| 摘要 |
Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods of providing a large-scale farming apparatus that utilizes a helical design for continuous crop production and cultivation. The invention generally embodies a planting material suspended between two material transport assemblies, configured to move down a helical path. In some embodiments, a depositor may deposit soil, seeds, fertilizer, etc. onto the planting material at the top of the helical path. In some embodiments, a harvester may harvest the crops at the bottom of the helical path and discard the soil into a compost housing. The material transport assemblies may travel back to the top of the helical path, creating a continuous path upon which the planting material may travel. A compost transport system may receive the compost from the compost housing, transport the compost upwards to the depositor, and deliver the compost, as fertile soil, back to the depositor. |
| 主权项 |
1. An apparatus for a vertical farming structure through which crops are allowed to grow as the crops move, the apparatus comprising:
a central support member positioned at least near the center of the apparatus; one or more outer support members positioned at least near the exterior of the apparatus; an inner material transport assembly operatively coupled to the central support member; an outer material transport assembly operatively coupled to the outer support members; a planting material comprising an inner edge operatively coupled to the inner material transport assembly, an outer edge operatively coupled to the outer material transport assembly, and a body extending between the inner edge and the outer edge, and wherein the planting material is flexible, such that the planting material may be deformed, and is configured to support the crops as the crops grow; and wherein the crops are planted in a first location within the apparatus, move as the inner material transport assembly and outer transport assembly allow the planting material to move, and are ready for harvesting in a second location within the apparatus. |
