Adjustable endcap for use with a greenhouse distribution conduit

Abstract

A device is disclosed providing an adjustable endcap for use with distribution conduits in a greenhouse. The device provides a solution to seal off the end of a distribution tube while providing further means to regulate the distribution of substances such as air or gas. The device comprises a structure for sealing the end of a greenhouse distribution tube wherein the sealing structure can be freely adjusted to allow variable amounts of air or gas to escape from the sealed end. The device allows for further regulation of pressure and temperature inside the conduit, extension of climate control over a greater distance and the ability to regulate conduits on an individual basis.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A greenhouse air or gas distribution system, comprising:
 an air or gas distribution conduit, said conduit configured to allow a main airflow to pass through said conduit, said conduit comprising perforations along the length of said conduit to allow air or gas from said main airflow to escape from said conduit through said perforations; and   an endcap connected to an end of said conduit, said endcap comprising a front plate comprising at least one front plate opening, wherein said at least one front plate opening is adjustable to allow a controlled variable amount of air or gas from within said distribution conduit to exit from said endcap.   
     
     
         2 . The distribution system of  claim 1 , further comprising a back plate in close proximity to said front plate. 
     
     
         3 . The distribution tem of  claim 1 , wherein said front plate further comprises a front plate rim integral to said front plate, wherein said front plate rim is configured to fit over the end of said distribution conduit. 
     
     
         4 . The distribution system of  claim 2 , wherein said back plate is adjustable such that said back plate can at least partially obscure said at least one front plate opening to control the amount of air or gas that can exit from said endcap. 
     
     
         5 . The distribution system of  claim 1 , wherein said front plate further comprises an adjustment control groove. 
     
     
         6 . The distribution system of  claim 5 , further comprising an intermediate structure connected to said back plate and protruding through said adjustment control groove. 
     
     
         7 . The distribution system of  claim 6 , wherein said intermediate structure restricts the movement of said back plate to a range of desired positions. 
     
     
         8 . The distribution system of  claim 1 , wherein said front plate further comprises a front plate rim. 
     
     
         9 . The distribution system of  claim 8 , wherein said front plate rim is configured to fit over the end of said distribution conduit. 
     
     
         10 . A greenhouse, comprising:
 at least one growing section;   one or more air or gas distribution conduits for distributing air or gas to said growing section, said one or more conduits configured to allow a main airflow to pass through said one or more conduits, said one or more conduits comprising perforations along the length of said one or more conduits to allow air or gas from said main airflow to escape from said one or more conduits through said perforations; and   an endcap connected to an end of at least one of said one or more distribution conduits that is adjustable to allow a controlled variable amount of air or gas from within said at least one of said one or more distribution conduits to exit said endcap, such that pressure within said at least one of said one or more conduits can be adjusted.   
     
     
         11 . The greenhouse of  claim 10 , wherein said adjustable endcap comprises:
 a front plate comprising at least one front plate openings; and   a back plate connected to said front plate and comprising at least one back plate opening.   
     
     
         12 . The greenhouse of  claim 11 , wherein said back plate in close proximity to said front plate. 
     
     
         13 . The greenhouse of  claim 11 , wherein said front plate further comprises a front plate rim integral to said front plate, wherein said front plate rim is configured to fit over the end of said distribution conduit. 
     
     
         14 . The greenhouse of  claim 11 , wherein said back plate is adjustable such that said back plate can at least partially obscure said at least one front plate opening to control the amount of air or gas that can exit from said endcap. 
     
     
         15 . The greenhouse of  claim 11 , wherein said front plate further comprises an adjustment control groove. 
     
     
         16 . The greenhouse of  claim 15 , further comprising an intermediate structure connected to said back plate and protruding through said adjustment control groove. 
     
     
         17 . The greenhouse of  claim 16 , wherein said intermediate structure restricts the movement of said back plate to a range of desired positions. 
     
     
         18 . The greenhouse of  claim 11 , wherein said front plate further comprises a front plate rim. 
     
     
         19 . The greenhouse of  claim 18 , wherein said front plate rim is configured to fit over the end of said distribution conduit.