U.S. patent application number 10/972801 was filed with the patent office on 2005-09-15 for liquid fractionation system useful for growing plants.
Invention is credited to Bissonnette, W. Michael, Stoner, Richard J. II, Wainright, Robert E..
Application Number | 20050198897 10/972801 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31993179 |
Filed Date | 2005-09-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050198897 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wainright, Robert E. ; et
al. |
September 15, 2005 |
Liquid fractionation system useful for growing plants
Abstract
Liquid fractionation systems utilizing a novel low pressure
liquid delivery system generated by centrifugal force utilizing a
rotating cylinder device. The rotating cylinder device distributes
liquid solution to the roots of plants by use of centrifugal force,
thereby eliminating the need for a high-pressure pump and nozzles.
The geometrical shape of the enclosed root growth chamber is such
that it allows for fractionated droplets to ricochet in multiple
random directions thus completely surrounding the plant roots in
360.degree. in any plane. The invention also provides aeroponics
apparati utilizing the low-pressure liquid delivery system, methods
for fractionating liquid, methods for delivering the fractionated
liquid to plants, and methods for growing plants and germinating
seeds.
Inventors: |
Wainright, Robert E.;
(Longmont, CO) ; Bissonnette, W. Michael;
(Boulder, CO) ; Stoner, Richard J. II; (Berthoud,
CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
AeroGrow International, Inc.
Suite #201
900 28th St.
Boulder
CO
80303
US
|
Family ID: |
31993179 |
Appl. No.: |
10/972801 |
Filed: |
October 25, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10972801 |
Oct 25, 2004 |
|
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|
10253505 |
Sep 24, 2002 |
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6807770 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
47/62A |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02P 60/216 20151101;
A01G 31/02 20130101; Y02P 60/21 20151101 |
Class at
Publication: |
047/062.00A |
International
Class: |
A01G 031/02 |
Claims
1. A liquid fractionation system comprising: a) a stationary
perforated tube having an axis, a length, and a lower half; b) a
mesh tube in fluid communication with said stationary tube, wherein
said mesh tube is coaxial with said stationary perforated tube,
wherein at least a portion of said mesh tube surrounds said
stationary tube, and wherein said mesh tube has a larger diameter
than said stationary perforated tube; c) a pump in fluid
communication with said stationary tube; and d) a motor capable of
rotating said mesh tube thereby generating a centrifugal force;
wherein a liquid delivered into said stationary tube by said pump
drips through perforations in said stationary tube, contacts said
rotating mesh tube, and is ejected outward of said mesh tube in
fractionated droplets by said centrifugal force.
2. The liquid fractionation system of claim 1 wherein said axis has
a non-zero horizontal component.
3. The liquid fractionation system of claim 1 wherein the vertical
component of said axis is about zero.
4. The liquid fractionation system of claim 1 wherein said
stationary tube only has perforations in said lower half of said
stationary perforated tube.
5. The liquid fractionation system of claim 1 wherein said mesh
comprises apertures which comprise between about 20% and about 60%
of the surface area of said mesh
6. The liquid fractionation system of claim 1 wherein said mesh
comprises radially aligned apertures.
7. The liquid fractionation system of claim 1 wherein said
stationary tube and said mesh tube are cylinders, substantially
circular in cross-section, and concentric.
8. The liquid fractionation system of claim 1 wherein said mesh
tube rotates at periodic intervals.
9. The liquid fractionation system of claim 1 wherein said pump
delivers liquid at a pressure of about equal to or less than about
20 psi.
10. The liquid fractionation system of claim 1 wherein said
stationary tube comprises perforations along its entire length.
11. The liquid fractionation system of claim 1 wherein said
fractionated droplets have diameters between about 50 and about 100
microns.
12. The liquid fractionation system of claim 1 further comprising a
geometric chamber for enclosing said stationary tube, mesh tube,
pump, and motor, wherein said fractionated droplets ricochet in
random multiple directions inside of said geometric chamber.
13. The liquid fractionation system of claim 11 wherein said liquid
is recirculated.
14. The liquid fractionation system of claim 1 wherein said system
is in a fixed position while delivering liquid.
15. The liquid fractionation system of claim 1 wherein said liquid
comprises water and nutrients for growing a plant.
16. The liquid fractionation system of claim 1 wherein said mesh
tube is at least about as long as said stationary tube.
17. An aeroponics apparatus for growing a plant comprising: a) an
outer shell forming an enclosed chamber; b) a plant support member
for covering said enclosed chamber, said plant support member
having at least one plant bearing opening to receive a plant or a
seed, wherein the roots of said plant, or of the plant which will
grow from said seed, are allowed to grow in said enclosed chamber;
c) a stationary perforated tube having an axis, a length, and a
lower half; d) a mesh tube in fluid communication with said
stationary tube, wherein said mesh tube is coaxial with said
stationary perforated tube, and wherein said mesh tube has a larger
diameter than said stationary perforated tube; e) a pump in fluid
communication with said stationary tube; and f) a motor capable of
rotating said mesh tube thereby generating a centrifugal force;
wherein a liquid in said enclosed chamber is delivered into said
stationary tube by said pump, drips through perforations in said
stationary tube, contacts said rotating mesh tube, is ejected
outward of said mesh tube in fractionated droplets by said
centrifugal force, and contacts said roots.
18. The aeroponics apparatus of claim 17 wherein said liquid is
recirculated.
19. The aeroponics apparatus of said 17 also comprising a timer
controller board for periodically causing said motor to rotate said
mesh tube.
20. The aeroponics apparatus of said 17 also comprising a water
tight chamber for housing said motor.
21. A method for fractionating a liquid into droplets, said method
comprising: a) providing said liquid; b) providing a stationary
perforated tube having an axis, a length, and a lower half; c)
providing a mesh tube in fluid communication with said stationary
tube, wherein said mesh tube is coaxial with said stationary
perforated tube, and wherein said mesh tube has a larger diameter
than said stationary perforated tube; d) providing a pump in fluid
communication with said stationary tube and in contact with said
liquid; e) providing a motor capable of rotating said mesh tube
thereby generating a centrifugal force; f) pumping said liquid into
said stationary tube; g) rotating said mesh tube thereby creating a
centrifugal force; h) allowing said liquid to drip through
perforations in said stationary tube; i) allowing said dripped
liquid to contact said rotating mesh tube; and j) ejecting said
dripped liquid in fractionated droplets outward of said mesh
tube.
22. The method of claim 21 performed within an enclosed
chamber.
23. A method for delivering liquid to a plant having at least one
root, said method comprising: a) providing said plant having at
least one root; b) performing the method of claim 21; and c)
allowing said fractionated droplets to contact said root of said
plant.
24. A method for growing a plant with at least one root or
germinating a seed into a plant with at least one root, said method
comprising: a) providing an outer shell forming an enclosed
chamber; b) providing a plant support member for covering said
enclosed chamber, said plant support member having at least one
plant bearing opening to receive a plant or a seed, wherein the
roots of said plant, or of the plant which will grow from said
seed, are allowed to grow in said enclosed chamber; c) providing
said plant or said seed; d) performing the method of claim 21
within said enclosed chamber; and e) allowing said fractionated
droplets to contact said root of said plant or said seed; whereby
said plant grows or said seed germinates into a plant.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. Ser. No.
10/253,505, filed Sep. 24, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,807,770,
issued Oct. 26, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference in
its entirety to the extent that it is not inconsistent with the
disclosure herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of devices for
fractionating liquid, cultivation of plants in controlled
environments, and more specifically to the field of aeroponic
cultivation of plants.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The increase of human population in geographic areas of
environmentally adverse conditions has given rise to the need for
an efficient, economical and easy to use apparatus to cultivate
nutritious edible plants indoors for human consumption. The present
invention also provides year-round cultivation in areas where
seasonal changes prevent or limit outside growing.
[0004] The field of indoor cultivation of plants using soil-less
units such as hydroponic or aeroponic apparati has arisen to
address this need. As an example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,000,173 discloses
a hydroponic unit, which delivers a controlled amount of nutrient
solution to the roots of the plants in order to most efficiently
cultivate their growth. Although the design and functioning of the
'173 apparatus is significantly different than that of the present
invention, some of the basic principles of soil-less cultivation
set forth therein pertain to the present invention. It is important
that the delivery of the liquid nutrients to plant roots not exceed
a maximum level, nor should the plant roots be deprived of nutrient
and allowed to dry for too long a period of time. If over-watering
occurs, the plant may die or have its growth inhibited from root
rot. Allowing the roots of the plant to be dry for too long results
in dehydration and starving the plant. Thus, an accurate method of
delivering controlled amounts of liquid nutrient to the roots of a
plant is desirable. The present invention provides an improvement
over the '173 device in that it affords a novel, efficient and
economical aeroponic low pressure delivery apparatus.
[0005] Hydroponic units are generally taken to refer to units in
which the roots are submerged in a reservoir of nutrient solution.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,332,105 to Nir discloses the development of an
aeroponic unit, which introduces the concept of plant roots
suspended in a chamber wherein they are misted at periodic
intervals with a mixture of air and nutrient solution. This was
seen to be a more efficient, accurate and economical method of
delivering the nutrient solution. Nir's device relies on the use of
nozzles and a pumping system for delivery of liquid nutrients which
incorporates a pneumatic pump powerful enough to generate a flow
rate high enough to effectively atomize the liquid nutrients and
dispense the liquid nutrients through a nozzle to the roots of the
plants.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,514,930, describes a method and apparatus
for aeroponic growth, which relies on the use of nozzles to
distribute the liquid nutrient solution to the roots of the plants
utilizing water pressure from any source including a standard
household tap as a high pressure source. The precise control of the
liquid suction venturi provides an intermittent hydro-atomized
spray to the plants.
[0007] More recently, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,136,804 and 5,300,260, for
example, describe aeroponic units with complex fog generator
units.
[0008] U.S. Pat. Nos. Des. 397,280, Des. 402,230, Des.402,296 and
Des. 402,668 refer to designs for the outer shell of the unit.
[0009] Also, the above-described devices take up large amounts of
space, are physically cumbersome and not aesthetically pleasing for
the home consumer. A significant degree of expertise or academic
interest is required in order to efficiently cultivate plants in
these units. This was largely due to the complexity of the
pressurized pump system utilized in these units for high pressure
oxygenated spray to the enclosed chamber which were expensive to
manufacture, bulky, loud, and complicated to operate and repair.
These prior art units could require repair when the nozzles of the
spraying units became clogged with scaling due to dissimilar metals
in the nozzle assembly or organic matter which results from
biological processes involved in plant growth. This potential
clogging could result in deficient delivery of the liquid nutrient
solution and prevent optimum plant growth. The present invention
provides a liquid nutrient delivery system which does not rely on
nozzles and therefore eliminates this potential problem.
[0010] Prior art aeroponic growth units have contained spraying or
misting parts which have generally required pressurized pumps or
expensive mist generators to supply the nutrient solution in the
form of a mist or fine droplets. The present invention described
herein has provided an economical alternative to these designs in
that it comprises a low pressure liquid nutrient delivery system
based on centrifugal force, which utilizes an inexpensive low
pressure pump and low voltage motor in order to deliver liquid
nutrient solution to the roots of the plants.
[0011] The device of the present invention provides an aeroponic
cultivation unit which is aesthetically pleasing to the consumer,
and which is economical to manufacture and operate due to the
improved novel nutrient delivery system. The nutrient delivery
system of the present invention does not require pressurized air or
water through a high pressure nozzle to evenly distribute the
liquid nutrients to the roots of the plants.
[0012] Aeroponic cultivation holds wide appeal in many circles due
to its facilitating the growth of fresh, organic herbs, vegetables,
fruit and ornamental flowers easily in the home. The apparatus of
the present invention provides an aeroponic growing apparatus
having a simple, inexpensive, quiet and resilient nutrient delivery
system in a compact design allowing for a cost-effective plant
growing environment. The instant invention provides important
features over prior art devices including providing a system which
makes the process of aeroponic cultivation available to any
consumer, in a package that is attractive, utilitarian, quiet and
convenient to use and can be installed in any home as a domestic
appliance. The invention described herein provides such
improvements in that it comprises a lightweight, aesthetically
pleasing, quiet and convenient to use product. The novel liquid
nutrient delivery system is most specifically the component which
lowers the cost to facilitate that this appliance may be delivered
to consumers at a previously unattainable, affordable price. A
further need within the industry is the ability to provide an
optimum amount of growing space in these units, which is divided in
such a way that the cultivation of different types of plants is
facilitated in a more sophisticated and amenable design layout.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] This invention provides a liquid fractionation system
comprising: a stationary perforated tube having an axis, a length,
and a lower half; a mesh tube in fluid communication with said
stationary tube, wherein said mesh tube is coaxial with said
stationary perforated tube, wherein at least a portion of said mesh
tube surrounds said stationary tube, and wherein said mesh tube has
a larger diameter than said stationary perforated tube; a pump in
fluid communication with said stationary tube; and a motor capable
of rotating said mesh tube thereby generating a centrifugal force;
wherein a liquid delivered into said stationary tube by said pump
drips through perforations in said stationary tube, contacts said
rotating mesh tube, and is ejected outward of said mesh tube in
fractionated droplets by said centrifugal force.
[0014] This invention provides an aeroponics apparatus for growing
a plant comprising: an outer shell forming an enclosed chamber; a
plant support member for covering said enclosed chamber, said plant
support member having at least one plant bearing opening to receive
a plant or a seed, wherein the roots of said plant, or of the plant
which will grow from said seed, are allowed to grow in said
enclosed chamber; a stationary perforated tube having an axis, a
length, and a lower half; a mesh tube in fluid communication with
said stationary tube, wherein said mesh tube is coaxial with said
stationary perforated tube, and wherein said mesh tube has a larger
diameter than said stationary perforated tube; a pump in fluid
communication with said stationary tube; and a motor capable of
rotating said mesh tube thereby generating a centrifugal force;
wherein a liquid in said enclosed chamber is delivered into said
stationary tube by said pump, drips through perforations in said
stationary tube, contacts said rotating mesh tube, is ejected
outward of said mesh tube in fractionated droplets by said
centrifugal force, and contacts said roots. In an embodiment, the
aeroponics apparatus liquid is recirculated. In an embodiment, the
aeroponics apparatus also comprises a timer controller board for
periodically causing said motor to rotate said mesh tube.
[0015] This invention provides a method for fractionating a liquid
into droplets, said method comprising: providing said liquid;
providing a stationary perforated tube having an axis, a length,
and a lower half; providing a mesh tube in fluid communication with
said stationary tube, wherein said mesh tube is coaxial with said
stationary perforated tube, and wherein said mesh tube has a larger
diameter than said stationary perforated tube; providing a pump in
fluid communication with said stationary tube and in contact with
said liquid; providing a motor capable of rotating said mesh tube
thereby generating a centrifugal force; pumping said liquid into
said stationary tube; rotating said mesh tube thereby creating a
centrifugal force; allowing said liquid to drip through
perforations in said stationary tube; allowing said dripped liquid
to contact said rotating mesh tube; and ejecting said dripped
liquid in fractionated droplets outward of said mesh tube.
[0016] This invention provides a method for delivering liquid to a
plant having at least one root, said method comprising: providing
said plant having at least one root; performing the method of
fractionating liquid into droplets; and allowing said fractionated
droplets to contact said root of said plant.
[0017] This invention provides a method for growing a plant with at
least one root or germinating a seed into a plant with at least one
root, said method comprising: providing an outer shell forming an
enclosed chamber; providing a plant support member for covering
said enclosed chamber, said plant support member having at least
one plant bearing opening to receive a plant or a seed, wherein the
roots of said plant, or of the plant which will grow from said
seed, are allowed to grow in said enclosed chamber; providing said
plant or said seed; performing the method of fractionating liquid
into droplets within said enclosed chamber; and allowing said
fractionated droplets to contact said root of said plant or said
seed; whereby said plant grows or said seed germinates into a
plant.
[0018] The present invention provides an improvement over the prior
art in that the nutrient delivery system consists of a rotating
cylinder device which requires a smaller pump and motor than prior
art devices and no nozzles to become clogged with organic matter or
scaling as discussed above. This feature of the present invention
is a low pressure automated liquid nutrient solution delivery
system which is used as part of an aeroponic growth unit. The
liquid nutrient solution discussed herein is intended to comprise
any liquid which enables plant growth. This includes oxygenated or
aerated water mixtures which may or may not contain added
nutrients
[0019] The present invention seeks to overcome problems and
difficulties associated with former aeroponics systems by
incorporating a new design which allows for the cultivation of a
number of different types of plants, is presentable, attractive,
quiet and convenient to use as a domestic kitchen appliance.
[0020] Aeroponic growing of plants provides an effective method of
cultivating plants in adverse environmental conditions such as
drought or diminished air quality. The present invention provides
an improved apparatus for aeroponic growing of plants which
distributes nutrient solution to the plant roots efficiently,
quietly and economically. It is an object of the present invention
to provide an apparatus for aeroponic growing of plants which is
designed for counter-top use by the consumer. It is a further
object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for
aeroponic growing of plants for counter-top use by the consumer,
which apparatus comprises a means for varying the height of the
plant support member. It is a further object of the present
invention to provide an apparatus for aeroponic growing of plants
which has multiple growing chambers for discrete growing of
different kinds of plants. It is a further object of the present
invention to provide an apparatus for the aeroponic growing of
plants which is economical and easy to use. It is a further object
of the present invention to provide an apparatus for the aeroponic
growing of plants which is easily disassembled for cleaning, and in
fact, can be cleaned in a household dishwasher. It is a further
object of the present invention to provide a novel, effective and
efficient liquid nutrient delivery system.
[0021] The invention will be more fully understood and appreciated
from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 is a side cut-away view of the apparatus of the
present invention.
[0023] FIG. 2 is a top view of the device of the present invention
showing the tripartite growing chambers and other features.
[0024] FIG. 3 is an enlargement of FIG. 1 showing more detail near
the motor assembly.
[0025] FIG. 4 is a perspective cut-away view of the apparatus of
the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 5 is an end view of the vertical partition which
creates the water tight compartment of the apparatus of the present
invention.
[0027] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the outside of the apparatus
of the present invention showing a tripartite plant support member
configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] This invention provides a liquid fractionation system
comprising: a stationary perforated tube having an axis, a length,
and a lower half; a mesh tube in fluid communication with said
stationary tube, wherein said mesh tube is coaxial with said
stationary perforated tube, wherein at least a portion of said mesh
tube surrounds said stationary tube, and wherein said mesh tube has
a larger diameter than said stationary perforated tube; a pump in
fluid communication with said stationary tube; and a motor capable
of rotating said mesh tube thereby generating a centrifugal force;
wherein a liquid delivered into said stationary tube by said pump
drips through perforations in said stationary tube, contacts said
rotating mesh tube, and is ejected outward of said mesh tube in
fractionated droplets by said centrifugal force.
[0029] In an embodiment, the liquid fractionation system axis has a
non-zero horizontal component. In an embodiment, the liquid
fractionation system vertical component of said axis is about zero.
In an embodiment, the liquid fractionation system stationary tube
only has perforations in said lower half of said stationary
perforated tube. In an embodiment, the liquid fractionation system
mesh comprises apertures which comprise between about 20% and about
60% of the surface area of said mesh. In an embodiment, the liquid
fractionation system mesh comprises radially aligned apertures. In
an embodiment, the liquid fractionation system stationary tube and
said mesh tube are cylinders, substantially circular in
cross-section, and concentric. In an embodiment, the liquid
fractionation system mesh tube rotates at periodic intervals. In an
embodiment, the liquid fractionation system pump delivers liquid at
a pressure of about equal to or less than about 20 psi. In an
embodiment, the liquid fractionation system stationary tube
comprises perforations along its entire length. In an embodiment,
the liquid fractionation system fractionated droplets have
diameters between about 50 and about 100 microns. In an embodiment,
the liquid fractionation system further comprises a geometric
chamber for enclosing said stationary tube, mesh tube, pump, and
motor, wherein said fractionated droplets ricochet in random
multiple directions inside of said geometric chamber. In an
embodiment, the liquid fractionation system liquid is recirculated.
In an embodiment, the liquid fractionation system is in a fixed
position while delivering liquid. In an embodiment, the liquid
fractionation system liquid comprises water and nutrients for
growing a plant. In an embodiment, the liquid fractionation system
mesh tube is at least about as long as said stationary tube.
[0030] This invention provides an aeroponics apparatus for growing
a plant comprising: an outer shell forming an enclosed chamber; a
plant support member for covering said enclosed chamber, said plant
support member having at least one plant bearing opening to receive
a plant or a seed, wherein the roots of said plant, or of the plant
which will grow from said seed, are allowed to grow in said
enclosed chamber; a stationary perforated tube having an axis, a
length, and a lower half; a mesh tube in fluid communication with
said stationary tube, wherein said mesh tube is coaxial with said
stationary perforated tube, and wherein said mesh tube has a larger
diameter than said stationary perforated tube; a pump in fluid
communication with said stationary tube; and a motor capable of
rotating said mesh tube thereby generating a centrifugal force;
wherein a liquid in said enclosed chamber is delivered into said
stationary tube by said pump, drips through perforations in said
stationary tube, contacts said rotating mesh tube, is ejected
outward of said mesh tube in fractionated droplets by said
centrifugal force, and contacts said roots. In an embodiment, the
aeroponics apparatus liquid is recirculated. In an embodiment, the
aeroponics apparatus also comprises a timer controller board for
periodically causing said motor to rotate said mesh tube. In an
embodiment, the aeroponics apparatus also comprises a water-tight
chamber for housing said motor.
[0031] This invention provides a method for fractionating a liquid
into droplets, said method comprising: providing said liquid;
providing a stationary perforated tube having an axis, a length,
and a lower half; providing a mesh tube in fluid communication with
said stationary tube, wherein said mesh tube is coaxial with said
stationary perforated tube, and wherein said mesh tube has a larger
diameter than said stationary perforated tube; providing a pump in
fluid communication with said stationary tube and in contact with
said liquid; providing a motor capable of rotating said mesh tube
thereby generating a centrifugal force; pumping said liquid into
said stationary tube; rotating said mesh tube thereby creating a
centrifugal force; allowing said liquid to drip through
perforations in said stationary tube; allowing said dripped liquid
to contact said rotating mesh tube; and ejecting said dripped
liquid in fractionated droplets outward of said mesh tube. In an
embodiment, the method is performed within an enclosed chamber.
[0032] This invention provides a method for delivering liquid to a
plant having at least one root, said method comprising: providing
said plant having at least one root; performing the method of
fractionating liquid into droplets; and allowing said fractionated
droplets to contact said root of said plant.
[0033] This invention provides a method for growing a plant with at
least one root or germinating a seed into a plant with at least one
root, said method comprising: providing an outer shell forming an
enclosed chamber; providing a plant support member for covering
said enclosed chamber, said plant support member having at least
one plant bearing opening to receive a plant or a seed, wherein the
roots of said plant, or of the plant which will grow from said
seed, are allowed to grow in said enclosed chamber; providing said
plant or said seed; performing the method of fractionating liquid
into droplets within said enclosed chamber; and allowing said
fractionated droplets to contact said root of said plant or said
seed; whereby said plant grows or said seed germinates into a
plant.
[0034] This invention provides a method for delivering liquid to a
plant and a method for growing a plant or germinating a seed into a
plant, within an aeroponics apparatus. In an embodiment, the liquid
is water and plant nutrients.
[0035] The present invention provides a completely self-contained
and independent domestic aeroponic apparatus. Please refer to the
accompanying drawings.
[0036] The outer shell circumscribes the apparatus in an
essentially ovoid or slightly hour-glass configuration. The
apparatus forms an enclosed chamber which serves as a root growth
chamber and is sized to easily sit on a countertop or other in-home
location. The geometric configuration of the enclosed root growth
chamber permits fractionated droplets to access all surfaces of the
plant roots. The geometric shape of the enclosed root growth
chamber is such that it allows fractionated droplets of liquid
nutrient to ricochet in random multiple directions thereby
completely surrounding the roots in 360.degree. in any plane. The
apparatus is approximately 22 inches long, 10 inches wide and 7
inches high. In an alternative embodiment, the variable height
plant support member is approximately 3 to 4 inches, so when the
variable height plant support member is in place, the unit will be
approximately 11 inches high. These dimensions are not critical and
are to be interpreted as approximations only. The apparatus is
covered with an escutcheon, which holds plant support member or
members. The outer shell can be made of any moldable, opaque
plastic. It is important that the plastic be opaque, to contribute
to the aesthetic qualities of the apparatus, as well as to prevent
the growth of algae. It is also important that the plastic be
heat-resistant since it is intended that the outer shell can be
placed into an ordinary household dishwasher for cleaning.
[0037] An alternative embodiment includes a variable height plant
support member which can be inserted between the outer shell and
the escutcheon to accommodate the increasing size of the growing
plants. It is expected that this feature will be more fully
described and claimed in a later filed patent application.
[0038] The outer shell 1 forms an enclosed chamber with convexly
curved sides and a flattened bottom as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5. The
flattened bottom allows for stable situation on a flat surface. The
convexly curved sides allow for easy collection of the liquid
nutrient solution for recirculation. The enclosed chamber described
by outer shell 1 contains a lower portion which comprises the
liquid nutrient solution reservoir 3 and a vertical partition 5 at
one end to form water tight compartment 4, which houses motor 9.
Vertical partition 5a supports sealed end 26 of stationary
perforated tube 7 at the end of the enclosed chamber opposite motor
9.
[0039] Turning now to FIG. 2, the outer shell is covered with
escutcheon 23 which holds timer controller board 16 and provides a
manual control 24 for the user to adjust the length of time between
cycles of liquid nutrient solution delivery. FIG. 3 shows
escutcheon 23 is also equipped with liquid nutrient solution feed
tube support 29, which support 29 serves to support the juncture of
the liquid nutrient solution feed tube 14 to stationary perforated
tube 7 and to support the end of stationary perforated tube 7.
Escutcheon 23 also serves to support plant support members 12,
shown in FIGS. 4 and 6. Plant support members 12 can be easily
lifted and opened to permit inspection of the propagating plants.
Plant support members 12 contain a plurality of plant bearing
openings 11 interspersed over its entirety. These are shown in
FIGS. 4 and 6. A plurality of plant support members 12 are provided
to provide for efficient growing and easy inspection of a variety
of plants. As an example, a tripartite configuration of escutcheon
23 is shown in FIG. 6. An alternative embodiment provides for a
single plant support member for growing of a single species
crop.
[0040] FIG. 5 shows vertical partition 5 comprising an aperture 17
which permits the passage of liquid nutrient solution feed tube 14
from pump 8 to stationary perforated tube 7. The relationship of
pump 8 to liquid nutrient solution feed tube 14 is best seen in
FIG. 3. Vertical partition 5 can be molded to form a recessed area
to accommodate the motor 9, as shown in FIG. 3.
[0041] The plant bearing openings 11 are formed as vertical,
tubular plant supporting cylinders having a smooth surface defining
a curved or arcuate relationship with the plant support member 12,
as shown in FIG. 4. This curved surface prevents destruction of
delicate plant roots when the plants are transplanted or removed
from the unit. The rim of the opening bears the weight of the leafy
portion of the plant during propagation, allowing the roots to hang
free to receive liquid nutrient solution.
[0042] The low pressure liquid nutrient solution delivery system is
a novel feature of the present invention. The low pressure liquid
nutrient solution delivery system comprises a rotating cylinder
device which is situated in the upper portion of the root growth
chamber of such an apparatus and supplies nutrient solution to the
roots of the plants at periodic intervals. See FIG. 4. The rotating
cylinder device consists of stationary perforated tube 7 surrounded
by rotating cylindrical mesh tube 6. Perforations 15 in stationary
perforated tube 7 can be seen clearly in FIG. 3. Perforations 15
are sized so as to optimize the flow of liquid nutrient solution
issuing therefrom for capture by the rotating cylindrical mesh tube
6. Perforations 15 are not shown in FIG. 4 to allow clear
illustration of stationary perforated tube 7 and rotating
cylindrical mesh tube 6. In operation, stationary perforated tube 7
receives liquid nutrient solution at one end from feed tube 14,
which is fed by pump 8. FIG. 2 shows that stationary perforated
tube 7 is sealed at end 26. End 26 is the end of stationary
perforated tube 7 which is opposite the end which receives feed
tube 14. Pump 8 is equipped with an intake tube 13, which is fitted
with filter 25 at its orifice. See FIG. 3. A pump suitable for use
in the present invention would be a gravity fed submersible pump
with an output of approximately 20 psi or lower. Other kinds of
pumps can be used, as well, such as siphon pumps or impeller pumps.
A gravity fed submersible pump was chosen for this embodiment
because it was economical to manufacture, and quiet to operate.
[0043] An alternative embodiment comprises the use of an
Archimedes' screw or other mechanical water uptake system such as a
wick arrangement to supply the liquid nutrient solution to the
rotating cylinder device. It is expected that this alternative
embodiment will be described and claimed in a later filed patent
application.
[0044] The liquid nutrient solution drips out of perforations 15 in
stationary perforated tube 7 by gravity onto a rotating cylindrical
mesh tube 6 which is concentric with stationary perforated tube 7.
Stationary perforated tube 7 is coaxial with and inside of rotating
cylindrical mesh tube 6. See FIG. 4. Cylindrical mesh tube 6 is
made of fine mesh material which has appropriately sized apertures
and is made of material which is stiff enough to maintain its
cylindrical form. Many materials are suitable for this purpose as
long as they are not reactive with the liquid nutrient solution or
harmful to the propagating plants. Nylon, fiberglass or other
plastic or metal screen, for example can be used for this purpose.
Rotating cylindrical mesh tube 6 is also supported at both ends and
in the center by bushings 19, 20 and 21. See FIG. 2. Bushing 21
fits inside the end of rotating cylindrical mesh tube and further
comprises protrusion 22, which extends beyond the end of rotating
cylindrical mesh tube 6 to engage pulley 27 for receiving drive
belt 10 of motor 9. Protrusion 22 also accommodates thrust bearing
washer 28 which helps to maintain the integrity of the rotational
motion of rotating cylindrical mesh tube 6 and drive belt 10. This
is seen in FIG. 3. Motor 9 can be any of a variety of motors. It
has been found that a 12 volt motor with a no load speed of
2500-3500 r/min is suitable for application in the present
invention, although any suitable motor can be used. An alternative
embodiment could include a direct drive motor.
[0045] Cylindrical mesh tube 6 rotates at a speed sufficient to
generate enough centrifugal force to cause the liquid nutrient
solution issuing from rotating cylindrical mesh tube 6 to
fractionate into droplets of about 50 to 100 microns in size. The
droplets should be sized so as to permit chemical bonding between
oxygen species and liquid nutrient solution. The fractionated
droplets leave the mesh tube and are ejected outward in all
directions to nourish the plant roots. The excess nutrient solution
simply falls down into the reservoir of nutrient solution for
reuptake by pump 8.
[0046] The operation of the apparatus is controlled by a timer
controller board 16 which comprises an electronic clock to
determine the appropriate timing for turning the motor on and off
and turning the pump on and off. The timer controller board 16 also
comprises an electronic counter for tracking the number of motor
cycles to alert the user when to replenish or change liquid
nutrient solution. Also, in a self-illuminated embodiment, timer
controller board 16 will control turning the lights on and off.
Typically, timer controller board 16 will turn on pump 8 to begin
flow of liquid nutrient solution to stationary perforated tube 7.
The timer controller board 16 will then turn on motor 9 to actuate
drive belt 10 to turn rotating cylindrical mesh tube 6 to deliver
liquid nutrient solution to the roots of the plants. This liquid
nutrient delivery cycle will last for a short duration, typically
about 3 seconds. The interval between liquid nutrient delivery
cycles can be adjusted from a few minutes to about 30 minutes or
longer, according to the needs of the plants being grown. An
exemplary timer controller board will run on 12 volts dc and drive
the motor and the pump. The timer controller board 16 is programmed
to allow for the pump to begin pumping a pre-determined time before
the motor is turned on. Other timing mechanism could also be
utilized in the apparatus of the present invention. Such mechanisms
could include a water clock, for example A suitable location for
the placement of the apparatus is one having adequate light and
appropriate temperature for the plants to be grown. After finding a
suitable location for the apparatus, the user will mix the liquid
nutrient solution according to directions suitable for the plants
to be grown. Then the user will pour liquid nutrient solution into
liquid nutrient solution reservoir 3. The user will then insert
plant cuttings or a seed into a seed holder such as a fibrous
fabric envelope or fibrous plug, for example, and then insert the
seed holder containing the seed into the plant bearing openings 11.
It is important that the seed holder be comprised of material which
enables air to circulate around the seed, as well as make the seed
surface available for liquid nutrient solution uptake. The user
will then turn the unit on, and the plants will grow.
[0047] While the present invention has been described with respect
to specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the specific
embodiments recited herein are exemplary in nature and the
invention is not to be limited thereto. Various modifications and
substitutions will be obvious to the skilled artisan and such
modifications and substitutions are considered to fall within the
spirit and scope of the present invention. The scope of the
following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so
as to encompass all such modifications and substitutions of
equivalent structures and functions.
* * * * *