APPARATUS FOR GROW TOWER WEIGHT MEASUREMENT
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for weight measurement of grow towers and/or grow lines with grow towers disposed thereon. In various embodiments, compression type, tension type, and/or beam type load cells may be positioned at various locations within the apparatus to facilitate weight measurement. In one embodiment, a hook, which couples a grow tower to a grow line, includes a tension type load cell disposed between two portions of the hook. The load cell measures force applied thereto which can provide or be translated into a weight measurement.
1 . A hook for a grow tower apparatus, comprising:
a first hook portion comprising a groove engaging member extending from the first hook portion;
a second hook portion comprising a flange extending from the second hook portion;
a load cell coupled between the first hook portion and the second hook portion, the load cell comprising:
a first arm coupled to the first hook portion by a first bracket; and
a second arm coupled to the second hook portion by a second bracket.
2 . The hook for the grow tower apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the load cell is an S-type load cell.
3 . The hook for the grow tower apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first bracket is coupled to the first arm and the first hook portion by one or more first fasteners.
4 . The hook for the grow tower apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the second bracket is coupled to the second arm and the second hook portion by one or more second fasteners.
5 . The hook for the grow tower apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a torsion reduction member coupled to the first hook portion and the second hook portion.
6 . The hook for the grow tower apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the torsion reduction member comprises:
a first arm;
a second arm; and
a first hinge coupled between the first arm and the second arm.
7 . The hook for the grow tower apparatus of claim 6 , further comprising:
a second hinge coupled between the first arm and the first hook portion; and
a third hinge coupled between the second arm and the second hook portion.
8 . The hook for the grow tower apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the groove engaging member is configured to engage with a groove formed in a grow line apparatus.
9 . A hook for a grow tower apparatus, comprising:
a body comprising a flange extending therefrom;
a first extension of the body extending opposite the flange;
a second extension of the body extending laterally from the first extension of the body;
a tip extending in a direction substantially normal to the second extension of the body;
a load cell coupled to the tip; and
a groove engaging member coupled to the load cell.
10 . The hook for the grow tower apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the load cell is a compression-type load cell.
11 . The hook for the grow tower apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the load cell is an S-type load cell.
12 .- 20 . (canceled)
21 . A hook for a grow tower apparatus, comprising:
a first hook portion comprising a groove engaging member extending from the first hook portion;
a second hook portion comprising a flange extending from the second hook portion; and
a load cell coupled between the first hook portion and the second hook portion, the load cell comprising:
a first arm coupled to the first hook portion by a first bracket; and
a second arm coupled to the second hook portion by a second bracket;
a torsion reduction member, comprising:
a first arm coupled to the first hook portion; and
a second arm couple to the second hook portion.
22 . The hook for the grow tower apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the second hook portion comprises a funnel structure.
23 . The hook for the grow tower apparatus of claim 22 , wherein the funnel structure is configured to collect an aqueous nutrient solution from an irrigation line.
24 . The hook for the grow tower apparatus of claim 22 , wherein the funnel structure comprises a plurality of passageways configured to distribute the aqueous nutrient solution to a grow site of a grow tower.
25 . The hook for the grow tower apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the first bracket is coupled to the first arm and the first hook portion by one or more first fasteners.
26 . The hook for the grow tower apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the second bracket is coupled to the second arm and the second hook portion by one or more second fasteners.
27 . The hook for the grow tower apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the groove engaging member is configured to engage with a groove formed in a grow line apparatus.
28 . The hook for the grow tower apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the load cell is a compression-type load cell.
29 . The hook for the grow tower apparatus of claim 28 , wherein the load cell is an S-type load cell.