source (120), initiating germination of the first batch of seeds, draining the water from the tank (112) after a predetermined submersion time, subsequent to draining the water from the tank (112), directing water from the water source (120) to the tank (112) through the lower portion of the tank (112), wetting the first batch of seeds within the tank (112) with the water from the water source (120) for the predetermined submersion time, and releasing the first batch of seeds from the tank (112) to a pod line (102) in fluid communication with an assembly line grow pod (200) after a predetermined time.
A method for pumping seeds to an assembly line grow pods (200) includes releasing seeds to a pipe in fluid communication with a pump (130), moving water from a water source (120) to the pipe in fluid communication with the pump (130), combining the seeds released from the tank (112) with the water from the water source (120) in the pipe, and pumping the combination of the seeds released from the tank (112) and the water from the water source (120) to a grow pod line (102) in fluid communication with the pump (130), and moving the seeds from the grow pod line (102) to one or more carts (305) of an assembly line grow pod (200).
A system for germinating seeds according to a germination recipe is disclosed. The system for germinating seeds for a grow pod includes a plurality of germination sub-tanks configured to receive seeds, the plurality of germination sub-tanks receiving different species of seeds, respectively, a master germination tank (220) configured to receive seeds from one or more of the plurality of germination sub-tanks, and a controller (610). The controller (610) includes one or more processors, one or more memory modules storing germination recipes, and machine readable instructions stored in the one or more memory modules that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the controller (610) to: determine a ratio of the different species of seeds based on a germination recipe, operate the plurality of germination sub-tanks to provide seeds to the master germination tank (220) based on the ratio, and provide the seeds in the master germination tank (220) to one or more carts.
A watering station includes a robotic watering device having a first swing arm having a first end opposite a second end, a rotatable robot arm rotatably coupled to a second end of the first swing arm, a first motor configured to pivot the first swing arm, a second motor configured to rotate the rotatable robot arm with respect to the first swing arm, and pump outlets positioned on the rotatable robot arm, one or more pumps fluidly coupled to the pump outlets positioned on the rotatable robot arm, and a fluid reservoir, where the one or more pumps comprises an inlet and an outlet, and the one or more pumps are fluidly coupled to the fluid reservoir such that when activated the one or more pumps draw fluid from the fluid reservoir and disperse a predetermined amount of fluid out the pump outlets.
A testing station (225) for testing an industrial cart (104) includes a controller (106), a length of track (125) having a first section (112B), a second section (112C), and a third section (112D). Sensors (120) are communicatively coupled to the controller(106), where the sensors (120) are configured to at least detect a cart (104) traversing the third section (112D). An electric source electrically coupled to the second section (112C), where the second section (112C) provides electric power to a first pair of wheels (222B, 222D) of a cart (104) when the cart (104) traverses the first section (112B) and the second section (112C), and the second section (112C) provides electric power to a second pair of wheels (222A, 222C) when the cart (104) traverses the second section (112C) and the third section (112D). An instruction set causes the processor (132) to receive, from a first sensor (120), signals indicating the cart (104) is traversing the third section (112D) and in response to receiving the signals indicating that the cart (104) is traversing the third section (112D), determine the cart (104) is functioning.
A method for moving wetted seeds from a tank (112) includes positioning a first batch of seeds within a tank (112), directing water from a water source (120) to the tank (112), wetting the first batch of seeds within the tank (112) with the water from the water source (120), initiating germination of the first batch of seeds, releasing the first batch of seeds from the tank (112) to a pod line (102) in fluid communication with an assembly line grow pod (200) after a predetermined time, and subsequent to releasing the first batch of seeds from the tank (112), detecting a level of seeds remaining in the tank (112).
A method for moving wetted seeds from a tank includes positioning a first batch of seeds within a tank, directing water from a water source to the tank, wetting the first batch of seeds within the tank with the water from the water source to initiate germination of the first batch of seeds, releasing the first batch of seeds from the tank to a pod line in fluid communication with an assembly line grow pod after a predetermined time, and subsequent to releasing the first batch of seeds from the tank, detecting a level of seeds remaining in the tank.
A watering station includes a robotic watering device having a first swing arm having a first end opposite a second end, a rotatable robot arm rotatably coupled to a second end of the first swing arm, a first motor configured to pivot the first swing arm, a second motor configured to rotate the rotatable robot arm with respect to the first swing arm, and pump outlets positioned on the rotatable robot arm, one or more pumps fluidly coupled to the pump outlets positioned on the rotatable robot arm, and a fluid reservoir, where the one or more pumps comprises an inlet and an outlet, and the one or more pumps are fluidly coupled to the fluid reservoir such that when activated the one or more pumps draw fluid from the fluid reservoir and disperse a predetermined amount of fluid out the pump outlets.
A system for an assembly line grow pod includes a germination hub including a tank, a water source in selective fluid communication with the tank, a pump in selective fluid communication with the tank and the water source, a pod line in selective fluid communication with the germination hub, a seeder assembly in selective fluid communication with the pod line, the seeder assembly including a seeder tank, and a metering device in selective fluid communication with the seeder tank, where the metering device selectively releases seeds from the seeder tank, and a cart positioned below the metering device.
A method for pumping seeds to an assembly line grow pods includes releasing seeds to a pipe in fluid communication with a pump, moving water from a water source to the pipe in fluid communication with the pump, combining the seeds released from the tank with the water from the water source in the pipe, and pumping the combination of the seeds released from the tank and the water from the water source to a grow pod line in fluid communication with the pump, and moving the seeds from the grow pod line to one or more carts of an assembly line grow pod.
A cart having a wheel and a cart-computing device communicatively coupled to the wheel, where the cart-computing device receives an electrical signal via the wheel. The electrical signal comprises a communication signal and electrical power. The communication signal corresponds to one or more instructions for controlling an operation of the cart and the electrical power of the electrical signal powers the cart-computing device.
B61L 23/34 - Control, warning or like safety means along the route or between vehicles or trains for indicating the distance between vehicles or trains by the transmission of signals therebetween
G05D 1/00 - Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots
B60L 5/04 - Current-collectors for power supply lines of electrically-propelled vehicles using rollers or sliding shoes in contact with trolley wire
B61L 15/00 - Indicators provided on the vehicle or train for signalling purposes
G05B 19/418 - Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control [DNC], flexible manufacturing systems [FMS], integrated manufacturing systems [IMS] or computer integrated manufacturing [CIM]
A control system includes a shell including an enclosed area, one or more carts moving on a track within the enclosed area, an air supplier within the enclosed area, one or more vents connected to the air supplier and configured to output air within the enclosed area, and a controller. The controller is configured to: identify a plant on the one or more carts; determine a humidity recipe for the identified plant; control the air output from the one or more vents based on the humidity recipe for the identified plant; receive an image of the plant the in one or more carts captured by the imaging sensor; and update the humidity recipe for the plant based on the captured image of the plant.
A01G 31/06 - Hydroponic culture on racks or in stacked containers
G05B 15/02 - Systems controlled by a computer electric
G05B 13/02 - Adaptive control systems, i.e. systems automatically adjusting themselves to have a performance which is optimum according to some preassigned criterion electric
17.
Systems and methods for cleaning a tray in a grow pod
Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to systems and methods for emptying and/or cleaning a tray within an assembly line grow pod. In one embodiment, a sanitizer component for cleaning a tray coupled to a cart in an assembly line grow pod is disclosed. The sanitizer component is coupled to a track such that the cart and the tray are received in the sanitizer component via the track. The sanitizer component comprises a first actuator arm positioned underneath the track and extendable through an opening in the track and an aperture at a bottom end of the cart to contact the tray such that the tray rotates in a first direction. The sanitizer component further includes an actuator motor coupled to the first actuator arm for extending the first actuator arm and a controller. The controller is communicatively connected to the actuator motor in the sanitizer component.
B65G 45/22 - Cleaning devices comprising fluid applying means
B65G 17/00 - Conveyors having an endless traction element, e.g. a chain, transmitting movement to a continuous or substantially-continuous load-carrying surface or to a series of individual load-carriersEndless-chain conveyors in which the chains form the load-carrying surface
B65G 21/18 - Supporting or protective framework or housings for endless load-carriers or traction elements of belt or chain conveyors for conveyors having endless load-carriers movable in curved paths in three-dimensionally curved paths
A lighting system for an assembly line grow pod includes a fixture, an actuator coupled to the fixture, one or more electromagnetic sources positioned at least partially within the fixture, a distance sensor, and a controller communicatively coupled to the actuator and the distance sensor, the controller including a processor and a computer readable and executable instruction set, which when executed, causes the processor to receive a signal from the distance sensor indicative of a detected distance between the distance sensor and plant matter positioned below the one or more electromagnetic sources, determine whether the detected distance is less than a configurable threshold, and in response to determining that the detected distance is less than the configurable threshold, direct the actuator to move the fixture upward in a vertical direction.
A personal grow pod system (100) includes a plurality of compartments, a plurality of devices corresponding to the plurality of compartments, and a controller (150) including one or more processors, one or more memory modules, and machine readable instructions stored in the one or more memory modules. The controller (150) is configured to identify plant materials in the plurality of compartments, retrieve grow recipes for each of the compartments based on the identified plant materials, and operate the plurality of devices respectively based on the grow recipes for each of the compartments.
Assembly line grow pod (100)s, watering stations, and seeder components that include robotic applicators are disclosed. An assembly line grow pod (100) includes a tray (106) held by a cart (104) supported on a track (102). The tray (106) includes a plurality of sections. The assembly line grow pod (100) further includes a watering component (109) providing fluid and a robotic applicator (300) including an articulating robot arm (310) having one or more outlets (340) that selectively dispense the fluid therefrom. The articulating robot arm (310) is positioned to align the one or more outlets (340) with a corresponding one or more of the plurality of sections such that the fluid is dispensable into each of the plurality of sections independently.
Devices, systems, and methods for providing and operating a pump control module and pumps in an assembly line grow pod are provided herein. Some embodiments include an assembly line grow pod having a plurality of fluid lines fluidly coupled between a fluid source and a fluid destination within the assembly line grow pod, a plurality of pumps, each coupled to a fluid line such that fluid is moved within the fluid line by the pump, and a master controller communicatively coupled to the pumps. The master controller is programmed to receive information relating to fluid delivery within the assembly line grow pod, determine one or more pumps to deliver the fluid, determine pump parameters for each of the pumps that achieve the fluid delivery, and transmit one or more control signals to the pumps for delivering the fluid within the assembly line grow pod.
An assembly line grow pod includes a plurality of fluid lines fluidly coupled between a fluid source and a fluid destination within the assembly line grow pod, a plurality of valves, each coupled to a fluid line such that fluid movement through the fluid lines is selectively controlled by the valves, and a master controller communicatively coupled to the valves. The master controller is programmed to receive information relating to fluid delivery within the assembly line grow pod, determine one or more valves to direct the fluid, determine valve parameters for each of the valves that achieve the fluid direction, and transmit one or more control signals to the valves for directing the fluid within the assembly line grow pod.
F04B 49/03 - Stopping, starting, unloading or idling control by means of valves
F04B 49/00 - Control of, or safety measures for, machines, pumps, or pumping installations, not otherwise provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups
F04B 49/22 - Control of, or safety measures for, machines, pumps, or pumping installations, not otherwise provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups by means of valves
27.
Devices, systems, and methods for providing and using one or more pressure valves in an assembly line grow pod
Devices, systems, and methods for providing and operating a valve control module and pressure valves in an assembly line grow pod are provided herein. Some embodiments include an assembly line grow pod having a plurality of fluid lines fluidly coupled between a fluid source and a fluid destination within the assembly line grow pod, a plurality of pressure valves, each coupled to a fluid line such that fluid pressure in the fluid lines is selectively controlled by the pressure valves, and a master controller communicatively coupled to the pressure valves. The master controller is programmed to receive information relating to fluid delivery within the assembly line grow pod, determine one or more pressure valves to direct the fluid, determine pressure valve parameters for each of the pressure valves that achieve the fluid pressurization, and transmit one or more control signals to the pressure valves for pressurizing the fluid within the assembly line grow pod.
An air flow control system for an assembly line grow pod is provided. The air flow control system includes a shell including an enclosed area, one or more carts moving on a track within the enclosed area, an air supplier within the enclosed area, one or more outlet vents coupled to the air supplier, and a controller. The controller includes one or more processors, one or more memory modules, and machine readable instructions stored in the one or more memory modules that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the controller to identify a plant on the one or more carts, determine an airflow rate based on an airflow recipe for the identified plant, and control the air supplier to output air through the one or more outlet vents at the airflow rate.
A fluid removal system for an assembly line grow pod is provided. The fluid removal system includes a track, a cart configured to move on the track, a fluid removal manifold provided over the track, and a controller. The cart includes one or more cells. The fluid removal manifold includes a body, and one or more nozzles attached to the body. The controller determines whether fluid in the cart needs to be removed, operates the fluid removal manifold to align the one or more nozzles with the one or more cells of the cart in response to determination that the fluid in the cart needs to be removed, and instructs the fluid removal manifold to remove fluid from one or more cells of the cart through the one or more nozzles.
An assembly line grow pod includes a fluid source and a fluid distribution manifold. The fluid distribution manifold includes a fluid inlet, a plurality of fluid outlets, a plurality of valves coupled within the fluid outlets and movable between an open position and a closed position, a plurality of biasing assemblies coupled to the of valves to bias the valves in the closed position, and a plurality of tension rings coupled to the biasing assemblies to adjust an amount of biasing force applied by the biasing assemblies. Fluid from the fluid source having a fluid pressure that exceeds the biasing force causes the valves to move to the open position such that a specific amount of the fluid is ejected from the fluid outlets.
B05B 1/30 - Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means designed to control volume of flow, e.g. with adjustable passages
A01C 23/00 - Distributing devices specially adapted for liquid manure or other fertilising liquid, including ammonia, e.g. transport tanks or sprinkling wagons
A01C 23/04 - Distributing under pressureDistributing mudAdaptation of watering systems for fertilising-liquids
31.
Systems and methods for bypassing harvesting for a grow pod
A system bypasses harvesting in an assembly line grow pod when it is determined that a plant in a cart is not ready to harvest. The system includes a track, a cart configured to move on the track, one or more sensors and a controller. The cart includes an upper plate that supports a plant. The controller receives information about the plant from the one or more sensors, determines whether the plant in the cart is ready to harvest based on the information; and transmits an instruction for bypassing harvesting the plant in the cart in response to determination that the plant in the cart is not ready to harvest.
An assembly line grow pod includes a seeding region, a harvesting region, a track that extends between the seeding region and the harvesting region, a cart including a tray for holding plant matter, and a wheel coupled to the tray, where the wheel is engaged with the track, and a weight sensor positioned on the cart or the track, where the weight sensor is positioned to detect a weight of the plant matter positioned within the cart.
G01G 19/52 - Weighing apparatus combined with other objects, e.g. with furniture
G01G 11/00 - Apparatus for weighing a continuous stream of material during flowConveyor-belt weighers
G01G 19/04 - Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in groups for weighing wheeled or rolling bodies, e.g. vehicles for weighing railway vehicles
A01G 9/24 - Devices for heating, ventilating, regulating temperature, or watering, in greenhouses, forcing-frames, or the like
G01G 11/04 - Apparatus for weighing a continuous stream of material during flowConveyor-belt weighers having electrical weight-sensitive devices
G01G 19/415 - Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in groups with provisions for indicating, recording, or computing price or other quantities dependent on the weight using electromechanical or electronic computing means using electronic computing means only combined with recording means
G01G 19/42 - Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in groups with provisions for indicating, recording, or computing price or other quantities dependent on the weight for counting by weighing
G01F 23/00 - Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
G01F 23/20 - Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measurement of weight, e.g. to determine the level of stored liquefied gas
33.
Systems and methods for utilizing waves in an assembly line grow pod
A system for utilizing waves in an assembly line grow pod includes a plurality of carts, a wave generator and a master controller. The plurality of carts carries a plurality of plants including a first plant and a second plant. The wave generator generates sound waves having a different range of frequency. The master controller is communicatively coupled to the wave generator and comprising a processor and a memory storing a wave recipe and instructions. The wave recipe correlates the plurality of plants with different characteristics of sound waves including frequency. The wave generator generates a first sound wave having the characteristic correlated to the first plant and a second sound wave having the characteristic correlated to the second plant.
An image capture system for a grow pod includes a master controller that has a processor, a memory, and cameras that are communicatively coupled to the master controller and positioned to capture images of plants or seeds. The memory stores a grow recipe and a logic. The grow recipe defines instructions for growing the plants or seeds and expected attributes corresponding to the instructions. The logic, when executed by the processor, causes the master controller to perform at least the following: receive, from the cameras, the images of the plants or seeds, determine attributes of the plants or seeds from the images, compare the attributes of the plants or seeds from the images to the expected attributes defined by the grow recipe, and adjust the instructions of the grow recipe for growing the plants or seeds based on the comparison of the attributes to the expected attributes.
G01N 21/84 - Systems specially adapted for particular applications
G06K 9/00 - Methods or arrangements for reading or recognising printed or written characters or for recognising patterns, e.g. fingerprints
A01C 23/00 - Distributing devices specially adapted for liquid manure or other fertilising liquid, including ammonia, e.g. transport tanks or sprinkling wagons
A01G 7/04 - Electric or magnetic treatment of plants for promoting growth
A01G 27/00 - Self-acting watering devices, e.g. for flower-pots
A distributed control system for use in an assembly line grow pod includes a master controller and a hardware controller device. The master controller includes a first processor and a first memory for storing a first set of instructions that dictates plant growing operations and a second set of instructions that dictates a plurality of distributed control functions. The hardware controller device is coupled to the master controller via a plug-in network interface. The hardware controller device includes a second processor and a second memory for storing a third set of instructions that dictate a selected control function of the plurality of distributed control functions. Upon the plug-in connection, the master controller identifies an address of the hardware controller device and sends a set of parameters defining a plurality of tasks relating to the selected control function.
A01G 9/24 - Devices for heating, ventilating, regulating temperature, or watering, in greenhouses, forcing-frames, or the like
H05K 7/14 - Mounting supporting structure in casing or on frame or rack
G05B 19/418 - Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control [DNC], flexible manufacturing systems [FMS], integrated manufacturing systems [IMS] or computer integrated manufacturing [CIM]
G05B 19/042 - Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers using digital processors
G05B 19/18 - Numerical control [NC], i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form
A cart having a wheel, a drive motor coupled to the wheel such that an output of the drive motor causes the wheel to rotate and propel the cart, a cart-computing device communicatively coupled to the drive motor, wherein the cart-computing device generates a control signal to adjust the operation of the drive motor, and a sensor module communicatively coupled to the cart-computing device. The sensor module, in a first mode, generates a signal and transmits the signal to the cart-computing device in response to a detected event. The sensor module, in a second mode, transmits a first communication signal in response to the first communication signal generated by the cart-computing device. The sensor module, in a third mode, receives a second communication signal in response to a source external to the cart transmitting the second communication signal to the cart.
G05D 1/00 - Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots
B60L 5/04 - Current-collectors for power supply lines of electrically-propelled vehicles using rollers or sliding shoes in contact with trolley wire
B61L 15/00 - Indicators provided on the vehicle or train for signalling purposes
G05B 19/042 - Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers using digital processors
B61L 23/34 - Control, warning or like safety means along the route or between vehicles or trains for indicating the distance between vehicles or trains by the transmission of signals therebetween
G05B 19/418 - Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control [DNC], flexible manufacturing systems [FMS], integrated manufacturing systems [IMS] or computer integrated manufacturing [CIM]
An industrial cart (104a, 104b) is provided with a slip gear (524a, 524b) that includes a track gear (526a, 526b) for engaging with a track (102), a motor gear (528a, 528b) for engaging with a drive motor and the track gear (526a, 526b) and a stabilizing bar that is rotatably coupled to the track gear (526a, 526b) and the motor gear (528a, 528b). The drive motor rotates the motor shaft, the motor gear rotates with the motor shaft to cause rotation of the track gear (526a, 526b) to propel the industrial cart (104a, 104b). In response to an object (104b) pushing the industrial cart (104a) along the track (102), the stabilizing bar rotates to disengage the track gear (526a) from the track (102), thereby reducing friction between the industrial cart (104a) and the track (102).
Devices, systems, and methods for depositing plant seeds (500) are provided herein. Some embodiments include a seeder head (310) device that includes a body (312) having a proximal end (305, 312A) and a distal end (307, 312B) spaced a distance from the proximal end (305, 312A), a bore (314) extending through an interior of the body (312) from the proximal end (305, 312A) to the distal end (307, 312B), a first hold arm (324A, 324B, 324) disposed within the bore (314) and coupled to a first actuator (320A, 320B, 320), and a second hold arm (324A, 324B, 324) disposed within the bore (314) and coupled to a second actuator (320A, 320B, 320). The bore (314) includes a proximal opening (313) at the proximal end (305, 312A) and a distal opening (315) at the distal end (307, 312B), and is shaped and sized to receive seeds (500) at the proximal opening (313). The first hold arm (324A, 324B, 324) and the second hold arm (324A, 324B, 324) are movable to selectively allow one or more of the seeds (500) to fall under force of gravity (or other force) to the distal opening (315) of the bore (314). Devices, systems, and methods for depositing plant seeds (500) are provided herein. Some embodiments include a seeder head (310) device that includes a body (312) having a proximal end (305, 312A) and a distal end (307, 312B) spaced a distance from the proximal end (305, 312A), a bore (314) extending through an interior of the body (312) from the proximal end (305, 312A) to the distal end (307, 312B), a first hold arm (324A, 324B, 324) disposed within the bore (314) and coupled to a first actuator (320A, 320B, 320), and a second hold arm (324A, 324B, 324) disposed within the bore (314) and coupled to a second actuator (320A, 320B, 320). The bore (314) includes a proximal opening (313) at the proximal end (305, 312A) and a distal opening (315) at the distal end (307, 312B), and is shaped and sized to receive seeds (500) at the proximal opening (313). The first hold arm (324A, 324B, 324) and the second hold arm (324A, 324B, 324) are movable to selectively allow one or more of the seeds (500) to fall under force of gravity (or other force) to the distal opening (315) of the bore (314).
A cart (104a) having a wheel (222a-222d), a drive motor (226a) coupled to the wheel such that an output of the drive motor (226a) causes the wheel (222a-222d) to rotate and propel the cart (104a), a cart-computing device (228a) communicatively coupled to the drive motor (226a); and sensors (232a, 234a) communicatively coupled to the cart-computing device (228a), the sensors (232a, 234a) generating one or more signals in response to a detected event. The cart-computing device (228a) receives a communication signal and electrical power from the track (102) via the wheel (222a-222d). The communication signal corresponds to one or more instructions for controlling an operation of the cart (104a). The cart-computing device (228a) receives the one or more signals from the sensors (232a, 234a). The cart-computing device (228a) generates and transmits a control signal to the drive motor (226a) to cause the drive motor (226a) to operate based on at least one of the one or more signals generated by the sensors (232a, 234a) or the communication signal.
Systems and methods for providing a testing chamber are provided herein. One embodiment of a testing chamber includes a chamber environment affecter and a chamber computing device that includes a processor and a memory component. The memory component may store logic that causes the testing chamber to receive a recipe program, where the recipe program defines a grow recipe for a grow pod. The logic may further cause the testing chamber to determine a difference between operation of the testing chamber and operation of the grow pod, adapt the recipe program for operation by the testing chamber, and execute the recipe program in the testing chamber. The logic may further cause the testing chamber to monitor operation of the testing chamber executing the recipe program to determine a malfunction in the recipe program and provide an indication of the malfunction of the recipe program.
Systems and methods for programming a grow pod are provided herein. One embodiment of a grow pod includes a plurality of carts for growing plants, a plurality of pod environment affecters, and a pod computing device that, when executed by a processor, causes the grow pod to receive a recipe program. The recipe program may define a grow recipe for the grow pod and may cause actuation of at least a portion of the plurality of pod environment affecters to facilitate growth for the plurality of respective plants. The recipe program may be created via a scripting language that includes a plurality of commands for controlling the grow pod. In some embodiments, the plurality of commands are specific to the grow pod. Embodiments of the grow pod may additionally instantiate a plurality of instances of the recipe program that correspond with each of the plurality of carts.
A temperature control system includes a shell including an enclosed area (502, 504, 506, 508, 510, 512), one or more carts (104, 204A) moving on a track (102) within the enclosed area (502, 504, 506, 508, 510, 512), an air supplier within the enclosed area (502, 504, 506, 508, 510, 512), one or more vents (304) connected to the air supplier and configured to output air within the enclosed area (502, 504, 506, 508, 510, 512), and a controller. The controller includes one or more processors, one or more memory modules, and machine readable instructions stored in the one or more memory modules that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the controller to: identify a plant on the one or more carts (104, 204A), determine a temperature recipe for the identified plant, and control a temperature of the air output from the one or more vents (304) based on the temperature recipe for the identified plant.
Devices, systems, and methods for providing and operating a pump control module and pumps in an assembly line grow pod are provided herein. Some embodiments include an assembly line grow pod having a plurality of fluid lines fluidly coupled between a fluid source and a fluid destination within the assembly line grow pod, a plurality of pumps, each coupled to a fluid line such that fluid is moved within the fluid line by the pump, and a master controller communicatively coupled to the pumps. The master controller is programmed to receive information relating to fluid delivery within the assembly line grow pod, determine one or more pumps to deliver the fluid, determine pump parameters for each of the pumps that achieve the fluid delivery, and transmit one or more control signals to the pumps for delivering the fluid within the assembly line grow pod.
A system and method for testing for contaminants in an assembly line grow pod (100) includes a tray (105) moving along a track (102) arranged in an assembly line grow pod (100), a plurality of cells (120) arranged on the tray (105) and a contaminant sensor (130). Each cell (120) supports seeds, plants, or both, and a selected cell includes side walls and a base that define a cavity (122). The contaminant sensor (130) is arranged in the cavity (122) of the selected cell. The contaminant sensor (130) includes a sensing device and a control device. The sensing device directly senses a characteristic of a content present in association with the selected cell. The control device is coupled to the sensing device and operable to receive a signal from the sensing device. The control device may determine a likelihood of contamination based on the received signal.
Devices, systems, and methods for providing a predetermined amount of fluid in an assembly line grow pod are provided. Some embodiments include an assembly line grow pod having a fluid source and a fluid distribution manifold. The fluid distribution manifold includes a fluid inlet, a plurality of fluid outlets, a plurality of valves coupled within the fluid outlets and movable between an open position and a closed position, a plurality of biasing assemblies coupled to the of valves to bias the valves in the closed position, and a plurality of tension rings coupled to the biasing assemblies to adjust an amount of biasing force applied by the biasing assemblies. Fluid from the fluid source having a fluid pressure that exceeds the biasing force causes the valves to move to the open position such that a specific amount of the fluid is ejected from the fluid outlets.
A01G 9/24 - Devices for heating, ventilating, regulating temperature, or watering, in greenhouses, forcing-frames, or the like
B05B 1/30 - Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means designed to control volume of flow, e.g. with adjustable passages
B05B 12/02 - Arrangements for controlling deliveryArrangements for controlling the spray area for controlling time, or sequence, of delivery
46.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING WATER DOSAGE IN A GROW POD
An assembly line grow pod (100) that includes watering stations positioned to provide water to plant material at predetermined days of growth and methods of supplying the same are disclosed. An assembly line grow pod (100) includes a track (102) extending a length between a seeder component (108) and a harvester component (208), a plurality of watering stations arranged adjacent to the track (102) at a plurality of locations along the length of the track (102) between seeder and harvester components (108,208), and a cart (104) supported on and movable along the track (102) from the seeder component (108) to the harvester component (208) such that seeds that are placed by the seeder component (108) within the cart (104) grow into plant material that is harvested at the harvester component (208). Each one of the plurality of watering stations is positioned between the seeder and harvester components (108,208) such that water is provided by the watering station to the cart at a predetermined growth metric.
A molecular air control system is provided. The system includes a shell including an enclosed area, a cart moving on a track within the enclosed area, an air supplier configured to output air into the enclosed area, and a controller. The controller includes one or more processors, one or more memory modules, and machine readable instructions stored in the one or more memory modules that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the controller to: identify a plant on the cart; determine a target carbon dioxide concentration level for the identified plant based on a molecular recipe for the identified plant; receive a current carbon dioxide concentration level from a carbon dioxide sensor; compare the target carbon dioxide concentration level with the current carbon dioxide concentration level; and adjust carbon dioxide concentration level of the air output from the air supplier based on the comparison.
A harvesting system is provided. The harvesting system includes a track (102), a cart (104, 104a, 104b, 104c) configured to move along the track, the cart including an upper plate (430) configured to support a plant, one or more sensors, a lifter (450), and a controller (106). The controller includes one or more processors, one or more memory modules, and machine readable instructions stored in the one or more memory modules that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the controller to: receive information from the one or more sensors, determine whether the plant in the cart is ready to harvest based on the information, and send to the lifter an instruction for tilting the upper plate by a degree in response to determination that the plant in the cart is ready to harvest.
An assembly line grow pod includes a track extending between a growing region and a sanitizing region, a cart movably engaged with the track, a sanitizer system that applies a sanitizer solution to the cart at the sanitizing region, the sanitizer system including a gray solution tank for storing sanitizer solution runoff collected from the sanitizing region, a watering system that provides water to plant matter on the cart at the growing region, the watering system including an untreated water tank for storing water runoff collected from the growing region, and a flowmeter fluidly coupled to at least one of the sanitizer system and the watering system.
A method and system for pressurizing an assembly line grow pod system is provided. The method includes arranging a dual wall including an outer wall (420) and an inner wall (430), controlling, with an air pressure controller (410), first air pressure in a first sealed area (442) and second air pressure in a second sealed area (444), and controlling, with a master controller (106), operations of the air pressure controller (410). The first air pressure of the first sealed area (442) is controlled to be higher than pressure of an exterior area to the outer wall (420) by a predetermined amount.
Disclosed herein are precision seeder heads and seeder components that include precision seeder heads. According to some embodiments, a precision seeder head (500, 505) includes a seed queue tube (560) having an inside circumference that is sized to accommodate one seed (512, 514, 5) at any vertical location, a first seed hold (530, 540) that selectively blocks the seed queue tube (560) when located in a default position and selectively unblocks the seed queue tube (560) when located in the release position, and an optical sensor (550) positioned at a vertical position below the first seed hold (530, 540), the optical sensor (550) adapted to detect seeds (512, 516) dispensed from the seed queue tube (560). Disclosed herein are precision seeder heads and seeder components that include precision seeder heads. According to some embodiments, a precision seeder head (500, 505) includes a seed queue tube (560) having an inside circumference that is sized to accommodate one seed (512, 514, 5) at any vertical location, a first seed hold (530, 540) that selectively blocks the seed queue tube (560) when located in a default position and selectively unblocks the seed queue tube (560) when located in the release position, and an optical sensor (550) positioned at a vertical position below the first seed hold (530, 540), the optical sensor (550) adapted to detect seeds (512, 516) dispensed from the seed queue tube (560).
The invention concerns an assembly line grow pod (100) with measuring system related to the growth of a plant with a rail system and carts (104) moving along the rail system and carrying plants, seeds or both. The system further comprises weight sensors (310), a proximity sensor (330), a camera (340) and a master controller (106). The master controller (106) is communicatively coupled to the carts (104), the weight sensors (310), the proximity sensor (330), and the camera (340). The master controller (106) is operable to receive information from the weight sensors (310), the proximity sensor (330), and the camera (340) in order to determine a growth state of a selected plant based on the information indicative of weight, color, height, or a combination thereof, and control a dosage supply component to provide a modified dosage based on the growth state.
The invention concerns a bed seed holder (230,330,430,530) and an assembly line grow pod (100) incorporating such a bed seed holder (230,330,430,530) for growing plants. The bed seed holder (230,330,430,530) includes a body having an elevation envelope (540), at least one seed receptacle extending into the body, where the seed receptacle is adapted to maintain a fluid within the seed receptacle, and a spigot (336,536) that is adapted to maintain a level of the fluid within the body below the elevation envelope (540).
A system for removing seeds includes a track (102), one or more carts (104) moveably disposed on the track (102), one or more sensors (128), a removing device, and a controller. The controller includes one or more processors, one or more memory modules, and machine readable instructions stored in the one or more memory modules that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the controller to determine a location of one or more of one or more contaminated seeds and one or more contaminated plants on the one or more carts (104) based on information received from the one or more sensors (128) and instruct the removing device to remove one or more of the one or more contaminated seeds and the one or more contaminated plants based on the location.
An assembly line grow pod includes a seeding region, a harvesting region, a track that extends between the seeding region and the harvesting region, a cart including a tray for holding plant matter, and a wheel coupled to the tray, where the wheel is engaged with the track, and a weight sensor positioned on the cart or the track, where the weight sensor is positioned to detect a weight of the plant matter positioned within the cart.
G01B 13/04 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of fluids for measuring length, width, or thickness specially adapted for measuring length or width of objects while moving
G01G 19/393 - Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in groups for combinatorial weighing, i.e. selecting a combination of articles whose total weight or number is closest to a desired value using two or more weighing units
56.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR UTILIZING PRESSURE RECIPES FOR A GROW POD
A pressure control system includes a sealed area containing carts for growing plant material, the carts movably supported on a track within the sealed area, an air pressure controller operably coupled to the sealed area such that the air pressure controller controls an air pressure within the sealed area, and a controller. The controller includes a processor, a data storage device storing one or more pressure recipes, and a non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium comprising one or more programming instructions stored thereon. The one or more programming instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: identify the plant material in the carts, retrieve a pressure recipe for the identified plant material from the data storage device, and direct the air pressure controller to adjust the air pressure within the sealed area based on the pressure recipe for the identified plant material.
A method for applying recipes in a plurality of grow pods includes receiving a first modified recipe from a first grow pod, the first grow pod including a first physical parameter, receiving a second modified recipe from a second grow pod, the line grow pod including a second physical parameter that is different than the first physical parameter, receiving a request from a third grow pod for a modified recipe, determining that the third grow pod includes the first physical parameter or the second physical parameter, in response to determining that the third grow pod includes the first physical parameter, implementing the first modified recipe at the third grow pod, and in response to determining that the third grow pod includes the second physical parameter, implementing the second modified recipe at the third grow pod.
A system for implementing modified recipes in a plurality of grow pods (100) includes a processor, and a non-transitory, processor- readable storage medium including a computer readable and executable instruction set, which when executed, causes the processor to receive a modified recipe from an assembly line grow pod (100), compare output results of the modified recipe from the assembly line grow pod (100) with expected characteristics for the modified recipe, determine that the output results of the modified recipe are within the expected characteristics for the modified recipe, and in response to determining that the output results of the modified recipe are within the expected characteristics for the modified recipe, store information of the assembly line grow pod (100).
Devices, systems, and methods for providing and operating a pump control module and one or more pumps in an assembly line grow pod are provided herein. Some embodiments include the assembly line grow pod having one or more pumps, a master controller with a plurality of bays and being communicatively coupled to the pumps, and a pump control module within one of the bays such that the pump control module is communicatively coupled to the master controller and the pumps. The pump control module is programmed to receive information regarding fluid within the assembly line grow pod, determine one or more control signals necessary to provide or pressurize the fluid, and provide the one or more control signals to the one or more pumps.
Systems and methods for programming a grow pod are provided herein. One embodiment of a grow pod includes a plurality of carts for growing plants, a plurality of pod environment affecters, and a pod computing device that, when executed by a processor, causes the grow pod to receive a recipe program. The recipe program may define a grow recipe for the grow pod and may cause actuation of at least a portion of the plurality of pod environment affecters to facilitate growth for the plurality of respective plants. The recipe program may be created via a scripting language that includes a plurality of commands for controlling the grow pod. In some embodiments, the plurality of commands are specific to the grow pod. Embodiments of the grow pod may additionally instantiate a plurality of instances of the recipe program that correspond with each of the plurality of carts.
Systems and methods for providing a testing chamber are provided herein. One embodiment of a testing chamber includes a chamber environment affecter and a chamber computing device that includes a processor and a memory component. The memory component may store logic that causes the testing chamber to receive a recipe program, where the recipe program defines a grow recipe for a grow pod. The logic may further cause the testing chamber to determine a difference between operation of the testing chamber and operation of the grow pod, adapt the recipe program for operation by the testing chamber, and execute the recipe program in the testing chamber. The logic may further cause the testing chamber to monitor operation of the testing chamber executing the recipe program to determine a malfunction in the recipe program and provide an indication of the malfunction of the recipe program.
A system for testing for contaminants in an assembly line grow pod includes a tray moving along a track arranged in an assembly line grow pod, a plurality of cells arranged on the tray and a contaminant sensor. Each cell supports seeds, plants, or both, and a selected cell includes side walls and a base that define a cavity. The contaminant sensor is arranged in the cavity of the selected cell. The contaminant sensor includes a sensing device and a control device. The sensing device directly senses a characteristic of a content present in association with the selected cell. The control device is coupled to the sensing device and operable to receive a signal from the sensing device. The control device may determine a likelihood of contamination based on the received signal.
G01N 27/06 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating resistance of a liquid
A seed level managing system includes a seed tank configured to contain seeds, a plurality of seed level sensors placed on a sidewall of the seed tank, a surface detecting sensor, and a controller. The controller includes one or more processors, one or more memory modules, and machine readable instructions stored in the one or more memory modules that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the controller to receive first information from the plurality of seed level sensors; receive second information from the surface detecting sensor and determine a number of the seeds in the seed tank based on the first information and the second information.
G01F 23/00 - Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
A method for tracking seeds in an assembly line grow pod having a plurality of carts is provided. A target seed is deposited in a selected cell which is a part of a selected tray located in a selected cart travelling on an assembly line grow pod. A position of the target seed is tracked in the selected cell by determining the position of the target seed in the selected cart and determining a position of the selected cart in the assembly line grow pod. Sustenance is provided to the target seed including the selected cell. A growth factor of the target seed is determined in the selected cell. Upon determination that the growth factor of the target seed in the selected cell is below a predetermined threshold, supply of the sustenance provided to the selected cell is adjusted.
A molecular air control system includes a shell including an enclosed area, a cart moving on a track within the enclosed area, an air supplier configured to output air into the enclosed area, and a controller. The controller includes one or more processors, one or more memory modules, and machine readable instructions stored in the one or more memory modules that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the controller to: identify a plant on the cart; determine a target carbon dioxide concentration level for the identified plant based on a molecular recipe for the identified plant; receive a current carbon dioxide concentration level from a carbon dioxide sensor; compare the target carbon dioxide concentration level with the current carbon dioxide concentration level; and adjust carbon dioxide concentration level of the air output from the air supplier based on the comparison.
Systems and methods for facilitating communication among grow pods are provided. One embodiment of a system includes a remote computing device that includes a memory component that stores logic. The logic may cause the remote computing device to receive a grow recipe that includes actions for a particular grow pod to grow a plant, implement the grow recipe on the particular grow pod; determine an output of the plant in the particular grow pod using the grow recipe, and determine a random adjustment to the grow recipe. In some embodiments, the logic may cause the computing device to determine an output of the plant in the particular grow pod using the random adjustment to the grow recipe and determine whether the random adjustment to the grow recipe resulted in an improvement in output.
An assembly line grow pod includes a track extending between a growing region and a sanitizing region, a cart movably engaged with the track, a sanitizer system that applies a sanitizer solution to the cart at the sanitizing region, the sanitizer system including a gray solution tank for storing sanitizer solution runoff collected from the sanitizing region, a watering system that provides water to plant matter on the cart at the growing region, the watering system including an untreated water tank for storing water runoff collected from the growing region, and a flowmeter fluidly coupled to at least one of the sanitizer system and the watering system.
Assembly line grow pods that include watering stations positioned to provide water plant material at predetermined days of growth and methods of supplying the same are disclosed. An assembly line grow pod includes a track extending a length between a seeder component and a harvester component, a plurality of watering stations arranged adjacent to the track at a plurality of locations along the length of the track between seeder and harvester components, and a cart supported on and movable along the track from the seeder component to the harvester component such that seeds that are placed by the seeder component within the cart grow into plant material that is harvested at the harvester component. Each one of the plurality of watering stations is positioned between the seeder and harvester components such that water is provided by the watering station to the cart at a predetermined growth metric.
A method for pressurizing an assembly line grow pod system is provided. The method includes arranging a dual wall including an outer wall and an inner wall, controlling, with an air pressure controller, first air pressure in the first sealed area and second air pressure in the second sealed area, and controlling, with a master controller, operations of the air pressure controller. The first air pressure of the first sealed area is controlled to be higher than pressure of an exterior area to the outer wall by a predetermined amount.
An assembly line grow system for measuring growth of a plant, includes a rail system, carts moving along the rail system and carrying plants, seeds, or both, weight sensors, a proximity sensor, a camera and a master controller. The master controller is communicatively coupled to the carts, the weight sensors, the proximity sensor, and the camera. The master controller is operable to receive information from the weight sensors, the proximity sensor, and the camera, determine a growth state of a selected plant based on the information indicative of weight, color, height, or a combination thereof, and control a dosage supply component to provide a modified dosage based on the growth state.
G01G 11/04 - Apparatus for weighing a continuous stream of material during flowConveyor-belt weighers having electrical weight-sensitive devices
G01N 5/02 - Analysing materials by weighing, e.g. weighing small particles separated from a gas or liquid by absorbing or adsorbing components of a material and determining change of weight of the adsorbent, e.g. determining moisture content
G01N 21/31 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry
G01N 21/25 - ColourSpectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands
G01N 21/17 - Systems in which incident light is modified in accordance with the properties of the material investigated
G01N 21/84 - Systems specially adapted for particular applications
A harvesting system is provided. The harvesting system includes a track, a cart configured to move along the track, the cart including an upper plate configured to support a plant, one or more sensors, a lifter, and a controller. The controller includes one or more processors, one or more memory modules, and machine readable instructions stored in the one or more memory modules that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the controller to: receive information from the one or more sensors, determine whether the plant in the cart is ready to harvest based on the information, and send to the lifter an instruction for tilting the upper plate by a degree in response to determination that the plant in the cart is ready to harvest.
A system for removing seeds includes a track, one or more carts moveably disposed on the track, one or more sensors, a removing device, and a controller. The controller includes one or more processors, one or more memory modules, and machine readable instructions stored in the one or more memory modules that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the controller to determine a location of one or more of one or more contaminated seeds and one or more contaminated plants on the one or more carts based on information received from the one or more sensors and instruct the removing device to remove one or more of the one or more contaminated seeds and the one or more contaminated plants based on the location.
A01G 9/08 - Devices for filling-up flower-potsDevices for setting plants in pots
G05B 19/418 - Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control [DNC], flexible manufacturing systems [FMS], integrated manufacturing systems [IMS] or computer integrated manufacturing [CIM]
Systems and methods for operating a grow pod are provided herein. One embodiment of a system includes a cart that moves on a track of the grow pod, where the cart receives a seed for growing into a plant. The system may also include a human-machine interface (HMI) that is coupled to the grow pod and a pod computing device coupled to the HMI. The pod computing device stores logic that, when executed by the pod computing device, causes the system to receive a grow recipe for the seed in the cart, wherein the grow recipe includes actuation of at least one environmental affecter and provide a user option to alter functionality of the grow recipe. In some embodiments, the logic may also cause the system to receive a user selection of the user option and in response to receiving the user selection, alter functionality of the grow recipe.
A01C 23/00 - Distributing devices specially adapted for liquid manure or other fertilising liquid, including ammonia, e.g. transport tanks or sprinkling wagons
A01G 9/24 - Devices for heating, ventilating, regulating temperature, or watering, in greenhouses, forcing-frames, or the like
A01G 27/00 - Self-acting watering devices, e.g. for flower-pots
G06Q 10/06 - Resources, workflows, human or project managementEnterprise or organisation planningEnterprise or organisation modelling
Devices, systems, and methods for providing a predetermined amount of fluid in an assembly line grow pod are provided. Some embodiments include an assembly line grow pod including a tray held by a cart supported on a track, the tray including at least one section. The assembly line grow pod further includes a fluid source and a watering station. The watering station includes a robot device having a movable arm and at least one peristaltic pump coupled to the arm, the peristaltic pump having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet fluidly coupled to the fluid source. A predetermined amount of fluid from the fluid source is delivered to the at least one section of the tray via movement of the movable arm of the robot device to align the outlet of the peristaltic pump with the at least one section and via ejection of the fluid from the outlet.
Described herein are systems and methods providing a slip gear for an industrial cart. One embodiment includes a slip gear that includes a track gear for engaging with the track, a stabilizing bar, and a motor gear for engaging with a drive motor and the track gear. The slip gear may also include a stabilizing bar that is rotatably coupled to the track gear and the motor gear. In some embodiments, when the drive motor rotates the motor shaft, the motor gear rotates with the motor shaft to cause rotation of the track gear to propel the industrial cart. In response to an object pushing the industrial cart along the track, the stabilizing bar rotates to disengage the track gear from the track, thereby reducing friction between the industrial cart and the track.
F16H 19/04 - Gearings comprising essentially only toothed gears or friction members and not capable of conveying indefinitely-continuing rotary motion for interconverting rotary motion and reciprocating motion comprising a rack
76.
Systems and methods for providing a track for an industrial cart
A track system for a cart includes a plurality of curved modular track sections for the cart. Each of the plurality of curved modular track sections includes one or more rails configured to engage with the cart on the track, and one or more reservoir sections configured to receive liquid from the cart. Each of the plurality of curved modular track is tilted relative to ground by a predetermined angle such that the one or more reservoir sections are configured to direct the liquid to a predetermined area. Each of the plurality of curved modular track sections includes a gear system configured to engage with a gear of the cart.
B60P 1/02 - Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading with parallel up-and-down movement of load supporting or containing element
Devices, systems, and methods for providing and operating crop control hardware are provided herein. Some embodiments include an assembly line grow pod having a master controller with a plurality of bays and being communicatively coupled to components of the grow pod, a crop control module within one of the bays such that the crop control module is communicatively coupled to the master controller and the components of the grow pod, and a second control module in one of the bays, which is removably insertable such that it is removable from the bay without altering the assembly line grow pod functionality. The crop control module is programmed to sense a removal of the second control module, determine control signals necessary to maintain an operation of the grow pod and the components of the grow pod, and provide the control signals to the grow pod or the components of the grow pod.
A track system for a cart includes a plurality of curved modular track sections (303) for the cart. Each of the plurality of curved modular track sections (303) includes one or more rails (320a, 320b) configured to engage with the cart on the track, and one or more reservoir sections (308a, 308b) configured to receive liquid from the cart. Each of the plurality of curved modular track (303) is tilted relative to ground by a predetermined angle such that the one or more reservoir sections (308a, 308b) are configured to direct the liquid to a predetermined area. Each of the plurality of curved modular track sections (303) includes a gear system (306) configured to engage with a gear of the cart.
Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to systems and methods for emptying and/or cleaning a tray within in an assembly line grow pod. In one embodiment, a sanitizer component for cleaning a tray coupled to a cart in an assembly line grow pod is disclosed. The sanitizer component is coupled to a track such that the cart and the tray are received in the sanitizer component via the track. The sanitizer component comprises a first actuator arm positioned underneath the track and extendable through an opening in the track and an aperture at a bottom end of the cart to contact the tray such that the tray rotates in a first direction. The sanitizer component further includes an actuator motor coupled to the first actuator arm for extending the first actuator arm and a controller. The controller is communicatively connected to the actuator motor in the sanitizer component.
B65G 21/18 - Supporting or protective framework or housings for endless load-carriers or traction elements of belt or chain conveyors for conveyors having endless load-carriers movable in curved paths in three-dimensionally curved paths
B65G 47/96 - Devices for tilting links or platforms
80.
DEVICES AND SYSTEMS FOR PROVIDING AND USING CROP CONTROL HARDWARE IN A MASTER CONTROLLER IN AN ASSEMBLY LINE GROW POD
Devices, systems, and methods for providing and operating crop control hardware are provided herein. Some embodiments include an assembly line grow pod having a master controller with a plurality of bays and being communicatively coupled to components of the grow pod, a crop control module within one of the bays such that the crop control module is communicatively coupled to the master controller and the components of the grow pod, and a second control module in one of the bays, which is removably insertable such that it is removable from the bay without altering the assembly line grow pod functionality. The crop control module is programmed to sense a removal of the second control module, determine control signals necessary to maintain an operation of the grow pod and the components of the grow pod, and provide the control signals to the grow pod or the components of the grow pod.
A cart having a wheel, a drive motor coupled to the wheel such that an output of the drive motor causes the wheel to rotate and propel the cart, a cart-computing device communicatively coupled to the drive motor, wherein the cart-computing device generates a control signal to adjust the operation of the drive motor, and a sensor module communicatively coupled to the cart-computing device. The sensor module, in a first mode, generates a signal and transmits the signal to the cart-computing device (620) in response to a detected event (612). The sensor module, in a second mode, transmits a first communication signal in response to the first communication signal generated by the cart-computing device (620). The sensor module, in a third mode, receives a second communication signal in response to a source external to the cart transmitting the second communication signal to the cart (612, 614).
A light control system includes a lighting device, a cart configured to move along a track under the lighting device, and a controller. The controller includes a processor a memory module storing lighting recipes, and machine readable instructions stored in the memory module that, when executed by the processors, causes the controller to identify a plant in the one or more carts, retrieve a lighting recipe for the identified plant from the one or more memory modules, and control operations of the one or more lighting devices based on the lighting recipe for the identified plant.
Devices, systems, and methods for providing and operating a valve control module and pressure valves in an assembly line grow pod are provided herein. Some embodiments include an assembly line grow pod having a plurality of fluid lines fluidly coupled between a fluid source and a fluid destination within the assembly line grow pod, a plurality of pressure valves, each coupled to a fluid line such that fluid pressure in the fluid lines is selectively controlled by the pressure valves, and a master controller communicatively coupled to the pressure valves. The master controller is programmed to receive information relating to fluid delivery within the assembly line grow pod, determine one or more pressure valves to direct the fluid, determine pressure valve parameters for each of the pressure valves that achieve the fluid pressurization, and transmit one or more control signals to the pressure valves for pressurizing the fluid within the assembly line grow pod.
Devices, systems, and methods for providing and operating a valve control module and valves in an assembly line grow pod are provided herein. Some embodiments include an assembly line grow pod having a plurality of fluid lines fluidly coupled between a fluid source and a fluid destination within the assembly line grow pod, a plurality of valves, each coupled to a fluid line such that fluid movement through the fluid lines is selectively controlled by the valves, and a master controller communicatively coupled to the valves. The master controller is programmed to receive information relating to fluid delivery within the assembly line grow pod, determine one or more valves to direct the fluid, determine valve parameters for each of the valves that achieve the fluid direction, and transmit one or more control signals to the valves for directing the fluid within the assembly line grow pod.
Embodiments described herein include systems and methods for self-learning in a grow pod. One embodiment includes a cart that houses a plant for growth, a track that receives the cart, where the track causes the cart to traverse the assembly line grow pod along a predetermined path, and an environmental affecter for providing sustenance to the plant. Some embodiments include a sensor for monitoring an output of the plant and a computing device. The computing device may store logic that causes the assembly line grow pod to receive growth data from the sensor to determine the output of the plant and compare the output of the plant against an expected plant output. In some embodiments, the logic causes the assembly line grow pod to determine an alteration to a grow recipe to improve the output of the plant and alter the grow recipe for improving the output of the plant.
G05B 13/02 - Adaptive control systems, i.e. systems automatically adjusting themselves to have a performance which is optimum according to some preassigned criterion electric
86.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING AIR FLOW IN A GROW POD
An air flow control system for an assembly line grow pod is provided. The air flow control system includes a shell including an enclosed area, one or more carts moving on a track within the enclosed area, an air supplier within the enclosed area, one or more outlet vents coupled to the air supplier, and a controller. The controller includes one or more processors, one or more memory modules, and machine readable instructions stored in the one or more memory modules that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the controller to identify a plant on the one or more carts, determine an airflow rate based on an airflow recipe for the identified plant, and control the air supplier to output air through the one or more outlet vents at the airflow rate.
Devices, systems, and methods for providing and operating a pump control module and one or more pumps in an assembly line grow pod are provided herein. Some embodiments include the assembly line grow pod having one or more pumps, a master controller with a plurality of bays and being communicatively coupled to the pumps, and a pump control module within one of the bays such that the pump control module is communicatively coupled to the master controller and the pumps. The pump control module is programmed to receive information regarding fluid within the assembly line grow pod, determine one or more control signals necessary to provide or pressurize the fluid, and provide the one or more control signals to the one or more pumps.
A fluid removal system for an assembly line grow pod is provided. The fluid removal system includes a track, a cart configured to move on the track, a fluid removal manifold provided over the track, and a controller. The cart includes one or more cells. The fluid removal manifold includes a body, and one or more nozzles attached to the body. The controller determines whether fluid in the cart needs to be removed, operates the fluid removal manifold to align the one or more nozzles with the one or more cells of the cart in response to determination that the fluid in the cart needs to be removed, and instructs the fluid removal manifold to remove fluid from one or more cells of the cart through the one or more nozzles.
A seed level managing system includes a seed tank (410, 500) configured to contain seeds (100, 532), a plurality of seed level sensors (420A, 420C, 420D, 510, 514) placed on a sidewall of the seed tank (410, 500), a surface detecting sensor (530), and a controller. The controller includes one or more processors, one or more memory modules, and machine readable instructions stored in the one or more memory modules that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the controller to receive first information from the plurality of seed level sensors (420A, 420C, 420D, 510, 514); receive second information from the surface detecting sensor (530) and determine a number of the seeds (100, 532) in the seed tank (410, 500) based on the first information and the second information.
A method and system for tracking seeds in an assembly line grow pod (100) having a plurality of carts (104) is provided. A target seed is deposited in a selected cell which is a part of a selected tray located in a selected cart travelling on an assembly line grow pod (100). A position of the target seed is tracked in the selected cell by determining the position of the target seed in the selected cart and determining a position of the selected cart in the assembly line grow pod (100). Sustenance is provided to the target seed including the selected cell. A growth factor of the target seed is determined in the selected cell. Upon determination that the growth factor of the target seed in the selected cell is below a predetermined threshold, supply of the sustenance provided to the selected cell is adjusted.
Systems and methods for facilitating communication among grow pods are provided. One embodiment of a system includes a remote computing device that includes a memory component that stores logic. The logic may cause the remote computing device to receive a grow recipe that includes actions for a particular grow pod to grow a plant, implement the grow recipe on the particular grow pod; determine an output of the plant in the particular grow pod using the grow recipe, and determine a random adjustment to the grow recipe. In some embodiments, the logic may cause the computing device to determine an output of the plant in the particular grow pod using the random adjustment to the grow recipe and determine whether the random adjustment to the grow recipe resulted in an improvement in output.
A system and method for controlling a balanced state of an assembly line grow pod (100) is provided. A group of sensors including a pressure sensor (220,230) and a weight sensor is arranged at a plurality of different locations of an assembly line grow pod (100). A first set of data indicative of weight of fluid supplied to plants supported in an assembly line grow pod (100) is generated. A second set of data indicative of weight of plants grown is generated. Based on the first set of data and the second set of data, a weight disparity at a selected location of the assembly line grow pod (100) is determined. Upon determination that the weight disparity exceeds a predetermined threshold, the balanced state of the assembly line grow pod (100) is maintained by moving ballast water to reduce the weight disparity.
A system for bypassing harvesting in an assembly line grow pod (100) is provided. The system includes a track (102), a cart (104) configured to move on the track, the cart including an upper plate configured to support a plant, one or more sensors and a controller. The controller includes one or more processors, one or more memory modules, and machine readable instructions stored in the one or more memory modules that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the controller to receive information about the plant from the one or more sensors, determine whether the plant in the cart is ready to harvest based on the information; and transmit an instruction for bypassing harvesting the plant in the cart in response to determination that the plant in the cart is not ready to harvest.
A system includes a track having conductive rails, a signal generating circuit coupled to the conductive rails, and an electrical power source coupled to the conductive rails via the signal generating circuit. The signal generating circuit includes a power supply for generating trigger signals. The electrical power source provides an electrical signal to the conductive rails via the signal generating circuit. The signal generating circuit generates a first trigger signal within the electrical signal at a first time interval and generates a second trigger signal within the electrical signal at a second time interval. The first trigger signal corresponds to a beginning of a communication signal and the second trigger signal corresponds to an end of the communication signal. The communication signal is transmitted over a predetermined number of cycles of the electrical signal provided by the electrical power source. The predetermined number of cycles correspond to a coded communication.
B61L 3/24 - Continuous control along the route using magnetic or electrostatic inductionContinuous control along the route using electromagnetic radiation employing different frequencies or coded pulse groups
95.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RECLAIMING WATER IN AN ASSEMBLY LINE GROW POD
An assembly line grow pod includes a track extending between a growing region and a sanitizing region, a cart movably engaged with the track, a sanitizer system that applies a sanitizer solution to the cart at the sanitizing region, the sanitizer system including a gray solution tank for storing sanitizer solution runoff collected from the sanitizing region, a cycled solution tank fluidly coupled to the gray solution tank, and a sanitizer reservoir fluidly coupled to the cycled solution tank, and a watering system that provides water to plant matter on the cart at the growing region, the watering system including an untreated water tank for storing water collected from the growing region.
Systems and methods for operating a grow pod are provided herein. One embodiment of a system includes a cart that moves on a track of the grow pod, where the cart receives a seed for growing into a plant. The system may also include a human-machine interface (HMI) that is coupled to the grow pod and a pod computing device coupled to the HMI. The pod computing device stores logic that, when executed by the pod computing device, causes the system to receive a grow recipe for the seed in the cart, wherein the grow recipe includes actuation of at least one environmental affecter and provide a user option to alter functionality of the grow recipe. In some embodiments, the logic may also cause the system to receive a user selection of the user option and in response to receiving the user selection, alter functionality of the grow recipe.
A system for utilizing waves in an assembly line grow pod (100) includes a plurality of carts (104), a wave generator (410) and a master controller (106). The plurality of carts (104) carries a plurality of plants including a first plant and a second plant. The wave generator (410) generates sound waves having a different range of frequency. The master controller (106) is communicatively coupled to the wave generator (410) and comprising a processor and a memory storing a wave recipe and instructions. The wave recipe correlates the plurality of plants with different characteristics of sound waves including frequency. The wave generator (410) generates a first sound wave having the characteristic correlated to the first plant and a second sound wave having the characteristic correlated to the second plant.
An image capture system (300) for a grow pod (200) includes a master controller (206) that has a processor (132), a memory (134), and cameras (310) that are communicatively coupled to the master controller (206) and positioned to capture images of plants or seeds. The memory (134) stores a grow recipe and a logic. The grow recipe defines instructions for growing the plants or seeds and expected attributes corresponding to the instructions. The logic, when executed by the processor (132), causes the master controller (206) to perform at least the following: receive, from the cameras (310), the images of the plants or seeds, determine attributes of the plants or seeds from the images, compare the attributes of the plants or seeds from the images to the expected attributes defined by the grow recipe, and adjust the instructions of the grow recipe for growing the plants or seeds based on the comparison of the attributes to the expected attributes.
A heat recycling system is provided. The system includes a shell including an enclosed area, an air supplier within the enclosed area, one or more vents connected to the air supplier and configured to output air within the enclosed area, a heat generating device within the enclosed area, a heat insulating element configured to cover the heat generating device and connected to a heat passageway, a heat transfer device connected to the heat passageway, and a controller. The controller determines a target temperature for the enclosed area, determines whether a temperature within the enclosed area is greater than the target temperature, and controls the heat transfer device to transfer the air heated by the heat generating device to an outside of the shell in response to determination that the temperature within the enclosed area is greater than the target temperature.
A distributed control system for use in an assembly line grow pod includes a master controller and a hardware controller device. The master controller includes a first processor and a first memory for storing a first set of instructions that dictates plant growing operations and a second set of instructions that dictates a plurality of distributed control functions. The hardware controller device is coupled to the master controller via a plug-in network interface. The hardware controller device includes a second processor and a second memory for storing a third set of instructions that dictate a selected control function of the plurality of distributed control functions. Upon the plug-in connection, the master controller identifies an address of the hardware controller device and sends a set of parameters defining a plurality of tasks relating to the selected control function.
G05B 19/18 - Numerical control [NC], i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form
G05B 19/042 - Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers using digital processors
G06F 15/16 - Combinations of two or more digital computers each having at least an arithmetic unit, a program unit and a register, e.g. for a simultaneous processing of several programs
G06F 15/177 - Initialisation or configuration control
