RHIZOTRON

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a device to a device for the development and observation of plants. In Particular, the present invention relates to a device for the development, storage and observation of plant roots.BACKGROUND

[0002] The study of plant roots requires reliable imaging to be carried out repeatedly and at specific times. Often, the numbers of plants to be monitored or cared for is quite substantial, therefore, time consuming.

[0003] CN112595367A discloses an automated method for rice root system monitoring using a robot. In this document, rice plants are grown in growth boxes equipped with glass plates, so as to permit the observation of the root systems of said rice plants. The growth boxes are stored in multiple rows, such that multiple corridors are formed between rows. Inspection of the plants in the boxes is carried out by a robot. The concept disclosed in this document requires that sufficient space is left between rows in order to allow the robot to access each growth box. This requires a large area in order to install and operate the system.

[0004] DE102018009593A1 discloses belt equipped with spacers for separating flat objects, such as glass panes and the like, on a load carrier. The system is configured to permit the removal or insertion of glass panes located in the last position of the load carrier. The system disadvantageously hinder direct access to each stored glass plate.

[0005] CN106105845B discloses a root window equipped with a movable filming apparatus. the root window disclosed in CN '845 is disadvantageously complex and not easily conducive to be easily stored, retrieved and / or moved.

[0006] The aim of the invention is to provide a method which eliminates those disadvantages. The invention thereto aims to provide a device and method which permit the storage, growth and study of plant root systems while requiring smaller area of operation.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention and embodiments thereof serve to provide a solution to one or more of above-mentioned disadvantages. To this end, the present invention relates to a device for storage, development and observation of plant roots according to claim 1.

[0008] Preferred embodiments of the device are shown in any of the claims 2 to 11.

[0009] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method according to claim 12.

[0010] In some embodiments, a method of manually operating the device of claim 1 comprised.

[0011] In some other embodiments, to a method for operation the device using a robot is related. Preferred embodiments of the method are shown in any of the claims 13 to 15.

[0012] The present invention discloses a device and method that advantageously permit storage, development and observation of plant roots, which device and method present low operational complexity. Furthermore, the disclosed device advantageously offers substantial plant storage capacity while requiring a smaller area.DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0013] The following description of the figures of specific embodiments of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present teachings, their application or uses. Throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features. FIG. 1 shows the device for storage, development and observation of plant roots. FIG. 2 shows a top view of the device for storage, development and observation of plant roots equipped with a robot. FIG. 3 shows a side view of the device for storage, development and observation of plant roots equipped with a robot. FIG. 4 shows a first embodiment of a root plate . FIG. 5 shows a cross section of the first embodiment of a root plate . FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment of a root plate. FIG. 7 shows a cross section of the second embodiment of a root plate. FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of a root plate equipped with a plurality of laterally pivotable clamps in an open position. FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of a root plate equipped with a plurality of laterally pivotable clamps in an closed position. FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of a laterally pivotable clamp. FIG. 11 shows a detailed side view of a root plate equipped with a laterally pivotable clamp. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention concerns a device for storage, development and observation of plant roots.

[0015] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in disclosing the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. By means of further guidance, term definitions are included to better appreciate the teaching of the present invention.

[0016] As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings: "A", "an", and "the" as used herein refers to both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. By way of example, "a compartment" refers to one or more than one compartment.

[0017] "Comprise", "comprising", and "comprises" and "comprised of" as used herein are synonymous with "include", "including", "includes" or "contain", "containing", "contains" and are inclusive or open-ended terms that specifies the presence of what follows e.g. component and do not exclude or preclude the presence of additional, non-recited components, features, element, members, steps, known in the art or disclosed therein.

[0018] Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order, unless specified. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

[0019] The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers and fractions subsumed within that range, as well as the recited endpoints.

[0020] Whereas the terms "one or more" or "at least one", such as one or more or at least one member(s) of a group of members, is clear per se, by means of further exemplification, the term encompasses inter alia a reference to any one of said members, or to any two or more of said members, such as, e.g., any ≥3, ≥4, ≥5, ≥6 or ≥7 etc. of said members, and up to all said members.

[0021] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in disclosing the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. By means of further guidance, definitions for the terms used in the description are included to better appreciate the teaching of the present invention. The terms or definitions used herein are provided solely to aid in the understanding of the invention.

[0022] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention defined by the appended claims, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination. In a first aspect, the invention provides a device for storage, development and observation of plant roots comprising: a. a first guide structure comprising a first and a second longitudinal guide elements, said first guide element being placed substantially parallel to said second guide element; b. a plurality of movable shelves, each of said movable shelves having a substantially vertical first segment and a substantially horizontal second segment, said vertical segment being slidably connected to the first guide element, said second segment being slidably connected to the second guide element, and said second segment being further equipped with a plurality of longitudinally disposed support elements configured to accept and hold root plates; c. a plurality of root plates configured to hold a volume of substrate and at least one plant ; d. a third and fourth lower longitudinal guide elements located parallel to each other and to the first and second longitudinal guide elements, said third and fourth longitudinal guide elements being located at a lower level than said first and second longitudinal elements; and e. an access platform having a first and second end, said first end being slidably connected to the third longitudinal guide element, and said second end being slidably connected to the fourth longitudinal guide element, said platform being configured to slide along the length of said third and second longitudinal guide elements, and further comprising a slidable platform configured to slide along the length of the access platform; characterized in that, the access platform is configured to laterally displace movable shelves in order to create access corridors next to any movable shelves, the slidable platform is further equipped with a robot configured move and scan root plates.

[0023] The access platform is configured to laterally displace movable shelves in order to create access corridors next to any movable shelves, the slidable platform is further equipped with robot configured move and scan root plates. This device advantageously permits storing a very large number of root plates while requiring a very reduced area. Furthermore, the device advantageously permits easy access to the root plates in order to store, analyze, retrieve and maintain the plants contained in said root plates. The use of a robot to move and scan root plates makes the operation of the device less time consuming and advantageously allows continuous operation of the device.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first longitudinal guide element is located at a higher level than the second longitudinal element. In this way, access to the rows between the movable shelves is made easier still.

[0025] In a further or another embodiment, the access platform is driven. By preference, the access platform further comprises a driven slidable platform slidably connected to the access platform, said slidable platform being configured to slide in a direction parallel to any movable shelf in the device. In this way, access to each row of root plates is made easier. Furthermore, in this way it is possible to automate the movement of both the access platform and the slidable platform. This not only eliminates any access error but also permits continuous operation of the device.

[0026] In a further or another embodiment, the slidable platform is configured to allow operators to access root plates stored in any movable shelf in the device. This advantageously allows the operator to have easy access to the any movable shelf. This particularly advantageous for maintenance work. Furthermore, the risk of accidents is further reduces by the fact that none of the movable shelves are driven.

[0027] In a further or another embodiment of the invention, the support elements are oriented diagonally relative to both the horizontal plane and the longitudinal axis of the second segment of the movable shelf to which said support elements are rigidly attached. In this way, the root plates are also stored in an inclined position. By preference, the root plates are angled between 30 and 80 degrees relative to a horizontal plane. More preferably, the root plates are angled between 45 and 75 degrees relative to a horizontal plane. Yet more preferably, the root plates are angled between 70 and 55 degrees relative to a horizontal plane. This orientation of the root plates forces the roots of any plant contained in a root plate to grow against only one side of said root plate. This advantageously permits a better and much more complete visualization of the root structure of said plants.

[0028] In a further or another embodiment of the invention, each root plate comprises a box frame having an open top and front, a gasket placed around the perimeter of said open front, a transparent plate placed against the front side of said frame and bearing against said gasket, said transparent plate being configured to close the open front of the frame and create a cavity for substrate, and a plurality of fastening means bearing against the transparent plate and the frame. This permits easy disassembly and access to the substrate cavity of the root plate, which permits easier filling and easier maintenance of said root plate. Furthermore, the structure of the root plate has a more compact envelope, and therefore, advantageously permitting the storage of more root plates per unit of available area. Yet another advantage of the structure of the root plate is an advantageously enhanced visualization of the root structures of the plants contained in said root plate.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the back side of the cavity for substrate is detachable. More preferable still, the frame has a plurality of attachment positions configured to receive and retain the detachable back of the cavity for substrate. In this way, different substrate cavity depths are made possible. This advantageously permits the study of a broader range of plant cultivars to be developed and studied.

[0030] In an embodiment the fastening means are laterally pivotable clamps. Preferably, the laterally pivotable clamps rotate about an axis disposed to the frame. More preferably, said axis is located on the front side of the frame. In this way, said clamps remain attached to the frame whether they are in their open position or their closed position. This advantageously reduces the number of parts which must be handles in order while accessing the cavity of the plate.

[0031] In an embodiment, the laterally pivotable clamps have a laterally extending tab near the proximal end to the clamp. Said tab is configured to abut against the transparent plate when the clam is folded against the side of the frame, in this way locking said transparent plate against the frame. Preferably has a corner raised away from the frame of the root plate. In this way, said raised corner provided a camming effect while closing the laterally pivotable clamp towards the frame. this provides a firmer lock of the transparent plate against the frame.

[0032] In an embodiment, the laterally pivotable clamps have a "U"-shaped section near its distal end, the open channel of said section being directed in the same direction as the laterally extending tab. The "U"-shaped section is configured to reach both the front and back of the frame of the root plate, allowing the laterally pivotable clamp to rests flat against the side of the frame when in a closed position. By preference, the section of the clamp between the axis and the "U"-shaped section is curved or angled away from the transparent plate side of the frame.

[0033] Another aspect of the invention relates to method of scanning a root plate comprising the steps of: a. Aligning an access platform with a movable shelf containing the root plate; b. Creating an access corridor adjacent to said movable shelf; c. Moving a slidable platform along the access platform until aligned with the root plate; d. Retrieving the root plate; e. Scanning the root plate; f. Returning the root plate.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment of the access platform creates access corridors by pushing the movable shelves. This permits reducing operational complexity and maintenance costs.

[0035] In a further or another embodiment, the steps of retrieving, scanning and returning the root plate are carried out manually. By preference, the steps of retrieving, scanning and returning the root plate are carried out by a robot. This permits reducing the operational cost while allowing for the continuous execution of the said steps.

[0036] The invention is further described by the following non-limiting examples which further illustrate the invention, and are not intended to, nor should they be interpreted to, limit the scope of the invention defined by the appended claims.EXAMPLES AND / OR DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0037] With as a goal illustrating better the properties of the invention the following presents, as an example and limiting in no way other potential applications, a description of preferred embodiments of the invention, wherein:

[0038] FIG. 1 shows the device for storage, development and observation of plant roots 1. The figure shows a first guide element 2 and a second guide element 3, which guide elements support a plurality of movable shelves 4. Each of which movable shelves 4 is shown comprising a vertical segment 5 and a horizontal segment 6, each of which horizontal segments 6 further comprises a plurality of support elements rigidly attached and disposed along the length of said horizontal element 6. Each of the support elements 7 are further shown supporting an inclined root plate 8. A third guide element 9 and a fourth guide element 10 are shown supporting the movable access platform 11.

[0039] FIG. 2 shows a top view of the device for storage, development and observation of plant roots 1 equipped with a robot 13. The figure shows the access platform 11 further comprising a slidable platform 12 configured to travel along the length of said access platform 11. Said slidable platform is shown equipped with a robot 13, which robot 13 is shown accessing a root plate 8 from the first movable shelf 4.

[0040] FIG. 3 shows a side view of the device for storage, development and observation of plant roots 1 equipped with a robot 13. The figure shows a first guide element 2 and a second guide element 3, which guide elements are shown supporting a movable shelf 4. Which movable shelf 4 is shown comprising a vertical segment 5 and a horizontal segment 6, which horizontal segment 6 further comprises a plurality of support elements. Said support elements 7 are further shown supporting inclined root plates 8. A third guide element 9 and a fourth guide element 10 are shown supporting movable frame 11, which access platform 11 is shown comprising a robot 13 equipped slidable platform 12. The figure further shows how the higher placement of the second guide element 3 advantageously permits unimpeded access of the robot 13 to the corridors adjacent to the movable shelves 4.

[0041] FIG. 4 shows a first embodiment of a root plate 8. The figure show a frame 14 having an open top and front, a transparent plate 15 placed against the front side of said frame 14. Said transparent plate 15 being configured to close the open front of the frame 14 and create a cavity for substrate (not show), and a plurality of fastening means 16 bearing against the transparent plate 15 and the frame 14.

[0042] FIG. 5 shows a cross section of the first embodiment of a root plate 8. The frame 14 is shown provided with a gasket 17 and transparent plate 15 bearing against said frame 14 and said gasket 17, and thereby forming a cavity for substrate 18.

[0043] FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment of a root plate 8. The figure shown a frame 14 having an opening at the top and an open front, a transparent plate 15 placed against the front side of said frame 14. Said transparent plate 15 being configured to close the open front of the frame 14 and create a cavity for substrate (not show), and a plurality of fastening means 16 bearing against the transparent plate 15 and the frame 14.

[0044] FIG. 7 shows a cross section of the second embodiment of a root plate 8. The frame 14 is shown provided with a gasket 17 and transparent plate 15 bearing against said gasket 17, and thereby forming a cavity for substrate 18. Said frame 14 and the transparent plate 15 shown being held together by fastening means 16. A detachable back of the cavity for substrate 19 is shown retained by a grove on the gasket 17.

[0045] FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of a root plate 8 equipped with a plurality of laterally pivotable clamps 22 in an open position. Each of said laterally pivotable clamps 22 are show rotate about their respective axis 23, the axii 23 extending from the frame 14 of the root plate 8. Each clamp 22 is shown further comprising a laterally extending tab 24 near the proximal end of the clamp 22 and adjacent to its axis 23. The figure shows a frame 14 having an open top and front, a transparent plate 15 placed against the front side of said frame 14. Said transparent plate 15 being configured to close the open front of the frame 14 and create a cavity for substrate (not show). FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of a root plate 8 equipped with a plurality of laterally pivotable clamps 22 in an closed position. In this figure, the laterally extending tab 24 of each clamp 22 is shown overlapping and bearing against the transparent plate 15, in this way keeping said transparent plate 15 held against the frame 14.

[0046] FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of a laterally pivotable clamp 22. The clamp 22 is shown comprising a laterally extending tab 24 near the proximal, end of the clamp 22. The tab 24 is shown further comprising a raised corner 26. A "U"-shaped section 25 is shown near at the distal end of the clamp 22, the opening of said "U"-shaped section 25 being directed in the same direction as the tab 24.

[0047] FIG. 11 shows a detailed side view of a root plate 8 equipped with a laterally pivotable clamp 22. The clamp 22 is shown in open position A and in closed position B (in ghost line), the clamp 22 rotating about axis 23. In said closed position B, the section of the clamp 22 between the tab and the "U"-shaped section 25 is angled away from the frame 14 of the root plate 8, this angel causing the one side of the "U"-shaped section 25 to press against the back side of the frame 14 and opposite to the transparent plate 15 (not shown).List of numbered items:

[0048] 1Device for storage, development and observation of plant roots 2first guide element 3second guide element 4movable shelf 5vertical segment of the shelf 6horizontal segment of the shelf 7support element 8root plate 9third guide element 10fourth guide element 11access platform 12slidable platform 13robot 14frame 15transparent plate 16fastening means 17gasket 18cavity for substrate 19detachable back of the cavity for substrate 22laterally pivotable clamp 23laterally pivotable clamp axis 24laterally extending tab 25"U"-shaped section 26raised corner of laterally extending tab

[0049] It is supposed that the present invention is not restricted to any form of realization described previously and that some modifications can be added to the presented example of fabrication within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. Device (1) for storage, development and observation of plant roots comprising: a. a first guide structure comprising a first and a second longitudinal guide elements (2, 3), said first guide element (2) being placed substantially parallel to said second guide element (3); b. a plurality of movable shelves (4), each of said movable shelves having a substantially vertical first segment (5) and a substantially horizontal second segment (6), said vertical segment being slidably connected to the first guide element, said second segment being slidably connected to the second guide element, and said second segment being further equipped with a plurality of longitudinally disposed support elements (7) configured to accept and hold root plates (8); c. a plurality of root plates (8) configured to hold a volume of substrate and at least one plant; d. a third and fourth lower longitudinal guide elements (9, 10) located parallel to each other and to the first and second longitudinal guide elements, said third and fourth longitudinal guide elements being located at a lower level than said first and second longitudinal elements; and e. an access platform (11) having a first and second end, said first end being slidably connected to the third longitudinal guide element, and said second end being slidably connected to the fourth longitudinal guide element, said platform being configured to slide along the length of said third and second longitudinal guide elements, and further comprising a slidable platform (12) configured to slide along the length of the access platform; wherein, the access platform (11) is configured to laterally displace movable shelves (4) in order to create access corridors next to any movable shelves, the slidable platform (12) is further equipped with a robot (13) configured move and scan root plates (8).

2. Device for storage, development and observation of plant roots according to claim 1, characterized in that, the access platform is driven.

3. Device for storage, development and observation of plant roots according to any claim 1 to claim 2, characterized in that, the slidable platform is configured to allow operators to access root plates stored in any movable shelf in the device.

4. Device for storage, development and observation of plant roots according to any claim 1 to claim 3, characterized in that, the support elements are oriented diagonally relative to both the horizontal plane and the longitudinal axis of the second segment of the movable shelf to which said support elements are rigidly attached.

5. Device for storage, development and observation of plant roots according to any claim 1 to claim 4, characterized in that, each root plate comprises a box frame (14) having an open top and front, a gasket (17) placed around the perimeter of said open front, a transparent plate (15) placed against the front side of said frame and bearing against said gasket, said transparent plate being configured to close the open front of the frame and create a cavity (18) for substrate, and a plurality of fastening means (16) bearing against the transparent plate and the frame.

6. Device for storage, development and observation of plant roots according to claim 5, characterized in that, the back side (19) of the cavity for substrate is detachable.

7. Device for storage, development and observation of plant roots according to claim 5 to claim 6, characterized in that, the frame has a plurality of attachment positions configured to receive and retain the detachable back of the cavity for substrate.

8. Device for storage, development and observation of plant roots according to any of the previous claims 5 to claim 7, characterized in that, the fastening means are laterally pivotable clamps (22).

9. Device for storage, development and observation of plant roots according to previous claim 8, characterized in that, the laterally pivotable clamps rotate about an axis (23) disposed to the frame.

10. Device for storage, development and observation of plant roots according to any claim 8 to claim 9, characterized in that, the laterally pivotable clamps have a laterally extending tab (24) near the proximal end to the clamp.

11. Device for storage, development and observation of plant roots according to any previous claim 8 to claim 10, characterized in that, the laterally pivotable clamps have a "U"-shaped section (25) near its distal end, the open channel of said section being directed in the same direction as the laterally extending tab.

12. Method of scanning a root plate (8) comprising the steps of: a. Aligning an access platform (11) with a movable shelf (4) containing the root plate; b. Creating an access corridor adjacent to said movable shelf; c. Moving a slidable platform (12) along the access platform until aligned with the root plate; d. Retrieving the root plate; e. Scanning the root plate; f. Returning the root plate.

13. Method of scanning a root plate according to claim 12, characterized in that, the access platform (11) creates access corridors by pushing the movable shelves (4).

14. Method of scanning a root plate according to claim 12 and claim 13, characterized in that, the steps of retrieving, scanning and returning the root plate (8) are carried out manually.

15. Method of scanning a root plate according to claim 12 and claim 13, characterized in that, the steps of retrieving, scanning and returning the root plate (8) are carried out by a robot (13).