Rotating apparatus and system for controlled environment agriculture and method therefor

Abstract

An apparatus for controlled agricultural production comprises a rotatable and cylindrical drum defining an inner side thereof circumscribing a chamber and an opposite outer side thereof. One or more containers are removably mounted to the inner side of the drum. Each of the one or more containers comprise a top side with openings for receiving agricultural products and a bottom side with fluid inlets. The outer side of the drum defines at least one drum opening for exposing the fluid inlets. An actuator imparts a rotational movement to the drum with the one or more containers mounted thereto. A light emitter centrally positioned within the chamber emits light to the agricultural product at the top side of the one or more containers. A fluid dispenser positioned adjacent the outer side of the drum selectively dispenses fluid into the fluid inlets via the at least one drum opening.

Description

TITLEROTATING APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT AGRICULTURE AND METHOD THEREFORCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority on Unites States Provisional Patent Application Number 63 / 682,868 filed on August 14, 2024 and incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to controlled environment agriculture. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a rotating apparatus and system for controlled environment agriculture and a method therefor.BACKGROUND

[0003] Controlled environment agriculture (CEA) is a technology-based approach for the production of crops, vegetation, plants, and vegetables and it includes indoor agriculture (IA) and vertical farming. The aim of CEA is to provide protection from the outdoor elements and maintain optimal growing conditions throughout the development of the crop. Controlled Environment Agriculture has the ability to produce crops all year round, with the possibility of increased yield by adjusting the amount of carbon and nutrients the plants receive Production takes place within an enclosed growing structure such as a greenhouse or plant factory. CEA can exist inside repurposed structures, built to purpose structures or in a subterranean space. Plants are often grown in a soilless medium in order to supply the proper amounts of water and nutrients to the root zone as well as supplemental lighting to ensure a sufficient daily light integral. CEA optimizes the use of resources such as water, energy, space, capital and labor. Different techniques are available for growingfood in controlled environment agriculture. CEA technologies include hydroponics, aeroponics, aquaculture, and aquaponics. The greenhouse industry and the vertical farming industry are large components of the CEA industry but another quickly growing segment is the vertical farming industry.OBJECTS

[0004] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus for controlled agricultural production.

[0005] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an assembly for controlled agricultural production.

[0006] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a system for controlled agricultural production.

[0007] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a method for controlled agricultural production.SUMMARY

[0008] In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure there is provided an apparatus for controlled agricultural production comprising: a rotatable and cylindrical drum defining opposite longitudinal ends thereof and a length therebetween, an inner side thereof circumscribing a chamber and an opposite outer side thereof; one or more containers for being removably mounted to the inner side of the drum, each of the one or more containers comprising a top side with one or more openings for receiving agricultural products and a bottom side with one or more fluid inlets, the outer side of the drum defining at least one drum opening for exposing the one or more fluid inlets; an actuator for imparting a rotational movement to the drum with the one or more containers mounted thereto;a light emitter centrally positioned within the chamber for emitting light to the agricultural product at the top side of the one or more containers; and a fluid dispenser positioned adjacent the outerside of the drum for selectively dispensing fluid into the one or more fluid inlets via the at least one drum opening, wherein rotational movement of the drum provides for rotating the agricultural product within chamber about the light emitter and for providing to move each of the one or more containers at a rotational position providing the one or more fluid inlets thereof to interface with the fluid dispenser for receiving dispensed fluid therefrom.

[0009] In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises an aerator for selectively supplying air into the chamber.

[0010] In an embodiment, the drum comprises a plurality of spaced apart longitudinal members extending between the longitudinal ends along the length of the drum, the spaced apart longitudinal members define an inner face thereof circumscribing the chamber and an outer face thereof along the outer side of the drum, each pair of adjacent ones of the spaced apart longitudinal members defining a slot opening therebetween for receiving a respective one of the one or more containers removably mounted to the pair of adjacent longitudinal members. In an embodiment, the inner face of the longitudinal members defines a rail for slidably receiving a portion of the one or more containers therein. In an embodiment, the container comprises a rim portion for being slidably fitted into the rail of each one of the pair of adjacent longitudinal members when positioned within the slot opening therebetween.

[0011] In an embodiment, the drum comprises a plurality of spaced apart longitudinal members extending between the longitudinal ends along the length of the drum, the spaced apart longitudinal members define an inner face thereof circumscribing the chamber and an outer face thereof along the outer side of the drum, wherein the actuator selectively and sequentially engages the outer faces of the longitudinal members to impart the rotational movement to the drum. In an embodiment, the actuator engages the outer face of a given one of the longitudinal members to move the longitudinal member such that a given one of the containers mounted to the given one of the longitudinal members is moved to a position for the one or more fluid inlets thereof to interface with the fluid dispenser for receiving dispensed fluid therefrom. In an embodiment, the outer faces of thelongitudinal members comprise respective extensions for being engaged by the actuator. In an embodiment, the actuator comprises an extendable and retractable arm with a prong for engaging the outer faces of the longitudinal members. In an embodiment, the arm extends to engage the outer faces and of the longitudinal members and retracts during engagement to impart the rotational movement to the drum.

[0012] In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a stabilizer for selectively engaging the outer faces of the longitudinal members to prevent the rotational movement of the drum and for selectively disengaging from the outer faces of the longitudinal members to allow for the rotational movement of the drum. In an embodiment, the stabilizer engages the outer face of a given one of the longitudinal members when the actuator disengages from the given one of the longitudinal members. In an embodiment, the stabilizer comprises an extendable and retractable arm with a prong for engaging the outer faces of the longitudinal members. In an embodiment, the outer faces of the longitudinal members comprise respective extensions for being engaged by the stabilizer.

[0013] In an embodiment, the drum is rotatably connected a frame.

[0014] In an embodiment, the drum is rotatably connected to the light emitter. In an embodiment, the light emitter comprises longitudinal end shafts extending therefrom, the drum being rotatably connected to the shafts. In an embodiment, the drum comprises rings at each of the longitudinal ends thereof, each ring being connected via spokes to a central gear rotatably mounted to the shaft.

[0015] In an embodiment, the light emitted comprises a cylindrical body with longitudinal light elements extending along a length thereof and about a circumference thereof.

[0016] In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a controller with an associated memory of processor executable code that when executed provides for performing computer implementable steps, the controller being in operative communicationwith the actuator, the light emitter and the fluid dispenser; and a user interface in operative communication with the system controller; wherein the computer implementable steps comprise selective control and modulation of the actuator, light emitter and fluid dispenser according to predetermined criteria stored in the memory.

[0017] In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a controller with an associated memory of processor executable code that when executed provide for performing computer implementable steps, the controller being in operative communication with the aerator; and a user interface in operative communication with the system controller; wherein the computer implementable steps comprise selective control and modulation of the aerator according to predetermined criteria stored in the memory.

[0018] In accordance with an aassembly for controlled agricultural production comprising: a support structure defining compartments;

[0019] a plurality of the apparatus as defined herein, wherein each of the apparatus of the plurality is respectively mounted within respective ones of the compartments.

[0020] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for controlled agricultural production comprising: positioning agricultural products within top openings of one or more containers and with bottom inlets for receiving fluid therein; mounting the one or more containers within an inner side of a cylindrical drum defining an inner side thereof circumscribing a chamber and an opposite outer side thereof defining a least one opening; imparting a rotational movement to the drum with the one or more containers mounted thereto and containing the agricultural product;emitting light from a central position within the chamber to the agricultural product at the top side of the one or more containers during the rotational movement; and dispensing fluid into the fluid inlets via the at least one opening of the drum during the rotational movement.

[0021] In an embodiment, method further comprises supplying air into the chamber during the rotational movement.

[0022] Other objects, advantages and features of the present disclosure will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of illustrative embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] In the appended drawings:

[0024] Figure 1 is a perspective, front and side view of the apparatus for controlled agricultural production in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 2 is a front view of a compartment of the apparatus of Figure 1 containing a rotating drum in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the rotating drum of the apparatus of Figure 1 in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the drum roller support of the apparatus of Figure 1 in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 5 is a side view of the drum roller support of Figure 4;

[0029] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the actuator of the apparatus of Figure 1 in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 7 is a side view of the fluid dispenser of the apparatus of Figure 1 in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 8 is a front, perspective view of the fluid dispenser of Figure 7;

[0032] Figure 9 is a front view of the fluid dispenser of Figure 7;

[0033] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the light emitter of the apparatus of Figure 1 in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 11 is another perspective view of the light emitter of the apparatus of Figure 1 in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 12 is a top perspective view of the containers for containing agricultural product of the apparatus of Figure 1 in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figures 13 is perspective view of the assembly for controlled agricultural production in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 14 is a photo showing the slidable mounting of a container for containing agricultural product on the inner side of the rotatable drum of the apparatus for controlled agricultural production in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 15 is a photo of the inner side of the rotatable drum of the apparatus for controlled agricultural production in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figures 16, 17, 18 and 19 are sequential views of the fluid dispenser in operation in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figures 20 and 21 are schematic illustrations of an agricultural production assembly line and process in accordance with respective non-restrictive illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 22 is a lateral view of drum of an apparatus for controlled agricultural production in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 23 is a lateral view of the drum of Figure 22 mounted to a frame structure of an apparatus for controlled agricultural production in accordance with a non- restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 24 is a front view of an apparatus for controlled agricultural production including the drum and frame in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] Figure 25 is a perspective side view a gear mounted to the drum of Figures 22-24 and a central axle for rotation of the drum in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 26 is a top view of the gear of Figure 25 mounted to the drum and a central axle for rotation of the drum in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 27 is a lateral view of a container mounted to spaced apart longitudinal members of the drum of Figure 26 in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] Figure 28 is a lateral and partial view of a container mounted to a longitudinal member of the drum of Figure 26 in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] Figure 29 is another lateral and partial view of a container mounted to a longitudinal member of the drum of Figure 26 in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0049] Figure 30-35 are respective sequential lateral views of the container mounted to the longitudinal members, the actuator for imparting a rotational movement to the drum, the stabilizer and the fluid dispenser of the apparatus for controlled agricultural production including the drum and frame in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0050] Generally stated and in accordance with an embodiment, there is provided an apparatus for controlled agricultural production comprising a rotatable and cylindrical drum defining an inner side thereof circumscribing a chamber and an opposite outer side thereof. One or more containers are removably mounted to the inner side of the drum. Each of the one or more containers comprise a top side with openings for receiving agricultural products and a bottom side with fluid inlets. The outer side of the drum defines at least one drum opening for exposing the fluid inlets. An actuator imparts a rotational movement to the drum with the one or more containers mounted thereto. A light emitter centrally positioned within the chamber emits light to the agricultural product at the top side of the one or more containers. A fluid dispenser positioned adjacent the outer side of the drum selectively dispenses fluid into the fluid inlets via the at least one drum opening. Rotational movement of the drum provides for rotating the agricultural product within chamber about the light emitter and for providing to move each of the one or more containers at a rotational position for providing the fluid inlets thereof to receiving dispensed fluid.

[0051] With reference to the appended Figures, non-restrictive illustrative embodiments will be herein described so as to further exemplify the disclosure only and by no means limit the scope thereof.

[0052] Figures 1 and 2 show an apparatus 10 for rotational agriculture comprising a frame 12 for supporting rotating drum 14 therein. The frame 12 comprises a base structure 16, lateral end structures 18A and 18B and a top structure 20. Separator structures 22 provide for defining compartments 24, each compartment 24 providing for receiving a rotating drum 14 therein.

[0053] Turning to Figure 3, the drum 14 includes a pair of spaced apart front and rear rings 26i, 26ii interconnected by spaced longitudinal rails 28 defining longitudinal openings or slots 29 therebetween. The drum 14 defines a cylindrical chamber area 30 therein for receiving the agricultural products therein. Longitudinal containers including the agricultural products are removably mounted to pairs of adjacent longitudinal rails 28 along the slot 29. A support ring 31 is mounted to the rails 28 about their middle area between the front and rear rings 26i and 26ii. The drum thereby defines front and rear faces F and R thereof respectively and lateral sides L’ and L” thereof respectively.

[0054] Returning to Figures 1 and 2, the drum 14 within a compartment 24 rests on front roller supports 32Ai and 32Bi positioned on the base structure 16 and at each lateral side Li and Lii of the drum 20 and rear roller supports 32 Aii and 32Bii positioned on the base structure 16 and at each lateral side L’ and L” of the drum 14. As shown in Figure 13, the frame 12 includes front and rear panels 13 for blocking any outward movement of the rotating drum 14 within a compartment 24. As shown in Figure 2, a security support 15 is positioned on the base 16 between the rollers to slidably support the rotating drum 14 if engaged thereby.

[0055] With reference to Figures 1 , 4 and 5, each roller support 32Ai, 32Bi, 32Aii and 32Bii (generally denoted in Figures 4 and 5 as 32) respectively comprises a tandem balancing structure 34 comprising a single roller carrying member 36 and a double rollercarrying member 38. The single roller carrying member 36 defines a distal end 35 for carrying roller 40 and a proximal end 37 mounted to the double roller carrying member 38 via shaft 39. The double roller carrying member 38 carries a pair of longitudinally spaced apart rollers 40. The single roller carrying member 36 includes a middle section 41 pivotally mounted to a support bracket 42 via shaft 43. The support bracket 42 rests on a base plate 44 which is positioned on the base structure 16 of the frame 12. A biasing element 46 such as a spring extends from the support bracket 42 to engage the rear side 48 of the single roller carrying member 36. The rear side 48 of the single roller carrying member 36 defines a shoulder 49 for engaging a stopper rod 50. As such, the during rotational movement of the drum 14, the drum rollingly engages rollers 40 of each roller support 32Ai, 32Bi, 32Aii and 32Bii. The weight and movement of the drum 14 pushes the tandem balancing structure 34 against the biasing force of biasing element 46 which dampens the rearward movement of the tandem balancing structure 34 with this rearward movement being stopped when the shoulder 49 engages the stopper rod 50. The positioning and the roller supports 32Ai, 32Bi, 32Aii and 32Bii is a function of the size and weight of the drum 14 and thus a variety of roller support configurations can be contemplated within the context of the present disclosure.

[0056] Turning to Figures 1 and 2, the apparatus 10 comprises an actuator 52 for imparting a rotational movement to the drum 14.

[0057] With reference to Figure 6, the actuator 52 includes front and rear gears 54i, 54ii for respectively engaging the front and rear rings 26i and 26ii. Each gear 54i, 54ii includes respective gear teeth 56’ for engaging corresponding teeth 56” (see Figure 3 the rings 26i, 26ii. In an embodiment, the actuator 52 includes only gear 54i, 54ii for engaging one of the rings 26i, 26ii or the support ring 28 in another non-illustrated example.

[0058] In the example shown in Figure 6, the actuator 52 comprises two gear actuator and support structures 53i and 53ii. Each structure 53i, 53ii includes a support member 51 having a rear wall 55’ for being mounted to the frame 12 and spaced apart bracket elements 55” forwardly extending from the rear wall 55’ to support a central shaft57 therein. A gear carrying member 58 is mounted to the shaft 57 via a hole 59 at one end 60 thereof for movably receiving the shaft 57 therethrough. The hole 59 may be circumscribed by bearings to allow the shaft 57 to freely rotate thereon without moving the member 58 therewith. The gear carrying member 58 carries the gear 54i or 54ii at the other end 61 thereof and at one lateral side 62 , the gear 54i or 54ii is connected to a pulley gear 64 at the other lateral side 63 of the gear carrying member 58 via a shaft 65 extending through a hole defined by end 61 . The hole defined by end 61 may be circumscribed by bearings to allow the shaft 65 to freely rotate thereon without moving the member 58 therewith. A pulley belt 66 connects the pulley gear 64 to the shaft 57 and in this way, rotation of the shaft 57 causes rotation of the gear 54i and 54ii (via the belt 66 and gear 65 pulley) providing for the gears 54i and 54ii to impart a rotational movement the drum 14 via engagement of the rings 26i and 26ii as previously explained.

[0059] Regarding structure 54i, rotation of the shaft 57 is imparted thereto by rotation of a pulley gear 68 connected thereto and positioned laterally of the support member 54 at one side thereof, thereby causing rotation of the pulley belt 66. The shaft 57 extends laterally of the support member 51 at the other side thereof and includes a connector 69’ for connection to like connector 69” of a central rod 70 which is connected to the shaft 57 of the other structure 54ii via similar connection therewith between connectors 69’ and 69” thereby imparting a rotational movement of the shaft 57 of structure 53ii in tandem with the shaft 57 of structure 53i.

[0060] An air cylinder 72 extends from the rear wall 55’ of the support member 51 and is connected to the gear carrying member 58 for imparting a forward and rearward movement thereto thereby providing for selective engagement and disengagement of the gears 54i , 54ii on the rings 26i, 26ii.

[0061] With reference to Figure 2, the apparatus 10 includes a dispenser 74 for dispensing fluid such as water including a nutrient mixture into the containers containing agricultural products (plants, vegetables and / or vegetations). The dispenser 74 is positioned on the frame 12 within the compartment at an upper corner 75 thereof to bemovable towards and away from the containers as they sequentially interface with the dispenser 75 during rotation of the drum 12. The dispenser 74 is moved towards each container as it is moved towards position 73 the dispenser is moved towards the container for engagement therewith in order to dispense fluid thereto to then withdraw from the container and wait for the next container to be rotated to position 73 and so on.

[0062] With reference to Figures 7, 8 and 9, the dispenser 74 includes a main head 76 connected to an arm 78. The arm 78 is an air cylinder providing for movement towards and away a container during engagement and disengagement therefrom. The head 76 comprises a rea vertical support member 77 connected to a main plate 80 via extension plates 79. The main plate 80 includes a rear part 81 and a longitudinal front part 82 extending therefrom. The front part 82 includes an inner fluid conduit 83 in fluid communication with a longitudinal manifold 84 which is in fluid communication with a series of valves 85 leading to respective nozzles 86 for dispensing fluid therefrom.

[0063] With reference to Figure 2, the apparatus 10 comprises an aerator 88 shown here in the form of fans 89 for controlled aeration of the chamber 30. Indeed, in another embodiment, the aerator may be in the form of a duct.

[0064] With reference to Figures 1 , 2, 10 and 1 1 , the apparatus 10 comprises a light emitter 90 for emitting light onto the agricultural products within the chamber 30. In an embodiment, the light emitter 90 comprises cylindrical support 92 extending within the cylindrical chamber 30 and positioned at the center C thereof. A plurality of longitudinal lamps 94 extend along the length of the cylindrical support 92. In an embodiment, the intensity and color of the light emitted by the lamps 94 is modulated. As the drum 14 rotates, the various agricultural products within the containers are sequentially exposed to the lamps 92 in accordance with their position on the cylindrical support 92.

[0065] Indeed, the speed of rotation, the amount, the intensity and color of the light, the level of aeriation and the frequency, amount and type of fluid dispensed is modulated to control agricultural growth within the cylindrical chamber 30. Moreover, the apparatus 10is positioned within an enclosed space which provides for controlling the temperature and humidity level thereof. The speed of drum 14 rotation also plays a role in aeriation as it produces a convection effect of the air within the cylindrical chamber 30. Furthermore, the speed of drum rotation also provides for further modulating the fluid delivery frequency.

[0066] With reference to Figures 12 to 19, the apparatus 10 will now be described in operation in accordance with a non-limiting illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0067] Figure 12 shows a plurality of containers 96 which are longitudinal rectangular shaped hollow boxes with a top side 97 having openings 98 for receiving agricultural products P therein. The containers are slidably mounted to a pair of rails 28 and fitted within respective slots 29. The containers 96 include connecting elements (such as extending fins) on their lateral sides for a mutual engagement fit with like connectors 99 on the inner sides 100 (see Figures 14 and 15) of the rails 28. The connectors 99 include fins 101 defining side slots 102 for receiving like fins of the containers in a mutual engagement fit. In this way during rotation of the drum 14, the containers 96 remain securely in place 14 within slot 29 interposed between adjacent rails 28 and connected therewith. When the containers 96 are mounted to the drum 14, the top sides 97 of the containers 97 circumscribe the chamber 30 whereas the bottom sides of the containers 96 are positioned along an outer side 103 (see Figure 3) of the drum which is opposite the inner side 105 of the drum. The inner side 105 defines the container receiving elements (rails 28 and slots 29). As shown in Figure 14, the container 96 can be slid into and out of the slot 29 as its connectors are slid into and out of the rail connectors 99.

[0068] As shown in Figure 13, as the drum 14 of a rotating assembly 104 rotate the agricultural product P are exposed to light being emitted by the central light emitter 90 thereon providing for growth thereof.

[0069] As shown in Figure 15, the aerator 88 supplies air into the chamber 30. Aeriation in chamber 30 being also affected by the convection forces provided by therotating drum 14.

[0070] The bottom sides of the containers 96 are provided with fluid inlets to be engaged by the nozzles 86 of the dispenser 74 for dispensing fluid (water with nutrients) into the containers. Figure 16, shows the nozzles 86 of the dispenser 74 dispensing water. As the drum 14 rotates, the containers are moved in sequence to position 73 (see Figure 2) and as such the bottom side of each container will be at position 73 along the external side 103 (see Figure 3) of the drum allowing the fluid inlets to be engaged by the nozzles 86 for fluid dispensing into the container 96. Figures 17, 18 and 19 show the sequential movement of the dispenser 74 from an initial position spaced apart from the drum 14, which towards the slot 29 which would include the container 96 so as for the nozzles to be in proximity or to engage (i.e. inserted therein) for dispensing fluid into the container 96.

[0071] Figures 20 and 21 show non-limiting examples an agricultural assembly line or process including the rotating drum assemblies 104 as described herein. The containers 96 can be filled with agricultural product P and then mounted to drum 14. The drum 14 once filled with containers 96 can then be mounted to frame 12 within a controlled growth enclosure. The drums 14 can be removed from the controlled growth enclosure and placed into a separate area for removal of the containers.

[0072] In an embodiment, a system controller is in operative communication with the devices and systems provided herein for rotational control, fluid dispensing, aeriation, light emission, and temperature control. A user interface in communication with the controller is provided for allowing user to modulate rotation, fluid dispensing, aeriation, light emission, and temperature. In an embodiment, the system comprises sensors including temperature, humidity, light sensors for indicating the temperature and humidity to the user via an interface display or to the controller for automatic machine control thereof based on preprogramed criteria or parameters. In an embodiment, the system includes image capturers to capture real time images of the agricultural product P and to provide these images to the controller for comparison therewith to pre-determined parameters or criteria and / or to communicate the images and / or comparison reports via the user interface.

[0073] With reference to Figure 22-24, there is shown an apparatus 200 for rotational agriculture comprising a frame 202 for supporting rotating drum 204 therein. The frame 202 comprises a base structure 206 and lateral or longitudinal end structures 208A and 208B extending therefrom with a top structure 210 mounted thereto for receiving the rotating drum 204 therein.

[0074] The drum 204 includes a pair of spaced apart front and rear polygonal rings 212i and 212ii interconnected by spaced longitudinal members 216 defining longitudinal openings or slots 218 therebetween. Thus, the cylindrical drum 204 defines a polygonal tubular structure (rather than a circular structure) defining longitudinal chamber area 220 therein for receiving the agricultural products therein. Longitudinal containers 246 including the agricultural products are removably mounted to pairs of adjacent longitudinal members 216 along the slots 218.

[0075] With reference to Figures 22-24, a central axle 224 is mounted at each longitudinal end thereof to the lateral end structures 208A and 208B respectively. In an embodiment, the central axle comprises light emitting elements 222 longitudinally extending along the length thereof for emitting light unto the agricultural products as described herein. Thus, the central axle 224 is a cylindrical light emitter. In an embodiment, the cylindrical light emitter 224 has front and rear longitudinal ends 225 in the form of shafts extending outwardly of the cylindrical light emitter 224 and being fixedly connected to the frame end structures 208A and 208B. In an embodiment, the central axle 224 is a central shaft carrying a cylindrical light emitter 227 thereon which comprises the light emitting elements 234 and the ends 225 are the parts of the central axle 224 which do not carry the cylindrical light emitter 222 thereon and are directly connected to the frame end structures 208A and 208B.

[0076] With reference to Figures 22-26, the rings 212i and 212ii are connected to respective central gears 226 via spokes 228 extending therebetween. The gears 226 are rotatably mounted to the central axle 224 (at portions 225) via a ball bearing structure 230. In this way, the rings 212i and 212ii are rotatable about the axle 224 providing for the drum204 to be rotatable about axle 224. In this embodiment, no additional balancing is required and a polygonal structure (such as the current example of the dodecagon) instead of a circular cylindrical structure can be used as actuation happens from a central hub 232 of the end rings 212i and 212ii of the drum 204.

[0077] With reference to Figures 22-29, the spaced apart longitudinal members 216 define respective inner faces 234 thereof circumscribing the chamber area 220. T-shaped protrusions 236 extend from each inner face 234 and include a stem 238 extending from inner face 234 from one end thereof and carrying a head 240 at the other free end thereof. The head 240, the stem 238, and the inner face 234 together define a longitudinal rail slot 242 at each lateral side 244’ and 244” of the longitudinal member 216. These side longitudinal rail slots 242 extend along the length of the longitudinal member 216 and each lateral side 244’ and 244” thereof.

[0078] Agricultural products are placed within containers 246 which are positioned within the drum 204.

[0079] The container 246 defines an outer (or bottom) end 248 having openings (i.e. fluid inlets) for receiving water and an inner end (or top) 250 defining one more openings for receiving therein the agricultural products and exposing the agricultural product to light. The container defines as opposite lateral sides 252’ and 252”. An enlarged rim 254 circumscribes the opening and outwardly radiates from the inner end 250. The container 246 is positioned within the slots 218 between a pair of spaced apart and adjacent longitudinal member 216 with its rim 254 being slidably positioned within rail slots 242 at each side of 252’ and 252” of the container 246.

[0080] With reference to Figures 22, 23, 26 and 30-35, a rotational movement is imparted to the drum 204 via an actuator 256. In this example, the actuator is mounted to the top part 210 of the frame 202.

[0081] With particular reference to Figures 30-35, the spaced apart longitudinalmembers 216 define outer faces 258 comprising an extension such as a fin 260 extending therefrom.

[0082] The actuator 256 comprises a reciprocally extendable and retractable arm in form of a hydraulic cylinder 262 with a piston rod 264 therein for reciprocally extending therefrom and retracting therein. The piston rod 264 comprises a prong 266 for engaging the fin 260.

[0083] The actuator 256 moves each container in 246 positioned at the open slot 218 beneath the dispenser 268 shown in Figures 22, 23 and 26. Each slotted side 218 (with container 246) of the polygonal drum 204 is moved to be positioned with its outer end 248 interfacing with the dispenser 268 in an indexed type movement, sequentially, one at a time, for a predetermined period to allow for satisfactory watering of each container 246.

[0084] Turning to Figure 30, a first container 246A is positioned beneath the dispenser 268 for watering and mounted to spaced apart longitudinal members 216a and 216b. The piston rod 264 of the actuator 256 is fully extended for its prong 266 to engage the fin 260 of the longitudinal member 216b. A stabilizer 270 is positioned above the longitudinal member 216a. The stabilizer 270 comprises an reciprocally extendable and retractable arm in the form of a hydraulic cylinder 272 with a with a piston rod 274 therein for reciprocally extending therefrom and retracting therein. The piston rod 274 comprises a prong 276 for selectively engaging the fin 260 of the longitudinal member 216 thereunder.

[0085] At Figure 31 , the piston rod 264 retracts moving the longitudinal member 216b it is connected to via its fin 260 therewith as shown by arrow R1 to position the next adjacent container 246B under the dispenser 268 for watering. Container 246B is positioned in a slot 218 and connected to longitudinal members 216b and 216c. The drum 204 is thus rotated by an indexed movement of R1 which corresponds to the movement required to move container 246A away from under the dispenser 268 and to correspondingly move container 246B beneath dispenser 268. At Figure 31 , the stabilizer 270 does not engage the fin 260 of longitudinal member 216b as it is in the retracted position as also shown inFigure 30.

[0086] At Figure 32, the piston rod 274 of the stabilizer 270 is extended to engage the fin 260 of the longitudinal member 216b allowing the piston rod 264 of the actuator 256 to disengage from the longitudinal member 216b and to proceed eventually to engage the next adjacent longitudinal member 216c. The stabilizer 270 engages the fin of the longitudinal member 216b to provide stability thereto so that container 246B remains in position beneath the dispenser 268 during disengagement of the actuator 256 from longitudinal member 216b, extension and eventual engagement of longitudinal member 216c.

[0087] At Figure 33, the piston rod 264 is now extended and engages via its prong 266 the fin 260 of longitudinal member 216c. The stabilizer 270 continues to engage the longitudinal member 216b.

[0088] At Figure 34, the stabilizer 270 disengages the longitudinal member 216b as its piston rod 274 retracts the prong 276 from the fin 260.

[0089] At Figure 35, since the stabilizer 270 which acts as a stopper against rotation dos not engage the drum 204, the piston rod 264 retracts and can now move the longitudinal member 216c it therewith as shown by arrow R2 to position the next adjacent container 246C under the dispenser 268 for watering. Container 246C is positioned in a slot 218 and connected to longitudinal members 216c and 216d. The drum 204 is thus rotated by an indexed movement of R2 which corresponds to the movement required to move container 246B away from under the dispenser 268 and to correspondingly move container 246C beneath dispenser 268 with container 246D to be next in line for watering.

[0090] The various features described herein can be combined in a variety of ways within the context of the present disclosure so as to provide still other embodiments. As such, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive. Moreover, the embodiments discussed herein need not include all of the features and elements illustrated and / or described andthus partial combinations of features can also be contemplated. Furthermore, embodiments with less features than those described can also be contemplated. It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described hereinabove. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced in various ways. It is also to be understood that the phraseology or terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not limitation. Hence, although the present disclosure has been provided hereinabove by way of non-restrictive illustrative embodiments thereof, it can be modified, without departing from the scope, spirit and nature thereof and of the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:1 . An apparatus for controlled agricultural production comprising: a rotatable and cylindrical drum defining opposite longitudinal ends thereof and a length therebetween, an inner side thereof circumscribing a chamber and an opposite outer side thereof; one or more containers for being removably mounted to the inner side of the drum, each of the one or more containers comprising a top side with one or more openings for receiving agricultural products and a bottom side with one or more fluid inlets, the outer side of the drum defining at least one drum opening for exposing the one or more fluid inlets; an actuator for imparting a rotational movement to the drum with the one or more containers mounted thereto; a light emitter centrally positioned within the chamber for emitting light to the agricultural product at the top side of the one or more containers; and a fluid dispenser positioned adjacent the outer side of the drum for selectively dispensing fluid into the one or more fluid inlets via the at least one drum opening, wherein rotational movement of the drum provides for rotating the agricultural product within chamber about the light emitter and for providing to move each of the one or more containers at a rotational position providing the one or more fluid inlets thereof to interface with the fluid dispenser for receiving dispensed fluid therefrom.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising an aerator for selectively supplying air into the chamber.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the drum comprises a plurality of spaced apart longitudinal members extending between the longitudinal ends along the length of the drum, the spaced apart longitudinal members define an inner face thereof circumscribing the chamber and an outer face thereof along the outer side of thedrum, each pair of adjacent ones of the spaced apart longitudinal members defining a slot opening therebetween for receiving a respective one of the one or more containers removably mounted to the pair of adjacent longitudinal members.

4. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the inner face of the longitudinal members defines a rail for slidably receiving a portion of the one or more containers therein.

5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the container comprises a rim portion for being slidably fitted into the rail of each one of the pair of adjacent longitudinal members when positioned within the slot opening therebetween.

6. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the drum comprises a plurality of spaced apart longitudinal members extending between the longitudinal ends along the length of the drum, the spaced apart longitudinal members define an inner face thereof circumscribing the chamber and an outer face thereof along the outer side of the drum, wherein the actuator selectively and sequentially engages the outer faces of the longitudinal members to impart the rotational movement to the drum.

7. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the actuator engages the outer face of a given one of the longitudinal members to move the longitudinal member such that a given one of the containers mounted to the given one of the longitudinal members is moved to a position for the one or more fluid inlets thereof to interface with the fluid dispenser for receiving dispensed fluid therefrom.

8. An apparatus according to any one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the outer faces of the longitudinal members comprise respective extensions for being engaged by the actuator.

9. An apparatus according to claim any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the actuator comprises an extendable and retractable arm with a prong for engaging the outer faces of the longitudinal members.

10. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the arm extends to engage the outer faces and of the longitudinal members and retracts during engagement to impart the rotational movement to the drum.

11. An apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 10, further comprising a stabilizer for selectively engaging the outer faces of the longitudinal members to prevent the rotational movement of the drum and for selectively disengaging from the outer faces of the longitudinal members to allow for the rotational movement of the drum.

12. An apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the stabilizer engages the outer face of a given one of the longitudinal members when the actuator disengages from the given one of the longitudinal members.

13. An apparatus according to any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein the stabilizer comprises an extendable and retractable arm with a prong for engaging the outer faces of the longitudinal members.

14. An apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the outer faces of the longitudinal members comprise respective extensions for being engaged by the stabilizer.

15. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the drum is rotatably connected a frame.

16. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the drum is rotatably connected to the light emitter.

17. An apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the light emitter comprises longitudinal end shafts extending therefrom, the drum being rotatably connected to the shafts.

18. An apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the drum comprises rings at each of the longitudinal ends thereof, each ring being connected via spokes to a central gear rotatably mounted to the shaft.

19. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the light emitter comprises a cylindrical body with longitudinal light elements extending along a length thereof and about a circumference thereof.

20. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 19, further comprising a controller with an associated memory of processor executable code that when executed provides for performing computer implementable steps, the controller being in operative communication with the actuator, the light emitter and the fluid dispenser; and a user interface in operative communication with the system controller; wherein the computer implementable steps comprise selective control and modulation of the actuator, light emitter and fluid dispenser according to predetermined criteria stored in the memory.

21. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 19, further comprising a controller with an associated memory of processor executable code that when executed provide for performing computer implementable steps, the controller being in operative communication with the aerator; and a user interface in operative communication with the system controller; wherein the computer implementable steps comprise selective control and modulation of the aerator according to predetermined criteria stored in the memory.

22. An assembly for controlled agricultural production comprising: a support structure defining compartments; a plurality of the apparatus of any one of 1 to 21 , wherein each of the apparatus of the plurality is respectively mounted within respective ones of the compartments.

23. A method for controlled agricultural production comprising: positioning agricultural products within top openings of one or more containers and with bottom inlets for receiving fluid therein; mounting the one or more containers within an inner side of a cylindrical drum defining an inner side thereof circumscribing a chamber and an opposite outer side thereof defining a least one opening; imparting a rotational movement to the drum with the one or more containers mounted thereto and containing the agricultural product; emitting light from a central position within the chamber to the agricultural product at the top side of the one or more containers during the rotational movement; and dispensing fluid into the fluid inlets via the at least one opening of the drum during the rotational movement.

24. A method according to claim 23, further comprising: supplying air into the chamber during the rotational movement.

Images