TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a conveyorized rotatable gardening system and the grow trays, net pots, and lighting fixtures which may be used in conjunction with the gardening system.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Indoor gardening systems can improve gardening yield by increasing the available growing area by growing not just in a single plane, for example on the ground or on a table, but using three-dimensional space. Rotating gardening systems improve space utilization and yield by growing plants along the inside circumference of cylinder-shaped growing platforms.

[0003] Rotary growing apparatus comprising of a single grow drum on a support base are described in United States Patent No. 6,840,007 and Canadian Patent Application Nos. 02401737, 02396317, 2431523, and 02536116. A modular and stackable modular rotatable gardening system with a modular frame, and a tubular hot air removal system comprised of two substantially perpendicular tubular members with lights held in the first tubular member is described in United States Patent No. 10,292,346, Canadian Patent Application No. 02908184, and United States Patent Publication No. 2017/0099792. A rotary garden apparatus with an open rotatable drum mounted within a structural frame is described in US Patent Application 20190343056. Several patents describe agricultural systems which allow the diameter of the drum to be varied so as to bring the crop closer to the light source [See United States Patent No. 7,181,886 and Canadian Patent Application Nos. 2460465, 02894331, and 2460465]

[0004] The aforementioned prior art each has drawbacks. Single open-ended grow drums and modular stackable open-ended grow drums do not maximize utilization of grow space, the ability to access higher-placed modular drums for loading (planting) and unloading (harvesting) crops becomes more difficult with higher-placed stacked drums, and multi-tiered cultivation spaces usually require walkways, stairs, elevators, and lifting systems for employee-plant interactions. Further, accessing crop from the drum’s open end, by pulling a grow basket out of the full length of the cylinder, is difficult, especially when the grow basket and neighbouring grow baskets are full with crop; and, each modular system is comprised of all their individual components without sharing resources. Further, open-ended grow drums permit light to escape. Not only is this light wasted, but since plant roots are highly sensitive to light, this escaping light can negatively impact roots in neighboring grow drums. [0005] A recirculating plant conveying mechanism is described in Canadian Patent Application No. 03083659, but the system recirculates traditional flat grow trays along a horizontal conveyor and does not recirculate grow cylinders vertically or at all.

[0006] Prior art nursery grow media holders (net pots) are designed for use when oriented in the upright position. Prior art net pots sometimes include a ribbed outer-circumference to keep the net pot in place in plant trays through friction fit with a net pot tray, if used. But prior art net pots are not designed to be oriented other than in the upright position and they are susceptible to falling out of place if the net pot is inverted. Prior art net pot collars are similarly designed to friction fit into net pots so as to hold clones, seedlings and plants in a vertical position, but are susceptible to falling out if the net pot is inverted.

[0007] Moreover, prior art light fixtures are designed to illuminate flat grow spaces and do not address the unique application of rotary gardening systems. Existing art does not include lighting fixtures of varying diameters that are removably attachable in rotatable gardening systems such that the light source can be brought closer to the crop when the crop is small, and can be brought further from the crop as the crop grows.

SUMMARY

[0008] In an aspect, there is provided a rotary grow system for growing plants, the system comprising: plurality of grow cylinder assemblies, each grow cylinder assembly comprising: a lighting fixture hub; a plurality of structure ring assemblies attached to the lighting fixture hub and spaced axially from each other along the lighting fixture hub; a plurality of grow trays for hosting the plants, each grow tray extending axially across at least two of the structure ring assemblies and along at least a portion of the outer circumference of such structure ring assemblies; a means of rotation in communication with the lighting fixture hub to cause the grow cylinder assembly to rotate around a center axis of the lighting fixture hub; and a plurality of light sources positioned on the lighting fixture hub; and a conveyor assembly to receive and transport each grow cylinder assembly along a conveying path.

[0009] In a particular case of the rotary grow system, the plurality of structure ring assemblies comprises exactly two structure ring assemblies, and wherein each of the structure ring assemblies are located substantially at opposing ends of the lighting fixture hub.

[0010] In another case of the rotary grow system, at least one of the plurality of grow cylinder assemblies is removably attachable to the conveyor assembly. [0011] In yet another case of the rotary grow system, each grow cylinder assembly further comprises at least one support strut extending between two of structure ring assemblies to provide structural support to the grow cylinder assembly.

[0012] In yet another case of the rotary grow system, at least one structure ring assembly comprises a center axel, a structure ring located concentrically around the center axel, and spokes extending radially between the center axel and the structure ring, wherein the axel is positioned on the lighting fixture hub such that rotation of the structure ring assembly by the means of rotation causes rotation of the structure ring assembly around the lighting fixture hub.

[0013] In yet another case of the rotary grow system, the means of rotation comprises an electric motor connected to the axel by a drive belt.

[0014] In yet another case of the rotary grow system, the structure ring comprises an approximately circular or polygonal cross-section.

[0015] In yet another case of the rotary grow system, each of the grow trays comprises a top sheet that is substantially flat along length and curved at a radius approximately matching the curvature radius of the structure ring,

[0016] In yet another case of the rotary grow system, each of the grow trays comprises a top sheet that is substantially flat along length and curved at a radius approximately matching the curvature radius of the structure ring, a bottom sheet that is substantially flat along length and curved at a radius approximately matching the curvature radius of the structure ring, and sidewalls extending between the top sheet and the bottom sheet, wherein one or more of the said sidewalls and bottom sheet define a plurality of small holes therethrough to permit the flow of fertigation when the grow tray dips into the fertigation supply vessel.

[0017] In yet another case of the rotary grow system, each of the grow trays is removably attachable to the plurality of structure rings and accessible from a side of the grow cylinder assembly.

[0018] In yet another case of the rotary grow system, further comprising one or more sensors to monitor growth of the plants, the one or more sensors capturing at least one of light frequency, light intensity, temperature, humidity, moisture content, oxygen level, carbon dioxide level, and video. [0019] In yet another case of the rotary grow system, further comprising a plurality of spray nozzles configured to spray fertigation on the plant roots hosted axially across the exterior of one or more of the said plurality of grow cylinder assemblies.

[0020] In yet another case of the rotary grow system, further comprising a vessel located at a fixed position along the conveying path and configured to provide fertigation to the said plurality of grow cylinder assemblies as at least a portion of each grow cylinder assembly passes into the vessel at such location on the conveying path.

[0021] In yet another case of the rotary grow system, each grow cylinder assembly comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the first end, the second end, or both, are covered by one or more light baffles, wherein the one or more light baffles are positioned to substantially prevent light from escaping the grow cylinder and permit air to flow into or out of the interior of the grow cylinder.

[0022] In yet another case of the rotary grow system, further comprising a housing, the housing houses the plurality of grow cylinder assemblies and the conveyor assembly, the housing configured to isolate the plurality of grow cylinder assemblies from an external environment and prevent possible contamination.

[0023] In another aspect, there is provided a grow tray for hosting plants in a rotary grow system, the grow tray configurable to extend axially across at least two circular structure rings and along at least a portion of the outer circumference of the structure rings, the grow tray defining a plurality of holes therethrough, each defined hole configured to receive a net pot with a means of friction fit and one or more secondary means of removable attachment, the net pot comprising an open end configured to receive a net pot collar therein, the net pot collar configured to retain hydroponic media and plants or seeds in the net pot.

[0024] In a particular case of the grow tray, the one or more secondary means of removable attachment of the net pot to the grow tray comprises a bayonet connection.

[0025] In another case of the grow tray, the net pot collar is removably attachable to the net pot with a means of friction fit and one or more secondary means of removable attachment.

[0026] In yet another case of the grow tray, the one or more secondary means of removable attachment of the net pot collar to the net pot comprises a bayonet connection.

[0027] In another aspect, there is provided a lighting fixture hub for a grow cylinder assembly in a rotary grow system, the lighting fixture hub comprising a tubular heat sink core and a plurality of light sources, the heat sink core comprising an open-ended metallic tube, the light sources affixed to the exterior circumference of the heat sink core such that the heat sink core provides cooling to the plurality of light sources.

[0028] In a particular case of the lighting fixture, the heat sink core further comprises one or more ventilation fans located inside of, or at one or more ends of, the heat sink core.

[0029] In another case of the lighting fixture, the lighting fixture hub is removably attachable to the grow cylinder assembly.

[0030] In yet another case of the lighting fixture, the sidewall of the heat sink core defines one or more holes therethrough.

[0031] In yet another case of the lighting fixture, the plurality of light sources are comprised of a plurality of light strips, each light strip spaced axially along the length of the exterior circumference of the lighting fixture hub.

[0032] In yet another case of the lighting fixture, the plurality of light sources comprises one or more light strips arranged spirally around and along the length of the exterior circumference of the lighting fixture hub.

[0033] In yet another case of the lighting fixture, at least one of the plurality of light sources is addressable.

[0034] In yet another case of the lighting fixture, the plurality of light sources comprise light emitting diodes (LEDs).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The features of the invention will become more apparent in the following detailed description in which reference is made to the appended drawings wherein:

[0036] FIG. 1 is an end view of a rotary grow system gardening system, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0037] FIG. 2 is a front view of the rotary grow system of FIG. 1 ;

[0038] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a grow cylinder assembly of the system of FIG. 1 ;

[0039] FIG 4 is a perspective view of a grow cylinder assembly of the system of FIG 1.

[0040] FIG. 5 is an end view of the grow cylinder assembly of FIG. 3;

[0041] FIG 6 is an end view of the grow cylinder assembly of FIG. 3 with light baffles; [0042] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of a grow tray of the system of FIG. 1 showing removable attachment of a net pot.

[0043] The present description and Figures are to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the disclosure and is not intended to limit the disclosure to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Embodiments will now be described with reference to the figures. For simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the Figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0045] Various terms used throughout the present description may be read and understood as follows, unless the context indicates otherwise: “or” as used throughout is inclusive, as though written “and/or”; singular articles and pronouns as used throughout include their plural forms, and vice versa; similarly, gendered pronouns include their counterpart pronouns so that pronouns should not be understood as limiting anything described herein to use, implementation, performance, etc. by a single gender; “exemplary” should be understood as “illustrative” or “exemplifying” and not necessarily as “preferred” over other embodiments. Further definitions for terms may be set out herein; these may apply to prior and subsequent instances of those terms, as will be understood from a reading of the present description.

[0046] The present invention describes a gardening system whereby a plurality of rotatable grow cylinder assemblies are moved along a continuous conveyor system along a looped conveyor path, as well as the grow trays, net pots, and lighting fixtures which may be used in conjunction with the gardening system.

[0047] The gardening system includes a vertical conveyor with two parallel tracks, a first track and a second track, which conveyor moves a plurality of grow cylinder assemblies around the conveyor. The conveyor includes at least one drive mechanism to drive each the said grow cylinder assemblies around a prescribed conveying path. The gardening system includes at least one loading/unloading station at a convenient and accessible location, in the preferred embodiment at ground level, for loading, unloading and maintaining crop on the gardening system as well as servicing the grow cylinder assemblies on the gardening system itself.

[0048] Each grow cylinder assembly has a first end and a second end, and is positioned horizontally between the two parallel conveyor tracks, with the first end of each grow cylinder assembly being removably attached to the first track of the conveyor, and the second end of each grow cylinder assembly being removably attached to the second track of the conveyor, so that each grow cylinder assembly, positioned horizontally, is moved along the conveyor, but that each grow cylinder assembly can be removed when desired at the said loading/unloading station.

[0049] Each grow cylinder assembly comprises a grow cylinder, at least one lighting fixture hub at the said grow cylinder assembly’s center which said at least one lighting fixture hub collectively extend across the length of the grow cylinder assembly and is removably attached to the grow cylinder assembly, and a means of removably attaching the grow cylinder assembly to the conveyor.

[0050] Each grow cylinder comprises at least two structure ring assemblies, with structure ring assemblies being located approximately at each end of the grow cylinder, and a plurality of grow trays extending across the said at least two structure ring assemblies and spaced axially across the length of the grow cylinder, with any additional grow trays radially spaced around the circumference of the grow cylinder and running parallel to the first grow tray.

[0051] Each structure ring assembly comprises a structure ring, and a means of rotation in communication with the lighting fixture hub to cause the grow cylinder to rotate around the center axis of the lighting fixture hub. In a preferred embodiment, at least one structure ring assembly comprises a center axel, a structure ring located concentrically around the center axel, and spokes extending radially between the center axel and the structure ring, wherein the axel is positioned on the lighting fixture hub such that rotation of the structure ring assembly by the means of rotation causes rotation of the structure ring around the lighting fixture hub. In a preferred embodiment, the means of rotation comprises an electric motor connected to the axel by a drive belt. However, other means of rotation, such as a motor engaging with the center axel connected via gearing, are contemplated. [0052] Each structure ring comprises a structurally strong metallic, fiber reinforced polymer, or similar material having an approximately circular or polygonal cross-section, providing cross- sectional shape and structure to the grow cylinder assembly. In a non-limiting example, the structure ring has a diameter of between three and ten feet.

[0053] In the preferred embodiment one structure ring assembly is positioned approximately at the first end of the grow cylinder assembly and one structure ring assembly is positioned approximately at the second end of the grow cylinder assembly. Additionally, support struts may span axially across the length of the grow cylinder assembly between two or more of the said structure rings to provide additional structural support to the grow cylinder assembly. In a nonlimiting example, the grow cylinder assembly has a length of between four and fifteen feet and a diameter of between three and ten feet.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, each end of each grow cylinder assembly is covered by one or more light baffles which substantially prevent light from escaping from the interior of the grow cylinder, but permit the free flow of air through the interior of the grow cylinder for ventilation. In a preferred embodiment, light baffles are reflective to reflect light back into the grow cylinder.

[0055] Optionally, each grow cylinder assembly is also comprised of a drip tray located beneath the grow cylinder assembly to catch any liquid or debris falling off the cylinder, and a drip tray drain to drain fluids which have accumulated in the drip tray. Optionally, a sensor monitors the drip tray fluid level, and the drip tray drain is electrically controlled by solenoid valve so that the drip tray may be drained at an appropriate station on the conveyor. In a preferred embodiment, a drip tray hanger can be removably attached to the said axel at each end of the said grow cylinder assembly, such that the drip tray is in position below the said grow cylinder assembly, suspended by the two said drip tray hangers.

[0056] Each grow cylinder assembly is removably attached to the conveyor. In one embodiment, the axel of the structure ring assemblies located at each end of the grow cylinder assembly is directly removably attached to the conveyor. In another embodiment, at each end of the grow cylinder assembly, the axel is attached to a grow cylinder assembly hanger which grow cylinder assembly hanger is removably attached to the conveyor at the conveyor/hanger point. In this embodiment, the grow cylinder assembly hanger at each end of the grow cylinder assembly can also serve to support a drip tray in position below the said grow cylinder assembly, suspended by the two said grow cylinder assembly hangers. [0057] In a preferred embodiment, each said grow cylinder assembly can be disengaged and removed from the conveyor, allowing for planting, pruning, harvesting of the crop in the grow cylinder assembly, and maintenance of the grow cylinder assembly, off-line, that is, off the conveyor.

[0058] Electricity to each grow cylinder assembly to power rotation of the grow cylinder around the lighting fixture hub and to power the said lighting fixture hub is supplied to the grow cylinder assembly by way of traditional means such as by connection to an electrified rail on the conveyor or by cable, with one or more detachable electrical connections to the said grow cylinder assembly.

[0059] The present invention includes a plurality of grow trays each made of a solid material such as aluminum, stainless steel, fiber reinforced plastic, or other sturdy material, and extends axially across the grow cylinder assembly between structure rings. In a non-limiting example, each grow tray has a width of between 2 inches and 72 inches, is flat along its length and curved along its width to match the arc of the structure ring onto which it is to be placed such that the end of the grow tray lies approximately flush against and can be removably fastened to the structure ring.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, each said at least two structure rings has a plurality of posts extending radially outwards from positions around the circumference of each structure ring onto which posts the said grow trays can be positioned and removably fastened from the side of the grow cylinder assembly; however, other means of removably fastening the said grow trays to the said structure rings is contemplated. Unlike prior art which requires that crop be accessed by sliding crop trays out from the open end of the cylinder, the present invention allows easier access to crop and the lighting fixture hub by removing removably attached grow trays from the side of the grow cylinder assembly. Further, access to the full length of the interior of the grow cylinder, including to the crop in any remaining grow trays therein, becomes easier as each grow tray is removed.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, grow trays include a plurality of net pot holes through the grow tray, sized to accept the net pots which are to be placed in such holes. Net pots are oriented on the grow tray with their open end facing inwards towards the lighting fixture hub at the center of the grow cylinder assembly such that crop grows inwards.

[0062] Prior art net pots are designed to hold grow media, seeds, seedlings and crops in place, and are widely available. However prior art net pots are designed to be used in a vertical orientation with its open ended facing up such that the crop is supported as it grow vertically upwards. Prior art net pot trays typically consist of a flat tray with a plurality of circular openings through the tray. Prior art net pots have a relatively wide top rim or lip around the top of the net pot opening which top lip prevents the net pots, when inserted into an appropriately sized hole in a net pot tray, from falling completely through the net pot tray hole. Prior art net pots are held in place through fiction fit with the net pot tray. Some net pots include a ribbed outer circumference to better hold the net pot in a vertical position in the net pot tray through friction fit. However, prior art net pots and net pot trays are not designed to be used out of vertical orientation, for example with the net pot’s opening facing downward, and in this position the traditional friction fit net pot could fall out of the net pot tray especially once the net pot is heavy with crop. The present invention describes a net pot and net pot tray which are removably attachable to each other by more secure means than friction fit alone. In a preferred embodiment the net pot and net pot tray are removably attached to each other by friction fit and are further removably attached to each other by additional means of removable attachment such that the net pot remains securely in place even when inverted and heavy with crop. In a preferred embodiment the said additional means of removable attachment is a bayonet connection such that when the net pot is fully inserted into the net pot tray and the net pot is rotated around its center axis, the net pot is more securely held in place. However, other additional means of removable attachment, such as by threaded connection between the net pot and tray, are contemplated.

[0063] Prior art net pots collars are constructed out of foam, neoprene, rubber or similar substances and are designed to be inserted into the top of traditional net pots such that the net pot collar is held in place by friction fit between the net pot collar and the inside circumference of the net pot, and such that the net pot collar holds seeds, seedlings, plants, and grow media in place in the net pot. However, the traditional net pot collar is not designed to keep seeds, seedlings, plants, grow media, and the net pot collar itself from falling out of the net pot when the net pot is out of vertical orientation, for example when the net pot’s open end is facing down. The present invention describes a net pot collar and net pot which are removably attachable to each other by more secure means than friction fit alone. In a preferred embodiment the net pot collar and net pot are removably attached to each other by friction fit and are further removably attached to each other by additional means of removable attachment such that when the net pot collar is fully inserted into the net pot they remain securely attached to each other even when inverted. In the preferred embodiment, the said additional means of removable attachment is a bayonet connection such that when the net pot collar is fully inserted in the net pot and the said net pot collar is rotated around its center axis, the net pot remains securely in place. However, other additional means of removable attachment, such as by threaded connection between the net pot collar and net pot, are contemplated.

[0064] In a preferred embodiment each grow tray is a sheet which is flat along its length, is arced in cross-section across its width to match the arc of the cylinder, and includes a plurality of net pot holes along its length and width into which each such net pot hole a net pot may be placed. In a non-limiting example, each such net pot hole being of diameter between 1 inch and 12 inches. In another preferred embodiment, each grow tray is an enclosure (a grow enclosure) comprised of a top flat sheet with net pot holes, which top flat sheet is removably attached to a bottom tray, such bottom tray being comprised of four side walls attached to a bottom flat sheet. In the preferred embodiment, there are a plurality of perforations through one or more of the side walls and the bottom tray to allow for the flow of fertigation and aeration. The said grow enclosure may also include one or more grow tray ventilation ports and one or more ventilation fans to ventilate the inside of the grow enclosure. In a non-limiting example, the grow enclosure has a height of between 2 and 12 inches, and is removably attachable to the structure rings on the grow cylinder.

[0065] Grow enclosures and net pots may utilize prior art hydroponic media, rockwool, landscape fabric, neoprene fabric, net pot collars, grow tray covers or other means to allow seedlings and crops to grow through, but which prevent seeds, seedlings, soil, hydroponic media and crop from falling out of place when under rotation.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, the said gardening system comprises a plurality of fertigation spray nozzles to spray water and dissolved fertilizer (fertigation) on the roots axially across the exterior of one or more of the said plurality of grow cylinder assemblies, and further comprises one or more fertigation supply containers, one or more pumps, and piping to convey fertigation from the said fertigation supply containers to the said spray nozzles. In another preferred embodiment, the gardening system includes a fertigation supply vessel positioned at the bottom of the conveyor path such that each said grow cylinder dips into and can rotate in the fertigation supply vessel as it moves along the bottom of the conveyor path.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment, one or more lighting fixture hubs, each having a heat sink core, extends axially across the center of each grow cylinder assembly. In the preferred embodiment, a single lighting fixture hub having a diameter of between 3 inches and 48 inches, and having a single open tube aluminum heat sink core, extends across the full length of the grow cylinder. However, other conductive metallic materials, other diameters, and other shapes, may be used for the heat sink core. In a preferred embodiment, the heat sink core is made of anodized aluminum. In yet another case, the heat sink core has a plurality of internal heat sink fins arranged radially around the inside circumference of the heat sink core, each internal heat sink fin extending axially down the length of the heat sink core.

[0068] A plurality of light sources placed axially and radially around and across the outer circumference of the said heat sink core illuminate the inside of the grow cylinder as the grow cylinder rotates around the lighting fixture hub. In a preferred embodiment, light emitting diodes (LED) are used for the light sources. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of LED light strips, each of which includes a plurality of LED lights are secured around the outside circumference of the heat sink core, running in parallel formation (axially) down the heat sink core. In another preferred embodiment, one or more flexible light strips are spiraled around the heat sink core down the length of the heat sink core. The LED lights produce light in one or more frequencies. However, one or more different light sources, such as halogen, metal halide, high intensity discharge, low pressure sodium, or other light source or sources may be incorporated. In a preferred embodiment the LED lights are addressable and controlled by one or more LED drivers.

[0069] Electric wiring to power the light sources run through the inside of the heat sink core and exit in one or more of a plurality of conveniently placed holes through the sidewall of the heat sink core. One or more electric fans located inside of or at the end of the heat sink core convey air through the heat sink core for cooling. Alternatively, the heat sink core can be liquid cooled.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment the said one or more lighting fixture hubs are removably attached to the grow cylinder assembly. Lighting fixture hubs having differing diameters are anticipated. In this way one or more lighting fixture hubs having a relatively large diameter can be used while the crops are small so that the crops rotate relatively closer to the lighting fixture hub, and when the crops grow taller, lighting fixture hubs having progressively smaller diameter can be swapped into the grow cylinder assembly, thereby keeping the lights the desired distance from the crop. Access to the said one or more lighting fixture hubs would first require removal of one or more grow trays.

[0071] A preferred embodiment of the invention allows for the use of real-time adjustment of LED light frequency and intensity, remotely controlled using a WIFI, IR, RF or similar controller. [0072] In a preferred embodiment the gardening system is substantially enclosed in a housing to maintain air quality, assist with limiting HVAC requirements, and prevent the spread of contaminants or disease.

[0073] In a preferred embodiment, conveyor speed, and for each grow cylinder assembly, one or more of: grow cylinder assembly rotation speed, light frequency, light intensity, fertigation, airflow, oxygen and carbon dioxide concentration, humidity, and temperature, as well as timing for each of the foregoing, may be determined, and each of these attributes are controllable by programmable logic controller and closed-loop feedback systems. The gardening system will further allow the monitoring and control of grow enclosure light intensity, light frequency, temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide concentration, and will allow each of these attributes to be controlled by computer program and closed-loop feedback systems. The gardening system will include a plurality of video cameras to allow for remote monitoring of maintenance and growth. All devices may be controlled by wire or wirelessly by WIFI, RF, IR or other means.

[0074] Prior art indoor gardening systems typically include means to condition air quality including by adjusting temperature, by adjusting humidity, and by filtering or destroying contaminants. As plants consume C02, C02 is sometimes added to promote plant growth. In a preferred embodiment, the rotary grow system comprises a means of air filtration and a means of air conditioning to control at least one of air temperature, air quality and contamination, humidity, and carbon dioxide levels in an interior of each of the grow cylinder assemblies. A blower and ducting can blow air or other gases through the end of the grow cylinder assembly to supply conditioned air and to remove excess heat and moisture. In a further preferred embodiment, a second blower on the opposite end of the system will draw air out of the grow cylinder assembly.

[0075] To load or unload a grow cylinder assembly, the conveyor can be slowed or stopped when the subject grow cylinder assembly is at ground level or at another convenient loading/unloading position. Grow trays can then be removed from the side of the grow cylinder assembly for pruning or harvesting and new grow trays with new plantings can be installed in the grow cylinder assembly. Optionally, the entire grow cylinder assembly can be detached from the conveyor. In this way the existing grow cylinder assembly can be quickly removed and a new grow cylinder assembly can be quickly installed, and the crop can be pruned or harvested from the removed grow cylinder assembly off the system in due course, putting the conveyorized rotatable gardening system back into production with a minimum of downtime. [0076] The gardening system contemplates a vertical chain conveyor system, although a belt drive conveyor or other conveyor mechanism is contemplated. These and other embodiments are contemplated and described herein. It will be appreciated that the foregoing summary sets out representative aspects of systems and methods to assist skilled readers in understanding the following detailed description.

[0077] Fig. 1 is an end view of a preferred conveyorized rotatable gardening system within a structural frame and enclosure [1] showing grow cylinder assemblies [2] on a continuous conveyor [3] Grow cylinder assemblies continuously loop around the conveyor.

[0078] In the preferred embodiment, each grow cylinder [2] rotates around its center axis, the rotation driven by conventional means such as by gear or by drive belt, and powered by electric motor. In one embodiment, the roots on the exterior of each grow cylinder can be sprayed with water and fertilizer (fertigation) by one or more spray nozzles [8] located around a conveyor path. In another embodiment, each grow cylinder can dip into a fertigation supply vessel [17] at the bottom of the conveyor path.

[0079] The exterior frame and enclosure [1] can be moved on a plurality of rollers or wheels [12] such that the system can be moved to provide access, or to reduce space between systems.

[0080] The conveyor shown in Figs. 1 and 2 has a single vertical loop with four grow cylinders in a 2 x 2 orientation, however, other orientations and conveyors with one or more vertical loops, and one or more horizontal loops are contemplated. Optionally, fertigation can be applied in additional or other locations along the conveyor system.

[0081] Fig. 2 shows a side view of the conveyorized rotatable gardening system with the grow cylinders [2], grow cylinder rotation motor [34], conveyor [3], blower [32] air ducts [9], and air duct outlets [13] In one embodiment, a drip tray [10] is suspended under each grow cylinder [2] In another embodiment, there is no drip tray [10] and there is a fertigation supply vessel [17]

[0082] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a grow cylinder [2] It includes structure ring assemblies comprising structure rings [15] providing cross-sectional shape and structure to the grow cylinder, support struts [7], an axel [4] at the center of each of the said structure rings at each end of the grow cylinder around which axel the grow cylinder rotates, and a plurality of spokes [22] spaced radially around each said axel, connecting the said axel to its surrounding said structure ring. Each of a plurality of grow trays [16] is removably attached to the structure ring by removable connection between the structure ring attachment posts [29] and the grow tray attachment points [30] A lighting fixture hub [24], extends across the center axis of the grow cylinder. One or more light strips [25] are wound around and across the lighting fixture hub [24] core in a spiral.

[0083] Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a grow cylinder assembly [33] with its axel [4] attached to the conveyor [3], and a plurality of spokes [22] spaced radially around the said axel. A lighting fixture hub [24], extends across the center axis of the grow cylinder. A plurality of light strips [25] are secured around the outside circumference of the heat sink core, running in parallel formation (axially) across the heat sink core. A fan [6] located inside the heat sink core provides cooling. Holes [38] through the sidewall of the heat sink core permit the passage of electric wiring to the light strips [25]

[0084] Fig. 5 shows an end view of a grow cylinder assembly [33] including grow cylinder assembly hanger [21] The axel [4] of the grow cylinder assembly is attached to the grow cylinder assembly hanger [21] which grow cylinder assembly hanger is removably attached to the conveyor at the conveyor/hanger point [28] A grow cylinder rotation means [5] (for example, an electric motor) and drive belt [31] rotates the grow cylinder around the axel. The grow cylinder assembly hangar [21] supports a drip tray [10] at the bottom of grow cylinder assembly hangar.

[0085] Fig. 6 shows an end view of a grow cylinder assembly [30] including a drip tray hanger [20] In this embodiment, the axel [4] at the end of the grow cylinder assembly [30] is directly removably attached to the conveyor, and the drip tray is supported by and extends between the drip tray hangers at each end of the grow cylinder assembly. A fan [6] cools a heat sink core of the lighting fixture hub [24] and light baffles [19] prevent light from escaping from the grow cylinder, while allowing air to pass through.

[0086] Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of a grow tray [16] with net pot holes [23], a net pot [11] with net pot lip [14] partially inserted in the grow tray [16] The grow tray [16] and net pot [11] have matching bayonet connection means of removable attachment. Here the net pot includes a male bayonet pin [26] and the grow tray includes a female bayonet receptor [27] The net pot is inserted into the grow tray such that the male bayonet pin passes through the female bayonet receptor, and then the net pot is rotated such that the net pot cannot fall out.

[0087] Although the invention has been described with reference to certain specific embodiments, various modifications thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as outlined in the claims appended hereto. The entire disclosures of all references recited above are incorporated herein by reference.