WO2020033433A1

WO2020033433A1 - Aquaponics growth tower and related systems and methods

Info

Publication number: WO2020033433A1
Application number: PCT/US2019/045344
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ken B. BURROWS; D. Brent Noel
Original assignee: Burrows Ken B; Noel D Brent
Priority date: 2018-08-06
Filing date: 2019-08-06
Publication date: 2020-02-13

Abstract

A growth tower for an aquaponics system may include a pipe having an open upper end, an open lower end, and a lumen extending between the open upper end and the open lower end. The pipe is configured to hang vertically with the open upper end above the open lower end such that in response to fluid entering the open upper end, the fluid flows by gravity towards the open lower end. The growth tower may include multiple tubes, which may extend inwardly from the pipe. The tubes may be are arranged in multiple vertical columns.

Description

AQUAPONICS GROWTH TOWER AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND

METHODS

BACKGROUND

Production of food on farms may be threatened by population expansion, climate change, land damage, urbanization, energy shortages, and water shortages. Also, food safety and avoidance of breakouts of E. coli, Salmonella, etc. is also a growing concern. Pesticides may poison the food chain and potentially cause illness or death.

The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one example technology area where some implementations described herein may be practiced.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates generally to growth towers and related systems and methods. In some embodiments, a growth tower for an aquaponics system may include a pipe. In some embodiments, the pipe may include an open upper end, an open lower end, and a lumen extending between the open upper end and the open lower end. In some embodiments, the pipe may be configured to hang vertically with the open upper end above the open lower end such that in response to fluid entering the open upper end, the fluid flows by gravity towards the open lower end.

In some embodiments, the growth tower may include multiple tubes, which may extend inwardly from the pipe. In some embodiments, the tubes may be configured to hold plants. For example, roots of the plants may extend through the tubes. In some embodiments, the tubes may be arranged in multiple vertical columns. In some embodiments, the growth tower may include at least six of the vertical columns, which may be evenly spaced around a circumference of the pipe. In some embodiments, each of the vertical columns may include eight or more tubes. In some embodiments, an inner surface of each of the tubes may taper inwardly away from the pipe, which may help secure the plants and/or growth media disposed within the tubes.

In some embodiments, a first of the vertical columns may be adjacent to a second of the vertical columns and/or a third of the vertical columns. In some embodiments, the first of the vertical columns may be disposed between the second of the vertical columns and the third of the vertical columns. In some embodiments, each of the tubes of the first of the vertical columns may be vertically offset from each of the tubes of the second of the vertical columns and/or the third of the vertical columns. In some embodiments, the tubes of the second of the vertical columns and the third of the vertical columns may be vertically aligned.

In some embodiments, adjacent tubes in each of the vertical columns may be spaced apart from each other by about eight inches. For example, a distance between adjacent tubes of the first of the vertical columns may be about eight inches. As another example, a distance between adjacent tubes of the second of the vertical columns may be about eight inches. In some embodiments, a first tube of the first vertical column may be equidistant from a first tube and a second tube of the second vertical column. In some embodiments, a distance between the first tube of the first vertical column and the first tube of the second vertical column may be about four inches.

In some embodiments, an outer or outermost surface of the pipe may be smooth and/or comprise a uniform diameter, which may facilitate cutting off plants growing in multiple tubes in an up and down motion, without a knife or cutting mechanism getting caught on any protrusions extending from the outer or outermost surface of the pipe. In some embodiments, the pipe may be constructed of a plastic material, such as, for example, polypropylene, or another suitable material. In some embodiments, the lumen may include a fluid diffuser, which may be disposed towards the open upper end. In some embodiments, the fluid diffuser may include multiple apertures. In some embodiments, the fluid diffuser may include a disc. In some embodiments, the fluid diffuser may include a dish shape. In some embodiments, the growth tower may include a porous foam disposed on top of the fluid diffuser, which may facilitate diffusion and dispersion of fluid entering the open upper end.

In some embodiments, the growth tower may include an inverted T-bar. In some embodiments, the T-bar may extend across the lumen and/or through the fluid diffuser. In some embodiments, a horizontal portion of the inverted T-bar may be disposed within the lumen and/or about two inches below the open upper end. In some embodiments, ends of the horizontal portion may be secured to the pipe. In some embodiments, the T-bar may be coupled with an attachment to a conveyor, which may serve to transport the tower from one location to another. In some embodiments, the T-bar may be coupled with one or more outwardly extending arms configured to separate the growth tower from other growth towers on the conveyor.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. It should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the embodiments may be combined, or that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes, unless so claimed, may be made without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example aquaponics system, according to some embodiments;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of multiple example aquaponics systems, according to some embodiments;

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the aquaponics system of Figure 1, according to some embodiments;

Figure 4A is a cross-sectional view of an example inner wall and siphon mechanism, according to some embodiments;

Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view of the inner wall and the siphon mechanism of Figure 4A, according to some embodiments;

Figure 5 is an upper perspective of the inner wall and siphon mechanism of Figure 4, according to some embodiments;

Figure 6 is an upper perspective view of the inner wall and siphon mechanism of Figure 4 with a cap of the siphon mechanism removed, according to some embodiments;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of an example support structure, according to some embodiments;

Figure 8 is an upper perspective view of the aquaponics system of Figure 1 with the growth towers removed, according to some embodiments;

Figure 9 is an upper perspective view of an example growth media bin, according to some embodiments;

Figure 10 is an upper perspective view of an example float bin, according to some embodiments; Figure 11 is a perspective view of an example tank, according to some embodiments;

Figure 12 is a perspective view of an example outlet pipe, inlet pipe, and

water source pipe, according to some embodiments;

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the aquaponics system of Figure 1, according to some embodiments;

Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the aquaponics system of Figure 1, according to some embodiments;

Figure 15 is an engineered drawing of an example inner wall, according to some embodiments;

Figure 16 is an engineered drawing of a portion of an example siphon mechanism, according to some embodiments;

Figure 17 is an engineered drawing of an example float bin, according to some embodiments;

Figure 18 is an engineered drawing of the float bin of Figure 17, according to some embodiments;

Figure 19 is a lower perspective view of the float bin of Figure 17, according to some embodiments;

Figure 20 is an engineered drawing of another example bin, according to some embodiments;

Figure 21 is a lower perspective view of the bin of Figure 20, according to some embodiments;

Figure 22 is an engineered drawing of an example longitudinal beam of the support structure of Figure 7, according to some embodiments;

Figure 23 is an engineered drawing of an example cross beam of the support structure of Figure 7, according to some embodiments; Figure 24 is an engineered drawing of an end portion of the support structure of Figure 7, according to some embodiments;

Figure 25 is an upper perspective drawing of a portion of an example aquaponics system, according to some embodiments;

Figure 26A is an upper perspective view of an example support mechanism, according to some embodiments;

Figure 26B is a cross-sectional view of the support mechanism of Figure 26A, according to some embodiments;

Figure 26C is a top view of an example conveyor, according to some embodiments; and

Figure 26D is an upper perspective of the support structure of Figure 7, according to some embodiments.

Figure 27A is a front view of an example growth tower, according to some embodiments;

Figure 27B is a rear view of the growth tower of Figure 27A, according to some embodiments;

Figure 27C is a cross-sectional view of the growth tower of Figure 27A along the line 27C-27C, according to some embodiments;

Figure 27D is an enlarged view of a portion of the cross-sectional view of Figure 27C, according to some embodiments;

Figure 27E is a cross-sectional view of a portion the growth tower of Figure 27A along the line 27D-27D, according to some embodiments;

Figure 28A is another cross-sectional view of a portion of the growth tower of Figure 28A along the line 27C-27C, according to some embodiments;

Figure 28B is another cross-sectional view of a portion of the growth tower of Figure 27A along the line 27D-27D, according to some embodiments; Figure 28C is an upper perspective view of an example fluid diffuser, according to some embodiments; and

Figure 29 is an upper perspective view of an example growth tower coupled to a conveyor, according to some embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure relates generally to growth towers and related systems and methods. Referring now to Figure 1, in some embodiments, an aquaponics system 10 for growing plants may include a tank 12 configured to hold one or more aquatic animal species and nutrient-rich water. Nutrients in the nutrient-rich water, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, etc., may result from feces of the at least one aquatic animal species and may facilitate plant growth. In some embodiments, the aquatic animal species may include fish.

In some embodiments, the aquaponics system may include one or more growth media bins 14. Growth media 16 within the growth media bins 14 may include any variety of growth media 16 for facilitating plant growth. In some embodiments, the growth media 16 may facilitate growth of microgreens. In these and other embodiments, the growth media 16 may include lava rock and/or worms. In some embodiments, the growth media bins 14 may include one or more plants 22 in containers 23 disposed in the growth media 16. In some embodiments, the containers 23 may be partially or completely buried in the growth media 16. In some embodiments, bottoms of the containers 23 may be open and/or include a moisture wicking surface such that containers 23 for the plants may fill and drain as the growth media bins 14 fill and drain.

In some embodiments, the aquaponics system 10 may include one or more hydroponic or float bins 18. In some embodiments, each of the float bins 18 may include a float element 20 configured to float in the nutrient-rich water in the corresponding float bin 18 and to hold one or more plants 22 partially submerged in the nutrient-rich water. In some embodiments, the float element 20 may include one or more holes 24 configured to hold containers of the plants 22. In some embodiments, the float element 20 may include a polystyrene foam board encapsulated in plastic.

In some embodiments, the aquaponics system 10 may include one or more aeroponic growth towers. In some embodiments, the nutrient-rich water may be continuously or intermittently provided via to the growth towers 26. In some embodiments, the growth towers 26 may be configured to hang above the growth media bins 14. In some embodiments, the growth towers 26 may hang from one or more other structures. In some embodiments, the growth towers 26 may hang from a conveyor, as will be explained later in further detail. In some embodiments, the growth towers 26 may be elongated and/or vertical. The growth towers 26 may be constructed of any number of materials. In some embodiments, the growth towers 26 may be constructed of one or more materials, including but not limited to, wood, metal, composite materials, bamboo, plastic, glass, and fiberglass. In some embodiment, growth towers 26 is constructed of a material that compatible for extended exposure to water, and which is compatible for plant growth. For example, in some embodiments growth towers 26 are constructed of a material that does not leach chemicals that are harmful to plant or aquatic life. In some embodiments, the growth towers 26 may include open access tops for watering. In some embodiments, gravity may pull water down to water each of the plants 22 of the growth towers 26. In some embodiments, the plants 22 may be disposed in pockets of the growth towers 26. In some embodiments, a support mechanism to support the growth tower provides the ability to spin or swivel the tower, as will later be described bin in further detail with respect to Figure 26A-B.

In some embodiments, each of the upwardly extending pipes 28 may deliver the nutrient-rich water to the growth towers 26 and may be configured to drip the nutrient-rich water on a top or another portion of the growth towers 26. Additionally or alternatively, the upwardly extending pipe 28 may be configured to provide a mist on the top or another portion of the growth towers 26. In some embodiments, the upwardly extending pipe 28 may be configured to provide a small stream and/or a coarse spray to the top or another portion of the growth towers 26. In some embodiments, each upwardly extending pipe 28 may be configured to deliver the nutrient-rich water from a particular growth media bin 14 to one or more particular growth towers 26 via a pump. In these and other embodiments, the particular growth media bin 14 may be configured to collect excess of the nutrient-rich water delivered to the particular growth towers 26 that drips down the particular growth towers 26. In some embodiments, the nutrient-rich water may continuously or intermittently drip down insides of the growth towers 26, and/or central openings extending along lengths of the growth towers 26 to water the plants 22 of the growth towers 26.

In some embodiments, the aquaponics system 10 may include a three-level system, with the growth media bins 14, the float bins 18, and the growth towers 26 disposed at different heights or levels. In some embodiments, the growth media bins 14 may be disposed between the growth towers 26 and the float bins 18. In some embodiments, one or more of the following may be arranged in rows: the growth media bins 14, the float bins 18, and the growth towers 26. In some embodiments, a particular growth media bin 14 disposed at an upper-level of the aquaponics system 10 may be aligned with or correspond to a particular float bin 18 at a lower- level of the aquaponics system 10 and/or the growth towers 26 may be disposed above the upper-level. In some embodiments, the particular float bin 18 aligned with the particular growth media bin 14 may receive the nutrient-rich water from the particular growth media bin 14.

In some embodiments, the aquaponics system 10 may include grow lights 31 disposed above the growth media bins 14 and/or the float bins 18. The aquaponics system 10 illustrated in Figure 1 includes 4 float bins 18 and 4 growth media bins 14. However, the aquaponics system 10 may include any number of float bins 18 and/or growth bins 14.

Referring now to Figure 2, in some embodiments, multiple aquaponics systems 10 may be disposed next to each other. In some embodiments, the multiple aquaponics systems 10 may be separated from each other such that if one of the multiple aquaponics systems 10 experiences a problem, the other multiple aquaponics systems 10 are not affected. Any number of aquaponics systems 10 may be disposed together in various locations, such as, for example, a greenhouse, a basement, etc. For example, 96 aquaponics systems 10 may be disposed in a greenhouse, which may be for example, 55,000 square feet. In some embodiments, the 96 aquaponics systems together may include 241,152 holes 24 for the plants 22, 21,504 square feet of growth media bins 14, and 70,000 pounds of fish in the tanks 12.

Referring now to Figure 3, in some embodiments, an outlet pipe 30 of the tank 12 may deliver the nutrient-rich water to the growth media bins 16. In some embodiments, the outlet pipe 30 may branch into multiple delivery pipes 32, which may each deliver the nutrient-rich water 38 to a different growth media bin 14. In some embodiments, the outlet pipe 30 may branch into the multiple delivery pipes 32 at a splitter.

In some embodiments, the aquaponics system 10 may include one or more downwardly extending pipes 34 and the one or more upwardly extending pipes 28. In some embodiments, each of the growth media bins 14 may include an end of a particular downwardly extending pipe 34 and/or an end of a particular upwardly extending pipe 28. In some embodiments, each of the downwardly extending pipes 34 may be configured to deliver the nutrient-rich water 38 from a particular growth media bin 14 to a particular float bin 18.

In some embodiments, the float bins 18 may include one or more pumps. In some embodiments, a single pump 36 disposed in a particular float bin 18 may be configured to pump the nutrient-rich water 38 from the float bins 18 through an inlet pipe 40 to the tank 12, which may increase efficiency of the aquaponic system 10. In some embodiments, the particular float bin 18 in which the single pump 36 is disposed may be closest to the tank 12 compared to any other float bins 18. In some embodiments, each of the float bins 18 may be fluidly connected, such as, for example, by one or more connector pipes 42, such that an equilibrium is maintained between the float bins 18 and water levels are approximately equal in each of the float bins 18. In some embodiments, the float bins 18 may be filled or partially filled with the nutrient-rich water 38.

In some embodiments, the nutrient-rich water 38 may circulate in a first loop between the tank 12, the upper level that includes the growth media bins 14, and the lower level that includes the float bins 18. In further detail, in some embodiments, the nutrient-rich water 38 may be configured to flow from the tank 12 through the outlet pipe 30 to a particular growth media bin 14, from the particular growth media bin 14 to a particular float bin 18, and from the particular float bin 18 through the inlet pipe 40 back to the tank 12 in the first loop. In some embodiments, additional nutrients may be added at the outlet pipe 30 as water flows to the growth media bins 14. Depending on a number of growth media bins 14 and float bins 18 in the aquaponics system 10, a number of first loops may vary. For example, in response to the aquaponics system 10 including first and second growth media bins and first and second float bins, the nutrient-rich water 38 may be configured to flow from the tank 12 through the outlet pipe 30 to the first growth media bin, from the first growth media bin to the first float bin, and from the first float bin through the inlet pipe 40 back to the tank 12 in one first loop. In another first loop, the nutrient-rich water 38 may be configured to flow from the tank 12 through the outlet pipe 30 to the second growth media bin, from the second growth media bin to the second float bin, and from the second float bin through the inlet pipe 40 back to the tank 12. In some embodiments, each of the first loops may share the single pump 36. In some embodiments, the nutrient-rich water 38 may be configured to flow through multiple first loops simultaneously. In some embodiments, the nutrient-rich water 38 may circulate in a second loop between the upper level and the growth towers 26. In further detail, in some embodiments, the nutrient-rich water 38 may be configured to flow from a particular growth media bin 14 to one or more growth towers 26 and back to the particular growth media bin 14 in a second loop. Depending on a number of growth media bins 14 in the aquaponics system 10, a number of second loops may vary. In some embodiments, each of the second loops may include one or more pumps. In some embodiments, each of the second loops may include a single pump 44, which may increase efficiency of the aquaponics system. In some embodiments, the nutrient- rich water 38 may be configured to flow through multiple second loops simultaneously.

In some embodiments, each of the growth media bins 14 may include an inner wall 46 that may surround the end of the upwardly extending pipe 28 and/or the end of the downwardly extending pipe 34. In some embodiments, the inner wall 46 may surround the pump 44 configured to deliver the nutrient-rich water 38 from a particular growth media bin 14 to one or more particular growth towers 26 via a particular upwardly extending pipe 28. In some embodiments, the inner wall 46 may surround a siphon mechanism 48, which may include the downwardly extending pipe 34.

In some embodiments, the delivery pipes 32 may deliver the nutrient-rich water 38 outside of the inner walls 46 of the growth media bins 14. In some embodiments, the inner wall 46 may be configured to separate the end of the upwardly extending pipe 28 and/or the end of the downwardly extending pipe 34 from the growth media 16 disposed in the growth media bin 14. For example, the inner wall 46 may include one or more holes 50 sized to allow the nutrient- rich water 38 to flow through the inner wall 46 but not to allow the growth media 16, such as lava rocks and/or worms, for example, to flow through the inner wall 46. In some embodiments, the upwardly extending pipes 28 may draw the nutrient-rich water 38 from inside or within a perimeter of the inner wall 46. In some embodiments, each of the upwardly extending pipes 28 may include multiple delivery pipes 51. In some embodiments, each of the upwardly extending pipes 28 may branch into the multiple delivery pipes 51 at a splitter. In some embodiments, each of the multiple delivery pipes 51 may deliver the nutrient-rich water 38 to a particular set of growth towers 26, such as, for example, the set of growth towers 26 disposed over a single growth media bin 14.

Any number of siphon mechanisms may be used in the aquaponics system 10. Referring now to Figure 4A, in some embodiments, the siphon mechanism 48 of a particular growth media bin 14 is configured to intermittently deliver the nutrient-rich water 38 to a particular float bin 18 when the nutrient-rich water 38 in the particular growth media bin 14 is at or above a particular level. In further detail, in some embodiments, the siphon mechanism 48 may include a cap 52 configured to cover the end of the downwardly extending pipe 34 and to seal the downwardly extending pipe 34 underneath the cap 52 except for one or more small openings 54 in a lower portion of the cap 52. In some embodiments, in response to a level of the nutrient-rich water 38 falling below at least a portion of the small openings 54 and exposing at least a portion of the small openings 54 to air, the siphon mechanism 48 may be configured to stop delivering the nutrient-rich water 38 to the particular float bin 18. In some embodiments, as the particular growth media bin 14 fills with the nutrient-rich water 38 from the tank 12 and/or one or more growth towers 26, the small openings 54 may become covered with the nutrient-rich water 38 such that no air can enter the cap 52, and the siphon mechanism 48 may begin again to deliver the nutrient-rich water 38 to the float bin.

As illustrated in Figure 4B, in some embodiments, supplemental nutrients may be placed or delivered inside the inner wall 46 via a nutrient addition system, which may include a nutrient delivery line 53. In some embodiments, a sensor 55 may be disposed within the inner wall 46 may activate the nutrient addition system. In some embodiments, the sensor 55 may activate the nutrient addition system in response to a particular nutrient or nutrients being below a threshold value in water contacting the sensor 55. In some embodiments, the inner wall 46 may surround the siphon mechanism 48, which may include the downwardly extending pipe 34.

In some embodiments, the nutrient delivery line 53 may be disposed in various locations in the aquaponics system 10. For example, the nutrient delivery line 53 may be configured to add the supplemental nutrients to the outlet pipe 30 and an end of the nutrient delivery line 53 may be disposed within the outlet pipe 30.

In some embodiments, a pH delivery system 57 may be activated when water is exiting the downward extended pipe into the float bins 18. In some embodiments, a pH of the nutrient- rich water may be adjusted via the pH delivery system 57, which may be disposed within and/or along the inner wall 46. In some embodiments, the pH of the nutrient-rich water may be detected via the pH delivery system 57 when the nutrient-rich water passes through the downwardly extending pipe. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the pH may be adjusted via the pH delivery system 57 or another pH delivery system to one or more of the float bins.

Figure 5 illustrates the inner wall 46 and the siphon mechanism 48, according to some embodiments. Figure 6 illustrates the inner wall 46 and siphon mechanism 48 with the cap 52 of the siphon mechanism 48 removed, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the siphon mechanism 48 may be replaced with a valve in the inner wall, which may allow the nutrient-rich water into the float bins 18 or may return the nutrient-rich water to the tank 12. In some embodiments, the valve may be coupled with a timer, switch, float, or automated system that controls opening and closing of the valve.

Referring back to Figure 3, in some embodiments, the aquaponics system 10 may include a water source 56 coupled with one or more of the float bins 18. In some embodiments, the water source 56 may be configured to raise a water level in the float bins 18. In some embodiments, the water source 56 may include an outlet or water source pipe 58, which may be coupled with a particular float bin 18, such as, for example, the float bin 18 closest to the tank 12 and/or the water source 56. In some embodiments, an inlet valve of the water source pipe 58 of the water source 56 may be configured to open to let water from the water source 56 into the particular float bin 18 in response to a level of the nutrient-rich water 38 in the particular float bin 18 being low. In some embodiments, the inlet valve is configured to turn the water on when a filler float 60 or ball float falls.

In some embodiments, the nutrient-rich water 38 may enter an end of the pipe disposed at least proximate to a feces collection area 59 , of the tank 12 and may exit the tank 12 under pull of gravity and without a pump. In some embodiments, the tank 12 may include a screen62, which may prevent the aquatic species from getting sucked into the outlet pipe 30. In some embodiments, the inlet pipe 40 and/or the outlet pipe 30 may create a current within the tank 12, which may allow the aquatic species to build muscle and taste better when eaten. In some embodiments, the aquaponics system 10 may include a ultra-violet (“UV”) filter 61 and/or a crystal filter 63. In some embodiments, the UV filter 61 and/or the crystal filter 63 may filter the nutrient-rich water prior to arrival of the nutrient-rich water back at the tank 12.

In some embodiments, the screen 62 may separate the end of the outlet pipe 30 from the aquatic animal species or foreign objects other than nutrient-rich water and waste from the aquatic animal species. In some embodiments, a bottom of the tank 12 may include any number of shapes. For example, the bottom of the tank 12 may be flat, rounded, or cone-shaped. In some embodiments, the screen 62 across the outlet pipe may provide useful with a particular tank 12 that includes a flat, rounded, or cone-shaped bottom, as objects may otherwise easily collect in the bottom of the tank 12. In some embodiments, the outlet pipe 30 may be protected from foreign objects entering the outlet pipe 30 by a screen across an end of the outlet pipe 30 disposed within the tank 12. In some embodiments, to break the siphon effect and prevent the tank 12 from draining completely, a top portion of the outlet pipe 30 may include a cap 65 that includes one or more holes. In some embodiments, the inner wall may surround a valve mechanism which may allow water into the lower float bins or may return water to the tank.

Referring now to Figure 7, in some embodiments the growth media bins 14 and/or the float bins 18 may be supported by a support structure 64.

Referring now to Figure 8, in some embodiments, the outlet pipe 30 of the tank 12 may branch into multiple delivery pipes 32, which may each deliver the nutrient-rich water 38 to a different growth media bin 14. In some embodiments, the outlet pipe 30 may branch into the multiple delivery pipes 32 at a splitter.

Referring now to Figure 9, in some embodiments, the inner wall 46 may include the holes 50, which may allow the nutrient-rich water 38 to flow through the inner wall 46, which may be covered by a lid 66. Figure 10 illustrates an example float bin 18, according to some embodiments. As illustrated in Figures 9-10, in some embodiments, the growth media bins 14 and/or the float bins 18 may include one or more grooves which may direct flow to a central location where the nutrient-rich water 28 may be transferred to another level in the aquaponics system 10.

Referring now to Figure 11, in some embodiments, the outlet pipe 30 of the tank 12 may branch into the multiple delivery pipes 32 at a splitter 67. In some embodiments, the outlet pipe 30 may include an outlet port valve 68 and/or a flush port 70, which may allow flushing out of all or a portion of the aquaponics system 10 as needed. A water source pipe 72 coupled with the water source 56 may be disposed at various locations. In some embodiments, the water source pipe 72 may extend parallel and/or in close proximity to the inlet pipe 40 and/or the outlet pipe 30. In some embodiments, if a particular float bin 18 and/or a particular growth media bin 14 aligned with each other and connected by a particular downwardly extending pipe 34 experience a problem, such as an infection, a valve 74 on the particular delivery pipe 32 extending to the particular growth media bin 14 may be shut off, preventing flow of the nutrient-rich water 38 from the tank 12 to the particular growth media bin 14. Additionally, in some embodiments, the single pump 36 may also be turned down, which may facilitate isolation of the particular float bin 18 and/or the particular growth media bin 14 from any other float bins 18 and/or growth media bins 14 while the problem is solved or a repair is made.

Referring now to Figure 12, in some embodiments, an inlet valve of the water source pipe 58 of the water source 56 may be configured to open to let water from the water source 56 into the particular float bin 18 in response to a level of the nutrient-rich water 38 in the particular float bin 18 being low. In some embodiments, the inlet valve is configured to turn the water on when a filler float 60 or ball float falls.

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the aquaponics system 10, according to some embodiments. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the aquaponics system 10, according to some embodiments. Figure 15 is an engineered drawing of a particular inner wall 46, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the inner wall 46 may be part of a bucket. Figure 16 is an engineered drawing of a portion of a particular siphon mechanism 48 having a cap 52, according to some embodiments. Figure 17 is an engineered drawing of a particular float bin 18, according to some embodiments. Figure 18 is an engineered drawing of the particular float bin 18, according to some embodiments. Figure 19 is a lower perspective view of the particular float bin 18, according to some embodiments. Figure 20 is an engineered drawing of another example bin, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the particular bin may include a float bin 18 or a growth media bin 14. Figure 21 is a lower perspective view of the bin of Figure 20, according to some embodiments. Figure 22 is an engineered drawing of an example longitudinal beam of the support structure 64, according to some embodiments. Figure 23 is an engineered drawing of an example cross beam of the support structure 64, according to some embodiments. Figure 24 is an engineered drawing of an end portion of the support structure 64. Figure 25 is an upper perspective drawing of a portion of a particular aquaponics system 10, according to some embodiments.

Referring now to Figures 26A-26B, in some embodiments, the growth towers 26 may be attached to a conveyor, which may be attached to the greenhouse. In some embodiments, the conveyor may be elevated or overhead.

In some embodiments, a support mechanism 80 coupled to one or more growth towers 26 may provide the ability to spin or swivel the growth towers 26, as illustrated, for example, in Figures 26A-26B. In some embodiments, the support mechanism 80 may include a hook and/or clevis. In some embodiments, the support mechanism 80 may be configured to attach the growth towers 26 to a conveyor trolley 82 of the conveyor.

Figure 26C illustrates an example conveyor 85. In some embodiments, the conveyor 85 may be used to transport the growth towers and/or the aquaponics system 10 between one or more of the following areas: a planting area 84, a harvesting area 86, and a cleaning area 88. In some embodiments, the conveyor 85 may provide a loop within a greenhouse and/or outside of a greenhouse. In some embodiments, the growth towers 26 may be harvested above the growth media bins 14 and/or the float bins 18.

In some embodiments, one or more of the growth towers 26 may be attached or linked together to form a train. Referring now to Figure 26D, in some embodiments, the conveyor 85 may automatically move the growth towers 46 and/or the aquaponics system 10 to a new location via motors or other means implemented. In some embodiments, after harvesting, the growth towers 26 may go through a manual or automatic cleaning system before returning to the propagation or planting area 84. In some embodiments, the conveyor 85 may include a rope or similar structure.

In some embodiments, the support structure 64, which may be configured to hold the growth media bins 14 and/or the float bins 18, may be extended upwards to create a framework for the conveyor to attach. In some embodiments, the support structure 64 is extended upward and utilized as the support structure of the greenhouse 90. In some embodiments, the greenhouse 90 is free standing and not connected to the support structure 64. In some embodiments, the aquaponics system 10 is not enclosed in a greenhouse 64 or part of the greenhouse 64. In some embodiments, the growth towers 26 and/or aquaponics system 10 may be connected directly to a greenhouse.

Referring now to Figure 27A-27C, an example growth tower 100 is illustrated. In some embodiments, the growth tower 100 may include or correspond to the growth tower 26 of the previous figures. In further detail, in some embodiments, the growth tower 100 may include one or more features of the growth tower 26. In some embodiments, the growth tower 26 may include one or more features of the growth tower 100. In some embodiments, the growth tower 100 may be used with the aquaponics system 10. In some embodiments, the growth tower 100 may be used with an aquaponics system that includes one or more elements of the aquaponics system 10.

In some embodiments, the growth tower 100 may include a pipe 102. In some embodiments, the pipe 102 may include an open upper end 104, an open lower end 106, and a lumen 108 extending between the open upper end 104 and the open lower end 106. In some embodiments, the pipe 102 may be configured to hang vertically with the open upper end 104 above the open lower end 106 such that in response to fluid entering the open upper end 104, the fluid flows by gravity towards the open lower end 106. In some embodiments, the fluid may include nutrient-rich water, such as the nutrient rich water 38 described previously. In some embodiments, the growth tower 100 may include multiple tubes 112, which may extend inwardly from the pipe 102. In some embodiments, a channel may extend through each of the tubes 112 and the pipe 102, each channel providing a pathway from an exterior of the pipe 102 to an interior of the pipe 102. In some embodiments, the tubes may be short or long.

In some embodiments, the tubes 112 may be angled downwardly with respect to the pipe 102. In some embodiments, the tubes 112 may be configured to hold plants. In some embodiments, the plants may extend through the channels to the exterior of the pipe 102. For example, roots of the plants may extend through the tubes 112. In some embodiments, an outer or outermost surface of the pipe 102 may be smooth and/or comprise a uniform diameter, which may facilitate cutting off the plants growing in multiple tubes in an upward and/or downward motion, wherein the smooth and/or uniform diameter prevents a knife or other cutting mechanism from getting caught on, or otherwise contacting the outer or outermost surface of the pipe 102.

In some embodiments, the pipe 102 may be cylindrical or another shape. In some embodiments, the pipe may be constructed of a plastic material, such as, for example, polypropylene, or another suitable material. In some embodiments, the pipe 102 and the tubes 112 may be monolithically formed as a single unit. In some embodiments, the tubes 112 may be attached to the pipe 102. In some embodiments, the pipe 102 and the tubes 112 may be formed with a blow mold. In some embodiments, the pipe 102 may be spot heated and/or a tapered tool may be used to form the tubes 112 from the pipe 102.

In some embodiments, the tubes 112 may be arranged in multiple vertical columns 114. In some embodiments, the vertical columns 114 may be spaced around the circumference of the pipe 102. In some embodiments, the vertical columns 114 may be evenly spaced around the circumference of the pipe 102. In some embodiments, the growth tower 100 may include at least six of the vertical columns 114, which may be spaced around a circumference of the pipe 102. Figures 27A-27B illustrate six vertical columns H4a-f (which may be referred to as “vertical columns 114”), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, each of the vertical columns 114 may include eight or more tubes 112. In some embodiments, each of the vertical columns 114 may include less than eight tubes 112. In some embodiments, an inner surface of each of the tubes 112 may taper inwardly away from the pipe 102, which may help secure the plants and/or growth media disposed within the tubes 112.

In some embodiments, a first of the vertical columns 114, such as, for example, the vertical column H4a, may be adjacent to a second of the vertical columns 114, such as, for example, the vertical column 1 l4b, and/or a third of the vertical columns 114, such as, for example, the vertical column H4c. In some embodiments, the first of the vertical columns 114 may be disposed between the second of the vertical columns 114 and the third of the vertical columns 114.

In some embodiments, outer openings 113 of each of the tubes 112 of the first of the vertical columns 114 may be vertically offset from each of the outer openings 113 of the tubes 112 of the second of the vertical columns 114 and/or the third of the vertical columns 114. In some embodiments, the outer openings 113 of the tubes 112 of the second of the vertical columns 114 and the third of the vertical columns 114 may be vertically aligned.

In some embodiments, every other one of the vertical columns 114 may include tubes 112 having outer openings 113 that are vertically aligned. In some embodiments, each of the vertical columns 114 may include tubes 112 having outer openings 113 that are vertically offset from the outer openings 113 of tubes 112 of the vertical columns 114 on both sides of the corresponding vertical column 114.

In some embodiments, outer openings 113 of adjacent tubes 112 in each of the vertical columns 114 may be spaced apart from each other by a distance 116, which may be about eight inches. For example, the distance 116 between the outer openings 113 of adjacent tubes 112 of the first of the vertical columns 114 may be about eight inches. As another example, the distance 116 between the outer openings 113 of adjacent tubes 112 of the second of the vertical columns may be about eight inches. In some embodiments, the distance 116 may be between about 4 to 6, 6 to 8, 8 to 10, or 10 to 12 inches.

In some embodiments, an outer opening 113 of a first tube 112 of the first of the vertical columns 114 may be equidistant from outer openings 113 of a first tube 112 and a second tube 112 of the second of the vertical columns 114. In some embodiments, a distance 118 between the outer opening 113 of the first tube of the first of the vertical columns 114 and the outer openings 113 of the first tube 112 of the second of the vertical columns 114 may be about four inches. In some embodiments, the distance 118 may be between about 2 to 4, 4 to 6, 6 to 8, or 8 to 10 inches.

In some embodiments, the pipe 102 may be coupled to a conveyor, such as, for example, the conveyor 85 of any of the previous figures, via a coupling mechanism 120. In some embodiments, the conveyor that may serve to transport the growth tower 100 from one location to another. In some embodiments, the coupling mechanism 120 may include an aperture configured to receive a cable of the conveyor therethrough.

In some embodiments, one or more outwardly extending arms 121 may be configured to separate the growth tower 100 from other growth towers 100 on the conveyor, such as one or more adjacent growth towers. In further detail, in some embodiments, the arms 121 may be generally rigid and/or fixed. In some embodiments, an end of an arm 121 of a particular growth tower 100 may be coupled to an end of an arm of an adjacent growth tower 100 to prevent the pipes 102 of the particular growth tower 100 and adjacent growth tower 100 from contacting each other. In some embodiments, the ends of the arms 121 may include a coupling mechanism, such as a screw, bolt, nut, clamp, adhesive, or other suitable coupling mechanism. Ref erring now to Figure 27D-27E, in some embodiments, the lumen 108 may include a fluid diffuser 122, which may be disposed towards the open upper end 104. In some embodiments, the fluid diffuser 122 may include multiple apertures 124. In some embodiments, the fluid diffuser 122 may include a disc, as illustrated, for example, in Figures 27D-27E.

In some embodiments, the growth tower 100 may include a porous foam 126 which may be disposed towards the open upper end 104. In some embodiments, the porous foam 126 may be disposed above and/or on top of the fluid diffuser 122, which may facilitate diffusion and dispersion of the fluid entering the open upper end 104. In some embodiments, the fluid may drip on top of the fluid diffuser 122 and/or the porous foam 126. An example of placement of a fluid line is illustrated in Figure 29. In some embodiments, the fluid diffuser 122 and/or the porous foam 126 may help disperse the fluid throughout the lumen 108 of the pipe 102, reaching the plants extending through the tubes 112.

In some embodiments, the growth tower 100 may include an inverted T-bar 128. In some embodiments, the T-bar 128 may extend through the fluid diffuser 122 and/or the porous foam 126. In some embodiments, the T-bar 128 may extend across the lumen 108. In some embodiments, a horizontal portion 130 of the inverted T-bar 128 may be disposed within the lumen 108 and/or about two inches below the open upper end 104. In some embodiments, ends of the horizontal portion 130 may be secured to the pipe 102. For example, the ends of the horizontal portion 130 may extend through and/or be secured within opposing apertures in the pipe 102. In some embodiments, the T-bar 128 may coupled with the coupling mechanism 120. In some embodiments, the T-bar may be coupled with the outwardly extending arms 121 configured to separate the growth tower 100 from other growth towers 100 on the conveyor.

Referring now to Figures 28A-28C, in some embodiments, the fluid diffuser 122 may include a dish shape. In some embodiments, the fluid diffuser 122 may include an upper lip, which may rest on or be secured to an edge of the pipe 102 forming the open upper end 104. In some embodiments, the apertures 124 may be arranged in various patterns.

Referring now to Figure 29, the fluid diffuser 122 having the disc shape is illustrated, although the fluid diffuser 122 having the dish shape or another shape may be used, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the growth tower 100 may or may not include the porous foam 126. In some embodiments, the conveyor may include an elongated housing 132 in which the coupling mechanism 120 may be disposed. In some embodiments, the coupling mechanism 120 may extend through a slit of the housing 132. In some embodiments, the housing 132 may house the cable.

In some embodiments, a clip 134 may be secured around the housing. In some embodiments, another suitable attachment mechanism may be used to secure a fluid line 138 to the housing 132. In some embodiments, the clip 134 may include a spring portion 136. In some embodiments, the fluid line 138 may extend through the spring portion 136 and drip through the open upper end 104 and on top of the fluid diffuser 122 and/or the porous foam 126.

In some embodiments, a lower portion of the coupling mechanism 120 may be coupled to an S-hook 140. In some embodiments, an extension piece 142 may couple the S-hook 140 with the T-bar 128. It is understood that the T-bar 128 may be coupled with the coupling mechanism 120 via the extension piece 142 and the S-hook 140 or in any number of other ways.

All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended for pedagogical objects to aid the reader in understanding the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Although embodiments of the present inventions have been described in detail, it should be understood that the various changes, substitutions, and alterations could be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A growth tower for an aquaponics system, comprising:

a pipe having an open upper end, an open lower end, and a lumen extending between the open upper end and the open lower end, wherein the pipe is configured to hang vertically with the open upper end above the open lower end such that in response to fluid entering the open upper end, the fluid flows by gravity towards the open lower end; and

a plurality of tubes extending inwardly from the pipe, wherein the plurality of tubes are arranged in a plurality of vertical columns.

2. The growth tower of claim 1, wherein an outer surface of the pipe is smooth.

3. The growth tower of claim 1, wherein the lumen comprises a fluid diffuser disposed towards the open upper end, wherein the fluid diffuser comprises a plurality of apertures.

4. The growth tower of claim 3, wherein the fluid diffuser comprises a disc.

5. The growth tower of claim 3, wherein the fluid diffuser comprises a dish shape.

6. The growth tower of claim 3, further comprising a porous foam disposed above the fluid diffuser.

7. The growth tower of claim 3, further comprising an inverted T-bar, wherein the T-bar extends across the lumen and through the fluid diffuser.

8. The growth tower of claim 7, wherein a horizontal portion of the inverted T-bar is disposed within the lumen about two inches below the open upper end, wherein ends of the horizontal portion are secured to the pipe, wherein the horizontal portion extends across the lumen.

9. The growth tower of claim 1, wherein the pipe is constructed of a plastic material.

10. The growth tower of claim 1, wherein an inner surface of each of the plurality of tubes tapers inwardly away from the outer surface of the pipe.

11. The growth tower of claim 1, wherein the T-bar is coupled with a conveyor.

12. The growth tower of claim 1, wherein the T-bar is coupled with a plurality of outwardly extending arms configured to separate the growth tower from other growth towers on a conveyor.

13. The growth tower of claim 1, wherein the plurality of vertical columns comprises six vertical columns evenly spaced around a circumference of the pipe.

14. The growth tower of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of vertical columns comprises eight tubes.

15. The growth tower of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of tubes of a first vertical column of the plurality of vertical columns is vertically offset from each of the plurality of tubes of a second vertical column of the plurality of vertical columns, wherein the first vertical column is adjacent the second vertical column.

16. The growth tower of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of tubes of a first vertical column of the plurality of vertical columns is vertically offset from each of the plurality tubes of a second vertical column and a third vertical column of the plurality of vertical columns, wherein the first vertical column is disposed between and adjacent the second vertical column and the third vertical column.

17. The growth tower of claim 1, wherein a distance between the plurality of tubes of a first vertical column of the plurality of vertical columns that are adjacent is about eight inches.

18. The growth tower of claim 17, wherein a distance between the plurality of tubes of a second vertical column of the plurality of vertical columns that are adjacent is about eight inches, wherein the second vertical column is adjacent the first vertical column.

19. The growth tower of claim 18, wherein a first tube of the first vertical column is equidistant from a first tube and a second tube of the second vertical column.

0. The growth tower of claim 19, wherein a distance between the first tube of the first vertical column and the first tube of the second vertical column is about four inches.