Patent ID: 6243987
Filing Date: 2001-06-12
Classification: A01B,A01C,A01G

Abstract:
An automated system for providing a continuous yield of fresh agricultural produce, the system comprising:(a) a housing including a three dimensional seeding and germination zone, a three dimensional planting and growth zone and a three dimensional zone for holding automatic seeding, planting and harvesting equipment;(b) a plurality of seeding shelves being arranged in substantially horizontal layers in said three dimensional seeding and germination zone, each of said seeding shelves including a two dimensional array of seeding locations, each of said locations being for accepting a seed and for supporting development of a seedling;(c) a plurality of planting shelves being arranged in substantially horizontal layers in said three dimensional planting and growth zone, each of said planting shelves including a two dimensional array of planting locations, each of said locations being for accepting a seedling and for supporting development of a mature plant; and(d) a seeding, planting and harvesting robotic device being at said three dimensional zone for holding automatic seeding, planting and harvesting equipment, said robotic device including at least one robotic arm for seeding seeds being stored in a seed reservoir in said seeding locations, for planting seedlings in said planting locations and for harvesting mature plants from said planting locations.