WO2007098533A1

WO2007098533A1 - Metering system for a plant cultivation apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2007098533A1
Application number: PCT/AU2007/000222
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Alexander James Copping; Christopher Neill Martin
Original assignee: Clev-A-Garden Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2006-02-28
Filing date: 2007-02-28
Publication date: 2007-09-07
Also published as: WO2007098533B1

Abstract

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is a metering system (10) comprising at least one fluid reservoir (14) for holding fluid; at least one measuring chamber 16 in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir (14) by way of an inlet valve (26), each measuring chamber (16) able to store a predetermined amount of fluid and an outlet valve (28) provided therein; and a controller (42) operably connected to each inlet valve (26) and outlet valve (28). Only when the controller (42) operates to set an inlet valve (26) to an open position is fluid able to freely flow from at least one fluid reservoir (14) to fill its associated measuring chamber (16). Only when the controller (42) operates to set an outlet valve (28) to its open position is the predetermined amount of fluid stored in the measuring chamber (16) able to be delivered to a predefined location.

Description

"METERING SYSTEM FOR A PLANT CULTIVATION APPARATUS"

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a metering system for a plant cultivation apparatus. The invention is particularly suited to metering fluids to multiple plants in the same plant cultivation apparatus.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgment or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common genera! knowledge in any jurisdiction as at the priority date of the application.

System for cultivating a plurality of plants in close proximity are commonly termed "plant cultivation apparatus" or "planter" and such planters are arranged to allow as many plants as possible to be cultivated per unit area of land compared with traditional cultivation methods. Such planters generally comprise a rack haying an upwardly extending support frame presenting apertures into which plant pots holding individual plants are inserted. These apertures are conveniently arranged in any array so that the plants are in effect stacked in a plane substantially more than 45° to the horizontal - sometimes even substantially vertically. The overall effect is the appearance of a wall of plants. Irrigation systems, such as those known as drippers, are commonly used to provide fluid to the plants contained in the planter.

However, the drawback of most irrigation systems is that the amount of fluid provided to each plant in the planter may differ from the desirable quantity of fluid for such a plant. This may be as a result of factors inherent in the irrigation system, such as blockages, but may also be the result of the plant being provided with an uncontrolled level of fluid from a fluid source. It is therefore important to have some form of metering system for the delivery of fluid to the planter.

The most common metering systems adopt a uniform fluid distribution system. In this manner, each plant in the planter receives the same level of fluid. However, such metering systems are not suitable where the planter is used to cultivate a variety of plants, at least some of which have differing desirable fluid quantities.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a metering system that is able to dispense differing levels of fluid to different areas at the same time.. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Throughout this document, unless otherwise indicated to the contrary, the terms "comprising", "consisting of, and the (ike, are to be construed as non-exhaustive, or in other words, as meaning "including, but not limited to".

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is a metering system comprising: at least one fluid reservoir for holding fluid; at least one measuring chamber in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir by way of an inlet valve, each measuring chamber able to store a predetermined amount of fluid and an outlet valve provided therein; and a controller operably connected to each inlet valve and outlet valve, wherein only when the controller operates to set an inlet valve to an open position is fluid able to freely flow from at least one fluid reservoir to fill its associated measuring Chamber and wherein only when the controller operates to set an outlet valve to its open position is the predetermined amount of fluid stored in the measuring chamber able to be delivered to a predefined location.

The predetermined amount of fluid able to be stored by one measuring chamber may differ from the predetermined amount of fluid able to be stored by other measuring chambers. Ideally, the predetermined amount of fluid stored by each measuring chamber ranges from 30m) to 50ml. The measuring chamber may be dθtachably mounted or separate to the fluid reservoir. In this manner, if a current measuring chamber is capable of storing a predetermined amount of fluid less than or greater than a preferred amount of fluid to be delivered to the predefined location, the measuring chamber can be replaced with a measuring The inlet valve and outlet valve may be fulfilled by a needle valve comprising a shaft having a recess and a first end, wherein at its biased position the first end of the needle valve seals a first aperture in the measuring chamber and the recess is received within a second aperture extending between the measuring chamber and the fluid reservoir so as to allow fluid from the fluid chamber to fill the measuring chamber and at its unbiased position the shaft of the needle valve seals the second aperture while at the same time removing the first end from the first aperture to allow the fluid stored in the measuring chamber to be delivered to a predefined location.

The shaft of the needle valve may have a second end on which a magnetic armature of a first polarity is attached, wherein the magnetic armature and second end are adapted to be drawn towards, and received within, a solenoid Coil when the solenoid coil is activated to produce a magnetic field of a second polarity opposite to the first polarity.

The shaft of the needle valve may be hollow which, when combined with an air inlet in the shaft provided adjacent the first end, air may be vented from the measuring chamber.

Alternatively, the inlet and outlet valve may take any of the following forms: a hydraulic valve; a vacuum valve; a compressed air valve.

The solenoid coils may be included as part of a support means operable to guide movement of the needle valve from its biased position to its unbiased position. The controller and the support means may be contained within a watertight compartment. Containment of such electronic components within the watertight compartment allows the electronic components to be submerged within the fluid contained in the fluid reservoir.

Power is provided to the electronic components by way of a power store. The power store may take the form of batteries (rechargeable or ordinary), a photovoltaic cell or a capacitor. The batteries may be recharged by way of mains power or a renewable energy source. The power supplied by the power store may be regulated by a voltage regulator. Alternatively, or in combination, the power supplied by the power store may be subject to a filtration process.

The controller may be programmable. Proαrammiπα of the controller may h* anhiovorl by a detachable keypad or by remote control. In situations where the controller is subjectto an external regulator, programming of the controller may be achieved through the external regulator.

In alternative configurations, the controller may be manually activated and other mechanisms may be used to move the valves from their open position to closed position and vice-versa.

The fluid reservoir may have a removable lid to facilitate refilling and/or cleaning. The fluid reservoir may also include a level indicator to illustrate the maximum level of fluid that should be stored in the fluid reservoir.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention there is a metering system comprising:

at least one fluid reservoir for holding fluid; and at least one measuring chamber attached to a combination valve, each measuring chamber able to store a predetermined amount of fluid, wherein each measuring chamber is mounted on a pivotabie arm and wherein, when a pivotabie arm is set to a first position, fluid is able to freely flow from the at least one fluid reservoir by way of the combination valve to fill the measuring chamber and when the pivotabie arm is set to a second position, fluid is able to freely flow from the measuring chamber to a predefined location by way of the combination valve

In accordance with a third aspect of the invention there is a plant cultivation system comprising: a housing having a plurality of receptacles arranged to receive and support a corresponding plurality of plants, the housing also having at least one shallow vessel; at least one conduit attached to the housing connecting each of the receptacles with a reservoir; and a metering system according to the first or second aspects of the invention; where the metering system is arranged relative to the housing such that the outlet valve of each measuring chamber dispenses fluid to at least one of the shallow vessels. In a variation of the second aspect of the invention, at least a portion of each conduit Ss open to the atmosphere. Furthermore, each conduit has a length defined as the length of the conduit between the receptacle and the reservoir. Preferably, the portion of the conduit open to the atmosphere represents at least half the length of the conduit (on a sum total basis). Ideally, the full length of the conduit is open to the atmosphere

The at least one conduit may include one or more banked arcuate portions. The banked arcuate portion may project from a front face of the housing or be flush therewith. Alternatively, the at least one conduit may include one or more arcuate portions, each arcuate portion closed to the atmosphere Each plant receptacle preferably has an open end and a root end. The plant receptacle is best positioned in a downwardly inclined manner such that the root end is lower than the open end in normal orientation of the plant cultivation apparatus The root end may have drainage holes provided therein to assist self drainage of the receptacle In a further preferred embodiment, the housing includes at least one aperture into which a plant receptacle may be detachably received.

The root end of each plant receptacle may also be permeable to liquids,

The housing can be made impermeable to moisture. This allows the housing to better withstand the rigours of a humid environment

The housing may comprise a plurality of interconnecting, detachable segments. To facilitate correct orientation and connection of each detachable segment, a portion of an alignment groove may be inscribed on each segment, correct connection and orientation of the detachable segments only being achieved when the portions of the alignment groove combined to form a contiguous line, The housing may operate as a floor standing unit or may be adapted to be wall-mounted. The use of interconnecting, detachable segments allows the plant cultivation apparatus to be disassembfed for ease of relocation or storage.

Ideally, at the point of connection between a first lower segment and a second upper segment, a portion of the conduit provided in the first lower segment at the point of interconnection has an expanded cross-section relative to the remainder of the conduit, In this manner, slight imperfections in the alignment of the segments will result in minimal loss of fluid as it flows from one segment to the next. To provide strength tσ the plant cultivation apparatus, the housing preferably includes an at least partially convex face.

A shallow trough may be installed between the conduit and the plant receptacle. The shallow trough operates to fan out the fluid as it is delivered by the conduit and thereby assist in dispersβmertt of the fluid to the plant receptacle.

The conduit may have a variety of cross-sections. In those cross-sections that provide for a base and side walls, the base may have a smooth profile and the side walls may have a rough profile. Alternatively, the base may have a rough profile and the side walls may have a smooth profile. This combination of smooth/rough profiles allows the fluid to be directed in accordance with the general understanding of surface tension principles. Ideally, for manufacturing efficiencies, the conduit has a "V"-shaped cross- section.

Ideally, gravity is used to move fluid along the conduit from the reservoir to each plant receptacle. A moisture sensor, in data communication with the controller, may be placed in each plant receptacle. Moisture readings provided by the moisture sensor are analysed by the controller and, if found to exceed a preset range, the number of dispersals of fluid from the measuring chamber to the appropriate receptacle will be reduced and if found to be below the preset range, the number of dispersals of fluid from the measuring chamber to the appropriate receptacle will be increased.

Similarly, the controller may be in data communication with a temperature sensor. Temperature readings provided by the temperature sensor are analysed by the controller and, if found to exceed a preset range, the number of dispersals of fluid from the measuring chamber to the receptacles will be increased and if found to be below the preset range, the number of dispersals of fluid from the measuring chamber to the appropriate receptacle will be decreased.

The programmable controller may be programmed to disperse fluid from the measuring chamber to each shallow vessel according to the type of plants being stored in the receptacle to which the shallow vessel is associated with. The programmable controller may also be programmed to disperse fluid from the measuring chamber to each shallow vessel according to a predetermined schedule initiated upon determination that the sun has risen.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention there is a method for dispensing one or more metered amounts of fluid to at least one predetermined area, the method comprising the steps of:

opening at least one inlet valve to allow fluid to freely flow from a fluid reservoir to a measuring chamber; closing the inlet vah/e;

opening at least one outlet valve once the inlet valve is closed to allow a predetermined amount of fluid stored in the fluid reservoir to be delivered to at least one predefined location; and closing the outlet valve.

The method of dispensing one or more metered amounts of fluid may be repeated in accordance with a predetermined metering schedule. The predetermined metering schedule may be operable to commence on determination of the rising of the sun.

The method of dispensing one or more metered amounts of fluid may be repeated in accordance with a predetermined metering schedule, the metering schedule being predicated on the fluid needs of the predefined locations and/or the fluid needs dictated by the atmospheric environment.

The method of dispensing one or more metered amounts of fluid including the step of receiving an atmospheric temperature value from a temperature sensor, the steps of opening and closing the outlet valve being performed if the atmospheric temperature value exceeds a preset maximum temperature value. The method of dispensing one or more amounts of fluid including the step of sending a moisture value from at least one moisture sensor, each moisture sensor associated with at least one predefined location, the steps of opening and closing the outlet valve arranged to deliver fluid to the predefined location being performed rf the moisture sensor associated with the predefined location sends a moisture value that is lower than a preset minimum moisture value. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a metering system according to the invention, the metering system attached to a plant cultivation apparatus;

Figure 2 is a schematic cross-section of an embodiment of the metering system Showing the inlet valve in the open position and the outlet valve in the closed position during the charging cycle;

Figure 3 is a schematic cross-section of an embodiment of the metering system of Figure 2 showing the inlet valve in the closed position and the outlet valve in the open position during the discharging cycle;

Figure 4 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of the metering system of Figure 1, the meter system attached to a further plant cultivation apparatus; AND

Figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the metering system shown in Figure 1 still attached to a plant cultivation apparatus..

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Particular embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompany drawings. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments onfy and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Additionally, unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one or ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

In accordance with a first embodiment of the invention there is a metering system 10 for a plant cultivation apparatus 100. The metering system 10 compπses:

• a housing 12;

• a fluid reservoir 14;

• at least one measuring chamber 16; AND • at least one needle valve 18.

The housing is adapted to rest on an uppermost segment 102 of the plant cultivation apparatus 100. Details of the alignment of the metering system to components of the plant cultivation apparatus 100 will be described in more detail below. The housing 12 encapsulates the fluid reservoir 14.

To facilitate access to the fluid reservoir 14, the housing 12 has a removable lid 20. Access to the fluid reservoir 14 is important for cleaning and/or refilling of the fluid reservoir 14 as well as dosing the fluid 22 stored in the fluid reservoir 14 therein with additives.

The fluid reservoir 14 has a level indicator 24 (represented by a broken line in Figures 2 and 3) to provide a visual indication of the maximum recommended capacity of fluid 22 to be stored in the fluid reservoir 14 at any given time. Inlet valves 26 are provided in the fluid reservoir 14 to assist in the transfer of fluid 22 to the measuring chambers 16.

While only shown singularly in Figures 2 and 3, the metering system 10 comprises multiple measuring chambers 16. Each measuring chamber 16 is configured so as to hold a predetermined amount of fluid 22. The predetermined amount of fluid 22 may be the same for each measuring chamber 16 or may differ amongst measuring chambers 16. The predetermined amount of fluid 22 held by each measuring chamber 16 in the illustrated system ranges from 30ml to 50ml In this embodiment, the measuring chambers 16 are integrally formed with the fluid reservoir 14 with the inlet valve 26 positioned centrally with respect to the measuring chamber 16. The measuring chamber 16 has an outlet valve 28 also centrally positioned with respect to the measuring chamber 16. In this manner, the inlet valve 26 is in perpendicular alignment with the outlet valve 28 Each needle valve 18 comprises a hollow shaft 30 and a magnetic metal armature 32. The hollow shaft 30 of the needle valve 18 is arranged to allow air to vent from the fluid reservoir 14 and the measuring chamber 16 through an air outlet 34. The magnetic metal armature 32 is positioned at a first end 35 of the hollow shaft 30. Each needle valve 18 extends through the fluid reservoir 14 into its respective measuring chamber 16 by way of the inlet valve 26. The needle valve 18 also has a recess 36 provided therein. The role or the recess 36 will be described jn more ctetail below. The housing 12 further includes support means 38. The needle valves 18 are arranged concentrically around the support means 38 and are supported in a substantially vertical orientation thereby. The support means 38 guides the reciprocal movement of each needle valve 18 form its charging position to its discharging position.

The support means 38 further comprises a collection of solenoid coils 40 and a controller 42. Each solenoid coil 40 is positioned such that a needle valve 18 is slidingly receivable therein. When energised, each solenoid coil 40 produces a magnetic field of opposite polarity to the polarity of the magnetic metal armature 32. The magnetic field produced by the solenoid coil 40 attracts the magnetic metal armature 32. This then causes the needle valve 18 to move towards the solenoid coil 40, as guided by the support means, 38 until it is received therein. When de-energised the dissipation of the magnetic field causes the needle valve 18 to return to its original position separate from the solenoid coil 40. The weight of the armature 32 assists in returning the needle valve 18 to the original position, The controller 42 is in control communication with each solenoid coil 40 The controller 42 is thus able to energise or de-energise each solenoid coil 40 as desired. The controller 42 is powered by a power unit. In the embodiment being described, the power unit takes the form of solar panels 44 located on the removable lid 20. The power unit also powers the solenoid coils 40. This embodiment of the invention will be further described in the context of the following description of its intended use

The metering system 10 is initialised to a closed position as shown in Figure 2. In the closed position, a second end 46 of each needle valve 18 seals the outlet valve 28. At this position, the portion of the needle valve 18 including the recess 36 is received within the inlet valve 26. As the recess 36 creates an opening between the fluid reservoir 14 and the measuring chamber 16. fluid 22 stored in the fluid reservoir 14 is free to transfer to the measuring chamber 16. This transfer continues until the measuring chamber 16 is filfed with fluid 22.

The metering system 10 remains in the closed position until the controller 42 sends a control signal to the solenoid coils 40. On receipt of the control signal, the solenoid coils 40 produce a magnetic field. As this magnetic field is of opposite polarity to the magnetic polarity of the armature 32, the armature 32 is drawn to the solenoid cofl 40 until it is received therein. This movement raises the needle vaive 18 and thus causes the metering system 10 to transition from its closed state to an open state. The metering system 10 in its open state is illustrated in Figure 3.

With the armature 32 received within the solenoid coil 40, the recess 36 is positioned above the inlst valve 26 and the diameter of the remainder of the needle valve 18 operates to seal the inlet valve 26. With the upward movement of the needle valve 18, the needle valve 18 no longer seals the outlet valve 28, This allows fluid 22 stored in the measuring chamber 16 to flow to shallow reservoirs 102 located in the top face of the plant cultivation apparatus 100..

The flow of fluid from the measuring chamber to the shallow reservoirs 102 is further facilitated by the air outlet 34 and hollow shaft 30. The combination of the air outlet 34 and the hollow shaft 30 assists in equalising the air pressure within the measuring chamber 16 with the air pressure in the fluid reservoir 14.

After a predetermined period of time, the controller 42 sends a further control signal to the solenoid coils 40. This further control signal causes the solenoid coils 40 to demagnetise. With the solenoid coils 40 de-magnetised, the weight of the armatures 32 cause their respective needle valves 18 to return to a position whereby the outlet valve 28 is sealed by the needle valve 18. As mentioned above, in this position, the recesses 36 are received within the inlet valves 26 to allow fluid 22 to again flow from the fluid reservoir 14 to the measuring chambers 16

In accordance with a second embodiment of the invention there is a plant cultivation system 200. The plant cultivation system 200 comprises

• a housing 202; and

• the metering system 10 of the first embodiment of the invention^, As illustrated in more detail in Figure 4, the housing 202 of the apparatus consists of three interconnecting segments 204a, 204b and 204c. When interconnected, the segments 204 define an arcuate front face 206 and a back face 208. The uppermost segment 204c also defines a top face 210 upon which the metering system 10 is detachably mounted. Segments 204b and 204c have a plurality of apertures 212 formed therein. Each aperture 212 is adapted to receive a plant receptacle 214.

The top face 210 has a plurality of shallow reservoirs 216 formed therein. The number of reservoirs 216 equals the number of apertures 212. Each reservoir 216 is also in fluid communication with each aperture 212 by way of conduits 218. The conduits 218 are integrally formed as part of the front face 206 of the housing 202.

The majority of conduits 218 include at least one arcuate portion 220. In some instances, the conduit 218 defines a serpentine path from the reservoir 216 to its associated aperture 212. In each case, the conduit- 218 is open to the atmosphere along its full length.

To ensure that the difference in quantity of fluid delivered to a reservoir 216 and the quantity of fluid delivered to a receptacle 214 received in the reservoir's 216 corresponding aperture 212 is minimal, the arcuate portions of each conduit 218 are banked. As mentioned above, the segments 204 are able to interconnect to define the housing 202. To facilitate interconnection, with the exception of the uppermost segment 204c, each segment 204 includes a projection 222 that surrounds the periphery of the segment 204. The projection 222 is spaced from the periphery of the segment 204 by a distance equal to the thickness of the walls of the segment 204. In this manner, when the segments 204 are stacked one on top of the other, the projection 222 of the lower segment 204 abuts, and is encapsulated by, the walls of the upper segment 204. The tight abutment between projection 222 and segment 204 walls allows the apparatus 200 to be moved in a reasonably rugged fashion without detachment of the segments 204.

As a means of facilitating proper alignment of the segments 204 relative to one another, an alignment groove 224 is etched into the front face 206 of the housing 202. The alignment groove 224 extends across each segment 204 in a manner that only when the segments 204 have been properly connected and aligned will the alignment groove 224 be contiguous.

As shown in Figure 5, each plant receptacle 214 comprises an outwardly extending open end 226 and an inwardly extending root end 228. Located at the outwardly extending end 22Θ is an inlet port 230. The root end 228 of the plant receptacle 214 has a plurality of drainage holes 232. The plant receptacle 214 is also provided with longitudinal ribs 234 on all sides excluding the side containing the inlet port 230.

As mentioned above, each plant receptacle 214 is adapted to be received within an aperture 212 Retention of the plant receptacle 214 in the aperture 212 is achieved by way of the engagement of the outwardly extending end of the plant receptacle 214 with at least a portion of the peripheral upper edge of the aperture 212 To further facilitate insertion and removal of the plant receptacle 214 from the aperture 212, the plant receptacle 214 tapers inwardly towards the root end. Correct reception is achieved when the inlet port 230 aligns with the conduit 218 associated with the aperture 212 into which the plant receptacle 214 is received.

When received within an aperture 212, the root end 228 of each plant receptacle 214 is encapsulated by the housing 202. Furthermore, when received within an aperture 212, the plant receptacle 214 is positioned in a downwardly inclined manner. This facilitates self-drainage through the drainage holes 232. The invention will now be described in the context of its intended use.

Segment 204a is placed on a flat level surface to form a base segment 204. Intermediate segment 204b is then stacked on top of the base segment 204a. This stacking is achieved by first aligning the portions of the alignment groove 224 etched into their respective front faces 206. Once so aligned, the intermediate segment 204b is placed on the base segment 204a in such a manner that the projection 222 of the base segment 204a abuts, and is encapsulated by, the walls of the intermediate segment 204b. The top segment 204c is then stacked on top of the intermediate segment 204b in an identical fashion.

Plant receptacles 214 are then positioned with the apertures 212 such that the inlet port 230 of each receptacle 214 aligns with the conduit 218 for the aperture 212 into which it is to be received. The plant receptacles 214 are then inserted into the apertures 212 until contact is made with at least one part of the peripheral upper edge of the aperture 212.

The measuring system 10 is next attached. The attachment is formed in the same manner as the stacking of segments 204 However, the positioning of the measuring system 10 relative to the housing 200 must be such that the outlet ports of the measuring system are each aligned with a shallow reservoir 216 formed in the top face 210. The end effect also means that the shallow reservoirs 216 are also cut off from the environment at large, resulting in a reduction in the potential for pollution or contamination of any fluid held therein for a period of time.

The fluid reservoir is then filled with water or some other fluid. The fluid may include nutrients or other additives that assist in plant growth. The filling of the fluid reservoir may be achieved manually (ie. by hand-filling the reservoir) or automatically (ie. by attaching the fluid reservoir to a mains tap).

Once filled the measuring system operates to dispense, at predetermined times, a predetermined amount of fluid form each measuring chamber to each shallow reservoir 216. As the predetermined amount of fluid is always greater than the fluid capadty of the shallow reservoir 216, the fluid travels along the conduit 218 connecting the shallow reservoir 216 to an aperture 212. Gravity provides the momentum for the fluid to travel along the conduit 218 until such time as it reaches the aperture 212. To ensure that there is minimal fluid loss as the fluid travels along the conduit 218, all arcuate portions 220 of the conduit 218 are banked at the outer curve. The water is then free to run up the side of the banked outer curve with minimal spillage compared to a conduit 218 having a uniform cross-section along its full-length.

Upon the fluid reaching the aperture 218 it is able to enter the internal area of the plant receptacle 214 due to the alignment of the inlet port 230 wtth the conduit 218.

Because the conduit 218 is open along its full length, the flow of fluid between the shallow reservoirs 216 and the inlet port 230 is observable by external parties. This provides two benefits in that any obstructions to the flow of fluid can be observed and, if obstructed, corrective action can easily be taken due to the open nature of the conduit 218 at the point of obstruction. The observable flow of fluid may also provide a pleasing visual effect to the observer.

In accordance with a third embodiment of the invention, where like numerals reference like parts, there is a measuring system (not shown) in which the needle valve 18 is replaced with two separate valves. The valves are each in control communication with the controller 42 In this manner, each valve may be independently operated by the controller 42 to effect delivery of the fluid 22 by the measuring chambers 16 and/or re- supply of fluid 22 to the measuring chambers 16.

In this configuration, it should be appreciated that the inlet valve 26 must be biased to the open position while the outlet valve 28 must be biased to the closed position. The controller 42 in this embodiment is also programmable. According to the pre- installed program of the controller 42, the controller 42 is operable to activate the valve controlling the outlet valve 28 at predetermined times of the day and thereby deliver a measured dose of fluid 22 to each plant receptacle 214 After activation of the valve controlling the outlet valve 28, the controller 42 thereafter operates to activate the valve controlling the inlet valve 26 so as to re-supply the measuring chamber 16 in preparation for the next activation of the valve controlling the outlet valve 28.

In accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention (not shown), where like numerals reference like parts, there is a measuring system adapted from the first embodiment of the invention. However, in this instance the power store takes the form of batteries. Furthermore, the controller 42 is in data communication with a plurality of moisture sensors.

Each moisture sensor is contained within a plant receptacle 214 so as to monitor the moisture content of the soil of the plant growing in the plant receptacle 214. The moisture measurements taken by the moisture sensors are fed back to the controller 42 at predetermined intervals. The controller 42 compares each of these measurement values against preconfigured minimum and maximum values. If the controller 42 determines that a measurement value is lower than the preconfigured minimum value, the controller 42 operates to activate the valve controlling the appropriate outlet valve 28 so as to send a measured dose of fluid 22 to the plant receptacle 214 containing the moisture sensor that provided the low moisture value. Similarly, if the controller 42 determines that a measurement value is higher than the preconfigured maximum value, the controller 42 operates to delay the next predetermined delivery of fluid to the plant receptacle 214 containing the moisture sensor that provided the high moisture value until such time as the moisture levels are again in the range between the preconfigured minimum and maximum values. When the controller 42 determines that the measurement value falls within the range set by the preconfigured minimum and maximum values, it operates to deliver fluid 22 to the plant receptacle 214 containing the moisture sensor that provided such a value according to the pre-insta!led measurement program.

In accordance with a fifth embodiment of the invention, where [ike numerals reference like parts, there is a measuring system (not shown). In this embodiment, the measuring chamber 16 is attached to a pivotal arm and has a combined inlet/outlet valve. In operation, this measuring chamber 16 is adapted to receive fluid 22 form the fluid reservoir 14 by way of the combined inlet outlet valve. Upon filling of the measurement chamber 16, and determination that it is time to dispense fluid 22 from the measuring chamber, the pivotal arm attached to the measuring chamber 16 moves the measuring chamber 16 from its filling position to its dispensing position. At the dispensing position, the measurement chamber 16 is placed such that the combined inlet/outlet valve is aligned with the area to which the fluid 22 is to be dispensed. The fluid 22 may then be dispensed to the area by way of the combined inlet/outlet valve.

It should be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the above invention is not limited to the embodiment described. In particular, the following modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention:

• The plant cultivating apparatus may be adapted to grow herbs, shrubs and trees. t The power store may take alternative forms to those already described, such as mains power, rechargeable batteries or capacitors. Power may also be supplied by renewable sources other than the solar cell system described above. Power provided to the controller may be regulated by way of a voltage regulator. Alternatively, or cumulatively, the power may also be filtered by way of a power filter. _• Programmable controllers 42 may be re-programmed in situ by means of a keypad or remote control.

• The fluid reservoir 14 may be adapted to receive fluid 22 by way of mains taps or by a yet further water reservoir.

- The controller 42 may be adapted to allow for manual activation of the inlet valve 26 and outlet valve 28. • Piping systems may be used to deliver the fluid 22 contained within a measuring chamber 16 to the shallow reservoirs 102.

• The solenoid coils 40, controller 42 and magnetic armatures 32 may be contained within a watertight electronics compartment. In this manner, there is no need to have a level indicator 24 as the watertight electronics component can be submerged within the fluid 22.

• The valves used to control the outlet valve 28 and the inlet valve 26 may take alternative forms to those described above. For instance, the valves may operate by way of compressed air, hydraulics or vacuum. Furthermore, alternative mechanical means for activating the valves may be implemented to the means described above. Positive metering systems may also be employed as replacements for the measuring chambers 16 and outlet valves 28.

• In situations where valves other than a needle valve 18 are used, alignment of the inlet valve 26 with the outlet valve 28 need not be implemented.

• The measuring chambers 16 may be detachabiy mounted to the fluid reservoir 14. Alternatively the measuring chambers 16 may be detachabiy mounted to the area to which the fluid 22 is to be dispensed.

• The measuring system 10 may be modified to provide different programs corresponding to the environmental conditions in which the plant cultivation apparatus is situated. For instance, the measuring system 10 may be provided with a temperature sensor, the controller 42 operable to dispense fluid 22 by way of the outlet valve 28 on the temperature exceeding a predetermined temperature. In another alternative configuration, the predetermined fluid dispensing program executed by the programmable controller 42 may be arranged to commence on detection that the sun has risen

• An externa⁾ control system in data and command communjcation with the controllers 42 may be operable to control the measuring system 10 Data and command communication between the controllers 42 and external control system may be by way of wireless or wired means. Programmable 48- controllers 42 may have their preset metering programs repragrammed by way of the external control system.

* While the second embodiment described above is an ideal solution, the same advantages can be achieved on a lesser scale by having the conduit 218 open along a portion of its length. In this manner, a visual assessment of the flow of fluid 22 at the open portions of the conduit 218 (and at the point of delivery to the aperture 212) will identify any blockages within the enclosed portions of the conduit 218. One specific implementation of this alternative configuration involves enclosing each arcuate portion 220 of the conduit 218 thereby removing the need to bank an open conduit 218 at this position.

* In other alternative configurations of the second embodiment the conduits 218 may be moulded or pressed onto the housing 202. Yet other configurations may see the conduits 218 affixed to the housing 202 in some manner, for example by a clip-on arrangement.

• The root end 228 of the plant receptacle 214 may be permeable to liquids.

Similarly, the housing 202 is preferably impermeable to moisture when the plant cultivation system 200 is used in a humid environment.

• The housing 202 may be made out of such materials as ftbreglass, plastics, metals (with a preference for stainless steel or aluminium) and terracotta.

• While the embodiments shown in Figure 4 illustrate a plant cultivation system with a 3x3 array configuration of receptacles 214, it should be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that other array configurations may be used. Furthermore, as the number of receptacles 214 for each row in the array are determined by the number of apertures 212 provided in a segment 204, it is possible that the system 200 may be configured such that the number of apertures 212 in one row (segment 204) differs from the number of apertures 212 in another row (segment 204). Yet further, the apertures 212 may be in differing alignment to one another in the array.

• Intermediate segment 204b may be configured so as to allow other intermediate segments 204b of the same configuration to be stacked thereon_,

In this manner, the height of the plant cultivation system 200 may be increased. Furthermore, when dealing with plants that may grow larger than the ordinary spacing between one aperture 212 and the next, intermediate segments 204b having no apertures 212 provided therein may be used to further space apertures 212 from each other.

• It is desirable that the impression given by the plant cultivation system 200 is a wall of plants. In this respect, alternative configurations not beyond the reach of the person skilled in the art may see the base segment 204a eliminated in favour of a wall mounting system for the intermediate and top segments 204b, 204c • The apparatus allows for the segments 204 to be arranged on the front and back faces 206, 208 of the housing 202 In small size arrangements of the apparatus, this arrangement may require segments 204 to be stacked such that the apertures 212 alternate between the front and back faces 206, 208 to avoid contact between the downwardly inclined nature of the plant receptacles 214 when received within such apertures 212. Of course, in larger size arrangements, apertures 212 may be provided on both the front and back feces 206, 208 without need to address this problem.

• The plant receptacles 214 may be integrated with the apertures 212.

• The upper portion of the conduit 218 in each segment 204 may be of slightly expanded width compared to the rest of the conduit 218. In this manner, the slight expansion in width compeosatθs for any minor misalignments in the stacking of the segments 204 in a way that such misalignments do not result in a loss of fluid 22.

• The conduit 218 may have a smooth base and rough sides or a rough base and smooth sides. In this manner, the difference in surface tension between the base and sides can allow for the fluid to be further directed as it flows down the conduit 218.

• The conduit 218 may be banked in a manner that the banked portion of the conduit 218 protrudes from the front face 206 of the housing 202. However, for aesthetic considerations, the conduit 218 may also be banked in a manner so as to be flush with the front face 206 of the housing 202. • The housing 202 may include a sump for receiving fluid 22 that has drained from plants contained in the plant receptacles 214. The sump is ideally positioned below the plurality of receptacles 214. Piping means operatively connect the sump with the fluid reservoir 14 to allow for recycling of the fluid 22 to the fluid reservoir 14. The system may equally be provided with a liquid filter operatively mounted between the sump and the fluid reservoir 14 for filtering solids from the fluid being recycled to the fluid reservoir 14 from the sump.

• The system may include a heater adapted to heat the fluid 22 in the fluid reservoir 14 or the fluid 22 in the shallow reservoirs 102 to a predetermined temperature. Alternatively, a heater may be included and positioned within the housing 202 in such a manner as to increase the effective humidity of the housing 202.

• The housing 12 and fluid reservoir 14 may form one integral unit. • The preset program of each programmable controller 42 may be written with reference to the plants housed in the plant cultivation apparatus 200 or the environmental conditions in which the plant cultivation apparatus 200 is located or both.

It should be further appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the features described above, where not mutually exclusive, can be combined to form yet further embodiments of the invention.

Claims

We Claim-

1. A metering system:

at least one fluid reservoir for holding fluid; at least one measuring chamber in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir by way of an inlet valve, each measuring chamber able to store a predetermined amount of fluid and an outlet valve provided therein; and a controller operably connected to each inlet valve and outlet valve,

wherein only when the controller operates to set an inlet valve to an open position is fluid able to freely flow from at least one fluid reservoir to fill its associated measuring chamber and wherein only when the controller operates to set an outlet valve to its Open position is the predetermined amount of fluid stored in the measuring chamber able to be delivered to a predefined location.

2. A metering system according to claim 1 where the predetermined amount of fluid stored by one measuring chamber differs from the predetermined amount of fluid to be stored by other measuring chambers

3. A metering system according to claim 1 or claim 2, where the predetermined amount of fluid stored by each measuring chamber ranges from 30ml to 50m!.

4. A metering system according to any preceding claim, where the measuring chamber may be detachably mounted to the fluid reservoir. 5. A metering system according to any preceding claim, where the inlet valve and outlet valve take the form of a single needle valve comprising a shaft having a recess and a first end, wherein at its biased position the first end of the needle valve seals a first aperture in the measuring chamber and the recess is received within a second aperture extending between the measuring chamber and the fluid reservoir so as to allow fluid from the fluid chamber to fill the measuring chamber and at its unbiased position the shaft of the needle valve seals the second aperture while at the same time removing the first end from the first aperture to allow the fluid stored in the measuring chamber to be delivered to a predefined location.

6. A metering system according to claim 5, where the shaft of the needle valve has a second end on which a magnetic armature of a first polarity is attached, wherein the magnetic armature and second end are adapted to be drawn towards, and received within, a solenoid coil when the solenoid coil is activated to produce a magnetic field of a second polarity opposite to the first polarity.

7. A metering system according to claim 6, where the solenoid coils may be included as part of a support means operable to guide movement of the needle valve from its biased position to its unbiased position.

8. A metering system according to any one of claims 5 to 7, where the shaft of the needle valve is hollow which, when combined with an air inlet in the shaft provided adjacent the first end, air may be vented from the measuring chamber.

9. A metering system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 where the inlet valve and the outlet valve take any one of the following forms: a hydraulic valve; a vacuum valve; a compressed air valve. 10 A metering system according to any one of the preceding claims where the controller is contained within a watertight compartment.

11. A metering system according to claim 10, as dependent on claim 7, where the supporting means is contained within the watertight compartment

12. A metering system according to any preceding claims, power is provided to the metering system by way of a power store.

13. A metering system according to any claim 12, where the power store is rechargeable.

14. A metering system according to any claim 13, where the power store takes one or more of the forms; rechargeable batteries; a photovoltaic cell; or a capacitor. 15 A metering system according to claim 13 or claim 14, where the power store is recharged by a renewable energy source.

16. A metering system according to any one of claims 12 to 15, where the power supplied by the power store is regulated by a voltage regulator.

17.A metering system according to any one of claims 12 to 16, where the power supplied by the power store is filtered by a power filter.

18. A metering system according to any preceding claim, where the controller Is programmable, the controller being operable to control the operation of the first and second valves in accordance with its stored program.

19. A metering system according to claim 18, where the controller may be programmed by a detachable keypad or remote control.

20. A metering system according to claim 18 or claim 19, where the controller may be programmed by downloading of a program to the controller by an external regulator. 21. A metering system according to any one of claims 1 to 17, where the controller is manually operated.

22. A metering system according to any preceding claim, where the fluid reservoir has a removable Hd.

23.A metering system according to any preceding claim, where the fluid reservoir has a level Indicator to illustrate the maximum level of fluid that should be stored in the fluid reservoir

24.A metering system comprising. at least one fluid reservoir for holding fluid, and at least one measuring chamber attached to a combination valve, each measuring chamber able to store a predetermined amount of fluid, wherein each measuring chamber Is mounted on a pivotable arm and wherein, when a pivotable arm is set to a first position, fluid is able to freely flow from the at least one fluid reservoir by way of the combination valve to fill the measuring chamber and when the pivotable ami is set to a second position, fluid is able to freely flow from the measuring chamber to a predefined location by way of the combination valve.

25. A plant cultivation system comprising: a housing having a plurality of receptacles arranged to receive and support a corresponding plurality of plants, the housing also having at least one shallow vessel; at least one conduit attached to the housing connecting each of the receptacles with a reservoir; and a metering system according to any one of claims 1 to 24; where the metering system is arranged relative to the housing such that the outlet valve of each measuring chamber dispenses fluid to at least one of the shallow vessels. Z6.A plant cultivation system according to claim 25, where each conduit has a length defined as the distance along the conduit between the receptacle and the reservoir and where the portion of the conduit open to the atmosphere, on a sum total basis, represents at least naff the length of the conduit.

27.A plant cultivation system according to claim 25, where the full length of the conduit is open to the atmosphere.

28.A plant cultivation system according to claim 25 or claim 26, where the at least one conduit may include one or more banked arcuate portions.

29.A plant cultivation system according to claim 28, where the arcuate portion is positioned in such a manner that the conduit is flush with a face of the housing. 30. A plant cultivation system according to any one of claims 26 to 28, where the at least one conduit includes one or more arcuate portions, each arcuate portion closed to the atmosphere.

31. A plant cultivation system according to any one of claims 25 to 30, where each plant receptacle has an open end and a root end is positioned in a downwardly inclined manner such that the root end is lower than the open end in normal orientation of the plant cultivation apparatus.

32.A plant cultivation system according to any one of claims 25 to 31, where each plant receptacle has a root end and drainage holes are provided in the root end to assist self drainage of the receptacle.

33.A plant cultivation system according to any one of claims 25 to 32, where the housing includes at least one aperture into which a plant receptacle may be detachably received.

34.A plant cultivation system according to any one of claims 25 to 33, where each plant receptacle has a root end permeable to liquids.

35. A plant cultivation system according to any one of claims 25 to 34, where the housing is impermeable to moisture.

36.A plant cultivation system according to any one of claims 25 to 35, whee the housing comprises a plurality of interconnecting, detachable segments. 37.A plant cultivation system according to claim 36, where each detachable segment has an alignment groove inscribed thereon to facilitate correct orientation and connection of the detachable segments.

38.A plant cultivation system according to claim 36 or claim 37, where, at the point of connection between a first lower segment and a second upper segment, a portion of the conduit provided in the first lower segment at the point of interconnection has an expanded cross-section relative to the remainder of the conduit.

39.A plant cuftivation system according to any one of claims 25 to 38, where the housing is adapted to be wall mounted.

40. A plant cultivation system according to any one of claims 25 to 39, where the housing includes at least one partially convex face.

41. A plant cultivation system according to any one of claims 25 to 40, further including a shallow trough interposed between each conduit and its associated plant receptacle

42.A plant cultivation system according to any one of claims 25 to 41, where each conduit has a base and side walls, the base having a smooth profile and the side walls having a rough profile.

43.A plant cultivation system according to any one of claims 25 to 41, where each conduit has a base and side walls, the base having a rough profile and the side walls having a smooth profile.

44.A plant cultivation system according to any one of claims 25 to 43, where the conduit has a V-shaped cross-section.

45.A plant cultivation system according to any one of claims 25 to 44, where the fluid moves along the conduit from the reservoir to each plant receptacle. 46. A plant cultivation system according to any one of claims 25 to 45, where a moisture sensor is located in each plant receptacle, the moisture sensor being operable to provide moisture readings to the controller and, if a moisture readings exceeds a preset range, the number of dispersals of fluid from the measuring chamber to the appropriate plant receptacle will be reduced and if found to be below the preset range, the number of dispersals of fluid from the measuring chamber to the appropriate plant receptacle will be increased.

47. A plant cultivation system according to any one of claims 25 to 46, where si temperature sensor is located on the plant cultivation apparatus, the temperature sensor being operable to provide temperature readings to the controller and, if a temperature reading exceeds a preset range, the number of dispersals of fluid from the measuring chamber to the plant receptacles will be increased and if found to be below the preset range, the number of dispersals of fluid from the measuring chamber to the plant receptacle will be decreased.

48.A plant cultivation system according to any one of claims 25 to 47, where the controller is programmed to disperse fluid from the measuring chamber to each shallow vessel according to the type of plants being stored in the plant receptacle the shallow vessel is associated with.

49.A plant cultivation system according to any one of claims 25 to 48, where the controller is programmed to disperse fluid from the measuring chamber to each shallow vessel according to a predetermined schedule initiated upon determination that the sun has risen.

50. A method for dispensing one or more metered amounts of fluid to at least one predetermined area, the method comprising the steps of. opening at least one inlet valve to allow fluid to freely flow from a fluid reservoir to a measuring chamber, closiπg the inlet valve; opening at least one outlet valve once the inlet valve is closed to allow a predetermined amount of fluid stored in the fluid reservoir to be delivered to at least one predefined location; and closing the outlet valve.

51. The method of dispensing one or more metered amounts of fluid according to claim

50, wherein the method is repeated in accordance with a predetermined metering schedule.

52. The method of dispensing one or more metered amounts of fluid according to claim 51 , wherein the predetermined metering schedule is operable to commence on determination of the rising of the sun.

53. The method of dispensing one or more metered amounts of fluid according to claim

51, where the metering schedule is predicated on at (east one of the following: the fluid needs of the predefined locations; the fluid needs dictated by the atmospheric environment.

54. The method of dispensing one or more metered amounts of fluid according to any one of claims 50 to 53, including the step of receiving an atmospheric temperature value from a temperature sensor, the steps of opening and closing the outlet valve being performed if the atmospheric temperature value exceeds a preset maximum temperature value.

55. The method of dispensing one or more metered amounts of fluid according to any one of claims 50 to 54, including the step of sending a moisture value from at least one moisture sensor, each moisture sensor associated with at least one predefined location, the steps of opening and closing the outlet valve arranged to deliver fluid to the predefined location being performed if the moisture sensor associated with the predefined location sends a moisture value that is lower than a preset minimum moisture value.

56.A metering system substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings

57 A plant cultivation system substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings.

58.A method of dispensing one or more metered amounts of fluid substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings.