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NZ776142B2 - Predation-resistant capsular planting systems and methods - Google Patents
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NZ776142B2 - Predation-resistant capsular planting systems and methods - Google Patents

Predation-resistant capsular planting systems and methods

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Publication number
NZ776142B2
NZ776142B2 NZ776142A NZ77614219A NZ776142B2 NZ 776142 B2 NZ776142 B2 NZ 776142B2 NZ 776142 A NZ776142 A NZ 776142A NZ 77614219 A NZ77614219 A NZ 77614219A NZ 776142 B2 NZ776142 B2 NZ 776142B2
Authority
NZ
New Zealand
Prior art keywords
propagule
www
capsule
layer
growth
Prior art date
Application number
NZ776142A
Other versions
NZ776142A (en
Inventor
Matthew Mehdi Aghai
Grant Everest Canary
Ross Tiffani Manteuffel
Benjamin Reilly
John William Thomson
Original Assignee
Droneseed Co
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US16/460,752 external-priority patent/US11470764B2/en
Application filed by Droneseed Co filed Critical Droneseed Co
Publication of NZ776142A publication Critical patent/NZ776142A/en
Publication of NZ776142B2 publication Critical patent/NZ776142B2/en

Links

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01BSOIL WORKING IN AGRICULTURE OR FORESTRY; PARTS, DETAILS, OR ACCESSORIES OF AGRICULTURAL MACHINES OR IMPLEMENTS, IN GENERAL
    • A01B79/00Methods for working soil
    • A01B79/005Precision agriculture
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01CPLANTING; SOWING; FERTILISING
    • A01C1/00Apparatus, or methods of use thereof, for testing or treating seed, roots, or the like, prior to sowing or planting
    • A01C1/04Arranging seed on carriers, e.g. on tapes, on cords ; Carrier compositions
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01CPLANTING; SOWING; FERTILISING
    • A01C1/00Apparatus, or methods of use thereof, for testing or treating seed, roots, or the like, prior to sowing or planting
    • A01C1/06Coating or dressing seed
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01CPLANTING; SOWING; FERTILISING
    • A01C14/00Methods or apparatus for planting not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01CPLANTING; SOWING; FERTILISING
    • A01C15/00Fertiliser distributors
    • A01C15/16Fertiliser distributors with means for pushing out the fertiliser, e.g. by a roller
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01CPLANTING; SOWING; FERTILISING
    • A01C17/00Fertilisers or seeders with centrifugal wheels
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01CPLANTING; SOWING; FERTILISING
    • A01C21/00Methods of fertilising, sowing or planting
    • A01C21/005Following a specific plan, e.g. pattern
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01GHORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G23/00Forestry
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01GHORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G9/00Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
    • A01G9/02Receptacles, e.g. flower-pots or boxes; Glasses for cultivating flowers
    • A01G9/029Receptacles for seedlings
    • A01G9/0293Seed or shoot receptacles
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64DEQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
    • B64D1/00Dropping, ejecting, releasing or receiving articles, liquids, or the like, in flight
    • B64D1/02Dropping, ejecting, or releasing articles
    • B64D1/08Dropping, ejecting, or releasing articles the articles being load-carrying devices
    • B64D1/12Releasing
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64UUNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES [UAV]; EQUIPMENT THEREFOR
    • B64U2101/00UAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications
    • B64U2101/40UAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications for agriculture or forestry operations
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64UUNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES [UAV]; EQUIPMENT THEREFOR
    • B64U50/00Propulsion; Power supply
    • B64U50/30Supply or distribution of electrical power
    • B64U50/34In-flight charging
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64UUNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES [UAV]; EQUIPMENT THEREFOR
    • B64U50/00Propulsion; Power supply
    • B64U50/30Supply or distribution of electrical power
    • B64U50/39Battery swapping
    • GPHYSICS
    • G05CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05DSYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
    • G05D1/00Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots
    • G05D1/0011Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots associated with a remote control arrangement
    • G05D1/0027Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots associated with a remote control arrangement involving a plurality of vehicles, e.g. fleet or convoy travelling
    • GPHYSICS
    • G05CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05DSYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
    • G05D1/00Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots
    • G05D1/0094Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots involving pointing a payload, e.g. camera, weapon, sensor, towards a fixed or moving target
    • GPHYSICS
    • G05CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05DSYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
    • G05D1/00Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots
    • G05D1/60Intended control result
    • G05D1/69Coordinated control of the position or course of two or more vehicles
    • G05D1/692Coordinated control of the position or course of two or more vehicles involving a plurality of disparate vehicles
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H02GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02JELECTRIC POWER NETWORKS; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00Circuit arrangements for charging or discharging batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
    • H02J7/90Regulation of charging or discharging current or voltage
    • H02J7/94Regulation of charging or discharging current or voltage in response to battery current
    • H02J7/947Regulation of charging or discharging current or voltage in response to battery current in response to integrated charge or discharge current
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H02GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02JELECTRIC POWER NETWORKS; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00Circuit arrangements for charging or discharging batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
    • H02J7/90Regulation of charging or discharging current or voltage
    • H02J7/971Regulation of charging or discharging current or voltage the charge cycle being controlled or terminated in response to non-electric parameters
    • H02J7/975Regulation of charging or discharging current or voltage the charge cycle being controlled or terminated in response to non-electric parameters in response to temperature
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H02GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02MAPPARATUS FOR CONVERSION BETWEEN AC AND AC, BETWEEN AC AND DC, OR BETWEEN DC AND DC, AND FOR USE WITH MAINS OR SIMILAR POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; CONVERSION OF DC OR AC INPUT POWER INTO SURGE OUTPUT POWER; CONTROL OR REGULATION THEREOF
    • H02M3/00Conversion of DC power input into DC power output
    • H02M3/22Conversion of DC power input into DC power output with intermediate conversion into AC
    • H02M3/24Conversion of DC power input into DC power output with intermediate conversion into AC by static converters
    • H02M3/28Conversion of DC power input into DC power output with intermediate conversion into AC by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode to produce the intermediate AC
    • H02M3/325Conversion of DC power input into DC power output with intermediate conversion into AC by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode to produce the intermediate AC using devices of a triode or a transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal
    • H02M3/335Conversion of DC power input into DC power output with intermediate conversion into AC by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode to produce the intermediate AC using devices of a triode or a transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only
    • H02M3/33507Conversion of DC power input into DC power output with intermediate conversion into AC by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode to produce the intermediate AC using devices of a triode or a transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only with automatic control of the output voltage or current, e.g. flyback converters

Abstract

Methods and systems are presented for making use of recently obtained biometric data, for configuring propagule capsules (e.g. containing seeds or spores with growth media and other helpful materials) for deployment via drones so that each has an improved chance of survival, and for configuring drones or piloted craft for safe fleet deployment in remote locations. The present invention includes a propagule growth facilitation method to assemble a propagule capsule including, configuring dry media in a first layer, forming recessed portions on a first side, holding a first propagule in the recessed portion of the first side by affixing a biodegradable containment covering to the first side of the first layer with more than half exposed to a gas. Then holding a second propagule in the recessed portion of a second side by affixing with biodegradable containment to a second side of the first layer with more than half exposed to a gas, so as to assemble the capsule, then deploying the capsule such that the first side lands on a planting site where it will land on its first side. A system is also included.

Description

Methods and systems are presented for making use of recently obtained ric data, for configuring propagule capsules (e.g. containing seeds or spores with growth media and other helpful materials) for deployment via drones so that each has an improved chance of survival, and for configuring drones or piloted craft for safe fleet deployment in remote locations. The present invention es a propagule growth facilitation method to assemble a propagule capsule including, uring dry media in a first layer, g ed portions on a first side, holding a first propagule in the recessed portion of the first side by affixing a biodegradable containment covering to the first side of the first layer with more than half exposed to a gas. Then holding a second propagule in the recessed portion of a second side by affixing with biodegradable containment to a second side of the first layer with more than half exposed to a gas, so as to assemble the capsule, then deploying the capsule such that the first side lands on a planting site where it will land on its first side. A system is also included.
NZ 776142 PREDATION-RESISTANT CAPSULAR PLANTING SYSTEMS AND METHODS BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [Para 01] Fig. 1 illustrates exemplary special-purpose-hardware in which a mixture that includes seeds is being processed in a mold according to one or more embodiments.
[Para 02] Fig. 2 illustrates a al system in which propagule capsules are being deployed into nment with wildlife as described herein according to one or more embodiments.
[Para 03] Fig. 3 illustrates a tic of a power distribution system suitable for charging le lithium-based ies according to one or more embodiments.
[Para 04] Fig. 4 illustrates a field deployment of a system by which a wheel-borne vehicle (e. g. a truck and trailer) provides power distribution to several airborne drones according to one or more embodiments.
[Para 05] Fig. 5 illustrates additional (optional) aspects of the system of Fig. 4 according to one or more variant embodiments.
[Para 06] Fig. 6 illustrates a flow chart of operations relating to (at least partly) automated deployment for large scale remote planting and d aspects of forestry/agriculture.
[Para 07] Fig. 7 illustrates additional aspects of the system of Fig. 4 according to one or more variant embodiments.
[Para 08] Fig. 8 illustrates further aspects of the system of Fig. 4 according to one or more embodiments.
[Para 09] Fig. 9 illustrates an exemplary special-purpose system by which various portable client devices interact with a network according to one or more embodiments.
[Para 10] Fig. 10 illustrates a server in which one or more technologies may be ented ing to one or more embodiments.
[Para 11] Fig. 11 illustrates a client device in which one or more technologies may be implemented according to one or more embodiments.
[Para 12] Fig. 12 illustrates a data flow diagram relating to one or more information management routines described herein according to one or more embodiments.
[Para 13] Fig. 13 illustrates various forestry-related verdicts according to one or more embodiments.
[Para 14] Fig. 14 illustrates various forestry-related depictions according to one or more embodiments.
[Para 15] Fig. 15 illustrates another system ng to one or more task flows described herein according to one or more embodiments.
[Para 16] Fig. 16 illustrates a scatter plot depicting scalar ric datasets derived from raw data taken at several different times and a time-dependent scalar biometric range to which each such dataset pertains according to one or more embodiments.
[Para 17] Fig. 17 illustrates an aerial deployment planting system configured to access microsites over irregular ground according to one or more embodiments.
[Para 18] Fig. 18 illustrates an aerially deployed ule capsule on a trajectory toward a target within a ite according to one or more embodiments.
[Para 19] Fig. 19 illustrates an aerially deployed propagule capsule having landed within a microsite according to one or more embodiments.
[Para 20] Fig. 20 schematically illustrates various configurations of propagule capsules according to one or more ments.
[Para 21] Fig. 21 illustrates a targeting subassembly in the s of deploying a propagule capsule according to one or more embodiments.
[Para 22] Fig. 22 illustrates the targeting subassembly of Fig. 21 preparing to deploy another propagule capsule according to one or more embodiments.
[Para 23] Fig. 23 illustrates a system in which a propagule capsule is being staged for deployment ing to one or more embodiments.
[Para 24] Fig. 24 illustrates the system of Fig. 23 in which the propagule capsule is in a more advanced state of staging according to one or more embodiments.
[Para 25] Fig. 25 illustrates a deployed propagule capsule about to undergo ployment changes induced primarily by moisture ing to one or more embodiments.
[Para 26] Fig. 26 rates the deployed propagule capsule of Fig. 25 having undergone eployment structural changes amenable to propagule survival according to one or more embodiments.
[Para 27] Fig. 27 rates a deployed propagule capsule having one or more rootguiding structures.
[Para 28] Fig. 28 illustrates the deployed propagule e of Fig. 27 in which the root-guiding structure(s) thereof have guided root growth.
[Para 29] Fig. 29 illustrates a system including components of a wide base propagule capsule under uction.
[Para 30] Fig. 30 illustrates a system including additional s of a wide base propagule capsule.
[Para 31] Fig. 31 illustrates a system including a container with a multitude of wide base propagule capsules and shows a magnified view of an inside of one of the capsules in a tumbling trajectory.
[Para 32] Fig. 32 illustrates a system including a ?ying vehicle carrying a container with another propagule capsules in a ng trajectory.
[Para 33] Fig. 33 illustrates a portable system configured to facilitate safe remote recharging of battery units.
[Para 34] Fig. 34 illustrates a flow chart of operations relating to an automated deployment planting.
[Para 35] Fig. 35 illustrates a flow chart of operations relating to automated deployment for planting or other operations relating to forestry/agriculture.
[Para 36] Fig. 36 illustrates another flow chart of operations relating to ted ment planting.
[Para 37] Fig. 37 illustrates another flow chart of operations relating to ted deployment planting.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION [Para 38] The detailed description that follows is represented largely in terms of processes and ic representations of operations by conventional computer components, including a processor, memory storage s for the processor, connected display devices and input devices. Furthermore, some of these processes and operations may utilize conventional computer components in a heterogeneous distributed computing environment, including remote file servers, computer servers and memory storage devices.
[Para 39] The phrases "in one embodiment,a) (4’ a) (4’ in various embodiments, in some embodiments," and the like are used edly. Such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. The terms "comprising," g," and "including" are synonymous, unless the context dictates otherwise. As used herein a quantity is "about" a value X only if they differ by less than a factor of 3, unless context dictates otherwise. As used herein "many" means ten or more, unless context dictates ise. As used herein "numerous" means hundreds or more, unless context dictates otherwise. As used herein a structure is "porous" only if it has numerous moisture-permeable pores (i.e. holes smaller than 5 microns in diameter) pervading therethrough.
As used herein a ure is "absorbent" only if it is porous enough to soak up more than 5 microliters of liquid per hour by wicking (capillary action, e.g.).
[Para 40] d," ," "above," bent," "active," "adjacent," "advantageous,3) ccaerial," ed," "along,3) cc artificial," "at least, 3) ccautomatic," "balanced," "below," "between," "biodegradable," "biometric," "by," "capsular,3) (4 closed," "compressed," "concentrated," "concerning," "condensed," "conditional," nt," "deployed," "downward," "each," ced," "enough," "extending," "first," "forestry," "forward," "funnel-shaped," g," "highly," "in response,a) (4’indicated," "integrated," "into," "lateral," "latticed," "local," "location-specific," "longitudinal," "made of," "more,3) ccnarrowest, 3) cc 3) cc near, non-toxic," "numerous," "obtained," "of," "opened," "optical," "outside,3) cc part, 3) ccpenetrated," "photographic," atic," "porous," "prioritized," "processed," "qualified," "received," "remote," "retracted," ) cc scalar, 3) (4second," "selected," "selected," "shorter," "slight," "slippery,3) ccsmooth," "some,3) ccstaging," "stratified," "thereof," "third," "toward," "transmitted," "tubular,3) cctumbling, 3) ccunmanned," "upon,3) ccwherein,3) ccwithin," or other such descriptors herein are used in their normal yes-or-no sense, not merely as terms of degree, unless context dictates otherwise. In light of the present disclosure those d in the art will understand from context what is meant by "remote" and by other such positional descriptors used herein. Terms like "processor," "center,3) ccunit, 3) (4computer," or other such descriptors herein are used in their normal sense, in reference to an ate structure. Such terms do not e any people, irrespective of their location or employment or other association with the thing described, unless context dictates otherwise. "For" is not used to articulate a mere intended purpose in phrases like "circuitry for" or "instruction for," moreover, but is used normally, in descriptively identifying special purpose re or structures.
[Para 41] As used herein a structure is "biodegradable" if more than half of the material thereof (by ) comprises any combination of (1) non-toxic water-soluble material; (2) inorganic al that can be decomposed by microorganisms; or (3) organic material that can be broken down into carbon dioxide, water, methane, or simple organic molecules.
[Para 42] Reference is now made in detail to the description of the embodiments as illustrated in the drawings. While ments are described in connection with the drawings and related descriptions, there is no intent to limit the scope to the embodiments disclosed herein.
On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, cations and equivalents. In alternate embodiments, additional devices, or combinations of illustrated devices, may be added to, or combined, t limiting the scope to the embodiments disclosed herein.
[Para 43] Fig. 1 illustrates a system 100 comprising special-purpose-hardware le for use in preparation for situating one or more seeds 107 in a fibrous or granular planting medium 126 (optionally comprising a compressible ient such as as coconut coir 161 or peat 162). Mixtures 113 of such components may further se one or more nutrients 141, pest deterrents, or other supplements. Alternatively or additionally, such mixtures 113 may include one or more instances of particles 144 or other als 145 such as nyl acetate particles 144 suspended in water (e. g. wood glue).
[Para 44] In some variants such compositions (comprising the mixture 113 with one or more supplements with other materials) may be d into a mold 109 and treated such that one or more adhesive materials 145 thereof (within an order of magnitude of 3% of the total composition by weight when introduced) thereof are blended in and cured under re (in mold 109, e.g.). In some variants such treatment(s) may include exerting a net pressure within an order of magnitude of 5 atmospheres upon the composition, heating the composition 5-50 degrees C to reduce the relative humidity, injecting a dry gas 173 (e. g. dehumidified air) through the composition, ating a vicinity of the mold, or some combination of these. As used herein growth media 126 are "highly compressed" if they have been shaped using a pressure greater than 1.5 atmospheres and are reduced in one or more ions by more than 1% and configured to expand (e. g. upon hydration).
[Para 45] As used herein a material is "water-soluble" if it is at least 10% more soluble in water than corn starch unless t dictates otherwise. As used herein a number is "on the order of’ another or "roughly" the same as another if they differ by less than a factor of ten (i.e. by less than an "order of magnitude"). As used herein a structure is (deemed nominally) "dry" if less than 5% of the weight of the structure is (unsealed, unfrozen, and otherwise) available liquid hydration unless context dictates otherwise. As used herein hydration is "available" to a structure if it is absorbed into a growth medium thereof or configured so that the growth medium can draw the hydration in or through it unless context es otherwise. Thus some hydration within the structure (frozen or ulated water, e.g.) may not be able" at times even if it is adjacent one or more growth media 126 unless t dictates otherwise.
[Para 46] Referring now to Fig. 2, there is shown a system 200 that includes a winged, wheel-borne, or other motorized vehicle 230 configured to deliver propagule capsules 210 (optionally each sing a porous housing 240) to respective sites 255A-C of a planting area (tract 250A, e.g.). In some variants magazines or other cartridges as described below may contain or comprise l individual propagule capsules 210 therein. In some variants such housings 240 may have a defined or volume (e. g. with seeds n). atively or additionally, the propagule capsules 210 may also comprise hydrogels, polymers, or polyacrylamides for preventing germinated propagules from drying out. Having hydrogels, polymers, or polyacrylamides in the propagule capsules 210 and near roots of a seedling or other propagule 207 desirably improves access to water while maintaining aeration. Additionally, the propagule capsules 210 may further se fertilizers, mycorrhizal fungi, mycelium, pesticides, herbicides, predator deterrents, or any combination thereof. Such olfactory or gustatory predator deterrent supplements 142, for example, may be a capsule’s primary defense against birds 201 and rodents 202 up to and during germination. In addition to the housing 240 and other portions 208 (nutrients 141 and other les 144, e. g.) forming the composition 215, the success of each capsule 210 may depend on one or more types 211, footprint 212, thickness 241, diameter 242, weight 243, and other aspects of a capsule 210 also, as further described below. All such extensive properties of items and materials are nominal or median values, unless context dictates otherwise.
[Para 47] Referring now to Fig. 3, there is shown a (schematic of a) power distribution system 300 suitable for charging multiple um-ion polymer battery or other) lithium-based battery units 365 ing to one or more embodiments, even in remote locations.
One or more (instances of) power sources 352 (e. g. generators or fuel cells) are operably coupled (directly or otherwise) to provide alternating-current (AC) power 367. In some variants such AC power 367 passes through one or more current-limiting disconnect switches 353, one or more camlock interfaces 354, one or more r boxes 357, or some combination of these and into one or more alternating-current-to-direct-current (AC/DC) converters . This allows the one or more AC/DC converters 358 to provide direct current (DC) power 368 at a nominal DC e 374 (e. g. more than 10 and less than 100 volts) across multiple chargers 366A-E to one or more battery units 365A-E operably coupled to each under the control of one or more charger controllers 376 ly coupled therewith as shown.
[Para 48] Fig. 4 illustrates a portable power deployment system 400 by which a single wheel-borne vehicle 230 (e. g. a truck 430 and trailer 439) provides efficient power distribution to keep a ?eet of 4 or more battery-powered drones 43lA-D simultaneously airborne with as few as 1-2 human facilitators. A generator menting a power source 352) aboard the trailer 439 is removed and separated from its truck 430 by more than ten meters (for safety and sound abatement) and coupled to a fuel tank 438 by a hose 435. Heavy duty welding cables 436 carry AC power 367 from the power source 352 to a camlock 354 interface aboard the truck 430. See Fig. 8. This allows one battery 365 to power a current drone flight while a successor charges aboard the truck 430 as shown below. See Fig. 5. When each drone 431 (lands or otherwise) completes a route, planting cartridges 488 or other modules 450 are replaced and one or more depleted battery units 365 aboard are replaced with one or more recharged ones.
In some ts each lithium-based battery unit 365 is charged with an average DC current exceeding 10 s so that even with a nominal charging voltage lower than 30 volts a charge exceeding 400 watt-hours (Wh) can be achieved in less than 60 minutes. (As used herein a "drone" may refer to a motor-propelled device that has no human occupants, whether or not it is piloted and whether or not it is e of ?ight.) [Para 49] Fig. 5 illustrates another view of the portable power deployment system 400 of Fig. 4. ng y units 365 are held in respective d-facing cubby holes 569 made of a fire-resistant material (e. g. containing a majority of gypsum by weight). Each cubby hole 569 is small enough to hold a single ng battery 365 with an open front to ze the risk of a single exploding or g battery detonating or igniting others. Each cubby faces away from the truck 430 for the same reason. Each charger 366F-G is operably coupled to several charging battery units 365. A significant majority of each drone’s activity (e. g. deploying capsules 210 to nearby sites 255D) at any given work site occurs while replacement batteries are recharging, but idle time is minimized by the unprecedented rates of DC power 368 simultaneously distributed to several recharging battery units 365 by each deployed truck 430 at a remote work site (i.e. remote from any fixed power grid access). See Fig. 34.
[Para 50] Fig. 6 illustrates a flow chart of operations relating to (at least partly) automated deployment for large scale remote planting and d aspects of forestry/agriculture.
Operation 645 bes obtaining a first propagule capsule created by forming a slurry or other mixture of one or more base materials with one or more supplements and a first adhesive material such that the first adhesive material comprises roughly 0.3 or 3% of the fibrous or granular mixture by weight, surrounding a first propagule with the fibrous or granular mixture, and curing the first adhesive material, wherein the first adhesive material comprises nyl acetate particles suspended in water and wherein curing the first adhesive material comprises warming the fibrous or granular mixture in a mold and allowing (time for) a majority of the water to evaporate (e. g. a planting service building or buying numerous capsules 210 made in a mold 109 by forming a fibrous or granular mixture 113 of one or more growth media 126 with one or more supplements 142 and a first adhesive material 145 such that the adhesive al comprises one the order of 0.3% or of 3% or less by weight). This can occur, for example, in a context in which the curing is done quickly enough and under circumstances that forming the e 210 does not trigger germination, in which the mixture 113 surrounds one or more nonphotoblastic seeds 107 n, and in which irregular opacity of the fibrous or granular mixture 113 would otherwise cause ictable germination of a crop such as by delaying germination unduly (e. g. in the case of a negatively photoblastic seed species such as an onion) or by triggering germination before sufficient ion is available (e. g. in the case of a positively photoblastic seed). Alternatively or additionally, such formation may be done using a factory mold 109 configured to exert significant pressure (e. g. within an order of magnitude of 15 heres) upon a compressible component of the growth medium 126 so that hydration from the planting site triggers substantial volumetric expansion (i.e. of more than 10%). In some variants, moreover, such propagule es 210 may be constructed without any adhesive material 145.
[Para 51] As used herein a seed is "photoblastic" if a hrome thereof mediates the seed’s photochemical response such that germination thereof is ed by light. Most sagebrush, onion, and lily seeds are therefore "photoblastic" as used herein. As used herein a seed is "non-photoblastic" if it has no such phytochromes such that a ation thereof is instead controlled by temperature, water, chemical inhibitors, or other such factors other than a photochemical se within the seed 107. Substantially all genetically unmodified conifer seeds are therefore "non-photoblastic" as used herein.
[Para 52] Operation 655 comprises carrying the first propagule capsule toward a planting site aboard a drone (e. g. a planting service programming and operating a ?eet of several drones 431 in a single deployment--i.e. t moving a base of operations). This can occur, for example, in a context in which the ?ight patterns are designed in e and in which each drone 431 (e. g. in a ?eet of four or more) takes several ?ights in sion while a next preparatory operation (e.g. recharging) occurs all t moving a truck 430 serving as the base of operations.
[Para 53] Operation 665 describes automatically depositing the first propagule capsule to the planting site so that the fibrous or ar mixture draws water at the planting site into contact with the first propagule, wherein one or more supplements in the fibrous or granular mixture accelerate a growth of the first propagule through the fibrous or ar mixture into the planting site (e. g. a planting service delivering propagule capsules 210 to numerous selected sites 255 either in a dormant state or in a wet season so that water from the environment can trigger germination and sustain seedlings long enough so that an acceptable fraction of them survive and take root in respective ng sites 255D). This can occur, for example, in a context in which the planting service acquires institutional knowledge incrementally developed over time (e. g. as to how to minimize seed predation and place capsules 210 with precision) such as that presented in this document.
[Para 54] Fig. 7 illustrates onal aspects of the system 400 of Fig. 4 ing to one or more variant embodiments. A switch box 753 mounted on the back of truck 430 provides a master switch functionality like that of switch 353 and current limiting functionality like breaker box 357 of system 300. Moreover a connector box 754 mounted on the back of truck 430 provides high capacity disconnectable cable linkage functionality like that of camlock interface 354 of system 300.
[Para 55] Fig. 8 illustrates further additional s of the system of Fig. 4 according to one or more variant embodiments. A first-phase 120/208/240 volt line 854A (e. g. conventionally marked with black and passing h connector box 754) is configured to carry AC power 367 from an onsite power source 352 through a corresponding fuse 853A toward AC/DC converters 358. A second-phase 8/240 volt line 854B (e. g. conventionally marked with red and passing through connector box 754) is configured to carry AC power 367 from the power source 352 through a corresponding fuse 853B toward AC/DC converters 358.
A third-phase 120/208/240 volt line 854C (e. g. conventionally marked with blue and passing through connector box 754) is se configured to carry AC power 367 from the power source 352 through a corresponding fuse 853C toward AC/DC converters 358. The fuses 853 are rated up to 250 volts AC as shown, but other nominal ratings between 100 volts AC and 1000 volts AC may also serve. Another line 854D (e. g. conventionally marked with white and passing through connector box 754) is configured to serve as neutral. Another line 854E (e. g. tionally marked with green and passing h connector box 754) is configured to serve as protective earth or ground (PG).
[Para 56] In some variants one or more pneumatic or other robotic actuators of a g or flying drone 431 are adapted to eject propagule capsules 210 as the drone or other vehicle 230 travels over the targeted sites 255. It is contemplated that microsites are targeted so that the propagule capsules 210 are shot toward the ites and landed therein. See Fig. 15.
Additionally, the gas regulators optimize the pressure to control the velocity of the seed capsule as it is shot. The velocity may vary ing on various factors such as wind speed, soil surface tension, species preferred germination habit, and the like. In some embodiments, the gas regulators may be adjusted manually or programmed to adjust automatically for different planting areas. Because the propagule capsules 210 are dissolvable, the seeds need not be buried or penetrated in soil and allows the root structure of the seed plant to eXpand without hindrance.
[Para 57] In some variants, the present invention may (optionally) further comprise seed amendment pellets. The pellets comprise a n shell shape and include mycorrhizal fungi inoculated medium, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, odors or compounds, hydrogels, beneficial plants, multiple seeds, or any combination thereof.
[Para 58] During a "reconnaissance" phase, a drone 431 flies over an area. While airborne, the s of the UAV help identify suitable planting areas and ites within the planting areas by collecting data. The collected data is processed via the CPU and stored in the memory unit or transmitted to a remote se server. Based on the data, at phase 370, the CPU maps at least one route for planting. Alternatively, the collected data is transmitted to another server or a mapping module on ground that may be configured to perform route mapping.
[Para 59] During a "planting" phase, a drone 431 flies over a preplanned route and es the propagule capsules 210 when it is within a shooting range of the microsites. A launching mechanism of the drone 431 may be configured (with a spring or tic launching mechanism or a controlled detonation, for example) to launch a propagule capsule within an order of magnitude of 5 or 10 meters per second. In this way, the UAV can fire encapsulated plant seeds into the ground in places identified as good growing area. Optionally, a drone 431 may also be programmed to fly over the planned route periodically to monitor seed germination and ng growth.
[Para 60] Fig. 4 illustrates an exemplary network gy of an information ment system 400 in accordance with various embodiments. A central information management server 1000 (see Fig. 10) is in data communication with a plurality of client devices 1100A-C (see Fig. 11) via one or more networks 468. In various embodiments, network 468 may include the Internet, one or more local area networks ("LANs"), one or more wide area networks ("WANs"), cellular data ks, and/or other data networks. Network 468 may, at various points, be a wired and/or wireless network. Remote information management server 1000 may be in data ication with one or more information management data stores 465.
[Para 61] In various embodiments, any of client devices 1100A-C may be ked computing devices having form s including general purpose computers (including "desktop," "laptop,3) book," "tablet" computers, or the like); mobile phones; s, glasses, or other le computing devices. In the example shown in Fig. 4, client device 1100A is depicted as a laptop/notebook computer, client device 1100B is ed as a handheld device, and client device 1100C is depicted as a computer workstation. In various embodiments there may be fewer or many more respondent devices than are shown in Fig. 4.
[Para 62] As is described in more detail below, in various embodiments, remote information ment server 1000 may be a networked computing device generally capable of accepting requests over k 468 e.g. from any one of respondent devices 1100A-C and/or other networked computing devices (not shown), and providing responses accordingly. In a typical context, one or more devices 1100A-B networked together as described herein may rely upon a bandwidth-limited signal path 401A-B and one or more other devices 1100C also networked will rely upon a bandwidth-unlimited signal path 401C, the significance of which will be appreciated by one skilled in the art in light of the disclosure that follows. In general, dth-limited signal path 401A-B and the devices 1100A-B that rely upon them are not adequate to allow a human user thereof to review pictographic and other bandwidth-intensive data and provide a timely verdict thereon (a diagnosis, work request, or other uential decision soon enough to make a difference, e. g.). The functional components of an exemplary information management server 1000 that remotely supports advanced interactions with s client devices 1100A-C are described below in reference to Fig. 10.
[Para 63] Fig. 10 illustrates a server 1000 in which one or more technologies may be implemented. In respective embodiments, server 1000 may be a general-purpose computer or may include special-purpose components not shown. As shown in Fig. 10, exemplary server 1000 includes one or more processing units 1002 in data communication with one or more memories 1004 via one or more buses 1016. Each such memory 1004 lly comprises some or all of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), and/or a permanent mass storage , such as a disk drive, flash memory, or the like. Client device 1000 may also include one or more instances of network interfaces 1006, of user inputs 1008, of displays 1012, or of speakers (not shown).
[Para 64] As shown, memory 1004 of exemplary server 1000 may store an operating system 1010, as well as program code for a number of software ations, such as a client hosting application 1014. These and other software components, as well as various data files (not shown) may be loaded into memory 1004 via network interface nal) 1006 (or via a selectively removable computer readable storage medium 1018, such as a memory card or the like). For re functions such as network communications via network interface 1006, obtaining data via user input 1008, rendering data via display 1012 and/or speaker, and allocating a position of memory 1004 to various resources, operating system 1010 may act as an intermediary between software executing on server 1000 and the server's hardware.
[Para 65] For example, operating system 1010 may cause a representation of locally available software applications, such as client hosting application 1014, to be rendered locally (via display 1012, e.g.). If ing system 1010 obtains, e. g. via user input 1008, a selection of client hosting application 1014, operating system 1010 may instantiate a client hosting application 1014 process (not shown), i.e. cause processing unit 1002 to begin executing the executable instructions of client hosting ation 1014 and allocate a portion of memory 1004 for its use. In some variants, moreover, a download service 1024 resident in memory may allow apps (inventoried in medium 1018, e. g.) to be downloaded upon t to authorized client devices as described below. Alternatively or additionally, operations described below may be implemented with special-purpose circuitry 1022 resident in server 1000 as described below.
[Para 66] Although an exemplary server 1000 has been described, a server 1000 may be any of a great number of computing devices e executing program code, such as the program code corresponding to g application 1014. Alternatively or additionally, the structures described with reference to Fig. 10 may likewise be ented by a special-purpose peer computer in a peer-to-peer network.
[Para 67] Fig. 11 illustrates a client device 1100 in which one or more technologies may be implemented. In respective ments, client device 1100 may be a l-purpose er or may include special-purpose components not shown. As shown in Fig. 11, exemplary client device 1100 includes one or more processing units 1102 in data communication with one or more memories 1104 via one or more buses 1116. Each such memory 1104 generally comprises some or all of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), and/or a permanent mass storage device, such as a disk drive, ?ash memory, or the like. Client device 1100 may also include one or more instances of network interfaces 1106, of user inputs 1108, of ys 1112, or of speakers (not .
[Para 68] As shown, memory 1104 of exemplary client device 1100 may store an operating system 1110, as well as m code for a number of software applications, such as a client web browser application 1114. Client web browser application 1114 is a software application by which, under server control, client devices can present data to users and transmit data entered by them. These and other software components, as well as s data files (not shown) may be loaded into memory 1104 via network interface (optional) 1106 (or via a selectively removable er le storage medium 1118, such as a memory card or the like). For hardware functions such as network communications via network interface 1106, obtaining data via user input 1108, rendering data via display 1112 and/or speaker, and allocation of memory 1104 to various resources, operating system 1110 may act as an intermediary between software executing on client device 1100 and the client device's re.
[Para 69] For e, operating system 1110 may cause a representation of locally available software applications, such as client web browser application 1114, to be ed locally (via display 1112, e.g.). If operating system 1110 s, e. g. via user input 1108, a selection of client web browser application 1114, operating system 1110 may instantiate a client web browser application 1114 process (not shown), i.e. cause processing unit 1102 to begin executing the executable instructions of client web browser application 1114 and allocate a portion of memory 1104 for its use. Alternatively or additionally, operations described below may be implemented with l-purpose circuitry 1122 resident in client device 1100 as described below.
[Para 70] Fig. 12 illustrates a data?ow schematic suitable for use with at least one embodiment. Operational parameters 1205A including a biometric range "A" are transmitted from client device 1100A to station 1235 at which a plurality of flying drones 1231 or other aircraft are based and operated. Operational parameters 1205B ing a biometric range "B" are likewise transmitted from client device 1100B to station 1235. One or more of the drones 1231 are accordingly dispatched take airborne data 1215 using the received operating parameters 1205A-B. In some variants such airborne data 1215 may be via one or both of hyperspectral imaging or LIDAR or LADAR (using one or more sensors aboard a drone e. g.) and with the one or more removable/interchangeable compressed gas ers and propagule cartridges 488 that a drone 431, 1231 leaves behind so as to extend that drone’s range. Some or all of the current ne data 1215 is then transmitted 1220 as raw data 1220 to server 1000. Server 1000 then applies one or both of ranges "A" and "B" to the raw data 1220 to ine (by executing block 775, e.g.), where riate, an automatic prioritization of the third position (e. g. site 255C of the planting area) over the other positions (e.g. sites ) of the land tract.
This can manifest itself, for example, as a g that prioritizes an image of site 255C and causes that image to be transmitted automatically to a client device 1100A (in use by and associated with party 1298A as shown, e. g.) as an automatic and conditional response to that client device 1100A having provided the range "A" within which the third location-specific artificial biometric fell. In some contexts, the depiction containing that image may be large enough (several megabytes or larger, e.g.) so that it only arrives at device 1100A overnight (within 16 hours of having been taken, e. g.) by virtue of having been selected (as part of prioritized data selection 1265A, e.g.) and sent automatically. This can occur, for example, in a context in which the planting area (tract 250A, e. g.)is remote from high-bandwidth connections and in which prioritized data selection 1265A omits shape-indicative data pertaining to lower- priority positions 255A-255B for which the location-specific artificial biometrics were out-of- range.
[Para 71] Alternatively or onally, in some contexts the ting a depiction 1225 include a determination (either by server 1000 or by a processing unit 1102 within vessel 230, e. g.) that an artificial biometric pertaining to a different position 255 may be prioritized as to a different client device 1100B (in use by and associated with party 1298B as shown, e. g.) by virtue of having fallen within a range 277B provided by that client device 1100B. This can occur, for example, in a context in which a ponding biometric pertaining to position 255B is below range 277B, in which a corresponding biometric pertaining to position 255C is above range 277B, in which a ional prioritized data selection 1265B automatically transmitted to client device 1100B is larger than 100 megabytes (including at least an image of position 255A, e. g.) but smaller than 100 terabytes (not including all the current images of planting area in the current raw dataset, e. g.); in which such transmission preceded a long delay 1270 (of 24-48 hours, e.g.) only by virtue of having been automatically prioritized and sent; and in which one or more verdicts 1275A, 1275B (decisions whether to plant or not, e. g.) would otherwise not have been acted upon 1280 until a subsequent deployment (when n 1235 returned to the planting area more than a year later, e.g.).
[Para 72] Fig. 13 provides a schematic illustration of s forestry-related verdicts 1275 as further described herein, residing in a memory 1304 (optionally implemented in one or more of the above-described memories 1004, 1104 or in a drone 431, 1231 or other vehicle 230, e.g.). A "verdict" as used herein may refer to any forestry-related determination (a diagnosis, plan of action, a prescription, silvicultural or owner obj ective(s), quantified estimate, or other judgment) from one or more human authorities (experts or device operators, e. g.) pertaining to consequential deployment actions upon land or vegetation at least partly based on t aerial data. As used , "current" data refers to measurements or other values that are affected or ise updated by a sensor detection (resulting from optical energy, e.g.) that has occurred in a vicinity under study (at or above a location of interest, e.g.) within six months of such verdict. When no such recent data that pertains to an area is used to ascertain a more recent condition of the vicinity, the older data pertaining to that vicinity is "not t." [Para 73] Such verdicts 1275 may each include one or more instances of positive decisions 1301, of ve decisions 1302 (not to take an action under consideration, e.g.), of diagnoses (specifying a noxious organism with an organic species identification 1303, e.g.), or of additional work requests (analyses and verdicts by other human authorities, e.g.). In some contexts, for example, such positive decisions 1301 under consideration may be expressed as one or more portable module identifiers 1321 (a serial number effectively determining which bioactive materials to apply to the "third position" under eration. Alternatively or additionally, a verdict 1275 may include one or more task or ction sequences 1322 or defined routes 1323 fying when and how a drone-implemented ry ?ight will be executed, e.g.). Alternatively or additionally, a verdict 1275 may include one or more instances of bioactive material identifiers 1335 (such as herbicide identifiers 1331, pesticide identifiers 1332, fertilizer identifiers 1333, or other such deliverable cargo, e.g.). Alternatively or additionally, a verdict 1275 may express one or more instances of crop species identifications 1343 or other components of (positive) planting decisions 1345.
[Para 74] Fig. 14 provides a schematic illustration of a forestry-related depiction 1425 as further described , residing in a memory 1404 (implemented in one or more of the above-described memories 1004, 1104 or in a drone 1231 or other vehicle 230, e.g.). A "depiction" of a land tract as used herein means a dataset that includes one or more photographic, categorical, or other descriptive data components concerning respective parts of the land tract unless context dictates otherwise. It may include, in some instances, sets of coordinates 1433 correlated to one or more instances of photographic or schematic images 1431 of physical features of the land as well as scalar determinants 1432A-C with which the images 1431 or coordinates 1433 are correlated. In some variants, for example, such a ion may include map data ng historical water features, e.g.) or other such non-biometric determinants 1432A (that may describe soil composition, zed ological data, ground elevation, or thermal or precipitation y, e. g.), or other such measurements that may affect but do not directly describe any current occurrence of non-motile organisms living upon d positions of the land.
[Para 75]Fig. 15 illustrates another system relating to one or more task flows described herein according to one or more embodiments. Information management system 1500 configured to interact with one or more other tracts 250B-C to which one or more vehicle 230 as described herein may be deployed. In a first deployment, one or more sensors 1540 aboard vehicle 230 receive and detect energy 1508 from several positions 25 5E-G of tract 250B which is manifests as raw digital data 1220 (described with reference to Figure 12, e.g.) in memory 1504. Also a portion of raw data 1220 is distilled into a depiction 1425A that includes a current location-specific artificial biometric 1502A-E for each of the positions 255 as shown. The depiction 1425A may also e some of the photographic data initially captured by the one or more s 1540. In some variants a CPU 158 aboard vehicle 230 may be configured to streamline its operations by redacting portions of the photographic data that are unduly duplicative (depicting some or all images of positions 25 5J for which a significant biometric is not of great st by virtue of being well understood, e.g.). This can occur, for e, in a context in which a marginal range 1577A is selected (via a botanical consultant using one or more client devices 1100A-B remote from tract 250B, e. g.) so that a lower limit 261 is below 0.2 and so that an upper limit 252 is 0.4; in which a first location-specific artificial biometric 1502A (currently describing position 255H, e. g.) is below the marginal range 1577A, in which a second location-specific artificial biometric 1502B (currently describing position 2551, e.g.) is above the marginal range 1577A, in which a third location-specific artificial biometric 1502D (currently describing position 255K, e. g.) is within the marginal range 1577A, in which the botanical tant receives a prioritization 1551 as a real-time response to a large patch of tion exhibiting a biometric 1502D within the marginal range 1577A having been detected (at server 500A, e.g.), in which the consultant has set a limit (a number of square meters as one of the on- board parameters 1545, e.g.) as to what constitutes a "large patch"; in which no real-time response would otherwise have been sent to the consultant; in which some signal paths 401A-D is effectively bandwidth-limited but other signal paths 401E of interest are not; and in which the consultant would not otherwise have been able to provide a verdict 1275C in time to avoid a wasted opportunity (to e on 255K and the rest of the patch in one or more drones 1531 applying an herbicide to a large nt part of tract 250B that includes on 25 5H, e.g.).
[Para 76]In some contexts current data depicting a first microsite (position 255K, e. g.) may be used to characterize an entire "third" position even when that position has been extended to include a succession of additional adjacent microsites partly based on the value of the biometric of each microsite in the succession being within the range 1577 and partly based on each microsite of the succession being adjacent another microsite of the succession. The effects of such algorithmic extensions are t, for example, in the irregular shapes of positions 255E- [Para 77]In a later ment, one or more s 1540 (described with reference to Figure 1, e. g.) aboard vehicle 230 receive and detect energy 1508 from several irregularly- shaped positions 255E-G of tract 250C which is then recorded as raw digital data 1220 in memory 1504. This can occur, for example, in a context in which a depiction 1425B reflecting this data is downloaded via signal path 401D while station 1535 is in a vicinity 1596 of tract 250C, in which depiction 1425B manifests a biometric map (having biometric values manifested as a likelihood-indicative or other percentage as shown, e. g.) or programmed navigation routes for one or more drones 1531, e.g.), and in which such information flow 1501 (via server 500A and signal paths 401D-E, e. g.) includes a prioritization 1551 and verdict 1275C as described below. This can occur, for example, in a t in which the range has a lower limit of 20-25 and an upper limit of 50-70, and in which the " on is position 255G.
[Para 78]As used herein, a "prioritization" may refer to a conditional automatic notification (requesting an expedited verdict selectively in response to some datasets 1666B-C but not to other datasets 1666A, e.g.), a ranking (listing the prioritized item before one or more other items, e.g.), or some other expression signifying elevated importance relative to that of a nearby position site, e. g.) or its attributes. In some contexts, respective "prioritizations" may be different for different parties, such as in a context in which client device 1100A prioritizes record 1468A over one or more other depicted records in response to "66" falling within range "A" (as shown in Figure 12) and in which client device 1100B prioritizes record 1468B over one or more other depicted records in response to "0.5" falling within range "B." This can make a significant difference, for example, in a context in which such ranking triggers a selective automatic download of prioritized records; in which a full-resolution image 1431 is adequate to ensure a correct e in one or more of the verdicts 1275 at issue and in which a resolution image 1431 is not, in which full-resolution images 1431 for the thousands of records 1467 of a given land tract not feasible via a limited bandwidth tion to one or both of the client devices 1100 via which the tive prioritizations 1551 are downloaded; and in which the t and timely outcomes of at least some verdicts 1276 at issue would not otherwise be feasible without a substantial hardware upgrade (to improve bandwidth of linkages 401A-B, e.g.).
[Para 79]Fig. 16 illustrates a scatter plot depicting a range 1577 having upper and lower limits that both increase as a function of one or more determinants (time, e. g.) with a sion of t datasets 1666A-C each separated by several years. In light of teachings herein, one skilled in the art will be able to identify various health-indicative or growth-indicative artificial biometrics for which such a time-dependent range 1577 would be appropriate. A botanist or other expert who is on call for making time-critical verdicts 1275 in marginal cases, for example, may in some contexts prefer to select such a range 1577 (to minimize false positive and negative priority determinations over time, e.g.) to be calculated. At a first (nominal) time 1691A n a week of the average timestamped date, e. g.) a dataset 1666A includes several location-specific artificial biometrics of the then-current depiction 1425 that are within a selected range 1577 as well as several location-specific artificial rics of the then-current depiction 1425 that are above the selected range 1577. It will be noted that no location-specific artificial biometrics of the then-current depiction 1425 are below the selected range 1577.
[Para 80]In each of datasets 1666B-C, l on-specific artificial biometrics of the then-current depiction 1425 are above the selected range 1577. In dataset 1666B, at least one location-specific artificial biometrics of the then-current ion 1425 is within the selected range 1577, suggesting that the ric (and the "third" position to which it pertains) deserves a higher priority 1551 than one or more of the other (over-limit or under-limit) biometrics in the t 1666B (nominally) corresponding to the same time 1691B. Likewise in dataset 1666C, a plurality of location-specific artificial biometrics of the then-current depiction 1425 (nominally taken at time 1691C pursuant to execution block 705, e. g.) is within the ed range 1577, suggesting that the biometrics (and the "third" positions to which they pertain) are "more marginal" and deserving of higher prioritization (ranking or conditionally urgent treatment, e. g.) than some or all of the other (over-limit or under-limit) biometrics in dataset 1666C. Many datasets 1666 described herein warrant special handling of within-range location-specific biometric values 1673 as sted with that of corresponding under-limit values 1671 and over-limit values 1672.
[Para 81]In light of teachings herein, numerous eXisting techniques may be applied for configuring special-purpose circuitry or other ures effective for obtaining and applying limits to biometric values as described herein without undue experimentation. See, e.g., US.
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[Para 82]In light of ngs , numerous eXisting techniques may be applied for uring special-purpose try or other structures effective for manifesting and implementing priorities and verdicts as described herein t undue mentation. See, e.g., US. Pat. No. 9,311,605 ("Modeling of ariant grain moisture content for determination of preferred temporal harvest windows and estimation of income loss from harvesting an overly-dry crop"); US. Pat. No. 9,390,331 ("System and method for assessing riparian habitats"); US. Pat. No. 9,383,750 ("System for predictively managing communication attributes of unmanned vehicles"); US. Pat. No. 9,378,509 ods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to measure geographical features using an image of a geographical location"); US.
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[Para 83] Fig. 17 illustrates an aerial deployment planting system configured to access microsites over irregular ground 1759. Each ite 1755 in the area 1750 to be planted includes one or more propagule placement s 1756 therein. As shown an unmanned vehicle 1730 includes a sion subassembly 1735 having a plurality of lers 1734 or other limbs for ambulation. The propulsion subassembly supports a targeting subassembly 1770 (by one or more ?exible gimbals 1779 therebetween) that has just deployed a seed capsule 1710.
More lly such containment/targeting subassemblies may be gimbaled relative to the propulsion subassembly so as to stabilize the targeting subassembly while propagule capsules 210 (like seed capsule) are successively released aerially toward tive targets 1756 (smaller than a square meter, e.g.) while ambulating so that the respective targets come within a range 1777 of the targeting subassembly.
[Para 84] Referring now to Figs. 18-20, Fig. 18 illustrates an aerially ed ule capsule 2010A presently traveling in a nearly horizontal direction on a trajectory toward a target. As shown a drag coefficient of propagule capsule remains between 0.04 and 0.5 in ?ight primarily due to a plurality of outwardly-directed petals 1862A, which causes an angle 1848 of travel (relative to a rd direction 1882) to decrease steadily while the propagule capsule follows its trajectory. Such moderate drag coefficients allow a directional ule capsule traveling in a primarily horizontal direction 1881 (i.e. having an angle between 45 and 135 degrees relative to a downward direction) to right itself before landing (i.e. so that it lands in a primarily vertical direction). This allows an anterior protrusion 1819 to penetrate a ground surface significantly enough so that capsule can remain upright. This can occur, for example, in a context in which water tors atop the capsule s 1662A, e.g.) would not otherwise work effectively (so as to foster and not stunt seedling growth) during the critical task of plant root egress for finding a reliable water supply.
[Para 85] Fig. 19 illustrates a system 1900 sing an aerially deployed propagule capsule 2010B having landed within a microsite. Because an anterior protrusion 1919 (tip) has penetrated a ground e 1958 significantly (by a depth 1957A of more than 5 mm, e. g.) enough so that capsule 2010B is likely to remain upright for more than 3 weeks, one or more unstratified, recalcitrant, or other propagules 1907 therein are likely to survive as long as there is sufficient harvestable dew 1998 or other available itation 1992 collectable via the one or more petals 1862B of capsule 2010B. Propagule capsule 2010B is configured to include one or more growth media 1926A-B that serve as artificial water-transfer conduits between proximal ends 1914 of the petals and the water-directing surfaces 1966 thereof. This allows precipitation 1992 (rain or snow, e. g.) or other water (artificial hydration delivered by unmanned , e. g.) to be directed all the way from the distal ends 1912 of the petals 1862 into a primary opening 1947 atop a housing 1940 and through to the propagule(s) 1907. In some contexts such artificial above-ground-water collectors (petals, e. g.) for a single propagule capsule collectively have a total surface area larger than 3 square centimeters, wherein each of the artificial above- ground-water collector(s) is near enough to at least one of the one or more artificial water- transfer conduits (media, e. g.) so that ary action therebetween can occur). As shown housing configured to support (at least one of) the one or more water-transfer media is adjacent the one or more propagules, allowing above-ground-water (rain or dew, e. g.) from the one or more artificial above-ground-water collectors to flow via the water-transfer media to the one or more propagules.
[Para 86] In some contexts such petals may comprise a latticed layer of wire (a fine mesh, e. g.) with us holes therethrough each within 1-2 orders of magnitude of 0.5 eters in width/diameter so as to allow nally hydrophobic) surfaces thereof to have a higher effective water collection area per unit of air drag coefficient. In some variants, er, one or more propagules may be held within a chamber that provides protection (from wind and solar ation and propagule predation, e. g.) by having a largest opening larger than 1 square millimeter and smaller than 10 square eters and with all other openings thereof smaller than 3 square millimeters. Seed predation may be further reduced, in some variants, by having a housing configured to extend to a minimum height 1997 greater than 3 centimeters above the surrounding ground surface 1958. Moreover in some variants a porous or other hydration conduit/collector comprises a portion of housing that extends underground to a depth 1957B greater than 0.2 millimeters, with at least some of the housing below surface being configured to serve as an additional water collector as a function of capillarity and water gradients between the surface of housing and the edaphic environment.
[Para 87] Fig. 20 schematically illustrates various configurations of propagule capsules 2010. In some variants an aerial deployment planting system comprises a propagule capsule 2010 ured to contain one or more propagules 2007 and one or more artificial water collectors. These may include one or more above-ground-water collectors 2021 (e. g. one or more rain collectors 2021A or dew collectors 2021B). Alternatively or additionally they may include one or more soil interfaces 2024 or other below-ground-water collectors 2022 (or both).
Moreover such systems may also include one or more artificial water-transfer ts 2023 and one or more ates 2040 (implementing a g, e. g.) ured to support the one or more artificial water-transfer conduits nt the one or more propagules 2007 and thereby to facilitate rain 2092, dew 2098, seepage 2091, capillary action, or other water having timely and tent access to the one or more propagules (throughout the germination and early seedling growth phases, e.g.).
[Para 88] In some contexts, seepage 2091 is a best-available source of water 2033, necessitating a below-ground-water collector (a tip having primarily longitudinal capillaries therethrough, e.g.) intimately coupled with a moist soil or ground-based substrate interface (by deep placement, e.g.). Alternatively or additionally, a single porous structure 2025 may serve as both a ground water collector and a conduit in direct contact with the propagule(s). In some variants, moreover, a roduced capsule subassembly 2028 may be made of a harder medium pressed toward and fused with a softer medium 2026B with one or more propagules therebetween. Alternatively or additionally, one or more such media may include a cavity (an air-filled recess 2029, e.g.) larger than 1 milliliter. In some contexts, moreover, artificial hydration 2094 delivered (as a ional response to several hot, dry days following a capsule deployment, e. g.) via a hydration deployment (drone route, e. g.) may pass to ailing propagules via an artificial rain collector 2021A, an artificial dew collector 2021B, or an cial below- ground-water collector 2022 (or via a combination of these). See also Figs. 22-32 for additional propagule capsule configuration features according to various embodiments.
[Para 89] Fig. 21 illustrates a system 2100 (suitable for use with/in an unmanned vehicle, e. g.) comprising a payload of an unmanned vehicle, a targeting subassembly in the process of deploying a propagule capsule 2010C having a length 2146 of about 3 eters. In some variants the ule capsule 2010C may have bullet-like or similar funnel shape (having a wide op end 2112 and a front half that tapers to a pointed front/bottom end 2114, e.g.).
A cartridge 2188 as shown (or a hopper or other selectively-dispensing container) contains a multitude 2189 of other capsules 210, 2010 (instantiating a propagule cartridge 488, e.g.) aboard the same vehicle. See Fig. 31. A gimbal 2179 is configured to stabilize the targeting subassembly (relative to a dynamic propulsion assembly, e. g.) during deployment. In the deployment, the propagule capsule 2010C passed through a staging subassembly 2190 comprising a release mechanism 2185 or a secondary gimbal (configured to make fine adjustments to a direction of an endmost portion of a tube, barrel, or other chute 2178, e.g.).
Because chute is much easier to move (optionally having an angular moment of inertia smaller than 1 kilogram-meters A 2, e. g.) than a main portion of the unmanned vehicle, a suitable actuator f can make an adjustment (to an angle of travel at a moment of release, e. g.) of two s or more very quickly (in less than 100 milliseconds, e.g.).
[Para 90] In some contexts such propagule-capsule-containing cartridges may be mass produced and kept in a climate-controlled environment with a humidity and temperature therein both artificially maintained below suitable setpoints (the setpoint being below 80% and 80 degrees Fahrenheit respectively, e.g.) until less than 24 hours before they are mounted (on an unmanned vehicle configured to perform dual capsule deployment, e.g.). atively or onally, some such cartridges may be configured to be opened so that one or more propagule capsules 210, 2010 therein are thereby ed inside the cartridge (by exposing propagule capsules 210, 2010 therein to artificial heating or ion, e. g.) within 24 hours before an individual deployment of a particular one of the propagule capsules 210, 2010 therein.
[Para 91] Fig. 22 illustrates the system of Fig. 21 in which a targeting assembly thereof is preparing to deploy another propagule capsule 2010D. There it can be seen that a backside 2286 of a capsule-containing cartridge may be configured to be opened (temporarily removed, e. g.) so as to allow one or more propagule capsules 210, 2010 therein thereby to be modified inside the cartridge (by adding petals, gs, or other capsule components via ior openings thereof, e. g.) within 24 hours of an individual capsule deployment. This can occur, for example, in a context in which many mental treatments upon capsules 210, 2010 therein (or subassemblies thereof) to ascertain how yields might be improved would ise be possible only on a very limited scale (because of long lead times required for ffective mass production of capsule subassemblies, e.g.). Alternatively or additionally, the dge may (optionally) implement a y-fed hopper in which propagule capsules 210, 2010 therein are all (nominally) aligned in parallel (in a downwardly diagonal direction 2296, e.g.).
[Para 92] In some variants, moreover, one or more changes to a structure or composition of each propagule capsule 210, 2010 may be made successively within a staging subassembly (of an unmanned vehicle, e. g.) en route. This can occur, for example, in a context in which a staging embly is ured to re or otherwise cut into most or all propagule capsules 210, 2010 from a given cartridge sively during a single deployment of the unmanned vehicle. In some variants, for example, a staging subassembly may be ured to alter a structure or composition (or both) of the first propagule capsule 2010C before deploying the first propagule capsule 2010C and also configured to alter a ure or composition of a second propagule capsule 2010D less than one minute after deploying the first propagule capsule 2010C and less than one minute before deploying the second propagule capsule 2010D.
[Para 93] Alternatively or additionally, a nt of a) staging subassembly may be configured (1) to open a first valve 2283 so that a ule capsule 2010D (pushed by loader 2265, e. g.) can approach a staging position, (2) to allow the staging embly to engage the propagule capsule 2010D at a staging position therein, (3) to finely aim a chute of a targeting subassembly toward a target, and (4) to allow the staging subassembly to release the propagule capsule 2010D via the finely-aimed chute so that the propagule capsule 2010D has a precisely controlled direction 2281 relative to a downward direction 2282. This can occur, for example, in a context in which one or more cameras 2206 of the payload has a field 2276 of view that overlaps an endmost portion of chute and in which an applied propellant pressure (from canister 2262, e. g.) that accelerates the propagule capsule 2010D is controlled or taken into account (or both) when deciding when to release the propagule capsule 2010D toward the target and in which (one or more solenoids, servos, or other motor controls of) gimbal finely tunes the release angle of chute using image data ed from the one or more cameras 2206.
[Para 94] Fig. 23 illustrates a system 2300 in which a propagule capsule 2310 (optionally as an instance of capsule 210, e. g.) is being staged for deployment via a e mechanism 2385 that includes several actuators 2333A-D. Prior to the configuration of Fig. 23, one or more actuators 2333B-C were retracted (upward and rightward, e. g.) enough to allow propagule capsule 2310 to drop freely into the staging position as shown. This allows one or more positioning actuator 2333D (in a leftward/engaged position as shown) to engage the propagule capsule 2310 so as to stop the rd motion. With the propagule e 2310 there, one or more puncture actuators 2333B are allowed to move into an engaged on (downward as shown) so that (a g 2340 of) propagule capsule 2310 is laterally punctured (by syringe 2336 as shown, e.g.). In some contexts one or more simultaneous additional punctures (so as to allow an escape of displaced air, e. g.) may be riate, not shown. Finally one or more plungers (instances of actuator 2333A, e. g.) are actuated (by a downward motion thereof, e.g.).
[Para 95] Fig. 24 illustrates the system of Fig. 23 in which the propagule capsule is in a more advanced state of staging by virtue of an inj ectant 2301 (a water-containing mixture or gel, e. g.) nearly filling up a chamber of the propagule capsule 2310. Meanwhile r valve is opened so that chamber 2484 is pressurized to a ated firing pressure (greater than 2 atmospheres, e.g.) from a pressurized canister 2262 aboard the unmanned vehicle. And when special-purpose aiming circuitry determines that a present position of chute is sufficiently on target a slight ward) movement of one or more e actuators 2333C allows the propagule capsule 2310 to accelerate rapidly toward its target.
[Para 96] In some variants one or more s, 2300 described herein implement a staging embly configured to alter a composition of a propagule capsule 2310 (as an instance of one or more other capsules described herein, e. g.) by depositing an inj ectant 2301 into the first propagule capsule before deploying (releasing or shooting, e. g.) the first propagule capsule and also configured to alter a composition of a second propagule capsule by depositing the inj ectant 2301 into the second propagule capsule less than one minute after deploying the first propagule capsule 2010C and less than one minute before deploying the second propagule capsule. This can occur, for example, in a context in which any such modification (as an injectant 2301, e. g.) would not otherwise be feasible because of a premature structural degradation of its housing 2340 that would prevent a successful targeting and ground penetration of adequate depth.
[Para 97] Fig. 25 illustrates a system 2500 comprising a just-deployed ule capsule about to undergo degradation (a rupture of housing 2540 similar to other substrates described herein, e. g.) induced by water. This can occur, for example, in a context in which a dry weight majority of an artificial water-transfer conduit thereof is a growing medium constructed and arranged to undergo a volumetric ion of more than 20% when hydrated (like that of compressed and dried peat 162 when saturated with water, e.g.). Alternatively or onally, in a context in which a substrate includes a housing 240, 2540 that advantageously balances l structural integrity (i.e. upon individual capsule deployment) with preventing compression damage upon the one or more propagules by having (at least) a longitudinal housing portion thereof (a water-soluble adhesive material 145 within a seam 2508, e. g.) having an aqueous solubility greater than 5 grams per liter. Such features may be used to accelerate a rupturing of the ate that makes possible an egress of one or more roots through the substrate and into surrounding soil 2599. See Fig. 24. Moreover in some variants a soil- contacting exterior surface 2568A may be absorbent enough to soak water up from nding soil 2599.
[Para 98] Fig. 26 illustrates the deployed ule capsule of Fig. 25 having undergone a significant ation induced by the water (hours or days after deployment, e.g.).
A growing medium, having absorbed significant water, has ore a volumetric expansion of more than 20% when hydrated (like that of compressed and dried peat 162 when saturated with water, e.g.). This can be accelerated in an ce where a mass-produced capsule subassembly of a particular type (make and model, e. g.) has been seen to suffer low yield and in which a capsule treatment ing capsule composition or structure (or both) within 24 hours of individual capsule deployment may enhance yields, for e. By whatever protocol, it is generally desirable to balance initial structural integrity (i.e. upon individual capsule ment) with other factors that may promote higher survival rates or similar biometrics as described above (such as by increasing instances of rupture 2606 by which root egress, especially in a rd direction, may occur more often). See Figs. 27-28.
[Para 99] Fig. 27 rates a deployed propagule capsule in which a housing 240, 2540 includes a plurality of substantially longitudinal guides 2786 (ribs or s more vertical than ntal as shown, e.g.) so as to redirect (less productive) lateral root growth of the one or more (roots 2787 of) ules, downward (more productively). Alternatively or additionally, in some variants a ontacting exterior surface 2568B of the housing 2540 may be absorbent enough to soak water up from surrounding soil after capsule ment, accelerating degradation of the housing 2540 and thereby facilitating root growth.
[Para 100] Fig. 28 illustrates the deployed propagule capsule of Fig. 27 in which the root-guiding structure(s) thereof have guided root growth that was initially lateral to travel downward instead.
[Para 101] Fig. 29 illustrates various configurations of a planting system 2900 incorporating a "wide base" propagule capsule. Such capsules may be configured to contain one or more propagules, in a borehole 2968 or similar ed portion of (a side of) a first layer 2931 of one or more (amorphous or other) porous dry growth media 126. In various embodiments, a volumetric ty of the first layer 2931 may comprise dried pressed coconut coir 161 or peat 162 (or some combination of these). Alternatively or additionally first layer 2931 may include diatomaceous earth or other such le porous media. As used herein a "wide base" propagule capsule refers to one having a base diameter 242, 2942 of more than 3 eters. This is in contrast to smaller-footprint capsules (depicted above at Figs. 22-28, e. g.) that typically deploy along a forward tory and feature a single frontmost portion (designed to pierce the ground, e.g.). As shown, planting system 2900 is ured to hold one or more propagules in each occupied recessed n with adhesive-containing fill material (see Fig. 31) or a biodegradable nment covering 2936 (or both).
[Para 102] Fig. 30 illustrates features of another planting system 3000 incorporating a "wide base" propagule capsule having a (nominal maximum capsular) thickness 241, 3041 (between 1 and 30 mm, e.g.), optionally incorporating the features of system 2900 also. As shown, each of the (opposite) sides 3091-3092 has a plurality of boreholes 2968 configured to receive seeds 107 or other propagules 207, each covered with a biodegradable containment covering 2936. In some variants such recessed portions may (optionally be configured each with a depth sufficient to) penetrate a majority of the capsular thickness 241, 3041 as shown.
Alternatively or additionally such coverings 2936 on one or both major sides may cover a majority of the side with a (nominally) smooth and ry surface to facilitate deployment (from a stack or similar gravity feed ement, e. g.) and provide only a (nominally) slight barrier to seedling growth. Moreover in some ts such coverings 2936 may leave an outermost part of the side uncovered to facilitate absorption of occasional precipitation (into first layer 2931, e.g.) while it is ble (not yet evaporated, e.g.).
[Para 103] Fig. 31 illustrates features of another planting system 3100 incorporating wide base propagule capsules 210, optionally incorporating one or more features described in Figs. 29-30 also. As shown, a borne sleeve 3188 or other cartridge of a field-selected type 3141 and capacity 3142 ns one or more stacks 3189 of puck-type propagule es 210, 3110 of a field-selected type 3111 (identified with a label like "1-sided small puck" or "2-sided small puck with fir and grass seeds," e. g.) and int 3112 (between 5 and 100 square centimeters, e. g.). The "2-sided" designation may refer to primary and secondary sides 3161- 3162 both containing such propagules 3107 in respective ed portions 3168 thereof, allowing the capsules to be deployed in a tumbling trajectory 3197. Such deployment may be implemented with a linear-actuation-type loader 3165 via one or more sloping guides 3195.
Recessed portions 3168 on each of the sides 3161-3162 may be covered with a coating or biodegradable containment covering 2936 having a thickness 3159 within an order of magnitude of 0.1 millimeter. Alternatively or additionally a slightly larger thickness 3158 (within an order of magnitude of 0.2 millimeters, e. g.) of the one or more media 126, 3126 may effectively protect against rodent predation (provided that it is contiguous or that any topside openings thereof are small enough to be sealed with a fixative without substantially hindering seedling growth, e. g.). In some ts the propagule 3107 may likewise be protected (slightly) by a g 3118 or fill material 3170 containing one or more olfactory or gustatory pest deterrent agents 3171 or fertilizers (or both). Such amendatory agents 3171 may include one or more olfactory or gustatory pest deterrents (ghost peppers or similarly pungent materials exceeding 5000 Scoville heat units, e. g.) or fertilizers (blood meal or other animal by-products, e. g.).
Alternatively or additionally such fill material 3170 may include one or more effective water- absorbent materials (fragments of diatomaceous earth or fibrous material, e.g.). One or more granular compressed growth media 126, 3126 may also be used in such fill material 3170 provided that due care is taken to avoid strangling the seedling or root with excessive fixative 3172. If a fill material 3170 or other growth media 126 is "highly" ar or porous (or both), this corresponds to capsule ents made thereof ning "substantial" interstitial gas 173 (i.e. more than 2% of a housing 240, 2340 or cavity) as further described herein.
[Para 104] Fig. 32 illustrates features of another planting system 3200 incorporating propagule capsules 3210 dropped by a planting module 3250 toward a planting site 3255. In some contexts various types 3251 and ties 3252 of y-configured planting modules 3250 may be provided at a remote site and matched to a suitable number and type 3231 of compatible vehicles 3230 (flying drones, e.g.). In some variants large propagules (i.e. having a diameter longer than 5 millimeters, e.g.) such as some acorns may be deployed in a clamshell- type capsule 3210 such that a single propagule effectively extends into recessed portions 3168 of two layers 3231-3232. Because this type 3211 of capsule 3210 (having a capsule footprint 3212 exceeding 10 square centimeters) and thickness 3241 (of 2-5 eters) severely limits the capsule count le by each cartridge, it is expected that a single vehicle may simultaneously bear one or more higher-capsule-count cartridges (in which each of the numerous capsules 3110 thereof in a stack has a smaller thickness 241, 3041, e. g.) and a capsule-count dge 3288 (i.e. able to hold only a vely smaller number of capsules 3110 f than a higher- capsule-count cartridge also aboard) in a single mixed deployment (planting conifers in some sites 3255 and oaks in others, e. g.) of a single flight or route.
[Para 105] In some variants a planting module 3250 may be of a type 3251 configured to include a selectively first removable sleeve 3188 or other first cartridge 3288 (so that the planting module 3250 may remain attached to vehicle 3230 (drone 431, 1231, e. g.) with one or more other sleeves 3188 or cartridges 3288 thereof remaining in situ, e.g.). Alternatively or additionally the planting module 3250 may be released from the e 3230 (at a discharge location, e. g.) during its ?ight as an tic and conditional response to completing a planting deployment phase of a programmatic route 1323 (along which most or all propagule capsules 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 within the first sleeve 3188 or cartridge 3288 are deployed, e.g.). In some variants, for example, the same mmatic route 1323 calls for the vehicle 3230 to proceed to a next (fully loaded) planting module 3250 or station (configured for battery or fuel cell replacement, e. g.) right after such release (within a minute, e.g.).
[Para 106] Also shown in Fig. 32 is an electrical tower 3249 configured to support several high voltage lines (as examples of tional y power grid conduits 3248) for purposes of contrasting locations that are accessible to an installed electrical power grid. As used herein a tract 250 is "remote" if it is more than 100 meters from any tower-supported, buried, or other conventional utility power grid conduits. As used herein a utility power grid conduit is "conventional" if it is an installed power line or a power cord operably coupled to draw electricity therefrom (via a wall outlet of a permanent structure, e.g.).
[Para 107] Referring now to Fig. 33, there is shown a power distribution system 3300 suitable for charging le lithium-based battery units 365F-J according to one or more embodiments. One or more power s (not shown) are operably coupled to provide power in a remote location 250 to one or more chargers 366 each operably coupled to one or more lithium-based battery units 365F-J. Several cubby holes 569A-E are provided so that respective ies will be protected from one another during such charging. For example DC power 368 may be routed to one or more chargers 366 (as shown in Fig. 3) so that a dozen or more battery units 365 may be charged while resident in respective cubby holes 569 having outward-facing vents 3347 (with a cross-sectional area 3348 larger than 5 square centimeters, e.g.). As used herein, exhausting or otherwise facing "outward" means generally away from a center of a motor vehicle or other structure of which it is a part and not directly toward any other battery- containing cubby hole 569 within 1 meter.
[Para 108] This can occur, for e, in a t in which one or more layers 3330 have a (median aggregate or other nominal) thickness 3332 within an order of magnitude of 1-5 centimeters, in which a nominal R factor 3334 between successive ies 365H-I is within an order of ude of 1-10 m/‘2 kelvin/watt, wherein the first m-based battery unit thereafter contains within an order of magnitude of 100-1000 watt-hours (Wh) of energy, and in which conduction or degradation of such layers 3330 would otherwise allow a thermal runaway in one cubby hole 569D (i.e. greater than 500 degrees) to trigger a chain reaction in one or more adjacent cubby holes 569C by which a lithium-based battery unit 365H therein ignites and jeopardizes other nearby battery units 365F-G. In some variants, for example, a material 3333 may include a etardant component 3335 (gypsum, e.g.) having a melting ature higher than 500 degrees Celsius as to facilitate an aggregate charging rate within an order of magnitude of 50-500 kilowatts per transport vehicle 230, in some variants without even having to unload charging equipment from such es. Even though a burning lithium-based battery unit 569D can sometimes trigger a flame temperature as high as 850 degrees Celsius, such innovative charging systems 300, 3300 make remote drone ?eet deployment feasible at scale by enabling safe remote simultaneous recharging of a dozen or more lithium-based battery units 365. This can be a game changer in forestry or other contexts where an agricultural or other drone ?eet would not otherwise be safe for such ments remote from any established power grid.
[Para 109] Fig. 34 illustrates a flow chart of operations relating to aerial deployment planting. Operation 3415 describes gathering data (special-purpose circuitry aboard a reconnaissance drone 431, 1231, or other unmanned e gathering raw data 1220 of materials on a planting area (tract 250, e.g.), that includes a first microsite or other planting site 255, 3255, e.g.).
[Para 110] Operation 3420 bes storing the data (special-purpose circuitry at station storing the raw data 1220 of the materials on the planting site 3255, e.g.).
[Para 111] Operation 3430 describes qualifying the first microsite as a suitable planting area (special-purpose circuitry at n generating or accepting a decision to plant the area, e.g.).
[Para 112] Operation 3445 describes placing ules into propagule capsules 210 (special-purpose circuitry in factory robots assembling propagules, 3107 into capsule subassemblies or capsule subassemblies into ule capsules 210, 3110, e.g.). This can occur, for example, in a context in which such assembly also includes loading sleeves 3188 or other cartridges with propagule capsules 210, 3110.
[Para 113] Operation 3455 describes deploying an unmanned e to the planting area with many loaded propagule capsules 210 (special-purpose try at station directing unmanned vehicle to commence a ng route for a next swath of ng area, e.g.).
[Para 114] Operation 3460 commences a loop.
[Para 115] Operation 3470 describes determining that the ed vehicle is within range of an unplanted target (special-purpose circuitry aboard unmanned vehicle successfully moving so that a next planting target is currently within range, e. g.).
[Para 116] Operation 3475 describes launching a propagule capsule targeted toward and landing within a corresponding ite al-purpose circuitry aboard unmanned vehicle successfully triggering a launch of a ule capsule, 3110 targeted toward and landing within a corresponding microsite, e.g.).
[Para 117] Operation 3480 moves control to a next ion of the loop unless all available ites are planted or it is time to reload.
[Para 118] Fig. 35 illustrates a flow 3500 of operations relating to artificially enhanced deployment planting. Operation 3510 describes obtaining a ude of propagules each having a diameter within an order of magnitude of 3 millimeters (a factory or field deployment worker preparing or procuring dozens or hundreds of propagules 207, 3107 each having a length 3209 more than 0.3 mm and less than 3 eters, e.g.).
[Para 119] Operation 3520 bes commences a loop.
[Para 120] Operation 3530 describes configuring one or more propagules in a propagule capsule with a thickness within an order of ude of 1 centimeter, a diameter within an order of ude of 10 cm, and a footprint larger than 3 square cm (e. g. an assembly machine or worker configuring one or more propagules into a puck or similar capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 with a thickness 241 within an order of magnitude of 1 centimeter, a diameter 242 within an order of magnitude of 10 cm, and a int 212 larger than 5 square cm in area).
This can occur, for example, in a context in which the capsule design calls for dried compressed peat 162, coconut coir 161, or similar hydration-activated expanding growth media 126, 3126 to comprise a volumetric majority of each completed capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210.
[Para 121] Operation 3540 commences a next iteration of the loop unless the desired set of propagule capsules are ready.
[Para 122] Operation 3550 describes loading a resulting multitude of dry propagule capsules into a chamber shorter than 1 meter (an assembly machine or worker loading a stack 3189 of dry propagule capsules 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 into a sleeve 3188 or the like with a vertical capacity 3142 of less than one meter, e.g.). This can occur, for example, in a context in which each of the propagule capsules 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 has a ess 241, 3041 of 1-5 cm and in which the stack 3189, multitude, or other capsule supply has a height less than that of 20- 100 capsules.
[Para 123] ion 3560 describes deploying a drone 431, carrying the chamber to a vicinity of a microsite (a field deployment worker or station deploying a drone 431, 1231, carrying a sleeve 3188 or other capsule supply within a deployment range of a target planting site 3255, e.g.).
[Para 124] Operation 3570 describes deploying a first dry propagule capsule via a sloped guide to fall in a tumbling trajectory such that the first dry propagule capsule lands with a primary side thereof (upon or otherwise) above and nt the microsite (a ?ying or other vehicle 3230 deploying a first dry propagule capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 via a sloped guide 3195 to fall in a tumbling trajectory 3197 such that the first dry propagule e 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 lands with its primary side 3161 closer than a secondary side 3162 to the microsite, e. g.). This can occur, for example, in a context in which such placement allows below-ground seepage, dew, or rain eventually to perfuse the dried and highly compressed growth media 126, 3126 (by capillary action, e.g.), triggering the volumetric expansion; in which the volumetric expansion allows the propagule 207, 3107 to grow upward through the media 126, 3126, in which the local hydration allows at least one root 2787 from the one or more propagules 207, 3107 to grow downward into the microsite; and in which such survival and growth would otherwise require prohibitively expensive human intervention.
[Para 125] Fig. 36 illustrates a flow 3600 of operations relating to artificially enhanced deployment planting. Operation 3615 describes configuring one or more dry growth media in a first layer so that a thickness of the first layer is within an order of magnitude of 1 centimeter and so that a diameter of the first layer is more than twice its ess (an ly machine or worker configuring one or more dry growth media 126, 3126 in a first layer 2931, 3231 so that a thickness 241, 3041 of the first layer 2931, 3231 is within an order of magnitude of 1 eter and so that a diameter 242, 2942 of the first layer 2931, 3231 is more than twice its ess 241, 3041, e.g.).
[Para 126] Operation 3625 describes forming recessed portions on primary and ary ite) sides of the first layer, the recessed portions each including a borehole extending through most of the thickness of the first layer (an assembly machine or worker forming boreholes or grooves on primary and secondary (opposite) sides 3161, 3162 of the first layer 2931, 3231, the recessed portions 3168 each including a borehole 2968 extending through most of the thickness 3041 of the first layer 2931, 3231, e.g.).
[Para 127] Operation 3645 describes holding a first propagule at least partly within the recessed portion of the y side by affixing a biodegradable containment covering to the primary side of the first layer with more than half of the first ule exposed to air (an assembly machine or worker affixing a paper or other biodegradable containment covering 2936 to the primary side 3091 of the first layer 2931, 3231 so as to hold one or more propagules 207, 3107 at least partly within a recessed n 3168 of the primary side 3161 This can , e.g.). occur, for example, in a t in which the biodegradable nment covering 2936 comprises a water-soluble polymer or similar slippery material adhesively affixed to a major flat e of the y side 3091, in which the (coated or other) propagule 207, 3107 is surrounded with one or more fill materials 3170 (having components) that are sufficiently granular so that more than half of (a surface area of) the first propagule is exposed to a gas 173 (e. g. air or nitrogen) and thereby facilitating access to water and suitable drainage, in which the one or more growth media 126, 3126 above the ed capsule 3110 is enough to hide a seed or other germinating propagule 3107 and not enough to impair upward growth and in which radable containment coverings and fill material 3170 are not reliably effective for preventing propagule predation by rodents.
[Para 128] Operation 3655 describes holding a second propagule at least partly within the recessed portion of the secondary side by affixing a biodegradable containment covering to the secondary side of the first layer with more than half of the second propagule exposed to a gas (an assembly machine or worker affixing a biodegradable containment covering 2936 to the secondary side 3092 of the first layer 2931, 3231 so as to hold one or more propagules 207, 3107 at least partly within a recessed n 3168 thereof, e.g.). In some variants the propagules on the primary and secondary sides 3091, 3092 may be of the same species so as to enhance the likelihood that at least one such propagule will survive. This can occur, for example, in a context in which any such ule on the secondary side 3092 will be devoured, in which a ng trajectory 3197 of the deployment is performed haphazardly in lieu of any effective ism for ensuring that the primary side 3091 will land below the secondary side 3092, in which a 50% yield loss due to predation would not be acceptable, in which a final determination of which is the primary side 3091 is only made upon deployment of each capsule, and in which r amounts of adhesive or other blockages would otherwise stunt capsular yields by presenting a dangerous barrier that each e seedling must pierce before reaching a planting site 255.
[Para 129] Operation 3665 describes deploying a resulting dry propagule e to fall in a tumbling trajectory such that the dry ule capsule lands with the primary side thereof upon or otherwise adjacent a planting site and whereby the first layer protects the first propagule against rodent predation long enough for a root to grow from the first propagule into the planting site (a field deployment worker or station deploying a drone 431, 1231, carrying a sleeve 3188 or other capsule supply configured to te a capsule release actuator within a deployment range of a target planting site 3255, e.g.). This can occur, for e, in a context in which operation 3665 is a component of operation 3570 and in which a record of such actuation is kept in conjunction with contemporaneous context data (photographic data from a camera 2206 or coordinates from a oning system aboard the drone. Alternatively or additionally, the capsule release actuator may be ented as a respective linear actuator positioned adjacent each of several sleeves 3188 aboard the drone.
[Para 130] Fig. 37 illustrates a flow chart of operations relating to aerial deployment.
Operation 3710 describes configuring one or more power sources as described herein (e.g. by a system operator directly or otherwise coupling the one or more generators or other first electrical power sources 352 so as to provide AC power directly or otherwise h a first current- limiting disconnect switch 353, a first camlock interface 354 and to one or more AC/DC converters 358).
[Para 131] Operation 3720 describes routing power as described herein to charge at least four battery units (e. g. by a system operator directly or otherwise configuring power ents to carry DC power 368 from an AC/DC conversion unit through one or more DC buses 359 having a controlled voltage 374 to one or more chargers 366 so as to charge first, second, third, and fourth lithium-based y units 365A-D therethrough simultaneously). This can occur, for example, so that each charged lithium-based battery unit 365A thereof contains more than 400 watt-hours (Wh) of stored energy.
[Para 132] Operation 3730 describes configuring a motor vehicle as described herein (e. g. by a system operator personally or otherwise assembling a truck, helicopter, bus, or other single motor vehicle 230 to haul hardware like that of Fig. 3).
[Para 133] Operation 3740 describes powering a drone as described herein (e. g. by a system operator personally or otherwise configuring a drone 431, 1231 to be powered at least partly by a first lithium-based battery unit 365 configured to facilitate a first deployment of numerous propagule capsules 210, 2910, 3010 n and also configured to facilitate ation (of propagules 207, 2907) f by dispersing the numerous ule es 210, 2910, 301 O remotely).
[Para 134] Operation 3750 describes powering another drone in a like manner. In some variants, for example, third and fourth lithium-based battery units 365 are respectively charged while the first and second are being charged simultaneously via the one or more DC buses 359.
[Para 135] Operation 3760 describes reloading the first drone as described herein (e. g. by a system operator personally or otherwise loading numerous additional ule capsules 210, 2910, 3010 aboard the first drone 431, 1231 and replacing the first lithium-based battery unit 365A with the third lithium-based battery unit 365C after the first drone deployment.
[Para 136] Operation 3770 describes reloading the second drone as described herein (e. g. by a system operator personally or otherwise loading numerous additional propagule es 210, 2910, 3010 aboard the second drone 431, 1231 and ing the second lithium- based y unit 365B with the fourth lithium-based battery unit 365D after the prior deployment of the second drone.
[Para 137] Following these operations flow 3700 may further include an operation like powering the first drone 431, 1231 (at least) by the third lithium-based battery unit 365C ured to facilitate a deployment of (at least some of) the numerous additional propagule capsules 210, 2910, 3010 and also configured to (cause, promote, or otherwise) facilitate germination of propagules 207, 2907 thereof (e. g. by dispersing the numerous additional ule capsules 210, 2910, 3010 ly). Flow 3700 may likewise include ng the second drone 431, 1231 by the fourth lithium-based battery unit 365D configured to facilitate a deployment of the numerous other propagule capsules 210, 2910, 3010 and also configured to facilitate germination thereof (e. g. by dispersing the numerous other propagule capsules 210, 2910, 3010 remotely).
[Para 138] In light of teachings herein, numerous eXisting techniques may be applied for configuring special-purpose circuitry or other structures effective for uring structures and materials as described herein t undue experimentation. See, e.g., U.S. Pub. No. 2018/0077855 ("Seed Planter Using Air Propulsion"), U.S. Pub. No. 2018/0075834 e Cancellation for Aerial e"), U.S. Pub. No. 2018/0035606 ("Smart Interactive and Autonomous Robotic Property Maintenance Apparatus, System, and Method (Finds Bare Spots, Uses Gimbal Gyroscope)"), U.S. Pub. No. 2018/0024570 ("Gimbaled Universal Drone Controller"), U.S. Pub. No. 2018/0024422 ("Gimbal Having Parallel ity Mechanism"), U.S. Pub. No. 2018/0000028 ("Multi-Media Structures Containing Growth Enhancement Additives"), U.S. Pub. No. 359943 ("Automatic Target Recognition and Dispensing System"), US. Pub. No. 2017/0288976 ("Modules Registration and Status Update Of Modular Assembly System"), US. Pub. No. 2017/0286089 ("Firmware of Modular Assembly "), US. Pub. No. 2017/0285927 ("Host Applications of Modular Assembly System"), US. Pub. No. 2017/0282091 ("Modular Assembly System"), US. Pub. No. 2017/0029109 ("Aircraft Seed Broadcasting Systems, Apparatus and Methods"), U.S. Pub. No. 2016/0234997 ("Systems and s for Aerial Seeding"), U.S. Pub. No. 303137 ("Seed Sensor System and Method for Improved Seed Count and Seed Spacing"), U.S. Pub. No. 2011/0035999 ("Structures and Methods for Attaching a Display Article to a Germinateable Seed and a Germinated Plant ng the Structure and/or the Display Article"), U.S. Pub. No. 2009/0107370 ("Planting Devices, Structures, and Methods"), and US. Pub. No. 2006/0042530 ("Product for and Method of Aerial Seeding Using Agglomerated Minerals"). These documents are incorporated herein by reference to the extent not inconsistent herewith.
[Para 139] With respect to the numbered clauses and claims eXpressed below, those skilled in the art will appreciate that recited ions therein may generally be performed in any order. Also, although various operational flows are presented in a sequence(s), it should be understood that the various operations may be performed in other orders than those which are illustrated or may be performed concurrently. Examples of such alternate orderings may include overlapping, interleaved, interrupted, red, incremental, atory, supplemental, simultaneous, reverse, or other variant orderings, unless context dictates otherwise. Furthermore, terms like "responsive to,3) (4related to," or other past-tense adjectives are generally not intended to exclude such variants, unless context dictates otherwise. Also in the numbered s below, specific ations of aspects and embodiments are lated in a shorthand form such that (1) according to respective ments, for each instance in which a "component" or other such identifiers appear to be introduced (with "a" or "an," e. g.) more than once in a given chain of clauses, such designations may either identify the same entity or distinct es; and (2) what might be called "dependent" clauses below may or may not incorporate, in respective embodiments, the features of "independent" clauses to which they refer or other features described above.
CLAUSES 1. (Independent) A propagule growth facilitation or other ?eet support method comprising: obtaining a first propagule capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 created by forming a (slurry or other) fibrous or granular mixture 113 of one or more base materials (e. g. coir 161 or peat 162) with one or more supplements 142, carrying the first propagule capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 aboard a first aircraft/drone 431, 1231 toward a planting site 255; and automatically ting the first propagule capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 to the planting site 255 so that the s or granular mixture 113 draws water at the planting site 255 into contact with a first propagule 207, 3107 of the first propagule capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210, wherein one or more ments 142 in the fibrous or granular mixture 113 accelerate a growth of the first propagule 207, 3107 through the fibrous or granular mixture 113 into the planting site 2. (Independent) A propagule growth facilitation or other ?eet support method comprising: obtaining a multitude of propagules 207, 1907, 2007, 3107 each having a diameter (e. g. length 3209) within an order of magnitude of 3 eters; configuring one or more propagules 207, 1907, 2007, 3107 in a first propagule e 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 with a thickness 241, 3041 within an order of magnitude of 1 centimeter, a diameter 242, 2942 within an order of magnitude of 10 cm, and a int 212, 3112, 3212 larger than 5 square cm and so that a volumetric majority of the first ule capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 comprises growth media 126, 3126; loading a multitude of propagule capsules 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 including the first propagule capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 into a first aircraft/drone 431, 1231; deploying the aircraft/drone 431, 1231 carrying the propagule capsules 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 to a vicinity 1596 ofa first planting site 255; and deploying the first propagule capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 to fall such that the first propagule capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 lands with a first side 3161 thereof oriented above and adjacent the first planting site 255, wherein local hydration 2094 later causes at least one root from the one or more propagules 207, 1907, 2007, 3107 to grow out of the ule capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 and take root in the first planting site 255. 3. The method ofMETHOD CLAUSE 1 or CLAUSE 2, wherein the first aircraft/drone is a drone 431,1231. 4. The method ofMETHOD CLAUSE 1 or CLAUSE 2, wherein the first ft/drone is an aircraft.
. (Independent) A propagule growth facilitation or other ?eet support method comprising: configuring one or more dry media 126, 3126 in a first layer 2931, 3231 so that a thickness 241, 3041 of the first layer 2931, 3231 is within an order of magnitude of l centimeter; forming one or more recessed portions 208 on a first side 3161 of and one or more recessed portions 208 on a second side 3162 of the first layer 2931, 3231; holding a first propagule at least partly within the recessed portion of the first side 3161 by affixing a biodegradable containment ng 2936 to the first side 3091 , 3161 of the first layer 2931, 3231; holding a second propagule at least partly within the recessed portion of the second side 3162 by affixing a biodegradable containment covering 2936 to the second side 3162 of the first layer 2931, 3231 so as to assemble a first propagule capsule 210; and ing the first propagule capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 so that it lands with the first side 3161 thereof upon or otherwise nt a planting site 255. 6. (Independent) A propagule growth facilitation or other ?eet t method comprising: configuring one or more dry media 126, 3126 in a first layer 2931, 3231 so that a thickness 241, 3041 of the first layer 2931, 3231 is within an order of magnitude of 1 centimeter; forming one or more recessed portions 208 on a first side 3161 of and one or more ed portions 208 on a second side 3162 of the first layer 2931, 3231; holding a first propagule at least partly within the recessed portion of the first side 3161 by affiXing a biodegradable containment covering 2936 to the first side 3091 , 3161 of the first layer 2931, 3231; g a second propagule at least partly within the recessed portion of the second side 3162 by affixing a biodegradable containment covering 2936 to the second side 3162 of the first layer 2931, 3231 so as to assemble a first propagule capsule 210; and deploying the first propagule capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 so that it lands with the first side 3161 thereof upon or otherwise adjacent a planting site 255. 7. (Independent) A ule growth facilitation or other fleet support method comprising: obtaining a first current-limiting disconnect switch 353; obtaining one or more alternating-current-to-direct-current (AC/DC) converters 358; orting aboard one or more motor vehicles 230 (at least) a first ical power source 352, the first current-limiting disconnect switch 353, the one or more AC/DC converters 358, one or more direct-current (DC) buses 359, and one or more chargers 366 to a first remote tract 250 more than 100 meters from any conventional utility power grid conduit 3248; configuring (by ly coupling) the first electrical power source 352 to provide alternating-current (AC) power (directly or otherwise) through the first current-limiting disconnect switch 353 and to the one or more alternating-current-to-direct-current (AC/DC) converters 358A-C at the first remote tract 25 0; routing DC power 368 from the one or more AC/DC converters 358 through the one or more DC buses 359 to the one or more chargers 366 so as to charge le battery units 365 including first and second lithium-based battery units 365 therethrough simultaneously so that the multiple battery units 365 are simultaneously charged at the first remote tract 250; and powering first and second aircraft/drones 431, 1231 at the first remote tract 250 by the first and second lithium-based battery units respectively so as to obtain (airborne data 1215 or other) raw data 1220 for use in (surveying, planting, amending, or ise) fostering propagule growth according to forestry or other agricultural technologies known or described herein. 8. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein simultaneously powering first and second aircraft/drones at a first remote tract more than 100 meters from any conventional utility power grid conduit by first and second lithium-based battery units respectively comprises: configuring many aircraft/drones 431, 1231 at a remote tract 250 each simultaneously to include many payloads (capsules or other materials to be delivered, e. g.) a total payload greater than 5 kilograms. 9. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein simultaneously ng first and second aircraft/drones at a first remote tract more than 100 meters from any tional utility power grid conduit by first and second lithium-based battery units respectively comprises: configuring many aircraft/drones 431, 1231 at a remote tract 250 each simultaneously to bear thousands of propagules 207, 1907, 2007, 3107.
. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein aneously powering first and second aircraft/drones at a first remote tract more than 100 meters from any conventional utility power grid conduit by first and second lithium-based battery units respectively comprises: configuring many aircraft/drones 431, 1231 at a remote tract 250 each simultaneously to bear more than 2 kg of propagules 207, 1907, 2007, 3107. 11. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, n simultaneously ng first and second aircraft/drones at a first remote tract more than 100 meters from any conventional utility power grid conduit by first and second m-based battery units respectively comprises: configuring many aircraft/drones 431, 1231 at a remote tract 250 each aneously to include (by virtue of each aircraft/drone bearing or being borne by a propagule-containing sleeve 3188 or similar , e. g.) a total d greater than 1 kilogram. 12. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein a first adhesive material 145 thereof comprises roughly 0.3% to 3% of the fibrous or granular mixture by weight. 13. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein a first ve material 145 thereof comprises y 0.3% of the fibrous or granular mixture by weight. 14. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein a first ve material 145 thereof comprises roughly 3% of the fibrous or granular mixture by weight.
. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, comprising: warming a fibrous or granular mixture 113 f in a mold 109 and allowing (time for) a majority of water thereof to evaporate. 16. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, comprising: using a factory mold 109 configured to exert significant pressure (e. g. within an order of magnitude of 15 atmospheres) upon a compressible component of a growth medium 126 thereof (while curing) so that hydration from a ng site 255 later triggers substantial volumetric expansion of the first propagule e 210, 2010, 3110, 3210. 17. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, comprising: using a factory mold 109 configured to exert significant pressure (e. g. within an order of magnitude of 15 atmospheres) upon a compressible component of a growth medium 126 thereof so that hydration from a planting site 255 later triggers substantial volumetric expansion of the first propagule e 210, 2010, 3110, 3210. 18. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, n routing DC power 368 from the one or more AC/DC converters 358 to the one or more rs 366 comprises: charging the first and second lithium-based battery units 365 simultaneously within respective adjacent first and second (outward-facing or other) cubby holes 569 separated by one or more (layers 3330 comprising) materials 3333 having a nominal (aggregate or other total median) thickness 3332 within an order of magnitude of 1 centimeter. 19. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein routing DC power 368 from the one or more AC/DC converters 358 to the one or more chargers 366 comprises: charging the first and second m-based battery units 365 aneously within respective adjacent first and second (outward-facing or other) cubby holes 569 separated by one or more (layers 3330 comprising) materials 3333 having a nominal (aggregate or other total median) thickness 3332 within an order of magnitude of 5 centimeters.
. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein routing DC power 368 from the one or more AC/DC converters 358 to the one or more chargers 366 comprises: charging the first and second lithium-based battery units 365 simultaneously within respective nt first and second (outward-facing or other) cubby holes 569 separated by one or more s 3330 comprising) materials 3333 having a nominal (aggregate or other total median) R factor 3334 therebetween within an order of magnitude of l m/‘2 kelvin/watt. 21. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein routing DC power 368 from the one or more AC/DC converters 358 to the one or more chargers 366 comprises: charging the first and second lithium-based battery units 365 simultaneously within respective nt first and second (outward-facing or otherwise) outwardly-exhausted cubby holes 569 separated by one or more (layers 3330 comprising) materials 3333 having a nominal (aggregate or other total median) R factor 3334 therebetween within an order of ude of 10 m/‘2 /watt. 22. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, n routing DC power 368 from the one or more AC/DC converters 358 to the one or more chargers 366 comprises: charging the multiple battery units 365 all simultaneously within the first remote tract 250 at an aggregate charging rate 369 within an order of magnitude of 50 kilowatts per motor vehicle. 23. The method of any of the above METHOD S, wherein routing DC power 368 from the one or more AC/DC converters 358 to the one or more rs 366 comprises: charging multiple lithium-based battery units 365 so that the first lithium-based battery unit 365 thereafter contains within an order of magnitude of 100 watt-hours (Wh) of energy. 24. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein routing DC power 368 from the one or more AC/DC converters 358 to the one or more chargers 366 comprises: charging multiple m-based y units 365 so that the first lithium-based battery unit 365 thereafter contains within an order of magnitude of 1000 watt-hours (Wh) of energy.
. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein routing DC power 368 from the one or more AC/DC converters 358 to the one or more chargers 366 comprises: charging le lithium-based battery units 365 simultaneously, including the first and second lithium-based battery units 365, at an aggregate charging rate 369 within the first remote tract 250 within an order of magnitude of 50 kilowatts per motor vehicle 230 of the one or more motor vehicles 230. 26. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein routing DC power 368 from the one or more AC/DC converters 358 to the one or more chargers 366 ses: charging multiple lithium-based battery units 365 aneously, including the first and second m-based battery units 365, at an ate charging rate 369 within the first remote tract 250 within an order of magnitude of 500 kilowatts per motor vehicle 230 of the one or more motor vehicles 230. 27. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein routing DC power 368 from the one or more AC/DC converters 358 to the one or more chargers 366 comprises: charging multiple lithium-based battery units 365 aneously, including the first and second m-based battery units 365, at an aggregate charging rate 369 within the first remote tract 250 within an order of magnitude of 50-500 kilowatts, wherein the one or more motor vehicles 230 consist of a single e 230 and wherein the single vehicle is a truck with a trailer 439. 28. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein routing DC power 368 from the one or more AC/DC converters 358 to the one or more chargers 366 comprises: charging third and fourth lithium-based battery units 365 simultaneously; after a first aircraft/drone leaves and returns, loading numerous additional propagule capsules aboard the first aircraft/drone and replacing the first lithium-based battery unit with the third lithium-based battery unit; and after a second aircraft/drone leaves and returns, loading numerous other propagule capsules aboard the second aircraft/drone and ing the second lithium-based battery unit with the fourth lithium-based battery unit. 29. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, comprising: powering the first aircraft/drone with a third lithium-based y unit while the numerous additional propagule capsules are deployed remotely; and powering the first aircraft/drone with a fourth lithium-based battery unit while the numerous other propagule capsules are deployed remotely.
. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein routing DC power 368 from the one or more AC/DC converters 358 to the one or more rs 366 comprises: charging (at least) the first and second lithium-based battery units 365 aneously. 31. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein routing DC power 368 from the one or more AC/DC converters 358 to the one or more chargers 366 comprises: charging the first lithium-based battery unit 365 so that the first lithium-based battery unit 365 thereafter contains within an order of magnitude of 100-1000 watt-hours (Wh) of energy. 32. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein routing DC power 368 from the one or more AC/DC converters 358 to the one or more chargers 366 comprises: charging the first lithium-based y unit 365A so that the first lithium-based battery unit 365A thereafter contains more than 400 watt-hours (Wh) of energy. 33. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, sing: powering first and second aircraft/drones 431, 1231 both simultaneously at the first remote tract 250 more than 100 meters from any tional utility power grid conduit 3248 by the first and second m-based battery units 365 so as to deploy a ude of propagules to the first remote tract 250. 34. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, comprising: configuring a single truck to haul a first electrical power source 352, a first currentlimiting disconnect switch 353, a first camlock interface 354, a first power converter 358, one or more DC buses 359, and one or more chargers 366.
. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein powering first and second aircraft/drones comprises: powering first and second aircraft/drones by the first and second lithium-based y units respectively while the first and second aircraft/drones each carry dozens of or more payloads aneously therein. 36. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein powering first and second aircraft/drones comprises: powering first and second aircraft/drones by the first and second lithium-based battery units respectively while the first and second aircraft/drones deploy numerous propagule capsules therein. 37. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, comprising: configuring the motor vehicle 230 to be borne by one or more . 38. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, comprising: configuring the motor vehicle 230 to be borne by propellers or other wings. 39. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, comprising: configuring the motor vehicle 230 as a passenger vehicle. 40. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein a first k interface is configured to couple a first electrical power source to the first current-limiting disconnect switch and thereby to receive AC power from the first electrical power source. 41. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, comprising: fostering propagule growth by aggregating location-specific artificial biometrics of a depiction 1425, by transmitting a notification (requesting an eXpedited verdict 1275, e.g.) selectively as an automatic and conditional se to a determination of which of the location- specific cial biometrics are within a selected range 1577. 42. The method of any of the above METHOD S, comprising: fostering propagule growth by holding a multitude of propagule es 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 so as to be supported by the first aircraft/drone 431, 1231 and by deploying at least some of the multitude of propagule capsules 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 to a vicinity of a first planting site 255 within the first remote tract 250. 43. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein the one or more motor vehicles 230 consist of a single motor vehicle 230 including a trailer 439. 44. The method of any of the above METHOD S, wherein ng first and second aircraft/drones 431, 1231 at a first remote tract 250, more than 100 meters from any conventional y power grid conduit 3248, comprises: fostering propagule growth (according to forestry or other agricultural technologies known or bed herein) by depositing propagule capsules 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 via the first and second aircraft/drones 431, 1231 within the first remote tract 250. 45. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein a first propagule capsule 210 thereof is ured so that more than half of (a surface of) at least one propagule 207, 3107 is exposed to air or another gas 173 in the first propagule capsule 210. 46. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein a first ule capsule thereof is configured with a first layer 2931, 3231 having a diameter 242, 2942 that is more than twice its ess 241, 3041 47. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, comprising: after a first aircraft/drone 431, 1231 thereof leaves and returns, g numerous additional ule capsules 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 aboard the first aircraft/drone 431, 1231 and replacing a first lithium-based battery unit 365 f with a y recharged third lithium- based battery unit 365; after a second aircraft/drone 431, 1231 leaves and returns, loading numerous other propagule capsules 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 aboard the second aircraft/drone 431, 1231 and replacing a second lithium-based battery unit 365 thereof with a locally recharged fourth lithium- based battery unit 365; and ng the first aircraft/drone 431, 1231 (at least) with one of the lithium-based battery units 365 while the numerous additional propagule capsules 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 are deployed remotely (i.e. from any accessible power grid). 48. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein routing DC power 368 comprises: charging first and second lithium-based battery units 365 thereof so that each contains more than 400 watt-hours (Wh) of energy before powering the first and second aircraft/drones 431, 1231 therefrom. 49. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein configuring the vehicle 230 comprises: configuring one or more motor vehicles 230 thereof to include one or more (generators or other) electrical power sources 352 configured to provide alternating-current (AC) power (directly or otherwise) through a first current-limiting nect switch 353 and to one or more alternating-current—to-direct-current (AC/DC) ters 358A-C, wherein the single truck 430 is configured to haul the first electrical power source 352, the first current-limiting disconnect switch 353, the first k interface 354, one or more direct-current (DC) buses 359, and one or more chargers . 50. The method of any of the above METHOD S, wherein configuring the vehicle 230 comprises: configuring as one or more motor es 230 thereof a single truck 430 that includes one or more ical power sources 352 configured to provide alternating-current (AC) power through a first current-limiting nect switch 353 and a first camlock interface 354 and to one or more alternating-current-to-direct-current (AC/DC) ters 358A-C, wherein the single truck 430 is configured to haul the first electrical power source 352, the first current- limiting disconnect switch 353, the first camlock interface 354, one or more direct-current (DC) buses 359, and one or more chargers 366A-E. 51. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein configuring the vehicle 230 comprises: configuring as one or more motor vehicles 230 thereof a single truck 430 coupled to a trailer 439 that (collectively) includes one or more electrical power sources 352 configured to provide alternating-current (AC) power through a first current-limiting disconnect switch 353 and a first camlock interface 354 and to one or more ating-current-to-direct-current (AC/DC) converters 358A-C, wherein the single truck 430 is configured to haul the first electrical power source 352, the first current-limiting disconnect switch 353, the first camlock interface 354, one or more -current (DC) buses 359, and one or more chargers 366A-E. 52. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein configuring the vehicle 230 comprises: configuring as one or more motor vehicles 230 thereof a single truck 430 coupled to a trailer 4 that includes one or more electrical power sources 352 configured to provide alternating- current (AC) power through a first current-limiting disconnect switch 353 and a first camlock interface 354 and to one or more alternating-current-to-direct-current (AC/DC) converters 358A- C, n the single truck 430 is configured to haul the first electrical power source 352, the first current-limiting nect switch 353, the first camlock interface 354, one or more direct- current (DC) buses 359, and one or more chargers 366A-E; wherein DC power 368 is routed from (at least one of) the one or more AC/DC converters 358 through one or more direct-current (DC) buses 359 to one or more chargers 366A-E so as to charge first, , third, and fourth lithium-based battery units 365A-D therethrough simultaneously. 53. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein configuring the vehicle 230 comprises: configuring as one or more motor vehicles 230 thereof a single truck 430 coupled to a trailer 439 that includes one or more electrical power sources 352 configured to provide alternating-current (AC) power through a first current-limiting disconnect switch 353 and a first camlock interface 354 and to one or more alternating-current-to-direct-current ) converters 358A-C, wherein the single truck 430 is configured to haul the first electrical power source 352, the first current-limiting disconnect switch 353, the first camlock interface 354, one or more direct-current (DC) buses 359, and one or more chargers 366A-E, n DC power 368 is routed from (at least one of) the one or more AC/DC converters 358 through one or more -current (DC) buses 359 to one or more chargers 366A-E so as to charge first, second, third, and fourth lithium-based battery units 365A-D therethrough simultaneously and so that each of the first, second, third, and fourth lithium-based battery units 365A-D thereafter ns more than 400 watt-hours (Wh) of energy. 54. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein configuring the vehicle 230 comprises: uring a single truck 430 as the motor e 230 to haul the first electrical power source 352, the first current-limiting nect switch 353, the first camlock ace 354, the first power converter 358, the one or more direct-current (DC) buses 359, and the one or more chargers 366A-E. 55. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein powering the first and second aircraft/drones comprises: powering first and second aircraft/drones 431, 1231 (at least partly) by the first and second lithium-based battery units 365 respectively while the first and second aircraft/drones 431, 1231 deploy dozens of or more propagule capsules 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 therein. 56. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein configuring the vehicle 230 comprises: configuring the motor vehicle 230 to be borne by one or more wheels 437. 57. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein configuring the vehicle 230 comprises: configuring the motor vehicle 230 to be borne by lers or other wings 434. 58. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, n configuring the vehicle 230 comprises: uring the motor vehicle 230 as a passenger vehicle (i.e. to bear at least one person). 59. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein first camlock ace 354 is configured to couple a first electrical power source 352 directly (i.e. not through active circuitry but only through passive conduits) to the first current-limiting disconnect switch 353 and thereby to receive alternating-current (AC) power 367 from the first ical power source 352. 60. The method of any of the above METHOD S, comprising: incorporating one or more fibrous or other particulate media as a component (i.e. as some or all) of one or more growth media 126, 3126 such that the one or more particulate media is sufficiently coarse or porous (or both) so that a capsule body component (a housing 240 or layer 2931, 3231) contains more than 3% interstitial gas by volume. 61. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, comprising: incorporating one or more particulate media as a component of one or more growth media 126, 3126 such that the one or more ulate media is sufficiently coarse so that a capsule body component contains more than 0.5% interstitial gas 173 by volume (between pieces thereof). 62. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, comprising: incorporating one or more particulate media as a component of one or more growth media 126, 3126 such that the one or more particulate media is sufficiently porous so that a capsule body component contains more than 0.5% titial gas 173 by volume (in pores thereof). 63. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein deploying the first propagule capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 comprises: releasing the first propagule capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 in a tumbling trajectory 3197. 64. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein deploying the first propagule capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 comprises: releasing the first propagule capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 in a tumbling trajectory 3197, wherein tumbling trajectory 3197 is created haphazardly, in lieu of any effective mechanism for ng that the first side 3091, 3161 will land below the second side 3092, 3162. 65. The method of any of the above METHOD S, wherein configuring the one or more media 126, 3126 in a first layer 2931, 3231 comprises: forming a borehole 2968 extending through most of the thickness 241, 3041 of the first layer 2931, 3231 as the one or more recessed portions 208 on the first side 3161. 66. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein first layer 2931, 3231 protects the first propagule against rodent ion long enough for a root to grow from the first propagule into the planting site 255. 67. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein a weight majority of at least one artificial water-transfer conduit of the first propagule capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 is dehydrated compressed peat 162 or another growing medium 126 configured to undergo a volumetric eXpansion of more than 20% when hydrated. 68. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein an exterior surface of the first propagule capsule 210, 3110 es a soil-contacting portion of a first water collector larger than 1 square centimeter and is configured to absorb more than 5 microliters of liquid per hour directly from nding soil 2599 by g. 69. The method of any of the above METHOD S, wherein an endmost portion longer than 0.5 mm of the first propagule capsule 210, 3110 has a footprint 212 of about 2 square mm, wherein first propagule capsule 210, 3110 is less than 5% water by weight. 70. The method of any of the above METHOD S, wherein one or more propagules comprise a dormant seed 107 of a tree. 71. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein first propagule capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 lands with a first side 3161 thereof upon and above the first microsite. 72. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein first propagule e 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 has a substantial component (i.e. a volumetric majority or other portion 208 larger than 10% by volume) of dried compressed peat 162. 73. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein first propagule capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 has a substantial component (i.e. a volumetric majority or other portion 208 larger than 10% by volume) of coconut coir 161. 74. The method of any of the above METHOD S, wherein first propagule capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 has a substantial component (i.e. a volumetric majority or other n 208 larger than 10% by volume) of one or more hydration-activated expanding growth media 126 (e. g. dried compressed coconut coir 161, peat 162, or a mixture thereof). 75. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein ground seepage, dew, or rain later es the dried and highly compressed media 126, 3126 (by capillary action, e. g.) and thereby triggers a volumetric expansion of the media 126, 3126. 76. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein a volumetric expansion of at least some of the first propagule capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 allows a first propagule 207, 3107 therein to grow upward through the media 126, 3126. 77. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein local hydration allows at least one root 2787 from the one or more ules 207, 3107 to grow in a generally downward ion (within 45 degrees) into the planting site 255. 78. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein a biodegradable nment covering 2936 comprises a water-soluble polymer, wax paper, or a similar slippery material adhesively affixed to a major flat surface of the first side 3091, 3161. 79. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, n at least a first one of the one or more propagules 207, 3107 is nded with one or more fill materials 3170 (having components) that are sufficiently granular so that more than half of (a surface area of) the first propagule 207 is exposed to an ambient gas 173, 3173 (e. g. air or nitrogen) and y facilitating access to water and suitable drainage. 80. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, comprising: creating the first propagule capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 by forming a fibrous or granular mixture 113 of one or more fibrous or granular base materials (e. g. coir 161 or peat 162) WO 97228 2019/060105 with one or more supplements 142 and a first adhesive material 145 such that prior to curing the first adhesive material 145 comprises at least 1% of the fibrous or granular mixture 113 by weight; surrounding a first propagule 207, 3107 with the fibrous or granular mixture 113; and curing at least the first adhesive material 145 of the fibrous or granular e 113 surrounding the first propagule 207, 3107. 81. The method of any of the above METHOD S, wherein local hydration later (e.g. several hours or days after deployment of the first propagule e) allows the growth media 126, 3126 to expand volumetrically by more than 10% and thereby allows at least the one root to escape the propagule capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210. 82. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, n local hydration later (e.g. several hours or days after deployment of the first ule capsule) allows the growth media 126, 3126 to expand volumetrically by more than 20% and thereby allows the at least one root to escape the propagule capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210. 83. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein deploying the first propagule capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 comprises launching the first propagule capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 from the first aircraft/drone 431, 1231. 84. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein first aircraft/drone 431, 1231 is configured to cause the first propagule capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 to follow a tumbling trajectory 3197 during deployment. 85. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein first aircraft/drone 431, 1231 is configured to cause the first propagule e 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 to bounce on a sloped guide 3195 into a tumbling trajectory 3197 during deployment. 86. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein planting site 255 is a microsite 1755. 87. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein loading the multitude of the propagule capsules 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 comprises: loading the multitude of propagule capsules 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 including the first propagule capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 into a e stack 3189 within a chamber shorter than 1 meter of a planting module 450 of the aircraft/drone 431, 1231. 88. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein loading the multitude of the propagule capsules 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 ses: loading the multitude of propagule capsules 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 including the first ule capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 into a capsule stack 3189 within a r r than 1 meter of a sleeve 3188 or cartridge 488 aboard the aircraft/drone 431, 1231. 89. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein loading the multitude of the propagule capsules 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 comprises: loading the multitude of ule capsules 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 including the first propagule capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 into a capsule stack 3189 within the aircraft/drone 431, 1231. 90. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein volumetric majority (e. g. as portion 208) of the first propagule capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 comprises growth media 126, 3126 volumetrically compressed by more than 1% when the first propagule capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 is deployed and n first propagule capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 later expands in response to hydration 2094. 91. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein first propagule capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 is dry in that less than 5% of a weight of the first propagule capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 is (unsealed, unfrozen, and otherwise) available liquid hydration at the time of capsule ment. 92. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein method includes all of the operations ed in Fig. 7. 93. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, comprising configuring a cartridge 488 to allow a first propagule capsule 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 to leave the cartridge 488 while dozens (i.e. at least 24) of other propagule capsules 210, 2010, 3110, 3210 are all nominally d in parallel. 94. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, comprising: configuring a aircraft/drone propulsion subassembly to have one or more robotic limbs (legs or wings 434, e. g.) so as to allow the first unmanned vehicle 230 to ambulate (walk or fly, e.g.); and positioning a steerable chute 2178 and one or more actuators (a solenoid or other motor control in gimbal, e. g.) configured to adjust an angle of the ble chute 2178 relative to the ft/drone propulsion subassembly by more than one degree in less than 100 milliseconds. 95. The method of any of the above METHOD CLAUSES, wherein the one or more propagules 207 se a dormant seed 107 of a coniferous tree (a pine, e.g.).
While various system, method, article of manufacture, or other embodiments or aspects have been disclosed above, also, other combinations of embodiments or aspects will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the above disclosure. The various embodiments and aspects disclosed above are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being ted in the final claim set that follows.

Claims (7)

1. A propagule growth tation method comprising: configuring one or more dry media in a first layer so that a thickness of the first layer is within an order of magnitude of 1 centimeter (cm); forming one or more recessed portions on a first side of and one or more recessed portions on a second side of the first layer, wherein the ed portions each comprise a borehole extending through most of the thickness of the first layer; holding a first propagule at least partly within the recessed portion of the first side by ng a biodegradable containment covering to the first side of the first layer with more than half of the first propagule exposed to a gas; holding a second propagule at least partly within the recessed portion of the second side by affixing a biodegradable containment covering to the second side of the first layer with more than half of the second propagule exposed to a gas so as to assemble a first propagule capsule; deploying the first propagule capsule with a tumbling trajectory haphazardly, in lieu of any effective mechanism for ensuring that the first side will land below the second side, and so that it lands with the first side thereof upon or otherwise adjacent a planting site, wherein the first layer protects the first propagule against predation long enough for a root to grow from the first propagule into the planting site.
2. The propagule growth facilitation method of Claim 1, wherein the one or more dry media in the first layer is configured so that a er of the first layer is more than twice its thickness.
3. The propagule growth facilitation method of Claim 1, wherein the uring the one or more dry media ses: orating one or more growth media as a component of the one or more dry media such that the one or more growth media is iently coarse or porous so that the first layer contains more than 1% interstitial gas by volume.
4. A propagule growth facilitation method comprising: configuring one or more dry media in a first layer so that a thickness of the first layer is within an order of magnitude of I centimeter; forming one or more recessed portions on a first side of and one or more recessed ns on a second side of the first layer; holding a first propagule at least partly within the recessed portion of the first side by affixing a biodegradable nment covering to the first side of the first layer with more than half of the first propagule exposed to a gas; holding a second propagule at least partly within the recessed n of the second side by affixing a biodegradable containment covering to the second side of the first layer so as to assemble a first propagule capsule; and deploying the first propagule capsule so that it lands with the first side thereof upon or otherwise adjacent a planting site.
5. The propagule growth facilitation method of Claim 4, wherein the configuring the one or more dry media in the first layer so that the thickness of the first layer is within an order of magnitude of I centimeter comprises: configuring the first layer so that a diameter thereof is more than twice a thickness thereof.
6. The propagule growth facilitation method of Claim 4, wherein the configuring the one or more dry media comprises: orating one or more growth media as a component of the one or more dry media such that the one or more growth media is iently porous so that the first layer contains more than 0.5% interstitial gas by volume. 7. The propagule growth facilitation method of Claim 4, wherein the deploying the first propagule capsule comprises: releasing the first propagule e in a spinning trajectory. 8. The propagule growth facilitation method of Claim 4, wherein the deploying the first propagule capsule comprises: releasing the first propagule capsule in a tumbling trajectory wherein the tumbling trajectory is created haphazardly, in lieu of any ive mechanism for ensuring that the first side will land below the second side. 9. The propagule growth facilitation method of Claim 4, wherein the configuring the one or more dry media in a first layer comprises: g a borehole extending through most of the thickness of the first layer as the one or more recessed portions on the first side. 10. The propagule growth facilitation method of Claim 4, wherein the first layer protects the first propagule against rodent predation long enough for a root to grow from the first propagule into the planting site. 11. The propagule growth facilitation method of Claim 4, wherein a weight majority of at least one artificial water-transfer conduit of the first propagule capsule is dehydrated compressed peat or another growing medium configured to undergo a volumetric expansion of more than 20% when hydrated. 12. The propagule growth facilitation method of Claim 4, wherein an exterior e of the first propagule capsule includes a soil-contacting portion of a first water tor larger than 1 square centimeter and is configured to absorb more than 5 microliters of liquid per hour ly from surrounding soil by wicking. 13. The propagule growth facilitation method of Claim 4, wherein an endmost n longer than 0.5 mm of the first propagule capsule has a footprint of about 2 square mm, wherein the first propagule capsule is less than 5% water by weight. 14. The propagule growth facilitation method of Claim 4, wherein the one or more first ules comprise a dormant seed of a tree. 15. The propagule growth facilitation method of Claim 4, wherein the first propagule capsule has a substantial component of coconut coir. 16. The ule growth tation method of Claim 4, wherein the first propagule capsule has a substantial component of one or more ion-activated expanding growth media. 17. The propagule growth facilitation method of Claim 4, wherein below-ground e, dew, or rain later perfuses a dried and highly compressed media and thereby triggers a volumetric expansion of the media. 18. The propagule growth facilitation method of Claim 4, wherein a volumetric expansion of at least some of the first propagule capsule allows a first propagule therein to grow upward through the dry media. 19. The propagule growth facilitation method of Claim 4, wherein local ion allows at least one root from the one or more propagules to grow in a generally downward direction into the planting site. 20. The propagule growth facilitation method of Claim 4, wherein at least a first one of the one or more first propagules is surrounded with and in contact with one or more fill materials that are sufficiently granular so that more than half of the first propagule is d to an ambient gas and thereby tating access to water and suitable drainage. IIIIIIIIQ mm nunuuuen?uuunnu MUHZMEE E: WE mmmgqa ME faunauuennuuunu u; mammmmr EN ?amm?zmm anueunununonnuuuun. mm u I I I u u a I I a u a I I I a n I n I I u i unymwmvumn a :E mmsw EIIIIIQII" mam Q R i 533:3“ w Ewgmamgm 12."; 1.... tr: m «4 an EC: L21". m. “nu..." “t 0 3 I 3 n O S 5 R K B i l i I 3 B 5 K 5 nal: and sauna..- ".3 .~ 3“,--.” gunman, .-.n.,.,......: i v: I... LL.) 2 u = inn-..” ”'3 ‘ n 5 a 1 cm g ...........3 : g 9% L‘s/.1 : E a rum-mu" luvuavlawululu‘
7. S claimoumlawuvmwmuumaauu??amla ‘aaoomaymo-onJuanitaIDIDa«anyluauourlululagoon)Iatonalkalimvumlaaoomamuonmwuouml {m E:.1f. EEEEH m? LC! WWW WWW WWWWWWWWWW WWWWW WWWWWWWW WWW; WWWW WW. WWW. 3.3 WW WWW... WWWWWW WWW .W.WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWW W WWWW WWW WWWWWWWWW WEE WWWW. .2 WWWW WWWWW WWW: WW WWWWWW Wm. WWWW WWWW WWWW WWWWWWWWWWWW WWW WWW WWWWWWW. ,WWWWWWWWWWWW Wm WWWZW WWWWWWWWWWW WW. WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWW WWWWWWWW WWWWW WW WWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWW WWWW .WWWWWWWWWWWWWWW. WI .WWWWW. WE WWWWWWWW WWW W. WWW WW: EWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWW WWW. WWW WWWWWWW WE WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWW WWW w. WWWWWW WWWWW Wm. WWW WWWW WWWWWWW W. WWW WW ..WW.WWWWWW;WWWWWWW WWWWW WWWWWW.WWWWW.WWWWWWE WWWWWWWWWWWWEWW .WWWWW WWWW. WWWW WWWWWWWWWWWW WWW WWW/W. W WWW WWWWW WWWWWWWWWW ..W. WWWWWW WWW: W WWW. WWW WWWWW WW. W HWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWW WWW WWWWWWW WWWWW WWWWWW W... WWWWWWWr WWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWW WWWW WWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWW WWWWWW WWW: WWWWWWWW WWW .. .r. WWWWW WWW WWWEWWWW. E WWWW WWWWWWWWWWW WWW. WWWWWWW. WWW WWWWW WWW... WWWW. WWWWWWWW WWWWWWW WWWWWWW WWW m: . WWW. WW WWW EWWWW WWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWW WWW .WWWEWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW. WWWWWWU. WWW: . W . WWWWWWWWWW: WWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWW WWW m WWWWWWWWWW. WWW. .WWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWW f.'.'.'J WWW WWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWW. ..W...WWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWW WWWW .WWWWWWWWW WWW f_'_'_'_u. .. pf“. ‘mm?-mhtwweyv.. 3&ng ME. .. u??zzmm Em «E Exam, mam SitiliiiiiiSIEQSSEEEailiiiiaiSilesiiiialliiiia?SIEQiii! NNE I: Ema Ema >135 mammmnémim Ema KEEN ma af?x, Em szawmm “an; 33%: QEEEE mmzmmm?mmm Egzm?ms f.'.'.'J NEW Ex _ W...W_ WEEK Ema 2.5m .. a 2 i Ema . Ema wmq?m? 292.53% wz?gmm W.. max mmzmmm?mmm 5%: Ex WW:
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US201862756451P 2018-11-06 2018-11-06
US201862756462P 2018-11-06 2018-11-06
US16/460,752 US11470764B2 (en) 2018-11-06 2019-07-02 Wide base capsular planting systems and methods
US16/460,747 US11985914B2 (en) 2018-11-06 2019-07-02 Predation-resistant capsular planting systems and methods
US16/460,760 US11375656B2 (en) 2018-11-06 2019-07-02 Remote drone configuration systems and methods
PCT/US2019/060105 WO2020097228A2 (en) 2018-11-06 2019-11-06 Predation-resistant capsular planting systems and methods

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NZ776142B2 true NZ776142B2 (en) 2024-01-04

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