Patent ID: 7536827

Claim:
A system for hydroponically growing photosynthetic microorganisms comprising: a structure comprising a skeleton, a translucent membrane placed over said skeleton in a manner designed to be permanent, and a grid system affixed to said skeleton; a control compartment, further comprising a plurality of storage tanks and controls for said system, wherein at least a first storage tank of said plurality of storage tanks contains a liquid medium, at least a second storage tank of said plurality of storage tanks contains microorganisms, and at least a third storage tank of said plurality of storage tanks acting as a mixing tank within which said liquid medium is mixed with said microorganisms in predetermined quantities to form a slurry; a plurality of open cradles placed generally horizontally within said structure and capable of receiving said slurry through an inlet end, and permitting harvest of said microorganisms through an outlet harvest end; wherein said plurality is vertically racked; and wherein each of said cradles in said plurality has a downward slope to permit said slurry to move from said inlet end to said outlet harvest end in a manner that permits growth of said microorganisms; a handling system capable of conveying predetermined quantities of material stored within said storage tanks to at least one cradle of said plurality of cradles; and an air handling and conditioning system providing climate control within said structure, and maintaining the integrity of said structure.