Plant growing system utilizing pneumatic pressure
OwnerRodger H. Flagginventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method and apparatus for periodically supplying liquid to the root system of plants, utilizing pneumatic pressure to displace liquid in a chamber located beneath a plant support to a higher level accessible to the plant root system; and a means to release the pneumatic pressure in the chamber, allowing the liquid to re-enter the chamber, lowering the liquid to a level below the plant support. This system provides: cyclic feeding of liquid to plant roots; agitation and oxygenation of the liquid during use; re-use of chemically enriched liquid; flexibility in spacing plants during growth cycle, and provides for growing plants in individual containers for ease of handling and transport.
Claims16
An apparatus for periodically supplying liquid to the root system of plants utilizing pneumatic pressure which comprises:
- an elongated container for containing a liquid plant nutrient at a first liquid level;
- an elongated planar plant support having longitudinal side edges and upper and lower surfaces positioned and supported in said container above said first level;
- first means for providing an elongated pneumatic chamber beneath said support and having a lower surface defined by this liquid surface at said first level;
- second means for supplying pneumatic pressure within said chamber;
- third means for providing a fluid passage from beneath said first level to above said support along substantially the entire length of said support whereby upon application of pneumatic pressure by said second means within said chamber said liquid will be forced downward by said pressure, lowering the liquid level beneath said first level in said chamber, forcing said liquid through said passage to raise the liquid level in said passage to further comprising a above said support;
- said passage having a longitudinal opening at substantially the level of said support for substantially the entire length of said support.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.