Patent Description:
) discloses an indoor farming module system. The indoor farming module system may comprise a housing. Additionally, the indoor farming module system may comprise a plurality of indoor farming module components within the housing, the plurality of indoor farming module components comprising a high-density racking system having a plurality of vertical levels within the housing, wherein a vertical distance between two adjacent vertical levels is not more than <NUM> inches; an airflow management lighting system, wherein the airflow management lighting system provides airflow and lighting to each level of the plurality of vertical levels; an irrigation system; and a recirculation system.

<CIT>) discloses a plant tray having a plurality of cups in a flat sheet of moldable material wherein the cups are in parallel rows with at least some of the rows having spaces between some of the cups for air openings in the flat sheet to supply air to the foliage of plants growing in the cups. The cups in adjacent rows may be offset and have a variable width shape such as a hexagon to provide a maximum number of cups in the available space and which are located close to the air openings. The cups of hexagonal cross section also have corners for directing the root growth of the plants. The sidewalls of adjacent cups surrounding the air openings form funnels for improved air drainage.

<CIT>) discloses an apparatus for growing plants having a floor with a plurality of raised projections defining trough regions therebetween and being adapted to hold plant watering fluid at a level relative to the upper periphery of the projections. An insert for the pan is also provided, having a plurality of spaced, downwardly extending cells, each cell including a bottom defining an opening. The insert is shiftable between a first position and a second position. The first position is one in which the bottoms are disposed in the trough regions below the level of the watering fluid so that the fluid can enter the openings. In the second position, at least some of the bottoms rest upon the projections so that the openings are less than fully obstructed by the projections and so that fluid within the cells can drain therefrom.

<CIT> discloses a plant cultivation system with a frame and a conveyor assemblies mounted to the frame. The system further comprising a plurality of plant cultivation trays supported on each conveyor for translation along a respective conveyor axis.

The invention is set out in the appended set of Claims.

The following summary is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the applicant's teaching, but not to define any invention.

According to some aspects, a gravity-driven plant cultivation system includes: (a) a frame having a frame upstream end and a frame downstream end spaced horizontally apart from the frame upstream end; and (b) a plurality of vertically stacked conveyor assemblies mounted to the frame. Each conveyor assembly includes at least one gravity conveyor extending between the frame upstream end and the frame downstream end along a conveyor axis. The conveyor axis slopes downwards relative to a horizontal plane from the frame upstream end to the frame downstream end. The system further includes (c) a plurality of plant cultivation trays rollingly supported on each gravity conveyor and urged to translate along a respective conveyor axis toward the frame downstream end via gravitational force. Each tray includes: (i) a tray body having a tray top and a tray bottom vertically opposite the tray top; (ii) a plurality of plant cavities in the tray body and open to the tray top, the plant cavities for holding plants; and (iii) a nutrient chamber internal the tray body and in fluid communication with the plant cavities, the nutrient chamber for holding plant nutrient solution.

In some examples, each gravity conveyor includes a pair of supports spaced laterally apart from one another by a conveyor opening. Each tray support includes a rail extending between the frame downstream end and the frame upstream end generally parallel with a respective conveyor axis, and a plurality of wheels rotatably mounted to the rail and spaced apart from one another along the conveyor axis. The wheels of the pair of supports engage laterally spaced apart tray underside surfaces of the plant cultivation trays supported on the conveyor. Each tray underside surface slopes downwardly relative to the horizontal plane generally parallel with the conveyor axis.

In some examples, the tray body includes a nutrient chamber bottom wall lying in a bottom wall plane and a nutrient chamber sidewall extending upwardly from a periphery of the nutrient chamber bottom wall. The nutrient chamber bottom wall and the nutrient chamber sidewall enclose the nutrient chamber. The nutrient chamber bottom wall is generally parallel with the horizontal plane for maintaining a generally constant depth of the plant nutrient solution across the nutrient chamber bottom wall.

In some examples, the nutrient chamber is laterally intermediate the pair of tray supports. In some examples, the nutrient chamber extends into the conveyor opening.

In some examples, each tray includes at least one tray vent passing through the tray body. The tray vent extends along a vertical vent axis normal to the horizontal plane between a vent top end open to the tray top and a vent bottom end open to the tray bottom. The tray vent is for passing air through the tray body to facilitate delivery of air to the plants from below. In some examples, the tray vent passes through the nutrient chamber.

In some examples, the system further includes an air delivery ductwork for delivering air to the plants. The air delivery ductwork includes a plurality of first ports above each plant cultivation tray for discharging air from the air delivery ductwork downwardly to deliver air to the plants from above, and a plurality second ports below each plant cultivation tray for discharging air from the air delivery ductwork upwardly to deliver air to the plants from below via the tray vents.

According to some aspects, a plant cultivation tray for a gravity-driven plant cultivation system includes: (a) a tray body having a tray top, a tray bottom vertically opposite the tray top, a tray front, and a tray rear axially opposite the tray front. The tray body includes: (i) a pair of laterally spaced apart tray underside surfaces for engagement with wheels of a gravity conveyor to rollingly support the plant cultivation tray thereon. Each underside surface slopes downwards relative to a horizontal plane from the tray rear to the tray front when the tray is supported on the conveyor. The tray body further includes (ii) a nutrient chamber bottom wall lying in a bottom wall plane; and (iii) a nutrient chamber sidewall extending upwardly from a periphery of the nutrient chamber bottom wall. The nutrient chamber bottom wall and the nutrient chamber sidewall enclose a nutrient chamber internal the tray body for holding plant nutrient solution. The nutrient chamber bottom wall is generally parallel with the horizontal plane when the tray is supported on the conveyor for maintaining a generally constant depth of the plant nutrient solution across the nutrient chamber bottom wall. The plant cultivation tray further includes (b) a plurality of plant cavities in the tray body for holding plants. The plant cavities are open to the tray top and in fluid communication with the nutrient chamber for providing the plant nutrient solution to the plants.

In some examples, the nutrient chamber bottom wall is laterally intermediate and at an elevation below the underside surfaces.

In some examples, the tray includes at least one tray vent passing through the tray body. The tray vent extends along a vertical vent axis normal to the horizontal plane between a vent top end open to the tray top and a vent bottom end open to the tray bottom. The tray vent is for passing air through the tray body to facilitate delivery of air to the plants from below. In some examples, the tray vent passes through the nutrient chamber.

In some examples, each plant cavity extends along a vertical cavity axis normal to the horizontal plane between a cavity top end open to the tray top and a cavity bottom end below the cavity top end. In some examples, the cavity bottom end of each plant cavity lies in a common cavity bottom plane, the cavity bottom plane generally parallel with the horizontal plane when the tray is supported on the gravity conveyor. In some examples, the cavity top end of each plant cavity lies in a common cavity top plane, the cavity top plane generally parallel with the horizontal plane when the tray is supported on the gravity conveyor.

According to some aspects, a method of operating a high-density plant cultivation system includes: (a) rollingly supporting a plurality of plant cultivation trays holding plants on a gravity conveyor, the gravity conveyor extending along a conveyor axis between a frame upstream end and a frame downstream end, the conveyor axis sloping downwardly relative to a horizontal plane from the frame upstream end to the frame downstream end; (b) delivering air, plant nutrient solution, and light to the plants to facilitate plant growth; and (c) rolling the plant cultivation trays supported on the gravity conveyor along the conveyor axis toward the frame downstream end via gravitational force.

In some examples, the method further includes: supplying the plant nutrient solution to a nutrient chamber internal each tray, the nutrient chamber in fluid communication with the plants and enclosed from below by a nutrient chamber bottom wall of the tray, the nutrient chamber bottom wall lying in a bottom wall plane, and during steps (a) to (c), maintaining the bottom wall plane generally parallel with the horizontal plane.

According to some aspects, a plant cultivation system includes: (a) a frame having a frame upstream end and a frame downstream end spaced horizontally apart from the frame upstream end; and (b) a plurality of vertically stacked conveyor assemblies mounted to the frame. Each conveyor assembly includes at least one conveyor extending between the frame upstream end and the frame downstream end along a conveyor axis. The system further includes (c) a plurality of plant cultivation trays supported on each conveyor for translation along a respective conveyor axis toward the frame downstream end. Each plant cultivation tray includes: (i) a tray body having a tray top and a tray bottom vertically opposite the tray top; (ii) a plurality of plant cavities in the tray body and open to the tray top, the plant cavities for holding plants; and (iii) at least one tray vent passing vertically through the tray body, the tray vent open to the tray top and the tray bottom for passing air vertically through the tray body to facilitate delivery of air to the plants from below. The system further includes (d) an air delivery ductwork for delivering air to the plants. The air delivery ductwork includes a plurality of first ports above each plant cultivation tray for discharging air from the air delivery ductwork downwardly to deliver air to the plants from above, and a plurality second ports below each plant cultivation tray for discharging air from the air delivery ductwork upwardly to deliver air to the plants from below via the tray vents.

In some examples, each tray vent extends between a vent top end open to the tray top and a vent bottom end open to the tray bottom, and the vent bottom end overlies at least one of the second ports for receiving air discharged from the at least one of the second ports.

In some examples, each plant cultivation tray includes a nutrient chamber internal the tray body and in fluid communication with the plant cavities. The nutrient chamber is for holding plant nutrient solution. In some examples, the tray vent passes vertically through the nutrient chamber.

In some examples, each tray includes a tray sidewall extending between the tray top and the tray bottom, the tray sidewall having a horizontally outwardly directed sidewall outer surface and at least one vent recess extending horizontally inward of the sidewall outer surface and open to the tray top and the tray bottom. In some examples, the tray vent comprises the vent recess.

In some examples, each conveyor includes a pair of supports spaced laterally apart from one another by a conveyor opening and extending between the frame upstream end and the frame downstream end along the conveyor axis. The supports engage laterally spaced apart tray underside surfaces of the plant cultivation trays supported on the conveyor. The tray vents of the plant cultivation trays supported on the conveyor are laterally intermediate the pair of tray supports and overlying the conveyor opening.

In some examples, the air delivery ductwork includes a plurality of duct assemblies for conducting air to the first and second ports. The duct assemblies are spaced vertically apart from one another, and the conveyor assemblies and the duct assemblies are vertically interposed between one another.

In some examples, the air delivery ductwork includes a duct header in fluid communication with each duct assembly for conducting air thereto.

In some examples, the duct assemblies include an upper duct assembly above the conveyor assemblies. The upper duct assembly includes at least one upper duct having an upper duct bottom wall facing the conveyor assemblies and a set of the first ports in the upper duct bottom wall for discharging air downwardly from the upper duct.

In some examples, the duct assemblies include a lower duct assembly below the conveyor assemblies. The lower duct assembly includes at least one lower duct having a lower duct top wall facing the conveyor assemblies and a set of the second ports in the lower duct top wall for discharging air upwardly from the lower duct.

In some examples, the duct assemblies include at least one intermediate duct assembly vertically intermediate an upper one of the conveyor assemblies above the intermediate duct assembly and a lower one of the conveyor assemblies below the intermediate duct assembly. The intermediate duct assembly includes at least one intermediate duct having: an intermediate duct bottom wall facing the lower one of the conveyor assemblies, a set of the first ports in the intermediate duct bottom wall for discharging air downwardly from the intermediate duct, an intermediate duct top wall opposite the intermediate duct bottom wall and facing the upper one of the conveyor assemblies, and a set of the second ports in the intermediate duct top wall for discharging air upwardly from the intermediate duct.

In some examples, the conveyor axis slopes downwards relative to a horizontal plane from the frame upstream end to the frame downstream end for urging translation of the plant cultivation trays along the conveyor axis toward the frame downstream end via gravitational force. In some examples, each conveyor assembly includes a plurality of ducts, with each duct extending laterally across the conveyor assemblies perpendicular to the conveyor axis. The ducts of each duct assembly are spaced apart from one another along a conveyor assembly axis. The conveyor assembly axis is parallel with the conveyor axis.

In some examples, each conveyor assembly includes a plurality of the conveyors mounted at a generally common elevation and arranged in side-by-side lanes, the conveyors of each conveyor assembly including a first conveyor and a second conveyor spaced laterally apart from and extending parallel with the first conveyor. In some examples, the air delivery ductwork includes one or more duct headers laterally intermediate the first and second conveyors, a plurality of first duct assemblies extending laterally from a first side of the duct headers for delivering air to plants held in trays supported on each first conveyor, and a plurality of second duct assemblies extending laterally from a second side of the duct headers opposite the first side for delivering air to plants held in trays supported on each second conveyor. In some examples, the one or more duct headers include a first duct header in fluid communication with the first duct assemblies for conducting air thereto, and a second duct header in fluid communication with the second duct assemblies for conducting air thereto. In some examples, the first duct header is spaced axially apart from the second duct header. In some examples, each duct header is oriented generally vertically, and each duct assembly is oriented generally horizontally.

According to some aspects, a plant cultivation tray includes: (a) a tray body having a tray top and a tray bottom opposite the tray top; (b) a nutrient chamber internal the tray body for holding plant nutrient solution; (c) a plurality of plant cavities in the tray body for holding plants, each plant cavity open to the tray top and in fluid communication with the nutrient chamber for providing the plant nutrient solution to the plants; and (d) at least one tray vent passing vertically through the tray body and the nutrient chamber, the tray vent open to the tray top and the tray bottom for passing air vertically through the tray body to facilitate delivery of air to the plants from below.

In some examples, the tray body includes a tray lower portion and a tray upper portion removably nested in the tray lower portion. The nutrient chamber is in the tray lower portion, the plant cavities are in the tray upper portion, and the tray vent passes through the tray lower portion and the tray upper portion.

In some examples, the tray body includes a nutrient chamber bottom wall and a nutrient chamber sidewall extending upwardly from a periphery of the nutrient chamber bottom wall. The nutrient chamber bottom wall and the nutrient chamber sidewall enclose the nutrient chamber.

In some examples, the tray vent includes a vent projection extending upwardly from the nutrient chamber bottom wall and through the nutrient chamber. The vent projection includes a hollow vent interior in fluid isolation of the nutrient chamber, and a projection port above the nutrient chamber and providing fluid communication between the vent interior and the tray top. In some examples, the vent projection includes a projection top wall above the nutrient chamber and a projection sidewall extending between the chamber bottom wall and the projection top wall. The projection sidewall horizontally encloses the vent interior and the projection port is in the projection top wall.

According to some aspects, a method of cultivating plants in a high-density plant cultivation system includes: (a) supporting a plurality of plant cultivation trays on a conveyor assembly, each plant cultivation tray including a plurality of plant cavities holding plants, the plant cavities open to a tray top of the tray; (b) supplying plant nutrient solution to a nutrient chamber in each plant cultivation tray, the nutrient chamber in fluid communication with the plant cavities for providing the plant nutrient solution to the plants; and (c) discharging air upwardly from a plurality of ports in a duct and conducting the air vertically through the tray and to the plants from below via tray vents passing vertically through each nutrient chamber.

The drawings included herewith are for illustrating various examples of apparatuses and methods of the present specification and are not intended to limit the scope of what is taught in any way. In the drawings:.

The invention is set out in the appended set of Claims. Various apparatuses or processes will be described below to provide examples of embodiments. No embodiment described below limits any claimed invention and any claimed invention may cover processes or apparatuses that differ from those described below. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses or processes having all of the features of any one apparatus or process described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses described below. It is possible that an apparatus or process described below is not an embodiment of any claimed invention. Any invention disclosed in an apparatus or process described below that is not claimed in this document may be the subject matter of another protective instrument, for example, a continuing patent application, and the applicants, inventors, or owners do not intend to abandon, disclaim, or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in this document.

In the present application, the inventors disclose a high-density, vertically-stacked plant cultivation system that can facilitate productive plant growth in indoor environments. The design aspects disclosed herein include features that can provide a more efficient, simple, cost-effective, and/or reliable cultivation system. Some of the features disclosed herein provide for increased plant density for a given overall volume of the system, in a way that overcomes challenges experienced when trying to do so. For example, the inventors found an increased density made it difficult to provide an optimal environment for plant growth for all plants cultivated in the system. Features disclosed herein attempt to address this issue by helping to provide a more homogenous supply of air (including various gasses), nutrient solution, and/or lighting to the plants being cultivated in the system.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in the example illustrated, a plant cultivation system <NUM> includes a frame <NUM> having a frame upstream end 102a and a frame downstream end 102b spaced horizontally apart from the frame upstream end 102a. Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, a plurality of vertically stacked conveyor assemblies <NUM> are mounted to the frame <NUM>. Each conveyor assembly <NUM> includes at least one conveyor <NUM> (see also <FIG>) extending between the frame upstream end 102a and the frame downstream end 102b along a conveyor axis <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, each conveyor assembly <NUM> includes a plurality of the conveyors <NUM> mounted at a generally common elevation and arranged in side-by-side lanes. In the example illustrated, each conveyor assembly <NUM> includes three conveyors <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, a plurality of plant cultivation trays <NUM> are supported on each conveyor <NUM> for translation along a respective conveyor axis <NUM> toward the frame downstream end 102b. In the example illustrated, each of the conveyors <NUM> supports six of the plant cultivation trays <NUM>. The plant cultivation trays <NUM> are supported on each conveyor adjacent one another along the conveyor axis <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, each plant cultivation tray <NUM> includes a tray body <NUM> having a tray top <NUM> and a tray bottom <NUM> vertically opposite the tray top <NUM> (see also <FIG>). Each tray <NUM> further includes a plurality of plant cavities <NUM> in the tray body <NUM> and open to the tray top <NUM>. The plant cavities <NUM> are for holding plants (e.g. plants <NUM> shown in <FIG>). In the example illustrated, each tray <NUM> includes thirty-six plant cavities <NUM> arranged in a 6x6 array for holding thirty-six plants.

Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, movement of the trays <NUM> along each conveyor <NUM> is gravity driven, with the conveyor axis <NUM> of each conveyor <NUM> sloping downwards relative to a horizontal plane <NUM> from the frame upstream end 102a to the frame downstream end 102b. The horizontal plane <NUM> is normal to the force of gravity. The plant cultivation trays <NUM> are rollingly supported on each conveyor <NUM> and urged to translate along a respective conveyor axis <NUM> toward the frame downstream end 102b via gravitational force. The conveyor axis <NUM> can slope downwardly relative to the horizontal plane <NUM> at an angle of between about, for example, <NUM> and <NUM> degrees. In some examples, the conveyor axis <NUM> slopes downwardly relative to the horizontal plane <NUM> at an angle of between about <NUM> and <NUM> degrees. In the example illustrated, the conveyor axis <NUM> slopes downwardly relative to the horizontal plane <NUM> at an angle of about <NUM> degree.

Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, each conveyor <NUM> includes a pair of supports <NUM> spaced laterally apart from one another by a conveyor opening <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, each tray support <NUM> includes a rail <NUM> extending between the frame upstream end 102a and the frame downstream end 102b generally parallel with a respective conveyor axis <NUM>, and a plurality of wheels <NUM> rotatably mounted to the rail <NUM> and spaced apart from one another along the conveyor axis <NUM> for rollingly supporting the trays <NUM> on the conveyor <NUM>.

Referring still to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, each plant cultivation tray <NUM> includes a tray front <NUM>, a tray rear <NUM> axially opposite the tray front <NUM>, and a pair of laterally spaced apart tray underside surfaces <NUM> in engagement with the wheels <NUM> of the pair of tray supports <NUM> to rollingly support the tray <NUM> on the conveyor <NUM> (see also <FIG>). In the example illustrated, each underside surface <NUM> of the tray <NUM> slopes downwards relative to the horizontal plane <NUM> from the tray rear <NUM> to the tray front <NUM>. When the plant cultivation trays <NUM> are supported on the conveyor <NUM>, the tray underside surfaces <NUM> of each tray <NUM> are generally parallel with the conveyor axis <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, each plant cultivation tray <NUM> includes a nutrient chamber <NUM> internal the tray body <NUM> and in fluid communication with the plant cavities <NUM> (see also <FIG> and <FIG>). The nutrient chamber <NUM> is for holding plant nutrient solution <NUM> (<FIG>) to be provided to the plants <NUM> to facilitate plant growth. In the example illustrated, the tray body <NUM> includes a tray lower portion 112a and a tray upper portion 112b removably nested in the tray lower portion 112a. In the example illustrated, the nutrient chamber <NUM> is in the tray lower portion 112a, and the plant cavities <NUM> are in the tray upper portion 112b. The tray upper portion 112b can be removed from the tray lower portion 112a to facilitate, for example, access to internal portions of the tray <NUM>, including, for example, the nutrient chamber <NUM>. In the example illustrated, the plant cultivation tray <NUM> is of two-piece construction, and each of the tray lower portion 112a and the tray upper portion 112b is of integral, unitary, one-piece construction.

Referring still to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, the tray body <NUM> includes a nutrient chamber bottom wall <NUM> lying in a bottom wall plane <NUM> and a nutrient chamber sidewall <NUM> extending upwardly from a periphery of the nutrient chamber bottom wall <NUM>. The nutrient chamber bottom wall <NUM> and the nutrient chamber sidewall <NUM> enclose the nutrient chamber <NUM> (see also <FIG> and <FIG>). In the example illustrated, the nutrient chamber bottom wall <NUM> is generally parallel with the horizontal plane <NUM> when the tray <NUM> is supported on the conveyor <NUM> for maintaining a generally constant depth of the plant nutrient solution across the nutrient chamber bottom wall <NUM>. This can facilitate more homogenous nutrient uptake for each plant, across all cavities in the tray <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, the nutrient chamber bottom wall <NUM> is laterally intermediate and at an elevation below the tray underside surfaces <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, when the plant cultivation tray <NUM> is supported on the conveyor <NUM>, the nutrient chamber <NUM> is laterally intermediate the pair of tray supports <NUM>, and extends into the conveyor opening <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, each plant cavity <NUM> extends along a cavity axis <NUM> between a cavity top end <NUM> open to the tray top <NUM> and a cavity bottom end <NUM> below the cavity top end <NUM>. In the example illustrated, the cavity axis <NUM> is normal to the horizontal plane <NUM> when the tray <NUM> is supported on the conveyor <NUM>. In the example illustrated, the cavity top ends <NUM> of the plant cavities <NUM> in each tray <NUM> lie in a common cavity top plane <NUM>. In the example illustrated, the cavity top plane <NUM> is generally parallel with the horizontal plane <NUM> (and the bottom wall plane <NUM>) when the tray <NUM> is supported on the conveyor <NUM>.

In the example illustrated, the cavity bottom ends <NUM> of the plant cavities <NUM> in each tray <NUM> lie in a common cavity bottom plane <NUM>. In the example illustrated, the cavity bottom plane <NUM> is generally parallel with the horizontal plane <NUM> (and the bottom wall plane <NUM>) when the tray <NUM> is supported on the conveyor <NUM>. In the example illustrated, each cavity bottom end <NUM> overlies the nutrient chamber bottom wall <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, each cavity bottom end <NUM> is in the nutrient chamber <NUM> when the tray upper portion 112b is nested within the tray lower portion 112a (see <FIG>).

Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, each plant cavity <NUM> is enclosed by a cavity bottom wall <NUM> defining the cavity bottom end <NUM>, and a cavity sidewall <NUM> extending along the cavity axis <NUM> between the cavity bottom wall <NUM> and the cavity top end <NUM>. In the example illustrated, the cavity bottom wall <NUM> is positioned in the nutrient chamber <NUM> when the tray upper portion 112b is nested in the tray lower portion 112a (see <FIG>). At least one of the cavity bottom wall <NUM> and the cavity sidewall <NUM> has one or more perforations <NUM> for providing fluid communication between the nutrient chamber <NUM> and the plant cavity <NUM>. In the example illustrated, each perforation passes through the cavity bottom wall <NUM> and the cavity sidewall <NUM>. In the example illustrated, the tray upper portion 112b comprises the cavity bottom wall <NUM> and the cavity sidewall <NUM>.

In the example illustrated, the cavity sidewall <NUM> includes a sidewall lower portion <NUM> extending from the cavity bottom wall <NUM> upwardly toward the cavity top end <NUM>, and a sidewall upper portion <NUM> extending from the sidewall lower portion <NUM> to the cavity top end <NUM>. In the example illustrated, the cavity bottom wall <NUM> and the sidewall lower portion <NUM> define a cavity lower portion 116a for holding plant roots. In the example illustrated, the sidewall upper portion <NUM> defines a cavity upper portion 116b, and is for supporting plant canopies of the plants (e.g. plant canopies 118a of the plants <NUM> shown in <FIG>). In the example illustrated the sidewall upper portion <NUM> has an upper portion inner surface <NUM> for engagement with lower portions of the plant canopies to support and direct growth of the plant canopies (see <FIG>). In the example illustrated, the upper portion inner surface <NUM> is generally frustoconical, and flares radially outwardly along the cavity axis <NUM> relative to the sidewall lower portion <NUM>, from the sidewall lower portion <NUM> to the cavity top end <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, each tray <NUM> further includes at least one tray vent <NUM> passing vertically through the tray body <NUM>. Each tray vent <NUM> is open to the tray top <NUM> and the tray bottom <NUM> for passing air vertically through the tray body <NUM> to facilitate delivery of air to the plants <NUM> from below. In the example illustrated, each tray vent <NUM> passes through the tray lower portion 112a and the tray upper portion 112b. In the example illustrated, each tray vent <NUM> extends along a vent axis <NUM> between a vent top end <NUM> open to the tray top <NUM> and a vent bottom end <NUM> open to the tray bottom <NUM>. In the example illustrated, the vent axis <NUM> is normal to the horizontal plane <NUM> when the tray <NUM> is supported on the conveyor <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, the tray <NUM> includes a plurality of the tray vents <NUM>, with the tray vents <NUM> interposed between the plant cavities <NUM>. In the example illustrated, each tray <NUM> includes twenty-five tray vents <NUM> arranged in a 5x5 array.

Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, the tray vents <NUM> pass vertically through the nutrient chamber <NUM> (see also <FIG> and <FIG>). In the example illustrated, each tray vent <NUM> is spaced horizontally inwardly from the nutrient chamber sidewall <NUM>. In the example illustrated, each tray vent <NUM> includes a vent projection <NUM> extending upwardly from the nutrient chamber bottom wall <NUM> and through the nutrient chamber <NUM>. The vent projection <NUM> has a hollow vent interior <NUM> in fluid isolation of the nutrient chamber <NUM>, and a projection port <NUM> above the nutrient chamber <NUM> and providing fluid communication between the vent interior <NUM> and the tray top <NUM>. In the example illustrated, the vent projection <NUM> includes a projection top wall <NUM> above the nutrient chamber <NUM> and a projection sidewall <NUM> extending between the nutrient chamber bottom wall <NUM> and the projection top wall <NUM>. In the example illustrated, the projection sidewall <NUM> horizontally encloses the vent interior <NUM>, and the projection port <NUM> is in the projection top wall <NUM>. In the example illustrated, each tray vent <NUM> further includes a tray port <NUM> in the tray upper portion 112b. In the example illustrated, the projection port <NUM> provides fluid communication between the vent interior <NUM> and the tray top <NUM> through the tray port <NUM>. In the example illustrated, the tray upper portion 112b is supported on the projection top walls <NUM> when nested in the tray lower portion 112a.

The plant cultivation system <NUM> can include an air handling system for providing air (and other gases) to the plants to facilitate plant growth. Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, the air handling system includes an air delivery ductwork <NUM> for delivering air to the plants held in the trays <NUM>. The air delivery ductwork <NUM> can be in fluid communication with an air conditioner to receive conditioned air for delivery to the plants <NUM>. The air can be conditioned to have, for example, a humidity, temperature, and/or concentration of gases appropriate for optimizing growth of the plants being cultivated. In some examples, the air can be conditioned to have an air temperature of between about <NUM>-<NUM> degrees Celsius, a relative humidity of about <NUM>% +/- <NUM>%, and a carbon dioxide concentration of between about 1000ppm to 1500ppm.

Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, the air delivery ductwork <NUM> includes a plurality of first ports <NUM> above each plant cultivation tray <NUM> supported on the conveyor assemblies <NUM> for discharging air from the air delivery ductwork <NUM> downwardly to deliver air to the plants <NUM> from above. The air delivery ductwork <NUM> further includes a plurality of second ports <NUM> below each plant cultivation tray <NUM> supported on the conveyor assemblies <NUM> for discharging air from the air delivery ductwork <NUM> upwardly to deliver air to the plants <NUM> from below via the tray vents <NUM>. Delivering air to the plants <NUM> from both above and below can help improve the air distribution throughout the plant canopies 118a of the plants <NUM>, can help improve plant growth, and can help provide a homogenous environment for all plants passing through the plant cultivation system <NUM>.

In the example illustrated, the tray vents <NUM> of the trays <NUM> supported on the conveyor <NUM> are laterally intermediate the pair of tray supports <NUM> and overlying the conveyor opening <NUM>. In the example illustrated, the upward discharge of air from the second ports <NUM> passes upwardly through the conveyor opening <NUM> and the tray vents <NUM> to deliver air to the plants <NUM> from below. In the example illustrated, the vent bottom end <NUM> of each tray vent <NUM> overlies at least one of the second ports <NUM> for receiving air discharged from the at least one of the second ports <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, the air delivery ductwork <NUM> includes a plurality of duct assemblies <NUM> for conducting air to the first and second ports <NUM>, <NUM>. The duct assemblies <NUM> are spaced vertically apart from one another. In the example illustrated, the conveyor assemblies <NUM> and the duct assemblies <NUM> are vertically interposed between one another (see e.g. <FIG> and <FIG>).

In the example illustrated, the air delivery ductwork <NUM> includes a duct header <NUM> in fluid communication with each duct assembly <NUM> for conducting air thereto. The duct header <NUM> can be in fluid communication with the air conditioner for receiving conditioned air therefrom and conducting the conditioned air to each duct assembly <NUM>.

In the example illustrated, each duct assembly <NUM> includes a plurality of ducts <NUM> for conducting respective streams of air to the first and/or second ports <NUM>, <NUM>. In the example illustrated, each duct assembly <NUM> includes six ducts <NUM>. In the example illustrated, each duct <NUM> extends laterally across the conveyor assemblies <NUM> perpendicular to the conveyor axis <NUM>. In the example illustrated, each duct <NUM> extends along a respective horizontal duct axis <NUM> between a duct first end in fluid communication with the duct header <NUM> for receiving air and a duct second end spaced horizontally apart from the duct first end. In the example illustrated, each duct axis <NUM> is generally perpendicular to the conveyor axes <NUM>. In the example illustrated, the ducts <NUM> of each duct assembly <NUM> are spaced apart from one another along a respective duct assembly axis <NUM>. In the example illustrated, the duct assembly axis <NUM> is generally parallel with the conveyor axis <NUM> (see also <FIG>).

Referring still to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, the duct assemblies <NUM> include an upper duct assembly 196a above a set of the conveyor assemblies <NUM>. The upper duct assembly 196a includes at least one upper duct 198a. Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, the upper duct 198a includes an upper duct bottom wall <NUM> facing the set of the conveyor assemblies <NUM>, and a set of the first ports <NUM> in the upper duct bottom wall <NUM> for discharging air downwardly from the upper duct 198a.

Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, the duct assemblies <NUM> further include a lower duct assembly 196b below the set of the conveyor assemblies <NUM>. The lower duct assembly 196b includes at least one lower duct 198b. The lower duct 198b includes a lower duct top wall <NUM> facing the set of the conveyor assemblies <NUM>, and a set of the second ports <NUM> in the lower duct top wall <NUM> for discharging air upwardly from the lower duct 198b.

Referring still to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, the duct assemblies <NUM> further include at least one intermediate duct assembly 196c vertically intermediate the upper and lower duct assemblies 196a, 196b. Each intermediate duct assembly 196c is vertically intermediate an upper one of the conveyor assemblies <NUM> above the intermediate duct assembly 196c and a lower one of the conveyor assemblies <NUM> below the intermediate duct assembly 196c. Each intermediate duct assembly 196c includes at least one intermediate duct 198c. Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, each intermediate duct 198c includes an intermediate duct bottom wall <NUM> facing the lower one of the conveyor assemblies <NUM>, and a set of the first ports <NUM> in the intermediate duct bottom wall <NUM> for discharging air downwardly from the intermediate duct 198c. Each intermediate duct 198c further includes an intermediate duct top wall <NUM> vertically opposite the intermediate duct bottom wall <NUM> and facing the upper one of the conveyor assemblies <NUM>, and a set of the second ports <NUM> in the intermediate duct top wall <NUM> for discharging air upwardly from the intermediate duct 198c.

In the example illustrated, the air handling system further includes an air recirculation system having a plurality of suction fans for suctioning air from between the conveyor assemblies <NUM> and into an air recirculation ductwork. The fans can be mounted to the frame vertically intermediate and laterally outboard of the conveyor assemblies <NUM>. The air recirculation ductwork can conduct the suctioned air to the air conditioner for conditioning and delivery to the air delivery ductwork <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, each plant cultivation tray <NUM> includes a nutrient chamber inlet <NUM> in the tray body <NUM> for delivering plant nutrient solution to the nutrient chamber <NUM>. In the example illustrated, the tray lower portion 112a includes an upper peripheral edge <NUM>, and at least a portion of the upper peripheral edge <NUM> is spaced laterally outwardly apart from the tray upper portion 112b by an inlet spacing <NUM>. In the example illustrated, the nutrient chamber inlet <NUM> comprises the inlet spacing <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, the nutrient chamber sidewall <NUM> includes a sidewall first portion 144a extending axially between the tray front <NUM> and the tray rear <NUM>; a sidewall second portion 144b spaced laterally apart from the sidewall first portion 144a and extending axially between the tray front <NUM> and the tray rear <NUM>; a sidewall third portion 144c extending laterally between the sidewall first and second portions 144a, 144b; and a sidewall fourth portion 144d spaced axially apart from the sidewall third portion 144c and extending laterally between the sidewall first and second portions 144a, 144b.

In the example illustrated, the nutrient chamber inlet <NUM> includes a nutrient delivery trough <NUM> internal the tray body <NUM> and separated from the nutrient chamber <NUM> by the sidewall first portion 144a (see also <FIG>). In the example illustrated, the delivery trough <NUM> extends axially between the tray front and the tray rear <NUM>, <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, the inlet spacing <NUM> is open to the nutrient delivery trough <NUM> for supplying the plant nutrient solution to the nutrient delivery trough <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, the nutrient chamber inlet <NUM> further includes a plurality of sidewall apertures <NUM> in the sidewall first portion 144a. The sidewall apertures <NUM> are spaced apart from one another along an axial length of the sidewall first portion 144a for distributing plant nutrient solution from the nutrient delivery trough <NUM> to the nutrient chamber <NUM> along the axial length of the sidewall first portion 144a. In the example illustrated, each sidewall aperture <NUM> is open to an upper end of the sidewall first portion 144a.

Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, each plant cultivation tray <NUM> includes a nutrient chamber outlet <NUM> in the tray body <NUM> for draining plant nutrient solution from the nutrient chamber <NUM>. In the example illustrated, the nutrient chamber <NUM> is horizontally intermediate the nutrient chamber inlet <NUM> and the nutrient chamber outlet <NUM>. This can facilitate flow of fresh plant nutrient solution introduced at the nutrient chamber inlet <NUM> across the width of the nutrient chamber <NUM> for absorption by the plants, after which the depleted plant nutrient solution can flow out of the nutrient chamber <NUM> via the nutrient chamber outlet <NUM>. In the example illustrated, the nutrient chamber outlet <NUM> includes a plurality of drainage ports <NUM> in the tray lower portion 112a for draining plant nutrient solution overflowing from the nutrient chamber <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, the nutrient chamber outlet <NUM> further includes a drainage trough <NUM> internal the tray body <NUM> and separated from the nutrient chamber <NUM> by the sidewall second portion 144b. In the example illustrated, the drainage trough <NUM> extends axially between the tray front <NUM> and the tray rear <NUM>. In the example illustrated, the drainage ports <NUM> are in the drainage trough <NUM> for draining plant nutrient solution flowing over the sidewall second portion 144b from the nutrient chamber <NUM> to the drainage trough <NUM>.

In the example illustrated, each of the sidewall first, second, third, and fourth portions 144a, 144b, 144c, 144d has a first, second, third, and fourth height, respectively above the nutrient chamber bottom wall <NUM>. In the example illustrated, the second height of the sidewall second portion 144b is less than the first, third, and fourth heights of the sidewall first, third, and fourth portions 144a, 144c, 144d. The second height of the sidewall second portion 144b defines a height of the nutrient chamber <NUM>, and a depth of the plant nutrient solution that can be held in the nutrient chamber <NUM>. In the example illustrated, the sidewall second portion 144b has an upper edge <NUM> defining an upper boundary of the nutrient chamber <NUM>.

The system <NUM> can further include a nutrient handling system for delivering the plant nutrient solution to the plant cultivation trays <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, the nutrient handling system includes a nutrient delivery ductwork <NUM> (shown schematically in <FIG>) having a plurality of nutrient delivery ports <NUM> (one of which is shown schematically in <FIG>). Each nutrient delivery port <NUM> is adjacent to and in fluid communication with a respective nutrient chamber inlet <NUM> for delivering plant nutrient solution thereto.

In the example illustrated, the nutrient handling system can further include a nutrient recirculation system for recirculating the plant nutrient solution discharged from the nutrient chamber <NUM>. The nutrient recirculation system can include a nutrient recirculation ductwork including a plurality of collection troughs <NUM> for capturing plant nutrient solution flowing out from the nutrient chamber outlet <NUM>. In the example illustrated, each collection trough <NUM> is mounted to the frame <NUM> and has an open top extending below the drainage ports <NUM> of the trays <NUM> supported on a respective conveyor <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, the tray lower portion 112a includes a plurality of baffles <NUM> in the nutrient chamber <NUM>. The baffles <NUM> can help suppress slosh of plant nutrient solution in the nutrient chamber <NUM>, can facilitate distribution of plant nutrient solution across the nutrient chamber <NUM>, and may help direct root growth of the plants. In the example illustrated, the baffles <NUM> are spaced axially apart from one another, and each baffle <NUM> extends upwardly from the nutrient chamber bottom wall <NUM> and laterally between the first and second sidewall portions 144a, 144b of the nutrient chamber sidewall <NUM>. In the example illustrated, the baffles <NUM> comprise lower portions of the projection sidewalls <NUM> of the vent projections <NUM>.

In the example illustrated, the nutrient chamber <NUM> comprises a plurality of lateral channels <NUM> extending laterally between the sidewall first and second portions 144a, 144b. The lateral channels <NUM> are separated axially from one another by the baffles <NUM>. In the example illustrated, each sidewall aperture <NUM> of the nutrient chamber inlet <NUM> is open to a respective lateral channel <NUM> (see also <FIG>), and is axially intermediate a respective pair of axially adjacent baffles <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, the cavity bottom end <NUM> of each plant cavity <NUM> is axially intermediate a respective pair of axially adjacent baffles <NUM>, and is positioned in a respective lateral channel <NUM> of the nutrient chamber <NUM> when the tray upper portion 112b is nested in the tray lower portion 112a (see also <FIG>).

Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, the plurality of baffles <NUM> includes a set of first baffles 244a extending laterally from the sidewall first portion 144a toward the sidewall second portion 144b, and a set of second baffles 244b extending laterally from the sidewall second portion 144b toward the sidewall first portion 144a. The first baffles 244a and the second baffles 244b are axially interposed between one another.

In the example illustrated, the nutrient chamber <NUM> further includes a plurality of axial channels <NUM> extending axially across the baffles <NUM> for providing fluid communication between the lateral channels <NUM>. In the example illustrated, the plurality of axial channels <NUM> includes a plurality of first axial channels 248a extending across the first baffles 244a laterally intermediate the first baffles 244a and the sidewall second portion 144b, and a plurality of second axial channels 248b extending across the second baffles 244b laterally intermediate the second baffles 244b and the sidewall first portion 144a.

The system <NUM> can further include a plant lighting system for providing homogenous lighting for all the plants being cultivated in the system <NUM> to facilitate plant growth. Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, the plant lighting system includes one or more lights <NUM> (e.g. LED lights) mounted above each plant cultivation tray <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the system can optionally include an automated tray loader <NUM> adjacent the frame upstream end 102a for loading the plant cultivation trays <NUM> onto the conveyor assemblies <NUM>. In the example illustrated, the tray loader <NUM> includes at least one loader carriage <NUM> movable between a loader first position (<FIG>) for receiving at least one plant cultivation tray <NUM>, and at least one loader second position (<FIG>) spaced apart from the loader first position for loading the at least one plant cultivation tray <NUM> onto the conveyor assemblies <NUM> from the frame upstream end 102a. In the example illustrated, the loader first position and the loader second position are spaced vertically apart from one another.

In the example illustrated, the loader carriage <NUM> supports the plant cultivation trays <NUM> with the bottom wall plane <NUM> parallel with the horizontal plane <NUM>. The tray loader <NUM> further includes a loader actuator <NUM> moveable between a loader closed position (<FIG>) for retaining the plant cultivation trays <NUM> in the loader carriage <NUM>, and a loader open position (<FIG>) for releasing the plant cultivation trays <NUM> from the loader carriage <NUM> and onto respective conveyors <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, when the loader carriage <NUM> is in the loader second position and the loader actuator <NUM> is in the loader open position, the trays <NUM> in the loader carriage <NUM> are urged to translate from the loader carriage <NUM> and onto respective conveyors <NUM> via gravitational force.

The system <NUM> can optionally include a tray locking system <NUM> for inhibiting translation of the plant cultivations trays <NUM> supported on the conveyors <NUM>. In the example illustrated, the locking system <NUM> includes a tray lock actuator <NUM> for each conveyor <NUM> adjacent the frame downstream end 102b. Each tray lock actuator <NUM> is movable between a locked position (shown in <FIG> with respect to both conveyors <NUM>) for engagement with a respective plant cultivation tray <NUM> nearest the frame downstream end 102b to inhibit translation of the plant cultivation trays <NUM> supported on the conveyor <NUM>, and an unlocked position (shown in <FIG> with respect to the upper conveyor <NUM>) clear of the trays <NUM> for permitting translation of the trays <NUM> along the conveyor axis <NUM> toward the frame downstream end 102b via gravitational force.

The system <NUM> can optionally include an automated tray extractor <NUM> adjacent the frame downstream end 102b for extracting the plant cultivations trays <NUM> from the conveyor assemblies <NUM>. The tray extractor <NUM> includes at least one extractor carriage <NUM> movable between an extractor first position (<FIG>) for extracting at least one plant cultivation tray <NUM> from the conveyor assemblies <NUM> at the frame downstream end 102b, and an extractor second position (<FIG>) spaced apart from the extractor first position for unloading the at least one plant cultivation tray <NUM> from the extractor carriage <NUM>. In the example illustrated, the extractor first position and the extractor second position are spaced vertically apart from one another.

In the example illustrated, the extractor carriage <NUM> supports the plant cultivation trays <NUM> with the bottom wall plane <NUM> parallel with the horizontal plane <NUM>. The tray extractor <NUM> further includes an extractor actuator <NUM> moveable between an extractor closed position (<FIG>) for retaining the plant cultivation trays <NUM> in the extractor carriage <NUM>, and an extractor open position (<FIG>) for releasing the plant cultivation trays <NUM> from the extractor carriage <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, when the extractor carriage <NUM> is in the extractor second position and the extractor actuator <NUM> is in the extractor open position, the trays <NUM> in the extractor carriage <NUM> are urged to translate out from the extractor carriage <NUM> via gravitational force.

Operation of the system <NUM> will now be described with respect to a single conveyor <NUM>. A plurality of the plant cultivation trays <NUM> are loaded onto the conveyor <NUM> at the frame upstream end 102a via the tray loader <NUM>. The loaded trays <NUM> translate along the conveyor axis <NUM> toward the frame downstream end 102b via gravitational force, and are held at respective first locations along the conveyor axis <NUM> adjacent one another via the locking system <NUM>. Plant nutrient solution is delivered to the nutrient chambers <NUM> of the trays <NUM>, air is discharged downwardly from the first ports <NUM> and upwardly from the second ports <NUM> and delivered to the plants <NUM> from above and below, and light is provided to the plants <NUM> from above.

After a defined amount of time, the extractor carriage <NUM> is moved to the extractor second position and the lock actuator <NUM> is moved to the unlocked position. The trays <NUM> on the conveyor <NUM> translate via gravitational force further toward the frame downstream end 102b, with the tray <NUM> at the frame downstream end 102b translating into the extractor carriage <NUM>, and the remaining trays <NUM> translating toward the frame downstream end 102b into respective second locations along the conveyor axis <NUM>. The tray lock actuator <NUM> is moved to the locked position to hold the trays <NUM> supported on the conveyor <NUM> at the respective second locations. As each tray <NUM> is extracted from the frame downstream end 102b, another tray <NUM> can be loaded onto the conveyor <NUM> from the frame upstream end 102a.

The extractor carriage <NUM> holding the extracted tray <NUM> is moved from the extractor first position to the extractor second position. Once the extractor carriage <NUM> is in the extractor second position, the extractor actuator <NUM> is moved from the extractor closed position to the extractor open position for unloading the extracted tray <NUM> from the extractor carriage <NUM> for further handling. The plants in the trays <NUM> remaining on the conveyor <NUM> can receive further nutrients, air, and light, and/or the remaining trays <NUM> can be extracted for further handling and replaced with another set of trays <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, an example of another plant cultivation tray <NUM> for a plant cultivation system like the system <NUM> is illustrated schematically. The tray <NUM> has similarities to the tray <NUM>, and like features are identified by like reference characters, incremented by <NUM>.

In the example illustrated, the plant cultivation tray <NUM> includes a tray body <NUM> having a tray top <NUM> and a tray bottom <NUM> vertically opposite the tray top <NUM>. The tray <NUM> further includes a plurality of plant cavities <NUM> in the tray body <NUM> and open to the tray top <NUM>. In the example illustrated, the tray <NUM> includes four plant cavities <NUM> arranged in a 2x2 array.

Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, the tray <NUM> further includes a nutrient chamber <NUM> internal the tray body <NUM> (see also <FIG>) and in fluid communication with the plant cavities <NUM>. In the example illustrated, the tray body <NUM> further includes at least one first tray vent 1166a passing vertically through the tray body <NUM>. The first tray vent 1166a is open to the tray top <NUM> and the tray bottom <NUM> for passing air through the tray body <NUM> to facilitate delivery of air to the plants held in the tray <NUM> from below. In the example illustrated, the first tray vent 1166a passes vertically through the nutrient chamber <NUM>. In the example illustrated, the tray <NUM> include a single first tray vent 1166a centered horizontally between the plant cavities <NUM>.

In the example illustrated, the tray <NUM> further includes a plurality of second tray vents 1166b passing vertically through the tray body <NUM>. Each second tray vent 1166b is open to the tray top <NUM> and the tray bottom <NUM> for passing air through the tray body <NUM> to facilitate delivery of air to the plants held in the tray <NUM> from below. Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, the tray <NUM> includes a tray sidewall <NUM> extending between the tray top <NUM> and the tray bottom <NUM>. The tray sidewall <NUM> has a horizontally outwardly directed sidewall outer surface <NUM> and a plurality of vent recesses <NUM> extending horizontally inward of the sidewall outer surface <NUM> and open to the tray top <NUM> and the tray bottom <NUM>. In the example illustrated, the second tray vents 1166b comprise the vent recesses <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, the tray sidewall <NUM> includes a sidewall front portion 1270a at a tray front <NUM> of the tray <NUM>, a sidewall rear portion 1270b (<FIG>) at a tray rear <NUM> (<FIG>) of the tray <NUM> and axially opposite the sidewall front portion 1270a, a sidewall left portion 1270c extending between the sidewall front and rear portions 1270a, 1270b, and a sidewall right portion 1270d laterally opposite the sidewall left portion 1270c and extending between the sidewall front and rear portions 1270a, 1270b.

In the example illustrated, the vent recesses <NUM> include at least one front vent recess 1274a in the sidewall front portion 1270a and at least one rear vent recess 1274b (<FIG>) in the sidewall rear portion 1270b. When a plurality of the trays <NUM> are positioned axially adjacent one another (e.g. when the trays <NUM> are supported on a conveyor), the front and rear vent recesses 1274a, 1274b of axially adjacent trays <NUM> are open to and in registration with one another to facilitate delivery of air upwardly therethrough.

Referring still to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, the vent recesses <NUM> further include at least one left vent recess 1274c in the sidewall left portion 1270c and at least one right vent recess 1274d in the sidewall right portion 1270d. When the trays <NUM> are supported laterally adjacent one another (e.g. when the trays <NUM> are supported on side-by-side conveyors), the left and right vent recesses 1274c, 1274d of laterally adjacent trays <NUM> are open to and in registration with one another to facilitate delivery of air upwardly therethrough.

Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, the tray <NUM> includes a pair of laterally spaced apart tray underside surfaces <NUM> for engagement with wheels of a gravity conveyor (e.g. like the gravity conveyor <NUM>) to rollingly support the tray <NUM> on the conveyor. In the example illustrated, when the tray is supported on the gravity conveyor, each underside surface <NUM> slopes downwards relative to a horizontal plane from the tray rear <NUM> to the tray front <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, the tray body <NUM> includes a nutrient chamber bottom wall <NUM> lying in a bottom wall plane and a nutrient chamber sidewall <NUM> extending upwardly from a periphery of the nutrient chamber bottom wall <NUM>. The nutrient chamber bottom wall <NUM> and the nutrient chamber sidewall <NUM> enclose the nutrient chamber <NUM>. In the example illustrated, the nutrient chamber bottom wall <NUM> is generally parallel with the horizontal plane when the tray <NUM> is supported on the conveyor for maintaining a generally constant depth of the plant nutrient solution across the nutrient chamber bottom wall <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, the tray body <NUM> includes a tray lower portion 1112a and a tray upper portion 1112b removably nested in the tray lower portion 1112a. In the example illustrated, the nutrient chamber <NUM> is in the tray lower portion 1112a, and the plant cavities <NUM> are in the tray upper portion 1112b.

Referring still to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, the plant cultivation tray <NUM> includes a nutrient chamber inlet <NUM> in the tray body <NUM> for delivering plant nutrient solution to the nutrient chamber <NUM>. In the example illustrated, the nutrient chamber inlet <NUM> comprises a plurality of inlet ports <NUM> in the tray upper portion 1112b. In the example illustrated, the inlet ports <NUM> are above and open to the nutrient chamber <NUM>.

In the example illustrated, the plant cultivation tray <NUM> further includes a nutrient chamber outlet <NUM> in the tray body <NUM> for draining plant nutrient solution overflowing from the nutrient chamber <NUM>. In the example illustrated, the nutrient chamber outlet <NUM> comprises at least one drainage port <NUM> in the tray lower portion 1112a. In the example illustrated, the tray lower portion 1112a includes a hollow drainage projection <NUM> extending upwardly from the nutrient chamber bottom wall <NUM> and through the nutrient chamber <NUM> (see also <FIG>). The drainage projection <NUM> includes a drainage top wall <NUM> above the nutrient chamber bottom wall <NUM>, and a drainage sidewall <NUM> extending between the chamber bottom wall <NUM> and the drainage top wall <NUM>. In the example illustrated, the drainage port <NUM> passes vertically through the drainage top wall <NUM> and is open to the tray bottom <NUM> (see also <FIG>).

Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, the plant cultivation tray <NUM> further includes an optional raised floor <NUM> nested in the nutrient chamber <NUM> and spaced above the nutrient chamber bottom wall <NUM>. In the example illustrated, the raised floor <NUM> includes a floor first portion 1286a vertically intermediate the nutrient chamber bottom wall <NUM> and the plant cavities <NUM>, and a floor second portion 1286b overlying the nutrient chamber outlet <NUM> to isolate the nutrient chamber outlet <NUM> from the plant cavities <NUM> (see also <FIG>). This can help inhibit blockage of the nutrient chamber outlet <NUM> by plant roots extending into the nutrient chamber <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, the floor first portion 1286a vertically separates the nutrient chamber <NUM> into a lower volume 1136a below the floor first portion 1286a and an upper volume 1136b above the floor first portion 1286a and in fluid communication with the upper volume 1226b via one or more floor openings <NUM> (<FIG>). In the example illustrated, the plant cavities <NUM> are in fluid communication with the upper volume 1236b of the nutrient chamber <NUM>. In the example illustrated, the floor first portion 1286a lies in a floor plane that is generally parallel with the horizontal plane when the tray <NUM> is supported on the conveyor.

Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, the plant cultivation tray <NUM> further includes a plurality of baffles <NUM> in the nutrient chamber <NUM>. In the example illustrated, the baffles <NUM> extend upwardly from the nutrient chamber bottom wall <NUM>, and are vertically intermediate the nutrient chamber bottom wall <NUM> and the raised floor <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, the tray upper portion 1112b is of multi-piece construction, and includes a frame <NUM> supported by the tray lower portion 1112a and a plurality of plant pots <NUM> removably mounted to the frame <NUM> and enclosing respective plant cavities <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, an example of another plant cultivation system <NUM> is illustrated schematically. The system <NUM> has similarities to the system <NUM>, and like features are identified by like reference characters, incremented by <NUM>.

In the example illustrated, the system <NUM> includes a plurality of frames <NUM>. Each frame <NUM> has a frame upstream end 2102a and a frame downstream end 2102b spaced horizontally apart from the frame upstream end 2102a. The frames <NUM> are positioned in series with the downstream end 2102b of a first one of the frames <NUM> adjacent an upstream end 2102a of a second one of the frames <NUM>.

In the example illustrated, the system <NUM> further includes a plurality of vertically stacked conveyor assemblies <NUM> mounted to each frame <NUM>. Each conveyor assembly <NUM> includes at least one gravity conveyor <NUM> extending between the frame upstream end 2102a and the frame downstream end 2102b along a respective conveyor axis <NUM>. In the example illustrated, the conveyor axis <NUM> slopes downwards relative to a horizontal plane <NUM> from the frame upstream end 2102a to the frame downstream end 2102b.

In the example illustrated, the system <NUM> further includes a plurality of plant cultivation trays <NUM> rollingly supported on each conveyor <NUM> and urged to translate along a respective conveyor axis <NUM> toward the frame downstream end 2102b via gravitational force. Each plant cultivation tray <NUM> includes a tray body having a tray top and a tray bottom vertically opposite the tray top. Each tray further includes a plurality of plant cavities <NUM> in the tray body and open to the tray top. The plant cavities <NUM> are for holding plants.

In the example illustrated, the system <NUM> further includes an automated tray transfer mechanism <NUM> axially intermediate the downstream end 2102b of the first one of the frames <NUM> and the upstream end 2102a of the second one of the frames <NUM>. The tray transfer mechanism <NUM> includes at least one transfer carriage <NUM> movable between a receiving position (shown in solid lines) for receiving at least one tray <NUM> from the conveyor assemblies <NUM> mounted to the first one of the frames <NUM>, and a transfer position (shown in phantom lines) above the receiving position for loading the at least one tray <NUM> onto the conveyor assemblies <NUM> mounted to the second one of the frames <NUM>.

In the example illustrated, the plant cultivation system <NUM> includes a frame <NUM> and a plurality of vertically stacked conveyor assemblies <NUM> mounted to the frame <NUM>. A plurality of plant cultivation trays <NUM> are supported on each conveyor <NUM> of the assemblies <NUM> for translation along a respective conveyor axis.

Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, the plant cultivation system <NUM> includes an air handling system having an air delivery ductwork <NUM> for delivering air to plants held in the trays <NUM>. In the example illustrated, the air delivery ductwork <NUM> includes a plurality of first ports <NUM> (<FIG>) above each plant cultivation tray <NUM> supported on the conveyor assemblies <NUM> for discharging air from the air delivery ductwork <NUM> downwardly to deliver air to the plants from above. In some examples, each first port <NUM> can be in alignment with (and overlie) a respective plant cavity (and in some examples, a head of a respective plant held in the cavity). The air delivery ductwork <NUM> further includes a plurality of second ports <NUM> below each plant cultivation tray <NUM> supported on the conveyor assemblies <NUM> for discharging air from the air delivery ductwork <NUM> upwardly to deliver air to the plants from below (e.g. through tray vents). In some examples, the second ports may be omitted.

In the example illustrated, the air delivery ductwork <NUM> includes a plurality of vertically spaced apart duct assemblies <NUM> for conducting air to the first and second ports <NUM>, <NUM> (<FIG>), and a duct header <NUM> in fluid communication with each duct assembly <NUM> for conducting air thereto. In the example illustrated, each duct assembly <NUM> includes a plurality of ducts <NUM> for conducting respective streams of air to the first and/or second ports. In the example illustrated, each duct assembly <NUM> includes eighteen ducts <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, each duct <NUM> comprises a tube having a generally circular cross-section. Providing tubular ducts may help to, for example, reduce manufacturing costs of the air delivery ductwork <NUM>.

Referring still to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, each duct <NUM> includes a duct bottom wall <NUM> and a duct top wall <NUM> vertically opposite the duct bottom wall <NUM>. In the example illustrated, a set of the first ports <NUM> are provided in the duct bottom wall <NUM> for discharging air downwardly from the duct <NUM>, and a set of the second ports <NUM> are provided in the duct top wall <NUM> for discharging air upwardly from the duct <NUM>. In the example illustrated, each duct <NUM> includes sidewalls <NUM> extending between the bottom and top walls <NUM> and <NUM>, and optionally, a set of side ports <NUM> in the sidewalls for discharging air sideways from the duct <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, an example of another plant cultivation system <NUM> is shown. The system <NUM> has similarities to the system <NUM>, and like features are identified by like reference characters, incremented by <NUM>.

In the example illustrated, the system <NUM> includes a frame <NUM> and a plurality of vertically stacked conveyor assemblies <NUM> mounted to the frame <NUM>. Each conveyor assembly <NUM> includes a plurality of conveyors <NUM> each extending along a conveyor axis <NUM> for supporting a plurality of plant cultivation trays <NUM>. In the example illustrated, the conveyors <NUM> of each conveyor assembly <NUM> are mounted at a generally common elevation and arranged in side-by-side lanes, and include a first conveyor 4106a and a second conveyor 4106b spaced laterally apart from and extending parallel with the first conveyor 4106a. In the example illustrated, each conveyor assembly <NUM> further includes a third conveyor 4106c laterally outboard of the first conveyor 4106a, and a fourth conveyor 4106d laterally outboard of the second conveyor 4106b.

In the example illustrated, the plant cultivation system <NUM> further includes an air handling system comprising an air delivery ductwork <NUM> for delivering air to plants held in the trays <NUM> supported on the conveyors <NUM>. In the example illustrated, the air delivery ductwork <NUM> includes one or more duct headers <NUM> laterally intermediate the first and second conveyors 4106a, 4106b, a plurality of first duct assemblies 4196a (<FIG>) extending laterally from a first side of the duct headers <NUM> for delivering air to plants held in trays <NUM> supported on each first conveyor 4106a (and each third conveyor 4106c in the example illustrated), and a plurality of second duct assemblies 4196b (<FIG>) extending laterally from a second side of the duct headers <NUM> opposite the first side for delivering air to plants held in trays <NUM> supported on each second conveyor 4106b (and each fourth conveyor 4106d in the example illustrated).

Positioning the duct headers <NUM> between the first and second conveyors 4106a, 4106b can help to, for example, provide the system <NUM> with generally open sides that are generally free of obstructions. This may facilitate more convenient access to the conveyors <NUM> and/or other system components, particularly in plant cultivation systems that include wide conveyor assemblies (for example, conveyor assemblies with a high number of side-by-side conveyors, or with wide conveyors). This may help with, for example, cleaning and/or sanitizing, inspection, maintenance, and/or component adjustment or replacement.

Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, the one or more duct headers <NUM> include a first duct header 4202a in fluid communication with the first duct assemblies 4196a for conducting air thereto, and a second duct header 4202b in fluid communication with the second duct assemblies 4196b for conducting air thereto. In the example illustrated, the first duct header 4202a is spaced axially apart from the second duct header 4202b. In the example illustrated, the first and second duct headers 4202a, 4202b are oriented generally vertically for conducting air in a generally vertical direction (laterally intermediate the first and second conveyors 4106a, 4106b), and the first and second duct assemblies 4196a, 4196b are oriented generally horizontally for conducting air in a generally horizontal direction (above and/or below the conveyor assemblies <NUM>).

Claim 1:
A plant cultivation system (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), comprising:
(a) a frame (<NUM><NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) having a frame upstream end (102a, 2102a, 4102a) and a frame downstream end (102b, 2102b, 4102b) spaced horizontally apart from the frame upstream end;
(b) a plurality of vertically stacked conveyor assemblies (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) mounted to the frame, each conveyor assembly including at least one conveyor (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) extending between the frame upstream end and the frame downstream end along a conveyor axis (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>);
(c) a plurality of plant cultivation trays (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) supported on each conveyor for translation along a respective conveyor axis toward the frame downstream end, each plant cultivation tray including: a tray body (<NUM>, <NUM>) having a tray top (<NUM>, <NUM>) and a tray bottom (<NUM>, <NUM>) vertically opposite the tray top; a plurality of plant cavities (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) in the tray body and open to the tray top, the plant cavities for holding plants (<NUM>); and at least one tray vent (<NUM>, <NUM>) passing vertically through the tray body, the tray vent open to the tray top and the tray bottom for passing air vertically through the tray body to facilitate delivery of air to the plants from below; and
(d) an air delivery ductwork (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) for delivering air to the plants, the air delivery ductwork including a plurality of first ports (<NUM>, <NUM>) above each plant cultivation tray for discharging air from the air delivery ductwork downwardly to deliver air to the plants from above, and a plurality of second ports (<NUM>, <NUM>) below each plant cultivation tray for discharging air from the air delivery ductwork upwardly to deliver air to the plants from below via the tray vents.