CA1122803A - Automatic feeding hydroponics unit and system - Google Patents
Automatic feeding hydroponics unit and systemInfo
- Publication number
- CA1122803A CA1122803A CA245,263A CA245263A CA1122803A CA 1122803 A CA1122803 A CA 1122803A CA 245263 A CA245263 A CA 245263A CA 1122803 A CA1122803 A CA 1122803A
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Abstract
TITLE
AN AUTOMATIC FEEDING HYDROPONICS UNIT AND SYSTEM
INVENTOR
LUIS J. DA VITORIA LOBO
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
Gas-fed feeding techniques which may be automated are disclosed for bottom fed - bottom drained growing systems. The feeding is done by dis-placing the nutrient by moving a surface or by introducing pressurised gas into a space that was formerly occupied by the nutrient. A means of passively and/or actively segregating the components of the growing medium by dividers, with regard to function and/or reuse, is also disclosed. A
means of permitting light, to enhance the germination and/or growth of certain seed or plants, is also disclosed. A means of draining off, or adding nutrient to the unit without disturbing the plant, is also disclosed.
A means of attaching artificial lights or plant growing aids or a nutrient level indicator to the unit is also disclosed. A means of providing additional plant support via the roots is also disclosed.
The automation of feeding by control of inflation by means of time, humidity, pressure and/or height of nutrient is the unit is also disclosed.
The flexible use of modules for germination, growth and feeding is also disclosed. The proper use of one or more of these inventions may lead to flexibility and better use of space and equipment.
AN AUTOMATIC FEEDING HYDROPONICS UNIT AND SYSTEM
INVENTOR
LUIS J. DA VITORIA LOBO
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
Gas-fed feeding techniques which may be automated are disclosed for bottom fed - bottom drained growing systems. The feeding is done by dis-placing the nutrient by moving a surface or by introducing pressurised gas into a space that was formerly occupied by the nutrient. A means of passively and/or actively segregating the components of the growing medium by dividers, with regard to function and/or reuse, is also disclosed. A
means of permitting light, to enhance the germination and/or growth of certain seed or plants, is also disclosed. A means of draining off, or adding nutrient to the unit without disturbing the plant, is also disclosed.
A means of attaching artificial lights or plant growing aids or a nutrient level indicator to the unit is also disclosed. A means of providing additional plant support via the roots is also disclosed.
The automation of feeding by control of inflation by means of time, humidity, pressure and/or height of nutrient is the unit is also disclosed.
The flexible use of modules for germination, growth and feeding is also disclosed. The proper use of one or more of these inventions may lead to flexibility and better use of space and equipment.
Description
~3 Specification This invention relates to the areas of hydroponics and automatic nutrient feeding, and in particular, to devices which may be automatically gas-fed, and to improved media for growth and germination of some seed.
Previously developed hydroponic devices with automatic feeding have used techniques of top feeding the nutrient solution and bottom draining, or bottom feeding and draining. These techniques make it difficult to simultaneously feed units placed at different heights above ground. The growing medium is usually light porous material, like e~panded mica, to hold water, or heavier granular opaque non-porous siliceous material to hold the 10 plant, or a mixture of the two. Mi~es of the porous and the heavier material provide the combination of moisture to the roots and support to the plant.
However, on repeated feeding, the lighter porous material tends to rise to the top, and this results in the exact opposite of the optimum functional arrangements; the plant needs support at the top of the growing medium and moisture below. The resulting segregation may lead to damping off, or loss of stance, and may need more frequent feeding. Also the inefficient use of materials with respect to their functions, has an undesirable effect on at least the weight of the unit. Certain algae and such life tend to grow in the nutrient which are difficult to remove without disturbing the growing 20 plant. Some types of seed need light to germinate and the use of opaque materials in the growing medium~ that reduce the light reaching the seed, reduces the success of germination in these seed.
Therefore it is an object of the subject invention to introduce pressurised gas as a means of nutrient feeding to allow positioning of growing units at different levels and feeding from a single pump, to im-prove the positioning and use of material in most growing media with regard to function, to provide a means of accessing and servicing some of the components of the unit, to improve the germination and growth, and/or to optimize the use of equipment.
~$
, By introducing pressurised gas into a space that is occupied by the nutrient solution, so as to displace the solution into the upper regions of a container, where the growing medium is contained, I have allowed the feeding of nutrient. Two general principles are employed. The first technique involves the separation of gas and nutrient by the natural forces (surface tension, gravity) that tend to segregate them. However, this technique introduces problems arising from the gas-nutrient interface, with splash-back and moist gas, which may be deleterious to the pressurised gas source and cause unnecessary evaporation, increasing the surrounding humidity, and increasing the necessary frequency of water replenishment in the nutrient. These problems may be serious in the long term. However, the second technique tends to minimise the gas-nutrient interface problems.
By inflating a container whose expansion displaces the nutrient solu-tion into the growing medium I have isolated the nutrient from the gas, and reduced the problems associated with the gas-nutrient interface. Deflation returns the solution to its prior abode. A means of allowing the inflating fluid to flow essentially in one direction, into the inflatable container, further reduces such problems. If the top portion of the inflatable container is flexible, the collapse of this surface during deflation further reduces such problems, partially protecting the system against accidental rupture of the inflatable container.
I have improved the functional arrangement of the components of the growing medium and the nutrient solution by separating them by dividers which allow the solution to cross them but prevent some or all of the solid material from doing so. However, the finer roots and other growing parts, and some finer material may cross them and extend from one region to another. This technique may be used to maintain the bulk of the heavier (plant supporting) medium above the porous light (nutrient retaining) material for effective functional distribution of the componen~s of the 30 growing medium. This technique may also be used with proper reinforcement and support to maintain the growing medium above the resting nutrient, pro-_ 2 _ ~)3 viding effective drainage in the process, and often elimina~ing the needfor a special drainage medium and zone. For many plants, the layer of the growing medium whicll mainly supports the plant and maintains its stance is not very deep, and consequently this invention permits the use of relatively little heavy plant supporting medium, and reduces the dead weight of the unit. Of~en it also eliminates the need for the drainage zone, reducing the total height of the unit, and reducing the pressure requirements of the inflating system. The use of one or more fine screens in the growing medium maybe used to give the plant additional underground support by holding the plant root system.
The immediately preceeding invention is suitable for plants with fib-rous roots. If, however, the plant has bulbous roots, or bulbous under-ground stems, the growth of the bulb may be difficult without in~ury to the divider that separates the heavy and porous material, or the bulb or both.
A compromise is reached by using heavy medium with small size and light porous material with larger size. Mixing is permitted, and a system of dividers may be introduced which allows the separation of the two media during feeding, so that they may be reused.
By attaching and/or properly supporting a suitably reinforced divider 20 that is located below the growing medium (which may or may not include the drainage medium if there is one) by a means which is detachable from the resting nutrient solution container, I have facilitated the access to, cleaning and servicing of some of the components of the unit 9 without sub-stantially disturbing the plant and growing medium. Similar dividers allow other components to be similarly accessed and serviced.
Some types of seed need some portion of the light spectrum to germinate.
I have, for use with these seed, replaced the opaque heavier material with transparent or translucent, coloured or colourless material, to improve -their germination.
Also it is sometimes desirable to drain off the nutrient fluid. I
have facilitated this by providing a siphon, or drainage means at the bottom of the unit.
~ 3 ~
Provision for artificial lighting is also made by means of holders attached to the unit in which rods may be held upright. The lighting fixtures may be attached to these by some movable means. These rods may also be used to secure dev;ces that guide the plants' growth.
Another feature of the invention is the use of modular units, which provide flexibility in germination and growth. Seeds may be germinated in small sub-units under the proper conditions, and these sub-un;ts may be subsequently incorporated very simply into larger units without trans-planting. Also, the larger units may be easily added to, or removed from the feeding unit. This permits flexibility and continuity for optimum use of the equipment.
In drawings which illustrate embodiments of the present invention, -Figure 1. is a sectional view of a simple unit with some of the features of the present invention.
Figure 2. is a sectional view of another embodiment with some of the features of the present invention.
Figure 3. is a sectional view of s~ill another embodiment showing some of the features of the present invention.
Figure 4. is a sectional view of an embodiment of one system of modular sub-units that does not exclude other arrangements.
In Figure 1 a bag 1 which is inflatable, by pumping air or some suitable gaseous fluid through the tube 7, by human means or by a suitably controlled pressurized gas supply or by a suitably controlled pump or by some such means, displaces the nutrient solution 2 pushing the solution into the upper regions of the container 8. Bag 1 may be perforated above the level of the nutrient, to allow the inflation to subside after feeding or watering is completed, or Bag 1 may be imperforated and air tight, and deflation is allowed to proceed by exposing the entrance to tube 7 to atmospheric pressure. Item 3 is a per-forated sheet or gauze with perforations of such size that fibrous roots, 10 fine growing medium material and nutrient solution may cross it. However, the bulk of heavy light permitting material 6, and the bulk of light porous material 5, are prevented from crossing this region 3 and mixing with each other. In this figure, material 6 is not opaque to light. Because material 6 is of higher density than material 5, if this divider 3 were not present, repeated feeding and disturbance would tend to make material 6 move do~m and material 5 would move upward, upsetting the functional arrangement:
the heavier granular material 6 provides support for the plant and prevents water-logging, while the porous light material 5 retains moisture from the feeding and gives it to the roots of the plant as they may need it. Divider 20 4 similarly separates materials 5 and 11. Material 11 may be even lighter than material 5, and is mainly used to provide drainage. Divider 10 separates material 11 from the nutrient 2, and also provides support for the growing medium 5 and 6 and drainage medium 11. A container 9 which is open at the bottom and top provides a means of transferring the weight of the growing medium to the container 8, and allows the movement of nutrient
Previously developed hydroponic devices with automatic feeding have used techniques of top feeding the nutrient solution and bottom draining, or bottom feeding and draining. These techniques make it difficult to simultaneously feed units placed at different heights above ground. The growing medium is usually light porous material, like e~panded mica, to hold water, or heavier granular opaque non-porous siliceous material to hold the 10 plant, or a mixture of the two. Mi~es of the porous and the heavier material provide the combination of moisture to the roots and support to the plant.
However, on repeated feeding, the lighter porous material tends to rise to the top, and this results in the exact opposite of the optimum functional arrangements; the plant needs support at the top of the growing medium and moisture below. The resulting segregation may lead to damping off, or loss of stance, and may need more frequent feeding. Also the inefficient use of materials with respect to their functions, has an undesirable effect on at least the weight of the unit. Certain algae and such life tend to grow in the nutrient which are difficult to remove without disturbing the growing 20 plant. Some types of seed need light to germinate and the use of opaque materials in the growing medium~ that reduce the light reaching the seed, reduces the success of germination in these seed.
Therefore it is an object of the subject invention to introduce pressurised gas as a means of nutrient feeding to allow positioning of growing units at different levels and feeding from a single pump, to im-prove the positioning and use of material in most growing media with regard to function, to provide a means of accessing and servicing some of the components of the unit, to improve the germination and growth, and/or to optimize the use of equipment.
~$
, By introducing pressurised gas into a space that is occupied by the nutrient solution, so as to displace the solution into the upper regions of a container, where the growing medium is contained, I have allowed the feeding of nutrient. Two general principles are employed. The first technique involves the separation of gas and nutrient by the natural forces (surface tension, gravity) that tend to segregate them. However, this technique introduces problems arising from the gas-nutrient interface, with splash-back and moist gas, which may be deleterious to the pressurised gas source and cause unnecessary evaporation, increasing the surrounding humidity, and increasing the necessary frequency of water replenishment in the nutrient. These problems may be serious in the long term. However, the second technique tends to minimise the gas-nutrient interface problems.
By inflating a container whose expansion displaces the nutrient solu-tion into the growing medium I have isolated the nutrient from the gas, and reduced the problems associated with the gas-nutrient interface. Deflation returns the solution to its prior abode. A means of allowing the inflating fluid to flow essentially in one direction, into the inflatable container, further reduces such problems. If the top portion of the inflatable container is flexible, the collapse of this surface during deflation further reduces such problems, partially protecting the system against accidental rupture of the inflatable container.
I have improved the functional arrangement of the components of the growing medium and the nutrient solution by separating them by dividers which allow the solution to cross them but prevent some or all of the solid material from doing so. However, the finer roots and other growing parts, and some finer material may cross them and extend from one region to another. This technique may be used to maintain the bulk of the heavier (plant supporting) medium above the porous light (nutrient retaining) material for effective functional distribution of the componen~s of the 30 growing medium. This technique may also be used with proper reinforcement and support to maintain the growing medium above the resting nutrient, pro-_ 2 _ ~)3 viding effective drainage in the process, and often elimina~ing the needfor a special drainage medium and zone. For many plants, the layer of the growing medium whicll mainly supports the plant and maintains its stance is not very deep, and consequently this invention permits the use of relatively little heavy plant supporting medium, and reduces the dead weight of the unit. Of~en it also eliminates the need for the drainage zone, reducing the total height of the unit, and reducing the pressure requirements of the inflating system. The use of one or more fine screens in the growing medium maybe used to give the plant additional underground support by holding the plant root system.
The immediately preceeding invention is suitable for plants with fib-rous roots. If, however, the plant has bulbous roots, or bulbous under-ground stems, the growth of the bulb may be difficult without in~ury to the divider that separates the heavy and porous material, or the bulb or both.
A compromise is reached by using heavy medium with small size and light porous material with larger size. Mixing is permitted, and a system of dividers may be introduced which allows the separation of the two media during feeding, so that they may be reused.
By attaching and/or properly supporting a suitably reinforced divider 20 that is located below the growing medium (which may or may not include the drainage medium if there is one) by a means which is detachable from the resting nutrient solution container, I have facilitated the access to, cleaning and servicing of some of the components of the unit 9 without sub-stantially disturbing the plant and growing medium. Similar dividers allow other components to be similarly accessed and serviced.
Some types of seed need some portion of the light spectrum to germinate.
I have, for use with these seed, replaced the opaque heavier material with transparent or translucent, coloured or colourless material, to improve -their germination.
Also it is sometimes desirable to drain off the nutrient fluid. I
have facilitated this by providing a siphon, or drainage means at the bottom of the unit.
~ 3 ~
Provision for artificial lighting is also made by means of holders attached to the unit in which rods may be held upright. The lighting fixtures may be attached to these by some movable means. These rods may also be used to secure dev;ces that guide the plants' growth.
Another feature of the invention is the use of modular units, which provide flexibility in germination and growth. Seeds may be germinated in small sub-units under the proper conditions, and these sub-un;ts may be subsequently incorporated very simply into larger units without trans-planting. Also, the larger units may be easily added to, or removed from the feeding unit. This permits flexibility and continuity for optimum use of the equipment.
In drawings which illustrate embodiments of the present invention, -Figure 1. is a sectional view of a simple unit with some of the features of the present invention.
Figure 2. is a sectional view of another embodiment with some of the features of the present invention.
Figure 3. is a sectional view of s~ill another embodiment showing some of the features of the present invention.
Figure 4. is a sectional view of an embodiment of one system of modular sub-units that does not exclude other arrangements.
In Figure 1 a bag 1 which is inflatable, by pumping air or some suitable gaseous fluid through the tube 7, by human means or by a suitably controlled pressurized gas supply or by a suitably controlled pump or by some such means, displaces the nutrient solution 2 pushing the solution into the upper regions of the container 8. Bag 1 may be perforated above the level of the nutrient, to allow the inflation to subside after feeding or watering is completed, or Bag 1 may be imperforated and air tight, and deflation is allowed to proceed by exposing the entrance to tube 7 to atmospheric pressure. Item 3 is a per-forated sheet or gauze with perforations of such size that fibrous roots, 10 fine growing medium material and nutrient solution may cross it. However, the bulk of heavy light permitting material 6, and the bulk of light porous material 5, are prevented from crossing this region 3 and mixing with each other. In this figure, material 6 is not opaque to light. Because material 6 is of higher density than material 5, if this divider 3 were not present, repeated feeding and disturbance would tend to make material 6 move do~m and material 5 would move upward, upsetting the functional arrangement:
the heavier granular material 6 provides support for the plant and prevents water-logging, while the porous light material 5 retains moisture from the feeding and gives it to the roots of the plant as they may need it. Divider 20 4 similarly separates materials 5 and 11. Material 11 may be even lighter than material 5, and is mainly used to provide drainage. Divider 10 separates material 11 from the nutrient 2, and also provides support for the growing medium 5 and 6 and drainage medium 11. A container 9 which is open at the bottom and top provides a means of transferring the weight of the growing medium to the container 8, and allows the movement of nutrient
2. Item 2S will accept a rod to which a lighting fixture and/or other accessories are attached. The rod may be secured by tightening screw 27.
The way in which the lighting fixture or accessory is attached to the rod is such that it can be moved up or down the rod, and/or secured. There 30 may be more than one of the items 26 and 27 depending on design. Tap 28 allows drainage of the nutrient from the container 8 without disturbing the growing medium.
~ .
- . . . . ~- ., ~
In Figure 2 membrane 1 displaces the nutrient 2 when an inflating fluid is introduced through inlet 7 between membrane 1 and the inner walls of the container 2. Container 3 is perforated and contains opaque heavy material 14, that replaces material 6 in Figure 1. Handles 12 are attached to container 3 to facilitate removal and replacement of this component of the unit. Con-tainer 4 replaces divider 10 and contalner 9 in Figure 1. There is no drainage medium, since material 5 which is light and porous performs this function along with the function of retaining moisture. Handles 13 are attached to container 4 to facilitate handling of this component. The lo pressure of container 4 against container 8 via the membrane 1 at the lip of container 8 effectively seals the space between membrane 1 and container 8, or the contours of the lips of containers 4 and/or 8 may be such as to allow some leakage for deflation. Containers 3 and/or 4 may be rigid or flexible.
In Figure 3, nutrient 2 is displaced by inflating the space between membranes 1 and 20, via the inlet 7 which has a one-way valve attached to it. This valve 21 or similar device allows the rate of flow into the space between membranes 1 and 20 to be greater than the rate of flow from this space back through inlet 7. In case membrane 1 i9 accidentally rup-20 tured, the collapse of membrane 1 against the opening of inlet 7 tends toprevent leakage of the nutrient fluid. In addition, device 21 further pro-tects against unwanted nu~rient leakage, until the rupture is fixed or membrane replaced. Membranes 1 and/or 20 may be self reinforced to with-stand the weight of nutrient and the pressure of inflation. Membrane 20 is externally reinforced by a perforated vessel 19. Vessel 19 may be per-forated to allow easy access of inlet 7 to membrane 20, and/or to reduce the weight of the unit, and/or sometimes to provide flexibility of the shape of the unit. Container 4 is similar to, and performs essentially the same functions as container 4 in Figure 2. However, there is an 30 opening 22 at the top of container 4, which permits the addition of nutrient or water into the Ullit, and also allows the introduction of a ~ube into the nutrient space to siphon out the nutrient. One par~ of the invention .~
.
-shown here i5 the use of germination modules 16, 17 and 18. Module 16 contains opaque material 14, module 17 contains colourless non-opaque material 6, and module 18 contains suitably coloured non-opaque material 15. Three modules are depicted here, but this does not necessarily limit the number of modules used, or their contents. These modules may be rigid, or flexible by using netting for their construction. These germination modules allow the seed to be germinated separately, under suitable condi-tions and germination medium, and transferred to the urit in the same module without substantially disturbing the new plant. Conventional 10 transplanting is not necessary.
In Figure 4, the inflating fluid inlet 7 has a spring loaded valve which stays shut when no pressure is used. During inflation, the pressure differential across the valve maintains it open. Components 28 are used to attach handles to container 8, which is used as a feeding tank for three growing units A, B and C.
Though this configuration was chosen for Figure 4, it by no means implies that other configurations are not possible or included. These units may be removed, replaced and rearranged as desired. Units A and B
are similar to units previously discussed. Unit C is specially adapted to 20 growing plants with bulbous roots or underground bulbous stems. However, Unit C may also be used to grow plants with other underground parts.
Unit C has an outer perforated container 29 which allows the nutrient to move in and out, but does not permit the heavier growing medium 31 to escape, by virtue of the size of its perforations. Container 30 is also perforated, but its perforation is such as to allow medium 31 to escape, but does not allow the lighter porous medium 32 to escape. Medium 31 is of finer size than medium 32. Container 30 is deep enough to contain the majority of the root and/or stem. This configuration or similar devices are operated as follows: The medium 32 is first made to fill the majority 300f the container 30. On top of this material 32 is placed material 31.
As repeated feeding i9 done, the heavier material 31 tends to move to the bottom~ It is then automatically dynamically separated from material 32 ` - 7 -~ 33 by the screenin3 action of container 30, and collects in container 29.
This screened material 31 may be reused to add to the top of layer 31.
This unit allows material in the growing medium to perform its function, be reused, and has no part that may seriously injure the underground part of the plant, or itself be injured. The units A, B and C are supported on a support 25. A siphon 23 allows the nutrient to be drained. Other numbered items in this figure perform similar functions to -items of the same numbers in Figures 1, 2 and 3.
2;~03 .
In the Claims, nutrient liquid includes an aqueous solution or suspension of nutrient salts, or both.
Automatic control of the feeding process may be achieved by con-trolling the inflation and/or deflation. The inflating fluid may be delivered from a pressurised store and/or from a pump. The controlling means may be activated by time, humidity or pressure in the inflated region and/or height of ,luid in the unit. The inflation may also be humanly controlled, or humanly done.
The hydroponic devices to which this invention relates encompass a wide range of possible sizes. This invention applies to small units and to large scale applications. Large scale applications include but ~-are not limited to automated lawn feeding, playground feeding etc., ~
!~
besides the usual applications of vegetable, fruit and flower cultivat;on.
Thus this invention encompasses a wide range of possible devices, arrangements, materials and means, and includes, but is not limited to the spec;fic descriptions employed here to describe the invention.
SUPPLEMENTARY DISCLOSURE
In additional drawings which illustrate embodiments of the present invention, Figure 5. is a sectional view of ano~her simple unit showing another means by which gas pumping may be used for nutrient feeding.
Figure 6. is a sectional view of another embodiment showing some of the features of the present invent;on.
Figure 7. is a sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention showing some features.
In figure 5, a means of displacing the nutrient solution 2 by pumping gas into a space previously occupied by the nutrient solutions, is shown.
The gas is pumped through tube 7 into the space in container 33. Container 33 has an open bottom and a closed top. The pressurised gas is trapped at the top of this container and displaces the nutrient solution 2 out under the container 33 into the growing medium which is a mixture of heavier material 14 and light, water-holding material 5. The segregation of material 14 to the bottom is shown. Also shown is a screen 39 whose main function here, is to tangle with the plants' rooting system and give the plant additional underground support. The screen may or may not have a rigid border. One screen is shown, but this does not exclude the use of multiple screens. These screens may be used to perform the dual function of divider and underground support. Other numbered items perform essen-tially the same functions as items with the same numbers in previous figures.
This embodiment of the invention can assume a variety of arrangements: Inner container 4 can be fabricated of flexible, perforated sheet that drapes over chamber 33 and extends upwardly along the inner walls of container 8, or inner conta;ner 4 could be integrated into containers 8 and 33 by defining container 4 as being formed by the inner walls and a portion of the bottom of container 8 and the outer side walls an~ the top surface of container 33.
In these arrangements, the lower portion of the growing media 5 and 14 may be immersed within the nutrient liquid 2 so that the media would remain moist by capillary action. Furthermore, container 33 may be attached to container 8 to prevent bouyancy forces generated during the intrGduction of pressurised gas into container 33 from lifting it off the bottom of contain~
er 8. Other fabrication possibilities also arise: container 33 and the walls of container 8 may be formed as one piece7 and the bottom of container 8 - .~* ..
. /0 would subsequently be at~ached by a water-tight seal, or two parallel walls of container 8 and the two corresponding parallel walls of container 33 and the bottom of container 8 and the top of container 33 might be formed by an extrusion or similar process and two side plates would subsequently be attached to the two ends so as to complete the remaining walls of containers 8 and 33. Such a fabrication procedure could also incorporate a slit along the bottom of one of the parallel side walls of container 33 to permit fluid communication between containers 8 and 33, or such a slit and a connection for tube 7 could be added in a subsequent operation, or containers 4 and 33 could be attached and formed in one piece.
In Figure 6, tube 7 enters the unit and is coiled at the bottom of container 8 in region 34. The tube is open at both ends, but is essen-tially intact at other points. The end near 7 is connected to a pressurised gas supply or pump. When the pressurised gas is allowed into the tube, it pushes nutrient solution out of the lower regions of the tube through the submerged open end of the tube, into the growing medium. The coiled tube 34 may or may not be used to support container 29. In this figure, a unit which may be used to grow plants with fibrous roots and/or bulbous underground parts is shown. Its operation is similar to that of Unit C
in Figure 4. Other numbered items perform essentially the same functions as items with the same numbers in previous figures.
In Figure 7, the pressurised gas is introduced through inlet 7 which forces the nutrient 2 through the tubes 41 into the growing medium. The tubes 41 may be an integral part of container 40 which contains the grow-ing medium, and the tubes may be of large enough diameter to allow some of the growing medium to descend into the nutrient. This allows capillary action to raise the nutrient into the growing medium, providing moisture to the roots, between feedings. Device 42 may be a seal which essentially allows the space between the containers above the nutrient, to be pressurised.
It may be of the snap-on type. In this embodiment of the invention, an intermediate container is incorporated into the designs of the outer container 8 and the inner container 40 by defining the intermediate container as being formed by the inside walls of container 8 and the outside walls and bottom surfaces of container 40 and a portion of the supporting lip extending from container 40 to container 8. This definition applies to other arrangements of this embodiment, some of which are described ;n the next paragraph. Screen 39 is employed mainly for plant support via the roots. Divider 3 may be supported by container 40 as shown in this Figure~ rather than on the porous medium 5. This reduces the compressive forces on medium 5, which may tend to lose porosity under com-pression. Other numbered items perform essentially the same functions as items with the same numbers in previous figures.
The diagram in Figure 7 serves to expla;n the principle of this facet of the invention. However, containers 8 and 40 may be fabricated as one piece, without device 42. It is also possible to fabricate container 40 ,, .:':
and the walls of container 8 in one piece, and then attach a bottom for container 8 in a subsequent operation, so that the joint between the bottom and walls of container 8 is watertight. If inlet 7 is omitted or blocked, and the walls of container 8 are semi-flexible, the nutrient solution can be fed into the growing medium by simply squeezing the walls of container 8. On releasing the squeeze, excess nutrient solution returns to the bottom of container 8. If a hollow pipe extends downwards from the lip of container 40 to a level close to the bottom of tubes 41, a nutrient level indicator can be inserted into the unit. If the end of this pipe is located above the bottom of tubes 41, it also serves as a gas escape device, and prevents gas from bubbling through the growing medium, in case control of pressurisation is lost.
All the comments made about the invention in the four paragraphs preceeding the Supplementary Disclosure are equally applicable to the Supplementary Disclosure.
_ ;~ _ 1~
The way in which the lighting fixture or accessory is attached to the rod is such that it can be moved up or down the rod, and/or secured. There 30 may be more than one of the items 26 and 27 depending on design. Tap 28 allows drainage of the nutrient from the container 8 without disturbing the growing medium.
~ .
- . . . . ~- ., ~
In Figure 2 membrane 1 displaces the nutrient 2 when an inflating fluid is introduced through inlet 7 between membrane 1 and the inner walls of the container 2. Container 3 is perforated and contains opaque heavy material 14, that replaces material 6 in Figure 1. Handles 12 are attached to container 3 to facilitate removal and replacement of this component of the unit. Con-tainer 4 replaces divider 10 and contalner 9 in Figure 1. There is no drainage medium, since material 5 which is light and porous performs this function along with the function of retaining moisture. Handles 13 are attached to container 4 to facilitate handling of this component. The lo pressure of container 4 against container 8 via the membrane 1 at the lip of container 8 effectively seals the space between membrane 1 and container 8, or the contours of the lips of containers 4 and/or 8 may be such as to allow some leakage for deflation. Containers 3 and/or 4 may be rigid or flexible.
In Figure 3, nutrient 2 is displaced by inflating the space between membranes 1 and 20, via the inlet 7 which has a one-way valve attached to it. This valve 21 or similar device allows the rate of flow into the space between membranes 1 and 20 to be greater than the rate of flow from this space back through inlet 7. In case membrane 1 i9 accidentally rup-20 tured, the collapse of membrane 1 against the opening of inlet 7 tends toprevent leakage of the nutrient fluid. In addition, device 21 further pro-tects against unwanted nu~rient leakage, until the rupture is fixed or membrane replaced. Membranes 1 and/or 20 may be self reinforced to with-stand the weight of nutrient and the pressure of inflation. Membrane 20 is externally reinforced by a perforated vessel 19. Vessel 19 may be per-forated to allow easy access of inlet 7 to membrane 20, and/or to reduce the weight of the unit, and/or sometimes to provide flexibility of the shape of the unit. Container 4 is similar to, and performs essentially the same functions as container 4 in Figure 2. However, there is an 30 opening 22 at the top of container 4, which permits the addition of nutrient or water into the Ullit, and also allows the introduction of a ~ube into the nutrient space to siphon out the nutrient. One par~ of the invention .~
.
-shown here i5 the use of germination modules 16, 17 and 18. Module 16 contains opaque material 14, module 17 contains colourless non-opaque material 6, and module 18 contains suitably coloured non-opaque material 15. Three modules are depicted here, but this does not necessarily limit the number of modules used, or their contents. These modules may be rigid, or flexible by using netting for their construction. These germination modules allow the seed to be germinated separately, under suitable condi-tions and germination medium, and transferred to the urit in the same module without substantially disturbing the new plant. Conventional 10 transplanting is not necessary.
In Figure 4, the inflating fluid inlet 7 has a spring loaded valve which stays shut when no pressure is used. During inflation, the pressure differential across the valve maintains it open. Components 28 are used to attach handles to container 8, which is used as a feeding tank for three growing units A, B and C.
Though this configuration was chosen for Figure 4, it by no means implies that other configurations are not possible or included. These units may be removed, replaced and rearranged as desired. Units A and B
are similar to units previously discussed. Unit C is specially adapted to 20 growing plants with bulbous roots or underground bulbous stems. However, Unit C may also be used to grow plants with other underground parts.
Unit C has an outer perforated container 29 which allows the nutrient to move in and out, but does not permit the heavier growing medium 31 to escape, by virtue of the size of its perforations. Container 30 is also perforated, but its perforation is such as to allow medium 31 to escape, but does not allow the lighter porous medium 32 to escape. Medium 31 is of finer size than medium 32. Container 30 is deep enough to contain the majority of the root and/or stem. This configuration or similar devices are operated as follows: The medium 32 is first made to fill the majority 300f the container 30. On top of this material 32 is placed material 31.
As repeated feeding i9 done, the heavier material 31 tends to move to the bottom~ It is then automatically dynamically separated from material 32 ` - 7 -~ 33 by the screenin3 action of container 30, and collects in container 29.
This screened material 31 may be reused to add to the top of layer 31.
This unit allows material in the growing medium to perform its function, be reused, and has no part that may seriously injure the underground part of the plant, or itself be injured. The units A, B and C are supported on a support 25. A siphon 23 allows the nutrient to be drained. Other numbered items in this figure perform similar functions to -items of the same numbers in Figures 1, 2 and 3.
2;~03 .
In the Claims, nutrient liquid includes an aqueous solution or suspension of nutrient salts, or both.
Automatic control of the feeding process may be achieved by con-trolling the inflation and/or deflation. The inflating fluid may be delivered from a pressurised store and/or from a pump. The controlling means may be activated by time, humidity or pressure in the inflated region and/or height of ,luid in the unit. The inflation may also be humanly controlled, or humanly done.
The hydroponic devices to which this invention relates encompass a wide range of possible sizes. This invention applies to small units and to large scale applications. Large scale applications include but ~-are not limited to automated lawn feeding, playground feeding etc., ~
!~
besides the usual applications of vegetable, fruit and flower cultivat;on.
Thus this invention encompasses a wide range of possible devices, arrangements, materials and means, and includes, but is not limited to the spec;fic descriptions employed here to describe the invention.
SUPPLEMENTARY DISCLOSURE
In additional drawings which illustrate embodiments of the present invention, Figure 5. is a sectional view of ano~her simple unit showing another means by which gas pumping may be used for nutrient feeding.
Figure 6. is a sectional view of another embodiment showing some of the features of the present invent;on.
Figure 7. is a sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention showing some features.
In figure 5, a means of displacing the nutrient solution 2 by pumping gas into a space previously occupied by the nutrient solutions, is shown.
The gas is pumped through tube 7 into the space in container 33. Container 33 has an open bottom and a closed top. The pressurised gas is trapped at the top of this container and displaces the nutrient solution 2 out under the container 33 into the growing medium which is a mixture of heavier material 14 and light, water-holding material 5. The segregation of material 14 to the bottom is shown. Also shown is a screen 39 whose main function here, is to tangle with the plants' rooting system and give the plant additional underground support. The screen may or may not have a rigid border. One screen is shown, but this does not exclude the use of multiple screens. These screens may be used to perform the dual function of divider and underground support. Other numbered items perform essen-tially the same functions as items with the same numbers in previous figures.
This embodiment of the invention can assume a variety of arrangements: Inner container 4 can be fabricated of flexible, perforated sheet that drapes over chamber 33 and extends upwardly along the inner walls of container 8, or inner conta;ner 4 could be integrated into containers 8 and 33 by defining container 4 as being formed by the inner walls and a portion of the bottom of container 8 and the outer side walls an~ the top surface of container 33.
In these arrangements, the lower portion of the growing media 5 and 14 may be immersed within the nutrient liquid 2 so that the media would remain moist by capillary action. Furthermore, container 33 may be attached to container 8 to prevent bouyancy forces generated during the intrGduction of pressurised gas into container 33 from lifting it off the bottom of contain~
er 8. Other fabrication possibilities also arise: container 33 and the walls of container 8 may be formed as one piece7 and the bottom of container 8 - .~* ..
. /0 would subsequently be at~ached by a water-tight seal, or two parallel walls of container 8 and the two corresponding parallel walls of container 33 and the bottom of container 8 and the top of container 33 might be formed by an extrusion or similar process and two side plates would subsequently be attached to the two ends so as to complete the remaining walls of containers 8 and 33. Such a fabrication procedure could also incorporate a slit along the bottom of one of the parallel side walls of container 33 to permit fluid communication between containers 8 and 33, or such a slit and a connection for tube 7 could be added in a subsequent operation, or containers 4 and 33 could be attached and formed in one piece.
In Figure 6, tube 7 enters the unit and is coiled at the bottom of container 8 in region 34. The tube is open at both ends, but is essen-tially intact at other points. The end near 7 is connected to a pressurised gas supply or pump. When the pressurised gas is allowed into the tube, it pushes nutrient solution out of the lower regions of the tube through the submerged open end of the tube, into the growing medium. The coiled tube 34 may or may not be used to support container 29. In this figure, a unit which may be used to grow plants with fibrous roots and/or bulbous underground parts is shown. Its operation is similar to that of Unit C
in Figure 4. Other numbered items perform essentially the same functions as items with the same numbers in previous figures.
In Figure 7, the pressurised gas is introduced through inlet 7 which forces the nutrient 2 through the tubes 41 into the growing medium. The tubes 41 may be an integral part of container 40 which contains the grow-ing medium, and the tubes may be of large enough diameter to allow some of the growing medium to descend into the nutrient. This allows capillary action to raise the nutrient into the growing medium, providing moisture to the roots, between feedings. Device 42 may be a seal which essentially allows the space between the containers above the nutrient, to be pressurised.
It may be of the snap-on type. In this embodiment of the invention, an intermediate container is incorporated into the designs of the outer container 8 and the inner container 40 by defining the intermediate container as being formed by the inside walls of container 8 and the outside walls and bottom surfaces of container 40 and a portion of the supporting lip extending from container 40 to container 8. This definition applies to other arrangements of this embodiment, some of which are described ;n the next paragraph. Screen 39 is employed mainly for plant support via the roots. Divider 3 may be supported by container 40 as shown in this Figure~ rather than on the porous medium 5. This reduces the compressive forces on medium 5, which may tend to lose porosity under com-pression. Other numbered items perform essentially the same functions as items with the same numbers in previous figures.
The diagram in Figure 7 serves to expla;n the principle of this facet of the invention. However, containers 8 and 40 may be fabricated as one piece, without device 42. It is also possible to fabricate container 40 ,, .:':
and the walls of container 8 in one piece, and then attach a bottom for container 8 in a subsequent operation, so that the joint between the bottom and walls of container 8 is watertight. If inlet 7 is omitted or blocked, and the walls of container 8 are semi-flexible, the nutrient solution can be fed into the growing medium by simply squeezing the walls of container 8. On releasing the squeeze, excess nutrient solution returns to the bottom of container 8. If a hollow pipe extends downwards from the lip of container 40 to a level close to the bottom of tubes 41, a nutrient level indicator can be inserted into the unit. If the end of this pipe is located above the bottom of tubes 41, it also serves as a gas escape device, and prevents gas from bubbling through the growing medium, in case control of pressurisation is lost.
All the comments made about the invention in the four paragraphs preceeding the Supplementary Disclosure are equally applicable to the Supplementary Disclosure.
_ ;~ _ 1~
Claims (29)
1. A hydroponic assembly comprising an outer container adapted to receive and hold a nutrient liquid and at least one structure adapted to be located within said outer container so as to form at least one inner container, adapted to receive and hold a particulate plant growing medium and adapted to support the bulk of said medium a substantial distance above the bottom of said outer container; and means for controlling the level of said nutrient liquid within said outer container, said means comprising: a conduit for the introduction of pressurized gas into an intermediate container adapted to be located between said outer container and said inner container when said inner container is disposed within said outer container, so as to displace said nutrient liquid when disposed within said outer container upwardly into said particulate medium when disposed within said inner container.
2. The invention defined in Claim 1, where said means for controlling the level of said nutrient liquid within said outer con-tainer, is comprised of: a flexible membrane disposed within said outer container, so as to at least partially define said intermediate container, said intermediate container being substantially gas-tight and adapted to be filled with pressurized gas so as to displace said nutrient liquid upwardly into said growing medium in said inner container when formed within said outer container, and said conduit leading from the interior of said substantially gas-tight intermediate container to the exterior of said outer container.
3. The invention defined in Claim 2 wherein said substantially gas-tight intermediate container is provided by a bag formed out of said flexible membrane.
4. The invention defined in Claim 2 wherein said outer container is open-topped, said structure is shaped as a perforated container which is adapted to be supported within said outer container with its bottom and at least a portion of one of its walls substantially out of contact with the bottom and walls of said outer container, and said substantially gas-tight intermediate container is defined by the interior surface of said outer container and the lower surface of said flexible membrane adapted to be tightly fitted against the lip of said outer container and disposed within said outer container, said flexible membrane being adapted to receive and contain nutrient liquid.
5. The invention defined in Claim 2 wherein said outer container is open-topped and at least one of the side walls and bottom wall thereof are perforated, said struc-ture is shaped as a perforated container which is adapted to be supported within said outer container with its bottom and at least a portion of one of its walls substantially out of contact with the bottom and walls of said outer container, said substantially gas-tight intermediate container being defined by an outer and an inner flexible membrane, both of which are adapted to be tightly fitted against the lip of said outer container so as to form said intermediate container and disposed within said outer container, said inner flexible membrane being adapted to receive and contain said nutrient liquid.
6. The invention defined in Claim 2 wherein said outer container is open-topped, said structure is shaped as a perforated container which is adapted to be supported within said outer container with its bottom and at least a portion of one of its walls substantially out of contact with the bottom and walls of said outer container, and said inner container is adapted to be supported by the rim of said outer container, said inner container being provided with a perforated bottom sur-face and a perforated divider, said divider separating a layer of relatively dense, plant supporting medium within said growing medium from a layer of relatively light, nutrient retaining medium within said growing medium.
7. The invention defined in Claim 6 wherein the relatively dense plant supporting medium is relatively fine textured, the relatively light nutrient retaining medium is relatively coarse textured, and wherein the perforations of said divider are of such a size as to allow said plant supporting medium to pass therethrough but to prevent passage of the bulk of said nutrient retaining medium, and wherein said divider is adapted to be supported within said inner container at a substantial distance above the bottom of said inner container.
8. The inventions defined in claims 1, 2 or 3 further including means operatively associated with said assembly for allowing said pressurised gas to escape from said intermediate container.
9. The inventions defined in claims 4, 5 or 6 further including means operatively associated with said assembly for allowing said pressurised gas to escape from said intermediate container.
CLAIMS SUPPORTED BY SUPPLEMENTARY DISCLOSURE
CLAIMS SUPPORTED BY SUPPLEMENTARY DISCLOSURE
10. The invention defined in Claim 1 where said intermediate container is shaped as an inverted chamber, the interior of said chamber being in fluid communication with the interior of said outer container, said chamber having substantially unperforated upper and side surfaces, said conduit leading from the interior of said chamber to the exterior of said outer container.
11. The invention defined in Claim 10, wherein said chamber is attached to said outer container.
12. The invention defined in Claim 10, wherein said outer container is open-topped and said inner container is adapted to hold particulate growing medium and has a perforated bottom surface and is adapted to be supported by the rim of said outer con-tainer, a perforated divider being disposed within said inner container, said divider separating a layer of relatively dense, plant supporting medium within said growing medium from a layer of relatively light, nutrient retaining medium within said growing medium.
13. The invention defined in Claim 1 wherein said intermediate container comprises a coiled tube disposed adjacent the bottom surface of said outer container, the lower end of said tube being open and the upper end of said tube being joined to said conduit by means of a fluid-tight connection.
14. The invention defined in Claim 10 wherein the bulk of said structure adapted to form said inner container is perforated.
15. The invention defined in Claim 11 wherein the walls of said outer container and said inverted chamber are fabricated as one piece, and a bottom structure is so attached to said walls of said outer container, by means of a water-tight seal, as to permit said walls and bottom structure together to contain said nutrient liquid.
16. The invention defined in Claim 10 wherein the inner surface of the walls of said outer container are defined as the walls of said inner container and the upper and side surfaces of said inverted chamber are defined as the lower portion of said inner container.
17. The inventions defined in Claims 10, 11 or 14 wherein said inner container when located within said outer container, is adapted to support a portion of said particulate medium close to the bottom of said outer container, said portion of said particulate medium being capable of capillary transport of said nutrient liquid, when disposed within said assembly.
18. The inventions defined in Claims 11, 15 or 16 further including means operatively associated with said assembly for allowing said pressurised gas to escape from said chamber.
19. The invention defined in Claim 1 wherein said structure adapted to form said inner container is substantially rigid, having substantially unperforated side walls, and being adapted to be supported near or at the upper rim of said outer container and be connected thereto by means of a substantially gas-tight seal, said inner container being provided with at least one hollow structure extending downwardly from the bottom thereof and terminating near the bottom surface of said outer container when said inner container is disposed within said outer container, said hollow structure being adapted to contain material capable of capillary transport of said nutrient liquid, the lower end of said hollow structure having at least one perfora-tion, the upper end of said hollow structure being in fluid communication with said inner container; said intermediate container being defined by the walls and bottoms of said inner and outer containers when said inner container is supported by said outer container and connected thereto by said substantially gas-tight seal; and including a conduit for the introduction of pressurised gas extending from said intermediate container to the exterior of said outer container.
20. The invention defined in Claim 19 wherein two parallel walls of said outer container and the two corresponding parallel walls of said inner container and said supporting means connecting the corresponding parallel walls of said inner and outer containers and the two corresponding walls of said hollow structure and the bottom of said outer container and the bottom of said hollow structure are formed as a single integral structure to which two side-structures may be attached by a substantially water-tight seal so that said side-structures form the remaining two walls of said inner container and the remaining two walls of said hollow structure and the remaining two walls of said outer container.
21. A hydroponic assembly comprising a single integral structure consisting of an outer shell, to which a bottom structure may be attached by means of a water-tight seal, so as to permit said outer shell and bottom structure when attached, to contain a nutrient liquid, and at least one inner container with substantially un-perforated walls adapted to receive and contain a particulate plant growing medium and adapted to support the bulk of said medium a substantial distance above said bottom structure, said inner container being provided with at least one hollow structure extending downwardly from the lower part of said inner container towards the location for said bottom structure, and terminating above said location, said hollow structure being adapted to contain material capable of capillary transport of said nutrient liquid, the lower end of said hollow structure having at least one perforation, the upper end of said hollow structure being in fluid communication with said inner container; an intermediate container being formed by the walls and bottom of said inner container and said outer shell and said bottom structure when attached thereto; and a conduit for the introduction of pressurised gas extending from said intermediate container to the exterior of said outer shell.
22. The invention defined in claim 21 wherein said shell and bottom structure are attached by furthermore integrally fabricating said single integral structure and bottom structure as one structure.
23. The invention defined in Claim 19 wherein said substantially gas-tight seal is provided by a thickened lip on the rim of said outer container and a corresponding snap-on channel on the underside of a supporting flange extending outwardly from the upper rim of said inner container.
24. The inventions defined in Claims 19, 20 or 21 wherein said inner container has particulate plant growing medium disposed within it and a perforated divider is disposed within said growing medium, said divider separating a layer of relatively dense plant supporting medium within said growing medium from a layer of relatively light, nutrient retaining medium within said growing medium, wherein said plant supporting medium is disposed above said divider, which in turn is disposed above said nutrient retaining medium.
25. The inventions defined in Claims 1, 10 or 21 further including at least one sheet of finely perforated material disposed within said growing medium and adapted to provide support for the roots of a plant placed therein.
26. The inventions defined in claims 19, 21 or 22 further including at least one pipe-like structure extending downwards from a position close to the upper rim of said outer container in Claim 19, or from a position close to the top of said single structure in Claims 21 or 22, and terminating close to the bottom end of said hollow structure, said pipe-like structure being open-ended at both ends, and being adapted to control the pressurisation of said gas by releasing said gas within said intermediate container in advance of said gas being released through said perforation in said hollow structure during the supply of said pressurised gas to said hydroponic assembly through said conduit.
27. The inventions defined in Claims 10, 19 or 20 further including means operatively associated with said assembly for allowing said pressurised gas to escape from said intermediate container.
28. The inventions defined in Claims 21 or 22 further including means operatively associated with said assembly for allowing said pressurised gas to escape from said intermediate container.
29. The inventions defined in Claims 19, 21 or 22 further including at least one pipe-like structure extending downwards from a position close to the upper rim of said outer container in Claim 19 or from a position close to the top of said single structure in Claims 21 or 22, and terminating close to the bottom end of said hollow structure, said pipe-like structure being open-ended at both ends and being adapted to control the pressurisation of said gas by releasing said gas within said intermediate container in advance of said gas being released through said perforations in said hollow structure during the supply of said gas to said hydroponic assembly through said conduit, and further including means operatively associated with said assembly for allowing said pressurised gas to escape from said intermediate container.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA245,263A CA1122803A (en) | 1976-02-09 | 1976-02-09 | Automatic feeding hydroponics unit and system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA245,263A CA1122803A (en) | 1976-02-09 | 1976-02-09 | Automatic feeding hydroponics unit and system |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1122803A true CA1122803A (en) | 1982-05-04 |
Family
ID=4105182
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA245,263A Expired CA1122803A (en) | 1976-02-09 | 1976-02-09 | Automatic feeding hydroponics unit and system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1122803A (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN103262782A (en) * | 2013-05-31 | 2013-08-28 | 吴成芳 | Self-water-supply flower pot |
-
1976
- 1976-02-09 CA CA245,263A patent/CA1122803A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN103262782A (en) * | 2013-05-31 | 2013-08-28 | 吴成芳 | Self-water-supply flower pot |
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