阅读说明：本技术 刺激葡萄藤、葡萄藤再植株或农作物生长的方法和装置 (Method and device for stimulating the growth of grapevines, grapevines re-plantings or crops ) 是由 约瑟法·沙哈克 尼古拉斯·布斯 威廉·L·皮科克 纳达夫·拉维德 乔纳森·德斯特勒 丹尼尔 于 2018-12-13 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于改善正在生长的植物的生长条件的生长室,所述正在生长的植物包括正在生长的葡萄藤、葡萄藤再植株或其他农作物植物。所述生长室包括用于收集并集中太阳能的太阳能集中器；与所述太阳能集中器光学连通的光发送器,用于将所收集的太阳能向所述正在生长的植物引导；内壁,所述内壁包括位于所述太阳能集中器与所述正在生长的葡萄藤或葡萄藤再植株之间的周界,所述内壁还包括用于将所收集的太阳能向所述正在生长的植物引导的反射内表面；以及被配置为放置在所述正在生长的植物周围的保护性内表面,所述保护性内表面限定围绕所述正在生长的植物的保护区,所述保护性内表面从所述光发送器向下延伸并且包括用于保护所述保护区免受一种或多种生长限制因素影响的刚性外壁。(A growth chamber for improving the growth conditions of growing plants, including growing grapevines, grapevine re-plants, or other crop plants. The growth chamber includes a solar concentrator for collecting and concentrating solar energy; an optical transmitter in optical communication with the solar concentrator for directing the collected solar energy toward the growing plant; an interior wall comprising a perimeter between the solar concentrator and the growing grapevine or grapevine replant, the interior wall further comprising a reflective interior surface for directing the collected solar energy toward the growing plant; and a protective inner surface configured to be placed around the growing plant, the protective inner surface defining a protective zone around the growing plant, the protective inner surface extending downwardly from the optical transmitter and including a rigid outer wall for protecting the protective zone from one or more growth limiting factors.)

1. A method of collecting solar energy and concentrating the solar energy onto crop plants, comprising:

collecting and concentrating solar energy with a solar concentrator, the solar concentrator comprising a sun-facing surface located above the crop plants, the sun-facing surface comprising a reflective material;

directing the collected solar energy toward the crop plant through an optical transmitter in optical communication with the solar concentrator, the optical transmitter comprising:

an inner wall comprising a perimeter between the solar concentrator and the crop plant, the inner wall further comprising a reflective inner surface for directing the collected solar energy toward the crop plant.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising positioning a protective inner surface defining a protection zone surrounding the crop plant, the protective inner surface extending downwardly from the optical transmitter and including a rigid outer wall for protecting the protection zone from one or more growth limiting factors selected from the group consisting of: wind damage; heat damage; cold damage; frost damage; herbicide damage; and animal damage, and/or for reducing transpiration of the crop plant located within the protected zone.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein collecting and concentrating solar energy onto the crop plant improves the growth conditions of the crop plant.

4. The method of claim 2 or 3, wherein the protective inner surface and the optical transmitter are integrally connected to each other.

5. The method of claim 2 or 3, wherein the protective inner surface, the optical transmitter, and the solar concentrator are integrally connected to one another.

6. The method of any of claims 1-5, wherein one or both of the optical transmitter and the protective inner surface include one or more openings for allowing one or both of: a) the operator accesses the growing vine or vine replanting plant through the opening and b) the air flow between the external environment and the protected area.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein two or more of the openings are arranged in pairs positioned on sides of the optical transmitter or the protective inner surface that are laterally opposite one another to allow lateral airflow through the optical transmitter or the protective inner surface.

8. The method of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the solar concentrator comprises a funnel shape, a conical shape, a parabolic shape, a partial funnel shape, a partial conical shape, a compound parabolic shape, or a partial parabolic shape.

9. The method of any of claims 1-8, wherein one or both of the reflective material and the reflective interior surface comprises a plastic material.

10. The method of any one of claims 1-9, wherein one or both of the reflective material and the reflective interior surface is red in color.

11. The method of any of claims 1-10, wherein one or both of the reflective material and the reflective interior surface are adapted to limit or eliminate reflection of blue light.

12. The method of any one of claims 1-11, wherein one or both of the reflective materials are adapted to limit or eliminate reflection of UV light.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein the rigid outer wall defines an upper perimeter for engaging the optical transmitter and a lower perimeter for engaging a soil surface surrounding the growing grapevine or grapevine replant, and wherein the lower perimeter is smaller than the upper perimeter.

14. The method of any of claims 1-13, wherein one or both of the optical transmitter and the protective inner surface include one or more vertical openings, the vertical openings including: an edge, a joint, and a hinge such that one or both of the optical transmitter and the protective interior surface can be configured to open or close along the vertical opening, thereby allowing air to flow through the external environment and the protected area.

15. The method of any of claims 1-14, further comprising placing a heat sink in one or both of the optical transmitter and the protective interior surface for concentrating the concentrated solar thermal energy in the heat sink at a time and subsequently releasing the concentrated solar thermal energy into the protective zone.

16. The method of any of claims 1-15, wherein the protective inner surface and the optical transmitter are interconnected by an interlocking connection.

17. The method of any of claims 1-16, wherein the solar concentrator and the optical transmitter are interconnected by an interlocking connection.

18. The method of any of claims 1-15, wherein the solar concentrator, the optical transmitter, and the protective interior surface are interconnected by an interlocking connection.

19. The method of any of claims 1-18, wherein the solar concentrator and the optical transmitter are interconnected by a rotational connection.

20. The method of any of claims 1-19, wherein the rigid outer wall defines a funnel shape, a conical shape, a parabolic shape, a partial funnel shape, a partial conical shape, a compound parabolic shape, or a partial parabolic shape.

21. A method according to any one of claims 1-20, wherein the rigid outer wall defines an upper perimeter for engaging the optical transmitter and a lower perimeter for engaging a soil surface surrounding the growing grapevine or grapevine replant, and wherein the lower perimeter is smaller than the upper perimeter.

22. The method of any one of claims 1-21, wherein the protective inner surface is supported on soil surrounding the growing vine or vine replant on one, two, three, four or more legs extending from the protective inner surface or from the light transmitter.

23. The method of any of claims 1-22, wherein one or both of the optical transmitter and the protective inner surface are tubular.

24. The method of any one of claims 15-23, wherein the heat spreader is circular in shape, defining an opening for enclosing the growing grapevine or grapevine replant.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the heat sink comprises one circular portion or two or more partial circular portions joined to each other to form a circle.

26. The method according to any one of claims 1-25, further comprising the step of training the growing grapevine or grapevine replant to grow in a desired direction by positioning one or more of the protective inner surface or sleeve portion and the inner wall adjacent to the growing grapevine or grapevine replant and in the desired direction.

27. The method of any one of claims 1-26, further comprising scattering the collected solar energy, manipulating the spectral composition of the collected solar energy, or both, prior to directing the collected solar energy to the surface of the growing grapevine or grapevine replant.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the manipulating spectral composition comprises reducing blue light, a relative content of light enriched in a spectral region of yellow or red or far-red light, reducing a relative content of UV radiation, reducing a relative content of UVB radiation, or any combination thereof.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein said manipulating spectral composition comprises enriching the relative content of light in each of the yellow, red, or far-red spectral regions by at least about 10%.

30. The method of claim 28, wherein said manipulating spectral composition comprises enriching the relative content of light in each of the yellow, red, or far-red spectral regions by at least about 20%.

31. The method of claim 28, wherein the manipulated spectral composition comprises Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) enriched in the range of about 400-750 nm, about 540-750nm, and/or about 620-750 nm.

32. The method of claim 28, wherein said manipulating spectral composition comprises reducing blue light by at least about 20%.

33. The method of claim 28, wherein said manipulating the spectral composition comprises reducing the relative content of UVB radiation by at least about 50%.

34. The method of claim 27, wherein said manipulating spectral composition comprises reducing the relative content of Infrared Radiation (IR).

35. The method of claim 34, wherein said manipulating spectral composition comprises reducing the relative content of Infrared Radiation (IR) greater than at least about 750 nm.

36. The method as set forth in any one of claims 1-26, further comprising filtering the light in the spectral composition having a wavelength in the range of about 400-700nm, about 540-750nm and/or about 620-750nm and a frequency in the range of about 508-526THz and about 400-484 THz.

37. A growth chamber for crop plants, the growth chamber comprising:

a solar concentrator for collecting and concentrating solar energy, the solar concentrator comprising a sun-facing surface located above the grape vines, the sun-facing surface comprising a reflective material;

an optical transmitter in optical communication with the solar concentrator for directing the collected solar energy to the grape vine through the optical transmitter, the optical transmitter comprising:

an inner wall comprising a perimeter between the solar concentrator and the grape vine, the inner wall further comprising a reflective inner surface for directing the collected solar energy towards the grape vine.

38. The growth chamber of claim 37, further comprising:

a protective inner surface configured to be placed around a growing grape vine or grape vine replant, the protective inner surface defining a protective zone around the growing grape vine or grape vine replant, the protective inner surface extending downwardly from the light transmitter and comprising a rigid outer wall for protecting the protective zone from one or more growth limiting factors selected from the group consisting of: wind damage; heat damage; cold damage; frost damage; herbicide damage; and animal damage, and/or for reducing transpiration of crop plants located within the protected zone.

39. The growth chamber of claim 37 or 38, wherein the protective inner surface and the optical transmitter are integrally connected to each other.

40. The growth chamber of claim 37 or 38, wherein the protective interior surface, the light transmitter, and the solar concentrator are integrally connected to one another.

41. The growth chamber of any one of claims 37-40, wherein one or both of the optical transmitter and the protective interior surface include one or more openings for allowing one or both of: a) the operator accesses the growing vine or vine replanting plant through the opening and b) the air flow between the external environment and the protected area.

42. The growth chamber of claim 41, wherein two or more of the openings are arranged in pairs positioned on sides of the light transmitter or the protective inner surface that are laterally opposite one another to allow lateral airflow through the light transmitter or the protective inner surface.

43. The growth chamber of claim 41, wherein the one or more openings are positioned randomly or systematically in a pattern.

44. The growth chamber of claim 41, wherein the one or more openings comprise about 1 to about 20 openings.

45. The growth chamber of claim 41, wherein the one or more openings are positioned at a variable height relative to each other.

46. The growth chamber of claim 41, wherein the one or more openings comprise a diameter having a functional range from about 1.0 inch to about 12.0 inches, and not necessarily all the same diameter.

47. The growth chamber of any one of claims 37-46, wherein the solar concentrator comprises a conical, funnel, parabolic, partial funnel, partial conical, compound parabolic, or partial parabolic shape.

48. The growth chamber of any one of claims 37-47, wherein one or both of the reflective material and the reflective interior surface comprise a plastic material.

49. The growth chamber of any one of claims 37-48, wherein one or both of the reflective material and the reflective interior surface is red in color.

50. The growth chamber of any one of claims 37-49, wherein one or both of the reflective materials are adapted to limit or eliminate reflection of blue light.

51. The method of any one of claims 37-50, wherein one or both of the reflective material and the reflective interior surface are adapted to limit or eliminate reflection of UV light.

52. The growth chamber of any one of claims 37-51, wherein the rigid outer wall defines an upper perimeter for engaging the optical transmitter and a lower perimeter for engaging a soil surface surrounding the growing vine or vine replant, and wherein the lower perimeter is smaller than the upper perimeter.

53. The growth chamber of any one of claims 37-52, wherein one or both of the optical transmitter and the protective interior surface include one or more vertical openings, the vertical openings including: an edge, a joint, or a hinge such that one or both of the optical transmitter and protective interior surface can be configured to open or close along the vertical opening, thereby allowing air to flow through the external environment and the protected area.

54. The growth chamber of any one of claims 37-53, further comprising a heat sink in one or both of the optical transmitter and the protective interior surface for concentrating concentrated solar thermal energy in the heat sink at a time and subsequently releasing the concentrated solar thermal energy into the protective zone.

55. The growth chamber of any one of claims 37-54, wherein the protective interior surface and the light transmitter are interconnected by an interlocking connection.

56. The growth chamber of any one of claims 37-55, wherein the solar concentrator and the optical transmitter are interconnected by an interlocking connection.

57. The growth chamber of any one of claims 37-54, wherein the solar concentrator, the optical transmitter, and the protective interior surface are interconnected by an interlocking connection.

58. The growth chamber of any one of claims 37-57, wherein the solar concentrator and the optical transmitter are interconnected by a rotational connection.

59. The growth chamber of any one of claims 37-55, wherein the rigid outer wall defines a funnel shape.

60. The growth chamber of any one of claims 37-56, wherein the rigid outer wall defines an upper perimeter for engaging the light transmitter and a lower perimeter for engaging a soil surface surrounding the growing grape vine or grape vine replant, and wherein the lower perimeter is smaller than the upper perimeter.

61. The growth chamber of any one of claims 37-60, wherein the protective inner surface is supported on soil surrounding the growing vine or vine replant on one, two, three, four or more legs extending from the protective inner surface or from the light transmitter.

62. The growth chamber of any one of claims 37-61, wherein one or both of the optical transmitter and the protective inner surface are tubular.

63. The growth chamber of any one of claims 54-62, wherein the heat spreader is circular in shape, defining an opening for enclosing the growing grapevine or grapevine replant.

64. The growth chamber of claim 63, wherein the heat spreader comprises one circular portion or two or more partially circular portions joined to one another to form a circle.

65. The growth chamber of any one of claims 24-64, wherein one or both of the protective interior surface and the optical transmitter are adapted to train the growing grapevine or grapevine replant to grow in a desired direction.

66. The growth chamber of any one of claims 24-65, wherein the sun-facing surface, the reflective interior surface, an interior wall of the protective interior surface, or any combination thereof, is adapted to scatter the collected solar energy, manipulate the spectral composition of the collected solar energy, or both, prior to directing the collected solar energy to the surface of the growing grapevine or grapevine replant.

67. The growth chamber of claim 66, wherein the manipulated spectral composition comprises a reduction in blue light, a relative content of light enriched in the spectral region of yellow or red or far-red light, a reduction in the relative content of UV radiation, a reduction in the relative content of UVB radiation, or any combination thereof.

68. The growth chamber of claim 67, wherein the manipulating spectral composition comprises enriching the relative content of light in each of the yellow, red, or far-red spectral regions by at least about 10%.

69. The growth chamber of claim 67, wherein the manipulating spectral composition comprises enriching the relative content of light in each of the yellow, red, or far-red spectral regions by at least about 20%.

70. The growth chamber of claim 67, wherein the manipulating spectral composition comprises reducing blue light by at least about 20%.

71. The growth chamber of claim 67, wherein the manipulating spectral composition comprises reducing the relative content of UVB radiation by at least about 50%.

72. The growth chamber of claim 67, wherein the manipulated spectral composition comprises Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) enriched within the range of about 400-700nm, about 540-750nm, and/or about 620-750 nm.

73. The growth chamber of claim 67, wherein manipulating the spectral composition comprises reducing the relative content of Infrared Radiation (IR).

74. The growth chamber of claim 67, wherein the manipulating spectral composition comprises reducing a relative content of Infrared Radiation (IR) greater than at least about 750 nm.

75. The growth chamber of any one of claims 67-74, further comprising filtering light in the spectral composition having a wavelength in the range of about 400-700nm, about 540-750nm and/or about 620-750nm and a frequency in the range of about 508-526THz and about 400-484 THz.

76. A method of improving the growth conditions of a growing plant, the method comprising:

collecting and concentrating solar energy with a solar concentrator, the solar concentrator comprising a sun-facing surface positioned above the growing plant, the sun-facing surface comprising a reflective material;

directing the collected solar energy to the growing plant through an optical transmitter in optical communication with the solar concentrator, the optical transmitter comprising:

an interior wall comprising a perimeter between the solar concentrator and the growing plant, the interior wall further comprising a reflective interior surface for directing the collected solar energy toward the growing plant.

77. The method of claim 76, further comprising positioning a protective inner surface defining a protective area surrounding the growing plant, the protective inner surface extending downwardly from the light transmitter and including a rigid outer wall for protecting the protective area from one or more growth limiting factors selected from the group consisting of: wind damage; heat damage; cold damage; frost damage; herbicide damage; and animal damage and/or for reducing transpiration of the growing plant located within the protected zone, thereby directing the concentrated solar energy toward the growing plant, protecting the growing plant from the one or more growth limiting factors, and improving the growing conditions of the growing plant.

78. The method of claim 76 or 77, wherein collecting and concentrating solar energy onto the growing plant improves the growing conditions of the growing plant.

79. The method of claim 77 or 78, wherein the protective inner surface and the optical transmitter are integrally connected to one another.

80. The method of claim 77 or 78, wherein the protective inner surface, the light transmitter, and the solar concentrator are integrally connected to one another.

81. The method of any of claims 76-80, wherein one or both of the optical transmitter and the protective inner surface include one or more openings for allowing one or both of: a) an operator accesses the growing plant through the opening and b) an air flow between the external environment and the protected area.

82. The method of claim 81, wherein two or more of the openings are arranged in pairs positioned on sides of the optical transmitter or the protective inner surface that are laterally opposite one another to allow lateral airflow through the optical transmitter or the protective inner surface.

83. The method of any one of claims 76-82, wherein the solar concentrator comprises a conical, funnel, parabolic, partial funnel, partial conical, compound parabolic, or partial parabolic shape.

84. The method of any one of claims 76-83, wherein one or both of the reflective material and the reflective interior surface comprises a plastic material.

85. The method according to any one of claims 76-84, wherein one or both of the reflective material and the reflective interior surface is red in color.

86. The method according to any one of claims 76-85, wherein one or both of the reflective material and the reflective inner surface are adapted to limit or eliminate reflection of blue light.

87. The method of any one of claims 76-86, wherein one or both of the reflective material and the reflective interior surface are adapted to limit or eliminate reflection of UV light.

88. The method of any one of claims 76-87, wherein the rigid outer wall defines an upper perimeter for engaging the optical transmitter and a lower perimeter for engaging soil surrounding the growing plant, and wherein the lower perimeter is smaller than the upper perimeter.

89. The method of any of claims 76-88, wherein one or both of the optical transmitter and the protective inner surface include one or more vertical openings, the vertical openings including: an edge, a joint, or a hinge such that one or both of the optical transmitter and the protective interior surface can be configured to open or close along the vertical opening, thereby allowing air to flow through the external environment and the protected area.

90. The method of any one of claims 76-89, further comprising placing a heat sink in one or both of the optical transmitter and the protective interior surface for concentrating the concentrated solar thermal energy in the heat sink at a time and subsequently releasing the concentrated solar thermal energy into the protective zone.

91. The method of any of claims 76-90, wherein the protective inner surface and the optical transmitter are interconnected by an interlocking connection.

92. The method of any of claims 76-91, wherein the solar concentrator and the optical transmitter are interconnected by an interlocking connection.

93. The method of any of claims 76-92, wherein the solar concentrator and the optical transmitter are interconnected by a rotational connection.

94. The method of any of claims 76-93, wherein the rigid outer wall defines a funnel shape, a conical shape, a parabolic shape, a partial funnel shape, a partial conical shape, a compound parabolic shape, or a partial parabolic shape.

95. The method of any one of claims 76-94, wherein the rigid outer wall defines an upper perimeter for engaging the optical transmitter and a lower perimeter for engaging soil surrounding the growing plant, and wherein the lower perimeter is smaller than the upper perimeter.

96. The method of any one of claims 76-95 wherein the protective inner surface is supported on soil surrounding the growing plant on one, two, three, four or more legs extending from the protective inner surface or from the light transmitter.

97. The method of any of claims 76-96, wherein one or both of the optical transmitter and the protective inner surface are tubular.

98. The method of any one of claims 90-97, wherein the heat sink is circular in shape defining an opening for surrounding the growing plant.

99. The method of claim 98, wherein the heat sink comprises one circular portion or two or more partial circular portions joined to each other to form a circle.

100. The method according to any one of claims 76-99, further comprising the step of training the growing plant to grow in a desired direction by positioning one or more of the protective inner surface or sleeve portion and the inner wall adjacent to the growing plant and in the desired direction.

101. The method of any one of claims 76-100, further comprising scattering the collected solar energy, manipulating the spectral composition of the collected solar energy, or both, prior to directing the collected solar energy to the surface of the growing plant.

102. The method of claim 101, wherein said manipulating spectral composition comprises reducing blue light, a relative content of light enriched in the spectral region of yellow or red or far-red light, reducing a relative content of UV radiation, reducing a relative content of UVB radiation, or any combination thereof.

103. The method of claim 102, wherein said manipulating spectral composition comprises enriching the relative content of light in each of the yellow, red, or far-red spectral regions by at least about 10%.

104. The method of claim 102, wherein said manipulating spectral composition comprises enriching the relative content of light in each of the yellow, red, or far-red spectral regions by at least about 20%.

105. The method of claim 102, wherein the manipulated spectral composition comprises Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) enriched in the range of about 400-750 nm, about 540-750nm, and/or about 620-750 nm.

106. The method of claim 102, wherein said manipulating spectral composition comprises reducing blue light by at least about 20%.

107. The method of claim 102, wherein said manipulating the spectral composition comprises reducing the relative content of UVB radiation by at least about 50%.

108. The method of claim 101, wherein said manipulating spectral composition comprises reducing the relative content of Infrared Radiation (IR).

109. The method of claim 108, wherein said manipulating spectral composition comprises reducing the relative content of Infrared Radiation (IR) greater than at least about 750 nm.

110. The method as set forth in any one of claims 76-100 further comprising filtering the light in the spectral composition at a wavelength in the range of about 400-700nm, about 540-750nm and/or about 620-750nm and at a frequency in the range of about 508-526THz and about 400-484 THz.

111. A growth chamber for improving the growth conditions of a growing plant, the growth chamber comprising:

a solar concentrator for collecting and concentrating solar energy, the solar concentrator comprising a sun-facing surface located above the growing plant, the sun-facing surface comprising a reflective material; an optical transmitter in optical communication with the solar concentrator, through which the collected solar energy is directed toward the growing plant, the optical transmitter comprising: an interior wall comprising a perimeter between the solar concentrator and the growing plant, the interior wall further comprising a reflective interior surface for directing the collected solar energy toward the growing plant.

112. The growth chamber of claim 111, further comprising:

a protective inner surface configured to be placed around the growing plant, the protective inner surface defining a protective zone around the growing plant, the protective inner surface extending downward from the optical transmitter and including a rigid outer wall for protecting the protective zone from one or more growth limiting factors selected from the group consisting of: wind damage; heat damage; cold damage; frost damage; herbicide damage; and animal damage, and/or for reducing transpiration of the growing plant located within the protected zone.

113. The growth chamber of claim 111 or 112, wherein the protective inner surface and the optical transmitter are integrally connected to each other.

114. The growth chamber of claim 111 or 112, wherein the protective inner surface and the optical transmitter are integrally connected to each other.

115. The growth chamber of any one of claims 111-114, wherein one or both of the optical transmitter and the protective interior surface include one or more openings for allowing one or both of: a) an operator accesses the growing plant through the opening and b) an air flow between the external environment and the protected area.

116. The growth chamber of claim 115, wherein two or more of the openings are arranged in pairs positioned on laterally opposite sides of the light transmitter or the protective inner surface from one another to allow lateral airflow through the light transmitter or the protective inner surface.

117. The growth chamber of claim 115, wherein the one or more openings are positioned randomly or systematically in a pattern.

118. The growth chamber of claim 115, wherein the one or more openings comprise about 1 to about 20 openings.

119. The growth chamber of claim 115, wherein the one or more openings are positioned at a variable height relative to each other.

120. The growth chamber of claim 115, wherein the one or more openings comprise a diameter having a functional range from about 1.0 inch to about 12.0 inches, and not necessarily all the same diameter.

121. The growth chamber of any one of claims 111-120, wherein the solar concentrator comprises a funnel shape, a conical shape, a parabolic shape, a partial funnel shape, a partial conical shape, a compound parabolic shape, or a partial parabolic shape.

122. The growth chamber of any one of claims 111-121, wherein one or both of the reflective material and the reflective interior surface comprise a plastic material.

123. The growth chamber of any one of claims 111-122, wherein one or both of the reflective material and the reflective interior surface are red in color.

124. The growth chamber of any one of claims 111-123, wherein the one or two reflective materials are adapted to limit or eliminate reflection of blue light.

125. The growth chamber of any one of claims 111-124, wherein the one or two reflective materials are adapted to limit or eliminate reflection of UV light.

126. The growth chamber of any one of claims 111-125 wherein the rigid outer wall defines an upper perimeter for engaging the light transmitter and a lower perimeter for engaging a soil surface surrounding the growing plant, and wherein the lower perimeter is smaller than the upper perimeter.

127. The growth chamber of any one of claims 111-126, wherein one or both of the light transmitter and the protective interior surface include a vertical opening and a hinge such that one or both of the light transmitter and the growth tube are configured to open or close along the vertical opening to allow air to flow through the external environment and the protective zone.

128. The growth chamber of any one of claims 111-127 further comprising a heat sink in one or both of the optical transmitter and the protective interior surface for concentrating concentrated solar thermal energy in the heat sink at a time and subsequently releasing the concentrated solar thermal energy into the protective zone.

129. The growth chamber of any one of claims 111-128, wherein the protective interior surface and the optical transmitter are interconnected by an interlocking connection.

130. The growth chamber of any one of claims 111-129, wherein the solar concentrator and the optical transmitter are interconnected by an interlocking connection.

131. The growth chamber of any one of claims 111-128, wherein the solar concentrator, the optical transmitter, and the protective interior surface are interconnected by an interlocking connection.

132. The growth chamber of any one of claims 111-131, wherein the solar concentrator and the optical transmitter are interconnected by a rotational connection.

133. The growth chamber of any one of claims 111-131, wherein the rigid outer wall defines a funnel shape.

134. The growth chamber of any one of claims 111-132 wherein the rigid outer wall defines an upper perimeter for engaging the light transmitter and a lower perimeter for engaging soil surrounding the growing plant, and wherein the lower perimeter is smaller than the upper perimeter.

135. The growth chamber of any one of claims 111-134 wherein the protective inner surface is supported on soil surrounding the growing plant on one, two, three, four or more legs extending from the protective inner surface or from the light transmitter.

136. The growth chamber of any one of claims 111-135, wherein one or both of the optical transmitter and the protective interior surface are tubular.

137. The growth chamber of any one of claims 128-136 wherein the heat sink is circular in shape defining an opening for surrounding the growing plant.

138. The growth chamber of claim 137, wherein the heat sink comprises one circular portion or two semi-circular portions joined to each other to form a circle.

139. The growth chamber of any one of claims 111-138 wherein one or both of the protective interior surface and the light transmitter are adapted to train the growing plant to grow in a desired direction.

140. The growth chamber of any one of claims 111-139, wherein the sun-facing surface, the reflective interior surface, the interior wall of the protective interior surface, or any combination thereof, is adapted to scatter the collected solar energy, manipulate the spectral composition of the collected solar energy, or both, prior to directing the collected solar energy to the surface of the growing plant.

141. The growth chamber of claim 140, wherein the manipulated spectral composition comprises a reduction in blue light, a relative content of light enriched in the spectral region of yellow or red or far-red light, a reduction in the relative content of UV radiation, a reduction in the relative content of UVB radiation, or any combination thereof.

142. The growth chamber of claim 141, wherein the manipulating spectral composition comprises enriching the relative content of light in each of the yellow, red, or far-red spectral regions by at least about 10%.

143. The growth chamber of claim 141, wherein the manipulating spectral composition comprises enriching the relative content of light in each of the yellow, red, or far-red spectral regions by at least about 20%.

144. The growth chamber of claim 141, wherein the manipulating spectral composition comprises reducing blue light by at least about 20%.

145. The growth chamber of claim 141, wherein the manipulating spectral composition comprises reducing the relative content of UVB radiation by at least about 50%.

146. The growth chamber of claim 141, wherein the manipulated spectral composition comprises Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) enriched within the range of about 400-750 nm, about 540-750nm, and/or about 620-750 nm.

147. The growth chamber of claim 141, wherein manipulating the spectral composition comprises reducing the relative content of Infrared Radiation (IR).

148. The growth chamber of claim 141, wherein the manipulating spectral composition comprises reducing a relative content of Infrared Radiation (IR) greater than at least about 750 nm.

149. The growth chamber of any of claims 141-148, further comprising filtering light in the spectral composition at a wavelength in the range of about 400-700nm, about 540-750nm and/or about 620-750nm and at a frequency in the range of about 508-526THz and about 400-484 THz.

150. A growth chamber, comprising:

a solar concentrator for collecting and concentrating solar energy, the solar concentrator comprising a sun-facing surface located above a crop plant, the sun-facing surface comprising a reflective material;

an optical transmitter in optical communication with the solar concentrator, through which the collected solar energy is directed toward the crop plants, the optical transmitter comprising:

an inner wall forming a protective zone around the crop plants, the inner wall comprising a perimeter between the solar concentrator and the crop plants, the inner wall further comprising a reflective inner surface for directing the collected solar energy toward the crop plants.

151. The growth chamber of claim 150, wherein the reflective material is an adjustable light selective reflective material.

152. The growth chamber of claim 150 or 151, wherein the sun-facing surface comprises an offset upper collar extending around a portion of the solar concentrator.

153. The growth chamber of any one of claims 150-152, wherein the collected solar energy comprises a selected wavelength.

154. The growth chamber of any one of claims 150-153, further comprising:

a textured surface on the inner wall surface of the light transmitter for providing a degree of control over the light level and/or spatial light located around the crop plants within the downtube of the light transmitter.

155. The growth chamber of any one of claims 150-154, wherein the adjustable light-selectively reflective interior surface color is red shade dedicated to affecting light with at least one wavelength of light having a wavelength selected from the range of wavelengths of 400nm to 700 nm.

156. The growth chamber of any one of claims 150-155, further comprising:

a polarizing reflective outer surface coating.

157. The growth chamber of any one of claims 150-156 further comprising a textured surface on the outer wall surface of the optical transmitter.

158. The growth chamber of any one of claims 150-157, further comprising a detachable optical transmitter mount that is a sub-assembly of the growth chamber.

159. The growth chamber of any one of claims 150-158 wherein the solar concentrator and the light transmitter of the growth chamber are separable into two or more pieces, either independently or together.

160. The growth chamber of any one of claims 150-159, wherein the solar concentrator and the optical transmitter of the growth chamber are separable along one or more horizontal planes.

161. The growth chamber of any one of claims 150-160, wherein the solar concentrator and the optical transmitter of the growth chamber are jointly separable along a vertical plane.

162. The growth chamber of any one of claims 150-161, wherein the solar concentrator and the light transmitter of the growth chamber are collectively separable along a vertical plane, and further comprising an assembly component along a vertical edge formed at an intersection of the solar concentrator and the light transmitter with the vertical plane.

163. The growth chamber of any one of claims 150-162, further comprising one or more openings in the optical transmitter.

164. The growth chamber of any one of claims 150-163, wherein the one or more openings provide one or both of:

-the operator accesses the crop plant through the opening, and

-a gas flow between an external environment and an interior of the optical transmitter.

165. The growth chamber of any one of claims 150-164 wherein the perimeter of the common separable components of the growth chamber is expandable such that a first pair of mating vertical edges of the separable components are connectable by a hinge mechanism, thereby allowing the growth chamber to be flipped open along a second pair of vertical edges of the separable components.

166. The growth chamber of any one of claims 150-165, wherein the second pair of vertical edges of the separable assembly can be releasably connected by at least one extension plate that includes one or more attachment receivers for connecting to one or more attachment features along the second pair of vertical edges of the separable assembly.

167. The growth chamber of any one of claims 150-166, wherein the textured outer wall comprises a pest control secondary color selected from the group consisting of:

-yellow;

-pearl white;

-highly reflective metallic silver or gold; and

adjacent shades in their spectrum.

168. The growth chamber of any one of claims 150-167, wherein the textured outer wall comprises:

-a coating of an external reflective polarizing material, the coating comprising:

-a nanoparticle coating;

-a photochromic treatment;

-polarization processing;

-a colouring treatment;

-a scratch-resistant treatment;

-mirror coating treatment;

-a hydrophobic coating treatment;

-oleophobic coating treatment; or

-a combination thereof;

wherein the reflective polarizing coating reflects light comprising a selected wavelength spectrum that can be selected according to known behavior of the arthropod of interest.

169. The growth chamber of any one of claims 150-168 wherein the spectrum is selected based on known characteristics of arthropods of interest.

170. The growth chamber of any one of claims 150-169, wherein the reflective polarizing coating reflects light comprising a spectrum of selected wavelengths consisting of light falling within a spectral range selected from the group consisting of:

-UV；

-blue light;

-green light;

-yellow light; and

-red light.

171. A light reflecting growth stimulator for concentrating a light environment to crop plants, comprising:

a flexible reflective sheet comprising a first light selectively reflective surface having properties to direct solar energy comprising selected wavelengths of red light toward the crop plants and positioned in proximity to the crop plants;

wherein the light selective reflective surface reduces blue light wavelengths directed toward the crop plant.

172. The light reflex growth stimulator of claim 171, wherein the flexible reflective plate further comprises a plurality of wind resistance reducing features.

173. The light reflex growth stimulator of claim 171 or 172, wherein the flexible reflective sheet comprises a light selective mesh.

174. The light reflecting growth stimulator of any one of claims 171-173, wherein the flexible reflective sheet is red shaded specifically for affecting light with at least one wavelength selected from the wavelength range of 400nm to 700 nm.

175. The light reflecting growth stimulator of any one of claims 171-174, wherein the flexible reflective sheet includes a second light selectively reflective surface having properties for spectrally manipulating light for pest control,

wherein the second light-selectively reflecting surface reflects light selected according to known characteristics of the arthropod of interest.

176. The light reflecting growth stimulator of any one of claims 171 and 175, wherein the reflective surface reflects light comprising a spectrum of selected wavelengths consisting of light falling within a spectral range selected from the group consisting of:

-yellow light;

-pearl white;

-highly reflective metallic silver or gold; and

adjacent shades in their spectrum.

Background

Wine grapes are planted annually in cold climates in california in approximately 10,000 acres, with an average planting density of 800 grapes per acre.

Due to the onset of disease and other garden age related factors in grapevines, in vineyards in california and around the world, once the vineyard ages exceed fifteen years, the vines need to be replaced and the rate of replacement may be 1% early, but as the vineyard ages exceed twenty years, the rate of replacement rises to 5%. If replacement is delayed, vineyards in the state of california with cold or hot climate rarely maintain productivity after 20 years and therefore need to be removed.

In older vineyards, it is common practice to plant new vines on the rootstocks alongside the declining ones. Weakened vines are either removed immediately or planted for a second two years before removal. Newly planted vines (also known as vine replantages) grow rapidly to the bottom of 5 months (in the northern hemisphere), at which time they are found to be obscured by the original vineyard canopy. The growth is limited for the rest of the season due to shading. It takes twice as much time to set up a vine replant due to shadowing and other factors that limit the rate of growth of the vine replant.

In warmer regions, grapevine replantages are shaded by existing vines, resulting in insufficient sunlight, but at the same time they are exposed to high ambient temperatures. Consequently, the resulting growth of these vines may be limited by excessive heat and wind, resulting in damaged plants and high transpiration, while experiencing reduced growth due to insufficient sunlight from shading.

When a new vineyard is planted initially, the problem of shielding newly planted grapevines by the existing vines does not exist. However, in these cases, in addition to shadowing, the growth of newly planted vines to fruit is often limited by a number of factors. Among the factors that limit the growth rate, depending on the climate and other factors, the limiting factors may be wind, frost, animal damage, heat damage, cold damage, and herbicide damage.

After reading this disclosure, it will be apparent to the reader that the methods and apparatus disclosed herein are equally applicable to a variety of agricultural cash crops.

Disclosure of Invention

Provided herein is a method of collecting and concentrating solar energy onto an agricultural cash crop, the method comprising: collecting and concentrating solar energy with a solar concentrator comprising a sun-facing surface positioned above the agricultural cash crop, the sun-facing surface comprising a reflective material; directing the collected solar energy toward the agricultural cash crop through a light transmitter (light transmitter) in optical communication with the solar concentrator, the light transmitter comprising: an interior wall comprising a perimeter between the solar concentrator and the agricultural cash crop, the interior wall further comprising a concave-convex or textured reflective interior surface for directing and scattering the collected solar light and heat toward the agricultural cash crop. In some embodiments, the method further comprises positioning a protective inner surface defining a protection zone surrounding the agricultural cash crop, the protective inner surface extending downwardly from the light transmitter and comprising a rigid outer wall for protecting the protection zone from one or more growth limiting factors selected from the group consisting of: wind damage; heat damage; cold damage; frost damage; herbicide damage; and animal damage; and/or for reducing transpiration of the grapevines located within the protected zone. In some embodiments of the method, collecting and concentrating solar energy onto the agricultural cash crop improves the growth conditions of the agricultural cash crop. In some embodiments of the method, the protective inner surface and the optical transmitter are integrally connected to each other. In some embodiments of the method, the protective inner surface, the light transmitter, and the solar concentrator are integrally connected to one another. In some embodiments of the method, one or both of the optical transmitter and the protective inner surface include one or more openings for allowing one or both of: a) the operator accesses the growing vine or vine replanting plant through the opening and b) the air flow between the external environment and the protected area. In some embodiments of the method, two or more of the openings are arranged in pairs, positioned on sides of the optical transmitter or the protective inner surface that are laterally opposite one another, to allow lateral airflow through the optical transmitter or the protective inner surface. In some embodiments of the method, the solar concentrator comprises a funnel shape, a conical shape, a parabolic shape, a partial funnel shape, a partial conical shape, a compound parabolic shape, or a partial parabolic shape. In some embodiments of the method, one or both of the reflective material and the reflective interior surface comprises a plastic material. In some embodiments of the method, one or both of the reflective material and the reflective interior surface is red in color. In some embodiments of the method, one or both of the reflective material and the reflective interior surface are adapted to limit or eliminate reflection of blue light. In some embodiments of the method, one or both of the reflective materials is adapted to limit or eliminate reflection of UV light. In some embodiments of the method, the rigid outer wall defines an upper perimeter for engaging the optical transmitter and a lower perimeter for engaging a soil surface surrounding the growing grape vine or grape vine replant, and wherein the lower perimeter is smaller than the upper perimeter. In some embodiments of the method, one or both of the optical transmitter and the protective inner surface include one or more vertical openings, the vertical openings including: an edge, a joint, and a hinge such that one or both of the optical transmitter and the protective interior surface can be configured to open or close along the vertical opening, thereby allowing air to flow through the external environment and the protected area. In some embodiments, the method further comprises placing a heat sink in one or both of the optical transmitter and the protective interior surface for concentrating the concentrated solar thermal energy in the heat sink at a time and subsequently releasing the concentrated solar thermal energy into the protective zone. In some embodiments of the method, the protective inner surface and the optical transmitter are interconnected by an interlocking connection. In some embodiments of the method, the solar concentrator and the optical transmitter are interconnected by an interlocking connection. In some embodiments of the method, the solar concentrator, the optical transmitter, and the protective interior surface are interconnected by an interlocking connection. In some embodiments of the method, the solar concentrator and the optical transmitter are interconnected by a rotational connection. In some embodiments of the method, the rigid outer wall defines a funnel shape, a conical shape, a parabolic shape, a partial funnel shape, a partial conical shape, a compound parabolic shape, or a partial parabolic shape. In some embodiments of the method, the rigid outer wall defines an upper perimeter for engaging the optical transmitter and a lower perimeter for engaging a soil surface surrounding the growing grape vine or grape vine replant, and wherein the lower perimeter is smaller than the upper perimeter. In some embodiments of the method, the protective inner surface is supported on soil surrounding the growing vine or vine replant on one, two, three, four or more legs extending from the protective inner surface or from the light transmitter. In some embodiments of the method, one or both of the optical transmitter and the protective inner surface are tubular. In some embodiments of the method, the heat spreader is circular in shape, defining an opening for surrounding the growing grapevine or grapevine replant. In some embodiments of the method, the heat sink comprises one circular portion or two or more partial portions joined to each other to form a circle. In some embodiments, the method comprises the step of training the growing grapevine or grapevine replant to grow in a desired direction by positioning one or more of the protective inner surface or sleeve portion and the inner wall adjacent to the growing grapevine or grapevine replant and in the desired direction. In some embodiments, the method further comprises scattering the collected solar energy, manipulating (manipulating) the spectral composition of the collected solar energy, or both, prior to directing the collected solar energy to the surface of the growing grapevine or grapevine replant. In some embodiments of the method, manipulating the spectral composition comprises reducing blue light, the relative content of light enriched in the spectral region of yellow or red or far-red light, reducing the relative content of UV radiation, reducing the relative content of UVB radiation, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments of the method, manipulating the spectral composition comprises enriching the relative content of light in each of the yellow, red, or far-red spectral regions by at least about 10%. In some embodiments of the method, manipulating the spectral composition comprises enriching the relative content of light in each of the yellow, red, or far-red spectral regions by at least about 20%. In some embodiments of the methods, the manipulated spectral composition comprises Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) enriched in the range of about 400-700nm, about 570-750nm and/or about 620-750 nm. In some embodiments of the method, manipulating the spectral composition comprises reducing blue light by at least about 20%. In some embodiments of the method, manipulating the spectral composition comprises reducing the relative content of UVB radiation by at least about 50%. In some embodiments of the method, manipulating the spectral composition comprises reducing the relative content of Infrared Radiation (IR). In some embodiments of the method, manipulating the spectral composition comprises reducing the relative content of Infrared Radiation (IR) greater than at least about 750 nm. In some embodiments, the method further comprises filtering light in the spectral composition having a wavelength in the range of about 400-750 nm, about 540-750nm, and/or about 620-750nm and a frequency in the range of about 508-526THz and about 400-484 THz. In some embodiments of the method, manipulating the spectral composition comprises reducing the relative content of UVB radiation by at least about 50%.

Provided herein is a growth chamber for grapevines, the growth chamber comprising: a solar concentrator for collecting and concentrating solar energy, the solar concentrator comprising a sun-facing surface located above an agricultural cash crop, the sun-facing surface comprising a reflective material; a light transmitter in optical communication with the solar concentrator, through which the collected solar energy is directed to the agricultural cash crop, the light transmitter comprising: an inner wall comprising a perimeter between the solar concentrator and the agricultural cash crop, the inner wall further comprising a reflective inner surface for directing the collected solar energy toward the agricultural cash crop. In some embodiments, the growth chamber further comprises a protective inner surface configured to be placed around a growing grape vine or grape vine replant, the protective inner surface defining a protective zone around the growing grape vine or grape vine replant, the protective inner surface extending downward from the optical transmitter and comprising a rigid outer wall for protecting the protective zone from one or more growth limiting factors selected from the group consisting of: wind damage; heat damage; cold damage; frost damage; herbicide damage; and animal damage; and/or for reducing transpiration of the grapevines located within the protected zone. In some embodiments of the growth chamber, the protective inner surface and the optical transmitter are integrally connected to each other. In some embodiments of the growth chamber, the protective interior surface, the light transmitter, and the solar concentrator are integrally connected to one another. In some embodiments of the growth chamber, one or both of the optical transmitter and the protective interior surface include one or more openings for allowing one or both of: a) the operator accesses the growing vine or vine replanting plant through the opening and b) the air flow between the external environment and the protected area. In some embodiments of the growth chamber, two or more of the openings are arranged in pairs, positioned on sides of the light transmitter or the protective inner surface that are laterally opposite one another, to allow lateral gas flow through the light transmitter or the protective inner surface. In some embodiments of the growth chamber, the one or more openings are randomly positioned or systematically positioned in a pattern. In some embodiments of the growth chamber, the one or more openings comprise about 1 to about 20 openings. In some embodiments of the growth chamber, the one or more openings are positioned at a variable height relative to each other. In some embodiments of the growth chamber, the one or more openings comprise a diameter having a functional range from about 1.0 inch to about 12.0 inches, and not necessarily all the same diameter. In some embodiments of the growth chamber, the solar concentrator comprises a conical, funnel, parabolic, partial funnel, partial conical, compound parabolic, or partial parabolic shape. In some embodiments of the growth chamber, one or both of the reflective material and the reflective interior surface comprises a plastic material. In some embodiments of the growth chamber, one or both of the reflective material and the reflective interior surface is red in color. In some embodiments of the growth chamber, one or both of the reflective materials is adapted to limit or eliminate reflection of blue light. In some embodiments of the growth chamber, one or both of the reflective material and the reflective interior surface are adapted to limit or eliminate reflection of UV light. In some embodiments of the growth chamber, the rigid outer wall defines an upper perimeter for engaging the optical transmitter and a lower perimeter for engaging a soil surface surrounding the growing vine or vine replant, and wherein the lower perimeter is smaller than the upper perimeter. In some embodiments of the growth chamber, one or both of the optical transmitter and the protective interior surface include one or more vertical openings, the vertical openings including: an edge, a joint, or a hinge such that one or both of the optical transmitter and protective interior surface can be configured to open or close along the vertical opening, thereby allowing air to flow through the external environment and the protected area. In some embodiments, the growth chamber further comprises a heat sink in one or both of the optical transmitter and the protective interior surface for concentrating the concentrated solar thermal energy in the heat sink at a time and subsequently releasing the concentrated solar thermal energy into the protective zone. In some embodiments of the growth chamber, the protective inner surface and the optical transmitter are interconnected by an interlocking connection. In some embodiments of the growth chamber, the solar concentrator and the optical transmitter are interconnected by an interlocking connection. In some embodiments of the growth chamber, the solar concentrator, the light transmitter, and the protective interior surface are interconnected by an interlocking connection. In some embodiments of the growth chamber, the solar concentrator and the optical transmitter are interconnected by a rotational connection. In some embodiments of the growth chamber, the rigid outer wall defines a funnel shape. In some embodiments of the growth chamber, the rigid outer wall defines an upper perimeter for engaging the optical transmitter and a lower perimeter for engaging a soil surface surrounding the growing vine or vine replant, and wherein the lower perimeter is smaller than the upper perimeter. In some embodiments of the growth chamber, the protective inner surface is supported on soil surrounding the growing vine or vine replant on one, two, three, four or more legs extending from the protective inner surface or from the light transmitter. In some embodiments of the growth chamber, one or both of the optical transmitter and the protective inner surface are tubular. In some embodiments of the growth chamber, the heat spreader is circular in shape, defining an opening for surrounding the growing vine or vine replant. In some embodiments of the growth chamber, the heat spreader comprises one circular portion or two or more partial circular portions joined to each other to form a circle. In some embodiments of the growth chamber, one or both of the protective interior surface and the optical transmitter are adapted to train the growing grapevine or grapevine replant to grow in a desired direction. In some embodiments of the growth chamber, the sun-facing surface, the reflective interior surface, the interior walls of the protective interior surface, or any combination thereof, are adapted to scatter the collected solar energy, manipulate the spectral composition of the collected solar energy, or both, prior to directing the collected solar energy to the surface of the growing vine or vine replant. In some embodiments of the growth chamber, the manipulated spectral composition comprises a reduction in blue light, a relative content of light enriched in the spectral region of yellow and red or far-red light, a reduction in the relative content of UV radiation, a reduction in the relative content of UVB radiation, or any combination thereof. It should be noted that typically yellow light constitutes the reflection/enrichment of all spectral bands (Y + R + FR) of yellow light and above, while red light constitutes the reflection/enrichment of the R + FR band. In some embodiments of the growth chamber, manipulating the spectral composition comprises enriching the relative content of light in each of the yellow, red, or far-red spectral regions by at least about 10%. In some embodiments of the growth chamber, manipulating the spectral composition comprises enriching the relative content of light in each of the yellow, red, or far-red spectral regions by at least about 20%. In some embodiments of the growth chamber, manipulating the spectral composition comprises reducing blue light by at least about 20%. In some embodiments of the growth chamber, manipulating the spectral composition comprises reducing the relative content of UVB radiation by at least about 50%. In some embodiments of the growth chamber, the manipulated spectral composition comprises Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) enriched in the range of about 400-700nm, about 540-750nm and/or about 620-750 nm. In some embodiments of the growth chamber, manipulating the spectral composition comprises reducing the relative content of Infrared Radiation (IR). In some embodiments of the growth chamber, the manipulating the spectral composition comprises reducing the relative content of Infrared Radiation (IR) greater than at least about 750 nm. In some embodiments, the growth chamber further comprises filtering light in the spectral composition having a wavelength in the range of about 400-750 nm, about 540-750nm, and/or about 620-750nm and a frequency in the range of about 508-526THz and about 400-484 THz.

Provided herein is a method of improving the growth conditions of a growing plant, the method comprising: collecting and concentrating solar energy with a solar concentrator, the solar concentrator comprising a sun-facing surface positioned above the growing plant, the sun-facing surface comprising a reflective material; directing the collected solar energy toward the growing plant through a light transmitter in optical communication with the solar concentrator, the light transmitter comprising: an interior wall comprising a perimeter between the solar concentrator and the growing plant, the interior wall further comprising a reflective interior surface for directing the collected solar energy toward the growing plant. In some embodiments, the method further comprises positioning a protective inner surface defining a protective zone around the growing plant, the protective inner surface extending downwardly from the light transmitter and comprising a rigid outer wall for protecting the protective zone from one or more growth limiting factors selected from the group consisting of: wind damage; heat damage; cold damage; frost damage; herbicide damage; and animal damage; and/or for reducing transpiration of grapevines located within the protected zone; thereby directing the concentrated solar energy toward the growing plant, protecting the growing plant from the one or more growth limiting factors, and improving the growing conditions of the growing plant. In some embodiments of the method, collecting and concentrating solar energy on the growing plant improves the growing conditions of the growing plant. In some embodiments of the method, the protective inner surface and the optical transmitter are integrally connected to each other.

In some embodiments of the method, the protective inner surface, the light transmitter, and the solar concentrator are integrally connected to one another. In some embodiments of the method, one or both of the optical transmitter and the protective inner surface include one or more openings for allowing one or both of: a) an operator accesses the growing plant through the opening and b) an air flow between the external environment and the protected area. In some embodiments of the method, two or more of the openings are arranged in pairs, positioned on sides of the optical transmitter or the protective inner surface that are laterally opposite one another, to allow lateral airflow through the optical transmitter or the protective inner surface. In some embodiments of the method, the solar concentrator comprises a conical, funnel, parabolic, partial funnel, partial conical, compound parabolic, or partial parabolic shape. In some embodiments of the method, one or both of the reflective material and the reflective interior surface comprises a plastic material. In some embodiments of the method, one or both of the reflective material and the reflective interior surface is red in color. In some embodiments of the method, one or both of the reflective material and the reflective interior surface are adapted to limit or eliminate reflection of blue light. In some embodiments of the method, one or both of the reflective material and the reflective interior surface are adapted to limit or eliminate reflection of UV light. In some embodiments of the method, the rigid outer wall defines an upper perimeter for engaging the optical transmitter and a lower perimeter for engaging a soil surface surrounding the growing plant, and wherein the lower perimeter is smaller than the upper perimeter. In some embodiments of the method, one or both of the optical transmitter and the protective inner surface include one or more vertical openings, the vertical openings including: an edge, a joint, or a hinge such that one or both of the optical transmitter and the protective interior surface can be configured to open or close along the vertical opening, thereby allowing air to flow through the external environment and the protected area. In some embodiments, the method further comprises placing a heat sink in one or both of the optical transmitter and the protective interior surface for concentrating the concentrated solar thermal energy in the heat sink at a time and subsequently releasing the concentrated solar thermal energy into the protective zone. In some embodiments of the method, the protective inner surface and the optical transmitter are interconnected by an interlocking connection. In some embodiments of the method, the solar concentrator and the optical transmitter are interconnected by an interlocking connection. In some embodiments of the method, the solar concentrator and the optical transmitter are interconnected by a rotational connection. In some embodiments of the method, the rigid outer wall defines a funnel shape, a conical shape, a parabolic shape, a partial funnel shape, a partial conical shape, a compound parabolic shape, or a partial parabolic shape. In some embodiments of the method, the rigid outer wall defines an upper perimeter for engaging the optical transmitter and a lower perimeter for engaging a soil surface surrounding the growing plant, and wherein the lower perimeter is smaller than the upper perimeter. In some embodiments of the method, the protective inner surface is supported on soil surrounding the growing plant on one, two, three, four or more legs extending from the protective inner surface or from the light transmitter. In some embodiments of the method, one or both of the optical transmitter and the protective inner surface are tubular. In some embodiments of the method, the heat sink is circular in shape, defining an opening for surrounding the growing plant. In some embodiments of the method, the heat sink comprises one circular portion or two or more partial circular portions joined to each other to form a circle. In some embodiments, the method further comprises the step of training the growing plant to grow in a desired direction by positioning one or more of the protective inner surface or sleeve portion and the inner wall adjacent to the growing plant and in the desired direction. In some embodiments, the method further comprises scattering the collected solar energy, manipulating the spectral composition of the collected solar energy, or both, prior to directing the collected solar energy to the surface of the growing plant. In some embodiments of the method, manipulating the spectral composition comprises reducing blue light, the relative content of light enriched in the spectral region of yellow and red or far-red light, reducing the relative content of UV radiation, reducing the relative content of UVB radiation, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments of the method, manipulating the spectral composition comprises enriching the relative content of light in each of the spectral regions of yellow, red, and/or far-red light by at least about 10%. In some embodiments of the method, manipulating the spectral composition comprises enriching the relative content of light in each of the spectral regions of yellow, red, and/or far-red light by at least about 20%. In some embodiments of the methods, the manipulated spectral composition comprises Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) enriched in the range of about 400-700nm, about 570-750nm and/or about 620-750 nm. In some embodiments of the method, manipulating the spectral composition comprises reducing blue light by at least about 20%. In some embodiments of the method, manipulating the spectral composition comprises reducing the relative content of UVB radiation by at least about 50%. In some embodiments of the method, manipulating the spectral composition comprises reducing the relative content of Infrared Radiation (IR). In some embodiments of the method, manipulating the spectral composition comprises reducing the relative content of Infrared Radiation (IR) greater than at least about 750 nm. In some embodiments, the method further comprises filtering light in the spectral composition having a wavelength in the range of about 400-750 nm, about 540-750nm, and/or about 620-750nm and a frequency in the range of about 508-526THz and about 400-484 THz.

Provided herein is a growth chamber for improving the growth conditions of a growing plant, the growth chamber comprising: a solar concentrator for collecting and concentrating solar energy, the solar concentrator comprising a sun-facing surface located above the growing plant, the sun-facing surface comprising a reflective material; an optical transmitter in optical communication with the solar concentrator, through which the collected solar energy is directed toward the growing plant, the optical transmitter comprising: an interior wall comprising a perimeter between the solar concentrator and the growing plant, the interior wall further comprising a reflective interior surface for directing the collected solar energy toward the growing plant. In some embodiments, the growth chamber further comprises a protective inner surface configured to be placed around the growing plant, the protective inner surface defining a protective zone around the growing plant, the protective inner surface extending downward from the light transmitter and comprising a rigid outer wall for protecting the protective zone from one or more growth limiting factors selected from the group consisting of: wind damage; heat damage; cold damage; frost damage; herbicide damage; and animal damage; and/or for reducing transpiration of the grapevines located within the protected zone. In some embodiments, the protective inner surface and the optical transmitter are integrally connected to each other. In some embodiments, the protective inner surface and the optical transmitter are integrally connected to each other. In some embodiments, one or both of the optical transmitter and the protective inner surface include one or more openings for allowing one or both of: a) an operator accesses the growing plant through the opening and b) an air flow between the external environment and the protected area. In some embodiments, two or more of the openings are arranged in pairs, positioned on sides of the optical transmitter or the protective inner surface that are laterally opposite one another, to allow lateral airflow through the optical transmitter or the protective inner surface. In some embodiments, the one or more openings are randomly positioned or systematically positioned in a pattern. In some embodiments, the one or more openings comprise from about 1 to about 20 openings. In some embodiments, the one or more openings are positioned at a variable height relative to each other. In some embodiments, the one or more openings comprise a diameter having a functional range from about 1.0 inch to about 12.0 inches, and need not all be the same diameter. In some embodiments, the solar concentrator comprises a funnel shape, a conical shape, a parabolic shape, a partial funnel shape, a partial conical shape, a compound parabolic shape, or a partial parabolic shape. In some embodiments, one or both of the reflective material and the reflective interior surface comprises a plastic material. In some embodiments, one or both of the reflective material and the reflective interior surface is red in color. In some embodiments, one or both of the reflective materials is adapted to limit or eliminate reflection of blue light. In some embodiments, one or both of the reflective materials are adapted to limit or eliminate reflection of UV light. In some embodiments, the rigid outer wall defines an upper perimeter for engaging the optical transmitter and a lower perimeter for engaging a soil surface surrounding the growing plant, and wherein the lower perimeter is smaller than the upper perimeter. In some embodiments, one or both of the optical transmitter and the protective interior surface include a vertical opening and a hinge such that one or both of the optical transmitter and the growth tube are configured to open or close along the vertical opening, thereby allowing air to flow through the external environment and the protected zone. In some embodiments, the growth chamber further comprises a heat sink in one or both of the optical transmitter and the protective interior surface for concentrating the concentrated solar thermal energy in the heat sink at a time and subsequently releasing the concentrated solar thermal energy into the protective zone. In some embodiments, the protective inner surface and the optical transmitter are interconnected by an interlocking connection. In some embodiments, the solar concentrator and the optical transmitter are interconnected by an interlocking connection. In some embodiments, the solar concentrator, the optical transmitter, and the protective interior surface are interconnected by an interlocking connection. In some embodiments, the solar concentrator and the optical transmitter are interconnected by a rotational connection. In some embodiments, the rigid outer wall defines a funnel shape. In some embodiments, the rigid outer wall defines an upper perimeter for engaging the optical transmitter and a lower perimeter for engaging a soil surface surrounding the growing plant, and wherein the lower perimeter is smaller than the upper perimeter. In some embodiments, the protective inner surface is supported on the soil surrounding the growing plant on one, two, three, four or more legs extending from the protective inner surface or from the light transmitter. In some embodiments, one or both of the optical transmitter and the protective inner surface are tubular. In some embodiments, the heat sink is circular in shape, defining an opening for surrounding the growing plant. In some embodiments, the heat sink comprises one circular portion or two semi-circular portions joined to each other to form a circle. In some embodiments, one or both of the protective interior surface and the light transmitter are adapted to train the growing plant to grow in a desired direction. In some embodiments, the sun-facing surface, the reflective interior surface, the interior wall of the protective interior surface, or any combination thereof is adapted to scatter the collected solar energy, manipulate the spectral composition of the collected solar energy, or both, prior to directing the collected solar energy to the surface of the growing plant. In some embodiments, manipulating the spectral composition comprises reducing blue light, the relative content of light enriched in the spectral region of yellow or red or far-red light, reducing the relative content of UV radiation, reducing the relative content of UVB radiation, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, manipulating the spectral composition comprises enriching the relative content of light in each of the spectral regions of yellow, red, and/or far-red light by at least about 10%. In some embodiments, manipulating the spectral composition comprises enriching the relative content of light in each of the spectral regions of yellow, red, and/or far-red light by at least about 20%. In some embodiments, manipulating the spectral composition comprises reducing blue light by at least about 20%. In some embodiments, manipulating the spectral composition comprises reducing the relative content of UVB radiation by at least about 50%. In some embodiments, the manipulated spectral composition comprises Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) enriched in the range of about 400-700nm, about 540-750nm and/or about 620-750 nm. In some embodiments, manipulating the spectral composition comprises reducing the relative content of Infrared Radiation (IR). In some embodiments, manipulating the spectral composition comprises reducing the relative content of Infrared Radiation (IR) greater than at least about 750 nm. In some embodiments, the growth chamber further comprises filtering light in the spectral composition having a wavelength in the range of about 400-750 nm, about 540-750nm, and/or about 620-750nm and a frequency in the range of about 508-526THz and about 400-484 THz.

Provided herein is a growth chamber comprising: a solar concentrator for collecting and concentrating solar energy, the solar concentrator comprising a sun-facing surface located above a crop plant, the sun-facing surface comprising a reflective material; an optical transmitter in optical communication with the solar concentrator, through which the collected solar energy is directed toward the crop plants, the optical transmitter comprising: an inner wall forming a protective zone around the crop plants, the inner wall comprising a perimeter between the solar concentrator and the crop plants, the inner wall further comprising a reflective inner surface for directing the collected solar energy toward the crop plants. In some embodiments, the reflective material is an adjustable light selective reflective material. In some embodiments, the sun-facing surface comprises an offset upper collar extending around a portion of the solar concentrator. In some embodiments, the collected solar energy comprises a selected wavelength. In some embodiments, the growth chamber further comprises: a textured surface on the inner wall surface of the light transmitter for providing a degree of control over the light level and/or spatial light located around the crop plants within the downtube of the light transmitter. In some embodiments, the adjustable light-selectively reflective interior surface color is red shade (shade) specifically for affecting light with light having at least one wavelength selected from the wavelength range of 400nm to 700 nm. In some embodiments, the growth chamber further comprises a polarized reflective outer surface coating. In some embodiments, the growth chamber further comprises a textured surface on an outer wall surface of the optical transmitter. In some embodiments, the growth chamber further comprises a detachable optical transmitter mount that is a sub-assembly of the growth chamber. In some embodiments, the solar concentrator and the optical transmitter of the growth chamber may be separated into two or more pieces, either independently or together. In some embodiments, the solar concentrator and the optical transmitter of the growth chamber may be separated along one or more horizontal planes. In some embodiments, the solar concentrator and the optical transmitter of the growth chamber may be collectively separated along a vertical plane. In some embodiments, the solar concentrator and the light transmitter of the growth chamber are collectively separable along a vertical plane, and further comprising an assembly component along a vertical edge formed at an intersection of the solar concentrator and the light transmitter with the vertical plane. In some embodiments, the growth chamber further comprises one or more openings in the optical transmitter. In some embodiments, the one or more openings provide one or both of: a) an operator accesses the crop plants through the opening and b) an air flow between an external environment and an interior of the light transmitter. In some embodiments, the perimeter of the common separable components of the growth chamber is expandable such that a first pair of mating vertical edges of the separable components are connectable by a hinge mechanism, thereby allowing the growth chamber to be flipped open along a second pair of vertical edges of the separable components. In some embodiments, the second pair of vertical edges of the separable assembly can be releasably connected by at least one extension panel that includes one or more attachment receivers for connecting to one or more attachment features along the second pair of vertical edges of the separable assembly. In some embodiments, the textured outer wall comprises a pest control secondary color selected from the group consisting of: yellow; pearl white; highly reflective metallic silver or gold; and adjacent shades in their spectra. In some embodiments, the textured outer wall comprises an outer reflective polarizing material coating comprising: a nanoparticle coating; carrying out photochromic treatment; carrying out polarization treatment; coloring treatment; performing anti-scraping treatment; mirror surface coating treatment; treating a hydrophobic coating; treating an oleophobic coating; or a combination thereof, wherein the reflective polarizing coating reflects light comprising a selected wavelength spectrum that can be selected according to known behavior of arthropods of interest. In some embodiments, the spectrum is selected according to known characteristics of the arthropod of interest. In some embodiments, the reflective polarizing coating reflects light comprising a spectrum of selected wavelengths consisting of light falling within a spectral range selected from the group consisting of UV, blue, green, yellow and red.

Provided herein is a light reflex growth stimulator for enriching a light environment to crop plants, the light reflex growth stimulator comprising: a flexible reflective sheet comprising a first light selectively reflective surface having properties to direct solar energy comprising selected red wavelengths toward the crop plants and positioned in proximity to the crop plants, wherein the light selectively reflective surface reduces blue wavelengths directed toward the crop plants. In some embodiments, the flexible reflective sheet further comprises a plurality of wind resistance reduction features. In some embodiments, the flexible reflective sheet comprises a light selective mesh. In some embodiments, the flexible reflective sheet comprises a second light selectively reflective surface having properties for spectral manipulation of light to control pests, wherein the second light selectively reflective surface reflects light selected according to known characteristics of an arthropod of interest. In some embodiments, the flexible reflective sheet is shaded red specifically for affecting light with at least one wavelength of light having a wavelength selected from the range of 400nm to 700 nm. In some embodiments, the side opposite the reflective surface reflects light comprising a spectrum of selected wavelengths consisting of light falling within a spectral range selected from the group consisting of: yellow light; pearl white; highly reflective metallic silver or gold; and adjacent shades in their spectra. In some embodiments, the growth chamber is covered or "capped" with a transparent material, such as plastic, to protect the grapevines, grapevine replantates, or any crop plants therein from harsh atmospheric elements, such as snow, frost, hail, and the like in very cold climates during winter. In some embodiments, the side access holes of the growth chamber are covered with a transparent material (e.g., plastic) or a hole cover to protect the grapevines, grapevine replantates, or any crop plants therein from harsh atmospheric elements, such as snow, frost, hail, and the like, in very cold winter climates. In some embodiments, the growth chambers of the present disclosure (and/or many variations contemplated and described herein) will be used in other plant species/crops and agricultural sub-industries that would benefit from this technology. In these other plant species/crops and agricultural sub-industries, it is expected to include: outdoor tree nurseries (fruit and/or ornamental production); orchard replantation (e.g., citrus, avocado, stone fruit); newly planting fruit trees; and herbaceous crops (e.g., especially hemp); and so on.

Drawings

The novel features believed characteristic of the disclosure are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present disclosure will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the disclosure are utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which:

1A-1D depict non-limiting illustrations of exemplary growth chambers. FIG. 1A depicts an exemplary growth chamber comprising a conical solar concentrator; FIG. 1B depicts an exemplary partial conical solar concentrator; FIG. 1C depicts an exemplary partial conical solar concentrator having a tubular, cylindrical short stack protective inner surface; and fig. 1D depicts an exemplary growth chamber assembly having only an optical transmitter and a funnel-shaped protective interior surface;

2A-2G depict non-limiting illustrations of exemplary solar concentrators. Fig. 2A and 2C depict an exemplary tapered solar concentrator, and fig. 2B and 2D depict an exemplary partial conical solar concentrator. Fig. 2E depicts an exemplary, non-limiting asymmetrically-shaped solar concentrator configuration. The illustrated asymmetric configuration includes two variably adjusted parabolas that combine to collect all light between a selectable range of solar altitude angles. Fig. 2F depicts an exemplary truncated form of a non-limiting representation of the compound parabolic solar concentrator of fig. 2D for allowing attachment to an optical transmitter of an exemplary growth chamber. FIG. 2G depicts a representation of a truncated parabolic solar concentrator attached to an optical transmitter;

fig. 3A-3H depict non-limiting illustrations of an exemplary optical transmitter. Fig. 3A and 3C depict an exemplary optical transmitter having a vertical hinge and a vertical opening in a closed position, and fig. 3B and 3D depict an exemplary optical transmitter having a vertical hinge and a vertical opening in an open position. Fig. 3E depicts an exemplary growth chamber prior to clamping, with vertical edges in a half-assembled configuration in an open position. Fig. 3F depicts an exemplary half-assembled optical transmitter assembled with clips on both vertical edges in a closed position, while fig. 3G depicts an exemplary half-assembled short stacked cylindrical protective inner surface assembled with clips on both vertical edges in a closed position. FIG. 3H depicts an exemplary assembly process using the fixture to clamp the components of a semi-assembled growth chamber together at a fixture joint;

fig. 4A-4D depict non-limiting illustrations of an exemplary optical transmitter mount. FIGS. 4A and 4C illustrate an exemplary optical transmitter mount having a vertical hinge and a vertical opening in a closed position, and FIGS. 4B and 4D illustrate an exemplary optical transmitter mount having a vertical hinge and a vertical opening in an open position;

FIGS. 5A-5D depict another variation of a non-limiting illustration of an exemplary optical transmitter mount having a protective inner surface. FIGS. 5A and 5C illustrate a conical optical transmitter mount with a protective inner surface having an integral outer leg or foot, a vertical hinge, and a vertical opening in a closed position, and FIGS. 5B and 5D depict a conical optical transmitter mount with a protective inner surface having an integral outer leg or foot, a vertical hinge, and a vertical opening in an open position;

6A-6B depict non-limiting illustrations of exemplary heat sinks. FIG. 6A depicts an exemplary heat sink separate from and external to the growth chamber, and FIG. 6B depicts an exemplary heat sink disposed within an optical transmitter or an exemplary short stack protective inner surface of the growth chamber;

FIG. 7 depicts an upper right isometric view of another non-limiting illustration of an exemplary growth chamber having textured light reflective inner and outer surfaces;

fig. 8 depicts a left isometric view of a distal portion of an open optical transmitter, an optical transmitter mount, and a removable optical transmitter mount cover of the exemplary growth chamber of fig. 7.

Fig. 9 depicts an isometric left view of a hinged open growth chamber with the solar concentrator, the optical transmitter mount, and the removable optical transmitter mount cover of the exemplary growth chamber of fig. 7.

Fig. 10 depicts a top view of a hinged open growth chamber with the solar concentrator, the optical transmitter mount, and the removable optical transmitter mount cover of the exemplary growth chamber of fig. 7.

Fig. 11 depicts a front view of a hinged open growth chamber with the solar concentrator, the optical transmitter mount, and the removable optical transmitter mount cover of the exemplary growth chamber of fig. 7.

Fig. 12 depicts an isometric left view of a hinged open growth chamber with the solar concentrator, the optical transmitter mount, and the removable optical transmitter mount cover of the exemplary growth chamber of fig. 7.

Fig. 13 depicts a left side view of the solar concentrator and optical transmitter of the exemplary growth chamber of fig. 7.

FIG. 14 depicts a detailed partial side view of a lower portion of the light transmitter and the solar concentrator of the exemplary growth chamber of FIG. 7.

FIG. 15 depicts a detailed partial back side view of a lower portion of the light transmitter and the solar concentrator of the exemplary growth chamber of FIG. 7.

FIG. 16 depicts a rear view of a closed growth chamber with the solar concentrator, optical transmitter, and optical transmitter mount of the exemplary growth chamber of FIG. 7.

FIG. 17 depicts a front view of a closed growth chamber with the solar concentrator, optical transmitter, and optical transmitter mount of the exemplary growth chamber of FIG. 7.

FIG. 18 depicts a side view of a closed growth chamber with the solar concentrator, optical transmitter, and optical transmitter mount of the exemplary growth chamber of FIG. 7.

FIG. 19 depicts an isometric side view of the interior of a growth chamber half of the solar concentrator, optical transmitter, and optical transmitter mount having the exemplary growth chamber of FIG. 7.

Fig. 20A depicts an isometric, left front view of a distal portion of a light transmitter, a light transmitter base, and a removable light transmitter base cover of the exemplary growth chamber of fig. 7.

FIG. 20B depicts a left side view of the distal portion of the optical transmitter, the optical transmitter base, and the removable optical transmitter base cover of the exemplary growth chamber of FIG. 7.

Fig. 21A depicts an isometric right front view of a distal portion of a light transmitter, a light transmitter mount, and a removable light transmitter mount cover of the exemplary growth chamber of fig. 7.

Fig. 21B depicts a detailed isometric right front view of the optical transmitter and/or a connection mechanism between the optical transmitter mount and the removable optical transmitter mount cover of the exemplary growth chamber of fig. 7.

Fig. 22 depicts an isometric view of another non-limiting illustration of an exemplary flexible reflective sheet that includes a reflective surface having properties that direct solar energy toward crop plants.

FIG. 23 depicts an isometric view of another non-limiting illustration of an exemplary flexible reflective sheet that includes a reflective surface having properties that direct solar energy toward a crop.

FIG. 24 depicts an isometric view of another non-limiting illustration of an exemplary flexible reflective panel surface that includes a reflective screen or mesh having the property of directing solar energy toward crop plants.

Detailed Description

The disclosure provided herein provides growth chambers and uses thereof. The growth chamber is useful for improving the growth conditions of the growing plant, and is particularly useful for improving the growth conditions of the growing grapevine, grapevine replant, or any number of crop plants (agricultural crop plants) in various stages of growth.

A growth chamber for improving the growth conditions of growing plants, including growing grapevines, grapevine re-plants, or other crop plants or crop plants, is provided. The growth chamber includes a solar concentrator for collecting and concentrating solar energy; an optical transmitter in optical communication with the solar concentrator for directing the collected solar energy toward the growing plant; an interior wall comprising a perimeter between the solar concentrator and the growing vine or vine replant, the interior wall further comprising a reflective interior surface for directing the collected solar energy toward the growing plant; and a protective inner surface configured to be placed around the growing plant, the protective inner surface defining a protective zone around the growing plant, the protective inner surface extending downward from the optical transmitter and including a rigid outer wall for protecting the protective zone from one or more growth limiting factors selected from the group consisting of: wind damage; heat damage; cold damage; frost damage; snow damage; damage due to hail; herbicide damage; and animal damage; and/or for reducing transpiration of growing plants located within the protected area. In addition, the growth chamber also provides accessibility for aeration (ventilation; gas exchange) and vine training practices.

Fig. 1A-1D depict an exemplary growth chamber of the present disclosure placed in a vineyard background. The growth chamber embodiments of the present disclosure are composed in whole or in part of a variety of suitable materials, including, but not exclusively, plastic materials, such as polycarbonate and polypropylene plastics. In some embodiments, the components of the growth chamber are composed of perfluoropolymer optical fibers (chemis fibers from Thorlabs Inc.) comprising graded index plastic optical fibers (GI-POF) by using an amorphous perfluoropolymer, polyperfluorobutylene vinyl ether (commercially known as polyperfluorobutylene vinylether)) And (5) realizing. These fibers have a larger diameter, a higher numerical aperture than glass optical fibers, and have good properties such as high mechanical flexibility, low cost, low weight, and the like. The growth chamber 100 in fig. 1A includes a solar concentrator 110 having a conical, funnel, parabolic, partial funnel, partial conical, compound partial parabolic shape located above the plant canopy of the surrounding vines, while the chamber 100 of fig. 1B includes a solar concentrator 110 having a partial conical, partial funnel, or partial parabolic shape. The solar concentrator includes a reflective surface 211 and a lower perimeter 225 configured to attach to the optical transmitter 120 at the upper perimeter 122. Located below the solar concentrator 110 is an optical transmitter 120 that is tubular and includes an opening 125. In some embodiments, the optical transmitter 120 may be configured in two or more assemblies 120a, 120b along the vertical edge 105, and the vertical edge 105 may be held together with an edge clamp 107. Alternatively, the vertical edges 105 may be held together along one edge with edge clamps 107 and along the opposite edge with hinges 127. In the growth chamber shown in fig. 1B, the opening 125 is circumferentially disposed on the optical transmitter. In some embodiments, the openings are arranged in pairs positioned laterally to one another to allow lateral airflow through the optical transmitter. In some embodiments, the openings are randomly positioned in a number in the range of 1 to 20 around the perimeter or systematically positioned in a pattern and at variable heights relative to each other. The functional range of opening diameters is between 1.0 inch and 12.0 inches, and need not all be the same. In use, the opening allows an operator to access the plant or vine in which it is growing, for example to trim, train or water or inspect the plant or vine, and also allows airflow to cool or warm the plant, or reduce humidity in the area around the plant. In certain applications, airflow is important to prevent or limit fungal growth in the area surrounding the plant.

Located beneath the optical transmitter 120 is a protective inner surface 140, which protective inner surface 140 is configured to be positioned over and engage the soil of a growing plant or vine. In the embodiment shown in fig. 1A, 1B and 1D, the protective inner surface 140 is conical or funnel-shaped, has an upper perimeter 505 for engaging an optical transmitter and a smaller lower perimeter 525 for engaging the soil surface surrounding the growing plant or vine, and has a rigid outer wall. The rigid outer wall is sufficiently rigid to protect the growing plant from growth limiting factors such as wind damage, heat damage, cold damage, frost damage, snow damage, hail damage, herbicide damage, or animal damage. In the embodiment shown in fig. 1C, the protective inner surface 140 is a short stack of cylindrical shapes that optionally include openings 125 (not shown). Extending from the protective inner surface 140 are a plurality of legs 150 for supporting the growth chamber on the soil surface. The legs can have a variety of configurations, but typically all are used for the same stabilization purpose. In some embodiments, one or more legs 150 extend from the optical transmitter 120.

In some embodiments, the one or more legs 150 extend laterally to a distance greater than the diameter of the upper perimeter 505 of the protective inner surface and/or the diameter of the optical transmitter to provide enhanced stability. Still further, in some embodiments, the legs further include one or more anchoring features (not shown) that support a ground anchor (not shown) that may be driven into the soil to provide additional stability to the growth chamber. Alternatively, one or more anchoring features (not shown) may be positioned around the periphery of the light transmitter 120 and/or the solar concentrator to provide anchoring points for stabilizing the cable. For non-limiting examples, stabilizing features (such as those previously described) or features for similar purposes are particularly interesting in areas subject to strong winds, estrous deer and/or ground tremors.

Fig. 2A-2G depict non-limiting configurations of conical (fig. 2A and 2C) and partial conical (fig. 2B and 2D) solar concentrators 210, 212(110, 112) of the growth chamber of the present disclosure. Fig. 2E depicts an exemplary, non-limiting asymmetrically-shaped solar concentrator configuration. The illustrated asymmetric configuration includes two variably adjusted parabolas that combine to collect all light between a selectable range of solar altitude angles. As illustrated herein, a configuration such as shown is configured to collect all light incident between solar elevation angles of about 20 ° to about 65 °. Fig. 2F illustrates an exemplary truncated form of a non-limiting representation of the compound parabolic solar concentrator of fig. 2D configured to allow for an optical transmitter attached to an exemplary growth chamber. Fig. 2G illustrates a representation of the attachment of a truncated parabolic solar concentrator to an optical transmitter. The solar concentrator is configured such that, in use, solar energy is reflected from the sun-facing surface 211, concentrated and directed into the optical transmitter 120 in optical communication with the solar concentrator. As depicted, in certain embodiments, the sun-facing surface 211 is reflective. Further, in some embodiments, the sun-facing surface includes a material that reflects yellow and/or red and far-red light, is adapted to scatter or diffuse light, manipulate the spectral composition of the collected solar energy, or any combination thereof, prior to directing the collected solar energy to the optical transmitter 120. In a preferred embodiment, the surface facing the sun is red in color. For example, as non-limiting examples, the sun-facing surface 210 comprises a reflective material, such as polished plastic, or a reflective coating, such as a metal coating, comprising aluminum or silver. Manipulating the spectral composition includes reducing blue light (e.g., by absorbing blue light), enriching the relative content of light in the spectral region of yellow and/or red and/or far-red light, reducing the relative content of UV radiation, reducing the relative content of UVB radiation, or any combination thereof.

In addition, further manipulation of the spectral composition includes filtering out Infrared (IR) radiation (thermal radiation). Due to the potentially damaging effects of IR radiation, the inventors contemplate the selective addition of IR filters or endothermic filters designed to reflect or block mid-infrared wavelengths while transmitting visible light. In some embodiments, these filters are in the form of filters inserted across the aperture of the growth chamber, and/or as a coating on the internal reflective surface of the growth chamber components. A filter configured to block or reflect the intermediate IR band (also referred to as the intermediate IR band) covers a wavelength range of 1300nm to 3,000nm or 1.3 to 3.0 microns; the frequency range is 20THz to 215 THz.

Other examples of reflective coatings include, but are not limited to, Dielectric High Reflection (DHR) coatings; a Metallic High Reflection (MHR) coating; and Diode Pumped Laser Optical (DPLO) coatings. The DHR coating is designed to produce very high reflection (over 99.8%) at the design wavelength. MHR coatings, which typically comprise Au, Ag, Al, Cr and Ni-Cr, are less reflective than dielectric HR coatings, but can have HR spectra that exceed that of near UV, visible and near IR light. Diode Pumped Laser Optical (DPLO) coatings are commonly used for Nd laser applications.

As used herein, the preferred reflected light (or reflected solar energy) for stimulating growth is in the visible range between yellow and far-red light. Alternatively, the preferred reflected light for stimulating growth is in the visible range of about 5,400 angstroms to about 7,000 angstroms. In addition, preferred reflected light for stimulating growth includes wavelengths of about 400-750 nm, about 570-750nm and/or about 620-750nm and frequencies of about 508-526THz and about 400-484 THz.

It is well known that plant development, including growth, flowering and fruiting, is dependent on and regulated by light energy. Solar radiation provides the energy for photosynthesis, a process by which atmospheric carbon is "solidified" into sugar molecules to provide the basic chemical building blocks for green plants and almost all life on earth. In addition, light is involved in the natural regulation of how and where the photosynthetic products are used within the plant, as well as in the regulation of all photomorphogenetic processes and photoperiodic-related processes. Plants can sense the quality (i.e., color), quantity, and direction of light and use such information as a signal to optimize their growth and development. This includes various "blue" responses that depend on UVA and UVB ultraviolet wavelengths as well as traditional "blue" wavelengths. These regulation processes involve the co-action of several photoreceptor systems that are responsible for detecting specific portions of the solar spectrum, including far-red (FR) light and red (R) light, blue light, and Ultraviolet (UV) light. Activated photoreceptors initiate signal transduction pathways that end in morphological and developmental processes. The Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) ranges between 400-700nm because the chlorophyll protein complex in the chloroplast absorbs the blue and red portions of the spectrum. However, chlorophyll absorbs little of the green part of the spectrum, which is why photosynthetic plants generally appear green, of course.

Infrared (IR) waves lie between the visible spectrum and microwaves. The closer the wave is to the microwave end of the spectrum, the more likely it is to be subjected to heat. Infrared waves also affect the way plants grow. According to at least one published Texas A & M study, infrared light plays a role in the blooming of flowering plants. Plants grown indoors grew well under fluorescent lighting, but did not flower until an appropriate level of infrared radiation was obtained. In addition, increased infrared waves affect the rate of plant stem growth. Short exposures to far infrared light increase the space between nodes when exposure occurs at the end of an eight hour illumination period. Exposing plants to normal red light has the opposite effect. The combination of far-red and red light produces the longest internode. Further, too much infrared light (especially at the far red end of the spectrum) can actually damage plants. Excessive heat can discolor or kill plants, especially if none of these plants have been recently watered. Too much infrared light can also cause plants to experience early growth spikes that reduce their health or stimulate their premature flowering.

The infrared radiation extends from the nominal red edge at 700nm (frequency 430THz) to 1 mm (frequency 300GHz) of the visible spectrum. Infrared radiation is commonly referred to as "thermal radiation," but light and electromagnetic waves of any frequency will heat the surface that absorbs them. The infrared light from the sun accounts for 49% of the heat added to the earth, the remainder being caused by the absorbed visible light re-radiating at a longer wavelength. The radiation emitted by an object at room temperature will be mostly concentrated in the 8 to 25 μm band, but this is not distinguished from the visible light emitted by a hot object and the ultraviolet light emitted by a hotter object (see: blackbody and wien's law of displacement).

Heat is the energy in transport that flows due to the temperature difference. Unlike heat transferred by thermal conduction or convection, thermal radiation can propagate through a vacuum. Thermal radiation is characterized by a specific spectrum of many wavelengths associated with emission from an object due to vibration of the object molecules at a given temperature. Thermal radiation can be emitted from objects at any wavelength and at very high temperatures such radiation is associated with a much higher than infrared spectrum and extends into the visible, ultraviolet and even X-ray regions (e.g. coronaries). Thus, the general association of infrared radiation with thermal radiation is based only on coincidence of typical (relatively low) temperatures typically found near the earth's surface.

Generally, low to moderate light intensities are sufficient to drive the photomorphogenic process as well as the photoperiodic process, while for photosynthesis, the total amount of solar energy is the main factor governing plant productivity.

Plant pests (to a large extent insects and arachnids) and fungal and bacterial diseases are also known to respond to the intensity, spectral quality and direction of sunlight. Most of them are responsive to the ultraviolet (UVA and UVB), blue and yellow spectral regions. Therefore, pest control can be achieved through light quality and quantity manipulation. Furthermore, it is also well known that blue light slows down growth and causes dwarfing, in which case this is contrary to the intended effect.

FIGS. 3A-3G and 4A-4D depict an exemplary optical transmitter 120 and/or optical transmitter mount 640 of the growth chamber of the present disclosure in a closed position (FIGS. 2A and 2C; FIGS. 4A and 4C) and an open position (FIGS. 2B and 2D; FIGS. 4B and 4D). The depicted light transmitter is opened along the vertical opening 313 by bending of the hinge element 327 or by breaking the light transmitter 120 along two vertical openings 305, the vertical openings 305 including interlocking or fastening elements 107, 307, 317 for holding the light transmitter in a closed position. As depicted in fig. 3E-3H, in certain embodiments, all of the openings discussed herein are secured in a closed positioner by fasteners, wherein the growth chamber is constructed of half-assemblies, assembled with clamps 107 along vertical edges 305 at appropriate clamp joints 317. By opening the light transmitter to expose the inner surface 308, an operator can easily install or remove the growth chamber including the light transmitter and more easily access the contained vegetation, or allow for increased airflow and/or heat dissipation between the external environment and the protected area including the vegetation. The light transmitter 120 is configured such that, in use, solar energy is reflected from the sun-facing surface 210, concentrated and directed by the light transmitter 120 in optical communication with the solar concentrator 110, and directed toward a growing plant housed within the growth chamber. The growing plant is contained within a protective inner surface located beneath the optical transmitter 120. As depicted, in certain embodiments, the inner wall 308 of the optical transmitter 120 is reflective. In a preferred embodiment, the color of the inner wall surface is red. Further, the inner wall 308 may include a material that reflects light, is adapted to scatter or diffuse light, manipulates the spectral composition of the collected solar energy, or any combination thereof, prior to directing the collected solar energy toward a growing plant (housed within a protective inner surface located below the optical transmitter 120). For example, the inner wall 210 comprises a reflective material, such as a polished/polished plastic, or a reflective coating, such as a metal coating, non-limiting examples of which include aluminum or silver in some embodiments. Other common coatings include Dielectric High Reflection (DHR) coatings or Metallic High Reflection (MHR) coatings. Manipulating the spectral composition includes reducing blue light (e.g., by absorbing blue light), enriching the relative content of light in the yellow and/or red and far-red spectral regions, or a combination thereof, reducing the relative content of UV radiation, reducing the relative content of UVB radiation, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the interface between the concentrator and the optical transmitter is a fixed connection. In some embodiments, the interface between the concentrator and the optical transmitter is a hinged connection. In some embodiments, the interface between the concentrator and the optical transmitter is a rotating or swivel connection that can rotate up to 360 degrees so that the concentrator can easily be turned to optimally follow the path of the sun. In some embodiments, the interface between the concentrator and the optical transmitter that includes a rotatable rotational connection will also include a solar tracking system, such as an imaging optical system. In some embodiments, the geometry of the concentrator possesses a large acceptance angle or numerical aperture, which means that a fixed unit is able to efficiently collect sunlight over a wide range of incident angles as the sun travels in the sky during the course of a day. A typical concentrator with a 45 degree acceptance angle will be able to effectively collect up to 6-8 hours of sunlight; thus, no active tracking subsystem is required, thereby reducing system complexity and cost.

In some embodiments, the growth chamber includes an interlock element or fastening element at an interface between the concentrator and the optical transmitter for holding the concentrator in a fixed position relative to the optical transmitter.

The growth chambers of the present disclosure are designed with appropriate hinges, hooks, holes, and height adjustment so that they can be easily installed and secured to the canopy frame, or alternatively, they can be easily removed and reinstalled in the next location or stored for future use. To obtain the best results, tests have shown that the best results are produced when the growth chamber of the present disclosure is in place before the newly planted vine begins to grow in the spring.

The growth chamber of the present disclosure is removed after the first season of growth, sometime after the shoot grows to reach the pile top. Exceptions are made if vines are planted late in the season and the shoots grow short of the top of the stake. In this case, the growth chamber will continue to remain in the ground for the next year, and in the winter, the top and side apertures of the collector will be capped or covered by a transparent cover to prevent frost damage, snow damage and hail damage, but allow sunlight and heat to penetrate.

The growth chamber of the present disclosure helps protect the vines during periods of severe winter. When the temperature drops below 22F, the shoots may be damaged even on mature wood. Thus, at least in california, it is recommended to remove the growth chamber until late 1 month, after which severe coldness is unlikely to occur in california. As a non-limiting example, recommendations for alternative northern climates, such as new york, may be further extended to the end of the winter and early in the spring of the new growing season.

Fig. 5A-5D depict an exemplary protective interior surface 140 of a growth chamber of the present disclosure in a closed position (fig. 2A and 2C; fig. 4A and 4C) and an open position (fig. 2B and 2D; fig. 4B and 4D). The depicted protective inner surface is opened along the vertical opening 510 by bending of a hinge element (not shown), such as those previously described and depicted for the optical transmitter, or by breaking the protective inner surface 140 along the two vertical openings 510, the vertical openings 510 including interlocking or fastening elements for holding the protective inner surface in a closed position. In certain embodiments, all of the openings discussed herein are secured in the closed retainer by fasteners. The depicted protective inner surface is funnel-shaped and defines a protective zone 520 which, in use, will surround or contain the growing plant or grapevine replant. By opening the protective inner surface, an operator can easily install or remove the growth chamber including the protective inner surface, more easily access the plants they contain, or allow increased airflow and/or heat dissipation between the external environment and the protected area containing the plants. The protective sleeve 140 is configured such that, in use, solar energy is received from the light transmitter 120, optionally reflected from the inner surface 530 of the protective inner surface, and directed by the light transmitter 120 in optical communication with the interior portion of the protective inner surface 140, and directed toward a growing (in some embodiments, specifically within the protective zone 520) plant within the growth chamber. In a preferred embodiment, the color of the inner surface is red. The inner surface 530 includes a material that reflects light, is adapted to scatter or diffuse light, manipulates the spectral composition of the collected solar energy, or any combination thereof, prior to directing the collected solar energy toward the growing plants (housed within the protected area 520). . For example, the inner surface 530 includes a reflective material, such as a polished plastic, or a reflective coating, such as a metal coating, non-limiting examples of which include aluminum or silver in some embodiments. Other common coatings include Dielectric High Reflection (DHR) coatings or Metallic High Reflection (MHR) coatings. Manipulating the spectral composition includes reducing blue light (e.g., by absorbing blue light), enriching the relative content of light in the yellow or red or far-red spectral region, reducing the relative content of UV radiation, reducing the relative content of UVB radiation, or any combination thereof. In the embodiment depicted in fig. 5A-5D, the protective inner surface 140 is funnel-shaped, has an upper perimeter 505 for engaging an optical transmitter and a smaller lower perimeter 525 for engaging the soil surface surrounding the growing plant or vine, and has a rigid outer wall. The rigid outer wall is sufficiently rigid to protect the growing plant from growth-limiting factors such as wind damage, heat damage, cold damage, frost damage, herbicide damage, or animal damage.

Extending from the protective inner surface 140 are a plurality of legs 150 for supporting the growth chamber on the soil surface. In some embodiments, one or more legs 150 extend from the optical transmitter 120.

In some embodiments, the one or more legs 150 extend laterally to a distance greater than the diameter of the upper perimeter of the protective inner surface and/or the diameter of the optical transmitter to provide enhanced stability. Still further, in some embodiments, the legs further include one or more anchoring features (not shown) that support a ground anchor (not shown) that may be driven into the soil to provide additional stability to the growth chamber. Alternatively, one or more anchoring features (not shown) may be positioned around the periphery of the light transmitter 120 and/or the solar concentrator to provide anchoring points for stabilizing the cable. For non-limiting examples, stabilizing features (such as those previously described) or features for similar purposes are particularly interesting in areas subject to high winds and/or ground tremor.

Use of a growth chamber of the present disclosure in stimulating growing conditions of growing grapevines or grapevine replantations

The growth chamber of the present disclosure can be used to increase the growth rate of plants. In some embodiments, the growth chambers of the present disclosure can be used to increase the growth rate of newly planted grapevines or grapevine re-plants, for example, in a vineyard environment. An exemplary use of the growth chamber of the present disclosure is during the first two years of vine development, where the presently disclosed growth chamber may be used to reduce the time required to bring full production to a new vineyard and/or to reduce the time required to re-plant vines in an existing vineyard to achieve full production.

The growth chamber of the present disclosure may be used in vineyards located in areas with cold climates (i.e., napa, sonoma, doxolor, santa clara, monte, and santa babala, california). Taking cabernet sauvignon as an example, the establishment of vineyards starts with the planting of new vines and frees them to grow in the year without training. Next year, individual shoots were selected and trained onto stakes. There was a small yield in the third year after planting, then annual yield increased until full production was achieved in the sixth year. Typical production sequences over a six year period are 0,1, 3, 4, 5 tons per acre for a total of 13 tons. Cabernet sauvignon is a highly vital variety, and for less vital varieties like Chardonnay or Henbinuo, the vineyard needs to be established for a longer time.

For comparison, grapevines were planted in viticulture areas with hot climates (i.e., sagnac, san-hua-jin, kochera, and riflesquerd counties) and then trained on stakes in the same year. And harvesting a small amount in the next year. Taking cabernet sauvignon as an example, typical production rates are 0, 5 and 15 tons per acre, and full production is achieved three years later. One of the reasons for the large difference between cold and hot climates is solar radiation, thermal units and less wind damage.

The growth chamber of the present disclosure is used to enhance solar radiation and heat in a protected area next to a growing plant or a growing grapevine or grapevine replanting plant and to protect the vine from the wind; thus, the growth of grapevines is accelerated in the first two years established in the vineyard. The growth gain in the first two years will reduce the time required to reach full production by one year or even more.

The growth chamber of the present disclosure also includes placement of a heat sink 600 in one or both of the optical transmitter 120 and the protective interior surface 140 for concentrating concentrated solar thermal energy in the heat sink at one time, such as when the sun is most sunny during the day, and gradually releasing the concentrated solar thermal energy into the protected area at a later time, such as late night or early morning when the temperature may drop to dangerously low levels during the night.

As used herein, a heat sink is typically a "passive" heat sink that collects and stores radiated heat, thereby reducing the ambient temperature in the growth chamber during the early midday and afternoon hours and increasing the ambient temperature in the growth chamber during the early evening and before night. The ideal materials are: 1) high density and weight, and therefore can absorb and store a large amount of heat (lighter materials such as wood absorb less heat); 2) reasonably good thermal conductors (heat must be able to flow in and out); and 3) has a dark surface, a textured surface, or both (to help it absorb and re-radiate heat). Materials of different thermal masses will absorb different amounts of heat and require a longer (or shorter) time to absorb and re-radiate the heat.

Generally preferred and useful materials for the heat sink described herein generally include: concrete, copper, and/or aluminum, but typically includes other materials such as those known to those skilled in the art.

As shown in fig. 6A and 6B, the heat sink 600 is circular in shape, defining an opening for enclosing the growing vine or vine replant. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the heat sink may have any external shape that will fit within one or both of the optical transmitter 120 and the protective inner surface 140, with openings for surrounding the growing vine or vine replant.

As described herein, the heat sink 600 includes one circular portion or two or more partial circular portions joined to each other to form a circle. However, as indicated above, one skilled in the art will recognize that the heat sink may have any external shape that will fit within one or both of the optical transmitter 120 and the protective inner surface 140, with openings for surrounding the growing vine or vine replant.

The potential economic benefit of promoting grape vine development is enormous. In 2016, cabernet sauvignon has a value of $ 7,000/ton in cold climates in California. The growth chamber of the present disclosure will dynamically increase the yield from 0,1, 3, 4, 5 (tons/acre/year) to 0,1, 3, 4, 5 (tons/acre/year) in the previous six years. The total yield over a six year period will vary from 13 tons/acre to 18 tons/acre, with a crop worth $ 7,000/ton, which is a significant economic incentive.

There are other potential advantages to using the growth chamber of the present disclosure. In use, the disclosed growth chamber encloses the vine within a tube that includes a protective inner surface and/or an optical transmitter, and in some embodiments, the growth chamber's tube (optical transmitter) extends three to four feet above the ground. (i) In some embodiments, the tube protects the growing plant or grapevine from rabbits, deer, and other vertebrate pests. (ii) In some embodiments, the outer surface of the tube repels pests, thereby reducing pesticide application on growing plants or grapevines. (iii) In some embodiments, it allows for spraying of herbicide under the vine row without contacting and damaging young, susceptible vine tissue. (iv) In some embodiments, it provides protection from wind that would otherwise slow growth and is a significant problem in Montrea county and other cold climate areas. (v) In some embodiments, it will provide frost protection, frost being a problem in all areas of viticulture. (vi) Finally, in some embodiments, the growth chamber of the present disclosure will serve as a means of training the vines, thereby reducing the amount of manual labor required for shoot training into branches.

It should also be noted that in any of the embodiments described herein, the use of a growth chamber may also result in water savings and irrigation cost savings. For example, in addition to the above advantages, the growth chamber also serves as a wind shield for newly planted vineyards, thereby reducing the transpiration of plants and thus saving water (irrigation).