Patent Publication Number: US-2020296899-A1

Title: System for protected grow bed

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Priority is hereby claimed to provisional application Ser. No. 62/821,550, filed Mar. 21, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure is directed to a system for protected agricultural systems, and more specifically to an easily erected system for protecting hydroponics, aquaponics, and aquaculture systems. 
     Arable land and potable water are diminishing commodities. The world&#39;s population is growing approximately 1.1% annually while quality fertile and tillable land is decreasing due to pollution, soil nutrient exhaustion, lack of irrigation, poor cultivation techniques, expansion of human habitation, and industrial activity. It may not be possible to reclaim contaminated land in reasonable time frames. Water supplies available for agriculture are likewise limited. Similarly, areas with large populations are more likely to have limited and polluted potable water supplies. The world is drawing nearer to the point where the plant- and animal-based food requirements of the human population exceed the capacity of available arable land to generate the required amount of food. 
     Solutions to this issue include aquaculture and hydroculture. In both methods, food is cultivated in controlled aquatic environments. When efficiently implemented, hydroculture is roughly 10-fold more efficient than traditional farming in terms of land use. It also uses approximately 13-fold less water per crop cycle than traditional farming. Aquatic food cultivation also allows continuous cultivation in protected areas, better control over the growing environment, and can be implemented in areas not otherwise available to agriculture. Aquaculture and hydroculture systems may be located, for example, in residential urban areas, on rooftops, on heavily contaminated land, and in repurposed industrial areas. 
     Unfortunately, vermin and existing environmental contaminants can make their way into improperly protected aquaculture and hydroculture systems. Providing effective protection may make systems so bulky, expensive, and difficult to construct that they are unfeasible for moderate- to large-scale operations. The systems themselves may require individual control systems which require extensive labor for large-scale monocultures. Conversely a system with many varied plants may also require extensive labor for each individual culture. Tie points for mounting grow lights may be difficult to access, too far away for effective light delivery, or otherwise unsuitable. 
     A solution is needed that allows for easy setup and modularity, maintains clean cultivating conditions, and ensures effective light delivery. 
     SUMMARY 
     Disclosed and claimed herein is a self-contained apparatus for protected agriculture, A first version of the apparatus comprises a tank. The tank itself includes a tank frame and a tank liner at least partially covering the tank frame. Framing is connected to the tank. The framing comprising a plurality of framing uprights (studs) extending upwardly from the tank and at least one truss connected at least two of the plurality of framing uprights. A movable light rack with grow lights attached is positioned between the tank and the trusses. The light rack is moved using a drive system connected to the framing and the light rack. The drive system is dimensioned and configured to move the light rack to different positions between the tank and the trusses. In this fashion, the intensity and amount of light reaching a growing crop can be adjusted (either manually or automatically). 
     In one version of the apparatus, the drive system comprises a drive upright positioned substantially parallel to the framing uprights, a drive arm attached to the drive upright such that the drive arm is substantially parallel to the at least one truss, and a drive unit connected to the drive upright or the drive arm and operationally connected to the light rack. The drive unit is dimensioned and configured to move the light rack up and down between the top surface of the tank and the plane defied by the lower edges of the trusses. The drive system may, if desired, be integrated into the framing uprights and the trusses. The drive unit may be connected to the light rack, for example, via one or more cables, a drive shaft, or a drive chain (or any combination thereof). 
     In another version of the apparatus, there are inlet and outlet apertures defined in the tank. Irrigation conduit disposed within the tank is operationally connected to the inlet aperture and dimensioned and configured to dispense water into the tank. This can be done via perforations in the irrigation conduit or metered valves or nozzles to control the amount of water dispensed into the tank. The water dispensed into the tank from the irrigation conduit exits the tank via the outlet aperture and is stored in a water storage unit. The water storage unit is operationally connected to both the outlet aperture and the inlet aperture. This creates a recirculation circuit: water is pumped from the water storage unit to the irrigation conduit via the inlet aperture. Water then exits the irrigation conduit and enters the tank, where it is accessible to plants (or fish) growing within the tank. Water exits the tank via the outlet aperture and re-enters the water storage unit to begin the cycle anew. In this version, the apparatus includes a pump operationally connected to the inlet, the outlet, and the water storage unit. The pump is dimensioned and configured to move water from the water storage unit to the irrigation conduit. Optionally, a temperature control unit is operationally connected to the water storage unit at any point in the recirculation circuit to keep the water within a desired temperature range. 
     In another version, the apparatus comprises: 
     a tank comprising a tank frame and a tank liner at least partially covering the tank frame, and an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture defined in the tank; 
     framing connected to the tank, the framing comprising a plurality of framing uprights extending from the tank and at least one truss connected at least two of the plurality of framing uprights; 
     a light rack movably positioned between the tank the at least one truss; 
     a grow light connected to the light rack; 
     a drive system connected to the framing and operationally connected to the light rack, wherein the drive system is dimensioned and configured to move the light rack to different positions between the tank and the at least one truss, wherein the drive system comprises:
         a drive upright positioned substantially parallel to the framing uprights;   a drive arm attached to the drive upright such that the drive arm is substantially parallel to the at least one truss;   a drive unit connected to the drive upright or the drive arm and operationally connected to the light rack, wherein the drive unit is dimensioned and configured to move the light rack;       

     irrigation conduit disposed within the tank and operationally connected to the inlet aperture and dimensioned and configured to dispense water into the tank; 
     a water storage unit operationally connected to the outlet aperture and the inlet aperture; 
     a pump operationally connected to the inlet, the outlet, and the water storage unit, wherein the pump is dimensioned and configured to move water from the water storage unit to the irrigation conduit; 
     a temperature control unit operationally connected to the water storage unit; 
     at least one control valve operationally connected to the irrigation conduit; 
     at least one sensor dimensioned and configured to measure water temperature within the water storage unit and water flow through the inlet aperture; 
     a system controller operationally connected to the pump, the temperature control unit, the at least one control valve; and the at least one sensor, wherein the system controller is dimensioned and configured to maintain water temperature and water flow rate through the irrigation conduit within user-defined ranges; 
     a water processor operationally connected to the outlet aperture and the water storage unit, downstream of the outlet aperture and upstream of the water storage unit, wherein the water processor is dimensioned and configured to remove impurities from water exiting the tank through the outlet aperture and prior to the water entering the water storage unit; and 
     an ionization unit operationally connected to the outlet aperture and the water storage unit, downstream of the outlet aperture and upstream of the water storage unit. wherein the ionization unit is dimensioned and configured to ionize impurities from water exiting the tank through the outlet aperture and prior to the water entering the water storage unit. 
     Numerical ranges as used herein are intended to include every number and subset of numbers contained within that range, whether specifically disclosed or not. Further, these numerical ranges should be construed as providing support for a claim directed to any number or subset of numbers in that range. For example, a disclosure of from 1 to 10 should be construed as supporting a range of from 2 to 8, from 3 to 7, from 1 to 9, from 3.6 to 4.6, from 3.5 to 9.9, and so forth. 
     Several elements of the apparatus are defined in the specification and claims using the word “water,” such as the “water storage unit,” the “water pump,” the “water processor,” etc. In these contexts, the word “water” is synonymous with “liquid.” The reference to “water” is simply for brevity. Any liquid can be used. 
     All references to singular characteristics or limitations of the present invention shall include the corresponding plural characteristic or limitation, and vice-versa, unless otherwise specified or clearly implied to the contrary by the context in which the reference is made. The indefinite articles “a” and “an” are explicitly defined herein to mean “one or more” or “at least one” unless explicitly stated to the contrary. 
     All combinations of method or process steps as used herein can be performed in any order, unless otherwise specified or clearly implied to the contrary by the context in which the referenced combination is made. 
     The apparatus and methods described herein can comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the essential elements and limitations disclosed herein, as well as any additional or optional ingredients, components, or limitations described herein or otherwise useful in hydroponics, aquaponics, or other methods of controlled-environment agriculture. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S) 
         FIG. 1  depicts an exemplary version of a hydroponic, aquaponic, or aquatic cultivation system. 
         FIGS. 2 a , 2 b , 2 c , 2 d , 2 e , 2 f , 2 g , and 2 h    depict the various construction stages of an exemplary version of the hydroponic, aquaponic, or aquatic cultivation system. 
         FIG. 3  depicts a system diagram of an exemplary version of the hydroponic, aquaponic, or aquatic cultivation system. 
         FIG. 4  depicts a system diagram of an exemplary version of system using multiple hydroponic, aquaponic, or aquatic cultivation systems. 
         FIG. 5  depicts a system diagram of an exemplary version of a controller for the hydroponic, aquaponic, or aquatic cultivation system. 
     
    
    
     For clarity, not every part is labeled or reproduced in every possible instance or for every drawing. Lack of labeling or reproduction should not be interpreted as a lack of disclosure. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the present description, certain terms have been used for solely for brevity and clarity. The terms are used for descriptive purposes only and are intended to be broadly construed. The different systems and methods described herein may be used alone or in combination with other systems and methods. Various equivalents, alternatives and modifications are possible within the scope of appended claims. Any limitation in an appended claim is intended to invoke interpretation under 35 U. S. C. § 112, sixth paragraph, only if the terms “means for” or “step for” are explicitly recited in the respective limitation. 
     The present cultivation system  100  is ideal for aquaponics, hydroponics, and any other agricultural methods that use organic or traditional soil methodologies. The system  100  is easy to assemble. The system requires very few tools for assembly. The system does not require any special construction knowledge or skills to erect. The system  100  includes the frame structure, adjustable light racking, grow bed liners, pads, and plumbing inlets and outlets, The system  100  is self-supporting. It can be set on a suitable flat floor or supporting pad (of conventional construction) without additional support needed. One frame is dimensioned and configured to support the plant grow beds, adjustable lighting, and protective covering. The bottom portion is the grow bed. The next layer is the adjustable light rack so that a grower can adjust the height of the grow lights from the plants to follow the growth of the crop. The system  100  incorporates an adjustable light rack into the grow bed frame and a structure that can be used to provide weather protection, shading, black out, and biosecurity. The auto track light support provides adjustable height for moving lights up and down to follow the growth of the plants. The frame itself can be dimensioned and configured to support different kinds of covering (e.g., clear or tinted, flexible plastic sheeting, flexible woven sheeting, stiff polymer or glass panels, etc. In short, the versatile frame structure provides support for coverings such as, but not limited to, blackout shades, shade cloths, insect screening, bird netting, and all-weather coverings, whether clear, shading, or insulated. 
     The system  100  makes indoor growing easy, safe and secure with no requirement to attach grow lights to the building itself and can protect the crop from debris or other contaminants within an existing building. Installing one integrated frame for the grow bed, lights and covering simplifies the installation, saves money and provides more versatility, better plant growth, and biosecurity. There is no other product like this that incorporates the grow bed frame, light rack, and structure. A grower can assemble this in hours, not weeks. Users can add additional systems  100  via the plumbing connections; due to the modularity of system  100 , it may be combined with other systems  100 , or different types of external systems. 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 1 , the system  100  includes at least one tank  10  combined with framing  20 . At least one driver/drive system  30  is connected to framing  20  to allow movement of at least one light rack  24  carrying grow lights  25 . As required for strength, ease of assembly, and ultimate utility, portions of tank  10  and framing  20  may be of metallic or polymeric components suitable for exposure to water and concomitant use in agriculture. At least one covering (not shown) may be draped over or otherwise connected to framing  20 . The covering may range in transparency from completely transparent to completely opaque; certain embodiments may be selectively transparent or opaque to certain wavelengths. The covering may range in flexibility from completely flexible to completely rigid. The covering may be capable of varying levels of gas- or liquid-permeability. Various portions of the same covering may differ in transparency, flexibility, and/or permeability. The covering may be perforated or comprise a mesh in certain areas. The covering may have slits or other openings, or partially or fully removable panels to facilitate access to the interior of system  100 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 1 , tank  10  includes a base surrounded by a plurality of sidewalls extending upwardly therefrom. While the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  is rectangular in configuration, it is anticipated that tank  10  may take any polygonal or compound polygonal configuration which may be used in aquaculture and/or hydroculture. The tank  10  is supported by a structured tank frame  11 , as seen in  FIG. 2 a   . The tank frame  11  may rise up to four feet from a supporting floor and is capable of supporting the weight of a substance completely filling tank  10 , such as, but not limited to, water, soil, saturated soil, or any other substance used in system  100 . 
     A tank liner  12  covers at least the interior of tank frame  11 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 b   , tank liner  12  covers both the interior and exterior of tank frame  11 , The tank liner  12  is at least one liquid- and/or gas-impermeable membrane with limited to full flexibility. In certain embodiments, tank liner  12  may comprise multiple layers or multiple sealably connected but separable sections. In certain embodiments, at least one layer of padding may be placed between elements of tank frame  11  and/or between tank frame  11  and tank liner  12  to prevent damage to tank liner  12  and provide additional strength, insulation, and/or puncture resistance to tank  10 . In certain embodiments, at least one pipe inlet  13  and/or pipe outlet  14  extends through at least one sidewall of tank  10  to allow passage of fluids to and/or from tank  10  during use. The pipe inlet  13  and/or pipe outlet  14  may be permanently or removably connected to one or more fluid conduits. The pipe inlet  13  and/or pipe outlet  14  may be outfitted with closures and/or non-return valves to allow detachment from fluid conduits or other systems  100 , and to prevent reversed flow. 
     The tank  10  supports framing  20 , The framing  20  includes truss uprights  21  connected to tank frame  11 . As can be seen in  FIG. 2 c   , the truss uprights  21  extend vertically from at least two parallel sidewalls of tank  10 . Each pair of truss uprights  21  are connected at their upper ends by a truss  22  extending over tank  10 , as shown in  FIG. 2 d   . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 d   , trusses  22  are planar trusses, though other truss configurations are contemplated. 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 2 e   , the trusses  22  in the exemplary version are connected by at least two purlins  23 , which extend parallel to each other and the base of tank  10 , and orthogonally to truss uprights  21 . The number of purlins is dictated principally by the overall size of the structure and also by the material to be used as the roof decking. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 e   , three purlins  23  connect trusses  22  along their upper ends, though other attachment points, Any number of purlins may be used, including no purlins. The truss uprights  21 , trusses  22 , and/or purlins  23  may have a solid cross-section, closed hollow cross-section, open hollow cross-section, and/or any combination thereof. Connections between truss uprights  21 , trusses  22 , and/or purlins  23  may be made through welding, soldering, adhesives, interlocking components, “slot and tab/mortise and tenon”-type insertion, the use of anchors such as, but not limited to, pins, dowels, screws, and/or bolts, and any other connection means known in the art, and/or any combination thereof. 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 2 f   , certain embodiments may include additional structural reinforcement in the form of supporting cables  26 , The supporting cables  26  may extend between any of the truss uprights  21 , trusses  22 , and/or purlins  23  to reinforce structural integrity. The supporting cables  26  are fastened to supporting cable anchors  27  attached to truss uprights  21 , trusses  22 , and/or purlins  23 . In certain embodiments, structural cables  26  may be attached to supporting cable anchors  27  located outside of system  100 . Such supporting cable anchors  27  may be connected to external points such as, but not limited to, the ground, surrounding environmental or architectural features, other systems  100 , and/or combinations thereof. 
     Additional components of framing  20  are installed in conjunction with driver/drive system  30 . As can be seen in  FIGS. 2 g  and 2 h   , drive system  30  includes multiple drive cables  31  attached on at least one end to drive cable anchors  32  on truss uprights  21 , trusses  22 , purlins  23 , light racks  24 , and/or grow lights  25 . The drive cables  31  extend through cable pulleys  33  on truss uprights  21 , trusses  22 , purlins  23 , and/or light racks  24 . The drive cables  31  may be a coated or uncoated metal, natural fiber, polymer and/or any combination thereof. 
     Drive power may be provided within system  100  by at least one drive unit  34  extending along at least one drive upright  35 . The drive unit  34  may run along a drive arm  36  extending orthogonally from drive upright  35  over tank  10 . In the exemplary embodiment, drive unit  34  is a chain drive, though other drives such as, but not limited to, a worm drive or belt drive are contemplated. In the exemplary embodiment, at least one gear box  37  at the end of drive unit  34  translates the drive unit motion into rotation of at least one drive shaft  38  extending at least partially along the length of system  100  and connected to at least one drive cable  31 . The drive shaft  38  is supported by at least one drive shaft bearing  39 . Rotation of drive shaft  38  spools or unspools drive cables  31  depending on the direction of the rotation, causing movement of light racks  24  and/or grow lights  25 , based on the configuration of drive cables  31 , drive cable anchors  32 , and/or cable pulleys  33 . Depending on such configurations, light racks  24  and/or grow lights  25  may move horizontally, vertically, rotationally, and/or any combination thereof. 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 3 , in certain embodiments, another component of system  100  is an irrigation system  40  which may provide water for cultivation. Such an irrigation system  40  may be added after assembly of tank  10 , framing  20 , and drive system  30 , or be an integral part of system  100 . The irrigation system may include at least one water storage unit  41 , water pump  42 , irrigation conduit  43  providing water to dispensing nozzles  44 , and control valves  45 . 
     In certain embodiments, system  100  includes at least one water processor  50 , which removes and/or breaks down chemical, biological, and/or particulate contaminants in water received via pipe outlet  14 , such as, but not limited to, bacteria and other microorganisms, agrochemicals, salts, and/or biological waste. In certain embodiments, water processor  50  includes or is in line with an ionization unit  51  to provide ozone- and hydroxide-ionization assisted breakdown of contaminants. The water processor  50  may be a high-volume water cleaning unit. 
     The water processor  50  may utilize water processing methodologies such as, but not limited to, deionization, biological water treatment (with or without media filtration), ozonation, hydroxide (OH − ) dosing, water softening, distillation and vapor distillation, ultraviolet radiation, electrostatic water treatment, flocculation, filtration, and any combination thereof. The water processor  50  may utilize filtration methodologies such as, but not limited to, reverse osmosis filtration, sediment filtration, sand filtration, filtration with commercially available media (such as, but not limited to, Kinetic Degradation Fluxion redox filtration media, Aqua Treatment Services filters, etc.), activated carbon filtration, nanoscale or graphene membrane filtration, electrodialysis, filtration with activated alumina (Al 2 O 3 ), and any combination thereof. The water processor  50  may utilize sediment removal methodologies such as, but not limited to, weirs, centrifugal separation, gravity separators, coarse membranes or media with backwashing, Y strainers, spin down strainers, and any combination thereof. 
     In line with pipe inlet  13 , at least one additive unit  52  may provide additives that assist in plant or animal cultivation, such as, but not limited to, fertilizers and feed. Such additives may be added using, by way of non-limiting example, metering pumps, venturi pumps, line injection, various mixing and/or blowing processes, and any combination thereof. At least one temperature control unit  53  may increase the water temperature to heat system  100 , which may be used to offset non-optimal environmental temperatures. The temperature control unit  53  is a liquid temperature control such as, but not limited to, a thin film heater, a ceramic heater, a resistive heater, a solar heater, a geothermal heat pump, a fossil fuel-based heater, a friction heater, a thermo-electric heater, and any combination thereof. The temperature control unit  53  my also include a chiller if the incoming water is too warm. Additional and/or duplicative treatment units in any combination may be added to utilize any of the above treatment, water processing, sediment removal, and/or filtration methodologies. 
     The system  100  may be controlled by at least one system controller  60 . The system controller  60  may control various components of system  100 , such as, but not limited to, grow lights  25 , drive unit  34 , irrigation system  40 , water processor  50 , ionization unit  51  additive unit  52 , and/or temperature control unit  53 . The system controller  60  may allow automatic and/or manual monitoring of the cultivated plants or animals, the system  100 , or any system component through at least one sensor  70 . The sensor  70  may monitor height of crops, location of system components, moisture content of the air or soil, light, chemicals present, temperature, pressure, flow, and/or any combination thereof. These sensors  70  may be integrated into system components and/or removably connected to system components. 
     Data collected from the various system components may be stored on controller data storage  66 . In one embodiment, controller data storage  66  is cloud storage. The system controller  60  may be connected via a wired and/or wireless connection to any of the components of system  100 . The system controller  60  may receive status updates, system feedback, sensor data, and user input, transmit control signals and output data to users and controller data storage  66 , and automatically calculate adjustments required to any part of system  100  to maintain a given level of operations or follow a growth plan. 
     The system controller  60  may directly control system components or may send commands to sub-controllers regulating individual components or groups of components. Embodiments for very large operations may use multiple controllers  60  operating independently or slaved to at least one master controller  90 , which functions similarly to controller  60 , but with increased storage and processing power to allow control over a more complex set of systems  100 . The controller  60  may completely automate all aspects of regulating system  100 , require manual input of all controlling factors, or provide limited automation with user setup, manual intervention, and/or user approval required for certain exceptions. 
     The system controller  60  may use operational profiles  80  including differing operational parameters. Operational parameters are the system and/or component commands and/or settings necessary for cultivation. Operational profiles  80  may have completely pre-set parameters, have some customizable parameters, or require user input of all parameters. Parameters may be based on types of plants or animals cultivated, harvest stage, soil types, environmental configurations, drainage, existing or available system components, any other required or optional variables, and any combinations thereof. 
     By way of non-limiting examples, the operational profile  80  for hydroculture of lettuce in a cool, arid warehouse environment may be different from an operational profile  80  for aquaculture of shrimp on a rooftop in a warm, humid environment. The operational profile  80  for hydroculture of a crop may be different from an operational profile  80  for soil-based culture of the same crop. The operational profile  80  for large-scale, multi-system  100  growth of leafy greens may be different from an operational profile  80  used to grow multiple leafy green and legume crops in a single system  100 . The operational profile  80  for cultivating a single fish species for human consumption may be different from an operational profile  80  for cultivating multiple fish species as a feedstock. 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 4 , certain embodiments may link multiple systems  100  and/or include other external systems. In such cases, master controller  90  may interconnect the systems, multiple system controllers  60 , and/or any other system components. Furthermore, certain components, such as, but not limited to, water processor  50 , may not be duplicated amongst multiple systems  100 . 
       FIG. 5  depicts an exemplary embodiment of controller  60  in system  100 . The controller  60  is generally an independent processing system that includes a processor  61 , software  62 , a communication interface  63 , a user interface  64 , a processor storage  65 , and a controller data storage  66 . The processor  61  loads and executes software  62  from processor storage  65 , which may include at least one operational profile  80  containing commands, data values/ranges, and variables for at least one specific type of operation, as detailed above. When executed by controller  60 , software  62  directs the processor  61  to operate as described in herein. 
     The controller  60  includes software  62  for controlling and modifying the functioning of system  100 . While the description as provided herein refers to a controller  60  and a processor  61 , it is to be recognized that implementations of such controllers can be performed using one or more processors  61 , which may be communicatively connected, and such implementations are considered to be within the scope of the description. It is also contemplated that these components of controller  60  may be operating in a number of physical locations. 
     The processor  61  can comprise a microprocessor and other circuitry that retrieves and executes software  62  from controller data storage  66 . The processor  61  can be implemented within a single processing device but can also be distributed across multiple processing devices or sub-systems that cooperate in existing program instructions. Non-limiting examples of processors  61  include general purpose central processing units, application specific processors, and logic devices, as well as any other type of processing device, combinations of processing devices, or variations thereof. 
     The controller data storage  66  can comprise any storage media readable by processor  61 , and capable of storing software  62 . The controller data storage  66  can include volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as, but not limited to, computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other information. The controller data storage  66  can be implemented as a single storage device but may also be implemented across multiple storage devices or sub-systems. The controller data storage  66  can further include additional elements, such a controller capable of communicating with the processor  61 . 
     Non-limiting examples of storage media include random access memory, read only memory, magnetic discs, optical discs, flash memory, virtual memory, and non-virtual memory, magnetic sets, magnetic tape, magnetic disc storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and that may be accessed by an instruction execution system, as well as any combination or variation thereof, or any other type of storage medium. In some implementations, the storage media can be a non-transitory storage media. In some implementations, at least a portion of the storage media may be transitory. Storage media may be internal or external to system  100 . 
     As described in further detail herein, controller  60  receives and transmits data through communication interface  63 . The data can include data from sensors  70 , data to be recorded by controller data storage  66 , and/or data received from user interface  64 . In embodiments, the communication interface  63  also operates to process data prior to sending and/or after receiving the data. Data processing can include packetization, digitization, format conversion, encryption, and/or the reverse of such processes. 
     The user interface  64  can include one or more input devices such as, but not limited to, a mouse, a keyboard or keypad, a voice input device, a touch input device for receiving a gesture from a user, a motion input device for detecting non-touch gestures and other motions by a user, and/or other comparable input devices and associated processing elements capable of receiving user input from a user. Output devices such as, but not limited to, a video display or graphical display can display data or current status of system components. Speakers, printers, haptic devices and other types of output devices may also be included in the user interface  64 . Users can communicate with controller  60  through the user interface  64  in order to enter or receive data, set initial parameters, set stop parameters, or any number of other tasks the user may want to complete with controller  60 . 
     In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be inferred therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. Any different configurations, systems, and method steps described herein may be used alone or in combination with other configurations, systems, and method steps. 
     It is to be understood that the following claims are exemplary in nature only, and do not place and should not be interpreted to place any limitations on any claims in any subsequent applications whatsoever.