WO2023233401A1

WO2023233401A1 - Apparatus and method for preserving aeroponic vegetation

Info

Publication number: WO2023233401A1
Application number: PCT/IL2023/050552
Authority: WO
Inventors: Benjamin DRORI
Original assignee: Drori Benjamin
Priority date: 2022-06-01
Filing date: 2023-05-29
Publication date: 2023-12-07

Abstract

An aeroponic enclosure for uniform, pressure free, irrigation of plant roots comprises a bottom wall, side walls, and a lid to seal the aeroponic enclosure. The lid comprises at least one opening through which at least one plant basket is inserted into the aeroponic enclosure. The aeroponic enclosure further comprises means for supplying air/water /fertilizers and/or a mixture thereof, and a removable partition wall for dividing the aeroponic enclosure into an upper chamber (habitat) and a lower chamber (mist chamber). The partition wall comprises at least one opening to allow diffusion of a gentle mist from the lower chamber to the upper chamber, wherein the means for supplying air/water/fertilizers and/or a mixture thereof produce mist-jet(s) in the lower chamber. The mist-jet(s) diffuse(s) as a gentle mist through the at least one opening into the upper chamber, thus, the gentle mist wets the plant roots uniformly while not stressing the plant roots.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PRESERVING AEROPONIC

VEGETATION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to aeroponics. More specifically, the present invention relates to aeroponic systems for growing plants.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Aeroponic farms are controlled and enclosed environments, with crop growing suspended in air. The plants are contained in a humid atmosphere where frequent misting delivers a nutrient rich solution right to the roots, keeping the crop from drying out. Because the entire process is enclosed, the mist can remain around the plants longer, helping them grow more quickly with less water and less nutrients than in traditional outdoor and hydroponic farms.

However, there are some problems with the aeroponic method.

Currently, plants that are grown in hydroponic or aeroponic systems are installed in closed greenhouses. These are characterized by a light structure with plastic or glass materials to enable daylight, or in closed structures that have been adapted to growers’ needs.

To build a greenhouse, growers need to consider the following expenses:

(a) the cost of building the structure.

(b) the cost of ventilation, air-conditioning, lighting, humidity and CO2 control systems.

(c) the cost of maintenance resulting from temperature and humidity control and pest eradication.

Growers build high greenhouses to suit a variety of plants, and construction expenses as well as system control and handling of air and lighting expenses increase with the height of the greenhouse. Aeroponic systems provide many desirable advantages over growing systems that employ a growing medium. In general, aeroponic systems are favored over other systems and methods because the increased aeration of the nutrient solution delivers more oxygen to plant roots, stimulating growth and helping to prevent pathogen formation.

Aeroponics can limit disease transmission since plant-to-plant contact is reduced and each spray pulse can be sterile. When soil, aggregate, or other growing media are used, disease can spread throughout the growing media and infect many other plants. Thus, in most greenhouses and other plant growing operations such solid growing media require sterilization after each crop and, in many cases are simply discarded and replaced with fresh, certified sterile media for each new crop. A distinct advantage of aeroponic technology is that if a particular plant does become diseased, it can be quickly removed from the aeroponic plant growing system without disrupting or infecting the other plants. Due to the disease-free environment that is unique to aeroponics, many plants can grow at higher density (plants per square meter) when compared to more traditional forms of cultivation (hydroponics, soil, etc.).

Commercial aeroponic systems incorporate hardware features that accommodate crops' expanding root systems.

Aeroponic growing is considered to be safe and ecologically friendly for producing natural, healthy plants, and crops. The main ecological advantages of aeroponics are the conservation of water and energy. When compared to hydroponics, aeroponics offers lower water and energy inputs per square meter of growing area.

Aeroponic systems employ mist-foggers, misters, foggers, or other devices to create a fine mist of solution to deliver water and nutrients to plant roots. In commercial applications, a hydro-atomizing spray is employed to cover large areas of roots utilizing air pressure misting. A variation of the mist technique employs the use of ultrasonic nebulizers or foggers to mist nutrient solutions in low-pressure aeroponic devices.

The key to root development in an aeroponic environment is the size of the water droplet. Water droplet size is crucial for sustaining aeroponic growth. Too large of a water droplet means less oxygen is available to the root system. Too fine of a water droplet produces excessive root hair without developing a lateral root system for sustained growth in an aeroponic system.

One problem relates, for example, to the way mist is sprayed onto the roots of the plant. Air pressure and water pressure mix in mist-foggers and form atomized mist, which comes out as a jet from the mist-foggers. When the jet is aimed at the roots and hits them with pressure, it reduces the benefits of aeroponic to a large extent. As a result of the constant motion, roots are stressed out, cut, or over- produce more roots.

Another problem relates to the distribution of mist in the growth space of plant roots. Uneven distribution causes plants, that receive less irrigation at their roots, to delay their growth. Also, there is a decrease in crops in comparison with plants that are properly watered.

At present, the grower who uses aeroponic systems and methods tries to solve the problems by growing each of the plants separately, or by grouping several plants in a container that includes mist-foggers. The cost of such a solution is rather high and therefore it sets a barrier to using the aeroponic method, despite the large savings in water consumed.

Thus, an aim of the present invention is to provide a new and improved aeroponic plant growing system. A system that solves the above problems and benefits from the many known advantages of growing plants in an aeroponic environment but at the same time overcomes many of the limitations of existing aeroponic plant growing systems. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aeroponic farms are controlled and enclosed environments with crop growing suspended in air. The plants are contained in a humid atmosphere where frequent misting delivers a nutrient rich solution right to the roots, keeping the crop from drying out. Since the entire process is enclosed, the mist can remain around the plants longer, helping them grow more quickly with less water and less nutrients than in traditional outdoor and hydroponic farms. However, there are some problems with the aeroponic systems and methods available nowadays.

The first problem relates to the way mist is sprayed onto the roots of the plant. Pressurized air and water mix in mist-foggers and form atomized mist, which comes out as a jet from the mist-foggers. When the pressurized jet is aimed at the roots and hits them, it reduces the benefits of aeroponic to a large extent. As a result of the constant motion, roots are stressed out, cut, or over- produce more roots.

The second problem relates to the distribution of mist in the growth space of plant roots. Uneven distribution of the mist causes plants, that receive less irrigation at their roots, to delay their growth. Also, there is a decrease in crops in comparison with plants that are properly watered.

At present, the grower who uses aeroponic systems tries to solve the problems by growing each of the plants separately, or by grouping several plants in a container that includes mist fogger. The cost of such a solution is rather high and therefore it sets a barrier to using the aeroponic method, despite the large savings in water consumed.

The present invention provides growers with a tool to solve the problem they face when using the aeroponic method in greenhouses. More specifically, the present invention overcomes the problems of heavy pressure of waterjets on the plant's roots, uneven watering and the high cost associated with manufacturing high aeroponic systems.

The present invention provides an aeroponic enclosure with components that meet the needs of growers by offering them fine mist jets and a flexible structure for efficient plant growth.

The present invention is of an aeroponic enclosure designed to relieve root stress and reduce cost of air, CO2, fertilizer(s) and light treatments needed for plant growing in greenhouses.

Furthermore, the present invention provides an apparatus, an aeroponic enclosure, which reduces costs. Growers build high greenhouses to fit a variety of plants. Such greenhouses are equipped with air conditioners to keep the temperature of the plant foliage and roots below 30 degrees Celsius. The aeroponic enclosure of the present invention is a model of a mini -greenhouse for treating and ventilating only the volume of air surrounding the plant's foliage, thus reducing ventilation costs dramatically.

The aeroponic enclosure (mini-greenhouse unit) of the present invention is intended for growing plants with various foliage, for instance, plants with low foliage such as lettuce, that do not spread to the sides. The height of the aeroponic corresponds to the height of the plant, and it only handles the volume of air surrounding the plant's foliage. Therefore, the air volume treated in such a mini greenhouse unit is much smaller than the air volume of the greenhouses available today, and as a result, the air and light treatments of the mini greenhouse are much cheaper.

Thus, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an aeroponic enclosure for uniform, pressure free, irrigation of plant roots comprises: a bottom wall; side walls; a lid to seal said aeroponic enclosure; said lid comprises at least one opening through which at least one plant basket is inserted into the aeroponic enclosure; means for supplying air/water/fertilizers and/or a mixture thereof; a removable partition wall for dividing the aeroponic enclosure into an upper chamber (habitat) and a lower chamber (mist chamber); said partition wall comprising at least one opening to allow diffusion of a gentle mist from the lower chamber to the upper chamber, wherein said means for supplying air/water/fertilizers and/or a mixture thereof producing mist-jet(s) in the lower chamber, said mist-jet(s) diffusing as a gentle mist through said at least one opening into the upper chamber, thus, said gentle mist wetting the plant roots uniformly while not stressing the plant roots.

Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the gentle mist comprises liquid drops smaller than 50 microns.

Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the means for supplying air/water/fertilizers and/or a mixture thereof is at least one mist fogger.

Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the at least one mist-fogger is attachable/connectable either to the side walls and/or to the bottom wall, and/or to the partition wall of the aeroponic enclosure.

Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the at least one mist fogger is directed to the side/bottom walls and/or to the partition wall, thus, said mist-jet(s) of said air/water/fertilizer(s) or a mixture thereof hit the side/bottom walls, and/or the partition wall, as a result of which, colloidal particles of said mist-jet(s) break into small particles. Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the side walls and said lid having extending ledges securable to one another by one or more fastening mechanisms.

Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the aeroponic enclosure further comprising at least one channel/pipe containing air, water, fertilizers or a combination thereof.

Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the at least one channel/pipe is situated along the side walls of the aeroponic enclosure to strengthen the structure of the aeroponic enclosure.

Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the mist fogger is connected to the at least one channel/pipe containing air, water, fertilizers or a combination thereof for injecting mist-jets into the lower chamber of the aeroponic enclosure.

Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the aeroponic enclosure is made of polymeric materials, metal, alloy, wood, a combination thereof.

Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the aeroponic enclosure further comprises a top cover for covering the plants. Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the top cover is made of flexible and light transparent sheet(s).

Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the aeroponic enclosure further comprises at least one extension compression canal for sealing the aeroponic enclosure by securing the extending ledges of the lid and the extending ledges of the side walls of the aeroponic enclosure to one another and for inserting the edges of the top cover into the at least one extension compression canal for sealing the upper volume, and thus, for covering the plants. Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the at least one extension compression canal is made of metal, alloy, wood, polymeric material or a combination thereof.

Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, multiple aeroponic enclosures are positioned one on top of the other for forming a double height aeroponic enclosure.

Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the partition wall is removable to turn the aeroponic enclosure into a hydroponic apparatus.

Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the openings in the lid of the aeroponic enclosure are spaced according to the number of plants to be grown.

Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a method for uniform, pressure free, irrigation of plant roots comprising:

(a) providing the enclosure/double height aeroponic enclosure of claims 1- 17;

(b) positioning a partition wall having at least one opening to divide the aeroponic enclosure into a lower chamber and an upper chamber;

(c) situating at least one mist-fogger in the lower chamber;

(d) securing extending ledges of a lid to extending ledges of side walls to one another by a fastening mechanism;

(e) using a top cover for covering the plants and inserting the edges of the top cover into a compressing canal for sealing the upper volume, thus, for covering the plants;

(f) activating at least one mist fogger to inject mist jet(s); and

(g) diffusing gentle mist through the partitioning wall to the upper chamber for providing uniform, pressure free, irrigation of plant roots. Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the fastening mechanism is a compressing canal.

Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the method further comprising directing the at least one mist fogger towards at least one wall of the lower chamber for injecting mist-jet(s) thereto, thus, for hitting the at least one wall with the mist-jet(s), thus, for breaking the mist-jet(s) into small drops.

Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the small drops having a diameter smaller than 50 microns.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Fig. 1 A is a schematic illustration of an aeroponic enclosure in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. IB is a schematic view of the aeroponic enclosure illustrating the pipe fitting used for connecting the at least one mist fogger to the at least one pipe. Fig. 2 illustrates an aeroponic enclosure with a multi-fogging mist fogger in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 3 illustrates an aeroponic enclosure with a single mist fogger positioned at the entrance, or nearby the entrance of the aeroponic enclosure.

Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of an aeroponic enclosure showing gentle- mist diffusing from the lower chamber to the upper chamber.

Fig.5 illustrates an aeroponic enclosure with at least one mist-fogger attached/ connected to the bottom wall of the aeroponic enclosure.

Fig. 6 illustrates an aeroponic enclosure with at least one mist-fogger attached/ connected to the lid.

Fig. 7 is a schematic illustration of a double height aeroponic enclosure in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is a cross sectional view of a “Mini Greenhouse” in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 9A is a perspective view of the top cover and the compressing canal 817 used for sealing the upper volume of the aeroponic enclosure.

Fig. 9B is a top view of the top cover in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 10 illustrates a method for uniform, pressure free, irrigation of plant roots in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Although several embodiments, examples, and illustrations are disclosed below, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention described herein extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments, examples, and illustrations and includes other uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein like numerals refer to like elements throughout. The terminology used in the description presented herein is not intended to be interpreted in any limited or restrictive manner simply because it is being used in conjunction with a detailed description of certain specific embodiments of the invention. In addition, embodiments of the invention can comprise several novel features and no single feature is solely responsible for its desirable attributes or is essential to practicing the inventions herein described.

Fig. lA is a schematic illustration of an aeroponic enclosure (aeroponic channel) 100 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The aeroponic enclosure 100 is a trough-like enclosure which includes a bottom wall 102, side walls 104, and a lid 106 to seal the aeroponic enclosure 100.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the aeroponic enclosure 100 may further comprise a removable partition wall 114 (horizontal partition) which divides the aeroponic enclosure 100 into an upper chamber (habitat) 116 and a lower chamber (mist chamber) 118. In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the removable partition wall 114 may be used to divide the aeroponic enclosure 100 into an upper chamber (habitat) 116 and a lower chamber (mist chamber) 118. However, when the removable partition wall 114 is removed, the aeroponic enclosure 100 may be used as hydroponic apparatus.

The lid 106 comprises at least one opening, e.g., hole, slit and the like, through which at least one root basket 107 is insertable into the upper chamber 116.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, users may be able to create opening(s) in the lid 106 to accommodate the root baskets 107. In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the openings in the lid 106 are spaced according to the plants, thus, the grower can use the aeroponic enclosure for plants of various types.

The side walls 104 and the lid 106 may have extending ledges, such as extending ledges 108, 110. Such extending ledges 108, 110 may be secured to one another by one or more fastening mechanisms such as compressing canal 112 used for sealing the aeroponic enclosure 100.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the aeroponic enclosure 100 may further comprise at least one pipe such as pipe 122 containing one of air, water, fertilizers or a combination thereof. The at least one pipe 122 may be in the form of channel(s) in the structure of the aeroponic enclosure 100.

Alternatively, the at least one pipe 122 may be at least one hose such as a robber hose situated within the aeroponic enclosure 100.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, one of the at least one pipe 122 may store fluid, such as, for example, water or aerosol containing one or more nutrients according to a predetermined dosage, while another one of the at least one pipe 122 may store air. The at least one pipe, either the channels or the hoses, may be along the side walls 104 and thus may strengthen the structure of the aeroponic enclosure 100 in general, and specifically the side walls 104 of the aeroponic enclosure 100. The at least one pipe 122 (built-in pipes) may help reinforce the sides and bottom of the aeroponic enclosure 100 and prevent crushing. Also, the built-in pipes provide an easier connection of the mist foggers (discussed below) to the air and water, saving time and money compared to the installation cost in current greenhouses.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the aeroponic enclosure 100 may comprise at least one mist-fogger such as, for instance, ADG SV 882 made by Dongguan Mist Spraying Technology Co. Ltd.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the at least one mist-fogger may be installed anywhere within the aeroponic enclosure 100. Specifically, the at least one mist-fogger may be attached/connected to the side walls 104, the bottom wall 102 or to the side of the partition wall 114 facing the lower chamber 118.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the at least one mist-fogger may get air/water/fertilizers or a mixture thereof from the at least one pipe such as pipe 122.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the at least one pipe such as pipe 122 may be at least one built-in pipe that reinforces the sides and bottom of the aeroponic enclosure, and thus, prevents crushing.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the aeroponic enclosure 100 may be made of polymeric materials, metal, alloy, wood, a combination thereof and the like.

Fig. IB is a schematic view of the aeroponic enclosure 100 with a magnified view of the pipe fitting 124 used for connecting the at least one mist fogger (shown and described below) to the at least one pipe 122. Fig. 2 illustrates an aeroponic enclosure 200 with a multi-fogging mist fogger 202 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

As seen in the figure, multi-fogging mist fogger 202 may comprise a first mist fogger 204 and a second mist fogger 206, water/fertilizer inlets 208 and 210 and air inlet 212.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, first mist fogger 204 may inject mist in one direction while second mist fogger 206 may inject mist in the opposite direction. Therefore, multi-fogging mist fogger 202 may be situated anywhere within the aeroponic enclosure 200, and preferably in the middle of the aeroponic enclosure 200, so that, first mist fogger 204 may inject mist within one section of the aeroponic enclosure 200 while the second mist fogger 206 may inject mist within the other section of the aeroponic enclosure 200, thus, both the first mist fogger 204 and the second mist fogger 206 may provide mist for the entire length of the aeroponic enclosure 200, for example, for an entire length of about 1-6 meters where each of the first mist fogger 204 and the second mist fogger 206 may provide mist for an entire section, for instance, a section of 2.5-3 meters in length.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the length of the aeroponic enclosure 200 may be determined according to the customer's requirement, and the number of mist foggers may be updated accordingly. The aeroponic enclosure 200 may comprise a partition wall which divides the aeroponic enclosure 200 into an upper chamber and a lower chamber (mist chamber). The lower chamber may be used as a mist chamber - the lower chamber may comprise at least one mist-fogger for injecting mist-jets diffusible through at least one opening in the partition wall from the lower chamber to the upper chamber. The mist diffusing from the lower chamber to the upper chamber comprises small drops, such as, drops having a diameter as small as 50 microns. Such small drops allow plant roots to get uniform wetting, without suffering stress from the pressure of the mist- jet. In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the injectable mist-jets are diffusible through at least one opening in the partition wall from the lower chamber to the upper chamber.

Excess liquid droplets that are not used by the plants may sink to the bottom of the aeroponic enclosure 200 and may exit through a drainage tube 218.

Also seen in the figure are wall 214A and wall 214B. Wall 214A comprises sealing member 216A for sealing the air pipe 212, and wall 214B comprises sealing member 216B for sealing the air pipe outlet from the other side or connection the air and water pipes from the main supply.

Wall 214A further comprises drain 218 for draining and recycling the draining fluids back to the distilled water and fertilizer reservoir.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, a single mist fogger, such as mist fogger 302 may be positioned at the lower chamber (i.e., underneath the partition wall) at the entrance or nearby the entrance, for instance, at the closing wall 304 of the aeroponic enclosure 300 as seen in Fig. 3. Such mist fogger 302 may be strong enough to mist the entire aeroponic enclosure 300, for instance, the entire 6 meters of the aeroponic enclosure.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the injectable mist-jets are diffusible through at least one opening in the partition wall from the lower chamber to the upper chamber.

Excess liquid droplets that are not used by the plants may sink to the bottom of the aeroponic enclosure 300 and may exit through a drainage tube 306.

Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of an aeroponic enclosure 400 showing gentle- mist diffusing from the lower chamber to the upper chamber.

As seen in the figure, aeroponic enclosure 400 is sealed with lid 420 where the side walls ledges such as ledge 421 and the lid ledges such as ledge 423 may be secured to one another by one or more fastening mechanisms such as compressing canal 424. In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the aeroponic enclosure 400 may comprise at least one mist-fogger such as mist-fogger 402 situated in the lower chamber 404 of the aeroponic enclosure 400.

The at least one mist-fogger 402 may be directed to at least one wall such as wall 408 to inject mist-jets 406 towards the wall 408 in the lower chamber 404. As the mist- jets 406 hit the at least one wall of the lower chamber 404, the droplets of mist- jets 406 break to produce a gentle mist.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, as the mist- jet(s) hit the wall, e.g., the side walls 408, the bottom wall 418, or the partition wall 414, the colloidal particles of the mist-jet(s) break into small particles, gentle mist. The gentle mist diffusing from the lower chamber 404 to the upper chamber 416 and wetting the plant roots uniformly. This way, plant roots can get uniform wetting, without suffering stress from the pressure of the mist- jet 406.

Fig. 5 is a schematic illustration of an aeroponic enclosure 500 comprised of at least one mist-fogger such as mist-fogger 502 which may be attached/connected to the bottom wall 504 of the aeroponic enclosure 500. Such mist-fogger 502 may be strong enough to mist the entire aeroponic enclosure 500, and in this configuration, no partition is needed.

Fig. 6 is a schematic illustration of aeroponic enclosure 600 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. As seen in the figure, the at least one mist-fogger such as mist-fogger 602 may be attached/connected to the lid 604 of the aeroponic enclosure 600. Such mist-fogger 602 may be strong enough to mist the entire aeroponic enclosure 600, and in this configuration, no partition is needed.

Fig. 7 is a schematic illustration of a double height aeroponic enclosure 700 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

As seen in the figure, double height aeroponic enclosure 700 is comprised of two aeroponic enclosures of the previous figures, e.g., a first aeroponic enclosure 702 A and a second aeroponic enclosure 702B, positioned one on top of the other to produce a double height aeroponic enclosure 700. Such double height aeroponic enclosure 700 may be useful for plants having long roots such as plant 704.

As seen in the figure, the side wall ledges of the first aeroponic enclosure 702 A such as ledge 706 and the side wall ledges of the second aeroponic enclosure 702B such as ledge 708 are secured to one another by one or more fastening mechanisms such as compressing canal 710 to securely attached the first aeroponic enclosure 702 A to the second aeroponic enclosure 702B.

In this case, a single partition wall, partition wall 712 of the second aeroponic enclosure 702B, may be used to partition the aeroponic enclosure 700 into an upper chamber 716 and a lower chamber 716 where the lower chamber 716 may be used as a mist chamber. The lower chamber 718 may comprise at least one mist-fogger for injecting mist-jets diffusible through at least one opening such as opening 720 in the partition wall 712 from the lower chamber 718 to the upper chamber 716. This way, plant roots can get uniform wetting, without suffering stress from the pressure of the mist- jet.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, at least one mist-fogger may be attached/connected to the bottom wall 702 and/or to the side walls of the lower chamber 718 of the aeroponic enclosure 700.

Fig. 8 is a cross sectional view of a “Mini Greenhouse” 800 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

As seen in the figure, the “Mini Greenhouse” 800 comprises aeroponic enclosure 802 and a top cover 804 for covering the plants.

The top cover 804 may be made of flexible and light transparent sheets insertable into the extension compressing canals 806 and 807 seen in the figure. In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the role of the extension compressing canals 806 and 807 is two-fold: (a) to seal the aeroponic enclosure 802 by securing extending ledges such as extending ledges 810 and 812 (of the lid and the aeroponic enclosure) to one another by fastening mechanisms such as the proximate portions 814 and 815 of the extension compressing canals 806 and 807 and (b) to insert the edges of the top cover 804 into the distal portions 816 and 817 of the compressing canal 806 and 807 for covering the upper volume, and thus, for covering the plants while allowing air treatment of such closed volume.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the minigreenhouse 800 is designed for growing plants with foliage of various types such as, for instance, lettuce with low foliage that does not spread to the sides. The height of the mini-greenhouse 800 depends on the height of the plant and can be adjusted by varying the length of the top cover 804.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the extension compressing canals 806 and 807 may be made of metal, alloy, wood, polymeric material and the like.

Fig. 9A is a perspective view of the top cover 804 and the compressing canal 817 used for sealing the upper volume of the aeroponic enclosure.

The figure illustrates the way the top cover 804 is inserted into the distal portions 817 of the compressing canal 807.

Fig. 9B is a top view of the top cover 804 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Seen in the figure is the compressing canal 817 used for sealing the upper volume of the aeroponic enclosure.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the aeroponic enclosure of the present invention offers efficiency and flexibility in growing plants in greenhouses. This is accomplished by the following components:

(a) The aeroponic enclosure structure with a partition wall.

The partition wall allows plants to grow in the upper chamber and allows fine mist from the lower chamber to penetrate the upper chamber through openings in the partition wall. As a result, the roots of the plants can receive uniform wetting, without suffering pressure from the pressure of a mist jet. It also allows the installation of mist-foggers with a higher mist jet pressure, thus reducing the number of mist-foggers that would otherwise be required.

(b) Inclusion of air, water, and/or fertilizers pipes.

The channels/pipes help strengthening the sides and bottom of the aeroponic enclosure and prevent crushing. Also, the built-in channels/pipes provide an easier connection of the mist-foggers to air, water, and fertilizers, saving time and money compared to the cost of installation today.

(c) The multi-optional installation and operation system.

With one type of aeroponic enclosure and different options for its operation, the grower can choose the right environment for growing plants.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, multiple aeroponic enclosures may be connected to one another by using a compressing canal to form a double height aeroponic enclosure, thus, to serves the grower’s needs regarding root length, root volume and plant height.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the partition wall that divides the aeroponic enclosure into two chambers is removable. The partition wall may be removed if the grower chooses to use the hydroponics method.

The at least one opening in the lid of the aeroponic enclosure may be spaced according to the number of plants to be grown, so the grower does not need to purchase more devices for different plants.

Fig. 10 illustrates a method 1000 for uniform, pressure free, irrigation of plant roots in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

The method 1000 comprises the following stages:

Stage 1002: providing the above described aeroponic enclosure/double height aeroponic enclosure;

Stage 1004: positioning a partition wall having at least one opening to divide the aeroponic enclosure into a lower chamber and an upper chamber; Stage 1006: situating at least one mist-fogger in the lower chamber;

Stage 1008: optionally, directing the at least one mist fogger towards at least one wall of the lower chamber for injecting mist-jets thereto;

Stage 1010: securing each one of the extending ledges of the lid to each one of the extending ledges of the side walls to one another by one or more fastening mechanisms such as compressing canal for sealing the aeroponic enclosure; Stage 1012: using a top cover for covering the plants and inserting the edges of the top cover into a compressing canal for sealing the upper volume, and thus, for covering the plants;

Stage 1012: activating the at least one mist fogger to inject mist jet(s);

Stage 1014: diffusing gentle mist through the at least one opening (holes, slots and the like) in the partitioning wall to the upper chamber for providing uniform, pressure free, irrigation of plant roots.

Claims

1. An aeroponic enclosure for uniform, pressure free, irrigation of plant roots comprises: a bottom wall; side walls; a lid to seal said aeroponic enclosure; said lid comprises at least one opening through which at least one plant basket is inserted into the aeroponic enclosure; means for supplying air/water/fertilizers and/or a mixture thereof; a removable partition wall for dividing the aeroponic enclosure into an upper chamber (habitat) and a lower chamber (mist chamber); said partition wall comprising at least one opening to allow diffusion of a gentle mist from the lower chamber to the upper chamber, wherein said means for supplying air/water/fertilizers and/or a mixture thereof producing mist-jet(s) in the lower chamber, said mist-jet(s) diffusing as a gentle mist through said at least one opening into the upper chamber, thus, said gentle mist wetting the plant roots uniformly while not stressing the plant roots.

2. The aeroponic enclosure of claim 1, wherein said gentle mist comprises liquid drops smaller than 50 microns.

3. The aeroponic enclosure of claim 1, wherein said means for supplying air/water/fertilizers and/or a mixture thereof is at least one mist fogger.

4. The aeroponic enclosure of claim 3, wherein said at least one mist-fogger is attachable/connectable either to the side walls and/or to the bottom wall, and/or to the partition wall of the aeroponic enclosure.

5. The aeroponic enclosure of claim 3, wherein said at least one mist fogger is directed to the side/bottom walls and/or to the partition wall, thus, said mist-jet(s) of said air/water/fertilizer(s) or a mixture thereof hit the side/bottom walls, and/or the partition wall, as a result of which, colloidal particles of said mist-jet(s) break into small particles. The aeroponic enclosure of claim 1, wherein said side walls and said lid having extending ledges securable to one another by one or more fastening mechanisms. The aeroponic enclosure of claim 1, wherein said aeroponic enclosure further comprising at least one channel/pipe containing air, water, fertilizers or a combination thereof. The aeroponic enclosure of claim 7, wherein the at least one channel/pipe is situated along the side walls of the aeroponic enclosure to strengthen the structure of the aeroponic enclosure. The aeroponic enclosure of claim 3, wherein said mist fogger is connected to the at least one channel/pipe containing air, water, fertilizers or a combination thereof for injecting mist-jets into the lower chamber of the aeroponic enclosure. The aeroponic enclosure of claim 1, wherein the aeroponic enclosure is made of polymeric materials, metal, alloy, wood, a combination thereof .The aeroponic enclosure of claim 1, further comprises a top cover for covering the plants. The aeroponic enclosure of claim 11, wherein said top cover is made of flexible and light transparent sheet(s). The aeroponic enclosure of claim 11, further comprises at least one extension compression canal for sealing the aeroponic enclosure by securing the extending ledges of the lid and the extending ledges of the side walls of the aeroponic enclosure to one another and for inserting the edges of the top cover into the at least one extension compression canal for sealing the upper volume, and thus, for covering the plants. The aeroponic enclosure of claim 11, wherein said at least one extension compression canal is made of metal, alloy, wood, polymeric material or a combination thereof. The aeroponic enclosure of claim 1, wherein multiple aeroponic enclosures are positioned one on top of the other for forming a double height aeroponic enclosure. The aeroponic enclosure of claim 1, wherein the partition wall is removable to turn the aeroponic enclosure into a hydroponic apparatus. The aeroponic enclosure of claim 1, wherein the openings in the lid of the aeroponic enclosure are spaced according to the number of plants to be grown. A method for uniform, pressure free, irrigation of plant roots comprising:

(a) providing the enclosure/double height aeroponic enclosure of claims 1-

17;

(c) situating at least one mist-fogger in the lower chamber;

(f) activating at least one mist fogger to inject mist jet(s); and

(g) diffusing gentle mist through the partitioning wall to the upper chamber for providing uniform, pressure free, irrigation of plant roots. The method of claim 18, wherein said fastening mechanism is a compressing canal. The method of claim 18 further comprising directing the at least one mist fogger towards at least one wall of the lower chamber for injecting mist- jet(s) thereto, thus, for hitting the at least one wall with the mist-jet(s), thus, for breaking the mist-jet(s) into small drops. The method of claim 20, wherein said small drops having a diameter smaller than 50 microns.