Patent Publication Number: US-2022221328-A1

Title: Grow tower weight measurement with shared load cell

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/150,877, filed 18 Feb. 2021, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/327,479, filed 21 May 2021, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/028,960, filed 22 May 2020, all of which are incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to indoor agriculture systems. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to metrology systems for grow tower weight measurement. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     Conventional agricultural practices have evolved rapidly over the twentieth century to what can now be considered a fast-moving high-tech industry. Global food shortages, climate change, a societal changes instigated a transition from manually implemented agriculture techniques toward advanced farming methods, such as mechanized and automated farming. While conventional agricultural practices often limit a farmer to one growing season, indoor farming can eliminate environmental constraints and increase crop production. Controlled environment agriculture, or indoor farming, often implements data processing technologies and many advances, such as crop yield and the like, can be gained by utilizing such technologies. 
     However, commercial scale controlled environment agriculture is still in its relative infancy when compared to conventional agricultural practices. Although there exists great potential for data collection and analysis of various aspects of controlled environment agriculture, such technologies are not well developed. For example, the ability to efficiently and accurately measure crop yields remains difficult even within controlled environment agriculture systems. 
     Accordingly, what is needed in the art are improved metrology apparatus and processes for controlled environment agriculture systems. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the disclosure provide an arrangement for weighing one or more plant support structures (e.g., towers) that are conveyed in a direction of travel along a conveyance line (e.g., grow line). According to embodiments of the disclosure, the arrangement includes a load bar comprising one or more connections to couple the load bar to a carrier, wherein
         the carrier is moveable along the conveyance line,   the load bar includes a structure for receiving one or more ends of one or more plant support structure hooks, and for exerting a lateral force on the one or more hooks as the load bar moves in the direction of travel;   a load cell includes a leading portion that is lower in height than a weighing portion of the load cell,   each of the one or more hooks includes a moveable element for traveling onto the load cell so that the hook raises as it travels onto the load cell, and   the relationship of the height of the weighing portion and the length of the hook end are arranged such that, as the hook end is raised, it remains engaged with the load bar so that the load bar continues to exert a lateral force on the hook as the load bar moves in the direction of travel.       

     According to embodiments of the disclosure, the arrangement comprises the load bar, the carrier, and the load cell. According to embodiments of the disclosure, the load cell is fixed in position. According to embodiments of the disclosure, the weight imposed on the load cell is measured when the moveable element rests on the weighing portion. According to embodiments of the disclosure, the structure for receiving one of more hook ends includes one or more openings for receiving the hook ends. According to embodiments of the disclosure, the moveable element comprises one or more rollers, one or more wheels, a bearing surface, or one or more gears. According to embodiments of the disclosure, the carrier comprises one or more rollers, one or more wheels, a bearing surface, or one or more gears. 
     Embodiments of the disclosure provide a method for weighing one or more plant support structures (e.g., towers) that are conveyed in a direction of travel along a conveyance line. According to embodiments of the disclosure, the method comprises:
         a. moving a load bar in the direction of travel along the conveyance line and   b. the load bar exerting a lateral force on one or more plant support structure hooks as the load bar moves in the direction of travel,   c. wherein a first hook of the one or more hooks raises as it travels onto a load cell, and remains engaged with the load bar so that the load bar continues to exert a lateral force on the first hook as the load bar moves in the direction of travel.       

     According to embodiments of the disclosure, the load cell is fixed in position. According to embodiments of the disclosure, the weight imposed on the load cell is measured when a portion of the hook rests on the load cell. According to embodiments of the disclosure, the load bar receives one or more ends of one or more hooks of one or more plant support structures. 
     Other Embodiments 
     In one embodiment, a hook for a grow tower apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a first hook portion having a groove engaging member extending from the first hook portion, a second hook portion having a flange extending from the second hook portion, and a load cell coupled between the first hook portion and the second hook portion. The load cell includes a first arm coupled to the first hook portion by a first bracket and a second arm coupled to the second hook portion by a second bracket. 
     In another embodiment, a hook for a grow tower apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a body having a flange extending therefrom, a first extension of the body extending opposite the flange, a second extension of the body extending laterally from the first extension of the body, a top extending in a direction substantially normal to the second extension of the body, a load cell coupled to the tip, and a groove engaging member coupled to the load cell. 
     In another embodiment, a grow line apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a body having a first arm extending along a centerline of the body, a second arm of the body extending opposite the first arm, a base member extending laterally from the second arm and across the centerline of the body, and a lip extending from the base member toward the first arm. The lip, the base member, and the second arm define a groove and a load cell is disposed in the groove. 
     In another embodiment, a grow tower weight measurement apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a grow tower having a first end and a second end, a plurality of grow sites disposed in the grow tower between the first end and the second end, and a bracket disposed opposite the first end of the grow tower. The bracket is coupled to a superstructure, a first connecting member extends form the first end of the grow tower, a second connecting member extends form the bracket, and a load cell is disposed between the first connecting member and the second connecting member. 
     In another embodiment, a grow tower weight measurement apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a grow tower having a first end and a second end, a plurality of grow sites disposed in the grow tower between the first end and the second end, and a guide member extending from the first end of the grow tower. The guide member is adapted to interface with a grow line structure, a load cell is coupled to the second end of the grow tower, an axle is coupled to the load cell, and one or more wheels are coupled to the axle. 
     In another embodiment, a grow tower weight measurement apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a grow tower having a first end and a second end, a plurality of grow sites disposed in the grow tower between the first end and the second end, a guide member extending from the first end of the grow tower and the guide member is adapted to interface with a grow line structure, and a carriage assembly coupled to the second end of the grow tower. The carriage assembly includes a frame, an extension coupled to the frame, a plurality of axles coupled to the extension, and one or more wheels coupled to each axle. The apparatus also includes a load cell and the load cell is coupled to the frame at a first end of the load cell and the load cell is coupled to the second end of the grow tower at a second end of the load cell. 
     In another embodiment, a grow tower weight measurement apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a grow tower having a first end and a second end, a plurality of grow sites disposed in the grow tower between the first end and the second end, and a carriage assembly coupled to the first end of the grow tower. The carriage assembly includes a frame, an extension coupled to the frame, a plurality of axles coupled to the extension, and one or more wheels coupled to each axle. The apparatus also includes a load cell and the load cell is coupled to the frame at a first end of the load cell and the load cell is coupled to the second end of the grow tower at a second end of the load cell. 
     In another embodiment, a grow line weight measurement apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a grow line extending between a first end and a second end, one or more grow towers coupled to a bottom of the grow line by one or more hooks, and a plurality of load cells coupled between a top of the grow line and a superstructure. 
     In another embodiment, a grow line weight measurement apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a grow line extending between a first end and a second end, one or more grow towers coupled to a bottom of the grow line by one or more hooks, and a plurality of load cells coupled between the bottom of the grow line and a superstructure. 
     In another embodiment, a grow line weight measurement apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a grow line extending between a first end and a second end, one or more grow towers coupled to a bottom of the grow line by one or more hooks, a first load cell coupled between the bottom of the grow line and a superstructure, and a second load cell coupled between a top of the grow line and the superstructure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only exemplary embodiments and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, and may admit to other equally effective embodiments. 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates a schematic perspective view of a controlled environment agriculture system according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates a perspective view of a grow tower according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a grow line with grow towers according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of a hook coupled to a grow line according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a grow line according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a side view of a hook with a load cell according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of a hook with a load cell according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a side view of a hook with a load cell of  FIG. 6  with a torsion reduction member according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a side view of a hook with a load cell according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 9A  illustrates a side view of a grow tower weight measurement system according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 9B  illustrates an end side view of a grow tower weight measurement system according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 9C  illustrates a side view of a grow tower weight measurement system according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 9D  illustrates a side view of a grow tower weight measurement system according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 10A  illustrates a side view of a grow line weight measurement system according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 10B  illustrates a side view of a grow line weight measurement system according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 10C  illustrates a side view of a grow line weight measurement system according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 11A-11D  are a sequence of drawings illustrating tower weighing according to embodiments of the disclosure. FIG.  11 A 1  is a magnified view of a tower hook tip, according to embodiments of the disclosure. FIG.  11 B 1  is a magnified view of a load cell, according to embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 11E  shows conveyance of the towers according to embodiments of the disclosure. FIG.  11 E 1  is a magnified view of a trolley, according to embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates an example of a computer system that may be used to execute instructions stored in a non-transitory computer readable medium (e.g., memory) in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. It is contemplated that elements and features of one embodiment may be beneficially incorporated in other embodiments without further recitation. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for weight measurement of grow towers and/or grow lines with grow towers disposed thereon. In various embodiments, compression type, tension type, and/or beam type load cells are be positioned at various locations within the apparatus to facilitate weight measurement. In one embodiment, a hook, which couples a grow tower to a grow line, includes a tension type load cell disposed between two portions of the hook. The load cell measures force applied thereto which can provide or be translated into a weight measurement. 
       FIG. 1A  illustrates a schematic perspective view of a controlled environment agriculture system  100 . The system  100  is configured for high-density growth and crop yield and includes an environmentally controlled growing chamber  120  and a vertical tower conveyance system  110  disposed within the growing chamber  120 . The conveyance system  110  is operable to convey grow towers  150 , described in greater detail with respect to  FIG. 1B , with crops/plants therein through the growing chamber  120 . The crops or plants grown within the system  100  exhibit gravitropic, geotropic, and/or phototropic growth characteristics. The crops or plants vary considerably and include, but are not limited to, leaf vegetables, fruiting vegetables, flowering crops, fruits, and tubers, among others. The system  100  is configured to grow a single crop or plant type at a time or grow multiple crop or plant types concurrently. 
     The system  100  also includes additional conveyance systems, such as a central processing system  130 , for moving the grow towers in a circuit or pathway within the system  100  throughout the crop or plant growth cycle. The central processing system  130  includes one or more conveyance mechanisms for directing grow towers to stations for loading plant plugs into, and harvesting crops from, the grow towers. For example, the central processing system  130  includes a harvester station  108 , a washing station,  112 , and a transplanter station  114 . The harvester station  108  removes crops from the grow towers and deposits harvested crops into food-safe containers which are then conveyed to post-harvest facilities (e.g. preparation, washing, packaging, storage, etc.). 
     In the illustrated embodiment, various stations of the central processing system  130  operate on grow towers disposed in a horizontal orientation. A pick-up station  118 , and associated control logic, includes a robot operable to releasably grasp a grow tower oriented horizontally from a loading location, rotate the grow tower into a vertical orientation, and attach the grow tower to a transfer station for insertion into a selected grow line  102  of the growing chamber  120 . At the other end of the growing chamber  120 , a laydown station  116 , and associated control logic, is operable to releasably grasp and move a vertically oriented grow tower from a buffer region, rotate the grow tower to a horizontal orientation, and position the grow tower on a conveyance system for loading into the harvester station  108 . The stations  118 ,  116  each include a robotic arm, such as a six-degree of freedom robotic arm with end effectors for grasping the grow towers. 
     The growing chamber  120  also includes automated loading and unloading mechanisms for inserting grow towers into selected grow lines  102  and unloading grow towers from the grow lines  102 . In one implementation, a load transfer conveyance mechanism  104  includes a powered and free conveyor system that conveys carriages loaded with grow towers from the pick-up station  118  to a selected grow line  102 . The load transfer conveyance mechanism  104  also includes one or more actuators that push the grow towers onto a grow line  102 . Similarly, an unload transfer conveyance mechanism  106  includes one or more actuators that push or pull the grow towers from the grow lines  102  into a carriage of another powered or free conveyor mechanism, which conveys the carriages from the grow line  102  to the laydown station  116 . 
     The circuit or pathway includes a staging area for loading the grow towers into and out of the conveyance system  110 . The conveyance system  110  within the growing chamber  120  is configured to suspend or otherwise support and translate one or more grow towers along a plurality of grow lines  102 . Each grow tower is configured to contain plant growth media that supports a root structure of at least one crop or plant growing therein. The grow towers releasably attach to the grow lines  102  in a substantially vertical orientation and move along the grow lines  102  during a growth phase of the plant. The conveyance system  110  and central processing system  130  are arranged in a production circuit under the control of one or more computing and/or control systems. 
     The growing chamber  120  includes light emitting sources positioned at various locations along and between the grow lines  102  of the conveyance system  110 . The light emitting sources can be positioned laterally relative to the grow towers in the grow lines  102  and configured to emit light toward faces of the grow towers that include openings from which the plants grow. In one example, the light emitting sources are light emitting diodes (LED). The light emitting sources are a plurality of LEDs arranged in a bar-like structure which is positioned in a vertical orientation to emit light laterally along an entire length of the grow tower. Multiple LED light bar structures are arranged in the growing chamber  120  along and between the grow lines  102 . Other lighting configurations are also contemplated. For example, the LED light bar structures may be arranged horizontally between the grow lines  102 . In certain embodiments, the LED light bar structures are water-cooled. 
     The growing chamber  120  also includes a nutrient supply system configured to supply an aqueous crop nutrient solution to the crops disposed in the grow towers as the grow towers translate through the growing chamber  120 . As discussed in greater detail hereinafter, the nutrient supply system provides an aqueous crop nutrient solution to a top of the grow towers and gravity causes the nutrient solution to travel down the vertically-oriented grow towers to the crops disposed along a length of the grow towers. 
     The growing chamber  120  also includes an airflow source which is configured to direct airflow in a direction lateral to growth of the crops and through an under-canopy of each plant to disturb a boundary layer of the under-canopy of the plant. In another implementation, airflow is directed from the top of the canopy or orthogonal to the direction of plant growth. The growing chamber  120  also includes a control system and associated sensors for regulating at least one growing condition, such as air temperature, airflow velocity, relative air humidity, and ambient carbon dioxide gas content. The control system further includes sub-systems such as HVAC units, chillers, fans, and associated ducting and air handling apparatus. 
     The grow towers include various identifying attributes, such as bar codes or radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, to enable sensing and location detection of each grow tower. The system  100  includes corresponding sensors and programming logic for tracking the grow towers during various stages of the crop production cycle and for controlling one or more conditions of the growth environment. The operation of the controls systems and the length of time the grow towers remain in the growth environment can vary depending on a variety of factors, such as crop type, desired crop maturity, and the like. 
     In operation, grow towers, with newly transplanted crops or seedlings disposed therein, are transferred from the central processing system  130  into the conveyance system  110 . The conveyance system  110  moves the grow towers to predefined positions along respective grow lines  102  within the growing chamber  120  in a controlled manner. Within the growing chamber  120 , the crops disposed in the grow towers are exposed to the controlled conditions of the growth environments, such as light, temperature, humidity, airflow, nutrient supply, etc. The control systems of the controlled environment agriculture system  100  are capable of automated adjustments to the growth environment to improve growing conditions and improve various crop attributes, such as crop yields, crop visual appeal, and crop nutrient content. When the crops are ready for harvesting, the grow towers are transferred from the conveyance system  110  to the central processing system  130  for harvesting and other processing operations. 
       FIG. 1B  illustrates a perspective view of a grow tower  150  according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The grow tower  150  includes sites for individual plants to grow within the system  100 . As illustrated, a hook  152  is coupled to an end  156  of the grow tower  150 . In one embodiment, the hook  152  is coupled to a top of the grow tower  150  when the end  156  is oriented vertically. The hook  152  enables the grow tower  150  to be supported by the grow lines  102  when the grow tower  150  is inserted into the conveyance system  110 . The grow tower  150  has a substantially quadrilateral profile, such as rectangular or square, and a length of the grow tower  150  is greater than about 3 meters, such as between about 5 meters and about 15 meters. 
     The grow tower  150  includes a plurality of grow sites  154  distributed along a face  158  of the grow tower  150 . Although not illustrated, it is contemplated that grow sites  154  may also be distributed along faces of the grow tower  150  other than the face  158 . In operation, the transplanter station  114  transplants seedlings into empty grow sites  154  of the grow towers  150  where the seedlings remain and mature until the plant is ready for harvesting. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the grow line  102  with the grow towers  150  according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As illustrated, a plurality of the grow towers  150  are arranged in parallel along the grow line  102 . The grow line  102  supports the plurality of grow towers  150  and the grow line  102  is supported by a bracket  202  which is coupled to a superstructure, such as a frame or a facility structure. The hooks  152 , which include a load cell  200 , couple the grow tower  150  to the grow line  102  and support the grow towers  150  in a vertical orientation as the grow towers  150  are translated along the grow line  102 . The load cell  200  enables weight measurement of the grow towers  150 . A conveyance mechanism  204  engages the hooks  152  to enable movement of the grow towers  150  along the grow line  102 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of the hook  152  coupled to the grow line  102  according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The system  100  utilizes the conveyance mechanism  204  to move the grow towers  150  along the grow line  102 . In one example, the conveyance mechanism  204  is a reciprocating cam apparatus. A cam  302  physically pushes the grow towers  150  along the grow line  102 . The cam  302  is attached to a cam channel  304  and rotates about one axis. On a forward stroke, rotation is limited by a top of the cam channel  304 , causing the cam  302  to push the hook  152 , and thus, the grow towers  150  forward. On the reverse or back stroke, the rotation is unconstrained, thus enabling the cam  302  to ratchet over the top of the next hook  152  in sequence along the grow line  102 . In operation, the cam  302  strokes a distance forward and backward but the grow towers  150  progress forward along the grow line  102 . 
     An irrigation line  306  is attached to the grow line  102  to supply an aqueous nutrient solution to crops disposed in the grow towers  150  as the grow towers  150  translate through the conveyance system  110 . In one embodiment, the irrigation line  306  is a pressurized line with spaced-apart apertures, which includes a nozzle of other fluid distribution apparatus, disposed at expected location of the grow towers  150  as they grow towers  150  advance along the grow line  102  with each movement cycle actuated by the conveyance mechanism  204 . For example, the irrigation line  306  has a pipe-like shape and is fabricated from a polymeric material, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In one embodiment, the irrigation line  306  spans the entire length of the grow line  102 . Alternatively, multiple irrigation lines  306  may be disposed along a length of the grow line  306 . For example, to ensure adequate pressure across the irrigation line  306 , a manifold is disposed between sections of the irrigation line  306  to reduce a pressure drop within the irrigation line  306  and achieve a substantially constant flow rate across the length of the irrigation line  306 . 
     The hook  152  include a funnel structure  308  which collects the aqueous nutrient solution from the irrigation line  306  and distributes the aqueous nutrient solution to crops disposed in the grow sites  154  of the grow towers  150 . In one embodiment, the funnel structure  308  is formed integrally with the hook  152 . A plurality of passageways within the funnel structure  308  distribute the aqueous nutrient solution to the grow sites  154  of the grow towers  150 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the grow line  102  according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In one embodiment, the grow line  102  is fabricated from a metallic material, such as aluminum or the like. The grow line  102  is fabricated by an extrusion process or machined. The grow line  102  includes a body  400  having a first portion  410  and a second portion  420 . In one embodiment, the first portion  410  is disposed above the second portion  420  when the grow line  102  is disposed in the conveyance system  110 . 
     The first portion  410  includes a T-shaped extension  422  which includes a first arm  418  and a laterally extending cap  416  coupled to the first arm  418 . The cap  416  of the T-shaped extension  422  is coupled to the bracket  202  illustrated in  FIG. 2 . A downward-facing slot  404  is also formed in the first portion  410  and the conveyance mechanism  204  is coupled to the grow line  102  via the slot  404 . The second portion  420  includes a second arm  406  and a base member  408  having a groove  402  formed therein. A lip  412  extends from the base member  408  toward the slot  404  and further defines the groove  402 . The second arm  406  extends from a portion of the body  400  radially outward of the slot  404  and extends in a direction opposite of the first arm  422 . As illustrated, the second arm  406  extends from an outermost portion of the body  400  and is angled such that the groove  402  of the base member  408  is substantially aligned with the first arm  418  along a centerline CL. The second arm  406  is oriented such that an opening  414  is defined by the second arm  406  and base member  408 , the lip  412 , and at least a portion of the first portion  410  that includes the slot  404 . The opening  414  is sized to receive the hook  152  therein when the grow towers  150  are loaded onto the grow line  102 . 
     In one embodiment, the grow line  102  includes a load cell  430  disposed in the groove  402  of the base member  408 . A plurality of load cells  430  are disposed along a length of the grow line  102 . In one example, a plurality of load cells  430  is positioned along the grow line  102  with a spacing between adjacent load cells  430  of about 3 meters or less, such as about 1 meter or less. The load cells  430  are discretely positioned along the grow line  102  to provide measurement sites of the grow towers  150  as the grow towers  150  traverse the grow line  102 . In another embodiment, the load cells  430  are integrated or otherwise disposed in the lip  412 . In this embodiment, the hook  152  rests on the lip  412  and the load cells  430  can detect force applied to the lip  412 . 
     In operation, the grow towers  150 , which are coupled to the grow line  102  via the hook  152 , exert force on the hook  152  as the hook rides along and within the groove  402  of the grow line  102 . When the hook  152  is positioned on the load cell  430 , the load cell  430  captures a load applied to the load cell  430  and is capable of determining the weight of the grow towers  150 . The load cells  430  may be considered a force transducer in that force, such as tension, compression, pressure, or torque applied to the load cell  430  is detected and translated, modulated, or otherwise formed into an electrical signal that can be measured. As force applied to the load cell  430  increases, the electrical signal changes proportionally, thus enabling measurement of the force, or weight, applied to the load cell  430 . In one embodiment, the load cell  430  is a compression type load cell. Examples of compression type load cells include, but are not limited to, pancake type load cell, a canister type load cell, and an S-type load cell, among others. 
     The load cell  430  may also be a hydraulic, pneumatic, piezoelectric, or strain gauge type load cell. In one embodiment, the load cell  430  includes a strain gauge. In this embodiment, the load cell  430  includes a metallic body which exhibits minimal elasticity which can be considered a spring element. As force is exerted on the metallic body, the spring element of the body is deformed. A strain gauge, which may be a wire or foil, typically coupled to the body by a flexible backing material, either elongates, compresses, or otherwise deforms in response to deformation of the spring element. In one embodiment, the strain gauge is a wheatstone bridge or the like. The strain gauge measures changes in the force via a change in electrical resistance which can then be standardized as a weight, for example, a weight of the grow towers  150 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a side view of the hook  150  with the load cell  200  according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The hook  152  includes a first portion  502  and a second portion  504  coupled to the load cell  200 . In the illustrated embodiment, the load cell  200  is an S-type tension load cell which includes a strain gauge or the like for measuring weight. In other embodiments, the load cell  200  is a tension link type load cell, a canister type tension load cell, or a pancake type tension load cell. The load cell  200  includes a body  520  which includes a first arm  522  and a second arm  524  extending therefrom. The first arm  522  and the second arm  524  are oriented opposite one another and couple to the first portion  502  and the second portion  504  of the hook  152 , respectively. A first bracket  510  couples the first arm  522  to the first portion  502  of the hook  152  via a plurality of fasteners  514 . Similarly, a second bracket  512  couples the second arm  524  to the second portion  504  of the hook  152  via a plurality of fasteners  516 . The fasteners  514 ,  516  may be bolts, screws, or other suitable fastening apparatus. 
     The first portion  502  of the hook  152  further includes a groove-engaging member  506 . In operation, the groove-engaging member  506  is disposed within the groove  402  of the grow line  102  illustrated in  FIG. 4 . The groove-engaging member  506  is an extension of the first portion  502  sized to fit within and traverse along the groove  402 . In one embodiment, the groove-engaging member  506 , or at least the portion of the groove-engaging member  506  which contacts the groove  402 , is coated with a material having a low coefficient of friction. For example, the groove-engaging member  506  is coated with polytetrafluoroethylene or the like. 
     The second portion  504  of the hook  152  includes a flange  508  which extends from the second portion  504  below the funnel structure  308 . Outlets and passageways (not shown) of the funnel structure  308  are oriented substantially adjacent to and at opposing sides of the flange  508 . The flange  508  registers with the grow tower  150  to substantially center the hook  152  and provide additional sites to couple or otherwise attach the hook  152  to the grow tower  150 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of the hook  152  with the load cell  200  according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The hook  152  and load cell  200  of  FIG. 6  are similar to the hook  152  of  FIG. 5  but the load cell  200  of  FIG. 6  is a canister, pancake, or tension link type tension load cell instead of an S-type load cell. Thus, it is contemplated that different types of load cells may be implemented within the hook  152  to provide for weight measurement of grow towers  150  suspended and supported by the hook  152  on the grow line  102 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a side view of the hook  152  with the load cell  200  of  FIG. 6  with a torsion reduction member  700  according to embodiments of the disclosure. In operation, the load cell  200  is configured to measure a weight of a grow tower  150  coupled to the hook  152  which couples the grow tower  150  to the grow line  102 . Because the grow towers  150  are suspended by the grow line  102  and translate laterally along the grow line  102 , torsional forces are occasionally applied to the hook  152 . For example, when the hook  152  is contacted by the conveyance mechanism  104  to translate the grow tower  150  along the grow line  102 , and because the grow tower  150  is suspended, the grow tower  150  may swing, rotate, or otherwise move in a manner which induces torsion of the hook  152 , and thus the load cell  200 . The influence of tension on the load cell  200  can potentially adversely affect the accuracy of the load cell weight measurement of the grow tower  105 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the hook  152  includes a torsion reduction member  700 . The torsion reduction member  700  includes a first arm  702  and a second arm  704  coupled together by a first hinge  706 . The first arm  702  is coupled to the first portion  502  of the hook  152  by a second hinge  705  and the second arm  704  is coupled to the second portion  504  of the hook  152  by a third hinge  707 . The hinges  705 ,  706 ,  707  enable movement of the first portion  502  and second portion  504  in a direction detectable by the load cell  200  but substantially reduce or prevent torsional or rotational movement of the first portion  502  and second portion  504  relative to one another. The first arm  702  and second arm  704  exhibit any suitable morphology, such as a rod, shaft, plate, or the like. It is also contemplated that the first arm  702  and second arm  704  may be multiple arms, rods, shafts, plates, or the like. In one embodiment, the first arm  702  and the second arm  704  are formed from a polymeric material similar to the material utilized to fabricate the hook  152 . Alternatively, the first arm  702  and the second arm  704  are formed from a metallic material. 
     The hinge  706 , which couples the first arm  702  and the second arm  704 , enables unidirectional or linear movement of the arms  702 ,  704  when force is applied to the load cell  200 , but prevents or substantially reduces torsional force exerted on the load cell  200 . The hinge  706  may be a butt hinge, a barrel hinge, a piano hinge, a pivot hinge, or a spring hinge or the like. By coupling the first portion  502  and the second portion  504  with the torsion reduction member  700 , twisting of the hook  152  about the load cell  200  can be reduced or eliminated which enabled improved force measurement by the load cell  200 , and thus, weight measurement of the grow towers  150 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a side view of the hook  152  with the load cell  200  according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The hook  152  includes a unitary body  802 , the groove-engaging member  506 , and the load cell  200  disposed between the body  802  and the groove-engaging member  506 . A first extension  808  of the body  802  extends opposite the flange  508  and a second extension  804  of the body extends laterally from the first extension  808 . The second extension  804  extends from the first extension and terminates at a tip  806 . The tip  806  is positioned laterally inward from the first extension  808  and the tip  806  is substantially vertically aligned with the flange  508 . 
     The load cell  200  is coupled to and positioned below the tip  806 . The groove-engaging member  506  is coupled to the load cell  200  such that the groove-engaging member  506 , the load cell  200 , and tip  806  are substantially vertically aligned. In one embodiment, the load cell  200  is a compression type load cell. For example, the load cell  200  may be a pancake type load cell, a canister type load cell, and an S-type load cell, among others. In operation, the load cell  200 , when the groove-engaging member  506  is disposed in the groove  402  of the grow line  102 , detects compression force applied to the load cell  200 . 
       FIG. 9A  illustrates a side view of a grow tower weight measurement system  901  according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In operation, it may be desirable to measure the weight of a single grow tower  150  when the grow tower  150  is not disposed within the conveyance system  110 . In the illustrated embodiment, a stationary, or non-conveyed grow tower  150 , is coupled to a structural member such as the bracket  202 . The bracket  202  is any suitable structural member capable of supporting the weight of the grow tower  150 . 
     The grow tower  150  has a first end  902 , which corresponds to the end  156  illustrated in  FIG. 1B , and a second end  904  opposite the first end  902 . In one embodiment, the first end  902  is a top end of the grow tower  150  and the second end  904  is the bottom end of the grow tower  150 . The load cell  200  is disposed between a plurality of connecting members  906 ,  908 . In one embodiment, the load cell  200  is a tension type load cell, such as, but not limited to, an S-type tension load cell, a tension link type load cell, a canister type load cell, or a pancake type load cell. The load cell  200  of the illustrated embodiment, like other embodiments described herein, may include a strain gauge or the like for measuring force applied to the load cell  200 . 
     A first connecting member  908  is disposed between the bracket  202  and the load cell  200  and a second connecting member  906  is disposed between the load cell  200  and the first end  902  of the grow tower  150 . The connecting members  906 ,  908  are any suitable structural member suitable for coupling the grow tower  150  to the load cell  200  and the load cell  200  to the bracket  202 . For example, the connecting members  906 ,  908  may be cables, rods, shafts, or other suitable apparatus. Thus, the force (weight) of the grow tower  150  is applied to the load cell  200  and the load cell  200  can be utilized to measure the weight of the grow tower  150 . 
       FIG. 9B  illustrates an end side view of a grow tower weight measurement system  903  according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the load cell  200  is coupled to the second end  904  of the grow tower  150 . The load cell  200  is a compression type load cell. For example, the load cell  200  may include, but is not limited to, pancake type load cells, a canister type load cells, and S-type load cells, among others. In this embodiment, the weight of the grow tower  150  is measured when the grow tower  150  is stationary or when the grow tower  150  is disposed within the conveyance system  110 . In embodiments where the grow tower  150  is stationary, the load cell  200  supports the weight of the grow tower  150  and measures the force applied thereto. 
     In embodiments where the grow tower  150  is disposed in the conveyance system  110 , the load cell  200  is coupled to one or more wheels  912  by an axle  910 . As the grow tower  150  translates along the grow line  102 , the weight of the grow tower  150  is supported by the assembly of wheels  912  and the axle  910 . Because the axle extends through, supports, or is otherwise coupled to the load cell  200 , the grow tower  150  may translate along the grow line  102  while being weighed by the load cell  200  via a compression of the load cell  200 . A guide member  918  is coupled to the first end  902  and extend therefrom. In one embodiment, the guide member  918  is similar to the hook  152 . However, the guide member  918  does not suspend or otherwise support the weight of the grow tower  150  on the grow line  102 . Rather, the guide member  918  functions to guide or align the grow tower  150  as the grow tower  150  translates along the grow line  102  while the load cell  200  and the wheel and axle assembly  912 / 910  supports the weight of the grow tower  150 , thus enabling the load cell  200  to measure the force applied thereto. In another embodiment, the guide member  918  is a trolley or other suitable apparatus configured to guide the grow tower  150  along the grow line  102 . 
       FIG. 9C  illustrates a side view of a grow tower weight measurement system  905  according to an embodiment of the disclosure. A load cell  200 , which is a beam-type load cell in the illustrated embodiment, is coupled to the second end  904  of the grow tower  150 . The beam-type load cell may be a bending beam load cell, a shear beam load cell, or other suitable beam-type load cell. The beam-type load cell may include one or more strain gauges. In embodiments utilizing a plurality of strain gauges, the strain gauges measure tension and/or compression forces applied to the load cell  200 . 
     In one embodiment, a length of the load cell  200  is greater than a width of the grow tower  150 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the grow tower  150  is coupled to the load cell  200  at a first end  914  of the load cell  200 . Because a width of the grow tower  150  is less than a length of the load cell  200 , a second end  916  of the load cell is disposed apart from a region of the load cell  200  where the grow tower  150  is coupled. 
     A carriage assembly  920  is coupled to and supports the load cell  200  thereon. The carriage assembly  920  includes a frame  924  which includes an extension  922  that couples to the second end  916  of the load cell  200 . Thus, the load cell  200  is supported at the second end  916  but is substantially free of support immediately beneath the grow tower  150  to enable force measurement by the beam-type load cell  200 . The axles  910  extend through the frame  924  and couple the wheels  912  to the frame  924 . The extension  922 , which is a unitary structure with the frame  924  or a separate structure coupled to the frame  924 , extends in an orientation substantially normal to a major axis of the frame  924 . The extension  922  is disposed on the frame  924  between the axles  910 . 
     One or more of the guide members  918  are coupled to the first end  902  of the grow tower  150  and the guide members  918  interface with the grow line  102 . Similar to the guide member  918  described with regard to  FIG. 9B , the guide members  918  of  FIG. 9C  do not support the weight of the grow tower  150 , rather, the guide members  918  maintain a position the grow tower  150  relative to the grow line  102  while the load cell  200 , and by extension, the carriage assembly  920 , support the weight of the grow tower  150 . As such, a beam-type load cell  200  is utilized to measure the weight of the grow tower  150  without adding complexity support integration of the grow tower  150  with the grow line  120 . 
       FIG. 9D  illustrates a side view of a grow tower weight measurement system  907  according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Similar to  FIG. 9C , the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 9D  utilizes a beam-type load cell  200  and a carriage assembly  920  to support the grow tower  150  for weight measurement. However, the carriage assembly  920  and the load cell  200  are coupled to the first end  902  of the grow tower  150 . The beam-type load cell  200  may be a bending beam load cell, a shear beam load cell, or other suitable beam-type load cell. The beam-type load cell may include one or more strain gauges. In embodiments utilizing a plurality of strain gauges, the strain gauges may measure tension and/or compression forces applied to the load cell  200 . 
     In one embodiment, a length of the load cell  200  is greater than a width of the grow tower  150 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the grow tower  150  is coupled to the load cell  200  at the first end  914  of the load cell  200 . Because a width of the grow tower  150  is less than a length of the load cell  200 , the second end  916  of the load cell is disposed apart from a region of the load cell  200  where the grow tower  150  is coupled. 
     The carriage assembly  920  is coupled to and supports the load cell  200  thereon. The carriage assembly  920  includes the frame  924  which includes the extension  922  that couples to the second end  916  of the load cell  200 . Thus, the load cell  200  is supported at the second end  916  but is substantially free of support immediately above the grow tower  150  to enable force measurement by the beam-type load cell  200 . The axles  910  extend through the frame  924  and couple the wheels  912  to the frame  924 . The extension  922 , which is a unitary structure with the frame  924  or a separate structure coupled to the frame  924 , extends in an orientation substantially normal to a major axis of the frame  924 . The extension  922  is disposed on the frame  924  between the axles  910 . 
     The carriage assembly  920  is utilized to translate the grow tower  150  along the grow line  102 . For example, the wheels  912  of the carriage assembly  920  are sized to fit within the groove  402  of the grow line  102 . In addition to extending normal to the major axis of the frame  924 , the extension  922  may also extend laterally from the frame  924  to enable the extension  922  to extend beyond the lip  412  of the grow line  102  such that the load cell  200  and grow tower  150  don&#39;t interfere with the grow line  102 . The extension  922  may also extend a length sufficient for the load cell  200  to be positioned below the grow line  102 . By translating along the grow line  102  via the carriage assembly  920 , the beam-type load cell  200  is utilized to measure the weight of the grow tower  150  utilizing the grow line  102  which accommodates other grow tower coupling mechanisms such as hooks  152  described herein. 
       FIG. 10A  illustrates a side view of a grow line weight measurement system according to an embodiment of the disclosure. While weight measurement of individual grow towers  150  enables collection and analysis of growth characteristics on a per tower basis, it is also advantageous to measure the entire grow line  102  to obtain additional plant growth characteristics. For example, measurements obtained from the entire grow line  102  can be utilized or compared to measurement characteristics of individual grow towers  150  and utilized to obtain additional growth characteristics of plants or crops in the grow towers  150 . The system of  FIG. 10A  includes a plurality of load cells  1020 ,  1022  which are configured to measure the weight of the entire grow line  102  with grow towers  150  disposed thereon. The grow line  102  generally includes a first end  1002  and a second end  1004  disposed opposite the first end  1002 . The first end  1002  corresponds to an end of the grow line  102  where the grow towers  150  enter the conveyance system  110  and the second end  1004  corresponds to an end of the grow line  102  where the grow towers  150  exit the conveyance system  110 . 
     A top  1006  of the grow line  102  and a bottom  1008  of the grow line  102  are parallel to one another. The load cells  1020 ,  1022 , which are tension type load cells such as those described herein, are coupled between the top  1006  of the grow line  102  and a frame structure  1024 ,  1026 . In one embodiment, the load cells  1020 ,  1022  are coupled to the grow line  102  adjacent to the ends  1002 ,  1004 , respectively. It is contemplated that additional load cells may be utilized along the length of the grow line  102  in additional to the illustrated load cells  1020 ,  1022 . In one embodiment, the frame structure  1024 ,  1026 , which is a singular structure or individual structures, is a frame which supports the grow line  102 . Alternatively, the frame structure  1024 ,  1026  may be part of a warehouse facility. 
       FIG. 10B  illustrates a side view of a grow line weight measurement system according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The system of  FIG. 10B  is similar to the system described with regard to  FIG. 10A , however, compression type load cells  1030 ,  1032  are utilized instead of tension type load cells. The load cells  1030 ,  1032  are disposed between frame structures  1034 ,  1036  and the bottom  1008  of the grow line  102 . Thus, force exerted on the load cells  1030 ,  1032  includes the weight of the grow line  102  and the grow towers  150  which compresses the load cells  1030 ,  1032  between the bottom  1008  of the grow line  102  and the frame structures  1034 ,  1036 . 
       FIG. 10C  illustrates a side view of a grow line weight measurement system according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The system of  FIG. 10C  utilizes a plurality of beam-type load cells disposed at opposite ends  1002 ,  1004  of the grow line  102 . A first beam-type load cell  1040  is coupled between a first frame structure  1044  and the bottom  1008  of the grow line  102  adjacent to the first end  1002  of the grow line  102 . A second beam-type load cell  1042  is coupled between a second frame structure  1046  and the top  1006  of the grow line  102  adjacent to the second end  1004  of the grow line  102 . The first beam-type load cell  1040  measures a downward force applied thereon by the bottom  1008  of the grow line  102  and the second beam-type load cell  1042  measures an upward force applied thereon by the top  1006  of the grow line  102 . Together, the load cells  1040 ,  1042  measure their respective deflection and generate a signal which is translated into or correlated with a weight measurement. 
     Shared Load Cell Embodiments 
     Embodiments of the disclosure discussed elsewhere herein employ a load cell for each grow tower. In embodiments, each load cell may be associated with a collocated transmitter, both relying on batteries for power that would have to be recharged or replaced. According to embodiments of the disclosure discussed elsewhere herein, each load cell communicates with a controller, such as a computer, over a wireless network to transmit its identity, battery level, and tower weight data. Given that the growing chamber  120  may contain many grow towers (e.g., 100 or more towers), such arrangements may be complex and expensive, and may require battery replacement or charging. 
     Embodiments of the disclosure overcome these disadvantages by employing far fewer load cells, e.g., one or just a few shared load cells (e.g., for the entire grow chamber  120 ), where the load cell(s) may be fixed in place, and thus powered without reliance on batteries. 
       FIGS. 11A-11D  are a sequence of drawings illustrating tower weighing according to embodiments of the disclosure. In these figures, a load cell  1102  is fixed in position. According to embodiments of the disclosure, the load cell  1102  is similar, if not identical, to any of the embodiments of the load cell  200  that can measure weight imposed from above the load cell, e.g., a compression-type load cell. Embodiments of the disclosure weigh towers as they move. According to embodiments of the disclosure, the load cell  1102  is a single point beam type load cell, which may have a wide platform to provide a sufficient time window to weigh a tower as the tower moves. A single point beam type load cell is not affected by moments from eccentric loading. According to embodiments of the disclosure, if a more standard load cell is used, the conveyor may bring each tower to a stop in a precise location on the load cell for weighing. According to embodiments of the disclosure, the load cell  1102  is fixed to a conveyance superstructure such as that discussed with respect to  FIG. 2  or the support structure of  FIG. 11E . 
     According to embodiments of the disclosure, a load bar  1110  depends from a carrier  1114 , such as two trolleys. According to embodiments of the disclosure, a load bar is any structure, such as a beam, which splits the load between multiple hangers, such as two trolleys. The load bar  1110  may comprise one or more connections  1115  to couple the load bar  1110  to the carrier  1114 . In embodiments, each connection  1115  may comprise a hole with a bushing to enable the load bar  1110  to turn easily as it is conveyed around curves or corners. In other embodiments, the connections may include fasteners such as screws or bolts, or include more fixed connections such as welds. 
       FIG. 11E  illustrates conveyance of towers along a conveyance line such as a grow line, according to embodiments of the disclosure. FIG.  11 E 1  illustrates a magnified view of a trolley of  FIG. 11A  and  FIG. 11E , according to embodiments of the disclosure. With reference to  FIGS. 11A,11E  and  11 E 1 , the carrier  1114  may include one or more rollers, one or more wheels  1150 , a bearing surface (e.g., comprising a plastic material, for example a thermoplastic such as Delrin), or one or more gears to engage with a conveyance line  1152 , such as a load rail of the IntelliTrak 500 Series Overhead Conveyor (“Intellitrak 500”), manufactured by IntelliTrak Inc. 
     According to embodiments of the disclosure, the carrier  1114  is pushed along the conveyance line  1152  by a drive mechanism  1154  such as a drive tube of the IntelliTrak 500. The drive tube comprises a rotating drive shaft. The trolley includes drive wheels  1160  (different from wheels  1150 ) that are angled so that the trolley moves along the conveyance line  1152  when the drive tube  1154  rotates. 
     Tower hooks  1104 A and  1104 B of grow towers  1106 A and  1106 B rest on a lower ledge  1108  of the load bar  1110 . According to embodiments of the disclosure, the lower ledge  1108  includes openings near both lateral ends of the ledge  1108 , each opening for receiving a tip  1112 A,  1112 B of each tower hook  1104 A,  1104 B, respectively. FIG.  11 A 1  shows a magnified view of tip  1112 A. Each tower hook  1104 A,  1104 B includes an extension portion  1116 A,  1116 B, attached to which is a tower hook wheel  1118 A,  1118 B. The body of each of these grow towers  1106 A and  1106 B may be similar to that of a grow tower  150 , except that each includes a hook  1104  with a tip  1112 , and an extension portion  1116  with a wheel  1118 . 
     The load bar  1110  is shown supporting two grow towers  1106 A and  1106 B. According to embodiments of the disclosure, the growing chamber  120  may include  100  grow towers  1106 A and  1106 B supported by  50  load bars  1110 . According to embodiments of the disclosure, the skilled artisan would recognize how the load bar  1110  may be modified to support just one grow tower or more than two grow towers. In particular, more grow towers may be accommodated by including more than two openings in the lower ledge  1108 . 
     In  FIG. 11A , the weight of each tower  1106 A,  1106 B is borne by the respective hook tip  1112 A,  1112 B on the lower ledge  1108  of the load bar  1110 . By virtue of being conveyed via the trolleys  1114 , the load bar  1110  approaches the load cell  1102 . 
     In  FIG. 11B , the load bar  1110  has moved to a position where the wheel  1118 A of hook  1104 A of leading grow tower  1106 A begins to climb up a leading ramp portion  1102 A (shown in FIG.  11 B 1 ) the load cell  1102 . As the wheel  1118 A climbs the ramp portion, the weight of the tower  1106 A no longer is imposed on the load bar  1110 , but is transferred to the load cell  1102  by the wheel  1118 A. 
     Each tower hook wheel  1118 A,  1118 B may generically be referred to as a “moveable element,” which may comprise one or more wheels, one or more rollers, a bearing surface, one or more gears, or any structure that enables a hook to climb up and down the load cell  1102 . 
     As the wheel  1118 A climbs, the hook tip  1112 A raises up in the opening of the lower ledge  1108 . According to embodiments of the disclosure, however, the height of the ramp portion, the height of a flat portion  1102 B of the load cell  1102 , the height of the lower ledge  1108 , and the length of the hook tip  1112 A are arranged such that the hook tip  1112 A is not fully removed from the ledge opening as the wheel  1118 A climbs the leading ramp portion  1102 A and moves to the flat portion  1102 B of the load cell  1102 . In this manner, the material of the ledge  1108  still guides the movement of the towers  1106 A,  1106 B by remaining in contact with the hook tips  1112 A,  1112 B. 
       FIG. 11C  illustrates the wheel  1118 A now resting on the flat portion  1102 B of the load cell  1102  as it moves in the direction of travel. According to embodiments of the disclosure, the load cell  1102  may be used at this point to take a weight measurement of the tower  1106 A. As described above, although the hook tip  1112 A has been raised, it is still guided by the load bar  1110  (e.g., by the material around the opening in the lower ledge  1108 ). 
       FIG. 11D  illustrates the load bar  1110  rolling down a trailing ramp portion  1102 C of the load cell  1102  as the load bar  1110  moves in the direction of travel. In this position, the weight of the tower  1106 A is still borne by the wheel  1118 A on to the load cell  1102 , and the tower  1106 A continues to be guided in the direction of travel by virtue of the contact between the hook tip  1112 A and the material creating the opening of the ledge  1108 . As the load bar  1110  continues in the direction of travel, the wheel  1118 A of the tower  1106 A rolls off the load cell  1102 , and the load bar  1110  again bears the weight of the tower  1106 A. 
     The load bar  1110  continues to travel to cause the wheel  1118 B of hook  1104 B of the trailing tower  1106 B to climb up the ramp portion of the load cell  1102 , and rest on the flat portion of the load cell  1102  for weighing. After weighing, travel continues until the wheels  1118 B of the trailing tower  1106 B roll off the load cell  1102 . The load cell is then ready to receive the towers carried by the next load bar conveyed along the grow line  102 . 
     Load cells are utilized to measure individual grow tower weights and entire system weights to provide for the collection of data corresponding to plant growth characteristics. According to embodiments of the disclosure, a controller, such as a microprocessor or other computing device, may process the load cell output (e.g., voltage) to determine the force (e.g., weight) applied to the load cell. 
     Load cell measurement of individual grow towers or entire grow lines enables the controller to evaluate plant growth via tower or line weight and water flow within grow towers or if potential blockages have occurred. Moreover, the controller may generate a profile based on known weights associated with plant growth or irrigation processes, and then compare the profile with real time results during a plant growth cycle. For example, a grow tower weight pre-irrigation may be determined, irrigation of the plants within the tower is performed, and the load cells are utilized to collect the weight of the grow tower post-irrigation. If the weight of the grow tower post-irrigation is within an expected weight compared to the predetermined profile, as determined by the controller, it can be determined that irrigation is proceeding unimpeded. However, if the weight of the grow tower does not increase or is not within an expected profile, an alarm may be signaled by the controller to identify that a potential anomaly has occurred. 
     The load cells described in the different embodiments herein also enable realization of diminishing return on plant spacing with the grow towers due to correlation by the controller of plant size with weight measurements detected by the load cells. For example, a plant of a certain weight may be correlated with a canopy size of that plant. In grow towers with fixed grow sites, the weight of the grow tower may be utilized to determine a spacing profile between adjacent plants. When a weight measured by a load cell determines that spacing is limited, improved decisions may be enabled with regard to continued growth of the plants or harvesting of the plants. 
     Computer System Implementation 
       FIG. 12  illustrates an example of a computer system  2800  that may be used to execute program code stored in a non-transitory computer readable medium (e.g., memory) in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. The computer system includes an input/output subsystem  2802 , which may be used to interface with human users or other computer systems depending upon the application. The I/O subsystem  2802  may include, e.g., a keyboard, mouse, graphical user interface, touchscreen, or other interfaces for input, and, e.g., an LED or other flat screen display, or other interfaces for output, including application program interfaces (APIs). Other elements of embodiments of the disclosure, such as the controller, may be implemented with a computer system like that of computer system  2800 . 
     Program code may be stored in non-transitory media such as persistent storage in secondary memory  2810  or main memory  2808  or both. Main memory  2808  may include volatile memory such as random access memory (RAM) or non-volatile memory such as read only memory (ROM), as well as different levels of cache memory for faster access to instructions and data. Secondary memory may include persistent storage such as solid state drives, hard disk drives or optical disks. One or more processors  2804  reads program code from one or more non-transitory media and executes the code to enable the computer system to accomplish the methods performed by the embodiments herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that the processor(s) may ingest source code, and interpret or compile the source code into machine code that is understandable at the hardware gate level of the processor(s)  2804 . The processor(s)  2804  may include graphics processing units (GPUs) for handling computationally intensive tasks. 
     The processor(s)  2804  may communicate with external networks via one or more communications interfaces, such as a network interface card, WiFi transceiver, etc. A bus  2805  communicatively couples the I/O subsystem  2802 , the processor(s)  2804 , peripheral devices  2806 , communications interfaces, memory  2808 , and persistent storage  2810 . Embodiments of the disclosure are not limited to this representative architecture. Alternative embodiments may employ different arrangements and types of components, e.g., separate buses for input-output components and memory subsystems. 
     Those skilled in the art will understand that some or all of the elements of embodiments of the disclosure, and their accompanying operations, may be implemented wholly or partially by one or more computer systems including one or more processors and one or more memory systems like those of computer system  2800 . In particular, the elements of automated systems or devices described herein may be computer-implemented. Some elements and functionality may be implemented locally and others may be implemented in a distributed fashion over a network through different servers, e.g., in client-server fashion, for example. 
     Although the disclosure may not expressly disclose that some embodiments or features described herein may be combined with other embodiments or features described herein, this disclosure should be read to describe any such combinations that would be practicable by one of ordinary skill in the art. Unless otherwise indicated herein, the term “include” shall mean “include, without limitation,” the phrase “based upon” shall mean “based at least in part upon,” and the term “or” shall mean non-exclusive “or” in the manner of “and/or.” 
     Those skilled in the art will recognize that, in some embodiments, some of the operations described herein may be performed by human implementation, or through a combination of automated and manual means. When an operation is not fully automated, appropriate components of embodiments of the disclosure may, for example, receive the results of human performance of the operations rather than generate results through its own operational capabilities. 
     All references cited herein, including, without limitation, articles, publications, patents, patent publications, and patent applications, are incorporated by reference in their entireties for all purposes, except that any portion of any such reference is not incorporated by reference herein if it: (1) is inconsistent with embodiments of the disclosure expressly described herein; (2) limits the scope of any embodiments described herein; or (3) limits the scope of any terms of any claims recited herein. Mention of any reference, article, publication, patent, patent publication, or patent application cited herein is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that it constitutes valid prior art or forms part of the common general knowledge in any country in the world, or that it discloses essential matter. 
     Several features and aspects of the present invention have been illustrated and described in detail with reference to particular embodiments by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that alternative implementations and various modifications to the disclosed embodiments are within the scope and contemplation of the present disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that the invention be considered as limited only by the scope of the claims. 
     In the claims below, a claim n reciting “any one of the preceding claims starting with claim x,” shall refer to any one of the claims starting with claim x and ending with the immediately preceding claim (claim n- 1 ). For example, claim  35  reciting “The system of any one of the preceding claims starting with claim  28 ” refers to the system of any one of claims  28 - 34 .