Patent ID: 7629592
Filing Date: 2009-12-08
Classification: A01G,G01J

Abstract:
1. An apparatus enabling a determination of the amount of available light at a growing location, the apparatus comprising: means for providing a quantity of light reactive ink, the light reactive ink including fugitive colors which change color in response to exposure to light over a measured period of time, wherein the means for providing a quantity of light reactive ink is an adhesive sticker; and means for holding the provided quantity of light reactive ink at a growing location, wherein the means for holding includes a substantially planar, plastic member and a plastic stem member, the plastic stem member being configured to be inserted in an aperture included in the substantially planar, plastic member, wherein a gross color change of the quantity of light reactive ink is reversible and the gross color change is readable without reference to a reference color chart, wherein the means for providing a quantity of light reactive ink includes a removable film that blocks light from exposing the quantity of light reactive ink to prohibit the light reactive ink from reacting to light while the film is covering the quantity of light reactive ink and the adhesive sticker includes an adhesive backing provided on one side of the adhesive sticker with the quantity of light reactive ink being provided on the other side of the sticker, and wherein the adhesive sticker is applied to the planar member on a side of the substantially planar, plastic member opposite from the aperture provided for receiving the plastic stem member and, wherein a configuration of the apparatus provides a structure that includes the substantially planar, plastic member coupled to the adhesive backing of the adhesive sticker, which is provided below the quantity of light reactive ink provided on the opposite side of the adhesive sticker and which is provided below the removable film affixed to the quantity of light reactive ink.