Abstract:
An aquaponics system comprises an aquarium module configured to hold a water, a garden module that sits above the aquarium, a contiguous growth media bed within the garden module configured to physically support the growth of plants, a pump and piping for drawing water from the aquarium module to the garden module, a siphon tube for reoxygenating and delivering water from the garden module back to the aquarium module, and a light source Molded bodies form the base (bottom) and dome (top) of each module, and are connected at the corners by connectors that slidably fit into hollow stabilizing pillars, which permit internal passage of wires, cables and piping on the interior of the system, creating an easily assembled, modular, aesthetically pleasing and energy efficient way to house fish and grow plants.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is in the technical field of agriculture. More particularly, the present invention is in the technical fields of aquaponics, a combination of aquaculture and hydroponics in a symbiotic environment. Aquaponic systems use the ammonia rich waste supplied by fish as fertilizer by using pumps to deposit it into grow beds for plants. Plants and natural organisms in the grow beds convert the ammonia rich waste from the fish into nitrites then nitrates, which the plants use as fertilizer. The plant roots also help filter other substances from the water. Water from the grow beds is returned to the fish tank. The water filtered by the grow beds also contains other nutrients beneficial for the fish. 
     The ability to sustain vegetation in small areas, such as urban backyards and even indoors, has great appeal to those that lack the space but have the desire to grow their own flowers and vegetables without a great deal of maintenance. Various systems are described for vertical and modular farming, aquaponics and hydroponics, such as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,578,651, 8,181,391, 7,861,459, 5,031,359, and 5,826,375. However, these systems are not enclosed or utilize multiple reservoirs for plant growth, thus limiting the amount of plant growth the system can sustain and locational versatility: they may not be desirable for indoor settings. 
     The commercially available “Aquafarm”, available for online and in-store purchases at commercial establishments such as Petco and Nordstrom, is small, incorporates segregated “pots” for growing plants, and the tube that is used for the air pump is exposed to the fish. 
     The aquaponic system described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,291,640 uses a mechanical filter to absorb suspended particles from the water from the aquaculture unit, and a cold trap that is used to condense and collect water from the air in the hydroponic unit (planting bed). Drawbacks of this type of system are the complexity of the mechanics of it, and it is not aesthetically pleasing. 
     Similarly, the aquaponics system described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,176,875 is complex, utilizing separate fish-rearing tanks, sedimentation tanks and netting tanks for removing solids from the water from the fish tanks, and a degasifier, for removing volatile organic compounds from the water, and also requiring the addition of chemicals to maintain adequate system pH values. 
     U.S. Patent Publication No. 20130047508 describes yet another aquaponic system which uses individual “containers” for the plants, but this type of system inhibits the growth potential for the plants as well as the ability to grow a greater variety of plants in one system. Smaller and/or segregated containers do not promote dense planting of multiple varieties of plants and/or flowers and may inhibit the growth of certain types of varietals that require greater root space or are root vegetables. Smaller ‘cups’ and planting beds that are limited by space without proper flushing of the media may also “choke” the plant roots with the waste from the water that cannot be removed from the growth media. 
     Thus there is a need in the industry for a highly efficient, low maintenance system and method for plant growth that is enclosed, aesthetically pleasing and also space conscious yet improves both the quantity and variety of sustainable vegetation. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention provides a sturdy, modular, streamlined and aesthetically pleasing aquaponics system that incorporates a contiguous media bed for dense planting, improved area for root growth, siphon pump for water filtration and aeration, and pillars, or channels that carry piping and other cables/wires throughout the system without exposing them to the aquatic fauna in an aquarium module. 
     According to one embodiment, a vertically oriented aquaponics structure comprises an aquarium module comprising a molded hollow body characterized by top and bottom portions of substantially the same rectangular shape forming four corners, wherein said aquarium module is substantially enclosed when the top and bottom portions are joined, said hollow section of said aquarium module allowing said aquarium module to be filled with water, and a garden module comprising a molded hollow body characterized by top and bottom portions of substantially the same rectangular shape forming four corners, wherein said garden module is substantially enclosed when the top and bottom portions are joined together, said hollow section of said garden module allowing said garden module to be filled with grow media. A pump for distributing water from the aquarium module to the garden module is disposed in the aquarium module, and a siphon is disposed in the garden module for redistributing water back to the aquarium module from the garden module, wherein the top and bottom portion of each of said aquarium and garden modules comprise partially hollow stabilizing pillars at each corner of each said top and bottom portion allowing the top and bottom portions of each module to be joined by a corner connector that fits snugly in the stabilizing pillars at each corner of each portion. 
     The garden and/or aquarium modules may optionally include windows in one or more of the sides of each module, to provide access to the interior of each module without having to disassemble the module. The modules may also optionally include lights, a control panel and other features enabling control of one or more aspects of the system. The height of each module may be in the range of 1 to 5 feet. The width and length may be the same dimension, and may be in the range of 0.5 to 3 feet. According to one embodiment, a system comprising a garden module and an aquarium module is approximately 3 feet high, with a width and length of approximately 2 feet. 
     According to one embodiment, the aquaponics system comprises an aquarium module configured to hold a water, a garden module that sits above the aquarium, a contiguous growth media bed within the garden module configured to physically support the growth of plants, a pump and piping for drawing water from the aquarium module to the garden module, a siphon for extracting, reoxygenating and delivering water from the garden module back to the aquarium module, and a light source. Each module may comprise two portions, a base, a dome, and each base and dome may include connectors, wherein said base and dome are substantially rectangular and similar in shape and size, each with four corners, and wherein the base and dome comprise partially hollow stabilizing pillars at each corner for receiving a connector allowing the base and dome to be slideably connected at each corner to create an enclosed compartment. The stabilizing pillars are open on both ends to permit running of wires, cables, and piping through the interior of the system from the exterior of the system, and between modules. One or both of the modules may include one or more windows on its sides, providing visual and physical access to the interior of the module. 
     A vertically oriented aquaponics structure comprises an aquarium module comprising a molded hollow body characterized by top and bottom portions of substantially the same rectangular shape forming four corners, wherein said aquarium module is substantially enclosed when the top and bottom portions are joined, said hollow section of said aquarium module being capable of accepting and housing water, a garden module comprising a molded hollow body characterized by top and bottom portions of substantially the same rectangular shape forming four corners, wherein said garden module is substantially enclosed when the top and bottom portions are joined together, said hollow section of said garden module being capable of accepting and housing grow media, wherein the top and bottom portion of each of said aquarium and garden modules comprise partially hollow stabilizing pillars at each corner of each said top and bottom portion allowing the top and bottom portions of each module to be joined by a corner connector that fits snugly in the stabilizing pillars at each corner of both the top and bottom portions, the corner connectors being sized to fit snugly in the stabilizing pillars at each corner of both the top and bottom portions, a pump for distributing water from the aquarium module to the garden module, and a siphon for distributing water to the aquarium module from the garden module. The connectors include an opening sized and positioned within the connector so as to allow passage of at least one wire, at least one pipe, and at least one cable through the at least one connector and stabilizing pillars. The stabilizing pillars are open on both ends to allow access to the interior of the system for outside wires and cables, but which are still protected from direct exposure to water or grow media in the system, as a result of the design of the pillars. 
     Operably, the contiguous growth bed comprises a media capable of supporting plant growth, wherein the bed is substantially free of any separations or containers that would otherwise separate or segregate plant growth in the bed. 
     An energy-efficient method of growing plants in a vertically oriented modular aquaponics system is provided, wherein nutrient-rich water is pumped from an aquarium containing aquatic fauna to a plant bed, wherein plants in the plant bed remove nutrients from the water, and returning water to the aquarium by siphoning the water from the plant bed, wherein a siphon is activated when the water in the plant bed reaches the height of a siphon tube operably disposed in the plant bed, and wherein said siphoning the water reoxygenates the water that is returned to the aquarium. Siphoning the water requires no energy source, and the siphon is activated only when needed, to remove water from the garden module and reoxygenate it, as gravity operates to remove the water through a system of return piping to the aquarium module. The piping is contained in functional pillars that provide structural support to the overall system, as well as protect the piping and other cables/wires required for the system. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the aquaponics system showing an empty garden module stacked on top of an empty aquarium module, the two modules of the system joined by interlocking couplers. 
         FIG. 2  provides a side view of the aquaponics system, further illustrating a protective cover on a window in the aquarium module. 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  provide side views of a vase in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates a stabilizing connector.  FIG. 4B  illustrates one embodiment of the system with the stabilizing connector fitting into stabilizing pillars and connecting two vases of each module.  FIG. 4C  provides a top-down view of one top vase of a module, illustrating how the stabilizing connectors fit snugly into the stabilizing pillars to join two vases to join the top and bottom of a module. 
         FIG. 5  provides a side view of the interior of the system  100 , illustrating exemplary internal piping. 
         FIG. 6A  shows a side view of an exemplary center grid connector.  FIG. 6B  shows a top view of the exemplary center grid connector. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of the aquaponics system  100 . The vertically oriented system  100  comprises two molded hollow body structures, or modules: a garden  110 , also called a “garden module,” stacked on top of an aquarium  120 , also called an “aquarium module”. Each module  110  and  120  is substantially rectangular in shape, with four “corners” which may be rounded for aesthetic appeal.  FIG. 2  is a side view of an embodiment of the system  100 . 
     In operation, the hollow nature of each module permits filling the garden module  110  with growth media for growing flowers, vegetables, herbs and other plants, and filling the aquarium module  120  with water and aquatic flora and fauna. 
     A single vase  300 , as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , is the main structural component of the system and forms the bottom and top halves, called “bases” and “domes”, respectively, of each module  110  and  120 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 1 , as illustrated, a first vase  300  is an aquarium base  121  that forms a container for holding water and other aquatic materials (e.g., gravel or food media) for physically supporting fish and other aquatic fauna and flora. The aquarium environment can be fresh or salt water and the vegetation grown in the garden module  110  accordingly corresponding to the aquarium environment. A second vase  300  forms an aquarium dome  122  that is provided to enclose an upper portion of the aquarium module  120 , as well as provide a support for the garden module  110 . A third vase  300  forms a garden base  111  that is used to house, contain, and physically support and contain a contiguous growth media (not shown in, which makes up the planting bed for vegetables and/or flowers. A fourth vase  300  forms a garden dome  112  that is used to enclose an upper portion of the garden module  110 , and protect the plant growth and growth media. Each vase is equipped with interlocking couplers  115  provided at each corner of the flat side of the vase that permit the joining of two modules and prevent, in accordance with one embodiment, the garden module  110  from slipping off of the aquarium module  120  when they are stacked. According to one embodiment, a second system may be stacked on top of a first system, also using the interlocking capability of the interlocking couplers  115 . A small port  150  is provided at the corner of each vase which provides access to the interior of the system for wires, cables, etc. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3A , according to one embodiment of the invention, a vase  300  may include a side indentation or notch  310 . When two vases  300  are joined to create an enclosed aquarium module  120  or an enclosed garden module  110  (see  FIG. 1 or 2 ), two notches  310  (one on each vase  300 ) may align to form an opening or window  130  (illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) that provides an aesthetically pleasing view of the aquatic flora and fauna contained within the aquarium module  120 , and the plants in the garden module  110 , and allows air to freely flow through each module of the system  100 . Additionally, opening or window  130  may allow for the venting of gases generated by organisms growing in garden module  110  and/or aquarium module  120 . The windows  130  and corresponding protective covers  140  may be any geometric shape or size. 
     According to another embodiment, the aquarium  120  and/or garden modules  110  may include fewer than four windows  130 . Alternatively, only one of the two vases  300  joined to create aquarium  120  and/or garden modules  110  may be notched to form a window  130  when the module is assembled. 
     The one or more windows  130  may allow for accessories (not shown) to be attached to, or used with, the system  100 , such as an apparatus to remove the water from the aquarium module  120  (e.g. a water vacuum) so that the water can be replaced, a dispenser of nutrients for the aquarium module  120  and/or garden module  110 , a water filter, a water supply etc. In other embodiments, a protective cover  140  may be used to cover one or more windows  130  to, for example, protect the aquatic and/or flora environments inside the system  100  and prevent small children and pets from access to the inside of the system  100 . The protective cover  140  may be removable or permanent.  FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate the use of a protective cover  140  on one window  130  of an aquarium module  120 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , each vase  300  is substantially square in shape, comprising a base  301  and four sides  302 . According to one embodiment, the vases are manufactured in two pieces, the base  301  as one piece and the four sides  302  together as another piece. When the vases are manufactured in two pieces, the base and sides are operably connected by fitted corners, and may be locked or latched closed. The two-piece construction enables the removal of the base for maintenance or to retrofit the vase with additional features such as a control panel, lights, or other desired attachments. 
     The vases  300  of the garden module  110  and aquarium module  120  comprise partially hollow stabilizing pillars  320  at each corner, as shown in  FIG. 3B . Each pillar  320  has a wide opening  303  at one end for receiving a stabilizing connector (not illustrated in  FIG. 3B ) and a narrow opening  304  at the other end which enables the running of cables and wires through each vase and each module. In some embodiments, stabilizing pillars  320  may be sized so as to accept insertion of a stabilizing connector  400 , which is illustrated in  FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C . The narrow openings  304  are also illustrated in  FIG. 1 , shown on the top of garden module  110 /dome  112 . 
       FIG. 4A  illustrates a stabilizing connector  400  which is used at each corner of a vase, to snugly and slideably fit in the partially hollow stabilizing pillars  320  at each corner (shown in  FIGS. 4B and 4C ), allowing the bases  111  and  121  and domes  112  and  122  of each module  110  and  120  to be stably connected to one another. Stabilizing connectors are sized to fit into the stabilizing pillars at the corner of the top and bottom of each module (each vase). The stabilizing pillars  320  and stabilizing connectors (also called “corner connectors”)  400  provide not only seamless connection of base  111 / 121  and dome  112 / 122  without additional hardware on the inside or outside of each module  110 / 120 , but also provide additional structural support to the overall system  100 . 
     When assembled, as a single module  110  or  120  (base  111 / 121  and dome  112 / 122  connected) or the entire system  100  (fully assembled aquarium module  110  and garden module  120 ), the stabilizing pillars  320  and stabilizing connectors  400  create a completely enclosed (with respect to the interior of the system), contiguous design that protects the water or growth media inside the module  110  and/or  120  from the environment external to the system  100 . 
     As shown on  FIG. 4A , an opening  410  through the center of a stabilizing connector  400  may enable the passage of cables, wires, and/or piping through a stabilizing connector  400  and an associated stabilizing pillar(s)  320 . The cables, wires, and/or piping may enter the opening  410  and/or the stabilizing pillar  320  via a port  150  (shown  FIG. 4B ). The cables, wires, and/or piping may be connected to a device attached to and/or separate from system  100 . Exemplary devices include a power source, a power converter, an aquarium pump, an air source, a water source, and an electrical power outlet. Additionally, or alternatively, the cables, wires, piping, device and/or accessory may be totally, or partially, housed within opening  410  and/or stabilizing pillar(s)  320 . On some occasions, stabilizing connector  400  and/or associated stabilizing pillar(s)  320  may act to protect the cables, wires, piping, device and/or accessory running through the system  100  from, for example, plant matter (e.g., roots), growth media, water, and/or chemicals housed in aquarium module  110  and/or garden module  120  and provide a smooth, streamlined design. 
       FIG. 5  provides a side view of the interior of the system  100 , illustrating the internal piping that is used to transfer water from the aquarium module to the garden module, and vice versa. A submersible pump  500  is provided in the aquarium module  120  that pumps water through a transfer pipe  510  from the aquarium module  120  up into the garden module  110 . In one embodiment, the transfer pipe  510  extends from the pump  500  through a stabilizing pillar  320  and associated corner connector  400  and into the garden module  110 . Water is distributed from the transfer pipe  510  into the grow bed (not shown) in the garden module  110  via a port  520  in the side of the stabilizing pillar  320 . 
     Water returns from the garden module  110  to the aquarium module  120  via a siphon. According to one embodiment, siphon is a bell siphon. A siphon tube  530  is disposed in the garden module  110 , and related piping is described herein. The opening of the siphon tube  530  is situated below the surface of the grow bed during operation of the system (i.e. when the garden module is filled with growth media). A center channel  540  is situated in the garden module  110  to protect the siphon tube  530  from being damaged or clogged by media, plant growth, roots, etc. during operation of the system. The siphon tube  530  fits through an opening in the side of the center channel  540 . When the siphon is activated, water is siphoned from the garden module  110  through the return water pipe  550  and into the aquarium module  120  through a port  560  in a stabilizing pillar  320  in the base of the aquarium module  120 . The piping configuration shown in  FIG. 5  is only one possible configuration of piping contemplated in accordance with the invention. The specific distribution pipes and/or locations of their placement in the system  100  may be adjusted depending on, for example, functional and/or aesthetic considerations. 
     In one embodiment, lights  570  are provided in the garden module  110  as shown in  FIG. 5 . One or more lights, or a series of lights, may be used. Lights  570  may be connected to the top of the garden module  110 , mounted on one or more sides of the garden module  110 , or mounted on the bottom of the garden module  110 . Any type of lighting suitable for growing plants may be provided. According to one embodiment the lights are a series of LED lights. The lights may be wired with power cable  580  (exiting the bottom of the system  100  via port  150 ), battery powered, and/or solar powered. 
     The aquaponics system  100  may include a wired or wireless control panel, which may be operated directly or by remote control. The control panel may control physical operational features of the system such as turning the lights on and off, adjusting the intensity of the lights, operating the water pump, operating a camera, etc. 
     The control panel can be located anywhere inside or outside the system. According to an embodiment, the control panel is attached to the inside of one or both of the aquarium  122  and/or garden  112  domes. The control panel may contain a free access chip that can be Wi-Fi compatible, Bluetooth compatible, and/or otherwise wirelessly connect to other computer and wireless applications. The control panel may also be fitted with or be connected to one or more sensors for controlling the interior environment of the system. One or more sensors may be used tsense and control the grow medium pH, water temperature, water level, etc. 
     Now describing the operation of the siphon, once the level of water in the garden module  110  reaches the level of the opening of the siphon tube  530 , gravity activates the siphon and the water is pulled down through the siphon tube  530  into the aquarium module  120 . According to the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 5 , because the opening of the siphon tube  530  is protected by the center channel  540 , water travels up through the center channel  540 , and into the siphon tube  530 , and as the water starts to flow out through the siphon tube  530 , the siphon is activated and water in the garden module is pulled down through the grow bed and up into the center channel  540  and out through the siphon tube  530  to the aquarium module  120 . 
     According to one embodiment, the siphon tube  530  operates continuously so that there is a continuous distribution of nutrient rich water to the media, and a continuous pull of cleaned, nutrient-free water through the media and into the siphon tube for removal back to the aquarium module. The opening of the siphon tube  530  can be placed anywhere within the media bed, provided its opening is beneath the surface of the media bed. Otherwise, water may collect on the surface of the media which may be detrimental to the plant growth. According to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , the center channel  540  and siphon tube  530  are off-center with respect to the garden module  110 . The siphon tube carries the nutrient-free water to the aquarium module. 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate a center grid connector  600 , which may be incorporated between the aquarium module  120  and garden module  110  to connect the two modules and provide added stability to the overall system  100 . The center grid connector  600  may be configured as one piece, or may be provided in multiple pieces that interlock together. Alternatively, the center grid connector  600  may be a small support piece disposed only at each corner of the system. Alternatively, no center grid connector  600  is required and the system is joined by interlocking couplers  115  shown on  FIG. 1 . 
     A strong, shape-retaining material is used to form the vases of the present invention. According to one embodiment, a rigid, temperature resistant and impact resistant material such as certain plastics used in the design of household and other commodity items may be used. A commercial material that also possesses certain optical properties when molded (transparency or semi-transparency) may also be desirable. In one embodiment, acrylic, polycarbonate, or the like is used. Preferably, the vases  300  are formed by machining and/or molding a transparent or semi-transparent plastic or polymeric material such as acrylic or polypropylene that is strong enough to support the weight of water in the aquarium and the weight of the growth media and plant growth in the garden, and to support the stacking of the modules as illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1B . 
     According to one embodiment, ABS polycarbonate blend is used to form the vases  300 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3B , for example, cross-hatching of the machined polycarbonate is employed to add strength and stability to the design of the vases  300 . 
     According to one embodiment of the invention, the aquaponics system is approximately 1 to 3 feet wide, 1 to 3 feet long, and 2 to 4 feet tall. According to another embodiment, it is greater than 3 feet wide, 3 feet long, and 4 feet tall. According to one embodiment, a system  100  comprising a garden module  110  and an aquarium module  120  is approximately 3 feet high, with a width and length of approximately 2 feet each. Each module may be substantially 1 ft×1 ft×1 ft (width×depth×height). Each module  110 / 120  may be square or rectangular in size. According to an alternative embodiment, each module  110 / 120  is substantially 1.5 feet wide×1 ft high. The aquarium module  120  may hold 5 to 25 gallons of water. Other ranges of water volume contemplated by the invention include: 1 to 5 gallons, 5 to 10 gallons, 10 to 15 gallons, 15 to 20 gallons, 20 to 25 gallons, 25 to 30 gallons. According to one embodiment, the aquarium module  120  holds more than 30 gallons of water. According to an embodiment, the system  100  fits on a tabletop, countertop, or on the floor in a house, apartment, or school, having dimensions appropriate for an indoor garden, which also acts as a decorative piece in, for example, a kitchen, sun room, den, hallway, etc. 
     Turning to the garden module, a contiguous growth media sits directly in the base, providing a bed for the growth of plants. The growth media may be any type of media that supports growth of plants and allows establishment of a root structure necessary for plant growth. Examples of suitable growth media include hydroton (commonly known as “Plantit!®”), gravel, perlite, soil, or any combination thereof. Any media which allows root systems to form, extend, and maintain the necessary “grip” on the media to support vegetation can be used in accordance with the system  100 . The contiguous nature of the growth media acts as a physical filter for the fish waste in the water. It removes solids from the water before the water is sent back to the aquarium module  120 . 
     The aquaponics system  100  supports the growth of many different types of plants. The system allows for dense planting, which can accommodate a wide variety of plant types and varieties. The system also provides for growth of plants that require greater root space and also root crops, which may not grow in other systems that are partitioned, or limited by space and or have separate “cups” or “dividers” that limit or restrict root space because of limited or restricted size/depth of growth media within the overall system. According to one embodiment, plants such as arugula, peas, radishes, lettuce, chard, dwarf tomatoes, eggplant kale, and similar plants may be grown. Similarly, sprouts may be grown. The system supports the growth of sprouts interspersed within the other varietals selected. The contiguous nature of the bed supports growth of plants that require a greater area for the roots necessary to support the plants. Similarly, the nature of the contiguous media supports growth of root crops such as ginger, turmeric, radishes, beets. According to an embodiment, the contiguous growth media is minimally partitioned to allow for organizing plants without truly separating them, so that plant roots are not restricted or choked. 
     Companion growth is also an advantage of the continuous nature of the growth media in the present system. Companion growth, or the interaction of root systems between one or more plants, is beneficial for some plants, as they work and feed off of one other, with respect to root structure, nutrient-sharing, etc. Companion planting can promote more vigorous growth and create better, and different, tasting vegetables. Examples of companion planting is growing rosemary next to tomatoes. 
     It will be understood by those of skill in the art that numerous and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, it should be clearly understood that the forms of the present invention are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.