Patent ID: 7555866
Filing Date: 2009-07-07
Classification: A01G,A01K,Y02A,Y02P

Abstract:
1. A floating habitat comprising one or more flotation units and a source of compressed air, wherein each flotation unit comprises an inflatable bladder having a relief valve and a diffusing manifold attached thereto, a bottom mesh, a top mesh, and a buoyant growth medium; wherein the bottom mesh and the top mesh form an enclosure housing; wherein the inflatable bladder, the relief valve, the diffusing manifold, and the buoyant growth medium are contained inside the enclosure housing; wherein the inflatable bladder has an internal air pressure, and the relief valve has an opening pressure; wherein compressed air from the source of compressed air enters the inflatable bladder until the internal air pressure of the inflatable bladder exceeds the opening pressure of the relief valve, thereby causing the relief valve to open; wherein when the relief valve opens, excess air exits the inflatable bladder, passes through the relief valve, and is dispersed in the form of small air bubbles through the diffusing manifold; and wherein a portion of the air bubbles adheres to the bottom mesh, the top mesh, or the buoyant growth medium, or a combination of the bottom mesh, the top mesh, and the buoyant growth medium, thereby adding buoyancy to the floating habitat.