Abstract:
A horticulture and floriculture device that typically includes a track system, a plurality of hanging basket receiving hooks, and at least one motor assembly is provided. The track system receives and carries a moveable chain system and typically includes a plurality of track segments that have a chain carrying portion and an upper portion. The track segments are interconnected with one another to create a travel path. The moveable chain system includes a series of interconnected chain links having an aperture wherein the chain links include horizontally oriented and vertically oriented chain links. The plurality of hanging basket receiving hooks have a cap portion having a base and a main hook portion between the distal end and the base of the cap portion where the cap portion engages, is at least partially spaced within, and is seated in the chain link&#39;s aperture such that the chain is capable of moving within the track and carrying the hook around the track with the main hook portion accessible by a user to hang a hanging basket on the hook.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/080,145 entitled HORTICULTURE AND FLORICULTURE MOTIVATING SYSTEM, filed on Jul. 11, 2008, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to a horticulture/floriculture motivating and optionally watering device for use typically in a greenhouse or similar plant growing structure capable of extending the growing season of plants as well as the method of its use. The motivating device includes at least one section that may be released via typically a pulley system such that the track declines to a height where a user may easily, typically at floor level, hang plants being grown in hanging baskets. The system further typically includes a motivating assembly and chain and hook system riding within the track. The horticulture/floriculture device/system of an embodiment of the present invention allows for a series of loops as opposed to a single loop motivation system. The total track can be a distance of up to 400 meters, typically the travel distance is less, for example 380 meters or 300 meters with typically three to five complete loops. As discussed above, the present invention typically includes at least one end portion of one of the loops that may decline when a user or users are hanging horticulture or floriculture products such as flower baskets on the hooks riding within the track. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, a horticulture and floriculture device includes a track system and a plurality of hanging basket receiving hooks. The track system receives and carries a moveable chain system and includes a plurality of track segments that have a chain carrying portion and an upper portion. The track segments are interconnected with one another to create a travel path. The moveable chain system includes a series of interconnected unitary chain links having an aperture wherein the chain links include horizontally oriented and vertically oriented unitary chain links. The plurality of hanging basket receiving hooks typically have a distal end opposite a cap portion having a base and a main hook portion between the distal end and the base of the cap portion where the cap portion engages, is at least partially spaced within, and is seated in the chain link&#39;s aperture such that the chain is capable of moving within the track and carrying the hook around the track with the main hook portion accessible by a user to hang a hanging basket on the hook. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention a horticulture and floriculture device includes a track system that receives and carries a moveable chain system. The track system includes a plurality of track segments that have a chain carrying portion and an upper portion and the track segments are interconnected with one another to create a travel path. The moveable chain system includes a series of interconnected unitary chain links each having an aperture wherein the chain links include horizontally oriented and vertically oriented unitary chain links. The track system is positioned proximate a ceiling in a greenhouse and includes a main track section and a declinable track portion where the declinable track portion includes a series of interconnected elongated brackets positioned on alternate sides of one another with a spacer bracket engaged to the center of the elongated brackets that are not engaged to the main track sections. The declinable track portion is capable of repeatedly moving between a first position that is in substantially the same plane or the same plane as the main track section and a declined position where the declined position is at least about a 20 degree angle from the plane of the main track section. 
     Yet another embodiment of the present invention includes a method of mounting hanging baskets proximate the ceiling of a greenhouse or the ceiling of another structure for growing plants. The method includes the steps of providing a track system that receives and carries a moveable chain system and includes a plurality of track segments that have a chain carrying portion and an upper portion. The track segments are interconnected with one another to create a travel path. The moveable chain system includes a series of interconnected chain links each having an aperture where the chain links include horizontally oriented and vertically oriented chain links and the track system is positioned proximate a ceiling in a greenhouse or the ceiling of another structure for growing plants. The tracks system also includes a main track section and a declinable track portion. The declinable track portion includes a series of interconnected elongated brackets positioned on alternate sided of one another with a spacer bracket engaged to the center of the elongated brackets that are not engaged to the main track sections. The declinable track portion is capable of repeatedly moving between a first position that is in substantially the same plane or the same plane as the main track section and a declined position wherein the declined position is at least about a 20 degree angle from the plane of the main track section. The method also includes the step of providing a plurality of hanging basket receiving hooks having a distal end opposite a cap portion that has a base and a main hook portion between the distal end and the base of the cap portion. The method also includes the step of providing at least one motor assembly that includes a motor, a gear wheel having a plurality of projections that matingly engage the vertically oriented chain links. The method further includes the steps of using a wench or pulley or other moving system to move the declinable section of the track from the first position to the declined position; installing a hanging basket receiving hook into engagement with a unitary chain link that is horizontally oriented when positioned in the track by placing the distal end of the hook through the aperture of the horizontally oriented, unitary chain link until the cap portion engages and is at least partially spaced within and is seated in the chain link&#39;s aperture such that the chain is capable of moving within the track and carrying the hook around the track with the main hook portion capable of receiving a hanging basket on the hook without a user touching the hanging basket receiving hook once the hanging basket receiving hook is installed; installing a hanging basket onto the hanging basket receiving hook; and repositioning the declinable section from the declined position to the first position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS. 1A and 1B  are depictions of a layout of the horticulture/floriculture device/system of the present invention showing two systems installed adjacent to one another; 
         FIG. 1C  is an enlarged view of the portion of the system circled in  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 2A  shows a bottom perspective view of the motivating assembly of an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2B  shows a bottom perspective view of the motivating assembly of an embodiment of the present invention having a track section spaced between the tensioning platforms; 
         FIG. 3  is a partially exploded, perspective bottom view of a motivating assembly according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  shows a top perspective view of a motivating subassembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of a secondary motor assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5B  is an exploded perspective view of a secondary motor assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6A  is an elevated end view of the outer portion of the track assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6B  is an elevated side view of the outer portion of the track assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross section view of an extruded plastic insert/chain carrying portion of the track according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view of the downwardly bending portion of an embodiment of the track of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a downwardly bending portion of the track assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 10A and 10B  are opposing side views of the downwardly bending portion of an embodiment of the track of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is an elevated side view of an elongated bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is an exploded view of a curved end portion of the track according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is an assembled perspective view of a curved end portion of the track according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  shows a perspective view of a portion of the track layout shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 15  is an enlarged view of the portion of the track layout shown in  FIG. 14  from a different view point; 
         FIG. 16  is a rear perspective view of a portion of the rack layout shown in  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a curved chain carrying portion of the chain-carrying portion according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 17A  is a top view of a curved chain carrying portion of the chain-carrying portion according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 17B  is a bottom view of a curved chain carrying portion of the chain-carrying portion according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 18A-18B  are a perspective view and a top view of the curved bracket support, which engages the curved chain carrying portion of the track, respectfully; 
         FIG. 19  shows a drill aligning tool utilized to properly space the holes in the track assembly; 
         FIG. 20  is an end view of a removable hook according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a removable hook utilized to engage the chain riding within the track and the hanging horticulture/floriculture product therefrom; 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of another removable hook according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 23  is an elevated end view of the removable hook shown in  FIG. 22 ; 
         FIG. 24  is an elevated side view of the removable hook shown in  FIG. 22 ; 
         FIGS. 25-26  show the installation of the removable hook according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 27  is an elevated side view of a chain linking member according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 28  is a side elevation view of the chain linking member engaging the ends of two chains; 
         FIG. 29A  is an elevated end view of a chain-pulling device utilized to insert the chain within the chain-carrying portion of the track; 
         FIG. 29B  is an elevated side view of a chain-pulling device utilized to insert the chain within the chain-carrying portion of the track; 
         FIG. 29C  is perspective view of a chain-pulling device utilized to insert the chain within the chain-carrying portion of the track; and 
         FIG. 30  is a side elevated view of the watering and basket detection system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The horticulture/floriculture device/system according to an embodiment of the present invention preferably includes a track assembly  12 , a motivating assembly  14 , and a chain and hook system  16 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the horticulture/floriculture system allows for the motivation of a plurality of hanging horticulture/floriculture products, typically hanging baskets. Additionally, the present invention allows for a plurality of track loops  18  thereby facilitating a larger numbers of hanging baskets. Approximately three to five loops of track may be utilized. When using a single motor assembly, Applicants presently believe that a total travel distance of up to 450 meters and possibly higher may be achieved utilizing the device/system of the present invention. Typically the device has a travel distance of 380 meters, more typically a travel distance of 300 meters of track. For each additional motor assembly employed up to about 150 meters of additional travel distance may be achieved or added weight applied to the system. 
     Additionally, the use of the horticulture/floriculture system of the present invention enables greenhouse owners/operators to run track and therefore hang baskets in irregular shapes other than long loops such as L-shaped bends and other configurations to thereby maximize efficiencies of the greenhouse space. This allows for use of previous unused space within the greenhouse/facility. A plurality of irregular (not traditional elongated circular tracks) track assemblies can be utilized. The irregular shaped bends in the track can be any directional change other than the regular, two successive 90-degree turns and may travel different distances. For example,  FIG. 1A  shows one pattern of the system according to an embodiment of the present invention with substantially 180-degree turns and two locations (one in each system layout) where the system allows for the baskets to move closer to the ground for easy and safe removal or easy and safe installation of the hanging baskets by an average adult person standing on the floor who normally would not be able to hang the hanging baskets from the floor without a ladder or other extending device. The locations where the systems allow for ground level installation and removal of the hanging baskets are shown with an X in  FIG. 1A  (reference numeral  7 ) and graphically shown from a side angle view in  FIG. 1B . As noted, the second system shown in  FIG. 1A  (located above the first system) has a section that fills the previously unused portion of the greenhouse by making a series of different (irregular) turns in portion  8  shown in  FIG. 1A . 
     The motivating assembly  14  of an embodiment of the present invention (see  FIGS. 2-5 ) typically includes a primary motor assembly at least one motor  20  that engages a gear wheel  22 , which itself engages and moves the chain spaced within the track. A primary motor assembly according to an embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 2-4  while a secondary motor assembly that may be used in conjunction with the primary motor assembly is shown in  FIG. 5 . When a second motor assembly is used, the overall system can accommodate a significantly longer track. Typically, when two or more motor systems are utilized, the track can be up to an additional approximate 150 meters long or allows for additional weight to be added to the system (typically more or bigger hanging baskets). 
     The motor  20  engages the motor mounting platform  35  by engaging the motor mounting bracket  37 . The motor mounting bracket  37  is typically substantially diamond-shaped with an aperture  39 . The motor mounting bracket  37  typically has rounded edges. The aperture  39  is typically circular. The motor mounting bracket  37  typically has a plurality of spaced-apart fastener receiving apertures that typically receive nut and bolt fasteners to engage the motor  20  and the first bearing assembly  41 . The first bearing assembly  41  typically engages the motor mounting platform with nut and bolt fasteners. The drive shaft collar  45  of the motor engages the gear wheel  22  typically via nut and bolt fasteners. The drive shaft  43  also typically engages the drive shaft collar  45  via a fastener, typically a nut and bolt fastener system. The gear wheel  22  is typically shielded on the bottom by a generally U-shaped guard bracket  24  with guard bracket flanges  26  that engage to support rods  28 . A second bearing assembly  47  engages the guard bracket  24  (typically using nut and bolt fasteners) and matingly engages the collar  45 . The second bearing assembly and the first bearing assembly may be mounted to the exterior (as shown in  FIG. 3 ) or interior facing surfaces of the guard bracket  24  and the motor mounting platform. The primary motor assembly  19  and secondary motor assembly (see  FIGS. 5A-5B ) as well as typically any other such assemblies typically contain a chain guide/tensioning assembly  65  that contains two bearing assemblies  67  above and below a spacer  69  that contains a channel  71  for receiving the chain and providing guidance and/or tension to the chain as it proceeds with engagement with the gear wheel  22  thereby keeping the chain in operable connection with the gear wheel  22 . 
     The support rods  28  are engaged to a ceiling truss support  30  typically via U-shaped bolts and the steel profile engagement bracket  34 . The support rods are reinforced by support rod receiving tubes  49  that are engaged to the motor mounting bracket, the stationary platform, and the tensioning platform via nuts and bolts or a weld. The support rod receiving tubes are typically substantially square such that the circular tubes matingly engage with the support rod receiving tubes and thereby structurally support the tubes and prevent torsional forces from damaging the support rods when the system is operational. One or more treaded frictional force applying tightening screw(s)/bolt(s)  51  may be used to apply force to the support rods from outside the support rod receiving tubes thereby helping retain them in position. The force from the tightening screw(s)/bolt(s)  51  can be removed to facilitate any necessary change to the width of the overall system along support rods  28 . 
     A stationary platform  36  facilitates maintaining the motor unit square. The stationary platform is typically affixed to the track assembly  12 . The motivating assembly also typically includes two generally mirrored left and right tensioning subassemblies  38 . Each contains a tensioner  40  affixed to a fixed point  43  as well as the tensioner platform  44 . The tensioning platforms are typically engaged to one or, if a wider stance is desired, more than one of the support rods  28 . Typically the engagement is via a nut and bolt arrangement. The tensioner  38  is typically a hydraulic cylinder, which keeps tension on the chain during use. The amount of tension is set based upon the length of the chain. Fine adjustment of the amount of tension may be made through the use of the threaded secondary rod  46 . Should the chain break, the tensioning subassemblies would move away from the fixed motor subassembly portion and limit switch  48  would shut down the system. Additionally, the location of the fixed point  42  may be adjusted along apertures  50  in the motor subassembly of the motivating assembly (see  FIG. 4 ). Nut and bolt arrangements  52  are typically utilized to retain the curved track elements in position. (See  FIG. 12 ). 
     The motor assembly of the present invention may also further contain a second motor assembly, an embodiment of which is generally shown in  FIG. 5 . This second motor assembly is primarily for adding additional driving force to the chain in the track and is especially useful when numerous non-traditional directional changes are made in the track or where the track has an especially long track length. The motor is typically positioned at a station some distance along the track away from the primary motor assembly, such as approximately the midway point of the track. The second motor assembly engages the truss assembly, which is typically near the top of a greenhouse or other facility and, like the primary motor assembly, contains a motor  20 ′ and a gear wheel  22 ′. The track is typically mounted to the motor support plate  55 , which itself engages the typically smaller sized, motor engaging plate  57 . The motor engaging plate engages and mounts the motor  20 ′. A bearing assembly  59  is positioned between the motor engaging plate and the motor support plate (see  FIG. 5A ). The motor engaging plate and the motor support plate are engaged with one another, typically by a nut and bolt type fastener system using a spacer for added structural support between the plates. A substantially U-shaped guard bracket  24 ′ is engaged to the opposing side of the motor support plate for shielding the gear wheel  22 ′. Typically, they are engaged with one another using nut and bolt fasteners. While not shown, as was the case for the primary motor assembly, the secondary (and subsequent) motor assemblies typically contain a chain guide/tensioning assembly that contains two bearing assemblies  67  above and below a spacer  69  that contains a channel  71  for receiving the chain and providing guidance and/or tension to the chain as it proceeds with engagement with the gear wheel  22 ′ thereby more reliably keeping the chain in operable connection with the gear wheel  22 ′. 
     The track assembly  12  typically includes a roll formed metal outer portion  54  as shown in  FIG. 5 . This outer portion of the track  54  typically has a narrower upper portion  56  and a lower portion  60  of the outer portion of the track. A chain-carrying portion  58  is received in the lower portion  60 . The chain-carrying portion  58  is typically an extruded colored plastic, most typically a green extruded plastic. The height of upper portion  56  is typically from about 44.5 mm to about 45.5 mm. The height of section  60  is typically from about 24.5 mm to about 25.5 mm and the width is typically from about 29.5 mm to about 30.5 mm. The chain-carrying portion  58  typically has a horizontal  106  and a vertical chain engaging sections  108  that allow for an interconnected chain to be positioned within the chain-carrying portion  58 . The chain is positioned within the chain carrying portions with the opening of the chain-carrying portion facing downward to allow the hook to travel. 
     As shown in FIGS.  1  and  8 - 11 , the track assembly  12  typically has at least one moveable section  7  that is capable of moving between a first position and a second position where the first position is at least substantially aligned and more typically completely aligned with the remaining portion of the track assembly proximate the moveable section and the second position allows for a user of the entire system  10  to install baskets on the hooks  70  while the user is standing safely on a level surface, typically the ground or floor of the building structure (greenhouse). The moveable section  7  is typically moved between the first and second position using a crank and pulley system operably connected to the moveable section in such a manner that a user can crank the pulley system and moves the moveable section  7  between various positions including the first and second positions. Optionally, this may be done by a motor assembly instead of a manual system the cord or chain connected to the moveable section lengthens allowing gravity to pull it downward into a bent position. 
     In order to allow for the movement of the moveable section  7 , the track assembly has a bending portion as shown in  FIGS. 8-11 . Bending track portion  110  is typically constructed using a plurality of interconnected elongated brackets  92 . The elongated bracket  92  typically utilizes two oval engagement points  94 . These engagement points are apertures for receiving threaded nuts and bolts. As shown in  FIGS. 8-10B , the elongated brackets are positioned on alternate sides of one another with square spacer brackets engaged to the center aperture  98  of the elongated bracket, which is typically circular. As shown primarily in  FIG. 8 , smaller sections of outer portions  54 A of the track having the same or approximately the same width as the square spacer brackets  96  are positioned and engaged via a nut and bolt assembly as shown. Additionally, it is noted that the oval engagement point within the generally circular shaped end section  100  engages the oval engagement point within the body of a second elongated bracket on an opposing side. This pattern is repeated until a sufficient or desired length of bend in the track is achieved. The longer the configuration and the greater the bend in the track. As shown in  FIG. 8  at each end of the bending portion a rectangular bracket  102  is affixed to the upper portion  56  of the adjoining track length. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 12-13 , similar rectangular brackets  102  are used to engage the track  56  to the turning track sections  112 . The turning track section  112  shown in  FIGS. 12-13  and  FIGS. 17A-18B  is a 90-degree turning section that is most typically used. The chain-carrying portion is typically a one-piece extruded section to avoid binding of the chain in the track and facilitate smooth movement of the chain. The upper, typically metal, bracket section  114  usually engages the curved chain carrying section, which is typically a 90-degree bend, using a nut and bolt system as shown in  FIGS. 12-13 . 
     An embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIGS. 14-16  is shown engaged to the truss system  118  in a structure such as a greenhouse. As shown in  FIGS. 14-16 , the track assembly  12  engages the truss system  118 . A truss assembly mounting bracket  120  can be engaged to the track  12  typically the upper portion of the outer portion of the track  54  and the track system engaged to the truss assembly as shown using a metal hook-like suspension rod  121  that fits within an aperture in the truss assembly mounting bracket and the other end is engaged to the truss system  118 . It is also contemplated that the track of the present invention will be welded or engaged directly to the structural support at the top of greenhouse such as a truss system. 
     The present invention also typically utilizes a drill aligning tool  73  to properly located holes in the track assembly when the track assembly segments are interconnected with one another. The drill alignment tool is placed over the top portion of the outer portion of the track  54 . Thereafter, a drill may be used with the drill bit passing through apertures  75  and drilling apertures in the upper portion of the track at properly spaced intervals for interconnecting track segments or for engaging the track with, for example, an elongated bracket  92  (see, for example, aperture configuration in  FIGS. 10A-B  at beginning and end of bending portion of the track). 
     The chain  21  may be inserted into the chain-carrying portion using a chain-pulling device (see  FIGS. 29A-C ) to pull the chain through the apparatus. The aperture within the chain is placed over pin  64 , which may be the end of a threaded bolt or similar device. Round, rubber, typically rotatable, stabilizing wheels  66  help ensure easy installment of the chain within the track. 
     Either before or after the chain is installed in the track, but typically after the chain is installed in the track, a hook  70  may be installed in the holes in the horizontal chain segments and ride therein around the track assembly when the chain is moved. The hook  70  typically has a configuration such as that described in  FIGS. 20-21  or  FIGS. 22-24 . The hook  70  has a main hook/hanging basket-receiving section  75  and a head section  77 . The head section has a cap  79 . The cap  79  is typically about 2 mm thick (the difference between the distance A and distance B in  FIG. 23 ). The width of the cap designated as the distance G on  FIG. 23  is typically about 9 mm. The distance B from the top of the main hook/hanging basket-receiving section is typically about 8.5 mm and the distance A and the distance C are typically about 10.5 mm and about 4 mm respectfully. The width F of the main hook/hanging basket-receiving section is typically about 5 mm and the width of the base of the cap designated by distance E is about 6.5 mm. The distance H of the cap is typically about 8.2 mm. The distance D ( FIG. 24 ) is typically about 5 mm. All of the dimensions about the hook  70  may vary by about 0.5 mm plus or minus such that the distance D, for example may vary from about 4.5 mm to about 5.5 mm. 
     To install a hook  70 , typically tension is released from the tensioning subassemblies and hooks appropriately spaced are inserted in the chain through a gap  68  between the motor subassembly and the tensioning subassembly. The end of the hook  70  is preferably shaped to tightly engage the chain while not protruding substantially above the top surface of the chain link. Typically the chain engagement end  72  of the hook  70  is integral with the remaining portion of the hook  70 . (See  FIGS. 20-24 ). As shown in  FIGS. 25-26 , the hook  70  is inserted with the end distal from the cap into the aperture in the horizontal, unitary chain link of the chain and pulled through such that the cap is seated within the horizontal, unitary chain link of the chain. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 27 and 28 , individual unitary chain links may be adjoined using a chain-linking member  74 , which has a chain link-receiving channel and a chain retaining upper portion  78 , which is generally oblong shaped. Additionally, the downwardly extending legs  80  of the chain-linking member  74  typically have curved portions  82  for receiving a single chain link or similar engagement device  84 , which facilitates retention of the chain-linking member in position. 
     As discussed generally above, one or more ends of track loops  18  may be optionally constructed to move from a position level with the rest of the track to a declined angle to facilitate engagement of the baskets or other horticulture/floriculture product on the hooks. Angle  86  (see  FIGS. 1A-1C ) between the level track and the declined track depends on the distance between the baskets and the distance between the hinge point  88  and the end point of the loop  90 . The angle  86  may be up to 45° but more typically is up to 30° and most typically is up to about 20°. Typically the end of the loop  90  is engaged to a crank system that, when the user operates the crank allows the end of the loop portion of the track to decline or raises the end loop of the track. The configuration typically utilized is similar to a boat winch. 
     Additionally, the present system may use an automated watering system (See  FIG. 30 ). Applicants have discovered that if a watering system  83  positioned within approximately six (6) inches of the top surface of the plastic, soil retaining portion of a hanging basket is utilized, the watering system can effectively water hanging baskets traveling along the track from a single location. This allows the baskets to be watered even though they are moved to different locations within the greenhouse or building structure along the track. Additionally, water may be added based upon a sensing system that evaluates the weight of a basket at a certain location on the track. When the basket is too light, water is added until a certain weight measurement is achieved by the sensor system. The sensor system may be coupled to a computer system to further automate the watering process. Additionally, instead of or in addition to, a vision sensor system may be utilized to determine when a basket is in position for watering and watered at predetermined or user determined time intervals. 
     In one embodiment of the vision sensor system shown in  FIG. 30 , optical sensors  81  and  81 A work in conjunction with one another to determine if a hanging basket is present and thereby allow for predetermined time interval watering of the hanging baskets. The sensors  81 A determine if a hanging basket is present at predetermined heights. Obviously, fewer or more sensors can be used if more or less levels of hanging baskets are used. Typically, two levels of hanging baskets are present and therefore two sensors are employed. Sensor  81  visual determines if a hook is present as well such that watering is not done when a hook is not present and therefore a basket is not present. When the basket is too light, water is added until a certain weight measurement is achieved by the sensor system. The sensor system may be coupled to a computer system to further automate the watering process. Additionally, instead of or in addition to, a vision sensor may be utilized to determine when a basket is in position for watering and watered at predetermined or user determined time intervals. The vision sensor system may be coupled to a computer system to further automate the watering process and automate the watering times based upon user input. 
     It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.